US3724617A

US3724617A - Portable sample case

Info

Publication number: US3724617A
Application number: US00105375A
Authority: US
Inventors: G Lawler
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1971-01-11
Filing date: 1971-01-11
Publication date: 1973-04-03
Anticipated expiration: 1990-04-03

Abstract

A portable sample case for use in transporting and displaying a stack of flat material such as fabric, wallpaper, rugs and the like, including a frame assembly having frame units pivotally mounted thereon, the frame units being normally located in a closed position wherein the sample case in conveniently transported from one location to another and being movable to an open position, wherein the stack of material located therein is exposed for display.

Description

United States Patent [191 Lawler 1 1 Apr. 3, 1973 [54] PORTABLE SAMPLE CASE [76] Inventor: Gerald J. Lawler, 71 North Park Street, Franklin, Mass. 02038 [22] Filed: Jan. 11, 1971 [21] Appl. N0.: 105,375

[52] US. Cl ..190/16, 190/1, 190/18 A, 190/41 Z, 211/47, 21 lll69.l [51] Int. Cl ..A45c 3/00 [58] Field 01Search.....190/16, 17,18 R, 18 A, 41 z, 190/42, 1; 206/4515, 45.17, 45.18, 45.24,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,286,018 11/1918 Jones ..248/455 1,035,648 8/1912 Small ..190/16 3,245,411 4/1966 3,315,771 4 1967 2,531,302 11/1950 3,297,118 1/1967 2,549,306 4 1951 Greene ..190 16 Primary Examiner-Joseph R. Leclair Assistant Examiner-Stephen Marcus Attorney-Salter & Michaelson [57] ABSTRACT A portable sample case for use in transporting and displaying a stack of flat material such as fabric, wallpaper, rugs and the like, including a frame assembly having frame units pivotally mounted thereon, the frame units being normally located in a closed position wherein the sample case in conveniently transported from one location to another and being movable to an open position, wherein the stack of material located therein is exposed for display.

7 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures PATENTEDAPR3 I975 3,724,617

SHEET 1 UF 3 INVENTOR F I G. 4 GERALD J. LAWLER ATTORNEYS PATENTEBAPR 3 I975 3.724.617 sum 2 [IF 34 96 /02 IINVENTOR i GERALD J. LAWLER F|G.6 mzw F I G. 7 U5 ATTORNEYS PATENTEDAPRIi I973 3,724,617

sum 3 OF 3 ATTORNEYS PORTABLE SAMPLE CASE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention has particular application as a sample display case for salesmen who must transport material, such as fabrics, wallpaper, rugs and the like, from one location to another for display to customers.

Prior to the instant invention, stacks of materials such as fabrics have been carried by salesmen from one location to another by simply packing the fabrics in a travelling case of convenient size. When the salesman displayed the fabrics to a customer, the fabrics were normally lifted bodily out of the travelling case and placed on a counter, table or a stand, if one were conventionally accessible. Although this prior method of displaying fabrics and the like accomplished the purpose intended, the amount of merchandise carried in the travelling case was limited by space requirements, and moreover considerable time was consumed by the salesman in physically removing the fabrics from the case and placing them on a convenient stand or table for display. More time was thereafter consumed by the salesman in repacking the travelling case, which also required considerable effort and patience.

Some attempts have been made heretofore to provide for the easy transport of a travelling case, such as by placing casters on the bottom of the case so that the case could be rolled, rather than carried. However, such cases did not avoid the problems experienced in displaying the samples carried therein. Other sample cases and racks have also been used heretofore that included structure-that provided for locating the samples in a display position. However, even these prior known display cases and racks, were limited in the use thereof and could not be adapted for displaying relatively large stacks of materials such as fabrics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a portable sample case for the use, transporting and displaying stacks of material such as fabrics, wallpaper, rugs and the like,

being conveniently accessible for inspection and handling. Suitable locks are secured to the sides of the frame units for interlocking the units to the base frame, and the holder assembly from which the fabric materials are suspended also includes a convenient lock construction for detachably securing the fabric materials therein.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a portable sample case for transporting and displaying stacks of flat material, and which utilizes the components of the case as a support for the materials during inspection and display thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide a portable sample case for a stack of flat material that includes a base frame to which frame units are pivotally interconnected, the frame units being movable from a closed position within the confines of the base frame to an open position outwardly thereof for supporting and displaying the material located within the sample case.

