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US3722431A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Slat panel furniture

Assignee: Howard Manufacturing Co
•
Filing: 1970-12-24
•
Granted: 1973-03-27
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Expires: 1990-12-24
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Abstract

Abstract Disclosed are articles of furniture of varying configurations producible in knock-down form consisting of wood dowel and slat grid panels supported by notched wood legs. The panels consist of wood slats joined together and maintained in parallel coplanar relationship by wood dowels passing intersectingly therethrough intermediate the panel ends. The notched segments of the legs are dimensioned to interfit slidably with and between adjacent slats for assembly of legs with a grid panel. The adjacent slats interengaging the leg notches orient the legs to the panel, and by abutting the legs to dowels the latter serve most effectively to maintain the slat spacing constant where the legs react against the slats; also as locating elements for the legs in assembly and as anchor elements for leg fasteners applied to complete an aesthetically and structurally integrated assembly.

Inventors

  • 👤 P Howard

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-07 13:27
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47B; A47B47/00; A47B47/0083; A47B3/00; A47B2220/00; A47B2220/0052; A47B2220/0055; A47B47/04

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim 153 words
An article of manufacture comprising a planar, horizontally disposed shelf member having spaced, parallel slots in the plane thereof, which open at opposite end edges of the member, and a plurality of spaced, parallel dowels extending crosswise of the slots, in the plane of the member, at points spaced inwardly from the aforesaid opposite end edges thereof; a plurality of leg members upstanding below the shelf member and slidably engaged in the slots at points between the dowels and the opposite end edges of the shelf member, said leg members having oppositely disposed notches therein, within which the edges of the slots are slidably engaged to secure the leg members against disengagement from the shelf member, crosswise the plane thereof; and fastener means interengaged between the leg members and the shelf member, adjacent the dowels in the slots, to secure the leg members against disengagement from the shelf member in the plane thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 153 words
An article of manufacture comprising a planar, horizontally disposed shelf member having spaced, parallel slots in the plane thereof, which open at opposite end edges of the member, and a plurality of spaced, parallel dowels extending crosswise of the slots, in the plane of the member, at points spaced inwardly from the aforesaid opposite end edges thereof; a plurality of leg members upstanding below the shelf member and slidably engaged in the slots at points between the dowels and the opposite end edges of the shelf member, said leg members having oppositely disposed notches therein, within which the edges of the slots are slidably engaged to secure the leg members against disengagement from the shelf member, crosswise the plane thereof; and fastener means interengaged between the leg members and the shelf member, adjacent the dowels in the slots, to secure the leg members against disengagement from the shelf member in the plane thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 31 words
The article of manufacture according to claim 1 wherein the respective leg members and dowels are in abutment with one another in the slots and clamped together by the fastener means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 48 words
The article of manufacture according to claim 2 wherein the fastener means include a pair of releasably engaged fastener members in association with each leg member, which are interengaged with the leg member and the shelf member so as to clamp the leg member to the adjacent dowel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 103 words
The article of manufacture according to claim 2 wherein the leg members have bores extending therethrough in the slots, and the fastener means include a pair of fastener members in association with each abutting dowel and leg member, one of which fastener members is interengaged with the shelf member on the dowel-adjacent side of the leg member, and extends into the bore of the leg member, and the other of which fastener members is interengaged between the leg member and the one fastener member, on the opposite side of the leg member, to clamp the leg member to the dowel and vice versa.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 32 words
The article of manufacture according to claim 4 wherein the one fastener member has a flange thereon which is interengaged with the shelf member on the dowel-adjacent side of the leg member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 16 words
The article of manufacture according to claim 5 wherein the flange is interengaged with the dowel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 21 words
The article of manufacture according to claim 5 wherein the flange is interengaged with at least one edge of the slot.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 42 words
The article of manufacture according to claim 1 wherein the shelf member comprises a series of spaced, parallel, horizontally disposed slats having sets of transversely aligned holes therethrough, and the dowels are inserted crosswise of the slats in the sets of holes.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 21 words
The article of manufacture according to claim 8 wherein the leg members are vertically upstanding in the slots between the slats.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 27 words
The article of manufacture according to claim 1 wherein the slots are continuously open between the leg members and the adjacent end edges of the shelf member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 138 words
An article of furniture comprising: a. at least one horizontal shelf member comprising a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel, wood slats secured together by a plurality of spaced-apart wood dowels passing perpendicularly therethrough, and b. a plurality of wood legs in number and so positioned as to maintain each shelf member horizontal, each leg having a notched segment for each shelf member supported thereby, each notched segment bEing snugly inserted between two of said slats, each notched segment having vertical dimensions substantially equal to said two of said slats, and each notched segment being secured in abutting relation to one of said dowels, each notched segment having oppositely disposed notches therein within which the two slats are snugly engaged, and being secured in said abutting relation by a rigid securing member passing through the leg having said notched segment.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 138 words
An article of furniture comprising: a. at least one horizontal shelf member comprising a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel, wood slats secured together by a plurality of spaced-apart wood dowels passing perpendicularly therethrough, and b. a plurality of wood legs in number and so positioned as to maintain each shelf member horizontal, each leg having a notched segment for each shelf member supported thereby, each notched segment bEing snugly inserted between two of said slats, each notched segment having vertical dimensions substantially equal to said two of said slats, and each notched segment being secured in abutting relation to one of said dowels, each notched segment having oppositely disposed notches therein within which the two slats are snugly engaged, and being secured in said abutting relation by a rigid securing member passing through the leg having said notched segment.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 211 words
An article of furniture comprising: a. at least one horizontal shelf member comprising a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel, wood slats secured together by a plurality of spaced-apart wood dowels passing perpendicularly therethrough, and b. a plurality of wood legs in number and so positioned as to maintain each shelf member horizontal, each leg having a notched segment for each shelf member supported thereby, each notched segment being snugly inserted between two of said slats, each notched segment having vertical dimensions substantially equal to said two of said slats, and each notched segment being secured in abutting relation to one of said dowels, said dowels being circular in cross section and displaced from the ends of said slats, and each notched segment being secured in said abutting relation by a rigid securing member passing through the leg having said notched segment and at least substantially around the dowel against which said notched segment abuts, and said securing member comprising in combination a threaded, J-shaped member and an oppositely threaded head member, the curved segment of said J-shaped member passing substantially around the dowel against which said notched segment abuts and the straight segment of said J-shaped member passing at least partially through said notched segment into threaded engagement with said head member.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 211 words
An article of furniture comprising: a. at least one horizontal shelf member comprising a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel, wood slats secured together by a plurality of spaced-apart wood dowels passing perpendicularly therethrough, and b. a plurality of wood legs in number and so positioned as to maintain each shelf member horizontal, each leg having a notched segment for each shelf member supported thereby, each notched segment being snugly inserted between two of said slats, each notched segment having vertical dimensions substantially equal to said two of said slats, and each notched segment being secured in abutting relation to one of said dowels, said dowels being circular in cross section and displaced from the ends of said slats, and each notched segment being secured in said abutting relation by a rigid securing member passing through the leg having said notched segment and at least substantially around the dowel against which said notched segment abuts, and said securing member comprising in combination a threaded, J-shaped member and an oppositely threaded head member, the curved segment of said J-shaped member passing substantially around the dowel against which said notched segment abuts and the straight segment of said J-shaped member passing at least partially through said notched segment into threaded engagement with said head member.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 210 words
An article of furniture comprising: a. at least one horizontal shelf member comprising a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel, wood slats secured together by a plurality of spaced-apart wood dowels passing perpendicularly therethrough, and b. a plurality of wood legs in number and so positioned as to maintain each shelf member horizontal, each leg having a notched segment for each shelf member supported thereby, each notched segment being snugly inserted between two of said slats, each notched segment having vertical dimensions substantially equal to said two of said slats, and each notched segment being secured in abutting relation to one of said dowels, said dowels being circular in cross section and displaced from the ends of said slats, and each notched segment being secured in said abutting relation by a rigid securing member passing through the leg having said notched segment and at least substantially around the dowel against which said notched segment abuts, and said securing member comprising in combination a threaded U-shaped member and two oppositely threaded head members, the curved segment of said U-shaped member passing around the dowel against which said notched segment abuts and the straight segment of said U-shaped member passing at least partially through said notched segment into threaded engagement with said head members.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 210 words
An article of furniture comprising: a. at least one horizontal shelf member comprising a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel, wood slats secured together by a plurality of spaced-apart wood dowels passing perpendicularly therethrough, and b. a plurality of wood legs in number and so positioned as to maintain each shelf member horizontal, each leg having a notched segment for each shelf member supported thereby, each notched segment being snugly inserted between two of said slats, each notched segment having vertical dimensions substantially equal to said two of said slats, and each notched segment being secured in abutting relation to one of said dowels, said dowels being circular in cross section and displaced from the ends of said slats, and each notched segment being secured in said abutting relation by a rigid securing member passing through the leg having said notched segment and at least substantially around the dowel against which said notched segment abuts, and said securing member comprising in combination a threaded U-shaped member and two oppositely threaded head members, the curved segment of said U-shaped member passing around the dowel against which said notched segment abuts and the straight segment of said U-shaped member passing at least partially through said notched segment into threaded engagement with said head members.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 240 words
An article of furniture comprising: a. at least one horizontal shelf member comprising a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel, wood slats secured together by a plurality of spaced-apart wood dowels passing perpendicularly therethrough, and b. a plurality of wood legs in number and so positioned as to maintain each shelf member horizontal, each leg having a notched segment for each shelf member supported thereby, each notched segment being snugly inserted between two of said slats, each notched segment having vertical dimensions substantially equal to said two of said slats, and each notched segment being secured in abutting relation to one of said dowels, the vertical dimension of each slat being at least twice the dimension thereof parallel to said dowels, and said dowels being circuLar in cross section and displaced substantially from the ends of said slats, and said notches being displaced from the ends of said legs, said notched segment being secured in said abutting relation by a rigid securing member passing through the leg having said notched segment and at least substantially around the dowel against which said notched segment abuts, and said securing member comprising in combination a threaded, J-shaped member and an oppositely threaded, head member, the curved segment of said J-shaped member passing substantially round the dowel against which said notched segment abuts and the straight segment of said J-shaped member passing at least partially through said notched segment into threaded engagement with said head member.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 240 words
An article of furniture comprising: a. at least one horizontal shelf member comprising a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel, wood slats secured together by a plurality of spaced-apart wood dowels passing perpendicularly therethrough, and b. a plurality of wood legs in number and so positioned as to maintain each shelf member horizontal, each leg having a notched segment for each shelf member supported thereby, each notched segment being snugly inserted between two of said slats, each notched segment having vertical dimensions substantially equal to said two of said slats, and each notched segment being secured in abutting relation to one of said dowels, the vertical dimension of each slat being at least twice the dimension thereof parallel to said dowels, and said dowels being circuLar in cross section and displaced substantially from the ends of said slats, and said notches being displaced from the ends of said legs, said notched segment being secured in said abutting relation by a rigid securing member passing through the leg having said notched segment and at least substantially around the dowel against which said notched segment abuts, and said securing member comprising in combination a threaded, J-shaped member and an oppositely threaded, head member, the curved segment of said J-shaped member passing substantially round the dowel against which said notched segment abuts and the straight segment of said J-shaped member passing at least partially through said notched segment into threaded engagement with said head member.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 239 words
An article of furniture comprising: a. at least one horizontal shelf member comprising a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel, wood slats secured together by a plurality of spaced-apart wood dowels passing perpendicularly therethrough, and b. a plurality of wood legs in number and so positioned as to maintain each shelf member horizontal, each leg having a notched segment for each shelf member supported thereby, each notched segment being snugly inserted between two of said slats, each notched segment having vertical dimensions substantially equal to said two of said slats, and each notched setment being secured in abutting relation to one of said dowels, the vertical dimension of each slat being at least twice the dimension thereof parallel to said dowels, and said dowels being circular in cross section and displaced substantially from the ends of said slats, and said notches being displaced from the ends of said legs, said notched segment being secured in said abutting relation by a rigid securing member passing through the leg having said notched segment and at least substantially around the dowel against which said notched segment abuts, and said securing member comprising in combination a threaded U-shaped member and two oppositely threaded head members, the curved segment of said U-shaped member passing around the dowel against which said notched segment abuts and the straight segments of said U-shaped member passing at least partially through said notched segment into threaded engagement with said head members.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 239 words
An article of furniture comprising: a. at least one horizontal shelf member comprising a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel, wood slats secured together by a plurality of spaced-apart wood dowels passing perpendicularly therethrough, and b. a plurality of wood legs in number and so positioned as to maintain each shelf member horizontal, each leg having a notched segment for each shelf member supported thereby, each notched segment being snugly inserted between two of said slats, each notched segment having vertical dimensions substantially equal to said two of said slats, and each notched setment being secured in abutting relation to one of said dowels, the vertical dimension of each slat being at least twice the dimension thereof parallel to said dowels, and said dowels being circular in cross section and displaced substantially from the ends of said slats, and said notches being displaced from the ends of said legs, said notched segment being secured in said abutting relation by a rigid securing member passing through the leg having said notched segment and at least substantially around the dowel against which said notched segment abuts, and said securing member comprising in combination a threaded U-shaped member and two oppositely threaded head members, the curved segment of said U-shaped member passing around the dowel against which said notched segment abuts and the straight segments of said U-shaped member passing at least partially through said notched segment into threaded engagement with said head members.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1976-03-26 1976-09-25 1977-03-27 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1980-03-26 1980-09-25 1981-03-27 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 1984-03-26 1984-09-25 1985-03-27 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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