Abstract:
The invention is directed to systems and methods that allow for easy movement of point-of-sale merchandising units or displays, whether such a display is loaded with product or not. The invention provides systems and methods which allow adaptation to different point-of-sale merchandising systems to be easily moved.

Description:
[0001]    This U.S. Patent Application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/836,263 filed on Jun. 18, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present invention is directed to adjustable mobile base systems and methods for use in association with retail displays. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an adjustable add-on mobile base system for retail displays to improve mobility of the displays. 
         [0003]    To facilitate impulse purchasing of products in retail environments, there have been developed product merchandising units which will accommodate one or more products for easy access by prospective customers. This is particularly true in the mobile society in which we live, where products are many times purchased for consumption on the go. As a result, point-of-sale merchandising units are widely used due to the greater flexibility provided with respect to where such merchandising units may be located. The strategic location of such units can have a significant impact on the sales of the articles or products. The ability to provide merchandising units immediately adjacent areas such as food counters, points of purchase, and other high customer traffic locations, provide better utilization of merchandising areas, and is important to the merchant. 
         [0004]    Point-of-sale displays, such as those used in convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores and other retail locations are generally constructed on site, such as from cardboard, plastic or other material, at the location at which it is to be used, and then loaded with products for purchase. After construction and loading such a display with product, it may be bulky, heavy, and is generally difficult to maneuver, such that the location of the display is pretty well fixed and is not readily changed, without extra labor and effort. In would be desirable to allow for the point-of-sale displays to be easily moved, even when loaded with products, to adjust the location at which the display is positioned to enhance the ability to sell the products therein. Removing the product from the display, moving the display, and restocking the point-of-sale display is undesirable and requires additional down-time, labor and cost. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    There is thus a need for systems and methods that allow for easy movement of point-of-sale merchandising units or displays, whether such as display is loaded with product or not. Further, it would be desirable to provide systems and methods which allow different point-of-sale merchandising systems to be easily moved. It would be desirable to allow for an effective system to overcome the problems of fixed displays, and for these and other reasons, the present invention is directed to overcoming the problems set forth above. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a mobile base system according to an example of the invention in association with a point-of-sale display; 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a mobile base system according to an example; 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the mobile base system; 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the assembled mobile base system; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4A  is a closer view of a portion of the assembled mobile base system; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a bottom perspective view of an adjustable member; 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is a bottom perspective view of a locking member; 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of a caster arrangement for use in the example of a mobile base system; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  shows an alternative example of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  shows an alternative example of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 9A  shows a detailed view of a portion of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 9B  shows a detailed view of another portion of  FIG. 9 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]    In an example of the invention, and with reference to several of the Figures, there is provided a separate mobile base system  10  that can be used with various point-of-sale displays  100 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The point-of-sale display  100  may be a box-like structure, such as formed of cardboard, plastic or other suitable material, and may have shelves  102  or other suitable structures (hooks, bins, etc.), to position products (not shown) in association with the display  100 . Alternatively, the display  100  may simply have product information and advertisement thereon, in lieu of or in addition to actual products. The display  100  therefore provides a footprint at its base portion  104 , which may be square, rectangular, triangular, round, polygonal or any other shape. To facilitate movement of the display  100  after it is constructed, the mobile base system  10  is provided. In an example, the mobile base system  10  is shown in  FIG. 2 , and includes a frame  12  formed of a plurality of members  14 , which are adjustable to one another. The frame  12  may be an integral unit, or could include two, four or more separate members  14  that together form the frame in a desired configuration. In this example, the frame members  14  include four frame members  15 - 18  forming a rectangular frame  12 . In this example, the frame members  15 - 18  interlock with one another and allow for adjustment of the mobile base system  10  in both width and length directions, allowing it to be fit with any of a variety of point-of-sale displays  100  having different square or rectangular base configurations It should be recognized that the same rectangular type frame  12  as shown in  FIG. 2  could be constructed of only two frame members  14 , with each being adjustable to one another and interlocked at a desired position, and allowing for adjustment of the length of the mobile base system  10 . To facilitate movement of the mobile base system  10 , the frame members  14  may include low-profile wheels or casters  20 , such as mounted at the corners of each frame member  14 . Upon construction of the frame  12 , the wheels or casters  20  allow for simple movement of the mobile base system  10 , along with the point-of-sale display  100  positioned thereon. 
