GB2515509A

GB2515509A - An actuator for a display panel

Info

Publication number: GB2515509A
Application number: GB201311292A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Patrick Mcgonagle
Original assignee: Pakflatt UK Ltd
Current assignee: Pakflatt UK Ltd
Priority date: 2013-06-25
Filing date: 2013-06-25
Publication date: 2014-12-31
Also published as: GB201311292D0

Abstract

An actuator mechanism comprises a support 14, at least one arm 16 mounted to the support which is displaceable between collapsed and extended positions, and at least one biasing means 18 arranged to bias the arm into the extended position. The biasing means is preferably a frustoconical helical spring. The arm is preferably hingedly mounted to the support by means of a living hinge. The actuator is designed to be mounted between the front and back panels of a totem style display such that it remains flat when the display is collapsed and acts to automatically erect the display when required. The actuator preferably comprises either a pair of arms and two pairs of springs or four arms and four pairs of springs, one pair of springs acting on each arm.

Description

An actuator for a display panel The present invention relates to an actuator for a display panel. In particular, the present invention relates to an actuator for an expandable display panel. Also disclosed is a display assembly comprising the actuator and an expandable display panel.

Background to the invention

The main purpose of a display panel is to communicate information to a receiver to facilitate cognitive decisions based on the information provided. In general, display panels can preform the following functions: (a) information: signs giving information about services and facilities, such as maps, directories, instructions for use; (b) direction: signs leading to services, facilities, functional spaces and key areas, such as sign posts, directional arrows; (c) identification: signs indicating services and facilities, such as room names and numbers, toilet signs, number of floors; and (d) safety and regulatory: signs giving warning or safety instructions, such as warning signs, traffic signs, exit signs, rules & regulations.

In this way, the display panels can find utility as a form of general signage to display visually graphical information to a particular audience. For example, the display panel can be used to display way-finding information in places such as streets or inside/outside of buildings.

As a form of sales promotion, point-of-sale (PUS) displays are often provided near, on, or next to the place where a sale is completed -termed the "point of sale" -usually a checkout counter and the previous conveyor belt. The purpose of the display is to draw the attention of purchasers to products, which may be new products or on special offer. Presently, PUS displays include devices such as shelf edging, dummy packs, display packs, mobiles, posters, banners, display stands, and display panels.

A display panel is often utilised to impact on product sales. From a functional perspective, the purpose of a display panel is to focus on the purchaser's wish to purchase products and should grab the attention, interest, desire, memory, and a series of mental activities. As a sales function, display panels should convey information to a purchaser.

Important characteristics of a display panel include appearance, structure, free assembly, fast disassembly, and convenient transportation.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an actuator for a display panel; the actuator comprising: (a) a support; (b) at least one arm mounted to the support and displaceable between a contracted position and an expanded position; and (c) at least one biasing means arranged to maintain the at least one arm in the expanded position.

Optionally, the support comprises a rigid body. Further optionally, the support comprises a planar body. Still further optionally, the support comprises a generally planar, rigid body.

Optionally, the support is formed from a rigid material. Optionally, the support is formed from a thermoplastic polymer. Further optionally, the support is formed from polypropylene (PP; polypropene). Alternatively, the support is formed from paperboard, optionally fibreboard, further optionally corrugated fibreboard.

Optionally, the at least one arm comprises a rigid body. Further optionally, the at least one arm comprises a planar body. Still further optionally, the at least one arm comprises a generally planar, rigid body.

Optionally, the at least one arm is formed from a rigid material. Optionally, the at least one arm is formed from a thermoplastic polymer. Further optionally, the at least one arm is formed from polypropylene (PP; polypropene). Alternatively, the at least one arm is formed from cellulose acetate, cellulose triacetate, or a mixture thereof.

Optionally, the at least one arm is movably mounted to the support and displaceable between a contracted position and an expanded position. Further optionally, the at least one arm is pivotably mounted to the support and displaceable between a contracted position and an expanded position.

Still further optionally, the at least one arm is hingedly mounted to the support and displaceable between a contracted position and an expanded position. Still further optionally, the at least one arm is hingedly mounted to the support by a live hinge and displaceable between a contracted position and an expanded position.

Optionally, in the contracted position, the at least one arm and the support are in side-by-side relationship. Further optionally, in the contracted position, the at least one arm and the support are generally in a coplanar relationship.

Optionally, in the expanded position, the at least one arm and the support are in a spaced apart relationship. Further optionally, in the expanded position, the at least one arm and the support are generally in an angular relationship.

Optionally, the at least one biasing means comprises a resilient member arranged to maintain the at least one arm in the expanded position. Further optionally, the at least one biasing means comprises a spring member arranged to maintain the at least one arm in the expanded position. Still further optionally, the at least one biasing means comprises a compression spring member arranged to maintain the at least one arm in the expanded position. Still further optionally, the at least one biasing means comprises a helical spring member arranged to maintain the at least one arm in the expanded position.

Optionally, the at least one biasing means comprises a frustoconical helical spring member arranged to maintain the at least one arm in the expanded position. Further optionally, the at least one biasing means comprises a volute or conical helical spring member arranged to maintain the at least one arm in the expanded position.

Optionally, the conical helical spring member is formed from steel. Further optionally, the conical helical spring member is formed from a steel wire. Still further optionally, the conical helical spring member is formed from a carbon steel wire. Still further optionally, the conical helical spring member is formed from a cold drawn carbon steel wire. Still further optionally, the conical helical spring member is formed from a cold drawn carbon steel wire according to standard BS 5216:1991 published 01 January 1991 by the British Standards Institution.

Optionally, the diameter of the wire of the conical helical spring member is about 0.90 to about 1.25mm in diameter, optionally about 0.95 to about 1.20mm, further optionally about 1.00 to about 1.15mm. Further optionally, the diameter of the wire of the conical helical spring member is about 1.02mm. Alternatively, the diameter of the wire of the conical helical spring member is about 1.12mm.

Optionally, the diameter of the large end of the conical helical spring member is about 18 to about 28mm. Further optionally, the diameter of the large end of the conical helical spring member is about to about 26mm. Still further optionally, the diameter of the large end of the conical helical spring member is about 22 to about 24mm. Still further optionally, the diameter of the large end of the conical helical spring member is about 20mm. Alternatively, the diameter of the large end of the conical helical spring member is about 24mm. Further alternatively, the diameter of the large end of the conical helical spring member is about 26mm.

Optionally, the diameter of the small end of the conical helical spring member is about 12 to about 18mm. Further optionally, the diameter of the small end of the conical helical spring member is about 14 to about 16mm. Still further optionally, the diameter of the small end of the conical helical spring member is about 14mm. Alternatively, the diameter of the small end of the conical helical spring member is about 16mm. Further alternatively, the diameter of the small end of the conical helical spring member is about 18mm.

Optionally, the conical helical spring member comprises 4.00 -6.00 coils. Further optionally, the conical helical spring member comprises 4.54 coils. Alternatively, the conical helical spring member comprises 5.01 coils. Further alternatively, the conical helical spring member comprises 5.17 coils.

Optionally, the conical helical spring member has linear spring rate of about 0.50 to about 1.50 N/mm. Further optionally, the conical helical spring member has linear spring rate of about 0.55 to about 1.00 N/mm. Further optionally, the conical helical spring member has linear spring rate of about 0.55 N/mm. Alternatively, the conical helical spring member has linear spring rate of about 0.70 N/mm. Further alternatively, the conical helical spring member has linear spring rate of about 1.00 N/mm.

Optionally, the free length (longitudinal length) of the conical helical spring member is at least 10mm.

Further optionally, the free length (longitudinal length) of the conical helical spring member is about 15 to about 25mm. Still further optionally, the free length (longitudinal length) of the conical helical spring member is about 15mm. Alternatively, the free length (longitudinal length) of the conical helical spring member is about 20mm. Further alternatively, the free length (longitudinal length) of the conical helical spring member is about 25mm.

Optionally, the conical helical spring member has a constant pitch. Alternatively, the conical helical spring member has a variable pitch.

Optionally, the diameter of the wire of the conical helical spring member is about 1.02mm; the diameter of the large end of the conical helical spring member is about 20mm; the diameter of the small end of the conical helical spring member is about 14mm; the conical helical spring member comprises 4.54 coils; the conical helical spring member has linear spring rate of about 1.00 N/mm; the free length (longitudinal length) of the conical helical spring member is about 15mm; and the conical helical spring member has a constant pitch.

Optionally, the diameter of the wire of the conical helical spring member is about 1.12mm; the diameter of the large end of the conical helical spring member is about 24mm; the diameter of the small end of the conical helical spring member is about 16mm; the conical helical spring member comprises 5.17 coils; the conical helical spring member has linear spring rate of about 0.70 N/mm; the free length (longitudinal length) of the conical helical spring member is about 20mm; and the conical helical spring member has a constant pitch.

Optionally, the diameter of the wire of the conical helical spring member is about 1.12mm; the diameter of the large end of the conical helical spring member is about 26mm; the diameter of the small end of the conical helical spring member is about 18mm; the conical helical spring member comprises 5.01 coils; the conical helical spring member has linear spring rate of about 0.55 N/mm; the free length (longitudinal length) of the conical helical spring member is about 25mm; and the conical helical spring member has a constant pitch.

Optionally, the actuator comprises a support; at least two arms mounted to the support and each arm displaceable between a contracted position and an expanded position; and at least two biasing means, each arranged to maintain each arm in the expanded position. Further optionally, the actuator comprises a support; first and second arms mounted to the support and each arm displaceable between a contracted position and an expanded position; and first and second biasing means, wherein the first biasing means are arranged to maintain the first arm in the expanded position; and wherein the second biasing means are arranged to maintain the second arm in the expanded position.

Optionally, the first and second arms are located at opposing ends of the support.

Optionally, the actuator comprises a support; at least two arms mounted to the support and each arm displaceable between a contracted position and an expanded position; and at least four biasing means, arranged in pairs, such that each pair of biasing means is arranged to maintain each arm in the expanded position.

Optionally, the actuator comprises a support; at least four arms mounted to the support and each arm displaceable between a contracted position and an expanded position; and at least eight biasing means, arranged in pairs, such that each pair of biasing means is arranged to maintain each arm in the expanded position.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display assembly comprising: (1) a display panel displaceable between a contracted position and an expanded position; and (2) an actuator comprising: (a) a support; (b) at least one arm mounted to the support and displaceable between a contracted position and an expanded position; and (c) at least one biasing means arranged to maintain the at least one arm in the expanded position.

Optionally, the display panel comprises a unitary body having a front panel and a back panel. Further optionally, the display panel comprises a unitary body having a front panel and a back panel, which together form a tube.

Optionally, in the contracted position, the front panel and the back panel are in side-by-side relationship.

Optionally, in the expanded position, the front panel and the back panel are in a spaced apart relationship.

Optionally, the actuator is locatable between the front panel and the back panel.

Optionally, the support comprises means to reversibly couple the support between the front panel and the back panel. Optionally, the coupling means comprises elastic members.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an actuator according to a first aspect of the present invention; and Figure 2 is a perspective view of a display assembly according to a second aspect of the present invention, displacing from a contracted position to an expanded position.

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention relates to an actuator 10 for a display panel 12. The actuator 10 comprises a support 14; at least one arm 16 mounted to the support and displaceable between a contracted position and an expanded position; and at least one biasing means 18 arranged to maintain the at least one arm in the expanded position.

The support 14 comprises a rigid body. The support 14 is intended to support the arm or arms 16 of the actuator 10, and so can be formed from any material having the required strength and rigidity. It is understood that the support does not need to comprise a wholly rigid body and that some flexibility of the support is possible, as long as the support maintains the required strength to support the arm or arms of the actuator. In certain embodiments, the support 14 comprises a planar body. For example, the support 14 can comprise a planar body so that, in the collapsed position, the actuator and the display panel 12 are generally planar in form, thereby facilitating storage and transportation of the display panel and/or the actuator. However, it is understood that, in certain embodiments, the support 14 need not be substantially planar, and that other forms and dimensions of body can be utilised. For example, the support 14 can comprise a non-planar or curved body. In a preferred embodiment, the support 14 comprises a generally planar, rigid body. The support 14 is formed from a rigid material, such as a thermoplastic polymer. An example of a rigid material is polypropylene (PP; polypropene). It is also envisaged that the support 14 can be formed from paperboard, such as fibreboard or corrugated fibreboard.

Each arm 16 comprises a rigid body. Each arm 16 is intended to displace the display panel 12 between a contracted position and an expanded position, and so can be formed from any material having the required strength and rigidity. Each arm 16 can comprise a planar body. However, it is understood that, in certain embodiments, each arm need not be substantially planar, and that other forms and dimensions of arm can be utilised. In a preferred embodiment, each arm 16 comprises a generally planar, rigid body. Each arm 16 is formed from a rigid material, such as a thermoplastic polymer, fir example polypropylene (PP; polypropene). Alternatively, each arm 16 can be formed from cellulose acetate, cellulose triacetate, or a mixture thereof. In certain embodiments, wherein the actuator 10 comprises more than one arm, each arm 16 can be independently formed from different materials or different forms and dimensions of arms can be independently utilised.

To facilitate displacement between a contracted position and an expanded position, each arm 16 is movably mountable to the support 14. It is understood that each arm 16 can be movably mounted to the support 14 or each arm 16 and the support 14 can be integrally formed. For example, each arm 16 can be pivotably or hingedly mounted to the support to be displaced between a contracted position and an expanded position. Alternatively, each arm 16 and the support 14 can be integrally formed and each arm can be hingedly movable relative to the support by a live hinge.

In the contracted position, each arm 16 and the support 14 are in side-by-side relationship, such that each arm and the support are generally in a coplanar relationship. Such a position facilitates ease of storage and transportation of the display panel and/or the actuator. In the expanded position, each arm 16 is hingedly displaced away from the support 14, whereby each arm and the support are generally in an angular relationship. At least part of the arm 16 and the support 14 are spaced apart defining a space therebetween.

The biasing means 18 can comprise a resilient member arranged to maintain each arm in the expanded position. The biasing means 18 can be spring member, such as a compression spring member, for example a helical spring member. In an embodiment, the biasing means 18 are a frustoconical helical spring member (also referred to as a volute or conical helical spring) and are arranged to maintain the at least one arm in the expanded position.

In an embodiment, the conical helical spring member is formed from steel. In a preferred embodiment, the conical helical spring member is formed from a steel wire. The conical helical spring member is intended to maintain each arm in the expanded position. Accordingly, the material and form of the conical helical spring member can be selected by one skilled in the art, and any material or form providing the required strength can be used. For example, the conical helical spring member can be formed from a carbon steel wire, such as a cold drawn carbon steel wire. In a preferred embodiment, the conical helical spring member is formed from a cold drawn carbon steel wire according to standard BS 5216:1991 published 01 January 1991 by the British Standards Institution. The conical helical spring member is formed from a steel ribbon.

In embodiments wherein the conical helical spring member is formed from a steel wire, the diameter of the wire is about 0.90 to about 1.25mm in diameter, optionally about 0.95 to about 1.20mm in diameter, further optionally about 1.00 to about 1.15mm in diameter. Optionally, the conical helical spring member comprises 4.00-6.00 coils. The conical helical spring member can have a linear spring rate of about 0.50 to about 1.50 N/mm. In certain embodiments, the conical helical spring member has a constant pitch; but it is also envisaged that the conical helical spring member can have a variable pitch, and that the pitch can be selected by one skilled in the art.

Given that the helical spring member has a conical (frustoconical) shape, the helical spring member has opposing ends, each end defining a diameter. The large end of the conical helical spring member has a larger diameter than the small end of the conical helical spring member. The diameter of the large end is preferably about 18 to about 28mm; and the diameter of the small end of the conical helical spring member is about 12 to about 18mm.

The free length, that is the longitudinal length of the conical helical spring member in a non-compressed state, is at least 10mm. Optionally, the free length (longitudinal length) of the conical helical spring member is about 15 to about 25mm.

In a specific embodiment, the diameter of the wire of the conical helical spring member is about 1.02mm; the diameter of the large end of the conical helical spring member is about 20mm; the diameter of the small end of the conical helical spring member is about 14mm; the conical helical spring member comprises 4.54 coils; the conical helical spring member has linear spring rate of about 1.00 N/mm; the free length (longitudinal length) of the conical helical spring member is about 15mm; and the conical helical spring member has a constant pitch.

In an alternative embodiment, the diameter of the wire of the conical helical spring member is about 1.12mm; the diameter of the large end of the conical helical spring member is about 24mm; the diameter of the small end of the conical helical spring member is about 16mm; the conical helical spring member comprises 5.17 coils; the conical helical spring member has linear spring rate of about 0.70 N/mm; the free length (longitudinal length) of the conical helical spring member is about 20mm; and the conical helical spring member has a constant pitch.

In a still alternative embodiment, the diameter of the wire of the conical helical spring member is about 1.12mm; the diameter of the large end of the conical helical spring member is about 26mm; the diameter of the small end of the conical helical spring member is about 18mm; the conical helical spring member comprises 5.01 coils; the conical helical spring member has linear spring rate of about 0.55 N/mm; the free length (longitudinal length) of the conical helical spring member is about 25mm; and the conical helical spring member has a constant pitch.

The actuator 10 can comprise a support 14, at least two arms 16 mounted to the support, and at least two biasing means 18. Each arm 16 is displaceable between a contracted position and an expanded position and each of the biasing means 18 can be arranged to maintain each arm in the expanded position. In such embodiments, the actuator 10 comprises a support 14; first and second arms 16; and first and second biasing means 18. The first biasing means are arranged to maintain the first arm in the expanded position; and the second biasing means are arranged to maintain the second arm in the expanded position. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second arms 16 are located at opposing ends of the support.

The number of arms and the number of biasing means can be selected by one skilled in the art. It is envisaged that each arm 16 can comprise more than one biasing means 18. For example, each arm 16 can comprise (be operably linked to) one or more biasing means 18, for example, two or more biasing means. It is also envisaged that, in certain embodiments, the actuator 10 can comprise a support 14; two arms 16 mounted to the support; and four biasing means 18, arranged in pairs, such that each pair of biasing means 18 is arranged to maintain each arm 16 in the expanded position. In a preferred embodiment, the actuator 10 comprises a support 14; four arms 16 mounted to the support; and eight biasing means 18, arranged in pairs, such that each pair of biasing means is arranged to maintain each arm in the expanded position.

The actuator 10 is intended for use with a display panel 12 displaceable between a contracted position and an expanded position. In particular, the actuator is intended to be locatable within or adjacent the display panel, such that displacement of the arm or arms of the actuator from the contracted position to the expanded position; drives displacement of the display panel from the contracted position to the expanded position; thereby providing a self-(automatically-) assembling display panel.

Accordingly, the present invention also relates to a display assembly comprising: (1) a display panel 12 displaceable between a contracted position and an expanded position; and (2) an actuator 10 comprising: (a) a support 14; (b) at least one arm 16 mounted to the support and displaceable between a contracted position and an expanded position; and (c) at least one biasing means 18 arranged to maintain the at least one arm in the expanded position.

It is envisaged that the actuator is used with a display panel 12 comprising a unitary body having a front panel 20 and a back panel 22. The front panel 20 and the back panel 22 together form a tube.

Accordingly, the display panel 12 is displaceable between a contracted position and an expanded position wherein, in the contracted position, the front panel and the back panel are in side-by-side relationship, forming a flattened tube, and thereby facilitating storage and transportation of the display panel and/or the actuator.

To assemble the display panel 12, the display panel must be displaced to the expanded position, wherein the front panel 20 and the back panel 22 are in a spaced apart relationship, forming a generally cylindrical tube having open ends. The cylindrical tube can be placed on one of the open ends and thus finds utility as a display panel. To achieve self-(automatic-) assembly of the display panel, the actuator lOis locatable between the front panel 20 and the back panel 22 of the display panel 12. In the contracted state, each arm 16 is in side-by-side relationship with the planar support 14. The support 14 can comprise means to reversibly couple the support between the front panel and the back panel. For example, the support 14 can comprise elastic bands extending from the front and back panel to the support. The actuator 10 and the display panel 12 can be retained in the contracted position (flattened) for ease of storage and transportation, for example, by use of retaining means such as an elastic band to maintain the contracted state.

In use, the removal of the retaining means, allows the arms 16 of the actuator 10 to be displaced to the expanded position as a result of the arms 16 being biased toward the extended position by the biasing means 18. Displacement of the arms 16 to the expanded state drives displacement of the display panel 12 to the expanded state, a process which occurs automatically following the removal of the retaining means 18.

It has advantageously been found that the use of a conical helical spring member provides a more laterally stable actuator, wherein the biasing means are less liable to buckle than other biasing means. The conical helical spring member provides quick and easy self-assembly of a display panel due to the flexibility of the larger-diameter coils causing progressive contact with one another. The use of a conical helical spring member also allows for the actuator and display panel to be in a flattened or near flattened contracted state, because each active coil can fit within the next, such that the solid length (length in the compressed state) can be equal to one or two thicknesses of wire.

Claims

Claims 1. An actuator for a display panel; the actuator comprising: (a) a support; (b) at least one arm mounted to the support and displaceable between a contracted position and an expanded position; and (c) at least one biasing means arranged to maintain the at least one arm in the expanded position.
2. An actuator according to Claim 1, wherein the at least one arm is hingedly mounted to the support.
3. An actuator according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one arm is hingedly mounted to the support by a live hinge.
4. An actuator according to any one of Claims 1-3, wherein, in the contracted position, the at least one arm and the support are in side-by-side relationship; and, in the expanded position, the at least one arm and the support are in a spaced apart relationship.
5. An actuator according to any one of Claims 1-4, wherein the at least one biasing means comprises a frustoconical helical spring member.
6. An actuator according to Claim 5, wherein the diameter of the wire of the conical helical spring member is about 0.90 to about 1.25mm.
7. An actuator according to Claim 5 or 6, wherein the frustoconical helical spring member has a large end and a small end, and wherein the diameter of the large end of the conical helical spring member is about 18 to about 28mm, and the diameter of the small end of the conical helical spring member is about 12 to about 18mm.
8. An actuator according to any one of Claims 5-7, wherein the conical helical spring member comprises 4.00 -6.00 coils.
9. An actuator according to any one of Claims 5-8, wherein the free length (longitudinal length) of the conical helical spring member is at least 10mm.
10. An actuator according to any one of Claims 5-9, wherein the diameter of the wire of the conical helical spring member is about 1.02mm; the diameter of the large end of the conical helical spring member is about 20mm; the diameter of the small end of the conical helical spring member is about 14mm; the conical helical spring member comprises 4.54 coils; the conical helical spring member has linear spring rate of about 1.00 N/mm; the free length (longitudinal length) of the conical helical spring member is about 15mm; and the conical helical spring member has a constant pitch.
11. An actuator according to any one of Claims 5-9, wherein the diameter of the wire of the conical helical spring member is about 1.12mm; the diameter of the large end of the conical helical spring member is about 24mm; the diameter of the small end of the conical helical spring member is about 16mm; the conical helical spring member comprises 5.17 coils; the conical helical spring member has linear spring rate of about 0.70 N/mm; the free length (longitudinal length) of the conical helical spring member is about 20mm; and the conical helical spring member has a constant pitch.
12. An actuator according to any one of Claims 5-9, wherein the diameter of the wire of the conical helical spring member is about 1.12mm; the diameter of the large end of the conical helical spring member is about 26mm; the diameter of the small end of the conical helical spring member is about 18mm; the conical helical spring member comprises 5.01 coils; the conical helical spring member has linear spring rate of about 0.55 N/mm; the free length (longitudinal length) of the conical helical spring member is about 25mm; and the conical helical spring member has a constant pitch.
13. An actuator according to any one of Claims 1-12, wherein the actuator comprises first and second arms mounted to the support and located at opposing ends of the support; and first and second biasing means, wherein the first biasing means are arranged to maintain the first arm in the expanded position; and wherein the second biasing means are arranged to maintain the second arm in the expanded position.
14. An actuator according to any one of Claims 1-12, wherein the actuator comprises a support; four arms mounted to the support; and eight biasing means, arranged in pairs, such that each pair of biasing means is arranged to maintain each arm in the expanded position.
15. A display assembly comprising: (1) a display panel displaceable between a contracted position and an expanded position; and (2) an actuator according to any preceding claim.
16. A display assembly according to Claim 15, wherein the display panel comprises a unitary body having a front panel and a back panel, which together form a tube.
17. A display assembly according to Claim 16, wherein the actuator is locatable between the front panel and the back panel.