U.S. patent application number 11/640149 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-19 for suspension apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Displays by Martin Paul, Inc. - Creative Center. Invention is credited to Martin P. Belokin, Norman P. Belokin, Paul Belokin.
Application Number | 20080142460 11/640149 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39525872 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080142460 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Belokin; Paul ; et
al. |
June 19, 2008 |
Suspension apparatus
Abstract
Apparatus for displaying merchandise is suspended from overhead
ceiling structures. The display apparatus includes a suspension
beam supported by a support hook which attaches to the ceiling
support grid members of a drop-style ceiling. The suspension beam
includes an elongated channel defined by opposing sides connected
by a central web. Display hooks are mounted in apertures in the web
and locked into position by the opposing sides of the channel.
Promotional graphic displays and/or merchandise may be supported on
the hook structures mounted on the suspension beam.
Inventors: |
Belokin; Paul; (Denton
County, TX) ; Belokin; Martin P.; (Denton County,
TX) ; Belokin; Norman P.; (Denton County,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JACK A. KANZ
502 SOUTH COTTONWOOD DRIVE
RICHARDSON
TX
75080
US
|
Assignee: |
Displays by Martin Paul, Inc. -
Creative Center
|
Family ID: |
39525872 |
Appl. No.: |
11/640149 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/113 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 5/0892
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/113 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/08 20060101
A47F005/08 |
Claims
1. Apparatus for supporting and displaying merchandise comprising:
(a) a suspension beam comprising: (i) an elongated body having
parallel opposing sides connected by a central web which cooperates
with said opposing sides to define a channel extending along at
least a portion of the length of said body; and (ii) at least one
aperture in said central web; (b) a display hook removeably mounted
on said suspension beam comprising: (i) a base adapted to project
through said aperture and engage said central web; and (ii) a hook
prong projecting from said base between said parallel opposing
sides of said beam; and (c) a support connector adapted to be
attached to a ceiling support grid member and including means
depending therefrom adapted to engage and support said suspension
beam.
2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said suspension beam
comprises an elongated body having parallel opposing sides
connected by a central web which cooperates with said opposing
sides to define parallel channels on opposite sides of said
beam.
3. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said suspension beam
further comprises a plurality of elongated bodies connected
together in an end-to-end relationship.
4. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said display hook
comprises: (i) an elongated base portion having inner and outer
edges sized to nest in said channel; (ii) a prong depending from
said outer edge; and (iii) a foot sized to mate with said aperture
projecting from said inner edge, said foot supporting a toe which
projects in substantially the same direction as the inner edge of
said base portion and spaced from said inner edge a distance which
approximates the thickness of said central web.
5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 further comprising a boss
projecting from said inner face and sized to mate with an aperture
in said central web.
6. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said display hook
comprises: (i) a base in the form of an inverted U with opposing
sides defining a gap sized to accommodate said central web; and
(ii) a prong depending from at least one of the sides of said
base.
7. Apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein prongs depend from both
sides of said base.
Description
[0001] This invention relates to methods and apparatus for holding
and displaying merchandise. More particularly, it relates to
assemblies suspended from overhead structure of a retail store or
the like and used to display merchandise, thereby utilizing
formerly unused space and providing ready customer access to the
displayed goods.
[0002] Various constructions of display arrangements such as
multi-faceted display stands provided with one or more shelves,
bins, receptacles or the like for goods to be displayed are widely
used. Display stands of this type are intended for use in store
aisles and at similar locations where potential customers may
approach the display stand from different directions or move about
the stand to examine the goods on display and have ready access for
removal and purchase.
[0003] Convenience stores have highly refined the art of displaying
the maximum amount of goods in the minimum amount of floor space.
Such stores typically have several aisles of open shelf displays, a
number of refrigerated sections behind glass doors, and counter
space for hot and cold drink dispensers and unpackaged goods such
as doughnuts and the like. The open shelf displays, however, are
rarely over five feet in height and the space above counters is
generally unused. Thus, there remain substantially large volumes of
space above the shelves and aisles in such stores which are not
used for display of goods or advertising because display assemblies
for holding and displaying goods or advertising displays in the
open space above counters, above display shelves and elsewhere have
not heretofore been available. Convenience stores generally do not
have floor space to spare for the typical floor-mounted display
stands used by larger supermarkets, hardware stores and the like,
but often have large amounts of open space above and between aisles
of fixed display shelves which are unused or underutilized.
[0004] Convenience stores typically have overhead structures
comprising drop-style suspended ceilings which use a grid of
supports spanning the ceiling space. Such drop-style suspended
ceilings include a plurality of parallel supports suspended from
the interior superstructure of the building. The support members
are generally in the shape of an inverted T having horizontal base
portions supported by a vertical portion. Ceiling tiles are
supported on the grid of support members. Spacing of grid supports
is standardized and the standard grid pattern provides adequate
support for the suspended displays contemplated herein.
[0005] Most prior suspension apparatus for display of merchandise
has been unsatisfactory for a variety of reasons. Most lack either
adequate support and/or stability. Some are difficult to assembly
and use and some are simply too expensive to be of practical use. A
need thus exists for apparatus which promotes display of
merchandise in the space above floor stands, counter tops, fixed
display shelves and in other open spaces which overcomes the
deficiencies of prior devices. The displays must provide product
and/or promotion presentation at a position convenient for customer
access and, preferably, act in a manner to attract the attention of
the customer as well as presenting and maintaining the display in
its most preferred orientation and position. However, the display
assembly must be easy to assemble and use and must be inexpensive
and reliable. The displays must also be adaptable to display
various types of merchandise without major modification of the
display apparatus and should be easily reconfigured for use in
supporting and displaying a variety of goods. Such displays should
also provide a stable support for suspended merchandise so that the
goods supported thereon remain displayed in the most attractive
manner.
[0006] In accordance with the present invention display apparatus
is provided which includes a suspension strand suspended from
overhead structure and supporting a plurality of product display
hooks. The suspension strand is preferably one or more vertically
elongated beams or the like made of suitable lightweight material
such as plastic. The suspension strand is supported from the
ceiling grid support by a connector attached to the base of the
grid support member and locked into place by the ceiling tiles. In
the preferred embodiment, the connector incorporates a display
panel for advertising graphics or the like. Display hooks are
mounted in the suspension strand or interconnected therewith to
provide means for suspending and displaying advertising graphics
and/or products individually or in pre-packaged arrangements. The
display hooks may be removeably attached to the suspension strand
to permit mounting the hooks at adjustably variable elevations on
the suspension strand so that the product may be supported and
displayed at any convenient level. By suspending the display
apparatus from overhead structure, the display apparatus of the
invention may be conveniently positioned to take advantage of
otherwise unused space and present merchandise in a convenient
location for customer access. The novel display apparatus thus
supports and presents merchandise products and/or advertising
materials at convenient customer access positions in a place of
business. The suspended display apparatus takes advantage of space
above counter tops, etc., which is otherwise unused and, since it
is suspended, permits limited movement to attract customers.
However, the suspension strand is mounted so as to limit axial
rotation, ensuring that the goods mounted thereon will remain
positioned essentially in the as-mounted orientation to maintain
the goods in the most attractive display arrangement. The apparatus
of the invention is formed of simple, inexpensive mass-produced
parts which can be easily and readily assembled into useable
display assemblies which may be disassembled and reconfigured as
desired to display a wide variety of products and materials in
otherwise unused space.
[0007] Other features and advantages of the invention will become
more readily understood from the following detailed description
taken in connection with the appended claims and attached drawing
in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
apparatus for supporting and displaying merchandise in accordance
with the invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view, partially in cross-section,
illustrating mounting of the display hooks in the vertical beam of
the invention;
[0010] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the ceiling support grid
illustrating attachment of the support connector of the apparatus
of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a
support connector for attaching the suspension strand to a ceiling
support grid;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a side view of the support connector of FIG. 4
illustrating placement of the support connector on the ceiling
support grid;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
the support and display apparatus of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view, partially in cross-section,
illustrating the attachment of a display hook to the suspension
beam in the apparatus of FIG. 6; and
[0015] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
invention employing a plurality of interconnected suspension
beams.
[0016] The drawing is incorporated into and forms part of the
specification to illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention.
For clarity of illustration, like reference numerals designate
corresponding elements throughout the drawing. It will be
recognized that the principles of the invention may be utilized and
embodied in many and various forms. In order to demonstrate these
principles, the invention is described herein by reference to
specific preferred embodiments. The invention, however, is not
limited to the specific forms illustrated and described in
detail.
[0017] While the invention is described and illustrated herein as
apparatus for supporting and displaying "merchandise," "product,"
etc., these and similar terms are intended to be given their
broadest possible meaning and may include anything from food
products to beverages to hardware and the like, packaged or
unpackaged. Likewise, the term "hook" is used in its broadest sense
to mean any receptacle on, to or through which merchandise or
promotional material may be supported or suspended. Similarly,
spatial orientation and directional terms such as "vertically,"
"upwardly," downwardly," "horizontally," "laterally," "inner,"
"outer," "above," below," etc., are used in their normal sense in
reference to the apparatus of the invention oriented in its normal
intended use position.
[0018] A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in
FIGS. 1-5 with the display assembly supported from conventional
overhead drop-style ceiling structure. In the embodiments
illustrated, a suspension beam 12 is suspended from a standard drop
ceiling support grid 14 with a support connector 11. The upper
portion of the support connector 11 illustrated is in the shape of
a U with substantially parallel horizontally extending sides 101
and 102 connected by a base 100. Top side 101 is spaced from bottom
side 102 a sufficient distance to permit the horizontally
projecting base 14A of the ceiling support grid member 14 to fit
therebetween (see FIG. 5). A locking lip or flange 103 projects
upwardly from the free end of top side 101 and a support shank 104
depends from the free end of bottom side 102. As illustrated in
FIG. 5, the length of top side 101 should be sufficient to permit
the horizontally projecting base 14A of ceiling support grid 14 to
project into the space between top side 101 and bottom side 102 and
permit flange 103 to be positioned adjacent the vertically
extending portion 14B of ceiling support grid member 14. In the
preferred embodiment, the bottom side 102 is at least as long as
the top side 101 and the support shank 104 depends from the free
end (or near the free end) of bottom side 102. In this
configuration the weight supported by support shank 104 is
suspended approximately directly below the vertically extending
portion 14B of ceiling support grid member 14 to avoid imparting an
unnecessary twisting load on the ceiling support grid member
14.
[0019] A support hook 105 depends from support shank 104 and is
adapted to engage the upper end of suspension beam 12. In the
embodiments illustrated, the support hook 105 is simply a hook
structure adapted to engage an aperture in the upper end of
vertically elongated suspension beam 12 and thus support the
suspension beam 12 and anything attached thereto.
[0020] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4 the shank 104 is in the
form of an enlarged disc or plate having a relatively large flat
surface 106 which may be used to support or display advertising
graphics and the like. Obviously, the enlarged portion may be used
to support active or passive displays and may be shaped as
desired.
[0021] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 the support connector 11 is
secured to the ceiling support grid member 14 by inserting the base
portion 14A of the grid support member 14 between the top side 101
and the bottom side 102 to position the locking flange 103 parallel
with and adjacent the vertically extending portion 14B of the grid
member 14. Ceiling tile 20 is then lowered into place in its normal
position between parallel grid support members 14. When so
positioned, the ceiling tile 20 rests on the top surface of top
side 101 of the support connector 11 and adjacent the locking
flange 103. The ceiling tile 20 thus locks the support connector 11
in place and prevents undesired movement or removal of the support
connector 11. Since the support connector 11 is supported on the
grid support member 14 and locked into place by the ceiling tile
20, the support connector 11 may be placed at any desired location
in a conventional drop-style ceiling installation quickly and
easily without necessity of using any tools or the like. It will be
appreciated that the suspension beam 12 may thus depend from
selected positions in overhead structure to traverse space which is
ordinarily and otherwise unoccupied.
[0022] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
suspension beam 12 is a relatively thin elongated beam or the like
made from suitable lightweight material such as plastic or the
like. Such lightweight plastics provide suitable tensile strength
to support the display and may be advantageously formed of colored
materials, if desired. The suspension beam 12 is preferably a dual
channeled rod having a central web 21 connecting oppositely
disposed side members 22, 23 which cooperate with central web 21 to
define parallel oppositely disposed vertical channels 25.
[0023] An aperture 13 is formed in the central web 21 near the
upper end of suspension beam 12 to accommodate support hook 105.
Accordingly, when support connector 11 is attached to the support
grid 14 and suspension beam is supported on hook 105, the beam 12
depends from hook 105 (which is positioned in aperture 13) and the
side members 22, 23 substantially prevent axial rotation of beam 12
around hook 105.
[0024] It should be recognized that support connector 11 is the
preferred means for supporting beam 12 in accordance with the
invention. Any other support means which supports the beam 12 and
permits it to depend substantially vertically from overhead
structure may be used if desired.
[0025] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 display hooks 30 are
provided to support advertising materials or product (not
illustrated) on the suspension beam 12 of the display apparatus. In
the embodiment illustrated, display hook 30 comprises a base 31 in
the form of an inverted U, the sides 31a, 31b of which define a
central gap 31c between sides 31a and 31b. The width of gap 31c is
sized to accommodate central web 21.
[0026] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, elongated apertures 18 are
formed in central web 21 at spaced locations along the vertical
length of the beam 12. One end of a display hook 30 is inserted
into and through aperture 18 and the gap 31c of base 31 fitted over
the lower edge of aperture 18 to removeably secure the display hook
30 in the aperture 18. When so mounted, hook prongs 32 depending
from sides 31a and 31b are nested in and project outwardly from
channels 25. The display hooks 30 are thus securely and rigidly
mounted on suspension beam 12 and positioned to support and display
products suspended thereon. Since the display hooks 30 are rigidly
affixed to the suspension beam 12, and since suspension beam 12 is
suspended from support hook 105 and substantially precluded from
axial rotation about support hook 105 by channel sides 22 and 23,
product suspended from display hooks 30 cannot rotate about the
vertical axis of suspension beam 12 and thus remains displayed in
the as-mounted orientation.
[0027] It will be recognized that apertures 18 may be positioned at
any and as many positions as desired along the length of the
suspension beam so that display hooks 30 may be mounted at any
desired elevation along the vertical length of the beam 12. It
should also be recognized that the hook prongs 32 may take any
desired shape as required to support various products and/or
advertising materials. Furthermore, the display hook 30 need not
support symmetrical hook prongs 32. Various shapes and sizes of
hook prongs 32 may depend from one or both of sides 31a and 31b to
accommodate such products as may be suspended from the display
apparatus of the invention.
[0028] In the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7
the suspension beam 12 comprises an elongated body having parallel
opposing sides connected by a central web to define opposing
channels 25 extending the length of the beam as discussed
hereinabove. A series of apertures 19 is formed in the central web
at spaced locations along the vertical length thereof for mounting
display hooks 40. Each display hook 40 comprises a base portion 41
and a hook prong 42 depending from the base portion 41. As noted
above, the hook prongs 42 may take any desired form suitable for
their intended purpose.
[0029] In the embodiment illustrated base portion 41 of display
hook 30 is sized to nest in channel 25 and has an inner edge which
lies adjacent the central web 21. A foot 43 projects laterally from
the upper end of the inner edge of base portion 41. The foot 43 is
adapted to fit within the dimensions of aperture 19 and includes a
toe portion 44 which projects upwardly from the foot 43 in a
direction substantially parallel with the inner edge of base 41 and
spaced from the inner edge a distance which approximates the
thickness of central web 21. The display hook 40 is mounted on beam
12 by inserting toe 44 and foot 43 into an aperture 19 in central
web 21 and rotating display hook 40 downwardly so that base 41 lies
nested in channel 25 adjacent one side of central web 21. In this
position, toe 44 rests on the opposite side of central web 21 and
locks the hook 40 in place. It will be appreciated that any
downward load on prong 42 will be carried by foot 43 resting on the
lower edge of aperture 19 while toe 44 prevents undesired removal
of display hook 40 from suspension beam 12.
[0030] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, a protrusion
or boss 45 extends laterally from the inner edge of base 41 (in the
same direction as foot 43). Boss 45 is spaced from foot 43 a
distance which corresponds with the distance between apertures 19
in central web 21. Boss 45 is preferably sized to fit snugly in
aperture 19 to aid in securing the display hook 40 in place and
assist in supporting vertical loads exerted on display hook 40. It
will be appreciated that display hooks 40 may be mounted on either
or both sides of suspension beam 12 and in as many locations as may
be required.
[0031] If desired, and to provide flexibility in use and variety in
assembly, suspension beams 12 may be provided in relatively short
sections connected together in an end-to-end relationship. As
illustrated in FIG. 8 multiple lengths of suspension beams 12 may
be interconnected to provide a single suspension strand by
inserting the ends of an S-shaped hook 50 in an aperture 18 in the
lower end of upper beam 12 and aperture 13 in the upper end of
lower beam 12. If desired, S-shaped hook 50 may be sized to fit
snugly in channels 25 to prevent axial rotation of the lower beam
12 with respect to the upper beam 12.
[0032] As discussed above, with support hook 105 (and S-shaped hook
50) sized to fit snugly in channels 25, axial rotation of beams 12
is substantially prevented. Thus, while the suspension strand
remains flexible and suspended only from the overhead ceiling
structure, axial rotation is prevented and goods mounted on display
hooks 30 or 40 remain in their as-mounted orientation, thereby
maximizing the effectiveness of the display supported thereon.
[0033] As noted above, the support connectors 11 may be attached at
any desired location on the ceiling support grid members 14 and
locked into place with the ceiling tile 20. Removable display hooks
(such as hooks 30 and 40) may be positioned as desired on the
suspension beams 12 and packages of merchandise (or other display
apparatus) may be supported on the display hooks. Accordingly, the
entire display assembly may be assembled and suspended in the
desired position quickly and easily with using any tools.
[0034] All components of any of the various designs of apparatus
for practicing the invention may be fabricated and assembled using
readily available materials and manufacturing techniques.
Furthermore, many suitable structures are readily and inexpensively
available for use as the suspension beams of the invention, and all
components of the apparatus may be readily manufactured using any
of a wide variety of suitable materials.
[0035] While only exemplary embodiments of the invention have been
illustrated and described in detail herein, it will be readily
recognized that the principles of the invention may be used in
various forms using a wide variety of components assembled in
accordance with the teachings of this invention to achieve the
benefits and advantages thereof. It is to be understood, therefore,
that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the
invention have been set forth in the foregoing description together
with details of the structure and function of the various
embodiments, this disclosure is to be considered illustrative only.
Various changes and modifications may be made in detail, especially
in matters of shape, size and materials as well as arrangement and
combination of parts, without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *