Abstract: Cladding elements are provided to facilitate the creation of crisp joint edges between adjacent tensioned panels on display systems built with round tubular frame members. A cladding element is elongated, and includes a pair of gasket grooves and a frame alignment channel. The alignment channel receivingly engages a portion of the outer surface of a round tubular frame member, and is affixed thereat. Each groove has a mouth portion disposed oppositely of a floor portion, and an inner wall disposed oppositely of an outer wall. The grooves securingly receive a mounting gasket of a respective fabric panel. The grooves are preferably canted toward one another. The outer walls of the grooves may define a unitary slot outward of the mouth portions. The inner walls may intersect one another, and a web portion may extend between the floor portions, thereby defining a closed contour in combination with the two inner walls.

Abstract: Cladding elements are provided to facilitate the creation of crisp joint edges between adjacent tensioned panels on display systems built with round tubular frame members. A cladding element is elongated, and includes a pair of gasket grooves and a frame alignment channel. The alignment channel receivingly engages a portion of the outer surface of a round tubular frame member, and is affixed thereat. Each groove has a mouth portion disposed oppositely of a floor portion, and an inner wall disposed oppositely of an outer wall. The grooves securingly receive a mounting gasket of a respective fabric panel. The grooves are preferably canted toward one another. The outer walls of the grooves may define a unitary slot outward of the mouth portions. The inner walls may intersect one another, and a web portion may extend between the floor portions, thereby defining a closed contour in combination with the two inner walls.

Abstract: Systems, kits and methods are disclosed which facilitate more dynamic and visually impactful backlighting of fabric panel displays. A perimeter frame assembly has a front edge, a rear edge, and a backlight cavity disposed therebetween. A front perimeter groove extends along the front edge. A display panel includes a flexible textile display substrate removably mounted in tension across the backlight cavity. A planar array of independently-activatable point light elements distributed in mutually-orthogonal X and Y directions is disposed within the backlight cavity at a gap distance from the display substrate. The gap distance is orthogonal to the X and Y directions. A controller is in data communication with the planar array for programmably controlling sequential activation and deactivation of the point light elements independently of one another. The display substrate may have a dye sublimated printed textile graphic thereon, and the point light elements may be white LEDs.

Abstract: A frame connector assembly is adapted to releasably secure first and second frame members in line with one another. The connector assembly includes first and second expansion elements elastically interconnected. The second expansion element includes two hollow lobes joined by a web. When the connector assembly is received by the two frame members, threaded rotation of one or more threaded actuators forces the expansion elements apart and into engagement with opposing primary walls of the frame members. The threaded actuator also presses against the web, thereby causing resilient outward rotation of the lobes. This rotation results in compressive engagement between the outboard edges of the second expansion element and respective intermediate walls of the frame members. Thus, the connector assembly imposes locking forces to the frame members along two axes orthogonal to the main axis of the frame connector assembly. The expansion elements may have an identical extrusion cross-section.

Abstract: A panel element includes a fabric panel, a corner gasket element and two auxiliary gaskets. The corner gasket element has a tab member and two gasket legs. Each leg extends to respective outer ends from a common intersection in a manner orthogonal to one another. The tab member extends from the intersection in a manner orthogonal to the legs. The auxiliary gaskets each have at least one gasket end positioned adjacently to a respective outer end. The fabric panel has a display face and an outer perimeter portion. The outer perimeter portion is affixed to the gasket legs and the auxiliary gaskets. The gasket legs and auxiliary gasket elements are removably insertable into a perimeter groove disposed in the closed-contour framework, thereby facilitating tensioned attachment of the fabric panel across an opening defined by the closed contour with said tab member gripably protruding outward of the display face.

Abstract: A portable panel-frame construction kit, system and method are described. A multiplicity of elongated frame members are releasably interconnectable to form a wall frame segment having at least one aperture therethrough, wherein facing sides of the frame members are coplanar with one another and at least a pair of the frame members are disposed on opposite sides of the aperture. A gasket channel is formed at the facing side of each frame member. Each gasket channel has a respective insertion axis oriented generally parallel to its respective facing side, and may be formed by fixed engagement between a cladding element and facing side of the respective frame member. A panel member is tautly securable to the wall frame segment by initial stretching of the panel member and insertion of mounting gaskets into respective gasket channels. A pull tab may be provided to facilitate removal of the gaskets from the channels.

