FR2590709A1 - PANEL DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR DISPLAY DEVICE AND VERTICAL SUPPORT - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to display panels. It relates to display panels comprising panels 12, 24 retained in vertical supports 6, 14 which are coupled by hinge elements 18 which hook onto the flanges of the vertical supports 6, 14. These hinge elements 18 are made of a flexible material. In this way, the panels can be mutually rotated 360 degrees. Application to display panels used in trade exhibitions. (CF DRAWING IN BOPI)

Description

The present invention relates to portable devices with panels

  very flexible application that can be used for displaying information in exhibitions and meetings. The panel device according to the invention is also useful in furniture. Panel devices, for example of a type that can be used in exhibitions or meetings, are two

  main types, a very bulky type and a type

  tative. The invention relates to the type of display device

  portable watch. Portable devices have been very successful in recent years at regional exhibitions and meetings. These portable panel devices, when mounted, give a very pleasant impression

  and have a very high display area / weight ratio.

  In addition, these portable display devices are

  tageux because they can be assembled and disassembled quickly

  and easily without tools, by one person. At the

  milk, the heavy display devices as indicated above, are very heavy and have a low ratio

  from the display surface to the weight. In addition, these provisions

  display units can be mounted and dismantled only with great difficulty and by many workers,

with a high cost.

  The invention relates to portable display devices in which several billboards

  are attached to U-shaped bodies which have the role of

  storing support devices. It is often desirable

  that the panels of a display device are arranged in inclined directions relative to each other. The present invention is particularly useful in this case. According to the invention, the panels of the device can be arranged with all mutual orientations

wanted, out of 360.

  The invention also relates to a connection system

  which is useful for the maintenance of the elements of a

  display device in fixed relative position. The inventors

  The invention also relates to a vertical support and an associated double hinge device which allows the mutual rotation of the panels of a 360 composite structure. The invention also relates to an original hinged assembly that allows

one rotation on 3600.

  Other features and advantages of the invention

  tion will become more apparent from the following description,

  with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

  Figure 1 is a front elevation showing a section of a panel device according to the invention; Fig. 2 is an end view according to arrows 2-2 of Fig. 1, showing the vertical supports of the panel device placed parallel to each other; Figure 3A is a sectional view showing the two panels placed parallel to each other; Fig. 3B is a plan section showing two panels aligned with each other; Figure 3C is a sectional view showing two panels parallel to each other ,. but in a position opposite to that of Figure 3A; Figure 4 is a section on line 4-4 of Figure 1;

  Figure 5 is a perspective representing the

  staple hinge according to the invention;

  Figure 6 is a perspective illustrating the

  two hinges on two vertical supports; Figure 7 is a side elevation showing the panel device according to the invention providing the connection of three panels; Figure 8 is a partial plan view of the structure of Figure 7, comprising three panels; Fig. 8A is a plan view of the three-panel structure of Fig. 7 when the panels are inclined relative to each other; Figure 9 is a perspective showing the connection of horizontal and vertical members with a connection plug; Fig. 9A is a perspective showing the cooperation of the horizontal member and a panel; Fig. 10A is a plan view of two panels arranged parallel to each other, the panel being fixed by layers formed at the edges; Fig. 10B is a plan view of the two panels aligned with each other, each member of a panel being fixed by the edge layers; Figure O10C is a plan view of two panels placed parallel to each other but opposite to Figure 10A, the panel being secured by edge layers;

  FIG. 11A is a section of one embodiment of

  advantage of a useful vertical support according to the

vention;

  FIG. 11B is a section of a embodiment of

  simplified siting of vertical support;

  FIG. 11C represents another embodiment of

  vertical support; Figure 12 is a perspective with parts

  torn off, representing a device allowing the winding

  a panel covering fabric around the panel elements; Figure 13 is a section of a horizontal support; Figure 14 shows the connection of two panels and associated vertical supports in fixed mutual position; Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a plug of two panels so that they have a fixed mutual position; Fig. 16 is a plan view showing the connection of a plurality of vertical supports and associated panels; Fig. 17 is a front elevation of a panel device embodiment according to the invention, showing a device for displaying signs on the panel;

  FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective representing

  both the arrangement of the signs in the device of Figure 17; Figures 19 and 20 are side elevations

  representing the device intended to allow the incorpo-

  providing additional panels in the panel device according to the invention; Fig. 21 is a side elevation showing

  the structure of a foot intended to be used according to the

vention;

  FIG. 22 is a perspective of a vertical support

  cal having notches; Figures 23 and 24 are side elevations showing vertical supports having notches; Fig. 23A is a section along the line 23B of Fig. 23; Fig. 25 is a perspective showing an alternative staple hinge element structure; Fig. 26 is a perspective showing the placement of two clip hinge members of Fig. 25 on two vertical supports; and

  Fig. 27 is a section showing the device

  tion of the hinged structure variant with clip

  Figure 25 in vertical supports.

  The invention relates to a panel device which

  has several vertical supports that are attached

  in parallel with each other by several double hinges in the form of strips. The panels are spaced between the vertical supports. The parallel arrangement of the vertical supports can also be obtained by connecting horizontal supports. The combination of the vertical supports and the horizontal supports forms a frame that can have a square or rectangular shape. An organ forming a

  panel is attached to the inside of each frame.

  As indicated previously, the panel device

  is particularly useful in the case of a display

  tative. It should be noted however that the panel device according to the invention is also useful for furniture. The panel device can be made with a dimension such that it can be used for example as a separator of a room, as separator of an office, as a screen or as a protection against noise. In furniture, the panel device is particularly useful in that the various

  panels may be arranged with

  to each other so that they delimit

  tent all desired surfaces. If necessary, the members forming the panels may be locked by

compared to others.

  It is noted in FIG. 1 that the panel device according to the invention bearing the reference 2 comprises two vertical supports 4 and 6, two horizontal supports 8

and 10 and a panel 12.

  As indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pairs of adjacent vertical supports 6 and 14 are connected so that the supports can rotate, via hinge elements 16, 18, 20 and 22 in the form of a clip or 'clip. These hinge elements cooperate with the vertical supports and pinch them in a manner described

in the following.

  Figures 3A, 3B and 3C show how the

  The associated panels can rotate from 3600 to one another. In FIG. 3A, it can be noted that panels 12 and 24 are fixed in supports

verticals 6 and 14.

  In this figure, the panels 12 to 24 are arranged parallel to each other. In FIG. 3B, the vertical support 6 has rotated in the direction of the arrow 26. As a result of this rotation, the panels 12 and 24 are aligned

one over the other.

  In FIG. 3C, the rotation of the vertical support 6 with respect to the vertical support 14 has been continued in

the directions of the arrow 28.

  At the end of the rotation in the direction of the arrow 28, the panels 12 and 24 are again parallel to each other. The comparison of FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C shows that the panel 12 has rotated 360 relative to the panel 24. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this rotation of the panels 12 and 24 relative to one another can be interrupted at any location so that any position

  desired angle of the panels 12 and 24 is obtained.

  The vertical supports 6 and 14 have several lips, 32, 34 and 36 integral with them. The panels 12 and 24 have notches so that the lips 30,

  32, 34 and 36 can clamp the notched portion.

  The panels 12 and 24 may be formed of a material that can easily be cut, for example a foam board. The method of notching the panels 12 and 24 for positioning in the vertical supports 6 and 14 and then clamping by the lips 30, 32, 34 and 36

  is described in detail in the United States Patent of

No 3 662 807.

  The rotation of the panels 12 and 24 and the vertical supports 6 and 14 is made possible because the adjacent vertical supports 6 and 14 are interconnected by two or more double hinges forming elements of

  clip hinge 16, 18, 20 and 22.

  FIG. 4 is a sectional view along the line 4-4 of FIG. 1. In this figure, attachment of the second clip hinge member 20 to the vertical supports

6 and 14 can be noted.

  It is noted in FIG. 6 that a composite hinge consists of two clip-shaped hinge elements 18 and 20. It can also be noted that the hinge members 16 and 20 can be easily slid on

the vertical supports 6 and 14.

  Note also in Figure 5 the structure of the element 18 hinge. This member 18 has a portion 37 forming a main body of a suitable flexible material and two opposite end portions and 42. These portions 40 and 42 form folded strips. The folds of the end portions 40 and 42 must be made in opposite directions so that they fit into the adjacent vertical supports and remain under tension during rotation. The hinge member 18 may be formed of any suitable flexible material, for example a metal or a polymeric material. Thus, the staple hinge member 18 may be formed of a thermoplastic polymeric material, for example a poly-alpha-olefin. When the hinge 18 is formed of a thermoplastic material, the folded parts in the opposite direction can be formed

  by a hot folding operation. An element of char-

  finished staple having folded ends of

  It can also be formed by injection molding.

