AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Invention tide: Mounting Device The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: Mounting Device Field of the Invention The present invention is divided from Australian patent application no. 2010200211, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, and 5 relates to a mounting device. More particularly the present invention is concerned with a mounting device suitable for attaching a display to a pipe or the like. Preferred embodiments of the present invention relate to a device suitable for attaching an advertising display in the form of a badge to a pipe forming part of beverage dispensing equipment. 10 Background of the Invention In this specification, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date: 15 (i) part of common general knowledge; or (ii) known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned. Displaying advertising information such as brand information proximate to beverage dispensing equipment, and in particular taps from which draught beer is 20 dispensed, is a time-honoured tradition. Devices for displaying such information vary depending on the particular type of tap. Twist-to-dispense taps often have a double-sided brand badge screwed into the top thereof (as illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B) and secured by a lock nut arrangement to ensure tightness. Typically, one side of the brand badge faces the 25 customer and the other side the bartender. A device for displaying brand information proximate to a tilt-to-dispense tap and a tilt-to-dispense tap are illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B. In this case, the brand badge is integrally formed with a ring member which is permanently closed via a radially-extending grub screw, around a horizontal pipe forming part of the 30 tilt-to-dispense tap equipment. The device is attached to the pipe in a vertical 2 upstanding position with the brand badge facing the customer and typically an identical reverse side facing the bartender. Another device suitable for displaying advertising information proximate to a tilt-to-dispense beer tap is described in United States Published Patent 5 Application No. US 2005/0029309. The device comprises branded tap handles that are operably mounted to a dispensing tower via an elongate mounting member or via a curvilinear collar. The present invention aims to provide an alternative device for displaying advertising information proximate to beverage dispensing equipment and 10 particularly, but not exclusively, proximate to a tilt-to-dispense beer tap. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a mounting device comprising a mounting component and a replaceable display component, the mounting component having means for mounting the mounting 15 component to a pipe or the like, the display component being removably attachable to the mounting component via locking means enabling attachment of the display component to the mounting component in a selected orientation relative to a rotational axis passing through the mounting component, wherein the locking means comprises a formation extending from a face of the display 20 component and defining a void that is suitable to receive a fastening means, and an aperture provided in the mounting component, the formation being rotatable within the aperture to a selected orientation, wherein the mounting component is attachable to the display component by locating the formation within the aperture and applying the fastening means to the void.
3 According to the invention, the display component is attachable to the mounting component in a selected rotational orientation. This ensures that branding is displayed in accordance with the marketing strategies of the brewer of the beverage at all times. As such, and together with its other benefits, the present 5 invention can be considered as a complete branding solution. Unlike other prior art systems which have been observed to require a technician to undo the dispensing tap in order to change the branding on the tap, the present invention enables an unskilled bar worker to more easily change the branding on the dispensing tap without any impact on the taps themselves. Not 10 only does this save on cost and specialist labour, .it also minimises venue downtime and product wastage. The mounting device according to the invention can also be fitted to dispensing taps having pipes of varying diameters. For example, the mounting device is capable of being fitted to at least the three known standard pipe 15 diameters. The mounting means of the present invention also enable the mounting device to be conveniently and effectively fixed to pipes so as to project from the pipe at varying angles. This affords greater flexibility with respect to installing the mounting device in venues with extensive and tightly-packed beverage dispensing equipment. 20 The present invention, by providing a secure affixation between the display component and mounting component, and between the mounting component and the pipe, realises the additional benefit of a reduction in theft of branded hardware from dispensing taps. This also prevents patrons or unauthorised venue staff from altering the branding. 25 In addition, the simple and elegant two-part structure of the mounting device according to embodiments of the invention (comprising a unitary assembly of head, neck and shoulder, along with a closure member), allows unskilled bar workers to more easily attach and remove the device from the pipes that form part of most beverage-dispensing equipment. 30 According to particularly preferred embodiments, the mounting component and/or replaceable display component are shaped and configured such that an opening with side walls is defined in the mounting component and/or display 3A component, the opening being suitable to receive a planar graphic information carrier. The ability to incorporate a graphic information carrier into the assembled device is a further advantageous feature of the present invention. In particular, it allows campaign information, such as advertising and promotional material 5 relevant to the brand of beverage carried by the display component, to be conveniently installed and updated in accordance with changes in the brewer's marketing strategy. It is also thought that increased beverage sales may flow as a consequence of the prominence and pleasant aesthetic disposition of branding attached to a 10 dispensing tap in the manner provided according to the invention. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided beverage dispensing equipment having a mounting device as described herein. A beverage in accordance with the present invention may include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Examples of alcoholic beverages include beer and 15 alcoholic cider. Examples of non-alcoholic beverages include carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks, brewed or fermented soft drinks such as ginger beer and non-alcoholic cider, and water. Other beverages are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. The mounting device according to the present invention is suitable for 20 displaying brand information proximate to a beverage-dispensing tap so as to indicate the brand of the particular beverage being dispensed. In particular, the mounting component may be mounted on a pipe that often forms part of beverage-dispensing tap equipment, with the display component carrying and thus displaying, the brand information. Brand information must of course be 25 changed from time to time when the beverage being dispensed through the proximate tap is changed, or when the brand information is refreshed, such as 4 when a brand or logo is updated from time to time. This is easily achieved with the present invention through replacement of the display component and does not require a corresponding disassembly of the beverage-dispensing equipment. Furthermore, the display component is attachable to the mounting component in 5 two or more selected rotational orientations. This enables the display component, and consequently the brand or other information carried thereon, to be rotated about a rotational axis passing through the mounting component to a suitable position where it is easily viewable by customers standing in front of and/or around the beverage dispensing tap. 10 Typically, the formation on the display component is annular and the aperture in the mounting component is circular. According to particularly preferred embodiments, the formation on the display component comprises first and second concentric annular formations. The locking means may also comprise a toothed formation and a 15 corresponding arrangement of grooves into which the teeth are locatable. In preferred embodiments the toothed formation and groove arrangement are round. A round toothed formation and groove arrangement enables the display component, once attached, to make a predetermined angle with a rotational axis passing through the mounting component. 20 In particularly preferred embodiments, the toothed formation is provided on the display component and the corresponding arrangement of grooves is provided on the mounting component. Optimally, the toothed formation extends from a recessed area in a surface of the display component. This enables the display component to sit, once 25 attached, substantially flush with the mounting component. Typically, the toothed formation and arrangement of grooves are both annular, with the toothed formation having radially outwardly extending teeth and the arrangement of grooves having radially inwardly extending grooves in which cooperating teeth are locatable. According to this embodiment, the cooperating 30 locking means may include a fastener that is attachable to a central region of the 5 annular toothed formation thereby securing the display component to the mounting component. According to preferred embodiments of the present invention the mounting component is mountable to a substantially horizontal pipe or the like. This 5 enables the mounting device to be mounted to horizontal pipes that often form part of tilt-to-dispense beverage dispensing equipment. The mounting component is preferably mountable to the pipe or the like by adjustable clamp means. Preferably, the mounting component includes an arched region which is 10 locatable on an upwards-facing surface of a horizontal pipe and a separate arced member that is attachable to the arched region so as to encircle the horizontal pipe and thereby mount the mounting component to the horizontal pipe. Typically, the arched region is in the shape of a half oval and the arced member is substantially u-shaped such that a substantially circular shape is formed 15 when the arced member is attached to the arched region. According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the arced member is attachable to the arched region in a manner that enables a circle of selected radial lengths to be formed. Brief Description of the Drawings 20 An embodiment of the invention will now be further explained and illustrated by reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1A is a perspective view of a prior art twist-to-dispense beer tap having a double-sided brand badge screwed into the top thereof ; Figure 1B is an elevation view of a prior art double-sided brand badge 25 disassembled from a twist-to-dispense tap; Figure 2A is a front elevation view of a prior art device for displaying brand information proximate to a tilt-to-dispense tap; Figure 2B is an elevation view of a tilt-to-dispense tap; 6 Figures 3 and 4 are exploded views of a mounting device in accordance with the invention shown proximate to a tilt-to-dispense tap; Figures 5 to 11 are views of the mounting device illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 shown in isolation; and 5 Figure 12 is a perspective view of a mounting device in accordance with the invention including a graphic information carrier.
7 Detailed Description of the Drawings An embodiment of a mounting device 10 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in Figures 3 to 12. Device 10 is suitable for, and principally used to, display to customers and bar staff, the brand of beverage that is dispensed 5 through a tilt-to-dispense tap 50. Display of the beverage brand at the point of purchase also serves to advertise and promote the brand in the minds of prospective customers. Device 10 comprises a mounting component 20 that is attached to a horizontal pipe 51 that forms part of tap equipment 50, and a display component 10 40 that is attachable to mounting component 20. Brand information is carried by display component 40 either in the shape and configuration 41 of display component 40 (as illustrated), or by indicia printed directly on display component 40 or on an intermediate label that is affixed to display component 40. It will be realised by skilled addressees that the present invention is not limited by the 15 manner in which display component 40 happens to carry information. Device 10 may be manufactured from any suitable material including electroplated metal alloys and injection moulded thermoplastics. Display component 40 is replaceable. Once mounting component 20 is attached to pipe 51, display component 40 may be attached and removed from. 20 mounting component 20 as and when required. For example, when the beverage dispensed through tap 50 is changed, then a replacement display component carrying brand information relevant to the new beverage is simply attached to mounting component 20 in the manner described below. No portion of tap equipment 51 need be disassembled in order to change the proximately displayed 25 brand information. Mounting component 20 is, in the embodiment shown, composed of a circular head member 21 in the centre of which an aperture is formed. Other head member shapes are contemplated within the scope of the invention. The aperture defines a circular void 22, with the boundary between void 22 and head 30 member 21 being designated with reference numeral 13.
