WO2010046479A1

WO2010046479A1 - Display stand

Info

Publication number: WO2010046479A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/064001
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Joseph Elias
Original assignee: Michael Joseph Elias
Priority date: 2008-10-24
Filing date: 2009-10-23
Publication date: 2010-04-29
Also published as: IES20080875A2

Abstract

A display stand (1) which is releasably attachable to an aircraft trolley (2) having a trolley body with a top end and a base end, the stand being movable between an erect configuration for the display of sale items and a collapsed configuration suitable for stowing, wherein the stand (1) is adapted to be attachable to the top end of the trolley (2).

Description

Title

Display Stand

Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to the display of items for sale and in particular displays which can be used on aircraft.

Background to the Invention

[0002] Displays of many types are known. Some are permanently fitted such as shelving and the like. Many others are made from cardboard or plastics material and can be erected and dismantled for use.

[0003] In aircraft, materials are displayed on top of a trolley. The trolley is of a type having a vertical body with a wheeled base and closed-in sides. The top of the trolley forms a flat surface. In some trolleys this surface may be used for the display of materials, such as duty free goods, which are for sale. In certain trolleys, a raised rim about the top of the trolley forms a retaining barrier to prevent display items from falling from the trolley. Typically at least one end (front or rear) and often both ends of the trolley body are open to receive within the trolley body and hold items such as trays or the like. Often there will be a (vertical) series of tray receiving slots within a hollow body. Doors may be provided on any opening in the trolley body.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a display which is easy to use and which does not pose a potential safety hazard to passengers, for example in the event of sudden movement of the aircraft such as during turbulence etc. In particular the present invention provides a display stand which is suited for use in conjunction with an aircraft trolley. The present invention provides a stowable display stand. Of particular interest within the present invention is a display stand which is suited for use in conjunction with an aircraft trolley. [0005] In one embodiment the present invention provides for a display stand which is releasably attachable to a trolley, the trolley being a vertical trolley having a trolley body with a top end and a base end, the stand being movable between an erect configuration for the display of sale items and a collapsed configuration suitable for stowing, wherein the stand is adapted to be attachable to the top end of the trolley. This means the trolley is secure to use. It will be appreciated that the stand of the invention may be attached to trolleys having different features.

[0006] Desirably, the display stand of the present invention is releasably attachable to the top end of a trolley for example by manually releasable retaining means. This allows for ease of assembly and disassembly.

[0007] Preferably the trolley, onto which the display stand of the present invention is releasably attachable, has a top display surface bounded by a retaining barrier, and wherein, the display stand, in its collapsed configuration, is substantially accommodated within a space defined by the barrier and the top display surface.

[0008] The display stand of the present invention may be formed by a plurality of panels which are arranged so that when the stand is erected the panels form the stand and when the stand is collapsed the panels fold substantially flat against each other. This allows for a compact configuration. The panels, in particular those forming shelves, may take the form of trays. Suitably, the display stand of the present invention may comprise a plurality of panels which are pivotally hinged to allow movement between the erect and collapsed configurations of the stand. This allows the stand to close up for storage. [0009] Desirably, the display stand of the present invention comprises a plurality of panels which in the erect configuration act as support legs. In one construction the display stand comprises two opposing legs which support an upper stand portion. In one embodiment the legs of the display stand are splayed in the erect configuration of the stand. Preferably, the legs splay by pivoting about a hinge.

[0010] In one embodiment, the legs of the display stand are arranged to allow access, in the erect configuration of the display stand, to a space between the legs and above the top end of the trolley. Desirably, the legs and the upper stand portion form a substantially inverted Y shape.

[0011] The display stand of the present invention may comprise a plurality of panels which in the erect configuration of the display stand form display shelving. Desirably, the shelves are provided, desirably each, with a retaining barrier for retaining sale items. In one embodiment the retaining barrier comprises an upturned rim about a periphery of each shelf. In a further embodiment, the retaining barrier comprises a moveable retaining barrier which can be moved from a working position for retaining sale items on the shelf and a non- working position which allows compact stowing. In this way the retaining barrier can, in the working position, provide a retaining barrier above and along the shelf for sale items to prevent them falling off the shelf when required. Desirably the retaining barrier(s) moves to a more compact configuration, for example folded against the shelf, in a non-working or stowed configuration. Desirably the or each barrier is biased, for example spring loaded toward either the working or non- working position and desirably toward the collapsed position. The working position may be an erect configuration. Any given shelf may have a plurality of barriers, for example three, each on an adjacent respective side of the barrier. Where a plurality of barriers is present, it is desirable that in the working configuration at least one provides support for another to hold one or both in position. For example where at least two barriers may abut each other to hold each other in place. For example if each is biased the biasing force may be sufficient to hold both in the working configuration, for example where they abut substantially perpendicular to each other and the biasing force is sufficient to prevent each from moving. [0012] In a further embodiment, the display stand of the present invention may comprise at least two tiered shelves for display of items. In such an embodiment the upper stand portion may define a recess which is adapted to accommodate a fold-up shelf in the collapsed configuration of the stand. The upper stand portion may define opposing recesses which are adapted to accommodate respective opposing fold-up shelves in the collapsed configuration of the stand. The display stand may comprise two opposing fold-up display shelves, provided on each of the opposing sides of the upper stand portion. Desirably, the or each shelf folds flat against the upper stand portion in the collapsed configuration of the stand. Further desirably, the or each shelf folds by pivoting about a hinge. Again this allows for compact storing. [0013] According to the present invention there is provided a display stand wherein the legs can fold back against the upper stand portion in the collapsed configuration of the stand.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the display stand of the present invention may comprise opposing feet and the feet are releasably attachable to the trolley. Desirably, the feet are provided on opposing legs. Preferably, the feet of the display stand are formed by panels. In alternative embodiment of the present invention, the display does not comprise feet formed by panels. One or more of the legs of the display stand may alternatively comprise an engaging means for engaging the stand on the trolley. For example one or more of the legs may comprise an attachment mechanism, for example a clamping means.

[0015] In a preferred configuration the display stand of the present invention is biased toward the erect configuration. The display stand of the present invention may comprise one or more catches which releasably retain the stand in its collapsed configuration. For example one or more and desirably all shelves are biased, for example spring loaded, toward their working position. Desirably also the legs are biased, for example spring loaded, toward their working position. Additionally it is desirable that the feet are biased, for example spring loaded, toward their working position. This allows for ease of assembly.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment the display stand of the present invention is made substantially from a lightweight metallic material. Suitable materials include aluminium.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the trolley, into which the display stand of the present invention is releasable attachable, has a series of tray-receiving slots and, in the collapsed configuration of the stand, said stand is stowable in a tray receiving slot of the trolley.

In a further aspect the invention provides for a display stand substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [0018] The invention further provides for an assembly comprising a vertical trolley having a trolley body with a top end and a base end, and releasably attached thereto a stand according to the present invention.

[0019] In yet a further aspect the present invention provides for an assembly substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a display stand according to one embodiment of the present invention in an erect configuration; [0021] Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the display stand of Figure 1 being erected on the top of an aircraft trolley and being releasably attached thereto; [0022] Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the display stand of Figure 1 fully erected on the top of an aircraft trolley and releasably attached thereto; [0023] Figure 4 is a side perspective view of the display stand of Figure 1 fully erected on the top of an aircraft trolley and releasably attached thereto; [0024] Figure 5 is a side perspective view of the display stand of Figure 1 in a collapsed configuration suitable for stowing; and [0025] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the display stand of Figure 1 stowed within an accommodating space on the top of the trolley.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0026] One embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1-6. It will be appreciated that other embodiments fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 1 shows a stand 1 which is releasably attachable to a trolley 2 (see Figures 2-4 and 6). In figure 1 (and indeed Figures 3-4) the stand 1 is shown in an erect configuration. In this configuration it is arranged for the display of sales items. Those items can include any form of merchandise including food, drink, tobacco and personal care products.

[0028] The display stand 1 is formed by a plurality of panels which are arranged so that when the stand is erected they form the stand and when collapsed the panels fold substantially against each other for stowing (see for example Figure 5). The folding in the present embodiment is achieved using hinges which pivotally attach to the panels. All of the panels are of a substantially rectangular shape, which is desirable, though it will be appreciated that panels having other shapes may be utilised. [0029] The stand 1 comprises opposing legs 3,4 which are each formed by a panel having an aperture in the form of a window 5,6 defined therein. The windows 5,6 allow access to a space 9 (between the legs and above the top end of the trolley) on the top of a trolley when the stand is in use. An upper stand portion 7 is formed by an upright member 8 which extends upwardly from the legs 3,4. Together the upright member 8 and the legs 3,4 form a substantially inverted Y shape. As can be seen from the Figures, the legs 3,4 are splayed in the erect configuration. As best seen in Figure 3 the legs 3,4 are attached at a top end thereof to a lower end 10 of upper stand portion 7 via respective hinges 20,21.

[0030] Also at the lower end 10 of upper stand portion 7 are provided opposing fold-up shelves 30,31. Each of the shelves 30,31 are formed by panels also. They are provided with a sales item retaining barrier in the form of respective upturned rims 32,33 which run about the periphery of each shelf. The shelves 30,31 are each hingedly connected by respective hinges 34,35 to the upper stand portion 7. In particular they are connected to upright member 8 proximate the lower end 10 thereof. [0031 ] The shelves 30,31 form the lower shelves in a tiered shelf arrangement with upper shelves 50,51. Each of the shelves 50,51 are formed by panels. They are provided with a sales item-retaining barrier in the form of respective upturned rims 52,53 which run about the periphery of each shelf. The shelves 50,51 are each hingedly connected by respective hinges 54,55 to the upper stand portion 7. In particular they are connected to upright member 8 toward the top end 11 thereof. It is desirable that a hinge runs the length of the shelf it pivots.

[0032] In a further embodiment, the retaining barrier comprises a moveable retaining barrier (not shown) which can be moved from a working position for retaining sale items on the shelf to a non- working position which allows compact stowing. In this way the retaining barrier can, in the working position, provide a retaining barrier above and along the shelf for sale items to prevent them falling off the shelf when being displayed. Desirably the retaining barrier(s) moves to a more compact configuration, for example folded against the shelf, in a non-working or stowed configuration. Desirably the or each barrier is biased, for example spring loaded toward either the working or non- working position and desirably toward the non- working for example a collapsed position. The working position may be an erect configuration. Any given shelf may have a plurality of barriers, for example three, each on an adjacent respective side of the barrier. Where a plurality of barriers is present, it is desirable that in the working configuration at least one provides support for another to hold one or both in position. For example where at least two barriers may abut each other to hold each other in place. For example if each is biased the biasing force may be sufficient to hold both in the working configuration, for example where they abut substantially perpendicular to each other and the biasing force is sufficient to prevent each from moving. [0033] The shelves 50,51 are respectively accommodated within a receiving space or recess 60,61 on opposing sides of the upper stand portion. In the embodiment the upper stand portion 7 is formed by two back-to-back panels 70,71. The panels are permanently joined together, for example by spot welding. Each of the panels 70,71 has a peripheral rim 62,63 which defines the recesses 60,61 in which the shelves 50,51 are accommodated in the collapsed configuration. Finger holes 72,73 are provided in the respective shelves to allow them to be pulled into the display configuration. [0034] All of the shelves are fold up shelves, which fold flat against the upper portion by pivoting in the direction of the arrows as shown in Figure 3. The legs 2,3 also pivot to fold back up toward the upper portion 7 as indicated by the arrows in Figure 3. These pivoting actions allow for a very compact configuration for stowing when the stand is collapsed. Desirably, the stand-up of the invention is biased towards the correct configuration. For example, one or more, and desirably all shelves are biased, for example spring loaded, toward their working position. Desirably also the legs are biased, for example spring loaded, toward their working position. Additionally it is desirable that the feet are biased, for example spring loaded, toward their working position. This allows for ease of assembly.

