U.S. patent number 3,662,807 [Application Number 05/050,586] was granted by the patent office on 1972-05-16 for display devices.
Invention is credited to Melvin M. Miller.
United States Patent |
3,662,807 |
Miller |
May 16, 1972 |
DISPLAY DEVICES
Abstract
A display device having a composite hinged section which is
adapted to receive a plurality of display panels. The hinge section
generally consist of a hinge means and a plurality of display panel
retaining means. In the preferred embodiment the hinged section is
formed from a plurality of U shaped channels the backs and or side
of which are connected in such fashion that the individual channels
can move in a plane which is parallel with the axis of said
channels. The channels can be connected by a plurality of means. It
is preferred that a hinge be formed by a sheet material which is
attached to the display panel retaining means or that the hinge be
an integral part of the display panel retaining means.
Inventors: |
Miller; Melvin M. (Bloomington,
IN) |
Family
ID: |
21966121 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/050,586 |
Filed: |
June 29, 1970 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
160/135; 160/351;
324/76.33 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F
15/0068 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G09F
15/00 (20060101); A47g 005/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;160/135,351,231
;52/627,628 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Caun; Peter M.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A display device comprising a composite hinge section having at
least three elongated members which are pivotally connected, a pair
of opposing display panels attached to each elongated member, all
adjacent display panels attached to adjacent elongated members,
being attached to each other, all of said display panels being
locked into a stressed relationship with each other when the non
adjacent end display panels are rotated into an abutting position
with each other.
2. The display device of claim 1 wherein said elongated members
consist of channels having a U shaped cross section, which are
adapted to receive the edges of said display panels.
3. The display device of claim 2 wherein said channels having a U
shaped cross section further incorporate inwardly facing lips which
engage the display panel.
4. The display device of claim 1 wherein said elongated members are
pivotally connected by means of sheet materials which is attached
thereto.
5. The display device of claim 4 wherein said sheet material is an
adhesive backed tape.
6. The display device of claim 1 wherein said display panels
incorporate a plurality of scores which are adapted to engage said
elongated members.
7. The display device of claim 6 wherein said elongated members
consist of channels having a U shaped cross section and further
incorporate inwardly facing lips which engage the display panel,
and wherein said U shaped channels are pivotally connected by means
of sheet material which is attached thereto.
8. The display device of claim 1 wherein said display device is
rotatably attached to a base section.
9. The display device of claim 1 wherein all said display panels
are attached to each other by the outermost edges of said adjacent
display panels which are parallel to the axis of said composite
hinge section.
10. The display device of claim 7 wherein said display panel is
formed from a paper-foam plastic composite material.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A. Field of the Invention
This invention is concerned with foldable display devices which are
useful as visual aids. More specifically the field of this
invention is display devices which are formed from elongated
channel sections and display panels wherein said display panels can
radially project from a hinged section.
B. Description of the Prior Art
Display devices which utilize a wide variety of sheet and channel
sections are known in the prior art. For example many displays
consist of for example plywood sheets or sheets of corrugated paper
which are inter connected by a series of channel members. The prior
art display devices suffer from a major handicap in that they are
difficult to assemble. As the result of this difficulty the prior
art devices are not suitable for use on a short term basis, for
example a short sales presentation.
In contrast with these problems the device of this invention can be
assembled and made ready for usage in a short period of time.
Most of the prior art devices require that a large number of
mechanical connections be made in the assembly operation. The
device of this invention can be assembled to produce a complete
display by the formation of a single mechanical connection or a
small number of connections depending on the embodiment.
Most of the prior art display devices due to their complexity
require an above average mechanical appitude for assembly. Contra
to this the subject display device can be easily assembled by a
person with minimal mechanical dexerity.
Many of the prior art devices can not be folded into a small
package. The device of this invention can be readily folded into a
compact package.
Finally the prior art display devices are disadvantageous in that
if they incorporate a plurality of panels which are angularly
disposed to each other, these panels can not remain attached to
their supporting members when the display is disassembled. In
contrast the display of this invention can incorporate a plurality
of angularly disposed panels which do not have to be disconnected
from the support sections when the display is disassembled.
