WO2008148322A1

WO2008148322A1 - Display system with display panel and removable badge and a bag incorporating such a panel

Info

Publication number: WO2008148322A1
Application number: PCT/CN2008/070889
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brennan O'leary
Original assignee: Snaptagz Limited
Priority date: 2007-06-06
Filing date: 2008-05-06
Publication date: 2008-12-11

Abstract

A display system comprises a display panel having a frame (6) over which is stretched a sheet of flexible fabric material (8) held in tension on the frame (6), and at least one badge or tag (4) comprising a main body portion (22) with a planar face and an outer circumference, and an attachment portion (26) defining an opening or recess dimensioned to receive and closely surround the circumference of the main body portion (22) whereby the badge or tag (4) is releasably securable on the panel (2) with the main body portion (22) fitted into the recess or opening of the attachment portion (26) with flexible material trapped therebetween. The display panel may be incorporated into a carrying bag such as a backpack.

Description

DISPLAY SYSTEM WITH DISPLAY PANEL AND REMOVABLE BADGE AND A BAG INCORPORATING SUCH A PANEL

The present invention relates to a display system using a panel of flexible material on which a badge or tag can be releasably secured, and to articles such as bags incorporating such panels.

The applicant has previously proposed in International Patent Application Published No. WO 2006/040674 to provide a badge or tag which can be releasably secured onto fabric, notably to articles of clothing. The badge comprises a main body portion having a surface which can carry a printed design. The main body portion is receivable within an attachment portion which includes a circumferential region which closely surrounds the main body portion and a recess or opening in which the main body portion is received. In use the main body portion is placed over the front surface of the fabric, and the attachment portion over the rear, and the two portions fitted together sandwiching the fabric therebetween, and thereby securely supporting the badge on the fabric. A further badge which can be secured by sandwiching fabric between a main body portion and an attachment portion is known from US 5,655,271.

An issue with these badges is that they tend to disrupt the fabric on which they are secured causing bunching or wrinkling, which detracts from the visual impression. The invention seeks to address this.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a display system comprising a display panel having a frame over which is secured a flexible material held in tension on the frame, and at least one badge or tag comprising a main body portion with a substantially planar face and an outer circumference, and an attachment portion defining an opening or recess dimensioned to receive and closely surround the circumference of the main body portion whereby the badge or tag is releasably securable on the flexible material with the main body portion fitted into the recess or opening of the attachment portion with flexible material trapped therebetween. The flexible material is preferably a stretchy fabric material secured in a stretched condition on the frame. A polyester knit is found to be particularly effective.

The tension in the flexible material of the panel ensures that when the badge or tag is secured on the panel the area surrounding the badge or tag is largely wrinkle free, so that the badge or tag does not disrupt the images of the panel and giving a clean appearance.

In the preferred embodiment the frame itself has degree of resilience at least in the plane of the frame, and comprises a strip of metal having an elongate cross- section arranged whereby the short dimension is parallel to the plane of the frame, to create a frame which is in tension .

Securing tabs may be attached to the frame to facilitate support of the display panel on a wall or other surface, the securing tabs comprising webbing provided with grommets for receiving fasteners. The display panel may be incorporated into a carrying bag, such as a backpack, and may constitute a panel of the backpack exterior.

In a further aspect the invention resides in a carrying bag for carrying personal effects constructed of flexible material enclosing a hollow interior provided with at least one display panel having a frame over which is secured a sheet of flexible material held in tension on the frame.

In one embodiment the display panel forms an integral part of the bag, for example being an external panel of the bag or a panel of a pocket.

Alternatively, the bag may be formed with a display pocket in the form of a transparent or translucent pocket into which the display panel is slidably received.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a display system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows part of a frame of a display panel of the display system;

Figure 3 is a view of a badge or tag of the display system with a body portion separated from an attachment portion;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a badge or tag attached to a display panel;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a badge or tag according to an alternative embodiment;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a badge or tag according to a further embodiment, attached to a display panel;

Figures 7A and 7B show respectively, the attachment portion and main body portion of a further alternative embodiment of a display badge or tag; Figure 8 shows a backpack incorporating a display panel according to a further aspect of the invention;

Figure 9 shows a backpack according to a still further embodiment;

Figure 10 shows a backpack according to a still further embodiment; and

Figure 11 shows an alternative construction of badge.

