SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BOOTH ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A modular display booth system is disclosed. The booth comprises walls, inserts, and toolless fasteners. The system is configured for efficient assembly and disassembly. The modular display booth system may be stored entirely on a single dolly for ease of transportation, coordination, and in warehouse alterations.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/256,169 filed on Oct. 29, 2009, and entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BOOTH ASSEMBLY.”

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a modular display booth system and a method for assembly and disassembly of the modular display booth system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modular display booths are used in numerous industries, but one industry of concentrated use might be the exhibition service industry. In the exhibition services industry, work crews install modular display booths on large convention floors. Some conventions can include close to 1,000 exhibitors. Each exhibitor potentially using their own individual booths. Therefore, in the exhibition services industries, one company could be setting up 1,000 booths or more at a convention for individual exhibitors.

In such an industry efficiency of labor and installation time is at a premium. Labor is one of the primary costs in the exhibition industry. Traditional booth systems rely on designs and tools that substantially limit the efficiency of workers. This inefficiency increases the amount of time it takes a worker to assembly the booths and also increases the likelihood of injury when assembling the booths. Both time and injuries add substantially to the labor costs associated with setting up and exhibition. Due to the nature of the industry even small increases in efficiency are actively sought after. Thus a more efficient modular display is desirable. The invention described herein overcomes the shortcomings of traditional booth design and assembly and provides surprising results in terms of improved efficiency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In various embodiments of the invention, a modular display booth system is configured to provide efficiency for the transportation, assembly, and disassembly of the modular display booth system. In various embodiments the booth system may be set up without the use of tools. In an exemplary embodiment, the modular display booth system comprises: a plurality of walls, wherein each wall comprises a frame, toolless fasteners, and receptacles to receive the toolless fasteners; a connector post, wherein the connector post comprises toolless fasteners and receptacles such that the connector post is operable to connect walls at a corner; a plurality of wall inserts wherein each wall insert is operable to be inserted into the channel when the wall is assembled and when the wall is disassembled in storage; a plurality of toolless fasteners, wherein at least a first wall is connected to one of at least a second wall or the connector post with a toolless fastener; and a dolly, wherein the dolly is configured to contain and transport each member of the display system.

In another exemplary embodiment, a modular display booth system comprises a process comprising: storing all display system parts on a dolly; optionally interchanging a plurality of wall inserts while display system parts are stored on the dolly; transporting the dolly to a setup location; removing a plurality of walls from the dolly; connecting the plurality of walls together with toolless fasteners; and connecting the plurality of walls together with a plurality of connector posts such that the plurality of walls form a corner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals depict like elements, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the modular display booth system;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular display booth system;

FIG. 3A illustrates a cross section view of an exemplary embodiment of a wall frame member;

FIG. 3B illustrates a first side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wall frame member;

FIG. 3C illustrates a second side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wall frame member;

FIG. 3D illustrates a third side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wall frame member;

FIG. 3E illustrates a section view from FIG. 3D of an exemplary embodiment of a wall frame member;

FIG. 3F illustrates a fourth side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wall frame member;

FIG. 4A illustrates a section view of an exemplary embodiment of a wall member and toolless fastener;

FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective section view of an exemplary embodiment of wall member and toolless fastener;

FIG. 4C illustrates a view of an exemplary embodiment of the engagement between a toolless fastener and a fastener receiver;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective section view of an exemplary embodiment of a wall member; shelf bracket and fastener receiver;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross section view of an exemplary embodiment of the wall member to corner post to wall member connection;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross section view of an exemplary embodiment of the wall member to wall member connection;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross section view of an exemplary embodiment of the wall member to corner post to wall member connection;

FIG. 9A illustrates a cross section view of an exemplary embodiment of a corner post;

FIG. 9B illustrates a cross section view of an exemplary embodiment of a corner post;

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the assembly of wall members;

FIG. 11 illustrates a section view of an embodiment of a wall locking mechanism;

