Patent Description:
Display frames are widely used in advertisement, announcement, traffic signs, safety warnings, information bulletins, etc. Generally, a displaying sheet (such as a poster, a sign, a picture, an information sheet, etc.) is attached or inserted in the display frame. And most of the time, the displaying sheet therein needs to be changed from time to time according to different scenarios.

The "poster" is used hereafter as a sample of the displaying sheet which is not limited to pictures or photos but also cover any instructing signs, document sheets, and so on.

A frame stand, which can stand on the ground by itself after assembly, is widely used, because it is easy to be put into use at any place.

Among various frame stands, V-shape frame stands and A-shape frame stands are popular.

A V-shape frame stand may comprise two frames connected together and appears as an inverted "V" when deployed. Generally, the two frames are connected to each other at one end by one or more hinges, permitting the two frames to be folded flat for transportation or storage, and permitting the two frames to be configured in the shape of an inverted "V" when deployed. Sometimes, the frames may have legs to stand on the ground. Some examples of the V-shape frame stands can be seen in <CIT> or <CIT>.

An A-shape frame stand is similar to the V-shape frame stand, except that a connecting member is placed on the middle or lower part between the two frames. This connecting member may be either a rigid member (like a bar or a rod) or a flexible member (like a rope or a cord or a chain or a strap).

As an example of an A-shape frame stand, two frames are connected via hinges disposed along the top of the respective panels, and the lower portions of the frame can be spread apart. A flexible member is connected between adjacent legs on opposing frames, the flexible member being dimensioned such that the maximum angle between the frames of the sign stand can be restricted.

Some examples of the A-shape frame stands can be seen in <CIT>, <CIT> or <CIT>.

<CIT> discloses a V-shape frame stand, which has advantages like simple constructions and easy manipulations. However, it also has disadvantages. For example, the poster in display is liable to be contaminated by water and dust. Besides, the size of the poster suitable to be inserted into the frame is limited. It can be expected that only a poster with designated size can be directly inserted into the panel. When the size of the poster is smaller than the displaying area, extra tapes or adhesive would probably be needed to attach the poster on the frame.

<CIT> discloses an A-shape frame stand which comprises a removable frame (<NUM>, <NUM>) by which the poster is held in place. In this document, posters can be held in a taut position to present a good appearance. Besides, the posters may be held for display without need of employing any adhesive. However, its manipulation is relatively troublesome, especially when two end bars <NUM> have to be aligned and inserted into the recesses <NUM> of the base plate.

A frame stand for posters comprising two frames is known from <CIT>. The bottom edges of the two frames are connected with each other by a hinge. Each frame comprises a plurality of eyelets at the top. A rod can be inserted through the eyelets. Further stands comprising frames or plates which are are connected with each other by a hinge are known from the documents <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a frame stand, which can stand on the ground by itself after assembly. It shall be possible to insert a poster in an easy and reliable manner.

The invention provides a frame stand as described in claim <NUM>, while the dependent claims describe preferred characteristics of the invention.

A frame stand for posters according to the main claim comprises a base plate and a cover frame. The cover frame has a bottom edge which is rotatable connected to the base plate. The bottom edge is the edge at the bottom when the frame stand stands on a ground in the intended manner.

The base plate as well as the frame can be formed from plastic or a metal like aluminum.

Due to the rotatable connection, the cover frame can be moved between a closed and an opened position. It is possible to grip a top portion of the frame in order to move the frame by hand which facilitates the handling. Top portion means a portion at the top of the cover frame when the frame stand stands on a ground in the intended manner.

In the opened position, a poster can be inserted between the base plate and the cover frame from the top and thus in an easy and reliable manner. In the closed position, an inserted poster can be held by the base plate and the cover frame in a reliable manner.

According to the invention, the frame stand comprises a locking mechanism at the top for the cover frame. "Top" refers to the situation when the frame stand stands on a ground in the intended manner. The locking mechanism comprises a locking element to lock the cover frame and the base plate together.

The locking mechanism can lock the cover frame in its closed position. It is not possible to move the cover frame to the opened position, when the cover frame is locked in its closed position.

The locking element is capable of locking the upper edge of the cover frame with the base plate in order to facilitate the handling.

According to the invention, the locking mechanism is arranged adjacent to a handle of the frame stand. This makes it easier to unlock the locking mechanism.

