METHOD OF CONFIGURING A CONSTRUCTION

Abstract

The invention discloses a method of configuring a construction made of plurality of straight rods and a plurality of connecting elements comprising providing a plurality of agents connecting the plurality of agents to the straight rods wherein by rotating the agent about the rod, the rod is transformed into a rotational axle. The method further comprising adjusting an angle of the agent in respect of the rod. Rotating the agents about the rods in different angles can provide the desirable configuration of the construction.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to constructions. More particularly, the present invention relates to the ability to transform a uniform construction using the method of configuring according to the present invention to different structures or applications such as mobile exhibitions into/and furniture such as office tables.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

After a construction is built, it is desirable to have the ability to configuring the construction to form it in to different applications, for example exhibition booths, or furniture such as an office table.

In the existing exhibition industry, usually an exhibition booth is a construction made mainly of rods and connecting elements that support the flexible or rigid panels that form the exhibition booth. In most cases, the panels or any other graphic media are attached directly to the construction, and in most of the cases, the constructions are limited to exhibitions or trade shows uses only as its sole application ability.

It is desired to provide a method of configuring a construction that is modular and can be used for various different applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The method transforms a construction in to many applications by a method of coating the construction that transforms it in to a finished designed product, which can be coated by using unlimited kinds of materials such as flexible panel exhibitions and wood, marble or plastic for tables.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of configuring a construction in order achieve any desired angle of the coated material and have unlimited types of curves by using flexible materials as the coating, and therefore give unlimited shapes desired from the designed product.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method of configuring a construction in order achieve changing or switching the coated material from one type to another, that answers the needs of a specific application needed with another different material with out dismantling the basic construction, for example having a table with a wooden coating, and changing it into a Marble coating.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a method for configuring a construction that transforms the construction of straight rods wherein each rod can be converted into a rotational axle, that can accept and hold at least one flexible or rigid panel or surface in any direction or angle desired.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a method of configuring a construction in order to form furniture such as office tables using wood, marble plastic etc. as the material which can be changed, with out dismantling the construction.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide an agent that will act as a mediator between the construction and other desirable materials such as panels for exhibition uses or media.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an agent that can carry substantial weight (LCD screen as an example) without being undesirably dismantled and without the use of professional toolings such as screws.

Additionally, it is another object of the present invention to provide a method of configuring a construction that can be performed by unprofessionals without the need of professional tools.

Therefore and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method of configuring a construction made of a plurality of straight rods and a plurality of connecting elements comprising:

• • providing a plurality of agents;
  • connecting said plurality of agents to the straight rods, wherein by rotating the agent about the rod, the rod is transformed into a rotational axle;
  • adjusting an angle of the agent in respect with the rod;whereby rotating the agents about the rods in different angles can provide the desirable configuration of the construction.

Furthermore and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each agent comprises a wing and a gripper wherein said gripper is adapted to rotatably grip and hold onto one of said plurality of straight rods.

Furthermore and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said gripper is received within a corresponding recess provided to the rod.

Furthermore and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said recess is rounded.

Furthermore and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said wing is adapted to receive a panel.

Furthermore and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said wing has a profile selected from a group of profiles such as L and U.

Furthermore and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprising:

• • providing a plurality of panels;
  • connecting said plurality of panels between neighboring agents.

Furthermore and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, connecting said plurality of panels between neighboring agents further comprising providing a plurality of magnetic strips and adhering said magnetic strips onto said plurality of panels wherein said plurality of agents are magnetic.

Furthermore and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, connecting said plurality of panels between neighboring agents further comprising providing a plurality of alignment members adapted to align the connection between said plurality of panels and said plurality of agents.

Furthermore and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, alignment member comprise magnetic clips that are provided to corners of said plurality of panels and corresponding magnetic clickers that are provided to an upper portion of said plurality of agents.

Furthermore and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one of said plurality of agents is detachably connected to the rod.

Furthermore and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one of said plurality of agents is incorporated with the rod.

Furthermore and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprising providing at least one flexible panel.

Furthermore and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said rods have a portion that has a rounded profile.

Furthermore and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the agents are made of materials selected from a group of materials such as plastic, wood, metal, magnetic, marble, etc.

In addition and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprising providing a safety element that are adapted to pass through the rods and the agents in order to lock the agents to the rods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order to better understand the present invention and appreciate its practical applications, the following Figures are attached and referenced herein. Like components are denoted by like reference numerals.

It should be noted that the figures are given as examples and preferred embodiments only and in no way limit the scope of the present invention as defined in the appending Description and Claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates a simple construction adapted to receive panels from the sides (Prior art).

FIG. 2 a illustrates a top view of an agent in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 b illustrates an agent about to be connected onto the construction shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3 a, b illustrate the agent connected to the construction rod shown in FIG. 1 in two rotational angles in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates panel positioning in respect with the construction in accordance with a preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flexible panel positioning onto the construction in a curved manner in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates panel positioning onto the construction in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of an agent in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8 a, b illustrate an exploded view of connecting elements used to align panels to an agent in accordance With a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a view in which the connecting elements are engaged.

FIGS. 9 a, b illustrate an exploded and assembled views, respectively, of construction configured as a table by the method of configuring a construction in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates an agent and different types of rods with corresponding recesses in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 11 a, b illustrate a cross sectional and an isometric views, respectively, of an agent connected to a rod fixed with a safety pin in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND FIGURES

The present invention depicts a new and novel method of configuring construction into structures such as modular exhibitions having a variety of connecting possibilities or furniture such as tables. Due to the method of the present invention, construction rods are transformed into axles so as to enable the constructor to change the shape, angle and the appearance of the desired application without having to disengage the basic structure of rods and connecting elements, and to have the ability to transform to the basic construction elements from one application to another (for example, from exhibition booth to furniture quickly and easily) without the use of professional tools.

Reference is made to FIG. 1 illustrating a simple construction made from straight rods and connecting elements adapted to receive panels from the sides (Prior art). The construction is a construction for forming a box made of 8 straight rods 10 connected through a connecting member 12. According to prior art, a panel, which can be flexible or not, is attached to and between the neighboring construction rods so as to form a wall.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2a illustrating a top view of an agent in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and an agent about to be connected onto the construction shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2a, a top view of a agent 50 is shown while the top view illustrates the profile of the member. Agent 50 comprises a wing 52 that is preferably angled as shown in FIG. 2a (90 degrees); however, can be a straight wing or having any angle different than 90 degrees or a U shaped. An arm 54 is provided to wing 52 wherein one end of arm 54 is connected to the wing and the other end of the arm is provided with a gripper 56 adapted to hold a rod 10 that has a rounded profile. Basically, the length of the rods and the agent can be changed.

In FIG. 2b, agent 50 is going to be connected to one of construction rods 10 of a construction through gripper 56. Gripper 56 is designed to accord the dimensions of the rod so as to wrap about the circumference of the rod (as shown in FIG. 2a) or a recess as will be shown herein after. The connection of the agent to the rod is a detachable connection so that the agent can be disconnected and removed easily. In accordance with the present invention, the user connects agent 50 to rod 10 to establish the connection as shown in FIG. 2a. The connection of the agent and the rod is straightforward.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrating the agent connected to the construction shown in FIG. 1 in two different angles in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with the method of the present invention, connecting the agent onto the rod allows the rod to become an axle, as shown in FIGS. 3a and b. These two figures show types of connection that are possible between the rod and the agent that in turn enables a panel to be connected between neighbouring rods through the agents in unlimited desirable angles that were not possible before or were possible only by improvisation. The connection is rotational—FIG. 3a illustrates a connection in which the wing are parallel to a surface that is defined between four rods forming a quadrangle, and FIG. 3b illustrates a connection in which the surface of the wing is not parallel to the rods. Agent 50 can be easily rotated about the rounded rod according to arrows 58 and adjusted to be positioned in a desired angle relative to the rods of a construction and basically, each rod of the construction becomes an axle to which a panel can be connected in any desired angle. The panels can be connected diagonally in the construction as well as straight between the adjacent rods.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4 illustrating panel positioning in respect with the construction in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. After adjusting agents 50 in a desirable angle relative to rods 10 of the construction, a panel is being positioned between adjacent wings 52 in order to establish a wall. The panel is easily connected between two adjacent rods through the agents. Since the agent can be rotated and positioned in any desired angle, the panel can form a wall that is positioned in any desired angle relative to the construction.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5 illustrating panel positioning onto the construction in a curved manner in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Panel 70 is a flexible panel that is able to form a curved surface. The ends of the panel are connected to parallel wings so as to establish a curved surface.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5 illustrating panel positioning onto the construction in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. As mentioned herein before, the agents can be rotated about the rods until they are reached to a positioning to receive the panels in a required angle. In prior art construction, it is complicated or impossible to form a diagonal panel. FIG. 6 illustrates agents 50 that were positioned in an angular direction so that panel 80 can be connected in a diagonal manner relative to the rods and the construction.

Reference is made to FIG. 7 illustrating a top view of an agent in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Agent 100 is incorporated with rod 102 so that the rod and the agent act as one unit and wing 104 is rotated about rod 102 so that rod 102 becomes an axle.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 8a and b illustrating an exploded view of connecting elements used to connect panels to a agent in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a view in which the connecting elements are engaged. As mentioned herein before, the panel 100 is preferably connected to wing 102 of agent 104 through a magnet strip 106 that is firmly connected to panel 100. A clicker 108 having a guide 110 is adapted to be mounted on wing 102 through the guide wherein clicker 108 is provided with a magnetic point 112. Magnetic clips 114 are provided wherein the magnetic clips are adapted to be connected to a corner of panel 100 through a patch 116. FIG. 8b shows the elements connected while the panel 100 is being transparent in order to view the elements behind. Clips 114 render the connection between the panel and the wing of the agent additional alignment between panels.

It should be added that the connection and the alignment characteristics between the wings and the panels can be achieved in any way suitable to the type of exhibition as well as the alignment needed for the construction.

It should be noted that flexible panels can be used in this construction while in prior art construction; mainly stiff panels can be used. The flexibility of the panels also renders modularity to the construction. Moreover, the constructor can modify the construction easily so even the same exhibition, can be constructed each day in another way.

Reference is now made to FIG. 9 illustrating a construction configured as a table by the method of configuring a construction in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A basic construction made of plurality of rods 200 and connecting member 202 is constructed in a regular manner known in the art. In accordance with the method of the present invention, an agent 204 similar to the agents described herein before (50); however made of materials such as wood, marble, plastic etc. is attached to rod 200. In a similar manner, additional agents are connected to the rods of the construction in order to form a frame of a table. Then, a panel 206 that forms the surface of the table is also attached to rods 200 as indicated herein before and in accordance with the method of the present invention.

Optionally, safety pins and recesses can be provided to the elements in order to secure the agents to the construction after the agents have been connected to the construction in order to enhance the simplicity and fixability of the method.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 10a and b illustrating an agent and different types of rods with corresponding recesses in accordance with the present invention. In FIG. 10a, it is shown an agent 50 having a gripper 56 is about to be connected to a rod 10. Rod 10 is provided with a recess 300 corresponding the dimensions of gripper 56. Gripper 56 is connected to rod 10 through recess 300. The profile of rod 10 is rounded all through the rod.

Optionally, rods may have different profiles. As an example as shown in FIG. 10b, rod 304 has a square shaped profile 306; however, rod 304 is provided with a recess 300 that is rounded and adapted to receive gripper 56, as in the previous case.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 11a and b illustrating a cross sectional and an isometric views, respectively, of an agent connected to a rod fixed with a safety pin in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Rod 10 in recess 300 area is provided with a through hole 310 adapted to receive a safety pin 312. Corresponding holes are provided to gripper 56 so as to enable the user to pass safety pin 312 through recess 300 and gripper 56 when they are connected. The safety pin is adapted to fix the connection and to arrest all relative movement between the connected elements. The safety pins also provide the ability to attach substantial weight to the agent.

It should be emphasized that in the case of configuring an exhibition, the agents are basically mediating agents that mediates between the rods and the panels, which can be flexible, rigid, media etc. In the case of configuring furniture such as a table, the agents comprise the gripper and the surface that is required for configuration of the table. The wings or surfaces in this case are preferably made of wood, marble etc.

It should be noted that the construction can be made of mixed rods: straight and/or curved and rods that are incorporated with a wing and rods onto which an agent having a wing is connected.

It should be noted that the panels can be attached to the wings of the agent in any way that is known in the art such as by means of magnets and any manner in which the connection is established by no means limits the scope of the present invention. Moreover, any means facilitating this connection such as hooks can be used in order to assure the connection between the panel and the agent. It is established from experience of the inventors of the present invention that the best mode of connecting the panels to the agents is by magnets. However, in accordance with the method of the present invention, the user aligns the connection between the panels and the agents by aligning members to establish a continuation between adjacent panels especially ones having common graphics.

It should be clear that the description of the embodiments and attached Figures set forth in this specification serves only for a better understanding of the invention, without limiting its scope as covered by the following Claims.

It should also be clear that a person skilled in the art, after reading the present specification can make adjustments or amendments to the attached Figures and above described embodiments that would still be covered by the following Claims.

Claims

1. A method of configuring a construction made of a plurality of straight rods and a plurality of connecting elements comprising: providing a plurality of agents;connecting said plurality of agents to the straight rods; wherein by rotating the agent about the rod, the rod is transformed into a rotational axle;adjusting an angle of the agent in respect with the rod;

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein each agent comprises a wing and a gripper wherein said gripper is adapted to rotatably grip and hold onto one of said plurality of straight rods.

3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein said gripper is received within a corresponding recess provided to the rod.

4. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein said recess is rounded.

5. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein said wing is adapted to receive a panel.

6. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein said wing has a profile selected from a group of profiles such as L and U.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: providing a plurality of panels;connecting said plurality of panels between neighboring agents.

8. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein connecting said plurality of panels between neighboring agents further comprising providing a plurality of magnetic strips and adhering said magnetic strips onto said plurality of panels wherein said plurality of agents are magnetic.

9. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein connecting said plurality of panels between neighboring agents further comprising providing a plurality of alignment members adapted to align the connection between said plurality of panels and said plurality of agents.

10. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein alignment member comprise magnetic clips that are provided to corners of said plurality of panels and corresponding magnetic clickers that are provided to an upper portion of said plurality of agents.

11. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of agents is detachably connected to the rod.

12. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of agents is incorporated with the rod.

13. The method as claimed in claim 5, further comprising providing at least one flexible panel.

14. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rods have a portion that has a rounded profile.

15. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the agents are made of materials selected from a group of materials such as plastic, wood, metal, magnetic, marble, etc.

16. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising providing a safety element that are adapted to pass through the rods and the agents in order to lock the agents to the rods.