Abstract:
A configurable panel display includes panel frames configurable to support respective panels, adjacent ones of the panel frames being pivotably connected along opposing edges, each panel frame having intersecting sides formed by tubular frame members, and a cap hinge assembly pivotably connecting two adjacent ones of the panel frames. Each cap hinge assembly includes two frame corner pieces, each frame corner piece interconnecting tubular frame members of two intersecting sides of a respective one of the adjacent ones of the panel frames. Each frame corner piece includes projections received within the interconnected tubular frame members, a central corner piece body from which each of the projections integrally extends, a hinge cap spanning the two frame corner pieces, and two fastening members, each fastening member connecting the hinge cap to a respective one of the frame corner pieces.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/619,135, filed on Apr. 2, 2012, which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This invention relates to a configurable panel display, and more particularly to a hinged panel display that can be configured for a variety of children&#39;s activities, and to a cap hinge useful for such hinged panel displays and other systems. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Providing entertaining and engaging children&#39;s activities is an important objective of individuals who supervise children, such as classroom teachers and daycare staffers. 
         [0004]    Furthermore, supervisors should be able to provide these activities in a feasible manner that is time-efficient and minimal in setup tasks. While a variety of children&#39;s activities can be provided in children&#39;s venues, those that are focused at a central activity station or a play station can be particularly desirable. In particular, configurable structures that provide a variety of children&#39;s activities can serve as time-efficient, space-saving, multi-use stations for children&#39;s venues. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The invention involves a realization that certain attributes of a configurable panel display can provide a variety of viewable and interactive children&#39;s activity stations that may include one or more areas for displaying attachable and removable viewing objects. 
         [0006]    One aspect of the invention features a configurable panel display that includes multiple panel frames and a cap hinge assembly. The multiple panel frames are configurable to support respective panels, where adjacent ones of the panel frames are pivotably connected along opposing edges such that the configurable panel display is foldable to a state in which the adjacent ones of the panel frames are overlapped and parallel, where each panel frame has intersecting sides formed by tubular frame members. The cap hinge assembly pivotably connects two adjacent ones of the panel frames and includes two frame corner pieces, a hinge cap, and two fastening members. Each frame corner piece interconnects tubular frame members of two intersecting sides of a respective one of the adjacent ones of the panel frames and includes projections and a central corner piece. The projections are received within the interconnected tubular frame members, and the central corner piece body from which each of the projections integrally extends defines a hole extending inward from a shoulder of the central corner piece body. The hinge cap spans the two frame corner pieces, and each fastening member extends perpendicular to the hinge cap and is positioned to engage a respective one of the frame corner pieces. Each fastening member has a shoulder bearing against the shoulder of the central corner piece body of the respective one of the frame corner pieces and allows the two frame corner pieces to each independently pivot with respect to the hinge cap. 
         [0007]    In some implementations, the hinge cap defines a mounting aperture disposed between the two fastening members and open at an exposed surface of the cap. 
         [0008]    In some examples, the configurable panel display further includes a display foot secured to the hinge cap at the mounting aperture and extending from the exposed surface of the cap. 
         [0009]    In some cases, at least two components of the cap hinge assembly are secured to each other with clips. 
         [0010]    In some instances, the hole within the central corner piece body is sized to accept a respective fastening member of the cap hinge assembly. 
         [0011]    In some implementations, the projections have interference detents that bear against inner surfaces of the tubular frame members to secure the cap hinge assembly to the adjacent ones of the panel frames. 
         [0012]    In some examples, the opposing edges of the panel frames each include multiple tubular frame members joined by a connector to form a single, linear frame edge, where each connector has projections received within the multiple tubular frame members. 
         [0013]    In some cases, one of the tubular frame members forms an upper edge of one of the panel frames. 
         [0014]    In some instances, the configurable panel display of further includes panels supported by and spanning respective ones of the panel frames. 
         [0015]    In some implementations, at least one of the panels includes a laminate with a core between surface coverings, where one of the surface coverings provides a relatively smooth, non-porous surface suitable for non-adhesively supporting flexible sheets. 
         [0016]    In some examples, at least one of the panels has a magnetically attractable surface. 
         [0017]    In some cases, the core includes one or more wire portions. 
         [0018]    In some instances, the panel includes a perimeter frame extending about the laminate, where edges of the laminate extend into channels of the perimeter frame. 
         [0019]    In some implementations, the perimeter frame defines grooves extending along opposite sides of edges of the panel, where ribs of the tubular frame members of the panel frames are received within the grooves and secure the panels to the panel frames. 
         [0020]    In some examples, the panels each have a thickness measured between broadest sides of the panel, where the panel frames are of a greater thickness than a combined thickness of one or more components of the panels. 
         [0021]    In some cases, the adjacent ones of the panel frames each have a thickness, and first and second rotation axes defined by the cap hinge assembly are spaced apart a distance at least as great as half the sum of the thicknesses of the adjacent ones of the panel frames, such that the adjacent ones of the panel frames are pivotable with respect to each other to place the adjacent ones of the panel frames in an overlapped, parallel relation. 
         [0022]    In some instances, the adjacent ones of the panel frames are each rotatable about the cap hinge assembly through an angle of at least 180 degrees, such that the adjacent ones of the panel frames are pivotable in either of two directions to place the adjacent ones of the panel frames in an overlapped, parallel relation. 
