GB2439165A

GB2439165A - Structural members and structures

Info

Publication number: GB2439165A
Application number: GB0707608A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Nicholas John; William Frederick Turner
Original assignee: Signwaves Ltd
Current assignee: Signwaves Ltd
Priority date: 2006-04-19
Filing date: 2007-04-19
Publication date: 2007-12-19
Anticipated expiration: 2027-04-19
Also published as: GB0607683D0; GB2439165B; GB0707608D0

Abstract

A panel support post 60 comprises a structural member having a first elongate channel 62 for receiving the edge of a panel or board 66 and a second channel extending parallel to and in communication with the first channel 62. An elongate gripping member 64 is disposed in the second channel and protrudes into the first channel to grip the edge of a panel or board inserted in the first channel. The gripping member 64 may be in the form of a barb so that it is easier to insert the panel than it is to remove it. The second channel may be positioned at one side of the first channel 62 opposite to a scalloped side of the first channel. Alternatively two second channels may be provided opposing each other. The structural member may have two or four first channels, each with associated second channels. The first channels may be arranged to be collinear in cross section, at right angles to each other or at a user-adjustable angle to each other. The structural member 60 may be used as a post to support signs or advertising boards or to support partitions.

Description

IMPROVED STRUCTURAL MEMBERS AND STRUCTURES

This invention relates to apparatus which may be used to form structures. The apparatus is particularly suitable for use in constructing assemblies for displaying advertisements, signage, or product displays, for example in a retail or commercial environment. The apparatus may also be used for erecting and supporting panels, partitions and the like.

The apparatus may be used in a modular manner, and may be provided as a kit from which structures may be formed.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

In many fields, structures are formed in which panels or other objects are supported by one or more structural members. For example, the panel may be an advertising panel or sign, or an information board (e.g. giving directions in a hospital, or displaying floor directory information in a department store). Other possible applications include partitions in offices, menu signs and menu holders in restaurants, information stands, point of sale displays, point of purchase displays, product displays, product enclosures, display enclosures, exhibition stands, loudspeaker stands, freestanding forecourt signs and sign stands, and freestanding pavement signs and sign stands.

There are several prior art techniques for attaching a panel, board or such like to a structural member such as a shaft, post, pole or support. One such technique, which is considered to represent the closest prior art, involves the use of a soft gripping barb detail on the inside of a single U-shaped extruded plastic channel. The barb detail is generally formed as a co-extrusion with the plastic channel. This prior art technique has been found to be restrictive and limiting in use, since the geometry of the channel and the gripping barb detail is such that only panels or boards of a certain thickness (and within a relatively small range of thickness) can be gripped. Thus, this prior art technique can only achieve limited reliable gripping, within a limited range of panel thicknesses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a structural member for use in constructing display apparatus, office partitions or the like, said structural member comprising: a first elongate channel extending in a first direction, for receiving the edge of a panel, board or such like; a second channel extending parallel to the first channel, and in communication with the first channel; and a separately formed elongate gripping member mounted in the second channel and protruding into the first channel and which functions as a barb, whereby, in use, the edge of a panel, board or such like may be inserted into the first channel and supportively gripped by the gripping member, the panel, board or the like requiring greater force to remove than the force to insert it, to support the panel, board or the like in place.

For most preferred embodiments the gripping member functions as a barb by having a flexible tip that is tapered or has a general blade form to press against the panel, board or the like in use and deflect in the direction of insertion of the panel, board or the like as the latter is inserted but which compresses against the latter when the latter is being retracted, thereby resisting retraction and supporting the panel in place. The gripping member is not a sealing gasket or glazing bead or similar, it has a supportive gripping action. The gripping member/ blade may, for example, apply a gripping force to a 2mm thick display panel that is of the order of 0.05 kg force per linear mm of panel contact (approximately 5l6kPa pressure). With a 3mm thick panel insert the gripping member/ blade may exert a gripping force that is of the order of.03 kg force per linear mm of panel contact (approximately 524kPa pressure). In each case, the gripping force will temporarily increase substantially beyond these levels during the first stages of panel removal since the entry force required is always less than the removal force.

By virtue of the arrangement of the second channel in communication with the first channel and containing a gripping member, the structural member can be configured to reliably grip panels or the like of different thicknesses, and across different ranges of thickness.

Moreover, different shapes and sizes of gripping members may be readily inserted into the second channel, in order to further enable different thicknesses of panels to be gripped. The ability to replace or customise the gripping member in the present invention should be contrasted with the prior art co-extrusion described above, in which the gripping barb detail is inseparable from the plastic channel and therefore cannot be modified to suit the intended application. The prior art co-extrusion technique is also comparatively expensive in production and tooling costs. Moreover, the prior art technique is restricted to production entirely from plastics materials, and therefore may have inadequate properties of rigidity, strength and quality of appearance. The present invention, on the other hand, is well suited to being made using a metallic extrusion, which can confer much better properties of rigidity, strength and appearance.

Preferably the second channel is in communication with the first channel at an opening, the opening being narrower than the width of a region within the second channel. Such an arrangement advantageously retains the gripping member within the second channel.

Particularly preferably the said region is at the opposite side of the second channel from the said opening.

The first channel may have a tapered cross-section towards its end. This facilitates the centring of a panel or such like within the first channel.

Alternatively, or in addition, the first channel may have a square cross-section at its end.

This facilitates locating a panel or such like fully home within the first channel.

In some embodiments, the structural member may comprise two second channels, one on each side of the first channel. The said two second channels may be substantially opposing.

If gripping members are inserted in both the second channels, then this may be used to advantageously grip a panel or such like from both sides. Alternatively, this structural member provides a user with a choice of second channels in which a gripping member may be inserted. By inserting a gripping member in just one of the two second channels, the user may thereby determine which side of the structural member the panel will be held flush against (which may be the preferential side for viewing).

