EP1825791A2 - Rotatable connector for a display system - Google Patents
Rotatable connector for a display system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1825791A2 EP1825791A2 EP07003795A EP07003795A EP1825791A2 EP 1825791 A2 EP1825791 A2 EP 1825791A2 EP 07003795 A EP07003795 A EP 07003795A EP 07003795 A EP07003795 A EP 07003795A EP 1825791 A2 EP1825791 A2 EP 1825791A2
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- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- arm
- surface coupling
- slotted
- coupled
- frame
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 115
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 115
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 115
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 45
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 241000589596 Thermus Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008520 organization Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- A47F5/00—Show stands, hangers, or shelves characterised by their constructional features
- A47F5/0081—Show stands or display racks with movable parts
- A47F5/0087—Show stands or display racks with movable parts movable around an axis
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- A47F5/00—Show stands, hangers, or shelves characterised by their constructional features
- A47F5/10—Adjustable or foldable or dismountable display stands
- A47F5/101—Display racks with slotted uprights
- A47F5/103—Display shelving racks with the uprights aligned in only one plane
Definitions
- the following description relates generally to display systems, such as display systems employed in retail stores for merchandising, and more particularly to coupling an arm to a slotted display such that the arm is rotatable (or pivots about an axis).
- hangers, hooks, shelving, etc. are commonly used in retail stores for displaying merchandise and/or information.
- Various types of support systems to which such hangers, hooks, brackets, shelving, etc. can be coupled to form a display are also known.
- peg boards, slotted displays (e.g., slotted standards, slotted tubing, etc.), and other types of supports (or "frames") are available for coupling hangers, etc. to.
- Merchandise and/or information can then be provided on the hangers, hooks, or other display mechanisms that are coupled to the support frame.
- slotted standards are commonly used for forming a support frame, where brackets for supporting shelves thereon are coupled to slots in the slotted standards.
- brackets for supporting shelves are generally coupled in a perpendicular orientation to a slotted standard.
- hooks, hangers, and other merchandise display items that may be coupled to a support frame are generally fixedly oriented relative to the support frame.
- Such fixed orientation is often disadvantageous.
- the display mechanisms e.g., hangers, brackets for supporting shelves, etc.
- the display mechanisms extend outward into the aisle of a store, they are prone to damage by accidental knocks from passing customers.
- the merchandise being displayed thereby may be damaged or displaced by such knocks.
- display mechanisms may injure a shopper who knocks into them.
- RMUs retail merchandising units
- efficient utilization of space for displaying merchandise and information is very desirable.
- Many businesses use RMUs to establish an effective storefront through which they can conduct retail sales in public areas, such as shopping malls, theme parks, sports arenas, and a wide variety of other public venues.
- An RMU may, for example, be implemented as a kiosk or other structure.
- RMUs may be employed for a vendor (e.g., retailer) to market its merchandise to prospective customers and conduct sales transactions with customers.
- an RMU generally includes shelves (or other display mechanisms) for displaying the vendor's merchandise to prospective customers when the RMU is open for business.
- RMUs also generally include at least some amount of storage space for storing the vendor's inventory of merchandise.
- RMUs further include a cash register and/or other equipment (e.g., computer, credit card processing equipment, etc.) for conducting point of sale (POS) transactions with customers.
- POS point of sale
- RMUs often provide a relatively low-cost alternative for a vendor to obtain a storefront in a public area. That is, an RMU may be used by a vendor to establish a storefront in a public area (which may be a highly desirable area with high visibility and customer traffic, such as a busy shopping mall) with much less overhead than is associated with traditional retail stores. For instance, while RMUs do not provide the amount of retail space that is afforded by a traditional retail store, RMUs may be arranged in walkways (e.g., halls of shopping malls, etc.) or other available space. Traditional retail stores commonly have 1000 square feet of space (and much more in many instances), while RMUs generally consume from approximately 10 square feet to approximately 150 square feet.
- RMUs generally do not consume a large amount of space (as compared to traditional retail stores) and because the RMUs can often be placed in otherwise unused areas, RMUs may incur very economical rent and utility costs. Further, an owner of a given space, such as a shopping mall, may benefit by allowing RMUs to be arranged within the otherwise unused portions of such space to increase the offerings of goods/services within the space and to realize income from the rental of such RMUs which would not otherwise be realized from such unused portions of the space. Many types of businesses can be effectively run without requiring the space afforded by a traditional retail store, and may instead be capable of effectively displaying and conducting sales of their merchandise in an RMU. RMUs thus offer such businesses a relatively low-cost alternative for establishing a storefront in a desirable area.
- RMUs Because of the relatively limited space provided by RMUs, it is often desirable to utilize the space available within the RMU in a most efficient manner for displaying merchandise and/or information. Thus, a fixed orientation of display mechanisms (such as brackets for supporting shelves, hangers, etc.) undesirably limit the vendors options as to how best to arrange the display for efficiently utilizing the available space.
- a method of forming a display comprises coupling to a slotted tube a member having a passage. The method further comprises aligning a passage of an arm with the member's passage, and coupling a through-surface coupling mechanism through the aligned passages, wherein the through-surface coupling mechanism forms an axis about which the arm can rotate.
- the member is a bracket comprising a male connector for coupling with a female slot of the slotted tube.
- the member is an end cap that caps an end of the slotted tube.
- the through-surface coupling mechanism may be, as examples, a nut, bolt, pin, rod, or any combination thereof.
- the member is a bracket that is capable of being removably connected to any of a plurality of different slots in the slotted tube.
- the bracket can be connected to slotted tube at a desired position, and the arm coupled to the bracket can be rotated about the axis formed by the through-surface coupling mechanism to a desired orientation relative to the slotted tube. That is, the arm is not restricted to a fixed positioned relative to the slotted tube. For instance, the arm is not required to be positioned perpendicular to the slots of the slotted tube. Rather, the arm can be rotated about the axis to a desired position, which may be advantageous for forming a display within given space constraints (such as within the space constraints of a retail merchandising unit), for example.
- a system comprises a slotted frame comprising female slots.
- the system further comprises a member coupled to the slotted frame, wherein the member comprises a first through-surface coupling portion.
- the system further comprises an arm comprising a second through-surface coupling portion, and a through-surface coupling mechanism for coupling through the first through-surface coupling portion and the second through-surface coupling portion, thereby providing an axis about which the arm can rotate.
- the member comprises a bracket having a male connector portion for mating with at least one of the female slots of the slotted frame.
- the member comprises an end cap that caps a column of the slotted frame.
- Embodiments of the present invention provide an arm that is rotatably connected to a slotted display frame, which advantageously provides a vendor flexibility as to how best to orient the arm to most effectively utilize available display space. This is particularly advantageous when employed within a RMU in which display space is relatively limited.
- FIGURE 1 shows an exemplary system 10 to which embodiments of a rotatable arm described further herein may be coupled.
- System 10 comprises a slotted frame with columns 101A-101E that each have female slots.
- column 101A comprises female slots, such as slots 105A and 105B specifically labeled in FIGURE 1.
- each column comprises at least one row of female slots. More specifically, in this example, each column has a row of female slots that are vertically aligned.
- System 10 also comprises upper horizontal portions 102A-102D that interconnect between the columns 101A-101E, as shown. Similarly, lower horizontal portions 103A-103D interconnect between the columns 101A-101E, as shown.
- System 10 may be a modular display support system, such as that described in concurrently filed and commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/361,674 (Attorney Docket No. 66477-P003 US-10601572 ) titled “MODULAR RETAIL MERCHANDISE DISPLAY SYSTEM", the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- system 10 may comprise various modular parts that are coupled together, such as vertical portions 104A-104C that interconnect to form column 101A. Each of the columns may be capped with a cap component having a base plate 501, such as described further below with FIGURE 5.
- System 10 may be referred to herein as a support or a "frame”.
- the terms “support” and “frame” are intended to encompass any structure to which display mechanisms (e.g., brackets, arms, hangers, hooks, etc.) can be coupled.
- FIGURE 2 shows an exploded view of an exemplary arm 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- Arm 20 comprises an elongated arm portion 203 to which a through-surface coupling portion (or "passage") 201 is coupled (e.g., welded).
- Through-surface coupling portion 201 comprises a hole 204 therethrough.
- through-surface coupling portion 201 is a hollow tube.
- through-surface coupling portion 201 is coupled to one end of elongated arm portion 203.
- a second through-surface coupling portion 202 is coupled (e.g., welded) to an opposite end of elongated arm portion 203 from the end to which through-surface coupling portion 201 is coupled.
- Through-surface coupling portion 202 comprises a hole 205 therethrough.
- through-surface coupling portion 202 is a hollow tube.
- Another mechanism such as a shelf for displaying merchandise, can therefore be coupled to arm 20 via through-surface coupling portion 205, such as discussed further below with the exemplary display system shown in FIGURE 7.
- some other element (or no element at all) in addition to or instead of through-surface coupling portion 202 may be provided.
- elongated arm portion 203 is thicker in height adjacent through-surface coupling portion 201 than it is adjacent through-surface coupling portion 202.
- height H 1 adjacent through-surface coupling portion 201 is larger than height H 2 adjacent through-surface coupling portion 202.
- elongated arm portion 203 may be implemented in any configuration, including one having constant height from end-to-end and one in which H 2 is larger than H 1 as examples.
- an exemplary arm 20 is shown in FIGURE 2, the term “arm” as used herein is not limited to such a configuration. Rather, an “arm” (except where expressly specified otherwise) refers generally to any member that comprises a through-surface coupling portion for being rotatably coupled to a member (e.g., bracket, end cap, etc.) that is coupled to a display frame, such as display frame 10 of FIGURE 1.
- a member e.g., bracket, end cap, etc.
- an arm may be any type of display support mechanism, for instance, such as a hanger, hook, shelving support, etc. for supporting the display of a vendor's merchandise or information.
- FIGURE 3 shows an exploded view of an exemplary bracket 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- Bracket 30 comprises coupling portion 302 that includes male connectors 303A and 303B for coupling with female slots, such as female slots 105A and 105B of frame system 10 of FIGURE 1.
- Bracket 30 also comprises a through-surface coupling portion (or "passage") 301 coupled (e.g., welded) to coupling portion 302.
- Through-surface coupling portion 301 comprises a hole 304 therethrough.
- through-surface coupling portion 301 is a hollow tube.
- through-surface coupling portion 201 is coupled to an end of coupling portion 302 opposite male connectors 303A and 303B. While exemplary male connectors 303A and 303B are shown in this example, in other embodiments other types of male connectors instead of or in addition to male connectors 303A and 303B may be employed on bracket 30.
- FIGURE 4 shows an example assembly 40 of bracket 30 of FIGURE 3 coupled to a slotted frame 10 of FIGURE 1 and to rotatable arm 20 of FIGURE 2.
