Abstract:
A groove-mount fabric display system with two-part frame comprises an outer frame element, an insert frame element and one or two flexible display panels. The two-part frame is quickly assembled by inserting and deploying the insert frame element within the rigid outer frame element. The frame elements can be manufactured from flat stock materials which are relatively inexpensive to purchase and shape. The interface of the frame elements forms one or more grooves near the perimeter of the resulting two-part frame. The grooves accept mounting gaskets connected at the peripheries of each display panel. Embodiments may include one or more internally-positioned compression tubes to help maintain internal structural rigidity and the integrity of the grooves. What results is a more cost-effective, robust, three-dimensional display capable of supporting fabric display panels in tension over extended periods of use.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the field of graphic display systems. More particularly, the invention concerns graphic display systems comprising a framework to which flexible display panels are attached, such as those commonly used for decoration and advertising in retail establishments, trade shows, and the like. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The use of fabric as a graphic display substrate is gaining popularity in the retail environment due to its aesthetically pleasing quality and ease of storage and shipping. However, relying on conventional methods for creating specialized frame members of various sizes and shapes for individual retail applications using fabric as a display medium can be costly and time-consuming. Retail display environments typically require lower-cost solutions that can be manufactured in a relatively short lead time. 
         [0004]    Display systems for retail environments typically consist of a series of outer frame members that are assembled to define the general size and shape of the display. The opening or interior space created by the frame is then typically filled or covered with a rigid or flexible panel which acts as a substrate for a graphic design. The attachment of the display panels to the outer frame commonly results in a solid three-dimensional shape. One example of a flexible display panel has been used previously in association with groove-mount fabric display systems. Groove-mount fabric display systems typically incorporate a perimeter groove integrally formed within each of the outer frame members. In such systems, the groove is oriented perpendicularly to the intended front face of the fabric panel, and serves as an attachment point for support of the fabric panel by accepting one or more mounting gaskets that are affixed to the perimeter edges of the fabric panel. 
         [0005]    A disadvantage of the typical prior groove frame system is that the groove is integrally formed within each of the outer frame members, generally requiring the creation of specialized metal extrusions for use as the individual frame members. Specialized extrusions are significantly more costly to produce than standard flat metal stock shapes, particularly when such extrusions must be adapted for use in generating various framework shapes, sizes and angles. Further, these prior systems typically require additional hardware or numerous welding operations to interconnect the metal extrusions to form a completed framework. Although those in the art recognize the need for a faster and less-expensive solution, significant challenges are presented when attempting to rely on flat-stock shapes and less-expensive materials to produce a framework rigid enough to stand up to aggressive handling in the retail environment while also providing a groove resilient enough to continuously support a fabric panel in tension for several months or years. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, what is needed is a robust, low-cost groove-mount fabric display system which can take on a variety of shapes and sizes, leverage low-cost construction materials and faster manufacturing processes, and provide sufficient structural rigidity to support fabric display panels in tension for extended periods of time within the retail environment. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    By way of summary, embodiments concern a groove-mount fabric display system comprising an outer frame element, an insert frame element and at least a first display panel. The outer frame element has a main axis, a multiplicity of sides distributed thereabout, an inboard surface and a first peripheral edge. Depending on the embodiment, the sides can be planar or curved. The sides are thin-walled and generally define the lateral periphery of a cavity. The cavity has a first axial opening, and in some embodiments, a second axial opening as well. In embodiments in which the outer frame element has a second axial opening, the outer frame also has a second peripheral edge. 
         [0008]    The insert frame element has a substrate portion and a spacer portion, each typically being thin-walled and in fixed association with each other. The insert frame element is adapted to be axially inserted into the cavity and placed in a deployed configuration. When the insert frame member is in its deployed configuration, the spacer portion is generally disposed between the substrate portion and the inboard surface of the outer frame element, thereby forming a first groove generally proximate the first peripheral edge, and, in certain embodiments having a second axial opening, forming a second groove generally proximate the second peripheral edge. The first groove and second groove each open in substantially the axial direction, that is, in a direction generally parallel with the main axis of the outer frame element. 
         [0009]    The first display panel has a first display portion and a first mounting gasket flexibly connected thereto. The first display portion is substantially flexible, and can be comprised of fabric or other flexible material suitable for use as a substrate upon which graphics can be mounted, printed or projected. The first mounting gasket is adapted to be inserted into the first groove, thereby supporting the first display portion in tension across the first axial opening. 
         [0010]    Certain embodiments further comprise a first compression tube, which is generally elongated with two first opposed ends. The first compression tube is adapted to be snugly positioned within the cavity such that one or both first opposed ends continuously urge the inner frame element toward the inboard surface. Embodiments with a first compression tube may also comprise a second compression tube which is elongated with two second opposed ends. The second compression tube is also adapted to be snugly positioned within the cavity, typically at approximately a right angle to the first compression tube such that one or both second opposed ends continuously urge the inner frame element toward the inboard surface. To provide further aid in urging the inner frame element toward the inboard surface, additional such compression tubes may be used. The additional compression tubes can either be positioned in parallel or at various angles with respect to each other, typically depending on the overall shape or number of sides of the display system. 
