AU2009101106B4

AU2009101106B4 - An Interchangeable Display Device and Interchangeable Signage

Info

Publication number: AU2009101106B4
Application number: AU2009101106A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Jefferson Earl; Martin Poljansek
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Earl Jefferson
Priority date: 2009-10-30
Filing date: 2009-10-30
Publication date: 2011-07-28
Anticipated expiration: 2017-10-30
Also published as: AU2009101106A4

Abstract

According to the present invention there is provided a single, compact, moulded interchangeable display device which includes; a first portion able to fit and display interchangeable display signage within a tag holding mechanism, vertically and at right angles to a second portion; and the second portion for clipping and sliding the device onto or into a range of ticket strip extrusion profiles or any other suitable surface or holed surface, wherein the first portion's tag holding mechanism is vertically orientated in relation to the ground with enclosed or holed internal walls, comprising two horizontally orientated and vertically opposing tapered surfaces with two vertically orientated and horizontally opposing convex and flat side walls, or two horizontally opposing convex side walls, to hold interchangeable signage by means of accepting a signage tab or neck region, or a region of uniform or non uniform width or shape, that would be compatible with and used in association with the device's tag holding mechanism, wherein the second portion comprising of a rear attachment clip, which is tapered or of a suitable shape and size so to press firmly onto or into a range of ticket strip extrusion profiles, and assistively attach with the aid of an upper holding step which prevents side to side rocking of the device on the ticket strip, by pressing against the ticket strip upper lip, and a removed hole from the rear wall configuration provided to help prevent dislodgement of the device from the ticket strip upper lip, with the tapered rear attachment clip design also aiding in preventing splaying or excessive flexing of the ticket strip thus also acting to increase the lifespan of the ticket strip, wherein the rear attachment clip is to remain slidable when clipped onto and into the ticket strip extrusion profiles, and with the aid of an internal or external angular 5 ridge allows the interchangeable display device to be more easily located and guided onto or into the ticket strip via a flared angular ridge design by acting to correctly channel the rear attachment clip onto or into the ticket strip, whilst also providing a horizontally opposing holding force in D conjunction with the vertically orientated rear attachment clip, sufficient in strength to prevent easy dislodgement of the device from the ticket strip, wherein the interchangeable display signage comprising of any shape or size, has present a protruding tab or neck region, or a region of uniform or non-uniform width or shape, that would be compatible with and used in association with the device's tag holding mechanism, and of suitable thickness, that is manufactured to provide compatible fitment inside the first portion of the interchangeable display device' s tag holding mechanism, as the primary means of attachment and used 5 as the means of displaying functional interchangeable signage in association with the interchangeable display device's tag holding mechanism, with the ability of the tag holding mechanism to also hold multiple tags of suitable overall thickness that the interchangeable display device' s tag 10 holding mechanism will accommodate, wherein the device has an optional provision for a screw hole or side hole for additional or further securing of interchangeable signage or additional inserted display material.

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Applicant(S): MARTIN POLJANSEK JEFFERSON EARL Invention Title: AN INTERCHANGEABLE DISPLAY DEVICE AND INTERCHANGEABLE SIGNAGE The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the inventions usefulness and the best method of performing it known to us: - 2 AN INTERCHANGEABLE DISPLAY DEVICE AND INTERCHANGEABLE SIGNAGE This invention relates to a method of displaying signage that is vertical and at right angles to a range of ticket strip extrusion profiles, commonly used on the front regions of retail shelving. This invention is not limited 5 to attaching to ticket strip and can also be used on any other suitable surface or holed surface that can accommodate this device. This invention allows people to view display signage that is positioned at right angles to the direction of its ticket strip support attachment and 10 other substrates. Thus, signage and promotional materials continually remain in direct view of approaching people who are walking down shelving aisles, corridors and any other suitable areas. 15 Currently the majority of ticket strip retail signage can only be viewed when a person is standing directly front-on to a shelf. The present invention can assist in attracting people with right angled complementary signage. 20 According to the present invention there is provided a single, compact, moulded interchangeable display device which includes; a first portion able to fit and display interchangeable signage within a tag holding mechanism, 25 vertically and at right angles to a second portion; and the second portion for clipping and sliding the interchangeable display device onto or into a range of ticket strip extrusion profiles, wherein the first portion's tag holding mechanism is vertically orientated in relation to the ground with 30 enclosed or holed internal walls, comprising two horizontally orientated and vertically opposing tapered surfaces with two vertically orientated and horizontally opposing convex and flat side walls, or two horizontally opposing convex. side walls to hold interchangeable signage by means of accepting a signage tab or neck region, or a region of uniform or non-uniform width or shape, that would be compatible with and used in association with the device's tag holding mechanism, wherein the second portion comprising of a rear 40 attachment clip, which is tapered, so to press firmly onto or into a range of ticket strip extrusion profiles, and - 3 assistively attach with the aid of an upper holding step and a removed hole from the rear wall configuration with the upper holding step provided to help prevent dislodgement of the device from the ticket strip upper lip, 5 and prevent side to side rocking of the device on the ticket strip, by pressing against the ticket strip upper lip, with the tapered rear attachment clip design also aiding in preventing splaying or excessive flexing of the ticket strip thus also acting to increase the lifespan of the ticket strip, 10 wherein the rear attachment clip is to remain slidable when clipped onto and into the ticket strip extrusion profiles, and with the aid of an internal or external angular ridge allows the interchangeable display device to be more easily located and guided onto or into the ticket strip via a flared angular ridge design by 15 acting to correctly channel the rear attachment clip onto or into the ticket strip, whilst also providing a horizontally opposing holding force in conjunction with the vertically orientated rear attachment clip, sufficient in strength to prevent easy dislodgement of the device from 20 the ticket strip, wherein the interchangeable display signage comprising of any shape or size, has present a protruding tab or neck region, or a region of uniform or non-uniform width or shape, that would be compatible with and used in association with the device's tag holding mechanism, and of 25 suitable thickness, that is manufactured to provide compatible fitment inside the first portion of the interchangeable display device' s tag holding mechanism, as the primary means of attachment and used as the means of functional interchangeable display signage in association with this devices tag holding mechanism, with the ability 30 of the tag holding mechanism to also hold multiple tags of suitable overall thickness that the interchangeable display device' s tag holding mechanism will accommodate, wherein the device has an optional provision for a screw hole or side hole for additional or further securing of interchangeable signage or additional inserted display 35 material. This invention relates to an interchangeable display device that can be attached onto or into ticket strip extrusion profiles preferably by way of a clip mechanism. However, it is also possible that the second portion can - 4 attach to other surfaces by means of additional magnetic or adhesive backings, refer to Figure 14. A preferred embodiment of the present invention will 5 now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a side view of the interchangeable display device. 10 Figure 2 shows the front view of the interchangeable display device. Figure 3 shows a 3-dimensional drawing of the interchangeable display device. 15 Figure 4 shows an example of a typical cross sectional ticket strip extrusion, that the invention's rear-attachment clip is designed to attach onto or into. Figure 5 shows a side view of the interchangeable 20 display device clipped onto or into a ticket strip's front flap. Figure 6 shows a 3-dimensional view of the interchangeable display device attached onto or into a ticket strip profile. 25 Figure 7 shows a side view of the interchangeable display device clipped onto or into a ticket strip, with an interchangeable signage or display tag shown on the right hand side. 30 Figure 8 shows the side view of the interchangeable display device with the interchangeable signage or display tag firmly pressed into the device's tag holding mechanism. Figure 9 shows a 3-dimensional drawing of the device attached to a ticket strip, with an interchangeable signage or display tag firmly attached inside the device's tag holding mechanism. Figure 10 shows a top view of the device attached onto a ticket strip extrusion with an interchangeable signage or display tag held inside the device' s tag holding mechanism. Figure 11 depicts a front view of the interchangeable 5 display device when attached to a ticket strip, with an interchangeable signage or display tag pressed inside the device's tag holding mechanism. Figure 12 shows a rear view 3-dimensional drawing of the interchangeable display device. 10 Figure 13 shows numerous interchangeable display devices attached onto or into ticket strip profiles as an example of how this invention is to be useful in a typical shelving aisle. 15 Figure 14 illustrates an example where the interchangeable display device can be attached to surfaces other than ticket strip, such as a door as shown. As can be seen in the Figures, the interchangeable 20 display device incorporates a first portion in the form of a tag holding mechanism 1, and a second portion in the form of a clip 13, and also comprises an associated and compatibly manufactured interchangeable signage or display tag 21. 25 The rear attachment clip 13 is vertically orientated and tapered with a lengthened rear portion 2 so as to more easily provide the initial means of attachment when pressed inside a ticket strip opening 16 (refer to Figures 5 and 6). 30 Figure 12 best illustrates the rear view of the attachment clip 2 showing a hole removed section 10 in the middle region, which allows increased flexibility in the rear attachment clip and provides even displacement of holding forces by directing them to both sides of the rear clip while reducing forces in the middle. This prevents the clip from rocking and allows for a firmer more even attachment. A bridging section 24 has been included, so as to help both sides of the removed section of the rear attachment clip to slot together onto or into the front flap 17, without misalignment (refer to Figure 4).

- 6 The rear attachment clip 2, works in conjunction with an internal or external angular ridge 3, so as to provide a parallel and vertically opposing frictional force sufficient in strength to securely attach the device 1 5 onto or into the ticket strip's front flap 17, and the internal or external angular ridge has a flared angular ridge design which acts to aid the insertion of the device by correctly channeling the rear attachment clip onto or into the ticket strip profiles. The slot 4 is designed to fit over a range of ticket strip extrusion profiles. 10 Figure 2 more clearly illustrates the front view of the tag holding mechanism. As can be seen there is depicted a convex, internal vertically orientated side wall 14. This convex wall 14 is to provide an interference fitment slot to an interchangeable display tag by means of 15 adequate laterally opposing side forces so as to keep the display tags securely within the tag holding mechanism. Also note that the width of the rear attachment clip 13 is wide enough to provide adequate means of attachment. Also note that the tag holding mechanism 1 (see Figure 1) is 20 slender and compact. Best seen in Figure 5 is a small holding step 5, which is included in the upper region of the rear attachment clip 2 to help prevent the device from dislodgement from the ticket strip or rocking of the 25 device by interfering with the upper lip portion 15 of the ticket strip. The invention has a vertically orientated display tag holding mechanism 1, which comprises of two horizontally orientated and vertically opposing internal tapered 30 surfaces 8, for the upper and lower internal slot walls. The area depicted by the convex internal surface area around the front middle region 9 of the tag holding mechanism, will provide sufficient horizontally opposing lateral forces with the aid of the convex surface areas on one or both sides, to help prevent the interchangeable display tag from dislodgment, by causing a narrowing of the internal slot while still allowing the sides walls to flex, thus providing an opposing force sufficient to hold the display tags in place. It is preferred that the display tag holding slot 14 has enclosed or holed internal walls in order to maximally assist in containing the interchangeable signage tag 21. The invention is shown to have an optional side hole 5 removed in the side wall, in order to accommodate a screw head or pointed threaded end so that the screw remains contained within the devices external walls 9, refer to Figure 5. The screw hole or side hole 11 is provided in a 10 direction that is perpendicular to the vertically orientated tag holding mechanism, so that it will be positioned to penetrate through and secure an interchangeable signage tag if required. The screw hole 11 is preferably positioned in a central position to allow for maximum rigidity. The provision for a screw is meant as an 15 option to assist with and not as the primary means by which to secure the interchangeable display tags. This side hole 11 can also be used to hold other display signage by means of a suitable string, wire or plastic attachment that is looped through or tied to this side hole 11. 20 The front end 12 of the invention' s tag holding mechanism is to be of compatible opening height to be able to accept and firmly locate the interchangeable signage or display tag' s holding tab or neck region 20, or a region of uniform or non-uniform width, that would be compatible with 25 and used in association with the device's tag holding mechanism, when it is pressed firmly into the convex slot 14. Please note, that while the tag holding mechanism is depicted in Figures 8 - 11 holding a single interchangeable signage tag, the device is however not limited to holding a single interchangeable signage tag, and also has the 30 ability to hold multiple tags of suitable overall thickness that the interchangeable display device' s tag holding mechanism will accommodate. Figures 10 and 11 depicts the overall design of the invention and how the device is useful in displaying 35 interchangeable signage or display tags vertically and at right angles in relation to the rear ticket strip attachment surface of the clip 13. A typical cross sectional representation of a ticket strip profile 15 can be seen in Figure 4. Many variations - 8 of ticket strip extrusion profiles commonly exist in retail merchandising shelving, and the invention' s rear-attachment clip 13 has been designed to attach to a wide variety of existing ticket strip profiles. 5 In Figure 5 and 6, a small holding step 5 helps prevent the device from dislodgement from the ticket strip profile and prevents side to side rocking of the device on the ticket strip, by pressing against the ticket strip upper lip 15. Also note how the internal or external 10 angular ridge 3, aids in gripping and providing a horizontally opposing force to grip the ticket strip front flap 17 in conjunction with the rear clip 2. The rear attachment clip 2 is designed to a specific length which allows the device to be compatibly secured within a range of common ticket strip extrusions. The inventions rear 15 attachment clip design also allows it to be easily slidable along a front flap 17 section of ticket strip, without need for detachment. As can be seen in Figure 7, the interchangeable 20 signage or display tag 21 has a holding tab or neck 20, or a region of uniform or non-uniform width, that would be compatible with and used in association with the device' s tag holding mechanism, with a certain height 19 to compliment and fit firmly into the interchangeable display device's tag holding mechanism's slot opening 14. The interchangeable signage holding tab 20 may be manufactured with tapered sides, to compliment the interchangeable display device' s twin internal horizontally orientated and vertically opposing tapered holding surfaces 8. Please note that while the interchangeable signage tag 21 is depicted as a rectangular shape, the final interchangeable signage 30 tags may encompass any shape or size as long as there is provision for a holding tab or neck 20 or a region of uniform or non-uniform width, that would be compatible with and used in association with the device's tag holding mechanism,of correct size to fit tightly into the convex interference slot 14. The display tags 21, themselves are to be preferably manufactured from flexible polypropylene, acrylic, or other plastic or paper based materials or may encompass any material deemed suitable for signage purposes.

-9 As can be seen in Figure 8, the interchangeable signage or display tag 21 is shown pressed inside the interchangeable device' s tag holding mechanism by two horizontally orientated and vertically opposing tapered 5 upper and lower internal side wall surfaces 8, as well as internal vertically orientated and horizontally opposing convex or flat side walls 14, shown by area 9, and in the internal region surrounding the interchangeable signage or display tab 20. 10 Also note in Figure 5 that the interchangeable signage or display tags can press into and against the internal slot base 6, but this slot base is not essential and the tag holding mechanism's internal slot may go 15 through the entire device with no internal slot base 6. As can be seen in Figure 8, an advantage of our invention is that the interchangeable display device's side profile is compact and not too protrusive when 20 attached onto a ticket strip extrusion 15-17. The interchangeable display device itself is designed to be manufactured from suitable moulded material, and the associated interchangeable signage or display tags 21 are preferred to be manufactured from flexible materials and 25 be preferably bendable when a person comes into close contact, however rigid signage may still be acceptable. Therefore, the interchangeable display device is designed to be compact and also light weight with minimum protrusion and possibly visibility from its rear shelf 30 attachment surface, whilst it's associated compatible interchangeable signage is designed to stand out and attract people to it or used to convey information to people. 35 As is seen in Figure 11 and of importance is how a convex internal side wall 14 functions to provide a laterally horizontally opposing force to press against the associated interchangeable signage or display tag 21. The preferred embodiment of this internal slot consists of a 40 convex internal wall, however the device's holding mechanism may be manufactured to incorporate twin convex internal walls. Side clearances at the top and bottom of this slot 14 allows for the interchangeable signage or display tags to locate easily into the inventions tag holding slot mechanism, to allow for easy and quick - 10 changeover of display tags, without the need to necessarily remove the device from the shelf itself , thus aiding merchandisers in their ability to more quickly and efficiently change over interchangeable display signage. 5 Figure 13 illustrates how this invention will look like when numerous devices are attached to ticket strip profiles as seen in a typical retail shelving aisle. This invention will be useful in allowing people to clearly 10 view display signage material 21 when people are walking down an aisle, corridor or walled area, while allowing promotional or signage materials to be remain continually in direct view of approaching people. 15 Figure 14 illustrates how the interchangeable display device can be attached to substrates other than ticket strip, when suitable adhesive or magnetic backing is glued on to the rear attachment clip 2. The interchangeable display device's design therefore allows a much broader application for displaying signage in areas other than 20 just the retail shelving sector. Doors, corridors and any other suitable flat attachment surface can also be utilised to support the interchangeable display device. This invention will fully exploit an under utilised 25 display viewing angle to very effectively attract people to particular products or other informative signage. This invention is innovative as it will be able to be mounted to a range of ticket strip extrusions, while displaying right angled shelf signage, with the ability to 30 easily changeover signage display material. Therefore the interchangeable display device and associated interchangeable signage or display tags, has the potential in being easily adopted into the retail merchandising shelving sector by providing a better means of attracting 35 customers to products. The present invention is fully removable from the ticket strip attachment flap surfaces 17. The device can also be attached onto or into a ticket strip, while 40 allowing only the interchangeable signage or display tags to be interchanged. Therefore, this invention allows for re-use, in that only the display tags are interchanged or thrown away.

- 11 This invention comprises of a simple one piece, moulded construction and unlike other signage display holding devices, there is no need to open any associated removable covers or panels, or manually adjust the rear 5 attachment clips. This device will accept interchangeable signage or display tags which have an incorporated a holding tab or neck region manufactured to dimensions which are 10 compatible to the internal area of the interchangeable display device' s tag holding mechanism. The rear attachment clip has been tapered, allowing the device to be pressed down towards the base of ticket 15 strip 18, thus limiting splaying and increasing the lifespan of the associated ticket strip and limiting interference to other flat pricing strips in near proximity. 20 Additional clip insertion tools are not required to attach the interchangeable display device to ticket strip profiles due to the extended tapered rear attachment clip 2, and internal or external angular ridge 3, which can easily be slotted onto and into the ticket strip's front 25 flap 17 by hand.

Claims

1. A single, compact, moulded interchangeable display device including; a first portion able to fit and display interchangeable signage within a tag holding 5 mechanism, vertically and at right angles to a second portion; and the second portion for clipping and sliding the device onto or into a range of ticket strip extrusion profiles or any other 10 suitable surface or holed surface, wherein the first portion is vertically orientated in relation to the ground with enclosed or holed internal walls, comprising two horizontally orientated and vertically opposing 15 tapered surfaces with two vertically orientated and horizontally opposing convex and flat side walls, or two horizontally opposing convex side walls, wherein the second portion comprising of 20 a rear attachment clip, which is tapered or of a suitable shape and size so to press firmly onto or into a range of ticket strip extrusion profiles or any other suitable surface or holed surface, and assistively attach with the aid of 25 an upper holding step and a removed hole from the rear wall configuration, with the upper holding step provided to help prevent dislodgement of the device from a ticket strip upper lip and prevent side to side rocking of 30 the device on the ticket strip, by pressing against the ticket strip upper lip, with the tapered rear attachment clip design also aiding in preventing splaying or excessive flexing of the ticket strip thus also acting to increase 35 the lifespan of the ticket strip.

2. The interchangeable display device according to claim 1, wherein the first portion comprising of the tag holding mechanism is 40 designed to readily accept interchangeable signage or display tags which are purposely manufactured with a protruding tab or neck portion, or region of uniform or non-uniform - 13 THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: width, that would be compatible with and used in association with the interchangeable display device' s tag holding mechanism. 5

3. The interchangeable display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rear attachment clip is to remain slidable when clipped onto or into the ticket strip extrusion profiles, and with the aid of an internal or 10 external angular ridge that allows the interchangeable display device to be more easily located and guided onto or into the ticket strip via a flared angular ridge design by acting to correctly channel the rear attachment clip onto 15 or into the ticket strip in conjunction with a bridging section that prevents misalignment, whilst the angular ridge also provides a horizontally opposing holding force in conjunction with the vertically orientated rear 20 attachment clip, sufficient in strength to prevent easy dislodgement of the device from the ticket strip or any other suitable surface or holed surface. 25

4. The interchangeable display device according to any of the proceeding claims, wherein the device has an optional provision for a screw hole or side hole for additional or further securing of interchangeable signage or 30 additional inserted display material.

5. The interchangeable signage according to claim 1, comprising of any shape or size, has present a protruding holding tab or 35 neck region, or region of uniform or non-uniform width or shape, that would be compatible with and used in association with the interchangeable display device's tag holding mechanism, and is of suitable thickness, that is manufactured to 40 provide compatible fitment inside the first portion of the interchangeable display device' s tag holding mechanism according to claims 1 or 2, as the primary means of attachment and used - 14 THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: as the means of displaying functional interchangeable signage in association with the interchangeable display devices first portion, with the ability of the tag holding mechanism to also hold multiple tags of suitable overall thickness that the interchangeable display device's tag holding mechanism will accomodate. Dated the 27nd of June 2011 MARTIN POLJANSEK, JEFFERSON EARL