Turning to the drawings a display system according to a first embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figure 1. This comprises a display panel 2 and a badge or tag 4 which is removably securable on the display panel 2. The display system can have a wide variety of applications, for example as a pictorial environment in the manner of a "poster" on which children can arrange characters and other images, for educational purposes where the badges can carry letters, words, numerals or images, for display purposes at seminars and trade shows, for advertising purposes and point of sale displays in retail environments and a whole host of other applications. The display panel 2 comprises an outer frame 6 onto which is stretched and secured a sheet of flexible fabric or fabric-like material 8. This sheet of fabric preferably has a degree of stretch, and for this purpose knitted-type synthetic materials such as polyester knit or Lycra (Registered Trade Mark) are preferred, although non- synthetic materials such as cotton knit can also be utilised. Other non-fabric stretchy materials may also be utilised, such as a latex, although these are less preferred.

Although the frame may be a rigid frame, in the preferred embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 2, the frame 6 is formed of a thin strip of metal of elongate cross-section arranged with its thinnest dimension parallel to the plane of the panel 2, and bent to form the frame shape with opposite ends secured together, so that the frame itself is in tension. Onto this frame is secured the sheet of flexible fabric material 8, in a manner whereby the resilience of the frame in directions parallel to the plane of the panel 2 further assists in maintaining the flexible fabric material 8 in a taut condition. For this purpose, the fabric may be formed with a peripheral tubular hem region through which the metal strip of the frame 6 extends. Other means of attaching the fabric may be used such as adhesive or use of fasteners.

Figure 1 illustrates a square frame, but it will be readily understood that many other closed shapes, rectangles, circles etc could equally be utilized.

Alternatively, the frame might be formed of a plastics strip, and the flexible fabric sheet 8 may similarly be secured thereto by disposing the frame 6 in a hem or by use of adhesive, welding, or use of thermal bonding or fasteners .

The sheet of flexible fabric material 8 may carry decorative or instructional materials or information, as indicated by numeral 10, applied by printing or a wide variety of other techniques. Heat sublimation printing is found to be particularly effective for printing onto a polyester fabric. Depending on its particular application, the display panel 2 may be provided with means of securing it onto a wall or other surface. As shown in Figure 1 tabs 12 of webbing- like material may be provided formed with grommets or eyelets 14, whereby the tabs 12 can be secured to a wall or pin board using nails or tacks or other appropriate fasteners. The display panel 2 might also be secured to a surface such as a window in the home, a car window, mirror or bath using suction caps attached to the grommets 14.

A particular advantage of the display panel employing the frame 6 as described is that it is very light for ease of supporting or carrying. Depending on the exact shape and frame material, it may also be possible to collapse the display panel through a twisting and folding action; for example a circular panel may be twisted into a figure of eight arrangement and then folded so that two halves overlie each other. This allows for even greater ease of transparent or storage.

Securable on the display panel 2 are one or more badges or tags 4, a single such badge or tag 4 of circular design being illustrated in Figure 1. This is constructed in accordance with the applicant's earlier patent application WO 2006/040674, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. Whilst the expression badge or tag is used, this is to be broadly construed as indicating any item having the afore-described constructional features removably securable to the display panel having an information carrying or decorative function, including items such as figurines, word or image-bearing tags or labels, brooches etc, or even where the shape of the badge or tag itself is responsible for its information bearing function, for example the badge or tag having the shape of a letter or numeral or other device.

Referring to Figure 3, a badge or tag 20 is shown which is a "figure of eight" shape. The basic structure however is equally applicable to other shapes. It comprises a main body portion 22 having a planar surface 24 for the presentation of artwork, slogans, sports team insignia or other visual items. It will be readily appreciated that the visual material may be provided on the surface by a variety of means, for example the visual material may be printed directly onto the surface, a label such as an adhesive-backed paper label may be affixed to the surface, the surface may be moulded with a surface pattern, or a relief structure may be affixed thereto. The visual material may match or interact or co-operate in some other way with the visual material on the display panel.

The main body portion 22 may be made from a variety of materials although in this particular preferred embodiment, materials may include relatively firm plastics as polyvinylchloride, polypropylene or polyurethane .

It is intended that the badge or tag is provided as a relatively thin item with the overall thickness of the badge being, in the preferred form, approximately 2-3mm thick or less if desired.

Also shown in Figure 3 is an attachment portion 26. The attachment portion 26 is provided with a recess or opening 28 in which the main body portion 22 may nest with a minimal gap between the two portions. The attachment portion 26 is a circumferential portion that closely surrounds the outer circumference of the main body portion 22. In use, as shown in Figure 1 or 4 the main body portion 22 and attachment portion 26 may be disposed on opposite sides of the display panel 2 so as to trap the flexible the material 8 of the display panel 2 therebetween. Provided the fit between the main body portion 22 and the attachment portion 26 is sufficiently tight, the badge or tag may be securely held on the display panel 2 through the frictional engagement of the main body portion 22 and attachment portion 26. The badge or tag can be readily released by appropriate flexing or twisting of the main body portion 22 relative to the attachment portion 26 to overcome the frictional engagement.

By virtue of the tension of the stretched flexible fabric material 8, when the badge is secured on the display panel the flexible material is kept taut (as suggested by the arrows around the badge in Figure 1), and any wrinkles in the material are reduced or substantially eliminated, whereby a particularly clean visual effect is obtained.

As also discussed in WO 2006/040674 the precise shape and profile of the main body portion 22 and attachment portion 26 can take a variety of forms. In Figure 4, it can be seen that the attachment portion 26 is provided with a base portion 28 that extends across the majority of the aperture formed by the circumferential portion 26 of the attachment portion 22. Such a base portion 28 allows easier fitment, alignment and support for the main body portion 22 in use. Furthermore, such a base portion 28 may provide additional strength to the attachment portion 26 to help hold it in shape after repeated use. It should be noted that to do so, the base portion 28 is provided across the majority of the opening in the circumferential attachment portion 26; however, this does not exclude the incorporation of some apertures in the base portion 28 to accommodate something to push the main body portion 22 out of engagement with the attachment portion 26 as required.

Also as can be seen in Figure 4 this particular embodiment uses a bevelled edge 30 and co-operating bevel on the edge 32 of the attachment portion 26 to assist in securely holding the main body portion 22 into the recess 28. It is preferred, in this embodiment, to use a leading edge of the main body portion 22 of slightly greater circumference than the trailing edge. However, in another embodiment as shown in Figure 5, the region of greater circumference 3OA may be intermediate of the leading and trailing edges, which is particularly useful if it is desired to make the main body portion 22A reversible with printing and/or artwork on both sides of the main body portion 22A.

Referring to Figure 6 a yet further embodiment of the badge or tag is shown. In this embodiment, the main portion 22B and base portion 3OB include magnetic material such that they are attracted to each other. The flexible sheet 8 of the display panel 2 is substantially contained between and by the magnetic attraction. In such a case, the attachment portion 26B surrounding the main body portion may not be a major or principal cause retaining the main body portion on the garment. The magnetic attraction can do that alone. However, such a circumferential portion lifts the garment around the circumference of the main body portion 22B so as to still provide a substantially flush surface across the badge surface 24 with the flexible fabric material extending over the circumferential portion 26. The use of the display panel as discussed above in which the fabric material is taut in particular assists with preventing possible dislodgement . Referring to Figures 7A and 7B, a further embodiment of badge or tag is illustrated. The main body portion 22C is of a suitable shape for the purpose of the badge or tag and may be a human figure, for example, a player in a sports team or such other character. The attachment portion 26C conforms to the general shape of the main body portion 22C and provides a recess 28C in which the main body portion 22C fits with the trapped flexible fabric sheet 8 of the display panel 2 therebetween.

The attachment portion 26C has a slot 38 in its base. As shown in Figure 7B, the main body portion 22C may be provided with a segment 34 on the perimeter of a portion of a specific size and shape so as to co-ordinate and co^¬ operate with this slot 38. In providing such a segment 34 and slot 38, when the badge is not in use, the attachment portion 26C may be placed down on a surface such as a desk or table, preferably with the base portion forming an upper surface. The main body portion 26C, by placement of the segment 34 in the slot 38, may be stood up from the base and supported in that position. The attachment portion 26C and main body portion 22C are then transverse to each other. This may be particularly useful for users that may have many such badges being different characters or known personalities such as sports stars and wish to display them even when not arranged on the display panel.

A preferred form uses the co-operating surfaces on body portion and attachment portion of similar design to Figure 5, but other profiles are possible.

Alternatively, the base portion can be omitted altogether, so that the attachment portion is of a ring-like construction. Such a structure is disclosed in US 5,655,271 the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Figure 10 shows such an arrangement in cross section, which includes a main body portion 80 and an outer attachment portion 82 which in use closely surrounds the outer circumference of the main body portion 80. Thus, the outer attachment portion 82 defines an opening into which the main body portion 80 can be fitted, trapping the flexible material therebetween. As discussed above, the display system is described in the context of a display panel which is a stand alone entity, although it may be secured to variety of surfaces or other objects. The invention however is also applicable to other articles incorporating a display panel. In a further particular aspect the invention resides in a carrying bag, such as for use in carrying one's belongings, which incorporates a display panel as described above. This aspect is illustrated in the context of a backpack as illustrated in Figures 8 to 10, but it will be appreciated that it is equally applicable to a variety of types of bags, such as document bags, handbags, tote bags, messenger bags, lunch bags, thermally insulated bags etc.

Figure 8 illustrates a backpack 40 having an exterior of flexible material enclosing a hollow interior formed of a number of joined panel sections including a rear panel section 42, sides sections 44, top section 46 and underside section (not visible) . A pair of straps 48 and carrying loop 50 are also provided. Such bags also typically include internal frame members to give the backpack a degree of rigidity. Disposed over the rear panel section 42 is a transparent or translucent sheet of material 52, typically a plastics film, secured to the backpack along its lower edge and opposite edges and open upwardly to form a panel-receiving pocket.

A display panel 54 which is in accordance with the previously described display panel 2 of Figure 1 (aside from the securing tabs which are unnecessary here) is received within the pocket. Thus, the panel 54 comprises an outer frame across which is secured a flexible stretchy material which is secured in a taut manner on the frame. Securable to the panel 54 is one or more badges or tags 4 as previously described. The arrangement allows the user to withdraw the display panel 54 from the pocket and attach, remove or adjust one or more badges or tags 4, and replace the panel 54 within the pocket where it is protected by the transparent or translucent sheet 52.

Figure 9 shows a variation in which the display panel is incorporated into the structure of the backpack, indicated 60. More particularly, the rear panel section 62 of the backpack is constituted by the display panel itself, whereby the outer frame 64 supports the flexible stretchy material sheet 66 in a taut manner as described above, and is joined to the side panels 44, and top 46 and bottom panels of the backpack. Thus, the frame 64 also assists in providing some structural rigidity to the backpack, and may cooperate with other internal frame members of the backpack to provide the shape of the backpack. Securing or removal of the badge or tag 4 requires the user to access the interior of the rear panel 62 through a zip or Velcro opening of the backpack to manipulate the attachment portion of the badge or tag 4.

