US3421459A - Convertible structural unit for wall and table use and attachments thereto - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 14, 1969 J. c. SHERWOOD 3,421,459

CONVERTIBLE STRUCTURAL UNIT FOR WALL AND TABLE USE AND ATTACHMENTS THERETO Filed on. 19, 1965 Sheet of e J. c. SHERWOOD 3,421,459 CONVERTIBLE STRUCTURAL UNIT FOR WALL AND TABLE Jan. 14, 1969 USE AND ATTACHMENTS THERETO Filed Oct. 19, 1965 Sheet 1 N VEN TOR. uo/m CZ SA Z AWOOD rllllllln 3,421,459 RAL UNIT FOR WALL AND TABL Jan. 14, 1969 J. c. SHERWOOD CONVERTIBLE STRUCTU USE AND ATTACHMENTS THERETO Sheet 3 of 6.

Filed 061;. 19, 1965 INVENTOR. JO/l/V a .S'l/EQWOOa Jan. 14, 1969 J. C. SHERWOOD CONVERTIBLE STRUCTURAL UNIT FOR WALL AND TABLE USE AND ATTACHMENTS THERETO Filed Oct. 19, 1965 W 472g40 42/- 42 AM Sheet 4 of 6 JU/M/ C. SHERWOOD I N VENTOR.

A TTOZ/VE'Y 1969 J. c. SHERWOOD 3, 2

\ CONVERTIBLE STRUCTURAL UNIT FOR WALL AND TABLE I USE AND ATTACHMENTS THERETO v v Sheet 5 of 6 Filed Oct. 19, 1965 JTTOR/VE'Y Jan. 14, 1969 J. c. SHERWOOD CONVERTIBLE STRUCTURAL UNIT FOR WALL AND TABLE USE AND ATTACHMENTS THERETO Sheet of 6 Filed Oct. 19, 1965 INVENTOR. Jam/ c? swan/000 United States Patent 2 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Convertible structural units or panels are equipped with cam-type edge fasteners and are joined together as walls and joined with leg support assemblies as tables, being at all times readily convertible upon quick and convenient operation of the cam-type edge fasteners.

This invention relates to convertible structural units used both individually and with other like units as tables and walls, and also used with attachments such as: quickly secured leg support assemblies and meeting room facilities.

The purpose of the invention is to provide convertible structural units which can be used in various ways in multiple activities building areas to fulfill respective activity requirements such as occur in classrooms, larger lecture rooms, dining rooms, etc.

The invention, briefly described, concerns convertible structural units, per se, and their combined usage with other like structural units and attachments to form space dividing walls and table tops, for various activities, each convertible structural unit containing fastener assembly components to attach it, directly or indirectly, to an adjoining unit or units forming walls or tables.

This application consolidates the subject matter of and constitutes a continuation-in-part of each of Ser. No. 342,004; Ser. No. 342,005; and Ser. No. 342,006, all filed Feb. 3, 1964, and all of which are now abandoned.

In accomplishing the purpose of this invention the following objectives are met:

(1) Each convertible table wall structural unit is interchangeable one with another throughout all arrangements of multiple convertible structural units;

(2) Convertible table wall structural units are quickly and readily fastened together and taken apart;

(3) Each convertible table Wall structural unit has exterior surfaces suitable for both wall and table purposes;

(4) Each convertible table wall structural unit is light enough to be handled by one person, if necessary, during its installation or removal;

(5) Each convertible table wall structural unit supports its own unit to unit fastening assembly components;

(6) Each convertible table wall structural unit is adopted to receive frame core and face materials of various purposes, such as wall paneling, table tops, bulletin boards and chalk boards;

(7) Each convertible table wall structural unit may be supported as a table on random temporary supports but preferably on specific interlocking quickly secured leg support assemblies;

(8) Each convertible table wall structural unit may be supported along one major length edge through connections made alternately to corner posts, multiple-corner posts, and other upright structures having like fastening assembly components;

3,421,459 Patented Jan. 14, 1969 too (9) Each convertible table wall structural unit may be pivotally supported along one major length edge, directly or indirectly, to an adjacent unit, corner post or other upright structure;

10) Each convertible table wall structural unit, when a designated storage space has limited dimensions is hinged at its midpoint across its width or length to fit such restricted size storage space;

(11) Several convertible table wall structural units, may form a very extensive wall when aligned by additional guide members along their bottom and/or top edges;

(12) Several convertible table wall structural units in forming a continuous banquet table with their interlocked and braced quickly secured leg support; and assemblies form a rigid, sturdy, even surface table;

(13) Several convertible table wall structural units with one or more secured to a central unit which is preferably on wheels, comprise an excellent nucleus for establishing temporary class rooms within a larger meeting room.

This invention, its purpose and its objective will be more fully understood by reading the following description in which references are made to accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view showing the convertible, structural units for wall and table use assembled into walls in the background and assembled into tables in the foreground;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view, with portions removed to illustrate the convertible structural unit itself in the upright position;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the mid-portion of a second embodiment of the convertible structural unit which for handling and storage purposes has a hinge joint at its center;

FIGURE 4 is a side elevation with portions removed of portions of two convertible structural units where they are joined in the vicinity of a fastener with dotted lines indicating a wrench which is inserted into the control mechanisms of the fastener to aid in performing the joining or separating function;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the components of the fastener illustrated in FIGURE 4; and

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of portions of two structural units joined together in respect to a third embodiment;

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view, like FIGURE 1, of convertible structural units arranged upright as walls and extended as table tops when secured to table supports indicating further, how tables are arranged at a right angle;

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of a table support connected to the ends of convertible structural units arranged to serve as the interim support in a continuous table. For illustrative purposes, portions are removed and one convertible structural unit indicated by dotted lines;

FIGURE 9 is an elevation sectional view indicating the stored or transported position of the table support components in reference to a portion of a convertible structural unit serving as a table, with dotted lines indicating the commencing motion of underside bracing structure for such unit serving as a table;

FIGURE 10 is an elevation sectional view, similar to FIGURE 9, indicating one underside bracing structure in its stored or transported position and the other underside bracing structure in its full bracing position following the movement indicated in FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 11 is a perspective view of movable assemblies arranged to establish multiple room facilities, indicating also the use of convertible structural units as both wall and table members;

FIGURE 12 is a top view indicating a movable assembly arranged for storage and/or transporting;

FIGURE 13 is an elevation view, with some portions removed to indicate construction of the movable assembly, including its chassis; and

FIGURE 14 is a perspective view of part of the movable assembly at its chassis and the retractable wheel arrangement.

CONVERTIBLE TABLE WALL STRUCTURAL UNIT In the perspective view of FIGURE 1, convertible structural units are illustrated connected together along their major side and positioned upright to form walls which extend in various directions from a starting, supporting or directional post 11. Also shown are the same convertible structural units 10 arranged in horizontal positions and connected to leg units 12 to form tables. Each convertible structural unit 10 is equipped with fastening means 13 along its sides. The arrangement of fastening means 13 permits quick and reliable fastening of one convertible structural unit 10 to another or to immediate members, such as suporting or directional change 11 post or table leg unit 12, depending on the greatest need at the moment of use of such convertible structural unit 10 within dwelling places used for various activities.

As indicated in FIGURE 2, each convertible structural unit presents two major outer surface structures which are substantially continuous to the various edges of the structural units 10 Which are joined one to the other. Between these outer surface structures 25, light but strong filling structure 26 is preferably arranged, such as a light gage paper, metal, or plastic cell structure capable of feeding and transmitting loads in all directions once the core material 26 is positioned within the framework 14 and the outer major surface panels 25. This construction is preferably utilized because an objective in manufacturing the convertible structural unit 10 is to provide a maximum unit size while keeping under a restrictive weight so each unit may be easily lifted and arranged by one person.

The outer panels or veneers 25 serve a decorative and/ or a functional purpose, such as beautiful paneling, a writing surface for blackboard notes, or a pin penetrating surface for posting of bulletins, etc.

Although in most instances, the need for storing panels 10 in other than their full length position will not be a requirement, nevertheless, certain storage places or transporting vehicles of limited dimensions may dictate a requirement of a center hinge 15 joint of each panel 10 as indicated in FIGURE 3.

The joining of one structural unit 10 to another or to an intermittent supporting post 11 or table leg 12 is indicated in FIGURE 4. By utilizing a crankable cam action fastening device 13 convertible structural units 10 are aligned and drawn together as a removable hand operated crank or wrench 21, indicated by dotted lines, is rotated to move an interior cam 19 of the fastener 13 past a follower 21. Each fastener 13 is secured in the principal framing structure 14 of the structural units 10. The preferred number of these individually acting fasteners 13 is indicated, there being at least two for every edge section of the units 10.

FIGURE 5 shows the selected fastener 13 by itself with its respective male 16 and female 17 portions set apart from one another. This fastener 13 is available as a commercial product today. It has an advantage of producing both aligning and a drawing together action which may be performed very quickly by conveniently turning the hand operated wrench 21, as indicated by the dotted lines in FIGURE 4. The housings of each portion 16, 17 of the fastener 13 are screwed into place within the convertible structural units 10 and substantially concealed by the overlay of the major surface panel sheets or veneers 25.

As shown in FIGURE 6, continuous edge attachment is provided by forming edge or frame structures 31 which upon assembly receive a complementary fitting fastening member 33 which thereby secures one structural unit to the other. The continuous fastening member 33 is inserted into the butting edge structure 31 after their grooves 32 are aligned. The fastener 33 may be composed of several pieces, but preferably one or two pieces are used which are easily retrieved from either unit end during quick separation of the units 30 one from the other.

One of the controlling purposes behind the utilization of convertible structural units is their cooperative and quick conversion between wall and table assemblies. Therefore, very quick releasible fasteners 13, as indicated in FIG- URES 4 and 5 are presently deemed preferable.

Where panels will require some degree of flexibility in their stand end-for-end, for example, along an are upon their proper adjustment, the use of a continuous strip fastener 33 in the groove 32 is particularly desirable, especially where it is made out of flexible and/or resilient material. If, however, a straight aligned wall is desired, the endwise sliding insert material is made of a non flexible and/or non resilient material, such as a metal of suflicient thickness to provide the rigidity wanted.

These convertible structural units 10 or 30 for wall and table use in their day-to-day presence within larger interior spaces of churches, schools, clubs, and offices, offer a versatile utilization of such larger interior spaces in an extremely convenient, structurally sound, and attractive way. Their utilization is further enhanced, for example, as indicated in FIGURES 1 and 7, where convertible table wall structural units 10 are shown in use side by side as walls and end to end or alongside one another with supports 12 interfitted to establish tables. Conversion time from wall to table use is minimized again by employment of convenient quick acting fastening devices 13 such as the aligning and tightening cam fastener 13.

LEG SUPPORTING UNITS In addition, conversion time from wall to table use is minimized by interposing between these convertible units 10, supporting units 12 or leg supporting assemblies 12, indicated in more detail in FIGURES 8, 9 and 10.

Each supporting unit 12 has vertical members 34 joined together below with cross brace 35 and above with receiving top 36. The top 36 forms a uniform height and even surface extension of the convertible structural units 10 which are joined to one or both major edges of the table support units 12 using, for example, quick-acting fasteners 13 which align and draw together the mating components 10 and 36.

Although this support 12 holding convertible structural units 10 together through fastener 13 maintains the resulting table unit in an upright position quite satisfactorily, additional bracing is considered desirable. It is furnished by using swinging braces 39 which ultimately reach a substantially horizontal position to bear against the lower or other surface or side of the convertible structural unit 10. To insure the resulting fit between brace 39 and the underside of convertible structural unit 10 will, in fact, be a secure one, the swinging motion of top brace 39 follows an arcuate path which is non-planar with the other surface. In addition, a gripping pad 40 is attached to the top surface of brace 39.

To provide for such non-planar travel of the brace 39 it is pivotally secured to the under side of top 36 at a place which is offset with respect to the pivoting location of a diagonal rod 42 which extends between this below pivot location and under side of brace 39 near its padded end. Rod 42 is firmly secured above and inserted below in a receiver 43 with sufficient rotative clearance.

Each supporting unit 12 is provided with two such bracing assemblies 39 so as the unit 12 is used to support tables extending from either direction, braces 39 are swung out into their acting positions to improve rigidity of the entire overall table structure, as indicated in FIGURE 8, where one table is shown in dotted lines to reveal structural details and fasteners 13.

As thus assembled with supporting structure 12, con-.

vertible structural units become very sturdy, dependable tables which are arranged in an end-to-end position as indicated in FIGURES 1 and 7. Also, one or more units 10 may be located relative to others in a ninety degree arrangement as indicated in FIGURE 7. In such an arrangement a side edge of a convertible structural unit 10 may be fastened to table support 12.

When not in use or in transit, supporting units 12, through pivoting action of table brace assembly 39, are reduced in profile within the volume determined by top 36, vertical leg members 34 and cross leg brace 35.

By joining convertible structural units 10 together with table supports 12, continuous, level and rigid table service structure is provided during functional use of the entire assembly. Quick changes of any table layout or pattern are always easily accomplished. Moreover, disassembly of one or more units 10 to reassemble them into wall configurations of FIGURES 1 and 7 is also easily and quickly accomplished. This cooperative use of convertible structural units where large spaces are used for many functions which vary widely in activities undertaken is particularly notable in church meeting places, school rooms, clubs and offices.

MOVABLE ASSEMBLIES OF MEETING ROOM ASSEMBLIES In keeping with the purpose of providing convertible table wall structural units to aid in the multiple use of larger spaces, a movable assembly of functional interrelated structures is easily and compactly arranged for larger room programs and thereafter easily and expandably arranged for smaller room programs, increasing manyfold the overall usefulness, for example, of church building areas. Such an assembly of functional interrelated structures is illustrated in FIGURES 11, 12, 13 and 14. It comprises a central unit, preferably on wheels, to serve as an independent support for all added structures when the latter are both compacted and expanded; storage compartments, as necessary, directly on and forming a part of the central unit; and multiple wall units hinged at least on one of their ends directly or indirectly to the central unit and, as necessary, to the storage compartments thereof, each multiple wall unit comprising in turn convertible table-wall structural units fastened together.

As shown in FIGURE 11, movable assemblies 50 are arranged near one another and from them their supported walls are extended to form separate activity spaces. Although one assembly 50 can serve as the heart or central unit of a planetary movable assembly, two are shown together for illustrative purposes of how such movable assemblies 50 may be positioned with others.

The number of such movable assemblies 50 to be used within a given larger dwelling space will range from none to several. Where there is no need for storage facalities for equipment, clothing .and/ or publications, there is litt e likelihood of there being a need for a heart or central movable unit 51 and its assembled walls of convertible structural units 20. Once a requirement for a central unit is evident, however, its use becomes important as a central stabilizing structure 51 serving as an island to support wall structure assemblies.

Preferably, each cenrtal unit 51 is equipped with a chassis 52 supporting a rectractable-limited swivel 53- wheel 54-axle 55 assembly 56 which is lowered and ne' tracted by using a wrench 21 inserted in fitting 57 which preferably is like the wrench receiving fitting in fasteners 13 joining together convertible structural units 10.

Either central movable unit 51 of movable assembly 50 is equipped (not shown) at various locations with fasteners 13 and hinges 58 to directly receive walls composed of convertible structural units 10. Or, as shown in FIGURE 1, the first connecting member is a supporting post 59 secured to central unit 51, for example by fasteners 13 shown in detail in FIGURE 5.

These supporting posts 59, depending on their intended use, can thereafter be equipped with additional fasteners 13 and/ or hinges 58. When used in this manner supporting posts 59 strengthen the assembly and protect the basic structure of central movable unit 51. Also wherever pivotal attachment is to be undertaken, hinges 58 are attached, preferably, to supporting posts 59 rather than to central unit 51 itself. Therefore, whenever there is no need for a hinge connection in conjunction with central unit 51, supporting post 51 with its hinges 58 is quickly removed, leaving central unit 51 clear of protruding hardware.

As noted previously, when the dwelling space is again to be used essentially for a larger room activity, central units 51, preferably, while still supporting some converti'oe structural units 10 as an overall assembly 50, are consolidated and moved out of the way.

By using specially designed end members (not shown) on central units 51 or building up equivalent members by joining one or more supporting posts 58 together with various hinge axis spacings are possible to support several convertible structural units 10 together in a nestled grouping on respective sides of central or heart unit 51 as illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 3.

As shown in FIGURE 12, at least two convertible structural units are folded as a starting wall unit across central unit 51 where it is slightly longer to include its structural framing. Other arrangements are possible, including the provision of additional hinges along the folded wall so that the last wall to be folded against central unit 51 can be composed of more convertible structural units. Essentially, however, a typical grouping of a movable assembly 50, as shown in FIGURES 12 and 13, is recommended. It may be quickly moved to a location and opened to serve as the heart of a new grouping of convertible structural units 10 which are conveniently added to, as necessary, to form multiple activity spaces within a much larger space. Movable assembly 50 serves as the new grouping of convertible structural units 10 which are conveniently added to, as necessary, to form multiple activity spaces within a much larger space. The movable assembly 59 serves as the steady base of operations, optionally including provisions for supplies of books, papers, and other material.

SUMMARY Convertible structural units or panels which are well equipped with edge located cam-type fasteners are provided for creating a wall as two or more of these convertible structural units are fastened together and they are provided for creating a table as a convertible structural unit is secured at each end to leg supporting assemblies, utilizing throughout such selective assemblies and disassemblies the quick acting cam-type edge fasteners.

I claim:

1. A table assembly comprising at least one convertible structural panel having, components of the camtype edge fasteners spaced along all its edges, at least two supporting leg sub-assemblies secured to opposite edges of the panel, each supporting leg su bassembly having cooperating components of the cam-type fasteners to complementarily fit the components of the cam-type edge fasteners of the convertible structural panel thereby quickly joining these supporting leg subassernblies and convertible structural panel together, until quick disassembly is undertaken and thereafter the convertible structural panels may be rejoined later on as tables and also be joined with other convertible structural panels to form a wall by utilizing cam-type edge fasteners, all the cam-type fasteners arranged for operation in pairs, each pair having a respective cam follower unit and a retracta'ble rotatable cam unit, with each cam follower unit secured in a recess in one edge of one structural panel opposite the retractable rotatable cam unit secured in an opposite recess in one edge of the supporting leg assembly so that upon rotating the retactable cam it is eccentrically rotatably projected over and initially beyond the cam follower to thereafter close in against the cam follower to gradually and firmly draw the respective opposed cam unit together and consequently to draw the respective edges of the convertible structural panel and the supporting leg assembly together, along all edges where the cam type fasteners are located and rotated in like manner, and the supporting leg sub-assemblies further comprising:

(a) two vertical leg members secured to the supporting leg assembly near its ends;

(b) a cross brace between the two vertical leg members having two holes near its middle that are slightly spaced apart on each side of the center of the cross brace;

(0) two steadying arms, each respectively rotatably mounted at one of their ends to the supporting leg unit near its center for their movement into increasingly firm contact with the underside of the convertible structural panel; and

(d) diagonal braces, each respectively secured at their top end to the free swinging end of one steadying arm and having its other bottom diagonal brace end rotatably inserted in one of the holes that is located 011 center in the cross brace, each diagonal brace thereby being positioned to guide the swinging end of its associated steadying arm into firmer contact with the lower surface of the adjacent convertible structural panel being supported as a table.

2. A table assembly, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting leg sub-assemblies have a. table extension to receive: respective portions of the cam type fasteners in edge recesses; two vertical leg members located underneath it near its ends, and two steadying arms pivotally secured to its under surface near its center.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 262,984 8/1882 Rohde 108-78 1,408,731 3/1922 Harris 312-237 1,424,419 8/1922 Malarkey 108-79 2,162,523 6/1939 Blood 52-71 X 2,204,319 6/1940 Parsons 52-282 X 2,375,941 5/1945 Nostrand 5-330 2,549,242 4/1951 Ross 108-112 X 2,647,287 8/1953 Jones 52-582 2,911,274 11/1959 Grube 52-623 3,233,942 1/1966 Cruetz 297-440

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