GB2555165A

GB2555165A - Display apparatus and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: GB2555165A
Application number: GB1711616.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tomlinson George; Picard Stanislas
Original assignee: Pop Group Europe Ltd
Current assignee: Pop Group Europe Ltd
Priority date: 2016-08-09
Filing date: 2017-07-19
Publication date: 2018-04-25
Also published as: WO2018029438A1; GB201711616D0

Abstract

Display apparatus comprising a frame element 12 comprising a frame member 18 with first 22 and second 22 portions with one portion movable relative to the other from a first position (fig. 2a) wherein the portions are in a linear arrangement, to a second position wherein the portions are moved to a non-linear arrangement with respect to each other, where the portions have locking means 30, 32 provided to allow locking of the portions in the second position. The locking means may be integrally formed with the first or second portions and may include a protruding means 30 provided on one portion and a recess means 32 on the other portion. The frame member may have an L-shaped profile and may comprise two side walls integrally formed with a fold line separating the side walls. A slot or recess may be defined between the portions when in the first position, which may be V-shaped, the narrowest part of the V may be adjacent the fold line. The angular or non-linear arrangement of the portions in the second position may be a right angle or sixty degrees. A shelf means or shelf member may be provided with a frame element.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Display apparatus and method of use thereof Abstract Title: Display Apparatus and Method of Use Thereof (57) Display apparatus comprising a frame element 12 comprising a frame member 18 with first 22 and second 22’ portions with one portion movable relative to the other from a first position (fig. 2a) wherein the portions are in a linear arrangement, to a second position wherein the portions are moved to a non-linear arrangement with respect to each other, where the portions have locking means 30, 32 provided to allow locking of the portions in the second position.

The locking means may be integrally formed with the first or second portions and may include a protruding means 30 provided on one portion and a recess means 32 on the other portion. The frame member may have an L-shaped profile and may comprise two side walls integrally formed with a fold line separating the side walls. A slot or recess may be defined between the portions when in the first position, which may be V-shaped, the narrowest part of the V may be adjacent the fold line. The angular or non-linear arrangement of the portions in the second position may be a right angle or sixty degrees. A shelf means or shelf member may be provided with a frame element.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

i

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Figure lb ¹ >

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Figure 2b

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Display Apparatus and Method of Use Thereof

This invention relates to display apparatus and to a method of use thereof.

Although the following description refers almost exclusively to display apparatus for use with a pallet to allow items on the pallet to be displayed safely and effectively, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention can be used as a “stand alone” display apparatus and/or for the display of one or more items that are not on a pallet.

It is common for goods to be transported and/or stored on pallets. Depending on the size and number of goods, the goods are often stacked on top of each other on the pallet. Problems with the use of pallets are that if one of the goods items towards the base of the pallet has a load failure, this can cause items above to become dislodged or for the stack of goods on the pallet to collapse. During shipping, vibration and load shifting can easily cause goods to become dislodged or collapse. In both cases, the goods items are often damaged or destroyed. In an attempt to overcome this problem, it is known to provide edge protection for one or more edges of the goods stack on the pallet. These edge protectors are often fastened together with fasteners, such as rivets. A problem with these fasteners is that sharp edges of the fasteners face towards the goods items on the pallet and these edges can also damage the goods.

In an attempt to overcome the abovementioned problems, US5577608 discloses a protective cover for palletized goods. The cover comprises pairs of members that are located at spaced apart locations on the stack of goods on the pallet. Each member has an “L” shaped profile. A V-shaped aperture is formed along the length of each member and is defined by first and second margins. The first and second margins of each member can be brought together at right angles. The free ends of one member of a pair can be joined to the free ends of the other member of the pair by smooth headed connectors to form a rectangular protective cover. The rectangular shaped protective cover can be arranged on the stacked goods both vertically and horizontally so that all the edges of the stack of goods on the pallet are protected.

Alternatively, vertical spacing elements can be provided between the rectangular shaped protective covers to provide display apparatus to allow the goods on the pallet to be displayed in an aesthetic and safe manner for use directly in a retail outlet. The resulting display apparatus allows customers to remove goods directly therefrom in the retail oudet without collapse of the entire stack of goods located on the pallet. In assembling such display apparatus, a first protective cover is assembled on an upper surface of a pallet, as described above, and is fastened to the upper surface of the pallet using a pneumatic stapler. A vertical member is then fastened at each of the four corners of the first protective cover using a pneumatic stapler. Further protective covers are inserted between four vertical members at spaced apart intervals to form shelves for the display apparatus. The goods can then be loaded onto the shelves of the display apparatus. Problems associated with the assembly of the display apparatus is that it is difficult and time consuming to bring the first and second margins of the V-shaped aperture of a member together accurately to form a right angled corner. If the first and second margins of a member are not accurately joined to form a right angled corner, the entire protective cover is the wrong shape and it then becomes difficult to align and join this with the base of the pallet and with the vertical members. As such, two people are often required to assemble the display apparatus; a first person to maintain the first and second margins in a required angle and position, and a second person to fasten the margins in the first user held angle and position. This is time consuming, labour intensive and expensive to produce.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide display apparatus that overcomes the abovementioned problems.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of assembling display apparatus that overcomes the abovementioned problems.

It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide a frame structure or element for use with display apparatus, a pallet, a shelf and/or the like.

It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide a method of using a frame structure or element for use with display apparatus, a pallet, a shelf and/or the like.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided display apparatus, said display apparatus including at least one frame element, said frame element comprising at least one frame member having a first portion and at least a second portion, at least one of the portions movable relative to the other portion from a first position, wherein the first and at least second portions are in a linear or substantially linear arrangement, to a second position, wherein the first and second portions are moved to a non-linear or angular arrangement with respect to each other, characterised in that the first and/or at least second portions have locking means provided on or associated therewith to allow locking of the first and at least second portions in the second position in use.

Thus, the present invention provides locking means or a locking mechanism on a frame member to lock the frame member in a required and pre-determined orientation and position, thereby increasing the ease with which the frame element and the display apparatus can be assembled. It also allows the display apparatus to be constructed by a single person, since the locking means or mechanism removes the requirement of one user having to hold the portions in the required position in use while another user fastens the portions in the required position, thereby making the assembly of the display apparatus less labour intensive and therefore more cost effective to produce.

Preferably the first position can be a transport and/or storage position and the second position can be an in use position, although the at least one frame member could be transportable and/or stored in the second position as well if required.

Preferably the frame members of the present invention can be easily stacked in either their first or second positions, thereby making them easy to transport and store.

In one embodiment the locking means are integrally formed with the first and/or at least second portions.

In one embodiment the locking means are attached , fixedly attached or detachably attached with the first and/or at least second portions.

Preferably the at least one frame member has an “L” shaped or substantially “L” shaped profile. For example, each frame member can be made up of two side walls that are joined or arranged to be at right angles or substantially at right angles to each other.

Preferably the at least one frame member has the “L” shaped or substantially “L”shaped form in both the first and second positions.

Preferably the two side walls are integrally formed and have a fold line separating the same. However, the two side walls but could be joined together via any suitable attachment or joining means, such as for example, welding, adhesive, one or more screws, clips, nuts and bolts, inter-engaging members, VELCRO® (hook and loop fastening) and/or the like.

In one embodiment the locking means or locking mechanism includes protruding means provided on or associated with at least one of the first or at least second portions which locates with and/or engages in recess means defined in or associated with at least the other of the first or at least second portions.

Preferably the protruding means includes at least one protruding member.

Preferably the recess means includes at least one recess.

Preferably the protruding means or at least one protruding member is complementary or substantially complementary in shape and/or form to the recess means or at least one recess, thereby allowing the protruding member to form a snug fit in the recess when in a locked position and/or the second position in use.

Preferably the locking means of the first and/or at least second portions are in an unlocked position in the first position, and are movable to a locked position when in the second position.

In one embodiment two or more protruding members are provided, each protruding member locatable with or engageable in one of two or more recesses.

In one embodiment each of the first portions at the at least second portions has recess means and protruding means.

