WO2012164114A1

WO2012164114A1 - Self-expanding foldable lateral support for a display stand

Info

Publication number: WO2012164114A1
Application number: PCT/ES2012/000142
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ferran Mestres Armengol; Sophie Fournier
Original assignee: Ferran Mestres Armengol; Sophie Fournier
Priority date: 2011-06-01
Filing date: 2012-05-24
Publication date: 2012-12-06
Also published as: ES2394823B1; ES2394823A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a lateral support that includes a structure (10) consisting of several panels of a laminar material connected to each other by fold lines, including at least one attachment panel attached to a display stand (50) and one or more support panels (2, 3). The structure (10) can be folded along said fold lines, going from a three-dimensional, expanded position to a flat, folded position. A flexible element is provided for propelling the structure (10) into the expanded position, and the structure can be folded by countering the movement of the flexible element via outside pressure exerted on the support panels (2, 3). A limiting component limits the expansion of the structure (10) into the expanded position. The support panels (2, 3) hide the flexible element and the limiting component when they are in the expanded position, and provide an outer area usable as a support for graphic or textual information.

Description

SELF-EXPANSIBLE FOLDING SIDE SUPPORT FOR EXHIBITOR Technical field

The present invention concerns a self-expanding folding side stand for exhibitor, comprising a structure formed by several panels of a sheet material, such as strong paper, thin cardboard, or plastic, fixed to a surface of an exhibitor to support or stabilize the display erect when in an expanded position.

Background of the invention

US-A-7367539 discloses a lateral support for an exhibitor, comprising a structure made of several panels of a sheet material, with a fixing panel fixed to a rear surface of an exhibitor and two support panels articulated jointly to the fixing panel along respective vertical fold lines. The support panels may be folded outwardly by said fold lines from an expanded position in which the support panels are substantially perpendicular to the fixing panel and the display surface, to a folded position, in which the support panels They are coplanar with the fixing panel and superimposed on the surface of the display. In the expanded position, lower edges of the support panels collaborate with a lower edge of the display to provide a support base capable of supporting the display in a vertical position or slightly tilted backwards. The structure includes stop fins connected to the fixing panel along respective horizontal fold lines, which can be folded between an active position, in which the stop fins are raised and in contact with the support panels when these are in the expanded position, and an inactive position, in which the stop fins are coplanar with the fixing panel and with the stop panels when they are in the folded position.

Elastic elements connected to the support panels and the stop fins push the structure towards the expanded position. The structure can be moved from the expanded position to the folded position by applying an external pressure against the support panels to fold them out against the thrust of the elastic elements. The fixing panel and the support panels include horizontal fold lines aligned with corresponding horizontal fold lines of the display that allow the zigzag assembly to be folded from the folded position to a compact folded position.

A drawback of the lateral support of the aforementioned US-A-7367539 patent is that the stop fins and the elastic elements are exposed to the view when the exhibitor in service situation with the structure in the expanded position, providing an unsightly appearance to the exhibitor . In addition, the structure of the lateral support provides few large and clear surfaces suitable as a support for graphic and / or textual information. On the other hand, the operation of the two support panels must be folded out in opposite directions against the thrust of the elastic elements.

International patent application WO 2007/112538 describes a structure tilted back to support an exhibitor. The structure comprises a front panel, a rear panel, and two side panels that have vertical edges articulately connected to respective vertical edges of the front and rear panels. The side panels are foldable inwards by respective intermediate vertical fold lines, so that the structure can be folded from an expanded three-dimensional position, in which the side panels are substantially perpendicular to the front and rear panels and lower edges of the four panels provide a support base, and a flat folded position in which the four panels are superimposed. A stopper flap is articulably connected to the front panel by a horizontal fold line and an elastic element is connected to the rear panel and the stopper flap to move the stopper flap from an inactive position superimposed on the front panel, when the structure is in the folded position, to an active position substantially perpendicular to the four panels, when the structure is in the expanded position. The tension of the elastic element is greater when the stopper fin is in the inactive position than when it is in the active position. From the stopper flap is a tongue that is inserted into a slit in the rear panel when the stopper fin reaches the active position. The panels of the structure hide the stop fin and the elastic element in the expanded position, and offer a surface that could be used as a support for graphic and / or textual information.

However, a drawback of the structure of the aforementioned international patent application WO 2007/112538 is that in order to move the structure from the expanded position to the folded position it is necessary to release the said tongue from the slit, and this causes the tension of the elastic element move the stopper fin to a new inactive position opposite the initial inactive position. The tension of the elastic element when the retention alert is in this new inactive position is less than the tension in the active position and much less than the tension in the initial inactive position, and this makes it impossible for the structure to automatically expand again by the elastic element tension. Thus, the structure is only self-expanding only once starting from an initial folded position with the stopper flap in the initial inactive position, and the structure cannot be moved from the expanded position to the folded position by an external pressure exerted on the panels while moving the stopper flap to the initial inactive position in which the tension of the elastic element is greater than the tension in the active position. The fact that the side panels are connected to both the front panel and the rear panel prevents the solution described in said patent US-A-7367539 from being applied to this display stand, since the side panels cannot be folded out to pass from the expanded position to the folded position increasing the tension of the Exhibition of the invention

The present invention contributes to overcoming the above and other inconveniences by providing a self-expanding folding side stand for display, comprising a structure formed by several panels of a sheet material connected to each other by fold lines, including at least one fixing panel fixed to a surface of an exhibitor and one or more support panels. The said structure is foldable by said fold lines between an expanded three-dimensional position, in which at least one lower edge of said one or more support panels provides a support base in contact with a horizontal support surface, generally in cooperation with a lower edge of the display, and a flat folded position, in which said various panels of the structure are substantially flat and superimposed on said display surface. The lateral support also includes an elastic element connected to the structure to push the structure towards said expanded position. Said elastic element has a higher tension level when the structure is in said folded position than when it is in the expanded position.

The lateral support also includes at least one limiting configuration made of a sheet material and articulated connected to the structure by a fold line. This limiting configuration is movable between a flat inactive position, superimposed on the various panels of the structure when they are in the folded position, and an active position, in which the limiting configuration limits the expansion of the structure in the expanded position. Preferably, the limiting configuration is linked to the structure and / or the elastic element so that the limiting configuration is moved from said inactive position to said active position by a part of the structure and / or by the elastic element during the movement of the structure from the folded position to the expanded position.

The one or more support panels are configured so that they hide the elastic element and the limiting configuration when they are in the expanded position, and have a clear outer surface that can be used as a support for graphic or textual information. In addition, the structure is configured so that it can be moved from the expanded position to the folded position by an external pressure exerted on the support panels against the thrust of the elastic element at the same time that the limiting configuration is moved or dragged from the position active to the inactive position by a part of the structure and / or by the elastic element during its movement from the expanded position to the folded position. The aforementioned external pressure is generally applied in an appropriate direction to crush the structure against the surface of the display to change from the expanded position to the folded position.

The particular configuration of the side support structure of the present invention allows the various panels that form the structure to be made of one piece or several strong paper sheet, thin cardboard sheet, or plastic sheet, of an appropriate thickness to be printed directly on a conventional printing machine, contrary to what happens with many prior art media, which require to be made of cardboard Thick or corrugated cardboard that cannot be printed directly.

The lateral support of the present invention is especially indicated to support an exhibitor of the type formed by a single plate arranged in a vertical position or slightly tilted back, with a front surface showing graphic and / or textual information, and a rear surface to which the mentioned fixing panel of the lateral support structure is attached, for example by adhesive. With the lateral support of the present invention, the rear face of the display and / or the support panels of the lateral support can be used as support for additional graphic and / or textual information. In this way the exhibitors equipped with the lateral support of the present invention can be placed in places where they can be seen from both sides.

Alternatively, the lateral support of the present invention can be used to provide additional stability to self-sustaining displays of the type provided, for example, of several panels facing and connected by their lateral edges forming a vertical column of circular, elliptical or polygonal cross-section. . In these exhibitors only the exterior surfaces of the panels that form it are visible, which are all used to support graphic and / or textual information. The fixing panel of the side support structure is attached, for example by adhesive, to one of said external surfaces of the display and the support panels of the side support structure can be printed, for example, graphic and / or textual information complementary to the graphic and / or textual information shown on the display panels.

According to one embodiment, the side support structure comprises a single support panel of generally triangular shape, which, when in the flat folded position, has a pair of rectilinear side edges and a curved bottom edge. In the expanded position, this single support panel adopts a partially conical three-dimensional configuration, with said two side edges facing said display surface and with said lower edge providing said support base.

In another embodiment, the side support structure comprises two lateral support panels of generally triangular shape connected to each other by a central fold line, which, when in the flat folded position, have respective opposite side edges and respective ones contiguous bottom edges. When the structure is in the expanded position, the two lateral support panels adopt a partially pyramidal three-dimensional configuration, with said opposite lateral edges facing the surface of the display and with said lower edges providing the support base.

According to yet another embodiment, the structure comprises two side support panels opposite sides of a central support panel of generally quadrilateral shape, that is rectangular or trapezoidal, although it can also be triangular with the base at the lower or upper end. When the structure is in the flat folded position, all said support panels are substantially coplanar, and the two lateral support panels have respective opposite side edges and respective bottom edges adjacent to a lower edge of the central support panel. When the structure is in the expanded position, the support panels adopt a generally three-dimensional polyhedral configuration with said lateral edges of the two lateral support panels facing said surface of the display and said lower edges of the two lateral support panels and of the central support panel providing the support base.

In any of the previously described embodiments, the fixing panel, the limiting configuration and the elastic element, which are always hidden by the support panels in the expanded position, can adopt a variety of shapes and arrangements providing different operational modes, some of which will be described in detail below by way of example. Advantageously, the support panels, the fixing panel, the limiting configuration, as well as other auxiliary panels that the structure may optionally include, are obtained by die-cutting as a single piece of sheet material, although alternatively they can always be obtained as two or more pieces of sheet material bonded by adhesive. The fold lines are weakened lines obtained, together with other fold lines or optional cuts, in the same die-cutting process. The fold lines are generally rectilinear to provide straight edges and flat panels, although alternatively some fold lines can be curved to obtain arched edges and combined panels.

It is usual that the plate or panels of the display have a horizontal fold line through which the panel can be folded to a compact position, in which case, the one or more panels of the side support structure of the present invention comprise respective transverse fold lines in alignment with said horizontal fold line of the display to allow folding the side support together with the display plate or panels to the compact folded position.

The present invention provides for the use of a retention panel in combination with any of the embodiments of the lateral support to retain the structure in the folded position with little effort. This retention panel is articulated to the structure or to the surface of the display protruding from the lower edge of the one or more support panels when the structure is in the folded position, and can be folded by a fold line and superimposed on the structure. or to the exhibitor when the structure is in the folded position. Thus, the pushing force produced by the tension of the elastic element is distributed over the relatively large surface of the retention panel and the structure can be retained in the position retention is useful to help retain the structure of the lateral support in the folded position inside an envelope or other similar container. The retention panel is configured and dimensioned so that it is hidden by the structure of the lateral support when it is in the expanded position and in an operative situation supporting the stand upright on a support surface, since in such a situation the panel of retention does not protrude from the bottom edges of the support panels.

Brief description of the drawings

The foregoing and other features and advantages will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of some embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a self-expanding folding side support according to an embodiment of the present invention, attached to an exhibitor in service situation;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of an outer face of a flat initial part developed from which the structure of the lateral support of Fig. 1 is obtained;

Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the side support obtained by means of the flat initial part of Fig. 2 attached to an display in an expanded position;

Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the side support of Fig. 3 being pushed by an external pressure towards a folded position;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a self-expanding folding side support according to another embodiment of the present invention, attached to an exhibitor in service situation;

Fig. 6 is a plan view of an outer face of a flat initial part developed from which the structure of the lateral support of Fig. 5 is obtained;

Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the side support obtained by the flat initial part of Fig. 6 attached to an display in an expanded position;

Fig. 8 is a bottom view of the side support of Fig. 7 being pushed by an external pressure towards a folded position;

Fig. 9 is a plan view of an outer face of a flat initial part developed from which a structure of a self-expanding folding side support according to another embodiment of the present invention is obtained, which, when attached to an exhibitor in service situation, it is externally analogous to the lateral support of Fig. 1;

Fig. 10 is a plan view of the front side of the side support obtained by means of the flat initial part of assembled Fig. 9, before being attached to an exhibitor;

Fig. 11 is a bottom view of the side support of Fig. 10 attached to an display in an expanded position; Fig. 12 is a bottom view of the side support of Fig. 11 being pushed by an external pressure towards a folded position;

Fig. 13 is a plan view of an outer face of a flat initial part developed from which a structure of a self-expanding folding lateral support according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is obtained, which, when attached to an exhibitor in service situation, it is externally analogous to the lateral support of Fig. 1;

Fig. 14 is a plan view of the front side of the side support obtained by means of the flat initial part of assembled Fig. 13, before being attached to an exhibitor;

Fig. 15 is a bottom view of the side support of Fig. 14 attached to an display in an expanded position;

Fig. 16 is a bottom view of the side support of Fig. 15 being pushed by an external pressure towards a folded position;

Fig. 17 is a bottom view of a self-expanding folding lateral support according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, which is attached to an display in an expanded position, the lateral support being externally analogous to the lateral support of Fig. 5 and internally analogous to the lateral support of Figs. 9 to 12;

Fig. 18 is a bottom view of a self-expanding folding lateral support according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, which is attached to an display in an expanded position, the lateral support being externally analogous to the lateral support of Fig. 5 and internally analogous to the lateral support of Figs. 13 to 16;

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a self-expanding folding side support according to another embodiment of the present invention, attached to an exhibitor in service situation;

Fig. 20 is a bottom view of the lateral support of Fig. 19 attached to the display in an expanded position, the lateral support being internally analogous to the lateral support of Figs. 9 to 12;

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a self-expanding folding side support according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, attached to an exhibitor in service situation;

Fig. 22 is a bottom view of the lateral support of Fig. 21 attached to the display in an expanded position, the lateral support being internally analogous to the lateral support of Figs. 9 to 12;

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a self-expanding folding side support according to another embodiment of the present invention, attached to an exhibitor in service situation;

Fig. 24 is a plan view of an outer face of a flat starter Fig. 25 is a bottom view of the side support obtained by the flat initial part of Fig. 24 attached to an display in an expanded position;

Fig. 26 is a bottom view of the side support of Fig. 25 being pushed by an external pressure into a folded position;

Fig. 27 is a perspective view of a self-expanding folding side support according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, attached to an exhibitor in service situation;

Fig. 28 is a plan view of an outer face of a flat initial part developed from which the structure of the lateral support of Fig. 27 is obtained;

Fig. 29 is a bottom view of the side support obtained by the flat initial part of Fig. 28 attached to an display in an expanded position;

Fig. 30 is a bottom view of the side support of Fig. 29 being pushed by an external pressure towards a folded position;

Fig. 31 is a perspective view of a lateral support analogous to that shown in Figs. 23-26 attached to an exhibitor and held in a folded position by an additional retention panel;

Fig. 32 is a perspective view of the side support of Fig. 31 attached to the display and in an expanded position;

Fig. 33 is a plan view of an outer face of a flat initial part developed from which a structure of a self-expanding folding side support according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is obtained, which, when attached to an exhibitor in service situation, it is externally analogous to the lateral support of Fig. 1;

Fig. 34 is a bottom view of the side support obtained by the flat initial part of Fig. 33 attached to an display in an expanded position;

Fig. 35 is a bottom view of the side support of Fig. 34 during a first phase of a folding operation in which it is pushed by an external pressure into a folded position;

Fig. 36 is a bottom view of the side support of Fig. 34 during a second phase of the folding operation in which it is pushed by an external pressure towards the folded position;

Fig. 37 is a bottom view of the side support of Fig. 34 during a third phase of the folding operation in which it is pushed by an external pressure towards the folded position; Fig. 38 is a bottom view of the side support of Fig. 34 in the folded potion which has been pushed by an external pressure;

Fig. 39 is a perspective view of a self-expanding folding side support according to another embodiment of the present invention, attached to a folding display in a expanded position, the lateral support being externally analogous to the lateral support of Fig. 23;

Fig. 40 is a perspective view of the lateral support and the display of Fig. 39 during a first phase of a folding operation towards a compact position;

Fig. 41 is a perspective view of the lateral support and the display of Fig. 39 during a final phase of the folding operation towards the compact position;

Fig. 42 is a perspective view of a self-expanding folding side support according to another embodiment of the present invention, attached to an exhibitor in service situation;

Fig. 43 is a plan view of an outer face of a flat initial part developed from which the structure of the lateral support of Fig. 42 is obtained;

Fig. 44 is a bottom view of the lateral support obtained by the flat initial part of Fig. 43 attached to an display in an expanded position;

Fig. 45 is a bottom view of the side support of Fig. 44 being pushed by an external pressure towards a folded position;

Fig. 46 is a partial rear view of the lateral support of Figs. 42 to 45 attached to the display and held in the position folded by a retention panel;

Fig. 47 is a perspective view of a self-expanding folding side support according to another embodiment of the present invention, attached to an exhibitor in service situation;

Fig. 48 is a plan view of an outer face of a flat initial part developed from which the structure of the lateral support of Fig. 47 is obtained;

Fig. 49 is a bottom view of the lateral support obtained by means of the flat initial part of Fig. 48 attached to an display in an expanded position;

Fig. 50 is a bottom view of the side support of Fig. 49 being pushed by an external pressure towards a folded position;

Fig. 51 is a partial rear view of the lateral support of Figs. 47 to 51 attached to the display and held in the position folded by a retention panel;

Fig. 52 is a perspective view of a self-expanding folding side support according to another embodiment of the present invention, attached to an exhibitor in service situation;

Fig. 53 is a plan view of an outer face of a flat initial part developed from which the structure of the lateral support of Fig. 52 is obtained;

Fig. 54 is a plan view of a front face of a flat initial part developed from which a booklet holder associated with the self-expanding folding side support of Fig. 52 is obtained; Fig. 55 is a bottom view of the lateral support obtained by means of the flat initial part of Fig. 53 and the booklet holder obtained by means of the flat initial part of Fig. 54 attached to an display in an expanded position;

Fig. 56 is a bottom view of the side support and the booklet holder of Fig. 55 being pushed by an external pressure into a folded position; Y

Fig. 57 is an exploded perspective view of the side support, the display and the associated brochure holder of Figs. 52 to 56.

