U.S. patent application number 09/810924 was filed with the patent office on 2002-09-19 for multi-configurational wire-rod display rack.
This patent application is currently assigned to Cari-All Inc.. Invention is credited to Simard, Gilles.
Application Number | 20020130098 09/810924 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25205051 |
Filed Date | 2002-09-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020130098 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Simard, Gilles |
September 19, 2002 |
Multi-configurational wire-rod display rack
Abstract
A multi-configurational wire-rod display rack is described. The
display rack comprises one or more display modules having at least
two vertical side frames provided with two spaced-apart vertically
extending posts. A plurality of transverse horizontal attachment
rods are removably secured between the posts of the end frames. The
posts are interconnected at a top end by a transverse top
horizontal member. The vertical side frames are interconnected
together in spaced, parallel relationship by lower connecting
cross-bars secured between a respective common one of the end posts
of the pair of side frames, and a top connecting cross-bar secured
between the transverse top horizontal members of the vertical side
frames. A plurality of wire-rod product support-and-display
accessories are removably supported between the attachment rods and
span the at least two vertical side frames. A plurality of these
racks may be disposed side-by-side to form a large flexible display
structure.
Inventors: |
Simard, Gilles; (LeGardeur,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
David M. Carter
CARTER & SCHNEDLER
56 Central Avenue, Suite 101
P.O. Box 2985
Ashseville
NC
28802
US
|
Assignee: |
Cari-All Inc.
|
Family ID: |
25205051 |
Appl. No.: |
09/810924 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/181.1 ;
211/187 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 5/01 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/181.1 ;
211/187 |
International
Class: |
A47F 005/14 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A multi-configurational wire-rod display rack comprising one or
more display modules, each module having at least two vertical side
frames, each side frame having two spaced-apart vertically
extending posts, a plurality of transverse horizontal attachment
rods immovably secured between said posts of said side frames, said
posts being interconnected at a top end by a transverse top
horizontal member, said vertical side frames being interconnected
together in spaced parallel relationship by lower connecting
cross-frames secured between a respective common one of said end
posts of said pair of vertical end posts and a top interconnecting
means secured between said transverse top horizontal members of
said vertical side frames; and a plurality of wire-rod product
support-and-display accessories removably supported between said
attachment rods without the use of fasteners and spanning said at
least two vertical side frames.
2. A multi-configurational wire-rod display rod rack as claimed in
claim 1 wherein said cross-frames are crossbars.
3. A multi-configurational wire-rod display rack as claimed in
claim 2 wherein said top connecting means is a top connecting
cross-bar.
4. A multi-configurational wire-rod display rack as claimed in
claim 3 wherein said transverse top horizontal member and said
posts are integrally formed by a bent rigid tubular rod.
5. A multi-configurational wire-rod display rack as claimed in
claim 4 wherein said tubular rod is a metal hollow rod of square
cross-section.
6. A multi-configurational wire-rod display rack as claimed in
claim 3 wherein said horizontal attachment rods are elongated
U-shaped rods defining opposed short right angle end sections and
an elongated intermediate straight section, said end sections being
connected to a respective one of said two spaced-apart vertically
extending posts with said intermediate straight section disposed
horizontally to one side and between said vertically extending
posts at a predetermined distance therefrom to form a clearance gap
for insertion of said accessories between said at least two
vertical side frames.
7. A multi-configurational wire-rod display rack as claimed in
claim 6 wherein said horizontal attachment rods' are secured
between said posts in equidistantly spaced parallel relationship
and extend a predetermined distance from said transverse top
horizontal member to said lower connecting cross-bars.
8. A multi-configurational wire-rod display rack as claimed in
claim 6 wherein one of said vertical side frames is an intermediate
side frame in a two or more module display rack structure, said
intermediate side frame having horizontal attachment rods
projecting on opposed sides thereof with said rods on opposed sides
aligned with one another in horizontal planes.
9. A multi-configurational wire-rod display rack as claimed in
claim 8 wherein said two or more modules of said display rack are
interconnected together by said top connecting bars and said lower
connecting cross-bars.
10. A multi-configurational wire-rod display rack as claimed in
claim 3 wherein said wire-rod product support-and-display
accessories are provided with wire hooks integrally formed
therewith for attachment to said horizontal attachment rods or to
others of said accessories.
11. A multi-configurational wire-rod display rack as claimed in
claim 10 wherein said accessories is one of wire shelving, wire
baskets, wire peg boards, wire hangers, wire partitions, or other
wire accessories.
12. A multi-configurational wire-rod display rack as claimed in
claim 3 wherein there is further provided a caster secured to a
bottom end of each said vertically extending posts to provide for a
mobile multi-configurational rack.
13. A multi-configurational wire-rod display rack as claimed in
claim 3 wherein there is further provided, in combination with said
module, a small one of said display module dimensioned for
transverse disposition against said vertical side frame and
constitutes an end module outwardly of one or both of said vertical
side frames of said display rack with a common rear one of said
posts of said side frames of said end display module disposed
side-by-side with an associated one of said two spaced-apart
vertically extending posts of said display rack.
14. A multi-configurational wire-rod display rack as claimed in
claim 13 wherein said posts disposed side-by-side are
interconnected by one or more module securable clamps.
15. A multi-configurational wire-rod display rack as claimed in
claim 13 wherein one of said vertical side frames is an
intermediate side frame in a two or more module display rack, said
intermediate side frame having horizontal attachment rods
projecting on opposed sides thereof with said rods on opposed sides
aligned with one another in horizontal planes.
16. A multi-configurational wire-rod display rack as claimed in
claim 13 wherein said two or more modules of said display rack are
interconnected together by said top connecting cross-bars and said
lower connecting cross-bars.
17. A multi-configurational wire-rod display rack as claimed in
claim 13 wherein there are two or more of said display modules
disposed and interconnected end-to-end to form a display rack
structure with two or more of said modules, said two spaced-apart
vertically extending posts of adjacent modules being interconnected
by one or more nodule securable clamps.
18. A multi-configurational wire-rod display rack as claimed in
claim 13 wherein there are two or more of said display racks
interconnected side-by-side or end-to-end in aligned relationship
and interconnected by a plurality of module securable clamps
securing vertically extending posts of adjacent racks together to
form a multi-module display rack structure accessible from all four
sides thereof and formed entirely of wire-rod product
support-and-display accessories.
19. A multi-configurational wire-rod display rack as claimed in
claim 1 wherein said one of said vertically extending posts is a
center post and an end post, said attachment rods being secured
between said center post and said end post whereby to support said
accessories in a half portion of a space defined between at least
two vertical side frames.
20. A multi-configurational wire-rod display rack as claimed in
claim 10 wherein one of said accessories is a wire-rod peg board
comprised of plurality of horizontally spaced parallel horizontal
wire rods welded to transverse rods to form a rectangular panel,
U-shaped wire hooks each defining a mouth opening projecting from
respective corners of said panel for receiving therein one of said
horizontal attachment rods.
21. A multi-configurational wire-rod display rack as claimed in
claim 1 wherein said cross-frames are reinforced truss members of a
lower wire shelf.
22. A multi-configurational wire-rod display rack as claimed in
claim 1 wherein said vertically extending posts are of circular
cross-section.
23. A multi-configurational wire-rod display rack as claimed in
claim 1 wherein said top connecting means is a top interconnecting
frame secured to said vertically extending posts and having at
least one reinforced truss member.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-configurational
wire-rod display rack comprised of modules of different sizes
interconnectable together and wherein the rack may be accessible
from opposed sides and/or opposed ends thereof and includes
selected ones of a multitude of product support and display
accessories.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Wire display racks are known for various utilities. For
example, such racks are utilized in produce display for
refrigerated display cases to display produce and other products
requiring refrigeration. U.S. Pat. No. 3,680,712 also describes a
modular display rack which is constructed of wire rod and including
a plurality of disconnectable rack sections to permit the size and
capacity of the rack assembly to be selectively varied. It also
comprises side frame members which support removable shelving.
However, with the majority of these wire rod display racks, the
rack is not entirely formed of wire rod shelving or support frames
and these are difficult to assemble and clean and require
considerable time to modify. Furthermore, most of these racks are
not accessible from all sides thereof, are difficult to ship and
convert to adapt to specific customer needs. Once the racks are
installed they are not very versatile and most of these display
only on a single side and do not provide high visibility. These
racks cannot be classified as systems having a high degree of
versatility.
[0003] With prior art wire rod display rack structures, it is often
necessary to supply fasteners to secure support shelving therein.
Often, these fasteners become lost and render the rack or sections
thereof unusable. Some of these racks are also not sturdy and eye
pleasing.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0004] It is therefore a feature of the present invention to
provide a multi-configurational wire display rack which overcomes
the disadvantages of the prior art and which is flexible, easy to
erect, modify and relocate, easy to clean, which provides excellent
visibility by permitting light to go through the entire display
rack and which readily adapts to customer needs by simple
replacement of the product support-and-display accessories without
the need of fasteners.
[0005] Other features of the multi-configurational wire display
rack of the present invention include its simplification, ease of
assembly and installation, components which adapt easily, can be
used in many applications such as retail, industrial, medical etc.,
is easy to clean, versatile, etc . . . .
[0006] According to the above feature of the present invention
there is provided a multi-configurational wire-rod display rack
which comprises one or more display modules each having at least
two vertical side frames having two spaced-part vertically
extending posts. A plurality of transverse horizontal attachment
rods are immovably secured between the posts of the end frames. The
posts are interconnected at a top end by a transverse top,
horizontal member. The vertical side frames are interconnected
together in spaced, parallel relationship by lower connecting
cross-frames secured between a respective common one of the end
posts of the pair of vertical end posts, and a top interconnecting
means secured between the transverse top horizontal members of the
vertical side frames. A plurality of wire-rod product
support-and-display accessories are removably supported between the
attachment rods without the use of fasteners and span the at least
two vertical side frames.
[0007] Other features of the present invention can be summarized as
follows: A display rack system which provides quick field assembly
as compared to any gondola manufacturer, the system has many
versatile features, such as: add, reverse, slope and shelf. The
system is modular in that all components work together to create a
total system with several options such as: wire peg boards, wing
racks and baskets. The system can be used as an island display or
gondola run of shelving. The system also displays in opposed
directions and end-to-end. The sloped shelves can create gravity
feed or high visibility of products. The shelves are also quick and
easy to adjust. The shelves have a suspension design with
structural trussing for additional strength characteristics. They
also have a unique locking design feature which prevents the
shelves from disengaging upon impact.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0008] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the
multi-configurational wire display rack module constructed in
accordance with the present invention and utilizing a variety of
product support-and-display accessories removably supported
thereby;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the
multi-configurational wire display rack module constructed in
accordance with the present invention and also having product
support-and-display accessories secured thereto and to the side
frames thereof;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a further perspective view showing the
multi-configurational wire display rack module of the present
invention and provided with small transverse end modules secured
thereto;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a multi-configurational wire
display rack having a plurality of modules and interconnected small
end modules;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a further perspective view showing a
multi-configurational wire display rack comprising a plurality of
display modules and small end modules interconnected together and
accessible from all four sides;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2 but showing
the module supported on casters for displacement thereof;
[0015] FIG. 7A is a perspective view showing the construction of a
shelf accessory for securing within the module and provided with
integrally formed wire hooks;
[0016] FIG. 7B is a perspective view showing the construction of a
basket-type accessory;
[0017] FIG. 7C is a perspective view showing the construction of a
wire rod peg board accessory;
[0018] FIG. 8A is a plan view of a further peg board accessory;
[0019] FIG. 8B is a top view of FIG. 8A;
[0020] FIG. 9A is a plan view of a vertical side frame provided
with transverse attachment rods in a half portion only of the space
between the opposed side posts;
[0021] FIG. 9B is a side view of FIG. 9A; and
[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modification of the
display rack and particularly the post and the cross-frames.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG.
1, there is shown generally at 10, a multi-configurational wire
display rack constructed in accordance with the present invention.
This rack is better illustrated in FIG. 2 in its assembled form. As
hereinshown the rack consists of a display module which is formed
by at least two vertical side frames 11 and 11' having two spaced
apart vertically extending posts 12 and 12'. A plurality of
transverse horizontal attachment rods 13 are immovably secured
between the posts 12 and 12'. The side posts 12 and 12' are
interconnected at a top end by a transverse horizontal member,
herein constituted by an integrally formed transverse portion 14 of
a rigid tubular rod constituting the vertically extending posts 12
and 12' and the transverse top horizontal member 14. This structure
constitutes the vertical side frames 11 and 11'.
[0024] The vertical side frames 11 and 11' are interconnected
together in spaced parallel relationship by lower connecting
cross-bars 15 and 15' secured between a respective common one of
the end posts 12 and 12' of the pair of vertical end posts. The
vertical side frames are interconnected at a top end by connecting
means in the form of a top connecting cross-bar 16 secured between
the transverse top horizontal members 14 and 14'. A plurality of
wire-rod product support-and-display accessories 17 are removably
supported between the attachment rods 13, without the use of
fasteners or clamps, and span between the two vertical side frames
11 and 11'.
[0025] It is pointed out that the tubular rod of the side frames as
well as the lower and top cross-bars may be formed of hollow
tubular rods of square cross-section although not limited to this
specific cross-sectional configuration, as will be described later
with respect to the U-shape cross-section lower cross-bars. The top
crossbar can also act as a hanging bar for clothing or other use.
The top and bottom cross-bars are also interconnected to the side
frames by bolts 18 or other type fasteners capable of providing for
ease and rapidity of installation and removal.
[0026] As shown more clearly in FIG. 1, the horizontal attachment
rods 13 are elongated U-shaped rods defining opposed short right
angle end sections 13' and an elongated intermediate straight
section 13". The short end sections 13' are connected to a
respective one of the two spaced-apart vertically extending posts
12 and 12' with the intermediate straight sections 13" disposed to
one side of the vertically extending posts 12 and 12' and
projecting slightly therefrom as can be seen from the lower end
section of the right-hand vertical side frame 11' illustrated in
FIG. 1. These straight sections project a predetermined distance
from the vertically extending posts 12 and 12' to provide a
clearance gap for insertion of the support-and-display accessories
17 secured between the two vertical side frames. As also shown, the
horizontal attachment rods 13 are disposed in spaced parallel
relationship and extend a predetermined distance spaced from the
transverse top horizontal member 11 and terminate just above the
connection of the lower connecting cross-bars 15. The cross-bars 15
and 15' are U-shaped channels with the U disposed inwardly facing
one another. Accordingly, the lower flange 15" of the cross-bars
can support a shelf such as shelf 22'.
[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the right-hand vertical side frame
is herein shown as an intermediate side frame 11' and it is used in
a two or more module display rack as illustrated more clearly in
FIG. 4. The intermediate side frame 11' is provided with horizontal
attachment rods 13 projecting from opposed sides thereof with the
rods aligned with one another in horizontal parallel
relationship.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 4, the display rack modules 10, 10' and 10"
are interconnected together by the top connecting bars 16, 16' and
16" and the lower connecting cross-bars 15 and 15' of each module.
The illustration in FIG. 4 shows different types of product
support-and-display accessories 17 with some of the shelves such as
17' being angularly and removably supported in one of the modules
10. These accessories are all wire rod formed accessories with
cross-rods welded together at their intersections, as is well known
in the art, and some of the shelving may be provided with zig-zag
reinforcing transverse end ribs 20 as is better shown in FIG. 1.
Further, all of these accessories are integrally formed with wire
hook ends 21 which may vary in configuration depending on the
accessory and its interconnection within the module. These
accessories may be constituted by various types of shelving 22 or
baskets 23 or other accessories as will be described later on but
the present invention is not intended to be limited to any of these
specific accessories.
[0029] Referring again to FIG. 4, there is shown the construction
of a small display module 25 which is constructed exactly as the
modules 10 but of a much smaller size and dimensioned in length to
be equal to the width of the modules 10. These small end modules 25
are hereinshown as disposed transversely against and outwardly of
one or both vertical side frames 11' of the display rack module 10"
or 10. The end modules are aligned with a common one of the posts
herein identified by numerals 26 and 26' of the frames of the
display module 25 disposed side-by-side with an associated one of
the two spaced-apart vertically extending posts 11' and 11 of the
display rack module 10". These adjacently disposed posts 11 and 26
and 11' and 26' may be interconnected together by removably
securable clamps 27 which may be snap-fit connected or otherwise
clamps opposed vertical posts. The clamps interconnect adjacent
modules 10 and end modules 25.
[0030] The end display modules 25 also have smaller sized product
support-and-display accessories 28 supported between its attachment
rods 13. As previously described, these end racks are of the same
construction as the main rack modules 10 but of much smaller size
and provide for an end display.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 5, two of the multi-configurational wire
display racks as shown in FIG. 4 are interconnected together in
side-by-side relationship by further clamps 27' although not
essential, which are conveniently positioned along adjacent
vertical extending posts 12 and 12'. The display rack structure as
shown in FIG. 5 is a very large structure and is accessible from
all four sides. As can readily be seen, because the display rack is
constructed of wire-rod accessories, light easily permeates through
the entire rack making all of the articles visible. Also, because
articles intended to be positioned thereon all have different type
and coloured packaging, it makes the entire display rack very
attractive. Another important feature of such large wire display
rack structures, as shown in FIG. 5, is that the accessories of
each of the modules can be independently modified by simply
removing the accessories and replacing them with another type of
accessory to either divide a shelf section, provide a different
type shelf, convert the shelf into a peg board, or simply move the
accessories to different locations. Flexibility of the wire display
rack as shown in FIG. 5 is practically unlimited.
[0032] Another use of the multi-configurational wire display rack
module 10 of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 6. As
hereinshown, casters 30 are secured to the bottom of the vertically
extending posts 12 and 12' of each of the vertical side frames 11
and 11' whereby to construct a mobile display rack or a mobile
dolly for use in transporting various type products such as for use
in hospitals, grocery marts, etc. Of course, solid wall trays or
boxes may be positioned on the shelving 22 of the mobile rack. The
casters may also be provided with brakes.
[0033] With reference now to FIGS. 7A to 7C, there is shown the
construction of specific accessories although a multitude of these
may be provided. As shown in FIG. 7A, the shelving 22 is formed by
a plurality of parallel spaced wire rods 32 welded together at
their junctions with the re-enforcing transverse zig-zag ribs 20
and cross-rods 33 at their respective ends. These reinforcing
zig-zag ribs 20 provide rigidity for shelves having long spans
between the attachment rods 13. As hereinshown, the rear end of the
shelf has an upturned wire wall 34.
[0034] In FIG. 7B, there is shown the construction of a shallow
wire rod basket 23 and like the shelf 22, it is provided with
integrally formed hook ends 21 for attachment to the horizontal
attachment rods 13. Hook ends are also formed with the bottom wall
35 of the basket as well as the top edge 36 to provide attachments
at the bottom and top level.
[0035] FIG. 7C shows a wire formed peg board 37 and it is formed of
a plurality of spaced apart horizontally disposed wire rods 38 and
transverse rods 39 welded together. These peg boards can be
attached either horizontally or vertically within the frame by
various attachment means or integrally formed hooks or inturned end
wall sections 40.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B there is shown the construction
of a further wire formed peg board 50. As hereinshown the peg board
is formed by a plurality of spaced apart horizontally disposed wire
rods 51 and transverse rods 52 welded together at their
intersection. Some of these horizontal rods 51 or U-shaped hooks
53, formed of wire rods sections, are also welded adjacent opposed
corners of the rectangular peg board 50. These U-shaped hooks
define a mouth opening 54 whereby to receive therein the transverse
horizontal attachment rods 13 of the side frames. Accordingly, it
can be seen that the peg board 50 can be disposed at any location
along opposed side frames 11 and 11' and at any depth between the
side posts 12 and 12'. Various support rods or brackets (not shown)
are removably secured to the peg board to support stacked articles
thereon. These peg boards can also be secured over the lower
connecting rods cross-bars 15 between the attachment rods 13 to
form a lower basket over the bottom shelf 22'.
[0037] FIGS. 9A and 9B show a further construction of the vertical
side frames 11 and 11'. The modified side frame 55 as hereinshown
is provided with a center post 56 and an end post 57. Short
transverse horizontal attachment rods 58 extend between the end
post and the center post. Accordingly, only half of the side frame
is provided with attachment rods to support shelving or other type
accessories as disclosed herein and obvious to a person skilled in
the art. The attachment rods 58 also extend on both sides of the
posts 56 and 57 as illustrated in FIG. 9B.
[0038] FIG. 10 shows a further modification wherein the side posts
60 and 60' are round posts and provided with attachment sleeves 61
in the corners of a lower shelf 62 and a top interconnecting frame
63. The shelves have transverse end trusses 64 and side trusses 65
for reinforcement. The side trusses 65 constitute the cross-frames
such as crossbars 15 and 15' illustrated in FIG. 1. This round post
design is well known in the art but not when used in the present
wire display rack system.
[0039] The top of the side posts 60 and 60' of the side frames 11
are also interconnected together and with the posts of the other
frame 11' (see FIG. 1) by the top interconnecting frame 63
comprised of attachment sleeves 67, a cross-wire truss 68 and a
pair of side wire trusses 69. Only one end of the frame is herein
shown but the other end is identical. Further, the pair of side
wire trusses 69 could be replaced by a single central wire truss,
as is obvious to a person skilled in the art. The transverse
horizontal attachment rods 66 are secured to the posts 60 and 60'
by top and bottom clips 70 or could be welded thereto.
[0040] It is pointed out that it is within the ambit of the present
invention to cover any obvious modifications of the preferred
embodiment described herein provided such modifications fall within
the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *