U.S. patent application number 12/245032 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-29 for conversion bracket for display hook.
This patent application is currently assigned to INVUE SECURITY PRODUCTS, INC.. Invention is credited to Christopher D. Cureton, Mitchell S. Goldstein, Michael R. Johnston, John F. Roberts, Gregory C. Schultz.
Application Number | 20090266953 12/245032 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41214053 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090266953 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goldstein; Mitchell S. ; et
al. |
October 29, 2009 |
CONVERSION BRACKET FOR DISPLAY HOOK
Abstract
A conversion bracket for mounting a pegboard display hook on an
alternate display structure includes a first mounting plate and a
second mounting plate movably coupled to the first mounting plate
so as to permit the conversion bracket to be guided over and
positioned on the alternate display structure. The first mounting
plate has at least one first mounting opening and the second
mounting plate has at least one second mounting opening for
receiving the mounting structure of the display hook. Each of the
first mounting plate and the second mounting plate defines at least
one cavity configured to receive a portion of the alternate display
structure. The first mounting plate may include a pair of first
mounting plates that are joined together by an integral arm
extending therebetween, or alternatively, are independently
rotatable relative to the second mounting plate.
Inventors: |
Goldstein; Mitchell S.;
(Rock Hill, SC) ; Roberts; John F.; (Charlotte,
NC) ; Cureton; Christopher D.; (Charlotte, NC)
; Johnston; Michael R.; (Troutman, NC) ; Schultz;
Gregory C.; (Huntersville, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Christopher C. Dremann, P.C.
15015 Lancaster Highway
Charlotte
NC
28277
US
|
Assignee: |
INVUE SECURITY PRODUCTS,
INC.
Charlotte
NC
|
Family ID: |
41214053 |
Appl. No.: |
12/245032 |
Filed: |
October 3, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61047956 |
Apr 25, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/214 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 5/0869
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/214 |
International
Class: |
A47B 96/06 20060101
A47B096/06 |
Claims
1. A conversion bracket for mounting a display hook having mounting
structure configured for pegboard on an alternate display
structure, the conversion bracket comprising: a first mounting
plate; and a second mounting plate movably coupled to the first
mounting plate so as to permit the conversion bracket to be
positioned on the alternate display structure; wherein at least one
of the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate has at
least one mounting opening therethrough for receiving the mounting
structure of the display hook.
2. A conversion bracket according to claim 1, wherein the first
mounting plate and the second mounting plate are rotatably
connected.
3. A conversion bracket according to claim 2, wherein the first
mounting plate and the second mounting plate comprise a plurality
of interlacing hinges that are joined together by at least one
hinge pin.
4. A conversion bracket according to claim 1, wherein at least one
of the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate defines
at least one cavity for receiving a portion of the alternate
display structure.
5. A conversion bracket according to claim 4, wherein the second
mounting plate defines a cavity configured to receive a wire of a
wire grid display rack.
6. A conversion bracket according to claim 4, wherein the first
mounting plate defines a first cavity and the second mounting plate
defines a second cavity that are spaced apart and configured to
receive wires of a wire grid display rack.
7. A conversion bracket according to claim 6, wherein the first
cavity and the second cavity are spaced apart to receive wires of a
wire grid display rack having a standardized vertical spacing.
8. A conversion bracket according to claim 4, wherein the second
mounting plate defines a first cavity and a second cavity that are
spaced apart and configured to receive wires of a wire grid display
rack.
9. A conversion bracket according to claim 8, wherein the first
cavity and the second cavity are spaced apart to receive wires of a
wire grid display rack having a standardized vertical spacing.
10. A conversion bracket according to claim 4, wherein the first
mounting plate defines at least one cavity configured to receive a
bar of a horizontal bar display rack.
11. A conversion bracket according to claim 1, wherein the first
mounting plate comprises a pair of first mounting plates that are
movable relative to the second mounting plate.
12. A conversion bracket according to claim 11, wherein each of the
pair of first mounting plates has a first mounting opening and the
second mounting plate has a pair of second mounting openings for
receiving the mounting structure of the display hook.
13. A conversion bracket according to claim 11, wherein the pair of
first mounting plates and the second mounting plate comprise a
plurality of interlacing hinges that are joined together by at
least one hinge pin.
14. A conversion bracket according to claim 11, wherein the pair of
first mounting plates define a first cavity and the second mounting
plate defines a second cavity that are spaced apart and configured
to receive wires of a wire grid display rack.
15. A conversion bracket according to claim 11, wherein the pair of
first mounting plates define a first cavity and a second cavity
that are spaced apart and configured to receive wires of a wire
grid display rack.
16. A conversion bracket according to claim 11, wherein the pair of
first mounting plates define at least one cavity configured to
receive a bar of a horizontal bar display rack.
17. A conversion bracket for mounting a display hook having
mounting structure configured for pegboard on an alternate display
structure, the conversion bracket comprising: a first mounting
plate having at least one first mounting opening therethrough; and
a second mounting plate having at least one second mounting opening
therethrough; wherein the first mounting plate and the second
mounting plate are movably coupled together to guide the conversion
bracket over the alternate display structure and to position the
conversion bracket on the display structure with the mounting
structure of the display hook inserted through the at least one
first mounting opening and the at least one second mounting
opening, thereby mounting the display hook on the alternate display
structure.
18. A conversion bracket according to claim 17, wherein the first
mounting plate comprises a pair of first mounting plates each
having a first mounting opening therethrough and the second
mounting plate has a pair of mounting openings therethrough, and
wherein the pair of first mounting plates are spaced apart and
configured to receive a vertical wire of a wire grid display
structure therebetween.
19. A conversion bracket according to claim 18, wherein the pair of
first mounting plates define at least one cavity configured to
receive a bar of a horizontal bar display rack and wherein the
second mounting plate defines at least one cavity configured to
receive a wire of a wire grid display rack.
20. A method for mounting a display hook having mounting structure
configured for pegboard on an alternate display structure, the
method comprising: providing a conversion bracket comprising at
least one first mounting plate having at least one first mounting
opening therethrough and a second mounting plate having at least
one second mounting opening therethrough, the at least one first
mounting plate and the second mounting plate rotatably coupled
together; rotating the at least one first mounting plate relative
to the second mounting plate in a first direction to guide the
conversion bracket over the alternate display structure; rotating
the at least one first mounting plate relative to the second
mounting plate in a second direction to position the conversion
bracket on the alternate display structure; and inserting the
mounting structure of the display hook through the at least one
first mounting opening and the at least one second mounting opening
to mount the display hook on the alternate display structure.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/047,956, filed Apr. 25, 2008.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to display hooks for
supporting items of merchandise on a display structure. More
particularly, the invention relates to a conversion bracket for
mounting a pegboard display hook on alternate display
structures.
[0003] It is common practice for retailers to display smaller items
of merchandise on display hooks mounted to a display structure. The
display hook allows a potential purchaser to examine a product
prior to purchasing the item. At the same time, the display hook
permits the retailer to place several of the items on display for
purchase in a limited amount of space, thereby increasing the
number of products displayed on the display structure and reducing
the frequency needed to stock the products. The number and
relatively small size of the items, however, makes the display
hooks an attractive target for shoplifters. The shoplifter may
attempt to remove all of the items of merchandise from the display
hook at one time, referred to in the art as "sweeping," or may
attempt to remove the entire display hook from the display
structure. As a result, display hooks have been developed that
include an anti-sweeping feature and/or a locking mechanism for
locking the display hook to the display structure. For reasons of
cost, expediency and convenience it would be advantageous for a
retailer to inventory display hooks having the same anti-sweep
feature and/or locking mechanism regardless of the type of display
structure on which the display hook is mounted. Commonality of
display hooks is particularly desirable for retailers that utilize
different types of display structures at the same retail
location.
[0004] The most common type of display structure is pegboard, which
is formed from a relatively thin panel having a plurality of
vertically and horizontally spaced holes therethrough. Alternate
types of display structures include display rack and slatwall.
Display racks may be formed from a relatively small diameter wire
grid, also referred to as gridwall, or may be formed from larger
diameter horizontally-extending rectangular or square bars spaced
apart on vertical supports. Slatwall is formed from a relatively
thick panel having one or more horizontal rows of uniquely shaped
recesses. Historically, display hooks having different mounting
structure for mounting the display hook to the display structure
have been purchased and maintained in inventory. However, the use
of multiple display hooks having different mounting structure
increases the number of display hooks that the retailer must
purchase and inventory. In addition, the need to locate and use
display hooks having different mounting structure for the various
types of display structures is inconvenient and unnecessarily
increases the amount of time required to prepare a product
display.
[0005] Accordingly, there exists an unresolved need for retailers
to be able to mount a common display hook on alternate types of
display structures. There exists a more specific need for a
conversion bracket operable for mounting a plurality of display
hooks having the same mounting structure on alternate types of
display structures. There exists a particular need for a conversion
bracket for mounting a display hook having mounting structure
configured for pegboard on alternate display structures, namely
wire grid and horizontal bar display racks.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The aforementioned needs, objectives and advantages, as well
as others readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art,
are provided by a conversion bracket for mounting a display hook
having mounting structure configured for pegboard on an alternate
display structure.
[0007] In one embodiment, a conversion bracket includes a first
mounting plate and a second mounting plate movably coupled to the
first mounting plate so as to permit the conversion bracket to be
positioned on an alternate display structure. At least one of the
first mounting plate and the second mounting plate has at least one
mounting opening therethrough for receiving a display hook having
mounting structure configured for a pegboard display structure.
[0008] In another embodiment, a conversion bracket includes a first
mounting plate having at least one first mounting opening
therethrough and a second mounting plate having at least one second
mounting opening therethrough. The first mounting plate and the
second mounting plate are movably coupled together to guide the
conversion bracket over the alternate display structure and to
position the conversion bracket on the alternate display structure
with the mounting structure of a display hook inserted through the
first mounting opening and the second mounting opening, thereby
securely mounting the display hook on the alternate display
structure.
[0009] In a further embodiment, the first mounting plate and the
second mounting plate are rotatably connected. In yet another
embodiment, the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate
include a plurality of interlacing hinges, and the conversion
bracket further has a hinge pin for joining the interlacing hinges
together such that the first mounting plate and the second mounting
plate are rotatably connected.
[0010] In a further embodiment, at least one of the first mounting
plate and the second mounting plate define at least one cavity for
receiving a portion of the alternate display structure. In one
aspect, a cavity is defined by the first mounting plate and the
cavity is configured to receive a wire of a wire grid display rack.
In another aspect, a cavity is defined by the second mounting plate
and the cavity is configured to receive a bar of a horizontal bar
display rack. In yet another aspect, the second mounting plate
defines a first cavity configured to receive a bar of a horizontal
bar display rack and a second cavity configured to receive a wire
of a wire grid display rack.
[0011] In a further embodiment, the first mounting pate has a pair
of first mounting plates each having at least one first mounting
opening and the second mounting plate has a pair of second mounting
openings for receiving the mounting structure of the display hook.
In one aspect, the pair of first mounting plates are joined
together by an integral arm extending therebetween. In another
aspect,-the pair of first mounting plates are independently movable
relative to the second mounting plate.
[0012] In another embodiment, a method of mounting a display hook
having mounting structure configured for pegboard on an alternate
display structure includes providing a conversion bracket including
at least one first mounting plate having at least one first
mounting opening therethrough and a second mounting plate having at
least one second mounting opening therethrough, the at least one
first mounting plate and the second mounting plate being rotatably
coupled together. The method further includes rotating the at least
one first mounting plate relative to the second mounting plate in a
first direction to guide the conversion bracket over the alternate
display structure and rotating the at least one first mounting
plate relative to the second mounting plate in a second direction
to position the conversion bracket on the alternate display
structure. The method further includes inserting the mounting
structure of the display hook through the at least one first
mounting opening and the at least one second mounting opening to
mount the display hook on the alternate display structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The following detailed description of the invention is best
understood with reference to the accompanying drawing figures in
which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing a conventional
display hook having mounting structure configured for a pegboard
display structure and an exemplary embodiment of a conversion
bracket for mounting the display hook on alternate display
structures.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the pegboard display
hook and the conversion bracket of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 3 is an exploded rear perspective view of the
conversion bracket of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIGS. 4A-4C is a series of side elevation views illustrating
the conversion bracket of FIG. 1 being positioned on an alternate
display structure, namely a wire grid display rack.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view illustrating the
conversion bracket of FIG. 1 positioned on the wire grid display
rack of FIG. 4 and operable for mounting the pegboard display hook
on a wire of the wire grid display rack.
[0019] FIG. 6A is a side elevation view illustrating the conversion
bracket of FIG. 1 mounting the pegboard display hook on the wire
grid display rack of FIG. 5 having a first standardized vertical
spacing.
[0020] FIG. 6B is a side elevation view illustrating the conversion
bracket of FIG. 1 mounting the pegboard display hook on the wire
grid display rack of FIG. 5 having a second standardized vertical
spacing.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view illustrating the
conversion bracket of FIG. 1 operable for mounting the pegboard
display hook on an alternate display structure, namely a horizontal
bar display rack.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view illustrating the conversion
bracket of FIG. 1 mounting the pegboard display hook on a bar of
the horizontal bar display rack of FIG. 7.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of another exemplary
embodiment of a conversion bracket for mounting a display hook
having mounting structure configured for a pegboard display
structure on alternate display structures.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view illustrating the
conversion bracket of FIG. 9 being positioned on an alternate
display structure, namely a wire grid display rack.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view illustrating the
conversion bracket of FIG. 9 positioned on a wire of the wire grid
display rack of FIG. 10 and operable for mounting the pegboard
display hook on a wire grid display rack having the first
standardized vertical spacing shown in FIG. 6A.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view illustrating the
conversion bracket of FIG. 9 mounting a pegboard display hook on an
alternate display structure, namely a horizontal bar display
rack.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Referring now to the accompanying drawing figures wherein
identical reference numerals denote like elements throughout the
various views, a conventional display hook 10 and an exemplary
embodiment of a conversion bracket 20 according to the present
invention are shown. The display hook 10 is operable for supporting
one or more items of merchandise (not shown for purposes of
clarity), such as smaller consumer products, for example compact
discs (CDs), digital video discs (DVDs), battery packs, etc., on a
display structure. The display hook 10 is provided with mounting
structure configured for mounting the display hook on a pegboard
display structure (not shown) in a known manner. The conventional
pegboard display hook 10 is presently the most commonly utilized
type of display hook. For this reason, the conversion bracket 20 is
configured to be operable for mounting the pegboard display hook 10
on an alternate display structure (i.e. other than pegboard). In
other words, the conversion bracket 20 converts alternate display
structures, and in particular, wire grid display rack and
horizontal bar display rack, to pegboard display structure.
[0028] A conventional pegboard display hook 10 suitable for use
with the conversion bracket 20 comprises a rod assembly 12 having
mounting structure disposed at one end for mounting the display
hook on a pegboard display structure or, as shown and described
herein, on alternate display structures using the conversion
bracket 20. In particular, the rod assembly 12 has at least one,
and preferably, a pair of mounting prongs 14 (FIG. 2) at one end
operable for engaging horizontally spaced holes formed through the
pegboard. It should be noted that mounting prongs 14 may take the
form of pegs, hooks, tabs, extensions, or any other structure
suitable for engaging the horizontally spaced holes provided on the
pegboard display structure, or alternatively, the openings provided
on the conversion bracket, as will be described.
[0029] The rod assembly 12 comprises a lower support rod 11 for
supporting the items of merchandise and an upper guide rod 13 for
positioning an optional label holder 15 on the free end of the rod
assembly opposite the mounting prongs 14. As is known in the art,
the label holder 15 may be configured to be lockable on the rod
assembly 12 (i.e. either the upper guide rod 13 or the support rod
11, or both) to prevent the items of merchandise from being removed
by an unauthorized person. As is also known, the support rod 11 may
be provided with an optional anti-sweep feature 16 adjacent the
free end of the rod assembly 12. As shown, the anti-sweep feature
16 comprises a series of bends through which an item of merchandise
must be manipulated in order to remove the item from the support
rod 11. The anti-sweep feature 16, however, is not intended to be
limited to the configuration shown and described herein, and
alternatively, may comprise any structure and may take any form
suitable for increasing the time required to remove one or more of
the items of merchandise from the display hook 10. For example, the
anti-sweep feature 16 may comprise a device (commonly referred to
as a "time delay") configured to require the items of merchandise
to be removed from the support rod 11 one at a time.
[0030] The display hook 10 may also comprise an optional lockable
base 18 disposed on the rod assembly 12 adjacent the pegboard
display structure, or when used in conjunction with the present
invention, adjacent the conversion bracket 20 (as shown) mounted on
an alternate display structure. The lockable base 18 is preferably
slidingly disposed on the rod assembly 12. An opening 19 formed in
the lockable base 18 is configured to receive a
correspondingly-shaped magnetic key (not shown) for releasably
locking the lockable base 18 on the rod assembly 12 with the
pegboard display structure or the conversion bracket 20 disposed
between the lockable base and the mounting prongs 14. Consequently,
the lockable base 18 is operable for securely locking the display
hook 10 on a pegboard display structure, or on an alternate display
structure using the conversion bracket 20, as will be described.
Regardless, the lockable base 18 is slid along the rod assembly 12
in the direction of the pegboard or the conversion bracket 20 and
secured in place, for example by a spring-loaded magnetic metal
projection that is biased into a notch (not shown) formed in the
guide rod 13 of the rod assembly 12.
[0031] As illustrated by the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS.
1-8, the conversion bracket 20 comprises a first mounting plate 22
and a second mounting plate 24 movably coupled to the first
mounting plate. The first mounting plate 22 has at least one, and
preferably, a pair of first mounting openings 23 therethrough.
Likewise, the second mounting plate 24 has at least one, and
preferably, a corresponding pair of second mounting openings 25
that cooperate with the first mounting openings 23 to receive the
mounting prongs 14 of the pegboard display hook 10. As best shown
in FIG. 3, the first mounting plate 22 and the second mounting
plate 24 are rotatably connected by a plurality of interlacing
hinges 26 joined together by a hinge pin 27. In this manner, the
second mounting plate 24 can be rotated relative to the first
mounting plate 22 (or visa versa) about a hinge axis H defined by
the hinge pin 27 to guide the conversion bracket 20 over an
alternate display structure. The second mounting plate 24 can then
be rotated again relative to the first mounting plate 22 (or visa
versa) to position the conversion bracket 20 onto the display
structure. With the conversion bracket 20 positioned on the display
structure, the pegboard display hook 10 can then be securely
mounted on an alternate display structure using the mounting prongs
14.
[0032] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate the conversion bracket 20 being
positioned on a conventional wire grid display rack 30 comprising a
plurality of horizontal wires 32 and vertical wires 34 arranged in
a known manner. The second mounting plate 24 is rotated upwardly
relative to the first mounting plate 22 and guided over one of the
horizontal wires 32 of the wire grid display rack 30 (FIG. 4A). The
second mounting plate 24 defines a cavity 28 that receives the
horizontal wire 32 in relatively close, but still loose and not
interfering, engagement (FIG. 4B). The second mounting bracket 24
is then rotated downwardly relative to the first mounting plate 22
to position the conversion bracket 20 on the wire grid display rack
30 (FIG. 4C). FIG. 5 illustrates the pegboard display hook 10 being
mounted onto a horizontal wire 32 of the wire grid display rack 30
using the conversion bracket 20.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 6A, the mounting prongs 14 of the pegboard
display hook 10 are then inserted through the second mounting
openings 25 of the second mounting plate 24 and through the first
mounting openings 23 of the first mounting plate 22. If desired,
reinforcing material 21 (FIG. 3) may be provided on the rear of the
first mounting plate 22 to support the mounting prongs 14 of the
display hook 10. It should be noted that the horizontal wires 32 of
the wire grid display rack 30 are spaced apart vertically on the
vertical wires 34 with a first standardized spacing in FIG. 6A. As
illustrated in FIG. 6B, the conversion bracket 20 is also
configured to permit the pegboard display hook 10 to be mounted on
a wire grid display rack 30 having horizontal wires 32 spaced apart
vertically on the vertical wires 34 with a second standardized
spacing. In particular, the first mounting plate 22 defines an
oversized cavity 29 for receiving a horizontal wire 32 on the wire
grid display rack 30 between the mounting prongs 14 of the display
hook 10 and the horizontal wire 32 of the wire grid display rack 30
that is received within the smaller cavity 28 defined by the second
mounting plate 24.
[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates the conversion bracket 20 positioned on
an alternate display structure, namely a horizontal bar display
rack 40 having a plurality of horizontally-extending bars 42 spaced
apart on vertical supports 44, and the pegboard display hook 10
being mounted on the horizontal bar display rack 40 utilizing the
conversion bracket 20. As best shown in FIG. 8, the conversion
bracket 20 is positioned on the horizontal bar display rack 40 in
the manner previously described (i.e. rotating second mounting
plate 24 relative to first mounting plate 22) with one of the bars
42 received within the cavity 29 defined by the first mounting
plate. The mounting prongs 14 of the pegboard display hook 10 are
then inserted through the second mounting openings 25 of the second
mounting plate 24 and the first mounting openings 23 of the first
mounting plate 22 to securely mount the pegboard display hook 10 on
the horizontal bar display rack 40. It should be noted that the bar
42 may be rectangular, as shown, square, or any other desired
cross-section capable of being received within the cavity 29
defined by the first mounting plate 22. Furthermore, the conversion
bracket 20 may be positioned on the horizontal bar display rack 40
in the orientation shown, or alternatively, may be inverted such
that the openings 23, 25 are situated above the bar 42 received
within the cavity 29.
[0035] Another exemplary embodiment of a conversion bracket 60 in
accordance with the present invention is shown in FIGS. 9-12. As
previously described, the conversion bracket 60 is configured to be
operable for mounting a conventional pegboard display hook 50 (FIG.
12) on alternate display structures (i.e. other than pegboard),
thereby converting an alternate display structure, and in
particular, a wire grid display rack or a horizontal bar display
rack, into a pegboard display structure. As shown in FIG. 12, the
pegboard display hook 50 comprises a rod assembly 52 having
mounting structure disposed at one end for mounting the display
hook on a pegboard display structure or, as shown and described
herein, on alternate display structures using the conversion
bracket 60. In particular, the rod assembly 52 has at least one,
and preferably, a pair of mounting prongs 54 of the type previously
described at one end of the rod assembly 62 that are operable for
engaging horizontally spaced apart holes formed through the
pegboard.
[0036] As previously described with regard to the pegboard display
hook 10, the rod assembly 52 comprises a lower support rod 51 for
supporting the items of merchandise and an upper guide rod 53 for
positioning an optional label holder 55 on the free end of the rod
assembly opposite the mounting prongs 54. The display hook 50 may
also comprise an optional lockable base 58 disposed on the rod
assembly 52 adjacent the pegboard display structure, or when used
in conjunction with the present invention, adjacent the conversion
bracket 60 with the conversion bracket disposed between the
lockable base and the mounting prongs 54. The lockable base 58 is
operable for securely locking the display hook 50 on a pegboard
display structure, or on an alternate display structure using the
conversion bracket 60.
[0037] As illustrated by the exemplary embodiment described herein
and shown in FIGS. 9-12, the conversion bracket 60 comprises a pair
of first mounting plates 62 and 62' movably coupled to a second
mounting plate 64. As shown, the first mounting plates 62, 62' are
joined by an integral U-shaped arm that extends therebetween.
However, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the
art, the first mounting plates 62, 62' may be separate and
independently movable relative to the second mounting plate 64.
Regardless, the first mounting plates 62, 62' each have a first
mounting opening 63 therethrough. The second mounting plate 64 has
a pair of second mounting openings 65 that cooperate with the first
mounting openings 63 to receive the mounting prongs 54 of the
pegboard display hook 50. The first mounting plates 62, 62' are
rotatably connected to the second mounting plate 64 by a plurality
of interlacing hinges 66 joined together by a pair of hinge pins 67
and 67', in a known manner. Thus, the first mounting plates 62, 62'
can be rotated upwardly relative to the second mounting plate 64
about a hinge axis H defined by the hinge pins 67, 67' to guide the
conversion bracket 60 over an alternate display structure. The
first mounting plates 62, 62' can then be rotated (together or
independently) downwardly relative to the second mounting plate 64
to position the conversion bracket 60 onto the alternate display
structure. With the conversion bracket 60 positioned on the
alternate display structure, the pegboard display hook 50 is
securely mounted on the alternate display structure.
[0038] FIG. 10 illustrates the conversion bracket 60 being
positioned on a conventional wire grid display rack 70 comprising a
plurality of horizontal wires 72 and vertical wires 74 arranged in
a known manner. The first mounting plates 62, 62' of the conversion
bracket 60 are rotated upwardly relative to the second mounting
plate 64 and guided over one of the horizontal wires 72 of the wire
grid display rack 70 on opposite sides of one of the vertical wires
74. The second mounting plate 64 defines a cavity 68 that receives
the horizontal wire 72 in relatively close, but still loose and
non-interfering, engagement to position the conversion bracket 60
on the wire grid display rack 70. The first mounting plates 62, 62'
further define at least one cavity 68' for receiving another of the
horizontal wires 72 spaced vertically from the wire 72 received
within the first cavity 68. FIG. 11 shows the conversion bracket 60
securely mounted on horizontal wires 72 of a wire grid display rack
70 having a first standardized vertical spacing. In the manner
previously described with respect to FIG. 6B, the conversion
bracket 60 may be optionally configured to be mounted on horizontal
wires 72 of a wire grid display rack 70 having a second
standardized spacing (not shown).
[0039] FIG. 12 illustrates the conversion bracket 60 positioned on
an alternate display structure, namely a bar display rack 80 having
a plurality of horizontally-extending bars 82 spaced apart on
vertical supports 84, with the pegboard display hook 50 mounted on
the horizontal bar display rack 80 utilizing the conversion bracket
60. The conversion bracket 60 is positioned on the horizontal bar
display rack 80 in the manner previously described with respect to
FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 with one of the bars 82 received within a cavity
69 defined by the first mounting plates 62, 62'. The mounting
prongs 54 of the pegboard display hook 50 are then inserted through
the second mounting openings 65 of the second mounting plate 64 and
the first mounting openings 63 of the first mounting plates 62, 62'
to securely mount the pegboard display hook 50 on the bar 82 of the
horizontal bar display rack 80. It should be noted that the bar 82
may be rectangular, as shown, square, or any other desired
cross-section capable of being received within the cavity 69.
Furthermore, the conversion bracket 60 may be positioned on the
horizontal bar display rack 80 in the orientation shown, or
alternatively, may be inverted such that the mounting openings 63,
65 are situated above the horizontally-extending bar 82 received
within the cavity 69.
[0040] The foregoing has described exemplary embodiments of a
conversion bracket for mounting a pegboard display hook on
alternate display structures, namely wire grid and horizontal bar
display racks. In preferred embodiments, the conversion bracket
includes at least one first mounting plate and a second mounting
plate movably coupled to the first mounting plate(s) so that the
conversion bracket can be guided over and positioned on the display
structure. At least one of the first mounting plate(s) and the
second mounting plate defines a cavity for receiving at least one
horizontally-extending wire or bar of a display rack. At least one
of the first mounting plate(s) and the second mounting plate also
has one or more mounting openings for receiving mounting prongs of
the pegboard display hook. While particular embodiments of the
present invention have been described, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art that various modifications thereto can be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of
the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are
provided for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the
purpose of limitation. In particular, it will be appreciated that a
conversion bracket in accordance with the present invention may be
configured for use with other types of display structures,
including but not limited to slatwall, without departing from the
spirit and scope of any of the appended claims.
* * * * *