BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

&null;0002&null; The present invention relates to magnifying devices, and in particular, it relates to a magnifying device for printed matter, such as labels.

&null;0003&null; In consumer sales establishments such as shopping centers and supermarkets, there is a need to aid customers with eyesight problems to read labeling materials, for example, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation nutritional and ingredient labels for food and other labels for products typically purchased in stores. A large portion of the general public is becoming older, sometimes referred to as the aging of the baby boom generation. Additionally, consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about food ingredients and seek the information of the labels to make an educated purchase decision. However, the information on the labels is usually very small and hard to read. The present invention is directed to providing a device for magnification of such labels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

&null;0004&null; The invention includes a magnification member that instantly enlarges the content of a label when the product label is positioned on the opposing side of the device, making it easy to read without eye strain. The magnification member may comprise a magnification sheet or lens, for example, a Fresnel lens or any other appropriate magnification device. The device according to the invention may be easily and permanently affixed to store shelving making it accessible to customers. The device of the invention may also have an area for brand name or logo imprints or advertising information thus making it a medium for advertising.

&null;0005&null; Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

&null;0006&null; The invention will be described in greater detail in the following detailed description with reference to the drawings in which:

&null;0007&null; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention;

&null;0008&null; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention;

&null;0009&null; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention;

&null;0010&null; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the invention; and

&null;0011&null; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

&null;0012&null; With reference to the drawings, the label enlarging device is shown generally by reference numeral 10. In FIG. 1, the device 10 can be mounted on a rod or shaft 20 suitably mounted by brackets 22. Brackets 22 may be affixed by any convenient means to the store shelving 24. The shelving 24 is provided for storing and displaying merchandise to be sold. The device 10 may comprise a magnification plate 26 mounted to a suitable frame or bezel 28. The frame or bezel 28 may include an area 30 for advertising material. In FIG. 1, the magnification plate 26 may comprise a magnification sheet or lens as is well known. These types of magnification sheets or lens or may comprises for example, a Fresnel lens.

&null;0013&null; The device 10 is preferably pivotable on the shaft 20 and/or the shaft 20 may be pivotable in the brackets 22. This will facilitate rotation of the device 10 out of the way of the aisle when the consumer is not using the device. To use the device, the consumer height and rotation the device 10 at an appropriate height and amount of rotation and moves an item to be viewed behind lens 26, so that the label is enlarged allowing the consumer to read the label. The device 10 of FIG. 1 is preferably slidable in the vertical direction 27 on the shaft 20 so that the consumer can raise or lower the device to a comfortable position depending upon the consumer's height. It is rotatable as shown by arrows 29. When stowed, it can be folded neatly against the shelving, as shown at 21.

&null;0014&null; FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the invention 10. The invention includes a lens 26A mounted in a frame 28A. The lens may be circular as shown or can have any other shape. The frame 28A is connected to a shaft 20A, preferably integrally, and coupled to a bracket 22A by a suitable flexible joint such as a ball and socket joint 32. This allows the lens 26A to move in three dimensions so that the user can position the device 10 at a comfortable position to read the label of the merchandise. The bracket 22A is fastened to the store shelving 24 by any suitable means.

&null;0015&null; FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of the invention which is similar to the device of FIG. 1 having a plate lens 26 fastened to a bezel 28. A bracket 22B is suitably fastened to store shelving 24. The bracket 22B is hingedly connected to the bezel 28 by a hinge joint 34. The device of FIG. 3 can be moved to any angular position shown by the arrows 36.

&null;0016&null; FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment which may be similar to the device of FIG. 1 having a sheet lens 26 mounted in a frame 28. Preferably integrally formed with the frame 28 is a shaft 20C. The shaft 20C is slidable in a bracket 22C which can be a snap bracket for holding the shaft 20C. The magnifier 10 can be used in place and is adjustable in the direction of the arrow 40 and rotatable as shown by arrows 43. The magnifier 10 may be removed from the bracket 22C either by snapping it out of the bracket or moving it vertically upwardly so that the shaft comes out of the hole in the bracket 22C. Preferably, the device 10 is coupled to the bracket 22C by a coupling device 42, for example a chain, twine or other flexible member so that it will not be lost and cannot be dropped to the floor. The device shown in FIG. 4 can be used in any position, only limited by the length of the flexible coupling device 42.

&null;0017&null; Because the device is used by consumers, the lenses 26 are preferably made of a suitable plastic material so they will not easily break.

&null;0018&null; FIG. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of the invention. The device has a suitable magnification lens 26 as in the other embodiments surrounded by a frame or bezel 28. A flexible arm 50 is provided coupling the bezel 28 to a mounting bracket 22D. The mounting bracket 22D may include a suitable clamp 52 having a movable clamping surface 53 adjustable by screws or thumb screws 54. The bracket 22D with clamp 52 can be used in any of the above described embodiments. The flexible arm 50 may be any suitable flexible connector which holds its position when bent into a particular position. An example of such a flexible arm might be, for example, the flexible necks used with commonly available flashlights or any other flexible arm, for example used commonly with lighting fixtures, for example, gooseneck lighting devices, as well known to those of skill in the art. As in the other embodiments, the frame 28 includes areas 30 which can be provided with suitable advertising or other graphical or written material.

&null;0019&null; Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present invention should be limited not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims.