GB2496391A

GB2496391A - Display device for flowers

Info

Publication number: GB2496391A
Application number: GB1119293.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David King; Nevill Clarke
Original assignee: ATLAS PACKAGING Ltd; FLOWER INNOVATIONS Ltd
Current assignee: ATLAS PACKAGING Ltd; FLOWER INNOVATIONS Ltd
Priority date: 2011-11-09
Filing date: 2011-11-09
Publication date: 2013-05-15
Anticipated expiration: 2031-11-09
Also published as: GB2496391B; GB201119293D0

Abstract

A display device 10 formed from a blank of card comprises first and second rectangular sidewalls 12, 14 connected by a hinge, the first and second sidewalls being of the same length, a third rectangular sidewall 16 hinged to the second sidewall 14, the third rectangular sidewall 16 having a shorter length than the first and second sidewalls 12,14, a first triangular support platform 18 hinged to a side of the third rectangular sidewall 16 and an upper end wall hinged to the first or second rectangular sidewall 12, 14 to form a triangular structure open on one side above the triangular support platform 18.

Description

TITLE: DISPLAY DEVICE The present invention relates to a display device and particularly but not exclusively to a display device for flowers and other decorative items formed from a blank of card.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

It is known to provide cardboard packaging for the transport of flowers, for example, a rectangular box having a lid. Arrows on the side of the box indicate that the box should be transported vertically to protect the heads of the flowers. A circular display box is also known, a circular lid of the box serving to protect the flowers in transit.

Other display boxes for flowers are known, and these tend to be rectangular or pyramidal boxes, which are open ended for receiving flowers for display. Sometimes, the box has a rim formed from flaps folded outwardly in order to try and imitate the appearance of a vase. In order to utilise these devices, it is generally accepted that the stems of the flowers are contained in a cellophane packaging containing water, to keep the flowers looking fresh. Alternatively, the flowers may be displayed in buckets of water and when sold, wrapped in cellophane sleeves or wrapping paper.

The paper or cellophane may be printed, as desired.

A general problem of cardboard display devices is that a separate insert needs to be inserted under any supporting platform, in order to strengthen the device. This needs to be cut and assembled separately and then inserted, where required.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved display device.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a display device formed from a blank of card comprising first and second rectangular sidewalls connected by a hinge, the first and second sidewalls being of the same length, a third rectangular sidewall hinged to the second sidewall, the third rectangular sidewall having a shorter length than the first and second sidewalls. a first triangular support platform hinged to a side of the third rectangular sidewall and an upper end wall hinged to the first or second rectangular sidewall to form a triangular structure open on one side above the triangular support platform.

The display device provides a method of displaying flowers and other decorative items in an attractive way. The display device and contents may also be placed in a triangular gift presentation box. Both the display device and gift presentation box may be printed, for example, in company colours or for a particular celebration or theme.

The first triangular support platform is disposed part way up the first and second sidewalls, at the height of the third rectangular sidewall.

An aperture may be formed in the first rectangular sidewall between the position of the first triangular support platform and the upper end wall.

Such an aperture provides a window in the side of the display enabling viewing into the display. Flowers, if held in the display. may fall through the window to some extent, enhancing the appearance of the display. If the aperture is rectangular or square. then the window may form a framing effect around the contents of the display device. Altematively the window may be cut in the shape of a heart or other shape to assist in conveying a theme.

An aperture may be provided in the first triangular support platform for supporting an item to be displayed. The aperture may be circular. In particular, this enables stems of flowers to be supported securely, with or without a cellophane water arrangement.

Preferably the aperture is circular and around 85mm in diameter.

One or more apertures may be provided in the upper end wall. Preferably two circular apertures are provided, of around 20mm in diameter. This is sufficient to allow a person to place their fingers through the aperture to lift and carry the display device.

Alternatively, a ribbon or other flexible carrying means may be attached to the display device through the apertures. ci

The upper end wall may be hinged to the first or second rectangular sidewall along a proportion of sidewall's length.

The upper end wall may only partially cover the space between the first and second rectangular sidewalls. In other words, the upper end wall serves as a structural member and extends between the upper ends of the first and second rectangular side walls. A free end of the upper end wall may be curved or cut in a desirable decorative shape.

The first, second and third rectangular sidewalls may form a right angle triangular structure. By forming the display device as a right angled triangular structure, that is, with a right angle triangle footprint, it is space efficient to transport when erected, for example, in the transport of flowers, because two display devices can be placed facing each other and placed in a rectangular box, without any waste space. The tnangular structure is also significantly stronger than square or rectangular structures, which can tend to parallelogram, in use.

A fourth rectangular sidewall may have a similar length to the third rectangular sidewall, be hinged to the first rectangular sidewall and be arranged to overlie the third rectangular sidewall.

A second triangular support platform may be hinged to a side of the fourth rectangular sidewall and be alTanged to overlie the first triangular support platform.

A lower end wall may be hinged to an opposing side of the fourth rectangular sidewall.

The lower end wall conveniently closes the underside of the display device and forms a box area, between the sidewalls and support platform. A container or other water retaining device may be placed within the box area for keeping flowers fresh.

Alternatively, the space is convenient for hiding tie down wires, clips or the like.

The first triangular support platform, the second triangular support platform and the lower end wall may all have the same outline shape, that is. a right angled triangle.

A first structural wall may be hinged to a side of the lower end wall and a second structural wall may be hinged to a further side of the lower end wafl.

The first and second structural walls may lie adjacent the first and second rectangular sidewalls and between the lower end wall and the first triangirlar support platform.

A tab may extend from a lower end of the second rectangular sidewall and may engage in a slot provided in the second structural wall adjacent the lower end wall.

A third structural wall may extend from an side of the first triangular support platform, the third structural wall lying adjacent the first rectangular sidewall.

A tab may extend from the second triangular support platform and may engage in a slot in the first triangular support platform, adjacent the third structural wall.

Preferably, the triangular support platform and supporting walls may be of a double thickness of cardboard, proving extra strength and rigidity to the design.

The display device may be 450mm high and the first sidewall 388mm wide, the second sidewall 313mm wide and the third sidewall 224 mm wide to provide the desired proportions for flower display. [-lowever, it will; be appreciated that the display device can be made in any desired size.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an erected display device from one side; Figure 2 show's a schematic perspective view of the erected display device of Figure 1 from the other side; and Figure 3 shows a cardboard blank or net of the display device shown in Figures 1 and 2, folds being indicated generally in dotted line.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, a display device formed from a blank of card is indicated generally at 10. The display device includes a first rectangular sidewall 12, a second rectangular sidewall 14, a third rectangular sidewall 16, a first triangular support area 18 and an upper end wall 20. The display device 10 takes a generally triangular fonu The first rectangular sidewall 12 has a first side 22 facing the upper end of the display device, a second side 24 facing the lower end of the display device, a third side 26 facing the apex of the design and a fourth side 28. An aperture 30 is formed in the first rectangular sidewall 12 and is positioned centrally between the third and fourth sides 26, 28, but is offset towards the first upper side 22 of the first rectangular sidewall 12.

The aperture 30 is shown to be rectangular but it will be appreciated that the aperture may be formed in other shapes, such as circular, square, heart shaped or of any desired shape to express a theme. The aperture 30 provides a framed view of the contents of the display device and flowers may even partially extend through the aperture, which forms a window.

The second rectangular sidewall 14 similarly has a first side 32, a second side 34, a third side 36 and fourth side 38. The fourth side 38 of the second rectangular sidewall 14 is hinged to the third side 26 of the first rectangular sidewall 12. The length of the first and second rectangular sidewalls 12, 14 is the same, but the width of the second rectangular sidewall 14 is less than that of the first rectangular sidewall 12. Referring also to Figure 3. a pair of opposing tabs 40 is provided mid length along the tirst and second sides 32, 34 of the second rectangular sidewall 14. The tabs are utilised to hold the device together, as described further below. A pair of cuts 41 of equal length extends from either side of each tab 40 into the second rectangular sidewall 14, so that the area defined within the pair of cuts 41 can rotate about a hinge 42 (seen in Figure 3) spaced away from the upper side 32 or lower side 34 of the second rectangular sidewall 14. This helps in assembly of the device.

The third rectangular sidewall 16 has a first side 43, a second side 44, a third side 46 and a fourth side 48. The fourth side 48 of the third rectangular sidewall 16 is hinged to the third side 36 and is positioned adjacent the second side 34 of the second rectangular sidewa'l 14. The width of the third rectangular sidewall 16 is less than that of the first and second rectangular sidewalls 12, 14. The length, or height as viewed in Figures I and 2, of the third rectangular sidewall 16 is also less than that of the first or second rectangular sidewalls 12, 14, and is typically around a quarter of the height of the other walls.

A first triangular support platform 19 is in a shape of a right angle triangle, having a base 50, side 52, and hypotenuse 54. The base 50 of the first triangular support platform 19 is hinged to the first side 43 of the third rectangular sidewall 16. The length of the side 52 of the first triangular support platform 19 is substantially the same, or slightly less than the width of the second rectangular sidewall 14 so that when the display device is assembled the first triangular support platform 19 can be accommodated between the first and second triangular sidewalls 12, 14. An aperture 56 is formed in the first triangular support platform 19, for receiving product to be displayed. The aperture 56 is preferably circular, but may be formed in other shapes.

A structural flap 55 extends along the hypotenuse 54 of the support platform 19 and a slot 57 is provided in the support platform 19 adjacent the flap 55 for receiving a tab, described further below.

The upper end wall 20 is substantially triangular shaped, having a first, second and third sides 58, 60, 62. The second side 60 is curved towards the first side 58 but it will be appreciated that it may be straight, if desired. The first side 58 of the upper end wail 20 is hinged to the first side 22 of the first rectangular sidewa'l 12 and adjacent the third side 26. Tn an alternative arrangement, it can be hinged to the second sidewall. A flap 63 is attached to the third side 62 of the upper end wall 20 and has a slit 65 disposed within the fold.

The length of the first side 58 of the upper end wall 20 is less than the width of the first rectangular sidewall 12, i.e. the upper end wall 20 is only hinged to a proportion of the first rectangular sidewall 12, so as to only partially cover the space between the first and second rectangular sidewalls 12, 14. This increases the viewing area through one side of the display device 10 when it is assembled. However, it will be appreciated that, the precise length of the first side 58 of the upper end wail 20 may be less or more, or be substantially the same as the width of the first rectangular sidewall 1') I Z. A pair of apertures 64, formed in the upper end wall 20, is arranged in parallel to the first side 58 of the upper end wall 20, to allow the display device to be lifted or carried when assembled. The apertures 64 are conveniently shaped and sized to enable the digits of the hand of a user to pass through to lift the box. Alternatively, a flexible member, such as a ribbon or string, can be fed through both apertures to fonii a handle for carlying.

When the display device is assembled, the first, second and third rectangular sidewalls 12, 14, 16, the first triangular support platform 18 and the upper end wall 20 together form a right angle triangular structure.

A fourth rectangular sidewall 66 having an first side 68, second side 70, third side 72 and fourth side 74, is hinged to the fourth side 28 of the first rectangular sidewall 12 by its third side 72. The fourth rectangular sidewall 66 is connected to the first rectangular sidewall 12 adjacent the lower second side 24. The fourth rectangular sidewall 66 is sized and shaped to be similar to the third rectangular sidewall 16 so that the fourth rectangular sidewall 66 overlies or overlaps with the third rectangular sidewall 16 when the display device is assembled.

A second triangular support platform 76 is hinged to the first side 68 of the fourth rectangular sidewall 66 by its base 78. The second triangular support platform 76 has a right angle triangle shape, with the right angle spaced from the second side 28 of the first rectangular sidewall 12. The second iangular support platform 76 is sized and shaped to be similar to the first triangular support platform 18 so that the second triangular support platform 76 overlies or overlaps with the first second triangular support platform 18 when the display device is assembled.

An aperture 84 is formed in the second triangular support platform 76. A plurality of radial slits 86 are provided around the aperture 84, the slits forming fingers, which can support an item in the aperture of the second triangular support platform 76. Together, the end of each slits 86 define an area substantially the same size and shape to the aperture 56 of the first triangular support platform 18. The aperture 84 is positioned such that when the second tnangular support platform 76 overlies the first triangular support platform 18, the aperture 84 also overlies the aperture 56 of the first triangular support platform 18. A tab 88 is provided adjacent a top end along the side 82 of the second triangular support platform 76, which in the assemhled device locates and engages in the slot 57.

A lower end wall 90 having a base 92, side 94 and hypotenuse 96, is hinged to the second side 70 of the fourth rectangular sidewall 66. The lower end wall 90 is sized and shaped to be the same as the second triangular support platform 76.

A first structural wall 98 has a first side 100 facing away from the lower end wall 90, a second side 102 facing the lower end wall 90, a third side 104 facing the second side 24 of the first rectangular sidewall 1 2 and fourth side 106 facing away from the second side 24 of the first rectangular sidewall 12. The second side 102 of the first structural wall 98 is hinged to the hypotenuse 96 of the lower end wall 90. The corner defined by the first and third side 100, 104 of the first structural wall 98 is curved to avoid the corner from protruding from when the display device 10 is assembled, but it will be appreciated that the corner can be made to 90 degrees if desired. The fourth side 106 extends from the second side i02 in an upward slant towards the first side 100. A cut out 108 is provided at a corner between the first and fourth sides 100. 106.

The length of the first structural wall 98 is substantially the same of the third and fourth rectangular side wall 16, 66.

A second structural wall ItO has a first side 112 facing away the lower end wall 90, a second side 114 facing the lower end wall 90, a third side 116 facing the fourth side 74 of the fourth rectangular sidewall 66 and a fourth side 118 facing away the fourth side 74 of the fourth rectangular sidewall 66. The second side 114 of the second structural wall 110 is hinged to the side 94 of the lower end wall 90. The fourth side 118 of the second structural waIl 110 extends from the second side 114 in an upward slant towards the first side 112. The angle between the second side 114 and the fourth side 118 is around 65 degrees. The length of the second structural wall 98 is substantially the same as that of the first structural wall 98. A slot 119 is provided along the second side 114 of the second structural wall 110 adjacent the side 94 of the lower end wall 90 for receiving the tab 40 along the second side 34 of the second rectangular side wall 14.

When the display device 10 is assembled, the angles between the second side and the fourth side of the respective first and second structural walls 98. 110 are arranged so that the fourth sides 106, 118 are substantially adjacent or touch one another, whilst each of the first and second structural walls 98, 110 remains at right angle relative to the lower end wall 90.

A structural flap 120 extends along the first side 112 of the second structural wall 110 for supporting an underside of the second support platform 76 when the display device is assembled.

In use, and first, second and third rectangular sidewalls 12, 14, 16 are folded to form a triangular structure. The first triangular support platform, being hinged to the third rectangular sidewall, is accommodated in the space defined by the first and second rectangular side walls. The upper end wall, being hinged to the first rectangular side wall, is releasably connected to the second rectangular side wall by the tab 40 which engages in the slit 65. The flap 63 folds down inside the display device 10 adjacent the second sidewall 14.

A reinforcing structure is provided by the fourth rectangular sidewall 66 and parts depending therefrom. The fourth rectangular sidewall 66 is folded over the third sidewall 16 and the second triangular support platform 76 lies directly over the first triangular support platform 18. The tab 88 engages in the slot 57 and the aperture 84 overlies the aperture 56. The first and second structural walls fold into the underside of the display device 10 and are retained in posibon by the tab 40 at the lower end of the second sidewall 14. The lower end wall 90 forms the base of the display device 10.

Flowers, either loose or bound by nbbon or in a cellophane wrapping or other supporting material can be placed within the apertures 56, 84 and are held in place by the fingers produced by the radial slits 86. A water containing device may be placed in an enclosed area formed between the lower end wall 90 and the supporting area 18.

As shown in Figure 3, the display device 10 can be formed with a single blank of card.

The display device 10 can be printed with decorative materials to enhance its appearance. It can also be transported. with or without contents, in a triangular box or two at a time in a rectangular box. it will be appreciated that a plurality of display devices can be stacked to make an in-store display and decorative carrying ribbons provided through the apertures in the upper end wall.

Claims

<claim-text>CLAIMSI. A display device formed from a Hank of card comprising first and second rectangular sidewalls connected by a hinge. the first and second sidewalls being of the same length, a third rectangular sidewall hinged to the second sidewall, the third rectangular sidewall having a shorter length than the first and second sidewalls, a first triangular support platform hinged to a side of the third rectangular sidewall and an upper end wan hinged to the first or second rectangular sidewall to form a triangular structure open on one side above the triangular support platform.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A display device as claimed in claim 1, in which an aperture is formed in the first rectanguthr sidewall between the position of the first triangular support platform and the upper end wall.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A display device as claimed in claim I or claim 2, in which an aperture is provided in the first triangular support platform for supporting an item to be displayed.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A display device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which one or more apertures are provided in the upper end wall.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A display device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the upper end wall is hinged to the first or second rectangular sidewall along a proportion of side sidewall's length.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A display device as daimed in any preceding claim 5, in which the upper end wall only partially covers the space between the first and second rectangular sidewalls.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A display device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first, second and third side walls form a right-angle triangular structure. Ii</claim-text> <claim-text>8. A display device as claimed in any preceding daim, in which a fourth rectangular sidewall having a similar length to the third rectangular sidewall is hinged to the first rectangular sidewall and is arranged to overlie the third rectangular sidewall.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A display device as claimed in claim 8, in which a second triangular support platform is hinged to a side of the fourth rectangular sidewall and is alTanged to ovedie the first triangular support platform.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A display device as claimed in claim 9, in which an aperture is provided in the second triangular support platform.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. A display device as claimed in claim 10, when dependent on claim 3, in which radial slits are provided around the aperture, the slits forming fingers, which can support an item in the aperture of the first triangular support platform.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. A display device as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11, in which a lower end wall is hinged to an opposing side of the fourth rectangular sidewall.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A display device as claimed in claim 12, in which the first triangular support platform and the second tnangular support platform and the lower end wall have the same outline shape.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. A display device as claimed in claim 12 or 13, in which the lower end wall is shaped as a right angle triangle.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. A display device as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15, in which a first structural wall is hinged to a side of the lower end wall.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. A display device as claimed in claim 15, in which a second structural walls is hinged to a further side of the lower end wall.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. A display device as claimed in claim 16, in which the first and second structural walls lie adjacent the first and second rectangular sidewalls and between the lower end wall and the first triangular support platform.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. A display device as claimed in claim 16 or]7, in which a tab extends from a lower end of the second rectangular sidewall and engages in a slot provided in the second structural wall adjacent the lower end wall.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. A disp'ay device as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18, in which a third structural wall extends from an side of the first triangular support platform, the third structural wall lying adjacent the first rectangular sidewall.</claim-text> <claim-text>20. A display device as claimed in claim 19, In which a tab extends from the second triangular support platform and engages in a slot in the first triangular support platform, adjacent the third structural wall.</claim-text> <claim-text>21. A display device substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.</claim-text>