Still another object is to provide a portable sample case which conveniently transports and displays flat materials such as rugs, wallpaper, fabrics and the like.

Still another object is to provide a portable sample case having an outer cover that is removably connected to a base frame of the sample case and that is utilized to not only cover the sample case in the closed position thereof, but to further act as a means for lifting the sample case during the transporting thereof.

Still another object is to provide a portable sample case for the transporting and displaying of flat materials and which includes lock members that are secured to I frame units of the sample case for locking the frame and includes a frame assembly that is defined by a base frame on which a pair of frame units are pivotally mounted. A stack of flat material such as a plurality of sample fabrics is removably mounted on one of the frame units at an end thereof by a unique holder assembly, the fabrics being draped over a horizontal rod that is also removably mounted in the base frame. In the closed position of the sample case, both of the frame units are located within the confines of the base frame, the fabric material being folded over the horizontal rod approximately at the midpoint thereof. In the closed position of the sample case, an outer cover assembly encloses the frame assembly and the sample case may be easily and quickly transported on casters that are secured to the underside of the frame assembly.

When it is desired to display or show the fabric materials located within the sample case, the cover is conveniently removed through zipper fasteners and the frame units are swung outwardly of the base frame in a pivotal movement. One of the frame units acts as a support to hold the sample case in an inclined position and the other frame unit which supports the fabric materials is lifted upwardly to effect an easel-like position, the fabrics hanging in suspended position therefrom and units in a closed position within the sample case, and that further. includes a sample holder assembly that is removably mounted on one of the frame units of the same case.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention shall become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings which illustrate the best .mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable sample case embodied in the present invention showing the case in a fully closed position thereof;

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken along lines 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the sample case in the" open position thereof, which is the position for displaying a stack of sample material located therein;

FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of the display case in the open display position asillustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary enlarged portion with parts shown in section of an end wall of the base frame and an end member of a frame unit of the sample case showing a lock for interlocking the frame unit to the base frame;

FIG. 6 is an end elevational view of the holder assembly of the frame unit from which the stack of sample material is suspended;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the holder assembly illustrated in FIG. 6., showing the holder for the sample material in the open position thereof, and further showing the manner in which the holder assembly is mounted on its frame unit;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary elevational view showing a lock for the pins on which the sample material is mounted in the holder assembly;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing the unlocked position of the lock for the material holding pins; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the cover assembly that is mounted on the frame assembly of the display case.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, the portable sample case embodied in the present invention is illustrated and is generally indicated at 10 The portable display case 10 has particular application for use by travelling salesmen an others for transporting and displaying of flat sample materials, and in this connection, the portable sample case is designed for particular use in the transporting and displaying of fabrics, wallpaper, rugs and other similar materials.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the sample case 10 is shown including a frame assembly that is defined by a base frame generally indicated at 12 to which are pivotally connected a first frame unit generally indicated at 14 and a second frame unit generally indicated at 16. As further illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 10, a cover assembly generally indicated at 18 is removably interconnected to the base frame 12 by zipper fasteners as will hereinafter be described.

Referring again to FIG. 1, 3 and 4, the base frame 12 is shown being formed in a generally U-shaped configuration defined by

side walls

20 and 22 that are interconnected to a bottom wall 24 having a reinforcing rib 25 joined thereto. Pivotally interconnected to the

walls

20 and 22 of the base frame 12 is the first frame unit 14, which includes a U-shaped frame member defined by marginal sides 26 and 28 and an end 30. Extending horizontally across the open end of the U-frame of the frame unit 14 is a cross bar 32, and extending diagonally thereacross are

diagonal bars

34 and 36 that cooperate with the cross bar 32 to provide a rigid support for the frame unit 14.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the uppermost ends of both sides 26 and 28 of the frame unit 14 have a clip 38 attached thereto through which a bolt 40 extends for pivotally interconnecting the frame unit 14 to the

side walls

20 and 22 of the base frame 12. As will be described, the first frame unit 14 is movable from a closed position within the confines of the base frame 12 to an open position as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 to define a support for the sample case. In this connection and in order to limit the outer pivotal movement of the first frame unit 14, pivotal braces 42 are provided and as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 interconnect the marginal sides 26 and 28 of the frame unit 14 to the

end walls

22 and 20 respectively of the base frame. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the braces 42 are pivotal at the mid-points thereof and provide for folding movement of the frame unit 14 to and from the open and closed positions thereof.

In order to lock the first frame unit 14 in the closed position within the base frame unit 12, and to prevent movement thereof during the transporting of the sample case, a spring lock 46 is provided for each of the marginal sides 26 and 28. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the locks 46 are spring loaded and each includes a retractable pin 48 that is adapted to be received within an opening (not shown) formed in the inner surface of the

side walls

20 and 22 of the base frame .12. It is understood that when the frame unit 14 is to be moved from the closed position to the position illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the locks 46 are pulled outwardly to release the pins 48 from within the openings in the

walls

20 and 22, thereby permitting the frame 'unit 14 to swing to the outer support position thereof.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the frame unit 16 is formed similarly to the frame unit 14 and includes a U-shaped frame having

marginal sides

50, 52 and an outer end 54. Joined to the inner ends of the

marginal sides

50 and 52 is a horizontal cross bar 56, while diagonal cross braces 58 and 60 are secured to the

sides

50 and 52 and cooperate with the horizontal cross bar 56 to form the frame unit 16 in relatively rigid construction. As shown in FIG. 4, the

sides

50 and 52 of the frame unit 16 have clips 62 joined to the inner ends thereof through which bolts 64 extend for pivotally mounting the frame unit 16 on the

side walls

20 and 22 of the base frame 12. As described, the frame unit 16 is movable from a closed position to an upper display position, and in order to positively locate the frame unit 16 in the upper display position, pivotal braces 66 are provided which re permanently connected to the sides 26 and 28 of the frame unit 14; and which have a slot 67 formed in the free ends thereof (FlG. 2). When the frame unit 16 is moved to the upper display position, the braces 66 are moved upwardly and are interconnected to the

sides

50, 52 by thumb screws 68 located in blocks 70 fixed to the sides 50, 52 (FIG. 5), the slots 67 receiving the thumb screws therein, which are thereafter tightened to securely lock the frame unit 16 in place. It is understood that the braces 66 are removable from their connection with the thumb screws 68 fixed to the

sides

50 and 52 of the frame unit 16 and foldable downwardly to the position illustrated in FIG. 2 for releasing the frame unit 16 when it is to be folded to the closed position thereof. A plurality of spaced openings may also be formed in the block 70 for accomodating the thumb screws 68 in different vertical locations, wherein the braces 66 may be secured in several vertical positions in the sides of the frame unit 16 to vary the angular relation of the frame unit 16 with respect to the base frame 12.

The frame unit 16 is also retained in the closed position thereof by locks 72 which as shown in FIG. 5 are similar to the construction of the previously described locks 46. The locks 72 are mounted on the blocks 70 as secured to the

sides

50 and 52 of the frame unit 16 and are spring loaded through a spring 74 located in a housing 76, so that pins 78 formed as part of the locks 72 are projectable through openings 80 formed in the

side walls

20 and 22 of the base frame 12. It is understood that when the frame unit 16 is moved to the closed position, locks 72 are retracted to move the pins 78 inwardly of the blocks 70 until the frame unit 16 is disposed within the confines of the base frame 12. The

locks 72 are then released to allow the pins 78 to penetrate into the openings 80 as formed in the

side walls

20, 22 of the base frame .12.

One of the unique features of the present invention is the removal of the stack of sample material as a unit from the sample case for replacement with other sample materials, without the requirement of lifting the individual pieces of the material from the sample case. This is accomplished by providing a holder assembly generally indicated at 82 that is removably mounted on the upper portion of the frame unit 16. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the holder assembly 82 is defined by an elongated plate 84 to which an upper flange 86 is integrally joined. Pivotally connected to the flange 86 by a hinge 89 is a top plate 88 to which a downwardly extending, peripheral flange 90 is joined. A plurality of spaced rivets 91 are secured along the front parts of the peripheral flange 90 and project slightly outwardly therefrom. A handle 94 is joined to the top wall 88 by cleats 95 and is provided for removing the holder assembly 82 as a unit when required.

A plurality of horizontally extending pins 96 are secured to the plate 84 by any convenient means such as screws and project forwardly of the plate 84 in parallel relation with respect to the normal position of .the top wall 88. The pins 96 define supporting meansfor the stack of flat material such as fabric that is to be located within the sample case and in the loading of the fabrics into the display position thereof, each individual piece is directly mounted on the pins 96 and suspended therefrom. The outermost end of each of the pins 96 is formed with a reduced neck 98, which neck 98 is receivable within a slot 102 (FIG. 6) formed in the marginal flange 90. A slide plate 100 is slidably mounted on the flange 90 and for this purpose is provided with appropriate slots 103 that receive the rivets 91 therein. Bayonet slots 92 also formed in the slide plate 100 are adapted to be aligned with the slots 102 and pins 96 located therein, and upon sliding movement of the plate 100 with respect to the flange 90, the ends of the pins 96 are captured within the bayonet slots 92. See FIG. 8. With the holder assembly 82 located in the position shown in FIG. 6, the fabric material is locked in place. Upon movement of the slide plate 100 to the position illustrated in FIG. 9, the pins 96 are released from engagement with the pivotal top wall 88, but before the top wall 88 can be pivotally moved from the position illustrated in FIG. 6 to the position illustrated in FIG. 7, it must be released from engagement with support structure for the holder assembly as will be described. Thereafter, the fabric material may be removed from the pins 96 as required.

Normally, the fabric material as mounted on the pins 96 of theholder assembly 82 is removable as a unit with the holder assembly 82 from the frame unit 16, and in order to accomplish this purpose, the frame unit 16 includes an upper cross plate 104 that is joined to the upper end thereof adjacent to the end 54 and that spans the space between the

sides

50 and 52. As shown in FIG. 3, brackets 106 are secured to the cross plate 104 intermediate the

sides

50 and 52, and are slightly spaced from the cross plate 104 to accommodate the plate 84 therebetween. The flange 86 of the holder assembly 82 rests on end brackets 108 that are also secured to the cross plate 104, thumb screws 110 (FIG.

4) extending through the flange 86 into the brackets 108 for securely locking the holder assembly 82 to the frame unit 16 and further preventing pivotal movement of the top wall 88. If it is desired to remove the fabrics from the pins 96, the thumb screws 110 are removed from engagement with the brackets 108 and the slide plate 100 is moved to the unlocked position which releases the top wall 88 for movement to the position shown in FIG. 7. With the thumb screws 110 removed, the entire holder assembly 82 may also be removed, if desired, by pulling upwardly on the handle 94 so that the cross plate 84 is lifted out of the brackets 106. In this case, the slide plate is in the locked position, although itmay be released after the holder assembly 82 is removed from the frame unit 16, The fabrics as contained on the pins 96 may then be removed from the holder assembly 82 and replaced by other fabrics if so desired as previously described. Another holder assembly complete with fabric materials located on the pin thereof may also be mounted on the frame unit 16 as areplacement for the one removed. Mounting of the new holder assembly 82 with the fabrics suspended therefrom in the sample case would be accomplished when the cross plate 84 of the new holder assembly were located within the brackets 106 and the thumb screws secured to the brackets 108.

When it is necessary to transport the fabric materials mounted on the holder assembly 82, the

frame units

14 and 16 are moved to their closed position by releasing

locks

46 and 72 and folding the frame units to that position illustrated in FIG. 2. In carrying out this folding movement, the braces 44 and 66 are pivotally moved as illustrated in FIG. 2 and the slot 67 of the brace 66 is removed from engagement with the thumb screw 68 so that the frame unit 16 can be swung downwardly to the closed position. Movement of the

frame units

14 and 16 within the confines of the base frame 12 is limited by interior clips indicated at 112 in FIG. 2, the clips 112 being secured to the interior surface of the

side walls

20 and 22 of the base frame 12.

With frame unit 16 located in the folded or closed position thereof, the fabric material indicated at is draped over a cross bar 114 that is fixed between the

walls

20 and 22 of the base frame 12 in appropriate collars joined to the interior surfaces of these walls and secured in place'by bolts 117. The bar 114 may have a telescoping construction or it may be constructed in any manner so that it can be withdrawn from theposition between the

walls

20 and 22 when the sample case is located in the open display position thereof. It is understood that the primary purpose of the cross bar 114 is to receive the fabric material 115 thereover in folding relation as illustrated in FIG. 2 when the frame units are disposed in the closed position, thereby supporting the fabric material 115 in draping relation and maintaining the fabric material in such a position that will prevent wrinkling or creasing thereof. l

In the closed position of the sample case and in that position when the case is to be transported from one Ibcation to another by the user, the cover assembly 18 is fixed around the frame assembly in interconnecting relation, and this is accomplished by zipper fasteners as will now be described. As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 9, the cover assembly 18 which may be formed of a durable fabric or plastic material, includes a top portion 114 to which

side portions

116 and 118 are integrally joined. The top portion 114 extends around the upper portion of the frame assembly while the

side portions

116 and 118 cover the sides of the frame assembly. As shown in FIG. 3, the side walls and 22 of the base frame unit 12 are covered with fabric or plastic panels 119 that correspond to the material from which the cover assembly 18 is fabricated. The panels 119 may be secured to the

side walls

20 and 22 of the base frame 12 in any convenient manner such as by rivets 120, the peripheral edges of the panels 119 having metal zipper stringer 122 joined thereto that extends around the entire peripheral edges of the

side walls

20 and 22. The outer surface of the bottom wall 24 is also covered with a panel similar to the panel 119 as illustrated in FIG. 2; however, the bottom wall 24 of the base frame 20 is reinforced by an outer plate 124 that extends the length of the bottom wall 24 and also overlies a portion of the panels 119 located on the outer surfaces of the

side walls

20 and 22. This outer reinforcing plate 124 is also secured in place by rivets or the like. With the reinforcing plate in position, the peripheral edges of the panel beneath the plate 124 and that extends in overlying relation with respect to the bottom wall 24 is exposed and zipper stringer 122 is fixed thereto that is continuous with respect to the stringer joined to the peripheral edges of the panels 119. The stringer 122 thus extends the entire length of the peripheral edges of

side walls

20 and 22 and bottom wall 24 of the base frame unit 12, terminating in end stops at the midpoint of the bottom wall on one side thereof as illustrated in FIG. 1. The cover assembly 18 is also provided with corresponding zipper stringer as indicated at 126 along the entire peripheral edge thereof and a pair of

slide fasteners

128 and 130 engage the

stringers

122 and 126 and are adapted to interlock the cover assembly 18 to the frame assembly in the manner as illustrated in FIG. 1. It is understood that the cover assembly is removed from its covering position by simply releasing or sliding the

slide fasteners

128 and 130 along the bottom peripheral edge of the bottom wall of the base frame unit and then upwardly on the peripheral edges of the side walls of the base frame unit, until the

frame units

14 and 16 are uncovered sufficiently to permit the removal thereof from their closed position.

In order to conveniently carry or lift the sample case, an inner curved plate 132 having end flanges 133 is provided having a handle 134 secured to the upper surface thereof. The plate 132 has a curved configuration that enables it to overlie the upper portion of the sample case and is received directly beneath the portion 114 of the cover assembly, thereby causing the upper portion 114 to assume the curved configuration as illustrated. The upper portion 114 of the cover assembly is formed with an opening 136 through which the handle 134 projects for convenient access to the user. As further illustrated in FIG. 1, side handles 138 may be secured to the outer surfaces of the

side walls

20 and 22 of the base frame unit and are used to further aid in lifting the sample case as decided.

Since the sample case is of a construction that would be awkward to carry and would be considerably heavy when fully loaded with materials therein, it is contemplated that the case willbe wheeled in an upright position as is well-known in sample case constructions. For this purpose a plurality of casters 140 are secured to the bottom wall 24 of the base frame unit and overlie the panel of fabric material that is secured thereto by the plate 124. The casters may be of any convenient construction and are normally of the swivel type. As further shown in FIG. 4, the inner sets of casters 140 cooperate with the frame unit 14 to support the sample case in the inclined display position thereof.

While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described.