Detailed description of some embodiments

Referring firstly to Figs. 1 to 4, by reference 10, a structure of a self-expanding folding side support in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is generally designated. Said structure 10 is formed by several panels of a sheet material, such as for example strong paper sheet, thin cardboard sheet, or plastic sheet, articulated connected to each other by fold lines. Fig. 2 shows a flat die cut piece that includes all the panels and fins necessary to form the structure 10.

In the example of Figs. 1 to 4, the structure 10 comprises first and second support panels 2, 3 generally triangular in shape, connected to each other by a fold line 8 along respective adjacent edges. These first and second support panels 2, 3 have respective first and second opposite side edges 2a, 3a and respective adjacent lower edges 2b, 3b, as can be seen when they are in an extended position shown in Fig. 2. A fixing panel 7 is articulated connected to the first lateral edge 2a of the first support panel 2, and a limiting configuration in the form of a stopper flap 6 is connected by a fold line 11 to an opposite edge of the fixing panel 7. The second side edge 3a of the second side panel 3 is articulatedly connected to a reinforcement flange 23. In the stopper flap 6 and in the reinforcement flange 23, respective first and second fastening configurations 12, 13 are formed.

As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, said fixing panel 7 is fixed to a rear surface of a display 50 by means of an adhesive 24 applied to the outer face of the fixing panel 7 (and shown symbolically by a striped area in Fig. 2), of so that the first lateral edge 2a of the first support panel 2 is in a fixed position in relation to the surface of the display 50, while the second lateral edge 3a of the second support panel 3 is movable. The reinforcing flange 23 is folded along the fold line corresponding to the second lateral edge 3a and attached to an inner face of the second support panel 3 by means of an adhesive 25 applied to the inner face of the reinforcing flange 23 (and shown symbolically by a dotted area in Fig. 2). Once the structure 10 is assembled, the first fastening configuration 12 is arranged relatively close to the first fixed lateral edge 2a with respect to the surface of the display 50, and the second clamping configuration 13 is arranged relatively close to the second movable lateral edge 3a.

An elastic element 5 in the form of an elastic cord, and more preferably in the form of an elastic ring, is engaged in said first and second fastening configurations 12, 13 to attract the second movable side edge 3a of the second support panel 3 towards the first lateral edge 2a sliding on the surface of the display 50 to move the structure 10 from the folded position to an expanded position (Figs. 1 and 3), in which the first and second support panels 2, 3 adopt a configuration three-dimensional partially pyramidal, with the first and second lateral edges 2a, 3a opposite facing the rear surface of the display 50 and the lower edges 2b, 3b providing a support base for holding the stand upright, generally in cooperation with a lower edge of the display fifty.

The stopper flap 6 can be folded along the fold line 11 between an inactive position, substantially coplanar with the structure panels 10 in the folded position, and an active position, and said elastic element 5 is engaged in the first fastening configuration 12 in such a way that it lifts the stopper flap 6 from the inactive position to the active position while pushing the structure 10 towards the expanded position. The stopper fin 6 has an edge configured to make counting on the second side panel 3 when said stopper fin 6 is in the active position to limit the expansion of the structure 10 in the expanded position shown in Fig. 3. The two Support panels 2, 3 are configured to hide the fixing panel 7, the elastic element 5 and the limiting configuration 6 when they are in the expanded position, and have an external surface that can be used as a support for graphic or textual information.

The structure 10 is configured to be moved from the expanded position to the folded position against the thrust of the elastic element 5 by an external pressure (indicated symbolically by an arrow P in the figures) exerted on the support panels 2, 3, and the stop fin 6 is moved from the active position to the inactive position by the elastic element 5 during its movement from the expanded position to the folded position, as shown in Fig. 4, while the second edge 3a of the second support panel 3 moves away from the first edge 2a of the first support panel 2 sliding on the surface of the display 50 and the center fold line 8 approaches the rear surface of the display 50. In the flat folded position, the various panels of the structure 10 are substantially flat and superimposed on the rear surface of the display 50. When the structure 10 is in the folded position, the elastic element 5 has a level of higher tension than when in the expanded position. Therefore, when the pressure P is removed, the structure 10 automatically expands again to the expanded position due to the tension of the elastic element 5. In Figs. 5 to 8 another embodiment of the lateral support of the present invention is shown, which is analogous to that described above in relation to Figs. 1 to 4 except that here the structure 10 comprises a single support panel 1 instead of the two support panels 2, 3. As best seen in Fig. 6, this single support panel 1 is generally shaped triangular and has first and second lateral edges la, Ib and a lower edge le, which, when in the flat folded position, is preferably curved. When the structure 10 is in the expanded position shown in Fig. 5, the only support panel 1 adopts a partially conical three-dimensional configuration, with said first and second lateral edges the, Ib facing the rear surface of the display 50 and said edge bottom providing a support base, generally in cooperation with a lower edge of the display 50. The structure 10 of the embodiment shown in Figs. 5 to 8 includes a stopper flap 6, a fixing panel 7, a reinforcement flange 23 and an elastic element 5, the configuration and functionality of which is analogous to that described above in relation to Figs. 1 to 4, so your detailed description will be omitted.

The elastic element 5, which is in the form of an elastic cord, or more preferably in the form of an elastic ring, is arranged to attract the second movable side edge Ib of the single support panel 1 towards the first fixed side edge sliding on the surface of the display 50 to move from the folded position to the expanded position while the stop fin 6 is moved from the inactive position to the active position limiting the expansion of the structure 10 in the expanded position. The structure 10 can be moved from the expanded position (Figs. 5 and 7) to the folded position (Fig. 8) against the thrust of the elastic element 5 by an external pressure (indicated symbolically by an arrow P in the figures) exerted on the only support panel 1 while the stop fin 6 is automatically moved from the active position to the inactive position.

In Figs. 9 to 12 another embodiment of the lateral support of the present invention is shown, which comprises a structure 10 with first and second similar triangular support panels 2, 3 those shown in Figs. 1 to 4, connected by a central fold line 8 and with respective first and second lateral edges 2a, 3 to opposite and respective adjacent lower edges 2b, 3b, although the internal mechanism is different, as will be described below. In the expanded position (Figs. 1 and 11) these first and second support panels 2, 3 adopt a partially pyramidal three-dimensional configuration, with the first and second lateral edges 2a, 3a opposite facing the rear surface of the display 50 and the edges bottoms 2b, 3b providing a support base for supporting the upright display, generally in cooperation with a lower edge of the display 50.

As best seen in Fig. 9, the structure 10 comprises a fixing panel 7 having opposite side edges connected by fold lines 7a to respective folding panels 9, each of which is divided into interior portions. Y Folding panels 9 have an edge articulably connected to the second side edge 3 a of the second support panel 3, while the outer portion 9b of the other of the folding panels 9 is configured to be superimposed on a reinforcing flange 26 articulatedly connected to the first edge side 2a of the first support panel 2 when the structure 10 is folded and assembled (Fig. 10). In the outer portions 9b of the folding panels 9, respective first and second fastening configurations 12, 13 are formed and in said reinforcement flange 26 an additional fastening configuration 13a is formed to which the second fastening configuration 13 overlaps when structure 10 is assembled (Figs. 10, 11 and 12). A limiting configuration in the form of a stop fin 6 is connected by a fold line 14 to a lower edge of the fixing panel 7.

The fixing panel 7 is fixed to a rear surface of a display 50 by means of an adhesive 24 (shown symbolically by a striped area in Fig. 10) applied to the outer face of the fixing panel 7, and the elastic element 5, the which is in the form of an elastic cord or an elastic ring, it is connected on one side to the clamping configuration formed in the outer portion 9b of one of the folding panels 9 a and on the other to the clamping configurations 13, 13a superimposed formed on the outer portion 9b of the other of the folding panels 9 and on the reinforcement flange 26, respectively, resulting in the outer portions 9b of both folding panels being articulated connected to the respective side edges 2a, 3a of the two panels of support 2, 3. The tension of the elastic element 5 attracts the first and second lateral edges 2a, 3a opposite of the first and second lateral support panels 2, 3 the one made ia the other sliding on the surface of the display 50 while the folding panels 9 are folded by their respective intermediate fold lines 20 to move from the folded position (Fig. 12) to the expanded position (Fig. 11).

A portion of the elastic element 5 is passed under the stop fin 6 so that the stop fin 6 is lifted by the elastic element from an inactive position to an active position when the structure 10 passes from the folded position to the position expanded. The stop fin 6 is provided with opposite side edges 6a configured to make counting said inner portions 9a of the folding panels 9 when said stop fin 6 is in the active position and the structure 10 is in the expanded position, thus limiting the expansion of the structure 10 in the expanded position (Fig. 11). The structure 10 can be moved from the expanded position (Fig. 11) to the folded position (Fig. 12) against the thrust of the elastic element 5 by an external pressure (indicated symbolically by an arrow P in the figures) exerted on the first and second support panels 2, 3, whereby the lateral edges 2a, 3a of the first and second support panels 2, 3 move away from each other sliding on the surface of the display 50 and the center fold line 8 Approaches the rear surface of the display 50 while the folding panels 9 are deployed and the stop fin 6 is automatically moved from the active position to the inactive position. When the elevated than when in the expanded position. Therefore, when the pressure P is removed, the structure 10 automatically expands again to the expanded position due to the tension of the elastic element 5.

In Figs. 13 to 16 another embodiment of the lateral support of the present invention is shown analogous to that described above in relation to Figs. 9 to 12 except that here the stop fin 6 and the reinforcement flange 26 are suppressed (compare Fig. 13 with Fig. 9), and the outer portions 9b of the folding panels 9 are configured to be superimposed and adhered to corresponding portions of the inner faces of the first and second support panels 2, 3 by means of an adhesive 25 applied to the inner face of the folding panels (and shown symbolically by dotted areas in Fig. 13). The first and second fastening configurations 12, 13 have been replaced by first fastening configurations 12a, 12b and second configurations 13a, 13b formed in the inner portions 9a of the folding panels close to the intermediate fold lines 20.

Thus, as shown in Fig. 14, the elastic element 5 pushes the structure 10 towards the expanded position in a manner analogous to that described above in relation to Figs. 9 to 12, except that here the limiting configuration is provided by the inner portions 9a of the folding panels 9 in cooperation with the contact of the first and second lateral edges la, Ib of the first and second lateral edges 2a, 3a of the first and second side support panels 2, 3 with the rear surface of the display 50 to limit the expansion of the structure 10 in the expanded position. The structure 10 can be moved from the expanded position (Fig. 15) to the folded position (Fig. 16) against the thrust of the elastic element 5 by an external pressure (indicated symbolically by an arrow P in the figures) exerted on the first and second support panels 2, 3. When the structure 10 is in the folded position, the elastic element 5 has a higher tension level than when it is in the expanded position. Therefore, when the pressure P is removed, the structure 10 automatically expands again to the expanded position due to the tension of the elastic element 5.

Fig. 17 shows an alternative embodiment in which the structure 10 comprises a single support panel 10 analogous to that described above in relation to Figs. 5 to 8 in combination with an internal mechanism analogous to that described above in relation to Figs. 9 to 12.

Fig. 18 shows another alternative embodiment in which the structure 10 comprises a single support panel 10 analogous to that described above in relation to Figs. 5 to 8 in combination with an internal mechanism analogous to that described above in relation to Figs. 13 to 16.

Figs. 19 and 20 illustrate another embodiment of the lateral support of the present invention, wherein the structure 10 comprises first and second lateral support panels 2, 3 of 8a, 8b to opposite side edges of a central support panel 4 of generally quadrilateral shape, and more specifically rectangular in the embodiment shown. The central support panel 4 has opposite upper and lower edges 4a, 4b, and the first and second lateral support panels 2, 3 have respective first and second lateral edges 2a, 3a opposite and respective respective lower edges 2b, 3b to the lower edge 4b of the central support panel 4 when the structure 10 is in a flat folded position. When the structure 10 is in the expanded position (Figs. 19 and 20), the first and second lateral support panels 2, 3 and the central support panel 4 adopt a generally polyhedral configuration, with the first and second lateral edges 2a , 3a of the first and second lateral support panels 2, 3 and the upper edge of the panel are supported central 4a 4 facing the rear surface of the display 50 and the lower edges 2b, 3b of the first and second lateral support panels 2 , 3 and said lower edge 4b of the central support panel 4 providing a support base for the display 50, generally in cooperation with a lower edge of the display 50.

As shown in Fig. 20, the structure 10 provided with the first and second lateral support panels 2, 3 and the central support panel 4 includes an internal mechanism analogous to that described above in relation to Figs. 9 to 12, but with the stopper flap 6 widened in a proportion equivalent to the width of the central support panel 4. One skilled in the art will understand that the structure 10 provided with the first and second lateral support panels 2, 3 and the central support panel 4 could also work alternatively with an internal mechanism analogous to that described above in relation to Figs. 13 to 16 with appropriate adaptations. It will also be understood that alternatively the central support panel 4 could be trapezoidal or even triangular in shape, either with the vertex at the top or bottom.

In Figs. 21 and 22 another embodiment of the lateral support of the present invention is shown, which is analogous to that described above in relation to Figs. 19 and 20, with the difference that here the opposite upper and lower edges 4a 4b of the central support panel 4 are significantly longer than the other two opposite edges that form the fold lines 8a, 8b. As shown in Fig. 22, the internal mechanism is analogous to that described in relation to Figs. 9 to 12, with the difference that the stopper flap 6 is widened in a proportion equivalent to the width of the central support panel 4. In addition, a stiffening flange 27 is articulatedly connected to the lower edge 4b of the central support panel 4 and bent inwards at an angle to the central support panel 4 in order to stiffen the lower edge 4b thereof. Additionally, a similar flange (not shown) could be articulatedly connected to the upper edge 4a of the central support panel 4, folded inwards and joined, for example by adhesive, to the rear surface of the display 50.

With reference now to Figs. 23 to 26 another embodiment of the lateral support is described lateral comprises a structure 10 having first and second support panels 2, 3 generally triangular in shape, connected to each other by a central fold line 8 along respective adjacent edges. These first and second support panels 2, 3 have respective first and second opposite side edges 2a, 3a and respective adjacent lower edges 2b, 3b, as can be seen when they are in an extended position shown in Fig. 24. Each one of the first and second side support panels 2, 3 is divided into two portions by a panel fold line 2c, 3c located between the corresponding side edge 2a, 3a and the center fold line 8 and extending from the corresponding lower edge 2b, 3b to a vertex opposite it.

As best seen in Fig. 24, a pair of fixing panels 7 are articulably connected to the first side edge 2a of the first support panel 2 and the second edge 3a of the second support panel 3, respectively, and a pair of stiffening tabs 15 are connected by respective fold lines to the lower edges 2a, 3a of the first and second side support panels 2, 3 respectively. Each of these stiffening tabs 15 is divided into two portions by a fold line 1 which extends from the end of the corresponding panel fold line 2c, 3c to a free edge of the stiffening flange 15 opposite to the corresponding lower edge 2b, 3b. In the stiffening flange 15, first and second fastening configurations 12, 13 are formed. When the structure 10 is folded and assembled to the display 50 as shown in Figs. 25 and 26, the two fixing panels 7 are fixed to a rear surface of the display 50 by means of an adhesive 24 applied to the outer face of each fixing panel 7 (and shown symbolically by a striped area in Fig. 2), of so that the first and second side edges 2a, 3a opposed to the first and second side support panels 2, 3 remain in fixed positions in relation to the surface of the display 50 by virtue of the fixing panels 7 adhered thereto.

An elastic element 5 in the form of an elastic cord, or preferably an elastic ring, is connected to said first and second fastener configurations 12, 13 formed in the stiffening tabs 15 to push the structure 10 into an expanded position (Figs. 23 and 25) in which the first and second lateral support panels 2, 3 adopt a partially pyramidal three-dimensional configuration, with the opposite first and second lateral edges 2a, 3a facing the rear surface of the display 50 and the lower edges 2b, 3b providing a support base for supporting the upright display, generally in cooperation with a lower edge of the display 50. The limit of the expansion of the structure 10 in the expanded position is provided here by the stiffening tabs 15, when the two portions of the each stiffening flange 15 are mutually coplanar, which occurs at the same time as the two portions of each one of the first and second side support panels 2, 3 are also mutually coplanar. The plane formed by the two portions of corresponding first or second adjacent side support panel 2, 3, which prevents the first and second side support panels 2, 3 from bending further inwards by the respective panel fold lines 2c, 3c.

The structure 10 is configured so that it can be moved from the expanded position (Fig. 25) to the folded position (Fig. 26) against the thrust of the elastic element 5 by an external pressure (indicated symbolically by an arrow P in the figures ) exerted on the first and second support panels 2, 3 in cooperation with a slight inward pressure on the stiffening tabs 15, whereby the stiffening tabs 15 are folded inwards by their respective fold lines 15a and the first and second support panels 2, 3 are folded outwards by their respective panel fold lines 2c, 3c so that they move away from each other while the center fold line 8 approaches the rear surface of the display until a folded position is reached in which the panels forming structure 10 are substantially coplanar and attached to the rear surface of display 50. When the structure is structured ura 10 is in the folded position, the elastic element 5 has a higher tension level than when it is in the expanded position. Therefore, when the pressure P is removed, the structure 10 automatically expands again to the expanded position due to the tension of the elastic element 5.

It will be understood that the stiffening flange system 15 described above is equally applicable to a lateral support comprising a structure 10 composed of first and second lateral support panels 2, 3 and a central support panel 4, as described above in relation to with Figs. 19 to 22.

In Figs. 27 to 30 shows another embodiment provided with a structure 10 comprising a single support panel 1 similar to that described above in relation to Figs. 5 to 8 but in combination with limiting configurations provided by stiffening tabs 15 analogous to those described above in relation to Figs. 23 to 26. Here, as best shown in Fig. 28, the only support panel 1 has a generally triangular shape, with first and second lateral edges la, Ib and a curved lower edge. The single support panel 1 is divided into three portions by a pair of panel fold lines 1 d extending from said curved bottom edge to an opposite vertex. A pair of fixing panels 7 are articulated connected to the first and second lateral edges la, Ib of the single support panel 1, respectively, and a pair of stiffening tabs 15 are connected by respective fold lines to the lower edge 1 c of the single support panel 1 extending to the side and side of the panel fold lines Id, respectively, and leaving a central portion of the lower edge 1 c free.

Each of these stiffening tabs 15 is divided into two portions by a fold line 15a extending from the end of the corresponding panel fold line Id to a free edge of the stiffening flange 15 opposite the lower edge le. In the 12, 13. When the structure 10 is folded and assembled to the display 50 as shown in Figs. 29 and 30, the two fixing panels 7 are fixed to a rear surface of the display 50 by means of an adhesive 24 applied to the outer face of each fixing panel 7 (and shown symbolically by a striped area in Fig. 28), of so that the first and second lateral edges la, Ib opposite of the single support panel 1 remain in fixed positions in relation to the surface of the display 50 by virtue of the fixing panels 7 adhered thereto.

When the structure 10 is in the expanded position shown in Fig. 29, the only support panel 1 adopts a partially conical three-dimensional configuration, with said first and second lateral edges the, Ib facing the rear surface of the display 50 and said edge bottom providing a support base, generally in cooperation with a lower edge of the display 50. In this expanded position, portions of the single support panel 1 adjacent to each of the panel fold lines Id are substantially coplanar and the two portions of each stiffening flange 15 are coplanar in another plane that forms an angle with the plane formed by the two portions of the only adjacent support panel 1, thus limiting the expansion of the display in the expanded position. To move the structure 10 from the expanded position (Fig. 29) to the folded position (Fig. 30), an external pressure P will be applied analogously to that described above in relation to Figs. 24 to 27.

Referring now to Figs. 31 and 32, there is shown a self-expanding folding lateral support according to the embodiment shown in Figs. 24 to 26 applied to a display 50 of the type formed by a single plate that must be supported by the lateral support in a vertical position or slightly tilted backwards. The structure 10 according to the aforementioned embodiment has a pair of fixing panels attached, for example by adhesive, to a rear surface of the display 50. The side support further includes a retention panel 21 protruding from the lower edges 2b, 3b of the first and second side support panels 2, 3 and a lower edge of the display 50 when the structure 10 is in the folded position. Said retention panel 21 is articulatedly connected to the fastening panels 7 of the structure 10 by a fold line 22, so that it can be folded by a fold line 22 and superimposed on the structure 10 when it is in the folded position, as shown in Fig. 31, to help retain the structure 10 in the folded position by means of a slight pressure P applied on the retaining panel 21. This slight pressure P is the one that can, for example, exert , the walls of an envelope within which the exhibitor assembly 50 is housed with the lateral support in the folded position and the folded retention panel thereon.

As shown in Fig. 32, when the slight pressure P is removed from the retaining panel 21, the tension of the elastic element 5 expands the structure 10 towards the expanded position and the The retention panel 21 is conveniently configured to be hidden by the structure 10 when it is in the expanded position and in a service situation by holding the display 50 in an upright position on a support surface. It is obvious that the retaining panel 21 can be used in combination with any of the embodiments of the lateral support described above, whether including a single support panel 1, two triangular support panels 2, 3 or two support panels 2, 3 and a central support panel 4, the retention panel 21 protruding in each case from the lower edge of the single support panel 1 and the lower edge of the display 50, of the lower edges 2b, 3b of the support panels 2, 3 and of the lower edge of the display 50, or of the lower edges 2b, 3b of the support panels 2, 3 and / or of the lower edge 4b of the central support panel 4 and of the lower edge of the display 50, respectively, when the structure 10 is in the folded position. Alternatively, the retaining panel 21 may have a fixing flange (not shown) connected thereto by the fold line 22 and attached, for example by adhesive, directly to the rear surface of the display 50.

In Figs. 33 to 38 shows another embodiment of the lateral support of the present invention, which comprises a structure 10 with first and second triangular support panels 2, 3 analogous to those shown in Fig. 1, which are provided with respective adjacent edges connected to each other by a fold line 8, respective first and second side edges 2a, 3a opposite and respective adjacent bottom edges 2b, 3b, as can be seen when they are in an extended position shown in Fig. 33. A fixing panel 7 is articulated connected to the first side edge 2a of the first support panel 2. Here, the structure 10 comprises a limiting configuration in the form of a link panel 16 having an edge connected by a line of fold 17 to one edge of the fixing panel 7 and another opposite edge connected by a reversible fold line 18 to a reinforcing fin 28, which is configured for a v ez the structure 10 folded and assembled, be superimposed and fixed to an inner face of the second support panel 3 by means of an adhesive 29 applied to the outer face of the reinforcement fin 28 (and shown symbolically by a striped area in Fig. 33 ). As a result, said link panel 16 is connected on one side to the fixing panel 7 by the fold line 17 and on the other side to the second side edge 3 a of the second support panel 3 by the fold line 18.

As shown in Figs. 34 to 38, said fixing panel 7 is fixed to a rear surface of a display 50 by means of an adhesive 24 applied to the outer face of the fixing panel 7 (and shown symbolically by a striped area in Fig. 33), of such that the first lateral edge 2a of the first support panel 2 is in a fixed position in relation to the surface of the display 50, while the second lateral edge 3a of the second support panel 3 is movable together with the link panel 16. A first fastening configuration 12 is formed on the link panel 16 and a second fastening configuration 13 is formed on an edge of the adhesive-free reinforcement flap 28. An elastic element 5 in the form of an elastic cord, or preferably an elastic ring is connected to said first fastening configuration 12, which is close to the fastening panel 7 and to said second fastening configuration 13, which is located in the second side panel 3, so that the tension of the element elastic 5 attracts the second lateral edge 3a of the second support panel 3 towards the first lateral edge 2a of the first support panel 2 and said link panel 16 towards the surface of the display 50 to move the structure 10 from a folded position to a position expanded (Fig. 34). The link panel 16 in cooperation with the contact of the second lateral edge 3a of the second support panel 3 with the display surface limits the expansion of the structure 10 in the expanded position shown in Fig. 34, in which the first and Second support panels 2, 3 adopt a partially pyramidal three-dimensional configuration, with the first and second opposite sides 2a, 3a facing the rear surface of the display 50 and the lower edges 2b, 3b providing a support base to hold the stand upright , generally in cooperation with a lower edge of the display 50.

In the expanded position, the link panel 16 is substantially coplanar with the fixing panel 7 and attached to the surface of the display. The structure 10 is configured to be moved from the expanded position (Fig. 34) to the folded position (Fig. 38) against the thrust of the elastic element 5 by an external pressure (indicated symbolically by an arrow P in the figures) exerted on the support panels 2, 3. In a first phase shown in Fig. 35, the pressure P is applied laterally on the second support panel 3 to force the separation of the second lateral edge 3 a of the second support panel 3 of the display surface 50 at the same time as the link panel 16 rotates around the fold line 17. During this first phase, the second support panel 3 and the link panel 16 form a convex dihedral until they reach the situation shown in Fig. 36, when the second support panel 3 and the link panel 16 are substantially coplanar.

