U.S. patent application number 12/294935 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-07 for hubs and reconfigurable frames.
Invention is credited to Robert P. Hughes.
Application Number | 20100251659 12/294935 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39468725 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100251659 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hughes; Robert P. |
October 7, 2010 |
HUBS AND RECONFIGURABLE FRAMES
Abstract
Hub structures inter-connectable with and/or connected to
elongated frame members (e.g., rod-type members) to form frames. In
certain non-limiting, example, embodiments, hubs which have simple
configurations and/or which are connectable to elongated frame
members (e.g., rod-type members) employing small numbers of
connectors (e.g., one screw-type connector per frame member/hub
connection) and/or which are more easily assembled/disassembled to
frame members for constructing and/or deconstructing frame
structures.
Inventors: |
Hughes; Robert P.; (Chevy
Chase, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Pequignot + Myers LLC
90 North Coast Highway 101, Suite 208
Encinitas
CA
92024
US
|
Family ID: |
39468725 |
Appl. No.: |
12/294935 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
November 29, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US07/85966 |
371 Date: |
June 7, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60867792 |
Nov 29, 2006 |
|
|
|
60929914 |
Jul 17, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/646 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 2200/065 20130101;
A47B 43/00 20130101; G09F 27/00 20130101; F16M 11/22 20130101; F16M
11/16 20130101; A47F 5/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/646 |
International
Class: |
E04H 12/18 20060101
E04H012/18 |
Claims
1. A hub comprising: a generally hexahedral body formed as a
combination of first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth
polygonal portions; said first polygonal portion comprising a first
surface area surrounding and contiguous with a generally central
aperture; said first surface area connecting to and contiguous with
said second, third, fourth, and fifth polygonal portions; said
sixth polygonal portion being located generally opposite said first
polygonal portion and connected to and contiguous with said second,
third, fourth, and fifth polygonal portions; said second polygonal
portion being located generally opposite said fourth polygonal
portion; said third polygonal portion being located generally
opposite said fifth polygonal portion; said generally hexahedral
body further including a first recess cutout formed and extending
between said second and said sixth polygonal portions; a second
recess cutout formed and extending between said third and said
sixth polygonal portions; a third recess cutout formed and
extending between said fourth and said sixth polygonal portions; a
fourth recess cutout formed and extending between said fifth and
said sixth polygonal portions; first, second, third, and fourth
pivot connecting structures located in said first, second, third,
and fourth recess cutouts, respectively, each said pivot connecting
structure being capable of pivotally connecting a frame rod
therein; said generally central aperture comprising a first
connecting structure capable of retaining a connector device; and
at least one frame rod pivotally interconnected to said hub at one
of said first, second, third, or fourth pivot connecting
structures.
2. A hub according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said pivot
connecting structures is comprised of a mechanical fastener
mechanically communicating with at least one hub aperture disposed
in one of said recess cutouts and a rod aperture in said frame
rod.
3. A hub according to claim 2 wherein said at least one frame rod
is selectively pivotable in angular position and selectively
fixable in angular position at its connection to said hub.
4. A hub according to claim 3 wherein said mechanical fastener is a
threaded screw member.
5. A hub according to claim 4 which is so configured such that only
a single threaded screw member is necessary to functionally,
pivotally connect a frame rod to said hub.
6. A plurality of hubs according to claim 5 interconnected to one
another employing a plurality of frame rods thereby to form a frame
which is configurable into a variety of two or three-dimensional
frame configurations.
7. A frame according to claim 6 further including a plurality of
display panel connector devices connected to said first connecting
structures of said first polygonal portions of a plurality of said
plurality of hubs; and said frame combined with at least one
display panel connected to said frame via one or more of said
display panel connector devices.
8. The frame according to claim 7 wherein said display panel
connector devices are selected from the group consisting of: bolts,
hooks, buttons, knobs, screws, protrusions, and rivets.
9. A hub according to claim 4 wherein said hub is a substantially
unibody construction.
10. A hub according to claim 1 wherein said first, second, third,
and fourth pivot connecting structures each comprise means for
pivotally attaching a frame rod employing only a single screw per
pivotally attached frame rod.
11. A hub according to claim 10 wherein said sixth polygonal
portion includes a second connecting structure comprising an
aperture capable of connecting to a structure selected from the
group comprising: a frame rod and a magnet.
12. A hub according to claim 10 further including a magnet located
on said sixth polygonal portion and in a generally coaxial
relationship with said first connecting structure.
13. A plurality of hubs according to claim 11 interconnected to one
another employing a plurality of frame rods thereby to form a frame
which is configurable into a variety of two or three-dimensional
frame configurations wherein at least one frame rod is attached to
a hub via magnetic connection between said at least one frame rod
and a magnet connected to an aperture of said hub.
14. A plurality of hubs according to claim 11 interconnected to one
another employing a plurality of frame rods thereby to form a frame
which is configurable into a variety of two or three-dimensional
frame configurations wherein at least one frame rod is attached to
a hub via a threaded connection between said at least one frame rod
and said second connecting structure.
15. A hub according to claim 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 wherein said
first surface area comprises a convexly rounded major surface and
said generally central aperture is surrounded by a generally
centered, generally planar minor surface surrounded by and
contiguous with said convexly rounded major surface.
16. A frame claimed in claim 13 or 14 wherein said first surface
area of said plurality of hubs comprises a convexly rounded major
surface and said generally central aperture of said plurality of
hubs is surrounded by a generally centered, generally planar minor
surface surrounded by and contiguous with said convexly rounded
major surface.
17. A hub comprising: a substantially unibody, multisided figure
comprising: a top side comprising a first surface area surrounding
and contiguous with a first generally central aperture; a bottom
side located generally opposite said top side; at least a first,
second, and third recess cutout, each recess cutout formed in at
least a first, second, and third side of said multisided figure,
respectively; and at least a first, second, and third pivot
connecting structure each located in said first, second, and third
recess cutout, respectively; each said pivot connecting structure
being capable of pivotally connecting a frame rod to said hub
employing a single mechanical fastener for each frame rod-hub
connection.
18. A hub according to claim 17 wherein each said at least first,
second, and third pivot connecting structures comprises a pair of
generally aligned apertures, at least one aperture of said pair of
apertures including a structural portion for cooperating with and
retaining at least a portion of a mechanical fastener.
19. A hub according to claim 18 wherein said first generally
central aperture is capable of selectively retaining user removable
connector devices selected from the group consisting of: bolts,
hooks, buttons, knobs, screws, protrusions, and rivets.
20. A hub according to claim 19 further including a second
generally central aperture located disposed in said bottom side
generally coaxially aligned with said first generally central
aperture, said second generally central aperture being capable of
connecting to a structure selected from the group comprising: a
frame rod and a magnet.
21. A plurality of hubs according to claim 21 interconnected to one
another employing a plurality of frame rods thereby to form a frame
which is configurable into a variety of two or three-dimensional
frame configurations.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Patent Application
No. 60/867,792, entitled HUBS AND RECONFIGURABLE FRAMES, filed on
Nov. 29, 2006, as well as claims priority of U.S. Patent
Application No. 60/929,914, entitled HUBS AND RECONFIGURABLE
FRAMES, filed on Jul. 17, 2007, the entireties each of which are
hereby incorporated by reference. The entireties of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/372,237, entitled DISPLAY PANELS, filed on
Feb. 25, 2003 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,191,555, issued Mar. 20, 2007),
and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/285,015, entitled FABRIC
DISPLAY PANELS AND METHODS OF MAKING SAME, filed on Nov. 23, 2005,
are additionally incorporated in their entirety by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to hubs alone or combined with
elongated frame members which are interconnectable to other hubs
and/or to the elongated frame members to form frames configurable
for a multitude of uses including (but not limited to) for
combination with display panels for use as marketing,
informational, event, and/or educational displays. In some
non-limiting, example, embodiments, this invention relates to
unique hub structures configurable with elongated frame members
(e.g., rod-type members) to form frames, which are of simplified,
easier to assemble configurations and/or which enable the frames to
be stacked and/or connected in a variety of structural forms and/or
which allow display panels to be connected to the frames employing
an assortment of preferably exchangeable and/or location tailorable
panel connector types.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Visual display devices, such as trade show displays, have
been known and utilized for a multitude of applications for many
years. Such visual display devices can be constructed in a variety
of manners with one known and relatively popular configuration
being constructed from hub and rod based frame structures which
include or carry graphical signs or panels.
