GB2270468A

GB2270468A - Display stand

Info

Publication number: GB2270468A
Application number: GB9220911A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jean Grayson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-08-19
Filing date: 1992-10-05
Publication date: 1994-03-16
Anticipated expiration: 2012-10-05
Also published as: GB9217566D0; GB2270468B; GB9220911D0

Abstract

A display stand 1 for display of retail articles comprises a shaft portion 4 and at least one elongate display arm for holding one or more of the retail articles, the elongate display arm being mountable at one end to the shaft member perpendicular to the main axis thereof, and projecting outwardly therefrom. The display arms are rotatable about the central shaft, and can be arranged in a plurality of configurations. The display arms may be substantially horizontal fan shaped plates, or U-shaped channels, or other types of support arms. <IMAGE>

Description

DISPLAY STAND The invention relates to display cases, such as may be used in retail outlets.

Conventional display cases, for example those used for displaying ladies clothing accessories, porcelain, and other articles to be found in retail department stores, generally comprise a cavity surround by one or more glass sheets. Such cases conventionally have a plurality of horizontal shelves which may be of a glass material, contained in the cavity and supported either by the back and sides of the display case, similarly to a book shelf, or by a central support member.

However, such conventional display cases are unsuitable for the display of certain types of goods, which are more commonly displayed in racks or trays. Such racks or trays may be contained within a display case.

Such goods include for example ladies purses, mens wallets, and similar small objects which will not stand freely for display purposes without falling over.

A problem with such racks and trays is that the goods are packed closely together and are not easily visible by passing customers. Inspecting the goods requires physical handling of the goods which is inconvenient in crowded department stores and restricts the number of persons able to inspect the goods at any one time due to crowding around the tray or rack.

Where the racks or trays are stored under a glass fronted or topped counter, inspection of the goods requires an assistant to be present to open or unlock the display case.

The present invention seeks to overcome some of the above problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display stand comprising a shaft portion and at least one elongate display arm said elongate display arm having first and second ends, said first end being mountable to said shaft member transversely to a main axis thereof, and said second end projecting outwardly into free space.

Preferably, in use, the main axis of the shaft member stands upright.

Preferably, in use, a said display arm is arranged to lie substantially horizontally.

Preferably, a said display arm is adapted for holding one or more objects to be displayed.

A said display arm may comprise a substantially flat shelf portion. The display arm may comprise a sheet material.

Said display arm may have first and second peripheral edges which are angled with respect to each other, for example either away from or towards each other.

The first and second periperal edges may extend substantially radially form said shaft member. The display arm may be substantially fan shaped. The display arm may comprise a flat member having, in plan view, the shape of a hexagon cut into two, four, eight, or more equal segments.

Preferably, said display arm comprises two or more elongate substantially parallel spaced apart portions.

Preferably, said display arm comprises an elongate channel for carrying a plurality of objects to be displayed said channel having an open upper portion.

A said display arm may further comprise a means for retaining an object held within said channel, such that said object is prevented from being removed via said open upper portion.

Said means for retaining may comprise one or more rims or protrusions located peripherally to said open upper portion.

Said display arm may be adapted such that display objects may be slidably moved along the arm to said second end thereof.

Said display stand may further comprise locking means attachable to said second end for preventing articles being removed from said channel in a direction along the length of said channel.

The invention includes a display stand comprising a plurality of said display arms, each arranged transversely to said main axis, said plurality of display arms being arrangeable such that the second ends thereof lie on at least one substantially spiral path.

Preferably, said second ends are arrangeable to lie on a plurality of substantially spiral paths.

The invetion includes a display stand in which a plurality of said display arms are each arrangable transversely to said main axis and are arrangeable to lie along a plurality of radii to said main axis.

At least one said display arm may be of a transparent or translucent material. Said material may be a plastics material.

One or more said display arms may be rotatable about said main axis.

The display stand may further comprise at least one abutment means fixable to a said shaft portion, such that a plurality of said display arms can be compressed together along the shaft such that each display arm can be frictionally held in a fixed angular relationship to each other display arm.

Said display stand may further comprise a rotational bearing at each end of the shaft, wherein said friction may be sufficient to allow said display stand to be movable as a whole about said bearings by application of force to any one or more of said display arms.

Said friction may be selected to be of an amount which can be overcome by moderate manual, physical force applied by an average person to alter said fixed angular relationship between two or more said display arms.

Said abutment means may be a collar which can fit around said shaft and is lockable thereto.

Said display stand may further comprise a plurality of spacer members for spacing apart said display arms.

Preferably said spacers are each of substantially the same length.

Preferably, said length is in the range 50 to 200mm.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a display arm comprising two or more elongate substantially parallel spaced apart portions and attachment means for movably attaching said portions to a substantially upright shaft member.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display arm unit having a tubular shaft member comprising a first portion having a first width and a second portion having a second width, such that said second width is smaller than said first width.

Preferably said second portion of a first display arm unit is insertable into a first portion of another similar display arm unit.

The invention includes a display stand, display arm or display unit substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The invention includes a display case having a display stand, display arm or display unit as herein described.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a display case containing a display stand according to a specific embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a display stand according to a specific embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 shows a first display arm, for example such as may be used in the specific embodiment of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a second display arm, according to another specific embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 shows a first fixing means of a display arm to a central shaft member according to another specific embodiment of the invention; ; Figures 6 and 7 show a second fixing means of a display arm to a central shaft member according to a further specific embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 shows a combined shaft and display arm unit according to a further specific embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 shows in exploded view a further specific embodiment, being a variation on the embodiment of Figure 5 hereinabove; and Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a display case having a further specific embodimant of the present invention, the embodiment being a display stand having a plurality of flat shelf segments.

Referring to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings, a display case comprises a base portion 1, a top portion 2, a plurality of glass sides 3 (in this case 6 sides are shown), and a display stand 4. The base 1, upper portion 2, and glass sides 3 are as conventionally known.

Referring to Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings, a display stand, for example such as may be used in a display case as shown in Figure 1, comprises a central shaft member 10 and a plurality of outwardly extending display arms 11 arranged spirally. The display stand can be mounted to part of a base member 12 of a display case and an upper part 13 of the display case so as to be held static, or so as to be able to revolve as a whole eg. on race bearings attached to each end of the shaft.

Where the display stand is designed to revolve, a motor apparatus 14 may be provided concealed within the base of the display case, or alternatively (although not shown here) in the upper portion of the display case. The motor is preferably an electric motor, although could be mechanically driven.

The display arms 11 may be fixed rotationally with respect to the shaft 10, the rotation of the shaft causing rotation of the plurality of arms, or one or more of the arms may swivel with respect to any other one or more of the arms such that the spiral arrangement can be varied by rotation of the arms about a central axis extending along a length of the shaft member 10.

Preferably each of the display arms 11 is has a channel of a "U" shape, of dimensions suitable for holding an object to be displayed, for example a purse, wallet or the like. The display arms are preferably of a transparent material, for example perspex or a clear plastics material such that articles placed within the "U" shaped channel of each arm can be viewed through sides of the arms.

Where such a display stand is incorporated within a conventional display case provided with means for rotating the display stand, the stand may have the advantage of presenting displayed articles which pass near a front of the case, allowing customers to view the articles in succession near the front of the case. Such an arrangement may be particularly advantageous where the display stand is used in a corner location, and access to the sides of the case is restricted.

Referring to Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings, one example of a display arm is shown. The display arm 20, comprises first and second elongate side members 21, 22 respectively and a floor portion 23, together forming a "U" shaped channel. Articles to be displayed, e.g. a purse 24, may be placed within the channel formed by the first and second elongate side members and the floor portion. The channel has an open upper portion 25, defined between.the first and second members 21 and 22 into which the purse can be placed from above.

Alternatively, the purse can be slid along the channel from one end.

In use, the display arm is arranged to be supported at a first end by a shaft member, and a second end is left unsupported in free space.

Whilst a "U" shaped member has been shown herein, other profiles are possible, for example a "C" shaped member, "V" shaped or similar.

Referring to Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings, a second display arm 30 is shown in end view. The second display arm 30 is generally similar to the first display arm described hereinabove, except that elongate rim portions 31, 32 respectively are provided along the lengths of each of the first and second elongate sides 35, 36 respectively to provide an opening B at an open upper portion of the arm, which is narrower than the width of a cavity A within the body of the arm 30, between the first and second elongate sides.

In use, articles, such as a purse 33 can be slid from one end of the display arm and along the display arm.

Where the articles to be displayed are purses, a central insert member 34 can be placed within a purse, the width between the rims being insufficient to allow the purse being withdrawn in an upward direction as shown in Figure 4, necessitating entry of and removal of the purse along the length of the display arm.

Where the display arm is attached to a support member at a first end, a plug or locking plug may be provided at a second end. The articles are entered via the free second end, which can be plugged and/or locked, to prevent removal of the articles from the display arm.

Referring to Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings, a first fixing means of fixing a display arm 40 to an elongate central shaft member 43 is shown. The display arm is attached, either by moulding integrally with, gluing to, or being attached by other fixing means e.g. a screw, to a ring member 41 having a central hole 42 through which the central shaft member 43 can pass.

In use, a plurality of such ring members can be arranged along the shaft member 43, spaced apart by a plurality of substantially cylindrical spacer members 44.

The central shaft member can be of a metal, preferably with a chromed or other attractive finish, and the ring member and spacer members may be of perspex, other clear plastics material, or a suitably attractive metal material.

In use, the display arm 40 may rotate with respect to the shaft member 43, being held transversely thereto.

Where a plurality of shaft members are provided on rings, each display arm may be rotatable independently of each other display arm, or the tolerances of the ring 41 and shaft 43 may be such as to rigidly attach the arm 40 to the shaft 43.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7 of the accompanying drawings, a second fixing means of a fixing display arm 50 to a central shaft member 51 comprising portions 100, 101 is shown. In this embodiment, the shaft member 51 is hollow and cylindrical, having substantially vertical slots 53 in a side wall 54 thereof.

The display arm, at a first end, has protruding lugs 56, one attached to each of first and second elongate side members 57 and 58.

In use, attachment of the display arm 50 to the shaft member 51 is accomplished by inserting over hanging hook portions 59 of the lugs 56 into the slots, an upper edge of the over hanging hook portions touching an upper periphery of each slot 53, and then lowering the display arm in a direction parallel to a main axis of the shaft member (i.e. downwards as shown in Figures 6 and 7) such that the hooks 59 of the projection engages the shaft side wall material below the slots.

Using this embodiment, the display arms may be easily and quickly removed from the shaft member. The display arms are not rotatable with the respect to the shaft member where the shaft is of one piece construction, the angular positions of the arms with respect to the shaft member being determined by the positioning of the slots 53 in the side wall 54 of the shaft member.

However, where a shaft is constructed as a plurality of interlocking shaft portions 100, 101 movable rotationally with respect to one another and, each having a plurality of slots 53, a display arm (e.g. 50) may be rotatable with respect to shaft members (e.g. 101) other than the one (100) to which the arm is attached and the angles between the display arms may be thus varied.

Referring to Figure 8 of the accompanying drawings, a combined shaft and display arm unit is shown, according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

The combined shaft and display arm unit 60 comprises a display arm 61, which may be as hereinbefore described, moulded integrally, glued to, or otherwise rigidly fixed to a shaft portion 62 comprising a first hollow cylindrical tube 63 of a first diameter and a second hollow cylindrical tube 64 of a second, smaller, diameter.

In use, a plurality of such units can be fitted together, the smaller diameter tubular member 64 of one unit being inserted into a larger diameter tube member 63 of a lower unit. The two units may be arranged to rotate with respect to each other, or may be arranged to be a push fit together for rigidity.

Furthermore, to provide extra support to the shaft, a further cylindrical rod may be inserted through the plurality of units , the rod being of a diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the lower cylindrical portion 64 of each unit.

Referring to Figure 9 of the accompanying drawings, a further embodiment of a display stand comprises a central shaft member 200, a plurality of spacer members 201, and a plurality of display arm units 202. The spacer members 201 and attachment portions 205 of the display arms 202, can be threaded along the central shaft 200, such that the display arms 202 extend radially outwards of the shaft member and transversely thereto.

In use, a plurality of such display arms and spacers can be abutted together along the shaft portion, the spacer members and display arms each being rotatable with respect to the shaft member and each other.

Abutment members 204 are provided at each end of the shaft, are slidable with respect to the shaft. The abutment members can be used to press together the spacer members and display arms under force and lock in the relative angular positions of the display arms with respect to each other by friction due to the compression maintained by the abutment members in a direction along the main axis of the shaft 200.

The abutment members 204 may be lockable with respect to the shaft by means of grub screws (not shown) or similar locking means.

The shaft member 200 may be supported at each end by rotatable race bearings to a display stand base or top portion.

The spacers 201 are preferably of an acrylic material, and may be chrome plated. Preferably a length of each spacer is around 100mm (10cm). This configuration allows a shallow spiral to be formed making efficient use of space in a display environment, and the arms are suitably angularly spaced apart at angles of around 6 or 7 degrees.

Each of the above mentioned display stand embodiments may be provided in a display case which either has transparent, e.g. glass, sides or which is open to access.

The display stand may be particularly suitable for a free standing display case unit.

Furthermore, where the display arms are rotationally independent of each other and/or a shaft, locking means may be provided within the display arms, e.g. by a grub screw, to tighten the display arm rotationally with respect to other display arms along the same main axis.

Refering to Figure 10 of the accompanying drawings, a further display stand embodiment 300 is substantially similar as described with reference to figures 1, 2, 5 or 9, except that the display arm, instead of having an elengate channel, comprises a sheet of flat material, for example acrylic material, which is attachable to the main shaft as described with reference to figures 5 or 9. A sufficiently rigid connection between the shaft member and the display arm is provided such that a second end 301 of the display arm may project freely in to space, without the need for an additional support.

The display arm is shaped as a portion of a hexagon, as seen in plan view, but alternatively, other shapes may be provided, and display arms of different shapes may be incorporated into the same display stand in any combination or order. For example, a display arm having a plan shape of a hexagon divided into twelve may be provided, or of a hexagon divided into two, four, six, eight, or any other suitable divisor may be provided.

Similarly, a fan- shaped display arm may be provided, having peripheral edges which extend radially away from the main shaft, or which are angled towards or away form each other.

In other embodiments, display arms having channels, similarly as described with reference to figures 3, 4, 5, or 9 may be provided with dividers portions to divide the channels into a number of containers. Furthermore, other display arms may have an upstanding portion suitable for the display os a watch for example. a display stand may incorporate a plurality of different display arms of any compatible types as herein desribed.

Whilst the above embodiments have been shown having one display arm at each horizontal level, a plurality of display arms may be attached at substantially the same horizontal level so as to provide a central shaft member having a plurality of display arms attached at each of a series of discrete horizontal levels giving the effect of a spoked wheel type configuration reproduced at various horizontal levels along the shaft.

It will be understood from the context of the specification that where the term "fixed" is used, the term embraces "movably fixed", "movably fixable" and "attachable", and "fixing means" is accordingly construed.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A display stand for display of retail articles, comprising a shaft portion and at least one elongate display arm for holding one or more of the retail articles, said elongate display arm having first and second ends, said first end being mountable to said shaft member transversely to a main axis thereof, and said second end projecting outwardly into free space.

2. A display stand according to claim 1 in which, in use, the main axis of the shaft member stands upright.

3. A display stand according to claim 1 or 2, in which, in use, a said display arm is arranged to lie substantially horizontally.

4. A display stand according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein a said display arm is adapted for holding one or more objects to be displayed.

5. A display stand according to any one of the preceding claims, in which a said display arm comprises a substantially flat shelf portion.

6. A display stand according to claim 5, comprising a sheet material.

7. A display stand according to claim 5 or 6, having first and second peripheral edges angled with respect to each other.

8. A display stand according to claim 8, wherein said first and second peripheral edges extend substantially radially form said shaft member.

9. A display stand according to any one of the preceding claims which is substantially fan shaped.

10. A display stand according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said display arm comprises two or more elongate substantially parallel spaced apart portions.

11. A display stand according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said display arm comprises an elongate channel for carrying a plurality of objects to be displayed said channel having an open upper portion.

12. A display stand according to claim 11, wherein said display arm further comprises means for retaining an object held within said channel, such that said object is prevented from being removed via said open upper portion.

13. A display stand according to claim 12, wherein said means for retaining comprises one or more rims or protrusions located peripherally to said open upper portion.

14. A display stand according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said display arm is adapted such that display objects may be slidably moved along the arm to said second end thereof.

15. A display stand according to claim 14, further comprising locking means attachable to said second end for preventing articles being removed from said channel in a direction along the length of said channel.

16. A display stand according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of said display arms, each arranged transversely to said main axis, said plurality of display arms being arrangeable such that the second ends thereof lie on at least one substantially spiral path.

17. A display stand according to claim 16, wherein said second ends are arrangeable to lie on a plurality of substantially spiral paths.

18. A display stand according to any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising a plurality of said display arms arranged transversely to said main axis, said plurality arrangeable to lie along a plurality of radii to said main axis.

19. A display stand according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one said display arm is of a transparent or translucent material.

20. A display stand according to claim 19, wherein said material is a plastics material.

21. A display stand according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more said display arms is or are rotatable about said main axis.

22. A display stand according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one abutment means fixable to a said shaft portion, such that a plurality of said display arms can be compressed together along the shaft such that each display arm can be frictionally held in a fixed angular relationship to each other display arm.

23. A display stand according to claim 22, further comprising a rotational bearing at each end of the shaft, wherein said friction is sufficient to allow said display stand to be movable as a whole about said bearings by application of force to any one or more of said display arms.

24. A display stand according to claim 23, wherein said friction is selected to be of an amount which can be overcome by moderate manual, physical force applied by an average person to alter said fixed angular relationship between two or more said display arms.

25. A display stand according to claim 22, 23 or 24, wherein said abutment means is a collar which can fit around said shaft and is lockable thereto.

26. A display stand according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a plurality of spacer members for spacing apart said display arms.

27. A display stand according to claim 26, wherein said spacers are each of substantially the same length.

28. A display stand according to claim 27, wherein said length is in the range 50 to 200mm.

29. A display arm comprising two or more elongate substantially parallel spaced apart portions and attachment means for movably attaching said portions to a substantially upright shaft member.

30. A display stand, display arm or display unit substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

31. A display case having a display stand, display arm or display unit according to any one of the preceding claims.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A display stand for display of retail articles, comprising a shaft and at least one elongate display arm for holding one or more of the retail articles, said elongate display arm having first and second ends, said first end being mountable to said shaft such that the display arm extends outwards of the shaft transversely to a main axis thereof, and said second end projecting outwardly into free space, the display arm being rotatable with respect to the main axis of the shaft.

6. A display stand according to claim 5, in which the display arm comprises a sheet material.

7. A display stand according to claim 5 or 6, in which the display arm has first and second peripheral edges angled with respect to each other.

8. A display stand according to claim 7, wherein said first and second peripheral edges extend substantially radially from said shaft member.

9. A display stand according to any one of the preceding claims in which a display arm is substantially fan shaped.

14. A display stand according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein said display arm is adapted such that display objects may be slidably moved along the arm to said second end thereof.

18. A display stand according to any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising a plurality of said display arms arranged transversely to said main axis, said plurality of display arms arrangeable to lie along a plurality of radii to said main axis.

22. A display stand according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one abutment means fixable to a said shaft, such that a plurality of said display arms can be compressed together along the shaft such that each display arm can be fictionally held in a fixed angular relationship to each other display arm.

29. A display stand for display of retail articles, comprising a shaft of which, in use, the main axis stands substantially upright, and at least one display arm in the form of a flat shelf arranged to lie substantially horizontally for holding one or more of the retail articles, said elongate display arm having first and second ends, said first end being mountable to said shaft transversely to the main axis thereof, and said second end protection outwardly into free space without the need for an additional support, the display arm having first and second periphteral edges angled with respect to each other and each extending substantially radially from said shaft.

30. A display stand for display of retail articles, comprising a shaft and at least one elongate display arm for holding one or more of the retail articles, said elongate display arm having first and second ends, said first end being mountable to said shaft transversely to a main axis thereof, and said second end projecting outwardly into free space, said display arm comprising an elongate channel.

31. A display arm comprising two or more elongate substantially parallel spaced apart portions and attachment means for movably attaching said portions to a substantially upright shaft member.

32. A display stand, display arm or display unit substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

33. A display case having a display stand, display arm or display unit according to any one of the preceding claims.