Abstract:
A display unit for conveying information to a desired audience includes an outer shell having one or more areas for displaying information, and an inner support assembly coupled to the outer shell and configured to support the outer shell during use of the display unit. The display unit has at least one folded position and a use position, wherein the display unit is self-deployable such that the display unity automatically transitions from a folded position to the use position. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the display unit may automatically transition from a folded position to the use position under a force generated from the display unit itself. A method of using the display unit is also disclosed.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to display units intended to provide visual information, and more particularly to a display unit that is compact and includes a self-deployable aspect. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Display units are frequently used by businesses and other organizations to provide visual information such as, for example, advertising information or other types of information at a point of sale, trade show, or public venue. The visual information may include any combination of words, colors, and images, as may be desired, so that the display unit may effectively communicate the information to a desired audience. When not in use, a display unit may be stored or transported to a location where it is to be used. For example, some display units may be disassembled and/or at least partially collapsed into a folded position for storing and transportation, and may be subsequently assembled and/or erected into a use position for providing the visual information. 
         [0003]    Generally, display units consist of a front face carrying visual information, and are intended to be placed on the ground, a tabletop, or other surface. This front face can be held in a vertical position by means of a support structure, such as, for example, a stand-type device. This type of device may include a tripod, a poster display stand, a banner stand, and the like. Other display units may consist of multiple front faces, each carrying visual information, held in a vertical position by a similar device, in order to display visual information to observers on different sides of the display unit. However, display units such as these are relatively bulky and cannot be transported easily, and require difficult manipulations in order to be arranged into a use position or to be arranged into a folded position. 
         [0004]    Therefore, a need exists for a display unit which is easily movable between a folded position and a use position, and which is compact and easily storable in the folded position. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    A display unit for conveying information to a desired audience includes an outer shell having one or more areas for displaying information, and an inner support assembly coupled to the outer shell and configured to support the outer shell during use of the display unit. The display unit has at least one folded position and a use position, wherein the display unit is self-deployable such that the display unit automatically transitions from a folded position to the use position. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the display unit may automatically transition from a folded position to the use position under a force generated from the display unit itself. 
         [0006]    In one embodiment, the support assembly includes an upper support panel and a lower support panel coupled together by at least one spring member configured to exert a tension force on the upper and lower support panels when the display unit is in a folded position. The upper and lower support panels are foldable between an expanded position and a collapsed position and are configured to fold about a panel fold line. In the at least one folded position, the support assembly is folded within the outer shell such that the upper and lower support panels are collapsed along the respective panel fold lines. The at least one folded position may include an intermediate position, wherein the at least one spring member exerts a tension force on the upper and lower support panels such that the upper and lower support panels are biased toward each other along their respective panel fold line when in the intermediate position. In this way, the biasing of the upper and lower support panels along their respective panel fold lines causes the upper and lower support panels to expand such that the display unit transitions to the use position. 
         [0007]    In an exemplary embodiment, the upper and lower support panels have an elliptical configuration that provides a plurality of sides to the display unit for viewing the information provided thereon. The upper and lower support panels may be fixedly attached to an interior wall of the outer shell. In one embodiment, the upper and lower support panels each include a hinge flap, wherein the at least one spring member is coupled to each hinge flap. Moreover, in one embodiment, the upper and lower support panels are coupled together by two spring members and a spacer disposed therebetween. The at least one spring member may include an elastic band. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment, the support assembly may further include a central support panel disposed between the upper and lower support panels, the central support panel having an opening, and the at least one spring member may extend through the opening. The central support panel may also include a fold line. In one embodiment, the central support panel may be at least partially folded about the fold line when the display unit is in the use position. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, the display unit may further include at least one air release hole positioned on at least one of the outer shell and the inner support assembly. 
         [0010]    A method of erecting a display unit having an outer shell with lateral fold lines and an inner support assembly for supporting the outer shell, the display unit having a folded, an intermediate, and a use position, includes gripping a portion of the display unit in the folded position, and releasing the display unit such that the display unit self-deploys from the folded position to the use position. The method may include transitioning the display unit from the folded position to the intermediate position by allowing the remaining portions of the display unit to unfold about the lateral fold lines under the influence of gravity. The method may further include transitioning the display unit from the intermediate position to the use position using a force generated by the display unit itself. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, transitioning the display unit from the intermediate position to the use position further includes expanding the inner support assembly using a force generated by the display unit itself. More particularly, the inner support assembly includes upper and lower support panels coupled together by at least one spring member, wherein the at least one spring member exerts a tension force on the upper and lower support panes in the intermediate position to generate the force for transitioning the display unit to the use position. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a top view of an exemplary sheet for forming a display unit in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2A  is a top view of an exemplary upper or lower support panel for forming a display unit in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2B  is a top view of an exemplary central support panel for forming a display unit in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2C  is a top view of an exemplary auxiliary tab for forming a display unit in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a top view of an exemplary central bracket for forming a display unit in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a support assembly for forming a display unit in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the support assembly of  FIG. 4  showing the support panels in collapsed positions. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the sheet of  FIG. 1  showing the flaps folded along their respective fold lines. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6A  is a close-up view of a corner of the sheet of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the sheet of  FIG. 1  as it is being folded along a longitudinal fold line. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the sheet of  FIG. 1  in a folded position. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8A  is a close-up view of a corner of the sheet of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of an exemplary display unit in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the display unit of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a cross sectional view of the display unit of  FIG. 10 , taken along line  11 - 11 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the display unit of  FIG. 10  in a folded position. 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the display unit of  FIG. 12  as it is being unfolded along lateral fold lines. 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  is a cross sectional view similar to  FIG. 11 , showing the support panels in collapsed positions and the spring members in tension. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-5 , various components for forming a display unit in accordance with the principles of the present invention are provided. With specific reference to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary sheet  10  for forming a display unit is shown. The sheet  10  may be constructed of any suitable material, such as, for example, paperboard, card stock, and the like. The sheet  10  includes a longitudinal fold line F 1  positioned along a longitudinal centerline of the sheet, which divides the sheet into first and second front faces  12 ,  14 , and lateral fold lines F 2 , F 3 , F 4 , F 5 , which, together with the longitudinal fold line F 1 , divide the sheet into a plurality of poster areas for carrying the desired visual information. For example, in the embodiment shown, the sheet is divided into six poster areas, including two upper poster areas A 1 , A 2 , two central poster areas A 3 , A 4 , and two lower poster areas A 5 , A 6 . However, it should be appreciated that any number of lateral fold lines may be used to divide the sheet into any number of poster areas, as may be desired. For example, additional lateral lines may be included in applications where the desired display unit is relatively tall. 
         [0031]    Flaps  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26  are provided along the longitudinal periphery of each of the poster areas A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , A 4 , A 5 , A 6  and are separated from their respective poster areas by way of flap fold lines F 6 , F 7 , F 8 , F 9 , F 10 , F 11 . The flaps  16 ,  18 ,  24 ,  26  associated with the upper and lower poster areas A 1 , A 2 , A 5 , A 6  include upper and lower flap tabs  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 , which may be positioned proximate the flaps  20 ,  22  associated with the central poster areas A 3 , A 4 , as shown. 
         [0032]    With specific reference now to  FIG. 4 , a support assembly  36  for forming a display unit in accordance with the principles of the present invention includes upper and lower support panels  38 ,  40  ( FIG. 2 ) coupled to a central spacer or bracket  42  ( FIG. 3 ) by way of spring members such as, for example, elastic bands  44 ,  46 , capable of storing energy when stretched such that a tension force may be applied to the support panels. The upper and lower support panels  38 ,  40  may be constructed of a material stronger than that of the sheet  10 , such as, for example, cardboard, or any other suitable material, and each comprises a shape generally corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the desired display unit. For example, the upper and lower support panels  38 ,  40  may each comprise a generally elliptical shape, as shown. 
         [0033]    The upper and lower support panels  38 ,  40  each include a panel fold line F 12 , F 13  along an axis of the support panel. The upper and lower support panels  38 ,  40  also each include first and second oppositely disposed panel tabs  48 ,  50 ,  52 ,  54  positioned on an outer periphery of the support panel and which extend in a direction substantially parallel to the fold line F 12 , F 13 . As shown, the fold lines F 12 , F 13  may extend along the major axes of the support panels  38 ,  40  and the panel tabs  48 ,  50 ,  52 ,  54  may be tangential to the minor axes of the support panels, respectively. Each panel tab  48 ,  50 ,  52 ,  54  is folded perpendicular to the plane of the support panel  38 ,  40 , such as, for example, in a direction toward the other support panel  38 ,  40 . 
         [0034]    A central portion  56 ,  58  of each support panel  38 ,  40  is cutout and folded along the fold line F 12 , F 13  to provide an aperture  60 ,  62  and a hinge flap  64 ,  66  oriented in a direction toward the other support panel  38 ,  40 . Each hinge flap  64 ,  66  includes a pair of holes  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  74  for retaining a leg  76 ,  78  of an associated elastic band  44 ,  46 . In the embodiment shown, slots  80 ,  82 ,  84 ,  86  are provided in the hinge flaps  64 ,  66  adjacent the holes  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  74  for maneuvering portions of the elastic bands  44 ,  46  into the holes. As shown in  FIG. 2 , a single blank may be used to construct either the upper or lower support panel  38 ,  40 . 
         [0035]    The elastic bands  44 ,  46  couple the upper and lower support panels  38 ,  40  to the central bracket  42  ( FIG. 3 ), which may be constructed of a durable material, such as, for example, a flexible plastic, such that it can withstand the tension force of the elastic bands. The central bracket  42  includes an elongate portion  88  and upper and lower coupling portions  90 ,  92 , which are each configured for receiving a leg  94 ,  96  of an associated elastic band  44 ,  46 . As shown, each coupling portion  90 ,  92  may include a series  98 ,  100  of fingers and grooves, such that a leg  94 ,  96  of an elastic band  44 ,  46  may be positioned within a selected groove and retained therein by adjacent fingers. A particular groove may be selected based on various factors, such as the desired tension force and the display unit height. In this manner, the central bracket  42  may act as a spacer for a variety of applications and provide adjustability to the support assembly  36 . Alternatively, the upper and lower support panels  38 ,  40  may be directly coupled by, for example, a single elastic band, such that the central bracket may be eliminated (not shown). 
         [0036]    In one embodiment, the support assembly  36  may further include a central support panel  41  ( FIG. 2B ), which may have a configuration substantially similar to that of the upper and lower support panels  38 ,  40 . For example, the central support panel  41  may comprise a generally elliptical shape and may include a panel fold line F 14 , as well as first and second oppositely disposed panel tabs  55 ,  57 . As shown, a clearance hole  63  may be provided through a central portion of the central support panel  41  to allow the central bracket  42  and/or the elastic bands  44 ,  46  to pass therethrough. 
         [0037]    The upper and lower support panels  38 ,  40  are movable between an expanded position, as shown in  FIG. 4 , and a collapsed position, wherein the support panels are collapsed along their respective fold lines F 12 , F 13 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . By maintaining the panel tabs  48 ,  50  of the upper support panel  38  at a fixed vertical distance from the panel tabs  52 ,  54  of the lower support panel  40  (for reasons described more fully below), the collapsing of the upper and lower support panels causes the hinge flaps  64 ,  66  at the central portions  56 ,  58  of the panels  38 ,  40  to move away from each other such that the elastic bands  44 ,  46  stretch, creating tension therein. The elastic bands  44 ,  46 , in turn, exert a tension force on the hinge flaps  64 ,  66  of the upper and lower support panels  38 ,  40 , thereby biasing the hinge flaps toward each other, as will be described below. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6-8A , in one embodiment, in order to assemble a display unit in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the flaps  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26  of the sheet  10  are folded along respective flap fold lines F 6 , F 7 , F 8 , F 9 , F 10 , F 11  in a direction away from the first and second front faces  12 ,  14 , i.e., in a direction toward corresponding first and second rear faces  102 ,  104  of the sheet, as indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 6A . The first and second rear faces  102 ,  104  may then be folded toward each other along the longitudinal fold line F 1 , as indicated by the arrows in  FIG. 7 , until the sheet  10  has been folded over itself along the longitudinal fold line F 1 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . In this position, the folded flaps  16 ,  20 ,  24  of the first front face  12  may be attached to the adjacent folded flaps  18 ,  22 ,  26  of the second front face  14  to form a seam  106 . Likewise, the upper and lower flap tabs  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34  may be attached to form respective upper and lower seam tabs. As shown in  FIG. 8A , the folded flaps  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26  may be attached by an adhesive  108  or any other suitable fastener, such as, for example, staples, clips, tape, ties, and the like. 
         [0039]    Turning now to  FIGS. 9-11 , an exemplary display unit  110  is assembled by expanding the folded sheet  10  into a shell  112  having a generally elliptical cross section and inserting the support assembly  36  therein. The sheet  10  may be expanded into such a shell  112  by, for example, applying pressure to the seam  106  and longitudinal fold line F 1  of the folded sheet such that the first and second front faces  12 ,  14  are forced away from each other to each assume a generally convex configuration, as best shown in  FIG. 10 . In order to prevent the seam  106  from interfering with the positioning of the support assembly  36 , the upper and lower support panels  38 ,  40  may be truncated at or near the ends of their respective major axes. 
         [0040]    The support assembly  36  is positioned within the shell  112  such that the upper support panel  38  engages the upper seam tab  114 , made up of the upper flap tabs  28 ,  30 , and the lower support panel engages the lower seam tab  116 , made up of the lower flap tabs  32 ,  34 . In this manner, the upper and lower seam tabs  114 ,  116  provide a positive stop for the upper and lower support panels  38 ,  40 , respectively. As such, the upper support panel  38  is positioned between the upper poster areas A 1 , A 2 , the lower support panel  40  is positioned between the lower poster areas A 5 , A 6 , and the central bracket  42  is positioned between the central poster areas A 3 , A 4 . 
         [0041]    In some applications, it may be desirable to provide an additional positive stop opposite the upper and lower seam tabs  114 ,  116 . Accordingly, in one embodiment, upper and lower auxiliary tabs  117 ,  119  may be provided along the longitudinal fold line F 1  at heights generally corresponding to those of the upper and lower seam tabs  114 ,  116 . As shown in  FIG. 2C , the auxiliary tabs  117 ,  119  may each include first and second tab portions  121 ,  123  separated by a tab fold line F 15  and first and second base portions  125 ,  127  adjacent the first and second tab portions, respectively, and separated therefrom by base fold lines F 16 , F 17 , respectively. The auxiliary tabs  117 ,  119  may each be folded over themselves along the tab fold line F 15 , and the base portions  125 ,  127  may be attached to the interior wall  118  of the shell  112  along, and on opposite sides of, the longitudinal fold line F 1 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . The base portions  125 ,  127  may be attached to the interior wall  118  by an adhesive or any other suitable fastener, such as, for example, staples, clips, tape, ties, and the like. In one embodiment, the auxiliary tabs  117 ,  119  may be attached to the sheet  10  along the longitudinal fold line F 1  prior to the folding of the sheet, as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIG. 11 , the central bracket  42  may be sized such that it does not extend beyond the lateral fold lines F 3 , F 4 , so that the central bracket may not interfere with the folding or unfolding of the display unit  110 . In addition, the panel tabs  48 ,  50 ,  52 ,  54  are each attached to the interior wall  118  of the shell  112  to retain the support assembly  36  therein, such that the display unit  110  is an integral unit, and to maintain the panel tabs  48 ,  50  of the upper support panel  38  at a fixed vertical distance from the panel tabs  52 ,  54  of the lower support panel  40  in both the expanded and collapsed positions. 
         [0043]    A method of erecting a display unit in accordance with the principles of the present invention will now be described. For description purposes, the display unit  110  is initially assumed to be in a folded position, as shown in  FIG. 12 . In this position, support assembly  36  is folded within the shell  112 , so that the display unit  110  remains integral. Specifically, the upper and lower support panels  38 ,  40  are collapsed ( FIG. 5 ) and reside between the upper and lower poster areas A 1 , A 2 , A 5 , A 6 , respectively, and the central bracket  42  resides between the central poster areas A 3 , A 4 . Accordingly, the folded display unit  110  is relatively flat and compact, such that it may be easily stored and/or transported. In one embodiment, the folded display unit  110  may be less than or equal to approximately 24″×24″×2″. Other dimensions, however, may also be possible. Advantageously, the folded display unit  110  may be transported via postal service. 
         [0044]    When the display unit  110  is to be used, for example when an end user has received it by postal service, the process of erecting the display unit is carried out in a simple, straightforward manner. To this end, it suffices to grip one or both of the upper poster areas A 1 , A 2  along the seam  106  and longitudinal fold line F 1  and hold it above the rest of the display unit  110 . By then releasing the rest of the display unit, the display unit  110  is unfolded about the lateral fold lines F 2 , F 3 , F 4 , F 5  under gravity, as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0045]    Once the display unit  110  has been fully unfolded about the lateral fold lines F 2 , F 3 , F 4 , F 5 , the display unit is momentarily in an intermediate position, as shown in  FIG. 14 . In the intermediate position, the collapsed support panels  38 ,  40  place the elastic bands  44 ,  46  in tension by virtue of the distance between their respective hinge flaps  64 ,  66 . Therefore, the elastic bands  44 ,  46  exert a tension force on the hinge flaps  64 ,  66 , biasing the hinge flaps toward each other, with the central bracket  42  acting as a central pull mechanism. Since the panel tabs  48 ,  50 ,  52 ,  54  are attached to the interior wall  118  of the display unit  110  at fixed locations, this force effectively biases the support panels  38 ,  40  toward each other along their respective fold lines F 12 , F 13 , causing the support panels to expand within the shell  112 . As the support panels  38 ,  40  expand, their outer peripheries urge the interior wall  118  of the shell  112  outwardly so as to transition the display unit  110  toward the use position. 
         [0046]    Due to the superior material strength of the support panels  38 ,  40 , this engagement causes the shell  112  to radially expand. However, it has been found that the positioning of the display unit  110  in the folded position may tend to create an air vacuum effect between portions of the display unit  110 , such as, for example, between the central poster areas A 3 , A 4 , and this vacuum effect may inhibit the full expansion of the shell  112 . Accordingly, any number of air release holes may be provided in the components of the display unit  110  to reduce or eliminate such a vacuum effect. In one embodiment, air release holes (shown in phantom) may be provided on the central poster areas A 3 , A 4 , such as, for example, along the flap fold lines F 8 , F 9  and/or along the longitudinal fold line F 1 . In addition or alternatively, air release holes may be provided on the upper and lower support panels  38 ,  40 . 
         [0047]    In one embodiment, a central support panel  41  may be provided to combat the air vacuum effect or for other reasons, such as, for example, to overcome a tendency of the material of the central poster areas A 3 , A 4  to stick together, or to provide additional structural support to the display unit  110 . Like the upper and lower support panels  38 ,  40 , the central support panel  41  may be movable between an expanded position ( FIG. 4 ) and a collapsed position ( FIG. 5 ). The panel tabs  55 ,  57  of the central support panel  41  may be attached to the interior wall  118  of the shell  112  between the central poster areas A 3 , A 4 , such that the central bracket  42  and/or the elastic bands  44 ,  46  may pass through the clearance hole  63  of the central support panel  41 . In this manner, the central support panel  41  may expand and collapse in a way similar to the upper and lower support panels  38 ,  40 , so as to assist with the expansion of the shell  112  without interfering with the operation of the central bracket  42 . 
         [0048]    When the support panels  38 ,  40  are expanded, the upper and lower seam tabs  114 ,  116  provide a positive stop to counter any remaining tension force and to prevent the support panels from becoming inverted along their fold lines F 12 , F 13 . If auxiliary tabs  117 ,  119  are used, the auxiliary tabs may provide an additional positive stop to prevent the support panels  38 ,  40  from becoming undesirably lopsided. In their expanded positions, the support panels  38 ,  40  act as a brace to maintain the display unit  110  in a fully expanded “use” position, as shown in  FIG. 10 . If a central support panel  41  is used, the central support panel may act as an additional brace. 
         [0049]    In the embodiment shown, each of the upper, lower, and central support panels  38 ,  40 ,  41  are substantially flat when the display unit  110  is in the use position (e.g. when the support panels are expanded). However, it may be desirable for at least one of the support panels  38 ,  40 ,  41  to maintain a slight fold along its fold line F 12 , F 13 , F 14  when the display unit  110  is in the use position (e.g. the support panel may be partially folded about its fold line). For example, the central support panel  41  may maintain a slight fold along its fold line F 14  when the display unit  110  is in the use position, so as to prevent the central support panel  41  from becoming inverted along its fold line F 14  and to urge the central support panel  41  to collapse in a preferred direction when the display unit  110  is to be returned to the folded position (described below). 
         [0050]    When the display unit  110  is in the use position, the first and second front faces  12 ,  14  each assume convex shapes such that the display unit has a substantially elliptical cross section corresponding to the shape of the support panels  38 ,  40 . In this manner, the support assembly  36  places the shell  112  into its proper configuration, such that the display unit  110  may be considered self-deployable. In other words, the display unit  110  automatically assumes its use position with no manipulation other than being gripped by an upper poster area A 1 , A 2 . More specifically, the display unit  110  may be unfolded from the folded position to the intermediate position by gravity, and the display unit may be expanded from the intermediate position to the use position by the tension of the elastic bands  44 ,  46 . Advantageously, the shape of the display unit  110  in the use position allows the display unit to be a free-standing unit, with no need for an additional stand device or other support element. In this manner, the support assembly  36  may independently support the first and second front faces  12 ,  14  in a vertical position, as may be desired. 
         [0051]    In the embodiment shown, the poster areas A 1 , A 3 , A 5  on the first front face  12  are visible from a first side of the display unit  110 , and the poster areas A 2 , A 4 , A 6  on the second front face  14  are visible from a second side of the display unit, such that visual information may be observable from different sides and multiple directions. The desired visual information may have been placed on the poster areas A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , A 4 , A 5 , A 6  beforehand, such as, for example, by printing at the same time as or after the forming of the sheet  10 . Alternatively, the visual information may be placed on the poster areas A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , A 4 , A 5 , A 6  subsequent to forming the sheet. For example, the visual information may be printed on poster areas A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , A 4 , A 5 , A 6 . In another embodiment, the visual information may be adhesively applied to the poster areas A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , A 4 , A 5 , A 6 . 
         [0052]    When the display unit  110  is to be returned to the folded position for storage or transportation, the user may grip the upper support panel  38  by way of the aperture  60  ( FIG. 4 ) and apply an upward force thereto in order to overcome the tension force and return the upper support panel to its collapsed position. In a similar manner, the user may return the lower support panel  40  to its collapsed position. With both upper and lower support panels  38 ,  40  in their collapsed positions and no longer acting as a brace, the shell  112  loses its elliptical cross section and moves toward a flattened configuration. If a central support panel  41  is used, the central support panel may also return to its collapsed position as a result of the flattening of the shell  112 . The user may then fold the display unit  110  along the lateral fold lines F 2 , F 3 , F 4 , F 5  such that the support assembly  36  folds with the faces  12 ,  14 , in order to make the display unit compact again. The folded display unit  110  may then be stored or transported to another location, where it may again be erected into the use position in the manner previously described. 
         [0053]    While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of one or more embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, they are not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the scope or spirit of the general inventive concept.