APPARATUS TO JOINTLY DISPLAY AN ELECTRONIC SHELF LABEL AND INDICIA

Abstract

The present invention discloses a gripper integrated into an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) store fixture to display indicia jointly with an ESL without obscuring the ESL. Indicia draws a shopper's attention to a promoted product or communicates information to a store's personnel. ESL store fixtures are connected to point of purchase displays, and can either be ESL clips, ESL strips, or ESL protectors. The gripper's fingers, which frictionally hold indicia, are coextruded with the ESL store fixture. The ESL store fixture is made of a hard material such as plastic, and the gripper fingers are made of a softer, rubber-like material. The gripper can be located anywhere on the ESL store fixture, as long as the indicia does not cover the ESL. ESL clips can be attached to shelf edges, peg hooks, wire baskets, floor models, and any other store displays. ESL protectors shield ESLs from impact or disturbance.

Claims

1. An apparatus for simultaneously exhibiting an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) and a printed indicia on a retail store point of purchase display, wherein said apparatus comprises an ESL-engaging portion, said ESL-engaging portion comprises at least two lips to securely retain said ESL, said apparatus comprising a connector to attach said apparatus to said retail store point of purchase display, said apparatus comprises a gripper, said gripper comprising at least one finger for frictional engagement with said indicia, said gripper is adapted to jointly exhibit a printed indicia in concert with said ESL, wherein said gripper facilitates quick and easy installation and removal of said printed indicia.

2. An apparatus for simultaneously exhibiting an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) and printed indica according to claim 1, wherein said retail store point of purchase display is a shelf.

3. An apparatus for simultaneously exhibiting an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) and printed indica according to claim 1, wherein said retail store point of purchase display is a wire grill.

4. An apparatus for simultaneously exhibiting an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) and printed indica according to claim 1, wherein said retail store point of purchase display is a display backing card.

5. An apparatus for simultaneously exhibiting an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) and printed indica according to claim 1, wherein said retail store point of purchase display is a peg hook.

6. An apparatus for simultaneously exhibiting an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) and printed indica according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is attached to a floor model.

7. An apparatus for simultaneously exhibiting an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) and printed indica according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is free-standing.

8. An apparatus for simultaneously exhibiting an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) and printed indica according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is made of extruded plastic, said gripper finger comprises a softer rubber-like material with a higher coefficient of friction than said apparatus, wherein said gripper finger is co-extruded with said apparatus.

9. An apparatus for simultaneously exhibiting an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) and a printed indicia on a retail store point of purchase display, wherein said apparatus comprises a sleeve with at least one opening, wherein said ESL is inserted into said sleeve through said opening, said apparatus comprises an integrated gripper, said gripper comprising at least one finger for frictional engagement with said indicia, said integrated gripper adapted to jointly exhibit a printed indicia in concert with said ESL, wherein said gripper facilitates quick and easy installation and removal of said indicia.

10. An apparatus for simultaneously exhibiting an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) and printed indica according to claim 9, wherein said retail store point of purchase display is a shelf.

11. An apparatus for simultaneously exhibiting an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) and printed indicia according to claim 9, wherein said retail store point of purchase display is a wire grill.

12. An apparatus for simultaneously exhibiting an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) and printed indicia according to claim 9, wherein said retail store point of purchase display is a display backing card.

13. An apparatus for simultaneously exhibiting an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) and printed indicia according to claim 9, wherein said retail store point of purchase display is a peg hook.

14. An apparatus for simultaneously exhibiting an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) and printed indica according to claim 9, wherein said apparatus is attached to a floor model.

15. An apparatus for simultaneously exhibiting an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) and printed indica according to claim 9, wherein said apparatus is free-standing.

16. An apparatus for simultaneously exhibiting an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) and printed indicia according to claim 9, wherein said apparatus is made of extruded plastic, said gripper finger comprises a softer rubber-like material with a higher coefficient of friction than said apparatus, wherein said gripper finger is co-extruded with said apparatus.

17. An apparatus to simultaneously exhibit printed indicia and inhibit dislocation of an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL), wherein said ESL is attached to a retail store point of purchase display, said apparatus comprising a shield adapted to attach to said retail store point of purchase display to inhibit dislocation of said ESL, said apparatus comprises an integrated gripper, said gripper comprising at least one finger for frictional engagement with said indicia, said integrated gripper adapted to cooperatively exhibit a printed indicia in concert with said ESL, wherein said gripper facilitates quick and easy installation and removal of said indicia.