  The staple hinge member 18 may also be formed of a metal with folded ends from a previously cut metal portion by a suitable folding operation. When using a thermoplastic material, it is found that, in the case of portable display devices, a width of about

  12.7 mm and a thickness of about 0.75 mm is desirable.

  The clip hinge members may be formed of a metal. Stainless steel with a hardness between half and three quarters is the preferred metal according to the invention. The hinge element must have a

  width of about 12.7 mm and a thickness of about 0.18mm.

  In a preferred embodiment, stainless steel

  304 semi-hard type of 0.18 mm thick is used.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the ends of two vertical supports 6 and 14 use two clip hinge members 18 and 20. The opposite end of

  the pair of vertical supports also has two char-

  staples not shown. The pair of hinges is used so that, during the mutual rotation on 3600, stresses are alternately applied and relaxed to the cooperating elements 18 and 20 of the hinge according to the respective position of the vertical supports 6

and 14.

  Any number of composite structures 2 may be connected in series so that the display device is of the desired size. Likewise, three or more composite panels with panels or panels may be optionally provided so that they form a device in which the three or more panels can rotate each other. port to others. In FIGS. 7, 8 and 8A, three of these composites 38, 40 and 42 are connected mutually. These composite panels comprise three supports 44, 46 and 48. These supports are connected by four hinge elements 50, 51 and 52 and 54 in the form of a staple. When using this structure, the composite panels 38 and 42 can be rotated with respect to the central panel

in the direction of arrows 56 and 58.

  FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of horizontal support and attachment thereof to the vertical support 62. The horizontal support 60 has U-shaped sections 64, 66 and 68. As shown, the open end of the U-shaped sections 66 and 68 is turned towards the open end of the section 64 in U. The section 64 has two lips 72 and 74 placed opposite. A plug 76 for connection is introduced into the opening defined by the U-shaped channel member 64 and the lips 72 and 74 and is fixed thereto by gluing or by a mechanical fixing member to

  horizontal support 60 is connected to the vertical support

  62. The opposite end 80 of the connecting plug 76 is itself inserted into an opening 85 of the support

vertical 62.

  It may further be noted in FIGS. 9 and 9A that the horizontal support 60 is intended to cooperate with the panel 82 via members 66 and 68

  U or in the form of a channel. The panel 82 comprises a central core

  trale 81, for example with a honeycomb structure, and two outer layers 83 and 87. The core 81 is cut or crushed inwards on the depth of the channel 64, and the outer layers 83 and 87 of the panel 82 can then be introduced into the U-shaped members 66 and 68. In this way, it is noted that the horizontal support 60 and the panel 82 are firmly connected. Likewise, the horizontal support, the vertical support 62 and the panel 82 are firmly connected to one another and form a rigid panel

in one piece.

  Figures 10A, 10B and 10C further show how the panels and the horizontal and vertical supports

  associates can be turned relative to each other.

  In these figures, the panels 84 and 86 are turned 360 relative to one another in the direction of the arrows.

88 and 90.

  The invention also relates to the vertical support system whose role has been described above. In its simplest embodiment according to the invention, each vertical support must comprise a device intended to cooperate with the hinge elements in the form of a clip and a device intended to cooperate with the members forming the panels. Figures 11A, 11B and 11C represent

  suitable vertical supports.

  Fig. 11A shows the embodiment

  preferred vertical support used according to the invention.

  In this structure, the vertical support 142 comprises

  a channel or a central U-shaped opening 144 which is deli-

  placed on sides 146 and 148 and by a handle 150. The vertical support also has two U-shaped members or channels 152 and 154. The member 154 is delimited by the sides 146 and

  156 and one handle 162. In addition, organ 152 is

  The folded portions of the staple hinge members, as shown in FIG. 5, cooperate with the sides 156 and 158 of the vertical support 142.

  has two lips 164 and 166 which delimit the opening

  144. These lips 164 and 166 are intended to cooperate with notch lines formed in the panel portion and not shown, as previously described. The back of the vertical support 142

  has an opening 168 delimited by branches 170 and 172.

