DE29921990U1 - Holding device for a poster-shaped information carrier - Google Patents

Description

Case 194 EN

Fehlbaum & Co.

10.12.1999-UL

-1 -

Holding device for a poster-shaped information carrier

Field of application of the invention

The invention relates to a holding device for a poster-shaped information carrier for informing the viewer. All kinds of factual, offer and advertising information can be provided on the information carrier, e.g. article, manufacturer, size, quantity and price information for products offered or the scope and conditions of services offered. The information carrier can be printed with characters and/or graphic symbols and/or written on by hand. A typical use of the holding device would be, for example, at a merchandise stand in a department store. The holding device can be designed to be inserted or otherwise attached to a merchandise stand or in the form of a stand, e.g. on a table.

State of the art

A holding device for a poster-shaped information carrier is known from the company brochure "vitrashop-Journal" of Vitrashop AG, Birsfelden / CH (published in 1993), p. 65. This holding device is made from a U-profile to form a U-shaped frame that is open at the top. The horizontal base leg and the two side legs of the frame that extend upwards form a holder with the grooves of the U-profile facing the inside of the frame, into which the poster-shaped information carrier - e.g. a printed cardboard box or a plastic board - can be inserted from above. Two brackets spaced apart from one another are attached to the base leg so that the holding device can be placed and attached to the top edge of a panel or a strut of a shelf. This device requires a frame that encloses the poster-shaped information carrier from below and on both sides by at least 50% in order to hold the information carrier reliably and without any instability occurring. As a modification, the U-shaped frame was designed to be open on one side so that the information carrier can then be inserted from the side. Such a relatively solid frame is not aesthetically suitable for all applications. For example, for the presentation of discreet goods, such as jewelry or nightwear, an adequate, finely structured frame would be

-2-

A further imperfection in the known holding device is that for a different format of the poster-shaped information carrier, even if it is simply changing from landscape to portrait format, a correspondingly dimensioned holding device is required.

Another holding device for a poster-shaped information carrier is disclosed in the company brochure "vitrashop - what's new" of Vitrashop AG, Birsfelden / CH (published in 1996), p. 13. This holding device also consists of a U-profile, but two legs, spanning a surface, are put together to form a rectangular frame. An extension rod extends in continuation of the vertical leg, on which the angle is arranged. A corner of the information carrier, usually again a printed cardboard, is inserted into the angle. In the groove of the U-profile forming the angle there is an alternating grid of elevations, so that the edge of the information carrier inserted in the groove is held in the grid by clamping. The frame of this holding device encloses the information carrier less than a three-leg, U-shaped frame, but the angled frame is still clearly visible. However, the side attachment of the frame now creates an asymmetry. Furthermore, although the angled frame allows the insertion of information carriers in a certain range of varying formats, the fixation of the information carrier is not particularly secure due to the asymmetrical clamping in only one corner of the information carrier.

Object of the invention

In summary, it can be stated that the previously known holding devices for poster-shaped information carriers do not yet optimally meet the holistic requirements for a discreet appearance, changing formats and a secure hold. Therefore, the present invention is based on the task of proposing an improved holding device for poster-shaped information carriers, the frame of which is only minimally visible, which can accommodate different formats of a poster both vertically and horizontally and reliably holds the poster. The holding device should be easy to position and remove in a wide variety of places, i.e.

-3-

It must be suitable for setting up, inserting or other fastening and allow format changes to be made in just a few steps. Finally, the holding device must be able to be produced cost-effectively in large quantities.

Overview of the invention

The holder for a poster-shaped information carrier has a base and a flat poster support that can be removed and inserted into the base. The information carrier is designed as an envelope that can be pushed over the poster support and has lettering and/or graphic elements that are to be communicated to the viewer. In addition, a transparent poster pocket that can be pushed over the poster support and the information carrier can be provided.

Special embodiments of the holding device are described below: The information carrier has the shape of an envelope that is closed on three sides and only open at its lower edge and can be pushed over the poster support from above. The poster support is designed as a thin plate or as a frame and has a tongue on its outer circumference, at least on one outer edge, that continues in the plane of the poster support. There is an opening in the tongue as a locking point. The outer edge corresponds to the length of the tongue or the outer edge extends beyond the tongue, creating cutouts on both sides of the tongue. The poster support is essentially rectangular, which allows it to be arranged in landscape or portrait format. A tongue with the opening can be provided on one outer edge of the long side and the short side of the poster support. The poster support preferably has a tongue with the opening on the outer edges of both long and short sides, creating a poster support that is symmetrical to the horizontal and vertical central axes.

The rod-shaped base has a continuous transverse groove on its top that opens out at the front sides and encloses a base between two groove walls. This transverse groove is designed to accommodate the sandwich arrangement, consisting of poster support, information carrier and the poster pocket that may be pushed over it. The base also has a

-4-

The bottom has a longitudinal tongue groove extending into the cross-sectional depth of the base, which is shorter and narrower than the transverse groove, leaving a ledge from the bottom that runs all the way around the entrance to the tongue groove to the front sides and the groove walls. The tongue groove is designed to accommodate a tongue of the poster support. Finally, there is a spring groove in the base that serves to accommodate a spring element that engages with a spring nose in the opening of the tongue of the inserted poster support that is accommodated in the tongue groove.

The tongue groove forms two groove walls and a base between them. Clamping lugs are systematically arranged on the groove walls, which essentially serve to clamp the inserted tongue at specific points. The inserted tongue rests on the base. A T-shaped tenon extends from the middle of the underside of the base, onto which the open end of a rod-shaped extension can be attached. The spring groove extends from the tongue groove into the tenon.

The leaf-shaped spring element consists of an elongated, vertical middle section and a V-shaped, forward-curved barb with the free hook end that adjoins it at the bottom. At the top of the middle section there is a forward-pointing spring nose with the free spring end. The spring groove consists of a vertical stud that extends from the entrance to the tongue groove beyond its base into the tenon. The spring groove includes a free space created in the area of the rear groove wall of the tongue groove by widening the tongue groove and the spring groove in the direction of the rear groove wall of the transverse groove. This free space preferably extends deeper than the base. Finally, the spring groove includes a horizontal access channel introduced from the front of the tenon, which opens into the descending spring groove and forms a cover surface and a base surface as the lowest end of the spring groove. When the spring element is inserted, the barb extends into the access channel, with the end of the hook gripping the cover surface. The spring element sits on the bottom surface. The spring nose is complementary to the free space.

-5-

to the position of the opening in a tongue of a poster support inserted into the tongue groove.

In the first version, the extension ends opposite the end to be connected to the tenon with a rod end that is suitable for fastening or inserting into a supporting structure. In the second version, the end in question is provided with a conical tip that fits into a complementary conical receptacle that is arranged in a supporting structure - e.g. table, desk, shelf or display case. In the third version, a plate is attached to the end for placing on a supporting structure.

Brief description of the attached drawings
Show it:

Figure 1 shows the holding device according to the invention on a product stand as a perspective view;

Figure 2A shows the base of the holding device with an extension in the first embodiment of the holding device for fastening as a perspective view;

Figure 2B shows the arrangement according to Figure 2A with a conical tip at the bottom of the extension and a plug-in sleeve in the second embodiment of the holding device for insertion as a perspective view;
Figure 2C shows the arrangement according to Figure 2A with a base plate in the third embodiment of the holding device for setting up as a perspective view;

Figure 3A shows the arrangement according to Figure 2A with the poster support inserted into the base as a perspective view;
Figure 3B shows the representation according to Figure 3A as a side view in partial section;

Figure 4A shows the arrangement according to Figure 3A with the poster support turned over as an exploded view;

Figure 4B shows the arrangement according to Figure 4A with a poster and a poster pocket as a perspective view;

-6-

Figure 5A shows the base with a spring element and the extension attachment in an enlarged exploded view; and

Figure 5B shows the base in the area of the inserted spring element with inserted poster support as an enlarged sectional view.

Implementation example

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the following is a detailed description of an embodiment of the holding device according to the invention for a poster-shaped information carrier in various variants modified in detail.

The following definition applies to the entire further description: If reference numbers are included in a figure for the purpose of graphic clarity, but are not explained in the directly associated description text, reference is made to their mention in preceding or subsequent figure descriptions. In the interests of clarity, repeated designations of components in other figures are generally omitted, provided that it is clearly evident from the drawing that these are "recurring" components.

Figure 1

A typical application of the holding device according to the invention is the arrangement on a support structure 9 in the form of a goods stand for informing customers about the type, origin and price of the goods on offer. The holding device consists of a rod-shaped, horizontally arranged base 1, the extension 2 of which, also in the form of a rod, extends vertically downwards from the middle, so that a T-shaped structure is created. The extension 2 projects into the support structure 9 and is attached there by clamping or inserting. To make the holding device visible, it projects above the support structure 9 in height by an extension 2 dimensioned according to the attachment point on the support structure 9. A vertically standing board-shaped poster support 3 of sufficient rigidity is accommodated in the base 1 with its lower edge, the poster support 3 extending symmetrically on both sides of the base 1 beyond its front sides 11.

-7-

The poster support 3 is surrounded by the poster 4, which bears the written and/or graphic information to be conveyed, which may be printed, written or drawn.

Figures 2A to 2C

The holding devices shown in this sequence of figures differ only in the different positioning options, i.e. they are intended for fastening, plugging in or standing up. The lower end of the extension 2 is designed accordingly. In a first embodiment (see Figure 2A), the extension 2 ends at the bottom as a rod end 21 and in this form is suitable for clamping or plugging in. In a second embodiment (see Figure 2B), the rod-shaped extension 2 ends at the bottom with a conical tip 22 and in this form is intended for plugging into a complementary conical receptacle 90 which is arranged in a support structure 9 which could, for example, be part of a table, desk, shelf or display case. In a third embodiment (see Figure 2C), the rod-shaped extension 2 ends at the bottom with a plate 23 and can therefore be placed on a support structure 9. The use of round material is optically advantageous for the base 1 and the extension 2. Already visible is the transverse groove 10 running longitudinally in the base 1 on the upper side, which is preferably open towards both end faces 11 of the base 1.

Figures 3A and 3B

This pair of figures illustrates the further construction of the holding device.

The plate-shaped, essentially rectangular poster support 3 has a tongue 31 on each of its four outer edges 30, which is arranged centrally, projects beyond the respective outer edge 30 and lies in the plane of the poster support 3, so that a cutout 32 is formed on both sides of each tongue 31. In the center of each tongue 31 there is an opening 33. When inserted, the poster support 3 is inserted with an outer edge 30 in the transverse groove 10, whereby the associated tongue 31 finds space in a tongue groove located below the transverse groove 10 and the poster support 3 projects evenly beyond the base 1 on both sides, extending beyond the transverse groove 10 and the front sides 11. The

-8th-

Poster support 3 protrudes vertically from the base 1. A poster support 3 configured in this way, which is symmetrical to the vertical central axis V and the horizontal central axis H, can be inserted into the base 1 with all outer edges 30, i.e. in two landscape and two portrait positions. Since the front and back 34,35 of the poster support 3 are identical, it is also freely possible to choose which of the sides 34,35 of the poster support 3 should point in which direction. A T-shaped pin 100 extends from the underside of the base 1 and can be firmly inserted into the open end 20 of extensions 2 of different lengths and different ends.

Figures 4A and 4B

In a modification of the previously described poster support 3, this could have a tongue 31 only on two opposite outer edges or even only on one outer edge 30. Another practical variant is one in which the poster support 3 has tongues 31 and cutouts 32 on the long outer edges 30, while the shorter transverse outer edges 30 are only dimensioned in the length of the tongues 31, which means that the cutouts 32 are omitted here. A poster support 3 positioned in this way will not protrude beyond the base 1 on the front sides 11, but will end at the front, so that the base 1 now extends beyond the poster support 3 on both sides. Also conceivable are geometries of the poster support 3 that are different from the rectangle, up to rounded shapes; the important thing is that there is at least one section that can be inserted into the base 1.

A spring element 6 is inserted into the base 1, which engages in the facing opening 33 of the inserted poster support 3 and thus causes a releasable fixation of the poster support 3 on the base 1. A poster 4 is provided as a direct information carrier to be pulled over the poster support 3, which is preferably designed as an envelope that is closed on three sides and only open at the bottom. To protect the poster 3, to make it more secure and to improve its appearance, a transparent poster pocket 5, e.g. made of plastic, can also be put over the poster 4. The poster pocket 5 is preferably also closed on three sides and open at the bottom. It is conceivable that

•···♦ ·

• i* "* in the

-9-

but also a poster pocket 5 that is closed on two or only one side. The lower edge 50 of the poster pocket 5 is clamped into the transverse groove 10 of the base 1.

Figures 5A and 5B

These two figures show the internal configuration of the base 1 as well as the construction of the spring element 6 and its mode of operation. The transverse groove 10, which is rectangular in cross section, runs along the top of the rod-like base 1 and emerges at the end faces 11, which are located at the two diametrically opposite ends of the base 1. The transverse groove 10 thus forms the base 12 and the longitudinal groove walls 13 rising on both sides of the base 12. A tongue groove 14, which also runs longitudinally, extends from the base 12 of the continuous transverse groove 10 into the depth of the base 1, but is shorter and narrower than the transverse groove 10. This leaves a ledge from the base 12 that runs all the way around the entrance to the tongue groove 14 to the front sides 11 and the groove walls 13. The tongue groove 14 also has a rectangular cross-section and ends at the bottom with the base 15, from which the groove walls 16 rise. The tongue groove 14 is dimensioned to complement the accommodation of a tongue 31 of the poster support 3, while the sandwich arrangement of poster support 3, poster 4 and poster pocket 5 finds space in the transverse groove 10.

To facilitate insertion of the tongue 31 into the tongue groove 14 and to provide better clamping when inserted, raised clamping lugs 17 are provided on both groove walls 16, between which the tongue 31 is clamped, in principle by applying pressure at specific points. Above the pin 100, a spring groove 18 is incorporated in the rear groove wall 16, which extends into the pin 100. A horizontal access channel 19 is introduced from the front of the pin 100, which opens into the downward spring groove 18. The access channel 19 has, lying between side walls, a cover surface 190 and a base surface 191 as the lowest end of the spring groove 18.

-10-

The vertical spring groove 18 and the access channel 19 that meets it as a cross-stud serve to accommodate the multiply bent, leaf-shaped spring element 6. In the upper area, the spring groove 18 is worked deeper in the direction of the rear groove wall 13, so that a free space 180 is created behind the inserted spring element 6. In the inserted state and viewed in cross-sectional profile, the spring element 6 has an elongated, vertical middle part 60, to which a V-shaped, forward-curved barb 61 with the free hook end 62 is connected at the bottom. At the top, the straight middle part 60 merges into a forward-pointing spring nose 63, which ends with the free spring end 64. Inserted into the spring groove 18, the middle part 60 of the spring element 6 extends downwards from the spring groove 18 to the bottom surface 191, the barb 61 projects into the access channel 19 and the hook end 62 grips the cover surface 190. The lower part of the middle part 60 lies against the rear wall of the spring groove 18, while the upper part of the middle part 60, the spring nose 63 and the upper spring end 64 come to lie in front of the free space 180. If the poster support 3 is inserted into the base 1, a tongue 31 of the poster support 3 projects into the tongue groove 14 and sits on its base 15. The spring nose 63 extends through the opening 33 in the tongue 31 and thus locks the inserted plate support 3. The upper spring end 64 should remain below the level of the floor 12.

If the poster support 3 is pulled out of the base 1, the upper part of the middle section 60 deviates into the free space 180 up to the upper spring end 64, i.e.

the spring nose 63 moves away from the previously occupied opening 33. The spring element 6 is secured against being pulled out of the spring groove 18 by the barb 61 engaging in the access channel 19 and the hook end 62 abutting under the cover surface 190. Inserting a poster support 3 is analogous. The spring element 6 is pressed into the free space 180 by the descending tongue 31 until the opening 33 is at the level of the spring nose 63, which can then snap into the opening 33, whereby the upper spring part is again positioned vertically.

Claims (8)

1. Holding device for a poster-shaped information carrier ( 4 ), characterized in that: a) a base ( 1 ) is provided; b) a flat poster support ( 3 ) is provided which can be removably inserted into the base ( 1 ); c) the information carrier ( 4 ) is designed as an envelope that can be pushed over the poster support ( 3 ); and d) a transparent poster pocket ( 5 ) which can be pushed over the poster support ( 3 ) and the information carrier ( 4 ) can be provided. 2. Holding device according to claim 1, characterized in that a) the information carrier ( 4 ) has the shape of an envelope closed on three sides and open only at its lower edge; and b) the information carrier ( 4 ) can be pushed over the poster support ( 3 ) from above. 3. Holding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a) the poster support ( 3 ) is designed as a thin plate or as a frame; b) the poster support ( 3 ) has on its outer circumference at least on one outer edge ( 30 ) a tongue ( 31 ) continuing in the plane of the poster support ( 3 ); c) there is an opening ( 33 ) in the tongue as a locking point; and d) the outer edge ( 30 ) corresponds to the length of the tongue ( 31 ) or the outer edge ( 30 ) extends beyond the tongue ( 31 ), whereby cutouts ( 32 ) are formed on both sides of the tongue ( 31 ). 4. Holding device according to claim 3, characterized in that a) the poster support ( 3 ) is substantially rectangular, allowing it to be arranged in landscape or portrait format; b) a tongue ( 31 ) with the opening ( 33 ) is provided at least on one outer edge ( 30 ) of the long side and the transverse side of the poster support ( 3 ), whereby c) the poster support ( 3 ) preferably has a tongue ( 31 ) with the opening ( 33 ) on the outer edges ( 30 ) of both longitudinal and transverse sides, whereby a poster support ( 3 ) is created which is symmetrical to the horizontal central axis (H) and to the vertical central axis (V). 5. Holding device according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the rod-shaped base ( 1 ) a) has on its upper side a continuous transverse groove ( 10 ) opening at the end faces ( 11 ) and enclosing a base ( 12 ) between two groove walls ( 13 ); b) the transverse groove ( 10 ) is intended to receive the sandwich arrangement consisting of poster support ( 3 ), information carrier ( 4 ) and the poster pocket ( 5 ) possibly pushed over it; c) has a longitudinal tongue groove ( 14 ) extending from the bottom ( 12 ) into the cross-sectional depth of the base ( 1 ), which is shorter and narrower in relation to the transverse groove ( 10 ), whereby a ledge remains from the bottom ( 12 ) which runs all the way around the entrance to the tongue groove ( 14 ) towards the end faces ( 11 ) and the groove walls ( 13 ); d) the tongue groove ( 14 ) is intended to receive a tongue ( 31 ) of the poster support ( 3 ); e) has a spring groove ( 18 ); f) the spring groove ( 18 ) is intended to receive a spring element ( 6 ) which engages with a spring nose ( 63 ) in a locking manner in the opening ( 33 ) of the tongue ( 31 ) of the inserted poster support ( 3 ) received in the tongue groove ( 14 ). 6. Holding device according to claim 5, characterized in that a) the tongue groove ( 14 ) forms two groove walls ( 16 ) and a base ( 15 ) located therebetween; b) clamping lugs ( 17 ) are systematically arranged on the groove walls ( 16 ), which serve, in principle, to clamp the inserted tongue ( 31 ) at specific points; c) the inserted tongue ( 31 ) is placed on the base ( 15 ); d) a T-shaped pin ( 100 ) extends centrally from the underside of the base ( 1 ), onto which the open end ( 20 ) of a rod-shaped extension ( 2 ) can be attached; and e) the spring groove ( 18 ) extends from the tongue groove ( 14 ) into the pin ( 100 ). 7. Holding device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that a) the leaf-shaped spring element ( 6 ) consists of: a) an elongated, vertical central part ( 60 ); b) a barb ( 61 ) which is connected to the middle part ( 60 ) at the bottom and rises in a V-shape and is bent forwards, with the free hook end ( 62 ); c) a spring nose ( 63 ) adjoining the central part ( 60 ) at the top and pointing forwards, with the free spring end ( 64 ); b) the spring groove ( 18 ) consists of: a) a vertical stud extending from the entrance into the tongue groove ( 14 ) beyond its base ( 15 ) into the tenon ( 100 ); b) a free space ( 180 ) created in the region of the rear groove wall ( 16 ) of the tongue groove ( 14 ) by widening the tongue groove ( 14 ) and the spring groove ( 18 ) in the direction of the rear groove wall ( 13 ) of the transverse groove ( 10 ), the free space ( 180 ) preferably extending deeper than the base ( 15 ); and c) a horizontal access channel ( 19 ) introduced from the front side of the pin ( 100 ), which opens into the downwardly extending tongue groove ( 18 ) and forms a cover surface ( 190 ) and a bottom surface ( 191 ) as the lowest end of the tongue groove ( 18 ); and c) with the spring element ( 6 ) inserted; a) the barb ( 61 ) projects with the hook end ( 62 ) into the access channel ( 19 ), grasping the cover surface ( 190 ); b) the spring element ( 6 ) is placed on the base surface ( 191 ); and c) the spring nose ( 63 ) comes to lie in front of the free space ( 180 ), complementary to the position of the opening ( 33 ) in a tongue ( 31 ) of a poster support ( 3 ) inserted into the tongue groove ( 14 ). 8. Holding device according to claim 5, characterized in that the extension ( 2 ) opposite the end ( 20 ) to be connected to the pin ( 100 ) a) ends with a rod end ( 21 ) suitable for fastening or insertion into a supporting structure ( 9 ); or b) ends with a conical tip ( 22 ) which is adapted to be inserted into a complementary conical receptacle ( 90 ) which is arranged in a supporting structure ( 9 ) - e.g. table, desk, shelf or display case; or c) is provided with a plate ( 23 ) for placement on a support structure ( 9 ).