Abstract:
A shelf display that is easily attached to a store merchandising fixture in a retail or wholesale environment is disclosed. It extends away from the merchandising fixture to increase visibility. The shelf display includes separate pieces that can be snapped together without the use of tools and provide flexibility in positioning the shelf display. A frame is mounted into a clip that slides along one edge of the frame. The clip is part of a ball joint so that the frame can be rotated or tilted. The ball joint attaches to an arm with breakaway lines so the length of the arm can be adjusted. The display may be formed in multiple sizes and shapes, and is oriented so that both sides of the shelf display can be used for graphic statements.

Description:
PRIORITY 
       [0001]    The application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 14/710,890 filed May 13, 2015 which claims priority to Provisional Application No. 61/996,682 filed May 14, 2014. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to advertising devices and more particularly to point-of-purchase shelf displays. 
         [0003]    Marketers are always looking for ways to gain a consumer&#39;s attention. Retail establishments use a variety of displays to present products, coupons or information about products to consumers in order to encourage the consumer to make a purchase. One technique is known as a point-of-purchase display, where information about a product is located on a shelf or merchandising fixture close to where the product is available for purchase. Locating the display at the point where a customer is making a decision on whether or not to purchase a product can be a highly effective way to drive product sales. 
         [0004]    Prior art displays suffer from a variety of drawbacks. Some are installed flat against the merchandising fixture and can be easily missed by consumers traveling through a store. Others have cumbersome installation techniques that require extra time on the part of store employees to install. Others are difficult to update with new advertising materials. 
         [0005]    Thus, a need exists for point-of-purchase shelf displays that attract a consumer&#39;s attention and are easy to install and maintain. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The invention in one implementation encompasses an apparatus. The apparatus comprises a point-of-purchase shelf display fixture that is easily attached to a store merchandising fixture in a retail or wholesale environment. It can be placed in many different orientations through the use of a ball joint and a sliding clip attached to a frame. The display may be formed in multiple sizes and shapes, and is oriented so that both sides of the shelf display can be used for graphic statements. This type of display is also known as an aisle violator or aisle invader because it extends from a merchandising fixture, or gondola, into the aisle. 
         [0007]    In an embodiment, the shelf display fixture is attached magnetically so it can be quickly installed on a wide variety of shelving units without the use of extra hardware or tools. The magnetic attachment mechanism allows the fixture to be easily installed and repositioned. In the inventive shelf display, ads and graphics are also easy to interchange and update as needed. 
         [0008]    Advantageously, the shelf display fixture is provided with several configurations of LED that further attract consumers&#39; attention as they approach the product. The LEDs may be activated by motion sensors to conserve energy and save battery life. 
         [0009]    In an embodiment, a shelf display according to the present invention includes first and second substantially planar frames each having an inner edge and an outer edge, said inner edge forming an opening in each of said frames, sidewalls integrally formed with and perpendicular to the first and second frames, said sidewalls attaching the first and second frames to each other on approximately three quarters of the outer edges of said frames so that the frames are held at a distance from each other of approximately 0.15 to 0.4 inches, the remainder of the outer edges forming a slot for insertion of graphic material, an arm flexibly attached to any sidewall by a ball joint and clip arrangement, a mounting assembly integrally formed with and attached to the opposite end of the arm, said mounting assembly further comprising a planar shape disposed perpendicularly to the length of the arm and one or more rare earth magnets attached to the mounting assembly, whereby the shelf display is attached to a merchandising fixture. 
         [0010]    In a further embodiment, the invention encompasses an aisle violator display assembly for attachment to an existing merchandising fixture having horizontal shelves and vertical supports, which includes first and second rectangular frames each having an inner edge and an outer edge, said inner edge forming an opening in each of said frames, sidewalls integrally formed with and perpendicular to the first and second frames, said sidewalls attaching the first and second frames to each other on three sides of the outer edges of said frames so that the frames are held at a distance from each other of approximately 0.15 to 0.4 inches, the remaining side of the outer edges forming a slot for insertion of graphic material, an arm flexibly attached to any sidewall by a clip and ball joint arrangement, a mounting assembly integrally formed with and attached to the opposite end of the arm, said mounting assembly further comprising a planar shape disposed perpendicularly to the length of the arm and one or more rare earth magnets attached to the mounting assembly, whereby the aisle violator display assembly is attached to either horizontal shelves or vertical supports of the merchandising fixture. 
         [0011]    In either of the above embodiments, a generally C-shaped slot is formed by the attachment of the sidewalls and first and second frames adjacent to the slot and extending to edge of the frames opposite the slot so that graphic material is retained between the frames. 
         [0012]    In either of the above embodiments, the plane of the mounting assembly may be horizontal and equivalent to the plane of a shelf of the merchandising fixture, and wherein the one or more rare earth magnets attach to an underside of the shelf. 
         [0013]    In a further embodiment, the graphic material is visible through the openings in both of the first and second frames. One or more LEDs may be incorporated in said frame or graphic material, said one or more LEDs may be activated by a motion sensor. 
         [0014]    In either of the above embodiments, the arm is less than 1″ long and is attached to a corner of said first and second frames, and wherein the plane of the mounting assembly is at an angle to the outer edges of the frame so that the shelf display rests on top of a merchandising fixture. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    Features of example implementations of the invention will become apparent from the description, the claims, and the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary shelf display fixture under one embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are side and front views of the shelf display fixture of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an exemplary shelf display fixture in a further embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are side and front views of the shelf display fixture of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0020]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are alternative embodiments of the shelf display fixture of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an exemplary shelf display fixture in a further embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an exemplary shelf display fixture in another embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIGS. 8A-8D  are front, side, back and top views of the shelf display fixture of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of another embodiment of the shelf display fixture of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an exemplary shelf display fixture in another embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is close-up perspective view of the ball cup and clip of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 11A  is a side view of the ball cup and clip of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of an exemplary shelf display in a further embodiment. 
           [0029]      FIG. 12B  is a side view of the shelf display of  FIG. 12A . 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the ball and arm clip of  FIG. 12A . 
           [0031]      FIG. 13A  is a side view of the ball and arm clip of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0032]      FIGS. 13B-13C  are cross-sectional views of the ball and arm clip of  FIG. 13A . 
           [0033]      FIGS. 14A-14C  show additional views of the arm of  FIGS. 12A-12B . 
           [0034]      FIGS. 15A-15B  depict an alternative mounting assembly for use with any of the disclosed shelf displays. 
           [0035]      FIGS. 16A-16C  depict a shelf display attached to a merchandising fixture. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0036]    If used and unless otherwise stated, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “back,” “over,” “under,” and similar such terms are not to be construed as limiting the invention to a particular orientation. Instead, these terms are used only on a relative basis. 
         [0037]    Turning to  FIGS. 1 and 2A-2B , shelf display fixture  1  in a first embodiment of the invention includes a frame  2  and arm  4 . Arm  4  is parallel to frame  2  and extends outwardly from one side of frame  2 . Mounting assembly  6  extends from either side of arm  4 . In an embodiment, frame  2 , arm  4  and mounting assembly  6  are integrally formed, for example, using a process of injection molding, vacuum forming, etc. Suitable materials include, for example, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or other styrenes, polypropylene, polyurethane, polycarbonate, acrylic, etc. In an embodiment, shelf mounting assembly  6  includes one or more rare earth magnets, for example, neodymium magnets, attached to surface  8 , enabling fixture  1  to be easily attached to the top of a wide variety of shelving units so that frame  2  extends perpendicularly away from the shelf. As an alternative, fixture  1  can be attached to a shelf using screws, pins, etc. This alternative is shown in more detail in  FIG. 8 . Frame  2  features a display area  10  that is visible from both sides of shelf display  1 . Graphic material may be inserted into slot  11  on top of frame  2  and is visible from both sides of fixture  1 . Alternatively, slot  11  may also be located on a side of frame  2  that is opposite arm  4 . A generally C-shaped channel (not shown) extends along the inside length of each side of frame  2  so that graphic material inserted through slot  11  is held securely inside frame  2 . If slot  11  is located in the side of frame  2 , the C-shaped channel would extend along the top and bottom of frame  2 . 
         [0038]    In an embodiment, frame  2  has inside dimensions of approximately 13″×3.3″ and outside dimensions of approximately 14.3″×5″. Mounting assembly  6  is located approximately 7.5″ below the top of frame  2  and the overall width of frame  2  and arm  4  together is approximately 6.3″. The thickness of frame  2  is approximately 0.25″. The above dimensions are representative and any desired dimensions that meet display, shelving or space requirements can be used. 
         [0039]    In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4A-4B , a shelf display fixture  12  includes a frame  14  and arm  16  which extends from one side in the same plane as frame  14 . Mounting assembly  18  extends from either side of shelf arm  16 . Frame  14 , arm  16  and mounting assembly  18  are integrally formed as described above for the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . Surface  20  includes one or more recessed areas  24  for holding rare earth magnets, for example, neodymium magnets, (not shown) used to attach shelf display  12  to the underside of a shelf. Although three recessed areas  24  are shown, any desired number of magnets may be used. As an alternative, screws or pins could be used to attach shelf display fixture  12  to a shelf. A display area  22  is featured on both sides of fixture  12 . Graphics are inserted into slot  26  which is shown on top of frame  14  but could also be located along the side of frame  14 . As in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , this embodiment is preferably manufactured from, for example, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or other styrenes, polypropylene, polyurethane, polycarbonate, acrylic, etc. 
         [0040]    In an embodiment, frame  14  has inside dimensions of approximately 4.25″×4.25″ and outside dimensions of approximately 5″×5″. Mounting assembly  18  is located approximately 1″ below the top of frame  14  and the overall width of frame  14  and arm  16  is approximately 9″. The thickness of frame  14  is approximately 0.20″ and the thickness of mounting assembly  18  is approximately 1.3″. The above dimensions are representative and any desired dimensions that meet display and space requirements can be used. For example, arm  16  could be located in any position along the side of frame  14 . 
         [0041]    An alternative embodiment of arm  16  of  FIG. 3  is shown in  FIG. 5A . In this embodiment, arm  16   a  extends perpendicularly from frame  14   a . Mounting assembly  18   a  is attached vertically to the end of arm  16   a  opposite frame  14   a . This embodiment allows a shelf display fixture to be attached to either horizontal or vertical portions of a merchandising fixture. The length of arm  16   a  may be adjusted to meet display, shelving or space requirements as needed. For example, in  FIG. 5A , arm  16   a  is approximately 5″ long. In  FIG. 5B , arm  16   b  is approximately 9″ long. Mounting assemblies  18   a  and  18   b  may also be attached to arms  16   a  and  16   b  in a variety of orientations, as shown. As for the other embodiments, the dimensions are representative and any desired dimensions that meet display and space requirements can be used. Arm  16   a / 16   b  can also be located in any position along the edge of frame  14   a / 14   b.    
         [0042]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , a shelf display fixture  30  is mounted on top of shelf  31  similarly to shelf display fixture  1  of  FIG. 1 . Frame  32  holds graphics in display area  38 , the graphics appearing on both sides of frame  32 . Arm  36  is formed at a corner of frame  32  so that frame  32  forms an angle of approximately 15°-45° with shelf  31 . As with shelf display fixture  1 , mounting assembly  36  extends from either side of arm  36  and includes a surface  37  for holding rare earth magnets, for example, neodymium magnets (not shown), used to secure shelf display  30  to shelf  31 . As an alternative, screws or pins could be used to attach shelf display fixture  30  to shelf  31 . Fixture  30  has dimensions of approximately 5″×5″ but any desired dimensions that meet display and space requirements can be used. As in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 3 , this embodiment is preferably manufactured, for example, using a process of injection molding, vacuum forming, etc. Suitable materials include ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or other styrenes, polypropylene, polyurethane, polycarbonate, acrylic, etc. In addition, a different mounting mechanism could be used. 
         [0043]    In the embodiment of  FIGS. 7 and 8A-8D , a shelf display fixture  40  includes frame  42  and arm  44 . Mounting assembly  46  extends from either side of arm  44  and includes one or more screws  48  to attach fixture  40  to the top surface of a shelf. As an alternative, fixture  40  could be attached to a shelf using magnets as described for the embodiments of  FIGS. 1, 3 and 6 . The top of frame  42  includes a slot  50  for sliding graphics into frame  42  for display in the area marked as  52 . In an alternative, slot  50  could be located along the side of frame  42 . Graphic material can be displayed on both sides of fixture  40 . As described above, this embodiment is preferably manufactured, for example, using a process of injection molding, vacuum forming, etc. Suitable materials include ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or other styrenes, polypropylene, polyurethane, polycarbonate, acrylic, etc. 
         [0044]    In an embodiment, frame  42  has inside dimensions of approximately 3″×7″ and outside dimensions of approximately 4″×8″. Mounting assembly  46  is approximately 2.75″×1.5″. The thickness of frame  14  is approximately 0.50″. The above dimensions are representative and any desired dimensions that meet display and space requirements can be used. 
         [0045]    In a further embodiment, shelf display fixture  40  of  FIG. 7  is used with a lighted display. In this embodiment, motion sensors  54  are included on one or both sides of arm  44  (as shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8C ). As an alternative, motion sensors  54  can also be located within frame  42 . 
         [0046]    A representative lighted display according to this embodiment is shown in an exploded view in  FIG. 9 . Frame  42  is shown in two halves at  42   a  and  42   b , together with arm  44   a ,  44   b  and mounting assembly  46   a ,  46   b . A strip of LEDs  60  is installed along one vertical edge of frame  42  for providing light to fixture  40 . Translucent panels  62  and  64  printed with advertising graphics and are located next to frame  42   a  and  42   b  respectively. Grooved acrylic light refractor panel  68  is positioned between acrylic panels  62  and  64  to provide an even lighting of panels  62  and  64 . Motion sensors  54  are held in place by tab  56  which fits into recessed areas of arm  44   a ,  44   b . Motion sensors  54  are inserted through holes  58  when the shelf display is assembled. As mentioned above, motion sensors  54  can also be located in frame  42 . A battery pack (not shown) connects to fixture  40  through an opening  70  in mounting assembly  46   a , although any preferred location could be used. The battery pack connects to fixture  40  through wires of a length sufficient to allow the battery pack to be positioned away from the edge of a shelf. It can be mounted on the top or underside of a shelf, may use any desired size of battery and may also be provided with an on/off switch as required. 
         [0047]    LEDs  60  and light refractor panel  68  are used interchangeably with multiple translucent panels  62  and  64  so that advertising graphics can be changed as required. In an alternative embodiment, fixture  40  is provided with an audio component, for example, a speaker, to further attract a consumer&#39;s attention to the displayed graphic. A speaker could be installed in fixture  40  of  FIG. 9  in a manner similar to that of motion sensors  54 . 
         [0048]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 10 , a display frame  72  is attached to sliding clip  74  so that sliding clip  74  slides along an edge of display frame  72 . Clip  74  and frame  72  are designed with a certain amount of friction between them, such that clip  74  will easily slide along frame  74 , but will retain frame  74  any location along the edge of frame  74  so as so meet specific display needs. 
         [0049]    Another embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIG. 10 . Similar to that of  FIG. 3 , this embodiment includes a frame  80  having a slot  82  for inserting graphic material. Arm  84  connects frame  80  to mounting assembly  86  which includes recessed areas  24  for receiving magnets, as explained above for  FIG. 3 . In this embodiment, instead of integrally forming arm  84  with frame  80 , arm  84  is attached by means of frame clip  88  and ball joint  90 . Frame clip  88  snaps onto frame  80  such that a recessed area inside frame clip  88  engages with ridge  92  of frame  80 , shown in more detail in  FIG. 11A . Frame clip  88  slides freely along the edge of frame  80 , however frame claim  88  and frame  80  are designed with a certain amount of friction between them, such that clip  88  can be moved along frame  80  but will retain it at any location along the edge of frame  80  so as to meet specific display needs. Although frame clip  88  is shown in  FIG. 10  as located on a particular side of frame  80 , it can also be snapped onto any of the other three edges of the frame since ridge  92  extends all the way around the edge of frame  80 . 
         [0050]    Ball joint  90  includes semispherical ball cup  94 , which snaps onto ball  96 . Ball cup  94  is integrally formed with frame clip  88 . Ball cup  94  rotates freely on ball  96 , which is integrally formed with arm  84 . Ball cup  94  can be retained in a variety of orientations by engaging notches  98  with arm  84 . Although the ball joint attachment mechanism of  FIG. 10  is shown with an under shelf magnetic mounting assembly, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the ball joint could be used with any of the disclosed embodiments. 
         [0051]    A closer view of ball cup  94  and frame clip  88  is shown in  FIGS. 11 and 11A . Ball cup  94  includes notches  98  for engaging with arm  84  of  FIG. 10 . Although four notches are shown, any number and depth of notches could be used a necessary to meet structural and display requirements. A side view is shown in  FIG. 11A . In particular, frame clip  88  includes recessed area  100  which engages with ridge  92  on frame  80 . 
         [0052]    A further embodiment of the invention is shown in perspective view in  FIG. 12A  and exploded side view in  FIG. 12B . Clip  88  is attached to ball cup  94  and snaps onto frame  80  as explained above. In this embodiment, however, ball  96 , instead of being integrally formed with an arm of the shelf display, is attached to arm clip  102 . As shown in  FIG. 12A , ball  94  is attached to arm clip  102  by neck  104 . Neck  104  has a similar size and profile to arm  84  of  FIG. 10 , so as to engage slots  98  in ball cup  94 . 
         [0053]    In both  FIGS. 12A and 12B , arm clip  102  snaps onto an end of arm  106 . Arm  106  is divided into segments by breakaway lines  108 . The length of arm  106  can easily be adjusted by snapping off a portion of arm  106  at any of the breakaway lines  108 . In an embodiment, breakaway lines  106  are spaced approximately an inch apart along the length of arm  106  but any appropriate spacing could be used. 
         [0054]    Each section of arm  106  features a locking pin  110  which engages with pin receiver  112  in arm clip  102  as discussed below. Mounting assembly  114  is located at the end of arm  106  opposite arm clip  102 . In a preferred embodiment, mounting assembly  114  is fitted with magnets as discussed above for mounting assembly  18  of  FIG. 3 . It could also be attached to a merchandising fixture with screws, as described above. 
         [0055]    In a preferred embodiment, display frame  80  is approximately 7 by 5.5 inches. Arm  106  has an initial length of approximately 12 inches, with breakaway lines approximately every inch spaced evenly along arm  106 . These dimensions are representative and any desired dimensions that meet display and space requirements can be used. 
         [0056]    A close up view of ball  96  and arm clip  102  is shown in perspective view in  FIG. 13 . Ball  96  is attached to arm clip  102  by neck  104 . Arm clip  102  further includes pin receiver  112  and slots  113 , which allow arm clip  102  to flexibly slide over locking pin  110  as explained below. A side view is shown in  FIG. 13A , and cross-sectional views are shown in  FIGS. 13B and 13C . 
         [0057]      FIGS. 14A-14C  show additional views of arm  106  of  FIGS. 12A and 12B .  FIG. 14A  shows a front view of arm  106 , including locking pins  110 , breakaway lines  108  and mounting assembly  114 . In the side view of  FIG. 14B , locking pins  110  can be seen as projecting outwardly from arm  106 . A close up view of  FIG. 14B  is shown in  FIG. 14C . Breakaway lines  108  are small indentations on the front and back of arm  106 . Locking pins  110  include a slanted surface  109  so that arm clip  102  easily slides over locking pin  110 . Pin receiver  112  in arm clip  102  engages with vertical surface  111 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 15A  depicts an arm  106  with an alternative mounting assembly for use with any of the disclosed shelf displays. Mounting assembly  114  is designed for use with a peg board type of display, where pins  116 , shown in side view in  FIG. 15B , engage with holes in a peg board. Arm  106  of  FIGS. 15A and 15B  optionally includes breakaway lines  108  so that the length of arm  106  can be easily changed, as well as locking pins  110  for engaging with arm clip  102  as shown in  FIGS. 14A-14C . 
         [0059]    As in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the embodiments of  FIGS. 10-15  are preferably manufactured from, for example, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or other styrenes, polypropylene, polyurethane, polycarbonate, acrylic, etc. 
         [0060]    The ball joint of the invention provides a very flexible way to install and position a shelf display or aisle violator. As shown in  FIG. 16A , a shelf display may be installed under a shelf of a merchandising fixture as indicated by the arrow.  FIG. 16B  depicts the shelf display tilted at an angle to the shelf using the ball joint as indicated by the arrow. The clip on the edge of the frame may also be positioned anywhere along the frame as discussed above.  FIG. 16C  depicts the shelf display swiveled to extend downward from the merchandising fixture at an angle, as indicated by the arrow. These are just three representative positions of the shelf display for illustration purposes, an almost infinite variety of positions are possible. The ball joint may also be used with different mounting assemblies, as well. 
         [0061]    The graphic material, or advertising content, displayed in any of the frames of the present invention may take a variety of forms. The graphic material may be printed in paper, cardstock or something similar. One or more steady-state or flashing LEDs, which may also be motion-activated, may be attached to the graphic material. Further, graphic material incorporating lenticular printing, where the image changes based on viewing angle, may also be used. Graphic content for the frames of the invention may also be provided by a programmable digital display inserted into or integrally formed with any of the frames. 
         [0062]    The installation of any of the shelf display fixtures described above is quick and convenient. Fixtures using a magnetic method of attachment are installed by simply inserting suitable graphics into the slot in the frame and setting the fixture in a preferred location on a shelf. Shelf displays according to the present invention offer a large degree of flexibility and do not require the use of tools to install. They are easily repositioned and reused as needed. Embodiments using screws or other means of attachment are similarly installed. 
         [0063]    Numerous alternative implementations of the present invention exist. For example, the dimensions and shapes of the various embodiments of the shelf display fixtures can be varied according to display needs, space available and customer preference. Also, the method of attaching the shelf display fixtures to a shelf can be varied to adapt to different kinds of shelves. Additionally, LEDs can be used in any of the frames of the various embodiments for further attract attention, as well as in the inserted graphics themselves. LEDs may be motion activated, steady state or blinking, and powered by a watch battery or any preferred power source. Any preferred method of printing or developing graphics on paper-based or acrylic-based media can be used. In another alternative, any of the frames above may be molded to include an imprint of a brand identity or other information. 
         [0064]    Although example implementations of the invention have been depicted and described in detail herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that various modifications, additions, substitutions, and the like can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and these are therefore considered to be within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.