Abstract:
A surplus-to-requirements shipping container may be adapted for use as an exhibition module, which can thus be produced in a simple, low-cost manner using surplus materials and allows articles to be displayed in unmonitored and controlled environment by displaying clearly inside the module. Typically, a shipping container comprising a square prismic frame having 4 stanchions and 8 cross-members and two facing panels, two end panels and top and bottom panels may be adapted by removing from the container at least one panel and finishing both interior and exterior, such as by glazing the opened space to produce an exhibition module having inherent strength which enables it to be easily lifted and transported.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to a self contained module or unit for exhibiting products, produce or services for marketing or retailing purposes. In particular it relates to self-contained retail units, self-contained display modules and to a method of manufacture thereof. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Display and marketing of large sized items and big-ticket items and in any case of unaccompanied product displays generally require the use of expensive interior space of shopping centres, airports, railway stations and the like and typically require the presence of marketing staff to oversee the display. For marketing of large items, such as cars, in high consumer throughput areas, it is typically required to obtain an expensive internal space to positively present the product. Alternatively, cars are displayed in outside space. However, this can leave the products exposed to the elements (and can gather dirt and not be presented in the most positive fashion) and to possible vandalism. Furthermore, unless additional lighting is provided, the display is not aesthetically at its best after dark or in poor lighting conditions. 
         [0003]    A problem, in particular for the display of large items, such as cars, at high throughput areas is that typically to maximize security and aesthetic benefit, it is necessary to obtain high cost internal space. Alternatively, outside space can be used, with the negative impact of weather and lack of security. 
       PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    There is a need for an exhibition display unit or module that is low cost, secure, portable and offers an attractive means by which large items (and large ticket items) can be displayed and marketed at a location of choice (e.g. at high consumer-throughput locations). The unit should be portable since while such locations may be fixed (e.g. airports, shopping centres), they may also vary (race meetings, music festivals, golf tournaments). 
         [0005]    It is an object of the invention to provide a exhibition module that overcomes the above problems, is portable and low in cost to manufacture. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a use of a shipping container in the manufacture of a display or exhibition module for displaying or exhibiting articles located inside the module. 
         [0007]    In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a display or exhibition module comprising providing a shipping container; and removing a side of the shipping container to expose the interior. 
         [0008]    In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing an exhibition unit, the method comprising: i) providing a shipping container comprising a square prismic frame having 4 stanchions and 8 cross-members and two facing panels, two end panels and top and bottom panels; and ii) removing from the container at least one panel. 
         [0009]    In a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided an exhibition module obtainable by the above method. 
         [0010]    In a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided an exhibition module comprising a square rectangular prismic frame comprising four stanchions and 8 cross-members secured together, two facing panels, two end panels, a top panel and a bottom panel, at least one facing panel being formed of a transparent material and/or at least one facing panel comprising one or more hinged elements, the transparent material and/or the hinged elements making up a major part of the said facing panel, to allow the interior of the exhibition module to be revealed, the module being characterised in that its structure provides it with the inherent strength to allow it to be lifted and transported after construction. 
       ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    An advantage of the present invention is that an exhibition module may be produced in a simple low-cost manner using surplus materials (unwanted shipping containers). The exhibition module of the invention allows articles to be displayed in unmonitored environment by displaying it clearly inside the module. 
         [0012]    A further advantage of the exhibition module of the present invention is that it has inherent strength which enables it to be lifted and transported, including optionally any well-secured contents such as a product to be displayed or exhibited. Transportation may be achieved by use of any means typically used to transport a shipping container and the module will fit on the back of a road going truck. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a side aspect view of an exhibition module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a side aspect view of an exhibition module according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    The exhibition module according to the present invention preferably comprises a square or rectangular prismic frame having a plurality of stanchions (typically at least 4, positioned at the corners, i.e corner posts), a plurality of cross-members connecting the stations (typically 8 cross-members) and a plurality of panels (typically 6, being a top panel, a bottom panel, two facing panels and two end panels). Preferably, the exhibition module is obtained using a shipping container, typically a used shipping container, by removing at least one panel, typically a side panel (e.g. a facing side panel) and optionally substituting it with a panel formed of a transparent material and/or a panel the major part of which forms a hinged element or elements that may form part of a display. 
         [0016]    As used herein, exhibition module and display module are used interchangeably. It is meant, by exhibition module and display module a unit or housing for display or exhibiting an article, such as a product for sale, which article may be situated within the unit or housing for display. Furthermore, the terms unit or housing may be used interchangeably with module. The term module should not be understood as necessitating that the exhibition unit is modular in nature. 
