GB2534838A

GB2534838A - Sample holder

Info

Publication number: GB2534838A
Application number: GB1422418.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Carter Matt; Cotgrove Paul
Original assignee: Carpetright PLC
Current assignee: Carpetright PLC
Priority date: 2014-12-16
Filing date: 2014-12-16
Publication date: 2016-08-10
Anticipated expiration: 2034-12-16
Also published as: GB2534838B

Abstract

A carpet sample holder 10 for holding a plurality of carpet samples (32, figure 9) is configured for mounting to a base portion and comprises at least three horizontal members mutually spaced to define at least two horizontal slots 12 therebetween. Each slot 12 has a slot width and is open towards a front of the carpet sample holder 10 whereby to receive an edge of a carpet sample 32. The at least two horizontal slots 12 form a series of slots along a first direction. The first direction is angled rearwardly at an angle of up to 90 degrees to the upward vertical direction when the carpet sample holder 10 is mounted to the base portion. A clamping means 21 comprising a plurality of movable horizontal members 15 may also be provided for simultaneously securing multiple carpet samples within the horizontal slots 12.

Description

Sample Holder [0001] This invention relates to a carpet sample holder. BACKGROUND [0002] In many buildings around the world, floors are constructed from cold stone, concrete or wood. It is common to cover these floors with floor coverings such as carpets to improve the insulation in the home and to alter the appearance and feel of a room. There are a large variety of different styles of carpet available, including variations in colour, thickness, patterning, and material. Retailers typically use samples of particular carpet designs to help a customer choose the carpet or rug design they want from the wide variety of options. The samples are typically small pieces of the carpet or rug design. Each sample gives the customer an indication of the look and feel of a full-sized carpet of the same colour, thickness, patterning, material, etc., as the sample. A way of displaying many of the different carpet designs a retailer can offer is required which also makes efficient use of the shop floor space available to the retailer.

[0003] It is known to provide a carpet sample holder in the form of a carpet lectern which can hold a stack of rectangular samples of carpet together using a plurality of prongs configured to fit through corresponding holes provided near a top edge of each carpet sample. Typically, the plurality of prongs are connected at an upper end by a horizontal bar. To load the carpet samples onto the carpet lectern, the stack is first assembled, and the prongs fitted through the holes in each layer of carpet. The whole stack is then lifted onto the carpet lectern, and the prongs secure to a base of the carpet lectern and hold the stack of carpet samples on the lectern together. A customer can lift up and flip over the upper layers in the stack to view the layer beneath. A customer sometimes wants to view a sample of the carpet on the floor. In this device, this requires that each prong must be completely removed, and the whole stack of samples removed from the carpet lectern. The required carpet sample can then be removed. When the customer has finished examining the carpet sample on the floor, the whole stack must be re-assembled off the carpet lectern, with the holes in each carpet sample being aligned. The prongs are then re-inserted through the holes in the carpet samples, and the whole stack is again lifted back onto the carpet lectern. This also has the disadvantage of making it difficult to browse the remaining carpet samples in the stack whilst the stack is disassembled. Furthermore, when many thick carpet samples are present in the stack, the weight of the stack can mean it is difficult or even dangerous to lift the stack of carpet samples onto the carpet lectern.

[0004] The present invention, at least in its preferred embodiments seeks to provide an alternative to sample holders of the prior art.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] In accordance with the present invention there is provided a carpet sample holder for holding a plurality of carpet samples. The carpet sample holder is configured for mounting to a base portion and comprises at least three horizontal members mutually spaced to define at least two horizontal slots therebetween. Each slot has a slot width and is open towards a front of the carpet sample holder whereby to receive an edge of a carpet sample. The at least two horizontal slots form a series of slots along a first direction. The first direction is angled rearwardly at an angle of up to 90 degrees to the upward vertical direction when the carpet sample holder is mounted to the base portion.

[0006] Thus, there is provided a carpet sample holder which is arranged to retain an edge of a plurality of carpet samples. The carpet sample holder allows a single carpet sample to be added to, removed from, or replaced from the plurality of carpet samples displayed in the carpet sample holder, in use, without unnecessarily removing other carpet samples from the carpet sample holder. Furthermore, even when one or more carpet samples are removed from the carpet sample holder, a customer can still browse through the remaining carpet samples.

[0007] The first direction may be angled rearwardly at an angle of 0 degrees to the upward vertical direction. In other words, the first direction may be substantially vertical.

However, typically, the first direction is angled rearwardly at an angle of more than 0 degrees to the upward vertical direction. For example, the first direction may be angled rearwardly at an angle of greater than 10 degrees to the upward vertical direction. The first direction may be angled rearwardly at an angle of greater than 30 degrees to the upward vertical direction. The first direction may be angled rearwardly at an angle of less than 80 degrees to the upward vertical direction. The first direction may be angled rearwardly at an angle of less than 60 degrees to the upward vertical direction.

[0008] The horizontal slots may have a maximum width greater than 5 millimetres. The horizontal slots may have a maximum width greater than 10 millimetres. The horizontal slots may have a maximum width less than 30 millimetres. The horizontal slots may have a maximum width less than 20 millimetres.

[0009] Thus, the horizontal slots can be sized to suit carpet samples having a range of thicknesses.

[0010] The plurality of horizontal members may comprise a plurality of fixed horizontal members and a corresponding plurality of moveable horizontal members. Each horizontal slot may be defined between a fixed horizontal member and a corresponding moveable horizontal member. Movement of a moveable horizontal member relative to the corresponding fixed horizontal member may alter the slot width defined therebetween.

[0011] Thus, the slot width can be altered to suit a range of different thicknesses of carpet samples. By reducing the width of the horizontal slot to match the thickness of the carpet sample, the carpet sample can be gripped by the moveable horizontal member and the fixed horizontal member to hold the carpet sample in position in the carpet sample holder, even when a user tries to pull the carpet sample in an outward direction. This does not require carpet samples to be modified by, for example, being provided with holes at an edge of the carpet sample, in order to be retained on a carpet lectern.

[0012] The plurality of moveable horizontal members may be interconnected such that all of the moveable horizontal members move together relative to the fixed horizontal members. For example, the plurality of moveable horizontal members may be cut out of sheet material. Similarly, the plurality of fixed horizontal members may be cut out of sheet material.

[0013] The carpet sample holder may further comprise a retaining mechanism connected to at least one of the moveable horizontal members. The retaining mechanism may be configured to retain the moveable horizontal member in position relative to the fixed horizontal member. Thus, at least one of the horizontal slots may be maintained at a desired slot width.

[0014] The retaining mechanism may be a screw mechanism. The retaining mechanism may be a lever mechanism. The retaining mechanism may be a rack and pinion mechanism.

[0015] The carpet sample holder may further comprise at least one backing member defining a slot depth behind the horizontal members of at least twice the slot width.

[0016] The carpet sample holder may further comprise a plurality of guiding members behind the horizontal members. The carpet sample holder may further comprise a plurality of guiding members provided between the horizontal members and the backing member. Thus, the guiding members can provide additional surface area for retaining the edge of the carpet samples in the carpet sample holder.

[0017] The plurality of guiding members may comprise at least two guiding members provided on opposing horizontal sides of the horizontal slots.

[0018] The carpet sample holder may further comprise a support member extending forwardly from below a lowermost horizontal slot. At least a first portion of the support member may extend upwardly from below the lowermost horizontal slot. A second portion of the support member may extend downwardly from the first portion.

[0019] Thus, a support member supports at least a portion of the weight of an inserted carpet sample, in use.

[0020] The horizontal slots may have a length greater than 10 centimetres. The horizontal slots may have a length greater than 40 centimetres. The horizontal slots may have a length less than 100 centimetres. The horizontal slots may have a length of less than 80 centimetres.

[0021] The carpet sample holder may comprise at least five horizontal members mutually spaced to define at least four horizontal slots therebetween. The carpet sample holder may comprise at least eleven horizontal members mutually spaced to define at least ten horizontal slots therebetween. In some embodiments, the carpet sample holder may comprise at least four horizontal members comprising at least two pairs of adjacent horizontal members, wherein each pair of adjacent horizontal members defines a horizontal slot therebetween. The carpet sample holder may comprise at least twelve horizontal members comprising at least six pairs of adjacent horizontal members, wherein each pair of adjacent horizontal members defines a horizontal slot therebetween.

