WO2011141795A2

WO2011141795A2 - Single piece tray base for displaying devices

Info

Publication number: WO2011141795A2
Application number: PCT/IB2011/000989
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bernardo Herman Baran; Mauricio Herman Dantus; Román de Jesús CHAVEZ HERRERA
Original assignee: Pop Ontime Supply Services, S.A. De C.V.
Priority date: 2010-05-11
Filing date: 2011-05-10
Publication date: 2011-11-17
Also published as: WO2011141795A3; MX2012012990A

Abstract

A blank for a tray base comprising a first longitudinal section, and a second longitudinal section with at least two cuts, the second longitudinal section abutting the first longitudinal section in a lengthwise manner, each of the cuts forming a transversal section in the second longitudinal section, wherein the at least two cuts comprise three or more cut lines and wherein at least two of the cut lines of each of the at least two cuts abut with the first longitudinal section; the first longitudinal section being foldable in regards to the second section and the transversal sections being foldable in regards to each other. Different shapes of cut may be provided in the blank for a tray base, depending on the shape of the tray base. For example, a funnel-shaped cut may be provided; trapezoid and outwardly facing triangle cuts may also be provided. When folded the blank forms a tray base with at least one opening in the edges of each of the sides of the tray base. The tray base may be hanged to struts or posts of a display structure.

Description

SINGLE PIECE TRAY BASE FOR DISPLAYING DEVICES

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims benefit from provisional application No. 61/333,397 filed on May 11, 2011. The present application further claims benefit from provisional application No. 61/362,894 filed on July 9, 2011, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Field of the Invention

The present invention refers to displays, specifically product displays and more specifically to tray bases for product displays made from a single piece of continuous material and methods of making tray bases for product displays made from a single piece of continuous material.

Description of Related Art

Making trays from a single piece of material is desirable so as to speed the setup process of a display and for easier transport of the display. Specifically, the tray may be sent in an unfolded position so as to occupy less space, and be folded in situ to a mounted position. Several attempts have been made in the past so as to solve this problem. For example, publications DE202008000742 , CN 201775358, US4,666,080, US5,253,769, GB815695 and ES 1 017 262 among others, disclose trays made from a single piece of material. These publications offer a solution for displays whose tray includes side walls. There are several disadvantages of using these type of trays including sidewalls, including the discarding of the side walls once the tray renders useless, due to, for example, the spilling of a liquid on the tray; other disadvantages are the use of the tray for a single product if publicity is printed in the tray side walls; furthermore, other disadvantages include the in situ mounting, specifically, a more complex bending of each of the side walls which will require user time and skill.

Other attempts have been made to overcome the above disadvantages. Specifically, Mexican patent application No. PA/a/2006/009632 to Rego discloses a foldable tray base, comprising two parts, a horizontal and a vertical part, wherein the horizontal part contains triangle shaped cuts along its longitude, and wherein the vertical part contains a folding line which is substantially co-lineal with the most proximate vertex of the triangle to said vertical part. This allows the bending of the tray base. Therefore, the tray base may be transported as an unfolded tray base strip and may be quickly folded in situ. However, there seem to be several problems with tray base proposed by Rego. Among them, the tray base cannot be properly mounted by itself to the struts or posts of the display; specifically the tray bases have to be fastened to the posts or struts of the display by means of fastening means, such as staples, pins, fasteners, or glue, and hence, once the tray bases are fastened to the posts or struts, the tray bases will not be easily separable from the display structure. Given that easily mountable and unmountable display structures are desired for easy setup and transportation, difficult separation from the display structure is not a desired feature of the tray base. A further problem found in the structure proposed by Rego is that the proposed structure is made only for a display having a hexahedron form, and does not contemplate other shapes of displays, for example an octagonal prism shaped display; this may be seen in the cuts made by Rego: specifically in view of the cuts made by Rego one could not achieve a proper bending of the tray base, since the horizontal faces would overlap between themselves and the horizontal part of the base would not be uniform for the setting of the tray. It is most likely that PA/a/2006/009632 to Rego is the closest state of the art for the present application.

Brief Description of the Invention

The present invention refers to tray bases for product displays made from a single piece of continuous material. The material from which the tray bases are made, is a preferably strong and flexible material. Examples of such material are polystyrenes, PVC, high density polyethylenes , polypropylenes , PET, flexible metals, cardboard and corrugated cardboard. The material is preferably cardboard or corrugated cardboard. The shapes which may be achieved with the tray bases may be any type of polygons, such as substantially shaped triangles, quadrangles, pentagons, hexagons, heptagons, octagons, etc. This will highly depend upon the display shape, that is, the polyhedron type, such as a tetrahedron, pentahedron, hexahedron, octahedron, etc., and will also depend upon the number of sides produced in the tray base. The number of sides of the tray base, will of course depend on the display shape. The shape of the tray base will also depend on the cut made in the tray base.

A single piece of continuous material is selected and folded to produce the tray base. The piece of continuous material may be an extruded material or be a previously cut material. The piece of continuous material may be a continuous substantially flat material, with an upper surface, a lower surface, a first side surface and a second side surface.

The piece of continuous material is divided in a longitudinal manner in at least two different sections, forming at least a first longitudinal section and a second longitudinal section. In the second longitudinal section and in other longitudinal sections if present, the piece of continuous material is divided in a transverse manner in at least three different transverse sections, forming at least a first transverse section, a second transverse section and third transverse section. The piece of continuous material is transversally cut by a die in at least three different parts of the second longitudinal section. The transversal cut made in the second longitudinal section is carried out from the edge between the first side surface and upper and lower surface to the edge between the first longitudinal section and the second longitudinal section. The transversal cut should not extend into the second longitudinal section, as this may debilitate the piece of continuous material when the tray base is formed. The cut is preferably made in a substantially continuous transversal manner in regards to the longitude of the continuous piece of material. The cut is preferably made in such a manner that, the material cut from the edge of the side surface and the upper and lower surface is longer in dimension than the dimension of material cut substantially proximate to the edge of the first and second longitudinal sections. The cut should be formed in the second longitudinal section, in the same plane than and co-lineal with transversal divisions in the first longitudinal section.

A first embodiment of the cut is made from at least four lines, wherein two of the lines are generally intersecting lines and the other two lines are substantially parallel lines, such that the cut is substantially funnel shaped. Both intersecting lines are a diagonal line with a first direction and an opposite diagonal line with a second direction, opposite to the first direction. The intersecting lines are formed in a first part of the cut, wherein the cut dimension is longer in the edge formed by the lateral surface and the upper and lower surfaces, and wherein the length of the cut dimension is reduced by the intersecting lines. The intersecting lines should be substantially inverted, in such a manner that if the intersecting lines met, would form a substantially equilateral triangle; however, since the intersecting lines do not meet and one of the edges of the substantially triangle is truncated, the shape is more of a trapezoid. That is, the cut of the first embodiment is shaped in such a manner that it resembles an equilateral triangle with one of the edges of the triangle being truncated, ergo, a more trapezoid shape, wherein the truncated edge of the substantially equilateral triangle forming the cut is proximate to the edge formed between the first longitudinal section and the second longitudinal section. The intersecting lines of the cut do not meet, and end proximate to, but not abutting the edge between the first longitudinal section and the second longitudinal section. Two substantially parallel lines start where the intersecting lines end and further end abutting the edge between the first longitudinal section and the second longitudinal section. The substantially parallel lines are substantially perpendicular with regards to the side surface. Hence a substantially funnel-shape is formed with the cut of the first embodiment.

A second embodiment cut is formed in two different sections with different shapes. In a first section of the cut, a substantially first diagonal line with regards to the side surface of the continuous material is formed. The first substantially diagonal line is formed from the edge of the side surface and the upper/lower surface to a first inner part of the second longitudinal section of the continuous material. The length of the first diagonal line may be less than a third of the length between the edge of the side surface and the lower and upper surfaces and the edge formed between the first longitudinal section and second longitudinal section. A second line is formed in the end of the first diagonal line, which is substantially parallel to the side surface. The length of the line which is substantially parallel to the side surface is substantially similar to the length of the first diagonal line. A third line is formed at the end of the second line, the third line being substantially perpendicular to the second line, and having a length similar to the length of the second line. A fourth diagonal line having substantially the same direction than the first diagonal line, and in the same plane as the first diagonal line, is formed at the end of the third line. That is, if the second and third lines were similar in direction to the fourth line, the cut would be formed similar to the first embodiment, that is a single straight diagonal line with regards to the side surface. Finally a fifth line is formed at the end of the fourth line, which is substantially parallel the third line and substantially perpendicular to the side surface, as well as substantially perpendicular to the edge formed between the first longitudinal and second longitudinal section. In a second section of the cut, which is opposite to the first section of the cut, a first substantially opposite diagonal line with regards to the side surface of the continuous material is formed. The first substantially opposite diagonal line is formed from the edge of the side surface and the upper/lower surface to a first inner part of the second longitudinal section of the continuous material. The first substantially opposite diagonal line is generally opposite in direction to the first substantially diagonal line of the first section of the cut, in such a manner that both lines, if continued, would intersect. The length of the first opposite diagonal line is similar to the length of the first diagonal line. A second opposite line is formed at the end of the first opposite diagonal line, the second opposite line being substantially perpendicular to the side surface, and having a length similar to the length of the second line in the first section of the cut. A third opposite line is formed in the end of the second opposite line, line which is substantially parallel to the side surface and substantially perpendicular to the second opposite line. The length of the third opposite line is substantially similar length of the third line in the first section of the cut. A fourth opposite diagonal line is formed at the end of the third opposite line, the fourth opposite line having a substantially the same direction than the first opposite diagonal line. That is, if the second and third opposite lines were similar in direction to the fourth opposite line, the cut would be formed similar to the first embodiment, that is a single straight diagonal line with regards to the side surface. Finally a fifth opposite line is formed at the end of the fourth opposite line, which is substantially parallel to the third opposite line and substantially perpendicular to the side surface, as well as substantially perpendicular to the edge formed between the first longitudinal and second longitudinal section.

A third embodiment of the cut may be provided in substantially hook-shaped forms. That is, as in the first and second embodiments, the cut is formed in two different sections, wherein in a first section the cut is formed in an inwardly curve line, and wherein in a second section of the cut is formed in an outwardly curve line. Both the first and second sections do not abut the edge between the first longitudinal section and the second longitudinal section, but rather end where two parallel lines, similar to the fifth line and fifth opposite line in the second embodiment start. The two parallel lines end in the abutting section between the edge of the first longitudinal section and the second longitudinal section.

A further cut embodiment may be formed by four lines. A first substantially straight line is formed in an inward direction, being substantially perpendicular to the outer edge formed by the second longitudinal section. The cut of the first line may abut with the first longitudinal section, however it is preferred that the cut does not extend into the first longitudinal section. A second substantially straight line in an outward direction, is formed at an angle from the first line. The angle between the first and second lines is preferred to be between 40° and 50°, more preferably between 43° and 46° and more preferably about 44°. A third substantially straight line in an inwardly direction is formed, the third line being substantially perpendicular to the second line. The cut of the third line may abut with the first longitudinal section, however it is preferred that the cut of the third line does not extend into the first longitudinal section. A fourth substantially straight line is formed in an outwardly direction, wherein the fourth line is formed at an angle from the third line. The angle between the third and fourth lines is preferred to be between 40° and 50°, more preferably between 43° and 46° and more preferably about 44°.

Other cut embodiment configurations may be seen according to a person skilled in the art, and will highly depend upon the needs of the tray base.

As stated above, the cut should be formed in the second longitudinal section, in the same plane of and co-lineal with the transversal divisions in the first longitudinal section. That is, at least part of the cut section should abut or nearly abut the edge formed between the first longitudinal section and the second longitudinal section, and further at least part of the cut section should abut in the above described edge, specifically wherein the transversal divisions in the first longitudinal section are formed. Therefore, the transversal sections edges formed in the first longitudinal section are opposite to the cut sections formed in the second longitudinal section, specifically .

The piece of continuous material is bent along the edge between the first longitudinal section and the second longitudinal section, throughout the continuous material, that is throughout the edge formed between the two longitudinal sections, until the first longitudinal section is substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal section. Furthermore, the piece of continuous material is then bent in the edges of each of the transversal section edges, so that an angle between each of the transversal sections is formed. Depending on the number of transversal sections, the angle may be acute if there are three transversal sections, the angle may be substantially right angle if there are four transversal sections or the angle may be obtuse angles if there are more than four transversal sections, for example, if there are eight transverse sections, the angle formed between each transverse section is an obtuse angle. Other angle configurations may be seen according to a person skilled in the art, and will highly depend upon the shape of the display as stated above. When the transversal sections are bent, the first section of the cut abuts the second section of the cut, so that the first section of the cut is face-to-face with the second section of the cut. Specifically, in the first embodiment, when the transversal sections are bent, the diagonal line will abut the opposite diagonal line, and the substantially parallel lines will form, amongst them intersecting lines, resembling an eguilateral triangle formed from the missing cut sections of the previously died cut, ergo forming an opening. In the second embodiment, the first line will, when bent, abut the first opposite line, the second line will, when bent, abut the second opposite line, the third line will, when bent, abut the third opposite line, the fourth line will, when bent, abut the fourth opposite line. Both, the fifth line and fifth opposite line will, when bent, form amongst them intersecting lines, resembling an equilateral triangle formed from the missing cut sections of the previously died cut, ergo forming an opening. In the third embodiment, when the transversal sections are bent, the first section which is inwardly curved will abut with the second section which is outwardly curved, and the parallel lines, when bent, will form amongst them intersecting lines, resembling an equilateral triangle formed from the missing cut sections of the previously died cut, ergo forming an opening. Therefore, the parallel lines of the first and third cut embodiments, as well as the fifth lines of the second embodiment, will leave an opening when bent. Although the shape of the opening has been disclosed as an equilateral triangle, other shapes may be seen by a technician in the field, and will depend upon the direction and magnitude of the lines abutting with the edge of the first and second longitudinal sections. That is, it is preferred that there be an opening between the first longitudinal section and second longitudinal section when the longitudinal and transversal sections are bent, however the shape of such opening may be changed depending on the need of the tray base. In other embodiments, when the first transversal section is bent in regards to the second transversal section, the first line of the cut abuts the second line of the cut, so that the first line of the cut is face-to-face with the second line of the cut. When the second transversal section is bent in regards to the third transversal section, the third line of the cut abuts the fourth line of the cut, so that the third line of the cut is face-to-face with the fourth line of the cut. When the lines abut each other, that is, when the first line abuts the second line and the third line abuts the fourth line, since the angle between the first and second line and the angle between the third and fourth line is not exactly 45°, when bending the transversal sections, two openings will be formed between the first longitudinal section and the second longitudinal section, a first opening will be formed in between the first and second line, while a second opening will be formed between the third and fourth line. The shape of the openings formed is substantially that of an equilateral triangle, however other shapes may be seen by a technician in the field, and will depend upon the direction and magnitude of the lines abutting with the edge of the first and second longitudinal sections. That is, it is preferred that there be an opening between the first longitudinal section and second longitudinal section when the longitudinal and transversal sections are bent, however the shape of such opening may be changed depending on the need of the tray base. The edges abutted by the bending of the transversal sections may be permanently joined by any fastening means, such as staples, glue, hooks and loop fasteners or other means in the prior or future art. Likewise, in some embodiments, such as the second and third embodiments, the edges abutted by the bending of the transversal sections may, according to the different shapes, naturally be fastened amongst each other. For example, in the second embodiment, when the transversal sections are bent to form an angle, and wherein the lines and corresponding opposite lines abut each other, some lines, such as the second and third and opposite second and opposite third, will fasten the transversal sections so that the transversal sections are not released when bent and joined. In any case, at least one edge of the tray base is joined by the above mentioned traditional fastening means.

The openings formed by the bending of the transversal sections may be used to hang the formed tray base from the display. Specifically, the display is usually formed by a plurality of posts or struts, extending from the lower part to the upper part of the display. When the display is formed, and the poles or beams are lifted, the tray bases may be hung from the poles or beams from the openings formed during the bending of the transversal sections. The inner part of the poles or beams should be fitted with a projecting part in the abutting part between the pole or beam and the tray base, so that the tray base may be hung from the pole or beam.

Forming the tray base from a single piece of continuous material provides cost reduction in view of less waste material, and in view of a more speedy assembly of the exhibition display.

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows an upper view of the continuous piece of material, showing the first and second longitudinal section prior to the bend of these two longitudinal sections, showing the cuts in one of the two longitudinal sections and showing the folding section of the transversal section in the longitudinal section opposite to the longitudinal section having said cut.

Figure 2 shows a lower view of the longitudinal section with the folding section of the transversal section, wherein the tray base is longitudinally folded. Figure 3 shows an upper view of the transversal section with the cuts, showing a first embodiment of the cuts, wherein the tray base is longitudinally folded.

Figure 4 shows a second upper view of the transversal sections with the cuts, showing a second embodiment of the cuts, wherein the tray base is longitudinally folded.

Figure 5 shows an upper view of the transversal sections with the cuts, wherein the sections are bent so as to form the base tray for the exhibition display. Figure 6 shows an upper view of the transversal sections with cuts, showing yet another embodiment of the cuts, wherein the embodiment is made for an octagonal prism.

Figure 7 shows an upper view of figure 6 , wherein the sections are bent so as to form the base tray for the octagonal prism exhibition display.

Figure 8 shows an upper view of the transversal sections with cuts, showing yet another embodiment of the cuts, wherein the embodiment is made for an octagonal prism and wherein the cuts leave a space for hanging the tray base to the struts or posts of the display. Figure 9 shows an upper view of figure 8, wherein the sections are bent so as to form the base tray for the octagonal prism exhibition display.

Figure 10 shows an upper view of figure 8 during the folding of the transversal sections of the tray base.

Figure 11 shows a conventional perspective view of the tray base during its production step, wherein dies cut into the transversal sections of the tray base.

Figure 12 shows an upper ^' view of the transversal sections with cuts, showing yet another embodiment of the cuts, wherein the embodiment is made for an octagonal prism and wherein the cuts leave a space for hanging the tray base to the struts or posts of the display.

Figure 13 shows an upper view of figure 12, wherein the sections are bent so as to form the base tray for the octagonal prism exhibition display.

Figure 14 shows an upper view of the continuous piece of material, showing the first and second longitudinal section prior to the bend of these two longitudinal sections, showing the cuts in one of the two longitudinal sections and showing the folding section of the transversal section in the longitudinal section opposite to the longitudinal section having said cut.

Detailed Description of the Invention Definition

The term "about" provides an specific additional range. The term is defined as follows: the additional range provided by the term is about ±10%. For example, but not limitatively, if it is said "about between 43° and 46°", the exact range falls between 38.7° and 50.6°, 47.3° and 50.6°, 38.7° and 41.4°, or 47.3° and 41.4° as well. Any possibility described before is included within the term "about".

The following description is made in reference to figures 1-14. The present invention refers to tray bases 2 for product displays (not shown) , wherein the tray bases 2 are made from a single piece of continuous material. The material from which the tray bases 2 are made from, is a preferably strong and flexible material. Examples of such material are polystyrenes, PVC, high density polyethylenes, polypropylenes, PET, flexible metals, cardboard and corrugated cardboard. Preferably, the material is selected from cardboard or corrugated cardboard.

The shapes which may be achieved with the tray bases 2 may be any type of polygon, such as substantially shaped triangles, quadrangles, pentagons, hexagons, heptagons, octagons, etc. This will depend upon the display shape, that is, the polyhedron type, such as a tetrahedron, pentahedron, hexahedron, octahedron, etc., and will also depend upon the number of sides produced in the tray base. The number of sides of the tray base, will of course depend on the display shape. Furthermore, the number of sides will also influence in the shape of the cut between the transversal sections.

A single piece of continuous material 20 is selected and folded to produce the tray base 2. The piece of continuous material 20 may be an extruded material or previously cut material. The piece of continuous material 20 may be a continuous substantially flat material, with an upper surface 4, a lower surface 6, a first side surface 8 and a second side surface 10.

The piece of continuous material 20 is divided in a longitudinal manner in at least two different sections, forming at least a first longitudinal section 30 and a second longitudinal section 40. In the second longitudinal section 40 and in other longitudinal sections if present, the piece of continuous material 20 is divided in a transverse manner in at least three different transverse sections 42, 44, 46, 48, forming at least a first transverse section 42, a second transverse section 44 and third transverse section 46. The piece of continuous material 20 is transversally cut by a die 80 in at least three different parts of the second longitudinal section 30. The transversal cut 50 made in the second longitudinal section 30 is carried out from the edge 22 of the first side surface 8 and upper and lower surface to the abutting edge 24 between the first longitudinal section 30 and the second longitudinal section 40. The transversal cut 50 should not extend into the first longitudinal section 30, as this will debilitate the piece of continuous material 20 when the tray base is formed, however may extend into the first longitudinal section as will be shown below. The cut 50 is preferably made in such a manner that, the material cut from the edge 22 of the first side surface 8 is longer in dimension than the dimension of material cut substantially proximate to the edge 24 of the first and second longitudinal sections 30, 40. The cut 50 should be formed in the second longitudinal section 40 and substantially co-lineal with the transversal divisions 32 in the first longitudinal section 30. The transversal divisions 32 will facilitate the folding of the first longitudinal section 30 when the tray base 2 is being mounted. A first embodiment of the cut is made from at least four lines 60, 62, 64, 66, wherein two of the lines 60, 66 are generally intersecting lines with regards to the edge 22 and the other two lines 62, 64 are substantially parallel lines, such that the cut is substantially funnel shaped. The first intersecting line 60 is a diagonal line with regards to the edge 22 with a first inward direction and the second diagonal line 66 is diagonal with regards to the edge 22 and has a second outward direction, opposite to the inward direction. The intersecting lines 60, 66 are formed in a first part of the cut 50, wherein the cut 50 dimension is longer in the edge 22 of the side surface 8 and the upper and lower surfaces, and wherein the length of the cut dimension is reduced by the intersecting lines 60, 66. The intersecting lines 60, 66 should be substantially inverted, in such a manner that the intersecting lines 60, 66 tend to form a substantially equilateral triangle if the lines 60, 66 are met; but the lines 60, 66 do not meet since one of the edges 68 of the substantially equilateral triangle is truncated, hence forming a trapezoid shape. That is, the cut of the first embodiment is shaped in such a manner that it resembles a triangle wherein one of the edges 68 of the equilateral triangle is truncated, ergo a trapezoid shape, wherein the truncated edge 68 of the substantially equilateral triangle forming the cut 50, is proximate to the edge 24 formed between the first longitudinal section 30 and the second longitudinal section 40. The intersecting lines 60, 66 of the cut 50 do not abut between themselves, and end proximate to, but not abutting the edge 24 between the first longitudinal section 30 and the second longitudinal section 40. The parallel lines 62, 64 are substantially perpendicular to the side surface 8. The substantially parallel lines 62, 64 start where the intersecting lines 60, 66 end, that is, in the most proximate section of the intersecting lines 60, 66 to the edge 24, and the parallel lines end abutting the edge 24 between the first longitudinal section 30 and the second longitudinal section 40. Hence a substantially funnel-shape is formed with the cut 50 of the first embodiment.

A second embodiment cut 150 is formed in two different sections 90, 102 with different shapes. In a first section 90 of the cut 150, a substantially first diagonal line 92 with regards to the side surface 8 of the continuous material is formed. The first substantially diagonal line 92 is formed from the edge 22 of the side surface and the upper/lower surface to a first inner part of the second longitudinal section 40 of the continuous material, hence the first substantially diagonal line 92 has a generally inward direction. The length of the first diagonal line 92 may be less than a third of the length between the edge 22 of the side surface and the lower and upper surfaces and the edge 24 between the first longitudinal section 30 and second longitudinal section 40. A second line 94 is formed in the end of the first diagonal line 92, end which is distant from the edge 22, the second line 94 being substantially perpendicular to the side surface 8. The length of the second line 94 which is substantially perpendicular to the side surface 8 is substantially similar to the length of the first diagonal line 92. A third line 96 is formed at the end of the second line 92, end which is distant from the edge 22, the third line 96 being substantially perpendicular to the second line 94, and substantially parallel to the side surface 8, the third line 96 having a length similar to the length of the second line 94. A fourth diagonal line 98, which is diagonal in regards to the third line 96, having substantially the same direction than the first diagonal line 92, the fourth diagonal line 98 being formed at the end of the third line 96, end which is distant from the second line 94. That is, if the second and third lines 94, 96 were similar in direction to the fourth line 98, the cut 150 would have a similar shape than the first embodiment 50, that is a single straight diagonal line with regards to the side surface 8. Finally a fifth line 100 is formed at the end of the fourth line 98, end which is distant from the edge 22, the fifth line 100 being substantially parallel to the second line 94 and substantially perpendicular to the side surface 8, as well as substantially perpendicular to the edge 24 formed between the first longitudinal 30 and second longitudinal section 40. The opposite end of the fifth line 100 abuts with the edge 24 formed between the first longitudinal 30 and the second longitudinal 40 section. All of the lines 92-100 of the first section have a generally inward direction. In a second section 102 of the cut 150, which is opposite to the first section 90 of the cut 150, a substantially first opposite diagonal line 104 with regards to the side surface 8 of the continuous material is formed. The substantially first opposite diagonal line 104 is formed from the edge 22 of the side surface 8 and the upper/lower surface to a first inner part of the second longitudinal section 40 of the continuous material. The first substantially opposite diagonal line 104 is generally opposite in direction to the first diagonal line 92 of the first section 60 of the cut, in such a manner that both lines 104, 92, if continued, would intersect. The length of the first opposite diagonal line 104 is similar to the length of the first diagonal line 92. A second opposite line 106 is formed at the end of the first opposite diagonal line 104, the end which is distant to the edge 22, the second opposite line 106 being substantially parallel to the side surface 8, and having a length similar to the length of the second line 94 in the first section 90 of the cut. A third opposite line 108 is formed in the end of the second opposite line 106, the end which is distant from the first opposite diagonal line 104, the third opposite line 108 being substantially perpendicular to the side surface 8 and substantially perpendicular to the second opposite line 106. The length of the third opposite line 108 is substantially similar length of the third line 96 in the first section of the cut 90. A fourth opposite diagonal line 110, which is diagonal in regards to the third opposite line 108, having a substantially the same direction than the first opposite diagonal line 104, is formed at the end of the third opposite line 108, the end which is distant from the edge 22. That is, if the second and third opposite lines 106, 108 were similar in direction to the fourth opposite line 110, the cut 150 would be formed similar to the first embodiment, that is a single straight diagonal line with regards to the side surface 22. Finally a fifth opposite line 112 is formed at the end of the fourth opposite line 110, the end which is distant from the edge 22, the fifth opposite line 112 is substantially parallel to the second opposite line 106 and substantially perpendicular to the side surface 8, as well as substantially perpendicular to the edge 24 formed between the first longitudinal 30 and second longitudinal 40 section. The opposite end of the fifth opposite line 100 abuts with the edge 24 formed between the first longitudinal 30 and the second longitudinal 40 section. All of the lines 104-112 of the second section 102 have a generally inward direction, a direction which is substantially opposite to the lines 92-100 of the first section 90. A third embodiment of the cut 50 may be provided in substantially hook-shaped forms. That is, as in the first and second embodiments, the cut 50 is formed in two different sections, wherein a first section of the cut is formed in an inwardly directed curve line with regards to the edge 22 of the first side surface 8, a second section of the cut 50 is formed in an outwardly directed curved line. Both the first and second sections do not abut the edge 24 between the first longitudinal section 30 and the second longitudinal section 40, but rather end where two parallel lines, similar to the fifth line 100 and fifth opposite line 112 in the second embodiment start. The two parallel lines end abutting the edge 24 of the first longitudinal section 30 and the second longitudinal section 40.

A further cut embodiment 250 may be formed by four lines 120-126. A first substantially straight line 120 is formed in an inward direction, being substantially perpendicular to the edge 22 of the first side surface 8 of the second longitudinal section 40. The length of the first line 120 may be such that the cut 250 may abut with the edge 24 between the first longitudinal section 30 and the second longitudinal section 40, however it is preferred that the cut 250 does not extend into the second longitudinal section 40. A second substantially straight line 122 in an outward direction, is formed at an angle from the end of the first line 120, the end which is distant to the edge 22. The angle between the first and second lines 120, 122 is preferred to be between about 40° and 50°, more preferably between about 43° and 46° and more preferably about 44°. A third substantially straight line 124 in an inwardly direction is formed from the end of the second line 122, the end which is proximate to the edge 22, the third line 124 being substantially perpendicular to the second line 122. The length of the third line 124 may be such that the cut 250 may abut with the edge 24 between the first longitudinal section 30 and the second longitudinal section 40, however it is preferred that the .cut of the third line 124 does not extend into the second longitudinal section 40. A fourth substantially straight line 126 is formed in an outwardly direction, wherein the fourth line is formed at an angle from the end of the third line, the end which is distant from the edge 22. The angle between the third and fourth lines 124, 126 is preferred to be between about 40° and 50°, more preferably between about 43° and 46° and more preferably about 44°.

Another cut embodiment 350 may be formed by five lines 130-138. A first substantially straight line 130 is formed in an inward direction, being substantially perpendicular to the edge 22 of the first side surface 8 of the second longitudinal section 40. The length of the first line 130 may be such that the cut 350 may abut with the edge 24 between the first longitudinal section 30 and the second longitudinal section 40, however it is preferred that the cut 350 does not extend into the second longitudinal section 40. A second substantially straight line 132 in an outward direction, is formed at an angle from the end of the first line 130, the end which is distant to the edge 22. The angle between the first and second lines 130, 132 is preferred to be between about 40° and 50°, more preferably between about 43° and 46° and more preferably about 44°. A third substantially straight line 134, substantially parallel to the first side surface 8, is formed at an angle from the end of the second line 132, the end which is proximate to the edge 22. The angle between the second and third lines 132, 134 is preferred to be between 130° and 140°, more preferably between 134° and 137°, and more preferably about 136°. A fourth substantially straight line 136 in an inwardly direction is formed from the opposite end of the third line 134, the fourth line 136 being substantially perpendicular to the second line 132. The length of the fourth line 136 may be such that the cut 350 may abut with the edge 24 between the first longitudinal section 30 and the second longitudinal section 40, however it is preferred that the cut of the fourth line 136 does not extend into the second longitudinal section 40. A fifth substantially straight line 138 is formed in an outwardly direction, wherein the fifth line 138 is formed at an angle from the end of the fourth line 136, the end which distant from the edge 22. The angle between the fourth and fifth lines 136, 138 is preferred to be between about 40° and 50°, more preferably between about 43° and 46° and more preferably about 44°. Yet another cut. 450 embodiment shows seven different cut lines 140. A first substantially straight line 140 is formed in an inward direction, being substantially perpendicular to the edge 22 of the first side surface 8 of the second longitudinal section 40. The length of the first line 140 may be such that the cut 450 may abut with the edge 24 between the first longitudinal section 30 and the second longitudinal section 40, however it is preferred that the cut 350 does not extend into the second longitudinal section 40. A second substantially straight line 142 is formed from the end of the first line 140, the end which is distant to the edge 22. The second line 142 is substantially parallel to the edge 24 and running between a fourth and a sixth of the length of the cut 350. A third substantially straight line 144 in an outward direction, is formed at an angle from the end of the second line 142, the end which is distant to the first line 140. The angle between the second and third lines 132, 134 is preferred to be between 130° and 140°, more preferably between 134° and 137°, and more preferably about 136°. A fourth substantially straight line 146, substantially parallel to the first side surface 8, is formed at an angle from the end of the third line 144, the end which is proximate to the edge 22. The angle between the second and third lines 132, 134 is preferred to be between 130° and 140°, more preferably between 134° and 137°, and more preferably about 136°. A fifth substantially straight line 148 in an inwardly direction is formed from the opposite end of the third line 134, the fifth line 148 being substantially perpendicular to the third line 144. The length of the fifth line 148 may be such that the cut 350 may abut with the edge 24 between the first longitudinal section 30 and the second longitudinal section 40, however it is preferred that the cut of the fourth line 136 does not extend into the second longitudinal section 40. A sixth substantially straight line 150 is formed from the end of the fifth line 148, the end which is distant to the edge 22. The sixth line 150 is substantially parallel to the edge 24 and running between a fourth and a sixth of the length of the cut 350. A seventh substantially straight line 152 is formed in an outwardly direction, wherein the seventh line 152 is formed from the end of the sixth line 150, the end which distant from the edge 22. The seventh line 152 is substantially perpendicular to the sixth line 150.

Other cut embodiment configurations may be seen according to a person skilled in the art, and will highly depend upon the needs of the tray base. For example, a combination of the fourth and sixth embodiment may be carried out.

The cut is preferred to have a length such that it is formed only in the second section 40. However, as stated above, some cuts may extend, at least partially into the first section 30. For example, in the first embodiment, the parallel third and fourth lines 64, 66 may be included totally or partially within the first section 30. Therefore, when the tray (not shown) is inserted into its resting position with regards to the tray base 2, and the products to be displayed are placed on top of the tray, the load will be carried by part of the first section 30, rather than the entire width of the first section. However, when mounting the tray base 2, this opening will be easier to see by the person installing the display, and hence enhance the installation process of the display.

As stated above, the cut should be formed in the second longitudinal section 40, in the same plane as and co-lineal with the transversal divisions 32 in the first longitudinal section 30. That is, at least part of the cut 50 section should abut or nearly abut the edge 24 formed between the first longitudinal section 30 and the second longitudinal section 40, and further at least part of the cut 50 section should abut with the above stated edge 24, specifically wherein the transversal divisions 32 in the first longitudinal section 30 are formed. Therefore, the transversal sections 32 edges formed in the first longitudinal section 30 are opposite and co-lineal with the cut 50 sections formed in the second longitudinal section 40. When the first longitudinal section 30 is folded in regards to the second longitudinal section 40, the first transversal divisions 32 will be substantially perpendicular with the cuts 50. The piece of continuous material 20 is bent along the edge 24 between the first longitudinal section 30 and the second longitudinal section 40, throughout the length of the continuous material 20, that is, throughout the length of the edge 24 formed between the two longitudinal sections 30, 40, until the first longitudinal section 30 is substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal section 40. Furthermore, the piece of continuous material 20 is then bent in each of the transversal divisions 32 of the first longitudinal section 30, so that an angle between each of the transversal sections 12-12''' is formed. Depending on the number of transversal sections 12, the angle may be acute if there are three transversal sections, the angle may be substantially right angle if there are four transversal sections or the angle may be obtuse angles if there are more than four transversal sections, for example, if there are eight transverse sections, the angle formed between each transverse section is an obtuse angle. Other angle configurations may be seen according to a person skilled in the art, and will highly depend upon the shape of the display as stated above. The shape of the cut 50 may also depend upon the number of sides. For example, the fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments of the cut 250, 350, 450 are preferred for an octagonal prism shaped displays. Also as exemplary, the first and second embodiments of the cut 50, 150 may be used for tetrahedron shaped displays. The third embodiment of the cut 50, 150 may be used for any shaped display .

When the transversal sections 12 are bent, the first section of the cut 50 abuts the second section of the cut, so that the first section of the cut 50 is face-to-face with the second section of the cut. Specifically, in the first embodiment, when the transversal sections 12 are bent, the diagonal line 60 will abut the opposite diagonal line 66, and the substantially parallel lines 62, 64 will form, amongst them intersecting lines, resembling an equilateral triangle formed from the missing cut sections of the previously died cut 50. In the second embodiment 150, the first line 92 will, when the piece of continuous material 20 is bent, abut the first opposite line 104, the second line 94 will, when the piece of continuous material 20 is bent, abut the second opposite line 106, the third line 96 will, when the piece of continuous material 20 is bent, abut the third opposite line 106, the fourth line 98 will, when the piece of continuous material 20 is bent, abut the fourth opposite line 110. Both, the fifth line 100 and fifth opposite line 110 will, when the piece of continuous material 20 is bent, form amongst them intersecting lines, resembling an equilateral triangle formed from the missing cut sections of the previously died cut. In the third embodiment, when the transversal sections are bent, the first section which is inwardly curved will abut with the second section which is outwardly curved, and the parallel lines, when bent, will form amongst them intersecting lines, resembling an equilateral triangle formed from the missing cut sections of the previously died cut. Therefore, the parallel lines 62, 64 of the first and third cut embodiments 50, 250, as well as the fifth lines 100, 112 of the second embodiment 150, will leave an opening when bent. Although the shape of the opening has been disclosed as an equilateral triangle, other shapes may be seen by a technician in the field, and will depend upon the direction and magnitude of the lines abutting with the edge 24 of the first and second longitudinal sections 30, 40. That is, it is preferable that when the longitudinal and transversal sections are bent, an opening is formed between the first longitudinal section 30, the second longitudinal section 40 and the lines of the cut, however the shape of such opening may vary depending on the need of the tray base 2. In other embodiments, when the first transversal section is bent in regards to the second transversal section, the first line of the cut abuts the second line of the cut, so that the first line of the cut is face-to-face with the second line of the cut. When the second transversal section is bent in regards to the third transversal section, the third line of the cut abuts the fourth line of the cut, so that the third line of the cut is face-to-face with the fourth line of the cut. When the lines abut each other, that is, when the first line abuts the second line and the third line abuts the fourth line, since the angle between the first and second line and the angle ^" between the third and fourth line is not exactly 45°, when bending the transversal sections, two openings will be formed between the first longitudinal section and the second longitudinal section, a first opening will be formed in between the first and second line, while a second opening will be formed between the third and fourth line. The shape of the openings formed is substantially that of an equilateral triangle, however other shapes may be seen by a technician in the field, and will depend upon the direction and magnitude of the lines abutting with the edge of the first and second longitudinal sections. That is, it is preferred that there be an opening between the first longitudinal section and second longitudinal section when the longitudinal and transversal sections are bent, however the shape of such opening may be changed depending on the need of the tray base. In the fifth embodiment an opening is left in the -opposite end than in the previous embodiments. Specifically, in the fifth embodiment of the cut 350, when the transversal sections 12 are bent, the first line 130 will abut the second line 132 and the fourth line 136 will abut the fifth line 138. Since the shape is truncated with the third line 134, the truncating edge distant from the edge 24 between the first longitudinal section 30 and the second longitudinal section 40, the truncating edge is used as an opening. In the fourth embodiments, an opening may be dispensed with . Specifically, in the fourth embodiment, when the transversal sections 12 are bent, the first line 120 will abut the second line 122, and the third line 124 will about the fourth line 126. The abutment of the lines 120-126 does not leave an opening in this embodiment.

The edges abutted by the bending of the transversal sections may be permanently joined by any fastening means, such as staples, glue, hooks and loop fasteners or other means in the prior or future art. Likewise, in some embodiments, such as the second and third embodiments, the edges abutted by the bending of the transversal sections may, according to the different shapes, naturally be fastened amongst each other. For example, in the second embodiment, when the transversal sections are bent to form an angle, and wherein the lines and corresponding opposite lines abut each other, some lines, such as the second and third and opposite second and opposite third, will fasten the transversal sections so that the transversal sections are not released when bent and joined. In any case, at least two edges of the tray base 2 are joined by the above mentioned traditional fastening means; specifically the end edges 14 of the tray base 2 have to be joined by the above mentioned traditional fastening means.

The openings formed by the bending of the transversal sections may be used to hang the formed tray base 2 from the display. Specifically, the display is usually formed by a plurality of poles or struts, extending from the lower part to the upper part of the display.. When the display is formed, and the poles or struts are lifted, the tray bases may be hung from the poles or struts from the openings formed during the bending of the transversal sections 12. The inwardly facing part of the poles or struts may be fitted with a projecting part in the abutting part between the pole or beam and the tray base 2, so that the tray base 2 may be hung from the pole or beam. Forming the tray base 2 from a single piece of continuous material provides cost reduction in view of less waste material, and in view of a more continuous assembly of the exhibition display.

Alterations to the structure described in the present, can be foreseen by those experts in the field. However, it should be understood that the present description is related with the preferred embodiments of the invention which is for the . sole purposes of illustration and should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. All modifications which do not depart from the spirit of the invention are included within the body of the attached claims .

Claims

1. A blank for a tray base comprising: a first longitudinal section; and a second longitudinal section with at least two cuts, the second longitudinal section abutting the first longitudinal section in a lengthwise manner, each of the cuts forming a transversal section in the second longitudinal section; wherein the at least two cuts comprise three or more cut lines and wherein at least two of the cut lines of each of the at least two cuts abut with the first longitudinal section; the first longitudinal section being foldable in regards to the second longitudinal section and the transversal sections being foldable in regards to each other .

2. A blank for a tray base comprising: at least two longitudinal sections abutting each other in a lengthwise manner, at least one of the sections comprising cuts; wherein the cuts comprise cut lines which when bent form openings in at least one of the longitudinal sections; and the first longitudinal section being foldable in regards to the second longitudinal section and the transversal sections being foldable in regards to each other .

3. The blank of claim 1, the second longitudinal section comprising an upper face, a lower face and a first side face and a second side face, wherein the second side face abuts with the first longitudinal section, and wherein the cut comprises four cutting lines, a first cutting line starting from the first side face in a generally diagonal direction with regards to said first side face, the diagonal line not abutting with the first longitudinal section, a second cutting line starting from the end of the first line, the second line having a perpendicular direction with regards to the first side face, a third cutting line whose beginning defines the maximum length of the cut with regards to the first side face, the third line starting from the first side face in a generally diagonal direction opposite to the direction of the first cutting line, and a fourth cutting line starting from the end of the third line, the fourth line having a perpendicular direction with regards to the first side face.

4. The blank of claim 1, the second longitudinal section comprising an upper face, a lower face and a first side face and a second side face, wherein the second side face abuts with the first longitudinal section, the cut comprising two sections: a first section with five cutting lines: a first diagonal cutting line with regards to the first side face, formed from said first side face to an inner part of the second longitudinal section, a second cutting line in an end of the first diagonal cutting line, the second cutting line being substantially perpendicular to the first side face, a third line in an end of the second line, being substantially perpendicular to the second line, a fourth diagonal line in an end of the third line, which is diagonal in regards to the third line, having substantially the same direction than the first diagonal line, and a fifth line in an end of the fourth line, being substantially parallel to the second line and substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise abutment between the first longitudinal section and second longitudinal section, a second section with five cut lines: a first opposite diagonal cutting line with regards to the first side face, formed from said first side face to an inner part of the second longitudinal section, the first opposite diagonal line having a direction opposite to the first diagonal line of the first section; a second opposite line in an end of the first opposite diagonal line, being substantially parallel to the first side face, a third opposite line in an end of the second opposite line, being substantially perpendicular to the second opposite line, a fourth opposite diagonal line in an end of the third opposite line, which is diagonal in regards to the third opposite line, having substantially the same direction as the first opposite diagonal line, and a fifth opposite line in an end of the fourth opposite line, being substantially parallel to the third opposite line and substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise abutment between the first longitudinal section and second longitudinal section.

5. The blank of claim 1, the second longitudinal section comprising an upper face, a lower face and a first side face and a second side face, wherein the second side face abuts with the first longitudinal section, the cut comprising four cut lines: a first substantially straight line formed in an inward direction, being substantially perpendicular to the first side face, a second substantially straight line in an outward direction formed at an angle from an end of the first line, a third substantially straight line in an inwardly direction formed from an end of the second line, the third line being substantially perpendicular to the second line, and a fourth substantially straight line formed in an outwardly direction, wherein the fourth line is formed at an angle from an end of the third line.

6. The blank of claim 5, wherein the angle between the first and second lines is between about 40° and 50°, more preferably between about 43° and 46° and more preferably about 44° and wherein the angle between the third and fourth lines is between about 40° and 50°, more preferably between about 43° and 46° and more preferably about 44°.

7. The blank of claim 1, the second longitudinal section comprising an upper face, a lower face and a first side face and a second side face, wherein the second side face abuts with the first longitudinal section, the cut comprising five cut lines: a first substantially straight line formed in an inward direction, being substantially perpendicular to the first side face, a second substantially straight line in an outward direction formed at an angle from an end of the first line, a third substantially straight line, substantially parallel to the first side face, is formed at an angle from an end of the second line. a fourth substantially straight line in an inwardly direction is formed from an opposite end of the third line, the fourth line being substantially perpendicular to the second line, and a fifth substantially straight line · formed in an outwardly direction, wherein the fifth line is formed at an angle from an end of the fourth line.

8. The blank of claim 7 , wherein the angle between the first and second lines is between about 40° and 50°, more preferably between about 43° and 46° and more preferably about 44°; the angle between the second and third lines is between

130° and 140°, more preferably between 134° and 137°, and more preferably about 136°; and the angle between the fourth and fifth lines is between about 40° and 50°, more preferably between about 43° and 46° and more preferably about 44°.

9. The blank of claim 1, the second longitudinal section comprising an upper face, a lower face and a first side face and a second side face, wherein the second side face abuts with the first longitudinal section, the cut comprising seven cut lines: a first substantially straight line formed in an inward direction, being substantially perpendicular to the first side face, a second substantially straight line formed from an end of the first line, substantially parallel to the abutment between the first longitudinal section and the second longitudinal section, a third substantially straight line in an outward direction formed at an angle from an end of the second line, a fourth substantially straight line substantially parallel to the first side face formed at an angle from an end of the third line, a fifth substantially straight line in an inwardly direction formed from an opposite end of the third line being substantially perpendicular to the third line, a sixth substantially straight line formed from an end of the fifth line, being substantially parallel to the abutment between the first longitudinal section and the second longitudinal section, a seventh substantially straight line formed in an outwardly direction, formed from an end of the sixth line and substantially perpendicular to the sixth line.

10. The blank of claim 9, wherein the angle between the second and third lines is between 130° and 140°, more preferably between 134° and 137°, and more preferably about 136° and wherein the angle between the second and third lines is between 130° and 140°, more preferably between 134° and 137°, and more preferably about 136°.

11. A tray base comprising: at least three sides, each side having two faces abutting each other and being substantially perpendicular to one another, each side being at an angle from its proximate side forming edges between the sides; and an opening in each of the edges formed between each of the sides, wherein the opening is formed in at least one face .

12. The tray base of claim 11, wherein the opening is formed on the two faces .

13. A display structure in combination with the tray base of claim 11, comprising: at least three struts; at least one tray base according to claim 11, wherein each tray base is hung to the struts by means of the opening in said tray base; and a tray per each tray base, wherein the tray is positioned to rest on each tray base.