         [0017]    According to a preferred embodiment, the exhibition module comprises a structural frame having four stanchions or corner posts and eight cross-members connecting respective corner posts to form a structural frame of a substantially rectangular primsic shape. The rectangular prism defined may notionally be considered to have two ends and four long sides, two of which will form the top and bottom of the exhibition module. The structural frame will typically define the size and shape of the exhibition module and will define the twelve edges of an exhibition module (which may be subject to finishing and dressing). 
         [0018]    The dimensions of the structural frame and thus the body of the exhibition module may be selected according to that required for a particular exhibition space. However, preferably the structural frame and thus the body of the exhibition module is up to 60′ in length, preferably from 15′ to 50′ in length, more preferably from 15′ to 25′ in length and most preferably a length selected from about 20′ or about 40′. The structural frame and body of the exhibition module preferably has a height of up to about 12′, preferably in the range from 8′ to 12′, and most preferably selected from standard container heights of about 8′6 or 9′6. The structural frame and body of the exhibition module preferably has a width of up to 12′, preferably from 6′ to 10′ and preferably about 8′. In a most preferred embodiment, therefore, the exhibition module comprises a structural frame that defines a rectangular prism having a length of 20′ or 40′, a width of 8′ and a height of 8′6 or optionally 9′6, being the standard (ISO) dimensions of shipping containers. Preferably, the exhibition module comprises the structural frame of a shipping container and more preferably a used shipping container. 
         [0019]    Ideally, the structural frame of the exhibition module according to this embodiment provides the structural strength to enable the exhibition module to be lifted and transported, especially when loaded. Accordingly, the exhibition module may be provided with a receiving means for receiving a device or connector for transportation. This receiving means may be any suitable means and may, for example, be a plurality of slots arranged in or below a pair of opposing lower cross-members for receiving some form of lifting bar or lifting bracket. Alternatively, the receiving means may be a series of apertures in a pair or more upper cross members to which a lifting bracket (or spreader) may be fixed. Preferably, the receiving means is a means for attaching a lifting gear for use in lifting the module by crane, the receiving means being, for example, four steel hoops attached to the corners of the structural frame. Optionally the receiving means are receptacles formed in the corner element and do not protrude. Accordingly, in this preferred embodiment, the structural frame defines the structural integrity of the body to be lifted or transported. 
         [0020]    Preferably, the structural frame, in combination with other elements of the exhibition module, notably the floor element and/or bottom panel formed or suspended between the four lower cross-members (defined as lower cross-members by their association with a floor), is capable of holding during lifting and transportation a load of up to 25 tonnes, and preferably at least 2 tonnes, more preferably at least 5 tonnes. 
         [0021]    An advantage of providing a structural load-bearing frame in an exhibition module is that if multiple fitted exhibition modules need to be transported they can, if required, be stacked for transportation, without the need to remove (although securing would be necessary) and separately transport a display article (such as a car). The exhibition module itself need not be dismantled. 
         [0022]    The exhibition module may be provided on the long sides and the ends of the rectangular prism of the structural frame with panel elements, being selected from a lower (or floor) panel element, an upper (or roof) panel element, one or two end panel elements and one or two facing panel elements. The floor panel element should be structurally capable of supporting the content of the exhibition module. It is typically non-transparent, but may, depending upon the utility of the exhibition module, comprise a transparent material for viewing a display article from below. An upper or roof element may be provided which may or may not comprise a transparent material as required and may be configured for providing lighting to the interior or exterior of the exhibition module and power systems (e.g. solar PV panel and/or domestic wind turbine with associated battery or other power storage means). Preferably at least one of the end panels and facing panels (and more preferably at least one facing panel) is a display panel, by which it is meant that at least 50% of the area of the panel is of a transparent material to allow viewing of the interior of the exhibition module, preferably at 75% and more preferably at least 90%. Optionally, one facing panel and one or both end panels are display panels, or both facing panels are display panes. According to a preferred embodiment, both facing panels and both end panels are display panels. 
         [0023]    A display panel comprises a transparent material which may be provided in a panel as a single sheet or as a plurality of sheets of transparent material which may form a number of panes in the display panel. The transparent material may be made of any suitable material and may be, for example, glass or polycarbonate. Preferably, the transparent material is a polycarbonate material and may be for example at least 4 mm thick, preferably in the range from 5 to 20 mm thick and most preferably at least 10 mm thick. An example of a suitable polycarbonate material from the panes or sheets of transparent material are those marketed under the name Lexan™. 
         [0024]    Optionally, the display panels are provided with a coating or coatings on the transparent material to provide one or more further function such as reduced glare, photochromatic response, scratch resistance, reduced surface tension and self cleaning. 
         [0025]    Preferably, there is provided a ventilation means to the module. Preferably, in one or more panels (e.g. at an upper portion of a facing or end panel) there is provided a ventilation means, which may be via gills or mesh material such as steel or may be provided by one or more vents behind a panel formed on the frame, to allow exchange of air with the interior of the exhibition module. Preferably, the ventilation means runs at least ¾ of the length and preferably the full length of the panel (and may be up to 18 inches high). 
         [0026]    Additionally or alternatively, there may be provided a solar-powered ventilation system comprising a PV panel and an extractor fan powered by the PV panel or associated battery device. Typically, the solar PV panel will be located on the module. Typically, the extractor fan will be co-located with the PV panel. Where an extractor fan is provided in the roof of the module, it is preferred that inlet-vents are provided in a lower portion of the module to allow effective ventilation. Optionally, inlet-vents may be provided with a means for removing or capturing moisture (such as a desiccant material in a replaceable cartridge) in order to reduce the humidity of air inside the module and reduce the likelihood further of potential condensation problems. 
         [0027]    The stanchions and cross-members are preferably finished by applying a finishing component, which may be made of any suitable material, such as a plastic, metal or composite material, but is preferably a steel finish, such as polished stainless steel (e.g. polished stainless steel cover panels). 
         [0028]    An exhibition module may be manufactured in accordance with the invention by providing a shipping container, preferably a used shipping container, and removing at least one panel. Preferably, the method comprises removing the two end panes and the two facing panels. Preferably, a further step comprises fitting at least one display panel, preferably as a facing panel, as defined above. 
         [0029]    Alternatively, the method comprises fitting as a facing panel a hinged element whereby one or two moveable doors together forming at least 50% of the area of the panel, preferably at least 75% may be opened to reveal the exhibition space in the interior of the module and a further display space in the interior of the moveable door elements. The module may thereby be utilized as a temporary retail store. 
         [0030]    In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of fitting the shipping container with the preferred features defined above. 
         [0031]    The exhibition may represent beneficial use in exhibiting big ticket items in public spaces (such as car-parks, shopping malls, outside football stadiums or airports, and the like) without being exposed to the elements or to interference by passers-by and thereby not requiring constant supervision. Further, by providing lighting, the articles may be exhibited to excellent effect in the hours of darkness (without the need for mains or generator connection if fitted with renewable energy device such as solar PV element and battery storage). Alternatively, it may be utilized for exhibiting art installations in public spaces. 
         [0032]    The invention will now be described, without limitation as to the scope of the invention, with reference to the attached figures. 
         [0033]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , an exhibition module  1  comprises a rectangular prismic frame having four stansions  3  and eight cross-members  5  formed using a shipping container, the stansions  3  and cross-members  5  forming part of the original shipping container. A top panel (not shown) and bottom panel  7  onto which is constructed a floor may utilize the original shipping container top and bottom panels. Facing panels  9  and end panels  11  are formed in the majority of a transparent material to allow a viewer to see an article  13  (in this case a car) to be viewed from the outside. The facing and end panels  9 , 11  are optionally provided at the junction with the upper cross-member  15  with high level grills  17  for providing ventilation to the interior of the exhibition module and reducing the risk of condensation as well as allowing heat to escape. The glazing (e.g. on facing panels  9  and en panels  11 ) may be of strengthened polycarbonate or glass, and is typically treated with one or more coatings to reduce glare or enhance scratch abrasion resistance and optionally to filter out a portion (typically non-visible light, such as UV) of the spectrum of solar radiation to prevent damage or fading to the exhibited article(s)  13 . Interior lighting (not shown) may be provided to illuminate the article  13  for exhibition in hours of darkness and the lighting may be powered by solar PV device or small wind turbine charged-batteries (not shown) using such an energy capture device on the roof of the module  1 . Lifting elements  19  may be provided as a structural part of the frame to enable the device to be readily transported. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , showing another embodiment of the exhibition module of the invention, the features identified in relation to  FIG. 1  above apply except that it is notable that the module is absent the visible ventilation grill  17  shown in  FIG. 1 . Instead, ventilation may be provided, for example, by a venting system fitted behind stainless steel crossmember panel  6  or may be provided by a solar-powered vent (e.g. a solar-PV powered vent) (not shown) fitted, for example, onto the roof of the module. It is also notable that the facing panel or sheet  9  may be provided with even panes (to allow extra strength in the panes or to enable a thinner polycarbonate sheet to be used). Enhanced visibility can be provided in end panels  11  by utilizing a single sheet of transparent material. 
         [0035]    The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications can be effected by a person of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.