Abstract:
A configurable large-depth panel display uses a number of frame members and a number of corner brackets coupled to one another to create an flexible and easily customized display device. The frame members relatively uniform, having a substantially constant cross-sectional configuration which is easily coupled to the frame members. The corner brackets can be configured in a number of different ways to produce a display product with a desired configuration. More specifically, the corner brackets can be configured to attach to frame members in a manner which produce an overall framework having multiple shapes and orientations, depending upon the desired design of the overall display. To complete the display panel, a removable face panel is attached to the frame using an interference fit caused by a ridged tab inserted into a channel that has a supporting recess. Various face panels, can be easily attached to the frame members using integral portions of the constant cross-sectional configuration.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 12/727,157, filed Mar. 18, 2010, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/162,239, filed Mar. 20, 2009. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    It is common to have self-supported “island” displays within tradeshows booths and in retail stores on which products and promotional materials are showcased. Often such island displays are specially designed for the exhibitor or retailer and can be quite expensive. Because island displays are intended to be placed in an area where visitors can view the display from all sides, the displays generally present a pleasing, finished, appearance from all sides. Additionally, these “double-sided” self-supporting displays generally have a depth of several inches, partly for aesthetics to give the display a more permanent and substantial appearance, and partly for functional or utilitarian reasons. For example, a large depth display enables internal beams or brackets to be placed between the front and rear panels for supporting shelves, fixtures or other appurtenances. Additionally, the large depth allows electrical wires to be hidden between the front and rear panels. Another advantage of large depth displays is that lighting can be placed within the interior to permit backlighting of the face panels. 
         [0003]    Exhibitors and retailers often desire to periodically change the configuration or other design features of their displays to vary the look in order to showcase specific products, influence a particular audience, or for other creative and aesthetic reasons. However, with specially designed displays, the ability for the exhibitor or retailer to later change the appearance or configuration is limited. 
         [0004]    Accordingly there is a need for a relatively inexpensive self-supporting display that provides the finished appearance of a specially designed large-depth display while also providing configuration flexibility. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a full-length, large-depth panel display with rounded corners. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a full-length, large-depth panel display with square corners. 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a large-depth panel display with two vertically stacked partial length panels with rounded corners. 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a large-depth panel display with two vertically stacked partial length panels with rounded corners. 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a large-depth panel display with two vertically stacked partial length panels with square corners. 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a large-depth panel display with two vertically stacked partial length panels with square corners. 
           [0011]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an another embodiment of a full-length, large-depth panel display with rounded corners and a curved overhang. 
           [0012]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an another embodiment of a full-length, large-depth panel display with squared corners and a squared overhang. 
           [0013]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an another embodiment of a full-length, large-depth panel display with rounded corners, stacked pass-through boxes, an overhead fixture, a shelf fixture and a light fixture. 
           [0014]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a full-length, large-depth panel display with rounded corners and a monitor or screen. 
           [0015]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of side-by-side full-length, large-depth panel displays with rounded corners and a rectangular frame fixture. 
           [0016]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of back-to-back full-length, large-depth panel displays with rounded corners and curved overhangs. 
           [0017]      FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view of the large-depth panel display of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 14   a  is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the rounded corner construction of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 14   b  is an enlarged perspective view of an assembled rounded corner construction of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 15  is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the squared corner construction of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 16  is an enlarged exploded perspective view showing a preferred embodiment for attaching the light fixture bracket of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 16  is an exploded perspective view of the large-depth panel display of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 17  is an enlarged view of the display of  FIG. 10  illustrating a preferred embodiment for attaching a screen or monitor to the display. 
           [0024]      FIG. 18  is an enlarged perspective view of the area circled in  FIG. 17  illustrating a preferred embodiment for attaching an internal horizontal beam to the frame. 
           [0025]      FIG. 19  is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the vertical connection of the stacked panels of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 20  is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the horizontal connection of the back-to-back panels of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 21  is an enlarged exploded perspective view illustrating a preferred connection of a foam-core board panel to the frame. 
           [0028]      FIG. 22  is an enlarged exploded perspective view illustrating a preferred connection of a flexible panel to the frame. 
           [0029]      FIG. 23  is an exploded view of the overhang connector assembly shown in  FIGS. 7 and 12 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the overhang connector assembly of  FIGS. 7 ,  12  and  23  as partially assembled. 
           [0031]      FIG. 25  is an exploded view of a split connector assembly. 
           [0032]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the split connector assembly illustrated in  FIG. 25  as partially assembled. 
           [0033]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a spanning truss usable to support various components. 
           [0034]      FIG. 28  is a close up view of one alternative embodiment of the panel connecting channel. 
           [0035]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the alternative panel connecting channel shown in  FIG. 28  having a display panel attached thereto. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0036]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1-10  illustrate different embodiments of a large-depth panel display designated generally by reference numeral  10 .  FIGS. 11-12  illustrate examples of how two or more large-depth panel displays  10  may be arranged and connected in a side-by-side manner ( FIG. 11 ) or back-to-back ( FIG. 12 ) for a different aesthetic appearance and/or to create a larger island display. 
         [0037]    The preferred embodiment of the large-depth display  10  comprises a frame  12 , floor supports  14 , a front face panel  16  and, preferably, a rear face panel  18  ( FIG. 13 ), a rear face panel may not be necessary or desirable if, for example, the back of the display  10  will not be viewable. 
         [0038]    The display panels  16 ,  18  are preferably removably secured to the frame  12  as discussed in greater detail later. The panels  16 ,  18  may be made of flexible material, such as fabric, or the panels may be made of a more rigid material, such as foam-core board, or any other desirable facing material. The exterior faces of the panels  16 ,  18  may include a graphic image or other desired feature. 
         [0039]    The frame  12  preferably comprise upper and lower horizontal frame members  20 ,  22  and left and right vertical frame members  24 ,  26 . The frame members are preferably rigidly connected by corner assemblies  28  thereby forming a parallelogram. The corner assemblies  28  may be rounded, squared, chamfered or have any other desired shape or configuration. Additionally, depending on the overall desired shape of the panels, the corner assemblies  28  may be greater than or less than ninety degrees, thereby enabling the panels  10  to be virtually any shape. 
         [0040]    The depth of the frame  12  is preferably four inches, but may be any desired depth. The preferred four inch depth is primarily for aesthetic purposes, but the depth also provides sufficient space between the front and rear panels  16 ,  18 , for added features and configurability. For example, the space between panels  16 ,  18  may be used to route internal wiring through the panels, or for mounting internal light fixtures for backlighting the panels, or for internal brackets for joining two displays together (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 11 and 12 ) or for mounting electronic devices (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 9 and 10 ) or to provide internal pass-through shelving space (see, e.g.,  FIG. 9 ). 
         [0041]    The horizontal and vertical frame members  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26  are preferably extruded aluminum shapes, but the frame members may be made from any suitable material and fabricated using desired method. Aluminum, is preferred because of its lightweight and rigidity. The preferred cross-sectional extruded shape for the frame members  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26  is best illustrated in  FIGS. 21 and 22 . 
         [0042]    The overall height and width of the frame  12  may vary as desired. However, to improve the affordability of the displays through reduced manufacturing costs, it is preferable to provide standard frame sizes. For example, standard frame sizes such as 2.5′ high (H)×4′ wide (W), 5′H×4′W and 8′H×4W would allow considerable flexibility in configuring different displays while still allowing the displays to be easily transportable by one or two people.  FIGS. 1-2  and  7 - 9  illustrate examples of full-length 8′H×4′W panels with different corner assemblies and other features.  FIGS. 3-6  illustrate examples of different arrangements of stacked 2.5′H and 5′H panels separated by 0.5′H vertical spacer resulting in overall display height of approximately 8 feet. As with the full-length panels, different corner assemblies may be used with the shorter panels. 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIG. 13 , an exploded perspective view of the large depth panel display  10  of  FIG. 9  is shown. As illustrated, the floor supports  14  are preferably secured to the bottom frame member  22  using threaded connectors. The exploded corner assembly  28  is shown in greater detail in the enlarged view of  FIG. 14   a  and an assembled corner assembly is shown in greater detail in the enlarged view of  FIG. 14   b . Similarly, the connection of the overhead light fixture bracket  60  is shown in greater detail in the enlarged view of  FIG. 16 .  FIG. 13  also illustrates the pass-through shelf boxes  200  shown in  FIG. 9 . The front and rear panels  16 ,  18  preferably include cutouts to  202  to receive the pass-through shelf boxes  200 . The boxes  200  preferably have approximately the same depth as the frame  12 . The boxes  200  also preferably include a frame  204  that is larger than the cutouts  202 , such that the frame  204  acts as a stop against the face panel  16  to prevent the boxes  200  from being pushed through the cutouts  202 . A second frame (hidden behind panel  18 ) is preferably attached to the opposite side of the boxes to secure the boxes  200  to the panel  18  and to prevent them from being pushed through from the back side of the display. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIGS. 14   a  and  14   b , the corner assembly  28  preferably includes a corner bracket  30  that secures to the upper frame member  20  and side frame member  26 . Specifically, the corner assembly  30  includes two projecting tongues  32 ,  34  preferably disposed at ninety degree angles from each other. As previously identified, if other display panel shapes are desired, the tongues  32 ,  34  may be disposed at other angles. The frame members  20 ,  26  preferably include a void  36  between opposing internally projecting L-shaped flanges  38 ,  40 . A backing plate  42  is received within the voids  36 . The tongues  32 ,  34  are placed over the L-shaped flanges  38 ,  39  and the predrilled apertures  43  therein are aligned with corresponding predrilled apertures in the backing plate  45 . Threaded fasteners  44  extending through the apertures  43  in the tongue  32 ,  34  and into the apertures  45  in the backing plate  42  draw the tongue and backing plate together thereby sandwiching the L-shaped flanges  38 ,  39  therebetween securely connecting the corner bracket  30  to the frame members. The same corner assembly  28  is preferably provided at each corner of the display  10 . Preferably the corner brackets  30  are a die-cast zinc alloy which provides good qualities for tapping to receive threaded connectors, while still being light weight but is less expensive than aluminum die casts. 
         [0045]    Rather than a rounded corner assembly as shown in  FIGS. 14   a  and  14   b , a square corner assembly may be utilized as shown in  FIG. 15 . The corner assembly  28  of  FIG. 15  is substantially identical to the corner assembly  28  of  FIG. 14 , except that the corner bracket  30  in  FIG. 15  is square as opposed to having a radius. 
         [0046]    The curved overhang connector assembly  50  as shown in  FIG. 7  is preferably substantially identical to the curved corner assembly  28 , except that instead of a horizontal radius corner bracket  30 , a vertical radius corner bracket is provided such that the projecting tongues  32 ,  34  are in the same plane as opposed to being in perpendicular planes. Likewise, the square overhang connector assembly  60  as shown in  FIG. 8  is preferably substantially identical to the curved overhang connector assembly  50  except that the square overhang connector does not have a vertical radius. 
         [0047]      FIG. 16  illustrates the preferred embodiment for attaching brackets, such as for the overhead light fixture bracket  70 , to the frame  12 . The frame members  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26  preferably include a channel  72  within which is received a notched plate  74  with spaced slots  76 . The notched plate  74  preferably includes a series of spaced projections  77  which retain it within the channel  72 . It should be appreciated that although  FIG. 16  shows the notched plate  74  exploded perpendicularly from the longitudinal axis of the channel, the projections  77  require the notched plate to be inserted through the ends of the frame members prior to the attachment of the corner assemblies  28 . Alternatively, the notched plate  74  could be secured within the channel  72  with tapping screws (not shown) by spot welding or other securing means. The notched plate  74  receives matingly aligned hooks  78  of the fixture bracket  70 . The shelf fixture bracket  80  as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 13  is preferably attached to the frame  12  in the same manner as the light fixture bracket  70 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 17  is an exploded perspective view of the panel  10  of  FIG. 10  showing the preferred embodiment for attaching a monitor or screen  90  to an internal horizontal beam  92  secured at each end by a beam bracket  94 . A mounting plate  95  is preferably attached to the horizontal beam  92  with threaded fasteners (not shown). The monitor or screen  90  is then preferably mounted to the mounting plate  95  by horizontal fasteners (not shown). The upper frame member  20  and lower frame member  22  (not shown in  FIG. 17 ) may include apertures  21  through which electrical conduit, signal cables and other wiring may extend. A plug  23  ( FIG. 14   a ) may be provided to cover the apertures  21  when no wiring is needed. 
         [0049]      FIG. 18  is an enlarged perspective view showing the preferred embodiment for securing the horizontal beam  92  to the frame  12 . As illustrated in  FIG. 18 , the frame members  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26  preferably include a C-shaped slot  98  formed by two inwardly projecting L-shaped flanges  97 ,  99 . The slot  98  slidably receives a bar  96  having a threaded aperture  93  therein. Threaded fasteners  91  extend through apertures in the beam bracket and are threadably received by the threaded apertures  93  in the bars  96  which draws the bar  96  and the beam bracket together sandwiching the L-shaped flanges  97  and  98  therebetween resulting in a secure connection. 
         [0050]      FIG. 19  is an exploded perspective view of the preferred embodiment for connecting two vertically stacked display panels  10 , such as shown in  FIG. 3 . A vertical spacer  100  having internal threads  102  at each end, is aligned with apertures  104  drilled in the upper and lower frame members  20 ,  22  of the vertically stacked display panels  10 . Threaded connectors  106  extend through the apertures  104  and are threadably received by the internal threads  102  of the vertical spacer  100 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 20  is an exploded perspective view of the preferred embodiment for connecting two horizontally spaced display panels  10 , such as shown in  FIG. 12 . A horizontal spacer  110  having internal threads  112  at each end, is aligned with apertures  114  drilled in an internal horizontal beam  92  secured within the frame  12  as previously described and illustrated in  FIG. 18 . Threaded connectors  116  extend through the apertures  114  and are threadably received by the internal threads  112  of the horizontal spacer  110 . 
         [0052]    For the side-by-side panels illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the upper and lower panel supports  117 ,  118  may include a similar internal thread (not shown) for receiving threaded connectors inserted through drilled holes in the vertical frame members  24 ,  26 . Also it should be understood that the rectangular shelf  119  disposed on the face of the panels  16  may be secured by mounting plates and threaded connectors to an internal horizontal beam  92  (not visible in  FIG. 11 ) as previously described in connection with  FIGS. 17 and 18 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 21  illustrates the preferred embodiment for attaching a foam-core board  120  comprising the front panel  16  to the frame  12 . Preferably the frame members  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26  include an internal flange  122  to which is preferably secured the hook portion  124  of a hook-and-loop fastener strip, such as Velcro®. The backside of the foam-core board  120  preferably includes the loop portion (not visible) of the hook-and-loop fastener strip. Although not shown in  FIG. 21 , the same type of attachment is preferably used for attaching the back panel  18  to the frame  12 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 22  illustrates the preferred embodiment for attaching a flexible panel  130 , such as fabric, comprising the front panel  16  to the frame  12 . As illustrated, the flexible panel  130  preferably includes an outer peripheral flange  132  that is frictionally received within a channel  134  extending around the periphery of the frame members  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 . The flange  132  is preferably comprised of a plurality of elongated rectangular flange members  136  secured to the flexible panel  130 . The flange members  136  are preferably made of vinyl or other suitable material that it is lightweight, laterally rigid, yet longitudinally flexible and resilient. The flexible panel  130  may be secured to the flange members  136  by stitching, by adhesive, by providing pockets into which the flange members  136  are received or by any other suitable attaching method. As previously indicated, the flange  132  is frictionally received within the channel  134  so that the flexible panel  130  is securely yet removably secured to the frame  12 . The flexible panel  130  is preferably sized such that when the flanges are inserted into the channels  134 , the fabric is pulled taut and is substantially wrinkle-free. In the event it is not desired to mount shelves or other fixtures ( 70 ,  80 ) to the panel  10 , the flange of the flexible panel  130  may be inserted into the outermost channel  72 , presuming the notched plate  74  is not installed or is removed. Similarly, with the foam-core board panel  120 , if the notched plate  74  is not installed or is removed, the panel  120  may be sized to extend all the way to the inside face  138  ( FIG. 21 ) of the frame members  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 . 
         [0055]    As briefly discussed above in relation to  FIG. 7 , one configuration for the display includes an overhang section. This is accomplished utilizing an overhang connector assembly  50  which includes a vertical radiused corner. Additional detail regarding the overhang connector assembly  50  is illustrated in  FIGS. 23 and 24 . As shown, overhang connector assembly  50  includes projecting tongues  142 ,  144  which are configured substantially similar to those discussed in the various figures above. An identical backing plate  42  and identical fasteners  44  are utilized to achieve attachment of overhang connectors  50  to frame member  24 . In this case, the only difference being the fact that a pair of tongues  142  and  144  extend in the same point. Again, backing plate  42  is intended to be inserted into a void  36  in frame member  24 . Fasteners  44  attach to backing plate  42  and cause overhang connector  50  to be attached in the same manner as other corner assemblies, such as those discussed above in relation to  FIG. 14 .  FIG. 24  illustrates overhang connector assembly  50  as partially assembled with one portion of a frame member  24 . 
         [0056]    In a manner somewhat similar to that achieved by overhang connector assembly  50 , a dual overhead configuration can also be achieved by using an alternative connector assembly. Referring now to  FIGS. 25 and 26 , a split connector  150  is utilized for this particular double overhang configuration. As will be appreciated, this configuration will provide flexibility by allowing for overhangs on opposites sides of display panel  10 . 
         [0057]    Once again, the same backing plate  42  and fasteners  44  are utilized to achieved connection between split connector assembly  150  and the various frame members. In this particular configuration, split connector assembly  150  includes two curved transition sides  152 ,  154  and one straight line connector side  156 . This configuration will be consistent with the various curved connectors discussed above, such as overhang connector assembly  50  shown in  FIGS. 7 ,  12 ,  23  and  24 . Split connector assembly  150  further includes a first lateral tongue  158  and a second lateral  160  extending substantially in a straight line with one another. Additionally, a perpendicular tongue  162  extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the other tongues. A partially assembled version of split connector assembly  150  is illustrated in  FIG. 26 . It is contemplated and easily recognized by those skilled in the art that additional variations of split connector assembly  150  could exist. For example, a square transition could be incorporated as opposed to the curved transition shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26  above. The possibility of using different angles and in different types of geometry are also clearly possible. For example, an upward or downward angle could be used for the overhang. Each of these variations provides additional flexibility to the designer, without the necessity for custom designing every display. 
         [0058]    Referring now to  FIG. 27 , there is illustrated yet another variation of the accessories which could easily be usable in the configurable display of the present invention. Here a truss  180  is attached to a pair of frame members  24 ,  26  to provide a support structure. Truss  180  is configured to be attached utilizing the C-shaped slot  98  discussed above in relation to  FIG. 18 . In this case, each cross bar  182  and  184  is attached utilizing a necessary bar  96  (not shown) and fasteners  91 . By utilizing this truss type mechanism, a bracket assembly  190  can easily be attached and suspended from truss  180 . As one example, a display monitor could be hung from truss  180 , and appropriately be surrounded by a panel. This provides yet another level of flexibility for use of displays. 
         [0059]    Discussed above in relation to  FIG. 22  was one method of attaching flexible panel  130 . The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 22  utilized a frictional coupling between a flange  132  and channel  134 . The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 28 and 29  utilizes a slightly different configuration for attachment of a panel member. In this embodiment, a channel  234  is again created in the various frame members. Channel  234  is created by a first flange  230  and a second flange  232 . In this particular embodiment, these flanges could also be portions of a more involved structure used to perform additional functions. At an outer edge of channel  234 , an internal partially cylindrical recess is created by a curved surface portion  236  of first flange  230  and a second curved portion  238  of flange  232 . The coupling structure of  FIG. 28  further utilizes an interfering flange or tab  240  to create an interference fit between these members. As illustrated in  FIG. 28 , when tab  240  is inserted into channel  234 , a ridge  242  will closely fill the corresponding recessed portion of channel  234 . It should be appreciated that the width of the opening of channel  234  is greater than the width of a lower portion  244  of tab  240 , but less than the width of ridge  242 , so as to create the desired interference fit. In this manner, once inserted, the physical structure of tab  240  will interfere with the physical structures of channel  234 , thus appropriately capturing this component. As illustrated in  FIG. 29 , tab  240  is intended to be attached to a panel  250 . Consequently, once tab  240  is inserted into channel  234 , adjacent panel  250  is easily held in place utilizing the above referenced interference fit. 
         [0060]    It is noteworthy that the extended or ridged portion  242  of tab  240  is positioned closer to one edge thereof. This configuration allows for the insertion of a lower portion  244  into channel  234  before actually being captured. This simplifies attachment by allowing for initial placement into channel  234 , and subsequent “locking” by pressing the last portion into place. 
         [0061]    The foregoing description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment of the apparatus, and the general principles and features of the system and methods described herein will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Thus, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments of the apparatus, system and methods described above and illustrated in the drawing figures, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the spirit and scope of the appended claims.