Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
~ ~97XS3 - ~
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This invention is concerned with portable, flexible, panel devices which '~
can be used to display information at -trade shows and conventions. The panel ~-
device of this inven-tion is also useEul in -the furni-ture ar-ts. Panel devices ') !~
as may be used a-t trade S~lOwS or conventions are oF two principal types, ~
these being the large bulky type and -the por-table type. This inven-tion is !:. ',
concerned wi-th the portable type oF display device. The portahle display ''`!~
devices have become very popular ;n recent years for utiliza-tion a-t reyional "'
trade shows and conventions. These portable display devices, when assembled,
present a nice impression and have a very high display surFace to weigh-t ~`
rat;o. Further, these portable display devices are advantageous in that '
, ,
they can be quickly and easily assembled and disasseMbled without tools by
one person. In contrast, the lar~,e bulky display devices as mentioned above s'
are very heavy and hence have a low display surEace to weight ra-tio. Further, ,~
these display devices can be assembled and disassembled only with grea-t
difTFiculty by extra workmen a-t great expense.
!. ,~
The subject invention is useEul in connection with portable display
devices wherein a plurality of display panels are attached to channels which
in turn Eunction as supporting means. It is o.Ften desirable to locate the ;~
1!~
panels of a display device in angular relationship ~ith each other. It is j'`
in this area where the sub-ject invention is useTFul. In accordm1ce with this
inven-tion the panels of the device oF this invention can be located in any
desired relationsbip wi-th each other over a 360~ aro. ~;
This invention also includes the connector system which is useful in
holding component parts oE a display device in fixed rela-tionship with each ~!~
other. Also included in this invention is a vertical support and related
double hinge system which allows the panels of the composite structure to ,~
rotate in relation to each other over a 360 arc. The invention is also 9~.,
concerned with a unique hinge system which allows rota-tion through a 360
arc. ''
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1~9~7~53
Accordingly, the invention provides a device comprising
a plurality of vertical supports, adjacent vertical supports
being pivotally attached to each other by double hinge members,
said double hinge members comprising at least two clip hinge
elements, the clip hinge elements having a main body portion
and 180 opposing attaching members and locking tabs integral
with the attaching members, the vertical supports having
integral means for receiving the integral attaching members and
locking tabs of the clip hinge elements, panels being secured
between non-adjacent pairs of vertical supports.
The invention also provides a vertical support which
is useful in a device for securing panels, the vertical support
having an elongated body portion and a cross section which has
a central U-shaped channel which is flanked on opposite sides
by a pair of second U-shaped ahannels wherein the vertical
support opposite of the openings of the U-shaped channels is
arcuate.
JJ:
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lX97~5~3 ;
Dl., ~ rIol~l nr Tllr: DR~WINGS
Figure ]. is a Front view showing a sec-tion of -the sub;ect panel device.
E`;Kure ~ is an entl view alonr? Iine 2-2 oE E'igure I showing the vertical "'
suppor-ts of -the panel device in paralle]. rela-tionship with each other.
Figure 3A is a top sectional view showing the two panels in parallel
relationship to each other. :.'
Figure 3B is a top sectional view showing two panels i.n a strai~ht line
relationship wi-th each other. ;
F'igure 3C is a top sectional view showin~, two panels in parallel .,.
relationship with each other opposite oF that sholm in Figure 3A,
Figure 4 is a cross section alon~r line ~-4.
Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the clip hinge element of this ~1
invention. ! .
Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the placement o:F a pair of
hinges on a pair of vertical supports. ~.
E'igure 7 is a side view showing the panel device oE this invention wherein ' ;three panels are interconnec-ted. ~
Figure 8 is a top view o:F the three panel structure of Figure 7. ~ ''
E'igure 3A is a top view oF the three panel structure of Figure 7 in ~.,
angular relationship.
Figure 9 is a perspective view showing -the lnterconnectln~, oE horlzontal ;,~;.
and vertical members wlth a connector plug. '''
: Flgure 9A is a perspectlve view showlng the cooperation of the
horizontal memher witll a panel.
Figure lOA is a top view showlng two panels ln a parallel line
relationship with each other wherein the panel is secured by edge plies. ~,
Figure lOB is a top view showing two panels in a straight line relationship
~, with each other wherein the panel member is secured by edge plies.
! Figure lOC is a top view showing two panels in parallel relationship "~
with each other opposite o:F that shown on Flgure lOA wherein the panel is secured 2 ;.
by edge plies. ~b~'
Figure llA is a cross sectlon of the preferred embodlment of a vertical
support which is useful in this invention, -
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2 f~ ~
~97253
~ igure llB is a cross section of a simpliEied embodiment of a vertical
su~o~t.
Figure llC shows another embodiment of a vert;cal support. r~
~ igure 12 is a perspective view showing means whereby the fabric covering
of the panel can be wrapped around the panel device components.
Figure 13 is a cross section view oF a horizontal suppor-t~
Figure 1~ shows the connection oF two panels and related vertical -;
supports in fixed relationship with each other. -
Figure 15 is a perspective view showing a connector plug Eor connecting
two panels in fixed rela-tionship with each other. ;
Figure 16 is a top plan view showing the connection of a plurality of
vertical suppor-ts and related panels.
Figure 17 ls a Eront view oE an embodiment of a panel device in accordance i
with tilis invention showing means For displaying panel indicia
Figure 18 is a perspective view showing the placement oE indica in the
panel device of Figure 17.
Figure 19 and 20 are side views showing the means for incorporating additional
panels into the panel device of this invention.
Figure 21 is a side view showing a leg structure For use with this invention. ;~
Figure 22 is a perspective view oF a notched vertical support. ;
Figure23~ and 2L~ are side views showing notched vertical supports.
Figure 23B is a section view through line 23B of Figure 23A.
Figure 25 is a perspective vi.ew showing an alternate clip hinge element '
structure.
Figure 26 is a perspec-tive view showin~ the placement of a pair of clip !~
hinge elements as shown in Figure 25 on-to a pair o-f vertical supports. t,
Figure 27 is a cross section view showing the placement of the alternate
clip hinge structure of Figure 2~ in vertical supports.................................... ,?
'
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~97253
DSCRIPTI()N ()F Tl~ PPI~FERR~D E~B0l)IME~IT
The subject invent;on relates to a panel device which comprises a
plurality oF vertlcal supE~orts which are secured in ~arallel relationship ,;
wi-th each other wi-th a plurality of strap double hinges. Spaced between the
vertical supports are panels. The parallel rela-tionship oF the vertical
supports may be Eurther deFined by interconnecting horizoll-tal supports. The
combination oF the ver-tical supports and horizontal supports deFine a frame
which may be squars or rectangular. Secured wi-thin each frame so defined is ~i~
a panel member.
As is rnentioned hereinabove the subject panel device is particularly
useful in the portable display art. I-t should be noted however that the
panel device of this inventioll is also useful in -the furni-ture art, The
subject panel device can be fabricated in such a size that it can be used
for example as a room devider, oFFice seperator, privacy screen or noise ~-
barrier. l:n the furni-ture arts -the panel device at hand is particularly
useful in that the various panels can be angularly disposed in relation -to ;~
each other to define any given surEace area, If so desired these panel ~ -
members can be locked into relationship with each o-ther,
Referring to Flgure 1 it can be seen -that the panel device of this
invention 2 comprises a pair of vertical supports 4 and 6, a pair oF
horizontal supports 8 and 10 and a panel 12. ' !
As ;s shown in Figure8 ll and 2, pairs oF adjacent veFtical supports 6
and 14 are rotatably connected to each other via a plurality of clip hinge ',;
elements i6, 1~, 20 and 22, 'rhese clip hinge eloment8 cooperate with and ~,
grip the vertical supports in a manner wh;ch will be described hereinbelow,
Figures 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate how related panel devices can be
rotated throug,h a 360 arc in relation to each other, In Figure 3A it can
be seen that into vcrtical supports 6 and 1ll ara secursd panels 12 and 24. m"'
In this Fisure panels 12 and 24 are in parallel relationship with each t';~
other, In Figure 3B vertical support 6 has been rotated in the direction
of arrow 26, As a result of this rotation, panels 12 ànd 24 ~-
are now in a straight line relationship with each other.
In Figure 3C the rotation of vertical support 6 in relation to ii
vertical suppor-t 14 is continued in the direction of arrow 28,
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~7~;3 ~
Upon completion oF rotation in the direction oF arrow 28 panels 12 and
24 are again in parallel rel.ationship wit~ each other. In comparing~ Flgure
3A to l iyure 3C it can be seen -that panel 12 has been rota-ted 360 in relation
to panel 24. It is understood by one skilled in -the ar-t that this rotation
of panels 12 and 24 is relation -to each other could be stopped at any point
to achieve any desired angular relationship of panels 12 and 24.
Vertical supports 6 and 1e incorporate a plurali-ty of integral lips 30,
32, 34 and 36. Panels 12 and 2~ are scored in such a manner tha-t lips 30,
32, 34 and 36 are adapted -to grip said scored portion.
Panels 12 and 24 may be formed Erom a material which may be readily
scored such as a foam board. The manner in which panels 12 and 24 may be
scored and positioned in vertical supports 6 and 14 and gripped by lips
30, 32, 34 and 36 is described in detail in U.S. Patent 3,fi62,807 issued
May 16, 1972.
The ro-tation of panels 12 and 24 and vertical suppor-ts 6 and 14 is made
possible by the fact tha-t adjacent ver-tical supports 6 and 14 are inter-
connec-ted with each o-ther by -two or more double hinlJ~es which comprise
clip hin~e elemen-t 16, 13, 20 and 22.
Figure 4 is a section taken along line 4-4 of Figuro 1. In this figure the
at-tachment oE the second clip hinge element :~O to vortical supports 6 and 11l
can be seen.
Ii ~
From Figure 6 it can be seen that a composite hinge 35 consists o~ a pair
of clip hinge elements 18 and 20. It can further be seen tha-t clip hinge
elements 16 and 20 can be easily slipped on to vertical supports 6 and 14.
The structure of clip hinge element 18 can be further seen from an
examination of Figure 5 Clip element 16 comprises a main body por-tion
which is formed from a suitable Elexible material and a pair of oppoSinP end
portions 40 and ~2. End portions 40 and 42 comprise reverse bands~ In order
to interlock with adjacent vertical supports and stay in tension during rotation
the reverse bends of end portions 40 and 42 must be opposite of each other. Clip
hinge element 18 may be formed from any suitable flexible materlal such as a metal
or polymeric material. For example, clip hinge element 18 can be formed from a l~
thermoplastic polymeric material such as a poly alpha ole~in. If clip hinf~e 18 "-:
is formed from a thermoplastic material, reverse bend end portions can be formed i~`
by a thermal bending process. A clip hinge element complete with reverse bend -~
end portions may also be formed by injection moldin~.
~97253
Clip hinge elemen-t 18 can lilcet~ise ~e formed Erom a rnetal wi-th reverse 5
bend end portions being Formed Erom a precut section oE metal by a suitable ,;
ben(ling process. If a therrnoplastic material is used, it has heen found that j -
for portable display devices a width oF approximately .5 inches and a thick~
ness oE about .030 inches is desirable. The clip hinge elements may be
to -three fourths hard
formed from a me-tal . Half hard /stainless steel is the preferr ed metal for ,i
use in accordance wi-th this invention. The clip hinge element should have
a width of approximately .5 incl~es and a thickness of approximately .007 inches .
In the preferred embodiment halE hard .007 inches thick 304 stainless steel
is u-tilized.
