Support arrangement

Abstract

The present invention relates to a support arrangement for supporting at least one or more items from a display. The support arrangement includes a body composed of fibrous biodegradable material, preferably press moulded from a fibrous sheet. The body includes an elongate hanger arm for supporting the items and the pair of support formations that are configured for engaging with a complimentary formation such as an aperture in the display stand to support the hanger arm to extend substantially transversely from the display stand. The support formations can extend upwardly from a proximal end of the elongate hanger arm, or downwardly.

Description

SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTField of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a support arrangement and in particular to a support arrangement for supporting items for sale on a temporary display.

[0002] The invention has been developed primarily for use in / with temporary displays and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.Background of the Invention

[0003] At present, temporary displays are provided at retail outlets for displaying products that are temporarily on a special deal, or where the items are the subject of a marketing focus.

[0004] Temporary display stands may be composed of cardboard or material that can be recycled and / or decomposed. However, the support arrangements attached to the display stands that are provided for hanging the products on are typically composed of injection moulded plastics or “bio plastics” that claim to be compostable and / or biodegradable but in reality only allow the plastic material to be broken down into micro plastics that still last for a significant amount of time, and not sustainable.

[0005] Any discussion of the background art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such background art is prior art, nor that such background art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field in Australia or any other country.Summary of the Invention

[0006] The invention seeks to provide a support arrangement which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present invention may be said to involve a support arrangement for supporting at least one or more items from a display stand, the support arrangement including: a. a body composed of fibrous biodegradable material, the body comprising:i. an elongate hanger arm for supporting the items, the hanger arm defining at least one strengthening rib extending at least partially along its length; and ii. at least one or more support formations, each arm being configured for engaging with a complementary formation in the display stand to support the hanger arm to extend substantially transversely from the display stand.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the present invention may be said to involve a support arrangement for supporting at least one or more items from a display stand, the support arrangement including: a. a body composed of fibrous biodegradable material, the body comprising: i. an elongate hanger arm for supporting the items, the hanger arm defining a strengthening rib extending at least partially along its length; and ii. at least one support formations, the at least one support formation being configured for being received into an aperture in the display stand.

[0009] In one embodiment, the at least one or more support formations are configured for supporting the elongate hanger arm in tension.

[0010] In one embodiment, the at least one or more support formations are configured for supporting the elongate hanger arm in compression.

[0011] In one embodiment, the at least one or more support formations are at least one or more hooking arms, each hooking arm being configured for being hooked or received into a slot in the display stand above the hanger arm.

[0012] In one embodiment, the at least one or more support formations are at least one or more compression formations, each compression formation being configured for engaging with a complementary formation in the display stand at or below the hanger arm.

[0013] In one embodiment, the support arrangement is moulded.

[0014] In one embodiment, the support arrangement is press moulded.

[0015] In one embodiment, the support arrangement is moulded from a plant-based fibrous material.

[0016] In one embodiment, the elongate hanger arm comprises a moulded sheet.

[0017] In one embodiment, the elongate hanger arm comprises a pair of connected moulded sheets.

[0018] In one embodiment, the elongate hanger arm comprises an upper moulded sheet and a lower moulded sheet.

[0019] In one embodiment, the at least one or more support formations comprises a moulded sheet.

[0020] In one embodiment, the at least one or more support formations comprises a pair of connected moulded sheets

[0021] In one embodiment, the elongate hanger arm extends from a proximal end closer to the display stand in use, to a distal end further away from the display stand in use.

[0022] In one embodiment, the at least one or more support formations are connected to the elongate hanger arm at or towards the proximal end of the elongate hanger arm.

[0023] In one embodiment, the elongate hanger arm defines an upwardly extending portion at the distal end of the elongate hanger arm.

[0024] In one embodiment, the elongate hanger arm defines a downwardly extending formation in use, the downwardly extending formation being located at or towards the proximal end of the elongate hanger arm.

[0025] In one embodiment, the lower moulded sheet of the elongate hanger arm defines a downwardly extending formation in use.

[0026] In one embodiment, each of the support formations includes a rear projection and a front projection.

[0027] In one embodiment, the rear projection includes a strengthening formation extending at least partially along its length.

[0028] In one embodiment, the front projection includes a strengthening formation extending at least partially along its length.

[0029] In one embodiment, at least one selected from the hanger arm and the support formations are press moulded.

[0030] In one embodiment, the at least one or more support formations are connected to the elongate hanger arm in a pivoting fashion.

[0031] In one embodiment, the at least one or more support formations are connected to the elongate hanger arm at zones of engineered weakness.

[0032] In one embodiment, the support formations are movable relative to the elongate hanger arms between a nestable condition in which the support arrangement is nestablewith similar support arrangements, and a deployed condition in which the support arrangement can be installed on a supporting sheet to form a display stand.

[0033] In one embodiment, in the nestable condition, the at least one or more support formations are generally in alignment with the elongate hanger arm.

[0034] In one embodiment, at least one or more of the support formations includes a transverse protrusion.

[0035] In one embodiment, the transverse protrusion extends horizontally when the support arrangement is in its deployed condition.

[0036] In one embodiment, the transverse protrusion extends horizontally inwardly when the support arrangement is in its deployed condition.

[0037] In one embodiment, the transverse protrusion extends horizontally outwardly when the support arrangement is in its deployed condition.

[0038] In one embodiment, the transverse protrusion extends upwardly when the horizontal support arrangement is in its nestable condition.

[0039] In one embodiment, the transverse protrusion extends downwardly when the horizontal support arrangement is in its nestable condition.

[0040] In one embodiment, the at least one or more support formations includes at least one hooking arm extending from a proximal end of the elongate hanger arm.

[0041] In one embodiment, the at least one hooking arm extends parallel to a facing surface of the display stand.

[0042] In one embodiment, the at least one or more hooking formation includes a hooking tongue that is configured for extending into a complementary slot in the facing surface of the display stand above the hanger arm.

[0043] In one embodiment, the hooking tongue extends parallel to the hooking formation.

[0044] In one embodiment, the strengthening rib extends to intersect the upwardly extending formation at the distal end of the hanger arm.

[0045] According to a further aspect, the present invention may be said to involve a blank for a support arrangement for supporting an item from a display stand, the support arrangement including: a. an elongate hanger arm portion, the hanger arm portion defining a strengthening rib extending at least partially along its length, the elongate hanger arm portion being configured for being used as an elongate hanger arm for supporting items from the display stand; andb. at least one or more support formations portions pivotably connected to the elongate hanger arm, each support formation being configured for being pivoted into position as a support formation for being hooked or received into a slot in the display stand in use.

[0046] In one embodiment, the blank is composed of a fibrous biodegradable material.

[0047] In one embodiment, the support formation portions are configured in generally the same plan as the elongate hanger arm portion.

[0048] In one embodiment, the blank is moulded.

[0049] In one embodiment, the blank is press moulded.

[0050] In one embodiment, the blank is moulded from a plant-based fibrous material.

[0051] In one embodiment, the elongate hanger arm comprises a moulded sheet.

[0052] In one embodiment, the elongate hanger arm comprises a pair of connected moulded sheets.

[0053] In one embodiment, the elongate hanger arm comprises an upper moulded sheet and a lower moulded sheet.

[0054] In one embodiment, the at least one or more support formations comprises a moulded sheet.

[0055] In one embodiment, the at least one or more support formations comprises a pair of connected moulded sheets

[0056] In one embodiment, the elongate hanger arm extends from a proximal end closer to the display stand in use, to a distal end further away from the display stand in use.

[0057] In one embodiment, the at least one or more support formations are connected to the elongate hanger arm at or towards the proximal end of the elongate hanger arm.

[0058] In one embodiment, the elongate hanger arm defines an upwardly extending portion at the distal end of the elongate hanger arm.

[0059] In one embodiment, the elongate hanger arm defines a downwardly extending formation in use, the downwardly extending formation being located at or towards the proximal end of the elongate hanger arm.

[0060] In one embodiment, the lower moulded sheet of the elongate hanger arm defines a downwardly extending formation in use.

[0061] In one embodiment, each of the support formations includes a rear projection and a front projection.

[0062] In one embodiment, the rear projection includes a strengthening formation extending at least partially along its length.

[0063] In one embodiment, the front projection includes a strengthening formation extending at least partially along its length.

[0064] In one embodiment, at least one selected from the hanger arm and the support formations are press moulded.

[0065] In one embodiment, the at least one or more support formations are connected to the elongate hanger arm in a pivoting fashion.

[0066] In one embodiment, the support formations are movable relative to the elongate hanger arms between a nestable condition in which the support arrangement is nestable with similar support arrangements, and a deployed condition in which the support arrangement can be installed on the display stand.

[0067] In one embodiment, in the nestable condition, the at least one or more support formations are generally in the same plane as the elongate hanger arm.

[0068] In one embodiment, at least one or more of the support formations includes a transverse protrusion.

[0069] In one embodiment, the transverse protrusion extends horizontally when the support arrangement is in its deployed condition.

[0070] In one embodiment, the transverse protrusion extends horizontally inwardly when the support arrangement is in its deployed condition.

[0071] In one embodiment, the transverse protrusion extends horizontally outwardly when the support arrangement is in its deployed condition.

[0072] In one embodiment, the transverse protrusion extends upwardly when the horizontal support arrangement is in its nestable condition.

[0073] In one embodiment, the transverse protrusion extends downwardly when the horizontal support arrangement is in its nestable condition.

[0074] According to a further aspect, the present invention may be said to involve a blank for use in forming a support arrangement for supporting an item from a display stand, the blank including: a. an elongate hanger arm portion, the hanger arm portion, the elongate hanger arm portion extending from a proximal end to a distal end; and b. a pair of support formations portions extending from opposed sides of the proximal end of the elongate hanger arm portion, each of the support formation portions including a front protrusion portion and a rear protrusion portion, the front protrusion portion and rear protrusion portion defining a II- shaped notch between them.

[0075] In one embodiment, the support formation portions extend at an acute angle to the elongate hanger arm portion.

[0076] In one embodiment, the blank is composed of a fibrous biodegradable material.

[0077] According to a further aspect, the present invention may be said to involve a blank for use in forming a support arrangement for supporting an item from a display stand, the blank including: a. an elongate hanger arm portion, the hanger arm portion, the elongate hanger arm portion extending from a proximal end to a distal end; and b. at least one or more compression formation portion extending from a proximal end of the elongate hanger arm portion and extending along at least a part of the length of the hanger arm portion, each of the at least one or more compression formation portions being adapted for being folded to extend transversely from the elongate hanger arm portion; and c. a hooking formation portion extending from the proximal end of the elongate hanger arm portion, the hooking formation portion including a U-shaped slot located centrally of the hooking formation portion.

[0078] In one embodiment, the hooking formation portion is adapted for being folded to extend in parallel to a facing surface of the display stand in use.

[0079] In one embodiment, the hooking formation portion is adapted for being folded transversely to the at least one compression formation portions.

[0080] In one embodiment, the hooking formation portion is adapted for being folded transversely to the elongate hanger arm portion.

[0081] In one embodiment, the compression formation is a compression arm portion.

[0082] In one embodiment, the compression arm portions extend from opposed sides of the hanger arm portion.

[0083] In one embodiment, the compression arm portions extend a distance along the opposed sides of the hanger arm portion.

[0084] In one embodiment, the compression arm portions extend up to a third of the distance along the length of the hanger arm portion.

[0085] In one embodiment, the hooking formation portion is configured for being folded at right angles to the compression arm portions and the elongate hanger arm portion.

[0086] In one embodiment the compression arm portion includes an engaging formation portion adapted for engaging with a complementary engaging formation on the display stand in use.

[0087] In one embodiment, the at least one or more compression arm portions extend from a proximal end of the elongate hanger arm portion.

[0088] In one embodiment, the blank is composed of a fibrous biodegradable material.

[0089] According to a further aspect, the invention may be said to involve a display stand for displaying items, the display stand including: a. a support arrangement as described above; and b. at least one or more supporting sheets, the supporting sheets defining at least one or more apertures through which the support arrangement as receivable.

[0090] In one embodiment, the display stand includes a pair of parallel supporting sheets.

[0091] In one embodiment, the parallel supporting sheets are spaced from each other.

[0092] A principle of general operation of the present invention is the provision of a support arrangement that is capable of supporting items that are displayed on display stands that is composed of biodegradable and / or compostable material so that the support arrangement is not a single use plastic.

[0093] A second principle of general operation is the use of press moulded fibrous sheet material to provide suitable strength in a support arrangement for supporting items to be displayed on display stands.

[0094] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0095] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0096] Figure 1 shows a top left front perspective view of a first embodiment of a support arrangement with the support formations in a deployed condition;

[0097] Figure 2 shows a bottom left front perspective view of the support arrangement of figure 1 with the support formations in a nestable condition;

[0098] Figure 3 shows a top left front view of the support arrangement of figure 2;

[0099] Figure 4 shows a front elevation view of the support arrangement of figure 2; and

[0100] Figures 5 shows a cut of a cross-sectional view of section A-A of the support arrangement shown in figure 4;

[0101] Figure 6 shows a top left front perspective view of a second embodiment of a support arrangement with its support formations in a deployed condition;

[0102] Figure 7 shows a top left front perspective view of the support arrangement of figure 6 with its support formations in a nestable condition;

[0103] Figure 8 shows a bottom left front perspective view of the support arrangement of figure 7;

[0104] Figure 9 shows a front elevation view of the support arrangement of figure 7;

[0105] Figure 10 shows a cutaway cross-sectional view of section A-A of the support arrangement shown in figure 9;

[0106] Figure 11 shows a left side elevation view of the support arrangement of figure 6 in an installed condition through an aperture in a cardboard sheet;

[0107] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the support arrangement of figure 6 being inserted through an aperture in a supporting cardboard sheet;

[0108] Figure 13 shows a left side elevation view of the support arrangement of figure 6 in an installed condition through apertures in a pair of cardboard sheets;

[0109] Figure 14 shows a top plan view of a first embodiment of a blank for a support arrangement;

[0110] Figure 15 shows aside elevation view of the support arrangement of figure 6 being inserted into position in a supporting cardboard sheet;

[0111] Figure 16 shows a top front left perspective view of a third embodiment of a support arrangement in a nestable condition; and

[0112] Figure 17 shows a top front left perspective view of the support arrangement of figure 16 in a deployed condition;

[0113] Figure 18 shows a top left front perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a support arrangement in a deployed condition;

[0114] Figure 19 shows a top left front perspective view of the support arrangement of figure 18 in a nestable condition;

[0115] Figure 20 shows a bottom left front perspective view of the support arrangement of figure 18 in a nestable condition;

[0116] Figure 21 shows a top view of the support arrangement of figure 18 in a nestable condition;

[0117] Figure 22 shows cross-section A - A of figure 21 ;

[0118] Figure 23 shows a top front left perspective exploded view of a display stand including the support arrangement of figure 18;

[0119] Figure 24 shows a top front left perspective view of an assembled display stand including the support arrangement of figure 18;

[0120] Figure 25 shows a top plan view of a second embodiment of a blank for a support arrangement;

[0121] Figure 26 shows a top left front perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a support arrangement with its support formations in a nestable condition;

[0122] Figure 27 shows a right side view of the support arrangement of figure 26 with its support formations in a nestable condition;

[0123] Figure 28 shows a top view of the support arrangement of figure 26 with its support formations in a nestable condition.Description of Embodiments

[0124] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[0125] In a first aspect an item hanger or display hanger or a support arrangement is denoted by the reference numeral 1000 or multiples thereof, and in a second aspect, a display stand is denoted by the reference numeral 100.

[0126] Now described with reference to figures 1 to 5, there is provided a support arrangement 1000 for supporting at least one or more items from a display stand 100. The support arrangement 1000 comprises a body 1005 composed of fibrous biodegradable material. The body 1005 includes an elongate hanger arm 1100 for supporting the items, including an upper engaging layer 1105 for engaging with items to be supported. The engaging layer 1105 preferably defines a strengthening rib 1110 extending substantially along the length of the hanger arm 1100. In cross-section, the engaging layer 1105 defines a typical “top hat” shape that is provided on packaging of items to be hung on the support arrangement 1000. The elongate hanger arm 1100 extends from a proximal end 1120 to a distal end 1130.

[0127] The body 1005 further includes a pair of support formations 1200 in the form of hooking arms 1205, each working on 1205 being configured for being received or hooked into a slot in the display stand. Each support formation 1200 preferably includes two protrusions in the form of a front protrusion 1210 and a rear protrusion 1220 extending upwardly, and substantially forming a U-shape between them. The support formations 1200 are connected to the elongate hanger arm 1100 at the proximal end 1120 of the elongate hanger arm. The front protrusion 1210 and the rear protrusion 1220 share a strengthening formation 1230 in the form of a raised ridge that extends along the lengthof both the front protrusion and the rear protrusion. The front protrusion 1210 and the rear protrusion 1220 define a channel 1225 between them.

[0128] In an alternative embodiment (not shown) it is envisaged that the front protrusion and the rear protrusion can have separate strengthening formations.

[0129] The elongate hanger arm 1100 preferably defines an upwardly extending portion 1140 at the distal end 1130 of the elongate hanger arm 1100. The upwardly extending portion is for restricting items (not shown) from falling off the elongate hanger arm 1100 in use.

[0130] The elongate hanger arm 1100 also includes a downwardly extending formation 1150 that is located towards the proximal end 1120 of the elongate support on 1100. In the embodiments shown in figures 1 - 5, the downwardly extending formation 1150 is formed by the engaging layer 1105, however the embodiment of a support formation 2000 shown in figures 6 - 13, the downwardly extending formation 1150 is formed by the lower strengthening layer 1160.

[0131] Preferably the body 1005 is press moulded from a plant-based fibrous material such as bagasse or the like. It is envisaged that alternative forms of moulding may be possible. It is further envisaged that alternative forms of fibrous material may be used that are preferably compostable and plant based. The body 1005 is preferably formed as a single piece, and can be formed from a single sheet of fibrous material that is stamped.

[0132] The support formations 1200 are preferably connected to the elongate hanger arm 1100 at zones of engineered weakness 1010 be movable relative to the elongate hanger arm 1100 in a pivoting fashion. The support formations 1200 are movable relative to the support of 1100 between a nestable condition as shown in figures 2 - 4 and 7 - 9, and a deployed condition as shown in figures 1 and 6.

[0133] In the nestable condition, multiple bodies 1005 may be placed on top of each other with strengthening formations 1230 of the support formations 1200 and the strengthening rib 1110 of the elongate hanger arm 1100, as well as the downwardly extending formation 1150 of the elongate hanger arm 1100 being nestable within adjacent similar structures of the adjacent similar body 1005. In the nestable condition, the support formations are generally in alignment with the elongate hanger arm on a single plane.

[0134] In the deployed condition, the support arrangement 1000 may be received through and / or installed in apertures in a supporting cardboard sheet 500 to form a display stand 100, as will be described in more detail below.

[0135] In the deployed condition, the support formations 1200 preferably extend transversely to the elongate hanger arm 1100 when viewed from the distal end 1130 of the elongate hanger arm 1100 towards the proximal end 1120.

[0136] However, from a side elevation view as shown in figures 11 and 13, the support formations 1200 extend at an acute angle to the elongate hanger arm 1100, and preferably between 70° and 90° to the elongate hanger arm. Similarly, in the nestable condition, the support formations 1200 will also extend at an acute angle to the elongate hanger arm 1100, and preferably between 70° and 90° to the elongate hanger arm. The reasoning for this will be discussed in more detail below.

[0137] In an embodiment of a support arrangement 2000 shown in figures 6 - 13, an additional lower strengthening layer 1160 is provided on the elongate support on 1100, so that the elongate hanger arm 1100 is substantially hollow. In this way, the elongate support on 1100 may be stiffened. The lower strengthening layer 1160 is preferably connected to the engaging layer 1105 by adhesive, although other forms of connection are envisaged. Where a lower strengthening layer 1160 is provided, the lower strengthening layer 1160 will include the downwardly extending formation 1150. The lower strengthening layer 1160 is also preferably composed of a moulded sheet of preferably plant-based fibre, such as bagasse or the like.

[0138] In a further embodiment (not shown) it is envisaged that the support formations may also be composed of a pair of connected moulded sheets in order to increase the strength of the support formations. Alternatively, a flat planar sheet may be adhered to the support formations in order to create a double layered structure.

[0139] Further, as shown in figure 14, there is provided a blank 700 for use in forming a support arrangement as described above. The blank 700 includes an elongate hanger arm portion 710, the elongate hanger arm portion extending from a proximal end 712 to a distal end 714. The blank 700 further includes a pair of support formations portions 720 extending from opposed sides of the proximal end 712 of the elongate hanger arm portion 710. Each of the support formation portions 720 defines a front protrusion portion 722 and a rear protrusion portion 724. The front protrusion portion 722 and rear protrusion portion 724 define a U-shaped notch between them. The front protrusion portion 722 and the rear protrusion portion 724 are preferably of unequal lengths. Preferably, the support formation portions 720 extend at an acute angle to the elongate hanger arm portion 710, and more preferably between 70 degrees and 90 degrees to the elongate hanger arm portion 710.

[0140] A further embodiment of a support arrangement 3000 is shown in figures 16 and 17. In this embodiment, the support formations 1200 include a transverse protrusion 1240 that extends upwardly when the support arrangement 1000 is in its nestable condition, and the transverse protrusions 1240 extend horizontally inwardly when the support formations 1200 extend upright and the support arrangement is in its deployed condition.

[0141] It is envisaged that in alternative embodiments (not shown) the transverse protrusions can also extend horizontally outwardly.

[0142] A further embodiment of a support arrangement 4000 is shown in figures 18 - 24. In this embodiment, the support formations 1200 are provided as a pair of compression formations 1250 extending downwardly from opposed sides of the hangar arm 1100 at its proximal end, as well as a hooking formation 1260 that extends upwardly from a proximal edge of the hangar arm 1100. The compression formations 1250 configured for supporting the elongate hangar arm in compression.

[0143] Compression formations 1250 include strengthening ribs 1254 adapted for strengthening the compression formations 1252 be able to support a compressive force. Compression formations 1250 further include engaging formations 1252, preferably in the form of a tenon formation that is adapted to be received within a slot or mortise formation 520 in supporting cardboard sheet 500 as shown in figures 23 and 24.

[0144] Hooking formation 1260 extends parallel to a facing surface of the supporting cardboard sheet 500, and includes a hooking tongue formation 1262 that is configured for extending into a complementary slot 540 in the cardboard sheet 500 above the hangar arm 1100. Preferably the hooking tongue formation 1262 extends parallel to the cardboard sheet 500 and the generally planar hooking formation 1260. The hooking formation 1260 is configured for supporting the elongate hanger arm in tension.

[0145] A second embodiment of a blank 800 for use in forming a support arrangement as shown in figures 18 - 24 is shown in figure 25. In this embodiment, the blank 800 includes an elongate hanger arm portion 810, a pair of compression formation portions 820 in the form of a compression arm portion, and a hooking formation portion 830. The elongate hanger arm portion 810 extends from a proximal end 812 to a free distal end 814.

[0146] The compression formation portions 820 extend from the sides of the elongate hanger arm portion 810 at the proximal end 812. The compression formation portions extend from opposed sides of the elongate hangar arm portion 810 for about a third of the length of the elongate hanger arm portion 810. In alternative embodiments, it isenvisaged that the compression formation portions 820 can extend up to half of the length of the elongate hangar arm portions 810. The compression formation portions 820 are adapted for being folded downwardly to extend transversely from the elongate hangar arm portion 810 in use. Each of the compression formation portions 820 include an engaging formation portion 822 that is adapted for engaging with a complementary engaging formation on the display stand in use.

[0147] The hooking formation portion 830 is connected to the proximal end, and preferably the proximal edge of the hangar arm portion 810. The hooking formation portion 830 is substantially rectangular and includes a U-shaped slot 832 that is located centrally of the hooking formation portion. The hooking formation portion 830 is adapted for being folded to extend parallel to a facing surface of a display stand in use as described above. Preferably the hooking formation portion 830 extends transversely to both the compression formation portions 820 and the elongate hangar arm portion 810.

[0148] A further embodiment of a support arrangement 5000 is shown in figures 26 -28 where the strengthening rib 1110 extends fully distally to intersect with the diagonally upwardly extending portion 1140. It is envisaged that the intersection of the strengthening rib 1110 with the diagonally upwardly extending portion 1140 will strengthen the upwardly extending portion 1140 to prevent bending under the weight of items that are hanging on the upwardly extending portion 1140 in use. In this embodiment, a notch 1242 is removed from the transverse protrusion 1240 strengthening the abutment of the transverse protrusion 1240 with a supporting cardboard sheet 500.In use

[0149] Now described with reference to figures 11 to 13, it is envisaged that the support arrangement 1000 will be used together with a supporting sheet 500, preferably in the form of a planar sheet of cardboard, to form a display stand 100. The supporting sheet 500 may also include one or more cardboard blanks that are foldable into a display stand.

[0150] The supporting sheet 500 is preferably in the form of one or more cardboard sheets. The supporting sheet 500 defines an aperture 510 through which the support arrangement is receivable. The aperture 510 is preferably U-shaped with the bottom of the U being shaped to receive the preferably hat-shaped cross sectional shape of the elongate hanger arm 1100.

[0151] In order to engage the support arrangement 1000 through the aperture 510, the rear protrusion 1220 of the support formations 1200 will be pushed rearwardly andupwardly (as shown in figures 12 and 15) through the upright 514 of the II shaped aperture until the supporting sheet 500 extends into the channel 1225 between the front protrusion 1210 and the rear protrusion 1220 (as shown in figure 13), and the downwardly extending formation 1150 is located directly adjacent the supporting sheet 500 and abutment with a front face 505 of the supporting sheet 500. . The elongate hanger arm 1100 may then be inserted through a suitably shaped aperture (not shown) in the cover sheet 600.

[0152] As may be seen from figures 11 and 13, on engagement with the supporting sheet 500, if a weight is applied to the elongate support on 1100, it is envisaged that the supporting sheet 500 may be slightly deformed by the support formations 1200 pushing against the supporting sheet. The downwardly extending formation 1150 is configured for preventing the front protrusion 1210 from disengaging with the support sheet 500, and the support arrangement 1000 from being pushed in a proximal direction out of the aperture 510 by the weight of the items being supported.

[0153] With reference to figure 13, a cover sheet 600 is provided for covering the supporting sheet 500, which may not be aesthetically pleasing if it is deformed. The cover sheet 600 is preferably closest to the distal end of the elongate hanger arm 1100. The cover sheet 600 is provided with an aperture (not shown) that preferably corresponds to the cross-section of the elongate hanger arm 1100. The distal end of the elongate hanger arm 1100 is received through the aperture on the cover sheet 600. In this way, the cover sheet 600 may also assist in supporting the weight of items hanging from the elongate hanger arm 1100.

[0154] With reference to figures 16 and 17, it is envisaged that the transverse protrusion 1240 will be located in abutment with the front face 505 of the supporting sheet 500. The transverse protrusions 1240 will assist in preventing the front protrusion 1210 from disengaging with the support sheet 500, and the supporting arrangement 1000 from being pushed in a proximal direction out of the aperture 510 by the weight of the items being supported.Interpretation

[0155] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in thecontext of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. For the purposes of the present invention, additional terms are defined below. Furthermore, all definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms unless there is doubt as to the meaning of a particular term, in which case the common dictionary definition and / or common usage of the term will prevail.

[0156] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular articles “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise and thus are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e. to “at least one”) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, the phrase “an element” refers to one element or more than one element.

[0157] The term “about” is used herein to refer to quantities that vary by as much as 30%, preferably by as much as 20%, and more preferably by as much as 10% to a reference quantity. The use of the word ‘about’ to qualify a number is merely an express indication that the number is not to be construed as a precise value.

[0158] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise”, “comprises” and “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated step or element or group of steps or elements but not the exclusion of any other step or element or group of steps or elements.

[0159] The term “real-time” for example “displaying real-time data,” refers to the display of the data without intentional delay, given the processing limitations of the system and the time required to accurately measure the data.

[0160] As used herein, the term “exemplary” is used in the sense of providing examples, as opposed to indicating quality. That is, an “exemplary embodiment” is an embodiment provided as an example, as opposed to necessarily being an embodiment of exemplary quality for example serving as a desirable model or representing the best of its kind.

[0161] The phrase “and / or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and / or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and / or” clause, whether related or unrelated tothose elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and / or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0162] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of’ will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0163] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and / or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.Embodiments:

[0164] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[0165] Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[0166] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.Specific Details

[0167] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0168] It will be appreciated that the methods / apparatus / devices / systems described / illustrated above at least substantially provide a support arrangement.

[0169] The support arrangement described herein, and / or shown in the drawings, are presented by way of example only and are not limiting as to the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise specifically stated, individual aspects and components of the support arrangement may be modified, or may have been substituted therefore known equivalents, or as yet unknown substitutes such as may be developed in the future or such as may be found to be acceptable substitutes in the future. The support arrangement may also be modified for a variety of applications while remaining within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention, since the range of potential applications is great, and since it is intended that the present invention be adaptable to many such variations.Terminology

[0170] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.Different Instances of Objects

[0171] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.Combinations of features in embodiments

[0172] Different features are described in different embodiments in this specification, however it is envisaged that any features shown in any embodiment described may be used with any other features in any other embodiment in any combination, unless this is not logically possible.Comprising and Including

[0173] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[0174] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements / features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.Scope of invention

[0175] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[0176] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.Chronological order

[0177] For the purpose of this specification, where method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be carried out in chronological order in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence.Markush groups

[0178] In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognise that the invention is also therebydescribed in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.Industrial Applicability

[0179] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the marketing and retail industries.

Claims

Claims1. A support arrangement for supporting at least one or more items from a display stand, the support arrangement including: a. a body composed of fibrous biodegradable material, the body comprising: i. an elongate hanger arm for supporting the items, the hanger arm defining a strengthening rib extending at least partially along its length; and ii. at least one support formations, the at least one support formation being configured for being received into an aperture in the display stand.

2. The support arrangement as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the elongate hanger arm comprises at least one moulded sheet.

3. The support arrangement as claimed in claim 2, wherein the elongate hanger arm comprises a plurality of connected moulded sheets.

4. The support arrangement as claimed in any 1 of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one or more support formations comprises a moulded sheet.

5. The support arrangement as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one or more support formations comprises a plurality of connected moulded sheets6. The support arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the elongate hanger arm extends from a proximal end closer to the display stand in use, to a distal end further away from the display stand in use, and wherein the at least one or more support formations are connected to the elongate hanger arm at or towards the proximal end of the elongate hanger arm.

7. The support arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the elongate hanger arm defines a downwardly extending formation in use, the downwardly extending formation being disposed at or towards the proximal end of the elongate hanger arm.

8. The support arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the support formations includes a rear projection and a front projection.

9. The support arrangement as claimed in claim 8, wherein one or more selected from the rear projection and the front projection includes a strengthening formation extending at least partially along their length.

10. The support arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one or more support formations are connected to the elongate hanger arm in a pivoting fashion at zones of engineered weakness.

11. The support arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the support formations are movable relative to the elongate hanger arms between a nestable condition in which the support arrangement is nestable with similar support arrangements, and a deployed condition in which the support arrangement can be installed on a supporting sheet to form a display stand.

12. The support arrangement as claimed in claim 11 , wherein in the nestable condition, the at least one or more support formations are generally in alignment with the elongate hanger arm.

13. A blank for a support arrangement for supporting an item from a display stand, the support arrangement including: a. an elongate hanger arm portion configured for being used as an elongate hanger arm for supporting items from the display stand; and b. at least one or more support formations portions pivotably connected to the elongate hanger arm at a proximal end, each support formation being configured for being pivoted into position for being hooked into a slot in the display stand in use.

14. The blank as claimed in claim 13, wherein the blank is composed of a plant-based fibrous material.

15. The blank as claimed in either of claims 13 or 14, wherein the elongate hanger arm defines a downwardly extending formation in use, the downwardly extending formation being located at or towards the proximal end of the elongate hanger arm.

16. The blank as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein each of the support formations includes a rear projection and a front projection.

17. A blank for use in forming a support arrangement for supporting an item from a display stand, the blank including: a. an elongate hanger arm portion, the hanger arm portion, the elongate hanger arm portion extending from a proximal end to a distal end; and b. a pair of support formations portions extending from opposed sides of the proximal end of the elongate hanger arm portion, each of the support formation portions including a front protrusion portion and a rear protrusionportion, the front protrusion portion and rear protrusion portion defining a II- shaped notch between them.

18. The blank as claimed in claim 17, wherein the support formation portions extend at an acute angle to the elongate hanger arm portion.

19. A display stand for displaying items, the display stand including: a. a support arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12; and b. at least one or more supporting sheets, the supporting sheets defining at least one or more apertures through which the support arrangement as receivable.

20. The display stand as claimed in claim 19, wherein the display stand includes a pair of spaced parallel supporting sheets.END

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