Patent Publication Number: US-8967739-B2

Title: Modular exhibit structure

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/499,296 filed on 8 Jul. 2009 and entitled MODULAR EXHIBIT STRUCTURE which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates generally to the field of modular structures or partitions. More particularly, this invention relates to the field of modular exhibit structures such as display cases or showcases for use in galleries, museums or the like. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Modular structures of various types, including modular structures specifically adapted for exhibitions, are known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,186,533 to Jensen discloses a modular exhibit structure comprising panels and panel connectors. One drawback of such prior art is that the panels may be heavy and cumbersome, necessitating more than one person be involved in the assembly and disassembly of an exhibit structure. 
     There is a need for apparatus and methods that provide modular exhibit structures that are versatile, cost effective and capable of being assembled together quickly and easily by a single person. 
     The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related thereto are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other improvements. 
     One embodiment of the present invention relates to a modular exhibit structure comprising: a plurality of upright frames, each frame comprising an upper rail, a lower rail, and two side members extending perpendicularly between the upper rail and the lower rail, wherein an inner face of each side member has an indentation in a direction away from the other side member of the frame; one or more connectors connecting together one of the side members of each of the frames with one of the side members of an adjacent frame; a rectangular panel removably mounted within each frame, the panel configured to fit between the two side members of the frame; and one or more cover plates removably mounted over the adjacent side members of connected frames. 
     The indentations in the side members of each frame are preferably configured to provide a gap between the side members of the frame and sides of the mounted panel sufficient to allow a person to grip the sides of the panel. 
     Modular exhibit structures according to this invention may further comprise a dust cover removably mounted over top of the connected frames and/or one or more shelves within the exhibit structure, each shelf attached to an inside face of one or more of the panels. 
     In some embodiments of this modular exhibit structure each side member comprises one or more hooks extending outward from the side member, and each connector comprises two or more connecting faces each having a slot configured to engage one of the hooks. The connecting faces of one or more of the connectors may comprise outer and inner walls having aligned outer and inner slots respectively, the outer slot configured to engage a base portion of one of the hooks and the inner slot configured to engage an outwardly-extending portion of the hook. 
     In some embodiments of this modular exhibit structure each of the cover plates has an inward face comprising one or more tabs, and the adjacent side members of connected frames comprise one or more corresponding tabs, such that each of the cover plates may be removably mounted over the adjacent side members of connected frames by engaging the tabs of the cover plate with the corresponding tabs of the side members. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a frame component of a modular exhibit structure, the frame component configured to receive a correspondingly-sized rectangular panel, the frame component comprising: an upper rail; a lower rail; and two side members extending perpendicularly between the upper rail and the lower rail, wherein an inner face of each side member has an indentation in a direction away from the other side member of the frame component. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a modular exhibit structure kit comprising: a plurality of frames, each frame comprising an upper rail, a lower rail, and two side members extending perpendicularly between the upper rail and the lower rail, wherein an inner face of each side member has an indentation in a direction away from the other side member of the frame; a plurality of connectors configured to connect together one of the side members of each of the frames with one of the side members of an adjacent frame; a plurality of panels, each panel configured to fit between the two side members of one of the frames; and a plurality of cover plates configured to be removably mounted over the adjacent side members of the frames when connected. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for assembling a modular exhibit structure, the method comprising: connecting together a plurality of upright frames, each frame comprising an upper rail, a lower rail, and two side members extending perpendicularly between the upper rail and the lower rail and wherein an inner face of each side member has an indentation in a direction away from the other side member of the frame, by connecting together one of the side members of each of the frames to one of the side members of an adjacent frame; mounting a panel within each frame, the panel configured to fit between the side members of the frame; and mounting cover plates over the adjacent side members of the connected frames. This method may further comprise mounting a dust cover over top of the connected frames. 
     The step of mounting the panel within each frame may comprise lifting the panel such that a groove along a top face of the panel engages the upper rail of the frame and then lowering the panel such that a groove along a bottom face of the panel engages the lower rail of the frame. 
     The mounting of the cover plates over the adjacent side members of the connected frames is preferably done such that outward faces of the cover plates extend between adjacent edges of adjacent panels mounted within the connected frames and such that the panels are visible but the connectors between connected frames and the adjacent side members are concealed. 
     In some embodiments of this method each side member comprises one or more hooks extending outward from the side member, and the step of connecting together the upright frames comprises sliding one or more connectors between adjacent side members of adjacent frames such that slots in the connectors engage the one or more hooks. 
     In some embodiments of this method each of the cover plates has an inward face comprising one or more tabs, and the side members of the connected frames comprise one or more corresponding tabs, and the step of mounting the cover plates over the adjacent side members of the connected frames comprises sliding the cover plates over the adjacent side members such that the tabs of the cover plates engage the corresponding tabs of the side members. 
     In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following detailed descriptions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a frame component of an exhibit structure according to an example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 2A-2D  are isometric views of various frame connectors of an exhibit structure according to example embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 3A-3B  are isometric view of frames connected together using connectors according to example embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a panel partially inserted into a frame of an exhibit structure according to an example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 5A-5D  are isometric views of front and rear sides of various cover plates of exhibit structures according to example embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 6A-6B  are isometric views of cover plates mounted on exhibit structures according to example embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a partially exploded isometric view of an exhibit structure with a dust cover according to an example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view of a partially assembled exhibit structure with shelving components according to an example embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating steps of a method of assembling an exhibit structure according to a particular embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     Throughout the following description specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However, well known elements may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense. 
     Aspects of this invention provide modular components for assembling exhibit structures of varying shapes and sizes. As described in more detail herein, these components include: upright frames, connectors (for connecting together frames), panels (for mounting within frames), cover plates (for mounting over sides of frames), and dust covers (for mounting over top of connected frames). Other aspects of this invention provide exhibit structures assembled from these various components. Other aspects of this invention provide methods for assembling exhibit structures from these various components. 
       FIG. 1  shows a frame component  20  of an exhibit structure according to an example embodiment of the invention. Frames  20  may be pre-fabricated in a plurality of generally rectangular standardized sizes. By way of non-limiting example, in some embodiments frames  20  are provided having widths of 18″, 36″ and 72″ and a common height of 90″. 
     Frame  20  as illustrated comprises an upper rail  22 , a lower rail  24  and two side members  26 . In preferred embodiments, side members  26  are configured to provide an indentation  28  in the vicinity of their mid-section to facilitate insertion of panels into the frames (as described further below). In the illustrated embodiment, each side member  26  comprises a central outer section  32  connected between upper and lower inner sections  30 . Outer section  32  spans indentation  28  which is formed in the space between upper and lower inner sections  30 . 
     Frame  20  may comprise hooks  34  protruding outward from side members  26  to engage connectors (as described further below). In the illustrated embodiment two upward-pointing hooks  34  protrude outward from each side of frame  20  (near the top and bottom of side members  26 ). 
     Frame  20  may also comprise tabs  36  on the front and back faces of side members  26  to engage cover plates (as described further below). In the illustrated embodiment four upward-pointing tabs  36  are positioned along each of the front and back faces of each side member  26 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , one or more holes  38  may be provided through side members  26  to allow frame  20  to be more securely fastened to an inserted panel as described further below. 
       FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrate three types of frame connectors,  40 A,  40 B and  40 C respectively (collectively connectors  40 ), according to example embodiments of this invention. Connector  40 A is configured to connect two frames  20  together at a 180 degree angle (as shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B); connector  40 B is configured to connect two frames  20  together at a 90 degree angle (as shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B); and connector  40 C is configured to connect three frames  20  together in a T-configuration. 
     Connectors  40 A,  40 B and  40 C are non-limiting examples of types of connectors  40 . As can be appreciated, connectors  40  may be adapted to connect together frames  20  at various other angles and in various other configurations. In some embodiments, standardized connectors such as connectors  40 A,  40 B and  40 C are pre-fabricated from aluminum using an extrusion process. 
     Connectors  40  comprise two or more connecting faces  44  each having a slot  42  for receiving a hook  34  of a frame  20 . In the illustrated embodiments, slots  42  are downward facing so as to engage upward-facing hooks  34  of frames  20  when a connector  40  is slid downward between the sides of adjacent frames (as shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B). Connector  40 A comprises slots  42  on two opposing parallel faces  44 . Connector  40 B comprises slots  42  on two adjacent perpendicular faces  44 . Connector  40 C comprises slots  42  on three adjacent faces  44 . The opening of slots  42  and the tips of hooks  34  may be beveled so as facilitate the guiding of hooks  34  into slots  42  when connector  40  is slid into place. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2B and 2C , connecting faces  44  may comprise an outer wall  46  and an inner wall  47 .  FIG. 2D  is similar to  FIG. 2B  except that portions of inner wall  47  hidden behind outer wall  46  are outlined in dotted lines. In these embodiments, outer wall  46  is configured to slide inside the extending portion  34 A of hook  34  while inner wall  47  is configured to intercept extending portion  34 A of hook  34 . As shown in  FIG. 2D , inner wall  47  comprises an inner slot  43  that is aligned with slot  42  in outer wall  46  but is longer by about the length of extending portion  34 A of hook  34 . Inner slot  43  in inner wall  47  is thus configured to engage the entire length of hook  34  when slot  42  in outer wall  46  engages the base portion  34 B of hook  34 . 
     This double-walled design has the advantage that when connector  40  is engaged with hook  34 , inner wall  47  holds hook  34  laterally in place and prevents hook  34  from twisting or otherwise moving laterally within connector  40 . Double-walled connectors may thereby provide sturdier connections between frames  20  than equivalent single-walled connectors. In particular, frames  20  connected at 90° angles may be more stable when connected using double-walled connectors (such as connectors  40 B and  40 C illustrated in  FIGS. 2B and 2C ). However, this double-walled design is not limited to connectors  40 B and  40 C. It may be applied generally to connectors configured to connect frames at 180° or any other angle. 
     Another benefit to the double-walled design of connectors  40 B and  40 C illustrated in  FIGS. 2B and 2C  is that they may be easier to fabricate by extrusion than equivalent single-walled connectors having the same cross-sectional dimensions. In some embodiments, a family of connectors are fabricated having common inner wall dimensions. In some embodiments, a base connector is extruded having all faces double-walled and a family of connectors are fabricated from the base connector by shearing off one or more protruding outer walls. For example, connectors such as connectors  40 B and  40 C may be fabricated by extruding a base connector having four perpendicular double-walled faces and then shearing off one or two of the outer walls from the base connector. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate a frame configuration  48  comprising three frames  20  connected together by connectors  40  according to an example embodiment of this invention. Connectors  40 A are shown connecting frames  20  together at a 180 degree angle, and connectors  40 B are shown connecting frames  20  together at a 90 degree angle. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates connectors  40 A positioned above hooks  34  of frames  20  prior to being slotted in place between frames  20 . Connectors  40  are installed by sliding them downward in the direction indicated by arrows  45  such that slots  42  engage hooks  34 .  FIG. 3B  illustrates connectors  40 A fully installed on frame configuration  48 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an example frame configuration  49  comprising three connected frames  20  according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, a panel  50  is partially inserted into a frame  20 . Panels  50  are configured to fit within frames  20  to form the walls of an exhibit structure. Panels  50  may be prefabricated in standardized rectangular sizes which correspond to the sizes of provided frames  20  (for example, having a height of 90″ and widths of 18″, 36″ and 72″). Panels  50  may be configured to provide a variety of appearances. For example, panels  50  may be constructed from wood to provide a uniform opaque front and back surface (as shown in  FIG. 4 ), or may incorporate a pane of glass to provide a standardized transparent surface (as shown in  FIG. 7 ), or may be customized to produce any desired appearance. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4 , top and bottom faces  52 ,  53  of panels  50  have grooves  54  extending along their length configured to engage upper and lower rails  22 ,  24  of frame  20  respectively. Panel  50  may be mounted onto frame  20  by lifting panel  50  in the direction of arrows  56  such that groove  54  along top face  52  engages upper rail  22  (as shown) and then lowering panel  50  such that groove  54  along bottom face  53  engages lower rail  24 . The sides  58  of panel  50  may be provided with recessed hand-holds  59  to facilitate lifting and inserting panel  50  into frames  20 . 
     As mentioned above in relation to  FIG. 1 , side members  26  of frames  20  preferably provide indentations  28 . Indentations  28  facilitate the installation of panels  50  into frames  20  by providing space for a person&#39;s hands to maneuver panel  50  within frame  20  when gripping panel  50  by hand-holds  59  or at a corresponding position along sides  58 . This feature assists in allowing a single person to safely lift and insert panel  50  within frame  20 , or conversely, to lift and remove panel  50  mounted in frame  20 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, sides  58  of panel  50  are configured to abut (or nearly abut) inner sections  30  of side members  26  such that panel  50  is laterally held in place by frame  20  once installed. The gap between sides  58  of panel  50  and outer sections  32  of side members  26  provides indentation  28  for a person&#39;s hands as described above. 
     Panel  50  may also comprise holes (not shown) along sides  58 , configured to align with holes  38  in frame  20  when panel  50  is mounted within frame  20 . In some embodiments, holes provided in frames  20  and panels  50  are configured to receive standardized hand screws (or similar hand operated fasteners) which do not require the use of any tools. Frames  20  and panels  50  may thereby be additionally secured together in order to tighten their fit, straighten their alignment, and enhance the overall structural integrity and security of the exhibit structure. 
       FIGS. 5A-5D  illustrate four types of cover plates,  60 A,  60 B,  60 C and  60 D respectively (collectively cover plates  60 ), according to example embodiments of this invention. Each cover plate  60  is shown from two perspectives: one showing the inward faces of the cover plate ( 62 A,  62 B,  62 C and  62 D respectively,  62  collectively) and one showing outward faces of the cover plate ( 64 A,  64 B,  64 C and  64 D respectively,  64  collectively). Cover plates  60  operate to cover exposed side members  26  and connectors  40  after panels  50  are mounted within frames  20 . Inward faces  62  of cover plates  60  are configured to attach to side members  26  of frames  20  and outward faces  64  are configured to provide a finished surface between adjacent edges of adjacent panels  50  in a completed exhibit structure. 
     Cover plate  60 A is configured to cover the outer corner of the intersection between two frames  20  connected together at a 90 degree angle (as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B ). Cover plate  60 B is configured to cover the inner corner of the intersection between two frames  20  connected together at a 90 degree angle (as shown in  FIG. 6B ). Cover plate  60 C is configured to cover the intersection between two frames  20  connected together at a 180 degree angle. Cover plate  60 D is configured to cover an exposed side member  26  of a frame  20  to which no other frame is connected (as shown in  FIG. 6B ). 
     Each cover plate  60  comprises tabs  66  on inward faces  62  for engaging tabs  36  on side members  26  of frames  20 . In the illustrated embodiments, tabs  66  are downward facing so as to engage upward-facing tabs  36  of frames  20  when cover plate  60  is slid downward over side members  26  of frames  20 . Each cover plate  60 A,  60 B,  60 C and  60 D as illustrated comprises eight tabs  66  in total, four along the length of each side of inward faces  62 A,  62 B,  62 C and  62 D respectively. 
     Cover plates  60 A,  60 B,  60 C and  60 D are non-limiting examples of possible cover plates  60 . As will be appreciated, cover plates  60  may be adapted to various different configurations of frames as necessary. 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates frame configuration  49  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ) with cover plates  60 A in position for being mounted over the outer corners of the intersections between frames  20 . Cover plates  60 A are mounted by sliding them downward in the direction indicated by arrows  68  such that tabs  66  on cover plates  60 A engage with tabs  36  on side members  26  of frames  20 . 
       FIG. 6B  shows frame configuration  49  with cover plates  60  attached over all exposed frame side members  26 . Cover plates  60 A cover the outer corners of the frame intersections, cover plates  60 B cover the inner corners of the frame intersections and cover plates  60 D cover the two exposed sides to which no other frame is connected. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a dust cover  70  positioned over top of an exhibit structure  68  according to an example embodiment of the present invention. Dust covers  70  operate to enclose the top of exhibit structures and thereby protect the contents of exhibit structures. Dust covers  70  are configured to fit over top of exhibit structures formed by various arrangement of the components described above. In particular, dust covers  70  may be prefabricated in standardized rectangular sizes (e.g. 18″×36″, 36″×36″, 36″×72″, etc.) corresponding to the standardized sizes of frames  20 . 
     Dust covers  70  comprise a frame  72  enclosing a ceiling panel  74 . In the illustrated embodiment, panel  74  is made of a transparent material such as glass to allow light into the exhibit structure, but it may be made of any suitable material. As illustrated, frame  72  may have a plurality of screw holes  76  around its perimeter for facilitating the attachment of dust cover  70  to exhibit structure  68 . Screw holes  76  may align with corresponding screw holes (not shown) along the top face of frames  20  such that dust cover  70  may be fastened to the underlying exhibit structure by screws (not shown) or other suitable fastening means. 
     The fastening of dust cover  70  over top of an exhibit structure (by way of screw holes  76  or otherwise) may serve to provide added structural support and security to the assembled exhibit structure. For example, while attached dust cover  70  may serve to block upward motion of underlying panels  50 , cover plates  60  and connectors  40  and thereby prevent disassembly of the exhibit structure (until dust cover  70  is removed). Also, dust cover  70  may serve to straighten and reinforce the alignment of frames  20  (such as in a rectangular alignment) within an exhibit structure. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a partially assembled exhibit structure  69  with shelves  80  installed according to an example embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, four frames  20  are connected together in a rectangular configuration using connectors  40 B. Three of the four frames have panels  50  inserted within them. Two opaque panels  50 A form the side walls of exhibit structure  69  and a glass panel  50 B forms the rear wall of exhibit structure  69 . Cover plates  60  are attached between side panels  50 A and rear panel  50 B. Shelves  80  are installable into exhibit structure  69  through the remaining open front frame. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, shelves  80  are held in place by shelf clips  82  attached to side panels  50 A. The inside face of side panels  50 A may be provided with suitably spaced attachment points  84  for receiving shelf clips  82 . Attachment points  84  are configured to hold shelf clips  82  in place and support the weight of shelves  80 . Attachment points  84  may be adapted to engage various types and arrangements of shelving systems or display systems. 
     Shelves  80 , or other means of supporting objects to be displayed, may be configured to fit within exhibit structures of various sizes and configurations. Shelves  80  may be made of glass (as illustrated) or any other suitable material. Shelves  80  (or other means of supporting objects to be exhibited) may attach to an exhibit structure in any suitable manner or may be configured to be self-standing within an exhibit structure. 
     The components described above may be quickly and easily assembled together in a modular fashion to build open or closed structures of varying shapes and sizes. By way of non-limiting example, the components described above may be assembled together to provide a versatile exhibit system for a museum or gallery. In preferred embodiments, frames  20 , connectors  40 , panels  50  and cover plates  60  are configured to allow a single person of average strength to assemble them together without any tools or particular mechanical skills. Components such as frames  20 , connectors  40  and cover plates  60  may be made of aluminum so as to be lightweight. Wood panels may comprise a hollow-core filled with a lightweight substance such as honeycomb corrugated cardboard or the like. Particular components, such as large glass panels or dust covers, may require multiple persons to safely install. Attaching a dust cover  70  over an exhibit structure may involve using a simple tool such a screwdriver in order to engage screws through holes  76  to enhance the safety and security of the structure. 
     Providing frames  20  independent of panels  50  allows exhibit structures according to embodiments of the present invention to be assembled, altered and disassembled more easily than if frames and panels were pre-fabricated together as a single component. Frames  20  are lighter and more maneuverable than would be frames and panels combined, allowing them to be easily connected together to form the underlying framework of exhibit structure. Panels  50  may subsequently be inserted, removed or interchanged without affecting the underlying frame structure. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a method  100  of assembling an exhibit structure according to an example embodiment of the invention. At block  102  of method  100 , frames  20  are interconnected in a desired configuration using connectors  40  so as to form the underlying framework of the exhibit structure. As described above, in some embodiments connectors  40  engage frames  20  by sliding slots  42  downward over upward facing hooks  34  on side members  26  of frames  20 . 
     At block  104  of method  100 , panels  50  of appropriate sizes (corresponding to the sizes of frames  20 ) are mounted within frames  20  to form the walls of the exhibit structure. As described above, panels  50  may be prefabricated of wood, glass or any other material to provide a desired appearance. Block  104  of method  100  comprises sub-blocks  104 A and  104 B. 
     At sub-block  104 A, panel  50  is lifted such that groove  54  along its top face  52  engages upper rail  22  of frame  20 . In some embodiments, recessed handholds  59  are provided in the sides of panel  50  to facilitate gripping and lifting panel  50 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , handholds  59  are preferably positioned so as to correspond with the position of indentations  28  of frames  20 . 
     At sub-block  104 B, the bottom face  53  of panel  50  is aligned over the lower rail  24  of frame  20  and panel  50  is lowered such that groove  54  along bottom face  53  engages lower rail  24  of frame  20 . As described above in relation to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , in preferred embodiments side members  26  of frame  20  are provided with indentations  28  to allow space for a person&#39;s hands when maneuvering panel  50  within frame  20 . 
     Panel  50  may optionally be further secured to frame  20  by some suitable attachment means. In some embodiments, panel  50  may be further secured to frame  20  by means of hand screws or other fasteners configured to fit into holes  38 . 
     After panels  50  are in place, at block  106  cover plates  60  may be mounted over any exposed sides of frames  20  or intersections between frames  20  to provide a flush finished surface between panels  50 . As described above, in some embodiments cover plates  60  are configured to mount on frames  20  by sliding cover plates  60  downward over side members  26  such that downward facing tabs  66  engage upward facing tabs  36  of frames  20 . Cover plates  60  are preferably installed after panels  50  because, as illustrated in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , cover plates  60  cover indentations  28  which are helpful in installing panels  50 . 
     Lastly, at block  108 , one or more dust covers  70  are attached over top of the assembled exhibit structure to provide additional structural support and security. In some embodiments, dust cover  70  is attached by screwing frame  72  into the tops of panels  50  or frames  20  via screw holes  76 . 
     Optionally, method  100  may also comprise a step of installing shelves  80  or other internal display features. In some embodiments, this step is performed after connecting all frames  20  and inserting panels  50  to which such shelving may attach. 
     An assembled exhibit structure may be disassembled by removing components in the reverse order of method  100 . Panels  50  may be removed and interchanged, for example, without need for disassembly of the underlying framework. 
     The components and methods described herein may be employed in the context of providing exhibit structures for a museum or gallery or in a variety of other contexts. By way of non-limiting example, other possible applications of this invention include providing:
         temporary or permanent wall partitions, for example for galleries, shops, or other commercial or office spaces;   trade show structures or displays;   retail displays; and   other types of displays, showcases, exhibit structures, cubicles, wall partitions, etc.       

     While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.