WO2002027696A1

WO2002027696A1 - Display element with multiple support assemblies

Info

Publication number: WO2002027696A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2000/000187
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Russell Friis
Original assignee: John Russell Friis
Priority date: 2000-09-28
Filing date: 2000-09-28
Publication date: 2002-04-04
Also published as: AU2000274632A1

Abstract

Described is a sign display holder for supporting signs on sheet materials. A framing portion supports a sheet-like insert preferably about its entire periphery. The framed portion may be releasably attached to a variety of supporting means including ground penetrating legs, foot plates (for aiding penetration into the ground), wall mounting brackets, counter-top bases, extension legs, and bases suitable for floor standing displays. Preferred embodiments allow different supports to be interchanged allowing for the resulting display apparatus to be readily adapted for use in a variety of applications.

Description

DISPLAY ELEMENT WITH MULTIPLE SUPPORT ASSEMBLIES

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed to display apparatus. Preferred embodiments are able to accept and support a replaceable insert on thin board bearing advertising or other display information. The frame portion may be removably attached to a number of different supporting assemblies enabling the apparatus to be used in a variety of roles.

BACKGROUND ART

The present invention is directed to display apparatus. The general category into which the present invention falls are display apparatus commonly used for supporting advertising material printed on various card and thin board materials (for instance sheet plastic, core-flute boards, etc). Such display apparatus often finds use in retail outlets and show rooms though often also finds use outdoors for applications such as real estate and sporting events.

A number of prior art devices are known which accept printed material on board and support them in an appropriate manner. The majority of these devices are purpose specific - ie they are built with one particular use in mind. Hence, there are prior art apparatus which are for specific use out of doors for insertion to the ground, and others which are specifically designed for bench top displays, or floor standing displays. The user must therefore purchase a separate unit for each type of use they desire, as a consequence of the lack of flexibility and adaptability of prior art design display apparatus.

The majority of prior art apparatus is manufactured from metal, with steel embodiments dominating commercially available sign display holders. However, such embodiments suffer from a number of disadvantages, one of which is the substantial purchase price of each unit. While this expense may be justified for some applications, it is arguable that the expense has precluded more widespread use and application of sign display holders.

A more significant disadvantage of metal prior art embodiments is there poor aesthetic appeal. Aesthetics and appearance are important in most applications of sign display holders. In most cases they are being used in an advertising role and high profile areas where appearance is exceptionally important. The limitations of metal fabrication greatly hinder any successful attempt at addressing this problem and there is an observable trend against the use of metal base sign display holders in favour of other types of display such as a slotted base into which an advertising board is directly inserted. However even these other types of arrangements have disadvantages - the slotted base type arrangement is only suitable for use with certain types of sign display materials (and in certain applications) as no peripheral support is given to the board material being held by the slotted base.

The applicant has previously recognised deficiencies in the prior art and has developed a sign display holder for outside use, this being the subject of Australia Petty Patent No. 65084. However, this device also is purpose built and while specifically designed for out of door use, it is also specifically designed to be stepped into the ground with foot pressure. However, uses of this invention are limited primarily to out of door applications and it does not address the need for a versatile product with aesthetic appeal able to meet a majority of the requirements of users of sign display holders.

Accordingly, there is a recognised need for an alternative to the prior art which provides a versatile unit, ideally providing support for a range of different types of display inserts to which printed and graphic information are typically applied. Ideally any such solution should be easy to use but should also be versatile. The applicant has recognised a need for a system which allows users to readily modify and adapt the equipment to be used in a variety of roles, including the potential for outdoor applications where they may be inserted into the ground or supported in other manners, as well as indoor applications where they may be used in a counter-top or floor-standing role.

Accordingly, it is one object of the present invention to consider these needs and provide an alternative to what is currently available in the art. It is also an object of the present invention to consider the limitations of the prior art of which the applicant is aware, and to provide a versatile sign display system enabling users to adapt the apparatus to be used in a variety of modes or roles.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus including a frame portion, said frame portion modified to interact with securing means for attachment of said display portion to a supporting portion comprising any one or more of: i) a base stand portion; ii) ground insertion means; iii) a load receiving portion; iv) a leg extension; v) wall mounting means.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in which said frame portion includes a frame portion adapted to receive a board-like display insert.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the board-like display insert is card, thin- board, core-fluted material, or a sheet plastic material.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the securing means comprises a rod for connecting the frame portion to a supporting portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the securing means is releasably attachable to the frame portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the securing means is insertable into the frame portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the frame portion includes an internal engaging portion to which an inserted securing means can be affixed.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the internal engaging portion comprises a female connection engageable with a complementary male connection portion on the securing means.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the bottom part of the frame portion is modified to engage with a substantially complementary engaging portion of a supporting portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the modification to the bottom of the frame portion comprises a substantially male engaging portion complementary to a female engaging portion on a supporting portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the modification to the bottom of the frame portion comprises a substantially female engaging portion complementary to a male engaging portion on a supporting portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a securing portion is positioned within the modified complementary engaging portions of frame and supporting portions.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in which said securing portion is substantially co-axial with the modified complementary engaging portions of frame and supporting portions.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a base stand portion comprises a base element with a ground contacting area, and modified to interact with securing means to allow the frame and base stand portions to be releasably secured to each other.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in which said base stand portion is either or both weighted, and fillable with a weighted material.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a ground insertion means comprises a rod, an end of which is modified to ease penetration into the ground. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a securing means acts as ground insertion means.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a load receiving portion is adapted to accept foot-applied pressure from a user.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the frame portion allows for attachment of at least two securing portions, and is engageable with a load receiving portion adapted to interact with at least two said securing portions, extending there between.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a load receiving portion is aligned substantially horizontally and below the bottom of the frame portion when the display apparatus is oriented in a normal manner for use.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the securing portions allow for both a load receiving portion and ground insertion means to be attached to the frame portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the securing portions also act as ground insertion means.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a leg extension means comprises a supporting leg element able to accommodate a securing means within for at least part of its length.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in which said supporting leg element is substantially hollow allowing a securing means to pass through its entire length.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the supporting leg element is adapted to bear directly or indirectly against the frame portion at one end, and to a stand portion or support at its alternate end, the components being connected and held in place by securing means engaged at one end to the frame portion and at its alternate end to the stand portion or support, with the securing means passing through the supporting leg element.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the securing means and supporting leg element are substantially co-axial.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in combination with a supporting portion comprising a base stand portion, in which a securing portion comprises a rod extending from the frame portion and extending into or through the base stand portion to secure it to the frame portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in combination with a load receiving portion, the load receiving portion being attached under the bottom of the frame portion and there also being included in a downwardly extending manner ground insertion means.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the ground insertion means is modified to act as securing means for attaching the load receiving portion to the frame portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in combination with a leg extension, the leg extension being affixed to the frame portion by means of a securing means passing through and within said leg extension and attached at one end to said frame portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the securing means is secured at one end to the frame portion and at its alternate end to a stand portion, the securing means being under tension so pressure results on either end of the leg extension.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, in combination with wall mounting means, said wall mounting means including means for attachment to a wall or supporting surface. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, including a frame portion having a slotted support for receiving a display insert, the frame portion including at least two engagement means for receiving and releasably attaching a rod-like element able to secure the frame portion to the ground, supporting element or structure; the apparatus when combined with the securing rod-like elements enabling the frame portion to be either or both interchangeably secured to different elements or structures, or or the rod-like elements to be interchanged.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, substantially as described above, into which a display insert has been inserted.

DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to sign display apparatus. Preferred embodiments include a frame portion which is able to bear printed and graphic information. Typically this information is provided on an insertable element which is able to be supported by the frame portion. However, it is also envisaged that the frame portion may also include a planar area integral with the frame able to bear printed or graphic information. It is possible that such integral display areas may also be of a material enabling the application of magnetically affixed material, be in the form of a whiteboard to which removable ink may be applied, or even a chalk board. These representative examples are meant to be illustrated only and not limiting. It is also possible that embodiments having an integral display area may also allow for display inserts to be held.

In preferred embodiments the frame portion comprises a substantially peripheral frame having a slotted inwardly directed edge portion in to which a display insert may be inserted and held. In many respects this is similar to how many prior art embodiments hold display inserts on sheet and board materials. While the preference is for a continuous peripheral frame, support may be given to display inserts only along a plurality, or part of a plurality, of the edges. Typical examples of these types of embodiments include U-shaped frame portions.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention have a frame portion which is fabricated by a moulding technique. The preferred material of construction is a plastics material, of which a wide range are known. Depending on the application, it is preferable that the chosen plastics material (and this will also be a consideration in the actual physical design of the frame portion) possess some rigidity though also exhibits some resilience. For potential outdoor application, it should also be stabilised against degradation from continued sun exposure, though coatings may address this.

A potentially realisable advantage of moulding technology is that more complex shapes, and flexibility in design, is possible than with other types of fabrication (such as metal forming and welding techniques.) Pigments and colouring agents may also be incorporated into the material of fabrication, as well as a wide range of surface applied coatings and platings.

Another potentially realisable advantage of moulded plastics material is that the resilience of a chosen plastics material may be used to advantage to apply pressure against the edge of an inserted display element to help maintain it in place yet while still allowing for easy insertion and removal. Other elements and features may be inserted or present to provide this function.

A desirable feature of the present invention is that the frame portion is adapted to allow interaction with a variety of supporting portions. This is achieved by adapting the frame portion so that it is removably attachable to a variety of different supporting structures and elements. For instance, in the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the supporting portions may include one or more of: i) a base stand portion; ii) ground insertion means; iii) a load receiving portion; iv) a leg extension; v) wall mounting means.

The frame portion may interact directly or indirectly with the aforesaid support alternatives. It should also be recognised that this list of supporting options is not meant to be limiting but representative of some possible variations within the scope of the present invention.

Ideally the framed portion should interact with the support portions in a manner by which disassembly for the purpose of substituting different support portions is relatively straight forward and easy. Such ready disassembly can increase the versatility and adaptability of the present invention enabling users to, for instance, quickly convert a counter top display combination to a floor standing display combination. The same apparatus could be quickly modified for outdoor use, such as by an arrangement where the display combination is inserted into the ground for support. It is considered that this flexibility of use represents a significant advantage over the prior art, enabling the user to maintain a limited number of components rather than a huge stock of purpose built display apparatus each capable of only single use type application. It also allows the user to mix and match components which different finishes allowing a greater versatility in the appearance of the assembled display combination. For instance, frame portions of different colours could be readily interchanged without changing the supporting portions.

To attain this versatility, preferred embodiments of the present invention rely on securing means for attachment of the frame portion to the supporting portions. While such securing means (or parts thereof) may be integral with either or both of the frame and supporting portions, the preference of the preferred embodiments is to rely on separate securing means interacting with the varying components. In a preferred embodiment to be described later, the securing means is insertable into the bottom of the frame portion and engageable with the frame portion. The preference is also for the presence of an internal engaging member (typically relying on a screw or bayonet type interaction) for attachment of the securing means.

The securing means may also interact with the supporting means in a similar manner — i.e. passing through or being insertable into a base or supporting portion. As can be appreciated, there are a number of arrangements which can readily effect a realeasably attachable interaction between the frame portion and supporting portions.

In preferred embodiments, the bottom of the frame portion is also modified to help locate the frame portion with respect to the supporting portions. This may merely comprise spigots or complementary male/female features able to interact with complementary parts of a supporting portion.

Varying supporting portions may be considered. For instance, a base stand portion may take the form of a standard floor or counter-top base assembly in general appearance. However, this may be modified to allow securing means attached or integral with the frame portion to also interact with the base portion (other than in instances where the securing element is integral with the base portion). The same base stand portion may be used for both floor and counter-top roles. It is also possible that bases for floor use may be of larger surface areas and/or may be weighted. Stands which may be filled or weighted with the flowable material (such as water or sand) may also be considered.

Other supporting portions may allow attachment of the framed portion to a wall. A simple embodiment of such an arrangement may comprise a supporting arm to which the framed portion may be realeasably attached. The supporting portion also include wall mounting means which may merely comprise a planar area with apertures for wall fixing. Other types of wall attachments may also be considered. It is also possible that the apparatus will be used in a manner in which the wall mounting support is left substantially permanently in place with the frame portion being attached as needed.

As further variations, the wall mounting support may allow the orientation of the frame portion to be altered (eg by rotation, or tilting etc). It may also allow for free rotation of the frame portion in response to the wind, or be motor driven. It is also possible that the frame portion may be attached above, below, or to the side of the wall mounting support. It may also include means for allowing the distance of the frame portion from the wall to be altered (such as by telescoping, sliding or repostionable arm sections).

