US3079706A - Model structure - Google Patents

Description

March 5, 1963 v w. R. HAYES 3,079,706 MODEL STRUCTURE Filed March 23, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet J.

A ORNEY March 5, 1963 Filed March 25, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 IIH H. i 22 241 '1 [llw "HHH 1 1 INVENTOR LL I/V/LL/AIM R/v m ES 1 4 .6. zwzd 42;

March 5, 1963 w. R. HAYES 3,079,706

MODEL STRUCTURE Filed March 25, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR W/z 4/4/14 /F. 5 4 YES ATO/ZNEY Fatented Mar. 5, 39%3 3,079,766 MQDEL STRUCTURE William R. Hayes, 583 W. 215th St, New York, N.Y. Filed Mar. 23, 1959, E-Ser. No. 891,342 7 Claims. (Cl. 35-16) The present invention relates to members which may be arranged in different configurations in simulation of buildings or the like.

According to the invention, wall members may be arranged into scaled down versions of a variety of structures, including public and commercial buildings, as well as dwelling houses. Reduced-sized facsimiles of the latter include such styles as the ranch and split level types. All of these building-like structures may be assembled according to floor plans or layout drawings, supplied as part of a package or kit. In addition, an adult or child using the wall members may select through his own ingenuity other arrangements to bring about building-like structures of his own selection.

Gne object of the present invention is to provide wall members which may be arranged in simulation of buildings or the like.

A further object of the present invention is to provide scaled down facsimiles of building-like structures.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide an improved type of miniature building structures for the use, enjoyment and education of children.

Another object of the present invention is to provide wall members which may be arranged successively in a variety of buildinglike structures, thereby giving rise to flexibility.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple device for architects, industrial designers, engineers and the like in selecting or testing out proposed arrangements of building-like structures, including without limitation parts thereof such as ofice space and assembly or shop areas of factories.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide equipment or parts for a relatively small facsimile of building-like structures which are easy and inexpensive to manufacture and which require relatively little space during storage and shipment.

Many other objects, uses and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the following description is read in conjunction with the drawings.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of a component part of the device of FIG. 1.

FI URE 3 is a perspective view of another component part of the device of FIG. 1.

FIGURE 4 is a view in elevation taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIGURE 5, which is partly cut away, is a perspective View of a component part or" the device of FIG. 1.

FIGURE 6, which is partly cut away, is an end View in elevation of the device of FIG. 1.

FIGURE 7 is a partial edge view in elevation of the rear portion of the cover or roof member of the device of FIG. 1.

FIGURE 8, which is partly cut away, is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of a component par of the device of FIG. 8.

FIGURE 10 is an elevation in cross section of a component part of the device of FIG. 8.

Corresponding and like parts are referred to in the following description and indicated in all views of the drawing by the same reference characters.

Referring to FIGS. 17, a reduced-sized facsimle of a building-like structure is constituted of five difilerent types of wall members 3-5. In the rear portion of the structure of FIG. 1 wall members 1 having heights of 8" and lengths of 12" form the exterior walls as well as several of the internal walls. In connection with the mention of dimensions and the relative relationship of parts throughout this description, it should be understood that these are intended as approximately and substantially the dimensions and the relationships, even though such a qualification may not in each instance be expressly stated. A wall member 2 having a height equal to the height of the first-mentioned wall member 1 is arranged parallel to the side walls of the structure and forms the partition for two of the rear rooms; its length is equal to its hei ht, i.e., 8".

The remaining wall members 3-5 are of uniform height which is less thn the height of the previously-discussed wall members l, 2. More specifically, wall members 3-5, which form the forward portion of the struc ture, have a height of 3%. Their lengths, vary, as do the lengths of wall members i, 2, to permit the ready assembly of a variety of structures, such as the one shown in FIG. 1. As will be discussed more fully hereinafter, the wall members l 5 are, in efiect, containers since they are open at the bottom.

The exterior side wall of the room 7 in the right-hand portion of the structure is formed v 1th a wall member 3 having a length of i2". The forward exterior wall is provided on the right side by wall members 4, having a length of 8", and on the left side by wall members 5 having a length of 5". As will be noted from FIG. 1, these wall members 3-5 are also utilized elsewhere in the structure to form wall members.

The structure of FIG. 1 in simulation of a home is suitably proportioned into a variety of rooms. Across the rear extending from left to right are the following rooms with their approxhnate sizes, the left-to-right dimensions being specified first: bedroom, 12" X 11%; dining room, 11" X 11 /2"; kitchen, 7 /2" x 11 /2", and a garage, 6 X 8". A bathroom, 7 /2" X 9 /2, is located in front of the previously-mentioned bedroom, with two wall members 5 forming the walls between these rooms. in front of the bathroom is another bedroom e, 15" x 12", and in front of the kitchen is a living room "I, 16" X 14 /2 The maximum dimensions of the device of FIG. 1 is 39" X 32%".

The spaces between the wall members 1-5 of the various rooms is in simulation of doorways and some of these with their approximate dimensions are of particular interest. For example, with regard to the living room 7, its exterior doorway is 3", its doorway to the rear of the room 7, i.e., adjacent the kitchen, is 6" and its remaining doorway on the left of he room 7 is 2 /2". An exit doorway 8 of 3" opens from the kitchen to the rear of the house.

It has been found preferable to use a thickness of /8" for all wall members 1-5. This thickness is especially effective from the standpoint of eye appeal, permits ready manipulation of wall members 15 and provides adequate stability without adding to the bulk of the structure. Of course, for some applications variations in the thickness may be advisable to meet particular conditions. For simplicity herein, the dimensions of the rooms and doorways have been calculated as though the wall thickness were /2"; consequently, the size of the rooms and doorways are somewhat larger than indicated.

As will be discussed more fully hereinafter, many different types of structures, including houses, may be constructed from the same or approximately the same number of wall members. The structure of HG. l is only one of many possible arrangements. While the wall members 15 are intrinsically suitable for providing great fleximembers 1, 2.

bility, one aspect of the location of members 1-5 is deserving of notice. It will be noted that the forward wall of the front bedroom 6 is formed of three Wall members 5, with each end 9, 10 of. this wall combination abutting the side wall members 4. As an alternative structural arrangement these wall members could be positioned so that their ends 9, were exposed by having wall members 4 abut against their sides. This, in turn would change the dimensions of the bedroom 6 to 14" x 12 /2".

Additional flexibility in the variety of design which may be accomplished is illustratable by considering wall members 4, which have a length of 8" and a height of 3%". By rotating wall member 4 through 90 degrees it may be positioned on its side edge so that a wall section of 3% in length results. It will then be particularly useful in a portion of the structure where a wall height of 8" is desired; its height will correspond with those of Wall members 1, 2.

To support and position the wall members 1-5, anchors or channels 11 are employed, the details of their construction being shown with special clarity in FIG. 2. A horizontal strip 12 has at each of its sides vertical strips 13 arranged at right angles thereto to form a trough for accommodating the lower portion of the wall members 15. Thus, the foundation anchor 11 is generally U- shaped in cross section. Internally-directed projections 14 are arranged at the upper portions of the side strips 13 for cooperating with the grooves 15 of the wall members 1-5, as shown especially in FIG. 3.

A foot 16 extends from the side of the foundation anchor 11, having a cut out or notch 17. A thumb tack 18 may be inserted in the notch 17, if desired, to provide the foot 16 and anchor 11 with additional rigidity, thereby increasing the stability of wall members 15.

The lower surfaces of the horizontal strip 12 and the foot 16 lie in the same plane. The length of the anchor 11 is 4", its height /2" and its internal Width plus a fraction to provide a tolerance. The foot 16 has a Width of l" where it contacts the vertical strip 11 and extends 1 /2" to 2" laterally thereof.

Carpet 19 having a nap of A" to /2" lies at the base of the wall members 15 and covers the floor area between them. With the foot 16 of each anchor 11 extending toward the interior of the structure. the carpet 19 rests on each foot 16, thereby adding weight or mass to the foot 16. This, in turn, lends additional stabilitv to thehwall members 15. Also, the foot 16 is hidden from sig t.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, a support member 2% having an upper portion 21 generally triangular in shape and a lower portion 22 formed as an inverted U-shaped configuration in cross section, which serves to position and sup ort the rafter on top of Wall members 1. 2. Internally-directed projections 23 on the lower portion 22 cooperate with grooves 24 on the upper portion of the wall members 1, 2 to provide a clamp 25.