[0004] Although known display devices and/or frame types
successfully serve various uses in a number of commercial
applications, certain improvements in frame components (e.g.,
hubs), frames and/or display devices are desired. By way of
non-limiting example, it would be desirable to have frame
components, such as hubs, which are of less complex configuration
than prior art hubs and/or which are easier to assemble/disassemble
to frame rods and/or which provide increased frame stability and/or
strength and/or which provide increased and/or improved
tailorability in frame configuration. In certain non-limiting
embodiments, it would be desirable to have a frame structure or
frame components which are configurable and/or re-configurable into
numerous two and/or three-dimensional configurations. Such
varieties of configurations could serve numerous uses including
such as for allowing the creation of advertising and/or informative
display structures.
[0005] An additional desirable (but optional) characteristic would
be if hubs, frames and/or display structures were so configured
such that when assembled as frames or display structures, they are
sufficiently strong or stable such that such frames or display
structures could be used as weight bearing structures (such as
furniture or architectural structures) e.g., while still, in some
embodiments, accomplishing other improvements described herein. In
this regard, it would be additionally desirable to have frames
assembled or constructed of components having particular
configurations such that such components allow such frames to be
easily assembled and/or, disassembled as well as, or,
alternatively, permit independently assembled frame structures to
be securely and stably connected to one another.
[0006] Still furthermore, it would be desirable to have frame
structures having re-locatable and/or reconfigurable connector
mechanisms (e.g., of varying types) for permitting the connection
of one or a variety of graphical display panel types (e.g., rigid
panels, stretch fabric panels) as well as for permitting such
graphical display panels to be connected to the hubs and/or frames
in a variety of locations and/or angular or spatial
orientations.
[0007] In view of the above, it is apparent that there exists a
need in the art for hubs and/or frames and/or hub-frame member
combinations which address, overcome, mitigate, or solve one or
more of the above problems and/or drawbacks and/or inefficiencies
in the art. It is a purpose of this invention to fulfill this
and/or 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, in one aspect of the
invention, unique hub configurations. In another aspect of the
invention, unique frames, employing hub structures as described
herein, are provided.
[0009] In certain example (non-limiting) embodiments, therein is
provided a hub which is so configured such that only a single
mechanical member (e.g., a screw) is needed to connect each
elongated frame member (e.g., a rod-type member) to the hub. In
other example embodiments, a hub structural design is provided
which is so configured such that when it is employed (e.g., in
plurality) in a frame (e.g., in combination with a plurality of
elongated frame members), the resulting frame exhibits improved
stability and/or strength and/or weight bearing capabilities. In
still other example embodiments, a hub configuration is provided
which permits a plurality of connector types to be user
assembled/disassembled to the hub for, for example, attaching
display panels (e.g., of either a fabric or hard panel type) to the
hub.
[0010] By way of additional, non-limiting example, a hub is
provided comprising: a generally hexahedral body formed as a
combination of first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth
polygonal portions; the first polygonal portion comprising a first
surface area surrounding and contiguous with a generally central
aperture; the first surface area connecting to and contiguous with
the second, third, fourth, and fifth polygonal portions; the sixth
polygonal portion being located generally opposite the first
polygonal portion and connected to and contiguous with the second,
third, fourth, and fifth polygonal portions; the second polygonal
portion being located generally opposite the fourth polygonal
portion; the third polygonal portion being located generally
opposite the fifth polygonal portion; the generally hexahedral body
further including a first recess cutout formed and extending
between the second and the sixth polygonal portions; a second
recess cutout formed and extending between the third and the sixth
polygonal portions; a third recess cutout formed and extending
between the fourth and the sixth polygonal portions; a fourth
recess cutout formed and extending between the fifth and the sixth
polygonal portions; first, second, third, and fourth pivot
connecting structures located in the first, second, third, and
fourth recess cutouts, respectively, each pivot connecting
structure being capable of pivotally connecting a frame rod
therein; the generally central aperture comprising a first
connecting structure capable of retaining a connector device. In
certain embodiments, at least one frame rod is pivotally
interconnected to the hub at one of the first, second, third, or
fourth pivot connecting structures. In other embodiments,
additional frame rods are interconnected at one or more (or all) of
the other pivot connecting structures.
[0011] The terms "polygon" or "polygonal" in this embodiment, and
as otherwise used in describing other embodiments, and as used
throughout the specification and claims, should not be construed
narrowly but instead refer generally to a side or portion of a
figure or body regardless of whether such side lies in a plane, has
straight or curved boundaries, or otherwise entirely "encloses" an
area.
[0012] In another non-limiting, example embodiment, a hub is
provided comprising:
[0013] a substantially unibody, multisided figure comprising: a top
side comprising a first surface area surrounding and contiguous
with a first generally central aperture; a bottom side located
generally opposite the top side; at least a first, second, and
third recess cutout, each recess cutout formed in at least a first,
second, and third side of the multisided figure, respectively; and
at least a first, second, and third pivot connecting structure each
located in said first, second, and third recess cutout,
respectively;
[0014] each said pivot connecting structure being capable of
pivotally connecting a frame rod to the hub employing a single
mechanical fastener for each frame rod-hub connection.
[0015] In alternative embodiments, hubs have more or less than four
recess cutouts (e.g., preferably with corresponding numbers of
pivot connecting structures). As non-limiting examples,
triangularly or pentagonally shaped hubs with preferably equally
spaced recess cutouts and pivot connecting structures are
contemplated among such embodiments.
[0016] In certain non-limiting embodiments, at least one convex or
spherical-type surface is employed in the hub(s). For example, in
one example (non-limiting) embodiment in which the hubs are
assembled in a frame, a structure is provided comprising a
plurality of hubs, each hub of the plurality of hubs comprising: a
generally hexahedral body formed as a combination of first, second,
third, fourth, fifth, and sixth polygonal portions; the first
polygonal portion comprising a convexly rounded major surface
surrounding and contiguous with a generally centered, planar minor
surface; the convexly rounded major surface connecting to and
contiguous with the second, third, fourth, and fifth polygonal
portions; the sixth polygonal portion being located generally
opposite the first polygonal portion and connected to and
contiguous with the second, third, fourth, and fifth polygonal
portions; the second polygonal portion being located generally
opposite the fourth polygonal portion; the third polygonal portion
being located generally opposite the fifth polygonal portion; the
generally hexahedral body further including a first recess cutout
formed and extending between the second and the sixth polygonal
portions; a second recess cutout formed and extending between the
third and the sixth polygonal portions; a third recess cutout
formed and extending between the fourth and the sixth polygonal
portions; a fourth recess cutout formed and extending between the
fifth and the sixth polygonal portions; first, second, third, and
fourth pivot connecting structures located in the first, second,
third, and fourth recess cutouts, respectively, each pivot
connecting structure being capable of pivotally connecting a rod
therein; a first connecting structure located in the first
polygonal portion capable of retaining a connector device; and a
second connecting structure located in the sixth polygonal portion
(e.g., capable of retaining a rod therein); and
[0017] a plurality of rods interconnected to the plurality of hubs
thereby forming a frame which is configurable into a variety of
two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional configurations.
[0018] In certain additional example embodiments, there is provided
a frame, such as described above, which further includes a
plurality of display panel connector devices connected to the first
connecting structures located in the first polygonal portions of
the plurality of hubs. In certain non-limiting variations of such
embodiments, one or more display panels are combined with such
frames, such display panel(s) comprising, at least in part, a layer
of stretch fabric. In other embodiments, the display panel(s)
include(s) a plurality of apertures for connecting to the plurality
of display panel connector devices, the plurality of apertures
being located spaced apart from one another proximal a perimeter of
the display panel. In other embodiments, the display panel(s)
is/are connected to the frame via connections of the plurality of
apertures to the plurality of display panel connector devices
thereby to form a visual display device.
[0019] In still further example (i.e., non-limiting) embodiments,
there is provided a frame or visual display device according to any
one of the foregoing descriptions of frames or visual displays, in
the alternative or in combination, wherein the connector devices
are selected from the group consisting of: hooks, buttons, knobs,
screws, protrusions, and rivets.
[0020] In yet further preferred but still non-limiting embodiments,
hub structures are provided which can pivotally attach to a frame
rod structure using a single screw or similar (or other single)
mechanical fastener. In certain other or related example
embodiments, the hub structures include one or more threaded
apertures for pivotally and/or threadably connecting to rod-type
members for forming a frame structure. In certain additional
example embodiments, the hub structures include one or more
apertures for threadably (or otherwise such as by press fit)
connecting or retaining connector devices such as hooks, rivets,
buttons, etc. useful for connecting display panels (e.g., hard
panels or stretchable fabric display panels) to the hub structures.
In certain preferred, example embodiments, the hub structures
include at least one generally planar surface which is useful so
that the hub structure can be stacked on other hub structures in
stable fashion or may be used in conjunction with its other
functions as a foot or leg for resting on a floor or table type
surface.
[0021] It certain frame embodiments, it is a non-limiting object of
the invention to provide a reconfigurable frame structure comprised
of a combination of unique hub structures interconnected to a
plurality of rod structures. In certain such example embodiments,
the frame can be configured into two-dimensional and/or
three-dimensional configurations. In further example embodiments,
such frames can be stacked upon one another and/or connected to one
another either vertically or horizontally (or both) thereby to form
complex combination frame configurations (e.g., with or without
display panels connected thereto).
[0022] The herein described hubs and frames are useful, for
example, as, or in combination with, visual displays including
sales, marketing, informational, event, and/or educational displays
(e.g., trade show displays). Moreover, the hubs and/or frames can
be used to create, or as part of, structures (e.g., visual
displays) which are sufficiently strong and/or stable in their
construction to act as tables or other furniture or other weight
supporting structures. Additional, alternative, uses for such hubs
and/or frames are, for example, components of tents or
decontamination structures and/or architectural type structures.
Notwithstanding the specific examples set forth herein, further
uses, not listed herein, are, of course, contemplated.
[0023] Certain examples of the invention are now below described
with respect to certain non-limiting embodiments thereof as
illustrated in the following drawings wherein:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1A illustrates a three-dimensional perspective view of
one example embodiment of a hub according to the subject
invention.
[0025] FIG. 1B illustrates a three-dimensional perspective view of
the embodiment of the hub depicted in FIG. 1A shown with a magnet
press-fit in a central aperture of the hub.
[0026] FIG. 2A illustrates a three-dimensional, perspective view of
one example embodiment of a unique hub according to the subject
invention (shown connected to a frame rod via a conventional fully
threaded screw).
[0027] FIG. 2B illustrates a three-dimensional, perspective view of
a second example embodiment of a unique hub according to the
subject invention (shown connected to a frame rod via a unique,
partially threaded screw including a non-threaded shoulder for
increasing stability of the rod/hub connection).
[0028] FIG. 2C illustrates a two-dimensional, partial x-ray view of
the hub depicted in FIG. 2B (shown with the frame rod disconnected
from the hub and the partially threaded screw having a non-threaded
shoulder portion).
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a two-dimensional, partial x-ray view of
an embodiment of a hub according to the invention shown with a
planar headed ("button-like") bolt-type structure having a threaded
male portion for attaching to a female threaded portion of the
generally central portion of the hub.
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a three-dimensional, perspective view of
a plurality of hubs and rod members interconnected to one another
to form exemplary frame configurations shown employed as portions
of trade show displays (e.g., combined with stretch fabric display
panels as well as rigid/hard surface display panels) and employed
as forming a portion of a portable podium type structure.
[0031] FIG. 5A illustrates a three-dimensional, perspective view of
a plurality of hubs and rod members interconnected to one another
to form a portable computer work station.
[0032] FIG. 5B illustrates an alternative, three-dimensional,
perspective view of the embodiment of the portable computer work
station depicted in FIG. 5A.
[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates a three-dimensional, perspective view of
a plurality of hubs and rod members interconnected to one another
to form a frame structure having vertical and horizontal panels (of
either a hard/rigid material or stretch fabric type) connected
thereto.
[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates a three-dimensional, perspective view of
a plurality of hubs and rod members interconnected to one another
to form two separate but connected frame structures assembled to
each other as a unitary structure having a plurality of vertical
and horizontal panels (of either a hard/rigid material or stretch
fabric type) connected thereto.
[0035] FIG. 8 illustrates a two-dimensional, plan view of a
triangularly shaped hub connected to three rod members as an
example of an alternative embodiment of the subject invention.
[0036] FIG. 9 illustrates a two-dimensional, plan view of a
pentagonally shaped hub connected to five rod members as an example
of an alternative embodiment of the subject invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS
[0037] 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 in
which like reference numbers indicate like features.
[0038] Referring initially to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3
therein is illustrated a non-limiting, exemplar embodiment of a hub
contemplated as within the scope of the subject invention. Although
hub 1, as illustrated, contains certain specific features as part
of its configuration, such features should not, without more, be
considered as limiting when determining the scope of the patent
property right. Instead, the scope of such property right should be
determined by the claims which follow this section of the
specification.
[0039] Focusing still then on the above referenced figures, hub 1,
as can be seen, generally comprises a hub body (preferably, but not
necessarily, of unibody-type construction) generally having six
sides (i.e., thus being generally referred to as a hexahedral body)
including first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth polygonal
portions or sides referred to by part numbers 5, 7, 9a, 9b, 9c, and
9d respectively. The "top" of the hub or first side 5, in this
regard, is a generally convex surface or face 5b which contiguously
joins the second, third, fourth, and fifth polygonal portions or
sides 9a-9d. Side 5 further includes a flattened or planar central
portion or surface 5a (see FIG. 3) which surrounds an aperture 23
for use, for example, as a connector retaining device such as
described in more detail below. Located generally opposite side 5
(on the "bottom" of the hub) is a flattened or planar surface or
side 7 which is similarly contiguous with each of sides 9a-9d.
[0040] Although hub 1 is generally illustrated as having a convex
or spherical type major surface, such configuration is employed, in
part, to facilitate efficient manufacturing methods of the hub such
as by molding when the hub is constructed from plastic(s) or
similar type materials (e.g., so that the hub more easily releases
from the mold). Regardless the convex-type configuration which is
illustrated is not necessary to achieve the various functional
objects of the invention described herein, and thus, certainly,
other configurations may be employed.
[0041] Permitting the attachment of frame members to hub 1, the hub
includes a plurality of cutouts (or recess cutouts) 11a-d, each
cutout structure including a respective pivot connecting structure.
Each pivot connecting structure, in turn, generally includes an
outer aperture--for example, aperture 13a (located on the outer
surface of the hub, on side 9b)--and an associated inner
aperture--for example, aperture 15a (located on the inner surface
of the recess or cutout 11a). As non-limiting examples of a pivot
connecting structure, apertures 13a and 15a are generally aligned
with one another and one or both will typically include a threaded
portion for mating with a complementarily threaded mechanical
fastener e.g. such as a screw (although non-threaded attachment
mechanisms or methods are, of course contemplated). For example,
and referencing now FIG. 2A, a fully threaded screw, such as screw
17, can be employed to secure an elongated frame member e.g., frame
rod 31 to hub 1. Alternatively, in preferred (but still example)
embodiments such as illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 2C, a partially
threaded screw with an unthreaded shoulder portion, e.g., screw 19
can be utilized. In certain embodiments, when using a screw with
such a non-threaded shoulder such as illustrated, preferably the
shoulder has an outer diameter which approximates, as near as
possible, the inner diameter of outer aperture 13a (see FIG. 2C,
e.g., so that transverse or side-to-side type movement of the screw
within the aperture is minimized).
[0042] Importantly, it should be noted that unlike with prior art
hubs, the herein described example pivot connecting structure
permits frame members or rods to be (preferably pivotally)
connected to the hub with a single fastener (e.g., screws as
described). Nevertheless, this feature is optional and should not
be imposed on the claim scope unless such a feature is otherwise
claimed. It is further noted that although the structure of cutout
11a, and its associated pivot connecting structure located in side
9a, is repeated in each of polygonal portions or sides 9b, 9c, and
9d, such identically disclosed structures need not be employed to
practice the invention (nor is their equal spacing required).
Moreover, more than one structure type may be employed in a given
hub for connecting an associated frame member (e.g., rod 31). Still
furthermore, although each figure, thus far described, illustrates
four recess cutouts and associated pivot connecting structures,
cutouts of fewer or greater numbers may be employed (such as
illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9). Similarly, the overall configuration
of huh 1 may be modified accordingly e.g., the inventive hubs need
not be hexahedral (i.e., six-sided).
[0043] Turning now to FIGS. 8 and 9, examples of alternative
embodiments of hubs according to the invention are therein
illustrated (shown with associated, but non-attached, frame rods
31). FIG. 8, in this regard, illustrates a triangularly configured
hub 201 which contains only three cutouts and associated pivot
connecting structures i.e., part numbers 211a-c, 213a-c, and
215a-c, respectively (no mechanical fasteners such as screws being
illustrated in the drawing). FIG. 9, in turn, illustrates a hub 301
having a pentagon-shaped (five-sided) lower profile which employs
five cutouts and associated pivot connecting structures i.e., part
numbers 311a-e, 313a-e, and 315a-e, respectively (again, no
mechanical fasteners being illustrated in the drawing). Certainly,
alternative configurations employing as few as two cutouts or as
many as six or more cutouts (including associated pivot connecting
structures) are contemplated as well.
[0044] Turning now specifically to FIG. 1B, it may be seen that in
certain non-limiting embodiments, a magnet 27 may be employed
affixed or connected to central aperture 25 (shown in FIG. 1A
without a magnet therein). In particular, in the embodiments which
employ optional magnet 27, the use of the magnet imparts additional
functionality to hub 1. As a non-limiting example, in frame
embodiments having frame members (e.g., frame rods 31) with their
own magnet(s) (e.g., at a frame rod end or ends), or simply ferrous
ends or tips, a magnetic connection can be made between the magnet
containing hub or hubs and frame members or rods connected (e.g.,
magnetically or pivotally screw connected) to adjacent hubs. In
this manner, frame members or rods can be quickly connected or
added to the structure of a frame thereby imparting, for example,
additional strength or stability to the frame without requiring the
more time intensive step of securing the frame member (e.g., frame
rod) by screw or other mechanical means. Alternatively, or in
combination with the stability providing techniques described
above, magnetic connections can be employed simply to facilitate
quick and/or easy erection of frames at a display site, for
example. By way of non-limiting example, magnet 27 may be
conventionally press-fit or screw fit to aperture 25 (although
threads are not illustrated in aperture 25 in FIG. 1B, threads T
are depicted in the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 2A) or
otherwise attached or connected to the aperture by other means (the
specific attachment or connecting means not being necessarily
limiting to the invention).
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 3, a profile view of a hub 1 is
depicted therein showing one type of the many connector types which
can be removably attached to the central aperture 23 of the hub
(or, effectively permanently, such as by press fitting, for
example). More specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates a threadable
connector 301 having a button-type head (or rivet type head) to
which display panels can be connected. In an embodiment where a
stretch fabric-type display panel is employed, for example, the
connector 301 can be inserted through an aperture of the stretch
fabric panel thereby securely, albeit non-permanently, connecting
it. Notwithstanding these disclosed examples, virtually any
connector type can be employed with or connected to hub 1 (e.g.,
hooks, buttons, knobs, screws, protrusions, rivets, etc.), and,
moreover, such connectors can be employed to connect panels which
are other than stretch fabric (e.g., hard panels), or may be used
to connect anything at all (e.g., they can be used to connect to
other hubs via a frame rod via threads or a magnetic connection or
via connector "pins" threaded at each end).
[0046] Referencing now FIGS. 4, 5A, 5B, 6, and 7, a variety of
structural configurations which can be obtained employing hubs as
described herein (or variations thereof), in combination with frame
members (e.g., frame rods 31) to form frames, are illustrated.
Generally speaking, each of these figures illustrates a
non-limiting frame configuration formed from a combination of a
plurality of hubs 1 interconnected to a plurality of frame rods 31.
Moreover, each of the illustrated frame configurations is foldable
(due to the pivotable interconnection of the plurality of hubs to
the frame rods) and, therefore, is capable of being stored in a
compact configuration for transport. Some of the figures, in this
regard, illustrate exemplar display apparatus, such as trade
show-type displays (employing stretch fabric type display panels),
while others illustrate portable computer workstation type
structures. Still other of the figures illustrate generic,
three-dimensional structures which can be achieved by connecting
rigid-type panels to unfolded i.e., erected frames. FIG. 7, in this
regard, illustrates two unfolded or erected frame structures
assembled together to achieve a larger structural configuration
(e.g., with larger panels therefore attached thereto). Many other
(e.g., more complex) structural configurations are certainly
obtainable (e.g., such as architectural-type configurations) and
additional uses for frames formed from combinations of hubs 1 and
rods 31 are, of course, contemplated.
[0047] Once given the above disclosure, many other features,
modifications, and improvements will become apparent to the skilled
artisan. Such features, modifications, and improvements are
therefore considered to be part of this invention, without
limitation imposed by the example embodiments described herein.
Moreover, any word, term, phrase, feature, example, embodiment, or
part or combination thereof, as used to describe or exemplify
embodiments herein, unless unequivocally set forth as expressly
uniquely defined or otherwise unequivocally set forth as limiting,
is not intended to impart a narrowing scope to the invention in
contravention of the ordinary meaning of the claim terms by which
the scope of the patent property rights shall otherwise be
determined:
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