FIG. 12A illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of an adjustable wall bracket;

FIG. 12B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an adjustable wall bracket;

FIG. 13A illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of wall members and a floor support bracket;

FIG. 13B illustrates a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a wall member and floor support bracket;

FIG. 14A illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of wall members and corner bracket;

FIG. 14B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of wall members and a corner bracket;

FIG. 15A illustrates a cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a wall member with an insert panel;

FIG. 15B illustrates a cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a wall member with an insert panel;

FIG. 15C illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a wall member with insert panel;

FIG. 16A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a door member with insert panel;

FIG. 16B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a door member with insert panel;

FIG. 17A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a header member with insert panel;

FIG. 17B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a header member with insert panel;

FIG. 18A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a cart with wall members and insert panels;

FIG. 18B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a cart with wall members and insert panels; and

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary process for booth assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention herein shows the exemplary embodiment by way of illustration, diagrams and various processing steps including the best mode. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented. Moreover, many of the functions or steps may be outsourced to or performed by one or more third parties. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected, supported or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full and/or any other possible attachment or support option.

Moreover, for the sake of brevity, certain sub-components of individual components and other aspects of the system may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships, wireless connections or physical couplings may be present in a practical system. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of components configured to perform specified functions.

The present invention relates to a modular display booth system which allows workers to assemble the modular display booth system more efficiently, than previous systems. This efficiency extends to assembly, disassembly, and modification of the individual members of the booth at exhibitions, on the transportation, and/or in the warehouse. One skilled in the art will appreciate the various aspects of the invention may be realized by any number of materials or methods configured to perform the intended functions. For example, other materials or methods may be incorporated herein to assist in the fastening of components together. It should also be noted that the drawings herein are not all drawn to scale, but may be exaggerated to illustrate various aspects of the invention, and in that regard, the drawings should not be limiting.

In one exemplary embodiment of a modular display booth system, the display system may be configured to minimize the labor and time requirements for assembling a single or series of modular booth displays. As discussed previously the labor costs are one of the largest costs in the exhibition industry. Reducing labor and time involved in setting up an exhibition floor, consisting of numerous booths, substantially reduces the labor costs involved. Furthermore, reducing the time an individual worker is involved in setting up a booth may also substantially reduce the likelihood of injuries and reduce worker's compensation costs. In one exemplary embodiment of the modular display booth system with all of the various features in use, significant reduction in setup time can be realized over setup of other booth systems, under similar circumstances.

In an exemplary embodiment, the modular display booth system may be configured to minimize the handling of the components at the exhibition. Because increased handling increases the likelihood of damage to individual components, decreasing the handling time and the number of components can minimize replacement costs for damaged components. In this embodiment, a modular display booth system may also be configured to simplify alterations at the warehouse, in transit, or on the exhibition floor. Further, in such an exemplary embodiment the modular display booth system may be configured to minimize parts, mistakes, damage, and return to stock parts, allowing a more efficient setup and teardown thus reducing costs in labor and components.

In one exemplary embodiment of the modular display booth system, the modular display booth system comprises a plurality of wall members 102, connecting posts 104, toolless fasteners 116, toolless fastener receivers 114, and inserts portions100. The modular display booth system may be stored on a single dolly that can hold at least the entirety of one booth system. In another exemplary embodiment, the modular display booth system may be capable of compatibility with other booth systems.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, modular display booth systems are set up and structured by assembling wall members 102 and corner post 104. A wall section may be assembled by connecting one wall member 102 with a second wall member 102. Corners may be assembled by connecting one wall member 102 to a corner post 104 and then connecting another wall member 102 to the same corner post, making an angle between the first and second wall member.