In some embodiments, the side of the first channel opposite the second channel advantageously incorporates a region that is scalloped in cross-section. This greatly facilitates the introduction of a panel or such like into the first channel.

Preferably the trough of the scalloped region is further into the first channel than the position of the second channel. This configuration helps to ensure that the edge of the panel is beyond the tip of the gripping member before the panel is pushed home.

Preferably the first and second channels are formed within an extrusion. This enables the structural member to be easily fabricated, at any desired length.

Preferably the extrusion is made of metal, which may be aluminium or an aluminium alloy.

This enables the structural member to be strong, stiff and resilient to bending or buckling, yet lightweight and making efficient and economical use of the constituent material.

However, the extrusion may be made of other materials, including composite materials, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Preferably the gripping member is made of a plastics or rubber material. Such materials, particularly rubbers, are particularly effective in gripping the panel or board that is inserted.

However, the gripping member may be made of other materials, including those which deform plastically rather than elastically, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

In some embodiments, the structural member may have two first channels each with a corresponding second channel. The two first channels may be collinear in cross-section (i.e. 1800 relative to one another). Alternatively, the two first channels are arranged at a right angle in cross-section (i.e. 900 relative to one another), or at some other angle (e.g. 120 ).

Moreover, in one embodiment, the two first channels may be at a user-adjustable angle in cross-section.

Alternatively, the structural member may have four first channels each with a corresponding second channel.

The structural member preferably further comprises a perimeter wall inside which the or each first channel extends. The perimeter wall (which may be readily formed as part of an extrusion) may advantageously serve as an attractive border around, or interlace between, panels inserted into the structural member.

In some embodiments, the perimeter wall may incorporate a planar region either side of the or each first channel. This advantageously enables the structural member to be attached along one side of a panel, and then a second structural member to be attached along another side of the panel, at right angles to the first, such that the end of the second member buts against the said planar region of the first member.

Preferably the structural member further comprises an inner shaft. This may be used a s a conduit for electrical cables (e.g. for lighting, power, or audio or video signals), or for attaching the structural member to a base (which may advantageously be facilitated if the inner shaft incorporates a thread).

In some embodiments, the structural member may have a hollow central region. By virtue of the central region being hollow and open in form (rather than obstructed with internal structures), this enables cables within the structural member to be readily routed through apertures which may be provided on either side of the structural member.

In alternative embodiments, the structural member may be shaped and configured to locate within a slat wall recess. This advantageously enables shelves to be pushed straight into a wall (i.e. inserted perpendicular to the plane of the wall). This is significantly easier and more convenient than the conventional manner of locating shelves in a slat wall, which involves inserting shelves in an angular fashion from above, and then manoeuvring them into a perpendicular orientation.

The structural member may alternatively comprise a channel from which articles may be hung. This provides the advantage of being able to readily suspend articles from the structural member, for example in retail displays.

The structural member may further comprise a protruding part adapted to locate within the first channel of a second structural member. The first and second channels and gripping member of this present structural member may be shaped and configured differently from those of the second structural member, and thus this present structural member may advantageously serve as an adaptor. For example, if a panel cannot be fitted directly into the first channel of the second structural member, then this present structural member may be inserted into the first channel of the second structural member, and then the panel may be inserted into the first channel of the present structural member. Thus, the present structural member may serve as an adaptor or interface between another structural member and a panel or the like.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a structure comprising one or more structural members in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, and one or more panels located within the said first channel(s).

The structure may comprise a panel supported on each of two opposing sides by a corresponding structural member. One or more further structural members may be located along one or more of the other sides of the panel. A base member may be provided at the bottom of one or more of the structural members. The base member and structural member (if a single structural member is used) may be mutually rotatable, e.g. by virtue of the base member incorporating a rotatable spindle, thereby enabling the structural member to function as the spine of a carousel assembly.

Possible structures are: for advertising or display purposes and the like; or for office partitioning or the like; or to serve as an exhibition stand or enclosure or the like; or for holding or displaying a menu. Many other possible uses and configurations are possible, as those skilled in the art will appreciate.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit comprising one or more structural members in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

The kit may further comprise one or more panels for locating in the said structural members.

Alternatively, or in addition, the kit may further comprise one or more bases fo r attaching to the structural members.

Alternatively, or in addition, the kit may further comprising one or more articles selected from a group comprising: one or more display screens; one or more shelves; one or more lights; one or more speakers; one or more banner mounting brackets; one or more keypads or other user interfaces; and one or more leaflet holders or other receptacles.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a structural member in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising obtaining or manufacturing a member comprising first and second channels, and inserting into the second channel an elongate gripping member selected from a range of gripping members of different shapes and sizes. This advantageously enables the manufacturer to configure structural members to grip panels or the like of different thicknesses and different ranges of thickness, to suit to customer requirements and different intended applications.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of constructing a structure, comprising obtaining a structural member in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, and inserting a panel, board or such like into the first channel such that it is gripped by the gripping member. The step of inserting the panel, board or such like into the first channel may involve inserting the panel, board or such like into a scalloped recess opposite the gripping member, This facilitates insertion of the panel into the first channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a cross-section through a first embodiment of a structural member, and examples of different sizes of gripping inserts; Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the structural member of Figure 1, with a gripping member fully inserted and a second gripping member partially inserted; Figure 3 illustrates the structural member of Figure 2, with both gripping members fully inserted; Figure 4 illustrates a cross- section view of a second embodiment of a structural member, with two gripping members inserted in a configuration of two-fold rotational symmetry; Figure 5 illustrates the structural member of Figure 4, with two panels inserted and gripped by the gripping members; Figure 6 illustrates the structural member of Figure 4, but with the gripping members both on the same side (i.e. a configuration of mirror symmetry, rather than rotational symmetry); Figure 7 illustrates the structural member of Figure 6, with two panels inserted and gripped by the gripping members; Figure 8 illustrates a third embodiment of a structural member, having gripping members on both sides of each panel-receiving channel, and with each panel-receiving channel incorporating a tapered end; Figure 9 illustrates a further embodiment of a structural member, with each panel-receiving channel incorporating a scalloped recess substantially opposite each gripping member; Figure 10 illustrates a sequence of inserting a panel into a structural member having a scalloped recess substantially opposite a gripping member; Figures 11 and 12 illustrate cross-sectional views of alternative configurations of structural members, both incorporating four panel-receiving channels with gripping members arranged in a configuration of four-fold rotational symmetry; Figure 13 illustrates a perspective view of the structural member of Figure 11, supporting two panels; Figure 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a structural member, incorporating ridged regions for attachment to a base; Figure 15 illustrates a variant of the structural member of Figure 14, further incorporating scalloped recesses substantially opposite the gripping members; Figure 16 illustrates a perspective view of a structural member having a hollow or open internal configuration; Figure 17 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a structural member, having a panel-receiving channel and another channel from which articles may be hung; Figure 18 illustrates a prior art configuration of a slat wall assembly, as may be used for retail displays and the like; Figure 19 illustrates an embodiment of a structural member that may be used as a novel

variant to the prior art slat wall arrangement;

Figure 20 illustrates a piece of display apparatus or signage, comprising a vertical structural member and a plurality of display panels gripped by the structural member; Figure 21 illustrates another piece of display apparatus or signage, comprising a vertical structural member and a single panel gripped by the structural member; Figure 22 illustrates two structural members being attached to a floor and to a ceiling, and panels being supported by the structural members; Figure 23 illustrates a pair of structural members attached to a floor, or free-standing, supporting a panel, and having further structural members extending horizontally at the top and bottom of the panel; Figure 24 illustrates an adapter member that may be inserted into a panel-receiving channel to provide an alternative configuration of panel-receiving channel; Figure 25 illustrates a structural member having two panel-receiving channels at 900 to one another; Figure 26 illustrates a structural member having two panel-receiving channels at 120 to one another; Figure 27a illustrates a structural member having two panel-receiving channels at a variable angle to one another, here illustrated at 900; Figure 27b illustrates the structural member of Figure 27a, but with the channels being at 1800 from one another; and Figure 28 illustrates a cross-section of an alternative structural member, in which the gripping members are triangular in cross-section.

In the figures, like elements are indicated by like reference numerals throughout.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present embodiments represent the best ways known to the applicant of putting the invention into practice. However they are not the only ways in which this can be achieved.

By way of an initial overview, embodiments of the invention use elongate members such as those shown in Figures ito 17, or in Figure 19, which may be made by extruding aluminium, for example. Such an extrusion is provided with one or more elongate gripping members, which may be made from rubber, for example. One or more display panels or other items may then be inserted into the elongate member and gripped and retained by the gripping members.

Figure 1 illustrates a cross-section of a first variant of a structural member 10, which may be formed as an extrusion, for example from aluminium, using standard extrusion techniques.

By being made from aluminium, the structural member may be made light in weight, strong and stiff, and resilient to bending, bowing or buckling. Depending on the cross-sectional shape of the extrusion, a high strength-to-weight ratio may be obtained, giving good strength and stiffness with low material content and weight.

Possible alternative materia's for the structural member 10 include other metals, or pultruded composite materials. The composite materials may comprise carbon fibres, glass fibres or Keviar, in a metallic or polymer matrix. By using appropriate non-conductive materials, e.g. a polymer matrix I Kevlar fibre composite, the structural member may be made electrically non-conductive, thereby rendering it suitable for use in applications in which there must be no possibility of conducting sparks or loose electricity to earth. Further, by using inert materials, the structural member may be used to form chemically resistant display structures, for example for use in displaying signage on petroleum platforms, or in chemical production plants or corrosive environments.

In the example illustrated in Figure 1, the structural member 10 comprises two panel-receiving channels 12. Each panel-receiving channel 12 extends continuously along the length of the structural member 10. The width W of each panel-receiving channel 12 is a little greater (e.g. 1 mm to 3 mm or so) than the thickness of the panel to be received.

Each panel-receiving channel 12 is parallel to a second "grip-receiving" channel 14, that is in communication with the panel-receiving channel 12 via an opening 16. In this embodiment, each grip-receiving channel 14 is T-shaped in cross-section. The gripreceiving channel 14 is shaped and configured to receive an elongate gripping member, e.g. 24, 26 or 28 (shown in cross-section). The grip-receiving channel 14 incorporates a wider region to anchor the base of a gripping member, and a narrower opening 16 through which the gripping member protrudes into the panel-receiving channel 12. Considered another way, the grip-receiving channel 14 has an engaging region for holding a gripping member, and an opening 16 through which the gripping member can extend into the panel-receiving channel 12. The opening 16 is narrower than the engaging region.

The elongate gripping member (e.g. 24, 26, 28) has a base part 23 and a tapered part 25 (although alternative non-tapered gripping shapes are also possible, such as round-ended, square-ended and/or ridged), and is preferably made of a flexible polymeric material (e.g. a plastics material or a rubber). In the preferred embodiments the elongate gripping member is formed as a rubber extrusion, since rubber has been found to provide better grip of display boards (which may have a smooth or shiny surface). The rubber preferably has a Shore hardness in the range of 35 to 75 A (the UA signifying that the Shore hardness range relates to soft rubbers). Other possible polymeric materials are EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), TPEE (Thermoplastic Polyether Elastomer) or silicon rubber. However, other non-polymeric materials, such as sufficiently elastic metals, or sprung metals, are also possible. Materials which deform plastically, such as soft metals, may also be used in certain single-use applications.