18. An apparatus to simultaneously exhibit printed indicia and inhibit dislocation of an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) according to claim 17, wherein said retail store point of purchase display is a shelf.

19. An apparatus to simultaneously exhibit printed indicia and inhibit dislocation of an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) according to claim 17, wherein said retail store point of purchase display is a wire grill.

20. An apparatus to simultaneously exhibit printed indicia and inhibit dislocation of an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) according to claim 17, wherein said apparatus is made of extruded plastic, said gripper finger comprises a softer rubber-like material with a higher coefficient of friction than said apparatus, wherein said gripper finger is co-extruded with said apparatus.

21. An apparatus to simultaneously exhibit printed indicia and prevent damage of an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL), wherein said ESL is attached to a retail store point of purchase display, said apparatus comprising a casing adapted to attach to said ESL and retail store point of purchase display to prevent damage of said ESL, said apparatus comprises an integrated gripper, said gripper comprising at least one finger for frictional engagement with said indicia, said integrated gripper adapted to cooperatively exhibit a printed indicia in concert with said ESL, wherein said gripper facilitates quick and easy installation and removal of said indicia.

22. An apparatus to simultaneously exhibit printed indicia and prevent damage of an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) according to claim 21, wherein said retail store point of purchase display is a peg hook.

23. An apparatus to simultaneously exhibit printed indicia and inhibit dislocation of an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) according to claim 21, wherein said retail store point of purchase display is a wire grill.

24. An apparatus to simultaneously exhibit printed indicia and inhibit dislocation of an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) according to claim 21, wherein said apparatus is made of extruded plastic, said gripper finger comprises a softer rubber-like material with a higher coefficient of friction than said apparatus, wherein said gripper finger is co-extruded with said apparatus.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a prior art ESL store fixture attachment component for affixing an ESL to a retail shelf edge.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention, namely an ESL store fixture attachment component for affixing an ESL to a retail shelf edge with an integrated gripper.

[0028] FIG. 3 shows a front view of FIG. 2 with an ESL.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a side view of FIG. 2.

[0030] FIG. 5 shows a side view of FIG. 2 with indicia in the gripper.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a front view of FIG. 2 attached to the front edge of a shelf, with an ESL and indicia in the gripper.

[0032] FIG. 7 shows a side view of a variant of the first embodiment attached to a shelf edge, with a gripper above the ESL-engaging portion.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of FIG. 7, with indicia in the gripper.

[0034] FIG. 9 shows a side view of another variant of the first embodiment, with a gripper below and behind the ESL-engaging portion.

[0035] FIG. 10 is a front view of FIG. 9 attached to a shelf edge, with indicia in the gripper.

[0036] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of the present invention, namely an ESL shield for retail shelving.

[0037] FIG. 12 is a side view of FIG. 11.

[0038] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the second embodiment protecting an ESL on a retail shelf.

[0039] FIG. 14 is a front view of FIG. 13.

[0040] FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the third embodiment of the present invention, namely an ESL casing for an ESL mounted on wire rack.

[0041] FIG. 16 is a side view of FIG. 15.

[0042] FIG. 17 shows a front view of FIG. 15 with an ESL and indicia in the gripper.

[0043] FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a variant of the third embodiment with a gripper below the ESL.

[0044] FIG. 19 is a side view of FIG. 18.

[0045] FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of FIG. 15 in use on a wire rack, with an ESL, and indicia in the gripper.

[0046] FIG. 21 shows the apparatus seen on FIG. 7, with a wire-engaging clip, attached to a peg hook cross-brace.

[0047] FIG. 22 shows the apparatus seen on FIG. 26 attached to a peg hook's flat mount via adhesive.

[0048] FIG. 23 demonstrates the apparatus seen on FIG. 26 glued to a backing card, which is attached to a floor model bicycle handlebar.

[0049] FIG. 24 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention, being a free-standing ESL display with an ESL.

[0050] FIG. 25 shows a prior art ESL store fixture attachment component for affixing an ESL to a flat surface via an adhesive.

[0051] FIG. 26 shows another variant of the first embodiment, being an ESL store fixture attachment component for affixing an ESL to a flat surface via an adhesive.

[0052] FIG. 27 demonstrates the invention seen on FIG. 26, glued to a shelf edge.

[0053] FIG. 28 shows a prior art of an ESL store fixture attachment component for affixing an ESL to a wire basket.

[0054] FIG. 29 shows the apparatus of FIG. 21 attached to a wire basket.

[0055] FIG. 30 shows a prior art of a protecting sleeve that is slid onto an ESL.

[0056] FIG. 31 shows the prior art of FIG. 30 being slid onto an ESL.

[0057] FIG. 32 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention, being an improvement over prior art shown on FIGS. 30 and 31, with an integrated gripper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] The present invention enables a retail store to display indicia such as cards together with an ESL without obscuring the ESL's display. Such indicia can be easily installed and removed by store employees, and increases persuasiveness to purchase promoted products.

[0059] Indicia is simply slid between overlapping resilient fingers located in the integrated gripper, and is firmly held in the gripper until removed. A typical gripper's finger can be described as a compliant mechanism that flexes and returns to its original position due to its elastic body deformation.

[0060] The key to the invention's functionality is coextrusion: the apparatus is formed from a rigid plastic material, and the gripper fingers, made of a softer rubber-like material, are coextruded onto the interior faces of the gripper simultaneously during the manufacturing process. Another possible method to manufacture the invention is to coextrude a softer rubber-like coating onto the gripper's fingers.

[0061] The gripper's fingers must have a higher coefficient of friction than the apparatus. If the apparatus is made of the same softer rubber-like material as the gripper's fingers, it will not firmly hold the ESL, and inversely, if the gripper's fingers are made of the same hard plastic as the apparatus, they will not have enough friction to securely retain indicia.

[0062] The rigidity of plastics is measured with a unit called “duro”, measured with a Shore durometer, measured either in A scale (softer materials) or D scale (harder materials). Durometer numbers represent a relative comparison of hardness between different but similar materials that have had their hardness measured using the same durometer scale, device and measurement standard. The higher the duro number, the more rigid the product. In the present invention, every component except for gripper fingers (and sometimes joint between ESL store fixture attachment apparatus and gripper) is made of a rigid plastic measuring between 65D and 90D duro, and gripper fingers are made of a softer, rubber-like plastic measuring between 35A and 60A duro.

[0063] A gripper for indicia can be located anywhere in proximity to an ESL, thus enabling a store to increase visibility, appeal, value, and desirability of the product that is being flagged with the indicia.

[0064] Referring to drawings, FIG. 1 shows a prior art ESL store fixture attachment apparatus 1 (“ESL clip” hereon) for affixing an ESL to a shelf edge 16, comprising shelf-engaging clip 4 that mates to a shelf edge 16 (seen on FIG. 7), with ESL-engaging lips 6 and ESL display socket 8.

[0065] ESL clips are essential to a store, and generally have two components: one holds an ESL, and the other attaches the clip to something in the store. The part of the ESL clip that holds the ESL has one job (and it does it well), but the part that is attached to something in the store can vary depending on the application. Thus, there are catalogs of ESL clips for flat horizontal surfaces, flat vertical surfaces, hinged joints, clipped inside 4-foot shelf edge adapters (as in FIG. 7), attached to floor models, wire baskets, and anywhere else the store needs it.

[0066] The present invention is an addition to the part of the ESL clip that rarely changes. No matter how and where the ESL clip is attached, a card in the gripper will grab a shopper's attention.

[0067] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention for an improved ESL clip 2 comprising a shelf-engaging clip 4 at the rear of apparatus 2, ESL-engaging lips 6, an ESL display socket 8, and a gripper 10 located below lower lip 6. FIG. 3 shows a front view of the invention as seen on FIG. 2 with ESL 34 held in display socket 8 with lips 6.

[0068] FIG. 4 is a side view of FIG. 2, showing gripper 10's coextruded fingers 12, fingers 12's tips facing each other, staggered, and overlapping. Gripper 10 is attached to ESL clip 2 by joint 11. Joint 11 can be either made of the same harder plastic as ESL clip 2, or coextruded of the same softer rubber-like material as fingers 12. In the latter, joint 11 will offer a degree of flexibility between ESL clip 2 and gripper 10, thus offering a range of movement for gripper 10 with indicia 14 if bumped or disturbed. FIG. 5 shows the invention seen on FIG. 4 with indicia 14 inserted between fingers 12.

