U.S. patent application number 11/285015 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-10 for fabric display panels and methods of making same.
Invention is credited to Robert P. Hughes.
Application Number | 20060174525 11/285015 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38067667 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060174525 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hughes; Robert P. |
August 10, 2006 |
Fabric display panels and methods of making same
Abstract
Fabric display panels mountable on a frame for displaying
graphical images and methods of making same. In some embodiments,
fabric display panels which, when stretch mounted on a frame,
exhibit curvilinear borders and/or are substantially wrinkle
free.
Inventors: |
Hughes; Robert P.; (Chevy
Chase, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HALL, MYERS, VANDE SANDE & PEQUIGNOT, LLP
10220 RIVER ROAD, SUITE 200
POTOMAC
MD
20854
US
|
Family ID: |
38067667 |
Appl. No.: |
11/285015 |
Filed: |
November 23, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10372237 |
Feb 25, 2003 |
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11285015 |
Nov 23, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
40/603 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/4987 20150115;
Y10T 29/49826 20150115; G09F 15/0025 20130101; G09F 17/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
040/603 |
International
Class: |
G09F 17/00 20060101
G09F017/00 |
Claims
1. A method of sizing a stretchable fabric panel prior to printing
for use on a portable display frame, said method comprising:
selecting a fabric for printing a desired image thereon; selecting
a desired end-size of said fabric for producing a fabric panel,
said size including, at least, a dimension x and a dimension y;
selecting a printing method for printing graphical images on said
fabric; determining a quantity of expected linear shrinkage in an
x-axis of said fabric, designated LSX, which is expected to occur
during a printing operation performed pursuant to said printing
method; determining a quantity of expected linear shrinkage in a
y-axis of said fabric, designated LSY, which is expected to occur
during a printing operation performed pursuant to said printing
method; sizing said fabric as a fabric panel for printing graphical
images thereon having dimensions determined according to the
formula: a first linear dimension=x+LSX a second linear
dimension=y+LSY.
2. The method according to claim 1 further comprising a printing
step performed subsequent to said sizing step, said printing step
comprising printing a desired image onto said fabric utilizing said
printing method.
3. The method according to claim 2 wherein when said fabric panel
is mounted to a frame and stretched to said desired end size, said
desired image appears substantially undistorted.
4. The method according to claim 3 wherein when said fabric panel
is mounted to a frame and stretched to said desired end size, said
display panel exhibits curvilinear borders.
5. The method according to claim 3 wherein when said fabric panel
is mounted to a frame and stretched to said desired end size, said
display panel appears substantially wrinkle free.
6. The method according to claim 3 wherein when said fabric panel
is mounted to a frame and stretched to said desired end size, said
display panel exhibits curvilinear borders and appears
substantially wrinkle free.
7. The method according to claim 6 wherein said printing method
comprises dye sublimation.
8. The method according to claim 7 wherein value LSX is selected
from between approximately 3 and 4.5 inches.
9. The method according to claim 7 wherein value LSY is selected
from between approximately 2 and 3 inches.
10. The method according to claim 7 wherein value LSX is selected
from between approximately 3 and 4.5 inches and value LSY is
selected from between approximately 2 and 3 inches.
11. The method according to claim 10 further comprising a method
step of forming a plurality of apertures proximal corners of said
fabric panel, said plurality of apertures connecting said fabric
panel to said frame.
12. A display apparatus comprising: a frame having a plurality of
display panel connectors; and a display panel comprising, at least
in part, a layer of stretchable fabric, said display panel
including a plurality of apertures for connecting to said plurality
of display panel connectors, said plurality of apertures being
located spaced apart from one another proximal a perimeter of said
display panel, each of said plurality of apertures being so
configured such that when said display panel is connected to said
frame by affixing said plurality of apertures to said plurality of
display panel connectors, said display panel exhibits curvilinear
borders.
13. A display apparatus according to claim 12 wherein when said
display panel is connected to said frame, said display panel
appears substantially wrinkle free.
14. A display apparatus according to claim 12, wherein each of said
plurality of apertures are generally elongated in shape and are so
oriented in particular respective orientations such that when said
display panel is attached to said frame, said display panel appears
substantially wrinkle free.
15. A display apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said display
panel is generally rectangular in configuration and includes a top
edge including two corners and a bottom edge including two corners,
and wherein each said corner of said top and bottom edges includes
one of said plurality of apertures located proximal thereto.
16. A display apparatus according to claim 15 wherein each of said
generally elongated apertures includes an axis extending
longitudinally through the length thereof; and wherein said axes of
said apertures located proximal said top edge are oriented at a
substantially different angular orientation than said axes of said
apertures located proximal said bottom edge.
17. A display apparatus according to claim 16 wherein said display
panel has a perimeter comprised of two vertical sides and two
horizontal sides, and wherein said axes of two of said apertures
located non-diagonally adjacent one another are oriented
substantially parallel to one of said vertical or said horizontal
sides; and wherein said axes of two of said apertures located
non-diagonally adjacent one another are oriented substantially
non-parallel to both said vertical and said horizontal sides.
18. A display apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said axes of
two of said apertures located non-diagonally adjacent one another
are oriented at approximately a 30-60 degree angle relative to both
said vertical and said horizontal sides.
19. A method for producing an apparatus according to claim 1.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This application claims priority to and is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/372,237, filed Feb. 25, 2003, entitled DISPLAY PANELS, the
entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to fabric display panels mountable on
a frame for displaying graphical images and methods of making same.
In some embodiments, this invention relates to fabric display
panels which, when stretch mounted on a frame, exhibit curvilinear
borders and/or are substantially wrinkle free.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Display panels are commonly used to advertise products and
services. Generally it is important that such panels are attractive
and eye-catching. When those display panels are used for limited
periods of times, e.g., at trade shows, it is often equally
important that they are easy to transport, quick to set up and
ready to use.
[0004] Accordingly, major efforts have gone into designing support
structures for display panels that are lightweight and can be
assembled and disassembled fairly quickly. Popular are, in
particular, foldable, lightweight structures that can be compacted
and thus are easy to transport.
[0005] Stretch fabrics have been known and used for many years.
Early applications included uses in the theater industry such as
for costumes and stage decorations. More recently, stretch fabrics
have also been used for indoor and outdoor advertisement.
[0006] However, the advantages of stretch fabrics have not been
fully realized for the sign and display industry. Indeed, it is
believed that there is a long felt, unsatisfied need for display
panels that are at least partially made of stretch fabric and that
can be easily mounted to and dismounted from a supporting structure
while simultaneously presenting a desirable and aesthetically
pleasing appearance.
[0007] In view of the above enumerated drawbacks, it is apparent
that there exists a need in the art for apparatus and/or methods
which solve and/or ameliorate at least one of the above drawbacks.
It is a purpose of this invention to fulfill those needs as well as
other needs in the art which will become more apparent to the
skilled artisan once given the following disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Generally speaking, this invention addresses the
above-described needs in the art by providing:
[0009] a method of sizing a stretchable fabric panel prior to
printing for use on a portable display frame, the method
comprising:
[0010] selecting a fabric for printing a desired image thereon;
[0011] selecting a desired end-size of the fabric for producing a
fabric panel, the size including, at least, a dimension x and a
dimension y;
[0012] selecting a printing method for printing graphical images on
the fabric;
[0013] determining a quantity of expected linear shrinkage in an
x-axis of the fabric, designated LSX, which is expected to occur
during a printing operation performed pursuant to the printing
method;
[0014] determining a quantity of expected linear shrinkage in a
y-axis of the fabric, designated LSY, which is expected to occur
during a printing operation performed pursuant to the printing
method;
[0015] sizing the fabric as a fabric panel for printing graphical
images thereon having dimensions determined according to the
formula: a first linear dimension=x+LSX a second linear
dimension=y+LSY.
[0016] In another embodiment, this invention provides:
[0017] a display apparatus comprising:
[0018] a frame having a plurality of display panel connectors; and
a display panel comprising, at least in part, a layer of
stretchable fabric, the display panel including a plurality of
apertures for connecting to the plurality of display panel
connectors, the plurality of apertures being located spaced apart
from one another proximal a perimeter of the display panel, each of
the plurality of apertures being so configured such that when the
display panel is connected to the frame by affixing the plurality
of apertures to the plurality of display panel connectors, the
display panel exhibits curvilinear borders.
[0019] This invention will now be described with respect to certain
embodiments thereof as illustrated in the following drawings
wherein:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 a perspective view of a support frame with stretch
panels attached to
[0021] FIG. 2a shows a display panel with a corner buttonhole that
is adapted to be attached to a hub of a supporting structure. FIG.
2b shows such a hub.
[0022] FIG. 3a is a perspective view and FIG. 3b is a top view of a
display panel that have buttonholes aligned in different ways.
[0023] FIGS. 4a and 4b are back and front views, respectively, of
parts of a display panel having a VELCRO mounting attachment.
[0024] FIGS. 5a and 5b are back and front views, respectively, of
parts of a display panel having a hook mounting attachment.
[0025] FIGS. 6a and 6b are back and front views, respectively, of
parts of a display panel with a loop mounting attachment.
[0026] FIGS. 7a and 7b show parts of a display panel with a
mounting attachment in form of a hook attached to a rod integrated
into the hem of the panel, an additional or integral rod is also
shown.
[0027] FIGS. 8a and 8b show parts of a display panel with a
mounting attachment in form of a loop attached to a rod.
[0028] FIGS. 9a-9d show display panels with different elastic loop
mounting attachments.
[0029] FIG. 10 shows part of a display panel which is mounted over
a supporting structure. The display panel is mounted on the
supporting structure via a zipper arrangement.
[0030] FIG. 11 shows a round display panel.
[0031] FIG. 12 shows a triangular display panel.
[0032] FIG. 13 illustrates a fabric display panel having
curvilinear edges according to one embodiment of the subject
invention.
[0033] FIGS. 14a and 14b illustrate alternative embodiments of
fabric display panels having curvilinear edges.
[0034] FIG. 15 illustrates a detailed view of an aperture of the
fabric display panel depicted in FIG. 13.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS
Definitions
[0035] "Polyester fiber" as used herein is a manufactured fiber in
which the fiber forming substance is any long-chain synthetic
polymer composed of at least 85% by weight of an ester of a
substituted aromatic carboxylic acid, including, but not restricted
to substituted terephthalic units and parasubstituted
hydroxy-benzoate units.
[0036] "Display panels" as used herein refers to any type of
structure having at least one surface that is useful for displaying
purposes. The display panels can carry indicia, information,
designs etc.
[0037] "Stretch fabric" as used herein refers to any type of fabric
that extends when placed under tension, at least in parts, beyond
the limits it assumes when it is not placed under tension. The
stretchable fabrics of the present invention have, to some extent
and over some period time, elastic properties.
[0038] "Base portion" as used herein in connection with display
panels refers to a portion that extends across a display panel and
which may or may not carry secondary structures, such as
appliques.
[0039] "Body" as used herein in connection with display panels
refers to a structure that bears stretch loads within a display
panel from a first mounting structure to a second mounting
structure and that may extend across part or all of the space
between the first and second mounting structures.
[0040] "Hem" as used herein refers to borders and edges.
[0041] "Part of a hem" as used herein refers to being integral or
connected to the hem.
[0042] "Hook and loop fastener" as used herein refers to any
fastener that uses hooks and loops for fastening purposes.
Accordingly, a hook of a hook and loop fastener can be, e.g., a
simple metal or plastic hook, or a hook portion of a hook and loop
fabric fastener, such as that sold under the trademark VELCRO.
[0043] For a more complete understanding of the present invention
and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following
description of various illustrative and non-limiting embodiments
thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
submitted herewith.
[0044] The present invention is directed to display panels that are
adapted to be mounted on supporting structures.
[0045] At least portions of the display panels of the present
invention are made of stretch fabric. In a preferred embodiment,
this stretch fabric is a single layer fabric and in some
embodiments, the stretch fabric is a single thickness fabric. In
some embodiments, only the body of the panel will be stretch
fabric, other portions of the panel are made of any type of
material that is suitable for the purpose of the display, such as,
but not limited to, fabrics such as natural fiber fabrics; e.g.
cotton; synthetic fabrics, e.g., polyester based non-stretch
fabrics, acetate/rayon mix fabrics, nylon fabrics; semisynthetic
fabrics; fabrics with a metallic component; fiberglass based
fabrics; cellulose/fiberglass mix materials; cellulose based
materials; or plastic materials such as PVC or combinations
thereof. In some embodiments, the base portion of the display panel
is made of stretch fabric. In some embodiments, the entire display
panel is made of stretch fabric.
[0046] The stretch fabric of the present invention is in many
embodiments made of polyester fiber that comprises about 90 to
about 100% polyester. Some of these fabrics contain up to about 10%
Lycra. In some embodiments, the fabric is single layer stretch
fabric. In some embodiments, the fabric is a single thickness of
fabric. Fabric such a brocade are considered to be a single
thickness of fabric. In some of the embodiments, the fabric is
flame resistant or, more preferably, permanently flame resistant.
