Universal signage frame kit for a point of purchase interface such as a speaker post

A signage frame kit for a point of purchase interface, such as a speaker post, is provided. The signage frame kit includes frame elements that can be retrofitted to an existing point of purchase interface. The frame elements provide not only a means for attaching the frame to the point of purchase interface but also provide a means for receiving signage which can be prominently displayed at the point of purchase interface.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed to a frame kit for installation relative to an object and more specifically, to a universal signage frame kit for installation at a point of purchase interface and being configured to display signage.

BACKGROUND

A drive-through, or drive-thru, is a type of service provided by a business that allows customers to purchase products without leaving their cars. Orders are generally placed using a microphone and picked up in person at the window. In a drive-thru, cars create a line and move in one direction through a drive-thru lane. Drive-thrus are now found in the vast majority of modern American fast-food chains and also are prominently found in suburban banks.

A typical drive-thru has a number of different components and features that make the consumer's purchasing decision easy and efficient from the time the consumer's car enters the drive-thru to the time that the car leaves the drive-thru. For example, directional signs direct the consumer's car to the drive-thru lane. At some drive-thrus, a presell board is provided and represents the first opportunity to influence and educate the consumer on the offerings. A clearance bar or the like can be provided to warn vehicles that are too large to exit the lane.

A speaker post is provided and contains a speaker and a microphone connected to a communication base system or to an order verification display (OVD) and/or an order confirmation board (OCB). In some designs, the OVD and speaker post can be integrated. A main menu board and other signage, such as manager's specials, are provided in close proximity to the speaker post and list the offerings. This speaker post can be broadly thought of as being a point of purchase interface.

It is desirable to provide a means for increasing the amount of signage at a point of purchase interface.

SUMMARY

A signage frame kit for a point of purchase interface, such as a speaker post, is provided. The signage frame kit includes first and second supports for placement along two sides of the point of purchase interface. These first and second supports can expand and contract in a vertical direction along the sides of the point of purchase interface. Each of the first and second supports includes a first track and a second track. The first and second tracks extend outwardly (expand and contract) from a base portion of the respective support. In one embodiment, each of the first and second supports comprises a C-shaped structure with a C-shaped channel being defined in each of the first and second tracks as well as the base portion.

Mounting plates located along the first tracks are intended for mounting to a top of the point of purchase interface to securely fasten the frame kit to the point of purchase interface. The frame kit can be fastened using mechanical fasteners or magnetic elements to magnetically fasten the two.

The frame kit also includes a first pair of attachment clips that are detachably coupled to the first and second supports so as to position and retain the first and second supports relative to the point of purchase interface. Each attachment clip has a main section and a pair of legs that extend outwardly from the main section. The legs are configured for placement in one of the first and second tracks and are sized such that the first pair of attachment clips, in combination with the first and second supports, extends around a periphery of the point of purchase interface. The legs of the attachment clip are slidably received within one of the first and second tracks.

A plurality of fasteners is provided for securely locking the attachment clips in a desired location within one of the first and second tracks. Signage can be installed in each of the first and second supports.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

As mentioned herein, one element of a drive-thru is a speaker post (not shown) (or ordering kiosk) which contains a speaker and microphone to allow the consumer to easily place an order. A traditional speaker post is a vertical structure that is mounted to the ground and extends upwardly therefrom. The height of the speaker post is selected so that the speaker and microphone are positioned at an appropriate height relative to a window of a vehicle through which a person places the order. The speaker post can come in any number of different shapes; however, most speaker posts are square or rectangular shaped (however, they could be oval or circular as well, etc.).

The present invention is directed to a universal frame kit (assembly)100for a point of purchase interface, such as a speaker post. It will be understood that while the point of purchase interface is referenced herein as being a speaker post, it can be in other forms and the universal frame kit (assembly)100can be customized for such other uses, such as a kiosk or information display.

FIGS. 1-15illustrate the universal frame kit100according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The universal frame kit100is formed of a number of parts that are coupled to one another in relation to the point of purchase interface to form the assembled frame that is shown inFIG. 1. More specifically, the universal frame kit100generally includes a frame200and signage300that attaches to the frame200.

The frame200includes a first frame support210and a second frame support211. The first vertical support210can be thought of as being a left side vertical support, while the second vertical support211can be thought of as being a right side vertical support that is spaced from the left side vertical support210. As described herein, the first and second vertical supports210,211can be in the form of C-shaped brackets or the like. The two brackets210,211are mirror images of one another and therefore, the individual parts thereof are numbered alike herein.

The left side vertical support210which comprises a C-shaped bracket has a top portion212, an opposing bottom portion220and an intermediate portion230. The top and bottom portions212,220are at least substantially parallel to one another and the intermediate portion230serves to connect the top and bottom portions210,220and is disposed at least substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom portions212,220. The top and bottom portions212,220can be thought of as being tracks that extend outwardly from the intermediate portion230which can itself be thought of as being a base portion that contains a track.

The top portion212includes a top plate214and a first channel section216. The first channel section216is in the form of an inner channel which is C-shaped. The first channel section216is oriented such that the opening of the C-shaped channel faces downward (seeFIG. 6A) and thus, the intermediate base section that is formed between two legs provides a mounting or support surface for the top plate214. Both ends of the first channel section216are open. As shown, the top plate214is mounted flush against the intermediate base section with a majority (e.g., a substantial portion) of the top plate214overhanging the first channel section216. The top plate214is thus oriented parallel to the ground in this orientation and is perpendicular to the intermediate portion230.

As shown inFIG. 6B, a bracket218can be used to attach the top portion214to the first channel section216. The bracket218has an S-shape and one leg of the bracket218seats flush against and is attached to an underside of the top portion214. Another portion of the bracket218seats flush against one leg of the C-shaped first channel section216and a small leg portion of the bracket218is in contact with a lower edge of the one leg of the C-shaped first channel section216.

The top plate214can be thought of as having a front edge217and a rear edge219. The front edge217is closer to the intermediate portion230.

The top plate214includes a tab215as shown inFIG. 6C. The top plate214can take any number of different shapes including a rectangular shape as shown in the figures. However, the top plate214can take different forms including being square shaped and other shapes. The top plate214includes a plurality of holes that allow the top plate214to be mounted to a structure, such as a top surface of the speaker post. One of the holes can be located through the tab215and as shown, there can be three holes that are formed in a linear manner.

The C-shaped first channel section216can include adjustable fasteners219that pass through one leg into the open channel thereof to serve to secure an object within the first channel section216. For example, the fasteners219can be in the form of thumb screws (plastic thumbs screws).

The intermediate portion230includes a first end232which is attached to the first channel section216and a second end234which is attached to the bottom portion220. The intermediate portion230is also a C-shaped structure that is defined by a base section231which faces outwardly and a pair of legs233with a space therebetween. More particularly, the intermediate portion230is positioned such that the base section231is secured to one of the legs of the first channel section216. As can be seen inFIG. 1, the open channel of the intermediate portion230can receive signage.

The inner leg of the intermediate portion230can include fasteners239for securing signage within the open channel of the intermediate portion230. The fasteners239can be in the form of thumb screws or the like which when manipulated allow a force to be applied to the signage inserted into the open channel for gripping and holding the signage. The fasteners239thus face forward and since they pass through the inner leg, they are not visible after installation. The outer leg faces outward toward the consumer.

The bottom portion220has a construction that is different than the top portion210. The bottom portion220does have a C-shape; however, the bottom portion220is formed of an inner channel member240and an outer channel member250. Each of the inner channel member240and the outer channel member250has a C-shape and the inner channel member240is nested within the outer channel member250. As shown inFIG. 7, the free ends of the legs of the outer channel member250can include lips or inwardly directed flanges252that extend over the free ends of the legs of the inner channel member240. These lips252thus serve to securely contain the inner channel member240within the outer channel member250. The inner channel member240can move relative to the outer channel member250in that the inner channel member240can slide within the outer channel member250(this allows the overall length of the bottom portion220to vary to accommodate different sized point of purchase interfaces). As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the inner channel member240extends beyond the distal end of the outer channel member250. Both the inner channel member240and the outer channel member250are open at both ends thereof to allow insertion of an object at each end of the combined channel structure.

The bottom portion220also includes a plurality of fasteners249for engaging and holding signage within the open channel formed therein. As shown in the figures, at least one fastener249passes through the inner channel member240and at least one fastener249passes through the outer channel member250.

The bottom portion220is positioned relative to the intermediate portion230in the same manner as the C-shaped first channel section216. More specifically, both the bottom portion220and the C-shaped first channel section216are located along the same side of the intermediate portion230. The inner channel member240and the outer channel member250are oriented such that the open channels thereof face upward. The open channels of the first channel section216and the inner channel member240and the outer channel member250face one another.

As shown in the figures, the first and second vertical supports210,211are intended for placement on opposite sides of the point of purchase interface (speaker post). The first and second vertical supports210,211are oriented such that the top plates214of each face inwardly towards one another. The two top plates214thus overlie and are secured to the top of the point of purchase interface (e.g., speaker post). The holes located in each top plate214are formed along edges that face one another and are positioned centrally relative to the point of purchase interface so as to allow the first and second vertical supports210,211to be securely fixed to the point of purchase interface.

FIGS. 8-11illustrate an attachment clip400for use in the kit. In particular, the kit includes a plurality of attachment clips400for use in attaching the first and second vertical supports210,211to the point of purchase interface. In the illustrated embodiment, there are four attachment clips400that are used.FIG. 8shows one attachment clip400in an assembled position, whileFIG. 9shows the attachment clip400prior to assembly. The attachment clip400is formed of an inner channel piece410and an outer channel piece420. Each of the inner channel piece410and the outer channel piece420has an L-shape.

The outer channel piece420has a first section422and a second section424. As shown, the first section422is intended for placement in either the front or the rear of the point of purchase interface, while the second section424is intended for placement along the side of the point of purchase interface. The second section424is in the form of a thin rail (e.g., a leg) that is formed perpendicular to the first section (e.g. a main section or base section)422. The second section424has a rectangular shape. As shown inFIG. 11B, the first section422is generally U-shaped and is defined by a top wall425and a pair of opposing side walls426that connect to the top wall425. Each of the free ends of the side walls426includes a lip429that faces inward. The two lips429that face one another thus serve to partially close off the inner space formed between the side walls426.

The second section424has a length that is less than the first section422.

The inner channel piece410has a first section412and a second section414. As shown, the first section412is intended for placement in either the front or the rear of the point of purchase interface, while the second section414is intended for placement along the side of the point of purchase interface. The second section414is in the form of a thin rail (leg) that is formed perpendicular to the first section412. The second section414has a rectangular shape. As shown inFIG. 11A, the first section412is generally U-shaped and is defined by a top wall415and a pair of opposing side walls416that connect to the top wall415. The second section414has a length that is less than the first section412.

In one embodiment, the second sections (legs)414,424have a length that is about 3 inches, while each of the first sections412,422has a length that is about 8 inches.

As shown inFIGS. 8 and 10, the U-shaped structures of the first sections412,422do not intersect the respective second sections414,424in that a gap430is formed between each of the first sections412,422and the respective U-shaped structure of the second sections414,424. In the illustrated embodiment, the gap430comprises a ¼ inch gap.

As shown inFIGS. 8 and 10, the U-shaped first section412of the inner channel piece410is received within the U-shaped first section422of the outer channel piece420so as to allow the two first sections412,422(which are parallel to one another) to be positioned a predetermined distance apart from one another. In other words, when mated together, the inner channel piece410and the outer channel piece420represent a rail within a rail configuration and the channel openings of each both face downwardly.

The kit can also include a topper500which is configured to be disposed along the top of the point of purchase interface. As shown inFIGS. 12-15, the topper500is generally in the form of a bracket and more specifically, an L-shaped bracket. The topper500is defined by a base wall502and a vertical part504which extends upwardly therefrom. A right angle is formed between the base wall502and the vertical part504. The vertical part504is formed of pair of vertical walls, namely, a first vertical wall505and a second vertical wall506. The two vertical walls505,506are parallel to one another with a space507formed therebetween. The space507is designed to receive signage.

The vertical wall505can be thought of as being a forward wall, while the vertical wall506can be thought of as being a rear wall. The forward vertical wall505is thus formed at the front edge of the base wall502. The rear vertical wall506includes a number of fasteners509that pass therethrough and are intended to engage and hold the signage in place within the space (slot)507. The fasteners509can be in the form of plastic thumb screws that when tightened, apply a force to the signage that is located within the slot507. In the illustrated embodiment there are two thumb screws509.

The assembly of the kit100relative to the point of purchase interface will now be discussed with reference toFIGS. 1-15. As mentioned, the first vertical support210is positioned on the left side of the point of purchase interface and the second vertical support211is placed on the right side of the point of purchase interface with the top plates214thereof being positioned on the top of the point of purchase interface. The first channel sections216extend along the two sides of the point of purchase interface near the top thereof and similarly, the bottom portions220extend along the two sides of the point of purchase interface. As mentioned previously, fasteners pass through the top plates214to securely attach the first and second vertical supports210,211to the point of purchase interface.

In an alternative embodiment, the coupling between the top plate214and the point of purchase interface can be a releasable magnetic connection. More specifically, the top plate214can be formed of a magnetic material or the top plate214can includes one or more magnets coupled thereto. Most point of purchase interfaces are formed of metal and thus, the top plate214is magnetically coupled to the point of purchase interface due to the magnetic attraction between the top plate214and the point of purchase interface. When magnetic attraction is used as the mechanism for coupling the top plate214to the point of purchase interface, fasteners can be eliminated.

The frame of the kit100is additionally secured to the point of purchase interface using the attachment clips400. As shown in the figures, four (4) attachment clips400can be used to further attach the first and second vertical supports210,211. More specifically, two attachment clips400are used at the top of the point of purchase interface and two attachment clips400are used at the bottom of the point of purchase interface.

Two (2) attachment clips400are used in conjunction with the C-shaped channel section216of each of the first and second vertical supports210,211. In other words, one attachment clip400is inserted into a forward end of the C-shaped channel section216of each of the first and second vertical supports210,211. The second sections414,424of the attachment clip400are inserted into the open forward ends of the C-shaped channel sections216. Fasteners221are used to securely attach the attachment clip400to the forward section of the C-shaped channel section216. More specifically, when the illustrated thumb screws221are tightened, the screws221are driven into intimate contact with and apply a force against the second sections414,424of the attachment clip400. This results in one attachment clip400being securely attached to the front of the point of purchase interface. Similarly, another attachment clip400is inserted into a rear end of the C-shaped channel section216of each of the first and second vertical supports210,211. The second sections414,424of the other attachment clip400are inserted into the open rear ends of the C-shaped channel sections216. Fasteners221are used to securely attach the attachment clip400to the rear section of the C-shaped channel section216. More specifically, when the illustrated thumb screws221are tightened, the screws221are driven into intimate contact with and apply a force against the second sections414,424of the other attachment clip400. This results in one attachment clip400being securely positioned along the rear of the point of purchase interface.

In the same manner, the two attachment clips400are attached to the bottom portions220. One attachment clip400is inserted into a forward end of the outer channel250of each of the first and second vertical supports210,211. The second sections414,424of the attachment clip400are inserted into the open forward ends of the outer channels250. Fasteners249are used to securely attach the attachment clip400to the forward section of the outer channels250. More specifically, when the illustrated thumb screws249are tightened, the screws249are driven into intimate contact with and apply a force against the second sections414,424of the attachment clip400. This results in one attachment clip400being securely positioned along the front of the point of purchase interface. Similarly, another attachment clip400is inserted into a rear end of the inner channel240of each of the first and second vertical supports210,211. The second sections414,424of the other attachment clip400are inserted into the open rear ends of the inner channels240of the first and second vertical supports210,211. Fasteners221are used to securely attach the attachment clip400to the rear section of the C-shaped channel section216. More specifically, when the illustrated thumb screws249are tightened, the screws249are driven into intimate contact with and apply a force against the second sections414,424of the other attachment clip400. This results in one attachment clip400being securely positioned along the rear of the point of purchase interface.

It will be understood that prior to coupling the attachments clips400to the C-shaped channel sections216, the width of each attachment clip400is adjusted by moving the inner channel member410within the outer channel member420.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, there are four attachment clips400used to secure the frame of the kit100to the point of purchase interface. It will be appreciated that, as mentioned above, each attachment clip400can be adjusted so as to accommodate different sized point of purchase interfaces and further the open track nature of the receiving channels formed at both the top and the bottom of the frame accommodate different sized point of purchase interfaces since the legs (second sections) of the attachment clips can slidably travel within the respective channels and be locked in certain places using the fasteners (thumb screws). In other words, the degree at which the attachment clips400are inserted into the respective channels can be selected depending upon the characteristics (properties) of the point of purchase interface (i.e., the size of the point of purchase interface). These fitting features thus allow the kit100to be retrofitted to any number of different types of existing point of purchase interfaces (e.g., existing speaker posts).

As shown in the figures, when the top pair of attachment clips400is combined with the channel sections216, they define a square shaped frame structure that extends around the periphery of the point of purchase interface. When the bottom pair of attachment clips400is combined with the inner channel member410and the outer channel member420, they also define a square shaped frame structure that extends around the periphery of the point of purchase interface.

The topper500can be an optional accessory that is mounted to the top or above the top of the point of purchase interface. For example, the base502of the topper500can be mounted to the top plates214or to the point of purchase interface so as to position the forward section505at or near the front of the point of purchase interface.

Signage300can be installed in multiple locations as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. The frame kit100includes a number of channels, as described herein, that can receive the signage300and the respective fasteners associated with the channels provide a means for securely holding the signage in place within the respective channels. For example, the open channel formed between the legs233of the intermediate portion230can receive signage302(e.g., a flat plastic sign) and since this open channel faces outward, the signage302extends outward and is positioned perpendicular to the side of the point of purchase interface. Fasteners239are used to secure the signage in place. It will be understood that more than one sign302can be disposed within this open channel.

Each of the first and second vertical supports210,211includes such a channel, thereby allowing two attachment points (areas) for the signage302. As shown inFIG. 1, when signage is placed in both channels, the signage302is located in the same plane and extends outwardly from opposing sides of the point of purchase interface.

A front piece of signage304can also be provided and is constructed to be disposed along the front of the point of purchase interface. In the illustrated embodiment, the signage304includes a U-shaped sign that is defined by a front wall305and a pair of side walls306. The side walls306provide the means for anchoring the signage304to the frame of the kit100. In particular, the side walls306are inserted into the downwardly facing channel formed in the channel section216in the top portion of the frame and the upwardly facing channel section formed in the inner channel240of the bottom portion of the frame. In particular, the top edges of the side walls306are received within the respective channel sections216and similarly, the bottom edges of the side walls306are received within the inner channels240, this results in locking of the signage304in the frame. The front portion of the signage304extends in front of the point of purchase interface (speaker post). The front portion can include an opening to accommodate the speaker (so as to leave the speaker uncovered).

Additional signage307can be added to the topper500. The signage307can be inserted into the slot507and the fasteners509are used to secure the signage305within the topper500. The signage307is positioned above the top of the point of purchase interface.

The signage302,304,305can all lie within the same plane as shown when installed in the frame. This provides a clean fit and appearance.

It will be appreciate that the fasteners associated with the frame allow for the signage to be easily changed. Any number of different types of signage can be used including advertising based signage, informational signage, such as menu boards, etc. While the point of purchase interface can be at a retail drive through, it can also be part of a kiosk type setting.

As mentioned, the signage at any of the illustrated locations can be formed of a plurality of signs that are stacked, etc.

It will further be appreciated that a locking mechanism can be incorporated in the frame so as to prevent undesired removal of the signage. For example, a lock mechanism can be incorporated into one or more of the fasteners or a separate lock can be incorporated into the design to prevent removal of the signage. The lock can include a key mechanism, such as one which prevents unlocking and removal of the fastener.

While the frame is shown as containing vertical support members that have channel structure at both the top and bottom, it will be appreciated that the frame kit could include only one of the channel structures (e.g., at either the top and bottom channels). The use of two channel structures and two pairs of attachment clips adds increased stability and additional attachment points and thus is preferred.

In addition, the channel structures discussed herein can also be thought of as being track members that define one or more tracks that receive an object, such as signage or the attachment clips or other structures.

It will be understood that the kit100can be provided in a single package (box) with the necessary components to allow for mounting to the point of purchase interface. In particular and as mentioned herein, the kit100is intended to be universal in that the kit100can be installed on a variety of existing point of purchase interfaces. In particular, the adjustability of both the vertical supports and the attachment clips allow for the frame to be installed on a variety of different shaped point of purchase interfaces (e.g., point of purchase interfaces that have different sizes and shapes, etc.).

The frame kit of the present invention offers a means for easily increasing the amount of signage at the point of purchase interface without having to make structural changes to the actual point of purchase interface. The number of signs (e.g., advertisements) and the shapes and sizes thereof can be selected by the user based on different parameters such as spacing considerations and the type of retail establishment, etc.

Since the bottom channel structures (inner channel240/outer channel250) are disposed alongside the sides of the point of purchase interface, the frame kit can be used with point of purchase interfaces that have different heights. The mounting plates214do close off the inner space of the frame kit and thus, the mounting plates214must be placed along the top or above the point of purchase interface. However, the design and mating between the attachment clips and the bottom channel structures of the two vertical supports allow for attachment of the bottom of the frame kit at a variety of locations. In other words, the bottom attachment clips do not have to be at the ground surface but instead can be spaced some distance from the ground surface. Since the bottom channels do carry the signage, it is preferred that the bottom channel and bottom attachment clips be located as close to the ground surface as possible so as to avoid any unsightly gaps between the bottom of the signage and the ground surface.

In one embodiment, the frame is thus configured to be placed along three sides of the point of purchase interface and thus, offers constraint along these three sides. In addition, the piece of signage can be a foldable structure that a main front portion and two side portions that fold relative to the main front portion and along a pair of fold lines. As described herein, the edges of the first piece of signage are received within respective channels (tracks) to secure the first piece of signage to the frame. Once assembled, the first piece of signage is thus positioned along the front and two opposing sides of the point of purchase interface. As a result of the folding nature, the construction of the first piece of signage allows for the use of a single piece of signage as opposed to three separate articles of signage.

It will be appreciated that the various parts of the present kit can be formed of materials that are suitable for the intended application and in particular, can be made typically of plastics and/or metals. The signage is made of appropriate materials as well depending upon the location of the intended application, (i.e., outside or not) and typically, the signs are plastics sheets (films).

While the present invention has been described above using specific embodiments, there are many variations and modifications that will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art. As such, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative, and not restrictive. Therefore, the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.