Patent Abstract:
The modular multi-configurable display has a series of box frames and provides variable positioning for appurtenances. The display can include a plurality of vertical columns, and generally horizontal trusses. The columns are capable of receiving the trusses at each end of the columns. Each box frame can be stackable with another box frame such that the vertical span of the display is adjustable. Appurtenance can be attached at various positioning locations to the display such that a myriad of modular configuration combinations are available to an exhibitor.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/662,132, filed Sep. 13, 2003, entitled, “MODULAR MULTI-CONFIGURABLE DISPLAY SYSTEM”, which is now abandoned which in turn is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/953,113, filed Sep. 13, 2001, entitled, “MODULAR MULTI-CONFIGURABLE DISPLAY SYSTEM”, which is now abandoned, hereby fully incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to displays, and in particular, to a modular display system for the multi-configurable assembly of a display stand at a trade show or other exhibition. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Trade shows have been common for some time as a means for companies to significantly expand their client base. Generally, a trade show exhibitor is allocated a specific limited space within a large hall in which to set up a booth or display. It has been common practice for these exhibitors to purchase specially designed displays to showcase their products or services. 
   These conventional displays usually include a “back wall.” This back wall is set as the focal point for the exhibition. However, while these back walls have generally been readily available and portable, they are often very limited in their use and can be quite expensive. For the most part, the currently available back walls come in limited configurations, with the display manufacturer designing a back wall specifically for the exhibitor. Consequently, conventional back walls are truly customized and are only capable of a limited number of configurations. Rectangular paneled back walls are often the only real configuration option and the exhibitor is only able to modify the look of the wall through the addition of furniture and shelves at predetermined locations. 
   The lack of configuration flexibility is problematic. First, trade show facilities can vary greatly. The overall size and shape of the exhibit space is an important consideration. A small space may require a reduction in the size of the back wall, while a larger space may present opportunities for the exhibitor to expand the wall and the draw or appeal of the exhibited products or services. In addition, a uniquely shaped booth space may present a problem for those exhibitors utilizing conventional back wall displays since the wall cannot be configured to conform with the space. 
   Second, exhibitors may wish to periodically change the configuration of the back wall for non-functional reasons. An exhibitor may simply wish to have options available to vary the look of the back wall in order to highlight specific products, influence a particular trade show audience, or for many other creative and aesthetic reasons. However, conventional back wall display systems are generally limited in this respect. 
   Limited component shapes, such as those used in rectangular panel systems, restrict the ability of an exhibitor to creatively configure the wall. Consequently, there is a need for a display booth back wall system that includes various components of convenient interchangeable shapes and sizes that permit an exhibitor to assemble the wall in a myriad of modular configurations. In addition, the back wall system must be designed for ease of disassembly and portability to accommodate the demands of trade show exhibitors. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The modular multi-configurable display system of the present invention includes multiple interchangeable components. Namely, the system includes a plurality of vertical columns, a plurality of horizontal truss members, including arcuate members, and a plurality of linear member. The columns are capable of fixedly removably receiving the horizontal arcuate and linear members at each end of the columns. Each column may be formed of one or typically two elongated box frames that are removably stackable and connectable with respect to each other. Each box frame has elongate frame members secured and braced with webbing only at the ends. Whereby appurtenant components can be attached at various positioning locations to a columns. Similarly, in a preferred embodiment, the trusses have only end webbing, no intermediate webbing, thereby providing substantially the entire length of the truss for attachment positions for appurtenances. A myriad of modular configuration combinations are available to an exhibitor. 
   A significant advantage and feature of the modular multi-configurable display system of the present invention is that configuration options are increased to accommodate an exhibitor&#39;s specific needs or creative desires. 
   Another significant advantage and feature of the present invention is its modular interchangeability and connectability. Each modular component (i.e., the arcuate and linear members) is in connectable communication with other components of identical or different design through an intermediary connection with a frame assembly. Common connectability with a frame assembly permits flexibility in defining the overall shape and size of the display wall. In addition, a specific component is not directed or limited to a particular connection position, or to an individually designated frame assembly. This significantly increases the ease of assembly and decreases the time associated with assembly and disassembly. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a display in accordance with the invention herein. 
       FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of a framework for a display. 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded view of a column in accordance with the invention herein. 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the connection between an elongate box frame and a truss. 
       FIG. 5  is a plan view of a stamping for forming an end webbing. 
       FIG. 5   b  is a perspective view of a formed webbing. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an elongate box frame, a truss and a graphic screen. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an elongate box frame and appurtenance attachment means. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a table adjustably mounted on an elongate box frame. 
       FIG. 9   a  is a plan view of one configuration of the modular multi-configurable display wall system of the present invention. 
       FIG. 9   b  is a plan view of another configuration of the modular multi-configurable display wall system of the present invention. 
       FIG. 9   c  is a plan view of yet another configuration of the modular multi-configurable display wall system of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a display  20  suitable back wall of trade show exhibits is illustrated.  FIG. 2  illustrates the framework  22  for the display and is generally comprised of a plurality of vertical columns  24  and a plurality of trusses  26  that are combined to form a series of graphical screen window frames  30  defining a plurality of graphical screen windows or openings  32 . The window frames are generally laid out in a sequential manner to form a structurally stable display due to the serpentine shape. 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , a portion of a vertical column  24  is illustrated. The column is composed of two elongated box frames  40 , each presenting a longitudinal axis a. Each box frame in a preferred embodiment is comprised of four frame tubing segments  42  formed from square steel tubing. Each framed segment  42  has a first end  46  and a second end  48 . Each of the respective first ends  46  of the four framed segments  42  is joined together by an end webbing  50  as well as are the second ends  48 . The ends  46 ,  48  of the frame tubing segments  42  are opened defining a socket  56 , which facilitates connection to another elongated box frame  40  or to a truss  26 . Said connections are facilitated by in line connectors  60  as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , or right angle connectors  62  as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . In line connectors  60  have a portion  57 , which is sized so as to be received in socket  56  of the frame tubing segments  42 . The ends of the elongate box frames  46 ,  48  also have threaded portions  64  configured as nuts  66  welded onto the ends  48  of the steel tubing frame segments  42 . Set screws  70  are threaded through threaded portions  64  to frictionally contact and thereby attach the connectors  60 ,  62 . The connectors will preferably have indentations  74  at the set screw location points. Similarly, the right angle connectors  62  have a portion  58  sized so as to be received in socket  56 . Right angle connectors  62  may also have body portion  59 , which is sized slightly larger than socket  56  as depicted in  FIG. 4 . The right angle connectors may also have threaded bores  78  for attachment of feet  80  or other appurtenances. 
   A piece of sheet steel  81  is illustrated in  FIG. 5 and 5   b , which is suitable for forming the end webbing  50 . Sheet steel piece  81  has notches  84  which conform in shape and dimension to the exterior of tubular frame segments  42 . Perpendicular portions  85  as depicted in  FIG. 5   b  are formed by bending sheet steel piece  81  along folding lined  83 . To lighten the assembly, end webbing  50  may have one or more apertures  86  formed therein. The end webbing  50  is welded onto each of the four tubular frame segments  42  at welds  43  to form an optimally strong and light structure. Although the end webbing as illustrated is formed of a single unitary piece, it is also contemplated that the webbing could be formed of individual strips bridging individual frame segments. Thus webbing is defined as the structure securing segments together, whether a single unitary piece or multiple pieces. 
   Significantly, the elongated box frames  40  have an intermediate portion  89  positioned intermediate the end webbing  50 ; said intermediate portion  89  does not have any webbing or bracing. This facilitates four “clean” frame segments for variable positioning of appurtenances as illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , for providing an aesthetically pleasing and uncluttered look. In an ideal embodiment the clean intermediate portion  89  without webbing will constitute 70 percent or more of the length of the box frame  40 . 
   As depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , various appurtenances may be positioned along intermediate portion  89  of box frame  40 . In  FIG. 7 , for example, a shelving support apparatus  120  is depicted. The apparatus generally includes a frame attachment portion  121  and a shelf support member  122 . Shelf support member  122  may be a typical shelf support commonly used with adjustable shelving systems. As depicted in  FIG. 7 , the member  122  typically has a proximal end  126  with a plurality of downwardly directed hooks  128 . Frame attachment portion  121  is u-shaped so as to fit over and secure to frame segments  42 . A plurality of vertically aligned slots  124 , each sized to receive a hook  128 , are provided in frame attachment portion  121 . Each shelf support member  122  may be attached to a frame attachment portion  121  by inserting hooks  128  into corresponding slots  124 , and moving the shelf support downwardly, thereby hooking the hooks  128  into the slots  124 . Another exemplary embodiment of a shelf support is depicted in  FIG. 8 . In this embodiment, shelf  90  has projecting portion  92  confronting frame segments  42 . Threaded knob  95  extends through clamping portion  94 , and threads into projecting portion  92 . If threaded knob  95  is tightened, frame segments  42  are trapped and frictionally secured between projecting portion  92  and clamping portion  94 , thereby providing a support for shelf  90 . Shelf  90  may be positioned in any desired position along frame segments  42  by loosening threaded knob  95 , sliding the shelf  90  along the frame segments  42  as depicted by the arrow until the desired position is reached, and retightening threaded knob  95 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  4  and  6 , details of the horizontal trusses  26  are illustrated. These trusses  26  may be linear in configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 4 and 1  or may be arcuate as illustrated in  FIG. 6 and 1 . In either case, the trusses have parallel frame segments  102 , which may be joined by webbing members  104  proximate the ends, or alternatively by conventional webbing  106  as depicted in  FIG. 4 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the horizontal trusses  26  are utilized for connection of the graphic screen panels  108  which due to the positioning of the unshaped webbing  104  on the bottom of the bottom truss and the top of the top truss, allows positioning of the screens  108  in four positions as identified by the arrows labeled as A, B, C and D in  FIG. 6 . This provides an extraordinary amount of flexibility in mounting the graphical screen. The horizontal trusses, in an alternate embodiment of the display may utilize conventional webbing  106  as illustrated by the dashed lines of  FIG. 4 . 
   The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4