GB2184281A - Panel device - Google Patents

Abstract

The panel device for displaying information or for furniture incorporates a plurality of vertical supports 4, 6 which engage panel members and are interconnected via a plurality of double hinges. The double hinges may consist of a plurality of clip hinge elements 16, 18,20,22 provided with reverse bends to clip on to vertical supports 4,6 of U-section, the arrangement allowing 360 DEG of rotation of a panel member. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Panel device This invention is concerned with panel devices, e.g.

portable, flexible, panel devices which can be used to display information at trade shows and conventions.

Reference should be made to the description below and the appended claims, and drawings, and abstract, as disclosure of the present invention. A panel device ofthe present invention is useful in e.g.

furniture arts.

Panel devices as may be used at trade shows or conventions are of two principal types, these being the large bulky type and the portabletype.The present invention is concerned e.g. with the portable type of display device. Portable display devices have becomeverypopularin recentyearsfor 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 advantageous 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 weight ratio.

Further, these display devices can be assembled and disassembled only with great difficulty by extra workmen at great expense.

The present invention is useful in connection with portable display devices wherein a plurality of display panels are attached to channels which in turn function as supporting means. It is often desirableto locate the panels of a display device in angular relationship with each other. It is in this area where the subject invention is useful, as one example. In accordance with the present invention the panels of the device ofthis invention can be located in any desired relationship with each other over a 360 arc.

This invention also includes a connector system which is useful in holding component parts of a display device in fixed relationship with each other.

Also included in the present 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 allows rotation through a 360 arc.

lnsomeexamples,vertical supports are interconnected via a plurality of double hinges. Each hinge may consist of at least two clip hinge members. Pairs of parallel vertical supports may be interconnected by a pair of double hinges, said double hinges comprising at least four clip hinge elements. The clip hinge elements may be formed from a ribbon of a suitableflexible material. The ends ofthe clip hinge members may incorporate opposing reverse bends 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 may be secured in fixed relationship with each other by horizontal supports.

Interconnecting vertical and horizontal supports may define frames which receive and secure panel members. A 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 may incorporate integral means for gripping appropriate panels. The vertical support may incorporate an elongated groove into which the edge of a fabric coating for a panel member can be secured.

In the accompanying drawings which are byway of example of the present invention: Figure lisa frontviewshowing a section of one embodimentofa panel device.

Figure2 is an end view along line 2-2 of Figure 1 showing the vertical supports ofthe panel device in parallel relationship with each other.

Figure3A is a top sectional viewshowing thetwo panels in parallel relationshipto each other.

Figure3Bisatopsectionalviewshowingtwo panels in a straight line relationship with each other.

Figure 3C is a top sectional view showing two panels in parallel relationship with each other opposite of that shown in Figure3A.

Figure4isacross section along line4-4.

Figure 5 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a clip hinge element.

Figure 6 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of placement of a pair of hinges on a pairofvertical supports.

Figure 7is a side view showing a panel device wherein three panels are interconnected.

Figure 8A is a top view ofthe three panel structure ofFigure7.

Figure 8B is a top view of the three panel structure of Figure 7 in angular relationship.

Figure 9A is a perspective view showing the interconnecting of horizontal and vertical members with a connector plug.

Figure 9B is a perspective view showing the cooperation of a horizontal memberwith a panel.

Figure 10A is a top view showing two panels in a parallel line relationshipwith each otherwhereinthe panel is secured by edge plies.

Figure 106 is a top view showing two panels in a straight line relationshipwith each otherwhereinthe panel member is secured by edge plies.

Figure IOC is a top view showing two panels in parallel relationship with each other opposite ofthat shown in Figure i0Awherein the panel is secured by edge plies.

Figure 1 lA is a cross section of an embodiment of a vertical support useful in the present invention.

Figure 11B is a cross section of an embodiment of a vertical support.

Figure 11Cshows another embodiment of a vertical support.

Figure 12 isa perspectiveviewshowing means whereby fabric covering a panel can be wrapped around panel device components.

Figure 13 is a cross section view of a horizontal support.

Figure 14 shows the connection oftwo panels and related vertical supports in a fixed relationship with each other.

Figure 15 is a perspective view showing a connector plug for connecting two panels in a fixed relationship with each other. Figure 16is a top plan view showing connection of a plurality of vertical supports and related panels.

Figure l7is afrontviewofan embodimentofa panel device showing meansfordisplaying panel indicia.

Figure 18 is a perspective view showing placement ofindicia forthe panel device of Figure 17.

Figures 19 and 20 are side views showing the meansforincorporating additional panels into a panel device.

Figure21 is a side view showing a leg structure for use with the present invention.

Figure 22 is a perspective view of a notched vertical support.

Figures23A and 24are 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 elementstructure.

Figure 26 is a perspective view showing the placement of a pair of clip hinge elements as shown in Figure 25 onto a pair ofvertical supports.

Figure27is a cross section view showing placement in vertical supports ofthe alternate clip hinge structure of Figure 25.

The present invention includes a panel device which comprises a plurality of vertical supports which are secured in parallel relationship with each other with a plurality of strap double hinges. Spaced between the vertical supports are panels. The parallel relationship ofthe vertical supports may be further defined by interconnecting horizontal supports. The 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 particularly useful in the portable display art. It should be noted howeverthatthe panel device ofthis invention is also useful inthefurniture art. The subject panel device can be fabricated in such a size that it can be used for example as a room divider, office separator, privacy screen or noise barrier. In the furniture arts the panel device at hand is particularly useful in that the various panels can be angularly disposed in relation to each otherto define any given surface area. If so desired these panel members can be locked into relationship with each other.

Referring to Figure 1, a panel device 2 comprises a pair of vertical supports 4 and 6, a pair of horizontal supports8and 10,anda panel 12.

As is shown in Figures 1 and 2, pairs of adjacent vertical supports 6 and 14 are rotatablyconnectedto each othervia a plurality of clip hinge elements or members 16,18,20 and 22. These clip hinge elements cooperate with the grip the vertical supports in a mannerwhich will be described hereinbelow.

Figures3A,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 vertical supports6and 14aresecured panels 12and 24. In this Figure panels 12 and 24 are in parallel relationship with each other. In Figure 3B vertical support6 has been rotated in the direction of arrow 26. As a result ofthis 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. Upon completion of rotation in the direction of arrow 28 panels 12 and 24 are again in parallel relationship with each other.In comparing Figure 3Ato Figure 3C it can be seen that panel 12 has been rotated 360 in relation to panel 24. It is understood by one skilled in the artthatthis rotation of panels 12 and 24 in relation to each other could be stopped atany pointto achieve any desired angular relationship of panels 12 and 24. Vertical supports 6 and 14 incorporate a plurality of integral lips 30,32, 34 and 36. Panels 12 and 24 are scored in such a mannerthat lips 30,32,34 and 36 are adapted to grip said scoring. Panels 12 and 24may be formed from a material which may be readily scored such as a foam board.The manner in which panels 12 and 24 may 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 3,662,807. Rotation of panels 12 and 24 and vertical supports 6 and 14 is made possible by the fact that adjacent vertical supports 6 and 14 are interconnected with each other by two or more double hinges which comprise clip hinge element 16,18,20 and 22.

Figure 4 is a section taken along line 4-4 of Figure 1.

In Figure 4the attachment of the second clip hinge element 20 to vertical supports 6 and 14 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 hinge 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 examination of FigureS. Clip element 18 comprises a main body portion 37 which is formed from a suitable flexible material and a pair of opposing end portions 40 and 42. Each portions 40 and 42 comprise reverse bands. In orderto interlock with adjacent vertical supports and stay in tension during rotation the reverse bends of end portions 40 and 42 must be opposite of each other. Clip hinge element 18 may be formed from anysuitableflexible material e.g. a metal or polymeric material. For example, clip hinge element 18 can be formed from a thermoplastic polymeric material e.g. a poly alpha olefin. If clip hinge 18 is formed from a thermoplastic material, reverse bend end portions can be formed by a thermal bending process. A clip hinge element complete with reverse bend end portions may also be formed by injection moulding. Clip hinge element 18 can likewise be formed from a metal with reverse bend end portions being formed 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 about 1.27 cm (0.5 in) and a thickness of about 0.076 cm (.03 in) is desirable. The clip hinge element may be formed from a metal. The clip hinge elements may be formed from a metal. Half hard to three fourths hard stainless steel is the preferred metal for use in accordance with this invention. The clip hinge elementshould have a width of about 1.27 cm (0.5 in) and a thickness of about 0.018 cm (0.007 in). In one preferred embodiment half hard of about 0.018 cm (0.007 in) thick 304 stainless steel is utilized.

As is illustrated 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 pairof vertical supports also utilizes a pairofclip hinges not shown. Pairs of hinges are utilized as during rotation in relation to each other over 360" stress is alternately applied and released to co-operating clip hinge elements 18 and 20 depending on the respective position of vertical supports 6 and 14.

Any member or number of composite structures 2 can be interconnected in series in orderto produce a display device of desired size. For example 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 Figures 7, 8A and 8B,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 byfourclip hinge elements 50, 51, 52 and 54. With this structure, composite panels 38 and 42 can be rotated in relation to central panel 40 in the direction of arrows 56 and 58.

Figure 9A illustrates one embodiment of a horizontal support 60 and the attachment ofthis horizontal supporttovertical support 62. Horizontal support 60 incorporates U-shaped sections 64, 66 and 68. As is illustrated, the open end of U-shaped sections 66 and 68 are opposite the open end of U-shaped section 64. U-shaped section 64further incoporates a pair of opposing lips 72 and 74. In orderto connect horizontal support 60to vertical support 62 a connector plug 76 is inserted into the aperture which is defined by U-shaped channel 64 and lips 72 and 74 and secured therein with a mechanical fastener or an adhesive. The opposite end 80 of connector plug 76 is in turn inserted into aperture 85 of vertical support 62.

Furtherfrom Figure 9A and 9B it can be seen that horizontal support 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.

Core 81 is cut or crushed inwardly to the depth of 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 horizontal support60 and panel 82 are securely interconnected.

Likewise horizontal support 60, vertical support 62 and panel 82 are securely interconnected to each otherto form a strong, unitary panel device.

Figures 1 OA, 10B and 1 OC 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.

The present invention includes a vertical support system the function of which has been described hereinabove. In some embodiments in accordance with the present invention individual vertical supports must incorporate a means for engaging the clip hinge elements and a means for engaging panel members. Some suitable vertical supports are illustrated in Figures 11A, 1 1B and 11C.

Figure 1 1A illustrates a perferred embodiment of a vertical supportfor use in the present invention.

Vertical support 142 incorporates a central U shaped opening or channel 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. U-shaped channel 152 is defined bysides 148 and 158 and bight 160. The reverse bends of the clip hinge elements as are illustrated in Figure 5 engage sides 156 and 158 of vertical support 142. Vertical support 142further incorporates a pair of lips 164 and 166 which further define U-shaped opening 144. Lips 164 and 166 are adapted to engage score lines which are an integral partofa panel portion (not shown) in a manner as described hereinabove.The rear portion ofvertical support 142 incorporates an opening 168 which is defined by legs 170 and 172. Legs 170 and 172 in turn incorporate a pairofopposing lips 174and 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 of the strap hinge element.

The opposite end of the covering fabric is tucked into opening 168 and secured via lips 174and 176.

Figure 11 B represents a simple form of a vertical supportwhich may be used in accordance with the present invention. Vertical support 136 comprises a section oftubing which has part of its circumference cut away in such a mannerthat lips 138 and 140 are formed. The opening 142 which is defined by lips 138 and 140 is adapted to receive a panel member in the manner as described hereinabove. The reverse bends ofthe clip hinge element of Figure 5 are adaptedtosliparoundlipsl38and 140.

Figure 1 1C illustrates still another embodiment of a vertical support. Vertical support 62 comprises a half round extrusion having a central U shaped opening 85 which is defined by sides 112 and 114, and by bights 116and 117. Lips 113 and 115further define U shaped opening 85. Suitable clip hinge elements can engage lips 113 and 115 and a suitable 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 manneraswas described in reference to Figures 1,2 and 6.

Vertical and horizontal supports as described may beformedfrom any convenient material. These supports may be extruded from a thermoplastic material e.g. a polyalpha olefin ora nylon. In one preferred embodiment these elements are aluminum extrusion which are extruded from aluminum. Cosmetics and colour combinations are very important in displaying devices which are used at trade shows. Vertical and horizontal supports may be coloured or painted to achieve any desired effect.

If coloured vertical and or horizontal supports are desired colouring can be achieved by anodizing or painting ofthe aluminum extrusions.

Figure 12 illustrates a panel device 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 istucked into opening 168, the other end ofthe fabric is tucked around the edges of sides 156 and 158 as was described in connection with Figure 11 A.

Panel 178 comprises a central core 180 and a pair of opposing plies 182 and 184. Plies 182 and 184 are biased into and secured in U shaped channels 152 and 154 by the biasing of the reverse bend portion of clip hinge element 186. In this instance horizontal support 188 is U-shaped and has a central opening 190which is defined by sides 192 and 194, bight 196 and lips 198 and 200. Fabric layer 202 covers ply 182 and istucked aroundthe uppermostedge2040f ply 182 and between side 194 of horizontal support 188 and ply 182. Horizontal support 188 and vertical support 142 can be interconnected via a connector plug such as plug 76 as is described above in connection with Figure 9.The structure of Figure 12 is advantageous in that if a plurality of panel devices are stacked on top of each other both the horizontal and vertical supports are fully covered with fabric 202, in such a manner asto present a very pleasing and uniform appearance.

Figure 13 shows in greater detail particulars of horizontal support60. Horizontal support 60 incorporates a pair of U-shaped channels 66 and 68.

Channels 66 and 68 are adaptedto receivetheouter plies 83 and 85 of panel 82 as has been described hereinabove in connection with Figures 9A and 9B.

Horizontal support60further incorporates a pair of opposing lips 72 and 74. Opposing lips 72 and 74are adapted to engage connector plug 76 as is shown in Figure 9A.

Although a panel device ofthe present invention is very desirable in that panels can be moved through a 360O arc after movement, in some usage it is desirableto lock a plurality of panels in fixed relationship with each other. One mode of locking panels in relationship with each other is illustrated in Figure 14. In this embodimenttwo panels 207 and 208 incorporate horizontal supports 210 and 212 which are identical to horizontal support 60 as described above in reference to Figures 9A and 9B.

Horizontal supports 210 and 212 are connected to vertical supports 214 and 216 via a pair of connector plugs not shown. Referring to Figure 9A the vertical leg of connector plug 76 is hollowand incorporates a squareaperture l34analogoustoapertures2l8and 220 illustrated in Figure 14. Panels 207 and 208 are secured in fixed relationship with each other by placing a locking plug 222 into apertures 218 and 220. The details of locking plug 222 are better illustrated in Figure 15. Locking plug 222 incorporates a pair of square downward depending legs 224 and 226. When legs 224 and 226 are placed into apertures 218 and 220 panels 210 and 212 are secured in fixed relationship with each other.That is because the spacing of legs 224 and 226 is fixed, the spacing of apertures 218 and 220 is in turn fixed which in turn fixes the relationship of panels 207 and 208. Legs 224 and 226 and corresponding apertures 218 and 220 are illustrated as square but it is understood by one skilled in the art that these components could be round oranyotherconvenient shape.

Figure 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 11Avertical support 142 incorporates an opening 168 which is adapted to receive the ends of fabric which is used to coverthe vertical support. Figure 16 illustrates a composite panel device 223 which incorporates three panels 224,226 and 228 and three vertical supports 230, 232 and 234. These vertical supports in turn have as an integral part thereof openings 236,238 and 240. In orderto lock panels 224,226 and 228 ofthe panel device into a fixed relationship with each other a locking plug 242 is inserted into openings 236,238 and 240.

Locking plugs 222 and 242 as are described in reference to Figures 15 and 16 can be formed from any convenient material e.g. a metal or a polymeric material. In one preferred embodiment these plugs are injection molded from a durable thermoplastic e.g. a poly alpha olefin or a nylon. Figures 15 and 16 illustrate the locking of two and three panels together, but it is understood that any convenient number of panels can be locked together.

Figures 17 and 18 illustrate an embodimentofthis invention wherein a display device 248 can be used to protect and display large sheet items e.g.

photographs. Display device 248 incorporates a pair of opposing vertical supports 250 and 252 which may be connected to additional adjacent vertical supports,notshown, in a mannerasdescribed hereinabove. In this structure a horizontal support is 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 exists between side 260 of horizontal support 254 and side 266 of vertical support 250. This space is adapted to receive e.g. an indicia sheet 268 which may be a poster ore photograph and a transparent protective sheet 248.

By using this structure inexpensive artwork e.g. a photograph can be readily displayed and changed at ease in the display device. The composite structure may be covered by a cap channel 251 which is held in place with clips 253 and 255.

Figures 19 and 20 illustrate an embodiment ofthe present invention wherein a cantilever header may be placed onto a panel device. In this structure vertical support 282 is adapted to receive and support panels in a manner as described hereinabove. A cantilever header is formed by connection of a section 284 of an extrusion, which is used to form the vertical support, to vertical support 282 by use of a connector brace 286. Legs 288 and 290 of connector brace 286 are positioned in opening 168 as is shown and described hereinabove in connection with Figure 1 1A. By use of thins structure a section 284 and an opposing identical section on the next adjacentvertical support (notshown) can be used to form a cantilever header. To form said header a panel is secured in section 284 and its adjacent counterpart.

Figure 21 illustrates an embodiment wherein a leg support 292 may be added to a panel device ofthe present invention in orderto give greater lateral support. Leg support 292 comprises a base section 294 and a connector leg 296. A screw locked stop 298 is secured to connector leg 296. Connector leg 296 is positioned in vertical support 300 into opening 144 which is illustrated and described in detail hereinabove in connection with Figure 11A.

Figures 22, 23A, 23B and 24 illustrate modifications ofthe edges of vertical support302 and 304. As was described above in reference to Figures 5 and 6the clip hinge elements wrap around and engage the outer edge ofthe vertical support. In orderto prevent the clip hinge elements from moving on vertical supports 302 the outer edges of this vertical support can be notched as per notches 306 and 308. In operation the bottom of the clip hinge element engages the bottom of notch 306 and 308 in such a manner that adjacent vertical supports can not ride upward in relation to each otherorto 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 edge 307.

Figure 25 shows an alternate clip hinge element 310 for use in accordance with the present 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 right angles to the plane of reverse bend end portions 314 and 316.

Tabs 318 and 320 assist in locking clip hinge el em e nts i nto th e vertica I supports.

Figure 26 shows 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 rotatably secured in relationship to each other. In operation another pair of clip hinge elements (not shown) could be placed on the opposite end of vertical supports324 and 326.

Figure 27 shows in detail howthe clip hinge element of Figure 25 cooperates with the various parts of a vertical support. As was discussed in detail in connection with Figure 1 1Athe preferred cross section forthe vertical support incorporates a pair of outboard U-shaped channels. In vertical supports 324and325these U shaped channels are identified as 328, 329, 330 and 331. Channels 328, 329, 330 and 331 have bights 332, 333,334 and 335. Tab 339 of clip hinge element 337 has a width which is approximately equal to the width of bight 332.

Because of the snug fit of tab 339 into U-shaped channel 328 the leading edge oftab 339 is biased against wall of U-shaped channel 328. Reverse bend portion 340 is biased againstwall 327 of U-shaped channel 328. As a result of this biasing against both walls 326 and 327 clip hinge element 337 is securely fastened to vertical support 324. Accordingly when vertical supports 324 and 325 are rotated in relation to each otherthe clip hinge elements will not move in relation to the vertical support. Notchescutintothe edge of the vertical supports, as is described in connection with Figures 22, 23A, 23B and 24, likewise secure the relationship ofthe clip hinge elements in relation to the vertical supports. The biasing of clip hinge 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 a panel device of the present invention can utilize a minimum number of components. Specifically it should be noted that the clip hinge elements which are used to form double hinges, interact directly with the vertical supports. The clip hinge elements and the vertical supports incorporate integral features which allow these components to easily interact with each other so as to form a panel device.

In the prior artvertical supports for panel devices are interconnected with hinges, these hinges in turn are connected to vertical supports by extraneous fasteners such as rivets, screws etc. But, in a device of the present invention, no such extra fasteners are needed. In a panel device ofthe present invention integral reverse bend portions of the clip hinge elements combine and interlockdirectlywith the pair of opposing channels which are an integral part of vertical supports. It should be noted that in a panel device ofthe present invention no extraneous fasteners are needed to attach clip hinge elements to vertical supports. Because no extraneous fasteners are needed, considerable cost savings are realized on materials.Further, because of the ease with which a panel device ofthe present invention can be assembled, it takes less labour to effect assembly, and hence it costs less to assemble a panel device of the present invention when compared to comparable prior structures.

An integral system according to the present invention is very desirable in that a superior panel device is produced from an aesthetic point of view. In the priorartwherein separate extraneous hinges are used these hinges are attached by extraneous fasteners, accordingly the aesthetic properties ofthe rest ining panel device are detrimentally affected.

That is it does not enhance the appearance of a panel device to have hinge members and related fasteners protruding therefrom. In contrast a panel device of the present invention has a clean, uniform, pleasing appearance because the integral components thereof react with each other.

On a strength to weight ratio, a panel device ofthe present 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 ofthese holes inherently weakened the vertical supports and hencetheyaresubjectto failure in a severe load bearing situation. But with the present invention, because the reverse bend portionsoftheclip hingeelementsinterractwiththe integral U-shaped channels of the vertical supports, holes need not be drilled inthevertical 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 present invention produces a superior panel device.

From the above description and from Figures 1 to 27 it can be seen that the present 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. Thus, the present invention can be embodied in any suitable manner. The present invention includes all the novel disclosures contained in the above description and the appended claims.

Claims (23)

1. A panel device, comprising a plurality of vertical supports, adjacent vertical supports being pivotly attached to each other by double hinge members, said double hinge members commprising at least two clip hinge elements, said clip hinge elements having opposing integral attaching members, said vertical supports having integral means for receiving the integral attaching members of said clip hinge elements, panels being secured between non-adjacent pairs of vertical supports.

2. A panel device as claimed in claim 1,wherein said non-adjacent pairs of vertical supports are further secured to each other by horizontal supports.

3. A panel device as claimed in claim 1 or2, wherein said clip hinge elements comprises an elongated section of a flexible material, the terminal ends ofwhich incorporate opposite reverse bends.

4. A panel device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said vertical support members incorporate integral means for receiving and securing said panel members.

5. A panel device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein non-adjacent vertical supports are secured to each other by at least two horizontal supports, said clip hinge elements areformedfrom aflexible material and have an elongated section the terminal ends ofwhich incorporate opposite reverse bends, said elongated vertical supports incorporate integral means for receiving and securing the reverse bends ofsaid clip hinge elements, and said elongated vertical supports incorporate integral means for receiving and securing said panel members.

6. A panel device as claimed in claim 1, substantially as hereinbefore described with referenceto and as shown intheaccompanying drawings.

7. Avertical support, or support useful for being a vertical support, useful in a panel device 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, or useful in a panel device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Avertical support as claimed in claim 7, wherein said central U-shaped channel incorporates meansforreceiving and securing a panel member.

9. Avertical support as claimed in claim 7 or8, 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 the reverse bend portions of clip hinge elements.

10. Avertical support of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein said central U-shaped channel incorporates meansforreceiving a panel memberandwherein 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 orderto prevent axial movementofthe clip hingeelementonthevertical support.

11. Avertical support as claimed in anyone of claims 7 to 10, 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 adjacenttothe 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 securetwo or more vertical supports in fixed relationship with each other and wherein said vertical support is notched in order to prevent axial movement ofthe clip hinge element on the vertical support.

12. Avertical support as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 1 1,which is formed from a member selected from metal(s) or polymeric material(s).

13. Avertical support as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein said vertical support is formed from extruded aluminum our a polymeric material.

14. A support as claimed in claim 7, substantially as herein before described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

15. A panel device comprising a plurality of vertical supports, each of said vertical supports having a cross section which has a central U-shaped channel which isflanked on opposite sides by a pair of second U-shaped channels adjacent vertical supports being pivotly attached to each other by double hinge members, said double hinge members comprising at leasttwo clip hinge elements, said clip hinge elements having opposing integral attaching members, said pair of second U-shaped channels being adapted to receive said integral attaching members ofthe clip hinge elements, panels being secured between non-adjacent pairs ofvertical supports.

16. A panel device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the vertical supports used therein incorporate integral means for receiving and securing a panel member.

17. A panel device as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein the central U-shaped channel ofthevertical support incorporates means for receiving and securing a scored or grooved panel member.

18. A panel device as claimed in any one of claims 14to 17, wherein the central U-shaped channel of the vertical support incorporates means for receiving and securing a scored or grooved panel member, wherein said second U-shaped channels are adapted to receive and securethe reverse bend portions ofthe clip hinge elements and wherein the vertical support incorporates an opening adjacent to the bight of said central U-shaped channel.

19. Apanel device as claimed in anyone of claims 14to 1 8, 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.

20. A panel device as claimed in any one of claims 14to 18,wherein said clip hinge elements are formed from aflexible material and have an elongated section, the terminal ends of which incorporate opposite reverse bends.

21. A panel device as claimed in any one of claims 14to 20, wherein the reverse bends of the clip hingeelementsfurtherincorporatetabs,the terminal ends of said tabs being biased against opposing walls of said second U-shaped channels.

22. A panel device as claimed in any one of claims 14to 21, wherein said vertical support is formed from extruded aluminum our a polymeric material.

23. A panel device as claimed in claim 14, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.