WO2016195479A1

WO2016195479A1 - Adapter for mounting an electronic shelf label to a display location

Info

Publication number: WO2016195479A1
Application number: PCT/NL2015/050415
Authority: WO
Inventors: Milenko MICHIELS; Dave Marcus WEIJERS
Original assignee: Michiels Management B.V.
Priority date: 2015-06-05
Filing date: 2015-06-05
Publication date: 2016-12-08

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adapter for mounting an electronic shelf label to a display location. Said adapter comprises mounting means for mounting the adapter to the display location and fastening means for fastening the adapter to the electronic shelf label. The adapter comprises a first adapter part (10) and a second adapter part (20) that are releasably attachable to each other. The mounting means (11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19) are present on the first adapter part and the fastening means comprise first fastening means (14) and second fastening means (21), wherein the first fastening means (14) are present on the first adapter part (10) and the second fastening means (21) are present on the second adapter part (20).

Description

ADAPTER FOR MOUNTING AN ELECTRONIC SHELF LABEL

TO A DISPLAY LOCATION

The invention relates to an adapter for mounting an electronic shelf label to a display location, said adapter comprising mounting means for mounting the adapter to the display location and fastening means for fastening the adapter to the electronic shelf label.

Electronic (shelf) labels (ESLs) are increasingly used in retail stores for displaying digital product information. The product information is communicated wirelessly form a central computer to a variety of different ESLs and allows for automatic information updates on the ESLs. ESLs are considered more cost- efficient than paper and improve customers' experience with accurate, reliable pricing.

ESLs are available in several display types. Typical display types include both active displays, such as LCD or LED displays, and passive displays, such as graphic displays based on e-paper technology. Each display type is available in different shapes and sizes.

Retail stores wish to be able to use ESLs on all available display locations. Main display locations include shelf edges, locations protruding from walls, such as hooks, and flat surfaces in general. Presently a wide variety of adapters is available on the market for mounting each ESL to a selected display location.

The invention has for its object to provide one adapter according to the preamble of claim 1 that can be used to mount a variety of ESLs to a variety of display locations.

This object is achieved by an adapter according to the preamble, in that the adapter comprises a first adapter part and a second adapter part that are releasably attachable to each other, wherein the mounting means are present on the first adapter part and the fastening means comprise first fastening means and second fastening means, wherein the first fastening means are present on the first adapter part and the second fastening means are present on the second adapter part.

Advantageously the two part adapter according to the invention having different first and second fastening means is universally suitable for use with a large variety of ESLs.

In a first preferred embodiment the second adapter part is provided with a sliding element and the first adapter part is provided with a sliding surface onto which gripping means are arranged for receiving the sliding element. This first preferred embodiment provides a sliding connection that allows for an easy and reliable assembly of the two adapter parts.

According to a further development of the first preferred embodiment the gripping means comprise at least one pair of gripping elements arranged at a distance substantially corresponding to a dimension of the sliding element. As such a form fitting sliding connection is achieved.

In yet a further development of the first preferred embodiment the first adapter part is provided with at least a second pair of gripping elements, wherein the gripping elements are arranged at four corners of an imaginary square. This configuration of gripping element allows the first and second adapter parts to be attached in four different orientations.

Most preferred is the development of the first preferred embodiment wherein the first adapter part is provided with at least a third pair of gripping elements, wherein the gripping elements are arranged in a pattern of three rows of each two gripping elements. Herein the first and second adapter parts can be attached in up to six different orientations.

In a preferred embodiment of the adapter according to the invention the mounting means are arranged for mounting the electronic shelf label (ESL) as a stand-alone onto a surface of the display location and comprise a body and a support extending at an angle to the body.

In a further preferred embodiment of the adapter according to the invention the mounting means are arranged for mounting the electronic shelf label (ESL) to a pegboard hook and comprise a cross-piece receiving portion for enclosing at least a portion of a cross-piece of the pegboard hook, said cross-piece receiving portion defining a first pivotal axis about which the first adapter part is pivotal in relation to the pegboard hook. In a further development of said embodiment the cross-piece receiving portion is arranged at a free end of the support. As such a compact, handy and elegant adapter is realized.

