Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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1 FOLDABLE~D~SPLAY~ST`AND
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
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Jo The present invention relates to foldable display
Stands in general, and more particularly to a moldable display stand
lo cardboard or similar material.
¦ There are already known various constructions of disk
slay stands, for instance, for use in supermarkets or other retail
establishments for display of articles or goods on sale. Such disk ,
play stands are often used as more attractive alternatives of merely
stacking the articles on top of one another or displaying them in
partially cutoff original cartons or boxes. Louvre, to be accept-
able to the trade, such display stands have to satisfy several an-
Lena: they must be relatively inexpensive, easy to handle, and got- .
lapsible into a condition in which they assume a minimum amount of
space individually and stacked on top of one another. Furthermore,
Isle display stand in its erect condition should be sturdy to be able
to sustain and withstand the weight of the displayed articles which¦
Juan be rather substantial, versatile, i.e. not limited to the disk
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play of merely one type of article, and have at least a limp
tied aesthetic appeal so as not to interfere with the disk
play purpose thereof. Experience has shown that rarely, if
ever, do the conventional constructions of the display stands
satisfy all of the above-discussed criteria.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is a general object of the present
invention to avoid the disadvantages of the prior art.
More particularly, it is an object of the present
invention to provide an easily foldable, self-erectable disk
play stand which satisfies all of the above-discussed
criteria
Still another object of the present invention is
so to construct the display stand of the type here under
consideration as to be easily foldable and erectable, sturdy
in its erected condition, and assume a minimum amount of
space in its folded or collapsed condition.
A concomitant object of the present invention is
to devise the display stand of the above type which would be
simple in construction, inexpensive to manufacture, easy to
use, and reliable in operation nevertheless.
According to an aspect of the invention, a display
stand erectable from a collapsed condition to an erect disk
play condition comprises a back panel and a front panel spaced
from each other. Side panels extend between the back and
front panels and are hingedly interconnected to the back and
front panels. Æ shelf is movable from a first position in
which the display stand is in a collapsed condition, to a load
bearing second position in which the shelf extends outwardly
of the back panel in the erect display condition of the stand.
A shelf support is movable from a shelf non-supporting post-
lion in the collapsed condition of the stand, to a shelf
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supporting position in which the shelf support lies under-
neat the shelf and supports the shelf from below the same
in the erect display condition of the stand. Means is pro-
voided for biasing the shelf support towards the shelf support-
in position when the stand is unfolded from its collapsed
condition. Means is provided for translating such movement
of the shelf support towards the shelf supporting position
to move automatically the shelf to the second position.
In pursuance of these objects and others which will
become apparent hereafter, one feature of the present invention
resides in a foldable display stand which comprises a back panel
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1 shaving two lateral edges and including at least one elongated
slot extending across the back panel substantially normal to the
lateral edges; at least one pair of side panels each hingedly con- ¦
netted to the back panel at one of the lateral edges and having
a substantially centrally situated fold line extending substantial-
lye parallel to the respective lateral edge and subdividing the no-
spective side panel into two portions for folding on top of one an-
other next to the back panel in a collapsed condition, and for ox-
if tending substantially along a common plane substantially normal Tao thought of the back panel in an erect condition of the display stand;
await least one front panel hingedly connected to the side panels to
span the distance there between at respective end portions thereof
remote from the back panel; at least one shelf hingedly connected
to the front panel and extending therefrom into and beyond the
slit to be supported in the latter in a substantially horizontal
position in the erect condition, and to be juxtaposed with the back
panel behind the same in the collapsed condition, of the display
stand; at least one pair of connecting portions each hingedly
l connected to one of the side panels at the region of the fold line
thereof and extending therefrom into the space between the front
and back panels underneath the shelf as considered in the erect
position and toward each other, each of the connecting portions
having an elongated slot extending substantially normal to the
shelf in the erect condition and opening onto an edge of the respect-
ivy connecting portion and an endless elastically wieldable element
~L2Z53'70
1 1 having reversing portions received in the slots and connecting portions interconnecting the reversing portions and extending along
those zones of the connecting portions which are located between
the respective slots and the respectively other connecting portion
for urging the connecting portions toward one another and thus the
side panel portions toward the common planes of the side panels to',
erect the display stand with snap action.
It is especially advantageous when the edge of the
respective connecting portion is that which is close to the shelf
for the latter to close the open end of the slot in the erect
condition.
In this connection, it is particularly advantageous
when the shelf rests on an upper edge region of each of the connect-
in portions in the erect condition.
According to a further aspect of the present
invention it is also advantageous when the shelf is hingedly
connected to a upper edge of the front panel and has a section
depending from the latter for such a section and the corresponding
zone of the front panel to form a barrier for confining articles
supported on the shelf in the erect condition.
It is particularly advantageous when the side panels
extend to an elevation higher than that of the shelf in the erect ¦
condition to provide lateral banters for confining articles sup-
ported on the shelf in the erect condition.
~ccordilg to a further facet of the present invent-
It ~Z~5370
1 ion, the side panels have extension portions situated outside the
region of the front portion, and reinforcing portions folded on
top of the extension portions to reinforce the same.
It is especially advantageous when each of the
connecting portions includes a first connecting section of one
piece with one, and a second connecting section of one piece with
the other, of the side panel portions, the first and second connect-
ivy sections being separate from one another and secured to one
another in juxtaposition with each other to form the respective
lo connecting portion.
The novel features which are considered as kirk-
touristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the apt ,
penned claims. The improved foldable display stand itself, however,,
both as to its construction and its mode of operation, together
with additional features and advantages thereof, will be best under-
stood upon perusal of the following detailed description of certain
spoof moodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing.
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1 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one construction of !
the display stand of the invention in its erect condition;
FIG. 2 is a developed view of the preform from which
, 5 the construction of FIG. 1 is assembled,
, FIG. 3 is a view similar to that of FIG. 2 but for
a modified construction of the display stand according to the
invention;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the construction
obtained by assembly of the preform of FIG. 3, in its collapsed
condition;
FIG. 5 is a view corresponding to that of FIG. 4
but with the display stand in its erect condition; and
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken on line
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1 'DETAILED' PRESCRIPTION 'OF THE' PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
i Referring now to the drawing in detail and first to
FIG. 1 thereof, it may be seen that the reference numeral 1 has been
used therein to identify a back panel of a display stand construct-
led in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. The disk
play stand of the invention can be fabricated prom any suitable ma-
texial, and preferably is made of cardboard. The back panel l has
an uppermost portion 2 which can be enlarged outwardly as illustrate
Ed if desired, in order to provide a more pronounced eye-catching ,
area for advertising copy or the like. The back panel l is provide
with at least one elongated slit 3 therein, but preferably with a
plurality of such slits 3, as illustrated with three The slits 3
I! extend substantially parallel to one another across substantially
like entire width of the back panel l. At this juncture, it is to be
¦ mentioned that when reference is being had in this description and
in the claims to particular directions or dimensions, it is to be
understood that such designations are only valid with respect to
the erected condition of the display stand, that is, its position !
1f use. In other positions or conditions of the display stand, such
designations would be accurate only by chance, and then not all of
them at once.
A pair of side panels 4 and 5 is provided, each of
thorn having respective first and second edges, designated as 6 and
7 for the side panel 4, and as 8 and 9 for the side panel 5. The
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1 furriest edge 6 of the side panel 4 is hingedly connected to one of
I the vertically extending edges of the back panel 1, while the first
edge 8 of the side panel 5 is similarly hingedly connected to the
Luther of the vertical extending edges of the back panel 1. The
lunged connections of the side panels A and 5 to the back panel 1
render it possible for the side panels 4 an 5 to pivot relative to
the back panel between their collapsed positions in which~th~ extend
substantially along the same plane as the back panel 1, and their
erected positions in which they extend in the same direction from
the back panel 1 and substantially normal thereto.
The display stand further includes-one or more front
panels 10 (the same number as there is of the slots 3). Each of the
front panels 10 has two opposed side edges 11 and 12. A first side
I edge 11 of the respective front panel 10 is hingedly connected to
the second edge 7 ox the side panel 4, while the second side edge
12 of the front panel 10 is similarly hingedly connected to the sect
on edge 9 of the side panel 5. The front panel 10 is situated in
a plane which is substantially parallel to that of the back panel Al.
In accordance with a currently preferred feature of ¦
this particular construction, the side panels 4 and 5 are hinged ail,
approximately the regions of their horizontal centers for pivoting ¦
about respective vertical axes so as to be able to fold each of the
side panels 4 and 5 substantially in half. Then, that of the halves
of the respective side panel 4 or 5 which is connected to the front
US panel advantageously has a substantially trapezoidal shape, the
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1 Larger of the parallel lines being situated at the hinge line be-
,~Itween the two side panel halves. This provides an attractive shape.
'It The display stand of the present invention can have
Ann desired number of shelves 13, this number corresponding to that
of the front panels 10 and of the slits 3. Each shelf 13 is hinged-
lye connected to an edge 14 of the front panel 10, which edge 14 ox-
tends between and connects the side edges 11 and 12 of the front
panel 10. The respective shelf then extends from the respective
hinged portion thereof situated at the region of the edge 14 to and
through the elongated slit 3 provided in the back panel 1. Thus
each shelf 13 is supported at its front region by being attached
to the respective front panel 10, and on its rear region by the sun
faces bounding. the respective slit 3. On the other hand ! the side
edges of the respective shelf 13 are not supported on any support
structure; rather, they lean against the side panels 4 and 5 and
This provides a measure of support at such regions. To maintain
the side panels 4 and 5 in pressing engagement with the respective
shelves 13, suitable biasing means are provided. Such biasing means
can take the form of an elongated elastic element which is stapled
I or otherwise secured to the side panels 4 and 5. Preferably, the
staples 15 which connect the elastic element to the side panels 4
and 5 are located on the side panels 4 and 5 at the midpoint hinge;
line.
For added stability a triangular section 16 ! one 11
wide Of w itch is hingedly connected to the lower end Of the respect ;
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1 live ire panel 4 or 5, can be utilized.
To collapse the display stand of the present invent
lion, the edge 7 of the side panel 4 and the edge 9 of the side
panel 5 are swung outwardly, overcoming the force of the biasing
means, until the side panels 4 and 5 are situated substantially in
the same plane as the back panel 1. This action causes the front
panel 10 to move toward and against the back panel 1. As the front
panel 10 moves toward the back panel 1, the respective shelf 13
. slides through the respective associated slot 3. Since the shell 13
j is hingedly connected to the front panel 10, it can be swung against
the back side of the back panel 1. In the currently preferred em-
bodiment of the display stand constructed as illustrated in FIG. 1,
the trapezoidal half of each of the side panels 4 and 5 lies in the
same plane as the front panel 10 in the collapsed condition of the,
display stand and against the respective other section or half of¦
the same side panel 4 o'er. The respective triangular section 16 is¦
swung, during the angular displacement or folding of the side pan-¦
ens 4 and 5, against the back panel 1 which preferably has a eon- j
despondingly shaped removed portion 17 so that the section 16 can I
come to lie in the same plane as the back panel 1, between the back
panel 1 and the respective side panel 4 or 5. As a result, the disk
assembled or collapsed display stand is a very compact unit and Cal
be fitted into a very small space for transportation and/or storage.
The action of the biasing means, which tends to urge
the display stand toward its erected condition, can be overcome off
1,
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neutralized by clamps or other similar holding devices or,
in accordance with a currently preferred facet of the present
invention, by folding the top part of the collapsed display
stand onto the bottom part along a horizontally extending
fold line 18.
The display stand is assembled or erected merely
by snapping it into its erected condition. First, the top
part of the collapsed display stand is unfolded from its
folded position in which it is juxtaposed with the bottom
part of the display stand. A slight force is then exerted
on the collapsed display stand to urge the side panels 4 and
5 toward the front panel 10 with simultaneous unfolding of
the side panels 4 and 5. Only slight unfolding of the side
panels 4 and 5 need be accomplished by the outside forces,
since then the biasing means will take over and cause the
side panels 4 and 5 to move toward each other and to fully
unfold. Since the front panel 10 is hingedly connected to
the side panels 4 and 5, it will be moved away from the back
panel 1 as a result of the movement of the side panels 4 and
5 caused by the biasing means, and it will pull the respect-
ivy shelf 13 connected thereto through the respective ask-
fated slit 3 into its display position in which the shelf 13
is still received in the slit 3 and supported therein. Hence
the slit 3 guides movement of the shelf 13 where attachment
of the shelf 13 to the front panel 10 translates movement of
the front panel 10 into moving the shelf 13 to the display
position.
One particular advantage of the display stand accord-
in to the present invention as described so far is that it
can be constructed from a single sheet of cardboard or similar
sheet material by making appropriate folding lines and scoring
lines in the single sheet. The display stand preform ox-
twined from such a single
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1 i sheet is shown in FIG. 2. For ease of comparison, the same refer- ¦
once numerals as before will be used in FIG. 2 to designate the
parts corresponding to those discussed above in connection with
FIG. 1.
! To produce the display stand of this construction act
Cording to the present invention, a sheet of cardboard or the Luke.
identified by the reference numeral 20 in JIG. 2, is divided sub- I
staunchly in half by a vertical fold Lyon at about the midpoint
so as to provide first and second sheet sections 22 and 23. To pro-j
vise the advertising copy or display space 2, the firs-t section 22 1
can extend vertically beyond the top of the second section 23. The
first section 22 is provided with the fold lines or edges 6 Andy
which are spaced apart to define the-back panel 1 off display
stand between themselves. An area 24 between the fold lines 21 and 1,
6, on the one hand, and an area I between the fold line 8 and the ¦
end of the sheet, each defines one part or half of the respective 1,
side panel 4 and 5, the other half of which is constituted by no- I
spective sections 27 and 28. In the assembled condition of the dyes
play stand, an additional area 26 overlaps the area 25 and is con- ¦
Inquietude thereto. Fit is desired for the display space 2 to extend
beyond either or both of the fold lines or edges 6 and 8, a cut or
score 29 is provided from the edge of the section 22 to the respect
live fold lines 6 and 8. Should it be desired to have an angled or
swooping side panel 4 or 5, a second score 30 is provided from the
respective edge of the section 22 to the fold lines 6 and/or 8 and ,
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1 informs with the score 29 a notch there between.
The aforementioned slit or slits 3 is or are provide
Ed each of the slits 3 extending from the fold line or edge 6 to 'I
the fold line or edge 8, one slit 3 being provided for each of the ¦
shelves 13 of the display stand. The shelves 13 can be made to lie ¦
substantially in respective horizontal planes or in planes include-¦
in desired acute angles with the horizontal, by appropriately foe-
cling the slits 3.
The second section 23 of the sheet 20 is also pro-
voided with a pair of fold lines corresponding to the side edges Andy 12. The fold lines or side edges 11 and 12 extend vertically.
The area between the fold lines 11 and 12 forms the front panels
10 and the shelves 13 of the display stand. In some instances, it
may be desirable for the fold line 11 and the section-separating '
fold line 21 to coincide. The distance between the fold lines 11
and 21, however, is about the same in the currently preferred em-
bodiment of this particular construction as the distance from the
fold line 21 to the fold line 6. The distance from the fold line l,
12 to the lateral edge of the second section 22 is not critical but
preferably is about the same as the distance between the fold line
6 and 11. The portion situated between this lateral edge and the
fold line 12 is provided with a vertical fold line 31 at about its¦
midpoint.
A horizontal cut or score 32 extending from the folk
Kline to the fold line 12 is made in the second section 23. Sub-
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1 staunchly parallel thereto and spaced a ~ertlcal distance there-
from, there is established a horizontal fold line 33 which also ox-
tends between the fold lines 11 and 12. The portion of the fold
l lines 11 and 12 which lies between the horizontal fold line 33 and
the horizontal score line 32 situated above the latter is cut or
scored. us a result, each shell 13 of the display stand is defined
by the two vertical scores or cuts between the lines 32 and 33 a-
long the lines 11 and 12, and the score line 32 and the fold line
33 which extend horizontally and interconnect the two vertical cuts
~10 or scores situated in the course of the lines 11 and 12. The front
panels 10 of the display stand are then defined by the horizontal ¦
score 32 and the horizontal fold 33 situated upwardly of the latter
between those portions of the vertical fold lines 11 and 12 which
have not been cut or scored.
In the preferred embodiment of this particular con- ¦
struction of the display stand according to the present invention,
the second score 30 is continued bikini the sheet section separating
told line 21 until it reaches the vertical fold line 11. A cores-
pondingly angled score line 34 is provided from the lateral edge of
the second section 23 to the vertical fold line 12, and an interconl
section fold line 35 (corresponding to the fold lines 33) is pro-¦
voided from the fold line 11 to the fold line 12 so as to join the
scores 30 and 34. Of course, the fold line 35 could be replaced by
a score line or cut 35, in which case the uppermost shelf 13 would,
be omitted (and the corresponding slit 3 could be omitted as well) ¦
2S37
.
1 issue that the side panels 4 and 5 and the front panel 10 would merely.form a holding frame at this region of the display stand for confine
in articles taller than the distance between the lower shelf 13
and the score line 35. However, if the uppermost shelf 13 (and the
S Corresponding slit 3) is provided, the uppermost shelf 13 is denim-
sited at its upper region by another score line 36.
One or more pairs of trapezoidal shaped cut-outs
YO-YO are established, with their parallel sides lying on the score
jllines or portions 7, 11, 12 and 31, the larger ones of these penal-
Lyle sides lying on the lines 11 and 13. Extra stability can be pro-
tided to the display stand in its erect condition by angling the
fold lines 6 and 8 at an acute angle toward each other over a short
lustiness close to the bottom of the first section I To be able to
fold the display stand when it is being collapsed for transportation
and/or storage purposes, the horizontal fold 18 is provided, extend
in from one lateral edge of the sheet 20 to the other lateral edge
thereof, except at the areas of the trapezoidal shaped cut-outs
37 and the parts of the second sheet section 23 which form the '
Shelves 13 of the display stand. The fold line 18 is preferably so
Indisposed that a portion of the advertising space 2 extends beyond
the end of the stand when the latter is folded substantially in half
bout the fold line 18.
To form the display stand of FIG. 1 from the scored
and folded sheet 20 of FIG. 2, it is merely necessary to glue, staple
r sucker that portion 26 Jo the second section 23 which is situated
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1 ! between the lateral edge of the sheet selection 23 and the fold line ,
',.12 (i.e. the portion 26 at least) to the correspondingly shaped port
I i
lotion 25 of the first sheet section 22, which lies between the fat-.
girl edge of the sheet section 22 and the fold line 8, and also to
Fit the shelf edges which are defined by the scores 32 and/or 36
through the respective slits 3. It will be appreciated that the
depth of the shelves 13 which is determined by the length of the
scores which connect the horizontal fold 33 and the corresponding
horizontal score 32 will be greater than the width of the side pan-
ens 4 and 5 of the display stand, that is, the distance between thejfold lines 11 and 6, or the distance of the fold line 12 and the
outer lateral edge of the sheet: section 23.
Turning now to FIGS. 3 to 6 of the drawing, it may
l be seen that they depict a modified construction of the display
l stand and of the sheet components of the same which is similar to
the construction described above in so many respects that the same !
reference numerals but supplemented with a prime have been used to
identify the corresponding parts whereof.
As shown in FIG. 3, the sheet-shaped preform 20' in-
eludes two separate sections identified as 38' and 39'. While these sections 38' and 39' have been shown to be physically separated
from one another, however, it will be appreciated that they could
be joined at one of their lateral edges, such as at the edges ides-
typhoid by the reference numerals I and I to form a unitary
,25 structure. It will also be understood that, while the modified con-
.'' . 1.
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1 j!struction of the folding stand will be described below as having
only a single shelf 13', it can be provided with a plurality of such
shelves 13' and the supporting structures therefore by appropriately
utilizing the features described below.
The section 38' is provided with the fold lines 6'
and 8' which extend in the vertical direction and laterally delimit,
Lye hack panel 1' which is again provided with the enlarged top port
lion 2' for the advertising copy. The slit 3' again extends across
tithe back panel 1' between the fold lines 6' and 8'. Side panel pro-¦
Chinese 24' and 25' are situated at the opposite sides of the respect-.
jive fold lines 6' and 8'. Connecting portions 42' and 43' adjoin
the side panel portions 24' and 25', being separated therefrom by
respective fold lines 44' and 45'. Furthermore, reinforcing portions
46' and 47' are provided, ad30ining the respective side panel sect .
lions 24' and US above the connecting portions 42' and 43' and also
separated therefrom by the fold lines 44' and 45'. The fold lines
44~ and 45' can converge in the upward direction toward the fold
ins 6' and 8' as shown, to provide an additional measure of stay
islet to the display stand, at least at the regions of the respect
Live reinforcing portions 46l and 47'.
¦ The section 39' includes, in addition to the shelf
13', the front panel 10' which is laterally delimited by the fold
Hines 11' and 12' and is separated from the shelf by the fold line
133'. Another fold line 48' is provided on the shelf 13', extending
parallel to the fold line 33' at a relatively short distance there-
aye 1
. Al
1 from and delimiting a suspension portion 49' therewith which is
juxtaposed with the front panel 10' in the erected display stand
such that the shelf 13' is situated at a lower elevation at least
at this region than the fold line 33', thus providing a rim for con-
inane the articles to be displayed on the shelf 13'. The fold lines
I and 11' respectively separate the side panel portions 27' and
28' frown the front panel logy. these side panel portions 27' and 28'¦
being delimited at their opposite sides by respective fold lines
50' and 51' which separate the same for respective additional con- ¦
netting portions 52' and 53'. In the assembled condition of the
display stand, the connecting portions 42' and 52', on the one hand,
and the connecting portions I and I on the other hand, are sub
. staunchly coextensive with one another and are secured to each oh-
or by being glued, stapled, or otherwise connected to one another
The connecting portions 42', 43', 52', and 53' are
provided with respective incisions or open slots 54', 55', Andy
I which are respectively aligned with one another in pairs when ¦
the connecting portions 42', I 52'~ and 52' are juxtaposed with
one another in pairs as described above. Preferably the open slots!
54', 55', 56', and 57' open in the upward direction as shown. The ¦
upper edges of the connecting portions 42', 43', 52', and 53' are ¦
situated at a slightly lower elevation than the fold line 33' and,¦
as shown, possibly but not necessarily, than the slot 3', to pro- ¦
vise for the suspension of the shelf 13' from the fold line 33' in¦
the erected position of the display stand, and to support the shell
. If
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13 t from below in such erected position which, according to
this embodiment, is accomplished by the connectirlg portions
42', 43 t, 52 t and 53 t contacting the floor on which the disk
play stand is set.
Two or more additional slits 58 t are further pro-
voided, arranged in substantial coincidence with the fold
lines 6 t and 8 t, respectively. The reinforcing portions 46 t
and 47' are formed with integral tabs 59 t which are ask-
fated with the respective additional slits 58' and are
inserted whereinto in the assembled condition of the display
stand to hold the reinforcing portions 46' and 47' in junta-
position with the respective side panel portions 24' and 25'
in such assembled condition, thus providing for reinforcement
of such side panel portions 24 t and 25 t at their regions.
The fold line 18 t for the collapsing of the assembled display
stand into its storage or transportation position is again
provided substantially half-way up the section 3~3 t .
The assembled display stand of this modified con-
struction is shown in its collapsed condition irk FIG. 4. As
may be seen, the enlarged portion 2' in this instance is
juxtaposed with the front panel 10 t, but it will be appreciated
that, as before, the fold line 18' could be situated differ-
entry (lower) than shown, so that the enlarged portion 2 t
would extend at least in part beyond the front panel 10' to
display advertising copy provided thereon. FIG. 4 also thus-
trades that the side panel portions' and 28' (and, cores-
pondingly, the side panel portions 24' and 25') are unfolded,
that is, they extend outwardly of and substantially in the
same plane as the front panel 10' (or the back panel 1 t ) . The
connecting portions 42 t, 52 t, 43', and 53' then extend in-
warmly into
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1 the space delimited by the front panel Lund the rear panel 1'. As
may be seen in FUGUE, the connecting portions Andy 52', on the ,,
one hand, and 43' and 53', on the other hand, axe spaced a concede- 1.
enable distance from one another in the collapsed condition of the
display stand.
FIG. 5 shows: the display stand in its extended or
erect condition It may be seen that the side panel portions 24' ,~'
and 27' extend substantially in the same plane and thus complement
each other into the side panel 4'. Similarly, seven though not vise-¦
isle in FIG. 5, the side panel portions 25' and 28' extend in a come
muon plane parallel to that of the side panel-4' and complement each
other into the side panel 5'. It may also be seen that the reinforce
in portion 47' extends in juxtaposition with, and thus reinforces
the side panel portion 25', upwardly of the shelf 13', while the
reinforcing portion 46' extends similarly with respect to the side
panel portions 24' and thus reinforces the latter. It may also be
seen that the side panel portions 27' and 28' extend somewhat above
the level of the top of the front panel 10', and thus above the ,.
(slightly lower) level of the shelf 13'`, thus providing for later-
at confinement of the articles supported on the shelf 13'.
Finally it may be seen in FIG. 6 that an endless
element 6Ø1i5 'trained through the open slots 54', 55', 56', and
57'. The endless element issue of an elastically wieldable Metro-
at and is preferably constituted by a rubber band of the requisite ..
strength and extendibility. The element extends through the
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slots 54', 55', 56', and 57' and then along the respective
connecting portions 42' and 43' on the one side, and 52' and
53~ on the other side. In the position illustrated in full
lines in FIG. 6 (which corresponds to the erect condition of
the display stand), the endless element 60' is substantially
in its relaxed condition, that is, either totally relaxed or
subjected to a minimum amount of stress and suffering minimum
elongation. However, FIG. 6 also shows in phantom lines, an
intermediate condition of the display stand between the erect
and collapsed conditions thereof. It will be appreciated that,
due to the movement of the portions 42 t, 431, 52~, and 53~
during the change from the erect condition to the intermediate
condition of the display stand, and even more so during the
further transition into the collapsed condition of FIG. 4, in
opposite directions away from one another, the endless element
60' will be tensioned more and more and also extended more and
more, so that its force will have to be overcome during the
collapsing of the display stand. On the other hand, the energy
stored in the extended elastically wieldable element 60' will
urge the connecting portions 42', 43', 52' and 53' toward each
other, thus causing displacement of the display stand into its
erect condition with snap action once the display stand halves
of FUGUE. are unfolded, and the movement toward the erect
condition has started ever so slightly, for instance, by the
user initiating such movement. It will be appreciated that,
even though the slots 54', 55', 56' and 57' are open, the
elastic endless element or band 60' will be safely retained
therein nevertheless, since the shelf 13' will be juxtaposed
with the open ends and hence close the same. Hence, the shelf
13' rests on an upper region of each of the connecting portions
42', 43', 52' and 53'. As a result, the connecting portions
function as a shelf support when moved beneath the shelf 13'
during snap action set up of the collapsed display stand.
- 21
......
~2253~3
It will be understood that each of the elements de- ;
scribed above, or two or more together, may also find a useful
application in other types of arrangements differing from the type
described above.
While the invention has been illustrated and described
as embodied in foldable display stand, it is not intended to be
limited to -the de-tails shown, since various modifications and
structural changes may be made without departing in any way from
the spirit of the present invention.
For example, in a preferred embodiment, the erected
display stand is about six feet high, about one and one-half feet
deep, and about two feet wide. This stand can support weights on
the order of one hundred fifty pounds. The preferred material
composition of the stand is corrugated board whose corrugations
or ribs extend in the vertical direction. Of course, other
dimensions and materials are also contemplated.
Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully
reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by apt
plying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applique-
lions without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior
art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic
and specific aspects of my contribution to the art and, thoroughfare
such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within
the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims.
US What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by
Letters Patent i: set forth in the appended claims.
I
