WO2015142382A1 - Mécanismes à auto-expansion et unités d'affichage les utilisant - Google Patents

Mécanismes à auto-expansion et unités d'affichage les utilisant Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015142382A1
WO2015142382A1 PCT/US2014/054585 US2014054585W WO2015142382A1 WO 2015142382 A1 WO2015142382 A1 WO 2015142382A1 US 2014054585 W US2014054585 W US 2014054585W WO 2015142382 A1 WO2015142382 A1 WO 2015142382A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
self
expanding
expanding mechanism
corner
component
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2014/054585
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Robert Fischer
Fredrik Karlehag
Original Assignee
KFR Enterprises LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US14/215,454 external-priority patent/US9173485B2/en
Application filed by KFR Enterprises LLC filed Critical KFR Enterprises LLC
Publication of WO2015142382A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015142382A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F1/00—Cardboard or like show-cards of foldable or flexible material
    • G09F1/04—Folded cards
    • G09F1/06—Folded cards to be erected in three dimensions
    • G09F1/065—Totem-like displays; Portable collapsible columnar displays
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F5/00—Show stands, hangers, or shelves characterised by their constructional features
    • A47F5/10—Adjustable or foldable or dismountable display stands
    • A47F5/11—Adjustable or foldable or dismountable display stands made of cardboard, paper or the like
    • A47F5/112—Adjustable or foldable or dismountable display stands made of cardboard, paper or the like hand-folded from sheet material

Definitions

  • FIG. 1 A is a plan view of a display unit and mechanism according to some embodiments
  • FIG. 1 B is a plan view of a display unit and mechanism according to some embodiments
  • FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a display unit and mechanism according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a display unit and mechanism according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a display unit and mechanism according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 4 is a plan view of a mechanism according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a mechanism according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a mechanism according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 7 is a plan view of a mechanism component according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating assembly of a mechanism from two mechanism components according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a mechanism assembled from two mechanism components according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a substrate component for a display unit with collapsed mechanisms according to some embodiments
  • FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a substrate component for a display unit with expanded mechanisms according to some embodiments
  • FIG. 1 1 is a perspective view depicting an example configuration of load-bearing mechanisms for a display unit according to some embodiments
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view depicting an example configuration of load-bearing mechanisms for a display unit according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 13 is a plan view of a mechanism component according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a mechanism assembled from two mechanism components according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a mechanism assembled from two mechanism components according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 16 is a perspective view of mechanism components according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating assembly of a mechanism from two mechanism components according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a mechanism assembled from two mechanism components according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 19A is a perspective view of a substrate component for a display unit with collapsed mechanisms according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 19B is a perspective view of a substrate component for a display unit with expanded mechanisms according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a display unit and mechanism according to some embodiments.
  • Applicants have recognized that, in accordance with some embodiments described in this disclosure, some types of retailers, advertisers, consumers, sellers of information display units and other types of users may find it beneficial to have a collapsible and expandable display unit configured with one or more collapsible and expandable, load-bearing mechanisms for bearing, by way of example and without limitation, products, gifts, and/or other types of items.
  • Some embodiments discussed in this disclosure are descriptive of apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture for making, assembling, and utilizing load-bearing inserts for display units.
  • Some embodiments discussed in this disclosure are descriptive of display units configured to have a load-bearing surface (e.g., supported by one or more load-bearing inserts).
  • Some embodiments discussed in this disclosure are descriptive of apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture for display units utilizing one or more self-expanding and/or load-bearing mechanisms.
  • mechanism may refer to an article of manufacture or apparatus that when assembled, is configured to be collapsible and self-expanding.
  • insert may refer to such a mechanism when used, for example, in a display unit (e.g., to expand an outer substrate or substrates of the display unit).
  • mechanism may be used without an outer substrate for displaying formation (e.g., may be used as a free-standing support for a load-bearing surface).