         [0019]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the mobile base system  10  showing the frame members  15 - 18 , which are adjustable and lockable relative to one another. In the example shown, each of the frame members  15 - 18  are configured to allow for male/female type engagement, but any suitable configuration to allow for adjustment and locking of frame members is contemplated. For an example to accommodate square and rectangular base configurations  104 , the adjustable members  15 - 18  are L-shaped brackets, having a first leg  21  and a second leg  22  extending away from a corner  24 . In several of the frame members  15 - 18 , the first leg  21  and second leg  22  each include a plurality of holes  28  that engage and interlock with a suitable male portion on the other frame members  15 - 18 . Such a male portion may be a spring-biased button latch  36  for engaging the openings  28 . The arrangement of each frame member relative to an adjacent member thus will depend on which hole the button latch  28  is engaged with, to allow for adjusting the size and dimensions of the rectangular frame  12 . The corner  24  of the members  15 - 18  may include a recess  26  for receiving a low-profile caster  20  for moving the mobile base system  10 . 
         [0020]    In this example, there is a positive engagement system allowing interlocking between frame members  14 , such as male/female type of positive engagement system. This may be as shown in this example, a series of holes  28  to engage a spring-biased button latch  36  on an adjacent frame member. Upon overlapping of the leg portions of adjacent frame members, the button latch  36  positively engages in one of the holes  28 . This structure is merely an example, and other suitable arrangements for allowing adjustment and interlocking of the frame members are contemplated. The spring-biased button latch  36  may be unengaged by depressing the button through the holes  28  and sliding the members apart or to a different dimension. 
         [0021]      FIG. 4  illustrates the arrangement of the adjustable members  14  to form the rectangular frame  12 . The rectangular frame  12  in this example is formed from adjustable members  15 - 18  secured leg-to-leg in a rectangular arrangement. 
         [0022]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , each leg  30 ,  32  of the members  16  and  18  includes a bracket (generally  38 ) for receiving and securing a leg  21 ,  22  of the members  15  and  17  in a sliding arrangement. The bracket includes three lower ears  38  A-C shown in  FIG. 4  and two upper ears  38 D-E shown in  FIG. 3  for receiving the frame member  14 . These ears  38 A-E receive a leg  21 ,  22  of the frame member  14  and prevent vertical displacement of the members  15 - 18  relative to one another. 
         [0023]    As shown in  FIG. 4A , the rectangular frame  12  is formed by sliding a leg of a frame member  14  adjustable member  16  into the brackets  38  and along the adjacent leg of the adjacent frame member  14 . The spring-biased button latch  36  engages one of the openings  28  depending on the desired dimensions of the rectangular frame  12 . The latch  36  prevents the legs from sliding relative to one another. The other leg of the frame member  14  is slid into one bracket or ears of the legs of an adjacent member  14  and locked by means of the spring-biased button latch  36 . This process is repeated by sliding the legs of a second adjustable member  14  into the unused legs of the interlocked members  14 , forming the square or rectangular shape shown in  FIG. 4 . Other suitable locking mechanisms are contemplated. 
         [0024]      FIG. 5  shows an example of the frame members  15  and  17  having openings in each leg in further detail.  FIG. 6  shows the frame members  16  and  18  having a push button male portion to interlock with the openings of members  15  and  17  in further detail. According to this arrangement, the frame members  14  may include a circumferential lip  40  extending perpendicular to the legs  21 ,  22  and  30 ,  32 . During use of the mobile base system  10 , a point-of-sale display unit  100  is placed on the rectangular frame  12  and the circumferential lip  40  will extend about and along the sides of the display unit, preventing horizontal movement of the display relative to the system  10 . The system  10  may further or alternatively provide for adhesive, Velcro or other suitable connection of the display unit  100 , which may automatically engage the display unit  100  upon placement in the mobile system  10 . The arrangement further allows for movement of the mounted display system  100 , with force simply applied to the display unit to begin movement as it is engaged to the mobile system  10 . Alternatively, to facilitate supporting a display unit  100  in association with the mobile system  10 , vertically extending members  23  one of a possible plurality shown in  FIG. 3 . The members  23  may be of any desired configuration to assist in supporting the display unit  100 , and could add aesthetically to the appearance of the display. The circumferential lip  40  may also be configured to add to the appearance of the display unit  100 , and may be colored, shaped, or have a printed design thereon, for example the lip may feature a logo or other advertising message. According to another alternative, the frame members  14  may include slots having a width for receiving the sides of the display. Alternatively, the display unit may be secured to the mobile base system  10  by bolts, adhesives such as glue or tape, screws, clips, hook-and-loop fasteners, or other structures. Additionally, a second, inner lip (not shown) may also be provided on the frame members  14 , inward of the circumferential lip  40 . During use, the sides of the display unit may be sandwiched between such an inner lip and the circumferential lip  40 , providing additional stability when the display is moved. It should be recognized that other suitable configurations to stabilize and secure the display unit  100  may be used and are contemplated in the invention. 
         [0025]      FIG. 7  shows an exploded perspective view of the low profile caster  20 . The caster  20  includes a base  42  receivable within the recess  26 , a plurality of bearings  44 , a bracket  46  that rests on the bearings  44  allowing the bracket  46  to freely rotate relative to the base  42 , and a roller  48  connected to the bracket  46  by means of an axle  50  that allows the roller  48  to rotate. The base  42  of the caster  20  is received in the recesses  26  of the rectangular frame and the roller  48  allows the mobile base system  10  to be easily moved. The bracket  46  is rotatable about the base  42 , allowing the system  10  to turn and move in other directions. In association with the mobile system  10 , a brake mechanism, such as a boot or tab  52  which may be provided to extend into engagement with the floor, or other suitable brake mechanism may be provided. Alternatively, a brake mechanism could be provided on the frame  12  to prevent unwanted movement of the mobile system  10 , once it is positioned at the desired location. 
         [0026]    Alternative arrangements of the mobile base system are also contemplated. According to one alternative, one or more intermediate members may be positioned between the locking and adjustable members, allowing for greater variation in width and length of the frame  12 . 
         [0027]    According to other alternatives, the frame  12  may be of a different shape, such as angular, arcuate, straight or of any other shape, allowing for accommodation of displays with various alternative shapes, such as triangular, circular, or other shapes. In  FIG. 8 , a circular frame  150  is shown to include first and second arcuate members  152 , that may be configured to engage a display unit having a round or oval base configuration. The members  152  may be adjustable via one or more adjustment members  154 , extending between members  152 . Members  152  may have casters  156 , allowing movement thereof. Other aspects of different examples may also be used in such a configuration. 
         [0028]    According to another alternative, the members  16 ,  18  have an inner lip but not a circumferential lip and the display covers the inner lip when placed on the mobile base system  10 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 9  shows yet another alternative in which the frame  12  includes frame members  14 . In this arrangement, the frame members  14  engage and interlock with one another using a ratchet system, shown in more detail in  FIG. 9B . A location indicator arrow  60  and indicia  62  is shown which aids a user in the more precise positioning of the frame members  14  relative to each other. A ratchet arrangement is provided for allowing almost infinite adjustment of the frame members  14  relative to one another, and also provide an effective locking arrangement. The ratchet type system may be provided as a tooth and comb type of arrangement, a sliding arrangement, or a groove and tongue arrangement.  FIG. 9A  shows a closer view of the location indicator arrow  60  which is used to precisely position the members  14  relative to each other along various measurement locations  62  on the adjustment member  16 . Here, the measured locations  62  may be of any desired distance and may include any amount of incremental indicators at any desired increment between measured locations  62 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 9B  depicts an example of the ratchet type arrangement associated with the frame members  14 . In this embodiment, the ratchet arrangement is formed by opposing teeth  64  and  66  formed on adjacent legs of the frame members  14 , respectively, that interlock with each other. This allows the members  16  and  18  to have a nearly infinite adjustment between the frame members  14  to adjust the size of the frame  12  to match a given display unit. The teeth  64  and  66  are positioned in such a way as to securely position the members  14  with respect to each other. Alternatively, the frame members  14  may simply be arranged in sliding engagement with one another, where friction between the frame members upon positioning of the display unit on the base  10  holds the frame members  14  in place relative to adjacent members  14 . 
         [0031]    Other arrangements, such as the position, type, number and arrangement of casters are also envisioned. It is also envisioned that not all of the corners of the mobile base system  10  may have wheel assemblies, such as rolling casters, and other suitable configurations to allow support and movement are contemplated. 
         [0032]    Various types of locking connectors between adjacent members are also contemplated. The spring-biased button latch and perforated holes are used in the illustrated example as they are inexpensive and easy to use. However, other connectors such as bolts, pins, adhesives, or permanent connectors may also be used. 
         [0033]    The rectangular frame is shown as being adjustable between a fixed number of positions. However, it is contemplated that the frame may have more (up to infinite adjustability, for example by a screw drive) or fewer (as few as zero, for example a permanent connection) adjustment options. 
         [0034]    According to an example of the mobile base system the members are made of injection molded plastic. However, it is further contemplated that the members may be made of different materials, including stamped sheet metal, such as aluminum or steel.