For outdoor use, there may be provided ground insertion means allowing the combined apparatus to be inserted into the ground for support. In a simple embodiment the securing means may be modified to also constitute ground penetrating means. Hence, the securing means may comprise a rod attachable at one end to the frame portion, and with its ultimate end suitably configured (eg by tapering, or having tines) to aid insertion into the ground or attachment to another outdoor surface. It is also possible that separate ground penetrating or support means may be provided which are attachable to the securing means. One example of this latter option is to have a securing means which is threaded at its lower end. The ground penetrating means may comprise a rod or cylinder internally threaded at one end for attachment to the securing means, and modified at its other end for ground penetration or support. This arrangement would also readily allow ground penetrating legs of different length to be substituted so the height of the apparatus above the ground could be modified accordingly.

It has been found during previous work by the applicant that, for ground insertion, it is easier if foot pressure is able to be utilised for inserting the resulting apparatus into the ground. Accordingly, there may also be provided an optional load receiving portion enabling foot or other pressure to be applied in order to force the display apparatus into the ground. Ideally, such a load receiving portion is coupled substantially directly to the support portion, or forms part of the support portion. This can help prevent excessive load or force being transmitted through the frame portion, as may occur in other arrangements.

In the preferred embodiment, a load receiving portion comprises a substantially horizontal member extending between two ground penetrating legs. The load receiving portion includes apertures allowing the securing means to be passed therethrough. Hence, when the ground penetrating legs are attached to the frame portion, the load receiving bar/plate are thereby also attached the resulting assembly. Pressure on the load bearing element, such as by foot pressure, is transmitted substantially directly to the_, ground penetrating legs.

Supporting portions for the frame portion may also include leg extensions allowing the height of the frame portion above the ground or a base to be altered. Typically these comprise leg elements which are positioned intermediate the frame portion and the base, though it is also possible (as mentioned above) that a leg element may also be modified to act as a ground insertion member.

Design of leg extensions may vary according to aesthetics and function. Their means of attachment may also vary. It is possible that an end of a leg portion is modified to interact directly with the frame portion for attachment. The alternate end may also be so modified to interact with a base or other support portion, including another extension. However, a consideration of design is also the resistance of the resulting assembly against unwanted movement such as torsion or movement in other directions. The applicant has found that resistance to such unwanted movement may be readily achieved by relying a securing element passing internally through the length of the leg extension. One embodiment of such an arrangement is a hollow cylindrical leg extension which is able to bear directly or indirectly against a base element at one end and the frame portion at the other end. Spigots or washers to bear and spread any force at points of contact may be employed.

Ideally the securing means is a rod able to be secured at each end to the frame and base portions. Ideally the attachment means allows for this internally positioned securing element to be tightened so that mild tension is applied to the resulting assembly where the leg is sandwiched between the frame and base portions. It has been found that this mild tension in combination with an outer hollow leg provides substantially rigid resulting structure which is resistant to slumping, tilting, or unwanted movement — features on desirable for a floor standing display structure.

Some modifications may be applied to various embodiments of the present invention. For instance it is also envisaged that securing pins may be allowed for in the design of the frame portion to allow for additional securing of the display insert. The frame portion may also be modified to not only accept a display insert, but also to present its own integral area upon which information may be directly applied (either removably or permanently). Framed portions which allow for multiple display inserts to be positioned are also possible. Frame portions which allow the attachment of outrigger frame portions may also be considered.

Integral colourings and coatings may be varied. Colourings and additives affecting the appearance of the frame portion may be included in the material from which it is fabricated. The frame may also be fabricated by a process other than the preferred method of moulding. The same principles allowing the frame portion to be removeably attached to a variety of different supporting means should still apply though, from an aesthetic view point, it is envisaged that mouldin technology allows a greater variety of finishes and designs to be achieved. Different coatings may also be applied to varying components of the invention. This includes not only coatings of paint and other materials, but also metallic finishes such as may be achieved through electroplating. Different textures may also be considered.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a front diagrammatic view of the preferred floor-standing embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 Figure 2 is a front partial diagrammatic view showing in exploded form part of preferred counter-top and ground-inserting embodiments of the present invention, and Figure 3 is a partial front diagrammatic view illustrating in exploded form, preferred embodiment of floor-standing and wall-mounting embodiments of the present invention.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Figure 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention which has been assembled in a floor-standing mode. There is provided a frame portion 1 which comprises a peripheral frame of a moulded plastics material. Included within the frame portion 1 is a central aperture the periphery of which is indicated by line 2. In the illustrated embodiment of figure 1 a sign display board 3 bearing graphic information has been inserted into the frame portion 1.

A slot (not visible) is provided about the aperture periphery 2. A slot 4 along the top of the frame portion is also provided to allow the display insert 3 to be inserted into the frame portion from the top. The thickness of the slot may be varied to provide some resistance to sliding of the display insert 3 upwardly and downwardly. Internal features (not visible) help to sit and locate the display insert 3.

Also provided in the floor-standing embodiment of figure 1 are leg extension pieces 10 which raise the framing portion 1 above a hollow base portion 11, 12. An internal reservoir (not visible) is provided with a filler cap 12 allowing the reservoir to be filled with a weighted material (such as sand or water) so as to provide a weighted base.

Figure 2 shows in exploded form two other variations of the present invention. The figure may be viewed in a left half and a right half which illustrate different embodiments. In the left half is visible a preferred embodiment of a ground penetrating embodiment. Here there is provided a securing element 22 whose bottom end 23 has been enlarged and tapered to aid ground penetration. The narrower upper portion inserts into the framing portion 20 and engages with an internally mounted nut 21. A load receiving bar 25 is positioned over bottom protruding spigot portion 26 of the framing portion 20. A further cylindrical spigot 27 is positioned between the securing element 22 and load bearing element 25. In this embodiment such a securing element (22) is provided on both the left and right sides of the framing portion 20 with the load receiving element 25 spanning the two. In practice the resulting apparatus may be readily stood into the ground by foot pressure on element 25. The right hand portion of figure 2 illustrates a counter-top type embodiment where a base portion 30 including a recess 31 for spigot 32 couples directly to the bottom of the framing portion 20. A bolt 33 interacts with internal nut 34 to secure the base to the framing portion 20.

Figure 3 again shows in exploded form two variations of the present invention. In the left half is illustrated a floor standing embodiment such as has been illustrated in figure 1. The leg extending element 40 is a hollow cylindrical section allowing a continuously threaded (or threaded at each end) rod 41 to be passed therethrough as a securing element. The top end of this rod 41 interacts with internally located nut 42 while a lower nut 43 secures the bottom end. A suitable spigot 45 and lower spigot 46 are provided to help distribute force resulting from tightening of nut 43. They also help to locate the cylindrical leg section 40 with the corresponding locating spigots 47 and recesses 48 on the framing portion 50 and base element 49. As can be appreciated, by this arrangement extensions 40 of different lengths can be readily substituted or added end to end though a suitable adaptor spigot (not showing) may be used to connect different sections.

The right hand portion of figure 3 illustrates a wall mounted embodiment including a wall mounting plate 60 having apertures 61, 62 for fastening devices to a wall. An extending arm portion 63 connects the plate 60 to a bottom supporting portion 64 having an aperture 65 through which a securing bolt 66 may be passed. A spigot 67 may be employed if a recess for a male locating portion 68 is not catered for within the supporting element 64.

As can be appreciated there are many variations of the present invention and some components (such as the leg extensions) may be used in conjunction with other supporting elements.

As has been mentioned earlier in the specification, varying materials may be used for fabrication. Ideally the framing portions and bases are manufactured from a moulded plastics material. Portions undergoing stress such as leg extensions, securing elements and spigots may be manufactured from metal (preferably aluminium or its alloys) though plastics materials may also be considered. Wall mounting brackets may also be manufactured of a range of materials. Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT I/WE CLAIM IS:

1. Display apparatus including a frame portion, said display portion modified to interact with securing means for attachment of said display portion to a supporting portion comprising any one or more of: i) a base stand portion; ii) ground insertion means; iii) a load receiving portion; iv) a leg extension; v) wall mounting means.

2. Display apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which said display portion includes a frame portion adapted to receive a board-like display insert.

3. Display apparatus as claimed in claim 2 in which the board-like display insert is card, thin-board, core-fluted material, or a sheet plastic material.

4. Display apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the securing means comprises a rod for connecting the frame portion to a supporting portion.

