Foldable display apparatus, method of erecting, and method of assembly thereof
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CA3303449
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CA · CA
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-02-28
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-21
Abstract
Description
1 FOLDABLE DISPLAY APPARATUS, METHOD OF ERECTING, AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY THEREOF FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present embodiments described in this specification relate generally to a display apparatus for supporting merchandise in a retail setting. More specifically, the embodiments relate to a foldable display apparatus that may be assembled quickly, in one motion and without the need for additional hardware. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Retail product displays are integral to marketing, designed to grab customer attention and boost sales. However, they often present significant challenges in assembly, sustainability, and functionality, all which contribute to inefficiencies, increased costs, and environmental concerns.
[0003] Product displays often are disassembled and packaged in flat-packed formats requiring intricate construction processes, which creates frustration for retail staff, who are usually pressed for time and may lack the expertise to assemble complicated structures. Tools such as screwdrivers, Allen keys, or hammers, may be required for assembly, and incorrect assembly can lead to unstable structures, posing risks to customers and merchandise. Some displays also include multiple small parts that are easily misplaced, further delaying the process.
[0004] The complexity of assembly becomes particularly problematic during high-volume product launches or seasonal promotions, where time is critical. Staff may prioritize speed CA 3303449 Date reçue / Received date 2026-03-02 2 over accuracy, leading to poorly assembled displays that fail to attract customers or support the products effectively.
[0005] Further, many displays are constructed from non-recyclable materials such as plastics and metal composites. While these materials are chosen for their durability and aesthetic appeal, they are not environmentally friendly. The short lifespan of most retail displays exacerbates this problem as displays are often discarded after a single use, particularly for seasonal promotions or limited time offers. This creates a substantial amount of waste. The lack of standardization in display materials further complicates recycling efforts, as many municipal recycling programs cannot process mixed-material products.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a display apparatus that is relatively easy to assemble, may be made entirely from recyclable material, and may be manufactured inexpensively. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A display apparatus is disclosed for quick assembly and disassembly without the need for tools or hardware.
[0008] According to an embodiment, a foldable display apparatus is provided including a peripheral panel and a set of shelf members attached to the peripheral panel. The peripheral panel may include a left section, a center section, and a right section, and each shelf member of the set of shelf members is affixed to the left section of the peripheral panel and the right section of the peripheral panel.
[0009] According to an embodiment, a method of erecting a foldable display apparatus from a folded configuration to an unfolded configuration is provided, the method comprising exerting a first force on the left section of the peripheral panel toward a second direction, and CA 3303449 Date reçue / Received date 2026-03-02 3 exerting a second force on the right section of the peripheral panel toward a third direction opposite of the second direction.
[0010] According to an embodiment, a method of assembling a foldable display apparatus and preparing it for shipping is provided, comprising assembling a peripheral panel, assembling each shelf member of a set of shelf members, affixing each shelf member of the set of shelf members to the peripheral panel, and preparing the foldable display apparatuses for shipping.
[0011] These and other features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiment(s), taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The drawings reference herein forms a part of the specification. Features shown in the drawings are meant as illustrative of only some embodiments, and not of all embodiments unless otherwise explicitly indicated.
[0013] FIG. 1 depicts a disassembled and folded foldable display apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 depicts a foldable display apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in a configuration between being fully folded and unfolded.
[0015] FIG. 3 depicts an assembled and unfolded foldable display apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 depicts a focused view of a top portion of a foldable display apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in a configuration between being fully folded and unfolded. CA 3303449 Date reçue / Received date 2026-03-02 4
[0017] FIG. 5 depicts a foldable display apparatus in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention in a configuration between being fully folded and unfolded.
[0018] FIG. 6 depicts an assembled and unfolded foldable display apparatus in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIGs. 7A and 7B depict a foldable display apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, further depicting the optional display top panel and optional display bottom panel being attached to the foldable display apparatus.
[0020] FIGs. 8A to 8D depict the method of assembling a peripheral panel for the foldable display apparatus prior to the foldable display apparatus being shipped, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0021] FIGs. 9A to 9G depict the method of assembling a shelf member for the foldable display apparatus prior to being shipped, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIGs. 10A and 10B depict orienting the peripheral panel in an erect, folded configuration, and affixing a set of shelf members to the peripheral panel by inserting the perpendicular tabs of each shelf members into a pair of tray slots found on the interior surface of the left section of the peripheral panel and right section of the peripheral panel respectively according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 11A depicts two assembled foldable display apparatuses being configured into their folded orientation and placed into a shipping container according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 11B depicts retail instruction, two optional display bottom panels, and two optional display top panels also being placed into the shipping container, prior to it being closed and ready for shipping according to an embodiment of the invention. CA 3303449 Date reçue / Received date 2026-03-02 5
[0025] FIG. 12 depicts an assembled and unfolded foldable display apparatus, with an expandable center section of the peripheral panel, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 13 depicts an assembled and unfolded foldable display apparatus, with an expandable center section of the peripheral panel, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 14 depicts an assembled and unfolded foldable display apparatus, with an expandable center section of the peripheral panel, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.
[0028] FIGs. 15A and 15B depicts an expandable center section of the peripheral panel of the foldable display apparatus, in an unexpanded and expanded configuration respectively, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention
[0029] FIGs. 16A and 16B depict an exemplary expandable shelf member of the foldable display apparatus, in an unexpanded and expanded configuration respectively, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.
[0030] FIG. 17 depicts an exploded view of an exemplary expandable shelf member of the foldable display apparatus, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.
[0031] FIGs. 18A and 18B depict an exemplary optional header of the foldable display apparatus, in an unexpanded and expanded configuration respectively, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention. CA 3303449 Date reçue / Received date 2026-03-02 6 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0032] It will be readily understood that the components of the present embodiment(s), as generally described and illustrated in the FIGs. herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method of the present embodiment(s), as presented in the FIGs., is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiment(s), as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments.
[0033] Reference throughout this specification to “a select embodiment,” “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment described herein. Thus, appearances of the phrases “a select embodiment,” “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.
[0034] As shown in FIGs. 1-5, an embodiment of a foldable display apparatus 100 includes a peripheral panel 110 and a set of shelf members 120 attached to the peripheral panel 110.
[0035] The peripheral panel 110 folds along multiple joints and may include a left section 111, a right section 112, and a center section 113, with each section (i.e., 111, 112, and 113) connected to adjoining sections by a foldable joint. Specifically, as shown in further detail in FIG. 4, foldable joint 111C connects left section 111 and center section 113 and foldable joint 112C connects right section 112 and center section 113. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, each shelf member 121 of the set of shelf members 120 is affixed to the left section 111 of the peripheral panel 110 and the right section 112 of the peripheral panel 110 by foldable joints 122. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, each shelf member 121 of the set of shelf CA 3303449 Date reçue / Received date 2026-03-02 7 members 120 is affixed to the left section 111 of the peripheral panel 110 and to the right section 112 of the peripheral panel 110.
[0036] Each shelf member 121 of the set of shelf members 120 is configured to fold and collapse towards a first direction 50. Each shelf member 121 includes locking arms 124 configured to prevent folding of the respective shelf member 121 in a direction opposite to the first direction 50. In the embodiment shown in FIGs. 1-4, a shelf folding joint 123 is positioned extending along a depth of the respective shelf member 121 and is configured to bias in only the first direction 50. The inclusion of locking arms 124 and a locking bed 125 ensures that the respective shelf member 121 is configured to bias in only the first direction 50. The locking bed 125 is a surface embedded into the respective shelf member 121 and is sized to fit a corresponding locking arm 124 when the respective shelf member 121 is completely unfolded. In addition to the functionality of the locking arm 124 and locking bed 125, the position of the shelf folding joint 123 on an underside of the respective shelf member 121 also ensures that the respective shelf member 121 may only bias towards the first direction 50 when being folded.
[0037] In the embodiment depicted in FIGs. 5 and 6, each shelf member 121 is connected to the left section 111 of the peripheral panel 110 by way of a folding joint 122. Each shelf member 121 has a corresponding locking bed 125, affixed to the right section 112 of the peripheral panel 110, that is configured to receive each respective shelf member 121, and is configured to bias only in the first direction 50.
[0038] The center section 113 includes a folding joint 113C bisecting the center section 113 into a left half-section 113A and a right half-section 113B. As such, the folding joint 111C separates the left section 111 from the left half-section 113A of the center section 113 and the CA 3303449 Date reçue / Received date 2026-03-02 8 folding joint 112C separates the right section 112 from the right half-section 113B of the center section 113. The center section 113 is configured to fold along the folding joint 113C and collapse towards a second direction 60 away from the set of shelf members 120.
[0039] The folding joints mentioned herein, such as folding joints 111C, 112C, 113C, 122, and 123, may be different forms of folding joints such as hinges, groove joints, bent seams whereby the material is more pliable, or linear perforations creating a seam along which the material gives way to bending. In a preferred embodiment, the folding joints mentioned herein are formed of groove joints, bent seams or linear perforations so that the entirety of the foldable display apparatus 100 may be made of a single type of recyclable material, thereby increasing environmental friendliness as well as lowering cost of production.
[0040] Referring to FIGs. 5 and 6, erecting the foldable display apparatus on-site involves first orienting the folded foldable display apparatus vertically, such that the left section 111 of the peripheral panel 110 is on a user’s left-hand side, and the right section 112 of the peripheral panel 110 is on a user’s right-hand side, given the user is viewing the foldable display apparatus from the front, display angle. The user will then expand the left section 111 by exerting a force towards a direction 70 and expand the right section 112 by exerting a force toward a direction 80. As the left section 111 and right section 112 expand, the set of shelf members 120 are engaged and lock into their horizontal orientation. When the foldable display apparatus 100 is fully unfolded, as depicted in FIG. 6., the center section 113 of the peripheral panel 110 is straightened so that the folding joint 113C is straight.
[0041] Returning the foldable display apparatus 100 back to the folded configuration involves a user first exerting a force on the set of shelf members 120 in the direction 50. Once this force is applied, and the shelf members are disengaged from their horizontal orientation, a user can CA 3303449 Date reçue / Received date 2026-03-02 9 exert a force to the left section 111 towards a direction opposite of direction 70 and can exert a force to the right section 112 in a direction opposite direction 80, to return the foldable display apparatus to its unfolded configuration.
[0042] The optional display bottom panel 140, depicted in FIG. 6, is configured to engage the peripheral panel 110 at a bottom side 115 of the peripheral panel.
[0043] Referring to FIGs. 3-6, according to an embodiment, the optional display top panel 130 may engage the peripheral panel 110 using tabs 131, 132, and 133. When the foldable display apparatus 100 is fully unfolded, the center section 113 of the peripheral panel 110 is straightened so that the folding joint 113C is straight. The optional top display panel 130 may then be slid into place at a top side 114 of the peripheral panel 110 with the left tab 131 behind the left half-section 113A of the center section 113, the right tab 132 behind the right half-section 113B of the center section 113, and the center tab 133 in front of the center section 113, traversing the folding joint 113C.
[0044] In an embodiment depicted in FIG. 7A, the optional display top panel 130 may engage the peripheral panel using tabs 134 and 135. When the foldable display apparatus 100 is fully unfolded, the center section 113 of the peripheral panel 110 is straightened so that the folding joint 113C is straight. The optional display top panel 130 may then be slid into place at a top side 114 of the peripheral panel 110, with the left tab 134 inserted into a fold at the top section of the left section 111 of the peripheral panel, and the right tab 135 inserted into a fold at the top section of the right section 112 of the peripheral panel 110.
[0045] In an embodiment depicted in FIG. 7B, the optional display bottom panel 140 may be slid into place at a bottom side 115 of the peripheral panel 110, with the left tab 136 inserted into a CA 3303449 Date reçue / Received date 2026-03-02 10 fold at the bottom section of the left section 111 of the peripheral panel, and the right tab 137 inserted into a fold at the bottom section of the right section 112 of the peripheral panel 110.
[0046] The peripheral panel 110, the set of shelf members 120, and the optional display top panel 130 and optional display base panel 140 may be made of a low-cost and / or recyclable material such as cardboard, non-cardboard paper-based materials, polystyrene foam, corrugate polypropylene, particle board, fiberboard, and plastic.
[0047] Assembly of the foldable display apparatus prior to shipping, according to an embodiment of the invention, is conducted in four steps; the assembly of the peripheral panel 110 of the foldable display apparatus, the assembly of each shelf member 121 of the set of shelf members 120, affixing the assembled set of shelf members 120 to the peripheral panel 110, and preparing the foldable display apparatuses for shipping. FIGs. 8A to 8D depict the assembly steps of the peripheral panel 110. FIGs. 9A to 9G depict the assembly of the shelf member 121. FIGs. 10A and 10B depict affixing the individually assembled shelf members 121 to the peripheral panel 110, and FIGs. 11A and 11B depict preparing the assembled foldable display apparatuses for shipping.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 8A, assembly of the peripheral panel 110 starts with an unfolded, unassembled peripheral panel 200, which is comprised of a left exterior panel 211, a left section 111, a center section 113, a right section 112, a right exterior panel 212, and a plurality of tabs. Tab 201 is located at the outer edge of the unfolded left exterior panel 211 and is connected to same via folding joint 201A. Tab 202, located at the outer edge of the unfolded right exterior panel 212 is connected to same via folding joint 202A. Tabs 201 and 202 are folded inwards about folding joints 201A and 202A respectively, towards the unassembled peripheral panel 200. CA 3303449 Date reçue / Received date 2026-03-02 11
[0049] Referring to FIG. 8B, adhesive 205 is applied to the surface of the now folded tabs 201 and 202. The unfolded left exterior panel 211 is then folded about folding joint 211A, connecting the left exterior panel 211 to the left section 111 of the peripheral panel 110. The unfolded right exterior panel 212 is folded inwards about folding joint 212A, connecting the right exterior panel 212 to the right section 112 of the peripheral panel 110. This results in the partially assembled peripheral panel depicted at FIG. 8C.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 8C, adhesive 205 is applied to the left portion and right portion of the surface of tabs 203 and 204 respectively, located at the top end of the left section of the peripheral panel 111 and the right section of the peripheral panel 112 respectively, as shown in the exploded view. Adhesive 205 is not applied to the central portion of the surface of tabs 203 and 204 to allow for later insertion of the optional display header 130. Tabs 203 and 204 are then folded about folding joints 203A and 204A respectively, which connect tabs 203 and 204 to the left section 111 of the peripheral panel 110 and right section 112 of the peripheral panel 110, respectively, resulting in the assembled peripheral panel 110 in an unfolded configuration depicted in FIG. 8D.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 9A, assembly of the shelf members 121 starts with an unassembled shelf member 221 comprising of a lower panel 222, a central panel 220, an interior panel 224, a locking bed 125, and a plurality of tab. For each unfolded shelf member 221, adhesive 205 is first applied to the surface of a central panel 220 of the unassembled shelf member 221, as depicted in FIG. 9A, before an adjacent lower panel 222 is folded on top of the central panel 220 about folding joint 222A, connecting the lower panel 222 to the central panel 220, and held down by the adhesive 205. CA 3303449 Date reçue / Received date 2026-03-02 12
[0052] Referring to FIG. 9B, adhesive is applied to a top surface of tab 223, and tab 223 is then folded on top of the central panel 220 about folding joint 223A, connecting tab 223 to the central panel 220.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 9C, adhesive is applied to the surface of an interior panel 224 of the unassembled shelf member 221. Folded lower panel 222 is then folded inwards about folding joint 224A over interior panel 224 and locking bed 125, resulting in the unassembled shelf member 221 depicted in FIG. 9D.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 9D, tabs 226 and 227, at opposite peripheral edges of the central panel 220, are folded about folding joints 226A and 227A, which connect tabs 226 and 227 to the central panel 220, respectively, so that they are now oriented perpendicular to the central panel 220 as shown in FIG. 9E.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 9F and 9G, the now partially assembled shelf member 221 is oriented such that tabs 226 and 227 now point perpendicularly downwards from the central panel 220. Small tabs 228, 229, found adjacent of tab 226 at opposite edges, and small tabs 230 and 231, found adjacent of tab 227 at opposite edges, are folded about folding joints 228A, 229A 230A, and 231A respectively, such that they are now perpendicular to tabs 226 and 227 respectively.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 10A and 10B, each assembled shelf member 121 of the set of shelf members 120 is now affixed to the peripheral panel 110. For each shelf member 121, tabs 226 and 227 are inserted into a pair of tray slots 240, found on the interior surface of the left peripheral panel section 111 and the interior surface of the right peripheral panel section 112 and opposite each other on the same horizontal plane. A total of 4 shelf members 121 are inserted into 4 pairs of tray slots 240 according to an embodiment of the invention. Small tabs CA 3303449 Date reçue / Received date 2026-03-02 13 228, 229, 230, and 231 ensure that the shelf members 121 cannot exit the tray slots 240 once they have been inserted into the tray slots 240.
[0057] Each fully assembled foldable display apparatus 100 is now oriented flat in its unfolded configuration, pursuant to the unfolding method discussed previously and depicted in FIG. 5. Referring to FIG. 11A, two assembled and folded foldable display apparatus 100 are placed into a shipping container 300. Referring to FIG. 11B, retail instructions 310, two optional display top panels 130 and two optional display bottom panels 140 are also included in the shipping container 300, prior to shipping container 300 being sealed and shipped out.
[0058] Referring to FIGs. 12-18, an alternative embodiment of a foldable display apparatus 400 includes a peripheral panel 410, a set of shelf members 421 inserted into the peripheral panel 410, and an optional display top panel 430 that is configured to engage the peripheral panel 410 at a top edge 414 of the center section 413 of the peripheral panel 410.
[0059] According to an alternative embodiment of a foldable display apparatus, an expandable center section 413 of the peripheral panel 410 is incorporated, with the unexpanded configuration of the alternative embodiment of the foldable display apparatus depicted in FIG. 12 and the expanded configuration of the alternative embodiment of the foldable display apparatus depicted in FIGs. 13 and 14. The optional display top panel 430 is also configured to be expandable according to an alternative embodiment of the foldable display apparatus, with the unexpanded configuration of the optional display top panel 430 depicted in FIGs. 12 and 13 and the expanded configuration of the optional display top panel 430 depicted in FIG. 14.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 12, according to an embodiment of the invention, the left section 411 of the peripheral panel 410, and the right section 412 of the peripheral panel 410, each features a CA 3303449 Date reçue / Received date 2026-03-02 14 handhold (411A and 412A respectively) that is located close to the vertical center of the left section 411 and right section 412 of the peripheral panel, to enable a user to easily hold onto handhold 411A while holding on handhold 412A and exerting a force in direction 80 as to expand the foldable display apparatus 400 to resize it to the desired width. Alternatively, a user may hold onto handhold 411A while holding on handhold 412B and exerting a force in a direction opposite direction 80 to return the foldable display apparatus 400 to an unexpanded configuration.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 13, the center section 413 of the peripheral panel 410 according to an embodiment features a mechanism that enables the center section 413 to expand horizontally, exposing an additional portion 416 of the center section 413 that is configured to be positioned behind the center section 413 when the center section 413 is not expanded.
[0062] Specifically, as shown in further detail in FIGs. 15A and 15B, the mechanism may comprise a number of buckles 415 that enable the center section 413 of the peripheral panel 410 to expand horizontally along a set of slits 415A in the center section 413 and the additional portion 416 of the center section 413, should a user exert a force on the right panel 412 in the direction 80, as depicted in FIG. 15B, or to narrow horizontally along a set of slits 415A in the center section 413 and the additional portion 416 of the center panel 413, should a user exert a force on the right panel 412 in a direction opposite 80, as shown in FIG. 15A.
[0063] Additionally, according to an alternative embodiment of a foldable display apparatus 400 a mechanism to maintain the desired width of the center section 413 of the peripheral panel 410, such that it does not inadvertently increase or decrease in width once a user has set it to the desired width, may be used. Specifically, as shown in further detail in FIGs. 13 and 15, a foldable panel 417 extending from the top edge 414 of the center section 413, connected by CA 3303449 Date reçue / Received date 2026-03-02 15 folding joint 417A to the center section 413, may be used. According to an embodiment, the foldable panel 417 may be affixed to the center section 413 by way of a hook and loop fastener. As depicted in FIG. 13, two strips of hooks (417B and 417C respectively) may be affixed to the foldable panel 417, with a strip of loops (417D) affixed to the center section 413. When the foldable panel 417 is folded about folding joint 417A and affixed to the center panel 413, the width of the center section 413 is maintained. For example, the foldable panel 417 may be folded when the foldable display apparatus 400 is in an unexpanded configuration, such that the strip of hooks 417B catches the strip of loops 417D, thereby maintaining the foldable display apparatus 400 in the unexpanded configuration by preventing the user from expanding the width of the peripheral panel as discussed previously. Alternatively, the foldable panel 417 may be folded when the foldable display apparatus 400 is in an expanded configuration, such that the strip of hooks 417C catches the strip of loops 417D, thereby maintaining the foldable display apparatus 400 in the expanded configuration, as depicted in FIG. 14.
[0064] As shown in FIGs. 16A-16B and 17, each shelf member 421 feature an expandable bottom portion 423 and a second expandable portion 424 housed in a cavity of the shelf member 421 when the foldable display apparatus 400 is not expanded. When the foldable display apparatus 400 is expanded as discussed previously, the expandable bottom portion 423 affixed to the right section 412 of the peripheral panel 410 expands alongside the right section 412, matching the width of the center section 413. The expandable bottom portion 423 is only able to extend as far as the width of the center section 413, and furthermore, is held in place with the shelf member 412 via at least one stopper 425 which prevents the expandable bottom portion 423 from exiting the cavity in the shelf member 421. Additionally, each shelf member CA 3303449 Date reçue / Received date 2026-03-02 16 421 features a notch 422 that enables the second expandable portion 424 of the shelf member 421, also housed in a cavity of the shelf member 421 when the foldable display apparatus 400 is unexpanded, to expand horizontally to ensure structural stability of each shelf member 421 in the expanded configuration. Each notch 422 is strategically placed for easy expansion, enabling a user to easily pull on the notch 422 in direction 80 to expand the second expandable portion 424 of the shelf member 421 to resize it such that they adequately fit the expanded shelf members and the expanded foldable display apparatus.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 18A-18B, the optional top display panel 430 folds along multiple joints and may include a left peripheral section 431 and a right peripheral section 432, with each section (i.e., 431, 432) connected to adjoining sections by a foldable joint. Specifically, as shown in further detail in FIG. 18A, foldable joint 431A connects left peripheral section 431 to the optional top display panel 430 and foldable joint 432A connects right peripheral section 432 to the optional top display panel 430. The left peripheral section 431 and right peripheral section 432 of the optional display panel 430 are further configured to extend outward, on the same plane as the optional display panel 430 as depicted in FIG. 18B, such that the optional display panel 430 may match the width of the foldable display apparatus 400 in the expanded orientation. The optional top display panel 430 is configured to engage the center section 413 using tab 433. CA 3303449 Date reçue / Received date 2026-03-02
Claims
17 What is claimed is:
1. A foldable display apparatus comprising: a peripheral panel; and a set of shelf members attached to the peripheral panel.
2. The foldable display apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the peripheral panel includes a left section, a center section, and a right section, each shelf member of the set of shelf members is affixed to the left section of the peripheral panel and the right section of the peripheral panel.
3. The foldable display apparatus of claim 1, wherein each shelf member of the set of shelf members is configured to fold and collapse towards a first direction and wherein each shelf member of the set of shelf members includes locking arms configured to prevent folding of the respective shelf member in a direction opposite to the first direction.
4. The foldable display apparatus of claim 2, wherein: the peripheral panel includes folding joints separating the left section from the center section, and separating the center section from the right section, and the center section includes a folding joint bisecting the center section into a left half-section and a right half-section. CA 3303449 Date reçue / Received date 2026-03-02 18 5. The foldable display apparatus of claim 4, wherein the center section is configured to fold along the folding joint and collapse towards a second direction away from the set of shelf members.
6. The foldable display apparatus of claim 1, wherein an optional display top panel and an optional display bottom panel may be affixed to the foldable display apparatus through the use of a first plurality of tabs.
7. The foldable display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the center section and shelf members are configured to expand horizontally to increase the width of the foldable display apparatus.
8. The foldable display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the peripheral panel, the set of shelf members, and the optional display top panel and optional display bottom panel are made of a material selected from the group consisting of: cardboard, non-cardboard paper-based materials, polystyrene foam, corrugate polypropylene, particle board, fiberboard, and plastic.
9. The foldable display apparatus of claim 4, wherein the folding joints of the peripheral panel and the folding joint bisecting the center section are joints selected from the group consisting of: groove joints, bent seams, linear perforations, hinges, or plastic hardware. CA 3303449 Date reçue / Received date 2026-03-02 19 10. A method of erecting a foldable display apparatus from a folded configuration to an unfolded configuration, the method comprising: exerting a first force on the left section of the peripheral panel toward a second direction; and exerting a second force on the right section of the peripheral panel toward a third direction opposite of the second direction.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein by exerting the first force on the left section of the peripheral panel and exerting the second force on the right section of the peripheral panel, the set of shelf members attached to the peripheral panel fall and lock into a horizontal orientation.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein by exerting a third force to the set of shelf members in the first direction, exerting a fourth force opposite the second direction on the left section of the peripheral panel, and exerting a fifth force opposite the third direction on the right section of the peripheral panel, the foldable display apparatus returns to the folded configuration.
13. A method of assembling a foldable display apparatus and preparing it for shipping, comprising: assembling a peripheral panel; assembling each shelf member of a set of shelf members; affixing each shelf member of the set of shelf members to the peripheral panel; and CA 3303449 Date reçue / Received date 2026-03-02 20 preparing the foldable display apparatuses for shipping.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein assembling the peripheral panel comprises providing an unfolded peripheral panel that includes a left exterior panel, left section of the peripheral panel, a central panel, a right section of the peripheral panel, and a right exterior panel, and a second plurality of tabs.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein assembling the peripheral panel further comprises folding a first tab located at an exterior edge of the left exterior panel about a first folding joint connecting the first tab to the left exterior panel, folding a second tab located at an exterior edge of the right exterior panel about a second folding joint connecting the second tab to the right exterior panel, and applying adhesive to an outside surface of the now folded first tab and second tab.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein assembling the peripheral panel further comprises folding the left exterior panel about a third folding joint connecting the left exterior panel to the left section of the peripheral panel, folding the right exterior panel about a fourth folding joint connecting the right exterior panel to the right section of the peripheral panel, applying adhesive to a third tab located at a top edge of the left section panel and to a fourth tab located at a top edge of the right section of the peripheral panel, folding the third tab about a fifth folding edge connecting the third tab to the left section of the peripheral panel, and folding the fourth tab about a sixth folding edge connecting the fourth tab to the right section of the peripheral panel. CA 3303449 Date reçue / Received date 2026-03-02 21 17. The method of claim 13, wherein assembling each shelf member of the set of shelf members comprises providing an unfolded shelf member that includes a lower panel, a central panel, an interior panel, a locking bed, and a third plurality of tabs.
18. The method of claim 17, assembling each shelf member of the set of shelf members further comprises: applying adhesive to an outside surface of the central panel; folding the lower panel about a seventh folding edge connecting the lower panel to the central panel; applying adhesive to a fifth tab; folding the fifth tab about an eight folding edge connecting the fifth tab to the central panel; applying adhesive to an outside surface of the interior panel; folding the central panel about a ninth folding edge connecting the central panel to the interior panel; folding a sixth tab about a tenth folding edge connecting the sixth tab to a first exterior edge of the central panel; folding a seventh tab about an eleventh folding edge connecting the seventh tab to a second exterior edge of the central panel opposite the first exterior edge of the central panel; folding a first pair of small tabs located adjacent to the sixth tab and opposite each other about a first and second exterior edge of the sixth tab; CA 3303449 Date reçue / Received date 2026-03-02 22 folding a second pair of small tabs located adjacent to the seventh tab and opposite each other about a first and second exterior edge of the sixth tab; and folding the peripheral panel such that the left section of the peripheral panel and the right section of the peripheral panel are opposite each other.
19. The method of claim 13, wherein affixing each shelf member of the set of shelf members to the peripheral panel comprises inserting the sixth tab of the shelf member into a first tray slot located at an interior side of the left section of the peripheral panel, inserting the seventh tab of the shelf member into a second tray slot located at an interior side of the right section of the peripheral panel and opposite the first tray slot, and repeating the insertion of the sixth and seventh tabs of the shelf member for a set of shelf members for all tray slots.
20. The method of claim 13, wherein preparing the foldable display apparatus for shipping comprises folding the now assembled foldable display apparatuses into a folded configuration, packing two foldable display apparatuses in their folded configuration into a shipping box, placing retail instructions, two base display panels, and two header display panels in the box and sealing the box and preparing it for shipping. CA 3303449 Date reçue / Received date 2026-03-02