DISPLAY DEVICE

Abstract: A display device (2) comprises a flexible display member (4, 6) for supporting an article (1) to be displayed. The said display member is capable of assuming each of a generally flat condition and a bowed condition and changing from one of the said conditions to the other.

Description: DISPLAY DEVICE This invention relates to a display device for displaying a laminar article. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a display device which can be used as a mount for a picture. Picture frames, picture mounts and other such similar display devices come in a wide variety of very well known shapes and configurations and employ a corresponding variety of mechanisms for containing and supporting the article that is to be displayed. The present invention sets out to provide a display device that is particularly simple in its structure, yet which can nevertheless be visually appealing. In addition, the invention sets out to provide a display device which can be provided in a first (such as substantially flat) condition for storage or transport and subsequently assembled into a usable condition in a very simple and fast manner. Accordingly, the invention provides a display device as set out in claim 1 or claim 42. Preferred features of the invention are set out in claims 2 to 41. Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a display device in accordance with the invention, the display device being in an assembled condition; Figure 2 is a side view of the assembled display device of figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a front view of the assembled display device of figure 1 ; Figure 4 is a rear view of the assembled display device of figure 1; Figure 5 is front view of the display device of figure 1 in an unassembled condition; Figure 6 is a rear view of the display device of figure 1 in an unassembled condition; Figure 7 is an underneath view of a second embodiment of a display device in accordance with the invention, the display device being in an unassembled condition: Figure 8 is an underneath view of the display device of figure 7. but in an assembled condition; Figure 9 is a view corresponding to figure 8. but showing a third embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 is a view corresponding to figure 7. but showing a fourth embodiment of the invention; Figure 1 1 shows the display device of figure 10, but in an assembled condition; Figure 12 is a view corresponding to figures 7 and 10, but showing a fifth embodiment of the invention; Figure 13 shows the display device of figure 12, but in an assembled condition; Figure 14 is a partial perspective view of the rear of a sixth embodiment of a display device according to the invention; Figure 15 shows an end view of a seventh embodiment of a display device according to the invention, the device being in a rolled-up condition; Figure 16 is a perspective view of a eighth embodiment of a display device according to the invention, the device being in an assembled condition; Figure 17 shows the display device of figure 16, in an unassembled condition; Figure 18 is an underneath view of the display device of figures 16 and 17. immediately prior to assembly; Figure 19 shows the display device of figure 18, after assembly; Figure 20 shows a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of a display device according to the invention; Figure 21 shows an underneath view of the displaydevice of figure 20; Figures 22 and 23 show further perspective views of the ninth embodiment according to the invention. Referring now to figures 1 to 4, it will be seen that a first embodiment of a display device in accordance with the invention takes the form of a picture frame 2. The picture frame 2 comprises two transparent leaves 4, 6, which are held in close contact in the assembled state of figure 1. It should be noted that, although the leaves 4 and 6 have the appearance of being slightly separated in figure 1. this is merely for illustrative purposes and. in practice, the close-relationship of the two leaves would normally be such that they could quite easily be mistaken for a single sheet of material. The leaves 4 and 6 are. in this case, made from relatively thin sheets of PVC of approximately 0.175 mm thickness, although other materials and thicknesses could be used. For example in an alternative embodiment, the front sheet is 0.75 mm and the rear is 0.25 mm. The leaves may alternatively be made from polyester. The leaves 4, 6 are supported by a somewhat elongate, flexible base 8. that is provided with a stud 10 in each end region thereof. In this particular embodiment the studs 10 secure the leaves 4,6 to the base, hereby holding the whole structure together. As can be seen most clearly in figure 4 and 6, the rear of the base 8 is provided with a strap 12 that comprises a hole 13 and communicating slit 14 at each of its respective ends. In this case the strap is made from leather, although a wide variety of other materials could be used instead. For example, the strap could be formed from plastics, cord or wire. As can be seen from figure 5, the lower edge of the base 8 is arcuate. In the unassembled condition, the leaves 4, 6 lie flat and the base strip 8 also lies flat in substantially the same plane. The strap 12 can either be entirely separate from the leaves 4,6 and base 8, or fitted at one end using one of its holes 13 and one of the studs 10. A photograph 1 or some other laminar object to be displayed in the device is inserted between the two leaves 4,6, whilst the device is in the unassembled state. At this time, it is relatively easy to separate the two leaves 4,6, so as to position the object 1 as desired. Once this has been done, the strap 12 is secured to both of the studs 10, by means of the holes 13. The holes are able to flex open to fit over the studs, by virtue of the slits 14. As the strap 12 is fitted to both studs 10, a pulling force is applied between the two ends of the base 8. by virtue of the fact that the distance separating the two holes 13 is smaller than the distance separating the two studs 10. This pulling force causes the base 8 to bow, as can clearly be seen in figure 1. The bowing of the base 8 causes a corresponding bowing of the leaves 4. 6, by virtue of the fact that the leaves are securely fastened to the base 8 by the studs. The bowing of the leaves imparts a certain structural rigidity to the. otherwise flexible, sheets that they are formed from and. in turn, has the effect of urging them into close contact, thereby securely gripping the object 1 therebetween. The configuration of the leaves, base and strap may be such that the leaves are placed between the base and the strap. The strap is held in tension by the resilience of the base 8 and hence a very stable structure results. The arcuate nature of the lower surface 16 of the base has the effect of defining a lower surface which, when rested on a horizontal surface, causes the front surface of the device to be inclined at an angle α to the horizontal. This can be seen most clearly in figure 2. It has been found that the flattest unassembled condition can be attained if the two leaves 4, 6 and the base 8 are not completely laterally fixed relative to one another, so that some lateral movement between the various components can be accommodated when a force is applied by virtue of the strap 12, so as to bow the components. Therefore, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the studs 10 are accommodated within slight lateral slots in the base 8, and both of the leaves 4,6. However, if desired a single, preferably laterally central, fixing could be used instead. This will securely fasten the various components together but still allow relative lateral movement in the edge regions. A combination of both types of fixing, where the central fixing employs adhesive, has been found particularly effective. In the first embodiment, both of the leaves 4, 6 are transparent. However, the rear leaf (or indeed the front leaf for certain applications) could be opaque or translucent. Although two leaves have been provided, more could be included. This would enable a montage of images to be compiled by inserting a series of laminar objects between the various leaves. Alternatively, just a single leaf could be used and some form of adhesive or other fixative could be used for attaching an object to it for display. In this regard, benefits would still be provided in that the bowing caused by the base would provide a rigidity in the leaf that would enable it to stand upright. The leaves 4,6 may be provided with a coating of friction-enhancing material, such as silicone, in order to provide better grip of the photograph or other article located therebetween. In practice, it has been found that a relatively thicker displayed object will tend to urge the leaves 4.6 apart. In order to counteract this, the leaves 4,6 may be formed as two halves of a single folded sheet. In such a case, the folded edge is better located in a lower region, adjacent to the base 8. It has been found that the leaves 4, 6 will maintain a better, close relationship if the sheets are bonded in a band-shaped region extending adjacent their lower edges. Preferably the bonding is achieved by heat-sealing. This has the effect of forcing the back sheet to bond to a tighter radius that is much more like that of the front sheet and bring it into closer contact with the front sheet, thereby applying a greater clamping force. Alternatively adhesive could be used in the band-shaped region or, the leaves could even be moulded with the band-shaped region as an integral component of a unitary moulding. Moulding may make use of any suitable process, including extrusion. It has been found that a sheet of spring steel functions particularly well to provide a suitably resilient and flexible base 8. The steel may be decorated in any desired fashion. For example, it may be covered in another material, such as fabric or leather. The steel itself may be treated in some fashion in order to enhance its appearance. Examples of treatment include etching, painting and anodising. The base may alternatively be comprised of polycarbonate. If preferred, the base could be omitted and the strap could act in conjunction with the natural resilience of the leaves themselves. In such a case the strap could be integrally formed with the leaves. The leaves for 4,6 could be coated with micro-magnetic material in order to hold them together. The sheets can also be provided with a printable coating. One of the sheets may have a slightly different shape to the other sheet, so as to enable one of the sheets easily to be gripped, so as to pull it away from the other and thereby enable the removal of the photograph, picture or the like. The convex arcuate edge 16 could be replaced by a similarly concave arcuate edge. In such a case, the assembled structure would be inclined in a direction opposite to the one shown in figure 2 and the back would become the front and vice versa. Such a structure would then provide a concave viewing surface to an observer, rather than a convex viewing service. Although the natural condition of the above described first embodiment is the generally flat, unassembled condition, the leaves 4, 6 could alternatively be moulded into the bowed condition, thereby requiring the application of a force to flatten them into the unassembled condition. In such a case, the base (and strap) would not necessarily be required. This alternative configuration also lends itself to being rolled-up around a transverse axis of the device. In such a case the rolling imparts a lateral rigidity, which initially serves to straighten the bowing. The natural shape of the leaves would in such a case resist the rolling, so once rolled, the device would need to be secured in the rolled condition. Once released, however, the leaves spring back to their natural bowed shape, thus enabling the frame to assemble itself automatically upon release. The curved edge 16 may be provided with slight, downward projections in end regions, denoted by B in figure 5. This enables the base edge of the device to define a tripod-like structure, which provides enhanced stability on uneven surfaces. The edge of the base portion of the device may be provided with an elastomeric edging strip. This enhances stability of the device and can also serve to hold the base 8 and leaves 4,6 together. The base 8 can be provided with functional components on its forwardly-facing surface. For example a clock, calendar, LCD or thermochromic strip could be provided on the front surface of the base 8. Similar such features could also be provided on one or both of the leaves 4, 6. Holographic displays could be used on the base 8, or the leaves 4,6. The base 8 or leaves 4,6 could also be provided with a solar panel which could be used to power an LCD provided on the base 8, or the leaves 4,6, or power a back light or other mechanisms. Any of these features could be provided on just a portion of the base 8 or the leaves 4,6. Naturally they may be provided individually or in combination. Numerous other mechanisms may be employed for tensioning the base and leaves, so as to provide the bowed, assembled condition. A first such alternative can be seen in the second embodiment shown in figures 7 and 8. Here it will be seen that the base 8 and strap 12 are provided with a pair of press fasteners 18,20. The male portion of 18 of one of the press fasteners is provided in each respective end region of the strap 12. In each case, a corresponding female portion 20 is provided in a respective end region of the base 8. As will be seen from figure 7, the separation between the male portions 18 is less than the separation between the female portions 20. Consequently, after the first fastener has been fastened together, the base 8 and leaves 4,6 need to be bowed in order to fasten the second fastener and once fastened, the strap applies a force to the base 8 and leaves 4,6 in the same manner as the first embodiment. Figure 9 shows a variation of the embodiment of figures 7 and 8. Press fasteners 18.20 are once again used, but in this case the strap 12 is longer and the edges of the strap are turned-over in order to present the male portions 18 of the press fasteners to the female portions. The overall effect is similar to the embodiment of figures 7 and 8. but it will be noted that strap 12 extends further to the rear of the device. Figures 10 and 1 1 show a fourth embodiment of the invention that uses a still further tensioning means for pulling the device into the assembled condition. Here it can be seen that the strap 12 is fixed to the rear of the base 8 at one end 22. The other end 23 of the strap 12 is free and provided with the male portion 24 of a press fastener. The female portion 26 of the press fastener is located part-way along the length of the strap 12. A loop 25 is provided at the rear of the base 8, at the opposite end of the base 8 to that which the fixed end of the strap 22 is secured to. The strap 12 passes through the loop. To apply a bowing force to the device, the free end of the strap 12 is pulled through the loop 25 and back towards the centre of the device. This has the effect of pulling the loop 25 towards the fixed end of the strap 12, thereby applying tension and causing the necessary bowing of the device. Once the device is suitably bowed, the two parts of the press fastener 24,26 are fastened together, as shown in figure 1 1, to secure the assembled condition. If desired, a series of (in this case) female portions could be provided along the length of the strap, so as to enable the degree of bowing to be selected. Naturally, the positions of the male and female portions of the press fastener could be reversed. Figures 12 and 13 show a fifth embodiment of the invention, comprising a still further alternative tensioning means. As will be seen from the figures, the tensioning means, in this case, takes the form of the strap 12 being integrally formed with the base 8. The strap 12 is divided in the middle and the two strap portions are connected by a tensioning plate 28. To tension the device and bring it into the assembled condition, the tensioning plate 28 is rotated through 180°about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the strap and generally parallel to the plane the leaves 4,6, thereby effectively shortening the overall length of the strap. Means are necessary to retain the tensioning plate 28 in the tensioning position shown in figure 13. In this case, each side of the plate is provided with one half of a hook-and-loop fastener that mates with the other portion of the hook-and-loop fastener provided on the surface of the strap 12 that it addresses. Other means such as press fasteners could be used instead. Although the strap 12 is integrally formed with the base 8 in the example of figures 12 and 13. each end of the strap could be attached to a respective end portion of the base by what ever suitable means is desired. A wide variety of other strap-like tensioning means may be used, providing the result is that the length of the strap, as between the points at which the strap is fixed to the base, can be made shorter than that of the base, so as to effect the bowed condition of the leaves. For example, the strap may simply be provided with a buckle, rather like a belt. As seen in some of the above embodiments, press fasteners and other fixing means may be used to shorten the length of the strap and thereby cause bowing of the leaves 4.6. In one example, the strap may be provided with two halves of a press stud at spaced intervals along its length. The two halves of the press stud may then be brought together, in order to shorten the length of the strap and form a loop of strap which may in fact provide additional support for the device. Figure 14 shows a sixth embodiment of the invention in which the strap 12 is provided with an integral foot 15. In use, the foot 15 is bent rearwardly and thereby provides additional support against the device 2 toppling backwards. The strap 12 is made from a relatively flexible material and has a flat as-molded condition. As a consequence, the foot 15 would need to be directed rearwardly when the frame is stood upon a horizontal surface and the natural resilience of the strap material then provides the necessary support. Alternatively, the strap could be formed so that the foot 15 extends generally rearwardly in the as-molded condition. In such a case, a more rigid strap material could be used and there is less chance that a user could bend the foot 15 forwardly. rather than rearwardly, when setting the frame upon a horizontal surface. It will be appreciated that if the foot 15 is directed forwardly. rather than rearwardly. it could actually serve to destabilise the upright condition of the frame. Figure 15 shows an embodiment in which the strap 12 for tensioning the leaves is made from an elastomeric material. It can be stretched and thus can remain secured to both ends of the base 8. even when the leaves 4, 6 and base 8 are in the flat condition. Due to the resilient nature of the strap 12, there is a tendency for it to contract and bring the leaves 4, 6 and base 8 into the bowed condition. Alternatively, the strap could have a spring moulded or hooked into the strap to allow the strap to stretch, or the studs could be sprung to acheive the same overall result. The leaves 4. 6 are made from a suitably flexible material and they can therefore be rolled around the strap 12 and base 8 in the manner shown in Figure 19. In such a condition, the rolled configuration of the leaves imparts a lateral rigidity, which resists the contraction of the strap 12. The device 2 can be held in the rolled condition showed in Figure 19 by placing it in a tubular container for example. Upon removal of the device from the tube, the leaves unfurl, due to the their natural resilience, and this then allows the strap 12 to contract, effectively allowing the device 2 to "spring " ' into the bowed condition, from the rolled condition. Other means could be used for holding the leaves in the rolled condition, the tube is merely an example. Suitable materials for forming such a resilient strap 12 include a range of elastomeric materials, but polyurethane. natural rubber, santoprene, evoprene and neoprene are all found to be particularly effective. The leaves 4, 6 may be formed from polyester, rigid PVC or polypropylene. Polyester is the preferred material because it has a high tensile strength and tends to spring out of the rolled-up shape very quickly. Ideally, the combined thickness of the two leaves should be no greater than 1 mm. Preferably, the combined thickness of the leaves would be less than 0.5 mm. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the front leaf 4 has a thickness of 0.2 mm and the rear leaf has a thickness of 0.25 mm. Figures 16 to 19 show an eighth embodiment of the invention using a still further tensioning configuration. In this example, the base 8 takes the form of two clamping members 30 and 32. The two clamping members are each arcuate and have corresponding mutually addressing profiles, so that they may clamp the leaves 4. 6 between them, thereby forcing the leaves 4.6 to assume the bowed configuration of the assembled state. From the figures, it will be seen that the front clamping member 30 is provided with a rearwardly projecting rod 34. The leaves 4, 6 are each provided with an aperture 36 in the central region, as is the rear clamping member 32. The device is assembled by threading the two leaves 4,6 onto the rod 34 using the aperture 36 and subsequently urging the rear clamping member onto the rod. Any suitable means may be used for securing the clamping relationship once achieved, and in this case clips (not shown) are used. Although the above embodiments make use of a base, this could be omitted and the tensioning means could be attached directly to one or both of the leaves, or be integrally formed with the leaves. Alternatively, the tensioning leaves need not be formed at the bottom of the device, but could instead be formed at the top. Although the above embodiments have an inclined lower surface in order to provide an inclined viewing surface when the device is set on a horizontal surface, this is not necessary. The lower surface could instead be such that the viewing surface is aligned substantially vertically when the device is set on a horizontal surface. Means could be provided for mounting the device upon a wall or some other surface. A further sheet may be provided for insertion between the two leaves 4,6. Such a sheet may include supplementary information, for example. Such a sheet may be provided with a gripping means, such as a tab, which extends beyond the peripheries of the leaves 4, 6, for easy removal. Figures 20 to 23 show a ninth embodiment of the invention in which the integral foot 15 of the sixth embodiment has an aperture 40 for receiving an engaging member 41. The engaging member 41 can be securely attached to the foot 15. The underside of the engaging member 41 is flat and substantially in a parallel plane to the foot 15. The engaging member 41 is a stud, which is secured to the foot 15 by pushing the head of the stud through aperture 40. Alternatively, the engaging member 41 may comprise lower and upper parts which connect through the aperture 40 of the foot 15. or the engaging member 41 may be formed integrally to the foot 15. The engaging member 41 may secure the display device to a mounting surface (not shown). The engaging member 41 may be pivotably engaged with the integral foot 15. such that when the engaging member 41 is secured to the mounting surface the display device and may rotate about a substantially vertical axis, defined by the engaging member 41. Adhesive may be applied to the underside of the engaging member in order to secure it to the mounting surface. This adhesive may be temporary or permanent, preferably a reusable adhesive pad. Alternatively, the engaging member may be wholly or partially magnetic. Part or all of the engaging member may form part of the mounting surface. Many other types of engaging member may be used. These may provide a rotatable relationship between the member and the device as described above, or a more constrained configuration can be used. A constrained configuration still provides benefits in that it can still anchor and stabilise the upright position of the device. Many further modifications and variations will suggest themselves to those versed in the art upon making reference to the forgoing illustrative embodiments, which are given by way of example only and which are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, that being determined by the appended claims. In particular, it should be understood that the described embodiments include various respective features which may be isolated and combined with features from other embodiments.

Claims: CLAIMS: 1. A display device comprising a flexible display member for supporting an article to be displayed, the said display member being capable of assuming each of a generally flat condition and a bowed condition and changing from one of the said conditions to the other. 2. A display device according to claim 1, further comprising fixing means for holding the said display member in either the said flat condition or the bowed condition. 3. A display device according to claim 2 wherein the fixing means is adapted to hold the said display member in the bowed condition by applying a pulling force between two mutually opposed regions of the said display member. 4. A display device according to claim 3, wherein the fixing means is adapted to apply the pulling force between two diametrically opposed lateral regions of the said display member. 5. A display device according to claim 4, wherein, when applying the pulling force, the fixing means is secured at one edge portion to a first lateral region of the display member and at another edge portion to a second lateral region of the said display member and extends, under tension, between the two in order to hold the display member in the said bowed condition. 6. A display device according to claim 5, wherein the said fixing means is substantially elongate. 7. A display device according to claim 6, wherein the said fixing means is a strap. 8. A display device according to any of claims 3 to 7, wherein the said fixing means is removable and applies the pulling force to the said display member upon being fitted there to. 9. A display device according to claim 8 when dependant on claim 5. wherein the fixing means comprises releasable fastening means in each said edge region thereof. 10. A display device according to claim 9, wherein the fastening means comprises a stud provided on one of the display member and the fixing means and an aperture provided on the other of the display member and the fixing means. 1 1. A display device according to claim 9, wherein the fastening means comprises a male portion of a press-fastener provided on one of the display member and the fixing means and a female portion of a press-fastener provided on the other of the display member and the fixing means. 12. A display device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the fixing means is adapted to apply the pulling force to the said display member by having one of its dimensions extending between the two said mutually opposed regions of the said display member reduced. 13. A display device according to claim 12 when dependent upon 6, wherein one end portion of the said elongate member is fixed to one said lateral region, and an opposite end portion of the said elongate member is free, means being provided for pulling the other of the said lateral regions using a part of the said elongate member situated between the said fixed end portion thereof and the said free end portion thereof. 14. A display device according to claim 13, wherein the other of the said lateral regions is provided with a loop, the said elongate member is threaded through the loop and the said free end portion of the said elongate member is pulled back towards the said fixed end portion of the said elongate member and secured to an intermediate portion of the elongate member to effect the said pulling force. 15. A display device according to claim 14. wherein the said free end portion of the elongate member is secured to the said intermediate portion of the elongate member using a press fastener or a hook and loop fastener. 16. A display device according to claim 12 when dependent upon claim 6. wherein the said elongate member is in two halves, each half being attached at one of its ends to a respective one of the said lateral regions and means being provided for joining the other ends of the two halves together, so as to apply the said pulling force. 17. A display device according to claim 16, wherein the means for joining the other ends of the two halves of the elongate member together is a buckle, or a press fastener, or a hook and loop fastener. 18. A display device according to claim 12 when dependent upon claim 6, wherein the said elongate member is secured to a respective lateral region of the display member at each of its ends and means are provided for reducing the length of the elongate member to apply the said pulling force. 19. A display device according to claim 18, wherein the said elongate member is provided with a tensioning member that can be twisted, so as to reduce the length of the elongate member. 20. A display device according to claim 19, wherein the tensioning member takes the form of a member that is situated between two portions of the elongate member and is adapted to be twisted about an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the elongate member, so as to reduce the degree of separation between the two said portions. 21. A display device according to any one of claims 4 to 20, wherein the said display member comprises a base strip and the said lateral regions are situated in the base strip. 22. A display device according to claim 21. wherein the base strip is formed from polycarbonate. 23. A display device according to claim 21 , wherein the base strip is formed from spring steel. 24. A display device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is rotatably mounted on a surface. 25. A display device according to claim 2. or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the fixing means comprises a stabilising member for at least partially supporting the device to increase its stability. 26. A display device according to claim 25, wherein the stabilising member also acts as a counterbalance for the device. 27. A display device according to claim 25 or 26, comprising pinning means for securing the stabilising member to a surface. 28. A display device according to claim 27, wherein the device is rotatably secured to the surface. 29. A display device according to claim 28, wherein the pinning means comprises a base which is journalled to the stabilising member. 30. A display device according to any of claims 26 to 28, wherein the pinning means comprises an upright securing member suitable to be placed through an aperture in the stabilising means. 31. A display device according to any preceding claim, wherein a lower edge of the display member is arcuate, so that it causes the device to present a viewing surface that is inclined from the vertical when the device is rested upon the said lower edge whilst in the bowed condition. 32. A display device according to claim 2, comprising a clamp, for clamping the said display member into the said bowed condition. 33. A display device according to claim 32, wherein the said clamp comprises two co-operating portions having respective opposed arcuate surfaces adapted to mate with each other and clamp the said display member therebetween. 34. A display device according to claim 32 or 33, wherein the said clamp serves a base, for supporting the device. 35. A display device according to any preceding claim, wherein the display member comprises a pair of juxtaposed, flexible leaves adapted to grip a laminar article therebetween when in the bowed condition. 36. A display device according to claim 35, wherein at least one of the said leaves is transparent. 37. A display device according to claim 36, wherein the leaves are formed from polyester. 38. A display device according to claim 37, where one or more of the leaves is at least partially coated with one or more of a micromagnetic material, a friction-enhancing material and a printable material. 39. A display device according to any one of claims 35 to 38, wherein the said leaves are seared together in a region extending adjacent to aligned respective edges thereof. 40. A display device according to Claim 39, wherein the said leaves are heat-sealed, welded; fastened by adhesive or integrally moulded in the said region extending adjacent to the aligned respective edges thereof. 41. A display device according to any one of claims 35 to 40, wherein the said leaves are formed from a single sheet of material that is folded. 42. A display device according to any one of claims 35 to 41 , comprising three or more said leaves. 43. A display device according to any preceding claim, provided with additional information-displaying means or decorative means. 44. A display device according to claim 43, comprising LCD means or thermochromic means. 45. A display device according to any preceding claim, further comprising illumination means. 46. A display device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a solar panel. 47. A display device according to any preceding claim except claims 32 and 34. wherein the said device can assume a rolled condition. 48. A display device according to claim 47 when dependent upon claim 3 or any claim dependent upon claim 3, wherein the said fixing means is resilient and can be stretched to enable the said device to assume the rolled condition. 49. A display device according to claim 48. wherein the device is adapted to assume the rolled condition whilst being held so, yet revert to the bowed condition, under the action of the fixing means, upon release from the rolled condition. 50. A display device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 1 to 6; or figures 7 and 8; or figure 9; or figures 14; or figure 15; or figures 16 to 19; or figures 20 to 23 of the accompanying drawings.

Inventors: WHITCOMB ELLIS FITZROY PETERSE, WHITCOMB, ELLIS, FITZROY, PETERSEN
Applicants: DESIGNAWARE TRADING LTD, WHITCOMB ELLIS FITZROY PETERSE, DESIGNAWARE TRADING LIMITED, WHITCOMB, ELLIS, FITZROY, PETERSEN
Application year: 2000
Main classification: A47G1
IPC codes: A47G1, G09F1, G09F15