Preferably the protruding means and/or recess means are shaped such that when the same are moved into engagement with each other, they will not accidentally separate without specific force being applied by a user to release the engagement between the protruding means and the recess means. For example, the protruding means can be at least partially curved in shape and/or be non-linear in form so that it positively engages in or with the recess means to form the locked position in use.

Preferably the locking means and/or the protruding means and recess means are movable between a locked position, wherein the locking elements of the locking means or protruding means and recess means are engaged together, and an unlocked position, wherein the locking elements of the locking means or protruding means and recess means are separated from each other and can be moved a spaced distance apart from each other.

Preferably the locking means and/or the protruding means and recess means are movable from the unlocked position to the locked position when the first and at least second portions are in the second position in use.

Preferably the locking means and/or the protruding means and recess means are in the unlocked position in at least the first position, and could be in the unlocked position in the second position.

In one embodiment at least one aperture, slot or recess is defined in the frame member, and preferably is defined in one of the side walls of the frame member, and/or is defined between the first and/or at least second portions of the frame member when the first and at least second portions are in the first position.

Preferably the aperture, slot or recess is defined between the first and at least second portions of the frame member when the portions are in the first position in use.

Preferably the aperture, slot or recess is closed or substantially closed when the first and at least second portions of the frame member are moved from the first position to the second position in use.

Preferably the aperture or recess is “V” shaped or substantially “V” shaped.

Preferably an edge or edges of the frame member and/or first and at least second portions that define the aperture, slot or recess between the portions are provided with or associated with the locking means, the protruding means and/or recess means.

Preferably a base or narrowest part of the V-shaped aperture, slot or recess is provided at or adjacent the fold line between the two side walls of the frame member or the join line between the two side walls of the frame member.

In one embodiment an edge of the first portion of the V shaped aperture, slot or recesshas at least one protruding member of the locking means defined therein and an edge of the second portion of the V shaped aperture, slot or recess as at least one recess of the locking means defined therein.

Preferably the protruding means and the recess means of the locking means are arranged side by side on the frame member when in the first position.

Preferably the protruding means and the recess means of the locking means are moved to a position where they are directly opposite to each other when in the second position.

Preferably the first and at least second portions of the frame member are parallel, substantially parallel, co-axial, substantially co-axial, aligned and/or substantially aligned when in the first position.

In one embodiment the angular or non-linear arrangement, which is preferably pre-determined, that the first and at least second portions are moved to in the second position is a right angle or substantially a right angle. This typically allows at least one frame element to be formed that has at least one right angle, such as a square, rectangle and/or the like.

In one embodiment the angular or non-linear arrangement, which is preferably pre-determined, that the first and at least second portions are moved to in the second position is 60 degrees or substantially 60 degrees. This typically allows at least one frame element to be formed that is triangular or substantially triangular in shape.

It will be appreciated that the pre-determined angular or non-linear arrangement can be any suitable angle that would allow any required shape of the frame element to be formed when assembled.

In one embodiment two or more frame members are joined together to form the frame element.

In one embodiment the frame element is formed from a single frame member having three, four or more portions. For example, locking means could be provided between the first and second portions, between the second and third portions and/or between the third and fourth portions as required.

Preferably a free end of one of the frame member is joined to a free end of another frame member via attachment means.

Preferably the attachment means includes any or any combination of adhesive, welding, one or more staples, clips, screws, nuts and bolts, rivets, smooth headed connectors, VELCRO® (hook and loop fastening), inter-engaging members and/or the like.

In one embodiment the free ends of the two or more frame members are moved into overlapping arrangement prior to being joined by the attachment means.

In one embodiment the display apparatus includes two or more frame elements that are spaced apart from each other via one or more support members.

Preferably the one or more support members are linear or substantially linear members.

Preferably the one or more support members are rigid or substantially rigid members.

Preferably the one or more support members are elongate members of such length to allow the two or more frame elements to be spaced a required distance apart.

Preferably one support member is provided in or associated with each comer of the frame element in use.

Preferably each support member or one or more support members are arranged to be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a frame element when assembled in use.

In one embodiment the frame element is square or rectangular in shape and four support members are provided, one in each corner of the square or rectangular shaped frame element.

Preferably the support members of the display apparatus are of equal or substantially equal length.

In one embodiment shelf means and/or one or more shelf members are provided on or associated with a frame element. The shelf means or shelf member allow one or more items to be stored on an upper surface of the same in use.

Preferably the shelf means or one or more shelf members have at least one flat, substantially flat, planar or substantially planar upper surface to allow one or more items to be supported in a stable manner on the same in use.

Preferably the shelf means or one or more shelf members are formed from a sheet, sheet like, plate, or plate like material.

Preferably the shelf means or one or more shelf members can be joined to a frame element via any suitable joining means and/or can be simply located on the frame element and/or a side wall of the frame member and supported by gravity.

The shelf means or shelf members can be located at equal or substantially equal spaced distances apart, or they can be arranged at different distances apart within the display apparatus.

Preferably the shelf means and/or one or more shelf members and the frame means are in a horizontal or substantially horizontal orientation in use.

Preferably the support means are arranged in an upright, vertical or substantially vertical orientation in use.

In one embodiment the first and at least second portions of the frame member are of equal or substantially equal length and/or dimensions.

In one embodiment the first and at least second portions of the frame member have a different length and/or dimensions.

In one embodiment the two or more frame members forming a frame element are of the same shape, size and/or dimensions.

In one embodiment the two or more frame members forming a frame element have a different shape, size and/or dimensions.

In one embodiment one or more surfaces of the one or more frame members, shelf means, support members and/or the like are printed or have printed matter thereon, such as one or more images, wording, numbers, symbols and/or the like.

The at least one frame member, support member, shelf means and/or shelf member can be formed from any or any combination of wood, metal, rubber, plastic, paper, board material and/or the like.

Preferably the at least one frame element is rigid or substantially rigid in form when in the second position.

Preferably the locking means are movable between the locked and unlocked positions as often as required. Thus, the locking means are reuseable and/or releasable.

Preferably the display apparatus is located on, provided with or associated with a pallet in use.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of assembling and/or using display apparatus, said display apparatus including at least one frame element, said frame element comprising at least one frame member having a first portion and at least a second portion, said method including the step of moving at least one of the portions relative to the other portion from a first position, wherein the first and at least second portions are in a linear or substantially linear arrangement, to a second position, wherein the first and second portions are moved to a non-linear or angular arrangement with respect to each other, characterised in that said method further includes the step of locking the first and at least second portions in the second position in use using locking means provided on or associated with the first and/or at least second portions.

According to further independent aspects of the present invention there is provided a frame element for use with display apparatus; and a method of using or assembling a frame element.

According to yet further independent aspects of the present invention there is provided a frame member for use with display apparatus; and a method of using or assembling a frame member.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures, wherein:

Figures la and lb show a perspective view of a frame member in a first position and a second position respectively;

Figure 2a shows an elongate frame member in a first position;

Figure 2b is a top plan view of a frame element formed by joining together two frame members in a second position;

Figure 3 shows display apparatus partially assembled; and

Figure 4 shows the display apparatus in figure 3 with shelves added.

Referring to the figures, there is illustrated display apparatus 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The display apparatus is for assembly on a pallet 4 in use.

Pallet 4 is of a type typically used for transporting and storing one or more goods on, having a base surface 6 for location on a floor surface in use, an upper surface 8 on which goods are normally located and supported, and support feet 10 located between the base surface 6 and the upper surface 8. It is to be noted that the pallet can take any form and can still be used with the present invention. It is also to be noted that the display apparatus could be free standing and does not need to be provided on a pallet.

The display apparatus is assembled from four frame elements 12 that are arranged a spaced distance apart on pallet 4 via four upright support members 14. Each support member is joined to each corner 16 of each frame element 12.

Each frame element is arranged to be horizontal when in the assembled position in use. The support members are arranged to be vertical in use.

A frame element 12 is formed from two frame members 18, 18’ that are joined together via attachment means in the form of smooth ended rivets 20. More particularly, the free end of one frame member 18 is moved into overlapping engagement with the free end of frame member 18’ to form a right angle between the same. A rivet 20 is used to maintain the position of the frame members 18,18’.

Each frame member 18, 18’ comprises a first portion 22 and a second portion 22’. In the illustrated example, first and second portions 22, 22’ respectively are integrally formed but they could be joined together if required.

Each frame member 18 is typically elongate in form in an unassembled or first position, as shown in figure 2a, and has an “L” shaped profile having a first side wall 19 provided at right angles to a second side wall 21. Figures la and lb show an enlarged view of part of a frame member so that the features of the same can be seen more clearly.

In the illustration, first portion 22 is longer in length that second portion 22’. This allows a rectangular frame element 12 to be formed. However, the first and second portions 22, 22’ could be of equal or substantially equal length to allow a square or other shape to be formed.

In accordance with the present invention, locking means 24 are integrally formed on each frame member 18 to allow the first and second portions 22, 22’ to be locked in a required angular position in use. More particularly, first and second portions 22, 22’ are movable in use from a first position, as shown in figures la and 2a, wherein the portions are in a linear, planar and parallel arrangement, to a second position, as shown in figures lb and 2b, wherein the first portion 22 is moved through 90 degrees towards second portion 22’ to form a right angled corner 16.

A “V” shaped cut or recess 26 is formed in member 18 between the first and second portions 22, 22’. The edges or margins 28, 28’ of the first and second portions respectively in the first side wall 19 are moved together from a spaced distance apart in the first position to an adjacent and abutting orientation in the second position. The V-shaped recess 26 is provided from the fold Ene between the first and second side waEs of the first side waU 19 to the free edge opposite to the fold Ene.

The locking means 24 are defined in the opposing edges or margins of the first and second portions 22, 22’. More specificaUy, a protrusion member 30 is defined along edge 28 of first portion 22 and a complementary shaped recess 32 is defined along edge 28’ of second portion 22’. The protrusion member 30 locates in recess 32 as the portions 22, 22’ are moved from the first position to the second position. The engagement of the protrusion member 30 in the recess 32 locks the first and second portions 22, 22’ in the right angled corner position, as shown in figure lb.

The free ends 34, 36 of the first and second portions 22, 22’ of frame member 18 respectively are joined to free ends of a corresponding frame member 18’ by rivets 20. The free ends of joining frame members 18, 18’ are typicaUy brought into overlapping relationship before being connected together.

Once the frame element 12 shown in figure 2b is constructed, this is typicaEy located on upper surface 8 of paUet 4. Side waEs 19 of the frame members are directly located on upper surface 8 and are stapled in position to the pallet. Side wall 21 is upstanding in a vertical position when the frame member is fitted to the pallet.

An upright support member 14 is then attached to each corner 16 of the frame element 12 fitted to the pallet 4. Further frame elements 12 are joined to the upright support members 14 in a spaced apart arrangement. Shelf members 40 are then located on and supported by each frame element 12 to form the finished display apparatus. Goods can be located on the shelf members 40 and the apparatus is ready for display in a retail outlet and/or can be shrink wrapped and stored and/or transported to a required destination.

The protrusion member 30, recess 32 and V-shaped recess 26 are typically formed by cutting the material from which the frame member is formed.

Claims

1. Display apparatus, said display apparatus including at least one frame element, said frame element comprising at least one frame member having a first portion and at least a second portion, at least one of the portions movable relative to the other portion from a first position, wherein the first and at least second portions are in a linear or substantially linear arrangement, to a second position, wherein the first and second portions are moved to a non-linear or angular arrangement with respect to each other, characterised in that the first and/or at least second portions have locking means provided on or associated therewith to ahow locking of the first and at least second portions in the second position in use.

2. Display apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the locking means are integrally formed with the first and/or at least second portions.

3. Display apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one frame member has an L-shaped or substantially L-shaped profile.

4. Display apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the at least one L-shaped frame member comprises two side walls integrally formed with a fold line separating the side walls.

5. Display apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the locking means includes protruding means provided on or associated with at least one of the first or at least second portions which locates with and/or engages in recess means defined in or associated with at least the other of the first or at least second portions.

6. Display apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the protruding means includes at least one protruding member and the recess means includes at least one recess.

7. Display apparatus according to claims 5 or 6 wherein the protruding means or at least one protruding member is complementary or substantially complementary in shape and/or form to the recess means or at least one recess.

8. Display apparatus according to claim 6 wherein two or more protruding members are provided, each protruding member locatable with or engageable in one of two or more recesses.

9. Display apparatus according to claim 5 wherein protruding means and/or recess means are shaped such that when the same are moved into engagement with each other, they will not accidentally separate without specific force being applied by a user to release the engagement between the protruding means and/or recess means.

10. Display apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the locking means and/or the protruding means and recess means are movable between a locked position, where locking elements of the locking means or the protruding means and recess means are engaged together, and an unlocked position, wherein the locking elements of the locking means or the protruding means and recess means are separated from each other.

11. Display apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the locking means and/or the protruding means and recess and movable to the locked position when the first and at least second portions are in the second position.

12. Display apparatus according to claim 1 wherein an aperture, slot or recess is defined between the first and at least second portions of the frame member when the portions are in the first position.

13. Display apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the aperture, slot or recess is defined in one of two side walls forming the first and at least second portions of the frame member.

14. Display apparatus according to claims 12 or 13 wherein the aperture, slot or recess is V-shaped or substantially V-shaped.

15. Display apparatus according to claim 12 wherein an edge or edges of the first and at least second portions that define the aperture, slot or recess therebetwen are also provided with or associated with the locking means, protruding means and/or recess means.

16. Display apparatus according to claim 14 wherein a base or narrowest part of the V-shaped aperture, slot or recess is provided at or adjacent the fold or join line between the two side walls of the frame member.

17. Display apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first and at least second portions of the frame member are parallel, substantially parallel, co-axial, substantially co-axial, aligned and/or substantially aligned when in the first position.

18. Display apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the angular or non-linear arrangement that the first and at least second portions are moved to in the second position is a right angle or substantially a right angle.

19. Display apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the angular or non-linear arrangement that the first and at least second portions are moved to in the second position is 60 degrees or substantially 60 degrees.

20. Display apparatus according to claim 1 wherein two or more frame members are joined together to form the frame element.

21. Display apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the frame element is formed from a single frame member having three, four or more portions which are all movable between the first and second positions.

22. Display apparatus according to claim 20 wherein a free end of one of the frame members is joined to a free end of another frame member via attachment means.

23. Display apparatus according to claim 22 wherein the attachment means includes any or any combination of adhesive, welding, one or more staples, clips, screws, nuts and bolts, rivets, smooth headed connectors, hook and loop fastening or inter-engaging members.

24. Display apparatus according to claim 1 including two or more frame elements that are spaced apart from each other via one or more support members.

25. Display apparatus according to claim 24 wherein the one or more support members are linear, or substanitalyl linear in form and/or rigid or substantially rigid in form.

26. Display apparatus according to claim 24 wherein a support member is provided with or associated with each corner of the frame element when assembled in use.

27. Display apparatus according to claim 24 wherein a support member is arranged so as to be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the frame element when assembled in use.

28. Display apparatus according to claim 1 wherein shelf means and/or one or more shelf member are provided on or associated with a frame element in use.

29. Display apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the locking means are movable between the locked and unlocked positions as often as required, and/or are releasable.

30. A method of assembling and/or using display apparatus, said display apparatus including at least one frame element, said frame element comprising at least one frame member having a first portion and at least a second portion, said method including the step of moving at least one of the portions relative to the other portion from a first position, wherein the first and at least second portions are in a linear or substantially linear arrangement, to a second position, wherein the first and second portions are moved to a non-linear or angular arrangement with respect to each other, characterised in that said method further includes the step of locking the first and at least second portions in the second position in use using locking means provided on or associated with the first and/or at least second portions.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB 1711616.1 Examiner: Mr Aidan Black