A display assembly

Abstract

A self-standing upright foldable display assembly comprises a display panel section 1 integrally hinged along its lower edge 6 to a base section 2. The display panel section comprises a panel with two

Description

Field of the invention

[001] The invention relates to display apparatus. In particular, the invention relates to a multi-faceted planar display assembly which is self-supporting in use and foldable when not in use. Background of the invention

[002] Portable signage and display assemblies are all around us, in shops, restaurants, educational establishments and workplaces of all kinds. They are used to attract attention, for example at exhibitions and trade shows, raise awareness, impart information and advertise. Display assemblies for windows, presenting life-sized depictions of law enforcement officials, have even been used to deter intruders.

[003] Portable display assemblies are distinct from the larger, permanent fixtures such as roadside billboards and the large electronic display screens for which Times Square in New York is famous, because they are typically lightweight and preferably stowable into a more compact configuration for storage and transportation. They are also considerably less expensive than their larger, more permanent counterparts and are therefore more readily affordable for a broader section of society.

[004] There is growing demand to promote products and services in an increasingly competitive economy. Whether signing customers onto new energy tariffs, promoting new food and drink brands in supermarkets, or promoting new products and services at trade shows and expositions, modern businesses need adaptable and easy-to-use marketing tools to help their products and services stand out.

[005] A particularly common kind of portable display assembly is the roll-up banner, also known as a retractable banner. These banners are presented on sheets of flexible material which can be rolled about a roller and housed in a housing for protection and ease of transportation. They can be deployed quickly and easily by pulling the banner through a slot in the housing and securing it with a supporting pole. Roll-up banners are favoured for their simplicity, affordability, and professional appearance. Such banners are typically bulky, heavy and unwieldy even when stowed, and because of their composite nature are known to come apart over time. It is only practical to present display material on one side of such banners, since the other side is at least partially obstructed by the support structure.

[006] Other common kinds of portable display assembly are stowed by folding rather than rolling. Such assemblies are typically constructed from lightweight materials such as cardboard, plastic, or composite substrates, and are designed to fold flat for easy storage and transportation. When required, they are unfolded into three-dimensional structures that stand upright, typically supported by collapsible frames. They can easily be customized with printed graphics and messages, making them highly versatile for different marketing needs. The use of resilient materials like elastic bands or flexible joints ensures that these displays can be set up and taken down quickly, without requiring tools or additional hardware.

[007] Because these portable display assemblies comprise large, flat display surfaces, and because large, flat surfaces do not stand upright unaided, support structures are required. These are usually hidden behind the display surfaces of the display assemblies in use, which makes it impossible to use both faces of display surfaces. It would be advantageous to devise a lightweight, easily stowable and deployable portable display apparatus with increased versatility, which can use both sides of the display surface without being impeded by a support structure.

[008] US10163378 discloses a display board with three panels: a central panel flanked by two side panels, all connected by creases, and a header panel at the top. The side panels can pivot from being fully folded to open at obtuse angles, while the header panel can move from a folded-in to a folded-out position, adjusting between obtuse and reflex angles accordingly. Care must be taken, however, to ensure that the side panels are folded within an acceptable range of angles when deployed, or else the assembly will become unstable. Furthermore, the cut-out header at the top means that both sides of the assembly cannot be used with to the same effect, and creates a disjointed image.

[009] US2008053942 discloses a display device for advertising or point-of-sale displays, consisting of multiple parallelepipeds arranged in a stack. Each parallelepiped includes a resilient mechanism that allows it to move from a flat, closed position to a fully opened state, and the entire structure can be folded from fully open to fully folded. The stack can optionally be mounted on a base and may include a foldable sheet with an advertising image, with the device being able to stand at a significant height when erected. Nevertheless, this assembly is very complex, and the stacked support structure obstructs the rear of the display surface meaning that only the front face can be used for display purposes.

[010] US3007268 discloses a lightweight, foldable advertising display device made from paper, featuring an integrated stand that does not extend beyond the sign's edges when folded. It can be converted from a flat, collapsed state to an upright position using a hinge and cut score design. The support structure prevents the rear of the display assembly from being used for display purposes. [Oil] US2282280 discloses a foldable display device, particularly suited for use as a restaurant menu, table place card, or advertising display. This device can be manufactured, shipped, and stored flat, but unfolds into a tent shape for display purposes. It features overlapping panels with a cut-out picture panel to give a three-dimensional effect, and the panels can include printed advertising or menu information. In this way, both sides of the assembly can be used for display purposes, but this is because of a folded tent-like structure which provides two separate display panels. This is not so costly when the display is a small, table-top display such as a menu card, but for larger assemblies it will be a significant disadvantage that the material costs are at least doubled by the requirement to have two display panels in order to present two display surfaces.

[012] EP1733371 discloses a foldable, self-erecting display apparatus used for large image displays. It features a collapsible structure that includes a display panel and an integrally hinged support frame with side panels held together by resilient means such as elastic bands. This design ensures the display can be easily transported and stored flat but automatically erects into an upright position when needed. The requirement for elastic bands or similar adds complexity and expense to the design, and the rear of the display surface cannot be used for display.

[013] The present invention seeks to overcome or mitigate at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art.

[014] Summary of the invention

[015] The invention provides display assembly comprising a display panel integrally hinged along its lower edge with a base assembly, wherein the display panel is provided with two substantially central longitudinal fold-lines from its upper edge to its lower edge, separated by a separation width, and the base assembly comprises two laterally adjacent panels having respective inner opposing edges.

[016] The display assembly of the invention is particularly advantageous over those of the prior art. It is foldable, and in some embodiments can be reduced to a flat board of only a quarter of its expanded size when stowed, making it easy to carry, transport and store. The design is particularly cost-effective and can significantly reduce the costs associated with displays at trade expositions.

[017] The design is versatile. A single assembly is sufficient to display information on both sides. A plurality of assemblies can be combined in many different configurations to suit the particular circumstances.

[018] The ‘double spine’ provided by the two substantially central longitudinal fold-lines is key to the design, since it permits a perfectly flat fold in the stowed configuration, without any bowing of the outer layers caused by the bulk of the inner layers.

[019] The base assembly relies on the frictional layered engagement of the two laterally adjacent panels, meaning that the two halves of the display panel on either side of the central longitudinal fold lines can be angled with respect to each other in the assembled configuration at a range of angles, to allow for constructions of multiple display assemblies with a variety of shapes.

[020] In some embodiments, the display panel further comprises a substantially central transverse fold-line across its entire width. This allows for the display panel to be folded in half width-wise when stowed, providing a stowed configuration which is only a quarter of the size of the assembled display panel.

[021] In some embodiments, the inner opposing edges of the laterally adjacent panels of the base assembly are separated by the separation width. In some embodiments having a transverse fold-line, the width of the display panel decreases from the transverse fold-line to the upper edge. These features contribute to further enhance the folding of the display assembly.

[022] In some embodiments, for each of the laterally adjacent panels of the base assembly, the maximum length does not exceed the maximum width. In some such embodiments, for each of the laterally adjacent panels of the base assembly, the maximum length is the length of the internal edge, and the maximum width is the width of the upper edge which is integrally hinged with a portion of the lower edge of the display panel. This enables the laterally adjacent halves of the display panel to be angled with respect to each other at 90 degrees when assembled, which is particularly suitable for many of the proposed uses of the assembly, and for stability.

[023] In some embodiments, each of the laterally adjacent panels of the base assembly has an arcuate outer edge. This means that the laterally adjacent panels will overlap when the display assembly is assembled, no matter the angle at which the laterally adjacent halves of the display panel are angled with respect to each other. This also reduces tripping hazards by preventing any portion of either laterally adjacent panel from protruding from the base area.

[024] In some embodiments having a transverse fold-line, the adjacent lower portions of the display panel are substantially rectangular, having equal height from the transverse fold-line to the lower edge of the display panel, and equal width from their respective adjacent central longitudinal fold-lines and their respective lateral outer edges.

[025] In some such embodiments, the height of the upper portion of the display panel above the transverse fold-line does not exceed the height of the lower portion of the display panel below the transverse fold-line, and the maximum width of the upper portion of the display panel does not exceed the width of the lower portion of the display panel. This maximises the difference in size between the assembled display panel and the stowed display panel.

[026] In some embodiments, the separation width is at least twice the thickness of the display assembly. This maximises the benefits of the double spine configuration in providing for a neat fold. Brief description of the drawings

[027] Certain embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings:

[028] Figure 1 depicts a net showing a display assembly according to the invention in an unfolded, unassembled state.

[029] Figure 2 depicts a display assembly according to the invention as it is assembled from its stowed configuration to its assembled configuration.

[030] Figure 3 depicts display assemblies according to the invention in different configurations for different kinds of displays.

[031] Figure 4 depicts display assemblies according to the invention with additional fittings for particular purposes. Detailed description of the drawings

[032] Figure 1 depicts display assembly of the invention laid out flat. Generally, the depicted embodiment comprises an upright display panel section 1 and a base section 2. The upright section 1 is hexagonal, and the base section 2 comprises two quarter circles or quadrants 3, 4 disposed adjacently so as to effectively form a semi-circle with a small gap 5 between its two halves 3, 4.

[033] The upright display panel section 1 and the base section 2 are made of a single piece of material, separated by a fold 6. The display assembly may be made of a number of suitable materials, and the nature of the folds will depend on the material. For example, the display assembly may be made of card, in which case either a pre-made fold will be suitable, or scoring may be necessary, depending on the thickness of the card. The display assembly may alternatively be made of a thin layer of plastic material, in which case scoring or moulded recesses may be necessary to provide the folds. Other options, including leather, metal, and sustainable organic materials, will be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[034] The upright display panel section 1 has three folds 7, 8, 9. The first of these folds 7 is horizontal according to an in-use orientation, across the whole width of the upright display panel section 1 between two opposing corners of the hexagon, substantially half-way along the length or (in use) height of the upright display panel section 1.

[035] The second of these folds 8 is vertical, running the length or height of the display panel section, from the corner subtended by the first quarter circle 3 of the base section 2 to a point close to the centre of the top edge of the display panel section 1.

[036] The third of these folds 9 is also vertical, running the length or height of the display panel section, from the corner subtended by the second quarter circle 4 of the base section 2 to a point close to the centre of the top edge of the display panel section 1. The second 8 and third 9 folds are substantially parallel so as to form a ‘double spine’ configuration.

[037] It will be appreciated that the hexagonal shape of the upright display panel section 1 provides an almost rectangular shape which, when in a folded configuration, has a neatly rectangular shape. In other words, the tapering width of the upright display panel section 1 from the central horizontal fold 7 to the top edge, which makes the display stand section hexagonal rather than rectangular, prevents the side edges of the upper, tapering section of the display panel section 1 from sticking out when the display stand is in the folded configuration.

[038] It will also be appreciated that the ‘double fold’ or ‘double spine’ provided by folds 8 and 9 enables much neater and more precise folding when arranging the display stand in the folded configuration. This is especially important when thicker material such as card or plastic is used to make the display stand, since the double fold accommodates the thickness of the material when folded.

[039] Both of the quadrants 3, 4 subtend 45 degrees. When assembling the display assembly into the upright configuration, one of the two quadrants sits on top of the other, sliding over the other, so that frictional engagement between the lower surface of one quadrant and the upper surface of the other holds them together.

[040] In certain preferred embodiments: • The length of the assembly is between 2 and 4 metres, and more preferably between 2.5 and 3.5 metres; • The width of the assembly is between 1 and 2 metres, and more preferably between 1.3 and 1.7 metres; • The length of the display panel section 1 is between 2 and 4 metres, and more preferably between 2.7 and 3.6 metres; • The length of the top half of the display panel section, from the top edge to the central fold 7, is between 1 and 2 metres, and more preferably between 1.3 and 1.8 metres; • The width between the two central lengthwise folds 8 and 9 is between 1 cm and 6 cm and more preferably between 2 cm and 4 cm; • The width of the top edge of the display panel section, due to the taper, is between 0.9 and 1.9 metres, and more preferably between 1.2 and 1.6 metres.

[041] In a particularly preferred embodiment designed for use as a conventional trade exposition stand: • The length of the assembly is 3.15 metres; • The width of the assembly is 1.54 metres; • The length of the display panel section 1 is 2.4 metres; • The length of the top half of the display panel section, from the top edge to the central fold 7, is 1.19 metres; • The width between the two central lengthwise folds 8 and 9 is 3 cm; and • The width of the top edge of the display panel section, due to the taper, is 1.47 metres.

[042] It will be appreciated that the gradient of the taper and the width between the two lengthwise folds will vary according to the material used. The goal of these features is to provide a folded configuration which is rectangular and has length and width substantially the same and edges do not protrude.

[043] Figure 2 illustrates the procedure for deploying or assembling the display assembly from its folded configuration to its display configuration. In the folded state, the display stand measures slightly smaller than AO dimensions (80 x 120 cm), facilitating convenient transportation. Upon unfolding, the display stand can be positioned upright as demonstrated. The base assembly is achieved by overlapping the base sections, referenced as 3 and 4.

[044] Figure 3 showcases the display assembly utilized in both singular and modular configurations. The modular designs permit various configurations, including double or quad modules, enabling two to four independent exhibitors to display their products within a compact space. This flexibility is advantageous for companies wishing to segregate different brands or ranges. Additional configurations such as triple or quintuple displays can also be implemented. The skilled reader will appreciate that the base sections 3, 4 may not need to overlap completely in a triple display, in which the laterally adjacent halves of the display panel are angled with respect to each other at 120 degrees rather than 90 degrees. Furthermore, the base sections 3, 4 may need to be configured differently for quintuple displays, in which the laterally adjacent halves of the display panel may be angled with respect to each other at 72 degrees rather than 90 degrees.

[045] Figure 3 also depicts a ‘concertina’ configuration for multiple display assemblies of the invention. As many assemblies as are required can be use for such configurations, which allow for advertising and marketing on both sides.

[046] Finally, Figure 3 depicts a booth which is defined by a display assembly of the invention at each of its corners, and linking members between adjacent display assemblies. It will be appreciated that booths constructed in this way can have various sizes and shapes, and that the base sections 3, 4 can overlap more or less depending on the angle required of the corners of particular booth shapes.

[047] Figure 4 presents alternative applications for display assembles according to the invention, including use as shelving units or clothes rails for specific product displays. The display stand also supports the addition of lighting features. Furthermore, additional fascia or name boards can be mounted for exhibition 5 purposes.

[048] The sturdy simplicity of the display apparatus of the invention makes it particularly versatile. The apparatus can accommodate many additional features to enhance its visual impact. Some examples of this are shown in Figure 4, but the skilled reader will appreciate that there are many other possibilities. For example, 10 the display apparatus of the invention can, in some embodiments, accommodate printed electronics, such as LED, LCD, and OLED circuits and systems. These examples of modern visual technologies can significantly enhance the brightness, contrast, and overall visual appeal of the display, making it suitable for a wide range of applications including advertising, information dissemination, and artistic 15 installations.

[049] Although the invention has been described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, these embodiments are not limiting. The scope of the invention is limited only by the claims.

Claims

1. A display assembly comprising a display panel integrally hinged along its lower edge with a base assembly, wherein the display panel is provided with two substantially central longitudinal fold-lines from its upper edge to its lower edge, separated by a separation width, and the base assembly comprises two laterally adjacent panels having respective inner opposing edges.

2. A display assembly according to claim 1 wherein the display panel further comprises a substantially central transverse fold-line across its entire width.

3. A display assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the inner opposing edges of the laterally adjacent panels of the base assembly are separated by the separation width.

4. A display assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 3 wherein the width of the display panel decreases from the transverse fold-line to the upper edge.

5. A display assembly according to any preceding claim wherein, for each of the laterally adjacent panels of the base assembly, the maximum length does not exceed the maximum width.

6. A display assembly according to claim 5 wherein, for each of the laterally adjacent panels of the base assembly, its maximum length is the length of its internal edge, and its maximum width is the width of its upper edge which is integrally hinged with a portion of the lower edge of the display panel.

7. A display assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the laterally adjacent panels of the base assembly has an arcuate outer edge.

8. A display assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the adjacent lower portions of the display panel are substantially rectangular, having equal height from the transverse fold-line to the lower edge of the display panel, andequal width from their respective adjacent central longitudinal fold-lines and their respective lateral outer edges.

9. A display assembly according to claim 8 wherein the height of the upper portion of the display panel above the transverse fold-line does not exceed the5 height of the lower portion of the display panel below the transverse fold-line, and the maximum width of the upper portion of the display panel does not exceed the width of the lower portion of the display panel.

10. A display panel according to any preceding claim, wherein the separation width is at least twice the thickness of the display assembly.10A

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