AU2017248410A1 - Display System - Google Patents

Abstract

A display system including a plurality of display compartments, each configured to receive and display one or more items for sale, is provided. The display compartments are configured to pivot relative to each other such that in a first configuration, a first display compartment of the display compartments is closed by a second display compartment and in a second configuration, the first display compartment is not closed. 145a \14-0 00000 :0140 130 1 45a 150 -o * loa i*135 Figure 2 Figure 3

Description

DISPLAY SYSTEM

2017248410 16 Oct 2017

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a display system. In particular, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to a retail display system.

BACKGROUND ART [0002] Traditionally, items for sale have been displayed on shelves in retail stores. In such case, the shelves are used to display different items side-by-side, and above and below each other. In order to display a large number of items, shelves are often arranged in rows, such that potential customers are able to navigate down the rows to access the items for sale. Such configuration is typical for large supermarkets and retail stores.

[0003] A problem, however, with using shelves for display is that they are particularly bulky for the amount of product that they are used to display. In particular, when items are stacked on a shelf, only the forward most items are visible to the potential customer, and as a result, the rear portions of the shelf primarily function as storage. As such, shelves are not particularly suited in environments where space is limited.

[0004] A further problem with shelves is that they are generally provided against a wall or similar barrier, or incorporate a similar such barrier. As such, the use of shelves, as is known in the prior art, is not suited to environments where such barrier is not appropriate.

[0005] As such, there is clearly an improved display system.

[0006] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0007] The present invention is directed to a display system, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0008] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a display system including a plurality of display compartments, each configured to receive and display one or more items for sale, wherein the display compartments are configured to pivot

2017248410 16 Oct 2017 relative to each other such that in a first configuration, a first display compartment of the display compartments is closed by a second display compartment; and in a second configuration, the first display compartment is not closed.

[0009] Advantageously, the display compartments enable a relatively large number of items to be displayed in a small area, as a potential customer is able to interactively move between display compartments.

[0010] Preferably, the first and second display compartments define a closed chamber in the first configuration.

[0011] Preferably, the display compartments comprise a substantially planar base. Preferably, the display compartments comprise a frame, wherein the planar base fills the frame.

[0012] Preferably, the frame defines one display compartment on one side of the planar base, and another display compartment on the other side of the planar base.

[0013] Preferably, the display compartment is thin. Preferably, the display compartments are each page-like, and the plurality of display compartments are arranged in a book-like arrangement.

[0014] Preferably, the display compartments are arranged such that in one configuration, the compartments are substantially parallel.

[0015] Preferably, the display system includes a stand portion, configured to support the display compartments. The stand portion may be configured to extend upwardly from a floor.

[0016] The stand portion may be configured to directly support at least one display compartment, and indirectly support one or more other display compartments.

[0017] The stand portion may be configured to support a first end of a frame of a display compartment, and a wheel may be configured to at least partially support an opposing end of the frame.

[0018] The display compartments may be substantially rectangular in shape. The display compartments may be between about 1,4m high and about 2m high. The display compartments may be less than about 100mm thick. The display compartments may be about 60mm thick.

[0019] Preferably, the display system includes one or more switches configured to selectively power the display compartments based upon a position of the display compartment

2017248410 16 Oct 2017 relative to another display compartment.

[0020] Preferably, the switches are configured to selectively provide power to lights of the display compartments. Alternatively or additionally, the switches may be configured to selectively power items displayed in the display system.

[0021] The display compartments may be coupled to each other in series by a plurality of hinges. The hinges may be arranged in a staggered arrangement between display compartments.

[0022] The display compartments may include magnets, configured to bias the display compartments towards a closed configuration.

[0023] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0024] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0025] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 illustrates a front view of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a display portion of the display system with a stand portion removed;

[0028] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the stand portion of the display system with the display portion removed;

[0029] Figure 4 illustrates a bottom view of the display portion of the display system with the stand portion and hinges removed;

[0030] Figure 5 illustrates a top view of the display portion of the display system with the stand portion and hinges removed; and [0031] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of adjacent display panels of the system with a

2017248410 16 Oct 2017 base panel thereof removed.

[0032] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0033] Figure 1 illustrates a front view of a display system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The display system 100 is particularly useful in displaying a large number of products in a small area. The display system 100 is also particularly useful in displaying these products away from walls or similar structures, including in walkways of shopping malls and the like.

[0034] The display system 100 includes a stand 105 and a display portion 110. The display portion 110 comprises a plurality of display pages 110a, each of which is hingedly attached to an adjacent display page 110a. As such, a potential customer can interact with the display system 100 by opening display pages 110a, in much the same way a reader moves between pages in a book.

[0035] Each of the display pages 110a comprises a frame 115 and a planar display surface 120 which fills the frame to define display compartments 125 on each side of the display page 110a for receiving items for sale (not illustrated). The item for sale is advantageously small, such as an item of jewellery, but may even include large, but relatively thin items, such as Christmas lights and decorations.

[0036] The display compartment 125 is of a depth to accommodate the thickness of the items therein, such that the display pages 110a are able to be closed while the items are located therein. In such case, the opposing compartments 125 of adjacent pages 110a define an enclosed cavity in which the items are wholly received.

[0037] As outlined above, the display pages 110a are hingedly attached to each other, and by a plurality of hinges 130. As best illustrated in Figure 2, each page 110a is coupled to an adjacent page by upper and lower hinges 130. The hinges 130 are staggered to maximise a distance between respective upper and lower hinges 130, while offsetting adjacent hinges.

[0038] Such configuration enables the use of larger and thus stronger hinges 130, as

2017248410 16 Oct 2017 mounting portions on each side of the hinge may utilise more than half of the width of each frame 115. Furthermore, such configuration ensures that fasteners are spaced along a length of the frame 115, which retains structural integrity of the frame.

[0039] As best illustrated in Figure 3, the stand 105 comprises a base portion 135, which is advantageously mounted to the ground using fasteners (such as bolts), and a support 140 which extends upwardly therefrom. The support 140 includes first and second lower hinge portions 145 a, which are spaced apart, and are configured to engage with first and second upper hinge portions 145b of the display portion, and thus form a hinge 145.

[0040] In particular, the lower hinge portions 145 a engage with and support the upper hinge portions 145b. This enables the display portion 110 to be easily installed (and removed from) the stand 105 by lifting and lowering the display portion 110 onto the stand 105. As such, the stand 105 may be installed onto the floor without the display portion 110 being attached, which simplifies installation significantly.

[0041] This further enables display systems 100 to be easily updated, as the display portion 110 may be simply lifted off and replaced with another display portion 110. Similarly, at night or when the display system 100 is not used, the display portion 110 may be removed from the stand 105 and stored securely.

[0042] The first and second upper hinge portions 145b of the display portion 110 are located on a display page 110a that is central to the other display pages 110a. This reduces the number of hinges 130 between each of the display pages 110a and the stand 105. Furthermore, each of the display pages 110a includes a support wheel 150, located on a lower side of the frame 115 thereof to provide additional support to the display page 110a, and thus remove (or reduce) stress on the hinges 130 and 145.

[0043] As best illustrated in Figure 4, each of the display pages 110a includes a magnet 155 on a lower edge of the frame 115 thereof, for engaging with a magnet 155 of an adjacent display page 110a. The magnets 155 are configured to bias the display pages 110a into a closed position. The skilled addressee will readily appreciate that in other embodiments, magnets 155 need not be provided on each display page 110a, and, for example, a magnet 155 of one display page 110a may engage with a ferrous material (e.g. steel body) of another display page 110a (rather than another magnet 155).

[0044] The display system 100 is advantageously electrically illuminated, and includes lights (not illustrated), which are selectively powered according to a position of a page 110a

2017248410 16 Oct 2017 relative to another page 110a. In particular, each “pair” of display pages 110a includes a switch 160, which is configured to selectively power the light when the pages 110a are open, and not power the light when the pages 110a are closed.

[0045] As illustrated in Figure 6, a powered supply line 165 enters through a switch line aperture 170 of the frame 115 and extends upwardly within the frame 115 to the switch 160, and then from the switch 160 back out through the switch line aperture 170. The switched supply line 165 is then split and enters the frame 115, and the frame 115 of an adjacent panel 110a through respective power inlet apertures 175, to respective junction points 180 for powering the lights. A neutral (or earth) line 185 extends from the junction points 180 back to and through the power inlet apertures 175. The power supply line 165 and the neutral (or earth) line 185 may then be coupled to a power supply, such as a mains power supply.

[0046] In use, the switch 160 is configured to open a circuit at the supply line 165 of the associated display pages 110a when the pair of pages 110a is closed (i.e. abutting each other) and close the circuit (and thus enable power to continue to the junction point 180) when the pair of pages 110a is open (i.e. not abutting each other).

[0047] As a result, the lights (or other items that are coupled to the junction point 180) are automatically turned off when the pair of pages 110a is closed, and automatically turned on when the pair of pages 110a is opened. This not only saves power in that lights are turned off when not needed, but can also prevent fire or damage to the items displayed in the system 100 caused by heat of an enclosed light.

[0048] The switches 160 may comprise a mechanical proximity switch, or any suitable switch. The skilled addressee will readily appreciate that any directionality associated with the supply line 165 and the neutral (or earth) line 185 may be reverse. Furthermore, as the front and rear pages 110a have surfaces which are never closed, the lights therein may be constantly powered, i.e. not switched.

[0049] In one embodiment, the display system is particularly configured to display electrical items, such as Christmas lights. In such case, the lights described above may be replaced by the electrical items, which are coupled to the switches such that they are selectively powered in the manner described above. In the case of Christmas lights, a customer may navigate between pages 110a containing lights such that the lights are automatically turned on when the page is opened.

[0050] The frame 115 may be formed of any suitable material, such as steel, stainless steel,

2017248410 16 Oct 2017 aluminium, plastic or wood. Preferably, the frame is at least about 1,4m high. The frame may be about 2m high. The frame may be less than about 100mm deep. The frame may be about 60mm deep.

[0051] Advantageously, the display system 100 comprises an interactive display system, with which a potential customer may interact, which maximizes display space in a small area. As such, the display system is particularly useful for stand-alone displays, which may be placed in or near thoroughfares, walkways or in shopping malls or shopping centres.

[0052] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0053] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0054] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. A display system including a plurality of display compartments, each configured to receive and display one or more items for sale, wherein the display compartments are configured to pivot relative to each other such that in a first configuration, a first display compartment of the display compartments is closed by a second display compartment; and in a second configuration, the first display compartment is not closed.

2. The display system of claim 1, wherein each display compartment is defined by a frame and a substantially planar base, wherein the planar base fills the frame, and wherein the frame defines one display compartment on one side of the planar base, and another display compartment on the other side of the planar base.

3. The display system of claim 1, including a stand portion, configured to support the display compartments, the stand portion configured to extend upwardly from a floor and to support a first end of a frame of a display compartment, the display system further comprising a wheel configured to at least partially support an opposing end of the frame.

4. The display system of claim 1, further including one or more switches configured to selectively power the display compartments based upon a position of the display compartment relative to another display compartment.

5. The display system of claim 1, wherein the display compartments are each page-like, and the plurality of display compartments are arranged in a book-like arrangement.