         [0023]    In some implementations, the configurable panel display includes at least three panel frames connected in series by cap hinge assemblies and foldable to place distal vertical edges of the configurable panel display adjacent one another, thereby forming a three-dimensional structure having a polygonal footprint. 
         [0024]    In some examples, the configurable panel display includes a middle panel frame disposed between and pivotably connected to two side panel frames by hinge cap assemblies, and a middle panel supported by and spanning a width of a lower portion of the middle panel frame, where the middle panel frame spans an opening above the middle panel. 
         [0025]    In some cases, the configurable panel display further includes a drape depending from an upper edge of the middle panel frame into the opening, such that the configurable panel display is configurable as a puppet theatre. 
         [0026]    In some instances, the configurable panel display further includes two rows of pegs disposed on opposite sides of the opening, where the pegs are aligned to form an educational loom. 
         [0027]    In some implementations, the configurable panel display further includes one or more removable, flexible overlay panels secured to and spanning the panel frames. 
         [0028]    The configurable panel display described herein can provide an educator, for example, with a readily configurable and storable structure with surfaces suitable for holding and displaying various educational materials or materials for interactive play. The configurable panel display is adaptable into many configurations, including certain configurations featuring panels of various heights and accessories for puppetry or weaving activities, for example. 
         [0029]    The cap hinge assembly is particularly useful for enabling such a structure to be readily folded flat for storage without disassembly of the hinged joints, and for quick disconnection of the panels without tools, such as for reconfiguration. Manipulation of the cap hinge assembly to connect or disconnect adjacent portions of the configurable panel display is relatively intuitive, and the hinge components can be fashioned and assembled at a relatively low cost. 
         [0030]    The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a hinged frame. 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the hinged frame of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a vertical frame member of the hinged frame of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a horizontal frame member of the hinged frame of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of a cap hinge of the hinged frame of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 6  is a perspective cross-sectional view of the cap hinge of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a frame foot of the hinged frame of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a hinged panel display. 
           [0039]      FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of the hinged panel display of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of a vertical frame member of the hinged frame of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of a horizontal frame member of the hinged frame of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view of a panel of the hinged panel display of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 13  is a perspective cross-sectional view of the panel of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 14  is an example perspective cross-sectional view of the hinged panel display of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a hinged panel display. 
           [0046]      FIG. 16  is a perspective cross-sectional view of the horizontal frame member of  FIG. 4  as assembled with a strip of fastener material. 
           [0047]      FIG. 17  is a rear view of a detachable overlay panel that can be affixed to the horizontal frame member of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0048]      FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the detachable overlay panel of  FIG. 17 . 
           [0049]      FIG. 19  is an example view of the hinged frame of  FIG. 1  assembled with poster hangers and a poster bar. 
           [0050]      FIG. 20  is rear view of a poster that can be releasably attached to the poster bar of  FIG. 19  or to the strip of fastener material of  FIG. 16 . 
           [0051]      FIG. 21  is an example view of a wall hook affixed to the hinged frame of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0052]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a hinged frame. 
           [0053]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a hinged panel display arranged in a partially closed configuration. 
           [0054]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of a hinged panel display arranged in a folded-flat configuration. 
           [0055]      FIG. 25  is an example view of the hinged panel displays of  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 15 , as disassembled for transport. 
           [0056]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a hinged panel display configured as a puppet theatre. 
           [0057]      FIG. 27  is an exploded perspective view of the puppet theatre of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0058]      FIG. 28  is a cross-sectional view of a shelf of the puppet theatre of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0059]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the hinged frame of  FIG. 1  as assembled with a weaving loom assembly. 
           [0060]      FIG. 30  is an exploded perspective view of a cap hinge that can be included with the hinged frame of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0061]      FIG. 31  is a perspective cross-sectional view of the cap hinge of  FIG. 30 . 
           [0062]      FIG. 32  is a perspective view of a connector configured to couple with the vertical frame member of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0063]      FIG. 33  is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a panel that can be assembled with the hinged frame of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0064]      FIG. 34  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a panel that can be assembled with the hinged frame of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
       [0065]    Like reference symbols in the various figures indicate like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0066]    A hinged panel display configurable for a variety of children&#39;s activities will be described below. In some implementations, the hinged panel display can provide one or more display areas for attachable and removable viewing objects, such as stickers, posters, and murals. In some examples, the hinged panel display can be arranged or configured to provide a viewable activity station (e.g., to display a large story board, a report, or a poster) or an interactive activity station (e.g., a puppet theatre or a weaving loom). In some implementations, a construction of the various interchangeable components of the hinged panel display may provide an improved manner in which to create new and interesting displays that may be presented in a variety of venues. In some instances, the hinged panel display may be utilized within any number of children&#39;s venues, such as classrooms and daycare centers. In some examples, the hinged panel display may be utilized by individual consumers. 
         [0067]      FIGS. 1 and 2  display a hinged frame  10  assembled with two end frames  12  and a center frame  14  positioned between end frames  12 . Each frame  12 ,  14  includes two spaced apart short vertical frame members  16  and two spaced apart long vertical frame members  18 . A vertical frame connector  20  vertically couples each short vertical frame member  16  to one long vertical frame member  18 . Each end frame  12  further includes two spaced apart short horizontal frame members  22 , and center frame  14  further includes two spaced apart long horizontal frame members  24 . A corner frame connector  26  couples each outer vertical frame member  16 ,  18  to one short horizontal frame member  22 , and a hinge connector  28  couples each inner vertical frame member  16 ,  18  to one short horizontal frame member  22 . Two adjacent hinge connectors  28  and a hinge cap  30  cooperate to form a cap hinge  32 , which pivotably couples end frame  12  to center frame  14 . Frame feet  34  extend from lower corner frame connectors  26  and lower cap hinges  32  and provide additional height to hinged frame  10 . In one embodiment, hinged frame  10  (as assembled with frame feet  34 ) has a height of approximately 60 in and a width of approximately 84 in. In some embodiments, hinged frame  10  may not include frame feet  34 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 3  displays a cross-sectional view of vertical frame members  16 ,  18 . Each vertical frame member  16 ,  18  has a rounded wall  36  forming a D-shaped channel  38  and from which opposing flanges  40  extend to form a T-shaped slot  42 . D-shaped channel  38  is sized and shaped to engage vertical frame connectors  20 , corner frame connectors  26 , and hinge connectors  28 . In one embodiment, short vertical frame member  16  has an approximate length of 18 in, and long vertical frame member  18  has an approximate length of 36.5 in. 
         [0069]      FIG. 4  displays a cross-sectional view of horizontal frame members  22 ,  24 . Each horizontal frame member  22 ,  24  has a rectangular wall  44  forming a square-shaped channel  46  and from which opposing protrusions  48  and opposing flanges  50  extend. One protrusion  48  along with one flange  50  forms an elongate recess  52 , while two opposing flanges  50  form an elongate slot  54 . Square-shaped channel  46  is sized and shaped to engage corner frame connectors  26  and hinge connectors  28 . Each horizontal frame member  22 ,  24  further includes an inner set of two spaced apart holes (not shown) positioned on a first surface  56  near ends of horizontal frame member  22 ,  24  and that are sized to accept various components, such as poster hangers (as will be discussed in more detail below). Each horizontal frame member  22 ,  24  further includes an outer set of two spaced apart holes  27  (shown in  FIG. 19 ) positioned on first surface  56  near ends of horizontal frame member  22 ,  24  (where the outer set of holes are positioned closer to the ends of horizontal frame members  22 ,  24  than are the inner set of holes). The outer holes are sized to engage detents disposed on surfaces of hinge connectors  28  for securing cap hinge assembly  32  to horizontal frame members  22 ,  24  (as will be discussed in more detail below). In some embodiments, horizontal frame members  22 ,  24  may include rectangular shaped openings (not shown) (e.g., instead of the holes  27 ) that are sized to engage tabular stops disposed on surfaces of other hinge connectors that are similar to the hinge connectors  28 , as will be discussed in more detail with respect to  FIGS. 30 and 31 . Another hole (not shown) is positioned at a center of an opposing second surface  58  of long horizontal frame member  24  and is sized to engage a vertical connector (as will be discussed in more detail below). In one embodiment, short horizontal frame member  22  has an approximate length of 19.5 in, and long horizontal frame member  24  has an approximate length of 40.5 in. 
         [0070]    Vertical and horizontal frame members  16 ,  18 ,  22 ,  24  may be constructed from any materials suitable to provide a relatively rigid hinged frame  10  as assembled, such as wood, plastic, or metal. 
         [0071]      FIGS. 5 and 6  display a perspective view of cap hinge  32  as unassembled and a cross-sectional view of cap hinge  32  as assembled, respectively. Hinge cap  30  includes two opposing fastener seats  60  sized to accept fasteners  62  and O-rings  64  that secure fasteners  62  within fastener seats  60 . In some examples, fasteners  62  may be shoulder screws. E-clips  66  retain fasteners  62  within fastener seats  60 , and fasteners  62  engage threaded inserts  68  disposed within recesses  70  of hinge connectors  28 . Each hinge connector  28  has a square-shaped projection  72  sized to fit within square-shaped channels  46  of horizontal frame members,  22 ,  24 . A detent  73  extends from top and bottom surfaces of each square-shaped projection  72  and is formed to engage the outer set of holes  27  disposed along first surface  56  of horizontal frame members  22 ,  24  for locking square-shaped projections  72  securely into place within horizontal frame members  22 ,  24 . Each hinge connector  28  also has a D-shaped projection  74  sized to fit within D-shaped channels  38  of vertical frame members  16 ,  18  and that extends perpendicular to square-shaped projection  72 . A threaded insert  68  is disposed within a through-hole  76  that extends through a center of hinge cap  30  and can be used for attaching other components (e.g., frame feet  34 ) to the hinged frame  10 . In one embodiment, threaded inserts  68  are press-fit into recesses  70  of hinge connectors  28  and through-hole  76  of hinge cap  30 . Cap hinge  32  allows two adjacent frames  16 ,  18  to pivot with respect to one another about central axes  77  of D-shaped projections  74  such that hinged frame  10  can be arranged in variety of configurations. 
         [0072]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , frame foot  34  includes a base  33  and a threaded connector  35  extending from a center of base  33 . Threaded connector  35  is formed to engage threaded insert  68  disposed within through-hole  70  of hinge cap  30 . Frame feet  34  may be constructed of any materials suitably rigid to withstand a weight of assembled hinged frame  10 , such as wood, plastic, or metal. In one example, frame feet  34  can include a hollow region that may be filled with sand or another material such that frame feet  34  are weighted down to provide additional stability for hinged frame display  10 . In some examples, frame feet  34  can include a wheel (not shown), allowing hinged frame  10  to be rolled about a floor surface. 
         [0073]      FIGS. 8 and 9  display assembled and an unassembled views, respectively, of a hinged panel display  100  that includes hinged frame  10  assembled with four small-sized panels  78  and four intermediate-sized panels  80  upon which various components, such as stickers  79 , can be releasably attached. Each end frame  12  is assembled with one small-sized panel  78 , one intermediate-sized panel  80 , and a short horizontal frame member  82  that is positioned between small-sized panel  78  and intermediate-sized panel  80 . Short horizontal frame member  82  is coupled to vertical frame members  16 ,  18  with opposing panel connectors  84 . Each center frame  14  is assembled with two small-sized panels  78 , two intermediate-sized panels  80 , a long horizontal frame member  86  that is positioned between small-sized panels  78  and intermediate-sized panels  80 , a short vertical frame member  88  that is positioned between small-sized panels  78 , and an intermediate-length vertical frame member  90  that is positioned between intermediate-sized panels  80 . Long horizontal frame member  86  is laterally coupled to vertical frame members  16 ,  18  with opposing panel connectors  84 . Vertical frame members  88 ,  90  are coupled to long horizontal frame members  24 ,  86  with tube connectors  92  that seat within vertical frame members  88 ,  90  on one end. The tube connectors  92  include extensions  180  on opposing ends that engage center holes within long horizontal frame members  24 ,  86 . In some embodiments, the long horizontal frame members  24 ,  86  may not include such center holes, and the tube connectors  92  may not include such extensions  180 . In such cases, the tube connectors  92  may rest against the long horizontal frame members  24 ,  86  instead of engaging the long horizontal frame members  24 ,  86 . 
         [0074]      FIG. 10  displays a cross-sectional view of vertical frame members  88 ,  90 . Each vertical frame member  88 ,  90  has a rectangular wall  94  forming a rectangular-shaped channel  96  and from which two sets of opposing flanges  98  extend to form opposing t-shaped slots  102 . Rectangular-shaped channel  96  is sized and shaped to engage tube connector  92 . In one embodiment, short vertical frame member  88  has an approximate length of 18 in, and intermediate-length vertical frame member  90  has an approximate length of 36.5 in. In some embodiments, the vertical frame members  88 ,  90  have a width of about 1.5 in. 
         [0075]      FIG. 11  displays a cross-sectional view of horizontal frame members  82 ,  86 . Each horizontal frame member  82 ,  86  has a rectangular wall  104  forming a rectangular-shaped channel  106  and from which two sets of opposing protrusions  108  extend to form opposing elongate recesses  110 . Channel  106  is sized and shaped to engage panel connector  84 . A hole (not shown) is positioned at a center of each surface  112  forming elongate recesses  110  of long horizontal frame member  86  and are sized to engage vertical tube connector  92 . In one embodiment, short horizontal frame member  82  has an approximate length of 19.5 in, and long horizontal frame member  86  has an approximate length of 40.5 in. 
         [0076]    Horizontal and vertical frame members  82 ,  86 ,  88 ,  90  may be constructed from any materials suitable to provide a relatively rigid hinged panel display  100  as assembled, such as wood, plastic, or metal. 
         [0077]      FIG. 12  displays an exploded view of panels  78 ,  80  which are laminate boards including several flame-resistant layers. Two outer plastic sheets  114  sandwich a hardware cloth (wire mesh) sheet  116  and an expanded polystyrene (EPS) (i.e., foam) board  118 . Outer plastic sheets  114  are thin, rigid, non-porous plastic sheets onto which lightweight materials (e.g., stickers or magnets) can be releasably attached. Example materials from which plastic sheets  114  may be made include vinyl, ABS, polyethylene or any other suitable material. Either or both of plastic sheets  114  may have a glossy, static-cling finish or a matte finish. Hardware cloth sheet  116  is formed from a mesh arrangement of wires and provides panels  78 ,  80  with magnetically attractive properties for holding magnetic objects (e.g., magnetic stickers) to at least one side of panels  78 ,  80 . Furthermore, mechanical properties of hardware cloth sheet  116  serve to strengthen panels  78 ,  80 . EPS board  118  provides additional rigidity, thickness, and sound-dampening properties to panels  78 ,  80 , while keeping the weight of the overall panels  78 ,  80  desirably low. In another embodiment, panels  78 ,  80  include two hardware cloth sheets  116  (one sheet  116  on each side of EPS board  118 ). In one embodiment, panels  78 ,  80  have an approximate thickness of ½ in. In one embodiment, small-sized panel  78  has an approximate length of  18  in and an approximate width of 19.5 in. In one embodiment, intermediate-sized panel  80  has an approximate length of 36.5 in and an approximate width of 19.5 in. 
         [0078]    The various layers of panels  78 ,  80  are assembled with two horizontally disposed, u-shaped panel frame members  120  and two vertically disposed, u-shaped panel frame members  122  that sandwich plastic sheets  114 , hardware cloth sheet  116 , and EPS board  118  together. Holes  124  spaced along flanges of panel frame members  120 ,  122  align with holes  126  spaced along edges of the various panel layers and are sized to accept fasteners  128  that secure the frame members  120 ,  122  and the various layers to one another. 
         [0079]      FIGS. 13 and 14  display cross-sectional views of panels  78 ,  80  and panels  78 ,  80  assembled with end frame  12 , respectively. T-shaped flanges  128 ,  130  extend from panel frame members  120 ,  122 , respectively. T-shaped flanges  128  are sized to fit within slots  54 ,  110  of horizontal frame members  22 ,  24 ,  82 ,  86 , and t-shaped flanges  130  are sized to slide within slots  42 ,  102  of vertical frame members  16 ,  18 ,  88 ,  90  such that panels  78 ,  80  can be releasably assembled with frames  12 ,  14  of hinged frame  10 . 