Finally in the display device of this invention the supporting
channels and sheet sections cooperate in such a fashion that a
display of superior structural rigidity is produced. In contrast in
many of the prior art devices the component parts do not cooperate
so as to produce a rigid structure.
C. Summary of the Invention
The subject invention relates to display devices which incorporate
a composite hinged section. Attached to the hinged section are
plurality of display panels. The display device of this invention
can incorporate a large number of configurations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 and 2 are cross section views of hinge center sections in
accordance with this invention.
FIG. 3 and 4 are cross section views of display panels showing
scores which are adapted for use in this invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross section showing the nip which may be used in
securing display panels to the channels of the hinge center
section.
FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a display of this invention in
a semi-folded stance.
FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating the fold-out step of the
assembly of the display device of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a cutaway top perspective view of the folded-out
assembled display device of FIG. 6 and 7.
FIG. 9 is a top perspective view illustrating the details of the
channels sections used in this invention.
FIG. 10, 11 and 12 illustrate another embodiment of the display
device of this invention wherein channels are not used to lock the
outer extremities of the display panels together.
FIGS. 13, 15 and 16 are top perspective views which illustrate
rotatable displays in accordance with this invention.
FIGS. 14 and 17 are side perspective views illustrating bearings
for use in the displays of FIG. 13, 15 and 16.
FIGS. 18 and 19 are cutaway side views of display panels which can
be used in this invention.
FIG. 18a is a cutaway side view showing the mode whereby the
display panel of FIG. 18 (after being scored is used singly and is
gripped by a channel.
FIG. 19a is a cutaway side view showing the mode whereby the
display panels of FIG. 19 (without score) are gripped by a
channel.
FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of an alternate hinge section
which can be used in this invention where the hinges are integral
with the channel sections.
FIG. 21 is a side view illustrating in detail the hinge of the
hinge section of FIG. 20.
FIG. 22, 23, 24 and 25 are top view illustrating some of the
possible configurations which the hinge center sections of FIG. 20
can assume.
FIG. 26, 27, 28 and 28a are top perspective views illustrating an
alternate embodiment of this invention wherein solid (non scored)
display panels may be used.
FIG. 29 is a top perspective view of this invention illustrating
still another embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 30 to 70 are top and perspective views illustrating various
embodiments of display devices in accordance with this invention,
their plan view, their assembly, and disassembly and their
construction.
FIG. 71 to 77 are top perspective views illustrating a briefcase
type display in accordance with this invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIG. 1 it can be seen that composite hinge section 2
incorporates a plurality of display panel retaining means, in this
instance U shaped channels 4,6 and 8. The bottom sections 4a, 6a
and 8a of channels 4,6 and 8 are securred together by a hinge means
10. In accordance with one embodiment of this invention hinge means
10 consists of a flexible tape which is backed on one side with an
adhesive. The adhesive is used to secure the tape to bottom
sections 4a, 6a and 8a, thereby securing channels 4,6 and 8 to each
other. The application of hinge mans 10 in the form of tape to the
backs of the U shaped channels is further illustrated in FIG. 6,
where it can be seen that channels 4,6, and 8 are securred in
relationship to each other by means of tape 10.
FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a hinge section 2a which
can be used in this invention. In this embodiment additional hinge
means 10a and 10b are provided for additional strength. Hinge means
10a is attached to one side of channel 4 and to one side of channel
6. Hinge means 10b is attached to one side of channel 6 and to one
side of channel 8.
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 6 it can be seen that in FIG. 1 the
sheet retaining means (U shaped channels 4, 6 and 8) are angularly
disposed to each other. Due to the flexible nature of the hinge
between these channels, hinge section 10, these channels can be
positioned in such a manner that they are parallel with each other.
This stance is illustrated in FIG. 6. Naturally when the channel
sections are parallel with each other display panels contained
therein are also parallel with each other. These display panels
will be described in detail herein below.
