Abstract:
A store display enabling improved structure, versatility, adaptability and/or cost effectiveness is provided. The store display includes a base sheet and a frame. The base sheet is preferably fabricated independently of the frame. The frame is preferably extruded. The base sheet is preferably molded (e.g., injection molded or extruded) and then cut to a desired size. After the sheet is formed, engaging tabs are punched along the side edge sheet. The frame includes a receiving channel having tangs that engage the engaging tabs.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates generally to store displays and, more particularly, to hanging store displays for providing product and/or service information and/or other information to customers.  
           [0003]    2. Discussion of the Related Art  
           [0004]    In commercial establishments, information is often presented to customers via store displays, including hanging store displays. These hanging store displays include, for example, wall-mounted displays and non-wall-mounted displays that hang from a ceiling distant from a wall area. Hanging displays are often used, for example, in grocery stores, drug stores, department stores and the like. In some establishments, hanging displays are located along or in front of isles of product (e.g., food product, etc.) and above the customer&#39;s head-level (i.e., customers may walk under the hanging displays). The displayed information can include, for example, product informations (such as prices, dates, product sources, product characteristics and qualities, advertising, etc.), store information (such as hours of operation, sales information, advertising, etc.), and/or other information.  
           [0005]    Typically, this information is replaced, updated and/or changed relatively frequently. For example, product information may need to be changed monthly, weekly, daily, etc., or may need to be changed to accommodate new sales information and/or or other information as needed. The information displayed may be provided, for example, by the commercial establishment and/or by another entity (e.g., an entity or source that sells its product via that commercial establishment). New information to be displayed often has different space requirements and display-type requirements.  
           [0006]    Management of displays can be problematic and time consuming. Often, existing systems are costly (e.g., especially where costs are incurred on a multi-store basis, such as for national or regional retailers or chain stores) and have limited versatility and adaptability.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    A store display enabling improved versatility, adaptability and/or cost effectiveness is provided. In preferred embodiments, the store display includes a base sheet, a frame and information media supported thereon. The base sheet is preferably fabricated independently of the frame. The base sheet is preferably molded (e.g., injection molded or extruded) and then cut to a desired size. Preferably, after the base sheet is formed, engaging tabs are punched along side edges of the base sheet. The frame is preferably extruded and formed with a receiving channel that engages with the engaging tabs. The information media can include a separate display placard or the like and/or indicia, graphics or the like formed directly on the base sheet.  
           [0008]    The above and other aspects will be further appreciated upon review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and claims. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]    The preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 1(A) is a plan view of a base sheet according to one embodiment;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 1(B) is an exploded side view of a portion of the base sheet shown in FIG. 1(A);  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1(C) is a side view of a portion of the base sheet shown in FIG. 1(A);  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 1(D) is a perspective view of a press that can be used to form tabs in the base sheets;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1(E) is a partial perspective view of a vertical punch for forming tabs according to one embodiment;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 1(F) is a partial side view of a rotary punch for forming tabs according to another embodiment;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 2(A) is a front view of a display according to one embodiment having upper and lower frame members;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 2(B) is a side view of a portion of the display shown in FIG. 2(A);  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2(C) is a front view of a display according to another embodiment having upper, lower, left and right frame members;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 2(D) is a front view of a display according to another embodiment having upper, lower, left and right frame members;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 2(E) is a perspective view of a display according to one embodiment, hanging from a ceiling proximate product display shelves along isles in a commercial establishment;  
         [0021]    FIGS.  3 (A) to  3 (G) show frame cross-sections according to illustrative embodiments;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 4 is a side view of a display according to one illustrative embodiment;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 5(A) is a perspective view of a display having angled side frame members according to another illustrative embodiment;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 5(B) is a cross-sectional view of one of the side frame members shown in FIG. 5(A);  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 6(A) is a front view of a base sheet according to another embodiment wherein a slot is formed in the base sheet to accommodate a slot-mounted display support component;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 6(B) is a side view of the illustrative slot-mounted display support component shown in FIG. 6(A);  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 7(A) is a front view of a base sheet according to another embodiment wherein an array of through-holes are formed in the base sheet to accommodate holders for retaining product;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 7(B) is a perspective view of the illustrative holder shown in FIG. 7(A);  
         [0029]    FIGS.  8 (A) and  8 (B) are cross-sectional views of illustrative frame members having flexible sections;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 8(C) is a side view of a display according to one illustrative embodiment including frame members having flexible sections in an unfolded condition;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 8(D) is a side view of a display according to one illustrative embodiment including frame members having flexible sections in a folded condition; and  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 9 is a side view of an existing display structure of the present applicant. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0033]    In preferred embodiments of the invention, as shown in the illustrative example shown in FIG. 2(E), a hanging store display includes a base sheet  10 , a frame  20  and information media  30 . The base sheet  10  preferably includes a generally flat sheet that provides a base for the information media  30 . The frame  20  preferably creates an aesthetic display border and also preferably includes support elements such as, for example: a) means for supporting the information media (e.g., channels for supporting placards or the like); b) means for attaching additional display elements; and c) means for mounting or hanging the display from a ceiling, wall or the like. In some embodiments, the information media  30  can include indicia and/or ornamentation formed (e.g., printed or the like) directly on the base sheet and/or a separate sheet (e.g., poster, placard, paper sheet or the like) supported over the base sheet containing such indicia and/or ornamentation.  
         [0034]    1. Base Sheet  
         [0035]    An illustrative embodiment of the base sheet  10  is shown in FIGS.  1 (A) to  1 (C). Preferably, the base sheet  10  is a generally rectangular sheet. In preferred embodiments, the sheet is formed from molded plastic material. In alternative embodiments, the sheet can be made from other materials, such as natural paper (e.g., made from trees or other plants, etc.) and/or synthetic paper, corrugated board and/or cardboard, metals and/or other appropriate materials.  
         [0036]    As shown in FIG. 1(A), the base sheet  10  preferably includes a plurality of tabs  11  that are formed along the base sheet  10 . The tabs are preferably formed by cutting the base sheet along lines  11   a ,  11   b  and  11   c  and bending the base sheet along line  11   d . As illustrated in FIGS.  1 (D) to  1 (F), this is preferably done via a press P having a vertically reciprocated punch VP or a rotary punch RP subsequent to the formation of the base sheet. In this manner, the tabs  11  provide a locking end  11 E protruding outward from the surface of the base sheet  10 .  
         [0037]    The base sheet  10  preferably includes a plurality of tabs  11  along at least the upper and lower sides. Preferably, a plurality of tabs extend upward and a plurality of tabs extend downward to provide protruding locking ends  11 E above and below the base sheet  10 , as shown for example in FIG. 1(C). Preferably, tabs extend upward and downward on an alternating basis.  
         [0038]    The embodiment shown in FIG. 1(A) is preferably used with a frame  20  having upper and lower frame members. However, other embodiments can include different numbers of frame members. For example, a simple basic embodiment can be formed with a single upper frame member. And, other embodiments can include side frame members attached at left and/or right sides of the sheet  10  (see, e.g., FIGS.  2 (C) and  2 (D)). Preferably, the base sheet include tabs  11  along peripheral edges upon which the frame members are connected (e.g., typically, generally horizontal and/or generally vertical frame members will be used along top, bottom, left and/or right edges of the sheet).  
         [0039]    While the base sheet can have a variety of sizes and shapes, in some illustrative embodiments a base sheet can have any of the following exemplary dimensions, each having some advantages in certain applications:  
         [0040]    1. 12, 24, 36 or 48 inches wide by 24 inches high; or  
         [0041]    2. 12, 24, 36 or 48 inches wide by 18 inches high; or  
         [0042]    3. 12, 24, 36 or 48 inches wide by 12 inches high; or  
         [0043]    4. 12, 24, 36 or 48 inches wide by 6 inches high; or  
         [0044]    5. 12, 24, 36 or 48 inches wide by 4 inches high; or  
         [0045]    6. 12, 24, 36 or 48 inches wide by 3 inches high.  