         [0011]    In embodiments, the spacer portion has a spacer thickness, and the first groove and second groove have a first groove width and second groove width, respectively. In certain embodiments, the first and second groove widths are generally defined by the spacer thickness. In addition, the first and second grooves of certain embodiments extend along substantially the entire length of the first peripheral edge and second peripheral edge, respectively. 
         [0012]    In most embodiments, the outer frame element is substantially formed of flat stock of a material such as metal and plastic. Typically, the insert frame element is substantially formed of a material such as wood, cardboard, light-gauge plastic or sheet metal. 
         [0013]    In particular embodiments, the substrate portion is comprised of a plurality of substrate segments in hinged association with one another. In such an embodiment, each substrate segment typically corresponds to a separate side of the outer frame element. The hinged association generally allows the insert frame element to be moved between a generally planar precursor configuration and the aforementioned deployed configuration. It is also common in such embodiments for the spacer portion to be comprised of a plurality of spacer segments, each spacer segment corresponding to a separate substrate segment. Similarly, the first mounting gasket may be comprised of a plurality of first gasket segments, each corresponding to a separate side of the outer frame element. 
         [0014]    In certain embodiments in which the outer frame member has a second peripheral edge, the cavity has a second axial opening, and a second groove is formed when the insert frame element is in deployed configuration, the embodiment may also comprise a second display panel. The second display panel has a second display portion and a second mounting gasket flexibly connected thereto. The second display portion is substantially flexible, and can be comprised of fabric or other flexible material suitable for use as a substrate upon which graphics can be mounted, printed or projected. The second mounting gasket is adapted to be inserted into the second groove, thereby supporting the second display portion in tension across the second axial opening. 
         [0015]    In particular embodiments, the first groove has a first groove depth and the second groove has a second groove depth. The substrate portion typically has a substrate width and the spacer portion typically has a spacer width which is less than the substrate width. In such an embodiment, the difference between the substrate width and spacer width generally defines the sum of the first and second groove depths. When the meaning of the term “groove depth” cannot be reasonably ascertained by viewing the various figures provided herein, it is generally defined by the distance between the groove floor of the respective groove and the substrate edge disposed outwardly therefrom, rather than the distance between the groove floor and the respective peripheral edge. 
         [0016]    In certain embodiments, the spacer portion has a spacer thickness, the first groove has a first groove width which is generally defined by the spacer thickness and the second groove has a second groove width which is generally defined by the spacer thickness. In embodiments, the first groove and the second groove may extend along substantially the entire length of the first peripheral edge and second peripheral edge, respectively. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    Further advantages of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art with the benefit of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and upon reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a groove-mount fabric display system with two-part frame in accordance with the present invention, in disassembled form; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a similar embodiment to that depicted in  FIG. 1 , but in assembled form; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an outer frame element in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic enlarged view of detail  4  of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an inner frame element in a generally planar precursor configuration, also depicting a spacer portion comprised of a plurality of spacer segments, and a substrate portion comprised of a plurality of substrate segments in hinged association with one another; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic enlarged view of detail  6  of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is an inner frame element similar to that shown in  FIG. 5 , but in an intermediate configuration within which it can be more easily inserted into the cavity of an outer frame element; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an inner frame element and an outer frame element prior to the axial insertion of the inner frame element into the cavity of the outer frame element; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view similar to that of  FIG. 8 , but in which the inner frame element has been axially inserted into the cavity of the outer frame element; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a front view of the elements and configuration shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is a diagrammatic enlarged view of detail  11  of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is a front view of an insert frame element having been axially inserted into an outer frame element and placed in deployed configuration, thereby creating a two-part frame in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  is a diagrammatic enlarged view of detail  13  of  FIG. 12 , illustrating how the engagement of the ends of the substrate portion of one embodiment can help lock the inner frame element in deployed configuration; 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a two-part frame similar to that shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  is a diagrammatic enlarged view of detail  15  of  FIG. 14 , depicting a first groove formed as a result of an insert frame element being placed in its deployed configuration; 
           [0033]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a two-part frame in accordance with the present invention in which the insert frame element has been placed in deployed configuration, and first and second compression tubes are shown prior to their being snugly positioned within the cavity of the outer frame element; 
           [0034]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a two-part frame similar to that shown in  FIG. 16 , but in which first and second compression tubes have been snugly inserted into the cavity such that their respective ends continuously urge the inner frame element toward the inboard surface of the outer frame element; 
           [0035]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a groove-mount fabric display system with two-part frame in accordance with the present invention in partially disassembled form, showing a two-part frame which includes two compression tubes as components of the inner part of the frame, and first and second display panels prior to their being attached to the two-part frame; 
           [0036]      FIG. 19  is a partial cross-sectional view taken along lines  19 - 19  of  FIG. 18 , depicting the first mounting gasket prior to insertion into the first groove; and 
           [0037]      FIG. 20  is a partial cross-sectional view taken along lines  20 - 20  of  FIG. 2 , depicting the first mounting gasket inserted into the first groove. 
       
    
    
       [0038]    While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and may herein be described in detail. The drawings may not be to scale. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0039]    Referring now to the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding features throughout the several views. 
         [0040]      FIG. 1  depicts a disassembled view of one embodiment of a groove-mount fabric display system with a two-part frame, an assembled version of which is depicted generally at  30  in  FIG. 2 . The system comprises an outer frame element (shown generally at  32 ), an insert frame element (shown generally at  46 ) and at least a first display panel (shown generally at  54 ). Turning now to  FIG. 3  for illustration, the outer frame element  32  has a main axis  34 , a multiplicity of sides (such as those shown at  36 ) distributed thereabout, an inboard surface  38  and a first peripheral edge  40 . Depending on the embodiment, the sides  36  can be planar or curved. The sides  36  are thin-walled and generally define the lateral periphery of a cavity  42 . In turn, the inboard surface  38  is generally defined by the lateral periphery of the cavity  42 . The cavity  42  has a first axial opening  44 , and in some embodiments, a second axial opening  84  as well. In embodiments in which the outer frame element  32  has a second axial opening  84 , the outer frame element  32  also has a second peripheral edge  82 . In typical embodiments, the first and second peripheral edges also define the axial peripheries of the cavity  42 . 
         [0041]    Turning now to  FIGS. 5-7  for illustration, the insert frame element  46  has a substrate portion (shown generally at  48 ), and a spacer portion (shown generally at  50 ), each typically being thin-walled and in fixed association with each other. The insert frame element  46  is adapted to be axially inserted into the cavity  42  (see, for example,  FIGS. 8-11 ) and placed in a deployed configuration (see, for example,  FIGS. 12-15 ). When the insert frame member  46  is in its deployed configuration, the spacer portion  50  is generally disposed between the substrate portion  48  and the inboard surface  38  of the outer frame element  32 , thereby forming a first groove  52  generally proximate the first peripheral edge  40 , and, in certain embodiments having a second axial opening  84 , forming a second groove (not shown) generally proximate the second peripheral edge  82 . The first groove  52  and second groove each open in substantially the axial direction, that is, in a direction generally parallel with the main axis  34  of the outer frame element  32 . 
         [0042]    Turning to  FIGS. 1 ,  19  and  20  for illustration, the first display panel  54  has a first display portion  56  and a first mounting gasket  58  flexibly connected thereto. The first display portion  56  is substantially flexible, and can be comprised of fabric or other flexible material suitable for use as a substrate upon which graphics can be mounted, printed or projected. The first mounting gasket  58  is adapted to be inserted into the first groove  52 , thereby supporting the first display portion  56  in tension across the first axial opening  44 . 
         [0043]    Turning now to  FIGS. 16 and 17  for illustration, certain embodiments further comprise a first compression tube  60 , which is generally elongated with two first opposed ends  62  and  64 . The first compression tube  60  is adapted to be snugly positioned within the cavity  42  such that one or both first opposed ends  62  and  64  continuously urge the inner frame element  46  toward the inboard surface  38 . Embodiments with a first compression tube  60  may also comprise a second compression tube  66  which is elongated with two second opposed ends  68  and  70 . The second compression tube  66  is adapted to be snugly positioned within the cavity  42 , typically at approximately a right angle to the first compression tube  60  such that one or both second opposed ends  68  and  70  continuously urge the inner frame element  46  toward the inboard surface  38 . To provide further aid in urging the inner frame element  46  toward the inboard surface  38 , additional such compression tubes may be used. The compression tubes described herein can be positioned in parallel or at various angles with respect to each other. Although the compression tubes depicted in the various figures have circular cross-sections, compression tubes in accordance with the present invention can have cross-sections of different shapes as well. Further, the compression tubes are preferably made of lightweight and inexpensive materials such as cardboard and the like, can be either hollow or solid, and in some cases can be curved or bent. 
         [0044]    Turning now to  FIGS. 19 and 20  for illustration, in embodiments, the spacer portion  50  typically has a spacer thickness  72 . The first groove  52  and second groove (not shown) have a first groove width  74  and second groove width (not shown), respectively. In certain embodiments, such as the one illustrated in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the first and second groove widths may be defined by the spacer thickness  72 . In addition, the first and second grooves of particular embodiments extend along substantially the entire length of the first peripheral edge  40  and second peripheral edge  82 , respectively. As a result, the first and second grooves may be continuous, tracing around the entire lateral periphery of the cavity  42 . 
         [0045]    In most embodiments, the outer frame element  32  is substantially formed of flat stock of a material such as metal and plastic. By using flat stock metal, for example, an outer frame element  32  can be formed inexpensively by way of simple, conventional metal-forming processes. Such processes can create a series of corner bends in the flat stock to produce the desired size and number of sides. As a result, an outer frame element  32  can be formed into shapes such as triangles, squares, octagons or other multi-sided contours. Conventional metal-forming operations can also be used to produce curved sides when desired. As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the contour of the outer frame element  32  can then be permanently closed using, for example, a simple adhesive or welding operation (see example welding beads at  98 ) at a single joint. The outer frame element may then be suspended by way of, for example, a small through-hole  100  for priming, painting and drying purposes. What results from the described forming and finishing processes is an inexpensive, structurally rigid and visually attractive outer frame element  32 . 
         [0046]    Typically, the insert frame element  46  is substantially formed of a material such as wood, cardboard, light-gauge plastic or sheet metal. The substrate portion  48  and spacer portion  50  can be made from the same or different materials, and in most embodiments, are fixedly associated with one another by way of, for example, an adhesive operation or by having been integrally formed with one another. 
         [0047]    Turning now to  FIGS. 5 and 7  for illustration, in particular embodiments the substrate portion  48  is comprised of a plurality of substrate segments  76  in hinged association with one another. In such embodiments, each substrate segment  76  typically corresponds to a separate side  36  of the outer frame element  32 . The hinged association generally allows the insert frame element  46  to be moved between a generally planar precursor configuration (as depicted, for example, in  FIG. 5 ) and the aforementioned deployed configuration (see, for example,  FIGS. 14 and 15 ). This hinged association can be created by, for example, living hinges inexpensively formed in cardboard or plastic stock from which the substrate portion  48  may be made. Returning to  FIG. 5  for illustration, it is also common in embodiments with a plurality of substrate segments  76  for the spacer portion  50  to be comprised of a plurality of spacer segments  78 , each spacer segment  78  corresponding to a separate substrate segment  76 . Similarly, the first mounting gasket  58  may be comprised of a plurality of first gasket segments (not shown in detail), each typically corresponding to a separate side  36  of the outer frame element  32 . The second mounting gasket  90  may similarly be comprised of a plurality of second gasket segments (not shown in detail). 
         [0048]    Turning to  FIG. 3 , in certain embodiments in which the outer frame member  32  has a second peripheral edge  82 , the cavity  42  has a second axial opening  84 , and a second groove (not shown) is formed when the insert frame element  46  is in deployed configuration (see, for example,  FIGS. 12-15 ), the embodiment may also comprise a second display panel  86  (see, for example,  FIGS. 1 and 18 ). The second display panel  86  has a second display portion  88  and a second mounting gasket  90  flexibly connected thereto. The second display portion  88  is substantially flexible, and can be comprised of fabric or other flexible material suitable for use as a substrate upon which graphics can be mounted, printed or projected. The second mounting gasket  90  is adapted to be inserted into the second groove (not shown), thereby supporting the second display portion  88  in tension across the second axial opening  84 . 
         [0049]    Turning to  FIGS. 19 and 20  for illustration, in particular embodiments, the first groove  52  has a first groove depth  92  and the second groove has a second groove depth (not shown). Referring to  FIG. 6  for illustration, the substrate portion  48  typically has a substrate width  94  and the spacer portion  50  typically has a spacer width  96  which is less than the substrate width  94 . In such an embodiment, the difference between the substrate width  94  and spacer width  96  generally defines the sum of the first and second groove depths. Returning to  FIG. 19  for illustration, when the meaning of the term “groove depth” cannot be reasonably ascertained by viewing the various figures provided herein, it is generally defined by the distance between the groove floor  102  of the respective groove and the substrate edge  80  disposed outwardly therefrom, rather than the distance between the groove floor  102  and the respective peripheral edge (such as first peripheral edge  40 ). This is a particularly important distinction in embodiments in which one or both display panels are intended to be mounted so that they are slightly inset from the respective peripheral edges of the outer frame element. 
         [0050]    Returning to  FIG. 19  for illustration, in certain embodiments, the spacer portion  50  has a spacer thickness  72  which defines the first groove width  74  of the first groove  52  and the second groove width of the second groove. 
         [0051]    The detailed description of embodiments of the groove-mount fabric display system with two-part frame is intended merely to provide examples, and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the appended claims to these described embodiments. Accordingly, modifications to the embodiments described are possible, and it should be clearly understood that the invention may be practiced in many different ways than the embodiments specifically described below, and still remain within the scope of the claims.