Multi-bay Merchandising Display System

Abstract

A multi-bay merchandising display. The display may include a display frame having a support side and an opposing open side. The display may include support channels secured to the support side and adjustable gravity fed shelves secured to the support channels. The shelves may include first and second longitudinal braces, a first lateral brace extending between the longitudinal braces, and first and second vertical braces for securing a shelf to the support channels. The shelves extend from the support side to the opposing open side of the display frame and include stops at the opposing open side, so that when merchandise is disposed on the shelves, such merchandise may be gravity fed towards the opposing open side of the display frame but stopped from falling off of the shelves.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/908,112 filed on Sep. 30, 2019. The disclosure of the foregoing patent application is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to a display. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a multi-bay merchandising display and system that is particularly suitable for storing and showcasing products, such as rolled wire, in retail establishments. The system of the present invention may include vertically extending support channels secured to a display frame and gravity-fed shelves adjustably secured to the support channels to allow for an orderly arrangement of various sized merchandise.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Merchandising displays are used in many retail chains and establishments around the world. Because merchandise comes is distinct shapes and sizes, there are many different styles and designs of displays in the retail industry.

[0004] It is desirable for a merchandising display to allow for easy adjustment of shelves to allow for varying sizes of goods. It is also desirable for a merchandising display to allow for dense packing of goods to minimize the space needed to showcase and store goods. Additional desirable aspects for merchandising displays include those that allow for increased consumer appeal, are self-feeding when goods are removed, allow for orderly arrangement of various sized products, are adjustable, and require a minimum number of components for construction of the display so that the display can be built and adjusted more easily and efficiently.

[0005] The merchandising displays of the present invention preferably address the foregoing objectives.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In response to the difficulties and problems encountered in the industry, a new multi-bay merchandising display has been discovered that provides for great versatility.

[0007] In accordance with certain aspects of certain embodiments of the present technology, a multi-bay merchandising display may include a rectangular frame. In one embodiment, the frame has vertical beams, wherein at least one vertical beam may be positioned at each corner of the rectangular frame. The rectangular frame may also have lateral beams, wherein each lateral beam may be secured to two adjacent vertical beams. The multi-bay merchandising display may also include a first lateral support bar extending transversely between two vertical beams. In one embodiment, the first lateral support bar may be disposed on a first lateral beam of the lateral beams. Further, the first lateral support bar may include brackets extending along a face of the first lateral support bar. The multi-bay merchandising display may further include a second lateral support bar extending parallel to and below the first lateral support bar. The second lateral support bar may be disposed below a second lateral beam, and the second lateral support bar may include brackets extending along a face of the second lateral support bar. Additionally, the multi-bay merchandising display may include support channels extending vertically between the first lateral support bar and the second lateral support bar. Further, each support channel of the support channels may be secured at an upper end to a bracket of the first lateral support bar and at a lower end to a bracket of the second lateral support bar. The multi-bay merchandising display may also include shelves adjustably secured to and extending outward from at least two support channels. In one embodiment, the shelves may include a first end and a second end, wherein the shelves may be secured to the support channels at the first end. Further, the shelves may each include a plate at the second end. Preferably, when merchandise is disposed on the shelves of the display of the present invention, such merchandise may be gravity fed towards the second end and be stopped from falling off of the shelves by the plate.

[0008] In accordance with additional aspects of other embodiments of the present technology, a multi-bay merchandising display may include a rectangular frame having a support side and an opposing open side. Further, the display may include a first lateral support secured to the support side of the rectangular frame and a second lateral support disposed below the first lateral support and secured to the support side of the rectangular frame. Additionally, the display may include support channels extending vertically between the first lateral support bar and the second lateral support bar. In one embodiment, each support channel of the support channels may be secured at an upper end to the first lateral support bar and at a lower end to the second lateral support bar. The display may also include a shelf that is adjustably secured to and extending outward from at least two support channels. In one embodiment, the shelf may include a first end and a second end. Further, the shelf may be secured to the support channels at the first end. In an embodiment of the display of the present invention, the shelf may also include first and second longitudinal braces, a first lateral brace, and first and second vertical braces. The first lateral brace may extend between the first and second longitudinal braces and connect the first and second longitudinal braces. Moreover, the first and second vertical braces may adjustably secure the shelf to the at least two support channels. Preferably, when merchandise is disposed on the shelf, such merchandise may be gravity fed towards the second end and be stopped from falling off of the shelf at the second end of the longitudinal braces.

[0009] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present technology, a multi-bay merchandising display may include a display frame having a support side and an opposing open side. The display may also include support channels secured to the support side of the display frame. Furthermore, the display may include shelves adjustably secured to and extending outward from the support channels, wherein the shelves comprise a first end and a second end and are secured to the support channels at the first end. Further, each shelf of the shelves may include first and second longitudinal braces, a first lateral brace, and first and second vertical braces. In one embodiment, the first lateral brace may extend between the first and second longitudinal braces and connect the first and second longitudinal braces. Further, the first and second vertical braces may adjustably secure the first and second longitudinal braces to the support channels at the first end of the shelves. Moreover, the first and second longitudinal braces may extend from the first end to the second end of the shelves. Additionally, each longitudinal brace may include a plate at the second end of the shelves. Preferably, when merchandise is disposed on the shelves, such merchandise may be gravity fed towards the second end of the shelves and be stopped from falling off of the shelves by the plates.

[0010] These and other features and their advantages will be apparent from a careful review of the detailed description below, accompanied by the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0011] The aspects described above, as well as other apparent aspects, advantages, and objectives of the present invention are apparent from the detailed description below in combination with the drawings, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a merchandising display in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 2A is a front elevation view of a merchandising display without shelves installed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 2B is a magnified perspective view, taken at B in FIG. 2A.

[0015] FIG. 2C is a magnified perspective view, taken at A in FIG. 2A.

[0016] FIG. 2D is a magnified side view, taken at A in FIG. 2A.

[0017] FIG. 2E is a magnified side view, taken at B in FIG. 2A.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an upper lateral support bar of the merchandising display in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a support channel of the merchandising display in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lower lateral support bar of the merchandising display in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a merchandising display in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 6B is a magnified perspective view, taken at C in FIG. 6A.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of a merchandising display with shelves installed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view, taken along line A-A in FIG. 7.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a shelf of the merchandising display in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 10A is a side elevation view of a shelf of the merchandising display in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 10B is a magnified view, taken at D in FIG. 10A.

[0028] FIG. 10C is a magnified view, taken at E in FIG. 10A.

[0029] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a merchandising display in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 12 is a magnified side view showing a display panel of the merchandising display in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a merchandising display in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 14A is a front elevation view of a merchandising display without shelves installed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 14B is a magnified view, taken at F in FIG. 14A.

[0034] FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a merchandising display in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 15B is a magnified perspective view, taken at G in FIG. 15A.

[0036] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a merchandising display in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 17 is a magnified side view showing a display panel of the merchandising display in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and their foregoing and following descriptions. However, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or component disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0039] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a "horizontal joining member" can include two or more such members unless the context requires otherwise.

[0040] The accompanying figures illustrate certain of the foregoing aspects of a multi-bay merchandising display, as well as additional aspects thereof. The figures represent embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, a multi-bay merchandising display 10 is provided with merchandise, such as rolled-wire of varying sizes 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E. The multi-bay merchandising display 10 preferably includes a minimum number of components. The merchandising display 10 may be composed of any suitable material, and need not be of a single material but rather can be multiple materials together. Such materials may include metal or non-metals such as vinyl, plastic, wood and the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the multi-bay merchandising display is preferably capable of accommodating the display of various sized goods and products.

[0042] In one embodiment of the multi-bay merchandising display 10 of the present invention, the display 10 may include a support structure such as a display frame 15. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the frame 15 is a rectangular frame. The display frame 15 may be preexisting framing or may be built specifically for the shelves of the present invention. In one embodiment, the frame includes a support side 16 for securing shelves and the like and an opposing open side 17 for allowing customers to retrieve merchandise 5A-5E from the display. Further, the frame 15 may include vertical beams 20 positioned at each corner of the frame 15. The frame 15 may also include lateral beams 30, 40 for securing the vertical beams 20 together. In one embodiment, each lateral beam 30, 40 may be secured to two adjacent vertical beams 20. Further, the frame 15 may include an upper lateral beam 30 and a lower lateral beam 40. The lateral beams 30 may include brackets 32 for securing the frame 15 to another structure or for securing the frame 15 to additional components of the display 10.

[0043] As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, the multi-bay merchandising display 10 of the present invention may also include a first lateral support bar 50. In one embodiment, the first lateral support bar 50 may be secured to the support side 16 of a support frame 15. In another embodiment incorporating a rectangular support frame 15, the first lateral support bar 50 may extend transversely between two vertical beams 20', 20'' of the rectangular frame 15. The first lateral support bar 50 may be disposed on or adjacent to a first lateral beam 30 of the lateral beams of the rectangular frame 15. Further, the first lateral support bar 50 may include securing devices 55, such as brackets, extending along a front face 52 of the first lateral support bar 50.

[0044] The multi-bay merchandising display 10 of the present invention may further include a second lateral support bar 60. In one embodiment, the second lateral support bar 60 may extend parallel to and reside below the first lateral support bar 50. Further, the second lateral support 60 bar may be secured to the support side 16 of a support frame 15. In another embodiment incorporating a rectangular support frame 15, the second lateral support bar 60 may be disposed below or adjacent to a second lateral beam 40. The second lateral support bar 60 may include securing devices 65, such as brackets, extending along a face 62 of the second lateral support bar 60.

[0045] The multi-bay merchandising display 10 of the present invention may also include support channels 70. In one embodiment of the invention, the support channels 70 may be secured to the support side 16 of the display frame 15. In another embodiment of the invention, the support channels 70 may each extend vertically between the first lateral support bar 50 and the second lateral support bar 60. As shown in FIG. 2C, each support channel 70 may be secured at an upper end 71 to a securing device 55, such as a bracket, of the first lateral support bar 50. Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, each support channel 70 may be secured at a lower end 72 to a securing device 65, such as a bracket, of the second lateral support bar 60.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the support channels 70 may include apertures 75 defined along a first side 73 of the support channel 70. Additionally, apertures 76 may also define along an opposing second side 74 of the support channel.

[0047] FIG. 2D illustrates an embodiment of a connection between the first lateral support bar 50, the first lateral beam 30, and a support channel 70 at the upper end 71 of the support channel 70. In this embodiment, the first lateral support bar 50 includes a bracket 55 for securing support channel 70, such as via a hitch pin extending through an opening in bracket 55 and apertures 75 and 76 on each side of the support channel 70. The first lateral support bar 50 may be disposed above first lateral beam 30 and may include a bracket 57 disposed on its rear side. Further, the first lateral beam 30 may include a bracket 32. Brackets 57 and 32 may secure together using a securing device 58, such as a bolt and nut, to secure the first lateral support bar 50 to the first lateral beam 30 and thereby the frame 15.

[0048] FIG. 2E illustrates an embodiment of a connection between the second lateral support bar 60, the second lateral beam 40, and a support channel 70 at the lower end 72 of the support channel 70. In this embodiment, the second lateral support bar 60 includes a bracket 65 for securing support channel 70, such as via a hitch pin extending through an opening in bracket 65 and apertures 75 and 76 on each side of the support channel 70. The second lateral support bar 60 may be disposed below second lateral beam 40 and may include a bracket 67 disposed on its rear side.

[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of a first lateral support bar 50 of the present invention. For example, the first lateral support bar 50 may include a body 51 having a front face 52 and a rear face 53. Multiple spaced brackets 55 may be secured along the front face 52 and multiple brackets 57 may be secured along rear face 53 opposite front face 52. The body 51 may for example form a hollow rectangular, cylindrical, or U-shaped cross-section.

[0050] FIG. 4 illustrates an example embodiment of a support channel 70 of the present invention. For example, the support channel 70 may include a body 79 having an upper end 71 and a lower end 72. The body 79 may include a first side 73 having spaced apertures 75 defined along the first side 73. Further, the body 79 may include a second side 74 having spaced apertures 76 defined along the second side 74. The support channel body 79 may, for example, form a hollow rectangular, cylindrical, or U-shaped cross-section.

[0051] FIG. 5 illustrates an example embodiment of a second lateral support bar 60 of the present invention. For example, the second lateral support bar 60 may include a body 61 having a front face 62 and a rear face 63. Multiple spaced brackets 65 may be secured along the front face 62 and multiple brackets 67 may be secured along rear face 63. The body 61 may, for example, form a hollow rectangular, cylindrical, or U-shaped cross-section.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 6A, 7 and 8, the multi-bay merchandising display 10 may also include one or more shelves 80. The shelves 80 may be adjustably secured to and extend outward from the support side 16 of the display frame 15 towards the opposing open side 17 of the display frame 15. Further, the shelves 80 may be secured to and extend outward from the support channels 70. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, each shelf may be secured to at least two support channels 70. FIG. 6B illustrates a close up view of an embodiment of the connection between a shelf 80 and a support channel 70.

[0053] FIGS. 9 and 10A-10C illustrate an embodiment of a shelf 80 of the present invention. For example, the shelves 80 of the present invention may each include a first end 81 and a second end 82. In one embodiment, the shelves 80 may be secured to the support channels 70 at the first end 81. Further, the shelves 80 may each include one or more stops, such as plates 83 at the second end 82. The shelves 80 may each include longitudinal braces 84. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 9, each shelf may include first and second longitudinal braces, 84' and 84'', respectively. When installed, the longitudinal braces 84 may extend from the support side 16 to the opposing open side 17 of the display frame 15.

[0054] Each shelf 80 may further include one or more lateral braces 85. In the embodiment of FIG. 9, each shelf may include two lateral braces 85', 85''. The lateral braces 85 preferably extend between the longitudinal braces 84', 84'', such as traverse between and orthogonal to the longitudinal braces 84', 84''. The lateral braces 85 may connect multiple longitudinal braces 84. For example, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 9, two lateral braces 85', 85'' may extend between and connect two longitudinal braces 84', 84''. In an alternative embodiment, a single lateral brace 85 may extend between and connect multiple longitudinal braces 84.

[0055] Each shelf 80 may also include vertical braces 86. The vertical braces 86 may adjustably secure the longitudinal braces 84 to the support channels 70 at the first end 81 of a shelf 80. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 9, the shelves may include first and second longitudinal braces 84', 84'', respectively, and each shelf may include first and second vertical braces 86', 86''. The first and second vertical braces, 86' and 86'', respectively, adjustably secure the first and second longitudinal braces, 84' and 84'', respectively, to a first and second support channel 70' and 70'', respectively, at the first end 81 of a shelf 80.

[0056] In the embodiment of FIGS. 10A-10C, the vertical braces 86 may include connector posts 88, for connecting the vertical braces 86 to a support channel 70, and arcuate ramps 87, for connecting the vertical braces 86 to the longitudinal braces 84. For example, each vertical brace 86 may include two arcuate ramps 87' and 87'', so that a first arcuate ramp 87' is positioned on one side of a longitudinal brace 84' and a second arcuate ramp 87'' is positioned on the opposing side of the longitudinal brace 84'.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10A-10C, the vertical brace 86 and longitudinal brace 84 of the present invention may provide a downward angled relationship, such as of greater than 90 degrees, so that the longitudinal braces 84 are angled downward from the support side 16 to the opposing side 17 of a display frame 15. Such a relationship allows for gravity feeding of merchandise from the shelves 80 toward the front of merchandising display 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 10C, an obtuse angle of approximately 95 degrees is created between the connector post 88 of the vertical brace 86 and the longitudinal brace 84. Thus, the angle between the support channel 70 and the longitudinal brace 84 of the shelf 80 is also angled, such as at approximately 95 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle between the support channel 70 and longitudinal brace 84 of the shelf 80 is approximately 91 to 120 degrees. In another embodiment, such angle is approximately 93 to 110 degrees. In yet another embodiment, the angle is approximately 95 to 105 degrees.

[0058] In embodiments of the present invention wherein the support channels 70 include apertures 75, 76 defined along each side, the vertical braces 86 may likewise include corresponding apertures 89. The vertical braces 86 and support channels 70 may be secured together using a securing device, such as a nut or bolt, which allows for moving the shelf to a desired level along the support channel 70 (such as to accommodate various sizes and/or quantities of products). In the embodiment of FIG. 6B, a hitch pin 95 is used as the securing device. The hitch pin 95 may include a pin 96 that inserts through the apertures 89 of the vertical braces 86 and the apertures 75, 76 of the support channels 70. Further, the hitch pin 95 may include a U-connector 97 to secure the pin 96 in position. A hitch pin 95 may be particularly useful because of the ease of connectivity/disconnectivity with a minimal amount of tools and parts needed to secure the shelves 80 to the display 10.

