Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02671579 2009-07-08
MODULAR EXHIBIT STRUCTURE
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of modular structures or
partitions. More
particularly, this invention relates to the field of modular exhibit
structures such as display
cases or showcases for use in galleries, museums or the like.
Background
[0002] Modular structures of various types, including modular structures
specifically
adapted for exhibitions, are known in the prior art. For example, US Patent
No. 4,186,533 to
Jensen discloses a modular exhibit structure comprising panels and panel
connectors. One
drawback of such prior art is that the panels may be heavy and cumbersome,
necessitating
more than one person be involved in the assembly and disassembly of an exhibit
structure.
[0003] There is a need for apparatus and methods that provide modular exhibit
structures
that are versatile, cost effective and capable of being assembled together
quickly and easily
by a single person.
[0004] The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related
thereto are intended
to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art
will become apparent
to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study
of the drawings.
Summary
[0005] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and
illustrated in
conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary
and
illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of
the
above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other
embodiments are
directed to other improvements.
[0006] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a modular exhibit
structure
comprising: a plurality of upright frames, each frame comprising an upper
rail, a lower rail,
and two side members extending perpendicularly between the upper rail and the
lower rail,
wherein an inner face of each side member has an indentation in a direction
away from the
other side member of the frame; one or more connectors connecting together one
of the side
members of each of the frames with one of the side members of an adjacent
frame; a
rectangular panel removably mounted within each frame, the panel configured to
fit between
CA 02671579 2009-07-08
- 2 -
the two side members of the frame; and one or more cover plates removably
mounted over
the adjacent side members of connected frames.
[0007] The indentations in the side members of each frame are preferably
configured to
provide a gap between the side members of the frame and sides of the mounted
panel
sufficient to allow a person to grip the sides of the panel.
[0008] Modular exhibit structures according to this invention may further
comprise a dust
cover removably mounted over top of the connected frames and/or one or more
shelves
within the exhibit structure, each shelf attached to an inside face of one or
more of the
panels.
[0009] In some embodiments of this modular exhibit structure each side member
comprises
one or more hooks extending outward from the side member, and each connector
comprises
two or more connecting faces each having a slot configured to engage one of
the hooks. The
connecting faces of one or more of the connectors may comprise outer and inner
walls
having aligned outer and inner slots respectively, the outer slot configured
to engage a base
portion of one of the hooks and the inner slot configured to engage an
outwardly-extending
portion of the hook.
[0010] In some embodiments of this modular exhibit structure each of the cover
plates has
an inward face comprising one or more tabs, and the adjacent side members of
connected
frames comprise one or more corresponding tabs, such that each of the cover
plates may be
removably mounted over the adjacent side members of connected frames by
engaging the
tabs of the cover plate with the corresponding tabs of the side members.
[0011] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a frame
component of a
modular exhibit structure, the frame component configured to receive a
correspondingly-sized rectangular panel, the frame component comprising: an
upper rail; a
lower rail; and two side members extending perpendicularly between the upper
rail and the
lower rail, wherein an inner face of each side member has an indentation in a
direction away
from the other side member of the frame component.
[0012] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a modular
exhibit structure
kit comprising: a plurality of frames, each frame comprising an upper rail, a
lower rail, and
CA 02671579 2009-07-08
- 3 -
two side members extending perpendicularly between the upper rail and the
lower rail,
wherein an inner face of each side member has an indentation in a direction
away from the
other side member of the frame; a plurality of connectors configured to
connect together one
of the side members of each of the frames with one of the side members of an
adjacent
frame; a plurality of panels, each panel configured to fit between the two
side members of
one of the frames; and a plurality of cover plates configured to be removably
mounted over
the adjacent side members of the frames when connected.
[0013] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for
assembling a
modular exhibit structure, the method comprising: connecting together a
plurality of upright
frames, each frame comprising an upper rail, a lower rail, and two side
members extending
perpendicularly between the upper rail and the lower rail and wherein an inner
face of each
side member has an indentation in a direction away from the other side member
of the frame,
by connecting together one of the side members of each of the frames to one of
the side
members of an adjacent frame; mounting a panel within each frame, the panel
configured to
fit between the side members of the frame; and mounting cover plates over the
adjacent side
members of the connected frames. This method may further comprise mounting a
dust cover
over top of the connected frames.
[0014] The step of mounting the panel within each frame may comprise lifting
the panel
such that a groove along a top face of the panel engages the upper rail of the
frame and then
lowering the panel such that a groove along a bottom face of the panel engages
the lower rail
of the frame.
[0015] The mounting of the cover plates over the adjacent side members of the
connected
frames is preferably done such that outward faces of the cover plates extend
between
adjacent edges of adjacent panels mounted within the connected frames and such
that the
panels are visible but the connectors between connected frames and the
adjacent side
members are concealed.
[0016] In some embodiments of this method each side member comprises one or
more
hooks extending outward from the side member, and the step of connecting
together the
upright frames comprises sliding one or more connectors between adjacent side
members of
adjacent frames such that slots in the connectors engage the one or more
hooks.
CA 02671579 2009-07-08
- 4 -
[0017] In some embodiments of this method each of the cover plates has an
inward face
comprising one or more tabs, and the side members of the connected frames
comprise one or
more corresponding tabs, and the step of mounting the cover plates over the
adjacent side
members of the connected frames comprises sliding the cover plates over the
adjacent side
members such that the tabs of the cover plates engage the corresponding tabs
of the side
members.
[0018] In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above,
further
aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and
by study of
the following detailed descriptions.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0019] Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the
drawings. It is
intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be
considered illustrative
rather than restrictive.
Figure 1 is an isometric view of a frame component of an exhibit structure
according
to an example embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 2A-2D are isometric views of various frame connectors of an exhibit
structure according to example embodiments of the present invention;
Figures 3A-3B are isometric view of frames connected together using connectors
according to example embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 4 is an isometric view of a panel partially inserted into a frame of an
exhibit
structure according to an example embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 5A-5D are isometric views of front and rear sides of various cover
plates of
exhibit structures according to example embodiments of the present invention;
Figures 6A-6B are isometric views of cover plates mounted on exhibit
structures
according to example embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 7 is a partially exploded isometric view of an exhibit structure with a
dust
cover according to an example embodiment of the present invention;
CA 02671579 2009-07-08
- 5 -
Figure 8 is an isometric view of a partially assembled exhibit structure with
shelving
components according to an example embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating steps of a method of assembling an
exhibit
structure according to a particular embodiment of the invention.
Description
[0020] Throughout the following description specific details are set forth in
order to provide
a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However, well
known elements
may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily
obscuring the
disclosure. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an
illustrative,
rather than a restrictive, sense.
[0021] Aspects of this invention provide modular components for assembling
exhibit
structures of varying shapes and sizes. As described in more detail herein,
these components
include: upright frames, connectors (for connecting together frames), panels
(for mounting
within frames), cover plates (for mounting over sides of frames), and dust
covers (for
mounting over top of connected frames). Other aspects of this invention
provide exhibit
structures assembled from these various components. Other aspects of this
invention provide
methods for assembling exhibit structures from these various components.
[0022] Figure 1 shows a frame component 20 of an exhibit structure according
to an
example embodiment of the invention. Frames 20 may be pre-fabricated in a
plurality of
generally rectangular standardized sizes. By way of non-limiting example, in
some
embodiments frames 20 are provided having widths of 18", 36" and 72" and a
common
height of 90".
[0023] Frame 20 as illustrated comprises an upper rail 22, a lower rail 24 and
two side
members 26. In preferred embodiments, side members 26 are configured to
provide an
indentation 28 in the vicinity of their mid-section to facilitate insertion of
panels into the
frames (as described further below). In the illustrated embodiment, each side
member 26
comprises a central outer section 32 connected between upper and lower inner
sections 30.
Outer section 32 spans indentation 28 which is formed in the space between
upper and lower
inner sections 30.
CA 02671579 2009-07-08
- 6 -
[0024] Frame 20 may comprise hooks 34 protruding outward from side members 26
to
engage connectors (as described further below). In the illustrated embodiment
two upward-
pointing hooks 34 protrude outward from each side of frame 20 (near the top
and bottom of
side members 26).
[0025] Frame 20 may also comprise tabs 36 on the front and back faces of side
members 26
to engage cover plates (as described further below). In the illustrated
embodiment four
upward-pointing tabs 36 are positioned along each of the front and back faces
of each side
member 26.
[0026] As illustrated in Figure 1, one or more holes 38 may be provided
through side
members 26 to allow frame 20 to be more securely fastened to an inserted panel
as described
further below.
[0027] Figures 2A-2C illustrate three types of frame connectors, 40A, 40B and
40C
respectively (collectively connectors 40), according to example embodiments of
this
invention. Connector 40A is configured to connect two frames 20 together at a
180 degree
angle (as shown in Figures 3A, 3B); connector 40B is configured to connect two
frames 20
together at a 90 degree angle (as shown in Figures 3A, 3B); and connector 40C
is configured
to connect three frames 20 together in a T-configuration.
[0028] Connectors 40A, 40B and 40C are non-limiting examples of types of
connectors 40.
As can be appreciated, connectors 40 may be adapted to connect together frames
20 at
various other angles and in various other configurations. In some embodiments,
standardized connectors such as connectors 40A, 40B and 40C are pre-fabricated
from
aluminum using an extrusion process.
[0029] Connectors 40 comprise two or more connecting faces 44 each having a
slot 42 for
receiving a hook 34 of a frame 20. In the illustrated embodiments, slots 42
are downward
facing so as to engage upward-facing hooks 34 of frames 20 when a connector 40
is slid
downward between the sides of adjacent frames (as shown in Figures 3A, 3B).
Connector
40A comprises slots 42 on two opposing parallel faces 44. Connector 40B
comprises slots
42 on two adjacent perpendicular faces 44. Connector 40C comprises slots 42 on
three
adjacent faces 44. The opening of slots 42 and the tips of hooks 34 may be
beveled so as
facilitate the guiding of hooks 34 into slots 42 when connector 40 is slid
into place.
CA 02671579 2009-07-08
- 7 -
[0030] As shown in Figures 2B and 2C, connecting faces 44 may comprise an
outer wall 46
and an inner wall 47. Figure 2D is similar to Figure 2B except that portions
of inner wall 47
hidden behind outer wall 46 are outlined in dotted lines. In these
embodiments, outer wall
46 is configured to slide inside the extending portion 34A of hook 34 while
inner wall 47 is
configured to intercept extending portion 34A of hook 34. As shown in Figure
2D, inner
wall 47 comprises an inner slot 43 that is aligned with slot 42 in outer wall
46 but is longer
by about the length of extending portion 34A of hook 34. Inner slot 43 in
inner wall 47 is
thus configured to engage the entire length of hook 34 when slot 42 in outer
wall 46 engages
the base portion 34B of hook 34.
[0031] This double-walled design has the advantage that when connector 40 is
engaged with
hook 34, inner wall 47 holds hook 34 laterally in place and prevents hook 34
from twisting
or otherwise moving laterally within connector 40. Double-walled connectors
may thereby
provide sturdier connections between frames 20 than equivalent single-walled
connectors. In
particular, frames 20 connected at 900 angles may be more stable when
connected using
double-walled connectors (such as connectors 40B and 40C illustrated in
Figures 2B and
2C). However, this double-walled design is not limited to connectors 40B and
40C. It may
be applied generally to connectors configured to connect frames at 1800 or any
other angle.
[0032] Another benefit to the double-walled design of connectors 40B and 40C
illustrated in
Figures 2B and 2C is that they may be easier to fabricate by extrusion than
equivalent single-
walled connectors having the same cross-sectional dimensions. In some
embodiments, a
family of connectors are fabricated having common inner wall dimensions. In
some
embodiments, a base connector is extruded having all faces double-walled and a
family of
connectors are fabricated from the base connector by shearing off one or more
protruding
outer walls. For example, connectors such as connectors 40B and 40C may be
fabricated by
extruding a base connector having four perpendicular double-walled faces and
then shearing
off one or two of the outer walls from the base connector.
[0033] Figures 3A and 3B illustrate a frame configuration 48 comprising three
frames 20
connected together by connectors 40 according to an example embodiment of this
invention.
Connectors 40A are shown connecting frames 20 together at a 180 degree angle,
and
connectors 40B are shown connecting frames 20 together at a 90 degree angle.
CA 02671579 2009-07-08
- 8 -
[0034] Figure 3A illustrates connectors 40A positioned above hooks 34 of
frames 20 prior to
being slotted in place between frames 20. Connectors 40 are installed by
sliding them
downward in the direction indicated by arrows 45 such that slots 42 engage
hooks 34.
Figure 3B illustrates connectors 40A fully installed on frame configuration
48.
[0035] Figure 4 illustrates an example frame configuration 49 comprising three
connected
frames 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the
illustrated
embodiment, a panel 50 is partially inserted into a frame 20. Panels 50 are
configured to fit
within frames 20 to form the walls of an exhibit structure. Panels 50 may be
prefabricated in
standardized rectangular sizes which correspond to the sizes of provided
frames 20 (for
example, having a height of 90" and widths of 18", 36" and 72"). Panels 50 may
be
configured to provide a variety of appearances. For example, panels 50 may be
constructed
from wood to provide a uniform opaque front and back surface (as shown in
Figure 4), or
may incorporate a pane of glass to provide a standardized transparent surface
(as shown in
Figure 7), or may be customized to produce any desired appearance.
[0036] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, top and bottom faces 52, 53
of panels 50
have grooves 54 extending along their length configured to engage upper and
lower rails 22,
24 of frame 20 respectively. Panel 50 may be mounted onto frame 20 by lifting
panel 50 in
the direction of arrows 56 such that groove 54 along top face 52 engages upper
rail 22 (as
shown) and then lowering panel 50 such that groove 54 along bottom face 53
engages lower
rail 24. The sides 58 of panel 50 may be provided with recessed hand-holds 59
to facilitate
lifting and inserting panel 50 into frames 20.
[0037] As mentioned above in relation to Figure 1, side members 26 of frames
20 preferably
provide indentations 28. Indentations 28 facilitate the installation of panels
50 into frames
20 by providing space for a person's hands to maneuver panel 50 within frame
20 when
gripping panel 50 by hand-holds 59 or at a corresponding position along sides
58. This
feature assists in allowing a single person to safely lift and insert panel 50
within frame 20,
or conversely, to lift and remove panel 50 mounted in frame 20.
[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, sides 58 of panel 50 are configured to
abut (or nearly
abut) inner sections 30 of side members 26 such that panel 50 is laterally
held in place by
frame 20 once installed. The gap between sides 58 of panel 50 and outer
sections 32 of side
members 26 provides indentation 28 for a person's hands as described above.
CA 02671579 2009-07-08
- 9 -
[0039] Panel 50 may also comprise holes (not shown) along sides 58, configured
to align
with holes 38 in frame 20 when panel 50 is mounted within frame 20. In some
embodiments, holes provided in frames 20 and panels 50 are configured to
receive
standardized hand screws (or similar hand operated fasteners) which do not
require the use
of any tools. Frames 20 and panels 50 may thereby be additionally secured
together in order
to tighten their fit, straighten their alignment, and enhance the overall
structural integrity and
security of the exhibit structure.
[0040] Figures 5A-5D illustrate four types of cover plates, 60A, 60B, 60C and
60D
respectively (collectively cover plates 60), according to example embodiments
of this
invention. Each cover plate 60 is shown from two perspectives: one showing the
inward
faces of the cover plate (62A, 62B, 62C and 62D respectively, 62 collectively)
and one
showing outward faces of the cover plate (64A, 64B, 64C and 64D respectively,
64
collectively). Cover plates 60 operate to cover exposed side members 26 and
connectors 40
after panels 50 are mounted within frames 20. Inward faces 62 of cover plates
60 are
configured to attach to side members 26 of frames 20 and outward faces 64 are
configured to
provide a finished surface between adjacent edges of adjacent panels 50 in a
completed
exhibit structure.
[0041] Cover plate 60A is configured to cover the outer corner of the
intersection between
two frames 20 connected together at a 90 degree angle (as shown in Figures 6A
and 6B).
Cover plate 60B is configured to cover the inner corner of the intersection
between two
frames 20 connected together at a 90 degree angle (as shown in Figure 6B).
Cover plate 60C
is configured to cover the intersection between two frames 20 connected
together at a 180
degree angle. Cover plate 60D is configured to cover an exposed side member 26
of a frame
20 to which no other frame is connected (as shown in Figure 6B).
[0042] Each cover plate 60 comprises tabs 66 on inward faces 62 for engaging
tabs 36 on
side members 26 of frames 20. In the illustrated embodiments, tabs 66 are
downward facing
so as to engage upward-facing tabs 36 of frames 20 when cover plate 60 is slid
downward
over side members 26 of frames 20. Each cover plate 60A, 60B, 60C and 60D as
illustrated
comprises eight tabs 66 in total, four along the length of each side of inward
faces 62A, 62B,
62C and 62D respectively.
CA 02671579 2009-07-08
- 10 -
[0043] Cover plates 60A, 60B, 60C and 60D are non-limiting examples of
possible cover
plates 60. As will be appreciated, cover plates 60 may be adapted to various
different
configurations of frames as necessary.
[0044] Figure 6A illustrates frame configuration 49 (as shown in Figure 4)
with cover plates
60A in position for being mounted over the outer corners of the intersections
between frames
20. Cover plates 60A are mounted by sliding them downward in the direction
indicated by
arrows 68 such that tabs 66 on cover plates 60A engage with tabs 36 on side
members 26 of
frames 20.
[0045] Figure 6B shows frame configuration 49 with cover plates 60 attached
over all
exposed frame side members 26. Cover plates 60A cover the outer comers of the
frame
intersections, cover plates 60B cover the inner comers of the frame
intersections and cover
plates 60D cover the two exposed sides to which no other frame is connected.
[0046] Figure 7 illustrates a dust cover 70 positioned over top of an exhibit
structure 68
according to an example embodiment of the present invention. Dust covers 70
operate to
enclose the top of exhibit structures and thereby protect the contents of
exhibit structures.
Dust covers 70 are configured to fit over top of exhibit structures formed by
various
arrangement of the components described above. In particular, dust covers 70
may be
prefabricated in standardized rectangular sizes (e.g. 18" x 36", 36" x 36",
36" x 72", etc.)
corresponding to the standardized sizes of frames 20.
[0047] Dust covers 70 comprise a frame 72 enclosing a ceiling panel 74. In the
illustrated
embodiment, panel 74 is made of a transparent material such as glass to allow
light into the
exhibit structure, but it may be made of any suitable material. As
illustrated, frame 72 may
have a plurality of screw holes 76 around its perimeter for facilitating the
attachment of dust
cover 70 to exhibit structure 68. Screw holes 76 may align with corresponding
screw holes
(not shown) along the top face of frames 20 such that dust cover 70 may be
fastened to the
underlying exhibit structure by screws (not shown) or other suitable fastening
means.
[0048] The fastening of dust cover 70 over top of an exhibit structure (by way
of screw holes
76 or otherwise) may serve to provide added structural support and security to
the assembled
exhibit structure. For example, while attached dust cover 70 may serve to
block upward
motion of underlying panels 50, cover plates 60 and connectors 40 and thereby
prevent
CA 02671579 2009-07-08
- 11 -
disassembly of the exhibit structure (until dust cover 70 is removed). Also,
dust cover 70
may serve to straighten and reinforce the alignment of frames 20 (such as in a
rectangular
alignment) within an exhibit structure.
[0049] Figure 8 illustrates a partially assembled exhibit structure 69 with
shelves 80 installed
according to an example embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated
embodiment, four
frames 20 are connected together in a rectangular configuration using
connectors 40B. Three
of the four frames have panels 50 inserted within them. Two opaque panels 50A
form the
side walls of exhibit structure 69 and a glass panel 50B forms the rear wall
of exhibit
structure 69. Cover plates 60 are attached between side panels 50A and rear
panel 50B.
Shelves 80 are installable into exhibit structure 69 through the remaining
open front frame.
[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, shelves 80 are held in place by shelf
clips 82 attached
to side panels 50A. The inside face of side panels 50A may be provided with
suitably spaced
attachment points 84 for receiving shelf clips 82. Attachment points 84 are
configured to
hold shelf clips 82 in place and support the weight of shelves 80. Attachment
points 84 may
be adapted to engage various types and arrangements of shelving systems or
display systems.
[0051] Shelves 80, or other means of supporting objects to be displayed, may
be configured
to fit within exhibit structures of various sizes and configurations. Shelves
80 may be made
of glass (as illustrated) or any other suitable material. Shelves 80 (or other
means of
supporting objects to be exhibited) may attach to an exhibit structure in any
suitable manner
or may be configured to be self-standing within an exhibit structure.
[0052] The components described above may be quickly and easily assembled
together in a
modular fashion to build open or closed structures of varying shapes and
sizes. By way of
non-limiting example, the components described above may be assembled together
to
provide a versatile exhibit system for a museum or gallery. In preferred
embodiments,
frames 20, connectors 40, panels 50 and cover plates 60 are configured to
allow a single
person of average strength to assemble them together without any tools or
particular
mechanical skills. Components such as frames 20, connectors 40 and cover
plates 60 may be
made of aluminum so as to be lightweight. Wood panels may comprise a hollow-
core filled
with a lightweight substance such as honeycomb corrugated cardboard or the
like. Particular
components, such as large glass panels or dust covers, may require multiple
persons to safely
install. Attaching a dust cover 70 over an exhibit structure may involve using
a simple tool
CA 02671579 2009-07-08
- 12 -
such a screwdriver in order to engage screws through holes 76 to enhance the
safety and
security of the structure.
[0053] Providing frames 20 independent of panels 50 allows exhibit structures
according to
embodiments of the present invention to be assembled, altered and disassembled
more easily
than if frames and panels were pre-fabricated together as a single component.
Frames 20 are
lighter and more maneuverable than would be frames and panels combined,
allowing them to
be easily connected together to form the underlying framework of exhibit
structure. Panels
50 may subsequently be inserted, removed or interchanged without affecting the
underlying
frame structure.
[0054] Figure 9 illustrates a method 100 of assembling an exhibit structure
according to an
example embodiment of the invention. At block 102 of method 100, frames 20 are
interconnected in a desired configuration using connectors 40 so as to form
the underlying
framework of the exhibit structure. As described above, in some embodiments
connectors
40 engage frames 20 by sliding slots 42 downward over upward facing hooks 34
on side
members 26 of frames 20.
[0055] At block 104 of method 100, panels 50 of appropriate sizes
(corresponding to the
sizes of frames 20) are mounted within frames 20 to form the walls of the
exhibit structure.
As described above, panels 50 may be prefabricated of wood, glass or any other
material to
provide a desired appearance. Block 104 of method 100 comprises sub-blocks
104A and
104B.
[0056] At sub-block 104A, panel 50 is lifted such that groove 54 along its top
face 52
engages upper rail 22 of frame 20. In some embodiments, recessed handholds 59
are
provided in the sides of panel 50 to facilitate gripping and lifting panel 50.
As illustrated in
Figure 4, handholds 59 are preferably positioned so as to correspond with the
position of
indentations 28 of frames 20.
[0057] At sub-block 104B, the bottom face 53 of panel 50 is aligned over the
lower rail 24
of frame 20 and panel 50 is lowered such that groove 54 along bottom face 53
engages lower
rail 24 of frame 20. As described above in relation to Figures 1 and 4, in
preferred
embodiments side members 26 of frame 20 are provided with indentations 28 to
allow space
for a person's hands when maneuvering panel 50 within frame 20.
CA 02671579 2009-07-08
- 13 -
[0058] Panel 50 may optionally be further secured to frame 20 by some suitable
attachment
means. In some embodiments, panel 50 may be further secured to frame 20 by
means of
hand screws or other fasteners configured to fit into holes 38.
[0059] After panels 50 are in place, at block 106 cover plates 60 may be
mounted over any
exposed sides of frames 20 or intersections between frames 20 to provide a
flush finished
surface between panels 50. As described above, in some embodiments cover
plates 60 are
configured to mount on frames 20 by sliding cover plates 60 downward over side
members
26 such that downward facing tabs 66 engage upward facing tabs 36 of frames
20. Cover
plates 60 are preferably installed after panels 50 because, as illustrated in
Figures 6A and 6B,
cover plates 60 cover indentations 28 which are helpful in installing panels
50.
[0060] Lastly, at block 108, one or more dust covers 70 are attached over top
of the
assembled exhibit structure to provide additional structural support and
security. In some
embodiments, dust cover 70 is attached by screwing frame 72 into the tops of
panels 50 or
frames 20 via screw holes 76.
[0061] Optionally, method 100 may also comprise a step of installing shelves
80 or other
internal display features. In some embodiments, this step is performed after
connecting all
frames 20 and inserting panels 50 to which such shelving may attach.
[0062] An assembled exhibit structure may be disassembled by removing
components in the
reverse order of method 100. Panels 50 may be removed and interchanged, for
example,
without need for disassembly of the underlying framework.
[0063] The components and methods described herein may be employed in the
context of
providing exhibit structures for a museum or gallery or in a variety of other
contexts. By
way of non-limiting example, other possible applications of this invention
include providing:
= temporary or permanent wall partitions, for example for galleries, shops,
or other
commercial or office spaces;
= trade show structures or displays;
= retail displays; and
= other types of displays, showcases, exhibit structures, cubicles, wall
partitions, etc.
CA 02671579 2009-07-08
- 14 -
[0064] While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed
above,
those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations,
additions and
sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended
claims and
claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications,
permutations,
additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.
