AU599611B2 - Panel device - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 59961 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(ORIGINAL)

Class Int. Class Application Number: Lodged: ,500 i, 9.

Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: Published: Priority Related Art: Tbadoc~ 1 cwan j 1 APPLICANT'S REF.: Name(s) of Applicant(s): 00 0 0 0 o 31 00 0 0 Addlress(es) of Applicant(s): Actual Inventor(s): CHANNEL-KOR SYSTEMS, INC.

3337 South Highway 37 Bloomington, Indiana, 47401 United States of America.

MELVIN M. MILLER Address for Service is: PHILLIPS, ORMONDE AND FITZPATRICK Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys 367 Collins Street Melbourne, Australia, 3000 PANEL DEVICE Complete Specification for the invention entitled-, The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to applicant(s): 1,1)13184 PANEL DEVICE This invention is concerned with portable, flexible, panel devices which can be used to display information at trade shows and conventions. The panel device of this invention is also useful in the furniture arts. Panel devices as may be used at trade shows or conventions are of two principal types, these being the large bulky type and the portable type. This invention is concerned with the portable type of display device. The portable display devices have become very popular in recent years for utilization at regional trade shows and conventions. These portable display devices, when assembled, /O present a nice impression and have a very high display surface to weight ratio. Further, these portable display devices are advantageous in that they can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled without tools by one person. In contrast, the large bulky display devices as mentioned above are very heavy and hence have a low display surface to weight ratio. Further, these display devices can be assembled and disassembled only with great oo difficulty by extra workmen at great expense.

°o a The subject invention is useful in connection with portable display 0on devices wherein a plurality of display panels a._e attached to channels which 0 00 O o 0 0.0 in turn function as supporting means. It is often desirable to locate the o0 Q panels of a display device in angular relationship with each other. It is in this area where the subject invention is useful. wIn n.corn.nco ith thi 0 04 invention the panels of the device of this invention can be located in any,- 0 0 desired relationship with each other over a 360° arc.

This invention also includes the connector system whi-cl is useful in S holding component parts of a display device in fEixed relationship with each other. Also included in this inventios-s a vertical support and related 0uo" double hinge system which allowsthe panels of the composite structure to rotate in relation toqea~h other over a 360 arc. The invention is also concerned w' a un que hinge system which allows rotation through a 3600 S/O arc ih0'^ 4 -11- 1- -I1I~* li'i i- I ii~ii~ ii i" i-l-l I-1 i0 D 4o oo o 00D 3oo 0 00 0(4, 0 eea 0 0 i o 0r Oc 4 4' i

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The present invention provides in one aspect a panel device including a plurality of panels, each pair of panels being vertically pcsitionable. in alignment along a common central plane with a transverse plane extending between the panels, a plurality of vertical supports, each vertical support being positionable on each adjacent end of the panels on opposite sides of the transverse plane, a plurality of clip hinge elements arranged in sets and pivotally coupling together the vertical supports, each clip hinge element having a main body portion terminating in opposing integral attaching means, said vertical supports having integral means for receiving the integral attaching means, each clip hinge element extending between an adjacent pair of said vertical supports with the opposing attaching means of said clip hinge element being respectively received by each of the vertical supports on opposite sides of the central and transverse planes, wherein, for each adjacent pair of clip hinge elements, the position of each of the clip hinge elements is reversed relative to the other clip hinge element, each panel being pivotable by up to 3600 relative to the adjacent panel.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a system for pivotally coupling a pair of planar panels, vertically positionable, in alignment along a common central plane with a transverse plane extending between the panels, each panel being pivotable by up to 3600 relative to the adjacent panel, the system including: a vertical support positionable on each adjacent end of the panels on opposite sides of the transverse plane, each support having a semi-circular bight positioned adjacent to the transverse plane and extending symmetrically away therefrom and terminating in side walls parallel to each other, a central channel between the side walls for the receipt of the panel to be supported thereby, and side channels between the side walls and central channel extending back toward the transverse plane; and

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a plurality of flexible clips arranged in sets coupling together the vertical supports, each clip having a main body portion terminating in end portions each being bent back along the main body portion to define a single one-hundred eighty (180) degree semi-circular curve which is positioned over the ends of the side walls and extending back toward the transverse plane a distance greater than the width of the side channels and the thickness of the side walls so that the end portions of each flexible clip will extend over the side walls of an adjacent pair of vertical supports on opposite sides of their central and transverse planes wherein, for each adjacent pair of clips, the position of each of the clips is reversed relative to the other clip.

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39 -lc- VHF 0611b DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a front view showing a section of the subject panel device.

Figure 2 is an end view along line 2-2 of Figure 1 showing the vertical supports of the panel device in parallel relationship with each other.

Figure 3A is a top sectional view showing the two panels in parallel relationship to each other.

Figure 3B is a top sectional view showing two panels in a straight line relationship with each other.

Figure 3C is a top sectional view showing two panels in parallel to relationship with each other opposite of that shown in Figure 3A, Figure 4 is a cross section along line 4-4.

Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the clip hinge element of this invention.

Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the placement of a pair of hinges on a pair of vertical supports.

Figure 7 is a side view showing the panel device of this invention wherein three panels are interconnected.

o 0 .0 Figure 8 is a top view of the three panel structure of Figure 7.

O B uo00 Figure 8A is a top view of the three panel structure of Figure 7 in 0000 o 0 ,o ,angular relationship.

00 4 0 4 o o Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the interconnecting of horizontal on and vertical members with a connector plug.

o oO Figure 9A is a perspective view showing the cooperation of the 0 0 o°, 0 orizontal member with a panel.

Figure 10A is a top view showing two panels in a parallel line relationship with each other wherein the panel is secured by edge plies.

0 0 Figure 10B is a top view showing two panels in a straight line relationship 0 with each other wherein the panel member is secured by edge plies.

0 S Figure 10C is a top view showing two panels in parallel relationship 3 0 with each other opposite of that shown on Figure 10A wherein the panel is secured by edge plies.

Figure 11A is a cross section of the preferred embodiment of a vertical support which is useful in this invention.

Figure 11B is a cross section of a simplified embodiment of a vertical support.

Figure 11C shows another embodiment of a vertical support.

Figure 12 is a perspective view showing means whereby the fabric covering of the panel can be wrapped around the panel device components.

Figure 13 is a cross section view of a horizontal support.

Figure 14 shows the connection of two panels and related vertical supports in fixed relationship with each other.

Figure 15 is a perspective view showing a connector plug for connecting to two panels in fixed relationship with each other.

Figure 16 is a top plan view showing the connection of a plurality of vertical supports and related panels.

Figure 17 is a front view of an embodiment of a panel device in accordance with this invention showing means for displaying panel indicia Figure 18 is a perspective view showing the placement of indica in the o ,panel device of Figure 17.

Figure 19 and 20 are side views showing the means for incorporating additional C000 oa0. panels into the panel device of this invention.

o04 4 a' Figure 21 is a side view showing a leg structure for use with this invention.

000 Figure 22 is a perspective view of a notched vertical support.

Figure 23 and 24 are side views showing notched vertical supports.

So° Figure 23B is a section view through line 23B of Figure 23A.

0 00 0o° Figure 25 is a perspective view showing an alternate clip hinge element o structure.

Figure 26 is a perspective view showing the placement of a pair of clip o hinge elements as shown in Figure 25 onto a pair of vertical supports.

Figure 27 is a cross section view showing the placement of the alterLate 00000 i 0 0 3,9 clip hinge structure of Figure 25 in vertical supports..

I-U- DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The subject invention relates to a panel device which comprises a plurality of vertical supports which are secured in parallel relationship with each other with a plurality of strap double hinges. Spaced between the vertical supports are panels. The parallel relationship of the vertical supports may be further defined by interconnecting horizontal supports. The combination of the vertical supports and horizontal supports define a frame which may be square or rectangular. Secured within each frame so defined is a panel member.

fO As is mentioned hereinabove the subject panel device is particularly useful in the portable display art. It should be noted however that the panel device of this invention is also useful in the furniture art. The subject panel device can be fabricated in such a size that it can be used for example as a room devider, office seperator, privacy screen or noise barrier, In the furniture arts the panel device at hand is particularly useful in that the various panels can be angularly disposed in relation to each other to define any given surface area. If so desired these panel a o"d members can be locked into relationship with each other.

o, 0 Referring to Figure 1 it can be seen that the panel device of this o 2O invention 2 comprises a pair of vertical supports 4 and 6, a pair of 0 4 s t horizontal supports 8 and 10 and a panel 12, CONTINUED NEXT FRAME i- ii

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As is shown in Figures .land 2, pairs of adjacent vertical supports 6 and 14 are rotatably connected to each other via a plurality of clip hinge 0 0,9 elements 16, 18, 20 and 22. These clip. hinge elements cooperate with and grip the vertical supports in a manner which will be described hereinbelow.

Figures 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate how related panel devices can be rotated through a 3600 arc in relation to each other. In Figure 3A it can .Goas be seen that into vertical supports 6 and 14 are secured panels 12 and 24.

In this Figure panels 12 and 24 are in parallel relationship with each other. In Figure 38 vertical support 6 has been rotated in the direction of arrow 26. As a result of this rotation, panels 12 and 24 are now in a straight line relationship with each other.

In Figure 30 the rotation of vertical support 6 in relation to vertical support 14 is continued in the direction of arrow 28.

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1 i 1 Iq Upon completion of rotation in the direction of arrow 28 panels 12 and 24 are again in parallel relationship with each other. In comparing Figure 3A to Figure 3C it can be seen that panel 12 has been rotated 360 in relation to panel 24. It is understood by one skilled in the art that this rotation of panels 12 and 24 in relation to each other could be stopped at any point to achieve any desired angular relationship of panels 12 and 24.

Vertical supports 6 and 14 incorporate a plurality of integral lips 32, 34 and 36. Panels 12 and 24 are scored in such a manner that lips 32, 34 and 36 are adapted to grip said scored portion.

Panels 12 and 24 may be formed from a material which may be readily scored such as a foam board. The manner in which panels 12 and 24 may be scored and positioned in vertical supports 6 and 14 and gripped by lips 32, 34 and 36 is described in detail in U.S. Patent 3,662,807 issued May 16, 1972.

The rotation -f panels 12 and 24 and vertical supports 6 and 14 is made possible by the fact that adjacent vertical supports 6 and 14 are intero"ocpnnected with each other by two or more double hinges which comprise 0 0i lip hinge element 16, 18, 20 and 22.

Figure 4 is a section taken along line 4-4 of Figure 1. In this figure the o ~G 2 Co attachment of the second clip hinge element 20 to vertical supports 6 and 14 0 04 0 0 1 ean be seen.

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From Figure 6 it can be seen that a composite hinge 35 consists of a pair uf clip hinge elements 18 and 20. It can further be seen that clip hinve elements 16 and 20 can be easily slipped on to vertical supports 6 and 14.

SThe structure of clip hinge element 18 can be further seen from an ex:amination of Figure 5. Clip element 18 comprises a main body portion 37 I wrhich is formed from a suitable flexible material and a pair of onposirT end j portions 40 and 42. End portions 40 and 42 comprise reverse bands. In order to interlock with adjacent vertical supports and stay in tension durinp rotation the reverse bends of end portions 40 and 42 must be oonosite of each other. Cli hinge element 18 may bn formed from any suitable flexible material such as a metal or polymeric material. For example, clip hinge element 18 can be formed from a thermoplastic polymeric material such as a poly alpha olefin. If clip hinge 18 is formed from a thermoplastic material, reverse bend end portions can be formed by a thermal bending process. A clip hinge element complete with reverse bend end portions may also be formed by injection molding.

Clip hinge element 18 can likewise be formed from a metal with reverse bend end portions being formed from a precut section of metal by a suitable bending process. If a thermoplastic material is used, it has been found that for portable display devices a width of approximately .5 inches and a thickness of about .030 inches is desirable. The clip hinge elements may be to three fourths hard formed from a metal. Half hard /stainless steel is the preferred metal for use in accordance with this invention. The clip hinge element should have a width of approximately .5 inches and a thickness of approximately .007 inches.

In the preferred embodiment half hard .007 inches thick 304 stainless steel /O is utilized.

As is illustrated in Figure 6 each end of a pair of vertical supports 6 and 14 utilize a pair of clip hinge elements 18 and 20. The opposite end of said pair of vertical supports also utilize a pair of clip hinges not shown. Pairs of hinges are utilized as during rotation in relation to each other over 3600 stress is alternately applied and released to cooperating clip hinge elements 18 and 20 depending on the respective position of 00. vertical supports 6 and ll.

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a Any member of composite structures 2 can be interconnected in series in order to produce a display device of the desired size. Likewise three ,0 or more composite panel devices can be interconnected if it is desired to have a panel device in which the three or more panels can rotate in relation to each other. As can be seen in Figures 7, 8 and 8A, three composite panels 38, 40 and 42 are booked together. These composite panels consist of three vertical supports 44, 46 and 48. These vertical supports are interconnected by four clip hinge elements 50, 51, 52 and 54. With this structure, composite panels 38 and 42 can be rotated in relation to central panel 40 in the direction of arrows 56 and 58.

Figure 9 illustrates one embodiment of a horizontal support 60 and the attachment of this horizontal support to vertical support 62. Horizontal -3O support 60 incorporates U-shaped sections 64, 66 and 68, As is illustrated, the open end of U-shaped sections 66 and 68 are opposite the open end of U-sbapecl section 64. U-shaped section 64 further incorpol'ates a pair of opposing lips 72 and 74. In order to connect horizontal support; to vertical support 62 a connector plug 76 is inserted into the apar\'ure which is defined by U-shaped channel 64 and lips 72 and 74 atd seAura th^ ei.

with a mechanical fastener or an adhnsive, The opposite ei 80 plug 76 is in turn inserted into aperture 8E of 0ertiCal 6 Further from Figure 9 and 9A it can be seen that horizontal support is adapted to engage panel 82 via U-shaped channels 66 and 68. Panel 82 comprises a central core 81, for example a honeycomb core, and a pair of outer plies 83 and 87. The core 81 is cut or crushed inwardly to the depth of U-shaped channel 64, outer plies 83 and 87 of panel 82 may then be inserted into U-shaped channels 66 and 68. In this manner it can be seen that horizontal support 60 and panel 82 are securely interconnected. Likewise horizontal support 60, vertical sipport 62 and panel 82 are securely interconnected to each other to form a strong, unitary panel device.

Figures 10A, and 10B and 10C further illustrate how panels and related horizontal and vertical supports may be rotated in relation to each other.

In these figures panels 84 and 86 are rotated 3600 in relation to each other in the direction of arrows 88 and An integral part of the subject invention is the vertical support system the function of which has been described hereinabove. In its simplest embodiment in accordance with this invention the individual vertical supports must incorporate a means for engaging the clip hinge elements and a means for engaging panel members, Suitable vertical supports are illustrated in figures 11A, 1iB and 110.

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Figure 11A illustrates the preferred embodiment of a vertical support for use in this invention. In this structure vertical support 142 incorporates or channel a central U shaped opening/144 which is defined by sides 146 and 148 and a bight 150. This ve-tical support also incorporates a pair of U-shaped channels 152 and 154. U-shaped channel 154 is defined by sides 146 and 156 and bight 162. Conversly U-shaped channel 152 is defined by sides 148 and 158 and bight 160, The reverse bends of the clip hinge elements as are illustrated in Figure 5 engage sides 156 and 158 of vertical support 142. Vertical support 142 further incorporates a pair of lips 164 and 166 which Further define U-shaped opening 144, Lips 164 and 166 are adapted to engage score lines which are an integral part of the panel portion not shown in a manner as described herein above, The rear portion of vertical support 142 incorporates an opening 168 whiu" is defined by legs 170 and 172. Legs 170 and 172 in turn incorporate a pair of opposing lips 174 and 176. Opening 168 is useful in that vertical support 142 may be covered with a fabric, This fabric is tucked around the leading edge of sides 156 and 158 behind the reverse bend section of the strap hinge element. The opposite end of the covering fabric is tucked into opening 108 and secured via lips 174 and 176.

Figure 11B represents the simplest form of a vertical support which may be used in accordance with this invention. In this embodiment vertical support 136 comprises a section of tubing which has part of its circumference cut away in such a manner that lips 138 and 140 are formed. The opening 142 which is defined by lips 138 and 140 is adapted to receive a panel member in the manner as described hereinabove. The reverse bends of the embodiment of clip hinge element illustrated in Figure 5 is adapted to slip around lips 138 and 140.

Figure 11C illustrates still another embodiment of a vertical support. In /O this structure vertical support 62 comprises a half round extrusion having a central U shaped opening 85 which is defined by sides 112 and 114, and by bights 116 and 117. Lips 113 and 115 further define U shaped opening 85. Suitable clip hinge elements can engage lips 113 and 115 and a suitable panel member can 0o be positioned in U shaped opening 85 between lips 113 and 115.

0 OS 0oO*, Accordingly, it can be seen that if desired a plurality of vertical supports 00O9 o ay be used in a manner as was described in reference to Figure 1, 2 and 6 0 6 oo hereinabove.

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Vertical and Horizontal supports as described may be formed from any convenient material. These supports may be extruded from a thermoplastic material Ij V'~Q uch as a polyalpha olefin or a nylon. In the preferred embodiment these e3' *&re aluminum extrusions which are extruded from aluminum. Cosmetics and color teoaeombinations are very important in displaying devices which are used at trade "]i'Lows. In this connection vertical and horizontal supports may be colored or poooPainted to achieve any desired effect. If colored vertical and or horizontal

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o..%pports are desired in the preferred embodiment this coloring is achieved by anodizing or painting of the aluminum extrusions.

Figure 12 illustrates a panel device in accordance with this invention wherein both the vertical and horizontal supports are completely covered with a fabric. In this embodiment fabric is rolled around vertical support 142. One end of the fabric is tucked into opening 168, the other end of the fabric is tucked around the edges of sides 156 and 158 as was described in connection with Figure 11A.

Panel 178 comprises a central core 180 and a pair of opposing plies 182 and 184. Plies 182 and 184 are biased into and secured in U shaped channels 152 and 154 by the biasing of the reverse bend portion of clip hinge element 186.

8 r~ In this instance horizontal support 188 is U-shaped and has a central opening 190 which is defined by sides 192 amd 194, bight 196 and lips 198 and 200. Fabric layer 202 covers ply 182 and is tucked around the oppermost edge 204 of ply 182 and between side 194 of horizontal support 188 and ply 182. Horizontal support 188 and vertical support 142 can be interconnected via a connector plug such as plug 76 as is described above in connection with Figure 9.

The structure of Figure 12 is advantageous in that if a plurality of panel devices are stacked on top of each other both the horizontal and vertical supports are fully covered with fabric 202, in such a manner as to present a very pleasing o1 and uniform appearance.

Figure 13 shows in greater detail particulars of horizontal support Horizontal suppo-t 60 incorporates a pair of U-shaped channels 66 and 68.

Channels 66 and 68 are adapted to receive the outer plies 83 and 85 of panel 82 as has been described hereinabove in connection with Figures 9 and 9A. Horizontal support 60 further incorporates a pair of opposing lips 72 and 74. Opposing lips 72 and 74 are adapted to engage connector plug 76 as is shown in Figure 9.

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Soo While the panel device of this invention is very desirable in that the panels can be moved through a 360 arc after movement in some usage it is desirable to lock a plurality of panels in fixed relationship with each other.

One mode of locking panels in relationship with each other is illustrated in Figure 14. In this embodiment two panels 207 and 208 incorporate horizontal Ssupports 210 and 212 which are identical to horizontal support 60 as described above in reference to Figures 9 and 9A. Horizontal supports 210 and 212 are S connected to vertical supports 214 and 216 via a pair of connector plugs not 000044 0 0 0 a a I shown. Referring to Figure 9 it can be seen that the vertical leg of connector plug 76 is hollow and incorporates a square apeture 134 which is analogous to apetures 218 and 220 as is illustrated in Figure 14. Panels 207 and 208 are secured in fixed relationship with each other by placing a locking plug 222 into apetures 218 and 220. The details of locking plug 222 are better illustrated in Figure 15. Locking plug 222 incorporates a pair of square downward depending legs 224 and 226. When legs 224 and 226 are placed into apeture 218 and 220 panels 210 and 212 are secured in fixed relationship with each other. That is because the spacing of legs 224 and 226 id fixed, the spacing of apeture 218 and 220 is in turn fixed which in turn fixes the relationship of panels 207 and 208.

While legs 224 and 226 and corresponding apetures 218 and 220 are illustrated as square it is understood by one skilled in the art that these components ccld be round or any convenient shape.

9 Figure 16 illustrates still another embodiment of this invention wherein a plurakity of panels can be locked into position with each other.

As was described in reference to Figure 11A vertical support 142 incorporates an opening 168 which is adapted to receive the ends of fabric which is used to cover the vertical support. Figure 16 illustrates a composite panel device 223 which incorporates three panels 224, 226 and 228 and three vertical supports 230, 232 and 234. These vertical supports in turn have as an integral part thereof openings 236, 238 and 240. In order to lock panels 224, 226 and 228 of composite panel device into a fixed relationship with each other a locking plug 242 is inserted into openings 236, 238 and 240.

Locking plugs 222 and 242 as are described in reference to Figures 15 and 16 can be formed from any convenient material such as a metal or a polymeric material.

i In the preferred embodiment these plugs are injection molded from a durable thermoplast:ic such as a poly alpha olefin or a nylon. Figures 15 and 16 illustrate the locking of two and three panels together, it is understood that any convenient number of panels can be locked together.

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0 Figures 17 and 18 illustrate an embodiment of this invention wherein a display device 248 can be used to protect and display large sheet items such as o photographs. Display device incorporates a pair of opposing vertical supports Q O' 350 and 252 which may be connected to additional adjacent vertical supports, as not shown, in a manner as described hereinabove. In this structure a horizontal 0 t I support positioned over the top edge of panel 256. sides 258 and 260 of U shaped Shorizontal support 254 are positioned downwardly over panel 256. The upper 9 Soo... edge of panel 256 is positioned in and gripped by lips 262 and 264 of vertical support 254. With this positioning a space exist between side 260 of horizontal support 254 and side 266 of vertical support 250. This space is adaoted to receive an indica sheet 268 which may be a poster or a photograph and a transparent protective sheet 248. By using this structure inexpensive art work such as a photograph can be readily displayed and changed at ease in the display device of this invention. The composite structure may then be covered by a cap channel 251 which is held in place with clips 253 and 255, Figures and 20 illustrate an embodiment of this invention wherein a cantilever header may be placed on a panel device. In this structure vertical support 282 is adapted to receive and support panels in a manner as described herein above. A cantilever header is formed by the connection of a section 284 of the extrusion, which is used to form the vertical support, to vertical support 282 by use of a connector brace 286. Legs 288 and 290 of connector brace 286 are positioned in opening 168 as is shown and described herein above in connection with Figure 11A. By use of this structure a section 284 and an opposing identical section on the next adjacent vertical support not shown, can be used to form a cantilever header. To form said header a panel is secured in section 284 and its adjacent counterpart.

Figure 21 illustrates an embodiment wherein a leg support 292 mav be added to the panel device of this invention in order to give it greater lateral to support. Leg support 292 comprises a base section 294 and a connector leg 296.

A screw locked stop 298 is secured to connector leg 296. Connector leg 296 is positioned in vertical support 300 into opening 144 which is illustrated and described in detail herein above in connction with Figure 11A.

r0, Figures 22, 23A, 23B and 24 illustrate modifications of the edges of vertical support 302 and 304. As was described above in reference to Figures 5 and 6 the clip hinge elements wrap around and engage the outer edge of the vertical support.

In order to prevent the clip hinge elements from moving on vertical supports 302 the outer edges of this vertical support can be notched as per notches 306 and 308. In operation the bottom of the clip hinge element engages the bottom of notch 0°aO 306 and 308 in such a manner that adjacent vertical supports can not ride upward in relation to each other or to the clip hinge. From Figure 22 and 23B it can ooo. be seen that inner edge 305 of notch 308 is tapered outward in relation to bottom edge 307.

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Figure 25 shows an alternate clip hinge element 310 for use in accordance with this invention. Clip hinge element 310 incorporates a main body portion 312 and a pair of reverse bend end portions 314 and 316, Reverse bend end portions 314 and 316 further incorporate tabs 318 and 320. The plane of tabs 318 and 320 is approximately at right angles to the plane of reverse bend end portions 314 and 316. Tabs 318 and 320 assist in locking clip hinge elements into the 0O vertical supports.

Figure 26 shows the placement of a pair of clip hinge elements 321 and 322 onto a pair of vertical supports 324 and 326. When clip hinge elements 321 and 322 are placed onto vertical supports 324 and 326 these vertical supports are rotatabibly secured in relationship to each other, In operation another pair of clip hinge elements, not shown, would be placed on the opposite end of vertical supports 324 and 326.

-1 Figure 27 shows in detail how the clip hinge element of Figure cooperates with the various parts of the vertical support. As was discussed in detail in connection with Figure 11A the preferred cross section for the vertical support incorporates a pair of outboard U-shaped channels. In vertical support 324 and 325 these U shaped channels are identified as 328, 329, 330 and 331. Channels 328, 329, 330 and 331 have bights 332, 333, 334 and 335. Tab 339 of clip hinge element 337 has a width which is approximately equal to the width of bight 332. Because of the snug fit of tab 339 into U-shaped channel 32B the leading edge of tab 339 is biased against wall of U-shaped channel 328.

/0 Conversly reverse bend portion 340 is biased against wall 327 of U-shaped channel 328. As a result of this biasing against both walls 326 and 327 clip hinge element 337 is securely fastened to vertical support 324. Accordingly when vertical support 324 and 325 are rotated in relation to each other the clip o hinge elements will not move in relation to the vertical support. Notches cut 0 9 o 0 into the edge of the vertical supports, as is described in connection with Figures 22, 23A, 23B and 24, likewise secure the relationship of the clip hinge elements in relation to the vertical supports. The biasing of clip hinge element 0 I S 337 into U-shaped channel 328 has been described. From an examination of Figure 27 it can be seen that similar biasing likewise occurs in connection with U-shaped channels 329, 330 and 331.

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As can be seen from the above description the panel device of this invention utilizes a minimum number of components, Specificly it should be noted that o the clip hinge elements which are used to form double hinges, interract directly c.ne with the vertical supports. The clip hinge elements and the vertical supports incorporate integral features which allow these components to easily interract with each other so as to form a panel device, In the prior art vertical supports for panel devices are interconnected with hinges, these hinges in turn are connected to vertical supports by extraneous fasteners such as rivets, screws etc.

In contrast in the device of this invention no such extra fasteners are needed. In the panel device of this invention the integral reverse bend portions of the clip hinge elements combine and interlock directly with the pair of opposing channels which ape an integral part of the vertical supports. It should be noted that in the panel device of this invention no extraneous fasteners are needed to attach the clip hinge elements to the vertical supports. Because no extraneous fasteners are needed, considerable cost savings are realized on materials. Further because of the ease with which the panel device of this 12 i. I invention can be assembled, it takes less labor to effect assembly, and hence it costs less to assemble the panel device of this invention when compared to comparable prior structures.

The integral system of this invention is likewise very desirable in that a superior panel device is produced from a asthetic point ri view. In the prior art wherein separate extraneous hinges are used these hinges are attached by extraneous fasteners, accordingly the asthetic property of the resulting panel device are detrimentally effected. That is it does not enhance the appearance of a panel device to have hinge members and related fasteners protrudinp /O therefrom. In contrast the panel device of this invention has a clean,uniform, pleasing appearance because the integral components thereof react with each other.

Lastly on a strength to weight ratio the panel device of this invention is exceptionally high. In the prior art the vertical supports are connected 0 4 0 a with various hinge elements via extraneous fasteners. These extraneous fasteners 0 0 o00 are secured in a plurality of holes which are drilled into the vertical supports.

00oe The drilling of these holes inherently weakend the vertical supports and hence S they are subject to failure in a severe load bearing situation. In contrast with this inventionbecause the reverse bend portions of the clin hinge elements S interreact with the integral U-shaped channels of the vertical support holes 2',3.0 need not be drilled in the vertical supports. Because the vertical supports are free of holes the resulting display device has a high strength to weight 0 ratio.

0 For the reasons as set forth herein the subject invention produces a 0004 0 4 0 superior panel device.

From the above description and from Figures 1 to 27 it can be seen that the subject invention can be used to produce a wide variety of panel devices.

It is understood by one skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the embodiments as described and illustrated herein above.

Claims (23)

1. A panel device including a plurality of panels, each pair of panels being vertically positionable in alignment along a common central plane with a transverse plane extending between the panels, a plurality of vertical supports, each vertical support being positionable on each adjacent end of the panels on opposite sides of the transverse plane, a plurality of clip hinge elements arranged in sets and pivotally coupling together the vertical supports, each clip hinge element having a main body portion terminating in opposing integral attaching means, said vertical supports having integral means for receiving the integral attaching means, each clip hinge element extending between an adjacent pair of said vertical supports with the opposing attaching means of said clip hinge element being respectively received by each of the vertical supports on opposite sides of the central and transverse planes, wherein, for each adjacent pair of clip hinge elements, the position of °0 each of the clip hinge elements is reversed relative to *the other clip hinge element, each panel being pivotable by up to 3600 relative to the adjacent panel.

2. The panel device of Claim 1, wherein the vertical supports on the adjacent end of each panel are further secured to each other by horizontal supv-:,ts.

3. The panel device of Claim 1 wherei. said clip hinge elements consist of an elongated section of a flexible material the terminal ends of which incorporate opposite reverse bends.

4. The panel device of Claim 1, wherein said vertical supports incorporate integral means for receiving o"O and securing said panels.

The panel device of Claim 1, wherein said vertical supports on the adjacent end of each panel are secured to each other by at least two horizontal supports, said clip hinge elements are formed from a flexible material and have an elongated section the terminal ends of which incorporate opposite reverse bends, having 39 I4 VHF integral locking tabs said vertical supports incorporating 00 0 8 0~ 0 88 000088 0000 000* '2 8 q 0 8 o o 8* 00 o 000 8 0 88 08 888, 0 r 000~ 880* 0888 '8 88 0 8 08* j (L 1 Okz t NtN VHF I 1 I II integral means for receiving and securing the reverse bends and locking tabs of said clip hinge elements and said vertical supports incorporating integral means for receiving and securing said panels.

6. The panel device of claim i, wherein the vertical support has an elongated body portion and a cross section which has a central U shaped channel which is flanked on opposite sides by a pair of second U shaped channels.

7. The panel device of Claim 6, wherein said central U shaped channel incorporates means for receiving and securing a panel.

8. The panel device of Claim 7, wherein said clip hinge elements consist of an elongated section of a flexible material, the terminal ends of which incorporate opposite reverse bends and wherein said second U shaped channels are adapted to receive and secure the reverse bend portions of the clip hinge elements.

9. The panel device of Claim 6, wherein said central U shaped channel incorporates means for receiving a panel member and wherein said pair of second U shaped channels are adapted to receive and secure reverse bend portions of clip hinge elements and panel elements wherein said central U shaped channel and said pair of second U shaped channels are in parallel axial relationship with each other and wherein said vertical support is notched in order to prevent axial movement of the clip hinge element on the vertical support.

The panel device of Claim 6, wherein said central U shaped channel incorporates means for receiving a panel and wherein the pair of second U shaped channels are adapted to receive and secure reverse bend portions of clip hinge elements and panel elements wherein the vertical support incorporates an opening adjacent to the bight of said central U shaped channel the opening having an elongated slot opposite said central U shaped channel and is adapted to receive members which will secure two or more vertical supports in fixed relationship with each 39 VHF Ti other and wherein said vertical support is notched in order to prevent axial movement of the clip hinge element on the vertical support.

11. The panel device of Claim 6, which is formed from a member selected from the group comprising a metal or a polymeric material.

12. The panel device of Claim 10, wherein said vertical support is formed from extruded aluminum or a polymeric material.

13. The panel device of claim 1 wherein each of said vertical supports has a cross section which has a central U shaped channel which is flanked on opposite sides by a pair of second U shaped channels, said clip hinge elements further having locking means integral with said attaching members, said pair of second U shaped channels being adapted to receive said integral attaching members and engage said locking means of the clip hinge elements.

14. The panel device of claim 13, wherein the vertical supports incorporate integral means for receiving and securing a panel member.

15. The panel device of Claim 13, wherein the central U shaped channel of the vertical support incorporates means for receiving and securing a scored or grooved panel member.

16. The panel device of Claim 15, wherein said clip hinge elements consist of an elongated section of a flexible material, the terminal ends of which incorporate opposite reverse bends, wherein said second U shaped channels are adapted to receive and secure the reverse bend portions of the clip hinge elements and wherein the vertical support incorporates an opening adjacent to the bight of said central U shaped channel.

17. The panel device of Claim 16, wherein said pair of second U shaped channels are adapted to receive 04 and secure reverse bend portions of clip hinge elements and panel elements wherein said central U shaped channel and said pair of second U shaped channels are in parallel 39 ~S~-a71 1 b VHF 0ao I0 4004 0 0 o39 0 axial relationship with each other.

18. The panel device of Claim 16, wherein the reverse bends of the clip hinge elements further incorporate locking tabs, the terminal ends of said locking tabs being biased against opposing walls of said second U shaped channels.

19. The panel device of Claim 18, wherein said vertical support is formed from extruded aluminum or a polymeric material and the clip hinge elements are formed from a steel alloy.

A system for pivotally coupling a pair of planar panels, vertically positionable, in alignment along a common central plane with a transverse plane extending between the panels, each panel being pivotable by up to 360 relative to the adjacent panel, the system including: a vertical support positionable on each adjacent end of the panels on opposite sides of the transverse plane, each support having a semi-circular bight positioned adjacent to the transverse plane and extending symmetrically away therefrom and terminating in side walls parallel to each other, a central channel between the side walls for the receipt of the panel to be supported thereby, and side channels between the side walls and central channel extending back toward the transverse plane; and a plurality of flexible clips arranged in sets coupling together the vertical supports, each clip having a main body portion terminating in end portions each being bent back along the main body portion to define a single one-hundred eighty (180) degree semi-circular curve which is positioned over the ends of the side walls and extending back toward the transverse plane a distance greater than the width of the side channels and the thickness of the side walls so that the end portions of each flexible clip will extend over the side walls of an adjacent pair of vertical supports on opposite sides of their central and transverse planes wherein, for each adjacent pair of clips, the position of each of the clips VHF p. is reversed relative to the other clip.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein integral locking tabs are disposed on said end portions of each clip.

22. A panel device substantially as hereinbefore described with respect to any one of the embodiments as shown in the accompanying drawings.

23. A system according to claim 20 substantially as hereinbefore described with respect to any one of the embodiments as shown in the accompanying drawings. DATED: 1 May 1990 PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK ,0 9 Attorneys for: CHANNEL-KOR SYSTEMS, INC. Q0 0 .0 o 0 00o a io 0 0 39 -,L VHF 0329b