Tool racks for retail

Abstract

Tool stand for displaying battery-operated tools in retail stores, the tool stand comprising: a base for connection to a display cabinet, a column extending from the base, a platform connected to the column remote from the base, the platform being configured for connection to a tool by having a tool connection assembly configured in the form of a battery connector of a battery and adapted for connection to the tool to be displayed.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a tool stand for displaying a tool in a retail environment. The present invention has been developed primarily with respect to the display of handheld, battery-operated power tools, such as saws and drills; and it is convenient to describe the present invention with respect to this use. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to this use, and accordingly, the present invention could be used to display other tools or products. Background of the invention

[0002] The following discussion of the background of the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. It should be noted, however, that this discussion does not constitute an acknowledgment or admission that any aspect of the discussion is within the common general knowledge as of the priority date of the application.

[0003] In retail stores such as hardware stores, samples of handheld, battery-operated power tools are displayed so customers can see and feel the tools before making their purchase selection. The tools on display are not for sale; rather, once a customer has made their selection, they can pick up a new and packaged tool from another location within the retail store and bring it to the cashier for payment. The customer thus purchases a new tool that has not previously been displayed or handled by other customers. Furthermore, the displayed tools remain on display for inspection by subsequent customers.

[0004] Although the sample tools are on display, they are actually real tools and are vulnerable to theft. To prevent theft, the sample tools can be secured to the display. For example, in the past, safety tethers or brackets were used to connect a sample tool to the display cabinet. Advantageously, these tethers or brackets allow a sample tool to be lifted and manipulated for inspection by a customer. The tethers or brackets also have some impact on reducing theft, as a thief needs time to remove the tether or bracket for theft, and this is often obvious to employees or other customers near the tool display.However, the straps or holders have not been successful in completely eliminating theft; and they also impose restrictions on how a potential customer can interact with the tool. The straps or holders also allow the customer to return sample tools to the display cabinet, but not to their original and optimal position for display. Therefore, employees must constantly monitor the tool display and reposition sample tools within the display. The straps or holders must also be attached to the sample tool and to the display cabinet, increasing the time and effort required to install the tool display.

[0005] In other arrangements, sample tools are displayed by attaching them to tool stands. A tool stand comprises a column that is attached to the display cabinet at one end, usually by screws or bolts. And a sample tool can be attached to the opposite end for display purposes, again usually by screws or bolts. The tool stand is often installed so that it stands upright from a flat or horizontal shelf or railing surface. Because the tool stand is securely attached to the display cabinet and the sample tool is securely attached to the display cabinet, the use of tool stands can generally protect tool display from theft of sample tools.However, when using tool stands, as with safety tethers or holders, interaction with the sample tool can be complicated by the way the sample tools are attached to the tool stand. Tool stands can offer some flexibility in tool orientation. For example, existing tool stands may include a platform to which the sample tool is attached, which can rotate, typically around a horizontal axis. This gives the customer some ability to move or rotate the tool.

[0006] Due to the ongoing threat of tool theft, battery-powered tool display tools are often displayed without the battery connected, so that the tool tray is on display, and in the event of a theft of the sample tools, only the tray and not the battery is stolen. This advantageously minimizes the loss value if only one tool tray is stolen.

[0007] In tool displays for battery-operated power tools using tool stands, attaching the tool tray (without the battery) to the tool stand platform requires that the platform be adapted to each different tool. For example, the platform is attached differently or in a different position for a drill than for a circular saw or grinder. Accordingly, the stand platform must be adapted to the type of tool being displayed; and because there are a large number of tools that can be displayed in this way, there is a need for a large number of different platforms that fit or connect to the various tools.This means that sample tools can only be displayed on tool racks that already have a suitable platform attached, or that assembly personnel must replace the existing platform with another platform. If a tool display needs to be reconfigured, changing the location of the tools requires replacing or reconfiguring the platforms attached to the tool racks to accommodate the new sample tool being installed. This, of course, requires time and effort, and means that reconfiguring tool displays requires significant effort.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an alternative form of tool stand which offers greater flexibility in connecting sample tools to the stand compared to existing prior art stands. Disclosure of the invention

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a tool stand for displaying battery-operated tools in retail is provided, the tool stand comprising: a base for connection to a display cabinet, a column extending from the base, a platform connected to the column remote from the base, the platform being configured for connection to a tool by having a tool connection assembly configured in the form of a battery connector of a battery and adapted for connection to the tool to be displayed.

[0010] A tool stand according to the present invention advantageously facilitates the connection of a series or family of tools that use the same battery or battery type to the tool stand. This means that although battery-powered tools in a particular series or family of tools may use batteries of different capacities, the connection portion of each manufacturer's batteries is generally the same, regardless of power output.

[0011] In addition, tool manufacturers tend to adopt a specific proprietary shape of battery connector that is consistent across all tools produced by that manufacturer. For example, tool manufacturer Ryobi uses a specific shape of battery connector for one of its series or families of battery-powered tools, while tool manufacturer AEG also uses a specific shape of battery connector, but it differs from the shape of the connector used by Ryobi. This means that batteries suitable for Ryobi tools will not be suitable for connection to AEG tools, and vice versa. However, if a retail display is to showcase a particular manufacturer's series or family of tools, a tool rack is suitable for connecting all tools, or the series or family, that share the same battery connector.This could include a series or family of 10 to 30 tools.

[0012] For example, a tool stand according to the present invention can be connected to a drill, a circular saw, or a grinder from the same manufacturer if each of these tools uses the same battery connector. The tools can use batteries of different capacities; but as long as the battery connector of the batteries is identical, the tool stand, which has a tool connection assembly shaped like the corresponding battery connector, can be connected to any of the drills, circular saws, or grinders. Batteries of different capacities typically differ only in the size or depth / length of the battery and not in the actual connection to the tool tray. With the tool stand of the present invention, it is not necessary to replace the platform for each individual tool, as is currently the case with existing tool stands.

[0013] Advantageously, this means that multiple tool stands can be connected to a display cabinet to display a range or family of tools from a particular manufacturer, without having to select tool stands that match a specific tool in the range or family of tools. The tool stands may need to be spaced at different distances depending on the shape and size of the tools. Otherwise, multiple tool stands can be installed with the same tool linking assembly to display the entire range or family of tools. This allows tools to be easily moved from one position among the tool stands to another to create a preferred display. Furthermore, once a display has been created, changes to that display can easily be made as desired.

[0014] The present invention also facilitates quick and easy connection and / or disconnection between a tool and the tool stand because the tool connection assembly of the platform can be configured to connect and disconnect from the tool in the same way that a battery can be connected and disconnected from a tool. This means that in some embodiments of the invention, the connection can be a snap-in connection, with the tool latching to the platform in the same way that a tool tray latches to a battery. In some arrangements, the snap-in connection of a battery to a tool tray can be released by finger pressure. And in some embodiments of the invention, the platform can include two connectors that can be released by finger pressure.

[0015] By designing the tool connection assembly in the form of a battery connector, the present invention also improves the customer's experience when handling the sample or display tool because the customer can hold the tool as if a battery were connected, allowing the customer to feel how the tool will actually feel in use. Existing tool stands do not offer this advantage.

[0016] While the present invention can facilitate quick and easy connection and / or disconnection between a tool and a tool stand, it can also facilitate a secure connection of a tool to the tool stand. In some embodiments of the invention, the tool tray can be connected to the platform by a threaded connection once the tool tray is connected to the tool connection assembly of the platform. In other embodiments of the invention, a screw can be inserted through or interact with snap-fit ​​components such that the snap-fit ​​cannot be activated to release the tool tray without removing the screw.In this embodiment of the invention, the tool tray can be connected to the platform by the snap connection and then the screw can be inserted into or interact with the snap connection to disable the snap connection. This deters theft because, in the event of theft, the screw must be removed before the snap connection can be disabled and the tool tray separated from the platform. The screw connection can comprise the use of a security screw with a security head that is installed and removed using a special tool, thereby increasing the difficulty for a thief to opportunistically separate the tool tray from the platform. Alternatively, other arrangements can be used to disable the snap connection so that the tool tray cannot be detached from the tool stand.

[0017] The platform can be connected to the column in any suitable manner. In some embodiments of the invention, the platform is rotatable or pivotable relative to the column to enable optimal positioning of the platform for connection to a tool and / or to provide display options that allow tools to be displayed in various orientations. The platform can be lockable in a specific orientation so that, once the orientation is set, it remains in that orientation.

[0018] In some embodiments of the invention, the platform is attached to the column so that it can rotate through a single plane and be fixed in a selected position within the single plane. In this embodiment of the invention, male and female plate connectors extending from the platform and column, respectively, may be joined together, for example, by a single bolted connection, to allow rotation in the plane of the plate connectors. For example, a pair of spaced plates may extend from one of the platform and column, with a single plate extending from the other of the platform and column, the spacing between the spaced plates being approximately equal to the thickness of the single plate such that the single plate forms a snug fit or a close fit between the spaced plates.The single plate and the pair of spaced plates may each have openings that can be aligned so that screws (e.g., security screws) or bolts can be inserted through the openings to connect the respective plates together. To adjust the relative angular positions between the platform and the column, a component of the single plate and the pair of spaced plates may include multiple openings.In some embodiments of the invention, one component of the single plate and the pair of spaced plates has a first pair of openings and the other component of the single plate and the pair of spaced plates has two, or three or more pairs of openings, wherein the first pair of openings can be aligned with one of the two, or three or more pairs of openings to adjust the angular position between the platform and the column between two, three or more angular positions.

[0019] In some embodiments of the invention, the pair of spaced plates comprises a pair of L-shaped plates, wherein first portions of the L-shapes are in a spaced-apart face-to-face relationship to receive the single plate therebetween, and wherein second, right-angled portions of the L-shapes extend away from each other in the same general plane and are connected to the column or platform. Each portion of the L-shapes has openings for the passage of screws so that the first portions can be connected to the single plate and the second portions can be connected to the column or platform. In prototype versions of the present invention, the second portions are connected to the platform. In these prototype versions of the present invention, the single plate extends from or stands upright from the column.

[0020] In yet other embodiments of the invention, the platform can be connected to the column for rotation in a plane perpendicular to the column's axis. That is, with a vertical column, the platform can be rotatable in a horizontal plane.

[0021] The platform includes a tool connection assembly. The tool connection assembly can be an integral part of the platform or it can be a separate part attached to the platform.

[0022] When the tool connection assembly is an integral part of the platform, the platform is designed to connect to a single row or family of tools, each having the same battery connector shape. Using the tool rack for tools that employ a different battery connector shape requires replacing the platform. Alternatively, a different tool rack may be used that has the appropriate battery connector shape for the other row or family of tools. The tool connection assembly may be formed integrally with the platform by molding the tool connection assembly and platform as a single piece. Alternatively, the tool connection assembly and platform may be initially manufactured as separate parts but may be non-removably attached to each other, such as by adhesive or non-removable connectors.

[0023] If the tool connection assembly is a separate part attached to the platform, the tool connection assembly can be separated from the platform and a different form of tool connection assembly attached to the platform if the tools to be displayed are changed and therefore have different battery connections than the previously displayed tools. The platform can be designed as a universal platform that can be attached to two or more different tool connection assemblies. In some embodiments of the invention, the platform can have sets of screw openings suitable for connection to different tool connection assemblies. The tool connection assembly can be attached to the platform in any suitable manner, e.g., by screwing or by snapping.

[0024] The column can be a tubular column, such as a cylindrical column or a square column. The length or height of the column can be any desired length, as can the diameter of the column.

[0025] The column may be closed at both ends so that at the lower end the attachment between the column and the base can be made by a screw or bolt connection extending through the base and through the closed lower end of the column. This connection allows the axial orientation of the column relative to the base to be selected when the column is attached to the base, which orientation can be adjusted by loosening the connection between the column and the base and then retightening this connection. In some embodiments of the invention, a positive connection can be made between the lower end of the column and the base so that the selected orientation is fixed once a secure connection between the column and the base is made.The positive connection may comprise a male-female engagement, so that, for example, the lower end of the column may have one or more projections, and the base may have one or more openings for receiving the one or more projections. With this arrangement, the column can be connected to the base in a suitable orientation; then, the secure connection can be established, with the engagement securing the alignment against inadvertent displacement.

[0026] The base of the tool rack may comprise any suitable connection arrangement for connection to display cabinets. The display cabinets may include wall displays or tabletop displays and suitable shelving. The base may be attached to the display cabinet, for example, using screws (e.g., security screws) or bolts; alternatively, the base may comprise a positive connection that connects the base to the display cabinet with or without the use of other connecting fittings. For example, the base may comprise a quick-connect assembly in which one or more male connectors or projections extend from the base for insertion into one or more female openings formed as part of the display cabinet.

[0027] The platform is connected to the opposite end, or upper end, of the column, which is remote from the base; and, as stated above, this connection can be fixed or pivoting. In a tubular column, the upper end of the column can be closed, and the connection between the platform and the column can be made between the platform and the closed end of the column. The closed end of the column can be closed by a plate welded to the upper end.

[0028] The components of the tool stand may be made of any suitable material. While some of the components are typically expected to be metal components, most likely steel components, it is also possible that one or more of the components may be plastic components. The components of the tool stand do not all need to be made of the same material; and in particular, the tool connection assembly of the platform is expected to be a plastic component molded in the shape of a suitable tool battery connector. The base is likely to be fabricated from sheet metal. Short description of the drawings

[0029] For a better understanding of the invention, some embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of a tool stand according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the tool stand of Fig. 1, where a tool (a circular saw) is shown above the tool stand. Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the tool stand of Fig. 1 from the same subview as Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the tool stand of Fig. 1 from the same top view as Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a bottom perspective view of another tool stand according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed embodiments

[0030] With reference to the Fig. 1 to 4, a tool stand 10 is shown which has a base 12, a column 14 and a platform 16.

[0031] The base 12 includes a plurality of connectors 18 configured for positive connection to a shelf or railing of a display cabinet in a retail store. A suitable shelf or railing includes openings for receiving the connectors 18 so that the connectors 18 can be lowered through the openings and then slid relative to the openings so that a portion of the shelf or railing surrounding the openings is positioned in column G (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) of the elements 18 and prevents the base from being lifted away from the shelf or railing. Thus, the connecting elements 18 engage the shelf or railing to connect the base 12 to the shelf or railing. Once the base 12 is attached to the shelf or railing described above, a screw connector 20 can be screwed into a nut 21 attached to the underside of the base 12. The leading end of the screw connector 20 is conical and extends through the nut 21 and into an opening in the shelf or railing to prevent the connecting elements 18 from becoming detached from the shelf or railing. It should be noted that the shelf or railing may be planar, such as sheet metal, or it may actually comprise parallel rails. Of course, other shapes of shelves or railings can also be provided.

[0032] The column 14 is connected to the base 12 by a threaded connector 22 (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) which extends through the underside of the base 12 and into a closed end of the column 14. The column 14 is a tubular column, and the lower end, closest to the base 12, is closed by a plate 23. The plate 23 of the closed end includes a threaded opening into which a connector 22 can be screwed. In some embodiments of the invention, the plate 23 includes a nut into which the threaded connector 22 can be screwed. In the tool stand 10, the nut is located on the inside of the plate 23 and is therefore not visible in any of the figures. By inserting the threaded connector 22 through the base 12 into threaded connection with the column 14, the column 14 can be securely connected to the base 12.

[0033] The column 14 can be connected to the base 12 in any suitable axial orientation. This allows the platform 16 to rotate relative to the base 12 due to the rotation of the column 14 relative to the base 12. However, the column 14 can also be connected to the base 12 in such a way that the selected orientation cannot be changed unless the threaded connector 22 is loosened or removed. For this purpose, the lower end of the column 14 can have one or more projections 24 (see Fig. 3) which are inserted into one or more openings 25 (see Fig. 2) formed in the base 12. As shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, a plurality of openings 25 are provided in a circular pattern for receiving a plurality of projections 24 extending from the lower end of the column 14. The number of projections 24 does not have to match the number of openings 25, but the larger the number of openings 25, the greater the flexibility in selecting the axial orientation or position of the column 14.

[0034] Accordingly, to mount the column 14 to the base 12, the column 14 is aligned relative to the base 12 in the respective axial orientation; the projections 24 extending from the lower end of the column 14 are inserted into openings 25 of the base 12; and thereafter, the threaded connector 22 is inserted through the base 12 and brought into threaded connection with the column 14.

[0035] The opposite or upper end of column 14 includes an upright plate connector 26. The plate connector 26 is a flat plate extending from, or standing upright from, the closed upper end of column 14 and is sandwiched between a pair of L-shaped plates 28, which, when assembled, form a platform connector 30. The pair of plates 28 are spaced apart to closely receive the plate connector 26; and, as shown, a pair of bolts / nuts 32, 34 extend through the plate connector 26 and the pair of plates 28 to interconnect them.

[0036] The plate connector 26 includes three pairs of holes 36 for separately receiving the bolts / nuts 32, 34. The L-shaped plates 28 each include a pair of aligned holes 38. The holes 38 can be aligned with any of the three pairs of holes 36 and the associated bolts / nuts 32, 34, so that the connection between the plate connector 26 and the pair of plates 28 of the platform connector 30 allows the platform connector 30 to be adjusted between three different angular positions.

[0037] From the above discussion, it is clear that the two adjustment options described, namely 1) adjusting the axial alignment of column 14 relative to base 12 and 2) adjusting the alignment of the connected platform 30, allow the platform 16 to be adjusted in two planes. This allows different tools to be positioned differently on the same tool stand.

[0038] The platform 16 is shown in exploded view in Fig. 3 and includes a platform base 40 and a tool connection assembly 42. A releasable connector 44 is interposed between the platform base 40 and the tool connection assembly 42. The releasable connector 44 is mounted on pins 46 and can move up and down on the pins 46 under the bias of springs 48. The releasable connector 44 includes a tongue or latch 50 that extends, under the influence of springs 48, through the opening 52 in the tool connection assembly 42 and into a cooperating opening (not shown) in the circular saw 54. This secures the circular saw 54 to the tool connection assembly 42. The releasable connector 44 can be depressed by pressing on the wings 56 against the bias of the springs 48 to release the tongue 50 from the cooperating opening in the circular saw 54 and to separate the circular saw 54 from the tool connection assembly 42 and the tool stand 10.The detachable connector 44 can be prevented from being depressed by inserting the safety screw 57. The screw 57 is screwed into a position to prevent the detachable connector 44 from being depressed, so that the tongue or latch 50 cannot be released from the cooperating opening of the circular saw 54. This reduces the likelihood of the circular saw 54 being stolen from the tool stand 10.

[0039] The platform base 40 and the tool connection assembly 42 are connected by safety screws 58 that are screwed into threaded openings 59. Likewise, the platform connector 30 is connected to the platform base 40 by safety screws 60. The screws 60 are screwed into nuts 62 that are attached to the inner surface of the platform base 40.

[0040] The platform base 40 has a configuration for connection to the platform connector 30 and for connection to the tool connection assembly 42. Differently configured platform bases can enable the attachment of various tool connection assemblies to the platform base 40. Fig. Figure 5 shows the same base 12, column 14 and platform connector 30, but with a different platform base 66 and a different tool connection assembly 68 suitable for connection to a tool from another manufacturer.

[0041] With reference to Fig.1, the top side 43 of the tool connection assembly 42 has a special configuration for connecting tools (such as a circular saw 54) that accommodate a specific type of battery. Thus, the tool connection assembly 42 is designed in the form of a battery connector of a battery suitable for connection to a tool 54 to be displayed. The tool connection assembly 42 is designed only in the form of a battery connector and therefore does not have the components of a battery connector, such as the conductors that are part of an actual battery connector. The tool connection assembly 42 therefore allows a tool that would normally be connected to a battery having the connection configuration of the tool connection assembly 42 to be connected to the tool connection assembly 42 and thus to the tool stand 10.

[0042] Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for a series or family of tools each using batteries with the same battery terminals, the entire series or family of tools may be connected to the same tool stand 10. Thus, although the drawings show one type of tool, namely the circular saw 54, any other tool (such as a drill or a flashlight) connected to the same battery, or to batteries of different capacities but with the same connection configuration, may be connected to and displayed on the tool stand 10. The flexibility in the orientation of the platform 16 via the two adjustment options described above may allow tools connected to batteries in different positions to still be appropriately displayed using the single tool stand 10.

[0043] Unless the context in which the terms "comprise", "comprises" or "comprising" are used in this specification (including the claims) requires otherwise, these terms are to be construed to indicate the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not to exclude the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps or components or groups thereof.

[0044] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications that depart from the specifically described embodiments. It is understood that the invention encompasses all variations and modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

[1] Tool stand for displaying battery-operated tools in retail outlets, the tool stand comprising: a base for connection to a display cabinet, a column extending from the base, a platform connected to the column remote from the base, the platform being configured for connection to a tool by having a tool connection assembly configured in the form of a battery connector of a battery and adapted for connection to the tool to be displayed. [2] The tool stand of claim 1, wherein the tool connection assembly is integrally formed with the platform. [3] The tool stand of claim 1, wherein the tool connection assembly is formed separately from the platform and is removably attached to the platform. [4] A tool stand according to claim 3, wherein the platform is a universal platform that can be attached to two or more different tool connection assemblies. [5] A tool stand according to claim 4, wherein the platform has sets of screw openings suitable for connection to different tool connection assemblies. [6] A tool stand according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the platform is rotatably mounted on the column so that it can rotate through a single plane and be fixed in a selected position within the single plane. [7] Tool stand according to claim 6, wherein the platform is connected to the tool stand by means of male and female plate connectors which extend respectively from the platform and the tool stand.the column and are connected to each other, is rotatably mounted on the column, the male and female plate connectors comprising a pair of spaced plates extending from one of the platform and the column and a single plate extending from the other of the platform and the column, the spacing between the spaced plates being approximately equal to the thickness of the single plate such that the single plate forms a snug or close fit between the spaced plates, the spaced plates comprising a pair of L-shaped plates, first portions of the L-shapes being in a face-to-face spaced relationship to receive the single plate therebetween, and second, right-angled portions of the L-shapes extending away from each other in the same general plane and connected to one of the column and the platform. [8] A tool stand according to claim 7, wherein the single plate extends from or stands upright from the column. [9] A tool stand according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the single plate and the pair of spaced plates each have openings alignable to receive screws, security screws or bolts to interconnect the respective plates. [10] A tool stand according to claim 9, wherein one component of the single plate and the pair of spaced plates has a first pair of openings and the other component of the single plate and the pair of spaced plates has two, or three or more pairs of openings, wherein the first pair of openings can be aligned with one of the two, or three or more pairs of openings to adjust the angular position between the platform and the column between two, three or more angular positions. [11] A tool stand according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the tool is connected to the tool connection assembly by a snap connection, and wherein the tool connection assembly comprises a screw that interacts with components of the snap connection such that the snap connection cannot be activated to release the tool tray without removing the screw. [12] Tool stand according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the platform is connected to the column in such a way that it is rotatable or pivotable relative to the column and can be fixed in a certain orientation so that once the orientation is set, the platform remains in that orientation. [13] A tool stand according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the platform is connected to the column for rotation in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the column.

Images