Interlocking scintillating display panels and method of use

Abstract

Scintillating display panels having a plurality of display element posts formed on the top surface and integrated interlocking couplings formed in the edge margins of each display panel.

Claims

1. An interlocking scintillating display panel comprising; a substantially planar frame, comprising opposing top and bottom surfaces, and a plurality of edges extending between, and substantially normal to, the top and bottom surfaces; a plurality of display element posts extending outwardly from the top surface of the frame in a uniform pattern; a plurality of planar display elements, each attached to a respective one of the plurality of display element posts such that a uniform spacing exists between adjacent planar display elements; and a frame interlocking assembly, including reciprocal sets of engagement elements extending outwardly from each edge of the frame, wherein the engagement elements comprise: a pin, and a socket configured to lockingly engage with the pin.

2. The interlocking scintillating display panel of claim 1 wherein the pin and socket are cylindrical.

3. The interlocking scintillating display panel of claim 1 wherein the socket has a tapered inside surface and the pin has a tapered frustoconical shape proportional to the inside surface of the socket.

4. The interlocking scintillating display panel of claim 1 wherein the pin and socket create an interlocking mechanical engagement.

5. The interlocking scintillating display panel of claim 4 wherein the socket has a diameter and a depth, the pin having has an attachment end and a free end, the attachment end having: a post portion having a length longer than the socket depth, the post portion having a diameter smaller than that of the socket, a tapered head attached to the free end, the tapered head forming a shoulder at a junction with the post portion, the tapered head having a base diameter larger than the socket diameter and a free end diameter smaller than the socket diameter, and a relief slot formed in the middle of the pin extending lengthwise from the free end to the attachment end, the relief slot configured to allow the base diameter of the tapered head to be pressed through the socket and expand, creating a mechanical engagement between the socket and the shoulder of the tapered head.

6. The interlocking scintillating display panel of claim 5 wherein the mechanical engagement is releasable.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) The following description of the embodiments can be understood in light of the Figures, which illustrate specific aspects of the embodiments and are part of the specification. Together with the following description, the Figures demonstrate and explain the principles of the embodiments. In the Figures the physical dimensions of the embodiment may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same element, and thus their descriptions may be omitted.

(2) FIG. 1, is an interlocking display panel with open bracing,

(3) FIG. 2, is a plurality of interlocked display panels with open bracing,

(4) FIG. 3A, is a solid interlocking display panel,

(5) FIG. 3B, is a section of the solid interlocking display panel,

(6) FIG. 4, is a plurality of solid interlocking display panels,

(7) FIG. 5A, is one embodiment of an interlocking pin,

(8) FIG. 5B, is one embodiment of an interlocking socket,

(9) FIG. 5C, is a section view of one embodiment of a reciprocal pin and socket,

(10) FIG. 6A, is a ball connector,

(11) FIG. 6B, is a socket connector,

(12) FIG. 6C, is a section view of the socket connector,

(13) FIG. 7A, is a ball connector of a second embodiment, and,

(14) FIG. 7B, is a socket connector of a second embodiment.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(15) FIGS. 1 and 2 are one embodiment of the present invention, or interlocking scintillating display panels and method of use, including the display panel 100 having reciprocal sets of interlocking connectors including socket 220 and pin 210. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of panels 100 are interlocked using socket 220 and pin 210 in a mated union 230.

(16) FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4 are another embodiment of the present invention including a solid display panel 100 with reciprocal pin 210 and socket 220. Score lines 150 allow a user to break or “snap” the solid display panel 100. Score line 150, as shown in FIG. 3B, may be a molded groove in the form a “v” or another recessed shape, or may be a simple cut or score pressed into the panel following the molding process. FIG. 4 depicts a plurality of display panels 100 in an interlocked configuration, including pin 210 and socket 220 in a mated union 230.

(17) FIGS. 5A and 5B represent on embodiment of a reciprocal set of interlocking connectors including the socket 210 and pin 220. Socket 210 including an aperture configured to snugly accept pin 210. In one embodiment the engagement may be accomplished wherein the aperture 211 of the socket 210 and pin 220 are substantially cylindrical having parallel sides. In another embodiment pin 220 has a frustoconical shape or is tapered to create a progressive interference fit with socket 210. Socket 210 extends away from the display panel frame 110 on a cantilever tab 212 having the aperture 210 and rounded free end 213. In one embodiment the cantilevered tab 212 is substantially straight, in yet another embodiment the cantilevered tab 212 including an offset or bend 214, allowing better alignment between display panels 100. Pin 221 of pin assembly 220 is cantilevered away from the frame 110 by tab portion 222.

(18) FIG. 5C is one embodiment of the pin assembly having a pin 311 and reciprocal socket 313. Pin 311 including a tapered top portion 315 to aid alignment with the aperture of socket 313 and to compress relief slot 317. When pin 311 is extended through socket 313, a shoulder 316 will engage the outside surface of socket 313. Pin 311 is attached to a material tab 322 which extends away from the display panel frame as shown in FIG. 5A.

(19) FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are one embodiment of the interlocking connectors of the present invention including a spherical ball 421, attached to a cantilevered tab 420, and a reciprocal socket 411. The socket 411 attached to the display panel edge using post portion 410. Socket 411 including, a concave portion 415 configured to receive ball 421. A relief slot 416 allows deflection of concave portion 415 when the ball portion 421 is engaged and allows a relief area for post 410 when adjacent display panels are rotated into an angular configuration. As shown in FIG. 6C, the inside lip 417 of socket 415 will overlap the equator of ball 421 to create a secure fit.

(20) FIGS. 7A and 7B are one embodiment of the interlocking connectors of the present invention including a spherical ball 521, attached to a cantilevered post or tab 520, and a reciprocal socket 511. The socket is attached to the display panel edge using the post or tab 510. Relief slots 516 are formed in both the top and bottom portions of the socket 511, allowing the post 520 to move at least 90 degrees perpendicular to the display edge in both a frontward and backward directions.

(21) It is to be understood that the above mentioned arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present disclosure. Numerous modifications or alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the present disclosure has been shown in the drawings and described above with particularity and detail, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein.