Collapsible, flexible display system

A collapsible, flexible display system for creating different spatial shapes of a continuous screen includes at least two stands, each including a first part which support against an underlying supportive surface and a pole with a first end removably secured in the first part by a second coupling and a second end provided with a first coupling. The display system also includes essentially hollow, straight members of a rigid material including first and second end parts, and essentially hollow, bendable members of a flexible material including first and second end parts. Each end part includes either a male part, or a female part, at least one of them of a magnetic material, and operable to magnetically fasten to each other. Straight members and bendable members are connected to each other to form an upper part and a lower part. The display system is mounted an upper edge welt including the upper part fastened in a number, n, of first couplings, and a lower edge welt including the lower part fastened in the number, n, of second couplings.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates according to a first aspect to a collapsible, flexible display system.

According to a second aspect the present invention relates to an alternative collapsible, flexible display system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The patent document SE 529 576 C2 relates to a display system which uses a magnetic coupling or a screw/thread coupling in order to connect different tubes horizontally. The display system uses metal tubes which only can be connected in a radial plane with the aid of guide traces in the coupling area. The display system uses both straight and curved tubes, but they are both of a rigid material, in order to create curved shapes for suspending a screen.

A main disadvantage with this solution is that it is difficult to assemble in that it comprises a lot of different parts. It is especially difficult for one person to assemble a display system according to the above presented solution. Furthermore, the display system according this solution can only have predetermined shapes. Another advantage is that the display system will be rather heavy due to all metal tubes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above mentioned problems are solved with a collapsible, flexible display system as described herein. The display system is operable to create different spatial shapes of a continuous screen. The display system comprising at least two stands, each stand comprising a first part which support against an underlying supportive surface, wherein the stand also comprises a pole means, with a first end removably secured in the first part, and a second end provided with a first coupling means. The display system also comprises essentially hollow, straight members of a rigid material, each member comprises a first end part, and a second end part, and essentially hollow, bendable members of a flexible material, each member comprises a first end part, and a second end part. Each end part comprises either a male part, or a female part, at least one of them of a magnetic material, and operable to magnetically fasten to each other. Different members are connected to each other in order to form an upper part, and a lower part, both comprising the same type of members. If an end part of a bendable member comprises a female part, or a male part of a magnetic material, the end part comprises a sleeve means arranged between the end part, and the female part, or the male part. The screen comprises an upper edge welt, and a lower edge welt adapted to receive the upper part respectively the lower part. Each pole means is provided with a second coupling means arranged in connection to the first end. When the display system is mounted, the upper edge welt comprising the upper part are fastened in a number, n, of first coupling means, and the lower edge welt comprising the lower part are fastened in the number, n, of the second coupling means.

A main advantage with this solution is that it is very easy to assemble the display system. It is even possible for only one person to assemble the display system without having to use a ladder. Another very important advantage is that this solution offers more freedom in creating different spatial shapes of a continuous screen. Another advantage is that it is possible to decrease the weight of the display system, which is of importance when transporting a disassembled display system.

The above mentioned problems are also solved with a collapsible, flexible display system according to another embodiment described herein. The display system is operable to create different spatial shapes of a continuous screen. The display system comprises at least two stands, each stand comprising a first part which support against an underlying supportive surface, wherein the stand also comprises a pole means, with a first end removably secured in the first part, and a second end provided with a first coupling means. The display system comprises at least two essentially rectangular first screens, each first screen comprising two essentially hollow, straight members of a rigid material, one arranged in connection with a first short end of the first screen, and the other arranged in connection with a second short end of the first screen. Each member comprises a first end part, and a second end part. Each first screen comprises a first magnetic strip means arranged in connection with a first longitudinal end of the first screen, and a second magnetic strip means arranged in connection with a second longitudinal end of the first screen. Furthermore, the display system also comprises at least one essentially rectangular second screen, each second screen comprises two essentially hollow, bendable members of a flexible material, one arranged in connection with a first short end of the second screen, and the other arranged in connection with a second short end of the second screen. Each member comprises a first end part, and a second end part. Each second screen comprises a first magnetic strip means arranged in connection with a first longitudinal end of the second screen, and a second magnetic strip means arranged in connection with a second longitudinal end of the second screen. Each end part comprises either a male part, or a female part, at least one of them of a magnetic material. The different screens are connected to each other by the members being connected to each other magnetically, and the magnetic strip means being connected to each other magnetically. The members are connected to the first coupling means, and to second coupling means arranged in connection to the first end of each pole means, thus creating a continuous screen.

A main advantage with this solution is that it is very easy to assemble the display system. It is even possible for only one person to assemble the display system without having to use a ladder. Another very important advantage is that this solution offers more freedom in creating different spatial shapes of a continuous screen. Another advantage is that it is possible to decrease the weight of the display system, which is of importance when transporting a disassembled display system.

A further advantage in this context is achieved if at least one of the bendable members has the first end part, and the second end part provided with a female part, at least one of them being of magnetic material.

Furthermore, it is an advantage in this context if at least one of the bendable members has the first end part provided with a female part, and the second end part provided with a male part, wherein at least one of the female part and the male part being of magnetic material.

A further advantage in this context is achieved if at least one of the bendable members has the first end part, and the second end part provided with a male part, at least one of them being of magnetic material.

Furthermore, it is an advantage in this context if at least one of the bendable members have at least one spring means arranged in connection to the male part and/or female part, inside the bendable member.

A further advantage in this context is achieved if at least one of the straight members has the first end, and the second end provided with a female part, at least one of them being of a ferromagnetic material.

Furthermore, it is an advantage in this context if at least one of the straight members has the first end part provided with a female part, and the second end part provided with a male part, wherein at least one of the female part and the male part being of a ferromagnetic material.

A further advantage in this context is achieved if at least one of the straight members has the first end part, and the second end part provided with a male part, at least one of them being of ferromagnetic material.

Furthermore, it is an advantage in this context if each of the bendable members is made of rubber.

A further advantage in this context is achieved if each of the straight members is made of aluminum.

Furthermore, it is an advantage in this context if the members have a circular cross section.

According to another alternative, it is an advantage if the members have an elliptical cross section.

It will be noted that the term “comprises/comprising” as used in this description is intended to denote the presence of a given characteristic, step, or component, without excluding the presence of one or more other characteristics, features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with a reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

InFIG. 1there is disclosed a perspective view of the assembling of a first embodiment of a collapsible, flexible display system100according to the present invention. The display system100comprises at least two stands10, each stand10comprising a first part11which support against an underlying supportive surface (u). Furthermore, the stand10also comprises a pole means12, with a first end121removably secured in the first part11, and a second end122provided with a first coupling means16. As is apparent inFIG. 1, one stand10has been used for assembling the display system100so far, while the other disclosed stand10is lying on the surface (u), e.g., the floor. In order to increase the stability of the display system100, the first part11can be provided with two feet400, as is apparent inFIG. 1. The display system100also comprises essentially hollow, straight members130of a rigid material, e.g., aluminum. Each member130comprises a first end part132(not disclosed inFIG. 1), and a second end part134. Furthermore, the display system100also comprises essentially hollow, bendable members150of a flexible material, e.g., rubber. Each end part132,134,152,154comprises either a male part, or a female part, at least one of them of a magnetic material, and operable to magnetically fasten to each other. This is partly disclosed in the cross section view disclosed in the circle to the left inFIG. 1. As is disclosed in this cross section view, the first end part152of the bendable member150comprises a female part of magnetic material, and the second end part134of the straight member130comprises a male part of ferromagnetic material. The different members130,150are connected to each other in order to form an upper part160, and a lower part170(not disclosed inFIG. 1), both comprising the same type of members130,150, and in the same order. It is pointed out that a bendable member150is always placed between two straight members130. If an end part152,154of a bendable member150comprises a female part, or a male part of a magnetic material, the end part152,154comprises a sleeve means156(not disclosed inFIG. 1, but see e.g.,FIG. 6) arranged between the end part152,154and the female part, or the male part. It is pointed out that the display system100is operable to create different spatial shapes of a continuous screen120. The screen120comprises an upper edge welt162, and a lower edge welt (not disclosed inFIG. 1) adapted to receive the upper part160respectively the lower part170. The upper edge welt162is disclosed in the circle to the right inFIG. 1. As also apparent inFIG. 1, each pole means12is provided with a second coupling means18arranged in connection to the first end121. When the display system100is mounted/assembled, the upper part160is placed in the upper edge welt162, and thereafter fastened in a number, n, of first coupling means16. The person P inFIG. 1is performing this mounting step. The lower edge welt comprising the lower part170are fastened in the number, n, of the second coupling means18. It is pointed out that it is possible for only one person P to assemble the display system100according to the present invention, without having to use a ladder. It is pointed out that it is suitable to have a stand10for each straight member130in order to make the display system100stable.

InFIG. 2there is disclosed a perspective view of an upper part160, or a lower part170of the display system100disclosed inFIG. 1. Due to the fact that the members150are bendable it is possible to have the upper part160, or the lower part170mounted and suitable for transport in e.g., a bag. Furthermore, when the upper part160is arranged in the disclosed way, it will not occupy much space.

InFIG. 3there is disclosed a perspective view of the assembling of a second embodiment of a collapsible, flexible display system100according to the present invention. The display system100comprises at least two essentially rectangular first screens20, and at least one essentially rectangular second screen30. Each first screen20comprises two essentially hollow, straight members130of a rigid material, one arranged in connection with a first short end201of the first screen20, and the other arranged in connection with a second short end203(not disclosed inFIG. 3, but inFIG. 4) of the first screen20. Each second screen30comprises two essentially hollow, bendable members150of a flexible material, one arranged in connection with a first short end301of the second screen30, and the other arranged in connection with a second short end303(not disclosed inFIG. 3, but inFIG. 4) of the second screen30. It is pointed out that in this particular embodiment, the members130,150are fixedly connected to the screens20,30. Each member130comprises a first end part132, and a second end part134, and each member150comprises a first end part152, and a second end part154. Each end part132,134,152,154comprises either a male part, or a female part, at least one of them of a magnetic material. The different screens20,30are connected to each other by the members130,150being connected to each other magnetically.

InFIG. 4there is disclosed a side view of the display system100disclosed inFIG. 3, when it has been assembled. Each first screen20comprises a first magnetic strip means204arranged in connection with a first longitudinal end205of the first screen20, and a second magnetic strip means206arranged in connection with a second longitudinal end207of the first screen20. Each second screen30comprises a first magnetic strip means304arranged in connection with a first longitudinal end305of the second screen30, and a second magnetic strip means306arranged in connection with a second longitudinal end307of the second screen30. Besides that the male parts and female parts of the members130,150are connected to each other magnetically, the magnetic strip means204,206,304,306are connected to each other magnetically, as is disclosed inFIG. 4. Furthermore, the display system100also comprises at least two stands10(seeFIG. 1), each stand10comprising a first part11in the same way as disclosed and described in connection withFIG. 1. Each member130is coupled to a first coupling means16, here disclosed in the form of a hook means16, but the coupling means16can be of the type disclosed inFIG. 1. Furthermore, each lower member170is coupled to a second coupling means18arranged in connection to the first end121of each pole means12(see e.g.,FIG. 1), creating a continuous screen120.

InFIGS. 5, and6there is disclosed a perspective view in more detail and a cross section view of some parts of the display system100disclosed inFIG. 4. InFIG. 5there is disclosed a first screen20with a straight member130, and a second screen30with a bendable member150. In this particular embodiment, the first end part132(seeFIG. 6) comprises a male part of a ferromagnetic material, e.g. steel. The first end part152of the bendable member150comprises a female part of a magnetic material. Furthermore, as is apparent inFIG. 6, the first end part152also comprises a sleeve means156arranged between the first end part152, and the female part. This makes the connection stronger. The arrow inFIG. 6illustrates that the member150is bendable.

InFIG. 7there is disclosed a cross section view of the parts disclosed inFIG. 6, before they have been connected. In this case the female part has been assigned the reference sign500, and the male part has been assigned the reference sign502.

InFIG. 8there is disclosed a cross section view of a first alternative of some parts involved in assembling the display system100disclosed inFIG. 1, orFIG. 4. Here are disclosed two straight members130, and one bendable member150. The first end part152of the bendable member150comprises a female part of a magnetic material. The second end part154of the bendable member150comprises a male part of a ferromagnetic material. To be connected to the bendable member150is on the one hand the straight member130with a male part of a ferromagnetic material arranged in the first end part132, and on the other hand the straight member130with a female part of magnetic material arranged in the second end part134.

InFIG. 9there is disclosed a cross section view of a second alternative of some parts involved in assembling the display system100disclosed inFIG. 1, orFIG. 4. Here are disclosed two straight members130, and one bendable member150. In this particular embodiment, both the first and second end parts152,154of the bendable member150comprise a male part of a ferromagnetic material. To be connected to the bendable member150is on the one hand the straight member130with a female part of a magnetic material arranged in the first end part132, and on the other hand the straight member130with a female part of a magnetic material arranged in the second end part134.

InFIG. 10there is disclosed a cross section view of a third alternative of some parts involved in assembling the display system100disclosed inFIG. 1, orFIG. 4. Here are disclosed two straight members130, and one bendable member150. In this particular embodiment, both the first and second parts152,154of the bendable member150comprise a female part of a magnetic material. To be connected to the bendable member150is on the one hand the straight member130with a male part of a ferromagnetic material arranged in the first end part132, and on the other hand the straight member130with a male part of a ferromagnetic material arranged in the second part134.

InFIG. 11there is disclosed a cross section view of an alternative to the parts disclosed inFIG. 6. Here is disclosed a bendable member150with a female part of a magnetic material arranged in the first end part152, and also provided with the sleeve means156. The bendable member150is connected to the straight member130by means of a male part of a ferromagnetic material arranged in the first end part132. In this particular embodiment, a spring means158is arranged in the bendable member150, in connection to/connected to the female part. It is pointed out that the spring means158also can be connected to the sleeve means156. With this spring means158it is possible to achieve a curvature that is smoother. It can also be of help if the material of the bendable member150is too limp.

It is pointed out that the disclosed connections of different members130,150are only exemplary, and not exhaustive. The different members130,150can have two male parts, two female parts, or some mix of them. Furthermore, a male part can either be of a magnetic or a ferromagnetic material. The same applies for a female part. It is also possible to have magnetic materials of different polarity for a male part, and a female part to be connected.

The invention is not limited to the described embodiments. It will be evident for those skilled in the art that many different modifications are feasible within the scope of the following Claims.