Erectable display stand system

Abstract

An erectable display stand system is provided that is customizable and can be flat- packed for storage and shipping and erected or otherwise assembled at the final location. The erectable display stand system includes a base, a column, and a topper. Each of the base, column, and topper is formed of a single sheet of foldable and disposable material that is folded and assembled to form the base, column, or topper respectively. The column is then inserted into the base and the topper is mounted on an end of the column opposite of the end of the column inserted into the mount of the base. The combination of the base, the column, and the topper assembled together form an erected display.

Description

PATENT APPLICATIONFORERECTABLE DISPLAY STAND SYSTEMBYANDREW C. SUMMERFIELDCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, co-pending United States Provisional Application 63 / 605,027, filed December 1, 2023, for all subject matter common to both applications. The disclosure of said provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to pole topper stand advertising displays suitable for use in-store advertisements. In particular, the present invention relates to an erectable display stand system that is customizable and can be flat-packed for storage and shipping and erected or otherwise assembled at the final location.BACKGROUND

[0003] Generally, current pole toppers consist of a metal wire stand with a solid fiber core tube. This tube supports a display unit that attaches at the top typically made out of corrugated material or combined corrugated and SBS as in a 3D StackaWraps® display unit made by StackaWraps Global.

[0004] However, the current design experiences some shortcomings. The solid fiber cores have minimum order quantities. The solid fiber cores are also typically generic with white or black outer paper. Although custom printing along the core is possible, it is expensive and can be cost-prohibitive. Typically, the solid fiber cores are three pieces and assuch require a longer and deeper package to protect it during shipping, which increases shipping costs and DIM weight.

[0005] The wire stand is typically two different pieces and, although recyclable, requires additional packaging to protect the other components Furthermore, after use, the wire stand needs to be from the natural waste stream.SUMMARY

[0006] There is a need for a pole topper where the pole topper is easier to ship, can be easily customized, and all the parts can be conveniently disposed of. The present invention is directed toward further solutions to address this need, in addition to having other desirable characteristics. Specifically, the erectable display system of the present invention includes a base, a column, and a topper.

[0007] The base includes a sheet of foldable and disposable material defining four intersecting generally trapezoidal sections around a central square opening, each generally trapezoidal section comprising: a top defining a side of the central square opening; a bottom opposite from the top, a first / left side extending from top to the bottom, second / right side extending from the top to the bottom opposite from the first / left side and articulatively connected to a first / left side of another intersecting generally trapezoidal section, and a fold line extending from the top at the location of the first / left side to the bottom defining a first portion and second portion of each generally trapezoidal section. When the base is erected, each generally trapezoid section is folded along the articulative connection to another trapezoid section and fold line such that a first portion of each trapezoid section is mated to a second portion of another trapezoid section to form four supports around the central square opening defining a mount.

[0008] The column is configured to mate with and extend from the base. The column includes a sheet of foldable and disposable material having at least three fold lines extending along a first length dimension of the sheet defining at least four panels, namely: a front panel, a first / right side panel, a back side panel, and a second / left side panel. When the column is erected, the sheet is folded along the fold lines to form a column having a front panel,first / right side panel, back panel, and second / left side panel. An end of the erected column is then inserted into the mount of the base.

[0009] The topper is configured to mate with and extend from the vertical column. The topper includes a sheet of foldable and disposable material having at least two fold lines extending along a first width dimension of the sheet defining three panels, namely: a front panel having at least two fold lines extending along a second length dimension of the sheet defining at least three panels, namely a first / right side panel, a front face panel, and a second / left side panel; a top panel; and a back panel having at least two fold lines extending along a second length dimension of the sheet defining at least three panels, namely a first / right side panel, a back face panel, and a second / left side panel. When the topper is erected, the sheet is folded along the fold lines extending in the first width dimension to form a topper having a front panel, top panel, and back panel. The front panel is folded along the fold lines extending in the second length dimension to form the first / right side panel, a front face panel, and second / left side panels. The back panel is folded along the fold lines extending in the second length dimension to form the first / right side panel, a back face panel, and a second / left side panel. The first / right side panel of the front panel is mated to the first / right side panel of the back panel. The second / left side panel of the front panel is mated to the second / left side panel of the back panel. The erected topper is then mounted on an end of the column opposite of the end of the column inserted into the mount of the base and the combination of the base, the column, and the topper assembled together form an erected display.

[0010] In accordance with aspects of the invention, the second / right side of each generally trapezoidal section is articulatively connected to a first / left side of another intersecting generally trapezoidal section via a fold line that is folded to provide an articulating connection.

[0011] In accordance with aspects of the invention, a first portion of a generally trapezoidal section is mated to a second portion of another generally trapezoidal section using adhesive.

[0012] In accordance with aspects of the invention, the bottom of each generally trapezoidal section further comprises cutouts defining feet for the supports around the central square opening defining a mount when the base is erected.

[0013] In accordance with aspects of the invention, after a first portion and second portion of the base are mated, the base can be collapsed for storage and / or shipping.

[0014] In accordance with aspects of the invention, at least two of the generally trapezoidal sections that are opposite each other further comprises tabs / fasteners disposed generally along the fold line for attaching an erected base to an erected column. In some such aspects, at least two non-consecutive panels of the column further comprise slots for receiving tabs / fasteners for attaching an erected base to an erected column.

[0015] In accordance with aspects of the invention, each of the front panel, first / right side panel, back side panel, and second / left side panel of the column further comprise tabs extending from the front panel, first / right side panel, back side panel, and second / left side panel along a second width dimension of the sheet of the column.

[0016] In accordance with aspects of the invention, the sheet of foldable and disposable material of the column further comprises one or more tabs for securing the front panel to the second / left side panel when the column is erected. In some such aspects, the sheet of foldable and disposable material of the column further comprises slots for receiving the one or more tabs for securing the front panel to the second / left side panel when the column is erected.

[0017] In accordance with aspects of the invention, the sheet of foldable and disposable material of the column further comprises at least four additional folds extending along a first length dimension of the sheet defining at least four additional panels including a second / left side reinforcement panel, a back side reinforcement panel, a first / right side reinforcement panel, and a front reinforcement panel. When the column is erected, the sheet is folded along the fold lines to form a column having a front panel, first / right side panel, back panel, and second / left side panel surrounding and reinforced by the front reinforcement panel, the first / right side reinforcement panel, back side reinforcement panel; and a second / left side reinforcement panel respectively. In some such aspects, one or more of the front reinforcement panel, the first / right side reinforcement panel, the back side reinforcement panel; and a second / left side reinforcement panel further comprise one or more lateral supports, each lateral support having three sides separated from the reinforcement panel and a fourth side attached to the reinforcement panel along a fold line along a second width dimension of the sheet of the column, wherein the lateral support is folded into an interior ofthe column when the column is erected. In still further aspects, a reinforcement panel that is not adjacent to the reinforcement panel comprising the lateral support, further comprises a slot for receiving a tab on a separated edge of the lateral support when the lateral support is folded into an interior of the column when the column is erected, hi further aspects, the lateral support further comprises an opening creating a pass-through in the interior of the column when the column is erected. In other aspects, one or more of the reinforcement panels are mated with a corresponding panel of the column when the column is erected using adhesive.

[0018] In accordance with aspects of the invention, the column further comprises at least two fold lines extending along a second width dimension of the sheet defining at least three sections including a top section, a middle section, and a bottom section. When the column is packed for storage and / or shipping, the sheet is folded along the fold lines so that the top section and bottom section are folded upon the middle section.

[0019] In accordance with aspects of the invention, the topper further comprises one or more tabs along the first / right side panel and a second / left side panel of either the front panel or back panel and corresponding slots on the front panel or back panel for receiving the tabs when the topper is erected.

[0020] In accordance with aspects of the invention, the topper further comprises a tab extending from an end of both the front face panel and back face panel that is opposite the fold lines extending along a first width dimension of the sheet for securing the topper to the column when the display is erected. In some such aspects, the column further comprises slots for receiving the tabs of the topper to secure the topper to the column when the display is erected.

[0021] In accordance with aspects of the invention, the topper further comprises a bottom panel attached to the front panel and back panel opposite the top panel. In some such aspects, the bottom panel further comprises a slot sized and dimensioned to receive an end of an erected column.

[0022] In accordance with aspects of the invention, the topper further comprises a front facade attached to the front face panel of the topper.

[0023] In accordance with aspects of the invention, the system further includes a box sized, dimensioned, and configured to hold the base, column, and topper in a flat non-erectedstate for storage or shipping. In some such aspects, the box comprises a single sheet of foldable and disposable material that is folded to form the box.

[0024] In accordance with aspects of the invention, one or more surfaces of the base, column, and topper comprise coloring, printing, images, and / or advertisements.

[0025] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention a method for using an erectable display stand system is provided. The method involves providing an erectable display stand system as described herein, erecting the base, erecting the column, inserting an end of the erected column into the mount of the base, erecting the topper, and mounting the erected topper on an end of the column opposite of the end of the column inserted into the mount of the base.

[0026] Erecting the base involves folding each generally trapezoid section along the articulative connection to another trapezoid section and fold line such that a first portion of each trapezoid section is mated to a second portion of another trapezoid section to form four supports around the central square opening defining a mount. Erecting the column involves folding the sheet along the fold lines to form a column having a front panel, first / right side panel, back panel, and second / left side panel. Erecting the topper involves folding the sheet along the fold lines extending in the first width dimension to form a topper having a front panel, top panel, and back panel; folding the front panel along the fold lines extending in the second length dimension to form the first / right side panel, a front face panel, and second / left side panels; folding the back panel along the fold lines extending in the second length dimension to form the first / right side panel, a back face panel, and second / left side panels; mating the first / right side panel of the front panel to the first / right side panel of the back panel; and mating the second / left side panel of the front panel to the second / left side panel of the back panel. The combination of the base, the column, and the topper assembled together form the erected display.

[0027] The pole topper system of the present invention can be made of 100% corrugated packaging that is consumer- friendly. It consists of a corrugated die cut and glued feet, that ships flat, is one piece, is assembled, and locks into the corrugated pole at the Point of Sale. The feet are printable to match the branding of the display and can be recycled in the corrugated waste stream.

[0028] A corrugated die-cut and glued column replaces the solid fiber tube. This die-cut column is printed to match the branding of the promotional product, glued, and folded flat for shipping in a compact form to reduce shipping costs and DIM weight. At the point of sale, the printed flat die-cut folds along its scores into a column using inserts into slots of the corrugated stand. This creates a corrugated column that can support a similar weight as the solid fiber tube.

[0029] Significant benefits of this corrugated system include the ability to graphically enhance the stand and pole to promote the desired brand; it ships in a compact form saving DIM weight; is 100% recyclable. The system of the present invention also allows a flexible order system with no minimums and few parts.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0030] These and other characteristics of the present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the attached drawings, in which:

[0031] FIG. 1 is an erectable display stand in an assembled state according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 2 is an erectable display stand in a dis-assembled state and flat-packed for storage and shipping according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 3 is a base of the erectable display stand system in a dis-assembled state according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 4 is a base of the erectable display stand system in an assembled and erected state according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 5 is a base of the erectable display stand system in an assembled and collapsed state according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 6 is a column of the erectable display stand system in a dis-assembled state according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 7 is a column of the erectable display stand system in a dis-assembled state further folded for storage and / or shipping according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 8 is a column of the erectable display stand system in a dis-assembled and unfolded state according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0039] FIGs. 9, 10 & 11 depict different stages of assembly of a column of the erectable display stand system to form a reinforcement according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a column of the erectable display stand system in an assembled and erected state according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 13 depicts the securing of the front panel of the column over the front panel to the second / left side panel of the column to assemble the column.

[0042] FIG. 14 is a column of the erectable display stand system in an assembled and erected state according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 15 show the insertion of an assembled column into an assembled base according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0044] FIG. 16 shows tabs securing an assembled based to an inserted assembled column according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0045] FIG. 17 shows an assembled base mated with an assembled column according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0046] FIG. 18 is a topper of the erectable display stand system in a dis-assembled state according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0047] FIG. 19 is a topper of the erectable display stand system in an assembled and erected state according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0048] FIG. 20 shows the insertion of an assembled column into an assembled topper according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0049] FIG. 21 shows an assembled column mated with an assembled topper according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0050] FIG. 22 shows an assembled erectable display system according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0051] FIG. 23 is a box of the erectable display stand system in a dis-assembled state according to embodiments of the present invention; and

[0052] FIG. 24 is a box of the erectable display stand system in an assembled and erected state according to embodiments of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] An illustrative embodiment of the present invention relates to an erectable display stand system that is customizable and can be flat-packed for storage and shipping and erected or otherwise assembled at the final location.

[0054] FIG. 1 through FIG. 24, wherein like parts are designated by like reference numerals throughout, illustrate an example embodiment or embodiments of an erectable display stand system, according to the present invention. Although the present invention will be described with reference to the example embodiment or embodiments illustrated in the figures, many alternative forms can embody the present invention. One of skill in the art will additionally appreciate different ways to alter the parameters of the embodiment(s) disclosed, such as the size, shape, or type of elements or materials, in a manner still in keeping with the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0055] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 depict the erectable display stand system 100. FIG. 1 depicts the erectable display stand system 100 in an assembled erected state. Here it can be seen that the components of the erectable display stand system 100 in an assembled erected state comprises a base 102, a column 104 inserted into the base 102, and a topper 106 mounted onto the column 104. FIG. 2 depicts the display stand system 100 in a disassembled collapsed state. In this disassembled collapsed state, the erectable display stand system 100 can be flat-packed in a box 108 for shipping and / or storage. In some such embodiments, instructions 110 for assembly of the erectable display stand system 100 may also be provided.

[0056] FIGs. 3-5 depict the base 102 of the erectable display stand system 100 in various states. FIG. 3 depicts the base 102 in an unassembled and un-erected state. Here it can be seen that the base 102 comprises a sheet 112 of foldable and disposable material defining four intersecting generally trapezoidal sections 114A, 114B, 114C, 114D around a central square opening 116. In certain embodiments, the sheet 112 of foldable and disposable material of the base 102 comprises cardboard or corrugated material. In some embodiments, the base 102 further comprises coloring, printing, images, and / or advertisements on one or more surfaces of the sheet 112.

[0057] Each generally trapezoidal section 114A, 114B, 114C, 114D comprises a top 118A, 118B, 118C, 118D defining a side of the central square opening 116; a bottom 120A, 120B, 120C, 120D opposite from the respective top 118A, 118B, 118C, 118D; a first / left side 122A, 122B, 122C, 124D extending from top 118A, 118B, 118C, 118D to the bottom 120A, 120B, 120C, 120D; a second / right side 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D extending from the top 118A, 118B, 118C, 118D to the bottom 120A, 120B, 120C, 120D opposite from the respective first / left side 122A, 122B, 122C, 124D and with an articulating connection 126A, 126B, 126C, 126D to a first / left side 122D, 122A, 122B, 124C of another intersecting generally trapezoidal section 114D, 114A, 114B, 114C; and a fold line 128A, 128B, 128C, 128D extending from the top 118A, 118B, 118C, 118D at the location of the first / left side 122A, 122B, 122C, 124D to the bottom defining a first portion 130A, 130B, 130C, 130D and second portion 132A, 132B, 132C, 132D of each respective generally trapezoidal section 114A, 114B, 114C, 114D.

[0058] In some embodiments, the second / right side 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D of each generally trapezoidal section 114A, 114B, 114C, 114D has an articulating connection to a first / left side 122D, 122A, 122B, 124C of another intersecting generally trapezoidal section 114D, 114A, 114B, 114C via a fold line that is folded to provide an articulating connection 126A, 126B, 126C, 126D.

[0059] When the base 102 is erected, as seen in FIG. 4, each generally trapezoid section 114A, 114B, 114C, 114D is folded along the articulative connection 126A, 126B, 126C, 126D to another trapezoid section 114D, 114A, 114B, 114C and fold line 128A, 128B, 128C, 128D such that a first portion 130A, 130B, 130C, 130D of each trapezoid section 114A, 114B, 114C, 114D is mated to a second portion 132B, 132C, 132D, 132A of another trapezoid section 114B, 114C, 114D, 114A to form four supports 134A, 134B (not shown), 134C, 134D around the central square opening 116 defining a mount 136. In certain embodiments, the first portion 130A, 130B, 130C, 130D of each generally trapezoidal section 114A, 114B, 114C, 114D is mated to a second portion 132B, 132C, 132D, 132A of another trapezoid section 114B, 114C, 114D, 114A using adhesive.

[0060] In some embodiments, the bottom 120A, 120B, 120C, 120D of each generally trapezoidal section 114A, 114B, 114C, 114D further comprises cutouts 138 defining feet 140 for the supports 134A, 134B (not shown), 134C, 134D around the central square opening 116 defining a mount 136 when the base 102 is erected.

[0061] In another embodiment, the erectable display stand system 100 further includes tabs / fasteners 142 disposed generally along the fold line 128B, 128D of at least two of the generally trapezoidal sections 114B, 114D that are opposite each other for attaching an erected base 102 to an erected column 104.

[0062] In some embodiments, after 130A, 130B, 130C, 130D of each trapezoid sections 114A, 114B, 114C, 114D are mated to a second portion 132B, 132C, 132D, 132A of another trapezoid section 114B, 114C, 114D, 114A to form four supports 134A, 134B (not shown), 134C, 134D, the base can be collapsed for storage and / or shipping. An example of this can be seen in FIG. 5. This collapsed state of the base 102 can also be seen as part of the system 100 in FIG. 2.

[0063] FIGs. 6-14 depict a column 104 of the erectable display stand system 100 in various states. FIG. 6 depicts the column 104 in an unassembled and un-erected state. Here it can be seen that the column 104 comprises a sheet 144 of foldable and disposable material having at least three fold lines 146, 148, 150 extending along a first length dimension 151 of the sheet 144 defining at least four panels, namely: a front panel 152, a first / right side panel 154, a back side panel 156, and a second / left side panel 158. In certain embodiments, the sheet 144 of foldable and disposable material of the column 104 comprises cardboard or corrugated material. In some embodiments, the column 104 further comprises coloring, printing, images, and / or advertisements on one or more surfaces of the sheet 144.

[0064] In some embodiments, each of the front panel 152, first / right side panel 154, back side panel 156, and second / left side panel 158 of the column further comprise tabs 160 extending from the front panel 152, first / right side panel 154, back side panel 156, and second / left side panel 158 along a second width dimension 161 of the sheet 144 of the column 104.

[0065] In certain embodiments, the sheet 144 of foldable and disposable material of the column 104 further comprises at least four additional folds 162, 164, 166, 168 extending along the first length dimension 151 of the sheet 144 defining at least four additional panels, namely: a front reinforcement panel 170, a first / right side reinforcement panel 172, a back side reinforcement panel 174, and a second / left side reinforcement panel 176.

[0066] In some embodiments, one or more of the front reinforcement panel 170, the first / right side reinforcement panel 172, back side reinforcement panel 174; and a second / left side reinforcement panel 176 further comprise one or more lateral supports 178 (here located in the first / right side reinforcement panel 172), each lateral support 178 having three sides separated from the reinforcement panel and a fourth side attached to the reinforcement panel 172 along a fold line 180 along a second width dimension 161 of the sheet 144 of the column 104. This allows the lateral support 178 to be folded into an interior of the column 104 when the column 104 is erected. In further such embodiments, a reinforcement panel (here the second / left side reinforcement panel 176) that is not adjacent to the reinforcement panel comprising the lateral support (back side reinforcement panel 172), further comprises a slot 182 for receiving a tab 184 on a separated edge of the lateral support 178 when the lateral support 178 is folded into an interior of the column 104 when the column 104 is erected. In still other embodiments, the lateral support 178 further comprises an opening 186 creating a pass-through in the interior of the column when the column is erected.

[0067] In certain embodiments, the sheet 144 of foldable and disposable material of the column 104 further comprises one or more tabs 188 for securing the front panel 152 to the second / left side panel 158 when the column is erected. In some such embodiments, the sheet 144 of foldable and disposable material of the column 104 further comprises slots 190 for receiving the one or more tabs 188 for securing the front panel 152 to the second / left side panel 158 when the column 104 is erected.

[0068] In some embodiments, at least two non-consecutive panels (here front panel 152, back side panel 156, front side reinforcement panel 170, and back side reinforcement panel 174) of the column 104 further comprise slots 192 for receiving tabs / fasteners 142 for attaching an erected base 102 to an erected column 104. Similarly, at least two non- consecutive panels (again front panel 152, back side panel 156, front side reinforcementpanel 170, and back side reinforcement panel 174) may further comprise slots 194 for receiving the tabs of the topper 106 to secure the topper 106 to the column 104 when the display system 100 is erected.

[0069] In certain embodiments, the column 104 further comprises at least two fold lines 196, 198 extending along a second width dimension 161 of the sheet 144 defining at least three sections namely: a top section 200, a middle section 202, and a bottom section 204. This allows the sheet 144 of the column 104 to be folded along the fold lines 196 and 198 so that the top section 200 and bottom section 204 are folded upon the middle section 202 when the column 104 is packed for storage and / or shipping. An example of this can be seen in FIG. 7. This folded state of the column 104 can also be seen as part of the system 100 in FIG. 2.

[0070] FIGs 8-14 depict various states of assembly performed when a column 104 is erected. When the column 104 is erected, the sheet 144 is folded along the fold lines 146, 148, 150 to form a column having a front panel 152, first / right side panel 154, back panel 156, and second / left side panel 158. In embodiments further comprising four additional folds 162, 164, 166, 168 extending along the first length dimension 151 of the sheet 144 defining a second / left side reinforcement panel 170, a back side reinforcement panel 172, a first / right side reinforcement panel 174, and a front reinforcement panel 176, the sheet 144 is also folded along folds 162, 164, 166, 168 to form a column 104 having the front panel 152, first / right side panel 154, back panel 156, and second / left side panel 158 surrounding and reinforced by the front reinforcement panel 176, the first / right side reinforcement panel 174, back side reinforcement panel 172; and a second / left side reinforcement panel 170 respectively.

[0071] FIG. 8 shows the sheet 144 of the column partially unfolded from the folded state shown in FIG. 7 showing a printed and outward facing side of the front panel 152, first / right side panel 154, back panel 156, and second / left side panel 158. FIG. 9 depict the sheet 144 of the column 104 flipped over and folds 162, 164, 166, 168 being folded to form the internal reinforcement comprising front reinforcement panel 170, the first / right side reinforcement panel 172, back side reinforcement panel 174; and a second / left side reinforcement panel 176 as seen in FIG. 10.

[0072] In FIG 10 and FIG 11 the one or more lateral supports 178, here located in the first / right side reinforcement panel 172, are folded into an interior of the column 104 wherein the tabs 184 of the lateral supports 178 are inserted into the slots 182 disposed here in the second / left side reinforcement panel 176 (not shown ). The openings 186 in the lateral supports 178 creates pass-throughs in the interior of the column 104 when the column is erected.

[0073] At this point in the assembly, the internal reinforcement comprising front reinforcement panel 170, the first / right side reinforcement panel 172, back side reinforcement panel 174; and a second / left side reinforcement panel 176 has been formed as seen in the cross-sectional view top view of FIG. 12.

[0074] In FIG. 13 the column has been rotated 180 degrees from the orientation shown in FIGs 10-11, the second / left side panel 158, back panel 156, and first / right side panel 154 have been folded over and mated with the respective a second / left side reinforcement panel 176, back side reinforcement panel 174, and the first / right side reinforcement panel 172. The front panel 152 is shown being folded over and mated with the front panel reinforcement panel 170 so that the tabs 188 can be inserted into slots 190 to secure the front panel 152 to the second / left side panel 158. This results in an assembled and erected column 104 as seen in FIG. 14. Here, the column 104 has been rotated back 180 degrees. In certain embodiments, one or more of the reinforcement panels 170, 172, 174, 176 is mated with a corresponding panel 152, 154, 156, 158 of the column 104 using adhesive.

[0075] FIG. 15 shows the assembled and erected column 104 being inserted into the mount 136 of the base 102. Once the assembled and erected column 104 is inserted into the base 102 the tabs / fasteners 142 of the base 102 can be inserted into slots 192 of the column 104 to secure the base 102 to the column 104 as seen in FIG. 16. Another view of the mated base 102 and column 104 can be seen in FIG. 17.

[0076] FIGs. 18-22 depict the topper 106 of the erectable display stand system 100 in various states. FIG. 18 depicts the topper 106 in an unassembled and un-erected state. Here it can be seen that the topper 106 comprises a sheet 206 of foldable and disposable materialhaving at least two fold lines 208, 210 extending along a first width dimension 212 of the sheet 206 defining three panels, namely: a front panel 214, a top panel 216, and back panel 218. In certain embodiments, the sheet 206 of foldable and disposable material of the topper 106 comprises cardboard or corrugated material. In some embodiments, the topper 106 further comprises coloring, printing, images, and / or advertisements on one or more surfaces of the sheet 112.

[0077] The front panel 214 has at least two fold lines 220, 222 extending along a second length dimension 224 of the sheet 206 defining at least three panels: namely a first / right side panel 226, a front face panel 228, and a second / left side panel 230. Similarly, the back panel 218 also has at least two fold lines 232, 234 extending along a second length dimension 224 of the sheet 206 defining at least three panels, namely: a first / right side panel 236, a back face panel 238, and a second / left side panel 240.

[0078] In certain embodiments, the topper 106 further comprises one or more tabs 242 along the first / right side panel 226, 236 and a second / left side panel 230, 240 of either the front panel 214 or back panel 216 and corresponding slots 244 on the front panel 214 or back panel 216 for receiving the tabs 242 when the topper 106 is erected. In some embodiments, the topper 106 further comprises tabs 246 extending from an end of both the front face panel 228 and back face panel 238 that is opposite the fold lines 208, 210 extending along a first width dimension 212 of the sheet 206 for securing the topper 106 to a column 104 when the display system 100 is erected. In some such embodiments, the tabs 246 are received by slots 194 of the column 104.

[0079] When assembled and erected, the sheet 206 is folded along the fold lines 208, 210 extending in the first width dimension 212 to form a topper 106 having a front panel 214, top panel 216, and back panel 218. The front panel 214 is folded along the fold lines 220, 222 extending in the second length dimension 224 to form the first / right side panel 226, a front face panel 228, and second / left side panels 230. The back panel 218 is folded along the fold lines 232, 234 extending in the second length dimension 224 to form the first / right side panel 236, a back face panel 238, and second / left side panels 240. The first / right side panel 226 of the front panel 214 is mated to the first / right side panel 236 of the back panel 218 andthe second / left side panel 230 of the front panel 214 is mated to the second / left side panel 240 of the back panel 218 forming an assembled and erected topper 106 as seen in FIG. 19.

[0080] FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 show an assembled and erected topper 106 being mounted on an assembled and erected column 104. In this embodiment, there is a bottom panel 248 on the topper 106 opposite the top panel 216. In some such embodiments, the bottom panel further comprises a slot 250 sized and dimensioned to receive an assembled and erected column 104 such that the end of the column opposite the end of the column inserted into the base 102 can be inserted into the slot 250 as shown. In the embodiment shown, the topper 106 further include a front facade 252 attached or otherwise mounted to the front face panel 228 of the topper 106. Together, the resulting assembled and erected display stand system 100 wherein the topper 106 is mounted on the column 104 which is inserted into base 102 can be seen in FIG. 22. Here the column 104 includes printing on the outer surface and the topper has a front facade 252.

[0081] As previously discussed in regard to FIG. 2, the erectable display system 100 can further include a box 108 sized, dimensioned, and configured to hold the base 102, column 104, and topper 106 in a flat non-erected state for storage or shipping. In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 23, the box 108 comprises a single sheet 254 of foldable and disposable material having a top section 256, a bottom section 258, front panel 260, back panel 262, and sides 264 that is folded to form the box 108 in a manner similar to pizza box. An example of the folded and assembled box 108 can be seen in FIG. 24. In certain embodiments, the sheet 254 of foldable and disposable material of the box 108 comprises cardboard or corrugated material. In some embodiments, the box 108 further comprises coloring, printing, images, and / or advertisements on one or more surfaces of the sheet 254.

[0082] As utilized herein, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” are intended to be construed as being inclusive, not exclusive. As utilized herein, the terms “exemplary”, “example”, and “illustrative”, are intended to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration” and should not be construed as indicating, or not indicating, a preferred or advantageous configuration relative to other configurations. As utilized herein, the terms “about”, “generally”, and “approximately” are intended to cover variations that may exist in the upper and lower limits of the ranges of subjective or objective values, such as variationsin properties, parameters, sizes, and dimensions. In one non-limiting example, the terms “about”, “generally”, and “approximately” mean at, or plus 10 percent or less, or minus 10 percent or less. In one non-limiting example, the terms “about”, “generally”, and “approximately” mean sufficiently close to be deemed by one of skill in the art in the relevant field to be included. As utilized herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result, as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art. For example, an object that is “substantially” circular would mean that the object is either completely a circle to mathematically determinable limits, or nearly a circle as would be recognized or understood by one of skill in the art. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some instances depend on the specific context. However, in general, the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were achieved or obtained. The use of “substantially” is equally applicable when utilized in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result, as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art.

[0083] Numerous modifications and alternative embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode for carrying out the present invention. Details of the structure may vary substantially without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and exclusive use of all modifications that come within the scope of the appended claims is reserved. Within this specification, embodiments have been described in a way that enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without parting from the invention. It is intended that the present invention be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims and the applicable rules of law.

[0084] It is also to be understood that the following claims are to cover all generic and specific features of the invention described herein, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An erectable display stand system, the system comprising: a base comprising: a sheet of foldable and disposable material defining four intersecting generally trapezoidal sections around a central square opening, each generally trapezoidal section comprising: a top defining a side of the central square opening; a bottom opposite from the top; a first / left side extending from top to the bottom; a second / right side extending from the top to the bottom opposite from the first / left side and articulatively connected to a first / left side of another intersecting generally trapezoidal section; and a fold line extending from the top at a location of the first / left side to the bottom defining a first portion and second portion of each generally trapezoidal section; wherein, when the base is erected, each generally trapezoid section is folded along the articulative connection to another trapezoid section and fold line such that a first portion of each trapezoid section is mated to a second portion of another trapezoid section to form four supports around the central square opening defining a mount; a column configured to mate with and extend from the base, the column comprising: a sheet of foldable and disposable material having at least three fold lines extending along a first length dimension of the sheet defining at least four panels, namely: a front panel; a first / right side panel; a back side panel; and a second / left side panel; wherein, when the column is erected, the sheet is folded along the fold lines to form a column having a front panel, first / right side panel, back panel, and second / left side panel; andwherein an end of the erected column is inserted into the mount of the base; and a topper configured to mate with and extend from the column, the topper comprising: a sheet of foldable and disposable material having at least two fold lines extending along a first width dimension of the sheet defining three panels, namely: a front panel having at least two fold lines extending along a second length dimension of the sheet defining at least three panels, namely a first / right side panel, a front face panel, and a second / left side panel; a top panel; and a back panel having at least two fold lines extending along a second length dimension of the sheet defining at least three panels, namely a first / right side panel, a back face panel, and a second / left side panel; wherein, when the topper is erected: the sheet is folded along the fold lines extending in the first width dimension to form a topper having a front panel, top panel, and back panel; the front panel is folded along the fold lines extending in the second length dimension to form the first / right side panel, a front face panel, and second / left side panels; the back panel is folded along the fold lines extending in the second length dimension to form the first / right side panel, a back face panel, and second / left side panels; the first / right side panel of the front panel is mated to the first / right side panel of the back panel; and the second / left side panel of the front panel is mated to the second / left side panel of the back panel; and wherein the erected topper is mounted on an end of the column opposite of the end of the column inserted into the mount of the base; and wherein a combination of the base, the column, and the topper assembled together form an erected display.

2. The erectable display stand system of claim 1, wherein one or more sheets of foldable and disposable material of the base, column, and topper comprise cardboard or corrugated material.

3. The erectable display stand system of claim 1, wherein the second / right side of each generally trapezoidal section is articulatively connected to a first / left side of another intersecting generally trapezoidal section via a fold line that is folded to provide an articulating connection.

4. The erectable display stand system of claim 1, wherein a first portion of a generally trapezoidal section is mated to a second portion of another generally trapezoidal section using adhesive.

5. The erectable display stand system of claim 1, wherein the bottom of each generally trapezoidal section further comprises cutouts defining feet for the supports around the central square opening defining a mount when the base is erected.

6. The erectable display stand of claim 1, wherein after a first portion and second portion of the base are mated, the base can be collapsed for storage and / or shipping.

7. The erectable display stand system of claim 1, wherein at least two of the generally trapezoidal sections that are opposite each other further comprises tabs / fasteners disposed generally along the fold line for attaching an erected base to an erected column.

8. The erectable display stand system of claim 7, wherein at least two non-consecutive panels of the column further comprise slots for receiving tabs / fasteners for attaching an erected base to an erected column.

9. The erectable display stand system of claim 1, wherein each of the front panel, first / right side panel, back side panel, and second / left side panel of the column further comprise tabs extending from the front panel, first / right side panel, back side panel, and second / left side panel along a second width dimension of the sheet of the column.

10. The erectable display stand system of claim 1, wherein the sheet of foldable and disposable material of the column further comprises one or more tabs for securing the front panel to the second / left side panel when the column is erected.

11. The erectable display stand system of claim 10, wherein the sheet of foldable and disposable material of the column further comprises slots for receiving the one or more tabs for securing the front panel to the second / left side panel when the column is erected.

12. The erectable display stand system of claim 1, wherein the sheet of foldable and disposable material of the column further comprises at least four additional folds extending along a first length dimension of the sheet defining at least four additional panels, namely: a second / left side reinforcement panel; a back side reinforcement panel; a first / right side reinforcement panel; and a front reinforcement panel; wherein, when the column is erected, the sheet is folded along the fold lines to form a column having a front panel, first / right side panel, back panel, and second / left side panel surrounding and reinforced by the front reinforcement panel, the first / right side reinforcement panel, back side reinforcement panel; and a second / left side reinforcement panel respectively.

13. The erectable display stand system of claim 12, wherein one or more of the front reinforcement panel, the first / right side reinforcement panel, back side reinforcement panel; and a second / left side reinforcement panel further comprise one or more lateral supports, each lateral support having three sides separated from the reinforcement panel and a fourth side attached to the reinforcement panel along a fold line along a second width dimension of the sheet of the column, wherein the lateral support is folded into an interior of the column when the column is erected.

14. The erectable display stand system of claim 13, wherein a reinforcement panel that is not adjacent to the reinforcement panel comprising the lateral support, further comprises a slot for receiving a tab on a separated edge of the lateral support when the lateral support is folded into an interior of die column when the column is erected.

15. The erectable display stand system of claim 13, wherein the lateral support further comprises an opening creating a pass-through in the interior of the column when the column is erected.

16. The erectable display stand system of claim 12, wherein one or more of the reinforcement panels is mated with a corresponding panel of the column when the column is erected using adhesive.

17. The erectable display stand system of claim 1, where the column further comprises at least two fold lines extending along a second width dimension of the sheet defining at least three sections namely: a top section; a middle section; and a bottom section; wherein, when the column is packed for storage and / or shipping, the sheet is folded along the fold lines so that the top section and bottom section are folded upon the middle section.

18. The erectable display stand system of claim 1, wherein the topper further comprises one or more tabs along the first / right side panel and a second / left side panel of either the front panel or back panel and corresponding slots on the front panel or back panel for receiving the tabs when the topper is erected.

19. The erectable display stand system of claim 1, wherein the topper further comprises a tab extending from an end of both the front face panel and back face panel that is opposite the fold lines extending along a first width dimension of the sheet for securing the topper to the column when the display is erected.

20. The erectable display stand system of claim 19, wherein the column further comprises slots for receiving the tabs of the topper to secure the topper to the column when the display is erected.

21. The erectable display stand system of claim 1, wherein the topper further comprises a bottom panel attached to the front panel and back panel opposite the top panel.

22. The erectable display stand system of claim 21, wherein the bottom panel further comprises a slot sized and dimensioned to receive an end of an erected column.

23. The erectable display stand system of claim 1, wherein the topper further comprises a front facade attached to the front face panel of the topper.

24. The erectable display stand system of claim 1, further comprising a box sized, dimensioned, and configured to hold the base, column, and topper in a flat non-erected state for storage or shipping.

25. The erectable display stand system of claim 24, wherein the box comprises a single sheet of foldable and disposable material that is folded to form the box.

26. The erectable display stand system of claim 1, wherein one or more surfaces of the base, column, and topper comprise coloring, printing, images, and / or advertisements.

27. A method of using an erectable display stand system, the method comprising: providing an erectable display system comprising: a base comprising: a sheet of foldable and disposable material defining four intersecting generally trapezoidal sections around a central square opening, each generally trapezoidal section comprising: a top defining a side of the central square opening; a bottom opposite from the top; a first / left side extending from top to the bottom; a second / right side extending from the top to the bottom opposite from the first / left side and articulatively connected to a first / left side of another intersecting generally trapezoidal section; and a fold line extending from the top at a location of the first / left side to the bottom defining a first portion and second portion of each generally trapezoidal section; a column configured to mate with and extend from the base, the column comprising:a sheet of foldable and disposable material having at least three fold lines extending along a first length dimension of the sheet defining at least four panels, namely: a front panel; a first / right side panel; a back side panel; and a second / left side panel; a topper configured to mate with and extend from the column, the topper comprising: a sheet of foldable and disposable material having at least two fold lines extending along a first width dimension of the sheet defining three panels, namely: a front panel having at least two fold lines extending along a second length dimension of the sheet defining at least three panels, namely a first / right side panel, a front face panel, and a second / left side panel; a top panel; and a back panel having at least two fold lines extending along a second length dimension of the sheet defining at least three panels, namely a first / right side panel, a back face panel, and a second / left side panel; erecting the base by folding each generally trapezoid section along the articulative connection to another trapezoid section and fold line such that a first portion of each trapezoid section is mated to a second portion of another trapezoid section to form four supports around the central square opening defining a mount; erecting the column by folding the sheet along the fold lines to form a column having a front panel, first / right side panel, back panel, and second / left side panel; inserting an end of the erected column into the mount of the base; erecting the topper by: folding the sheet along the fold lines extending in the first width dimension to form a topper having a front panel, top panel, and back panel; folding the front panel along the fold lines extending in the second length dimension to form the first / right side panel, a front face panel, and second / left side panels;folding the back panel along the fold lines extending in the second length dimension to form the first / right side panel, a back face panel, and second / left side panels; mating the first / right side panel of the front panel to the first / right side panel of the back panel; and mating the second / left side panel of the front panel to the second / left side panel of the back panel; and mounting the erected topper on an end of the column opposite of the end of the column inserted into the mount of the base; wherein a combination of the base, the column, and the topper assembled together form an erected display.

Images