As will be seen perhaps most clearly in FIG. 3, although the wall members 15 are open at the bottom, their top and side edges are closed. Both the internal and external surfaces of the sides of wall members 1--5 are smooth, with their sides having a thickness of approximately so that each member 1-5 forms an enclosure or container. The thickness of the top and side edges of these members 15 is generally similar to the thickness of their sides.

The wall members 1-5 have a substantially rightang le parallelepiped configuration as will be seen perhaps most clearly by reference to FIGS. 1 and 3.

The rafterzfi has a length of l0", with the clamp 25 projecting down about /2" and recessed from the ends about 1'. The internal dimensions of the clamp 25 are suitable for cooperating with the top portion of the wall Including the clamp. 25, the maximum height of the rafter 20 is 5%" and its minimum height A cover for at least a portion of the structure is provided by cover or roof members 26 formed as a sheet, which rest upon the rafters 20 and which are prevented from sliding to the rear by stops 27. The side edge of the roof members 26 is formed with extensions 28 which have their upper surface in a plane parallel to the lower surface of the roof members 26, to lend support to the adjacent roof members 26. I

A further cover or roof extension members 34 formed as a sheet projects from and are supported by roof memers 26. Joining and supporting members 29, provided by roof members 26, have a forwardly extending arm 36 and a raised portion member 31; the latter cooperates with the joining and supporting member 32 in roof extension member 34 to position and secure the roof extension member 34. Joining and supporting members 32 have depressions 33 to accommodate the raised portion members 31. The roof extension member 34 is positioned at an angle with respect to roof member 26.

The upper surfaces of the roof members 26, 34 are provided with a simulated shingling effect.

The width of the sheets or roof members 26 is 13%", with the extension 28 accounting for the A, and their lengths are 14" exclusive of the projecting portion of the arm 30. The width of the roof members 26, 34 is taken as the dimension extending from left-to-right in the structure of FIG. 1. The stop 27 is positioned 2" from the end of the roof members 26. The roof extension members 34 are formed with an extension similar to extension 28 for guiding, positioning and supporting adjacent roof extension members 34. The roof member 34 has a width similar to the roof members 26 and a length from its uppermost point to its forward end of 3". The thickness of both roof members 26, 34 is &4" and they both have a generally right angle parallelepiped configuration.

The wall members 1--5, the anchors 11, the rafters 20 and the roof members 26, 34 are preferably made of a plastic material which is durable, sturdy and somewhat flexible.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a bracket 35 projects from one of the joining and supporting members 30 to accommodate a double electric light socket 36 and its associated electric cord 38 for energizing the bulbs 37. The bracket 35 may be of plastic, which is formed as an integral part of the arm 30, or of metal.

The building-like structure of FIG. 1 is assembled by following a floor plan or layout diagram which is substantially similar to a plan view with the various sized wall members 1-5 for each section of wall clearly indicated- Any smooth, fiat surface sufiicient to accommodate the overall area of the desired structure may be employed. A bridge table having dimensions of approximately 29): 29" frequently has been found convenient for this purpose.

Simultaneously with the positioning of the individual wall members 1-5, the anchors 11 may be set in place with their internally-directed projections 14 cooperating with the grooves 24 of the wall members 15. The dc sign of the particular structure generally permits the anchor 11 to be located at the approximate center of the wall members 1-5. However, in the event that the design calls for another wall member to abut the first wall memher in the vicinity of its center portion, the anchor 11, if desired, may be located elsewhere along the length of rangement is shown in connection with the right side wall of the forward bedroom 6.,

Relatively larged-sized pieces of carpet. 19 may be.'

cut to fit the various rooms and halls by applying a sharp instrument to the back thereof. Carpeting of the wallto-wall variety has been found especially effective for this purpose. Of course, the floor covering 1 may be of some material other than a fabric type of carpeting. For example, it may be deemed preferable to use linoleum in certain rooms, such as the kitchen and perhaps the bathroom, although fabric carpeting has becon e increasingly popular for this latter room.

The roof assembly may be positioned by placing the support members or rafters 2i) on top of wall members 1, 2 which are located in the rear portion of the structure. The projections 23 on the clamp 25 may be snapped into the grooves 24 on the wall members 1, 2. The roof sections 26 are laid on rafters 29 with the stop 27 preventing the sections 26 from sliding off. The roof extension sections 34 are attached to the roof extension sections 26 by the cooperation of the joining members 29, 32.. The electric socket 36 may be arranged on bracket 35.

It is contemplated that in substantially all instances the equipment of FIG. 1 will be sold in an unassembled form. The wall members 15 and associated parts are all readily adaptable for economy packaging. In addition, the relatively light weight of the wall members 1-5, the roof members 2-5, 34 and other parts simplifies and reduces the cost of handling, storage and shipment of the package or kit.

Another important aspect of the present invention is the innumerable designs or structures which may be made from the same parts. The package or kit, which includes a number of sample floor lans or layout drawings, is constituted of a sutiicient number of the various parts to correspond with the maximum number required. For example, in some designs eight rather than seven of the largest wall members i are specified. if desired, the layout diagrams may be drawn to scale, i.e., with dimensions equal to the dimensions of the wall members i5 permitting them to be positioned directly on the diagram.

By putting together different types of structures or houses, a child gains insight into the arrangement of rooms with respect to each other, discovering that for a particular application one may be more suitable than another. A child, in experimenting to determine the best locations of and the preferred size or" the various rooms, acquires a fundamental understanding of basic problems JhlCl'l will be useful in later life. Accordingly, the present invention may be utilized as a toy having considerable educational value.

While it is contemplated that originally simulated structures, including houses, will be constructed according to the layout drawings, in time even a child Will depart from the limitations implicit in these and evolve different designs.

The relative proportions of t 2: various parts of the device of KG. 1 are efiective for simulating building-like structures. The size of the parts permits their ready manipulation and at the same time provides a suiiiciently large model to make its structural variations easily ascertainable to the user. in addition, the use of wall members 1-5 having a height scaled one inch to the foot permits the utilization with the device of PEG. 1 of currently marketed furniture, which is scaled approximately in the same proportions. Life-like forms, such as currently available dolls ranging in height from live to seven inches, may also be used. As has been indicated, tie wall members 3--5 in the forward portion of the structure have a height of 3%". The height of a great deal of min. re furniture, such as chairs, television sets, sofas and the like, is less. Even when such items are arranged on the carpet 19, they will not jut above the shorter wall members 3-45.

By maintaining the heights of the wall members 55 in the forward portion of the structure at about half the height of the tall wall members 1, 2, all its rooms may be viewed simultaneously without assuming an awkward position. in addition, this permits a more realistic and natural view of the rooms, i.e., from the side rather than from above.

For applications of the present invention intended primarily for the use of children, it has been found advisable to maintain the depth of the structure, i.e., the front to back dimension of the device of FIG. 1, at about 32". This enables the child, especially with the stepped down heights of wall members 3-5, to reach conveniently across the rooms and make adjustments in the rear portions as well as in the forward portions of the structure. in general, the device of PEG. 1 may be said, as far as chil ren are concerned, to have a marked playability.

The device of FIG. 1 may be used by adults in a variety Architects, industrial designers, engililte may readily test out proposed structures For example, industrial engineers havmore concrete conception of how function in practice. Sometimes d out only to find that in opera- 'on exp cred results do not materialize. By employing ention such pitfalls may be minimized or avoided.

ally, ior testing out their conceptions.

Pos ible modifications in the structure of FIGS. 17 will immediately come to mind. By way of illustration a few or these be indicated. The projection 1 on the sides 13 of the anchor H and the projection 23 on the ole of the rafter 2% might be omitted. The rafter 2: 9 could be open at its top where it abuts roof member 7 and, if :'red, closed at its bottom edge.

A fur her support for the roof members 26 could be ned with a rod of A. stock, which could extend from the left to the right side of the structure of PEG. 1

rest in a notch in the slanting edge of the upper portion 21 of the rafters 28. Thus, the rod would act as a cross beam upon which the roof sections 26 would additionally res if desired, the rod could be cut in lengths of say ll), with one end of the rod formed with a reduced diameter portion and the opposite end formed with a cooperating up are. The individual sections could thus be joined to form a rod of appreciable length.

The joining and supporting member 29 could have its arm and its raised portion 31 formed separately and joined to the roof member as by means of a screw pas ing through suitably aligned apertures. If desired, the raised portion member 31 could be countersunk. In a somewhat similar manner the roof member 26 could be secured to the rafter The anchor 13. could be provided with ridges along its bottom strip 12. extending at right angles to the major of the anchor is and spaced lengthwise at about 1 apart. Cooperating notches could then be provided along the bottom edges of wall members 15.

The Well me nbers l.5 could be formed in two parts and joined along ti ir edges, with he width of each edge being 55 instead of /8". The two parts could be jo ed by having projections slightly larger than a semi-circle spaced at intervals of /2 for cooperating with notches in the other part. in the alternative, each part could be formed with such projections spaced 1" apart and with such notches located between the projections. In both of these suggested arrangements, the two parts could be snapped together to form the wall members 1-5. If desired, the two part could be of different colors. To facilitate the joining or snapping together of the two parts, guides integral with the roof members 1-5 might be used.

Referring to FIGS. 8-10, another embodiment of the present invention has a variety of containers or wall members 39-41. In the rear portion of the device of FIG. 8, are positioned wall members 39, having a height of and a length of 8". A part of both the left and the right slde of the front room as well as its forward side are formed by wall members 49, which have a length equal to wall members 39 and a height of 3%. A portion of the right side Wall of the forward room is formed with wall member 41, which has the same height as wall members 49 and has a length of 5". The partition between the two rooms which extend along the left side of the structure is formed of two wall members 41, which have their adjacent edges touching. Wall members 49, 41 are located in the forward portion of the device of FIG. 8. The carpet or floor covering 19 is located between and at the base of Wall members 39-41.

The containers or wall members 39-41 are formed of cardboard boxes which have a thickness of A2" and are formed of sturdy, durable cardboard material having a thickness of .025". Each box or wall member 39-41 is formed on each end with an end flap 44 and two side flaps 45. The end flap 44 is scored 46 for easy bending at a distance relatively equal to the thickness of the containers 3941 and has an end portion 47 projecting beyond the scoring line 46 for a distance of about twice the thickness of the box 36-41. The wall members 39-41 have a generally right angle parallelepiped configuration.

The containers or wall members 3941 are filled with a substance 42, which is preferably dry, for about onequarter to one-third of their heights. A substance 42, such as rice, pebbles, beans, or sand, has been found suitable for this purpose. The flaps 44, 45 provide a material tight seal. Based upon testing it is deemed advisable not to fill the boxes 3941 beyond one-third of their heights; such an arrangement leads to a lower center of gravity and permits the wall members 39-41 to stand upright more readily.

The boxes or wall members 39 are provided with a scoring line 48 on both of their sides at a heightcorresponding to the height of the wall members 40, 41. A.

paper or plastic film covers the lower portion downward from the scoring line 48. This paper or film 43 may be pasted on with glue or come prepared with an adhesive backing. The paper 43 also covers wall members 46, 41. In addition to covering the sides of the wall members 3941, it extends along the bottom edges and the side edges. The paper or film 43 adds rigidity by reenforcing Wall members 3941 and afiords sealing action for the substance 42.

Con-Tact, a registered trademark of Monsanto Chemical Company, has been found effective for this purpose. Con-Tact is a flexible vinyl film printed with a design on one side. On the other side there is a pressure sensitive adhesive to which adheres a strippable paper backing.

The device of FIG. 8 may be assembled by filling the wall members 39-41 with a substance 42 to the indicated height, by preparing and applying the paper or plastic film 43 and by arranging wall members 39-41 according to a layout drawing into the device of FIG. 8. The floor covering or carpet 19 may be prepared and arranged at the base of wall members 3941.

Even though only three sizes of wall members lid-41 are used, innumerable structures may be made from the sarne or approximately the same number of parts. Accordingly, this embodiment of the invention manifests the same flexibility vin potential designs which is inherent in the device of FIG. 1. All the considerations, including the advantages andpossible uses, which were discussed herein-- before in connection with the device of FIGS. 1-7, are applicable with regard to the structure of FIGS. 8-10.

The wall members 3941 may have their external sides or exterior portion colored rose, white or yellow. In addition, the use of paper 43 having a printed, colored design, such as Con-Tact, permits the addition of dilferent colors, as well as interesting designs, to the structure of FIG. 8.

Both children and adults will have an opportunity to explore color relationships and associate them with different structural arrangements, including rooms of various sizes. Psychologists have determined that color has important effects upon the behavoir and performance of individuals. Also, the combining of colors in pleasing, constrasting and clashing hues may be investigated with the device of FIG. 8. These factors greatly enhance its serviceability and especially provide children with equipment to stimulate their interest in and to expand their knowledge of applications of different colors. This aspect of the present invention adds to its educational value.

Of course, the Wall members 15 of FIGS. 1-8 may similarly be of colored plastic and, if desired, paper or film 43, such as Con-Tact, may be employed. It will alsobe appreciated that the floor plan used for FIG. 8 could be made with three of the wall members 1-5 of the device of FIG. 1.

T o obtain the appearance of windows, it is possible to use with the devices of FIGS. 1 and 8 adhesive backed paper or plastic of suitable size and with an appropriate design.

For economy the wall members 39-41 may be shipped and stored in a flat condition. The user may supply the substance 42 which increases the stability of the wall members 3941. Thus, a small package or kit may be utilized to merchandise the component parts.

Possible modifications in the structure of FIGS. 8-10 will immediately be apparent. By way of illustration,

clamps, such as the anchors 11, may be used with or without the substance 42. If anchors, such as anchors 11, are used with the substance 42, the anchors, either with or without their internally directed projections, will more securely clamp the wall members 39-41. A roof structure generally similar to the roof members 26, 34 with the rafters 29 could be incorporated into the device. Some of the wall members 319-41 could be made smaller so that they could slip inside one another. For example,

'wall member 40 could be fabricated with a reduced width and thickness enabling it to be introduced into the side of wall member 39, thereby providing a variable length wall member. The thickness of wall members 3941 could be modified. For example, containers or boxes Although there has been disclosed several desirable embodiments of the invention by way of example, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limitedto the precise arrangements disclosed, but that any equivalent arrangement falling within the scope of the appended claims is to be considered as a part of this invention.

Having thus described my invention, I claim 1. An article of manufacture comprising a plurality of first wall members of substantially uniform height, a plurality of second wall members of substantially uniform height less than the heights of said first wall members, said wall members being arrangeable to form the walls of a model structure, said first wall members being positionable in the rear portion of said structure said second wall members being positionable in the forward portion of said structure, each of said first and second wall members having a substantially right angle parallelepiped configuration and having two large integrally formed external surfaces with said surfaces extending to the edges of each of said first and second wall members and meeting said edges substantially at right angles in cross section, and a covering with a pressure sensitive adhesive backing, said backing of said covering being adhesively attachable to a part of said external surfaces, each of said first and second wall members being formed of a cardboard box having an end flap scored at a distance approximately equal to the thickness of said box and extending therefrom a distance greater than one and one-half times said thickness, said first wall member having a thickness less than one-tenth of said first wall member.

2. An article of manufacture comprising a plurality of cardboard wall members having a substantially right angle parallelepiped shaped and arrangeable to form a model structure, a plurality of anchors positionable at the lower edges of said members, said anchors having a bottom strip and two side strips, the internal surfaces of said side strips meeting the internal surface of said bottom strip substantially at right angles, the internal distance between said side strips being approximately the thickness of said members, said anchors being capable of supporting said members in upright positions, and a covering with a pressure sensitive adhesive backing, said backing of said covering being adhesivcly attachable to a part of the external surfaces of said wall members, said wall members having a substantially uniform height and having a thickness less than one-tenth of said height, said members having an end flap scored at a distance approximately equal to said thickness of said members and extending therefrom a distance greater than one and onehalf times said thickness.

3. An article of manufacture comprising a plurality of first cardboard containers havin substantially similar heights, a plurality of second cardboard containers having substantially similar heights and less than the heights of said first containers, said first and second cardboard containers having a generally right angle parallelepiped form and being positionable to form successively the walls of a plurality of structures, the heights of said first containers being scaled substantially one inch to the foot of said structures, said first containers being positionable to form the rear portion of said structures, said second containers being positionable to form the forward portion of said structures, each of said first and second containers being provided on each end with an end flap and two side fiaps, and a flexible vinyl film having pressure sensitive adhesive on one side, said first containers being scored lengthwise on each side at a height substantially equal to the height of said second containers to facilitate the application of said film around their lower portions.

4. An article as defined in claim 3, in which there is additionally provided carpet, said carpet being capable of being cut to fit between the various cardboard containers at their base.

5. An article of manufacture comprising a plurality of first wall members having a uniform height, some of said first Wall members having lengths substantially equal to said height, others of said first wall members having lengths approximately fifty percent greater than said height, others of said first wall members having lengths approximately sixty percent of said height, second wall members having lengths in excess of their heights, some of said second Wall members having lengths approximately twice their height, others of said second wall members having lengths slightly greater than their heights, both said first and second Wall members having a thickness less than a tenth of said uniform height of said first wall members, and a plurality of anchors positionable at the lower edge of said wall members and having a bottom strip and two side strips formed substantially in a U-shaped configuration, and a foot substantially in the same plane as said bottom strip extending beyond and approximately at right angles to one of said strips, the distance between said side strips being at least as great as said thickness of said first and second Wall members, the length of said anchors being less than the length of said wall members.

6. An article of manufacture comprising a plurality of first wall members, a plurality of second wall members, said first and second wall members being made of plastic and being positionable to form successively the walls of a plurality of structures, the heights of said first wall members being scaled approximately one inch to the foot of said structures, the heights of said second wall members being less than the heights of said first Wall members, said first wall members being positionable to form the rear portion of said structures, said second wall members being positionable to form the forward portion of said structures, a plurality of plastic anchors being generally U-shaped in cross section and having a. foot projecting from one side thereof, a plastic support member having its upper portion formed in a generally triangular shape and having its lower portion formed in cross section in a generally inverted U-snaped clamp, said support member being positionable to rest on the upper edge of one of said first Wall members, and a plastic sheet positionable on said support member to form a cover over at least one of said wall members.

7. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 6, wherein there is additionally provided a first joining member on said plastic sheet, a further plastic sheet having a second joining member for cooperating with said first joining member to position said further plastic sheet at an angle with respect to said plastic sheet, carpet capable of being cut to fit between at least some of said wall members, an electric socket, and a bracket extending from said plastic sheet to support said electric socket.

References tilted in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 312,851 Heron Feb. 24, 1885 739,669 Grimm Sept. 22, 1903 1,241,594 Williams Oct. 2, 1917 1,714,256 Bailey May 21, 1929 1,902,136 Mills Mar. 21, 1933 2,019,425 Luce Oct. 29, 1935 2,089,028 Jauch Aug. 3, 1937 2,559,261 Schwartz July 3, 1951 2,751,705 Joseph June 26, 1956 FOREIGN PATENTS 569,954 Great Britain June 15, 1945

Claims (1)

1. 5. AN ARTICLE OF MANUFACTURE COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF FIRST WALL MEMBERS HAVING A UNIFORM HEIGHT, SOME OF SAID FIRST WALL MEMBERS HAVING LENGTHS SUBSTANTIALLY EQUAL TO SAID HEIGHT, OTHERS OF SAID FIRST WALL MEMBERS HAVING LENGTHS APPROXIMATELY FIFTY PERCENT GREATER THAN SAID HEIGHT, OTHERS OF SAID FIRST WALL MEMBERS HAVING LENGTHS APPROXIMATELY SIXTY PERCENT OF SAID HEIGHT, SECOND WALL MEMBERS HAVING LENGTHS IN EXCESS OF THEIR HEIGHTS, SOME OF SAID SECOND WALL MEMBERS HAVING LENGTHS APPROXIMATELY TWICE THEIR HEIGHT, OTHERS OF SAID SECOND WALL MEMBERS HAVING LENGTHS SLIGHTLY GREATER THAN THEIR HEIGHTS, BOTH SAID FIRST AND SECOND WALL MEMBERS HAVING A THICKNESS LESS THAN A TENTH OF SAID UNIFORM HEIGHT OF SAID FIRST WALL MEMBERS, AND A PLURALITY OF ANCHORS POSITIONABLE AT THE LOWER EDGE OF SAID WALL MEMBERS AND HAVING A BOTTOM STRIP AND TWO SIDE STRIPS FORMED SUBSTANTIALLY IN A U-SHAPED CONFIGURATION, AND A FOOT SUBSTANTIALLY IN THE SAME PLANE AS SAID BOTTOM STRIP EXTENDING BEYOND AND APPROXIMATELY AT RIGHT ANGLES TO ONE OF SAID STRIPS, THE DISTANCE BETWEEN SAID SIDE STRIPS BEING AT LEAST AS GREAT AS SAID THICKNESS OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND WALL MEMBERS, THE LENGTH OF SAID ANCHORS BEING LESS THAN THE LENGTH OF SAID WALL MEMBERS.

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