EP2851892A1 - Stable information pillar - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an information column. More precisely, it is an information pillar (10) having a first casing part (26) and a second casing part (28), wherein both casing parts each have an outer surface, which can serve as an advertising surface, and an inner surface, wherein the two casing parts along at least a first side edge (S 1) are interconnected and the information column (10) can be transferred from a transport position to a use position, wherein in the transport position at least parts of the lateral surfaces in a first main plane are substantially parallel to each other and in the use position, the lateral surfaces in a spreading direction perpendicular to the first main plane are at least partially spread apart, including the information column (10) has a support insert which spreads the shell parts and which has a spreader leg which extends in the use position substantially parallel to the spreading, and in the transport position e can assume a flat transport configuration, wherein the support insert is supported at a first support point against the first shell part (26) and at a second support point against the second shell part (28) and the support insert has at least one clamping means which the expansion leg of the transport position in transferred the use position.

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to an information column. This can be placed on a floor surface and convey information to passers-by. In particular, the use as advertising pillar in a sales room in question.

Background of the invention

Information pillars are finding increasing use. For example, you can convey safety and orientation tips. In this use they can be used in an airport building, for example. Frequently, such information pillars also convey advertising messages (and can therefore also be referred to as advertising columns). Such advertising columns are placed in retail areas, such as supermarkets, department stores or petrol stations. Often, the columns are designed to be easily transportable. Since usually the information or advertising messages on the column are not overwritten, the columns are often short-lived and their inexpensive manufacturing is a major concern.

The French patent application FR 2 911 425 discloses a column having an outer jacket and transverse strips disposed within the column. The column has rivets, through which the jacket and the transverse strips can be connected. The horizontal stripes have a kind of backdrop in which the rivets can be moved. By this mechanism it is possible to transfer the column from a transport configuration to a payload configuration. However, it seems that the transition from one configuration to the other configuration is not completely self-explanatory and requires some practice.

The patent application WO 2008/132250 also discloses an information or advertising pillar. Again, outer lateral surfaces are provided. The lateral surfaces are connected inside by a zig-zag strip running. The strip can be pulled apart against the tension of rubber bands. Again, the transfer of the column from a transport configuration into a payload configuration is possible. Both the arrangement of the strip and the disclosed arrangement of two rubber bands is designed so that a high expenditure of force appears necessary. This hinders the simple and intuitive construction of the column.

The present invention seeks to improve the state of the art. In particular, an information column is to be offered, which can be produced inexpensively, transport well and can be easily set up. Once set up, the column should be stable.

Further description of the invention

The information column has a first and a second jacket part. Both almond pieces each have an outer surface, which can serve as an information or advertising space. They also have an inner surface, which generally runs parallel to the outer surface.

The shell parts can each be made in one piece or in several pieces, so composed of several smaller parts. It is also possible that both shell parts are made in one piece. For this purpose, it is possible that a flat blank is bent along a bending or folding line, so that this line separates the first jacket part from the second jacket part. This bending or folding line would then serve as the first side edge. A fold line can be well provided as a fold line.

The information column should also be able to be transferred from a transport position to a use position. In the transport position are at least parts of the lateral surfaces in a first main plane substantially parallel to each other. In this position, in which the column still has its full extent in the direction of the axis v, the sheath areas determine the position of the first main plane. In general, the first and the second shell part are completely on each other. In this way, the information column can be transported well.

In their use position, the lateral surfaces are at least partially not parallel. For this purpose, the lateral surfaces in a spreading direction which is perpendicular to the first main plane, at least partially spread apart. This spreading apart happens with the help of a support insert. The support insert has to a spreader leg. The expansion leg extends in the use position substantially parallel to the spreading direction, ie perpendicular to the first main plane. The two shell parts should be connected together along at least one first side edge when the column is brought into the use position.

The expansion leg should thus extend at an angle of less than +/- 45 degrees, usually less than +/- 30 degrees or +/- 15 degrees deviating from the vertical direction on the first half-plane.