From this situation, the pressure P exerted externally inwardly on the second support panel 3 and / or on the link panel 16 causes the dihedral formed by the second support panel 3 and the link panel 16 to become convex to be concave until the link panel 16 is superimposed on the fixing panel 7. Then, as shown in Fig. 37, the pressure P can be transferred on the first support panel 2 to rotate the first and second panels together of support 2, 3 around the fold line corresponding to the first side edge 2a and the fold line 18, respectively, until reaching the fully folded situation shown in Fig. 38. When the structure 10 is in the folded position , the elastic element 5 has a higher tension level than when it is in the expanded position. Therefore, when the pressure P is removed, the structure 10 it automatically expands back to the expanded position due to the tension of the elastic element 5.

In Figs. 39 to 41 a self-expanding foldable side support is shown according to the embodiment shown in Figs. 23 to 26 applied to a display 50 comprising a rectangular plate divided into two portions by a horizontal fold line 51. The display 50 can be folded to a compact position by folding it along said horizontal fold line 51. Correspondingly, the first and second lateral support panels 2, 3 of the structure 10 of the lateral support comprise respective transverse fold lines 19 in alignment with said horizontal fold line 51 of the display 50. In Fig. 30 the structure 10 of the lateral support is in the expanded position keeping the display 50 in an upright position and with its two coplanar portions. To fold the display 50 to the compact position it is necessary, first, to apply a pressure P on the first and second support panels 2, 3 to fold the structure 10 as described above, and then apply the pressure P towards back on the upper portion of the display 50 to begin folding the display 50 along the horizontal fold line 51, whereby the first and second support panels 2, 3 will begin to fold simultaneously on their respective transverse fold lines 19. Finally , and after going through a final phase of the folding operation illustrated in Fig. 41, the two portions of the display will be substantially superimposed with the structure 10 folded between them in a compact folded position.

The display unit 50 and lateral support can be maintained in the compact position by applying a very light pressure despite the fact that the tension level of the elastic element 5 when the structure 10 is in the folded position is higher than when it is in the expanded position, it can even be held in the compact position by the weight of one of the portions of the display 50 in a horizontal position on the folded structure 10 and on the other portion of the display 50. However, from the compact folded position, grabbing an upper edge of the display and by lifting it, the automatic deployment of the display 50 to the upright position and of the structure 10 of the lateral support to the expanded position is achieved.

Figs. 42 to 46 illustrate another embodiment of the lateral support of the present invention, in which the structure 10, when in an operational situation shown in Figs. 42 and 44, comprises first and second lateral support panels 2, 3 of generally triangular shape, which are connected by respective fold lines 8a, 8b to opposite lateral edges of a central support panel 4, which also It is generally triangular in shape. The central support panel 4 has an upper vertex 4a in which the vertices of the lateral support panels 2, 3 and a lower edge 4b opposite the vertex 4a converge. The first and second side support panels 2, 3 have respective first and second opposite sides 2a, 3a and respective lower edges 2b, 3b adjacent to the edge (Figs. 42 and 44), the first and second lateral support panels 2, 3 and the central support panel 4 adopt a generally pyramidal configuration, with the first and second lateral edges 2a, 3a of the first and second panels of lateral supports 2, 3 facing the rear surface of the display 50 and the lower edges 2b, 3b, 4b of the first and second lateral support panels 2, 3 and the central support panel 4 providing a support base for the display 50 , in general in cooperation with a lower edge of the display 50.

Fig. 43 shows the flat initial part from which structure 10 is formed. This flat initial part comprises the first and second lateral support panels 2, 3 connected by their respective first and second lateral edges 2a, 3a to the lateral edges of a triangular shaped fixing panel 7, which has a lower edge articulatedly connected to a flap in which first fastening configurations are formed 12. The second lateral support panel 3 is connected at the side edge opposite the central support panel 4 by one of the fold lines 8b. The central support panel 4 and the first lateral support panel 2 are connected at their opposite edges to respective stop fins 6a, 6b by other fold lines 8a. Each of the stop fins 6a, 6b has a corresponding second clamping configuration 13 formed. The lower edge 4b of the central support panel 4 is connected to a retaining panel 21 which can be folded along a fold line. which defines the lower edge 4b.

As shown in Figs. 44 and 45, in use situation, the two stop fins 6a, 6b are joined to each other by means of an adhesive 25, so that the fold lines 8a coincide forming a single fold line 8a between the first panel of lateral support 2 and the central support panel 4 and the clamping configurations 13 coincide forming a single clamping configuration 13. Alternatively, the two stopper fins 6a, 6b can be attached to each other by stapling or any other means of Union. The fixing panel 7 is fixed to a rear surface of a display 50 by means of an adhesive 24 applied to the outer face of the fixing panel 7.

An elastic element 5 (Figs. 44, 45), for example in the form of an elastic ring, is engaged in said first and second fastening configurations 12, 13 to attract the movable fold line 8b that connects the central support panel 4 and the second side support panel 3 towards the first side edge 2a of the first side support panel 2 fixed with respect to the display 50 to expand the structure 10 towards the expanded position shown in Fig. 44, while an end edge of the two mutually connected stop fins 6a, 6b rest internally on the first lateral edge 2a limiting the expansion of the structure 10.

Fig. 45 shows how the structure 10 can be moved from the expanded position to the folded position against the thrust of the elastic element 5 by an external pressure P exerted on the support panels 2, 3, 4, and the stop fin 6a , 6b is moved from the active position to the inactive position by the elastic element 5 during its movement from the position be folded and inserted between the second side support panel 3 and the display 50, so that the retention panel retains the structure 10 in the folded position against the force of the elastic element 5 (Fig. 46). However, it is sufficient to manually initiate a movement of the structure 10 from the folded position towards the expanded position so that the retention panel 21 is released and the structure 10 quickly and automatically adopts the expanded position thanks to the push of the elastic element 5.

Figs. 47 to 51 illustrate another embodiment of the lateral support of the present invention, in which the structure 10, when in an operational situation shown in Figs. 42 and 44, comprises first and second lateral support panels 2, 3 generally triangular in shape, which are connected to each other at respective adjacent lateral edges by a fold line 8. The first and second lateral support panels 2, 3 have respective first and second lateral edges 2a, 3 to opposite sides and respective adjacent lower edges 2b, 3b. When the structure 10 is in the expanded position (Figs. 47 and 49), the first and second lateral support panels 2, 3 adopt a generally pyramidal configuration, with the first and second lateral edges 2a, 3a of the first and second lateral support panels 2, 3 facing the rear surface of the display 50 and the lower edges 2b, 3b providing a support base for the display 50, generally in cooperation with a lower edge of the display 50.

Fig. 48 shows a flat initial part from which structure 10 is formed. This flat initial part comprises the first and second lateral support panels 2, 3 connected to each other by adjacent lateral edges along the line of folding 8. The first lateral support panel 2 is articulated by its first lateral edge 2a articulated to a lateral edge of a triangular shaped fixing panel 7, which is articulably connected by its lower edge to a fin in which they are formed first fastening configurations 12. The fastening panel 7 and the second lateral support panel 3 are connected by their opposite lateral edges 3a to respective abutment fins 6a, 6b in which second fastening configurations 13 are formed. The bottom edge 3b of the second side support panel 3 is connected to a retaining panel 21 that can be folded along a fold line along part d the bottom edge 3b.

As shown in Figs. 49 and 50, in use situation, the fixing panel 7 is fixed to a rear surface of a display 50 by means of an adhesive 24 applied to the outer face of the fixing panel 7, and the two stop fins 6a, 6b are located adjacent to each other and movably connected by an elastic element 5, for example in the form of an elastic ring, engaged in said first and second fastening configurations 12, 13. In the absence of other external forces (Fig. 49 ), the force of the elastic element 5 attracts the second lateral edges 3a towards each other by joining the two abutment fins 6a, 6b against each other, so that the two second lateral edges 3a coincide forming a single second edge clamping 13 coincide forming a single clamping configuration 13. In this situation, the contact between the two stop fins 6 limits the expansion of the structure 10 in the expanded position.

Fig. 50 shows how the structure 10 can be moved from the expanded position to the folded position against the thrust of the elastic element 5 by an external pressure P exerted on the support panels 2, 3, so that the two second side edges 3a are separated from each other and the two stop fins 6a, 6b, which are linked by the elastic element engaged in the respective second fastening configurations 13, are moved from the active position to an inactive position in which they are coplanar , as shown in Fig. 51. During the folding operation, the retention panel 21 can be folded and inserted between the two stop fins 6a, 6b in coplanar position and the display 50, so that the retention panel retains the structure 10 in the folded position against the force of the elastic element 5 (Fig. 51). However, it is sufficient to manually initiate a movement of the structure 10 from the folded position towards the expanded position so that the retention panel 21 is released and the structure 10 quickly and automatically adopts the expanded position thanks to the push of the elastic element 5.

