US20090078664A1

US20090078664A1 - Display rack

Info

Publication number: US20090078664A1
Application number: US11/861,677
Authority: US
Inventors: Steven D. Steffan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-09-26
Filing date: 2007-09-26
Publication date: 2009-03-26

Abstract

A display rack system includes a main frame with a selectable number of swingable display frames releasably attached thereto. Each display frame includes vertical mounting arms with a plurality of slots therealong. Item support assemblies releasably engage these mounting arms, on each side thereof, so as to releasably attach item support assemblies, e.g., shelves, hooks and clamps, thereto. Wire supports are further releasably attached to the arms to restrain item movement during swinging movement of the display frames. The main frame can either be basally supported or attached to a vertical surface.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a display rack and, more particularly, a rack system having a plurality of swingable, releasable display frames thereon, each frame adapted to receive various item support assemblies releasably attached thereto.
The use of display racks in commercial environments is known. However, past display racks have been restricted in use particularly if they were dedicated to a specific product.
Past display racks have not been suitable to display items having various quantities, sizes and configuration. As such, not all of a retailer's inventory could be displayed on one rack. Moreover, as a collector's inventory of items increased, home display became more difficult which, in some cases, relegated the collected items to storage rather than display. Thus, there is a need to have a display rack system which is capable of displaying different items and be easily, variably sized according to the quantity desired to be displayed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In response thereto I have invented a display rack system which includes a main frame for supporting a plurality of releasable display frames in swingable movement relative thereto. Each display frame is capable of having various item support assemblies releasably attached thereto. Each support assembly is designed to hold in position various items for display whether in the form of basal support or suspension from the display frame. Each display frame is releasably engageable to the main frame which allows a variable number of display frames to be utilized. The combination of selectable display frames and support assemblies allows the quantity, size and type of items to be displayed to be varied.
It is therefor a general object of this invention to provide a display rack system which can display various quantities of items.
Another object of this invention is to provide a display rack, as aforesaid, which can display items of various designs and configurations.
A further object of this invention is to provide a display rack, as aforesaid, having a plurality of display frames swingably and releasably attached to a main frame.
Another object of this invention is to provide a display rack, as aforesaid, having a selectable number of item support assemblies releasably attached to the display frames.
A further object of this invention is to provide a display rack, as aforesaid, with each display frame capable of either basally supporting or suspending a display item.
Another particular object of this invention is to provide a display rack, as aforesaid, adaptable for use on either a horizontal or vertical surface.
Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, now preferred embodiments of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the display rack system having a plurality of display frames mounted thereto and various support assemblies releasably mounted to the display frames;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the ground support main frame and display frames attached therefrom;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a display rack system with display frames of various sizes mounted thereto;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a display rack having a plurality of display frames of equal size thereon;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a display frame;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, exploded view of one end of a strut/mounting bar connection of the display frame of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, exploded view of an opposed end of the strut/mounting bar connection of the display frame of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, assembled view of the FIG. 5 display frame;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of one end of a strut/mounting bar connection of the FIG. 8 display frame;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of an opposed end of the strut/mounting bar connection of the FIG. 8 display frame;

FIG. 11 is a view of one side of a display frame showing shelf and wire support assemblies thereon;

FIG. 12 is an opposed side view of the display frame of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a view of a display frame showing a shelf assembly initially inserted into the mounting bar apertures;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged, fragmentary view showing the means of attachment of the shelf in FIG. 13 to the display frame;

FIG. 15 is a view of a display frame and wire support members attached thereto;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged, fragmentary view from within a mounting bar showing the manner of attachment of the wire support members of the FIG. 15 display frame;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of FIG. 16 from the exterior of the mounting bar;

FIG. 18 is an opposed view of a display frame showing an item support assembly suspending items therefrom attached to a display frame;

FIG. 19 is an opposed view of the display frame of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged, fragmentary view showing the manner of attachment of the suspension rail of the FIG. 18 suspension assembly to the mounting arm of a display frame with a fragmentary hook suspended therefrom;

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary view of the suspension rail of FIG. 20 from the opposed side thereof;

FIG. 22 is a view of an alternative embodiment of the main frame for attachment to a vertical surface;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a display rack system;

