U.S. patent application number 17/034211 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-01 for multi-bay merchandising display system.
The applicant listed for this patent is ORIGIN POINT BRANDS, LLC. Invention is credited to DUANE E LANGENWALTER, NING XUE.
Application Number | 20210093099 17/034211 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005130792 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-01 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210093099 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LANGENWALTER; DUANE E ; et
al. |
April 1, 2021 |
MULTI-BAY MERCHANDISING DISPLAY SYSTEM
Abstract
A multi-bay merchandising display. The display may include a
display frame having a support side and an opposing open side. The
display may include support channels secured to the support side
and adjustable gravity fed shelves secured to the support channels.
The shelves may include first and second longitudinal braces, a
first lateral brace extending between the longitudinal braces, and
first and second vertical braces for securing a shelf to the
support channels. The shelves extend from the support side to the
opposing open side of the display frame and include stops at the
opposing open side, so that when merchandise is disposed on the
shelves, such merchandise may be gravity fed towards the opposing
open side of the display frame but stopped from falling off of the
shelves.
Inventors: |
LANGENWALTER; DUANE E;
(MONROE, CT) ; XUE; NING; (DANBURY, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ORIGIN POINT BRANDS, LLC |
North Charleston |
SC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005130792 |
Appl. No.: |
17/034211 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62908112 |
Sep 30, 2019 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 1/12 20130101; A47F
7/0035 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47F 1/12 20060101
A47F001/12; A47F 7/00 20060101 A47F007/00 |
Claims
1. A multi-bay merchandising display comprising: a rectangular
frame comprising vertical beams, wherein at least one vertical beam
is positioned at each corner of the rectangular frame, and lateral
beams, wherein each lateral beam is secured to two adjacent
vertical beams; a first lateral support bar extending transversely
between two vertical beams, wherein the first lateral support bar
is disposed on a first lateral beam of the lateral beams, wherein
the first lateral support bar comprises brackets extending along a
face of the first lateral support bar; a second lateral support bar
extending parallel to and below the first lateral support bar,
wherein the second lateral support bar is disposed below a second
lateral beam of the lateral beams, wherein the second lateral
support bar comprises brackets extending along a face of the second
lateral support bar; support channels extending vertically between
the first lateral support bar and the second lateral support bar,
wherein each support channel of the support channels are secured at
an upper end to a bracket of the first lateral support bar and at a
lower end to a bracket of the second lateral support bar; and
shelves adjustably secured to and extending outward from at least
two support channels, wherein the shelves comprise a first end and
a second end, the shelves are secured to the support channels at
the first end and the shelves each comprise a plate at the second
end; wherein when merchandise is disposed on the shelves, such
merchandise is gravity fed towards the second end and stopped from
falling off of the shelves by the plate.
2. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 1 further
comprising a plurality of securing devices for securing the support
channels to the brackets of the first lateral support bar and to
the brackets of the second lateral support bar.
3. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 1 further
comprising apertures defined along a first side and an opposing
second side of the support channel.
4. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 1 further
comprising a raised horizontal shelf secured to the vertical
beams.
5. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 1 wherein the
shelves comprise first and second longitudinal braces and a first
lateral brace extending therebetween and connecting the first and
second longitudinal braces.
6. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 5 further
comprising a second lateral brace extending between and connecting
the first and second longitudinal braces.
7. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 5 wherein the
shelves further comprises first and second vertical braces for
adjustably securing the shelves to the support channels.
8. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 7 wherein the first
and second vertical braces each have apertures, the display further
comprises hitch pins that adjustably secure the vertical braces to
the support channels.
9. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 7 wherein the first
and second vertical braces each comprise an arcuate ramp connecting
the vertical braces and the longitudinal braces.
10. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 5 wherein a first
plate is secured to the first longitudinal brace and a second plate
is secured to the second longitudinal brace.
11. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 1 wherein the
rectangular frame comprises a support side and an opposing open
side, wherein the first and second lateral support bars, support
channels, and shelves are secured on the support side of the
rectangular frame and wherein customers are able to grab
merchandise from the opposing open side.
12. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 7 wherein the
first and second longitudinal braces are angled downward from the
support side to the opposing open side.
13. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 1 further
comprising a display panel secured to the plate at the second end
of each of the shelves.
14. A multi-bay merchandising display comprising: a rectangular
frame comprising a support side and an opposing open side; a first
lateral support secured to the support side of the rectangular
frame; a second lateral support disposed below the first lateral
support and secured to the support side of the rectangular frame;
support channels extending vertically between the first lateral
support bar and the second lateral support bar, wherein each
support channel of the support channels are secured at an upper end
to the first lateral support bar and at a lower end to the second
lateral support bar; and a shelf adjustably secured to and
extending outward from at least two support channels, wherein the
shelf comprises a first end and a second end, the shelf is secured
to the at least two support channels at the first end, the shelf
further comprises first and second longitudinal braces, a first
lateral brace, and first and second vertical braces, wherein the
first lateral brace extends between the first and second
longitudinal braces and connects the first and second longitudinal
braces, wherein the first and second vertical braces adjustably
secure the shelf to the at least two support channels; wherein when
merchandise is disposed on the shelf, such merchandise is gravity
fed towards the second end and stopped from falling off of the
shelf at the second end of the longitudinal braces.
15. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 14 further
comprising a first plate and a second plate, wherein the first
plate is secured to the first longitudinal brace of the shelf and a
second plate is secured to the second longitudinal brace of the
shelf.
16. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 15, wherein the
merchandise is stopped from falling off of the shelf by the first
and second plates.
17. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 14 wherein the
first and second vertical braces each have apertures, the display
further comprises hitch pins that adjustably secure the vertical
braces to the support channels.
18. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 14 wherein the
first and second vertical braces each comprise an arcuate ramp
connecting the vertical braces and the longitudinal braces.
19. The multi-bay merchandising display of claim 14 further
comprising a second lateral brace extending between and connecting
the first and second longitudinal braces.
20. A multi-bay merchandising display comprising: a display frame
comprising a support side and an opposing open side; support
channels secured to the support side of the display frame; and
shelves adjustably secured to and extending outward from the
support channels, wherein the shelves comprise a first end and a
second end and are secured to the support channels at the first
end, wherein each shelf of the shelves comprises first and second
longitudinal braces, a first lateral brace, and first and second
vertical braces, wherein the first lateral brace extends between
the first and second longitudinal braces and connects the first and
second longitudinal braces, wherein the first and second vertical
braces adjustably secure the first and second longitudinal braces
to the support channels at the first end of the shelves, wherein
the first and second longitudinal braces extend from the first end
to the second end of the shelves and each longitudinal brace
comprises a plate at the second end of the shelves; wherein when
merchandise is disposed on the shelves, such merchandise is gravity
fed towards the second end of the shelves and stopped from falling
off of the shelves by the plates.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/908,112 filed on Sep. 30, 2019. The
disclosure of the foregoing patent application is expressly
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to a display. More particularly,
this disclosure relates to a multi-bay merchandising display and
system that is particularly suitable for storing and showcasing
products, such as rolled wire, in retail establishments. The system
of the present invention may include vertically extending support
channels secured to a display frame and gravity-fed shelves
adjustably secured to the support channels to allow for an orderly
arrangement of various sized merchandise.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Merchandising displays are used in many retail chains and
establishments around the world. Because merchandise comes is
distinct shapes and sizes, there are many different styles and
designs of displays in the retail industry.
[0004] It is desirable for a merchandising display to allow for
easy adjustment of shelves to allow for varying sizes of goods. It
is also desirable for a merchandising display to allow for dense
packing of goods to minimize the space needed to showcase and store
goods. Additional desirable aspects for merchandising displays
include those that allow for increased consumer appeal, are
self-feeding when goods are removed, allow for orderly arrangement
of various sized products, are adjustable, and require a minimum
number of components for construction of the display so that the
display can be built and adjusted more easily and efficiently.
[0005] The merchandising displays of the present invention
preferably address the foregoing objectives.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In response to the difficulties and problems encountered in
the industry, a new multi-bay merchandising display has been
discovered that provides for great versatility.
[0007] In accordance with certain aspects of certain embodiments of
the present technology, a multi-bay merchandising display may
include a rectangular frame. In one embodiment, the frame has
vertical beams, wherein at least one vertical beam may be
positioned at each corner of the rectangular frame. The rectangular
frame may also have lateral beams, wherein each lateral beam may be
secured to two adjacent vertical beams. The multi-bay merchandising
display may also include a first lateral support bar extending
transversely between two vertical beams. In one embodiment, the
first lateral support bar may be disposed on a first lateral beam
of the lateral beams. Further, the first lateral support bar may
include brackets extending along a face of the first lateral
support bar. The multi-bay merchandising display may further
include a second lateral support bar extending parallel to and
below the first lateral support bar. The second lateral support bar
may be disposed below a second lateral beam, and the second lateral
support bar may include brackets extending along a face of the
second lateral support bar. Additionally, the multi-bay
merchandising display may include support channels extending
vertically between the first lateral support bar and the second
lateral support bar. Further, each support channel of the support
channels may be secured at an upper end to a bracket of the first
lateral support bar and at a lower end to a bracket of the second
lateral support bar. The multi-bay merchandising display may also
include shelves adjustably secured to and extending outward from at
least two support channels. In one embodiment, the shelves may
include a first end and a second end, wherein the shelves may be
secured to the support channels at the first end. Further, the
shelves may each include a plate at the second end. Preferably,
when merchandise is disposed on the shelves of the display of the
present invention, such merchandise may be gravity fed towards the
second end and be stopped from falling off of the shelves by the
plate.
[0008] In accordance with additional aspects of other embodiments
of the present technology, a multi-bay merchandising display may
include a rectangular frame having a support side and an opposing
open side. Further, the display may include a first lateral support
secured to the support side of the rectangular frame and a second
lateral support disposed below the first lateral support and
secured to the support side of the rectangular frame. Additionally,
the display may include support channels extending vertically
between the first lateral support bar and the second lateral
support bar. In one embodiment, each support channel of the support
channels may be secured at an upper end to the first lateral
support bar and at a lower end to the second lateral support bar.
The display may also include a shelf that is adjustably secured to
and extending outward from at least two support channels. In one
embodiment, the shelf may include a first end and a second end.
Further, the shelf may be secured to the support channels at the
first end. In an embodiment of the display of the present
invention, the shelf may also include first and second longitudinal
braces, a first lateral brace, and first and second vertical
braces. The first lateral brace may extend between the first and
second longitudinal braces and connect the first and second
longitudinal braces. Moreover, the first and second vertical braces
may adjustably secure the shelf to the at least two support
channels. Preferably, when merchandise is disposed on the shelf,
such merchandise may be gravity fed towards the second end and be
stopped from falling off of the shelf at the second end of the
longitudinal braces.
[0009] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
technology, a multi-bay merchandising display may include a display
frame having a support side and an opposing open side. The display
may also include support channels secured to the support side of
the display frame. Furthermore, the display may include shelves
adjustably secured to and extending outward from the support
channels, wherein the shelves comprise a first end and a second end
and are secured to the support channels at the first end. Further,
each shelf of the shelves may include first and second longitudinal
braces, a first lateral brace, and first and second vertical
braces. In one embodiment, the first lateral brace may extend
between the first and second longitudinal braces and connect the
first and second longitudinal braces. Further, the first and second
vertical braces may adjustably secure the first and second
longitudinal braces to the support channels at the first end of the
shelves. Moreover, the first and second longitudinal braces may
extend from the first end to the second end of the shelves.
Additionally, each longitudinal brace may include a plate at the
second end of the shelves. Preferably, when merchandise is disposed
on the shelves, such merchandise may be gravity fed towards the
second end of the shelves and be stopped from falling off of the
shelves by the plates.
[0010] These and other features and their advantages will be
apparent from a careful review of the detailed description below,
accompanied by the following drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0011] The aspects described above, as well as other apparent
aspects, advantages, and objectives of the present invention are
apparent from the detailed description below in combination with
the drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a merchandising display in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2A is a front elevation view of a merchandising display
without shelves installed in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2B is a magnified perspective view, taken at B in FIG.
2A.
[0015] FIG. 2C is a magnified perspective view, taken at A in FIG.
2A.
[0016] FIG. 2D is a magnified side view, taken at A in FIG. 2A.
[0017] FIG. 2E is a magnified side view, taken at B in FIG. 2A.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an upper lateral support bar
of the merchandising display in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a support channel of the
merchandising display in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lower lateral support bar
of the merchandising display in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a merchandising display in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 6B is a magnified perspective view, taken at C in FIG.
6A.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of a merchandising display
with shelves installed in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view, taken along line A-A in
FIG. 7.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a shelf of the merchandising
display in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 10A is a side elevation view of a shelf of the
merchandising display in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0027] FIG. 10B is a magnified view, taken at D in FIG. 10A.
[0028] FIG. 10C is a magnified view, taken at E in FIG. 10A.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a merchandising display in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 12 is a magnified side view showing a display panel of
the merchandising display in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0031] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a merchandising display in
accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
[0032] FIG. 14A is a front elevation view of a merchandising
display without shelves installed in accordance with an alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 14B is a magnified view, taken at F in FIG. 14A.
[0034] FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a merchandising display in
accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
[0035] FIG. 15B is a magnified perspective view, taken at G in FIG.
15A.
[0036] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a merchandising display in
accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
[0037] FIG. 17 is a magnified side view showing a display panel of
the merchandising display in accordance with an alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] The present invention may be understood more readily by
reference to the following detailed description, examples,
drawings, and claims, and their foregoing and following
descriptions. However, it is to be understood that this invention
is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or component
disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can vary. It is also
to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the
purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended
to be limiting.
[0039] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example,
reference to a "horizontal joining member" can include two or more
such members unless the context requires otherwise.
[0040] The accompanying figures illustrate certain of the foregoing
aspects of a multi-bay merchandising display, as well as additional
aspects thereof. The figures represent embodiments of the invention
and are not intended to limit the invention.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, a multi-bay merchandising display 10 is
provided with merchandise, such as rolled-wire of varying sizes 5A,
5B, 5C, 5D, 5E. The multi-bay merchandising display 10 preferably
includes a minimum number of components. The merchandising display
10 may be composed of any suitable material, and need not be of a
single material but rather can be multiple materials together. Such
materials may include metal or non-metals such as vinyl, plastic,
wood and the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the multi-bay merchandising
display is preferably capable of accommodating the display of
various sized goods and products.
[0042] In one embodiment of the multi-bay merchandising display 10
of the present invention, the display 10 may include a support
structure such as a display frame 15. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1, the frame 15 is a rectangular frame. The display frame 15
may be preexisting framing or may be built specifically for the
shelves of the present invention. In one embodiment, the frame
includes a support side 16 for securing shelves and the like and an
opposing open side 17 for allowing customers to retrieve
merchandise 5A-5E from the display. Further, the frame 15 may
include vertical beams 20 positioned at each corner of the frame
15. The frame 15 may also include lateral beams 30, 40 for securing
the vertical beams 20 together. In one embodiment, each lateral
beam 30, 40 may be secured to two adjacent vertical beams 20.
Further, the frame 15 may include an upper lateral beam 30 and a
lower lateral beam 40. The lateral beams 30 may include brackets 32
for securing the frame 15 to another structure or for securing the
frame 15 to additional components of the display 10.
[0043] As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, the
multi-bay merchandising display 10 of the present invention may
also include a first lateral support bar 50. In one embodiment, the
first lateral support bar 50 may be secured to the support side 16
of a support frame 15. In another embodiment incorporating a
rectangular support frame 15, the first lateral support bar 50 may
extend transversely between two vertical beams 20', 20'' of the
rectangular frame 15. The first lateral support bar 50 may be
disposed on or adjacent to a first lateral beam 30 of the lateral
beams of the rectangular frame 15. Further, the first lateral
support bar 50 may include securing devices 55, such as brackets,
extending along a front face 52 of the first lateral support bar
50.
[0044] The multi-bay merchandising display 10 of the present
invention may further include a second lateral support bar 60. In
one embodiment, the second lateral support bar 60 may extend
parallel to and reside below the first lateral support bar 50.
Further, the second lateral support 60 bar may be secured to the
support side 16 of a support frame 15. In another embodiment
incorporating a rectangular support frame 15, the second lateral
support bar 60 may be disposed below or adjacent to a second
lateral beam 40. The second lateral support bar 60 may include
securing devices 65, such as brackets, extending along a face 62 of
the second lateral support bar 60.
[0045] The multi-bay merchandising display 10 of the present
invention may also include support channels 70. In one embodiment
of the invention, the support channels 70 may be secured to the
support side 16 of the display frame 15. In another embodiment of
the invention, the support channels 70 may each extend vertically
between the first lateral support bar 50 and the second lateral
support bar 60. As shown in FIG. 2C, each support channel 70 may be
secured at an upper end 71 to a securing device 55, such as a
bracket, of the first lateral support bar 50. Further, as shown in
FIG. 2B, each support channel 70 may be secured at a lower end 72
to a securing device 65, such as a bracket, of the second lateral
support bar 60.
[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the support
channels 70 may include apertures 75 defined along a first side 73
of the support channel 70. Additionally, apertures 76 may also
define along an opposing second side 74 of the support channel.
[0047] FIG. 2D illustrates an embodiment of a connection between
the first lateral support bar 50, the first lateral beam 30, and a
support channel 70 at the upper end 71 of the support channel 70.
In this embodiment, the first lateral support bar 50 includes a
bracket 55 for securing support channel 70, such as via a hitch pin
extending through an opening in bracket 55 and apertures 75 and 76
on each side of the support channel 70. The first lateral support
bar 50 may be disposed above first lateral beam 30 and may include
a bracket 57 disposed on its rear side. Further, the first lateral
beam 30 may include a bracket 32. Brackets 57 and 32 may secure
together using a securing device 58, such as a bolt and nut, to
secure the first lateral support bar 50 to the first lateral beam
30 and thereby the frame 15.
[0048] FIG. 2E illustrates an embodiment of a connection between
the second lateral support bar 60, the second lateral beam 40, and
a support channel 70 at the lower end 72 of the support channel 70.
In this embodiment, the second lateral support bar 60 includes a
bracket 65 for securing support channel 70, such as via a hitch pin
extending through an opening in bracket 65 and apertures 75 and 76
on each side of the support channel 70. The second lateral support
bar 60 may be disposed below second lateral beam 40 and may include
a bracket 67 disposed on its rear side.
[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of a first lateral
support bar 50 of the present invention. For example, the first
lateral support bar 50 may include a body 51 having a front face 52
and a rear face 53. Multiple spaced brackets 55 may be secured
along the front face 52 and multiple brackets 57 may be secured
along rear face 53 opposite front face 52. The body 51 may for
example form a hollow rectangular, cylindrical, or U-shaped
cross-section.
[0050] FIG. 4 illustrates an example embodiment of a support
channel 70 of the present invention. For example, the support
channel 70 may include a body 79 having an upper end 71 and a lower
end 72. The body 79 may include a first side 73 having spaced
apertures 75 defined along the first side 73. Further, the body 79
may include a second side 74 having spaced apertures 76 defined
along the second side 74. The support channel body 79 may, for
example, form a hollow rectangular, cylindrical, or U-shaped
cross-section.
[0051] FIG. 5 illustrates an example embodiment of a second lateral
support bar 60 of the present invention. For example, the second
lateral support bar 60 may include a body 61 having a front face 62
and a rear face 63. Multiple spaced brackets 65 may be secured
along the front face 62 and multiple brackets 67 may be secured
along rear face 63. The body 61 may, for example, form a hollow
rectangular, cylindrical, or U-shaped cross-section.
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 6A, 7 and 8, the multi-bay merchandising
display 10 may also include one or more shelves 80. The shelves 80
may be adjustably secured to and extend outward from the support
side 16 of the display frame 15 towards the opposing open side 17
of the display frame 15. Further, the shelves 80 may be secured to
and extend outward from the support channels 70. For example, as
shown in FIG. 6A, each shelf may be secured to at least two support
channels 70. FIG. 6B illustrates a close up view of an embodiment
of the connection between a shelf 80 and a support channel 70.
[0053] FIGS. 9 and 10A-10C illustrate an embodiment of a shelf 80
of the present invention. For example, the shelves 80 of the
present invention may each include a first end 81 and a second end
82. In one embodiment, the shelves 80 may be secured to the support
channels 70 at the first end 81. Further, the shelves 80 may each
include one or more stops, such as plates 83 at the second end 82.
The shelves 80 may each include longitudinal braces 84. In the
embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 9, each shelf may include first and
second longitudinal braces, 84' and 84'', respectively. When
installed, the longitudinal braces 84 may extend from the support
side 16 to the opposing open side 17 of the display frame 15.
[0054] Each shelf 80 may further include one or more lateral braces
85. In the embodiment of FIG. 9, each shelf may include two lateral
braces 85', 85''. The lateral braces 85 preferably extend between
the longitudinal braces 84', 84'', such as traverse between and
orthogonal to the longitudinal braces 84', 84''. The lateral braces
85 may connect multiple longitudinal braces 84. For example, as
shown in FIGS. 6A and 9, two lateral braces 85', 85'' may extend
between and connect two longitudinal braces 84', 84''. In an
alternative embodiment, a single lateral brace 85 may extend
between and connect multiple longitudinal braces 84.
[0055] Each shelf 80 may also include vertical braces 86. The
vertical braces 86 may adjustably secure the longitudinal braces 84
to the support channels 70 at the first end 81 of a shelf 80. In
the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 9, the shelves may include first and
second longitudinal braces 84', 84'', respectively, and each shelf
may include first and second vertical braces 86', 86''. The first
and second vertical braces, 86' and 86'', respectively, adjustably
secure the first and second longitudinal braces, 84' and 84'',
respectively, to a first and second support channel 70' and 70'',
respectively, at the first end 81 of a shelf 80.
[0056] In the embodiment of FIGS. 10A-10C, the vertical braces 86
may include connector posts 88, for connecting the vertical braces
86 to a support channel 70, and arcuate ramps 87, for connecting
the vertical braces 86 to the longitudinal braces 84. For example,
each vertical brace 86 may include two arcuate ramps 87' and 87'',
so that a first arcuate ramp 87' is positioned on one side of a
longitudinal brace 84' and a second arcuate ramp 87'' is positioned
on the opposing side of the longitudinal brace 84'.
[0057] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10A-10C, the vertical brace 86 and
longitudinal brace 84 of the present invention may provide a
downward angled relationship, such as of greater than 90 degrees,
so that the longitudinal braces 84 are angled downward from the
support side 16 to the opposing side 17 of a display frame 15. Such
a relationship allows for gravity feeding of merchandise from the
shelves 80 toward the front of merchandising display 10. For
example, as shown in FIG. 10C, an obtuse angle of approximately 95
degrees is created between the connector post 88 of the vertical
brace 86 and the longitudinal brace 84. Thus, the angle between the
support channel 70 and the longitudinal brace 84 of the shelf 80 is
also angled, such as at approximately 95 degrees. In one
embodiment, the angle between the support channel 70 and
longitudinal brace 84 of the shelf 80 is approximately 91 to 120
degrees. In another embodiment, such angle is approximately 93 to
110 degrees. In yet another embodiment, the angle is approximately
95 to 105 degrees.
[0058] In embodiments of the present invention wherein the support
channels 70 include apertures 75, 76 defined along each side, the
vertical braces 86 may likewise include corresponding apertures 89.
The vertical braces 86 and support channels 70 may be secured
together using a securing device, such as a nut or bolt, which
allows for moving the shelf to a desired level along the support
channel 70 (such as to accommodate various sizes and/or quantities
of products). In the embodiment of FIG. 6B, a hitch pin 95 is used
as the securing device. The hitch pin 95 may include a pin 96 that
inserts through the apertures 89 of the vertical braces 86 and the
apertures 75, 76 of the support channels 70. Further, the hitch pin
95 may include a U-connector 97 to secure the pin 96 in position. A
hitch pin 95 may be particularly useful because of the ease of
connectivity/disconnectivity with a minimal amount of tools and
parts needed to secure the shelves 80 to the display 10.
[0059] As discussed above and shown in FIG. 6A, a stop or plate 83
may be secured to each longitudinal brace 84 at the second end 82
of each shelf 80. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a first plate
83' may be secured to a first longitudinal brace 84' of a shelf 80
and a second plate 83'' may be secured to a second longitudinal
brace 84'' of the shelf 80. Preferably, the plates 83 prohibit
merchandise from falling off of the shelf 80. In one embodiment,
such as shown in FIG. 10B, the plate 83 may be angled toward the
support side 16 of the display frame 15. For example, the plate 83
may be angled 70 to 89 degrees. Alternatively, the plate 83 may be
angled 75 to 85 degrees. Yet further alternatively, the plate 83
may be angled approximately 80 degrees.
[0060] In one embodiment, such as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, a
display panel 90 may be secured to one or more plates 83.
Alternatively a display panel 90 may be secured directly to the
longitudinal braces 84. The display panel 90 may be angled similar
to the plates 83 and may be used for providing identifying
information, such as item description and price, to consumers. In
one embodiment, the display panel 90 may snap over one or more
plates 83. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12, the display panel 90
may also be secured using a securing device 92, such as a threaded
fastener, to the underside of the longitudinal braces 84. The
display panel 90, such as shown in FIG. 11, may secure over
multiple plates 83 and multiple shelves 80 of the display 10 of the
present invention. For example, in one embodiment, the display
panel 90 may extend substantially the entire width of the display
frame 15. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the display panel includes
a V-leg 93 for positioning the display panel 90 over the plates 83.
A single or multiple securing devices or techniques may be used for
securing the display panel 90 to the plates 83 and/or longitudinal
braces 84.
[0061] Preferably, when merchandise 5 is disposed on the shelves 80
of the display 10 of the present invention, such merchandise 5 may
be gravity fed towards the second end 82 of the shelves 80.
Additionally, the merchandise 5 may be stopped from falling off of
the shelves 80 by the one or more plates 83 at the second end
82.
[0062] In another embodiment of the present invention, such as
shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 13 through 17, the multi-bay
merchandising display 100 may further include a raised horizontal
shelf 200 secured to the vertical beams 120. The raised shelf 200
may be positioned approximately midway along the vertical beams
120. Alternatively, the raised horizontal shelf 200 may be
positioned approximately one-third from the bottom of the vertical
beam 120. As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 13, 14A, and 15A, the
space above the raised horizontal shelf 200 may include a first
shelf display apparatus 110 having support channels 170 and
adjustable angled shelves 180. Further, the space below the raised
horizontal shelf 200 may be open to allow for additional
merchandise 105 positioned on the ground 104. Alternatively, when a
raised horizontal shelf 200 is incorporated, an additional shelf
display apparatus 110 with support channels 170 and adjustable
angled shelves 180 may be included. In yet a further alternative
embodiment, multiple raised horizontal shelves 200 may be
incorporated for positioning merchandise 105 either below or above
the adjustable angled shelves 180.
[0063] Like the display 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, the display
apparatus 110 of the present invention shown in FIGS. 13-17 may
include a support structure such as a display frame 115 similar to
display frame 15 of FIG. 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the
frame 115 may be a rectangular frame. The display frame 115 may be
preexisting framing or may be built specifically for the shelves of
the present invention. In one embodiment, the frame 115 may include
a support side 116 for securing shelves and the like and an
opposing open side 117 for allowing customers to retrieve
merchandise 105 from the display 100. Further, the frame 115 may
include vertical beams 120 positioned at each corner of the frame
115.
[0064] The frame 115 may also have lateral beams 130, 140 for
securing the vertical beams 120 together. In one embodiment, each
lateral beam 130, 140 may be secured to two adjacent vertical beams
120. Further, the frame 115 may include an upper lateral beam 130
and a lower lateral beam 140. The lateral beams 130 may include
brackets 132 for securing the frame 115 to another structure.
[0065] As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 14A and 14B, the display
apparatus 110 of the present invention may also include a first
lateral support bar 150. In one embodiment, the first lateral
support bar 150 may be secured to the support side 116 of a support
frame 115. In another embodiment incorporating a rectangular
support frame 115, the first lateral support bar 150 may extend
transversely between two vertical beams 120', 120'' of the
rectangular frame 115. The first lateral support bar 150 may be
disposed on a first lateral beam 130 of the lateral beams of the
rectangular frame 115. Further, the first lateral support bar 150
may be similar to the first lateral support bar 50 of the display
10. For example, the first lateral support bar 150 may include a
body, having a front face 152 and a rear face, multiple spaced
securing devices, such as brackets, secured along the front face
152, and multiple spaced securing devices, such as brackets,
secured along rear face such as shown in FIG. 3. The body of the
first lateral support bar 150 may, for example, form a hollow
rectangular, cylindrical, or U-shaped cross-section.
[0066] The display apparatus 110 of the present invention may
further include a second lateral support bar 160. In one
embodiment, the second lateral support bar 160 may extend parallel
to and below the first lateral support bar 150. Further, the second
lateral support 160 bar may be secured to the support side 116 of
the support frame 115. In another embodiment incorporating a
rectangular support frame 115, the second lateral support bar 160
may be disposed below a second lateral beam 140. Further, the
second lateral support bar 160 may be similar to the second lateral
support bar 60 of the display 10. For example, the second lateral
support bar 160 may include a body, having a front face and a rear
face, multiple spaced securing devices, such as brackets, secured
along the front face, and multiple spaced securing devices, such as
brackets, secured along rear face such as shown in FIG. 5. The body
of the second lateral support bar 160 may, for example, form a
hollow rectangular, cylindrical, or U-shaped cross-section.
[0067] The display apparatus 110 of the present invention may also
include support channels 170. In one embodiment of the invention,
the support channels 170 may be secured to the support side 116 of
the display frame 115. In another embodiment of the invention, the
support channels 170 may extend vertically between the first
lateral support bar 150 and the second lateral support bar 160.
[0068] The support channels 170 may be similar to the support
channels 70 of the display 10. For example, as shown in FIGS. 14A,
14B, 15A, and 15B, the support channel 170 may include a body,
having an upper end 171, a lower end 172, a first side 173 having
spaced apertures 175 defined along the first side 173, and a second
side 174 having spaced apertures 176 defined along the second side
174. As shown in FIGS. 15A and 16, each support channel 170 may be
secured at an upper end 171 to a securing device 155, such as a
bracket, of the first lateral support bar 150. Further, as shown in
FIG. 14B, each support channel 170 may be secured at a lower end
172 to a securing device 165, such as a bracket, of the second
lateral support bar 160.
[0069] The connections between the lateral support bars 150, 160,
lateral beams 130, 140, and support channels 170 of display
apparatus 110 may be similar to those connections illustrates in
FIGS. 2D and 2E.
[0070] As shown in FIGS. 15A, 15B, 16, and 17, the display
apparatus 110 may also include one or more shelves 180. The shelves
180 may be adjustably secured to and extend outward from the
support side 116 of the display frame 115 towards the opposing open
side 117 of the display frame 115. Further, the shelves 180 may be
secured to and extend outward from the support channels 170. For
example, as shown in FIG. 15A, each shelf may be secured to at
least two support channels 170. FIG. 15B illustrates a close up
view of an embodiment of the connection between a shelf 180 and a
support channel 170.
[0071] The shelves 180 may be a similar configuration to the
shelves 80 of display 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 15A, the
shelves 180 of the present invention may each include a first end
181 for securing to the support channel 170 and a second end 182.
Further, the shelves 180 may each include one or more stops, such
as plates 183 at the second end 182. The shelves 180 may each
include longitudinal braces 184 and lateral braces 185 as discussed
herein with respect to display 10. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 15B,
each shelf 180 may also include vertical braces 186 for adjustably
securing the longitudinal braces 184 to the support channels 170 at
the first end 181 of a shelf 180 as also discussed herein with
respect to display 10. The shelves 180 may also include arcuate
ramps 187 for connecting the vertical braces 186 to the
longitudinal braces 184 as discussed herein with respect to display
10.
[0072] Similar to the shelves 80 of display 10, the shelves 180 of
display apparatus 110 may allow for a downward angled relationship,
such as discussed herein and illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10C, so that
the longitudinal braces 184 are angled downward from the support
side 116 to the opposing side 117 of a display frame 115. For
example, an obtuse angle may be incorporated between the vertical
brace 186 and the longitudinal brace 184. Such a relationship
allows for gravity feeding of merchandise from the shelves 180 to
the front of merchandising display 10.
[0073] In embodiments of the present invention wherein the support
channels 170 include apertures 175, 176 defined along each side,
the vertical braces 186 may likewise include corresponding
apertures 189. The vertical braces 86 and support channels 70 may
be secured together using a securing device, such as a nut or bolt,
which allows for moving the shelf from a first level to a second
level along the support channel 170 (such as to accommodate
differing sizes and/or quantities of products). In the embodiment
of FIG. 15B, a hitch pin 195, similar to that discussed herein with
respect to display 10, may be used as the securing device.
[0074] As discussed above and shown in FIGS. 15A and 17, a stop or
plate 183 may be secured to each longitudinal brace 184 at the
second end 182 of each shelf 180. The stops or plates 183 may be
secured to the longitudinal braces 184 in a manner similar to the
stops or plates 83 discussed herein with respect to display 10.
Preferably, the plates 183 prohibit merchandise from falling off
the front of the shelf 180. In one embodiment, such as shown in
FIG. 17, the plate 183 may be angled toward the support side 116 of
the display frame 115. For example, the plate 183 may be angled 70
to 89 degrees. Alternatively, the plate 183 may be angled 75 to 85
degrees. Yet further alternatively, the plate 183 may be angled
approximately 80 degrees.
[0075] In one embodiment, such as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, a
display panel 190 may be secured to one or more plates 183.
Alternatively a display panel 190 may be secured directly to the
longitudinal braces 184. The display panel 190 may be angled
similar to the plates 183 and may be used for providing indicia,
such as item description and price, to consumers. In one
embodiment, the display panel 190 may snap over one or more plates
183. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 17, the display panel 190 may
also be secured using a securing device 192, such as a bolt,
secured to the underside of the longitudinal braces 184. The
display panel 190, such as shown in FIG. 16, may secure over
multiple plates 183 and multiple shelves 180 of the display 110 of
the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, the display
panel 190 may extend substantially the entire width of the display
frame 115. In the embodiment of FIG. 17, the display panel includes
a V-leg 193 for positioning the display panel 190 over the plates
183. A single or multiple securing devices or techniques may be
used for securing the display panel 190 to the plates 183 and/or
longitudinal braces 184.
[0076] Preferably, when merchandise 105 is disposed on the shelves
180 of the display 100 of the present invention, such merchandise
105 may be gravity fed towards the second end 182 of the shelves
180. Additionally, the merchandise 105 may be stopped from falling
off of the shelves 180 by the one or more plates 183 at the second
end 182.
[0077] Each display 10, 100 of the present invention may be of any
shape or geometry that allows the shelves to adjust to various
placements and store merchandise. The display may be of practically
any size as long as the stability of the display is maintained. For
example, the display may have a height of approximately six feet
from the upper shelf and a width of approximately eight feet.
Alternatively, the display may have a height of approximately five
feet from the upper shelf and a width of approximately ten feet.
The display may include practically any number of shelves. In the
embodiment set forth in FIGS. 1 and 6A, the display 10 includes 32
shelves 80. Alternatively, as shown in the embodiment FIGS. 13 and
15A, the display 100 includes 12 shelves 180.
[0078] The components, such as vertical beams, lateral beams,
lateral supports, and support channels may be of any advantageous
geometry or cross-section, for example, round, rectangular, oval,
U-shaped, or elliptical. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 1,
the vertical beams each have a U-shaped cross-section.
Additionally, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the support channels
have a square cross-section. Alternatively, the support channels
may have a U-shaped cross section. Further, each of the
longitudinal braces and horizontal braces of the shelves may be of
any advantageous geometry or cross-section.
[0079] The various components of the display of the present
invention may be composed of any number of materials. For example,
the components may be composed of metal, non-metal such as plastic
or wood, or combinations of such materials. Additionally, the
various components may be of hollow or solid construction.
[0080] The number, type, spacing, and orientation of the display
design preferably maximizes the consumer appeal, stability, and
adjustability of the display while also limiting the necessary
components. Further, the design may allow for dense packing in a
small footprint while also providing an orderly arrangement of
various sized merchandise.
[0081] The display of the present invention may be formed by
determining the size of display needed and providing the
appropriately sized and quantity of components needed for forming
the multi-bay merchandise display. The components of the display
may then be joined. As merchandising needs change, the shelves may
later be easily adjusted.
[0082] The particular display as herein disclosed, illustrated, and
described is to be understood as only an embodiment of the present
invention and thus representative of the subject matter which is
broadly contemplated by the present invention. The scope of the
present invention fully encompasses other embodiments that may be
or may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and the scope of
the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other
than the appended claims. In the appended claims, reference to an
element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one"
unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one or more". All
structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the
above-described embodiment that are known or later come to be known
to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated
herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the
present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for a device to
address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present
invention for it to be encompassed by the present claims.
Furthermore, no element, component, or combination in the present
disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of
whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly
recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed
under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, sixth paragraph,
unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means
for." Absent express definitions herein, all claim terms are to be
given all ordinary and accustomed meanings that are not
irreconcilable with the present specification and the file
history.
[0083] Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the
various patent offices and the public generally, and especially the
scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not
familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine
quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the
technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is not
intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any
way.
* * * * *