Abstract:
A holder for planar material includes a first panel and a second panel hingedly connected to the first panel. A prong is secured to the first panel and extends in a direction approximately normal thereto. The prong has a pointed tip. An aperture is defined in the second panel. The pointed tip pierces an associated planar material located between the panels such that the prong of the first panel can pass through the associated planar material and enter the aperture of the second panel when the first panel overlies a portion of the second panel, thereby holding the associated planar material between the first and second panels. A clip is connected to at least one of the first and second panels. The clip allows the holder to be mounted to an associated support. In another embodiment, each of the first and second panels includes an extension and a hinge connects the first and second extensions thereby allowing the first panel, and the first extension, to be pivoted in relation to the second panel and the second extension. This enables the holder to be selectively mounted on a wire component of an associated support.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to sign holders. More particularly, the present invention relates to a holder for planar or sheet material wherein the holder has a pair of hingedly connected panels and a prong on one panel which is adapted to pass through a hole in the other panel. 
     The invention is particularly applicable to holders or display devices useful in a retail environment where price sheets or other signs need to be displayed to purchasers. However, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention has broader applications and may also be adapted for use in many other environments, such as holding a plurality of sheets together or holding a display fixture to a support. 
     It is conventional practice in retail establishments to indicate the price of merchandise held on shelves with price sheets being mounted to the shelf adhesively or with some type of support or clip. The price sheet may be positioned in a plane parallel to the front edge of a shelf or a peg board type display or in a plane perpendicular to the front edge to call the buyer&#39;s attention to the goods. 
     It is desirable that sheets be mounted securely to prevent accidental or mischievous dislodgement. Previously known clips accomplish this through mechanical locking means. For example, a pin and slot arrangement or gripping teeth would prevent the removal of the sheet except by manually disengaging the locking means. Some such clips are made from several parts to facilitate the removal of sheets. However, such devices are more costly to produce than is a one piece device. 
     A known one-piece clip includes first and second panels that are hingedly connected to each other. One of the panel members includes a prong which extends through an aperture in the other panel member thereby impaling a sheet of planar material therebetween. Such a design is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,803, which issued on Dec. 27, 1994. However, this known design is only useful for a limited range of retail displays, namely C channels. It would be desirable to adapt a similar type of one piece sign holder for use in connection with metal and plastic scan plates, such as are used in peg board displays and in connection with wire baskets and similar wire-type merchandising and displays. 
     Also known to the art is a ticket holder which employs first and second panels that are hingedly connected to each other and can be secured together via a toothed prong. Each of the first and second panels has a respective extension rigidly mounted thereto. The prong is mounted on the first extension. The first extension is hingedly connected to the second extension and pivots in relation thereto. When the panels and extensions are folded, the prong protrudes through aligned apertures formed in the first and second panels. Such a design of a ticket holder can be found in Design Pat. No. D440,606 which issued on Apr. 17, 2001. In this design, the planar material or ticket is held between the two panels but is not pierced by the prong. Rather, the prong is spaced away from the area of the two panels between which the ticket is held. Thus, the ticket is liable to fall out of the holder, since it is not positively locked to the holder. 
     Accordingly, it has been considered desirable to develop a new and improved holder for planar sheet material which would overcome the foregoing difficulties and others while providing better and more advantageous overall results. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, a holder for planar material is provided. 
     More particularly, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, the holder includes a first panel and a second panel hingedly connected to the first panel. A prong is secured to the first panel and extends in a direction approximately normal thereto. The prong has a pointed tip. An aperture is provided in the second panel wherein the pointed tip pierces an associated planar material so that the prong of the first panel can pass through the associated planar material and enter the aperture of the second panel when the first panel overlies a portion of the second panel, thereby holding the associated planar material between the first and second panels. A clip is connected to at least one of the first and second panels. The clip allows the holder to be mounted to an associated support. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a holder for planar material comprises a first panel including a first extension and a second panel including a second extension. A hinge connects the first and second extension thereby allowing the first panel, and the first extension, to be pivoted in relation to the second panel and the second extension. This enables the holder to be selectively mounted on a wire component of an associated support. A first reinforcing rib protrudes from at least one of the first panel and a first extension and the second panel and the second extension. 
     Other benefits and advantageous of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, several embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a holder for planar material according to a first embodiment of the present invention as mounted to a scan plate; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the holder of  FIG. 1  in an unfolded orientation; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the holder of  FIG. 1  in an unfolded orientation; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged top plan view in section of the holder of  FIG. 1  in an unfolded orientation; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged top plan view in section of the holder of  FIG. 1  while a first panel is being folded over a second panel; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a holder for planar material according to a second embodiment of the present invention as mounted on a wire of an associated merchandising display; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged front perspective view of the holder of  FIG. 6  in an unfolded condition; 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged cross sectional view of the holder of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a rear perspective view of the holder of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of a holder for planar material according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a top plan view of the holder of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged cross sectional view of the holder of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a rear perspective view of a holder for planar material according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 14  is a rear perspective view of a holder for planar material according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating several preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting same,  FIG. 1  shows a holder A for planar material. While the holder is primarily designed for and will hereinafter be described in connection with a retail environment in which a sheet of material is displayed to purchasers, it should be appreciated that the holder can also be used in other environments. In the environment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the holder A is shown as being mounted on a support B in the form of a scan plate. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 2 , the holder A comprises a first panel  10  having a first end edge  12  on which is located a tab portion  14 . As better shown in  FIG. 3 , the first panel  10  further comprises a preferably integral prong  16  which extends approximately normal to the plane of the first panel. The first panel further comprises a second end edge  18  along which is defined a hinge member  20 . If so desired, the hinge member  20  can be a living hinge. With reference now also to  FIG. 4 , the hinge member  20  connects the first panel  10  to a second panel  30  along a first end edge  32  thereof. Located in the second panel  30  is an aperture  34  which extends from a front face  36  to a rear face  38  thereof. Further provided on the second panel is a second end edge  40 . 
     With reference again to  FIG. 1 , the holder A is mounted on the support B. In this embodiment, the support B comprises a scan plate  42  of a support mounted to a pegboard or the like (not illustrated). The scan plate  42  is located at the distal end of a plate support bar  44 . Positioned below the support bar  44  is a product support bar  46  on which packages (not illustrated) are hung for purchase by customers. 
     Extending from the rear face  38  of the second panel  30  adjacent the first end edge  32  thereof is a clip  50 . With reference again to  FIG. 2 , the clip includes a base wall  52  having a first end  54 . Positioned on the first end is a first arm  56 . The first arm comprises a first portion  58  that extends approximately normal to the plane of the base wall  52 . A second portion  60  extends approximately parallel to the plane of the base and is spaced therefrom by the first portion  58 . A third portion  62  of the arm extends at an acute angle in relation to the second portion. It should be evident that the third portion extends back towards the base wall  52  but terminates short of the base wall. 
     Located on a second end  64  of the base wall  52  is a second arm  66 . As with the first arm, the second arm comprises a first portion  68  which extends approximately normal to the plane of the base wall. The second arm  66  also includes a second portion  70  which extends approximately parallel to the plane of the base wall. A third portion  72  extends at an acute angle in relation to the second portion back towards the base wall  52 . 
     As is evident from  FIG. 2 , the first and second arms  56 ,  66  thus define respective slots  74  between the base wall and the arm third portions. The slots are meant to accommodate the thickness of the scan plate  42 . In this way, the clip  50  can be selectively mounted on the scan plate. In fact, the slots can be somewhat less in dimension than the thickness of the scan plate. Since the holder A is desirably made from a sufficiently resilient material, the arms can flex somewhat as the clip  50  is mounted on the scan plate  42 . In this way, a frictional engagement of the clip  50  with the scan plate  42  is facilitated. 
     In order to further prevent the clip  50  from becoming detached from the scan plate  42 , a ramp  76  can be provided on the base wall  52 . As is evident from  FIG. 2 , the ramp includes a first or lower end  78  located adjacent a first side edge  80  of the base wall  52  and a second or higher end  82  located adjacent a second side edge  84  of the base wall  52 . With the presence of the ramp, a relatively tight frictional fit is thus provided between the clip  50  and the scan plate  42 . 
     With reference again to  FIG. 4 , the prong  16  located on the first panel  10  includes an enlarged head  88  defined by a shoulder  90 . It is also evident that in this embodiment, the aperture  34  in the second panel  30  can be tapered from the front surface  36  to the rear surface  38  thereof. The aperture can extend in a thickened section  92  of the second panel so as to form a shoulder  94  on the second panel rear surface  38 . As best seen in  FIG. 5 , the prong  16  can be so sized and located in relation to the aperture  34  that when the first panel  10  is rotated towards the second panel  30 , the prong will enter the aperture. To lock the first panel  10  to the second panel  30 , the prong shoulder  90  engages the rear surface of the second panel. More particularly, the prong shoulder  90  can engage the shoulder  94  defined on the thickened section  92  of the second panel  30 . 
     The holder A can be made of one piece such that the first and second panels  10 ,  30  and the clip  50  are integral. These elements can be made of a single piece of resilient material such as a plastic. To this end, the holder A may be manufactured by injection molding from a suitable thermoplastic material, such as polypropylene. 
     With reference again to  FIG. 1 , the holder A is particularly adapted to be mounted to the scan plate  42  of the support B. When the first panel  10  is rotated around the hinge  20  towards the second panel  30 , the prong  16  thereof will enter the aperture  34  and extend therethrough. If a sheet of planar material C is brought adjacent the second panel  30  before the first panel is rotated, the prong  16 , as it is rotated, will pierce the sheet and subsequently enter the aperture  34  of the second panel. In this way, the sheet C is secured to the holder A. Once this is accomplished, the holder A can be mounted to the support B via the clip such that the first and second arms  56  and  66  of the clip  50  contact the scan plate  42  and mount the holder A to the support B. 
     To disengage the prong  16  from the second panel  30  when the sheet C is to be removed, one merely needs to pull on the tab  14  of the first panel. Due to the resiliency of the material from which the holder A can be manufactured, the prong  16  will be pulled in such a manner as to disengage the shoulder  90  from the shoulder  94 . Thereafter, the first panel  10  can be rotated around the hinge member  20  in relation to the second panel  30  so as to remove the prong  16  from the aperture  34 . Thereafter, the sheet C can be removed and, if desired, replaced with another sheet of advertising material or signage. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 6 , another holder D is there illustrated. In this embodiment, and with reference now to  FIG. 7 , the holder D comprises a first panel  110  extending from which is a prong  112  in a plane approximately normal to the plane of the panel. The panel includes a first end edge  114  on which is defined a tab  116 . Also, the first panel includes a second end edge  118 , protruding from which is a first extension  120 . The holder D further includes a second panel  130  in which is defined an aperture  132 . The second panel includes a first end edge  134  from which protrudes a second extension  136 . In this embodiment, the first and second extensions  120  and  136  are connected by a living hinge  138 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the aperture  132  in the second panel extends from the first side  140  to a second side  142  thereof. Positioned on the first side  140  is a first overhang  144 . Spaced therefrom is a second overhang  146 , as is best seen in  FIG. 7 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 9 , positioned on the second side  124  of the first panel is a first reinforcing rib  150 . The rib can extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first panel and the first extension  120 . Extending parallel to the first reinforcing rib  150  is a second reinforcing rib  152 . It is apparent that the two reinforcing ribs are located adjacent opposing side edges of the first extension  120 . Similarly, located on the second panel  130  and second extension  136  are third and fourth reinforcing ribs  154  and  156 . These ribs stiffen the two panels  110  and  130 , as well as the two extensions  120  and  136 . Such stiffening is useful to enable the holder to better resist the forces exerted on it while it is being manipulated during the process of securing a sign to a merchandising fixture. 
     It should be apparent from  FIG. 8  that the first and second extensions  120  and  136  are each approximately semi-circular in shape. Thus, when the first panel  110 , and its first extension  120 , are pivoted in relation to the second panel  130  and its extension  136 , they form an approximately cylindrical holder. This enables the sign holder to be mounted on a wire  160  of a fixture E, shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     When the first panel  110  is brought adjacent the second panel  130 , the prong  112  will enter the aperture  132  and extend therethrough. If a sheet of planar material  162  is brought adjacent the second panel  130  before the first panel is rotated, then the prong  112  will pierce the sheet, during the process of folding the first panel over the second panel, and subsequently enter the aperture  132  of the second panel. In this way, the sheet  162  is secured to the holder D. In order to ensure that the sheet  162  does not protrude into the semi-circular extension  136  of the second panel  130 , the overhangs  144  and  146  correctly locate an upper edge  164  of the sheet  162 . While two overhangs  144  and  146  are illustrated in  FIG. 7 , it should be appreciated that a single overhang rib or the like could be employed instead to serve as a stop element for the upper edge  164  of the sheet  162 . In the embodiment illustrated, and with reference again to  FIG. 8 , the overhang includes a first leg  166  which protrudes approximately perpendicular from the first side  140  of the second panel  130  and a second leg  168  which extends approximately parallel to the second panel  130 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 10 , a third embodiment of a holder F is there illustrated. This embodiment comprises a first panel  210  from which protrudes a prong  212 . The first panel has a first end edge  214  adjacent which is defined a tab  216 . The first panel also includes a second end edge  218  adjacent which are defined a first hinge portion  220  and, spaced therefrom, a second hinge portion  222 . Spacing the two hinge portions apart is a slot  224  defined in the second end edge  218 . The two hinge portions  220  and  222  connect the first panel  210  to a second panel  230 . Located in the second panel is a through aperture  232 . As best seen in  FIG. 10 , the aperture  232  extends from a first side  234  of the second panel to a second side  236  thereof. The second panel includes a first end edge  238  and a second end edge  240 . Defined in the second end edge is a slot  242 . The slot  242  in the second panel  230  is aligned with the slot  224  and the first panel  210 . 
     Protruding from the second side  236  of the second panel  230  is a clip  250 . The clip comprises a first portion  252  that extends approximately perpendicular to a plane of the second panel  230 , a second portion  254  which is approximately semi-circular in shape which arcs back towards the second panel. A third portion  256  of the clip bends away from the second portion  254 . Thus, an opening  258  is formed by the clip in relation to the second panel  230 . The clip is used to enable the holder F to be mounted on a suitable conventional wire member (not illustrated) of a merchandising display. In one embodiment, the clip can be sized for mounting on a ¼ inch diameter wire. Obviously, by correctly sizing the clip, it can be mounted on any diameter wire which is used in merchandising displays. 
     In this embodiment of the invention, the first and second panels have differing thicknesses, as can be best seen in  FIG. 12 . More particularly, the thickness of the first panel  210  can be, e.g., 0.060 inches, whereas the thickness of the second panel  230  can be on the order of 0.085 inches. One reason for making the second panel thicker is because it holds the clip  250 . In other words, the second panel  230  has to be suitably thick so that as the clip  250  is snapped onto a wire of a merchandising display, it does not buckle either the clip or the second panel. On the other hand, the first panel, which merely needs to pivot in relation to the second panel and does not itself clip to a wire, can be thinner in order to save material. For the same reason, the aligned slots  224  and  242  can be provided in the first and second panels. 
     Moreover, in this embodiment, the aperture  232  extending through the second panel is not located in a thickened portion of the second panel. Thus, no shoulder is defined on the rear surface  236  of the second panel. Rather, the entire second panel is of the same thickness. 
     As with the previous embodiments, the first panel  210  is pivoted around the two hinge portions  220  and  222  so as to overlie at least a portion of the second panel  230 . A sheet of planar material, such as a sign or the like (not shown), is brought adjacent the second panel  230  before the first panel is rotated. Thus, the prong  212  of the first panel would pierce the sheet and subsequently enter the aperture  232  of the second panel. In this way, the sheet is secured to the holder F. As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the prong can have a pointed tip  260  to facilitate the piercing of the planar material. As is shown in  FIG. 12 , a shoulder  262  is defined on the prong rearwardly of the tip  260 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 13 , a fourth embodiment of a sign holder according to the present invention includes a first panel  310  which comprises a preferably integral prong  316  that extends approximately normal to a plane of the first panel. The first panel further comprises a second edge  318  along which is defined a hinge member  320 . The hinge member  320  connects the first panel  310  to a second panel  330 . Located in the second panel is an aperture  334  which extends from a front face thereof to a rear face thereof. Provided on the first panel are two additional prongs, a second prong  340  and a third prong  342 . These two prongs are located adjacent opposed side edges of the first panel  310 . Located on the second panel  330  are two additional apertures  344  and  346  which are meant to cooperate with the two additional prongs  340  and  342  on the first panel. Such cooperation occurs at the same time as the first prong  316  enters the first aperture  334 . 
     In this embodiment, the first prong  316  does not need to have a shoulder. Rather, the first prong  316  can simply be in the form of a pin. To hold the first panel  310  to the second panel  330 , the second and third prongs  340  and  342  can be provided with extensions  347  and  348  which are meant to lock onto a rear side of the second panel  330 . Due to the resilient nature of the material from which the holder is made, the prongs simply snap fit in the apertures  344  and  346  when so desired. But, they can also be separated therefrom when the first panel  310  is pulled away from the second panel  320 . 
     As in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-5 , the holder also includes a clip  350  having first and second arms  356  and  358 . For example, the second arm  358  can have a first portion  368 , a second portion  370  and a third portion  372 . The first clip  356  has the same three portions. The two arms each cooperate with a base wall  352  to define respective slots  374 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 14 , a fifth embodiment of a foldable sign holder according to the present invention is there illustrated. In this embodiment, the holder comprises a first panel  410  including a first aperture  412 , a first prong  414 , a first shoulder  416  and a second shoulder  417 . The first and second shoulders are located on opposing sides of the first prong  414 . The first panel  410  further comprises a second end edge  418  along which is defined a hinge member  420 . If so desired, the hinge member  420  can be a living hinge. The hinge member  420  connects the first panel  410  to a second panel  430 . 
     Located in the second panel  430  is a second aperture  434 . Also located on the second panel is a second prong  436 . Unlike the first prong  414  which has a shoulder  438 , along the lines of the shoulder  60  illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the second prong  436  is conically shaped and does not have a shoulder. In this design, when the first panel  410  is folded over onto the second panel  430 , the first prong  414  extends through the second aperture  434 , whereas the second prong  436  extends through the first aperture  412 . 
     Sheet material can be butted up against the shoulders  416  and  417  such that only the second prong  436  extends through the sheet material. But, it is also possible to butt the sheet material up against the hinge  420  so that both prongs  414  and  436  extend through the sheet material. This would allow the sheet material to be more firmly held by the foldable sign holder. 
     Also provided for the foldable sign holder is a clip  450 . The clip includes a base wall  452 . Positioned on a first end of the base wall  452  is a first arm  456 . Positioned on a second end of the base wall is a second arm  466 . The arms  456  and  466  can be of the same type as previously discussed. For example, the second arm  466  can include a first portion  468 , a second portion  470  and a third portion  472 . The two arms  456  and  466 , together with the base wall  452 , define respective slots  474 . 
     While five different designs of sheet material holders have been illustrated in this specification, it should be appreciated that a variety of other types of holders is also contemplated herein and would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. As noted, the sheet-pinning function and the panel-holding function can be performed by the same prong ( FIGS. 1-12 ) or prongs ( FIG. 13 ) or by two separate prongs ( FIGS. 13 and 14 ). Of course, other designs are also contemplated. The term “prong” should be given a broad definition and is meant to include any type of pointed projection, pin, tine, fork or the like. Similarly, the term “aperture” is to be given a broad definition and includes any type of hole, gap, slit, orifice or other opening in or through a panel, whether at an edge of a panel ( FIG. 13 ) or through a relatively central part thereof. 
     The invention has been described with reference to several embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.