[0022] The carpet sample holder may be in the form of a carpet lectern. The carpet lectern may further comprise a base portion on which the carpet sample holder is mounted. The carpet sample holder may be configured to be removable from the base portion.

[0023] The invention extends to a kit of parts comprising parts for forming the carpet sample holder. The kit of parts may comprise a base portion and at least two carpet sample holders. Each sample holder may be different. For example, a maximum slot width for each sample holder may be different.

[0024] The invention extends to a computer software carrier comprising such software which, when used to operate a system or apparatus comprising data processing means causes, in conjunction with said data processing means, said apparatus or system to form a carpet sample holder, kit of parts, or carpet lectern in accordance with the present invention. Such a computer software carrier could be a non transitory physical storage medium such as a ROM chip, CD ROM or disk, or could be a signal such as an electronic signal over wires, an optical signal or a radio signal such as to a satellite or the like. The present invention provides a machine readable medium containing instructions which when read by a machine cause the machine to create an object in accordance with any of the aspects or embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an illustration of a carpet lectern according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 is an illustration of a grill of the carpet lectern shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is an illustration of a tightening mechanism of the carpet lectern shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is an illustration of a carpet lectern according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention; Figure 5 is an illustration of a tightening mechanism for a carpet lectern according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention; Figure 6 is an illustration of a carpet lectern according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention; Figure 7 is an illustration of a carpet lectern according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention; Figure 8 is a further illustration of the carpet lectern according to the embodiment shown in Figure 7; and Figure 9 is an illustration of a loaded carpet lectern in a browsing configuration according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Figure 1 is an illustration of a carpet lectern 1 according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention. A carpet lectern 1 comprises a base portion 2, a leg portion 3, a support deck 4 and a sample holder 10. The base portion 2 is arranged to be placed on a floor. The base portion 2 has a front and a back. The leg portion 3 extends upwards from and over base portion 2 at an angle of approximately 30 degrees to the vertical. This ensures the weight of the carpet lectern 1 is over the base portion 2 and that the carpet lectern 1 is stable. The support deck 4 is secured to an upper end of the leg portion 3 and extends over and beyond a front of the base portion 2. The sample holder 10 is connected to a back of the support deck 4 and extends upwards from the support deck 4 at an angle of approximately 50 degrees to the vertical. The support deck 4 provides a support surface for carpet samples held in the sample holder 10. The sample holder 10 is formed from a front panel 11. In this particular embodiment, the front panel 11 has defined therein a total of fourteen transverse slots 12. Each transverse slot 12 has a slot width of 19 millimetres across the shortest side. The transverse slots 12 are configured to receive one side of a standard sized carpet sample, which is typically 27 inches (68.5 centimetres) square. The transverse slots 12 have a slot length of 69 centimetres. The sample holder 10 also comprises a plurality of side panels 13 which connect the front panel 11 to a backing panel 14. The support deck 4 comprises a hump between a portion of the support deck 4 that extends upwards from the sample holder 10 and a remaining portion of the support deck 4 which extends downwards. When carpet samples are loaded onto the carpet lectern 1, the provision of the hump contributes to an effect that where each layer of carpet sample is the same size, and an edge of each carpet sample is inserted into the sample holder 10 to the same depth, at least a portion of each carpet sample layer is visible, even when the stack comprises several layers. This may be referred to as a waterfall effect. The provision of the hump contributes to the waterfall effect because the radius of curvature increases between a lowermost carpet sample passing over the hump and an overlying upper carpet sample. This results in a greater length of carpet being required for the upper carpet sample to fully pass over the hump compared to the lowermost carpet sample. The waterfall effect is further pronounced where the sample holder 10 is angled rearwardly. In this particular embodiment, between 25 millimetres and 30 millimetres of each carpet sample below a topmost carpet sample is visible when the carpet samples are loaded onto the carpet lectern 1. This allows a customer to easily compare several carpet samples provided on the carpet lectern 1.

[0027] Figure 2 is an illustration of a grill of the carpet lectern 1 shown in Figure 1. Within the front panel 11 is provided a series of transverse sliding members 15, which define therebetween a series of corresponding transverse sliding slots, configured to line up with the transverse slots 12. The transverse sliding members 15 are each provided directly against the internal surface of the front panel 11. In this particular embodiment, each transverse sliding member 15 is linked such that the series of transverse sliding members 15 move as a single sliding panel. The transverse sliding members 15 are shown in a partially closed position and almost completely cover the transverse slots 12. In this position, when an edge of a single carpet sample has been inserted into one of the transverse slots 12, one edge of one of the transverse sliding members 15 and an opposing edge of a corresponding transverse slot 12 are each configured to engage with the carpet sample.

[0028] Since each surface of the carpet sample may have a different surface texture, an engaging edge of the transverse sliding members 15 and an engaging edge of the transverse slots 12 is shaped differently. For example, in the presently described embodiment, the transverse sliding members 15 slide down to engage with each carpet sample, such that a bottom edge 16 of the transverse sliding members 15 are configured to engage with a top surface of the carpet sample and a top edge 17 of the transverse slots 12 are configured to engage with a bottom surface of the carpet sample. When the carpet samples are samples for carpets having a pile depth, the bottom edge 16 of the transverse sliding members 15 can be narrower than the top edge 17 of the transverse slots 12. In this way, the narrow bottom edge 16 of the transverse sliding member 15 better grips between the fibres which make up the pile of the carpet, and the thicker top edge 17 of the transverse slots 12 better grips the backing material typically forming the bottom surface of the carpet sample.

[0029] Figure 3 is an illustration of a tightening mechanism of the carpet lectern 1 shown in Figure 1. The transverse sliding members 15 are moved between an open position and a tightened position by turning a tightening knob 18. The tightening knob 18 is connected to a screw thread 19, which cooperates with a threaded member 20. The threaded member 20 is connected to a sliding plate 21, attached to each of the transverse sliding members 15. In this way, as the tightening knob 18 is turned, the threaded member 20 moves axially on the screw thread 19 and moves the bottom edges 16 of the transverse sliding members 15 closer to or further from the top edges 17 of the transverse slots 12. In this particular embodiment, a tightening knob 18 is provided at each side of the sample holder 10 to allow clamping of the carpet sample at each side of the carpet sample.

[0030] Figure 4 is an illustration of a carpet lectern 1 according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention. The embodiment shown in Figure 4 is substantially as described in relation to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 apart from the hereinafter described additions or differences. The carpet lectern 1 is also provided with a top panel 22, connected to a top of the sample holder 10. The top panel 22 has a region defined thereon which may be used to display information. The information can include a description of the products being displayed.

[0031] Figure 5 is an illustration of a tightening mechanism for a carpet lectern 1 according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention. The tightening mechanism is intended to replace the system using the tightening knob 18 as described in relation to Figures 1 to 3. The sliding plate 21 is provided with a row of perforated slots 23. The perforated slots are engaged by a toothed gear 24, mounted on a rotating shaft 25. A free end of the rotating shaft is provided with a radial hole 26, arranged to receive a sliding handle 27. The sliding handle 27 can be rotated about the rotating shaft 25 to operate the tightening mechanism and move the sliding plate 21. By sliding the sliding handle 27 to different positions in the radial hole 26, greater rotational force can be applied to the tightening mechanism. Additionally, the sliding handle 27 allows the handle to be slid out of the way when not in use. Friction between the rotating shaft 25 and the sample holder 10 ensures that the transverse sliding members 15 can remain in the position in which they have been set. In a similar way to the tightening mechanism described in relation to Figures 1 to 3, a row of perforated slots 23, in addition to a corresponding toothed gear 24, rotating shaft 25 and sliding handle 27 are provided on each side of the sample holder 10.

[0032] Figure 6 is an illustration of a carpet lectern 1 according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention. In this particular embodiment, interchangeable sample holder cassettes 30, 31 are provided. A large sample holder cassette 30 is shown fitted to the carpet lectern 1. This allows the carpet lectern to be used to display samples of carpet with a large thickness. In this particular example, the transverse slots 12 have a width of 25mm, and can accommodate even very thick pieces of carpet. A small sample holder cassette 31 can be swapped with the large sample holder cassette 30 where it is only desired to display smaller thicknesses of carpet. For example, the transverse slots of the small sample holder cassette 31 have a width of 19mm. Therefore, the small sample holder cassette 31 is unable to conveniently hold carpet samples having a thickness of more than 19mm, but instead allows more carpet samples to be held in the sample holder through the provision of more transverse slots 12. In this particular embodiment, the transverse slots 12 and transverse sliding members 15 form part of the interchangeable sample holder cassettes 30, 31. A backing panel 14 for preventing the insertion of the carpet samples into the carpet lectern 1 beyond a given depth does not need to be changed.

[0033] Figure 7 is an illustration of a carpet lectern 1 according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention. The carpet lectern 1 is substantially as described in relation to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 with the hereinafter described differences. A carpet sample 32 is being loaded in the sample holder 10 by inserting an edge of the carpet sample 32 through one of the transverse slots 12. The sample holder 10 comprises a plurality of guiding struts 33 connecting the transverse slots 12 to the backing panels 34, 35, 36. A left backing panel 34 is provided on a left side of the sample holder 10. A right backing panel 35 is provided on a right side of the sample holder 10. A centre backing panel 36 is provided substantially in the centre of the sample holder 10. The guiding struts 33 are guides which ensure that the carpet sample 32 remains straight as it is inserted into the sample holder 10. By holding a portion of the inserted carpet sample 32 straight, the carpet exerts a force against the guiding struts 33 when the carpet sample 32 is folded up over the back of the carpet lectern 1. This force helps create friction between the carpet sample 32 and the sample holder 10, ensuring that the carpet sample 32 remains in the sample holder 10, even when the transverse sliding members 15 are not gripping the carpet sample 32.

[0034] Figure 8 is a further illustration of the carpet lectern 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 7. In the back view shown in Figure 8, the left backing panel 34, the right backing panel 35 and the centre backing panel 36 can be seen preventing the insertion of the carpet beyond a predetermined depth beyond the transverse slots 12. This depth corresponds to the length of the guiding struts 33.

[0035] The carpet lectern 1 is easy to load and unload with carpet samples 32. Firstly, the empty carpet lectern 1 is positioned in an appropriate position. Without the carpet samples loaded, the carpet lectern 1 is easier to manoeuvre into an appropriate position in a retailer's premises. The retaining mechanism is then loosened to allow carpet samples to be easily inserted into the sample holder 10. The retaining mechanism is, in one particular embodiment, a screw mechanism which is configured to grip a plurality of inserted carpet samples using a plurality of transverse sliding members 15. When the retaining mechanism is loosened, each carpet sample is inserted into the sample holder 10 by inserting one edge of each carpet sample 32 into the corresponding transverse slot 12, defined within the front section of the sample holder 10. As the carpet sample 32 is further inserted, guiding struts 33 ensure that the carpet sample 32 remains straight in the transverse slot 12. The carpet samples 32 are inserted one at a time, with the lowermost carpet sample being inserted first. After each carpet sample 32 is inserted, it rests on the inserted carpet sample below, with the lowermost carpet sample resting on the sample deck 4. In this position, the carpet samples 32 do not come out of the sample holder 10 because the friction between the carpet sample 32 and the transverse slots 12, and the carpet sample 32 and the guiding struts 33 is sufficient to retain the carpet sample 32 in the inserted positions. Furthermore, the lowermost carpet sample is arranged to be supported on the support deck 4. The hump in the support deck 4 further reduces the force acting on the lowermost carpet sample to pull the carpet sample out of the transverse slot 12. When all of the carpet samples 32 have been inserted into the sample holder 10, the retaining mechanism is tightened. Once tightened, this ensures that the carpet samples 32 are retained in the sample holder 10, even when a user tries to pull a carpet sample 32 out of the sample holder 10.

[0036] Figure 9 is an illustration of a loaded carpet lectern 1 in a browsing configuration according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention. The embodiment shown in Figure 9 is substantially as described in relation to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 apart from the hereinafter described differences. A top panel 22 is provided on an upper end of the sample holder 10. The top panel is hinged to be operable to fold back, in use, when a carpet sample 32 having an edge inserted into the sample holder 10, is folded over the upper end of the sample holder 10. At least a frontward strip of each carpet sample 32 in a folded down configuration is visible, allowing a browsing customer to easily compare multiple carpet samples 32 on the carpet lectern 1.

[0037] When a customer is browsing through carpet samples displayed in a carpet lectern 1, one or more topmost carpet samples may be folded over the top of the carpet lectern 1 to view a carpet sample beneath these topmost carpet samples. It is often desirable for a customer to be able to remove a single carpet sample from the carpet lectern 1 in order to see it on a variety of different underlay materials or lighting conditions.

When the desired carpet sample is not the topmost carpet sample, the customer or a sales assistant can loosen the retaining mechanism holding all of the carpet samples in the sample holder 10. The friction between the carpet sample and the guiding strut 33, and the carpet sample and the transverse slot 12 is sufficient to retain the carpet sample in the sample holder 10, even when the carpet sample is folded over the top of the carpet lectern 1. In embodiments with a top panel 22, the folded over carpet sample is additionally retained in the sample holder 10 by the friction between an upper surface of the carpet sample and an upper surface of the top panel 22. Once the retaining mechanism has been loosened, the customer or sales assistant can remove the desired carpet sample by pulling the carpet sample away from the sample holder 10 in a direction substantially parallel to the guiding struts 33. The retaining mechanism can then be tightened again to grip the remaining carpet samples and allow a further customer to continue browsing the remaining carpet samples.

[0038] It will be appreciated that the process for inserting a carpet sample into an empty horizontal slot is substantially similar.

[0039] Although the embodiments described herein have controlled the transverse sliding members 15 together, it will be appreciated that the transverse sliding members 15 could instead be controlled independently such that a sliding slot formed between an edge of one transverse sliding member and an opposing edge of a corresponding transverse slot is fully open whilst another sliding slot is partially closed. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that in both the cases where the transverse sliding members 15 are controlled in a single group and where the transverse sliding members 15 are controlled independently, other retaining mechanisms will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. For example, a lever could be used to slide the transverse sliding members 15 instead of the screw mechanism. In some embodiments, both a lever and screw mechanism can be used. In this way, all of the transverse sliding members 15 can be moved so that all of the sliding slots can be easily opened or closed using one mechanism, and an individual transverse sliding member can be moved to close a single sliding slot more or less, depending on the thickness of the carpet sample to be inserted, using a different mechanism.

[0040] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described having transverse slots 12, where an edge of the transverse slot 12 engages with a surface of a carpet sample 32 along the whole length of the edge, this is not a limiting feature. For example, embodiments can be envisaged where the surface of the carpet sample 32 is only engaged at a plurality of discrete points in order to retain the carpet sample 32 in the sample holder 10. This also applies for the transverse sliding members 15, such that the transverse sliding members 15 can be configured to only engage with a surface of the carpet sample 32 at a plurality of discrete points.

[0041] In summary, a carpet sample holder 10 for holding a plurality of carpet samples 32 is configured for mounting to a base portion and comprises at least three horizontal members mutually spaced to define at least two horizontal slots 12 therebetween. Each slot 12 has a slot width and is open towards a front of the carpet sample holder 10 whereby to receive an edge of a carpet sample 32. The at least two horizontal slots 12 form a series of slots along a first direction. The first direction is angled rearwardly at an angle of up to 90 degrees to the upward vertical direction when the carpet sample holder 10 is mounted to the base portion.

[0042] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0043] Features, integers or characteristics described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

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. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. 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

CLAIMS1. A carpet sample holder for holding a plurality of carpet samples, the carpet sample holder being configured for mounting to a base portion and comprising: at least three horizontal members mutually spaced to define at least two horizontal slots therebetween, each slot having a slot width and being open towards a front of the carpet sample holder whereby to receive an edge of a carpet sample, wherein the at least two horizontal slots form a series of slots along a first direction, and the first direction is angled rearwardly at an angle of up to 90 degrees to the upward vertical direction when the carpet sample holder is mounted to the base portion.
2. A carpet sample holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the horizontal slots have a maximum width of between 5 millimetres and 30 millimetres.
3. A carpet sample holder as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of horizontal members comprises a plurality of fixed horizontal members and a corresponding plurality of moveable horizontal members, wherein each horizontal slot is defined between a fixed horizontal member and a corresponding moveable horizontal member, whereby movement of a moveable horizontal member relative to the corresponding fixed horizontal member alters the slot width defined therebetween.
4. A carpet sample holder as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plurality of moveable horizontal members are interconnected such that all of the moveable horizontal members move together relative to the fixed horizontal members.
5. A carpet sample holder as claimed in claim 3 or 4 further comprising a retaining mechanism connected to at least one of the moveable horizontal members and configured to retain the moveable horizontal member in position relative to the fixed horizontal member.
6. A carpet sample holder as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising at least one backing member defining a slot depth behind the horizontal members of at least twice the slot width.
7. A carpet sample holder as claimed in claim 6 further comprising a plurality of guiding members provided between the horizontal members and the backing member.
8. A carpet sample holder as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of guiding members comprises at least two guiding members provided on opposing horizontal sides of the horizontal slots.
9. A carpet sample holder as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a support member extending forwardly from below a lowermost horizontal slot.
10. A carpet sample holder as claimed in claim 9, wherein at least a first portion of the support member extends upwardly from below the lowermost horizontal slot.
11. A carpet sample holder as claimed in claim 10, wherein a second portion of the support member extends downwardly from the first portion.
12. A carpet sample holder as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the horizontal slots have a length of between 10 centimetres and 100 centimetres.
13. A carpet sample holder as claimed in any preceding claim in the form of a carpet lectern, the carpet lectern further comprising a base portion on which the carpet sample holder is mounted.
14. A carpet lectern as claimed in claim 13, wherein the carpet sample holder is configured to be removable from the base portion.
15. A kit of parts comprising parts for forming the carpet sample holder as claimed in any preceding claim.
16. A computer software carrier comprising such software which, when used to operate a system or apparatus comprising data processing means causes, in conjunction with said data processing means, said apparatus or system to form a carpet sample holder, a carpet lectern, or a kit of parts as claimed in any of the preceding claims.Amendment to Claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS 1. A carpet sample holder for holding a plurality of carpet samples, the carpet sample holder being configured for mounting to a base portion and comprising: at least three horizontal members mutually spaced to define at least two horizontal slots therebetween, each slot having a slot width and being open towards a front of the carpet sample holder whereby to receive an edge of a carpet sample, wherein the at least two horizontal slots form a series of slots along a first direction, and the first direction is angled rearwardly at an angle of up to 90 degrees to the upward vertical direction when the carpet sample holder is, in use, mounted to the base portion, and wherein the plurality of horizontal members comprises a plurality of fixed horizontal members and a corresponding plurality of moveable horizontal members, wherein each horizontal slot is defined between a fixed horizontal member and a corresponding moveable horizontal member, whereby movement of a moveable horizontal member relative to the corresponding fixed horizontal member alters the slot width defined therebetween.2. A carpet sample holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the horizontal slots have a maximum width of between 5 millimetres and 30 millimetres.O3. A carpet sample holder as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the plurality of moveable horizontal members are interconnected such that all of the moveable horizontal members move together relative to the fixed horizontal members.4. A carpet sample holder as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a retaining mechanism connected to at least one of the moveable horizontal members and configured to retain the moveable horizontal member in position relative to the fixed horizontal member.5. A carpet sample holder as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising at least one backing member defining a slot depth behind the horizontal members of at least twice the slot width.6. A carpet sample holder as claimed in claim 5 further comprising a plurality of guiding members provided between the horizontal members and the backing member.7. A carpet sample holder as claimed in claim 6, wherein the plurality of guiding members comprises at least two guiding members provided on opposing horizontal sides of the horizontal slots.8. A carpet sample holder as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a support member extending forwardly from below a lowermost horizontal slot.9. A carpet sample holder as claimed in claim 8, wherein at least a first portion of the support member extends upwardly from below the lowermost horizontal slot.10. A carpet sample holder as claimed in claim 9, wherein a second portion of the support member extends downwardly from the first portion.11. A carpet sample holder as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the horizontal slots have a length of between 10 centimetres and 100 centimetres.12. A carpet sample holder as claimed in any preceding claim in the form of a carpet lectern, the carpet lectern further comprising a base portion on which the carpet sample holder is mounted.13. A carpet lectern as claimed in claim 12, wherein the carpet sample holder is configured to be removable from the base portion.14. A kit of parts comprising parts for forming the carpet sample holder as claimed in any preceding claim.15. A computer software carrier comprising such software which, when used to operate a system or apparatus comprising data processing means causes, in conjunction with said data processing means, said apparatus or system to form a carpet sample holder, a carpet 0 lectern, or a kit of parts as claimed in any of the preceding claims.