GB2589832A

GB2589832A - Display Device

Info

Publication number: GB2589832A
Application number: GB1915203.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Guy Howsam Christopher; Vahrman Julian
Original assignee: Wild Things Gifts Ltd
Current assignee: Wild Things Gifts Ltd
Priority date: 2019-10-21
Filing date: 2019-10-21
Publication date: 2021-06-16
Also published as: GB201915203D0

Abstract

A display device such as a cabinet 1 includes a column 6 to which at least one support 7 is releasably mounted at one of a plurality of positions and along which a conductor 60 (figure 6) is disposed. When the support 7 is mounted to the pillar 6, at least one lighting element 77 (figure 6) of the support 7 surrounds the pillar and is connected to an adjacent portion of the conductor 60 to receive electrical power. The device 1 may include a base 2 to which the column 6 is connected, optionally by a rotatable connection means which also connects a conductor in the base 2 to the column conductor 60. This connection means may allow the post 6 to be removed from the base 2. The support 7 may include display arms 70 from which decorative items such as jewellery and charms can be hung.

Description

DISPLAY DEVICE

This invention relates generally to display device. More specifically, although not exclusively, this invention relates to illuminated display cabinets for displaying decorative items, such as jewellery and charms.

Display devices for jewellery and charms are well known and range from cabinets with shelves, upon which items of jewellery and charms may be placed, to intricate display stands suited specifically for hanging jewellery and charms. This invention is particularly, io although not exclusively, concerned with such hanging items.

GB2181049 discloses a display stand for items such as jewellery, which includes a base, a column upstanding from the base and a plurality of comb-shaped support members arranged in vertically spaced apart groups. The support members in each group are angularly spaced relative to one another about the column, with their teeth upstanding and the free ends of the teeth uppermost. The column is configured to rotate relative to the base for viewing.

It is also known to house such display stands within a cabinet and to illuminate the cabinet.

This can be particularly advantageous when the jewellery or charms are of the kind which redirect light, for example through reflection, refraction and/or dispersal, to provide an attractive sparkling effect.

It would be advantageous to provide an improved display device which is adapted to improve or optimise such lighting characteristics. It would also be advantageous to provide a display device that is adaptable for different sizes and/or types of items to be displayed.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides a display device comprising a base, a column upstanding from the base and a support releasably mounted to the column, e.g. at one of a plurality of positions, the support comprising one or more light emitting elements at least partially surrounding the column, wherein the column comprises a conductor along at least part of its length for carrying electrical power therealong and the or each light emitting element of the support is connected to an adjacent portion of the column conductor to receive, in use, electrical power therefrom.

Thus, the invention provides a display device with adjustable supports able to simultaneously support and illuminate items to be displayed.

The column may be rotatable, e.g. relative to the base. The column may be mounted to the base by a connection means, e.g. a rotatable connection means. The base may comprise a conductor, which may be connected or connectable to a source of power. The column conductor may be electrically connected to the base conductor, e.g. via the connection means.

io The base or base conductor may comprise a mains power connector, e.g. for connecting the base conductor to a source of mains power. The mains power connector may comprise a plug top power supply. Additionally or alternatively, the base may comprise an energy storage means, such as one or more batteries. Additionally or alternatively, the base may comprise an energy capture means, such as one or more solar energy capture means, e.g. one or more solar panels.

The or each light emitting element of the support is connected to an adjacent portion of the column conductor to receive, in use, electrical power therefrom The support may comprise a conductive element. The conductive element may be engaged or engageable, e.g. releasably engageable, with the column conductor, for example to enable or for enabling the support to be moved between the plurality of mounting positions. The conductive element of the support may be connected, e.g. electrically connected, to the light emitting element(s).

The support may comprise an actuator, e.g. for selectively urging the conductive element against the column conductor. The actuator may be movable between engaged and disengaged condition or positions. The support may be secured to the column, e.g. when the actuator is in the engaged condition or position. Additionally or alternatively, the or each light emitting element of the support may be electrically connected to the column conductor, e.g. when the actuator is in the engaged condition or position. Additionally or alternatively, the support may be movable relative to the column, e.g. when the actuator is in the engaged condition or position. More specifically, the support may be movable relative to the column between the plurality of positions.

The base conductor may comprise one of two or more, e.g. a pair of, base conductors. The column conductor may comprise one of two or more, e.g. a pair of, column conductors, which may be electrically connected to a respective one of the base conductors. The conductive element of the support may comprise one of two or more, e.g. a pair of, conductive elements. Each conductive element may be engaged or engageable, e.g. releasably engageable, with a respective one of the column conductors, for example to enable the support to be removed or moved with respect to the column.

The support may comprise two or more, e.g. a pair of, actuators. Each actuator may be for o selectively urging one of the conductive elements against a respective column conductor.

The actuators may be movable between engaged and disengaged conditions or positions. The support may be secured to the column, e.g. when the actuators are in the engaged condition or position. Additionally or alternatively, the or each light emitting element of the support may be electrically connected to the column conductors, e.g. when the actuators are in the engaged condition or position. Additionally or alternatively, the support may be movable relative to the column, e.g. when the actuators are in the engaged condition or position.

The column conductors are preferably spaced from one another and/or isolated, e.g. electrically isolated, from one another. The column conductors may, but need not, be on opposite sides of the column. The conductive elements may be on opposite sides of the support. The column may be clamped between the conductive elements, e.g. when they are engaged with the column conductors. The actuators may be on opposite sides of the support. The column may be clamped between the actuators, e.g. when they are in the engaged position or condition.

The actuator(s) may comprise a screw, which may be received within and/or threadedly engage a hole in or associated with the support. The screw may comprise a grub screw or a thumb screw. Alternatively, the actuator(s) may comprise a latch mechanism, e.g. a toggle/lever type latch, or any other suitable actuation means. In some embodiments, the actuator is associated with the column. The conductive element may comprise a conductive track, which may be electrically connected to the light emitting element(s). The conductive track may comprise a plate or strip, which may be movable, deformable, flexible and/or resilient.

In some examples, the or each conductive element comprises a grub screw. The support may comprise a conductor, e.g. a respective conductor, which may electrically connect the grub screw to the light emitting element(s). The support may comprise a hole or a respective hole, which may be threaded. The hole(s) may be formed of a conductive material and/or may receive and/or engage the or a respective grub screw. The or each grub screw may be movable between engaged and disengaged condition or positions. The support may be secured to the column, e.g. when the or each grub screw is in the engaged condition or position. Additionally or alternatively, the or each light emitting element of the support may be electrically connected to the column conductor, e.g. when the or each grub screw is in io the engaged condition or position. Additionally or alternatively, the support may be movable relative to the column, e.g. when the or each grub screw is in the engaged condition or posifion.The support may be movable relative to the column between the plurality of positions.

The rotatable connection means may provide a rotatable electrical connection, e.g. between the column conductor(s) and the base conductor(s). The rotatable connection means may comprise a slip ring, such as a pancake slip ring, or other suitable rotatable electrical connection means.

The display device may comprise a display cabinet, which may include an enclosure. The display device or cabinet may comprise a top or top wall and/or one or more side walls and/or one or more doors.

The door(s) may be rotatable about the column and/or along the periphery of the base and/or along a periphery of the top. The door(s) may comprise one or more arms, which may extend, e.g. inwardly, therefrom and/or which may rotatably mount the door(s) to the base or top. The or each door may comprise a first or lower arm connecting, e.g. rotatably connecting, the door to the base. The or each door may comprise a second or upper arm connecting, e.g. rotatably connecting, the door to the top. The arm(s) connected to the base may be connected thereto by a bearing or bushing, e.g. a respective bearing or bushing.

The arm(s) connected to the top may be connected thereto by a bearing or bushing, e.g. a respective bearing or bushing. The or each arm may connect the or one of the door(s) to a bearing or bushing, e.g. a respective bearing or bushing. The or each arm may be connected to the door or one of the doors at one end, e.g. a first end, and/or to a bearing or bushing at or adjacent its other end, e.g. a second end. The bearing(s) or bushing(s) may be mounted, e.g. rotatably mounted, to or within the base or the top.