  • Applicants have recognized that, in accordance with some embodiments described in this disclosure, some types of retailers, advertisers, consumers, sellers of information display units and other types of users may find it beneficial to have a display unit that expands utilizing at least one insert configured to expand and push symmetrically on opposing sides of the display unit.
  • an insert for a display unit expands symmetrically and pushes simultaneously outward on two opposing display portions (e.g., opposite sides) of a display unit (e.g., to expand the display unit to a free-standing display state).
  • two points where an expanding or expanded insert symmetrically pushes the display portions outward are directly opposite one another (e.g., across the interior of the display unit).
  • the mechanism may be flexibly connected to or suspended by the edges of the unit (e.g., to prevent the mechanism from falling down through the unit) so it may effectively "float” inside the unit, pushing outward on opposing sides of the unit, without having to pull or push on the edges to maintain the display shape
  • a mechanism according to some embodiments described in this disclosure comprises at least one component (e.g., a piece of cardboard or other material) having at least one flap and at least one hook for affixing at least one contracting element (e.g., a rubber band).
  • component e.g., a piece of cardboard or other material
  • hook for affixing at least one contracting element (e.g., a rubber band).
  • FIG. 1 A depicts a top-down or plan view of a partially-opened display unit 2 comprising an outer portion 4 (e.g., a display surface or substrate) and an expanding mechanism 6.
  • Connectors 8 and 10 connect the mechanism 6 at points 18 and 20 to the display unit edges 9 and 11 , respectively.
  • the mechanism comprises connectors 8 and/or 10; in other embodiments, it does not.
  • the mechanism 6 further comprises sides 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d (e.g., of cardboard or other rigid material).
  • the mechanism 6 also comprises contracting elements 14a and 14b (which also may be referred to as pushing elements).
  • Element 14a which may comprise a rubber band, acts to pull inward on sides 12a and 12d at points 15a and 15b, respectively, causing the edge 16a (e.g., a corner fold) of mechanism 6 to push outward on one side of the outer portion 4.
  • element 14b acts to pull inward on sides 12b and 12c, causing the edge 16b of mechanism 6 to push outward on the opposite side of the outer portion 4.
  • the contracting elements 14a and 14b edges cause the edges 16a and 16b to move away from each other (e.g., symmetrically).
  • the dashed arrows in FIG. 1A represent the outward, pushing movement of points 16a and 16b and the corresponding movement of the sides of the outer portion 4.
  • FIG. 1 B depicts a top-down or plan view of the display unit 2 of FIG. 1A in a fully opened or expanded configuration or state, as demonstrated by the final elliptical shape of the outer portion 4 that is wider through the middle than its shape in FIG. 1 A.
  • Contracting element 14a has pulled the two corresponding sides of the mechanism 6 further inward, effectuating the pushing out of the sides of the outer portion by the adjacent corners of the mechanism 6.
  • the dashed arrows in FIG. 1 B represent the travel of points 16a and 16b of FIG. 1 A to their final position when the display unit 2 is fully expanded.
  • FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of an example display unit 24, comprising substrate portions 25 and 26, in a partially open configuration.
  • the substrate portions may, for example, be printed with advertising or other information.
  • Folds 38a and 38b of substrate portions 26 and 25, respectively, may be used to connect the substrate portions together on the one side, and like folds may be used to connect the substrate portions together at the other edge of the display unit.
  • connecting flaps 40 and 42 may be folded back from sides 36a and 36c, respectively, and used to connect the mechanism 28 to one or more of the substrate portions 25 and 26 (e.g., by fixing, movably or immovably, the flaps between the folds 38a and 38b).
  • the tension of the rubber band 30 may, in some embodiments, hold the leading edge of the flap 32 in place.
  • the display unit 24 further comprises a mechanism 28 as described with respect to one or more embodiments in this disclosure (e.g., an active insert, a symmetrically pushing and/or expanding insert).
  • the mechanism 28 comprises two separate components (e.g., two identical components) that have been assembled for use (e.g., using rubber bands) in the display unit 24.