Figs. 52 to 57 illustrate another embodiment of the lateral support of the present invention, in which the structure 10 comprises first and second lateral support panels 2, 3 of generally triangular shape, which are connected by respective fold lines 8a, 8b to opposite side edges of a central support panel 4 of generally rectangular shape. The central support panel 4 has opposite upper and lower edges 4a, 4b, and the first and second lateral support panels 2, 3 have respective first and second lateral edges 2a, 3 to opposite and respective lower edges 2b, 3b adjacent to the lower edge 4b of the central support panel 4 when the structure 10. When the structure 10 is in the expanded position (Figs. 52 and 55), the first and second lateral support panels 2, 3 and the central support panel 4 adopt a generally polyhedral configuration, with the first and second lateral edges 2a, 3a of the first and second lateral support panels 2, 3 and the upper edge of the panel supporting central 4a 4 facing the rear surface of the display 50 and the lower edges 2b, 3b of the first and second lateral support panels 2, 3 and said lower edge 4b of the central support panel 4 providing a support base for the display 50, generally in cooperation n with a lower edge of the rack 50.

Fig. 53 shows a flat initial piece from which the structure 10 of Fig. 52 is formed. The flat initial piece includes a central support panel 4 connected by its lateral edges opposite the first and second lateral support panels 2, 3 by the fold lines 8a, 8b. A pair of fixing panels 7 are articulated connected to the first lateral edge 2a of the first support panel 2 and to the second edge 3 a of the second support panel 3, respectively. A pair of stiffening tabs 15 are connected by respective 2, 3 respectively, and in these stiffening flange 15 first and second fastening configurations 12, 13 are formed. An additional fixing panel 7b is articulated connected to the upper edge 4a of the central support panel 4 and a retention panel 21 it is articulated connected to the lower edge 4b of the central support panel 4.

Each of the first and second side support panels 2, 3 is divided into two portions by a panel fold line 2c, 3c located between the corresponding side edge 2a, 3a and the corresponding fold line 8a, 8b. This panel fold line 2c, 3c extends from the corresponding lower edge 2b, 3b to a vertex opposite it, and each of said stiffening tabs 1 is divided into two portions by a fold line 15a extending from the end of the corresponding panel fold line 2c, 3c to a free edge of the stiffening flange 15 opposite the corresponding lower edge 2b, 3b.

In a situation of use, the two fixing panels 7 can be fixed directly to a rear surface of the display 50 by means of an adhesive (not shown) and an elastic element 5 can be engaged in the first and second fastening configurations 12, 13 for attracting each other, so that the stiffening tabs 15 act to limit the expansion of the structure 10 in the expanded position in a manner analogous to that described above in relation to the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 23 to 26. However, structure 10 according to the embodiment shown in Figs. 52 and 53 are planned to be associated with a brochure holder 30.

As shown in Fig. 57, said booklet 30 is interposed between structure 10 and display 50, and is configured to support items such as booklets or the like (not shown) so that they are accessible through an opening 52 formed in the display 50. The booklet 30 is foldable and can be moved between a folded position and an expanded position together with the structure 10, even with the items stored therein. In addition, the booklet 30 is hidden by the structure 10 and by the display 50 when both are in the expanded position.

Fig. 54 shows a flat starting piece from which the booklet holder 30 is formed. This flat starting piece comprises a base panel 31 having lateral edges articulated connected to respective fixing panels 42 by means of lines of fold 43. The base panel 31 includes "U" shaped cuts 32a defining a fin 35, which is articulated connected to the base panel 31 by an upper fold line 36 extending between two upper ends of said "U" shaped cuts 32a. When the fin 35 is bent by the upper fold line 36 (Fig. 57), the "U" shaped cuts 32a to the upper fold line 36 form an opening 32 suitable for the passage of the articles. In use situation, the base panel 31 is fixed to the display 50, for example by means of an adhesive 24 (Fig. 54) with said opening 32 facing said opening 52 of the display 50.

From a lower end of the base panel 31 extends a panel of bottom fold 37, and cuts 38 extend from the ends of said bottom fold line 37 to a bottom edge of the base panel 31. The storage panel 33 has intermediate fold lines 39 and an end edge connected to a panel of connection 40 by means of an end fold line 41. In use situation (Fig. 57), the storage panel 33 is folded by the bottom fold lines 37, intermediate 39 and end 41, and the joint panel 40 it is attached, for example by adhesive, to the flap 35, so that the storage panel 33 forms a support fold 34 at a lower level with respect to the opening 32. Thus, the articles are supported by said support fold 34 to the at the same time that they are accessible through said openings 32, 52 of the base panel 31 and of the display 50.

The base panel 31 of the booklet 30 has approximately the same dimensions as the central support panel 4 of the structure 10, and the structure 10 is attached to the booklet 30 by means of elastic rings 44 (Fig. 55) that hold the respective panels of fixing 7, 42 mutually attached. To facilitate the engagement of the elastic rings, the fixing panels 7 of the structure 10 have notches 7c formed next to the ends of the second edges 2a, 3a and the fixing panels 42 of the portfolio 30 have corresponding notches formed next to the ends of the fold lines 43. Preferably, the fixing panels 7, 42 of the structure 10 and of the booklet holder 30 are folded inwards before being attached and joined by the elastic rings, so that they are hidden when the structure 10 and brochure holder 30 are in use.

Fig. 55 shows structure 10 and brochure holder 30 attached to display 50 in the expanded position. Fig. 56 shows how the structure 10 and the booklet holder 30 can be moved from the expanded position to the folded position against the thrust of the elastic element 5 by an external pressure P exerted on the support panels 2, 3, 4. During the folding operation, the retention panel 21 can be folded and arranged below the display, so that the retention panel 21 retains the structure 10 and the booklet holder 30 in the folded position against the force of the elastic element 5, for example when The whole set is introduced in an envelope or similar wrap. However, it is enough to manually remove the envelope assembly so that the retention panel 21 is released and the structure 10 quickly and automatically adopts the expanded position thanks to the push of the elastic element 5.

It will be understood that the structure 10 according to any of the embodiments of the lateral support described above can be applied to a folding display in a manner analogous to that described in relation to Figs. 39 to 41.

One skilled in the art will be able to make modifications and variations from the examples of embodiment shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the shape, number and arrangement of elastic elements, butt fins, fixing panels, etc., may undergo multiple variations that can be easily experienced by a person skilled in the art. Also, the aforementioned three-dimensional forms partially conical and partially pyramidal can be truncated without representing a significant variation in the operation of the self-expanding folding lateral support.

The scope of the present invention is defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. - Self-expanding folding side stand for exhibitor, of the type comprising:

a structure (10) formed by several panels of a sheet material connected to each other by fold lines, including at least one fixing panel (7) fixed to a surface of an exhibitor (50) and one or more support panels (1 , 2, 3, 4), said structure (10) being foldable by said fold lines between an expanded three-dimensional position, in which at least one lower edge of one of said one or more support panels (1, 2, 3 , 4) provides a support base, and a flat folded position, in which said various panels of the structure (10) are substantially flat and superimposed on said surface of said display (50);

an elastic element (5) connected to said structure (10) to push the structure (10) towards said expanded position, said elastic element (5) having a higher tension level when the structure (10) is in said folded position; Y

a limiting configuration connected to the structure (10) by a fold and movable line between a flat inactive position superimposed on the various panels of the structure (10) when they are in the folded position and an active position in which said limiting configuration limits the expansion of the structure (10) in the expanded position,

characterized in that the one or more support panels (1, 2, 3, 4) are configured so as to hide said fixing panel (7), the elastic element (5) and the limiting configuration when they are in the expanded position, and they have an outer surface that can be used as a support for graphic or textual information, and because the structure (10) is configured so that it can be moved from the expanded position to the folded position against the thrust of the elastic element (5) by an external pressure exerted on the support panels (1, 2, 3, 4)

2. - Self-expanding folding side support according to claim 1, characterized in that said limiting configuration is linked to the structure (10) and / or the elastic element (5) so that the limiting configuration is moved from said inactive position to said active position by the structure (10) and / or by the elastic element (5) during the movement of the structure (10) from the folded position to the expanded position, and the limiting configuration is moved from the active position to the position inactive by the structure (10) and / or by the elastic element (5) during the movement of the structure (10) from the expanded position to the folded position.

