GB2460108A

GB2460108A - A folded display stand with supports held in a cantilevered fashion

Info

Publication number: GB2460108A
Application number: GB0808871A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Clive Commissar
Original assignee: POSIT DESIGN
Current assignee: POSIT DESIGN
Priority date: 2008-05-15
Filing date: 2008-05-15
Publication date: 2009-11-25
Anticipated expiration: 2028-05-15
Also published as: GB0808871D0; GB2460108B

Abstract

A display stand 10 comprises a front face 11 having at least one aperture 13; at least one support member 15 inserted through the aperture 13; and at least one reinforcement strut 16 to receive the support member 15, wherein the support member 15 is cantilevered in the display stand for supporting a display product. The display stand 10 preferably includes two side faces 12, each having apertures 14 for receiving the reinforcement strut 16. The stand and the support members may be formed from folded blanks of cardboard. The reinforcing member includes slots to accommodate the support members.

Description

Support Member

Description of Invention

THE PRESENT INVENTION relates to a support member and associated articles. More particularly, the present invention relates to a display stand, a support member and a blank.

Known display stands 1, 6 are shown in Figures 1 and 2. Such stands are made from reinforced cardboard and are generally used temporarily to display a product for sale (for example, at a "point of sale" location).

The display stand I shown in Figure 1 comprises a main compartment 2 for receiving a display product. The display stand 1 may further comprise a header board 3, to which promotional literature may be attached. Within the compartment 2 is inserted a removable latticework insert 4, which defines sub-compartments, each configured to receive at least one display product. The dimensions of each sub-compartment may be configured so as to equal those of a display product to be received therein. The display stand us mounted to a base 5.

The display stand 6 shown in Figure 2 comprises a stand 5, to which a plurality of removable shelving units 7 are attached. Each end of a shelving unit 7 comprises a hooked member, the hook of which is insertable through an aperture on the support 5. The weight of the shelving unit 7 causes the hook permanently to engage the edge of the aperture in the support 5, so as to avoid unintentional separation of the shelving unit 7 from the support 5.

A problem with the prior art arrangements shown in Figures 1 and 2 is that the display stands comprise a plurality of separate and unique parts. For example, if a differently sized display product is to be displayed in the display stand 1 shown in Figure 1, the latticework insert 4 needs to be disposed of and a new one assembled and inserted. Similarly with the arrangement in Figure 2, the shelving units 7 must be disposed of and replaced with different sized shelving units. This is wasteful of materials. Furthermore, by incorporating so many parts, the display stands shown in Figures 1 and 2 require a significant amount of space when being transported or stored.

The present invention seeks to alleviate at least one of the above-mentioned problems.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a display stand comprising a front face having at least one aperture; at least one support member inserted through the aperture; and at least one reinforcement strut to receive the support member, wherein the support member is cantilevered in the display stand for supporting a display product.

Another embodiment provides a support member for a display stand, insertable through an aperture in a front face of the display stand and receivable by a reinforcement strut, thereby cantilevering the support member in the display stand for supporting a display product.

Another embodiment provides a blank for a support member for a display stand, the blank having score lines, the score lines configured such that, when folded, the blank forms a support member for a display stand, insertable through an aperture in a front face of the display stand and receivable by a reinforcement strut, thereby cantilevering the support member in the display stand for supporting a display product.

Another embodiment provides a display stand comprising a front face having at least one aperture, wherein a support member is insertable therethrough; and two side faces, each having at least one aperture, wherein a reinforcement strut is receivable in the aperture of each side face, the reinforcement strut to receive a support member insertable through the at least one aperture of the front face, thereby cantilevering the support member in the display stand for supporting a display product.

Another embodiment provides a blank for a display stand, the blank having score lines, the score lines configured such that, when folded, the blank forms a display stand comprising a front face having at least one aperture, wherein a support member is insertable therethrough; and two side faces, each having at least one aperture, wherein a reinforcement strut is receivable in the aperture of each side face, the reinforcement strut to receive a support member insertable through the at least one aperture of the front face, thereby cantilevering the support member in the display stand for supporting a display product.

Another embodiment provides a display stand comprising a front face having at least one aperture; and at least one reinforcement strut, the display stand configured such that a support member is insertable through the aperture and receivable by the reinforcement strut to form a cantilevered support member for supporting a display product.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures in which: FIGURES 1 and 2 illustrate prior art display stands; FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a display stand embodying the present invention; FIGURE 4 is a rear view of a display stand embodying the present invention; FIGURE 5 shows a support member embodying the present invention; FIGURE 6 shows a reinforcement strut embodying the present invention; FIGURE 7 shows a reinforcement cross-member embodying the present invention; FIGURE 8 shows a blank of the display stand embodying the present invention; and FIGURE 9 shows various embodiments of support members of the present invention.

A display stand 10 embodying the present invention is shown in Figures 3 and 4. The display stand 10 comprises a front face 11 and two side faces 12. The front face 11 comprises at least one aperture 13. In the embodiment shown, there may be an array of apertures 13 provided over the front face 11 in a matrix. A support member 15 is insertable through the aperture 13, as described below. Each of the side faces 12 comprises at least one aperture 14, through which one end of a reinforcement strut 16 may be inserted. Further, each of the two side faces 12 comprises an aperture through which a reinforcement cross-member 18 may be inserted.

The support member 15 comprises a first part 15A and a second part 15B. In the embodiment shown, the surfaces of the first I 5A and second I 5B parts are perpendicular to one another, thereby forming a 900 corner therebetween. In other words, the support member 15 may be L-shaped. The axial length of the support member 15 is of a predetermined size. The support member 15 is insertable through the aperture 13 provided on the front face 11 of the display stand 10. Preferably, the shape of the aperture 13 on the front face 11 of the display stand 10 corresponds to the cross-section of the support member 15.

The support member 15 may be receivable through the aperture 13 with an interference fit.

One end of the support member 15 (shown in Figure 4) is received by a reinforcement strut 16. With reference to Figure 6, the reinforcement strut 16 comprises at least one aperture 20 to receive the support member 15. The aperture 20 may comprise a slot. The aperture 20 may have a shape which corresponds to the cross-section of the support member 15. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6, the aperture 20 of the reinforcement strut 16 may be sized so as to receive the first part 15A of the support member 15. In such a configuration, the top surface of the second part 15B of the support member 15 engages against a lower surface of the reinforcement strut 16, thereby providing a reactionary cantilever force to the support member 15 received in the reinforcement strut 16. As shown in Figures 3 and 6, the reinforcement strut 16 may comprise a stop feature 17, which is operable substantially to prevent movement of the reinforcement strut 16 with respect to the display stand 10.

The reinforcement strut 16 is located behind the front face 11 of the display stand 10. Further, the reinforcement strut 16 is spaced away from the front face 11 (as shown in Figure 4). The benefit of such an arrangement is that the support member 15 is cantilevered in the display stand 10 by the reactionary forces caused by the support member 15 engaging against the aperture 13 of the front face 11 and against the aperture 20 of the reinforcement strut 16.

With reference to Figure 3, the cantilevered support members 15 are for supporting a display product. The display stand 10 shown in Figure 3 is for displaying a rectangular display product, such as a book, DVD or other rectangular or square, boxed product. With the configuration of the display stand 10 shown in Figure 3, a support member 15 is configured to support a respective bottom corner of each display product. Thus, for a given display product, there will be two supporting members 15 supporting each respective bottom corner. The weight of the display product will be cantilevered by the reactionary forces of the support member 15 in the display stand 10.

In one embodiment, the support member 15 is adjustable so as to alter the length of the part of the support member 15 protruding from the front face 11 of the display stand 10. In one embodiment, if the display stand 10 is to display a display product having large dimensions, then the support member 15 may be moved with respect to the front face 11 of the display stand 10. However, care should be taken that the support member 15 is not moved to the extent that one end of the support member is no longer received by the aperture 20 of the reinforcement strut 16. If a larger protruding length of the support member 15 is required, then the support member 15 may be replaced with a longer support member 15. The support member 15 embodying the present invention is of a simple construction -unlike the complicated structures of the insert 4 (of Figure 1) and the shelving unit 7 (of

Figure 2) of the prior art.

