WO2010110728A1

WO2010110728A1 - A flexible display system

Info

Publication number: WO2010110728A1
Application number: PCT/SE2010/050316
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christer Zarelius; Thomas Valeij
Original assignee: Expand International Ab
Priority date: 2009-03-23
Filing date: 2010-03-23
Publication date: 2010-09-30
Also published as: SE533606C2; SE0950181A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a flexible display system (10) comprising at least one collapsible display means (12) adapted to be arranged in a first display state (A) adapted for holding a number of e. g. brochures (14). Each display means (12) comprises a support means (16) adapted to support against a supportive surface (u) when each display means (12) is in the first display state (A). The flexible display system (10) also comprises at least one separate base means (18) each adapted for being removable fastened to one of the support means (16) and a pole means (20) erected from the separate base means (18) and adapted for holding a graphic means (32) when the at least one display means (12) is in the first display state (A).

Description

A FLEXIBLE DISPLAY SYSTEM

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a flexible display system.

Background of the invention

The patent document US 3, 908, 943 relates to a display system, and particularly to support members used in such systems. A support member comprises a plurality of body members lying in the same plane and secured together by connectors, there being a catch lying intermediate a pair of consecutive body members adjacent the upper one of a pair of consecutive body members. The lower body member is mounted in a stabilising base or foot by means of a foot connector.

The patent document US 6, 516, 571 B1 relates to a freestanding screen system. In screen 10B, the post section 25 does not include a horizontally extending foot, but instead a hub 31 is provided with holes shaped to closely receive and engage the post section 25. Specifically, the hub 31 includes a flat disk 33 for stably engaging a floor surface, and a cylinder 34 with the holes vertically formed therein. Four holes are shown, although more or less can be provided. The four holes permit the screens 10B to be arranged in a radial pattern with abutting edges similar to that shown in Fig. 7A, or arranged inline similar to the pattern of Fig. 6.

Another known solution is the dou. holdup Ds, which combines a brochure-holder and a graphic display. A pole is inserted on the base of the brochure-holder and secured with a screw. In order to attach the graphic on the top, the hanger is inserted on the head of the pole and the pole is extended. The bottom of the graphic is secured with the pin on the lower part of the pole. The tension is adjusted with the ring.

A main disadvantage with the above mentioned solutions is that they are not very flexible, e. g. the possible display combinations. Another disadvantage is that they are not very easy to assemble. The solution named duo. holdup DS has another disadvantage in that the stability is decreased due to the fact that the graphic, when mounted, exert a twisting moment on the display system. Summary of the invention

The above mentioned problems are solved by a flexible display system according to Claim 1. The flexible display system comprises at least one collapsible display means adapted to be arranged in a first display state adapted for holding a number of e. g. brochures, and a second, collapsed, portable state. Each display means comprises a support means adapted to support against a supportive surface when each said display means is in the first display state. The flexible display system also comprises at least one separate base means each adapted for being removable fastened to one of said support means and a pole means erected from the separate base means and adapted for holding a graphic means when the at least one display means is in the first display state.

A main advantage with this display system is that it is very flexible. It is thus very easy to adapt the display system to the display situation, e. g. to the exhibition hall. Another advantage with this display system is that it is very easy to assemble. A further advantage with this display system is that the stability is increased due to increased weight and increased area.

A further advantage in this context is achieved if the separate base means and the pole means are in the form of one piece. Hereby, the solution gets stable. According to another embodiment it is an advantage if the separate base means and the pole means are separate pieces, operable to be assembled together. Hereby, the display system gets easy to transport in the portable state.

Furthermore, it is an advantage in this context if each separate base means comprises a first fastening means operable to cooperate with a second fastening means arranged on each support means, wherein each separate base means is operable to be removable fastened to the support means in at least three different orientations.

A further advantage in this context is achieved if the first fastening means and the second fastening means are magnetically fastening means, fastening means of snap-in attachment type, or fastening means of teasel tape type. According to another embodiment it is an advantage if one of the first fastening means and the second fastening means is a fastening means of a suction type.

Furthermore, it is an advantage in this context if each support means has a rectangular shape in a plane parallel with the supportive surface when each display means is in the first display state, and if the second fastening means are facing against the supportive surface when each display means is in the first display state.

A further advantage in this context is achieved if the first fastening means arranged on the separate base means are facing against the second fastening means and facing away from the supportive surface when the separate base means is removable fastened to the support means.

According to another embodiment it is an advantage if each separate base means comprises a hole means operable to receive an end part of the pole means, wherein the hole means has an inner shape complementary to the outer shape of the end part of the pole means.

Furthermore, it is an advantage in this context if the hole means, and the end part of the pole means both are provided with a thread.

According to another embodiment it is an advantage if the hole means, and the end part of the pole means are assembled together with the aid of fastening means of snap-in attachment type, of bayonet joint type, or of magnetically type.

A further advantage in this context is achieved if each pole means is foldable. Hereby, the display system gets easy to transport in the portable state. According to another embodiment it is an advantage if each pole means is a telescopic pole means. Hereby, the display system gets easy to transport in the portable state.

Furthermore, it is an advantage in this context if each pole means is adapted for holding two graphic means, opposite each other in relation to the pole means.

A further advantage in this context is achieved if the graphic means is operable to be arranged in at least three different main orientations.

It will be noted that the term "comprises/comprising" as used in this description is intended to denote the presence of a given characteristic, step or component, without excluding the presence of one or more other characteristic, features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 shows in perspective a first embodiment of the flexible display system according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 shows in perspective a second embodiment of the flexible display system according to the present invention;

Fig. 3 shows in perspective the assembling of some parts of the flexible display system according to the present invention;

Fig. 4 shows in perspective the assembling of the embodiment disclosed in Fig. 1 ; Fig. 5 shows in perspective a third embodiment of the flexible display system according to the present invention;

Fig. 6 shows in perspective a fourth embodiment of the flexible display system according to the present invention;

Fig. 7 shows in perspective a fifth embodiment of the flexible display system according to the present invention;

Fig. 8 shows in perspective a first embodiment of the separate base means; and

Fig. 9 shows in perspective a second and third embodiment of the separate base means.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

In fig. 1 there is disclosed a perspective view of a first embodiment of the flexible display system 10 according to the present invention. The flexible display system 10 comprises a collapsible display means 12 adapted to be arranged in a first display state (A) adapted for holding a number of brochures 14 or other suitable display material. In fig. 1 the display means 12 is arranged in the first display state (A). It is pointed out that the display means 12 also can be arranged in a second portable state (B), wherein the display means 12 is collapsed, i. e. the display means 12 has been folded so that the pockets holding the brochures 14 are parallel with each other and the support means 16. The display means 12 also comprises a support means 16 adapted to support against a supportive surface (u), e. g. a floor, when the display means 12 is in the first display state (A), as in fig. 1. As also is apparent in fig. 1 , the flexible display system 10 also comprises a separate base means 18 adapted for being removable fastened to the support means 16. The flexible display system 10 also comprises a pole means 20 erected from the separate base means 18 and adapted for holding a graphic means 32 when the display means 12 is in the first display state (A), as disclosed in fig. 1.

According to one embodiment, the separate base means 18 and the pole means 20 are in the form of one piece. Hereby the solution gets very stable.

According to another embodiment, the separate base means 18 and the pole means 20 are separate pieces, operable to be assembled together. Hereby the display system gets easy to transport in the portable state. See fig. 3.

In fig. 2 there is disclosed a perspective view of a second embodiment of the flexible display system 10 according to the present invention. The flexible display system 10 disclosed in fig. 2 comprises two display means 12, each comprising a support means 16 supporting against the supportive surface (u). The display system 10 also comprises a separate base means 18 for each display means 12, although only one is disclosed in fig. 2. There is also disclosed a pole means 20 for each separate base means 18. Furthermore, the display system 10 also comprises a graphic means 32 arranged on and hold by the two pole means 20.

