Abstract:
A modular exhibit panel and lock system includes a first wedge secured within a first channel of a first object, such as a modular exhibit panel. A second wedge is secured within a second channel of a second object, such as a second panel. The first and second objects are securely associated with one another by placing the first wedge in the first channel, and the second wedge in the second channel in an orientation generally opposite of a first wedge and sliding the first and second channel relative to one another so that the first and second wedges interlock causing the first and second objects to be connected to one another. A multi-faceted panel connector having channels in at least two facets thereof, and a third wedge within these channels, can be used to securely associate panels of the system with one another.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority from provisional application Ser. No. 60/227,060 filed Aug. 21, 2000. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to locking systems and prefabricated modular exhibit systems or partitions assemblies used by exhibitors at trade shows, exhibitions, art galleries and conventions to advertise and promote their products and goods. More particularly, the present invention relates to a prefabricated modular exhibit system which achieves a seamless variable surfaced wall capable of many heights and angles while permitting cables, such as electrical or telephone cables, to be channeled therethrough. 
     Modular exhibit structures are constructed to offer a wide variety of configurations, to be light in weight, and to reduce shipping costs. Modular exhibit structures are also constructed so that they can be easily assembled, dismantled and shipped to another location and reassembled, time after time. It has been standard practice to join wall panels together by clips, bolts, latch and receiver fasteners or other fastening means. However there are problems with the existing fasteners. Most clips mentioned in prior art wall panel connectors are inserted from the top and or bottom of the wall panel. While this method is effective in holding wall panels together, they do not, however, connect in the middle of the wall panel. Thus, the wall panel is rendered less stable and visually unappealing. 
     Latch and receiver fasteners are used to achieve good medial contact between two walls panels, however a tool must be inserted into the front or rear surfaces of the wall panel thus creating a hole in one or both surfaces in order to access the fastener. Many users of this fastening method have used small circle plugs of various materials to cover up these holes. 
     Bolts have also been used to connect wall panels together and provide a great amount of medial contact, however all wall panels constructed in this manner are single sided and therefore less versatile. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,546,720 to La Bruzza discloses a panel system in which adjacent panels are removably joined at their edges and which includes a pair of substantially identical clips, each of which is affixed to an edge of a panel. Each clip includes a base portion and a body portion extending from the base portion in a generally perpendicular direction. However, the LaBruzza panel system is not easy to mold or extrude and has been found to be insufficiently strong and rigid. Moreover, the panel system of LaBruzza is complex and expensive to produce. 
     Prior art exhibit system wall panels also have levelers to adjust the height of wall panels enabling all panels to be adjusted level to the floor. With small adjustable nut plates attached to the levelers, or in some cases no adjustable plates, leveling wall panels after they are in place has proven to be very complicated if not impossible. Most nut plates are no larger than three- eights of an inch, limiting adjustment due to the small size of a typical three-eights inch wrench used in the process. Prior attempts to provide a strong and sturdy leveler have not been completely successful. 
     Existing prior art exhibit system wall panels also have the disadvantage of having either no electrical wiring or pre-wired electrical wiring installed inside designated wall panels. However, having pre-wired electrical wiring within the wall panels has proven to be problematic when changing the location of required electrical on exhibits as such systems require the relocation of an entire wall panel. This can be time consuming and costly. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a locking system which is sufficiently rigid and strong, while simple to use and inexpensive to produce. There is also a need for a prefabricated modular wall exhibit system which joins panels and partitions with tight medial contact between panels without special tools in a seamless and aesthetically pleasing manner while providing sufficient structural rigidity. Such a panel system should enable exhibit builders the ability to make last minute changes on the show floor by adding electrical extension cords and telephone cables within each panel frame. What is also needed is a locking system which enables a user to hang prefabricated wall panels of great size and weight to other similar panels with relative ease. Such a paneling system should be versatile by allowing a user to choose multiple interior material configurations within the panels. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention resides in a locking system comprises a first wedge secured within a first channel of a first object, and a second wedge secured within a second channel of a second object. The first wedge is placed in the first channel such that the finger is downwardly directed, and the second wedge is placed in the second channel such that the finger is directed upwardly so that upon sliding the first and second channels relative to one another, the first and second wedges interlock with one another causing the first and second objects to be connected. 
     The first wedge includes a base secured to an inner wall of the first channel, and a tapered finger extending from the base. The finger and base cooperatively form a ledge. The second wedge is substantially identical to the first wedge and includes a base secured to an inner wall of the second channel and a tapered finger extending from the base, a finger and base forming a ledge. The first and second wedges also include apertures for acceptance of a bolt therethrough and into the first and second channels to securely hold the first and second wedges in place within the first and second channels. Preferably, the first and second wedges also include a cavity to provide structural strength when the wedges are comprised of a non-metallic material, such as plastic. 
     In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second objects comprise either a modular exhibit panel or an elongated panel connector. Each panel includes an outer frame comprised of hollow internal and external vertical members slidably connected to one another, and hollow internal and external horizontal members slidably connected to one another. The horizontal and vertical members are arranged to form the frame, typically in a rectangular shape. The internal horizontal and vertical members include an open-face channel directed into the frame that serves to securely receive wall panel composites and the like. The external horizontal and vertical members also include an open-face channel directed outward with respect to the frame which comprises the previously mentioned channels housing the wedges. 
     The external horizontal open-faced channels are configured to received electrical or telephone cables, and the external horizontal members include an aperture positioned over an internal vertical member for the insertion of electrical or telephone cable into the hollow vertical member. The external horizontal members also include apertures configured to securely receive a foot member, which is preferably adjustable in height. 
     The panel connector is multi-faceted and includes an open-faced channel in at least two facets thereof. A third wedge, which is substantially similar to the first and second wedges, is secured within the open-faced channel of the panel connector. The panel connector preferably includes projections extending from an internal wall of the channel for securing the wedge within the channel. The panel connector also includes a central aperture and a plurality of projections extending into the central aperture to facilitate a frictional fit with a foot member, or either a vertical extension member so that the panel connectors can be stacked upon one another to effectively heighten the panel system. 
     Thus, to securely associate first and second panels with one another, the first wedge in the first outwardly directed channel of a vertical member of a first panel frame is place in an orientation generally opposite a third wedge within the panel connector channel. The second wedge is place in a second outwardly directed channel of the vertical member of a second panel frame so as to be oriented generally opposite the third wedge within the panel connector channel. Upon sliding the first outwardly directed channel of the vertical member of the first panel frame and second outwardly directed channel of the vertical member of the second panel frame relative to the panel connector channels, the first and second wedges interlock with the third wedges causing the first and second panels to be connected to the panel connector. Edges of the first and second panels or panel connectors can be similarly connected. 
     Such a modular exhibit panel and locking system is relatively inexpensive to produce, achieves a seamless variable surface wall capable of many heights and angles while permitting cables to be channeled therethrough. Due to the fact that the panel partitions are joined not only at the ends, but also within the middle of the wall panel, the system achieves outstanding structural rigidity. The system is able to be easily adjusted and leveled in an effortless manner. 
    
    
     Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanied drawings which illustrate by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an arrangement of exhibit panels embodying the present invention and positioned to be connected to one another with right angled upright panel connectors; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of top and bottom wedge locks and corresponding mounting screws used in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2-A is a cut-away view of top wedge lock illustrating a cored out cavity area; 
     FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of exhibit panels positioned to connect to a four-way upright panel connector and wedge lock in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a fragmented cut- away view of a solid wall panel of the present invention illustrating placement of the interior and exterior materials thereof; 
     FIG. 5 is a top cross-sectional view of a panel frame member composition with two rigid open-end extrusions, panel end cap and glass retainer used in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of two rigid frame profiles with adjustable foot, foot sleeve and electrical access cap in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a partially fragmented perspective view of a framed glass panel with foot sleeve, adjustable foot, glass retainer and panel end cap in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a partially fragmented view of a panel composite illustrating an exterior surface, multi-layer filling and contact adhesive; 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective of a four-way right angle upright panel connector; 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a three-way right angle upright panel connector; 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a two-way right angle panel connector; 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a forty-five degree angle upright panel connector; 
     FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an upright panel connector extension and two four-way right angle upright panel connectors; 
     FIG. 14 is a top cross-sectional view of one four-way right angle upright panel connectors and two panel end caps; 
     FIG. 15 is a is a perspective view of one upright panel connector extension and; 
     FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a two part extruded frame profiles, illustrating one internal vertical member profile merging into two exterior members. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     As shown in the drawings for purpose of illustration, the present invention is concerned with a prefabricated modular exhibit panel and lock system, illustrated in the accompanying drawings. With reference to FIG. 1, major components of the system of the invention are solid panels  37  framed panels  38  and panel frame members  39  and  40  and the production and assembly thereof. 
     The horizontal  39  and vertical  40  frame members are composed from two extrusions, preferably produced by manufacturing a die in which rigid polyvinyl chloride (PCV) plastics are extruded through. This results in one rigid PVC extruded plastic profile. PVC plastics are rigid, lightweight, and fire resistant to insure a non-flammable product. Although PVC plastics an extrusion thereof is a preferred form of creating horizontal and vertical frame members  39  and  40 , it is to be understood that such frame members  39  and  40  can be comprised of other materials and methods while retaining the same general configuration. The vertical profile  40 -A and horizontal profile  39 -A are identical in shape and are produced from the same die in which they are extruded. Vertical profile  40 -B and horizontal profile  39 -B are also identical and are produced from an additional die. By combining one of each profile, horizontal  39  and vertical  40  frame members are achieved. The top and bottom horizontal frame members  39 -B are securely joined to the vertical frame members  40 -A and  40 -B. These are then secured by assembly screws  57 , as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. 
     Referring to FIGS. 5 and 16. the intricate compound shape of profiles  40 -A and  40 -B allow several pieces of scrap profile to be joined together. Profile  40 -B possesses a divider wall  70  with a tapered flange  76  and cutaway channel  71  that slides and is secured into the profile  40 -A receiver groove  67 . This procedure allows solid panels  37  and framed panels  38  to be lengthened to great extents. The overall strength of the framed panel  38  gains it&#39;s strength when profiles  40 -A and  40 -B and scrap pieces thereof are combined with contact adhesive  62  and polyvinyl chloride strip  72 , as illustrated in FIG. 4, thus rendering a framed panel composite. 
     The use of PVC frame member profiles which slide relative to one another allows ease of lengthening both vertical and horizontal frame members indefinitely and minimizes waste of material. In fact, as illustrated in FIG. 16, several pieces of either and internal or external frame member may be interconnected with a single piece, or even multiple pieces, of the mating member so long as the points of connection do not align with one another. Thus, waste is virtually eliminated as even small sections of the PVC can be used to construct the frame and panel. 
     Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, in addition to producing a composite panel, glass or clear non-flammable plastics can also be inserted into the concave channel providing a transparent wall panel. Prior to tightening the frame assembly screws  57 , glass retainer  43  having wall  74  and stops  73  is inserted into channel  52  and slot  61  of the horizontal and vertical profiles. The glass panel  88  is then secured into the glass retainer  43  providing a secure fit. 
     Referring to FIGS. 4 and 7, prior to tightening the frame assembly screws  57 , a center core panel  60  is inserted into a continuous channel  52  located on the interior of all horizontal  39 -A and vertical  40 -B frame members. The location of the center core panel  60  provides for a true right angle alignment and adds additional strength to the panel  37 . 
     Once the center core panel  60  is in place, the vertical profiles  40 -A,  40 -B and horizontal profiles  39 -A and  39 -B are securely fastened by the assembly screws  57 . Assembly screws  57  are inserted through the horizontal profile  39 -B assembly holes  56  and into the grooves  63  of track  65  and  68  located in the vertical profile  40 -A and  40 -B. There are two continuous grooves  63  located directly adjacent the electrical access channel  53  at opposite ends of the profile. 
     With reference to FIGS. 4 and 8, the secondary core panels are now ready for placement. These panels  98  will sandwich the center core panel  97  on either side and at the front and rear of the center core. They may be attached with liquid contact adhesives, water-soluble adhesives  62 , or double-faced adhesive film. 
     Each panel composite  60  may differ according to end user needs. For example, users may choose another type of secondary core panel, such as particleboard, honeycomb, medium density fiberboard, plywood or any dense material. These materials can be used to hold nails, screws or objects to affix pictures, paintings or other heavy objects to a surface. Foam or styrofoam can be used as a water resistant material for a lightweight panel, although they are not recommended for hanging objects. 
     Referring to FIG. 8, the preferred lightweight composite panel is composed of a center core from Extruded Polystyrene (EPS)  97 , complemented by two secondary core panels manufactured from double faced honeycomb  98 , also called expanded double faced (EDF) panels. This is the most common form of honeycomb and is manufactured from kraft paper (linerboard). 
     Next, the outer skin layer polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheets  58  are affixed to the secondary core panels  60  by means of contact adhesive water-soluble adhesives or double-faced adhesive film  62 . The outer layer is a rigid lightweight expanded polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheet having a foamed center and a thin skin having a smooth matte outer surface on either side. PVC sheets come in a various colors and are available thought the United States and Europe. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1,  3  and  4 , each systems panel  37  is configured to receive two adjustable feet  45 . Each adjustable foot  45  is constructed of an elongated aluminum cylinder with two flat surfaces  82  opposing one another. The two flat sides  82  of the elongated cylinder allow the foot  45  to be adjusted with a large open-end wrench. A pre-threaded hole  78  is located in the center of the cylinder. A steel threaded rod  81  is inserted into the pre-threaded hole and tightly fastened into the elongated cylinder, providing a vertical lift to insure all panels remain level with respect to one another and to the floor. The adjustable foot of the present invention includes two flat opposing surfaces which measure approximately three-quarters of an inch. The three-quarter inch flat surfaces on the foot are designed to accept a large wrench permitting better leverage and torque when adjusting and readjusting the height of a plurality of wall panels after they have been assembled. A standard three-quarter inch wrench has a minimum of nine inches in length, twice the size of existing wrenches used to adjust levelers or feet. This area of modular exhibits has been ignored until now. 
     Each foot sleeve  91  is inserted through the panel extension hole  55  located at opposite ends of the horizontal PVC profile  39 -B next to the electrical access hole  54 . The foot sleeve  91  is mounted into the panel extension hole  55  and securely fastened at the circular base  79  securely with two assembly screws  57  through groove  80  and into the groove housing  63  located at opposite sides of the vertical profile  40 -A, chamber  66 . 
     Panel locks  41  are manufactured from injection molded ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) and preferably consist of an elongated rectangular piece of ABS that tapers to a thin edge and wedges it&#39;s way against another on it&#39;s tapered plane  47  causing both bodies to tighten by being driven into one another until a tip  48  docks at the docking ledge  49 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 the number of wedge locks required for each panel  37  is determined by the height of the panel  37 , and the wedge locks  41  are appropriately positioned. They are typically located at the top, bottom and at the center of each panel  37 . Preferably, the wedge locks  41  and  42  are comprised of an inexpensive plastic material, although they can be constructed of more durable materials such as metal. The wedge locks include apertures  50  for the insertion of bolts  99  to secure the locks within the channels. When comprised of plastic material, an area is cored out to create a cavity  51  so that the lock is structurally more rigid and durable. Three upwardly directed locks  41  are mounted to one side of a panel in the vertical extrusion channel  52  in the lock up position. Three downwardly directed locks  42  are mounted to the vertical extrusion channel  52  of the opposite side of the panel  37  with the lock  42  in the facing down position. A standard panel height is eight feet typically requiring six locks. Due to the angle of the tapered plane  47  located on the rear side of each panel lock  41  and  42  panels  37  are tightly pulled together medially, creating a seamless effect between wall panels  37  and vertical panel connectors. After the panels  37  are completely assembled they are hung into one another creating a solid wall such that a seamless effect is achieved. 
     Referring to FIGS. 9-13, various angles are achieved by using upright right-angled connectors  32  and other various angled connectors  33 - 36  that enable the system to achieve variable angles and height. Although four configurations of a multi-faceted vertical panel connector  33 - 36  are illustrated, each panel connector  33 - 36  having at least two open-faced grooves at predetermined angles for the connection of two or more panels  37 , it should be understood by the reader that other configurations are possible and fall within the scope of the invention. Although the panel connectors  33 - 36  may include multiple facets, not all of the facets may include an open-faced channel  52 . In order to enhance the structural rigidity of the connector  33 - 36 , facets not having an open-faced connector or channel are enclosed so as to create hollows or channels  85 - 87 . Given the fact that right-angle panel configurations create tension at the point of the angle, a strong right angle connection between the panels is required. It has been found that aluminum is inexpensive to extrude, and provides a great deal of strength for right and forty-five degree connections. Therefore, extruded aluminum alloys preferably used to create the connectors  33 - 36  to prevent the risk of breakage and failure. Wedge fasteners  41  and  42  are secured to each upright connector with the use of machine screws  99  in the aluminum extrusion channel  52  between the exterior locator notches  100  providing a secure alignment. 
     Referring to FIGS. 13 and 15, upright extensions  92  are used to extend the vertical height of upright panel connectors  32 - 36  and exhibit system solid panels  37  and framed panels  38 . Each extension is produced from an elongated cylindrical surface measuring approximately one-half of an inch in diameter with a circular base  89  located at center measuring three-quarters of an inch in diameter. A lower end is positioned into the top of an upright connector channel  83  centered between the interior locator notch  101 , while an upper end is positioned into the upright channel  83  of another upright connector. Two upright extensions  92  are required in extending solid panels  37  and framed panels  38  on top of one another. The lower end of an upright extension  92  is positioned into the panel extension hole  55  located on the upper edge of each solid panel  37  and framed panel  38 , while upper ends of the upright extension  92  are fitted into the bottoms of the upper end. This procedure requires the removal of foot sleeves  91  that may be attached to a solid panel  37  or framed panel. 
     Referring to FIG. 6, electrical cables  96  are installed after the wall panels  37  are in place. All cables and cords  96  can be inserted into the cutaway channel  69  by inserting the access cap  93  having an external wall  94 , and locking flanges  95  around the cables  96  and into the cutaway channel  69  located at opposite ends of profile  39 -B. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1,  7  and  14 , end caps  44  provide a finished surface to exposed edges of solid panels and upright connectors. Each end cap  44  is composed of an end cap face  77  and locking profile  75 . The locking profile  75  is inserted between the two hollow corners  84  of upright connectors  32 - 35 , and in channel  52 , slot  61  of solid panel  37  and framed panel  38  frame members. Produced from extruded flexible PVC plastics, end cap  44  is non-flammable. 
     From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that the present invention solves many of the problems and disadvantages present in the prior art exhibit panel system. Use of the present invention allows the builder to use different composite panels for particular applications. These panels are attached in such a manner that they are connected not only at the top and bottom, but also along their length and are adjustable in height to form a secure wall having a seamless appearance. As electrical cables can be run along the base or top of any or all of the panels of the present invention, builders can make last minute changes to the exhibit on the show floor. The locking system of the present invention enable a user to hang prefabricated wall panels of great size and weight. Using the polyvinyl chloride framework and aluminum alloy connectors, the systems achieves a seamless variable surface wall system capable of many heights and angles. Each panel composite may differ according to user discretion. For example, users may choose particle-board, honeycomb, fiberboard, metal, glass, etc. In fact, each panel composite may differ according to end user requirement. The wedge locking system allows quick assembly of panels and connectors with tight medial contact between wall panels without the requirement of special tools. Based upon the simplicity and strength of the wedge lock, it is conceivable that wall panels of great size and weight can be hung into one another with great ease. 
     Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made to each without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.