Fabric display panels and methods of making same

Abstract

Fabric display panels mountable on a frame for displaying graphical images and methods of making same. In some embodiments, fabric display panels which, when stretch mounted on a frame, exhibit curvilinear borders and/or are substantially wrinkle free.

1 . A method of sizing a stretchable fabric panel prior to printing for use on a portable display frame, said method comprising: 
 selecting a fabric for printing a desired image thereon;    selecting a desired end-size of said fabric for producing a fabric panel, said size including, at least, a dimension x and a dimension y;    selecting a printing method for printing graphical images on said fabric;    determining a quantity of expected linear shrinkage in an x-axis of said fabric, designated LSX, which is expected to occur during a printing operation performed pursuant to said printing method;    determining a quantity of expected linear shrinkage in a y-axis of said fabric, designated LSY, which is expected to occur during a printing operation performed pursuant to said printing method;    sizing said fabric as a fabric panel for printing graphical images thereon having dimensions determined according to the formula:      a first linear dimension= x+LSX    a second linear dimension= y+LSY.      
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1  further comprising a printing step performed subsequent to said sizing step, said printing step comprising printing a desired image onto said fabric utilizing said printing method.  
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 2  wherein when said fabric panel is mounted to a frame and stretched to said desired end size, said desired image appears substantially undistorted.  
   
   
       4 . The method according to  claim 3  wherein when said fabric panel is mounted to a frame and stretched to said desired end size, said display panel exhibits curvilinear borders.  
   
   
       5 . The method according to  claim 3  wherein when said fabric panel is mounted to a frame and stretched to said desired end size, said display panel appears substantially wrinkle free.  
   
   
       6 . The method according to  claim 3  wherein when said fabric panel is mounted to a frame and stretched to said desired end size, said display panel exhibits curvilinear borders and appears substantially wrinkle free.  
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 6  wherein said printing method comprises dye sublimation.  
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 7  wherein value LSX is selected from between approximately 3 and 4.5 inches.  
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 7  wherein value LSY is selected from between approximately 2 and 3 inches.  
   
   
       10 . The method according to  claim 7  wherein value LSX is selected from between approximately 3 and 4.5 inches and value LSY is selected from between approximately 2 and 3 inches.  
   
   
       11 . The method according to  claim 10  further comprising a method step of forming a plurality of apertures proximal corners of said fabric panel, said plurality of apertures connecting said fabric panel to said frame.  
   
   
       12 . A display apparatus comprising: 
 a frame having a plurality of display panel connectors; and a display panel comprising, at least in part, a layer of stretchable fabric, said display panel including a plurality of apertures for connecting to said plurality of display panel connectors, said plurality of apertures being located spaced apart from one another proximal a perimeter of said display panel, each of said plurality of apertures being so configured such that when said display panel is connected to said frame by affixing said plurality of apertures to said plurality of display panel connectors, said display panel exhibits curvilinear borders.    
   
   
       13 . A display apparatus according to  claim 12  wherein when said display panel is connected to said frame, said display panel appears substantially wrinkle free.  
   
   
       14 . A display apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein each of said plurality of apertures are generally elongated in shape and are so oriented in particular respective orientations such that when said display panel is attached to said frame, said display panel appears substantially wrinkle free.  
   
   
       15 . A display apparatus according to  claim 14  wherein said display panel is generally rectangular in configuration and includes a top edge including two corners and a bottom edge including two corners, and wherein each said corner of said top and bottom edges includes one of said plurality of apertures located proximal thereto.  
   
   
       16 . A display apparatus according to  claim 15  wherein each of said generally elongated apertures includes an axis extending longitudinally through the length thereof; and wherein said axes of said apertures located proximal said top edge are oriented at a substantially different angular orientation than said axes of said apertures located proximal said bottom edge.  
   
   
       17 . A display apparatus according to  claim 16  wherein said display panel has a perimeter comprised of two vertical sides and two horizontal sides, and wherein said axes of two of said apertures located non-diagonally adjacent one another are oriented substantially parallel to one of said vertical or said horizontal sides; and 
 wherein said axes of two of said apertures located non-diagonally adjacent one another are oriented substantially non-parallel to both said vertical and said horizontal sides.    
   
   
       18 . A display apparatus according to  claim 17  wherein said axes of two of said apertures located non-diagonally adjacent one another are oriented at approximately a 30-60 degree angle relative to both said vertical and said horizontal sides.  
   
   
       19 . A method for producing an apparatus according to  claim 1.