         [0046]    In some illustrative and non-limiting embodiments, the base sheet can be formed from a plastic material and can have a thickness h, FIG. 1(C), between about 0.05 to 0.2 inches, or more preferably between about 0.75 to 1.5 inches, or more preferably between about 0.1 to 0.125 inches, and the distance that the tabs  11  extend outward can preferably between about 0.04 to 0.1 inches, or more preferably between about 0.06 to 0.08 inches. In other embodiments, the dimensions can be selected based on circumstances.  
         [0047]    2. Frame  
         [0048]    A first illustrative embodiment of the frame  20  is shown in FIGS.  2 (A) and  2 (B). As shown in FIG. 2(A), the frame  20  preferably includes at least a top frame member  20 A and a bottom frame member  20 B. The frame members  20 A and  20 B preferably include like means for connecting to the base sheet  10 . As shown in FIG. 2(B), the frame member  20 A, for example, preferably includes a channel having inwardly facing tangs  21  extending lengthwise along the frame member. In this manner, the frame member  20 A can fit over an edge of the base sheet  10  with the tabs  11  received inside the channel and the locking ends  11 E locked behind the tangs  21 . Preferably, the tabs and/or the frame members are flexible and resilient to allow the tabs to snap-fit into the respective channels when the sheet  10  is inserted into the channels of the frame members in the direction of the arrows A and B shown in FIG. 2(B). In less preferred embodiments, the channels can be slid laterally over the edges of the base sheet to engage the base sheet  10  and the frame members  20 A,  20 B.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 2(C) shows an embodiment wherein the frame  20  includes an upper cross-member  20 A, a bottom cross-member  20 B, a left side-member  20 C and a right side-member  20 D. The left and right side members  20 C and  20 D preferably attach to the base sheet  10  in a similar manner to that of the upper member  20 A and the bottom member  20 B. In this embodiment, the bottom cross-member  20 B can advantageously inhibit the left and/or right side-members from sliding off of the display when it is hung vertically.  
         [0050]    As shown in FIGS.  3 (A) to  3 (G), the various frame members can have a variety of configurations depending on circumstances. Each of the frame members can be selected to meet the particular needs at hand. Preferably, if a display is to be altered, one or more of the frame members can simply be separated from the base sheet  10  and a new frame member can be provided. The modular structure also preferably enables new base sheets to be provided and/or new information media to be provided as needed.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 3(A) shows a frame member  20 A that includes a central receiving channel having tangs  21  to engage with respective tabs  11  in a base sheet, side receiving channels  24  to support information media including a display sheet (see, e.g., placard  31  in FIG. 4). The frame member  20 A is, thus, configured to display, if desired, information media on the front and back of the display. The frame member  20 A also includes an upwardly extending support flange  25 . The support flange  25  can be used to facilitate hanging of the display. Preferably, the flange includes one or more holes through which a hook, chord or other hanging element can pass to support the display.  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 3(B) shows a frame member  20 B similar to that shown in FIG. 3(A), without the use of the support flange  25 .  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 3(C) shows a frame member  20 C similar to that shown in FIG. 3(A), having booklet binder receiving cavities  22  (i.e., discussed below with reference to FIG. 4). FIG. 3(G) shows a frame member  20 G similar to that shown in FIG. 3(C) with a receiving cavity  22  on only one side of the display.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 3(D) shows a frame member  20 D similar to that shown in FIG. 3(A), having a T-shaped support element  26 . As with the support flange  25 , the T-shaped support element  26  can be used to hang the display-e.g., from an element such as a channel that is configured to engage with the T-shaped support element  26 . The flange  25  and the T-shaped support element  26  represent just a few illustrative means for hanging the display. Other means known in the art could be used depending on circumstances. FIG. 3(F) shows a frame member  20 F similar to that shown in FIG. 3(D) with a receiving channel  24  on only one side of the display.  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 3(E) shows a frame member  20 E similar to that shown in FIG. 3(A), but configured to operate as a connector between two adjacent base sheets. In this manner, the display can be adapted as desired to include multiple display elements. For example, as shown by dashed lines in FIG. 2(E), a frame member  20 E can be used to provide a second, lower display element. Although not illustrated, similar frame members can be used to connect display elements in a side-by-side manner (i.e., as vertical frame members). As shown in FIG. 3(H), connecting frame members can also be provided that omit information media supports (such as; for example, retaining channels and/or cavities  22 , 24 ) on one or more sides (e.g., on both sides in FIG. 3(H)). In the latter case, the connecting element can be used to connect a plurality of base sheets together without or with limited obstruction over the base sheets. This can be desirable when, for example, information media is printed directly on the base sheets and/or information media extends over a plurality of base sheets (i.e., either with common indicia or graphics extending over multiple sheets or with a display sheet sized to fit over multiple base sheets and over the connecting frame member). The frame member  20 H enables the base sheet dimensions to be varied as needed and, as with other features herein, enhances versatility and adaptability of the display.  
         [0056]    While a variety of frame members have been shown and described, various aspects of the frame members can be combined, altered and/or eliminated as needed based on circumstances. In alternative embodiments, a variety of other configurations can be chosen.  
         [0057]    3. Information Media  
         [0058]    As illustrated in FIG. 2(E), the hanging display includes information media  30 . The information media  30  includes displayed information such as, for example, product or service information (such as prices, dates, source identities, characteristics and qualities, promotional information, advertising, etc.), store information (such as hours of operation, sales information, advertising, etc.) and/or other information.  
         [0059]    In some embodiments, the information media includes indicia, graphics or the like provided directly upon or within the base sheet  10  (e.g., photocopied, printed, dyed, etc.). For example, the base sheet can be made with colored materials, such as plastics, providing display information.  
         [0060]    In some embodiments, the information media includes a placard  31  (see, as one example, FIG. 4) on and/in within which indicia, graphics or the like are provided. In some embodiments, the placard can be formed with a generally rigid material (e.g., cardboard, rigid posterboard, plastics or the like). Preferably, the placard is configured such that it can be retained via retaining channels  21  in the frame  20  without additional attaching means. Preferably, the placard is bendable so that it may be placed in the retaining channels  21  after assembling the base sheet  10  to the frame  20 . In some embodiments, the placard can be attached to the base sheet with additional means such as tape, adhesives or the like.  
         [0061]    In some embodiments, the information media includes a booklet  33  containing a plurality of sheets (e.g., sheets  33 A,  33 B,  33 C shown in FIG. 4) that are connected via a binder  34 , such as a spiral binder. These sheets can be used, for example, to vary pricing as needed (e.g., with each sheet containing a particular number, such as the numbers 0-9, etc.). In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a booklet  33  is provided that has an enlarged binder (e.g., spiral binder) and the frame includes a receiving cavity  22  configured to receive the binder  34 . In this latter case, the binder  34  is preferably placed within the cavity by sliding the binder lengthwise into an open end of the cavity  22 .  
         [0062]    Although a single booklet  33  is shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of booklets may be located within the frame in a side-by-side manner. In this manner, as with various other features herein, versatility and adaptability can be increased. In just one of many illustrative examples, four booklets could be provided with each booklet corresponding to a single-digit number to enable pricing to be varied between $00.00 and $99.99.  
         [0063]    4. Multi-Dimensional Displays  
         [0064]    As illustrated in FIGS.  5 (A) and  5 (B), multi-dimensional displays can be created by providing frame members  20 M. The frame members  20 M can be generally similar to the frame members  20 E shown in FIG. 3(E) with an angle θ of less than 180 degrees so that adjacent base sheets can be attached that are not on the same plain. In this manner, as shown in FIG. 5(A), display elements can be connected in a side-by-side manner with an angle θ formed between adjacent display elements. Preferably, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5(B), the frame members  20 M only support information media along a convex or outer side (e.g., such as providing channels  24  only on the outer side as shown). The angle θ can be selected as desired. For example, a four-sided display can be created with angles of 90 degrees (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5(B)), a six-sided display can be created with angles of 60 degrees (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5(A)), etc.  
         [0065]    In addition to using angled frame members  20 M for the generally vertical frame members as shown in FIG. 5(A), angled frame members  20 M could be used for the generally horizontal frame members. For example, a completely enclosed cube or box can easily be created using 90 degree frame members  20 M for both generally horizontal and generally vertical frame members.  
         [0066]    When a multi-dimensional display is provided, it can be readily adapted to rest upon a surface and/or to hang via hanging elements S (e.g., string, cable, hooks and/or the like). Multi-dimensional displays can also include internal illumination sources, such as light bulbs, to enhance the display (e.g., via illumination through the base sheets).  
         [0067]    5. Modified Base Sheets  
         [0068]    In alternative embodiments, the base sheet  10  can be modified to support additional components.  
         [0069]    a. Central Frame Components  
         [0070]    As shown in FIG. 6(A), the base sheet  10  can include one or more connector for attaching central frame components. In the illustrative embodiment, a slot  10 S is provided as a connector. In alternative embodiments, other connectors could be used (e.g., such as holes, ridges, etc.). The slot  10 S can be formed in the base sheet to accommodate a slot-mounted display support component  40 . The display support component  40  can have a variety of configurations. Preferably, the component  40  includes means for supporting a predetermined type of information media, such as a booklet, placard or other media. For example, as shown in FIG. 6(B), the component  40  can include a cavity  22 S that is configured to support the binder (e.g., a spiral binder) of a booklet (e.g., similar to cavity  22  in FIG. 4). In this manner, a single base sheet  10  as shown in FIG. 6(A) can be used to support a single placard or the like (i.e., covering the entire surface of the base sheet and the slot  10 S) or can be used to provide separate display components over the regions  10 A 1 ,  10 A 2  and/or  10 A 3  shown in dashed lines in FIG. 6(A). This after embodiment can be advantageous, for example, to display prices (e.g., within region  10 A 2 ) or the like adjacent product or service information or the like (e.g., within region  10 A 1 ).  
         [0071]    b. Product Holding Components  
         [0072]    As shown in FIG. 7(A), the base sheet  10  can include one or more connector for holding product. In the illustrative embodiment, an array of through-holes  10 B 1  is provided in the base sheet  10  that accommodate holders for retaining product. An illustrative holder  50  is shown in FIG. 7(B). The holder shown in FIG. 7(B) includes rear prongs  51  and  52  that can fit within holes  10 B 1  and forward prongs  53  and  54  that can retain product G as shown in FIG. 7(A). In alternative embodiments, other connectors and product holders could be used, such as clips, pins, tape, adhesive, etc.  
         [0073]    6. Flexible Frame Members  
         [0074]    FIGS.  8 (A) to  8 (D) illustrate some additional embodiments of the invention including flexible frame members. While a few illustrative embodiments are pictured in these figures, any of the various frame members described in this application and/or other frame members encompassed by this disclosure can be formed with flexible sections as desired.  
         [0075]    Among other things, flexible frame members can be provided to enable the formation of: a) multi-sided displays; b) collapsible displays; c) displays adaptable to particular conditions; and/or d) various other advantageous displays. In preferred embodiments, a flexible frame member of a desired configuration is formed from a co-extrusion made with substantially rigid plastic sections co-extruded with a substantially flexible plastic section (e.g., a flexible hinge section) bridging between the substantially rigid plastic sections. Any appropriate substantially rigid and substantially flexible plastic materials known for making co-extrusions, as would be recognized by those in the art based on this disclosure, can be used. In other embodiments, the flexible frame members can be made with other materials and/or via other processes.  
         [0076]    The illustrative example in FIG. 8(B) shows a frame member  200  that is generally similar to the member  20 H shown in FIG. 3(H) and that includes a flexible section  20 HB to facilitate flexure of the frame member. Among other things, this can facilitate handling and/or adaptability. For instance, as shown schematically in FIGS.  8 (C) and  8 (D), a flexible frame member  200  can be used to allow a display to be folded or collapsed into a compact state for transport (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8(D)) and expanded into a display state for use (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8(C)). Among other things, this can facilitate pre-assembly of displays at distant locations (e.g., off site). After assembly, the displays can be folded or collapsed to facilitate transport. Then, the displays can be delivered to the respective display sites and unfolded for use. As illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 8(B), the flexible frame member can include additional portions to facilitate holding display elements or the like (e.g., similar to, for example, the frame member shown in FIG. 3(E)) and/or can be made similar to any of the various frame members shown in FIGS.  3 (A) to  3 (H) with the addition of a flexible section.  
         [0077]    In some embodiments, a flexible frame member can be used to create multi-dimensional displays such as, e.g., illustrated in FIGS.  5 (A) and  5 (B). In that regard, a flexible section can enable a corner frame member (e.g., similar to  20 M) to be set to a desired angle by flexure of the flexible frame member about its flexible section. Accordingly, in some embodiments, substantially identical flexible frame members can be used as corner members in various displays of n sides (e.g.,  3 ,  4 ,  5 , etc., sides).  
         [0078]    [0078]FIG. 8(A) shows another illustrative example with a display member  250  that is generally similar to the member  20 A shown in FIG. 3(A) and that includes a flexible section  25 B to facilitate flexure of the frame member. Among other things, this can facilitate hanging, handling and/or adaptability.  
         [0079]    7. Versatility. Adaptability and Cost Effectiveness  
         [0080]    The various features of the preferred embodiments of the present invention enable a highly versatile and adaptable display. By simply varying a) one or more frame members, b) one or more base sheet (e.g. sizes, etc.), c) information media structure (e.g., direct printing, placards, booklets, etc.) and/or d) information media content (e.g., the advertised information itself, the display can be readily adapted on demand.  
         [0081]    The present invention has very significant advantages over existing systems. For example, the applicant&#39;s prior hanging display system shown in FIG. 8 included an extruded member  100  having a generally flat portion  110  and upper and lower channels  120  integrally formed on the front and back sides. During the extrusion of the member  100  (i.e., including the portion  110  and the channels  120 ), there is a substantial variation in size and shape consistency due to the large width W (i.e., increased width results in increased discrepancy during extrusion). Among other things, this result and the problems associated therewith can be overcome by the present invention. In order to enhance the aesthetics of the display, a border B was included. The required border B, however, was somewhat complex and, hence, somewhat costly when produced on a large scale. Moreover, the applicant&#39;s previous system lacked the versatility and adaptability of the present invention.  
         [0082]    While non-limiting preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein, the present invention encompasses all modifications, alterations and adaptations as would be apparent to those in the art based on this disclosure and as encompassed by the claims which follow. In just some illustrative modifications, the shapes of the frame members can be modified as desired (e.g., to include a different contour, an ornamental pattern and/or another configuration). Additionally, while displays having generally straight frame members are pictured, various other embodiments can include varied, contoured, rounded or otherwise nonlinear frame members. Displays having a variety of sizes and shapes can be made in various embodiments of the invention. In the claims, no limitations are means-plus-function limitations unless expressly defined as such limitations.