[0035] If desired, a catch may be provided to releasably retain the stand in its collapsed configuration. [0036] As best seen from Figure 3 the lower shelves 30,31 are shorter than the upper shelves 50,51. This is to allow a tall object such as a container for example a hot water dispenser or bottle to be stood on the top of the trolley.

[0037] The stand of the present invention also comprises opposing feet 80,81 which are hingedly attached by respective hinges 15,16 to lower ends 13,14 of the legs 3,4. The feet 80,81 are also formed by elongate flat panels. Clips 82 are provided on the feet for releasably attaching the feet to the trolley 2. (Alternate clips 82 which grip the sides of the trolley are shown in Figure 4) In alternative embodiment of the invention, the feet are not formed of elongate flat panels. The legs 3,4 may alternatively comprise an engaging means for engaging the stand on the trolley (not shown). For example one or more of the legs may comprise an attachment mechanism, for example a clamping means (not shown), which may releasably attach the legs directly to the trolley. [0038] The trolley 2 is of the type used in aircraft. It is a vertical trolley - that is it stands vertically in use on its own wheels. Typically such a trolley has a series of tray- receiving slots. In the collapsed configuration of the stand of the invention it is stowable in a tray-receiving slot of the trolley. The present invention relates also to an assembly which comprises a stand of the invention releasably attached to such a trolley. (The stand of the invention can remain attached in the erect or in a collapsed configuration). As best seen from Figure 6 the trolley has a top end 90 and a base end 91. The base end 91 is fitted underneath with wheels to allow the trolley to be pushed along. The clips 82 are for releasably attaching the stand 1 to the (top of) the trolley 2. The clips 82 are one form of manually releasable retaining means. Any other suitable form may be employed. It is desirable that the retaining means are provided on the stand though an alternative is to provide them on the trolley. The trolley 2 has a top surface 85 which is bounded by a retaining barrier 86. The barrier 86 allows items to be carried on the top surface 85 of the trolley without the items falling off during movement of the trolley. The stand 1 may be releasably engageable with the barrier 86. [0039] The sequence of Figures from Figure 2 to Figure 3 shows how a stand 1 may be erected. The leg 3 is folded down and foot 80 is engaged (with barrier 86) using two clips 82. Leg 4 (which is shown in Figure 2 in a folded away configuration) is folded down as indicated by the arrow (in Figure T) and engaged (using clips 82 on foot 81) in an analogous manner. All of the shelves, 30,31 and 50,51 can be folded down for use (again as indicated by arrows in Figure T). The stand is then in the erect (operating) configuration shown in Figure 3. Items for sale can now be placed on the shelves 20,21 and 50,51. The stand is secured for use and will not fall off the trolley in the event of turbulence or the like.

[0040] As can be seen in particular from Figure 3, the feet, 80,81 also form shelves or trays upon which items can be placed. Figure 4 gives a side perspective view of the stand deployed for use and secured in place.

[0041] The collapsed configuration is shown in Figure 5. This configuration is achieved by folding of the stand as indicated by the arrows in Figure 3. The shelves 50,51 are folded up and in (flush) against the upper portion 7. Shelves 30,31 are folded in an analogous manner. Clips 82 are released and legs 3 and 4 are folded toward and against the already folded up shelves (30,31 and 50,51). Feet 80,81 are then also folded in. This results in the compact stowable configuration of Figure 5. [0042] As seen in Figure 6 the display stand 1 may be retained on the top of the trolley 2. It fits neatly there without projecting beyond the aircraft trolley. Alternatively a door 95 on the trolley can be opened and the stand can be stowed within the (hollow) body of the trolley. For example, fitted into a tray receiving slot of the trolley.

[0043] The display stand of the present invention may be made of any suitable material. Desirably it may be made substantially from a lightweight metallic material, for example aluminium. [0044] The words "comprises/comprising" and the words "having/including" when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. [0045] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

Claims

1. A display stand which is releasably attachable to a trolley, the trolley being a vertical trolley having a trolley body with a top end and a base end, the stand being movable between an erect configuration for the display of sale items and a collapsed configuration suitable for stowing, wherein the stand is adapted to be attachable to the top end of the trolley.

2. A display stand according to Claim 1 wherein the stand is releasably attachable to the top end of the trolley for example by manually releasable retaining means.

3. A display stand according to any preceding claim wherein the trolley has a top display surface bounded by a retaining barrier, and wherein, the display stand, in its collapsed configuration, is substantially accommodated within a space defined by the barrier and the top display surface.

4. A display stand according to any preceding claim formed by a plurality of panels which are arranged so that when the stand is erected the panels form the stand and when the stand is collapsed the panels fold substantially flat against each other.

5. A display stand according to Claim 4 comprising a plurality of panels which are pivotally connected to allow movement between the erect and collapsed configurations.

6. A display stand according to any preceding claim comprising a plurality of panels which in the erect configuration act as support legs.

7. A display stand according to any preceding claim wherein the stand comprises two opposing legs which support an upper stand portion.

8. A display stand according to Claim 7 wherein the legs are splayed in the erect configuration.

9. A display stand according to any one of Claims 6 to 8 wherein the legs splay by pivoting about a hinge.

10. A display stand according to any one of Claims 6 to 9 wherein the legs are arranged to allow access, in the erect configuration, to a space between the legs and above the top end of the trolley.

11. A display stand according to one of Claims 6 to Claim 10 wherein the legs and the upper stand portion form a substantially inverted Y shape.

12. A display stand according to any preceding claim comprising a plurality of panels which in the erect configuration form display shelving.

13. A display stand according to Claim 12 wherein the shelves are each provided with a retaining barrier for retaining sale items.

14. A display stand according to Claim 13 wherein the retaining barrier is an upturned rim about a periphery of each shelf.

15. A display stand according to any preceding claim wherein the stand comprises at least two tiered shelves for display of items.

16. A display stand according to any one of Claims 7 to Claim 15 wherein the upper stand portion defines a recess which is adapted to accommodate a fold-up shelf in the collapsed configuration of the stand.

17. A display stand according to any one of Claims 7 to Claim 16 wherein the upper stand portion defines opposing recesses which are adapted to accommodate respective opposing fold-up shelves in the collapsed configuration of the stand.

18. A display stand according to any one of Claims 7 to Claim 17 wherein two opposing fold-up display shelves are provided on each of opposing sides of the upper stand portion.

19. A display stand according to any one of Claims 12 to 18 wherein the or each shelf folds flat against the upper stand portion in the collapsed configuration.

20. A display stand according to any one of Claims 12 to 19 wherein the or each shelf folds by pivoting about a hinge.

21. A display stand according any one of Claims 7 to 20 wherein the legs fold back against the upper stand portion in the collapsed configuration.

22. A display stand according to any preceding claim wherein the stand comprises opposing feet and the feet are releasably attachable to the trolley.

23. A display stand according to Claim 22 wherein the feet are provided on opposing legs.

24. A display stand according to Claim 22 or Claim 23 wherein the feet are formed by panels.

25. A display stand according to any preceding claim wherein the stand is biased toward the erect configuration.

26. A display stand according to any preceding claim wherein the stand comprises one or more catches which releasably retain the stand in its collapsed configuration.

27. A display stand according to any preceding claim which is made substantially from a lightweight metallic material.

28. A display stand according to Claim 27 wherein the material is aluminium.

29. A display stand according to any preceding claim wherein the trolley has a series of tray-receiving slots and, in the collapsed configuration the stand is stowable in a tray receiving slot of the trolley.

30. A display stand substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

31. An assembly comprising a vertical trolley having a trolley body with a top end and a base end, and releasably attached thereto a stand according to any preceding claim.

32. An assembly substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.