Display stand, method, and system

Abstract

A display stand has a base, sides, a display board, and plurality of frames able to support display panels. The frames are pivotally connected to the base and display board. The base has an angled front piece on which indicia is displayed; at least one height adjuster for adjusting the angle between the base and a surface on which it is placed; and a top piece having a plurality of apertures disposed across its surface. Two side supports ascend from the base and have pockets for providing objects. A display board is attached to the tops of the two side supports. Rectangular frames are pivotally attached to the base. Each frame has a bar within the frame, which forms two separate rectangular openings with a support for holding display panels on either side of the frame. A wedge prevents one display panel from abutting an adjacent display panel.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a novel apparatus for displaying product information, and more specifically, to a stand for presenting a plurality of display panels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is often difficult to convey information to a potential buyer of flooring or other displayable goods. Frequently, descriptive information and photographs about flooring samples or other displayable goods are presented on a paper display, as in a binder or a catalog. This is problematic for many reasons: the displays can become damaged and dirty from use; the samples and the displays can become disordered, confusing the buyer; and, the display pages may present pictures of the flooring in use. In the case of displaying the pictures of the flooring in use, such pictures are difficult to observe simultaneous with the samples. In some situations, the large amount of information available to the consumer about each flooring type of type of goods may necessitate a binder or catalog so large that the task of browsing samples becomes inconvenient or uncomfortable. Additionally, consumers are not inclined to lift or hold flooring samples or goods which are presented on the floor. All of these inconvenience the buyer and make the buying experience unpleasant, leading to poor sales.

There remains a need in the field of flooring sales and of sales of goods generally for a display for flooring samples and information related thereto which shows a number of samples and information panels simultaneously, which displays the samples and panels at a height appropriate for viewing and in a manner that those not entirely in view can be surveyed, and which protects those samples and information panels from damage. Such an improved display would present sufficient information for comparison shopping, but in an indexed form that a buyer can use while browsing a number of samples.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present inventive subject matter is drawn to a stand for displaying product information and samples comprising a base; two side supports ascending from said base; a display board attached at the tops of said two side supports and able to display indicia on a front side of said display board; and a plurality of rectangular frames pivotally attached to said base, each of said frames comprising a bar disposed within said frame and forming two separate rectangular openings; and a support for holding at least one display panel inside one of said rectangular openings. In an alternative embodiment, a base has an angled front piece on which indicia is displayed; at least one height adjuster for adjusting the angle between the base and a surface on which it is placed; and a top piece having a plurality of apertures disposed across its surface. In a further alternative embodiment, each frame has a first pin, integral with the frame and disposed in one of the apertures of the base; a washer around the first pin; and a second pin, integral with the frame and connected to the display board. In a still further alternative embodiment, each frame also has a bar with a wedge attached to it, which prevents one display panel from abutting an adjacent display panel.

The present inventive subject matter is also directed to a method of displaying product information and samples, the method comprising: providing a plurality of rectangular frames; supporting two display panels in each side of each of said rectangular frames; pivotally attaching said frames to a base; and displaying information on at least one of said display panels.

The present inventive subject matter is further directed to a system for displaying product information and samples, the system comprising: a rectangular frame for displaying a product sample, and means for supporting and standing said rectangular frame upright, wherein said rectangular frame is pivotally attached to said means.

The present inventive subject matter is still further directed to a stand for displaying product information and samples, the stand comprising: a base comprising an angled front piece on which indicia is displayed, at least one height adjuster for adjusting the angle between the base and a surface on which it sits, a top piece comprising a plurality of apertures disposed across the surface of said top piece, and a back piece; two side supports ascending from the base and comprising pockets for providing objects; a display board attached at the tops of said two side supports and able to display indicia on a front side; and a plurality of rectangular frames pivotally attached to said base, each of said frames comprising a first pin integral to the frame and disposed in one of said plurality of apertures, a washer disposed around said first pin and between said frame and said top piece of said base, a second pin integral to the frame and connected to said display board, a bar disposed within said frame and forming two separate rectangular openings, a support for holding at least one display panel inside each of said rectangular openings, said support being formed by grooves disposed on said bar and within said frame, and a triangular wedge attached to said bar for keeping two of said frames from abutting each other and for preventing two of said display panels from adjacent frames from abutting each other.

The present invention: shows a number of samples and information panels simultaneously, displays the samples and panels at a height appropriate for viewing and displaced sufficiently to see the edges of those panels not fully in view, and protects the samples and information panels from damage. The present invention allows for the display of sufficient information for comparison shopping, but in an indexed form that a buyer can use while browsing a number of samples.

These and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood and appreciated from a review of the following detailed description of the embodiments and appended claims, and by reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the detailed description of the invention presented below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the present inventive subject matter in a first configuration;

FIG. 2 is a front view of an embodiment of the present inventive subject matter in a second configuration;

FIG. 3 is a right side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a left side view of an embodiment of the present inventive subject matter in a third configuration;

FIG. 5 is a rear side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Making reference now to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the present inventive subject matter comprising a stand 2 is shown. The stand 2 includes a base 4 and an angled front piece 8 on which indicia may be displayed. The indicia may be product or brand information, or any other information, and may relate to and enhance the presentation and content of the display panels. The indicia is able to be displayed with respect to the base in a number of ways. In non-limiting examples, the indicia can be supported on the front of the base, or painted or drawn directly onto the base, or electronically projected from the base, or disposed within the base but visible from the outside.

Base 4 has two height adjusters 16 for adjusting the angle between the base 4 and a surface on which it is placed. The height adjusters 16 may have feet connected to a threaded shaft which is turned into and out of the base, or can involve any other mechanism which supports a device at a variable height from a surface. Other such mechanisms include, without limitation, hydraulic lifts, replaceable spacers of a fixed width, or rods with holes for inserting pins to holds the rod at a fixed distance from the base. By placing these height adjusters 16 at one side of the base (here, the front), the height adjusters 16 can vary the angle made with the base and the floor. Adjusting the angle can change the viewing angle of the stand and can distribute the weight of the stand 2 so as to avoid the stand 2 being unstable and possibly tipping over. The stand 2 can also be secured to a surface behind it for the same reason.

The base 4 also has a top piece 20 with apertures disposed across its surface (not shown). The apertures may be disposed in an arc to maximize the display area provided by the frames 40 (which have pins set in the apertures, as discussed below), or they may be set in a line, or in any other shape desired for presenting the frames 40.

Two side supports 24 ascend from the base 4 to a display board 32. The display board 32 is attached to the tops of the two side supports 24 and has space 36 for displaying indicia. Replaceable signs or sheets of information can be displayed on display board 32. Electronic displays can also be used to provide information, including product information, and may relate to and enhance the presentation and content of the display panels. The mechanisms set forth above for displaying indicia at the base 4 can also be used to display indicia on the display board 32.

A plurality of rectangular frames 40 are pivotally attached to the base 4. In the attached figures, only one such frame is given element numbers, but it is to be understood that each frame 40 can posses any of these elements. In the embodiments presented in the figures, each frame 40 is identically constructed, although the display panels may vary. Other embodiments can include multiple styles and sizes of frames.

Each frame 40 has a first pin 44 disposed in one of the apertures of the base 4, a washer 48 around the first pin 44, and a second pin 52 connected to the display board 32, which can have apertures disposed in a surface for inserting the second pin 52. Together the two pins 44, 52 support the frame 40 in an upright position. The pins 44, 52 may be integral with the frame 40, or they may be attached to the frame 40 in some manner. The second pin 52 should be strongly connected to the frame, as varying the height of the height adjusters 16 changes the force placed on the second pin 52. However, it is noted that this only one mechanism for supporting and standing the frames 40 so that they may pivot. Many other pivotal attachment mechanisms are known in the art, including hinges, ball-and-socket joints, ball-bearing based pivoting mechanisms, folded sheets of flexible material, toothed or threaded discs or rods, and paired gears. These and other pivotal attachment mechanisms are also suitable for use in the present inventive subject matter. Other configurations involving pins are also available, including configurations where the pins are disposed in the base 4 and above the frame 40, and the frame merely has apertures into which these pins can rest.

Each frame 40 also has a bar 56 within the frame, which forms two separate rectangular openings 58, 60. The bar 56 may be integral with the frame 40, or it may be inserted into the frame 40 during manufacture or use. The bar 56 may be adjustable or may be placed at a fixed position within the frame 40. Display panels 80 are placed inside rectangular openings 58, 60 formed by the bar 56. One display panel 80 can be placed so that the item or information displayed extends out toward one face of the frame 40, while another display panel 80 can be placed so that the item or information displayed extends out toward the other face of the frame 40. Alternately, a two-sided display panel 80 can be used. The display panels 80 can have product samples such as flooring or carpet samples, or can have related information such as photographs of the product in use, product information such as measurements and cost, and information on the brand, origin, and history of the product. Each rectangular opening 58, 60 is reinforced around its edges, allowing it to support a display panel 80. The frames 40 can be pivoted to show either side. In this way, two distinct display areas are formed by each frame 40, a front area and a back area, and accordingly, each frame can hold four display panels 80.

In an embodiment, grooves (not shown) disposed in the bar 56 and in the top and bottom of the frame 40 (within the openings 58, 60) form a support which keeps an inserted display panel 80 from tilting forward and backward, while the sides of the openings 58, 60 keep the panel 80 from sliding from side to side. A panel 80 is inserted into the top opening, for example, by first sliding the top of the panel 80 into a groove at the top of the frame 40, and then tilting the panel 80 until it is parallel with the frame 40. The panel is then allowed to fall into the groove formed in the top of the bar 56. The bottom of the panel thus rests on the bar 56. In the bottom opening, a panel 80 can similarly be inserted first into the groove at the bottom of the bar 56, and then be allowed to rest in a groove at the bottom of the frame 40. Both openings are sized so that the panel 80, thus inserted, extends into the space formed by the frame 40 and the grooved top and bottom edges. In this way, the panels 80 can easily be removed and replaced, but are firmly held within the frame 40. It should be noted that the term “groove” refers to any sufficient channel for holding the display panel in place, and can include a clip, or parallel sheets with a fixed space between them. It should also be noted that this is only one type of support for a display panel, and that many other supports for display panels are contemplated as being within the scope of the present inventive subject matter, including adhesives, screws, nails, bolts, and other fixing means known in the art.

Each display panel 80 can also include a device for displaying product information 76 as set forth in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/282,590, which is herein incorporated in its entirety by reference. The device 76 can have an inner surface having printed information about the product and an outer surface that folds over the inner surface to obscure and protect the inner surface. The outer surface can have printed information about the product, and also have an attachment mechanism. The device can include a notch used to unfold the device to reveal the inner surface and obscure the outer surface, and to fold the device to obscure the inner surface and reveal the outer surface.

If each display panel 80 has information on both sides, then only one display panel 80 need be inserted in each opening. If a display panel 80 has information on only one side, then after one display panel 80 is placed so that the item or information displayed extends out toward one face of the frame 40, another display panel 80 can be placed so that the item or information displayed extends out toward the other face of the frame 40. If the information to be displayed is heavy (like a carpet or flooring sample) it can be glued to a backing support board with a strong adhesive. Non-limiting examples of strong adhesives include #HL-7216 Hot Melt glue sold by the Sonoco Products Company, or a water based adhesive like #L-8212 White Glue sold by Bostik, Inc. In this embodiment, the backing board and sample together compose a display panel 80.

Each bar 56 also has a wedge 64 attached to it. The wedge 64 prevents each frame 40 from abutting an adjacent frame 40 except at the wedge 64, and prevents each display panel 80 from abutting an adjacent display panel 80. The wedge 64 can be any shape with sufficient dimensions to keep the display panels 80 from touching each other and to keep the frames 40 from touching each other in any configuration. Non-limiting examples of shapes for the wedge 64 include triangular, rectangular, and curved. The wedge 64 is made of a suitably rigid material including, without limitation, aluminum, steel, or a semi-resilient or flexible material such as rubber, an elastomer, or foam. The wedge 64 may be integral with the bar 56. Further, springs can be disposed within the wedge 64 to create a “bumper” to protect the display panels 80 from abutting each other.

In the non-limiting configuration of FIG. 1, some of the frames 40 are turned to one side of the stand 2, while the other frames 40 are turned to the other side of the stand 2. Four display panels 80 are thus visible in their entirety, while twenty-eight display panels 80 are partially visible. The thirty-two display panels 80 on the backs of the frames 40 are not visible in this configuration, although information about these unseen display panels may be provided at the edges of the visible panels.

In this embodiment, each frame has four display panels, two facing forward and two facing backward. Double-sided display panels of double width can also be used, in which case each frame would only hold two display panels, one at the top and one at the bottom, with each panel having two sides.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, all of the frames 40 are turned to one side of the stand 2. In this configuration, two display panels 80 are visible in their entirety, and thirty display panels 80 are partially visible. Again, thirty-two additional display panels, facing rearward, are not visible. Here, the side support 24 is shown with a wire stand 28 on its outside surface for providing objects. The wire stand 28 can hold informational material, including, without limitation, brochures, pricing guides, or product samples. A similar wire stand may be disposed on the other side support, which in this figure is obscured by the frames 40, but can be seen in the side views FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

In FIG. 5, a back panel 72 is shown. The back panel 72 may extend from the bottom of the stand 2 to the top piece of the base 4, or may (as in this figure) continue up to the display board 32. The back panel 72 can supply additional support to the stand 2, and its front-facing side can provide an attractive background, color, or texture to accentuate the display panels 80.

In FIG. 6, a top view is shown of a configuration in which all of the frames 40 are to one side. It can be seen that the wedges 64 keep the frames 40 and panels 80 from touching in this configuration, as well as any other configuration into which the frames 40 may be pivoted.

Since the base 4 as described above may be hollow, bottom view FIG. 7 shows how a brace 68 can extend from the front piece 8 to a back piece to provide support and strength. The braces 68 may be in contact with the top piece 8, and may be connected to the top piece 8, the underside of which is shown here.

Having described the invention in detail and by reference to the embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible, including the addition of elements or the rearrangement or combination or one or more elements, without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A stand for displaying product information and samples, the stand comprising:

a base;

two side supports ascending from said base;

a display board attached at the tops of said two side supports and able to display indicia on a front side of said display board; and

a plurality of rectangular frames pivotally attached to said base, each of said frames comprising a bar disposed within said frame and forming two separate rectangular openings; and a support for holding at least one display panel inside one of said rectangular openings.

2. The stand of claim 1, wherein said base comprises an angled front piece on which indicia is displayed.

3. The stand of claim 1, wherein said base comprises at least one height adjuster for adjusting the angle between the base and a surface on which it sits.

4. The stand of claim 1, wherein said base comprises

a top piece, said top piece comprising a plurality of apertures disposed across the surface of said top piece; and wherein

at least one of said frames further comprises: a first pin integral to the frame and disposed in one of said apertures; and a second pin integral to the frame and connected to said display board.

5. The stand of claim 1, wherein at least one of said side supports comprises a pocket for providing objects.

6. The stand of claim 1, wherein one of said frames further comprises at least one display panel.

7. The stand of claim 6, wherein:

said frame further comprises a wedge attached to said bar for keeping said display panel of said frame from abutting a display panel of an adjacent frame.

8. The stand of claim 1, wherein said support is formed by grooves disposed on said bar.

9. A method of displaying product information and samples, the method comprising:

providing a plurality of rectangular frames;

supporting two display panels in each side of each of said rectangular frames;

pivotally attaching said frames to a base; and

displaying information on at least one of said display panels.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein said information comprises product information or a product sample.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of

displaying indicia on an angled front of said base.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of

adjusting the angle between the base and a surface on which it sits by way of a height adjuster.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of

displaying indicia on the front of a display board attached at the top of said plurality of frames.

14. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of

preventing two of said display panels from abutting each other.

15. A system for displaying product information and samples, the system comprising:

a rectangular frame for displaying a product sample, and

means for supporting and standing said rectangular frame upright,

wherein said rectangular frame is pivotally attached to said means.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising

means for supporting a plurality of said rectangular frames.

17. The system of claim 15, further comprising

means for displaying indicia above and below said frames.

18. The system of claim 15, further comprising

means for adjusting the angle between the base and a surface on which it sits.

19. The system of claim 15, further comprising

means for preventing two of said display panels from abutting each other.

20. A stand for displaying product information and samples, the stand comprising:

a base comprising an angled front piece on which indicia is displayed, at least one height adjuster for adjusting the angle between the base and a surface on which it sits, a top piece comprising a plurality of apertures disposed across the surface of said top piece, and a back piece;

two side supports ascending from the base and comprising pockets for providing objects; a display board attached at the tops of said two side supports and able to display indicia on a front side; and

a plurality of rectangular frames pivotally attached to said base, each of said frames comprising a first pin integral to the frame and disposed in one of said plurality of apertures, a washer disposed around said first pin and between said frame and said top piece of said base, a second pin integral to the frame and connected to said display board, a bar disposed within said frame and forming two separate rectangular openings, a support for holding at least one display panel inside each of said rectangular openings, said support being formed by grooves disposed on said bar and within said frame, and a triangular wedge attached to said bar for keeping two of said frames from abutting each other and for preventing two of said display panels from adjacent frames from abutting each other.