         [0080]    As shown in  FIG. 15 , hinged panel display  100  can alternatively (or additionally) be assembled with large-sized panels  132  in some embodiments. In the example of  FIG. 15 , hinged panel display  100  is assembled with hinged frame  10 , four large-sized panels  132 , a long vertical frame member  134 , and two tube connectors  92 . Vertical frame member  134  is substantially in similar in construction to vertical frame members  88 ,  90 , with the exception that vertical frame member  134  is of a different length. In one embodiment, long vertical frame member  134  has an approximate length of 55.5. Large-sized panels  132  are substantially similar in construction to small and intermediate-sized panels  78 ,  80 , with the exception that large-sized panels  132  have a different length. In one embodiment, large-sized panel  132  has an approximate length of 55.5 in and an approximate width of 19.5 in. 
         [0081]      FIG. 16  displays a perspective cross-sectional view of horizontal frame members  22 ,  24 . Strips  136  of fastener material (e.g., strips formed from a Velcro brand hook fastener material) may be attached along elongate recesses  52  to allow for attachment of various display surfaces and other components to either side of frames  12 ,  14  using an appropriate loop receptive material. In one embodiment, strips  136  of fastener material have an approximate width of ½ in. In some embodiments, snap buttons may be used to allow attachment of various display surfaces having complimentary snap button components, instead of or in addition to strips  136  of fastener material. 
         [0082]      FIGS. 17 and 18  display rear and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a detachable overlay panel  138  that can be affixed to hinged frame  10  at strips  136  of fastener material (see  FIG. 16 ) positioned along horizontal frame members  22 ,  24 . In one embodiment, rear surface  140  of overlay panel  138  is made of a plastic material, such as ABS or polyethylene. Either or both of a front surface  141  or the rear surface  140  of overlay panel  138  may be made a variety materials designed for releasable attachment of objects to the surface, such as fastener or receptive loop material, felt, cork, chalkboard, and static-cling material. The front and rear surfaces  141 ,  140  of overlay panel  138  are assembled with a J-shaped perimeter frame  143  having front and rear flanges  145 ,  147  that extend over edges of the front and rear surfaces  141 ,  140 , respectively. In one embodiment, front and rear flanges  145 ,  147  have approximate widths of ¼ in and ½ in, respectively. Strips  137  of receptive loop material (e.g., strips made of Velcro brand receptive loop material) are positioned along top and bottom edges of rear flange  147  for detachable assembly of overlay panel  138  to hinged frame  10 . Overlay panel  138  can be appropriately sized to cover a portion or substantially an entire area of frames  12 ,  14  while still allowing frames  12 ,  14  to fully pivot with respect to one another. Overlay panels  138  can be affixed to hinged frame  10  with or without panels  78 ,  80 ,  132  assembled with hinged frame  10 . In some embodiments, the overlay panels  138  may not include the J-shaped perimeter frame  143 , and accordingly, the strips  137  may be secured directly to either or both of the front and rear surfaces  141 ,  140  of the overlay panel  138 . 
         [0083]    As shown in  FIG. 19 , in some examples, poster hangers  142  can be releasably attached to horizontal frame members  22 ,  24  at holes in the top surface of horizontal frame members  22 ,  24 , allowing one or more poster bars  144  to be hung on either side of frames  12 ,  14 . Poster bar  144  includes two spaced apart tabs  146  having cutouts sized and aligned to fit around tabs of two poster hangers  142 . Poster bar  144  can have a length appropriate to extend the width of end frame  12  or center frame  14  while still allowing frames  12 ,  14  to fully pivot with respect to one another. Strip  136  of hook fastener material extends along the length of poster bar  144  to allow for releasable attachment of a poster, panel, mural, or other display surface having an appropriate strip of loop receptive material for attachment of the surface to poster bar  144 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 20  displays a poster  146  that can be affixed to poster bar  144  or to any of the panels  78 ,  80 ,  132  (or to either of the panels  400 ,  500  described with respect to  FIGS. 33 and 34 ). The poster  146  can be affixed to strip  136  of hook fastener material via dots  148  of loop receptive material spaced along top and bottom edges of a rear surface  150  of poster  146 . In some examples, a bottom end of poster  144  can hang free such that the bottom row of dots  148  are unattached to hinged frame  10 . In other instances, the bottom end of poster  144  is attached to horizontal frame member  22 ,  24  at strip  136  of hook fastener material via the bottom row of dots  148  or directly to plastic sheets of the panel  400  or sides of the panel  500  (as will be described with respect to  FIGS. 33 and 34 ) via a strip  136  of hook fastener material secured to the plastic sheets or sides of the panels  400 ,  500 . In some examples, the posters  146  may include a strip of loop receptive material instead of the dots  148  of loop receptive material. Posters  146  can be appropriately sized to cover a portion or substantially the entire surface of any of frames  12 ,  14  while still allowing frames  12 ,  14  to fully pivot with respect to one another. Posters  146  can be affixed to hinged frame  10  with or without panels  78 ,  80 ,  132  assembled with hinged frame  10 . In some examples, poster  146  may display a mural or another type of graphic. 
         [0085]      FIG. 21  displays wall hooks  152  that can be attached to inner surfaces of protrusions  50  extending from horizontal frame members  22 ,  24  for hanging hinged frame  10  on a wall. Accordingly, each wall hook  152  includes two holes  153  through which fasteners can be inserted for mounting hinged frame  10  on the wall. 
         [0086]    As shown in  FIGS. 22-24 , hinged frame  10  can be assembled with a variable number of frames  12 ,  14  and panels  78 ,  80 ,  132  and with or without frame feet, providing a wide variety of configurations of hinged frame  10  and hinged panel display  100 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 22 , hinged frame  10  is assembled with two end frames  12  and three center frames  14  and arranged in a substantially open configuration. In the embodiments of  FIG. 23  and  FIG. 8 , hinged panel display  100  is assembled with four end frames, four small-sized panels  78 , and four intermediate-sized panels  80  and arranged in partially closed and open configurations, respectively. In the example of  FIG. 24 , hinged panel display  100  (as assembled in  FIG. 8 ) is arranged in a flat, collapsed configuration (without frame feet  34 ), which may be desirable for storing hinged panel display  100  in a relatively small or narrow space. Other combinations of frames, panels, and panel arrangements are possible. For example, the end and center frames  12 ,  14  may include only one row of panel sections, which may be desirable in a case where the hinged panel display  100  is to sit atop a table surface, such as for a science fair. In other embodiments, an additional frame forming a single panel section may extend off an upper, outer vertical frame of the hinged frame  10 . 
         [0087]    As shown in  FIG. 25 , hinged panel display  100  may be shipped as an unassembled system of individual components (not shown to scale) and subsequently be assembled in a variety of configurations at a desired location, such as a classroom or a daycare center. 
         [0088]      FIGS. 26 and 27  illustrate front and exploded rear perspective views, respectively, of a hinged panel display arranged in a semi-closed configuration as a puppet theater  100 . Left and right sides of puppet theatre  100  are each assembled with one small-sized panel  78 , one intermediate-sized panel  80 , upper and lower short horizontal frame members  22 , one center, short horizontal frame member  82 , two vertical frame members  16 , two vertical frame members  18 , two panel connectors  84 , and two corner connectors  26 . A front side of puppet theater  100  is assembled with two intermediate-sized panels  80 , one center, intermediate-sized vertical frame member  90 , two short vertical frame members  16 , two long vertical frame members  18 , two tube connectors  92 , two horizontal frame members  24 , four corner connectors  26 , two panel connectors  84 , and a shelf  156 . 
         [0089]    A rear side of puppet theater  100  is formed from coupling of left and right sides of puppet theater  100  with two spaced apart long horizontal frame members  24 . Top horizontal frame member  24  of the rear side of puppet theatre  100  is coupled to horizontal frame member  22  of the left and right sides of puppet theater  100  with two opposing cube corner connectors  154  of the front side of puppet theatre  100 . Cube corner connectors  154  include a D-shaped projection sized to fit within D-shaped channel  38  of vertical bars  16  and two square projections sized to fit within square-shaped channels  46  of horizontal frame member  24 . Center horizontal frame member  24  of the rear side of puppet theatre  100  is coupled to horizontal frame member  22  of the left and right sides of puppet theater  100  with two opposing middle cube connectors  158  of the front side of puppet theatre  100 . Middle cube connectors  158  include two D-shaped projections sized to fit within D-shaped channel  38  of vertical bars  16 ,  18  and two square projections sized to fit within square-shaped channels  46  of horizontal frame member  24 . Shelf  156  is coupled to vertical frame members  16 ,  18  of the front side of puppet theatre  100  with two opposing panel connectors  84 . Shelf  156  is coupled to intermediate-sized vertical frame member  90  with tube connector  92 . Puppet theater  100  further includes four frame feet  34  extending from lower corner connectors  26 . 
         [0090]    As shown in  FIG. 28 , shelf  156  has a broad top surface  158  and an opposing broad lower surface  160  from which an elongate rectangular wall  162  extends to form square-shaped channel  106  sized to engage square-shaped projections of panel connectors  84 . Two protrusions  108  extend from wall  162  to form an elongate recess  110  sized to slidably couple with panels  78 ,  80  (as do horizontal frame members  22 ,  24 ). 
         [0091]    Referring again to  FIGS. 26 and 27 , intermediate-sized panels  80  are installed across center frame  14  of puppet theatre  100 , thereby providing a semi-closed arrangement of the hinged panel display. An open space located above intermediate-sized panels  80  provide an area where a backdrop scene for a puppet show may be affixed to puppet theatre  100  using strips  136  of faster material affixed to elongate recesses  52  of horizontal frame member  24  or to a poster bar  144  hung from poster hangers  142  assembled with horizontal frame member  24 . In some embodiments, puppet theatre  100  may include a different arrangement or a different number of panels  78 ,  80 . In some examples, a curtain or other type of covering may be hung from any horizontal frame member  22 ,  24  of a frame section where a panel  78 ,  80  is not installed. 
         [0092]      FIG. 29  displays a weaving loom assembly  164  installed on hinged frame  10 . Weaving loom assembly  164  includes two loom bars  166  attached via fasteners  168  to top and center horizontal frame members  24 . A row of pegs  170  extends from each loom bar  166  and provide a surface upon which a string  172  can be vertically and alternately woven about pegs  170 . In one embodiment, pegs  170  are spaced approximately ½ in apart from one another. In one embodiment, loom bars  166  have an approximate length of 38.5 in. In some embodiments, panels  78 ,  80 ,  132 , overlay panels  138 , and posters  146  may be assembled with hinged frame  10  in addition to weaving loom assembly  164 . In some examples, horizontal frame member  24  of hinged frame  10  and loom bar  166  may be shipped as a preassembled unit (e.g., horizontal frame member  24  and loom bar  166  may be preassembled with one or more rivets). 
         [0093]    While hinged panel display  100  has been described with respect to example hinged frame  10 , hinge  32 , panels  78 ,  80 ,  132 , various horizontal and vertical frame members  16 ,  18 ,  22 ,  24 ,  82 ,  86 ,  88 ,  90 ,  120 ,  122 ,  128 ,  130 ,  134 , various connectors  20 ,  26 ,  28 ,  84 ,  92 ,  154 , and certain configurations (e.g., the open and the puppet theatre configurations), other examples may also be possible. For instance, panels  78 ,  80 ,  132  may include a subset of the laminate layers  114 ,  116 ,  118  described or may include layers made of additional materials. In some embodiments, any of assembled hinged frame  10 , horizontal and vertical frame members  16 ,  18 ,  22 ,  24 ,  82 ,  86 ,  88 ,  90 ,  120 ,  122 ,  128 ,  130 ,  134 , and panels  78 ,  80 ,  132  may have different dimensions than the example dimensions provided. For example, in some embodiments, the hinged frame  10  may include a double-wide center panel instead of two laterally adjacent panels  78 ,  80 ,  132  that are separated by a vertical frame connector  88 ,  90 ,  134 . In some embodiments, such a double-wide center panel may have a width of about  40 . 5  in. In some cases, hinged frame  10 , hinged panel display  100 , and puppet theatre  100  can be assembled with any number of frames  12 ,  14 , panels  78 ,  80 ,  132 , overlay panels  138 , and posters  146  and be arranged in a variety of configurations to form any number of stable structures having polygonal footprints. 
         [0094]    While the cap hinge  32  has been described as including multiple assembly fasteners (e.g., the fasteners  62 , the O-rings  64 , the E-clips  66 , and the threaded inserts  68 ), in some embodiments, a cap hinge may include a fastening mechanism that is integral with a hinge cap. For example,  FIGS. 30 and 31  respectively display perspective and cross-sectional views of a cap hinge  200  as unassembled and assembled, respectively, including a hinge cap  202  that has fastening members  204  integral with a base  206 . The cap hinge  200  further includes two hinge connectors  208 . The cap hinge  200  is substantially similar in function to the cap hinge  32  and accordingly allows two adjacent frames  16 ,  18  to pivot with respect to one another such that the hinged frame  10  can be arranged in a variety of configurations. 
         [0095]    The base  206  of the cap hinge  200  includes two opposing recesses  210  that flank a through-hole  212  extending through a center region of the base  206 . The through-hole  212  is sized to receive a threaded insert  214  that is configured to provide a coupling for attaching other components (e.g., the frame feet  34 ) to the hinged frame  10 . The two opposing fastening members  204  project from a bottom surface of the base  206  and are configured to engage respective hinge connectors  208 . Each fastening member  204  includes an extension member  216 , a set of support arms  218  arranged around the extension member  216 , and a clip  220  that projects from a bottom end of the extension member  216 . The support arms  218  extend from the bottom surface of the base  206  to a surface along an upper region of the extension member  216 . 
         [0096]    The connector  208  is substantially similar in construction and function to the connector  28  of the cap hinge  32 , with the exception that the connector  208  includes a tabular stop  222  instead of the detent  73 . Accordingly, the connector  208  further includes a corner piece  224 , a square-shaped projection  226  (e.g., upon which the tabular stop  222  is positioned) extending horizontally from the corner piece  224 , and a D-shaped projection  228  extending vertically from the corner piece  224 . The corner piece  224  includes a through-channel  230  sized to receive the extension member  216  of the hinge cap  202 . Accordingly, in an assembled configuration of the cap hinge  200 , a bottom, outer edge of the base  206  rests atop the corner pieces  224  of the connectors  208 , and the clips  220  of the hinge cap  202  are secured against bottom edges of the through-channels  230 . The square-shaped projection  226  is sized to fit within the square-shaped channels  46  of the horizontal frame members  22 ,  24 , with the tabular stops  222  locking into corresponding openings in the horizontal frame members  22 ,  24 . The D-shaped projection  228  is sized to fit within the D-shaped channels  38  of the vertical frame members  16 ,  18 . 
         [0097]    In some embodiments, the vertical frame connector  20  of the hinged frame  10  may be embodied as a connector including a D-shaped member  304  and a flanged member  302  that surrounds the D-shaped member  304 , as shown in  FIG. 32 . The flanged member  302  is positioned at the center of the vertical frame connector  20  and formed to align in cross-section with the vertical frame members  16 ,  18  (see, for example,  FIG. 3 ) when the vertical frame members  16 ,  18  are engaged with the D-shaped  304  of the vertical frame connector  20 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , laterally adjacent frame members  16 ,  18  of the hinged frame  10  may be coupled to vertically adjacent frame members  16 ,  18  with two separate vertical frame connectors  20 . In some examples, the two separate vertical frame connectors  20  may be secured to each other via a coupling member that may be clamped over the two vertical frame connectors  20  or slid over the vertically adjacent frame members  16 ,  18  to engage the two vertical frame connectors  20 . In some examples, the two separate vertical frame connectors  20  may be coupled to each other via strips of fastener and loop receptive material that are respectively wrapped around a portion of each connector  20 . The engaged strips may serve to releasably secure the two connectors  20  to each other, while still allowing the two connectors  20  to rotate with respect to each other during pivotal movement of the vertical frame members  16 ,  18 . 
         [0098]    While the panels  78 ,  80 ,  132  have been described as including the EPS board  118 , in some embodiments, a panel may not include an EPS board. For example,  FIG. 33  displays a perspective view of a portion of a panel  400  as an unassembled laminate board that includes two outer plastic sheets  402  and an inner wire cage  404 . The outer plastic sheets  402  are thin, rigid, non-porous plastic sheets onto which lightweight materials (e.g., stickers, magnets, thin boards, or thin overlay sheets) can be releasably attached. Example materials from which the plastic sheets  402  may be made include vinyl, ABS, polyethylene, polycarbonate resin thermoplastic, polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) (e.g., Kynar), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or any other suitable material. Either or both of the plastic sheets  402  may have a glossy, static-cling finish or a matte finish. In some examples, either or both of the plastic sheets  402  may have a clear finish, making visible the color of the wire cage  404 . In some examples, either or both of the plastic sheets  402  may be of a black or white color. In some examples, either or both the plastic sheets  402  may be opaque. The wire cage  404  has a thin rectangular shape and is formed as a mesh arrangement of wires. In some embodiments, the wire cage  404  has a thickness of about ½ in. The wire cage  404  provides the panel  400  with magnetically attractive properties for holding magnetic objects (e.g., magnetic stickers) to the outer plastic sheets  402  of the panel  400 . Furthermore, mechanical properties of wire cage  404  serve to strengthen the panel  400 . The outer plastic sheets  402  and the wire cage  404  are characterized by flame-resistant properties. In some examples, the outer plastic sheets  402  may have a thickness (e.g., 0.02 inch) that allows the wire cage  404  to be felt through the outer plastic sheets  402  when the outer plastic sheets  402  are touched by hand. 
         [0099]    The panel  400  further includes u-shaped panel frame members  406  that are substantially similar in construction and function to the panel frame members  122  of the panels  78 ,  80 ,  132 , with the exception that the panel frame members  406  do not include the holes  124 . Accordingly, the u-shaped channels defined by the panel frame members  406  are sized to receive edges of the wire cage  404 . Thus, in an assembled configuration, the edges of the wire cage  404  are disposed within the channels of the panel frame members  406 , and the outer plastic sheets  402  are secured to outside surfaces of the panel frame members  406  (e.g., via glue). In this manner, the configuration of outer plastic sheets  402 , the wire cage  404 , and the panel frame members  406  provide the panel  400  with a seamless appearance. The outer plastic sheets  402 , the wire cage4, and the panel frame members  406  may have lengths and widths such that the panel  400  may be sized as a small, intermediate, or large panel, as discussed above with respect to the panels  78 ,  80 ,  132 . Accordingly, the panel  400  may be assembled with the hinged panel display  100  in any configuration. 
         [0100]    While the panels  78 ,  80 ,  132 ,  400  have been described as laminate boards, in some embodiments, a panel may be formed as a single extruded board. For example,  FIG. 34  displays a cross-sectional view of a portion of a panel  500  that is formed as an extruded board. The board  500  is configured as a corrugated board including opposing sides  502 , dividers  504 , and flanged members  506 . The opposing sides  502  terminate along opposing edges at flanged members  506 . The opposing sides  502  and respective dividers  504  together form cavities  508  that are sized to receive respective wire portions  510  that provide the panel  500  with magnetically attractive properties for holding magnetic objects (e.g., magnetic stickers) to the sides  502  of the panel  500 . In some examples, the wire portions  510  may be formed as coils and sized such that the wire portions  510  contact inner surfaces of both sides  502  of the panel  500 . In some examples, the wire portions  510  may take on other configurations, such as a zig-zagged shape. In some examples, the panel  500  may be provided without the wire portions  510  or provided separately from the wire portions  510 . The flanged members  506  are configured to engage the T-shaped slots  42  of the vertical frame members  16 ,  18 . The flanged members  506  include an extension  512  that is sized to fit within the T-shaped slots  42  of the vertical frame members  16 ,  18 . In some embodiments, the extension  512  may include a single or double lip. The panel  500  further includes strips of tape (not shown) configured to be secured along opposing top and bottom edge surfaces of the panel  500  in order to seal the cavities  508 . 
         [0101]    In some embodiments, the panel  500  has a total thickness (as measured between the opposing sides  502 ) of about ⅜ in to about ⅝ in (e.g., about ½ in) and a wall thickness of about 1/16 in. In some embodiments, the dividers  504  are spaced about ½ in apart from one another. The panel  500  may have a length and width such that the panel  500  may be sized as a small, intermediate, or large panel, as discussed above with respect to the panels  78 ,  80 ,  132 . Accordingly, the panel  500  may be assembled with the hinged panel display  100  in any configuration. Example materials from which the panel  500  may be made include copolyesters, high impact polystyrenes, and other suitable plastics. In some examples, the panel  500  may weigh substantially less than any of the panels  78 ,  80 ,  132 ,  500 , thereby advantageously being easier to transport and assemble than the other panels. 
         [0102]    Thus, while a number of examples have been described for illustration purposes, the foregoing description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. There are and will be other examples and modifications within the scope of the following claims.