Exhibition module

Abstract

A surplus-to-requirements shipping container may be adapted for use as an exhibition module, which can thus be produced in a simple, low-cost manner using surplus materials and allows articles to be displayed in unmonitored and controlled environment by displaying clearly inside the module. Typically, a shipping container comprising a square prismic frame having 4 stanchions and 8 cross-members and two facing panels, two end panels and top and bottom panels may be adapted by removing from the container at least one panel and finishing both interior and exterior, such as by glazing the opened space to produce an exhibition module having inherent strength which enables it to be easily lifted and transported.

1 . Use of a shipping container in the manufacture of a display or exhibition module for displaying or exhibiting articles located inside the module. 
     
     
         2 . A method of manufacturing an exhibition module, the method comprising: i) providing a shipping container comprising a square prismic frame having 4 stanchions and 8 cross-members and two facing panels, two end panels and top and bottom panels; and ii) removing from the container at least one panel. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 2 , which further comprises the step of fitting in place of the at least one panel a display panel comprising a transparent material whereby an article within the container may be exhibited to an external viewer. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 2 , which comprises removing the two end panels and the two facing panels and replacing them with display panels. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 2 , which further comprises providing the exhibition module with an energy capture device selected from a solar PV element and a wind turbine and an energy storage element configured to store energy captured by said device for providing power to the exhibition module. 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 2 , which further comprises providing lighting to the interior and/or exterior of the exhibition module. 
     
     
         7 . An exhibition module comprising a square rectangular prismic frame comprising four stanchions and 8 cross-members secured together, two facing panels, two end panels, a top panel and a bottom panel, at least one facing panel being formed of a transparent material and/or at least one facing panel comprising one or more hinged elements, the transparent material and/or the hinged elements making up a major part of the said facing panel, to allow the interior of the exhibition module to be revealed, the module being characterised in that its structure provides it with the inherent strength to allow it to be lifted and transported after construction. 
     
     
         8 . An exhibition module according to  claim 7 , wherein each of the facing panels and end panels are display panels formed of a transparent material. 
     
     
         9 . An exhibition module according to  claim 7 , wherein the square or rectangular prismic frame is a structural frame obtained from a shipping container. 
     
     
         10 . An exhibition module according to  claim 7 , wherein the frame is provided with lifting receptacles to enable the exhibition module to be lifted and transported. 
     
     
         11 . An exhibition module according to  claim 7 , which is further provided with a ventilation means. 
     
     
         12 . An exhibition module according to  claim 7 , which is provided with interior lighting and, optionally, a power system comprising a solar PV element or wind turbine and energy storage device.