The expansion leg can assume a substantially extended or fully extended position in the use position, in the transport position it assumes a flat transport configuration. In this flat configuration, portions of the expansion limb may be folded together. For example, the expansion limb may have a bend line and along this bend line two sections of the expansion limb are folded in a V shape onto one another.

The support insert is supported at a first support point against the first casing part and is supported at a second support point against the second casing part. The support points may be opposite each other in mirror image to the first main plane. Preferably, the support insert will be supported on the inner surfaces of the shell parts. The support can be made by a detachable connection, for example in the form of a mere resting, or by a firm connection. Additional bases may be added. In each case support sections may be provided instead of the support points.

The support insert should further comprise at least one clamping means. This is to transfer the expansion limb from the transport position into the use position. For this purpose, the clamping means exert a force on the support insert, which transfers the expansion limb from its transport position into its use position. For this purpose, the clamping means can be connected directly to the support insert or the expansion limb. The force can also be provided indirectly via other components. The force should support the transfer from the transport position to the use position, preferably it should be sufficiently large to effect this transfer alone. It is even expedient if the force is so great that it transfers both the expansion limb and the lateral surfaces as a whole and thus the information column as a whole from the transport position into the use position.

The tensioning means can be embodied in a simple and expedient manner as a rubber band or comprise a rubber band. Another elastic band or elastic cord may also be appropriate.

It is also useful if the expansion limb has a holding device for the tensioning means. Such a holding device may be a receptacle or a hook or the like. It is useful if the holding device comprises a tab or is designed as a tab. The Holding device may also be provided in the form of two tabs. A rubber band can wrap around the at least one tab, so that they can serve as a holding device and in this way in a simple form, a holding device can be provided. The tab can have a passage opening and can also have at least one, two or more guide or retaining notches. It is advantageous if such holding devices are provided centrally on the holding device.

It is also expedient to provide the support insert in such a way that, in addition to the expansion leg, it also has at least one first support leg. This first support leg may be connected to the expansion leg and may be supported at a third support point remote from the support point (i.e., from the nearest support point) of the expansion leg. The third interpolation point is therefore different from the first and the second interpolation point. It is also expedient to provide a second support leg for the support insert in a corresponding manner. This may in turn be connected to the expansion limb and be supported on a fourth support point remote from the first and second support point. The fourth interpolation point is preferably also removed from the third interpolation point. In turn, each support sections may be provided instead of the bases.

It is expedient to carry out the support insert in such a way that the first support insert is articulated on the first end of the expansion limb and the second support insert is articulated on the second end of the expansion limb. In this way, the two support legs and the expansion limb can be made in one piece. For example, the support legs can be delimited by bend lines from the expansion limb. These fold lines can also form support lines, as they nestle well on the shell parts and also exert a small area of great pressure. The support insert can therefore be formed from a single, preferably rectangular blank, which can form a plurality of legs.

It is also expedient to offer an information pillar in the way that the shell parts are also connected to each other along a second side edge. This second side edge is expediently an edge, which lies opposite the first side edge and runs parallel to the first side edge. For rectangular lateral surfaces, the side edges may be long side edges or short side edges of the rectangle. As a rule, it is expedient to provide the first and second side edges on the long sides of the rectangle.

It is also advantageous if, in the case of the information column, the expansion limb is arranged substantially centrally (preferably exactly in the middle) between the first and the second side edge. Since the side edges connect the lateral surfaces with each other, the lateral surfaces can be spread apart centrally between these connecting side edges most easily and / or furthest apart. Therefore, it is particularly effective to provide the expansion limb there.

An information pillar can also be produced favorably in such a way that at least one of the shell parts, but preferably both shell parts, form an arc over the first main plane in the use position. An observer who looks at the first main level, the shell parts then bulge convexly. If both shell parts form such an arc, the information column appears in a horizontal cross-section, which runs through the first main plane, lens-shaped.

It is expedient for an information pillar when a first connecting strap is hinged to the first casing part via a first fold and when a second connecting strap is articulated in a corresponding manner to the second casing part via a second fold. The connection tabs may serve to connect the shell parts along the first side edge. Also along the second side edge can in corresponding Way connecting straps are provided. The connecting straps can also be made in one piece with the shell parts.

The connection tabs are in themselves a practical way to connect the shell parts together to form an information pillar. In connection with the support insert according to the present invention, there are additional advantages. If the support insert has at least one support leg, then the support leg can be supported in the corresponding folds. The support leg is thus then encompassed at its end on one side by a portion of the shell part and on the other side by the connection tab. In this way, the third support point may lie on or in the first fold and the fourth support point may lie on or in the second fold.

The connecting straps can also record, for example anchoring notches, have for the clamping means. In this way, the clamping means can be fixed well on the column jacket. Clamping means in the form of bands or cord can be used at the same time as a connecting means for the connecting straps.

In the manner described, a very stable information column can be produced. The support insert is designed so that a spreading effect is developed perpendicular to the first main plane of the column. The first main level of the column is usually also a mirror plane of the column. In this plane, a typical column reaches its maximum extent, while it has a smaller extent perpendicular to this plane. The stability of the column is therefore lowest in the direction perpendicular to the plane. To exert a spreading force in this direction avoids that the column does not assume its full nominal extent in its use position in this direction. If the column is compressed perpendicular to the plane, for example by an accidental abutment, so by the spreading effect, the full extent of the column immediately restored in this direction. The spreading effect can therefore increase the stability of the column.

In this sense, the present invention also broadly comprises an information pillar having an outer shell and an inner framework, and wherein the inner framework is configured such that a force acting in a first direction is transmitted through a suitable element, for example, through a spreader leg a second direction is deflected, and acts along the second direction on the outer shell, preferably on the inner surface of at least one jacket part. The second force can also act on each other along an axis opposite areas of the outer shell, preferably on two different shell parts. (It can therefore also be represented in more detail by two oppositely oriented force vectors.) For an information column which has a horizontal cross-section in its use position, which can be described by a shorter and a longer main axis, it is expedient if the first direction essentially parallel to the longer major axis and the second direction substantially parallel to the shorter major axis. Such a cross section is, for example, an elliptical, approximately elliptical or lenticular cross section. An information pillar designed in accordance with this paragraph may be suitably combined with other features described herein, in particular the features of claims 2 to 15.

Thus, the concept of the invention from the prior art is also distinguished by the fact that in the prior art, a spreading perpendicular to the first main plane of the column is often achieved only by a pulling action within this plane, ie in a very indirect manner.

Fig. 1

zeigt in schematischer Ansicht eine Informationssäule in ihrer Nutzstellung.

Fig. 2

zeigt in ebenfalls schematischer Ansicht eine Informationssäule in einer möglichen Transportstellung.

Fig. 3

zeigt Elemente der äußeren Schale und des inneren Gerüstes einer erfindungsgemäßen Informationssäule.

Fig. 4

zeigt einen Spanneinsatz als Teil des inneren Gerüstes einer erfindungsgemäßen Informationssäule.

Fig. 5

zeigt in perspektivischer Darstellung einen Blick in das Innere einer erfindungsgemäßen Informationssäule von oben. (Die Säule befindet sich dabei in ihrer Nutzstellung.)

Fig. 6

zeigt in einer vereinfachten Prinzipskizze eine teilweise in die Nutzstellung überführte Säule.

Other features, but also advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following drawings and the accompanying description. In the pictures and in the related descriptions are Features of the invention described in combination. However, these features may also be included in other combinations of an article of the invention. Each disclosed feature is thus also to be regarded as disclosed in technically meaningful combinations with other features. The illustrations are partly slightly simplified and schematic.

Fig. 1

shows a schematic view of an information column in its use position.

Fig. 2

shows in a likewise schematic view of an information column in a possible transport position.

Fig. 3

shows elements of the outer shell and the inner framework of an information column according to the invention.

Fig. 4

shows a clamping insert as part of the inner framework of an information column according to the invention.

Fig. 5

shows a perspective view of a view into the interior of an information column according to the invention from above. (The column is in its use position.)

Fig. 6

shows in a simplified schematic diagram a partially converted into the use position column.

Fig. 1 shows a simplified representation of a typical information column, as it can also be prepared on the basis of the present invention. The column has its greatest extent along the vertical axis v. In cross-section perpendicular to this axis, the column has an elliptical shape. The longer axis of the ellipse runs along the axis a ₁ . The column 10 is formed of an outer shell 20 and an inner framework 30. The inner framework 30 is shown here only schematically as a rectangular insert. However, it is not atypical of an information column when the inner framework 30 is aligned substantially along the axis a ₁ . (As will be seen, however, it is one of the advantages of the present invention that the inner framework is more complex.) The outer shell 20 comprises in this configuration a first half-shell and a second half-shell, which are also generally referred to as the first shell part 26 and as second shell portion 28 may be referred to.

The outer shell consists of several segments, namely a first segment 21, a second segment 22, a third segment 23 and a fourth segment 24. The various segments may be e.g. be separated by fold lines.

Fig. 2 shows in the same perspective view as Fig. 1 the information column 10, which has been transferred to a possible transport position. For this purpose, the first casing part 26 and the second casing part 28 were transferred from their bottom-like configuration into an extended configuration. The shell parts lie so substantially parallel to each other.

Starting from the configuration, which in Fig. 2 is shown, the information column 10 can be converted into an even more compact transport position by the segments are folded along the folding lines separating them. Thus, the column can be converted into a cuboidal package whose base has the area of a segment.

Fig. 3 shows the essential components of a column according to the invention. Shown is a one-piece jacket blank 32. In this jacket blank 32, a fold line F _{0 is} provided, through which the first shell part 26 and the second shell part 28 are separated from each other. It is therefore possible to produce both half-shells from a one-piece jacket blank. Further fold lines can be provided transversely to the fold line F ₀ (three fold lines are drawn in) in order to divide the two jacket parts into segments in the manner described. At one end of the jacket blank 32, a first connecting tab 34 is provided and opposite to it a second connecting tab 36 is provided. The first connection tab 34 is delimited by the fold line F ₁ from the adjacent jacket part and the second connection tab 36 is delimited by the fold line F ₂ from the adjacent jacket part. In the connection tabs a plurality of anchoring notches 38 is provided. These anchoring notches 38 may be useful on the one hand in the connection of the tabs and on the other hand they can also absorb tensioning means. This is related to Fig. 5 will be explained in more detail.

The inner framework of the column according to the invention should be formed by a plurality of clamping inserts. Shown are four clamping inserts 40A, 40B, 40C and 40D. It is expedient to use a separate clamping insert for each segment of a column. The illustrated column with four segments can thus be combined with four clamping inserts 40. However, it would also be considered to provide a clamping insert 40 only in selected segments, for example only in every second segment or only in the uppermost and in the lowest segment.

The structure of the clamping inserts according to the invention is shown using the example of the clamping insert 40A. The clamping insert is made of a rectangular strip. In this three fold lines are provided, namely the third fold line F ₃ , the fourth fold line F ₄ and the fifth fold line F ₅ . Adjacent to the third fold line F ₃ is the first support leg 44 and adjacent to the fourth fold line F ₄ is the second support leg 46th

The fifth fold line F ₅ (shown only for the clamping insert 40A) makes it possible to fold up the two halves of the expansion leg 42 formed by this fold line. By the expansion limb can be converted in a simple manner in a transport position. The fifth fold line F ₅ which also continues in the anchor tabs 48A and 48B, so that these halves form, which can be folded up.

In the expansion leg two anchor tabs are provided, the anchor tab 48A at its lower end and opposite the upper end of the anchor tab 48B. These anchor tabs 48 can accommodate rubber bands. Shown are a first rubber band 50A and a second rubber band 50B, each anchored in the corresponding anchor tabs 48A and 48B.

Fig. 4 shows a clamping insert 40 in a configuration which largely corresponds to its position in the use position of the column. Along the delimiting fold lines, the two support legs are folded down. Together with the expansion leg 42 then forms the first support leg 44 and the second support leg 46 is an almost equilateral triangle. It is expedient in general, if the first support leg and the second support leg are the same length, so at least one isosceles triangle is formed. The anchor tab 48 has a passage opening 52 for the rubber band 50. The rubber band 50 is guided from the direction of the support legs through the passage opening 52 and then wrapped around the anchor tab 48 so that it is guided in the opposite retaining notches 54A and 54B. In this way, the anchor tab 48 cause a very simple, but also reliable anchoring of the rubber band 50.

Fig. 5 shows in a perspective view from above an information column, in which four clamping inserts 40 have been used as an inner framework. The view is essentially from the direction of the vertical axis v in the column on the inner surface 56, which is opposite to the usable for conveying information outer surface 58. From this perspective, the column shows a lenticular cross-section with the longer axis a ₁ and a shorter axis a ₂ perpendicular thereto. The jacket blank forms with its first shell part 26 a first half shell and with its shell part 28 a second half shell. Both shell parts each form four segments, namely from top to bottom a first segment 21, a second segment 22, a third segment 23 and a fourth segment 24.

Through the clamping inserts, the column is held in its use position. The expansion legs 42 extend substantially in the direction of the axis a ₂ . With the help of their first support leg 44 and its second support leg 46, the clamping inserts are supported against the jacket blank. The support legs lie in the folds, which lies between the first connection tab 34 and the second connection tab 36 and the adjacent lateral surfaces. The rubber band 50 connects the anchor tab with anchoring notches in the connecting tabs.

Fig. 6 shows the column from the same direction as Fig. 5 , The column is shown here in a position as it is taken in the transfer from the transport position to the use position. The illustration is further simplified in that all rubber bands, except the top, have been omitted and only the top clamping insert 40 with its top anchor tab 48 has been illustrated. On the basis of this illustration, several advantages of the invention become particularly clear.

A first advantage results from the fact that the first casing part 26 and the second casing part 28 are manufactured from a single casing blank. In this way, the two shell parts along the first side edge S _{1 are} already mechanically connected. Consequently, an additional connection can only be made along the second side edge S ₂ . (If the column should not have an elliptical shape, but for example, a triangular cross-section, could also be dispensed with this side edge.) The side edge can be particularly favorable through the connecting tabs 34 and 36 produce. These connecting straps are folded over so that they rest on one another. Both connecting straps have anchoring notches 38, which can also be brought into an opposite or resting position. In this position, the two connecting straps and thus the shell parts can be very conveniently connected by a rubber band is guided by the superimposed anchoring notches.

The rubber band can thereby perform a dual function: it connects the connecting straps and thus makes the jacket blank a complete outer shell 20 for the column. At the same time it establishes a connection between the outer shell of the column and a clamping insert 40. A clamping means in the form of a rubber band (or in the form of a similar elastic band or component) can therefore perform a dual function, which affects the cost of manufacturing the column low. Incidentally, this construction leads to the support legs 44 and 46 finding reliable hold on the jacket blank 32.

A second advantageous solution results with regard to the expansion limbs: From the illustration it becomes clear that the expansion limb can be folded down along a fold line F ₅ . The fold line F ₅ moves on the axis a ₁ . Thus, the expansion legs can be transferred to a transport position, but can continuously absorb and redirect power.

The fold line F ₅ continues in the anchor tab. Thereby, the anchor tab is divided into a first wing 48A and a second wing 48B. These wings can thus be moved upwards and toward each other so that they do not hinder the transfer of the column into a flat transport position.

A third advantage of the invention results from the force curve, which is caused by the clamping inserts. Fig. 6 this is also clear. The rubber band 50 exerts a tensile force K ₁ along the axis a ₁ . By this tensile force, the center of the expansion leg 42 is moved in the direction of the anchoring of the rubber band at the second side edge S ₂ . By the expansion leg itself acting in the direction of the axis a ₁ force is converted into forces K ₂ and K ₃ along the axis a ₂ . On both shell parts thus act forces that push these shell parts to the outside. Since the column has its smallest extent along the axis a ₂ and thus has its lowest stability, it is also very advantageous for the stability of the column when a spreading effect is deployed along this axis. It should also be noted that the spreading effect not only during the construction of the column, ie during the transfer of the column from the transport position into the use position. The force is also effective if the column is accidentally compressed in use (for example, if a passerby bumps into it). This is important because the pillar is placed always easily accessible in a sales room for the transmission of information, so that an accidental initiation can hardly be ruled out.

The foregoing description has made it clear how a sturdy information pillar can be very efficiently constructed on the basis of the present invention with simple means.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

information column

20

outer shell

21

first segment

22

second segment

23

third segment

24

fourth segment

26

first jacket part

28

second jacket part

30

inner framework

32

coat cut

34

first connecting strap

36

second connecting strap

38

anchoring notches

40

Clamp insert

42

expansion limbs

44

first supporting leg

46

second support leg

48

anchor plate

50

rubber band

52

Through opening

54

retaining notch

56

palm

58

outer surface

v

vertical main axis

a ₁

first axis

a2

second axis

F ₀

fold line

F ₁

first fold line

F ₂

second fold line

F ₃

third fold line

F ₄

fourth fold line

F ₅

fifth fold line

S ₁

first side edge

S ₂

second side edge

K ₁

first strength

K ₂

second force

K ₃

third force

Claims (15)

Information column (10), which has a first casing part (26) and a second casing part (28), wherein both casing parts each have an outer surface (58), which can serve as an advertising surface, and an inner surface (56), wherein the two casing parts along at least a first side edge (S ₁ ) are interconnected and the information column (10) can be transferred from a transport position to a use position, wherein in the transport position at least parts of the lateral surfaces in a first main plane are substantially parallel to each other and in the use position the lateral surfaces in a spreading direction perpendicular to the first main plane are at least partially spread apart, including the information column (10) has a support insert (40) which spreads the shell parts apart and having a spreader leg (42) which extends in the use position substantially parallel to the spreading, and in the transport position a fla The support insert (40) is supported at a first support point against the first casing part (26) and supports at a second support point against the second casing part (28) and the support insert (40) has at least one clamping means, which Spreader leg (42) transferred from the transport position to the use position. Information pillar (10) according to claim 1, wherein the expansion leg (42) has a holding device for the clamping means. Information pillar (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the holding device comprises a tab (48). Information pillar (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one tensioning means comprises a rubber band (50). Information pillar (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping means also serves as a connecting means between the first casing part (26) and the second casing part (28). An information pillar (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support insert (40) further comprises, in addition to the expansion leg (42), at least one first support leg (44) connected to the expansion leg (42) and at one of the first and second Support point distant third base supports. The information pillar (10) of the preceding claim, wherein the support insert (40) further includes a second support leg (46) connected to the expansion leg (42) and supported at a fourth support point remote from the first and second support points. Information pillar (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first support leg (44) at the first end of the expansion limb (42) is articulated and the second support leg (46) at the second end of the expansion limb (42) is articulated. Information pillar (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein between the first support leg (44) and the expansion leg (42) a first crease line and between the second support leg (46) and the expansion leg (42) a second crease line is formed and the first interpolation point lies on the first crease line and the second interpolation point on the second crease line. Information pillar (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shell parts are also connected to each other along a second side edge (S ₂ ), which is opposite to the first side edge (S ₁ ) and parallel to it. Information pillar (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the expansion leg (42) is arranged substantially centrally between the first and side edges (S ₁ ) and the second side edge (S ₂ ). Information pillar (10) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein at least one of the shell parts between the first side edge (S ₁ ) and the second side edge (S ₂ ) arches arched outward. Information pillar (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein on the first casing part (26) via a first fold a first connecting plate (34) is articulated and hinged to the second casing part (28) via a second fold a second connecting strap (36) is and the shell parts by means of the two connecting tabs (34, 36) along the second side edge (S ₂ ) are connected. An information pillar (10) according to claims 7 and 13, wherein the third support point is at or in the first fold and the fourth support point is at or in the second fold. Information pillar (10) according to one of the preceding claims, which has three or four segments which can be positioned one above the other in the transport position, and in which a support insert (40) is provided per segment (21; 22; 23; 24).

Images