U.S. patent application number 10/907222 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-28 for display assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to GFX INTERNATIONAL, INC.. Invention is credited to Jay Jones, Kandice VanCalbergh.
Application Number | 20060213850 10/907222 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36939317 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060213850 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
VanCalbergh; Kandice ; et
al. |
September 28, 2006 |
DISPLAY ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A display assembly including an upper channel, a lower channel
and a plurality of display panels. The upper channel includes
longitudinal first and second upper tracks oriented parallel and
disposed immediately adjacent. The lower channel is disposed
substantially vertically aligned with the upper channel and
includes a longitudinal first lower track and a plurality of stall
sets oriented substantially transverse to the first lower track
such that each stall had an open end for communication with the
first lower track. The display panels engage the upper and lower
channels and include a frame and covering. The frame engages the
upper and lower channels with a plurality of top and bottom guide
elements. The covering is configured generally equivalent to a
periphery of the frame and has an exterior surface for bearing at
least a portion of a graphical representation. In a first operative
position, the plurality of display panels are oriented coplanar and
disposed nearly contiguous, thereby, cooperatively defining a
continuous, uninterrupted graphical representation rendered over
the plurality of display panels.
Inventors: |
VanCalbergh; Kandice;
(Prairie Grove, IL) ; Jones; Jay; (Evergreen,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VEDDER PRICE KAUFMAN & KAMMHOLZ
222 N. LASALLE STREET
CHICAGO
IL
60601
US
|
Assignee: |
GFX INTERNATIONAL, INC.
333 Barron Blvd.
Grayslake
IL
|
Family ID: |
36939317 |
Appl. No.: |
10/907222 |
Filed: |
March 24, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/94.01 ;
211/118; 211/189 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 3/004 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/094.01 ;
211/118; 211/189 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/08 20060101
A47F005/08 |
Claims
1. A display assembly for engaging a rack including a plurality of
substantially vertical posts, a plurality of substantially
horizontal beams connected to the vertical posts and substantially
horizontal shelves supported by the horizontal beams, the display
assembly comprising: an upper channel adapted for substantially
parallel connection to one of the beams including a longitudinal
first upper track and a longitudinal second upper track, the first
and second upper tracks oriented parallel and disposed immediately
adjacent; a lower channel adapted for substantially parallel
connection to another of the beams disposed substantially
vertically aligned with the upper channel including a longitudinal
first lower track, a plurality of stall sets oriented substantially
transverse to the first lower track where each stall has an open
end for communication with the first lower track; and a plurality
of display panels engaging the upper and lower channels, each
display panel including a frame and a covering; the frame having a
top, a bottom and a pair of opposing sides extending between the
top and bottom which thereby define a periphery of the frame and a
plurality of top guide elements disposed at spaced locations on the
top of the frame and bottom guide elements disposed at spaced
locations on the bottom of the frame; the covering configured
generally equivalent to the periphery of the frame and having an
exterior surface bearing at least a portion of a graphical
representation; such that the display panels disposed in a first
operative position, where the bottom guide elements of each display
panel are disposed in one of the stall sets, the top guide elements
are disposed in the second upper track and the coverings of each
display panel are oriented coplanar and disposed nearly contiguous,
cooperatively define a continuous, uninterrupted graphical
representation rendered over the plurality of display panels.
2. The display assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the display
panels are movable relative to one another.
3. The display assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein one display
panel is movable independently with respect to the other display
panels from the first operative position into a second operative
position offset parallel to other display panels such that an open
location is defined.
4. The display assembly as recited in claim 3, wherein the one
display panel in the second operative position is disposed
vertically aligned with the first upper and first lower tracks.
5. The display assembly as recited in claim 3, wherein the one
display panel may be moved from the second operative position along
the first upper and first lower tracks and returned to the second
operative position so that when the one display panel is in
registration with the open location the one display panel
automatically returns to the open location and first operative
position.
6. The display assembly as recited in claim 5, wherein the
automatic return of the one display panel is facilitated by
alignment of the bottom guide elements with one of the stall sets
and an oblique orientation of the lower channel with respect to the
upper channel such that a gravitation force moves the one display
panel to the open location substantially vertically aligned with
the second upper track.
7. The display assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the top and
bottom guide elements are selected from the group consisting of
ball transfers, wheels and the combination of ball transfers and
wheels.
8. A display assembly for engaging a rack including a plurality of
substantially vertical posts, a plurality of substantially
horizontal beams connected to the vertical posts and substantially
horizontal shelves supported by the horizontal beams, the display
assembly comprising: an upper channel connected substantially
parallel to one of the beams including a top wall, opposing upper
side walls, opposing upper end walls and a segmented divider wall
having a plurality of openings defined therein, the top, upper
side, upper end and divider walls cooperatively define a
longitudinal first upper track and a longitudinal second upper
track, the first and second upper tracks oriented parallel and
disposed immediately adjacent, the openings each defining a
passageway between the first and second upper tracks; a lower
channel connected substantially parallel to another of the beams,
at a spaced location from the upper channel, including a bottom
wall, opposing lower side walls, opposing lower end walls and a
plurality of interior walls, the bottom, lower side, lower end and
interior walls cooperatively define a longitudinal first lower
track substantially vertically aligned with the first upper track,
and a plurality of stall sets oriented substantially transverse to
the first lower track where each stall has an open end for
communication with the first lower track; the bottom wall disposed
oblique to the top wall; and a plurality of display panels movably
engaging the upper and lower channels.
9. The display assembly as recited in claim 8, wherein each display
panel includes a frame and a covering; the frame having a top, a
bottom and a pair of opposing sides extending between the top and
bottom which thereby define a periphery of the frame and a
plurality of top guide elements disposed at spaced locations on the
top of the frame and bottom guide elements disposed at spaced
locations on the bottom of the frame; the covering configured
generally equivalent to the periphery of the frame and having an
exterior surface bearing at least a portion of a graphical
representation; such that the display panels are oriented coplanar
and disposed nearly contiguous, cooperatively defining a
continuous, uninterrupted graphical representation rendered over
the plurality of display panels.
10. The display assembly as recited in claim 8, wherein the display
panels are disposed in a first operative position, substantially
vertically aligned with the first upper track and one display panel
may be moved independently with respect to the other display panels
from the first operative position into a second operative position
offset parallel to the other display panels such that an open
location is defined.
11. The display assembly as recited in claim 10, wherein the one
display panel disposed in the second operative position is
vertically aligned with the first upper and first lower tracks.
12. The display assembly as recited in claim 11, wherein the one
display panel may be moved from the second operative position along
the first upper and first lower tracks and returned to the second
operative position so that when the one display panel is in
registration with the open location the one display panel
automatically returns to the open location and first operative
position.
13. The display assembly as recited in claim 12, wherein the
automatic return of the one display panel is facilitated by
alignment of bottom guide elements with one of the stall sets,
alignment of top guide elements with adjacent passageways and the
oblique orientation of the bottom wall with respect to the top wall
such that a gravitation force moves the one display panel to the
open location substantially vertically aligned with the second
upper track.
14. The display assembly as recited in claim 9, wherein the top and
bottom guide elements are selected from the group consisting of
ball transfers, wheels and the combination of ball transfers and
wheels.
15. The display assembly as recited in claim 8, wherein an included
angle between the top wall and bottom wall is at least
approximately 2 degrees.
16. A display assembly for engaging a rack including a plurality of
substantially vertical posts, a plurality of substantially
horizontal beams connected to the vertical posts and substantially
horizontal shelves supported by the horizontal beams, the display
assembly comprising: an upper channel connected substantially
parallel to one of the beams including a top wall, opposing upper
side walls, opposing upper end walls and a segmented divider wall
having a plurality of openings defined therein, the top, upper
side, upper end and divider walls cooperatively define a
longitudinal first upper track and a longitudinal second upper
track, the first and second upper tracks oriented parallel and
disposed immediately adjacent, the openings each defining a
passageway between the first and second upper tracks; a lower
channel connected substantially parallel to another of the beams,
at a spaced location from the upper channel, including a bottom
wall, opposing lower side walls, opposing lower end walls and a
plurality of interior walls, the bottom, lower side, lower end and
interior walls cooperatively define a longitudinal first lower
track substantially vertically aligned with the first upper track,
and a plurality of stall sets oriented substantially transverse to
the first lower track where each stall has an open end for
communication with the first lower track; a plurality of display
panels engaging the upper and lower channels, each display panel
including a frame and a covering; the frame having a top, a bottom
and a pair of opposing sides extending between the top and bottom
which thereby define a periphery of the frame and a plurality of
top guide elements disposed at spaced locations on the top of the
frame and bottom guide elements disposed at spaced locations on the
bottom of the frame; the covering configured generally equivalent
to the periphery of the frame and having an exterior surface
bearing at least a portion of a graphical representation; such that
the display panels disposed in a first operative position, where
the bottom guide elements of each display panel are disposed in one
of the stall sets, the top guide elements are disposed in the
second upper track and the coverings of each display panel are
oriented coplanar and disposed nearly contiguous, cooperatively
define a continuous, uninterrupted graphical representation
rendered over the plurality of display panels; and the bottom wall
disposed oblique to the top wall.
17. The display assembly as recited by claim 16, wherein one
display panel is movable independently with respect to the other
display panels from the first operative position into a second
operative position offset parallel to other display panels such
that an open location is defined.
18. The display assembly as recited in claim 17, wherein the one
display panel in the second operative position is disposed
vertically aligned with the first upper and first lower tracks.
19. The display assembly as recited in claim 17, wherein the one
display panel may be moved from the second operative position along
the first upper and first lower tracks and returned to the second
operative position so that when the one display panel is in
registration with the open location the one display panel
automatically returns to the open location and first operative
position.
20. The display assembly as recited in claim 19, wherein the
automatic return of the one display panel is facilitated by
alignment of bottom guide elements with one of the stall sets,
alignment of top guide elements with adjacent passageways and the
oblique orientation of the bottom wall with respect to the top wall
such that a gravitation force moves the one display panel to the
open location substantially vertically aligned with the second
upper track.
21. The display assembly as recited in claim 16, wherein the top
and bottom guide elements are selected from the group consisting of
ball transfers, wheels and the combination of ball transfers and
wheels.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display assembly for
engaging a storage rack and more particularly, to an aesthetically
pleasing display assembly which functions to conceal merchandise on
the shelves with a continuous graphical representation, yet
provides easy access thereto.
[0002] A storage rack generally referred to as a H-frame rack
system is commonly used in large, high-ceilinged stores that sell
various household home improvement and other high-volume products
to the public. These H-frame rack systems are shown, for example,
at FIGS. 6 and 7 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,750.
[0003] The H-frame rack systems generally include several
substantially vertical posts. These posts may be installed into a
base. Alternatively, and more typically, these vertical posts are
permanently and rigidly attached to the concrete floor at these
store. A number of substantially horizontal beams are connected to
the vertical posts. Substantial horizontal shelves which may be of
a grid-type or a solid-plate type structure are supported by the
horizontal beams. Merchandise is placed upon these horizontal
shelves.
[0004] Commonly, there are several vertically spaced-part
horizontal beams, and several correspondingly vertically
spaced-apart horizontal shelves. The lower-most shelves are at and
below eye-level. Thus, merchandise that is placed upon these
lower-most shelves is readily accessible to retail shoppers.
[0005] In contrast, the higher horizontal shelves are too high to
permit shoppers to reach merchandise placed upon those shelves. In
fact, the merchandise on these shelves is often not intended to be
accessed by shoppers. Instead, such merchandise is intended to be
the source of restocking when the merchandise on the lower level
shelves has been sold.
[0006] In some instances, the more highly positioned merchandise is
so far above eye-level that it cannot readily be seen by those
shoppers. As a result, many retailers whose stores include H-frame
rack systems place covers in front of the upper portion of these
H-frame rack systems. Such covers obscure the highly positioned
merchandise, providing the store with a cleaner, more uncluttered
appearance.
[0007] One type of doors that are currently used for H-frame rack
systems are pivoting doors. In two-door pivoting door structures,
each door is hinged so that the door swings outwardly, like the
doors of a typical barn. In one-door pivoting door structures, the
door is hinged at its bottom, so that the door swings downwardly,
like the tailgate of a pick-up truck. Alternatively, the door may
be hinged at its top, so that it swings upwardly about a pivot
point that is positioned above the door.
[0008] These pivoting kinds of prior art doors have certain
disadvantages. The most significant disadvantage, is that these
doors extend into the adjacent store aisle, i.e., the doors extend
beyond a vertical plane extending between adjacent vertical posts
of the H-frame rack system. Because doors opened in this manner can
extend into the store aisle, they can be and have been struck,
causing damage to the doors. For example, these doors can be
damaged by passing forklifts, consumers with shopping carts
containing tall merchandise, or by the portable, wheeled ladders
that are commonly used by the workers in such stores to access the
merchandise on the highest shelves. Such opened or damaged doors
also create a risk to persons in their vicinity.
[0009] The prior art doors are also heavy. This increases the
strain on the hinges that hold the doors, and increases the
potential damage that can be done to objects or persons that strike
them. The prior art doors are also subject to warpage, which can
make them difficult or impossible to align. As a result, unsightly
and uneven gaps can arise between doors.
[0010] Another prior art example of a door assembly includes a
plurality of sliding doors. Rollers are secured the sliding doors
to facilitate lateral movement along the openings of the H-frame
rack system. Channels are positioned above the sliding doors and
are secured to the horizontal beams. The rollers, and thus the
doors are guided by the channels. Each of the doors in this
assembly is parallel and laterally or horizontally offset with
respect to each adjacent door. There are several disadvantageous
with this prior art assembly. Namely, in the advertising display
placed upon the doors which may extend for over more than one door
is disrupted by the lateral or transverse offset between the
panels. Accordingly, larger displays appear discontinuous, not
aesthetically pleasing to the eye and distracting. Commercial
advertising displayed in this manner is not flattering and turns
off advertisers and customers.
[0011] Another disadvantage is that the doors are not secured along
their bottom edge. As a result the doors are subject to dislodging
upon unexpected impact and also may be subject to damage from
improper use or unintended contact.
[0012] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a display assembly
for H-frame rack systems that overcomes the deficiencies and
disadvantageous of the prior art and is more secure, less complex,
less costly, easier to use and manufacture and creates a more
esthetically pleasing seamless display for graphical
representations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Certain embodiments are shown in the drawings. However, it
is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the
arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings,
wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a display assembly
installed on a rack;
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a broken-away detailed view of a portion
of the display assembly of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a prospective view of an upper channel of
the display assembly inverted for clarity;
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a prospective view of a lower channel of
the display assembly;
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the display
assembly;
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross sectional view of the display
assembly of FIG. 2 taken along line 6-6;
[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross section view of the display
assembly of FIG. 1 taken along line 7-7; and
[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates an elevation view of another embodiment
of the display assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] For the purposes of promoting and understanding the
principles disclosed herein, reference will now be made to the
preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific
language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be
understood that no limitation of the scope is thereby intended.
Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated
device and such further applications are the principles disclosed
as illustrated therein as being contemplated as would normally
occur to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure
relates.
[0023] In accordance with one principle aspect to the present
disclosure, a display assembly for engaging a rack includes an
upper channel connected to one of the beams of the rack, a lower
channel connected to another of the beams of the rack and a
plurality of display panels. The upper channel includes first and
second upper tracks oriented parallel and disposed immediately
adjacent. The lower channel includes a first lower track and a
plurality of stall sets oriented substantially transverse to the
first lower track. The display panels engage the upper and lower
channels and include a frame and covering. The frame includes a
plurality of top and bottom guide elements and the covering is
configured generally equivalent to the periphery of the frame so
that an exterior surface thereof may bear a graphically
representation so that the display panels disposed aligned in a
first operative position cooperatively define a continuous,
uninterrupted graphical representation rendered over the plurality
of the display panels.
[0024] In another principle aspect of the present invention, a
display assembly for engaging a rack includes an upper channel
connected to one of the beams of the rack, a lower channel
connected to another of the beams of the rack and a plurality of
display panels moveably engaging the upper and lower channels. The
upper channel includes top, side, and divider walls to
cooperatively define first and second upper tracks which are
oriented, parallel and disposed immediately adjacent. Openings in
the divider walls define a passageway between the first and second
upper track. The lower channel includes bottom, side and an
interior walls cooperatively define the first lower track
substantially vertically aligned with the first upper track and the
plurality of stall sets oriented substantially transverse to the
first lower track. The bottom wall is disposed of oblique to the
top wall.
[0025] In another principle aspect of the present invention, a
display assembly for engaging a rack includes an upper channel
connected to one of the beams of the rack, a lower channel
connected to another of the beams of the rack, a plurality of
display panels engaging the upper lower channels and the bottom
wall of the lower channel disposed oblique to the top wall of the
upper channel.
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of
display assemblies 40 installed on a rack 20. The H-frame rack 20
is commonly used in high-ceilinged, retail-warehouse type stores.
As may be seen in FIGS. 1, 2, 6 and 7, the H-frame rack system 20
includes a plurality of substantially vertical posts 22 which are
load-bearing members for the H-frame rack system 20. The vertical
post 22 may be installed into a base. More typically, however,
these vertical posts 22 are permanently and rigidly attached to the
concrete floor at the stores in which they are used. A number of
substantially horizontal beams 24 are connected to the vertical
posts 22. The horizontal beams 24 are secured to the posts 22 with
mounting hardware, including but not limited to, nuts and bolts,
rivets or the vertical posts 22 may be formed with a plurality of
apertures 26 therein which are engaged by mounting bosses 28 of the
beams 24. The beams 24 and posts 22 form a strong, lightweight
structure that serves as a platform on which to place merchandise
30.
[0027] The merchandise 30 is supported by substantially horizontal
shelves 29. The shelves 29 may be of a grid-type or a solid
plate-type, structure. As shown in FIG. 1, the shelves 29 are
typically by, placed upon, and secured to the horizontal beams
24.
[0028] Commonly, there are two to four vertically spaced apart rows
of horizontal beams 24 on each of the H-frame rack systems 20.
There are a corresponding number of vertically spaced apart shelves
29. The lower-most shelves are either at the eye-level or below the
eye-level of the typical shopper and adjacent the ground surface
21.
[0029] The more highly positioned horizontal shelves 29 of FIG. 1
are above the eye-level of the typical shopper and cannot be
reached without a ladder or other suitable device. The merchandise
30 on these higher shelves 29 is often not intended to be accessed
by shoppers. Instead, merchandise 30 on such higher shelves 29 is
intended to be used for restocking the lower shelves when the
merchandise at the lower levels is exhausted.
[0030] The display assemblies 40 of the present disclosure can be
used on either the upper, middle or lower shelves of the H-frame
rack system 20. It is within the teachings of the present
disclosure that use of the display assemblies 40 may be used in
connection with any combination of the upper, middle and lower
shelves, as desired. In one embodiment, the display assembly 40
includes at least two display panels 42. However, it is within the
teachings of the present disclosure that each display assembly 40
may include a plurality of display panels 42. For example, as best
shown in FIG. 8, the display assembly 40 concealing the product
present on the upper shelf of the H-frame rack system 20 includes
four display panels 42, which in this FIG. 8 are oriented coplanar
and disposed nearly contiguous, thereby cooperatively defining a
continuous, uninterrupted graphical representation over the
plurality of display panels.
[0031] Regardless of the number of display panels 42, the display
assemblies 40 of the present invention are particularly
advantageous in that the display panels 42, when concealing
merchandise 30 on any shelf, are oriented coplanar and disposed
nearly contiguous, thereby cooperatively defining continuous,
uninterrupted graphical representation rendered over the plurality
of display panels. This is particularly advantageous to
manufacturers and the retailers who implement the display
assemblies 40 of the present disclosure. The manufacturers may
advertise on the display panels 42 any type of advertising, indicia
or other graphical representation. The retailers may rent out the
space available on the display panels 42 to the manufacturers or
other local entities and thereby derive additional revenue from the
display assemblies 40 of the present disclosure.
[0032] As may be seen in FIGS. 2-5, each display assembly 40
preferably includes an upper channel 50, a lower channel 60 and the
aforementioned display panels 42. The upper channel 50 is adapted
for connection to one of the beams 24. As may be observed in FIGS.
5-7, the upper channel 50 includes a plurality of brackets 52 that
are connected to the upper channel 50 so that the upper channel 50
may engage to one of the beams 24. Preferably, a threaded fastener
54 engages a threaded aperture 55 formed in the bracket 52 to
facilitate securing of the bracket 52 to the beam 24. It is within
the teachings of the present invention that various other apparatus
and methods may be used to facilitate removable connection of the
bracket 52 to the beam 24. Preferably, a reinforcing element 56 is
connected to adjacent normal portions of the bracket 52 to provide
reinforcement thereof.
[0033] As may be seen in FIG. 3, the upper channel 50 includes a
top wall 51, opposing upper side walls 53, 55, opposing upper end
walls 57, 59 and a segmented divider wall 58 having a plurality of
openings 70 defined therein. A longitudinal first upper track 72 is
cooperatively defined by the top 51, upper side 55, upper ends 57,
59 and the divider 58 walls. A longitudinal second upper track 74
is cooperatively defined by the top 51, upper side 53, upper ends
57, 59 and divider 58 walls. The first and second upper tracks 72,
74 are oriented parallel and disposed immediately adjacent. The
openings 70 each define a passageway between the first and second
upper tracks 72, 74.
[0034] The lower channel 60 is adapted for connection to another of
the beams 24 and is disposed substantially vertically aligned with
the upper channel 50. The lower channel 60 includes a plurality of
brackets 62 which facilitate connection of the lower channel 60 to
the beam 24. As discussed above with respect to the upper channel
50, preferably, a plurality of threaded fasteners 64 engage a
threaded aperture 66 to engage the beam 24 and thereby securely
connect the lower channel 60 to the beam 24.
[0035] The lower channel 60 includes a bottom wall 61, opposing
lower side walls 63, 65, opposing lower end walls 67, 69 and a
plurality of interior walls 68. A longitudinal first lower track 82
is cooperatively defined by the bottom 61, side 65, opposing ends
67, 69 and plurality of interior 68 walls. The longitudinal first
lower track 82 is substantially vertically aligned with the first
upper track 72. The lower channel 60 further includes a plurality
of stall sets 84, 86 oriented substantially transverse to the first
lower track 82 where each stall 83 has an open end for
communication with the first lower track 82.
[0036] The divider walls and interior walls of the upper and lower
channels are preferably disposed and oriented such that the display
panels are prevented from jumping tracks when being moved.
Accordingly, jams and inoperative equipment is avoided.
[0037] As may be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the bottom wall 61 is
dispose oblique to the top wall 51. Included angle of such oblique
orientation is identified by arrow number 88. It is within the
teachings of the present disclosure that the included angle between
the top wall 51 and the bottom wall 61, represented by arrow 88, is
preferably in the range of approximately 2-12 degrees. However, it
is within the teachings of this disclosure that the included angle
may be more than 12 degrees, without an upper limit, if so
desired.
[0038] One important advantage of this embodiment is an automatic
return of a display panel to an open location and first operative
position from a second operative position along the first upper and
first lower tracks 72, 82 when a display panel is in registration
with an open location, as will be discussed in more detail
below.
[0039] As may be seen in FIG. 5, each display panel 42 includes a
frame 90 and a covering 92. The frame 90 has a top 94, bottom 96
and a pair of opposing sides 98, 100 extending between the top 94
and bottom 96 to define a periphery of the frame 90. Each frame 90
further includes a plurality of top guide elements 102 disposed at
space locations on the top 94 of the frame 90. Bottom guide
elements 104 are disposed at space locations on the bottom 96 of
each frame 90. The top and bottom guide elements 102, 104 may be
selected from the group consisting of ball transfers, wheels and
the combination of ball transfers and wheels. In this embodiment,
each top and bottom guide element 102, 104 includes a ball transfer
and a wheel. It is within the teachings of the present invention
that any other suitable device may be used as a guide element. For
example, any other suitable device which enables the display panels
to be movable relative to one another when in contact with the
respective upper and lower channels 50, 60 may be a suitable
device. Biasing members 130 may be disposed between the top guide
elements 102 and the top 94 of the frame 90 which bias the top
guide elements 102 away from the frame 90. It is within the
teachings of the present disclosure that the biasing members 130
may be any suitable device with yields to an appropriate
compressive force but forces the top guide elements away from the
frame 90. For example, the biasing elements 130 may be formed as
springs, compressible elements, rubbers, or any other suitable
device. Such construction also facilitates ease of assembly of the
display panels with respect to the upper and lower channels, in
that the top guide elements may be disposed in the upper channel,
the biasing members compressed and the bottom guide elements may be
disposed in the lower channel.
[0040] A cable 128 may be provided as a safety device that prevents
the display panels from falling in the event the display panel is
inadvertently dislodged from at least the upper channel. The cable
may be formed from any suitable substance. For example, the cable
may be stranded metal, rope, synthetic material, natural material
or any other suitable construction. The cable 128 is connected to
an adjacent beam, preferably in a secure manner.
[0041] The covering 92 is configured generally equivalent to the
periphery of the frame 90 and has an exterior surface 106 bearing
at least a portion of a graphical representation 108. The covering
92 may be connected to the frame 90 by a plurality of fasteners 110
which may be any suitable device which connects the covering 92 to
the frame 90.
[0042] It is within the teachings of the present disclosure that
the graphical representation may be any form of indicia,
advertising, picture, images, solicitations or any other design.
Continuity of the design or graphical representation across a
plurality of panels in an uninterrupted manner provides an
aesthetically pleasing view to a consumer which entices such
consumer to investigate the subject of the indicia, thereby,
potentially increasing revenue to the retailer.
[0043] It is within the teachings of the present disclosure that
the guide elements 102, 104 may be adjustably connected to the
frame 90 in order to adjust for tolerances of different H-frame
rack systems 20 when the display assemblies 40 are connected
thereto.
[0044] In operation, the display panels 42 are initially disposed
in a first operative position as may be seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6,
where the bottom guide elements 104 of each display panel 42 are
disposed in one of the stall sets and the top guide elements 102
are disposed in the second upper track 74 such that the coverings
92 of each display panel 42 are oriented coplanar and disposed
nearly contiguous in order to cooperatively define a continuous,
uninterrupted graphical representation rendered over the plurality
of display panels 42. The display panels 42 are movable relative to
one another. One display panel 42 may be moved independently with
respect to the other display panel 42 from the first operative
position to a second operative position offset parallel to the
other display panels such that an open location is defined.
[0045] The second operative position is defined wherein such
display panel 42, as may be seen in FIGS. 1 and 7, is disposed
vertically aligned with the first upper 72 and first lower 82
tracks. When disposed in the second operative position, such
display panel 42 may be moved from the second operative position
longitudinally back and forth along the first upper 72 and first
lower 82 tracks and may be subsequently returned to the second
operative position so that when the one display panel 42 is in
registration with the open location, the one display panel 42
automatically returns to the open location in first operative
position. As discussed above, the included angle between the bottom
walls 61 and 51, indicated by arrow 88, facilitates such automatic
return. The interface of the ball transfers, wheels or combination
thereof the included angle 88 and the way of the display panels 42
causes the display panel to automatically move from the second
operative position to the first operative position in an open
location. It is within the teachings of the present disclosure that
the one display panel 42 as may be seen in FIG. 7, may be stored in
contact with the first upper 72 and first lower 82 tracks to
provide complete access to the merchandise stored there behind.
Subsequent to the removal of such merchandise, such display panel
42 is preferably moved to the second operative position and further
subsequently to the first operative position in the open
location.
[0046] It is within the teachings of the present disclosure that a
display assembly 40 may include more than two display panels.
Accordingly, the upper 50 and lower 60 channels would be
re-dimensioned scale wise to accommodate such configuration as
would be recognized by one of skill in the art.
[0047] The automatic return of the one display panel 42 may be
facilitated by alignment of the bottom guide elements 104 with one
of the stall sets 84, 86 and the oblique orientation of the lower
channel 60 with respect to the upper channel 50 such that a
gravitation force moves the one display panel 42 to the open
location substantially vertically aligned with the second upper
track.
[0048] The covering 90 may be formed from any suitable material for
bearing the graphical representation 108. For example, the covering
90 may be formed from a plastic, paper, natural, synthetic or other
suitable material. Likewise, the frame is preferably formed from a
metal. However, it is within the teachings of the present
disclosure, that the frame may be formed from a plastic, natural,
synthetic or other suitable material.
[0049] As may be seen in FIG. 8, the graphical representation may
be a continuous representation over a plurality of panels. For
example, the upper display assembly shows a graphical
representation 108 which extends over four display panels 42 is
within the teachings of the present disclosure that even larger
display assemblies including more than four display panels may be
used in connection with the present disclosure to achieve a
continuous, uninterrupted graphical representation rendered over
the plurality of the display panels. Such large display assemblies
facilitate loading the shelves with oversized merchandise, in that
many display panels may be moved to the second operative position
and along the respective first tracks to define an oversized
opening, i.e. longer than one display panel.
[0050] Furthermore, while the preferred embodiments have been shown
and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that
changes in modifications may be made without parting from the
teaching of this disclosure. The matter set forth in the foregoing
description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of
illustration only and not as limitation. The actual scope of the
disclosure is intended to be defined in the following claims when
viewed in their proper perspective based on the related art.
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