Exposition booth installation system and method, for displaying articles at a trade show or convention

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a system and method used to assist in the display of articles at a trade show or convention. The inventive system includes a table having a top and a plurality of ground engaging legs. The top has side edges depending downwardly from an upper surface of the top, and a plurality of holes formed on the side edge.

A table skirt hangs from the table top. The skirt has an upper hem configured to engage the table when the skirt is in its hung position. The system will also include a plurality of clips. Each clip is sewn adjacent the upper hem of the skirt.

Additionally, each clip has a flat portion, and a post emanating therefrom. The post will have a first end extending from the flat portion, and a bulbous second end displaced from the flat portion. The clips and holes (on the side edge of the table) are cooperatively configured so that each clip engages within a respective hole to thereby retain the skirt in the hung position.

Optionally, the holes will include an upper portion and a channel portion depending downwardly. The channel portion will be narrower than the upper portion. The upper portion should be large enough to allow the bulbous end to be inserted therein. However, as the clip is slid downwardly after the bulbous end is inserted, the bulbous end is retained by the channel portion, thereby holding the skirt is in the hung position. In order to create a snap fit, the holes may further have a second round portion formed at a terminal end of the channel portion, thereby allowing the post to snap-fit into the second round portion when the skirt is in the hung position. Further, a pliable gasket may be positioned adjacent edges of each respective hole.

The table top is preferably formed of a lightweight plastic or polyurethane. Additionally, the clips may be formed of a lightweight plastic.

In a preferred embodiment of the inventive system, the clips are triangular having a first edge positioned generally parallel to and adjacent the upper hem of the skirt. In order to assist the in keeping the clips attached to the skirt, the clips may bear at least one spike formed on the flat portion of the clip and configured to point in a direction opposite the post, the at least one spike being configured to engage the skirt. Additionally, the clips may bear small apertures, thereby allowing the clips to be sewn to the skirt by threading through the apertures in the clips.

The invention also includes a method for creating a display system for use at a convention or trade show. The inventive method includes the steps of selecting a table with a top and a plurality of ground engaging legs depending downwardly therefrom. The table will also have a side edge depending downwardly from an upper surface of the top. The method will also include forming a plurality of holes formed on the side edge, and positioning a table skirt to hang from a position adjacent the side edge.

Additionally, the method will also include the step of providing a plurality of clips. Each clip has a flat portion and a post extending outwardly from the flat portion, and the post will terminate in a bulbous end.

The method will also include the step of sewing each respective clip, preferably at evenly spaced intervals, to the skirt adjacent an upper hem of the skirt. The method will also include the step of cooperatively configuring the clips and the holes so that the clips may be frictionally retained within the holes. The method will include the step of hanging the skirt.

The step of hanging the skirt will require the insertion of the respective bulbous ends into respective holes, then allowing the skirt to hang downwardly. Either by the weight of the skirt, or by actually pulling down by the installer, the clip may slide downwardly into the channel portion of the hole.

In order to optionally assist in the retention of the clips within the holes, the method may include the steps of forming the hole to include an upper portion; and, a channel portion depending downwardly from the upper portion. In this embodiment, the channel portion has a width narrower than the upper portion.

Optionally, the hanging step includes the steps of inserting the bulbous end into the upper portion of the hole, and sliding the clip downwardly so that the post engages within the channel portion of the hole.

The inventive method may also include the step of forming the table and/or the clips out of a lightweight plastic, polypropylene, polyurethane, or high density polyurethane.

In order to ease installation, the method may include the forming of the holes along the side edge of the table so that each hole is positioned a selected first distance from a nearest hole, and then attaching (by sewing preferably, but glue, tacking, or hook-and-loop fasteners would also work) the respective clips along the upper hem of the skirt so that each respective clip is spaced the selected first distance from a nearest clip. Preferably, the method also includes the positioning clips adjacent ends of the upper hem of the skirt.

The invention also includes system for creating a configuration of booths for the display of items at a trade show or convention. This aspect of the inventive system will include a plurality of bases, each formed of a durable, heavyweight plastic. It will also include a respective post extending from a central region of each base. The invention also includes a plurality of tubes, each mounted to a respective base so that the posts fit within the hollow tube to thereby retain the tubes in a generally vertical position. The tubes are preferably PVC piping.

The invention also will have at least one notch formed in an upper rim of the hollow tube, and a plurality of curtain rods, each comprising a hollow tube. Preferably a respective curtain hangs from each curtain rod.

This aspect of the invention may also have a plug in each end of each curtain rod. An L-Shaped clip may extend from the plug. This L-Shaped clip engages the notches to secure the curtain rod.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention will include a first base, a second base, a third base, and a fourth base, and four long hollow tubes, each respective long hollow tube having a selected first length and mounted to the post of each of the first, second, third, fourth bases. Further, there may be a plurality of curtain rods including a first curtain rod extending between the first long hollow tube and the second long hollow tube. The invention may also have a second curtain rod extending between the second long hollow tube and the third long hollow tube, and a third curtain rod extending between the third long hollow tube and the fourth long hollow tube. The first length of tube may approximate the height of the standard table, for example three feet high. Further, the tubes of the first length (the shorter tubes) may be disposed at a right angle, or an obtuse angle (for example 135 degrees) from the tubes of the second length. Of course, there is likely to be first, second, and third curtains hanging from the respective first, second and third curtain rods.

Due to their durability and lightweight character, PVC piping (or similar plastic tubing) is preferred for all tubing and curtain rods. Each upper rim of the long hollow tubes may bear notches, each notch positioned at ninety-degree increments along a circumference of the tube. These notches facilitate attachment of the curtain rods via the L-Shaped clips that protrude from the plugs in the end of the curtain rods.

It is important to note that the fire codes of many states and municipalities require that the curtains and skirts all be constructed of a flame retardant or flame resistant material. Consequently, the invention may include the step of constructing the skirt and curtains each to be flame retardant, or the step of treating the skirt and curtains with flame-slowing chemical treatment.

Optionally, this aspect of the invention may include a fifth base, and a post mounted to the fifth base and generally orthogonal to the fifth base. It may also include a sixth base, and a post mounted to the sixth base and generally orthogonal to the sixth base. Additionally, this optional embodiment may have a first short hollow tube (having a selected short length). In this embodiment, the post of the fifth base is inserted within the first hollow short tube and holds the first hollow short tube in a general vertical orientation. In like manner, the invention may also include a second short hollow tube (having a selected short length). The post of the sixth base is inserted within the second hollow short tube and holding the second hollow short tube in a general vertical orientation. Additionally, this optional embodiment will have a hole placed at an intermediate location of the long hollow tubes, each hole located at approximately the selected short length from a bottom end of the long hollow tube. Then, a lower curtain rod having its first end engaging the top of the first short hollow tube, and its second end engaging the hole in the first long hollow tube. Also, a second lower curtain rod having its first end engaging the top of the second short hollow tube, and a second end engaging the hole in the fourth long hollow tube. As a final option, respective curtains may be hung from each of the curtain rods and lower curtain rods.

Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view showing a first embodiment of the clip, according to the principles of the invention

FIG. 2 is a side exploded view of a second embodiment of the clip.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the flat portion of the second embodiment of the clip.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the table, holes and table skirt, according to the principles of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the table with the table skirt in the hung position.

FIG. 6 is a close-up, detailed view of a side edge of the table, showing the holes in detail.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the base, the post, and a cross-sectional view showing a first long, hollow vertically oriented tube.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment the base, a base cap, the post, and the vertically-oriented tube

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the upper cross-sectional view of the long hollow tube in combination with a curtain rod and curtain.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view showing the various aspects of the inventive system and method, according to the principles of the invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the clip 10, according to the principles of the invention. The clip 10 includes a flat portion 12, and a post 14 protruding therefrom. The post 14 terminates in a bulbous end 16. The entire clip 10 may be constructed of a pliable yet durable plastic. Holes 18 may be in an upper portion of the clip 10 in order to allow the clip 10 to be sewn or stitched into the hem of a skirt (shown hereinafter).

FIG. 2 shows a side view of an alternate embodiment of the inventive clip 10. As with the clip 10 shown in FIG. 1, this clip bears a flat portion 12 and a post 14′ that may be pop-riveted to the flat portion 12 of the clip. Alternatively, these posts 14, 14′ may be molded as one piece, melted onto the flat portion 12, or by gluing or the like. This post 14′, like the other, bears a bulbous end, as well as a rib 17 formed to engage the flat portion 12 when riveted to the rest of the clip 10. The clip 10 may also bear at least one spike 20 emanating from a reverse side of the flat portion 12 of the clip 10. These spikes may assist in holding the clip 10 to a skirt (shown hereinafter) that could be placed around a table (shown hereinafter).

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the clip shown in FIG. 2. A hole 21 is formed in a generally central location of the flat portion 12 of the clip 10, thereby allowing the post 14′ to be snap-riveted thereinto. This embodiment shows a triangular shape for the clip 10, with holes 18 adjacent each corner, which allows the clip 10 to be stitched to a skirt. Alternatively, the clip 10 may of course be constructed to lack these holes 18. In this embodiment of the invention (the hole-less clip), the clips 10 may be sewn to the hem 38 of the skirt 36 by using an industrial machine strong enough to stitch through the flat portion of the durable clip 10. Of course, other shapes for the clip 10 are certainly within the scope of this invention.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded and perspective view of the table 22 and skirt 36. The table includes a table top 24 having side edges 26 depending downwardly from the top surface of the table top 24. The table 22 also includes a plurality of legs 28.

Still referring to FIG. 4, a plurality of evenly spaced holes 30 are formed on the side edge 26 of the table 22 in order to receive respective clips 10 that are preferably attached to the upper hem 38 of a table skirt. Preferably, the table top 24 is composed of a lightweight yet durable plastic, such as polyurethane. In any regard, it is preferred that the table top—at least the edges 26 thereof—be hollow, which would allow receipt of the bulbous end 16 and post 14 of the clips 10 (shown in FIG. 1-3) that should be attached to the upper hem 38 of the table skirt 26.

Still referring to FIG. 4, it is preferred to space the clips 10 along the upper hem 38 at equal distances, and to likewise form holes 30 at the identical spacing along the side edge 26 of the table 22. In order to ease manufacturing costs of the table skirt 36, it is preferred to sew the clips at uniform spacing along the upper hem 38, making sure that each end of the upper hem 38 has a clip 10 sewn adjacent thereto. The skirt 36 may be constructed of uniform length, so that this length can be used with any standard length table, and any standard or adjustable-height table. For example, the standard width for a table top is 30 inches; the standard lengths are 4′, 6′ and 8′ long. In this regard, it is preferred to make the skirts 13 feet long. In this way, the same 13-foot skirt can appropriately cover three full edges of an 8-foot table, and would be able to cover more of shorter tables (including round tables).

For example, FIG. 5 shows a plan view of how a how a 13-foot skirt 36 would work with a table top 24 that is six feet long. Note that the front edge and side edges are properly covered, and the skirt 36 wraps around the back with the excess. In this way, the exposed edges of any display table at a convention or trade show booth will be completely skirted, regardless of the length of the table.

FIG. 6 shows a close-up of a section of the side edge 26 of a table top 24, and specifically detailing the holes 30 formed in the side edge. In this embodiment, each hole 30 will include an enlarged upper portion 32, and a channel portion depending downwardly therefrom. Optionally, the channel portion 34 may terminate in a rounded lower portion 35, which will allow the post 14 or 14′ (as shown in FIGS. 1-3) of a clip to be snap-fit into the side edge 26 of the table top 24.

Still referring to FIG. 6, the enlarged portion 32 of each hole 30 should be sufficiently large to enable the bulbous end 16 from a clip 10 (previously shown) to enter freely, and the channel portion 34 should be narrower in order to retain the bulbous end 16 when the post 14 is slid downwardly. The lower rounded area 35 is formed so that the post 14 may be snap-fit thereinto.

FIG. 7 shows an isolated perspective view of a base 40. This invention improves over the prior art in that the bases 40 are constructed of a decorative heavy plastic compound. Instead of requiring the bases 40 to be covered due to unsightly appearances, the base 40 according to the principles of this invention is visually attractive. The base 40 is shown to be generally circular, but other shapes (such as polygonal or elliptical) are certainly within the scope of the inventive concept. A threaded hole 46 is formed in a central region of the base 40, and a post 42 is screwed thereinto.

Still referring to FIG. 7, a lightweight tube 48 is placed onto the base 40 so that the post 42 runs up into an end of the tube, and thereby holds the tube 48 in a generally upright orientation. It is preferred to make the posts 48 of lightweight yet durable plastic, such as PVC piping. The post 48 and the end of the tube may be cooperatively configured to snugly fit, in order to increase the sturdiness of the structure.

FIG. 8 shows an alternate embodiment of the base 40′ and post 48′ combination. In this embodiment, the base 40′ bears a threaded hole 46′. In this embodiment, a base cap 107 is positioned above the hole 46′, and the tube 48′ runs through an opening in the base cap 107.

Still referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the tube 48′ bears a threaded end 148 that is configured to engage within the threaded hole 46′ formed on the base 40′. Preferably, the opening in the base cap 107 is formed to envelop the circumference of the tube 48′ in order to provide additional support and stability.

In order to further enhance the stability of the embodiment showin in FIG. 8, the base cap 107 may be weighted. It has been found that the base cap 107 may be a standard PVC polymer base having a weight inserted into its hollow interior portion. The weighting may be accomplished by cutting a short length of iron (or any other similar heavy material) pipe having a circumference enabling it to fit into the interior portion of the base cap 107. In preferred embodiments, the weight is snugly fits—or is even force-fit—into the base cap.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of an upper portion of a vertical tube 48 (as shown in FIGS. 7, 9). The upper rim of the vertical post 48 bears a plurality of notches 50; these notches 50 are shown to be spaced at ninety-degree intervals along the circumference of the tube 48, but of course other spacing of the notches (including only a single notch) is certainly within the scope of this invention.

Still referring to FIG. 9, the invention includes a curtain rod 58 comprising a pair of hollow tubes (such as a PVC Piping). A Plug 52 bearing an L-shaped hook is fit into the open end of the curtain rod 58. A curtain 64 hangs from the curtain rod 58. The curtain 64 is shown to have a pocket 66 for allowing the curtain rod 58 to pass therethrough, but other means for hanging the curtain (such as tab-tops or rings) is certainly within the inventive scope of this system and method.

In order to support the plug, a rivet 62 may be driven through a hole 60 formed on a wall of the tube 58 and adjacent its end, and the terminus of the rivet may be received in a hole 56 formed on the side of the plug 52. Alternately, the plug 52 may be held into the end of the tube by a tight, snug, or force fit. Preferably, the plug is formed of a sturdy, yet lightweight material, such as rubber.

FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of the various components of the inventive system 100. As in FIG. 3, the system includes a table 22 having a top 24 that is preferably constructed of a lightweight plastic. The top 24 has a side edge 26 bearing a plurality of holes 30 that are formed to receive cooperatively placed clips 10 that are attached to an upper hem 38 of the table skirt 36. Preferably, the table skirt 36 will have a width that closely approximates the height that the length of the table legs 28, which gives a neat and tidy appearance as the skirt hangs from the table, and either approaches the ground or lightly touches the ground.

Still referring to FIG. 10, the system 100 may also include a pair of bases 40 placed at locations forward of the table, thus forming a booth with a centrally located table 22 for display of articles at a trade show or convention.

The forward bases 40 each bear a shorter tube 70; the rearward bases 40 bear taller tubes 49. The tops of the shorter tubes 40 may have notches similar to the notches shown atop tubes 48 in FIG. 8. A lower curtain rod 72 extends between a location adjacent the top of the shorter tube 70, and a hole 49 formed in the longer tube 48. Preferably, the hole 49 is formed at a location that allows the lower curtain rod 72 to be suspended in a generally horizontal orientation; however, the curtain rod 72 need not be horizontally oriented when in its hung position.

Still referring to FIG. 10, a shorter curtain 74 will hang from the lower curtain rod 72. The curtain 74 is shown to hang from the curtain rod 72 by using curtain rings 76; of course, other methods and devices to hang these curtains 74 are certainly possible.

The upper curtain rod 58 is shown to include two telescoping parts. The larger telescoping part 59 has a diameter sufficiently large to allow smaller telescoping part 59′ to slidingly engage within the larger telescoping part 59, thereby allowing one to select the width of the system 100, and perhaps to accommodated tables 22 of differing lengths.

The ends of the upper curtain rod 58 each bear a plug 54 formed to engage an upper rim of the vertical tube 48.

One inventive feature of this system 100 is that each of its parts is lightweight and durable, which eases the burden of set-up and tear down. Specifically fewer laborers will be required to transport this system, as the piping (generally constructed out of lightweight PVC pipe) and tables are preferably plastic or polyurethane.

Also, it is a common problem in the expo industry that table skirts are generally stapled or tacked to the tables. When disassembled, laborers generally yank the skirt from the table, and the staples and/or tacks fall to the floor, leaving behind a difficult-to-clean mess. The reusable lightweight plastic clips as shown in this invention provide a firm and secure connection of a skirt to a table, and likewise allow for quick disassembly, and leave behind no mess.

Still referring to FIG. 10, the bases 40 of the present invention are interchangeable; specifically, the bases 40 should be uniformly threaded to receive a post that can support either a short tube 70 or a long tube 48.

Commonly, booths for convention sites use standard wood topped tables (such as plywood or particle board), which can be very heavy. Further, the curtains are generally hung from metal rods and metal supports with flat metal bases. Many customers who display their products at trade shows find the bases to be unsightly, and frequently cover them with rugs or skirts. The bases 40 of this inventive system, however, can actually enhance the decorative appearance of the booth, and need not be covered.

In order for the products of the currently common expo system(s) to be sufficiently sturdy, the products are quite heavy. The labor of setting up several hundred booths for a large convention, therefore, can require a significant amount of man-hours of costly labor. On the other hand, if lightweight materials, such as used by the system herein disclosed, are used, a large convention (several hundred booths, for example) can be set-up and taken down by much fewer personnel (maybe as few as a single person). The reduction of labor costs, of course, makes the business of putting on expos and trade shows much more cost-effective, and also significantly reduce on-the-job injury.

This application claims domestic priority based upon U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/562,110, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Having described and illustrated the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the above and foregoing is for illustration and demonstration only. The descriptions herein are not intended to limit the breadth of this invention.