[0059] As discussed above and shown in FIG. 6A, a stop or plate 83 may be secured to each longitudinal brace 84 at the second end 82 of each shelf 80. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a first plate 83' may be secured to a first longitudinal brace 84' of a shelf 80 and a second plate 83'' may be secured to a second longitudinal brace 84'' of the shelf 80. Preferably, the plates 83 prohibit merchandise from falling off of the shelf 80. In one embodiment, such as shown in FIG. 10B, the plate 83 may be angled toward the support side 16 of the display frame 15. For example, the plate 83 may be angled 70 to 89 degrees. Alternatively, the plate 83 may be angled 75 to 85 degrees. Yet further alternatively, the plate 83 may be angled approximately 80 degrees.

[0060] In one embodiment, such as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, a display panel 90 may be secured to one or more plates 83. Alternatively a display panel 90 may be secured directly to the longitudinal braces 84. The display panel 90 may be angled similar to the plates 83 and may be used for providing identifying information, such as item description and price, to consumers. In one embodiment, the display panel 90 may snap over one or more plates 83. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12, the display panel 90 may also be secured using a securing device 92, such as a threaded fastener, to the underside of the longitudinal braces 84. The display panel 90, such as shown in FIG. 11, may secure over multiple plates 83 and multiple shelves 80 of the display 10 of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, the display panel 90 may extend substantially the entire width of the display frame 15. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the display panel includes a V-leg 93 for positioning the display panel 90 over the plates 83. A single or multiple securing devices or techniques may be used for securing the display panel 90 to the plates 83 and/or longitudinal braces 84.

[0061] Preferably, when merchandise 5 is disposed on the shelves 80 of the display 10 of the present invention, such merchandise 5 may be gravity fed towards the second end 82 of the shelves 80. Additionally, the merchandise 5 may be stopped from falling off of the shelves 80 by the one or more plates 83 at the second end 82.

[0062] In another embodiment of the present invention, such as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 13 through 17, the multi-bay merchandising display 100 may further include a raised horizontal shelf 200 secured to the vertical beams 120. The raised shelf 200 may be positioned approximately midway along the vertical beams 120. Alternatively, the raised horizontal shelf 200 may be positioned approximately one-third from the bottom of the vertical beam 120. As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 13, 14A, and 15A, the space above the raised horizontal shelf 200 may include a first shelf display apparatus 110 having support channels 170 and adjustable angled shelves 180. Further, the space below the raised horizontal shelf 200 may be open to allow for additional merchandise 105 positioned on the ground 104. Alternatively, when a raised horizontal shelf 200 is incorporated, an additional shelf display apparatus 110 with support channels 170 and adjustable angled shelves 180 may be included. In yet a further alternative embodiment, multiple raised horizontal shelves 200 may be incorporated for positioning merchandise 105 either below or above the adjustable angled shelves 180.

[0063] Like the display 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, the display apparatus 110 of the present invention shown in FIGS. 13-17 may include a support structure such as a display frame 115 similar to display frame 15 of FIG. 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the frame 115 may be a rectangular frame. The display frame 115 may be preexisting framing or may be built specifically for the shelves of the present invention. In one embodiment, the frame 115 may include a support side 116 for securing shelves and the like and an opposing open side 117 for allowing customers to retrieve merchandise 105 from the display 100. Further, the frame 115 may include vertical beams 120 positioned at each corner of the frame 115.

[0064] The frame 115 may also have lateral beams 130, 140 for securing the vertical beams 120 together. In one embodiment, each lateral beam 130, 140 may be secured to two adjacent vertical beams 120. Further, the frame 115 may include an upper lateral beam 130 and a lower lateral beam 140. The lateral beams 130 may include brackets 132 for securing the frame 115 to another structure.

[0065] As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 14A and 14B, the display apparatus 110 of the present invention may also include a first lateral support bar 150. In one embodiment, the first lateral support bar 150 may be secured to the support side 116 of a support frame 115. In another embodiment incorporating a rectangular support frame 115, the first lateral support bar 150 may extend transversely between two vertical beams 120', 120'' of the rectangular frame 115. The first lateral support bar 150 may be disposed on a first lateral beam 130 of the lateral beams of the rectangular frame 115. Further, the first lateral support bar 150 may be similar to the first lateral support bar 50 of the display 10. For example, the first lateral support bar 150 may include a body, having a front face 152 and a rear face, multiple spaced securing devices, such as brackets, secured along the front face 152, and multiple spaced securing devices, such as brackets, secured along rear face such as shown in FIG. 3. The body of the first lateral support bar 150 may, for example, form a hollow rectangular, cylindrical, or U-shaped cross-section.

[0066] The display apparatus 110 of the present invention may further include a second lateral support bar 160. In one embodiment, the second lateral support bar 160 may extend parallel to and below the first lateral support bar 150. Further, the second lateral support 160 bar may be secured to the support side 116 of the support frame 115. In another embodiment incorporating a rectangular support frame 115, the second lateral support bar 160 may be disposed below a second lateral beam 140. Further, the second lateral support bar 160 may be similar to the second lateral support bar 60 of the display 10. For example, the second lateral support bar 160 may include a body, having a front face and a rear face, multiple spaced securing devices, such as brackets, secured along the front face, and multiple spaced securing devices, such as brackets, secured along rear face such as shown in FIG. 5. The body of the second lateral support bar 160 may, for example, form a hollow rectangular, cylindrical, or U-shaped cross-section.

[0067] The display apparatus 110 of the present invention may also include support channels 170. In one embodiment of the invention, the support channels 170 may be secured to the support side 116 of the display frame 115. In another embodiment of the invention, the support channels 170 may extend vertically between the first lateral support bar 150 and the second lateral support bar 160.

[0068] The support channels 170 may be similar to the support channels 70 of the display 10. For example, as shown in FIGS. 14A, 14B, 15A, and 15B, the support channel 170 may include a body, having an upper end 171, a lower end 172, a first side 173 having spaced apertures 175 defined along the first side 173, and a second side 174 having spaced apertures 176 defined along the second side 174. As shown in FIGS. 15A and 16, each support channel 170 may be secured at an upper end 171 to a securing device 155, such as a bracket, of the first lateral support bar 150. Further, as shown in FIG. 14B, each support channel 170 may be secured at a lower end 172 to a securing device 165, such as a bracket, of the second lateral support bar 160.

[0069] The connections between the lateral support bars 150, 160, lateral beams 130, 140, and support channels 170 of display apparatus 110 may be similar to those connections illustrates in FIGS. 2D and 2E.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 15A, 15B, 16, and 17, the display apparatus 110 may also include one or more shelves 180. The shelves 180 may be adjustably secured to and extend outward from the support side 116 of the display frame 115 towards the opposing open side 117 of the display frame 115. Further, the shelves 180 may be secured to and extend outward from the support channels 170. For example, as shown in FIG. 15A, each shelf may be secured to at least two support channels 170. FIG. 15B illustrates a close up view of an embodiment of the connection between a shelf 180 and a support channel 170.

[0071] The shelves 180 may be a similar configuration to the shelves 80 of display 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 15A, the shelves 180 of the present invention may each include a first end 181 for securing to the support channel 170 and a second end 182. Further, the shelves 180 may each include one or more stops, such as plates 183 at the second end 182. The shelves 180 may each include longitudinal braces 184 and lateral braces 185 as discussed herein with respect to display 10. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 15B, each shelf 180 may also include vertical braces 186 for adjustably securing the longitudinal braces 184 to the support channels 170 at the first end 181 of a shelf 180 as also discussed herein with respect to display 10. The shelves 180 may also include arcuate ramps 187 for connecting the vertical braces 186 to the longitudinal braces 184 as discussed herein with respect to display 10.

[0072] Similar to the shelves 80 of display 10, the shelves 180 of display apparatus 110 may allow for a downward angled relationship, such as discussed herein and illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10C, so that the longitudinal braces 184 are angled downward from the support side 116 to the opposing side 117 of a display frame 115. For example, an obtuse angle may be incorporated between the vertical brace 186 and the longitudinal brace 184. Such a relationship allows for gravity feeding of merchandise from the shelves 180 to the front of merchandising display 10.

[0073] In embodiments of the present invention wherein the support channels 170 include apertures 175, 176 defined along each side, the vertical braces 186 may likewise include corresponding apertures 189. The vertical braces 86 and support channels 70 may be secured together using a securing device, such as a nut or bolt, which allows for moving the shelf from a first level to a second level along the support channel 170 (such as to accommodate differing sizes and/or quantities of products). In the embodiment of FIG. 15B, a hitch pin 195, similar to that discussed herein with respect to display 10, may be used as the securing device.

[0074] As discussed above and shown in FIGS. 15A and 17, a stop or plate 183 may be secured to each longitudinal brace 184 at the second end 182 of each shelf 180. The stops or plates 183 may be secured to the longitudinal braces 184 in a manner similar to the stops or plates 83 discussed herein with respect to display 10. Preferably, the plates 183 prohibit merchandise from falling off the front of the shelf 180. In one embodiment, such as shown in FIG. 17, the plate 183 may be angled toward the support side 116 of the display frame 115. For example, the plate 183 may be angled 70 to 89 degrees. Alternatively, the plate 183 may be angled 75 to 85 degrees. Yet further alternatively, the plate 183 may be angled approximately 80 degrees.

[0075] In one embodiment, such as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, a display panel 190 may be secured to one or more plates 183. Alternatively a display panel 190 may be secured directly to the longitudinal braces 184. The display panel 190 may be angled similar to the plates 183 and may be used for providing indicia, such as item description and price, to consumers. In one embodiment, the display panel 190 may snap over one or more plates 183. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 17, the display panel 190 may also be secured using a securing device 192, such as a bolt, secured to the underside of the longitudinal braces 184. The display panel 190, such as shown in FIG. 16, may secure over multiple plates 183 and multiple shelves 180 of the display 110 of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, the display panel 190 may extend substantially the entire width of the display frame 115. In the embodiment of FIG. 17, the display panel includes a V-leg 193 for positioning the display panel 190 over the plates 183. A single or multiple securing devices or techniques may be used for securing the display panel 190 to the plates 183 and/or longitudinal braces 184.

[0076] Preferably, when merchandise 105 is disposed on the shelves 180 of the display 100 of the present invention, such merchandise 105 may be gravity fed towards the second end 182 of the shelves 180. Additionally, the merchandise 105 may be stopped from falling off of the shelves 180 by the one or more plates 183 at the second end 182.

[0077] Each display 10, 100 of the present invention may be of any shape or geometry that allows the shelves to adjust to various placements and store merchandise. The display may be of practically any size as long as the stability of the display is maintained. For example, the display may have a height of approximately six feet from the upper shelf and a width of approximately eight feet. Alternatively, the display may have a height of approximately five feet from the upper shelf and a width of approximately ten feet. The display may include practically any number of shelves. In the embodiment set forth in FIGS. 1 and 6A, the display 10 includes 32 shelves 80. Alternatively, as shown in the embodiment FIGS. 13 and 15A, the display 100 includes 12 shelves 180.

[0078] The components, such as vertical beams, lateral beams, lateral supports, and support channels may be of any advantageous geometry or cross-section, for example, round, rectangular, oval, U-shaped, or elliptical. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the vertical beams each have a U-shaped cross-section. Additionally, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the support channels have a square cross-section. Alternatively, the support channels may have a U-shaped cross section. Further, each of the longitudinal braces and horizontal braces of the shelves may be of any advantageous geometry or cross-section.

[0079] The various components of the display of the present invention may be composed of any number of materials. For example, the components may be composed of metal, non-metal such as plastic or wood, or combinations of such materials. Additionally, the various components may be of hollow or solid construction.

[0080] The number, type, spacing, and orientation of the display design preferably maximizes the consumer appeal, stability, and adjustability of the display while also limiting the necessary components. Further, the design may allow for dense packing in a small footprint while also providing an orderly arrangement of various sized merchandise.

[0081] The display of the present invention may be formed by determining the size of display needed and providing the appropriately sized and quantity of components needed for forming the multi-bay merchandise display. The components of the display may then be joined. As merchandising needs change, the shelves may later be easily adjusted.

[0082] The particular display as herein disclosed, illustrated, and described is to be understood as only an embodiment of the present invention and thus representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention. The scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments that may be or may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims. In the appended claims, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one or more". All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described embodiment that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for a device to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present invention for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or combination in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for." Absent express definitions herein, all claim terms are to be given all ordinary and accustomed meanings that are not irreconcilable with the present specification and the file history.

[0083] Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the various patent offices and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is not intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

Claims

1. A multi-bay merchandising display comprising: a rectangular frame comprising vertical beams, wherein at least one vertical beam is positioned at each corner of the rectangular frame, and lateral beams, wherein each lateral beam is secured to two adjacent vertical beams; a first lateral support bar extending transversely between two vertical beams, wherein the first lateral support bar is disposed on a first lateral beam of the lateral beams, wherein the first lateral support bar comprises brackets extending along a face of the first lateral support bar; a second lateral support bar extending parallel to and below the first lateral support bar, wherein the second lateral support bar is disposed below a second lateral beam of the lateral beams, wherein the second lateral support bar comprises brackets extending along a face of the second lateral support bar; support channels extending vertically between the first lateral support bar and the second lateral support bar, wherein each support channel of the support channels are secured at an upper end to a bracket of the first lateral support bar and at a lower end to a bracket of the second lateral support bar; and shelves adjustably secured to and extending outward from at least two support channels, wherein the shelves comprise a first end and a second end, the shelves are secured to the support channels at the first end and the shelves each comprise a plate at the second end; wherein when merchandise is disposed on the shelves, such merchandise is gravity fed towards the second end and stopped from falling off of the shelves by the plate.

2. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of securing devices for securing the support channels to the brackets of the first lateral support bar and to the brackets of the second lateral support bar.

3. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 1 further comprising apertures defined along a first side and an opposing second side of the support channel.

4. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 1 further comprising a raised horizontal shelf secured to the vertical beams.

5. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 1 wherein the shelves comprise first and second longitudinal braces and a first lateral brace extending therebetween and connecting the first and second longitudinal braces.

6. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 5 further comprising a second lateral brace extending between and connecting the first and second longitudinal braces.

7. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 5 wherein the shelves further comprises first and second vertical braces for adjustably securing the shelves to the support channels.

8. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 7 wherein the first and second vertical braces each have apertures, the display further comprises hitch pins that adjustably secure the vertical braces to the support channels.

9. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 7 wherein the first and second vertical braces each comprise an arcuate ramp connecting the vertical braces and the longitudinal braces.

10. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 5 wherein a first plate is secured to the first longitudinal brace and a second plate is secured to the second longitudinal brace.

11. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 1 wherein the rectangular frame comprises a support side and an opposing open side, wherein the first and second lateral support bars, support channels, and shelves are secured on the support side of the rectangular frame and wherein customers are able to grab merchandise from the opposing open side.

12. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 7 wherein the first and second longitudinal braces are angled downward from the support side to the opposing open side.

13. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 1 further comprising a display panel secured to the plate at the second end of each of the shelves.

14. A multi-bay merchandising display comprising: a rectangular frame comprising a support side and an opposing open side; a first lateral support secured to the support side of the rectangular frame; a second lateral support disposed below the first lateral support and secured to the support side of the rectangular frame; support channels extending vertically between the first lateral support bar and the second lateral support bar, wherein each support channel of the support channels are secured at an upper end to the first lateral support bar and at a lower end to the second lateral support bar; and a shelf adjustably secured to and extending outward from at least two support channels, wherein the shelf comprises a first end and a second end, the shelf is secured to the at least two support channels at the first end, the shelf further comprises first and second longitudinal braces, a first lateral brace, and first and second vertical braces, wherein the first lateral brace extends between the first and second longitudinal braces and connects the first and second longitudinal braces, wherein the first and second vertical braces adjustably secure the shelf to the at least two support channels; wherein when merchandise is disposed on the shelf, such merchandise is gravity fed towards the second end and stopped from falling off of the shelf at the second end of the longitudinal braces.

15. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 14 further comprising a first plate and a second plate, wherein the first plate is secured to the first longitudinal brace of the shelf and a second plate is secured to the second longitudinal brace of the shelf.

16. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 15, wherein the merchandise is stopped from falling off of the shelf by the first and second plates.

17. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 14 wherein the first and second vertical braces each have apertures, the display further comprises hitch pins that adjustably secure the vertical braces to the support channels.

18. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 14 wherein the first and second vertical braces each comprise an arcuate ramp connecting the vertical braces and the longitudinal braces.

19. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 14 further comprising a second lateral brace extending between and connecting the first and second longitudinal braces.

20. A multi-bay merchandising display comprising: a display frame comprising a support side and an opposing open side; support channels secured to the support side of the display frame; and shelves adjustably secured to and extending outward from the support channels, wherein the shelves comprise a first end and a second end and are secured to the support channels at the first end, wherein each shelf of the shelves comprises first and second longitudinal braces, a first lateral brace, and first and second vertical braces, wherein the first lateral brace extends between the first and second longitudinal braces and connects the first and second longitudinal braces, wherein the first and second vertical braces adjustably secure the first and second longitudinal braces to the support channels at the first end of the shelves, wherein the first and second longitudinal braces extend from the first end to the second end of the shelves and each longitudinal brace comprises a plate at the second end of the shelves; wherein when merchandise is disposed on the shelves, such merchandise is gravity fed towards the second end of the shelves and stopped from falling off of the shelves by the plates.

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