GB2365612A

GB2365612A - A display apparatus and cover member

Info

Publication number: GB2365612A
Application number: GB0114812A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Rinn
Original assignee: RINN PRODUCTS Ltd
Current assignee: RINN PRODUCTS Ltd
Priority date: 2000-06-17
Filing date: 2001-06-18
Publication date: 2002-02-20
Anticipated expiration: 2021-06-18
Also published as: GB0014760D0; GB0114812D0; GB2365612B

Abstract

The display apparatus comprises spaced apart first and second frame members 10 and 11 having an attachment portion 14, at least one pivot portion 19 and a pivotable cover member 20 attached to the pivot portion 19. The cover member 20 being pivotable about the pivot portion 19 between an open and a closed position and concealing the attachment portions 19 when in the closed position. A display panel 18 being attached to the attachment portion 19 of the frame members 10 and 11 by its first and second lateral edges and may have a length greater than that between the two frame members 10 and 11 resulting in a curved display panel 18. The two frame members 10 and 11 may extend down below the bottom of the display panel 18 to the ground as support posts. The display apparatus may be used to display on one side only as on a wall or use both sides if needed.

Description

<Desc/Clms Page number 1> DISPLAY APPARATUS The present invention relates to the field of advertising displays and signs, and in particular to displays and signs having curved fascias.

Over the past few years, the demand for curved fascia and freestanding signs has increased greatly. Up until now, however, the production of such signs has been difficult and costly. The typical method of production of such curved signs has been to roll or brake press an aluminium panel into the desired curved shape, and then attach the curved panel to a fabricated metal frame. However, this process is costly, as the rolling or pressing of the panels has to be carried out by specialist companies who have the large capacity (minimum 2.44m long) rollers or expensive brake press tooling necessary to carry out the task.

Problems also occur with this known construction method when it comes to fitting the curved panels to the frame. Installation time of the sign can be lengthy, as the installer must fit the framework, then fit the panel to the framework and ensure that the panel joints are acceptable. In addition, whether for curved or flat panels, where the display is for advertising purposes and has a clear front face with a poster or the like located behind the front face, access is required to change the poster from time to time. The display may also be backlit, which means that access may also be required to the light source behind the display fascia. In either instance, a means of accessing the display must be provided. Until now, the flat or curved panels have been held by trims positioned at the sides of the panel that are screwed onto the framework of the display. Access is then provided by removing the screws that secure the trims and then removing the trims themselves. However, if the sign is recessed, access to the trims may not be possible. In this instance, screws must be screwed through the face, which spoils the aesthetics of the front of the sign, and is therefore not acceptable. Thus, an aim of the present invention is to provide a display apparatus with a fascia panel and a method of producing same which addresses the aforementioned problems in that it is simpler and quicker to install and less costly to produce than existing fascia displays. A further aim of the present invention is

to provide a fascia display apparatus that may be quickly accessed to change posters or access a back- lighting source, but which also does not show any unattractive screw fittings or the like.

According to the present invention, there is provided a display apparatus comprising: first and second frame members spaced from each other and each comprising at least one attachment portion, at least one pivot portion and at least one pivotable cover member pivotally attached to said pivot portion; and at least one display means comprising a display panel having first and second lateral edges, said first and second lateral edges being attached to said at least one attachment portion of said respective first and second frame members by attachment means; wherein each of said at least one cover members is adapted to pivot about said pivot portion between an open position and a closed position, each of said cover members concealing each of said corresponding attachment portions when in the closed position.

Preferably, said display panel has a length greater than the distance between the at least one attachment portions of the first and second frame members, the first and second lateral edges of the panel being attached to said respective attachment portions such that said display panel has a radius of curvature when attached.

Preferably, said apparatus further comprises a support member having first and second ends connected to said respective first and second frame members; Preferably, each of said first and second frame members, said at least one attachment portion and said pivot portion are formed as one piece. Preferably, said attachment means comprises a first retaining recess integrally formed on each of said at least one attachment portions. Preferably, said attachment means further comprises a plurality of rivets. Alternatively, said attachment means further comprises a plurality of screws.

Preferably, said display panel is manufactured from metal. Most preferably, said display panel is manufactured from aluminium.

Alternatively, said display panel is manufactured from a plastics material.

Preferably, each of said attachment portions has a second retaining recess outward of and spaced apart from said first retaining recess, and wherein said display means further comprises a removable transparent outer cover panel located in said second retaining recesses, the cover panel and display panel providing an opening into which display materials may be inserted. Preferably, said cover members retain said cover panel.

Preferably, said at least one cover members are provided with biasing means adapted to bias the cover member to the closed position. Preferably, said biasing means is a spring. Preferably, each of said cover members is provided with locking means to lock said cover members in the closed position. Preferably, each of said first and second frame members contain a recessed portion adapted to receive said respective first and second ends of said support member. Preferably, said support member is releasably connected to said first and second frame members by first and second locking means adapted to engage said recessed portions.

Preferably, each of said first and second locking means comprises a clamping member adapted to be moveable between locked and unlocked positions when operated on by adjustment means. Preferably, said adjustment means is an Allen key.

Alternatively, each of said first and second locking means each comprise a nut and bolt, each of said bolts held in said recessed portion of said respective first and second frame members and secured to said respective first or second end of said support member by said nut. Preferably, the radius of curvature of said at least one display panel can be adjusted by adjustment of said nut.

Preferably, each of said first and second frame members further comprises support means for engaging a surface. Preferably, said support means are posts adapted to be fixed in a surface. Preferably, said posts further comprise additional strengthening means.

Preferably, said first and second frame members are adapted to receive at least one plate member therebetween.

Preferably, said apparatus may be secured to a surface.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a prior art display apparatus; Figure 2 is a plan view of a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a detail plan view of the second embodiment as shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a plan view of a third embodiment of

the present invention; and Figure 6 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a typical arrangement for a known curved display apparatus. The apparatus comprises a metal framework 1 that has a pair of support posts 2. The posts 2 are usually welded to the frame 1.

Support bars 3 may also be provided to add strength to the frame 1. In known apparatus such as that shown here, the display fascia panel 4 has already had its curvature formed by rollers prior to installation on the apparatus. When the fascia panel 4 is added to the apparatus it is secured by trims 5 at each edge of the panel 4, the trims 5 usually being screwed directly onto the frame 1 so that the edges of the fascia panel 4 are held between the frame 1 and the trims 5. However, as previously stated such an arrangement can be difficult to access quickly and can also detract from the aesthetics of the fascia panel 4.

Figure 2 shows a plan view of a first embodiment of the present invention. Unlike the prior art apparatus which has an integral frame, the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a pair of frame members 10,11 with a pair of display panels 18 held between the two frame members 10,11. Each frame member 10,11 is preferably manufactured from extruded aluminium and acts as both a support post

and frame member. Each frame member 10,11 comprises a cylindrical post 13 that has a pair of attachment portions 14 integrally formed thereon. Each attachment portion 14 extends outwardly from the post 13 and is provided with a channel 15 adjacent the post 13 and a step portion at its outermost extremity that provides first and second recesses 17a,17b.

The channel 15 that is provided in each attachment portion 14 may receive the end of an optional plinth panel 16 that runs between the two frame members 10,11. The plinth panels 16 can be provided at ground level in order to prevent scuffing of the display panel 18 when in place. Each post 13 also has a pair of pivots 19 integrally formed thereon so as to support a pair of cover members, or "trims" 20. The trims 20 pivot about the pivots 19 from an open position to a closed position shown in Figure 2. The trims 20 are spring-loaded by way of springs 21 so as to be biased towards the closed position. When the trims 20 are in the closed position, they cover the ends of the display panel 18 that sit in the recesses 17a of the supports 14. Where the apparatus is to hold display panels, only the recess 17a is used, but where the apparatus is to display advertising posters or the like, a different arrangement that utilises both recesses 17a,17b is used. This arrangement will be described later in more detail later.

The posts 13 of the frame members 10,11 can have additional strengthening provided if desired in the

form of cross members 22. If cross members 22 are to be included, each post 13 is formed with a pair of channels 23 projecting into the interior of the post 13 and the cross member 22 sits in the channels 23. In this way, if stresses are placed on the posts 13 the cross members 22 brace the posts 13.

To increase the rigidity of the apparatus, a support member 12 may also be provided. The support member 12 can be secured at either end to each of the frame members 10,11. In the embodiment of Figure 2, this is achieved by way of locking members 26 on either end of the bar 12. The locking members 26 are in the form of "V"-shaped pincers that have a thread 27 that allows the pincers to be adjusted by Allen key. The top of each frame member 10,11 is provided with a flanged recess 24 and the ends of the bar 12 abut flanges 25 so that the closed pincers 26 extend past the flanges 25 into the recesses 24. The pincers 26 may then be opened with the Allen key until they come into contact with the flanges 25. The pincers 26 are opened until they abut the flanges 25 as tightly as possible, thereby securing the ends of the bar 12 in the frame members 10,11.

An alternative way of securing the support 12 to the frame members is shown in Figure 3. As in the first embodiment, the top of the posts 13 of the frame members 10,11 are each provided with a flanged recess 24. However, in this embodiment, the support 12 has a "U"-shaped section 30 at either end, both "U"

sections 30 having an apertured outer flange 31. In this embodiment, a captive bolt 32 is provided in each recess 24 with the head of the bolt 32 being held by the flanges 25 to prevent longitudinal movement. The bolt 32 extends through the apertured flange 31 into the "U" section with a nut 33 threaded onto the bolt 32.

The arrangement of Figure 3 is provided to increase the curvature of the display panels 18 if necessary, particularly where small panels 18 are used which are more difficult to bend. By using a support member 12 of a length which is slightly shorter than the distance between the frame members 10,11, when the nuts 33 on the captive bolts 32 are tightened the bolt heads will act on the flanges 25 in the recesses 24. This action will pull the frame members 10,11 towards each other and add to the curvature of the display panels 18 held between the frame members 10,11.

Figure 4 shows a detail view of the embodiment shown in Figure 3, with the difference that one of the display panels 18 has been replaced with an arrangement used where posters or the like are to be displayed. The poster arrangement consists of a plastic display panel 40 located in the recess 17b of the support 14 and a clear plastic outer cover panel 41 which locates in the recess 17a of the support 14. In order to insert or replace a poster the trims 20 are opened and the outer cover 41 is removed, the

poster inserted and the cover 41 replaced. The display panel 40 in this embodiment may be translucent if a backlighting source is to be used with the apparatus.

The preferred manner in which the first and second embodiments of the display apparatus is erected will now be described. Initially, the required distance between the cast frame members 10,11 will be calculated dependant on the length of the display panel and the desired curvature of the panel. The frame members 10,11 will be fixed into the ground, usually by cement but in some lightweight applications the frame members 10,11 could be dug straight into earth. Once the frame members 10,11 are in the desired position, the support member 12 is located in the flanged recesses 24 of the frame members 10,11 if desired. The edges of flat display panels 18 are located in the recesses 17a of the supports 14 and are then riveted onto the attachment portions 14. The spring-loaded trims 20 can then be closed to hide the riveted edge. Once the flat panel 18 has been riveted, the desired curvature of the panel 18 will result. However, if increased curvature is desired, the support 12 of the second embodiment can be adjusted as previously described to draw the frame members 10,11 closer together and hence increase the curvature of the panels 18. However, if the frame members 10,11 are to be cemented in place, this adjustment would naturally have to be done before the cement set.

If the poster display is to be used in place of the display panels 18, the display panel 40 is located in the recesses 17b and riveted to the attachment portions 14 in the same manner as before. The poster can then be put between the display panel 40 and the clear front cover 41. The trims 20 retain the clear front cover 41 whilst allowing quick change of the poster when required. When the poster is to be changed, the trims 20 are opened, the front cover 41 removed along with the poster and a new poster put in its place.

Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of the present invention for fixing to a wall or such like. The frame members 50 of the apparatus do not include support posts as they are intended to be secured directly to a surface by way of screws or the like. As with the previously described embodiments, each frame member 50 includes attachment portions 51 which have recesses 52a,52b for the location of a display panel 53. However, in this particular embodiment guide portions 57 are provided on each support 51 so that the display panel fits into the recess 52a such that fixing means such as rivets or the like are not required. The frame members 50 also include pivots 55 on which spring-loaded trims 54 are located. For additional strengthening a support member 56 can be secured between the two frame members 50 if desired. Once the frame members 50 are secured in the desired

position on a surface, and the support member attached if required, the panel 53 can be riveted onto the attachment portions 51 in the same manner as previously described. The trims 54 can then be closed to hide the riveted panel edges.

Figure 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. As with the previously described embodiments, this embodiment has two frame members 60 which each have attachment portions 61 with recesses 62 for receiving a display panel 63. Also as with the previous embodiments, the display panel 63 can either be held by screws, rivets or the like, or simply held by the recesses 62 of the attachment portions 61. The frame members 60 also have integral pivot portions 65 for the mounting of the spring- loaded covers 64 thereon.

Where this embodiment differs from the previous embodiments is that the frame members 60 are formed so as to provide a casing .rather than simply two supports at either end of the panel 63. Thus, the support member 66 is bolted to the frame members 60 at a location further from the display panel 63 than in the other embodiments. Also, brace members 68 are bolted to the frame members 60 to provide structural rigidity for the case. A mounting bracket 69 is also shown for holding a light source if backlighting is desired.

Although the preferred embodiments described above

are ideally manufactured using extruded aluminium components, it is to be understood by the person skilled in the art that other materials, such as a high strength plastics material or the like, would also be suitable for the purpose. For example, as already described, the display panel for poster displays can be manufactured from a plastics material.

In addition, although the majority of the embodiments shown here have pairs of display panels facing in opposing directions, it is to be understood that the present invention is not restricted to this arrangement. The present invention could also have only one face, in the same manner as the embodiment shown in Figure 5.

Furthermore, it is to be understood that although the first and second embodiments utilise screws or rivets to secure the panels to the attachment portions, the attachment portions for these embodiments may be provided with guide portions as shown in the third embodiment of Fig.4. Thus, if desired, each of the embodiments can be used without the need for fixing means to hold the panels to the attachment portions. Also, any of the embodiments shown may also be optionally backlit by providing a light source behind the display panel, depending on which embodiment is to be used.

In the embodiments where posters are to be displayed,

the trims can also be provided with a locking means so that they cannot be opened by persons other than those changing the posters. Such a locking means could comprise a conventional key lock, or else a special key arrangement could be used where the key has a unique shape, for example.

It is to be understood that the embodiment of Fig. 5, when incorporating one or more support members 56, provides a self-supporting display apparatus. The display panel 53 can be attached to the frame members 50, as described above, before the display apparatus is secured to a wall or other surface. The support members 56 hold the frame members 50 apart and hold the display panel 53 in the curved position. To secure the assembled display apparatus to a surface, the spring loaded trims 54 are pivoted to allow access to the interior of the frame members 50, which are then screwed, bolted or riveted to the surface from within.

These and other modifications and improvements can be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A display apparatus comprising: first and second frame members spaced from each other and each comprising at least one attachment portion, at least one pivot portion and at least one pivotable cover member pivotally attached to said pivot portion; and at least one display means comprising a display panel having first and second lateral edges, said first and second lateral edges being attached to said at least one attachment portion of said respective first and second frame members by attachment means; wherein each of said cover members is adapted to pivot about said pivot portion between an open position and a closed position, each of said cover members concealing each of said corresponding attachment portions when in the closed position.
2. A display apparatus in accordance with Claim 1, wherein said display panel has a length greater than the distance between the attachment portions of the first and second frame members, the first and second lateral edges of the panel being attached to said respective attachment portions such that said display panel has a radius of curvature when attached.
3. A display apparatus in accordance with either preceding claim, further comprising a support member having first and second ends connected to said

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respective first and second frame members by first and second connecting means.
4. A display apparatus in accordance with Claim 3, wherein said first and second connecting means are adjustable such that the distance between the first and second frame members may be decreased.
5. A display apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein said at least one attachment portion and pivot portion are formed as one piece with said first and second frame members.
6. A display apparatus in accordance with any

preceding claim, wherein said attachment means 0". . comprises a first retaining recess integrally formed on each of said at least one attachment portions.
7. A display apparatus in accordance with Claim 6, said attachment means further comprising a plurality of rivets.
8. A display apparatus in accordance with either Claim 6 or Claim 7, wherein each of said attachment portions has a second retaining recess outward of and spaced apart from said first retaining recess, and wherein said display means further comprises a removable transparent outer cover panel located in said second retaining recesses, the cover panel and display panel providing an opening into which display materials may be inserted.

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9. A display apparatus in accordance with Claim 8, wherein the cover panel is secured to said apparatus by said cover members.
10. A display apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein each of said cover members is provided with biasing means so as to bias the cover member in the closed position.
11. A display apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein each of said cover members is provided with locking means to lock said cover member in the closed position.
12. A display apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein each of said first and second frame members further comprises integral support means for engaging a surface.
13. A display apparatus in accordance with Claim 12, wherein said support means are posts adapted to be fixed in a surface.
14. A display apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein said apparatus comprises first and second display means, and wherein said first and second frame members each comprise first and second attachment portions, first and second pivot portions and first and second pivotable cover members for each respective display means.

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15. A display apparatus in accordance with Claim 14, wherein said first and second display means face in substantially opposite directions.
16. A display apparatus in accordance with any of Claims 1 to 11, wherein said apparatus is adapted to be secured to a surface.
17. A display apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.