Abstract:
A foldable display panel wherein a plurality of individual panels, each panel being small enough to be easily transportable and storable, are hingably connected in such a manner that in a folded state, the individual panels will fold into a single stack wherein the frontal surface area will be that of an individual panel and, in an unfolded state, the individual panels will unfold into a large flat panel wherein the frontal surface area will be substantially equal to the sum of the frontal surface areas of the individual panels. In the unfolded state, binders temporarily join the individual panels into a single, rigid panel.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to a foldable display panel. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to a device used for entertainment purposes which comprises a panel upon which is provided a scene and which optionally includes thereon the image of a character or images of characters. When a person places his or her face in a cutout provided therein, an impression is created that the person so doing is part of the scene or a character depicted therein. This impression is noticeably enhanced in a picture taken of the panel with a subject. In operation, the panel has a height and width much greater than its thickness. When not in use, the panel folds into a package of substantially reduced surface area, improving transportability and simplifying handling and storage. 
     2. Background 
     Rigid, non-foldable panels have long been in use for the purpose stated above, namely as a prop for photography. Found primarily at attractions, theme parks, and the like, these devices usually portray a scene and characters relevant to a particular setting. Hence, these panels have typically been manufactured one-at-a-time for a specific location and are neither inexpensive or transportable. 
     Generally, these panels are furnished by the operator of an attraction to provide an opportunity for visitors to photograph loved ones or friends, for visitors to be entertained, and to allow visitors to create a memorable souvenir. 
     While such panels have found wide use in permanent settings, there exists a need for similar devices at one-time events such as birthday parties, school carnivals and festivals, and the like. Unfortunately, the physical size of these panels makes them difficult to transport and difficult to store. In addition, the cost of manufacturing such devices one-at-a-time, for one-time use, is prohibitive. For these reasons, such panels have not enjoyed widespread use outside of a permanent installation. 
     It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a foldable display panel to facilitate transportation and storage of the inventive device. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a foldable display panel which may be easily mass produced with well-known and established manufacturing techniques. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     These and other objects and advantages are achieved in a foldable display panel wherein a plurality of individual panels, each panel being small enough to be easily transportable and storable, are hingably connected in such a manner that, in a folded state, the individual panels will fold into a single stack wherein the frontal surface area will be that of an individual panel and, in an unfolded state, the individual panels will unfold into a large flat panel wherein the frontal surface area will be substantially equal to the sum of the frontal surface areas of the individual panels. In the unfolded state, binders temporarily join the individual panels into a single, rigid panel. 
     In one embodiment of the inventive device, a stand is provided so that, when the panel is in its operational position, it will be self-supporting. 
     A scene displayed on the front side of the unfolded panel optionally includes one or more characters. Apertures may be provided as desired in which case a person may place his or her face in an aperture so as to incorporate that person&#39;s likeness into the scene or so that person becomes a character therein. 
     A better understanding of the present invention, its several aspects, and its objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the attached drawings, wherein there is shown and described the preferred embodiment of the invention, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 shows an elevational front view of the inventive foldable display panel in the unfolded state. 
     FIG. 2 shows an elevational rear view of the inventive foldable display panel and binders incorporated thereon. 
     FIG. 3 shows a perspective front view of the inventive foldable display panel in a partially folded state. 
     FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the inventive foldable display panel in the folded state. 
     FIG. 5 shows an elevational rear view of the inventive foldable display panel with another embodiment of binders incorporated thereon. 
     FIG. 6 provides a rear perspective view of the foldable display panel with an optional stiffener and legs incorporated thereon. 
     FIG. 7 provides a rear elevational view of an embodiment of the foldable display panel. 
     FIG. 8 shows a front view of a leg for attachment to a foldable display panel. 
     FIG. 9 shows a side view of a leg for attachment to a foldable display panel. 
     FIG. 10 shows a front view of a stiffener for attachment to a foldable display panel. 
     FIG. 11 shows a side view of a stiffener for attachment to a foldable display panel. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Before explaining the present invention in detail, it is important to understand that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction illustrated and the steps described herein. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in a variety of ways. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate the same parts throughout the several views, a preferred embodiment of the inventive foldable display panel  10  is shown in its general environment. For use, the inventive device is outspread into an unfolded state to form a large flat panel. For transportation or storage, the inventive device collapses into a folded state to form a compact package. 
     Turning to FIGS. 1 and 2, foldable display panel  10  comprises a plurality of individual panels  12 ,  14 ,  16 , and  18  connected at their juxtaposed edges with hinges  20 ,  22 , and  24 . The hinges allow for the display panel to be folded into a compact state in the manner described hereinbelow. When display panel  10  is in its unfolded state, binder  26  rigidly retains panel  12  to panel  14 , binder  28  retains panel  14  to panel  16 , binder  30  retains panel  16  to panel  18  and binder  31  retains panel  12  to panel  18 . Once binders  26 - 31  have been properly placed along the edges of panel  10 , the four individual panels  12 - 18  form one large display panel  10  whose frontal surface area is substantially the sum of the frontal surface areas of the individual panels  12 - 18 . Preferably, binders  26 - 31  are formed of a substantially transparent material. 
     The seam between the juxtaposed edges of panel  12  and panel  18  is not hinged. Consequently, to collapse display panel  10  into its folded state, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, panel  12  folds rearward so that panel  12  and panel  14  are back-to-back. Similarly, panel  18  folds rearward so that panel  18  and panel  16  are back-to-back. Finally, panel  14  folds forward so that panel  14  and panel  16  are face-to-face. The four panels  12 - 18  are thus placed in a single stack (FIG. 4) wherein the frontal surface area of the combination is the same as the frontal surface area of an individual panel  12 ,  14 ,  16 , or  18 . 
     In a preferred embodiment of the inventive foldable display panel, easel stands  32  are provided on backside of panels  16  and  18  such that when stands  32  are extended, display panel  10  will support itself in a free-standing vertical position. 
     Referring again to FIG. 1, foldable display panel  10  includes a display  40  on its front surface  34  preferably incorporating background scenery and one or more characters  36 . As appropriate to the scenery and characters  36 , one or more apertures  38  and  39  (two shown) are provided through display panel  10  wherein a person may place his or her face to incorporate that person&#39;s likeness into the picture. 
     To produce foldable display panel  10 , individual panels  12 ,  14 ,  16 , and  18  are formed from a thin rigid material such as wood, foam core, plastic, sheet metal, or the like. Hinges  20 ,  22 , and  24  may comprise any type of hinge mechanism, but are preferably made from a thin flexible material adhesively attached to individual panels  12 - 18 . 
     Apertures  38  and  39  may be formed in individual panels  12 - 18  in a variety of ways. Typically, if individual panels  12 - 18  are made in a casting or molding process, apertures  38  would be formed as a part of the casting or molding process. If, on the other hand, individual panels  12 - 18  are cut from a larger sheet of material, apertures  38  would typically either be formed in the panel cutting operation or in a secondary cutting operation. 
     Display  40  may be applied by directly printing or painting on individual panels  12 - 18  or, alternatively, display  40  may be printed on a separate media and adhesively attached to the foldable display panel  10 . 
     In a particular embodiment, individual panels  12 - 18  are made from a single, large sheet of foam core material. Hinges  20 - 24  are made, capitalizing on an inherent characteristic of foam core, by leaving the outside cover intact on the hinge side of the foam core and cutting through the outside cover on the opposite side and the inner foam material. Referring to FIG. 2, the back cover of the foam core is cut along lines  42  and  44 . The front cover of the foam core (see FIG. 3) is cut along lines  42 , 46 , and  48 . The. inner foam material is cut along all four lines  42 - 48 . There is thus obtained a hinge  20 - 24  between the adjacent edges of the individual panels which allows for the aforedescribed folding pattern. Preferably, adhesive tape is applied along hinges  20 - 24  while the panel is in its folded state, bridging the inner foam of adjacent panels to reinforce hinges  20 - 24 . Binders  26 - 31  are separate pieces, attached at the time of unfolding. 
     Display  40  is printed onto paper, vinyl, or other thin flexible material and adhesively attached to display board  10 . The display  40  is then cut along lines  42 ,  46 , and  48  where the front outside cover of the foam core material had previously been cut. Apertures  38  are then die cut, simultaneously, through the display  40  and individual panels  12 - 18  as required. Easel stands  32  are likewise made from foam core material and foldably attached to the backs of panel  16  and panel  18  with flexible adhesive tape. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the foldable display panel  10  is produced from a single sheet of cardboard or like material which can be folded along embossed or crimped lines. Display  40  is preferably printed directly on panel  10 . In a single stamping operation, dies cut line  42 , apertures  38  and  39 , and emboss lines  44 ,  46  and  48  to facilitate folding the panel. Easel stands  32  may be adhesively attached after the stamping operation. Binders  26 - 31  attach as in the previous example. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that while the preferred embodiment of the inventive device has been described with reference to a foldable display panel comprised of four individual panels, any number of individual panels could be used, as long as the placement of individual hinges results in a structure wherein sequential folding of the individual panels occurs in an alternating fashion, front-to-front and back-to-back. 
     It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that while the preferred embodiment of the inventive device has been described with reference to apertures through which a person&#39;s face is displayed, alternative methods for incorporating the person&#39;s likeness into the picture are possible and are encompassed within the spirit of the invention. For example, a display panel could be constructed such that a depicted character&#39;s body extends to the top edge of the board such that the neck and head of a person standing behind the board would be visible extending from the top edge of the panel above the character&#39;s body. 
     Binders  26 - 31  are preferably somewhat rigid plastic channels which slide tightly over the edges of unfolded panel  10 . However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous devices are known for temporarily joining the individual panels into a single, substantially rigid panel and the term “binder”,is intended to include such devices. An example of one such alternative binder useful when a heavier panel material is utilized is shown in FIG. 5, wherein latches are adhesively attached to the back of panel  10  to serve as binders such that when engaged, the individual panels are joined across edges  20 ,  24 ,  42 , and  44 . 
     In another preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6-11, foldable display panel  100  includes legs  102  and stiffener  104 . Legs  102  and stiffener  104  are preferably made from the same material as panel  100 . Leg  102  includes hinge  106  (FIGS. 8 and 9) and hook-and-loop fastener strips  108 . Hook and loop fastener strips.  108  mate with opposing hook-and-loop fastener strips  110  attached to panel  100 . Likewise, stiffener  104  includes a plurality of hook-and-loop fastener strips  112  for mating with opposing hook-and-loop fastener strips  114  attached to panel  100 . It should be noted that while stiffener  104  is not necessary to the operation of panel  100 , the inclusion of stiffener  104  noticeably enhances the overall rigidity of panel  100  in its unfolded state. 
     A display panel constructed in accordance with the invention might also be usable as a stage prop or other display, for example, a point-of-sale display, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, when used for such purpose, a display panel would not necessarily include apertures as depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7. 
     Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are encompassed within the spirit of this invention as defined by the appended claims.