Transportable folding display rack

Abstract

A transportable merchandise display system comprising a plurality of vertically hinged display wall elements which are supported by on the bed of a truck, trailer or other vehicle. For transport, the wall elements are carried in a collapsed configuration occupying little space. The system is deployed for display by opening the wall elements into an expanded configuration to selectively form either a three-sided display enclosure or flat display panel. Roof elements hinged to each wall element swing upwardly with pneumatic struts to form a three-sided enclosure which is protected from above. Alternatively, the wall elements may be swung fully open to form a vertical display wall, with the roof elements forming a protective horizontal awning-like cover. In one embodiment, the system is carried within an enclosed truck body on a sliding base which extends rearward in cantilever fashion for supporting the display structure in open configuration.

1 . A multi-sided display apparatus capable of being contracted and collapsed into a transport mode for transport on a vehicle bed to a display location, and capable of being opened and expanded into a display mode for use at a display location, comprising:
 a. a horizontal base, said base being received and supported by said vehicle bed when in said transport mode;   b. translation means for moving said base outwardly from said vehicle bed into a display mode;   c. a plurality of vertical support elements each being supported by said base external to said vehicle, and each of said vertical support elements being hinged along at least one vertical edge to an adjoining vertical support element for opening movement into a display position wherein said adjoining vertical support elements form a substantially continuous vertical display surface facing away from said vehicle;   d. stabilizing means for supporting and holding said adjoining vertical support means in said display position.   
   
   
       2 . The display apparatus of  claim 1  further including translation means for moving said base outwardly from said vehicle bed into a display mode external to said vehicle, and for supporting said base while in said display mode. 
   
   
       3 . The display apparatus of  claims 1  or  2  including
 a. a plurality of roof elements, each being hinged along a horizontal edge to the upper edge of a vertical support element for vertical opening movement into a sheltering position; and   b. retention means for retaining each roof element in sheltering position relative to its associated vertical support element.   
   
   
       4 . The display apparatus of  claims 1  or  2  comprising at least three similar vertical support elements, hinged to one another along vertical axes, such that when opened into display position said elements form a three-sided semi-enclosed display structure facing externally to said vehicle. 
   
   
       5 . The display apparatus of  claims 1  or  2  in which each vertical support element includes merchandise display means for displaying merchandise externally to said vehicle when in display position. 
   
   
       6 . The display apparatus of  claims 1  or  2  in which said stabilizing means comprises an individually adjustable jack slidably attached to each outermost vertical support element. 
   
   
       7 . The display apparatus of  claims 1  or  2  in which said vehicle is an enclosed truck for transporting said apparatus to a display location. 
   
   
       8 . The display apparatus of  claims 1  or  2  in which said vehicle is a trailer adapted for towing by another vehicle to a display location.