WO1992005324A1

WO1992005324A1 - An arrangement for firmly, but detachably holding a first frame, panel or the like in a predetermined position relative to a second frame, panel or the like

Info

Publication number: WO1992005324A1
Application number: PCT/SE1991/000575
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erik Ahlberg
Original assignee: Erik Ahlberg
Priority date: 1990-09-14
Filing date: 1991-09-03
Publication date: 1992-04-02
Also published as: SE9101958D0; SE9101958L; AU8621991A; SE468603B; SE9002942D0

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement for holding firmly, but detachably a first frame, panel or the like of an extendible and collapsible display system in a predetermined position relative to a second frame, panel or the like, in that the arrangement includes a first magnetic strip (A') which is mounted on a first surface region (15a) of the first frame (15) in a slot (15a) provided in the first frame, and a second magnetic strip (B') mounted on a first surface region (16a) of the second frame (16) in a slot (16b) formed in the second frame, wherein the second magnetic strip(B') is adapted to part of the cross-section of the slot, such that when the first (15) and the second (16) frame are disposed in a given position relative to one another, the magnetic strips will be positioned so as to attract one another. One magnetic strip (A') projects outwards in relation to the first surface region (15a) of the first frame (15); and in that the other magnetic strip (B') is mortised in relation to the first surface region (16a) of the second frame (16).

Description

TITLE PF INVENTION; An arrangement for firmly, but detachably holding a first frame, panel or the like in a predetermined position relative to a second frame, panel or the like.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an arrangement for firmly, but readily detachably holding a first frame, panel or the like in a predetermined position relative to a second frame or the like, said arrangement comprising a first magnetic strip which is firmly mounted on a first surface region of the first frame, and a second magnetic strip which is firmly mounted on a first surface region of the second frame, said magnetic strips being disposed in a manner to attract one ano- ther when the first and the second frames are located in a given position.

The invention is primarily intended for use with display systems, and particularly with portable extendible or erectile and collapsible display systems.

BACKGROUND ART

Various arrangements are known to the art for firmly, but detachably holding a first frame, a panel or the like in a predetermined position relative to a second frame, panel or the like. For example, Swedish Patent Specification No.

81 06320-8, Publication No. 445 126, teaches such an arrangement for use with display systems, particularly extendible and collapsible systems, such as portable display systems, this arrangement comprising plastic snap-fastener devices which function to connect detachably two slotted hollow profiles which are intended to hold a panel. These snap-fastener devices include two snap-action projections, each having two inclined surfaces which border on one another, and two retaining projections, each having a shoulder which is substantially incapable of movement towards the snap-acting projection.

This known arrangement also includes a V-shaped web with the apex of the "V" positioned remote from the snap-acting projections, said web being essentially on the same level as the shoulders on the retaining projections.

When considering more generally the features characteristic of the present invention, it is established that it is known (US-A-4,702,038) to mount a magnetic strip to the bottom of a door and to mount a second magnetic strip to a sealing strip which can be moved up and down in the door threshold, such as to enable the sealing strip to be positioned εealingly against the undersurface of the door, the direction or sense of magnetization of the magnetic strips being such that the magnets will attract one another when the door is closed.

It is known from Swedish Patent Application No. 6804533 to incorporate magnets in building blocks, such that when two or more blocks are placed together, opposite magnets will attract one another so as to hold the blocks together. The present invention can be considered to be based on the teachings of Danish Patent Specification No.

138 342, which illustrates and describes a moveable, sound-damping partition wall having two or more lining panels comprising at least two partition-wall elements mutually connected by means of connecting elements which include broad permanently magnetized strips secured to broad profiled bars, i.e. broad in relation to the display system. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

TECHNICAL PROBLEMS

When considering the features significant to the present invention, it will be seen that a technical problem resides in providing a display system comprising simple, thin panels with locking devices or corres- ponding devices which include two magnetically interacting magnets or magnetic strips and which, while being readily detachable, function to provide a good holding action between the thin frames, panels or the like of which the display system is composed, and which locking or holding devices will counteract lateral displacement of the edge parts of said thin frames or panels.

It will be seen that a further technical problem resides in the provision of a locking device which, in addition to being of simple construction, is also seated firmly anchored in a single, separate groove in one or both of the frames, for use in an extendible and collapsible display system.