In some embodiments, the fabric is a two-way stretch fabric, with a
stretch of, for example, 10% .times.1O %, 20%.times.20%,
30%.times.30%, 40%.times.40% or SO %.times.50%. In some
embodiments, the fabric is a multiple ways stretch fabric. In some
embodiments, the fabric has a flat weave with only slight stretch.
While many of the stretch fabrics of the present invention are
classified as "middle weight" and "heavy weight" fabrics, they are
very lightweight compared to other materials that display panels
are often made of, such as cardboard paper and plastic sheet
materials. Some of the fabrics weigh less than 10 ounces per square
yard, more preferably less than 6 ounces per square yard or less
than 5 ounces per square yard. Stretch fabrics that have been found
to be advantageous are marketed under the trademarks ACROBAT,
TRAPESE, CELTIC CLOTH and POWER NET 100. However, other polyester
stretch fabrics are within the scope of the present invention.
Stretch fabrics that do not contain any polyester or minor amounts
of polyester are also within the scope of the present invention. In
many embodiments the stretch fabric has been subjected to printing.
In some embodiments, matter has been printed onto the stretch
fabric via digital printing, for example via printing on VUTEX,
NUR, SALSA and SCITEX digital print systems. In some embodiments,
matter has been printed onto the fabric by silk screening. In
certain embodiments, matter has been printed onto the fabric by ink
jet printing. In a preferred embodiment, matter has been printed
onto the stretch fabric via dye sublimation. However, any suitable
method to apply printed material onto the stretch fabric is within
the scope of the invention.
[0047] The display panels of the present invention are adapted to
be mounted on supporting structures. A wide variety of supporting
structures are contemplated. Essentially any supporting structure
to which the display panel described herein can be mounted, either
with or without prior modification of the support structure or with
or without the use of mounting accessories, such as mounting bars,
is within the scope of the present invention. In a preferred
embodiment, such supporting structures are foldable frames. In a
more preferred embodiment, such foldable frames are lightweight. In
another preferred embodiment, such frames can be brought into a
compact state within a very short time. In another preferred
embodiment, the supporting structure has integral hubs onto which
the display panels can be mounted via e.g. buttonholes or loop
structures. Suitable foldable frames are described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 4,986,016 and 5,125,205. When a display panel according of the
present invention is mounted onto a fully set up supporting
structure, the stretch fabric of the display panel is, in most
embodiments, under stretch tension.
[0048] Some preferred ways of mounting the display panels of the
present invention onto such supporting structures will now be
described with reference to the figures.
[0049] FIG. 1 shows a display panel 2 according to the present
invention mounted onto a supporting structure 1. Material 3 is
printed on the display panel. In some embodiments, a base portion
of the display panel is made of stretch fabric and material is
directly printed onto this base portion. In other embodiments
structures, such as appliques or pouches, are attached to the base
portion of the display panel. In such embodiments, the base portion
may or may not have printed material on it. In some embodiments,
the body of the display panel is made of stretch fabric, while the
remainder of the display panel is made of other materials. Some
suitable materials that can be used in such a display panel have
been described above. In some embodiments, at least parts of the
stretch fabric are of single layer construction. As indicated
above, when a display panel 2 is attached to a fully set up support
structure, at least the body of the display panel is, in a
preferred embodiment, under stretch tension. This, in combination
with a preferred mounting of the panel, which will be described in
more detail below, allows, in certain preferred embodiments, for a
mostly ripple free appearance of those portions of the display
panel that are made of stretch fabric. A panel mounted in the way
shown in FIG. 1 will generally be wrinkle free after the display
panel has been mounted for only a short period of time on a
supporting structure even if the display panel was folded into
different directions prior to mounting.
[0050] The periphery of the display panels are, in certain, but not
all, preferred embodiments, made of stretch fabric. In this and
other embodiment, the edges of the display panel may have a hem
that is made by turning and sewing the borders of at least parts of
the panel. However, as the person skilled in the art will
appreciate, any other suitable hem is within the scope of the
invention.
[0051] The display panel according to a present invention can be
mounted onto a supporting structure in many different ways.
[0052] In one preferred embodiment, the display panel has apertures
that can be fastened to protrusions that are part of the supporting
structure such as the hubs 4 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2a, b. While in
some preferred embodiments, those protrusions are part of the
supporting structure, in other preferred embodiments, suitable
protrusions can be attached to the supporting structure. Any
protrusion that allows fastening of the display panel via an
aperture to the supporting structure is suitable. In one preferred
embodiment, the apertures in the display panel are buttonholes. In
an even more preferred embodiment these buttonholes are elongated.
In yet another preferred embodiment, the buttonholes have
reinforcement at their edges. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a,
b and 3a, b, the display panels have corners of roughly 90 degrees
and the longitudinal axis of the buttonholes 5 locates in such
corners divide these corners into roughly equal parts. However, the
corners of the present invention can have many different angles,
may or may not be pointed and may or may not be defined by
substantially straight sides. For example, rounded corners and
corners defined by undulating or rounded sides are within the scope
of the claimed invention. Equally, the alignment of the buttonholes
can take many different directions. In embodiments in which there
are at least two pairs of diagonally opposed elongated buttonholes,
one can imagine a first axis defined by an imaginary reference line
passing through a first of said pairs and a central portion of a
display panel and a second axis defined by a second imaginary
reference line passing through the second of said pairs of
buttonholes and a central portion of the display panel. In such
embodiments, the first and second buttonhole pairs may take any
direction in which they are elongated more nearly parallel then
perpendicular to said first and second axes. In a preferred
embodiment, these first and second buttonhole pairs are
substantially parallel to said first and second axes. Buttonholes
with this orientation are designated 5 in FIGS. 2a, b and 3a, b. As
depicted in FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b, additional buttonholes 6 many have
different orientation. Those additional buttonholes are more nearly
parallel than perpendicular to an imaginary reference line
extending along a side of the display panel. In many embodiments,
and as shown in FIGS. 2a, b and 3a, b, the buttonholes are at the
edge of the display panel. However, the buttonholes can be at any
other suitable position. At least some of the buttonholes are, in
certain embodiments, in single layer portions of the stretch
fabric. In certain embodiments, for example, the particular angular
orientations of the buttonholes and/or combinations of angular
orientations of buttonholes for certain configurations and/or
dimensions of the display panel aid in and/or effect the
achievement of a wrinkle-free, or a substantially wrinkle-free
appearance of the display panel.
[0053] Another embodiment includes fastening the display panels to
a supporting structure via one or more VELCRO fasteners. FIGS. 4a
and 4b shows how, for example, one part of a VELCRO fastener 7 can
be attached to a display panel. In the embodiment shown, the
display panel would be attached via a complimentary part of the
VELCRO fastener which is attached or part of the supporting
structure. Many modifications of the arrangement shown are within
the scope of the present invention. The VELCRO fastener can take
different shapes and positions. For example, the VELCRO fastener
can be attached to the display panel along an edge of the panel
and, if desirable, the center as well as any portion of the panel
between the center and the edges. Also, the complimentary part of
the VELCRO fastener can be attached to the display panel itself. In
such an embodiment, fastening can be achieved, e.g., by wrapping
parts of the panel around the supporting structure and securing the
complimentary parts of the VELCRO fastener to each other.
[0054] Another contemplated embodiment of the present invention
includes fastening the display panels to a supporting structure via
hook(s) and/or loop(s) that are attached to the display panel.
FIGS. 5a and 5b shows how a hook 8 can be attached to a display
panel and FIGS. 6a and 6b shows how a loop 9 can be attached to a
display panel. In these embodiments, the display panel can be
attached to any part of the supporting structure to which a hook or
loop, respectively, can be fastened. Alternatively, loop(s) and
hook(s) complimentary to the hook(s) and/or loop(s) of the display
panel can be attached to or be part of the supporting structure. In
one embodiment, a display panel includes both hooks and loops. Many
modifications of the configurations shown in FIGS. 5a, b and 6a, b
are contemplated. The hooks and loops can take any form and size
that allows attachment to a respective supporting structure. The
hooks and loops can be made of any suitable material, e.g. plastic,
metal or fabric. The hooks and loops can also be attached to the
display panel at different places including the edges of the panel
and, if desirable, the center as well as any portion of the panel
between the center and the edges. The hooks and loops can take any
form and size that allows attachment to a respective supporting
structure. The supporting structure may or may not have
complementary loops and hooks.
