AU623388B2

AU623388B2 - Display assembly

Info

Publication number: AU623388B2
Application number: AU33092/89A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Alan Whitelaw
Original assignee: POINT OF PURCHASE MEDIA SALES
Current assignee: Smartsource Marketing Pty Ltd
Priority date: 1988-04-18
Filing date: 1989-04-17
Publication date: 1992-05-14
Anticipated expiration: 2009-04-17
Also published as: GB2217504A; AU3309289A; GB8908481D0

Description

To: THE COMMISSIONER OF PATENTS (a member of the firm of DAVIES COLLISON for and on behalf of the Applicant).

Davies Collison, Melbourne and Canberra.

623388 1 COMMONWEALTH OFA U S T PATENTS ACT 1952 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

RALIA

(Original) FOR OFFICE USE Class Int.Class Application Number: Lodged: Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: Published: Priority: Related Art: S, Name of Applicant: POI-NT-OF-PURCHASE-MEDIA-PTY.

LTD.

Address of Applicant: 400 ST. KILDA ROAD, -WU ST. KILDA 3182 IN THE STATE OF VICTORIA, COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: DAVIES COLLISON, Patent Attorneys, 1 Little Collins Street, Melbourne 3000.

S~ ComJgalete sispeci-fioahidin for the invention entitled: "DISPLAY ASSEMBLY" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us:- 890405, arsspe. 008,cap7800pae, 'l la- 1 "DISPLAY ASSEMBLY" 2 3 The present invention relates generally to an improved 4 display assembly.

One particular application of the display assembly of 6 the present invention is in connection with trolleys of the 7 type used in supermarkets and like stores. Trolleys of this 8 type are provided for use by the customers in self-service 9 stores, supermarkets and generally include a wire basket into which the goods to be purchased can be placed. It will 11 be convenient to hereinafter describe the display assembly 12 of the invention with reference to this particular 13 application. Nevertheless, it is to be understood that this 14 is not to be considered as a limitation on the scope of the S 15 invention.

16 In applicants Australian patent 537,794, a display 17 assembly was described which is particularly suitable for q 18 use in the above mentioned application. Whilst this 19 assembly has gained wide acceptance, it has been found to suffer from certain disadvantages.

i 21 For example, the display is glued to the display panel 22 and therefore it is difficult to readily replace it once it 23 has been positioned on the panel. Another problem which has 24 been encountered is that the display is prone to degradation by water if the trolleys are left outdoors. A further 26 disadvantage is that the display panel can move in the 27 vertical direction if the fasteners become loose or damaged.

28 It is an object of the present invention to provide an u 29 improved display assembly which alleviates one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages.

31 Basically, the display assembly of the present 32 invention comprises a base panel having a display receiving 33 zone thereon which, in use, is adapted to releasably receive 34 and have mounted thereto a display. The display apparatus further includes mounting means suitable for mounting the 36 base panel to a framework which comprises spaced apart 37 vertical and/or horizontal rod like members.

38 According to one aspect of the present invention the 890406arsspe.008,7800cap, i i 1 2 1 display assembly comprises a second panel having a viewing 2 window therein and a peripheral border section surrounding 3 the window. The second panel is operatively connectible to 4 the base panel so as to be capable of adopting an open position in which a display can be located or moved from the 6 display receiving zone, and a closed position in which the 7 second panel overlies the base panel such that the display 8 can be seen through the window and in this position, the 9 display being held captive between the peripheral border section of the second panel and the base panel.

11 According to another aspect of the present invention, 12 the base panel of the display assembly comprises a 13 peripheral channel extending around at least the upper 14 peripheral edge and side edges thereof, the channel being 15 adapted to collect water and discharge it at the lower edge 16 of the base panel.

17 In accordance with another aspect of the present 18 invention, the base panel of the assembly includes support 19 means comprising a pair of spaced apart projections extending away from the rear surface of the base panel S 21 thereby defining slots which are dapted to receive a 22 horizontal member of the framework, so as to inhibit 23 movement in the direction of the vertical members of the 24 framework.

Preferably, the display receiving zone is defined by a 26 flat face of the base panel. Locating means may be provided 27 for correctly locating the display on the flat face. Such aoaa 28 locating means may comprise a plurality of spaced apart 29 upstanding pins disposed around the peripheral edge of the display zone, these pins being adapted to receive thereon 31 peripheral portions of the display. Further locating 32 projections may be provided for defining a stand upon which 33 the display can rest.

34 The display base panel may be rectangular, square or any other suitable configuration. Preferably the display is 36 in the form of a sheet of complementary shape to that of the 37 display surface.

38 The second panel may be of generally the same shape as 890406 arsspe. 0087800cap, 3 i 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 16 S 17 0 18 19 4 21 4 4 22 23 24 S 26 27 0 28 29 31 32 33 34 36 37 38 the base panel and be operatively connected thereto by the hinge or like means so that it can move between the open and closed positions.

Preferably, guide means is provided on the base panel and second panel so as to assist in correctly positioning the two parts when in the closed position. Such guide means may comprise a pair of projecting tabs on one of the panels adapted to be receivable within apertures in the other of the panels when in the closed position. This guide means acts to stabilize the two parts when in the closed position and inhibit rattle.

Preferably the second panel comprises inner and outer peripheral flanges with a connecting web therebetween, thus defining a U-shaped section which in the closed position overlies the pins referred to above. Preferably the outer peripheral flange is receivable within the water channel described above so as to give the assembly added stability.

Catch means may be provided for releasably securing the two panels together in the closed position. Such catch means may be in the form of a sear on one of the two panels which is adapted to engage behind a shoulder on the other panel when in the closed position.

Mounting means may be provided for operatively connecting the base panel to the framework. In one form of the invention the mounting means may comprise one or more clips each having associated therewith a fastener such as for example, a screw or rivet. The clips may be of the general type described in Australian patent specification 537,794 and include a fastener mounting section and support locating sections on each side thereof. Preferably the support locating sections are in the form of arms extending to opposite sides of the fastener mounting sections the free end of each support locating section having a flange thereon which is adapted to engage a respective member of the framework. Preferably, the clip is an integral unit and has some resilience so that when secured it is slightly spring and thereby inhibits movement of the assembly.

The above mounting means is particularly suited for use 890406 arsspe.0087800cap Li -4- 1 where a single display assembly is to be mounted on a 2 trolley. In certain applications it is desirable to have 3 two assemblies on each trolley one on the inside and the 4 other on the outside of the trolley wall. In this particular arrangement, it is preferable that the base 6 panels of the two assemblies are arranged back to back and 7 fastening means such as screws, preferably in the form of 8 self tapping screws or rivets are arranged to connect the 9 two apparatus together.

Preferably the base panel is provided with fastener 11 receiving sections for receiving the fasteners. The 12 fastener receiving sections may be in the form of bosses '0 13 projecting from the rear face of the base panel these bosses S14 being adapted to receive a fastener (or at least a portion thereof) therethrough. Preferably the bosses have a free 16 end portion with cut-back opposed sides so that the free end 17 portion can pass between adjacent vertical members of the S 18 framework. The cut-back side also forms a shoulder which 19 may in certain applications form a seat against which the vertical members of the framework bear.

21 In one form there is provided a plurality of groups of S22 bosses are provided each group comprising a pair of bosses 23 of the same general configuration with one of each group 24 being taller than the other. The shorter boss of each group is arranged for use where only one assembly is provided and 26 is used in configuration with the clips and fasteners 27 described above. The taller bosses find application when 28 two assemblies are disposed back to back. In this S29 arrangement, a fastener extends through the two abutting bosses in each group.

31 Preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter 32 be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in 33 which:- 34 Figure 1 is a general schematic view of a trolley to which a display assembly according to the invention is 36 mounted; 37 Figure 2 is a plan view of the display assembly 38 according to the invention in the open position; 890406,arsspe.008,7800cap, 5 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 26 27 S 28 29 31 32 33 34 36 37 38 Figure 3 is a sectional elevation of part of the display assembly; Figures 4 and 5 are details showing another portion of the display assembly according to the invention; Figure 6 is a schematic view of one form of mounting clip in accordance with the invention; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a display assembly according to the invention in a partial open position; and Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of the display assembly shown in Figure 7.

Referring to the drawings, the display assembly of the present invention which is generally indicated at 1 comprises a base panel 2 to which a display sheet (not shown) or like element bearing information is adapted to be secured. The apparatus is adapted to be mounted to a support which as shown in the drawings is the wall of a wire basket 40 of a trolley 42 the basket having vertical upright members 41 and horizontal members 43.

As shown, the base panel 2 includes a display receiving zone 4 to which the display sheet (not shown) is adapted to be secured. The display receiving zone 4 is defined by a flat surface 5 of the panel 2. The panel 2 may be rectangular, square or any other suitable configuration and as shown, the face 5 of this panel defines the display receiving zone 4. The display is in the form of a sheet which is adapted to be releasably carried on the surface The display sheet may include advertising material or other information. A water channel 3 is provided around the upper and side peripheral edges of the base panel 2 for directing water away from the surface 5. As best seen in Figure 2, the water channel has the shape of an inverted U, when the display assembly is in its normal in-use position. The free ends of the arms of the U-shaped channel are open so that any water collected in the channel can be discharged &t these free ends.

Locating means 6 is arranged for correctly positioning the display sheet on the surface 5. The locating means 6 comprises a plurality of pins 7 which co-operate with holes 890406 arsspe.008,7800cap, 6 1 in the peripheral edge of the sheet so that the sheet can be 2 held in position. Projections 8 are disposed towards the 3 lower edge of the base panel 2 so as to provide a stand upon 4 which the display sheet can sit.

The display assembly 1 of the present invention further 6 includes a second panel 10 which is operatively connected to 7 the base panel by means of connecting means 16 which as 8 shown is in the form of a hinge 17. The second panel 9 comprises a viewing window 12 and a peripheral border section 14 surrounding the window 12. The peripheral border 11 section 14 is generally U-shaped in cross-section as seen in 12 Figure 3 and comprises an inner flange 15 and an outer 13 flange 18 interconnected by a web 19. The inner flange 14 is shorter than the outer flange 18. As best seen in Figure S 15 3, when the panels are in the closed position the outer 16 flange 18 is disposed within the water channel 3. A S 17 secondary display zone 30 may be provided on the second 18 panel 19 Guide means 22 is provided to assist in stabilizing the two panels when in the closed position. As shown in Figure 21 2, the guide means 22 comprises a pair of tabs 23 on one of i 22 the panels which are receivable within apertures 24 in the 23 other panel when in the closed position.

24 As best seen in Figure 3, catch means 26 is provided for releasably holding the second panel 10 in the closed S 26 position relative to the base panel 2. As shown the catch 27 means 26 comprises a sear 27 arranged to co-operate with a 28 shoulder 28 enabling a snap fit between the two part.

S29 The apparatus further includes mounting means for operatively connecting the assembly 1 to the basket 40 of 31 the trolley. The mounting means comprises a series of clips 32 33 as shown in Figure 6 each clip having a fastener 33 receiving section 35 support locating arms 31 these clips 34 being adapted to be secured by means of screw or rivets or the like. Each of the support locating arms 31 has a flange 36 29 at the free end thereof which is adapted to engage a 37 vertical member of the framework.

38 As best shown in Figures 2, 4 and 8, the base panel 9 89040.arsspe.008,780cap,

I

7 1 is provided with fastener receiving sections in the form of 2 pairs of bosses 34, 36 which project from the rear face of 3 the base panel. These bosses are adapted to receive a 4 fastener therethrough. Each boss has a free end portion with cut-back sides 37 defining a shoulder 38. The 6 arrangement is such as the cut-backs free end section can 7 project through the adjacent vertical members of the 8 framework and are arranged to co-operate with fasteners.

9 The rear face of the base panel 2 further includes two pairs of projections 9 which project from the rear face of 11 the base panel 2. The projections 9 in each pair are spaced 12 apart so as to define a slot 11 therebetween. This slot 11 13 is adopted to receive a horizontal member 43 of the 14 framework so as to inhibit vertical movement of the base panel.

16 Finally, it is to be understood that various 17 alterations, modifications and/or additions may be 18 incorporated into the various constructions and arrangements 19 of parts without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.

21 22 23 24 S° 27 i 28 29 31 32 33 34 36 37 38 890406,arsspe.008,7800cap, J

Claims

2. A display assembly according to claim 1 wherein said base panel comprises a peripheral channel extending around at least the upper peripheral edge and side edges thereof, a4 said channel being adapted to collect water and discharge it at the lower edge of the base panel.
3. A display assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said base panel includes support means comprising a pair of spacrd apart projections extending away from the rear surface of the base panel thereby defining slots which are adapted to receive a horizontal member of the framework, so as to inhibit movement in the direction of the vertical members of the framework.
4. A display assembly according to any preceding claim wherein said display receiving zone is defined by a flat 890406, arsspe. 008,78 0 0cap, 1 9 face of said base panel, the display assembly further including locating means for correctly locating the display on the flat face, said locating means comprising a plurality of spaced apart upstanding pins disposed around said peripheral edge of the display zone, said pins being adapted to receive peripheral portions of the display. A display assembly according to any preceding claim wherein said second panel is connected to said base panel by hinge means for pivotal movement between said open and closed epcSd ons.
6. A display assembly according to any preceding claim 0 further including guide means on said base panel and second S panel for assisting in correctly positioning the said panels SQwhen in the closed position, said guide means comprising a pair of projecting tabs on one of the panels adapted to be Sreceivable within apertures in the other of the panels when in the closed position. i44a
7. A display assembly according to any preceding claim wherein said second panel comprises inner and outer peripheral flanges with a connecting web therebetween thereby defining a substantially U-shaped section wherein in the closed position overlies said pins. 1 8. A display assembly according to claim 7 wherein said V a outer peripheral flange is receivable within said water channel.
9. A display assembly according to any preceding claim further including catch means for releasably securing the two panels together in the closed position, said catch means comprising a sear on one of the two panels which is adapted to engage behind a shoulder on the other panel when in the closed position. 0406 O spe.008,7800cap. -1 Llin 4 I 4 10 A display assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 17th day of April, 1989 DAVIES COLLISON Patent Attorneys for PO-IN-T OF-P-URGHASE-MEDIA- PTY.i LTD. IR (RAZ EC. 113 S SFD vs Sl f I a a a a: a 3 a a .z 4 1 R9O4O6, arsspe. 008.7800cap.