In a still further variation illustrated in Figure 10, the display panel does not form the entire rear surface of the backpack, but instead forms a panel 72 of a rear pocket of the backpack, the frame 74 being joined to the main rear panel 42 of the backpack through an intermediate portion 76. Equally, the pocket could be a side pocket. As before, with the embodiments of Figures 8 to 10 the stretchy fabric is maintained on the frame in a taut condition, whereby it can suitably support the badge or tag 4 presenting an image which is substantially free of wrinkles .

Claims

Cl aims

1. A display system comprising: a display panel having a frame over which is secured a flexible material held in tension on the frame; and at least one badge or tag comprising a main body portion with a substantially planar face and an outer circumference, and an attachment portion defining an opening or recess dimensioned to receive and closely surround the circumference of the main body portion whereby the badge or tag is releasably securable on the flexible material with the main body portion fitted into the recess or opening of the attachment portion with flexible material trapped therebetween.

2. A display system according to claim 1 wherein the flexible material is a stretchy fabric secured in a stretched condition on the frame.

3. A display system according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the frame has a degree of resilience in the plane of the frame .

4. A display system according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the frame comprises a strip of metal bent into the shape of the frame.

5. A display system according to claim 4 wherein the strip of metal has an elongate cross-section arranged whereby the short dimension is parallel to the plane of the frame.

6. A display system according to any preceding claim wherein the frame is disposed in a hem of the fabric material .

7. A display system according to any preceding claim wherein a plurality of securing tabs are attached to the frame to facilitate support of the display panel on a wall or other surface .

8. A display system according to claim 7 wherein the securing tabs comprising webbing provided with grommets for receiving fasteners .

9. A display system according to any preceding claim where the flexible material is a polyester knit.

10. A display system according to any preceding claim wherein said display panel is incorporated into a carrying bag.

11. A display system according to any preceding claim wherein the display panel constitutes or forms part of a rear panel of a backpack.

12. A carrying bag for carrying personal effects constructed of flexible material enclosing a hollow interior provided with at least one display panel having a frame over which is secured a sheet of flexible material held in tension on the frame.

13. A carrying bag according to claim 12 wherein the sheet of flexible material on the frame is a stretchy fabric material secured in a stretched condition on the frame .

14. A carrying bag according to claim 13 wherein the frame has a degree of resilience in the plane of the frame.

15. A carrying bag according to claim 12, 13 or 14 wherein the frame comprises a strip of metal bent into the shape of the frame.

16. A carrying bag according to claim 15 wherein the strip of metal has an elongate cross-section arranged whereby the short dimension is parallel to the plane of the frame.

17. A carrying bag according to any one of claims 12 to 16 wherein the display panel forms an integral part of the carrying bag.

18. A carrying bag according to claim 17 wherein the display panel section forms an entire panel of the carrying bag.

19. A carrying bag according to claim 17 wherein the display panel section forms a panel of a carrying pocket on the carrying bag.

20. A carrying bag according to any one of claims 12 to

19 wherein the bag is formed with a display pocket in the form of a transparent or translucent pocket into which the display panel is slidably received.

21. A carrying bag according to any one of claims 12 to

20 in the form of a backpack.

22. A carrying bag according to any one of claims 12 to

21 further provided with at least one badge or tag comprising a main body portion with a substantially planar face and an outer circumference, and an attachment portion defining an opening or recess dimensioned to receive and closely surround the circumference of the main body portion whereby the badge or tag is releasably securable on the sheet of flexible material with the main body portion fitted into the recess or opening of the attachment portion with the sheet of flexible material trapped therebetwee A preferred form uses the co-operating surfaces on body portion and attachment portion of similar design to Figure 5, but other profiles are possible.

Alternatively, the base portion can be omitted altogether, so that the attachment portion is of a ring-like construction. Such a structure is disclosed in US 5,655,271 the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Figure 10 shows such an arrangement in cross section, which includes a main body portion 80 and an outer attachment portion 82 which in use closely surrounds the outer circumference of the main body portion 80. Thus, the outer attachment portion 82 defines an opening into which the main body portion 80 can be fitted, trapping the flexible material therebetween.