Abstract:
A display system for trade shows and method for assembly thereof. The display system comprises lower and upper lateral frame members, and a plurality of vertical members adapted to connect releasably at the top and bottom to the lateral frame members. Each vertical member has a lower portion that extends outside a first reference plane, and an upper portion that extends outside said first reference plane in the direction opposite the direction of extension of the lower portion. The system further comprises a plurality of legs connected to respective vertical members and releasable fasteners for attaching a sheet of flexible material to the lower and upper lateral members and at least two vertical elongate members for displaying information. The invention also includes a method for assembling a display as described above without the use of extrinsic tools.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   An application for a U.S. Design Patent was filed on Feb. 14, 2008 (application Ser. No. 29/303,703) for the aesthetic features of this invention. That application Ser. No. 29/303,703 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates generally to the field of advertising and marketing displays, particularly to transportable display system for use as temporary displays at trade shows, conventions, exhibits, marketing events, and similar venues. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
   In a trade show or convention setting, it is often the case that the most eye-catching display will garner the most interest among the attendees. To help distinguish their exhibit from exhibits of their competitors and thereby achieve maximum attendee traffic, exhibitors typically desire to use a display system that creates maximum impact and visual appeal. At the same time, exhibitors must often transport their display systems from place to place for various trade shows or other exhibits, and have only minimal labor available to set up and break down the display for each use. It is particularly convenient and advantageous if a display system is constructed such that it can be shipped by a door-to-door express freight service, such as United Parcel Service, Federal Express, and the like. This enables the exhibitor staff to travel without having to carry boxes, crates, or other containers for display material, and no special arrangements are required for shipping the display system to the next venue. 
   Numerous patents have issued in the United States for advertising and display systems. However, many of them consist of straight sections that interlock to form square or rectangular display surfaces. For example, Downing, U.S. Pat. No. 3,113,392 (“Downing”), discloses a “knock down display” for trade shows and demonstrates several shortcomings common to the prior art. 
   Downing describes a finished display that is flat in both vertical and horizontal axes, and therefore is not particularly eye-catching. In addition, the display system comprises a multitude of components which must be assembled to create subassemblies, and then these subassemblies must be mounted together to create a large display surface. Finally, the surface of the display forms part of the structure, and each time the message is to be changed, new panels must be constructed and then printed. 
   Healy, U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,591, discloses a modular sign system that employs a curved display surface that produces greater visual impact. However, the structure itself does not lend itself to large-scale displays incorporating higher order curved surfaces. 
   Similarly, Lanier, U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,084, discloses a sign adapted to be anchored to the ground for applications such as outdoor real estate advertising, and employs a horizontally-curved surface. In this design, the size of the display is limited to relatively small signs since the panel must be somewhat stiff in order to provide some rigidity to the assembled unit. 
   Volpe, U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,180, describes a temporary display for advertising soon-to-be-released movies or DVD&#39;s where a “life size” cutout of the lead character is often utilized. The display includes an S-curved shape in the horizontal axis, though the vertical axis is not curved. The display is built of one piece, shipped flat and assembled on-site by following fold lines. However, the display is to be constructed of inexpensive paperboard or printed cardstock, providing only enough strength to support itself. It is thus a “one time use” display which would be thrown away after use. 
   Based on the state of the art, as shown in part by the aforementioned examples, there is a need for a lightweight, easily assembled, visually pleasing display system that can be broken down into components small enough for shipment via express freight delivery services. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY 
   The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with apparatuses and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. 
   The present invention includes a display system that comprises lower and upper lateral frame members, and a plurality of vertical members adapted to connect releasably at the top and bottom to the lateral frame members. Each vertical member has a lower portion that extends outside a first reference plane defined by the lower lateral member and the upper lateral member, and an upper portion that extends outside said first reference plane in the direction opposite the direction of extension of the lower portion. The system further comprises a plurality of legs connected to respective vertical members. The legs extend outside the first reference plane in the same direction as the direction of extension of the lower portion of the vertical members so that, when the display system is assembled, it is supported by the lower portion of said vertical members and the legs. The system also comprises releasable fasteners adapted to connect the elongate vertical members to the elongate lateral members. The system further comprises releasable fasteners for attaching a sheet of flexible material to the lower lateral members, the upper lateral members, and at least two vertical elongate members for displaying information. 
   The invention also includes a method for constructing a display, comprising providing a lower elongate lateral member, an upper elongate lateral member, and a plurality of elongate vertical members. The vertical members are adapted to connect releasably at one end to the lower lateral member and to connect releasably at the opposite end to the upper lateral member. Each vertical member has a lower portion that, when the vertical member is connected to the lateral members, extends outside a first reference plane defined by the lower lateral member and the upper lateral member, and an upper portion that extends outside said first reference plane in the direction opposite the direction of extension of the lower portion. 
   The method further comprises connecting at least two elongate vertical members to the lower elongate lateral member and the upper elongate lateral member and connecting a leg to at least two respective vertical members so that the legs extend outside the first reference plane in the same direction as the direction of extension of the lower portion of the vertical members. The method further comprises erecting the interconnected elongate lower member, the elongate upper member, and elongate vertical members so that the interconnected assembly is supported by the lower portion of the vertical member and the legs. The method also comprises attaching a sheet of flexible material to the lower elongate lateral member, the upper elongate lateral member, and at least two vertical elongate members for displaying information. 
   It is to be understood that this summary is provided as a means for generally determining what follows in the drawing and detailed description, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Objects, features and advantages of the invention will be readily understood upon consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the referenced figures. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective of a first embodiment of a display system according to the invention showing the front and left sides thereof, as well as a first and second plane defined by the display system. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective showing the rear and left sides of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the framework assembly of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective of a second embodiment of a display system according to the invention, including the back wall display of  FIGS. 1 through 3 , an associated workstation, a cubby, a rear shelf, additional graphic panels, and a signboard. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective of an alternate embodiment of the workstation shown in  FIG. 4 , including an internal shelf and locking access door. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective of a third embodiment of the display system according to the invention, utilizing two vertical members rather than three and showing additional features that can be releasably connected to the display system, including a sign board, a video display, a brochure holder, a writing desk, and graphic panel. 
       FIG. 7  is a set of cross-sectional views of three alternative shapes for the vertical support frame member within the display system. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety as though fully set forth. Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. 
   The present invention is designed to create an eye-catching display surface incorporating a vertical “reverse-curve” in the display surface, preferably a “reversed S-curve.” In addition, accessory pieces such as a workstation and a narrower “banner” embodiment utilize similar forms to create a visually stimulating display area. 
   In all the embodiments disclosed herein, the components can be set up and broken down without the use of extrinsic tools. Preferably, the structure of the system components, for example, the back wall display, the workstation, and the banner, each weighs less than fifty pounds, making it easy to move the finished assembly during the trade show as well as easy to transport components between uses. In addition, the structure of the system enables the system to break down into components no more than 24″×24″×60″ in size. However, it is to be understood that the full scope of the invention in not limited by these weight or dimensional values. 
   In a first exemplary embodiment, and referring to  FIG. 1 , the display system comprises a back wall display  10 . The upper and lower lateral members, described further below, define a first plane  500 . The vertical members, legs, and arcuate braces, described further below, define a second plane  501 .  FIG. 1  shows the front side  30  of the embodiment;  FIG. 2  shows the back side  40  of the embodiment. 
   The back wall  10  comprises three curved, vertical members  20   a ,  20   b , and  20   c , one each placed at the extreme left and right side of the display area, and the third placed approximately one-third of the distance between the two outside members. The vertical members define two portions, an upper portion  28  and lower portion  26  which are connected together with releasable fasteners, for example, a threaded screw hand-tightened against a spline. Another non-limiting example of a suitable releasable fastener would be a MODUL PR53 connector, available from MODUL International, Sperberweg 4, D-41468 Neuss, Germany (and in the U.S. from Classic Exhibits, Portland, Oreg.). 
   In this embodiment, the lower portions are bent to form a concave arc  24  and the upper supports are bent to form a convex arc  22 , as viewed from the front side  30  of the display. Arcuate stabilizing members  32  are attached to the lower portion  26  of members  20   a  and  20   b  and help create a stable, rigid frame. An infill  34  is disposed in the interior space  31  defined by arcuate stabilizing member  32  and the lower portion  26 . Infill  34  is provided to create additional visual impact and preferably comprises a sheet of plastic, cardstock, or fabric. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , the vertical members  20   a ,  20   b , and  20   c , are releasably connected to a top lateral member having a first portion  41  and a second portion  42 , and a bottom lateral member having a first portion  43  and a second portion  44 . The attachment between the vertical and horizontal members is accomplished without the need for extrinsic tools by releasable fasteners. For example, a Modul FIX 31, available from MODUL International, Sperberweg 4, D-41468 Neuss, Germany (and in the U.S. from Classic Exhibits, Portland, Oreg.) can be used as connector  46  with knobs  48  to form a hand-tightened attachment. However, other types of releasable fasteners may be used without departing from the principles of the invention. 
   In this embodiment, the top and bottom lateral member portions are each one-piece, and lateral member portions  42  and  44  include a hinged joint  47  in the middle to fold for easy transport. Legs  50  are attached to the back side of the lower portion of the vertical member to form a 6-point support for the display. 
   Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the display surface  55  of back wall display  10  preferably comprises a flexible, printed fabric. In this embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the display surface  55  is releasably attached to the back side of the vertical supports  20   a ,  20   b , and  20   c  and horizontal lateral members  41 ,  42 ,  43  and  44  utilizing hook and loop fasteners  58 . Note that  FIG. 2  shows the hook and loop fasteners  58  on the upper lateral members only, however they are located on each vertical and lateral member as described above. 
   Additionally, commercially available lights  60  may be clamped onto the top lateral member  41  and  42 . The lights are preferably attached using releasable fasteners, such as threaded clamp connections, that do not require extrinsic tools to assemble or disassemble. 
     FIG. 4  shows a second embodiment of the display system further including a workstation  110  to be used in association with the back wall. The structure of the workstation is similar to the back wall display, and comprises a concave, arcuate back member  112 , a convex, arcuate front member  116 , and legs  120 . Lateral member  114  releasably connects to back member  112  using, as a non-limiting example, Modul connections as described above. Front panel  130  is releasably connected to front members  116  with hand-tightened threaded connections  134  similar to that described in Example 1. Desk surface  150  is releasably connected using a friction fit or can also be attached with hand-tightened, threaded connections. 
   Front panel  130  of workstation  110  may preferably comprise flexible, pre-printed fabric, light gage metal, lightweight plastic, or other suitable flexible material. Side panel infill  156  may preferably comprise flexible, preprinted fabric, light gage metal, lightweight plastic, or other suitable material. Back member  112 , front member  116 , leg  120 , and side panel infill  156  need not be disassembled for shipment. Optional upper member  160  is connected to back member  112  with releasable fasteners. As described above, Modul connectors are one example of a suitable releasable fastener, though others may be used without departing from the principles of the invention. Upper member  160  may provide mounting points for various additional features, including accent graphics  166   c  as well shelving (not shown, but similar to item  310  in  FIG. 6 ) or video displays  170 . 
     FIG. 4  also shows optional features that may be added to the back wall, such as rear shelf  162  and shelf/brochure holder  164 . Accent graphics  166   a ,  166   b , and  166   c  are releasably connected to the vertical frame members using clips  167 . Additionally, a virtually limitless variety of signs or graphics  168  may be attached to the upper vertical member or top lateral member, again using releasable fasteners that do not require extrinsic tools. 
     FIG. 5  shows another embodiment of a workstation associated with the display system. In this embodiment, workstation  200  comprises two side frames  210 , each of which further comprises a concave, arcuate back member  212 , a convex, arcuate front member  214 , and leg  220 . Front panel  230  includes lateral members  234  that are releasably connected to front members  214  with hand-tightened threaded connections, for a non-limiting example, a Modul connection may be used. Alternate front panel  230 ′ is releasably connected using hand-tightened, threaded connections. Desk surface  250  is releasably connected using a friction fit or can also be attached with hand-tightened, threaded connections. In this embodiment, rear panel  242  includes an access door and is releasably connected to back members  212 . Interior shelf  254  is releasably fastened to rear member  212  and front member  214 . 
   Front panel  230  and alternate front panel  230 ′ of workstation  200  may preferably comprise flexible, pre-printed fabric, light gage metal, lightweight plastic, or other suitable flexible material. Side panel infill  256  may preferably comprise flexible, preprinted fabric, light gage metal, lightweight plastic, or other suitable material. Back member  212 , front member  214 , leg  220 , and side panel infill  256  are not disassembled for shipment. 
     FIG. 6  shows another embodiment of the display system termed a banner display  300 . Banner display  300  comprises two vertical members  20   a  or  20   b  like those of the back wall display of  FIG. 1 , lateral top and bottom members  41  and  43  like those of the back wall display of  FIG. 1 , as well as the legs, the display surface, and optionally the arcuate brace like those of the back wall display of  FIG. 1 . The banner display can be used as an accent piece or on its own for smaller display areas. Additional elements such as brochure holder  340 , writing surface  310 , video display  320 , signboard  330 , and other accent graphics  166  can be releasably connected to the vertical and lateral members to add more visual appeal or provide additional information on the advertised product. 
   While the above description contains many specific details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as examples of several preferred embodiments. Many variations of the display system are possible, but have been omitted from the drawings as less important to the function of the device. 
   For example, the vertical supports are preferably constructed from extruded aluminum H-shapes as shown in the examples, but could also be constructed from material with cross sections that are round, square, oval, rectangular, C- or L-shaped without departing from the principles of the invention. Examples of H-shaped, round, and rectangular cross sections are shown in  FIG. 7 . The display surface is shown as made of flexible, stretchable fabric that is the most common surface in the industry today, but could be replaced with other materials including paper, wood, plastic, or metal, provided that it is capable of bending to the shape of the vertical supports. The fill material between the arcuate braces and the lower supports can be transparent, translucent, or opaque and can be made of various materials and textures. 
   An innumerable number of shapes, including waves, concave and convex curves, rectangles, ovals, etc. can be attached to the frame members as accent graphics. 
   The workstation desktop is preferably square as shown, but may be round, oval, or any other shape, without departing from the principles of the invention. 
   The terms and expressions that have been employed in the foregoing specification are used therein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the uses of such terms and expressions, to exclude equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that the scope of the invention is defined and limited only by the claims which follow.