8 A roughly u-shaped bevelled wall 17 extends from an arc on the surface of head member 21, downwardly and inwardly into void 22 to the boundary 13. As described in further detail below, bevelled wall acts as a contact surface for attaching display component 40 to mounting component 20. 5 A neck 23 is located below head member 21 and joins head member 21 to a shoulder member 24. It will be seen that, in the embodiments shown, neck 23 is integrally formed with head member 21, and that shoulder member 24 is integrally formed with neck 23, thus forming a unitary assembly. It will also be seen that head member 21 is, in the embodiment shown, 10 substantially planar. As most clearly illustrated in Figure 9, shoulder member 24 is roughly in the shape of a half oval and defines an arched or curved region 31 therebetween. In particular, shoulder member 24 is composed of a curved member 34 and a pair of spaced-apart, straight arms 25 that extend from each end of curved member 34. 15 Each pair of arms defines a recess 32 that extends along the length of the arms 25. An arced, cut-out region 65 (Fig 10), is located above central aperture 22. Cut-out region 65 has a greater radius of curvature than central aperture 22 and is bounded by side walls 67. Mounting component 20 further includes a separate, roughly u-shaped 20 closure member 27 that includes an integrally formed curved base member 71 and first and second straight walls 73, 75 extending from either end of base member 71. Tabs 28 extend out from each wall 73, 75 of closure member 27. A clearance hole 29 (Fig 3) is formed in each tab that is suitable to allow a screw fastener 30 to pass through. 25 Mounting component 20 is attachable to pipe 51 by first locating mounting component 20 on the upwards-facing surface of pipe 51 so that arms 25 project downwardly around lateral surfaces 52 of pipe 51. When located in this way, head member 21 projects upwardly from pipe 51. Owing to shoulder member's 24 roughly half oval shape, mounting component 20 sits securely on pipe 51 on 30 account of the curved member 34 contacting the upwards-facing surface of pipe 9 51, and the straight arms 25 making an essentially tangential contact with the lateral surfaces of pipe 51. U-shaped member 27 is then brought to the downwards-facing surface of pipe 51 and tabs 28 are slotted into recesses 32 defined by arms 25. Screws 30 are 5 screwed through holes 29 in tab 28 up into a threaded hole 33 (Fig 6) formed in the wall of shoulder member 24 from which arms 25 extend. As illustrated in Figure 8, once screwed into place, u-shaped member 27 and shoulder member 24 encircle pipe 51 and thereby mount mounting component 20 onto pipe 51. In this way an adjustable clamp means is provided. 10 Mounting component 20 includes parallel ribs 60 (Figs 4 and 11) located on u-shaped member 27 and a rubber strip 53 (Fig 7) located on the upper arc or curved region 31 that serve to retain mounting component 20 against rotation, about pipe 51, once attached. Mounting component 20 is also easily removable from pipe 51, which may 15 be required when tap equipment 51 requires cleaning and/or servicing. To remove mounting component 20, screws 30 are simply unwound and u-shaped member 27 taken from the rear-facing wall of pipe 51. Display component 40 is attached to mounting component 20 through cooperating parts provided on each component 20 and 40. On display 20 component 40, the cooperating part is in the form of first 44 and second 61 annular formations provided on rear face 42 (Figs 4 and 11) of display component 40. Second annular formation 61 is concentrically located within first annular formation 44 and has a smaller radius than annular formation 44. A tooth 62 extends radially outwardly from the upper circumferential surface of second 25 annular formation 61. An annular rail 63 (with first 44 and second 61 annular formations at its centre) projects out of the plane of rear face 42, to define a circular region 64 in its interior. Circular region 64 roughly coincides in shape with head 21 member of mounting component 20. This arrangement enables display component 40 to 30 be substantially flush with mounting component 20 once the two components are attached.
10 The cooperating part on mounting component 20 is central aperture 22 provided in head member 21. Display component 40 is attached to mounting component 20 by contacting display component 40 with head member 21, so that annular 5 formations 44 and 61 pass through central aperture 22. A rubber strip 55 (Figure 7) located on the bottom rim of head member 21 also contacts display component 40 when attached to mounting component 20 so as to reduce the occurrence of unwanted rotation of display component 40 about mounting component 20. Tooth 62 locates within cut-out region 65, and is contained within cut-out 10 region 65 by side walls 67 having a pair of opposed upstanding faces. A threaded fastening stud 47 is then passed through central aperture 22 of head member 21 until the end of a shaft portion 49 of fastening stud 47 is located at the top of a threaded circular void 69 defined by second annular formation 61. Opposed upstanding faces of side walls 67, with tooth 62, provide limit 15 means capable of interacting so as to limit the path of rotational travel of the display component 40 relative to mounting component 20. Tooth 62 is capable of abutting an upstanding face of side wall 67 so as to limit the path of rotational travel of the display component relative to mounting component 20 as the display component 40 and mounting component 20 are rotated relative to one another. 20 An alternative or additional form of limit means is provided by opposed stops 81, 82 disposed adjacent a lower edge of display component 40. Opposed stops 81, 82 are capable of abutting neck 23 of mounting component 20 so as to limit the path of rotational travel of display component 40 relative to mounting component 20 as display component 40 and mounting component 20 are rotated 25 relative to one another.
11 Once mounted, the angle of display component 40 relative to a rotational axis A (Figs 4 and 11) passing through mounting component 20 is adjustable by rotating display component 40 about axis A within cut-out region 65 until a desired position for optimum viewing of display component 40 is reached, where 5 fastening stud 47 is secured tightly to lock display component 40 from rotating. In this way a locking means is provided. Mounting component 20 may be rotated throughout an angle of approximately 50* in either direction relative to a vertical line 'B' (Fig 11). A suitable security tool, such as an 'Allen key' (not shown) is then inserted 10 into a hexagonal (or alternatively a 'snake-eye') socket 48 formed in a plate portion 56 of fastening stud 47, and fastening stud 47 is screwed into threaded circular void 69, until the first side of plate portion 56 is in contact with bevelled wall 17 and second side of plate portion 56 is flush with rear face 42 of display component 40. Once attached in this way, contact between shaft 49 and void 69 15 acts to prevent axial displacement of display component 40 away from mounting component 20 along axis 'A', and contact between plate portion 56 and bevelled wall 17 acts to prevent rotational displacement of display component about axis 'A'. Similarly, a security tool is used to remove display component 40 from 20 mounting component 20. In particular, tool is inserted into a hexagonal (or alternatively a 'snake-eye) socket 48 and unscrewed until end of shaft 49 is clear of threaded void 69. This disengages the lock between mounting component 20 and display component 40. As discussed above, the angle which mounting component 20 and display 25 component 40 make to each other when the two are attached is adjustable. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 4 and 9 mounting component 20 and display component 40 are connected parallel to each other. However, other orientations are possible where components 20 and 40 are connected at an angle to each other. Angular connection enables display component 40, and 30 consequently the brand or other information carried thereon, to be connected to mounting component 20 in a suitable position where it is easily viewable by customers standing in front of and/or around the beverage dispensing tap. The 12 orientation of display component 40 can also be suitably adjusted to display brand information to customers who are not in the immediate vicinity of the dispensing tap, with a view to influencing that customer's choice of beverage as they wait for beverage service. 5 Display component 40 also conveniently includes openings 66 and 68, each of which include side walls, cut respectively out of the top edge of display component 40 and of the upper circumferential surface of annular rail 63. Openings 66 and 68 allow a graphic information carrier 70 (Fig 12) upon which additional point-of-sale material - such as advertising indicia, information relating 10 to promotions or other pertinent information such as price or current temperature of the beverage - may be carried, to be securely inserted into mounting device 10. Graphic information carrier 70 is planar in form, can be manufactured from any suitable material including plastic and laminated cardboard, and includes a cut-out archway made up of a rectangular 72 and 15 circular region 74. Information carrier 70 is inserted into opening 66, passes through opening 68 and is pushed in a downwards direction until circular region 74 encircles and snap-fits onto annular formation 44. Once attached, the side walls of openings 66 or 68 serve to restrict rotational movement of graphical information carrier 70. 20 The word 'comprising' and forms of the word 'comprising' as used in this description and in the claims do not limit the invention claimed to exclude any variants or additions. Modifications and improvements to the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope of this invention.