U.S. patent application number 11/423831 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-03 for slatwall adapter.
This patent application is currently assigned to MEGAWALL LLC. Invention is credited to Daniel J. Muellerleile.
Application Number | 20080000861 11/423831 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38829315 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080000861 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Muellerleile; Daniel J. |
January 3, 2008 |
SLATWALL ADAPTER
Abstract
A display panel assembly comprises a display panel, a base for
supporting the display panel, and a pair of spaced panel supports
coupled with the base, each panel support having a slot. An adapter
for the display panel assembly comprises a panel support portion
comprising a channelway defined by a pair of spaced flanges and an
interconnecting web, and an insert portion comprising an insert
flange extending from the web and terminating in a spacer extending
generally parallel to the web. The spacer is adapted for receipt in
a panel support slot and the channelway is adapted for receipt of
an edge of a panel therein, the channelway having a width different
than the width of the slot. Panels having a first thickness can be
supported by the panel support slots and panels having a second
thickness can be supported by the adapter inserted into the panel
support slots.
Inventors: |
Muellerleile; Daniel J.;
(Grand Haven, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCGARRY BAIR PC
32 Market Ave. SW, SUITE 500
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49503
US
|
Assignee: |
MEGAWALL LLC
Comstock Park
MI
|
Family ID: |
38829315 |
Appl. No.: |
11/423831 |
Filed: |
June 13, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/94.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 96/06 20130101;
A47F 5/0846 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/94.01 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/08 20060101
A47F005/08 |
Claims
1. An adapter for a display panel assembly comprising a display
panel, a base for supporting the display panel, a pair of spaced
panel supports coupled with the base, each panel support having a
slot, the adapter comprising: a panel support portion having a
width different than the width of the slot; and an insert portion
for coupling the adapter with the panel support; wherein the insert
portion is adapted for receipt in the panel support slot and the
panel support portion is adapted for receipt of an edge of a panel
therein, so that a panel having a first thickness can be supported
by the panel support slots and a panel having a second thickness
can be supported by adapters inserted into the panel support
slots.
2. An adapter according to claim 1 wherein the second thickness is
greater than the first thickness.
3. An adapter according to claim 1 wherein the panel support
portion comprises a channelway defined by a pair of spaced flanges
and an interconnecting web, and the insert portion comprises an
insert flange extending from the web and terminating in a spacer
extending generally parallel to the web.
4. An adapter according to claim 1 wherein the adapter comprises a
unitary body.
5. An adapter according to claim 1 wherein the adapter is
fabricated of one of aluminum, steel, or plastic.
6. An adapter according to claim 1 wherein the adapter is formed
from one of an extrusion process, a forming process or a
roll-formed process.
7. An adapter according to claim 3 wherein the insert flange
extends from an edge of the web.
8. An adapter according to claim 3 wherein the insert flange
extends from a centerline of the web.
9. An adapter according to claim 1 wherein the panel having the
first thickness is a pegboard panel.
10. An adapter according to claim 1 wherein the panel having the
second thickness is a slatwall panel.
11. A slatwall adapter in combination with a display panel
assembly, comprising: a base for supporting the display panel
assembly; a pair of spaced panel supports coupled with the base,
each panel support having a slot adapted to receive an edge of a
first panel for supporting the first panel therebetween; and an
adapter comprising an insert portion for insertion into a slot, and
a panel support portion comprising a channelway for receipt of an
edge of a second panel therealong having a thickness different than
the thickness of the first panel; whereby the second panel can be
incorporated into the display panel assembly by inserting an edge
of the second panel into the channelway and inserting the insert
portion into a slot.
12. A combination according to claim 11 wherein the adapter
comprises a unitary body.
13. A combination according to claim 11 wherein the adapter is
fabricated of one of aluminum, steel, or plastic.
14. A combination according to claim 11 wherein the adapter is
formed from one of an extrusion process, a forming process, or a
roll-formed process.
15. A combination according to claim 11 wherein the panel support
portion comprises a pair of spaced flanges extending generally
orthogonally from a first side of a web to define a channelway.
16. A combination according to claim 15 wherein the insert portion
comprises an insert flange extending generally orthogonally from a
second side of the web and terminating in a spacer extending
generally parallel to the web.
17. A combination according to claim 15 wherein the insert portion
extends from an edge of the web.
18. A combination according to claim 15 wherein the insert flange
extends from a centerline of the web.
19. A combination according to claim 11 wherein the first panel is
a slatwall panel.
20. A combination according to claim 11 wherein the second panel is
a pegboard panel.
21. An adapter for a display panel assembly comprising a display
panel, a base for supporting the display panel, a pair of spaced
panel supports coupled with the base, each panel support having a
slot, the adapter comprising: a panel support portion comprising a
channelway defined by a pair of spaced flanges and an
interconnecting web; and an insert portion comprising an insert
flange extending from the web and terminating in a spacer extending
generally parallel to the web; wherein the spacer is adapted for
receipt in a panel support slot and the channelway is adapted for
receipt of an edge of a panel therein, so that a panel having a
thickness different than the width of the slot can be supported by
the panel supports without inserting the panel into the slot.
22. An adapter according to claim 21 wherein the adapter comprises
a unitary body.
23. An adapter according to claim 21 wherein the adapter is
fabricated of one of aluminum, steel, or plastic.
24. An adapter according to claim 21 wherein the adapter is formed
from one of an extrusion process, a forming process, or a
roll-formed process.
25. An adapter according to claim 21 wherein the insert portion
extends from an edge of the web.
26. An adapter according to claim 21 wherein the insert portion
extends from a centerline of the web.
27. An adapter according to claim 21 wherein the display panel is a
slatwall panel.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates generally to slatwall panel display
assemblies, and in particular to an adapter for assembling slatwall
panels into a display assembly.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Temporary display assemblies are ubiquitous for commercial
and retail use. Such assemblies are used for displaying goods for
sale to a customer, and may include signage. A typical assembly may
comprise a pair of spaced uprights attached to a base with a panel
extending between and supported by the uprights. The panel may be
accessible from both sides. Goods are displayed on the panel for
selection and purchase by a customer. The assembly can be readily
assembled and disassembled as needed.
[0005] The panel may comprise pegboard, solid wood panels, plastic
panels, and the like. The panel can be readily painted or embossed
with desired colors, signage, and the like. Hangers can be a
readily attached to the panel for the display of goods, and can be
attached to the panel at selected locations depending upon the size
and desired display configuration for the goods. Pegboard is a
particularly desirable display medium.
[0006] The uprights are frequently specially configured to
accommodate a pegboard or solid panel. For example, the uprights
may include an inwardly facing slot extending the length of the
upright into which the edge of the panel is inserted. The slot will
have a width to accommodate the thickness of the panel while
minimizing movement of the panel in the slot. Since pegboard and
solid panels used in such an assembly frequently come in 1/4''
thicknesses, the width of the slot will typically be slightly
greater than 1/4'' but no larger to enable the panel to be readily
inserted and removed.
[0007] It is frequently desirable to display goods on a slatwall
panel rather than a pegboard, or solid wood or plastic, panel. An
example of a slatwall panel is described and illustrated in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,763,957 to Muellerleile. It is also desirable to utilize
the same base assembly for both a slatwall panel and a pegboard or
solid panel. However, the thickness of a slatwall panel may be two
to five times greater than the thickness of a pegboard or solid
panel. Consequently, the slatwall panel cannot be inserted into the
slot configured for a thinner panel. The only alternatives are to
1) use separate base assemblies for a slatwall panel and a pegboard
or solid panel, 2) modify the width of the slot, such as by cutting
away a portion of the upright, in order to accommodate the slatwall
panel, 3) cut a rabbet into the slatwall panel to enable the panel
edge to be inserted into the slot, or 4) run the slatwall panel
between the uprights but not into the slots by attaching the
slatwall panel to the uprights, such as by tacking or welding. The
first alternative is very costly, the second alternative is
difficult to accomplish without ending up with an unsightly
configuration and will require another base assembly to again
utilize a pegboard or solid panel, the third alternative is costly
and potentially unsightly, and the fourth alternative may be
unsatisfactory from a performance and appearance standpoint.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A display panel assembly comprises a display panel, a base
for supporting the display panel, and a pair of spaced panel
supports coupled with the base, each panel support having a slot.
An adapter for the display panel assembly comprises a panel support
portion comprising a channelway defined by a pair of spaced flanges
and an interconnecting web, and an insert portion comprising an
insert flange extending from the web and terminating in a spacer
extending generally parallel to the web. The spacer is adapted for
receipt in a panel support slot and the channelway is adapted for
receipt of an edge of a panel therein, the channelway having a
width different than the width of the slot. Panels having a first
thickness can be supported by the panel support slots and panels
having a second thickness can be supported by the adapter inserted
into the panel support slots.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] In the drawings:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display panel assembly
comprising a first embodiment of a slatwall adapter according to
the invention.
[0011] FIG. 1A is a sectional view of a portion of the display
panel assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 taken along view line
1A-1A.
[0012] FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the first embodiment
of the slatwall adapter illustrated in FIG. 1A.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a base assembly comprising a
portion of a display panel assembly with a pair of slatwall
adapters for receipt of a slatwall panel.
[0014] FIG. 3A is a sectional view of a portion of the display
panel assembly illustrated in FIG. 3 taken along view line
3A-3A.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the base assembly
illustrated in FIG. 3 showing the assembly of slatwall panels into
a display panel assembly.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 2 illustrating a
second embodiment of a slatwall adapter according to the
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The invention comprises an adapter for a display panel
assembly which can be attached to a display panel support adapted
for support of a display panel having a first thickness so that a
display panel having a second thickness different than the first
thickness can be supported by the display panel support. Referring
now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, a slatwall
assembly 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention is
illustrated comprising a base 12 upon which is supported a display
panel assembly 14. The display panel assembly 14 comprises a
slatwall panel 16 supported by and extending between a pair of
upright panel supports 18. A slatwall adapter 20 according to the
invention is attached to the panel supports 18 for support of the
slatwall panel 16.
[0018] Referring also to FIG. 1A, the panel supports 18 comprise
elongated members having a generally rectilinear cross-sectional
configuration, and having a generally rectilinear panel slot 22
extending the length of the support 18. The supports 18 are
attached to the base 12 so that the panel slots 22 are oriented
toward one another for support of a panel therebetween. The
slatwall adapter 20 comprises a panel support portion 24 and an
insert portion 26 adapted so that the insert portion 26 can be
inserted into the panel slot 22. Preferably, the slatwall adapter
20 has a length approximately equal to the length of each support
18.
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates the cross-sectional configuration of the
slatwall adapter 20. The slatwall adapter 20 comprises a web 30
having a panel face 42 and an opposed insert face 44. The web 30
transitions at a first end to a half flange 32, and at a second end
to a full flange 34. The half flange 32 and the full flange 34
extend generally orthogonally to the web 30 in parallel,
spaced-apart disposition. A first portion of the full flange 34
comprises a panel flange 36, which with the web 30 and the half
flange 32 defines the panel support portion 24. The panel flange
36, web 30, and half flange 32 define an elongated, channel-like
panel slot 46 extending the length of the slatwall adapter 20. A
semi-cylindrical, rail-like spacer 48 extends into the panel slot
46 from the panel face 42 intermediate the panel flange 36 and the
half flange 32.
[0020] A second portion of the full flange 34 comprises an insert
flange 38, extending orthogonally away from the insert face 44 of
the web 30. The insert flange 38 transitions away from the web 30
to a stabilizer flange 40. The stabilizer flange 40 extends
orthogonally to the insert flange 38 parallel to the web 30. The
stabilizer flange 40 extends generally the length of the slatwall
adapter 20 and has a length orthogonal to the length of the
slatwall adapter 20 adapted for generally slidable insertion of the
insert portion 26 into the panel slot 22 as illustrated in FIG.
1A.
[0021] The slatwall adapter 20 fabricated of a material having
suitable strength and rigidity for the purposes described herein.
Such materials can include aluminum, steel, plastic, and the like.
The slatwall adapter 20 can be an aluminum or plastic extrusion, or
a formed or roll-formed steel or aluminum.
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates the use of the slatwall adapter 20 for
support of a slatwall panel in a display panel assembly configured
to support a thin display panel (not shown), such as pegboard, a
solid wood or plastic panel, or tack board. After the thin display
panel has been removed, a slatwall adapter 20 is installed to each
panel support 18 by inserting the insert portion 26 in the panel
slot 22 so that the insert face 44 of the web 30 is in contact with
or immediately adjacent to the panel support 18. As illustrated in
FIG. 4, 1 or more slatwall panels 16, such as described and
illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,763,957 to Muellerleile, can be
slidably inserted into the panel slots 46 in each slatwall adapter
20 to create a display panel extending the height of the panel
supports 18 (FIG. 1).
[0023] The spacer 48 will control the depth to which the panels 16
can be inserted into the panel slot 46. A preferred means of
fabricating the slatwall adapter 20 is through a well-known
extrusion process. The extrusion process will result in a radius
corner where the flanges 32, 36 join the web 30. If the slatwall
panel 16 is inserted too far into the panel slot 46, the edge of
the panel 16 can bind in the radius corner, thereby making
installation and removal of the panel 16 difficult. The spacer 48
prevents this binding from occurring.
[0024] If desired, the slatwall panels 16 can be removed, followed
by removal of the slatwall adapters 20, and a thin display panel
can again be installed in the display panel assembly by inserting
the edges of the thin display panel in the panel slots 22. Thus, a
single display panel assembly can be utilized for both thin display
panels and slatwall display panels.
[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates a second embodiment of a slatwall adapter
60 comprising a panel support portion 80 and an insert portion 82.
The panel support portion 80 comprises a web 62 and a pair of
flanges 64, 66 extending orthogonally from both ends of a panel
face 68 of the web 62. The flanges 64, 66 and a web 62 define a
panel slot 72 adapted for receipt of a slatwall panel (not shown)
therein. A semi-cylindrical, rail-like spacer 74 extends away from
the panel face 68 longitudinally along a midline of the web 62. The
insert portion 82 comprises an insert flange 78 extending
orthogonally away from an insert face 70 of the web 62 opposite the
panel slot 72. The insert web 76 terminates in an insert flange 78
extending orthogonal thereto, generally parallel to the web 62.
[0026] The slatwall adapter 60 is assembled to the panel support 80
by inserting the insert portion 82 into the panel slot 22 of the
panel support 18 so that the insert face 70 of the web 62 is in
contact with or adjacent to the panel support 18. The slatwall
panels 16 can then be slidably inserted into the panel slots 72 to
form the slatwall assembly 10, as previously described herein. The
slatwall adapter 60 is utilized to center the slatwall panels 16
with respect to the panel supports 18, which may be desirable with
panel supports 18 that extend from a midline of the base 12 rather
than an edge of the base 12 as illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0027] Alternatively, the slat wall adapter 20, 60 can be
fabricated as an integral part of the slatwall panel 16 or adapted
to be fixedly attachable to the slatwall panel 16, such as by a
friction or interference fit, to provide a panel/adapter assembly
which can be engaged with the panel supports 18 as a single,
integrated unit.
[0028] In another embodiment, the slatwall adapter can be
configured to support a thin panel, such as 1/4-inch plywood, in a
panel slot along a panel support that is sized to receive a
slatwall panel. Thus, the adapter enables the support of a thin
panel in a slot that is configured for a thicker panel.
[0029] While the invention has been specifically described in
connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be
understood that this is by way of illustration and not of
limitation. Reasonable variation and modification are possible
within the scope of the forgoing disclosure and drawings without
departing from the spirit of the invention which is defined in the
appended claims.
* * * * *