A non-metallic gripping member, if used in combination with a non-metallic extrusion 10, removes the need for any metal fixings whatsoever when supporting a panel or board. This may be particularly advantageous if the panel is to be mounted in a location in which it is susceptible to chemical or environmental attack.

The base part 23 of the elongate gripping member is shaped and configured to locate in the grip-receiving channel 14. Although the base part 23 is shown here as being substantially rectangular in cross-section, such a shape is not essential, and any shape suitable for engaging in a corresponding channel may be used instead (for example, as illustrated in Figure 28).

The tapered part 25 of the elongate gripping member may be of various lengths L, as illustrated by the examples 24, 26 and 28 in Figure 1. In use, the tapered part 25 extends through the opening 16 and into the panel-receiving channel 12. The length L of the tapered part 25 may be selected depending on the width W of the panel-receiving channel 12 and the thickness of the panel to be gripped. However, it should also be noted that a single taper length L can accommodate a range of panel thicknesses, since the tapered part 25 of the gripping member is able to bend and flex in a resilient manner. The range of panel thicknesses that can be gripped by a certain combination of structural member 10 and gripping member (e.g. 26) depends on the length L of the tapered part 25 of the gripping member in comparison to the width W of the panel-receiving channel 12. A larger channel width W, with a longer length L of gripping member, enables a greater range of panel widths to be gripped.

In this embodiment, the end 22 of each panel-receiving channel 12 is square, in order to receive a panel in a well-defined manner.

An inner core 18 may be provided as part of the structural member 10, which may provide additional strength and.flexural rigidity to the structural member 10. The inner core 18 may be threaded at one or both ends, to enable it to be screwed onto, and hence attached to, a base boss, or a top boss, or a cap. A base boss may incorporate a foot or a base plate, to enable the structural member to be free standing. Alternatively, a base boss or a top boss may incorporate fixing holes or other means by which the structural member may be anchored to a floor and/or a ceiling respectively, It will be appreciated that the structural member may be attached to other substrates or regions of buildings, such as walls, alcoves, etc. A cap may be attached to the top of a structural member 10, either engaging with the inner core 18, or with the outer wall 20 of the extrusion. The cap need not be threaded, and indeed may be designed to simply have a close tolerance push-fit onto the structural member 10.

An inner core 18 is not essential, and the structural member 10 may be open or hollow inside the outer wall 20. Even without an inner core 18, the structural member 10 may be engaged with a boss (e.g. using a grub screw to secure) to provide means for attaching the top or bottom of the structural member to some other structure. The absence of an inner core inside the structural member provides the advantage that any electrical cables inside the structural member may readily be routed in any direction out of the structural member.

The void within the outer wall 20 of the structural member 10 may be used as a conduit or channel for electrical cables or pipes, etc. For example, power supply cables may be passed through the extrusion and used to power lamps or spotlights attached to the structural member 10.

The structural member 10 may be finished in a variety of surface finishes or textures. For example, if made from aluminium or another metal, the structural member 10 may be powder coated (which may result in a coloured external finish) or given some other coating or texture (e.g. a wood grain effect).

As will be discussed in more detail below, the structural member 10 enables structural frames to be formed, and load-bearing display structures to be constructed.

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the process of inserting a gripping member 26 into a structural member 10.

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a variant of the structural member 10 shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3.

In the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, the structural member 30 has two panel-receiving channels 32, and each panel-receiving channel 32 has two grip-receiving channels 33.

Such a configuration provides a choice to the user/installer as towhich side of a panel-receiving channel 32 a panel 36 would be flush against, and on which side of the panel 36 there would be a small space.

In the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, it can be seen that the gripping members 34 have been inserted in such a manner as to provide two-fold rotational symmetry about the centre of the structural member 30. Thus, the structure of Figure 5, when erected vertically, would look the same from one side or the other.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the user/installer may select which side of the structural member 30 is primarily to be viewed by onlookers, and may arrange the gripping members 34 such that both panels 36 are flush with the side of the structural member 30 that is primarily to be viewed. This may have the effect that there is a small space on the reverse of each panel 36, between the panel 36 and the structural member 30 (i.e. on the side where the gripping member 34 impinges against the panel 36). Such a space is not unattractive, though, and may provide an aesthetically pleasing shadow feature between the structural member 30 and the panel 36.

In some applications and environments, the space between the structural member 30 and the panel 36 may be susceptible to the ingress of dirt or dust, and so this can also be taken into account by the user/installer when selecting which side of the panel 36 is to be flush with the structural member 30, and which side is to have a small space.

Figure 8 illustrates a variant of the structural members of the previous figures. Here, the structural member 40 incorporates two panel-receiving channels 42, and each channel 42 is provided with a pair of opposing grip-receiving channels 43 which each contain a gripping member 44. The inner region 46 of each channel 42 is tapered towards its centre. This configuration has the effect that a panel may be gripped centrally in the panel-receiving channels 42, such that the structural member 40 (when gripping panels in use) looks the same from both sides. No one side of the panel is more or less flush with the structural member than the other side.

The configuration shown in Figure 8 also enables a wide range of panel thicknesses to be reliably gripped in the centre of the channels 42. Provided a panel has a square cut edge, the panel will find its natural place in the centre of the channel 42 when pushed home into the tapered inner region 46.

Figure 9 illustrates another variant of a structural member. Here, the structural member 50 incorporates a pair of panel-receiving channels 52, each having a grip-receiving channel 53.

A gripping member 54 is inserted into each grip-receiving channel 53. Substantially opposite each gripping member 54, the opposing wall of the panel-receiving channel 52 incorporates a scalloped region 56. The midpoint of the scallop (i.e. the trough of the scallop), when viewed in cross-section, is slightly further in towards the centre of the structural member than the front edge of the gripping member 54. When a panel has been inserted fully into the panel-receiving channel 52, the scallop 56 is out of sight.

The scallop 56 provides an advantageous lead-in effect when inserting a panel into the panel-receiving channel 52. In particular, the scallop 56 facilitates the entry of rigid or semi-rigid panels having a long continuous edge. As the panel is initially inserted, the scallop 56 enables the leading edge of the panel to find its way around the gripping member 54. The panel can then be driven home once its leading edge has passed the gripping member 54.

Thus, the scallop 56 enables the user to be certain that the leading edge of a panel is beyond the gripping member 54 before the panel is pushed home. When the panel is finally pushed home into the depth of the channel, the panel bridges the scallop 56 and does not bend into the scallop.

Figure 10 illustrates the insertion sequence of a panel into a scalloped panel-receiving channel. As shown in Figure lOa, initially the panel is introduced at an angle relative to the channel, such that the leading edge of the panel slides into the scallop. The leading edge of the panel is also urged into the scallop by the resilient action of the gripping member opposite. Then, as shown in Figure lOb, additional pressure from the user/installer on the panel causes the panel to slide further into the scallop, such that its leading edge is now further into the depth of the channel than the gripping member.

Further pressure on the panel causes its leading edge to move towards the far side of the scallop, at which point the panel becomes more aligned with the channel, as illustrated in Figure lOc. Eventually the panel bridges the scallop entirely and is parallel to the channel and may be pushed home, as shown in Figure lCd. At this point, full gripping pressure is applied by the gripping member. The panel is sufficiently rigid that it does not bend into the scallop when it has been pushed home.

Figure 11 illustrates another variant of a structural member 60, here having four panel -receiving channels 62, each with a grip-receiving channel 63 and a gripping member 64.

The arrangement of the channels is such as to provide four-fold rotational symmetry about the centre of the structural member 60.

Figure 12 illustrates an alternative structural member 70 to that shown in Figure 11.

Structural member 70 also provides four-fold rotational symmetry, but the walls joining between the panel-receiving channels are less curved and thereby provide a less obtrusive structure between the panels. Comparing Figures 11 and 12 it can be seen that variations on the design of the extrusion can be used for subtle or radical advantage.

Figure 13 illustrates the structural member 60 of Figure 11, here being used to support two panels 66.

Figure 14 illustrates an alternative extrusion design 80, which incorporates a pair of ridged gripping members 86 with which the structural member 80 may be attached to a base or top boss or mounting, instead of using a threaded inner core. Structural member 80 also incorporates a pair of panel-receiving channels 82, each having a grip-receiving channel 83 and a gripping member 84.

Figure 15 illustrates a variant of the design of Figure 14. Here, the structural member 90 also incorporates a pair of ridged gripping members 98 for attachment to a base or top. A pair of panel-receiving channels 92 are also provided, each incorporating a grip-receiving channel 93, a gripping member 94 and an opposing scallop 96.

Figure 16 illustrates an example of a lower profile structural member 100. This incorporates a pair of panel-receiving channels 102, each having a grip-receiving channel 103 and a gripping member 104. It should be noted that this extrusion has an open internal void 106, which may be used to facilitate the routing of internal electrical power supply cables through either side of the structural member 100. This structural member 100 can be used vertically, or (particularly if only one panel-receiving channel 102 is provided) as a top or bottom horizontal edging strip, to provide structural rigidity and an attractive framed edge to a panel.

Alternatively, structural member 100 may be used as a joining member to join two panels in a coplanar arrangement.

Figure 17 illustrates another structural member 110, which may be used horizontally. This structural member is intended to grip along a horizontal side of a vertically-oriented panel using panel-receiving channel 112. Grip onto the panel is provided by the gripping member 114 inserted into the grip-receiving channel 113. The structural member 110 also incorporates a second channel 116, which would be above or below the horizontal side of the panel in use, and from which hooks or other suspension anchors may be inserted. Thus, using structural member 110, a hanging sign or label may be suspended beneath the panel, with the structural member 110 being between the panel and the suspended sign.

Alternatively, the structural member 110 may itself be suspended, e.g. from a ceiling, and a panel (e.g. a sign panel) may be hung below the structural member 110. This latter example could have applications in retail ceiling-mounted advertising or signage, for example.

In alternative applications, the structural member 110 may be used as a vertical edge finishing strip.

Another embodiment is illustrated in Figure 19, but to put this into context the prior art illustrated in Figure 18 will first be described. Figure 18 illustrates a slat wall retail display system. A wall or substructure 120 is provided with routed channels 124, into which corresponding-shaped support members 126 are inserted. In use, shelves or other display apparatus may be inserted into the support members 126. Each shelf has an angled back end feature, which locates into a support member 126. Insertion of the shelf is performed by angling the shelf upwards in front of the wall, locating the angled back end into the support member 126, and then swinging the front of the shelf downwards and thereby locating the angled back end up into the support member 126.

In Figure 19, an alternative to the prior art slat wall system is illustrated that employs an embodiment of the present invention. Here, a dedicated extrusion 132 is supplied to locate within a routed channel within the wall or substructure 130. The extrusion incorporates ribs 133 and 137, and also region 138, which locate firmly into the routed channel. The shape of the extrusion 132 incorporates a panel-receiving channel 134 and a grip-receiving channel 135, into which a gripping member 136 is provided. A shelf, display fitting or panel may then simply be inserted horizontally (i.e. plugged in) into the panel-receiving channel 134. The shelf, display fitting or panel is gripped by the gripping member 136, and thereby held securely in the wall or substructure 130. The ability to install the shelf horizontally, without the need to swing it in from above, means that installation is greatly facilitated compared to

the prior art slat wall system.

Using the present technique, a shelf may now be installed in a region (e.g. high up, near to a ceiling) in which installation using the prior art slat wall technique would have been impossible, because of the need with the prior art technique to angle the shelf upwards and then swing it downwards and into place from above. Additionally, the present embodiment provides the advantage of enabling a flat shelf or panel to be installed without the shelf or panel first needing folding, bending or secondary fabrication during manufacture (as is the case with the prior art slat wall system, to provide the angled back end feature). Moreover, the present embodiment enables any sheet material (for example, glass or a ceramic material) to be simply plugged in into the panel-receiving channel 134. It will be appreciated that glass or ceramic materials cannot readily be bent in order to provide the angled back end feature required with the prior art slat wall technique.

Additionally, the gripping member 136 firmly retains the shelf or other member being held, even if it is knocked from above or below. This should be compared with the prior art slat wall system, in which the shelf would be disturbed if knocked from below.

Figures 20, 21 and 22 illustrate some example of structures that may be formed using the embodiments of the present invention. In Figure 20, a display structure 140 has been constructed using a structural member 142 which may be similar to that shown in Figure 1, Figure 4 or Figure 8, for example. The structural member 142 is attached to a base boss 146, which in turn is attached to a base plate 148 or the floor. A cap 150 is attached to the top of the structural member 142. A plurality of display panels 144 are inserted into the panel-receiving channels on either side of the structural member 142, and are gripped by the gripping members as described previously. In order to locate the display panels 144 in desired positions (for example such that each horizontal pair are in mutual alignment), spacers, blanking pieces or other secondary fittings may be inserted into the panel-receiving channels, for example by a jig in the factory, to define the separation of the panels.

However, since the structural member 142 in its most basic form has continuous panel-receiving channels running along its length, this advantageously enables different shaped display panels to be supported as desired by the user/installer. For example, alternative paper formats may be mounted on either side of the central member 142. For example, a series of A4 size (or "letter" size, or other equivalent regionalised paper format) display panels may be mounted on one side, and other shapes (for example a continuous vertical panel) may be mounted on the other side.

The display panels 144 may be formed as transparent pouches, for receiving advertising or information posters or paper. Shoulder points 145 may be provided in the pouches, against which a poster or other insert may be registered.

This structure should be contrasted with prior art display arrangements, which tend to use horizontal struts projecting from a central shaft in order to support the display panels. The present embodiment does not use horizontal projecting struts, and accordingly provides a significantly reduced risk of injury (e.g. eye injury) to a passer-by who accidentally walks into the assembly.

A structure such as that shown in Figure 20 may be used for commercial or retail advertising, or for displaying directory information in a department store, or directions or information in a hospital or office building, etc. Alternatively, such a structure may be used in domestic or commercial environments, for mounting flat panel speakers (e.g. NXT speakers, which provide high quality sound from flat panel speakers), or electrostatic speakers, or flat visual display screens or screen technologies (e.g. electronic ink, or organic light emitting diode technology), etc. Using the present embodiments, it is possible to select how much of a speaker panel is gripped, and a better sound may be able to be obtained if the speaker panel is not gripped on all sides.

The technology illustrated in Figure 20 and the preceding figures may readily be adapted to grip larger panels, in order to provide partitioning or cubicles for an office environment, or to form exhibition enclosures or changing rooms in a clothing store, etc. Figure 21 illustrates a much larger advertising assembly 160, formed using a central structural member 162 which is attached to a base boss 166 and thence the floor 168. A cap 170 is attached to the top of the structural member 162. A large full-height continuous display panel 164 has been attached to the right side of the structural member 162. A second panel 163, shown detached from the central structural member 162, may be offered up into the structural member 162 by moving it rightwards, as shown by the arrow.

Figure 22 illustrates another large display panel configuration, which may alternatively be used as a window display, or office partitioning, or as a domestic separating wall or such like. Here, vertical structural members 170, 172 are each provided with top and bottom bosses 183, 184, 185 and 186, which enable the structural members 170, 172 to be fastened to the ceiling 180 and to the floor 182. As shown, a large central panel 174 may be supported on both vertical sides by the structural members 170 and 172. Each structural member 170, 172 may use a gripping member for this purpose, as described previously.

Atternatively, the panel 174 could be gripped by one structural member only (e.g. 170), and simply inserted freely into a channel in the other structural member (e.g. 172), without that channel having a gripping member. Such a configuration is made possible by the adaptability of the present invention, in which it is possible to use a panel-receiving channel without a gripping member. As illustrated, further panels 176, 178 may be gripped either side of the central panel 174, such that these panels 176, 178 are each gripped on one vertical side only. Panels 176 and 178 may act as extensions or continuations of the central panel 174. That is to say, a continuous piece of advertising or display graphics may be displayed across all three panels, 174, 176 and 178.

Figure 23 illustrates a large display panel or an office or domestic partition that is framed on all four sides by structural members. Here, vertical structural members 192, 194 are used to support each vertical side of the panel 196. The vertical structural members 192, 194 are each provided with a base boss 202, 204, which in turn are used to attach the vertical structural members to the ground or base plates 206, 208. The display panel 196 is gripped in panel-receiving channels in both the vertical structural members 192, 194. To frame the panel 196, and to provide additional flexural rigidity, horizontal members 198, 200 may be attached along the top and bottom horizontal sides of the panel 196. The horizontal members 198, 200 may each incorporate a panel-receiving channel, a grip-receiving channel and a gripping member, as described previously, with which the horizontal members 198 and 200 may be attached securely to the horizontal edges of the panel 196. The vertical members 192 and 194 may be provided with flat surfaces either side of the panel-receiving channel (for example as illustrated in Figures 14 and 15), thereby enabling the ends of the horizontal members 198, 200 to abut flush against the vertical members 192, 194.

It should be emphasised that the sides of the panels which are attached into the structural members need not be continuously straight. The sides of the panels may incorporate crenellations, tabs or tongues, which may facilitate the insertion of the panels into the panel-receiving channels of the structural members.

In some cases, it may be desired to support a panel that is thicker than the width of the panel-receiving channel of a structural member. Alternatively, in other cases, the panel to be supported may be much narrower than the width of the panel-receiving channel, such that the panel would not be gripped securely. In such cases, an adapter member 210 as illustrated in Figure 24 may be employed. The adaptor member 210 incorporates an integral panel region 212 together with an integral panel-receiving channel 214. The integral panel-receiving channel 214 may be provided with a grip-receiving channel 215, a gripping member 216 and a scalloped profile 218. The integral panel region 212 may be inserted into a panel-receiving channel of another structural member, thus allowing the adaptor 210 to provide its own panel-receiving channel 214 into which a panel may then be inserted. An adaptor 210 may be selected having dimensions to suit the thickness of the panel to be supported and the width of the panel-receiving channel of the structural member available.

For example, an adaptor 210 may have a thin integral panel region 212 and a wide integral panel-receiving channel 214. Alternatively, the adaptor 210 may have a thick integral panel region 212 and a narrow integral panel-receiving channel 214.

Figures 25 and 26 illustrate structural members 220 and 222 which may be used to support panels at an angle to each other. Structural member 220 is configured to support a pair of panels at 900 to one another, whereas structural member 222 is configured to support a pair of panels at an angle of 120 from one another.

Such structural members enable three dimensional forms to be constructed. For example, when used vertically, a display cabinet or exhibition enclosure may be constructed.

Alternatively, if used horizontally, structural member 220 may be used to mount a horizontal shelf at the top or bottom of a vertical panel. Structural member 220 or 222 may alternatively be attached along the outer edge of a horizontal shelf, in order to mount an advertising panel or sign at the outer edge of the shelf. This may be used in supermarkets, for example, or in other retail outlets, or in exhibitions. If used in supermarkets or the like, the body of the structural member 220 may incorporate a ticketing strip holder, for displaying supermarket product information such as prices or bar codes.

As illustrated in Figures 27a and 27b, a structural member 230 may incorporate a mechanism 236 with which the angle between two panels may be adjusted. This structural member 230 incorporates two panel-receiving channels 232, each having an accompanying grip-receiving channel 233 and a gripping member 234. Centrally, between the two panel-receiving channels 232, is a rotation mechanism 236. The rotation mechanism 236 incorporates two parts which may rotate relative to one another. The inner part incorporates an abutment 240 which contacts a corresponding abutment 238 when the two panel-receiving channels are rotated into an angle of 90 relative to one another, as illustrated in Figure 27a. However, when rotated such that the two panel-receiving channels are collinear, as illustrated in Figure 27b, another abutment region 244 of the inner member contacts edge 242 of the outer member. These abutment regions thereby define the limits of the adjustability of the structural member 230. Detents, locking means or friction means may be provided within the rotation mechanism 236 in order to retain the two panel-receiving channels at a desired angle and to prevent accidental adjustment. It will be appreciated that such variable-angle structural members may be used for a wide variety of applications, including advertising, office partitioning and exhibition displays.

Figure 28 illustrates that the grip-receiving channels need not be T-shaped. In this example, the structural member 250 is provided with a pair of triangular-shaped gripping members 254, each of which locates into a truncated triangular grip-receiving channel 253. The gripping members 254 protrude out of the grip-receiving channels 253 and into the panel-receiving channels 252.

With reference to the display structures such as that shown in Figure 20, it should be noted that the mounting between the vertical structural member 142 and the base 146 may incorporate a rotatable spindle, thereby enabling the structural member 142 to function as the central chassis or spine of a carousel. Instead of supporting display panels 144, such a carousel may support holders for pamphlets, cards or other items for perusal by a customer or bystander. Instead of using a structural member having two panel-receiving channels, such a carousel may well employ a structural member having four panel-receiving channels, such as that illustrated in Figures 11, 12 or 13. Thus, by rotating the structural member about the rotatable spindle, a customer may bring into position before him any of four separate display faces.

A structural member having a single panel-receiving channel may be used to hold a menu on a table in a restaurant. The profile of such a structural member may be envisaged by splitting the cross-section illustrated in Figure 1 vertically down the middle, for example. The length of the structural member may be perhaps 20 cm in length, and would be oriented in use such that the panel-receiving channel is at the top and extends horizontally (i.e. parallel to the tabletop). A menu would then be slotted into the panel-receiving channel and gripped by a gripping member as described previously. The menu may be enclosed within a protective transparent sleeve or between transparent rigid fascia panels, all of which would also be gripped by the gripping behaviour of the panel-receiving channel. A similar arrangement may be used, on a larger scale, for supporting pavement signs or forecourt signs, etc. Other possible applications for the structural members and associated panels as described herein include: advertising or display purposes and the like; supporting signage or directory information (e.g. in a hospital or department store); office partitioning or the like; or to serve as an exhibition stand, enclosure, changing room or the like. A great many other possible uses and configurations are possible, as those skilled in the art will appreciate.

Kits may be provided to customers, comprising one or more structural members, and one or more panels for locating in the said structural members. Such a kit may further comprise one or more bases for attaching to the structural members, and/or one or more articles selected from a group comprising: one or more display screens; one or more shelves; one or more lights; one or more speakers; one or more banner mounting brackets; one or more keypads or other user interfaces; and one or more leaflet holders or other receptacles.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A structural member for use in constructing display apparatus, office partitions or the like, said structural member comprising: a first elongate channel extending in a first direction, for receiving the edge of a panel, board or such like; a second channel extending parallel to the first channel, and in communication with the first channel; and a separately formed elongate gripping member mounted in the second channel and protruding into the first channel and which functions as a barb, whereby, in use, the edge of a panel, board or such like may be inserted into the first channel and supportively gripped by the gripping member, the panel, board or the like requiring greater force to remove than the force to insert it, to support the panel, board or the like in place.

2. . A structural member as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the second channel is in communication with the first channel at an opening, the opening being narrower than the width of a region within the second channel.

3. A structural member as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the said region is at the opposite side of the second channel from the said opening.

4. A structural member as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the first channel has a tapered cross-section towards its end.

5. A structural member as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the first channel has a square cross-section at its end.

6. A structural member as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising two second channels, one on each side of the first channel.

7. A structural member as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the said two second channels are substantially opposing.

8. A structural member as claimed in Claim 6 or Claim 7, wherein only one of the said two channels is provided with an elongate gripping member.

9. A structural member as claimed in Claim 6 or Claim 7, wherein each of the said two channels is provided with an elongate gripping member.

10. A structural member as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the side of the first channel opposite the second channel incorporates a region that is scalloped in cross-section.

II. A structural member as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the trough of the scalloped region is further into the first channel than the position of the second channel.

12. A structural member as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first and second channels are formed within an extrusion.

13. A structural member as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the extrusion is made of metal.

14. A structural member as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the gripping member is made of a plastics or rubber material.

15. A structural member as claimed in any preceding claim, having two first channels each with a corresponding second channel.

16. A structural member as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the two first channels are collinear in cross-section.

17. A structural member as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the two first channels are arranged at a right angle in cross-section.

18. A structural member as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the two first channels are at a user-adjustable angle in cross-section.

19. A structural member as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 14, having four first channels each with a corresponding second channel.

20. A structural member as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprises a perimeter wall inside which the or each first channel extends.

21. A structural member as claimed in Claim 20, wherein the perimeter wall incorporates a planar region either side of the or each first channel.

22. A structural member as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an inner shaft.

23. A structural member as claimed in Claim 22, wherein the inner shaft incorporates a thread.

24. A structural member as claimed in any preceding claim, incorporating means for attaching to a base.

25. A structural member as claimed in any of preceding claim, having a hollow central region.

26. A structural member as claimed in any preceding claim, shaped and configured to locate within a slat wall recess.

27. A structural member as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 25, further comprising a channel from which articles may be hung.

28. A structural member as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a protruding part adapted to locate within the first channel of a second structural member.

29. A structure comprising one or more structural members as claimed in any preceding claim, and one or more panels located within the said first channel(s).

30. A structure as claimed in Claim 29, comprising a panel supported on each of two opposing sides by a corresponding structural member.

31. A structure as claimed in Claim 30, further comprising one or more further structural members located along one or more of the other sides of the panel.

32. A structure as claimed in any of Claims 29, 30 or 31, further comprising a base member at the bottom of one or more of the structural members.

33. A structure as claimed in Claim 32, wherein the base member and structural member are mutually rotatable.

34. A structure as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 33, for advertising or display purposes and the like.

35. A structure as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 32, forming office partitioning or the like.

36. A structure as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 32, forming an exhibition stand or enclosure or the like.

37. A structure as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 33, for holding or displaying a menu.

38. A kit comprising: at least one structural member for use in constructing display apparatus, office partitions or the like, said strubtural member comprising: a first elongate channel extending in a first direction, for receiving the edge of a panel, board or such like; a second channel extending parallel to the first channel, and in communication with the first channel; and a separately formed elongate gripping member mounted in the second channel and protruding into the first channel, whereby, in use, the edge of a panel, board or such like may be inserted into the first channel and gripped by the gripping member; and a plurality of gripping members of differing sizes, shapes or materials that may be inter-changeably mounted within the second channel of said at least one structural member to thereby adjust for alternative thicknesses or surface energy or other characteristics of panel that may be supported by the structural member.

39. A kit as claimed in Claim 38, further comprising a plurality of panels of differing thicknesses, surface energy or other characteristic, the panels being for locating in the said structural members.

40. A kit as claimed in Claim 38 or Claim 39, further comprising one or more bases for attaching to the structural members.

41. A kit as claimed in Claim 38, Claim 39 or Claim 40, further comprising one or more articles selected from a group comprising: one or more display screens; one or more shelves; one or more lights; one or more speakers: one or more banner mounting brackets; one or more keypads or other user interfaces; and one or more leaflet holders or other receptacles.

42. A kit comprising at least one structural member for use in constructing display apparatus, office partitions or the like, said structural member comprising: a first elongate channel extending in a first direction, for receiving the edge of a panel, board or such like; a second channel extending parallel to the first channel, and in communication with the first channel; and a separately formed elongate gripping member mounted in the second channel and protruding into the first channel, whereby, in use, the edge of a panel, board or such like may be inserted into the first channel and gripped by the gripping member, wherein the side of the first channel opposite the second channel incorporates a region that is scalloped in cross-section.

43. A method of manufacturing a structural member as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 28, the method comprising obtaining or manufacturing a member comprising first and second channels, and inserting into the second channel an elongate gripping member selected from a range of gripping members of different shapes and sizes.

44. A method of constructing a structure, comprising obtaining a structural member as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 28, and inserting a panel, board or such like into the first channel such that it is gripped by the gripping member.

45. A method as claimed in Claim 44, wherein the step of inserting the panel, board or such like into the first channel involves inserting the panel, board or such like into a scalloped recess opposite the gripping member.

46. A structural member substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in any combination of the accompanying drawings.

47. A structure substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in any combination of the accompanying drawings.

48. A method of manufacturing a structural member substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in any combination of the accompanying drawings.

49. A method of constructing a structure substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in any combination of the accompanying drawings.