GB2481375A

GB2481375A - Information display system for a pallet.

Info

Publication number: GB2481375A
Application number: GB1010311.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thomas George Fripp
Original assignee: Fripp Design Ltd
Current assignee: Fripp Design Ltd
Priority date: 2010-06-18
Filing date: 2010-06-18
Publication date: 2011-12-28
Anticipated expiration: 2030-06-18
Also published as: IES20110320A2; GB201010311D0; GB2481375B; GB2481375A8

Abstract

A display system for a pallet 10 for displaying information or advertisements about goods on the pallet, e.g. in a retail environment, comprises first and second brackets 20a, 20b and at least one display surface, e.g. display panel 60. A first bracket 20a is releasably secured to a first corner of the pallet. A second substantially identical bracket 20b is releasably secured to the pallet either at an adjacent corner or to a pallet bracing member (Fig. 9). The brackets may be secured by means of straps 30. The display surface has two ends, each end being releasably secured to a respective bracket, whereby the display surface extends between the brackets over a full or partial side of the pallet. A display surface cover may be provided for covering the information provided on the display surface. The brackets and display surface may be formed from a unitary blank (Fig. 21). The brackets may be provided with interlocking means whereby adjacent brackets on adjacent pallets may be releasably secured to one another.

Description

DISPLAY SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a display system for use with goods handling equipment. More particularly, the present invention relates to a removable display system for use with pallets and similar load-bearing support.

Background to the Invention

In most contemporary logistics systems, goods are conventionally stored on pallets and similar goods transporting supports, to facilitate their handling between cargo areas of transport vehicles and temporary or permanent storage areas. In retail environments in particular, goods are routinely left on transport pallets within stores, to simplify stock presentation procedures and increase stock turn around times. This development is particularly relevant to goods with a high stock turnover, for instance perishables, but it is just as relevant for bulky packaged goods, for instance silver and white goods such as televisions and fridges.

Many types of covers are known for use with palletized goods, which have *:::. been developed principally for protecting the palletized cargo in transit from shock,

S

::::. 20 collapse or environmental conditions such as humidity. Such covers must * *, . S I.. 5****

however be removed in stores, to allow customers access to the goods for * * inspection, selection and purchase. ***S *..* * ***

* * In retail or warehousing environments, it is often desirable to display * information about the goods resting on one or more pallets. Typically, such IS'S..

information is displayed on a surface temporarily affixed on or near the goods, prone to be waylaid before it has finished serving its purpose. Alternatively, such information is displayed on a support attached or hung from a nearby surface, for instance a display sign hung from a ceiling above or in close proximity to the palletized goods. Replacing or updating such a support at height is inherently dangerous for the operator and, with reference to the frequent displacement of * *.. S S.. **.

* . S * * * . S * * S * * **S * * * . . S. * * S * . I. * .* S * * . S. * S palletized goods with a high stock rotation, must be performed very often in certain environments, such as supermarkets.

It is accordingly an object of the invention to mitigate at least some of the problems associated with the prior art described above.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a display system for a pallet or the like, comprising a first bracket releasably secured to a first corner of the pallet, a second bracket substantially identical to the first bracket and releasably secured to the pallet in co-axial alignment with the first bracket, and a display surface having two extremities, each extremity being releasably secured to a respective bracket.

The second bracket may preferably be releasably secured to a second corner of the pallet, along a same side of the pallet.

The bracket preferably includes at least two surfaces for respectively abutting two perpendicular sides of a pallet corner or bracing member. * 20

* S SS.

* S S S*S*.

*::: Preferably, each bracket is releasably secured to the pallet with releasable attachment means. The pallet attachment means may be selected from the group I.....

: comprising fasteners, a length of fabric hook-and-loop fastener and a combination 55.

* of a webbing strap and ratchet.

* S. * * **S 04.

S.,... S.

The display system preferably further comprises two display surfaces, each display surface having two extremities, adjacent extremities of the display panels being releasably secured to a same respective bracket.

The bracket is preferably made from a non-resilient material and the display panel is made from a resilient material. Alternatively, the bracket may be made from a resilient material and the display panel made from a non-resilient material.

* SSS * S.. 555 * S S * S 5 5 S * S S S S *SS I S * S S 55 5 I S * 5 SS 5 5. 5 5 S S *5 5 5 Each extremity of the display panel preferably includes an aperture for through engagement by a bracket lip member. The aperture may be a through slot transversal to the main longitudinal axis of the display panel. Alternatively, the aperture may be a box section extending along the main longitudinal axis of the display panel The display system preferably further comprises at least one cover releasably secured to a display surface.

io According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a bracket for a display system for a pallet or the like, including at east two surfaces for respectively abutting two perpendicular sides of a pallet corner or bracing member, releasable pallet attachment means and releasable display panel engaging means.

The bracket is preferably manufactured from a die-cut or laser-cut mild steel blank, and wherein at least one of the at least two surfaces is CNC-folded.

Alternatively, the bracket may be manufactured from a plastic material such as ABS, polycarbonate or polypropylene, with an injection-moulding process or the *:::: 20 like. *

***S SS.

S..... * .

: Preferably, a first of the at least two surfaces rests against a first side of a S.. *.* pallet corner or bracing member. The first surface preferably forms an L-shape, * extending from a second portion of the bracket which is shaped substantially as a triangle. A base of the triangle portion preferably forms a right angle with one section of the first surface and is parallel with a second section of the first surface, the first and second sections of the first surface being perpendicular to one another. The second of the at least two surfaces are preferably located adjacent, and at a transverse right angle relative to, the first surface and located substantially at the triangle base and substantially parallel thereto.

* *** S **. *S * S S * * * S * * . S * * *** . S * S * *5 * * S * * *. S S. * S S * *. S * The triangle may be selected from the group comprising an isosceles triangle, an obtuse triangle, an equilateral triangle, a scalene triangle, a right triangle, an oblique triangle and an acute triangle. Preferably, each side of the triangle excluding its base is respectively folded relative to the first surface in a direction substantially co-planar with the second surface. Preferably, each side of the triangle is folded to form a 900 bend relative to the plane of the triangle, leading to a flat surface which is substantially perpendicular relative to the plane of triangle.

Each flat surface preferably further includes a display panel engagement member. The lip member may be selected from the group comprising a projecting lip member, a S-shaped or U-shaped tongue and an engagement member having serrated opposed edges.

Preferably, a through slot is formed within the plane of the triangle, for passage of the bracket attachment means therethrough in use.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is a provided a kit of parts for releasable attachment to a pallet or the like, comprising a first bracket releasably secured to a first corner of the pallet, a second bracket substantially 20 identical to the first bracket and releasably secured to a bracing member of the * . .. *

pallet, and a display surface having two extremities, each extremity being : releasably secured to a respective bracket. S..S *

The kit of parts may include two display surfaces, each display surface having two extremities, adjacent extremities of the display panels being releasably secured to a same respective bracket.

The kit of parts preferably further includes at least one cover for releasable securing to a display surface.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a locking system is provided for use with a plurality of pallets, comprising at least a first bracket releasbly * *** S *I. *.I * S I I * I * S * I * * I 1.1 I I * I I ** I * I * I II I II * I * I SI I S secured to a first corner of a first pallet, a second bracket substantially identical to the first bracket and releasably secured to a first corner of a second pallet, wherein the first and second brackets each comprises interlocking means for releasable securing to one another.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pallet equipped with a first embodiment of a display system according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a side view of a corner bracket for use with the display system shown in figure 1.

Figure 3 is a front view of the bracket shown in figure 2.

S ***** Figure 4 is a perspective view of the bracket shown in figures 2 and 3, * including pallet attachment means.

* * *5I * *** . S.....

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a display surface for use with the display * system shown in figure 1.

** 1...

*.*** 25 Figure 6 is a perspective rear view of the bracket shown in figures 2 and 3 and an extremity of the display surface shown in figure 5 releasably secured to one another.

Figure 7 is a perspective front view of the bracket and display panel shown in figure 6.

* S.. a... ..i * S I 5s I * * * . S S * *.* * I * S I 5, * I S * I *S I ** S * * * a. 3 5 Figure 8 is a perspective front view of the display system shown in figure 1, including two brackets and two display panels as shown in figures 2 to 7.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a pallet equipped with another embodiment of the display system shown in figure 8.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a pallet corner equipped with two brackets as shown in figures 1 to 9.

Figure 11 shows the brackets of figure 10 in respective engagements with two display surfaces.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a cover for a display surface as shown in figures 5to 11.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a display system according to the invention.

Figure 14 is an end view of a display surface for use with the display system S.....

* *I.*I 20 shown in Figure 13. *5 SS

* .**** S...

p..... * S

,*,;;, Figure 15 is a perspective view of a pallet equipped with the display system *.

:: shown in Figures 13 and 14. S..

S ** * Figure 16 is a perspective view of a pallet equipped with another *r: embodiment of a display system according to the invention.

Figure 17 is a rear perspective view of the display system shown in Figure 16.

Figure 18 is a first perspective view of a corner bracket for use with the display system shown in figures 16 and 17.