FIG. 24 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 23; and

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the FIG. 23 embodiment utilizing alternative shelves.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Turning more particularly to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows my display rack system 10 in a floor display mode. My rack system generally comprises a main support frame which includes first and second columnar supports 20 a and 20 b. Each column 20 a, 20 b includes floor supports 30 a, 30 b attached to the columns 20 a, 20 b at the lower ends thereof by flanges 32 a, 32 b bolted thereto.
As best shown in FIG. 2, the main frame includes first and second horizontal struts 40 a, 40 b extending between support members 20 a, 20 b. These struts 40 a, 40 b are attached thereto by bracket 40/bolt combination. One bolt 46 extends through a selected aperture 44 of the plurality of apertures in the horizontal struts 40 a, 40 b and aperture in bracket 40. A second bolt 45 extends through an aperture in the front wall of the bracket 40 and bears against the front wall of each strut 40 a, 40 b so as to maintain these struts in place.
Swingably attached to the main frame are a plurality of display frames 100. As best shown in FIGS. 5-10, each display frame 100 includes first and second upright mounting bars 120 a, 120 b with each bar having an end wall 122 and side walls 124, 126. Each wall 122, 124, 126 has a plurality of slots 130 therealong. Apertures 132 are further positioned in the side walls 124, 126 adjacent each slot.
Struts 140 a, 140 b extend between the mounting bars 120 a, 120 b. Each strut includes apertures 144, 146 at the opposed ends thereof. Apertures 144 at one end of each strut 140 a, 140 b align with the apertures 132 and slot 130 in the side walls 124, 126 of mounting bar 120 a. Nestable fasteners 150, 152 extend through these aligned side wall and strut apertures so as to attach one end of the strut 140 to mounting bar 120 a.
The opposed ends of each strut 140 a, 140 b extend through enlarged apertures in arm 120 b so as to provide an extension 143 of each strut 140 a, 140 b beyond the arm 120 b. These extensions 143 present a pivot arm 143. Attached to this arm 143 at the free end thereof are pivot pins 160. Fasteners 150, 152 likewise extend through the apertures 146 in the side walls 120 a, 120 b, as aligned with slot 130 and apertures 132 in the mounting arm 120 b.
The pivot pins 160 nest in the apertures 44 found along struts 40 a, 40 b. Thus, a plurality of display frames can be swingably, releasably attached to the main support frame. These display frames 100 can be of selectable quantities and various sizes with each frame offering mounting bars 120 a, 120 b of various lengths (FIG. 3). It is understood that as the frame size increases additional reinforcing struts, e.g., 140 c, 140 d, may be required.
The mounting bars 120 a, 120 b with slots 130 and apertures 132 therein allow various types of support assemblies to be releasably attached to the display frames 100 so that various items can be basally supported by or suspended from each display frame 100.
FIGS. 11-12 show a display frame with a plurality of shelves 200 thereon. Each shelf 200 includes a base 202 having a retaining flange 204 and a mounting flange 206 (FIG. 14). The mounting flange 206 presents a wall 207 normally extending from base 202, a wall 208 normally extending from wall 207, a vertical tab 209 normally extending from wall 208 and a notch 210 adjacent each tab 209. Tabs 209 are first inserted into a selected slot 130 in each mounting bar 120 a, 120 b (FIG. 14). Upon clockwise rotation locking occurs as wall 208 rests on the bottom edge of slot 130 with tab 209 and wall 208 bearing against the opposed surfaces of the adjacent side walls of each mounting bar 120 a, 120 b so as to maintain the shelf 200 in place. Notch 210 allows mounting bar clearance for this initial penetration and rotation. As such the shelves 200 may selectably engage the slots 130 along the vertical extent of the mounting bars 120 a, 120 b in opposed side walls 124, 126 of the mounting bars 120 a, 120 b. Such structures allow various item types to be supported as shown in FIG. 1 by each frame on both sides thereof.
Further releasably attached to display frames 100 are wire support assemblies consisting of first and/or second wire members 300, 350 (FIGS. 15-17). Wire members 300, 350 are designed to engage apertures 132 in the mounting bar side walls. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, each wire member 300, 352 includes at both ends a first section 306, 356 normally extending from each wire 300, 350, a second section 304, 354 normally extending from sections 306, 356, and free sections 302, 352 normally extending from sections 304, 354. Free ends 302, 352 are first insertable through apertures 132 and upon clockwise rotation bear against the interior surface of the side wall of each arm 120 a, 120 b. Once seated, the wire member section 304, 354 rests on the bottom of the aperture 132 with sections 306, 356 bearing against the opposed surface of side wall. Thus, locking occurs.
Upon locking, the first wire member 300 spans the mounting bars 120 a, 120 b. The second wire member includes sections 351 extending away from each mounting bar 120 a, 120 b so as to displace wire 350 from the first wire 300. As such, items such as boxes 600, dolls, etc. may be placed on a shelf 200 and between the displaced wire members 300, 350. These wires 300, 350 provide side restraints so as to restrict item movement on the shelf during swingable movement of the frame 100.
Another support assembly 500 suspends items from each frame 100. As such, a suspension rail 502 is provided having a mounting flange along the extent thereof. The mounting flange includes a shelf 504 normally extending from the front wall of rail 502 with tab 508 normally extending from shelf 504. Each tab 508 is insertable into a slot 130 in a respective mounting bar and rotated into place such that tab 508 bears against an inside surface of an arm sidewall with the shelf 504 resting on the bottom of slot 130. The rail 500 has a plurality of apertures 520 so that various suspension elements can be engaged therewith, such as hooks 522 shown. It is understood that other suspension elements may be associated with the rail 500 such as clamps, wires, etc. Thus, various types of items (FIGS. 18-19) can be suspended from a display frame 100.
FIG. 22 shows an alternate form of the main support frame wherein the vertical column members 30 a, 30 b are replaced with flat bar members 130 a, 130 b which can be attached to a vertical surface such as a wall. The above-described horizontal struts 40 a, 40 b can then be attached between these bars 130 a, 130 b via the above-described brackets 42. The display frames 100 can then be swingably mounted to these horizontal struts 40 a, 40 b and utilized as above described. Thus, the main frame of the display rack can either be basally supported or attached to another surface.
Accordingly, it can be seen that my display rack utilizing the releasably engageable display frames 100 and various support assemblies 200, 300, 500 is adaptable to various environments and enables the user to display various types of items and quantities thereon.
FIGS. 23-25 show another embodiment of a display rack 700. This embodiment generally comprises an upright support wall 720 with shelves 750, 780 attached thereto.
The shelf support wall 720 comprises a series of channels including a top channel 722 with top wall 723 and a bottom channel 742 with bottom wall 743. A series of front walls 724 a, 724 b, 724 c, 724 d, etc. with slots 730 therebetween can be presented. Each slot 730 presents access to a horizontal wall 731 of a lower front wall and the opposed interior surface 725 of a higher front wall. Each slot 730 also presents access to a back wall 737 of a channel. As such, screws may be driven through a back wall 737 and into a wall stud so as to hold the support wall 720 in place. Located in the channel between slots are reinforcing members 739 designed to bear against a wall and offer rigidity to the support wall 720.
Shelf 750 includes a base 752 with retaining flange 754 at one end. At the opposed end of base 752 is a mounting structure presented by end wall 756 normal to base 752. A wall 757 is normal to end wall 756 and presents an upright wall 758 or lip normally extending therefrom.
Underneath the base 752 is reinforcing structure in the form of a wall 760 having reinforcing flanges 761, 762 therebetween. A second mounting structure at the end of wall 760 includes a depending wall 766 with a lip 767 normally extending therefrom.
In use the lip 758 is inserted into a slot 730 and rotated counterclockwise such that lip 758 bears against an inside surface 725 of a wall 724 with wall 757 resting atop a horizontal surface 731 presented by slot 730. Concurrently, the lower mounting flange 764 engages a lower slot 730 as lip 767 is inserted therein such that the lip 767 rests atop a lower horizontal surface with depending wall 766 bearing against a surface of a lower front wall 724. Accordingly, engagement of these upper and lower mounting flanges with upper and lower slots 730 maintains the shelf 750 in place.
Shelf 780 is similar in construction to shelf 750 except for the absence of the underlying reinforcing structure. As such, shelf 780 presents similar mounting structure in the form of an end wall 756′, wall 757′ and lip 758′. Upon insertion of wall 758′ into slot 730 and rotation, the wall 758′ bears against the inside surface 725 of an upper wall, wall 757′ resting atop an adjacent horizontal surface 731 and wall 758′ against a lower front wall 724. As such, the shelf 780 is held in place.
It is to be understood that while certain forms of this invention have been illustrated and described, it is not limited thereto, except in so far as such limitations are included in the following claims and allowable equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A display rack for items comprising:

a support frame including at least one strut;

a plurality of apertures along said at least one strut;

at least one display frame, said at least one display frame comprising:

at least one upright mounting arm presenting a plurality of apertures positioned therealong;

a pivot arm associated with said at least one upright arm;

a pivot pin extending from said arm, said pin nestable in an aperture along said at least one support frame strut to provide swingable movement to said at least one display frame;

means for supporting an item in swingable movement with said at least one display frame, said support means engageable with an aperture along said at least one mounting arm.

2. The display rack as claimed in claim 1 wherein said support means comprises:

at least one shelf;

means on said at least one shelf for releasable engagement with said one aperture along said at least one arm, said engagement positioning said at least one shelf in a selectable position on said display frame.

3. The display rack as claimed in claim 2 wherein said support means further comprises:

a first wire member;

means for engaging said first wire member with an arm aperture above said shelf, said first wire member restraining movement of an item placed on said at least one shelf during said swingable movement of said display frame.

4. The display rack as claimed in claim 3 wherein said support means further comprises:

a second wire member;

means for engaging said second wire member with an arm aperture above, said second wire member restraining movement of an item placed on said shelf during said swingable movement of said display frame.

5. The display rack as claimed in claim 1 wherein said support means comprises:

a rail;

means for engaging said rail to said at least one arm;

means suspended from said rail for attachment to an item, whereby to suspend the item from said rail in swingable movement with said display frame.

6. The display rack as claimed in claim 5 wherein said support means further comprises a plurality of apertures along said rail, said attachment means engageable with said rail apertures, and in suspension from said rail.

7. The display rack as claimed in claim 1 further comprising means for maintaining said support frame on a floor surface.

8. The display rack as claimed in claim 1 further comprising means for maintaining said support frame on a vertical surface.

9. A display rack for items comprising:

a support frame including at least one generally horizontal strut;

a plurality of apertures along said strut;

at least one display frame for mounting to said at least one strut comprising:

a pair of spaced-apart, generally upright arms mounted to said at least one strut, each arm presenting a plurality of apertures therealong;

at least one brace extending between said arms;

a pivot arm extending from at least one of said arms;

pivot means on said pivot arm, said pivot means engageable with a selected aperture along said at least one horizontal strut to provide swingable movement to said at least one display frame;

means engageable with said apertures along said upright arms for supporting items in swingable movement with said at least one display frame at a selectable position on said display frame.

10. The display rack as claimed in claim 9 wherein said item support means comprises:

a shelf;

means on said shelf for releasable engagement with an aperture in each of said arms, said engagement positioning said shelf in a selectable position along said at least one display frame.

11. The display rack as claimed in claim 10 wherein said apertures are presented along said arms on opposed sides thereof whereby to position said shelf on each side of said at least one display frame.

12. The display rack as claimed in claim 10 further comprising:

a first wire member;

means for engaging said first wire member with an aperture in each of said arms above said shelf, said engaged first wire extending between said arms for providing a restraint to an item placed on said shelf.

13. The display rack as claimed in claim 12 further comprising:

a second wire member;

means for engaging said second wire member with an aperture in each of said arms above said shelf, said engaged second wire member displaced away from said first wire and extending between said arms, said second wire members restraining movement of an item placed on said shelf.

14. The display rack as claimed in claim 9 wherein said support means further comprises:

a rail extending between said arms;

means suspended from said rail for attachment to a selected item, whereby to suspend the attached item from said rail.

15. The display rack as claimed in claim 14 wherein said support means further comprises means for attaching said rail with an aperture in each of said arms.

16. The display rack as claimed in claim 10 wherein said shelf engagement means comprises a pair of tabs extending from opposed ends of said shelf, said respective tabs engageable with said arm apertures for said releasable engagement.

17. A display rack for items comprising:

a support frame including structure presenting a plurality of apertures extending along a lateral extent of said frame;

at least one display frame, said at least one display frame comprising:

at least one upright mounting bar presenting a plurality of apertures therealong;

pivot means on said display frame for engagement with one of said apertures of said support frame whereby to selectably position said at least one display frame along a lateral extent of said support frame;

means engageable with a selected aperture of said mounting bar apertures of said at least one mounting bar for supporting items in swingable movement with said display frame.

18. The display rack as claimed in claim 17 wherein said support means comprises:

a shelf;

means on said shelf for releasable engagement with said selected aperture of said at least one mounting bar whereby to position said shelf in a selectable position along said mounting bar.

19. The display rack as claimed in claim 18 further comprising:

first and second wire members;

means for engaging said first and second wire members to said at least one bar in spaced-apart extension above said shelf, said first and second wire members providing a restraint for an item placed on said shelf.

20. The display rack as claimed in claim 17 wherein said support means further comprises:

a rail attached to said at least one bar;

a plurality of apertures along said rail;

means engageable with a rail aperture, said means including structure for attachment to a selected item, whereby to suspend the item from said rail.

21. A display rack comprising:

a support frame comprising:

a series of spaced-apart generally vertical walls, each wall presenting exterior and interior vertical surfaces;

a slot between adjacent spaced-apart vertical walls, each slot presenting access to an interior surface of a vertical wall above said slot,

each slot further presenting a horizontal surface extending from a vertical wall below said slot;

a shelf for attachment to said support frame comprising:

a base for supporting an item thereon;

a mounting flange at one end of said shelf including a lip for insertion in said slot for bearing against said interior surface of said vertical wall above said slot, a horizontal wall for bearing against said horizontal surface presented by said slot and a depending wall for bearing against said vertical wall below said slot.