Abstract:
A collapsible tradeshow display includes curved end panels that provide for easier attachment and eliminate the possibility of dramatic disengagement of the panel from the display. Each end panel has a generally planar body comprised of a resilient material having a tendency to return to a generally flat configuration when in a curved configuration. A pair of side margins extend along opposing vertical sides of the body, each having a bridge portion attached thereto. A connecting means can connect the bridge portions to retain the panel in the curved configuration.

Description:
PRIORITY 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/118,763, filed Dec. 1, 2008, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to free standing and readily erectable graphic displays such as those used for tradeshows. More particularly, this invention relates to curved panels, particularly curved end panels for such displays and methods of providing such curvature. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Displays for tradeshows are generally structures that can be transported, erected on a convention or show floor for a brief period of show time, then disassembled, transported and stored until the next usage. Such displays can be massive complex multi-story structures or simple single banner displays. The massive displays are typically constructed of metal trusses, metal box frames, and large diameter (greater than two ½ inches) metal tubing providing great flexibility in varying designs and offering many accessories such as shelving, lighting, literature racks, and flat panel electronic displays. Such large displays often require crates to store and transport and require trained crews several hours or more to erect. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,024,834 assigned to Skyline Displays, Inc., the owner of this application, illustrating such displays and U.S. Pat. No. 6,951,283 illustrating a crate and such displays, which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0004]    A common simpler tradeshow display comprises a bundled network of interconnected support rods that expands into a volumetrically substantial three-dimensional space. Such expanded structures are then covered with sheet material capable of supporting graphics on the material. Such structures typically have a curved foot print providing an attractive smooth curved surface for the graphics. Such displays may also have vertical supports that may be utilized for supporting shelving and other accessories. The curved footprint effectively provides stability and allows for the attachment of shelves and other appurtenances such as lighting. Such displays can be seen, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,829,869 and 4,658,560 assigned to Skyline Displays, Inc., said patents incorporated herein by reference. These displays are often called “pop-up displays.” 
         [0005]    Many tradeshow displays also include curved end panels. Collapsible tradeshow displays such as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,829,869, and U.S. Patent Publication 2008/0155873, both incorporated by reference, illustrate the curved end panels on collapsible displays. Such end panels are inherently resilient and seek to return to a flat planar shape when positioned in the curved shape as when they are wrapped around the end of a display framework. Such resiliency causes difficulty in attachment and can result in dramatic disengagement from the framework when inadvertently bumped. Such dramatic disengagement results from the tendency of the panels to snap back to a flat shape upon disengagement from the frame. Means, such as illustrated in 2008/0155873, may be utilized to more securely attach the vertical margins of the end panels to minimize the “dramatic disengagement” but difficulty in attaching the panels still remain. A more robust system would be desirable that allows for easy attachment during the display erection and does not present the potential of the dramatic disengagement. 
         [0006]    The graphic displays for the panels of such collapsible displays are conventionally formed of polycarbonate sheets with the graphics media bonded to the polycarbonate sheets. The front panels and side panels are typically formed of slightly different thicknesses of the polycarbonate sheets due to the fact that the end panels need to be more flexible than the front non or minimally curved panels. During the manufacture of the graphics panels there can be differential shrinkage of the sheets with differing thicknesses. This can cause misalignment of graphics between the front panels and curved end panels. Moreover the different thicknesses can have differing light transmission characteristics whereby, particularly for back lit displays, differing levels of illuminations are presented which is undesirable. It would be desirable to be able to utilize the same polycarbonate sheet material for both the curved end panel and the front panels. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In an embodiment of the invention, a collapsible tradeshow display has a framework assembly that erects into a three dimensional structure onto which front panels are attached by vertical magnetic strips and end panels formed of resilient panelar materials are curved and placed on the left and right ends to provide an essentially continuous smooth uninterrupted graphic display. The front panels and end panels are elongate, panelar sheet material with an inherent resiliency to return to a flat state. The panels are rectangular with two vertical opposing parallel lengthwise margins and an inside surface and an exposed outside surface that may have graphics thereon and typically will have graphics that correlate with graphics exposed on the front covering panels. Bridging comprised of releasable bridge portions extend to connect the opposing margins, securing the end panel in a curved resilient shape. The bridge portions attach to form a bridge by way of a connecting means at a plurality of points along the margin or substantially continuously along a majority of each margin. Bridge portions may comprise a pair of cooperating sheet or fabric strips that are attached at each margin on the interior surface, each strip having an elongate edge adhered or otherwise attached to the margin, or other location of the end panel and an opposite elongate edge with a portion of a zipper or other connecting means. The two zipper portions may be zipped up to provide a continual spanning structure connecting the two margins providing a self sustaining curved shape. Other connecting means such as hook and loop material, eyelets and a rope or string, or discrete hooks or members removably connected between the bridging portions may be used to secure the bridge portions. The end panels so shaped may then easily be attached to the framework by conventional securement means, typically cooperating vertical magnetic strips and a pair of slots at the top corners of the end panel to attach to nubs on the framework assembly. 
         [0008]    The invention also includes the discrete curved panels, methods of imparting curvature to curved panels, methods of assembling such trade show displays utilizing the curved panels, modifications of existing tradeshow displays, particularly the end panels to utilize continuous or multiple attachment points to pre-curve the panels before hanging on the framework. In certain embodiments, the discrete curved end panel can be utilized to provide a freestanding display without the pop-up framework structure. Moreover, in certain embodiments, two or more discrete curved end panels can be assembled without the pop up framework into a display that has graphics on all sides. 
         [0009]    A feature and advantage of the invention is that the dramatic disengagement when the end panels are bumped on a pop up framework is eliminated. Because the end panels are held in a curved configuration with the connecting means, even if they are disengaged from the display they will not snap back to a flat configuration. 
         [0010]    A further feature and advantage of the invention is that assembly of trade show displays is now much easier with the invention without any steps that present a level of difficulty characteristic of the prior art stands. The connection means makes it easy to connect the bridge portions giving the end panels their curved shape and end panels that are pre-curved are much easier to attach to displays. Moreover, the adhesion between the magnetic strips on the curved end panel and the framework is not as critical as prior art displays and may be easily adjusted for alignment without the risk of dramatic disengagement. 
         [0011]    A feature and advantage of particular embodiments is that illumination of the interior of pop up displays may be provided by removably attaching lighting strips to the bridging portions securing the curvature. Hook and loop material is suitably utilized to secure lighting strips comprising light emitting diodes or other light sources within the display. 
         [0012]    A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention is that existing pop-up displays may be modified to provide curved end panels as described herein to incorporate the invention and provide the advantages and features. When graphics are replaced the new end panels may readily have the features herein. The balance of the display does not need to be modified to utilize particular aspects of the invention. 
         [0013]    Features and advantages of embodiment of the invention include the rectangular body having an opposite side with a bridging portion attached extending between two vertical strip regions extending substantially the height of the rectangular body, the bridging portion having an open position and bridging mode, wherein in the open position the rectangular body may return to a flat planar configuration, wherein when the rectangular body is in the bridging mode the two vertical strip portions are held a specific distance apart to provide a secure curvature to the rectangular body. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a frame assembly for a collapsible tradeshow display. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a collapsible tradeshow display. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of an end panel for a collapsible tradeshow display according to an embodiment of the present invention in a flat configuration. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of the end panel of  FIG. 3A  in a partially curved configuration. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3C  is a perspective view of the end panel of  FIG. 3A  is a curved configuration. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4A  is a partial perspective view of an end panel and a frame assembly of a collapsible tradeshow display according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4B  is a partial perspective view of an end panel partially installed on a frame assembly of a collapsible tradeshow display according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4C  is a partial perspective view of an end panel installed on a frame assembly of a collapsible tradeshow display according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a simplified perspective view of an end panel for a collapsible tradeshow display according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a transport case for a collapsible tradeshow display. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a cross sectional view taken at line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is an exploded view of the  FIG. 7  view. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a curved end panel according to an embodiment of the present invention with support for back lighting of the display. 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view at line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is a top plan view of two pop-up displays with a central curved panel connecting the front exposee ends of the two frameworks. 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the central curved panel of  FIG. 11  laid flat. 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  is a top plan view of central curved panel. 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a curved panel with bridging portions attached separated from the vertical margins of a panel according to an embodiment of the present invention capable of free standing. 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  is a plan elevational view of the curved panel of  FIG. 14  with additional curved panels forming an alternative display without a framework structure. 
           [0033]      FIG. 16  is a view of an alternate connecting means on the bridging portions. 
           [0034]      FIG. 17  is a view of an alternate connecting means on the bridging portions. 
           [0035]      FIG. 18  is a view of an alternate connecting means on the bridging portions. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0036]      FIGS. 1 and 2  depict a collapsible trade show display  10 , known in the industry as a pop-up display. Display  10  includes a frame assembly  12 . Frame assembly  12  includes an expandable frame  14 , comprised of a plurality of support rods  13  pivotally attached to a plurality of hubs  15  and having a front  16  and opposed left and right ends  18 ,  20 . In one embodiment, frame  14  is comprised of a lightweight yet durable material such as fiberglass. A plurality of vertical channels  22  are connected to front  16  and ends  18 ,  20  of frame. An example of such a frame is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,829,869, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a plurality of flexible front panels  24  can be attached to display  10  at front  16  of frame  14 . In one embodiment, magnetic strips disposed on a rear side of front panels  24  can mate with a magnetic material comprising or attached to channels  22 . Outer surfaces  26  of front panels  24  can comprise graphics promoting a company, product, service, etc. Front panels  24  can connect to display  10  such that there is a smooth, seamless transition between panels  24 . Display  10  further includes a pair of curved end panels  100  located at each end  18 ,  20  of display  10 . 
         [0038]    End panels  100  are more clearly depicted with reference to  FIGS. 3A-3B ,  7 ,  8 , and  9 . End panels  100  can be comprised of an elongate, resilient panelar material having a generally rectangular shape including a body  101  and a top margin  102 , bottom margin  104 , and a pair of side margins  106 . Margins  102 ,  104 ,  106  can be integral with body  101  or can be distinct pieces affixed to body with adhesives or the like. In one embodiment, side margins  106  are comprised of a strip  107  of flexible magnetic material affixed to a flexible, non-magnetic body  108 . Graphic layer  109  is similarly adhered to the body  108 . The body may comprise polycarbonate sheet material 0.015 to 0.030 inches thick. Or suitably in the range of 0.020 to 0.025 inches thick, or suitably about 0.020 inches plus or minus 20%. End panels  100  also include an inner surface  110  and an outer surface  112 . Outer surfaces  112  of end panels  100  can include graphics  119  that cooperate with the graphics  119 . 1  on outer surfaces  26  of front panels  24 . End panels  100  can also include notches  108  at outer edges of top margin  102  which can hook on nubs  28  on the framework. 
         [0039]    As can be seen in  FIG. 3A , end panels  100  can naturally retain a generally flat configuration. End panels  100  can be brought into a curved configuration with bridge portions  114 ,  116 . Referring to  FIGS. 7 ,  8 ,  9 , and  10 , bridge portions  114 ,  116  forming bridging  115 , can comprise a sheet or fabric material and can be affixed to end panels  100  at side margins  106  by any known means, such as, for example, stitching  111  or adhesives. The bridge portions can suitable be stitched directly to the magnetic strip  107  and adhered by adhesives to the body  101 . Bridge portions  114 ,  116  include cooperating connecting means  118 ,  120 . In one embodiment, connecting means  118 ,  120  comprise a zipper. In other embodiments, connecting means  118 ,  120  can comprise any other means for removably connecting bridge portions comprised of a fabric or sheet material, such as, for example, buttons or hooks, see  FIGS. 16 ,  17 ,  18 , and  19 .  FIG. 16  illustrates bridge portions  114 . 1 ,  116 . 1  with eyelets  130  and a drawstring  131 .  FIG. 17  illustrates bridge portions  114 . 2 ,  116 . 2  with hooks  134  attachable to catches  135 .  FIG. 18  illustrates bridge portions  114 . 3 ,  116 . 3  with an attachment portion  137  and tabs  138  utilizing hook and loop cooperating material  139 ,  139 . 1 .  FIG. 19  illustrates bridge portions  114 . 4 ,  116 . 4  with buttons  141  and button holes  141 . 1   
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIG. 3B , end panels  100  can be given a curved configuration by pulling connecting means  118 ,  120  together and connecting them. Once connecting means  118 ,  120  are fully connected, as shown in  FIG. 3C , end panels  100  retain the desired curved configuration. Bridging with connecting means  118 ,  120  hold end panels  100  firmly in the curved configuration, which provides for easy installation onto displays and eliminates the “dramatic disengagement” that occurs with previous designs. The amount of curvature can be varied by varying the length of bridge portions  114 ,  116 . The amount of curvature for a single end panel  100  can be varied by including an additional bridge portion  121 , see  FIGS. 12 and 13 . The additional bridge portion can be a strip of fabric or sheet material that can be connected to one of the existing bridge portions, for example bridge portion  114 , by an additional connecting means, for example a zipper to form the bridging  115 . This effectively lengthens bridge portion  114 , so that when it is connected to bridge portion  116 , end panel  110  has less curvature. In a situation where two pop-up frameworks  12 . 1 ,  12 . 2  are positioned adjacent one another as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the curved panel is a central curved panel attached to two different framework assemblies, providing a gull-wing shaped double pop-up display. 
         [0041]    Thus, a single end panel can be given any number of different curvatures, depending on whether an additional bridge portion is used and the length of the additional bridge portion. In some embodiments, temporary hooks or straps may be utilized to provide an initial curvature at one or both ends of the curved end panel prior to making the lengthwise connection. 
         [0042]    The connection of end panels  100  to frame assembly  12  can be seen with reference to  FIGS. 4A-4C . After connecting means  118 ,  120  have been connected to give the desired curvature to end panel  100 , notches  108  in top margin  102  of end panel  100  can be hooked over rivets  28  on channels  22  of frame assembly  12  as indicated by the arrows A in  FIG. 4A . In other embodiments, notches  108  can connect to any other portion of frame assembly  112  and notches  22  themselves can comprise any other means for connecting end panel  100  to frame assembly  12 , such as, for example, hooks or snaps. Once the upper end of end panel  100  is connected, as shown in  FIG. 4B , the bottom end can be swung inwardly and engaged with channels  22  of frame assembly  12 . End panel  100  can be held in place on frame assembly  12  by aligning magnets in top  102 , bottom  104 , and/or side margins  106  with magnetic channels  22 . Alternatively, end panel can be held on frame assembly  12  by any other means, such as, for example, additional notches, hooks, or snaps.  FIG. 4C  depicts a partial view showing the top and bottom of end panel  100  in proper position on frame assembly  112 . As noted above, because the curvature of end panels  100  is maintained by connection means  118 ,  120 , attachment of the end panels  100  to the frame assembly  12  is easier and simpler and the chance of a “dramatic disengagement” of end panels of the prior art is eliminated. 
         [0043]    Existing tradeshow displays can also be modified to provide the advantages of the present invention. In particular, end panels can be modified to utilize continuous or multiple attachment points to pre-curve the panels before hanging on the framework. 
         [0044]    When end panel  100  is disconnected from frame assembly  12  and connection means  118 ,  120  are disengaged, end panels  100  naturally lie flat and can be easily stored for later use. Because end panels  100  comprise a flexible material, they can be rolled into a generally cylindrical shape as shown in  FIG. 5 . Preferably, end panels  100  are rolled with graphical outer surface  112  facing outwardly and inner surface  110  facing inwardly. End panels  100  can then be stored in a transport case  150  for storage and/or transport as can be seen in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIGS. 7 ,  9 , and  10 , the bridging portions  114 . 6 ,  116 . 6  may provide a suitable support for internal back lighting of the pop-up display. The fabric of one or both or three bridging portions may have a strip  160  of one of hook and loop material with a light strip  162  having the other of the hook and loop material  164 . A zipper  168  may connect the two bridging portions. 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , an embodiment of the invention is illustrated wherein the bridging portions  14 . 7 ,  16 . 7  are attached to the resilient panel  100 . 1  at a vertical strip region displaced from the margins. Moreover, several such panels, in dashed lines, each with disconnectable bridging  172 ,  173 , may be secured together utilizing magnetic strips or hook and loop material on the respective vertical margins  181 ,  182  to provide a self supporting display without the necessity of an internal framework. 
         [0047]    The embodiments above are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Additional embodiments are within the claims. Although described with reference to particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein.