The present invention relates to a display and support device. More particularly, the invention relates to a display and support device used to display advertisements and support a hand-held item. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an anti-tamper system for use with a display and support device. More particularly, the invention relates to an anti-tamper system for preventing the removal of advertisements from a display and support device.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

In the hospitality industry, establishments such as stadiums, bars and nightclubs generally maximise occupancy which limits space for tables or the like. Therefore, drinks and other items can be placed in precarious positions leading to increased risk of spillage and breakage.

Furthermore, drinks are often carried into the toilet areas, because people do not want to leave them unattended. These are then left on surfaces of common bathroom ware, such as a toilet roll dispenser or sanitaryware. These surfaces tend not to be suitable for supporting items or beverages as they can be sloped or made from an unsuitable material. Not only does this increase the risk of dropping or spilling but it is also unsanitary.

Modifications to sanitaryware or support devices have been designed to address these problems, however they have only been at least partially successful. For example, there may be a support surface in the form of a recess, but these recesses can be unsanitary as they capture condensation or other fluids. This has led to the development of dedicated wall mounted supports. These supports have traditionally been modular. While a modular design may be more easily manufactured, it is generally more expensive to produce and assemble.

Many support surfaces or devices attached to walls offer convenient space for advertising, particularly as they are usually in or around eye level. Furthermore, they may be located in areas which provide a captive audience, such as toilets. However, the advertisements or devices provided are subject to either malicious or unintentional tampering or vandalism, such as defacement. This may cause consternation between advertisement companies and establishment owners. The beverage support devices themselves are often subject to vandalism or theft. The construction of known support devices allows for the parts of the device to be easily dismantled. Furthermore, easy access to fastening means allows for a device to be removed. It is important to ensure that support devices are as secure as possible. This is because the value of advertising has increased, as has the intricacy and cost of the advertising means.

It is an object of the present invention to reduce or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a display and support device comprising a unitarily formed body and an indicia panel (or display panel) which is engageable with the unitarily formed body. The unitarily formed body has a backplate for mounting against a wall or door using a plurality of fixing means, a support element extending away from a front face of the backplate, and a display holder depending from a distal end of the support element. The display holder may have a window formed on a front wall, an opening formed on or provided in a rear wall, and a side wall. The display holder includes a panel receiving cavity formed by the front wall, the side wall and the rear wall. The indicia panel is releasably engageable with the panel receiving cavity. At least one of the plurality of fixing means (or the aperture therefor) is inaccessible until the indicia panel has been at least partially removed from the cavity. For example, an aperture in the backplate may be disposed below the support element, and another aperture or apertures in the backplate may be disposed above the support element.

The device may be considered to be a drinks stand including an advertisement display.

The device provides a solid support structure which can be mounted to a vertical structure, such as a wall, to provide a supporting surface for a beverage container or other hand-held item to be placed. The unitarily formed construction allows for faster production at a lower cost. The device also improves security, because at least one of the fixing means is only accessible once the slidable indicia panel has been removed. In other words, when the indicia panel is engaged it prevents or impedes access to the head of the screw or other fixing means, preventing its removal. By providing a removable indicia panel it is possible to easily change advertisements.

The device may further comprise a security means for preventing unauthorised removal of the indicia panel from the panel receiving cavity. The security means may include an engagement means adapted to provide a releasable engagement between the panel and holder. The panel can only be removed once the security means has been disengaged. The security means may be considered to be an anti-tamper means.

The security means may be disengaged by a key or similar tool. The key or similar tool may interface with the engagement means to disengage the panel from the holder.

The security or anti-tamper means ensures that the panel cannot be easily removed. This makes theft of the panel or tampering of the advert more difficult. It also means that the security or anti-tamper means has to first be disengaged before it is possible to access at least one of the fixing means by removing the panel.

The security or anti-tamper means may comprise a first cooperating element located on or in the display holder and a second cooperating element located on or in the indicia panel. The first and second elements may secure the panel to the display holder by engaging with each other during slidable engagement.

The key, or similar tool, may be used to disrupt the engagement between the first and second elements allowing the panel to be withdrawn.

The key, or similar tool, may comprise an alignment means for aligning with the first and second cooperating elements. The alignment means may also comprise an orientation means such as a flange. This is to aid a user to correctly orient the key with respect to the security or anti-tamper means.

The key, or similar tool, ensures that only authorised individuals may remove the panel from display holder.

If an electronic display or input means is provided, then the security or anti-tamper means may be disengaged by using an electronic key or code. For example, a pass code may be entered on a digital screen, or a card may be inserted, swiped or otherwise placed in proximity to the shelf to release a panel from the shelf. For example, wireless contact using NFC or similar technology may be used.

The security or anti-tamper means act like an automatic locking system. This is because the cooperating elements engage automatically during the process of sliding the panel into the panel receiving cavity. This helps to ensure that the display and support device, as well as the panel, are not accidently left unsecured.

The first cooperating element may comprise a plurality of apertures extending through the rear wall of the display holder. The second cooperating element may comprise a plurality of independently actuatable tabs. The independently actuatable tabs may be resilient and may engage with the plurality of apertures to lock the panel within the panel receiving cavity. Each independently actuatable tab may be disengaged simultaneously by a key to allow the indicia panel to be slideably withdrawn from the panel receiving cavity. Each has to be disengaged together to remove the panel from the cavity. This improves the security of the device.

The security or anti-tamper means may also function as the means to ensure that the panel is engaged within the cavity.

The panel may comprise a body having a front face and a rear face. The front face may have an indicia display region. The indicia display region may have a protective covering. The protective covering may be made from a material which is clear or allows for a substantial amount of light to be transmitted. The display region may be visible through the window of the display holder when the panel is engaged with the cavity.

The panel may have guiding means used to guide the panel during insertion.

The guiding means may be formed from at least one wall extending from a rear surface. The at least one wall of the guiding means may extend at least partially along the length of the rear surface of the panel to form a channel. The guiding means may interface with the opening on the rear wall of the holder during slideable engagement.

The inclusion of an aligning or guiding means ensures that the panel is correctly fitted to the receiving cavity. When this is used with the security or anti-tamper means it helps to improve security. The panel may comprise a foot or lower trim formed by a first wall extending from a rear face and a second wall extending from the front face. When the panel is engaged with the display and support device, at least a portion of the second wall may abut at least a portion of a lower edge of the front wall of the holder. When the panel is engaged with the display and support device, at least a portion of the second wall may abut at least a portion of a lower edge of the side wall. When the panel is engaged with the display and support device, at least a portion of the first wall abuts the lower edge of the side wall.

The foot or lower trim improves the ability to handle and fit the panel.

The panel may comprise a grip section located on a rear face. The panel may also comprise a secondary indicia display region located on the rear face. The second indicia display region may be formed from a three-dimensional structure bonded to or formed in the body. The three-dimensional structure may act as an additional grip region.

The display panel may have substantially the same thickness as the display holder. The display holder may have an opening or through aperture. The aperture(s) in the backplate - which is/are made inaccessible when the display panel is located in the holder - may be disposed on an axis which intersects the opening or through aperture in the display holder. The aperture obstructed by the display panel in the display holder may be disposed centrally on the backplate.

The display panel, or its front or rear surface, may cover or span the opening in the display holder. The display panel may be inserted into the holder by movement of the panel along a plane or axis which is substantially parallel to the plane of the display holder. In particular, the display panel may be engaged with or removed from the display holder by sliding the panel in or out at a distal end of the holder.

The ability to handle and fit the panel is improved by including gripping portions on the panel.

The support element may comprise a recess located on an upper surface of the support element. The support element may comprise at least one drainage channel for draining fluid out of the recess. The at least one drainage channel may be located within the recess. The recess may be sized and shaped so as to accommodate a beverage container and/or a hand-held device such as a smart phone.

The support element may be flat. The support element may be perpendicular to the rear mounting surface. The support element may be arranged substantially horizontally for use.

The support element may include at least one drainage channel for draining fluid away from the support element.

Any condensation or fluids within the recess is drained away improving the sanitary conditions.

The recess in the support element may comprise a patterned region. The patterned region can improve grip. The patterned region may be used as a indicia display as well as a region for improving grip. The patterned region can be formed on the surface. The patterned region may be rubber.

Any condensation or fluid on the pad can be drained away. The pad may also assist in preventing an item or beverage container slipping off if the device was not correctly levelled.

An antimicrobial coating may be applied to at least one component of the display and support device. Preferably, the antimicrobial coating may be applied to the support element.

The antimicrobial coating helps to improve sanitary conditions by stopping or hindering the growth of microorganisms.

The support element may comprise a strengthening grid formed from a plurality of strengthening walls extending away from a lower surface of the support element and along a portion of the front face of the back plate and a portion of the rear wall of the display holder.

A strengthening grid may be formed from a plurality of strengthening walls extending away from a lower surface of the support element and a plurality of noggin walls extending away from the lower surface between the strengthening walls. The display and support device may comprise a plurality of support walls. The first set of support walls may comprise a first support wall and a second support wall. A first support wall may extend from an edge of the support element and an edge of the display holder. A second support wall may extend from an edge of the support element and an edge of the display holder. The first and second support walls may be parallel.

Another set of support walls may extend from the rear wall of the display holder and along a portion of a lower surface of the support element. These support walls may also be formed integrally with the strengthening grid of the support element. At least some of the support walls may extend close to the apertures of the security or anti tamper mechanism. When the support walls are in close proximity to apertures they act as blocking walls.

The backplate may comprise a stand wall extending from an edge of the backplate. The backplate may comprise a grid of strengthening walls extending from a rear face of the backplate along the stand wall.

The backplate may comprise an indicia display region. At least some of the fixing means may be located within the indicia display region. When an indicia display is attached to the indicia display region the fixing means located in the region are hidden.

The fixing means may be fastener holes for receiving screw fixings. The fastening holes may extend substantially along the depth of the backplate. The fastener holes may be counter sunk so as to allow heads of the fixings to be below or flush with the face of the backplate.

The indicia or display panel may comprise a digital electronic display. The electronic display may be a touch screen.

The electronic display may be connected to a media system. The electronic display may be connected to a transactional system.

The display and support device may further comprise at least one charging means for charging common consumer electronics such as a smart phone. The charging device may be a wireless charging means. For example, the wireless charging means may be an induction charger. Preferably, the wireless charging means is incorporated in the support element. Alternatively, the wireless charging means may be attached to the underside or topside of the support element.

The charging device may comprise a dock. The dock may have a plug or socket suitable for electronic devices, for example a USB Type-C, a micro USB or other common connection means.

The charging device may comprise an electrical power connection point. For example, it may be a USB socket or other common socket used with consumer electronics.

The display and support device may further comprise additional support means. The additional support means are designed for items such as jackets, bags or other personal items. The additional support means may be a hook or a peg suitable for supporting a coat or a bag. The additional support means may be located on the backplate below the support element. This allows for the additional supported items to not obscure the advertisements.

The display panel may be unitarily formed.

The display and support device may comprise at least one illumination means. The at least one illumination means may comprise at least one of a light emitting diode (LED), an incandescent light, a fluorescent light and a gas discharge lamp.

The at least one illumination means may be located on or integrated with the display panel. The at least one illumination means may border a display region of the display panel.

The at least one illumination means may be located on or integrated with the unitarily form body.

The illumination means may enhance the visibility of the display and support device within dark venues. For example, by bordering the display region of the display panel it can serve to highlight or illuminate the displayed advert. The display and support device may comprise a motion sensor. The motion sensor may control the activation and deactivation of the at least one illumination means. Alternatively or in combination, the motion sensor may control the activation and deactivation of the digital electronic display. The motion sensor may include a timer to control the time period before deactivation.

The display and support device may comprise an occupancy or presence sensor used to detect the presence of a person. The occupancy or presence sensor may control the activation and deactivation of the at least one illumination means. Alternatively or in combination, the occupancy or presence sensor may control the activation and deactivation of the digital electronic display. The occupancy or presence sensor may activate the at least one illumination means and/or the digital electronic display when it detects the presence of a person. The activation may occur once a presence has been detected for a predetermined period of time. The occupancy or presence sensor may deactivate the at least one illumination means and/or the digital display when it no longer detects the presence of a person. The occupancy or presence sensor may delay the deactivation by a period of time after it no longer detects the presence of a person.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an anti-tamper system for use in a display and support device having a removable display panel. The system comprises a key and a locking mechanism. The key has a plurality of actuating members extending from an engagement surface of a foot portion of a body. The locking mechanism is located on or in the display and support device and is formed from a plurality of apertures and a plurality of independently actuatable resilient tabs. Each aperture cooperates with one of the independently actuatable tabs to automatically secure the removable display panel to or within the display and support device. When in use, each of the actuating members of the key interfaces with a corresponding one of the plurality of independently actuatable tabs to disrupt the cooperation between the tabs and the aperture allowing the display panel to be removed from the display and support device.

The system improves security for display and support devices as it increases the difficultly of removing the display panel without the necessary key. Having multiple apertures which each correspond to a separate independently actuatable tab makes picking or actuating the tabs difficult as all tabs have to be actuated simultaneously for the mechanism to become unlocked. The independently actuatable tabs may be formed from a body, a resiliently biased hinge and an engagement member.

The resiliently biased hinge may be formed from a narrowing of the body. The hinge may bias the engagement member into engagement with the corresponding aperture. The hinge may bias the body of the tab away from a surface of the panel.

The engagement member may be formed from a sloped surface and an engagement surface. The engagement surface may extend away from the body of the tab. The sloped surface may raise from the body at an angle to intersect with the engagement surface. The engagement surface of the engagement member may substantially correspond with the engagement surface of the corresponding aperture. The sloped surface causes the independently actuatable tab to be depressed during insertion.

The apertures may be sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the actuating members of the key. The apertures may be sized and shaped to correspond with the engagement members of the tabs. The actuating member of the key may be sized and shaped to correspond to the engagement member of the tab.

The actuating members may be received in apertures while the key is in one orientation. The actuating members may be blocked from being received in the apertures while the key is in another orientation. That is to say, the actuating members must be provided in rotational or angular orientations which correspond to the rotational or angular orientations the respective apertures, and also aligned on axes of the respective apertures, in order to be received within the apertures.

Each aperture may have a triangular cross-section. Each actuating member may have a triangular cross-section. Each engagement member may be triangular or pyramidal shaped.

The locking mechanism may be located between the device and the surface onto which the device is mounted. The locking mechanism may be located on the rear of the device. The locking mechanism may be accessed via the side of the display holder that faces the backplate or the surface onto which the device is mounted. The locking mechanism may be disposed between the front of the device and the surface onto which the device is mounted.

The apertures may be disposed on a rear of the display and support device. The actuatable tabs may be disposed on a rear facing portion of the removable display. The apertures may be provided next to each other on the same side of the display holder.

By providing the locking mechanism in this location it makes it particularly difficult to pick or actuate each independently actuatable tab because there is limited space between the back of the device and the wall or door on which it’s mounted.

The anti-tamper system may provide blocking walls located in close proximity to the plurality of apertures. The blocking walls may be located on the display and support device. The blocking walls may also improve the strength and rigidity of the display and support device.

The engagement surface of the foot may abut the blocking walls when in use. The actuating member of the key may be a suitable size to reach the tabs of the locking mechanism.

The blocking walls serve to limit the range of directions that tabs or apertures can be accessed from. This provides an additional level of protection against picking or actuating the tabs.

The anti-tamper system may comprise an alignment means for aligning the key with the locking mechanism.

The alignment means may have at least one corresponding pair of elements. The first element may be disposed on or in the key. The second element may be disposed on or in the display and support device.

The first element of the or each corresponding pair of elements may be a receiving space or recess or groove disposed on or in the engagement surface of the foot. The second element of the at least one corresponding pair of elements may be a protrusion disposed on or in the display and support device. The protrusion may be a blocking wall. The protrusion may be sized and/or shaped to complement the recess. The alignment means may comprise a locating tab. The locating tab may be disposed on or in the key for locating with a side wall of the display and support device. The locating tab may extend from an engagement surface of the foot. The locating tab may extend further than the actuating member, in a direction away from the engagement surface. The locating tab may extend past a rear wall of the display and support device in use.

The locating tab may substantially abut or be in close proximity to the side wall of the display and support device during and on insertion of the key.

The locating tab may be considered to be an orientation means.

The engagement surface of the foot may substantially abut a rear wall of the display and support device or a rear wall of the display and support device when a key with an alignment means is inserted.

The alignment means horizontally aligns the key with respect to the locking mechanism. Furthermore, the alignment means ensures that the key, particularly the actuating members, is in the correct orientation for operating the locking mechanism. This can be particularly important because the locking mechanism may be disposed in a position not easily visible to a user wishing to remove the display panel. For example, when the locking mechanism is disposed at the rear, i.e. between the front of the display and support device and the surface on which the display and support device is mounted.

Any of the corner or meeting points between parts of the device may be chamfered or curved so as to provide no sharp edges.

The anti-tamper system of the second aspect of the invention may be the security means used with the display and support device of the first aspect of the invention.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a display and support device comprising a unitarily formed body including a backplate for mounting against a wall or door using a plurality of apertures for receiving a fixing means; a support element extending away from a front face of the backplate; and a display holder depending from a distal end of the support element, the display holder having a panel receiving cavity for releasably engaging a display panel; wherein the display holder includes an opening or through aperture for allowing access through the display holder by a tool to at least one of the plurality of apertures, and the at least one of the apertures is disposed on an axis which intersects the opening or through aperture in the display holder.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an indicia panel or display panel for a device as presented in a previous aspect of the invention. The panel comprises a panel body including a non-apertured region for rendering an aperture in the device inaccessible whilst the display panel is in a display holder of the device. The non-apertured region may be or cover an entire front and/or rear face of the panel body. The panel body may be substantially planar and/or rigid. The panel body may be substantially rectangular. The panel can include guide means on either side of the panel body for guiding the panel into and out of the display holder. A display area can be provided on a front face of the panel body. First and second independently actuatable members can be disposed next to each other on a rear face of the panel body (that is, an opposite side to the front face) for co-operating with corresponding elements of the display holder. The actuatable members can provide an anti-tamper means or security means for preventing unauthorised removal of the display panel from the display holder. Having the actuatable members side-by-side (rather than at opposing sides of the panel body), or spaced from each other by a small distance on the order of a few cm, means that a small key or similar tool can be used to operate both members at once.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit comprising a device according to any of the aspects of the invention, and one or both of: one or more display panels for the device, and at least one key for use with the device and display panels.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of installing a device presented in a previous aspect of the invention. The method includes the step of positioning the device on a wall or door (or other support surface). The device is preferably levelled such that the support element is substantially horizontal. Then, fixing means such as screws are secured through each of the backplate apertures to the wall or door, using a suitable tool. This is done without a display panel in the device, where the panel would obstruct access to the aperture(s). A display panel is then (re)placed in the display holder. This obstructs the view of at least one of the fixing apertures when viewed from a frontal aspect, making it harder to successfully tamper with the device.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of maintaining a device presented in a previous aspect of the invention by replacing or swapping a first (in situ) display panel with a second (replacement) display panel. The method includes the step of using a key or similar tool to release or unlock the in situ display panel from the display holder. The panel may be slid out (or downwards) from a distal end of the display holder. The replacement panel is then aligned for sliding into the display holder by the reverse operation, and moved into (or upwards) from the distal end of the display holder until engaged or locked in place in the display holder.

The panel is therefore easily switched for another without needing to uninstall or disassemble the device to any extent. This can be repeated for any number of devices, and/or at any desired interval. The construction of the device allows for fast yet secure swapping of display panels, which saves significant amounts of time when changing display panels (i.e. advertisements) for multiple devices whilst mitigating tampering or vandalism.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a display and support device, comprising: a unitarily formed body having: a backplate for mounting against a wall or door using a plurality of apertures for receiving a fixing means; a support element extending away from a front face of the backplate; a display holder depending from a distal end of the support element, the display holder having a panel receiving cavity; and a display panel engageable with the panel receiving cavity; wherein at least one of the apertures for receiving a fixing means is inaccessible by a tool (such as a screwdriver or Allen key, or another rotatable manual tool) with the display panel in situ (i.e. in the panel receiving cavity) and is accessible through the display holder once the display panel has been at least partially removed from the panel receiving cavity.

Any feature or features presented with respect to any aspect of the invention, or any embodiment of the invention, may be provided in any other aspect and/or embodiment of the invention. BRIEF 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 only to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of a display and support device;

Figure 2 shows the front perspective view of the display and support device with the display panel removed;

Figure 3 shows a front view of the display and support device with the display panel removed;

Figure 4 shows a rear side perspective view of the display and support device with the display panel partially removed;

Figure 5 shows the rear side perspective view of the display and support device with the display panel entirely removed;

Figure 6 shows a rear view of the display and support device;

Figure 7 shows the rear view of the display and support device with the display panel removed;

Figure 8 shows a top down view of the display and support device;

Figure 9 shows the top down view of the display and support device with an indicia display within a recess;

Figure 10 shows a front view of the display and support device with an additional indicia display;

Figure 11 shows a front view of the display and support device providing support to a beverage container; Figure 12 shows a side view of the display and support device providing support to a beverage container;

Figure 13 shows a side view of the display and support device;

Figure 14 shows a rear view of the display panel;

Figure 15 shows a view of the cooperating elements in an anti-tamper system or security means;

Figure 16 shows a view of the cooperating elements in the anti-tamper system or security means;

Figure 17 shows a view of a key used in the anti-tamper system or security means;

Figure 18 shows a view of the key engaging with the anti-tamper system or security means;

Figures 19a shows a perspective view of a key used in the anti-tamper system or security means; and

Figure 19b shows a second perspective view of the key in Figure 19a.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 13, a display and support device is indicated generally at 10.

The display and support device 10 comprise a unitarily formed body 12 and a display panel 14. The unitarily formed body 12 comprises a backplate 16, a support element 18 extending from the backplate 16, and a display holder 20. The display holder 20 includes a cavity 13 for receiving the display panel 14. The display panel 14 is engaged within the cavity 13 by slideably inserting it through a lower opening within the display holder 20. The display panel can be slideably withdrawn to change the advert displayed or to access a fixing means. In the current embodiment, the width of the backplate 16 is greater than the width of the display holder 20. The backplate 16 includes a plurality of apertures for fixings used to mount the unitarily formed body 12 to a wall or door. A first set of apertures 22a are located on an upper portion 23a of the backplate 16. A second set of apertures 22b are located in a lower portion 23b of the backplate 16. The apertures 22 extend through the backplate 16. The apertures 22 are counter sunk so that the fixing does not extend in front of the backplate 16.

As shown in figures 3 to 7, there is at least one aperture 22b located behind the display holder 20. The at least one aperture 22b is only accessible once the display panel 14 has been at least partially withdrawn (as shown in figure 4) or fully withdrawn, as shown in Figures 3 and 10. Figure 11 is a front view with the indicia panel 14 engaged within the receiving cavity 13, the at least one aperture 22b cannot be accessed and is not visible from the front.

To access the at least one aperture 22b, the display holder 20 has a window indicated generally at 24 located in a front wall 26 and an opening in the rear wall 28. The opening in the rear wall 29 effectively forms a U-shaped channel. The front wall 26 and rear wall 28 are joined together by two side walls 30. The front wall 26, side wall 30 and rear wall 28 form the cavity 13 for receiving the panel. Once the display panel has been at least partially withdrawn, a tool can access the at least one aperture 22b. The access is provided by the window 24, cavity 13 and opening in the rear wall 28.

The window 24 is sized and shaped to correspond to an indicia display region 31 on the display panel 14. The opening in the rear wall 28 may be formed from a cut-out in the rear wall 28. The front wall 26 extends further than the side wall 30 or rear wall 28. The cut-out may be a rectangular shape starting from a lower edge of the rear wall 28. The cut-out extends from the lower edge of the rear wall 28 at least partially along the length of the rear wall 28.

When the display panel 14 is inserted into the receiving cavity 13, guiding means 32 interface with at least two edges of the cut-out in the rear wall 28. This ensures that the display panel is correctly aligned during engagement. The guiding means 32 extends from a rear surface 34 of the display panel 14. It also runs at least partially along the length of the rear surface. The display panel 14 also includes a lower trim 36 along a lower edge of the display panel 14 and partially along both side edges of the display panel 14. The lower trim 36 is formed from a first portion extending from the rear face 34 of the display panel 14 and a second portion extending from the front face of the display panel 14. During engagement or withdrawal, the display panel 14 can be held by the lower trim 36. Once the display panel 14 is engaged within the cavity 13, the lower trim 36 abuts or is in proximity to parts of the display holder 20. The first portion abuts or is in proximity to a lower edge of the side wall 30. The second portion abuts or is in proximity to a lower edge of the front wall 26 and at least a portion of a lower edge of the side wall 30. The display panel also includes a grip portion 27 for assisting in handling the display panel 14.

Referring also to Figures 14 to 18, in the current embodiment, an anti-tamper means also provides the means for engaging the display panel 14 within cavity 13. In other embodiments, there may be engagement means which replace or are in addition to the anti-tamper means. The anti-tamper means includes a first set of cooperating elements 38 and a second set of cooperating elements 40. The first elements 38 are apertures, keyways, or keyholes extending through the rear wall 28 of the display holder 20. The second set of elements 40 are independently actuatable tabs. The independently actuatable tabs 40 are resiliently biased away from the rear face 34 of the display panel 14. Each of the actuatable tabs 40 include a tab body 42, an engagement means 44 and a resilient hinge 46.

During insertion of the display panel 14 into the receiving cavity 13, the engagement means 44 comes into contact with a lower edge of the side wall 30. The engagement means has a sloped surface which causes the independently actuatable tab 40 to be depressed towards the rear surface 34 of the display panel 14. The tab 40 flexes over. The independently actuatable tab 40 is depressed until the engagement means 44 reaches the apertures 38. Upon reaching the aperture 38, the engagement means 44 enters the aperture 38 due to the resilient hinge 46. The engagement means 44 has an engagement surface which interfaces with a surface within the aperture 38 to secure the display panel 14 in place. Each aperture 38 cooperates with one of the independently actuatable tabs to secure the removable display panel to or within the display and support device.

By using a key 48 it is possible to depress the independently actuatable tabs 40 so that the display panel 14 can be removed from the display holder 20. The key 48 comprises a plurality of actuating members 50. The actuating members 50 extend from an engagement surface of a foot portion 52 of the key 48. The key has a body with an aperture 54 formed therein for attaching to an attachment mechanism, such as a keyring or lanyard. The body of the key 48 has an indicia display region 56. The indicia display region may have an integrally formed indicia or have a indicia display later attached. The actuating members are sized and shaped so that they fit within the apertures 38. In the current embodiment the apertures 38 and actuating members 50 have a substantially triangular cross-section.

The actuating members 50 of the key 48 are inserted into apertures 38. Each actuating member 50 then interfaces with one of the engagement means 44 to depress the independently actuatable tabs 40. This allows the display panel 14 to be removed from within the cavity 13. If only one of the independently actuatable tabs 40 is depressed the panel 14 is still engaged within the cavity 13 as there is at least one other actuatable tab 40 not depressed.

The backplate 16 includes a stand wall 58 extending from an edge of the backplate 16. The backplate 16 has a strengthening grid 60, as shown in figures 4 to 7. The strengthening grid 60 extends from a rear face of the backplate 16 along the stand wall 58. The apertures 22a and 22b correspond with vertex points within the strengthening grid 60. The apertures 22a and 22b include a cylindrical tube wall surrounding the apertures 22.

The upper portion 23a of the backplate 16 includes a recessed region 62. The first set of apertures 22a are located in the recessed region 62. The recessed region 62 is used as an indicia display region once the unitarily form body 12 has been mounted. A sticker 63, or other means of display, is placed over or into the recessed region 62, this hides the apertures 22a. By hiding the apertures 22a both the aesthetic appearance and security of the device is improved.

The support element 18 comprises a support region formed from a recess 64. A beverage container 65 or item can be placed in the storage region, see figures 1 1 and 12. The support element has two support walls 66 extending down from the edges and along at least a portion of adjoining edges or adjoining walls. The adjoining edges can be the edge of the backplate 16 and/or the edge of the side wall 30. The adjoining walls can either be the stand wall 58 or side wall 30. The support walls 66 both taper from the front face of the backplate 16 to the display holder 20.

The support element 18 includes a strengthening structure (not shown) which extends from a lower surface of the support element. The strengthening structure can be a grid extending from the lower surface along the front face of the backplate 16 and the rear wall of the display holder 20.

The recess 64 includes four drainage channels 68 for draining fluid such as condensation out the recess. The recess may also include a patterned surface 70. The patterned surface can be used as a further indicia display and include either an advert or branding. Furthermore, the patterned surface acts to improve grip.

The support element 18 includes a further four support walls 72. The further support walls 72 extend down from the lower surface of the support element 18 along the rear wall 28 of the display holder 20. The further support walls 72 may be integral to the strengthening structure of the support element (not shown), i.e. some of the walls that make up the support element (not shown) can be joined to the further support walls. Alternatively, the further support walls 72 may be separate from the support structure (not shown). The further support walls 72 provide support to the rear wall 28 of the display holder 20. At least two of the support walls 72 are located along at least two edges of the opening in the rear wall 28.

At least two of these further support walls 72 act as blocking walls 72a. The blocking walls 72a are located in close proximity to apertures 38. These walls help to ensure that the apertures 38 are more difficult to access because there are limited angles.

The rear 34 of the display panel 14 includes an additional indicia display region 74. This is formed from the surface being raised.

When the display and support device 10 is mounted to a structure, such as a wall or door, there is limited space between the rear of the display holder 20 and the wall. The limited space makes it difficult to independently actuate each of the tabs 40 without the key 48. Furthermore, the security means or anti-tamper means improves security of the device by ensuring that it is difficult for an individual without a key 48 to remove the display panel 14. Additionally, the device 10 cannot be simply removed as at least one of the apertures 22b are inaccessible when the display panel 14 is engaged with the cavity 13.

Figures 19a and 19b shows an embodiment of a key 76 for use with the anti-tamper system or security means of the display and support device according to the other embodiments. The key 76 includes an alignment means and, generally, has the same or similar features of the key 48 described above. The reference numbers of the same or similar features are maintained between embodiments.

Actuating members 50 are provided on the key 76. The actuating members 50 are similar to those of the previous embodiment. In this embodiment, it can be seen that the actuating members 50 are not regular trigonal prisms. Instead, an end face of each actuating member 50 is disposed at an angle relative to faces 80 of the foot portion 52. That is, for a given actuating member 50, one part of the end face is disposed further away from the surface 80 it protrudes from that another part of that end face. This provides an angled surface suitable for bearing against a detent or similar part of the locking mechanism, for example.

In the current embodiment of the key 76, the actuating member 50 include indents 81 , or similar recesses, disposed on or in a face portion of the key 76 extending perpendicularly from the foot portion 52.

A groove 78 forming a first element of the alignment means is disposed in the foot portion 52 between the actuating members 50. The groove has a substantially rectangular cross-section in this embodiment, although it will be appreciated that other cross-sections may be provided. The groove 78 is open-ended and extends across the full width of the foot portion 52 in this embodiment. The width and depth of the groove 78 is sized and shaped to receive a portion of the blocking wall 72a in use. In some embodiments, the depth of the groove 78 allows the faces 80 of the foot portion 52 disposed to either side of the groove 78 to substantially abut a portion of the rear wall 28 of the display and support device proximate the apertures 38.

A tab or wall 82 forming a second element of the alignment means extends from a side of the foot portion 52. The tab 82 and foot portion 52 effectively form a substantially L- shaped arrangement or foot portion. In the current embodiment, the tab 82 extends further from the foot portion 52 than the actuating members 50. During use, a face 84 of the side portion may substantially abut or be in close proximity to the side wall 30 of the display and support device.

A user wishing to remove the display panel 14 from the display and support device 10 can locate the key 76 between the display panel holder 20 and the surface on which the display and support device 10 is mounted. The actuating members 50 are directed towards the rear of the display panel holder 20. To ensure correct orientation of the key, the user may rotate the key 76 so that face 84 of the tab 82 is disposed to one side of a plane formed by the side wall 30. The user moves the key 76 towards the rear of display holder 20 until the tab 82 extends at least partially past the rear wall 28 to one side of the side wall 30. If the tab 82 is significantly spaced away from the side wall 30, the user moves the key 76 so that the face 84 of the tab 82 substantially abuts the side wall 30.

Once the tab 82 substantially abuts the side wall 30, the user locates one of the blocking walls 72a in the groove 78 by moving the key 76 further towards the rear wall 28. The actuating members 50 of the key 76 are horizontally aligned with the apertures 38. The user may then move the key 76 vertically until the actuating members 50 are vertically aligned with or partially received in the aperture 38. The user can of course perform these actions substantially concurrently. For example, as the user is moving the key 76 vertically they may feel a small bump or a momentary lack of resistance as the actuating members 50 interface with the apertures 38.

Once the actuating members 50 are both horizontally and vertically aligned with the apertures 38, the user moves the key 76 further towards the rear wall 28 until faces 80 substantially abut or are in close proximity to the rear wall. The final movement causing each actuating member 50 to interface with one of the engagement means 44 to depress the independently actuatable tabs 40. This allows the display panel 14 to be removed from within the cavity 13.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.