Merchandising Display Systems

Abstract

A system for the display of merchandise includes a vertically extending member defined by a pair of vertical rods spaced apart from one another and spanned by a plurality of horizontal rod segments. The system additionally includes first and second horizontally extending mounting structures. The first horizontally extending mounting structure is located proximate an upper end of the vertically extending member. The first horizontally extending mounting structure includes a first end for attachment to one of a vertically extending structure and a shelf. The second horizontally extending mounting structure is located proximate a lower end of the vertically extending member. The second horizontally extending mounting structure includes a first end for attachment to one of a vertically extending structure and a shelf. The system further includes a plurality of structures for the display and promotion of retail products suspended from the vertically extending member.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/314,718, filed on 17 Mar. 2010. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The present teachings generally relate to systems for the retail display of merchandise.

DISCUSSION

[0003] Today's self-service retail industry demands efficient display of various products while minimizing floor space requirements. The merchandise display capacity of a self-service retail store is inherently limited by the store's square footage of interior space. In this regard, the amount of area available within a store directly limits the number of products which may be effectively displayed for sale. Heretofore, various merchandising display devices have been employed to increase the merchandising display capacity of a store. Some of the devices commonly used to increase a store's merchandising capacity include gondola display units or systems suspended from a gondola display unit. Various other devices are in the form of self-standing "point of sale" displays.

[0004] Although existing merchandising display units can often be satisfactory for their intended purposes, there remains a need for continuous improvement in the pertinent art.

SUMMARY

[0005] According to one particular form, the present teachings provide a system for the display of merchandise. The system includes a vertically extending member defined by a pair of vertical rods spaced apart from one another and spanned by a plurality of horizontal rod segments. The system additionally includes first and second horizontally extending mounting structures. The first horizontally extending mounting structure is located proximate an upper end of the vertically extending member. The first horizontally extending mounting structure includes a first end for attachment to one of a vertically extending structure and a shelf. The second horizontally extending mounting structure is located proximate a lower end of the vertically extending member. The second horizontally extending mounting structure includes a first end for attachment to one of a vertically extending structure and a shelf. The system further includes a plurality of structures for the display and promotion of retail products suspended from the vertically extending member.

[0006] According to another particular form, the present teachings provide a system for the display of merchandise. The system includes a first vertically extending member and a second vertically extending member. The first and second vertically extending members both defined by a pair of vertical rods spaced apart from one another and spanned by a plurality of horizontal rod segments. The system additionally includes a first horizontally extending mounting structure located proximate upper ends of the first and second vertically extending members and a second horizontally extending structure located proximate lower ends of the first and second vertically extending members. Both of the first and second horizontally extending mounting structures including a first end for attachment to one of a vertically extending structure and a shelf. The system further includes a plurality of structures for the display and promotion of retail products suspended from the first and second vertically extending members.

[0007] According to still yet another form, the present teachings provide a system for the display of merchandise. The system includes a horizontally extending arm and at least one basket. The horizontally extending arm includes a mounting structure at one end. The at least one basket is carried proximate a second end of the horizontally extending arm. Each basket includes a mounting flange secured to the horizontally extending arm. Each basket additionally includes first and second J-shaped wires having an upper end secured to the mounting flange and at least one rectangularly shaped wire surrounding the first and second J-shaped wires and secured thereto.

[0008] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The present teachings will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of merchandising display system according to the present teachings.

[0011] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the merchandising display system of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the merchandising display system of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another merchandising display system of the present teachings.

[0014] FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the merchandising display system of FIG. 4.

[0015] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the merchandising display system of FIG. 4.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another merchandising display system according to the present teachings.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another mechandising display system according to the present teachings.

[0018] FIG. 9 is another perspective view of the merchandising display system of FIG. 8, the merchandising display system shown operatively associated with a vertical member.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another merchandising display system according to the present teachings, the merchandising display system shown positioned proximate a shelving unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS ASPECTS

[0020] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0021] With initial reference to FIGS. 1-3, a merchandising display system in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated and generally identified at reference character 100. The merchandising display system is generally illustrated to include a vertically extending member 102 and one or more horizontally extending mounting structures 104. The vertically extending member 102 may be defined by a pair of vertical rods spaced apart from one another and spanned by a plurality of horizontal rod segments. The vertical rods and the horizontal rod segments may be formed of metal and welded or otherwise suitably secured. Alternatively, the vertical rods and the horizontal rod segments may be formed of plastic or other suitable material.

[0022] In the embodiment illustrated, the merchandising display system 100 includes a first horizontally extending mounting structure 104 and a second horizontal extending mounting structure 104. The first horizontally extending mounting structure 104 is located proximate an upper end of the vertically extending member 102. The second horizontally extending mounting structure 104 is located proximate a lower end of the vertically extending member 102. It will be appreciated, however, that a greater or lesser number of horizontal mounting structures may be used depending on the particular application. It will also be appreciated that the location of the horizontal mounting structures 104 along the vertically extending member 102 may vary within the scope of the present teachings.

[0023] The horizontal mounting structures 104 may include a first end for attachment to an upright or post (not shown) and a second end for attachment to the vertically extending member 102. It will be understood, however, that the horizontal mounting structures may be alternatively adapted to be secured to a pegboard, a shelf, or the like. The first end may include a mounting flange defining a pair of apertures for receiving ends of a U-bolt. The U-bolt may be threadably engaged with wing nuts. The second end may define a threaded aperture for receiving a fastener. The fastener may pass through a bracket. The bracket may engage a pair of horizontal rod segments of the vertically extending member 102 to thereby retain the vertically extending member 102 adjacent the horizontal mounting structure 104.

[0024] A plurality of structures for the display and promotion of retail products may be suspended from the vertically extending member 102. In the embodiment illustrated, the plurality of structures is shown to include at least one basket 110, at least one ring bracket 112 and a scan peg 114. The various structures may be secured to the vertically extending member 102 in a conventional manner. As illustrated, the various structures may be secured to the vertically extending member 102 with one inch grid clamps.

[0025] The baskets 110 may be wire baskets. The grid clamps may be carried by the baskets 110 and may be used to selectively mount the baskets 110 at various locations along the vertically extending member 102. Various goods may be retained within the baskets 110 for retail sale. In one particular application, vehicle batteries (not shown) may be displayed in the baskets 110 for retail sale.

[0026] In one particular construction, the baskets 110 may include a plurality of wires having a generally J-shape. It will be understood, however, that a greater or lesser number of J-shaped wires than illustrated may be employed. The baskets 110 may further include a plurality of rectangularly shaped wires. In the embodiment illustrated, the baskets 110 include a pair of rectangularly shaped wires. Again, a greater or lesser number of rectangular wires may be used within the present teachings. The rectangularly shaped wires may surround the J-shaped wires and be welded or otherwise suitable fastened thereto. In the embodiment illustrated, one side of the J-shaped wires may be longer than the other and an upper one of the rectangular wires may be oriented at an angle such that the basket defines a lower front side as compared to a back side. The wires cooperate to define an open basket for receiving the retail product for display.

[0027] The ring bracket 112 may include a wire ring extending from one of the grid clamps. The wire ring 112 may include a generally circular portion that defines a closed ring and first and second ends extending from the generally circular portion. The first and second ends may be welded or otherwise permanently secured to the grid clamp and may be parallel to one another. The grid clamp may be used to selectively mount the ring bracket 112 at various locations along the vertically extending member 102. In one particular application, a plurality of funnels may be carried by the ring bracket 112 and displayed for retail sale.

[0028] Turing to FIGS. 4-6, another merchandising display system in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated and generally identified at reference character 200. The merchandising display system 200 shares various features in common with the merchandising display system 100. As such, like reference characters are used throughout the drawings to identify like elements.

[0029] The merchandising display system 200 differs from the merchandising display system 100 in that it incorporates a pair of vertically extending members 102 that are mounted to lateral sides of the horizontal mounting structures 104. Various structures, such as the baskets 110, ring bracket 112 and a scan peg 114, may be secured to both of the vertically extending member 102 with grid clamps. Mounting of these structures 110, 112 and 114 may be anywhere along the respective lengths of the vertically extending members 102.

[0030] With reference now to FIG. 7, another merchandising display system in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated and generally identified at reference character 300. In particular applications, the merchandising display system 300 may be used for the retail display of items such as books, instruction manuals and the like. Alternatively, other types of goods may be displayed for retail sale within the scope of the present teachings.

[0031] The merchandising display system 300 may include a horizontally extending arm 302. At one end, the horizontally extending arm 302 may carry a mounting flange. The mounting flange may cooperate with a gondola or other structure for suspending the merchandising display system 300. One particular arrangement is shown with respect to FIG. 9 and will be described in more detail below.

[0032] A second end of the horizontally extending arm 302 may carry one or more baskets 304 for the retail display of products. In the embodiment illustrated, the merchandising display system 300 is shown to include two baskets 304. It will be understood that the merchandising display system 300 may include a greater or lesser number of baskets 304 within the scope of the present teachings.

[0033] In the particular application shown in the drawings, the baskets 304 are wire baskets. Each basket 304 may carry a mounting flange 306. The mounting flange 306 may be a flat plate secured to the horizontally extending arm with a plurality of fasteners. The plates of the two baskets 304 may be on opposite sides of the vertically extending arm 302 such that common fasteners may be used to secure the mounting flanges 306 of the two baskets 304 to the vertically extending arm 302.

[0034] In one particular construction, the baskets 304 may include first and second wires having a generally J-shape. It will be understood, however, that a greater or lesser number of J-shaped wires may be employed. One free end of the J-shaped wires may be welded or otherwise secured to the mounting flange 306. The baskets 304 may further include one or more rectangularly shaped wires. In the embodiment illustrated, the baskets 304 include a pair of rectangularly shaped wires. It will be understood, however, that a greater or lesser number of rectangularly shaped wires may be employed. The rectangularly shaped wires may surround the J-shaped wires and be welded or otherwise suitable fastened thereto. The wires cooperate to define an open basket for receiving the retail product for display.

[0035] Turning now to FIGS. 8 and 9, another merchandising display system in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated and generally identified at reference character 400. The merchandising display system 400 shares various features in common with the merchandising display system 300. As such, like reference characters are used throughout the drawings to identify like elements.

[0036] The merchandising display system 400 differs from the merchandising display system 300 in that it incorporates a pair of baskets 304 on both lateral sides of the vertically extending arm 302. FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary mounting to the merchandising display system 400. As shown, the mounting flange may cooperate with a conventional fastener to secure the merchandising display system 400 to an upright of a gondola. It will be understood that the merchandising display system 400 may be alternatively suspended from a gondola or other structure within the scope of the present teachings.

[0037] Turning to FIG. 10, another merchandising display system in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated and generally identified at reference character 500. The merchandising display system 500 shares various features in common with the merchandising display systems 300 and 400. As such, like reference characters are used throughout the drawings to identify like elements.

[0038] The merchandising display system 500 is illustrated to include a pair of baskets 304 carried on a common lateral side of the vertically extending arm 302. The merchandising display system 500 is further shown extending from a side of an end cap and positioned proximate to a shelf.

[0039] While specific examples and alternatives have been described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various further changes may be made by and equivalence may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present teachings as defined in the claims. Furthermore, the mixing and matching of features, elements and/or functions between various examples may be expressly contemplated herein so that one skilled in the art would appreciate from the present teachings that features, elements and/or functions of one example may be incorporated into another example as appropriate, unless described otherwise above. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the present teachings without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it may be intended that the present teachings not be limited to the particular examples illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode of presently contemplated for carrying out the present teachings but that the scope of the present disclosure will include any embodiments following within the foregoing description and any appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for the display of merchandise, the system comprising: a vertically extending member defined by a pair of vertical rods spaced apart from one another and spanned by a plurality of horizontal rod segments; a first horizontally extending mounting structure located proximate an upper end of the vertically extending member, the first horizontally extending mounting structure including a first end for attachment to one of a vertically extending structure and a shelf; a second horizontally extending mounting structure located proximate a lower end of the vertically extending member, the second horizontally extending mounting structure including a first end for attachment to one of a vertically extending structure and a shelf; and a plurality of structures for the display and promotion of retail products suspended from the vertically extending member.

2. A system for the display of merchandise, the system comprising: a first vertically extending member and a second vertically extending member, the first and second vertically extending members both defined by a pair of vertical rods spaced apart from one another and spanned by a plurality of horizontal rod segments; a first horizontally extending mounting structure located proximate upper ends of the first and second vertically extending members, the first horizontally extending mounting structure including a first end for attachment to one of a vertically extending structure and a shelf; a second horizontally extending mounting structure located proximate lower ends of the first and second vertically extending members, the second horizontally extending mounting structure including a first end for attachment to one of a vertically extending structure and a shelf; and a plurality of structures for the display and promotion of retail products suspended from the first and second vertically extending members.

3. The system for the display of merchandise of claim 2, wherein the first and second vertically extending members are secured to opposing lateral sides of both the first and second horizontally extending mounting structure.

4. A system for the display of merchandise, the system comprising: a horizontally extending arm, at one end the horizontally extending arm including a mounting structure; and at least one basket carried proximate a second end of the horizontally extending arm, each basket including a mounting flange secured to the horizontally extending arm, each basket additionally including first and second J-shaped wires having an upper end secured to the mounting flange, and at least one rectangularly shaped wire surrounding the first and second J-shaped wires and secured thereto.

5. The system for the display of merchandise of claim 4, wherein the at least one basket includes a plurality of baskets.