Display arm sign holder apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides a display sign holder apparatus (100) for mounting a display sign holder (112) to a display arm (10) The apparatus comprises a body (102) defining an opening for receiving a display arm and a display sign holder (112) for holding a display sign wherein the display sign holder (112) is attached to the body (102) via at least one articulating joint. The at least one articulating joint allows rotational movement of the display sign holder relative to the body in two degrees of freedom.

Description

Display arm sign holder apparatusTechnical Field

[0001] The present application is concerned with a display arm sign holder apparatus. More specifically the present invention is concerned with a display arm sign holder apparatus for holding retail display signs such as price tags and the like.Background Art

[0002] Many goods for sale are presented on display arms. Display arms (also known as forward display arms, or face outs in the USA) are typically cantilevered beams extending from a vertical surface (such as a wall) for items to be hung on. Such items may be clothes (on hangers), or other items in e.g. packaging that may be hung on the arm.

[0003] Display arms terminate in a free end. The free end may comprise a stop feature preventing items from sliding off. Such stop features may be a ball, a vertical rod with a typically small diameter, a flange or similar feature extending from the vertically upper surface ofthe arm in use.

[0004] Display arms may be horizontal or tilted. Downwardly tilted arms are known as waterfall display arms. Waterfall display arms in particular have features on the upper surface in use for keeping hung items neatly separated. These may be notches in the upper surface for receiving items hung thereon, or a number of spaced protrusions such as ball protrusions.

[0005] It is known to provide information on signs mounted to the free end of display arms. Such signs are primarily used for displaying price but may also contain other product information to inform consumers. In many cases, a sign holder is attached to the arm, the sign holder for receiving a replaceable sign (e.g. of paper on which information is printed).

[0006] GB 2458543 A discloses a price ticket display device for different size display arms. The device has a flexible band for securing around the arm proximate the free end, and a neck extending from the band for attachment of a sign. The neck and band are constructed from a rubber / silicone material. A problem with the device of GB 2 458 543 A is that the band is either equally flexible in all directions or rigid.

[0007] GB 2 458 543 A also shows a silicone component with a hole to attach a shaft into the back of a graphic holder. In orderto allow rotation between the shaft and hole, the hole needs to be larger than the shaft, providing a very loose fit. Problematically, this causes the graphic holder to lean at an undesirable angle- an effect emphasised by the distance ofthe connection to the centre of mass of the graphic holder. Also, when the graphic holder is lifted or moved upwards as it would in store, the graphic holder decouples / separates from the silicone body and cannot be reassembled. Due to the single degree of rotation the graphic holder cannot work well with waterfall rails in store. Due to the shaft not having any stop engaging features, the holder can rotate and get stuck upside down- potentially allowing the graphic to fall out of the graphic holder.

[0008] EP 2364620 B1 discloses a device for positioning a graphic holder. The device has a body portion constructed from a silicone material. The body portion has a band for securing around a display arm. The device has a neck portion extending from the body portion for attachment of a display holder. In EP 2 364 620 B1, the neck portion has two parallel side walls terminating in an end portion perpendicular to the display arm in use. The end portion is separated from the body portion by a notch. The body portion and neck portion are unitary and moulded from silicone.

[0009] Although EP 2 364 620 B1 seeks to overcome the problems with GB 2 458 543 A, various problems are still exhibited.

[0010] The flexibility of the apparatus and the ability of the sign holderto move arise from deformation of the neck material. This means that there is a resilient force on the sign to move back to the original position with respect to the neck. Because the graphic holder is attached to the neck in a fixed position and in turn the neck moulded to the body, an applied force to the neck can dislodge the body from a true vertical seating on the rail arm. Also store staff will not always seat the body in the correct vertical position when installing the graphic holder on to a rail. In both instances as the connecting means, neck and body are a unitary moulding, the sign will remain or move into a non-vertical presentation, which is visually unappealing, especially with multiple adjacent displays all leaning at various angles to perpendicular.

[0011] As the band that stretches around the rail arm is directly connected to the neck part as a unitary moulding, when the band is over-stretched it drags the neck in a downwardsdirection, making the graphic holder lean at a negative angle away from the viewer's gaze, making the graphic hard to read.

[0012] It is an aim of the present invention to overcome, or at least mitigate, the aforementioned problems with the prior art.Summary of Invention

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a display sign holder apparatus for mounting a display sign holder to a display arm, the apparatus comprising:a body defining an opening for receiving a display arm;a display sign holder for holding a display sign;wherein the display sign holder is attached to the body via at least one articulating joint, the at least one articulating joint allowing rotational movement of the display sign holder relative to the body in two degrees of freedom.

[0014] Advantageously the provision of at least one articulating joint decouples the display sign holder from the body mounted to the display arm. Therefore if the body becomes displaced about the display arm, the display sign holder remains able to rest in an upright position under gravity. Movement of the sign holder is decoupled from the body, meaning that movement of the former in the degrees of freedom ofthe joint or joints does not cause stress on the body.

[0015] Preferably, when disturbed, the at least one articulating joint permits the display sign holder to return to a rest position under gravity. Preferably, the display sign holder is freely moveable in two rotational degrees of freedom. The display sign holder may be freely moveable over an angular range less than 360 degrees, provided that it is freely moveable within a defined angular range, for example as limited by end stops. Free movement is provided by the configuration ofthe at least one articulating joint - the joint being such that it offers no resistance to such movement.

[0016] Preferably the at least one articulating joint comprises two separate articulating joints, each allowing rotational movement ofthe display sign holder relative to the body in respective degrees of freedom.

[0017] Preferably axes of the two degrees of freedom are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0018] Preferably axes of the two degrees of freedom are substantially horizontal in use.

[0019] Preferably the apparatus comprises a display arm mounted to a surface in use, wherein one of the two degrees of freedom has an axis perpendicular to the surface to which the display arm is mounted in use.

[0020] Preferably the body is constructed from a flexible, extensible material, such as an elastomeric material.

[0021] Preferably the apparatus comprises a neck part mounted to the body, the neck part constructed from a stiff, inextensible material, the neck part supporting the at least one articulating joint.

[0022] Preferably the neck part comprises a planar portion normal to an arm opening axis of the opening in the body.

[0023] Preferably the neck part and the body are joined in a mating arrangement.

[0024] Preferably the body comprises at least two protruding arms, the neck part being engaged with the arms.

[0025] Preferably there is provided a head part mounted to the neck part, the head part defining one part of a first articulating joint, wherein the head part is constructed from a flexible, extensible material.

[0026] Preferably the head part is constructed from an elastomeric material.

[0027] Preferably the opening is a closed loop for completely surrounding the display arm.

[0028] Preferably the head part is over moulded onto the neck part. In an alternative embodiment it can be a separately manufactured elastomeric part subsequently assembled to the neck part.

[0029] Preferably the head part defines one part of a first articulating joint.

[0030] Preferably there is provided a gimbal mounted for rotation relative to the head part via the first articulating joint.

[0031] Preferably the head part and the gimbal each define openings for receiving a shaft to define the first articulating joint.

[0032] Preferably a first swing axis is defined by the first articulating joint and is substantially perpendicular to the body opening.

[0033] Preferably the display sign holder is mounted to the gimbal for rotation about a second articulating joint having a second swing axis, substantially perpendicular to a first swing axis of the first articulating joint.

[0034] Preferably the gimbal and the sign holder are connected with a snap fit connection.

[0035] Preferably the second articulating joint comprises at least one motion stop feature to limit the amount of articulation thereof.

[0036] Preferably the motion stop feature comprises abutting tabs on each of the gimbal and sign holder.

[0037] Preferably the second swing axis intersects the sign holder at an offset position such that gravity returns the sign holder to a predetermined orientation.

[0038] Preferably the retail display sign holder comprises:a base portion;at least one sign retaining feature for retaining a sign against a sign holding region of the base portion;a branding region projecting from the base portion adjacent the sign holding region.

[0039] Preferably there is at least one wall extending from the base portion, the at least one wall defining the at least one sign retaining feature.Brief Description of Drawings

[0040] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures in which:FIGURE 1 is a front perspective view of a first display holder according to the present invention;FIGURE 2 is a rear perspective view of the first display holder;FIGURE 3 is an exploded view of the first display holder;FIGURES 4 and 5 are perspective views of a first part of the first display holder;FIGURES 6 and 7 are perspective views of a second part of the first display holder;FIGURES 8 and 9 are perspective views of a third part of the first display holder;FIGURES 10 to 12 are views of a fourth part of the first display holder;FIGURES 13 and 14 are perspective views of a fifth part of the first display holder;FIGURE 15 is a section view of a part of the fifth part of Figures 13 and 14;FIGURES 16 and 17 are detail section views of regions XVI and XVII of Figure 15;FIGURE 18 is a side section view of the first display holder in situ;FIGURES 19 and 20 are perspective views of part of a second display holder in accordance with the present invention;FIGURE 21 is a perspective view of a third display holder in accordance with the present invention;FIGURE 22 is an exploded view of the third display holder;FIGURES 23 and 24 are perspective views of part of a fourth display holder in accordance with the invention;FIGURES 25 and 26 are perspective views of part of a fifth display holder in accordance with the invention;FIGURES 27 and 28 are perspective and side views of part of a sixth display holder in accordance with the invention;FIGURES 29 to 31 are perspective views of various further embodiments of parts of sign holders of the present invention.Description of the first embodiment

[0041] Referring to Figures 1 to 18, there is shown a display holder 100. In the following description, the terms "forward" and "outward" refer to the direction facing the person viewing the sign (direction F in Figure 1 ). The terms "rearward" and "inward" refer to the opposite direction (towards the wall or surface to which the display arm is mounted in use). This is indicated as direction R in Figure 2.Configuration

[0042] The display holder 100 is an assembly of components. The display holder 100 comprises a body 102, a neck part 104, a head part 106, a gimbal plate 108, a shaft 110 and a sign holder 112.Body 102

[0043] The body 102 is shown in Figures 4 and 5. The body 102 is a unitary component constructed from a flexible, extensible, resilient material. In this embodiment it is constructed from silicone, although other elastomeric materials are envisaged.

[0044] The body 102 comprises a generally prismatic band portion 114, having a curved underside 116 and a flattop surface 118 such that it is generally in the shape of a D rotated by 90 degrees. An arm opening 120 is provided through the band portion 114 and is generally cylindrical having an arm opening axis A. The opening 120 is enclosed - i.e. forms an endless loop to completely surround an arm inserted therein. A pull tab 122 is provided extending radially from the curved underside 116 of the band portion 114. The pull tab 122 is generally rectangular in shape, and is normal to the axis of the arm opening 120.

[0045] A frustoconical recess 124 is provided in the top surface 118 tapering inwardly towards a feature opening 126, in communication with, but normal to, the arm opening 120.

[0046] The band portion 114 has a first (front) end 128 and a second (rear) end 130.

[0047] Extending from the first (front) end 128 of an upper region of the band portion 114, there is provided a neck attachment portion 132 having a base 134, a first arm 136 and a second arm 138. The arms 136, 138 extend from, and normal to, the base 134 and are spaced apart to define a gap 140 there between. The arms 136, 138 extend parallel to thearm opening axis A. The neck attachment portion 132 extends beyond (i.e. is cantilevered from) the band portion 114. This reduces the deformation effect that stretching the band portion has on the position of the arms 136, 138.

[0048] Each arm 136, 138 terminates in a respective generally cylindrical end portion. The cylindrical portion of each arm 136, 138 has a central opening 142, 144 there through, the openings 142, 144 having respective axes perpendicular to the arm opening axis A.Neck part 104

[0049] The neck part 104 is shown in Figures 6 and 7. It is constructed from a stiff, inextensible plastics material (in other embodiments it could be a metal pressing or casting). It is a generally flat, unitary component having a substantial rectangular outer profile. The neck part has a base portion 146, a first outer finger 148, a second outer finger 150 and a central finger 152. The three fingers 148, 150, 152 all project from the base portion 146 in the same direction, and are spaced apart creating an "M" shape.

[0050] Each outer finger 148, 150 has a downwardly depending finger portion 154, 156 respectively, terminating in a U-shaped hook portion 158, 160 respectively. Therefore each outer finger 148, 150 creates a respective elongate opening 162, 164.

[0051] The central finger 152 extends from a base portion 166, to a decreased width extension portion 168 via two concave shoulders 170, 172.

[0052] The neck part 104 has a first, forward facing, surface 174 and a second, rearward facing surface 176. On the base portion 146 of the neck part 104 on the first surface 174 there is provided a protrusion 178. Opposite the protrusion, on the second surface 176, there is provided a recess 180.

[0053] Coincident with the protrusion 178 and recess 180 there are provided two rectangular openings 182, 184. The openings define two spaced apart support bars 186, 188.Head part 106

[0054] The head part 106 is shown in Figures 8 and 9. The head part 106 is a unitary component constructed from a flexible, extensible, resilient material. In this embodiment it is constructed from silicone, although other elastomeric materials are envisaged.

[0055] The head part 106 has a shaft receiving portion 190 which is generally cylindrical defining an opening 192 about a first swing axis X.

[0056] Extending from the shaft receiving portion there is provided a neck attachment portion 194. The neck attachment portion 194 comprises a front portion 196 having an abutment 197 formed by a shoulder 198 giving it a stepped appearance. The abutment 197 is disposed at a non-zero abutment angle AA to the front portion 196. In this embodiment, the angle is 6 degrees, although may vary.

[0057] Rearwardly of the front portion there is a mating portion 200 having two laterally extending openings 202, 204.Gimbal plate 108

[0058] The gimbal plate 108 is shown in Figures 10 to 12. It is constructed from a stiff, inextensible plastics material. The gimbal plate 108 comprises a generally circular base 206 with a cylindrical outer wall 207 and having two circle segment flanges 208, 210 extending outwardly from the periphery thereof. Each flange has a central radially outwardly extending tab 212, 214.

[0059] The base 206 has a central rectangular opening 216 on either side of which are provided two rearwardly extending bosses 218, 220. Each boss 218, 220 is semi-cylindrical having a respective shaft opening 222, 224.

[0060] As can be seen in Figure 12, the bosses 218, 220 extend outwardly of the radius r of the wall 207 of the base 206.Shaft 110

[0061] The shaft 110 is a cylindrical member constructed from a stiff, inextensible plastics material (in other embodiments this could be a metal material).Sign holder 112

[0062] The sign holder 112 is shown in Figures 13 to 14. It comprises a rectangular base 226, having a peripheral wall 228 with inwardly depending tabs 230 for retaining a sign (not shown).

[0063] At a longitudinally upper end of the base 226 there is provided a circular pivot opening 232. The opening has a radius r (or slightly larger than r). The opening 232 is surrounded by an annular recessed portion 234 having inwardly depending, diametrically opposed, stops 236, 238. Directly adjacent the opening 232 on both sides of the base 226 there are provided a forward projection 240 having an annular face 242, and a rear projection 244 having an annular face 246. These are shown in more detail in Figures 15 to 17.Assembly

[0064] In the present embodiment, the head part 106 is over moulded onto the neck part 104 with the support bars 186, 188 inside the openings 202, 204. This creates a two-part assembly having a flexible part (head part 106) and a stiffer part (neck part 104).

[0065] The assembled neck 104 and head 106 are assembled with the body 102, by inserting the outer fingers 148, 150 into the openings 142, 144 of the arms 136, 138. Because the body 102 is flexible, the hook portions 158, 160 can be inserted and the arms 136, 138 resile around the finger portions 154, 156. The hook portions 158, 160 then retain the neck 104 in position. The central finger 152 extends in the gap 140 between the arms 136, 138.

[0066] The head part 106 is passed through the opening 232 in the holder 112. On the front side of the holder 112, the gimbal 108 is coupled to the head part 106 by alignment of the openings 222, 224 with the opening 192 and engagement of the shaft 110 therein to create a joint about the first swing axis X. The joint is freely moving - that is to say that the holder 112 naturally adopts a rest position under gravity, and if moved from that rest position (by rotation about X), the holder 112 will fall back to the rest position. In other words, the joint is configured to be freely moveable rather than locked in position.

[0067] The gimbal 108 is then assembled with the sign holder 112 by engaging the gimbal 108 into the holder opening 232. The gimbal and head assembly are then snap fitted into the holder by deforming the bosses 218, 220 so as to fit through the opening and retain the gimbal once resiled. When in position, the outer surface 207 of the gimbal is engaged with the inner periphery of the opening 232 to form a joint with a contact radius r. The gimbal is retained in position by contact between the flanges 208, 210 and the abutment surface 242 on the forward side of the holder 112, and contact between the bosses 218, 220 and the abutment surface 246 on the rear side. As such, the only degree of freedom ofthe gimbal 108 relative to the sign holder 112 is rotation about a second swing axis Y. It will also be noted that the abutment surfaces 242, 246 provide a low friction running surface for the holder 112 relative to the gimbal 108. The joint is freely moving- that is to say that the holder 112 naturally adopts a rest position under gravity, and if moved from that rest position (by rotation about Y), the holder 112 will fall back to the rest position. In other words, the joint is configured to be freely moveable rather than locked in position.

[0068] In Figure 18, the holder 112 is shown in a rest position where the gimbal 108 (and holder 112) rotates downwardly about the axis X such that the gimbal 108 rests against the abutment 197. Because the gimbal 108 rests against the abutment, rather than the holder 112, the holder 112 is free to rotate about the axis Y.

[0069] Also referring to Figure 18, it can be seen that the axes X and Y intersect at an intersection point P. It can also be seen that the axis X is distance d from the line COML on which the centre of mass of the holder 112 lies. Because the head 106 and shaft 110 are embedded in the gimbal 108, and the holder 112, the distance d between the axis X and COML is minimised (in this example it is 3mm). This also reduces the visibility of the joint mechanism from the front, making the holder 112 appear to 'float'. Both the X and Y swing joint axes are offset from the centre of mass of the holder 112 such that when disturbed from a rest position about one or both axes, the holder 112 will return to that rest position naturally under gravity.Use

[0070] The holder 100 can be mounted onto a display arm 10 as shown in Figure 18. The display arm 10 is shown with a retaining ball formation 12, although this may be a different formation as appropriate. The band portion 114 of the body 102 is stretched over the arm 10 with the ball engaging the opening 126. The tab 122 can be used to manoeuvre the body 102.

[0071] The arms 136, 138 project forward of the arm 10, with the sign holder 112 covering the front of the arm.

[0072] The sign holder 112 can rotate about the first swing axis X due to the ability of the gimbal plate 108 (and therefore the sign holder 112) to rotate relative to the body 102.

[0073] The sign holder 112 can also rotate about the second swing axis Y due to the ability of the holder 112 to rotate on the gimbal plate 108.

[0074] It will be noted that movement of the sign holder 112 will also cause some slight elastic deformation in the body 102 and the head part 106.

[0075] A sign (such as a price tag - not shown) is positioned within the sign holder, relating to the goods on the arm 10.

[0076] The ability of the sign holder 112 to freely rotate about the first swing axis X (being generally perpendicular to the arm 10) relative to the body 102 means that if the sign is knocked or displaced in a fore / aft direction, it will return to an upright position. It will be noted that the position of the shaft 110 relative to the sign holder towards the top (but laterally central) means that the sign will always drop to a vertical, "upright" position.

[0077] The ability of the sign holder 112 to freely rotate about the second swing axis Y (being generally parallel to the arm 10) relative to the body 102 means that if the sign is knocked or displaced in a lateral direction, it will return to an upright position. It will be noted that the position of the joint (i.e. the opening 232) on the sign holder towards the top (but laterally central) means that the sign will always drop to a vertical, "upright" position.

[0078] It will be noted that the amount of rotation between the sign holder 112 and the gimbal 108 is limited by the interaction between the outwardly extending tabs 212, 214 of the gimbal 108 and the inwardly extending stops 236, 238 of the holder 112. The tabs 212, 214 are oriented at 0 and 180 degrees about second swing axis Y (at rest). The stops 236, 238 are positioned at 90 and 270 degrees. As such, the permitted range of movement is about 90 degrees to the left or right before abutment prevents further motion. This prevents the sign holder 112 from being able to fully rotate and get caught on top of the mechanism or turned upside down where a paper graphic in an open topped graphic holder would fall out on to the floor.

[0079] The provision of these two degrees of freedom about the swing axes via joints (rather than relying solely on live hinges or via elastic deformation as with the prior art) allows the sign holder to remain in an upright position irrespective of the position of the body 102 about the arm 10.

[0080] The use of flexible components protects the stiffer components from damage due to knocks- this allows the assembly to have some inherentflexibility and resilience. Because there are two flexible parts separated by the stiffer neck component this reduces the flexingof the body on the rail arm, especially when the graphic holder is knocked, and prevents the body component from being moved out of a perpendicular position on the rail arm.Description of the second embodiment

[0081] Referring to Figures 19 and 20, there is shown an alternative sign holder 1112. It comprises a rectangular base 1226, having peripheral walls 1228, 1229.

[0082] At a longitudinally upper end of the base 1226 there is provided a circular pivot opening 1232. The opening has a radius r (or slightly larger than r). The opening 1232 is surrounded by an annular recessed portion 1234 having inwardly depending, diametrically opposed, stops 1236, 1238.

[0083] At a lower part of the base 1226 there is provided a raised branding region 1500 having a display face 1502 for displaying unchanging information such asthe retailer's logo. A cover plate 1504 is provided constructed from a transparent material. It can be engaged with the walls 1228, 1229 to provide an enclosed region to receive a sign. When assembled, the plate 1504 is flush with the branding region face 1502.Description of the third embodiment

[0084] Referring to Figures 21 and 22, there is provided a display holder 1000. The display holder 1000 comprises a body 1102, a gimbal plate 1108, a shaft 1110 and a sign holder 1112.Body 1102

[0085] Body 1102 is constructed from a silicone (or other elastomeric material), and is generally L-shaped having a first, tubular, arm receiving portion 1500 and a second, upright portion 1502 extending normal thereto. The first portion 1500 has an abutment receiving formation 1501 defined on an underside thereof. At the upper end of the upright portion 1502 there is provided a shaft receiving portion 190 which is generally cylindrical defining an opening 192 about a first swing axis X.Gimbal plate 1108

[0086] The gimbal plate 1108 is identical to the gimbal plate 108.Shaft 1110

[0087] The shaft 1110 is a cylindrical member constructed from a stiff, inextensible plastics material (in other embodiments this could be a metal material).Sign holder 1112

[0088] The sign holder 1112 is similar to the holder 112, although it comprises a main part 1504 and an insert 1506. The insert 1506 is engaged with the gimbal 1108 in the same way as the holder 112.Assembly

[0089] Assembly of the holder 1000 is undertaken in the same way as the holder 100 as described above. The holder 1112 can rotate about first and second swing axes X, Y.Use

[0090] The holder 1000 can be mounted onto a display arm by insertion of the arm into the opening in the arm receiving portion 1500 such that the second portion 1502 is upright. The formation 1501 is used to engage a corresponding feature on the arm.

[0091] The sign holder 1112 can rotate about the first swing axis X due to the ability of the gimbal plate 1108 (and therefore the sign holder 1112) to rotate relative to the body 1102.

[0092] The sign holder 1112 can also rotate a bout the second swing axis Y due to the ability of the holder 1112 to rotate on the gimbal plate 1108.

[0093] It will be noted that movement of the sign holder 1112 will also cause some slight elastic deformation in the body 1102.

