DISMANTLABLE DISPLAY MODULE WHICH IS STORED IN THE FORM OF A PORTFOLIO AND PRODUCTION METHOD THEREOF

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to techniques employed in the manufacture and design of furniture, showcases and displays that offer products and services and, in particular, it relates to a collapsible showcase module foldable in the shape of a briefcase and the manufacturing process thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In many places where public in general gathers for the acquisition and exposure of products and services, such as fairs, convention, information centers and so on, there is a need to use furniture and showcases to approach the public to the suppliers and introduce them to their products. In this regard, there exists an important variety of such furniture, e.g. wooden-made, metallic, furnished with shelves, partitions; in general terms, though, they are bulky, difficult to handle and haulage thereof results in hardships since they take up a lot of space.

One art-known solution to such problems has involved the creation of carton foldable furniture and showcases. Nevertheless, their structural rigidity is poor and, furthermore, it is impossible for one person to lean thereon. In addition, this type of carton-made furniture lacks an outstanding aesthetical appearance, which is an important factor to achieve a commercial impact of the product or service being supplied.

There also exists furniture with countless panels, rods and posts that cooperate to each other; however, assembly thereof is time-consuming and the pieces to be assembled are too many.

Despite the above, there are pieces of furniture that have been broadly accepted and are practical to use, such as showcases comprising a base, a cover on top of the base and a board above the cover. In this type of showcases, the panel helps to identify the name of the supplier or the product being offered while the supplier is located behind the module to attend to the customers approaching the showcase.

For example, German utility model No. 8513468U discloses a cardboard showcase. This showcase, when folded, has the form of a display unit comprising a tabletop, a shelf component placed at a distance below said tabletop and which comprises a surface extending in parallel to the upper part of the tabletop, two lower parts used as a support, and an identification or announcement board that is supported by two rods that are spaced apart and which extend in a parallel way on the tabletop, wherein the tapletop, the shelf and the lower parts are made in one single foldable plain form. The showcase has some disadvantages, such as the fact that it cannot support heavy weights as it is made from cardboard. Furthermore, the showcase needs to be transported in its unfolded form, thus being uncomfortable for the user due to its dimension and to the fact that the selling point, the rods and the announcement board are transported separately. An additional disadvantage of this showcase is that it is disposable.

Another of such showcases is disclosed in the Mexican patent No. 212,227, which most significant advantage is that the module elements can be disassembled and folded in the shape of a briefcase. In the module of said patent, one hinged shelf is included within the base. Nevertheless, one issue with such module is that the shelf and the sections from the posts supporting the panel are movable within the base when they are stored therein. In addition, when the module is assembled, the posts and panel thereof are scarcely stable; furthermore, the pins employed to close the cover go outside and, therefore, are prone to failures.

The module of the above-mentioned patent was restructured in Mexican patent No. 225, 710, wherein the most significant changes are the inclusion of 45° cuttings between the post sections and a second shelf that runs on a rail; one support to secure the post sections within the second shelf. In spite of such modification, the panel continues being unstable since it sways over the cover. Furthermore, the shelves frequently fall off their horizontal position because at their free side ends the shelves are secured only by pressure between the side panels of the base. Also, the cover (body of the briefcase) faces strength issues when the module is stored therein; particularly, the cover is prone to breaking when being handled and hauled; more specifically, it has been observed that when the cover is knocked at its bottom, the impact is passed on to the side surfaces, reaching the lid and breaking it. It is desirable to improve the strength of the cover, taking into account that it is the most critical piece when the module is folded in the shape of a briefcase.

Another issue is the generation of scratches on top of the base panels every time the latter is taken out of or put into the cover. Likewise, it has been observed that when the base is inside the cover, the former moves upwards and downwards, resulting in deterioration of such base.

On the other hand, the above Mexican patents do not address the manner in which such module may be manufactured. However, give the acceptance of such product in the market, it is desirable to have a sequential and logical manufacturing process that maximizes the usage of materials from which the essential elements of the showcase module are made.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Pursuant to the above, the purpose herein has been to overcome the drawbacks of prior art showcase modules that are folded in the shape of a briefcase through the development of a novel structural relationship among the essential elements thereof, as well as through the addition of new elements that help work out such prior art issues.

The foldable showcase module in the shape of a briefcase of the present invention comprises: one based formed by panels jointly hinged to each other such that said base achieves a "collapsible" and a "standing" position, wherein said panels define at the base: a first side panel, a first front panel perpendicular to the first side panel, a second front panel adjacent the first front panel and a second side panel perpendicular to the second front panel and opposed to the first side panel; each of said panels being formed by rectangular frame and one sheet that covers and is coupled thereto; on the other hand, when the base is in the "collapsed" position, each side panel is housed inside the frame of the front panel to which it is coupled and both front panels face against each other.

As another critical element of the module of the present invention, there is provided a cover detachably coupled on top of said base when in the "standing" position; said cover in the shape of a rectangular housing with one upper surface, two side surfaces, one front surface, one lid with a handle coupled to the upper surface and opposed to the front surface, lower tabs extending from the front surface, the side surfaces and the lid towards the interior of such cover in parallel with the upper surface, one pair of cavities on top of the upper surface and opening and closing means for the lid.

Furthermore, other module elements are at least one pair of posts, each one of them being detachably coupled by its lower end to the frame of one of the side panels and crossing said cover through one its recesses when attached on top of said base; the posts being formed by one lower section and one upper section coupled to each other. In this regard, it is important to point out that the coupling of the posts to the frame of each side panel substantially improves the stability pf said posts; i.e., the frames of the side panels and the post form a type of framework when coupled together.