In yet a further preferred embodiment of the adapter according to the invention the mounting means are arranged for mounting the electronic shelf label (ESL) to an edge of a shelf and comprise a first slot and a rim facing the first slot for cooperation with the first slot for clampingly engaging the edge of a shelf in a first position. In a further development of said embodiment the mounting means comprises a second slot running substantially parallel to the first slot for cooperation with the rim for clampingly engaging the edge of a shelf in a second position. The adapter can now be mounted on the edge of the shelf in three viewing positions. In an even more compact, handy and elegant embodiment the first slot and/or the second slot are arranged on the support and the rim protrudes from an edge of the body.

In another preferred embodiment of the adapter according to the invention the first fastening means are arranged for clampingly receiving the ESL or a holder for the ESL in the first adapter part. This embodiment is specifically suitable for small size ESLs or small size ESL holders.

In a practical embodiment the first fastening means comprise two hook-like elements protruding from opposite edges of the sliding surface.

In another preferred embodiment of the adapter according to the invention the second fastening means are arranged for cooperation with coupling means present on the ESL or on a holder for the ESL. This embodiment is specifically suitable for large size ESLs or large size ESL holders.

In a practical embodiment the second fastening means comprise a central notch, two side wings and two channels extending between the central notch and each side wing.

The invention also relates to a first adapter part as described as part of the adapter according to the invention that is suitable for mounting small size ESLs or small size ESL holders to a display location.

The invention further relates to a second adapter part as described as part of the adapter according to the invention.

The invention will now be elucidated in more detail herein below with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows schematically a first adapter part of the adapter according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows schematically a second adapter part of the adapter according to the invention;

Figure 3A-3C schematically show the adapter according to the invention having the first and second adapter parts attached in different orientations;

Figure 4 schematically shows a small electronic shelf label mounted to a pegboard hook using the first adapter part of figure 1 ;

Figure 5 schematically shows a large electronic shelf label mounted as a stand-alone using the first and second adapter part of the adapter according to the invention; and

Figures 6A and 6B schematically show a large electronic shelf label mounted on a shelf using the first and second adapter part of the adapter according to the invention.

The adapter 1 according to the present invention is arranged for mounting an electronic label, referred to as electronic shelf label (ESL), to a display location. Adapter 1 comprises a first adapter part 10, shown in figure 1 , and a second adapter part 20, shown in figure 2, that are releasably attachable to each other. Adapter part 10 comprises mounting means 1 1 , 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 for mounting the adapter to the display locations. In figure 4 the display location is a pegboard hook, more specifically a loop hook 50, and in figure 5 the display location is a surface S.

Adapter 1 further comprises fastening means for fastening the adapter 1 to the ESL. The fastening means comprise first fastening means 14 present on the first adapter part 10 and second fastening means 21 , 22, 23 present on the second adapter part 20.

The second adapter part 20 is provided with a sliding element 22. In the preferred embodiment shown the sliding element 22 has a general longitudinal shape. The first adapter part 10 is provided with a sliding surface 12 onto which gripping means 13 are arranged for receiving the sliding element 22, preferably clampingly. The connection thus realised is a preferred sliding connection. However, other sliding connections or other types of connections between the first adapter part 10 and the second adapter part 20 can be envisaged by a person skilled in the art.

The gripping means 13 comprise at least one pair of gripping element 13A,

13B, that are arranged at a distance substantially corresponding to a dimension of the sliding element 22. In the preferred embodiment shown the distance between adjacent gripping elements substantially corresponds to the width of the sliding element 22. Preferably the first adapter part is provided with at least a second pair of gripping elements 13A, 13B and the gripping elements are arranged at four corners of an imaginary square. In the preferred embodiment the first adapter part 10 is provided with six gripping elements including a third pair of gripping elements 13C. The gripping elements 13A, 13B and 13C are arranged in a pattern of three rows of two gripping elements. The gripping elements 13A and 13C have an L- shaped cross section whereas the gripping elements B have a T-shaped cross section.

Consequently the second adapter part 20 can be releasably connected to the first adapter part 10 in six different orientations. Figure 3A shows a first orientation with a sliding path A. Figure 3B shows a second orientation with a sliding path B. Figure 3C shows a third orientation with a sliding path C. Since all sliding paths are accessible from two opposite direction six possible ways of attaching the second adapter part 20 to the first adapter part 10 are possible.

The mounting means are arranged for mounting the first adapter part 10 to at least three different display locations: a shelf edge, a pegboard hook and a surface as a stand-alone.

The first adapter part 10 has a body 10A that is generally plate-like. The sliding surface 12 forms one surface of the body 10A and the other opposite surface of the body 10A forms a mounting surface 19. When in use the sliding surface 12 can be referred to as the front surface and the mounting surface 19 can be referred to as the back surface of the body 10A. A support 11 extends at an angle to the mounting surface 19.

In figure 4 a small ESL is fastened to the first adapter part 10. First adapter part 10 is provided with hook-like fastening elements or clamps 14 that protrude from the sliding surface 12. The ESL is clamped between the fastening elements 14.

The first adapter part 10 is mounted to a hook 50 comprising a hook arm 51 and a hook cross-piece 52. The support 11 comprises a cross-piece receiving portion 18 for enclosing at least a portion of the cross-piece 52 of the hook 50. The cross-piece receiving portion 18 defines a first pivotal axis P about which the first adapter part 10 is pivotal in relation to the hook 50. Adjustment means in the form of notches 18A are present to define at least three different rotational orientations around the pivotal axis P to allow the adjustment of the ESL in different viewing positions. In figure 4 the hook 50 is a T-hook. However, the cross-piece receiving portion 18 is also suitable for enclosing at least a portion of a loop of a peg hook or any other known alternative hooks.

Figure 5 shows a large ESL 200 mounted as a stand-alone using the first adapter part 10 and the second adapter part 20. The support 1 1 has two supporting surfaces, a foot 1 1A and a tip 1 1 B, which are arranged to mount the first adapter part 10 as a stand-alone onto a surface S.

The first adapter part 10 and second adapter part 20 are attached along sliding path A. The second adapter part 20 is provided with second fastening means 21 that are arranged for establishing a sliding or clicking coupling with a recess in the ESL holder 201. The ESLs or ESL holders presently available on the market are provided with specific coupling means for coupling to different types of adapters available on the market. The second fastening means 21 , 22 and 23 shown in figure 2 are an example of fastening means suitable for coupling to a certain type of ESL holder. The second fastening means shown comprises a notch 21 and pair of wings 24. One on each side of the notch 21 at a certain distance defining a pair of grooves 23, one between each wing and the notch 21.

Figures 6A and 6B show a large ESL 300 mounted on a shelf 60 using the first and second adapter part (10, 20) assembled in the configuration of figure 3B. The second adapter part 20 is provided with second fastening means 21 that are arranged for establishing a sliding or clicking coupling with a recess present in the ESL holder 301.

The mounting means comprise a first slot 15 and a resilient rim 17 facing the first slot 15 for cooperation with the first slot 15 for clampingly engaging an edge 61 of the shelf 60 in a first position shown in figure 6A. The first slot 15 is integrated into the support 1 1. A second slot 16 runs substantially parallel to the first slot 15 in substantially transverse direction of the support 1 1. The hook-like element 17 protrudes from the mounting surface 19 for cooperation with either the first slot 15 or the second slot 16 for clampingly engaging the edge of a shelf. In the preferred embodiment shown the resilient rim 17 extends along an edge of the mounting surface 19. The adapter can now be mounted on the edge of the shelf in three viewing positions: a first straight position(shown in figure 6A), a second position

(shown in figure 6B) having a positive angle with respect to the straight position and a third position having a negative angle with respect to the straight position. In the third position the adapter 1 is mounted upside down with respect to the position shown in figure 6A. Preferably the angle is about 30 degrees. The adapter according to the invention is preferably further arranged for attaching a card-like object with information, also referred to in the retail marketing as a "shop talker", thereto. In the preferred embodiment shown in figures 2 and 5 the second adapter part 20 is provided with a slot 27 for receiving a protruding lip of said card-like object.

It is noted that the adapter according to the invention can also be referred to as a clip having a first clip part or clip base 10 and a second clip part or clip slider 20 that are releasably attachable. Suitable releasable attachment means, apart from the sliding connection described and shown, include a click connection. Optionally the second adapter part 20 can be connected in a rotatable manner on the first adapter part 10. With respect to the embodiment shown a pair of gripping means 13 could be attached rotatably on the front surface 12 of the second clip part 20.

The invention is consequently not limited to the described and shown preferred embodiment, but relates generally to any embodiment falling within the scope of protection as defined in the claims and as seen in the light of the foregoing description and accompanying drawings.

Claims

1. Adapter (1) for mounting an electronic shelf label (100, 200) to a display location, said adapter comprising mounting means for mounting the adapter to the display location and fastening means for fastening the adapter to the electronic shelf label, characterised in that, the adapter comprises a first adapter part (10) and a second adapter part (20) that are releasably attachable to each other, wherein the mounting means (11 , 15, 16, 17, 18, 19) are present on the first adapter part and the fastening means comprise first fastening means (14) and second fastening means (21), wherein the first fastening means (14) are present on the first adapter part (10) and the second fastening means (21) are present on the second adapter part (20).

2. Adapter according to claim 1 , wherein the second adapter part (20) is

provided with a sliding element (22) and wherein the first adapter part (10) is provided with a sliding surface (12) onto which gripping means (13) are arranged for receiving the sliding element (22).

3. Adapter according to claim 2, wherein the gripping means (13) comprise at least one pair of gripping elements (13A, 13B) arranged at a distance substantially corresponding to a dimension of the sliding element (22).

4. Adapter according to claim 3, wherein the first adapter part (10) is provided with at least a second pair of gripping elements (13A, 13B), wherein the gripping elements are arranged at four corners of an imaginary square.

5. Adapter according to claim 4, wherein the first adapter part (10) is provided with at least a third pair of gripping elements (13C), wherein the gripping elements are arranged in a pattern of three rows of each two gripping elements.

6. Adapter according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein the mounting means comprise a body (10A) and a support (1 1) extending at an angle to the body (10A) for mounting the electronic shelf label as a stand-alone onto a surface of the display location.

7. Adapter according to claim 6, wherein the mounting means comprises a cross-piece receiving portion (18) for enclosing at least a portion of a cross- piece (52) of a pegboard hook (50), said cross-piece receiving portion defining a first pivotal axis (P) about which the first adapter part (10) is pivotal in relation to the pegboard hook.

8. Adapter according to claim 6 and 7, wherein the cross-piece receiving

portion (18) is arranged at a free end of the support (1 1).

9. Adapter according to claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein the mounting means comprise a first slot (15) and a rim (17) facing the first slot (15) for cooperation with the first slot (15) for clampingly engaging an edge of a shelf in a first position.

10. Adapter according to claim 9, wherein the mounting means comprises a second slot (16) running substantially parallel to the first slot (15) for

cooperation with the rim (17) for clampingly engaging an edge of a shelf in a second position.

1 1. Adapter according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the first slot (15) and/or the

second slot (16) are arranged on the support (1 1) and wherein the rim (17) protrudes from an edge of the body (1 OA).

12. Adapter according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the first fastening means (14) are arranged for clampingly receiving the electronic shelf label or a holder for the electronic shelf label in the first adapter part (10).

13. Adapter according to claim 13, wherein the first fastening means comprise two hook-like elements (14) protruding from opposite edges of the sliding surface (12).

14. Adapter according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the

second fastening means (21 , 22, 23) are arranged for cooperation with coupling means present on the electronic shelf label or on a holder for the electronic shelf label.

15. Adapter according to claim 14, wherein the second fastening means

comprise a central notch (21), two side wings (24) and two channels (23) extending between the central notch (21) and each side wing (24).

16. First adapter part (10) as described as part of the adapter according to one or more of the preceding claims.

17. Second adapter part (20) as described as part of the adapter according to one or more of the preceding claims 1-15.