3. - Self-expanding folding lateral support, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the structure (10) comprises a single support panel (1) generally triangular in shape with first and second lateral edges (la, Ib) and a bottom edge (le) curved when in the flat folded position, and adopting a partially conical configuration with said first and second side edges (la, Ib) facing said display surface (50) and said lower edge (le) providing said support base when it is in the expanded position.

4. - Self-expanding folding lateral support, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the structure (10) comprises first and second lateral support panels (2, 3) generally triangular in shape connected to each other by a fold line (8) and with respective first and second opposite side edges (2a, 3 a) and respective adjacent lower edges (2b, 3b) when they are in the flat folded position, and that adopt a partially pyramidal configuration with said first and second opposite side edges (2a, 3a) facing said display surface (50) and said lower edges (2b, 3b) providing said support base when it is in the expanded position.

5. - Self-expanding folding lateral support, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the structure (10) comprises first and second lateral support panels (2, 3) generally triangular in shape connected by respective fold lines ( 8a, 8b) to opposite lateral edges of a central support panel (4) generally quadrilateral or triangular, said first and second lateral support panels (2, 3) having respective first and second lateral edges (2a, 3a) opposite and respective lower edges (2b, 3b) adjacent to a lower edge (4b) of the central support panel (4) when the structure (10) is in the flat folded position, and which adopt a generally polyhedral configuration with said first and second lateral edges (2a, 3 a) of the first and second lateral support panels (2, 3) facing said display surface (50) and said lower edges (2b, 3b) of the first and second or side support panels (2, 3) and said lower edge (4b) of the central support panel (4) providing said support base when it is in the expanded position.

6. - Self-expanding folding lateral support, according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the fixing panel (7) is articulated connected to the first lateral edge (la) of the single support panel (1) or to the first lateral edge ( 2a) of the first lateral support panel (2), and the elastic element (5) is in the form of an elastic cord connected to a first fastening configuration (12) at or near the first lateral edge (la, 2a) already a second clamping configuration (13) in a region of the single support panel (1) away from the fixing panel (7) or in the second side panel (3) to attract the second movable lateral edge (Ib) of the single panel of support (1) or the second movable side edge (3a) of the second side support panel (3) towards the first side edge (la, 2a) sliding on the surface of the display (50) to move from the folded position to the position expanded.

7. - Self-expanding folding lateral support, according to claim 6, characterized in that said limiting configuration is in the form of a stopper fin (6) connected by a fold line (11) to an edge of the fixing panel (7 ) and provided with an edge configured to do with a region of the single support panel (1) away from the active position and the structure (10) is in the expanded position, and the elastic element (5) has a portion that interacts with said stop fin (6) to move the stop fin (6) from the inactive position to the position active when the structure (10) passes from the folded position to the expanded position.

8. - Self-expanding folding side support, according to claim 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that said fixing panel (7) has opposite side edges connected by fold lines (7a) to respective folding panels (9) , each of which is divided into inner and outer portions (9a, 9b) by an intermediate fold line (20), and said outer portions (9b) of said folding panels (9) have respective opposite edges connected articulably to the first and second lateral edges (la, Ib) of the single support panel (1) or the first and second lateral edges (2a, 3a) opposite of the first and second lateral support panels (2, 3), and the element Elastic (5) is connected to the folding panels (9) to attract the first and second lateral edges (the, Ib) of the single support panel (1) or the first and second opposite lateral edges (2a, 3 a) of the first and second side support panels (2 , 3) towards each other sliding on the surface of the display (50) to move from the folded position to the expanded position.

9. - Self-expanding folding side support, according to claim 8, characterized in that said limiting configuration is in the form of a stopper fin (6) connected by a fold line (14) to a lower edge of the fixing panel ( 7) and provided with opposite side edges (6a) configured to make counting said interior portions (9a) of the folding panels (9) when said stopper fin (6) is in the active position and the structure (10) is in the expanded position, and the elastic element (5) is in the form of an elastic cord with a portion that interacts with said stop fin (6) to move the stop fin (6) from the inactive position to the active position when the structure (10) passes from the folded position to the expanded position.

10. - Self-expanding folding side support, according to claim 8, characterized in that surfaces of the outer portions (9b) of the folding panels (9) are attached to interior surfaces of the single support panel (1) or of the first and second side support panels (2, 3), and said limiting configuration is provided by said inner portions (9a) of the folding panels (9) in cooperation with the contact of the first and second side edges (la, Ib) of the single support panel (1) or of the first and second lateral edges (2a, 3 a) opposite of the first and second lateral support panels (2, 3) with the surface of the display (50).

11. - Self-expanding folding lateral support, according to claim 3, characterized in that the first and second opposite lateral edges (the, Ib) of the single support panel (1) are fixed to the surface of the display (50) by one or more of said fixing panels (7); the only support panel (1) is divided into three parts by a couple of lines of same; said limiting configuration is in the form of a pair of stiffening tabs (15) connected by respective fold lines to the lower edge (le) of the single support panel (1) on the side and side of said panel fold lines ( Id); each of said stiffening tabs (15) is divided into two portions by a fold line (1 a) extending from the end of the corresponding panel fold line (Id) to a free edge; and the elastic element (5) is in the form of an elastic cord connected to said stiffening tabs (15) to push the structure (10) into the expanded position until portions of the single side support panel (1) adjacent to each panel fold line (Id) are mutually coplanar and said two portions of the corresponding stiffening flange (15) are mutually coplanar in another plane.

12. - Self-expanding folding side support, according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the first and second opposite side edges (2nd, 3rd) of the first and second side support panels (2, 3) are fixed to the surface of the display stand (50) by one or more of said fixing panels (7); each of the first and second side support panels (2, 3) is divided into two portions by a panel fold line (2c, 3c) extending from the bottom edge (2b, 3b) to a vertex opposite the same; said limiting configuration is in the form of a pair of stiffening tabs (15) connected by respective fold lines to the lower edges (2a, 3a) of the first and second lateral support panels (2, 3); each of said stiffening tabs (15) is divided into two portions by a fold line (15a) extending from the end of the corresponding panel fold line (2c, 3c) to a free edge; and the elastic element (5) is in the form of an elastic cord connected to said stiffening tabs (15) to push the structure (10) into the expanded position until said two portions of each of the first and second panels of Side supports (2, 3) are mutually coplanar and said two portions of the corresponding stiffening flange (15) are mutually coplanar in another plane.

13. - Self-expanding folding lateral support, according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the fixing panel (7) is articulated connected to the first lateral edge (2a) of the first lateral support panel (2); said limiting configuration is in the form of a link panel (16) with an edge connected by a fold line (17) to an edge of the fixing panel (7) and another opposite edge connected by a reversible fold line (18 ) to the second side edge (3a) of the second side support panel (3); and the elastic element (5) is in the form of an elastic cord connected to a first fastening configuration (12) in or near the fastening panel (7) and a second fastening configuration (13) in the second side panel ( 3) to attract the second side edge (3a) of the second side support panel (3) towards the first side edge (2a) and said link panel (16) towards the surface of the display (50) to move from the folded position to the expanded position.

14. - Self-expanding folding side support, according to any one of the articulated to the structure (10) or to the surface of the display stand (50) protruding from the bottom edge (le, 2b, 3b, 4b) of at least one of the support panels (1, 2, 3, 4) when the structure ( 10) is in the folded position, and said retention panel (21) can be folded by a fold line and superimposed on the structure (10), or the display (50) or inserted between the structure (10) and the display (50) when the structure (10) is in the folded position to retain at least in part the structure (10) in the folded position.

15. - Self-expanding folding side support, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the single support panel (1) or the first and second lateral support panels (2, 3) or the first and second support panels lateral (2, 3) and central support panel (4) comprise respective transverse fold lines (19) in alignment with a horizontal fold line (51) of the display (50).

16. - Self-expanding folding lateral support, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the structure (10) is associated with a booklet holder (30) configured to support items such as leaflets or the like so that they are accessible to through an opening (52) formed in the display (50), where said booklet holder (30) can be moved between a folded position and an expanded position together with the structure (10) and where the booklet holder (30) is hidden by the structure (10) in the expanded position,

17. - Self-expanding folding side support, according to claim 16, characterized in that said booklet holder (30) comprises a base panel (31) having an opening (32) suitable for the passage of said articles, said base panel being (31) configured to be fixed to the display (50) with said opening (32) facing said opening (52) of the display (50), and a storage panel (33) connected by one of its edges to said base panel (31), said storage panel (33) being configured to be arranged in folded use form a support fold (34) at a lower level with respect to the opening (32) so that the articles are supported by said fold of support (34) at the same time that they are accessible through said openings (32, 52) of the base panel (31) and of the display rack (50).

18. - Self-expanding folding side support, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said sheet material from which the various panels of the structure (10) are made is selected from a group comprising strong paper sheet, sheet of thin cardboard, and plastic sheet of an appropriate thickness to be directly printed on a conventional printing machine.