  These also have lips 174 and 176 placed opposite.

  The opening 168 is useful because the vertical support 162 may be coated with a fabric. This fabric is wrapped around the inner edge of the sides 156 and 157 behind the folded portion of the hinge member. The other end of the covering fabric is retracted into the opening 168

  and is fixed thanks to the lips 174 and 176.

  Figure 11B shows the simplest form

  vertical support which can be used according to the invention.

  In this embodiment, the vertical support 136 is a tube section of which part of the circumference is

  cut so that lips 138 and 140 are formed.

  The opening 142 delimited by these lips 138 and 140 is intended to house a member forming a panel, in the manner

  previously described. The folded parts of the mode of realization

  The hinge elements shown in the figure are intended to slide around the lips 138 and 140.

  Figure 11C represents another embodiment of

  vertical support. In this structure, the vertical support 62 is a half-round profile having a central U-shaped opening 85 delimited by sides 112 and 114 and by handles 116 and 117. Lips 113 and 114 also define an opening 85 of a U-shaped housing. Suitable hook-and-loop hinge members can hook onto lips 113 and 115 and a suitable panel can be placed

  in an opening 85 between the lips 113 and 115.

  Thus, we note that, where appropriate, several

  Vertical ports can be used in the same way

  described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 6.

  The vertical and horizontal supports as described may be formed of any convenient material. These

  supports can be extruded into a thermoplastic material

  such as an alpha polyolefin or a "nylon". In a preferred embodiment, these elements are aluminum profiles. The combinations of appearance and color are very important in the display devices that are used in exhibitions. In this respect, the vertical and horizontal supports can be colored or painted

2590? 09

  so that they give any desired effect. When the vertical and / or horizontal supports must be colored, this coloration is carried out, in a preferred embodiment,

  by anodizing or painting aluminum profiles.

  FIG. 12 represents a panel according to the invention in which the vertical and horizontal supports are

  totally covered with a fabric. In this mode of

  In one embodiment, the fabric is wrapped around the vertical support 142. A first end of the fabric is retracted into the opening 168, and the other end is retracted around the edges of the sides 156 and 157 as described with reference.

in Figure l1A.

  The panel 178 has a central core 180 and

  two opposite layers 182 and 184. These last are

  elastically and fixed in the U-shaped members 152 and 154 by the resilient force applied by the folded portions of the hinge member 186. In this case, the horizontal support 188 has a U-shape and has a central opening 190 defined by sides 192 and 194, a loop 196 and lips 198 and 200. The layer 202 of fabric

  covers the layer 182 and has returned around the upper edge

  204 of the layer 182 and between the side 194 of the horizontal support 188 and the layer 182. The horizontal support 188 and the vertical support 142 may be connected by a connecting plug such as the plug 76 as

  described above with reference to FIG.

  The structure of Figure 12 is advantageous in that, when several panels are stacked one above the other, the horizontal and vertical supports are completely covered with a fabric 202 in a manner

  which gives a very nice and uniform appearance.

  Figure 13 shows in more detail the characteristics

  characteristics of the horizontal support 60. The latter comprises two U-shaped members 66 and 68 which are intended to house the

  outer layers 83 and 85 of the panel 82 as previously described.

  with reference to FIGS. 9 and 9A. The horizontal support

  zontal 60 further comprises two opposite lips 72 and 74. These are intended to cooperate with the cap

  connection 76 as shown in FIG. 9.

  Although the panel according to the invention is very advantageous because each panel can be moved 360, after setting in position for a specific application, it is desirable that the panels are locked in a fixed position relative to each other. A first mode of locking the panels with respect to

  others is illustrated in Figure 14. In this mode of

  two panels 207 and 208 have horizontal supports

  are identical to the support 60 described in reference

  FIGS. 9 and 9A. The horizontal supports 210 and 212 are connected to vertical supports 214 and 216

  by a pair of connecting plugs, not shown.

  It can be seen in FIG. 9 that the vertical branch of the connecting plug 76 is hollow and has a square opening 134 similar to the openings 218 and 220 shown in FIG. 14. The panels 207 and 208 are held in a fixed position relative to each other. to the other by arranging the locking plug 222 in the openings 218 and 220. The details of the locking plug 222 are better represented in FIG. 15. The plug 222 comprises

  two square feet 224 and 226 protruding down.

  When the feet 224 and 226 are lodged in the openings

  218 and 220, the panels 210 and 220 are maintained in position

  fixed in relation to each other. This is due to the fact that the spacing of the feet 224 and 226 is fixed, the spacing of the openings 218 and 220 is fixed so that the

  relative position of the panels 207 and 208 is determined.

  Although the feet 224 and 226 and the corresponding openings 218 and 220 are shown in square form, those skilled in the art may note that these elements may have a circular shape or any other convenient form.

  Figure 16 represents another embodiment of

  of the invention in which several panels can

  locked in position relative to each other.

  As described with reference to FIG. 11A, the

  vertical port 142 has an opening 168 for accommodating the ends of a fabric used for covering the vertical support. FIG. 16 shows a composite panel 223 having three panels 224, 226 and 228 and three vertical supports 230, 232 and 234. These vertical supports themselves have openings 236, 238 and 240. When the panels 224, 226 and 228 of the composite device must be locked in a fixed position relative to each other, a locking plug 242 is introduced by

openings 236, 238 and 240.

  Locking plugs 222 and 242 as described with reference to Figures 15 and 16 may be formed of any convenient material, for example a metal or a polymeric material. In the preferred embodiment, these plugs are injection molded from a durable thermoplastic material such as an alpha polyolefin or a "nylon". Figures 15 and 16 show the locking of two and three panels on each other, but it should be noted that any desired number of

panels can be locked.

  Figures 17 and 18 represent a mode of

  embodiment of the invention in which a device 248

  display can be used for the protection and display of

  large leaves, for example two photographs. The display device has two opposing vertical supports 250 and 252 that can be connected to additional adjacent vertical supports not shown as previously described. In this structure, a horizontal support is placed on the upper edge of the panel 256. The sides 258 and 260 of a horizontal U-shaped support 254 are arranged downward on the panel 256. The upper edge of the panel 256 is arranged between lips 262 and 264 of the vertical support 254 and is clamped by these lips. With this arrangement, there remains a space between the side 260 of the horizontal support 254 and the side 266 of the vertical support 250. This space is intended to accommodate a sheet 268 bearing signs which may be a reproduction or a photograph and a

  transparent protective sheet 248. Thanks to this structure,

  ture, inexpensive artistic works, such as a photograph, can be easily displayed and exchanged

  at will in the display device according to the invention.

  The composite structure can then be covered with a cap 251 which is held in place by clips 253.

and 255.

  Figures 19 and 20 show a mode of realization

  of the invention in which a strip carrying

  cantilevers can be placed on a panel. In this structure, a vertical support 282 is intended to house and support panels as previously described. A cantilevered header strip is formed by connecting a section 284 of the profile, already used for training

  from the vertical support, to the vertical support 282, through

  mediate a connecting spacer 286. The feet 288 and 280 of the spacer 286 are placed in the opening

  168 as shown and previously described with reference

  Figure 11A. With this structure, a section 84 and an opposite identical section mounted on the adjacent vertical support, not shown, can be used for the formation of a cantilevered strip. During this training, a sign is attached in section 284

  and in the corresponding adjacent section.

  Fig. 21 shows an embodiment in which a support 292 having feet can be added to the panel device according to the invention so that it provides better support in the lateral direction. The support 292 has a base 294 and a connecting branch 296. An abutment 298 held by a screw is attached to the connecting branch 296. This is arranged in the vertical support 300, in the opening 144 which is shown

  and described in detail with reference to FIG. 11A.

  Figures 22, 23, 23A and 24 show variations of the vertical support edges 302 and 304. As previously described with reference to Figures 5 and 6, the clip hinge members are wound around the

  outer edge of the vertical support and cooperate with this edge.

  The outer edges of this vertical support may have notches such as notches 306 and 308, so that

  staple hinge elements can not move

  In operation, the bottom of the hinge member is in contact with the bottom of the notches 306 and 308 so that the adjacent vertical supports can not move vertically relative to one another. other or hinge. It will be noted in FIGS. 22 and 23A that the internal edge 305 of the notch 308 is inclined outwards with respect to the edge 307.

the bottom.