A further technical problem in this regard is one of realizing the significance of using for the aforesaid purpose in such display systems two mutually coacting bar magnets of thin cross-section, said cross-section being such as to enable the magnets to be fitted to and displaced in grooves or channels that have been preformed in opposing frame parts and which are polarized so as to attract one another.

It will also be seen that a further technical problem resides in the provision of conditions, with the aid of simple means, such that the magnets are able to exert an adaptable and adjustable holding force, by selecting the length and magnetization of said magnets, and to also realize the significance that magnetization can be selected through the selection of the bar-magnet cross- section, so that the magnets will repel each other when the frame parts are assembled in the wrong positions in the display, this being understood as a signal which indicates to the user that the frame parts have been turned to the wrong positions.

It will also be seen that a technical problem is one of realizing that a portable display system comprising several frame parts and fitted with bar or strip magnets will enable auxiliary devices and ancillary devices to be readily secured to the system.

It will also be seen that a further technical problem is one of realizing the significance and the simplicity of using extruded, narrow elongated bar magnets, which when inserted in a respective groove in a respective frame part will coact to form a lock which is so adapted as to be able to take-up lateral forces acting on the display system concerned. It will also be seen that a further technical problem is one of realizing the significance of using mutually opposite bar or strip magnets to provide a display system which has no outwardly projecting sharp elements, since the configuration of the bar magnets and the frame profile, with centrally located grooves or channels, will appear to be an integral part of the profile, preferably along the whole of its length.

SOLUTION

With the intention of solving one or more of the aforesaid technical problems within the stated technical field, the present invention is based on an arrangement for firmly, but detachably holding a first frame, a panel or the like in a predetermined position relative to a second frame, panel or the like.

In this application of the inventive arrangement, a first magnetic strip is firmly fitted to a first surface region of the first frame, in a slot formed in said frame, and a second magnetic strip is fitted firmly to a first surface region of the second frame in a slot formed in said second frame, wherein the second magnetic strip is adapted to the cross-section of part of said slot so that when the first and the second frames are in a given position relative to one another, the magnetic strips will be attracted to one another.

According to proposed embodiments, one of the magnetic strips has a form which projects outwardly in relation to the first surface region of the first frame, and the second magnetic strip is mortised in relation to the first surface region of the second frame, i.e. is sunk into the second frame.

It is also proposed that the first magnetic strip is given a U-shaped cross-section, with the free ends of the legs of the U being intended to hold firmly therebetween snap-in projections adapted for coaction with a part of mutually opposing surfaces in a groove formed in the first surface region of a first frame.

It is also proposed that the second magnetic strip shall be arranged for coaction with a profiled pocket, or part of a groove, in the first surface region of a second frame.

That surface region of the first magnetic strip, which faces towards the second magnetic strip, has a continuous or discontinuous convex curved form, whereas that surface region of the magnetic strip which faces towards the first magnetic strip has a continuous or discontinuous concave curved form. The shape of the surface region of the first magnetic strip exposed outside the groove is adapted to the shape of the surface region of the second magnetic strip exposed within the groove, said shapes comprising a central flat part and two angled flat side-parts.

According to one embodiment, the requisite holding force is obtained by selection of the length of the magnetic strips and by selection of the magnetization of said strips, while the magnetized regions are adapted to one, and only one, position for magnetic attraction.

Finally, the exposable surfaces of respective magnets is preferably smaller than the largest internal width of the groove used.

ADVANTAGES

Those advantages primarily afforded by the inventive arrangement reside in the provision of conditions whereby in a portable, extendible and collapsible display system, magnetic strips of different forms and different magnetizations can be fitted, in the assembled or non-assembled state of the system, to mutually opposing grooves in the surface regions or edge regions of mutually opposing frames, so that the magnetic strips, when the system is erected, not only hold the two frames in mutually-coacting positions, but also provide the possibility of creating a lock which will function to take-up forces acting laterally on the display system concerned. In additon, conditions have been created whereby coaction between the magnetic strips and the grooves used to achieve desired locking and the requisite take-up of lateral forces such that the magnetic strip projecting from a respective groove will be positioned between mutually opposed groove edges in the edge region of the adjacent frame. The primary characteristic features of the inventive arrangement are set forth in the characterizing clause of the following Claim 1. ----------------------------------

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to a number of preferred embodiments thereof illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which

