AU597039B2 - Display unit - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Ac 0 9 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(ORIGINAL)

Class Int. Class Application Number: 700 6614y Lodged: Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: 4 Priority Related Art: Published: EThis document contins te I amendments made un&]i SectiOn 49 and is corrcect for priting. Name8 s of Applicant.sA.

*Address(es) of Applicant(s): Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service is: APPLICANT'S REF.: C.A.P. of PH 5064 FIRST DORANI PTY. LTD. tva =as- 11A4T Ti 22.

15 Kevin Avenue Ferntree Gully Victoria 3156 Australia Hans Juergen Axthelm PHILLIPS, ORMONDE AND FITZPATRICK Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys 367 Collins Street Melbouirnc, Australia, 3000 Complete Specification for the invention entitled: "DISPLAY UNIT" 'V cihe following statement is a full description of this invention,inldgthbetmhoofprrigitkwno applicant(s): P 19/3/84

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PHILLIPS ORMONDE AND FITZPATRICK Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys 367 Collins Street Melbourne, Australia FEE HWITH: $60.00 s~s;- 14" d P17/2/83 7 a ::i at:$

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i-i g r This invention relates generally ,to a display unit having at least one display surface on which matter can be carried for visual display, and more particularly to a free standing display unit in which the at least one display surface is generally upright for display purposes. The display unit is applicable for carrying information written in chalk or other writing mediums, and carrying items attached to the display surface by magnetic attraction, by interlocking with that surface, or with separate fastening elements, and is especially use'ul by children for both play and educational purposes. It will be convenient to hereinafter disclose the invention in relation to that exemplary application and use but it should be appreciated that it is not limited to that application or use.

It is well known to provide free standing display units for use as chalk boards and other write-on boards, notice boards, pin-up boards, cork boards, story boards, and the like, particularly suitable for use by children. Such units generally include a frame with at least one board mounted thereon providing a display surface for carrying display matter thereon. Some units have a pair of boards arranged on the frame so that their respective display surfaces face away from one another. The frame is typically easel-like and includes legs extending beneath the board with which the unit S stands on a foundation such as a floor. The frame usually has parts foldable to move the legs apart for the unit to stand up, and move them together for unit storage.

One disadvantage with these display units is the excessive space they occupy when not in use, for example during transportation and storage prior to final retail sale.

Whilst the units are not generally bulky or heavy, their protruding legs define between them a considerable amount of unusable space that nevertheless needs to be allocated for transportation and storage of those units. With transportation and storage space being at a premium and expensive, this wasted space ultimately forms an undesirable cost component in the unit cost price.

In addition, some of the display units are not entirely IQ stable when free standing and in use, particularly, some of

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the units utilise a cord or other line element extending between the frame parts to limit their folding away from one another. In applying pressure to the display surface sometimes the parts tend to move together causing the legs to "walk" toward one another possibly leading the unit to topple. To alleviate this, other units include a rigid strut having jointed sections hinged to the frame parts, but these have been found dangerous in that people have jammed their fingers between the jointed strut sections and between the strut and frame parts.

It is an object of the present invention to alleviate these disadvantages through the provision of a relatively simple free standing display unit. It is another object of the invention to provide a display unit kit which can be packaged for transportation and storage within a reduced space, compared to the assembly unit, yet be easily assembled into the display unit for subsequent use.

With those objects in mind, the present invention provides a display unit including: at least one display board providing a display surface for carrying display matter; a ,0 frame for supporting the display board, the frame having a 000 pair of frame parts arranged for relative movement toward and away from one another to respectively fold and unfold the frame; at least one elongate leg, depending longitudinally from each of the frame parts, the frame parts unfolding to O0 0 spread the legs apart for freestanding the display unit frame on a support foundation, the legs being disconnectable from the frame parts; and, a set of elongate connector pieces .0o interconnecting the legs and frame parts, each connector piece extending longitudinally of a respective leg and bridging between the respective leg and one of the frame parts, and S each connector piece connecting separately to the respective leg and one frame part thereby to rigidly couple together the legs and frame parts.

The present invention also includes a kit which can be assembled into the above display unit. The kit includes the at least one display board; the frame having the pair of frame parts each with the at least one leg; and the set of connector 39 pieces, the legs being disconnected from the remainder of the I--3-

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frame parts.

The invention is described herein with reference to the display unit in a normal use orientation on a horizontal foundation, and terms such as "upper" and "lower" should be construed in the light of this orientation. However, it is to 1 i 441 'Ic o 4 44 44 1 44 4 4 4 4 1 1111 1 14i -3A- 1t3: I.f -r 1 -:-71 be appreciated that other orientations may be equally possible and that consequential changes in terms such as those above may be required in the light of those other orientations for a proper and complete understanding of the invention.

The frame parts are preferably constructed so as to be hinged together along corresponding edge portions for folding and unfolding. In use, the frame parts preferably upstand from a foundation with the legs depending from the remainder of the frame parts to the foundation.

The display board(s) are preferably fixed to the or respective frame part(s) above the legs.

Preferably, each of the frame part legs has an end portion and each frame part also has at least one elongate connection portion through which respective connector pieces S connect the legs to the remainder of the frame parts. That connection is preferably achieved, at least in part, by providing each connector piece with one or more recesses into Swhich the connection and end portions are received. The fit of the connection portions and end portions within the recesses is preferably such as to positively locate the legs relative to the remainder of the frame parts. Fastening S elements may also be provided for positively fastening the Q, connector pieces to the connection positions and end portions.

The display unit preferably also includes at least one So rigid stay for securing the frame parts in a fixed relationship when unfolded. The or each rigid stay is preferably of a one piece construction. Moreover, preferably 0 o0 the or each stay is attached directly or indirectly to the frame parts for fixing their relationship, and are also 3 readily detachable from at least one of those parts when it is desired to fold the frame parts together.

Preferably the display unit can be packaged as a kit within a space substantially reduced when compared to the space occupied by the assembled unit. In particular, the disconnected legs and connector pieces can preferably be positioned immediately adjacent the frame part bodies.

Indeed, preferably those legs and connector pieces will be locatable at least substantially within the confines of the remainder of the frame parts when folded together.

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A The following description refers to a preferred embodiment of the display unit of the present invention. To facilitate an understanding of the invention, reference is made in the description to the accompanying drawings where the unit is illustrated. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment as hereinafter described and as illustrated.

In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the display unit; and Fig. 2 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of part of the display unit of Fig. 1, showing detail of one connector piece.

Referring initially to Fig. 1 there is illustrated free standing display unit i, erected ready for use. Unit 1, S' includes a pair of display boards 2, each having display surface 3, facing outwardly of unit i, for display purposes.

trr Each board 2, is planar with its display surface 3, being flat. Moreover, each board 2, may have any suitable peripheral shape, for example quadrangular such as square or rectangular (as illustrated). Each display board 2, is composed of any suitable material and display surface 3, thereof has any suitable treatment having regard to the intended purpose as previously outlined.

Unit i, also includes frame 4, for supporting boards 2, particularly in an upright orientation where display surface 3, can be utilised. To that end, frame 4, includes a pair of 0 o *frame parts 5, which in this embodiment are of identical 0000 construction. Such construction may simplify manufacture of display unit i.

Each frame part 5, is of a generally planar configuration with body 6, which generally extends about, and is secured to, peripheral edge regions of respective board 2, so as to mount board 2, within frame part 5. Thus, each body provides a mounting surround to a respective display board 2. Conveniently, each body 6, may be composed of elongate frame members 7,8,9,10, positioned along the edge regions of the respective display board 2; those frame members 7,8,9,10, nn may, be composed of timber scantling. Of course, it should be 1 i ~I:i appreciated that alternative frame part constructions are possible, and in particular simpler body constructions may be suitable where one of the frame parts 5, is not required to support a display board 2.

Frame parts 5, are hinged together for relative movement toward and away from one another to respectively fold and unfold frame 4. Hinging occurs along uppermost edge regions of display boards 2. Thus, when display unit 1, is assembled frame parts 5, form an inverted V shape in side elevation when unfolded (as illustrated in Fig. 1) Then, when folded those frame parts 5, move toward one another into a parallel abutting relationship. To achieve that hinging one or more hinges 11, interconnect frame members 7, extending along the uppermost edge regions of boards 2.

Frame members 9,10, of each frame part body 6, project downwardly beyond frame member 8, to form a pair of connection portions 12. Releasably connected to these connection portions 12, are respective legs 13, spaced apart at respective sides of each frame part 5. Each leg 13, has upper end portion 14, and connection portions 12, and end portions 14, are arranged so that corresponding ones align with each other and legs 13, affectively form coextensions of frame members 9,10. Conveniently, the corresponding connection and end portions 12,14, are of the same generaly configuration, and in particular of the same cross-sectional shape and size to enhance this appearance of coextension. Legs 13, may be conveniently provided by the same elongate material as frame S members 7,8,9,10.

Legs 13, are individually connected to respective 30 connection portion 12, through connector pieces 15. This connection is shown in more detail in Fig. 2. Each connector piece 15, includes body 16, provided with one or more recesses for receiving connection portions 12, and leg end portions 14. As illustrated, a single recess in the form of open ended hole 17, may be provided in each body 16, for receiving through separate open ends thereof respective ones of corresponding connection and end portions 12,14.

Connection and end portions 12,14, may be received within single hole 17, so as to abut one another end-to-end. 39 j-$ ii i d a Js -6- 1.

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i Thus, connector piece bodies 16, act as connector sleeves.

Alternatively, each connector piece body 16, may provide separate co-aligned holes in the form of bores for receiving respective ones of the corresponding connection and end portions 12,14.

Holes 17, are of the same shape as the received connection and end portions 12,14, and are sized so as to provide a neat sliding or interference fit therebetween.

To facilitate maintenance of the interconnection between the connection portions 12 and end portions 14, connector pieces 15, may be positively fastened to each of portions 12,14. Fastening elements 18 may be provided for that purpose. Those elements 18, may be removable to enable dismantling of display unit 1. Those fastening elements 18, may be, for example, screws that fasten body 16, of each oa0 connector piece 15, to each received connection portion 12, *and end portion 14.

*00Q 1 Display unit 1, further includes at least one rigid stay 19, for securing frame parts 5, in their fixed relationship 00 0° when unfolded. Each stay 19, is elongate with shank 20, and opposed end regions 21, those end regions 21, extending into S respective holes 22, provided in frame parts 5, (not oo illustrated) or connector pieces 15 (as illustrated) in a S manner which attaches stay(s) 19, thereto. In affect, end regions 21, are angled relative to shank 20, and project into 0 o 0 holes 22, extending at an angle to an arcuate line along which frame parts 5, can fold and unfold. This angling causes stay S end regions 21, to resist being simply removed from holes 22, as attempts are made to relatively move frame parts 5, so that _0 positive action must be taken to remove end regions 21, from holes 22, to permit that relative movement.

Stay end regions 21, and holes 22, are shaped and sized for sliding or interference fit therebetween. However, that fit will also allow at least one end region 21, to be selectively removed from its hole 22, to detach the or each stay 19, and allow folding of frame parts 5. Moreover, the shape of the other hole(s) 22, and stay end region(s) 21, allow the other end region(s) 21, to remain in the hole(s) 22, 39 and the stay(s) 19, to be swung into a position clear of the iZ i i i ii

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-i folding frame parts 5. Stay(s) 19, may be swung so as to lie generally between the folded frame parts The or each stay 19, may be essentially composed of metal, which may be in wire form. A pair of stays 19, may be provided. This may be particularly so in the illustrated embodiment where each frame part 5, has a pair of legs 13, a respective stay 19, extending between opposite legs 13, of frame parts Depending on its intended application, display unit 1, 10 may further include one or more auxiliary parts. One such auxiliary part may be storage tray or ledge 23, for holding matter intended to be displayed and/or equipment used in displaying that matter. Thus, for example, where the display unit is used as a chalk board or writing board, storage tray or ledge 23, may hold a supply of chalk or other writing instruments. Similarly, where display unit i, is used as a pin-up board, storage tray or ledge 23, may hold a quantity of pins or other suitable fastening elements.

The or each auxiliary part may be mounted directly or indirectly on the or a respective frame part 5. Conveniently, the auxiliary part(s) are removably mounted so as to enable removal if desired when unit i, is being transported or stored. In the unassembled display unit kit, the auxiliary part(s) are conveniently disconnected from frame parts In one arrangement (not illustrated), the or each auxiliary part is mounted directly on the or a frame part body 6. That may be achieved by constructing the auxiliary part(s) to clip on to the or a body 6. Alternatively, mounting may be achieved by fastening onto the or a body 6, through fastening 0 elements, such as screws. Pre-drilled holes may be provided in the auxiliary part(s) and the or a frame part body 6, of an unassembled display unit kit for that purpose.

In another arrangement (as illustrated), the or each auxiliary part is mounted indirectly on the or a frame part through one or more of connector pieces 15. An auxiliary part may be mounted on just one connector piece 15, or, such as in the case of storage ledge 23, may extend between and be mounted on two connector pieces 15, on one frame part 39 Again, that may be achieved by constructing the auxiliary -8part(s) and possibly also connector piece(s) 15, to clip onto connector piece(s) 15. For example (not illustrated), coacting male and female clipping portions may be provided on the auxiliary parts and connector piece(s) Alternatively (as illustrated), mounting may be achieved by j'stening the auxiliary part(s) onto one or more connector pieces 15, through fastening elements such as screws. Again, pre-drilled holes may be provided in the auxiliary part(s) and the connector piece(s) 15, of an unassembled display unit kit. That fastening may be to connector piece bodies 16, (not illustrated), or the or each piece 15, may further include bracket 24, that projects from body 16, and to which the auxiliary part is mounted. The or each bracket 23, may be formed integral with its connector piece body 16, or separate therefrom and secured thereto concurrently with fastening of connector piece(s) 15, to connection portions 12, and end S portions 14, of legs 13.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the unassembled display unit 1, is constructed and arranged so 4A Sthat, as an unassembled kit, legs 13, can be stored behind display boards 2, within the confines of the folded frame part bodies 6. When frame parts 5, are folded, boards 2, are closely spaced apart defining a storage space therebetween for legs 13. Stays 19, and any auxiliary parts such as storage :OOledge 23, may also be stored within that space.

In this embodiment, connector pieces 15, of the unassembled display unit kit may also be constructed so as to be locatable within the storage space. Alternatively, connector pieces 15, may be located immediately adjacent frame 3 part bodies 6. Where connector pieces 15, include mounting brackets 24, then their packaging may be facilitated by constructing the connector piece bodies 16, and any brackets 24, separate from one another, or by constructing them integral with one another but in a manner that they can be relatively moved such as pivoted so as to generally reduce their projection beyond the confines of the frame part bodies 6.

In assembling display unit 1, from a kit, it is simply necessary to remove all of the components from the package and in particular retrieve legs 13, rigid stays 19, and any

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auxiliary parts from between the folded frame part bodies 16.

Connector pieces 15, are then fitted onto the frame part connection portions 12, and fastened thereto with fastening elements 18, provided in the kit. Similarly, legs 13, are then fastened to those connector pieces 15. Thus, legs 13, are connected to frame part bo~ies 16, to complete frame part assembly. This assembly may be carried out whilst bodies 16, are lying on a support foundation.

At this stage, any auxiliary part such as storage ledge 10 23, may be mounted on frame parts 5, utilising connector pieces 15, as necessary.

Display unit 1, so far assembled is then stood upright on the foundation, frame parts 5, being unfolded to allow rigid stays 19, to be secured into holes 22. Assembly of display unit 1, is thus complete.

A display unit according to the present invention can be marketed as an unassembled kit and that allows the display unit to be transported and stored for marketing in a substantially reduced space com,.3red to previous similar units that are necessarily marketed in an assembled. condition. This space reduction may minimise marketing costs and so the ultimate unit cost price. In addition, the marketing as a kit ~'enables the display unit to be packaged in a more compact manner. That may facilitate display unit handling and may also enable more attractive and protective packaging to be created.

Although the display unit may be marketed in a kit, assembly of the kit by an end user is relatively simple and should not entail any difficulties even to persons having TO limited practical skills.

Finally, it is to be understood that various modifications and/or alterations may be made to the display unit without departing from the ambit of the present invention as defined in the claims appended hereto.

Claims (13)

1. A display unit including: at least one display board providing a display surface for carrying display matter; a frame for supporting the display board, the frame having a pair of frame parts arranged for relative movement toward and away from one another to respectively fold and unfold the frame; at least one elongate leg, depending longitudinally from each of the frame parts, the frame parts unfolding to spread the legs apart for freestanding the display unit frame on a support foundation, the legs being disconnectable from the frame parts; and, a set of elongate connector pieces interconnecting the legs and frame parts, each connector piece extending longitudinally of a respective leg and bridging between the respective leg and one of the frame parts, and each connector piece connecting separately to the respective leg and one frame part thereby to rigidly couple together the legs and frame parts.

2. A display unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein each frame part includes at least one elongate connection portion and each leg has an end portion, the connector pieces S,,o longitudinally bridging between and interconnecting respective frame part connection portions and leg end portions so that the legs depend from the connection portions.

3. A display unit as claimed in claim 2, wherein each connector piece includes a recess into which a respective o frame part connection portion fits so as to couple together 0*00 the respective connection pieces and the legs relative to the frame part.

4. A display unit as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each connector piece has a recess into which an end portion of a respective leg fits in order to couple together the respective connector pieces and the legs relative to the frame parts.

A display unit as claimed in claim 4 when appended to claim 3, wherein each connector piece includes a connector sleeve defining an open ended hole providing the recesses, the frame part connection portions and leg end portions being received in opposite open ends of respective holes with a neat 39 sliding or interference fit so that the respective frame part W -11- .4 I Jt Ii connection portions and leg end portions axially align with one another.

6. A display unit as claimed in claim 5, wherein each connector piece also includes fastening elements for positively fastening the connector sleeves to respective connection portions and leg end portions when connected thereto.

7. A display unit as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein each connector piece further includes a bracket carried by the sleeve and projecting therefrom generally radially outwardly from the open ended hole, the bracket being used for securing thereto an auxiliary part of the display unit.

8. A display unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the connector pieces are each of a one piece construction molded from plastics material.

9. A display unit as claimed in any preceding claim, and further including at least one rigid stay for securing the frame parts in a fixed relationship when unfolded.

A display unit as claimed in claim 9, wherein the or each rigid stay is of a one piece construction and is r 4i connected to at least one connector piece on each frame part for relatively fixing the frame parts, the or each stay being releasable from at least one connector piece to allow folding of those frame parts.

11. A display unit as claimed in claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 10 when appended to claim 2, wherein the at least o: one display board is rectangular shaped with upper, lower, and opposite side edge regions, and at least one frame part includes separate elongate frame members extending along and o o secured to respective display board edge regions so as to form a mounting surround for that display board, the frame members extending along the side edge regions of the display board projecting beyond the lower edge region thereof to form a pair of the connection portions being spaced apart and depending from the mounting surround, and the at least one frame part further including a corresponding pair of legs for connection to the connection portions thereof.

12. A display unit as claimed in claim 11, wherein a pair of 39 rectangular display boards are provided, and each frame part W.c -12- 4 LI :4 includes frame members forming mounting surrounds therefor, the frame members extending along the upper edge region being hinged together for folding and unfolding of the frame parts, j; the frame members extending along the side edge regions of each display board projecting beyond the lower edge regions to form a pair of the connection portions on each frame part for connection to corresponding legs. i 13. A display unit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 10 14. A display unit kit for assembly into the display unit as claimed in any preceding claim, the kit including: the at ,i least one display board; the frame having the pair of frame Sparts each with the at least one leg; and the set of connector pieces, the legs being disconnected from the remainder of the frame parts. A display unit kit as claimed in claim 14, wherein the Sconnector pieces are disconnected from the legs and the remainder of the frame parts. .1 16. A display unit kit substantially as hereinbefore I 20 described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED: 9 February, 1990 SPHILLIPS ORMONDE AND FITZPATRICK I Attorneys for: 4 FIRST DORANI PTY. LTD. trading as HANSA TOY CO. I.

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