GB2480475A

GB2480475A - Support bracket for use with a profiled beam of a display frame

Info

Publication number: GB2480475A
Application number: GB1008396A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jonathan Henry Strevens Evitt; Chris Howsam
Original assignee: Tecna Display Ltd
Current assignee: Tecna Display Ltd
Priority date: 2010-05-20
Filing date: 2010-05-20
Publication date: 2011-11-23
Also published as: GB201008396D0

Abstract

A support bracket for use in a display frame having a plurality of profiled beams [2, Fig. 7] joined together to form a three dimensional shape, comprises a body with a socket or receptacle 11 for receiving a support adaptor 3, e.g. a resilient plug, and a pair of outwardly extending flanges 102a configured to be received and secured between a pair of inwardly extending lips [23, Fig. 7] of one of the beams. Preferably, in use, the flanges of the support bracket extend vertically along a rear part of the bracket body 10. The flanges may be formed with the body [see flanges 12a,b of the bracket 10 in Figs. 1 and 2] or be mounted movably with respect to the body so as to be manually rotated by a knob 104 between a deployed lip-engaging configuration and retracted lip-releasing configuration. Preferably, the socket or receptacle 11 for the support adaptor 3 is formed in an upper part of the body 10. Also disclosed is the combination of the bracket and a support adaptor 3; a display frame which comprises the bracket and a plurality of beams; and a kit of parts which includes the bracket and beams. The support bracket may be used to support various accessories for the display frame such as shelving.

Description

SUPPORT BRACKET

This invention relates generally to support brackets, more particularly support brackets for display frames. More specifically, although not exclusively, this invention relates to modular support brackets for securing display supports to display frames of the kind which are formed of a plurality of beams joined together to form a three dimensional shape to which display panels are secured.

Known display frames of this type include multi-way node fittings to provide modular io assemblies that are easy to assemble and disassemble. One such node fitting design is disclosed in W02008062161 owned by the present applicants, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Display frame technology has developed rapidly in recent years in an effort to reduce the is time and resource for constructing and dismantling temporary displays while providing more impressive and intricate displays. This has resulted in a need to provide display frame assemblies with greater versatility and reliability.

It is therefore a non-exclusive object of the invention to provide a display frame assembly with a means for securing and/or supporting a multitude of accessories in a simple and reliable way.

Accordingly, one aspect of the invention provides a support bracket, e.g. a display frame support bracket, for use in or with a display frame of the kind comprising a plurality of beams joined together to form a three dimensional shape, the support bracket comprising a body with a socket or receptacle for receiving a support adaptor and a pair of outwardly extending flanges on a rear part of the body, wherein the flanges are configured to be received and secured, in use, between a pair of inwardly extending lips of one of the beams.

The provision of a support adaptor with a socket or receptacle and securing flanges provides a versatile bracket that is relatively easy to disassemble.

Preferably, the flanges extend vertically along the bracket, for example a rear portion of the bracket, and/or the socket or receptacle is configured for vertical insertion of a support adaptor therein, e.g. the socket or receptacle may be in an upper portion of the bracket and/or may comprise an opening, aperture or hole for receiving a support adaptor, which opening, aperture or hole may extend vertically and/or be in an upper or intended upper face of the bracket.

The flanges may be formed integrally with or secured to the body, for example along and/or adjacent one or more, e.g. opposed, edges of the body, for example longitudinal edges thereof. The flanges may be provided by a flange member extending from a rear portion, e.g. a rear face, of the body which flange member may comprise a substantially T-shaped cross section. Preferably, however, the flanges are provided by a pair of flange members extending from a rear portion, e.g. a rear face, of the body, wherein each flange io member may comprise a substantially L-shaped cross-section, for example opposed L-shaped flange members that may extend away from one another.

Additionally or alternatively, the flanges may be provided by a movable, e.g. relative to the body, flange member or plate that may be flat, for example a flat plate. Advantageously, is the flange member or plate may be movably mounted or connected to the body, for example for movement toward and/or away from the body, e.g. by a slideable or threaded connection.

Preferably, the bracket comprises an adjustment means, such as a knob or wheel, for selectively and/or adjustably moving the flange member or plate toward and/or away from the body. More preferably, the adjustment means or knob or wheel is threadedly engaged with the flange member. In one preferred embodiment, the flange member comprises a plate portion or part and an engagement portion or part, which may comprise or be a shaft, e.g. with an external thread, or a socket or receptacle, e.g. with an internal thread, and the adjustment means or knob or wheel comprises a socket or receptacle, e.g. with an internal thread, or a shaft, e.g. with an external thread, for cooperating with the engagement portion or part of the flange member, e.g. to effect movement of the flange member.

The plate may comprise any suitable shape, but an optional feature of the invention provides a plate that is non-round in plan, for example substantially oval in plan, e.g. with opposed straight edges along the periphery thereof between its major and minor axes.

For example, the plate may be in the shape of a diamond, ellipse or rectangular with chamfered corners. Preferably, the plate is rotatable, in use, between a deployed position in which edges thereof provide the flanges for engaging the lips of a beam and a retracted position in which the relevant, e.g. vertical, edges do not interfere with the lips such that the bracket may be removed from the beam.

The bracket may further comprise or be provided in combination with a support adaptor.

The support adaptor may comprise a plug and/or may include a projection or shaft, for example received or receivable within the socket or receptacle of the bracket, and/or a support portion or head, e.g. for receiving an item such as a shelf thereon. The support portion or head preferably includes a flat support surface and/or may be substantially in the form of a cylinder or disc or wedge or any other suitable shape. Where the support portion comprises a cylinder or disc, the support surface may extend, in use, substantially io horizontally, e.g. when it is received within the socket or receptacle of the bracket and/or when the support bracket is secured to the display frame. In such embodiments, the support adaptor or support portion or head may be formed of a resilient, e.g. elastomeric, material.

is Additionally or alternatively, the support portion, e.g. the wedge shaped support portion, may include an inclined face and/or a further socket or receptacle that preferably extends at an angle, e.g. an acute or obtuse angle, relative to the projection or shaft. In some embodiments, the support adaptor comprises an intermediate part with a projection or shaft, for example received or receivable within the socket or receptacle of the bracket, and a wedge portion with a further socket or receptacle that preferably extends at an angle, e.g. an acute or obtuse angle, relative to the projection or shaft for receiving the plug.

Advantageously the bracket or combination or support adaptor may further include a display support such as a flag or banner support pole received or receivable within the socket or receptacle or the further socket or receptacle.

A second aspect of the invention provides a display frame comprising a support bracket as described above and a plurality of beams joined together to form a three dimensional shape, at least one of the beams having a pair of opposed inwardly extending lips between which the flanges of the support bracket are received and secured.

Preferably, the lips extend along the length, e.g. the entire length, of the at least one beam. More preferably, the at least one beam comprises a vertical beam and/or the flanges extend vertically along the bracket, e.g. a rear portion of the bracket, and/or the socket or receptacle is configured for vertical insertion of a support adaptor therein. The beam preferably has two or more walls, more preferably three or more walls and most preferably four walls, e.g. the beam may comprise a square cross-section and/or may be hollow. At least one, preferably each, wall may include a lip extending from each longitudinal edge thereof away from the wall and toward the other lip, e.g. of that wall.

The display frame may further comprise one or more lengths of trim, e.g. received or receivable and secured or securable between the pair or one of the pairs of lips and/or for cooperation therewith. Advantageously, the support bracket may abut at least one length of trim, for example such that it is restrained or at least partially inhibited from moving along the at least one beam. Preferably, the display frame includes two lengths of trim io between which lengths the support bracket is restrained.

A third aspect of the invention provides a kit of parts for assembly into a display frame according to the second aspect of the invention, the kit comprising a support bracket as described above and one or more beams, at least one of the beams having a pair of is opposed inwardly extending lips between which the flanges of the support bracket are received and secured.

The kit may further comprise one or more connectors as disclosed and/or claimed in Further aspects of the invention provide a support adaptor and/or a plug and/or an intermediate part as described above and/or methods of assembling the display frame according to the second embodiment of the invention.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rear portion of a support bracket according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a front portion of the support bracket of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a rear portion of a support bracket according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a front portion of the support bracket of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the support bracket of Figures 3 and 4; Figure 6 is an exploded view of the support bracket of Figures 3 to 5; Figure 7 is a perspective view of an end of a beam for use with the support bracket of Figures 1 and 2 or of Figures 3 to 6; Figure 8 is a perspective view of an end of a length of trim for use with the beam of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a lower portion of a support adaptor for use with the support bracket of Figures 1 and 2 or of Figures 3 to 6; and Figure 10 is a perspective view of an upper portion of the support adaptor of Figure 9.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a support bracket 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention for use in or with a display frame (not shown) of the kind comprising a plurality of beams 2, shown in Figure 7, joined together to form a three dimensional shape (not shown). The support bracket 1 includes a body 10 with a socket or receptacle 11 and a pair of flanges 12a, 12b on a rear side of the body 10.

The body 10 includes a mounting portion 13 that is rectangular in plan with the flanges 12a, 12b extending from a rear side thereof along its longitudinal edges. The flanges 12a, 12b extend outwardly and are L-shaped to provide longitudinal grooves 12a', 12b' along the longitudinal outer surfaces of the mounting portion 13 and each flange 12a, 12b includes a chamfered rear outward edge 12a", 12b".

The body 10 also includes a bracket support 14 extending from an end edge of the mounting portion 13 and having a support surface 14a perpendicular to the rear surface of the mounting portion and a rounded free end edge 14b. The bracket support 14 incorporates the socket 11, which is in the form of a hole with four equally spaced axial ribs 1 la along its length and about its periphery and which extends vertically downward from the support surface 14a. The socket 11 also includes a shallow circular depression llb in the support surface 14a and located coaxially with and surrounding the hole 11.

The mounting portion 13 and the bracket support 14 of the body 10 are formed as a hollow integral moulding that includes an intermediate blend portion 15 that merges the mounting portion 13 and the bracket support 14.

Referring briefly to Figure 7, the beam 2 is hollow with a square cross-section having four walls 20, a central web 21 and an arrow shaped projection 22 extending outwardly from each corner edge of the beam 2. The central web 21 includes a pair of straight portions 21a extending inwardly from a respective one of a pair of opposed walls 20 to a C-shaped portion 21 b configured to receive and engage a screw (not shown) for fastening the male io part of an end connector as disclosed in W02008062161 to one or both ends. The arrow shaped projections 22 provide a pair of opposed inwardly extending lips 23 along the peripheral longitudinal edge of each wall 20 thereof.

Figure 8 illustrates an end portion of a length of trim 24 for insertion between the lips 23 of is the beam 2. The cross-section of the trim 24 is shaped to fill the space between the lips 23 and their respective wall 20 in order to provide a flush outer wall surface. The peripheral edges of the cross-section of the trim 24 closely resemble those of the flanges 12a, 12b of the support bracket 1.

In use, one section of trim 24 is inserted between a pair of opposed lips 23 of the beam 2, followed by the flanges 12a, 12b of the support bracket 1 and a second section of trim 24 is inserted thereafter to restrain the bracket 1 in a predetermined position. The trim sections 24 are then sandwiched into place by end fittings (not shown), for example end fittings similar to those shown in W020080621 61. It will be appreciated that the predetermined position of the bracket 1 will be determined by the selection of the lengths of the trim sections 24.

A bracket 100 according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 3 to 6, which is similar to the bracket 1 according to the first embodiment, wherein like references represent like features which will not be described herein. The main difference between the bracket 100 according to the second embodiment and the bracket 1 according to the first embodiment is that it includes an adjustment means 101 for adjustably moving a flange member 112 toward and/or away from the body 110.

The body 110 in this embodiment includes a bracket support 114 that is much thicker than the bracket support 14 of the bracket 1 according to the first embodiment and the flanges 12a, 12b thereof have been replaced by longitudinal locating ribs 112a, 112b extending from a rear abutment surface 112c of the flange member 112 to provide a pair of abutment shoulders. Each of the ribs 112a, 112b includes a recessed portion 112a', 1 12b' to accommodate the movable flange member 112.

The flange member 112 includes a plate portion 102 and an engagement shaft 103 extending perpendicularly from the centre of the plate portion 102 and having an external thread thereon. The plate portion 102 is non-round, substantially in the form of an oval in this embodiment, with opposed straight engaging edges 102a along the periphery thereof between its major and minor axes and opposed straight longitudinal edges 1 02b along the periphery thereof and perpendicular to its minor axis. More generally, the plate portion 102 is shaped such that, when it is placed between the lips 23 of the beam 2, it is rotatable between a deployed position in which the edges 102a provide the flanges for engaging the lips 23 of the beam 2 and a retracted position in which the edges 102a do not interfere with the lips 23 such that the bracket 100 may be removed easily from is between the lips 23.

The adjustment means 101 in this embodiment includes a knob or wheel 104 and a spring with associated washer 105a that cooperate with the movable flange member 112.

The knob 104 includes a central internally threaded hole that engages the external thread of the engagement shaft 103 and a plurality of peripheral gripping formations or depressions 104a. The spring 105 surrounds the engagement shaft 103 and abuts the plate portion 102 of the flange member 112 at one end and the knob 104 at its other end, thereby urging the plate portion 102 away from the knob 104 and preloading the threaded engagement. As a result, the knob 104 and flange member 112 turn together in the absence of anything preventing rotation of the flange member 112.

In use, the knob 104 is rotated to ensure that the flange member 112 is spaced sufficiently from the abutment surface 112c of the body 110 to receive the lips 23 therebetween and to ensure that the longitudinal edges 102b of the flange member 112 extend vertically. The bracket 100 is placed such that the locating ribs 112a, 112b and the plate portion 102 of the flange member 112 are between the lips 23 and the abutment surface 11 2c abuts the front faces of the lips 23. The knob 104 is then rotated clockwise, which rotates the plate portion 102 into the deployed position, where the edges 102a abut an internal surface of the lips 23. Further rotation of the knob 104 causes the plate portion 102 to move toward the abutment surface 112c, thereby clamping the lips 23 therebetween.

The main advantage of the bracket 100 according to this embodiment is that it provides a stronger securement with the beam 2 without relying on the trim 24.

Also shown in Figures 4 to 6 is a support adaptor 3 in the form of a plug with a disc shaped head 30 and a shaft 31 extending centrally and perpendicularly therefrom. The plug 3 is formed of an elastomeric material in this embodiment and the shaft 31 is received within the socket 11 as an interference fit by virtue of the ribs 11 a. The plug 3 is configured to receive and support, in cooperation with other like brackets 100, a shelf (not shown) thereon.

Figures 9 and 10 show an alternative support adaptor 300 in the form of an intermediate part with a wedge shaped head 330 that is circular in plan with a shaft 331 extending centrally and perpendicularly from one main face 332 and a further socket or receptacle 333 that extends centrally and perpendicularly into the other main face 334. Thus, the is further socket 333 extends at an angle relative to the shaft 331. The further socket 333 also includes a shallow circular depression 333a in the other main face 334 and is configured to receive a plug 3 or any other support adaptor. The further socket 333 preferably receives a flag pole (not shown) or a banner support rod (not shown).

Where the further socket 333 receives a plug 3, it may be configured to receive and support, in cooperation with other like support adaptors 300, a shelf (not shown) thereon at an angle corresponding to the angle between the main faces 332, 334. The angle may be any suitable angle between zero and ninety degrees, for example fifteen, thirty, forty-five or sixty degrees.

It will be appreciated that the provision of a combination or kit of modular components as described above permits assembly into a wide variety of display systems. The display frame or kit may advantageously include any one or more of various support items including a support rod for a shelf, a bin or receptacle or display container, a hook, a rod incorporating a plurality of hooks, a rail, received within the sockets 11, 333 may receive any form of support adaptor.

It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several variations are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention, for example any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A support bracket for use in or with a display frame of the kind comprising a plurality of beams joined together to form a three dimensional shape, the support bracket comprising a body with a socket or receptacle for receiving a support adaptor and a pair of outwardly extending flanges on a rear part of the body, wherein the flanges are configured to be received and secured, in use, between a pair of inwardly extending lips of one of the beams.
2. Bracket according to claim 1, wherein the flanges along a rear portion of the bracket and configured to extend, in use, vertically.
3. Bracket according to any preceding claim, wherein the socket or receptacle is configured for vertical insertion of a support adaptor therein.
4. Bracket according to any preceding claim, wherein the socket or receptacle is included in an upper or intended upper portion of the bracket.
5. Bracket according to any preceding claim, wherein the flanges are provided by one or more flange members extending from a rear portion of the body.
6. Bracket according to claim 5, wherein the flanges are provided by a pair of L-shaped flange members extending from a rear portion of the body.
7. Bracket according to claim 6, wherein the flanges are formed integrally with the body.
8. Bracket according to claim 5, wherein the flanges are provided by a movable flange member.
9. Bracket according to claim 8, wherein the flange member is movably connected to the body for movement toward and/or away from the body.
10. Bracket according to claim 9, wherein the flange member is movably connected to the body by a threaded connection.
11. Bracket according to any one of claims 8 to 10 further comprising an adjustment means for adjustably moving the flange member toward and/or away from the body.
12. Bracket according to claim 11, wherein the adjustment means comprises a knob or wheel threadedly engaged with the flange member.
13. Bracket according to claim 12, wherein the flange member comprises a plate portion and an engagement portion with an external thread, the adjustment knob or wheel comprising an internally threaded socket for cooperating with the external thread of the engagement portion to effect movement of the flange member.
14. Bracket according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the flange member io comprises a plate portion that is non-round in plan and is rotatable, in use, between a deployed position in which edges thereof provide the flanges for engaging the lips of a beam and a retracted position in which the vertical edges do not interfere with the lips such that the bracket may be removed from the beam.
15. Support adaptor for use with a bracket according to any preceding claim.
16. Support adaptor according to claim 15, wherein the support adaptor comprises a projection or shaft received or receivable within the socket or receptacle of the bracket and a head.
17. Support adaptor according to claim 16, wherein the head comprises a wedge.
18. Support adaptor according to claim 17, wherein the head includes an inclined face and a further socket or receptacle that extends at an angle relative to the projection or shaft.
19. Support adaptor according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the or a further support adaptor comprises a plug projection or shaft received or receivable within the socket or receptacle of the bracket and a head.
20. Support adaptor according to claim 19, wherein the head of the further support adaptor is substantially in the form of a disc.
21. A support bracket according to any one of claims ito 14 in combination with a support adaptor according to any one of claims 15 to 20.
22. A display frame comprising a support bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and a plurality of beams joined together to form a three dimensional shape, at least one of the beams having a pair of opposed inwardly extending lips between which the flanges of the support bracket are received and secured.
23. Frame according to claim 22, wherein the at least one beam comprises a vertical beam and the lips extend along the length thereof.
24. Frame according to claim 23, wherein the beam is hollow with a square cross-section having four walls, each wall includes a lip extending from each longitudinal edge thereof away from the wall and toward the other lip of that wall.
25. Frame according to claim 22 or claim 23 further comprising one or more lengths of trim received and secured between the pair or one of the pairs of lips for cooperation therewith, the support bracket abutting at least one length of trim such that it is restrained or at least partially inhibited from moving along the at least one beam.
26. Frame according to claim 25, wherein the display frame includes two lengths of trim between which lengths the support bracket is restrained.
27. Frame according to any one of claims 22 to 26 further comprising a support adaptor according to any one of claims 15 to 20 received within the socket or receptacle.
28. A kit of parts for assembly into a display frame according to any one of claims 22 to 26, the kit comprising a support bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and one or more beams, at least one of the beams having a pair of opposed inwardly extending lips between which the flanges of the support bracket are received and secured.
29. Kit according to claim 28 further comprising a support adaptor according to any one of claims lSto 20.