In a preferred embodiment, a groove is provided in the upper portion of the base plate, and the groove is so arranged that an inner edge of the upper edge of the cover frame can be inserted into the groove for stability reasons.

According to the invention, the locking element comprises a latch which has a projection suitable to be inserted into a slot of the upper edge of the cover frame. In this way, an appropriate locking mechanism can be realized in a simple manner.

Preferably, the above mentioned inner edge of the upper edge comprises the slot which allows arranging the locking mechanism in a more appropriate manner so that the handling is convenient.

In a preferred embodiment, one end of the latch can move upwardly or downwardly when the frame stand stands on a ground. Due to this embodiment, it is very easy to lock and/or to unlock the locking mechanism.

In a preferred embodiment, the latch is mounted in rotatable manner. Preferably, one end of the latch is mounted in rotatable manner in order to facilitate the handling of the locking mechanism.

According to the invention, the locking mechanism comprises a pre-stressed spring which can move the locking mechanism into its locked position and/or which can hold the locking mechanism in its locked position.

In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a grip bar which is attached to a latch. Preferably, the grip bar is bent forward or backward relative to the latch and/or the latch and the grip bar forms angle of preferably <NUM>°. The grip facilitates the handling of the locking mechanism.

In a preferred embodiment, a hole is provided on the top portion of the base plate to form a handle for the frame stand, and the hole is so adapted that a user's hand can pass through the hole to lift the latch. On one side, the locking mechanism is covered by at least one plate and thus well-protected. On the other side, it is easy to lock or to unlock the locking mechanism.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the base plate comprises a circumferential projection which surrounds the cover frame when the cover frame is in its closed position. Thus, an inserted poster is well-protected.

Preferably, the outer surfaces of the circumferential projection and the cover frame are flush with each other when the cover frame is in its closed position or the circumferential projection stands out against the cover frame. As a result, the cover frame is well-protected.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover frame surrounds a transparent plate. The plate can protect an inserted poster in addition. The plate can held the poster in addition and thus a more reliable manner independent from the size of the poster. The transparent plate can be formed from plastic or glass.

In a preferred embodiment, the base plate has an inclined display surface when the frame stand stands on the ground. As a result, the cover frame can remain in its closed position only due to gravity. This further facilitates the handling of the frame stand.

In a preferred embodiment, the frame stand is an A- or a V-shape frame stand. The frame stand may comprise two base plates or the above mentioned base plate and a base frame. Such a stand can stand on a ground in a very stable manner.

The two base plates respectively the base plate and the base frame can be connected together by a hinge. In a preferred embodiment, the base plates respectively the base plate and the base frame can swing out to present an inverted "V" or an A.

Some exemplary embodiments are described blow with reference to drawings, so that the advantages and characteristics of present invention can be better understood.

A detailed embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, a V-shape frame stand comprises two frames <NUM> and <NUM>, which form an inverted "V" when deployed. The two frames <NUM> and <NUM> are hinged on the upper part.

In an example, the two frames <NUM> and <NUM> are made of an artificial material and molded in such a shape that the hinge elements on the upper parts of the two base plates can be engaged together, by which the frame stand can be folded or deployed. In another word, hinge elements are integrally molded with the frames. Optionally, extra accessories such as metal axis to connect the molded hinge elements may be used. The first frame <NUM> surrounds a base plate <NUM>. The second frame may also surround a base plate for example for stability reasons.

As an alternative, separate metal hinges may be used. However, each frame <NUM> comprising the base plate <NUM> and hinge elements are preferably made in one piece as shown in the figures.

<FIG> shows the frame stand standing on a ground in an intended manner.

In an example, a top portion <NUM> and <NUM> is provided on top of the frames <NUM> and <NUM> respectively, and located above the hinge elements. Each top portion <NUM> or <NUM> has preferably two side edges of an acute angle. When the frames <NUM> and <NUM> are rotated around the hinge to form an opening status, the opposing top portions <NUM> and <NUM> will come into contact and restrain a further increase in the opening angle, so that the opening angle will be kept to be an acute angle, like a V shape as shown in <FIG>.

In a preferred example, each top portion <NUM> and <NUM> comprises a hole <NUM>, so that the top portions <NUM> and <NUM> comprise a handle for the V-shape frame stand. In other words, the holes <NUM> form a handle.

Many other known constructions to form a V-shape frame stand, such as described in <CIT>, <CIT>, etc., may also be applied to our present invention as an alternative to the above examples.

As presented in <FIG> and also in the <FIG>, the frame <NUM> includes a base plate <NUM> and a cover frame <NUM>. Preferably, the cover frame <NUM> comprises a transparent plate <NUM> and a peripheral frame <NUM> surrounding the transparent plate <NUM>. The base plate <NUM> may be made of plastic, metal, wood or other materials known in the art.

The transparent plate <NUM> can be made of plastic material like PMMA. As an alternative, a glass plate can be also used as the transparent plate, however, glass is not preferred if the frame stand has to be moved frequently, since the weight of glass is relatively heavy.

The peripheral frame <NUM> surrounding the transparent plate <NUM> is preferred to be a metal frame, for example, made of stainless steel, aluminum, or aluminum alloy.

In the invention, the bottom edge 122a of the cover frame <NUM> is rotatable connected to the base plate <NUM> or the frame <NUM>, so that the cover frame <NUM> can pivot around an axis located at the bottom part of the base plate <NUM>.

The frame <NUM> forms a circumferential projection <NUM> which surrounds the cover frame <NUM> when the cover frame <NUM> is in its closed position. Preferably, the outer surfaces of the circumferential projection <NUM> and the cover frame are flush with each other when the cover frame is in its closed position (see <FIG>). As an alternative, the circumferential projection <NUM> stands out against the cover frame <NUM> when the cover frame <NUM> is in its closed position. As a result, the cover frame is well-protected in its closed position.

As shown in <FIG> as well as in the <FIG>, a poster <NUM> can be inserted into the frame stand.

In a preferred embodiment, the frame <NUM> has a similar structure compared with the frame <NUM>, namely also comprising a base plate <NUM> and a cover frame <NUM>, wherein the bottom edge 222a of the cover frame <NUM> is rotatable connected to the base plate <NUM>. An example of this embodiment can be seen in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a frame stand with an opened cover frame and showing how to insert a poster <NUM> into the frame stand.

<FIG> illustrates a frame stand with closed cover frame.

A process of inserting a poster into the frame stand can be as follows.

Firstly, the cover frame <NUM> is rotated outwardly, so that the receptacle to receive the poster is open. The cover frame <NUM> is the in its opened position.

Secondly, the poster <NUM> is inserted and spread on the base plate <NUM> of the frame <NUM>.

Thirdly, the cover frame <NUM> is rotated inwardly. When the upper edge 122b of the cover frame <NUM> comes into contact with the base plate <NUM>, a closed status is achieved. The cover frame is in its closed position.

With a reversed process, the poster therein can be removed or changed.

A preferred embodiment is presented in <FIG>.

It is preferred that there is a groove <NUM> in the upper portion of the stand frame. The groove <NUM> is so arranged that an inner edge <NUM> of the upper edge 122b of the cover frame <NUM> can be inserted into the groove <NUM>, to keep the cover frame <NUM> in a closed status and stable position. Further, this embodiment allows locking the cover frame <NUM> in its closed position in a simple and convenient manner.

In a further preferred embodiment, a locking element is provided to lock the cover frame <NUM> and the frame <NUM> together, and thus further restrain the cover frame <NUM> from rotating.

Preferably, a locking element is capable of locking the upper edge 122a of the cover frame <NUM> with the frame <NUM>. More preferably, the locking element can be moved into a slot of the inner edge <NUM> for locking the cover frame in a simple and convenient manner.

It is also preferred that there is a stepped profile <NUM> provided at the outside of the upper edge 122b of the cover frame <NUM>. The stepped profile <NUM> can work as a grip which facilitates opening and closing the cover frame.

<FIG> shows an exemplary structure of the pivot portion to achieve the above function. In <FIG>, the bottom edge 122a of the peripheral frame <NUM> has an almost rectangular profile so that a female pivoting member <NUM> is provided at the inner side of the cover frame <NUM>. The female pivoting member <NUM> matches with the male pivoting member <NUM> of the bar <NUM> so that the female pivoting member <NUM> can pivot around the axis of the male pivoting member <NUM>. The bar <NUM> is fixed to the base plate <NUM> respectively the fram1 <NUM> by a fastener <NUM>, for example, a screw fastener. As shown in <FIG>, the bar <NUM> may have the form of a rail which can hold the fastener <NUM> in a displaceable manner.

A groove <NUM> is formed adjacent to the bottom part of the base plate <NUM>, and many components including the bottom edge 122a, the female pivoting member <NUM>, the male pivoting member <NUM>, the bar <NUM>, a portion of the fastener <NUM>, etc., are located in the groove <NUM>. These parts are on one side well-protected. On the other side, these parts are nearly invisible.

It is understandable that other alternatives may also apply, for example, that the male pivoting member <NUM> is an integrated part of the molded base plate <NUM>.

<FIG> is an enlarged partial perspective view showing the locking element in the locked position. <FIG> is an enlarged partial perspective view showing how to unlock the locking mechanism. <FIG> are enlarged partial cut views showing the locking element in the unlocked and locked position.

<FIG> illustrates a preferred embodiment to lock the upper edge 122a of the cover frame <NUM> with the frame <NUM>. On the upper edge 122b of the cover frame <NUM>, there is a slot <NUM>. Meanwhile, there is a latch <NUM> mounted to the frame <NUM>. The latch <NUM> has a projection <NUM> so adapted to be inserted into the slot <NUM> of the cover frame <NUM>. One end 61a of the latch <NUM> is connected to the cover frame <NUM> through a fastening piece <NUM>, while the other end 61b of the latch <NUM> is free, so that the latch <NUM> can pivot around the axis X. The frame <NUM> comprise a groove <NUM> at its backside adjacent to the hole <NUM>. The latch <NUM> is placed within the groove <NUM> so that a user's hand <NUM> can easily grip for example a grip bar <NUM> for lifting the latch <NUM> as shown in <FIG> by a rotation movement around the axis X.

Preferably, there is a spring <NUM> mounted behind the end 61a of the latch <NUM>. The spring <NUM> surrounds the axis X and is pre-stressed in such a manner that the latch <NUM> is kept in a lower position and thereby inserted into the slot <NUM> if no extra force is applied. Owing to the pre-stressed spring <NUM>, the user has to overcome the spring force for lifting the latch <NUM> in its unlocked position. In other word, the spring <NUM> further ensues that the cover frame <NUM> is kept in a locked status in its closed position.

Preferably, the latch <NUM> is provided with a grip bar <NUM>, so that the user can grip and move the latch <NUM> in an easy manner. Preferably, the grip bar <NUM> and the latch <NUM> form an angle of <NUM>°. Preferably, the grip bar <NUM>, the latch <NUM> and the projection <NUM> are formed from one metal sheet and are thus made in one piece for stability reasons. As an alternative, the grip bar <NUM>, the latch <NUM> and the projection <NUM> can be formed from an artificial material.

Optionally, a further restricting piece <NUM> is also mounted to the base plate <NUM>, but not fastened with the latch <NUM>. The restricting piece <NUM> just works to restrict the movement range of the latch <NUM>. As presented in <FIG>, the latch <NUM> has a free end 61b that can move within the space between the base plate <NUM> and the restricting piece <NUM>. Thereby, the end 61b of the latch <NUM> is limited to move upwardly and downwardly within a defined room.

In a locked position, the projection <NUM> of the latch <NUM> is inserted into the slot <NUM> of the cover frame <NUM> as shown in the <FIG> and <FIG>, and thereby restrains the cover frame <NUM> from rotating. The above mentioned inner edge <NUM> comprises the slot <NUM>.

In order to unlock, a user has to push or pull the latch <NUM> upwardly as illustrated in <FIG>. In a preferred embodiment as presented in <FIG>, wherein a hole <NUM> is provided on the top portion <NUM> to form a handle for the frame stand, the hole <NUM> is preferred to be big enough so that a user's hand <NUM> can pass through the hole <NUM> to contact respectively to grip the grip bar <NUM> of the latch <NUM>.

When the user moves the latch <NUM> upwardly, the projection <NUM> of the latch <NUM> is lifted to be away from the slot <NUM> of the cover frame <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in the unlocked position, the latch <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is in a lifted position and the cover frame <NUM> is able to rotate into its opened position.

In a short word, the user raises the latch <NUM> to unlock, and drops latch <NUM> and thus the projection <NUM> into the slot <NUM> to lock. If there is a corresponding pre-stressed spring <NUM> (see <FIG>), the spring would move the latch <NUM> into its locked position. In this case, it is not necessary that a user has to drop the latch <NUM> for locking the locking mechanism comprising the latch <NUM>.

<FIG> shows another embodiment of the frame stand, wherein some wheels <NUM>, for example, two wheels <NUM> are provided at the bottom of one base frame <NUM> or base plate, for example, at the two feet of the frame <NUM>. Owing to the wheels <NUM>, it is much easier to move the folded frame stand from one place to another place. The wheel may be mounted by screws <NUM>.

<FIG> show some further embodiments of the frame stand, in order to enhance its stability in deployed status.

In <FIG>, a foldable band <NUM>, for example comprised of two hinged bars, is applied to one side of the two frames <NUM> and <NUM>, and connects the two frames <NUM> and <NUM>, for example, in the middle part of the frames.

In <FIG>, side walls <NUM> are installed between the two frames <NUM> and <NUM>, after the two frames are deployed.

In <FIG>, a connecting rod <NUM> is installed between the two frames <NUM> and <NUM>, at the bottom part of the frames.

In <FIG>, both the side walls <NUM> and the connecting rod <NUM> are applied.

Due to the special structures of the present invention, our invention has at least following advantages.

Since the cover frame <NUM> surrounding a transparent plate is provided, inserted posters can be protected from water, dust and wind.

Besides, since the cover frame can be placed in close contact with the base plate <NUM> respectively plate <NUM> (especially in the embodiments of <FIG> and <FIG>), the posters therein can be stretched over the surface of the cover frame in a taut position, and meanwhile be held in a substantially fixed position.

The opening for inserting a poster is arranged at the upper side of the frame stand, so that the user only has to rotate the cover frame over a small angle, and a small opening is sufficient to remove and to insert a poster.

The bottom edge of the cover frame is connected to the base plate, which forms a V-shape container. Thus, when inserting the poster, the poster can be directly and quickly put into the container without any danger of slipping out.

Thus, a user can finish the manipulation of changing posters in a very easy manner. One hand can handle the poster <NUM> and the other hand can handle the cover frame <NUM>. There is no need for an of adhesive. The user has not to change his standing position.

<FIG> explains how to insert a poster into the frame stand when the frame stand is in deployed status.

As an alternative, the poster therein can also be changed when the frames are in folded flat status. When the frame stand is folded and lie parallel to the ground, various posters having various sizes can be spread on the base plate at one's disposal. When the cover frame is closed, the poster therein is held in a substantially fixed position. Then, the frame stand is ready to be deployed for display.

The stand frame according to our invention is preferred to have an inclined display surface when it is standing on the ground. For example, when it is a V-shape or A-shape fame stand, the display surface generally has an acute angle relative to the ground. When the display surface of the base plate is so inclined, the gravity of the cover frame helps to close the cover frame and helps to keep the frame in a closed state. Furthermore, the gravity of the cover frame helps to press the poster to be in a tauter position. Lastly, when the display surface of the base plate is inclined, the weight of the cover frame can be burden by the base plate, which guarantees the stability and durability of the stand frame.

When a locking element is applied, the frame can be locked to a closed state.

When the locking element is applied on the upper edge of the cover frame, the manipulation is maintained to be simple. One hand unlocks the latch, and the other hand opens the cover frame. The two manipulations occur within a small distance and it is therefore easy to be finished at the same time.

In a preferred embodiment of <FIG>, a detailed locking element is provided. It can be understood that many other locking element may be also applied. But the embodiment shown in <FIG> is specially easy in manipulation, simple in structure, and reliable in repeated use.

Claim 1:
A frame stand for posters, comprising a frame (<NUM>) surrounding a base plate (<NUM>), and a cover frame (<NUM>), wherein the cover frame (<NUM>) has a bottom edge (122a) which is connected to the base plate (<NUM>) in a rotatable manner, wherein a locking element (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of a locking mechanism at the top for the cover frame (<NUM>) is provided to lock the cover frame (<NUM>) and the base plate (<NUM>) together, characterized in that the locking element (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a latch (<NUM>), mounted on the frame (<NUM>), which has a projection (<NUM>) suitable to be inserted into a slot (<NUM>) of the upper edge (122b) of the cover frame (<NUM>), wherein the locking mechanism is arranged adjacent to a handle of the frame stand, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a pre-stressed spring (<NUM>) which can move the locking mechanism into its locked position and which can hold the locking mechanism in its locked position.