US3727874A

US3727874A - Folding panel construction

Info

Publication number: US3727874A
Application number: US00181368A
Authority: US
Inventors: J Wuensch
Original assignee: Electronic Assistance Corp
Current assignee: Electronic Assistance Corp
Priority date: 1971-09-17
Filing date: 1971-09-17
Publication date: 1973-04-17
Anticipated expiration: 1990-04-17

Abstract

A self-erecting foldable display structure has a continuous display panel supported by a collapsible frame secured to its reverse side. The support frame includes an elongated back panel and a pair of side panels integrally hinged to the respective longitudinal edges of the back panel. Transverse fold lines are formed in both the support frame and the display panel dividing the structure into a plurality of sections. A combination of flaps and elastic bands in the support frame tend to maintain the frame with a U-shaped cross-section, thereby preventing folding of the structure. Manual flattening of the side panels against the pull of the elastic bands permits the structure to be folded along the transverse fold lines into a substantially flat, compact package. When the folded structure is held at its upper end and allowed to unfold freely, the support frame automatically reassumes its U-shaped configuration and supports the display panel in a substantially vertical position.

Description

0 United States Patent 1 1 1 3,727,874 Wuensch 1 Apr. 17, 1973 FOLDING PANEL CONSTRUCTION Primary ExaminerR0y D. Frazier [75] Inventor: John H. Wuensch, Leonia, N..l Assistant Examm,er R0dney Bonck Attorney-Granv1lle M. Brumbaugh et a1. [73] Assignee: Electronic Assistance Corporation,

Fair Lawn, NJ. [57] ABSTRACT [22] Filed: Sept. 17, 1971 A selferecting foldable display structure has a continuous display panel supported by a collapsible frame [21 1 App]. 181368 secured to its reverse side. The support frame includes an elongated back panel and a pair of side panels in [52] US. Cl. ..248/459, 248/174, 248/460 tegrally hinged to the respective longitudinal edges of [51] Int. Cl. ..A47f 5/11 the back panel. Transverse fold lines are formed in [58] Field of Search ..248/459, 174, 450; both the support frame and the display panel dividing 211/72, 73 the structure into a plurality of sections. A combination of flaps and elastic bands in the support frame [56] References Cited tend to maintain the frame with a U-shaped cross-section, thereby preventing folding of the structure T D STATES PATENTS Manual flattening of the side panels against the pull of 350873'4 4/1970 Thomasum v 248/459 the elastic bands permits the structure to be folded 7435,1558 1/1922 p h along the transverse fold lines into a substantially flat, 2 72 933 2 17 compact package. When the folded structure is held at 2,803,076 8/1957 Viglietta... 248/459 its upper end and allowed to unfold freely, the support 2,940,710 6/1960 Adams 248/174 frame automatically reassumes its U-shaped configura- 582,333 5/1897 Wright v .2] H73 ti n and suppgrts the display panel in a, substantially 2,611,572 9 1952 Rocca ...248/174 vertical position 1,962,089 6/1934 Davidson ..248/459 13 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures 1 -27 51b 26 l/c PATENTEDAPR 1 H975 sum 1 or 2 FIG? FOLDING PANEL CONSTRUCTION This invention relates to foldable structures for advertising displays, article support, etc., and more particularly to such a structure formed of self-supporting sheet material which can be easily folded to form a compact package and yet is effectively self-erecting to provide a sturdy, self-supporting construction especially suited for the display of advertising messages.

In so called point of sale" advertising, wherein an advertising message is to be brought to the consumer in the shop or market where the advertised product is sold, it is a regular practice of either the merchant or the supplier of the product to provide vivid, eyecatching displays closely adjacent to the supply of the product on the merchants shelves to attract the attention of the consumer. Generally, these displays are supplied to the merchant by the salesman of the product and are of the type that may be quickly set up and taken down by the salesman without special equipment or assistance.

One such class of advertising displays comprise advertising messages carried by a panel formed of paperboard, cardboard or similar self-supporting material which is held in a generally upright position by means such as an easel or a self-contained foldable support frame. The latter is particularly advantageous since it can be formed of the same material as the display panel, is generally lighter in weight and less bulky than separate supporting structures and is less expensive. One such type of support frame consists of a sheet of paperboard which can be folded to form a channel of U-shaped cross section with the side panels of the channel being retained in that position by spacers and V elastic bands. The frame and the spacers may be flattened out and the frame folded to reduce itsbulk for transporting. The display medium carried by the sup.-

port frame consists of a plurality of separate panels secured to the reverse side of the support frame. Thus, when the side panels of the support frame are flattened, the frame may be folded in the longitudinal direction between the display panels to provide a package easily carried by a salesman. This form of construction is e xemplified in U.S. Pat. No. 3,508,734, granted Apr. 28, 1970, to l-l.C. Thomas.