  Figure 25 shows an alternative element 310 of hinge-shaped clip for use according to the invention. The element 310 has a main body 312 and two folded portions 314 and 316. These folded portions 314 and 316 further have lugs 318 and 320. The plane of the lugs 318 and 320 is substantially perpendicular to that of the folded portions 314 and 316 The tabs 318 and 320 facilitate the locking of the hinge elements.

in the vertical supports.

  FIG. 26 shows the arrangement of two hinge elements 321 and 322 on two vertical supports 324 and 326. When hinge elements 321 and 322 are placed on the vertical supports 324 and 326, these

  the last ones are fixed relative to each other in rotation.

  In use, the two hinge elements not shown are placed at the other end of the supports

verticals 324 and 326.

  Figure 27 shows in detail how the clip-shaped hinge member of Figure 25 cooperates with the various parts of the vertical support. As described

  in detail with reference to FIG. 11A, the advantage section

  The vertical support machine has two U-shaped bodies facing outwards. In the supports 324 and 325, these organs

  in U carry the references 328, 329, 330 and 331. These last

  The members 332, 333, 334 and 335 have a lug 339. A lug 339 of the hinge element 337 has a width approximately equal to the width of the handle 332. Due to the tight fit of the lug 339 in the cavity of the member 328, the front edge of the tab 339 is pushed against the wall of this member 328. Conversely, the folded portion 340 is resiliently pushed against the wall 327 of the member 328. Given this recall against the walls 326 and 327, the hinge element 337 is firmly fixed to the vertical support 324. Thus, when the vertical supports 324 and 325 are rotated relative to each other, the hinge elements move relative to the vertical support. Notches formed in the edge of the vertical supports, as described with reference to Figures 22, 23, 23A and 24, maintain the relative disposition of the hinge members relative to the vertical supports. The elastic return of the hinge element 337: in the U-shaped member 328 has been described. Examination of Figure 27 indicates that similar recall applies to U-shaped members 329, 330 and 331.

  As the above description indicates, the

  panel device according to the invention implements a minimal number of elements. More specifically, it should be noted that the hinge elements which are used for the formation of double hinges cooperate directly with the vertical supports. The clip-shaped hinge members and the upright supports have features that enable them to cooperate easily by forming a panel device according to the invention. According to the technique

  the vertical supports of the panels are connected

  hinges and these are themselves connected

  vertical supports by additional fasteners such as rivets, screws, etc. On the contrary, in the device according to the invention,

  no additional securing device is needed.

  In the panel according to the invention, the folded parts

  staple hinge elements-which are solid

  of these elements combine and provide a

  direct lamination on U-shaped opposing bodies forming part of the vertical supports. It should be noted that the panel according to the invention does not require foreign fixing members for holding the hinge elements on the vertical supports. As no additional fastening devices are needed, considerable savings can be made on the cost of materials. In addition, because of the ease of assembly of the panel according to the invention, the assembly takes very little time so that the mounting costs are reduced compared to known comparable structures. The panels according to the invention are also very desirable because the formed panels have a very aesthetic appearance. According to the prior art, when separate hinges are used, they are fixed by additional fixing members so that the aesthetic appearance of the resulting panel is degraded. Thus, the presence of members forming hinges and associated fasteners that exceed it do not improve.

  the appearance of the panel. On the contrary, the panel according to the invention

  It has a pleasant, uniform and clean appearance, since the different elements cooperate with each other.

other.

  Finally, the panel according to the invention gives an exceptionally high strength-to-weight ratio. The vertical supports of the prior art are connected with various hinge elements and additional fasteners. These are fixed in holes that are drilled in the vertical supports. The drilling of these holes weakens the vertical supports so that they can be damaged when subjected to significant forces. On the contrary, according to the invention, as the folded portions of the hook-shaped hinge elements cooperate with the U-shaped members of the vertical support, no hole must be drilled in the vertical supports. As

  these have no hole, the device resulting from

  chage has a resistance-weight ratio which is very high.

  Thus, the panel according to the invention has excellent properties. It can be used in a wide variety of applications. Of course, other modifications may be made by those skilled in the art panel devices that have just been described as examples

  non-limiting without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (20)

  1. A panel device, characterized in that comprises several vertical supports (6,14), the adjacent vertical supports (6,14) being hinged to each other by members (16-22) forming double hinges, these members comprising at least two hook-shaped hinge elements which have integral and opposing fastening members, the vertical supports comprising a solidarity device for housing integral members for fixing the hinge elements, the panels being fixed between the vertical supports no adjacent to a pair of supports.   2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the non-adjacent vertical supports (4,6) of a pair are mutually fixed by horizontal supports (10). 3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the hinge elements (18) comprise an elongate section (37) formed of a flexible material which   the ends have wrinkles (40,42) formed in opposite directions.   4. Device according to claim 1, characterized   in that the vertical supports (6, 14) comprise a provision   siting (34,36) of housing and fixation of organs forming Signs.   5. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the non-adjacent vertical supports (4,6) are mutually fixed by at least two horizontal supports (10), the hinge elements (18) which are formed of a flexible material having an elongated section (37), the ends of which form folds in opposite directions, the elongated vertical supports having hinge element housing and fastening devices, the elongate vertical supports having housing and fixing panels.   6. Vertical support useful in a panel device, characterized in that it comprises an elongate body (142) whose section defines a central U-shaped member (144) flanked on both sides by two second members U (152,154).   7. Support according to claim 6, characterized in that the U-shaped central member comprises a device (164,166) housing and fixing a panel. 8. Support according to claim 6, characterized in that the U-shaped central member comprises a device (164, 166) for housing and fixing a panel, and the second members U {152,154) are intended to house and   fix the folds of the hinge elements.   9. Support according to claim 6, characterized in that the U-shaped central member comprises a device for housing a panel, and the second U-shaped members (152, 154) are intended to accommodate and fix the folds of the elements of hinge and panel members, the central U-shaped member and the second U-shaped members (152,154) having parallel axes, the vertical support having notches for preventing axial movement of a hinge member on the vertical support.   10. Support according to claim 6, characterized in that the U-shaped central member comprises a device for housing a panel, and the two second U-shaped members (152,154) are intended to accommodate and retain the folds of the hinge elements. (18) and panel members, the vertical support having an opening adjacent to the central portion of the U-shaped central member, the opening having an elongate slot opposite the U-shaped central member and being adapted to house the members fixing at least two vertical supports in a fixed position relative to one another, the vertical support having notches for preventing axial displacement of a hinge element on the vertical support.   11. Support according to claim 6, characterized in that it is formed of a material selected from metals and polymeric materials.   12. Support according to claim 10, characterized in that it is formed of an aluminum profile or a 2,907'09   Dclymere material 13. A panel device, characterized in that comprises several vertical ups, each vertical support cal having a section which defines a central U-shaped member (144) flanked on both sides by two second U-shaped members (152, 154), the adjacent vertical supports being hinged to each other by double hinge members (18), these members comprising at least two hinge elements in the form of a clip, these hinge elements having opposite fixing members which   are integral, the two second U-shaped members being   to house integral members for fixing the hinge elements, panels being fixed between supports non-adjacent verticals.   14. Device according to claim 13, characterized   in that the vertical supports (6, 14) comprise   a device for housing and retaining a panel.   15. Device according to claim 13, characterized   in that the central U-shaped member (144) of the vertical support   cal comprises a device for housing and fixing a   panel having nicks or grooves.   16. Device according to claim 13, characterized   in that the U-shaped central member (144) of the vertical support comprises a device for accommodating and fixing a notch or groove panel, the second U-shaped members (152, 154) being intended to house and retain the parts folded hinge elements, the vertical support having an opening adjacent to the intermediate portion of the U-shaped central member.   17. Device according to claim 16, characterized   in that the second U-shaped members (152, 154) are adapted to accommodate and retain the folded portions of the hinge members and panel members, the U-shaped central member and the second U-shaped members having axes. mutually parallel.   18. Device according to claim 13, characterized   in that the hinge elements are formed of a flexible material and comprise an elongated section (379 whose ends form the folds in opposite directions 40O 42).   19. Device according to claim 18, characterized   in that the folds in opposite directions of the hinge elements further comprise lugs (318,320) whose ends are resiliently biased against the facing walls of the second U-shaped members.   20. Device according to claim 19, characterized   risé in that the vertical support is formed of a profile   of aluminum or a polymeric material.