DATA CARD HOLDER AND MOUNTING MEMBER THEREFOR

Abstract: This invention is directed to a data card holder (10), and more particularly to a magnifying price card holder (10), and mounting member therefor, which can be attached to a store shelf or other surface. The data card (10) includes a first transparent region (14) which is arranged to overlay consumer information and a second transparent region (16) which is arranged to overlay the bar code (29). The first transparent region (14) features a magnifying lens (26) and the second transparent region features a means (28) for guiding a data scanning device. The invention is also directed to a data card holder assembly having a data card holder removably attached to a mounting member. The data card holder (310) has a first transparent region (314) which is arranged to overlay the consumer information and a second transparent region (316) which is arranged to overlay the bar code. The first transparent region (314) and the second transparent region (316) form an angle of about 90 DEG so that the second transparent region (316) is preferably not visible to the consumer. The first transparent region (314) features a magnifying lens (326) and the second transparent region (316) features a guide means (328) for a data scanning device.

Description: DATA CARD HOLDER AND MOUNTING MEMBER THEREFOR Background of the Invention This invention relates generally to data card holders, and more particularly to magnifying price card holders, and a mounting member therefor, which can be attached to store shelves or other surfaces. The conventional system for displaying data cards in a store consists of merely slipping the data card into a channel in the face of the shelf. The data card is retained in the channel by a pair of oppositely disposed hook-shaped flanges which extend the length of the shelf face. As used herein, the phrase "data card" is defined to include price cards, price tags, labels, and the like. Typically, a price card has a first portion which carries consumer information (i.e. , product price and size) and a second portion which carries inventory control data (i.e., bar codes) which must be read with the aid of an electronic data-scanning device. The conventional system suffers from a number of drawbacks. First, price cards which are attached to the lowest and the highest shelves are often difficult, if not impossible, for a consumer to read because they are far away and the size of the printing is limited by the dimensions of the shelf face. Second, the channel in conventional shelf faces are shaped in such a way that when a price card is inserted therein, the information will be facing in a generally upward direction. As a result, price cards on the highest shelves are even more difficult to read because they face away from the consumer. Third, it is a time-consuming task for a clerk to scan the bar codes because the scanning device must be aligned with the bar code in a precise manner. Often times it will take a clerk two or three attempts before an accurate reading is made. Fourth, the conventional system does not protect price cards from intentional defacement or wear and tear as customers brush up against them. Fifth, the conventional system often fails to keep the price cards in their proper location because they can be easily slid along the shelf face. In some cases, the price cards have an adhesive backing so that they can be held in place. However, there are disadvantages to adhesive-backed cards: (1) they are more costly to manufacture than plain paper cards and (2) it is a time consuming task for a store clerk to remove these adhesive-backed cards when the price of a product changes or its location in the store changes. Thus, it is an object of this invention to provide a price card holder which magnifies the consumer information printed on the price card. It is another object of this invention to provide a data card holder which directs the consumer information toward the consumer's line of vision. It is still another object of this inventory to provide a data card holder which facilitates the use of electronic data scanning devices. It is a further object of this invention to provide a holder which protects labels and price cards from defacement and wear. It is yet another object of this invention to provide a card holder which prevents a label or price card from being displaced along a shelf face. Summary of the Invention The invention relates to magnifying data card holders, and mounting members therefor, which can be attached to store shelves. The invention features a holder for a data card having a first portion carrying consumer data and a second portion carrying bar code data. The holder can be attached directly to the face of a shelf or similar surface. The data card holder includes a first transparent region and a second transparent region. The first transparent region is arranged to overlay the first portion of the data card, and the second transparent region is arranged to overlay the second portion of the data card. The first transparent region includes a lens for magnifying consumer information such as product price. The second transparent region includes a longitudinally extending ridge or lip for guiding a data-scanning device across the bar code. In another embodiment, the data card holder of this invention can be directly attached to a cylindrical bumper rail. The first and second transparent regions are generally curvilinear to accommodate the shape of the rail. The first transparent region includes a lens for magnifying consumer information such as product price. The second transparent region includes a longitudinally extending ridge or lip for guiding a data-scanning device across the bar code. This embodiment of the holder of the invention also includes a curvilinear support for the data card which terminates in a latch member for securing the holder to cylindrical rail. The invention also features a data card assembly having a data card holder and a mounting member. The data card holder has a first transparent region and a second transparent region. The first transparent region has a magnifying lens, and the second transparent region has a guide for a data scanning device. The first transparent region and the second transparent region form an angle of about 90°. The card holder is removably attached to a mounting member. The mounting member has a first connector portion for attachment to the card holder and a second connector portion for attachment to the shelf face. The invention also features another embodiment of the data card assembly which includes a holder suitable for use on high shelves. In the data card holder of this embodiment, the first transparent region and the second transparent region meet at an angle of greater than about 90°. The data card holder features a gripping flange extension for positioning the first transparent region away from the mounting member so that the consumer information is directed downward. Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments in view of the accompanying figures. Brief Description of the Figures of the Drawing Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a data card holder, with some portions of the data card removed. Fig. 2 is a cross-section of the data card holder shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a data card holder, with some portions of the data card removed. Fig. 4 is a cross-section of the data card holder shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a data card holder, showing the data card holder attached directly to a cylindrical rail. Fig. 6 is a cross-section of the data card holder shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a data card holder assembly, showing the data card holder and mounting member, with some portions of the data card removed. Fig. 8 is a cross-section of the data card holder assembly shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a cross-section of the data card holder assembly shown in Fig. 7, showing the data card holder being attached to the mounting member. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a data card holder assembly, showing the data card holder and mounting member, with some portions of the data card removed. Fig. 11 is a cross-section of the data card holder assembly shown in Fig. 10. Like elements are referred to by the same reference numerals in the various figures. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention The instant invention is directed to data card holders which can be attached to a store shelf or other surface. In particular, the invention is directed to magnifying data card holders which can be directly attached to a shelf face and magnifying data card holder assemblies which include a data card holder and a mounting member. Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, one embodiment of a data card holder of the claimed invention is shown. Data card holder 10, which is attached directly to a shelf face 12 or a similar surface, includes a first transparent region 14, a second transparent region 16, and a rear support member 18. The first transparent region 14 and the second transparent region 16 are oriented so that they can both be easily viewed at the same time. Data card 20 is a price card which includes a first portion 22 for displaying data or information for the consumer (i.e., product price, product name, and size) and a second portion 24, positioned beneath the first portion, for displaying information or data for the use of store personnel (i.e. , bar codes). The first transparent region 14 is arranged to overlay the first portion 22 of the data card 20 when the data card 20 is supported in the holder 10. The second transparent region 16 is arranged to overlay the second portion 24 of the data card 20 when the data card 20 is supported in the holder 10. The data card 20 is retained in data card holder 10 by resilient support member 18 which may contact the inner surface of the first transparent region 14. The first transparent region 14 includes a magnifying lens 26, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The magnifying lens 26 is preferably convexo-convex, but it may be any shape, including plano-convex and convexo- concave. Thus, when a data card 20 is inserted in data card holder 10, the consumer data will be magnified. The extent of magnification, which is dependent upon the shape of the magnifying lens 26, will be preferably at least about 30%. The magnification of the first portion 22 of the data card 20 allows the consumer information on upper shelves to be read with little or no difficulty. Another feature of the invention is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. A longitudinally extending guide 28 is provided on the outer surface of the second transparent region 16. Guide 28 is preferably a lip or ridge upon which a store clerk can slide an electronic data-scanning device for reading a bar code 29. Guide 28 provides a means for aligning the scanning device with the bar code 29 to ensure that an accurate reading is taken and that only one pass of the scanning device is needed. Guide 28 allows the readings to be taken very quickly, thereby increasing the efficiency of the personnel. Guide 28 is preferably positioned at or near the base of the second transparent region 16; however, it should be understood that the guide 28 may be located in other positions, including, for example, at or near the junction of the first transparent region 14 and the second transparent region 16. Still referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the means of attaching the data card holder 10 to a shelf face 12 is described. Upper latch member 30 and lower latch member 32 project away from the rear support member 18 in opposite directions. The terminal end 34 of upper latch member 30 and the terminal end 36 of lower latch member 32 are preferably tapered so that they mate with the corresponding upper and lower hook-shaped flanges 38, 40 of the shelf face 12, thereby facilitating retention of the card holder 10 by shelf face 12. The data card holder resists movement along shelf face 12 because the resilient latch members 30, 32 exert a force, indicated by arrow M, against the inside surface of hook flanges 38, 40. As oriented in Figs. 1 and 2, upper latch member 30 and lower latch member 32 are substantially equal in length. In this configuration, the data card holder 10 is most suitable for use on shelves that are at or near eye level because the price card will be oriented generally parallel to the shelf face. The data card holder can be fabricated such that upper latch member 30 is longer than lower latch member 32. In this configuration, the data card holder is particularly well- suited for use on high shelves because the data card will be projected downward so it is visible to the consumer below. Similarly, the lower latch member 32 can be made longer than the upper latch 30 member so that the data card holder can be used on lower shelves. Insertion and removal of data card 20 is facilitated by tab 42. Tab 42 is formed by extending first transparent region 14 beyond the end terminus of rear support 18. By placing one's fingers on the inner surface 43 of tab 42, and exerting a slight force away from rear support 18, a space will be provided for receiving the data card 20. Data cards may be inserted or removed from the card holder 10 regardless of whether the card holder is attached to the shelf face 12. Referring now to Figs. 3 and 4, a second embodiment of a data card holder is shown. Data card holder 110, like data card holder 10 in Figs. 1 and 2 , can be directly attached to a shelf face 12. Data card holder 110 includes a first transparent region 114, a second transparent region 116, and a rear support member 118. The first transparent region 114 and the second transparent region are oriented so that they can both be viewed at the same time. As described previously, first transparent region 114 is arranged to overlay the first portion 22 of the data card 20 when data card 20 is supported in holder 10. The second transparent region 116 is arranged to overlay the second portion 24 of the data card 20 when the data card 20 is supported in the holder 110. The data card 20 is retained in data card holder 110 by resilient support member 118 which preferably forces the data card 20 into contact with the inner surfaces of the first and second transparent regions 114, 116. The first transparent region 114 includes a magnifying lens 126. The magnifying lens 126 is plano¬ convex; however, it may be any shape, including convexo- concave and convexo-convex. When data card 20 is inserted in data card holder 110, the consumer information on the first portion 22 of the data card will be magnified. The extent of the magnification, which is related to the shape of the lens 126, will be preferably at least about 30%. Longitudinally extending guide 128 is provided on the outer surface of the second transparent region 116. Guide 128 is preferably a lip or ridge for sliding an electronic data-scanning device. Guide 128 is preferably positioned at, or near, the base of the second transparent region 116; however, it may also be located in another position, including, for example, at or near the junction of the first transparent region 114 and the second transparent region 116. Still referring to Figs. 3 and 4, the manner by whicn the data card holder 110 is attached to shelf face 12 is described. Lower latch member 132 projects away from rear support 118. Upper latch member 130 is formed by extending the support member 118 past the terminus of the inside surface of the first transparent region 114. Thus, the upper portion of support member 118 forms the upper latch member 130. The latch members 130, 132 mate with the upper and lower hook flanges 38, 40 of the shelf face 12 in the manner described previously with respect to Figs. 1 and 2. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the bottom latch member 132 is longer than upper latch member 130, thereby causing the data card 20 to face in a generally upward direction. This configuration is suitable for use on a lower shelf. However, data card holder 110 can be modified for use on high shelves by making the upper latch member 130 longer than the lower latch member 132. In this configuration, the data card holder 110 will face in a generally downward direction. Referring now to Figs. 5 and 6, a third embodiment of a data card holder is shown. Data card holder 210 can be attached directly to a cylindrical mounting rail 212. As oriented in Figs. 5 and 6, cylindrical rail 212 is secured to bottom shelf 213 by means of rail support 215. Preferably, rail 212 is used along the periphery of the bottom shelf 213 to protect the goods from impact and to hold the goods on the shelf. However, cylindrical mounting rail 212 may also be used in supermarkets or other stores for protecting walls, shelves, display islands and checkstands from damage caused by the impact of objects such as shopping carts and the like. The data card holder 210 includes a first transparent region 214, a second transparent region 216, and a support member 218 which are each generally curvilinear in order to accommodate the cylindrical shape of the mounting rail 212. The rear support 218 terminates in a latch member 242 which can be removably attached to the mounting rail 212. The mounting rail 212 preferably has a latch receiving channel 244, i.e. , groove, for engaging the latch member 242. When the latch member 242 is seated in channel 244, the data card holder resists rotation about the mounting rail 212. The first transparent region 214 preferably includes a lens 226 for magnifying a first portion 22 of the data card 20. The lens 226 is preferably convexo-concave, but it may be any shape, including plano-convexo and convexo- convex. When data card 22 is inserted in the card holder 210, the first and second transparent regions 214, 216 will overlay the data card 20 so that the consumer information printed on first portion 22 will be magnified by lens 226 of the first transparent region 214. The extent of the magnification is related to the shape of the lens 226, but is preferably at least about 30%. A longitudinally extending guide 228 is provided on the outer surface of the second transparent region 216. Guide 228 is preferably a ridge or lip for sliding an electronic data-scanning device along the outer surface of second transparent region 216. Referring to Figs. 7 and 8, one embodiment of the data card holder assembly of the invention is shown. Data card holder 310 is preferably used in conjunction with mounting member 350 for shelves which are at, or near, eye level. Data card holder 310 is removably attached to mounting member 350 which, in turn, is removably attached to a shelf face 12 or other surface. Data card holder 310 includes a first transparent region 314 and a second transparent region 316. First transparent region 314 is arranged to overlay the first portion 22 of the data card 20 when data card 20 is supported in holder 310. The second transparent region 316 is arranged to overlay the second portion 24 of the data card 20 when data card 20 is supported in holder 310. As oriented in Fig. 8, first transparent region 314 and second transparent region 316 form an angle of about 90°. However, it is understood that the angle may vary depending on the particular configuration of the first connector portion 352 of mounting member 350. Thus, the card holder 310 of this embodiment makes it possible to separate the consumer information from the bar code by arranging for the second transparent region 316 to face away from the consumer. The first transparent region 314 includes a lens 326 for magnifying the first portion 22 of the data card 20. The magnifying lens is preferably plano-convex; however, it may be any shape, including convexo-concave and convexo-convex. When a data card 20 is inserted into the data card holder 310, the consumer information is magnified, and, therefore, easier to read. The extent of magnification will vary with the shape of the lens 326, but it will preferably be at least about 30%. The second portion 24 of the data card 20 provides the bar code data, and is visible through the second transparent region 318. Still referring to Figs. 7 and 8, it can be seen that guide 328 is provided on the outer surface of second transparent region 316. Guide 328 is preferably a ridge or lip for sliding an electronic data-scanning device along the outer surface of the second transparent region 316. The guide 328 is preferably integral with the card holder and formed during the molding or extrusion process. The guide 328 may be located anywhere along the second transparent region 316; however, it is preferably positioned at, or near, the base of the second transparent region 316. As explained above, the guide means 328 enables a store clerk to quickly and accurately read the bar code. More importantly, the guide 328 eliminates the need to have the bar code visible to the person operating the scanning device because the guide will align the scanning device with the bar code in a precise manner. The mounting member of the invention is illustrated with reference to Fig. 8. Mounting member 350 is used to attach card holder 310 to shelf face 12. In general, mounting member 350 is provided with a first connector portion 352 which is removably attached to data card holder 310, and a second connector portion 354 spaced from the first connection portion 352, and arranged for removable attachment to a support, such as shelf face 12. First connector portion 352 preferably includes flange 356, flange 358, flange 360, flange 362, and latch extension 364. The second connector portion 354 preferably includes upper latch member 364 and lower latch member 366 which extend outward and away from first connector portion 352. The end termini 368, 370 of upper and lower latch members 364, 366 are preferably tapered so that they fit snugly within the corresponding hook flanges 38, 40 of the shelf face 12. The mounting member 350 is attached to shelf face 12 by resting the lower latch member 366 in the hook flange 40 of the shelf face 12, and then applying a slight force to push the upper latch member 364 into the hook flange 38 of shelf face 12. Alternatively, the mounting member 350 may be attached to shelf face 12 by placing the upper latch member 364 in the hook flange 38 of the shelf face 12, and then applying a slight force to push the lower latch member 361 into hook flange 40. The mounting member 350 resists removal and movement along the shelf face 12 because the resilient latch members 364, 366 provide a force in the direction designated by arrow R, against the inside of hook flanges 38, 40 which hold the mounting member 350 firmly in place. In order to remove the mounting member 350 from shelf face 12 a force must be applied in the direction designated by arrow S to remove the tapered end 368 of the upper latch member 364 from within the hook flange 38 of the shelf face 12. Alternatively, the mounting member 350 can be removed from the shelf face 12 by applying a similar force to lower latch member 364. The preferred manner by which data card holder 310 is attached to the mounting member 350 will be understood with reference to Fig. 9. Data card 20 is placed along the inside surfaces of the first transparent region 314 and the second transparent region 316 and retained in place by the inside surface of gripping flange 380 and the inside surface of hook member 378. The hook member 378 of data card holder 310 is then mated with, i.e. , slipped over, latch extension 364 of the first connector portion 352. A force is then applied in the direction indicated by arrow N until the gripping flange 380 engages the outer surface of flange 356 of first connector portion 352. Gripping flange 380 is adjacent the first transparent region 314 and forms an angle therewith. The size of the angle will depend on the configuration of the first connector portion 352 of the mounting member 350. However, preferably the angle is less than about 90° when gripping flange 380 is in a relaxed state. Referring to Figs. 10 and 11, a second embodiment of the data card assembly of the invention is shown. As described below, data card holder 410, is preferably used on high shelves, i.e. , shelves above eye level, because it is designed to display the relevant consumer information downward. Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of data card holder 410 and mounting member 350 as seen from below. Data card holder 410 is removably attached to first connector portion 352 of mounting member 350. Data card holder 410 includes a first transparent region 414, a second transparent region 416, and data card support 417. As oriented in Figs. 10 and 11, the first transparent region 414 and the second transparent region 416 form an angle which is greater than about 90°. However, it is understood that the angle may vary depending on the configuration of the first connector portion 352 of mounting member 350 and on the extent to which the first portion 22 of data card 20 needs to be projected downward. The manner in which data card holder 410 is attached to mounting member 350 is essentially the same as described previously with respect to Fig. 9. Data card holder 410 includes a gripping flange 480 and gripping flange extension 482 for positioning the first transparent region 414 away from first connector portion 352 of mounting member 350 so that the consumer information on the data card can be comfortably read from below. The gripping flange 480 can be made in any length to accommodate the height of the shelf. Card holder 410 also includes a longitudinally extending data card support 417 which holds the data card between the support 417 and the inside surface of the lens 326. The data card holders described above are preferably extruded from a clear plastic material such as butyrate. However, they may also be molded or extruded from other materials which will be known to those skilled in the art. The mounting member is preferably made from a resilient vinyl material, such as polyvinyl chloride. Polyvinyl chloride may be clear or colored to virtually any desirable color. The data card holder can be fabricated in virtually any desirable size to accommodate the dimensions of any data card or any shelf. Preferably, the data card holders are between one inch and three inches in length. The mounting member may also be fabricated in any desirable length, including lengths of several feet which can be attached to the entire length of a shelf face. The foregoing description should be taken as illustrative and not limiting in any sense. Other embodiments of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims: What is claimed is: 1. In a holder for supporting a data card having a first portion carrying a first set of data and having a second portion carrying a second set of data, said holder having a means for attachment to a support, the improvement comprising: a first transparent region arranged to overlay a first portion of said data card when said data card is supported in said holder; a second transparent region arranged to overlay a second portion of said data card when said data card is support in said holder; and means for guiding a data scanning device along an outer surface of said second transparent region. 2. The holder of claim 1, said first transparent region providing means for magnifying said first portion of said data card. 3. The holder of claim 2, wherein said magnifying means is one of a plano-convex lens, a convexo-concave lens, and a convexo-convex lens. 4. The holder of claim 1, wherein said first transparent region and said second transparent region form an angle. 5. The transparent holder of claim 4, wherein said angle is about 90°. 6. The data card holder of claim 1, wherein said guide means is a longitudinally extending ridge. 7. The holder of claim 1, wherein said data card is a price card. 8. The transparent holder of claim 5, wherein said data card holder is a resilient plastic. 9. A data card holder assembly comprising, in combination, a mounting member and a holder for supporting a data card having a first portion carrying a first set of data and having a second portion carrying a second set of data, said holder removably attached to said mounting member: (a) The holder comprising: (i) a first transparent region arranged to overlay a first portion of said data card when said data card is supported in said holder; (ii) a second transparent region arranged to overlay a second portion of said data card when said data card is supported in said holder; (iii) means for guiding a data scanning device along an outer surface of said second transparent region; and (iv) means for securing said holder to said mounting member; and (b) The mounting member comprising: (i) a first connector portion removably attached to said data card holder; and (ii) a second connector portion spaced from said first connector portion and arranged for removable attachment to a support. 10. The assembly of claim 9, said first transparent region providing means for magnifying said first portion of said data card. 11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein said magnifying means is one of a plano-convex lens, a convexo-concave lens, and a convexo-convex lens. 12. The assembly of claim 9, wherein said first transparent region and said second transparent region form an angle. 13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein said angle is about 90°. 14. The assembly of claim 9, wherein said second connector portion is a pair of outwardly extending latch members for engaging the oppositely disposed hook flanges of a shelf face. 15. The assembly of claim 9, wherein said guide means is a longitudinally extending ridge. 16. The assembly of claim 9, further comprising a longitudinally extending support member for positioning said data card between said mounting member and an inside surface of said first transparent region. 17. The assembly of claim 9, wherein said mounting member is a resilient plastic. 18. A holder for supporting a data card having a first portion carrying a first set of data and having a second portion carrying a second set of data, said holder comprising: a first transparent region arranged to overlay a first portion of said data card when said data card is supported in said holder; a second transparent region arranged to overlay a second portion of said data card when said data card is supported in said holder; means for guiding a data scanning device along an outer surface of said second transparent region; and a data card support terminating in a latch member for securing said data card holder to a cylindrical rail. 19. The holder of claim 18, said first transparent region providing means for magnifying said first portion of said data card. 20. The holder of claim 19, wherein said magnifying means is one of a plano-convex lens, a convexo-concave lens and a convexo-convex lens. 21. The data card holder of claim 18, wherein said guide means is a longitudinally extending ridge.

Inventors: EVERAARTS JUDITH, HUTSON ESTHER D, MANNING JOSEPH W, OUDE KEMPERS JOHAN HENDRIK MAR, RUBIN RICHARD J, EVERAARTS, JUDITH, HUTSON, ESTHER, D., MANNING, JOSEPH, W., OUDE KEMPERS, JOHAN, HENDRIK, MARINUS, RUBIN, RICHARD, J.
Applicants: BOSTON METAL PROD CORP, BOSTON METAL PRODUCTS CORP.
Application year: 1992
Main classification: G09F21
IPC codes: G09F3