Referring in detail to U shaped channel 4 of FIG. 1 it can be seen
that the channel incorporates a bottom section 4a and a pair of
opposing side sections 4b and 4c. The upper edges of opposing side
sections 4b and 4c incorporate a pair of opposing lips 12 and 14.
These lips are adapted to secure scores which are an integral part
of the display panels. U shaped channels 6 and 8 likewise
incorporate lip sections 16, 18, 20 and 22.
With reference to FIG. 3, 4, and 5 it can be seen that display
panel 30 incorporates a plurality of scores 36, 36a, 38 40, 42, 44,
46, and 46a. In use display panel 30 is folded inward upon itself
in such a fashion that scores 36 and 46 are face to face with each
other. When this positioning is effected sheet faces 30a and 30b
are outwardly disposed and are useful as display surfaces. (For
example in structures 176, 194, 222 and 228 as will be described in
detail herein below.)
Likewise, when this face to face relationship is effected a nip 30c
is formed which is illustrated in FIG. 5 and 8. Nip 30c is
generally formed by the folding of the two halves of display panel
30 inward on each other. In order to form a nip scores 38 and 42
are provided. These scores allow the two halves of the display
panel to be folded inward whereupon the space between these scores
30d becomes the base of the nip. When the display panel is folded
inward upon itself as described above scores 40 and 44 are
outwardly disposed. These scores are then adapted to receive lips
12 and 14 in such a fashion that the nip is secured in the channel
4 of the composite hinge section.
Both sides of display panel 30 are scored in accordance with scores
36, 36a, 46 and 46a. These scores on both sides of the edges of
display panel 30 allow maximum versatility in its use. In
accordance with this aspect of this invention its own loose ends
30a and 30b can be locked into a U shaped channel to produce
structures such as 176, 194, 222 and 228 as will be described
later.
FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of display panel 30 wherein
opposing scores 38 and 42 are replaced with a single score 37. When
the two halves of display panel 30 are folded inward upon itself in
a manner as described above a nip (not illustrated) is formed
wherein scores 40 and 44 are outwardly disposed.
FIG. 6 further illustrates a display device in accordance with this
invention in a folded stance. Display device consist of a composite
hinge center section 2 in which are three display panels 30, 31 and
33. The adjacent backs of display panels 30, 31 and 33 are secured
to each other by means of three outrigger legs 24, 26 and 28 (not
illustrated). This securing is effected by positioning the lips of
the outrigger legs in scores 47 and 46a or their equivalents. In
the unassembled or folded flat stance outrigger leg 28 which joins
backs 30a and 33b together is removed and stored separately with
the composite assembly. When stored flat the display device of this
invention occupies minimal storage space.
Referring to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 it can be seen that the assembly of
the display device of this invention is effected by rotating panel
33b in a clockwise direction and panel 30a in counter clockwise
direction. When these panels are in a back to back relationship
with each other scores 46a and 47 contained thereon are outwardly
facing. Panels 30a and 33b are then secured in relationship with
each other by positioning channel 28 over the edge thereof in such
a manner that lips 28a and 28b of channel 28 are positioned in
scores 46a and 47. The positioning of channel 28 over panels 30a
and 33b is further illustrated in detail in FIG. 8 where it can be
seen that the channel is generally moved in an axis which is
parallel with the axis of scores 46 and 47.
From a further examination of FIG. 6 and 8 it can be seen that
panels 30b and 31a and 31b and 33a are securred together with
channels 24 and 26. When panels 30a and 31a, 30b and 33b are
secured together in the manner as described above the outrigger
legs and hence the composite panel sections are positioned at
approximately 120.degree. degree to each other.
FIG. 8 further illustrates an important feature of this invention
namely that the opposite segments of each panel for example segment
33a and 33b of panel 33 are stressed against each other. Due to
this stressing the display devices of this invention have
exceptional structural rigidity. While the applicant does not fully
understand all the ramifications of this stressing, it is thought
that this stressing occurs on the nips, as is exemplified by nip
33c of FIG. 5 wherein these nips engage channels 4, 6 and 8. That
is all components of the display devices of this invention work
together to produce a structure of exceptional rigidity when the
weight of the display device is considered.