Display products are normally shipped in large batches on pallets. Before shipping the pallets of display products, it is known to provide an edge protector on each protruding edge of the batch of palleted product, so as to avoid damage to the display products. After the display products have been removed from the pallet, the edge protectors may be re-used as the support members 15 of the present invention. This feature of the present invention advantageously reduces wastage. Further, it will be noted that since the support members 15 are of a uniform cross-section, a support member 15 of a required length may be cut from a longer blank of support member material.

The end user may then configure the length of the support members 15 to their requirements. This is not possible with the prior art of Figures 1 and 2.

It will be noted that when two support members 15 are configured to support a display product, the respective second parts 15B of each support member define only a part shelf, and not a whole shelf extending below the entire bottom surface of the display product. This advantageously saves on material, yet still provides an adequate support for a display product.

It will be appreciated that many different configurations of the support member 15 to that shown in Figure 3 are possible. For example, various of the support members 15 may be removed so as to accommodate larger display products on at least one row of apertures 13. For example, the top section of the display stand 10 may be provided with support members 15 in each aperture 13, whereas the lower rows of apertures 13 may be provided only with support members 15 at either end, thereby supporting a larger display product (for example a 12" vinyl record or a large book).

The display stand 10 further comprises a reinforcement cross-member 18 (as shown in Figures 4 and 7). In a similar fashion to the stop 17 of the reinforcement strut 16, the reinforcement cross-member 18 comprises a stop 19 at each axial end thereof. As shown in Figure 4, the purpose of the stop 19 is to abut against the inside surface of the side faces 12 of the display stand 10, to provide strength and rigidity to the display stand 10.

All of the components of the display stand are preferably configured such that they may be flat-packed. Accordingly, the present invention further provides a blank 100 (Figure 8) for a display stand 10; a blank 150 (Figure 5) for a support member 15; a blank 160 (Figure 6) for a reinforcement strut 16; and a blank 180 (Figure 7) for a reinforcement cross-member 18. Each of the blanks 100, 150, 160, 180 comprises score lines, the score lines configured such that, when folded, the blanks 100, 150, 160, 180 form a display stand 10; support 15; reinforcement strut 16; and reinforcement cross-member 18 respectively.

With reference to Figure 8, the blank 100 for a display stand 10 may further comprise a score line 20 on each side face 12, which line 20 coincides with one edge of the apertures 14 provided on the side faces 11 of the display stand 10 for receiving a reinforcement strut 16. The benefit of this is that the display stand 10 may be assembled with at least one support member 15 and at least one reinforcement strut 16 in place, prior to shipping the display stand 10. Before shipping, the part 12B of each side face 12 (defined by the score line 20) may be folded back so as to reduce the footprint of the display stand 10. Such an arrangement conveniently reduces the transportation footprint of the display stand embodying the present invention.

Further, with the display stand 10 part-assembled as described, the display stand 10 may be provided with a plurality of display product in each of the display locations defined by each of the support members 15. The end user (e.g. the retailer) need only remove the part-assembled display stand 10 from its transportation box; fold-back the parts 12B of the side faces 12; insert the reinforcement cross-member 18; and the display stand 10 is ready for display.

Alternatively, the entire display stand system may be transported in a kit form, with the end user assembling each part of the display stand 10 (including the support members 15, reinforcement struts 16 and the reinforcement cross-member 18).

As with the known display stand I shown in Figure 1, the display stand 10 of the present invention may further comprise a header board 3 for promotional literature. The header board 3 may be a separate item attachable to the display stand 10 (as in Figure 1), or may be formed by extending the front face 11. Further, the display stand 10 of the present invention may have a support structure such as the support structure 5 shown in Figure 1.

Figure 9 (A) shows a further embodiment of a support member 21 embodying the present invention. As shown in Figure 9 (A), the support member 21 is not "L-shaped" but an "inverted-I" shape. With such an arrangement, the aperture 13 provided on the front face 11 of the display stand 10 is configured with a corresponding "T" shape. The support member 21 may be formed from a single sheet of material, folded along three axial and parallel lines as derivable from Figure 9 (A). Indeed, it will be appreciated that the support member 21 shown in Figure 9 (A) may be made from the blank 150 shown in Figure 5 (A).

Another configuration of the support member 15 is illustrated in Figure 9 (B).

A composite 1-shaped support member may be formed from two individual support members 15 as shown in Figure 3. The aperture 13 provided in such an arrangement is substantially identical to that shown in Figure 9 (A).

Whilst the support members 15 described above have an L or I-shaped cross-section, it will readily be appreciated that other cross-sections of support member 15 are suitable, for example, square or circular cross-sections.

Further, whilst the support members 15 shown are configured only to support the lower corners of display product, it will readily be appreciated that a display stand 10 embodying the present invention may be configured such that additional support members 15 are provided to engage with a top surface, corner or side surfaces of a display product.

The end of the support members 15 protruding from the front face 11 may be provided with a retaining feature (not shown). The retaining feature may be to provide an aesthetically pleasing support member and/or to prevent the display product from falling off the display stand. A retaining feature may bridge the respective ends of at least two support members 15.

Whilst the suitability of a display stand 10 embodying the present invention for supporting a square or rectangular display product has been described above, it will readily be appreciated that the display stand 10 is suitable for supporting other shaped display products. For example, even with the configuration of support members 15 shown in Figure 3, the display stand 10 is operable to display a circular display product.

Preferably, at least one of the display stand 10, support member 15, reinforcement strut 16 and reinforcement cross-member 18 is made of cardboard and/or paper. At least one component or a part thereof may comprise wood or metal.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A display stand comprising: a front face having at least one aperture; at least one support member inserted through the aperture; and at least one reinforcement strut to receive the support member, wherein the support member is cantilevered in the display stand for supporting a display product.
2. A support member for a display stand, insertable through an aperture in a front face of the display stand and receivable by a reinforcement strut, thereby cantilevering the support member in the display stand for supporting a display product.
3. A blank for a support member for a display stand, the blank having score lines, the score lines configured such that, when folded, the blank forms a support member for a display stand, insertable through an aperture in a front face of the display stand and receivable by a reinforcement strut, thereby cantilevering the support member in the display stand for supporting a display product.
4. A display stand comprising: a front face having at least one aperture, wherein a support member is insertable therethrough; and two side faces, each having at least one aperture, wherein a reinforcement strut is receivable in the aperture of each side face, the reinforcement strut to receive a support member insertable through the at least one aperture of the front face, thereby cantilevering the support member in the display stand for supporting a display product.
5. A blank for a display stand, the blank having score lines, the score lines configured such that, when folded, the blank forms a display stand comprising: a front face having at least one aperture, wherein a support member is insertable therethrough; and two side faces, each having at least one aperture, wherein a reinforcement strut is receivable in the aperture of each side face, the reinforcement strut to receive a support member insertable through the at least one aperture of the front face, thereby cantilevering the support member in the display stand for supporting a display product.
6. A display stand comprising: a front face having at least one aperture; and at least one reinforcement strut, the display stand configured such that a support member is insertable through the aperture and receivable by the reinforcement strut to form a cantilevered support member for supporting a display product.
7. A support member, blank or display stand as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the reinforcement strut is located behind the front face of the display stand.
8. A support member, blank or display stand as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the reinforcement strut is spaced away from the front face.
9. A support member, blank or display stand as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the reinforcement strut comprises at least one slot to receive an end of the support member.
A support member, blank or display stand as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the shape of the aperture in the front face of the display stand corresponds to the cross section of the support member. 4 9
11 A support member, blank or display stand as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support member has an L-shape, square or circular cross-section.
12. A support member, blank or display stand as claimed in any preceding claim, the cantilevered support member for supporting at least a part of a display product.
13. A support member, blank or display stand as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein there are at least two cantilevered support members, each for supporting a respective bottom corner of a display product.
14. A support member, blank or display stand as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support member is adjustable so as to alter the length of the part of the support member protruding from the front face of the display stand.
15. A kit comprising a display stand, at least one support member and at least one reinforcement strut as claimed in any preceding claim.
16. A display stand as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising at least one display product.
17. A support member, blank or display stand as claimed in any preceding claim, manufactured from at least one of cardboard and paper.
18. A support member, blank or display stand as claimed in any preceding claim, operable to be transported as a flat-pack.
19. A support member, blank or display stand as hereinbefore described with reference to the figures.
20. Any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein.