Abstract:
A system for construction whereby a virtually unlimited number of structural configurations relating to vastly different applications can be assembled using relatively few different structural members. Structural members are sized and slotted according to a standardized system. Because structural members are sized and slotted according to the standardized system, the vast majority of structural members are interchangeable and inter-connectable with other structural members to allow for scaling and expansion of structural assemblies while maintaining consistent spacing. This wide range of interchangeability and consistently spaced inter-connectibility overcomes conventional restraints which have, historically, limited design flexibility and the resulting utility of conventionally constructed items.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to construction. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems for construction which allow easy assembly and disassembly with minimal reliance on tools or fasteners. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a modular construction system whereby the universal spacing of slots within structural members affords virtually unlimited options for constructing easily scalable and widely adaptable items having high structural integrity.  
         BACKGROUND  
         [0002]    As the economy booms, construction and consumption of durable goods is approaching record levels. Many so-called “durable” consumer goods require substantial time and effort in assembly, only to be later deemed obsolete because of expiration of the original intended purpose for the goods. In many different industries, interest is increasing toward construction systems featuring improved versatility, adaptability and reusability. The furniture industry is a notable example.  
           [0003]    Bulky, factory-assembled furniture often fails to meet the needs of today&#39;s fast paced and mobile culture. Accordingly, efforts have persisted to develop articles of furniture which can be easily transported, then assembled by an individual with no mechanical aptitude whatsoever. Ideally, assembly could be accomplished in a minimum amount of time with a minimum number of tools. As the need for the assembled item in a particular location ends, the furniture could then easily be disassembled, transported and reconstructed at a different location as the same or different item.  
           [0004]    Efforts in this regard pre-date the Roosevelt administration. Through the years, a central theme has been the utilization of slotted structural members interconnecting with other slotted structural members to provide a stable article of furniture without a need for fasteners, tools and the like. A historical example of this theme is found in U.S. Pat. No. 1,903,631 to Morrison, entitled “Collapsible Table.” Later examples are found in U.S. Pat. No. 2,481,671 to John et al. (Children&#39;s table) and U.S. Pat. No. 3,300,245 to Rumble, entitled “Picnic Table.” Though each of these articles represent advances over conventional furniture construction, the finished articles are useful only for a narrowly defined purpose and the individual structural components are useless outside the intended application. Specifically, Morrison&#39;s Collapsible Table would make a lousy bookshelf and Rumble&#39;s Picnic Table could only be converted to a wine rack after the extensive work of a carpenter and her saw.  
           [0005]    More versatile designs pre-date the Carter administration. Notably, systems of standardized structural elements have been designed to fit together in any one of several predetermined arrangements to provide a range of furniture construction options. A historical example of this is found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,812,977 to Glassman, entitled “Storage Assembly.” Glassman&#39;s assembly utilizes rectangular, hinged members having interrelated dimensions to create “an indefinite number of possible geometric configurations.” Although the number of possible geometric configurations taught by Glassman may truly be indefinite, the number of useful geometric configurations is limited to less than a dozen varieties of storage cubicles. Glassman&#39;s structure could not be configured to make a functional drafting table or water cooler stand, nor could Glassman&#39;s basic structure be “scaled” using standard sized structural members to create larger structures.  
           [0006]    Accordingly, the need remains for a construction system incorporating key aspects of compactness and ease of assembly demonstrated by the above-referenced systems, while providing configuration options far exceeding a single configuration or even a group of related configurations.  
           [0007]    An additional need exists for a construction system which satisfies the previously stated need with relatively few different components.  
           [0008]    Yet another need exists for a system satisfying previously stated needs, which can be readily changed from a configuration for use in one application to a second configuration for use in a totally different application using the same components.  
           [0009]    A further need exists for a system having a predefined scalability such that structural components of one dimension can be seamlessly replaced by or interconnected with structural components of other dimensions.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    The present invention provides a system for construction whereby a virtually unlimited number of configurations relating to vastly different applications can be assembled using a relatively few different structural members. Succinctly stated, structural members are sized and slotted according to a standardized system. Because all structural members are sized and slotted according to the same standardized system, each structural member is interchangeable with every other structural member. This unlimited interchangeability overcomes conventional restraints which have, historically, limited the flexibility of construction systems.  
           [0011]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, using construction of furniture items as an example, the system for construction comprises a plurality of structural members. Most often, these member may be substantially square or substantially rectangular, although they may also embody other shapes. Referring to the most common square and rectangular shapes for illustrative purposes, each structural member has a lengthwise (long) side and a widthwise (short) side. Structural members may have slots on a lengthwise side, a widthwise side, or both.  
           [0012]    Importantly, if a structural member has a first slot, the center line of the first slot is located a predetermined distance X from an adjacent lengthwise or widthwise side (if the slot is on a lengthwise side, the predetermined distance X is measured from the adjacent widthwise side, and vice versa). If the structural member has additional slots, the center line of each additional slot is located at any whole-number multiple of the predetermined distance X from the center line of the first slot. For each embodiment, the last slot on a particular side is also centered a predetermined distance X from the other adjacent lengthwise or widthwise side.  
           [0013]    Optionally, slotted or unslotted structural members may accommodate dowel sections on either or both sides, spaced consistent with the system defined herein, which, when interconnecting structural members, provide a flush, virtually non-visible and potentially multi-directional interconnection.  
           [0014]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a modular furniture system incorporating qualities of compactness and ease of assembly while providing configuration options far exceeding a single configuration or even a group of related configurations.  
           [0015]    It another object of the present invention to provide a furniture system which satisfies the foregoing object with relatively few different components.  
           [0016]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system satisfying previously stated objects which can be readily changed from a configuration for use in one application to a second configuration for use in a totally different application using the same components.  
           [0017]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a system having a predefined scalability such that structural components of one dimension can be seamlessly replaced by or interconnected with structural components of other dimensions.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]    [0018]FIG. 1 a  depicts a representative lengthwise slotted structural member in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 1 b  depicts a perspective view of a representative lengthwise slotted structural member in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 2 depicts a representative widthwise slotted structural member in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 3 depicts a second representative widthwise slotted structural member in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 4 depicts a selection of representative lengthwise slotted structural members in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 5 depicts a selection of representative lengthwise slotted structural members being adapted for dowel implementation in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary assembly of two lengthwise slotted structural members in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary assembly of one lengthwise slotted structural member and one widthwise slotted structural member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary assembly of structural members in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary structural assembly derived from two subassemblies.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary assembly of structural members in accordance with the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0029]    The invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims.  
         [0030]    Referring now to FIG. 1A, a structural element  10  is shown. Structural element  10  comprises two equal length lengthwise sides  12 ,  14  and two equal length widthwise sides  16 ,  18 . The respective lengthwise sides  12 ,  14  and widthwise sides  16 ,  18  define a first planar side  19  and a second planar side  20  (not shown), the planar sides being in parallel planar disposition with respect to each other. Additionally, structural member  10  defines a first slot  21  and a second slot  23  along its lengthwise side  12 . More particularly, the respective first and second slots  21 ,  23  are defined by a first slot edge  22 , a second slot edge  24 , and a slot end  26 . Because each of the slots defined by structural member  10  are defined along a lengthwise side  12 , a center line of each slot is generally parallel to the widthwise sides (edges)  16 ,  18  of structural member  10 .  
         [0031]    Importantly, first slot  21  is centered a predetermined distance X  28  from adjacent widthwise side  18 . The relationship of other slots, including second slot  23 , to the first slot  21  on structural member  10  is critical and will be later explained in detail with reference to a later figure. Additionally, it is critical to here note that the overall lengths of slotted sides of all members is, similarly, a whole-number multiple of the predetermined distance X, as well. For example, the overall length of the lengthwise (slotted) side  12  is  4 X.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 1B is a tilted perspective view of structural member  10 , illustrating thickness  30  between first planar side  19  and second planar side  20 .  
