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Description  |
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TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention is related generally to the field of display backing
wall construction. More narrowly, the invention is related to temporarily
erected wall construction of this type. Specifically, the invention deals
with a kit for erecting a temporary display backing wall system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various types of temporary interior wall construction systems are known in
the prior art. They can be used, among other purposes, for dividing up
office space.
The specific type of interior wall construction of this invention, however,
relates to a system for display purposes at, for example, a trade show.
There are a number of prior art structures for use specifically as display
systems for trade shows. These systems, however, are bulky and are
difficult to transport from site to site.
Additionally, &he weight, in addition to the size, of display systems has
been troublesome. Because they tend to be so cumbersome, portability can
be virtually negated.
Also, many of these systems utilize a number of small parts to effect
fastening of the components together to form the assembled system. Loss of
one or more of these parts can render the display system unassemblable.
This might be true even after a cumbersome display had been transported to
the trade show site and the inconveniences associated with transportation
had been endured.
When employing display systems such as ones to be used at, for example,
trade shows, the time involved in erecting and disassemblying the system
is an important consideration. It is desirable, therefore, that any system
to be employed for display purposes take only a minimal time to be set up.
Another problem existent with many systems currently in use is one of
providing a backdrop which is aesthetically pleasing, taut, and of a
material which lends itself to having displays applied thereto. Of
particular importance is the feature whereby the backdrop is maintained
taut so that items to be affixed thereto can be applied easily and with
assurance that they will remain affixed.
Prior art solutions to this problem have, typically, employed a rigid or
semi-rigid backing to which the material is applied. These panels then
are, in turn, mounted to a framework and function as the backdrop.
Such a solution has, however, fairly significant drawbacks. As previously
indicated, many systems known in the art, while being held out as being
"portable", are not truly so because of their excessive sizes and weights.
When the solution typically employed to assure rigidity, as discussed
above, is employed, the already existent excessive bulk drawback is
aggravated.
It is to these problems of the prior art that the invention of the present
application is directed. It is a simple to construct, compact,
light-weight and versatile kit for forming a display system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a kit for constructing a portable display backing
system. The kit includes a base for supporting a support frame structure.
Further, the kit includes a plurality of generally H-shaped members. The
members are matable one to another in order to create a framework for the
display system. In turn, the matable generally H-shaped members are
mountable to the base so that they can be maintained, in an assembly, at a
desired angle relative to a support surface on which the assembly is to be
posited.
Each generally H-shaped member can include a pair of generally parallel
legs and a cross-bar interconnecting the legs. In a preferred embodiment,
legs of one member are substantially coextensive. That is, neither end of
either leg extends beyond a corresponding end of a related leg in the same
member. Parallel legs of one member are, in that preferred embodiment,
interconnected by a cross-bar which extends substantially transversely to
the legs.
If desired, the legs and cross-bars of the various of the plurality of
generally H-shaped members can be formed of tubular stock. The stock can
be similarly dimensioned from member to member to facilitate mating, and
it is envisioned that the stock would be square in cross-section. It will
be understood, however, that stock thusly configured is not exclusive and
that, for example, circular stock could be employed.
In order to facilitate mating, means are provided to render one generally
H-shaped member connectable to another. In the preferred embodiment, such
means takes the form of a joint key extending from one end of each of the
substantially parallel legs of each of the H-shaped members. The joint key
is, in turn, receivable into a leg of another generally H-shaped member to
which a particular leg is to be mated.
At least one segment of flexible back-drop material can be provided to
serve as a surface to which displays can be affixed. The segment or
segments can be attached to an assembly of the generally H-shaped members
to drape downwardly over at least a portion of that assembly.
Typically, an assembly of the H-shaped members would be constructed as a
generally planar skeleton or as a tower that would be square in cross
section. It will be understood, however, that zig-zag patterns could be
employed.
In any case, however, each segment of back-drop material would, it is
envisioned, be provided with a width substantially the same as the
distance between parallel legs of one member, on center. The length of a
segment of material could vary depending upon the intended height of the
framework to be constructed. That height is, of course, a function of the
number of generally H-shaped members which are mated together.
A segment of backdrop material can carry, at its upper end, means for
connecting the segment to the assembly of H-shaped members and, typically,
at the upper end of the uppermost member. The segment, thereafter, drapes
downwardly to cover a portion of the framework assembly. In the preferred
embodiment, the lower end is provided with a lip along its length.