From a detailed examination of FIG. 9 it can be seen that the
leading edges of lips 28a and 28b of channel 28 incorporate bevels
28c and 28d which generally facilitates the passage of the channel
lips in the scores 46a and 47. In view of the fact that the
surfaces of panels 39a and 33b can be paper or paper like materials
these bevels likewise prevent gouging in scores 46a and 47, when
channel 28 is being slid over the edges of panels 30a and 33b.
Rotatable displays are also within the realm of this invention.
Various embodiments of these rotatable displays and parts therefor
are illustrated in FIGS. 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17. Referring to FIG.
13 it can be seen that display 50 incorporates an upper display
section 56 and a base portion 52. These components are rotatably
interconnected by means of bearing member 54.
In this connection it should be noted and as illustrated in FIG. 1
that once the display 2 is assembled a triangular shaped apeture 3
is produced. For purposes of producing a rotatable display a
bearing member 54 is provided which is adapted to engage this
aperture. Bearing member 54 is illustrated in detail FIG. 14. From
this figure it can be seen that bearing 54 consist of a pair of
opposing end section 58 and 60 and a center portion 62. Section 58
and 60 are of such a diameter that they are adapted to be received
in apeture 3. Center portion 62 is of such a thickness that the
outrigger channel sections of display section 56 and base portion
52 do not rub or bind each other. End sections 58 and 60 of bearing
54 are generally tapered to allow the easy insertion of these ends
into triangular apetures 3. Bearing 54 can be formed from many
types of materials such as wood, metal or a plastic. The preferred
material is a plastic having a low coefficient of friction such as
a teflon or a nylon.
Another rotatable display device in accordance with this invention
is illustrated in FIG. 15. In this instance a display section 56,
which is identical to display section 56 as described above, is
positioned on a circular base 62. This base incorporates a post 66
which is adapted to be received in apeture 3 in a manner as
described above in connection with end section 58 and 60 of bearing
54. Base 62 further incorporates a bushing 64. This bushing
generally positions display section 56 slightly above base 62 and
the surrounding floor in such a fashion that outrigger channel
sections 53, 55 and 57 do not abut against or drag on the floor in
such a fashion as to impede the rotation of display section 56. In
accordance with the preferred aspects of this invention bushing 64
is formed from a low friction material such as a nylon, teflon or
polyethylene.
FIG. 16 and 17 illustrate still another rotatable display device
and component parts therefor in accordance with this invention.
This structure uses a display section 56 which is identical to that
described above. Positioned in apeture 3 is a bearing support 72
which has a pair of opposing end sections 84 and 86. These end
sections are connected by a center section 78. End sections 84 and
86 are adapted to be received in apetures not illustrated which are
contained in the ends of poles 70 and 74. These poles can consist
of any convenient material which incorporates a central apeture. In
accordance with the preferred aspect of this invention poles 70 and
74 consist of sections of a hinge center section which are securred
together in such a manner that the channels are not pivotally
connected with each other. The upper extremity of pole 74
incorporates a spring biased support 76 which allows the overall
structure to be positioned between ceilings and floors of varying
heights. Once the overall structure is positioned between a ceiling
and a floor spacers 80 and 82 relieve the pressure which the spring
biased support 76 puts on the poles 70 and 74. That is as the
result of these spacers the ends of the hinge center section of
display 56 do not bind and it is allowed to rotate freely.
In the above description the fastening of various panels together
so as to produce a finished structure is accomplished by the
slipping of a locking channel, for example channel 28, over the
edges of these panels. In accordance with another aspect of this
invention the outrigger channels are not needed but instead a
display device is produced which is supported by a hinge center
section. This embodiment 25 is generally illustrated in FIGS. 10,
11 and 12 wherein panel 27 is formed as a continuous unit from a
single sheet of material. In order to provide a joint between the
edges 27a and 27b which can be opened and closed, these edge
sections are provided with a snap 29 having opposing male and
female snaps section 29a and 29b. In this embodiment it is
understood by one skilled in the art that many types of fastening
arrangements can be used in lieu of snap 29 for example a section
of locking channel as described above which is the same length as
edges 27a and 27b can be used to effect this fastening. LIkewise
hook and loop panel fastening means can be used. It is within the
realm of this invention to utilize these alternative fastening
means.
When the alternative embodiment 25 of this invention as is
described above is utilized an appropriate base may be provided to
allow the display to stand upright. Examples of suitable bases are
described above in connection with rotatable displays.
Sheet materials which can be used in accordance with this invention
to form the panels of the display device include sheets of
polymeric materials.
Examples of polymeric materials which are suited for use in this
invention include both homopolymeric and copolymeric substances,
such as (1) vinyl resins formed by the polymerization of vinyl
halides or by the copolymerization of vinyl halides with with
unsaturated polymerizable compounds, e.g., vinyl esters,
B-unsaturated acids, B-unsaturated esters, B-unsaturated ketones,
B-unsaturated aldehydes and unsaturated hydrocarbons such as
butadienes and styrenes; (2) poly olefins such as polyethylene,
polypropylene, polybutylene, polyisoprene, and the like, including
copolymers of poly- -olefins; (3) polyurethanes such as are
prepared from polyols and organic polyisocyanates; (4) polyamides
such as polyhexamethylene adipamids; (5) polyesters such as
polymethylene terephthalates; (6) polycarbonates; (7) polyacetals;
(8) polyethylene oxide; (9) polystyrene, including polymers of
styrene with monomeric compounds such as acrylonitrile and
butadiene; (10) acrylic resins as exemplified by the polymers of
methyl acrylate, actylamide, methylol acrylamide, acrylonitrile,
and copolymers of these with styrene, vinyl pyridines, etc; (11)
neoprene; (12) condensates of aldehydes, especially formaldehyde
and formaldehyde engendering substances such as paraformaldehyde;
(13) modified and unmodified condensates of hydroxy benzenes like
phenol, resereinol etc., with the aforementioned aldehydes; (14)
silicones such as aimethyl and methyl hydrogen polysiloxanes; (15)
unsaturated polyesters; (16) cellulose esters including the
nitrate, acetate, propionate, etc; (17) phenoxy resins; (18)
polysulfanes and; (19) polyphenylene oxide resins. This list is not
meant to be limiting or exhaustive but merely to illustrate the
wide range of polymeric materials which may be employed in the
present invention.
The invention is also adapted to utilize a plurality of wood base
products such as plywood, wood fiber composites, sheet lumber solid
fiber paper, corrugated paper etc. The latter mentioned corrugated
paper is particularly suited for use in this invention in that it
is readily available, economical, light and it can be readily
scored in such a fashion that it will flex or bend on a score
line.
The most preferred sheet material for use in accordance with this
invention are paper-foam plastic composite sheets as are
illustrated in FIG. 18, 18a and 19 and 19a A suitable composite
sheet 88 generally consist of a center layer of foam plastic 91 to
which is sandwiched a pair of opposing paper layers 92. It is
preferred that foam layer 91 be foamed polystyrene. However, it is
understood that this foam layer can be any number of a wide range
of foamed plastic materials such as foams of the polymeric
materials as described above in connection with sheet materials. It
is to be noted that layer 91 can likewise be a cellulose composite
material such as may be formed from wood pulp. Composite sheet 91
likewise may incorporate additional layers 93 and 94 which may be
for example a decorative layer. With layers 93 and 94 all manner of
decorative coatings for example imitation wood grain surfaces, can
be imparted to sheet 88. From FIG. 18a it can be seen that
prescored sheet 88 can be held in channel 28 as a single, double
thick panel which has been scored on both sides (scores 87a and
87b)
A particularly advantageous foam composite panel for use in this
invention 90 is generally illustrated in FIG. 19. In this structure
a central layer of a rigid or semi foam 91 is backed on one side by
a paper layer 92. The other side of central foam layer 91 is backed
with a paper layer 92 and a flexible layer of a non rigid foam 96.
Layer 96 can be any type of non rigid foam wherein the density and
cell size is controlled to produce the desired degree of
resiliency. Examples of suitable foams are foamed polyurethane,
polyethylene, polystyrene etc.
Foam layer 96 can further incorporate a flocked coating 98 in order
to give the sheet a rich appearance. The rich appearance and the
asethetic properties of the overall display are generally enhanced
when the flocked layer is a background color such as a black, deep
red or dark green.
When composite sheet 90 is utilized it is not necessary for the
sheet to incorporate scores on its outer edge for purpose of
allowing the lips of the outrigger channel to engage the same. As
is illustrated in FIG. 19a it can be seen that lips 28a and 28b of
channel 28 engage foam layer 96. The resilency of this layer
prevents channel 28 for slipping thereon.
The channels used to form the hinge section and outrigger support
channels for example channels 4, 6, 8, 24, 26 and 28 as described
above of this invention can be formed from a large number of
metallic and non metallic substances such as steel, aluminum,
plastics etc. For maximum structural ridigity it is preferred that
these sections be formed from a metal. When these sections are
metal they are adapted to grip the above described panel sections
in a fashion so as to produce a bond of lasting rigidity. Likewise,
the channel sections can be formed from a large variety of plastic
materials such as those described above in connection with sheet
materials. For strength in some instances it is desirable that
these sections be formed from fiber reinforced plastic materials
such as materials which are reinforced with glass fibers. Likewise,
composite channels formed from a metal and a plastic are useful in
accordance with this invention. These dual structures are generally
illustrated in FIG. 20-25.
A particularly desirable material for forming the hinge sections of
these composite structures are thermoplastic materials which are
flexible enough to form a live hinge. That is the channels and the
hinge section which tie the channels together may be integrally
formed. A composite hinge section illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21
wherein it can be seen that composite hinge 100 incorporates
channels 102, 104, and 106 which are tied together by integral
hinges 108 and 110. The exact structure of these hinges depends
upon the degree of flexibility desired and upon the physical
properties of the plastic materials from which the hinge center
section is formed.
When an integral hinge center section is desired as described above
the composite center section 100 can be formed in a single
extrusion. Hinges 108 and 110 can be formed in this integral
extrusion. With some materials it may be desirable to form channels
102 and 104 and 106 in such a fashion that they are inner connected
by an unscored web. Hinges 108 and 110 are then cold worked into
the extruded section by for example a pair of opposing rollers in
such a fashion that minimal orentation of the polymer occurs. By
adjusting the tension on the cold forming rollers a hinge of any
degree of flexibility can be produced.
From a further examination of FIG. 20 and 21 it can be seen that
hinge center section 100 is a composite structure that is the
structure consist of a plurality of metal channels 102b, 104b and
106b which are embedded in polymeric channels 102a, 104a and 106a.
This composite structure is very advantageous in that the polymeric
channels import flexibility to the overall structure while the
metal channels import structural rigidity thereto.
It is understood by one skilled in the art that hinge center
sections which are formed solely from a polymeric material such as
polypropylene are also within the realm of this invention.
It should likewise be noted that the integral hinge section as
described above can be formed by scores on both sides of the
channel in lieu of scores on a single side.
FIGS. 22-25 illustrate that hinge center sections which are formed
with an integral hinge member can assume a large variety of
stances. In view of this flexibility it is apparent that a display
using these members have a wide range of design flexibility.
In the structures as discussed above the panels are generally
stressed to achieve a rigid display device. LIkewise, the panels
are scored in order to allow the channel section to grip the
panels. In some instances it is desirable to utilize panels which
will not accept a score as display surfaces. In order to permit
such use the subject invention incorporates several alternate
embodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 26, 27 and 28 also 28a and 29.
Referring to FIG. 26 in detail it can be seen that this embodiment
utilizes a hinge section 112 which is similar to the hinge section
2 as described above. Channels 114, 116 and 118 are securred
together by hinge means 120 which in its preferred aspects is a
section of adhesive tape. Panels 122, 124 and 126 are further
securred in hinge section 112. These sheets are of a hard nature
such that they will not accept a score. In accordance with this
embodiment it is understood that all manner of sheets can be
utilized in accordance with this invention.
With reference to FIG. 26 and 27 it can be seen that the edges of
panels 122, 124 and 126 are coated with a flexible and resilent
strips 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 124a, 124c, 124d, 126a, 126b, 126c,
and 126d. These strips are of such a nature that the lips of
channels 114, 116, 118, 128, 130 and 132 are adapted to engage and
retain the same. In accordance with another aspect of this
invention the width of the resilent strips can be such that the
lips of the U shaped channels is adapted to fit over the edge of
the resilent strip when it is positioned over the panel edge. That
is the width of the resilent strip is such that it just fits
between the innermost edge of the lip and the bottom of the U
shaped channel. These resilent strips can be formed from a
plurality of materials however in the preferred embodiment these
strips are a foamed polymeric material which is backed with a
pressure sensitive adhesive.
With reference to FIG. 29 it can be seen that panels 137a and 137b
incorporate preformed grooves 137c and 137d which are adapted to
receive channels 136 in a manner as described above.
Positioned between individual panels 137a and 137b is a flexible
strip 137h. This flexible strip generally biases grooves 137c
aoutwardly in such a fashion that panel 137 is securely biased in
channel 136.
Because panels 122, 124 and 126 are not in a stressed relationship
with each other in the finished display it is necessary to provide
a means for retaining these panels in an open position in the
finished display, for this purpose retainers 134 and 135 are
provided. From FIG. 28 it can be seen that these retainers consist
of sections of hinge section 112. However, in order to allow these
retainers to function there is no pivital relationship between the
individual channel sections of the retainer. That is these
retainers generally consist of sections of a hinge section wherein
the channel members are fixed in relationship to each other. Once
retainer 134 is positioned over the bottom of the center portion of
the display and adjacent to hinge section 112 and retainer 135 is
positioned adjacent to the top of hinge section 112 the resulting
display is made rigid. That is when these retainers are positioned
the angular relationship of display panels 112, 124, and 126 is
securred. It is to be noted that in this embodiment hinge section
112 is shortened to allow room for the positioning of retainers 134
and 135 in such a manner that in the resulting display these
retainers appear to be a part of hinge section 112. As is
illustrated in FIG. 28a outrigger channels 128, 130 and 132 are
used to support the outer extremities of the finished display
113.
It can be seen that in accordance with this embodiment the display
device of this invention are adapted to utilize all manner of sheet
material as display panels.
FIG. 30 to 77 generally illustrates other embodiments of display
devices and panel sections which are within the realm of this
invention. It can be seen that by using the hinge section of this
invention a large number of display devices can be produced.
Referring to FIG. 30, 31 and 32 it can be seen that a display
device can be formed in accordance with this invention wherein base
legs are securred directly to the legs of the hinge section.
Display device 138 incorporates a hinge section 140 to which is
securred base legs 142, 144 and 146. Channel 148 of hinge section
140 is adapted to receive plate 150 having elongated apetures 154
and 156 formed therein. Plate 150 further incorporates a threaded
aperture 153 which is adapted to receive set screw 152. When plate
is positioned in channel 148, screw 152 is tightened in such a
manner that screw end 152a is biased against channel back 148c
whereupon plate 150 is biased against and securely positioned
against lips 148a and 148b of channel 148. Leg 146 further
incorporates hooks 146a and 146b. When these hooks are positioned
in apetures 154 and 156 the hooks engage plate 150 in such a manner
that leg 146 is securred in position.
It is to be noted that if leg 146 is reversed and used in pairs
these legs can function as a convenient shelf bracket for use in
this invention.
With reference to FIGS. 33, 34 and 35 it can be seen that display
158, which is similar to the display discussed in connection with
FIGS. 1-8 above has a star cross section with six display sides. In
particular it should be noted that the hinge center section can be
formed from two component parts 160 as can the outrigger legs in
the form of component parts 164. This arrangement generally allows
the finished display device to stand upright and yet occupy minimal
storage space.