Figure 1 illustrates a known construction (SE-445 126) of an arrangement for holding a first frame, panel or the like of a portable, erectile and collapsible display system in a predetermined position relative to a second frame, panel or the like of said system with the system erected, with the aid of one or more plastic snap-in devices of one-piece construction;

Figure 2 is a perspective, exploded view of an embodiment comprising mutually coactable, elongated magnetic strips which lie within the scope of the invention and which are adapted to fit into a respective groove or slot formed in the edge part of a respective frame;

Figure 3 is a perspective, exploded view of an alternative embodiment of coactable magnetic strips, in which magnetization deviates slightly from the magnetization of the magnetic strips of the Figure 2 embodiment; and Figure 4 shows the magnetic strips of Figure 3 mounted in a respective frame profile of the Figure 1 illustration, with the frame profiles being slightly displaced in parallel from one another, for the sake of illustration.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS AT PRESENT PREFERRED

Figure 1 is a side view, in section, of a plastic snap- in device 1, by means of which a first frame 15, panel or the like can be firmly, but detachably attached in a given position relative to a second frame 16, panel or the like, said frames or panels forming part of a collapsible and extendable display system.

The Figure 1 illustration shows only a part of the cross-section of two mutually coacting frame profiles 15, 16 which are configured to hold a thin panel (not shown) forming part of a display system on a respective side of a centrally positioned centre part.

Since the frame profile 15 and the frame profile 16 form part of an extendible or erectile and collapsible or dismantable portable display system, the frame profiles 15, 16, in the form of hollow profiles, shall be capable of being mutually assembled and mutually dismantled in a simple fashion.

This requires one or more snap-lock devices 1 to be releasably connected to the two profiles 15, 16, provided with slots 15b, 16b, with a cross-sectional shape and a construction which can be utilized effectively in accordance with the present invention, either with minor modification or without modification, as illustrated in Figure 4. The snap-in device 1 illustrated in Figure 1 includes two snap-action projections 2, 3 having upper surfaces 2a, 3a, which are inclined and converge towards each other, and two holding projections or surfaces 2b, 3b. The device also includes on opposite, outer ends, two angled surfaces 2c, 3c on mutually parallel, resilient legs 2d, 3d which are joined together by means of a web 4, such that the snap-in device can resiliently coact with the slot or groove 16b of the frame profile 16 to firmly affix said device.

It will be seen that the web 4 is located substantially on the same level as the shoulders 2b and 3b of the holding projections, and is V-shaped with the apex of the "V" distal from the two legs 2d and 3d.

Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of the magnetic strips coacting in accordance with the invention. The first magnetic strip A' has a U-shaped cross-section, and the free ends 12a, 13a of the legs 12, 13 are provided with projections 12b, 13b which provide a snap-in holding action and which are adapted to coact with part of a groove or channel 15b formed in the surface region 15a of the frame 15.

When the embodiment chosen requires a magnetic strip to be inserted into the groove or channel from one end of the groove, the magnetic strip A' may have a cross- section such that the magnetic strip will coact with the whole of said groove or channel.

As will be seen from Figure 2, the second magnetic strip B' has a shape and is disposed such as to enable the strip to coact with a profile pocket 16b in part of the first surface region 16a of the frame 16.

It will also be seen from Figure 2 that the surface region 20 of the first magnetic strip A' facing towards the second magnetic strip B' has a discontinuous curved form and presents a magnetized central flat surface 21 and two mutually adjacent, angled magnetized surfaces 22, 23. The legs 12, 13 need not necessarily be magnetized.

The second magnetic strip B' has a surface region 30 which faces towards the magnetic strip A' and which has a discontinuous, concave curved form, so as to conform with the shape of the surface region 20 of the first magnetic strip A'.

It is particulary proposed that the shape or configuration of the surface region 20 of the first magnetic strip shall conform directly with the shape or configuration of the surface region 30 of the second magnetic strip, said configurations primarily including a magnetized central flat part 31 and two laterally disposed, angled magnetized flat parts 32, 33 whose extension is smaller than the extension of the central flat part 31.

In principle, the invention provides means for holding mutually adjacent display elements with associated frame parts in two perpendicular directions, these directions being a vertical direction and a horizontal direction in the Figure 4 illustration.

The holding action acting in the vertical direction is determined predominantly by the magnetic force of attraction acting between the magnetic strips A' and B' when said magnetic strips are mounted in their respective grooves or channels.

In this case, the requisite holding force is obtained by selection of the length of the magnetic strip and its magnetization. Magnetization can be adapted to different regions or regions (different to those shown in Figures 2 and 3) chosen for one, and only one, orientation of the frame parts 15, 16, meaning that the magnetic strips A' and B' will repel one another should the frame parts be wrongly positioned.

Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment which is closely similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, but which differs from this latter embodiment in that the selected magnetization "S.N." of the magnetic strips A" and B" is slightly different from the magnetization "N.S.N." of the magnetic strips A' and B'. Figure 4 illustrates the magnetic strips A' and B' of the Figure 2 embodiment fitted to a known frame profile 15, 16 provided with edge-related grooves or channels according to Figure 1. It will be seen from Figure 4 that the exposed surface 20 of the magnetic strip A' is located outside a plane of the surface 15a, and that the exposed surface 30 of the magnetic strip B' is located inwardly of a plane of the surface 16a. It will also be seen from Figure 4 that direct coaction is obtained between the frame profiles 15 and 16, such that the surfaces 15a dn 16a will abut one another, whereby the holding action in the horizontal direction will be determined by coaction of the mutually parallel, vertical surface parts 27, 28 of the magnetic strip A' with mutually parallel. vertical surface parts 37, 38 of the frame profile 16.

In both instances, the grooves or channels 15b and 16b and the cross-sections of the magnet strips shall be adapted so as to enable the magnetic strips to be pushed into respective grooves from one end thereof.

It will be seen from the aforegoing that each of the magnetic strips A' and B' will have a cross-sectional shape which conforms to or matches with part of the cross-sectional shape of the slot and is adapted thereto.

Furthermore, the exposable, projected (horizontal) surface of respective magnets is smaller than the largest width of the slot or groove used.

It is also proposed that the part of the magnetic strip which projects beyond the edge surface 15a of the frame shall extend through a distance that is equal to between 25 and 100% of the depth of said groove or slot, preferably between 50 and 80%, and that the depth of the corresponding groove or slot conforms to a chosen value, but may also slightly exceed this chosen value.

It will be understood that the invention is not restricted to the described and illustrated embodiment, and that modifications can be made within the scope of the following Claims.

Claims

1. An arrangement for holding firmly, but detachably a first frame, panel or the like of an extendible or erectile and collapsible display system in a predetermined position relative to a second frame, panel or the like,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the arrangement includes a first magnetic strip (A') which is mounted on a first surface region (15a) of the first frame (15) in a slot (15a) provided in said first frame, and a second magnetic strip (B') mounted on a first surface region (16a) of the second frame (16) in a slot (16b) formed in said second frame, wherein the second magnetic strip (B') is adapted to part of the cross- section of said slot, such that when the first (15) and the second (16) frame are disposed in a given position relative to one another, the magnetic strips will be positioned so as to attract one another.

2. An arrangement according to Claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that one magnetic strip (A') projects outwards in relation to the first surface region (15a) of the first frame (15); and in that the other magnetic strip (B') is mortised in relation to the first surface region (16a) of the second frame (16).

3. An arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the first magnetic strip (A') has a U-shaped cross-section; in that the free ends of the legs (12, 13) of said U are provided with projections (12b, 13b) having a snap-in holding action and adapted to coact with a part of a groove or channel (15b) provided in the first surface region (15a) of the frame (15).

4. An arrangement according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the second magnetic strip (B') is intended to coact with a profiled pocket (16b) or part of a groove or channel provided in the first surface region (16a) of the frame (16).

5. An arrangement according to Claim 3 or 4,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the surface region (20) of the first magnetic strip (A') facing towards the second magnetic strip (B') has a continuous or discontinuous curved shape.

6. An arrangement according to Claim 5, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the surface region (30) of the second magnetic strip (B') facing towards the first magnetic strip (A') has a continuous or discontinuous concave curved shape.

7. An arrangement according to Claim 4 or 5,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the configuration of the surface region (20) of the first magnetic strip (A') conforms directly with the shape of the surface region (30) of the second magnetic strip.

8. An arrangement according to Claim 7, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the configuration includes a central flat part (21) and two angled lateral flat parts (22, 23).

9. An arrangement according to Claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the requisite holding action is achieved by selection of the length of the magnetic strip and that the chosen magnetization is adapted to one, and only one, orientation.

10. An arrangement according to Claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the exposable surface of the magnet is smaller than the largest width of the groove or channel.