What is claimed is:

l. A portable sample case for use in the transporting and displaying of materials such as fabrics, wallpaper, rugs and the like, comprising a frame assembly defined by a base frame, a first frame unit pivotally mounted on said base frame and a second frame unit pivotally mounted on said base frame, said first frame unit being pivotally movable from a first position within the confines of said base frame to a second display position outwardly of said base frame and defining a support for locating said base frame in an inclined display position, said second frame unit being pivotally movable from a first position within the confines of said base frame to an elevated position above said base frame, means secured to said second frame unit for supporting said material thereon, wherein said material is confined within said frame assembly in the closed position of said frame units and is suspended from said second frame unit for display in the open position of said frame units, said supporting means for said material including a plurality of spaced pins that are normally located perpendicular to the plane in which the material is located, said pins having free ends for penetrating the material and for holding the material in suspended position, said supporting means for said material further defining a holder assembly that is removably mounted on said second frame unit, wherein a similar holder assembly having other material suspended therein is insertable on said second frame unit for displaying the other material as required.

2. A portable sample case as set forth in claim 1, said holder assembly including means for removably locking said material on said pins, and means engaging said second frame unit for removably mounting the holder assembly thereon.

3. A portable sample case for use in the transporting and displaying of materials such as fabrics, wallpaper, rugs and the like, comprising a frame assembly defined by a base frame, a first frame unit pivotally mounted on said base frame and a second frame unit pivotally mounted on said base frame, said first frame unit being pivotally movable from a first position within the confines of said base frame to a second display position outwardly of said base frame and defining a support for locating said base frame in an inclined display position, said second frame unit being pivotally movable from a first position within the confines of said base frame to an elevated position above said base frame, means secured to said second frame unit for supporting said material thereon, wherein said material is confined within said frame assembly in the closed position of said frame units and is suspended from said second frame unit for display in the open position of said frame units, a cover assembly removably mounted on said frame assembly and including opposed flexible cover sheets that are located in overlying relation on said frame units, wherein said frame assembly is enclosed by said cover sheets, and means for removably interconnecting said cover sheets along the peripheral edges of said frame units so that said frame units are uncovered when the material carried by said second frame unit is to be displayed.

4. A portable sample case as set forth in claim 3, said interconnecting means for said cover sheets being zipper fasteners that provide for quick covering and uncovering of said cover assembly on said frame assembly.

5. A portable sample case for use in the transporting and displaying of materials such as fabrics, wallpaper, rugs and the like, comprising a frame assembly defined by a base frame, a first frame unit pivotally mounted on said base frame and a second frame unit pivotally mounted on said base frame, said first frame unit being pivotally movable from a first position within the confines of said base frame to a second display position outwardly of said base frame and defining a support for locating said base frame in an inclined display position, said second frame unit being pivotally movable from a first position within the confines of said base frame to an elevated position above said base frame, means secured to said second frame unit for supporting said material thereon, wherein said material is confined within said frame assembly in the closed position'of said frame units and is suspended from said second frame unit for display in the open position of said frame units, said base frame having a U-shaped configuration defined by opposed side wall and a bottom wall interconnecting said side walls, and a fabric support rod removably mounted between said opposed side walls and over which said material is draped in the closed position of said frame units, said support rod supporting said material in the closed position of said frame units, and being removable from said base frame in the open position of said frame units to allow said material to be fully extended in the display thereof.

6. A portable sample case as set forth in claim 5, roller casters mounted on the bottom wall of said base frames wherein said sample case is supported on said casters for rolling movement in the closed position thereof.

7. A portable sample case for use in the transporting and displaying of materials such as fabrics, wallpaper, rugs and the like, comprising a frame assembly defined by a base frame, a first frame unit pivotally mounted on said base frame and a second frame unit pivotally mounted on said base frame, said first frame unit being pivotally movable from a first position within the confines of said base frame to a second display position outwardly of said base frame and defining a support for locating said base frame in an inclined display position, said second frame unit being pivotally movable from a first position within the confines of said base frame to an elevated position above said base frame, means secured to said second frame unit for supporting said material thereon,'wherein said material is confined within said frame assembly in the closed position of said frame units and is suspended from said second frame unit for display in the open position of said frame units, said supporting means for said material including a plurality of spaced pins that are normally located perpendicular to the plane in which the material is located, said pins having free ends for penetrating the material and for holding the material in suspended position, said supporting means defining a holder assembly that includes an elongated plate to which a top wall is hingedly interconnected, said pins being joined to said elongated plate and projectingoutwardly therefrom, said top wall being pivotally movable with respect to said plate to expose said pins for removal from or placement of material thereon, said top wall having a peripheral flange joined thereto in which slots are formed for receiving the free ends of said pins therein, means on said peripheral flange for locking said pins in said slots located therein, and means for removably securing said holder assembly to said second frame unit, said removable securing means for said holder assembly including spaced brackets mounted for said second frame unit in which said elongated plate is slidably received, and fasteners extending through said top wall for fixing said holder assembly to said second frame unit.

Claims

1. A portable sample case for use in the transporting and displaying of materials such as fabrics, wallpaper, rugs and the like, comprising a frame assembly defined by a base frame, a first frame unit pivotally mounted on said base frame and a second frame unit pivotally mounted on said base frame, said first frame unit being pivotally movable from a first position within the confines of said base frame to a second display position outwardly of said base frame and defining a support for locating said base frame in an inclined display position, said second frame unit being pivotally movable from a first position within the confines of said base frame to an elevated position above said base frame, means secured to said second frame unit for supporting said material thereon, wherein said material is confined within said frame assembly in the closed position of said frame units and is suspended from said second frame unit for display in the open position of said frame units, said supporting means for said material including a plurality of spaced pins that are normally located perpendicular to the plane in which the material is located, said pins having free ends for penetrating the material and for holding the material in suspended position, said supporting means for said material further defining a holder assembly that is removably mounted on said second frame unit, wherein a similar holder assembly having other material suspended therein is insertable on said second frame unit for displaying the other material as required.

5. A portable sample case for use in the transporting and displaying of materials such as fabrics, wallpaper, rugs and the like, comprising a frame assembly defined by a base frame, a first frame unit pivotally mounted on said base frame and a second frame unit pivotally mounted on said base frame, said first frame unit being pivotally movable from a first position within the confines of said base frame to a second display position outwardly of said base frame and defining a support for locating said base frame in an inclined display position, said second frame unit being pivotally movable from a first position within the confines of said base frame to an elevated position above said base frame, means secured to said second frame unit for supporting said material thereon, wherein said material is confined within said frame assembly in the closed position of said frame units and is suspended from said second frame unit for display in the open position of said frame units, said base frame having a U-shaped configuration defined by opposed side wall and a bottom wall interconnecting said side walls, and a fabric support rod removably mounted between said opposed side walls and over which said material is draped in the closed position of said frame units, said support rod supporting said material in the closed position of said frame units, and being removable from said base frame in the open position of said frame units to allow said material to be fully extended in the display thereof.

7. A portable sample case for use in the transporting and displaying of materials such as fabrics, wallpaper, rugs and the like, comprising a frame assembly defined by a base frame, a first frame unit pivotally mounted on said base frame and a second frame unit pivotally mounted on said base frame, said first frame unit being pivotally movable from a first position within the confines of said base frame to a second display position outwardly of said base frame and defining a support for locating said base frame in an inclined display position, said second frame unit being pivotally movable from a first position within the confines of said base frame to an elevated position above said base frame, means secured to said second frame unit for supporting said material thereon, wherein said material is confined within said frame assembly in the closed position of said frame units and is suspended from said second frame unit for display in the open position of said frame units, said supporting means for said material including a plurality of spaced pins that are normally located perpendicular to the plane in which the material is located, said pins having free ends for penetrating the material and for holding the material in suspended position, said supporting means defining a holder assemBly that includes an elongated plate to which a top wall is hingedly interconnected, said pins being joined to said elongated plate and projecting outwardly therefrom, said top wall being pivotally movable with respect to said plate to expose said pins for removal from or placement of material thereon, said top wall having a peripheral flange joined thereto in which slots are formed for receiving the free ends of said pins therein, means on said peripheral flange for locking said pins in said slots located therein, and means for removably securing said holder assembly to said second frame unit, said removable securing means for said holder assembly including spaced brackets mounted for said second frame unit in which said elongated plate is slidably received, and fasteners extending through said top wall for fixing said holder assembly to said second frame unit.