Stretchable Folding Lamp Box with Hinged Side Wings

The problem

Traditional light boxes come in fixed sizes. If a retailer needs a wider display, they must order a larger custom unit or install multiple separate boxes, which creates visible seams and requires more mounting hardware. Portable or modular signs often lack stability when expanded, leading to wobbling or misalignment of the graphic panel. Furthermore, as the surface area increases, heat dissipation becomes critical; standard enclosed boxes can trap heat from high-power LEDs, shortening their lifespan and dimming the display over time. There is a need for a sign that expands its viewing area easily but remains rigid and well-cooled.

The solution

This patent describes a stretchable folding lamp box that expands horizontally. It consists of a central aluminum alloy frame (1) flanked by a left folding frame (2) and a right folding frame (4). These side frames are connected to the main body via a hinge splicing member, specifically a hinge rod (6), allowing them to rotate outward.

When the user pulls the side frames away from the center, the hinge rods drive sliding blocks A (14) along sliding grooves A (12) located inside the main frame. A spring (13) sits behind each block, providing tension. As the frames reach their full extension, support plates A (16) on the side frames align with support plates B (19) on the main frame. Main connecting pipes (10) and auxiliary connecting pipes (11) insert into corresponding positioning through pipes (21, 20), locking the three sections into a single, stable plane.

The display surface is covered by a spray painting curtain (3) held in place by positioning members at the top. To handle the increased heat load from the larger area, exhaust fans (8) are embedded in the middle of the main frame’s ends. These fans pull air through exhaust through-holes (5) evenly distributed on the outer sides of the left and right folding frames, creating a continuous airflow path.

Who it is for

• Retail Display Brands: Companies selling pop-up shops or trade show booths need signs that offer flexible sizing without buying multiple inventory SKUs.
• Event Organizers: Teams setting up temporary wayfinding or sponsor walls benefit from quick expansion and secure locking mechanisms that don’t require tools.
• Commercial Signage Installers: Contractors who work in varied spaces need units that can adapt to different wall widths or floor layouts while maintaining a professional, seamless look.
• Museum and Exhibition Curators: Institutions displaying wide graphics or timelines prefer a single, illuminated panel that stays cool and stable for long exhibition runs.

How it works

The main parts

Opening and closing

1. Pull the Wings: Grasp the left and right folding frames and pull them outward. The hinge rods pivot, swinging the frames flat relative to the center.
2. Slide and Lock: As the frames move, the hinge rods engage the sliding blocks inside the main frame. The springs compress and then release, pushing the blocks forward.
3. Align Support Plates: The support plates on the side frames meet the support plates on the main frame. The connecting pipes (main and auxiliary) snap into the positioning pipes, locking the structure rigidly.
4. Activate Cooling: Power on the unit. The exhaust fans run, pulling cool air from the environment through the vents in the side wings and expelling heated air from the main frame, protecting the LEDs.

Applications

Trade Show Booths

Exhibitors often face varying booth sizes. This box allows a brand to start with a compact footprint for transport and expand it to cover a wide booth wall at the venue. The continuous graphic looks like a custom-built wall rather than a modular kit.

Retail Store Windows

Storefront windows vary in width from one location to another. Instead of ordering new light boxes for every store, a chain can use these adjustable units. The cooling system ensures the sign doesn’t fog up or fade under direct sunlight exposure during daytime retail hours.

Museum Exhibits

Curators need large, illuminated panels for historical maps or wide photographs. The hinged design allows installation teams to maneuver the heavy unit through narrow doors in folded form, then expand it once inside the gallery. The quiet fan operation maintains a respectful atmosphere.

Corporate Lobbies

Companies use digital or printed signage for announcements. The ability to stretch the display area means a single unit can cover a wide reception desk background. The robust locking mechanism prevents accidental collapse if someone leans against the sign.

Where it is less suitable

• Vertical Orientation: The patent focuses on horizontal expansion. Stacking these units vertically would require additional engineering not described here.
• Outdoor Weather Exposure: While aluminum is durable, the hinge gaps and vent holes may allow water ingress unless sealed with external covers not specified in the claims.
• Ultra-Precision Graphics: The seam between the curtain sections, though minimized by positioning members, might still be visible on extremely high-resolution close-up displays compared to a single-piece glass panel.