[0094] A sign (such as a price tag - not shown) is positioned within the sign holder, relating to the goods on the arm.Description of the fourth embodiment

[0095] Referring to Figures 23 and 24, an alternative neck 2104 and head 2106 are shown. Instead of over moulding, the neck 2104 and head 2106 can be manufactured and assembled.

[0096] The neck 2104 is identical to the neck 104 but is provided with a loop 1508 defining an opening 1510.

[0097] The head 2106 is identical to the head 106 with the exception that the neck attachment portion 194 comprises a downwardly depending tab 1512 with an abutment 1514. The abutment 1514 has a tapered lower surface 1516 and a flat upper surface 1518.

[0098] When assembled, the tab 1512 is pulled through the opening 1510 until the abutment 1514 passes through. It deforms as it does so until it can resile. The surface 1518 retains the neck 2104 and head 2106 together.

[0099] The neck 2104 and head 2106 can be used in the holder 100 in place of the neck 104 and head 106.Description of the fifth embodiment

[0100] Referring to Figures 25 and 26, an alternative neck 3104 and head 3106 are shown. Instead of over moulding, the neck 3104 and head 3106 can be manufactured and assembled.

[0101] The neck 3104 is similar to the neck 104. It is constructed from a stiff, inextensible plastics material (in other embodiments it could be a metal pressing or casting). It is a generally flat, unitary component having a substantial rectangular outer profile. The neck part has a base portion 1146, a first outer finger 1148, a second outer finger 1150 and two central fingers 1152, 1153. The fingers 1148, 1150, 1152, 1153 all project from the base portion 1146 in the same direction, and are spaced apart creating an "M" shape.

[0102] Each outer finger 1148, 1150 has a downwardly depending finger portion 1154, 1156 respectively, terminating in a U-shaped hook portion 1158, 1160 respectively. Therefore each outer finger 1148, 1150 creates a respective elongate opening 1162, 1164.

[0103] The central fingers 1152, 1153 extend respective decreased width extension portions 1168, 1169 via two concave shoulders. A central T-shaped channel 1520 is formed between the fingers 1152, 1153.

[0104] The head part 3106 is a unitary component constructed from a flexible, extensible, resilient material. In this embodiment it is constructed from silicone, although other elastomeric materials are envisaged.

[0105] The head part 3106 has a shaft receiving portion 3190 which is generally cylindrical defining an opening 3192 about a first swing axis X.

[0106] Extending from the shaft receiving portion there is provided a neck attachment portion 3194. The neck attachment portion 3194 comprises a front portion 3196 having an abutment 3197 formed by a shoulder 3198 giving it a stepped appearance. The abutment 3197 is disposed at a non-zero abutment angle to the front portion 3196. In this embodiment, the angle is 6 degrees, although may vary.

[0107] Rearwardly of the front portion there is a mating portion 3200 having a laterally extending opening 3202 defined by a connecting bar 3203.

[0108] In order to assemble the neck 3104 and head 3106 the head 3106 is stretched into position such that the connecting bar 3203 enters the top part of the T-shaped channel 1520. As such the head 3106 and neck 3104 are interlocked.Description of the sixth embodiment

[0109] Referring to Figures 27 and 28, an alternative, combined neck and head 4104 is shown. The part 4104 is constructed from a stiff, inextensible plastics material (in other embodiments it could be a metal pressing or casting).

[0110] The part 4104 has a neck region having a base portion 4146, a first outer finger 4148, a second outer finger 4150 and a central finger 4152. The three fingers 4148, 4150, 4152 all project from the base portion 4146 in the same direction, and are spaced apart creating an "M" shape.

[0111] The fingers 4148, 4150, 4152 have the same form as the fingers 148, 150, 152.

[0112] The part 4104 has a head region with a shaft receiving portion 4190 which is generally cylindrical defining an opening 4192 about a first swing axis X.

[0113] The base portion 4146 defines an abutment 4197 formed by a shoulder 4198 giving it a stepped appearance. The abutment 4197 is disposed at a non-zero abutment angle AA to the front portion 4146. In this embodiment, the angle is 6 degrees, although may vary.Variations

[0114] The sign holders 112, 1112 are shown as upright rectangles. It will be noted that they could be any other shape as required, for example square, circular, or even star shaped. Referring to Figure 29, a circular sign holder 5112 is shown. Figure 30 shows asquare holder 6112 with rounded corners. Figure 31 shows a star shaped holder 7112. Each holder has the same features as the holders 112, 1112.

[0115] Instead of two independent joints providing the axes of articulation, a single joint may be provided with more than one axis of articulation.

Claims

Claims1. A retail display sign holder apparatus for mounting to a display arm, the apparatus comprising:a body defining an opening for receiving a display arm;a retail display sign holder for holding a display sign;wherein the retail display sign holder is attached to the body via at least one articulating joint, the at least one articulating joint allowing rotational movement of the retail display sign holder relative to the body in two degrees of freedom, the at least one articulating joint configured such that the retail display sign holder returns to a rest position under gravity when disturbed.

2. A retail display sign holder apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one articulating joint comprises two separate articulating joints, each allowing rotational movement of the retail display sign holder relative to the body in respective degrees of freedom.

3. A retail display sign holder apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein axes of the two degrees of freedom are substantially perpendicular to each other.

4. A retail display sign holder apparatus according to claim 3, wherein axes of the two degrees of freedom are substantially horizontal in use.

5. A retail display sign holder apparatus according to claim 4, comprising a display arm mounted to a surface in use, wherein one of the two degrees of freedom has an axis normal to a surface to which a display arm is mounted in use.

6. A retail display sign holder apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the body is constructed from a flexible, extensible material.

7. A retail display sign holder apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the body is constructed from an elastomeric material.

8. A retail display sign holder apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the opening is a closed loop for completely surrounding the display arm.

9. A retail display sign holder apparatus according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the apparatus comprises a neck part mounted to the body, the neck part constructed from a stiff, inextensible material, the neck part supporting the at least one articulating joint.

10. A retail display sign holder apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the neck part comprises a planar portion normal to an arm opening axis of the opening in the body.

11. A retail display sign holder apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the neck part and the body are joined in a mating arrangement.

12. A retail display sign holder apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the body comprises at least two protruding arms, the neck part being engaged with the arms.

13. A retail display sign holder apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 12, comprising a head part mounted to the neck part, the head part defining one part of a first articulating joint, wherein the head part is constructed from a flexible, extensible material.

14. A retail display sign holder apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the head part is constructed from an elastomeric material.

15. A retail display sign holder apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the head part is over moulded onto the neck part.

16. A retail display sign holder apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the head part defines one part of a first articulating joint.

17. A retail display sign holder apparatus according to claim 16, comprising a gimbal mounted for rotation relative to the head part via the first articulating joint.

18. A retail display sign holder apparatus according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the head part and the gimbal each define openings for receiving a shaft to definethe first articulating joint.

19. A retail display sign holder apparatus according to claim 18, wherein a first swing axis is defined by the first articulating joint and is substantially perpendicular to the body opening.

20. A retail display sign holder apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the display sign holder is mounted to the gimbal for rotation about a second articulating joint having a second swing axis, substantially perpendicular to a first swing axis of the first articulating joint.

21. A retail display sign holder apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the gimbal and the sign holder are connected with a snap fit connection.

22. A retail display sign holder apparatus according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the second articulating joint comprises at least one motion stop feature to limit the amount of articulation thereof.

23. A retail display sign holder apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the motion stop feature comprises abutting tabs on each of the gimbal and sign holder.

24. A retail display sign holder apparatus according to any of claims 20 to 23, wherein the second swing axis intersects the sign holder at an offset position such that gravity returns the sign holderto a predetermined orientation.

25. A retail display sign holder comprising:a base portion;at least one sign retaining feature for retaining a sign against a sign holding region of the base portion;a branding region projecting from the base portion adjacent the sign holding region.

26. A retail display sign holder according to claim 25, comprising at least one wall extending from the base portion, the at least one wall defining the at least one sign retaining feature.

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