U.S. patent application number 09/500091 was filed with the patent office on 2001-12-13 for modular display system.
Invention is credited to LaBruna Jr., Angelo J., Maldonado, Anthony J..
Application Number | 20010050262 09/500091 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26830618 |
Filed Date | 2001-12-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010050262 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LaBruna Jr., Angelo J. ; et
al. |
December 13, 2001 |
Modular display system
Abstract
The modular display system of the present invention contains
multiple sections which would be placed around the perimeter walls
of a retail store. Each section includes two posts for attachment
of brackets which hold the horizontal shelves for the merchandise.
Each post comprises two perimeter standards positioned vertically.
Each perimeter standard is slidably engaged within a vertical
sleeve for structural rigidity. Positioned at the bottom of each
standard is a foot bracket which is secured to the floor. The
height of the display system is adjusted by having a leveler
adjustment screw which extends into the foot and into a leveler arm
positioned in between the two standard sleeves adjacent the floor.
Two outriggers extend from in between the two standard sleeves to
an outrigger bracket which is mounted on the wall. Preferably, the
two outriggers are positioned in the general vicinity of the top
and the bottom of the vertical standards. The outrigger and the
outrigger bracket allow for adjustment of the system with respect
to the wall. A top rail extends across the top of the perimeter
standards. The display system provides for adjustment of both the
height and the distance away from the wall to accommodate
irregularities in the floor and the wall surfaces of a store.
Inventors: |
LaBruna Jr., Angelo J.; (La
Canada, CA) ; Maldonado, Anthony J.; (Fanwood,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
George S. Lamper
Christie Parker & Hale LLP
P.O. Box 7068
Pasadena
CA
91109-7068
US
|
Family ID: |
26830618 |
Appl. No.: |
09/500091 |
Filed: |
February 8, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60132675 |
May 5, 1999 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/87.01 ;
211/103 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 7/24 20130101; G09F
19/00 20130101; A47F 5/103 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/87.01 ;
211/103 |
International
Class: |
A47F 005/08 |
Claims
1. A modular display system for display of clothing merchandise and
other retail items comprising at least two vertical posts, each
post comprising: a first sleeve and a second sleeve; a first
perimeter standard slidably engaged with the first sleeve and a
second perimeter standard slidably engaged with the second sleeve,
the first and second perimeter standards provided with a plurality
of vertically spaced slots therein; a first outrigger having a
first end and a second end, the first end of the outrigger
positioned between the first and second sleeves, the second end
extending horizontally from the first end; a first outrigger
bracket having a base and a projecting arm, the base attachable to
a vertical support, the projecting arm adjustably attachable to the
second end of the first outrigger; a foot bracket having a
foundation and a shoulder, the foundation resting on a floor, the
shoulder having an internally threaded cavity therein; a leveler
arm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the
leveler arm positioned between the first and second sleeve, the
second end of the adjustment arm having an internally threaded
cavity therein; and an adjustment screw having a first section and
a second section, the first section having external threads
corresponding to the internal threads of the leveler arm, and the
second section having external threads corresponding to the
internal threads of the foot bracket.
2. The modular display system of claim 1 wherein the vertical
support comprises a wall.
3. The modular display system of claim 1 wherein the post further
comprises: a second outrigger having a first end and a second end,
the first end of the second outrigger positioned between the first
and second sleeves, the second end extending horizontally from the
first end; and a second outrigger bracket having a base and a
projecting arm, the base attachable to a vertical support, the
projecting arm adjustably attachable to the second end of the
second outrigger.
4. The modular display system of claim 1 wherein each of the first
and second perimeter standards further comprises a face, a pair of
arms outwardly extending from the face, and a plurality of
vertically spaced slots disposed on the face.
5. The modular display system of claim 4 wherein each of the first
and second sleeves further comprises a base and a pair of arms
extending outwardly from the base, the first and second sleeves
slidably engaged to the first and second perimeter standards,
respectively, such that the end of the arms of the perimeter
standards are in contact with the base of the sleeves and the arms
of the perimeter standards are substantially parallel to the arms
of the sleeves.
6. The modular display system of claim 5 wherein the arms of the
first and second sleeves bend inwards to form a grip.
7. The modular display system of claim 1, further comprising a
spacer positioned between the first and second sleeve to provide
structural support.
8. The modular display system of claim 1 wherein the projecting arm
of the outrigger bracket defines a plurality of apertures therein
to facilitate the adjustable fastening of the outrigger bracket to
the outrigger.
9. The modular display system of claim 1 wherein the projecting arm
of the outrigger bracket defines a slot therein to facilitate the
adjustable fastening of the outrigger bracket to the outrigger.