The present invention further comprises as another critical element one board detachably fixed to the upper end of each of the posts.

The collapsible showcase module of the present invention also comprises a first shelf located between both side panels and elevated with respect to the lower edge of said base in its "standing" position; said first base is slidably attached by one of its side ends to the first side panel and is formed by a first rectangular shelf frame and a first shelf sheet that covers and is attached thereto; said first shelf in embedded inside the frame of the first side panel when the base is in its "collapsed" position. Regarding the above, the attachment of the first shelf to the base facilitates the storage of the first shelf; additionally, pieces that are less complicated than those of the prior art are used.

Inside the base, the module also comprises a second shelf located between both side panels and separated underneath said first shelf; said second shelf is hingedly attached by one of its side ends to the second side panel and is formed by a second rectangular shelf frame and a second shelf sheet that covers and is attached thereto, said second shelf is embedded inside the frame of the second side panel when such base is in the "collapsed" position.

The present invention also provide first supporting means for the first shelf in a horizontal position when the base is in its "standing" position, the first means also being useful for securing the second shelf in a vertical position when embedded inside the frame of the second side panel; second means are also provided to support the second shelf in a horizontal position when the base is in the "standing" position, the second means also being useful for securing the first shelf in a vertical position when embedded inside the frame of the first side panel. These first and second supporting and securing means prevent the shelves from losing their horizontal position when they are located between the side panels, and they also secure the shelves when the base is collapsed; thus, the shelves suffer no damage during haulage of the module.

In order to collapse and fold the module elements in the shape of a briefcase, the board is detached off each one of the posts, which in turn are also detached from said cover and the latter ultimately from said base, wherein both the first shelf and the second shelf are embedded inside the frame of the side panel to which they are attached to; wherein the lower and upper sections of each post uncouple to become embedded inside the second shelf frame; thus, the board is placed over the already embedded first shelf and the side panels with their respective shelf are embedded inside the frame of the front panel to which they are attached; afterwards, the front panels are faced against each other, thereby resulting in the "collapsed" position of said base, said base being introduced through the lid of such cover that functions as a containment body to store and haul all the module elements in the shape of a briefcase.

In one aspect of the present invention, a process for the manufacture of the module is provided, which comprises the following stages:

1. a) extruding a first tubular shape;
2. b) cutting said first tubular shape into a first group of six sections, each one of them with a predetermined length;
3. c) building from the first group of six sections one frame for each of the two side panels of the base, one frame for each of the two front panels of the base, a first shelf frame and a second shelf frame;
4. d) attach one sheet to each one of the frames in the above stage, thereby achieving a first side panel, a second side panel, a first front panel, a second front panel, a first shelf and a second shelf;
5. e) assembling the first shelf by one of its side ends between the lateral sides of the frame of the first side panel, such that the first shelf becomes slidingly attached;
6. f) assembling the second shelf by one of its side ends to the lower side of the frame of the second side panel, such that the second shelf becomes hingedly attached;
7. g) fixing first supporting and securing means over the internal surface of each of lateral sides of the frame of the second side panel;
8. h) fixing second supporting and securing means over the internal surface of the lower side of the frame of the second side panel;
9. i) assembling: the first side panel with the first front panel; the first front panel with the second front panel; and the second front panel with the second side panel, such that the panels hingedly attach one after the other, thereby obtaining the base of the module;
10. j) thermal bending of a first plate to achieve the main body of the cover in one single piece, said main body including the upper surface, the side surfaces, the front surface and the tabs that extend from the side surfaces and the front surface of the cover;
11. k) thermal bending of a second plate to achieve the lid and the lower tab in one single piece, extending therefrom;
12. l) assembling the lid obtained in the stage above with the main body, thereby achieving the cover with its lid;
13. m) extruding a second tubular shape and a third tubular shape, wherein the third tubular shape has reduced diameter than that of the second tubular shape;
14. n) cutting both the second tubular and the third tubular shapes, thereby obtaining therefrom: a second group of six sections, each one having a predetermined length; and a third group of six sections, each one having a predetermined length;
15. o) inserting and pasting each of the six sections of the third group from the third tubular shape inside one end of one of the six sections obtained from the second tubular shape, such that each section of the third group projects from the end where each section is inserted into, thereby obtaining by the end of the stage the upper and lower sections of each of the two posts and each of the two coupling bases if the board;
16. p) pasting the coupling bases obtained in the above stage to a sheet, thereby obtaining the board; and
17. q) packing the respective base, the post sections and the board obtained in stages (I), (o) and (p) with the cover obtained in stage (i), so that by the end of this packing stage the collapsed showcase module is obtained, and in the shape of a briefcase.

The main advantage of this process is that the materials used are maximized throughout its stages and it only requires only shapes, plates and hinges; i.e., material wastage is avoided.

From the above, it can be mentioned that another object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible showcase module that can be folded in the shape of a briefcase, wherein the board and the posts hold perfectly stable when the entire module is assembled.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a collapsible that can be folded in the shape of a briefcase, wherein the shelves thereof are adequately supported in a horizontal position when the module is duly assembled, and wherein the shelves must remain in a vertical position when the module is folded in the shape of a briefcase.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible showcase module that can be folded in the shape of a briefcase, wherein the cover must withstand shocks and accidents when the entire module is folded.

