EP0071532B1 - Display unit structure - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to structures intended to be used as displays in general, for example as advertising or other media intended for the exhibition or distribution to the public of objects, products or goods in general.

DE-A-2 700 947 discloses structures which can be used as removable displays, which include vertical uprights, provided with feet; between these vertical uprights one can place rectangular frames formed of tubes and supporting a panel, or one can place rods intended to carry clothes hangers for example, or even place shelves. The frames, rods or shelves are fixed to the uprights by means of collars allowing height adjustment. The whole of such a system comprises a large number of connecting pieces of the uprights to the frames, rods and shelves. On the other hand, the presentation of small objects requires the multiplication of shelves. Therefore, an assembly intended to present objects of variable size is complicated.

Document ER-A-2 196 770 describes a shop fitting system in which vertical tubular uprights, similar to those of the previous document, are interconnected by horizontal tubular crosspieces which can be used to carry clothes hangers. The connection of these crosspieces with the vertical uprights is made using the connecting pieces which thread coaxially in these crosspieces and in these vertical uprights. This document also provides that particular tubular elements, split lengthwise, constitute glass surrounds while constituting vertical uprights. This provision would be difficult to apply in particular to shelves carrying objects of various sizes, since it would require strengthening of the uprights , to allow them to resist the torsional torques resulting from an asymmetrical distribution of the weights, and the presence of additional means to prevent the sliding of the shelves down the slot.

We know, from FR-A-13 31 034, the use as mesh display racks constituted by horizontal and vertical bars, the horizontal bars being able to support either objects which are attached to them, or shelves of variable size. Such a lattice makes it possible to solve problems of adaptation to objects of presentation of variable size, on the other hand, this document does not provide anything to ensure the rigidity and the maintenance of these lattices, and is limited to the case where they are fixed on a Wall.

The present invention aims to provide a removable display which is both usable for objects of variable size and whose assembly, maintenance and possible modifications can be carried out in a simple manner and with the use of a very reduced number of accessory parts.

According to the invention a structure adapted in particular for display in general, comprising horizontal uprights (11) and vertical (12) these being tubular at least at their ends and rigidly assembled together to form-support frames for a plurality of elements for supporting objects or goods or for said objects or goods themselves, and holding means for supporting said support frames and for connecting them, these means comprising vertical uprights, is characterized in that that said vertical uprights (12) which form part of the support frames are merged with the vertical uprights which form part of the holding means,
in that said vertical uprights (12), as well as the horizontal uprights (11) support a mesh lattice panel (known per se) constituted by a series of bars (13,14) directed horizontally and vertically, each of the horizontal bars (13) being intended to provide the support and anchoring function for objects or goods or for object holders applied to these bars,
and in that the horizontal and vertical uprights are superposed orthogonally at their ends forming the angles of said support frames, so as to leave free and clear the mouth of these ends, so that it is possible to couple frames adjacent supports by coaxial threading of connecting elements in said ends.

The modular element rests on the ground by means of elements serving as a base, coupled by simple coaxial threading by force, the ends of the uprights as well as the ends of these basic elements being provided for this purpose.

The modular characteristics of the structure according to the invention allow the composition of exhibition surfaces formed by two or more modular elements which are associated and fixed reciprocally to each other by means of junction elements each intended to be interposed and inserted coaxially by force through the corresponding ends of the horizontal or vertical uprights of these modular elements, these connecting elements preferably being engaged by half their length inside each end. This allows the application of an easy and fast system for the assembly of several modular elements which can be associated in horizontal development, by coplanar longitudinal flanking with anchoring provided by means of the corresponding horizontal uprights of each module or else in vertical development by overlapping, with coupling by means of the respective vertical uprights, the two arrangements being possible simultaneously as well as two-sided couplings.

Another characteristic of the invention consists in the fact that it makes it possible to assemble compositions of variable geometry, for example polygonal, in broken line, etc., or of other configurations or combinations according to the fantasy or according to the most variable various employment needs, essentially thanks to particular joining elements which can be combined in groups articulated centrally by one of their ends, so that each element can be put in place in the same direction as the corresponding module with which it is intended to be coupled, however, another end of this element engages by coaxial threading in the respective end of the corresponding horizontal upright.

• FIG. 1 représente en perspective un élément modulaire destiné à composer la structure du présentoir selon l'invention ;
• FIG. 2 représente, en perspective, un présentoir déjà assemblé comprenant un seul élément modulaire figuré avec l'application d'un élément porteobjets ;
• FIG. 3 est une nue perspective partielle d'un présentoir à huit modules, illustrant l'association des éléments consécutifs en la phase d'assemblage ;
• FIG. 4 représente quelques composants pour la fixation et l'ancrage des modules de support ;
• FIG. 5 est une vue perspective explosée d'un présentoir qui a été rendu tournant autour d'un axe vertical ;
• FIG. 6 est une vue partielle en perspective d'une forme d'exécution de l'invention pour permettre de mieux comprendre la particularité de l'assemblage par diverses compositions géométriques ;
• FIG.7 est une vue perspective explosée d'un autre exemple d'exécution illustrant l'assemblage d'un présentoir à disposition circulaire ;
• FIG. 8 est une vue de détail représentant l'association de deux éléments de jonction destinés à l'association et l'ancrage des modules des figures 6 et 7 ;
• FIG. 9 représente une autre forme d'exécution d'un élément porte-objets à appliquer sur le présentoir.

The characteristics of the invention and its advantages which derive therefrom, as well as others, will now be described below with the aid of embodiments illustrated by way of nonlimiting examples by the following figures in which:

• FIG. 1 shows in perspective a modular element intended to compose the structure of the display unit according to the invention;
• FIG. 2 shows, in perspective, an already assembled display comprising a single modular element shown with the application of an object holder element;
• FIG. 3 is a bare partial perspective of a display with eight modules, illustrating the association of the consecutive elements in the assembly phase;
• FIG. 4 shows some components for fixing and anchoring the support modules;
• FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a display unit which has been made to rotate about a vertical axis;
• FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the invention to allow a better understanding of the particularity of the assembly by various geometric compositions;
• FIG.7 is an exploded perspective view of another exemplary embodiment illustrating the assembly of a display unit with circular arrangement;
• FIG. 8 is a detail view showing the association of two junction elements intended for the association and anchoring of the modules of FIGS. 6 and 7;
• FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of an object-carrying element to be applied to the display.

Referring to the figures, the invention essentially comprises a modular element 10 consisting (fig. 1) of a tubular peripheral frame formed by two horizontal uprights 11 and two vertical uprights 12. The ends of the horizontal uprights 11 are superimposed and solidly united at the ends of the vertical uprights 12 so as to form the four corners of the chassis, their mouths (interior surface area of the uprights) being left free and unobstructed. This solution was adopted to guarantee the possibilities of being able to receive and insert by coaxial threading various organs intended the possible association between modular elements or other structural components. Said uprights 11 and 12 frame as an edge a lattice-shaped panel, with rectangular meshes in the illustrated embodiment, and obtained by a series of horizontal bars 13 parallel to one another, suitably spaced, having their ends securely joined to the uprights vertical 12 and suitably stiffened by other bars 14 which are perpendicular to the first and whose ends are joined to the uprights 11.

During use, the bars 13 serve to support, for example, elements 15 (fig. 2) capable of supporting the goods which it is desired to exhibit and which are intended simply to be placed on the bars 13, the necessary solid anchoring thereon being ensured.

The coupling of a module 12 with a structural element having the function of serving as a base, makes it possible to construct a structure usable as a single-module display. This basic structure indicated at 16 in fig. 2 consists, in the embodiment shown, of two end support elements 17 urgedly linked to a tubular frame 18 in the form of an open polygon, the upper ends of this polygon are suitably restricted so as to be threaded coaxially by force fitting removably inside the lower ends of the uprights 12.

It is obvious, however, that the invention is not limited to this particular form of foundation 16 as has just been described, but that it can be produced in various forms, for example in the form of an easel, in the form folding, etc., according to job requirements. It is also planned to fix the module 12 directly on a wall, using added elements (not shown) to be applied to each of the four corners of the peripheral frame by coupling them to the ends of the uprights 11.

An element 19 (FIG. 2) can also be applied above the module 10 so as to form a plate with advertising function. This element 19 carries suitably restricted tubular appendages 20 (FIG. 3) intended to couple in the same manner as that which has already been described for operation 16, with the upper ends of the uprights 12.

The modular characteristics of the element 10 allow the composition of structures formed of two elements 10 or more, always taking advantage for their mutual association of the coaxial threading, by force, always in a removable manner, of the various components and added components capable of bonding and anchoring.

Consequently, it would also be possible, for example, to form display surfaces for display stands according to the invention, by assembling two or more modules 10 in horizontal or vertical development, or else by association of devices in a two-sided position, ie that is to say with the exposure faces opposite one another, back to back.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 corresponds to a structure composed of eight modules 10 in bifacial position with two back-to-back exposure surfaces of four modules superimposed in two stages.

The assembly of such a structure is achieved by coupling laterally to each lower pair of two back-to-back modules 10, a foundation 21 by means of upper 22 and lower 23 tubular appendages which is provided with the side of each of the foundations 21, and intended to be coupled, as already said, by coaxial threading by force, with the ends of the uprights 11 respectively upper and lower.

The successive longitudinal and coplanar association of the two lower pairs of modules 10 is achieved by the interposition, still by force coaxial engagement, between the corresponding ends of the uprights 11 of junction elements 24, constituted (fig. 4) of a tubular body whose end is suitably restricted (to facilitate insertion) and having at the center of said tubular body, an annular projection 25. Each of these elements 24 will remain engaged until the middle of its length, inside d 'one of the adjacent ends of the uprights through which it has been interposed, thus achieving a suitable rigid fixing between the two uprights so that the two modules 10 are thus fixed and securely attached to one another, the connection being however removable.

The development in vertical direction of the structure, that is to say the superposition of the other four modules 10 in the case under consideration, is carried out by the interposition between the ends of the vertical uprights 12, other junction elements 24 such as this has already been described above.

The structure is completed by assembling at the upper part of two elements 19 forming an advertising plate but intended for applications in a two-sided structure and intended to be coupled to the upper ends of the uprights 12 in the manner already described; an anchor plate 26 with four holes and a plate 27 with two holes are interposed, respectively, in the middle and on the side (Figures 3 and 4) so as to ensure better stability of the structure. Similarly, an element 28 (FIGS. 3 and 4) is also provided carrying four tubular appendages 29 also suitably restricted, intended to be applied centrally and below, these appendages 29 being coupled to the corresponding ends of the uprights 12. The foundation 21, in the example described, has feet 30.

In another embodiment, according to Figure 5, the display comprises a base frame 31 provided with feet 30, and which carries axially a central axis 32 around which is mounted, so as to be able to rotate, a plate 33 carrying each of its ends, two tubular appendages 34. These are intended to be coupled inside the lower end of the uprights 12 of modules 10, these are assembled in bifacial arrangement and the upper ends of their uprights 12 are mated with the tubular appendages 20 of a plate-shaped element 19. Beforehand, the end 35a of a tubular axis 35 is inserted into the upper end of the central tubular axis 32 and an anchor plate 36 is interposed which has two holes at each of its ends and in the center, another hole for the passage of the upper end of the tubular axis 35. This gives a display having a bifacial arrangement of modules 10 back-to-back, capable of being able to rotate around an axis, more precisely around the vertical axis, constituted by the tubular parts 32 and 35.

Obviously, all the assemblies between the various components of the structure which have just been described are also produced by coaxial threading by force and are removable as in the previous cases.

Another characteristic of the invention is that it makes it possible to obtain an articulated composition with varied geometric configurations at will obtained by assembling two modules 10 or more. One can, in particular, assemble articulated structures having a polygonal outline, for example, in a broken line, etc. or else in the form of prismatic solids, for example a structure in parallelepiped or with triangular base or with square base, etc. ... The side surfaces in all cases consist of an articulated plurality of modules 10 and with each side of the plurimodular side surfaces, with a composition with horizontal or vertical development, depending on the need for use, are achievable with the system assembly according to the invention.

This is made possible subsubstantially by the use of additional joining elements 37 (figs. 6, 7 and 8) bent in an L shape, and having a flattened end 37a (FIG. 8) in which a hole 38 is provided, and the other end 37b of which is capable of supporting a substantially cylindrical and expanding element 39, for example made of rubber or other suitable elastic material, anchored to the wall of the end 37b, preferably by means of a screw 40 or the like, the rod of which passes axially through said element 39, which is forced against the end 37b by means of a locking nut 41.

Such junction elements 37 can be associated (figs. 6, 7 and 8) in groups of two or more elements, by superposition of their ends 37a, so that the threaded rod of a normal screw 42 can pass through their holes 38, where it is finally locked by means of a nut 43 after having previously predetermined the reciprocal orientation of the elements 37; this orientation is the same as that in which the corresponding modular elements 10 will be arranged. These are finally associated with the elements 37 by coaxial threading of the elements 39 inside the end of each of the uprights 11 which thus reciprocally achieve the stable association thanks to the expansion of the elements 39 caused by the actuation. of screw 40.

The example in FIG. 5 represents a structure composed of three modules 10. arranged radially. In this embodiment are provided parallelepipedic foundations 41 provided at their ends with two tubular elements 45 which can be threaded inside the ends of the vertical uprights 12 of the module 10 by means of their projecting and restricted ends 45a.

The form of execution described in fig. 7 shows a structure with a circular arrangement which comprises a cylindrical base 46 which supports, in its center, a group of four cylindrical rods 47 linked together, in a stable manner, by means of a support frame formed by rods 48 which then move apart radially and each carry one of the vertical rods 47 and at their opposite end, a cylindrical peripheral rod 49, fixed to the internal wall of the base 46, each of the rods 49 being designed to carry at its lower part a support leg 30 The rods 47 and 49 have upper ends 47a and 49a, suitably narrowed so that they can be coupled, as mentioned above, by coaxial threading by force, inside the lower ends of the uprights 12 of the modules 10. Consequently, it follows that these four modules are arranged radially, forming between them four right angles in the example described. At the upper part, the mounting and fixing of the uprights 11 of the modules 12 is ensured by means of junction elements 37, associated in a group of elements locked by screws 42 and nuts 43.

Plates 51, each of which has the shape of a circular sector with a truncated top, of an extent corresponding to a right angle, are provided, on their curved side, with an edge 52 and, on the opposite side, with another edge 53, which laterally has a short projection 53a. These plates 51 are intended to be interposed between the pairs of modules 10; the short projection 53a of the edge 53 is made to press on one of the bars 13, and to ensure the anchoring of the opposite part of the plate 51, two hooks 54 are intended to be hung each on a bar 13 near the external uprights 12 modules 10.

The anchoring of the plates 51 at the same level makes it possible to obtain a plurality of plates united in coplanar groups. Such plates 51 can be placed at will in any position, for example, in several superimposed planes and possibly with level offset between them, according to the requirements of use and individual requirements. In all cases, the modules 10 also fulfill the support function, that of dividing partitions between two adjacent contiguous planes 51, which makes it possible to obtain a plurality of compartments.

In the example described, the structure is completed above by an element 55 which forms an advertising plate, and on which are fixed to the internal part, in correspondence with the base 46, four cylindrical rods 56, the lower ends 56a of which are intended to be coupled with the corresponding upper ends of the uprights 12 in a similar manner to what has already been described.

The present embodiment may also include another arrangement of modules 10 to be assembled in different numbers and with other angular arrangements, for example three modules 10 arranged at 120 °, allowing the use of grate plates and using substantially the same method of assembly.

The structures described above allow the application to each module 10 of affixed elements, these being largely with modular characteristics and intended to support or contain objects or products in general, intended for exhibition or distribution to the public, the form of these elements being different according to the use for which they are intended. Thus, for example, it is possible to provide bottle-holder support elements, brochure holders, dish-holder, etc. These elements are in any case formed so as to be applicable in a simple manner by means of hooks or the like, on the bars 13 of each module 10, thus ensuring, each time, a solid anchoring.

Certain embodiments of the wide range of such elements are represented in FIG. 9. On this, we see a fold-out element 57, another element with book-holding trays 58, a grid element 15 which is a view enlarged of the elements visible in FIG. 2. Finally, a basket-shaped element 59 and a console element 60 are shown.

Another advantage of the invention finally consists in the fact that the assembly system of the various elements constituting the structure of the display unit produced essentially by coupling with coaxial threading by force, also allows, consequently, an easy disassembly of the structure itself. even, simply by removing the components themselves thus allowing a new assembly according to the same system.

The structure of the invention can be produced in any mode of manufacture and in any suitable material, preferably, for example, the modules 10 may include uprights 11 and 12, in metal tubular profile or another type of suitable profile.

Likewise, the basic elements and the object-carrying elements as well as all the other components can be produced in any material suitable for the use for which they are intended.

Claims (7)

1. Structure particularly suited to realization of supports for displays generally, comprising horizontal (11) and vertical bars (12), tubular at least at their extremities, and rigidly put together for the purpose of realizing frameworks for supporting a quantity of elements carrying objects or goods, or for directly supporting the objects or goods themselves, and coupling means for sustaining said supporting frameworks and connecting them one to another, said means comprising vertical bars, characterized in
   that the said vertical bars (12) of the supporting framework are in one with the vertical bars of the coupling means,
   that the said vertical bars (12), as well as the horizontal bars (11) sustain a grid panel (already known) consisting of a series of rods (13, 14) placed horizontally and vertically, each horizontal rod (13) being utilizable for supporting and firmly holding objects or goods, or holders for such objects and goods, placed upon said rods, and in that the horizontal and vertical bars are placed perpendicularly one upon the other at their extremities forming the corners of said supporting frames, in such a way as to leave free the entry holes of said extremities and make it possible to fit on adjacent supporting frames by coaxial insertion of connecting parts inside said extremities.
2. Structure according to claim 1 characterized in that coupling of the extremities of the bars forming the modular element's external framework is possible by forced insertion of extremities of supplementary elements (18) designed to form the base (16) enabling said modular element to stand on the ground.
3. Structure according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the display surface can be enlarged by connection to it of two or more modular elements reciprocally joined and held together by means of joining elements (24) each designed for placing between, and forced coaxial insertion through, the corresponding extremities of the horizontal bars (11) or vertical bars (10) so as to form a strong and rigid connection which permits longitudinal coplanar coupling of two or more modular elements coupled to and corresponding with the horizontal bars or else superimposition of said modules by means of the corresponding vertical bars or else a simultaneous combination of both types of coupling.
4. Structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that joining elements (37) can be associated together in groups by connecting their ends at a central point in such a way that each element can be installed in the same direction as a corresponding modular element with which it is to be coupled, the other extremity of said element being coupled by coaxial insertion into the corresponding extremity of a horizontal bar so that articulated compositions can be assembled as needed consisting of various geometrical or fancy configurations obtained either by assembling two or more modular elements or by combining two or more display surfaces realized in accordance with claim 3.
5. Structure according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that supporting and connecting elements are envisaged by means of which two-sided arrangements can be made obtained by placing two or more modules back to back with display surfaces realized in accordance with claim 4.
6. Structure according to one of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that the assembly system makes mounting possible by merely fitting the extremities of the modular element's bars onto the respective elements provided for assembling and connecting them and also makes disassembly and re-assembly possible in accordance with the same assembly system.
7. Structure according to one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that elements are envisaged for sustaining the above mentioned objects or products for display, realized in a wide range of forms suited to the use requirements for which they are made and all so shaped that they can be simply put onto and held by the horizontal rods (13) of the modular element.

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