US3549019A - Disposable display rack - Google Patents

Description

United States Patent inventors Gerald Wood Prairie Village, Kans.; Nelson E. Orv/lg, Sandusky, Ohio; Harvey L. Kolster, Grain Valley, Mo.; Jack E. Kahler, Overland Park, Kans. Appl. No. 781,220 Filed Dec. 4, 1968 Patented Dec. 22, 1970 Assignee Hallmark Cards, Incorporated Kansas City, Mo. a corporation of Missouri. by direct and mesne assignmentsDISPOSABLE DISPLAY RACK 9 Claims, 19 Drawlng Figs.

US.Cl 211/135, 108/111:21l/l48,21l/l77:3l2/l29,3l2/257 Int. Cl. A471 5/11 Field ofSearch 211/148,

References Cited UNITED STATESPATENTS 1/1929 Arlt 2,251,814 3/1941 Yohns .1 211/135X 2,462,321 2/1949 Holmes.. 211/123 2,642,326 6/1953 Taylorm. 52/624 2,769,551 11/1956 Just 21 1/134X 3,145,851 8/1964 Magers............. 211/148 3,149,727 9/1964 Magers 211/148 3,362,610 1/1968 Van Dyke 21 1/135)( FOREIGN PATENTS 892,642 3/1962 Great Britain 211/148 Primary Examiner- Ramon S. Britts Attorney- Fishburn, Gold and Litman PATENTEUUEBZEIBYB SHEET 1 OF 6 3,649,019

INVENTOR5. GERALD WO0D,NEL5ON E. ORWG,

HARVEY L. KOLSTER.'\4 BY IAcK E. KAHLER (at ATTORNEYS PATENTEUDEDZZIBHISHEET 2 OF 6 3,549,619

INVENTORS. GERALD WOOD, NELSON E. OPMHG,

HARVEY L. KOLSTERPM BY JACK E. KAHLER @y fiddlww Ma x/1441M ATTORNEYS PATENTEnninzzrsm SHEET 3BF 6 3.5491019 INVENTORB. GERALD WOOD, NELSON EORWIG. HARVEY L KOLSTERPM BYJ'ACK E. KAHLEFR ATTORNEYS PATENIED 00322 I978 SHEET l 0F 6 INVENTOR5. GERALD WOOD, NELBON E.ORWIG,

HARVEY L. K0LsTER,-u BY JACK E. KAHLER ATTORNEYS lgou PATENTED [H22 1970SHEET 5 OF 6 INVENTORS. GERALD WOOD, NELSON E. ORWIG,

BY HARVEY L. KOLSTERfl- MOM gym M J'ACH E. KAHLER ATTORNEYS PATENTED UEC22'I'97G SHEU 6BF 6 INVENTORS. GERALD wooo, NELSON E. ORWIG,

HARVEY 1.. KoLsTaRfl-w: BY JACK E. KAHLER m mw aoizmw ATTORNEYS DISPOSABLE DISPLAY RACK This invention relates to display stands or racks and more particularly to disposable display racks having a plurality of removable shelves.

The principal objects of the present invention are: to provide a simple, inexpensive structure for displaying articles of merchandise which is constructed of a minimum of parts and which can be quickly assembled and disassembled; to provide such a disposable display rack which is rigid and strong and of a knockdown form that may be readily assembled and disassembled without the use of tools; to provide such a disposable display rack so constructed that the major portions of articles placed therein are exposed for viewing thereof by an observer facing the rack; to provide such a rack which is made of a minimum number of parts and which is pleasing in appearance and which is provided with merchandise-receiving pockets or recesses; to provide such a disposable display rack which is particularly adapted to displaying greeting cards, wrapping material, such as wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, and the like, and party supplies such as paper napkins, plates, cups, coasters, and the like; to provide such a disposable display rack having a fold-out door and a storage shelf behind the door and below the merchandise display members; and to provide such a rack of light, simple, and inexpensive construction.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth by way of illustration and example certain embodiments of this invention.

FIG. I is a perspective view of a disposable display rack embodying features of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the disposable display rack.

FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 3-3, FIG. 2, showing arrangement of vertically spaced merchandise-supporting members.

FIG. 4 is a horizontal sectional view showing a merchandisesupporting member with portions broken away to show stif fening dowels and their mounting on laterally spaced upright support members. FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on line 5-5, FIG. 4, showing details of construction of an edge of the merchandise-supporting member.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged exploded fragmentary perspective view of an edge member for the upright support member.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view showing the edge member mounted on the upright support member.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a modified disposable display rack.

FIG. 9 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 9-9, FIG. 8, showing arrangement of merchandise supporting members.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a mounting member showing a plurality of hooks mounted thereon.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a modified disposable display rack having a fold-out door.

FIG. 12 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 12-12, FIG. I I, showing arrangement of display and storage shelves.

FIG. [3 is a partial plan view of the storage shelf and foldout door shown in the closed position.

FIG. 14 is a rear elevational view of the disposable display rack showing a rear closure panel engaging bracing members.

FIG. [5 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a sample package support member for use with the disposable display racks.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a modified display structure having a plurality of sets of vertically spaced merchandise-supporting members.

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the modified display structure showing rear closure panels.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a modified dowel for supporting the merchandise-supporting members.

FIG. I9 is a fragmentary perspective view of a filler member for the upright support members.

Referring more in detail to the drawings:

Thereference numeral 1 generally designates a disposable display rack for displaying merchandise such as greeting cards, gift-wrapping material, party supplies, and the like. Thedisposable display rack 1 has a pair of laterally spacedupright support members 2 which support opposite ends of a plurality of vertically spaced merchandise-supportingmembers 3.Cross-bracing members 4 and 5 extend between theupright support members 2 and a plurality of support andstiffening dowels 6 are mounted in edges of the merchandise-supportingmembers 3 and have opposite ends supported by theupright support members 2. Each of theupright support members 2 and each of the merchandise-supportingmembers 3 are formed of a single sheet of material folded to form the respective members.

Eachupright support member 2 has spacedpanel portions 7 and 8 joined by anedge panel 9 which extends between one edge of each of thepanel portions 7 and 8. lnwardly foldededge portions 10 and II extend inwardly from an opposite edge of the spacedpanel portions 7 and 8 respectively. The inwardly foldededge portions 10 and 11 are in engagement with each other and with their respective panel portions.

An edge-finishingmember 12 is mounted on the peripheral edges of each of theupright support members 2. Theedgefinishing member 12 is illustrated as a channel-shaped member having a web portion I4 and flanges l5 and 16 extending outwardly from opposite edges of theweb portion 14 for engaging exterior surfaces of thepanel portions 7 and 8 respectively. In the illustrated structure, the edge-finishingmember 12 is an elongate member having a slotted opening 17 adjacent one end thereof which is adapted to receive anextension 18 extending outwardly from theweb portion 14 of the other end. The edge-finishingmember 12 is mounted on the peripheral edges of the respectiveupright support member 2 with theextension 18 received in the slotted opening 17. Theextension 18 is then bent or folded to engage the exterior surface of theweb portion 14 to thereby secure the edge-finishingmember 12 in firm engagement with therespective support member 2.

The upper merchandise-supportingmembers 3 each have an upwardly directedrear portion 19 and ashelf portion 20 extending outwardly from therear portion 19. Theshelf portion 20 is substantially transverse to therear portion 19. Therear portion 19 may be vertical or may be inclined from the vertical up to 30. The support and stiffeningdowels 6 are mounted in edges of the merchandise-supporting members to provide greater shelf capacity and in the illustrated structure, arear dowel 21 is mounted in an upper edge of therear por tion 19 and a front orforward dowel 22 is mounted in a front edge portion of theshelf portion 20.

Therear portion 19 has a planarforward panel 23 and aplanar back panel 24 with atop edge panel 25 extending rearwardly from anupper edge 26 of theforward panel 23 and asloping panel 27 extending between arear edge 28 of thetop edge panel 25 and anupper edge 29 of theback panel 24. Thetop edge panel 25 and the slopingpanel 27 and a portion of theforward panel 23 form a triangular compartment having therear dowel 21 mounted therein.

Theshelf portion 20 has a planartop panel 30 extending forwardly from a lower edge 3] of theforward panel 23. Afront edge panel 32 depends from aforward edge 33 of thetop panel 30 and aninclined panel 34 extends between alower edge 35 of thefront edge panel 32 and a forward edge 36 of the planar bottom panel 37. Theshelf portion 20 has anintermediate panel 38 positioned between thetop panel 30 and the bottom panel 37. Theintermediate panel 38 extends for wardly from alower edge 39 of theback panel 24. Theintermediate panel 38 has a forward dependingedge portion 40 positioned between thefront dowel 22 and thefront edge panel 32.

A bottom merchandise-supportingmember 41 is positioned below the upper merchandise-supportingmembers 3 and has aclosure portion 42 depending from a shelf portion 43 and arear portion 44 extending upwardly from the shelf portion 43. Abottom dowel 45 is mounted in a lower or bottom edge portion of theclosure portion 42.

Theclosure portion 42 has a closureforward panel 46 extending downwardly from arear edge 47 of abottom panel 48 of the shelf portion 43. Abottom edge panel 49 extends rearwardly from alower edge 50 of the closureforward panel 46. A closure backpanel 51 engages the closureforward panel 46 and asloping panel 52 extends between arear edge 53 of thebottom edge panel 49 and a lower edge 54 of the closure backpanel 51. Thebottom edge panel 49 and the slopingpanel 52 and a portion of the closure backpanel 51 define a triangular compartment having thebottom dowel 45 mounted therein.

The upper merchandise-supportingmembers 3 and the bottom merchandise-supportingmember 41 extend between facing surfaces of the pair ofupright support members 2 and the merchandise-supportingmembers 3 and 41 each have opposite ends supported on the facing surfaces of the pair ofupright support members 3.

Therear dowel 21,front dowel 22, andbottom dowel 45 each have opposite ends engaging the facing surfaces of theupright support members 2 for supporting the respective merchandise-supporting members and for positioning same relative to the upright support members. Theupright support members 2 each have aligned elongate openings 55 in the fac ing surfaces thereof to receive and retain ends of the dowels. in the illustrated structure, the dowels are elongate cylindrical rods and each rod has an annular recess 56 adjacent each end thereof, which is received in and retained in the openings 55 in theupright support members 2. The openings 55 are illustrated as keyhold slots each having an enlargedupper portion 57 and a narrowerlower portion 58. The enlargedupper por tion 57 is sized to permit one end of therespective dowel 6 to be inserted therein and the narrowerlower portion 58 corresponds in size to the respective recess 56 whereby thedowels 6 are retained within the openings 55 and provide support for the respective portions of the merchandise-supporting members.

Thecross-bracing members 4 and are each illustrated as elongatebars having openings 59 in opposite ends thereof. Theopenings 59 are adapted to receive and retain apin 60 extending through theopenings 59 and into theedge member 12 and theedge panel 9 of theupright support members 2. Thepin 60 has anenlarged portion 61 adapted to be retained within a space between the spacedpanel portions 7 and 8.

Thepins 60 are preferably of hollow metal with theenlarged portion 61 formed of a plurality of resilient strips which are adapted to be moved radially inwardly while being inserted through therespective opening 59,edge member 12, andedge panel 9. The resilient strips then expand to retain theenlarged portion 61 of thepin 60 within the respectiveupright support member 2. The resilient strips are shaped to again move radially inwardly when therespective pin 60 is removed during disassembling of the display rack.

Preferably, theupright support members 2, the upper merchandise-supportingmembers 3, and the bottom merchandise-supportingmember 41 are formed of cardboard, corrugated paperboard, or other suitable inexpensive material which may be decorated, if desired, by color contrast, printing, lithographing, decorative veneers, or the like.

FIGS. 8 to 10, inclusive, illustrate a modifieddisposable display rack 62 particularly adapted to display gift-wrapping materials such as spools of ribbon, pretied bows, rolls of wrapping paper, and the like. The modifieddisplay rack 62 includes a bottom or lower merchandise-retainingmember 63 and an upper merchandise-retainingmember 64. A plurality of laterally spaced hooks 65 are positioned between the lower and upper merchandise-retaining members for displaying packaged items such as pretied bows, colored wrapping string, and the like.

The bottom or lower merchandise-retainingmember 63 in cludes a plurality of laterally spaced dividers 66 which are substantially parallel with a pair of laterally spacedupright support members 67. The dividers 66 form a plurality of open compartments orbins 68 for receiving elongate rolls of giftwrapping paper and the like. In the illustrated structure, the dividers 66 each have a pair of spaced projections ortabs 69 extending outwardly from a rear edge thereof which are received in and retained inslots 70 in the bottom or lower merchandise-retainingmember 63. The dividers 66 each have a portion of a forward edge thereof received in a slot 71 in the lower merchandise-retainingmember 63, as later described.

The bottom or lower merchandise-retainingmember 63 has aforward edge portion 72, abottom portion 73, and aback portion 74, to define a space for displaying merchandise. Theforward edge portion 72 is a relatively short member whereby only a small portion of merchandise displayed is obscured from view. A front dowel 75 is mounted in theforward edge portion 72 and an upper dowel 76 is mounted in an upper edge of theback portion 74 to stiffen the respective edge portions.

Theforward edge portion 72 has a front panel 77, atop edge panel 78 extending rearwardly from anupper edge 79 of the front panel 77, aninclined panel 80 extending downwardly and forwardly from arear edge 81 of thetop edge panel 78, and a rear panel 82 extending downwardly from alower edge 83 of theinclined panel 80. The front panel 77 and the rear panel 82 are in engagement and are preferably suitably secured together, as by glue.

In the illustrated structure, the slots 71 are through therear edge 81 of thetop edge panel 78 and extend into rear portions of thetop edge panel 78 and theinclined panel 80.

Thebottom portion 73 consists of upper and lower sheets orpanels 84 and 85, respectively. Theupper panel 84 extends between a lower edge of the rear panel 82 and a lower edge of theback portion 74. The lower panel 85 extends between a lower edge of the front panel 77 and a lower edge of theback portion 74. The upper andlower panels 84 and 85 are in engagement and are preferably suitably secured together, as by glue.

Theback portion 74 has aforward panel 86 and upper and lowerrear panels 87 and 87, respectively. Theforward panel 86 extends upwardly from the lower edge of theback portion 74 and atop edge panel 88 extends rearwardly from anupper edge 89 of theforward panel 86 and aninclined panel 90 extends downwardly and forwardly from arear edge 91 of thetop edge panel 88 to anupper edge 92 of the upperrear panel 87.

In the display rack illustrated, the lower rear panel 87' engages theforward panel 86 and extends upwardly from a rear edge of the lower panel 85 and a top edge panel 88' extends rearwardly from an upper edge 89' of the lower rear panel 87' and an inclined panel 90' extends downwardly and forwardly from arear edge 91 of the top edge panel 88' to an upper edge 92' of-aback panel 93. The back panel 93' engages the lower rear panel 87' and is suitably secured thereto, as by being glued thereto.

The front dowel 75 is retained within a triangular compartment formed between thetop edge panel 78, theinclined panel 80, and an upper portion of the front panel 77. The upper dowel 76 is retained within a triangular compartment formed between thetop edge panel 88, theinclined panel 90, and an upper portion of theforward panel 86 of theback portion 74 of the bottom merchandise-retainingmember 63. A back or rear dowel 94' is retained within a triangular compartment formed between thetop edge panel 88, the inclined panel 90' and an upper portion of the lower rear panel 87'.

The upper merchandise-retainingmember 64 has a plurality ofshelf portions 93, a plurality ofback portions 94, a plurality of front edge dowels 95, a merchandise-receivingrecess 96, and atop dowel 97. The upper merchandise-retainingmember 64 is formed of a single sheet of material and extends between theupright support members 67 and is supported by thetop dowel 97, the front edge dowels 95 and asupport dowel 6. The support dowel 6' supports an intermediate portion of the upper merchandise-retainingmember 64 and is positioned at the intersection of theupper back portion 94 and a forward panel 96' of the merchandise-receivingrecess 96.

In the illustrated structure, the upper merchandise-retainingmember 64 has a plurality of laterally spaceddividers 98 each having arear edge portion 99 and abottom edge portion 100 engaging and suitably secured to theback portions 94 and theshelf portions 93 respectively, as by being glued thereto.

In the illustrated structure, thehooks 65 are positioned below the upper merchandise-retainingmember 64 and are mounted on a mounting member in the form of anelongate rod 101 having opposite ends supported by theupright supporting members 67. Thehooks 65 each have adisplay portion 102 and akeeper portion 103. Thekeeper portion 103 has anupright end rod 104 engaging the mountingrod 101 and extending upwardly therefrom. Theupright end rod 104 has anupper end portion 105 which engages a rear face or surface 106 of the upper merchandise-retainingmember 64 to thereby position and support therespective hook 65. Thekeeper portion 103 also includes mounting rod-engagingmembers 107 which in the illustrated structure include a pair of laterally spacedU-shaped hooks 108 each having one end of a leg suitably secured to a connectingrod 109, as by being integral therewith. The connectingrod 109 extends transversely to thedisplay portion 102 and transversely to thekeeper portion 103 and is positioned at the intersection thereof.

FIGS. 11 to 13, inclusive, illustrate a modifieddisplay rack 110 having an upper merchandise display member or shelf 111 extending between a pair of laterally spaced substantiallyparallel support members 112 and the upper merchandise shelf 111 has a plurality of merchandise-receivingrecesses 113. The modifieddisplay rack 110 has a fold-outdoor 114 having anupper edge 115 positioned immediately below aforward edge 116 of the upper merchandise display shelf 111. Amerchandise storage shelf 117 extends rearwardly from the fold-outdoor 114. The modifieddisplay rack 110 also has aclosure member 118 positioned below themerchandise storage shelf 117 and below and rearwardly of the fold-outdoor 114.

In the illustrated structure, the upper merchandise display shelf 111 is formed of a single sheet of material folded to form the plurality of merchandise-receivingrecesses 113. Each merchandise-receivingrecess 113 has a forward edge portion 119, abottom portion 120, and arear portion 121. Each of the forward edge portions 119 extend upwardly from thebottom portion 120 of therespective recess 113 and is formed of a double thickness of material. The upper merchandise display shelf 111 has a plurality of projections ortabs 122 extending outwardly from opposite ends thereof for being received in and retained withinslots 123 in facing surfaces of theupright support members 112.

The upper merchandise display shelf 111 engages and is supported by a plurality of support dowels 122' each of which are positioned to be engaged by a lower surface of the upper merchandise display shelf 111 at the intersection of one of the forward edge portions 119 and one of thebottom portions 120. Edge dowels 123' are positioned at an upper edge of therear portion 121 of the upper merchandise-receivingrecess 113 and at a lower edge of thebottom portion 120 of the lowermerchandise receiving recess 113. The edge dowels 123' are each retained withintriangular compartments 124 formed by folding the material of the uppermerchandise display shelf 1 1 1.

The fold-outdoor 114,closure member 118, and themerchandise storage shelf 117 are formed of a single sheet of material and in the illustrated structure the fold-outdoor 114 has a forward orfront panel 124 and atop edge panel 125 extending rearwardly from an upper edge of theforward panel 124, thereby defining theupper edge 115. Aninclined panel 126 extends downwardly and forwardly from arear edge 127 of thetop edge panel 124 and a back orrear panel 128 engages thefront panel 124 and extends downwardly from aforward edge 129 of theinclined panel 126.

Themerchandise storage shelf 117 extends rearwardly from a lower edge of therear panel 128. The merchandise support shelf 111 has anupper panel 130 and alower panel 131 suitably secured together, as by being glued together.

Thetop edge panel 125, theinclined panel 126, and an space or compartment having a stiffeningmember 132 retained therein. The stiffeningmember 132 is an elongated dowel or rod which extends between opposite edges of the fold-outdoor 114. it is preferable to have arear edge dowel 133 in a triangular compartment formed in thelower panel 131 at a rear edge of theshelf 117 to increase the load-carrying capacity of theshelf 117.

Theforward panel 124 of the fold-outdoor 114 extends below the lower edge of therear panel 128 whereby a lower edge portion 134 of the fold-outdoor 114 engages a lower surface of the upper panel of themerchandise storage shelf 117 when thedoor 114 is open, thereby limiting the forward or downward movement of the fold-outdoor 114. An upper edge of theclosure member 118 is positioned rearwardly of the fold-outdoor 114, whereby the lower edge portion 134 of the fold-outdoor 114 will clear theclosure member 118 when being moved to the open position.

Theclosure member 118 has aforward panel 135 and arear panel 136. Atriangular compartment 137 is formed at a lower edge of theclosure member 118 to retain alower edge dowel 138. An upper edge dowel 139 is retained within a triangular compartmentrl40 formed at the upper edge of theclosure member 118.

In the illustrated structure, thecompartments 137 and 140 are formed by folds in therear panel 136 and theupper compartment 140 engages thelower panel 131 of theshelf 117, thereby providing additional support whereby the load-carrying capacity of the shelf is substantially increased.

Anextension 141 extends outwardly from opposite ends of therear panel 128 and is folded as at 135 whereby the fold-outdoor 114 may move between a substantially upright closed position and a substantially horizontal open position. A suitable resilient member such as anelastic band 142 is operative to bias the fold-outdoor 114 toward the substantially upright or closed position. One end of theelastic band 142 is mounted in a forward portion of theextension 141 adjacent therear panel 128 and the other end is mounted in arear edge 143 of thestorage shelf 117 whereby thedoor 114 will be urged toward the closed position except when retained in the 'open position, as by merchandise being placed thereon.

Anextension 144 extends outwardly from opposite ends of theupper panel 130 of theshelf 117 and is joined with theextension 141 at afold 145. A tab 146 is formed in facing surfaces of theupright support members 112 and is positioned to be inserted through a slot 147 in theextensions 144 to thereby position theextensions 144 to be cleared by theextensions 141 while thedoor 114 is being opened and closed.

FIG. 14 illustrates arear closure panel 150 extending between facing surfaces ofupright support members 151 and 152. Therear closure panel 150 engages thecross-bracing members 4 and 5 and is suitably supported thereon, as bytabs 153. Thetabs 153 are formed by anelongate slit 154 in therear closure panel 150 and thetabs 153 are moved outwardly from thepanel 150 to engage the bracingmembers 4 and 5.

Anupper edge 155 of therear closure panel 150 engages an upper edge of an upper merchandise-supportingmember 156 of the respective disposable display rack. Theupper edge portion 155 extends outwardly from therear closure panel 150 and is moved downwardly to engage theupper merchandisesupporting member 156. It is preferable that therear closure panel 150 be foldable, as indicated at 157, whereby therear closure panel 150 may be stored in a reduced space.

Therear closure panel 150 is adapted for use with the disposable display racks illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 13, inclusive, and is particularly adapted to provide a finished appearance to the back or rear portion of the respective display racks.

FIG. 15 illustrates adisplay member 158 adapted to be mounted on an upper merchandise-supportingmember 159 having ashelf portion 160 and arear portion 161 extending upwardly therefrom. Thedisplay member 158 has a mounting portion 162 engaging therear portion 161 and the shelf porupper portion of theforward panel 124 define a triangular 75tion 160 of the upper merchandise-supportingmember 159.

1n the illustrated structure, the mounting portion 162 is an elongate rod and has one end extending through theshelf portion 160 at the intersection with therear portion 161. A support hook 163 is mounted on the mounting portion 162 and has a pair of laterally spaced substantially L-shaped hooks 164 and 165 extending outwardly from opposite ends of an elongate connectingrod 166. The L-shaped hooks 164 and 165 and the connectingrod 166 are suitably secured together, as by being integral. The connectingrod 166 extends transversely to the mounting portion 162 and the hooks 164 and 165 are positioned to be received in and retained within notches 167 and 168, respectively, in an upper edge of the upper merchandisc-supportingmember 159.

Thedisplay member 158 includes a display portion 169 extending upwardly from the mounting portion 162 and has suitable support means mounted thereon for supporting a merchandising display, such as asample package 170. The support means is illustrated as a substantially U-shaped member 171 mounted on an upper end of the display portion 169. The U-shaped member 171 includes laterally spaced arms 172 and 173 extending outwardly from opposite ends of an elongate connectingmember 174. The arms 172 and 173 and the connectingmember 174 are suitably secured together, as by being integral.

Thedisplay member 158 is particularly adapted for mounting on the display rack illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 14, inclusive, with or without therear closure panel 150.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate adisposable display structure 175 having a plurality of laterally spaced substantially parallelupright support members 176 and a plurality of sets of vertically spaced merchandise-supportingmembers 177. Each of the sets of merchandise-supportingmembers 177 extends between facing surfaces of a pair of theupright support members 176.

Each of the merchandise-supportingmembers 177 has an upwardly extendingrear portion 178 and ashelf portion 179 extending outwardly from therear portion 178 and substantially transverse thereto. Supportingdowels 180 are formed in the merchandise-supportingmembers 177 and are received in keyhole slots 18] in facing surfaces of theupright support members 176.

Anend suppon member 182 has anexterior surface 183 which does not have the slots 181 therein and preferably has a suitable decorative veneer thereon to provide an attractive finished appearance on opposite ends of the structure. Anend support member 182 is positioned at each end of thedisposable display structure 175, thereby providing a finished appearance for opposed ends thereof. The interiorupright support members 176 have the slots 181 in eachsurface 184 thereof.

The back or rear of thedisposable display structure 175 has a rear closure panel 186 positioned adjacent therear portions 178 of the vertically spaced merchandise-supportingmembers 177. The rear closure panel 186 has a plurality oftabs 187 engaging cross-bracing members 188 and 189, and an upper edge portion 190 positioned to engage the respective upper merchandise-supportingmembers 177.

While the merchandise-supportingmembers 177 have been illustrated similar to those disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 7, inclusive, it is to be understood that display racks similar to those in FIGS. 8 to 10, inclusive, and FIGS. 11 to 13, inclusive, may be arranged in a structure similar to thedisposable display structure 175, and that thedisplay member 158 may be mounted in the respective upper merchandise-supporting members thereof, as previously described.

FIG. 18 illustrates a modifieddowel 200 having opposite ends engaging and supported by facing surfaces of the upright support members for supporting the merchandise-supporting members in the disposable display racks shown in FIGS. 1 to 17, inclusive. Each modifieddowel 200 is formed of an elongatetubular member 201 and a pair of end members 202 insertable into opposite open ends of thetubular member 201. Each end member 202 has a notch orrecess 203 adjacent one end thereof thereby defining a knob orenlarged portion 204 which is received in and retained in the openings in the panel portions of the upright support members, as previously.

described.

It is desirable to have an exterior surface of each of the end members 202 frictionally engageinterior surfaces 205 of compartments 206 formed in the respective,merchandise-supporting members by folding a single sheet of material, as previously described. In the illustrated structure, a plurality of ion gitudinally spacedannular ribs 207 extend from ashaft portion 208 of the respective end member 202. Theannular ribs 207 each have a recess or notch 209 in the peripheral surface thereof, thereby providing substantially knifelike edges to frictionally engage theinterior surfaces 205 of the compartments 206. Theannular ribs 207 are spaced from the other end of the end member 202 thereby providing a mounting pprtion of theshaft portion 208 to be inserted into the open ends of thetubular member 201. Theshaft portion 208 is sized to provide a tight fit within the respective ends of thetubular member 201, yet allow some deflection or bending thereof without pulling out of the upright support members.

FIG. 19 illustrates afiller member 210 for mounting between and engaging facing surfaces of the panel portions of the upright support members, thereby substantially increasing the resistance of the upright member support members to bending, twisting, and the like and maintaining spacing between the panel pbrtions thereof, thereby increasing the rigidity of the disposable display rack. Thefiller member 210 has a plurality of elongateplanar strips 211 in spaced substantially parallel relation, and a plurality of elongate undulatingstrips 212, each positioned between and alternately engaging facing surfaces of the adjacentplanar strips 211. The undulatingstrips 212 are suitable secured to the surfaces of theplanar strips 211, as by glue.

It is to be understood that while we have illustrated and described certain forms of our invention, it is not to be limited to these specific forms or arrangement of parts herein described and shown.

We claim:

1. A disposable display rack for displaying merchandise comprising:

a. a pair of substantially parallel upright support members, said upright support members each having a plurality of aligned elongated openings in facing surfaces thereof;

b. a plurality of vertically spaced merchandise-supporting members extending between the facing surfaces of said upright support members, said merchandise-supporting members each having an upwardly extending rear portion and a shelf portion extending outwardly from said rear portion and substantially transverse thereto, said merchandise-supporting members each being formed of a single sheet of material wherein said shelf portion has a planar top and a planar bottom panel with a front panel depending from a forward edge of said top panel and an inclined panel extending between a lower edge of said front panel and a forward edge of said bottom panel, said shelf portion has an intermediate panel positioned between said top and bottom panels, said intermediate panel has a forward depending edge portion, and said rear portion has a planar forward panel and a planar back panel with a top edge panel extending rearwardly from an upper edge of said forward panel and a sloping panel extending between a rear edge of said top edge panel and an upper edge of said back panel;

c. a bottom merchandise-supporting member having an upwardly extending rear portion and a shelf portion extending outwardly from said rear portion and substantially transverse thereto and a closure portion depending from said shelf portion, said closure portion including a closure forward panel extending downwardly from a rear edge of said bottom panel of said shelf portion and a bottom edge. panel extending rearwardly from a lower edge of said closure forward panel and a closure back panel engaging said closure forward panel and a sloping panel extending between a rear edge of said bottom edge panel and a lower edge of said closure back panel whereby said bottom edge panel and said sloping panel and a portion of said closure back panel form a compartment;

a plurality of elongated dowels supporting said merchandise-supporting members, said dowels having opposite ends supported on said facing surfaces of said upright support members, said dowels being elongated rods with each rod having a recess adjacent opposite ends thereof, said recesses being received in and retained within said openings in said upright support members, each merchandise-supporting member having a rear dowel mounted in said rear portion and a front dowel mounted in said portion, said front dowel being positioned between said forward depending edge portion of said intermediate panel and said inclined panel and said intermediate panel, said rear dowel being positioned between said top edge panel and said sloping panel and a portion of said forward panel, said bottom closure portion of said bottom merchandise-supporting member having a bottom dowel mounted therein; and

e. bracing members extending between said pair of upright support members. 2. A disposable display rack for displaying merchandise comprising:

a. a pair of substantially parallel upright support members, said upright support members each having a plurality of aligned elongated openings in facing surfaces thereof;

b. a plurality of vertically spaced merchandise-supporting members extending between the facing surfaces of said upright support members, said merchandise-supporting members each having an upwardly extending rear portion and a shelf portion extending outwardly from said rear portion and substantially transverse thereto; a plurality of elongated dowels supporting said merchandise-supporting members, said dowels having opposite ends supported on said facing surfaces of said upright support members, said dowels being elongated rods with each rod having a recess adjacent opposite ends thereof, said recesses being received in and retained within said openings in said upright support members, each merchandise-supporting member having a rear dowel mounted in said rear portion and a front dowel mounted in said shelf portion;

d. bracing members extending between said pair of upright support members;

e. an elongated display member having a mounting portion and a display portion, said mounting portion engaging said rear portion and said shelf portion of an upper one of said vertically spaced merchandise-supporting members, said display portion extending upwardly from said mounting portion;

f. a support hook mounted on said display member, said support hood engaging an upper edge of said rear portion of said upper merchandise-supporting member; and

g. support means mounted on said display portion for supporting a merchandising display.

3. A disposable display rack for displaying merchandise comprising:

a. a pair of substantially parallel upright support members;

b. a plurality of vertically spaced merchandise-supporting members extending between facing surfaces of said upright support members, said merchandise-supporting each being formed of a single sheet of material folded to form a plurality of compartments;

c. a plurality of elongated dowels having opposite ends engaging said facing surfaces of said upright support members for supporting said merchandise-supporting members, each of said dowels being an elongated tubular member received in a respective compartment in said merchandise-supporting members;

d. a pair of end members insertable into opposite ends of said tubular member, said end members engaging said facing surfaces of said upright support members, said end members each having means thereon for frictionally engaging interior surfaces of said respective compartments;

and

e. means for maintaining said pair of upright support members in said upright positions.

4. The disposable display rack as set forth inclaim 3 wherein said upright support members each are fonned of a single sheet of material and include:

a. spaced panel portions in facing relation;

b. an edge panel extending between one edge of each of said spaced panel portions;

c. inwardly folded edge portions at opposite edges of each of said spaced panel portions, said inwardly folded edge portions being in engagement with each other and with said panel portions; and

d. an edge finishing member mounted on the peripheral edges of each of said upright support members.

5. A disposable display rack for displaying merchandise comprising:

a. a pair of substantially parallel upright support members; each of said upright support members having a shell formed of a single sheet of material and includes spaced panel portions in facing relation and an edge panel extending between one edge of each of said spaced panel portions and folded edge portions at opposite edges of each of said spaced panel portions, said folded edge portions being in engagement with each other, and an edgefinishing member mounted on the peripheral edges of each of said upright support members and a filler member between and engaging facing surfaces of said panel portions;

b. a plurality of vertically spaced merchandise-supporting members extending between facing surfaces of said upright support members;

c. a plurality of elongated dowels having opposite ends engaging said facing surfaces of said upright support members for supporting said merchandise-supporting members; and

d. means for maintaining said pair of upright support members in said upright positions,

6. The disposable display rack as set forth inclaim 5 inc luda. a fold-out door below a merchandise-supporting member;

b. a merchandise storage shelf extending rearwardly from said door, said storage shelf being below said merchandise-supporting member; and

c. resilient means biasing said door toward a closed position.

7. The disposable display rack as set forth inclaim 6 wherein:

a. said display shelf is formed of a single sheet of material folded to form a plurality of merchandise-receiving recesses;

b. said fold-out door and said storage shelf are formed of a single sheet of material; and

c. said door has a stiffening member mounted in an upper edge.

8. The disposable display rack as set forth inclaim 5 wherein the display rack has an upper and a lower merchandise-supporting member, said rack including:

a. a plurality of spaced dividers mounted in said merchandise-supporting members, said dividers being substantially parallel with said facing surfaces of said upright sup port members and substantially uniformly spaced therebetween; and

b. a plurality of spaced hook members positioned between the merchandise-supporting members, said hook members each having a display portion and a mounting portion engaging the upper merchandise-supporting member.

9. The disposable display rack as set forth inclaim 5 75 wherein said filler member includes:

between and alternately engaging facing surfaces of adjacent planar strips.

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