DK179675B1

DK179675B1 - A modular display assembly and method of assembling the modular display assembly

Info

Publication number: DK179675B1
Application number: DKPA201670568A
Authority: DK
Inventors: Estrup Lindskov Frederik; Henrik Askestad Per
Original assignee: Artspoil Aps
Priority date: 2016-07-29
Filing date: 2016-07-29
Publication date: 2019-03-19
Also published as: EP3491636B1; DK201670568A1; WO2018019348A1; EP3491636A1

Abstract

A modular display assembly (38) comprises a plurality of modules (1) each including a base module (2;20) and a display module (3), and coupling means (4) for interconnecting the modules (1), The base module (2;20) includes a base member (10) for securing said base module (2;20) to a suspension surface by means of first fastening means (19a,19b,19c), a circumferential base rim (9) that protrudes from the base member (10) to define a receptacle with a compartment (12), and second fastening means (14) for detachably mounting a protruding part of an associated display module (3) inside the compartment, the display module includes a display support (5) with a display (39), a circumferential display rim (6) that defines the protruding part that fits inside the compartment (12) of the base module (2;20), and third fastening means (15) positioned on the display module (3) to couple with the second fastening means (14) when the circumferential display rim (6) are positioned inside the compartment (12).

Description

The present invention relates to a modular display assembly comprising a plurality of modules each including a base module and a display module, and coupling means for interconnecting the modules.

The base module includes

- a base member for securing said base module to a suspension surface by means of first fastening means,

- a circumferential base rim that protrudes from the base member to define a receptacle with a compartment, and

- second fastening means for detachably mounting a protruding part of an associated display module inside the compartment, and the display module includes

- a display support with a display,

- a circumferential display rim that defines the protruding part that fits inside the compartment of the base module, and

- third fastening means positioned on the display module to couple with the second fastening means when the circumferential display are positioned inside the compartment.

It is known within the world of art to combine a number of discrete artworks into a single larger display. To accomplish this, a number of individually framed artworks are typically suspended on a wall adjacent to one another so as to make up a single display. Often, the image of one artwork continues on an adjacent artwork but because the individually framed artworks are not interconnected they easily skew, which has a negative impact on the overall visual impression and appearance. Moreover, such artwork is rarely replaced because of cost and difficulties, nor would it come to mind to customize such a combined artwork from time to time and subject to changes in the surrounding decorations.

US patent application no. 2010/0159160 Al relates to a modular display system including a plurality of display tiles to be slidingly inserted into in a display tile holder. Each display tile includes a display panel, a slide panel, and a spacer extending between those.

An alternative way of presenting artwork is disclosed in US patent no. 6,054,968. US patent no. 6,054,968 relates to a known modular graphics display assembly for use in supporting and displaying adjacently arranged, square-shaped, display members or bases in different aligned configurations. A rectangular metal or plastic rim projects laterally from the perimeter of a display member or base. The rim has a plurality of apertures for receiving a plug means that is sized to bridge two adjacent rims, to interconnect said two adjacent rims of opposite display members or bases in the same plane as the displays. Both the plugs means and the rims with apertures are visual from the display front and disfigure the overall appearance of the display. Moreover, there are large gaps between an image on one display member and an image on an adjacent display member.

EP patent application no. 0311350 discloses a modular display assembly in form of a two-part display sign comprising a first part in the form of a substantially rectangular frame having a rear wall which can be fixed to a wall and peripheral sidewalls upstanding therefrom and a second part in the form of a flat plate carrying indicia on one face. The second part has a resilient outwardly-directed peripheral flange which can be snap-fitted behind a plurality of noses located around the inner periphery of the frame and projecting inwardly from the side-walls.

There remain a need for alternative systems for displaying art and for conveniently displaying a number of artworks as a single unit which avoids the difficulty associated with aligning separate pieces on a wall or the like.

Furthermore, there is a need to provide a system for displaying a number of artworks in a variety of interchangeable orientations so as to provide a variable configuration and positions for the combined display.

It is main aspect of the present invention to provide a modular display assembly of the kind mentioned in the opening paragraph that has a visual attractive presentation.

It is yet an aspect of the present invention to provide a modular display assembly of the kind mentioned in the opening paragraph that is easy and fast to furnish with replacement art, picture, information, photos, or similar, or combinations of such informative or displaying items.

It is yet an aspect of the present invention to provide a modular display assembly of the kind mentioned in the opening paragraph that facilitates easy aligning of adjacent artworks so that they compliment one another.

It is yet an aspect of the present invention to provide a modular display assembly of the kind mentioned in the opening paragraph that can be assembled without visually disfiguration of the overall display.

It is yet an aspect of the present invention to provide a modular display assembly of the kind mentioned in the opening paragraph in which a single module can be replaced without dismantling the entire assembly from the wall.

It is yet an aspect of the present invention to provide a modular display assembly of the kind mentioned in the opening paragraph in which the display module can be re-oriented in several different orientations without the need of taking the assembly off the wall or other suspension surface.

It is yet an aspect of the present invention to provide a modular display assembly of the kind mentioned in the opening paragraph which allows anyone to create and enjoy artwork that can be dynamically changed.

The novel and unique whereby these and other aspects are achieved according to the present invention consist in that the second fastening means and the third fastening means include permanent magnets arranged with opposite attracting poles facing towards each other in interior corners of a respective circumferential wall, and the circumferential display rim is retracted from the perimeter of the display support to define a circumferential lateral web.

The second fastening means and the third fastening means include permanent magnets of which opposite poles facing towards each other whereby the display module is particular easy and fast to mount in an easy detachably manner in the compartment. Permanent magnets need not be large and take up much space between the base module and the display module. The permanent magnets are e.g. arranged along the circumferential rims so that the magnets inherently are guided into magnetic contact when the circumferential display rim of the display module is introduced in the compartment that is delimited by the circumferential base rim.

The display rim is retracted from the perimeter of the display support to define a circumferential lateral web, which can overlap the free edge of the circumferential base rim to reduce, or eliminate if desired, any gap between adjacent displays of the display module.

The displays on the respective display support of the respective display modules are then presented in a prominent way without disfiguring coupling means are visible and without substantial gaps and spaces between individually displays. In fact the display support and circumferential lateral web can be sized so that gaps are completely eliminated.

Initially the intention of the present inventors was to display pieces and collections of artwork. Although the use in displaying artwork is highly preferred the inventors have realized that the modular display assembly can be used to display a variety of other items as well. So within the context of the present invention the substantive “display” means any kind of visual presentation of items and objects, such as images, pictures, illustrations, photos, drawings, artwork, paintings, text information, advertising, or even dimensional presentations, such as topographical art on a display support. The terms “displayed information”, “displayed illustrations”, “displayed item”, etc. are used in the present application in the same context.

The circumferential display rim, that preferably protrudes orthogonal to the display support, fits inside the compartment delimited by the circumferential base rim that preferably protrudes orthogonal to the base member. Thus preferably the circumferential display rim mates with the circumferential base rim as a hand in a glove. For example the second fastening means and the third fastening means may be realized by dimensioning the respective circumferential rims in themselves, so that the circumferential display rim is kept in frictional, but still releasable, engagement with the circumferential base rim by slight force-fitting.

There may be a small gap between the circumferential display rim and the circumferential base rim to provide a narrow space for a part of the coupling member, such as e.g. a leg of a UDK 179675 B1 bend clamp or spring clip that extend from a rear face of the base module along at least a part of the depth of the circumferential base rim, inside said narrow space when the display module is mounted.

The second fastening means advantageously serves to couple with the third fastening means in order to keep the display module in place in relation to the compartment of the base module, thereby avoiding that the display module accidentally drops out of the base module.

The first fastening means are the means used for suspending the modular assembly to a suspension face, such as a wall or other surface that needs decoration or be used for displaying other kinds of messages or information. The first fastening means may include nails, screws, adhesives, strings, Velcro®, etc.

A single module of the modular display assembly of the present invention may be hung on the suspension face by first suspending the base module and then placing the detachable display in a selected compartment so that the second fastening means couple to the third fastening means for holding the display module in place.