  • the mechanism 28 comprises a rubber band 30 attached at one end to a hook 34 on side 36a, and on the other end to a flap 33 (that is part of the same component as side 36a).
  • the rubber band 30 may be wrapped around and held in place by notches (not shown) on flap 33.
  • flap 33 is over and, due to the contracting tension of the rubber band, pushes and is flat against flap 32, which is part of the same component as side 36d. Flap 33 is inserted through the visible opening in side 36d in assembling the components, as discussed in further detail in this disclosure.
  • the contracting tension of the rubber band 30 pulls sides 36a and 36d inward, effectively pushing out the corner 37 of mechanism 28 against the substrate portion 25.
  • a rubber band in the opposite corner may be pulling sides 36b and 36c inward, effectively pushing out the opposite corner of the mechanism 28 against substrate portion 26; in some embodiments, only one rubber band 30 (e.g., of sufficient tension to act alone) may be used in the mechanism 28, as the action of pulling in sides 36a and 36d would necessarily also push out the opposite corner against substrate portion 26.
  • FIG. 2B depicts a perspective view of the example display unit 24 in a fully opened configuration. As depicted, the mechanism 28 has expanded and locked fully in its final diamond or square shape.
  • FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a portion or interior view of an example display unit in a collapsed or flat state.
  • the fully flattened mechanism 28 is flush against the inside of the substrate portion 25.
  • An opposite substrate portion which may be attached at the edges to the substrate portion 25 to create the outer shell of a display unit in accordance with some embodiments, is not shown.
  • FIG. 3 therefore also depicts one potential intermediate stage of assembly of a display unit, prior to adding a second substrate portion.
  • the connecting flaps of the mechanism 28 extend from one edge of the substrate portion 25 to the other edge.
  • FIG. 4 depicts a single mechanism component 50 from which a mechanism may be assembled.
  • the component 50 may comprise cardboard or other rigid substrate configured with folds, flaps, and tabs for assembly into a mechanism allowing for self-expansion of the mechanism into a desired shape (e.g., a diamond, a square, a triangle).
  • a desired shape e.g., a diamond, a square, a triangle.
  • the mechanism may push one or more sides of an outer portion of the display unit into a desired shape (e.g., an elliptical shape) so the display may be free standing.
  • the mechanism component 50 comprises flaps 52a and 52b.
  • the flaps 52a and 52b preferably have one or more notches 54 for accepting and holding a rubber band or other connecting element (e.g., to connect the assembled mechanism to an outer portion of a display unit).
  • the single component 50 further comprises folds 53a, 53b, 53c, 53d, 57, and 59, hooks 56a and 56b, and flaps 58 and 60. As depicted, notches may be cut out at the corners of folds 57 and 59 (e.g., for use in attaching rubber bands).
  • assembly of a mechanism 62 from single mechanism component 50 may comprise folding at all the folds 53a, 53b, 53c, 53d so that flap 60 may be inserted through the opening created by folding back fold 58.
  • FIG. 6 is an alternative, rear view of the assembled mechanism 62.
  • a rubber band 64 may hold flap 60 and flap 58 (e.g., underneath flap 60) in place by hooking the rubber band around hook 56a at one end, and, at the other end, around the notches formed at the corners of folds 57 and 59 when flaps 58 and 60, respectively, are folded back.
  • Flaps 52a and 52b may be used to attach the mechanism 62 to an inside of the outer portion of a display unit.
  • FIG. 7 depicts a mechanism component 70, comprising some features similar to those described with respect to single component 50. However, component 70 is designed, in accordance with some embodiments, for use in assembling a mechanism from two like components.
  • FIG. 8 depicts an intermediate stage of assembling a mechanism using a first mechanism component 70 and a second mechanism component 70. The overlap of the two components is depicted at portion 72, where the shorter flap from one component is folded through the opening created by folding back the larger flap in the other component.
  • FIG. 9 depicts an assembled mechanism 90, in which both sets of flaps have been joined using respective rubber bands.
  • FIG. 10A depicts a perspective view of a portion or interior view of an example display unit 100a in a collapsed or flat state.
  • the display unit 100a comprises two mechanisms 102a and 102b (e.g., mechanisms configured to push symmetrically on opposite sides of the display unit).
  • the portion of the display unit further comprises folds 104a, 104b, and 104c, which may be used for folding the display unit 100a conveniently for storage and/or portability.
  • FIG. 10B depicts a perspective view of a portion or interior view of an example display unit 100b in an expanded or display state. As depicted, the mechanisms 102a and 102b are fully expanded, creating a shape for the outer portion of the display that will allow it to stand freely.
  • FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of a portion or interior view of an example display unit 110.
  • the display unit 1 10 comprises two load-bearing mechanisms 112a and 1 12b.
  • Mechanism 112a is supported by mechanism 112b at edge 114.
  • Mechanism 112b may be supported, for example, by a floor at edge 1 16.
  • a surface 1 18 e.g., a shelf
  • the surface may be held in place by one or more notches, such as notch 120a on the depicted outer portion of the display unit 110.
  • the surface may rest on the uppermost mechanism (e.g., mechanism 112a) without any notches to secure it.
  • a second notch 120b may be used, for example, to hold another surface or shelf.
  • the display unit 110 When fully assembled (with an opposite substrate portion), the display unit 110 comprises a stand with a load-bearing surface. An opening 122 in at least one portion of the display unit 110 may be used to access items held on the surface 118, and/or to access items if a unit is employed as a gravity fee dispenser.
  • FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of a portion or interior view of an example display unit 120 having a top surface 128 supported by a first mechanism 122a supported along an edge 124 by a second mechanism 122b supported on a floor or surface along edge 126.
  • FIG. 13 depicts a mechanism component 130, in accordance with some embodiments, designed for use in assembling a mechanism from two like components.
  • the component 130 may comprise cardboard or other rigid substrate configured with folds, flaps, and tabs for assembly into a mechanism allowing for self-expansion of the mechanism into a desired shape (e.g., a diamond, a square, a triangle).
  • a desired shape e.g., a diamond, a square, a triangle
  • the mechanism may push one or more sides of an outer portion of the display unit into a desired shape (e.g., an elliptical shape).
  • the shape of the display unit may allow the display unit to be free standing.
  • the mechanism component 130 comprises portions 134, 135 and 136 (depending on the desired shape of the mechanism), and flap portion 132. As depicted in FIG. 13, in some embodiments the mechanism component 130 further comprises folds 138, 139, 142 and 147, hook 144, and flaps 141 , 143 and 146. Accordingly, in one or more embodiments, one or more of flaps 141 , 143 and 146 may be folded away from and/or toward the remaining part of the portion 134, 135 or 136 using fold 142, 138, or 147, respectively (e.g., in assembly or preparing the mechanism component for assembly with another mechanism component and/or with an outer portion of a display unit).
  • notches 145a and 145b may be cut out at the corners of fold 139 (e.g., for use in receiving and/or securing a rubber band or other type of contracting element).
  • the flap 143 preferably has one or more notches 143a, 143b for accepting and holding a rubber band or other connecting element (e.g., to connect the assembled mechanism to an outer portion of a display unit).
  • the mechanism component 130 may comprise a flap portion 132 that includes a hook 133 (e.g., for receiving and securing a contracting element) and may be folded, relative to portion 134, using fold 137.
  • flap portion 132 may, in some embodiments, be used to provide a reinforced or sturdier corner and/or hook 133 may be used in securing a contracting element of an assembled mechanism.
  • FIG. 14 depicts a mechanism 148 assembled from two like mechanism components 130, in accordance with some embodiments.