In one exemplary embodiment, with reference to FIG. 1, the wall member 102 comprises a frame and an insert portion 100. Wall members can be any of a variety of widths (e.g. wall members 102, 202. and 302). Furthermore, wall members can be any of a variety of heights as can be seen in FIG. 1 (e.g. wall members 102, 302.) In various embodiments, the frame portion of wall member 102 may comprises support structures capable of mounting connecting hardware. In various embodiments the frames are configured to provide adequate support to attach to other structures including but not limited to insert portions 100, other wall members 102, corner posts 104, decorative material, wall brackets 108, shelf brackets 112, shelves 110, and any other display or mounting hardware.

In another exemplary embodiment, with reference to FIG. 2, wall heights and widths can all be similar. For example, wall member 400 may be used throughout the booth assembly allowing for use of common insert panels 401, wall frame members 420, toolless fasteners, corner posts 404, brackets, shelves 410, and/or any other feature.

In one exemplary embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 3A-3F, frame member 120 may have channel 117 configured to receive an insert portion. In this embodiment, the wall member may have two exterior frame members 120 with channel 117 facing toward one another such that the frame portion is configured to receive an insert portion as illustrated by wall member 302 and insert portion 300 in FIG. 1. By sliding an insert portion into the channel the interior portion of the wall member prominently displays the graphic on the insert portion. This allows exhibitors to quickly and easily change and display the various graphics they want displayed on the wall of the modular display booth.

In one embodiment, with reference to FIG. 5, wall member 400 may comprise a wall frame member 420, twin upper receiver 419, panel receiver opening 417 and a lower frame member. On each end of the twin upper receiver 419 a wall frame member 420 may be attached. Panel receiver opening 417 may be disposed as the opening between each of the support members making up twin upper receiver 419. Panel receiver opening 417 may be configured to receive panel 401 and provide proper tolerances such that panel 401 is reasonably secure between each support members of twin upper receiver 419 but not overly restricted such that removal or addition of a panel into wall member 400 is difficult. Lower frame member and/or kickboard may be configured to support the insert panel near the bottom of the wall. Lower frame member may further be configured to provide additional support to frame member 420. Lower frame member may also be used by the worker for support and leverage when assembling a booth system.

In various embodiments, insert panels may be constructed from any material including wood, wood composites, plastic, plastic composites, fabric, sheet metal, light assembly inserts or various combinations of the above. Furthermore, insert panels may allow the modular display booth systems to be customized to individual exhibitors, allowing them display their images, logos, advertisements, arts or other designs/graphics while another exhibitor might desire a different display. Using methods, materials, and designs similar to those discussed herein allow the booths to be modified and customized anywhere. For example the insert panels may be exchanged in the warehouse, on the exhibit floor, on the transportation, or anywhere. This exchange may occur by sliding old inserts out of wall members and replacing them with new inserts. Such a configuration can allow for an overall reduction in work personnel and/or an overall reduction in the time required for performing changes. Also such a configuration can reduce the need for unnecessary organization, planning, or coordination of personnel on the exhibition floor.

In other various embodiments of the present invention, a simple storage and transportation system is beneficial to make the modular display booth system setup more efficient, further reducing need for unnecessary organization, planning, or coordination of personnel on the exhibition floor. The storage and transportation system may comprise the use of dollies, boxcars, carts and any wheeled apparatus that contain all the parts of a single or a plurality of modular display booth systems. By using a single dolly for all the parts of the booth, workers are able to orchestrate the dollies in setup and takedown such that two workers are able to fully utilize the dolly and not wait for multiple storage containers to become available to load or unload various parts of an individual modular display booth system.

In one embodiment, the insert panels may be exchanged while the wall members and all other parts remain packaged on the dolly. In accordance with one embodiment, referring to FIG. 18, a cart 700 may be configured to contain all of the walls for at least on display booth. Furthermore, cart 700 may be configured with at least one side, providing access to the panel receiver opening. In this manner panels may be replaced while they are still on the cart. One of the most surprising benefits is that the panels can be changed between shows without having to return the dollies to the warehouse. The panel changes no longer need to be performed at the warehouse, but instead can be performed virtually anywhere. Thus this configuration removes the need of returning the carts to the warehouse for modifications. Carts may be sent directly to the next exposition and new panels may be sent to meet the cart at the next exposition. This creates a substantial reduction in transportation costs and the resultant transportation emissions.

In other exemplary embodiments, the frame members may hold larger product display devices such as light box or proprietary display units. As such, the frame members may also accept other mounting hardware or methods such as metal clips, compression fit splines, specially machined extrusions, Velcro, magnetic strips, adhesive tapes, and/or any other presently known or future mounting methods and devices.

Furthermore, in various embodiments wall member 102 may have lower kickboards 118 that are raised off the floor. The kickboards may have feet extending from the wall member to the floor. Such feet can support the wall portion off the floor and provide a one to nine inch gap underneath the wall member. The one to nine inch gap can enable easier movement of the wall portion. The gap would allow workers to place their foot under the wall portions to help lift it and/or maneuver it. The gap also enables exhibitors to run cords, other utilities, materials, or hardware under the wall member.

In various embodiments of the present invention, the modular display booth includes connector posts 104. Connector posts 104 may be configured to allow one wall section to connect with the post and a second wall section to connect to the post at an angle from the first wall section. The angles can vary from acute to oblique based on desires of the exhibitors, specifications of purchasers, or any esthetic or practicable reason.

In one exemplary embodiment, referring to FIG. 3, toolless fasteners 116 as illustrated in FIG. 3E may be used to connect wall members 120, corner posts 104, or wall bracket 108 to wall members. Toolless fastener 116 is further configured to engage with receiver 114 on an opposite wall member, corner post or bracket.

In another embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, toolless fastener 416 may be attached to wall frame member 420. Toolless fastener 416 may be attached fixedly or removably attached to wall frame member 420. In one example toolless fastener 416 may be press fit into a mounting feature 424. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B wall mounting feature 424 may be a channel into which toolless fastener 416 may be press fit. The channel may then easily allow toolless fastener to be adjusted to any height along the channel. In other embodiments wall mounting feature 424 may be any mechanism capable of retaining toolless fastener 416, examples might include hardware (e.g. as thumb screws, pin and receivers, hidden compression post and pin systems, one turn latch and catch systems, etc.), fabrication into the wall frame member 420 (e.g. casting, welding, etc.), and/or adhesives (e.g. glues, tapes, magnetic strips, Velcro etc.) Furthermore, any of a variety of toolless fasteners, which further the goals stated herein, may be used.

In various embodiments, the toolless fastener may be any shape, size, or configuration that allows two walls to be easily connected. Furthermore, the toolless fastener may be configured to prevent clocking. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B the shape of the fastener may prevent it from rotating and/or prevent the item it is fastened to from rotating. In various embodiments the fastener may have a shape configured to aid in entry into a corresponding receiver. For example as shown in FIG. 4B, toolless fastener 416 may have a chamfered leading edge. In various embodiments the fastener may also have a compact shape allowing the frame member 420 to be as narrow as possible and still be configured to receive the fastener through fastener receiver 414. The toolless fastener may further be configured to be easily manufactured. In one embodiment the fastener may be a segment of an extrusion. In other embodiments the fastener may be cast, molded, machined, or manufactured in any way such that the functions discussed herein are preserved.

In various embodiments, wall frame member may also comprise fastener receiver 414. In one embodiment, one wall frame member may have toolless fastener 416, while the opposing wall frame members on the opposite side of wall member 400 may have receiver 414. In this configuration walls members can be easily connected. Referring to FIG. 4C, toolless fastener 416 may engage fastener receiver 414 at the fastener receivers' wide points at the top or bottom. Toolless fastener 416 may then proceed to slide to the center such that the narrow portion of fastener receiver 414 separates the wide flanges of toolless fastener 416 from wall frame member 420, creating a positive engagement.

In various embodiments, as discussed above, wall members are configured to support and receive wall accessories such as decorative material, wall brackets 108, shelf brackets 112, shelves 110, and any other display or mounting hardware. In one embodiment, wall bracket 108 is configured to adapt toolless fasteners to these peripheral components. In various other embodiments, referring again to FIG. 5, wall frame member 420 may further comprise a wall accessories receiver 422. Wall accessories receiver 422 may be any feature capable of receiving, retaining, and/or fastening other peripheral components to the front of wall frame member 420. In one embodiment wall accessories receiver 422 are patterned rectangular cutouts configured to receive shelf bracket 412. In another embodiment wall accessories receiver 422 may be a protrusion configured to engage a cutout in another component. The cutouts and/or protrusions can be configured in any shape, size or design to provide support of peripheral components. Wall frame member 420 may also comprise vertical flutes along wall accessories receiver 422 that may further retain the wall accessories as they are mounted.

In various other embodiments of the present invention, the features on individual modular display booth system may be compatible with the features on other booths systems. For example, booths that do not use a toolless design or channel framed inserts can still work at the same show or even on the same booth system with the various embodiments of modular display booth system described herein. Thus in one example of this embodiment, wall sections of the modular display booth system will have channels that are able to receive the fasteners used on other versions of modular booth units. Fasteners used in other modular booth units might include a tooled clamping type fastener, mechanically fastened brackets or other various fastener and/or connecting apparatuses requiring tools.

In accordance with one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the booth system may further comprise a corner post 404. Corner post 404 may comprise channels 405 configured to receive any toolless fastener. For example, both toolless fasteners 416 and/or 116 are able to engage in channel 405. The multi-depth channel 407 is configured to provide clearance for the variety of toolless fasteners. Furthermore channel 405 is configured to receive other connectors, weather toolless or not. For example, connector 409 has been used in past booth designs but is still capable of being used with corner post 404. Thus corner post 404 is configured to provide backward compatibility allowing connector 409 to retain various components against corner post 404 by inserting into channel 405 and applying an outward clamping force as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 9B.

In various embodiments, wall member 400 may further comprise locking mechanism 430. Locking mechanism 430 may comprise pin 438, detent mechanism 436, recess 434, recess 432, and pass-through 431. In one embodiment, pin 438 may be any pin configured to retain the position of contacting wall frame members relative to one another. Pin 438 may pass out an exit of one wall member and through pass-through 431 into a second wall member. Pin 438 and pass-through 432 may be configured such that the position between the corresponding wall members does not substantially change relative to one another. Pin 438 may also be restricted in the motion depicted by the arrows in FIG. 11. Detent mechanism 436 may engage recess 434 and recess 432 allowing recess 436 and recess 434 to limit the travel of pin 438. Furthermore locking mechanism 430 may be configured to be operated by a workers foot. For example, the locking mechanism may be located at the bottom of a wall with a portion of the pin extending out of the wall, such that a workers foot can engage the pin.

In accordance with various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the booth system may comprise an adjustable wall bracket 425. Adjustable wall bracket 425 may be configured to mount on horizontal frame members of wall member 400. Adjustable wall bracket 425 functions as an intersecting post allowing first wall to intersect and attach to a second wall at any point along the width of the first wall. Adjustable wall bracket 425 may also be configured to move side to side along the front of wall member 400 as shown by arrow B in FIG. 12A. Adjustable wall bracket 425 may comprise toolless fasteners and/or fastener receivers. The fasteners and receivers allow a first wall member to be mounted on another wall member as shown by arrow A in FIG. 12B. Adjustable wall bracket 425 is configured to allow one wall member protrude from the front of another wall member. In various embodiments, adjustable wall bracket 425 may provide any angle for mounting the protruding wall. In another embodiment, shelves, brackets, hooks, racks or other components may mount onto adjustable wall bracket 425.

In accordance with various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, the booth system may comprise a floor support bracket 440. Floor support bracket 440 may be configured to mount to a vertical wall frame member such as wall frame member 420. Floor support bracket 440 may comprise upper fastener 444, lower fastener 443 and adjustable foot 442. Upper fastener 444 and lower fastener 443 may be any device capable of attaching floor support bracket 440 to the wall frame member without the use of tools. For example, upper mount 444 may be a plate fastened to one or both sides of floor support bracket 440, configured to swing down and prevent floor support bracket 440 from moving side to side relative to the front plane of wall member 400. As an example, lower bracket 443 may swing around an axis, which may be parallel to the vertical frame member, allowing lower bracket to clamp onto the vertical frame member. The clamping action may prevent the vertical frame member from separating from floor support bracket 440. Adjustable foot 442 is configured to adjust in height allowing floor support bracket 440 to provide pressure at the foot against the floor and also at the top of floor support bracket 440, near upper fastener 444, against the wall. The pressure allows floor support bracket 440 to further support the wall, especially at points on the wall which are away from the support of corner posts or perpendicular walls. In various embodiments, floor support bracket 440 may also comprise reinforcing elements, for example gusset 441.

In accordance with various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, the booth system may comprise a corner bracket 510. Corner bracket 510 is configured to provide additional support at points where walls come together. In various embodiments, corner bracket 510 may be configured to brace any angle. In one example, corner bracket 510 may comprise one or more wall clamps 510 and center support 512. Wall clamps 510 may be configured to attach to each wall at the corner. Center support 512 may be configured to connect each wall clamp to one another.

As discussed previously and further illustrated in FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C, wall insert 401 may be inserted between twin upper receiver 419. The entire panel is configured to be removed without tools. As shown by the arrows in FIGS. 15B and 15C, the panel can be removed while wall member 400 is standing or as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the panel can be removed while the wall is lying down.

In accordance with various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 16A, 16B, 17A and 17B, the booth system may comprise a variety of members including door members 600 and header members 450. Furthermore, each of these variety of members may also have insert panels capable of displaying the requirements of various clientele. For example the door member 600 may further comprise a door insert 603 and a door header insert 601. Similarly header member 450 may have a header insert 451.

In various embodiments, each of the combination of features can be used with other combinations of features to optimize teardown and setup time, limit the amount of labor performed, reduce costs, reduce the items on show floor, and reduce the items in the warehouse. Such combinations might include using the toolless fasteners with wall section containing insert channels, using toolless fasteners with raised kickboards, using a single dolly with toolless fasteners. Because similarly, the channels may be combined with raised kickboards, single dollies, optimized backwards capability, or the toolless fasteners.

In other various embodiments of the present invention, a simple storage and transportation system is beneficial to make the modular display booth system setup more efficient, further reducing need for unnecessary organization, planning, or coordination of personnel on the exhibition floor. Efficacy has added importance because the exhibition services industry is burdened by the repetitive manual labor involving in a setting up and tearing down exhibitions. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the setup method of a modular display booth system comprises loading and unloading a dolly (e.g. dollies, boxcars, carts and/or any wheeled apparatus) with all of the individual members of a modular display booth system. In various embodiments the dolly may contain all the parts of a single or a plurality of modular display booth systems. By using a single dolly for all the parts of the booth, workers are able to orchestrate the dollies in setup and takedown such that two workers are able to fully utilize the dolly and not wait for multiple storage containers to become available to load or unload various parts of an individual modular display booth system.

In one embodiment, the insert panels may be exchanged while the wall members and all other parts remain packaged on the dolly. In accordance with one embodiment, referring to FIG. 18, a cart 700 may be configured to contain all of the walls for at least on display booth. Furthermore, cart 700 may be configured with at least one side, providing access to the panel receiver opening. In this manner panels may be replaced while they are still on the cart. One of the most surprising benefits is that the panels can be changed between shows without having to return the dollies to the warehouse. The panel changes no longer need to be performed at the warehouse, but instead can be performed virtually anywhere. Thus this configuration removes the need of returning the carts to the warehouse for modifications. Carts may be sent directly to the next exposition and new panels may be sent to meet the cart at the next exposition. This creates a substantial reduction in transportation costs and the resultant transportation emissions.

Furthermore, in various exemplary embodiments the dolly may be configured to allow changing inserts at the warehouse such that downtime in the warehouse can be allocated to prepare for an exhibition. As previously discussed, the dolly can be configured to allow changing inserts while the wall members remain loaded in the dolly. In various embodiments, dollies may comprise other time and labor saving features such as casters, stackable geometries, or optimized storage slots to limit the number of skids, dollies, or carts required to deliver a booth or plurality of booths to a showroom floor.

The process of assembling display booths with the components discussed herein and produced suprising time savings and speed over booth systems known in the art. In warehouse and field tests using two workers for setup the following average setup times and production speeds have been measured:

Booth System Description         Speed
The booth system as claimed herein 13 meters/man hr
Tool system using clamping connectors 3 meters/man hr
409

In accordance with various embodiments, referring to FIG. 19., a method for booth set up may include a worker storing all of the various components on a dolly (step 802), transporting the dolly to an exhibition cite (step 804), removing all of the components from the dolly (step 806), assembling the components without the use of tools (step 808), disassembling the components without the use of tools (step 810), replacing components on dolly (step 812), and changing the insert panels in the wall components without removing the wall components from the dolly (step 814).

In one exemplary embodiment of the assembly procedure, a worker may store all of the components for a booth system on a single dolly for transportation to a show cite. The worker may then provide for the transportation of the dolly, including all of the members of one or more modular display booth system, to the setup location.

In one exemplary embodiment of the assembly procedure, a worker may orchestrate a dolly for setup, such that workers working on one single modular display booth system have a single dolly containing all of those parts at their immediate disposal without having to orchestrate with other workers working on other booths for the necessary components at the right time. Thus preventing the need for the rotation of separate dollies that might have been configured to be optimized for a single part and accessed for multiple modular display booth systems. After coordinating a single dolly for a single setup, a worker may unload components from the dolly.

Next, a worker may assemble one wall section to another wall section or one wall section to corner post section and then continuing until all of the wall sections and corner post section are connected, using as raised kickboard to enable manipulation of the wall sections and hooking toolless fasteners together to assemble wall sections to wall section or corner sections. In various embodiments, referring to FIG. 10 wall member 400 can be attached to corner post 404 and/or another wall member 400. A worker may lift wall member 400 and attach one edge to either the corner post 404 or the wall member 400. In this manner the wall members of a display booth can be quickly assembled.

In one exemplary embodiment of the assembly procedure, a worker may optionally assemble a header and/or door component to the booth system. The header may be assembled by hanging it from one wall to another using any of the components discussed herein. The worker may also assemble any shelves, hooks or other display hardware inside of the booth finishing the look with any decorative wall cap covers or other pieces.

In one exemplary embodiment of the teardown procedure, workers coordinate dollies such that one dolly is dedicated to at least one teardown of the single module booth system. The workers may then disassemble each component of the booth replacing each on a single dolly.

In one exemplary embodiment of the teardown procedure, a worker may load all parts on to a single dolly, preparing the dolly to be transported back to the warehouse, to storage, or to the next show site.

In one exemplary embodiment of the teardown procedure, a worker may change the insert portion in one or more of the wall components without removing them from the dolly. As discussed previously, this may be done on the show floor, at the warehouse, on the transportation, and/or on the new show floor.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the invention. The scope of the invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, or C” is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.” As used herein, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

The foregoing disclosure is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Although one or more embodiments of the invention have been described, persons of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that numerous modifications could be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed invention. As such, it should be understood that all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention. The written description and drawings illustrate the present invention, and are not to be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed.

Claims

1. A system for setting up a display system comprising:

a plurality of walls, wherein each wall comprises a frame, a first toolless fastener, and a first fastener receiver configured to receive a second toolless fastener, wherein at least a first wall is connected to a second wall without the use of tools; and

a connector post, wherein the connector post comprises a third toolless fastener and a second fastener receiver wherein the connector post connects the second wall and a third wall at a corner without the use of tools.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprises:

a plurality of wall inserts, wherein each wall insert is operable to be inserted into each of the plurality of walls.

3. The system of claim 1 further comprises:

a dolly, wherein the dolly is configured to contain and transport the plurality of walls, the connector post, and the plurality of wall inserts for display system.

4. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a locking mechanism comprising a pin and a detent, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to lock one wall section to another by preventing the toolless fastener from moving within the fastener receiver.

5. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

an adjustable wall bracket configured to mount to a front of any one of the plurality of walls, wherein the adjustable wall bracket is configured to attach a fourth wall to any one of the plurality of walls.

6. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a floor support bracket comprising an adjustable foot, an upper fastener, and a lower fastener, wherein the floor support bracket is configured to mount to and support any one of the plurality of walls.

7. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a corner bracket attached over the top of two intersecting wall members.

8. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a door member, wherein the door member comprises a door insert panel located between a door twin upper receiver.

9. A display booth wall member comprising:

a first vertical frame member;

a second vertical frame member;

an insert panel;

a twin upper receiver disposed between the first vertical frame member and the second vertical frame member, wherein the twin upper receiver comprises a receiver opening configured to receive the insert panel;

a lower frame member configured to support the insert panel;

a toolless fastener attached to the first vertical frame member and configured to engage at least one of a second wall member and a corner post; and

a fastener receiver disposed within the second vertical frame member and configured to engage at least one of a third wall member and a corner post.

10. The display booth wall member of claim 9 further comprising:

a plurality of wall accessory receivers.

11. The display booth wall member of claim 9 further comprising:

locking mechanism comprising a pin and a detent, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to lock one wall section to another by preventing the toolless fastener from moving within the fastener receiver.

12. The display booth wall member of claim 9 wherein the twin upper receiver is configured to allow removal or installation of a wall panel when the wall member is on a dolly.

13. The display booth wall member of claim 9, wherein a lower frame member is offset from a lower end of the first frame member and a lower end of the second frame member, allowing for clearance between a floor and the lower frame member.

14. The display booth wall member of claim 9 further comprising:

an accessory connected into an accessory receiver, wherein the accessory is selected from a group consisting of a shelf, a table, a rack, and a bracket.

15. The display booth wall member of claim 9 further comprising:

an adjustable wall bracket configured to mount vertically between the twin receiver and the lower frame member, wherein the adjustable wall bracket is configured to attach another wall at any location between the first frame member and the second frame member.

16. A process for setting up a display system comprising:

storing all display system parts on a dolly;

optionally interchanging a plurality of wall inserts while display system parts are stored on the dolly;

transporting the dolly to a setup location;

removing a plurality of walls from the dolly;

connecting the plurality of walls together with toolless fasteners;

connecting the plurality of walls together with a plurality of corner posts such that the plurality of walls form a corner, wherein the connecting is accomplished without the use of tools; and

connecting a plurality of wall accessories to the plurality of walls.

17. The process of claim 16 further comprising:

supporting the corner with a corner bracket by attaching the bracket, without the use of tools, over the top of two walls forming the corner.

18. The process of claim 16 further comprising:

supporting the plurality of walls with a floor support bracket.

19. The process of claim 16 further comprising:

installing an adjustable wall bracket configured to mount to the front of any one of the plurality of walls, wherein the adjustable wall bracket is configured to attach a wall to any one of the plurality of walls at an angle.

20. The process of claim 16 further comprising:

disassembling the plurality of walls, without the use of tools;

replacing the plurality of walls on the dolly;

transporting the dolly to the next exposition without returning the dolly to the warehouse; and

changing the insert panels installed in the walls with new insert panels while the walls are loaded on the dolly.