WO2009109773A1

WO2009109773A1 - Display panel apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2009109773A1
Application number: PCT/GB2009/050205
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerry Mclucas
Original assignee: CONCEPT DATA DISPLAY Ltd
Current assignee: CONCEPT DATA DISPLAY Ltd
Priority date: 2008-03-04
Filing date: 2009-02-27
Publication date: 2009-09-11
Anticipated expiration: 2010-09-04
Also published as: GB2460907A; GB0804344D0; GB0818481D0; GB2460907B; GB0803979D0

Abstract

Display panel apparatus in which a plurality of panel support frames may be interconnected via a connection clip that is capable of releasably locking to adjacent panel support frames. The connection clip comprises a pivoting hinge portion to allow adjacent panels to pivot relative to one anotheronce connected. Locking means are provided to secure each clip to the support claim.

Description

DISPLAY PANEL APPARATUS

The present invention relates to display apparatus and in particular, although not exclusively, to display systems formed by interconnected display panels.

Modular display systems are widely used for exhibitions and trade shows to display information to groups of individuals. For ease of transportation between events and to provide a versatile system that can be assembled to satisfy different display requirements, such displays systems typically comprise a plurality of interconnected panels or support frames to which the display panels may be attached.

Example systems include GB 2421109 that discloses a display system in which individual panels are interconnected via resilient clips secured in position at the edges of the panels.

GB 2184281 discloses a panel display system in which panel members are interconnected via vertical support rods positioned between adjacent panels. Double hinges connect the panels to the vertical supports allowing the panels to pivot relative to one another to create an interconnected display system.

US 5,642,557 similarly discloses an interconnected modular panel system in which individual panels are secured together via intermediate spindles. The panels are hingeably attached to the spindles via clips that attach to the panels via a first jaw and to the spindles via a second jaw.

There is therefore a need for an improved panel display system that provides a fully modular system allowing ease and versatility of assembly that may be readily dissembled and stored between display events.

The present invention relates to a modular display panel system that allows the interconnection of display panels. The present system is fully modular in which interconnecting clips are releasably locked to support frames - to which the panels are mounted. Each connection clip is held in place at the panel support frame by a locking mechanism one half of which is provided at the clip whilst a second half is provided at the panel support. The locking mechanism is engaged and released by hand obviating the need for additional apparatus or tools.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus comprising: panel support means configured to support a display panel; at least one connection clip formed non-integrally with the panel support means and configured to connect separate adjacent panel support means together, said clip comprising: a first arm pivotally connected to a second arm by hinge means; first lock means provided at said first and second arm; said panel support means comprising second lock means configured to cooperate with said first lock means of said first or second arm to releasably lock said clip to said panel support means.

Preferably, the hinge means is formed integrally with said first and second arm.

Alternatively, said hinge means may be formed non-integrally with said first and second arm.

Preferably, the hinge means extends the full width of said clip and comprises a flexible plastic material such as a synthetic polymer.

Preferably, the first lock means comprises as resiliently biased flange and said second lock means comprises a housing configured to receive and engage said flange to releasably lock said clip to said panel support means. The housing may be configured to receive and house at least a part of said first or second arm.

Preferably, the housing comprises abutment means configured to abut said flange in a locked position to prevent said clip being retracted from said housing. The first and second arm may comprise a shoulder configured to sit against said housing and limit the depth to which said first or second arm may be inserted in said housing.

Preferably, the panel support means comprises a panel frame having four sides. The clip and panel support means may comprises polypropylene or any other suitable material. In particular, the material of the clip must exhibit the desired harness and stiffness at the arm extensions whilst being flexible at the hinge region to allow each arm extension to pivot relative to one another. This difference in the physical and mechanical properties of the clip (in which the arm extensions and hinge portion are formed integrally) may be provided by varying the thickness of the clip material at different regions along the clip length.

Preferably the apparatus comprises a display panel releasably attachable to the panel support means.

The present display apparatus may be used to construct substantially planar exhibition or display stands by the interconnection of the panel support means via a plurality of flexible clips interconnecting the panel support frames at a number of regions along one or more sides of the frame. According to specific implementations, the panel support means comprises four sides having means to connect to four separate clips on each of the four sides. The panel support means may also comprise additional clips or fixings to secure the display panels in place. Such clips and fixings are known within the art and may take a variety of different configurations according to conventional panel display systems.

The present invention is particularly suitable for the construction of three dimensional storage vessels commonly termed 'dump bins' within the industry. These three dimensional vessels are formed by interconnecting any number of panel support means together via a plurality of connection clips. Preferably, the dump bins comprise four, six, eight or ten interconnected panels to form a bin-like structure being open at one end to allow items to be deposited within and removed from the vessel interior.

The present invention may comprise a lid configured to releasably engage the exposed end edges of the interconnected display panels arranged to form a three dimensional storage vessel. The lid comprises suitable flanges or engaging means so as to -A- be releasably attached to the end of the storage vessel to prevent dislodgement during use. Additionally, the lid may comprise any shape or geometry configured to fit over and about the upper open end of a three dimensional storage vessel comprising any polygonal cross sectional profile. With the lid in place, positioned over and about the end of the vessel, the three dimentional structure provides a display table or stand configured to support items placed upon it for exhibition/display purposes.

The present invention may also comprise a three dimensional vessel coupling clip configured to allow the end-to-end coupling of a plurality of three dimensional storage vessels. Via the coupling clip, it is possible to erect columns of end-to-end coupled storage vessels that may be erected and dismantled via the modular couplings in a convenient manner.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts for a panel display system comprising: panel support means configured to support a display panel; at least one connection clip formed non-integrally with the panel support means and configured to connect separate adjacent panel support means together, said clip comprising: a first arm pivotally connected to a second arm by hinge means; first lock means provided at said first and second arm; panel support means comprising second lock means configured to cooperate with said first lock means of said first or second arm to releasably lock said clip to said panel support means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of forming a panel display system comprising: releasably locking a first arm of a connection clip to a first panel support means; and replaceably locking a second arm of said connection clip to a second panel support means; wherein said connection clip is releasably locked in position at the panel support means by a cooperating lock means provided at said clip and said panel support means.

A specific implementation of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached drawings in which: figure 1 is a perspective view of a connection clip and a portion of the panel support means according to the specific implementation of the present invention;

figure 2 is a perspective view of a connection clip and a portion of the panel support means according to a further specific implementation of the present invention;

figure 3 illustrates perspective views of the present invention used in the construction of a three dimensional storage vessel according to a specific implementation;

Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a lid for use with the storage vessels of figure 3 according to a specific implementation;

Figure 5 illustrate a perspective view of a storage vessel of figure 3 together with the lid of figure 4 according to a specific implementation;

Figure 6A illustrates a cross sectional side elevation view of a H-clip to enable construction of columns of the storage vessels illustrated in figure 3;

Figure 6B illustrates a first perspective view of the H-clip illustrated in figure 6 A;

Figure 6C illustrates a further perspective view of the H-clip illustrated in figure 6A.

Referring to figure 1, the display apparatus 100 comprises a panel support frame 102 and connection clip 101. Clip 101 comprises a first arm 102 hingeably connected to a second arm 103 via a substantially centrally positioned hinged portion 107.

According to the specific implementation, clip 101 is formed as an integral unit from a suitable synthetic polymer material such as polypropylene. The cross-sectional profile in the longitudinal direction extending along arms 102, 103, comprises a trough at the region of hinge 107 defined by tapered shoulders 108 such that the amount of material at hinge 107 is less than the amount of material at arms 102, 103 to enable clip 100 to bend at a crease region 110 extending substantially centrally within hinge portion 107. Accordingly, the first arm 102 and second arm 103 may pivot relative to one another at crease 110 and hinge 107.

First and second arms 102, 103 further comprise a resiliently biased flange 105 partially extending from within a cavity 106 provided at an uppermost face 114, 115 of the first 102 and second 103 arms, respectively. Flanges 105, represent one half of a locking mechanism by which panel support frame 112 and clip 103 are releasably attached.

Support frame 102 comprises a housing 111 provided at one of four sides 112 that define panel support 102. Housing 111, which is shaped as an elongate, raised bridge- like structure, comprises a recessed portion 109 having a shape and profile corresponding to flange 105 of clip 101.

In use, adjacent panel support frames 102 are assembled together by inserting first arm 102 at least partially within a housing 111 of a first frame and second arm 103 at least partially within a housing 111 of a second frame. As uppermost face 114 is slid past and under an internal facing surface (not shown) of housing 111 flange 105 is depressed into cavity 106. As arm 102, 103 is pushed further into housing 111, flange 105 clears the internal facing surface (not shown) of housing 111 at recessed region 109. Flange 109 is spring biased to extend from cavity 106 such that an upper edge 116 of flange 105 extends proud of face 114 to abut against the sides of recess 109 of housing 111 to prevent clip 101 being retracted from housing 111.

Clip 101 and support frame 102 may be disconnected by a user's fingers pressing flange 105 to depress it into its respective cavity 106. Once depressed, upper edge 116 does not sit proud of surface 114 and thereby clears recess sides to enable arm 102, 103 to be retracted from housing 111. Elongate shoulders 104 extend from upper faces 114, 115 to abut one end of housing 111 to restrict the depth to which each arm 102, 103 may be inserted within the housing 111. Figure 2 illustrates a further embodiment of the display apparatus of figure 1 comprising connection clip 200 and support frame 112. The principle of assembly and disconnection of adjacent support frames 112 together with most of the component features of the embodiments of figure 1 and 2 are shared save for the specific implementation of the releasably locking mechanism by which the connection clip is secured to the support frame.

According to the figure 2 embodiment, clip 200 comprises first and second arms 201, 202 extending from a substantially central and integrally formed hinge portion 203 as with the embodiment of figure 1. Each arm of 201, 202 comprises a corresponding abutting shoulder 208 for positioning against one edge of housing 205 - as each arm 201, 202 is slid within and under the bridge-like housing 205.

Each arm 201, 202 comprises a pair of locking fingers 204 positioned at each corner of arm 201, 202 furthest from central hinge portion 203. Each finger 204 is at least partially defined by a channel 205 extending into each arm 201 at an outermost edge region 206. Each finger 204 comprises a barb 207 extending outwardly towards one side of each arm 201, 202. Each finger 204 is resiliently deformably in an inward direction towards channel 205 such that barbed side regions 207 may be pressed by the fingers and thumb of a user to bend fingers 204 (and barbs 207) inwardly.

In operation, clip 200 is secured to panel support frame 112 by the frictional engagement of barbs 207 with an innermost edge 213 of housing 205. That is, as arm 202 is slid under an inward facing surface (not shown) of housing 205, fingers 204 are resiliently biased inwardly by the inward facing walls (not shown) of housing 205. Each barb 207 comprises a leading taper 214 that serves to guide and allow each finger 204 to pass and slide within housing 205 as arm 201 is brought into contact with it. Once arm 202 has been pushed sufficiently into housing 205, barbs 207 clear housing 205 and automatically displace outwardly to lock the clip in position. In the fully locked position illustrated in figure 2, a locking surface 215 formed at each barb 207 abuts against an innermost edge 213 of housing 205 to releasably lock clip 200 at panel support frame 112. As detailed above, clip 200 may be released from panel support frame 112 by a user depressing fingers 204 such that barbs 207 are depressed inwardly within respective channels 205 to enable locking surfaces 215 to clear housing edge 213 and allow clip 200 to be retracted from housing 205 to achieve panel support frame separation.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a means by which a plurality of display support frames 112 and display panels (illustrated in figure 3) may be interconnected and hingeably rotated relative to one another via a plurality of connection clips 100, 200. Each clip may be easily attached to and detached from each support frame negating the requirement for additional apparatus or tools. A user simply presses certain regions of the clip and/or support frame to release the clip and dissemble adjacent display panels and support frames.

Figure 3 illustrates the assembly of different shaped three dimensional storage vessels 300, commonly referred to as 'dump bins'. Each bin 300 comprises a plurality of interconnected support frames 112 moveably held together via a plurality of the connection clips 101, 200. Frames 112 are interconnected along their longest edge aligned with the longitudinal axis of the bin 300. A plurality of clips 101, 200 are positioned between each adjacent panel frame 112 along this length so as to provide a secure assembled structure being open at one end 303 enabling items to be deposited within and removed from the bin interior 305.

Display panels 301 are housed within each support frame 112 and are held in place by retaining clips or fixings 302. Fixings 302 may be formed integrally or non- integrally with each support frame 112. According to the specific embodiment of figure 3, each display panel 301 is slid into the central area defined by the four sided display frame 112 by the fingers and thumb of a user 304. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present invention is equally suitable to create a display stand being very similar with regard to components and assembly to the dump bins 300 save for the display stand having an open structure in which the edges of two adjacent panel frames 112 are not connected together referring to the dump bin 300 of figure 3. Additionally, as the clip and support frame are formed non-integrally, should the clip become damaged and unusable, it is possible to replace the clip only and not the support frame as required by certain conventional display apparatus in which the clip and panel are formed integrally.

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a lid 400 configured for positioning on top of a storage bin of the type illustrated in figure 3. According to the specific implementation of figure 4, lid 400 is configured to fit on the upper edges of the bin at the open end 303 where the bin comprises a substantially triangular cross section. As will be appreciated, lid 400 may comprise any geometry/shape to fit on top of bins having any polygonal cross sectional profile.

Lid 400 comprises an upper surface 401 bordered by three edges 403. A plurality of flanges 402 extend perpendicular to uppermost surface 401 and are configured to engaged onto the uppermost edges of each display panel 301 at the open end 303.

Figures 6 A to 6C illustrate a H-clip configured to allow erection of columns of display bins illustrated in figure 3. The H-clip comprises an outermost wall 600 and an innermost wall 602, the length of innermost wall 602 being greater than that of wall 600. The outer and inner walls 600, 602 are positioned opposed and substantially parallel and connected together via an intermediate connecting wall 601 aligned perpendicular to outer and inner walls 600, 602.

In use, the H-clip is secured over the end edges of the display bin, these being the uppermost or lowermost edges when the bin is orientated in normal use with the display panels aligned substantially perpendicular to the ground surface. An innermost face 604 of the outer wall 600 engages onto the outer surface of the display panel 301 whilst inner face 603 of inner wall 602 engages against an inner face of display panel 301 as the H-clip is secured over the upper or lower edges of the display bin. A second display panel 301 may then be inserted into the upper half of the H-clip and held in place by the engaging faces 603, 604 of the connecting H-clip. Accordingly, it is possible to build columns of interconnected display bins, each bin comprising a plurality of display panels 301 connected together via a plurality of clips 200.

Claims

Claims:

1. Display apparatus comprising: panel support means configured to support a display panel; at least one connection clip formed non-integrally with the panel support means and configured to connect separate adjacent panel support means together, said clip comprising: a first arm pivotally connected to a second arm by hinge means; first lock means provided at said first and second arm; said panel support means comprising second lock means configured to cooperate with said first lock means of said first or second arm to releasably lock said clip to said panel support means.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said hinge means is formed integrally with said first and second arm.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said hinge means is formed non- integrally with said first and second arm.

4. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said hinge means extends the full width of said clip.

5. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said hinge means comprises a flexible plastic material.

6. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said first lock means comprises as resiliency biased flange and said second lock means comprises a housing configured to receive and engage said flange to releasably lock said clip to said panel support means.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein said housing is configured to receive and house at least a part of said first or second arm.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein housing comprises abutment means configured to abut said flange in a locked position to prevent said clip being retracted from said housing.

9. The apparatus claimed in claim 8 wherein said first and second arm comprises a shoulder configured to sit against said housing and limit the depth to which said first or second arm may be inserted in said housing.

10. The apparatus as claimed in the preceding claim wherein said panel support means comprises a panel frame having four sides.

11. The apparatus claimed in any preceding claim wherein said clip comprises polypropylene.

12. The apparatus claimed in any preceding claim wherein said panel support means comprises polypropylene.

13. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a display panel releasably attachable to said panel support means.

14. A three dimensional vessel having side walls formed by a plurality of panel support means interconnected via a plurality of connection clips according to any preceding claim; wherein said side walls also comprise a plurality of panels releaseably attached to said panel support means.

15. The vessel as claimed in claim 14 wherein said vessel is open at one end to allow items to be inserted into and removed from said three dimensional vessel.

16. The vessel as claimed in claim 14 further comprising at least one end couple clip configured to allow the end-to-end coupling of a plurality of said three dimensional vessels.

17. The vessel as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16 further comprising a lid configured to be releasably secured to an open end of the vessel.

18. A display stand comprising a plurality of panel support means interconnected via a plurality of connection clips according to any one of claims 1 to 13; and a plurality of display panels releasably attached to said panel support means.

19. A kit of parts for a panel display system comprising: panel support means configured to support a display panel; at least one connection clip formed non-integrally with the panel support means and configured to connect separate adjacent panel support means together, said clip comprising: a first arm pivotally connected to a second arm by hinge means; first lock means provided at said first and second arm; said panel support means comprising second lock means configured to cooperate with said first lock means of said first or second arm to releasably lock said clip to said panel support means.

20. The kit of parts as claimed in claim 14 further comprising at least one display panel.

21. The kit of parts as claimed in claim 20 further comprising at least one end couple clip configured to allow the end-to-end coupling of a plurality of said three dimensional vessels.

22. The kit of parts as claimed in claim 20 or 21 further comprising a lid.

23. A method of forming a panel display system comprising: releasably locking a first arm of a connection clip to a first panel support means; and replaceably locking a second arm of said connection clip to a second panel support means; wherein said connection clip is releasably locked in position at the panel support means by a cooperating lock means provided at said clip and said panel support means.