One further object of the present invention is to provide a process for the manufacture of a showcase module that is folded in the shape of a briefcase, wherein throughout the procedural stages the materials used are maximized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Novel aspects featured by the present invention shall be set forth in connection with the appended claims. Nevertheless, the invention itself shall be better understood regarding its structure and manufacturing process thereof, as well as other objects and advantages of the same, with the following detailed description of one preferred embodiment thereof, when read in conjunction with the appended figures, in which:

• Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the collapsible showcase module that is folded in the shape of a briefcase, and built in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention.
• Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the collapsible showcase module shown in figure 1.
• Figure 3 is a front perspective and exploded view of the collapsible showcase module shown in figure 1.
• Figure 4 is a rear view of the base that is part of the collapsible showcase module of figure 1.
• Figure 5 is an upper plane view of the base shown in figure 4.
• Figure 6 is an upper perspective view of the frame of one of the side panels of the base illustrated in figure 4, the frame being shown unfolded and extended.
• Figure 7 is an upper perspective view of the frame of one of the front panels of the base illustrated in figure 4, the frame being shown unfolded and extended.
• Figure 8 is a longitudinal section taken alongside line A-A' of the base shown in figure 4.
• Figure 9 is an expanded view around the area of circle "C" of figure 8.
• Figure 10 is an expanded view around the area of circle "D" of figure 8.
• Figure 11 is a longitudinal section view taken alongside line B-B' of the base shown in figure 4.
• Figure 12 is a rear view of the first side panel of the base with the first shelf housed therein.
• Figure 13 is a rear view of the second side panel with the second shelf housed therein and the posts housed in the second shelf, said elements belonging to the collapsible showcase module of figure 1.
• Figure 14 is a perspective view of the cover with its lid open, the cover being part of the collapsible showcase module shown in figure 1.
• Figure 15 is an expanded view around the area of "D" circle if figure 14.
• Figure 16 is a lower plane view of the cover shown in figure 14, its lid being closed.
• Figure 17 is a rear view of the cover shown in figure 16.
• Figure 18 is a perspective and exploded view of one of the posts that belongs to the collapsible showcase module of figure 1.
• Figure 19 is a rear view of the board that belongs to the collapsible showcase module of figure 1.
• Figure 20 is an upper perspective view of the collapsible showcase module of figure 1, which displays its detached pieces and the shelves being moved to be housed in the base's side panels.
• Figure 21 is a rear view of the first side panel with the first shelf and the board housed therein.
• Figure 22 is a rear view of the base with its side panels hosued in its front panels.
• Figure 23 is a perspective view of the base in its "collapsed" position and being stored within the cover.
• Figure 24 is a view of the collapsible showcase module of figure 1, the showcase being folded in the shape of a briefcase.
• Figure 25 is a block diagram of the process to manufacture the collapsible showcase module that is folded in the shape of a briefcase of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the accompanying drawings and, more specifically, to figures 1 through 3 thereof, a collapsible showcase module 100 is shown, said showcase is folded in the shape of a briefcase. The collapsible showcase module 100 comprises one base formed by panels hingedly attached one after the other, such that said panels define at the base 200: one first side panel 201; one first front panel perpendicular to the first side panel 201; a second front panel 203 adjacent the first front panel 202; and a second side panel 204 perpendicular to the second front panel 202 and opposed to the first side panel 201. Each of said panels 201, 202, 203 and 204 is comprised of a rectangular frame 205a, 205b, 205c and 205d, as well as one sheet 206a, 206b, 206c, 206d that covers and is attached to the corresponding frame. The construction of this base by means of hinged panels allows for a "standing" position, as seen in figures 1 through 3, and a "collapsed" position that will be explained later.

The collapsible showcase module 100 also comprises a cover 300 detachably coupled over the upper edge of such base. In figures 1 through 3, it is observed that the cover 300 is shaped like a rectangular housing with an upper surface 301, side surfaces 302 and 303, one front surface 304 and one lid 305 hingedly attached to the upper surface 301 and opposed to the front surface 304. The lid 305 includes one handle 306 to grasp the entire showcase module 100 when collapsed and folded in the shape of a briefcase. Additionally, the upper surface 301 includes one pair of recesses 307, which can be distinguished more clearly in figure 3.

In figures 1 through 3, it is seen that the collapsible showcase module 100 further comprises one pair of posts 400, each of them detachably coupled by its lower end to the frame 205a or 205d of one of the side panels 201 and 204. In this coupling, each of the posts 400 crosses the cover 300 through one of the recesses 307 when the cover 300 is attached on top of the base 200. Likewise, in figure 3, it is seen that each of the posts 400 is formed by a lower section 401 and an upper section 402 that are coupled to each other.

From figures 1 through 3, it is also seen that the showcase module 100 displays a board 500 that detachably joined to the upper end of each of said posts. 400. On top of the board 500 graphic media may be placed, such as signs and legends to identify the services and products of the supplier that is using the showcase module.

By referring to figure 2, it can be seen that within the base 200 there exists a first shelf 600 located between both side panels 201 and 204 and raised in respect of the lower edge of the base 200, approximately half way thereof. The first shelf 600 is slidably attached by one of its side ends to the first side panel 201 and is formed by one first rectangular frame shelf 601 and one first shelf sheet 602 that cover and is attached to such frame 601. When the base 200 folds and brought to its "collapsed" position, the first shelf 600 is housed inside the frame 205a of the first side panel 201; the latter will be further described later. In the embodiment described, the first shelf 600 is placed at the base 200 with its first shelf frame 601 facing upwards, with the result that the first shelf frame 601 works as a barrier to prevent the items placed on top of the first shelf from falling off to the ground.