* *.. S *.S *Se * . . a. I S * * S S a * *-. 0 I * . . ** . S * * . *. * I. S * * * a. a Figure 19 is a second perspective view of the corner bracket shown in figures 16 to 18.

Figure 20 is a perspective view of a display surface for use with the display system shown in Figure 16 to 19.

Figure 21 is a perspective view of a foldable display panel according to another embodiment of a display system according to the invention.

io Figure 22 is a perspective view of the display panel shown in Figure 21, folded in an intermediary position.

Figure 23 is a perspective view of the display panel shown in Figures 21 and 22, folded in a position suitable for use.

Figure 24 is a perspective view of the display panel shown in Figures 21 to 23, equipped with pallet attachment means as shown in Figures 1 and 4.

Figure 25 is a perspective view of a pallet equipped with a plurality of display ;::::: 20 panels as shown in figures 21 to 25 arranged substantially as shown in figures 10 * * and 11 and to which a plurality of covers as shown in figure 12 are mounted. b

* *. *dS $ Pd***

Detailed Description ***

* There will now be described by way of example a specific mode * I. * contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be * S..

* apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to

unnecessarily obscure the description.

* *5* * .*. S..

* . S * * S S S * S S * S S.. S S * S S * S 5 5 * , S. * S. S * S 55 5 5 With reference to figure 1, a first embodiment of a display system for a pallet is shown, which comprises a first bracket 20a releasably secured by means of a strap 30 to a first corner 40 of the pallet 10, a second bracket 20b substantially identical to the first bracket and releasably secured by means of a strap (not shown), substantially identical to the first strap 30, to a second corner 50 of the pallet 10 in co-axial alignment with the first biacket, and a display surface 60 having two extremities 70, 80, each extremity 70, 80 being releasably secured to a respective bracket 20a, 20b.

With reference to figures 2 and 3, a bracket 20 is shown respectively as a side elevation and an end front view in further details. In a preferred embodiment, bracket 20 is manufactured from a mild steel blank, which is die-cut and portions of which are subsequently CNC-folded, before being powder coated. In an alternative embodiment the die-cutting operation may be replaced with a laser-cutting operation. In yet a further embodiment, bracket 20 may be manufactured from a plastic material such as ABS, polycarbonate or polypropylene, by injection-moulding or any other appropriate process.

Bracket 20 comprises several distinct portions, having respective functions in * . . .S use. Bracket 20 firstly includes corner abutting surfaces 110, 120, for locating and saS*�4S abutting bracket 20 against a pallet corner 40, the corner 40 having an angle of .* substantially 90°. Surface 110 is co-planar with the blank and rests against a first * side of a pallet corner. In this embodiment, the portion of the blank corresponding *. **S to surface 110 forms an L-shape, extending from a second portion 130 of the * I *.

blank, which is shaped substantially as a triangle, the base 140 of which forms a I*.

right angle with one section of L-shaped surface 110 and being parallel with the * 1 second section of L-shaped 110, the first and second sections of L-shaped surface slit.

**.: 110 being perpendicular to one another.

The second corner abutting surface 120 is located between surfaces 110, 130, substantially at the triangle base 140 and substantially parallel thereto, and is stamped to form a transverse right angle relative to the blank, i.e. blank surfaces *I *.* * I.. *. * . * : : : : * : . * * . ** ** I S * * *5 * p * S I *.

110, 130 being perpendicular to the second corner abutting surface 120. In use, second surface 120 abuts the other side of the pallet corner 40.

In a preferred embodiment, triangle 130 is an isosceles triangle, having two sides 150, 160 of substantially equal length. In this embodiment, triangle 130 is obtuse, the angle between sides 150, 160 measuring more than 90°. Alternative embodiments wherein triangle 130 is equilateral or scalene, and/or wherein triangle 130 is a right triangle, an oblique triangle or a acute triangle are considered

to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

Each side 150, 160 of triangle 130 is respectively folded relative to the plane of the blank, i.e folded relative to the plane surfaces 110, 130 in a direction substantially co-planar with corner-abutting surface 120. Each side 150, 160 of triangle 130 is folded to form a 90° bend 200 relative to the plane of the triangle is 130, leading to a flat surface 210 which is substantially perpendicular relative to the plane of triangle 130. Each surface 210 further includes a projecting lip member 220, having a length inferior to surface 210 and centered relative thereto. The projecting lip member 220 is folded to form a S-shaped or U-shaped tongue, for use with a tongue-and-groove securing mechanism with a respective groove of an * * extremity 70, 80 of the display surface 60. * * *

Corner-abutting surface 110 includes a plurality of through apertures 180, through which pallet attachment means 30 are fixed to bracket 20, for instance by *.

means of rivets 310. With reference to figure 4, in a preferred embodiment pallet * * 0* attachments means 30 is a length of fabric hook-and-loop fastener. An oblong S ***S *::" through slot 190 is formed within the plane of triangle 130 The slot is substantially *..** parallel to triangle base 140 and, in use, the fabric fastener 30 passes through the slot after looping around the corner piece or block 40 of a pallet 10. In an alternative embodiment, the fabric hook-and-loop fastener length may be replaced by a webbing strap, similarly fixed to bracket 20 with rivets 310 or the like, and a ratchet for tensioning the strap. Alternatively still, semi-permanent fasteners, such *.. **.

* *** S * * * * * * : : .55 * * * * . S S S * S S ** S. * S * S ** * S S * S as wood screws may be used in combination with through apertures 180, after locating a corner bracket 20 in position against a pallet corner 40.

With reference to figure 5, the display surface 60 is an elongate member, in this embodiment substantially oblong and rectilinear, and made of a resilient material, preferably a plastic material. In a preferred embodiment, the display member 60 is made from a multiwall sheet of honeycombed polycarbonate or polypropylene material, for purposes of joint flexibility and durability characteristics.

Information, data or the like about the goods stored on a pallet 10 to which the display system is releasably secured, is printed or otherwise affixed to one or both sides 400, 410 of display member 60, between the two extremities 70, 80 thereof.

A groove or through slot 420 is located at each extremity 70, 80 of the display panel 60, each groove being substantially perpendicular relative to the main axis of the display panel and substantially parallel to the lip or tongue member 220 of a bracket 20 in situ.

In use, brackets 20a, 20b are releasably secured to respective corners 40, of a pallet 10 by means of their respective pallet attachment means 30. *..�

Advantageously, the configuration of bracket 20 allows a same bracket type to be * SI used on opposite ends of a same pallet side, since, when considering a pallet side *t?s face on, the corner abutting surfaces 110, 120 of a bracket 20b such as shown in figure 3 will abut the respective surfaces of the right pallet corner, at a right angle one relative to the other, and the corner abutting surfaces 110, 120 of a second, identical bracket 20b such as shown in figure 3 will abut the respective surfaces of the left pallet corner, at a right angle one relative to the other, the second bracket S.. lIt **** 20b effectively corresponding to an upended first bracket 20a. ! !

* After securing the two brackets 20a 20b, the groove 420 of a first extremity 70 of display panel 60 is engaged with the tongue 220 of the first bracket 20a, the groove 420 of a second extremity 80 of display panel 60 is engaged with the **S *** * I.. * * . * : : : : : : : . * . I ** *. . . * S ** * . S * * II tongue 220 of the second bracket 20b, by flexing the resilient display panel 60 after engagement with the first bracket 20a.

With reference to figure 8, the triangular configuration of each bracket provides two bracket tongues 220 on opposite ends of a pallet 10 to which the display system is releasably secured, therefore two display panels 60a, 60b can advantageously be held in place by the two brackets 20a, 2Db at the same time.

Additional goods information, or colour scheme or any other surface configuration may be applied to the second display panel 60b.

The display system is suitable for releasable attachment to a wide variety of goods transport supports, but is particularly useful for pallets, in particularly standardized pallet sizes such as the Euro-pallet which is well known to the goods distribution and logistics industry. Display panel 60 may therefore be produced in a wide range of respective lengths, to accommodate respective pallet sizes.

With reference to figure 9, in an alternative embodiment display panel 60 may be produced in lengths that are shorter than a pallet side, for instance half a pallet side in length, so that the display system may still be used when pallets are arranged in staggered or herringbone formation next to one another. Mid-length *..

display panels 500a, 500b are shown in figure 9, wherein bracket 20a is releasably secured to a first corner 40 of a pallet 10 as previously described, but opposite bracket 20b is releasably secured to a bracing and spacing member (shown as .l,l.

510 in figure 1) having substantially the same dimensions and orientation as pallet corners4O,50.

* *.*. *

0*. Ui An alternative configuration of the display system is shown in figure 10, which $.l1I.

.: is particularly useful when pallets bearing goods are located in isolation in a * thoroughfare, and wherein it is desired to display products information, characteristics and the like on two or more sides of the pallet. A first bracket 20a is abutted to a corner 40 of a pallet 10, the L-shaped surface 110 oriented towards the top surface of the pallet. A second bracket 20b is upended, or inverted, so that * *** * S.. * * . S * * .*. * * * . S * * * * * . . S. ** * S * S ** * S 0 S S *.

its respective L-shaped surface 110 is oriented towards the bottom surface of pallet 10. The surface 110 of bracket 2Db is maneuvered between the surface 11 Oa and the triangle portion of bracket 20a against the side of the corner 40 perpendicular to bracket 20a, until the abutting member 120b of bracket 20b locates against the side of corner 40 parallel to bracket 20a.

Bracket 2Db is then lowered so that the respective surfaces 11 Oa and 11 Ob of brackets 20a and 20b abut one another on their respective edges. The respective pallet attachment means 30a, 30b of each bracket 20a, 2Db are then each looped through both through apertures 190a, 19Db and releasably secured.

A display system for two perpendicular sides of a pallet is therefore releasably secured to corner 40 of pallet 10. With reference to figure 11, display panels 60a, 60b may then be attached to brackets 20a, 20b (and complementary brackets 20 located on pallet corners respectively opposing corner 40) as previously described.

With reference to figure 12, a display panel cover 700 may be provided for releasably engaging a portion of display panel 60 located between its extremities 70, 80, in order to protect the product information, characteristics and the like printed or maintained on the display surface 400 from wear and tear and *..* environmental conditions. The display panel cover may extend substantially over . . . the length of display panel 60, or only a fraction of the length of display panel 60, 1111.

and several display panel covers may be used to cover respective portions of a same display panel 60.

" * s* *.;h* The cover 700 is preferably made from a substantially clear and resilient material, for instance lexan, polycarbonate or polypropylene. Cover 700 includes t * top and bottom flanges 710, 720 substantially parallel to its main axis and each is connected to cover 700 by a square or rounded semi-circular section 730, such * that flanges 710, 720 are substantially co-planar with the cover.

In use, the cover is slipped over a display panel 60 by inserting a longitudinal edge of display panel 60 in the space bounded by flange 710, the return section *.S *.* *** *. * * * . :.

730 and the main body of the cover, the flange 710 resting against rear surface 410 of the display panel, then resiliently deforming flange 720 and/or cover 700 until the opposite longitudinal edge of the display panel 60 is likewise engaged between the opposite flange 720, section return 730 and the main body of the cover.

With reference to figures 13 to 15 an alternative embodiment of a display system according to the invention is shown, wherein the lip or tongue member 220 is an engagement member 900 substantially co-planar with folded surface 210 and projecting away therefrom, still perpendicularly relative to the plane of the blank.

Essentially, engagement member 900 corresponds to a portion of the folded flat surface 210 delimited by two dog-leg recesses 910, each of which extends over a portion of the height of folded surface 210, relative to the plane of the blank.

In this embodiment, the display panel 920 is again an oblong, elongate member made of a resilient material, however at least a portion of each of its extremities includes a hollow box section 930 open at the display extremity, which is apt to releasably accommodate the bracket member 900 engaging display panel 920 therein. Bracket member 900 and the box section aperture 930 are suitably *s** dimensioned for slip fitting, wherein opposite ends of the box section 930 abut * .* S respective dog-legs 910 of the folded flat surface 210. A particularly advantageous 11.1. . . . embodiment of display panel 920 is made of a substantially clear material, or at least its surface facing opposite the pallet is made of a substantially clear material, ** .I.

and the display panel 920 is entirely hollow between its extremities. Information, data or the like about the goods stored on the pallet to which the display system is releasably secured, is printed or otherwise affixed to a card or sheet, which is * . . 2 inserted within the box section of the display panel before the panel is releasably (SI.

** secured to the brackets.

This configuration provides a near-seamless surface transition between the bracket 20 and the display panel 920, which can prove advantageous since a *S ** * *** *. * S * : : : : : : : * * . * . S* S * * S. * . . * * ** comparatively larger area of display panel can be printed or overlaid with goods information, characteristics or the like, due to the absence of a groove or slot 420.

With reference to figures 16 to 20 another alternative embodiment of a display system according to the invention is shown, wherein the combination of the folded surface 210 and lip member 220 of a corner 20 is an engagement member 940, which is angled substantially inwardly relative to the plane defined by folded surface 210 in the previous embodiments described, the angle being acute relative to the plane of the blank. Essentially, engagement member 940 corresponds to folded surface 210, which in this embodiment is folded further than to a vertical position relative to the plane of the blank.

In this embodiment, each corner bracket 20 includes a triangular portion substantially as described in connection with figure 1 above, having two sides of substantially equal length, from each of which an engagement member 940 protrudes, each corner corner bracket 20 therefore having an upper and lower engagement member 940a, 940b.

A first edge of each engagement member 940 is defined by a respective bend portion 200 as previously described, each engagement member 940 #.. . .* " including three further edges, upper and lower edges 942, 944 and a display panel * St.,.

engaging edge 946. The upper and lower edges 942, 944 are serrated substantially between the bend portion 200 and the display panel engaging edge ** %* * *;, 946. Each extremity of the display panel engaging edge 946, respectively adjacent upper and lower edges 942, 944, is tapered to facilitate its insertion in a respective S....

slot of a display panel 960. *.S*. *

Display panel 960 corresponds essentially to a combination of two display * S panels 60, as shown in figures 1 and 8. Display panel 960 includes upper and lower display surfaces 961, 962, which are attached to one another by a plurality of longitudinal median joints 962, 963, 964, with two of the joints 962, 964 respectively adjacent the extremities of display panel 960, and the remaining joint *** .*S * *.* S * * . * * * : : ... * * . . . . . * * . S. *. * S * S ** * . S * * * 963 located substantially half-way between the two end joints. In an alternative embodiment, display panel 960 may be manufactured as a substantially oblong sheet of resilient material, for instance a plastic material, and folded along its longitudinal main axis instead of using joints.

The display panel 960 is preferably manufactured from a double height sheet material. Each of upper and lower display surfaces 961, 962 includes a transversal slot or aperture 965 at each extremity, essentially similar to the slot 420 shown in Figure 4 and which, in use, is engaged by a respective engagement member 940.

Each display panel engaging edge 946 is inserted within a respective slot 965 of panel 960, and this operation is facilitated by the tapered corners of the edge. As the panel 960 is straightened to its normal, substantially rectilinear form, the serrated upper and lower edges 942, 944 of each engagement member 940 releasably engage, respectively, the top and bottom edges of each slot 965 in the manner of a ratcheted fit, so as to maintain the panel in position by resilience.

With reference to Figure 21, a further embodiment of a display system according to the invention is shown, in which the display panel and the first and second brackets are integral. The display panel 2100 comprises an elongate * a display surface member 2101 having first and second extremities, wherein the first .** extremity includes a first bracket 2102 apt to be releasably secured to a first corner * of the pallet, the second extremity includes a second bracket 2103 substantially identical to the first bracket 2102, and the second bracket is apt to be releasably ** * secured to the pallet in co-axial alignment with the first bracket. The second bracket 2103 is symmetrically inverted relative to the first bracket 2102 whereby, **** with reference to Figures 22 to 25, in use the first and second brackets are a. * disposed substantially parallel to one another and substantially in the same a orientation.

In the example, the display panel is produced as a foldable monoprofile, being stamped, punched or cut from a sheet of resilient material. Alternatives consider the use of any other materials, including substantially rigid materials, *aa S..

* **S *. * a * * S * * . **a * * * S S. * * I * * I * S. S I * I I. S I I I. wherein the display surface member 2101, the first bracket 2102 and the second bracket 2103 are articulated relative to one another, for instance with hinges or the like.

With reference to Figures 21 and 22, the elongate display surface member 2100 comprises two display surfaces 2110, 2111 substantially parallel to one another and, in use, angled relative to one another, the angle being provided by folding a display surface relative to the other along their joined length. At least one of the two display surfaces includes two apertures 2112, 2113. Each aperture is adjacent a respective extremity of the display surface and substantially for the same purpose of accommodating an engagement member of the adjacent bracket in use.

With reference to Figure 24, each bracket 2102, 2103 may be releasably secured to the pallet with releasable attachment means 300, which is structurally and functionally comparable to the attachment means previously described, therefore wherein the pallet attachment means is selected from the group comprising fasteners, a length of fabric hook-and-loop fastener and a combination of a webbing strap and ratchet. e. *

* * * S. #5.55* With reference to Figures 21 to 24, the display system is obtained by folding * the two display surfaces relative to one other along their joined length, folding each : .,:: bracket extremity towards the acute or obtuse angle between the folded display * surfaces (opposite the reflex angle) until their respective main axes lie substantially perpendicular to the display surfaces' respective main axes, folding the engagement member of each bracket towards a respective display surface S. * * aperture adjacent thereto, engaging each engagement member in its respective iS'.

.: display surface, then releasably securing each bracket to the pallet with its * respective, releasable attachment means 300.

With reference to Figure 25 in conjunction with Figures 10 and 11, two display panels 2100a, 2100b are shown, in which respective first brackets 2102a, S.. 155 * .55 S * . : : : : : : : . * S S S. S S S S 50 * S

S S

2102b are interconnected perpendicular to one another, abutted to and releasably secured to a first corner of the pallet, in the manner previously described. The second bracket 2103a of the first display panel 2100a is releasably secured to a second corner of the pallet along a same side of the pallet as the first bracket 2101a of the first display panel 2100a, therefore in co-axial alignment therewith.

Likewise, the second bracket 2103b of the second disp'ay panel 2100b is releasably secured to a third corner of the pallet along a same side of the pallet as the first bracket 2101b of the second display panel 2100b, therefore in co-axial alignment therewith, the two display panels 2100a, 2100b being perpendicular to one another. In this example, two display panel covers 60a, 60b are used to cover respective portions of the first display panel 2100a, and Iwo display panel covers 60c, 60d are used to cover respective portions of the second display panel 21 OOb. *.I. * . *S** * *

4***.* * *..*. *

* *. S * %.. S. * .*

*. . . S. * .*l,..1 * ! *5. *.

* *SS *** S S * : : : * * : : * * S * * 5555 * 5 ** S * * * * *5

Claims

Claims 1. A display system for a pallet, comprising a first bracket releasably secured to a first corner of the pallet, a second bracket substantially identical to the first bracket and releasably secured to the pallet in co-axial alignment with the first bracket, and a display surface having two extremities, each extremity being releasably secured to a respective bracket.
2. A display system according to claim 1, wherein the second bracket is releasably secured to a second corner of the pallet along a same side of the pallet.
3. A display system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bracket includes at least two surfaces for respectively abutting two perpendicular sides of a pallet corner or bracing member.
4. A display system according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein each bracket is releasably secured to the pallet with releasable attachment means.
5. A display system according to claim 4, wherein the pallet attachment means is selected from the group comprising fasteners, a length of fabric hook-**. ..* **, and-loop fastener and a combination of a webbing strap and ratchet. * S..,.
6. A display system according to any of claims 1 to 5, further V..comprising two display surfaces, each display surface having two extremities, adjacent extremities of the display panels being releasably secured to a same .* respective bracket.

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7. A display system according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the bracket is made from a non-resilient material and the display panel is made from a resilient material.

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S * S : : : : . : . * S * ** .* . . * S *S * S S * S 8. A display system according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the bracket is made from a resilient material and the display panel is made from a non-resilient material.
9. A display system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein each extremity of the display panel includes an aperture for through engagement by a bracket lip member.
10. A display system according to claim 9, wherein the aperture is a through slot transversal to the main longitudinal axis of the display panel.
11. A display system according to claim 9, wherein the aperture is a box section extending along the main longitudinal axis of the display panel
12. A display system according to any of claims 1 to 11, further comprising at least one cover releasably secured to a display surface.
13. A bracket for a display system for a pallet, the bracket including at least two surfaces for respectively abutting two perpendicular sides of a pallet corner or bracing member, releasable pallet attachment means and releasable *..s.*S display panel engaging means. ** S. S
14. A bracket according to claim 13, wherein the bracket is a* V.* manufactured from a die-cut or laser-cut mild steel blank, and wherein at least one of the at least Iwo surfaces is CNC-folded.S.I' *SS a15. A bracket according to claim 13, wherein the bracket is manufactured from a plastic material such as ABS, polycarbonate or polypropylene, with an injection-moulding process or the like.16. A bracket according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein a first of the at least two surfaces rests against a first side of a pallet corner or bracing member.*S* d. a *: : : : : . * * . S. * * S * S ** a SI S -17. A bracket according to claim 16, wherein the first surface forms an L-shape, extending from a second portion of the bracket which is shaped substantially as a triangle.18. A bracket according to claim 17, wherein a base of the triangle portion forms a right angle with one section of the first surface and is parallel with a second section of the first surface, the first and second sections of the first surface being perpendicular to one another.19. A bracket according to claim 18, wherein the second of the at least two surfaces is located adjacent, and at a transverse right angie relative to, the first surface and located substantially at the triangle base and substantially parallel thereto.20. A bracket according to any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the triangle is selected from the group comprising an isosceles triangle, an obtuse triangle, an equilateral triangle, a scalene triangle, a right triangle, an oblique triangle and an acute triangle. S... * S21. A bracket according to claim 20, wherein each side of the triangle S....*V.'.'I excluding its base is respectively folded relative to the first surface in a direction * substantially co-planar with the second surface.-S s * * V..22. A bracket according to claim 20, wherein each side of the triangle is folded to form a 90° bend relative to the plane of the triangle, leading to a flat . . surface which is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the triangle.S. I * * . *. S. .: 23. A bracket according to claim 22, wherein each flat surface further * includes a display panel engagement member.*Si ** * ... ,*. . . . :: : *: : . * S * *5 * S * S ** * S *S -21 -24. A bracket according to claim 22, wherein the lip member is selected from the group comprising a projecting lip member, a S-shaped or U-shaped tongue and an engagement member having serrated opposed edges.25. A bracket according to any of claims 17 to 24, wherein a through slot is formed within the plane of the triangle, for passage of the bracket attachment means therethrough in use.26. A kit of parts for releasable attachment to a pallet or the like, comprising a first bracket releasably secured to a first corner of the pallet, a second bracket substantially identical to the first bracket and releasably secured to the pallet in co-axial alignment with the first bracket, and a display surface having two extremities, each extremity being releasably secured to a respective bracket.27. The kit of parts according to claim 26, wherein each bracket is substantially according to any of claims 13 to 25.28. The kit of parts according to claim 26 or 27, further comprising two display surfaces, each display surface having two extremities, adjacent extremities of the display panels being releasably secured to a same respective bracket.II*1*I*I 29. The kit of parts according to any of claims 26 to 28, further dl, comprising at least one cover for releasable securing to a display surface it $/ 25 30. A locking system for use with a plurality of pallets, comprising at SI4I least a first bracket releasbly secured to a first corner of a first pallet, a second bracket substantially identical to the first bracket and releasably secured to the pallet in co-axial alignment with the first bracket, wherein the first and secondS brackets each comprises interlocking means for releasable securing to one *.S.another.S * S * ** * * * **** * ***S * SS.SS * S 5 * S S31. A display panel for a pallet, comprising an elongate display surface member having first and second extremities, wherein the first extremity includes a first bracket apt to be releasably secured to a first corner of the pallet, the second extremity includes a second bracket substantially identical to the first bracket, and the second bracket is apt to be releasably secured to the pallet in co-axial alignment with the first bracket.32. A display system according to claim 31, wherein the second bracket is releasably secured to a second corner of the pallet along a same side of the pallet.33. A display panel according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the elongate display surface member comprises two display surfaces substantially parallel to one another and angled relative to one another in use.34. A display panel according to any of claims 31 to 33, wherein the display panel is produced as a foldable profile.35. A display panel according to claim 34, wherein the display panel is produced from a sheet of resilient material. * # I... I....36. A display panel according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the second bracket is symmetrically inverted relative to the first bracket whereby, in use, the first and second brackets are disposed substantially parallel to one another and 4,/ 25 substantially in the same orientation.37. A display panel according to any of claims 31 to 36, wherein each bracket is releasably secured to the pallet with releasable attachment means. it If *.**38. A display panel according to claim 37, wherein the pallet attachment means is selected from the group comprising fasteners, a length of fabric hook- * ** and-loop fastener and a combination of a webbing strap and ratchet. * * * * *S *S**S.*S * S S. * * .-.39. A display system substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in any of figures 1 to 25.40. A bracket substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in any of figures ito 25.41. A display panel substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in any of figures 21 to 25. * **** "4! 1* *S* * . *S SS * S * *S * S S *S**S *S*I *III ISI * I S. I * SS*::r: INTELLECTUAL 24 . ... PROPERTY OFFICE Application No: GB 1010311.7 Examiner: Dr Matthew Jefferson Claims searched: ito 12, 26 to 29 & 31 to 39. Date of search: 18 October 2011 Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17 Documents considered to be relevant: Category Relevant Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance to claims X 1,2,12, ES2257112A1 26, 29, 31 (ST CONTROL & PROJECT SL) See whole document. &32.X 31&32. DE10139551A1 (PONGERS ET AL) See abstract and figures.X lto4& DE20116733U1 26. (KLEIN) See pages 7 to 9 and figures.X 1, 2& W02006/081604A1 26. (MACQUEEN ET AL) See, in particular, figure 9.A,E 1. DE 202009006407 Ui (KNAPPE & LEHBRINK) See abstract and figures.A,E 1. W02011/060794A1 (FROEKJAER-JENSEN) See figures 13 and 14.A 1. WO2004/031038A (GIAMPAVOLO ET AL) See abstract and figures.Categories: X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive A Document indicating technological background and/or state step of the art.Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if P Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of before the filing date of this invention.same category.& Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:Search of GB, EP, WO & US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKCX: Worldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC A47F; B65D; GO9F The following online and other databases have been used in the preparation of this search report Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk INTELLECTUAL 25 . ... PROPERTY OFFICE Online: EPODOC, PAJ, WPI.International Classification: Subclass Subgroup Valid From GO9F 0007/18 01/01/2006 B65D 0019/38 01/01/2006 Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk