Abstract:
A portable display formed of a plurality of assembleable panels having wire management permitting concealment of wire for powering accessories within the junctures between panels. In a preferred embodiment, the panel edges have edge portions formed with outwardly facing channels defining or including wire conduits. Panel connector portions, either of the sliding type, or the peg or plug-in type secure the panels together to form the display. In a preferred embodiment, each panel has four corners each with corner components that engage with the edge portions, preferably by insertion into receiving openings in said edge portions. Said corner components having a receptacle exposed at each corner to permit either connection with plug-in components, for example, panel connectors for vertical stacking of panels or with accessory brackets. The panel connectors having a U-shaped portion consistent with the wire management characteristics of the invention that that allows the wire conduit to extend through said connectors. Thus attachment of electric powered accessories with concealed power lines is provided.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a portable panel display system in which individual display panels may be assembled together in various configurations. The invention also relates to methods of construction of such display systems. 
     Display panels are widely used in reception areas, trade shows, museums, art exhibits, academic and research society meetings, advertising displays and the like where visual information is temporarily displayed. The faces of these panels may incorporate soft materials (e.g., cork or fabric), laminates, and magnetic materials for temporarily attaching the visual information to the panels. Often such panels will have rigid surfaces with graphics that extend from panel to adjacent panel. In these display arrangements it is important that adjacent panels are secured together without gaps therebetween that can interrupt and distract the viewer from the image or graphic displayed. 
     It is also desirable that the panel system may be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled to accommodate a variety of display sizes and configurations, storage, and transportation to another site. It is also desirable that these display panels be securely connected so that display structures are safe. Such panels should also be light in weight to further facilitate assembly and to further provide a safer display. 
     In various applications it is common and highly desirable to have lighting or other powered accessories included as part of the overall display typically elevated and supported by said display. Such accessories will require electric power and thus wiring to such accessories. Exposed wiring from power outlets or other power sources can be visually distracting and can be hazardous. Typically portable displays and the panels in such displays have had minimal provisions to accommodate such wiring and to conceal such wiring. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a preferred embodiment, a portable display is formed of a plurality of assembleable panels, each of such panels having a plurality of edge portions secured together with corner connectors to form a rectangular framework. Panelar sheet material extends over two sides of the framework and polyurethane foam in injected into the interior space. Panel connector portions, either of the sliding type, or the peg or plug-in type secure the panels together to form the display. In a preferred embodiment, each panel has a plurality of corners each with corner components that engage with the edge portions, preferably by insertion into receiving openings in said edge portions to form a framework. Said corner components having a receptacle exposed at each corner to permit either connection with plug-in components, for example, panel connectors for vertical stacking of panels or accessory brackets. The panel connectors having a U-shaped portion consistent with the wire management characteristics of the invention that allows a wire to be extended through same permitting attachment of electric powered accessories with concealed power lines. 
     Preferred embodiments of the individual display panels may be formed of a framework of extruded aluminum or other rigid materials. The framework comprised of individual sections defining edge portions and having an I-shaped cross section whereby each edge portion has opposite facing channels. The edge portions each having two opposite ends with end surfaces normal to the length of portions. Each edge portion having one channel facing outwardly and another facing inwardly. Adjacent edge portions are joined in an abutting of their respective ends at each corner to form two vertical channeled edge portions and two horizontal channeled edge portions. Each corner of the panel having corner components preferably each having a T-shape with the lower leg of the T positioned horizontally and inserted into an inwardly facing channel of one of the horizontal channeled edge portion. The two upper aligned T-legs are positioned vertically in the inwardly facing channels of the vertical channeled edge portions whereby one of the aligned T-legs of each corner component faces vertically upward or downward and defines an exposed portion with a receptacle. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the exposed portion of the corner component has a receptacle for receiving plug-in components. Said plug-in components may constitute vertical connector component or feet. The vertical connector components extend between receptacles of adjacent stacked display panels securing same together. In a preferred embodiment said vertical connector portions have different male portions to be received in the receptacles to accomplish different functions. For example, one configuration will have a U-shape to allow the wire conduit defined by the channel to extend therethrough. Another male portion may have a closed solid male portion with detents that securely lock the vertical connector portion into the receptacle. 
     The framework as described above may be placed in a press with suitable panelar sheets, such as high pressure laminates, spanning the front and back of the framework. A flowable curable material will be injected or placed in the interior space defined by the framework and sheets and allowed to fill said space, for example, polyurethane foam. The corner components each have a secure fit within the edge portions and have a tortuous air vent placed at the interface between the corner component and one or both of the adjoined edge portions. The air vent is appropriately sized and configured such that as the fill material, i.e. expanding urethane foam, reaches restrictions in the vent it clogs the vent minimizing or eliminating excess fill material from escaping from the framework. Expanding polyurethane or similar expansive fill materials may be slightly pressurized from said clogging which will facilitate complete and secure bonding of the urethane to all framework components and the panelar sheets as well as contributing to improved structural strength. 
     A feature and advantage of the system is that the corner portions have multiple synergistic functions and are of a relatively uncomplicated configuration permitting inexpensive manufacture. Each corner component, in preferred embodiments, are utilized to secure and align the respective edge portions of the framework at the respective corner. Further each corner component provides a receptacle for plug-in components such as vertical connector portions or feet. Moreover, each corner component may provide an air vent with a tortuous path that facilitates the filling of the interior space of the framework with polyurethane foam. Moreover, each corner component has a wire conduit therethrough and further accommodates plug-in components that are compatible with said wire conduit. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display in accordance with the invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of display panels in accordance with the invention. 
     FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a display panel in accordance with the invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a partial sectional elevational view of the corners of a pair of adjacent panels in accordance with the invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a corner of a display panel in accordance with the invention. 
     FIG. 6 is an end view of an edge portion in accordance with the invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a sliding connector in accordance with the invention. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a corner connector component in accordance with the invention. 
     FIG. 9 is an elevational view of a corner connector in accordance with the invention. 
     FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken at line  10 — 10  of FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view at line  11 — 11  of FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a vertical stacking connector in accordance with the invention. 
     FIG. 13 is an elevational view of the connector of FIG.  12 . 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternative display in accordance with the invention. 
     FIG. 15 is an elevation perspective view of an alternative display in accordance with the invention. 
     FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a curved connector portion in accordance with the invention. 
     FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a molding arrangement for producing display panels in accordance with the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to FIG. 1, a display system in accordance with the invention is illustrated and is designated with the numeral  20 . Said display system includes a plurality of individual panels  22  which may be generally rectangular and planar in shape as indicated by the panel designation  24  or may have curved sections as represented by the panel enumerated  26 . The display system is configured as a display  30  which may have a graphic design or indicia  36  as shown as FIG.  1 . Such displays typically require that the juncture  40  between adjacent panels be completely closed to provide a continuous image of the graphics or indicia. The display  30  may also have powered accessories  40  illustrated as spotlights connected to or supported by the display screen  34 . Such accessories require power which is provided by the electric wires  44  illustrated by the dashed lines. Such electric wires will suitably be connected to a power outlet or suitable low-voltage power supply  48 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 2,  3 , and  4 , various aspects of the invention are illustrated. FIG. 2 illustrates a first panel  72 , a second panel  73  and a third panel  74 . Each panel has a front side  80 , back side  82 , a periphery  84 , a top horizontal edge  86 , bottom horizontal edge  88 , a left vertical edge  92 , a right vertical edge  94 , and four corners  100 . 
     Located at the periphery or perimeter  84  of each panel is an inwardly extending and outwardly facing recess  110 . Said recess is configured as an outwardly-facing channel  112 . The channel includes side walls  116 ,  118  and a base portion  120 . Positioned at the base on the left vertical edge and right vertical edge are a plurality of sliding connectors  126 . These connectors engage with corresponding cooperating connectors on like edges of adjacent panels by offsetting vertically one panel next to the other panel and vertically sliding the panels into alignment as illustrated by the dashed lines of FIG. 2 with the numeral  130 . 
     Positioned at the top horizontal edge at  86  and the bottom horizontal edge  88  are vertical connector portions  136 . Vertical connector portions connect stacking connectors  140  that engage the connector portions of vertically adjacent panels such as the first and second panel of FIG. 2 to connect same together. Note that the sliding connectors  126  are illustrated as a component in FIG.  7  and is disclosed in detail in a related Provisional Application, Serial No. 60/179785, entitled Panel Display System, filed Feb. 2, 2000, and which is owned by the assignee of the instant application. Said application is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     The sliding connectors as shown in FIG. 2 are ideally biased to assure that the adjacent perimeters of horizontally adjacent panels are in full contact without gaps. Such bias is preferably formed by integral plastic biasing elements as With regard to the vertically stacked panels, typically gravity will tightly secure same together and preclude any noticeable gaps between adjacent panels. 
     Referring specifically to FIGS. 3,  4 ,  5 , and  6 , details of the construction of a panel in accordance with the invention are illustrated. The panel framework  160  is comprised of a plurality of channeled edge portions  164  including a pair of vertical channeled edge portions  166  and a pair of horizontal channeled edge portions  168 . Said opposing pairs are initially secured together by way of corner components  176 . Said corner components are illustrated and described in detail below. 
     Each of the edge portions  164  has inwardly facing channels  178 . The corner component engages with the recess  182  of the adjacent inwardly facing channels. The edge portions are generally configured as an I-beam as illustrated in FIG.  6 . Note that there is a cut-away  188  in the I-beam cross member  190 . The sliding connectors  126  are attached to the base portion  120  of the outwardly facing channel  112  as illustrated by the connector in phantom in FIG.  6  and as shown in FIG.  5 . The recess  110  of the I-beam constitutes a wire conduit  200 . The cut-away  188  allows the wire conduit to extend with the wire concealed through the corners  100 . The sliding connectors  126 , shown in isolation in FIG. 7, are suitably conformed to have an opening  206  that facilitates and continues the wire conduit past said sliding connector. Such connectors preferably have an integral plastic biasing element  207  for securing adjacent units together. The base of a preferred sliding connector is plastic and integrally formed with the biasing element. The base and biasing element may be formed of other materials, such as various metals. As such, the base  208  may be separately formed from a spring steel biasing element and secured with conventional fasteners. Alternatively, a metal spring for the biasing element may be insert molded with a plastic base. Referring to FIG. 3, the framework  160  accepts panel or sheet material  210  to cover and traverse the opening  211  defined by said framework. The external panel or sheet material may be adhered by suitable means including by use of the adhesion provided by the polyurethane injection into the core of said panels as discussed below. Alternate means for fastening suitable for particular applications would include traditional fasteners such as rivets or screws. The panels may comprise high pressure laminate commonly known as Formica or may constitute material such as fabric, sheet metal, or foils. In certain embodiments no external panel or sheet material may be utilized and the panel may be formed with the fill material in the interior of the framework exposed. This type of configuration is suitable where differently colored exterior panels may stocked and may be attached to stockpiled display units as necessary for customer orders. 
     Referring to FIGS. 8,  9 ,  10 , and  11 , details of the corner component are illustrated. The corner component is generally T-shaped as shown in FIG. 8 with a lower leg  230  and a pair of aligned legs  232 ,  234 . As shown a first leg or lower leg  230  is sized for insertion into the recess  110  defined by the inwardly facing channel of the upper and lower horizontal channeled edge portions  168 , not shown in this view. The aligned second legs or upper legs  234  of the T-shaped corner component  234  are inserted into each end of the inwardly facing channel of the vertical channeled edge portions  166 . The corner connectors have several significant structural features as follows. A hook member  240  is configured to engage, lock and position a sliding connector  126  at the corresponding hook  242  of said connector. The interior second leg  234  includes an interior tapered portion  256  which helps define a tortuous air vent  262  that allows the injection of and/or expansion of the fill material, i.e. polyurethane foam, up to the corner piece and allows the escape of the displaced air but effectively clogs when the polyurethane reaches said tortuous air vent  262 . The exterior third leg  232  of the corner portion includes a receptacle  272  for receiving plug-in components  280  which may comprise stacking connectors  140  or accessory connectors  41 , or feet  43  as shown in FIG.  1 . Said receptacle includes a first receiving region  274  and a second receiving region  276 . The plug-in components may have male portions to engage one or both of the receiving regions. The exterior leg  232  of the corner component has cut-away portions  284  configured as U-shaped openings which define the wire conduit passing therethrough. The legs that engage with the inwardly facing channels of the edge portions, that is legs  230 ,  232  also have structural features  292 , such as notches  293  and recesses  294 , which facilitate gripping of the respective edge portions as well as facilitating receiving injected polyurethane at the interfaces between the corner connector components  174  to provide and effect adhesion between said corner connectors and the respective edge portions. 
     Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a plug-in component configured as a vertical stacking connector  140  is shown. Said stacking connector has a reduced diameter plug portion  302  which is received in the second receiving region  276  of the reciprocal  272  of the corner component. A wider diameter plug portion  306  extends into the first receiving region  274  of said reciprocal. Detents  308  operate to secure the plug-in component in said receptacle and thus in the panel of which the corner component is part. The plug-in component has an opening  314  configured in a U-shape that defines a wire conduit. Such U-shaped opening preferably has a diameter of 0.25 inches which facilitates power lines of 120 volts. Where low voltage accessories are utilized the diameter of the wire management openings may be reduced. The outer portion  318  of the stacking connector is configured to be received within the reciprocal of the corner connector of a panel, that is adjacent to the panel that the reduced diameter plug portion and second plug portion  306  are engaged with. Said U-shaped facilitates the wire conduit as well as providing some flex to the finger portion  322  which include detents  324 . The plug-in components can utilize various other configured upper portions that, for example, would not plug in to an adjacent panel but rather would attach to or be part of an accessory such as the spotlights  40  shown in FIG.  1 . 
     The corner connectors are preferably formed of die-cast zinc or zinc alloy, but may also be formed of other materials such as glass or fiber-filled nylon. Similarly, the plug-in components may be die-cast or made of glass or fiber-filled nylon or other thermoplastics. 
     The air vent  262  having the tortuous path, may have various is configurations. As illustrated, it may be formed by structure in the corner component. Referring to FIG. 4, alternate vents such as use of plugs  335  in apertures  336  formed of sintered beads. The important characteristic of the vent is that it is substantially pervious to the escape of air from the filling or expanding of the fill material and is substantially impervious to the passage of the fill material. 
     Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, two additional portable displays  502 ,  504  are illustrated. These displays include non- rectangular and non-planar individual display panels. Such panels are constructed and configured to include the inventive aspects described herein. FIG. 16 illustrates a curved connector portion  520 , suitable for use in the curved panel section of FIG.  14 . Such a curved connector portion may preferably be unitarily formed by injection molding of thermoplastic material. The component includes two corner connector portions  526 ,  528  generally have the features of the corner connectors described above. Specifically cutaway portions  530  which provide the wire management aspect of the invention are provided as well as structure  534  to provide a tortuous vent. The edge portion  540  may be channel shaped and has a plurality of intermediate structural supports  544  each which has wire management openings  548 . Such structural supports provide strength and rigidity to the component. 
     Referring to FIG. 17, a generic press  500  is illustrated to aid in description of the methodology of forming the panels. The framework  160 , including the edge portions  164  and the corner components  176 , are placed in a press with the paneler sheet members  206  if desired. The press is closed and polyurethane expanding foam is injected by a tool  502  from a supply source  504 . The foam core is allowed to cure sufficiently to avoid any further expansion and is then removed from the press. The injection tool  502  may be suitably through an aperture in one of the edge portions. During said injection, appropriate vents  508  are provided in the press and are ideally located at the corners such that air that passes through the tortuous air vent at the corner connector components  176  may be readily discharged. 
     The skilled person will appreciate that variation of the disclosed arrangements are possible without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the above description of several embodiments is made by way of example and not for the purposes of limitation. It will be clear to the skilled person that minor modifications can be made to the method without significant changes to the operation described above. The present invention is intended to be limited only by the spirit and scope of the following claims. 
     This application is related to the Application with the same inventors filed on even date with this application, and entitled Panel Display System. Said application is incorporated by reference.