[0069] FIG. 6 shows the invention seen on FIG. 2 in use, with apparatus 2 attached to shelf edge 16 holding ESL 34, products 20 displayed behind apparatus 2, and indicia 14 inserted into gripper 10.

[0070] FIG. 7 is a side view of a first variant of the first preferred embodiment apparatus 2, wherein shelf-engaging clip 4 is attached to shelf edge 16, and a gripper 10 located above upper lip 6. Shelf edge 16 comprises a C-shaped channel to receive shelf-engaging clip 4. Shelf edge 16 is typically a 4-feet segment, and apparatus 2 can be attached to shelf edge 16 at any point in this segment.

[0071] FIG. 8 demonstrates a perspective view of the first variant of the first preferred embodiment in use, with products 20 located behind apparatus 2, and indicia 14 inserted into gripper 10.

[0072] FIG. 9 shows a second variant of the first preferred embodiment, comprising a gripper 10 behind lower lip 6. FIG. 10 shows a front view of the second variant of the first preferred embodiment apparatus 2, with indicia 14 inserted into gripper 10, and products 20 behind apparatus 2.

[0073] FIG. 11 shows a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, namely a shield 22 for protecting a shelf-mounted ESL. Shield 22 comprises a shelf-engaging portion 24 being coplanar to shelf 18 (seen on FIG. 13), an ESL-covering portion 26 at an angle to shelf-engaging portion 24, and a gripper 10 depending from ESL-covering portion 26 via joint 11. As in FIG. 4, joint 11 can be either made of the same harder plastic as ESL shield 22, or coextruded of the same softer rubber-like material as fingers 12. In the latter, joint 11 will offer a degree of flexibility between ESL shield 22 and gripper 10, thus offering a range of movement for gripper 10 with indicia 14 if bumped or disturbed.

[0074] FIG. 12 is a side view of FIG. 11, showing fingers 12 facing each other, staggered and overlapping.

[0075] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of shield 22 protecting ESL 34 engaged in a prior art ESL clip 1 (seen on FIG. 1), which is attached to shelf edge 16 with shelf-engaging clip 4. Shield 22's shelf-engaging portion 24 is attached to shelf 18 by rivets 32 that pass through holes 28 located in shelf-engaging portion 24, and holes 30 in shelf 18. A gripper 10, depending from ESL-covering portion 26, permits installation of indicia 14. Thus, apparatus 22 protects ESL 34 from undesirable disturbance or dislocation by outside forces such as shopping carts.

[0076] FIG. 14 is a front view of the invention seen on FIG. 13, with products 20 located behind ESL 34, while being protected by apparatus 22.

[0077] FIG. 15 demonstrates a perspective view of the third preferred embodiment of the present invention, namely casing 36 for protecting a wire-mounted ESL, casing 36 being of a “C”-shaped configuration, comprising a rear lip 40, a top portion 38, a front face 42, and a bottom tongue 44. Gripper 10 is attached to the outside edge of top portion 38, proximal to front face 42.

[0078] FIG. 16 shows a side view of the invention seen on FIG. 15. Joint 11 connects gripper 10 to casing 36. Joint 11 can be either made of the same harder plastic as casing 36, or coextruded of the same softer rubber-like material as fingers 12. In the latter, joint 11 will offer a degree of flexibility between casing 36 and gripper 10, thus offering a range of movement for gripper 10 with indicia 14 if bumped or disturbed.

[0079] FIG. 17 is a front view of the invention seen on FIG. 15. ESL 34 is mounted on wire 46 of wire basket 45 by fixture attachment component 1 (as shown on FIG. 28). Apparatus 36 is installed over ESL 34, wire 46, and component 1, with indicia 14 inserted into gripper 10. Products 20 appear behind apparatus 36.

[0080] FIG. 18 demonstrates a perspective view of a variant of the third preferred embodiment of the present invention 36, comprising gripper 10 depending below bottom tongue 44. FIG. 19 is a side view of FIG. 18. FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of the variant seen on FIG. 18 in use, with ESL 34 attached to wire 46, apparatus 36 installed onto ESL 34 and wire 46, and indicia 14 inserted into gripper 10.

[0081] FIG. 21 shows an ESL clip 2 of the present invention attached to a peg hook 48 equipped with a cross-brace 50. ESL clip 2 is attached to cross-brace 50 with a wire-engaging clip 52, and includes gripper 10 above clip 52.

[0082] FIG. 21 shows an ESL clip 2 adapted to be glued to a vertical flat surface. In FIG. 21, ESL clip 2 is glued to a flat mount 51 at the tip of a peg hook 48. Gripper 10 is depending from the lower lip 6.

[0083] FIG. 23 demonstrates an ESL clip glued to a display card 54, which is attached to a handlebar of a floor model bicycle 20. Display card 54 can be made of a durable material such as cardboard or plexiglass.

[0084] FIG. 24 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention, namely a free-standing ESL display 56, typically made of a transparent plastic. Display 56 comprises a retaining lip 57 that creates a channel for an ESL 34 to be slid into thus immobilizing ESL 34. Gripper 10, attached to ESL display 56 via joint 11, is coextruded with display 56. Joint 11 can be either made of the same harder plastic as ESL display 56, or coextruded of the same softer rubber-like material as fingers 12. In the latter, joint 11 will offer a degree of flexibility between ESL display 56 and gripper 10, thus offering a range of movement for gripper 10 with indicia 14 if bumped or disturbed.

[0085] FIG. 25 is a side view of a prior art ESL clip 1 for mounting on a flat vertical surface with adhesive 60. Clip 1 comprises an ESL display socket 8 and lips for retaining ESL 6. FIG. 26 is an inventive improved ESL clip 2 over the ESL clip 1 seen on FIG. 25 with the addition of gripper 10. FIG. 27 demonstrates ESL clip 2 holding ESL 34, glued onto shelf edge 16 with indicia 14 in gripper 10, drawing attention to products 20.

[0086] FIG. 28 shows a prior art ESL clip 1 attached to wire 46 of wire basket 45 with wire-engaging clip 52, lips 6 retaining ESL 34. FIG. 29 shows an inventive improved ESL clip 2 over the ESL clip 1 seen on FIG. 28 with the addition of gripper 10.

[0087] FIG. 30 is a prior art slip-on ESL protector 62 comprising ESL-covering portion 66 and wings 64 that envelop ESL 34 (seen on FIG. 31). FIG. 31 demonstrates insertion of ESL 34 into ESL protector 62, wherein wings 64 abut the sides of ESL 34, thus retaining ESL protector 62 on ESL 34. FIG. 32 demonstrates an improved ESL protector 62 on ESL 34 attached to shelf edge 16 with products 20, with gripper 10 attached to ESL protector 62 via joint 11, gripper 10 holding insignia 14. Joint 11 can be either made of the same harder plastic as ESL protector 62, or coextruded of the same softer rubber-like material as fingers 12. In the latter, joint 11 will offer a degree of flexibility between ESL protector 62 and gripper 10, thus offering a range of movement for gripper 10 with indicia 14 if bumped or disturbed.

[0088] It should be noted that there are many more methods of attaching an ESL clip, strip, or ESL protector, to a shelf. The main purpose of the present invention is the addition of a gripper 10 to any ESL fixture so that indicia 14 is firmly displayed in gripper 10, and does not obscure the ESL 34.

[0089] For reference, the following numbers identify the following elements: [0090] 1—prior art ESL fixture attachment component [0091] 2—apparatus for retaining ESL on shelf front [0092] 4—shelf-engaging clip [0093] 6—lips for retaining ESL [0094] 8—ESL display socket [0095] 10—gripper [0096] 11—gripper joint [0097] 12—gripper fingers [0098] 14—indicia [0099] 16—shelf edge [0100] 18—shelf [0101] 20—products [0102] 22—apparatus for protecting shelf ESL [0103] 24—shelf-engaging portion of 22 [0104] 26—ESL-covering portion of 22 [0105] 28—holes in 24 [0106] 30—holes in shelf [0107] 32—rivets [0108] 34—ESL [0109] 36—apparatus for protecting wire ESL [0110] 38—top portion of 36 [0111] 40—rear lip of 36 [0112] 42—front face of 36 [0113] 44—bottom tongue of 36 [0114] 45—wire basket [0115] 46—wire [0116] 48—peghook [0117] 50—peghook cross-brace [0118] 51—peghook flat mount [0119] 52—2 with wire-engaging clip [0120] 54—backing card [0121] 56—free-standing display [0122] 57—retaining lip of 56 [0123] 58—glue-on apparatus [0124] 60—adhesive [0125] 62—slip-on apparatus [0126] 64—wings of slip-on apparatus [0127] 66—ESL-covering portion of slip-on apparatus