Patent Abstract:
The present invention is a modular exhibit assembly adapted for rapid set up and breakdown, having interlocking rectangular framing sections each with independently attached and replaceable overlay skins. The rectangular framing sections are connected by abutting hollow peripheral members, placing one insert filler within each peripheral member, fastening the insert filler to the member by a socket set screw assembly, and engaging a rotatable latching member of one insert filler to a latching receptacle member of a second insert filler, thereby interlocking the two peripheral members. Overlay holders are attached to a framing member, or placed and secured between the interlocking peripheral members, and overlay skins are attached to the framing members by inserting the overlay skins into the overlay holders.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority from pending provisional application 60/156,830, filed on Sep. 30, 1999, entitled “Modular Locking Panel System for Trade Show Exhibits,” which is incorporated in its entirety herein by this reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to an exhibit apparatus for trade shows and the like, and more particularly to a modular locking panel system configured for simple and rapid set up and breakdown. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Display panel systems are commercially significant products with broad application to the communication of information relating to education, sales, marketing, and advertising. Such systems are commonly used in a variety of locations, such as trade shows, conventions, conferences, and the like. The success of these systems depends greatly upon the ability to convey this information to as broad an audience as possible. Accordingly, display panel systems are best able to achieve this goal when they are readily portable, affordable to transport, erect, and disassemble, and adaptable to varying display needs. 
     Existing display panel systems are commonly cumbersome to transport, erect, and disassemble, incurring unnecessary cost that limits the use of such a system. Traditional wood panels are constructed with plywood or solid lumber and are nailed together. Roto-lock devices are used in wood panels to lock panels together. However, skins are permanently nailed to frames and are belt sanded to fit adjoining panels then they are laminated with a Formica-type laminate. The wood panels are heavy, awkward to handle and are not modular. When a new finish or configuration is desired, old wood frame panels are discarded and new ones are constructed. 
     Further, existing display panel systems commonly employ a sliding button/channel system for interconnection of the panels. In such a system, a button mounted on the post of a first panel slides into the channel of a second panel, fastening the panels at that particular point. Such a structure is known to have limited structural integrity, since the buttons must be free to slide and thus cannot engage the channel in a firm, tight manner. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention provides a display panel system that overcomes the aforementioned shortcomings and disadvantages of the previously available display units. The display panel system of this invention assembles quickly, easily, and securely into a structurally sound unit. The display system of this invention is additionally cost-efficient through the use of custom extrusions and a totally modular system that permits replacement of the overlay skin without the expense of replacing the entire frame. Further, the custom extrusions are designed to be lightweight, overcoming the weight-based deficiencies of existing display panel systems. 
     This invention provides a modular exhibit assembly adapted for rapid set up and breakdown comprising a plurality of rectangular frames, each adapted for supporting an overlay skin in a generally vertical plane. The frames comprise a plurality of longitudinally elongated peripheral members, each having a hollow interior extending the longitudinal length of the peripheral member. The peripheral members are generally rectangular in cross-section with one side of the rectangular cross-section having an open channel running the longitudinal length of the peripheral member. The peripheral members connect together and define a generally rectangular frame, with one end of each elongated peripheral member abutting one side of an adjacent peripheral member, such that the open channels face outwardly respecting the rectangular interior of the frame. 
     In one configuration, the plurality of frames are attached to each other in a coplanar orientation via their respective peripheral members, the adjoining peripheral members being connected along their longitudinal length. The attachment is accomplished using longitudinally elongated insert fillers. The longitudinally elongated insert fillers are inserted into the hollow interior of the adjoining peripheral members. A first insert filler has a latch member attached thereto, wherein the latch member faces outwardly through the first channel of a first adjoining peripheral member. A second insert filler has a latch receptacle member attached thereto, wherein the latch receptacle member faces outwardly through the first channel of a second adjoining peripheral member. The latch member and latch receptacle member of the two insert fillers mate to join the two respective peripheral members together. 
     As a further aid to assembly, the insert fillers have alignment members attached thereto to assist in orienting the aforementioned first and second insert fillers. 
     The insert fillers further have set screws attached thereto. The set screws extend inwardly into the hollow interior of the peripheral members and abut the peripheral member wall that is opposite to the first open channel. The set screws bias the insert fillers frictionally against a wall containing the first open channel of the peripheral member. 
     In a second configuration, the plurality of frames is attached to each other at prespecified angles via corner members. However, the corner members share various features in common with the elongated peripheral members. Namely, they have longitudinally extending open channels and hollow interiors extending the longitudinal length. Specifically, the corner members have two opposing open channels and two associated hollow interiors. The orientation between these two opposing open channels defines the pre-specified angle. 
     These open channels and hollow interiors accept longitudinally elongated insert fillers in the same manner as the elongated peripheral members described above. Each corner member in fact accepts two longitudinally elongated insert fillers. Each of these two insert fillers mate with a respective insert filler which has been previously mounted in a peripheral member of a frame. Thus, two frame members are joined to each other at the pre-specified angle of the corner member. 
     In a third configuration, the plurality of frames is attached directly to each other via a hinge member. The hinge member attaches to longitudinal surfaces of the peripheral members that do not contain the first open channels of the peripheral members. Attachment of the hinge member is accomplished by screws, bolts, or like fasteners. Alternately, the hinge member may be permanently mounted to the peripheral members by welding. The hinged peripheral members further attach to the aforementioned frame members in the manner described above utilizing the insert fillers. 
     The modular exhibit assembly of any of the above three configurations further comprises a plurality of overlay holders for retaining overlay skins to the frames. The overlay holders permit replacement of the overlay skins independently from the frame obviating the expense of replacing the entire frame. 
     The longitudinally elongated peripheral members can be extruded. Alternatively, the members can comprise aluminum, steel, brass, plastic, or a composite material. 
     The modular locking panel system can be used for trade show exhibits, window display walls, office partitions, ceiling canopies, lightboxes with plexiglass inserts, kiosks, double-level displays, and various other purposes. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
     FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a plurality of rectangular frames adapted with a corner member for supporting a display in a generally vertical plane, schematically depicting an overlay skin to be attached to the frames, with the frames separated one from another, manifesting aspects of the invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a top view of the frames illustrated in FIG. 1 but with the frames connected one to another; 
     FIG. 3 is a sectional view, taken along direction “A”, of a member forming the periphery of the frames illustrated in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a member that may be used to form the periphery of the frames of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a second alternate embodiment of a member used to form the periphery of the frames of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 6 is a sectional view of an alternate corner member of the type illustrated in FIG. 1 used to connect adjacent frames one to another at an angle of 30°; 
     FIG. 7 is a sectional view of an alternate corner member of the type illustrated in FIG. 1 used to connect adjacent frames one to another at an angle of 45°; 
     FIG. 8 is a sectional view of an alternate corner member of the type illustrated in FIG. 1 used to connect adjacent frames one to another at an angle of 22.5°; 
     FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an alternate corner member of the type illustrated in FIG. 1 used to connect adjacent frames one to another at an angle of 90°; 
     FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a hinged peripheral member used to connect adjacent frames one to another in the manner illustrated generally in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 11 is an overlay holding member that may be used with the frames illustrated in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 12 is an isometric schematic view of an insert filler having a frame fastener latching member secured thereto fitting into a peripheral member of the type illustrated in FIGS. 3,  4  and  5 ; 
     FIG. 13 is an isometric schematic view of an insert filler having a frame fastener receptacle member secured thereto fitting into a peripheral member of the type illustrated in FIGS. 3,  4  and  5 ; 
     FIG. 14 is a schematic sectional view of a peripheral member of the type illustrated in FIGS. 3,  4  and  5  with a fastener receptacle member illustrated in place; 
     FIG. 15 is a schematic sectional view of a peripheral member of the type illustrated in FIGS. 3,  4  and  5  with a fastener insert member illustrated in place; 
     FIG. 16 is a schematic side elevation of a peripheral member of the type illustrated in FIGS. 3,  4  and  5  with an insert filler together with a fastener insert member and a frame fastener latching member illustrated in place; 
     FIG. 17 is a schematic side elevation of a peripheral member of the type illustrated in FIGS. 3,  4  and  5  with an insert filler together with a fastener insert member and a frame fastener receptacle member illustrated in place; 
     FIG. 18 is a side view of the inserts illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17; 
     FIG. 19 is a front view of the insert illustrated in FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 20 is a front view of the insert illustrated in FIG. 17; 
     FIG. 21 is a sectional view of a pair of peripheral members of the type illustrated in FIGS. 3,  4  and  5  with an overlay holder member secured in position therebetween, inserts in position in each of the peripheral members and an overlay skin held in position by the overlay holder member; 
     FIG. 22 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 21 but in which the overlay holder is adapted to hold overlay skin on only a single side of the peripheral members; 
     FIG. 23 is a sectional view of a single peripheral member, similar to FIGS. 21 and 22 with an overlay holder in place and configured to retain overlay skins on two sides of the peripheral member; 
     FIG. 24 is a sectional view of a single peripheral member, similar to FIGS. 21 and 22 with an overlay holder in place and configured to retain overlay skins on one side of the peripheral member; 
     FIG. 25 is a side view of an insert pressure device mounted in a peripheral member of the type illustrated in FIGS. 3,  4 , and  5 ; 
     FIG. 26 is an exploded schematic isometric view of the insert pressure device illustrated in FIG. 25; 
     FIG. 27 is an isometric view of a rectangular frame, of the type illustrated generally in FIG. 1, assembled from peripheral members of the type illustrated in FIGS. 3,  4 , and  5 ; 
     FIG. 28 is a schematic isometric view of the frame of FIG. 27 with a permanent overlay skin attached thereto and honeycomb filler material in the interior of the frame; 
     FIG. 29 is a schematic isometric view of an overlay skin holder; 
     FIG. 30 is a sectional view of a pair of peripheral members of the type illustrated in FIGS. 3,  4  and  5  with a double-tabbed overlay holder secured therebetween and insert fillers within each of the peripheral members and four overlay skins held in position by the double-tabbed overlay holder; 
     FIG. 31 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 30 except the double-tabbed overlay holder is adapted to hold overlay skins on only a single side of the peripheral members; 
     FIG. 32 is a sectional view of a single peripheral member with a double-tabbed overlay holder in place and configured to retain one overlay skin on each side of the peripheral member; 
     FIG. 33 is a sectional view of a single peripheral member with a double-tabbed overlay holder in place and configured to retain one overlay skin on one side of the peripheral member; 
     FIG. 34 is a plan view of a modular locking panel system with the overlay skins attached to the peripheral members, corner members, and frames by a Velcro or similar attachment system; 
     FIG. 35 is a plan view of the modular locking panel system with the overlay skins attached to the corner members with corner holders; and 
     FIG. 36 is a plan view of overlay skin retainers attached to corner members, in accordance with the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 an illustration of a modular locking panel system embodying the invention is shown. Three frames  10  are depicted in vertically upright orientation. The frames  10  comprise horizontal and vertical longitudinally elongated peripheral members  12  to which the overlay skin  38  attaches. The horizontal peripheral members  12  abut the vertical peripheral members  12  at each end in coplanar disposition to form the generally rectangular outline of frames  10 . Also shown is corner peripheral member  46 . The system  8  is shown partially assembled with frames  10 , the overlay skin  38 , and the corner peripheral member  46  placed proximal to one another in the same relative positions as the assembled system depicted in FIG.  2 . 
     A top view of the modular locking panel system of FIG. 1 is illustrated in FIG. 2, but with the frames connected one to another. The combined views of FIG.  1  and FIG. 2 depict generally the usage of the modular locking panel system of the current invention. 
     In a first embodiment, longitudinally elongated peripheral member  12  is shown in cross-section in FIG.  3 . The peripheral member  12  comprises a pair of longitudinally elongated coplanar first exterior walls  16  separated one from another in a first transverse direction. The separation defines a first longitudinally extending open channel  15 , which is open at respective ends of the members prior to assembly of the peripheral members one to another. 
     Peripheral member  12  further comprises a second exterior wall  18  parallel with the first exterior walls  16  and spaced therefrom in a second transverse direction. The peripheral member  12  yet further comprises a parallel pair of third exterior walls  20  connecting respective ones of the first exterior walls  16  with the second exterior wall  18 . First, second, and third walls  16 ,  18 ,  20  form a generally rectangular shape enclosing a hollow interior  14  of the peripheral member  12 . 
     The peripheral member  12  still further comprises a pair of longitudinally elongated coplanar guide members  24  separated one from another in the first transverse direction along their longitudinal length. The guide members  24  are parallel with the first exterior walls  16  and are disposed between the first exterior walls  16  and the second exterior wall  18 . The separation between the guide members  24  defines a second longitudinally extending open channel  17 . 
     The peripheral member  12  yet still further comprises a longitudinally elongated interior wall  22  parallel to and disposed between the second exterior wall  18  and the guide members  24 . The interior wall  22  adjoins along its longitudinal length, which is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, the third exterior walls  22 . 
     FIGS. 4 and 5 depict a sectional view of alternative embodiments of the peripheral member  12  having differing rectangular shapes, and wherein like elements are numbered alike. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 6-9, sectional views of four embodiments of corner member  46 , of the type illustrated in FIG. 1, are shown. The corner member  46  comprises a pair of parallel longitudinally elongated peripheral units  212 . The peripheral units  212  are similar in cross-section to peripheral member  12 . Each peripheral unit  212  comprises a pair of elongated co-planar first exterior walls  16  separated one from another in a first transverse direction. The separation defines a first longitudinally extending open channel  15 , which is open at respective ends of the members prior to assembly of the peripheral members one to another. The peripheral units  212  further comprise a second exterior wall  18  parallel with the first exterior walls  16  and spaced therefrom in a second transverse direction. The peripheral units  212  yet further comprise a parallel pair of third exterior walls  20  connecting respective ones of the first exterior walls  16  with the second exterior wall  18 . First, second, and third walls  16 ,  18 ,  20  form a generally rectangular shape enclosing a hollow interior (unnumbered) of the peripheral units  212 . 
     The peripheral units  212  still further comprise a pair of longitudinally elongated coplanar guide members  24  separated one from another in the first transverse direction along their longitudinal length. The guide members  24  are parallel with the first exterior walls  16  and are disposed between the first exterior walls  16  and the second exterior wall  18 . The separation between the guide members  24  defines a second longitudinally extending open channel  17 . 
     The peripheral units  212  are connected along their longitudinal length of juncture of their second wall  18  with one of their third walls  20  define in interior angle: “A”. The angle “A” for FIGS. 6,  7 ,  8 , and  9  is 30°, 45°, 22.5°, and 90°, respectively. Intersecting members  25  each extends in coplanar disposition from respective remaining third walls  20  of the peripheral units  212  at the juncture of the remaining third walls  20  with the second wall  18  which form the vertex of interior angle “A”. The said second walls of the peripheral units  212  and said intersecting members  25  define an open ended longitudinally extending transversely closed hollow interior (unnumbered) between the peripheral units  212 . 
     An alternate method for attaching is depicted in FIG. 10, where a hinge member  27  mounts to second wall  18  of peripheral members  12  at a juncture of second wall  18  and a third wall  20 . Attachment of the hinge member is accomplished by screws, bolts, or like fasteners. Alternately, the hinge member may be permanently mounted to the peripheral members by welding. The use of the hinge member  27  obviates the need for the corner member  46 . 
     The manner in which peripheral members  12  and corner members  46  are assembled to form the completed modular locking panel system is depicted schematically in FIGS. 12-20. FIGS. 12 and 13 are isometric views of insert filler  34  inserted into a peripheral member  12 . The insert filler  34  is located in the hollow interior  14  of peripheral member  12  between the guide channels  24  and first exterior wall  16 , which is more clearly seen in FIGS. 21-24. While the insert fillers  34  of FIGS. 12 and 13 are shown inserted in peripheral members  12  of the type shown in FIGS. 3-5, the insert fillers  34  could be inserted in the peripheral units  212  of the corner members  46  shown in FIGS. 6-9. 
     The insert filler  34  is fastened to the peripheral member  12 ,  212  by socket set screw  40 . Referring to FIGS. 14,  15  and  21 - 26 , the set screw  40  is retained in insert filler  34  by T-nut  41  and extends outwardly through the second channel  17  and engages the interior wall  22  of peripheral members  12 , or alternately engages the second wall  18  of peripheral unit  212 . The set screw  40  biases the insert filler  34  frictionally against the first exterior wall  16  of the peripheral member  12 ,  212 , thus securely affixing the insert filler  34  to the peripheral member  12 ,  212 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 21-23, the set screw  40  abuts the interior wall  22 . Alternatively, the set screw  40  can be capped with a rubber tip  47 , as shown in FIG.  24 . The use of a rubber cap  47  is not necessary, and can be used by operator preference in any embodiment. 
     The insert filler  34  of FIGS. 12,  16 , and  19  further comprises a frame fastener latching member  30 , while the insert filler  34  of FIGS. 13,  17 , and  20  comprises a frame fastener latching receptacle member  32 . 
     As seen in FIGS. 21 and 22, the latching member  30  and latching receptacle member  32  engage in interlocking relationship to fasten the respective insert fillers  34 . In another embodiment, the latching member  30  comprises a locking arm  31  that rotates about an axis, perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, of locking arm key member  35 . Key member  35  may be a socket, such as a socket for a hex-key or screwdriver, may be a pin, such as a pin for a hex driver, or may be a similar device known in the art. The locking arm  31  is rotated by turning the key member  35 , whereby locking arm  31  slides into locking arm receptacle  33  of latch receptacle member  32 . 
     Further, the insert filler  34  of FIGS. 12,  16 , and  19  comprises alignment member  28 , while the insert filler  34  of FIGS. 13,  17  and  20  comprises an alignment aperture  26 . Alignment member  28  mates into alignment aperture  26  to aid in the alignment of the respective insert fillers  34 . The interconnection of the respective mating elements  31 ,  38  of insert filler  34  permit the interconnection of the frames  10  as depicted in the example of FIG.  2 . 
     There are various methods for attaching the overlay skins  38  to the panel system  8 . A first attachment method uses overlay holder  36 , depicted in FIG.  11  and shown inserted within the modular panel locking system assembly of FIGS. 21-24. The overlay holder  36  has a major longitudinally elongated surface  37  that adjoins peripheral member  12  parallel to the second wall  18 . The overlay holder  36  also has a tab  39 , extending in one or both perpendicular directions from one or both ends of the elongated surface  37 . Inserting the overlay skin  38  between the tab  39  and the exterior wall  20  retains the overlay skin  38  to the peripheral member  12 . 
     FIGS. 21-24 depict four embodiments of overlay holder  36 . FIG. 21 depicts an overlay holder  36  capable of retaining four overlay skins  38  (two shown). FIG. 22 depicts an overlay holder  36  capable of retaining two overlay skins  38  (not shown) in coplanar orientation. FIG. 23 depicts an overlay holder  36  capable of retaining two overlay skins  38  (not shown) parallel to each other and separated by peripheral member  12 . FIG. 24 depicts an overlay holder  36  capable of retaining one overlay skin  38  (not shown). 
     A second method for attaching the overlay skins  38  to the panel system  8  is by using a double-tabbed overlay holder  42 . The double-tabbed overlay holder  42  operates similarly to the overlay holder  36 , differing by a second tab  39  extending in one or both perpendicular directions (parallel to the first tab  39 ) from a point nearing one or both ends of the elongated surface  37 . 
     FIGS. 30-33 depict four embodiments of the double-tabbed overlay holder  42 . The double-tabbed overlay holder  42  allows for the attachment of the overlay skin  38  to the frames  10  while providing a small gap between the overlay skin  38  and the exterior wall  20  of the peripheral member  12 . The small gap can be filled with an additional Velcro-type fastener. 
     A third method for attaching the overlay skins  38  to the panel system  8  is by using Velcro  48 , or similar type fastener, between the overlay skin  38  and the frames  10 , the peripheral members  12 , and the corner peripheral members  46 . FIG. 34 illustrates the attachment of the overlay skins  38  to the system  8  exclusively by Velcro-type fasteners  48 . Alternatively, FIG. 34 could additionally include a double-tabbed overlay holder  42  between any or all of the adjoining pairs of peripheral members  12 . 
     A fourth method for attaching the overlay skins  38  to the panel system  8  is by using the overlay holder  36 , or the double-tabbed overlay holder  42 , in conjunction with corner holders  43 ,  44 . An inside corner holder  43  and an outside corner holder  44  each serve 90° corners and can be screwed, welded, or adhered with high strength glue or double-stick tape to the corner member  46 . A fifth method for attaching the overlay skins  38  to the panel system  8  is by using overlay skin retainers  45 , as illustrated in FIG.  36 . Especially useful at the corner members  46 , the retainers  45  can be used at any location along the panel system  8 . The retainers  45  are configured in left-hand and right-hand arrangement, with a longest edge being screwed, welded, or adhered with high strength glue or double-stick tape to the corner member  46 , the peripheral member  12 , or the frame  10 . 
     The above noted methods for attaching the overlay skins  38  to the panel system  8  can be selectively combined to form a multitude of various attachment configurations. The interior of the frame  10  can be filled with a honeycomb material  54 , as shown in FIG.  28 . 
     These and other advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing specification. Accordingly, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It should therefore be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but is intended to include all changes and modifications that are within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4