U.S. patent application number 10/168413 was filed with the patent office on 2003-03-27 for display assembly.
Invention is credited to Bowmar, Jared, Crown, Peter, Smith, Nigel.
Application Number | 20030056697 10/168413 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 10866696 |
Filed Date | 2003-03-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030056697 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Crown, Peter ; et
al. |
March 27, 2003 |
Display assembly
Abstract
There is described a merchandise display matrix (1) which
comprises a support assembly (2) adapted to be fitted with one or
more spacer bars (4), the distal end (6) of the spacer bar (4)
being capable of supporting a hoarding (8) provided with at least
one display aperture (9, 10) wherein one or more merchandise
display trays (13) may be arranged to be visible through the
display aperture. There is also described a method of displaying
merchandise and also a kit comprising a support assembly (2), one
or more spacer bars (4), a hoarding (8) provided with a display
aperture (9, 10) and one or more merchandise display trays
(13).
Inventors: |
Crown, Peter; (Loughborough,
GB) ; Smith, Nigel; (Loughborough, GB) ;
Bowmar, Jared; (Loughborough, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MYERS BIGEL SIBLEY & SAJOVEC
PO BOX 37428
RALEIGH
NC
27627
US
|
Family ID: |
10866696 |
Appl. No.: |
10/168413 |
Filed: |
September 23, 2002 |
PCT Filed: |
December 20, 2000 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB00/04891 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/28 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 5/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/28 |
International
Class: |
A47B 041/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 21, 1999 |
GB |
9930134.3 |
Claims
1. A merchandise display matrix (1) which comprises a support
assembly (2) adapted to be fitted with one or more spacer bars (4),
the distal end (6) of the spacer bar (4) being capable of
supporting a hoarding (8) characterised in that the hoarding (8) is
provided with at least one display aperture (7) wherein one or more
merchandise display trays (13) may be arranged to be visible
through the display aperture (7) and the merchandise display tray
(13) is capable of being extended to facilitate filling of the tray
(13).
2. A merchandise display matrix (1) according to claim 1
characterised in that the support assembly (2) comprises a track
assembly.
3. A merchandise display matrix (1) according to claim 2
characterised in that the track assembly comprises a plurality of
horizontal grooves (13).
4. A merchandise display matrix (1) according to claim 1
characterised in that the end of the spacer bar (4) adjacent the
support assembly (12) is provided with means for engaging the
support assembly (2).
5. A merchandise display matrix (1) according to claim 4
characterised in that the engaging means comprises a plurality of
hooks.
6. A merchandise display matrix (1) according to claim 1
characterised in that the distal end (6) of the spacer bar (4) is
provided with means for connecting to the hoarding.
7. A merchandise display matrix (1) according to claim 6
characterised in that the hoarding connection means comprises an
aperture.
8. A merchandise display matrix (1) according to claim 1
characterised in that the dimensions of each of the spacer bars (4)
is such that the length of the spacer bar (4) is substantially the
same as the length of the merchandise display tray (13).
9. A merchandise display matrix (1) according to claim 1
characterised in that the length of each of the spacer bars (4) is
slightly less than the length of the merchandise holding tray
(13).
10. A merchandise display matrix (1) according to claim 1
characterised in that the hoarding (8) comprises a plurality of
display apertures (7).
11. A merchandise display matrix (1) according to claim 10
characterised in that the merchandise display tray (13) comprises a
longitudinal arm provided with means for attaching the arm to the
support assembly (12), the longitudinal arm comprising at least one
groove in which a merchandise holding tray (13) is slidably mounted
and moveable from a retracted to an extended position, the tray
(13) being provided with a slidably mounted product pusher which is
resiliently biased towards the front of the tray (13) and the arm
is provided with means for engaging with the product pusher.
12. A merchandise display matrix (1) according to claim 1
characterised in that at least two of the merchandise display trays
(13) are joined together.
13. A merchandise display matrix (1) according to claim 12
characterised in that the merchandise display trays (13) are joined
by a resilient clip.
14. A method of displaying merchandise which comprises the use of a
merchandise display matrix (1) according to claim 1.
15. A kit comprising a support assembly (2), one or more spacer
bars, a hoarding (8) provided with a display aperture (7) and one
or more merchandise display trays (13).
16. A merchandise display matrix (1) substantially as described
with reference to the accompanying description and drawings.
Description
[0001] This invention relates to a novel merchandise display
assembly for use in conjunction with merchandising and
merchandising display stands.
[0002] Merchandising display stands conventionally comprise a
merchandise tray optionally provided with a product pusher to urge
merchandise to the front of the tray. More recently slidable
merchandise trays have been developed, such a tray is described for
example in UK Patent No 2290077. A slidable merchandise tray is
also described in co-pending UK Patent application (as yet
unpublished) which describes an assembly for fitting to a
merchandising display stand comprising a longitudinal arm provided
with means for attaching the arm to the display stand, the
longitudinal arm comprising an at least one groove in which a
merchandising holding tray is slidably mounted and moveable from a
retracted to an extended position, the tray being provided with a
slidably mounted product pusher which is resiliently biased towards
the front of the tray and the arm is provided with means for
engaging with the product pusher.
[0003] The development of slidable merchandise trays has now
enabled us to produce a display matrix which is advantageous over
prior art systems.
[0004] Thus according to the invention we provide a merchandise
display matrix which comprises a support assembly adapted to be
fitted with one or more spacer bars, the distal end of the spacer
bar being capable of supporting a hoarding provided with at least
one display aperture wherein one or more merchandise holding trays
may be arranged to be visible through the display aperture.
[0005] The support assembly may comprise a conventionally known
assembly. Thus, the assembly may be a track assembly or it may
comprise, for example, a peg board. A preferred assembly is a track
assembly and especially one which comprises a plurality of grooves
or apertures, eg slots, into which one or more spacer bars may be
fitted. and the merchandise display tray is capable of being
extended to facilitate filling of the tray.
[0006] The support assembly may comprise a conventionally known
assembly. Thus, the assembly may be a track assembly or it may
comprise, for example, a peg board. A preferred assembly is a track
assembly and especially one which comprises a plurality of grooves
or apertures, eg slots, into which one or more spacer bars may be
fitted.
[0007] The grooves or apertures may be horizontal, vertical or
angled grooves or apertures, or a mixture thereof. However, the
preferred support assembly comprises a plurality of horizontal
grooves or apertures and especially a plurality of horizontal
grooves. The track assembly may be free standing or may be provided
with legs to enable it to be free standing or it may be adapted to
be wall mounted.
[0008] It is preferred, although not essential, that all of the
spacer bars used are the same. Thus, the spacer bars may be in the
form of a buttress. The end of the spacer bar adjacent the track
assembly is provided with means for engaging the track assembly,
such means may be, but is not limited to, a hook or a plurality of
hooks. Preferably, such engaging means will be the same as the
engaging means used in the merchandise display tray. The distal end
of the spacer bar is provided with means for connecting to the
hoarding. Any conventional means may be included at the distal end
of the spacer. Preferably, the hoarding connection means will
comprise an aperture, which may correspond to an aperture
positioned in the hoarding. The aperture may, optionally be screw
threaded, but is at least capable of receiving a connection member,
such as a screw.
[0009] The dimensions of the spacer bar may vary, but preferably
the length of each of the spacer bars will be the same and will be
substantially the same as the length of the merchandise tray,
enabling the display tray to be readily visible through the display
aperture of the hoarding. Preferably, the length of each of the
spacer bars will not be greater, and more preferably will be
slightly less than the length of the merchandise display tray so
that the merchandise display tray, carrying merchandise, will
slightly protrude through the display aperture of the hoarding.
[0010] The hoarding may comprise any material conventionally used
as an advertising material, eg plastics, metal, cardboard,
laminate, glass or any combination thereof. The hoarding allows an
advertising display to be placed upon it (or within it, if it has a
laminar structure), thus allowing a manufacturer or retailer to
carry promotional material adjacent the product display. An
essential feature of the hoarding is that it is provided with at
least one display aperture, but preferably a plurality of display
apertures, eg two or three, allowing the merchandise to be visible.
Each of the display apertures may be dimensioned to allow more than
one merchandise tray to be visible. The hoarding may be provided
with integral means for engaging with the spacer bars.
Alternatively, the hoarding may simply be provided with one or more
apertures positioned so as to correspond with the engaging means or
the aperture in the end of the spacer bar adjacent the hoarding (ie
distal to the support display).
[0011] The merchandising display tray may be any conventionally
known such tray. However, preferentially the tray is one which is
capable of being extended to facilitate filling of the tray. Most
preferentially, the tray is one which is described in co-pending UK
Patent application No GB 9929911.7. Thus, the merchandise display
tray may comprise a longitudinal arm provided with means for
attaching the arm to the support assembly, the longitudinal arm
comprising at least one groove in which a merchandise holding tray
is slidably mounted and moveable from a retracted to an extended
position, the tray being provided with a slidably mounted product
pusher which is resiliently biased towards the front of the tray
and the arm is provided with means for engaging with the product
pusher.
[0012] Thus the merchandise holding tray is provided with a
longitudinal aperture to facilitate the sliding of the product
pusher. The base of the tray may preferably be provided with means
for engaging with the longitudinal arm. This engaging means should
be such that the tray is capable of sliding freely in the arm.
However, preferentially, the engaging means should restrict the
vertical movement of the tray. This is particularly advantageous in
that when the tray is in an extended position the tray is hindered
from tilting, e.g. under the weight of any loaded merchandise.
Thus, the arm is preferably provided with one or more longitudinal
grooves which engage with a hook member in the base of the tray.
The hook member may be a conventionally known `L` shaped hook, or
an inverted T-shaped hook. In the most preferred embodiment, the
base of the tray is provided with a pair of L-shaped hooks e.g.
opposite facing hooks. In such a case the arm is provided with a
pair of longitudinal grooves e.g. a groove at either side of the
arm.
[0013] The resilient biasing means preferably comprises a spring.
The spring means can take any convenient form such as a coil or
leaf spring. The biasing means for the product pusher conveniently
comprises a coiled flat spring, the free end of which is attached
to the tray, e.g. adjacent the front of the tray and the remainder
of the spring is coiled and mounted on the rear face of the product
pusher.
[0014] The longitudinal arm is provided with means for engaging the
product pusher. Preferentially, this engaging means is also adapted
to engage the merchandise tray e.g. the base of the tray. The
engaging means is preferably a lip which engages with the base of
the product pusher. Thus, when the base of the product pusher
engages with the lip of the arm, the product pusher cannot be drawn
further towards the front of the merchandise tray. Furthermore,
when the merchandise tray is withdrawn from the arm to enable it to
be restocked, the product pusher remains stationary, thus,
effectively moving it adjacent the rear of the merchandise tray. In
one embodiment, the product pusher is simply prevented from sliding
out of the tray by the rear wall of the tray.
[0015] Furthermore, the "underneath" of the merchandise tray may be
provided with a ridge which is also capable of engaging with the
lip of the arm. Thus, the ridge acts to prevent the merchandise
tray from easily sliding back in to the arm of the assembly. In
use, an operator must therefore lift the merchandise tray, allowing
the ridge to pass back over the lip, before the merchandise tray
can slide back into its position in the arm assembly. In a
preferred embodiment the ridge is provided with a sloping surface
to facilitate the outward sliding of the ridge over the lip of the
arm assembly.
[0016] The product pusher may comprise a conventionally known
assembly. Preferably, the product pusher is an L-shaped piece of
plastics material which is provided with a hook in its base as
hereinbefore described.
[0017] The merchandise display matrix of the invention may comprise
an individual unit which may be attached to a track assembly. As
previously mentioned, such track assemblies are already known.
[0018] The merchandise display trays may optionally be joined
together, eg two or more merchandise trays, allowing them to be
extended from their respective arm assemblies together. This may be
achieved using a resilient clip as described in co-pending UK
Patent application No GB 9929911.7.
[0019] We also provide a kit comprising a support assembly, one or
more spacer bars, a hoarding provided with a display aperture and
one or more merchandise display trays as hereinbefore
described.
[0020] The invention will now be described by way of example only
and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the merchandise display
assembly.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, a merchandise display matrix (1)
comprises a track assembly (2) provided with a plurality of
longitudinal horizontal grooves (3). Attached to the track assembly
are a plurality of spacer bars (4). Each spacer is provided with
means (not shown) at a first end (5) for engaging with the track
assembly (2). At the second, distal end (6) each spacer bar (4) is
provided with an aperture (7). The display matrix (1) is provided
with a display hoarding (8) which comprises a pair of display
apertures (9 and 10). The hoarding (8) is also provided with
attachment apertures (11) positioned so as to correspond with
apertures (7) in the spacer bars (4). The hoarding (8) is held in
place against the spacer bars (4) by a snap fit screw (12) which
passes through the attachment aperture (11) of the hoarding (8) and
snaps into the aperture (7) in the spacer bar (4).
[0023] A merchandise display tray (13) rest on a tray support (14)
comprises a longitudinal L-shaped arm provided with hooks (not
shown) which engage with the grooves (3) of the track assembly
(2)
[0024] In use, the merchandise display tray (13) is visible through
the display apertures (9 and 10) of the hoarding (8) or
alternatively, protrudes through the display apertures (9 and 10).
The hoarding (8) may carry advertising or promotional or other
material.
* * * * *