US4986016A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Folding display frame with offset hub configuration
Assignee: DISPLAY STRUCTURES Inc
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Filing: 1989-11-03
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Granted: 1991-01-22
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Expires: 2009-11-03
Abstract
Abstract A collapsible framework is constructed of rods pivotally joined at their ends to hubs to form a self-standing unit when expanded and to fold into a small set of nearly parallel rods when folded. In one embodiment in which the expanded frame forms an array of cubicles, the hubs are designed to pivotally join the ends of four rods, with the plane defined by the pivot axes of one pair of opposing rods being offset from the plane defined by the pivot axes of the other pair of opposed rods attached to the same hub. One pair of rods attached to each hub can pivot on one of several pivot points on extended hub flanges to thereby provide expanded frameworks of various arcuate configurations. A stab-connection latch locks two hubs together and secures the framework in the expanded position. Folding channel bars are attached to knobs on vertically aligned hubs by keyslots. The keyslots of one channel bar are of progressively shorter length going from the topmost to the bottommost of the vertically aligned hubs to which the bar is attached. The folding channel bars have adjustable friction-type hinge pins for controllably folding sections of the channel bars.
Inventors
- 👤 William J. Wichman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 17:55
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04B; E04B1/00; E04B1/343; E04B1/344; E04B1/3441; G; G09; G09F; G09F15/00; G09F15/0068; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T403/00; Y10T403/34; Y10T403/347
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 37
Claim 1
Independent Claim
387 words
A folding framework for use as a folding display frame movable between an open expanded position forming a three-dimensional array of cubicles in a display-supporting frame and a compact closed form for storage, the framework comprising: a plurality of pairs of rods, each pair of rods being pivotally joined to each other at an intermediate point; a plurality of hubs, the respective ends of each rod being pivotally joined to corresponding ones of said hubs, each hub having a plurality of said rods pivotally joined thereto; the pivotal connection of each rod to a hub providing rotation of the rod relative to the hub about a corresponding single axis of revolution; rods connected to any one hub being rotatable about said single axis of revolution from a closed position in which all the rods are substantially parallel to each other to an open position in which the rods radiate outwardly from each other; each hub having a base plate with fixed flanges projecting therefrom for pivotally supporting a first pair of said rods secured to a corresponding first pair of said flanges on opposite sides of a central axis of the hub and a second pair of said rods pivotally connected to a corresponding second pair of said flanges on opposite sides of the central axis of the hub, said second flanges extending substantially perpendicularly to said first flanges; the pair of first flanges having corresponding fixed first bearing surfaces lying substantially on a first axis passing essentially through the central axis of the hub, the pair of second flanges having corresponding fixed second bearing surfaces lying substantially on a second axis passing essentially through the central axis of the hub and extending substantially perpendicularly to said first axis; the ends of the first rods pivotally secured to said first bearing surfaces being rotatable thereon about spaced apart fixed axes of revolution extending substantially parallel to each other and lying substantially in a first plane, the ends of the second rods pivotally secured to said second bearing surfaces being rotatable thereon about spaced apart fixed axes of revolution extending substantially parallel to each other and lying substantially in a second plane which is spaced outwardly from the base plate by an offset distance greater than said first plane and which lies substantially parallel to the first plane.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
387 words
A folding framework for use as a folding display frame movable between an open expanded position forming a three-dimensional array of cubicles in a display-supporting frame and a compact closed form for storage, the framework comprising: a plurality of pairs of rods, each pair of rods being pivotally joined to each other at an intermediate point; a plurality of hubs, the respective ends of each rod being pivotally joined to corresponding ones of said hubs, each hub having a plurality of said rods pivotally joined thereto; the pivotal connection of each rod to a hub providing rotation of the rod relative to the hub about a corresponding single axis of revolution; rods connected to any one hub being rotatable about said single axis of revolution from a closed position in which all the rods are substantially parallel to each other to an open position in which the rods radiate outwardly from each other; each hub having a base plate with fixed flanges projecting therefrom for pivotally supporting a first pair of said rods secured to a corresponding first pair of said flanges on opposite sides of a central axis of the hub and a second pair of said rods pivotally connected to a corresponding second pair of said flanges on opposite sides of the central axis of the hub, said second flanges extending substantially perpendicularly to said first flanges; the pair of first flanges having corresponding fixed first bearing surfaces lying substantially on a first axis passing essentially through the central axis of the hub, the pair of second flanges having corresponding fixed second bearing surfaces lying substantially on a second axis passing essentially through the central axis of the hub and extending substantially perpendicularly to said first axis; the ends of the first rods pivotally secured to said first bearing surfaces being rotatable thereon about spaced apart fixed axes of revolution extending substantially parallel to each other and lying substantially in a first plane, the ends of the second rods pivotally secured to said second bearing surfaces being rotatable thereon about spaced apart fixed axes of revolution extending substantially parallel to each other and lying substantially in a second plane which is spaced outwardly from the base plate by an offset distance greater than said first plane and which lies substantially parallel to the first plane.