Modular display for the presentation and conservation of documents, facsimiles or similar

Abstract

Modular display stand for the presentation and preservation of documents, facsimiles or the like, characterized in that it comprises a box formed by: - a main frame defined by side walls and a rear wall, including a dividing plate inside the main frame arranged in such a way as to form: a first front space configured for the display of documents, facsimiles or the like; and a second rear space that forms an interior housing intended for the storage of documents, facsimiles or the like with an access area; - a removable display arrangement configured to allow the viewing of at least one document, facsimile or the like, said display arrangement being located in the first space such that it is arranged parallel and spaced apart from the dividing plate of the main frame, such that a chamber is provided between the display arrangement and the dividing plate, said display arrangement consisting of two overlapping plates that are separable, between which at least one document, facsimile or the like is available by clamping between the two plates, at least the plate located on the front being transparent to view the document; - fastening means configured to keep the two plates joined together; - a removable front cover configured to protect the display arrangement, wherein fastening means are provided for attaching it to the main frame in a releasable manner; and - a side closing cover attachable to the main frame, being configured to keep the inner housing closed from the outside.

Description

Modular display stand for the presentation and preservation of documents, facsimiles or similar OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a modular display designed for the presentation and preservation of documents, facsimiles or similar items in a visually pleasing way for the observer or viewer and easy to manipulate for the user, allowing the integration of functionalities previously isolated in the publishing sector into a single device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the fields of museography, library science, and archival studies, it is common to need to display original documents or faithful copies (facsimiles) of high historical, artistic, or cultural value to the public. Display cases for this purpose must fulfill a dual function: allowing for the proper viewing of the document and, at the same time, guaranteeing its protection against environmental factors, improper handling, or vandalism. Prior art includes various types of document displays, generally configured as showcases or inclined stands with a transparent cover. However, these conventional solutions have limitations that affect their functionality, such as the replacement of displayed documents, which often requires slow or unsafe procedures. This is particularly problematic in the context of temporary or traveling exhibitions. Furthermore, due to ergonomic considerations, especially for large-format documents or in spaces with limited room, these displays do not always facilitate reading or viewing by visitors. Consequently, there is a need for a display stand that overcomes these limitations, offering a versatile, secure and easy-to-use support that simultaneously optimizes the preservation of the document and its public display. Furthermore, the applicant is not currently aware of an invention that has all the features described in this specification. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been developed in order to provide a display stand that is configured as a novelty within the field of application and solves the aforementioned drawbacks, also providing other additional advantages that will be evident from the description that follows. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a modular display stand for the presentation and preservation of documents, facsimiles or the like, whatever their form or material support (parchment, papyrus, paper), characterized in that it comprises a box that is formed by the following parts or elements: - a main frame defined by side walls and a back wall, including a partition plate inside the main frame arranged to form: a first front space configured for the display of documents, facsimiles or similar items; and a second rear space that forms an interior accommodation intended for the storage of documents, facsimiles or similar items with an access area; - a removable display arrangement configured to allow the viewing of at least one document, facsimile or the like, said display arrangement being located in the first space such that it is arranged parallel and spaced apart from the dividing plate of the main frame, such that a chamber is provided between the display arrangement and the dividing plate, said display arrangement consisting of two plates superimposed on each other that are separable, between which at least one document, facsimile or similar item is available by clamping between the two plates, at least the plate located on the front or front being transparent to view the document; - fastening means configured to keep the two plates joined together; - a removable front cover configured to protect the display arrangement, having fastening means to attach it to the main frame in a releasable manner; and - a side-closing cover attachable to the main frame, configured to keep the inner housing completely closed from the outside environment. According to the invention, each of the plates that make up the display arrangement can be made of glass or methacrylate material with transparent properties. Preferably, the means of securing the two plates consist of a plurality of magnets present on each of the two plates, which are capable of facing each other in an assembled condition of the two plates, so as to maintain pressure and prevent the increase in thickness of the display element, after inserting the document, from preventing its fitting into a side slot and placing the side closing cover. Also preferably, the means of fixing the front cover consist of magnets present in the front cover that are aligned with the arrangement of magnets integrated into the main frame. According to the invention, the main frame includes a guiding system configured for the sliding coupling of the display arrangement. Preferably, the guiding system consists of rails cut into the inner face of the upper and lower profiles, facing each other, which form the main frame, and a groove cut into the inner face of the side wall opposite the closing lid. In this way, no additional fastening mechanisms or any visible markings are required. The displayed document can be viewed clearly, without any obstruction or impediment, with no frame other than that formed by the side walls of the display box itself. This allows the display layout to be easily and conveniently removed and inserted as many times as desired. This functionality makes it possible to replace the displayed facsimile with ease, enabling the user to change the documents on display at any time to reflect their preferences. Additionally, it is possible that the top and / or bottom of the main frame may include a notch or recess, which facilitates the placement or removal of the box onto the support structure. According to the invention, the side closure cover can be attached to the main frame via at least one hinge. Preferably, the main frame can be made of wood or similar material. The display of the invention also comprises a modular support structure configured to hold the box in a position with an angle of inclination with respect to the vertical plane of a horizontal surface, the structure being simple to manufacture and assemble, which facilitates its placement and removal by the operator. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned support structure comprises a plurality of shaped pieces that can be coupled together by means of a snap-fit ​​joint, such that, in an assembled position of the support structure, they define an upper region intended to support the rear of the main frame, a lower region configured to support the lower part of the main frame, and a support region configured to support the upper and lower regions on a horizontal surface. Preferably, the shaped parts are made of a rigid, injection-molded plastic material. Thanks to these features, a device is obtained that is configured to display documents, facsimiles or similar items with two independent spaces, thus providing a dual functionality, that is, a presentation function for display and a second function of conservation or storage of the facsimiles or similar items, easily portable, which facilitates its handling and transport. Another equally important aspect is that, thanks to the box's design, it creates a three-dimensional, visual depth effect that gives greater prominence to the document or facsimile. This effect makes the displayed document appear to float and be suspended in the air above the camera. The depth (adjustable according to individual preferences) allows for this three-dimensional effect, enhancing the display without compromising the complete visibility of the exhibited document. The display arrangement can be left visible to show the document on display or it can be hidden when the front cover is placed on the front of the modular display unit. Similarly, the portable nature of the modular display of the invention surpasses the performance of a conventional display case in terms of mobility and transport, manageability, document handling, and economy of physical space. Other features and advantages of the display unit that is the subject of the present invention will become evident from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the display stand for documents, facsimiles or the like according to the invention in a condition of use or display, and wherein the side-closing lid is slightly displaced from its location (in assembled position) for clarity reasons; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the invention's display stand; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the display stand where the display arrangement is partially removed; Figure 4 is a partial perspective view showing one side of the display stand; Figure 5 is a perspective view showing only the support structure that is part of the display stand in an assembled condition; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the box that forms part of the display of the invention; Figure 7 is a plan view showing the first piece and the reinforcing piece that form part of the support structure; and Figure 8 is a plan view showing one of the two shaped pieces that form part of the support region of the support structure. DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In view of the aforementioned figures and in accordance with the numbering adopted, an example of a preferred embodiment of the invention can be observed, which comprises the parts and elements indicated and described in detail below. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, one embodiment of the display stand for the presentation and preservation of facsimiles comprises a box, generally indicated by reference (1), which is essentially formed by a main frame (2) of rigid material, for example, made of side walls and a back wall of wood (with or without coatings or surface finishes), which has a dividing plate (10). It should be mentioned that the presence of the dividing plate (10) in the main frame (2) is such that it defines a first front space configured for the viewing of documents, facsimiles or similar items and a second rear space that forms an interior housing (3) that is specially intended for the storage of documents, facsimiles or similar items with a side access area, as detailed below. In addition, a removable front cover (4) is provided which is configured to conceal the first front space intended for displaying documents, which is provided with means of fixing to the main frame (2), so as to allow the display to be easily covered and uncovered, to make the displayed document visible or to keep it reserved. It should be noted that in figures 1 to 4, the front cover (4) has been removed from the front and is located at the back of the box (1), so that the main frame (2) rests on said front cover (4). To allow the facsimile to be displayed safely and without direct contact with the outside environment, a removable display arrangement is provided, configured to allow the viewing of at least one facsimile. This display arrangement is located in the first front space and is spaced (see Figure 6) from the dividing plate (10) in the main frame (2), creating an empty chamber (11) (see Figures 4 and 6). This display arrangement consists of two plates (5) with transparent optical properties, which are superimposed on each other, which can be separated for the placement of a facsimile (F) in the space between the two plates (5), as many times as desired by the user in a convenient and simple way. Furthermore, fastening means are provided to hold the two plates (5) together, as well as a side closure cover (7) on the main frame, designed to keep the inner housing (3) sealed from the outside environment. This closure cover (7) can also be attached to the main frame (2) via a system of magnetic elements incorporated into the body of the closure cover (7) and the main frame (2), thus facilitating the handling of said closure cover (7) and being a non-intrusive system for the entire box (1). In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the side closure cover (7) can be attached to the main frame by means of hinges that can be housed inside the body that forms the side closure cover and inside the main frame (2), so that they are hidden, i.e., externally invisible, without affecting the external aesthetics of the modular display unit. Now, making particular reference to the aforementioned means of fastening the two plates (5), they consist of a plurality of magnets (6) present at the corners of each of the two plates (5), which are capable of facing each other in an assembled condition of the two plates (5), being barely visible to the observer, and which facilitate manual separation with a simple lateral pressure, of the two plates (5). To place a new document on the inner surface of one of the plates (5), the other plate (5) is placed on top. Due to the attraction of the magnets (6), it will overlap and fit perfectly, eliminating the possibility of error. In this way, the document or facsimile can be viewed clearly without any obstruction or impediment, framed only by the side walls of the display structure. On the other hand, the means of fixing the front cover consist of a plurality of magnets (not shown) present in the front cover (4) that are aligned with the arrangement of magnets integrated into the main frame (2). In order to facilitate the sliding coupling of the display arrangement, the main frame includes a guide system consisting of rails (8) milled into the inner face of the upper and lower profiles facing each other, which make up the main frame (2), which facilitates the lateral extraction of the two plates (5). In an exposure condition, in order to hold the box in a position at an angle of inclination with respect to the vertical plane of a horizontal surface, a modular support structure is provided, generally indicated by reference (9). With particular reference to this support structure (9), it comprises a plurality of shaped pieces that are attachable to each other by means of a snap-fit ​​joint, such that, in an assembled position of the support structure, they define an upper region intended to support the back of the main frame, a lower region configured to support the bottom of the main frame, and a support region configured to support the upper and lower regions on a horizontal surface, as can be seen in Figure 5. The upper region of the support structure (9) is formed by a first rectangular-contoured sheet piece (90), while the lower region is formed by a second rectangular-contoured sheet piece (91) having a protruding flange (910) that fits into a groove made in the first sheet piece (90). Furthermore, the support region is formed by two laminar pieces (92) with a generally triangular outline, spaced apart from each other in the assembly condition of the support structure (9), each of them having an extension (920) (see figure 7) that extends from one of the corners where the first piece (90) rests. This extension (920) has a tab (921) that fits into a corresponding groove (911) present in the first piece (90). It should be mentioned that there is a rectangular-shaped reinforcement piece (93) located at the rear of the support structure (9). The pieces (92) also include a slotted portion (922) (see figure 8) on one of their edges for fitting the reinforcing piece (93). The shaped parts (90, 91, 92, 93) can be made of an injectable plastic material, for example, methacrylate. The details, shapes, dimensions and other accessory elements used in the manufacture of the display of the invention may be conveniently replaced by others that do not depart from the scope defined by the claims included below.

Claims

1. A modular display stand for the presentation and preservation of documents, facsimiles, or the like, characterized in that it comprises a box formed by: - ​​a main frame defined by side walls and a rear wall, including a dividing panel inside the main frame arranged to form: a first front space configured for the display of documents, facsimiles, or the like; and a second rear space forming an interior compartment intended for the storage of documents, facsimiles, or the like, with an access area; - a removable display arrangement configured to allow the display of at least one document, facsimile, or the like, said display arrangement being located in the first space such that it is arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the dividing panel of the main frame, such that a chamber is provided between the display arrangement and the dividing panel,The display arrangement consists of two overlapping, separable panels between which at least one document, facsimile, or similar item is held by clamping, the front panel being transparent for viewing the document; fastening means configured to hold the two panels together; a removable front cover configured to protect the display arrangement, having fastening means for releasably attaching it to the main frame; and a side-closing cover attachable to the main frame, configured to keep the inner compartment closed from the outside.

2. Modular display according to claim 1, wherein the fastening means for the two panels forming the display arrangement,They consist of a plurality of magnets present on each of the two plates, which are capable of facing each other in an assembled condition of the two plates.

3. Modular display according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the means for fixing the front cover consist of magnets present on the front cover that are aligned with the arrangement of magnets integrated into the main frame.

4. Modular display according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the main frame includes a guide system configured for the sliding coupling of the display arrangement.

5. Modular display according to claim 4,wherein the guiding system consists of rails machined into the inner face of an upper and a lower profile facing each other, forming the main frame, and a groove machined into the inner face of the side wall facing the closing cover.

6. Modular display according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the upper and / or lower part of the main frame includes a notch or recess.

7. Modular display according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the side closing cover is attached to the main frame by means of magnets present in the body of the closing cover and the main frame.

8. Modular display according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the side closing cover is attached to the main frame by means of at least one hinge.

9. Modular display according to any of the preceding claims,wherein the main frame is made of wood or similar material.

10. Modular display according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the panels forming the display arrangement is made of glass or methacrylate with transparent properties.

11. Modular display according to any of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises a modular support structure configured to hold the box in an inclined position with respect to the vertical plane.

12. Modular display according to claim 11, wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of shaped pieces that are connectable to each other by means of a snap-fit ​​joint, such that, in an assembled position of the support structure, an upper region is defined for supporting the rear portion of the main frame.A lower region configured to support the lower part of the main frame and a support region configured to support the upper and lower regions on a horizontal surface.

13. Modular display according to claim 12, wherein the shaped parts are made of a rigid injection-molded plastic material.