CA1304213C - Panel device - Google Patents
Panel deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA1304213C CA1304213C CA000616095A CA616095A CA1304213C CA 1304213 C CA1304213 C CA 1304213C CA 000616095 A CA000616095 A CA 000616095A CA 616095 A CA616095 A CA 616095A CA 1304213 C CA1304213 C CA 1304213C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- vertical support
- panel
- vertical
- clip hinge
- supports
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F15/00—Boards, hoardings, pillars, or like structures for notices, placards, posters, or the like
- G09F15/0068—Modular articulated structures, e.g. stands, and articulation means therefor
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Clamps And Clips (AREA)
- Mirrors, Picture Frames, Photograph Stands, And Related Fastening Devices (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This invention is concerned with a panel device which is useful in the display and furniture arts. The panel device incorporates a plurality of vertical supports which engage panel members. The vertical supports are interconnected via a plurality of double hinges. The double higes consist of a plurality of clip hinge members. Each hinge consists of at least two clip hinge members. Pairs of parallel vertical supports are interconnected by a pair of double hinges said double hinges comprising at least four clip hinge elements. The clip hinge elements are formed from a ribbon of a suitable flexible material. The ends of the clip hinge members incorporate opposing reverse bends which are adapted to engage and be secured in U shaped channels which are an integral part of the vertical support members. Pairs of parallel vertical supports are secured in fixed relationship with each other by horizontal supports. The interconnecting vertical and horizontal supports define frames which receive and secure panel members. The panel device consists of a plurality of related panel sections which can be rotated throughout a 360° arc in relation to each other. The vertical supports incorporated integral means for gripping, appropriate panels. The vertical support further incorporates an elongated groove into which the edge of a fabric coating for the panel member can be secured.
This invention is concerned with a panel device which is useful in the display and furniture arts. The panel device incorporates a plurality of vertical supports which engage panel members. The vertical supports are interconnected via a plurality of double hinges. The double higes consist of a plurality of clip hinge members. Each hinge consists of at least two clip hinge members. Pairs of parallel vertical supports are interconnected by a pair of double hinges said double hinges comprising at least four clip hinge elements. The clip hinge elements are formed from a ribbon of a suitable flexible material. The ends of the clip hinge members incorporate opposing reverse bends which are adapted to engage and be secured in U shaped channels which are an integral part of the vertical support members. Pairs of parallel vertical supports are secured in fixed relationship with each other by horizontal supports. The interconnecting vertical and horizontal supports define frames which receive and secure panel members. The panel device consists of a plurality of related panel sections which can be rotated throughout a 360° arc in relation to each other. The vertical supports incorporated integral means for gripping, appropriate panels. The vertical support further incorporates an elongated groove into which the edge of a fabric coating for the panel member can be secured.
Description
~ 3~ 2~3 PA~I~L Dr;VICE
This invention is concerned with por-table, flexible, panel derices which can be used to display information a-t trade shows and conventions. The panel device of this invention is also useful in the furniture arts. Panel devices as may be used at trade shows or conven-tions are oF two principal -types, these being the large bulky type and the portable type. This invention is concerned with the portable type of display device. The portable display devices have become very popular in recent years for utilization at regional trade shows and conventions. These portable display devices, when assembled, present a nice impression and have a very high display surface to weight ratio. Further, these portable display devices are advanta~eous in that they can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled without tools by one person. In contrast, the large bulky display devices as mentioned above are very heavy and hence have a low display surface -to weigh-t ratio. ~urther, thase display de~ices can he assomblacl alld disassal~ lacl only wi~ a,~lt difficulty by extra wor~men at great expense.
The subject invention is useEul in connection with por-tahle d.isplay devices wherein a plurality of cisplay panel~s are a-ttached to channels which in turn funetion as supportin~ means. It is often des~rable to locate -the panels of a display device in angular relationship with each other. It is in this area where the sub~ect invention is useful. In accord~nce with this invention the panels of the device of this invention ean he located in any desired relationship with each other over a 360~ are.
This invention also includes the connector system which is useful in holding component parts of a display device in fixed relationship wi-th each other. Also included in this invention is a vertical support and related double hinge system which allows the panels of the composite structure to rotate in relation to each other over a 360 arc. The invention is also concerned with a unique hinge system which allol~s rotation through a 360 arc.
la ~.3~4L2~3 Accordingly, the invention provides a device comprising a plurality of vertical supports, adjacent vertical suppoxts being pivotally attached to each other by double hinge members, said double hinge members comprising at least two clip hinge elements, the clip hinge elements having a main body portion and 180 opposing attaching members and locking tabs integral with the attaching members, the vertical supports having integral means for receiving the integral attaching members and locking tabs of the clip hinge elements, panels being secured between non-adjacent pairs of vertical supports.
The invention also provides a vertical support which is useful in a device for securing panels, the vertical support having an elongated body portion and a cross section which has a central U-shaped channel which is flanked on opposite sides by a pair of second U-shaped channels wherein the vertical support opposite of the openings of the U-shaped channels is arcuate.
JJ ib JAN 24 199~
~ 3~%~3 DESCRIPTI0N OF Tli~ DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a front view showing a section of the subject panel device.
Figure 2 is an end view along line 2-2 of Figure 1 showing the vertical supports of the panel device in parallel relationship with each other.
Figure 3A is a top sectional view showing the two panels in parallel relationship to each other.
Figure 3B is a top sectional view showing two panels in a straipht line relationship with each other.
Figure 3C is a top sectional view showing two panels in parallel relationship with each other opposite of that sho~m in Fif~ure 3A.
Figure 4 is a cross section along line 4-4.
Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the clip hinge element o~ this invention .
Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the placement of a pair of hinges on a pair of vertical supports.
Figure 7 is a side view showing the panel device of this invention where.in three panels are interconnected.
Fi,gure 8 is a top view of the three panel structure of Figure 7.
Figure 8A is a top view of the three panel structure of Figure 7 in angular relationship.
Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the interconnecting of hori~ontal and vertical members with a connector plug.
Figure 9A is a perspective view showing the CooPerat;.On of the horizontal member with a panel~
Figure 10A is a top view showing two panels in a parallel line relationship with each other wherein the panel is secured by edge plies.
Figure 10B is a top view showing two panels in a straizht line relationship with each other wherein the panel member is secured by edge plies~
Figure 10C is a top view showing two panels in parallel relationship with each other opposite of that shown on Figure 10A wherein the panel is secured by edge plies.
Figure llA is a cross section of the preferred embodiment of a vertical support which is useful in; this invention.
~.3~ 3 Figure llB is a cross sect;.on of a simplified ernbodiment of a vertical support.
Figure llC shows another embodiment of a vertical support.
Figure 12 is a perspective view showing means whereby the fabric covering of the panel can be wrapped around the panel device components.
Figure 13 is a cross sec-tion view oE a horizontal support.
Figure 14 shows the connecTion oE two panels and related vertical supports in fixed relationship with each other.
Figure 15 is a perspective view showing a connector plug for connecting two panels in fixed relationship with each other.
Figure 16 is a top plan view showing the connection of a plurality of vertical supports and related panels.
Figure 17 is a front view of an embodiment of a panel device in accordance with this invention showing means for displaying panel indicia Figure 18 is a perspective view showing the placement of indica in the panel device of Figure 17.
Figure 19 and 20 are side views showing the means ~or incorporatinY~ additional panels into the panel device of this invention.
Figure 21 is a side view showing a leg structure for use with this invention.
Figure 22 is a perspective view of a notched vertical support.
Figure23A and 24 are side views showing notched vertical supports.
Figure 23B is a section view through line 23B of Figure 23A.
Figure 25 is a perspective view showing an alternate clip hinge element structure.
Figure 26 is a perspective view showing the placement of a pair of clin hinge elements as shown in Figure 25 onto a pair of vertical supports.
Figure 27 is a cross section vie-;r showing the placement of the alternate clip hinge structure of Figure 25 in vertical supports..
~3~ 3 DE;SCRIPTIOI`~ OF THE PR~:FERRED E~qBODIMENT
-The subject invention relates to a panel device which comnrises a plurality of vertical supports which are secured in parallel relationship with each other with a plurality of s-trap double hin.~7,es. Spaced between the vertical supports are panels. The parallel relationship oF the vertical supports may be further deEined by interconnecting hori~ontal supports. 1'he combination of the vertical supports and horizontal supports define a frame which may be square or rectangular. Secured within each frame so defined is a panel member.
