Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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W82:17747:M~S:WGM:nap -1-
FOLDING DISPL~Y FRAME
Th.is invention relates to folding display frames, and
more particularly, ~s con~erned with a hub design for
interconnecting pivotally joined xods into a frame.
Three-dimensional ~rameworks are well known in which
a plurality of rod membars are pi~otally connected togethPr
to permit folding the framework into a compact closed form
in which the rod members lie substantially parallel to each
other. Such folding: ~rameworks have been used ~or racks
to support covers,: panels, and~th like, some in dvme-
shapèd snclosures, in:flat~or curved display units, and in
other types o~ rigid structures.~ Except where the framework
: : 25 is:assembled in a substantially permanent structure, the rod
: members are pivotally joined a~ their e~ds to some type of
hub so that the rods can be rota~ed r~lati~e to each
: other as ~he framework is adjusted between its open extended
configuration and its closed compa~t storage configuration.
~30 Examples of such prior art folding frameworks are found in
UnS~ :paten~s 4,~71,548, 4,479,340; 4,~12,097, 4,580,375 and
~ 4 ~ 276 t 726 ~
; One of the objectives o~ designing such frameworks is
~o make the structure light and compact in its folded
condition to enhance the transportat~on and storage when
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the framework is not in use. At -the same time, the
framework, when fully extended into its useful
configuration, must be strong and fairly rigid. The
framework must not only he s-trong enough to give adequate
support, but must withstand abuse, particularly when
being folded and erected.
Large diameter thin-walled metal tubes normally
pxovide maximum strength--to-weiyht ratios. However, the
hubs to which such tubes are pivotally joined must be
made light and compact to reduce the space required by
the hubs when they are brought together i.n the collapsed
configuration of the framework. In the past, attempts to
utilize small hubs and thin, ~olid rods have resulted in
a relatively fragile structure whereas use of larger
diameter tubular rods resulted in bulkier and heavier
hubs.
The present invention is directed to an improved
framework design incorporating a unique hub that permits
larger diameter thin-walled -tubes to be pivotally
connected in a strong, rigid joint. At the same time,
the hub is very compact and light weight. An added
advantage of the present hub design is that it allows rod
members of unequal length to be incorporated into the
framework's array so that the height of the array may be,
for example, less than the width while still permitting
the structure to be folded effec-tively.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a
folding framework for use as a folding display frame
movable between an open expanded position forming a
three-dimensional array of compartments in a display-
supporting ~rame and a compact closed form for storage,
the framework comprising:
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a plurality of pairs of rods, each pair of rods
being pivotally joined -to each other at an intermediate
point;
a plurality of hubs, the respective ends of
each rod being pivotally joined to corresponding ones of
said hubs, each hub having a plurality of said rods
pivotally joined thereto;
the pivotal connection of each rod to a hub
providing rotation of the rod relative to the hub about a
corresponding single axis of revolution;
rods connected to any one hub being rotatable
about said single axis of revolution from a closed
position in which all the rods are substantially parallel
to each other to an open position in which the rods
radiate outwardly from each other;
each hub having a base plate with fixed flanges
projecting therefrom for pivotally supporting a first
pair of said rods secured to a corresponding first pair
of said flanges on opposite sides of a central axis of
the hub and a second pair of ~aid rods pivotally
connected to a corresponding second pair of said flanges
on opposite sides of the central axis of the hub, said
second flanges extending at an angle to said first
flanges;
the pair of first flanges having corresponding
fixed f:irst bearing surfaces lying substantially on a
first axis passing essentially through the central axis
of the hub, the pair of second~flanges having
corresponding fixed second bearing surfaces lying
~ubstantially on a second axis passing essentially
through the central axis of the hub and extending at said
anqle to said first axls;
;~ the ends of the first rods pivotally secured to
said first bearing surfaces being rotatable thereon about
spaced apart fixed axes of revolution extending
substantially parallel to each other and lying
substantially in a first plane, the ends of the second
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rods pivotally secured to said second bearing surfaces
being rotatable thereon about spaced apart fixed axes of
evolution extending substan-tially parallel to each other
ancl lying subs-tantially in a second plane which is spaced
outwardly from the base plate by an offset dis-tance
greater than said first plane and which lies
substan-tially parallel to the first plane.
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.1
For a better understanding of the invention reference
should be made to the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the frame in expanded
~position;
FIG. 2 is a top view of.the expanded frame;
FIG. 3 is a top view of a frame hub;
FIG. 4 is a side view of a frame hub;
FIG. 5 is a front view of a Prame hub;
10FIG~ 6 iæ a partial view in perspective showing the
~rame latching mechanism;
FIG. 7 is a detailed partial viaw of the ~ram2 in a
nearly collapsed position:
FIG. 8 is similar to FIG. 7 but showing an alternat~ve
construction:
FIG. ~ shows the frame in the folded or collapsed
: position:
FIG. 10 is a detailed plan view of a folding channel
bar; and
~20 FIG. 11 shows the channel bar in its folded condition.
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~ eferring ko FIG. 1 in detail, the numeral 10 indicates
generally a folding ~ramework shown in its open or expanded
position. The framework is constructed o~ a plurality o~
5 pairs of rods, in the form of thin-wallQd metal tubes,
such as indicated at 12 and 14, the rods of each pair
being pivotally joined together by a hinge pin 16. The
hinge pins 16 are located hetween the ends of the rods,
allowing the rods to swivel with xespect to each other in
scissors-like fashion. These rod pairs are joined to form
a grid-like framework, with the multiple pairs of rods
being arranged in vertical columns and horizontal rows.
~he ends of the rods are joined by a plurality of identical
hubs 18. As best shown ln FIGS. 1 and 2, the frameworX in
the expanded or open condition comprises a plurality` of
vertical aolumns, five of which are indicated respectively
at ~0, 22, 24, 26 and 28. These are joined by a plurality
of horizontal rows, four of which are indicated ~t 30, 32,
34 and 36. Each of the rows, as best shown in the top
view of FIG. 2, is made up of pairs of rods 12 and 14 in
which the pivot connection 16 is located sligAtly off the
: :center or mid position between the ends of its respective
rods. Since all horizontal rods are of egual length, this
causes the ~our pairs of rods ioined in each row to assume
a slightly arcuate shape. This shape gives more stability
:~ to~the~frame when it is resting on the floor or some other
supporting surfaca.
: The framework is locked in the expanded position
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 by a suitable latch mechanism which
anchors one or more pairs of adjacent hubs 18' and 18''
together. A preferred latch for this purpose .is shown in
det.a;1 in FIG. 6. One hub of the pair, such as indicated
at 18 , has a latch rod 40 which projects toward the adjacent
hub 18 " of the pair. As the framework is expanded to its
open position by moving the pairs o~ hubs 1~' and 18 "
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1 t~ward each other, the latch rod 40 engages a latch
receptacle 42 which is rigidly secured to the hub 18 ".
The latch rod 40 enters a hole or bore 44 in the end of
the latch receptacle 42 where the tapered end 46 of the
rod 40 engages a spring-loaded latch pawl 48~ As the
latch rod is fully inserted into the bore 44, the latch
pawl engages a notch 50 in the rod, securely locking the
rod 40 in position in the latch receptacle 42. The pawl,
which is pivotally supported to the receptacle by a pin 52
can be disengaged from the notch 50 to release the latch
by pushing down on the opposite end 54 of the latch pawl
48. The pawl is urged into engagement with the notch 50 by
a suitable spring 51. The latch mechanism shown in FIG. 6
need only be provided for one pair of hubs, preferably
near the center of the framework grid. If greater rigidity
is required, additional pairs of hubs can be provided with
such a latch mechanism.
With the latch mechanisins released, the entire framework
can be collapsed or folded into the storage condition, as
shown in FIG. 3. In this positionl the two rods 12 and 14
in each pair of such rods are rotated relative to each
other~about the connecting pivot 16, allowing each respective
pair of hubs 18' and 18 " to be msved apart until the rods
12 ro~ate almost 180 degrees rela~ive to the other rods 14
25~ of each pair. In the fully folded position, all the hubs
18' move into side-by-side engagement with each other, and
all the hubs 18 " also move into engagement with each
:
other. In this way, the hubs are nested in two groups, each
group, occupying an area which is limited by the size of
the hubs.
In order to achieve nesting in the minimum space and
make the folded framework as compact as psssiblP, a unique
hub is provided which allows the hub to be substantially
reduced in size without sacrificing rigidity and strength
of the ~ramework. At the same time, t~Q hub design of the
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1 present invention provides for ease of assembly in pivotally
attaching the rods to the hubs. Details of the hub design
are shown more clearly in FIGS. 3-5.
Referring to these Figures, the hub 18 is preferably
molded of a suitable plastic,material, but can be die-cast
or otherwise formed of ligh~ weight metal. The hub is
formed with a base plate 60 which is generally square in
outline with the corners rounded as shown in FIG. 5, and
has a flat outer surface 62 from which projects a knob or
flanged pin 64. The knob 64 is used to mount various
auxiliary devices to the ~ramework .
The top surface 65 of the hu~ base plate 60 has four
flanges or h.inge plates 66, ~8, 70 and 72 proj ecting
perpendicularly therefrom. These. flanges are offset from
each other, as viewed in FIG. 5, so that each flange provides
a flat surface, indicated respectively at 74, 76, 78 and
80. These surfaces lie in two mutually perpendicular planes.
Thus, the suxfaces 76 and 80 lie in a first common plane
passing through the central axis 82 of the hub, while the
surfaces 74 and 78 lie in a second common plane, also passing
through the central axis 82 of the hub. The flanges 68
and 72 project away from the base plate 60 a distance
substantially twice that of the flanges 66 and 70. The
outer projecting end~ of the flanges 68 and 72, which are
hereinaft~r referred to as "high" flanges, intersect in an
enlarged central portion 84 having an opening or hole 8~ into
which the latch rod 40 or latch reseptacle 42 may be press-
fitted or otherwise secured. High flanges 68 and ;2 are
provided with hoIes 88 and 90 adapted to receive a pivot
pin or rivet 91 which pivotally secures the end of a tubular
rod to the hub flange. The axes of the holes 88 and 90
are parallel to each other and lie in a common plane.
Similarly, the flange5 66 and 70, referred to as the
"low" flanges of the hub, are provid~d with holes 92 and 94
that are adapted to recelve the hing~ pins or rivets 91
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1 associated with additional tubular rods. The axes of the
holes 92 and 94 are parallel to each other and lie in a
common plane. The plane of the holes g2 and 9g is offset
from the plane of the holes 88 and 90 by a distance "A".
The backsideS of the high flanges 68 and 72 are undercut,
as indicated at 96 and 98, resp.ectively, to provide clearance
for the ends of the rods pivotally attached to the low
flanges as tha rods are rotated about the axes of the
holes 92 and 94.
As best seen in FIG. 6, the high and low flange
arrangement of each hub, as described above, allows for
the ends of four relatively laxge tubular rods to be
pivotally attached to each hub by rivets 91. The offset
l'A" allows ready access to all the rivets 91 of each hub
by suitable riveting equipment. Also, the flange
configuration allows the outer perimeter o~ the base plate
60 to he made approximately equal to twice the diameter of
the tubular rods, thus permitting the hubs to be made
extremely compact and to nest against each other in two
groups in the folded condition of the framework, as
i~lustrated in FIG. 9.
Another advantage of the high, low flange arrangement
: o~ the hubs is that the rods in:the horizontal rows can be
of~a dif~erent length than the rods in the vertical columns
while still permitting the hubs~ to nest in two coplanar
~gxoups when the framework is in its folded:position. This
feature can be bsst~understood by reference to FIG. 7,
: which shows a portion:of the ~ramework in a~substantially
folded: position. As the framework is expanded into its
.
open position by moving the hubs 18' toward the hubs 18 ",
the pair of rods 12' and 14' rotate into the horizontal
: rows:as shown in FIG. 1 while:the rods 12 " and 14 " rotate
into the vertical columns of the framework. Thus, the
spacing between the hubs~in the horizontal rows is determined
by the length o~ the rods 12' and 14' while the distance
~
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1 between the hubs in the vertical columns is det~rmined by
the length of the rods 12 " and 14'l. If, as shown in
FIG. 7, all of the horizontal rods 12' and 14' are pivotally
joined to th~ low flanges of the hubs 18, and all the
5 vertical rods 12 " and 14 " are pivotally connected to the
high flanges of the hub 18,.it becomes necessary for the
vertical rods to be made shorter in length than the
horizontal rods in order for the hubs in each of the two
folded groups (see Fig. 9) to be coplanar. In fact, as
seen in ~IG. 7, the rods 12 " and 14 " are shor~er, by an
amount equal to 2A, than the hori~ontal rods 12i and 14'.
As a result, when the framework is expanded to the open
position, the openings or cubicles are not square but are
rectangular, with the vertical dimension of each cubicle
being smaller than the horizontal dimension by an amount
substantially equal to 2A. Thus, the high, low flange
arrangement of the hubs allows the designer to modify the
width-to-height ratio o~ the erected or expanded framework.
It should be noted that if it is d~sired to construct the
framework with all of the rods being of identical length,
this can be accomplished merely by rotating the hubs-18'
90~:relative to the hubs 18~ This causes the high flange
:~ of the hubs 18:' to be aligned with a low flange of the
hubs~lB " so that e~ery rod is;pivotally Joined at one end
to a~ low flange and at the other end is pivotally joined
to a high flange. This aIternative arrangement is shown
:
: in FIG. 8. : : : :
In order to attach panels of heavy fabric or other
material~ to:the face of the framework after it is erected,
: 30 it is desirable~to attach~ vertical channel bars to the
:: ~ : : framework along each of the~vertical rows o~ rods. In ~he
: past,~these channel bars have~been made up in individual
sections corresponding to the height of each cubicle and
the frame. The one feature of the present invention is an
improved channel bar in which the ~ections are hinged
(
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1 together so that the channel bar can be attached as a unit
or folded for storage. The channel bar is shown in FIGS.
10 and 11 and includes three sections 120, 122and 124. The
sections 120 and122 of the channel bar are joined by a link
126 pivotally attached to a hinged member lZ8 secured to the
bar section 120 and a hinged member 130 secured to one end
o~ the bar section 122. Similarly, the channel bar section
122 is connected to the channel bar section 124 by a hinge
including a link 132pivotally attached to a hinged plate
134 secured to the channel bar section122 and a hinged
~late 136secured to the chan,nel bar section 12~. The link
126 is longer than the link 132, allowing the channel bar
section 122 to be folded between the channel bar sections
122and 120 in the manner shown in F~G. 11.
The three sections o~ the channel bar are attached to
the front of the framework by four key slots indicated at
100, 102, 104 and 106. ~he key slots 102 and 104 are
formed in the hinged members 130 and136 respectively whila
the key slots 100 and 106 are formed in blocks 108 and 110
secured to the respective ends of the channel bar. The
key slots are open at one end and are arranged to engaye
knobs 64 on the front of the hubs of the ~ramework. To
simplify the assembly of the channel bar to the framework,
the key slots are made progressively shorter from the top
to~ t~e bottom of the channel bar as the key slot 100 is
longer than the slot 102/ the key slot 102 is lonaer than
the slot 104, and the key slot 104 is longer than the slot
106. This simplifies the assembly of the framework and
channel bars since the keys slots can be engaged with one
30~ knob at a time starting ak the top. Thus/ with the key
~lot 100 ~t the top of the channel bar engaged with the
top knob of a column, the channel bar assembly can be
lifted sufficiently to engage the key slot 102 at the n~xt
lower knob without disengaging the longer key slot 100.
Similarly, the key slot 104 can be èngaged with a knob
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1 without disengaging the slot 102. When so attached to the
~rame, the channel bars form a continuous vertical strip
to which panels can be attached for covering the framework
with a smooth, continuous display surface.
From the above description, it will be recognized
that the improved display framework has been provided
which can be made very compact and lightweight.
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