Modular display construction system - Patent Review 5111631

Claims

We claim:

1. A component adapted to be joined with substantially identical components to form a knock-down cellular structure, comprising:

an elongate base portion having an axis and a pair of opposing base vertices spaced-apart along the axis;

first and second side portions rigidly fixed to and extending away from the portion, the first side portion defining a first pair of opposing spaced-apart edge vertices and the second side portion defining a second pair of opposing spaced-apart edge vertices, the first pair of edge vertices defining with the base vertices a first set of vertices in a trapezoidal vertex relationship, the second pair of edge vertices defining with the base vertices a second set of vertices in a trapezoidal vertex relationship substantially identical to the trapezoidal vertex relationship of the first set of vertices, the first and second side portions together having a generally V-shaped cross-section with a fixed predetermined angle between general planes of the first and second side portions when viewed along the axis of the base portion;

each vertex of the component comprising a connector portion for use in releasably securing the vertex of the component to a proximate vertex of a substantially identical component;

the vertices of each set being so spaced relative to one another and the fixed angle being so selected that one of the pair of base vertices and an adjacent edge vertex of the component are substantially parallel to one of the pair of base vertices and an adjacent edge vertex of a substantially identical component when respective general planes of the component and the substantially identical component are substantially perpendicular.

2. A component as claimed in claim 1 in which the connector portion of each vertex comprises a T-shaped portion oriented at a predetermined angle relative to a general plane of the component containing the axis of the base portion.

3. A component as claimed in claim 2 in which each T-shaped portion has its general plane oriented substantially perpendicular to the general plane of the component.

4. A component as claimed in claim 1 comprising:

a base rod defining the base portion and having opposing end portions which define the base vertices;

first and second edge rods substantially parallel to the base rod, the first edge rod defining the first pair of edge vertices, the second edge rod defining the second pair of edge vertices;

a first panel of generally trapezoidal shape extending between the first edge rod and the base rod; and,

a second panel of generally trapezoidal shape extending between the second edge rod and the base rod.

5. A component as claimed in claim 4 in which the length of each edge rod is substantially one-half the length of the base rod and in which the perpendicular distance between the first and second edge rods is equal to about one-half the length of the base rod.

6. A component as claimed in claim 4 in which the base rod and each of the edge rods is tubular with a hollow interior and in which the connector portion of each vertex comprises a socket portion to which the T-shaped portion is connected and a connecting rod which has one rod end portion retained in the socket portion and another rod end portion retained in the interior of the one of the base and edge rods defining the vertex comprising the connector portion.

7. A component as claimed in claim 1 in which each of the first and second side portions comprises a multiplicity of regularly-spaced apertures of a uniform size, the componet having means for displaying indicia which comprise:

a support member having a forward surface bearing the indicia and a rear surface;

a plurality of fasteners attached to the support member and extending rearwardly of the rear surface, each of the fasteners being dimensioned to fit into any of the apertures associated with the components, the fasteners being spaced apart relative to one another such that the fasteners can be simultaneously located in the apertures associated with either of the first and second side portions.

8. A component as claimed in claim 7 in which each of the fasteners comprises an abutment portion adapted to contract during insertion through any one of the apertures and thereafter to expand to obstruct withdrawal through the aperature.

9. A kit for constructing a knock-down cellular structure comprising:

a multiplicity of substantially identical components, each component comprising

a. an elongate base portion having an axis and a pair of opposing base vertices spaced-apart along the axis, and

b. first and second side portions rigidly fixed to and extending away from the base portion, the first side portion defining a first pair of opposing spaced-apart edge vertices and the second side portion defining a second pair of opposing spaced-apart edge vertices, the first pair of edge vertices defining with the base vertices a first set of vertices in a trapezoidal vertex relationship, the second pair of edge vertics defining with the base vertices a second set of vertices in a trapezoidal vertex relationship substantially identical to the trapezoidal vertex relationship of the first set of vertices, the first and second side portions together having a generally V-shaped cross-section with a fixed predetermined angle between general planes of the first and second side portions when viewed along the axis of the base portion, the vertices of each set being so spaced relative to one another and the fixed angle being so selected that one of the pair of base vertices and an adjacent edge vertex of the component are substantially parallel to one of the pair of base vertices and an adjacent edge vertex of a substantially identical component when respective general planes of the component and the substantially identical component are substantially perpendicular,

c. each vertex of the component comprising a connector portion for usr ini releasably securing the vertex of the component to a proximate vertex of a substantially identical component;

a multiplicity of connection means cooperating with the connector portions of the components to releasably join proximate vertices of the components at least when each one of the components is oriented with the axis of its base portion substantially perpendicular to the axis of the base portion of any other of the components that is located proximate to either of the base vertices of the one component.

10. A kit as claimed in claim 9 including a multiplicity of substantially identical generally planar components, each of the planar components having a set of four vertices in a trapezoidal vertex relationship substantially identical to the trapezoidal vertex relationship of the first set of vertices of each V-shaped components, each vertex of each planar component comprising a connector portion cooperating with any one of the multiplicity of connection means to releasably secure the vertex to the proximate vertex of an adjacent component.

11. A kit as claimed in claim 10 in which each vertex of each of the V-shaped and planar components comprises a T-shaped portion co-operating with any one of the multiplicity of connection means to releasably secure the vertex at which the T-shaped portion is located to a proximate vertex of another of the components.

12. A kit as claimed in claim 11 in which:

the T-shaped portion associated with each vertex of each V-shaped component has a general plane oriented substantially perpendicular to a general plane of the associated V-shaped component containing the axis of the base portion of the associated V-shape component;

the T-shaped portion associated with each vertex of each planar component has a general plane oriented at an acute angle relative to the general plane of the associated planar component, the acute angle being about 90 degress less one-half the angle between the first and second side portions of each of the V-shaped components; and,

each of the connection means has a body portion formed with a multiplicity of radially-directed slots shaped to receive any one of the T-shaped portions.

13. A kit as claimed in claim 10 in which each of the V-shaped components comprises:

a base rod defining the base portion and having opposing end portions which define the base vertices;

first and second edge rods substantially parallel to the base rod, the first edge rod defining the first pair of edge vertices, the second edge rod defining the second pair of edge vertices;

a first panel of generally trapezoidal shape extending between the first edge rod and the base rod; and,

a second panel of generally trapezoidal shape extending between the second edge rod and the base rod.

14. A kit as claimed in claim 13 in which each of the planar components comprises:

a first rod having end portions defining a first pair of the four vertices of the planar component;

a second rod substantially parallel to the first rod and having end portions defining a second pair of the four vertices of the planar component; and,

a panel of generally trapezoidal shape extending between the first and second rods.

15. A knock-down cellular structure comprising:

a multiplicity of substantially identical components, each component comprising

a. an elongate base portion having an axis and a pair of opposing base vertices spaced-apart along the axis, and

b. first and second side portions rigidly fixed to and extending away form the base portion, the first sife portion defining a first pair of opposing spaced-apart edge vertices and the second side portion defining a seond paijr of opposing spaced-apart edge vertices, the first pair of edge vertices defining with the base vertices a first set of vertices in a trapezoidal vertex relationship, the seconde pair of edge vertices defining with the base vertices a second set of vertices in a trapezoidal vertex relationship substantially identical to the trapezoidal vertex relationship of the first set of vertices, the first and second side portioins together having a generally V-shaped cross-section with fixed predetermined angle between general planes of the first and second sife portions when viewed along the axis of the base portion, the vertices of each set being so spaced relative to one another and the fixed angle being so selected that one of the pair of base vertices and an adjacent edge vertex of the component are substantially parallel to one to the pair of base vertices and an adjacent edge verted of a substantially identical component when respective general planes of the component and the substantially identical component are substantially perpendicular;

a multiplicity of coninection means releasably joining adjacent vertices of the components to define a multiplicity of cells, the components being oriented relativce to one another such that each of the multiplicity of cell has a first inclined wall defined by one of the side portions of a first of the components and a second inclined wall defined by one of the side portions of a second of the components, the other of the side portions of the first component defining an inclined wall associated with a first adjoining cell, the other of the side portions of the second component defining an inclined wall associated with a second adjoining cell.

16. A cellular structure as claimed in claim 15 in which the connection means comprise:

a T-shaped connector portion at each vertex of each of the multiplicity of components;

a multiplicity of complementary connectors, each of the complementary connectors having a body portion formed with a multiplicity of radiallly-directed slots wshaped to receie any one of the T-shaped connector portions.

17. A cellular structure as claimed in claim 15 comprising a multiplicity of substantially identical, generally planar components releasably connected by the multiplicity of connectin means to the V-shaped components and definiing inclined outer peripheral surfaces of the structure, each of the planar components having four vertices in a trapezoidal vertex relationship substantially identical to the trapezoidal vertexd relationship of each of the sets of vertices of the V-shaped components, the multiplicity of connection means releasably joining vertices of each planar component to proximate vertices of others of the V-shaoped and planar components.

18. A cellular structure as claimed in claim 17 in which the multiplicity of connection means comprise:

a T-shaped portion at each vertex of each V-shaped component aknd having a general plane oriented substantially perpendicular to a general plane of the associated V-shaped component containing the axis of the base portion of the associated V-shape component;

a T-shaped portion at each vertex of each planar component and having a general plane oriented at an acute angle relative to the general plane of the associated planaor component, the acute angel being about 90 degrees less one-half of the angle between the first and second side portions of each of the V-shaped components; and,

a multiplicity of connectors each having a body portion formed with a multiplicity of radially-directed slots shaped to receive any one of the T-shaped portions.

19. A cellular structure as claimed in claim 17 in which at least one of the V-shaped and planar components is formed with a multiplicity of regularly-spaced apertures of uniform size, the cellular structure including means for displaying indicia comprising:

a support member having a forware surface bearing the indicia and a rear surface;

a plurality of fasteners attached to the support member and extending rearwardly of the rear surface, each of the fasteners being dimensioned to fit into any one of the apertures associated with the at least one of the components, the fasteners being spaced apart relative to one another such that the plurality of fasteners are simultaneously located in the apertures associated with the at least one of the componets.

20. A cellular structure as claimed in claim 19 in which each of the fasteners comprises an abutment portion adapted to contract during insertion through any one of the apertures and thereafter to expand to obstruct withdrawal through the aperture.

21. A knock-down cellular structure comprising:

a multiplicity of substantially identical planar components;

each of the planar components having a general trapezoidal peripheral shape, a pair of opposing side edges inclined ralative to one another, a set of four vertices in trapezoidal vertex relationship, and a connector portion at each of the set of four vertices;

a multiplicity of substantially identical connectors cooperating with the connector portions of the planar components to releasably join adjacent vertices of the components to define a multiplicity of cells;

each cell comprising an upper opening, a lower opening and a sidewall extending between the upper and lower openings, the sidewall being defined by at least three of the multiplicity of planar components each inclined trlative to vertical, each of the planar components that defiine the sidewall having each of its opposing inclined side edges oriented substantially parallel and proximate to one on the side edges of each of two others of the planar components that define the sidewall, at least one of the planar components that define the sidewall of trhe cell also defining part of a sidewall of an adjoining cell.

22. A cellular structure as claimed in claim 21 in which:

each of the connector portions of each planar component comprises a T-shaped portion;

each of the multiplicity of connectors comprises a body portion formed with a multiplicity of radially-directed slots shaped to receive any one of the T-shaped portions of any one of the planar components.

23. A cellular structure as claimed in claim 22 in which the planar components are oriented at a predetermined angle of inclination relative to vertical and in which each T-shaped portion of each component has a general plane inclined relative to the general plane of the component at an angle of about 90 degrees minus the predetermined angle of inclination.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to components and kits for erecting temporary ceilings, walls and the like, and has specific, though not exclusive, application to the construction of temporary displays.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

It is now quite common at trade shows and fairs to divide the interior region of a large hall into a number of individual booths or displays where the products and services of different exhibitors can be displayed. The displays have sometimes been custom-designed to display a particular product or to accommodate the space provided at a particular trade show. Modular displays which can be disassembled are now quite common and permit re-use at different installations.

A display structure which has become quite common for such purposes is commonly referred to as a "space frame". The space frame consists essentially of a number of rods of equal length which are releasably joined to one another at angles to define a desired structure. Once assembled, panelling or other display materials can be mounted over the space frame to provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Once a particular trade show is complete, the space frame can be disassembled, conveniently shipped to a new location, and thereafter assembled to define perhaps a different display structure.

Although such space frames permit considerable flexibility in the design of a display and permit re-use, they have a number of shortcomings. In particular, considerable time and labour is required to assemble a display from the various rods. If a display of significant complexity is to be produced, considerable thought must be given to how the various rods are to be assembled to ultimately produce a desired structure. Errors at any stage of assembly may require considerable disassembly and correction. Accordingly, experienced staff is required to produce space frame structures.

It would be desirable to provide components for assembly of a display structure which can be used to assemble temporary walls and ceiling in a variety of shapes and size, which lend themselves to faster assembly and disassembly that prior space frame components and which lend themselves to use by less experienced workmen.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides a component adapted to be joined with substantially identical components to form a knock-down cellular structure such as a ceiling, wall or the like. The component comprises an elongate base portion having an axis and a pair of opposing base vertices spaced-apart along the axis. First and second side portions are rigidly fixed to and extend away from the base portion, the first side portion defining a first pair of opposing spaced-apart edge vertices and the second side portion defining a second pair of opposing spaced-apart edge vertices. The first pair of edge vertices define with the base vertices a first set of vertices in a trapezoidal vertex relationship, and the second pair of edge vertices define with the base vertices a second set of vertices in a trapezoidal vertex relationship substantially identical to the trapezoidal vertex relationship of the first set. The side portions together have a generally V-shaped cross-section with a predetermined fixed angle between general planes of the side portions, when viewed along the axis of the base portion.

Each vertex of the component comprises a connector portion for use in releasably securing the vertex of the component to a proximate vertex of a substantially identical component. The vertices of each set are so spaced relative to one another and the fixed angle are so selected that the base vertex and an adjacent edge vertex of the component are substantially parallel to the base vertex and an adjacent edge vertex of a substantially identical component when the component and the substantially identical component are oriented with their respective general planes substantially perpendicular. Accordingly, the vertices of such components can be brought together to define cells and to define proper corner formations and permit releasable joining of proximate vertices in a resulting cellular structure.

For purposes of the present disclosure and appended claims, the following terms should be understood as having the following meanings. A "knock-down cellular structure" should be understood as a structure comprising cells and formed of components which can be disassembled and reconfigured to define a variety of different structures. "Trapezoidal vertex relationship" should be understood as indicating substantially the relative spacing and orientation of the vertices of a hypothetical trapezoid having a first base, a second shorter base substantially parallel to the first base, and two sides of equal length and inclined relative to the one another. One trapezoidal vertex relationship is "substantially identical" to another trapezoidal vertex relationship when corresponding sides of their respective hypothetical trapezoids are substantially of equal length. The term "adjacent edge vertex" as used in connection with a base vertex is intended to indicate the edge vertex which is effectively connected to the base vertex by a single side of the associated hypothetical trapezoid. A base vertex and adjacent edge vertex of one component are "substantially parallel" to a base vertex and adjacent edge vertex of another component if an axis through the base and adjacent edge vertex of the one component is substantially parallel to an axis through the base and adjacent edge vertex of the other component. The term "general plane" as used in respect of a generally V-shaped component is intended to denote a plane containing the axis of the base portion associated with the component and substantially bisecting the fixed angle between the pair of side portions of the component.

In another aspect, the invention provides a kit for use in constructing a cellular structure such as a ceilings, walls or the like, particularly, though not exclusively, suitable for the construction of temporary displays. The kit which comprises a multiplicity of V-shaped components of the type described immediately above and a multiplicity of connection means for joining the components. The connection means preferably form releasable connections such that a knock-down structure is provided which can be readily disassembled and transported. The versatility and ease of use of such a kit in the construction of cellular display structures will be more apparent from a description of preferred embodiments of the invention below.

In a still further aspect, the invention provides planar components useful in defining ends surfaces of a cellular structure formed from the V-shaped components described above, but which can themselves be used to erect knock-down cellular structures such as temporary ceilings, walls or the like. The component has a generally trapezoidal peripheral shape with four vertices in trapezoidal vertex relationship. Connection means are associated with each vertex for use in releasably connecting the vertex to a proximate vertex of a similar component when the component and the similar component are oriented in a predetermined relationship relative to one another. The connector means preferably comprise connector portions so oriented relative to the general plane of each component that appropriate complementary connectors constrain assembly in predetermined relative orientations.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a cellular structure such as a ceiling, wall or the like, formed at least in part of a multiplicity of substantially identical V-shaped components, as described above. Connection means join the components to define a multiplicity of cells, the components being oriented relative to one another such each cell has a first inclined wall defined by one of the side portions of a first V-shaped component and a second inclined wall defined by one of the side portions of second V-shaped components. The other side portion of the first V-shaped component defines an inclined wall associated with a first adjoining cell; the other side portion of the second V-shaped component defines an inclined wall associated with a second adjoining cell. The sharing of the V-shaped components between cells leads to a robust structure.

Other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the description of such preferred embodiments and are more specifically identified in the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood with reference to drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a component for construction of modular walls, ceilings and the like;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a component for completing end surfaces of such modular walls, ceilings and the like;

FIG. 3 is a fragmented enlarged perspective view of a portion 3 of FIG. 1 further detailing the construction of the component of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a joining arrangement associated with the component;

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 are a plan view from below, a side elevational view and an end view respectively of the component of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view from below and to one side of a ceiling structure constructed from components similar to those of FIGS. 1 and 2; and,

FIG. 9 is a plan view of another ceiling structures which can be assembled from components similar to the component of FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of a connector appropriate for use in assembling the structure of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of still another ceiling structure which can be assembled from components similar to the component of FIG. 2;

FIG. 12 and 13 are cross-sectional view and an exploded perspective view illustrating how a sign bearing an inscription can be attached to a planar component constituting an end panel of the structure of FIG. 8;

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate two principal components 10, 12 of a kit for constructing cellular display structures. The component 10 of FIG. 1 is generally V-shaped in end view, while the component 12 of FIG. 2 has a generally planar configuration. A typical ceiling structure which might be formed from such components is illustrated in FIG. 8. V-shaped components would typically be used to create the interior region of the ceiling, while the planar components may be used to appropriately terminate outer side surfaces of the ceiling structure. As discussed more fully below, a kit incorporating only the planar components and appropriate connectors may be used to assemble complex structure with unusual geometries.

The V-shaped component 10 is detailed in FIGS. 1, 3, 5-7. In FIG. 1, the V-shaped component 10 has been illustrated proximate to two rods 11, 13. These rods 11, 13 are in fact base rods of two V-shaped components identical to the component 10, but the remaining structure associated with such components has been omitted in order to highlight the manner in which the component 10 would joined with other display structure at various vertices associated with the component 10. The spatial relationship between the V-shaped component and those whose detail has been omitted can be understood by examining the ceiling structure of FIG. 8.

The V-shaped component 10 includes a tubular steel base rod 14 whose opposing ends define two opposing base vertices. A pair of substantially identical planar metal panels 20, 22 constitute side portions of the component 10 and define its V-shape when viewed along the base rod 14 as in FIG. 7. Two tubular steel rods 24, 26 define peripheral edges of the metal panels 20, 22. Each is attached to the associated panel in parallel relationship to the base rod 14 and with its ends inset at equal distances relative to the opposing ends of base rod 14. The opposite ends of the edge rod 24 define a first pair of opposing edge vertices 28, 30 while the ends of the other edge rod 26 define a second pair of opposing edge vertices 32, 34.

The side panel 20 of the V-shaped component 10 is typical. It is constructed in three generally triangular sections which are joined by welds and which together provide the generally planar, trapezoidal shape of the panel. A portion of one triangular section 36 is illustrated in greater detail in the enlarged fragmented view of FIG. 3 where it may be seen to comprise a wire frame 38 and a perforated metal sheet 40. A circumferential edge portion of the sheet 40 is bent to seat in a conforming fashion with the wire frame 38 and is tack-welded to the wire frame 38 at intervals. The wire frame 38 is itself welded to tubular edge rod 24.

The base vertices 16, 18 and each pair of edge vertices are in trapezoidal vertex relationship. Basically, the base vertices 16, 18 and the first pair of edge vertices 28, 30 are substantially coincident with the vertices of a hypothetical trapezoid having a base, a side parallel to and shorter than the base, and two sides inclined relative to the base which are of equal length. A similar relationship is observed between the base vertices 16, 18 and the other pair of edge vertices 32, 34. This arrangement is significant to the manner in which adjacent components meet for purposes of releasable connection to define, for example, a cellular structure such as that illustrated in FIG. 8, as will become more apparent below.

The overall dimensions and geometry of the V-shaped component 10 will be apparent in FIGS. 5-7. The base rod 14 has a length which has been arbitrarily designated in FIG. 5 as A units. Each of the edge rods 24, 26 has a length which is one-half of the length of the base rod 14. As indicated in FIG. 7, the two edge rods 24, 26 are themselves spaced by a distance of 1/2 A, namely, the common length of the edge rods 24, 26. The four edge vertices are consequently coincident with the corners of a hypothetical square having sides of length 1/2 A. This arrangement permits connecting rods (described more fully below) intended to reinforce a structure to also have a length of 1/2 A. Since a kit may consist of V-shaped components, planar components and connecting rods, only two distinct lengths of rod need be cut for production of all kit elements (excluding connectors, of course), and this simplifies manufacture. This ratio of the length of the edge rods to the base rods may be changed for the general purposes of the invention to another predetermined fraction. The angle subtended by the sides panels 20, 22 is nominally 72 degrees, but the angle may be varied and the spacing in the trapezoidal relationship adjusted accordingly to ensure formation of tight corners in a cellular structure. Variation of the angle primarily changes the inclination of the walls of each cell of the structure, affecting the extent to which the cells appear "open" or "closed".

Each vertex of the V-shaped component 10 is associated with a connector for use in joining the vertex to a proximate vertex of a similar component. The structure of such a connector is best illustrated in FIG. 4 where a connector 42 associated with the base rod 11 of FIG. 1 is shown exploded from the base rod. The connector 4