U.S. patent number 3,834,776 [Application Number 05/265,321] was granted by the patent office on 1974-09-10 for furniture module and furniture items resulting from module combinations.
Invention is credited to William S. Becker, Jr..
United States Patent |
3,834,776 |
Becker, Jr. |
September 10, 1974 |
FURNITURE MODULE AND FURNITURE ITEMS RESULTING FROM MODULE
COMBINATIONS
Abstract
This invention relates to a novel furniture module and to
furniture items obtainable with the use of such modules. The basic
module consists of a generally I-shaped unit provided with a
backing wall. By proportioning the module portions as set forth in
equations, various items of furniture may be obtained from
combining any one of a number of modules. The individual modules
may be in one piece of plastic or other moldable material or may be
built up from flat panels of wood or plastic suitably united to
provide a module structure. The various panels which are used to
make a module when made from individual pieces may be cemented or
may be attached in any other suitable fashion as by screws or by
slip interlocking fit. Preferably, locking clips having a general
shape of a T with a laterally extending piece may be provided for
use in assembling modules to lock them in position. Various items
of furniture such as tables, chairs, bookcases, cabinets and the
like may be made by using the modules in different relations. An
important feature of the new module resides in its susceptibility
to interfitting a number of modules into a package whose dimensions
are of the same order as a module.
Inventors: |
Becker, Jr.; William S.
(Wilmette, IL) |
Family
ID: |
23009981 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/265,321 |
Filed: |
June 22, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/108; 297/118;
312/111; D6/675 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B
85/00 (20130101); A47B 87/0253 (20130101); A47B
2220/02 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47B
87/02 (20060101); A47B 87/00 (20060101); F16b
012/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;312/107,108,111,140,198
;211/183 ;220/97B ;297/118 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Mitchell; James C.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Kraus; Max R.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A combination comprising at least four and no more than six
identical modules useful for combining with each other for creating
various items of furniture, each said module comprising an I-shaped
part having spaced opposed parallel sides (10 and 11) with a flat
cross panel (12) extending between said opposed sides midway
between the free edges of the sides and a back panel (15) closing
one end of the I-region as viewed from the front of the I, all
forming an integral structure, said opposed sides (10 and 11) being
substantially equal and having a length designated as dimension 1,
a width designated as dimension 2, all thicknesses being designated
as dimension B, the distance between the outer faces of the
parallel sides of the module being dimension A, the distance
between opposed inside faces of said sides being designated as
dimension 4, said flat cross panel (12) having its width dimension
substantially equal to dimension 2 minus B, dimension 1 being
substantially equal to A minus 2B ; dimension 2 being substantially
equal to A plus B divided by two; dimension 3 being substantially
equal to one-half of dimension 1 and being substantially A minus 2B
divided by two; and dimension 4 being the distance between opposed
inside faces of the sides (10 and 11) of the module and
constituting A minus 2B, the dimensional relationships between the
various module parts permitting a wide variety of functional module
arrangements, dimensions A and B being determined by the ultimate
use of such modules as for a child or adult furniture, the
relationship between the module dimensions permitting from four to
six identical modules susceptible to nesting into a compact cubical
package whose volume is substantially equal to the volume defined
by two I-shaped modules in edge to edge contacting relation.
2. The construction according to claim 1 wherein fastening means
are provided for maintaining two adjacent modules in desired
relative posision.
Description
INTRODUCTION
This invention relates to furniture modules and furniture items
obtainable with the use of such modules in various arrangements.
Modular furniture has many desirable features which render it
attractive to individuals who lack the facilities for or do not
want to accurately and quickly cut sheet material of wood or
plastic to prescribed dimensions but who can assemble modules in
various arrangements, temporary or permanent, for items of
furniture. Such items of furniture may be used for children, or for
use in play areas, or home, or limited quarters for creating a
finished piece of furniture.
Such modules have certain advantages among which are their
comparative economy and the opportunity to a person to create or
arrange or change furniture as needed or desired. As far as economy
is concerned, since the materials come in knockdown form, shipping
charges are usually at a minimum and possible damage from shipping
rarely, if ever, must be considered. In particular, many homes may
find such modular furniture desirable during the first years of a
growing family with space and care at a premium.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention generally comprises a basic module which is assembled
or contains a number of flat panels to provide an I-shaped
structure with a backing panel (as seen from the front of the I) to
close the module. The module itself may be manufactured in one
molding operation from suitably strong plastics, such as
polyurethane, and other rigid plastics which are coming into wide
use in the furniture industry. A module may also be made of wood,
either natural or the so-called compressed type, and may be
assembled to form a rigid structural module. The various panels
making up a module may be united by cements available in the
furniture industry. The dimensions of the panels have certain
relationships among them, as more fully explained later, but such
dimensions may vary within wide limits depending upon the ultimate
objective of the furniture -- use by children or adults.
In connection with production of items, such as the module or parts
thereof, from plastics by injection or other molding procedures, it
is necessary to provide draft or taper for removing a finished
plastic item from the die or mold. As a rule, the draft will run a
minimum of about one degree and preferably may be somewhat higher,
such as about two or three degrees. The changes in dimensions
resulting from the presence of draft in plastic molding are small
and have negligible effect on the dimensional relationships set
forth herein. The requirements for draft for plastic molding are
well-known and may be readily accommodated by a designer while
still maintaining the general structural features and dimensional
relationships hereinafter set forth.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The advantages of the new modular construction will become readily
apparent in connection with the drawings wherein exemplary
embodiments of the invention are illustrated, it being understood
that such exemplary embodiments form but a small part of the
possible embodiments utilizing the present invention and the
furniture items possible by the use of the new modules.
Referring now to the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a module embodying the present
invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a shelf panel which is adapted to
be used in conjunction with the module of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a perspective detail of a length of locking clip to be
used in conjunction with various modules of FIG. 1 for locking
adjacent modules together.
FIGS. 4 to 8 inclusive are perspective views illustrating the
manner in which a number of modules embodying the present invention
may be assembled to form a compact, generally cubical package.
FIGS. 9 to 12 inclusive are perspective views illustrating various
items of furniture obtainable with the use of new modules embodying
the present invention.
FIGS. 13 to 16 inclusive illustrate the manner in which clips shown
in FIG. 3 may be used in connection with articles of furniture
obtained by assembling modules to provide articles of
furniture.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a book organizer or open top
storage article of furniture consisting of a number of new modules,
maintained in desired position by clips illustrated in FIG. 3.
FIGS. 18 and 19 are respectively perspective views of a bar or
counter on the one hand, and a bed or platform on the other hand,
made possible by the new modules.
SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF BASIC MODULE
Referring first to FIG. 1, a module consists of sides 10 and 11
between which extends insert 12 to form a generally I-shaped
structure (depending upon its orientation) and back panel 15. In
considering the possibilities of various modules, it will be
convenient to refer to individual dimensions both generally and
specifically. For example, sides 10 and 11 are equal in length,
which length will be referred to as dimension 1. Dimension 2 is the
width between the front and rear edges of panels 10 and 11.
Dimension 3 is one-half of dimension 1 and extends from the end of
panel 10 or 11 to the center line of part 12 of the module. The
thickness of the various panels, such as parts 12, 15, 10 and 11,
are generally the same and uniform, except for draft for removal of
molded part from a die, and is indicated by B. The entire distance
between the outer faces of panels 10 and 11 is indicated by A while
dimension 4 is the inside distance between the opposing inner faces
of panels 10 and 11.
The dimensions may vary greatly, particularly A, dimension 1 and
dimension 2. Such dimensions may range from a few inches to as much
as ten feet as desired by customers. The dimensions will be
determined by such factors as strength of plastic, end use of the
module (such as for children or adults), cost of plastic, die and
molding requirements, commercial and sales considerations, such as
avoiding appearance of skimpiness or weakness. No attempt is made
to show actual dimensions or drawings to scale.
The entire module illustrated in FIG. 1 may be made from plastic as
one piece or may be assembled from flat panels of wood or plastic
and suitably secured together.
Referring to FIG. 2, a shelf 17 is a flat member whose thickness is
B and whose length and width are respectively indicated as
dimensions 1 minus 2B and 3 minus 1/2B.
Insofar as the various modular dimensions are concerned, dimension
1 is equal to A minus 2B minus X, wherein X is the required
clearance between relatively movable surfaces. For most purposes,
the clearance may be of the order of one-eighth of an inch,
although under certain conditions clearances may be smaller. The
clearance itself is simply that necessary to provide a sliding
fit.
Dimension 2 is equal to A plus B minus X, all divided by two.
Dimension 3 is equal to A minus 2B minus X, all divided by two.
Dimension 4 is equal to A minus 2B.
Referring now to FIG. 3, a length of clip is illustrated in
enlarged scale, such clip being made of extruded metal or plastic
and being thick and strong enough to function in a manner desired.
The clip itself may have an indefinite length and for the purposes
of locking modules together, clips may be cut into any desired
lengths such as, for example, 5B plus, as illustrated in the
drawing. The clip consists of head portion 20, from the midpoint of
which extends, laterally therefrom at right angles, support portion
21 to form a generally T-shaped construction. Laterally extending
from support portion 21 from one face thereof is clip portion 23,
which is parallel to and spaced from opposed portion 24 of head
portion 20. The inside faces of portions 24 and 23 are separated by
a distance equal to B. The distance from edge 27 of the clip and
portion 23, for example, may be as desired and will be generally
sufficient to provide good mechanical support, such as, for
example, a distance equal to at least B. The plus addition to
dimensions will be dictated by mechanical considerations of
strength, etc.
A clip portion may be securely fastened at various regions to one
or more modules by means of clip fit, friction, cement, or a clip
may have suitable apertures therethrough for accommodating screws,
rivets or other retaining means. The regions where clips may be
used will be explained in connection with the various assemblies of
modules. The nature of attachment of clips and module parts will
depend upon desired permanence of the furniture item to be
provided. Thus for temporary use, the clips may be used by
themselves. For more permanent use, cement, nails, screws, etc. may
be utilized.
Referring now to FIGS. 4 to 8 inclusive, the views illustrate a
sequence of module nesting for making a convenient shipping package
of as many as six modules. It is understood that the modules of a
package are the same size. Two modules are illustrated in FIG. 4,
the modules being arranged as shown, one module being on its back
or front of rear panel and the other module having its shelf
extending perpendicularly to the shelf of the first module. Next,
additional modules are positioned as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6
to provide a nesting relationship. Finally, additional modules are
added as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the additional modules
combining to form a compact, generally cubical package having great
strength. It is evident that such a package as illustrated in FIG.
8 can be shipped with minimum charges and maximum protection
against damage. A package of modules as illustrated in FIG. 8 will
have sufficient space within the interior thereof so that a
substantial number of clips, as illustrated in FIG. 3, may be
stored.
Referring now to FIG. 9, a perspective view is illustrated of two
separate modules 60 and 61 arranged as illustrated to provide an
occasional table and seat. In FIG. 10, two modules 62 and 63 are
used. In FIG. 11 two modules 64 and 65 are arranged in back-to-back
relation to provide a multi-purpose table. Referring to FIG. 12,
modules 66, 67 and 68 are arranged in end-to-end relation, the
modules resting on their front edges to provide a coffee table.
Modules may be rearranged so that six modules 69, 70, 71, 72, 73
and 74 are arranged as shown in FIG. 19 to provide a bed.
Referring now to FIG. 13, a combined table and storage unit may be
provided by arranging three modules 75, 76 and 77 one above the
other as illustrated. In fact this arrangement can utilize as many
modules as desired. To impart stability and desired permanence,
clips 78 to 81 inclusive are arranged as shown, the clips joining
adjacent modules.
FIG. 14 illustrates a still different module arrangement whereby
clips are utilized to arrange the module assembly to provide a
combined bookshelf and storage item. It will be noted that in FIG.
14, shelf 17 described in connection with FIG. 2 is utilized to
provide a top cover for the storage cabinet created by superposed
modules 82 and 83. In this arrangement, shelf panel 17 is disposed
not only to cover the top of the storage cabinet but in addition to
provide an extra shelf for top module 84 constituting a bookshelf.
There is no reason why the inserts provided by modules 82 and 83
cannot function also as bookshelves.
FIG. 15 is an enlarged view illustrating the manner in which clips
are used, shelf panel 17 in this instance lying within the inside
walls of a module.
FIG. 16 illustrates a still different arrangement whereby two
modules 88 and 89 are in superposed relation and joined together by
clips 90 and 91 and may have a suitably dimensioned shelf 17a
dividing the space between the superposed modules to one side of
rear panel 15.
FIG. 17 shows a still different arrangement of modules 93, 94 and
95, top module 95 being so arranged that the three edges of panels
10 and 11 and partition 12 are at the top.
FIG. 18 shows a still different arrangement of two tiers of modules
96 to 101 inclusive, to provide a bar or counter arrangement. Such
an item may have clips or not to maintain the various modules in
desired relationship to each other. In general, if a bar or counter
is to be useful for any length of time, clips may be used to join
the various modules so that the entire construction is
stabilized.
It is evident that the number of possibilities for the use of the
new module is far greater than illustrated here and will depend
upon the imagination and skill of the owner of a set of modules
embodying the new invention.
The dimensions of the various parts of a module will depend upon
the end use. For example, if furniture for children is to be
designed, dimension B (thickness) can be less than for adults. In
general the thickness should be adequate for the desired purposes.
Similarly dimension A will depend upon the end use. If a module is
to be used for benches or the like by adults, dimension A may be 2
or 21/2 feet, while dimension B may have an appropriate value such
as 1/2 inch. The module dimensions must conform to the
relationships hereinbefore set forth.
* * * * *