- male connectors 303A and 303B couple to female slots 105A and 105B, respectively, of slotted frame portion 104A.
- Male connectors 303A and 303B couple to female slots 105A and 105B in a manner common in the art to provide a removable coupling of bracket 30 to slotted frame portion 104A.
- Through-surface coupling portion 201 of arm 20 is aligned with through-surface coupling portion 301 of bracket 30.
- a through-surface coupling mechanism 401 (e.g., bolt) penetrates through the aligned through-surface coupling portions 201 and 301, thereby coupling arm 20 to bracket 30.
- through-surface coupling mechanism 401 provides an axis about which arm 20 can rotate (or pivot).
- bracket 30 remains positionally fixed to the slotted frame portion 104A, while elongated arm portion 203 can be rotated about an axis formed by through-surface coupling mechanism 401 to a desired position.
- elongated arm portion 203 is not limited to being disposed perpendicular to slotted frame portion 104A, but can instead be rotated to another desired position.
- FIGURE 5 shows an exemplary end cap 50 for a slotted frame.
- an end cap may be employed for capping each of columns 101A-101E.
- the exemplary cap 50 comprises an "M"-shaped support portion 502 that is coupled to a base plate 501, which includes a through-surface coupling portion (or “passage") 503, such as a hole.
- Each slotted frame portion such as slotted frame portions 104A-104C comprise hollow tubing with a row of slots cut (e.g., lasered) therein on at least one side.
- an end cap 50 caps the top of each column 101A-101E.
- M-shaped support portion 502 inserts into the hollow tubing of the top slotted frame portion of a given column, such as top slotted frame portion 104A of column 101A of FIGURE 1.
- FIGURE 6 shows an exemplary assembly 60 of end cap 50 of FIGURE 5 coupled to a slotted frame 10 of FIGURE 1 and to rotatable arm 20 of FIGURE 2.
- M-shaped support portion 502 of end cap 50 is inserted into the hollow tubing of slotted frame portion 104A.
- Through-surface coupling portion 201 of arm 20 is aligned with through-surface coupling portion 503 of end cap 50.
- a through-surface coupling mechanism 601 e.g., bolt
- through-surface coupling mechanism 601 provides an axis about which arm 20 can rotate (or pivot).
- end cap 50 remains positionally fixed to the top of slotted frame portion 104A, while elongated arm portion 203 can be rotated about an axis formed by through-surface coupling mechanism 601 to a desired position.
- FIGURE 7 shows an example of a slotted frame system 10 having rotatable arms 20A and 20B coupled thereto being employed in a Retail Merchandising Unit (RMU) 70.
- RMU Retail Merchandising Unit
- a vendor has connected various slotted tubing portions together to form a display frame 10A.
- the exemplary modular display support system described in concurrently filed and commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/361,674 (Attorney Docket No. 66477-P003 US-10601572 ) titled "MODULAR RETAIL MERCHANDISE DISPLAY SYSTEM" may be used to form such a display frame 10A.
- the display frame 10A is arranged in a RMU 70 (e.g., on a countertop 702 of RMU 70) in this example, and thus the vendor desires to configure the display frame for most efficiently utilizing the relatively limited space available in such RMU 70. While display frame 10A is shown as arranged on countertop 702 in this example, it may be arranged on a shelf or other suitable structure in other implementations.
- a first arm 20A is coupled to a slotted tube portion 71 via a bracket, such as bracket 30 of FIGURE 3. That is, first arm 20A is rotatably coupled to bracket 30, which comprises male connectors that are coupled to female slots of slotted tube portion 71.
- First arm 20A is pivoted about the axis formed by the through-surface coupling mechanism that couples the arm 20A to the bracket 30 to a desired orientation for effectively utilizing the display space.
- a shelf 703 is coupled to the distal end of arm 20A via through-surface coupling portion 205A.
- Merchandise (e.g., a purse in this example) 704 is arranged on the shelf 703.
- a second arm 20B is coupled to a slotted tube portion 72 via an end cap, such as end cap 50 of FIGURE 5. That is, second arm 20B is rotatably coupled to end cap 50, which caps the slotted tube portion 72. Second arm 20B is pivoted about the axis formed by the through-surface coupling mechanism that couples the arm 20B to the end cap 50 to a desired orientation for effectively utilizing the display space.
- a shelf 705 is coupled to the distal end of arm 20B via through-surface coupling portion 205B.
- Merchandise (e.g., a purse in this example) 706 is arranged on the shelf 705.
- the arms may be locked to a desired position.
- the through-surface coupling mechanism e.g., bolt
- through-surface coupling mechanism 401 of FIGURE 4 or through-surface coupling mechanism 601 of FIGURE 6 may be loosened to allow the arm to be rotated to a desired position, and then such through-surface coupling mechanism 401, 601 may be tightened to hold the arm at the position.
- any other suitable locking mechanism may be employed to positionally lock the arm at a desired location.
- FIGURE 8 shows an exemplary method for forming a display (e.g., for displaying merchandise in an RMU, such as RMU 70 of FIGURE 7) according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- a member having a passage is coupled to a slotted tube.
- a member may be bracket 30 of FIGURE 3 or end cap 50 of FIGURE 5, as examples.
- bracket 30 of FIGURE 3 having passage 304 may be coupled, via male connectors 303A and 303B, with female slots (e.g., female slots 105A and 105B) of the slotted tube portion 104A of system 10 of FIGURE 1.
- end cap 50 may be coupled to the top of slotted tube portion 104A, as shown in FIGURE 6.
- a passage of an arm is aligned with the member's passage.
- passage 204 of arm 20 of FIGURE 2 may be aligned with passage 304 of bracket 30 or with passage 503 of end cap 50, as examples.
- a through-surface coupling mechanism is coupled through the aligned passages, wherein the through-surface coupling mechanism forms an axis about which the arm can rotate.
- through-surface coupling mechanism 401 is coupled through the aligned passages 204 and 304 in forming assembly 40 of FIGURE 4.
- through-surface coupling mechanism 601 is coupled through the aligned passages 204 and 503 in forming assembly 60 of FIGURE 6.
- the present invention is further characterized by the following 21 preferred embodiments.
Abstract
According to one embodiment, a method comprises coupling to a slotted tube (104A) a member (302) having a passage (301). The method further comprises aligning a passage of an arm (401) with the member's passage, and coupling a through-surface coupling mechanism (601) through the aligned passages, wherein the through-surface coupling mechanism forms an axis about which the arm can rotate. According to another embodiment, a system comprises a slotted frame (104A) comprising female slots. The system further comprises a member coupled to the slotted frame, the member comprising a first through-surface coupling portion. The system further comprising an arm (203) comprising a second through-surface coupling portion, and a through-surface coupling mechanism for coupling through the first through-surface coupling portion and the second through-surface coupling portion, thereby providing an axis about which the arm can rotate.
Description
- The following description relates generally to display systems, such as display systems employed in retail stores for merchandising, and more particularly to coupling an arm to a slotted display such that the arm is rotatable (or pivots about an axis).
- Various types of hangers, hooks, shelving, etc. are commonly used in retail stores for displaying merchandise and/or information. Various types of support systems to which such hangers, hooks, brackets, shelving, etc. can be coupled to form a display are also known. For instance, peg boards, slotted displays (e.g., slotted standards, slotted tubing, etc.), and other types of supports (or "frames") are available for coupling hangers, etc. to. Merchandise and/or information can then be provided on the hangers, hooks, or other display mechanisms that are coupled to the support frame. As an example, slotted standards are commonly used for forming a support frame, where brackets for supporting shelves thereon are coupled to slots in the slotted standards.
- Generally, the mechanisms coupled to the support frame have a fixed orientation relative to the support frame when so coupled. For instance, brackets for supporting shelves are generally coupled in a perpendicular orientation to a slotted standard. Similarly, hooks, hangers, and other merchandise display items that may be coupled to a support frame are generally fixedly oriented relative to the support frame.
- Such fixed orientation is often disadvantageous. For instance, if the display mechanisms (e.g., hangers, brackets for supporting shelves, etc.) extend outward into the aisle of a store, they are prone to damage by accidental knocks from passing customers. Also, the merchandise being displayed thereby may be damaged or displaced by such knocks. Further, such display mechanisms may injure a shopper who knocks into them.
- Moreover, the fixed orientation provides limited flexibility for a vendor to organize a display as may be desired. Particularly in retail merchandising units (RMUs), efficient utilization of space for displaying merchandise and information is very desirable. Many businesses use RMUs to establish an effective storefront through which they can conduct retail sales in public areas, such as shopping malls, theme parks, sports arenas, and a wide variety of other public venues. An RMU may, for example, be implemented as a kiosk or other structure. RMUs may be employed for a vendor (e.g., retailer) to market its merchandise to prospective customers and conduct sales transactions with customers. For instance, an RMU generally includes shelves (or other display mechanisms) for displaying the vendor's merchandise to prospective customers when the RMU is open for business. RMUs also generally include at least some amount of storage space for storing the vendor's inventory of merchandise. Typically, RMUs further include a cash register and/or other equipment (e.g., computer, credit card processing equipment, etc.) for conducting point of sale (POS) transactions with customers. Thus, generally RMUs effectively provide a self-contained storefront for vendors, much like traditional retail stores.
- RMUs often provide a relatively low-cost alternative for a vendor to obtain a storefront in a public area. That is, an RMU may be used by a vendor to establish a storefront in a public area (which may be a highly desirable area with high visibility and customer traffic, such as a busy shopping mall) with much less overhead than is associated with traditional retail stores. For instance, while RMUs do not provide the amount of retail space that is afforded by a traditional retail store, RMUs may be arranged in walkways (e.g., halls of shopping malls, etc.) or other available space. Traditional retail stores commonly have 1000 square feet of space (and much more in many instances), while RMUs generally consume from approximately 10 square feet to approximately 150 square feet. Because RMUs generally do not consume a large amount of space (as compared to traditional retail stores) and because the RMUs can often be placed in otherwise unused areas, RMUs may incur very economical rent and utility costs. Further, an owner of a given space, such as a shopping mall, may benefit by allowing RMUs to be arranged within the otherwise unused portions of such space to increase the offerings of goods/services within the space and to realize income from the rental of such RMUs which would not otherwise be realized from such unused portions of the space. Many types of businesses can be effectively run without requiring the space afforded by a traditional retail store, and may instead be capable of effectively displaying and conducting sales of their merchandise in an RMU. RMUs thus offer such businesses a relatively low-cost alternative for establishing a storefront in a desirable area.
- Because of the relatively limited space provided by RMUs, it is often desirable to utilize the space available within the RMU in a most efficient manner for displaying merchandise and/or information. Thus, a fixed orientation of display mechanisms (such as brackets for supporting shelves, hangers, etc.) undesirably limit the vendors options as to how best to arrange the display for efficiently utilizing the available space.
- The present invention is directed to a system and method which provide a connector for enabling an arm to be rotatably connected to a slotted frame for forming a display. According to one embodiment, a method of forming a display comprises coupling to a slotted tube a member having a passage. The method further comprises aligning a passage of an arm with the member's passage, and coupling a through-surface coupling mechanism through the aligned passages, wherein the through-surface coupling mechanism forms an axis about which the arm can rotate. In certain embodiments, the member is a bracket comprising a male connector for coupling with a female slot of the slotted tube. In other embodiments, the member is an end cap that caps an end of the slotted tube. The through-surface coupling mechanism may be, as examples, a nut, bolt, pin, rod, or any combination thereof.
- In certain embodiments, the member is a bracket that is capable of being removably connected to any of a plurality of different slots in the slotted tube. Thus, the bracket can be connected to slotted tube at a desired position, and the arm coupled to the bracket can be rotated about the axis formed by the through-surface coupling mechanism to a desired orientation relative to the slotted tube. That is, the arm is not restricted to a fixed positioned relative to the slotted tube. For instance, the arm is not required to be positioned perpendicular to the slots of the slotted tube. Rather, the arm can be rotated about the axis to a desired position, which may be advantageous for forming a display within given space constraints (such as within the space constraints of a retail merchandising unit), for example.
- According to another embodiment, a system comprises a slotted frame comprising female slots. The system further comprises a member coupled to the slotted frame, wherein the member comprises a first through-surface coupling portion. The system further comprises an arm comprising a second through-surface coupling portion, and a through-surface coupling mechanism for coupling through the first through-surface coupling portion and the second through-surface coupling portion, thereby providing an axis about which the arm can rotate. In certain embodiments, the member comprises a bracket having a male connector portion for mating with at least one of the female slots of the slotted frame. In other embodiments, the member comprises an end cap that caps a column of the slotted frame.
- Embodiments of the present invention provide an arm that is rotatably connected to a slotted display frame, which advantageously provides a vendor flexibility as to how best to orient the arm to most effectively utilize available display space. This is particularly advantageous when employed within a RMU in which display space is relatively limited.
- The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention.
- For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:
- FIGURE 1 shows an exemplary system to which embodiments of a rotatable arm described further herein may be coupled;
- FIGURE 2 shows an exploded view of an exemplary arm according to an embodiment of the present invention;
- FIGURE 3 shows an exploded view of an exemplary bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention;
- FIGURE 4 shows an example assembly of the bracket of FIGURE 3 coupled to the slotted frame of FIGURE 1 and to the rotatable arm of FIGURE 2;
- FIGURE 5 shows an exemplary end cap for a slotted frame to which the rotatable arm of FIGURE 2 may be coupled;
- FIGURE 6 shows an exemplary assembly of the end cap of FIGURE 5 coupled to the slotted frame of FIGURE 1 and to the rotatable arm of FIGURE 2;
- FIGURE 7 shows an example of a slotted frame system having rotatable arms coupled thereto being employed in a Retail Merchandising Unit (RMU) according to one embodiment of the present invention; and
- FIGURE 8 shows an exemplary method for forming a display (e.g., for displaying merchandise) according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGURE 1 shows an
exemplary system 10 to which embodiments of a rotatable arm described further herein may be coupled.System 10 comprises a slotted frame withcolumns 101A-101E that each have female slots. For instance,column 101A comprises female slots, such asslots System 10 also comprises upperhorizontal portions 102A-102D that interconnect between thecolumns 101A-101E, as shown. Similarly, lowerhorizontal portions 103A-103D interconnect between thecolumns 101A-101E, as shown. -
System 10 may be a modular display support system, such as that described in concurrently filed and commonly assignedU.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/361,674 (Attorney Docket No. 66477-P003US-10601572 system 10 may comprise various modular parts that are coupled together, such asvertical portions 104A-104C that interconnect to formcolumn 101A. Each of the columns may be capped with a cap component having abase plate 501, such as described further below with FIGURE 5.System 10 may be referred to herein as a support or a "frame". The terms "support" and "frame" are intended to encompass any structure to which display mechanisms (e.g., brackets, arms, hangers, hooks, etc.) can be coupled. - FIGURE 2 shows an exploded view of an
exemplary arm 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention.Arm 20 comprises anelongated arm portion 203 to which a through-surface coupling portion (or "passage") 201 is coupled (e.g., welded). Through-surface coupling portion 201 comprises ahole 204 therethrough. For instance, in this example, through-surface coupling portion 201 is a hollow tube. In this exemplary embodiment, through-surface coupling portion 201 is coupled to one end ofelongated arm portion 203. - Further, in this example, a second through-
surface coupling portion 202 is coupled (e.g., welded) to an opposite end ofelongated arm portion 203 from the end to which through-surface coupling portion 201 is coupled. Through-surface coupling portion 202 comprises ahole 205 therethrough. For instance, in this example, through-surface coupling portion 202 is a hollow tube. Another mechanism, such as a shelf for displaying merchandise, can therefore be coupled toarm 20 via through-surface coupling portion 205, such as discussed further below with the exemplary display system shown in FIGURE 7. In alternative embodiments, some other element (or no element at all) in addition to or instead of through-surface coupling portion 202 may be provided. - In this example,
elongated arm portion 203 is thicker in height adjacent through-surface coupling portion 201 than it is adjacent through-surface coupling portion 202. For instance, height H1 adjacent through-surface coupling portion 201 is larger than height H2 adjacent through-surface coupling portion 202. Of course, in other embodiments,elongated arm portion 203 may be implemented in any configuration, including one having constant height from end-to-end and one in which H2 is larger than H1 as examples. - While an
exemplary arm 20 is shown in FIGURE 2, the term "arm" as used herein is not limited to such a configuration. Rather, an "arm" (except where expressly specified otherwise) refers generally to any member that comprises a through-surface coupling portion for being rotatably coupled to a member (e.g., bracket, end cap, etc.) that is coupled to a display frame, such asdisplay frame 10 of FIGURE 1. Thus, an arm may be any type of display support mechanism, for instance, such as a hanger, hook, shelving support, etc. for supporting the display of a vendor's merchandise or information. - FIGURE 3 shows an exploded view of an
exemplary bracket 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention.Bracket 30 comprisescoupling portion 302 that includesmale connectors female slots frame system 10 of FIGURE 1.Bracket 30 also comprises a through-surface coupling portion (or "passage") 301 coupled (e.g., welded) tocoupling portion 302. Through-surface coupling portion 301 comprises a hole 304 therethrough. For instance, in this example, through-surface coupling portion 301 is a hollow tube. In this exemplary embodiment, through-surface coupling portion 201 is coupled to an end ofcoupling portion 302 oppositemale connectors male connectors male connectors bracket 30. - FIGURE 4 shows an
example assembly 40 ofbracket 30 of FIGURE 3 coupled to a slottedframe 10 of FIGURE 1 and torotatable arm 20 of FIGURE 2. As shown,male connectors female slots frame portion 104A.Male connectors female slots bracket 30 to slottedframe portion 104A. Through-surface coupling portion 201 ofarm 20 is aligned with through-surface coupling portion 301 ofbracket 30. A through-surface coupling mechanism 401 (e.g., bolt) penetrates through the aligned through-surface coupling portions arm 20 tobracket 30. In this manner, through-surface coupling mechanism 401 provides an axis about whicharm 20 can rotate (or pivot). Thus,bracket 30 remains positionally fixed to the slottedframe portion 104A, whileelongated arm portion 203 can be rotated about an axis formed by through-surface coupling mechanism 401 to a desired position. As such,elongated arm portion 203 is not limited to being disposed perpendicular to slottedframe portion 104A, but can instead be rotated to another desired position. - FIGURE 5 shows an
exemplary end cap 50 for a slotted frame. For instance, as shown in FIGURE 1, such an end cap may be employed for capping each ofcolumns 101A-101E. Theexemplary cap 50 comprises an "M"-shapedsupport portion 502 that is coupled to abase plate 501, which includes a through-surface coupling portion (or "passage") 503, such as a hole. Each slotted frame portion, such as slottedframe portions 104A-104C comprise hollow tubing with a row of slots cut (e.g., lasered) therein on at least one side. In assembling a slottedframe 10, anend cap 50 caps the top of eachcolumn 101A-101E. For instance, M-shapedsupport portion 502 inserts into the hollow tubing of the top slotted frame portion of a given column, such as top slottedframe portion 104A ofcolumn 101A of FIGURE 1. - FIGURE 6 shows an
exemplary assembly 60 ofend cap 50 of FIGURE 5 coupled to a slottedframe 10 of FIGURE 1 and torotatable arm 20 of FIGURE 2. As shown, M-shapedsupport portion 502 ofend cap 50 is inserted into the hollow tubing of slottedframe portion 104A. Through-surface coupling portion 201 ofarm 20 is aligned with through-surface coupling portion 503 ofend cap 50. A through-surface coupling mechanism 601 (e.g., bolt) penetrates through the aligned through-surface coupling portions arm 20 to endcap 50. In this manner, through-surface coupling mechanism 601 provides an axis about whicharm 20 can rotate (or pivot). Thus,end cap 50 remains positionally fixed to the top of slottedframe portion 104A, whileelongated arm portion 203 can be rotated about an axis formed by through-surface coupling mechanism 601 to a desired position. - FIGURE 7 shows an example of a slotted
frame system 10 havingrotatable arms display frame 10A. Again, the exemplary modular display support system described in concurrently filed and commonly assignedU.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/361,674 (Attorney Docket No. 66477-P003US-10601572 display frame 10A. Thedisplay frame 10A is arranged in a RMU 70 (e.g., on acountertop 702 of RMU 70) in this example, and thus the vendor desires to configure the display frame for most efficiently utilizing the relatively limited space available insuch RMU 70. Whiledisplay frame 10A is shown as arranged oncountertop 702 in this example, it may be arranged on a shelf or other suitable structure in other implementations. - In this example, a
first arm 20A is coupled to a slottedtube portion 71 via a bracket, such asbracket 30 of FIGURE 3. That is,first arm 20A is rotatably coupled tobracket 30, which comprises male connectors that are coupled to female slots of slottedtube portion 71.First arm 20A is pivoted about the axis formed by the through-surface coupling mechanism that couples thearm 20A to thebracket 30 to a desired orientation for effectively utilizing the display space. In this example, ashelf 703 is coupled to the distal end ofarm 20A via through-surface coupling portion 205A. Merchandise (e.g., a purse in this example) 704 is arranged on theshelf 703. - Also, in the example of FIGURE 7, a
second arm 20B is coupled to a slottedtube portion 72 via an end cap, such asend cap 50 of FIGURE 5. That is,second arm 20B is rotatably coupled to endcap 50, which caps the slottedtube portion 72.Second arm 20B is pivoted about the axis formed by the through-surface coupling mechanism that couples thearm 20B to theend cap 50 to a desired orientation for effectively utilizing the display space. In this example, ashelf 705 is coupled to the distal end ofarm 20B via through-surface coupling portion 205B. Merchandise (e.g., a purse in this example) 706 is arranged on theshelf 705. - In certain embodiments, the arms may be locked to a desired position. For instance, the through-surface coupling mechanism (e.g., bolt), such as through-
surface coupling mechanism 401 of FIGURE 4 or through-surface coupling mechanism 601 of FIGURE 6, may be loosened to allow the arm to be rotated to a desired position, and then such through-surface coupling mechanism - FIGURE 8 shows an exemplary method for forming a display (e.g., for displaying merchandise in an RMU, such as
RMU 70 of FIGURE 7) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Inblock 81, a member having a passage is coupled to a slotted tube. For instance, such a member may bebracket 30 of FIGURE 3 orend cap 50 of FIGURE 5, as examples. For example,bracket 30 of FIGURE 3 having passage 304 may be coupled, viamale connectors female slots tube portion 104A ofsystem 10 of FIGURE 1. As another example,end cap 50 may be coupled to the top of slottedtube portion 104A, as shown in FIGURE 6. Inblock 82 of FIGURE 8, a passage of an arm is aligned with the member's passage. For instance,passage 204 ofarm 20 of FIGURE 2 may be aligned with passage 304 ofbracket 30 or withpassage 503 ofend cap 50, as examples. Inblock 83, a through-surface coupling mechanism is coupled through the aligned passages, wherein the through-surface coupling mechanism forms an axis about which the arm can rotate. For instance, through-surface coupling mechanism 401 is coupled through the alignedpassages 204 and 304 in formingassembly 40 of FIGURE 4. As another example, through-surface coupling mechanism 601 is coupled through the alignedpassages assembly 60 of FIGURE 6. - Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.
- The present invention is further characterized by the following 21 preferred embodiments.
- 1. A method comprising:
- coupling to a slotted tube a member having a passage;
- aligning a passage of an arm with the member's passage; and
- coupling a through-surface coupling mechanism through the aligned passages, wherein the through-surface coupling mechanism forms an axis about which the arm can rotate.
- 2. The method of embodiment 1 wherein the member is a bracket comprising a male connector for coupling with a female slot of the slotted tube.
- 3. The method of embodiment 2 wherein the passage of the bracket is on an end of the bracket opposite the male connector.
- 4. The method of embodiment 1 wherein the through-surface coupling mechanism comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: nut, bolt, pin, rod, and any combination of the foregoing.
- 5. The method of embodiment 1 wherein the coupling the member to the slotted tube comprises:
- coupling a male connector of a bracket to the slotted tube.
- 6. The method of embodiment 5 further comprising:
- selecting any one of a plurality of different slots in the slotted tube to which the male connector of the bracket is to be coupled.
- 7. The method of embodiment 1 wherein the coupling the member to the slotted tube comprises:
- coupling an end cap to an end of the slotted tube.
- 8. The method of embodiment 1 further comprising:
- arranging the slotted tube in a retail merchandising unit.
- 9. The method of embodiment 1 further comprising:
- connecting a plurality of slotted tube portions together to form the slotted tube.
- 10. A system comprising:
- a slotted frame comprising female slots;
- a member coupled to the slotted frame, the member comprising a first through-surface coupling portion;
- an arm comprising a second through-surface coupling portion; and
- a through-surface coupling mechanism for coupling through the first through-surface coupling portion and the second through-surface coupling portion, thereby providing an axis about which the arm can rotate.
- 11. The system of
embodiment 10 wherein the member comprises:- a bracket comprising a male connector portion for mating with at least one of the female slots of the slotted frame.
- 12. The system of
embodiment 10 wherein the member comprises an end cap that caps a column of the slotted frame. - 13. The system of embodiment 12 wherein the end cap comprises an M-shaped portion that inserts into the column of the slotted frame.
- 14. The system of
embodiment 10 wherein the through-surface coupling mechanism comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: nut, bolt, pin, rod, and any combination of the foregoing. - 15. A system comprising:
- a slotted frame comprising female slots;
- a bracket comprising
- a) a male connector portion for mating with at least one of the female slots of the slotted frame, and
- b) a first through-surface coupling portion;
- an arm comprising a second through-surface coupling portion; and
- a through-surface coupling mechanism for coupling through the first through-surface coupling portion and the second through-surface coupling portion, thereby providing an axis about which the arm can rotate.
- 16. The system of embodiment 15 further comprising:
- the second through-surface coupling portion being aligned with the first through-surface coupling portion.
- 17. The system of embodiment 15 wherein the slotted frame comprises a slotted standard.
- 18. The system of embodiment 15 wherein the slotted frame comprises a slotted tube.
- 19. The system of embodiment 15 wherein the male connector portion can be selectively mated with any of a plurality of the female slots.
- 20. The system of embodiment 19 wherein the male connector portion enables the bracket to be removably mated to the slotted frame.
- 21. The system of embodiment 15 wherein the slotted frame comprises:
- at least one row of female slots.
Claims (10)
- A method comprising:coupling to a slotted tube a member having a passage;aligning a passage of an arm with the member's passage; andcoupling a through-surface coupling mechanism through the aligned passages, wherein the through-surface coupling mechanism forms an axis about which the arm can rotate.
- The method of claim 1 wherein the through-surface coupling mechanism comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: nut, bolt, pin, rod, and any combination of the foregoing.
- The method of claim 1 wherein the coupling the member to the slotted tube comprises:coupling a male connector of a bracket to the slotted tube.
- The method of claim 3 further comprising:selecting any one of a plurality of different slots in the slotted tube to which the male connector of the bracket is to be coupled.
- The method of claim 1 further comprising:arranging the slotted tube in a retail merchandising unit.
- A system comprising:a slotted frame comprising female slots;a member coupled to the slotted frame, the member comprising a first through-surface coupling portion;an arm comprising a second through-surface coupling portion; anda through-surface coupling mechanism for coupling through the first through-surface coupling portion and the second through-surface coupling portion, thereby providing an axis about which the arm can rotate.
- The system of claim 6 wherein the member comprises:a bracket comprising a male connector portion for mating with at least one of the female slots of the slotted frame.
- The system of claim 6 wherein the member comprises an end cap that caps a column of the slotted frame.
- The system of claim 8 wherein the end cap comprises an M-shaped portion that inserts into the column of the slotted frame.
- The system of claim 6 wherein the through-surface coupling mechanism comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: nut, bolt, pin, rod, and any combination of the foregoing.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/361,709 US20070199910A1 (en) | 2006-02-24 | 2006-02-24 | Rotatable connector for a display system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1825791A2 true EP1825791A2 (en) | 2007-08-29 |
Family
ID=38158089
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP07003795A Withdrawn EP1825791A2 (en) | 2006-02-24 | 2007-02-23 | Rotatable connector for a display system |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070199910A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1825791A2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN104273987A (en) * | 2014-10-20 | 2015-01-14 | 常州市浩亮铜棒厂 | Extensible storage rack |
US9102455B2 (en) | 2012-08-02 | 2015-08-11 | Laurel Lanai Canfield | Handbag preservation unit |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090078664A1 (en) * | 2007-09-26 | 2009-03-26 | Steffan Steven D | Display rack |
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US1702937A (en) * | 1927-01-24 | 1929-02-19 | Matthew M Friedemann | Fixture |
US1779236A (en) * | 1927-10-04 | 1930-10-21 | Joseph A Hoegger | Bracket and shelf |
US2136109A (en) * | 1936-05-09 | 1938-11-08 | Claude W Kress | Merchandise display |
US3250235A (en) * | 1965-03-12 | 1966-05-10 | Thomas M Mcdonnell | Display device |
US3321089A (en) * | 1965-10-05 | 1967-05-23 | Spencer Products Inc | Bracket construction for shelf displays |
US3353684A (en) * | 1965-10-22 | 1967-11-21 | Chesley Ind Inc | Shelf structure |
US3355134A (en) * | 1965-10-22 | 1967-11-28 | Chesley Ind Inc | Shelf support |
US3565381A (en) * | 1968-10-21 | 1971-02-23 | Earl J Oliver | Bracket structure |
US4060897A (en) * | 1976-04-23 | 1977-12-06 | Jean Greenstein | Device for forming dental restorations |
US4452360A (en) * | 1981-03-19 | 1984-06-05 | Southern Imperial, Inc. | Hanger assembly with U-shaped hanger |
US4550893A (en) * | 1982-04-30 | 1985-11-05 | Herman Miller, Inc. | Hanger clip for retaining a component to a slotted upright |
US4658969A (en) * | 1984-03-26 | 1987-04-21 | Mastrodicasa Arthur R | Adjustable bracket assembly for supporting a shelf |
GB2189138B (en) * | 1986-04-17 | 1989-12-28 | Jr Comm Enterprises Ltd | Display post |
US4783033A (en) * | 1987-07-30 | 1988-11-08 | Southern Imperial, Inc. | Hanger assembly with U-shaped hanger |
US4796845A (en) * | 1987-08-07 | 1989-01-10 | Regel Edmond R | Support device for modular wall unit |
US5004201A (en) * | 1989-07-14 | 1991-04-02 | Knape & Vogt Manufacturing Company | Interlock shelving bracket and standard cover |
US5074516A (en) * | 1990-12-17 | 1991-12-24 | Franklin Machine Products, Inc. | Apparatus for rotatable attachment of an instrument with respect to environmental structure |
US5657884A (en) * | 1996-02-21 | 1997-08-19 | Metaline Products Company Inc. | Display pole support structure |
US6289618B1 (en) * | 1998-04-02 | 2001-09-18 | Fasteners For Retail, Inc. | Adjustable merchandising system |
US6698124B2 (en) * | 1998-04-02 | 2004-03-02 | Fasteners For Retail, Inc. | Sign holder with hinge |
US6354546B1 (en) * | 1998-05-13 | 2002-03-12 | Fasteners For Retail, Inc. | Retail sign holder |
US6905101B1 (en) * | 2002-06-11 | 2005-06-14 | Chief Manufacturing Inc. | Adjustable, self-balancing flat panel display mounting system |
-
2006
- 2006-02-24 US US11/361,709 patent/US20070199910A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2007
- 2007-02-23 EP EP07003795A patent/EP1825791A2/en not_active Withdrawn
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9102455B2 (en) | 2012-08-02 | 2015-08-11 | Laurel Lanai Canfield | Handbag preservation unit |
CN104273987A (en) * | 2014-10-20 | 2015-01-14 | 常州市浩亮铜棒厂 | Extensible storage rack |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20070199910A1 (en) | 2007-08-30 |
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