As is illustrated in ~igure 6 each end of a pair of vertical supports
6 and 14 utilize a pair o.F clip hinge elements 18 and 20. The opposite end
of said pair of vertical supports also u-tilize a pair of clip hinges not ~-
shown. Pairs of hinges are utilized as during rotation in relation to each '~
other over 360 stress is al-ternately applied and released to cooperating
clip hinge elernents 18 and 20 depending on the respective position oE
vertical suppor-ts 6 and 15. ; `
Any memher oE composite structures 2 can be in-terconnected in series
in order to produce a display device o.F the desired size. Likewise three ~i `
or more composite panel devices can be interconnec-ted iF it is desired to
have a panel device in which the three or more panels can rotate in relation )~;
to each other. As can be seen in Figures 7, 8 and 8A, three composite panels
38, 40 and 42 are booked togetller. These compogite panels consist oE three l~
vertical supports 1~4, 46 and 4R. These vertical supports are interconnected
by our clip hinge elements 5t), 51, 52 and 54. l~ith this structure, composite
panels 38 and 42 can be rotated in relation to central panel 40 in the ~;
direction of arrows 56 and 58.
~igure 9 illustrates one embodiment oF a horizontal support 60 and the
attachment of this horizontal support to vertical support 62. ~lorizontal
support 60 incorporates U-shaped sections 64, 66 and 68. As is
illustrated, the open end of U-shaped sections 66 and 68 are opposite the ,
open end of U-shaped section 64. U-shaped section 64 further incorporates
a pair of opposing lips 72 and 74. In order to connect horizontal support 60
to vertical support 62 a connector plug 76 is inserted into the aperture J-
which is defined by U-shaped channel 64 and lips 72 and 74 and secured therein
with a mechanical fastener or an adhesive. The opposite end 80 of connector
plug 76 is in turn inserted into aperture 85 of vertical support 62. :
~;
~2~7ZS3
Further From FiKure 9 and 9A i~ can be seen tlla~ horizontal support 60
i5 adapted to en~age l~anel ~2 via U-shaped channels 66 and 68. Panel 82
comprises a central core 8L, For example a hor,eycomb core, and a pair oF outer ;;'
plies û3 aod 87 The core 81 is cut or crushed inwardly to -the depth oE d
U-shaped channel 64, outer plies 83 and 87 oF pane~. 82 may then be inserted , '
in-to U-shaped channels 66 and 68. In this manner i-t can be seen that t
hori~on-tal support 60 and panel 82 are securely interconnected. Likewise
horizontal support 60, ver-tical suppor-t 62 and panel 82 are securely inter~
connected to each other to form a s-trong, unitary panel deqice.
~": '~
E'igures 10A, and 10~ and 10C Eurther illustra-te how panels and related
horizontal and vertical suppor-ts may be rotated in relation to each other. ' .
In these figures panels 81l and 86 are rota-ted 360 in relation to each other
in the direction oF arrows a8 and 90. ;~
An integral part oF the subject inven-tion is the vertical suppor-t sys-tem
the function oF wh;ch has been described here;nabove. In its simplest
embodiment in accordance with this invention the individual vertical supports
must incorporate a means For engaging the clip hinge elements and a means
for engaging panel members . Suitable vertical supports ar e illus-trated in
Figures llA, 1.18 and llC.
Figure llA illustrates the pre:Ferred embodiment of a ver-tical suppor-t
for use in this invention. In this structure vertlcal support 142 incorporates
or chanrlel ' '
a central U shaped open;.~g /144 which is ùe.Fined by sides 146 and 14B and a
bight 150. This ~ o t.Loal support also incOrpOra~tQS a pair o.F ()-shapod chEmnels ~'
152 and 154. U-shaped channel .l51l is del`.ined by sldos 1l~6 and 156 and
biF~ht 162. Convcrsly U-shaped channel 152 i9 deEined by sides 148 and 15a and
!
bight 160. The reverse bonds o.F -the clip hinge elements as are illustrated
in Figur-e 5 engage sides 156 and 158 oF vertical suppor-t 142. Vertical support
142 further incorporates a pair of lips 164 and 166 which further define ~'
U-shaped opening 144. Lips 164 and 166 are adap-ted to en~age score lines
which are an integral part of the panel portion not shown in a manner as described .'
herein above. The rear portion of vertical suppor-t 142 incorporates an
opening 168 which is defined by legs 170 and 172. Legs 170 and 172 in turn
incorporate a pair of opposing lips 174 and 176. Opening 168 is useful in
-that vertical support 142 may be covered with a fabric. This fabric is tucked
around the leading edge of sides 156 and 158 behind the reverse bend section
of the strap hinge element. The opposite end of the covering fabric is t' .
tucked into opening 168 and secured via lips 174 and 176.
1~97~53
Figure llH rcpresents the s;mple3t form of a vertical support which
may be used in accordance with this invention. In this embodiment vertical
support 13~ compri3es a secl:ion oF tubinl~ which has part oF it.s circumforence
cut away in such a manner that ~ ips 138 and 140 are Eormed. The opening 142
which is deFined by lips 138 and 140 is adap-ted to roceive a panol me)rlber ,~,
in the manner as described her einabove. 'rhe reverse bends of the esnbodiment oF
clip hinge elemen-t illustrated in Figure S is adapted -to slip around lips .,
138 and 1~10. ;'
Figure llC illustrates still another embodimen-t oE a vertical support. In
this struc-ture vertical support 62 comprises a halla round extrusion havin~ a
central U shaped openiog 85 which ls defined by sicles 112 and 114, and by bights ,
116 and 117. Lips 113 and 115 further de,Fine U shaped oponing 85. Suitable ,~
clip hinge elements can engage lips 113 and 115 and a suitable panel mernber can ; '
be positioned in U shaped opening 85 between lip9 113 and 115.
Accordingly, ;t can be seen that if desired a plurality oF vertical suppor-ts
may be used in a manner as was described in re~erence to Figure 1, 2 and 6
here inabove .
Vor-tical and ilorizontal supports as clescribed may be formed Erom any
convenient material. 'I'hese suppor-ts may be ex-truded Erom a thermoplastic material ,,~,
such as a polyalpha oleFin or a nyLon. In the preferred embodiment theso elemen-ts i~'
are aluminum extrusions which are extruded from aluminum. Cosmetics and color ~,,;
combinations aro vory important in displaying devices which aro used at trade ,,1
shows. In -this connection vertical and horizontal supports may be colored or ,1,
pain-ted to aahieve any ùesirod effect. IF colored vertical and or horizontal
supports are desired in tho pro Forred ombodimont this coloring is achiovod by
anodizing or painting of tho aluminum extrusions. ~i
Figuro 12 illustratos a panel dov.ice in accordanco with this invention
wherein both tho vortical and horizontal supports aro complotely covorod wi-th a ~5
fabric. In this ombodimont fabric is rolled around vertical support 142. One
end of tho fabric is tuckod into oponing 168, the other ond of tho fabric is
tuckod around -tho odgos of sidos 156 and 158 as was doscribod in connection with
Figure llA~
Panol 178 comprisos a central core 180 and a pair of opposing plies 182 ~,' `-
and 184~ Plies 182 and 184 are biased into and securod in 1) shapod channols 152
and 154 by the biasing of tho reverse bend portion of clip hinge element 186~
1~,.. .
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1~9~72~3
In this instance ho:ri~onl:a:l sui)l)ort l~a ;5 U-shaped arld has a central openlnv
190 whi.cll is d( Fille-l by riides 1~2 am(l :19~ i.gh~ l(JG an(.l l;ps 190 and 200. I'al)I`i.C ~,
layer 202 covers p:Ly 18? an(l i.s tucked arourld t}~e oppermost edge 204 of
ply 1l32 and between side 191~ oF hori7.0rltal support 188 and ply 182. Hori~on-tal
support 188 and vertical suppor t 11l2 can be interconnected via a connector plu~
such as plug 76 as i9 descril,ed above in connect.ion with Figure 9.
I he struc ture o:F FiPur e 12 is advan tar~eous in that if a plurality of panel .
deviccs are s-tacJ<e(l on top oF eac~ t~ler boti~ the horizon-tal and vertical supports
are fully covered with Eabric 202, ;n such a manner as to present a very pleasing
and uni Forrn appearance .
Figure 13 3hows in yreater detail particulars oF horizon-tal support 60.
Ilori;~ontal support G0 incorporates a pair of U-shaped channels 66 and 68.
Channels 66 and 68 are adapted to receive the outer plies 83 and 85 oF panel 82
as has beerl described hereinabove in connection with Figures 9 and 9A. Ilorizontal
support 60 further incorporates a pair oF opposing lips 72 and 74 ~)pposing lips
72 and 74 are adapted -to erlgage connector plug 76 as is shown in Flpure 9.
Whl:Le tlle panel device o:F this invention is vory desirable in -that the
panels can be moved through a 360 arc aE-ter movcmont in some usaS~e it t.s '~!
desirable to loek a plurality o.F panels in Elxed relationship with each other.
One mode oE loelc.ing panels in relationshi.p with eaell other is illustrated ;n
E`igure 14. In thls embodiment two panels 207 and 208 inaorporate hori~ontal ~:
suppor-ts 210 anù 212 whlch ara lclerlt.t.cal to hor:lzontal support 60 as duscribed ~,.
above in re.Ference to l igures 9 and 9A. Ilorizorltal SUE~pOrtS 210 and 212 are ':
eonnected to vertieal supports 214 and 216 via a pair oF eonrleetor plu~s not ii;
shown. Re.Ferring to Figure 9 it ean be seen that ;the vertieal leg oE eonneetor ~`;
~,.
plug 76 is hollow and incorporates a squaro apeture 134 which is analo~Jous to j:
apetures 218 and 220 as is illustrated in Figure 14. Panels 207 and 208 are
secured in fixed re3,ationship with each other by placing a loekin~ plug 222 into
apetures 218 and 220. The details oE loekir.g plug 222 are better illustrated Ç~ ~
~n Figure lS. Locking plug 222 incorporates a pair of square downward dependin~ i `
legs 224 and 226. When legs 224 and 226 are plaeed into apeture 218 and 220 l .
panels 210 and 212 are secured in Eixed relationship with each other. Tha-t is
because the spacing of legs 224 and 226 is fixed, the spacing of apeture 218 and ~ ~;
220 is in turn fixed which in turn fixes the rela-t;onship of panels 207 and 208. !`' ;
Hhile legs 224 and 226 and eorresponding apetures 218 and 220 are illu9trated i,
as square it is understood by one s)cilled in the art that these components cculd ~.
be round or any convenient shape. "
1~972S;~
Figure 16 illustrates still another embod;ment oE this invention wherein a
~oi' panels carl be locked lnl:o pos;tion with each other.
As was described in re~erence to Fieure llA ver-tical support 142 incorporateS ,~
an openine 168 which is adapted to receive the ends of Eabric which is used to ''
cover the ver-tical support. F;gure 16 illustrates a composite panel device 223
which incorporates -three panels 22l~, 226 and ~28 and three ver-tical suppor-ts ,~
230, 232 and 234. These vertical suppor-ts in turn have as an integral part thereof
openings 236, 238 and 2L~0. In order to lock panels 22~, 226 and 228 of composite
panel device into a Eixed relationship wi~h each other a lockir~g plu5~, 242 is
inserted into openings 236, 238 and 240. '~
Locking plugs 222 and 2~i2 as are described in re:Ference to E'igures 15 and 16
can be Eormed from any convenient material such as a me-tal or a polymeric ma-terial.
In the preEerred embodiment these plugs are injection molded Erom a durable r
thermoplast';c such as a poly alpha oi.efin or a nylon. Figures 15 and 16
1llustrate the locking of two and three panels to~,ether, i-t is unders-tood tha-t ~,
any convenien-t number oF panels can be locked together.
Figures 17 and 18 illustra-te an embodiment oF -this invention wherein a displaydevice 248 can be used to protect and display lareo sheet i-tems such as
photo~,raphs. Display device incorporates a pair of opposinr~ vertical supports
~50 and 252 which may be connected to additional adjacent vertical suppor-ts, ;
not shown, in a manner as doscribed hereinabove. In this structure a hor;.zontalsupport positioned over the top edy,o oE panol 256. ~ides 259 and 260 oF U shapod ~ '
horizon-tal support 254 are positioned downwardly over panel 256. 'I'he upper
edge of panel 25G is posi-tioned in and gripped by lips 262 and 264 of vertical
support 254. ~1ith this positioning a space exist between side 260 of horizontal !'',
support 254 and side 266 oE vertical support 250. Tllis space is adapted to ~;
receive an indica sheet 263 which may be a poster or a photograph and a transparent
protective sheet 248. By using this s-tructure inexpensive art work such as a ~'
photograph can be readily displayed and changed at ease in the display device F~
of this invention. The composite structure may then be covered by a cap channel
251 which is held in place with clips 253 and 255.
Figures 19 and 20 illustrate an embodiment of this invention wherein a i`
cantilever header may be placed on a panel device. In this structure vertical ;.';
support 282 is adap-ted to receive and support panels in a manner as described
herein above. A cantilever header iS Eormed by the connection of a section 284 i
~297~S~ ~
oF the extrusior" wllich is used to Form t~e vertical ,upport, -to ver-tica]. support
232 b~ use oF a conrlector blac(3 2~G. Lcy,s 288 and 2~0 o~ connec~or brace
286 are posi-tioned in opening 168 as is shown and described herein above in ~.
connect;on with Figure llA. By use of this structure a sec-tion 284 and an '~
opposin~ identical section on the nex-t adjacent vertical support not shown,
can be used to form a cantilever header, To forrn said header a panel is secured
in sec-tion 284 and its acl;acent counterpart. ,~i
Figure 21 illustra-tes an embodiment wherein a leg support 292 may be added ..
to the panel device of this invention in order to give it greater lateral
support. Leg support 292 comprises a base section 294 and a connector leg 296.
A screw locked stop 298 is secured to connec-tor leg 296. Connector leg 296
is positioned in ver-tical suppor-t 300 into opening 14LI which is illustrated .` .
and described in detail herein above in connection wi-th Figure llA. .::
Figures 22, 23A, 23B and 24 illustrate modifications oF the edges oE vertical
suppor-t 302 and 304. As was described above in reEerence to Fig~ures 5 and 6 the
clip hinge elements wrap around and engage the outer edp,e of ~he vertical support.
In order to prevent the clip hinge elements from moving on vertical supports l~
302 the outer edges oF-this vertical support can be notched as per notches 306 and
308. In operation the bot-tom of -the clip hinge elemen-t enF,ages the bottom of notch '
306 and 308 in such a manner that adiacent vertical supports can not ride upwardin rela-tion to each other or to the clip hinge. From Figure 22 and 238 it can '~
: be seen that inner edge 305 oE notch 308 is tapered outward in relation to ;~1
bottom edge 307. t
Figure 2S shows an alternate clip hinge elemerlt 310 for use in accordance .
with this invention. Clip hinge element 310 incorporates a main body portion r,l'~
312 and a pair of reverse bend end portions 314 and 316. Reverse bend end portions ~;
314 and 316 further incorporate tabs 318 and 320. The plane of tabs 318 and 320 ~.;
is approximately at right angles to the plane of reverse bend end por-tions 314
and 316. Tabs 318 and 320 assist in locking clip hinge elemen-ts into the
vertical supports.
Figure 26 shows the placement oF a pair of clip hinge elements 321 and
322 onto a pair of vertical supports 324 and 326. When clip hinge elements
321 and 322 are placed onto vertical supports 324 and 326 these vertical supports
are rotatabibly secured in rela-tionship to each other. In operation another
pair of clip hinge elements, not shown, would be placed on the opposite end of '-
ver-tical supports 324 and 326. ,- .
~X972S3
E'igure 27 sllo0s :in detail hoir -the clip hinge element oF Figure 25
coopera-tes with the various parts oF the vert;cal suppor-t. As was discussed S
in detail ;n connection with E';gure llA the preFerre(l cross section Eor the
ver-tical suppor-t ;ncorporates a pair oE outboard U-shaped channels. In vertical ~.
suppor-t 321~ and 325 -these U shaped channels are identiFied as 32F~, 329, 330
and 331. Channels 328, 329, 330 and 331 have bights 332, 333, 334 and 335. Tab '~ '
339 o:F clip hinge element 337 has a width whi.ch is approxima-tely equal to the ~'
wid-th of bight 332. Because oE the snug fi-t o:F tab 339 into U-shaped channel '
32B the leading edge oE tab 339 is biased against wall of U-shaped channel 328. ~.
Conversly reverse bend portion 31~0 is biased against wall 327,of U-shaped channel :~.
328. As a resul-t o:F this biasing against both walls 326 and 327 clip hinpe '`
elemen-t 337 is securely fas-tened to vertical suppor-t 32l~. Accordins~ly when '':
vertical support 321~ and 325 are rota-ted in relation to each other the clip ' '
hinge elements will not move in relation to the vertical support. Notches cut g
into the edge of the vertical supports, as is descr.ibed in connec-tion with '-''
Figures 22, 23A, 23B and 21l, likewise secure the relationship oE the clip hin~e
elemen-ts in relation to -tile vertical supports. The biasing oF clip hin~e element `~
337 into l)-shaped channel 323 has heen described. From an examination oF Figure .
27 it can be seen -that similar biasing likewise occurg in connection with
U-shaped channels 329, 330 and 331......... ' ' .
As can be seen .From tha above description the panel device o:F this invention
utilizes a minimum number o:F componant8. SpeciFicly it should be noted tha-t
the clip hinge elements which are used to Eorm double hinges, interract directly
... .
with the vertical supports. The cl;.p hinge elements and the vertical supports
incorporate integral Eea-tures which allow these components to easily interract '~:'
with each other so as to form a panel device. In the prior art vertical supports !;
for panel devices are interconnected with hinges, these hinges in turn are ''
connected to vertical supports by extraneous Easteners such as rivets, screws etc.
In contrast in the device of this invention no such extra fasteners are i '
needed. In -the panel device of this invention the integral reverse bend portions -~
of the clip hinge elements combine and interlock directly with the pair of s~
opposing channels which are an integral part of the vertical supports. It should
be noted that in the panel device of this invention no extraneous fasteners ~
are needed to attach the clip hinge elements to the vertical supports. Because ~"
no extraneous fasteners are needed, considerable cost savings are realized on
materials. Further because of the ease with which the panel'device of this ~;~
12 `
1297253
irlvention can be assembled, it takes less labor to eFfect assembly, and hence
it cos~:s less to ass-31nble t1~e panel device of t7nis inventio1l when compared to
co1oparable prior structures.
The integral system of t?,is invention is likewise very desirable in that
a superior panel device is produced from a asthe-tic point o.f view. In the
prior art wherein separa-te extraneous hinges are used these hin~es are a-ttached ~-
by extraneous fasteners, accordingly -the as-thetic proper-ty of the resulting
panel device are detrimentally eFfected. That is i-t does not enhance the ,
appearance of a panel device to have hinge members and related Fasteners pro-trudinr
therefrom, In contrast the panel device oE this invention has a clean,uniForm,
pleasing appearance because the integral componen-ts -thereoE react with each o-ther.
Lastly on a stre1lgth to weigh-t ra-tio the panel device oF this inven-tion
is exceptionally high. In -the prior art the vertical suppor-ts are connected
wi-th various hinge elements via extraneous fasteners, These extraneous fasteners '~
are secured in a plurality of holes which are drilled into the vertical supports. ,:
The drilling of these holes inherently weakend the vertical supports and hence ';
-they are subject to failure in a severe load bearin~ situation, In contrast ~.
with this inventi-;nbecause the reverse bend portions of the clip hinge elements
interreact with the integral U-shaped channels of tl1e vertical support holes
need not be drilled .in the vertical supports, Bec.ause the vertical supports
are free of holes the resultLng display device has a hi~h strenp~th to weight
ratio,
For -the rcasons as set forth hereiT1 the sub~ect invention produces a
superior panel device. i.
From the above description and from Figures l to 27 it can be seen that `~;
the subject invention can be used to produce a wide variety of panel devices,
It is understood by one skilled in the art that this invention is not limited ~ '
to the embodiments as described and illustrated herein above, ~ '
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