WO2001055999A1

WO2001055999A1 - Three-dimensional foldable device

Info

Publication number: WO2001055999A1
Application number: PCT/SE2001/000171
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erik Ahlberg
Original assignee: Erik Ahlberg
Priority date: 2000-01-31
Filing date: 2001-01-30
Publication date: 2001-08-02
Also published as: SE0000286L; SE0000286D0; SE520965C2; AU3069301A

Abstract

Three-dimensional foldable device, particularly for advertising and exhibition purposes, comprising at least one individually foldable and expandable structural section (4) which comprises a number of frame elements (5, 7) which are interconnected, in addition to which said frame elements (5, 7) comprise at least three stand elements (5) which are essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis (L) of the structural section (4) and located at a periphery of a cross section of the structural section (4) at right angles to the longitudinal axis (L), in addition to which the stand elements (5) are interconnected along said periphery, each connection between two stand elements (5) comprises at least two connection elements (7), one end of each connection element (7) is connected to one stand element and the other end is connected to another stand element, at least one end of each connection element (7) is movable in the axial direction of the stand element to which it is connected, and each connection element (7) forms an angle (A) to the respective stand elements (5), in addition to which the stand elements (5) are arranged so that they move radially inwards when said angle (A) decreases, whereas they move radially outwards when said angle (A) increases.

Description

THREE-DIMENSIONAL FOLDABLE DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a three- dimensional foldable device, referred to below as a foldable device or device, particularly for advertising and exhibition purposes.

PRIOR ART

In businesses which deal with exhibitions, presentations, advertising and information, it is often desirable to use devices for, for example, advertising stands and information displays, which can be folded for storage and transport, and unfolded for use. It is known to use a plurality of bars or the like to produce devices which, when unfolded, expand in two directions

(see, for example, patent specifications US 4 800 663 and US 4 986 016) . The constructions in these specifications have the disadvantage, however, that when they expand in two directions as they are unfolded, they contract in a third direction.

As far as three-dimensional devices such as, for example, towers, columns, platforms, product holders or the like are concerned, which have a shape which is extended to a greater or lesser degree, it is sometimes desirable to vary the shape and size of a cross section of the device which is at right angles to the direction in which the device extends. Patent specification US 4 637 180, which forms the basis for the precharacterizing clause of Patent Claim 1 with regard to this invention, describes a three-dimensional foldable device comprising at least one individually foldable and expandable structural section, which comprises a number of frame elements which are interconnected. The construction in this specification lacks the possibility of varying the shape and size of the cross section. THE OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional foldable device, particularly for advertising and exhibition purposes, which expands in two directions when unfolded, without contracting in a third direction. A further object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional foldable device, particularly for advertising and exhibition purposes, with a shape which is extended to a greater or lesser degree and with which it is possible to vary the shape and size of a cross section of the device which is at right angles to the direction in which the device extends.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The abovementioned object is achieved by virtue of the fact that each structural section in the foldable device according to the invention comprises at least three stand elements which are essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the structural section and located at a periphery of a cross section of the structural section at right angles to the longitudinal axis, in addition to which the stand elements are interconnected along said periphery, that each connection between two stand elements comprises at least two connection elements, that one end of each connection element is connected to one stand element and the other end is connected to another stand element, that at least one end of each connection element is movable in the axial direction of the stand element to which it is connected, and that each connection element forms an angle to the respective stand elements, in addition to which the stand elements are arranged so that they move radially inwards when said angle decreases, whereas they move radially outwards when said angle increases. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a three- dimensional device according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the structure in the device shown in Figure 1, with certain components separated.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a part of a three-dimensional foldable device according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figures 4-6 are perspective views of a structural section in a foldable device according to one embodiment of the invention. Figure 7 is a perspective view of structural parts for the foldable device.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a part of the structure in a three-dimensional foldable device according to one embodiment of the invention, in a separated and, respectively, assembled state.

Figure 9 shows various cross sections of a three- dimensional foldable device according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows a foldable device 1, for use as a display unit for, for example, an exhibition, according to one embodiment of the invention. The device has a vertically extended shape. A horizontal cross section of the device has a cylindrical shape. As will emerge below, however, the cross section can assume a number of different shapes. The device 1 in Figure 1 comprises a number of external panels 2 which are mounted on an internal structure by means of suitable panel attachment means which can be intended for permanent application or temporary application, in which case they can be in the form of, for example, magnetic fastenings. The panels 2 can be rigid or flexible. The invention allows the foldable device to be oriented in any other manner instead of being vertically oriented.

Figure 2 shows the internal structure 3 in the foldable device 1 shown in Figure 1, in an unfolded state, with certain parts separated for the sake of clarity. This structure comprises three structural sections 4 which are arranged adjacent to one another. The invention is not limited to this number, however, and the device 1 can alternatively comprise one, two or more than three structural sections. Each structural section 4 is individually foldable. According to one of the embodiments of the invention, described in greater detail below, the size of the cross section of each structural section 4 can be varied between different steps. According to another embodiment, described m greater detail below, the size of the cross section of each structural section 4 can be varied steplessly.

Figures 3-5 show one of the structural sections 4 in the internal structure 3 in Figure 2. For the sake of clarity, a longitudinal axis L, shown by a broken line m Figures 3-5, is defined here in the structural section 4. Cross sections of a structural section 4 are to be understood below as being oriented at right angles to the longitudinal axis L. In Figure 3, the structural section 4 is m a state m which its cross section is relatively small. In Figure 4, the structural section 4 is m a state in which its cross section is greater than in Figure 3. In Figure 5, the structural section 4 is in a state m which its cross section is greater than in Figure 4.

The structural section 4 comprises four stand elements 5 which are essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the structural section 4 and located at a periphery of a cross section of the structural section 4 at right angles to the longitudinal axis L. In this context, stand element means any type of extended body, such as tubes, rods or members with open or closed profiles, of practically any shape. The stand elements 5 can be in the form of profiled, rails made of, for example, metal, plastic or fibre-reinforced plastic. Their design can depend on inter alia the angle of attachment of the panels 2. The stand elements 5 can be provided with openings 6 in the form of, for example, perforations or holes for, for example, shelf brackets, attachment points for panels or other fixed or adjustable attachment points for connection of other installations, such as foldable picture walls and presentation systems. The invention is not limited to four stand elements in each structural section, but each structural section can alternatively comprise three or more than four stand elements .

Each stand element is connected to two other stand elements via connection elements 7. In this context, connection element means any type of extended body, such as tubes, rods or members with open or closed profiles, of practically any shape. The connection elements 7 can be made of, for example, metal, plastic or fibre-reinforced plastic. The connection elements 7 connect the stand elements 5 in such a manner that a stand element is connected, via connection elements 7, to the two stand elements which lie closest to it along the periphery of a cross section of the structural section 4. The connection elements 7 are oriented in such a manner in relation to the stand elements 5 that each connection element 7 forms an angle A to the stand elements 5 to which it is connected (see Figures 3-5) .

In the embodiment shown in Figures 3-5, each connection between two stand elements 5 comprises two connection elements 7. The invention is not limited to this number, however, and each connection between the stand elements 5 can comprise more than two connection elements 7. These two connection elements 7 are joined together in the middle by a fastening means such as a rivet or the like, so that an articulated connection 8 is formed. The connection between two stand elements 5 is arranged in such a manner that the two connection elements 7 intersect one another so as to form a cross. The connection elements 7 can, in addition to serving as connections between the stand elements 5, constitute a support, at the articulated connection 8, for internal shelving. The invention is not limited to the arrangement described above for the mounting of the connection elements 7. Alternatively, the connection elements 7 can be joined together in a place other than the middle. According to another alternative, the connection elements 7 are not joined together at all but are merely connected at their ends to the stand elements 5.

Each stand element 5 is provided with a fixed stand attachment means 9 and a movable stand attachment means 10, to which the ends of the connection elements are attached in an articulated manner. Two connection elements are attached in each stand attachment means 9,

10. The movable stand attachment means 10 is movable in such a manner that it can be pushed between several positions on the stand element 5, it being possible to lock it in a number of these positions. In this connection, the stand element 5 is provided with a groove or the like, with which the movable stand attachment means 10 is in engagement in such a manner that the movable stand attachment means 10 can be pushed in the groove along the stand element 5.

Figure 6 shows an alternative movable stand attachment means 10 which lacks a locking possibility. In this case, the cross section of the stand element 5 is an open profile with the opening facing into the structural section. The movable stand attachment means 10 is designed as a loop which is partly fitted into grooves formed on the inside of the profile of the stand element. The stand attachment means 10 can thus be pushed along the stand element 5. The loop passes through borings in the ends of two connection elements 7. If the foldable device 1 is provided with movable stand attachment means 10 without a locking possibility, the connection elements are fixed in relation to the stand elements 5 in a manner which is described below with reference to Figure 8.

If so desired, the movable stand attachment means 10 can be arranged so that it can be locked in only one position on the respective stand element 5. Alternatively, the stand element 5 can be provided with a stop which prevents the movable stand attachment means being pushed past a certain desired position. It is also conceivable that the movable stand attachment means 10 can be locked in any position between two end positions on the stand element 5. In this connection, the distances between the stand elements 5, and thus the size of the cross section of the structural section 4, can be varied steplessly between two end positions.

Instead of each stand element 5 being provided with a fixed stand attachment means 9 and a movable stand attachment means 10, it is also possible for both the stand attachment means 9, 10 to be movable. If both the stand attachment means 9, 10 on a stand element 5 are movable, the invention affords the possibility of providing the structural section 4 with all the possible combinations of stand attachment means which lack a locking possibility and stand attachment means which can be locked in one or more places on the stand element 5. The invention is not limited to the embodiment described above for movement of the stand attachment means, in which the movable stand attachment means 10 can be pushed along the stand elements in grooves formed in the stand elements. According to an alternative, the movable stand attachment means can be moved along the stand elements 5 in a manner other than in such grooves. They can, for example, be designed so as to be in engagement with the respective stand element 5 by surrounding it. They could moreover be provided with rollers or the like on the sides (s) facing the respective stand element 5 so as to reduce the friction during movement .

Figures 3-5 show examples of how the size of the cross section can be varied by locking the movable stand attachment means 10 in different positions. In

Figure 3, the movable stand attachment means 10 on each stand element 5 is locked at a relatively long distance from the fixed stand attachment means 9. In this case, a relatively small cross section of the structural section 4 is obtained. In Figure 4, the movable stand attachment means 10 on each stand element 5 is locked at a distance from the fixed stand attachment means 9 which is shorter than the corresponding distance in Figure 3. In this case, a greater cross section of the structural section 4 is obtained. In Figure 5, the movable stand attachment means 10 on each stand element

5 is locked at a distance from the fixed stand attachment means 9 which is shorter than the corresponding distance in Figure 4. In this case, an even greater cross section of the structural section 4 is obtained.

Reference is now made to Figures 2 and 7. At the ends of the stand elements 5, there are transverse elements 11, 12 which constitute transverse connections between the stand elements 5. Each transverse element 11, 12 is provided with coupling elements 13 for connecting the transverse element 11, 12 to the ends of the stand elements 5. Moreover, at each joint between the structural sections 4, a transverse element 11, 12 connects, by means of coupling elements 13, stand elements in two structural sections which are adjacent to one another.

In the bottom right-hand part of Figure 7, a transverse element 11 is shown, in a form in which four arms 14 extend radially from a central point, at which they are connected, towards stand elements 5 which are located at the periphery of a cross section of a structural section 4. Mounted at the ends of the arms 14 are coupling elements, by means of which the transverse element 11 is connected to the stand element 5.

According to another alternative, the transverse elements 12 can be designed as plane plates which can have a circular, square or other suitable shape. Mounted at the edge or the edges are coupling elements 13, by means of which the transverse element 12 is connected to the stand element 5. In this form, the transverse elements 12 can serve as shelving for, for example, products and/or brochure^'s.

Figure 8 shows an example of how a transverse element 12, here in the form of a round plate, is connected to the rest of the structure. The cross section of each stand element 5 is in this case an open profile with the opening facing into the structural section. The coupling elements 13 appear here like gravestone-like members projecting from both sides of the transverse element 12, which are intended to fit into openings on the respective end of the stand elements. The coupling elements 13 are located close to or at the edge of the transverse element 12. When the coupling elements 13 are fitted into the ends of the stand elements, which is shown in the right-hand part of Figure 8, the stand elements 5 are fixed in relation to one another, and the connection elements are fixed in relation to the stand elements. It is therefore possible to use movable stand attachment means which lack a locking possibility. These stand attachment means have been described above with reference to

Figure 6. It is possible to arrange the ends of the stand elements 5 and the coupling means 13 so that these can be locked to one another.

As the distances between the stand elements 5 can be varied according to one embodiment of the invention, the foldable device can be provided with transverse elements 11, 12 of different dimensions in order to fit different distances between the stand elements 5.

Instead of being mounted at the ends of the stand elements 5 as described above, it is possible for one or more transverse elements 11, 12 to be mounted between the ends of the stand elements. It is also possible for the foldable device 1 to have no transverse element at one or more joints between structural sections 4 or to have no transverse elements at all. In the latter case, the foldable device can comprise only one structural section 4 or a number of structural sections, in which case they are interconnected at the ends of the stand elements 5.

In order to fold the device 1 in Figure 1, the panels 2 are removed. The uppermost transverse element is then removed from the upper end of the stand elements 5 in the uppermost structural section, after which the uppermost structural section is removed from the other structural parts. When the uppermost structural section has been removed from the other structural parts, this structural section can be folded in the following manner. The locking of the movable stand attachment means 10 is released, and the movable stand attachment means 10 are pushed along the stand elements 5 in a direction away from the fixed stand attachment means 9. This results in the connection elements 7 moving steplessly towards a position in which they are parallel or essentially parallel to the stand elements 5. When the connection elements 7 move towards this position, their connection between the stand elements 5 has the effect that the stand elements

5 move closer to one another at the same time. Figure 4 shows the structural section 4 in a partly folded state. In the folded state of the structural section 4, the connection elements 7 are essentially parallel to the stand elements 5. The stand elements 5 are then located near to one another and the connection elements 7, so that the structural section 4 comprises a

"bundle" of essentially parallel closely spaced stand elements and connection elements.

Figure 9 shows various cross sections of foldable devices according to the invention, which can be obtained by means of varying the number of stand elements 5 and connection elements 7 and different shapes of panel. The cross sections are oriented at right angles to the longitudinal axes L of structural sections 4 forming part of the devices. If, for example, . each structural section 4 comprises three stand elements 5 and six connection elements, the device can be given a triangular or circular cross section 15. If each structural section 4 comprises four stand elements 5 and eight connection elements, the device can be given a square or circular cross section 16. If each structural section 4 comprises four stand elements 5 and four connection elements of the same length and four connection elements of a different common length, the device can be given a rectangular or oval cross section 17.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Three-dimensional foldable device, particularly for advertising and exhibition purposes, comprising at least one individually foldable and expandable structural section (4) which comprises a number of frame elements (5, 7) which are interconnected, characterized in that said frame elements (5, 7) comprise at least three stand elements (5) which are essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis (L) of the structural section (4) and located at a periphery of a cross section of the structural section (4) at right angles to the longitudinal axis (L) , in addition to which the stand elements (5) are interconnected along said periphery, in that each connection between two stand elements (5) comprises at least two connection elements (7) , in that one end of each connection element (7) is connected to one stand element and the other end is connected to another stand element, in that at least one end of each connection element (7) is movable in the axial direction of the stand element to which it is connected, and in that each connection element (7) forms an angle (A) to the respective stand elements (5) , in addition to which the stand elements (5) are arranged so that they move radially inwards when said angle (A) decreases, whereas they move radially outwards when said angle (A) increases.

2. Three-dimensional foldable device according to Claim 1, characterized in that one end of each connection element (7) is connected in an articulated manner to one stand element and the other end is connected to another stand element in such a manner that it is movable in the axial direction of the stand element .

3. Three-dimensional foldable device according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that each connection between two stand elements (5) comprises two connection elements (7) .

4. Three-dimensional foldable device according to any one of tJie preceding claims, characterized in that the connection elements (7) in the connections between the stand elements (5) are joined together in an articulated manner.

5. Three-dimensional foldable device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the connection elements (7) are joined together in the middle.

6. Three-dimensional foldable device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stand elements (5) are provided with stand attachment means (9, 10) , to which the ends of the connection elements (7) are attached in an articulated manner, in addition to which at least one of the stand attachment means (9, 10) on each stand element (5) is movable in the axial direction of the stand element.

7. Three-dimensional foldable device according to Claim 6, characterized in that the stand elements (5) are each provided with two stand attachment means (9, 10) .

8. Three-dimensional foldable device according to Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that two connection elements (7) are attached in each stand attachment means (9, 10) .

9. Three-dimensional foldable device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each movable end of the connection elements (7) can be locked in at least one place on the respective stand element (5) .

10. Three-dimensional foldable device according to Claim 9, characterized in that each movable end of the connection elements (7) can be locked in at least two places on the respective stand element (5) .

11. Three-dimensional foldable device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each structural section (4) can be folded, so that the connection elements (7) are, in the folded state of the structural section (4), essentially parallel to the stand elements (5) .

12. Three-dimensional foldable device, particularly for advertising and exhibition purposes, comprising on the one hand at least one individually foldable and expandable structural section (4) which comprises a number of frame elements (5, 7) which are interconnected, and on the other hand transverse elements (11, 12), characterized in that said frame elements (5, 7) comprise at least three stand elements

(5) which are essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis (L) of the structural section (4) and located at a periphery of a cross section of the structural section

(4) at right angles to the longitudinal axis (L) , in addition to which the stand elements (5) are interconnected along said periphery, in that each connection between two stand elements (5) comprises at least two connection elements (7) , in that one end of each connection element (7) is connected to one stand element and the other end is connected to another stand element, in that at least one end of each connection element (7) is movable in the axial direction of the stand element to which it is connected, in that each connection element (7) forms an angle (A) to the respective stand elements (5) , in addition to which the stand elements (5) are arranged so that they move radially inwards when said angle (A) decreases, whereas they move radially outwards when said angle (A) increases, in that each transverse element (11, 12) is arranged so as to be connected to the ends of the stand elements (5) in one or two structural sections (4), and in that each transverse element (11, 12) constitutes a connection between the stand elements (5) forming part of the respective structural sections (4) , so that these are prevented from moving radially inwards or outwards .

13. Three-dimensional foldable device according to Claim 12, characterized in that the extent of each transverse element (11, 12) is essentially located in a plane which is at right angles to the longitudinal axis (L) .

14. Three-dimensional foldable device according to Claim 12. or 13, characterized in that the transverse elements (11, 12) are provided with coupling elements (13) which are arranged so as to fit into the ends of the stand elements (5) .