The door(s) may comprise one or more, e.g. a plurality of, rollers, which may be rotatably mounted thereto. The or each door may comprise one or more rollers rotatably mounted to an upper portion thereof and/or one or more rollers rotatably mounted to a lower portion thereof. The roller(s) mounted to the upper portion of the or each door may engage, e.g. rollingly engage, the top. The roller(s) mounted to the lower portion of the or each door may engage, e.g. rollingly engage, the bottom.

The column may be connected, e.g. releasably connected, to the top. The column may extend from the base to the top or between the base and the top. The column may be within or received within the enclosure. The column may be surrounded by the side wall(s) and/or the door(s). The side wall(s) and/or the door(s) may surround the column.

The column may be releasably mounted to the base, e.g. by the connection means. The column may be releasably mounted to the top, e.g. by a further connection means. The releasable mounting may be for enabling or configured to enable the column to be removed, in use, from the display device or cabinet.

The or each connection means may comprise a releasable connection means, for example a releasable connection or coupling. At least one of the releasable connection means may be sprung or biased, e.g. resiliently biased, e.g. into engagement with the column. At least one of the releasable connection means may comprise biasing means, e.g. resilient biasing means, for engaging and/or holding and/or coupling and/or retaining the column, e.g. relative to the base, device or cabinet. The column may be removable, for example by countering the bias. Countering the bias may decouple the column from the base and/or the top. The resilient biasing means may comprise a spring or other suitable resilient member.

The or each base conductor may be releasably connected to the or a respective column conductor. The releasable connection may comprise a resilient contact of the connection means associated with the base. The or each resilient contact may be connected, e.g. operably and/or electrically connected, to the slip ring. The or each resilient contact may be connected, e.g. operably and/or electrically connected, to the or a respective base conductor via the slip ring. The or each resilient contact may comprise a sprung pin or a resilient tab.

The light emitting element(s) may comprise a light emitting ring, which may surround or at least partially surround the column. The light emitting ring may comprise an angel eye light.

The light emitting element(s) may comprise a plurality of light emitting elements arranged, e.g. spaced, about the column, for example to provide an interrupted ring. The light emitting element(s) may comprise light emitting diode(s).

io The support may comprise a collet, e.g. a support collet. The support may comprise one or more, e.g. a plurality of, arms, which may extend therefrom. The arm(s) may be for supporting hanging jewellery or charms. The or each arm may comprise one or more hooks. The or each arm may be removably or releasably mounted or connected to the support. The or each arm may comprise a connection means or feature, e.g. for connection with a corresponding connection means or feature of the support. One of the connection means or features may comprise a socket or receptacle. The other of the connection means or features may comprise a plug or projection, which may be receivable within the socket or receptacle. The support may comprise one or more, e.g. a plurality of, sockets, e.g. for engagingly receiving the arm or a portion thereof, e.g. a respective arm or arm portion.

The support may comprise a shelf, e.g. for supporting jewellery or charms. The shelf may be removably mounted and/or releasably secured to the support. The support may comprise one or more tabs, which may engage and/or retain the shelf. The shelf may be removably mounted and/or releasably secured to the support by a bayonet connection. The shelf may comprise one or more slots, for example through which the or a respective tab of the support may be inserted, e.g. when the shelf is in a first orientation. The tab may engage an adjacent portion of the shelf, e.g. when the shelf is in a second orientation, different from the first orientation. The shelf may comprise a lock feature, which may cooperate with a lock feature of the support, for example in the second orientation. The lock feature of the support may be included on or in the or each tab. The lock feature of the support may comprise a projection or ridge and/or the lock feature of the shelf may comprise a recess, aperture, hole, slot. Alternatively, the lock feature of the shelf may comprise a projection or ridge and/or the lock feature of the support may comprise a recess, aperture, hole, slot.

The shelf may comprise an aperture or hole, which may be central and/or which may receive the column. The slot(s) may extend from the aperture or hole. The slot(s) may comprise a pair of slots, for example on either side of the aperture or hole. The lock feature(s) of the shelf may be between the slots. In examples, the shelf comprises a pair of lock features adjacent and/or extending from either side of the aperture or hole and/or between the slots. The shelf may be rotatable between first and second orientations. The or each slot of the shelf may be aligned with the or a respective tab of the support in the first orientation. The or each tab of the support may be out of alignment with the or a respective slot of the shelf in the second orientation. The or each locking feature of the io support may engage the or a respective locking feature of the shelf in the second orientation.

Another aspect of the invention provides a kit of parts for assembly into a display device, e.g. as described above. The kit may comprise a column, which may have a conductor along at least part of its length, e.g. for carrying electrical power therealong. The kit may comprise a support, which may be releasably mountable to the column, e.g. at one of a plurality of positions. The support may comprise one or more light emitting elements. When the support is mounted to the column, the light emitting element(s) may at least partially surround the column. When the support is mounted to the column, the light emitting element(s) may be connected to an adjacent portion of the column conductor, e.g. for receiving electrical power therefrom.

The kit may comprise a base. The base may comprise rotatable connection means, e.g. for releasably mounting the column to the base. The base may comprise a conductor, which may be connectable to a source of power. The column conductor may be electrically connectable to the base conductor, for example via the rotatable connection means.

The kit may comprise a top. The top may comprise a further rotatable connection means, e.g. for releasably mounting the column to the top. Each rotatable connection means may comprise a releasable coupling. At least one of the rotatable connection means may comprise a resilient biasing means, e.g. for biasing the coupling into engagement with the column. As such, the column may be removable by countering the bias, for exampe to disconnect or decouple the column from the base and/or the top.

The kit may comprise one or more, e.g. a plurality of, arms. The arms may be releasably connectable to the support. The kit may comprise a shelf. The shelf may be releasably mountable to the support.

The aforementioned components or features may comprise any one or more additional features as described above in relation to the display device. The kit may comprise any one or more features of the display device described above.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method, for example a method of assembling a io display device or a method of adapting a display device to one or more items to be displayed thereby or therein. The method may comprise adjusting the position of a support along a column to one of a plurality of positions and connecting or securing the support relative to the column such that one or more light emitting elements of the support, which at least partially surround the column, connect to an adjacent portion of a conductor which extends along at least part of the column, thereby to enable the light emitting element(s) to receive, in use, electrical power from the column conductor.

For the avoidance of doubt, any of the features described herein apply equally to any aspect of the invention. For example, the display device may comprise any one or more features of the kit relevant thereto or vice versa. Similarly, the method may comprise any one or more features or steps relevant to one or more features of the display device or kit or vice versa.

Another aspect of the invention provides a computer program element comprising and/or describing and/or defining a three-dimensional design for use with a simulation means or a three-dimensional additive or subtractive manufacturing means or device, e.g. a three-dimensional printer or CNC machine, the three-dimensional design comprising an embodiment of the display device described above or one or more components thereof.

A yet further aspect of the invention provides the computer program element embodied on a computer readable medium.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination.That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible.

For the avoidance of doubt, the terms "may", "and/or", "e.g.", "for example" and any similar term as used herein should be interpreted as non-limiting such that any feature so-described need not be presentlndeed, any combination of optional features is expressly envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not these are expressly claimed.The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or to file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display cabinet shown with the doors closed; Figure 2 is a view similar to that of Figure 1 with the doors of the display cabinet open; Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 2 with the column removed from the display cabinet; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the door assembly of the display cabinet of Figures 1 to 3; Figure 5 is a partial exploded view illustrating the upper and lower coupling assemblies and the column with one of the supports mounted thereto; Figure 6 is a partial section view of Figure 5, illustrating the support collet mounted to the column; Figure 7 is an exploded view of the support collet assembly; Figure 8 is a partial section view of the upper coupling coupled to the column; Figure 9 is a partial section view of the lower coupling; Figure 10 is an exploded view of the lower coupling; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a removable shelf to be mounted to the support collet; and Figure 12 is a partial perspective view of the connection between the support collet t() and the shelf of Figure 11.

Referring now to Figures 1 to 3, there is shown a display cabinet 1 according to an example, which includes an enclosure 10 having a base 2, a top 3, a peripheral wall 4 and a pair of doors 5a, 5b. As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the display cabinet 1 also includes a column 6 received within the enclosure 10 and a pair of support collets 7 releasably mounted to the column 6 at spaced positions. The column 6 is releasably and rotatably coupled to each of the base 2 to the top 3 and extends between them.

Each of the support collets 7 includes a plurality of display arms 70, which project upwardly therefrom. Each of display arms 70 curves to depend downwardly and splits to form a pair of hooks 70a, 70b at its free end. A further hook 70c depends from an intermediate portion of the display arms 70. The hooks 70a, 70b, 70c are configured to support hanging jewellery and charms (not shown).

Each of the base 2 and top 3 has a symmetric lens-shape, or leaf-shape, in plan. The peripheral wall 4 and doors 5a, 5b are formed of transparent material, clear acrylic in this example. The peripheral wall 4 includes a first panel 40, extending from a first side of the base 2 to a corresponding side of the top 3. The peripheral wall 4 also includes a pair of second panels 41 which extend between outer end portions of a second side of each of the base 2 and the top 3 and describe between them an opening 0. The doors 5a, 5b extend between the second panels 41, thereby spanning and covering the opening 0. As such, the base 2, top 3, peripheral wall 4 and doors 5a, 5b of the enclosure 10 together describe a cavity between them, for displaying decorative items such as jewellery and charms.

The doors 5a, 5b are movable along the base 2 and top 3, about the column 6, to reveal the opening 0. More specifically, the base 2 and top 3 each have a circular recess 20, 30, adjacent its periphery. Lower portions of the doors 5a, 5b are received within the circular recess 20 in the base 2 and the doors 5a, 5b are movable therealong. Similarly, the circular recess 30 of the top 3 receives upper portions of the doors 5a, 5b. The recesses 20, 30 delineate inner, circular housings 21, 31 to which the column 6 is rotatably connected.

As illustrated in Figure 4, each door 5a, 5b is curved to form a part-cylinder and includes a part-circular cutout C along the edge that abuts the other door 5b, 5a when the doors 5a, 5b are closed. These cutouts C enable a user to grip the doors 5a, 5b to move them between open and closed positions. Each door 5a, 5b is also connected to an upper central hub 50 by a pair of spaced arms 52 and to a lower central hub 51 by a further pair of spaced arms 53. Each hub 50, 51 includes a pair of stacked bushings 50a, 50b, 51a, 51b and each door 5 is secured to a respective one of the bushings 50a, 50b, 51a, 51b by the arms 52, 53.

As such, the first door 5a and its bushings 50a, 51a are rotatable about a central axis of the hubs 50, 51 and relative to the second door 5b and its bushings 50a, 51a, and vice versa. Each door 5a, 5b also includes a pair of rollers 54, one of which is rotatably mounted at the connection between a respective one of the arms 52, 53 and the door 5a, 5b.

In the assembled condition, illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the rollers 54 are rollably received within the recesses 20, 30 in the base 2 and the top 3. The arms 52, 53 extend into the inner housings 21, 31 of the base 2 and top 3 and the central hubs 50, Si are rotatably mounted within the centre of the inner housings 21, 31, such that they are coaxial with the column 6.

Referring now to Figures 5 to 7, the column 6 is removably coupled to the base 2 by a lower coupling 8 and to the top 3 by an upper coupling 9. The column 6 has a hexagonal cross-section and includes a pair of electrically conductive wires 60 embedded along opposed corner edges. In other embodiments, these wires 60 are replaced with other conductive means, such as conductive plates mounted to flat sides of the column 6 or even conductive tracks printed thereon.

Each of the support collets 7 includes a main body 71 having a circular disc 72 with an angled flange 73 depending from the periphery of the disc 72, a hexagonal central hole 74 and a plurality of rectangular sockets 75 spaced about the central hole 74 for receiving the display arms 70. The central hole 74 extends through the disc 72 and is surrounded by a mounting hub 74a that depends from the centre thereof.

Each socket 75 also extends through the disc 72 and is surrounded by a peripheral wall 75a depending therefrom. Each support collet 7 includes a bayonet connector 76 projecting upwardly from the disc 72 and surrounding the central hole 74. The bayonet connector 76 io includes a pair of opposed part-circular walls 76a and a radial tab 76b projecting outwardly from an upper central portion of each part-circular wall 76a, thereby providing a pair of radial tabs 76b projecting away from one another.

Each support collet 7 also includes a light emitting ring 77, for example an angel eye light, a pair of L-shaped clamping brackets 78, a pair of nuts 79a and a pair of grub screws 79b.

The light emitting ring 77 is secured to the underside of the disc 72, inboard of its periphery, and includes a pair of leads 77a for receiving electrical power to illuminate the light emitting ring 77.

Each L-shaped clamping bracket 78 is formed of a resilient, electrically conductive material with one leg 78a secured to the underside of the disc 72, in electrical contact with one of the leads 77a of the light emitting ring 77. In this example, the leads 77a are soldered to the clamping bracket 78, but other arrangements are also envisaged. The other leg 78b of each clamping bracket 78 depends into the mounting hub 74a, adjacent a corner edge of the hexagonal hole 74. Each nut 79a is received within the mounting hub 74a, adjacent the depending leg 78b of one of the clamping brackets 78, and one of the grub screws 79b is received within, and threadedly engages, each nut 79a.

As illustrated in Figure 6, the grub screws 79b are threadedly adjustable within the nuts 79a to urge the adjacent leg 78b of the clamping bracket 78 toward the hexagonal hole 74. The column 6 is received within the hexagonal hole 74 of the support collet 7, with its conductive wires 60 aligned with the depending legs 78b of the clamping brackets 78.

As such, the grub screws 79b cooperate with the nuts 79a to provide actuators for selectively urging the depending legs 78b of the conductive clamping brackets 78 against the conductive wires 60 of the column 6. In this, engaged position the support collet 7 is secured to the column 6 and the light emitting ring 77 is electrically connected to the conductive wires 60 of the column 6. Retraction of the grub screws 79b disengages the support collet 7 from the column 6 and the support collet 7 is therefore movable along the column 6.

Turning now to Figure 8, the upper coupling 9 is shown, which includes a housing 90, a coupling member 91 for releasably engaging an upper end of the column 6, a compression spring 92 for biasing the coupling member 91 into engagement with the column 6 and a ball 92a between the spring 92 and the coupling member 91. The housing 90 includes a receptacle 93 within which the coupling member 91 is reciprocable and a radial lip 93a projecting inwardly at the end of the housing 90 adjacent the column 6. The coupling member 91 is in the form of a hollow cylinder, open at one end and closed at the other end, a radial flange 94, surrounding the open end and projecting outwardly therefrom, and a substantially hemispherical protrusion 95 extending axially from its closed end for engaging a correspondingly shaped recess 61 in the upper end of the column 6. The ball 92a and spring 92 are received within the coupling member 91 and engage its closed end and the radial flange 94 of the coupling member 91 cooperates with the radial lip 93a of the housing 90 to prevent the coupling member 91 from being biased out of the receptacle 93 of the housing 90.

Referring now to Figures 9 and 10, the lower coupling 8 includes a base 80 and a coupling member 81 rotatably mounted to the base 80 by a pivot pin bearing 82. The base 80 functions as a stator of an electric motor and the coupling member 81 functions as a rotor thereof. Alternatively, the base 80 may be secured to the cabinet 1 and the coupling member 81 may be coupled to a separate electric motor, for example via a belt or any other suitable means.

The base 80 is substantially cylindrical with a circumferentially recessed lower portion 80a and includes an annular recess 83 on its upper side, which is described between a peripheral wall 83a and an inner spigot 83b. The spigot 83b describes a blind bore that receives the pivot pin bearing 82. The pivot pin bearing 82 includes a washer 82a which rests on the closed end of the blind bore described by the spigot 83b, a ball bearing 82b which rests on the washer 82a, a pivot pin 82c which rests on the ball bearing 82b and a cylindrical bush 82d that surrounds the pivot pin 82c. The pivot pin 82c projects from the spigot 83b for receipt within the coupling member 81.

The coupling member 81 is also substantially cylindrical with a central blind bore 81a on its lower side, which receives the pivot pin 82c, and a coupling spigot 84 projecting from its upper side for releasably receiving the lower end of the column 6. The coupling spigot 84 has a circular periphery, but describes a hexagonal receptacle 84a corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the column 6. The coupling member 81 also includes a pair of sprung conductor pins 85 received therein and projecting into the receptacle 84a of the io coupling spigot 84.

The lower coupling 8 also includes a double disc slip ring 86, which includes a lower disc 87, electrically coupled to a base conductor 87a, and an upper disc 88, electrically coupled to the sprung conductor pins 85 by respective wires 85a. The lower disc 87 includes a pair of curved friction conductors 87b upon which the upper disc 88 rests. These, curved friction conductors 87b electrically connect the base conductor 87a to the wires 85a, thereby providing a rotatable electrical connection between them. The lower disc 87 is received within the recess 83 in the base 80 and is secured thereto by fasteners F. Similarly, the upper disc 88 is secured to the coupling member 81 by fasteners F. In use, the column 6 is engaged with the coupling member 91 of the upper coupling 9, urged against the spring 92, oriented relative to the coupling spigot 84 so that the conductive wires 60 of the column 6 are aligned with the sprung conductor pins 85. The column 6 is then released so that the lower end of the column 6 is engagingly received within the coupling spigot 84, with the conductive wires 60 of the column 6 in electrical contact with the sprung conductor pins 85.

The base conductor 87a is connected to a source of power and electrical power is transmitted to the conductive wires 60 of the column 6 via the double disc slip ring 86. This electrical power is transmitted to the light emitting rings 77 of the support collets 7 via the clamping bracket 78 and through the leads 77a, thereby illuminating the light emitting rings 77. Removal of the column 6 is achieved by urging it upwardly, against the upper coupling 9 until it can be removed from the coupling spigot 84.

As mentioned above, the base 80 and coupling member 81 of the lower coupling 8 are components of an electric motor. As such, operation of the motor rotates the coupling member 81 relative to the base 80 and the pivot pin bearing 82 ensures substantially frictionless movement therebetween. Similarly, the coupling member 91 of the upper coupling 9 is able to rotate substantially freely by virtue of the engagement between the ball 92a and the coupling member 91. As a result, rotation of the coupling member 81 of the lower coupling 8 causes the column 6, support collets 7 and coupling member 91 of the upper coupling 9 to rotate in unison.

io An optional shelf 11 is shown in Figure 11, which is substantially circular in plan and includes a central, circular hole 12 with a first pair of opposed slots 13 and a second pair of opposed slots 14 at ninety degrees relative to the first pair. The first pair of opposed slots 13 are sized and dimensioned to allow the radial tabs 76b of the bayonet connector 76 of one of the support collets 7 to pass therethrough. The second pair of opposed slots 14 are much narrower and each is configured to cooperate with a narrow ridge depending from one of the radial tabs 76b, thereby to provide a snap fit to retain the shelf 11 in a locked orientation.

In use, the shelf 11 is placed over the support collet 7 with the radial tabs 76b of the bayonet connector 76 aligned with the first pair of opposed slots 13 and the bayonet connector 76 is urged through the circular hole 12. The shelf 11 is then rotated relative to the support collet 7 until the ridges of the radial tabs 76b come into engagement with the second pair of opposed slots 14 and secure the shelf 11 in place. The column 6 with the support collet 7 and shelf 11 mounted thereto is then mounted within the cabinet 1 as described above.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several variations to the aforementioned embodiments are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

CLAIMSA display cabinet comprising a base, a column upstanding from the base and a support releasably mounted to the column at one of a plurality of positions, the support comprising one or more light emitting elements at least partially surrounding the column, wherein the column comprises a conductor along at least part of its length for carrying electrical power therealong and the or each light emitting element of the support is connected to an adjacent portion of the column conductor to receive, in use, electrical power therefrom.
A display cabinet according to claim 1, wherein the column is mounted to the base by a rotatable connection means, the base comprising a conductor connected or connectable to a source of power and the column conductor being electrically connected to the base conductor via the rotatable connection means.
A display cabinet according to claim 2, wherein the support comprises a conductive element releasably engageable with the column conductor to enable the support to be moved between the plurality of mounting positions.
4. A display cabinet according to claim 3, wherein the support comprises an actuator for selectively urging the conductive element against the column conductor, the actuator being movable between an engaged position, in which the support is secured to the column and the or each light emitting element of the support is electrically connected to the column conductor, and a disengaged position, in which the support is movable relative to the column between the plurality of positions.
5. A display cabinet according to claim 3, wherein the base conductor comprises one of a pair of base conductors, the column conductor comprises one of a pair of column conductors electrically connected to a respective one of the base conductors and the conductive element of the support comprises one of a pair of conductive elements, each conductive element being releasably engageable with a respective one of the column conductors to enable the support to be moved between the plurality of mounting positions.
A display cabinet according to claim 5, wherein the support comprises a pair of actuators each for selectively urging one of the conductive elements against a respective column conductor, the actuators being movable between an engaged position, in which the support is secured to the column and the or each light emitting element of the support is electrically connected to the column conductors, and a disengaged position, in which the support is movable relative to the column between the plurality of positions.
7. A display cabinet according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the column conductors are io on opposite sides of the column and the conductive elements are on opposite sides of the support, the column being clamped between the conductive elements when they are engaged with the column conductors.
8. A display cabinet according to any one of claims 4, 6 and 7, wherein the actuator(s) comprise(s) a screw and the conductive element comprises a conductive track electrically connected to the light emitting element(s).
9. A display cabinet according to claim 3 or claim 5, wherein the or each conductive element comprises a screw and the support comprises a conductor or respective conductor electrically connecting the screw to the light emitting element(s), the or each screw being movable between an engaged position, in which the support is secured to the column and the or each light emitting element of the support is electrically connected to the column conductor, and a disengaged position, in which the support is movable relative to the column between the plurality of positions.
10. A display cabinet according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the rotatable connection means comprises a slip ring providing a rotatable electrical connection between the column conductor(s) and the base conductor(s).
11 A display cabinet according to any one of claims 2 to 10 comprising a top, wherein the column is releasably mounted to the base by the rotatable connection means and is releasably mounted to the top by a further rotatable connection means, thereby to enable the column to be removed, in use, from the display cabinet.
12. A display cabinet according to claim 11, wherein each rotatable connection means comprises a releasable coupling, at least one of which is biased into engagement with the column such that the column is removable, in use, by countering the bias to decouple the column from the base and the top.
13. A display cabinet according to claim 12, wherein the or each base conductor is releasably connected to the or a respective column conductor by a resilient contact of the rotatable connection means associated with the base.
14. A display cabinet according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each light emitting element comprises a light emitting ring which surrounds the column.
15. A display cabinet according to any preceding claim, wherein the support comprises a plurality of arms extending or extendable therefrom for supporting hanging jewellery or charms.
16. A display cabinet according to claim 12, wherein the arms are releasably connected to the support.
17. A display cabinet according to claim 13, wherein the support comprises a plurality of sockets for engagingly receiving respective arm portions.
18. A display cabinet according to any preceding claim, wherein the support comprises a shelf for supporting jewellery or charms.
19. A display cabinet according to claim 15, wherein the shelf is removably mounted to the support by a bayonet connection.
20. A display cabinet according to any preceding claim comprising one or more doors rotatable about the column along the periphery of the base.
21 A kit of parts for assembly into a display device, the kit comprising a column having a conductor along at least part of its length for carrying electrical power therealong and a support releasably mountable to the column at one of a plurality of positions, wherein the support comprises one or more light emitting elements which, when the support is mounted to the column, at least partially surround the column and are connected to an adjacent portion of the column conductor for receiving electrical power therefrom.
22. A kit according to claim 21 comprising a base with rotatable connection means for releasably mounting the column to the base, the base comprising a conductor connectable to a source of power and the column conductor being electrically connectable to the base conductor via the rotatable connection means
23. A kit according to claim 22 comprising a top with a further rotatable connection means for releasably mounting the column to the top, wherein each rotatable connection means comprises a releasable coupling, at least one of which comprises a resilient biasing means for biasing the coupling into engagement with the column such that the column is removable by countering the bias to decouple the column from the base and the top.
24. A kit according to any one of claims 21 to 23 comprising a plurality of arms releasably connectable to the support and/or a shelf releasably mountable to the support.
25. A method of adapting a display device to one or more items to be displayed thereby or therein, the method comprising adjusting the position of a support along a column to one of a plurality of positions and connecting or securing the support relative to the column such that one or more light emitting elements of the support, which at least partially surround the column, connect to an adjacent portion of a conductor which extends along at least part of the column, thereby to enable the light emitting element(s) to receive, in use, electrical power from the column conductor.