Background of the Invention Collapsible display units are commonly employed at commercial exhibitions and other symposia for presenting information and publicity documents. Ancillary features such as banners, product or leaflet shelves and electric lighting are commonly suspended from the display units to enhance their visual appeal.

A collapsible display unit typically comprises a plurality of struts pivotally connected to hubs and, where appropriate, to one another, to form an expandable framework.

The display unit is portable in its collapsed form, wherein the struts are substantially parallel to one another. The unit is erected at the display site to form a rigid framework, upon which the above-mentioned display features may be supported.

Lighting may be provided on the display unit when assembled, the associated wiring either fed through the hollow tubing forming the frame of the display unit, or secured to the back of the unit.

Summary of the Invention According to the present invention, there is provided a collapsible display unit having a display mode in which the unit has a structure formed by a plurality of struts, wherein at least some of the struts are electrically- conductive and, in the display mode are electrically connected to effect electrical power transmission in the unit by the passage of electrical current within the struts.

The display unit may include the features of any one or more of dependent Claims 2 to 10.

There is also provided a kit of parts for a display unit of the present invention.

The present invention also provides a support member for a collapsible display unit having a readily manual releasible locking means to retain the support element in an erected mode.

The support element may include the features of any one or more of dependent Claims 12 to 18.

The present invention also provides a collapsible display unit comprising ancillary elements for the presentation of material, the elements being suspended from the unit by one or more wires.

The unit may include the features of the wire (s) being electrically- conductive and are connectable to a electrical power source for distribution of electrical current.

Objects of the Invention An object of the present invention may be to provide a collapsible display unit having therein an integral power distribution system.

Another object of the present invention may be to provide a collapsible display unit having therein a support member that is collapsible with the display unit.

Another object of the present invention may be to provide a collapsible display unit having apparatus for supporting ancillary display features, which apparatus may distribute electric power.

Advantages of the Present Invention The present invention as described herein may provide the following advantages: A collapsible display unit through which electrical power is distributed to powered accessories, and to which electrical connection is readily achievable; A collapsible display unit wherein powered accessories are connected directly to the unit, requiring little or no electrical wiring ; * A collapsible display unit having means for supporting the unit in an erected position and means for supporting display panels which are readily collapsible with the display unit; A collapsible display unit which supports ancillary display features spaced from the display unit, thereby providing a three- dimensional effect and enhancing the visual appeal of the display.

Applications of the Present Invention The present invention is applicable to collapsible display units, collapsible tent units and the like.

General Description of the Present Invention In order that the present invention may more readily be understood, a description is now given, by way of example only, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display unit according to the present invention in the erected mode; Figures 2a and 2b are cross-sectional views through a part of the display unit of the present invention; Figure 3a is a perspective view of a hub of the display unit with struts attached thereto, showing in detail an end connector of one strut; Figure 3b shows a hub similar to that of Figure 3a but with no end connector; Figure 4a is a perspective view of the hub of Figure 2 without the struts attached, showing the conductor plate; Figure 4b is a perspective view of the conductor plate alone; Figures 5a and 5b are perspective views of a bracket for suspending lighting from the display unit; Figure 6a shows part of a display unit of the present invention in an erected mode including a support member according to the present invention; Figure 6b shows the part of a display unit of Figure 6a in a collapsed position, including the support member;

Figures 7a to 7e show side elevation views of a support member as attached to part of a display unit, the display unit and support member progressing from an erected mode to a collapsed mode; Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a support member including a first embodiment of a locking clip; Figure 9 is a perspective view of the support member of Figure 8 from the opposite side; Figure 10 is a side elevation view of two struts of the display unit, in a collapsed mode, with a support member disposed between them; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken laterally across a support member including a first embodiment of a locking clip; Figure 12 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of a locking clip; Figure 13 is a perspective view of the support member in a locked position, including the first embodiment of a locking clip; Figure 14 is a perspective view of the support member in an unlocked position, including a second embodiment of a locking clip; Figure 15 is a perspective view of the support member of Figure 14, from the opposite side, in a locked position; Figure 16 is a perspective view of a display unit according to the present invention with wires and spacing members for supporting and powering ancillary display features; Figure 17 is a perspective view of the support member, including a third embodiment of a locking clip; Figure 18 is a side elevation view of the support member of Figure 17 in various stages of collapse.

Detailed Implementations of the Present Invention A typical conventional collapsible display unit has a plurality of hubs interconnected by struts pivotable relative to the hubs, allowing the display unit to be readily collapsed or erected, as required.

To enhance its visual appeal, the display unit is often supplemented by lighting, which may be attached to the display unit.

The lighting necessitates electric power to be delivered by means of cables and transformers, which conventionally have been attached to, or located within, the structure of the unit, e. g. the struts, generally to the rear of the display unit so as to avoid interfering with the display.

The cables and transformers create potential safety hazards for children or careless adults who might trip over them or touch exposed parts of the power distribution system. Cables and transformers so positioned slow down and hinder the assembling or disassembling of the display unit.

In the present invention, the structure of the unit 1 itself provides the conduit for the distribution of electrical power. Thus, when the display unit 1 is erect, some of the hubs 2 and struts 4 which form the structure of the unit 1 are electrically connected together to form an electric circuit 5 around the periphery of unit 1 for the distribution of electric power to spot-lights 6 attached to the top of unit 1.

Moreover, other hubs 2'and struts 4'form a second electrical circuit 5', electrically isolated from circuit 5, for the powering of back-lights 7 and light boxes 8 (see Figure 16). The two circuits house separate power

supplies 100 and 102, typically being separate 12 Volt DC transformers with maximum 30 Amp rating.

With brief reference to Figure 16, a light box 8 is an electrically-lit recess in front panelling of the unit 1 suitable for housing shelves, and/o displaying objects or samples, and the like.

Figure 2a shows one hub 2 and strut 4 being so electrically connected when unit 1 is in its erected mode. Thus conducting plate 22 in hub 2 electrically contacts arm 26 of end connector 24 which is push-fit located on the end of an aluminium support forming strut 4. However, as unit 1 is collapsed, strut 4 pivots about pin 9 towards a position as shown in Figure 2b, such that there is no longer electrical contact between the plate 22 and arm 26.

In a variant, the conducting plate 22 includes a cup for receiving the arm 26 and forming a reliable electrical connection therewith, thus preventing arcing or increased resistance due to a bad connection.

Detailed illustrations of the conducting plate 22 and the end connector 24 are given in Figures 2 and 4.

Figure 2b illustrates hub 2 and strut 4 in an electrically non-contacting position, the display unit 1 being in a collapsed position ready for storage or transportation.

The strut 4 is coated with paint to provide adequate insulation. In a variant, struts 4 have an insulating sleeve for example of plastics or rubber material.

Figure 3a shows a hub 2 having four struts 4 connected both mechanically and electrically thereto. Thus the four struts 4 each have an identical electric potential to that of the hub 2.

A strut 4 is electrically isolated from a hub 2, as illustrated in Figure 3b, if there is no end connector so the resultant air gap effects electrical isolation between the plate 22 (if any) of hub 2 and the strut 4 in all relative positions. In a variant, an end cap of insulating material (e. g. plastics or rubber material) may be located on the end of strut 4 to ensure electrical isolation.

An electric circuit is thus isolated from other electric circuits within the same display unit 1 by selective absence, or removal, of end connectors 24.

Additionally, regions of the display unit 1, where power is not necessary, are excluded by selective absence, or removal, of end connectors 24; an electric circuit can thus be located only at desired points within the display unit 1.

In Figure 1, electric circuit 5 for five 35-Watt spot lights 6 is created at the periphery of the display unit 1 by connecting hubs 2a and 2b to a power source 100 being a 12 Volt DC transformer with a maximum 30 Amp rating. A potential difference is thus created between any part of the unit 1 connected to hub 2a and any part thereof connected to hub 2b.

A second electric circuit 5'for down-lighting 7 and light boxes is created in a central region of the display unit 1 by connecting hubs 2c and 2d to a power source 102 being a transformer of similar rating.

The first circuit is electrically isolated from the second circuit by the absence, or removal, of end connectors 24 at any point where a strut 4

which is electrically connected to one circuit mechanically connects with a hub 2 which is electrically connected to another circuit. For example, referring still to Figure 1, no end connectors 24 are provided at points 104 and 106, and at other similar points on the display unit 1.

At points in the display unit 1 such as 108, struts 4 are electrically isolated from one another by an insulating washer disposed between them; the washer prevents a short circuit from occurring at such points.

The hub/strut nodes of the electric circuits are open-circuit when the display unit 1 is in a collapsed position and closed-circuit when the same is in an erected position.

The power distribution system for the spot lights 6, back-lighting 7 or other powered accessories is thus prepared for use by the erecting action of the display unit 1.

The back-lighting 7 and light boxes are connected to the electric circuit 5' of the display unit 1 by any standard connector, for example a plug/socket arrangement or simple crocodile clips.

The spot-lights 6 are attached electrically and mechanically to the display unit 1 by brackets 10, which are shown in Figures 5a and 5b.

Struts 4 are made of aluminium or steel. The end connectors 24 and the conducting plates 22 are made of copper, spring steel or stainless steel, or are copper-plated.

The invention as described heretofore, although referring to a collapsible display unit, is equally applicable to a collapsible tent unit. Tent units are

similarly required to be quickly erectable and collapsible, and often support powered devices such as lights, fans, air-conditioning units and the like.

Rigid support members are commonly affixed between hubs 2 of the display unit 1 to prevent the display unit 1 from collapsing under its own weight once erected.

The support members, affixed to the front of the display unit 1, are also used to support and present display panels; the front face of a support member is often magnetic so that similarly magnetic display panels presented thereby are readily interchangeable.

In order to collapse the display unit 1, the support members must first be detached from the display unit 1. The necessary attachment or detachment of the support members precludes the conventional display unit 1 from being erected or collapsed rapidly.

In the present invention, a support member 40 comprising a hinge supports the display unit 1 and is collapsible therewith.

The support member 40, as with conventional support members, is attachable to a display unit 1 as shown in Figure 6a. The support member 40 does not need to be removed from the display unit 1 when the same is collapsed.

Figure 6b shows the display unit 1 of Figure 6a in a collapsed mode, with the support member 40 attached thereto.

To collapse the display unit 1, one simply applies a moderate force to a front face 49 of the support member 40 in the region of its pivot point. The

support member 40 is capable of being folded back on itself and neatly collapses with the display unit 1, as shown in Figures 7a to 7e.

Each strut 4 is bent in such a way that a folded support member 40 can be accommodated between two struts 4 when the display unit 1 is in a collapsed position. As seen in Figure 7d, the strut is bent such that it includes two straight parts 31 and 32, which are parallel to one another but not coaxially aligned. In this way, the display unit 1 with the support members 40 attached can be collapsed into a compact, readily-portable form.

The support member 40 comprises a first part 41 connectable to a second part 42 by means of a flexible plate 43, and comprises a clip 45a for releasably locking the support member 40 in an erected position.

As seen from Figure 8, which shows an exploded perspective view of part of the support member 40, the flexible plate 43 has two laterally disposed grooves 44 to facilitate bending of the flexible plate 43, and to allow the support member 40 to fold back on itself when the display unit 1 is collapsed.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the support member 40 from the opposite side to Figure 8. The support member 40 comprises location lugs 48 to ensure that the two parts 41 and 42 of the support member 40 properly locate.

The clip 45a is resiliently flexible and is fixedly attached to the first part 41 of the support member 40, while the second part 42 thereof includes a lip 46a.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 8 to 13, the lip 46a causes deformation of the resiliently flexible clip 45a upon straightening of the support member 40. Recesses 47a of the clip 45a engage with the lip 46a when the support member 40 reaches an erected position, as is seen most easily from Figure 11.

The support member 40 is readily unlocked by applying moderate force to the front face 49 of the support member 40 in the region of the pivot point, whereupon the recesses 47a disengage with the lip 46a.

Protruding regions 51a of the clip 45a prevent the flexible plate 43 from allowing the support member 40 to bend the wrong way, by abutting against the lip 46a when the support member 40 is in an erected position.

The resiliently flexible clip 45a, which is fixedly attached by rivets 48 or other suitable means to a rear face 50 of the support member 40, is clearly shown in Figures 8,12 and 13.

In a variant, the clip 45a is replaced by a slider.

Figures 14 and 15 show a variant to the above-described embodiment, in which apertures 47b in the resiliently flexible clip 45b engage with a plurality of generally hemispherical protuberances 46b.

Figures 17 and 18 show a resiliently flexible clip 45c, being a further variant to the above embodiment, in which cams 47c on the clip 45c engage with a lip 46c of the second part 42. Each cam 47c includes an arcuate surface which is substantially coincident with the path taken by the lip 46a as the support member 40 is moved from a collapsed position to an erected position. Each cam 47c includes a notch 52 near the position taken by the

lip 46c when the support member is in a fully erected position, which notch 52 co-operates with the lip 46a in enabling the support member 40 to snap both into and out of an erected position.

The cams 47c prevent the flexible plate 43, with its two grooves 44, from allowing the first part 41 to fall out of alignment with the second part 42 as the support member 40 moves between collapsed and erected positions. In addition, the cams 47c support the flexible plate 43 when the display unit 1 is in an erected position, preventing the grooves 44 from allowing the flexible plate 43 to buckle under the weight of the unit 1.

Protruding regions 51c prevent the support member 40 from being bent the wrong way.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the clip 45 is so dimensioned as to collapse neatly with the display unit 1, as illustrated in Figures 6b, 7 and 10.

The support member 40, although described above and illustrated as being attached vertically to the display unit 1, could be attached horizontally. In this case, the hubs 2 incorporate means for attaching support members in both of those arrangements.

In order to present the conventional magnetic panels, a front face 49 of the support member 40 is correspondingly magnetic.

Conventional display units have relied on panels directly attached to the unit for presenting information and graphics.

In the present invention, a wire 60 supports ancillary display features on the display unit 1 and is spaced from the display unit 1 by means of at least one spacing member 61.

The wire 60 also carries electrical current, obviating the need for additional electrical wires when lights or other powered accessories are suspended therefrom.

Figure 16 shows a display unit 1 having various ancillary features, such as shelves 62, graphics 63 and headers 64, the ancillary features being suspended from the display unit 1 by wires 60 and enhancing the visual appeal of the display unit 1 by providing a three-dimensional effect.

Power is delivered to the wire 60 through an electric circuit within the display unit 1, as described above. In a variant, power is delivered to the wire 60 by a conventional arrangement involving mains power and a transformer.