HINGED FRAME SYSTEM

Abstract: A hinged frame system for use as a room divider or in exhibition display systems or in furniture which comprises at least two panels which are hingedly connected together. One of the panels has a concave edge profile of part circular cross-section and the adjacent panel has a matching convex edge profile and the two panels are clamped together by a clamp.

Description: HINGED FRAME SYSTEM The present invention relates to hinged frame systems. Hinged frame systems can be used in setting up exhibition or other display units, or as room dividers, or even in some constructions of furniture. With conventional hinged frame systems, the structure is often flimsy and unstable. The present invention is concerned with providing a sturdy arrangement which is simple and economical to construct. Accordingly the invention provides a hinged frame system comprising at least two panels which are hingedly connected together, one of said two panels having a concave edge profile of part circular cross- section and the adjacent panel having a matching convex edge profile, and the two panels further comprising a clamp for clamping the two sections together with the convex edge profile of one panel located within the concave edge profile of the other. Generally each panel will have one concave edge profile and one convex edge profile and then any number of panels can be hingedly connected together by use of a clamp between any two sections; although the end panel of any series need not necessarily have both types of profile. The convex edge profile of the respective panel (i.e the panel having such a convex edge profile) is preferably defined by a member which is a right circular cylinder and is attached in a concave edge profile of part circular cross-section in that panel. Thus, a standard panel may have two concave edge profiles and one of these may as desired be converted to a convex edge profile by provision of a suitable cylindrical member. The clamp may be a screw cramp having a part circular shape at one end to engage the cylindrical member. An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of two panels hingedly connected together; Figure 2 is a top view of these two panels; Figure 3 is a fragmented detail of part of Figure 1; and Figure 4 is a view of a screw cramp. Referring to Figure 1, two panels 1,2, are each formed from a covered timber frame structure and are hinged together via a cylindrical member 3 and a screw cramp 4. Each panel has edge profiles which are bevelled and of part circular cross-section at each side edge (see Figure 2). These edge profiles are indicated by the arrow 5 in each case. The cylindrical member 3 is adhesively attached to the member 1 so that that member then presents a convex edge profile to the panel 2 whereby providing a hinge bearing for location of the two panels relative to one another. Referring to the fragmentary detail in Figure 3, the cylindrical member 3 has a central section 6 of slightly reduced diameter to accommodate the cramp 4. The profile edge of the panel 1 is also cut away at the position 7 to further make accommodation for the cramp 4. With the cramp in position as shown in Figure 1, the angular position of the two panels can readily be adjusted and then by tightening of the clamping screw 8 the two panels can be firmly held together. With this arrangement any number of panels can be linked together and firmly clamped so that they are rigidly held in position. The resultant structure is then particularly useful in the forming of an exhibition stand.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A hinged frame system comprising at least two panels which are hingedly connected together, one of said two panels having a concave edge profile of part circular cross-section and the adjacent panel having a matching convex edge profile, and the two panels further comprising a clamp for clamping the two sections together with the convex edge profile of one panel located within the concave edge profile of the other panel. 2. A hinged frame system according to claim 1 in which the convex edge profile of the respective panel is defined by a member which is a right circular cylinder and is attached in a concave edge profile of part circular cross-section in that panel. 3. A hinged frame system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawing.

Inventors: ANDREWS RUPERT IAN, ANDREWS, RUPERT, IAN
Applicants: FRAMES DESIGN & BUILD LTD, FRAMES DESIGN & BUILD LTD.
Application year: 1992
Main classification: E04H1
IPC codes: A47G5, E04H1, G09F15