Flexible marking and decorative plug with integrated return spring and fastening element

Abstract

Flexible marking and decorative plug (1), comprising - an elongated stem (2), - a panel (3) arranged at an upper end of the stem (2) for receiving information, identification or decoration details, - an elastic section (4) arranged in the middle area of ​​the stem (2) with a return spring, by means of which the stem (2) can be moved from an upright basic position into a folded-down position and returned to the upright basic position by the return spring, and - a fastening element (5) fixedly arranged at the lower part of the stem (2) for attaching the marking and decoration plug (1) to a pallet, cardboard box, tray, container, metallic support structure or other packaging, support or transport equipment.

Description

1. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for marking, price, information or decoration display of goods, objects or packaging units, in particular in horticulture, floristry, retail trade, logistics and in comparable presentation and transport areas.

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to a flexible marking and decorative plug that can be attached to pallets, cardboard boxes, trays, containers or other packaging, carriers or transport means and which automatically returns to an upright position after being folded down. 2. State of the art

[0003] Various plugs, holders, or marking elements are known from the prior art, typically comprising a rigid rod with a sign or panel at its upper end for displaying price information, greetings, or other information. The lower section of the rod is generally designed as a pointed ground spike or rigid fastening element that is inserted into a substrate, object, or packaging unit.

[0004] Such well-known plugs have several disadvantages: • They are rigid in length and cannot be used, or can only be used to a limited extent, during transport in closed boxes or packaging, as the box cannot be closed otherwise. • To identify goods or containers arranged on pallets or in trays, the label often needs to be attached to a single product. If this product is removed, the label and its markings are lost. • The connectors often become dirty through contact with substrates, surfaces or environmental influences and can easily bend or break during transport due to their rigid design.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a device that is better suited both for transport in a closed state and for the presentation and labeling of goods, objects or packaging units. 3. Object of the invention: The invention is based on the objective of... 1. To provide a marking and decorative plug that can be used during transport inside cartons, pallets, trays or similar packaging units without hindering the closing of the packaging, 2. to enable a permanent assignment of the plug to a packaging or carrier unit, even if individual goods or items are removed, 3. to make the plug more flexible and break-resistant in use and to reduce contamination from contact with substrates or surfaces. 4. Solution to the task

[0006] This problem is solved by a marking and decorative plug with the features of independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0007] In a basic embodiment, the invention comprises: • an elongated stem, • a board or sign surface located at the top of the stem for displaying information, markings, or decorations, • an elastic section arranged in the middle area of ​​the stem with a return spring, whereby the stem can be moved from an upright basic position into a folded-down position and returned to the upright position by the spring, • and a fastening element permanently arranged at the lower part of the stem, in particular an adhesive element permanently attached to the stem, designed for fastening the plug to a pallet, cardboard wall, tray, container or other packaging or carrier device.

[0008] The mounting element located laterally at the bottom of the stem allows the plug to be attached directly to a pallet, the inside or outside of a carton, a tray, a container, or other packaging or transport equipment. The plug therefore does not require insertion into a substrate but remains connected to the packaging or carrier unit, independent of individual goods or objects.

[0009] Thanks to the return spring located in the middle section, the stem can be folded from its upright position into a more or less horizontal or downward-sloping position, for example, to close a box or to save space during transport. After the box is opened or the pressure is released, the plug automatically returns to its upright starting position due to the spring action. 5. Advantages of the invention

[0010] The device according to the invention has in particular the following advantages: • Transport suitability: The plug can be integrated into the packaging or carrier unit before transport. The cardboard box or outer packaging can be easily closed by folding it down using a spring mechanism. • Automatic recoil: When the packaging is opened, the plug automatically recoils, so that the marking is immediately visible. • Permanent attachment: Since the plug is fixed to the packaging or carrier unit by means of a fastening element, it remains there even when individual goods or items are removed. • Cleanliness and recognizability: The connector does not come into contact with substrates or sensitive surfaces and therefore gets less dirty. • Fracture resistance: The elastic section with return spring reduces the risk of breakage or permanent deformation under impact or load. 6. Designs

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the stem consists of an elongated element, in particular made of wood, plastic, metal, or a composite material. The length is chosen such that the plug is clearly visible when erect, but when folded down fits completely within a shipping carton or similar packaging unit.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the fastening element is designed as a single-sided adhesive pad that is permanently bonded to a lower lateral section of the stem. The adhesive surface is designed to ensure secure adhesion to various materials, particularly cardboard, paperboard, plastic, wood, metal, or similar smooth or slightly textured surfaces. In particular, a pressure-sensitive industrial or assembly adhesive can be used, which forms a strong bond with the respective surface.

[0013] The elastic section of the stem preferably comprises a helical or cylindrical spring connecting two rigid stem sections. Alternatively, the elastic section can also be formed by a resilient plastic segment or by a combination of a spring and elastic material. Crucially, the stem must be able to fold from an upright position against the spring force and return to its upright position after the force is released.

[0014] The board at the top of the handle can be a small rectangular, oval, or otherwise shaped sign made of wood, plastic, metal, cardboard, or a writable material (e.g., chalkboard paint or a whiteboard surface). The board can be printed, written on, or fitted with replaceable labels.

[0015] In further embodiments, the fastening element can be arranged at a different location on the stem. In particular, it is possible to arrange the adhesive element on the underside of the stem such that the stem rests with its longitudinal axis essentially perpendicular to a flat surface. The use of a magnetic element instead of or in addition to an adhesive element is also conceivable, especially with metallic support structures.

[0016] In further embodiments, the fastening element can alternatively or additionally be designed as a hook and loop connection, wherein a first hook and loop element is arranged on the stem and a corresponding counterpart is provided on the carrier surface.

[0017] These and other variants, which utilize the basic principle of a flexible stem with a return spring and a substrate-independent fastening device, fall within the scope of protection of the invention. 4. Drawing description Reference symbol list: 1 plant and decorative stake 2 stems 3. Sign / Plaque 4 elastic section / return spring 5 adhesive element / adhesive pad 6 cardboard wall / pallet / tray 7 reversed position 8 upright position Fig. 1 Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a plant and decorative stake (1) according to the invention in its upright basic position. The stake has an elongated stem (2), a plate (3) arranged at the upper end, an elastic section (4) with a return spring arranged in the middle area, and an adhesive element (5) arranged laterally at the lower area. Fig. 2 Fig. 2 shows the plant and decorative plug (1) after Fig. 1 in the folded position (7), as is assumed, for example, when closing a shipping carton. The elastic section (4) is deformed by bending, the stem (2) lies essentially parallel to the carton wall (6). Fig. 3 Fig. Figure 3 shows a plant and decorative stake (1) attached to a cardboard wall or plant tray (6) using the adhesive element (5). The board (3) is in an upright position (8) and is clearly visible outside the cardboard or above the plants. Fig. 4 (optional for variants) Fig. Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment in which the adhesive element (5) is arranged at a lower end face of the stem (2), so that the plug can be placed vertically on a flat surface and glued down.

Claims

[1] Flexible marking and decorative plug (1), comprising - an elongated stem (2), - a panel (3) arranged at an upper end of the stem (2) for receiving information, identification or decoration details, - an elastic section (4) arranged in the middle area of ​​the stem (2) with a return spring, by means of which the stem (2) can be moved from an upright basic position into a folded-down position and returned to the upright basic position by the return spring, and - a fastening element (5) fixedly arranged at the lower part of the stem (2) for attaching the marking and decoration plug (1) to a pallet, cardboard box, tray, container, metallic support structure or other packaging, support or transport equipment. [2] Identification and decorative plugs according to claim 1, characterized by, that the fastening element (5) is designed as a one-sided adhesive pad that is permanently connected to a lateral section of the stem (2). [3] Identification and decorative plugs according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the fastening element (5) is designed for fastening to an inner or outer surface of a shipping carton, to a surface of a tray, to a pallet, to a container or to a similar support structure. [4] Identification and decorative plugs according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the elastic section (4) comprises a helical or cylindrical spring connecting two rigid stem sections. [5] Identification and decorative plugs according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the return spring is designed such that the stem (2) can be folded from the upright basic position by at least 90° into a substantially horizontal or inclined position. [6] Identification and decorative plugs according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the handle (2) is made of wood, plastic, metal or a composite material. [7] Identification and decorative plugs according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the board (3) consists of wood, plastic, metal, cardboard or a writable material, in particular a support element provided with chalkboard paint, a whiteboard surface or a similar writable coating, wherein the board may be printable, writable or provided with replaceable labels. [8] Identification and decorative plugs according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the fastening element (5) is alternatively or additionally designed as a magnetic element which is intended for detachable fastening to a metallic support structure. [9] Identification and decorative plugs according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the fastening element (5) is alternatively or additionally designed as a hook and loop connection, wherein a first hook and loop element is arranged on the stem (2) and a corresponding counterpart is provided on the support or fastening surface. [10] Use of the marking and decoration sticker according to any of the preceding claims for marking, indicating, pricing or decorating goods, products, objects or packaging units during transport, storage, presentation or sale, in particular on pallets, in shipping cartons, trays, containers, shelves, displays or similar carrier and presentation systems, regardless of the type of goods marked

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