Patent Publication Number: US-2009217619-A1

Title: Modularized bamboo frame member set for the construction of three-dimensional bamboo frames for furniture or the like

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     (a) Technical Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to the fabrication of bamboo products and more particularly, to the fabrication of modularized bamboo frame member set for making bamboo baskets, racks, shelves and the like. 
     (b) Description of the Prior Art 
     Various materials including ceramics, glass, wood, plastics, stainless steel, and etc. may be used for making tables, chairs, cabinets, storage containers, and many other furniture. To show an antique sense of beauty, wood and bamboo are intensively used to make furniture and storage containers. A conventional bamboo furniture is known comprising a frame structure and a plurality of wall panels formed of bamboo strips by weaving. These bamboo panels have open spaces, and are fastened to the frame structure by an adhesive or by means of binding wires There is known another structure of bamboo furniture in which the bamboo panels are formed of transverse bamboo slats and longitudinal bamboo slats, and the transverse and longitudinal bamboo slats are fastened together by rattan cords. The fabrication of this structure of bamboo furniture requires much time and labor, and therefore the cost of this structure of bamboo furniture is high. 
     There is also known another design of bamboo storage container that is invented by the present inventor, comprising a top frame, a bottom frame, and a plurality of bamboo slats connected between the top frame and the bottom frame. The bamboo slats have the respectively top and bottom ends respectively fastened to respective bottom mounting holes on the top frame and respective top mounting holes on the bottom frame. Because the bamboo slats are springy, it requires much time and labor to fasten the bamboo slats to the top frame and the bottom frame. Further, the top frame and the bottom frame are each formed of four bamboo slats, and the four bamboo slats are connected to one another end to end to form a rectangular open frame. The fabrication of this design of bamboo storage container also requires much time and labor. Therefore, this design of bamboo storage container is not suitable for mass production. Further, the top frame and the bottom frame have sharp angles, causing less sense of beauty. 
     To eliminate the drawbacks of the aforesaid bamboo storage container design, the inventor of the present invention created a modularized bamboo frame member set and filed to the USPTO under application Ser. No. 11/863,299. According to this design, bamboo poles are cut into straight bamboo strip elements and then the bamboo strip elements are processed into are processed into curved bamboo rod members through a compression molding press so that the curved bamboo rod members are selectively used and connected end-to-end to construct rectangular, circular and oval bamboo frame members for making bamboo baskets.  FIG. 12  shows one example of this design of modularized bamboo frame member set in which two bamboo strip elements respectively processed into a respective  -shaped bamboo rod member so that the two  -shaped bamboo rod members can be connected end-to-end to construct a rectangular bamboo frame member.  FIG. 13  shows another example of this design of modularized bamboo frame member set in which four bamboo strip elements of two different lengths are respectively processed into a respective L-shaped bamboo rod member so that the four L-shaped bamboo rod members can be connected one another to construct a rectangular bamboo frame member.  FIG. 14  shows still another example of this design of modularized bamboo frame member set in which three bamboo strip elements of two different lengths are respectively processed into one  -shaped bamboo rod member and two L-shaped bamboo rod members so that the bamboo rod members can be connected one another to construct a rectangular bamboo frame member. 
     According to the aforesaid modularized bamboo frame member set, every constructed bamboo frame member has a planar configuration. Bamboo baskets, racks, shelves or the like constructed of these bamboo frame members show less variation in design. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The primary purpose of the present invention is to provide a modularized bamboo frame member set, which is practical for mass production and for making bamboo baskets, racks, shelves or the like that cause a three-dimensional sense of beauty. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, bamboo poles are cut into straight bamboo strip elements and then the bamboo strip elements are processed into straight and curved bamboo rod members through a compression molding press so that the bamboo rod members are selectively used and connected end-to-end to construct three-dimensional open frame members for making baskets, racks, shelves and furniture. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, the curved bamboo rod members include  -shaped and L-shaped bamboo rod members, smoothly curved and spirally curved bamboo rod members. 
     According to still another aspect of the present invention, a number of L-shaped bamboo rod members are connected one another in an end-to-end manner to construct an irregular three-dimensional rectangular open frame member. 
     According to still another aspect of the present invention, a number of  -shaped bamboo rod members are connected one another in an end-to-end manner to construct an irregular three-dimensional rectangular open frame member. 
     According to still another aspect of the present invention, a number of smoothly curved bamboo rod members are connected one another in an end-to-end manner to construct a streamlined three-dimensional open frame member. 
     According to still another aspect of the present invention, a number of L-shaped bamboo rod members and  -shaped bamboo rod members are connected one another in an end-to-end manner to construct an irregular three-dimensional rectangular open frame member. 
     According to still another aspect of the present invention, a number of smoothly curved bamboo rod members are connected one another in an end-to-end manner to construct a smoothly curved three-dimensional open frame member. 
     According to still another aspect of the present invention, a number of straight bamboo rod members and a number of L-shaped bamboo rod members are connected one another in an end-to-end manner to construct a streamlined three-dimensional open frame member. 
     According to still another aspect of the present invention, a number of straight bamboo rod members and L-shaped bamboo rod members are connected one another in an end-to-end manner to construct a three-dimensional open frame member. 
     According to still another aspect of the present invention, a number of spirally curved bamboo rod members are connected one another in an end-to-end manner to construct a barrel-like open frame member. 
     The foregoing object and summary provide only a brief introduction to the present invention. To fully appreciate these and other objects of the present invention as well as the invention itself, all of which will become apparent to those skilled in the art, the following detailed description of the invention and the claims should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Throughout the specification and drawings identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar parts. 
     Many other advantages and features of the present invention will become manifest to those versed in the art upon making reference to the detailed description and the accompanying sheets of drawings in which a preferred structural embodiment incorporating the principles of the present invention is shown by way of illustrative example. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a three-dimensional bamboo frame member formed of a modularized bamboo frame member set in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an assembly view of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  corresponds to  FIG. 2 , showing retaining grooves formed on the L-shaped bamboo rod members of the three-dimensional open frame member for the mounting of bamboo slats. 
         FIG. 4  corresponds to  FIG. 3 , showing bamboo slats fastened to the retaining grooves of the L-shaped bamboo rod members of the three-dimensional open frame member. 
         FIG. 5  is an elevational view of a three-dimensional bamboo frame member formed of an alternate form of the modularized bamboo frame member set according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  corresponds to  FIG. 5  showing mounting grooves formed on the L-shaped bamboo rod members of the three-dimensional open frame member for the mounting of bamboo slats. 
         FIG. 8  corresponds to  FIG. 3 , showing bamboo slats fastened to the mounting grooves of the L-shaped bamboo rod members of the three-dimensional open frame member. 
         FIG. 9  is an elevational view of a three-dimensional bamboo frame member formed of smoothly arched bamboo rod members according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is an elevational view of a bamboo storage container formed of L-shaped bamboo rod members, straight bamboo rod members and  -shaped bamboo rod members according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is an elevational view of a barrel-like basket formed of a number of spirally curved bamboo rod members according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded view of a rectangular bamboo frame member formed of two  -shaped bamboo rod members according to the prior art. 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded view of a rectangular bamboo frame member formed of four L-shaped bamboo rod members according to the prior art. 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded view of a rectangular bamboo frame member formed of two L-shaped bamboo rod members and one  -shaped bamboo rod member according to the prior art. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following descriptions are of exemplary embodiments only, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , bamboo poles are cut into straight bamboo strip elements subject to predetermined sizes, and then the bamboo strip elements are processed into desired L-shaped bamboo rod members  11  and straight bamboo rod members  12  through a compression molding press. Preferably, each L-shaped bamboo rod member  11  has a smoothed arched angle but not sharp angle. Further, the straight bamboo strip elements can be made having a circular, square, rectangular, polygonal or irregular cross section. Further, the ends A of 8 pieces of L-shaped bamboo rod members  11  and  2  pieces of straight bamboo rod members  12  are respectively and fixedly connected to one another by means of adhesive, plug joint, or any of a variety of suitable fastener means to form a three-dimensional open frame member  1 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , in which the two straight bamboo rod members  12  and horizontally arranged in parallel at different elevations and the L-shaped bamboo rod members  11  are respectively connected in two series and symmetrically connected between the ends of the straight bamboo rod members  12  at two opposite sides. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4  and  FIG. 2  again, retaining grooves  14  are formed on the L-shaped bamboo rod members  11  of the three-dimensional open frame member  1  so that bamboo slats  2  can be fastened to the retaining grooves  14  and horizontally supported on the three-dimensional open frame member  1  at two different elevations. Thus, the three-dimensional open frame member  1  and the bamboo slats  2  construct a display rack. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , bamboo poles are cut into straight bamboo strip elements subject to predetermined sizes, and then the bamboo strip elements are processed into two different sizes of  -shaped bamboo rod members  15  through a compression molding press, and then  4  pieces of  -shaped bamboo rod members  15  are respectively and fixedly connected to one another by means of adhesive, plug joint, or any of a variety of suitable fastener means to form a three-dimensional open frame member  1 , in which two  -shaped bamboo rod members are arranged in horizontal at different elevations in a parallel manner and the other two  -shaped bamboo rod members are arranged in vertical and connected between the two horizontally arranged  -shaped bamboo rod members at two sides. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8  and  FIG. 6  again, mounting grooves  14 A are formed on the  -shaped bamboo rod members  15  of the three-dimensional open frame member  1  so that bamboo slats  2  can be fastened to the mounting grooves  14  and horizontally supported on the three-dimensional open frame member  1  at two different elevations. Thus, the three-dimensional open frame member  1  and the bamboo slats  2  construct a display rack. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , bamboo poles are cut into straight bamboo strip elements subject to predetermined sizes, and then the bamboo strip elements are processed into different sizes of smoothly curved bamboo rod members  13  through a compression molding press, and then a number of smoothly curved bamboo rod members  13  are respectively and fixedly connected to one another by means of adhesive, plug joint, or any of a variety of suitable fastener means to form a three-dimensional open frame member. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , L-shaped bamboo rod members  11 , straight bamboo rod members  12  and  -shaped bamboo rod members  15  can be fixedly fastened together by means of adhesive, plug joint, or any of a variety of suitable fastener means to form a three-dimensional storage container. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , bamboo poles may be cut into straight bamboo strip elements subject to predetermined sizes, and then the bamboo strip elements are processed into different sizes of spirally curved bamboo rod members  16  through a compression molding press, and then a number of spirally curved bamboo rod members  16  are respectively and fixedly connected to one another end-to-end by means of adhesive, plug joint, or any of a variety of suitable fastener means to construct a barrel-like basket. 
     Although particular embodiments of the inventions have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited except as by the appended claims. 
     It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. 
     While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claim, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.