In fig. 3 there is disclosed a perspective view of the assembling of some parts of the flexible display system 10 according to the present invention. The disclosed embodiment is the one were the separate base means 18 and the pole means 20 are separate pieces. In fig. 3, the pole means 20 and the separate base means 18 are assembled together by turning (arrow C) the pole means 20 into the separate base means 18. According to one embodiment, both the separate base means 18 and the end part of the pole means 20 are provided with a thread. Also disclosed in fig. 3 are three first fastening means 22 arranged on the separate base means 18 and operable to cooperate with a second fastening means (not disclosed in fig. 3) arranged on the support means 16. The number of first and second fastening means 22, 24 are not important, but can be varied as long as the connection between the separate base means 18 and the support means 16 gets stable.

In one embodiment of the flexible display system 10, the first fastening means 22 and the second fastening means 24 are magnetically fastening means 22, 24. According to another embodiment, the first fastening means 22 and the second fastening means 24 are fastening means 22, 24 of snap-in attachment type.

According to a further embodiment, the first fastening means 22 and the second fastening means 24 are fastening means 22, 24 of a teasel tape type.

According to yet another embodiment, one of the first fastening means 22 and the second fastening means 24 is a fastening means 22; 24 of a suction cup type.

In fig. 4 there is disclosed a perspective view of the assembling of the embodiment of the flexible display system 10 disclosed in fig. 1. When assembling the flexible display system 10, one start with the unfolding of the display means 12 to the first display state (A), as disclosed in fig. 4. Thereafter, the separate base means 18 with the pole means 20 is placed partially under the support means 16, in order for the first fastening means 22 (not disclosed) and the second fastening means 24 to cooperate to get a stable connection. Also disclosed in fig. 4 is a fixed fastening means 40 and a slidable fastening means 42, both operable to fasten the graphic means 32 (not disclosed). Both the fastening means 40, 42 are of the snap-in attachment type and the graphic means 32 has a profile placed at both ends, which profiles are operable to snap in the fastening means 40, 42. In fig. 5 there is disclosed a perspective view of a third embodiment of the flexible display system 10 according to the present invention. In this particular embodiment the separate base means 18 is placed to the right in relation to the support means 16 of the display means 12. This means that the graphic means 32, when arranged on the pole means 20, is directed at another orientation than the brochures 14 placed in the display means 12.

In fig. 6 there is disclosed a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the flexible display system 10 according to the present invention. In this particular embodiment the separate base means 18 is placed to the right in relation to the support means 16 of the display means 12. But in this embodiment the graphic means 32, when arranged on the pole means 20, is directed to the same orientation as the brochures 14 placed in the display means 12. Consequently, the brochures 14 and the graphic means 32 can both be seen from the same direction when the display system 10 is placed in an exhibition hall. In fig. 7 there is disclosed a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the flexible display system 10 according to the present invention. In this embodiment there are three different display means 12 arranged with a distance between each other. In this case there are four separate base means 18, although only two are visible in fig. 7. Consequently, there are placed two separate base means 18 in relation to the display means 12 placed in the middle, i. e. one separate base means 18 is placed to the left and one separate base means is placed to the right of the display means 12 in the middle. Furthermore, in this embodiment there are two graphic means 32, each arranged between two pole means 20. In this way the pictures on the graphic means 32 and the brochures 14 placed in the display means 12 are facing in the same main direction.

In fig. 8 there is disclosed a perspective view of a first embodiment of the separate base means 18 according to the present invention. As is apparent in fig. 8, the separate base means 18 comprises a hole means 26 operable to receive an end part of the pole means 20 (not disclosed). The hole means 26 has an inner shape complementary to the outer shape of the end part of the pole means 20. Also disclosed in fig. 8 are three different first fastening means 22.

In fig. 9 there is disclosed a perspective view of a second and third embodiment of the separate base means 18 according to the present invention. The second embodiment of the separate base means 18 is in fig. 9 connected to the corresponding support means 16 which has a circular main shape. This means that the separate base means 18 is operable to be removable fastened to the support means 16 in an arbitrary orientation. The third embodiment of the separate base means 18 is in this figure connected to the corresponding support means 16 which has a pentagonal main shape.

According to one embodiment, the hole means 26 and the end of the pole means 20 are both provided with a thread.

According to another embodiment, the hole means 26 and the end of the pole means 20 are assembled together with the aid of fastening means of snap-in attachment type, of bayonet joint type, or of magnetically type.

Furthermore, according to one embodiment the pole means 20 is foldable. According to another embodiment the pole means 20 is a telescopic pole means 20. Although it is not disclosed in any figure, it is possible with a pole means 20 adapted for holding two graphic means 32, opposite to each other in relation to the pole means 20.

It is pointed out that the first fastening means 22 arranged on the separate base means 18 are facing against the second fastening means 24 and facing away from the supportive surface (u) when the separate base means 18 is removable fastened to the support means 16.

Although it is not disclosed in any figure, it is possible to have a modified display means 12 with three pockets for brochures 14 and a table instead of the pocket on top disclosed e. g. in fig. 1.

The invention is not limited to the described embodiments. It will be evident for those skilled in the art that many different modifications are feasible within the scope of the following Claims.

Claims

1. A flexible display system (10) comprising at least one collapsible display means (12) adapted to be arranged in a first display state (A) adapted for holding a number of e. g. brochures (14), and a second, collapsed, portable state (B), wherein each said display means (12) comprises a support means (16) adapted to support against a supportive surface (u) when each said display means (12) is in said first display state (A), characterized in that said flexible display system (10) also comprises at least one separate base means (18) each adapted for being removable fastened to one of said support means (16) and a pole means (20) erected from said separate base means (18) and adapted for holding a graphic means (32) when said at least one display means (12) is in said first display state (A).

2. A flexible display system (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that said separate base means (18) and said pole means (20) are in the form of one piece.

3. A flexible display system (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that said separate base means (18) and said pole means (20) are separate pieces, operable to be assembled together.

4. A flexible display system (10) according to any one of Claims 1 -3, characterized in that each said separate base means (18) comprises a first fastening means (22) operable to cooperate with a second fastening means (24) arranged on each said support means (16), wherein each said separate base means (18) is operable to be removable fastened to said support means (16) in at least three different orientations.

5. A flexible display system (10) according to Claim4, characterized in that said first fastening means (22) and said second fastening means (24) are magnetically fastening means (22, 24), fastening means (22, 24) of snap-in attachment type, or fastening means (22, 24) of teasel tape type.

6. A flexible display system (10) according to Claim 4, characterized in that one of first fastening means (22) and said second fastening means (24) is a fastening means (22; 24) of a suction cup type.

7. A flexible display system (10) according to Claim 6, characterized in that each said support means (16) has a rectangular shape in a plane parallel with said supportive surface (u) when each said display means (12) is in said first display state (A), and in that said second fastening means (24) are facing against said supportive surface (u) when each said display means (12) is in said first display state (A).

8. A flexible display system (10) according to Claim 7, characterized in that said first fastening means (22) arranged on said separate base means (18) are facing against said second fastening means (24) and facing away from said supportive surface (u) when said separate base means (18) is removable fastened to said support means (16).

9. A flexible display system (10) according to any one of Claims 3-8, when dependent on Claim 3, characterized in that each said separate base means (18) comprises a hole means (26) operable to receive an end part of said pole means (20), wherein said hole means (26) has an inner shape complementary to the outer shape of said end part of said pole means (20).

10. A flexible display system (10) according to Claim 9, characterized in that said hole means (26), and said end part of said pole means (20) both are provided with a thread.

11. A flexible display system (10) according to Claim 9, characterized in that said hole means (26), and said end part of said pole means (20) are assembled together with the aid of fastening means of snap-in attachment type, of bayonet joint type, or of magnetically type.

12. A flexible display system (10) according to any one of Claims 1 -11 , characterized in that each said pole means (20) is foldable.

13. A flexible display means (10) according to any one of Claims 1 -11 , characterized in that each said pole means (20) is a telescopic pole means (20).

14. A flexible display system (10) according to any one of Claims 1 -13, characterized in that each said pole means (20) is adapted for holding two graphic means (32), opposite to each other in relation to said pole means (20).

15. A flexible display system (10) according to any one of Claims 4-14, characterized in that said graphic means (32) is operable to be arranged in at least three different main orientations.