Display panel and method of use

Abstract

A display system is described. The display system includes a backing plate having an array of holes. The system also includes at least one display prong designed to be received by the backing plate. At least one hole of the array of holes includes a hole having a securing groove, the hole adapted to receive the display prong without requiring the display prong to be tilted.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to a currently pending non-provisional application filed on October 22, 2021, as U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 271,082, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Background of the Invention Technical Field

[0003] The field of the present invention is a system for displaying merchandise at the point of sale in a fixed and attractive manner, the system including the ability to be reconfigured to display products of various sizes and products with variable packaging. Background Technology

[0004] Customer products (such as beauty products) are typically displayed at the point of sale on store fixtures. Standard store fixtures are designed for commercial environments and include fixed display forks to prevent product damage or theft. These fixtures are frequently used for products with standard package sizes, such as batteries.

[0005] Other systems include those with circular holes in the grille (such as...). Figure 1C Hole 30 and Figure 1D The backing plate of the round hole 112) and includes forks (such as Figure 1B Display fork 18 and Figure 1D The fork member 118 has a hook-shaped portion 44 that engages with a hole for attachment to a backing plate. These can be customized to accommodate many different sizes of product packaging, but securing them can be challenging, such as... Figure 1D As shown in the prior art view. In order to secure the fork to a conventional display panel system, the store operator usually has to insert the hook into the hole at an upward angle, which is a difficult task for the holes in the upper row of the backing panel, and also requires the use of locks or attaching the fork to a side of the backing panel that is not accessible to the user.

[0006] There is a need in this field for a customizable and fixed product display system. There is also a need for a device to attach display forks to display panels at customizable locations. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of this invention is to create a display panel system that overcomes many drawbacks of existing technologies. A key feature of this invention is that the display panel allows for the fixed and customized use of the display wall, which is impossible in existing systems. An advantage of this invention is that the display panel can display products at the point of sale without concern for the separation of its components. Another advantage of this invention is that the display panel can be optimally used to showcase a given product.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a display panel system that allows for the display of merchandise across the entire backing panel. A key feature of the invention is that product display forks can be mounted at any position on the product display backing panel. An advantage of the invention is that it is unusable without rows or columns on the backing panel.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to create a display panel system that can be used with a variety of existing display forks. The novelty of the invention is primarily manifested in the backing plate portion, which remains compatible with many existing display forks. An advantage of the invention is that the display system user does not need to replace all components and can reuse existing display forks.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to create a display panel system that holds a product in place in a fixed manner. The system is characterized by engaging with multiple orifices in the display backing panel when the product display forks are mounted on it. An advantage of the present invention is that the display forks are fixedly attached to the backing panel but can still be reconfigured.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a customizable display system that does not require locks or other complex components for securing the product. The system is characterized by backing plate holes that prevent the product forks from being removed.

[0012] Another advantage of this invention is that the display panel includes elements that illuminate the product displayed on the system. The system is characterized by the ability to add a light source to designated holes in the backing panel. The benefit of the system is that it can enhance the attractiveness of the displayed product. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The invention, together with the foregoing and other objects and advantages, will be best understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1A A side view depicting an embodiment of a display system according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0015] Figure 1B An overview diagram of the display fork used in conjunction with an implementation of the display system is shown.

[0016] Figure 1C A rear view of an embodiment of a display system according to one embodiment of the present invention is depicted;

[0017] Figure 1D A display panel depicting existing technologies;

[0018] Figure 2A Details of the holes used in conjunction with the display system, according to the implementation of the system, are depicted;

[0019] Figures 2B to 2F Details of alternative holes used in conjunction with the display system, according to an implementation of the system, are depicted; and

[0020] Figures 3A to 3D The steps for mounting a display fork onto a display system according to one embodiment are described. Detailed Implementation

[0021] This invention provides a product display system with a stationary display backing and movable product display forks in various embodiments. The display backing receives the display forks because it includes suitable holes.

[0022] The above overview and the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0023] As used herein, elements or steps described in the singular and beginning with "a" or "an" should be understood to not exclude the plural form of the same element or step, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the invention are not intended to exclude the existence of other embodiments that also incorporate the described features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated otherwise, embodiments that "comprise" or "have" one or more elements having a particular characteristic may include additional elements that do not have that characteristic.

[0024] Switch to the attached image. Figure 1A A perspective side view depicting one embodiment of the invention's display system 10 is shown. The display system includes a head 12, a backing plate 14 (shown in a substantially vertical orientation), a base 16, and a plurality of product display forks 18. Figure 1A As shown, the head 12 extends beyond the vertical plane defined by the front surface of the backing plate 14. The backing plate 14 is considered to be substantially vertical because the surface of the backing plate 14 is substantially perpendicular to the base 16 and the head 12. However, in some embodiments, the backing plate 14 is mounted directly on a vertical substrate (such as a wall or room divider), thus eliminating the need for the base 16 or the head 12.

[0025] Although Figure 1A In the illustration, display system 10 is shown as including both a head 12 and a base 16; however, in other embodiments, display system 10 includes only a backing plate 14, which is directly mounted on a vertical surface (such as a wall or column). Furthermore, although display system 10 is described as having a head 12 and a base 16, these components may be integrally molded with the backing plate 14 or may be separate components.

[0026] The backing plate 14 includes a matrix of holes 20 spaced by regular horizontal intervals 22 and vertical intervals 24. Furthermore, the backing plate 14 includes a region 26 closest to the base and a region 28 closest to the head.

[0027] exist Figure 1A In the illustrated embodiment, the head 12 includes a U-shaped material member, such as steel. The head 12 provides a means of securing the display system 10. The head also provides volume to the display system 10 so that it will not tip over when loaded with products (not shown). The head 12 also provides visual cues and a surface that can display information about the products displayed on the display system 10. Product information includes the price of the goods and other important information. Therefore, the head 12 provides key information and plays a crucial role. In some point-of-sale applications, the head 12 also includes a light source to illuminate the product. In some embodiments, the light source is electrically connected to a motion detector and therefore illuminates the product only when a customer is likely to approach.

[0028] The matrix of apertures 20 includes substantially circular apertures 30 and oblong apertures 32. Figure 1A In the illustrated embodiment, the multi-part elongated aperture 32 is used in the region closest to the head 28. In other embodiments, the multi-part elongated aperture 32 is used in multiple portions of the matrix of apertures 20. Details of the elongated aperture 32 are discussed below.

[0029] The product display fork 18 is received at any opening in the matrix of holes 20. Figure 1A The embodiment of the product display fork 18 shown requires two adjacent holes for mounting to the backing plate 14. This creates a stable and secure connection between the product display fork 18 and the backing plate 14.

[0030] Figure 1B This is an overview diagram of the product display fork 18 used in conjunction with the system. The advantage of the system is that it does not require a custom display fork 18 and it is compatible with a variety of display forks, as long as they include the features described herein. In one embodiment, the display fork 18 comprises a single piece containing styrene-methyl methacrylate copolymer (SMMA70 / 30). The single-piece display fork 18 is easier to manufacture, and the material allows for cost-effective production.

[0031] Each display fork 18 includes a head portion 42. The head portion 42 includes a pair of hook-like portions 44 and an opposing surface 46. When the display fork 18 is mounted on a backing plate, the opposing surface 46 engages with the backing plate. The pair of hook-like portions 44 are spaced apart to correspond to horizontal intervals in the backing plate, such as... Figure 1A The horizontal spacing 22 is shown in the figure.

[0032] The display fork 18 also includes a horizontal member 48 for displaying the product. In some embodiments, the horizontal member 48 terminates in a curved end 49 to prevent the product from falling.

[0033] In one embodiment, the display fork 18 is integrally molded and made of a material such as SMMA 70 / 30 (a mixture of 70% styrene monomer (SM) and 30% methyl methacrylate (MMA)). In one embodiment, the head portion 42 comprises a different material. In this embodiment, the head portion 42 comprises plastic, while the remainder of the display fork comprises a metallic material. The advantage of this system is that the display fork 18 can be manufactured as a single piece. It is not necessary to manufacture the head portion 42 and then movably attach the rest of the display fork to the head.

[0034] Figure 1C The display fork is shown mounted on the backing plate 14. The back of the head 12 is... Figure 1C The hook-shaped portion 44 of the display fork, mounted on the backing plate 14, is also visible. The opposing surface 46 can be seen through an elongated hole 32.

[0035] The backing plate 14 also includes a generally circular hole 30. The hook-like portion 44 of each display fork 18 can be fitted into either the generally circular hole 30 or the elongated hole 32. (Reference) Figure 1D The benefits of the elongated hole 32 can be best understood from the prior art backing plate shown.

[0036] Figure 1D This includes an embodiment of a prior art display panel system 100. The prior art display panel system 100 includes a backing plate 110 having only circular holes 112. When mounted near the top of the backing plate 110, the display forks 118 must be tilted upwards to mount on the backing plate 110 so that the display forks strike the head 120. Thus, abnormally short display forks 118 can be mounted in the portion 122 of the backing plate 110 closest to the head 120, or this portion of the backing plate 110 will be left empty, thus wasting space.

[0037] The wasted area on the backing plate 110 is proportional to the distance the head 120 protrudes from the display wall. The longer the head 120 protrudes from the backing plate 110, the more wasted area there is below the head 120 on the display wall, because end users cannot utilize any circular holes 112 below the head 120 on the backing plate 110 in existing devices.

[0038] Additionally, the wasted area on the backing plate 110 can be proportional to the length of the display fork 118. If the display fork 118 is too long, the end user cannot use the existing circular holes 112 on the display wall that are too close to the head.

[0039] The implementation described herein eliminates the need for any tilting action, thereby avoiding waste of space on the backing plate.

[0040] The benefits of the system stem from the fact that the display forks do not need to be tilted; and display forks already loaded with products can be mounted on the backing plate.

[0041] hole

[0042] Details of the multi-part elongated hole 32 Figure 2A As shown in the diagram, the elongated hole 32 allows display forks of any length to be installed in any part of the display panel.

[0043] The elongated opening includes an inlet section, such as the depicted inlet channel 50, into which the hook-shaped portion of the display fork is initially inserted. The inlet channel 50 is large enough to accommodate the full height of the hook-shaped portion on the product display fork.

[0044] The elongated aperture 32 also includes a vertical section 52 communicating with the inlet channel 50. The vertical section 52 is substantially perpendicular to the inlet channel 50. The vertical section 52 terminates in a secure alcove 54, at which the hook-shaped portion of the product display fork stops after moving through the inlet channel 50 and the vertical section 52. In at least one embodiment, the secure alcove 54 is substantially circular.

[0045] As from Figure 2A As can be understood, the inlet channel 50, the vertical section 52, and the fixing groove 54 can be oriented in any direction.

[0046] Figure 2A Multiple pairs of elongated holes 32 are shown because product display forks typically require two holes for balance. However, in some embodiments, product display forks require a different number of holes.

[0047] Various arrangements of the components are possible, such as in one embodiment (not shown) where the inlet channel 50 is oriented above the vertical segment 52. However, the bearing surface 56 of the retaining groove 54 must be opposed to a force, such as gravity FG. In other embodiments, magnetic elements are used to generate a magnetic force, which is then used in place of gravity FG. The use of magnetic elements allows the retaining groove 54 to be located in multiple orientations.

[0048] In another embodiment, the retaining groove 54 includes a friction engagement element, such as a metal flap (not shown). The metal flap will apply a frictional force in place of gravity FG or in combination with gravity.

[0049] In one embodiment, each retaining recess 54 is connected to a low-voltage power source, alternating between positive and negative terminals. The power connector provides power to LEDs mounted on the product display fork and illuminates the LEDs after the product display fork is mounted on the backing plate 14. In one embodiment, conductors providing power act as retaining clips by applying force to the display fork against opposite sides of the retaining recess 54.

[0050] As from Figure 1A As can be understood from the embodiment shown, the elongated hole 32 is typically used on the top row of the backing plate 14. If the display fork mounted on the top row provides a light source, it will illuminate the entire display piece, including the conventional display fork below.

[0051] Figure 2A The advantage of the elongated hole shown is that a conventional, essentially circular hole can be converted into a multi-part elongated hole. The circular hole forms a retaining groove 54. The remaining portions (vertical section 52 and inlet channel 50) can be added using a drill bit or rotary cutting tool with a suitable template.

[0052] The shape of each hole can vary and is not limited to, for example... Figure 2A The diagram shows a multi-part elongated shape. For example, in some embodiments, the holes are serrated. In another embodiment, the holes are designed so that the fork can be inserted during rotation, and once inserted, the fork is held in place without tilting. Figures 2B to 2F Several alternative implementations of the hole are described.

[0053] In one embodiment, the vertical segment 52, the inlet channel 50, and the retaining groove 54 are cut into the backing substrate using a suitable cutting tool (such as a machine-controlled cutting drill bit). In another embodiment, the vertical segment 52 and the inlet channel 50 are cut using a cutting tool or a laser, while the retaining groove 54 is formed by drilling into the substrate. Finally, in yet another embodiment, all three sections are formed by drilling a series of interconnected holes, with a larger drill bit used for the retaining groove 54. In this embodiment, the vertical segment 52 and the inlet channel 50 have imperfectly smooth boundaries and exhibit areas of drill bit overlap.

[0054] In one embodiment, the elongated hole 32 is defined in the module and not directly in the backing plate 14. In another embodiment, the module snaps into the hole in the backing plate 14.

[0055] Figure 2B An alternative aperture, which is substantially non-circular, is depicted. The alternative aperture 33 also includes a retaining groove 55 and an inlet channel 51. However, the alternative aperture eliminates the need for... Figure 2AThe vertical section 52 is required. Conversely, the inlet channel 51, terminating in the fixed groove 55, forms an angle α with respect to the horizontal plane formed by the head p. Figure 2B As shown, in one embodiment, angle a is less than 90 degrees and is approximately between 40 and 55 degrees.

[0056] As in Figures 2A to 2F As can be understood from the implementation method, the fork can be fixed in the groove portion of the hole using its hook-shaped part.

[0057] When the display fork is secured by a groove, it can be inserted into a hole having a hook-like portion that allows the display fork to be inserted and rotated or tilted. For example, in Figure 2A , Figure 2C and Figure 2D In one embodiment, the display fork can be inserted into the inlet channel 51 without tilting or rotating. The display fork may need to move vertically or horizontally, but it does not need to tilt. In other embodiments, tilting is not required, but rotation may be necessary. In several embodiments shown, the display fork is positioned by a retaining groove 55 formed in the hole, as illustrated in the various figures.

[0058] If the display fork is secured by a hook-like part, the display fork can first be rotated or twisted slightly to insert into the hole, and the rotated or twisted display fork can be rotated or twisted back to its original position or angle, so that the hook-like part is secured to the display piece, such as... Figure 2E As shown. However, the display fork does not need to be tilted.

[0059] The display fork can be inserted into the hole by moving it to the side (left or right) rather than tilting it up or down. In this case, it can be formed as follows: Figure 2F The hole shown.

[0060] exist Figure 2C and Figure 2D In the diagram, arrow 53 depicts the movement of the display fork through the channel 51 into the fixing groove 55 and into the hole. As can be understood from arrow 53, no tilting or twisting movement is required.

[0061] Figure 2C The hole in the design is substantially triangular. The adjacent sides 57 of the triangular hole are large enough to accommodate the hook-shaped portion on the display fork.

[0062] In one embodiment, instead of the retaining groove 55, a clip (not shown) is pressed down on the display fork to hold the display fork in place.

[0063] The steps for adding the display fork 18 to the backing plate are as follows: Figures 3A to 3D The order is shown in the diagram.

[0064] How to use

[0065] Figures 3A to 3D The steps of using the display system 10 are shown.

[0066] exist Figure 3A In the first step shown, the display fork 18 is brought close to a pair of elongated holes 32 on the backing plate 14. Any pair of elongated holes 32 can be selected. The horizontal member 48 extends from the opposing surface 46 at approximately the midpoint between the selected pair of elongated holes 32. As mentioned above, other display forks do not use this pair of elongated holes. Figure 3A During the first step shown, the hook-shaped portion 44 of the fork 18 has not yet passed through the plane formed by the backing plate 14 and its elongated hole 32. Similarly, during this step, the opposing surface 46 does not contact the backing plate 14.

[0067] exist Figure 3B In the second step shown, the display fork 18 is inserted through the elongated hole 32 to the position where the opposing surface 46 contacts the backing plate 14. The insertion of the display fork ends when the opposing surface 46 prevents the display fork 18 from moving further toward the backing plate 14. The hook-shaped portion 44 passes through the inlet channel 50 of the elongated hole 32.

[0068] In such Figure 3C In the third step shown, the display fork 18 moves through the entrance channel 50 to the vertical section 52. In the vertical section 52, the hook-shaped portion engages with the reverse side of the backing plate 14; however, the display fork 18 is not yet secured.

[0069] In such Figure 3D In the fourth step shown, the display fork 18 is finally secured after moving through all the vertical sections 52 to the fixing groove 54. The display fork 18 will not move out of the fixing groove 54 without a deliberate upward force applied.

[0070] In some embodiments, after the display fork is positioned in the retaining recess 54, it is held in place by a metal clip (not shown) present in the retaining recess 54. In this embodiment, the display fork 18 cannot be removed from the retaining recess 54 without releasing the clip. In one embodiment, the clip can only be accessed from the reverse side of the backing plate 14.

[0071] If possible Figures 3A to 3D Understood, the fork 18 can be mounted on the backing plate 14 without any tilting movement. This ensures that the fork 18 is not obstructed by the head, as... Figure 1D The situation of the prior art shown.

[0072] like Figure 3CAs shown, in at least one embodiment, the fork 18 includes a product alignment protrusion 58 along the length of the fork 18. The product alignment protrusion 58 provides physical feedback if the product (not shown) is pushed too far back on the fork 18.

[0073] In one embodiment (not shown), the fork 18 includes a series of product alignment protrusions with various geometric configurations. In one embodiment, the height of the protrusions is increased, requiring more force to slide the product on the fork. Although the end consumer is unaware of this, the robotic arm that loads the product onto the fork 18 can sense this variable force.

[0074] The advantage of this implementation is that the installation of the display fork requires several movements in a specific sequence and direction. This complex movement ensures that the display fork will not be knocked off simply due to an impact or movement in only one direction.

[0075] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define parameters of the invention, they are by no means limiting but rather exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the above description. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their claimed equivalents. In the appended claims, the terms “comprising” and “wherein” are used as simple English equivalents of the terms “comprising” and “wherein”. Furthermore, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Moreover, the limitations of the following claims are not written in a means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on paragraph 6 of 35 U.S.SC §112 unless and until such a claim is limited by the explicit use of the phrase “means for…” following a statement of function without any other structure.

Claims

1. A display system, comprising: Backing plate, having at least one hole; as well as At least one display fork is received by the backing plate; Wherein, at least one hole includes a fixing groove adapted to receive the display fork without tilting the display fork; The at least one hole further includes an inlet section communicating with the fixing groove, and the at least one display fork is adapted to be initially inserted into the inlet section without tilting, and then moved into the fixing groove; and The inlet section is located below the fixed groove.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one hole also includes a vertical section communicating with the inlet section, the vertical section terminating in a fixed groove.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The entrance section is at an angle.

4. The system according to claim 1 further includes a head disposed on top of the backing plate.

5. The system according to claim 3, wherein, The angle of the entrance section relative to the horizontal plane is between 40 and 55 degrees.

6. The system according to claim 4, wherein, The head extends beyond the vertical plane formed by the backing plate.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The fixing groove is substantially circular.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The fixing groove receives the hook-shaped part of the display fork.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The backing plate also includes a plurality of circular holes arranged in a matrix.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The system also includes a base disposed on the bottom side of the backing plate.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The display fork is adapted to be mounted on the backing plate without rotation.

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