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein all the rods are of substantially equal length and each rod is connected at one end at a pivotal connection in said first plane of the associated hub and is connected at the other end at a pivotal connection in said second plane of the associated hub.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rods are of a first length or a second length, the difference in length being twice the distance between said first and second planes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein, in said open position, the rods connected to each hub extend outwardly substantially perpendicularly to each other, whereby the rods and associated hubs form a rectangular lattice.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus of claim 2 wherein, in said open position, the rods connected to each hub extend outwardly substantially perpendicularly to each other, whereby the rods and associated hubs form a substantially square shaped lattice.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus of claim 3 wherein, in said open position, the rods connected to each hub extend outwardly substantially perpendicularly to each other, whereby the rods and associated hubs form a rectangularly shaped lattice.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
96 words
Apparatus of claim 1 further including stab connector means mounted on at least one pair of hubs, the stab connector means including a male member rigidly mounted on and projecting from one of said pair of hubs, and a female member rigidly mounted on and projecting from the other of said pair of hubs, the male and female members telescopically engaging when the hubs are moved into the open position of the folding frame, and a releasable catch on one of said members engaging the other of said members to lock the telescopically engaged members together.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus of claim 1 in which the rods are tubular metal rods with an outside diameter approximately one half the width of the hub.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
59 words
Apparatus of claim 1 in which the second pair of flanges project outwardly from the base plate of the hub by an extended distance in which the second plane is at least twice the distance from the base plate than the first plane, whereby the framework can be moved to an open position defining a short radius of curvature.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus of claim 9 in which the pair of second flanges includes multiple pivot points to which the second rods can be selectively attached on each second flange, said pivot points on each flange comprising spaced apart holes on each second flange progressing outwardly from the base plate.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
49 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein the spacing between the first and second flanges allows each base plate to be sufficiently compact in size while its folded rods avoid interference with each other sufficiently so that the hubs can nest against each other in the closed condition of the framework.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rods pivotally attached to the first flanges of each hub are longer than the rods pivotally attached to the second flanges of each hub, to thereby form a rectangular lattice.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
77 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rods pivotally attached to the first flanges of a first hub are pivotally secured at their opposite ends to corresponding second flanges of a second hub, and in which the rods pivotally attached to the second flanges of a first hub are pivotally secured at their opposite ends to corresponding first flanges of said second hub, to thereby form a substantially square shaped lattice in the open condition of the framework.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus of claim 1 in which the first flanges are offset from one another on opposite sides of the central axis, and the second flanges are offset from one another on opposite sides of the central axis.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
362 words
In a folding open framework for use as a folding display frame movable between an open expanded position forming a three-dimensional array of cubicles in a display-supporting frame and a compact closed form for storage, the framework comprising a plurality of pivotally joined pairs of rod members in which four of said pairs of rod members are pivotally joined at their ends by eight hub members to form four sides of a rectangular cubicle having a hub at each of the eight corners of the cubicle, a plurality of said cubicles forming an array with adjoining cubicles sharing a common pair of rod members and the associated four hub members at each of the ends of the pair of rod members, the improvement comprising: each hub member having a base plate with fixed flanges projecting therefrom for supporting a first pair of said rod members pivotally secured to a corresponding first pair of flanges on opposite sides of a central axis of the hub and a second pair of said rod members pivotally secured to a corresponding second pair of said flanges on opposite sides of the central axis of the hub, said second flanges extending substantially perpendicularly to said first flanges; the pair of first flanges having corresponding fixed first bearing surfaces lying substantially on a first axis passing essentially through the central axis of the hub, the pair of second flanges having corresponding fixed second bearing surfaces lying substantially on a second axis passing essentially through the central axis of the hub and extending substantially perpendicularly to the first axis; the ends of the first rod members pivotally secured to the first bearing surfaces being rotatable thereon about spaced apart fixed axes of revolution extending substantially parallel to each other and lying substantially in a first plane, the ends of the second rod members pivotally secured to said second bearing surfaces being rotatable thereon about spaced apart fixed axes of revolution extending substantially parallel to each other and lying substantially in a second plane which is spaced outwardly from the base plate by an offset distance greater than said first plane and which lies substantially parallel to said first plane.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
362 words
In a folding open framework for use as a folding display frame movable between an open expanded position forming a three-dimensional array of cubicles in a display-supporting frame and a compact closed form for storage, the framework comprising a plurality of pivotally joined pairs of rod members in which four of said pairs of rod members are pivotally joined at their ends by eight hub members to form four sides of a rectangular cubicle having a hub at each of the eight corners of the cubicle, a plurality of said cubicles forming an array with adjoining cubicles sharing a common pair of rod members and the associated four hub members at each of the ends of the pair of rod members, the improvement comprising: each hub member having a base plate with fixed flanges projecting therefrom for supporting a first pair of said rod members pivotally secured to a corresponding first pair of flanges on opposite sides of a central axis of the hub and a second pair of said rod members pivotally secured to a corresponding second pair of said flanges on opposite sides of the central axis of the hub, said second flanges extending substantially perpendicularly to said first flanges; the pair of first flanges having corresponding fixed first bearing surfaces lying substantially on a first axis passing essentially through the central axis of the hub, the pair of second flanges having corresponding fixed second bearing surfaces lying substantially on a second axis passing essentially through the central axis of the hub and extending substantially perpendicularly to the first axis; the ends of the first rod members pivotally secured to the first bearing surfaces being rotatable thereon about spaced apart fixed axes of revolution extending substantially parallel to each other and lying substantially in a first plane, the ends of the second rod members pivotally secured to said second bearing surfaces being rotatable thereon about spaced apart fixed axes of revolution extending substantially parallel to each other and lying substantially in a second plane which is spaced outwardly from the base plate by an offset distance greater than said first plane and which lies substantially parallel to said first plane.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
50 words
Apparatus of claim 15 wherein the rod members pivotally attached to the first of said hub flanges are longer than the rod members pivotally attached to the second of said hub flanges, the difference in length being equal to twice the amount of offset of the associated axes of revolution.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the rod members are all of substantially equal length.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
96 words
Apparatus of claim 15 further including stab connector means mounted on at least one pair of hubs, the stab connector means including a male member rigidly mounted on and projecting from one of said pair of hubs and a female member rigidly mounted on and projecting from the other of said pair of hubs, the male and female members telescopically engaging when the hubs are moved into the open position of the folding frame, and a releasable catch on one of said members engaging the other of said members to lock the telescopically engaged members together.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
84 words
Apparatus of claim 15 wherein the hubs on at least one side of the framework include a flanged knob projecting therefrom, a bar having a plurality of keyslots spaced along the bar at intervals corresponding to the distance between knobs, for engaging the knobs of aligned hubs, whereby the bar is removably secured to a plurality of hubs, each successive keyslot being shorter in length than the adjacent keyslot, whereby the bar can be engaged one knob at a time to the aligned hubs.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus of claim 19 wherein the bar includes a plurality of sections and hinge means securing each section to an adjacent section, whereby the bar can be folded when not secured to the knobs.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus according to claim 20 in which the hinge means have adjustable friction means for controllably adjusting the friction of the hinge joint about with the sections of the bar fold.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
51 words
Apparatus of claim 15 in which the spacing between the first and second flanges allows each base plate to be sufficiently compact in size while its folded rod members avoid interference with each other sufficiently so that the hubs can nest against each other in the closed condition of the framework.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus of claim 15 wherein the rod members pivotally attached to the first flanges of each hub are longer than the rod members pivotally attached to the second flanges of each hub to form a rectangular lattice.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
76 words
Apparatus of claim 15 wherein the rod members pivotally attached to the first flanges of a first hub are pivotally secured at their opposite ends to corresponding second flanges of a second hub, and in the rods pivotally attached to the second flanges of a first hub are pivotally secured at their opposite ends to corresponding first flanges of said second hub to form a substantially square shaped lattice in the open configuration of the framework.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus of claim 15 in which the first flanges are offset from one another on opposite sides of the central axis, and the second flanges are offset from one another on opposite sides of the central axis.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus of claim 15 in which the rods are tubular metal rods with an outside diameter approximately one half the width of the hub.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
59 words
Apparatus of claim 15 in which the second pair of flanges project outwardly from the base plate of the hub by an extended distance in which the second plane is at least twice the distance from the base plate than the first plane, whereby the framework can be moved to an open position defining a short radius of curvature.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus of claim 27 in which a pair of second flanges includes multiple pivot points to which the second rods can be selectively attached on each second flange, said pivot points on each flange comprising spaced apart holes on each second flange progressing outwardly from the base plate.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
389 words
A folding framework for use as a folding display frame movable between an open expanded position forming a three-dimensional array of compartments in a display-supporting frame and a compact closed form for storage, the framework comprising: a plurality of pairs of rods, each pair of rods being pivotally joined to each other at an intermediate point; a plurality of hubs, the respective ends of each rod being pivotally joined to corresponding ones of said hubs, each hub having a plurality of said rods pivotally joined thereto; the pivotal connection of each rod to a hub providing rotation of the rod relative to the hub about a corresponding single axis of revolution; rods connected to any one hub being rotatable about said single axis of revolution from a closed position in which all the rods are substantially parallel to each other to an open position in which the rods radiate outwardly from each other; each hub having a base plate with fixed flanges projecting therefrom for pivotally supporting a first pair of said rods secured to a corresponding first pair of said flanges on opposite sides of a central axis of the hub and a second pair of said rods pivotally connected to a corresponding second pair of said flanges on opposite sides of the central axis of the hub, said second flanges extending at an angle to said first flanges; the pair of first flanges having corresponding fixed first bearing surfaces lying substantially on a first axis passing essentially through the central axis of the hub, the pair of second flanges having corresponding fixed second bearing surfaces lying substantially on a second axis passing essentially through the central axis of the hub and extending at said angle to said first axis; the ends of the first rods pivotally secured to said first bearing surfaces being rotatable thereon about spaced apart fixed axes of revolution extending substantially parallel to each other and lying substantially in a first plane, the ends of the second rods pivotally secured to said second bearing surfaces being rotatable thereon about spaced apart fixed axes of revolution extending substantially parallel to each other and lying substantially in a second plane which is spaced outwardly from the base plate by an offset distance greater than said first plane and which lies substantially parallel to the first plane.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
389 words
A folding framework for use as a folding display frame movable between an open expanded position forming a three-dimensional array of compartments in a display-supporting frame and a compact closed form for storage, the framework comprising: a plurality of pairs of rods, each pair of rods being pivotally joined to each other at an intermediate point; a plurality of hubs, the respective ends of each rod being pivotally joined to corresponding ones of said hubs, each hub having a plurality of said rods pivotally joined thereto; the pivotal connection of each rod to a hub providing rotation of the rod relative to the hub about a corresponding single axis of revolution; rods connected to any one hub being rotatable about said single axis of revolution from a closed position in which all the rods are substantially parallel to each other to an open position in which the rods radiate outwardly from each other; each hub having a base plate with fixed flanges projecting therefrom for pivotally supporting a first pair of said rods secured to a corresponding first pair of said flanges on opposite sides of a central axis of the hub and a second pair of said rods pivotally connected to a corresponding second pair of said flanges on opposite sides of the central axis of the hub, said second flanges extending at an angle to said first flanges; the pair of first flanges having corresponding fixed first bearing surfaces lying substantially on a first axis passing essentially through the central axis of the hub, the pair of second flanges having corresponding fixed second bearing surfaces lying substantially on a second axis passing essentially through the central axis of the hub and extending at said angle to said first axis; the ends of the first rods pivotally secured to said first bearing surfaces being rotatable thereon about spaced apart fixed axes of revolution extending substantially parallel to each other and lying substantially in a first plane, the ends of the second rods pivotally secured to said second bearing surfaces being rotatable thereon about spaced apart fixed axes of revolution extending substantially parallel to each other and lying substantially in a second plane which is spaced outwardly from the base plate by an offset distance greater than said first plane and which lies substantially parallel to the first plane.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
59 words
Apparatus of claim 29 in which the second pair of flanges project outwardly from the base plate of the hub by an extended distance in which the second plane is at least twice the distance from the base plate than the first plane, whereby the framework can be moved to an open position defining a short radius of curvature.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus of claim 30 in which the pair of second flanges includes multiple pivot points to which the second rods can be selectively attached on each second flange, said pivot points on each flange comprising spaced apart holes on each second flange progressing outwardly from the base plate.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
84 words
Apparatus of claim 29 wherein the hubs on at least one side of the framework include a flanged knob projecting therefrom, a bar having a plurality of keyslots spaced along the bar at intervals corresponding to the distance between knobs, for engaging the knobs of aligned hubs, whereby the bar is removably secured to a plurality of hubs, each successive keyslot being shorter in length than the adjacent keyslot, whereby the bar can be engaged one knob at a time to the aligned hubs.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus of claim 32 wherein the bar includes a plurality of sections and hinge means securing each section to an adjacent section, whereby the bar can be folded when not secured to the knobs.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus according to claim 33 in which the hinge means have adjustable friction means for controllably adjusting the friction of the hinge joint about with the sections of the bar fold.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-01-21 | 1994-07-23 | 1995-01-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-01-21 | 1998-07-23 | 1999-01-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-01-21 | 2002-07-23 | 2003-01-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |