US3645024A

US3645024A - Display devices

Info

Publication number: US3645024A
Application number: US41537A
Authority: US
Inventors: Melvin B Herrin; Lenard H Herrin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1970-05-28
Filing date: 1970-05-28
Publication date: 1972-02-29
Anticipated expiration: 1989-02-28

Abstract

A display device having four embodiments, each of which comprises front and rear members that are telescopically interconnected. In one embodiment, the front member has a face on which material to be displayed can be mounted. The rear member is scored so that an easel stand or a hook receiving hole can be formed therein. In a second embodiment, the front face has a coin slot therein and the front and rear members are held together by top and bottom covers. In a third embodiment, the material to be displayed is on a fabric which is supported by the telescoping front and rear members, and in a further embodiment, the display device is incorporated in a dispenser housing.

Description

United States Patent Herrin et al.

1451 Feb. 29, 1972 [54] DISPLAY DEVICES [72] inventors: Melvin B. llerrin; Lenard ll. Herrin, both of 15th & l-luntingdon Sts., Philadelphia, Pa.

3,503,147 3/1970 Herrinetal ..40/124.1 3,545,111 12/1970 Spiegeletal... ..40/1521 3,548,527 12/1970 14665166161... ..40/1521 3,557,480 1/1971 Ebnel' ..40/1521 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,205,748 2/l960 France ..40/312 Primary Examir ler-Robert W. Michell Assistant Examiner-Wenceslao J. Contreras Att0rneySeidel & Gonda [5 7] ABSTRACT A display device having four embodiments, each of which comprises front and rear members that are telescopically interconnected. In one embodiment, the front member has a face on which material to be displayed can be mounted. The rear member is scored so that an easel stand or a hook receiving hole can be fonned therein. In a second embodiment, the front face hasa coin slot therein and the front and rear membets are held together by top and bottom covers. ln a third embodiment, thematerial to be displayed is on a fabric which is supported by the telescoping front and rear members, and in a further embodiment, the display device is incorporated in a dispenser housing.

7 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures Patented Feb. 29, 1972 3,645,024

2 Sheets-Sheet 1 lNVfN TORS MEL VIN E. HER/PIN BLIENARI'D H. ljE/PR/N ATTORNEYS.

Patented Feb. 29, 1972 2 Sheets-Sheet Z INVENTORS MEL VIN E. HERE/N LENARD H. HERE/N ATTORNEYS.

DISPLAY nsvrcrzs This invention is directed to display devices and more particularly to display devices which are economical to manufacture and highly attractive in use and is a continuation of application Ser. No. 710,184 filed Mar. 3, 1968 which now has become abandoned.

Most prior art display devices have not been sufficiently versatile to permit the devices to be attractively supported on a planar surface, mounted on a wall, and mounted on a planar surface while utilizing an easel. While some devices have been suggested, they are generally unattractive in appearance and/or expensive to manufacture.

It is an object of the present invention to provide display devices which are attractive in appearance and versatile in use.

It is another object of the present invention to provide display devices which may be attractively supported on a planar surface, mounted on a wall, and utilized with an easel so that it can be titled when supported on a planar surface.

It is another object of the present invention to provide display. devices which are inexpensive to manufacture and yet highly attractive in use.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide display devices which may be utilized as collection boxes wherein means are provided to render the collection boxes substantially tamper-proof.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a display device which is incorporated within a dispenser housing.

It is a-further object of the present invention to provide dis-.

play devices which have one surface having pressure-sensitive adhesive thereon to provide a permanent securement of a photograph, pictorial display, emblem or other objects thereto.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

The above and other objects are accomplished by means of the present invention. Display devices are provided which may be self-supported on a planar surface, may be mounted on a wall ormay be utilized with an easel so that they can be tilted back when supported on a planar surface. Photographs, pictorial displays, emblems or any other desired indicia may be secured to the front surface of the display devices. The display devices can be modified for use as collection boxes and rendered substantially tamper-proof.

In the'preferred embodiment, pressure-sensitive adhesive is provided on the front face of the display devices. A protective cover sheet may be placed over the pressure-sensitive adhesive to preserve the qualityof the adhesive substance until it is desired to mount the pictorial display or the like. The cover sheet also permits ease of handling the display devices. The front and rear members of the display devices are tightly held together to present a unique and pleasing unitary appearance. Embossments may be die pressed into the front face of the display devices in order to facilitate accurate mounting of a photograph or other pictorial display thereon.

The outer exposed surfaces of the display devices may have decorative'paper secured thereto to enhance the attractiveness of the devices. The decorative paper may give the displaydevice the appearance of a wood grain or the like. While in the preferred embodiment pressure-sensitive adhesive is secured to the front face of the display devices, it is also possible to print directly onto the display devices so that they maybe used as greeting cards or for any other display purposes. When so produced, the devices also have the versatility in use. and mounting as set forth hereinbefore.

When utilized as a collection box, a slot may be placed in the front face or top of the display device. In this instance, the uppermost portion of the front face which comprises approximately percent of the front face will be free from pressuresensitive adhesive. The slot may be provided adjacent the-top of the front face above the pressure-sensitive adhesive. Otherwise, the slot may be provided in a top cover which is-fixedly glued to the device. To this end, pressure-sensitive adhesive may-be secured around the entire periphery of the-bottom and top of the display device. Cover paper may be usedto protect theadhesive prior to use thereof. Thereafter, it is merely necessary to attach top and bottom'covers which are tightly frictionally receivedon the top and bottom of the display device to effect a sealing of the display device. Hence, the display device is rendered substantially tamper-proof.

It is also possible to havethe interengagement of the front and. rear members reversed and to have the panels of the rear member tightly received within the panels of the front member. The engagement of the front and rear .members could be efiected by rivets, glue, staples, frictionor the like.

In a third embodiment, the front member is a box and has wrapping paper secured thereto. The wrapping paper has a suitable pictorial representation or the like which will cover the front face of the front member. The box is thereafter in-. serted into the rear-member to provide an attractive unitary display device.

In a fourth embodiment, the display device may be incor: porated within a dispenser housing.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention there is shown in the drawings forms which are presently preferred; it being understood, however, that thisinvention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a frontal perspective view of one embodiment of a display device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and having a pictorial display attached to the front member thereof;

FIG. 2 is also a frontal perspective view of a display device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention prior to the securement of a pictorial display thereto;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the display device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a section view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. ,5 is a frontal perspective view of the second embodiment of the.display device of the present invention wherein the device is utilized as a collection box;

FIG. 6 is a section viewtaken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a frontal perspective view of a third embodiment of a display device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a section view taken along line 88 of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a display device which may be incorporated within a dispenser housing.

Referring now to the drawings in detail wherein like reference numerals indicate like structure throughout the several views, there is shown in FIGS. 1-4, one embodiment of a display device generally indicated by the reference numeral 10.

The display device includes a front member 12 and a rear member 14. Both the front and rear members may be made of cardboard and the surfaces to be exposed may have decorative paper secured thereto in order to enhance the'appearance of the device 10. The, front member 12 has a front face 13 which along itsperimeter has

side panels

16 and 18 and top and

bottom panels

20 and 22. The panels l6, 18, 20 and 22 are substantially perpendicular with respect to the front face 13. In FIG. 1 a pictorial representation or photograph 17 is shown secured to the front face 13.

The rear member 14. has a rear face 15 which along its perimeter has,

side panels

24 and 26 and top and

bottom panels

28 and 30. The

panels

24,26, 28 and 30 are substantially perpendicular with respect to the fear face 15. The distance between'the.

side panels

24 and 26 is only slightly greater than the distance between the

side panels

16 and 18 so that when the front and, rear members 12- and 14 are assembled, there. is tight frictional engagement between adjacent panels. Likewise, the distance between the top panel 28 and the bottom panel 30-is only slightly greater than the distance between the top panel 20 and the bottom panel 22 onthe front member 12.'Hence, the frontvmember 12 is tightly frictionally unmuengaged with the rear member 14 so that the device has a unitary appearance. Alternatively, the front member may be secured to the rear member by means of rivets, staples, glue or other suitable securing means.

In order for the display device to be attractively mounted in numerous placements it has been found that the height dimension should be approximately four times the depth of the display device. Likewise, the width of the device should also be approximately four times the depth of the device. In most instances, the device will be square although it is within the scope of the invention to provide a rectangular device. Most photographs today are square and hence the square construction of the device is preferred.

Pressure-sensitive adhesive 32 is provided on the front face 13 of the front member 12. Protective cover paper 34 may be provided in order to preserve the quality of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 32 until it is desired to mount a photograph, pictorial element, emblem or the like onto the front face 13. Use of cover paper also facilitates handling of the display devices with adhesive on the front face thereof. The cover paper may be in two half portions and scalloped at the joinder of the half portions in order to permit easy removal thereof. It is also possible to utilize a unitary sheet of cover paper which may be removed from the front face 13 by bending the cover paper back upon itself at a corner thereof.

A plurality of L-shaped embossments 36 may be provided on the front face 13 of.the front member 12. The embossments may be die pressed into the front face prior to assembly of the front and rear members.

The embossments 36 facilitate rapid and easy attachment of a conventional size photograph or other pictorial element to the front face 13 of the display device 10.

The rear face 15 of the rear member 14 may have score lines die-cut therein. One set of die-cut score lines 38 define a keyhole 40. The material defined by the score lines 38 need only be gently pressured and removed from the rear face 15 thus leaving the keyhole 40. The keyhole 40 is used to facilitate hanging the device on a wall. The other die-cut score lines 42 define an easel 44 which may be utilized when it is desired to tilt the display device 10 when supported by the easel 44 and the rear edge 46 of the bottom panel 30 of the rear member 14.

A second embodiment of the presentinvention is set forth in FIGS. 5 and 6. Like structure in the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 as set forth with respect to FIGS. 1-4 will be indicated by the same reference numeral having a prime notation. The display device 10' disclosed in FIGS. 5 and 6 may be utilized not only as a display device but also as a collection box or bank. The front member 12' and the rear member 14' are sub stantially identical to the front and

rear members

12 and 14 as shown and described with respect to FIGS. l-4. While the panels of the front member are shown as received within the panels of the rear member it is readily within the scope of this invention to reverse this construction and have the panels of the front member telescope over the panels of the rear member.

The display device 10' may be somewhat greater in overall height than the display device 10. The added height provides for a slot 50 in the front face 13' of the display device 10'. When the slot 50 is provided in the front face 13', the pressure-sensitive adhesive 32' does not extend to the top of the front face 13. Rather, the uppermost portion, approximately percent of the front face 13' is free from adhesive 32'. Any desired emblem, seal, pictorial representation, or the like 17' may be secured to the pressure-sensitive adhesive 32'.

The display devices 10 are particularly suited for use as charity collection boxes. Hence, the representation 17' may contain an appeal on behalf of a particular charitable cause. Rather than utilize pressure-sensitive adhesive 32, it is within the scope of the invention to merely print material across the front face 13' of the display device 10'.

The display device 10' has a top cover 52 and a bottom cover 54 which may be secured thereto. The top cover 52 has periphery of the bottom of the display device 10. Altematively, the panels of the top and bottom covers may be glued, stapled, riveted or otherwise secured to the display device 10'. A band of pressure-sensitive adhesive may be provided around the upper periphery and lower periphery of the display device 10. After suitable cover paper has been removed from the band of pressure-sensitive adhesive around the upper and lower periphery of the display device 10', the top cover 52 and bottom cover 54 are forced onto the display device 10. Due to the pressure-sensitive adhesive around the periphery of the display device 10., the top cover 52 and the bottom cover 54 will be securely attached to the display device 10', and hence will render the display device 10' substantially tamper-proof.

Embossments such as embossments 36 used in the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 1-4, may also be used on the display device 10'. While no such embossments have been shown, it is readily apparent that such embossments could also be provided to facilitate alignment of the pictorial representation 17 onto the front face 13' of the display device 10'.

While the slot 50 has been shown in the front face 13 of the display device 10, it is readily apparent that the slot 50 could also be provided in the top face 53 of the top cover 52. Likewise, a concentric slot would be provided in the top panels 20' and 28 of the front member 12' and rear member 14, respectively. However, in the preferred embodiment, the slot 50 is provided in the front face 13' of the display device 10.

A third embodiment of the present invention is set forth in FIGS. 7 and 8. The structure in the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 is the same as that set forth with respect to FIGS. l-4 ex cept as appears hereinafter. The display device 60 disclosed in FIGS. 7 and 8 includes a front member 62 and a rear member 64. The front member 62 has a backwall 66 and hence the front member 62 comprises an entire box. Suitable paper or fabric 68 having a pictorial representation 70 thereon is wrapped around the front member 62.

The pictorial representation 70 will cover the front face of the display device 60. The front face will have a smooth ap-. pearance in view of the fact that the paper or fabric 68 will be wrapped around the front member 62. The paper or fabric 68 may be secured to the exterior surface of the backwall 66 by any suitable means such as adhesive, staples, rivets, etc. The front member 62 can then be telescopically inserted into the rear member 64 to complete the construction of the display device 60.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention is set forth in FIG. 9. The structure in the embodiment of FIG. 9 is the same as set forth with respect to FIGS. 1-4 except as appears hereinafter. The display device may be identical in structure to the display device l0, 10' or 60.

The display device 80 has at least one dispenser housing 82 which may be integrally formed therewith. The housing 82 may be provided at the bottom of the display device as shown, on one side thereof, on both sides thereof, on the top thereof or on the top and bottom thereof. The housing 82 may be used to house articles 84 which are to be dispensed.

When the housing 82 is integrally formed with the display device 80 the rear member 86 will be substantially larger than the front member 88. A partition 90 may be provided to separate the display device 80 from the dispenser housing 82.

Alternatively, the dispenser housing 82 could be a separate housing which is attached to the display device 80. The housing 82 may be secured to the display device 80 in any desired manner, such as by gluing, stapling, riveting or the like. The housing 82 may be made of heavy paper or similar material. When utilized with the housing 82 the pictorial representation on the front face of the display device 80 will contain promotional material to facilitate the selling of the goods in the hous- The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification as indicating the scope of the invention.

1 claim:

1. A display device comprising a front member and a rear member, said front member having a front face and side panels extending substantially perpendicularly from said front face, said front member having top and bottom panels extending substantially perpendicularly from said front face, said,

rear member having a rear face and having side panels extending substantially perpendicularly from said rear face, said rear face having top and bottom panels extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom, said front member and rear member adapted to be in secure interengaging relationship wherein said side panels and top and bottom panels on said front member are adapted to be telescopically coupled to said side panels and said top and bottom panels of said rear member, said front and rear members comprising said display device, said display device having a substantial depth so that said display device is self-supported on a planar surface and having fabric means including material to be displayed wrapped around said front face and said panel means so that said fabric means lies on said front face and is held between said panel means on said front and rear members.

2. A display device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said panel means on said front face support a backwall in spaced relation from said front wall, and said fabric means is wrapped around said panel means and is fastened to said backwall.

3. A display device as set forth in claim 1 including at least one dispenser housing connected to said device, said dispenser housing having at least one compartment therein in which articles to be dispensed may be stored.

4. A display device comprising a front member and a rear member, said front member having a front face and side panels extending substantially perpendicularly from said front face, said front member having top and bottom panels extending substantially perpendicularly from said front face, said rear member having a rear face and having side panels extending substantially perpendicularly from said rear face, said rear face having top and bottom panels extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom, said front member and rear member adapted to be in secure interengaging relationship wherein said side panels and top and bottom panels on said from member are adapted to be telescopically coupled to said side panels and said top and bottom panels of said rear member, said front and rear members comprising said display device, said display device having a substantial depth so that said display device is self-supported on a planar surface, and pressuresensitive adhesive on said front face, a slot in said front face adjacent the top thereof, and top and bottom covers mounted over said front and rear members, said top and bottom covers being secured to said front and rear members to prevent said display device from being tampered with'and opened without authorization.

5. A display device as set forth in claim 4 including bands of pressure-sensitive adhesive around the entire periphery of said display device adjacent the top and bottom edges thereof, said bands of pressure-sensitive adhesive cooperating with downwardly depending panels on the top and bottom covers to prevent tempering with said display devices.

anels extending substantially perpendicularly from said front ace, said front member having top and bottom panels extending substantially perpendicularly from said front face, said rear member having a rear face and having side panels extending substantially perpendicularly from said rear face, said rear face having top and bottom panels extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom, said front member and rear member adapted to be in secure interengaging relationship wherein said side panels and top and bottom panels on said front member are adapted to be telescopically coupled to said side panels and said top and bottom panels of said rear member, said front and rear members comprising said display device, said display device having a substantial depth so that said display device is self-supported on a planar surface, pressure-sensitive adhesive on said front face, a pictorial representation connected to said front face by said adhesive, and an opening formed in said rear wall for receiving a hooklike member so that said display device may be mounted on a wall.

Claims

1. A display device comprising a front member and a rear member, said front member having a front face and side panels extending substantially perpendicularly from said front face, said front member having top and bottom panels extending substantially perpendicularly from said front face, said rear member having a rear face and having side panels extending substantially perpendicularly from said rear face, said rear face having top and bottom panels extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom, said front member and rear member adapted to be in secure interengaging relationship wherein said side panels and top and bottom panels on said front member are adapted to be telescopically coupled to said side panels and said top and bottom panels of said rear member, said front and rear members comprising said display device, said display device having a substantial depth so that said display device is self-supported on a planar surface and having fabric means including material to be displayed wrapped around said front face and said panel means so that said fabric means lies on said front face and is held between said panel means on said front and rear members.

4. A display device comprising a front member and a rear member, said front member having a front face and side panels extending substantially perpendicularly from said front face, said front member having top and bottom panels extending substantially perpendicularly from said front face, said rear member having a rear face and having side panels extending substantially perpendicularly from said rear face, said rear face having top and bottom panels extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom, said front member and rear member adapted to be in secure interengaging relationship wherein said side panels and top and bottom panels on said from member are adapted to be telescopically coupled to said side panels and said top and bottom panels of said rear member, said front and rear members comprising said display device, said display device having a substantial depth so that said display device is self-supported on a planar surface, and pressure-sensitive adhesive on said front face, a slot in said front face adjacent the top thereof, and top and bottom covers mounted over said front and rear members, said top and bottom covers being secured to said front and rear members to prevent said display device from being tampered with and opened without authorization.

6. A display device as set forth in claim 4 including at least one dispenser housing connected to said display device, said dispenser housing having at least one compartment within which articles to be dispensed may be stored.

7. A display device comprising a front member and a rear member, said front member having a front face and side panels extending substantially perpendicularly from said front face, said front member having top and bottom panels extending substantially perpendicularly from said front face, said rear member having a rear face and having side panels extending substantially perpendicularly from said rear face, said rear face having top and bottom panels extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom, said front member and rear member adapted to be in secure interengaging relationship wherein said side panels and top and bottom panels on said front member are adapted to be telescopically coupled to said side panels and said top and bottom panels of said rear member, said front and rear members comprising said display device, said display device having a substantial depth so that said display device is self-supported on a planar surface, pressure-sensitive adhesive on said front face, a pictorial representation connected to said front face by said adhesive, and an opening formed in said rear wall for receiving a hooklike member so that said display device may be mounted on a wall.