Not Applicable.
The present invention relates generally to the field of graphic display systems. More particularly, the invention concerns graphic display systems comprising a framework which supports flexible display substrates, such as those commonly used for decoration and advertising in retail establishments, trade shows, and the like.
The use of fabric as a graphic display substrate is gaining popularity in the retail environment due to its aesthetically pleasing quality and ease of storage and shipping. However, relying on conventional methods for creating specialized frame members of various sizes and shapes for individual retail applications using fabric as a display medium can be costly and time-consuming. Retail display environments typically require lower-cost solutions that can be manufactured in a relatively short lead time, while allowing the rapid substitution of graphic designs.
Display systems for retail environments typically consist of a series of outer frame members that are assembled to define the general size and shape of the display. The opening or interior space created by the frame is then typically filled or covered with a rigid or flexible panel supporting a graphic design. In display solutions that rely on rigid panels to support the graphic design, it is common for the panel to be vertically stabilized and axially secured within the frame assembly by way of engagement between the rigid display panel and, for example, a lip or rabbet formed as part of the outer frame. Reliance on such conventional frame features to provide stability and securement of the display panel typically drives up the cost and complexity of the display system, particularly in the case of display systems adapted to display two different images in independent directions.
Durable outer frames with integrally formed lips and rabbets can be costly to produce, particularly when the outer frame comprises metal extrusions which must be uniquely adapted to generate various framework shapes, sizes and joint angles. Further, such prior display systems typically require additional hardware or numerous welding operations to interconnect the multiple outer frame segments to form a completed framework.
Conventional frame features such as lips and rabbets also tend to hinder the rapid removal of a rigid display panel from the outer frame when the graphic design supported by the panel is being substituted with another graphic design. Moreover, it is common for display systems in the retail environment to feature graphic designs which are permanently printed on or affixed to a rigid display panel, requiring the disposal of the rigid display panel along with the graphic design affixed thereto when the graphic design is no longer useful. Naturally, such systems generally require replacement graphics to be shipped to the retailer along with a new rigid panel, thereby increasing the cost of production and shipment of the new graphic design.
Although those in the art recognize the need for a more efficient and less-expensive display solution, significant challenges are presented when attempting to rely on less-expensive materials and manufacturing techniques to produce a framework rigid enough to stand up to aggressive handling in the retail environment while continuously supporting a fabric display substrate in tension for several months or years. These challenges are compounded when the display system is intended to enable the rapid substitution of graphic designs, display two different graphic designs in independent directions and, in some applications, provide internal storage space for shipping and stocking purposes.
Accordingly, what is needed is a robust, stable, low-cost, fabric display system which can take on a variety of shapes and sizes, leverage low-cost construction materials and less-complex manufacturing processes, facilitate rapid substitution of graphic designs, allow two graphic designs to be simultaneously displayed in independent directions, offer internal storage space and provide sufficient structural rigidity to support fabric display substrates in tension for extended periods of time within the retail environment.
Rather than relying on a single, more complex display frame profile to simultaneously define the size and shape of the display and secure the fabric display substrate in tension, embodiments according to the present invention essentially divide these structural roles into two discrete frame elements, allowing more readily available and lower cost materials of construction to be used. The inner frame element with a fabric wrapped panel is slid inside the cavity of the outer frame element to create an integrated display solution.
By way of summary, embodiments concern a wrap-mount fabric display system comprising an outer frame element, an inner frame element and at least a first display substrate. The outer frame element has a main axis, a multiplicity of generally uninterrupted planar sides distributed thereabout, a first peripheral edge and a second peripheral edge. The sides of the outer frame element may be flat planar or curved planar, and generally define a lateral periphery of a cavity. The cavity is generally axially open and has a depth oriented along the main axis.
The inner frame element is adapted to be axially inserted into the cavity toward an inserted configuration. The inner frame element includes a first panel, a second panel and at least one connective member disposed therebetween. The first panel has a first panel inner face, a first panel outer face and a first panel peripheral edge. Similarly, the second panel has a second panel inner face, a second panel outer face and a second panel peripheral edge. The first panel peripheral edge and second panel peripheral edge each typically have the same number of sides as the outer frame element. The first panel outer face is typically approximately adjacent to the first peripheral edge when the inner frame element is in its inserted configuration. The first and second panels are each generally rigid.
The connective member has a first end and a second end, and is adapted for attachment to the first panel inner face by way of the first end and to the second panel inner face by way of the second end such that the connective member maintains the first panel and the second panel at a fixed distance from one another. In certain embodiments, the fixed distance is approximately equal to the depth of the outer frame element. Further, particular embodiments may comprise a multiplicity of such connective members.
The first display substrate is generally flexible and adapted to be placed in wrapped association with the first panel such that it substantially envelops the first panel outer face, at least a portion of the first panel peripheral edge, and at least a portion of the first panel inner face. Embodiments may also comprise a second display substrate adapted to be placed in wrapped association with the second panel such that the second display substrate substantially envelops the second panel outer face, at least a portion of the second panel peripheral edge, and at least a portion of the second panel inner face.
The first and second display substrates can be comprised of fabric or other flexible material suitable for use as a substrate upon which graphics can be mounted, printed or projected. Embodiments typically comprise a first graphic design affixed to the first display substrate. Similarly, embodiments with a second display substrate typically include a second graphic design affixed thereto. The first and second display substrates may be substantially stretchable, thereby helping to retain a tensioned state when in wrapped association with a respective panel.
In certain embodiments, the first display substrate and second display substrate may each include a substrate periphery and an elastic portion generally thereat. The elastic portion is adapted to removably retain the first display substrate in wrapped association with the first panel and, where applicable, the second display substrate in wrapped association with the second panel.
In embodiments, the outer frame element is typically substantially formed from flat stock of metal or plastic, the first and second panels are substantially formed of wood, cardboard, light-gauge plastic or sheet metal, and the connective members are substantially formed of wood, cardboard, light-gauge plastic or sheet metal.
Further advantages of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art with the benefit of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and upon reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and may herein be described in detail. The drawings may not be to scale. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications.
Referring now to the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding features throughout the several views.
Returning to
To accomplish the shaping of the outer frame member 22, for example, flat stock metal can be cut or punched to a specified flat precursor shape, then run through relatively inexpensive metal forming operations such as press brake forming or roll forming to form an outer frame element 22 with a variety of numbers of sides, those sides being flat planar, curved planar or a combination thereof. Then, as illustrated for example in
The outer frame element 22 of the embodiment shown in
The inner frame element 34 is generally rigid, has an inserted configuration (shown, for example, in
As illustrated in
The connective members 52 are each generally rigid, have a first end 54 and a second end 56, and are adapted for attachment to the first panel inner face 38 by way of the first end 54 and to the second panel inner face 46 by way of the second end 56 such that the connective members 52 rigidly maintain the first panel 36 and the second panel 44 at a fixed distance 58 from one another. The fixed distance 58 is generally the distance between the first panel outer face 40 and the second panel outer face 48. In certain embodiments, the fixed distance 58 is approximately equal to the depth of the outer frame element 22. A connective member 52 may extend along a straight line or trace an irregular pathway between the first end 54 and the second end 56.
The connective members 52 may be substantially formed of wood, cardboard, light-gauge plastic or sheet metal, and may either be translucent or opaque. The attachment of the connective members to the first panel 36 and second panel 44 may be made by way of glue, weld, male/female mechanical interface or the like. The number, size and distribution of the connective members 52 are typically driven by the fixed distance 58, size and stiffness of each of the first panel 36 and second panel 44, and the degree of aggressive handling the inner frame element 34 expected to endure when in service.
Turning briefly to
The first display substrate 60 and second display substrate 62 can be comprised of fabric or other flexible material suitable for use as a substrate upon which graphics can be mounted, printed or projected. Embodiments typically comprise a first graphic design 64 affixed to the first display substrate 60. Similarly, embodiments with a second display substrate 62 typically include a second graphic design (not shown) affixed thereto. The first display substrate 60 and second display substrate 62 may be substantially stretchable, thereby helping to retain a tensioned state when in wrapped association with the first panel 36 and second panel 44, respectively. Referring to
Referring now to
To reduce the cost and manufacturing complexity of the display system, embodiments in accordance with the present invention generally do not rely on typical outer frame features such as lips and rabbets to maintain the upright orientation of the first panel 36 and second panel 44. Rather, as illustrated for example in
Similarly, with reference to
In embodiments, the first panel 36 and the second panel 44 are substantially formed of wood, cardboard, light-gauge plastic or sheet metal. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in
The detailed description of embodiments of the wrap-mount fabric display system is intended merely to provide examples, and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the appended claims to these described embodiments. Accordingly, modifications to the embodiments described are possible, and it should be clearly understood that the invention may be practiced in many different ways than the embodiments specifically described below, and still remain within the scope of the claims.