Abstract:
A lightweight, dry erase board structure assembly includes a set of dry erase boards, legs and feet. The boards have central foam board core coated on one side with a dry erase surface and a pre-applied adhesive material on the uncoated side. The dry erase boards are attached to two support legs. The legs are reinforced with custom cut feet with a pre-applied adhesive material.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    The present disclosure relates to a display apparatus, and more particularly, relates to a lightweight transportable display apparatus which can be readily assembled at the presentation site in minimal time and subsequently discarded after a predefined number of uses. 
         [0003]    2. Background of Related Art 
         [0004]    Dry Erase boards, or white boards, have become standard learning aids in schools, offices and other learning environments. Often times they are used to record ideas and solve problems. However, they are typically built into walls or are ridged structures that are not easily transported. 
         [0005]    In many environments, providing writing and work walls may not be feasible due to cost, storage or logistical constraints. There is a need for a structure that can be easily and economically shipped, constructed and moved that will provide learning and collaboration around dry erase walls. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 20020009703 A1 discloses a portable writing surface. This unit has a carrying case that holds a double sided dry erase board with a foam board center. Although this unit uses dry erase foam board, it is restricted to needing a wall or alternative surface for support. U.S. Pat. No. 20090079136 A1 discloses a portable target stand system. U.S. Pat. No. 8,539,889 B1 discloses a portable table. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    As further detailed in the description that follows, the display apparatus and system solves the aforementioned problems associated with prior art devices. Two lightweight display apparatuses, e.g., in this embodiment, in the form of dry erase boards each have a central foam board coated with a dry erase surface on one side and two or more pre-applied adhesive strips on the back which will attach to two base legs of cardboard or an alternative lightweight material. Attached to the bottom of each leg with a pre-applied adhesive is a custom-cut foot designed to provide support as well as interlock with other feet to join multiple walls together. 
         [0008]    In accordance with one embodiment, a display system includes at least one display apparatus. The display apparatus includes a display board having a writable surface, first and second support legs adapted to convert from a first folded condition to a second open condition, and being attachable to the display board when in the second open condition thereof, and first and second foot units for attaching to the respective first and second support legs. 
         [0009]    The apparatus may include first and second display boards with each of the first and second display boards having the writable surface. The first and second support legs may be configured for attachment to each of the first and second display boards such that the writable surface of each of the first and second display boards faces outwardly away from the first and second support legs. The first and second support legs may each define a plurality of longitudinal panels separated by longitudinal fold lines extending substantially along respective lengths of the first and second support legs. The panels of the first and second support legs are foldable along the fold lines to assume the second open condition. The display board may include adhesive strips for attaching the first and second support legs to the display board. In one embodiment, the display may include two pairs of adhesive strips with a first pair being positioned adjacent a first edge of the display board for securing the first support leg and a second pair being positioned adjacent a second side edge of the display board for securing the second leg. 
         [0010]    The first and second foot units each may include a lower foot segment and an upper foot segment. The lower foot segment defines an outer curved surface and the upper foot segment defines a generally corresponding dimensioned inner curved surface. The first and second support legs each may also include a vertical mounting segment disposed between the upper and lower foot segments. The vertical mounting segment is attachable to the first and second support legs. Each of the first and second foot units may be substantially planar. The vertical mounting segments of the first and second foot units may include adhesive strips for attaching the first and second foot units to the first and second support legs. In one embodiment, the vertical mounting segments of the first and second foot units each define a width, which generally approximates a corresponding width of a respective panel of the first and second leg units to which the vertical mounting segments are attached. 
         [0011]    In one aspect, the display system includes first and second display apparatuses. The first and second display apparatuses are positionable in side by side relation whereby the lower foot segment of one of the first and second foot units of the first display apparatus is positionable beneath the upper foot segment of one of the first and second foot units of the second display apparatus to couple the first and second display apparatuses. 
         [0012]    The display system may include an outer package for storing the display board, the foot units and the first and second support legs in the folded condition. 
         [0013]    In an embodiment, a method for assembling a display apparatus is provided. The method includes: 
         [0014]    providing a display apparatus including two display boards each having a writing surface, first and second support legs in a folded condition and first and second foot units; 
         [0015]    transitioning the first and second support legs to an open condition by folding panels of each of the first and second support legs along respective fold lines; 
         [0016]    mounting the first and second support legs when in the open condition to the first and second display boards; and 
         [0017]    attaching the first and second foot units to the first and second support legs, respectively. 
         [0018]    The method may include securing the first and second support legs in the open condition. Mounting the first and second support legs may include attaching the first and second support legs to adhesive strips of each of the first and second display boards. Attaching the first and second foot units may include securing the first and second support legs to adhesive strips of each of the first and second foot units. 
         [0019]    The foregoing paragraph has served as a general introduction and is not intended to limit the scope of the successive claims. Various advantages of this invention will become apparent to those engaged in the activities. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    Preferred embodiments of the disclosure will be readily appreciated by reference to the drawings wherein: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  illustrates a display system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure illustrating two display apparatuses in side by side relation with each display apparatus including two display boards, first and second attachable support legs and first and second attachable foot units; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a front side of a display board of the system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a rear side of a display board of the system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of one of the support legs in a folded stored condition; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of the support leg of  FIG. 4  in an open condition; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a partial perspective view of one end of a support leg in an open condition illustrating the flaps for securing the support leg in the open condition; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 7-8  are front and rear plan views of one of the foot units of the system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is an axial view of the foot unit; 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  is view illustrating a package containing one display apparatus; 
           [0030]      FIGS. 11A-11C  are views illustrating a sequence of transitioning the support leg from a closed condition to an open condition; 
           [0031]      FIGS. 12-13  illustrate a sequence of assembly the display apparatus; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  is a view of two display apparatuses in nested side-by-side relation thereby forming a display system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is illustrated an apparatus and associated display system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The system  1  includes one or more display apparatuses  10 , two are shown, each in the form of, e.g., a display device, white board or dry erase structure. The system  1  may include a plurality of display apparatuses  10  which may be interconnected or coupled to define an array of displays for viewing by one or more subjects. Each apparatus  10  is lightweight, fully transportable and fabricated from inexpensive materials, and may be configured for assembly and use without tools at the presentation site. The apparatus  10  possesses sufficient supportive capacity to be reused for subsequent presentations or brainstorming, or may be disposable after a single use. 
         [0034]    With reference to  FIGS. 2-3 , in conjunction with  FIG. 1 , each apparatus  10  of the system  1  includes one or more wall display boards or dry erase boards  12  each with a front side  14  ( FIG. 2 ) having a writable surface  16 . The writable surface  16  faces outwardly when the apparatus  10  is assembled. The writable surface  16  may include, e.g., a dry erase finish applied to the display board. The rear side  18  of the display board  12  may be devoid of a writable surface coating. The rear side ( FIG. 3 ) of the display board  12  includes two pairs of generally linear adhesive strips  20  extending along the height of the board  12 . Each pair of the adhesive strips  20  is positioned adjacent a respective edge  12   e   1 ,  12   e   2  of the board  12 . The adhesive strips  20  include a layer of adhesive material with a releasable backing layer enclosing the adhesive material. Any conventional adhesive material may be used. It is envisioned that more or less than two adhesive strip may be utilized adjacent each side edge  12   e   1 ,  12   e   2  of the display board. 
         [0035]    In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus  10  includes two display boards  12 , one on the front and back sides, respectively, of the apparatus. The display board  12  is preferably made of a material to maintain lightweight and enhance portability. In one embodiment, the display board  12  is made of a light-weight foam material with a dry erase surface applied. Alternatively, the display board  12  can be made of another material, such as cardboard, sufficient to maintain a lightweight and firm writing surface, with a dry erase coating on the outward facing side. Other suitable materials of fabrication include Sintra® or Gatorfoam®. 
         [0036]    As indicated above, the display board  12  can be any size or style. In the illustrated embodiment, the display board  12  has a height “bh” ranging from about 30 to 50 inches, e.g., about 40 inches. In the illustrated embodiment, the display board  12  has a width “bw” of about 50 to 70 inches, preferably about 60 inches. Other height and width dimensions are also contemplated. In the illustrated embodiment, the display board  12  has a thickness “bt” (Attachment G), of approximately 0.1875 inches. In another embodiment, the display board  12  can have a thickness “bt” more or less than 0.1875 inches. The display board  12  may be relatively thin or planar in configuration. 
         [0037]    With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , the display board  12  is mounted on two substantially identical support legs  22 . The support legs  22  are preferably made of material sufficient to support the two display boards  12  while maintaining the structure&#39;s lightweight and portability capabilities. In one embodiment, the support legs  22  are made of cardboard. Alternatively, the support legs  22  can be made of other materials, such as, for example, plastic, foam board or PVC sufficient to support both display boards  12 . The support legs  22  are configured to provide support to the display board  12 . In the illustrated embodiment, the support leg  22  may have a height “lh” ranging from about 66 inches to about 78 inches, preferably about 72 and a width and depth, “lw”, “ld”, respectively each ranging from about 4 to 6 inches, preferably about 5 inches. In one embodiment, the support legs  22  define a square dimension where the width “lw” and depth “ld” is the same dimension. Other dimensions are also contemplated depending on the intended use of the structure  10 . For example, the support legs  22  may be triangular, rectangular or other shapes in cross-section. 
         [0038]    Each support leg  22  defines a first or lower base end segment  24  and a second or upper end segment  26 . The display boards  12  are secured adjacent the upper end segments  26 . As best depicted in  FIGS. 4-5 , prior to assembly, the support leg  22  is preferably flat-packed, stored, and shipped to facilitate economical shipping. In particular, and as will be discussed in greater detail hereinbelow, each support leg  22  is stored in a flat folded condition along, e.g., its midline “ 22   m ” as depicted in  FIG. 4 , and, thereafter, during assembly of the apparatus  10 , unfolded to the flat condition depicted in  FIG. 5 . Once unfolded, the support legs  22  are expanded or folded along respective longitudinal fold or score lines  28  to open the longitudinal panels  30  of the support legs  22  and achieve the open expanded supportive condition of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , in conjunction with  FIGS. 4-5 , at each end of the support legs  22  is a closure mechanism including a top flap  32  and two side flaps  34 . The flaps  32 ,  34  are folded in the direction of directional arrows d 1 , d 2 , d 3  to enclose the respective upper and lower opening of the support leg  22  to thereby secure the support legs  22  in the expanded condition. The top flap  32  may include subpanel  32   a  which bends to fit underneath panel  30   a  of the support leg  22 . 
         [0040]    With reference to  FIGS. 7-9 , in conjunction with  FIG. 1 , the support legs  22  each have a support foot or foot unit  36  which is couplable or attachable to the support legs  22 .  FIG. 7  depicts the outer side  36   o  of the foot unit  36  facing outwardly relative to the display apparatus and  FIG. 8  depicts the inner side  36   i  of the foot unit  36  which is attached to the support leg  22 . In one embodiment, each foot unit  36  is secured to the lower base end segment  24  of the respective support leg  22 . Each foot unit  36  may be a single planar monolithic piece incorporating upper and lower diametrically opposing foot segments  38 ,  40  which are interconnected by vertical mounting segment  42 . The upper and lower foot segments  38 ,  40  are dimensioned to support the apparatus  10  and accommodate any loads including lateral, vertical etc. imparted on the apparatus  10  by the subject during use. Various heights of the upper and lower foot segments  38 ,  40  are envisioned. 
         [0041]    The upper and lower foot segments  38 ,  40  are also advantageously dimensioned to interlock to join multiple apparatuses  10  in side by side coupled relation. For example, each support foot unit  36  has specific dimensions and/or radii of curvature to facilitate interlocking with adjacent foot units  36  of an adjacent display apparatus  10  thereby defining the interlocked system  1  depicted in  FIG. 1 . In one embodiment, the lower foot segment  40  includes an outer surface  40   o  defining a radius of curvature which may be constant or varied. Similarly, the upper foot segment  38  has an inner surface  38   i  which defines a void  44 . The inner surface  38   i  has a radius of curvature which may be constant or varied. In one embodiment, the radii of curvatures of each inner and outer surface  38   i ,  40   o  is varied to define generally corresponding elliptical arc segments. In particular, the radius of curvature of each of the inner surface  38   i  and the outer surface  40   i  is selected to provide an elliptical arc segment dimension of each the upper and lower foot segments  38 ,  40 . The void  44  is also in the form of an elliptical arc segment and generally corresponds to the elliptical dimension of the arc segment of the lower foot segment  40 . In one embodiment, the radii of curvature is selected such that the void  44  generally corresponds to, but, is slightly larger than (in length and height) the elliptical arc segment of the lower foot segment  40 . With this arrangement, the lower foot segment  40  may be positioned within the void  44  of the upper foot segment  38  in overlapping manner. In one embodiment, the inner and outer surfaces  38   i ,  40   o  of the respective upper and lower foot segments  38 ,  40  may engage each other to couple the adjacent apparatuses  10  in side by side relation, i.e., the inner curved surface  38   i  of the upper foot segment  38  allows sufficient height and length to fit the lower foot segment  40  to nest inside the interior curve or void  44  of the upper foot segment  38 . (see  FIG. 1 ) Alternatively, the upper foot segment  38  may be positioned over the lower foot segment  40  with the lower foot segment  40  being received within the void  44 . 
         [0042]    Thus, the foot units  36  are advantageously dimensioned, through its respective heights, length and radii of curvature to interlock with other support feet units. In some embodiments, the display apparatus  10  may be positioned such that they are in contacting relation when overlapped. With this arrangement, the apparatuses  10  of the system  1  are interlocked with the display boards  12  in adjacent relation. In some embodiments, the display apparatuses  10  may be at an angle with respect to each other with the foot units  36  interlocked and the display boards  12  also at an angle. In other embodiments, the display apparatuses  10  may be generally longitudinally aligned. 
         [0043]    As best depicted in  FIG. 8 , the inner side  36   i  of each support foot unit  36  includes a pair of spaced adhesive strips  46  extending along the length of the vertical mounting segment  42  for attachment to the respective support leg  22 . The adhesive strips  46  may include a release cover as discussed hereinabove. The vertical mounting segment defines a width “mw”. In one embodiment, the width “mw” is substantially equal to the width “pw” ( FIGS. 1 and 5 ) of the outer panel  30   o  of the support legs  22  to assist the subject in assembly and proper mounting of the support foot unit  36 . Each support foot unit  36  is preferably monolithically formed of material sufficient to maintain the structure&#39;s  10  lightweight portability. In one embodiment, the support foot unit  36  is made of Duraplast®. Alternatively, the support foot unit  36  can be made of other materials, such as, for example, cardboard, foam board or Sintra®. Other features of the support foot unit  36  will be discussed in greater detail hereinbelow. 
         [0044]    The delivery and assembly of one apparatus  10  will now be discussed. With reference to  FIG. 10 , each of the components of one apparatus  10  is packaged, in a flat state, in one single package  100  as represented by  FIG. 10 . The package, which is lightweight, low profile and portable may be carried by the subject to a presentation site, opened and the components of the apparatus  10  removed. As indicated hereinabove, the package includes two display boards  12 , two support legs  22  and two support foot units  36 . Due to the planar configuration of the components, the package  100  need only be slightly greater in height, width and depth than the display boards  12 . 
         [0045]    With reference to  FIGS. 5 and 11A-11C , each support leg  22  is transitioned from its collapsed stored condition to the operative condition by folding the panels  30  of the support leg  22  along its fold lines  28 . Once in the open condition of  FIG. 11C , the flaps  32 ,  34  at each of the upper and lower ends of the support legs  22  are closed as discussed in connection with  FIG. 6  thereby securing the support leg  22  in its open condition. Adhesive may be used if desired to secure the flaps  32 ,  34 . 
         [0046]    With reference to  FIG. 12 , the first display board  12  is manipulated to expose its rear side  18  (e.g. a side without coating). The backing layers are removed from the first pair of adhesive strips  20  to expose the adhesive. A first support leg  22  is positioned on the board such that the upper edge  22   u  of the support leg  22  is in alignment or coterminous with the upper edge  12   e  of the display board  12  and the side edge  22   s  of each support leg  22  is aligned or coterminous with the side edge  12   s  of the first display board  12 . The support leg  22  is secured to the adhesive material. The process is repeated for the second support leg  22 . 
         [0047]    The positioning and arrangement of the pairs of adhesive strips  20  on the display board  12  guides the subject in proper placement and securement of the support leg  22  to the display board  12 . Specifically, through the alignment of the upper and side edges  22   u ,  22   s  of the support leg  22  with the respective upper and side edges  12   u ,  12   s  of the display board  12  in conjunction with the positioning of the adhesive strips  20  confirmation is provided to the subject that the support leg  22  is properly assembled and positioned with respect to the board  12 . 
         [0048]    With both support legs  22  secured to the first board  12 , the second board  12  is manipulated to expose the rear side  18  of the second board  12  (i.e., the side without the erasable coating). The backing layers of the adhesive strips  20  are removed and the support legs  22  are secured to the second display board  12  in a similar manner to that described above via aligning the upper and side edges  22   u ,  22   s  of the support leg  22  with the upper and side edges  12   u , 12   s  of the display board  12 . 
         [0049]    With the support legs  22  and the display boards  12  secured, attention is directed to securing the foot units  36 . With reference to  FIGS. 8 and 13 , a first foot unit  36  is manipulated to expose its inner side  36   i . The backing layers are removed and the vertical mounting segment  42  of the foot unit  36  is applied to the outer panel  30   o  of the support leg  22 . The vertical mounting segment  42  defines a width which approximates or is substantially equal to the width of an outer panel  30   o  of the support leg  22  such that the subject need only align the side edges  42   s  of the mounting segment  42  with the edges  22   z  of the support leg  22 , and the lower edge  361  of the foot unit  36  with the lower edge of the support leg  22 . The process is continued for the second foot unit  36 ; however, the second foot unit  36  may be positioned in an opposite direction to the first foot unit  36 . Specifically, the upper foot segment  38  of the first foot unit  36  may extend forward while the upper foot segment  38  of the second foot unit  36  extends rearward. 
         [0050]    The apparatus  10 , now assembled, may be used for brainstorming or a presentation. Both sides of the apparatus  10 , i.e., both sides of the display boards  12  may be utilized during the presentation. If a second apparatus  10  is needed, the subject can assemble the second apparatus  10  in a similar manner. Thereafter, the foot units  36  of the adjacent display apparatuses  10  may be nested in the manner discussed hereinabove to couple the apparatuses  10  and provide the display system  1 .  FIGS. 1 and 14  illustrate a nested arrangement of the foot units  36  of adjacent apparatuses  10 . 
         [0051]    Subsequent to use, the display apparatuses may be disposed. In the alternative, due to the integrity of the structure of the apparatus, the apparatus may be reused. 
         [0052]    Thus, the apparatus of the present disclosure provides a cost effective, portable display system (e.g. multi-paneled display) which can be easily and reliably assembled in a relatively short period of time. The apparatus is lightweight and disposable. 
         [0053]    While the above description contains many specifics, these specifics should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but merely as exemplifications of embodiments thereof. It is envisioned that the elements and features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the elements and features of another exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and that such modifications and variations are also intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the first and second foot segments of each foot unit may be individual components. Those skilled in the art will envision many other possible variations that are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.