U.S. patent application number 10/847638 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-23 for wall mountable curvilinear display racks, hangers, and associated display methods.
Invention is credited to Atwood, Alan, McGarry, Matthew.
Application Number | 20040256338 10/847638 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33519215 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040256338 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McGarry, Matthew ; et
al. |
December 23, 2004 |
Wall mountable curvilinear display racks, hangers, and associated
display methods
Abstract
The display systems include a plurality of wall-mountable racks
for holding articles for display on an upstanding mounting wall or
panel. Each rack includes an elongate rack having opposing spaced
apart first and second end portions and an intermediate portion
that together present a continuous curvilinear profile when viewed
from the top. In position, the elongate rack projects outwardly a
distance from the mounting wall or panel to laterally extend in a
substantially horizontal orientation. The system also includes a
plurality of hangers slidably mounted to the rack and plurality of
discrete articles. The elongate rack is configured to releaseably
engage with a selected slot or slots of a multi-slot panel or wall.
The display systems are particularly suitable for displaying soft
fabric drapery samples. Hangers used to display samples or
consumable items and related methods are also described.
Inventors: |
McGarry, Matthew;
(Charlotte, NC) ; Atwood, Alan; (Marshall,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MYERS BIGEL SIBLEY & SAJOVEC
PO BOX 37428
RALEIGH
NC
27627
US
|
Family ID: |
33519215 |
Appl. No.: |
10/847638 |
Filed: |
May 17, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60471664 |
May 19, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/94.01 ;
211/105.1; 211/105.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 5/0838 20130101;
A47F 5/0884 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/094.01 ;
211/105.1; 211/105.2 |
International
Class: |
A47F 005/08 |
Claims
That which is claimed is:
1. A wall-mountable rack assembly for holding articles for display
on an upstanding mounting wall or panel having a plurality of
elongate horizontal mounting slots, comprising: an elongate rack
having opposing spaced apart first and second end portions and an
intermediate portion that together present a continuous curvilinear
profile when viewed from the top, wherein, in position, the
elongate rack projects outwardly a distance from the mounting wall
or panel to reside in a substantially horizontal orientation, and
wherein the elongate rack is configured to releaseably engage with
at least one slot of a multi-slot mounting wall or panel; a
plurality of hangers slidably suspended from said rack; and a
plurality of articles are held by the hangers, wherein the hangers
and respective articles are configured to slide along the rack so
that the articles can be individually viewed.
2. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 1, wherein the
articles are aligned with the primary surfaces substantially normal
to the axial direction of the rack.
3. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 1, wherein
each article is held by a respective hanger, and wherein, in
position, the articles have opposing end portions with a lowermost
end portion extending a distance below a lowermost portion of the
hangers and an uppermost end portion residing below an uppermost
portion of the hangers.
4. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 3, wherein the
plurality of articles is at least 10 articles.
5. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 1, wherein the
rack is formed of a unitary tubular member.
6. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 1, wherein the
curvilinear profile is a substantially semi-circular profile.
7. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 1, wherein the
curvilinear profile includes a forwardmost arcuate portion.
8. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 1, further
comprising fastener members attached to each of said rack first and
second end portions, the fastener members being configured to
releaseably mount the curvilinear rack to one slot in the
upstanding support wall or panel.
9. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 8, wherein the
fastener members comprise a planar, substantially vertically
oriented mounting plate.
10. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 9, further
comprising outwardly extending spaced apart channel members
attached to said mounting plate, each channel member sized and
configured to be able to receive a respective first or second end
portion of the rack therein.
11. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 10, wherein
the elongate rack is tubular, and wherein the channel members have
cylindrical channels with an inner cross-sectional diameter that is
greater than the diameter of the tubular rack.
12. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 11, wherein
the mounting plate has a lateral width that is at least as wide as
the distance between the first and second end portions.
13. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 12, wherein
the mounting plate is substantially planar with a stepped edge
portion.
14. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 13, wherein,
when viewed from the side, the stepped edge portion is formed to
have a first segment that is substantially perpendicular to a
planar vertical portion of the mounting plate with a second segment
that is substantially perpendicular to the first segment and
substantially parallel to the planar vertical portion of the
mounting plate.
15. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 14, further
comprising a locking member that extends through a respective
channel member and rack end portion to affix the rack to the
mounting plate.
16. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 14, wherein
the mounting plate stepped portion is on an upper portion of the
mounting plate and is configured and sized to reside in a
selectable transverse elongate slot on the wall or panel.
17. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 9, wherein
the mounting plate comprises a pocket that is externally accessible
to hold informational materials for consumers.
18. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 1, wherein
the elongate rack is tubular, and wherein the articles comprise
discrete fabric samples, a respective one for each hanger, and
wherein the hangers are configured to suspend the fabric samples
with their primary surfaces generally facing a direction that is
normal to an imaginary line extending through the centerline of the
rack.
19. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 1, wherein
the hangers are configured with an aperture formed in a top portion
thereof, the aperture configured and sized to receive the elongate
rack therethrough.
20. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 19, wherein
the hangers comprise a slot pattern formed through an intermediate
portion thereof, the slot pattern configured to receive and hold
the article to the hanger.
21. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 20, wherein
the hangers are substantially planar and formed of a thermoplastic
material.
22. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 21, wherein
the hangers are translucent and/or transparent.
23. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 22, wherein
the planar hangers suspend the articles so that they are generally
substantially normal to an imaginary line extending through the
centerline of the rack.
24. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 20, wherein
the slot pattern is formed so as to provide at least one laterally
extending tongue portion that is able to pivot relative to the
primary surfaces of the hanger.
25. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 24, wherein
the intermediate slot pattern includes two laterally extending
tongue portions that extend from opposing side portions of the
hanger and face each other across a gap, and wherein the article is
configured to engage the tongue members to hold the article on the
hanger.
26. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 25, wherein
the sample includes a lateral channel portion, and wherein the
intermediate slot pattern includes one laterally extending tongue
portion that extends through the lateral channel of the article
across a major portion of the width of the hanger to hold the
article on the hanger.
27. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 1, wherein
the articles are material samples, and wherein the intermediate
slot portion is configured to hold the material sample in a
substantially looped fashion.
28. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 24, wherein
the articles are soft drapery fabrics having a rod pocket portion
and/or a header portion, and wherein, in position, the tongue is
configured to reside in the rod pocket or header portion.
29. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 1, wherein
the articles are samples of home-improvement items.
30. A wall-mountable rack assembly according to claim 29, wherein
the home improvement item sample is at least one of a bedding
sample, sheet sample, tablecloth sample, towel sample, paper
sample, paint sample, flooring sample, tile sample, cabinet sample,
paneling sample, countertop sample, and wallpaper sample.
31. A display system, comprising: a plurality of wall-mountable
racks for holding articles for display on an upstanding mounting
wall or panel, each rack comprising: an elongate rack having
opposing spaced apart first and second end portions and an
intermediate portion that together present a curvilinear profile
when viewed from the top, wherein, in position, the elongate rack
projects outwardly a distance from the mounting wall or panel to
laterally extend in a substantially horizontal orientation; a
plurality of hangers slidably suspended to said rack; and a
plurality of discrete articles held by the hangers, wherein the
elongate rack is configured to releaseably engage a selected slot
or slots of a multi-slot panel or wall.
32. A display system according to claim 31, wherein the system
comprises at least two elongate racks mounted in side-by-side
relationship on a common mounting plate in the same slot of the
multi-slot panel or wall.
33. A display system according to claim 31, wherein the elongate
racks are mounted on a common display wall or panel in different
horizontal slots of the multi-slot panel or wall.
34. A display system according to claim 31, wherein at least two of
the plurality of the elongate racks are mounted in the same slot
with at least one additional elongate rack being mounted in a
different horizontal slot.
35. A display system according to claim 31, further comprising a
plurality of outwardly extending discrete display arms configured
to releaseably engage a slot in the multi-slot wall or panel to
hold articles thereon in a substantially straight line, and wherein
the display arms are arranged to reside on a common wall or panel
with the curvilinear elongate racks.
36. A display system according to claim 31, wherein the arms are
configured to reside under the plurality of elongate racks on the
multi-slot wall or panel.
37. A display system according to claim 31, wherein the articles
comprise window covering samples, a respective one for each hanger,
and wherein the hangers are configured to suspend the samples with
their primary surfaces facing generally normal to a line extending
through the centerline of the rack.
38. A display system according to claim 37, further comprising a
plurality of hangers suspended from the elongate racks, wherein the
hangers and respective articles are configured to pivot in a
direction that is substantially normal to a line extending through
the centerline of the rack so that the articles can be individually
viewed.
39. A display system according to claim 38, wherein the articles
comprise soft drapery fabric samples.
40. A display system according to claim 39, wherein the soft
drapery fabric samples include a rod pocket portion and a header
portion, the hanger configured to have at least one laterally
extending tongue that is insertable through at least one of the rod
pocket and/or header portion to hold the sample on the hanger.
41. A method of displaying window covering samples, comprising:
positioning a plurality of discrete hangers on an elongate
curvilinear display rack; mounting the curvilinear display rack to
a desired slot in a multi-slot panel or wall so that the display
rack is substantially horizontal and has a curvilinear profile when
viewed from the top; and attaching each of a plurality of display
articles to a respective one of the hangers.
42. A method according to claim 41, wherein the discrete hangers
are positioned on the rack before the rack is mounted to the wall
or panel.
43. A method according to claim 41, wherein the articles are soft
fabric drapery samples having a rod pocket channel and/or a header
channel, and wherein the hanger includes at least one tongue
portion that extends through one of the article channels to
releaseably hold the article to the hanger.
44. A hanger for displaying an article on a rack, comprising: a
rigid planar body having opposing top and bottom portions; an
aperture formed in the top portion of the planar body, the aperture
sized and configured to engage with a display rack; at least one
slot formed through an intermediate portion of the planar body;
wherein, in use, a display sample is positioned about the slot so
that the article is releaseably mounted to the hanger.
45. A hanger according to claim 44, wherein the hanger is formed of
a translucent and/or transparent thermoplastic material.
46. A hanger according to claim 44, wherein the hanger intermediate
slot pattern includes at least one laterally extending tongue
portion.
47. A hanger according to claim 44, wherein the intermediate slot
pattern includes two laterally aligned tongue portions that face
each other and are spaced apart, and wherein the article includes a
loop segment with the loop segment configured to receive the tongue
members to hold the article on the hanger.
48. A hanger according to claim 44, wherein the intermediate slot
pattern includes one laterally extending tongue portion, and
wherein the article includes a loop segment with the loop segment
configured to receive the tongue to hold the article on the
hanger.
49. A hanger according to claim 44, wherein the article is a
drapery material sample with a header and/or rod pocket channel
portion.
50. A hanger according to claim 44, wherein the article is a
drapery material sample, wherein the intermediate slot portion is
configured with upper and lower slots spaced apart by a continuous
center support segment, and wherein, in use, the material sample is
inserted through the upper and lower slots to hold the sample on
the hanger in a self-looped fashion.
51. A hanger according to claim 44, wherein the planar body has a
perimeter with the slots extending about an interior portion
thereof, and wherein the perimeter has a substantially rectangular
shape with opposing sides gradually traveling together toward an
upper end portion to terminate at a highest center segment located
above the aperture.
52. A hanger according to claim 51, wherein the aperture is
circular.
53. A hanger according to claim 44, wherein the planar body is a
unitary plexiglass body.
54. A hanger according to claim 44, wherein the planar body
comprises front and rear primary surfaces, said hanger further
comprising at least one label affixed above the slot pattern on the
front primary surface and at least one label affixed over the top
and/or center portion of the rear surface.
55. A hanger according to claim 44, in combination with a display
article, wherein the display article is a window covering
sample.
56. A hanger and display article according to claim 55, wherein the
window covering display article is a soft drapery fabric sample.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/471,664, filed May 19, 2003, the contents
of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if recited in full
herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to devices and systems for
displaying goods.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Consumer goods or samples are often displayed on shelves or
floor-mounted racks in stores for customer viewing. To aid in
installation, multi-slot display panels or walls with horizontal
slots have been used to allow stores to customize displays so that
products or samples can be displayed at selectable positions or
heights. Nonetheless, there remains a need to provide alternate
display systems that can allow for increased display density,
additional aesthetic display choices, and/or easily installed
devices for displaying items of interest.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Embodiments of the present invention provide curvilinear
wall-mountable display racks. In certain embodiments, the display
racks can be configured to releaseably engage a slot or slots in a
multi-slot display panel or wall. The curvilinear racks may be
particularly suitable for displaying home improvement items in a
large home improvement store setting. In particular embodiments,
the curvilinear racks are configured to display samples of window
covering materials, such as soft drapery fabric samples.
[0005] Certain embodiments are directed to wall-mountable rack
assemblies for holding articles for display on an upstanding
mounting wall or panel. The rack assemblies include: (a) an
elongate rack having opposing spaced apart first and second end
portions and an intermediate portion that together present a
continuous perimeter curvilinear profile when viewed from the top,
wherein, in position, the elongate rack projects outwardly a
distance from the mounting wall or panel to reside in a
substantially horizontal orientation and wherein the elongate rack
is configured to releaseably engage with at least one slot of a
multi-slot mounting wall or panel; (b) a plurality of hangers
slidably suspended by the rack; and (c) a plurality of discrete
articles held by the hangers, wherein the hangers and respective
articles are configured to slide along the rack so that the
articles can be individually viewed.
[0006] In certain embodiments, the plurality of articles is at
least 10, and typically at least 20 or more articles. The
wall-mountable rack may be formed as a unitary continuous tubular
member.
[0007] Other embodiments of the present invention are directed to
consumer display systems. The systems include a plurality of
wall-mountable racks for holding articles for display on an
upstanding mounting wall or panel. Each rack includes: (a) an
elongate rack having opposing spaced apart first and second end
portions and an intermediate portion that together present a
curvilinear profile when viewed from the top, wherein, in position,
the elongate rack projects outwardly a distance from the mounting
wall or panel to reside in a substantially horizontal orientation;
(b) a plurality of hangers slidably mounted to the rack; and (c) a
plurality of discrete articles held by the hangers. The elongate
rack is configured to releaseably engage with a selected slot of a
multi-slot panel or wall.
[0008] In certain embodiments, the system comprises at least two
elongate racks held in side-by-side alignment on a common mounting
plate in the same slot of the multi-slot panel or wall. In other
embodiments, the elongate racks are held on a common display wall
or panel in different horizontal slots of the multi-slot panel or
wall. Combinations of the above are also possible.
[0009] Other embodiments of the present invention are directed to
methods of displaying window-covering samples. The methods include:
(a) positioning a plurality of discrete hangers on an elongate
curvilinear display rack; (b) mounting the curvilinear display rack
to a desired slot in a multi-slot panel or wall so that the display
rack is substantially horizontal and has a curvilinear profile when
viewed from the top; and (c) attaching a plurality of display
articles, one to a respective one of the hangers.
[0010] In particular embodiments, the discrete hangers are
positioned on the rack before the rack is mounted to the wall or
panel. The articles can include soft fabric drapery samples that
may include a laterally extending upper channel (such as a rod
pocket or header).
[0011] Still other embodiments of the present invention are
directed toward hangers for displaying articles on a rack. The
hangers include a rigid planar body having opposing top and bottom
portions. An aperture is formed in the top portion of the planar
body; the aperture is sized and configured to engage a display
rack. In addition, at least one slot is formed through an
intermediate portion of the planar body. In use, a display sample
is positioned about the slot so that the article is releaseably
mounted to the hanger.
[0012] In particular embodiments, the hanger can be formed of an
elastomeric material, such as plexiglass or other suitable
material. The hanger can be translucent and/or transparent. The
intermediate slot pattern can include two laterally aligned tongue
portions that face each other and are spaced apart. The article can
include a loop segment configured to receive the tongue members to
hold the article on the hanger. The article can be a drapery
material sample with two upper channel portions and the hanger can
be configured with a tongue or tongues that engage one of the upper
channels of the article to hold the article to the hanger.
[0013] In other embodiments, the intermediate slot portion is
configured with upper and lower slots spaced apart by a continuous
center support segment and the material sample is inserted through
the upper and lower slots to hold the sample on the hanger in a
self-looped fashion.
[0014] In certain embodiments, the hanger planar body has a
perimeter with the slots positioned to extend about an interior
portion thereof. The perimeter can have a substantially rectangular
shape with the opposing sides gradually traveling together about an
upper end portion to terminate at a highest center segment located
above the aperture.
[0015] The foregoing and other objects and aspects of the present
invention are explained in detail herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a wall mountable
display rack assembly according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 1B is a side view of the mounting bracket shown in FIG.
1A
[0018] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an alternate
configuration of a display rack assembly according to embodiments
of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of an alternate
configuration of a mounting bracket according to embodiments of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3B is a front view of yet another alternate
configuration of a mounting bracket according to embodiments of the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 3C is a side view of the bracket shown in FIG. 3B.
[0022] FIG. 4A is a side perspective view of a curvilinear display
rack mounted on a multi-slot display panel or wall according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 4B is a front perspective view of the mounted display
rack shown in FIG. 4A.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a front view of alternate exemplary mounting
arrangements for curvilinear display racks on display walls or
panels according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0025] FIGS. 6A-6E are schematic top views of alternate curvilinear
configurations for one or more display racks according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a display system
employing combinations of curvilinear and straight display rods on
a common display panel or all according to embodiments of the
present invention.
[0027] FIG. 8A is a front view of a hanger suitable for suspending
articles from a display rack according to embodiments of the
present invention.
[0028] FIG. 8B is a side view of the hanger shown in FIG. 8A.
[0029] FIG. 9A is an exploded view of a hanger and drapery fabric
sample according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 9B is a rear view of the assembled hanger and sample
shown in FIG. 9A.
[0031] FIG. 10A is a front view of a hanger according to alternate
embodiments of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 10B is a front view of a hanger according to alternate
embodiments of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 11A is a front view of an assembled hanger with an
article mounted thereon according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0034] FIG. 11B is a front view of an assembled hanger with an
article mounted thereon according to alternate embodiments of the
present invention.
[0035] FIG. 12A is a front view of another hanger configuration
according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 12B is a front view of the hanger shown in FIG. 12A
with arrows indicating one way of assembling a sample thereon
according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 12C is a side view of the hanger of FIG. 12A with an
article mounted thereon according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0038] FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of a curvilinear display
rack according to embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0039] The present invention will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which
preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention
may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Like
numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the drawings, layers,
regions, or components may be exaggerated for clarity. In the
figures, broken lines indicate optional features unless described
otherwise.
[0040] Generally described, with reference to FIG. 1A, the
invention relates to wall-mountable rack assemblies 10 that include
an elongate curvilinear rack 15 that is configured to hold multiple
discrete articles for display (as shown, for example, with
reference to feature 40 in FIG. 4A). The assembly 10 includes a
fastener member 25 that mounts the rack 15 to the upstanding wall
or panel 115. As shown in FIG. 1A, the fastener member 25 comprises
a mounting plate 25p and two spaced-apart channel members 26.sub.1,
26.sub.2.
[0041] In certain embodiments, the rack 15 is tubular with an outer
diameter and the channel members 26.sub.1, 26.sub.2 may protrude
out away from the panel 115 a distance with a substantially
cylindrical shape and an inner diameter that is sized and
configured to snugly receive the outer diameter of a respective end
portion 15e.sub.1, 15e.sub.2 of the rack 15 therein. Other rack and
bracket or mounting hardware configurations may also be used.
[0042] For example, the end portions 15e.sub.1, 15e.sub.2 of the
rack 15 may be configured with hollow cores that are sized and
configured to receive the respective protruding channel member
(which themselves may be formed with solid or open cores) therein
(not shown). FIG. 3A illustrates channels 126.sub.1, 126.sub.2
having an open configuration. FIG. 3A also illustrates that instead
of a common mounting plate 25p as shown in FIG. 1A, the channel
members 126.sub.1, 126.sub.2 may reside on or in separate mounting
plates 25p' or have unconnected bracket members that mount the end
portions of the rack 15e.sub.1, 15e.sub.2 to the desired wall or
panel. FIGS. 3B and 3C illustrate channel members 226.sub.1,
226.sub.2 with a series of circumferentially spaced apart wall
segments that form a discontinuous perimeter that is configured to
receive (or enter) the corresponding rack end portion 15e.sub.1,
15e.sub.2. FIGS. 3B and 3C also show that the mounting plate 25p"
may have a center segment 226s that has different configuration
from the other portions of the plate (shown as having a lesser
height than the portions holding the channel members 226.sub.1,
226.sub.2). The center segment 226s can attach to and extend
between the outermost portions of the mounting plate 226p.sub.1,
226p.sub.2 to provide reliable spacing of the edge portions of the
rack 15e.sub.1, 15e.sub.2 and/or supplemental support.
[0043] The rack 15 may be configured as a unitary tubular member
with a diameter of between about 1/4-1 inch, and typically between
about {fraction (7/16)}-1/2inches. The channel members 26.sub.1,
26.sub.2 126.sub.1, 126.sub.2, 226.sub.1, 226.sub.2, may have a
length that is between about 0.5-1.5 inches, and is typically
between about 1-1.25 inches long.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, the rack 15 may have an arcuate
forwardmost portion with a radius "r". The center of the radius of
curvature may be located in front of the mounting plate (or wall or
panel) a distance L.sub.1 as is also shown in FIG. 2. The rack 15
may be configured with a linear loading length 2(L.sub.1+L.sub.2)
of between about 25-50 inches, and typically between about 29-33
inches. The length of the rack 15 can be measured as the length of
the rack from the portion proximate member 26.sub.1 to the portion
proximate member 26.sub.2.
[0045] In particular embodiments, the radius of curvature "r" may
be between about 4-10 inches. In certain embodiments, the rack 15
includes first segment "L.sub.1" of between about 2-6 substantially
straight inches on each side, and typically between about 3-5
inches, that merges into an arcuate second segment "L.sub.2"
portion having a radius of between about 5-10 inches, and typically
about 7-9 inches. Thus, in certain embodiments, the outermost
portion of the rack 15 may extend from the wall a distance
"L.sub.3" that is between about 10-14 inches.
[0046] The rack may have a width "W" measured between the
centerlines of the end portions 15e.sub.1, 15e.sub.2 of the rack 15
that is between about 10-30 inches, or longer. In particular
embodiments, the width W is about 14 inches. In certain
embodiments, the rack 15 has a forward or outwardly projecting
length "L" of between about 10-20 inches, and typically about 12
inches, measured from the wall 115 to the center of the outermost
portion of the rack 15.
[0047] The rack 15 can be configured to releaseably engage a slot
or slots in a multi-slot panel. The panel or wall can include a
series of pre-formed horizontal elongate slots that allow
height-adjustable, on-site assembly. As shown in FIG. 1B, the
substantially planar body of the mounting plate 25p can be
configured with edge portions that attach to the slot in the wall
or panel.
[0048] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the mounting plate 25
includes a stepped portion 27 that engages the slot (115s, FIG. 4A)
in the mounting wall or panel. As shown, the stepped portion 27
includes a first segment 25s.sub.1 that is substantially
perpendicular to the primary surface of the (vertically oriented)
plate 25 and a second segment 25s.sub.2 that is substantially
perpendicular to the first segment 25s.sub.1 (and parallel to the
primary body of the Mounting plate 25p). FIG. 3C illustrates a
similar stepped configuration 227 with the two segments 226s.sub.1,
226s.sub.2 for the mounting plate 25p" shown. The stepped edge
portions may be integrally formed onto the plate (such as by
bending a sheet metal material) or may be provided as separate
components that can be affixed to the mounting plate 25p via
suitable attachment means (for example, brazing, welding, using
fasteners such as screws, pins, nails, clamps, or adhesives). It is
noted that other rack mounting configurations may also be used.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 1A, the mounting plate 25p can have a
lateral width that is at least as wide as the distance between the
first and second rack end portions 15e.sub.1, 15e.sub.2. FIG. 2
illustrates that the mounting plate 25p has a width that is longer
than the sum of the distances between each of the first and second
end portions 15e.sub.1, 15e.sub.2.
[0050] As shown in FIGS. 6A-6E, in position and attached to the
display wall or panel 115, the rack 15 has a curvilinear profile
when viewed from the top. The rack 15 projects outwardly a distance
from the wall and laterally extends in a substantially horizontal
orientation with a length sufficient to hold multiple articles 40
thereacross. FIG. 2 illustrates a dual curvilinear rack
configuration, with the racks 15.sub.1, 15.sub.2 positioned in
side-by-side alignment. The racks 15.sub.1, 15.sub.2 may be
configured to mount to a common slot in a slotted panel or wall.
The racks 15.sub.1, 15.sub.2 may share a common mounting plate 25p
as shown, or may have individual mounting plates or employ other
mounting and/or fastening means. Although shown in FIG. 2 with two
side-by-side racks 15.sub.1, 15.sub.2, the rack assembly 10' may be
configured with a greater number of racks on a common plate 25p or
as separately mountable racks.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 2, the racks 15.sub.1, 15.sub.2 are two
discrete racks that may be mounted using a common mounting plate
25p . In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6B, the two
side-by-side racks 15.sub.1, 15.sub.2 may be joined at a joint 15j
(or formed of a continuous unitary tubular member) and this portion
of the two racks may be mounted to the underlying mounting wall or
panel, using an alternate mounting bracket that is configured and
sized to receive the joint portion of the two racks thereby
reducing the mounting hardware required. FIG. 6A illustrates a
single semicircular rack profile, and FIG. 6C illustrates an
alternate continuous curvilinear profile. FIG. 6D illustrates a
substantially circular profile and FIG. 6E illustrates that
different rack profiles may be concurrently mounted on a display
wall or panel 115.
[0052] In certain embodiments, the rack 15 is configured and sized
to hold multiple discrete hanging articles that can (individually)
slide along the rack 15. The articles 40 can be configured to be
directly or indirectly supported by the rack 15. For the indirect
support embodiment, the articles 40 can be held by one or more
hangers 30, with the hangers 30 being disposed intermediate the
article 40 and the rack 15. The hangers 30 can be configured to
suspend the articles 40 from the rack 15 and to allow the hangers
30 to translate along a portion of the length of the rack 15 and/or
to pivot outwardly away from (and/or toward) the support wall or
panel (115, FIG. 4A) for viewing as desired. The articles 40 may be
arranged to extend downwardly from the support rack in a
front-to-front, back-to-front, back-to-back, and/or side-by-side
alignment. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the articles 40 are
held on a respective hanger 30 and all the articles have their
fronts facing the same direction with their primary surfaces all
generally parallel (front-to-front orientation).
[0053] The rack 15 may be particularly suitable for displaying
samples of window covering materials, including soft drapery fabric
samples. The articles 40 can be arranged on the rack(s) 15 so that
their primary forward faces are aligned to face the same direction.
The hangers 30 and respective article 40 can be configured to slide
together to closely spaced positions to allow for increased density
loading of the rack 15. In certain embodiments, the rack 15 can be
configured and sized to hold at least about 10, typically about 20,
and in certain embodiments, at least about 30 discrete
articles.
[0054] The term "soft drapery fabrics" refers to fabrics that can
be draped over a curtain rod or backing so that the fabric yields
to pressure or weight and may include fabrics ranging in texture
and density from fine to relatively stiff. As will be discussed
further below, the soft drapery fabric sample may be formed with a
rod pocket across its width (see, e.g., FIG. 9A) and/or a header
portion that may form an open channel. However, the rack 15 may
also be useful for displaying other home-improvement items, such
as, but not limited to, other fabric samples such as samples of
bedding, sheets, tablecloths, and towels, as well as paper (such as
paint) samples, tile samples, flooring samples, cabinet samples,
paneling samples, countertop samples, wallpaper samples, and the
like.
[0055] The rack 15 may also be suitable for displaying other
consumer items such as clothing or accessory items (for example,
socks, belts, and purses) as well as other articles including toys,
batteries, posters, magazines, books, packaged food items, and the
like.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 1A, in use, the rack 15 is attached to an
upstanding support wall or panel 115 so that it is substantially
horizontal and extends in a lateral direction across a portion of
the face of the panel or wall. As noted above, the rack 15 may be
tubular (with either a solid or open core). The rack 15 may be
configured to have its curvilinear shape preformed with a
sufficient rigidity to be able to retain its shape in use and
before mounted to the bracket(s) that attach it to the mounting
wall or panel. In other embodiments, the rack 15 may be resiliently
or flexible configured so as to have a first configuration when not
mounted and a second curvilinear configuration when mounted (not
shown). That is, the rack 15 can flex or bow as its sides are
brought together to provide the curvilinear shape as the end
portions 15e.sub.1, 15e.sub.2 are inserted into spatially fixed
fasteners or mounting bracket(s). The length of the rack 15 and/or
the spacing of the mounting brackets that hold each end of the rack
15 can define the curvature of the rack 15 in position. In certain
embodiments, the rack 15 may be configured from a material that is
sufficiently malleable so that it can be formed into the desired
shape. The material may be a metal, polymer and/or co-polymer,
plastic, thermoplastic, ceramic, fiber-reinforced resin, or blends
and/or mixtures thereof.
[0057] The rack 15 and mounting bracket(s) should be configured to
hold the weight of the rack 15 and the articles 40 and hangers 30
thereon so as that the rack 15 is able to maintain its horizontal
(level) orientation even when loaded. In certain embodiments, a
loaded hanger 30 can have a weight of about 5.8 ounces. The rack 15
can hold a plurality of these loaded hangers 30, such as at least
about 10 hangers 30 loaded with articles 40 over between about
25-50 inches on the rack 15. In certain embodiments, in position,
the rack 15 is configured to hold a distributed load of between at
least about 3.48 oz to 6.96 oz per linear inch without bending or
drooping.
[0058] Referring again to FIG. 1A, the rack assembly 10 may also
include a pocket 52 for holding product or consumer information,
papers, brochures, or cards that include product or consumer data,
ordering or warranty information and the like. The pocket 52 may be
formed on the mounting plate 25p or provided as a separately
mountable object for adjustable site-specific display options.
[0059] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate hangers 30 with soft drapery
samples 40a suspended on the rack 15. As is also shown in FIG. 4A,
the assembly 10 may include a locking fastener 55 that extends
through the channel member 26.sub.2 and the end portion of the rack
15e.sub.2 to hold the components securely together. Accordingly,
the channel members 26.sub.1, 26.sub.2, 126.sub.1, 126.sub.2,
226.sub.1, 226.sub.2 and the end portions of the rack 15e.sub.1,
15e.sub.2 may have a locking aperture 55a formed therethrough (not
shown). The locking fastener 55 is shown as a cotter pin, but other
locking fasteners may also be used, such as, but not limited to,
screws, nails, other pins, dowels, clamps and the like.
[0060] FIG. 4B illustrates the hangers 30 with the drapery sample
40a suspended primarily over a first primary (forward) face 30a of
the hanger 30. Only a minor segment of the sample is exposed on the
opposing primary face 30b. Instead, labels are attached to a major
portion of the rear surface 30b. As shown, the hanger 30 can
include two different label-mounting surfaces, upper and lower
label surfaces 131, 132, respectively, with the labels located
above and below the minor segment of sample material on the rear
surface 30b. FIG. 4B also illustrates that the sample 40a is
suspended over a major portion of the forward primary surface 30a,
but an upper portion of the hanger 30 can also be used as a
labeling surface 130.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 4B, each fabric sample article 40a can be
held by a respective hanger 30. In certain embodiments, the sample
has opposing end portions and can be arranged on the hanger so that
a lowermost portion 401 extends a distance below a lowermost
portion of the hanger 301 and an uppermost end portion 40u resides
below an upper portion of the hanger 30u.
[0062] FIGS. 4A and 4B also illustrate that the hangers 30 include
an aperture 31 that is sized and configured to receive the rack 15
therethrough. As shown, the aperture 31 is circular, but other
shapes may be used. In addition, as shown, the body of the hanger
30 about the aperture 31 is continuous and the hangers 30 are
positioned on the rack 15 prior to the rack 15 being positioned on
the mounting wall or panel 115 so that the hangers 30 remain on the
rack 15 as long as the rack 15 remains affixed to the mounting wall
or panel 115. In other embodiments, the hanger 30 may be configured
with a vertical split segment at the top that separates a
transverse distance and then returns to a desired substantially
closed configuration to allow for the hanger to be attached to the
rack 15 after the rack 15 is mounted to the wall or panel (not
shown). In certain particular embodiments, a plurality of hangers
30 can be used to hold a particular sample (not shown).
Combinations of the above configurations may be used.
[0063] FIG. 5 illustrates a display wall or panel 115 with a
plurality of racks 15 (discrete or combination racks 15.sub.1,
15.sub.2) held at different locations to provide a display system.
The racks 15 may be horizontally and/or vertically aligned or
offset to allow for multiple selectable display arrangements. FIG.
7 illustrates another embodiment of a display system for a display
wall or panel 115. As shown in FIG. 7, two racks 15 (or 15.sub.1,
15.sub.2) are held along a top portion of the display wall or panel
115 with a plurality of outwardly extending (straight) display arms
90 holding samples below the racks. The display arms 90 can have
different lengths. As shown, the longer length arms 90a are held
under the racks 15, while the shorter length arms 90b are held
lower on the wall or panel 115. As shown, the two laterally spaced
display racks occupy the same amount of lateral space on the wall
or panel (shown as the entire panel section) as six aligned columns
of samples on display arms 90a, 90b. Thus, a larger number of
articles 40 (such as samples) may be able to be displayed on the
rack(s) 15 than can be displayed for viewing as the forwardmost
sample in the columns underlying the rack 15 (i.e., six samples on
the display arms versus 10-60, or more on the racks 15). In
addition, the display systems provided by the devices of the
instant invention provide increased display format options and
site-selectable customization and adjustability over conventional
arrangements. Further, in particular embodiments, in position, the
display rack(s) 15 can give a consumer an improved aesthetic
simulation of a window covering by its placement on the display
wall, the flowing length of sample, and/or the sample's ability to
move in a horizontal direction. In particular embodiments, a decal
or other simulated window, structure or outdoor environment, can be
placed on the display panel or wall behind the rack and hanging
drapery samples 40 to give a consumer a more realistic "in-use"
visual point of reference. Similarly, adjustable lighting or wall
colors may also be provided for use with the display panel or wall
to create a more natural use environment. The adjustable
environment can be provided using projected lights, decals,
selectable paneling that can be interchanged by a viewer, and my be
held by the mounting plate or the display panel or wall adjacent
the display rack and the like (not shown).
[0064] FIG. 8A illustrates one example of a hanger 30. In certain
embodiments, the hanger 30 is suitable for use with a size that is
between about 8-12 inches tall and 4-10 inches wide, and is
typically about 6-8 inches wide and about 11 inches tall. The
hanger 30 includes an aperture 31 as discussed above and a slot
pattern 34. In certain embodiments, the hanger 30 has a rigid
planar body with the slot pattern 34 having at least one slot 34s
(shown in FIG. 8A as two lateral slots connected by a vertical slot
segment) formed through an intermediate portion of the planar body.
In use, the display article 40 is positioned about the slot pattern
34 so that the article is releaseably mounted to the hanger 30.
[0065] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, the slot pattern 34 is
formed in the hanger 30 so that the hanger 30 includes two
laterally extending spaced-apart tongue portions 41, 43 that face
each other. In certain embodiments, the tongue portions 41, 43 can
pivot relative to the body of the hanger 30 so that they can be
relatively easily inserted into the channel formed in the article.
The hanger 30 can also be configured with two sets of the tongue
portions 41, 43 (not shown), and each can selectively or
concurrently engage with the article 40.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 8B, the hanger 30 can have a substantially
planar (card-like) body. As shown in FIG. 8A, the planar body
includes a perimeter 30p with the slot pattern 34 extending about
an interior portion thereof. The perimeter 30p has a substantially
rectangular shape with opposing sides gradually traveling together
toward an upper end portion 30u to terminate at a highest center
segment 30h located above the aperture 31.
[0067] In certain embodiments, the hanger 30 is formed of an
elastomeric material, which may include polymers, co-polymers,
cellulose, and derivatives, blends and mixtures thereof. In
particular embodiments, the hanger 30 can be formed from a
thermoplastic and/or plexiglass or polyvinylchloride material. In
certain embodiments, the hanger 30 can be translucent and/or
transparent. In particular embodiments, the hanger 30 is formed of
a unitary plexiglass planar body.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 9A, the article 40 can be a fabric or
material sample having at least one, and typically two, laterally
extending channels 40.sub.1, 40.sub.2. In particular embodiments,
the article 40 is a soft drapery fabric sample 40a and the fabric
sample 40a is formed to have at least one channel that corresponds
to a rod pocket and/or header. FIG. 9A illustrates that the tongue
portions 41, 43 are inserted into a selected channel (mount
position "1" or "2") to hold the fabric sample in a display
configuration. FIG. 11A illustrates the tongue portions 41, 43 in
the lower channel 40.sub.2 and FIG. 11B illustrates the tongue
portions 41, 43, in the upper channel. FIG. 9B illustrates the rear
of the hanger 30 when the fabric sample is loaded as shown in FIGS.
9A, 11A or 11B.
[0069] FIG. 10A illustrates an alternate embodiment of a hanger
30'. As shown, the slot pattern 34 is formed to provide a single
elongate laterally extending tongue portion 36 that extends across
a major portion of the width of the hanger 30. FIG. 10B illustrates
a slot pattern 34 with two vertically spaced apart tongues
36.sub.1, 36.sub.2 that extend from a common side of the hanger 30
across a portion of the width of the hanger 30'. Similar to the
tongue portions 41, 43 shown in FIG. 8A, tongue portions 36 or
36.sub.1, 36.sub.2 can releaseably engage articles 40 having
transverse or lateral channels, such as the fabric sample shown in
FIG. 9A.
[0070] FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate an additional embodiment of a
hanger 30". As shown, the intermediate slot portion 34 is
configured with separate upper and lower slots 37.sub.1, 37.sub.2
that are spaced apart by a continuous center support segment 37s.
As shown by the direction of the arrows in FIG. 12B, to position
the sample on the hanger 30", the sample 40 can be inserted through
the upper slot 37.sub.1, threaded around the center segment and
then back into the lower slot 37.sub.2 to hold the sample on the
hanger 30 in a substantially looped fashion. The term "looped"means
that the material has a nearly or completely closed turn. The
lowermost portion of the hanger 30 may include a cutout portion
30c. As shown in FIG. 12C, sample 40 may be loaded on the hanger so
that a longer portion resides over the looped segment and only a
minor amount of sample extends through the rear surface of the
hanger.
[0071] FIG. 13 illustrates yet another embodiment of a display rack
assembly 10 according to the present invention. As shown, the rack
15 includes a plurality of hangers 30, each holding an article 40
that is configured as a strip of fabric suitable for window
coverings. The strip of fabric may be about 3-6 inches wide and
about 4-18 inches long, and is typically arranged on the hanger 30
to extend for viewing with about 5 inches in width and 8 inches
long. Similarly, the hanger 30 can be about 5-6 inches wide and
includes a slot pattern 34 that allows the sample 40 to be wrapped
around the hanger 30 to suspend the article on the hanger. The
hanger 30 can have a length that is about 3-6 inches long, and is
typically less than about 4-5 inches long, with the strip of fabric
hung so as to be substantially longer than the hanger 30 (typically
about at least 60% longer than the hanger).
[0072] The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and
is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few
exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those
skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications
are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially
departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this
invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of this invention as defined in the
claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses, where used, are
intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the
recited function and not only structural equivalents but also
equivalent structures. Therefore, it is to be understood that the
foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be
construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and
that modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as other
embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the
appended claims. The invention is defined by the following claims,
with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.
* * * * *