US2023419A - Knock-down display device - Google Patents

Description

Dec. w, 1935. *A. HAILPARM 2,023,419

KNOCK-DOWN DISPLAY DEVICE Filed July 18, 1935 /Z INVENTOR 3/ Z0 A/ber/ flwlaarw. A

' BY ta; ATTO NEY;

Patented Dec. 10, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE KNOCK-DOWN DISPLAY DEVICE Application July 18, 1935, Serial No. 31,979

10 Claims.

My present invention relates generally to display devices, and has particular reference to an improved knock-down arch display.

It is a general object of the invention to provide a new and improved type of display device, composed entirely of relatively simple structural elements, adapted to be inexpensively manufactured, shipped, or stored in a flat condition; set up into rigid, self-supporting condition with a minimum of effort; and useful in providing an attractive and ornamental arch upon which suitable advertising indicia may be printed or displayed.

The present type of device may be of any desired size, but for the purpose of explaining the general characteristics of the structure, I will state that a satisfactory embodiment, for use on a display counter of a store, or in a show window, has a pair of columns approximately three to four feet high, and a cross-beam approximately five feet in length.

One of the features of the invention lies in constructing the device of three collapsible or knock-down elements, two of which are adapted to serve as upright spaced columns, the third of which is adapted toserve as a cross-beam which rests upon the columns. Each of the elements comprises a single blank of sheet material, such as cardboard or the like, collapsibly shaped into the form of a hollow prism. The term prism is used herein in a broad sense and is intended to include within its scope the configurations herein illustratively exemplified, in which the columns are each of circular, cylindrical cross-section, and the cross-beam is of trapezoidal crosssection.

Whereas each of the elements is so constructed that it may be collapsed into substantially flat condition when it is not in use or during periods of storage or shipment, the invention provides means for conveniently setting up each element, rigidifying the structure, and separably interlocking the prisms to form the desired arch.

A further feature of my invention lies in a novel and inexpensive means for bracing the columns. More particularly, I provide a pedestal of wood or the like, a pole similarly of wood or the like and removably supported on the pedestal and adapted to extend upwardly through the column, together with internal bracing means carried by the pole and projecting radially into bracing relation to the internal surface of the column.

Similarly, it is a feature to provide novel and inexpensive bracing means for the cross-beam. More particularly, my invention provides internal, removable, bracing discs, and openable end walls for the prism, both of these elements conforming substantially to the cross-sectional configuration of the beam and serving to brace the latter in set-up condition.

Other features of the construction lie in the general arrangement and construction of parts whereby a device of simple and economical character is easily manufactured, stored, shipped, set 10 the manner in which the parts are intercon- 20 nected;

Figure 3 is an elevational cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 33 of Figure 1.;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the manner of inserting the column braces;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of one of the columns in collapsed or flattened condition; and

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the cross-beam 30 in flattened or collapsed condition.

The device consists essentially of the two spaced upright columns l0 and H and the crossbeam I2. Each of the columns is composed of a single blank of sheet material folded upon itself to form a collapsible, tubular structure, as illustrated more clearly in Figure 5. At one end of the blank a series of projecting attachment tabs l3 are provided; and near the opposite end a pair of oppositely disposed, integral tabs 14 are adapted to be bent outwardly, as shown most clearly in Figure 2, when the device is set up.

Each of the columns is identical with the other, and a description of one will, therefore, suffice.

The cross-beam is similarly composed of a single blank of sheet material which is shaped into a collapsible, tubular structure, as shown most clearly in Figure 6. This figure shows the tube in flattened or collapsed condition. In the embodiment illustrated, the tube, when set up, is of trapezoidal cross-section, comprising the bottom relatively wide wall Hi, the two upwardly convergent side walls l6 and I1, and the top wall l8. At the ends of the blank suitable hingeable flaps are provided, together with integral end walls IS, the latter being adapted to be folded into the plane of the collapsed structure, as shown in Figure 6, or to be adjusted into the transverse relationship shown in Figures 1 and 2 when the device is set up.

In the bottom l5 of the cross-beam two spaced and relatively large openings 20 are provided, and these openings conform to the exterior cross-sectional area and contour of each of the columns. Since, in the illustrated embodiment, the columns are of circular, cylindrical configuration, each of the openings 20 is circular.

The other elements of the assembly consist of the two relatively rigid pedestals 20 (preferably of wood or the like), the two poles 2! (also preferably of wood or the like), a series of columnbracing discs 22, and a set of cross-beam bracing discs 23. Each of the bracing discs 22 and 23 is made of relatively rigid material, such as corrugated or stifiened cardboard or the like, and each disc has a margin which conforms substantially to the cross-section of the prism which it braces. Moreover, each of the discs 22 has a central opening 25 (see Figure 4) of a size permitting it to be impaled snugly over one of the poles 2|. Each of the discs 23 is similarly provided with a central opening 26, this opening serving merely as a convenient hand-hold, i. e., permitting the finger of the hand to be inserted through the opening so that the disc can be manipulated into position.

Since each of the elements of the structure, 1. e., the columns and the cross-beam, is collapsible into fiat condition, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the entire assembly may be stored or shipped in a substantially flat container.

When the structure is to be assembled and set up, each of the column elements is first squeezed into opened relationship, as shown in Figure 4, and at least one of the discs 22 is inserted into it, in the manner exemplified in Figure 4. Preferably, two discs- 22 are used for each column. One is inserted into one end of the tube, and the other is inserted into the opposite end. They are inserted in a somewhat endwise manner, and are then turned into a transverse direction which wedges the marginal edge of each disc into bracing relation with the internal surfaces of the column. This holds the column in set-up, prismatic form.

One of the poles 2| is then mounted upon one of the pedestals 20, and for this purpose a bore or hole 21 is provided at the midpoint of each pedestal. The other pole is then similarly mounted upon the other pedestal. Each tube is then applied endwise over its corresponding pole, so that the pole passes or is threaded through the openings 25 in the discs 22.

The flaps I3 are then bent laterally outward and are suitably secured to the pedestal by means of tacks or the like. This completes the assembly of each pedestal, pole, column tube, and braces, and forms a self-sustaining, staunch, and rigid, upright column adapted to support the cross-beam.

The collapsed cross-beam, as illustrated in Figure 6, is then opened into prismatic or tubular condition, and the discs 23 are inserted into opposite ends, in the same way that the discs 22 were inserted into the column tubes. Care must be taken to insert each disc beyond the opening 20 so as to leave this opening unimpeded. Each disc is then turned into transverse relationship, and because of its predetermined contour and rigid nature it braces itself within the confines of the prism and holds the crossbeam in set-up condition. The beam is then applied to the columns, each column passing snugly upwardly through the corresponding opening 20, thereby concealing the upper end of 5 the column within the confines of the crossbeam. By deflecting the tabs l4 outwardly, these tabs form transverse brackets which en gage with the bottom wall 15 of the cross-beam, and not only limit the insertion of the columns into the cross-beam but serve as bracket supports for the cross-beam. Obviously, during the application of the cross-beam to the columns, the latter must be properly spaced apart, so that they will enter into the corresponding openings 20.

Finally, the end walls or flaps [9 are manipulated into closed relationship, and this is done in the same general Way as the end of any cardboard box is folded or tucked into position. Preferably, but not necessarily, the body of the cross-beam has an inturned flap 28 provided with a slot 29, and the end wall l9 has a small tab 33 which is adapted to fit into this slot 29. Also, the end wall is preferably provided with the inturned flaps 3| and 32 which tuck into the ends of the prism.

When the structure is assembled, it may be rested upon a store counter, or upon the floor; or it may be placed in a store window, or used in any other desired manner. With suitable advertising ornamentation and indicia on the 'columns and on the cross-beam, an attractive attention-arresting device results. In many cases, it is preferable to arrange a display of the commodities that are advertised around the pedestals 2B and underneath the arch; or they may be ornamentally stacked adjacent to each of the columns. Some may even be rested upon the cross-beam, provided that the weight is not too 40 great.

The disassembly of the device, after it has been used for the desired period of time, is just as simple as its assembly. The steps hereinbefore described are carried out in reverse order and the various elements and parts are adapted to be stacked in substantially flat relationship and restored to the orginal flat condition. If desired, all of the elements may be completely discarded after the device has been used, because the structure is so simple and economical in nature that salvaging of the parts is not essential.

In general, it will be understood that changes in the details, herein described and illustrated for the purpose of explaining the nature of my invention, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

It is, therefore, intended that these details be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described my invention, and illustrated its use, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is l. A knock-down display device comprising a 5 pair of columns and a cross-beam, each of said elements comprising a single blank of sheet material collapsibly shaped into the form of a hollow prism, and means for separably interlocking said prisms to form an arch in which the columns 7 serve as spaced upright supports for said crossbeam.

2. A knock-down display device comprising a pair of columns and a cross-beam, each of said elements comprising a single blank of sheet material collapsibly shaped into the form of a hollow prism, collapsible means for bracing each prism in set-up condition, and means for separably interlocking said prisms to form an arch in which the columns serve as spaced upright supports for said cross-beam.

3. A knock-down display device comprising a pair of columns and a cross-beam, each of said elementscomprising a single blank of sheet material collapsibly shaped into the form of a hollow prism, means for separably interlocking said prisms to form an arch, and means reinforcing said columns and comprising a pedestal for each column, a pole supported on the pedestal and extending upwards through the column, and internal bracing means carried by the pole and projecting radially therefrom into bracing relation to the internal surface of said column.

4. A knock-down display device comprising a pair of columns and a cross-beam, each of said elements comprising a single blank of sheet material collapsibly shaped into the form of a hollow prism, means for separably interlocking said prisms to form an arch, and means reinforcing said columns and comprising a pedestal for each column, a pole supported on the pedestal and extending upwards through the column, and in ternal bracing means carried by the pole and projecting radially therefrom into bracing relation to the internal surface of said column, said bracing means comprising at least one disc of relatively rigid sheet material impaled on said pole with its margin frictionally engaging with said column.

5. A knock-down display device comprising a pair of columns and a cross-beam, each of said elements comprising a single blank of sheet material collapsibly shaped into the form of a hollow prism, means for separably interlocking said prisms to form an arch, and means bracing said cross-beam and including at least one disc of relatively rigid sheet material whose margin conforms to the cross-section of the beam, said disc being removably insertable into the beam in transverse bracing relationship thereto.

6. A knock-down display device comprising a pair of columns and a cross-beam, each of said elements comprising a single blank of sheet material collapsibly shaped into the form of a hollow prism, means for separably interlocking said prisms to form an arch, and means bracing said cross-beam and including end walls for the prism,

said walls comprising openable flaps integral with the material of the beam and conforming in contour to the cross-section of the beam.

7. A knock-down display device comprising a pair of columns and a cross-beam, each of said 5 elements comprising a single blank of sheet material collapsibly shaped into the form of a hollow prism, means for separably interlocking said prisms to form an arch, and means bracing said cross-beam to hold it in set-up condition, said bracing means comprising openable end flaps integral with the beam material, and removable transverse inserts of relatively rigid sheet material, said flaps and inserts conforming in contour to the cross-section of the beam.

8. A knock-down display device comprising a pair of columns and a cross-beam, each of said elements comprising a single blank of sheet material collapsibly shaped into the form of a hollow prism, and means separably interlocking said prisms to form an arch in which the columns serve as spaced upright supports for said cross-beam, said means comprising openings in the underside of the beam adapted to accommodate the upper column ends, respectively, and abutments on the columns adapted to receive and support said beam thereon.

9. A knock-down display device comprising a pair of columns and a cross-beam, each of said elements comprising a single blank of sheet material collapsibly shaped into the form of a hollow prism, and means for separably interlocking said prisms to form an arch in which the columns serve as spaced upright supports for said cross-beam, said means comprising openings in the underside of the beam adapted to accommodate the upper column ends, respectively, and abutments on the columns adapted to receive and support said beam thereon, said abutments comprising integral flaps bent laterally to underlie the beam at areas adjacent to said openings.

10. A knock-down display device comprising a pair of columns and a cross-beam, each of said elements comprising a single blank of sheet material so shaped that it may be adapted to be set up into the form of a hollow prism, each prism being adapted to be collapsed into substantially flat condition, and means for separably interlocking said prisms to form an arch in which the columns serve as spaced upright supports for said cross-beam.

ALBERT HAILPARN.

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