         [0033]    Referring now to FIG. 2, structural member  100  depicts a configuration in which slots are positioned on at least one widthwise side. More specifically, structural member  100  comprises two equal length parallel lengthwise sides  112 ,  114  and two equal length parallel widthwise sides  116 ,  118 . The respective lengthwise sides  112 ,  114  and widthwise sides  116 ,  118  have a thickness and define a first planar side  119  and a second planar side  120 , the respective planar sides being in parallel planar disposition with respect to each other.  
         [0034]    As depicted in representative structural member  100 , a first slot  121  is defined within widthwise side  118  by a first slot edge  122 , a second slot edge  124  and a slot end  126 . Similarly a second slot  123  is defined along widthwise side  116  of structural member  100  by a first slot edge  122 , a second slot edge  124  and a slot end  126 .  
         [0035]    Referring to first slot  121 , it is important to note that first slot  121  is centered a predetermined distance X  128  from the lengthwise side  114  along widthwise side  118 .  
         [0036]    It is here noted that structural member  10 , depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B, and structural member  100 , depicted in FIG. 2, are merely representative of the possible configuration of various structural members. In other words, structural member  10  could be extended along lengthwise sides  12 ,  14  or widthwise sides  16 ,  18  for an indefinite distance, limited only by practicality. In such configurations, it is understood that structural members may define additional slots. Similarly, structural member  110  may be extended along either lengthwise sides  112 ,  114  or widthwise sides  116 ,  118 . However, as later described, the system specifically provides for interconnection between structural members as an alternative to lengthwise or widthwise extensions.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment in which the widthwise slotted sides and lengthwise sides of a structural member are elongated. Structural member  200  comprises two equal length parallel lengthwise sides  210 ,  220 , and two equal length parallel widthwise sides  230 ,  240 . As can be seen, structural member  200  includes first slot  232 , second slot  234 , third slot  242 , and fourth slot  244 . Importantly, first slot  232  is centered a predetermined distance X  250  from first lengthwise side  210 . Second slot  234  is positioned a predetermined distance  3 X  260  from the same first lengthwise side  210 . Importantly, the relationship of the first slot and second slot to the second lengthwise side  220  is noted. Specifically, first slot  232  is centered a predetermined distance  3 X from second lengthwise side  220  and second slot  234  is positioned a predetermined distance X from the same second lengthwise side  220 . Again, as with previously referenced structural members  10  and  100 , structural member  200  is merely an example of a configuration of the present invention intended the show the spacing relationship of slots within various structural members. As with all structural members utilized in the present invention, the lengthwise sides and widthwise sides may vary without restriction, so long as the spacing relationship between slots and their respective first and last lengthwise or widthwise sides, as defined herein, remains as described in reference to FIG. 4, below.  
         [0038]    Turning now to FIG. 4, representative lengthwise slotted structural members embodying the fundamental principle of the present invention are depicted. More particularly, structural members  410 ,  420 ,  430 ,  440 ,  450  and  460  each have slots located at positions which are whole-number multiples of a predetermined distance X from a widthwise side  400  (and, as previously described, another whole number multiple X from the opposite widthwise side). As previously described with reference to other figures, predetermined distance X is a distance between a first widthwise side  400  and the center of a first slot. Again, as previously discussed, distances between slots are measured between center lines of the respective slots.  
         [0039]    In the representative examples depicted in FIG. 4, for instance, structural member  410  defines one slot at a predetermined distance X (“1X”) from a first widthwise side  400 . Structural member  420  defines slots at positions 1X and 3X. Structural member  430  defines slots at positions 1X, 2X and 3X, while structural member  440  defines slots at positions 1X, 3X and 5X. Structural member  450  defines slots at positions 1X and 5X, while structural member  460  defines slots at positions 1X, 2X and 5X. As previously described and shown with reference to other figures, the overall length of structural members is also a whole number multiple of the predetermined distance X, and slot centers are all a whole number multiple X from opposing sides. It should be understood that these representative structural members are merely representations of a few of the many slotting combinations possible in keeping with the spirit and scope of the present invention. Similarly, while the structural members depicted in FIG. 4 depict defined slots on a single lengthwise side, it will be understood and appreciated that slots could be defined on both lengthwise sides and/or on one or both widthwise sides, provided the spacing system described herein is applied.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 5 depicts an optional embodiment of the present invention in which dowel sections are used to facilitate vertical, horizontal and diagonal interconnection between certain structural members, preferably on both ends of a particular structural member. More specifically, FIG. 5 depicts structural members  510 ,  530 ,  540 ,  560  and  570 , each defining dowel receiving holes on a second widthwise side, as well as the first widthwise side. Although each of the aforementioned structural members depicts a dowel section already inserted into or otherwise carried by the second widthwise side of the respective structural member, it will be understood and appreciated that, for illustrative purposes, this represents an intermediate step in the modular construction process in which this embodiment is implemented, the intermediate step being the insertion of a dowel section into a respective directly corresponding dowel receiving hole.  
         [0041]    Surface structural members  520  and  550  illustrate required positioning of dowel holes in order to maintain conformity with the critical aspect of the present invention. More specifically, with reference to surface structural member  520 , first dowel holes  525  are centered a predetermined distance X from the first adjacent widthwise side  500 . Similarly, second dowel holes  527  are centered a predetermined distance 3X from the first adjacent widthwise side  500 .  
         [0042]    The same principle holds true in surface structural member  550 , in which first dowel holes  555  are positioned a predetermined distance X from the first widthwise side, while second dowel holes  557  are positioned a predetermined distance 5X from the first adjacent lengthwise side  500  and a predetermined distance X from the opposing lengthwise end. As previously stated, dowel holes may be positioned in any variety of locations and in any number, so long as the positioning conforms to the previously stated principles which embody the inventive aspect of the present invention.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 6 depicts a preferred system of assembly of structural members in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 6 depicts two lengthwise slotted structural members  10 ,  10 ′, interconnected via press-fit of respective first slots  21 ,  21 ′ (not shown). Importantly, for structural members such as  10  and  10  to be successfully interconnected in a sufficiently rigidly structure  600 , tolerances for slots such as  21  and  21 ′, as well as thicknesses  30  of other structural members, must be carefully specified and closely monitored during production processes.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 7 depicts a representative structural assembly  700  comprising a lengthwise slotted structural member  10  and a widthwise slotted structural member  100 . The two respective structural members  10 ,  100  are interconnected in a well known manner at first slots  21  and  121  (not shown). Again, this is merely a representative example of the interconnection of different structural members to create a larger structural member in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0045]    More elaborate examples of construction options available in accordance with the present invention are depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9. Referring now to FIG. 8, structural assembly  800  is comprised of previously referenced interconnected structural members. More specifically, two lengthwise slotted members  560 , two lengthwise slotted members  530  and two lengthwise slotted members  510  are interconnected to provide a versatile structure with a vast array of possible applications.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 9 depicts an example of the assembly of one large structure from two smaller structures. More particularly, structure  800  is interconnected with an identical structure  900  (illustrated in a rotated orientation) to form superstructure  910 . It is here noted that the scalability of the individual structural members previously described allows interconnection of two different structures without altering the symmetry and proportions of the superstructure  910 . This feature is especially advantageous with assembling large structures from a series of smaller structures in a situation when system stability is desired.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 10 depicts a similarly versatile structure  1000 , comprising six lengthwise slotted structural members  530  and a widthwise slotted structural member  200 .  
         [0048]    Critically, it should be understood and appreciated that because of the standardized slot spacing system of the present invention and the ability to interconnect structural members within the system in such a way as to provide consistent spacing, a virtually unlimited number of structures can be created from relatively few different structural members, limited only by imagination. It is specifically intended that the scope of the present invention not be limited by the preceding discussion of a limited number of embodiments of the present invention, such as in a furniture application, but by the limits set forth in the appended claims.