In case the modular display assembly comprises many modules it may be beneficial to create a base assembly of the intended plurality of base modules and then mounting the base assembly as a combined unit before the open compartments are filled in and occupied by associated individual display modules. Once the base assembly has been suspended the individual display modules can be taken out, be inserted again in same or new orientation, or be replaced with a new display module, as many times as desired. This versatility allows the owner of the modular display assembly to make changes to the combined structure as often as desired. The base modules of the base assembly can also be re-arranged by decoupling the coupling members and arrange the base modules in another pattern. Thus the modular display assembly need not be arranged in a certain array or matrix, but can quite as well be arranged in an arbitrary pattern. The only limitation for arranging the base modules is that two sides of opposite base modules are arranged against each other.

It is indeed possible to suspend each module separately, although this is a bit more labor-consuming task, as well as it might be more difficult to align the individual modules well.

The user may chose to adapt the displays, such as artwork, of the modular display assembly in accordance with changes in e.g. interior decoration, to present a theme, or in relation to a special event. Once the user has obtained one or more base modules the user may subscribe to replacement services for the display modules. He/she may e.g. chose his/her display(s) from catalogues, as individual pieces, or as collections, thereby having the option of customizing the displayed items or sticking to the theme, and choosing the displays that fit the specific occasion, the specific environment or event, at a given time the best. Alternatively a module consisting of a base module and a display module is purchased or rented as one unit.

For some modular display assemblies it may be preferred to preserve an inferior space around a single display, around a single display support, or around the circumferential web to provide an impression that each display is individually framed.

The height of the circumferential display rim may advantageously be smaller than or equal to the depth of the compartment, so that when the circumferential display rim is inserted in the compartment delimited by the circumferential base rim, the circumferential display rim abuts and rests on the edge of the circumferential base rim to provide a nice closed appearance also when the modular display assembly is observed from its side instead of from the display face, thus from the front.

The coupling members may be adapted to detachably keep two adjacent modules assembled side by side. Thus the base assembly is kept together by means of detachable coupling means, so that when the base assembly is taken down and have been dismantled into its individual base modules by detaching the coupling members, a redesigned base assembly can be constructed as a new matrix, new array or new arbitrary form simply by placing adjacent base modules in the new desired pattern and mounting the coupling means anew, an this was further providing options of arranging display modules in alternative arrangements.

The detachable coupling members suited for the present invention may be selected from the non-exhaustive group of coupling means comprising spring clips, strings, clamps, etc.

The base member may have a plurality of apertures that conveniently can be arranged spaced apart along the perimeter of the base member at the transition to the associated circumferential base rim. When apertures of opposite base members of adjacent base modules are aligned a common coupling means can bridge opposite adjacent circumferential base rims of opposite base modules and engage with the aligned apertures of the opposite base members, so that a firm coupling of opposite base modules are achieved. Thus two oppositely arranged apertures of two different base members each receive a part of the same coupling member to keep these two base modules close and firmly together. A plurality of coupling members may be used for keeping adjacent sides of opposite base modules together or in the alternative, one long coupling member may be used.

In case the coupling member is a spring clip, such a spring clip may beneficially be U-shaped and having converging free legs that engage into the adjacent apertures of the opposite base modules while the bottom of the U-shape bridges the opposite adjacent circumferential base rims. Preferably the bottom of the U-shape has a width that is equal to or longer than twice the thickness of a circumferential base rim.

In case the circumferential rims define congruent squares the fastening means may e.g. magnets that are placed circumferential rim. E.g.

be constituted by four permanent in the interior corners of a can a first permanent magnet be placed in each interior corner of the square circumferential base rim and a second permanent magnet be placed in each interior corner of the square circumferential display rim with attracting poles facing towards each other. Placing the second fastening means and the third fastening means in corners are not mandatory although beneficial manufacturing vice and mounting vice because the location of a magnet is specific and easy to identify.

The permanent magnets may conveniently be accommodated or mounted in respective opposite base retainers and display retainers.

The base module and the display module may both be manufactured by injection molding, e.g. be made of a thermosetting plastic material, and the base retainers and display retainers may be incorporated directly in the respective base and display modules in injection molding process. A suitable retainer can e.g. be any compartment, confinement or enclosure, open or subsequently covered, such as an elongate bore for receiving an elongate permanent magnet, or be an indent or small compartment that receives a spherical magnet. The magnet can be kept inside the respective retainer by frictional force that is higher than the magnetic attracting force. In yet an alternative a magnet is simply glued to the retainer or overmolded to fuse to the goods of the remaining module.

The shape of the base module and associated mating display module may generally be polygonal, such as triangular, quadrangular, or hexagonal, and modules of various shapes can be combined if they posses a side of combinable length to fit against other modules.

For example two right-angled triangles can be combined into a rectangle and be assembled with other rectangular modules. An alternative example is a sub base assembly of several smaller squares that are combined into a base assembly of same size and dimensions as another larger rectangular module to subsequently be combined with said larger rectangular module. Yet an option is to arrange hexagons in a honeycore pattern, or provide a plurality of equilateral or isoscelic triangles to create a polygon.

Any means for fastening the base module to the suspension surface is intended within the scope of the present invention.

In one embodiment the first fastening means may e.g. be holes through the base member so that the base assembly can be suspended by means of one or more screws screwed directly into e.g. a wall. Some holes may also, in addition or in the alternative be used for securing a string to suspend the base assembly, and thus the modular display assembly, as an ordinary painting on a single screw or nail.

The second fastening means may be arranged in one or more base corners of the circumferential base rim and the third fastening means may be arranged in one or more display corners of the associated circumferential display rim. This arrangement of second and third fastening means distributes the engagement forces between said second and third fastening means over the largest possible area, thereby ensuring an optimum securing of a display module to a base module. A further advantage in case of e.g. equilateral modules is that the display module can be mounted to the base module in any desired orientation. The display module can be turned e.g. 90° or 180° clockwise or counter-clockwise and easily be secured in this new position due to the corner arrangement of opposite second and third fastening means.

The present invention also relates to a method of assembling the modular display assembly described above.

The method comprises the steps of

- providing a number of modules,

- assembling aligned base members of base modules in a matrix or array to obtain a base assembly by connecting by means of coupling members,

- suspending the base assembly assembled of base modules on a suspension surface, and

- mounting the display modules to the base modules by inserting the circumferential display rims in the respective compartments.

Inserting a circumferential display rim in the selected compartment is done simply by displacing the display module along the normal to the base member that extends substantially through the center of the base member.

The invention will now be described in further details by way of examples and exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings, in which

Fig. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a single module for a first simple embodiment of a modular display assembly of the present invention,

Fig. 2 is a perspective, exploded top view of a single module for a second embodiment of a modular display assembly of the present invention,

Fig. 3 shows the base module of fig. 2 from the rear face suited for suspending the base module on a suspension surface,

Fig. 4 is a view of the display module from the protruding circumferential display rim, thus opposite the display face,

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the base module and the corresponding display module of the embodiment seen in figs. 2 - 4 but shown from above the base module,

Fig. 6 is a side view of the base module shown in figs. 2 - 5,

Fig. 7 shows, in perspective, four base modules from the rear sides in partly assembled state,

Fig. 8 is an enlarged scale perspective view of an embodiment of a coupling means,

Figs. 9 and 10 show in different angular views, the encircled fragment of fig. 7 seen from the adjacent compartments of two assembled base modules,

Fig. 11 shows the same seen from the rear sides of two assembled base modules, and

Fig. 12 shows a suspended, partly assembled, modular display assembly .

Below the invention is described by way of examples in relation to square modules. This should in any way not been seen as limiting the scope of the present invention. As already emphasized above the design and outline of the display module and base module can have other shapes.

In some of the figures the display module is shown without displaying any kind of display. This emphasizes just the customizability of the modular display assembly of the present invention, as well as the versatility and multiplicity of possibilities for making individual arrangements, in particular individual arrangement and choices or art, and that the display can be attached to the display support in advance, thus being purchased this way, or the displays can be put on the display support by the user. Further the assembled modular display assembly can be mounted suspended by a corner instead of being aligned to e.g. a floor, the modules be assembled in other patterns than square, etc.

Fig. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a single module 1 for a first simple embodiment of a modular display assembly of the present invention. The single module 1 can be used as a separate module and have any desired size and dimension.

The module 1 has a base module 2 and a display module 3. Coupling means in form of two U-shaped spring clips 4 serve for interconnecting one module 1 to another module (as shown in e.g. fig. 7) .

The display module 3 has a display support 5 and a circumferential display rim 6 protruding orthogonal from the base member 2 and retracted from the circumferential free edge 7 of the display support 5 to define a small circumferential web 8 adapted to fit above at least some of a circumferential base rim 9, as well as to provide a suitable grip for the user to facilitate taking the display module 3 off the base module

2.

The base module 2 has a substantially flat base member 10, in the present simplified embodiment an annular frame, for suspending the base module 2 close to a flat suspension surface, such as a wall. The circumferential base rim 9 protrudes orthogonal from the perimeter 11 of the base member 10 to define a compartment 12 for receiving and accommodating the circumferential display rim 6 in the assembled state of the module 1. The base module 2 then features a female part resembling a flat open box that receives a male part constituted by the circumferential display rim 6 so that the circumferential web 8 rests on free edge the circumferential base rim 9 so that no gaps are visible from a side view.

The circumferential display rim 6 is shown to be continuous along its circumferential length. Within the scope of the present invention it can also be interrupted or discontinuous, so that the circumferential display rim 6 resembles e.g. a comb with spaced apart webs or teeth, or have spaced apart openings to save goods, so as to create springy effect to keep the circumferential display rim 6 mounted properly inserted into engagement with the circumferential base rim 9. The circumferential display rim 6 is hidden when the modular display assembly is suspended on e.g. a wall, so how the circumferential display rim 6 looks does not affect the overall visual impression of the assembled modular display assembly to any noticeable extent.

Third fastening means in form of display magnets 14 are secured in first retainers (not shown) at display corners 13 of the circumferential display rim 6. An exemplary first retainer may simply be a bore in the goods at the display corners 13 and the display magnets 14 be a thin suitable elongate, permanent magnet glued to the bore. Alternatively the first retainers are small confinements delimited at a respective display corner 13.

Any other kind of shape of permanent magnet, such as a sphere, placed and glued to a retainer in form of cavities, indents, confinements or bores at the corners will also do as any of the second and third fastening means.

Second fastening means in form of base magnets 15 are secured in second retainers 16 at the base corners 17 of the circumferential base rim 9 in order to attract the display magnets 14 when the circumferential display rim 6 is inserted into the compartment 12 to hold and orientate the display module 3. The base magnets 12 can e.g. be introduced from the rear side of the base module and have a head that is larger than the second retainer, such as hole, but any other way of securing the base magnets to the base module are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. The base magnets 15 can be any permanent magnet that can attract the display magnets 14 and being aligned/alignable with said display magnets 14 so that the proper place and orientation of a display module 3 in a base module 2 is given directly by the opposite display magnets 14 and base magnets 15.

Base magnets 15 display magnets 14 may be arranged in all four base corners 17 of a base module 2 or display module 3, respectively, or just in some of the corners. Less than two magnets for such a module is however less preferred.

The base member 2 has spaced apart elongate coupling holes 18 through the base member 10 close to the circumferential base rim 9 for coupling with the coupling means such as the spring clips 4, as will be described in further details below.

Fig. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of a module 20 for the modular display assembly of the present invention in a perspective top view similar to the view of fig. 1. The second embodiment of a module 20 for a modular display assembly corresponds to the first simple embodiment of a base module 2 and for like parts same reference numerals are used. The second embodiment of a base module 20 differs from the first embodiment of a base module 2 only in that the base member 10 has a reinforcing member 21 that traverses the circumferential base rim 9 opposite said rim 9's free edge 22.

The base members 2;20 may have one or more first fastening means, e.g. in form of first holes 19a for suspending the base module 2;20 or a base assembly consisting of plural base modules 2;20 to e.g. a wall using screws or nails and/or second holes 19b for suspending same using hooks in the wall. Strings may be passed through any of the first and second holes to hang the modular display assembly on the wall just as a painting on any kind of suitable protruding suspension means. Any other kind of suspension means can be used as well suspension means including Velcro® couplings and detachable adhesives.

Preferably the base module 2;20 and the display module 3 are made of a hard plastic material by injection molding.

Fig. 3 shows the base module 20 of fig. 2 from the rear face 23, thus from the face in contact with a suspension surface (not shown) such as the wall, when the modular display assembled is suspended. Two second holes 19b are arranged symmetrically opposite each other along a first bisector and have respective openings 19c facing towards the centre of the base member 24 so that the second holes can be used for hanging the base module 2 on a hook irrespective of which side of the circumferential base rim 9 is at the top. In contrast thereto the first holes 19a, which also are arranged symmetrically opposite each other but along a second bisector substantially perpendicular to the first bisector, have no openings and are most suited for use with nails or screws directly inserted and passing through the first holes 19a in the suspension procedure. The arrangement of the first holes 19a and the second holes 19b along a bisector is convenient but not mandatory when the modular display assembly consists of plural modules. For example third holes 19d at the base corners 17 provide further suspension options for mounting either a single module or an assembled modular display assembly to e.g. a wall.

Fig. 4 shows the display module 3 from the rear side, thus from opposite the display support 5. The circumferential display rim 6 protrudes orthogonal from said display support 5 so that the circumferential web 8 is free to project laterally. The display magnets 14 are secured in confinements 25, the first retainers, at the display corners 13 of the circumferential display rim 6 so that said display magnets 14 are available for being guided towards the base magnets 15 due to mutual magnetic attraction for magnetically securing the display module 3 to the base module 2. The display module 3 may have reinforcing ribs or grids 26 provided in the space 27 delimited by the circumferential display rim 6.

Reinforcing the circumferential rims 6,9 and other parts of the display module 3 and/or the base module 2;20 may be beneficial for large modules 3;2;20, in particular. Providing such reinforcing means may be an integral part of e.g. the injection molding process, and help to reduce any flexibility of the circumferential rims 6, 9 that would negatively affect a clean coupling of said display module 3 and base module 2;20.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment seen in fig. 2 but shown from the rear face 23 of the base module 20. The first magnets 14 have been secured to the display module 3 at the display corners 13, and the display module is ready for being assembled to the base module 20, as indicated by the arrow A. The module 3;20 can be suspended at the suspension surface, such as a wall, e.g. by first mounting the base module 20 on the wall and then inserting the circumferential display rim 6 into the circumferential base rim 9.

Fig. 6 is a side view of the base module 2;20 to illustrate that the goods at the rear side 23 of said base module 2 has a larger thickness around the first holes 19a, and around the second holes 19b, thereby providing spacers 28 so that the modular display assembly, that e.g. hangs on a hook, can be mounted parallel to the suspension surface. Thus the spacers 28 can serve to align the modular display assembly with the wall and to provide a floating impression of a suspended modular display assembly.

Fig. 7 shows, in perspective, four base modules 20a,20b,20c,20d from the rear sides 23 in assembled state, thereby creating a base assembly 29.

A first base module 20a has four sides 2 0a₁,2 0a₂,2 0a₃,2 0a₄ that forms the first circumferential base rim 9a. A second base module 20b has four sides 20b₁,20b₂,20b₃,20b₄ that forms the second circumferential base rim 9b. A third base module 20c has four sides 20c₁,20c₂,20c₃,20c₄ that forms the third circumferential base rim 9c. A fourth base module 20d has four sides 20d₁,20d₂,20d₃,20d₄ that forms the fourth circumferential base rim 9d. The base modules of the present exemplary embodiment are square so that all such sides have equal length and depth.

The third side 20a₃ of the first base module 20a has been assembled to the first side 20d₁ of the fourth base module 20d by means of two U-shaped spring clamps 4 through adjacent, aligned elongate opening 18 in the respective first module 20a and fourth module 20d while the elongate openings of said modules between the spring clips are left free, because further securing is not needed for the present load. The second side 20a₂ of the first base module 20a is ready to be assembled to the fourth side 20b₄ of the second base module 20b by means of two additional U-shaped spring clips 4, that are shown ready to be inserted. The other sides are assembled in similar manners.

How the adjacent sides of two base modules are assembled by means of U-shaped spring clips 4, as seen more clearly in the enlarged scale fragmentary views of figs. 9 - 11, as encircled by the circle C in fig. 7.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged scale perspective view of a coupling means in form of an U-shaped clip spring 4.

The U-shaped clip spring 4 has a first spring leg 30 that extends from a first free end part 31 via a bottom leg 32 into a second spring leg 33 that has a second free end part 34. The opposite sections of the first spring leg 30 and of the second spring leg 33 that extend opposite each other from the bottom leg 32 converge until they extend into the respective free end parts 31,34, where after said free end parts 31,34 diverge and end in respective free ends 35,36.

The first free end part 31 is split into three outwards bend clamp legs, a first centre clamp leg 31a surrounded by two first outer clamp legs 31b,31c. Similarly the second free end part 34 is split into three outwards bend clamp legs, a second centre clamp leg 34a surrounded by two second outer clamp legs 34b,34c.

This outwards bending of the first free end part 31 and of the second free end part 34 makes said free end parts 31,34 diverge, so that the U-shaped spring clip 4 is easily guided to clamp inside the elongate openings 18 of aligned adjacent base modules 20. The free ends 35,36 of said respective free ends parts 31,34 are located inside the compartment 12 of the base module 2;20 below the circumferential web 8 of the display module 3 in the assembled state of the modular display assembly.

Both center legs 30a,34a have a lower flap 30d,34d that do not extend to the bottom leg 32. The lower flap 30d,34d is then free to engage a projection 37 from the perimeter of an elongate opening 18 as seen more clearly in figs. 7 and 9 - 11.

An elongate hole 18 of one base module 20a receives the first leg 30 of the U-shape spring clip 4 and an aligned elongate hole 18 of an adjacent second base module 20d receives the second leg 33 of the same spring clip 4. Thus the coupling means in form of the U-shaped spring clips 4 can be mounted in a number corresponding opposite sets of elongate openings of adjacent base modules 2;20a,20b,20c,20d.

As seen best in fig. 11 the spring clip 4 is mounted from the rear face 23 of the adjacent base modules 20a,20d, The rear face 23 is the face of the base modules 20a,20d placed on the suspension surface, e.g. a wall. The bottom leg 32 of the Ushaped spring clip 4 bridges the adjacent section of the respective circumferential base rims 9a,9d to clamp and keep these opposite rims 9a,9b in close contact and firmly together in a base assembly 29, as seen in fig. 7, for use in the modular display assembly 38 seen in fig. 12.

The modular display assembly 38 seen in fig. 12 displays three pieces of display 39, in the form of three different pieces of futuristic art. One base module 20d is still free to receive a display module with a display 39. The bottom of the compartment 12 is provided with information of how to use the different holes 19a,19b,19d. The first holes 19a may e.g. be provided with the information “FIXED WALL MOUNT X 2 and show a screw or nail. The second holes 19b may e.g. be provided with the information “MOVABLE WALL MOUNT X 2 and show a hook. The third holes 19d may e.g. be provided with the information “WALL MOUNT by string X 4 and show a string. Any other kind of information and illustration can be embossed, attached by means of stickers, etc. to help the user utilizes the modular display assembly 38 correct, fast and easy.

Once the base assembly 29 is mounted on the wall is may be kept on the wall in this position, but the displays 39 are easily replaced and renewed due to the magnetic coupling between the first and the second magnets.

The modules of the present invention can work in multiples to create a continuous, uninterrupted decorative panel, artwork or decoration with displays 39 according to the individual's choice. The displays 39 on the display module 3 may include sculptural features.

The coupling means 4 interlock opposite modules 3;2,20 together to ensure accurate module-to-module alignment and superior coupling stability. Cast entirely of plastic, the modules are durable, lightweight, easy to handle and inexpensive, and offers the possibility of having customized art wherever desired.

The user may choose to obtain a license from a modular display assembly administrator or licensor to use the modular display to avail himself/herself of regular replacement of display modules instead of purchasing the modular assembly and purchase new display modules if replacement of such is intended.

Within the scope of the present invention the display module may have a bottom, which is detachable or not, so that the support face, the circumferential display rim and said bottom delimits a display chamber, by means of which various objects can be exhibited, such as three-dimensional objects, such as sculptural objects, butterflies, etc, or moving objects, such as liquids, colored air, sand, etc. Any kind of objects can be placed in a display chamber.

In case the bottom is detachable the user herself/himself can place the object she/he likes to display inside the display chamber, and replace such an object any time she/he likes.

In case the bottom is not detachable the objects is placed inside the display chamber at the manufacturing stage.

The display chamber may also extend beyond the support surface, thus the display surface may have an area that is further offset away from the base module to add yet a visual effect to the module. In such an embodiment the second and third fastenings means are selected to take the offset load in account.

The display chamber may even extend both beyond the support surface and inside the compartment.

Yet an alternative display support is adapted for attachment of another item, such functional items, like mirrors, candlesticks lamps, speakers, screens, such as video screens, Internet of Things, etc. This list should not be construed as limiting the present invention because many other objects can be displayed using the modular display assembly of the present invention.

Claims

Requirements

A modular display assembly set (38) comprising a plurality of modules (1), each including a base module (2; 20) and a display module (3), and coupling means (4) for interconnecting the modules (1), the base module (2; 20) includes

- a bottom element (10) for fastening said bottom module (2; 20) to a suspension surface by means of first fastening means (19a, 19b, 19d),

- a circumferential bottom edge (9) projecting from the bottom element (10) to define a frame with a space (12), and

second fastening means (14) for releasably mounting a projecting part of an associated display module (3) inside the space (12), the display module (3) includes

- a display base (5) with a display (39),

a circumferential display edge (6) defining the projecting portion which fits into the space (12) of the base module (2; 20), and

- third fastening means (15) arranged on the display module (3) for coupling to the second fastening means (14), when the circumferential display edge (6) is arranged inside the space (12), characterized in that the second fastening means (14 ) and the third fastening means (15) include permanent magnets arranged in inner corners of the respective circumferential wall so that opposite poles face each other to attract each other and the circumferential display edge (6) is retracted from the perimeter of the display base (5). to define a circumferential side tab (8).

Modular display assembly set (38) according to claim 1, characterized in that the height of the circumferential display edge (6) is less than or equal to the depth of the space (12).

2 4

Modular display assembly set (38) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the coupling elements (4) are arranged to releasably hold two adjacent bottom modules (2; 20) together side by side, the coupling elements (4) being optionally selected from the group comprising spring clamps, cords or hangers.

Modular display assembly set (38) according to any one of the preceding claims 1-3, characterized in that the coupling means are one or more U-shaped spring clamps (4), wherein at least a part of the U-shaped spring clamps (4) have converged spring legs ( 31.33).

Modular display assembly set (38) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 4, characterized in that the bottom element (10) has a number of openings (18), which openings (18) are arranged separately from each other along the perimeter of the bottom element (10) at the transition to the associated circumferential bottom edge (9), in which two different bottom elements (10) have openings (18) arranged opposite each other to receive a part of the same coupling element (4).

Modular display assembly set (38) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 5, characterized in that said permanent magnets are received in or mounted in respective opposite bottom holders and display holders.

Modular display assembly set (38) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 6, characterized in that the shape of the base module (2; 20) and the associated cooperating display module (3) is substantially polygonal, such as triangular, square or hexagonal.

Modular display assembly set (38) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 7, characterized in that the first fastening means are holes (19a, 19b, 19d) through the bottom element (10).

Modular display assembly set (38) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 8, characterized in that the circumferential display edge (6) projects perpendicularly from the display base (5), the circumferential bottom edge (9) projects perpendicularly from the bottom element (10) and delimits the space (12) to accommodate the circumferential display edge (6).

Modular display assembly set (38) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 9, characterized in that the second fastening means (14) are arranged in one or more of the bottom corners (17) of the circumferential bottom edge (9), and the third fastening means (15) ) are arranged in one or more of the display corners (13) of the associated circumferential display edge (6).

A method of assembling the modular display assembly set (38) according to any one of the preceding claims 1-10, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of

- providing a number of modules (1),

assembling bottom modules (2; 20) with bottom elements (10) aligned in a matrix or array to obtain a single bottom unit (29) by connecting adjacent modules by means of coupling elements (4),

- hang the entire bottom unit (29) assembled by bottom modules (2; 20) on a suspension surface, and

mount the display modules (3) to the bottom modules (2; 20) by inserting the circumferential display edges into the respective compartments.