Structure 168 as is illustrated in FIG. 36, 37 and 38 incorporates
a four sided star shape having eight display surfaces. For the
reason as stated above the hinge center section 170 and the
outrigger legs 172 are formed in two parts.
FIGS. 39, 40 and 41 illustrate a triangular structure 174 which can
be formed using the component parts of this invention.
Still another triangular display 176 in accordance with this
invention is illustrated in FIGS. 42, 43 and 44. In display 176
three double channel hinge sections 180, 182 and 184 are utilized.
Members 182 and 184 are short segments of hinge sections. It is to
be noted that by using these short segments an extra display
surface 178 and dimension is added to display 176.
A display 18 in accordance with this invention having a shelf 188
is illustrated in FIGS. 45 to 48. This display incorporates one
scored panel providing a pair of opposing display surfaces 184 and
186 which are at right angles to shelf 188. The shelf incorporates
a score 190 which allows it to fold downwardly when the display is
folded for storage. Shelf 188 is made rigid by the positioning of
channel 192 over its outer edge.
FIGS. 49, 50 and 51 illustrate a folding display 194 which
incorporates eight display surfaces. The display further utilizes
three double hinge sections 196, 198 and 200. For the reasons as
stated above the hinge section and other channels of this display
are segmented into two parts.
In FIGS. 52 to 54 a box type display 202 is illustrated having
opposing display surfaces 204 and 206. Hinge sections 208 are
segmented into two parts and are attached to base 210.
A display 212 having six angular shelves 220 is illustrated in FIG.
55, 56 and 57. The display is supported by a hinge section 214 and
three outrigger legs 216. Shelves 220 are attached to the six
vertical display surfaces 218 by means of scores 220a and 220b.
Six panel displays 222 having 12 display surfaces are illustrated
in FIGS. 58 to 66. It can be seen that this unit is capable of
producing a display of wide range of configurations. Depending on
the configuration desired a right angle locking channel 224 or an
angular locking channel 226 may be used. In all of the embodiments
illustrated four locking channels are utilized, however, it is
understood that a suitable display could be produced using only two
locking channels. Those locking channels may be produced from a
single extrusion or by locking the components of a hinge section
together.
A multiple purpose display 228 which is capable of assuming
multiple configurations is illustrated in FIGS. 67 to 70. This
display differs from the display of FIGS. 58 to 66 in that it
incorporates a double center panel section 220. This center panel
is locked into position with a double channel locking channel 232.
Depending on the configuration desired locking channels 224 or 226
are utilized.
FIGS. 71 to 77 represent still another display device of this
invention, this display is particularly advantageous in that when
folded up it forms its own brief case. Display 234 incorporates a
handle section 235 which is locked in place with a U shaped channel
236. It can be seen that handle section 235 consist of a pair of
opposing halves 235a and 235b. Once these halves are open they are
folded down upon display panels 238 and 239. Display 234 may then
be assembled in a manner which is analgous to the description given
above in connection with FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 using channel 236 as the
locking channel. It should be noted that once the display is
assembled the handle section 235 is concealed out of sight between
display panels 238 and 239.
As is illustrated in detail in FIG. 77 the one-half of handle
section 235a is pivotely attached to display panel 238 with hinge
240. This pivotal attachment can be effected by a variety of means.
It is preferred that hinge 240 be formed by sheet material 241
which is overlaid over display panel 238 and handle section 235a.
In accordance with the preferred aspects of this invention sheet
material 241 has a decorative finish in such a fashion that a
decorative finish is imparted to display 234 in toto.
From the above description it can be seen that display 234 is
particularly advantageous in that it can be carried around as a
brief case and yet set up to form a display in a short period of
time.
From the above description it can be seen that by using the hinge
section concept it is possible to produce an almost endless variety
of displays. While a large number of displays are illustrated in
FIGS. 40 to 77 it is understood by one skilled in the art that this
invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments.
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