Abstract: A portable panel-frame construction kit, system and method are described. A multiplicity of elongated frame members are releasably interconnectable to form a wall frame segment having at least one aperture therethrough, wherein facing sides of the frame members are coplanar with one another and at least a pair of the frame members are disposed on opposite sides of the aperture. A gasket channel is formed at the facing side of each frame member. Each gasket channel has a respective insertion axis oriented generally parallel to its respective facing side, and may be formed by fixed engagement between a cladding element and facing side of the respective frame member. A panel member is tautly securable to the wall frame segment by initial stretching of the panel member and insertion of mounting gaskets into respective gasket channels. A pull tab may be provided to facilitate removal of the gaskets from the channels.

Abstract: A frame connector assembly is adapted to releasably secure first and second frame members in line with one another. The connector assembly includes first and second expansion elements elastically interconnected. The second expansion element includes two hollow lobes joined by a web. When the connector assembly is received by the two frame members, threaded rotation of one or more threaded actuators forces the expansion elements apart and into engagement with opposing primary walls of the frame members. The threaded actuator also presses against the web, thereby causing resilient outward rotation of the lobes. This rotation results in compressive engagement between the outboard edges of the second expansion element and respective intermediate walls of the frame members. Thus, the connector assembly imposes locking forces to the frame members along two axes orthogonal to the main axis of the frame connector assembly. The expansion elements may have an identical extrusion cross-section.

Abstract: A panel element includes a fabric panel, a corner gasket element and two auxiliary gaskets. The corner gasket element has a tab member and two gasket legs. Each leg extends to respective outer ends from a common intersection in a manner orthogonal to one another. The tab member extends from the intersection in a manner orthogonal to the legs. The auxiliary gaskets each have at least one gasket end positioned adjacently to a respective outer end. The fabric panel has a display face and an outer perimeter portion. The outer perimeter portion is affixed to the gasket legs and the auxiliary gaskets. The gasket legs and auxiliary gasket elements are removably insertable into a perimeter groove disposed in the closed-contour framework, thereby facilitating tensioned attachment of the fabric panel across an opening defined by the closed contour with said tab member gripably protruding outward of the display face.

Abstract: A frame joint system including a first frame member and a second frame member. The frame members include laterally opening channels running axially thereof. The frame members are adapted to be rigidly secured together by quick release coupling. Embodiments of the frame joint system include mitered corner, end-to-face, face-to-face and end-to-end joints. The quick release coupling includes at least a first sleeve member and a gripping member. The gripping member is nested within the first sleeve member, and the first sleeve member is nested within the first frame member. The gripping member includes gripping elements that mate with a slot in a box rail element fixedly associated with the second frame member. Activating the gripping elements pulls the two frame members together into a rigid joint.

Abstract: A groove-mount fabric display system with two-part frame comprises an outer frame element, an insert frame element and one or two flexible display panels. The two-part frame is quickly assembled by inserting and deploying the insert frame element within the rigid outer frame element. The frame elements can be manufactured from flat stock materials which are relatively inexpensive to purchase and shape. The interface of the frame elements forms one or more grooves near the perimeter of the resulting two-part frame. The grooves accept mounting gaskets connected at the peripheries of each display panel. Embodiments may include one or more internally-positioned compression tubes to help maintain internal structural rigidity and the integrity of the grooves. What results is a more cost-effective, robust, three-dimensional display capable of supporting fabric display panels in tension over extended periods of use.

Abstract: A multi-frame groove-mount wall system comprises a multiplicity of closed frame sections and a panel element. Each closed frame section has a frame opening and a plurality of interconnected frame members, each with a groove segment. The closed frame sections can be releasably coupled to form a multi-frame structure having an outer perimeter. The panel element has a flexible substrate portion, a periphery and a multiplicity of edge gasket segments disposed about the periphery. The panel element can be removably and tensionally affixed to the multi-frame structure such that the substrate portion is simultaneously disposed across the frame opening of each closed frame section by interengagement between a plurality of the edge gasket segments and a plurality of the groove segments that are proximate the outer perimeter, and none of the edge gasket segments are shared between a groove segment of one closed frame sections and a groove segment of another closed frame section.

Abstract: A flexible sheet includes a plurality of sheaths adapted to receive individual elongated light sources, and forming a collapsible backlight system having expanded and collapsed configurations. In expanded configuration, the flexible sheet is generally planar and the elongated light sources are spatially dispersed, while in the collapsed configuration, the elongated light sources are maintained proximal to each other in generally parallel fashion. The flexible sheet may have front and rear layers, each such layer possessing selected optical qualities such as translucency, reflectivity and diffusivity, depending on the desired application.

Abstract: A multi-frame groove-mount wall system comprises a multiplicity of closed frame sections and a panel element. Each closed frame section has a frame opening and a plurality of interconnected frame members, each with a groove segment. The closed frame sections can be releasably coupled to form a multi-frame structure having an outer perimeter. The panel element has a flexible substrate portion, a periphery and a multiplicity of edge gasket segments disposed about the periphery. The panel element can be removably and tensionally affixed to the multi-frame structure such that the substrate portion is simultaneously disposed across the frame opening of each closed frame section by interengagement between a plurality of the edge gasket segments and a plurality of the groove segments that are proximate the outer perimeter, and none of the edge gasket segments are shared between a groove segment of one closed frame sections and a groove segment of another closed frame section.

Abstract: A wrap-mount fabric display system comprises an outer frame element, an inner frame element and one or two flexible display substrates. The inner frame element includes two rigid panels maintained at a fixed distance apart from one another by way of one or more connective members. The flexible display substrates each include a graphic design and can be removably placed in wrapped association with a respective panel, which secures the flexible display substrate in tension. The frame elements can be manufactured from flat stock materials which are relatively inexpensive to purchase and shape. Once a flexible display substrate is placed in wrapped association with a respective panel, the inner frame element can be inserted into the cavity of the outer frame element to create a cost-effective, flexible and robust integrated display solution.

Abstract: A dual panel-frame interface system for the construction of portable displays comprises one or more frame members and one or more panel members. Each frame member is adapted to accommodate the releasable connection of two general types of panel members. One type of panel member is generally flexible with mounting gaskets flexibly connected to its peripheral edge for receiving engagement by a mounting groove in the frame member. The other type of panel member is a more rigid, face-mounted type that is placed in clinging engagement directly with a lateral wall of the frame member. The frame member is adapted such that when a rigid type panel member is placed in clinging engagement with the lateral wall, the respective unused mounting groove remains visually obscured from a viewpoint outward of the outer surface of the panel member, thus making the system more visually appealing.

Abstract: A groove-mount fabric display system with two-part frame comprises an outer frame element, an insert frame element and one or two flexible display panels. The two-part frame is quickly assembled by inserting and deploying the insert frame element within the rigid outer frame element. The frame elements can be manufactured from flat stock materials which are relatively inexpensive to purchase and shape. The interface of the frame elements forms one or more grooves near the perimeter of the resulting two-part frame. The grooves accept mounting gaskets connected at the peripheries of each display panel. Embodiments may include one or more internally-positioned compression tubes to help maintain internal structural rigidity and the integrity of the grooves. What results is a more cost-effective, robust, three-dimensional display capable of supporting fabric display panels in tension over extended periods of use.

Abstract: A dual panel-frame interface system for the construction of portable displays comprises one or more frame members and one or more panel members. Each frame member is adapted to accommodate the releasable connection of two general types of panel members. One type of panel member is generally flexible with mounting gaskets flexibly connected to its peripheral edge for receiving engagement by a mounting groove in the frame member. The other type of panel member is a more rigid, face-mounted type that is placed in clinging engagement directly with a lateral wall of the frame member. The frame member is adapted such that when a rigid type panel member is placed in clinging engagement with the lateral wall, the respective unused mounting groove remains visually obscured from a viewpoint outward of the outer surface of the panel member, thus making the system more visually appealing.

Abstract: A collapsible backlight system for providing wide area back lighting for display assemblies, and adapted to remain fully assembled in transition between storage, transportation, setup and use. A flexible sheet includes a plurality of sheaths adapted to substantially protectively envelop individual elongated light sources. The collapsible backlight system has expanded and collapsed configurations. In expanded configuration, the flexible sheet is generally planar and the elongated light sources are spatially dispersed. In collapsed configuration, the elongated light sources are maintained proximal to each other in generally parallel fashion, and the collapsible backlight system can be carried and transported in compact form without causing damage to the elongated light sources. The flexible sheet may have front and rear layers, each such layer possessing selected optical qualities such as translucency, reflectivity and diffusivity, depending on the desired application.

Abstract: A frame joint system including a first frame member and a second frame member. The frame members include laterally opening channels running axially thereof. The frame members are adapted to be rigidly secured together by quick release coupling. Embodiments of the frame joint system include mitered corner, end-to-face, face-to-face and end-to-end joints. The quick release coupling includes at least a first sleeve member and a gripping member. The gripping member is nested within the first sleeve member, and the first sleeve member is nested within the first frame member. The gripping member includes gripping elements that mate with a slot in a box rail element fixedly associated with the second frame member. Activating the gripping elements pulls the two frame members together into a rigid joint.