US20060207955A1

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Info

Publication number: US20060207955A1
Application number: US11/081,195
Authority: US
Inventors: Jeffrey Ouyang; Thomas Conway; John Feeney
Original assignee: Cormark Inc
Current assignee: Cormark Inc
Priority date: 2005-03-16
Filing date: 2005-03-16
Publication date: 2006-09-21

Abstract

A vertical display unit for mounting to a vertical post of an associated structure that has apertures formed therein. First and second brackets include fastening mechanisms that are used to fasten the spine to the brackets and securing mechanisms that are used to secure the brackets to the associated structure. The brackets include first and second spacers that are positioned between the spine and the associated structure so that a portion of the spine is spaced from a portion of the associated structure. Any combination of first and second wings or spine attachments are attached to the spine. Wing attachments may also be fastened to the first and second wings. The wing attachments, first and second wings, and/or the spine attachments can accommodate goods to be displayed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a vertical display unit that is configured to display products, advertisements and other goods. The vertical display unit is mounted to and spaced from an associated structure.

Signs, and more particularly, point-of-purchase sign or display systems can, when properly designed, be tremendously effective marketing tools. The systems have become widely popular in all manners of retail trade.

In one common use, signs are mounted to shelving systems that permit loading of pallets and palletized items onto the shelves. These are commonly referred to as pallet racks. These arrangements permit the storage of large items and large amounts of items on each of the shelves. However, the shelves do not typically lend themselves to the mounting of point-of-purchase displays units or signs.

Many known display units and signs are permanently or semi-permanently affixed to the shelves and are hung above or below horizontal bars of the shelving systems. While these display units function well to direct a consumer's attention to the particular products, they do not permit ready access to the shelves to, for example, restock the shelves or retrieve items therefrom. This, of course, is particularly true of those display units that are permanently or semi-permanently affixed to the shelves.

To address this problem, known mounting systems for signs were developed. These include those disclosed in Padiak et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,633 entitled “Pivotal, Two-Position Locking Side Mounting System” and Conway et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,420 entitled “Universal Side Mounting Device”. Another known mounting system is disclosed in Conway et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,988 entitled “Bias-Assisted Sign Mount”. All of these patents are commonly assigned to the present applicant and are incorporated herein by reference.

All of these systems function well. In fact, they provide one or more mounting arrangements that are used to position a sign in a particular, desired orientation and position that is effective for point-of-purchase marketing. The systems in one or more forms permit fully rotating or pivoting the sign out of the way, from a display position to a storage position, to restock the shelves over or behind which the signs are located. However, one drawback to these systems is the inability to mount to vertical beams, while at the same time providing consumer accessible storage for products.

In addition, other known systems do not allow for aesthetically mounting the signs over horizontal rack beams while permitting product storage. It has been found that the horizontal beams, including the beams on which the shelves are positioned, can extend slightly outwardly from the vertical uprights or posts, preventing the mounting of signage and/or storage displays. Alternately, the horizontal beams overlie openings into which the display unit and sign mounts must be inserted. As such, the signs may not lie flush with the rack. This is an aesthetically undesirable situation.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a point-of-purchase display unit that can be positioned in a particular, desired position. Such a system permits positioning the display unit on vertical beams or posts of the associated structure and provides accessible product storage.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a vertical display unit that is mounted to an associated structure and, in one embodiment, to a pallet rack. In one embodiment, the display unit comprises a spine that is attached to a vertical post of a pallet rack by an offset bracket. This desirably allows users to adjust the vertical position of the display unit by moving it up and down the vertical post and forwardly offsets the spine to permit the spine to overlie the horizontal beam. In this manner, products displayed in the unit are aligned with products on the associated structure or pallet rack. Further, by positioning the display unit on the vertical post, access to the associated structure or pallet rack is substantially unimpeded, allowing customers to access the rack. Different product display unit assemblies that hold and/or display products can be attached to the spine.

In a first embodiment, the product display unit assembly comprises one or more spine attachments that are attached to the spine and desirably accommodate a wide variety of different products, literature and other goods. Two adjustable wings may also be attached to the spine, and their lateral position may be adjusted inward or outward depending on the good to be displayed. Advertisement boards may be inserted into outside lateral faces of the wings to increase marketing exposure.

In a second embodiment, the product display unit assembly comprises the two adjustable wings and wing attachments, such as front panels and a bottom. The wing attachments are attached to the adjustable wings, and the adjustable wings are attached to the spine. The front panels and bottom are attached to the wings to form an enclosure. Goods may then be placed within the enclosure.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, in conjunction with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The benefits and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of the vertical display unit having hook type spine attachments;

FIG. 2 is rear perspective view ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view ofFIG. 1 showing the spine overlying a horizontal beam;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view showing a bracket cooperating with the spine and a vertical post;

FIG. 4ais the exploded view ofFIG. 4 as seen from the rear;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the vertical display unit having stackable ring and bottom panel type spine attachments;

FIG. 5ais a perspective view of the stackable ring and bottom panel type spine attachments;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the vertical display unit having bin type spine attachments;

FIG. 7 is a second embodiment of the vertical display unit having a bottom that comprises of a base; and,

FIG. 8 is a second embodiment of the vertical display unit having a bottom that comprises of shelves.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated.

It should be further understood that the title of this section of this specification, namely, “Detailed Description Of The Invention”, relates to a requirement of the United States Patent Office, and does not imply, nor should be inferred to limit the subject matter disclosed herein.

The present invention pertains to a vertical display unit that is mounted to an associated structure and, in one embodiment, to a pallet rack. In one embodiment, the display unit comprises a spine that is attached to a vertical post of a pallet rack by a bracket.

In a first embodiment, the vertical display unit comprises one or more spine attachments that are attached to the spine and desirably accommodate a wide variety of different products, literature and other goods. For example, the spine attachments include hooks, stackable rings and bottom panels, and bins that are attached to the spine. Different goods may then be displayed by sliding them onto the hooks, such as windshield wipers, batteries, and other goods that are attached to cardboard backing having holes formed within the top. The holes are slid over the hooks. Goods such as cables and the like may be placed in an enclosure formed by the stackable rings and bottom panels. Informational pamphlets, goods packaged in squeezable tubes, cardboard boxes, and aerosol cans and a variety of other goods may be placed within the bins. Two adjustable wings may also be attached to the spine, and their lateral position may be adjusted inward or outward depending on the product to be displayed.

In a second embodiment, the vertical display unit comprises the two adjustable wings and wing attachments, such as front panels and a bottom. The wing attachments are attached to the adjustable wings. The adjustable wings are attached to the spine and their lateral position may be adjusted inward or outward, depending on the product to be displayed. The front panels and bottom are attached to the wings to form an enclosure. Goods may then be placed within the enclosure.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of thedisplay unit10 having aspine12, which is mounted to a vertical post V of a pallet rack by two brackets14 (FIG. 4). Thespine12 may be comprised of plastic or metal depending on the goods G to be displayed. Spine attachments15, such as the hooks16 shown inFIG. 1, are attached to thespine12. In other embodiments, different spine attachments15, such as stackable rings18 and a bottom panel20 (FIG. 5) or bins22 (FIG. 6) may be attached to thespine12. Goods G may be hung from the hooks16 or placed within the stackable rings18 orbins22 for display.

The hook16 type spine attachments15 comprise ahook rack24 having afront face26 andnumerous pegs28, as shown inFIG. 1. In other embodiments, the hook type spine attachment may simply comprise one peg that is attached to the spine. The hooks16 include afastening mechanism30 for fastening the hook to thespine12. As shown inFIG. 1, one type offastening mechanism30 comprises aU-shaped brace32 integral with twoinward points34. Theinward points34 are inserted intoapertures36 formed within thespine12, and theU-shaped brace32 provides structural support to allow the hook16 to support goods G of differing weights.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the material, shape and design of thefastening mechanism30 may be modified to accommodate the desired products to be placed onto the hooks. For example, thefastening mechanism30 may comprise upward or downward facing clasps38,40, or may comprise theU-shaped brace32 having apertures formed therein. Fasteners F may be inserted through the brace's apertures and the spine'sapertures36 to fasten the hook16 to thespine12. In yet other embodiments, thefastening mechanism30 of the spine attachments15 may comprise any combination of the fastening mechanisms provided and/or may cooperate withlateral openings58 formed in thespine12.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2, twoadjustable wings44 are attached to thespine12 by fasteners F are positioned on opposite sides of the hook16 (not shown inFIG. 2). Thewings44 includeouter faces46 that includechannels48 that receive advertisements A (FIG. 3), which may be slid into the channels. The advertisements A positioned on the outer faces46 increase the aesthetic appeal of the

display unit

10,88 and attract customers walking down the aisle of a store by increasing lateral visibility of the

display unit

10,88. Note that in other embodiments not shown, there need not be adjustable wings attached to the spine. In other embodiments the inner surface of the adjustable wings may include grooves or a ledge on which the hooks may rest to provide greater support. In yet other embodiments, the adjustable wings may be transparent, or comprised of plastic or metal depending on the desired marketing objective.

The spine includes a plurality ofapertures36 formed therein, and thewings44 include a plurality ofarms50 having laterally spacedholes52 formed therein, as shown inFIG. 1. In one embodiment, the lateral position of theadjustable wing44 with respect to thespine12 may be adjusted by attaching thearm50 to thespine12 at different laterally spaced holes52. In a preferred embodiment, left and

right sides

54,56 of thespine12 includelateral openings58 that are aligned withgrooves60 formed on a rear face62 of thespine12. Thearms50 are slid through thelateral openings58 and fit within thegrooves60, as shown inFIG. 2. A fastener F is then inserted through theapertures36 and holes52 of thespine12 andarm50, respectively.

In one embodiment, thespine12 is mounted to the vertical post V or beam by abracket14. One embodiment of abracket14 is shown inFIGS. 4 and 4ahaving a securing mechanism64 comprising legs66 that are integral withleg plates68. The securing mechanism64 is inserted through an aperture VA formed within the vertical beam or post V, as shown inFIG. 2. Note that the legs66 of the securing mechanism64 are inserted through horizontally adjacent apertures VA formed within the vertical beam or post V. In other embodiments not shown, the securing mechanism may comprise one leg that is inserted through one aperture of the vertical beam.

Thebracket14 includes a fastening mechanism70, which comprises a sleeve72 in theleg plate68 in the embodiment shown inFIG. 4. Fasteners F are inserted throughspine apertures36 and into the fastening mechanism70 of thebracket14 to fasten thespine12 to thebrackets14 and the vertical post V. Note that in other embodiments, the fastening mechanism70 of the bracket may comprise structures other than the sleeve72 shown inFIG. 4.

Theleg plates68 are integral with aspacer76, having aspacer body78 and spacer plate80. As shown inFIG. 3, when attached to thespine12, thespacer76 spaces thespine12 from the vertical beam V so that the spine is substantially parallel to and spaced from the vertical beam. This allows for the spine to lie parallel to the vertical beam V, overlying the horizontal beam H to prevent resting in a crooked or askew manner.

In a most preferred embodiment, thespacer76 includes a spacer protrusion82 that cooperates with thegrooves60 in the rear62 of thespine12, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 4a. The spacer protrusion82 andgrooves60 in the rear62 of thespine12 desirably identify a location on the rear of the spine at which the bracket64 should be attached. Thespine grooves60 and the spacer protrusion82 also decrease the susceptibility of thespine12 to slip with respect to the brackets64 when items, especially heavy items, are added or removed from thedisplay unit10,100.

Note that in other embodiments not shown, the securing mechanism is separate from the spacer, which comprises the spacer plate integral with the spacer body. The spacer plate includes an aperture, and the fastener is inserted through the front aperture of the spine, the aperture of the spacer plate, and into the fastener receiving tube. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the bracket may be comprised of plastic or different types of metal depending on the desired products to be supported by the display unit.

FIG. 5 shows a first embodiment of thedisplay unit10 having stackable ring18 type spine attachments15 that includefastening mechanisms30. The stackable ring18 embodiment shown inFIG. 5 incorporates afastening mechanism30 that comprises upward pointing clasps38. The clasps38 are inserted through theapertures36 orlateral openings58 of thespine12. The embodiment ofFIG. 5 further includes abottom panel20 havingfastening mechanisms30, which, preferably, also are upward pointing clasps38. The upward clasps38 are inserted through the spine apertures36.

Note that the type offastening mechanism30 may be modified depending on the structural support required to display different products P inserted into the stackable ring/bottom panel enclosure. For example, in other embodiments, the stackable rings may include downward clasps, a back surface having a fastening mechanism that comprises a U-shaped brace integral with inward points, a U-shaped brace with apertures formed therein for cooperating with fasteners, or any combination thereof. Further, the adjustable wings may be used with the stackable rings in other embodiments not shown.

In other embodiments, thefastening mechanism30 may comprise twotab apertures84 formed within atab86 protruding from thebottom panel20 or the stackable ring18, as shown inFIG. 5a. Fasteners F are inserted through theapertures84 of the stackable ring and/orbottom panel18,20 and into thespine12.

FIG. 6 shows a first embodiment of thedisplay unit10 havingbin22 type spine attachments15. Thebins22 are attached to thespine12 by fasteningmechanisms30. Thebin22 embodiment ofFIG. 6 incorporatesfastening mechanisms30 that comprisetabs84 havingtab apertures86 formed therein. Fasteners F are inserted through the tab and

spine apertures

84,86. In other embodiments, thefastening mechanism30 cooperates with either thelateral openings58 orapertures36 of the spine and may comprise, for example, aU-shaped brace32 integral withupward points34, aU-shaped brace32 with apertures formed therein, upward or downward clasps38,40, or any combination thereof.

The shape and size of thebins22 andfastening mechanism30 may be adjusted depending on the goods G to be displayed. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the embodiments shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 may also include adjustable wings.

FIG. 7 shows asecond embodiment88 of the display unit comprisingadjustable wings44 and wing attachments90. In the embodiment ofFIG. 7, the wing attachments90 include front panels92 that are attached to theadjustable wings44. The front panels92 include wing attachment fastening mechanisms94 that cooperate withapertures96 formed within theadjustable wings44 and, in the embodiment ofFIG. 7, the wing attachment fastening mechanism94 includes downward clasps40 that are inserted into theadjustable wing apertures96.

The embodiment ofFIG. 7 also includes a bottom98 comprising a base100 that is either attached to thespine12, theadjustable wing44 or both by abottom fastening mechanism102. One embodiment of thebottom fastening mechanism102 includes aflange104 extending from alateral side105 of the base. Theflange104 preferably defines aclip106 at its end. Theadjustable wing44 includes achannel48 formed on itsoutside face46. Thechannel48 is slid into theflange104, and theclip106 of the flange slides through awing aperture96 to lock thewing44 to the base100. Goods G may be positioned within the enclosure formed by the front panel92 and base100, theadjustable wings44 and thespine12.

In other embodiments, thebottom fastening mechanism102 comprises a slot, a protrusion, or both formed in the base, and a slot, protrusion or both formed in the adjustable wing. Either the base protrusion is inserted into the adjustable wing slot, or the adjustable wing protrusion is inserted into the base slot, or both. In other embodiments, the bottom fastening mechanism may include two apertures formed within the base, and fasteners are inserted through the base apertures and the spine apertures to fasten the base to the spine.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 8, the bottom100 comprises shelves108, each attached to theadjustable wing44 by abottom fastening mechanism102. Thebottom fastening mechanism102 ofFIG. 8 comprises theflange104 andclip106 and cooperates with achannel48 on theadjustable wing44.

As shown inFIG. 8, an advertising insert A may be inserted over portions of thespine12 to achieve increased marketing exposure. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that such advertising inserts may be used in conjunction with any of the embodiments shown in any of the Figures.

All patents referred to herein, are hereby incorporated herein by reference, whether or not specifically done so within the text of this disclosure.

In the present disclosure, the words “a” or “an” are to be taken to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference to plural items shall, where appropriate, include the singular.

From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover all such modifications as fall within the scope of the disclosed, exemplary embodiment.

Claims

1. A vertical display unit for mounting to a vertical post of an associated structure, the vertical post having apertures formed therein, the display unit comprising:

a spine including a plurality of apertures formed therein;

a first bracket including a first securing mechanism coupled to a first spacer and a first fastening mechanism;

a second bracket including a second securing mechanism coupled to a second spacer and a second fastening mechanism, wherein the first and second securing mechanisms cooperate with the apertures of the vertical post so that the brackets are secured to the spine and the first and second fastening mechanisms cooperate with fasteners to fasten the spine to the brackets, wherein the first and second spacers are positioned between the spine and the associated structure so that a portion of the spine is spaced from a portion of the associated structure and the spine is substantially parallel to the vertical post;

a spine attachment fastened to the spine by a spine attachment fastening mechanism, wherein the spine attachment is configured to accommodate goods to be displayed on the display unit.

2. The vertical display unit ofclaim 1, wherein the first securing mechanism is integral with the first fastening mechanism and the first spacer, and wherein the second securing mechanism is integral with the second fastening mechanism and the second spacer.

3. The vertical display unit ofclaim 1, wherein the first securing mechanism is integral with the first fastening mechanism and separate from the first spacer, and the second securing mechanism is integral with the second fastening mechanism and separate from the second spacer, wherein fasteners cooperate with the first and second fastening mechanisms to fasten the first and second spacers to the first and second securing mechanisms.

4. The vertical display unit ofclaim 1, wherein the first and second securing mechanisms further comprise first and second legs, the first and second legs being inserted through the apertures of the vertical post.

5. The vertical display unit ofclaim 1, further comprising first and second wings having first and second sets of wing arms, wherein the first and second sets of arms are fastened to the spine.

6. The vertical display unit ofclaim 5, wherein the first and second sets of wing arms include holes formed therein, fasteners being inserted through the wing arm holes and the spine apertures to attach the wing arms to the spine.

7. The vertical display unit ofclaim 1, wherein the spine attachment fastening mechanism further comprises a U-shaped bracket.

8. The vertical display unit ofclaim 7, wherein the spine attachment fastening mechanism further comprises two inward points, the inward points being inserted into the spine apertures to fasten the spine attachment to the spine.

9. The vertical display unit ofclaim 7, wherein the spine attachment fastening mechanism further comprises a plate having apertures formed therein, fasteners being inserted through the plate apertures and the spine apertures to fasten the spine attachment to the spine.

10. The vertical display unit ofclaim 1, wherein the spine attachment fastening mechanism further comprises clasps, the clasps being inserted into the spine apertures to fasten the spine attachment to the spine.

11. The vertical display unit ofclaim 1, wherein the spine attachment fastening mechanism further comprises a portion of the spine attachment having apertures formed therein, fasteners being inserted through the spine attachment apertures and the spine apertures to fasten the spine attachment to the spine.

12. The vertical display unit ofclaim 1, wherein the spine attachment comprises at least one of: a hook, a bin, or a stackable ring.

13. A vertical display unit for mounting to a vertical post of an associated structure, the vertical post having apertures formed therein, the display unit comprising:

a spine including a plurality of apertures formed therein;

first and second wings having first and second sets of wing arms, wherein the first and second sets of arms are fastened to the spine;

a wing attachment fastened to the first and second wings by a wing attachment fastening mechanism, wherein the wing attachment cooperates with the first and second wings and the spine to accommodate goods to be displayed on the display unit.

14. The vertical display unit ofclaim 13, wherein the first and second sets of wing arms include holes formed therein, fasteners being inserted through the wing arm holes and the spine apertures to attach the wing arms to the spine.

15. The vertical display unit ofclaim 13, wherein the spine further comprises a rear having grooves formed therein, the wing arms being inserted in the grooves.

16. The vertical display unit ofclaim 13, wherein the wing arm attachment further comprises a front panel.

17. The vertical display unit ofclaim 16, wherein the wing arm attachment further comprises a bottom.

18. The vertical display unit ofclaim 17, wherein the bottom further comprises a base or shelves.

19. The vertical display unit ofclaim 17, wherein the bottom includes a bottom fastening mechanism, and wherein the bottom fastening mechanism cooperates with the spine to fasten the base to the spine.

20. The vertical display unit ofclaim 17, wherein the bottom includes a bottom fastening mechanism, and wherein the bottom fastening mechanism cooperates with the first and second wings to fasten the bottom to the first and second wings.