Similarly, the collapsible showcase module 100 comprises a second shelf 700 located between both side panels 201 and 204 and spaced downwards of said first shelf 600 approximately at the lower part of said base 200. The second shelf 700 is hingedly attached by one of its side ends to the second side panel 204 and is formed by a second rectangular shelf frame 701 and a second shelf sheet 702 attached over said frame 701. When the base 200 is brought to its "collapsed" position, the second shelf 700 is housed inside the frame 205d of the second side panel 204, which will be explained hereinafter. In the embodiment described, the second shelf is placed at the base 200 with its second shelf frame 701 faced downwards; such orientation will allow the lower section 401 and the upper section of the posts 400 illustrated in figure 3 to be housed within the second shelf frame 701 when it is desired that the entire showcase module 100 be collapsed and folded.

Reference is now made to figures 4 and 5 that respectively show a rear view and an upper plane view of the base 200 in its "standing" position. From these figures, it can be mentioned that the first side panel 201 is hingedly attached to the first front panel 202 by means of a first hinge 211 that is secured between the adjacent lateral sides of the frame 205a and the frame 205b of both panels 201 and 202, such that the first side panel 201 can outwardly rotate and inwards of the base 200 over said first hinge 211 to become embedded within the frame 205b of the first front panel 202. In figure 5, part of the first hinge 211 and the lower edge of the side of the frame 205b from the first front panel 202-where the first hinge 211 is attached - are represented by a broken line, since they are hidden. It is important to point out that the first hinge 211 runs downwardly over said adjacent lateral sides and that the frame 205a of the first side panel 201 has a smaller size than that of the frame 205b of the first front panel 202, as seen in figure 4; this size differential allows for the first side panel 201 to be housed inside the first front panel 202.

Furthermore, the first front panel 202 is hingedly attached to the second front panel 203 by means of a second hinge 212 that is secured over the respective adjacent lateral sides of the frame 205b and of the frame 205c of both front panels 202 and 203. The second hinge 212 runs downwards over such sides and is opposed to the sheet 206b and to the sheet 206c of each of the front panels 202 and 203 respectively, such that the sheets 206b and 206c make up a continuous surface towards the front of the collapsible showcase module 100, as shown in particular in figure 1. Having a continuous surface prevents the printed or graphic media placed on the front panels 202 and 203 from warping or becoming obstructed, one feature desired by suppliers that offer their products in the showcase module 100. In figure 5, the lower edge of the adjacent lateral sides of the frames 205b and 205c are represented by a broken line in order to appreciate in further detail the arrangement of the second hinge 212. As another important feature, the frames 205b and 205c of both front panels 202 and 203 have the same size (refer to figure 4).

From figures 4 and 5, it can further be mentioned that the second side panel 204 is hingedly attached to the second front panel 203 by means of a third hinge 213 that is secured between the respective adjacent lateral sides of the frames 205d and 205c of the second side panel 204 and of the second front panel 202, such that the second side panel 204 may rotate inwards of the base 200 over said third hinge 213 in order to be housed within the frame 205c of the second front panel 203. In figure 5, part of the third hinge 213 and the lower edge of side of the frame 205c from the second front panel 203 - where the third hinge 213 is secured - is represented by a broken line. It is important to mention that the third hinge 213 runs downwards over said adjacent lateral sides and that the frame 205d pf the second side panel 204 has a smaller size than that of the frame 205c of the second front panel 203; said difference allows the second side panel 204 to be housed within the second front panel 203.

In figure 4, the first shelf 600 can be seen with its first shelf frame 601 facing upwards, which as mentioned above allows the creation of a barrier for the products placed on top of said first shelf 600. This same figure 4 also shows the second shelf with its frame facing downwards.

Another important feature that can be appreciated in figure 5 is that both the frame 205a from the first side panel 20a and the frame 205d from the second side panel 204 include an open recess 207 facing upwards, said open recess 207 has the purpose of housing the lower end of each of the posts 400 shown in figure 1. In particular, in figure 5, it can be seen that the frame 205a and the frame 205d of said first and second side panels 201 and 204 preferably include said open recess 207 at its upper and rear corners. This structural relationship for the coupling of the frames 205a and 205d with each of the posts 400 substantially enhances the stability of the board (see figure 1) versus the board stability of the Mexican patent Nos. 225,710 and 212,227.

Further describing the forming of the frames 205a and 205d, which are part of the side panels 201 and 204 respectively, it can be mentioned that they are identically built one to each other. To delve into this aspect, reference is made to figure 6, which shows the frame 205a from the first side panel. The frame 205a is shown unfolded and extended and built be means of one first section 221 of a tubular square shape in cross section, which includes one first group of three triangular cuttings 222 separated of each other. Additionally, it is observed that each cutting 222 encompasses three of the shape's surfaces. On top of each cutting 222, the first section 221 is folded to shape the two lower corners of the frame, as well as the upper and frontal corners, while the upper and rear corners are formed by the perpendicular union of the ends of said first section 221, such that one of said ends of the first section 221 defined said open recess 207.

Furthermore, in figure 6, it is seen that the frame 205a of the first side panel has one slot 612 included at the inner surface of each lateral side; this slot 612 has an important function at the first supporting and joining means described hereinbelow, and the slot 612 is not included in the frame of the second side panel.

Regarding the frame 205b of the first front panel 202, the frame 205c of the second front panel 203, the first shelf frame 601 and the second shelf frame 701 (see figures 1 through 3), it can be mentioned that these have an identical construction. In order to describe this construction particular reference is made to figure 7, which shows the frame 205b of the first front panel that is built by means of a second section 223 of a square tubular shape in cross section, which is provided with a second group of three triangular cuttings 224 separated from each other. Each cutting 224 encompasses three of the surfaces of the shape and the second section 223 is bent over each cutting in order to form three of the corners of the frame 205b. Likewise, the second section 223 includes a first diagonal cut 225 at 45° by each of its ends, which for the remaining corner of the frame 205b when joined together. It is important to point out that the first shelf frame and the second shelf frame (figure 2) have the same construction as that described for the frame 205b of figure 7.

Now it is convenient to make reference to figures 8 through 13, so as to describe the structural relationship between the base 200 and the first shelf 600 and the second shelf 700, as well as to describe other important elements of the present invention.

As previously established, the first shelf must slidably attach, by one of its side ends, to the first side panel through sliding means. In the preferred embodiment being described, the sliding means employed include: one pair of U-shaped sliding bases 610 in cross section, each one of them being inside a lateral side of the frame 205a from the first side panel 201; one pair of axes 611, each one being attached to by one of its ends to one of said sliding bases 610 and by the other end each axis 611 is attached over the external surface of the corners of a side end from the first shelf frame 601. The latter can be seen in particular in figure 8, which is a cut-away alongside the line A-A' of figure 4, and is further noticeable in figure 9, which is an expanded view around the area in circle "C" of figure 8.

From figure 9, it can be mentioned that each sliding base 610 with its axis 611 runs downwardly alongside the slot 612 included in the internal surface of each lateral side of the frame 205a from the first side panel 201. Therefore, at the lowest part of each slot, said first shelf 600 rotates over the axes 611 to be placed horizontally between the side panels201 and 204 of the base when in the "standing" position, such as the first shelf represented in figure 8.

Now, to house the first shelf 600 within the frame of the first side panel 201, the first shelf 600 rises over each slot 612 and then rotates over the axes 611 to be housed in a vertical position inside the frame 205a of the first side panel 201. In this regard, the first shelf already housed in the frame 205a of the first side panel 201 can be observed in figure 12. From this figure, it is important to point out that the sliding means also include an abutment 613 attached to the internal surface of the upper side of the frame 205a from the first side panel 201 to restrict the upward movement of the first shelf 600 over the slots 612, which along with sliding bases 610 and the axes 611 are represented by broken lines in figure 12 since they are hidden.

By reference to figure 13, which shows a rear view of the second side panel 204, it can be mentioned with respect to the second shelf 700, that the latter is hingedly attached to such second side panel 204, for that purpose a fourth hinge 214 is used that is secured over a lateral end of the frame 205d of the second side panel 204 and over one end of the second shelf frame 701, such that the second shelf 700 can rotate downwardly over said fourth hinge 214 to be placed horizontally between the side panels 201 and 204of the base 200 when in the "standing" position, just like the second shelf 700 represented in figure 11.Turning again to figure 13, the second shelf 700 also rotates on top of the fourth hinge 214 in order to be housed in a vertical position inside the second side panel 204.

On the other hand, one of the main features of the present invention is the prevision of thirst means to support the first shelf in a horizontal position when the base is in the "standing" position, said first means also being useful for securing the second shelf in a vertical position when housed inside the second side panel.

In the preferred embodiment described, said first supporting means are one first pair of brackets 800 that are attached over the intern al surface of the lateral sides of the frame 205d from the second side panel 204 and faced to each other. In addition, the brackets 800 include one cylindrically-shaped stem 801 that vertically extends upwardly (see figure 13).

The manner in which the brackets 800 support the first shelf 600 in a horizontal position can be seen in figures 8 and 10, wherein it is noteworthy that each bracket 800 has one adequate surface so that the corners of the first shelf frame 601 abut against the brackets 800; furthermore, the first shelf frame 601 includes one first pair of piercings 603 at the lower surface of its free side end adjacent the second side panel 204 in order to receive the stem 801 from each bracket. Particularly in figure 10, part of one bracket 800 that supports the first shelf frame 601 is by a broken line; in this same figure a lateral side of the frame 205d from the second side panel 204 can be seen.

Another function of the first pair of brackets 800 is to clamp the second shelf 700 in a vertical position when housed inside the second side panel 204, which can be seen more clearly in figure 13.

Similarly, the collapsible showcase module of the present invention comprises second supporting means to support the second shelf in a horizontal position when the base is in the "standing" position, the second means additionally being useful for securing the first shelf in a vertical position when housed inside the first side panel.

In the preferred embodiment described, the second supporting means are one second pair of brackets 900 that are attached to the internal surface of the lower side of the frame 205a from the first side panel 201, , as can be seen in figure 12; the brackets 900 of the second pair include one cylindrically-shaped stem 901 that extends vertically upwardly.

The manner in which the brackets 900 horizontally support the second shelf 700 can be seen in figure 11, wherein the second shelf frame 701 can be seen as including one second pair of piercings 703 at the internal surface of its free side end to accommodate stem 901 from each bracket of the second pair. Said piercings 703 can also be seen in figure 13.

Another function of the brackets 900 of said second pair is to secure the first shelf 600 in a vertical position when housed inside the frame 205a of the first side panel 201, as represented in figure 12. For such purpose, the first shelf frame 601 includes one third pair of piercings 604 over the external surface of its free side end so as to accommodate the stem 901 from each bracket 900 of the second pair. The third pair of piercings 604 can also be seen in figure 8.

It shall become evident to those skilled in the art that the first and second supporting means can be provided with plates lined with Velcro® or with plates including male-female couplings.

On the other hand, at the lower part of figures 12 and 13, it is also observed that the sheet 206a and the sheet 206d from the first and second side panel 201 and 204 extend respectively underneath their frame 205a and 205d to contact the floor, thereby forming a lower lug 215, in which each side panel 201 and 204 includes a reinforcement plate 216 attached to its sheet and to the external surface of the lower side of its frame, so as to withstand the vertical stresses applied over the module when totally assembled.

Another important feature of the preferred embodiment of the present invention that can be seen in figure 13 is that the second shelf 700 includes one pair of fasteners 710 in the shape of a comb that are attached by the internal surface of the second shelf frame 701 and sufficiently separated to each other such that the lower section 401 and the upper section 402 of the posts are fastened by their ends between the teeth 711 of one fastener and another one. The fasteners are made of PVC or aluminum, preferably aluminum.

Once having described the most significant features of the base 200, it is convenient to refer to figures 14 through 17, wherein various views of the cover 300 can be appreciated, the latter having the shape of a rectangular housing with an upper surface 301, side surfaces 302 and 303, one front surface 304, one lid 305 with handle 306 and the cavities 307; additionally, the cover 300 includes lower tabs 308 extending from the side surfaces 302 and 303, the front surface 304 and the lid 305 towards the interior of said cover 300 running in parallel to the upper surface 301. The free end of the lower tabs 308 jointly form one coupling edge 309 with the same contour that the upper part of such base 200 in a standing position, such that the cover 300 perfectly matches over the base 200. In addition, the lower tabs 308 include cuttings 310 at 45° by their lateral sides to make a side contact to each other. These cuttings 310 allow the cover 300 to withstand impacts and loads in case of accidents or during the handling and haulage of the showcase module with all of the pieces inside the cover 300, thereby overcoming the resistance shortfalls of the prior art.

As mentioned above, at the cover 300, the lid 305 hingedly attaches to the upper surface 301. In the embodiment described, this attachment takes place by means of a fifth hinge 315 that fixes inwardly and sideways of the adjacent edges between the upper surface 301 and the lid 305. It is important to mention that the upper surface 301 includes one recess 311 inside which one of the plates of such fifth hinge 315 accommodates (see figure 15). The latter has the advantage that it prevents scratches to the surface of the base panel sheets from occurring each time the base is taken out and put into since the hinge stays at a lower level than the internal surface of the upper face 301.

By specifically referring to figure 17, it is observed that the handle included with the lid 305 is formed by means of a cloth strip 312 whose ends are bound by the interior of the lid 305 (see figure 14). The handle 306 includes a plastic reinforcement 313 that surrounds the section of the cloth strip 312 located externally of the lid 305, as shown in figure 17.

The cover 300 also includes opening and closing means for the lid 305 that, in the embodiment shown, comprise the following: one pair of mobile pins 320, each one of which is internally located and close to one lateral side of the lid 305, each pin 320 coming in and out through a hole 314 included at each side surface 302 and 303 of the cover 300; one pair of levers 321 operably connected to one pin 320 and driven by the outside of the lid 305 in order to move the pin 320 inwardly and outwardly of the hole 314; and one pair of housings embedded over the lid 305, each housing receiving one lever 321 and including opening and closing position indicators of the lid 305, as specifically shown in figure 17.

With the purpose that the cover 300 is further resistant to blows and falls when the parts of the module are stored therein, one pair of reinforcements are provided that, in the embodiment shown, are one pair of bent aluminum sheets 330 at an angle of 90° that are secured by the lower corners between the front surface 304 and the side surfaces 302 and 303 of the cover 300; in particular, the aluminum sheets are represented by a broken line in figure 15, since they are hidden.

With the purpose of solving the issue of the base movement inside the cover, the showcase module additionally comprises one impact-absorption pad 340 that is attached and housed inside of the front surface 304 of the cover 300; and one pair of impact absorption cushions 350 coupled inside of the lid 305 of the cover 300; the pad 340 and said cushions 350, which can be seen in particular in figure 15, impede the horizontal and vertical movement of the base in its "collapsed" position when housed inside the cover 300, the pads 340 and the cushions being manufactured in expanded polystyrene or polyurethane.

Referring now to figure 18, an exploded view of one of the posts 400 is shown therein. Each post is formed by one lower section 401 and one upper section 402, and each of these sections 401 and 402 include one portion coupling 403 of tubular shape by their lower end, said portion being of a smaller diameter and thereby forming a lug, wherein in order to assemble each post the coupling portion 403 of the upper section 402 totally accommodates inside the upper end of the lower section 401 until the upper section 402 contacts the lower section 401. Preferably, the upper end of the lower section 401 and the lower end of the upper section 402 each include one second cross cutting 404 at 45° in provide stability to each of the posts assembled.

Reference is now made to figure 19, in order to describe the shaping of the board 500, which is formed by one sheet 501 and one pair of coupling bases 502, each of the coupling bases 502 including at its lower end one coupling segment 503 of tubular shape housed and attached inside of the lower end, thereby forming one lug, and the boards is coupled to the upper end of each post.

Furthermore, it is convenient to refer to figure 20, so as to describe the manner in which the showcase module 100 collapses and is folded in the shape of a briefcase. In said figure, the board 500 is shown detached from each of the posts 400, which in turn are detached from said cover 300 and the latter from such base 200, wherein both the first shelf 600 and the second shelf 700 move from their horizontal position to be housed, respectively, inside the frame 205a and 205d of the first or second side panel 201 or 204 to which they are attached to, as represented with the movement arrows shown in figure 20.

Upon completion of such movement, the shelves reach a vertical position as shown in figures 12 and 13. From figure 13, it is important to point out that the lower section 401 and the upper section 402 of each post 400 is housed within the teeth 711 of the fasteners 710 included inside the second shelf frame 701.

Once the first shelf 600 and the second shelf have been accommodated, the board 500 is placed over the first shelf 600 that is already accommodated inside the frame 205a from the first side panel 201 as shown in figure 21, wherein the first shelf frame 601 is shown with a broken line since it is hidden by the board 500.

Subsequently, the side panels 201 and 204, having posts and board housed in their respective shelf, move inwards the base 200 in order to accommodate itself in the inner part of the frame 205b and 205c of the first and second front panel 202 and 203 to which they are attached, as in figure 22, which is a rear view of the base 200. After the front panels 202 and 203 having the side panels 201 and 204 housed, they rotate inwards the base over the second hinge 212 to be face to face to bring to a "collapsed" position of said base 200, which is inserted through the lid 305 of said cover 300 that works as a container body as shown in figure 23, where the first front panel 202 can be seen in the collapsed base 200.

Once the base 200 is inside the cover 300, the lid 305 is closed by pins 320 which are activated by the levers 321 keeping in this way the showcase module 100 in the form of a briefcase that can be taken by a user from the handle 306 y carry it anywhere, as shown in figure 24. In the briefcase, the base does not move due to the pad 340 and the cushions 350 described in figure 14.

In order to protect the cover 300 from scratches when the showcase module is carried around as briefcase, a cloth or canvas cover within which the entire briefcase is inserted may be used. The cover includes an opening to take the handle of the briefcase.

Regarding the manufacturing materials with which the collapsible showcase module 100 of this invention is manufactured, it is preferred to use PVC either for the frame or sheets of the panels of the base, as well as for the panels, the shelves, and the board. It is also preferred to use aluminum for the used hinges.

In an alternate embodiment, plastic or metallic eyelets are provided to coat the walls of the first, second, and third pair of piercings 603, 604, and 703 which are provided in the first shelf and in the second shelf 600 and 700. This same feature also includes in each piercing 714, included in the cover. The eyelets have the function of preventing damages and cracks in the nearby zones to the aforementioned piercings or holes.

On the other hand, reference is made to figure 25 where it is shown a flow chart of a preferred embodiment of the procedure 1000 to elaborate the collapsible showcase module 100 of this invention. It is worth mentioning that in figure 25, the major part of the numerical references that have been used for the most important described elements in figures 1 to 24 are still being kept.

Procedure 1000 starts with a first extrusion stage 1050, where from the PVC particles 1001, a first tubular shape 1051 is extruded, preferably one cross-section square shape that, in the first cutting stage 1100 it is cut in a first six-section-group 1101, each of them with a predetermined length. The sections are used in a construction stage 1150, where six frames 205a, 205b, 205c, 205d, 601, and 701 are obtained, from which, frames 205a and 205d are the frames for each of the side panels of the base; frames 205b and 205c are the frames for each of the two front panels of the base, frame 601 is the shelf frame, and frame 701 is the second shelf frame.

In an alternate embodiment of the procedure, in the first cutting stage 1100, a first group of three triangular separated cuts are made over two sections that, in the first construction stage 1150, they are used in order to get the frame 205a or 205d of each side panel 201 or 204. In said construction starge 1150, each of these sections is bended over each triangular cut and their ends are perpendicularly attached to form frames 205a and 205d of the side panels.

In said alternate embodiment, in the first cutting stage 1100, a further pair of notches is made over the lateral sides of the section that is used to manufacture frame 205a of the first side panel; the notches have an important function which will be noted when the first assembly stage 1250 is described.

En the same alternate embodiment, in the first cutting stage 1100, a further second group of three triangular cuts is made over four remaining sections that, in the construction stage 1150, are used in order to get frames 205b and 205c of the front panels. The first shelf frame 601 and the second shelf frame 701 and besides, over each end of these four sections, a 45° diagonal cut is made with which, in the construction stage 1150, each of said four sections is bended over each triangular cut and their ends are attached in order to form frames 205b and 205c of the frontal panels, the first shelf frame 601 and the second shelf frame701.

After the construction stage 1150, a first paster section 1200 takes place, where a six-sheet-group 1201 is provided, each of them has an suitable size to cover one of the frames formed in the construction stag4e 1150, resulting from this stage 1200 a first side panel 201, a second side panel 204, a first front panel 202, a second front panel 204, a first shelf 600, and a second shelf 700.

In a further embodiment of the procedure, in the first paster stage 1200, each set of frame and sheet of the panels of the base and the shelves is allocated in a press that keeps it fixed applying glue over the corners of each frame and over the attaching surfaces between the respective frame and the sheet.

Regarding again figure 25, there is a first assembly stage 1250 where the first shelf 600 is attached to one of the side ends between the lateral sides of the frame of the first side panel 201 in a way that the first shelf 600 remains attached in a slideable way.

Preferably, the first shelf 600 is attached to a first side panel 201 by a pair of sliding bases, each of them is housed in one of the lateral sides of the frame of the first side panel 201, and a pair of axes, each of them is attached by an end over the outer surface of the corners of one of the side ends of the first shelf frame 701 and by their other end, each end is attached to one of said sliding bases; the axes passing through said notches. The sliding bases, the axes, and the notches were represented in figure 9 and have their respective references 610, 611, and 612.

In figure 25, in the procedure 1000, a second assembly stage 1300 is made, where the second shelf 700 is attached by one of its side ends to the lower side of the frame of the second side panel 204, in a way that the second shelf 700 remains attached in a hinged way; in order to achieve this, an aforementioned hinge as fourth hinge 214 (fig 13) is used, and it is preferably fixed by rivets.

Once the second shelf 700 is attached to the second side panel 204, a first fixing stage 1350 is carried out, where the first support and securing means are fixed over an inner surface of each of the lateral sides of the frame of the second side panel 204. In a preferred way, the first support and securing means is a first pair of brackets 800 that have a spindle that is vertically upwards designed.

Similarly, a second fixing stage 1400 is made, where the second support and securing means are fixed over the inner surface of the lower side of the frame of the first side panel 201; these second support and securing means are a second pair of brackets 900 that also have a spindle that is vertically upwards designed.

Then, a first assembly stage 1450 is carried out, where the first side panel 201 is attached to the first front panel 202; the first front panel 202 is attached to the second front panel 203, and the second front panel 203 is attached to the second side panel 204 in a way that the panels remain attached one immediately after the other in a hinged way getting the base 200 of the module.

In the first assembly stage 1450, the side panels 201 and 204, as well as the front panels 202 and 203 are clamped by a support that keeps them attached to all these panels, and then, the adjacent sides are pierced between the frames of the panels and a first hinge is fixed between the first side panel 201 and the first front panel 202; a second hinge between both front panels 202 and 203; and a third hinge between the second front panel 203 and the second side panel 204. In a preferred embodiment, in the assembly stage 1450, the first, second, and third hinges are fixed by rivets.

Now, in order to form the module cover, a first thermal bending 1500, where a first plate 1002 is heated to get in one single piece the main body 1501 of the cover, said main body includes the upper surface, the side surfaces, the front surface, and the tabs that extend from the side surfaces and the front surface of the cover.

Also, in the procedure 1000, the second thermal bending stage 1550 takes place, where a second plate 1003 is thermally bent in order to get one single piece of the lid 305 and the lower tab that extends therefrom.

Then, a second assembly stage 1600 is made, where the lid 305 got in the second thermal bending stage 1550 is assembled to the main bod 1501 in the cover with which the cover 300 is completed with its lid.

In a preferred way, in the first thermal bending stage 1500, the first plate 1002 is provided with channels in order to delimit the zones over which the front surface, the side surfaces, and the lower tabs that extend therefrom are formed; subsequently, said channels are along heated and the first plate 1002 is bended over the same, forming in this way the main body 1501 of the cover. The channels are made over the first plate 1002 using machines and tools such as scrapers, punches, chisels or an electric graver ("router") of number control. With these machines and tools, a recess is made along the edge of the main body 1501 that will attach to the lid 305 in the second assembly stage 1600.

The channels are preferably heated by electric resistances and the material used for the first plate is preferably foamed PVC or another polymer that could be bended by heating. In a further embodiment of the procedure, at the same time that the channels are heated, the temperature of the rest of the first plate is kept at room temperature, whereby the bending of the plate through channels is achieved; therefore, the gotten dimensions in the main body 1501 of the cover are those required to firmly assembly the cover 300 over the base 200 and to keep all the elements of the showcase module.

In a similar way, in the second thermal bending stage 1550, the second plate 1003 is made up of foamed PVC and it is provided with a channel so as to define the zone where the tab that extends from the lid will be formed, and the holes to install the handle and the lid opening and closing means. Subsequently, the channel is heated and the second plate is bended along itself, getting in this way the lid 305 which is attached to the main body 1501 by a fifth hinge, from which one of its plates is housed along the recess formed in the main body 1501 of the cover.

On the other hand, in the procedure 1000, the sections of the module posts and boards may be formed, in order to get that, other PVC films 1001 are fed in a second extrusion stage 1650, and a second tubular shape 1651 and a third tubular shape 1652 are extruded, both preferably being cross-section squared shape, where the third tubular shape 1652 has a lower diameter than the second tubular shape 1651.

Both the second and the third tubular shapes 1651 and 1652 are cut in a second cutting stage 1700 getting from the second tubular shape 1651 a second six-section group 1701 each of them with a predetermined length; and from the third tubular shape 1652 a third six-section group 1702 is gotten, each with a predetermined length.

In the preferred embodiment, four of the sections of the second group 1701 are provided with a second diagonal cut at 45° in one of their ends, these four sections will make up the lower and upper section of each one of the posts.

Later, en an attachment stage 1750, each of the six sections of the third group 1702 is attached within an end of one of the six sections of the second group 1701, so that each section of the third group 1702 is projected from the place it is inserted, getting at the end of the stage the lower section 401 and the superior one 402 from each of the posts and each of the two coupling bases 502 of the board. In this attachment stage 1750, glue is preferably used for PVC to carry out the required attachment.

Then, in a second plaster stage 1800, the coupling bases 502, from the previous stage are attached to a sheet 501, getting in this way the board 500 of the module. In a preferred way, in the second plaster stage 1800, a press that keeps a sheet 501 fixed and the coupling bases 502 are used and glue is applied over the attaching zones of these elements.

Finally, in figure 25, the existence of a packing lid 1850 can be seen, where the base 200, the sections of the posts 401 and 402 and the board 500, which are respectively obtained in stages 1450, 1750, and 1800 are kept in the cover 300 obtained in stage 1600, getting at the end of stage 1850 the collapsible showcase module 100 and in the form of a briefcase, which after the packing stage 1850 is distributed to the points of sale.

As it is observed, in the stages of the procedure 1000, the materials used to manufacture the showcase module of this invention are seized. In a preferred way, only the tubular shapes and PVC plates are used, as well as the aluminum hinges. For the skilled in the art persons it will be evident that the module may be manufactured with other materials keeping the structural ratio among the elements of the module.

According to the above described, it could be seen that the collapsed showcase module of this invention has been thought to have one excellent stability when it its completely assembled, particularly, the stability is improved in the shelves and the board, and it will be evident to any skilled in the art that the above described embodiment is only illustrative rather that limited of this invention since several consideration changes are possible without departing from the scope of the invention, such as size of the panels, shape of the frames of the panels and the posts, as well as the means that are used to support and clamp the shelves when the module is assembled or folded as a briefcase.

Even when a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described and exemplified, it should be stressed that several modifications of it are possible. Therefore, this invention should not be considered as limited except for what it is required by the prior art and by the scope of the appended claims.