10. The modular display system of claim 1, further comprising a top
cap positioned at the top of the first and second sleeves.
11. The modular display system of claim 10 wherein the top cap has
a cylindrical shape.
12. The modular display system of claim 10, further comprising a
top cap sleeve to facilitate the connection of the top cap to
another top cap.
13. The modular display system of claim 10, further comprising an
end cap positioned at an end of the top cap.
14. A modular display system comprising at least two vertical
posts, each vertical post comprising: a sleeve; a perimeter
standard slidably engaged with the sleeve, the perimeter standard
provided with a plurality of vertically spaced slots therein; an
outrigger having a first end and a second end, the first end of the
outrigger attached to the post, the second end extending
horizontally from the first end; and an adjustable outrigger
bracket attachable to a vertical support and to the second end of
the outrigger.
15. The modular display system of claim 14, further comprising: a
foot bracket attached to the modular display system having an
internally threaded cavity therein; a leveler arm having a first
end and a second end, the first end of the leveler arm attached to
the post, the second end of the adjustment arm having an internally
threaded cavity therein; and an adjustment screw having a first
section and a second section, the first section having external
threads corresponding to and threadingly engaged to the internal
threads of the leveler arm, and the second section having external
threads corresponding to and threadingly engaged to the internal
threads of the foot bracket.
16. The modular display system of claim 14, further comprising: a
second outrigger having a first end and a second end, the first end
of the second outrigger attached to the post, the second end
extending horizontally from the first end; and a second adjustable
outrigger bracket attachable to a vertical support and to the
second end of the second outrigger.
17. The modular display system of claim 14 wherein the perimeter
standard comprises a face, a pair of arms outwardly extending from
the face, and a plurality of vertically spaced slots therein.
18. The modular display system of claim 17 wherein the sleeve
comprises a base and a pair of arms extending outwardly from the
base, the sleeve slidably engaged to the perimeter standard such
that the end of the arms of the perimeter standard are in contact
with the base of the sleeve and the arms of the perimeter standard
are substantially parallel to the arms of the sleeve.
19. The modular display system of claim 14 wherein the outrigger
bracket defines a plurality of apertures therein to facilitate the
adjustable fastening of the outrigger bracket to the outrigger.
20. The modular display system of claim 14 wherein the outrigger
bracket defines a slot therein to facilitate the adjustable
fastening of the outrigger bracket to the outrigger.
21. A modular display system comprising: at least two vertically
extending posts; at least one horizontal support for each post for
connecting the post to a vertically extending surface; a foot
assembly for adjusting a height of the vertical posts; a bracket
for adjusting the distance of the posts away from the vertically
extending surface; and a lateral support extending between the
posts for display of merchandise.
22. The modular display system of claim 21 wherein each post
further comprises: at least one sleeve; and at least one perimeter
standard slidably engaged with the sleeve.
23. The modular display system of claim 21 wherein the horizontal
support comprises at least one outrigger horizontally attached to
each post.
24. The modular display system of claim 21 wherein the adjusting
bracket is attachable to the vertically extending surface and to
the horizontal support.
25. The modular display system of claim 24 wherein the adjusting
bracket defines a plurality of apertures therein to facilitate the
adjustable fastening of the bracket to the horizontal support.
26. The modular display system of claim 24 wherein the adjusting
bracket defines a slot therein to facilitate the adjustable
fastening of the bracket to the horizontal support.
27. The modular display system of claim 21 wherein the foot
assembly further comprises: a foot bracket having an internally
threaded cavity therein; a leveler arm, having a first end and a
second end, the first end attached to the post, the second end
having an internally threaded cavity therein; and an adjustment
screw having a first section and a second section, the first
section having external threads corresponding to and threadingly
engaged to the internal threads of the leveler arm, and the second
section having external threads corresponding to and threadingly
engaged to the internal threads of the foot bracket.
28. The modular display system of claim 21 wherein the lateral
support extending between the posts comprises a shelf.
29. The modular display system of claim 21 wherein the lateral
support extending between the posts comprises a bar.
30. The modular display system of claim 21 wherein the vertically
extending surface comprises a wall.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/132,675, filed May 5, 1999.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to modular display systems for
display of clothing merchandise and other retail items, and more
particularly relates to modular display systems that provide for
adjustment both in height and in the distance away from the wall to
accommodate irregularities in the floor and the wall surfaces of a
store.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Retail merchants desire display systems that are durable,
strong, capable of handling relatively heavy displays, as well as
aesthetically pleasing to the customers and capable of efficiently
utilizing available floor space. It is important that the display
system be designed in a manner that would not place the customers
in any danger. This would require that the display system be
balanced and stable. In most stores, there are irregularities in
the surfaces of the walls and the floor. The floor, for instance,
may have a slight slope. Display systems placed on an uneven floor
will not be plumb and will not be properly seated against a wall.
Uneven and wobbly display systems could topple, especially if
loaded with heavy items, thereby placing customers in grave danger.
Accordingly, there is a need for a modular display system that is
stable and balanced and can accommodate irregularities in the floor
or wall surfaces.
[0004] For additional protection, it is desirable to securely
fasten the display system to a wall to ensure that the unit will
not collapse if its equilibrium is disturbed. A display system that
is not secured to the wall can be toppled if a customer
accidentally bumps into the display unit or in the event of an
earthquake. In addition to securing the unit as a whole, the
individual components of the display systems must also be securely
fastened to ensure that any risk of injury to customers is
minimized.
[0005] To ensure a stable fixation to a support, some display
systems are permanently attached to the wall or floor. The problem
with a permanently fixed display system, however, is that it
hinders the changing merchandising display needs of retail
merchants. It would be expensive and time consuming to continuously
change the permanently fixed display systems. Accordingly, there is
a need for modular display units that can be changed and rearranged
between multiple positions with relative ease and without damaging
the finish of the unit. Additionally, it is desirable to have
display units that can easily be combined with other display units
in the store to form larger, compound units, if necessary.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The modular display system of the present invention contains
multiple sections which would be placed around the perimeter walls
of a retail store. Each section includes two vertical posts for
attachment of brackets which hold the horizontal shelves for the
merchandise. Each post comprises two perimeter standards positioned
vertically. Each perimeter standard is slidably engaged within a
vertical sleeve for structural rigidity. Positioned at the bottom
of each standard is a foot bracket which is secured to the floor.
The height of the display system is adjusted by having a leveler
adjustment screw which extends into the foot and into a leveler arm
positioned in between the two standard sleeves adjacent the floor.
Two outriggers extend from in between the two standard sleeves to
an outrigger bracket which is mounted on the wall. Preferably, the
two outriggers are positioned in the general vicinity of the top
and the bottom of the vertical standards. The outrigger and the
outrigger bracket allow for adjustment of the system with respect
to the wall. A top rail extends across the top of the perimeter
standards. The display system provides for adjustment of both the
height and the distance away from the wall to accommodate
irregularities in the floor and the wall surfaces of a store.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the
structural and procedural aspects of the present invention are set
forth in and made apparent by the following Detailed Description of
the Invention when considered in connection with the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1A is a front view of one section of a modular display
system of the present invention having a pair of posts cooperative
with complimentary brackets to support a shelf;
[0009] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional side view taken along line
1B-1B of FIG. 1A;
[0010] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of one post of the
modular display system shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve of the
modular display system shown in FIG. 1A taken along line 3-3;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the perimeter standard
of the modular display system shown in FIG. 1B taken along line
4-4;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a side view of the perimeter outrigger of the
modular display system shown in FIGS. 1B and 2;
[0014] FIG. 6A and 6B are front and side cross-sectional views of
the outrigger bracket of the modular display system shown in FIG.
2;
[0015] FIG. 7A and 7B are front and side views of an alternative
embodiment of an outrigger bracket for the modular display system
shown in FIG. 2;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a spacer of the modular
display system shown in FIG. 2;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the foot bracket of
the modular display system shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the leveler arm of
the modular display system shown in FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a side view of the leveler screw of the modular
display system shown in FIG. 2; and
[0020] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the perimeter top rail of
the modular display system partially shown in FIG. 1A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, is a
modular display system 10 for display of clothing merchandise or
other retail items. FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a single section 12,
however, multiple sections are utilized to create a multi-section
display system. The display system 10 would preferably be
positioned around the perimeter walls of a retail store.
[0022] Each section 12 includes a first vertical post 14 and a
second vertical post 16 attached to the floor 15. A horizontal
shelf 18 is supported between the posts by brackets (not shown)
attached to the shelf 18 and the first and second posts 14, 16.
Similarly, a bar 17 for hanging clothes could be supported between
the posts. If desired, the merchant could have multiple shelves or
bars for display of merchandise.
[0023] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of one of the vertical posts of
the modular display system. In the preferred embodiment, each post
includes a first and second perimeter standard 20, 22, a first and
second perimeter standard sleeve 24, 26, a first and second
outrigger 28, 30, a first and second outrigger bracket 32, 34, a
leveler adjustment screw 36, a leveler arm 38 and a foot bracket
40. The display system 10 may also have a top cap 42 at the top
portion of the display. Each of these elements is discussed in
further detail below.
[0024] Perimeter standards 20, 22 are typically provided with a
plurality of aligned or vertically spaced slots 46 dimensioned to
receive seating hooks of a bracket (not shown) in interlocking
engagement with the standards. Upon installation of the brackets,
horizontal shelves 18 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) for the display of
merchandise can be connected to the brackets in a suitable
fashion.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 4, the perimeter standard is U-shaped in
cross-section and includes a face 48 and two arms 50 extending from
the face 48. The vertically spaced slots 46 are disposed in, and
extend through, the face 48 of the perimeter standard.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, each perimeter standard 20, 22 is
positioned in and is supported by a perimeter standard sleeve 24,
26, respectively. The sleeves are vertically positioned to provide
structural rigidity for the standards. As shown in FIG. 3, the
sleeve includes a base 54 and two arms 56 extending outwardly from
the base 54. Each perimeter standard is slidably engaged with the
perimeter sleeve such that the end of the standard arms 50 are in
contact with the sleeve base 54 and the sleeve arms 56 are
substantially parallel to and adjoining the standard arms 50. In
the preferred embodiment, the sleeve arms 56 are bent inward to
form a pair of grips 58. The grips 58 ensure that the standard is
firmly held in place.
[0027] The modular display system 10 is anchored to a wall 19 or
other vertical support by outrigger 28, 30 and brackets 32, 34.
Although it is possible to attach the display system to the wall
using a single outrigger and a single bracket, in the preferred
embodiment two outriggers 28, 30 and two outrigger brackets 32, 34
are used. The outrigger, as best seen in FIG. 5 is a 35 rectangular
support manufactured from a rigid material having a first end 60
and a second end 62. As shown in FIG. 2, the first end 60 of the
outriggers 28, 30 is positioned between the first sleeve 24 and the
second sleeve 26. The perimeter standards 20, 22, the perimeter
standard sleeves 24, 26, and the outriggers 28, 30 are fastened
together by suitable hardware, or less preferably by welding. In
the embodiment shown, the perimeter standards 20, 22, the perimeter
standard sleeves 24, 26, and the outriggers 28, 30 all include
apertures therein such that when the apertures are aligned, a bolt
can be inserted therethrough and in combination with a nut can
secure the individual parts together.
[0028] Outrigger brackets 32, 34 are used to attach the outriggers
28, 30 to a wall or other vertical support. In the preferred
embodiment, the first outrigger bracket 32 has a different design
than the second outrigger bracket 34. The first outrigger bracket
32, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, includes a bracket base 64 and a
bracket arm 66 extending perpendicularly from the base 64. The
bracket base 66 defines apertures 68 therein for rigidly mounting
the bracket base 64 to a wall or other vertical support 19 (FIG.
2). The mounting can be accomplished using known fastening
means.
[0029] The bracket arm 66 also defines a plurality of apertures 70
therein. An aperture 67 (FIG. 5) in the second end 62 of the first
outrigger 28 is aligned with one of the apertures 70 in the bracket
arm 66 and fastened thereto using known fastening means. The
distance between the wall and the display system can be adjusted by
choosing from the plurality of apertures 70 in the bracket arm 66.
The outrigger is hollow or includes an opening in the second end 62
for insertion of the bracket arm 66.
[0030] The outrigger bracket 34 for the second outrigger 30 is
shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The base 72 of the second outrigger
bracket 34 is similar to the base 66 of the first outrigger bracket
and includes apertures 73 therein for mounting to a wall or other
vertical support 19. The second outrigger base 72 also includes a
bracket arm 74 extending therefrom. A slot 76, disposed in the
bracket arm 74, is used to attach the second outrigger 30 to the
second bracket arm 34. In the preferred embodiment, an aperture 67
in the second end 62 of the second outrigger 30 is aligned with the
slot 76. The length of the slot 76 defines the alignment positions
within the slots to allow for the compensation of irregularities
found in the surface of the walls. For instance, if the wall has a
concave irregularity or slopes inward, the outrigger is fastened in
the slot at a location further from the wall. This adjustment
compensates for any irregularities in the wall surface. Conversely,
if the wall has a convex irregularity or slopes outward, the
outrigger is fastened in the slot at a location closer to the wall.
Once again, this ensures that the display system remains in a
stable upright position. Again the bracket extends into the hollow
end of the outrigger.
[0031] The outriggers can be fastened to the outrigger brackets
using known fastening means. For example, once the aperture in the
outrigger is aligned with the aperture or slot in the outrigger
bracket, a bolt can be threaded therethrough and in combination
with a nut can bind the outrigger to the outrigger bracket.
[0032] A foot bracket 40 is used to support the display system on
the bottom and to anchor the system to the floor. The foot bracket
40, as shown in FIG. 9, includes a foundation 78 and a shoulder 80.
The foundation 78 stably rests on the floor and preferably contains
apertures 82 therein for bolting the foot bracket to the floor 15.
The shoulder 80 contains an internally threaded cavity 84 therein
for receiving the leveler adjustment screw 36.
[0033] Height of the system is adjusted by a leveler arm 38 and the
adjustment screw 36. The leveler arm 38 has a first end 86 and
second end 88 as shown in FIG. 10. The first end 86 is positioned
between the first and second sleeves 24, 26, and the second end 88
extends vertically downward therefrom. The leveler arm 38 includes
a plurality of apertures 90 therein for adjusting the height of the
display system 10. The leveler arm 38 is fastened to the standards
20, 22 and sleeves 24, 26 in a manner similar to the fastening of
the outriggers 30, 32. Namely, apertures in the leveler arm 38,
standards 20, 22 and sleeves 24, 26 are aligned and a bolt threaded
therethrough, in combination with a nut, secures the individual
parts together.
[0034] An internally threaded cavity 92 is disposed in the second
end 88 of the leveler arm 38. The leveler adjustment screw 36 is
used to fasten the leveler arm 38 to the foot bracket 40. The
adjustment screw 36, as shown in FIG. 11, has a first section 94
and a second section 96. The first section 94 of the adjustment
screw 36 has external threads corresponding to the internally
threaded cavity 92 of the leveler arm 38. The second section 96 of
the adjustment screw 36 has external threads corresponding to the
internally threaded cavity 84 of the foot bracket 40. The height of
the display system 10 can be further adjusted by controlling the
extent to which the adjustment screw 36 is threaded in the foot
bracket cavity 84 and the leveler arm cavity 92. The ability to
adjust the height of the display system is useful in accommodating
irregularities in the floor surface. If there is a protrusion or if
the floor is sloped upward, the adjustment screw 36 can be threaded
further into the bracket and leveler arm cavities. The shorter
display length will accommodate the protruding irregularity or the
upward slope of the floor. In contrast, if there is a recessing
irregularity or a downward slope, the adjustment screw 36 is
threaded less into the bracket and leveler arm cavities, thus
increasing the height of the display system. The taller display
length will accommodate the recessing irregularity or the downward
slope of the floor. Major irregularities are compensated for by the
positioning of the leveler arm, and fine adjustments are
accomplished through the adjustment screw.
[0035] To ensure the structural rigidity of the display system 10,
a spacer member 98 is placed between the first and second sleeves,
preferably in the middle portion of the display system. The
placement of the leveler arm 38, and the outriggers 28, 30 between
the first and second sleeve 24, 26 creates a gap between the
sleeves. Under stress, the sleeves could bend and collapse into the
gap, especially in the middle portion of the display system. To
avoid this failure, a spacer member 98 is placed between the first
and second sleeve. The spacer member 98, shown in FIG. 8, is
preferably square, with the length of the side equal to the width
of the sleeves 24, 26. An aperture is disposed in the spacer member
98 to facilitate the fastening of the spacer member 98 to the
sleeves 24, 26 and the standards 20, 22. The fastening can be
accomplished using known means as described above.
[0036] A top cap 42 is installed at the top of the display system
10 to further ensure the structural rigidity of the system. As
shown in FIG. 12, the top cap 42 preferably has a cylindrical shape
and extends across the width of the display system 10. Several tabs
100 extend outward from the top cap 42 to facilitate attaching the
top cap to the display system. If there are more than one sections
in the display system, top caps can be attached together using a
top cap sleeve 102, as shown in FIG. 2. If there are no further
connections between top caps, an end cap 104 is used to seal the
end of the top cap (FIG. 2).
[0037] To create a multi-sectional display system, additional posts
can be added. For instance, by adding a third post, a retail
merchant can create two sections. As best seen in FIG. 2, each post
has two standards, one disposed on each side of the post. The
standard at one side could be used with a second post to form a
section. The standard at the other side could be used with a third
post to form a second section. Accordingly, a single post can be
utilized in two sections. The modular display system can be
manufactured using any rigid material including metal, wood,
plastic or any other rigid material, either individually or in
combination with other materials.
[0038] While various embodiments of this invention have been shown
and described, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art
that many modifications are possible without departing from the
inventive concept disclosed herein. It is therefore to be
understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as
specifically described.
* * * * *