As is mentioned hereinabove the subject panel device is p.~rticularl~
useful in the portable display art, It sho~ld be noted however that the panel device of this invention is also useful in the Eurniture art. The subject panel device can be fabricated in such a size that it can be used for example as a room devider, o:Ffice seperator, privacy screen or noise barrier, In the furniture arts the panel device at hand is particularlv useful in that the various pane].s can be angularly disposed in relation to each other to define any given surface area, IE so desired these panel members can be locked into relationship with each other, Referring to Figure 1 it can be seen that tl)e panel device of this invention 2 comprises a pair of vertical supports 4 and fi, a pair of hori30ntal supports 8 and 10 and a panel 12.
As is shown in Figures..land 2, pairs of ad-Jacent vertical supports 6 and 14 ars rotatably connected to each other via a plurality of clip hin~7,e elements 16, 18, 20 and 22, These clip hinge elements coopera-te with and grip the vertical supports in a manner which will be described hereinbelo~l.
Figures 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate how related panel devices can be rotated through a 360 arc in relation to each other, In Figure 3A it can be seen that into vsrtical supports 6 and 14 are secursd panels 12 and 24.
In this Figure panels 12 and 24 are in parallel relationship with each other, In E'igure 3B vertical support 6 has been rotated in the direction of arrow 26, As a result of this rotation,panels 12 and 24 are now in a straight line relationship with each other.
In Figure 3C the rotation of vertical support 6 in relation to vertical support 14 is continued in the direction oF arrow 28, ~.31~L2~3 l~pon completion of rotation in the direct;on of arrow 28 panels 1.? and 24 are again in parallel relationship with each other. In comparin~ Fi,c~ure 3A to Figure 3C it can be seen that panel 12 has been rotated 360 in rela~ion to panel 24~ It is understood by one skilled in the art that th.is rotation of panels 12 and 24 in relation ~o each o-ther could be stopped at any point to achieve any desired angular relationship of panels 12 and 24.
Vertical supports 6 and 14 incorporate a plurality of inte~ral lips 80, 32, 34 and 36. Panels 12 and 24 are scored in such a manner that lips 30, 32, 34 and 3~ are adapted -to grip said scored portion.
Panels 12 and 24 may be formed from a material which ma~ he readily scored such as a foam board. The manner in which panels 12 and 24 mav be scored and positioned in vertical supports 6 and 14 and gripped by lips 30, 32, 34 and 36 is described in detail in U.S. Patent 3,~;62,807 issued ~ay 16, 1972.
The rotation .,f panels 12 and 24 and vertica} supports 6 and lL~ is made possible by the fact that adjacent vertical supports 6 and 14 are inter-connected with each other by two or more double hinges which comprise clip hinge elemen t 16, 18, 20 and 22.
Figure 4 is a section ta~cen along line 4-4 of Fi~ure 1. In this fixure the attachment oE the second clip hinge element ~o to vertical suppor~s ~ and l can be seen.
From Figure 6 it can be seen that a composite hinge 35 consists of a pair of clip hinge elements 18 and 20. It can further be seen that clip hin~e elements 16 and 20 can be easily slipped on to vertical supports 6 and 14.
The structure of clip hinge element 18 can be further seen from an examination of Figure 5. Clip element 18 comprises a main body portion 37 which is formed from a suitable flexible material and a pa.ir of opposin~ end portions 40 and 42. End portions 40 and 42 comprise reverse b~3nqs, In order to interlock with adjacent vertical supports and stay in tension during rotation the reverse bends of end portions 40 and 42 must be opposite o.f each other. (~
hinge element 18 may be formed from any suitable flexible material such as a metal or polymeric material. For example, clip hinge element 18 can be lorrned from a thermoplastic polymeric waterial such as a poly alpha ole.;in. I~ clip hinl~,e 18 is formed from a thermoplastic rnaterial, reverse bend end portions can be 'ormed by a thermal bendin~ process. A clip hinge element complete with reverse bend end portions may also be i'ormed by injection molding.
~3~ 2~L3 Clip hinge element 18 can likewise be formed from a metal with reverse bend end portions being Eormed from a precut section of metal by a suitable bending process. If a thermoplastic material is used, it has been found that for portable display devices a width of approximately .S inches and a thic~-ess of about .030 inches is desirable. The clip hinge elements may beto three Eourths hard formed from a metal. Half hard~stainless steel is the prefarred metal for use in accordance with thls invention. The clip hinge element should have a width oE approxirnately .5 inches and a thickness of approximately .007 inches.
In the preferred embodiment half hard .007 inches thick 304 stainless steel is utili~ed.
As is il.lustrated in Figure 6 each end of a pair of vertical supports 6 and 14 utilize a pair of clip hinge elements 18 and 20. The opposite end of said pair o~ vertical supports also utilize a pair of clip hinges not shown, Pairs of hinges are utilized as during rotation in relatioD to each other over 360 stress is alternately applied and released to cooperating clip hinge eler~ents 18 and 20 depending on the respective position o~
vertical supports 6 and 14.
Any member of composite structures 2 can be interconnected in series in order to produce a display device of the desired size. Likewise three or more composite panel devices can be interconnected if it is desired to have a panel device in which the three or more panels can rotate in relation to each other. As can be seen in Fi~ures 7, 8 and 8A, three composite panels 38, 40 and 42 are booked together. These composite panels consist of three vertical supports 44, 46 and 48. These vertical supports are interconnected by four clip hinge elements S0, S1, 52 and 54. ~.7ith this structure,cornposite panels 38 and 42 can be ro-tated in relation to central panel 40 in the direction o~ arrows 56 and 58, Figure 9 illustrates one ernbodiment of a hori~ontal support 60 and the attachment of this 'norizontal support to vertical support 62. Horizon-tal support 60 incorporates U-shaped sections 64, 66 and 68. As is illustrated, the open and o~ U-shaped sections 66 and 68 are opposite the open end of U-shaped section 64. U-shaped section 64 ~urther incorporates a pair o~ opposing lips 72 and 74. In order to connect horizontal support 60 to vertioa} support 62 a connector plug 76 is inserted into the aperture which is defined by U-shapod ahannel 64 and lips 72 and 7L~ and secured tberein with a mechanical Eastener or an adhesive The opposite end 80 o~ connector plug 76 is in turn inserted into aperture 85 of vortical support 62.
~.3~ 3 Further from Figure 9 and sA it can be seen tha-t hori~ontal supDort 60 is adapted to engage panel 82 via U-shaped channels 66 and 68, Panel 82 comprises a central core 81, for example a honeycomb core, and a pair of outer plies 83 and 87. The core 81 is cut or crushed inwardly to the depth oE
U-shaped channel 64, outer plies 83 and 87 of panel 82 may then be inserted into U-shaped channels 66 and 68, In -this manner it can be seen that horizoDtal support 60 and panel 82 are securely interconnected. Likewise horizontal support 60, vertical support 62 and panel 82 are securely inter-connected to each other to form a strong, unitary panel device.
Figures lOA, and lOB and lOC further illustrate how panels and related horizontal and vertical supports may be rotated in relation to each other.
In these figures panels 84 and 86 are rotated 360 in relation to each other in the direction of arrows 88 and 90.
An integral part of the subject invention is the vertical support system the function of which has been described hereinabove. In its sirnplest embodiment in accordance with this invention the individual vertical supports must incorporate a means for engaging the clip hinge elements and a means for engaging panel members, Suitable vertical supports are illustrated in Figures llA, llB and llC.
Figure llA illustrates the preferred embodiment of a vertical support or use in this invention, In this structure vertical support 142 incorporates or channel a oentral U shaped opening/144 which is defined by sides 146 and 148 and a bight 150. This vertical support also incorporates a pair of U-shaped channels 152 and 154, U-shaped channel 154 is defined by sides 146 and 156 and bight 162, Conversly U-shaped channel 152 is defined by sides 148 and 158 and bight 160, The reverse bends of the clip hinge elements as are illustrated in Figure 5 en~agc sides 156 and 158 of vertical support 142, Vertical support 142 further incorporates a pair of lips 164 and 166 which further define U-shaped opening 144, Lips 164 and 166 are adapted to en~age score lines which are an integral part oE the panel portion not shown in a manner as described herein above, The rear portion of vertical support 142 incorporates an opening 168 which is defined by le~s 170 and 172, Legs 170 and 172 in turn incorporate a pair of opposing lips 174 and 176, Opening 168 is useful in that vertical support 142 may be covered with a fabric, This fabric is tucked around the leading edge of sides 156 and 158 behind the reverse bend section o~ the strap hinge element, The opposite end of the oovering fabric is tucked into opening 168 and secured via lips 174 and 176, ~ 304~
Figure llB represents the simplest form of a vertical suppor-t which rnay be used in accordance with this invention. In this embodiment vertical support 136 comprises a section of tubine which has part of its circumference cut away in such a manner that lips 138 and 140 are formed. The openin~ 142 which is defined by lips 138 and 140 is adapted to receive a panel member in the manner as descr.ibed hereinabove~ The reverse bends of the embodiment o~
clip hinge element illustrated in ~igure 5 is adap-ted to slip around lips 138 and 140.
Figure llC illustrates still another embodiment of a vertical support. In this s-tructure vertical support 62 cornprises a half round extrusion havin~ a central U shaped opening 85 whicll is defined by sides 112 and 114, and by bi~hts 116 and 117, Lips 113 and 115 further define U shaped opening 85. Suitable clip hinge elements can engage lips 113 and 115 and a sui-table panel member can be positioned in U shaped opening 85 between lips 113 and 115.
Accordingly, it can be seen that if desired a plurality of vertical supports may be used in a manner as was described in reference to Figure 1, 2 and 6 hereinabove.
Vertical and Horizontal supports as described may be formed from any convenient material. These supports may be extruded from a thermoplastic material such as a polyalpha olefin or a nylon. In the preferred embodiment these elemen-ts are aluminum extrusions which are extruded from aluminum. Cosmetics and color combinations are very important in displaying devices which are used at trade shows. In this connection vertical and horizontal supports may be colored or painted to achieve any desired effect. If colored vertical and or horizontal supports are desired in the preferred embodiment this coloring is achieved by anodizing cr painting of the aluminum extrusions.
Figure 12 illustrates a panel device in accordance with this invention wherein both the vertical and horizontal supports are completely covered with a fabric. In this embodiment fabric is rolled around vertical support 142. One end of the fabric is tucked into opening 168, the other end of the fabric is tucked around the edges of sides 156 and 158 as was described in connection with Figure l~A.
Panel 178 comprises a central core 180 and a pair of opposing plies 182 and 184. Pl;es 182 and 184 are biased into and seoured in U shaped channels 152 and 154 by the biasing of the reverse bend portion of clip hinge element 186.
~3~2~3 In this instance horizontal support 188 is ll-shaped and has a central openinv, 190 which is deEined by sides 192 amd 19ll, biy,ht l9G and lips l~)B and 200. I'al~r;.c layer 202 covers ply 182 and is tucked around the oppermost ed~e 204 of ply 132 and between side 194 of horizontal support 188 and ply 182. Horizontal support 188 and ver-tical support 142 can be interconnected via a connector plug such as plug 76 as is described above in connection with Fi,gure 9.
The strueture of Figure 12 is advantageous in that if a plurality of panel deviees are staeked on top of each other both the horizontal and vertical supports are fully covered with fabric 202, in such a Tnanner as to present a very pleasin and uniform appearance.
Figure 13 shows in greater detail partieulars of horizontal suDport 60.
~lorizontal support 60 incorporates a pair of l~-shaped channels 66 and 68.
Channels 66 and 68 are adapted to reeeive the outer plies 83 and 85 of panel 82 as has been deseribed hereinabove in conneetion with Figures 9 and 9A. Horizontal support 60 further ineorporates a pair of opposing lips 72 and 74. ~)pposinv lips 72 and 74 are adapted to engage connector plug 76 as is shown in Figure 9.
While the panel device of this invention is very desirable in that the panels can be moved through a 360 arc after movement in sorne usaY,e it is desirable to lock a plurality of panels in fixed relationship with each other.
One mode of locking panels in relationship with each other is illustra-ted in Figure 14, In this embodiment two panels 207 and 208 incorporate horizontal supports 210 and 212 ~1hich are identical to horizontal support 60 as descri.bed above in reference to Figures 9 and 9A. Horizontal supports 210 and 212 are connected to vertical supports 214 and 216 via a pair of connector plugs not sbown. Referring to Figure 9 it ean be seen that the vertieal leg of connector plug 76 is hollow and incorporates a scuare apeture 134 whieh is analoF~ous to apetures 218 and 220 as is illustrated in Figure 14. Panels 207 and 208 are secured in fixed re~ationship with each other by placing a lockinF, plug 222 into apetures 218'and 220. The details of locking plug 222 are better illustrated in Figure 15. Loeking plug 222 incorporates a pair of square do~mward depending legs 224 and 226. When legs 22L~ and 226 are plaeed into apeture 21B and 220 panels 210 and 212 are secured in fixed relationship with each other. That is because the spaeing of legs 224 and 226 i5 fixed, the spaeing of apeture 218 and 220 is in turn fixed which in turn fixes -the relationship of panels 207 and 208.
While legs 224 and 226 and corresponding apetures 218 and 220 are il.lus-tra-ted as sq,uaro it ls understood by one slc.ill.ed ;n ~he art ~hat these colnponent~; ccul~
be round or an~ eonvenient shape.
~.3~ 3 ~ igure 16 illustrates still another embodiment of this invention wherein a plurality of panels can be locked into position with each other.
As was described in reference to Figure llA vertical support lL~2 incorporates an opening 168 which is adapted to receive the ends of fabric which is used to cover the vertical suppor~. Figure 16 illustrates a composite panel device 223 which incorporates three panels 22~ 226 and ~28 and three vertical supports 230, 232 and 234. These vertical supports in turn have as an integral part ~hereof openings 236, 238 and 240. In order to lock panels 224, 226 and 228 of composite panel device into a fixed relationship with each other a lockin~ plu~ 242 is inserted into openings 236 238 and 2LlO.
Locking plugs 222 and 242 as are described in reference to Figures lS and 16 can be formed from any convenient material such as a metal or a polymeric material.
In the preferred embodiment these plugs are injec-tion molded :From a durable thermoplast::;c such as a poly alpha olefin or a nylon. Figures 15 and 16 lllustrate the locking of two and three panels together it is understood that any convenient number of panels can be locked together.
Figures 17 and 18 illustrate an embodiment of this invention wherein a display device 248 can be used to protect and display larse sheet items such as photo~raphs. ~isplay device incorporates a pair of opposin~ vertical supports ~S0 and 252 which may be connected to additional adjacent vertical supports not shown, in a manner as described hereinabove. In this structure a horizontal support positioned over the top edge of panel 256. sides 258 and 260 oF U shaped horizontal support 254 are:positioned downwardly over panel 256. The upper edge of panel 256 is positioned in and gripped by lips 262 and 264 of vertical support 254. With this positioning a space exist between side 260 of horizontal support 254 and side 266 of vertical support 250. This space is adanted to receive an indica sheet 268 which may be a poster or a photo~rar?h and a ~ransparent protective sheet 248. By usin~ this structure inexpensive art ~lork such as a photo~raph can be readily displayed and chan~ed at ease in the display device of this invention. The cornposite structure may then be covered by a cap channel 251 which is held in place with clips 253 and 255 Figures 19 and 20 illustrate an embodiment of this invention wherein a cantilever header may be placed on a panel device. In this structure vertical support 2a2 is adapted to receive and support panels in a ~nanner ~s described herein above. A cantilever header iS formed by the connection o.F a sect~on 284 ~3~
oE the extrusion, which is used -~o ~orm rhe vertical :,upport, -to ver~ical .~upport 282 by use of a connec-tor brace 26G, Lcp,s 233 and 280 o~ connector ))rac-:
286 are positioned in opening 163 as is shown and described herein above in connection with Figure llA. By use of this structure a section 28~ and an opposing identical section on the next adjacent vertical support not shoim, can be used to form a cantilever header. To ~orm said header a panel is secured in sec-tion 284 and its adjacen-t counterpart.
Figure 21 illustrates an embodiment ~herein a leg support 292 rnay be added to the panel device of this invention in order -to Kive it greater lateral support. Leg support 292 comprises a base sec-tion 294 and a connector leF~ 296, A screw locked stop 298 is secured to connector leg 296, Connector leg 296 is positioned in vertical support 300 i.nto opening 144 which is illustrated and described in detail herein above in connection with Figure llA, Fi~,ures 22, 23A, 233 and 24 illustrate modifications o~ the edges oE vertical support 302 and 304, As was described above in re~erence to Fi,yures S antl 6 the clip hinge elements ~Irap around and engai~e thc outer edge of ~he vertic,ll support.
In order to prevent the clip hinge elements Erom moving on vertical supports 302 the outer edges of this vertical support can be notched as per no-tches 306 and 308, In operation the bottom of the clip hinge element eny~ages the bottom of notch 306 and 308 in such a manner that adjacent vertical supports can not ride upward in relation to each other or to the clip hinge. From Figure 22 and 23B it can be seen that inner edge 305 of notch 308 is tapered outward in relation to bottom ed~e 307, Figure 25 shows an alternate clip hinge element 310 for use in accordance with this invention, Clip hinge element 310 incorporates a main body portion 312 and a pair of reverse bend end portions 314 and 316. Reverse bend end portions 314 and 316 further incorporate tabs 318 and 320, The plane of tabs 318 and 320 is approximately at ri~ht angles to the plane of reverse bend end portions 314 and 316, Tabs 318 and 320 assist in locking clip hinge elements into the vertical supports.
Figure 26 shows the placement of a pair of clip hinge elements 321 and 322 onto a pair of vertical supports 324 and 326, When clip hinge elements 321 and 322 are placed onto vertical supports 324 and 326 these vertical supports are rotatabibly secured in ralationship to each other. In operation another pair o~ clip hin~,e elements, not shown, would be placed on the opposi~e end o~
vertical support3 324 and 326, ~3~ L3 ~ igure 27 shows in detail how the clip hinge element of ~iFure 25 cooperates with the various parts of the vertical support. As was discussed in detail in connection with Figure llA the preFerre~l cross section for the vertical support incorporates a pair of outboard U-shaped channels. In vertical support 324 and 325 these ~ shaped channels are identified as 32~, 3?~, 330 and 331. Channels 328, 329, 330 and 331 have bights 332, 333, 334 and 335. 7ab 339 of clip hinge element 337 has a wirlth which is approximately equal to the width of bight 332. Because of the snug fit of tab 339 into U-shaped channel 32B the leading edge of tab 339 is biased against wall of ~-shaped channel 328.
Conversly reverse bend portion 340 is biased against wall 327 of U-shaoed channel 328. As a result of this biasin~ against both walls 326 and 327 clip hinF.e element 337 is securely fastened to vertical support 32L~. Accordingl~ ~hen vertical support 324 and 325 are rotated in relation to each other the cli~
hinge elements will not move in relation to the vertical support. Notches cut into the edge of the vertical supports, as is described in connection with Figures 22, 23A, 23B and 24, likewise secure the relationship of the clip hinge elements in relation to the vertical supports. The biasing o.F clip hin~e element 337 into U-shaped channel 328 has been described. From an examination of Figure 27 it can be seen that similar biasing likewise occurs in connection with U-shaped channels 329, 330 and 331.
As can be seen from the above description the panel device of this invention utilizes a minimum number of components. Specificlv it should be noted that the clip hinge elements which are used to form double hinges, interract directly with the vertical supports. The clip hinge elements and the vertical supports incorporate integral features which allow these components to easily in.erract wi-th each other so as to form a panel device. In the prior art vcrtical supports for panel devices are interconnected with hinges, these hinges in turn are connected to vertical supports by extraneous fasteners such as rivets7 screus etc.
In contrast in the device of this invention no such extra fas-teners are needed. In the panel device of this invention the integral reverse bend portions of the clip hinge elements combine and interlock directly with the pair of opposing channels which are an integral part oE the vertical supports. It should be noted that in the panel device of this invention no extraneous fasteners are needed to attach the clip hings elements to the vertioal supports. Because no extraneous fasteners are needed, considerable cost savings are realiæed on materials. Further because of the ease with which the panel device oF this 1~
~3~L2~3 invention can be assembled, i-t takes less labor to effect assembly, and hence it costs less to assernble the panel device of this invcn~ion when comDared to comparable prior structures.
The integral system of this invention is likewise very desirable in that a superior panel device is produced from a asthetic point of view~ In the prior art wherein separate extraneous hin~es are used these hinv~es are attached by extraneous fasteners, accordingly the asthetic property of the reSUltinF
panel device are detrimentally effected~ That is it does not enhance the appearance of a panel device to have hinge members and related fasteners protrudin~.
therefrom. In contrast the panel device of this invention has a clean,uniform, pleasing appearance because the integral components thereof react with each other.
Lastly on a strength to weight ratio the panel device of this invention is exceptionally high. In the prior art the vertical supports are connected with various hinge elements via extraneous fasteners~ These extraneous fasteners are secured in a plurality of holes which are drilled into the vertical supports.
The drilling of these holes inherently weakend the vertical supports and hence they are subject to failure in a severe load bearing situation. In contrast with this inventionbecause the reverse bend portions of the clip hin~e elements interreact with the integral U-shaped channels of the vertical support holes need not be drilled in the vertical supports. Because the vertical supports are free of holes the resulting display device has a high strength to weight ratio.
For the reasons as set forth herein the subject inventlon produces a superior panel device.
From the above doscription and from ~igures 1 to 27 it can be seen that the subject invention can be used to produce a wide variety of panel devices.
It Is understood by one skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the embodiments as described and illustrated herein above.
This invention is concerned with por-table, flexible, panel derices which can be used to display information a-t trade shows and conventions. The panel device of this invention is also useful in the furniture arts. Panel devices as may be used at trade shows or conven-tions are oF two principal -types, these being the large bulky type and the portable type. This invention is concerned with the portable type of display device. The portable display devices have become very popular in recent years for utilization at regional trade shows and conventions. These portable display devices, when assembled, present a nice impression and have a very high display surface to weight ratio. Further, these portable display devices are advanta~eous in that they can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled without tools by one person. In contrast, the large bulky display devices as mentioned above are very heavy and hence have a low display surface -to weigh-t ratio. ~urther, thase display de~ices can he assomblacl alld disassal~ lacl only wi~ a,~lt difficulty by extra wor~men at great expense.
The subject invention is useEul in connection with por-tahle d.isplay devices wherein a plurality of cisplay panel~s are a-ttached to channels which in turn funetion as supportin~ means. It is often des~rable to locate -the panels of a display device in angular relationship with each other. It is in this area where the sub~ect invention is useful. In accord~nce with this invention the panels of the device of this invention ean he located in any desired relationship with each other over a 360~ are.
This invention also includes the connector system which is useful in holding component parts of a display device in fixed relationship wi-th each other. Also included in this invention is a vertical support and related double hinge system which allows the panels of the composite structure to rotate in relation to each other over a 360 arc. The invention is also concerned with a unique hinge system which allol~s rotation through a 360 arc.
la ~.3~4L2~3 Accordingly, the invention provides a device comprising a plurality of vertical supports, adjacent vertical suppoxts being pivotally attached to each other by double hinge members, said double hinge members comprising at least two clip hinge elements, the clip hinge elements having a main body portion and 180 opposing attaching members and locking tabs integral with the attaching members, the vertical supports having integral means for receiving the integral attaching members and locking tabs of the clip hinge elements, panels being secured between non-adjacent pairs of vertical supports.
The invention also provides a vertical support which is useful in a device for securing panels, the vertical support having an elongated body portion and a cross section which has a central U-shaped channel which is flanked on opposite sides by a pair of second U-shaped channels wherein the vertical support opposite of the openings of the U-shaped channels is arcuate.
JJ ib JAN 24 199~
~ 3~%~3 DESCRIPTI0N OF Tli~ DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a front view showing a section of the subject panel device.
Figure 2 is an end view along line 2-2 of Figure 1 showing the vertical supports of the panel device in parallel relationship with each other.
Figure 3A is a top sectional view showing the two panels in parallel relationship to each other.
Figure 3B is a top sectional view showing two panels in a straipht line relationship with each other.
Figure 3C is a top sectional view showing two panels in parallel relationship with each other opposite of that sho~m in Fif~ure 3A.
Figure 4 is a cross section along line 4-4.
Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the clip hinge element o~ this invention .
Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the placement of a pair of hinges on a pair of vertical supports.
Figure 7 is a side view showing the panel device of this invention where.in three panels are interconnected.
Fi,gure 8 is a top view of the three panel structure of Figure 7.
Figure 8A is a top view of the three panel structure of Figure 7 in angular relationship.
Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the interconnecting of hori~ontal and vertical members with a connector plug.
Figure 9A is a perspective view showing the CooPerat;.On of the horizontal member with a panel~
Figure 10A is a top view showing two panels in a parallel line relationship with each other wherein the panel is secured by edge plies.
Figure 10B is a top view showing two panels in a straizht line relationship with each other wherein the panel member is secured by edge plies~
Figure 10C is a top view showing two panels in parallel relationship with each other opposite of that shown on Figure 10A wherein the panel is secured by edge plies.
Figure llA is a cross section of the preferred embodiment of a vertical support which is useful in; this invention.
~.3~ 3 Figure llB is a cross sect;.on of a simplified ernbodiment of a vertical support.
Figure llC shows another embodiment of a vertical support.
Figure 12 is a perspective view showing means whereby the fabric covering of the panel can be wrapped around the panel device components.
Figure 13 is a cross sec-tion view oE a horizontal support.
Figure 14 shows the connecTion oE two panels and related vertical supports in fixed relationship with each other.
Figure 15 is a perspective view showing a connector plug for connecting two panels in fixed relationship with each other.
Figure 16 is a top plan view showing the connection of a plurality of vertical supports and related panels.
Figure 17 is a front view of an embodiment of a panel device in accordance with this invention showing means for displaying panel indicia Figure 18 is a perspective view showing the placement of indica in the panel device of Figure 17.
Figure 19 and 20 are side views showing the means ~or incorporatinY~ additional panels into the panel device of this invention.
Figure 21 is a side view showing a leg structure for use with this invention.
Figure 22 is a perspective view of a notched vertical support.
Figure23A and 24 are side views showing notched vertical supports.
Figure 23B is a section view through line 23B of Figure 23A.
Figure 25 is a perspective view showing an alternate clip hinge element structure.
Figure 26 is a perspective view showing the placement of a pair of clin hinge elements as shown in Figure 25 onto a pair of vertical supports.
Figure 27 is a cross section vie-;r showing the placement of the alternate clip hinge structure of Figure 25 in vertical supports..
~3~ 3 DE;SCRIPTIOI`~ OF THE PR~:FERRED E~qBODIMENT
-The subject invention relates to a panel device which comnrises a plurality of vertical supports which are secured in parallel relationship with each other with a plurality of s-trap double hin.~7,es. Spaced between the vertical supports are panels. The parallel relationship oF the vertical supports may be further deEined by interconnecting hori~ontal supports. 1'he combination of the vertical supports and horizontal supports define a frame which may be square or rectangular. Secured within each frame so defined is a panel member.
As is mentioned hereinabove the subject panel device is p.~rticularl~
useful in the portable display art, It sho~ld be noted however that the panel device of this invention is also useful in the Eurniture art. The subject panel device can be fabricated in such a size that it can be used for example as a room devider, o:Ffice seperator, privacy screen or noise barrier, In the furniture arts the panel device at hand is particularlv useful in that the various pane].s can be angularly disposed in relation to each other to define any given surface area, IE so desired these panel members can be locked into relationship with each other, Referring to Figure 1 it can be seen that tl)e panel device of this invention 2 comprises a pair of vertical supports 4 and fi, a pair of hori30ntal supports 8 and 10 and a panel 12.
As is shown in Figures..land 2, pairs of ad-Jacent vertical supports 6 and 14 ars rotatably connected to each other via a plurality of clip hin~7,e elements 16, 18, 20 and 22, These clip hinge elements coopera-te with and grip the vertical supports in a manner which will be described hereinbelo~l.
Figures 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate how related panel devices can be rotated through a 360 arc in relation to each other, In Figure 3A it can be seen that into vsrtical supports 6 and 14 are secursd panels 12 and 24.
In this Figure panels 12 and 24 are in parallel relationship with each other, In E'igure 3B vertical support 6 has been rotated in the direction of arrow 26, As a result of this rotation,panels 12 and 24 are now in a straight line relationship with each other.
In Figure 3C the rotation of vertical support 6 in relation to vertical support 14 is continued in the direction oF arrow 28, ~.31~L2~3 l~pon completion of rotation in the direct;on of arrow 28 panels 1.? and 24 are again in parallel relationship with each other. In comparin~ Fi,c~ure 3A to Figure 3C it can be seen that panel 12 has been rotated 360 in rela~ion to panel 24~ It is understood by one skilled in the art that th.is rotation of panels 12 and 24 in relation ~o each o-ther could be stopped at any point to achieve any desired angular relationship of panels 12 and 24.
Vertical supports 6 and 14 incorporate a plurality of inte~ral lips 80, 32, 34 and 36. Panels 12 and 24 are scored in such a manner that lips 30, 32, 34 and 3~ are adapted -to grip said scored portion.
Panels 12 and 24 may be formed from a material which ma~ he readily scored such as a foam board. The manner in which panels 12 and 24 mav be scored and positioned in vertical supports 6 and 14 and gripped by lips 30, 32, 34 and 36 is described in detail in U.S. Patent 3,~;62,807 issued ~ay 16, 1972.
The rotation .,f panels 12 and 24 and vertica} supports 6 and lL~ is made possible by the fact that adjacent vertical supports 6 and 14 are inter-connected with each other by two or more double hinges which comprise clip hinge elemen t 16, 18, 20 and 22.
Figure 4 is a section ta~cen along line 4-4 of Fi~ure 1. In this fixure the attachment oE the second clip hinge element ~o to vertical suppor~s ~ and l can be seen.
From Figure 6 it can be seen that a composite hinge 35 consists of a pair of clip hinge elements 18 and 20. It can further be seen that clip hin~e elements 16 and 20 can be easily slipped on to vertical supports 6 and 14.
The structure of clip hinge element 18 can be further seen from an examination of Figure 5. Clip element 18 comprises a main body portion 37 which is formed from a suitable flexible material and a pa.ir of opposin~ end portions 40 and 42. End portions 40 and 42 comprise reverse b~3nqs, In order to interlock with adjacent vertical supports and stay in tension during rotation the reverse bends of end portions 40 and 42 must be opposite o.f each other. (~
hinge element 18 may be formed from any suitable flexible material such as a metal or polymeric material. For example, clip hinge element 18 can be lorrned from a thermoplastic polymeric waterial such as a poly alpha ole.;in. I~ clip hinl~,e 18 is formed from a thermoplastic rnaterial, reverse bend end portions can be 'ormed by a thermal bendin~ process. A clip hinge element complete with reverse bend end portions may also be i'ormed by injection molding.
~3~ 2~L3 Clip hinge element 18 can likewise be formed from a metal with reverse bend end portions being Eormed from a precut section of metal by a suitable bending process. If a thermoplastic material is used, it has been found that for portable display devices a width of approximately .S inches and a thic~-ess of about .030 inches is desirable. The clip hinge elements may beto three Eourths hard formed from a metal. Half hard~stainless steel is the prefarred metal for use in accordance with thls invention. The clip hinge element should have a width oE approxirnately .5 inches and a thickness of approximately .007 inches.
In the preferred embodiment half hard .007 inches thick 304 stainless steel is utili~ed.
As is il.lustrated in Figure 6 each end of a pair of vertical supports 6 and 14 utilize a pair of clip hinge elements 18 and 20. The opposite end of said pair o~ vertical supports also utilize a pair of clip hinges not shown, Pairs of hinges are utilized as during rotation in relatioD to each other over 360 stress is alternately applied and released to cooperating clip hinge eler~ents 18 and 20 depending on the respective position o~
vertical supports 6 and 14.
Any member of composite structures 2 can be interconnected in series in order to produce a display device of the desired size. Likewise three or more composite panel devices can be interconnected if it is desired to have a panel device in which the three or more panels can rotate in relation to each other. As can be seen in Fi~ures 7, 8 and 8A, three composite panels 38, 40 and 42 are booked together. These composite panels consist of three vertical supports 44, 46 and 48. These vertical supports are interconnected by four clip hinge elements S0, S1, 52 and 54. ~.7ith this structure,cornposite panels 38 and 42 can be ro-tated in relation to central panel 40 in the direction o~ arrows 56 and 58, Figure 9 illustrates one ernbodiment of a hori~ontal support 60 and the attachment of this 'norizontal support to vertical support 62. Horizon-tal support 60 incorporates U-shaped sections 64, 66 and 68. As is illustrated, the open and o~ U-shaped sections 66 and 68 are opposite the open end of U-shaped section 64. U-shaped section 64 ~urther incorporates a pair o~ opposing lips 72 and 74. In order to connect horizontal support 60 to vertioa} support 62 a connector plug 76 is inserted into the aperture which is defined by U-shapod ahannel 64 and lips 72 and 7L~ and secured tberein with a mechanical Eastener or an adhesive The opposite end 80 o~ connector plug 76 is in turn inserted into aperture 85 of vortical support 62.
~.3~ 3 Further from Figure 9 and sA it can be seen tha-t hori~ontal supDort 60 is adapted to engage panel 82 via U-shaped channels 66 and 68, Panel 82 comprises a central core 81, for example a honeycomb core, and a pair of outer plies 83 and 87. The core 81 is cut or crushed inwardly to the depth oE
U-shaped channel 64, outer plies 83 and 87 of panel 82 may then be inserted into U-shaped channels 66 and 68, In -this manner it can be seen that horizoDtal support 60 and panel 82 are securely interconnected. Likewise horizontal support 60, vertical support 62 and panel 82 are securely inter-connected to each other to form a strong, unitary panel device.
Figures lOA, and lOB and lOC further illustrate how panels and related horizontal and vertical supports may be rotated in relation to each other.
In these figures panels 84 and 86 are rotated 360 in relation to each other in the direction of arrows 88 and 90.
An integral part of the subject invention is the vertical support system the function of which has been described hereinabove. In its sirnplest embodiment in accordance with this invention the individual vertical supports must incorporate a means for engaging the clip hinge elements and a means for engaging panel members, Suitable vertical supports are illustrated in Figures llA, llB and llC.
Figure llA illustrates the preferred embodiment of a vertical support or use in this invention, In this structure vertical support 142 incorporates or channel a oentral U shaped opening/144 which is defined by sides 146 and 148 and a bight 150. This vertical support also incorporates a pair of U-shaped channels 152 and 154, U-shaped channel 154 is defined by sides 146 and 156 and bight 162, Conversly U-shaped channel 152 is defined by sides 148 and 158 and bight 160, The reverse bends of the clip hinge elements as are illustrated in Figure 5 en~agc sides 156 and 158 of vertical support 142, Vertical support 142 further incorporates a pair of lips 164 and 166 which further define U-shaped opening 144, Lips 164 and 166 are adapted to en~age score lines which are an integral part oE the panel portion not shown in a manner as described herein above, The rear portion of vertical support 142 incorporates an opening 168 which is defined by le~s 170 and 172, Legs 170 and 172 in turn incorporate a pair of opposing lips 174 and 176, Opening 168 is useful in that vertical support 142 may be covered with a fabric, This fabric is tucked around the leading edge of sides 156 and 158 behind the reverse bend section o~ the strap hinge element, The opposite end of the oovering fabric is tucked into opening 168 and secured via lips 174 and 176, ~ 304~
Figure llB represents the simplest form of a vertical suppor-t which rnay be used in accordance with this invention. In this embodiment vertical support 136 comprises a section of tubine which has part of its circumference cut away in such a manner that lips 138 and 140 are formed. The openin~ 142 which is defined by lips 138 and 140 is adapted to receive a panel member in the manner as descr.ibed hereinabove~ The reverse bends of the embodiment o~
clip hinge element illustrated in ~igure 5 is adap-ted to slip around lips 138 and 140.
Figure llC illustrates still another embodiment of a vertical support. In this s-tructure vertical support 62 cornprises a half round extrusion havin~ a central U shaped opening 85 whicll is defined by sides 112 and 114, and by bi~hts 116 and 117, Lips 113 and 115 further define U shaped opening 85. Suitable clip hinge elements can engage lips 113 and 115 and a sui-table panel member can be positioned in U shaped opening 85 between lips 113 and 115.
Accordingly, it can be seen that if desired a plurality of vertical supports may be used in a manner as was described in reference to Figure 1, 2 and 6 hereinabove.
Vertical and Horizontal supports as described may be formed from any convenient material. These supports may be extruded from a thermoplastic material such as a polyalpha olefin or a nylon. In the preferred embodiment these elemen-ts are aluminum extrusions which are extruded from aluminum. Cosmetics and color combinations are very important in displaying devices which are used at trade shows. In this connection vertical and horizontal supports may be colored or painted to achieve any desired effect. If colored vertical and or horizontal supports are desired in the preferred embodiment this coloring is achieved by anodizing cr painting of the aluminum extrusions.
Figure 12 illustrates a panel device in accordance with this invention wherein both the vertical and horizontal supports are completely covered with a fabric. In this embodiment fabric is rolled around vertical support 142. One end of the fabric is tucked into opening 168, the other end of the fabric is tucked around the edges of sides 156 and 158 as was described in connection with Figure l~A.
Panel 178 comprises a central core 180 and a pair of opposing plies 182 and 184. Pl;es 182 and 184 are biased into and seoured in U shaped channels 152 and 154 by the biasing of the reverse bend portion of clip hinge element 186.
~3~2~3 In this instance horizontal support 188 is ll-shaped and has a central openinv, 190 which is deEined by sides 192 amd 19ll, biy,ht l9G and lips l~)B and 200. I'al~r;.c layer 202 covers ply 182 and is tucked around the oppermost ed~e 204 of ply 132 and between side 194 of horizontal support 188 and ply 182. Horizontal support 188 and ver-tical support 142 can be interconnected via a connector plug such as plug 76 as is described above in connection with Fi,gure 9.
The strueture of Figure 12 is advantageous in that if a plurality of panel deviees are staeked on top of each other both the horizontal and vertical supports are fully covered with fabric 202, in such a Tnanner as to present a very pleasin and uniform appearance.
Figure 13 shows in greater detail partieulars of horizontal suDport 60.
~lorizontal support 60 incorporates a pair of l~-shaped channels 66 and 68.
Channels 66 and 68 are adapted to reeeive the outer plies 83 and 85 of panel 82 as has been deseribed hereinabove in conneetion with Figures 9 and 9A. Horizontal support 60 further ineorporates a pair of opposing lips 72 and 74. ~)pposinv lips 72 and 74 are adapted to engage connector plug 76 as is shown in Figure 9.
While the panel device of this invention is very desirable in that the panels can be moved through a 360 arc after movement in sorne usaY,e it is desirable to lock a plurality of panels in fixed relationship with each other.
One mode of locking panels in relationship with each other is illustra-ted in Figure 14, In this embodiment two panels 207 and 208 incorporate horizontal supports 210 and 212 ~1hich are identical to horizontal support 60 as descri.bed above in reference to Figures 9 and 9A. Horizontal supports 210 and 212 are connected to vertical supports 214 and 216 via a pair of connector plugs not sbown. Referring to Figure 9 it ean be seen that the vertieal leg of connector plug 76 is hollow and incorporates a scuare apeture 134 whieh is analoF~ous to apetures 218 and 220 as is illustrated in Figure 14. Panels 207 and 208 are secured in fixed re~ationship with each other by placing a lockinF, plug 222 into apetures 218'and 220. The details of locking plug 222 are better illustrated in Figure 15. Loeking plug 222 incorporates a pair of square do~mward depending legs 224 and 226. When legs 22L~ and 226 are plaeed into apeture 21B and 220 panels 210 and 212 are secured in fixed relationship with each other. That is because the spaeing of legs 224 and 226 i5 fixed, the spaeing of apeture 218 and 220 is in turn fixed which in turn fixes -the relationship of panels 207 and 208.
While legs 224 and 226 and corresponding apetures 218 and 220 are il.lus-tra-ted as sq,uaro it ls understood by one slc.ill.ed ;n ~he art ~hat these colnponent~; ccul~
be round or an~ eonvenient shape.
~.3~ 3 ~ igure 16 illustrates still another embodiment of this invention wherein a plurality of panels can be locked into position with each other.
As was described in reference to Figure llA vertical support lL~2 incorporates an opening 168 which is adapted to receive the ends of fabric which is used to cover the vertical suppor~. Figure 16 illustrates a composite panel device 223 which incorporates three panels 22~ 226 and ~28 and three vertical supports 230, 232 and 234. These vertical supports in turn have as an integral part ~hereof openings 236, 238 and 240. In order to lock panels 224, 226 and 228 of composite panel device into a fixed relationship with each other a lockin~ plu~ 242 is inserted into openings 236 238 and 2LlO.
Locking plugs 222 and 242 as are described in reference to Figures lS and 16 can be formed from any convenient material such as a metal or a polymeric material.
In the preferred embodiment these plugs are injec-tion molded :From a durable thermoplast::;c such as a poly alpha olefin or a nylon. Figures 15 and 16 lllustrate the locking of two and three panels together it is understood that any convenient number of panels can be locked together.
Figures 17 and 18 illustrate an embodiment of this invention wherein a display device 248 can be used to protect and display larse sheet items such as photo~raphs. ~isplay device incorporates a pair of opposin~ vertical supports ~S0 and 252 which may be connected to additional adjacent vertical supports not shown, in a manner as described hereinabove. In this structure a horizontal support positioned over the top edge of panel 256. sides 258 and 260 oF U shaped horizontal support 254 are:positioned downwardly over panel 256. The upper edge of panel 256 is positioned in and gripped by lips 262 and 264 of vertical support 254. With this positioning a space exist between side 260 of horizontal support 254 and side 266 of vertical support 250. This space is adanted to receive an indica sheet 268 which may be a poster or a photo~rar?h and a ~ransparent protective sheet 248. By usin~ this structure inexpensive art ~lork such as a photo~raph can be readily displayed and chan~ed at ease in the display device of this invention. The cornposite structure may then be covered by a cap channel 251 which is held in place with clips 253 and 255 Figures 19 and 20 illustrate an embodiment of this invention wherein a cantilever header may be placed on a panel device. In this structure vertical support 2a2 is adapted to receive and support panels in a ~nanner ~s described herein above. A cantilever header iS formed by the connection o.F a sect~on 284 ~3~
oE the extrusion, which is used -~o ~orm rhe vertical :,upport, -to ver~ical .~upport 282 by use of a connec-tor brace 26G, Lcp,s 233 and 280 o~ connector ))rac-:
286 are positioned in opening 163 as is shown and described herein above in connection with Figure llA. By use of this structure a section 28~ and an opposing identical section on the next adjacent vertical support not shoim, can be used to form a cantilever header. To ~orm said header a panel is secured in sec-tion 284 and its adjacen-t counterpart.
Figure 21 illustrates an embodiment ~herein a leg support 292 rnay be added to the panel device of this invention in order -to Kive it greater lateral support. Leg support 292 comprises a base sec-tion 294 and a connector leF~ 296, A screw locked stop 298 is secured to connector leg 296, Connector leg 296 is positioned in vertical support 300 i.nto opening 144 which is illustrated and described in detail herein above in connection with Figure llA, Fi~,ures 22, 23A, 233 and 24 illustrate modifications o~ the edges oE vertical support 302 and 304, As was described above in re~erence to Fi,yures S antl 6 the clip hinge elements ~Irap around and engai~e thc outer edge of ~he vertic,ll support.
In order to prevent the clip hinge elements Erom moving on vertical supports 302 the outer edges of this vertical support can be notched as per no-tches 306 and 308, In operation the bottom of the clip hinge element eny~ages the bottom of notch 306 and 308 in such a manner that adjacent vertical supports can not ride upward in relation to each other or to the clip hinge. From Figure 22 and 23B it can be seen that inner edge 305 of notch 308 is tapered outward in relation to bottom ed~e 307, Figure 25 shows an alternate clip hinge element 310 for use in accordance with this invention, Clip hinge element 310 incorporates a main body portion 312 and a pair of reverse bend end portions 314 and 316. Reverse bend end portions 314 and 316 further incorporate tabs 318 and 320, The plane of tabs 318 and 320 is approximately at ri~ht angles to the plane of reverse bend end portions 314 and 316, Tabs 318 and 320 assist in locking clip hinge elements into the vertical supports.
Figure 26 shows the placement of a pair of clip hinge elements 321 and 322 onto a pair of vertical supports 324 and 326, When clip hinge elements 321 and 322 are placed onto vertical supports 324 and 326 these vertical supports are rotatabibly secured in ralationship to each other. In operation another pair o~ clip hin~,e elements, not shown, would be placed on the opposi~e end o~
vertical support3 324 and 326, ~3~ L3 ~ igure 27 shows in detail how the clip hinge element of ~iFure 25 cooperates with the various parts of the vertical support. As was discussed in detail in connection with Figure llA the preFerre~l cross section for the vertical support incorporates a pair of outboard U-shaped channels. In vertical support 324 and 325 these ~ shaped channels are identified as 32~, 3?~, 330 and 331. Channels 328, 329, 330 and 331 have bights 332, 333, 334 and 335. 7ab 339 of clip hinge element 337 has a wirlth which is approximately equal to the width of bight 332. Because of the snug fit of tab 339 into U-shaped channel 32B the leading edge of tab 339 is biased against wall of ~-shaped channel 328.
Conversly reverse bend portion 340 is biased against wall 327 of U-shaoed channel 328. As a result of this biasin~ against both walls 326 and 327 clip hinF.e element 337 is securely fastened to vertical support 32L~. Accordingl~ ~hen vertical support 324 and 325 are rotated in relation to each other the cli~
hinge elements will not move in relation to the vertical support. Notches cut into the edge of the vertical supports, as is described in connection with Figures 22, 23A, 23B and 24, likewise secure the relationship of the clip hinge elements in relation to the vertical supports. The biasing o.F clip hin~e element 337 into U-shaped channel 328 has been described. From an examination of Figure 27 it can be seen that similar biasing likewise occurs in connection with U-shaped channels 329, 330 and 331.
As can be seen from the above description the panel device of this invention utilizes a minimum number of components. Specificlv it should be noted that the clip hinge elements which are used to form double hinges, interract directly with the vertical supports. The clip hinge elements and the vertical supports incorporate integral features which allow these components to easily in.erract wi-th each other so as to form a panel device. In the prior art vcrtical supports for panel devices are interconnected with hinges, these hinges in turn are connected to vertical supports by extraneous fasteners such as rivets7 screus etc.
In contrast in the device of this invention no such extra fas-teners are needed. In the panel device of this invention the integral reverse bend portions of the clip hinge elements combine and interlock directly with the pair of opposing channels which are an integral part oE the vertical supports. It should be noted that in the panel device of this invention no extraneous fasteners are needed to attach the clip hings elements to the vertioal supports. Because no extraneous fasteners are needed, considerable cost savings are realiæed on materials. Further because of the ease with which the panel device oF this 1~
~3~L2~3 invention can be assembled, i-t takes less labor to effect assembly, and hence it costs less to assernble the panel device of this invcn~ion when comDared to comparable prior structures.
The integral system of this invention is likewise very desirable in that a superior panel device is produced from a asthetic point of view~ In the prior art wherein separate extraneous hin~es are used these hinv~es are attached by extraneous fasteners, accordingly the asthetic property of the reSUltinF
panel device are detrimentally effected~ That is it does not enhance the appearance of a panel device to have hinge members and related fasteners protrudin~.
therefrom. In contrast the panel device of this invention has a clean,uniform, pleasing appearance because the integral components thereof react with each other.
Lastly on a strength to weight ratio the panel device of this invention is exceptionally high. In the prior art the vertical supports are connected with various hinge elements via extraneous fasteners~ These extraneous fasteners are secured in a plurality of holes which are drilled into the vertical supports.
The drilling of these holes inherently weakend the vertical supports and hence they are subject to failure in a severe load bearing situation. In contrast with this inventionbecause the reverse bend portions of the clip hin~e elements interreact with the integral U-shaped channels of the vertical support holes need not be drilled in the vertical supports. Because the vertical supports are free of holes the resulting display device has a high strength to weight ratio.
For the reasons as set forth herein the subject inventlon produces a superior panel device.
From the above doscription and from ~igures 1 to 27 it can be seen that the subject invention can be used to produce a wide variety of panel devices.
It Is understood by one skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the embodiments as described and illustrated herein above.
Claims
THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A vertical support which is useful in a panel device, said vertical support having an elongated body portion and a cross section which has a central U-shaped channel which is flanked on opposite sides by a pair of second U-shaped channels wherein the vertical support opposite of the opening of said U-shaped channels is arcuate so as to prevent interference of the vertical support with hinge means which may be associated therewith.
2. The vertical support of Claim 1 wherein said central U-shaped channel incorporates means for receiving and securing a panel member.
3. The vertical support of Claim 1 wherein said central U-shaped channel incorporates means for receiving and securing a panel member and wherein said second U-shaped channels are adapted to receive and secure clip hinge elements having reverse bend portions.
4. The vertical support of Claim 3 wherein said central U-shaped channel incorporates means for receiving a panel member and wherein said pair of second U-shaped channels are adapted to receive and secure reverse bend portions of clip hinge elements and panel elements wherein said central U-shaped channel and said pair of second U-shaped channels are in parallel axial relationship with each other and wherein said vertical support is notched in order to prevent axial movement of the clip hinge element on the vertical support.
5. The vertical support of Claim 1 wherein said central U-shaped channel incorporates means for receiving a panel member and wherein the pair of second U-shaped channels are adapted to receive and secure reverse bend portions of clip hinge elements and panel elements wherein the vertical support incorporates an opening adjacent to the bight of said central U-shaped channel the opening having an elongated slot opposite said central U-shaped channel and is adapted to receive members which will secure two or more vertical supports in fixed relationship with each other and wherein said vertical support is notched in order to prevent axial movement of the clip hinge element on the vertical support.
6. The vertical support of Claim 1 which is formed from a member selected from the group comprising a metal or a polymeric material.
7. The vertical support of Claim 5 wherein said vertical support is formed from extruded aluminum or a polymeric material.
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A vertical support which is useful in a panel device, said vertical support having an elongated body portion and a cross section which has a central U-shaped channel which is flanked on opposite sides by a pair of second U-shaped channels wherein the vertical support opposite of the opening of said U-shaped channels is arcuate so as to prevent interference of the vertical support with hinge means which may be associated therewith.
2. The vertical support of Claim 1 wherein said central U-shaped channel incorporates means for receiving and securing a panel member.
3. The vertical support of Claim 1 wherein said central U-shaped channel incorporates means for receiving and securing a panel member and wherein said second U-shaped channels are adapted to receive and secure clip hinge elements having reverse bend portions.
4. The vertical support of Claim 3 wherein said central U-shaped channel incorporates means for receiving a panel member and wherein said pair of second U-shaped channels are adapted to receive and secure reverse bend portions of clip hinge elements and panel elements wherein said central U-shaped channel and said pair of second U-shaped channels are in parallel axial relationship with each other and wherein said vertical support is notched in order to prevent axial movement of the clip hinge element on the vertical support.
5. The vertical support of Claim 1 wherein said central U-shaped channel incorporates means for receiving a panel member and wherein the pair of second U-shaped channels are adapted to receive and secure reverse bend portions of clip hinge elements and panel elements wherein the vertical support incorporates an opening adjacent to the bight of said central U-shaped channel the opening having an elongated slot opposite said central U-shaped channel and is adapted to receive members which will secure two or more vertical supports in fixed relationship with each other and wherein said vertical support is notched in order to prevent axial movement of the clip hinge element on the vertical support.
6. The vertical support of Claim 1 which is formed from a member selected from the group comprising a metal or a polymeric material.
7. The vertical support of Claim 5 wherein said vertical support is formed from extruded aluminum or a polymeric material.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US80130485A | 1985-11-25 | 1985-11-25 | |
| US801,304 | 1985-11-25 |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000522589A Division CA1297253C (en) | 1985-11-25 | 1986-11-10 | Panel device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1304213C true CA1304213C (en) | 1992-06-30 |
Family
ID=25180744
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000522589A Expired - Fee Related CA1297253C (en) | 1985-11-25 | 1986-11-10 | Panel device |
| CA000616095A Expired - Fee Related CA1304213C (en) | 1985-11-25 | 1991-06-18 | Panel device |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000522589A Expired - Fee Related CA1297253C (en) | 1985-11-25 | 1986-11-10 | Panel device |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS62187880A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU599611B2 (en) |
| CA (2) | CA1297253C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3639668A1 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK562986A (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2590709A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2184281B (en) |
Families Citing this family (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB8800708D0 (en) * | 1988-01-13 | 1988-02-10 | Int Tutor Machines Ltd | Improvements in/relating to wallboards |
| SE467882B (en) * | 1989-11-24 | 1992-09-28 | Silentia Ab | DEVICE ON SHIELD WALL |
| WO1991018172A1 (en) * | 1990-05-17 | 1991-11-28 | Hans Roericht | Process for making a hinged joint for articulating flat components |
| GB9303919D0 (en) * | 1993-02-26 | 1993-04-14 | Smith Michael T | Hinge arrangements their construction and use |
| DE4311222A1 (en) * | 1993-04-05 | 1994-10-06 | Hans Prof Roericht | Containers for holding objects |
| GB2288268A (en) * | 1994-03-25 | 1995-10-11 | Nikolas Zoltan Korda | Display |
| US5529192A (en) * | 1994-03-31 | 1996-06-25 | Conen; Ella B. | Display fixture system |
| DE10202440C1 (en) | 2002-01-22 | 2003-10-02 | Eads Deutschland Gmbh | Joint for connecting a long side with an upper side of components and flexible band for use for such a joint |
| DE10202439C1 (en) * | 2002-01-22 | 2003-12-04 | Eads Deutschland Gmbh | Joint for connecting components with mutually facing longitudinal sides and flexible band for use for such a joint |
| US8123311B2 (en) | 2008-04-23 | 2012-02-28 | Robert Nilsson | Portable display system and associated methods |
| DE102014018671A1 (en) | 2014-12-18 | 2016-06-23 | A&A Logistik-Equipment GmbH & Co. KG | Conveyor train with coupling kinematics |
Family Cites Families (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE233657C (en) * | ||||
| US2297629A (en) * | 1937-10-09 | 1942-09-29 | G H Specialty Company | Hinged structure |
| GB773505A (en) * | 1954-05-13 | 1957-04-24 | Robert Eric Morley | Improvements in or relating to folding panel-type doors |
| US3662807A (en) * | 1970-06-29 | 1972-05-16 | Melvin M Miller | Display devices |
| GB1267189A (en) * | 1971-01-12 | 1972-03-15 | ||
| GB1542244A (en) * | 1974-10-17 | 1979-03-14 | Marler Haley Exposystems Ltd | Panel systems |
| GB1579622A (en) * | 1977-08-19 | 1980-11-19 | Batzner Coulthard Dokumentatio | Partitions and screens |
| US4448231A (en) * | 1979-06-11 | 1984-05-15 | Litton Business Systems, Inc. | Panel system edge sealing means |
| GB2101202B (en) * | 1981-06-25 | 1985-01-23 | Kepac Ltd | Hinges and panel assemblies incorporating such hinges |
| EP0069348A1 (en) * | 1981-07-06 | 1983-01-12 | Marler Haley Exposystems Limited | Foldable device |
| GB2115478B (en) * | 1982-02-15 | 1985-10-16 | Courier Display Syst | Improvements in and relating to hinges |
| US4522008A (en) * | 1982-08-19 | 1985-06-11 | Zeigler Theodore Richard | Clip for self-locking collapsible/expandable structures |
| GB8326166D0 (en) * | 1983-09-29 | 1983-11-02 | Marler Haley Exposystems Ltd | Structure incorporating stabilising means |
| EP1579622B1 (en) * | 2002-11-28 | 2017-12-20 | Digimarc Corporation | Systems and methods for authentication of print media |
-
1986
- 1986-11-10 CA CA000522589A patent/CA1297253C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1986-11-11 AU AU65002/86A patent/AU599611B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1986-11-20 DE DE19863639668 patent/DE3639668A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1986-11-24 FR FR8616323A patent/FR2590709A1/en active Pending
- 1986-11-24 GB GB8628050A patent/GB2184281B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1986-11-24 DK DK562986A patent/DK562986A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1986-11-25 JP JP27892386A patent/JPS62187880A/en active Pending
-
1991
- 1991-06-18 CA CA000616095A patent/CA1304213C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPS62187880A (en) | 1987-08-17 |
| AU599611B2 (en) | 1990-07-26 |
| FR2590709A1 (en) | 1987-05-29 |
| GB2184281B (en) | 1990-08-15 |
| GB2184281A (en) | 1987-06-17 |
| GB8628050D0 (en) | 1986-12-31 |
| DE3639668A1 (en) | 1987-06-11 |
| AU6500286A (en) | 1987-05-28 |
| CA1297253C (en) | 1992-03-17 |
| DK562986D0 (en) | 1986-11-24 |
| DK562986A (en) | 1987-05-26 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |