The invention relates to a suspension apparatus for a sales item, in particular for a drinks bottle, comprising a suspension opening for suspending the suspension apparatus, comprising a base portion which has a retaining opening for carrying the sales item and comprising side portions which with the base portion enclose a recess for receiving a portion of the sales item projecting through the retaining opening.
Such suspension apparatuses, frequently also designated as hanging cards, are known in various designs and enable a clearly visible arrangement of sales items in self-service shops. For this purpose a plurality of suspension apparatuses can be suspended on a rod-like holder and removed from there.
Known on the one hand are hanging cards made of a paper material which can be printed in a simple manner with details of goods. Disadvantageously however, these hanging cards are not very resistant and barely suitable for holding heavier sales items. In addition, it is disadvantageous that the production of the hanging cards must be adapted when changes in the details of goods are to be taken into account. Finally it is disadvantageous that only a little information can be accommodated on the printed hanging cards.
On the other hand, hanging cards made of plastic are known in the prior art, which are distinguished by a higher load-bearing capacity. However, the printing of plastic hanging cards with details of goods is disadvantageously expensive. Furthermore, a hanger made of polypropylene was disclosed in FR 2 655 021 which is inscribed by means of one or more self-adhesive labels. However, the labels disadvantageously offer little space for goods information. Furthermore, it is disadvantageous that when removing the labels, adhesive residues can arise. Accordingly, in many cases it is frequently necessary to replace the hanger when the information on the label is to be changed.
Already known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,706,804 A is a suspension apparatus having a flat main portion formed by the parallel adjacent surfaces and a carrier portion which is disposed at right angles on the main portion. Disadvantageously however no manifold product and sales information can be displayed in a variable manner with such a suspension apparatus.
Known from U.S. Pat. No. 1,910,168 A1 is a cup carrier made of paper or cardboard having a central portion which forms the base of the carrier and having side portions which are connected to the middle portion via the intermediate portions and which enclose a triangular opening in which a cup is held. In this cup carrier however, no manifold product and sales information can be displayed in a variable manner.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,248,234 discloses a folded carrying apparatus for milk bottles which also consists of an opaque piece of cardboard. In a flat central portion the card has a substantially elliptical opening for receiving a bottle neck.
Further known from EP 1 136 971 A2 is a hanging sign having an opening for connection to an elongated article. In this case, a part of the article projecting through the opening remains freely accessible. An expanded content device is accommodated in the hanging sign or connected to its side portion by means of adhesive connection. Therefore no manifold product and sales information can be displayed in a variable manner with this hanging sign.
A different type of packaging apparatus is known, for example, from JP 2003-341718 A. Disclosed therein is a packaging carton for a plurality of beverage cans which is provided with a cover plate having carrying openings, having side portions and having a base plate, which enclose the beverage cans so that only the outer cans are visible and accessible at the short ends of the packaging. In this different type of packaging, an advertising sign can be inserted between the cover plate and the upper side of the cans and fastened in the packaging.
Finally known from WO 2011/020084 A1 is a suspension apparatus having side portions, which each have an opening for suspending on a hook. The side portions are adjoined by an opening plate having a retaining opening in which a part of a bottle can be inserted. Only the outer sides of the side portions are provided for displaying information relating to a bottle so that here also restricted space for product and sales information is available.
Consequently it is the object of the present invention to provide a resistant suspension apparatus of the type mentioned initially with which manifold product and sales information can be displayed in a variable manner with constructively simple means.
According to the invention, an insert for displaying product or sales information is disposed exchangeably in the recess.
As a result of the loose or detachable arrangement of the insert inside the recess, diverse inserts can be disposed in a simple manner in the suspension apparatus according to the invention. This is particularly advantageous for an international sale of the same article since in such a case the product or sales information must be reproduced in various languages. Accordingly, it is possible with the suspension apparatus according to the invention to accommodate in a simple and cost-effective manner inserts in different languages in respectively one suspension apparatus which is otherwise configured to be the same, whereby appreciable savings can be achieved. In addition, the insert can advantageously be exchanged if required if the product or sales information has changed or the same suspension apparatus is used for different types of sales items. In this case, the holding of the insert in the recess is accomplished in particular in a frictionally engaged or form-fitting manner. Other than in the prior art, in which the suspension card itself is provided with an imprint or a stick-on label, the remaining components of the suspension apparatus can be used for different purposes so that a particularly variable design which can be used for different sales items is provided. In addition, simplifications and savings can be achieved in the production of the suspension apparatus. Advantageously, the insert does not additionally have to have a carrying function so that comparatively few requirements with regard to strength and durability can be imposed on the insert. In addition, the insert can be optimised for the display of the information which can relate, for example, to the type and model of the sales product, usage instructions etc. Consequently particularly comprehensive product or sales information can be reproduced via the insert. In addition, the material of the insert can be selected with a view to a visually attractive display of the information.
For the display of product or sales information of different types or in different languages it is favourable if a sheet printed with the product or sales information, in particular a folded sheet, preferably made of a paper material, is provided as insert. Thus, an inexpensive insert is provided which can be removed if necessary and possibly replaced by another insert. When using a paper material for the insert, a particularly simple printing technique can advantageously be used. The folded sheet is particularly suitable for displaying comprehensive product or sales information.
If the insert rests at least in sections against the inner side of one of the side portions, a frictional bond is produced between the contact surfaces whereby a slip-resistant effect is advantageously achieved. An unintentional slipping of the insert from its intended position can thus at least be made difficult. On the other hand, the contact surfaces between the insert and the side portion are free from adhesive layers so that no residues remain when removing the insert.
Preferably the insert extends over substantially the entire height and/or over substantially the entire width of at least one of the side portions. A particularly large area can herewith be provided for displaying the product or sales information. In this case, it is additionally advantageous if the insert in the prescribed position rests against the appurtenant side portion over substantially the entire width and/or over substantially the entire height, with the result that the slip-inhibiting frictional engagement between the contact surfaces is strengthened.
According to a preferred embodiment, the side portions are arranged inclined with respect to one another starting from an abutting edge. The side portions can in this case protrude at an angle from opposite side edges of the base portion which in the suspended state of the suspension apparatus is disposed substantially horizontally. Preferably the side portions and the base portion (in a horizontal arrangement) form a prism with a substantially isosceles triangle as base surface.
In order to secure the insert inside the recess, it is favourable if the insert rests at least in sections against the abutting edge between the side portions. Advantageously the outer edge of the insert is aligned along the abutting edge so that the insert is held in the prescribed position. Preferably separate longitudinal edges of the side portions abut against the abutting edge in particular at an acute angle with respect to one another. However, the side portions can also be joined to one another in one piece at the abutting edge.
In order to secure the insert against undesired release from the recess, it is advantageous if the insert is fixed in the prescribed position between the part of the sales item projecting through the retaining opening and at least one of the side portions. Consequently the insert in the prescribed position is clamped between the sales item and the side portion.
With a view to inexpensive manufacture of the suspension apparatus, it is advantageous if the base portion and the side portions are formed by a preferably one-part blank of a foldable material which is folded along fold lines. In the manufacture a blank is produced from an originally flat material sheet which is formed into the finished suspension apparatus by folding. The blank is preferably designed as a stamped part in this case. Consequently, the suspension apparatus can advantageously be produced in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner from a material sheet.
In order to achieve a particularly durable design, it is advantageous if a plastic film, preferably made of polypropylene, is provided as foldable material. The plastic film advantageously withstands high stresses so that damage to the suspension apparatus can be reliably avoided. If the plastic film is transparent, the product or sales information can be observed through the suspension apparatus.
In order to fix the insert in the prescribed position within the recess, it is additionally advantageous if the insert has a fastener opening for passage of a fastener portion. The insert can be connected detachably to the fastener portion via the fastener opening. In the connected state the insert and the fastener portion are connected positively to one another. Advantageously the insert can herewith be reliably secured against any unintentional release from the recess independently of the position of the suspension apparatus, for example, even in an upside-down position. The fastener portion is preferably part of the suspension apparatus; the fastener opening of the insert can however less preferably also be provided with an external fastening means which is fixed to the suspension apparatus.
If the fastener opening of the insert runs along a fold line of the insert, advantageously only a slight intervention in the insert is required to form the fastener opening. The appearance of the insert is herewith advantageously barely disturbed. In addition, at the fold edge the fastener opening does not use any space required for the display of information. In addition, the formation of the fastener opening on the fold line is particularly simple to manufacture. Preferably the fold line runs between two sheets of an insert formed as a folded sheet.
For holding the insert on the suspension apparatus, it is advantageous if a receiving opening is provided for an end region of the fastener portion guided through the fastener opening of the insert. In order to fix the insert in the prescribed position, the free end region of the fastener portion is guided through the fastener opening of the insert and fixed in the receiving opening. The receiving opening preferably extends on a hanging portion having the suspension opening. According to a less preferred embodiment, the receiving opening is dispensed with, the free end region of the fastener portion being fixed frictionally at an opening edge of the insert delimiting the fastener opening. The receiving opening is preferably configured as an incision which is shaped according to the end region of the fastener portion.
According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a tab portion which can be pivoted from the principal plane of the side portion is provided on one of the side portions.
In order to provide sufficient space for the arrangement of the sales item, it is favourable if a recess for exposing the portion of the sales item projecting through the retaining opening is formed on the side portion in the pivoted position of the tab portion. The tab portion can be transferred between a position lying in the principal plane of the side portion which blocks the recess and a position pivoted with respect to this, which exposes the recess. In the pivoted position of the tab portion, the part of the sales item projecting through the retaining opening can be guided outwards through the recess. Advantageously the internal volume of the suspension apparatus can herewith be kept small with the result that on the one hand, savings of material can be achieved and on the other hand, a space-saving arrangement of several suspension apparatuses one after the other is made possible.
In order to fix the insert detachably with simple means to the suspension apparatus, it is advantageous if the tab portion is configured as a fastener portion for connection to the fastener opening. For fixing the insert in the prescribed position it is therefore merely necessary to bring the tab portion into the pivoted position, where the tab portion is guided through the fastener opening of the insert. Preferably the free end region of the tab portion is additionally fixed in the receiving opening.
For production technology reasons it is preferred if the tab portion is formed by a cut edge from the side portion. Accordingly the tab portion is formed in one part with the side portion. In production the tab portion is cut free from the side portion.
For holding a bottle neck of the drinks bottle, it is favourable if the retaining opening is substantially circular. In use the drinks bottle is preferably fastened positively to the retaining opening. If the drinks bottle has an external thread, the drinks bottle can be screwed by means of the external thread into the retaining opening. Naturally however, it would also be feasible for the sales items to be fixed in the retaining opening by stretching the sections of the base part adjoining the retaining opening.
The invention is explained in further detail hereinafter with reference to a preferred exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings, to which it is not restricted however. In detail in the drawings:
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Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
A 50306/2012 | Jul 2012 | AT | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/AT2013/050140 | 7/22/2013 | WO | 00 |
Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
WO2014/019005 | 2/6/2014 | WO | A |
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
1910168 | Jacobs | May 1933 | A |
2248234 | Hickman | Jul 1941 | A |
2790587 | Contant | Apr 1957 | A |
3519244 | Lidgard | Jul 1970 | A |
4625441 | Fast | Dec 1986 | A |
4706804 | Hall | Nov 1987 | A |
5667070 | Miret | Sep 1997 | A |
5961043 | Samuelson | Oct 1999 | A |
6059101 | Gambardella | May 2000 | A |
6196387 | Hsi-Chang | Mar 2001 | B1 |
6298992 | Tsao | Oct 2001 | B1 |
6877263 | Clark | Apr 2005 | B2 |
7311205 | Adler | Dec 2007 | B2 |
8083126 | Fleming | Dec 2011 | B2 |
8091702 | Keip | Jan 2012 | B1 |
20050087464 | Brattesani | Apr 2005 | A1 |
20050224390 | Auclair | Oct 2005 | A1 |
20060124495 | David | Jun 2006 | A1 |
20080023352 | Creed | Jan 2008 | A1 |
20090184023 | Brollier | Jul 2009 | A1 |
20120153109 | Milbrandt | Jun 2012 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
101115663 | Jan 2008 | CN |
1 136 971 | Sep 2001 | EP |
2655021 | May 1991 | FR |
2003-341718 | Dec 2003 | JP |
2006060857 | Jun 2006 | WO |
2011020084 | Feb 2011 | WO |
Entry |
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Austrian Office Action 2013 No. 1AA 50306/2012 1 Vienna, dated Jun. 2013, to IPC: B65D **Goggle Translation**. |
International Search Report dated Nov. 19, 2013; PCT/AT2013/050140. |
Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority dated Feb. 3, 2015; PCT/AT2013/050140. |
Taiwan Search Report dated May 27, 2015; Application No. 1021277262. |
Taiwan Office Action dated Jun. 2, 2015; Appln. No. 102127262. |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20150196141 A1 | Jul 2015 | US |