[0055] Another contemplated embodiment includes fastening the
display panels to a supporting structure via mounting structures
such as hook(s) and loop(s) that is/are attached to one or more
mounting supports such as a rod. FIGS. 7a and 7b shows a mounting
structure in form of a hook 10 attached to a mounting support,
e.g., a rod A, that is sewn into a hem of the display panel 2.
FIGS. 7a and 7b show a rod B that is sewn into the hem and is
attached to rod A. In some embodiments, rod B or a similar mounting
support, will be a integral part of rod A. FIGS. 8a and 8b shows a
loop 11 attached to a mounting support, e.g., a rod, that is sewn
into a hem of the display panel 2. The mounting supports can take
different shapes, can be made from different materials and can be
attached to the panel in any suitable way. While FIGS. 7a, b and
8a, b show hooks and loops as distinct entities of the mounting
structure, integral hooks and loops or any other integral mounting
structure such the mounting structures discussed above, as well as
structures that are part of the mounting support and that fulfill
mounting structure functions are within the scope of the present
invention. Again many modifications of the configurations shown in
FIGS. 7a, b and 8a, b are contemplated. The mounting support can be
attached to a display panel at different places including the edges
of a panel and, if desirable, a central portion of the display
panel as well as any portion of the panel between the center and
the edges. The mounting structures can be at any suitable place on
the mounting support.
[0056] Another embodiment includes fastening the display panels to
a supporting structure via elastic loop structures that are
attached to the display panel. FIGS. 9a and 9b show two of many
different ways in which an elastic loop 13 can be attached to an
display panel. FIG. 9a shows an elastic loop that forms an integral
part of the hem of the display panel. FIG. 9b shows an elastic loop
that is attached to a corner of the display panel. In a preferred
embodiment, the elastic loop(s) are/is attached to the hem of the
display panel. In another preferred embodiment, the elastic loop(s)
are/is an integral part of the hem of the display panel. Additional
elastic loops can be attached at any other part of the display
panel. The loop(s) only have to have minimal elasticity and are not
restricted to any particular material.
[0057] Another embodiment includes fastening the display panels to
a supporting structure via a zipper. FIG. 10 shows a display panel
that envelops a supporting structure whereby envelopment of the
supporting structure I is achieved via a zipper 14 that connects
edges of the display panel. While FIG. 10 shows a configuration in
which the entire supporting structure is enveloped, partial
enveloping of a supporting structure is within the scope of the
present invention. One or more zippers are contemplated. The
zippers can be aligned with the support structure as shown in the
drawings, but can, depending on the shape of the display panel(s)
be aligned in any other suitable way. In connection with this
zipper configuration, a singular display panel can be zipped up
around the supporting structure or multiple display panels can be
zipped together. Also, one or more display panel attached to one or
more other panels, such as stretch r non-stretch cloth panels, via
one or more zippers.
[0058] FIGS. 11 and 12 show some representative configurations of
the display panel according to the present invention. FIG. II shows
a round panel and FIG. 12 shows a triangular panel. However, any
desirable configuration of the display panel is within the scope of
the invention.
[0059] Turning now to FIGS. 13-15, an alternative embodiment of
display panel 2 is illustrated therein (shown assembled on frame or
support structure 1). In the illustrated embodiment, display panel
2 exhibits curvilinear edges or borders 15. In particular, the
formation of such curved borders, alone, or in combination with
methods of manufacture described below, aid in ensuring that
graphics printed on the display panel are generally, or, in some
cases, substantially completely undistorted when the display panel
is stretched over and connected to support structure 1. Moreover,
the formation of the curved sides or borders 15 results in a
substantially wrinkle free (or completely wrinkle free) display
panel when installed on a frame. Substantially wrinkle free, in
this context, refers, in particular, to a condition in which the
display panel is smooth or unwrinkled at least throughout the
central portion of the display panel where graphics or text is
normally printed i.e. to an extent such that the appearance of the
printed text or graphics is generally undistorted in appearance.
Nevertheless, in some applications, an entirely wrinkle free
display panel is preferred.
[0060] In at least one embodiment, in order to obtain the
curvilinear borders 15 such as shown in FIGS. 13, 14a and 14b,
apertures 5 (e.g. buttonholes) are specifically configured and
oriented to achieve a particular appearance. For example, in an
embodiment of a display panel having four corners (and hence four
apertures) as illustrated in FIG. 13, each aperture 5 is an
elongated eyelet-type structure (having an imaginary axis extending
longitudinally therethrough) which is oriented at an angle of
approximately 45 degrees relative to the sides or border edges of
panel 2. It is noted, of course, that due to the curvilinear nature
of the sides or borders, measuring a specific angle is a somewhat
difficult task. Thus, for the purposes of interpreting the
disclosure herein, angles should be measured as if the sides are
linear and oriented horizontally and vertically, respectively.
Nevertheless, it is contemplated that a variety of angles and
combinations thereof are capable of producing the desired end panel
configurations (as well as are capable of assisting in achieving a
wrinkle free or substantially wrinkle free appearance, for
example), such useful angles being generally selected from between
30-60 degrees (i.e. measured from a horizontal or vertical side)
but not necessarily limited thereto.
[0061] In another embodiment of display panel 2 which utilizes more
than four apertures such as depicted in FIGS. 14a and 14b (eight
are shown in these figures), the orientations of the non-corner
apertures are angularly different than the orientations of the
apertures located at the panel corners. For example, in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 14a, non-corner apertures 5 are oriented
generally perpendicularly to their respective vertical panel sides.
In other embodiments, such as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 14b,
however, non-corner apertures 5 are oriented angularly parallel to
the vertical sides of the panel. In either event, a specific
combination (or combinations) of aperture orientations can be
selected depending on the end appearance desired for the particular
display application.
[0062] During certain printing processes for producing graphical
images on the display panel, such as dye sublimation, certain
factors in the process, such as heat, cause shrinking of the fabric
display panel. Thus, if such shrinking is not accounted for, the
panel, when mounted on a support structure 1 will display an image
which is distorted in appearance. Therefore, certain methods of
display panel manufacture have been devised which solve the
aforementioned image distortion problems.
[0063] In one such method, once the desired end size of a fabric
panel is selected (for mounting on a display frame), adjustments
are made to the dimensions of the starting fabric material in order
to account for the shrinkage which has been determined to occur
during certain image printing methods, such as during dye
sublimation, for example. It is noted, in this regard, that the
shrinkage which occurs is not simply limited in effect to the end
size of the fabric panel, but, additionally, acts to distort the
image which is printed thereon when the panel is mounted on a
support structure 1.
[0064] For example, in a dye sublimation printing process, when
printing an image on a generally square or rectangular fabric
panel, it has been discovered that a shrinkage occurs in both the x
and y axis of the panel (i.e. in the horizontal and vertical
dimensions of the fabric). In this regard, in such a printing
process, it has been discovered that approximately 3-4.5 inches of
shrinkage occurs in the x-axis of the panel (i.e. the width)
designated as linear shrinkage-x (LSX), and approximately 2-3
inches of shrinkage occurs in the y-axis of the panel (i.e. the
height) designated as linear shrinkage-y (LSY). This shrinkage, in
turn, if not accounted for, causes a corresponding distortion in
the appearance of the finished display panel. Therefore, in order
to adjust for such shrinkage, the starting panel material is
increased in size in dimensions corresponding to the determined
dimensions of shrinkage. Thus, the following formula can be
employed when selecting the starting dimensions of a fabric panel
which will be subjected to a dye sublimation: Width=x+LSX
Height=y+LSY
[0065] When employing such a formula in fabric display panel
production, the desired end appearance and dimensions of a fabric
display panel are consistently achievable thereby dramatically
improving the efficiency of the display panel production
process.
[0066] It is noted, of course, the different fabric materials, as
well as differently dimensioned fabric panels, will likely
experience different rates of shrinkage during dye sublimation.
Moreover, if alternatives to dye sublimation are employed,
shrinkage rates may differ as a result of the differences in the
printing processes. Therefore, it is contemplated that certain
experimentation must be undertaken when alternative printing
methods are used, new fabric materials are employed, or new panel
sizes are printed. Nevertheless, once dimensions LSX and LSY are
determined (e.g. as averages calculated according to the results of
batch experiments), such dimensions can be employed in the formula
above to reliably produce fabric panels which will be acceptable in
both appearance and size for end use (e.g. within certain
tolerances) such as at trade shows, for example.
[0067] Once given the above disclosure, many other features,
modifications, and improvements will become apparent to the skilled
artisan. Such other features, modifications, and improvements are
therefore considered to be part of this invention the scope of
which is to be determined by the following claims:
* * * * *