WO1989000389A1 - Display stand - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention comprises at least two tray-like members (10, 11) with recesses (13) on at least one side to receive connecting pieces (12) which detachably connect the trays (10, 11) together one above the other to form a display stand, the upper tray being adapted to hold a light fitting (20).

Description

_ i _

DISPLAY STA D Background of Invention This invention relates to stands, and particularly relates to display stands in which a lamp can be fitted to display articles located thereon.

In many situations in both homes, business premises, and elsewhere it is desirable to display plants, objects d'art etc, on some type of display stand. Of course, many different types of stands have been devised for this purpose. One aspect of the present invention seeks to provide a component for such a stand which displays significant advantages over previously known components.

Another aspect of the invention seeks to provide a display stand which offers significant advantages over previously known stands.

Summary of Invention The invention in one broad form comprises a display stand comprising at least two components for supporting objects, each component having connecting means to receive connecting pieces, the components being connectable by one or more said connecting pieces to form a display stand. Preferably, the means for connection comprises one or more recesses, the connection pieces comprise post, rods or the like, and the connection is effected by push fit of respective ends of the posts into the recesses in the components. The complete stand would then, in use, sit on a surface or hang from a mounting point with one (or upper) component positioned generally above the second (or lower) component. Preferably the recesses should be circular in cross section and comprise two stages. The outer, or leading stage, should have tapering sides, to allow a lead in for insertion of the post end. The inner stage should have parallel sides to ensure strong connection between the post and the recess.

The recesses which may be on one or both sides of the components are preferably blind, however, some embodiments of the invention could include recesses on one side being co-axial with and continuous with recesses provided on the second side, thus allowing complete penetration of the component by the posts. In the latter case means should be provided to locate the component on the post.

Though the component could be of any suitable shape, it is preferable that one of the components should be concave, or dish shaped, and that this side is provided with means to facilitate the fitting of a lamp within the concavity. The lamp may be of the type that promotes plant growth. The component could be made from metal, plastic, timber, glass, ceramic or any other suitable material. In some cases it would be preferable if the component is made of coloured, translucent or transparent material so that when a lamp is placed inside the cavity and switched on, a glow or light may be seen through the material.

An important use to which the stand may be put, is for the αisplay of indoor plants, and it is this function to which many preferred embodiments are most suited. In particular, when two such components are connected by posts with their concave surfaces in juxtaposition, the upper component may be used to incorporate a lamp fitting, as discussed, while the lower concave surface may be used to mount for display, a living plant. The assembly formed is in many ways an ideal display stand/plant light.

The concave lower surface is most suitable for hydroponic plant growing because it may be filled with water or plant nutrient solution in which plants growing in hydroculture culture pots can be put. In this case the concavity must be waterproof.

The components preferably should be constructed so as to enable the fitting of decorative outer covers which could comprise shades and base covers for the upper and lower components respectively of the assembled stand.

Though it is preferable, by reason of reduced manufacturing costs, that identical stand components are used to make a complete stand, it is possible to exercise the invention by using two differently shaped and/or sized components depending upon the desired mechanical and/or aesthetic effect required.

It is preferable that three posts be used to connect the components but one, two or many such posts could be used depending on the required application and configuration.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a display stand comprising a base component, a top component, and posts disposed between the two components. Preferably both ends of the posts are firmly connected to respective points on the two components.

Preferably the components are provided with recesses and the post ends are adapted for push fit engagement with the recesses to effect the firm connection.

Preferably the components are provided with first and .second sides and the recesses are provided in both sides.

The components may be of any suitable shape, within the limits set out above, but it is preferable that one side of the top component be formed concave and that means for mounting an electric lamp be provided within the cavity. Thus, in use, with the ^'concavity facing down and lamp installed, plants or objects d'art located on the base component can be illuminated for display.

In the preferred case, where the base and top components are identical, and each is provided with a concavity, the display stand may be assembled with the base component concavity facing up or down. With the concavity facing up, indoor potted plants may be placed in the concavity for illumination and display. Where the concavity is waterproof, plants growing in hydroculture pots may be placed in the cavity containing plant nutrient solution, and grown and displayed in the same way as the soil plants are displayed.

If, on the other hand, the stand is assembled with the base component concavity facing down, the other side of the component, when formed with a generally flat surface, provides a good pedestal on which to display decorative items, objects d'art, paintings etc. A mirror may be fitted to the stand.

Preferably, three posts are incorporated in the display stand but embodiments could incorporate one, two or many such posts, depending on the application. The posts may be made to any suitable length and from any reasonably rigid material.

The components may be formed to enable the fitting of decorative outer covers which would comprise shades and base covers for the top and base components respectively of the stand. Such covers may be made from basketware, cloth material, plastic or any other suitable material.

The invention and preferred embodiments thereof, display a number of advantages not seen in previous such stands.

1. The particular design of preferred embodiments make it very easy to construct a rigid robust, stand and yet the stand can be transported in knockdown form for assembly by an ultimate purchaser. 2. Preferred embodiments which include the component having a concave surface have the advantage of providing a location for a lamp fitting which could be used to illuminate for display either plants, objects d'art, paintings, or sculptures etc. Further, when the concave component is positioned facing upwards as the base of the stand, it can be used to contain nutrient solution to support growth in hydroponic plants. Alternatively, if the base is placed in a concave down position, then the base acts as a platform to support on open display the objects d'art etc.

3. Because there are recesses on both sides of the component, a number of such components can be assembled in a variety of ways to produce aesthetically desirable results. For example, two complete plant light stands can be placed one upon another secured together by short posts located in corrεsDon ing recesses of the abutting top ana base components to achieve a double height effect, or alternatively, one case component could be used with two "top" components to produce a double display effect while only using three components. This is more clearly explained in the description of the preferred embodiment.

4. Of course, by the very nature of the invention, embodiments can be added on to at any time with further components, or alternatively can be re-assembled in a different way.

5. The length of the posts can be varied to facilitate different display heights. This is particularly important when one is displaying indoor plants which have a tendency to outgrow their environment.

6. Stands exercising the invention may be easily fitted with a variety of decorative outer covers comprising shades and base covers for the top and base components respectively.

Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of one form of the display stand;

Figure 2 is a mechanical elevation of the stand in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a plan view of the stand;

Figures 4, 5 and 6 are sectional views of the stand;

Figure 7 is a sectional view through recesses provided in components of the stand;

Figure 8 is a cut away view of a post when fitted to a recess in a component of the stand;

Figure 9 is another perspective view of the stand with hydroponic plants installed in its base; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the stand with objects d'art mounted on the base component;

Figure 11 is a further perspective view, this time showing a two tiered stand incorporating two light fittings, a plant in a pot in the upper display area and hydroponic plants growing in the inverted oase of the stand in the lower area;

Figure 12 is a similarly figured two tier system, however with hydroponic plants growing in both the upper and lower display area; and

Figures 13 and 14 show the method of installation of decorative covers to the display stand. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments Looking first at Figure 1, the stand comprises an upper component 10, and lower component lι. These components are identical and are connected together by three posts 12. These posts are push fitted into recesses 13, moulded into spigots 15 connected to the walls of the components by webs 16. Details of this engagement are discussed with respect to Figure 7. Figure 1 also shows recess 14 which is the "upper side" of recess 13. The use of these recesses is illustrated in more detail in Figures 11 and 12. Components 10 and 11 may be manufactured from injected moulded plastic and, as can be seen from Figure 1, they are essentially dish shaped and circular along their outer edges.

Figure 2 is an elevation of the stand shown in Figure 1, and illustrates the fact that both upper and lower components are located in parallel but vertically displaced planes.

Figure 3 is a plan view of the stand, showing the three recesses 14, in the top surface of component 10.

Figure 4 is a sectional view (A-A) ⁽see Figure 3). This Figure illustrates the mounting of a fluorescent type lamp 20 in the upper component. This lamp is secured to socket 21, which is then mounted to spigot 15 with bracket 22. In the preferred embodiment this bracket is made from injected moulded plastics material and is adapted for push fit engagement with spigot 15.

This Figure also shows reflector 23 mounted above the lamp 22. The reflector adds to the efficiency of the whole arrangement by reflecting light down on to the objects displayed on the stand.

Figures 5 and 6 are sectional views of the stand (see Figure 4). Looking first at Figure 5, again we see post 12 mounted in recesses 13. Lamp 20 is fitted to socket 21 and the assembly is push fitted on to spigot 15 using bracket 22. Reflector 23 is seen to be rectangular in shape to follow the shape of the fluorescent lamp 20.

Figure 6 shows sectional view looking down towards the lower component through the middle of the stand. Again it shows the engagement of posts 12 into recesses 13 formed in spigots 15.

Figure 7 is a sectional view of the moulding which forms recesses 13 and 14. The recesses are circular in cross section and comprise two stages. In the first stage 40, the walls of the recess are tapered inwards, while in the second stage 41, the walls of the recess are parallel. The tapering section 40 is provided to give a lead into post 12 as it is initially inserted into the recess. Then, as the posts further penetrate the recess, it engages with stage'41. The parallel sides of this stage provide for reasonably rigid engagement of the post with the recess. This gives the entire stand quite good rigidity. However the benefit of this system is that tne post may be withdrawn reasonaDiy easily or tne disassembly of the stand for either storage or reassembly in another form.

Figure 8 illustrates more closely the shape and form of the moulding of spigot 15 and the engagement of post 12 in the recess 13 formed in spigot 15. Web 16 connects the spigot lengthwise with the wall of the component. Figure 9 illustrates the use of the stand with hydroculture or hydroponic type plants. Since the base component 11 is waterproof, liquid hydroponic nutrient can be poured into the base component and hydroculture type plants can be then installed within the base and will grow well under the l ght provided by the lamp 20.

In Figure 10, the base component 11 has been inverted to provide a flat surface on which objects d'art can be placed. Again, the lamp in component 10 provides the necessary light to nicely display the objects d'art. A mirro'r could be fitted between the posts.

Figure 11 shows a two tiered configuration of the lamp stand. In this case an extra component 16 has been mounted using posts 17 onto the top component 10. The posts 17 were connected to component 10 by push fitting them with respective recesses 14 in the top of component 10. Lamps are installed in components 10 and 16 and the light from these lamps illuminates the plants set in component 11, and the plants sitting in a pot sitting on the top of compoπant 10 respectively.

In Figure 12, a similar configuration has been established, but in this case two completely separate stands incorporating upper and lower components have been fitted together using short posts 18. These posts fit into the recesses 14 described earlier. This provides for a relatively attractive and functional two tiered system for grυwing and displaying hydroponic plants, since both components 19 and 19A are positioned with their concave surfaces facing upwards.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a display stand similar to that shown in Figure 9, but fitted with decorative outer covers. In this case a dome shaped cover 40 has been positioned on top of the upper .component 10, while the lower component 11 has been inserted into dish shaped decorative cover 41. A sectional view of the arrangement is shown in Figure 14. Of course these covers could be made from any suitable material and design.

Figure 15 illustrates nesting of a number of base components 50 under primary base component 11.

The additional components are secured to component 11 using short posts (not shown) located between recesses 13 and 14 respectively in components 50 and 11. Longer posts can be used than the ones shown. Also, further layers of components could be fitted under the display shown in Figure 15.

Naturally, the shape of the components is not restricted to round.

As the display stand of the invention can be easily dismantled the dished component trays can be used separately as hydroponic trays or trays for plant pots.

The components can be the same or different shape in the one display stand.

Claims

DISPLAY STAND CLAIMS i. A disoiay stand comprising at least two components for supporting opjects, each component having connecting means to receive connecting pieces, the components being connectable by one or more said connecting pieces to form a display stand.

2. A display stand as claimed in Claim 1 wherein each connecting piece is detachably mounted in a connecting means.

3. A display stand as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 wherein the connecting means on the components are recesses and the connecting pieces are posts that push fit into the connecting means so the display stand can be assembled and dismantled at will.

4. A display stand as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein a plurality of components and connecting pieces are used to assemble various configurations of display stands.

5. A display stand as claimed in Claim 4 wherein the components and connecting pieces may be of any suitable size or shape.

6. A display stand as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at least one of the components is concave or dish shaped.

7. A display stand as claimed in Claim 6 wherein a lamp fitting is placed in the cavity.

8. A display stand as claimed in any preceding claim wherein decorative covers are fitted to the components.

9. A display stand as claimed in any preceding claim wherein one or more of the components has connecting means on both sides enabling expansion of the display stand in a vertical direction.

10. A display stand as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at least one of the components is a watertight dish for plant culture.