  • Assembly of the mechanism 148 may comprise joining or otherwise assembling a first mechanism component 130 and a second mechanism component 130 together by overlapping portion 136 of a first mechanism component with the portion 134 of the second mechanism component so that the fold 147 of the first mechanism component and the fold 142 of the second mechanism component are aligned and the fold 139 of the first mechanism component and the fold 137 of the second component are aligned.
  • the flap 146 of the first mechanism component and the flap 141 of the second mechanism component may then be folded together (e.g., in the direction of what will be the interior of the mechanism being assembled) and secured (e.g., using a rubber band) to hook 144 of the second mechanism component (e.g., after folding flap 143 at fold 138 toward the exterior of the mechanism being assembled, to allow access to hook 144).
  • a rubber band may be placed by a user assembling a mechanism around the first mechanism component and into notches 145a and 145b (not shown). Then, when aligning the fold 139 of the first mechanism component and the fold 137 of the second component, the flap portion 132 may be inserted through the rubber band, which may then be stretched from the exterior of the mechanism being assembled through the opening in portion 134 created by folding flap 141 into the interior of the mechanism, and secured around at least one of hook 133 of the first mechanism component and hook 144 of the second mechanism component. As depicted in FIG.
  • the rubber band portions 149a and 149b lay against the flap 141 in the interior of the completed mechanism 148, and portion 149c of the rubber band runs from notch 145a to notch 145b (not shown) in the interior of the mechanism.
  • the rubber band portions 150a and 150b run from the respective notches at the corner, into the interior of the mechanism 148, and the rubber band is secured by portion 150c both hook 133 and hook 144.
  • the flap portion 132 may provide advantageously for reinforcement of the corner of the mechanism 148 created using fold 139 of the first mechanism component and fold 137 of the second component. As depicted in FIG.
  • the same process described above for flexibly joining two mechanism components to create a corner may be repeated using the respective opposite ends of the mechanism components to create the opposite corner.
  • the respective folds 138 of each mechanism component may be used to create the remaining corners of the completed mechanism.
  • flaps 143 from the respective mechanism components may be used to attach the mechanism 148 to an inside of the outer portion of a display unit.
  • FIG. 15 depicts a mechanism 152 assembled from two like mechanism components 130, in accordance with some alternative embodiments.
  • Mechanism 152 may be assembled in a manner similar to that described above with respect to FIG. 14, except that the rubber band is not looped around the mechanism components at the corner created by folds 139 and 137 of the respective mechanism components (and notches 145a and 145b may not be necessary or desirable). Instead, the flap 141 may be passed through a rubber band, which may be secured using the indicated notches formed between the flap 141 and the side of the mechanism. The rubber band may then be stretched (as indicated by portions 153a and 153b) around one or more of the hooks 133 and 143 (as represented at the opposite corner by rubber band portion 154).
  • FIG. 16 depicts two mechanism components 160a and 160b, in accordance with some embodiments, designed for use in assembling a three-sided mechanism.
  • the components 160a and 160b may comprise cardboard or other rigid substrate configured with folds, flaps, and tabs for assembly into a mechanism allowing for self-expansion of the mechanism into a desired shape (e.g., a triangle).
  • a desired shape e.g., a triangle
  • the mechanism when used as an insert (e.g., in a display unit), the mechanism may push one or more sides of an outer portion of the display unit into the desired shape so that the display may be free standing.
  • the mechanism component 160a comprises portions 162,164 and 166
  • the mechanism component 160b comprises portions 170, 172 and 174.
  • mechanism components 160a and 160b further comprise: flaps 165, 167, 168, 176, 178 and 180; folds 169a, 169b, 169c, 169d, 181a, 181 b, 181 c, and 181d; hooks 163 and 179; and opening 177.
  • FIG. 17 depicts an intermediate stage of assembling a mechanism (e.g., the mechanism 184 of FIG. 18) achieved by overlapping portion 162 of mechanism component 160a with portion 172 of mechanism component 160b (e.g., by aligning fold 169a of mechanism component 160a with fold 181 c of mechanism component 160b). Flap 165 of mechanism component 160a may be folded back with flap 180 (e.g., not shown) of mechanism component 160b to create opening 182. In some embodiments, hook 163 may be aligned with notches 179a and 179b.
  • FIG. 18 depicts an assembled mechanism 184 in which (in a manner similar to the assembly processes described with respect to FIG. 14 and FIG.
  • a rubber band 185 for example, may be used to secure flap 165 to portion 172 and/or portion 162 using at least one of hook 179 and hook 163.
  • rubber band 185 may be secured to flap 165 using notches and the rubber band stretched to the opposite end of the flap 165 and secured to one or more of the hooks.
  • a rubber band may be placed around the corner made by overlapping portions 162 and 172, and stretched into the interior of the mechanism 184 through hole 182, across flap 165, and around hook 163 and/or hook 179.
  • Mechanism components 160a and 160b may further be folded at folds 169c and 181 b, respectively, to form the other corners of mechanism 184.
  • portion 166 of mechanism component 160a is slidably or otherwise movably connected to portion 170 of mechanism component 160b.
  • flap 168 may be inserted through hole 177 to connect the two mechanism components.
  • flap 168 may be taller than the height of opening 177, preventing flap 168 from falling back through the opening 177 and thereby securing the two mechanism components together.
  • the width of the opening 177 allows the flap 168 to slide or move (e.g., from left to right and vice versa) in the opening, while maintaining a secure connection between the portions of the mechanism components.
  • the freedom of movement allows that side of the mechanism 184 formed by the connection between the portions 166 and 170 of the respective mechanism components (the foreground side, as depicted) to shorten as the mechanism expands (e.g. as the contracting element acts to draw the other two sides together at the opposite corner) or lengthen as the mechanism is collapsed (e.g., into a flatter configuration for transport and/or storage).
  • FIG. 19A depicts a perspective view of a portion or interior view of an example display unit 190 in a collapsed or flat state.
  • the display unit 190 comprises three mechanisms 194a, 194b and194c (e.g., mechanisms 184 as depicted in FIG. 18).
  • the mechanism 195a is depicted as attached at 195a and 195b to portions 196a and 196b, respectively, of the outer substrate portion 193.
  • the outer substrate portion 193 further comprises scores or folds 192a and 192b configured to create a substantially flat surface between them when the display unit 190 is expanded.
  • An additional substrate portion 198 (not shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 19A preferably is attached to substrate portion 193 such that the mechanisms 194a-c are between (and may be attached to the two substrate portions.
  • the substrate portions 193 and 198 e.g., "front” and “back” sides of the display unit 190
  • FIG. 19B depicts a perspective view of a portion or interior view of an example display unit 190 in its expanded or display state.
  • the mechanisms 194a, 194b and 194c are fully expanded and, in accordance with the self-expanding ability of the mechanisms by the contracting of their contracting elements (e.g., rubber bands), they have expanded the display unit 190 by the foreground corners of the mechanisms pushing outward on the depicted outer substrate portion 198, creating a shape for the outer portion of the display that will allow it to stand freely.
  • the expanding action of the mechanisms has folded the outer substrate portion 193 at folds 192a and 192b, resulting in a substantially flat portion between the folds.
  • some embodiments utilizing three-sided self- expanding mechanisms may provide advantageously for display units having a reduced depth of footprint (from front to back as depicted in FIG. 19B). This may allow, for example, the substantially flat side of a display unit to be placed adjacent to a wall and reduce the space necessary to accommodate the expanded display unit.
  • FIG. 20 depicts a perspective view of an example display unit 200, comprising substrate portions 225 and 226 and mechanism 228, in an opened or expanded configuration.
  • the substrate portions may, for example, be printed with advertising or other information, as described with respect to various embodiments in this disclosure.
  • Fold 238 may be used, in accordance with some embodiments, to connect substrate portions together on the one side (the left side as depicted), and like folds may be used to connect the substrate portions together, if desirable, at the other edge of the display unit 200.
  • connecting flaps 240 and/or 242 may be folded back from sides 236a and 236c, respectively, and used to connect the mechanism 228 to one or more of the substrate portions 225 and 226.
  • the tension of the rubber band 230 may, in some embodiments, hold the leading edge of the flap 233 in place and/or may be secured by at least the hook 234 (of side 263a).
  • the display unit 200 further comprises a mechanism 228 as described with respect to one or more embodiments in this disclosure (e.g., a three-sided self-expanding insert). As depicted in FIG. 20, the mechanism 228 may comprise two or more separate mechanism components assembled for use (e.g., using rubber bands) in the display unit 200.
  • the mechanism 228 may comprise one or more rubber bands (e.g., rubber band 230) or other type of contracting element attached at one end to a hook 234 on side 236a, and on the other end to a flap 233 (that may be part of the same component as side 236a).
  • the rubber band 230 may be wrapped around and held in place by notches on flap 233. The contracting tension of the rubber band 230 pulls sides 236a and 236b inward (folding toward each other at the corner 237), effectively pushing out the corner 237 of mechanism 228 against the substrate portion 225.
  • side 236c may be configured to lengthen and/or or shorten as the rubber band 230 is expanded or contracts, respectively.
  • the side 236c may be assembled from two separate mechanism components such that portions of the side 236c are movably connected and/or secured to one another, allowing the side 236c to have a length that is adjustable and/or reconfigurable (e.g., in accordance with whether the rubber band 230 is expanding or contracting).
  • a two-piece mechanism comprises folds, flaps, and hooks that when assembled with two rubber bands allows for an automatic locking shape (e.g., diamond, square, triangle, or other shape) when expanded.
  • an automatic locking shape e.g., diamond, square, triangle, or other shape
  • the two pieces may be glued on one edge, which may require the use of only one rubber band to provide for expansion of the mechanism.
  • the rubber bands allow the mechanism to go from a flat or collapsed position into an expanded or locking shape (e.g., allowing a display unit to stand and/or providing load bearing support for a surface).
  • the mechanism when the mechanism is assembled with at least one piece of rigid substrate (e.g. paperboard) to create a front and a back for a display unit, the mechanism pushes the front and the back sides of the substrate outward, creating an elliptical or square display.
  • substrate e.g. paperboard
  • a collapsible and expandable display unit may be used as a greeting or occasion card (e.g., as a birthday card, holiday card, etc.), novelty display item, for in- store advertising and/or product delivery system, ballot boxes, take one display, table, etc.
  • a greeting or occasion card e.g., as a birthday card, holiday card, etc.
  • novelty display item for in- store advertising and/or product delivery system, ballot boxes, take one display, table, etc.
  • a display unit having a load-bearing surface may be used for holding or presenting a gift, product, or other item(s).
  • a display unit is collapsible and expandable in an accordion-like manner (e.g., a display or occasion card that accordion folds up and down).
  • a display unit comprising one or more self-expanding mechanisms in accordance with this disclosure, may be expanded and/or opened, for example, by a user holding a top edge of the folded/collapsed display unit and dropping or lifting the remainder of the display (e.g., allowing gravity to unfold it) so the display unit will open and take shape automatically.
  • the tension aggression e.g., the contracting force of a rubber band or other contracting element
  • the tension aggression of one or more mechanisms may be increased to require fewer mechanisms overall to achieve a stable, free standing display unit without the tension causing crimping in the sides of the display unit because the tension of the mechanism is used to push the sides outward, rather than inward.
  • the symmetrical expansion of the mechanism may allow for greater tension than may be
  • expansion elements that expand asymmetrically, pull inward on the edges of a display, and/or do not push outward at opposing points of the sides of a display unit (e.g., the middle of opposing sides).
  • a mechanism is always the same width of the display when the display is flat or collapsed.
  • the width of the mechanism may stay the same as the width of the display as the mechanism is expanding, contracting, and/or fully expanded.
  • a mechanism inserted in a display unit may expand the display unit by pushing out on the sides of the display, and not by pulling in from the edges or corners of the display.
  • a display unit comprising one or more mechanisms described in this disclosure may be folded or collapsed by pushing the center of the two sides of the display together to make a panel of the display flat (e.g., counteracting the expansive force of a corner of a mechanism pushing outward on the middles of the sides of the display).
  • a user may accordion fold all the panels back down (e.g., for portability and/or storage).
  • the display may carry a load or weight.
  • the load is supported by the diamond shape, for example, edge to edge.
  • a unit comprising at least one mechanism disclosed in this disclosure may be utilized as a gravity feed dispenser (e.g., for allowing customers or other users to access and remove products or other items stored inside the unit through an opening in a surface of the unit).
  • a gravity feed dispenser e.g., for allowing customers or other users to access and remove products or other items stored inside the unit through an opening in a surface of the unit.
  • the mechanism may be flexibly connected to or suspended by the edges of the unit (e.g., using rubber bands, string, etc.) to prevent the mechanism from falling down through the unit.
  • the mechanism effectively may "float" inside the unit, while pushing outward on opposing sides of the unit.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Display Racks (AREA)

Abstract

Selon certains modes de réalisation, l'invention concerne un mécanisme pliable à auto-expansion (par exemple pour dilater un ou plusieurs substrats externes d'une unité d'affichage) et une unité d'affichage comprenant au moins un mécanisme pliable à auto-expansion. Dans un ou plusieurs modes de réalisation, le mécanisme à auto-expansion est porteur. Dans un mode de réalisation, une unité d'affichage peut être configurée afin d'avoir au moins une surface porteuse (par exemple, portée par un ou plusieurs éléments rapportés porteurs).
PCT/US2014/054585 2014-03-17 2014-09-08 Mécanismes à auto-expansion et unités d'affichage les utilisant WO2015142382A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/215,454 2014-03-17
US14/215,454 US9173485B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2014-03-17 Self-expanding, load-bearing mechanism for display units
US14/275,878 US8826833B1 (en) 2013-03-15 2014-05-12 Self-expanding, load-bearing mechanism for display units
US14/275,878 2014-05-12

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2015142382A1 true WO2015142382A1 (fr) 2015-09-24

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WO (1) WO2015142382A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6758800B2 (en) * 2001-08-03 2004-07-06 Boix Maquinaria, S.A. Machine for assembling cardboard boxes
US20100000131A1 (en) * 2006-10-26 2010-01-07 Chung Kwo Tzuo Display for automatic assembly system
EP2174573A1 (fr) * 2007-06-06 2010-04-14 Mestres Armengol, Ferran Dispositif d'extension pour présentoir pliable auto-extensible et présentoir pliable auto-extensible
GB2482313A (en) * 2010-07-28 2012-02-01 Augustus Martin Ltd Self-expanding convex display stand
DE102012001264A1 (de) * 2011-02-21 2012-08-23 Paul Mühl Werbemittel und Displays GmbH Aufweitbarer Gegenstand

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6758800B2 (en) * 2001-08-03 2004-07-06 Boix Maquinaria, S.A. Machine for assembling cardboard boxes
US20100000131A1 (en) * 2006-10-26 2010-01-07 Chung Kwo Tzuo Display for automatic assembly system
EP2174573A1 (fr) * 2007-06-06 2010-04-14 Mestres Armengol, Ferran Dispositif d'extension pour présentoir pliable auto-extensible et présentoir pliable auto-extensible
GB2482313A (en) * 2010-07-28 2012-02-01 Augustus Martin Ltd Self-expanding convex display stand
DE102012001264A1 (de) * 2011-02-21 2012-08-23 Paul Mühl Werbemittel und Displays GmbH Aufweitbarer Gegenstand

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