CROSS-REFEREWCE TO RELATED APPLICATIOW [0001] This application claims the benefit of U. S. Provisional Application No. 60/588,964 filed on July 16, 2004. This related application is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD [0002] The present invention pertains to customized graphics for corporate conferences and the like. More particularly, the present invention pertains to various aspects of a conference branding system. The present invention also more particularly pertains to a related method for providing a customer with a conference branding system.

[0003] It is known to utilize one or more display panels during live meetings, during education and training seminars, at media and business theater environments and the like to present a corporate image or other information. Visual materials for customizing and managing graphic branding directives are displayed on the display panels. The visual materials may be permanently imprinted on to the display panels, projected on to the display panels, or both. These visual materials may provide a company with strategic communications and a corporate branding campaign to cascade throughout the company. [0004] Examples of events that utilize display panels of the type which the present invention may be utilized to include but are not limited to employee and investor meetings and sales meetings and events. The corporation hosting the events generally desires to provide the event with a positive image with the display panels. [0005] In this regard, the display panels may carry corporate logos and the like and may be color and theme coordinated with projected graphics, distributed graphics, or both. i] Conventional display panels are typically incorporated into dedicated stages that are built specifically for an event. At the conclusion of the event, the dedicated stage, including the dedicated graphics materials, is disassembled and generally discarded. In certain applications, portions of the dedicated stage may be saved and stored for future use. Due to the expense, labor and storage space requirements associated with reusing portions of the dedicated stage, the practice of saving and storing is clearly an exception to the general rule. [0007] Even for applications in which portions of a dedicated stage may be returned for subsequent use, shipping issues are significant. The equipment must be packed into specially designed crating. It is impractical, if not impossible, to ship such crating in an efficient and cost effective manner. For these described shipping considerations and the above discussed set up considerations, conventional equipment cannot readily be moved from location to location. [0008] Event locations generally range from modestly sized conference rooms to ballrooms with 20-80 foot high ceilings and 130 foot stages. Corporate expense for stage building, graphics and related costs can easily exceed $100,000 for a single event. [0009] While conventional stage construction and related branding effectively serves intended purposes relating to the creation of furtherance of a corporate image, for example, a need for improvement of the pertinent art remains. In this regard, a need in the art exists for a more cost efficient corporate branding system. There is also a need in the art for a modular corporate branding system readily adaptable to event locations of various size. Furthermore, a need exists in the art for a conference branding system that can be quickly and easily be set up, torn down, shipped, stored and reused.

SUMMARY [0010] In one form, the present invention provides a modular conference branding arrangement that can be quickly and easily set up and shipped through conventional channels with standard size boxes. [0011] In another form, the present invention provides a coupling mechanism for suspending a display panel from a stage rigging. The coupling mechanism may include a main body portion extending along an axis and having first and second ends for telescopically engaging first and second tubular members, respectively. The main body portion may include a generally cylindrical, central section. The central section may include an aperture passing therethrough. The aperture may extend perpendicular to the axis. The coupling mechanism may additionally include a ring member and a retaining member. The retaining member may pass through the ring member and be disposed in the aperture. [0012] In yet another form, the present invention provides a method of providing a customer with a conference branding system. Ownership of the conference branding system is retained by a party other than the customer. The party provides set up and take down of the conference branding system at designated event sites in exchange for a usage fee. The party takes responsibility for delivering the system to the event site and either shipping the system to the next site or to storage. [0013] In a still further aspect, the present invention provides a method of shipping a display arrangement having a plurality of flexible display panels. The method includes the step of providing a storage container defining a storage cavity. The method additionally includes the step of wrapping the plurality of flexible display panels about a common axis to define a roll and supporting the roll within the storage container. The method further includes the step of shipping the storage container. [0014] Additional benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates from a reading of the subsequent description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0015] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: [001 S] Figure 1 A is an environmental view of a display arrangement incorporating bi-directional coupling assemblies constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. [0017] Figure 1 B is a top schematic view of the display arrangement of Figure 1A. [0018] Figure 2 is a partially exploded top view illustrating a bi¬ directional coupling assembly of the present invention operatively associated with a pair of tubes. [0019] Figure 3 is a front view of the bi-directional coupling assembly of the present invention. [0020] Figure 4 is an end view of the bi-directional coupling assembly of the present invention. [0021] Figure 5 is a side view of a main body portion of the bi¬ directional coupling assembly of the present invention. [0022] Figure 6 is a top view of the main body portion of the bi¬ directional coupling assembly of the present invention. [0023] Figure 7 illustrates a round ring of the bi-directional coupling assembly of the present invention. [0024] Figures 8A and 8B illustrate a clip of the bi-directional coupling assembly of the present invention. [0025] Figures 9A and 9B illustrate a spring plunger of the bi¬ directional coupling assembly of the present invention. [0026] Figure 10 illustrates a headless pin of the bi-directional coupling assembly of the present invention. [0027] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a shipping container containing a five-panel display arrangement of the present invention. [0028] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 12-12 of Figure 11. [0029] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 13-13 of Figure 11. [0030] Figure 14 is a schematic illustration of the general steps of a method of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODISiENT [0031] The following description of the present invention is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. [0032] With initial reference to the environmental view of Figure 1A and the related schematic view of Figure 1 B, a display arrangement 10 is shown and generally identified at reference character 10. As will become apparent below, the subject invention is directed to various aspects of a system for suspending graphics panels and a related method. In one particular application, the subject invention is directed to various aspects of a conference branding system. Prior to addressing the specific teachings of the present invention, a brief understanding of the exemplary environment illustrated in Figure 1 is warranted. [0033] The display arrangement 10 is shown in Figures 1A and 1 B to include a plurality of display panels 12A - 12E. The display panels 12A - 12E may be suspended from conventional stage trusses 13 in a manner to be addressed below. Alternatively, it will be understood that the display panels 12A-12E may be suspended from airwall tracks or other known structures. In this regard, the present invention shall not be limited to any particular form of suspension. In the particular arrangement shown, the display panels 12 may be used to present graphics at live meetings, educational or training seminars, media or business theater environments, or the like. In Figures 1A and 1 B, the arrangement 10 is shown to include five (5) display panels 12. It will be understood that the arrangement may also include more or less display panels. [0034] The display panels 12A - 12E may be constructed of a suitable fabric material. For shipping purposes, the material of the display panels 12A - 12E may be sufficiently flexible to allow the display panels 12A - 12E to be rolled and unrolled. Upon unrolling, the display panels 12A - 12E may be free of any creases. For display purpose, the display panels 12A - 12E may provide a suspended, stationary, and smooth surface for displaying the desired graphics. In one particular application, the display panels 12A - 12E may be constructed of a white oxford material and treated with fire retarding chemicals. [0035] In a conventional manner insofar as the subject invention is concerned, the display panels 12A - 12E may be provided with sleeves that extend horizontally along a top edge and a bottom edge. These integrally formed sleeves may receive tubular members (partially shown in the exploded view of Figure 2 at reference character 14). The tubular members 14 along the top edges may provide a rigid element from which the display panels 12A - 12E may be suspended. The tubular members 14 along the bottom edges may ensure that the display panels 12A - 12E hang smoothly by similarly providing a rigid element. Additionally in this regard, the tubular members 14 along the bottom edges may provide a weight that limits wavering of the display panels 12A - 12E. The tubular members 14 may be provided in various lengths. In certain applications, the tubular members 14 are provided in lengths of about 9 feet or less. [0036] The display panels 12A - 12E of the display arrangement 10 may be preprinted with graphics. Alternatively, the display panels 12A-12E can be illuminated with graphics. The display panels 12A - 12E may be preprinted with generic graphics, as discussed below, which may potentially be used by various corporations and/or for various events. [0037] As illustrated in Figures 1A and 1 B, the display panels 12A - 12E may be used with one or more projection screen panels 15. The projection screen panels 15 may be illuminated with graphics by a rear projector 17, for example. The display arrangement 10 illustrated may be used in conjunction with a 16 foot tall velour drape. The display arrangement 10 may be lighted with dimmable source upwash lamps with floor bases and diffusion gels. [0038] With continued reference to Figure 1A and 1 B and additional reference to Figures 2 through 10, the present invention may include a coupling mechanism 16 for suspending the display panels 12 from the conventional stage rigging. The coupling mechanism may include a main body portion 18. In the embodiment illustrated, the main body portion 18 may be generally cylindrical and extend along an axis 20 (see Figure 5). The main body portion 18 may have first and second ends 22 and 24 for telescopically engaging first and second tubular members 14, respectively. Explaining further, the first and second ends 22 and 24 may have a slightly reduced diameter and may be received in the respective tubular members 14. [0039] The tubular members 14 may be releasably coupled to the tubular members 14 with a pair of resilient members 26. In the embodiment illustrated, the resilient members may be spring plungers 26 including a body 28 and a spring biased plunger nose 30. The body 28 may be received within an aperture 32 provided in one of the ends 22 or 24 in a press fit relationship. The apertures 32 may extend perpendicular to the axis 20. The plunger nose 30 may outwardly extend to engage a small hole 34 provided in the tubular members 14. [0040] The coupling mechanism 16 may further include a ring member 36. The ring member 36 may be disposed in a slot 37 passing through the main body portion 18 and may be coupled to the main body portion 18 by a headless pin 38. The slot 37 may allow the ring 36 to be adjusted vertically relative to the main body portion 18. The headless pin 38 may be disposed in an aperture 40 located in the main body portion 18. The aperture 40 may pass through the slot 37 and may be generally perpendicular to the axis 20 and the apertures 32 of the ends 22 and 24. The headless pin 38 may be retained in the aperture 40 by a pair of clips 42. [0041] In the embodiment illustrated, the main body portion 18 may include a pair of concave recesses 44. The concave recesses 44 may be formed on opposite sides of the main body portion 18. The concave recesses 44 may improve access to the ring 36 for hooking. [0042] In one particular application, the main body portion 18 may be constructed of metal and may have a length of approximately 3.25 inches. In this particular application, the central portion of the main body portion 18 may have a diameter of approximately 1.00 inches and a length of approximately 1.50 inches. Those skilled in the art, however, will readily appreciate that the particular dimensions are merely exemplary and may be readily modified within the scope of the present invention. [0043] The subject inveniion may provide a modular arrangement 10 that can be readily adapted for various event sites. In this regard, a complete set of display panels 12A - 12E can be created. The display panels 12A - 12E typically have a maximum dimension of nine feet. The modular nature of the arrangement 10 allows a user to selectively choose the particular panels 12 for a desired event site. [0044] In certain applications the display arrangement 10 is a specific design for a conventional 100 foot stage. In certain applications, at least one of the display panels 12C, for example, has a width dimension (i.e., in a horizontal direction) of approximately 27 feet in three 9 foot increments and a height dimension (i.e., in a vertical direction) of approximately 9 feet. In such an application, the other display panels 12A, 12B, 12D and 12E may have the following dimensions of approximately 9 feet by 12 feet, for example. [0045] In addition to the display panels 12, the present invention may generally include coordinated PowerPoint® templates for projection onto a screen, such as the projection screens 15. The templates may be color and theme coordinated for use with the display panels 12A - 12E. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the colors of the projected images and the display panels 12 must be adjusted to accommodate differences that necessarily result between images that are printed to a fabric and illuminated and images that are projected on to a screen. [0046] The present invention may also generally include printed materials for distribution to the attendees of the conference. Similar to the templates discussed above, the printed materials may be color and theme coordinated for use with the display panels 12. [0047] According to a method of the present invention, a modular arrangement 10 is constructed to include a plurality of display panels 12 and generally have a common theme. The display panels 12 are dedicated for a particular customer. The method may also include the preparation of templates and printed materials as addressed above. [0048] In one particular application, the customer does not purchase the display panels 12. Rather, the customer pays the owner of the display panels 12 a usage fee for each use. The owner ships the display panels 12 to a designated event site and sets up the display panels 12. At the conclusion of the conference, the owner disassembles the display panels 12. The display panels 12 may be taken to storage or shipped to the next event location. [0049] The modular nature of the arrangement of the present invention facilitates rapid shipment of the components from location to location. In this regard, the fabric display panels 12 may be stacked and rolled to fit within a conventional box have maximum dimensions of approximately 10" by 10" by 120" (for example). As discussed below, the tubular members 14 and the coupling mechanisms 16 may be shipped in these same boxes along with the display panels 12. The boxes are suitable for shipment with carriers such as UPS®, Federal Express® and the like for expedited shipment. Because the components of the present invention may be quickly and easily set up and taken down, and also because the components can be readily shipped with standard, expedited carriers, transportation from location to location may be accomplished in a quick and cost effective manner. In this regard, a single arrangement may be used in New York City at the beginning of the week and Beijing later in the same week. The modular nature of the present invention also facilitates storage for future use. [0050] With reference to the perspective view of Figure 11 and the cross-sectional views of Figures 12 and 13, the display arrangement 10 of the present invention is shown stored within a shipping container 50. In one application, the shipping container 50 has a length L of approximately 117 inches, a height H of approximately 10.5 inches and a width W of approximately 9.5 inches. While these dimensions may vary, the shipping container typically has a maximum height of 12 inches, a maximum length of 119 inches and a maximum width of 11 inches. [0051] The shipping container 50 may be constructed of wood or other suitable material and include edges and corners conventionally reinforced with metal. The container may include a base 52 and a top 54. The base 52 and top 54 cooperate to define a storage area 56 for receiving and storing the display arrangement 10. The top 54 may be pivotally attached to the base 52 with hinges (not shown) in a conventional manner. The top 54 may be secured in a closed orientation manner. The top 54 may be secured in a closed orientation relative to the base 54 with a plurality of latches 58. The latches 58 may be lockable latches. [0052] The display panels 12 may be stacked and rolled about a common axis. In certain applications, the display panels may be rolled about a tubular member 60. The tubular member 60 may be a PVC tube or other suitable structure. The ends of the tubular member 60 may be supported within recesses 62 (see Figure 13) provided at the ends of the storage area 56. The recesses 62 may be defined in a foam panel 64. In this manner, the stacked and rolled display panels 12 may be supported above a bottom of the storage area 56 to accommodate the other components (e.g., tubes 14) of the display arrangement 10. A foam member 66 may be carried by the top 54 and thereby compress the tubular member 60 along with the foam recess 62 for stable shipment. [0053] Turning to Figure 14, a method of shipping a display arrangement 10 in accordance with the present invention will be described. In a first general step 100, the method includes the step of providing a storage container 50 defining a storage cavity 56. In a second general step 110, the method includes the step of wrapping a plurality of flexible display panels 12 about a common axis to define a roll. In a third general step 120, the method includes the step of supporting the roll within the storage container 50. In a fourth general step 130, the method includes the step of shipping the storage container 50. [0054] When the display arrangement 10 is stored in the storage container 50 for shipment, the loaded container preferably has a maximum weight of approximately 150 lbs. In certain applications, the container 50 may have a weight of approximately 138 lbs. The storage container 50 may include a handle at one end and a pair of wheels 72 (see Figure 13) to facilitate manual transportation to and from a delivery vehicle. [0055] It is anticipated the display panels 12 of the present invention may be provided with standard or stock setups to promote particular themes. In ihis regard, ii is anticipated that the display panels 12 of the present invention may be designed to address at least the following standard setups: innovation and communications; stock, financial and institutional; engineering and technology; health care and pharmaceuticals; community and employee appreciation; and customer appreciation. [0056] While the invention has been described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out this invention.