Support structure with foldable end cap

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a foldable truss assembly for commercial displays. The truss assembly includes a foldable end cap having a plurality of adjacently connected arm members. The arm members are pivotally connected at each end to an adjacent arm member to form a closed loop. The end cap includes an attachment member disposed at each pivotable connection. A plurality of substantially planar wall members are coupled to the attachment members of the end cap by receiving a portion of the end cap in a receiving opening of the wall members. A pair of pivot bars are connectable to diagonally opposite pivot locations of the end cap to stabilize the truss assembly. The pivot bars include a locking member connectable to the free ends of the pivot bars. The locking member prevents relative longitudinal displacement of the pivot bars and prevents the end caps from folding to stabilize and strengthen the truss assembly.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to portable support structures for use in temporary or permanent stands or displays, such as trade shows and conventions, and particularly to a portable truss assembly having a foldable end cap connecting planar wall elements. [0003] 2. Description of Related Art [0004] Commercial displays such as those used in trade show booths require strong structures that can be easily transported and configured in a wide variety of forms. Such structures need to be lightweight, portable, and able to be quickly set up and broken down. [0005] Prior display structures have contained folding elements that utilize rigid wall members coupled with rotatable wall members. The rotatable wall members allow the display to collapse. The displays include other pivoting members that serve to lock the assembly into an open position. Although useful in some applications, this approach has deficiencies. The need fo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention is that the locking mechanism also includes two elongated pivot bars each having a pivot end, a locking end and a pivot member at the pivot end. The pivot members of the pivot bars are rotatably coupled to the end cap at diagonally opposite hinge members. The locking mechanism also includes a locking member attachable to the locking ends of the pivot bars. The attached locking member preventing relative longitudinal displacement of the pivot bars. The elongated pivot bars are rotatable about the pivot members. The pivot bars are rotatable so that the locking ends of the pivot bars are movable into relative proximity.

[0021] Another aspect of the present invention is that the locking mechanism also including two elongated pivot bars each having a pivot end, a locking end and a pivot member at the pivot end. The pivot members of the pivot bars are rotatably coupled to the end cap at diagonally opposite attachment members. The locking mechanism also includes a locking member attachable to the locking ends of the pivot bars. The attached locking member preventing relative longitudinal displacement of the pivot bars. The elongated pivot bars are rotatable about the pivot members and the pivot bars are rotatable so that the locking ends of the pivot bars are adjustable into relative proximity.

[0027] A method in accordance with the principles of the present invention includes a method of assembling a foldable truss member. The method including unfolding an end cap. The end cap including a plurality of arm members having first and second ends. The arm members are adjacently connected forming a closed loop. The first end of each arm member is pivotally connected to the second end of each adjacent arm member, each arm member also including an attachment member at first and second ends. The method also including attaching a plurality of wall members each having at least two receiving members to the end cap. The receiving members of the wall members are connected to at least two of the attachment members of the end cap. The method also includes pivoting a first and second pivot bar, each pivot bar having a locking end and pivotally coupled to the first end of one of the arm members. The pivoting of the pivot bars moves the locking ends of the pivot bars into relative proximity. The method also includes attaching a locking member to the proximate locking ends of the pivot bars to connect the pivot bars and prevent relative longitudinal motion of the pivot bars.

Problems solved by technology

Although useful in some applications, this approach has deficiencies.

The need for numerous differently configured rigid and rotatable members increases the inventory of parts, thereby making assembly more complicated and expensive.

Further, the pivoting members may not provide a significant locking force to provide sufficient structural stiffness in some applications.

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