5. Display apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the securing means is releasably attachable to the frame portion.

6. Display apparatus as claimed in claim 5 in which the securing means is insertable into the frame portion.

7. Display apparatus as claimed in claim 6 in which the display portion includes an internal engaging portion to which an inserted securing means can be affixed.

8. Display apparatus as claimed in claim 7 in which the internal engaging portion comprises a female connection engageable with a complementary male connection portion on the securing means.

9. Display apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the bottom part of the frame portion is modified to engage with a substantially complementary engaging portion of a supporting portion.

10. Display apparatus as claimed in claim 9 in which the modification to the bottom of the frame portion comprises a substantially male engaging portion complementary to a female engaging portion on a supporting portion.

11. Display apparatus as claimed in claim 9 in which the modification to the bottom of the frame portion comprises a substantially female engaging portion complementary to a male engaging portion on a supporting portion.

12. Display apparatus as claimed in either of claims 10 or 11 in which a securing portion is positioned within the modified complementary engaging portions of frame and supporting portions.

13. Display apparatus as claimed in claim 12 in which said securing portion is substantially co-axial with the modified complementary engaging portions of frame and supporting portions.

14. Display apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which a base stand portion comprises a base element with a ground contacting area, and modified to interact with securing means to allow the frame and base stand portions to be releasably secured to each other.

15. Display apparatus as claimed in claim 14 in which said base stand portion is either or both weighted, and fillable with a weighted material.

16. Display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 13 in which a ground insertion means comprises a rod, an end of which is modified to ease penetration into the ground.

17. Display apparatus as claimed in claim 16 in which a securing means acts as ground insertion means.

18. Display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 13 in which a load receiving portion is adapted to accept foot-applied pressure from a user.

19. Display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 13 or 18, in which the frame portion allows for attachment of at least two securing portions, and is engageable with a load receiving portion adapted to interact with at least two said securing portions, extending there between.

20. Display apparatus as claimed in claim 19 in which a load receiving portion is aligned substantially horizontally and below the bottom of the frame portion when the display apparatus is oriented in a normal manner for use.

21. Display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 18 through 20 in which the securing portions allow for both a load receiving portion and ground insertion means to be attached to the frame portion.

22. Display apparatus as claimed in claim 21 in which the securing portions also act as ground insertion means.

23. Display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 13 in which a leg extension means comprises a supporting leg element able to accommodate a securing means within for at least part of its length.

24. Display apparatus as claimed in claim 23 in which said supporting leg element is substantially hollow allowing a securing means to pass through its entire length.

25. Display apparatus as claimed in claim 24 in which the supporting leg element is adapted to bear directly or indirectly against the frame portion at one end, and to a stand portion or support at its alternate end, the components being connected and held in place by securing means engaged at one end to the frame portion and at its alternate end to the stand portion or support, with the securing means passing through the supporting leg element.

26. Display apparatus as claimed in claim 25 in which the securing means and supporting leg element are substantially co-axial.

27. Display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 13 in combination with a supporting portion comprising a base stand portion, in which a securing portion comprises a rod extending from the frame portion and extending into or through the base stand portion to secure it to the frame portion.

28. Display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 13 in combination with a load receiving portion, the load receiving portion being attached under the bottom of the frame portion and there also being included in a downwardly extending manner ground insertion means.

29. The combination as claimed in claim 28 in which the ground insertion means is modified to act as securing means for attaching the load receiving portion to the frame portion.

30. Display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 13 in combination with a leg extension, the leg extension being affixed to the frame portion by means of a securing means passing through and within said leg extension and attached at one end to said frame portion.

31. The combination of claim 30 in which the securing means is secured at one end to the frame portion and at its alternate end to a stand portion, the securing means being under tension so pressure results on either end of the leg extension.

32. Display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 13 in combination with wall mounting means, said wall mounting means including means for attachment to a wall or supporting surface.

33. Display apparatus including a frame portion having a slotted support for receiving a display insert, the frame portion including at least two engagement means for receiving and releasably attaching a rod-like element able to secure the frame portion to the ground, supporting element or structure; the apparatus when combined with the securing rod-like elements enabling the frame portion to be either or both interchangeably secured to different elements or structures, or for the rod-like elements to be interchanged.

34. Display apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims into which a display insert has been inserted.