While such constructions provide advantages in portability and ability to be erected and collapsed, they still present certain drawbacks which detract from their utility and ability to present an advertising message of I sufficient eye impact. These prior art structure are unduly complex in design and manufacture and have structural weaknesses which limit the number of times they may be collapsed and erected without damage. Moreover, these constructions require that the advertising display be divided into completely separate panels with spaces therebetween, thereby limiting the format of the message carried by the panel and detracting from its appearance and advertising impact.

ln accordance with the present invention, these drawbacks have-been eliminated to provide a structure in which a continuous advertising panel is supported in an upright position by a simple, sturdy support frame. Both the panel and support frame may be readily collapsed into acompact package and the structure is completely self-erecting in a reliable manner simply by allowing gravity to unfold it.

Briefly, the support frame structure comprises an elongated sheet of self-supporting paperboard or the like provided with longitudinal folds permitting it to be formed into a U-shaped channel, and one or more transverse score lines to enable it to be folded into a compact package. Pairs of flaps are punched out of the paperboard material so as to be hinged along scores in the side panels of the U-shaped channel. These flaps are adapted to engage detents in the back panel of the support frame formed by the same cut-outs which provide the flaps. One or more elastic bands interconnect the pair of side panels so as to urge them towards one another and at the same time direct the flaps into engagement with their respective detents. The interaction of the flaps, detents and elastic bands form the support frame into a rigid, load support U-shaped channel, which at the same time, may be readily flattened and folded.

The advertising or display panel may be a single continuous sheet of paperboard or the like (or several sheets fastened together to form an uninterrupted surface) and is secured, such as by gluing, to the back panel of the support frame. The display panel is provided with fold lines corresponding to the transverse fold lines in the support frame so that the composite support frame-display panel structure may be folded along its longitudinal direction to produce a compact package. To permit folding of the display panel while accommodating the extra thickness provided by the support frame, each of the fold lines in the display panel is cut through for that portion of its length which is coextensive with the support frame when flattened for folding. The remainder of the fold lines are merely crimped or scored. This permits the display panel to expand or open up slightly to accommodate the support frame material when folded and yet present a continuous surface when erected. Thus, the advertising message on the display panel may be of a continuous nature, limited only by the size of the display panel desired. For example, a life-size figure of a man or woman holding the product may beimprinted on the display panel to present a particularly eye-catching and effective sales message to the consumer.

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of the display structure illustrating the manner in which it is segmented for folding;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the display structure showing the support frame in flattened out position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fully erected dis play structure taken from the rear to illustrate the manner in which the support structure is erected; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the structure from the front illustrating the manner in which it folds and unfolds.

Turning now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated comprises'a front dis play panel 10 and a rear supportv frame structure 12, each of which is divided transversely into a plurality of sections. Although for illustrative purposes, four sections are provided, it will be understood that the same principles will be applicable to a display of fewer or more sections. Regardless of the number of sections, it will be understood that when completely collapsed, the several sections will be folded upon one another to form a compact package when not in actual use (see FIG. 4).

The support frame structure is shown most clearly in FIGS. 2 and 3, with the frame flattened out in FIG. 2 and in erected position in FIG. 3. The support frame 12 preferably is formed from a single sheet of paperboard or similar self-supporting sheet material and includes an elongated back panel 14 and a pair of side panels 16. The latter are foldably joined to the back panel 14 by providing creases 17 which function as hinges. The lower ends of the side panels have extensions 18 which serve as feet to aid in maintaining the structure in an upright position.

Transverse scores or fold lines 19 divide the support frame 14 into a plurality of sections. These scores may simply be creases or crimps in the material which allow the respective sections to be folded relative to one another.

The U-shaped configuration of the support frame in its erected position, as seen in FIG. 3, is maintained by a combination of flaps 20 and elastic tensioning bands 26. As shown in FIG. 2, each of the flaps 20 is formed by a U-shaped cut-out 21 made in the blank from which the support frame is formed. The outer dimensions of the cut-out are larger in both length and width than the flap itself and the flap is integrally hinged to its respective side panel. With the front panel glued or otherwise secured to the reverse side of the back panel 14, as shown in FIG. 3, the edge of the cut-out in the back panel, at the bottom 22 of the U where it is overlayed by the front panel, provides a detent which engages the end of the flap when its respective side panel 16 is folded along score 17.

Preferably, a pair of flap-detent elements are provided for each section of the structure to provide a sturdy, rigid construction. However, depending upon the size and configuration of the display panel, fewer or more such flap-detent pairs may be employed.

One or more elastic bands 26 interconnect the side panel and tend to urge the side panels towards one another. This tendency is limited by the engagement of the flaps with the respective detents, the flaps thereby acting as struts preventing the side panel from folding inward towards the back panel 14. By appropriate dimensioning of the length of the flap and the location of the detent, the side panels may be maintained approximately 90 to the back panel in the erected positron.

The ends of the elastic bands 26, which may be of rubber or other stretchable material, are retained in the side panels by anchor pins 27 which are passed through small holes in the side panels with the bands under tension, and thereafter seated against the outer surfaces of the side panels to prevent withdrawal. This means for anchoring the elastic bands requires only small holes in the side panel, thereby avoiding any weakening of the side panel and providing solid terminations for the elastic bands.

As seen best in FIG. 2, the elastic bands are positioned so that in the flattened out condition of the support frame, they overlay the flaps 20. Thus positioned, the bands insure that the flaps are retained within the cut-out from which they are formed when the structure is in its collapsed position, as in FIG. 2. This in turn insures that the flaps will be in detent-engaging position when the sign is erected. That is, the bands prevent the flaps from being folded back up against the side panels to which they are hinged when the structure is collapsed.

As indicated above, the support frame 12 is separated into sections by means of the score or crimp lines 19 which allow it to be folded up upon itself when in the flattened-out position of FIG. 2. The display panel 10 is similarly adapted to be folded along lines 11 which correspond in position to the score lines of the support frame so that the assembled structure may be folded. However, as illustrated in the drawings, the fold lines 11 in the display panel differ from the score lines 19 in the support frame.

As will be appreciated, when the sections of the structure are folded back upon one another, as illustrated in FIG. 4, provision must be made in the display panel to accommodate the added thickness of the support frame material behind it. Heretofore this problem has been solved by dividing the support panel into separate segments, with the space between adjacent segments bridging the fold line. This in effect, avoided the problem by leaving only a single thickness of material at the fold, but produced a less effective display.

In accordance with the present invention, the problem of accommodating the double thickness of material while allowing a continuous display panel, is solved by simply slitting or cutting through a portion of the fold line in the front panel of an extent sufficient to encompass the width of the support frame behind it, without removing any portion of the panel. Thus, as seen in the drawings, each fold line 11 in the display panel includes a central portion 11a completely cut through and two end portions 11b which are merely crimped, in the manner of the support frame score lines 19, to permit folding. Further, a small transverse cut 11c is made at each end of the cut-through portion of the fold line to relieve the tearing forces on the panel and allow the sections thereof to expand somewhat when folded. This is illustrated clearly in FIG. 4 and as seen therein, allows the sections of the structure to be folded back upon one another into a package whose thickness is limited essentially by the thickness of the material of the display panel and support frame. At the same time, when in erected position, the cut through lines are practically unnoticeable and from a distance of a few feet may be effectively invisible, thereby greatly enhancing the advertiser's choice of advertising material.

For added stability in the erected structure, the lower end of the display panel 10 may be provided with a narrow flap l3 integrally hinged to the panel along its lower edge which, when erected, engages notches 15 provided in the lower ends of the side panels 16.

To collapse the structure from its erected position as seen in FIG. 3, the side panels of the support frame are manually flattened outwardly against the tension of the elastic bands in the region of the lower section of the structure to allow the lower section to be folded upwardly; see FIG. 4. The folding of the first section will provide the force necessary to flatten out the remainder of the support frame and thereafter the remaining sections may be readily folded up to complete the collapsing.

In erecting the structure, it is necessary only to grasp an edge of the upper section of the display panel above the support frame and hold it sufficiently above the floor to permit gravity to unfold the lower sections. When the lowermost section drops, all restraint is removed from the elastic bands and they immediately erect the side panels and complete the formation of the U.-shaped support frame. The assembled structure may thereafter simply be lowered so that it rests on the lower flap 13 of the display panel and the feet 18 of the support frame.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the present invention provides a simple, sturdy, self-erecting, foldable display structure with unique characteristics not found in structures heretofore known. The simplified formation of the support frame permits easy erection thereof into a sturdy supporting means, and the novel fold lines provided in the display panel permits use of a' continuous panel, thereby greatly facilitating the task of the advertiser and increasing the versatility of the structure. It will be understood that many modifica tions of the structure of the preferred embodiment will occur to those skilled in the art and it is-to be understood that the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims.

1. A foldable structure comprising a support frame having an elongated back panel and a pair of side panels each foldably related to said back panel along respective longitudinal edges of said back panel, whereby said side panels may be selectively positioned in the same plane as said back panel or at angles with respect thereto, at least one score line traversing the said support frame to divide it into a plurality of sections and enable said frame to be folded when said back and side panels lie in the same plane, a pair of flaps respectively hinged to said side panels in at least one section of said frame, said flaps adapted to extend inwardly towards said back panel when said side panels are at an angle to said back panel and to lie substantially coplanar with said side and back panels when said panels are in the same plane, a pair of cutouts formed in said back panel, each aligned with a respective one of said flaps and extending in the same direction and beyond the ends of said flaps when said side panels are in the same plane as said back panel, the ends of said slots forming detent means in said back panel adapted to engage said flaps, elastic means interconnecting said side panels and tending simultaneously to draw said side panels into angular relationship to said back panels and said flaps into engagement with their respective detents, thereby to firmly retain said structure in said angular relationship and prevent folding of said support frame, and flat front panel means secured to said back panel and adapted to collapse along with said support frame when the latter is folded along said score lines.

2. The structure of claim 1 wherein a pair of flaps and associated detent means are provided for each section of said support frame and wherein there is further provided separate elastic means for each of said sections.

I 3. The structure of claim 1 wherein corresponding ends of both of said side panels are enlarged to provide supporting feet for said structure when erected.

d. The structure of claim 3 further comprising a narrow flap extending transversely of said front panel means along the lower edge thereof, and notches formed in said supporting feet for snugly receiving said flap.

5. The structure of claim 1 wherein said back and side panels and said flaps are integrally formed from a single piece of sheet material.

6. The structure of claim 1 wherein said front panel means is continuous and substantially greater in both longitudinal and transverse dimensions than said support frame when folded flat, said front panel means being adapted to be folded along lines corresponding to the score lines in said support frame, whereby said support frame and said front panel means may be folded together.

7. The structure of claim 6 wherein each of the fold lines in said front panel means includes a cut-through portion substantially coextensive with the transverse dimension of said support frame when flattened out, the remaining portions being scored, and wherein there is further provided a relatively short cut through the panel means perpendicular to said fold line at each end of said cut-through portion.

8. The structure of claim 7 wherein both said support in the same plane as said back panels orat angles with respect thereto, a pair of flaps, each hinged to a respective one of said side panels, said flaps adapted to extend inwardly towards said back panel when said side panels are at an angle to said back panel and to lie substantially coplanar with said side and back panels when said panels are in thesame plane, a pair of cutouts formed in said back panel each aligned with a respective one of said flaps and extending in the same direction and beyond the ends of said flaps when said side panels are in the same plane as said back panel, the ends of said slots forming detent means in said back panel adapted to engage said flaps and elastic means interconnecting said side panels and tending simultaneously to draw said side panels into angular relationship to said back panel and said flaps into engagement with their respective detents, thereby to firmly retain said structure in said angular relationship.

10. A foldable structure comprising a support frame having an elongated back panel and a pair of side panels each foldably related to said back panel along respective longitudinal edges of said back panel, whereby said side panels may be selectively positioned in the same plane as said back panel or at angles with respect thereto, at least one score line traversing the said support frame to divide it into a plurality of sections and enable said frame to be folded when said back and side panels lie in the same plane, a pair of flaps respectively hinged to said side panels in at least one section of said frame, said flaps adapted to extend inwardly towards said back panel when said side panels are at an angle to said back panel and to lie substantially coplanar with said side and back panels when said panels are in the same plane, detent means in said back panel adapted to engage said flaps, elastic means interconnecting said side panels and tending simultaneously to draw said side panels into angular relationship to said back panels and said flaps into engagement with their respective detents, thereby to firmly retain said structure in said angular relationship and prevent folding of said support frame, and fiat front panel means secured to said back panel and adapted to collapse along with said support frame when the latter is folded along said score lines, said back and side panels and said flaps being integrally formed from a single piece of sheet material and each of said flaps being formed by providing a cutout in said support frame prior to formation of the fold between the respective side and back panels, said cutout defining a flap integrally connected to said side panels along a line parallel to the subsequently formed fold line between said side and back panels and an opening in said back and side panels having a length and width greater than the corresponding dimensions of said flap. I

11. The structure of claim 10 wherein each of said detents is provided by an edge of said opening in said back panel;

12. In a foldable support frame for a display panel or the like, a back panel and a side panel, said side panel I being foldably-related to said back panel along a longitudinal edge thereof, whereby said side panel may be selectively positioned in the same plane as said back panel or at an angle with respect thereto, a flap hinged to said side panel, said flap adapted to extend inwardly towards said back panel when said side panel is at an angle to said back panel and to lie substantially coplanar with said side and back panels when said panels are in the same plane, a cutout formed in said back panel aligned with said flap and extending in the same direction and beyond the end of said fiap when said side panel is in the same plane as said back panel, the end of said slot forming detent means in said back panel adapted to engage said flap, and elastic means connected to said side panel and tending simultaneously to draw said side panel into angular relationship to said back panel and said flap into engagement with said detent, thereby to firmly retain said structure in said angular relationship, said back and side panels and said flap being integrally formed from a single piece of sheet material.

13, The structure of claim 12 wherein said cutout extends into said side panel to define said flap, said cutout having a length and width greater than the corresponding dimensions of said flap, said flap being integrally connected to said side panel along a line parallel to the fold line between said back and side panels.

Claims

3. The structure of claim 1 wherein corresponding ends of both of said side panels are enlarged to provide supporting feet for said structure when erected.

4. The structure of claim 3 further comprising a narrow flap extending transversely of said front panel means along the lower edge thereof, and notches formed in said supporting feet for snugly receiving said flap.

8. The structure of claim 7 wherein both said support frame and said front panel means are formed from self-supporting sheet material.

9. A foldable support frame for a display panel or the like comprising, an elongated back panel and a pair of side panels each foldably related to said back panel aloNg respective longitudinal edges of said back panel, whereby said side panels may be selectively positioned in the same plane as said back panels or at angles with respect thereto, a pair of flaps, each hinged to a respective one of said side panels, said flaps adapted to extend inwardly towards said back panel when said side panels are at an angle to said back panel and to lie substantially coplanar with said side and back panels when said panels are in the same plane, a pair of cutouts formed in said back panel each aligned with a respective one of said flaps and extending in the same direction and beyond the ends of said flaps when said side panels are in the same plane as said back panel, the ends of said slots forming detent means in said back panel adapted to engage said flaps and elastic means interconnecting said side panels and tending simultaneously to draw said side panels into angular relationship to said back panel and said flaps into engagement with their respective detents, thereby to firmly retain said structure in said angular relationship.

10. A foldable structure comprising a support frame having an elongated back panel and a pair of side panels each foldably related to said back panel along respective longitudinal edges of said back panel, whereby said side panels may be selectively positioned in the same plane as said back panel or at angles with respect thereto, at least one score line traversing the said support frame to divide it into a plurality of sections and enable said frame to be folded when said back and side panels lie in the same plane, a pair of flaps respectively hinged to said side panels in at least one section of said frame, said flaps adapted to extend inwardly towards said back panel when said side panels are at an angle to said back panel and to lie substantially coplanar with said side and back panels when said panels are in the same plane, detent means in said back panel adapted to engage said flaps, elastic means interconnecting said side panels and tending simultaneously to draw said side panels into angular relationship to said back panels and said flaps into engagement with their respective detents, thereby to firmly retain said structure in said angular relationship and prevent folding of said support frame, and flat front panel means secured to said back panel and adapted to collapse along with said support frame when the latter is folded along said score lines, said back and side panels and said flaps being integrally formed from a single piece of sheet material and each of said flaps being formed by providing a cutout in said support frame prior to formation of the fold between the respective side and back panels, said cutout defining a flap integrally connected to said side panels along a line parallel to the subsequently formed fold line between said side and back panels and an opening in said back and side panels having a length and width greater than the corresponding dimensions of said flap.

11. The structure of claim 10 wherein each of said detents is provided by an edge of said opening in said back panel.

12. In a foldable support frame for a display panel or the like, a back panel and a side panel, said side panel being foldably related to said back panel along a longitudinal edge thereof, whereby said side panel may be selectively positioned in the same plane as said back panel or at an angle with respect thereto, a flap hinged to said side panel, said flap adapted to extend inwardly towards said back panel when said side panel is at an angle to said back panel and to lie substantially coplanar with said side and back panels when said panels are in the same plane, a cutout formed in said back panel aligned with said flap and extending in the same direction and beyond the end of said flap when said side panel is in the same plane as said back panel, the end of said slot forming detent means in said back panel adapted to engage said flap, and elastic means connected to said side panel and tending simultaneousLy to draw said side panel into angular relationship to said back panel and said flap into engagement with said detent, thereby to firmly retain said structure in said angular relationship, said back and side panels and said flap being integrally formed from a single piece of sheet material.

13. The structure of claim 12 wherein said cutout extends into said side panel to define said flap, said cutout having a length and width greater than the corresponding dimensions of said flap, said flap being integrally connected to said side panel along a line parallel to the fold line between said back and side panels.