In order to render the assembly of generally H-shaped members mounted to a
base and overlying segments of backdrop material able to viably function
as a display system, means can be provided for tensioning the display
backdrop material so that mounting of display items can be effected easily
and effectively. The tensioning means can include at least one finger
mounted to a leg of an H-shaped member adjacent one end of the lip at the
bottom of a backdrop material segment. Typically, two fingers would be
provided, one at either end of the lip.
The fingers provided, it is intended, would be flexible and would be
provided, at their lower ends, with catch means configured to receive and
capture therein the lip of the segment. Lower ends of the fingers,
therefore, extend, when the fingers are unflexed, downardly beyond the lip
of the segment of backdrop material.
The fingers are mounted to their respective H-shaped member legs for
pivoting about respective axes which are generally parallel to a plane
defined by the segment of the material. The fingers can, thereby, be
pivoted toward the material to capture the lip within the catch means.
Once the lip is so captured, the fingers can be pivoted back to
orientations wherein longitudinal axes thereof are aligned parallel to
axes of the legs to which the fingers are mounted. Means can be provided
for locking the fingers in such orientations to hold the segment with
which they cooperate taut against the legs to which the fingers are
pivotally mounted.
Another feature of the invention is one wherein the generally H-shaped
members can be nested together for compactness during storage and
transportation. Such a feature is achieved by configuring the members with
their cross-bars offset from a plane defined by respective legs of the
members.
The present invention is, therefore, improved apparatus comprising a kit
for erecting a portable display system. More specific features and
advantages obtained in view of those features will become apparent with
reference to the DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION, appended claims,
and accompanying drawing figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled framework comprising a
plurality of mated generally H-shaped members extending upwardly from base
mounting feet, the framework having a tensioned segment of back-drop
material overlying a portion of the framework thereby constructed;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an H-shaped member which would, typically,
be at the top of the framework;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of such an element that would, typically, be
immediately mated to the base feet;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of such an element that would, typically, be
interposed between the elements of FIGS. 2 and 3;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a base foot;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an upper end of an H-shaped member with a
joint key extending therefrom;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a backdrop material segment
illustrating means for connecting the segment to an uppermost H-shaped
member;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view, similar to that of FIG. 7, showing the
connecting means cooperating with a leg of an H-shaped member;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating one end of the lip carried by the
bottom of the back-drop material segment;
FIG. 10 is a side elevational view illustrating a flexible finger pivotally
mounted to one end of an H-shaped member with a lower end thereof having
catch means capturing the lip of the backdrop material segment;
FIG. 11 is a view, similar to that of FIG. 10, but with the finger locked
into position aligned with the H-shaped element leg to which it is
pivotally mounted so that the segment of backdrop material is taut against
the framework;
FIGS. 12-14 are schematic illustrates of different configurations of
display systems; and
FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating the manner in which H-shaped
elements can be nested.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals denote like
elements throughout the several views, FIG. 1 illustrates an assembled
display system 20 utilizing a kit in accordance with the present
invention. The display system 20 illustrated utilizes a plurality of
generally H-shaped members 22 which are mated together with related,
generally parallel legs 24 aligned along common axes. The system
illustrated in FIG. 1 is shown as employing three of those members 22,
although more or less would be appropriate, depending upon the desired
configuration of the system.
The lowermost of the three members 22 is, in turn, mated to a pair of feet
26 which comprise a base for affording stability to the overall system 20.
The feet 26 extend sufficiently far on either side of a plane defined by
the framework assembly so that, regardless of the height to which H-shaped
members 22 are stacked, stability will be maintained.
A backdrop material segment 28 is shown as overlying a portion of the
framework assembly. The fabric segment's width is substantially the same
as the distance between the legs 24 of the H-shaped member 22, on center.
The length of the material segment 28 is substantially the same as the
distance from the top 30 of the uppermost of the elements 22 to the bottom
32 of the center of the elements 22.
A plurality of resilient fingers 34 are pivotally mounted to the center of
the elements 22 adjacent the bottom edge 32 of the backdrop material
segment 28. These fingers 34 can, when square tubing stock is employed as
is envisioned, be pivotally mounted to three of four outwardly facing
surfaces of the tubing. The only surface to which a finger 34 would not be
mounted would be the one facing in the same direction as does the backdrop
material segment 28. The purpose of these fingers 34 will be discussed
hereinafter.
Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, uppermost, lowermost, and center
H-shaped of the members 22, respectively, are illustrated. The
construction of the various members 22 is basically the same. Each member
22 comprises a pair of generally parallel legs 24. In order to facilitate
mating with other members 22, these legs 24 would be coextensive. That is,
corresponding ends of the legs 24 comprising a single H-shaped member 22
would not extend beyond one another.
The members 22 are spaced from one another and are maintained in parallel
orientations by an interconnecting cross-bar 36. Typically, the cross-bar
36 would be substantially transverse to the legs 24 it interconnects.
Additionally, it is disposed generally midway between the ends of those
legs 24.
As previously indicated, FIG. 2 illustrates a member 22 which is intended
to be an uppermost of the members 22 in an assembled framework. While the
members 22 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 have joint keys 38 for mating
members 22 together received, and securely held, in upper ends of their
legs 24, the member 22 of FIG. 2 does not. As will be apparent in view of
this disclosure, since an additional member is not to be extended above
the member 22 of FIG. 2, such joint keys 38 would not be needed.
The members 22 of FIGS. 3 and 4, however, are provided with such keys 38.
FIG. 6 illustrates the end of a leg 24 carrying such a key 38. As seen in
that figure, the key 38 can comprise a generally U-shaped channel, the
ends of the arms 40 of the channel being made arcuate as at 42 in order to
facilitate entry into a leg 24.
One end of the key 38 is, at some time prior to assembling a display system
as illustrated in FIG. 1, inserted into one end of a leg 24 and maintained
either permanently or semi-permanently therein. This can be accomplished
by providing registrable dimples 44 which, when registered, preclude
relative movement.
An additional difference between the member 22 illustrated in FIG. 4 and
those illustrated in both FIGS. 2 and 3 is the presence of the flexible
fingers 34. As previously indicated, the purpose and function of those
fingers 34 will be discussed hereinafter and, specifically, with reference
to FIGS. 10 and 11.
FIG. 5 illustrates a foot element 26 for supporting the mated H-shaped
members 22. As previously discussed, a transverse bar 46 is employed to
provide stability for the display system.
At a point along the transverse bar 46 an upwardly extending joint key 48
is affixed. It is envisioned that this key 48 would be perpendicular to
the foot bar 46 so that the assembled H-shaped member 22 framework would
be generally vertically oriented. It will be understood, however, that
such a configuration is not exclusive.
FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an upper metal member 50 which borders the
backdrop material segment 28 on its upper end 52. The member 50 includes a
planar portion 54 which defines a plane generally transverse to a plane
defined by the segment proper 28. A portion 56 of the member 50 generally
transverse to the planar segment is crimped around the upper edge 52 of
the material segment 28 to secure the member 50 to the segment 28 of
material.
An end of the upper metal member 50 on the side of the material segment 28
opposite that of the crimping 56 is bent downwardly to form a tongue 58.
The tongue 58, as seen in FIG. 8, can be received in a channel 60 of the
upper end of one of the legs 24 of the uppermost H-shaped member 22. A
tongue 58 at the opposite end of the metal member 50 can be received in
the corresponding leg 24 of the H-shaped member 22. The segment 28 can,
thereby, be connected to the assembly of mated H-shaped members 22 at the
upper end thereof and allowed to drape downwardly.
FIG. 9 illustrates a lower metal member 62 which defines the lower edge of
the backdrop material segment 28. The lower member 62 is similar in
construction to the upper member 50. A transverse planar portion is not,
however, provided.
While the member 62 is crimped to the edge 64 of the segment 28 as at 66, a
back portion 68 of the member 62 is, at a short distance from the end
thereof, flared away from the segment 28. A lip 70 which can be captured
in catch means at the lowermost end of the flexible fingers 34 is,
thereby, defined.
Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, operation of the mechanism for tensioning
the backdrop material segment 28 and locking of the tensioned segment 28
in a taut configuration is illustrated. Discussion of the operation of the
tensioning mechanism will be made with reference to one of the fingers 34.
It will be understood though that all of the fingers 34 operate in
substantially the same fashion.
The finger 34 is configured for pivoting about a pin 72 mounted to a leg
24, the pin 72 being received in a slotted hole 74 in finger 34. The axis
of pivoting of the finger 34 is oriented substantially parallel to a plane
defined by the backdrop material segment 28.
The slotted hole 74 is extended along an axis which is generally aligned
with a longitudinal axis of the finger 34. An upper end 76 of the finger
34 can, thereby, be moveable toward and away from a locking pin 78 which
is also mounted to the leg 24.
When the pivot pin 72 is at the upper end 82 of the slotted hole 74, the
upper end 76 of the finger 34 will be free to pass the locking pin 78
without obstructive engagement occurring. On the other hand, however, when
the pivot pin 72 is at the lower end 80 of the slotted hole 74, the
locking pin 78 will preclude the upper end 76 of the finger 34 from
passing thereby.
The lower end 84 of the finger 34 is provided with a pair of tines 86, the
tines 86 defining a V-shaped channel 88 therebetween. It is this channel
88 which receives and captures therein the lip 70 which forms a portion of
the lower metal member 62 of the backdrop material segment 28.
After a framework of the base feet 26 and the various H-shaped members 22
is assembled, the upper edge 52 of the material segment 28 would be
connected to the upper end of the assembled framework by hooking the
tongues 58 into the upper ends of the uppermost H-shaped member legs 24.
The applicable fingers 34 would, thereafter, be pivoted so that lower ends
84 thereof would swing outwardly. Outward movement of the lower ends 84 of
the fingers 34 would be permitted until the lip 70 could be inserted into
the V-shaped channel 88.
With the lip 70 thereby captured, the fingers 34 would be pivoted in a
direction counter-clockwise, as viewed in FIGS. 10 and 11, and toward a
position wherein an axis of elongation of the finger 34 is generally
parallel to an axis of elongation of the leg 24 to which the finger 34 is
pivotally mounted.
The length of the backdrop material segment 28 is, however, made such that
the segment 28 resists and impedes this counter-clockwise pivoting of the
finger 34. Simultaneously, it urges the finger 34 upwardly so that pivot
pin 72 moves relatively downwardly within slotted hole 74 to engage the
lower extremity 80 thereof. Consequently, the locking pin 78 will tend to
preclude such counter-clockwise rotation also.
A person setting up the assembly will be able, however, to push the lower
metal member 62 inwardly toward the legs 24 of the adjacent H-shaped
member 22 until the member 62 engages those legs 24. The resiliency of
fingers 34 will allow their flexure so that pivot pin 72 will be drawn,
relatively, to the upper extremity 82 of the slotted hole 74. As this
occurs, the finger 34 can pass the locking pin 78. The upper end 76 of the
finger 34 will, thereafter, be precluded from passing locking pin 78 in a
clockwise direction, and the finger 34 will generally be aligned parallel
to the leg 24 of H-shaped member 22.
After upper end 76 of the finger 34 passes the locking pin 78, the pivot
pin 72 will, again, ride down, relatively, in the slotted hole 74 and
engage the upper extremity 82 thereof. Because of the lower metal member
62 engaging the legs 24, the finger 34 will be maintained intermediate the
back side of the material segment 28 and the locking pin 78. The backdrop
material segment 28 will be maintained, therefore, in a tensioned
configuration.
FIG. 15 illustrates a feature whereby the various H-shaped members 22 can
be nested together to provide a compact package during transportation. As
seen in that figure, the cross-bar 36 of each member 22 can be offset from
a plane defined by its corresponding parallel legs 24. As a result, the
legs 24 of nested members can be allowed to lie along side and immediately
adjacent one another. Similarly, the members 22 can be positioned so that
the various cross-bars 36 are also along side and adjacent one another.
The space taken up by the nested members 22 will not, therefore,
significantly exceed that which would be occupied a single member 22 by
itself.
Various materials can be employed for the framework members 22. It is
envisioned, however, that, in order to make the package as light as
possible yet durable, aluminum would be employed. The backdrop material
segment or segments 28 would, it is envisioned, be made from a hook or
pile material. Opposite and corresponding material could be used for
mounting displays (not shown) to the segment 28, therefore.
One can envision other adaptions that could be employed with a kit such as
the one encompassed by the present invention. For example, shelf side
brackets (not shown), having portions for clamping the brackets to legs 24
of the H-shaped members 22, could be employed. Shelving could be extended
across such brackets mounted to the assembly at equal heights.
FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 are intended to illustrate various types of display
systems that could be created utilizing the members 22 illustrated in
FIGS. 2 through 4 and a backdrop material segment or segments 28 as
previously described. The configuration of FIG. 13 can be erected by
utilizing two of the assemblies as illustrated in FIG. 1. A plurality of
vertically spaced cross-pieces 93 can be interposed between the two
assemblies and mated to corresponding cross-bars 36 of the assemblies to
define a third, intermediate portion of the framework. Each of the three
portions of the framework can accommodate a separate backdrop material
segment 28. It will be understood, however, that, while a square tower 90,
linearly extended system 92, and a zig-zag system 94 are illustrated, the
number and form of configurations are limited only by the imagination. The
multiplicity of configurations available is illustrative of the
flexibility of the present kit invention.
Numerous characteristics and advantages of the invention covered by this
document have been set forth in the foregoing description. It will be
understood, however, that this disclosure is, in many respects, only
illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of
shape, size, and arrangement of parts without exceeding the scope of the
invention. The invention's scope is, of course, defined in the language in
which the appended claims are expressed.
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