COMBINED STANDING BENT SHEET DISPLAY

Abstract

A display for a group of semi-rigid to semi-flaccid sheet goods has a base, and a pair of parallel sidewalls that extend upward from the base a spaced distance from each other that is smaller than the width of the sheet goods. A plurality of channels is fixed to each sidewall so that each channel is perpendicular to the base and points toward the other sidewall at a uniform inclined angle. The angle of the channels is such that one of the sheet goods can be received between opposing pairs of the channels when curved in an arc. This arcuate presentation of the semi-rigid to semi-flaccid sheet goods ensures that the sheet goods will remain erect for an extended period of time while situated in the display.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to retail displays and particularly to displays for semi-rigid to semi-flaccid sheet goods such as chair mats and floor mats.

Semi-rigid to semi-flaccid sheet goods such as chair mats and floor mats present special challenges when it comes to presenting the goods in an attractive display that will also facilitate selection of the goods from the display by a purchaser. Desk chair mats for office and home use are well known. Such chair mats can simply be rectangular or can have a main portion on which the desk chair rolls, and a forward lip portion which is adapted to extend partially under the desk well, and on which the feet of the person sitting in the chair may rest. Desk chair mats which are to be applied over carpeting typically have short protrusions, which can be relatively sharp spikes, on the undersides thereof that hold the mats firmly in place on the carpet surface. Typical desk chair mats are of somewhat flexible, semi-rigid to semi-flaccid planar sheets of a polymeric material, such as vinyl plastic. If placed on edge, a typical desk chair mat will not remain upright, but instead will bend under its own weight, which is typically ten pounds or more. Consequently, displays of desk chair mats, and other semi-rigid to semi-flaccid sheet goods present some special challenges.

This challenge is typically addressed by the use of a hanging display that suspends the goods from a top edge so that the weight of the goods acts to maintain the goods in an essentially planar configuration. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,308,842 discloses several retail display stands that generally include a pair of vertical standards that can be braced by horizontal reinforcement rods and are supported on a pair of leg assemblies. The leg assemblies include horizontal feet and vertical extensions that are telescoped within the lower ends of standards and secured, if desired, by a conventional detent mechanism. One or more horizontal display rods are fixed generally perpendicularly to the reinforcement rod. A number of hooks are fixed to depend from the display rod to receive for display the chair mats or other sheet goods of similar character. An advertising panel can be added between the standards above the display rod. The goods can be suspended from the hooks in either a planar or folded conformation, the latter being preferred for sheet goods having large lateral dimension. The suspended goods can be removed from the hooks by a retail consumer with relative ease so long as they are capable of lifting the weight of the goods. While such displays operate quite satisfactorily in some locations, the display may become unstable due to the weight of the goods if the load on the display is not maintained in an essentially balanced presentation of the goods, which may prove to be difficult in some retail situations. This deficiency is not addressed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,694, although a different approach is provided by U.S. Pat. No. 6,942,112, which may permit a balanced presentation of goods to be more easily achieved.

Despite the various features and benefits of the structures of the forgoing disclosures, there remains a need for a more stable display of semi-rigid to semi-flaccid sheet goods such as chair mats and floor mats. In particular, there remains a need for a display of such goods that provides for a floor-supported presentation rather than a suspended presentation so as to avoid any lack of stability arising from an unbalanced presentation of the goods, particularly due to the intrinsic weight of the goods, but the semi-rigid to semi-flaccid character of the goods limits how the goods can be displayed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These several needs may be satisfied by a display for a group of semi-rigid to semi-flaccid sheet goods of uniform width. The display has a base that can be supported directly on a sales floor of a retail establishment. The base can be designed for easy handling by a conventional fork lift. A pair of parallel sidewalls is fixed to extend upward from the base a spaced distance from each other that is smaller than the width of the sheet goods. A plurality of channels is fixed to each sidewall so that each channel is perpendicular to the base and points toward the other sidewall at a uniform inclined horizontal angle. The horizontal angle of the channels is such that one of the sheet goods can be received between opposing pairs of the channels when curved in an arc, the ends of the arc being defined by the angle of the channels. This arcuate presentation of the semi-rigid to semi-flaccid sheet goods ensures that the sheet goods will remain erect for an extended period of time while situated in the display.

A second set of channels can be fixed to each sidewall so that each channel is perpendicular to the base and points toward the other sidewall at a uniform inclined horizontal angle opposite that of the first set. The second set of channels can receive a second group of the sheet goods, which can be, but need not necessarily be, identical to the first set of sheet goods.

The display can have an arcuate first wall coupling the pair of sidewalls to each other. The arcuate first wall can be coupled to the base and to parallel edges of the sidewalls to form an outwardly protruding surface. The outwardly protruding surface of the arcuate first wall is particularly suitable for receiving advertising and brand name indicia. The arcuate first wall can also act to protect any adjacent sheet goods from abrasion or other damage.

The display can have a second wall coupling the pair of sidewalls to each other. The second wall can be coupled to parallel edges of the sidewalls at an opposite end of the sidewall from the arcuate first wall. The second wall can also be arcuate and parallel to the arcuate first wall so that a plurality of the displays can be nested against each other to occupy as small a floor area as possible. Alternatively, the second wall can be arcuate and protrude outward in an opposite sense with respect to the arcuate first wall so as to provide a second outer surface suitable for receiving advertising and brand name indicia.

At least one of the first and second walls can have a vertical dimension that is smaller than the vertical dimension of the sheet goods when the sheet goods are received between opposing pairs of the channels fixed to the parallel sidewalls. This lower vertical dimension of at least one of the first and second walls provides a customer with visual contact with the goods being displayed, and may facilitate the removal of the goods from the display. The vertical dimension of the parallel sidewalls can be, but is not required to be as great as the vertical dimension of the sheet goods situated in the display. The channels attached to the parallel sidewalls can be, but are not required to be, continuous from an upper margin of the sidewall to the base.

The base can include features that can assist in ensuring the arcuate positioning of the sheet goods within the display. In particular, at least one row of upwardly opening U-shaped supports can be positioned on the base, each upwardly opening U-shaped support being adapted to receive a lower edge of one of the sheet goods. The upwardly opening U-shaped supports can be fixed to the base. Alternatively, a pad can be included on the base that is deformable by the lower edges of the sheet goods situated in the display to inhibit movement of the goods within the display.

For transport, the display can include a top that can be removed when the goods are ready for display. The top can be telescopically received over the display and goods. The top can be secured by staples, shrink-wrap, adhesives, or other fastening means. The top can include a plurality of channels similar to the channels fixed to the sidewalls of the display to inhibit movement of the goods during transport. The top can additionally include other features such as a deformable pad on an inner surface of the top to further inhibit movement of the goods.

A display for semi-rigid to semi-flaccid sheet goods can take the form of a base with a pair of parallel sidewalls fixed to the base and extending vertically upward from the base. A plurality of members can be fixed to each sidewall defining slots perpendicular to the base, with each slot being dimensioned to receive one of the sheet goods when the goods are curved in an arc, the curvature of the arc being defined by the angle between the plurality of members and the sidewall. The plurality of members can be arranged in two sets defining oppositely directed arcs bowing outward from a center portion of the display located midway between the parallel sidewalls. The display base can include a plurality of casters to permit the display to be easily moved into a desired position for retail marketing.

Other features of the present invention and the corresponding advantages of those features will become apparent from the following discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, including the best mode of practicing the present invention, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like referenced numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is top plan view of a floor-supported display for sheet goods according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a top or cover that can be used in combination with a display of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another display of the present invention containing a plurality of chair mats.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of yet another display of the present invention containing a plurality of chair mats.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of still another display of the present invention containing a plurality of chair mats.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of again another display of the present invention containing a plurality of chair mats.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another display of the present invention that can be used as a shipping container.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a top member of the display shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of yet another display of the present invention containing a plurality of chair mats.

FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of the display shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the front of the display shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the back of the display shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the front of a further display of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the back of the display shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the front of still another display of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the back of the display shown in FIG. 15.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A floor-supported display 10 for sheet goods 12 is shown in FIG. 1. The display 10 has a base 14 that can be supported directly on a sales floor of a retail establishment. A pair of parallel sidewalls 16 and 18 extends upward from the base 14. Some U-shaped channels 20 are fixed to each sidewall 16 and 18 so that each channel 20 is perpendicular to the base 14. The U-shaped channels 20 on each sidewall 16 and 18 open toward the opposite sidewall at a uniform inclined horizontal angle α. The horizontal angle α of the U-shaped channels 20 is such that one of the sheet goods 12 can be received between opposing pairs of the U-shaped channels 20 when curved in an arc as seen in FIG. 1. The linear distance X between the sidewalls 16 and 18 is smaller than the width W of the sheet goods 12 measured along the arc. The curvature of the arc is defined by the horizontal angle α of the U-shaped channels and the width W of the sheet goods 12.

An arcuate first wall 22 can couple the pair of sidewalls 16 and 18 to each other. The arcuate first wall 22 can be coupled to the base 14 and to parallel edges 24 and 26 of the sidewalls 16 and 18 to form an outwardly protruding surface 28. The outwardly protruding surface 28 of the arcuate first wall 22 is particularly suitable for receiving advertising and brand name indicia. A second wall 30 can couple the opposite parallel edges 32 and 34 of the sidewalls 16 and 18 to each other. The second wall 30 can also be arcuate and parallel to the arcuate first wall 22. The arcuate walls 22 and 30 can act to protect any adjacent sheet goods 12 from abrasion or other damage.

The base 14 can include features 36 that can assist in ensuring the arcuate positioning of the sheet goods 12 within the display 10. The features 36 can take the form of a pad 38 that is deformable by the lower edges of the sheet goods 12 situated in the display 10. Alternatively, the pad 38 can be replaced by or augmented with at least one row of upwardly opening U-shaped supports 40 positioned on the base 14, each upwardly opening U-shaped support 40 being adapted to receive a lower edge of one of the sheet goods 12.

A cover 42 is shown in FIG. 2 that can be at least partially fitted over the display with the sheet goods 12 in the display. The cover 42 is shown to include a plurality of U-shaped channels 44 similar to the U-shaped channels 20 fixed to the sidewalls 16 and 18 of the display to inhibit movement of the goods during transport. The cover 42 includes a top 46 and curved walls 48 and 50 similar in position and function to the arcuate walls 22 and 30 of the display 10. When the cover 42 is situated over the display 10, the cover 42 can be secured to the display 10 by staples, shrink-wrap, adhesives, or other fastening means.

Another form of the display 10′ is shown in FIG. 3 that can be considered as two of the display units 10 as shown in FIG. 1 joined together back-to-back. The display 10′ has a base 14 and a pair of parallel sidewalls 16 and 18 extending upward from the base 14. Some U-shaped channels 20 are fixed to each sidewall 16 and 18 so that each channel 20 is perpendicular to the base 14. The U-shaped channels 20 on a first portion 21 of each sidewall 16 and 18 open toward the opposite sidewall at a uniform inclined horizontal angle α, while on a second portion 23 of each sidewall 16 and 18, the U-shaped channels open toward the opposite sidewall at a uniform inclined horizontal angle −α. As in FIG. 1, the linear distance X between the sidewalls 16 and 18 is smaller than the width W of the sheet goods 12 measured along the arc that the sheet goods assume in the display 10′. The curvature of the arc is defined by the angle α at which the U-shaped channels are situated, and the width W of the sheet goods 12.

The display 10′ has two outwardly protruding arcuate walls 22 coupled to the opposite ends of the sidewalls 16 and 18, which can be used for advertising and brand name indicia. The arcuate walls 22 and the side walls 16 and 18 have a vertical dimension Y that is smaller than the vertical dimension H of the sheet goods 12 as shown in FIG. 3. This lower vertical dimension of the walls 16, 18 and 22 provides a customer with visual contact with the goods 12 being displayed, and may facilitate the removal of the goods 12 from the display 10′. This arcuate presentation of the semi-rigid to semi-flaccid sheet goods 12 coupled with the perpendicular orientation of the channels 20 ensures that the sheet goods 12 can remain erect for an extended period of time while situated in the display 10′.

Another form of the display 100 is shown in FIG. 4 that is similar to the display 10′ shown in FIG. 3. The display 100 can be made of sheet metal and has a base 14 supported on a plurality of casters 52. A pair of parallel sidewalls 16 and 18 extending upward from the base 14. The sidewalls 16 and 18 can include openings 54 and 56 to reduce the total weight of the display 100. Some U-shaped channels 20 are fixed to the top 58 and bottom 60 of each sidewall 16 and 18. The U-shaped channels 20 are vertically aligned to be perpendicular to the base 14. As in FIG. 3, the U-shaped channels 20 on a first portion 21 of each sidewall 16 and 18 open toward the opposite sidewall at a uniform inclined horizontal angle α, while on a second portion 23 of each sidewall 16 and 18, the U-shaped channels open toward the opposite sidewall at a uniform inclined horizontal angle −α. As in FIG. 1, the linear distance X between the sidewalls 16 and 18 is smaller than the width W of the sheet goods 12 measured along the arc that the sheet goods assume in the display 100. The curvature of the arc is defined by the angle α at which the U-shaped channels are situated, and the width W of the sheet goods 12.

The display 100 has two outwardly protruding arcuate walls 22 coupled to the opposite ends of the sidewalls 16 and 18 by a series of fasteners. The arcuate walls 22 can be used for advertising and brand name indicia and can also include openings 62 and 64, which reduce the overall weight of the display 100. The openings 62 and 64 provide a customer with enhanced visual contact with the goods 12 being displayed, and upper opening 62 may facilitate the removal of the goods 12 from the display 100. This arcuate presentation of the semi-rigid to semi-flaccid sheet goods 12 coupled with the perpendicular orientation of the channels 20 ensures that the sheet goods 12 can remain erect for an extended period of time while situated in the display 100.

Another form of the display 200 is shown in FIG. 5 that is similar to the display 10′ shown in FIG. 3 and display 100 shown in FIG. 4. The display 200 can be made of metal channels members 66 coupled together and adapted to receive sheets 68 of metal or plastic that help define the parallel sidewalls 16 and 18 as well as the two outwardly protruding arcuate walls 22 coupled to the opposite ends of the sidewalls 16 and 18. As in FIG. 5, the display 200 has a base 14 supported on a plurality of casters 52. The parallel sidewalls 16 and 18 extending upward from the base 14. Some U-shaped channels 20 are fixed to the top channel member 70 and bottom channel member 72 of each sidewall 16 and 18. The U-shaped channels 20 are vertically aligned to be perpendicular to the base 14.

As in FIGS. 3 and 4, the U-shaped channels 20 on a first portion 21 of each sidewall 16 and 18 open toward the opposite sidewall at a uniform inclined horizontal angle α, while on a second portion 23 of each sidewall 16 and 18, the U-shaped channels open toward the opposite sidewall at a uniform inclined horizontal angle −α. As in FIG. 1, the linear distance X between the sidewalls 16 and 18 is smaller than the width W of the sheet goods 12 measured along the arc that the sheet goods assume in the display 200. The curvature of the arc is defined by the angle α at which the U-shaped channels are situated, and the width W of the sheet goods 12.

The two outwardly protruding arcuate walls 22 of display 200 can be used for advertising and brand name indicia and can also include openings 62 and 64, which provide a customer with enhanced visual contact with the goods 12 being displayed. This arcuate presentation of the semi-rigid to semi-flaccid sheet goods 12 coupled with the perpendicular orientation of the channels 20 ensures that the sheet goods 12 can remain erect for an extended period of time while situated in the display 200. A standard 74 defined by upright members 76 and 78 can be located between the two portions 21 and 23 to support an additional sign 80 for advertising and brand name indicia.

Another form of the display 300 is shown in FIG. 6 that is similar to the display 10′ shown in FIG. 3, display 100 shown in FIG. 4, and display 200 shown in FIG. 5. The display 300 can be made of metal tubing 82 that can be welded together to define a base 14 supported on a plurality of casters 52. The base 14 can include a sheet 15 supported on the lower tubing member 87. Sheets 68 of metal or plastic can be fixed to upper and lower tubing members 84 and 86 to help define the parallel sidewalls 16 and 18. The two outwardly protruding arcuate walls 22 are defined by the upper and lower tubing members 85 and 87 as well as a U-shaped tubing member 88 secured to an outside portion of the arcuate walls. A sign 90 can be coupled to the U-shaped tubing member 88 for advertising and brand name indicia.

A first set of rods 92 can extend between the two upper tubing members 84 and second set of rods 94 can extend between the two lower tubing members 86 to define vertical arcuate slots for receiving the sheet goods 12. In a first portion 21, the ends of the rods 92 and 94 immediately adjacent to the tubing members 84 and 86 open toward the opposite sidewall at a uniform inclined horizontal angle α, while on a second portion 23, the ends of the rods 92 and 94 immediately adjacent to the tubing members 84 and 86 open toward the opposite sidewall at a uniform inclined horizontal angle −α. As in the previous Figures, the linear distance X between the sidewalls 16 and 18 can be smaller than the width W of the sheet goods 12 measured along the arc that the sheet goods assume in the display 300. The curvature of the arc is defined by the angle α at which the ends of the rods 92 and 94 are situated.

The open character of the tubing 82 forming the display 300 provides a customer with enhanced visual contact with the goods 12 being displayed. This arcuate presentation of the semi-rigid to semi-flaccid sheet goods 12 coupled with the perpendicular orientation of the channels defined by the sets of rods 92 and 94 ensures that the sheet goods 12 can remain erect for an extended period of time while situated in the display 300.

Another form of the display 400 is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 that is similar to display 10′, but intended to display two or more sizes of sheet goods 12. The display 400 can include a base 14 that can be positioned on a pallet 13 for convenient shipment and display of sheet goods 12. A cylindrical sidewall 17 of the display 400 and of the cooperating top member 410 is uniformly spaced from a vertical axis Z. The cylindrical sidewall 17 encompasses and supports an array of U-shaped channels 20 so that each channel 20 is perpendicular to the base 14. The arrangement of the U-shaped channels 20 is mirror symmetric across two planes A and B perpendicular to each other and passing though the vertical axis Z. The U-shaped channels 20 on a first side of plane A open toward corresponding U-shaped channels 20 on the other side of plane A at a uniform angle α, while the U-shaped channels on the other side of the plane A open toward the channels on the first side of the plane A at a uniform angle of −α. It will be appreciated that opposing pairs of the U-shaped channels 20 are not uniformly spaced from each other across the plane B. This non-uniform spacing facilitates the concurrent shipment and display of two or more sizes of sheet goods 12 in a single display 400.

In a preferred embodiment, the display 400 can have a height Y that may be little more, and is preferably less, than half the height H of the sheet goods 12 to be displayed therein. The top member 410, shown in FIG. 8 to have an internal structure similar to display 400, can be inverted over the display 400 during shipment. The display 400 and top member 410 can be secured to each other by staples, shrink-wrap, adhesive tape or other similar means. The retention of the sheet goods 12 by the channels 20 in both the display 400 and top 410 during shipment aids in the quality of appearance of the goods when displayed. Upon delivery to a retail location, the top member 410 can be quickly removed and the remaining display 400 is immediately ready for use at the retail location. With the top 410 removed, this lower vertical dimension of the cylindrical sidewall 17 provides a customer with visual contact with the goods 12 being displayed, and may facilitate the removal of the goods 12 from the display 400. This arcuate presentation of the semi-rigid to semi-flaccid sheet goods 12 coupled with the perpendicular orientation of the channels 20 ensures that the sheet goods 12 can remain erect for an extended period of time while situated in the display 400. The entire outside perimeter of the cylindrical sidewall 17 can be used for informative, advertising and/or brand name indicia.

Another form of the display 500 is shown in FIGS. 9-12 that is similar in part to display 100 shown in FIG. 4. The display 500 can be made in part of sheet metal or engineering plastics, and has a base 14 supported on a plurality of casters 52. In a first portion of the display 500, a pair of parallel sidewalls 16 and 18 extends upward from the base 14. The sidewalls 16 and 18 can include openings 54 and 56 to reduce the total weight of the display 100. A first set of U-shaped channels 20 can be fixed to the top 58 and bottom 60 of each sidewall 16 and 18. A second set of U-shaped channels 20 can be spaced inward for the sidewalls 16 and 18. The first set of U-shaped channels 20 can be formed by a first set of rods 93 while the second set of U-shaped channels 20 can be formed by a second set of rods 95. The second set of rods 91 define vertical arcuate slots for receiving the sheet goods 12 which are narrower that the arcuate slots defined by the first set of rods 93. As in the previous Figures, the linear distance X between the sets of U-shaped channels can be smaller than the width W of the sheet goods 12 measured along the arc that the sheet goods assume in the display 500. The curvature of the arc is defined by the angle α at which the ends of the rods 93 and 95 are situated.

The first portion of the display 500 has an outwardly protruding arcuate wall 22 coupled to the opposite ends of the sidewalls 16 and 18. The arcuate wall 22 can be used for advertising and brand name indicia and can also include openings 62 and 64, which reduce the overall weight of the display 500. The openings 62 and 64 provide a customer with enhanced visual contact with the goods 12 being displayed, and upper opening 62 may facilitate the removal of the goods 12 from the display 500. This arcuate presentation of the semi-rigid to semi-flaccid sheet goods 12 coupled with the perpendicular orientation of the channels 20 ensures that the sheet goods 12 can remain erect for an extended period of time while situated in the display 500.

The display 500 can also include a second portion having at least one C-shaped standard 95 having a lower end 96 and an upper end 97. A horizontal rod 98 can be fixed to the upper ends 96 to couple the upper ends 96 together so that another array 19 of sheet goods 12 can be suspended from the horizontal rod 98. The lower ends 96 of the C-shaped standards 95 can project under the suspended array 19 and can include additional casters 52 to support the weight of the suspended array 19. The horizontal rod 98 can be bowed outwardly away from the first portion of the display 500 to facilitate the selection of the goods.

Another form of the display 600 is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 that is similar in part to display 500 shown in FIGS. 9-12. The display 600 can be made in part of sheet metal or engineering plastics, and has a base 14 supported on a plurality of casters 52. A pair of parallel sidewalls 16 and 18 extends upward from the base 14. The sidewalls 16 and 18 can include openings 54, 55, and 56 to reduce the total weight of the display 600. In a first portion of the display 600, a first set of U-shaped channels 20 can be fixed to the top 58 and bottom 60 of each sidewall 16 and 18. A second set of U-shaped channels 20 can be spaced inward for the sidewalls 16 and 18. The first set of U-shaped channels 20 can be formed by a first set of rods 93 while the second set of U-shaped channels 20 can be formed by a second set of rods 91. The second set of rods 91 define vertical arcuate slots for receiving the sheet goods 12 which are narrower that the arcuate slots defined by the first set of rods 93. As in the previous figures, the linear distance X between the sets of U-shaped channels can be smaller than the width W of the sheet goods 12 measured along the arc that the sheet goods assume in the first portion of the display 600. The curvature of the arc is defined by the angle α at which the ends of the rods 93 and 91 are situated.

The first portion of the display 600 has an outwardly protruding arcuate wall 22 coupled to the opposite ends of the sidewalls 16 and 18. A second portion of the display 600 can be formed by a linear wall 25 coupled to the sidewalls 16 and 18 opposite to the arcuate wall 22. A support 27 is positioned on the base 14 between the sidewalls 16 and 18 so as to be inclined toward the linear wall 25. A plurality of sheet goods 12 can be displayed on the inclined support 27. The arcuate wall 22 and the linear wall 25 can be used for advertising and brand name indicia and can also include openings 62 and 64, which reduce the overall weight of the display 600. The openings 62 and 64 provide a customer with enhanced visual contact with the goods 12 being displayed, and upper opening 62 may facilitate the removal of the goods 12 from the display 600. The arcuate presentation of the semi-rigid to semi-flaccid sheet goods 12 in the first portion of the display 600 coupled with the perpendicular orientation of the channels 20 ensures that the sheet goods 12 can remain erect for an extended period of time. The inclined display of alternative goods 12 in the second section of display 600 can provide the customer with a wider range of goods on a single display.

Another form of the display 700 is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 that is similar in part to display 600 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. The display 700 can be made in part of sheet metal or engineering plastics, and has a base 14 supported on a plurality of casters 52. A pair of parallel sidewalls 16 and 18 extends upward from the base 14. The sidewalls 16 and 18 can include openings 54, and 56 to reduce the total weight of the display 700. The first portion of the display 700 can be constructed nearly identical to display 600. A first set of U-shaped channels 20 can be fixed to the top 58 and bottom 60 of each sidewall 16 and 18. A second set of U-shaped channels 20 can be spaced inward for the sidewalls 16 and 18. The first set of U-shaped channels 20 can be formed by a first set of rods 93 while the second set of U-shaped channels 20 can be formed by a second set of rods 91. The second set of rods 91 define vertical arcuate slots for receiving the sheet goods 12 which are narrower that the arcuate slots defined by the first set of rods 93. As in the previous figures, the linear distance X between the sets of U-shaped channels can be smaller than the width W of the sheet goods 12 measured along the arc that the sheet goods assume in the first portion of display 700. The curvature of the arc can be defined by the angle α at which the ends of the rods 93 and 91 are situated.

The first portion of the display 700 has an outwardly protruding arcuate wall 22 coupled to the opposite ends of the sidewalls 16 and 18. A second portion of the display 700 can be formed with a horizontal platform 71 located opposite to the arcuate wall 22 that can be coupled to the sidewalls 16 and 18. The horizontal platform 71 can be supported on gussets 73 extending outward from a wall 75 extending between the sidewalls 16 and 18. The base 22 of the display 700 can extend under the horizontal platform 71. An additional support 77 can extend upward from a rearward end 79 of the base 22 to the horizontal platform 71. A plurality of sheet goods 12 can be displayed on the horizontal platform 71.

The arcuate wall 22 can be used for advertising and brand name indicia and can also include openings 62 and 64, which reduce the overall weight of the display 700. The openings 62 and 64 provide a customer with enhanced visual contact with the goods 12 being displayed, and upper opening 62 may facilitate the removal of the goods 12 from the display 700. The arcuate presentation of the semi-rigid to semi-flaccid sheet goods 12 in the first portion of the display 700 coupled with the perpendicular orientation of the channels 20 ensures that the sheet goods 12 can remain erect for an extended period of time. The horizontal display of alternative goods 12 in the second section of display 700 can provide the customer with a wider range of goods on a single display.

While these features have been disclosed in connection with the illustrated preferred embodiments, other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art that come within the spirit of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A display for semi-rigid to semi-flaccid sheet goods of uniform width, the display comprising: a base, a pair of parallel sidewalls fixed to the base and spaced from each other by a distance smaller than the width of the sheet goods, a plurality of channels fixed to each sidewall perpendicular to the base so as to point toward the other sidewall at an inclined angle such that one of the sheet goods can be received between opposing pairs of the channels when curved in an arc, the ends of the arc being defined by the angle of the channels.

2. The display of claim 1, further comprising an arcuate first wall coupling the pair of sidewalls to each other.

3. The display of claim 2, further comprising a second wall coupling the pair of sidewalls to each other, the second wall being spaced from the first wall.

4. The display of claim 3, wherein at least one of the first and second walls has a vertical dimension that is smaller than the sheet goods vertical dimension when the sheet goods are received between opposing pairs of the channels.

5. The display of claim 1 or 4, further comprising at least one row of upwardly opening U-shaped supports on the base, each upwardly opening U-shaped support being adapted to receive a lower edge of one of the sheet goods.

6. A display for semi-rigid to semi-flaccid sheet goods, the display comprising: a base, a pair of sidewalls fixed to the base and extending vertically upward from the base, a plurality of members fixed to each sidewall defining slots perpendicular to the base, each slot being dimensioned to receive one of the sheet goods when the goods are curved in an arc, the curvature of the arc being defined by the angle between the plurality of members and the sidewall, the plurality of members being arranged in two sets defining arcs bowing outward from a center portion of the display located midway between the sidewalls.

7. The display of claim 6, further comprising arcuate first and second walls spaced from each other, bowing away from the center portion of the display and coupling the sidewalls to each other.

8. The display of claim 7, wherein at least one of the first and second arcuate walls has a vertical dimension that is smaller than the sheet goods vertical dimension when the sheet goods are received.

9. The display of claim 7, wherein each of the first and second arcuate walls, and the sidewalls comprise sheet metal, and a plurality of fasteners fasten the walls together at overlapping coupling points.

10. The display of claim 6, further comprising a plurality of casters fixed to the base to facilitate movement of the display from one location to another.

11. The display of claim 6, wherein the sidewalls supporting the slot defining members form a single sidewall having cylindrical surface uniformly spaced from a vertical axis, the slots being arranged in double mirror symmetry about the vertical axis.

12. The display of claim 11, wherein the base comprises a pallet.

13. The display of claim 6, further comprising at least one standard extending upward from the base to an upper end, and a horizontal rod fixed to the at least one standard upward end.

14. The display of claim 6, further comprising an inclined support fixed to the base and a wall coupled to the sidewalls to face the inclined support.

15. The display of claim 6, further comprising a horizontal platform coupled between the sidewalls and supported above the base.

16. The display of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of hangers coupled to the horizontal rod for suspending additional goods for display.

17. The display of claim 13, wherein the at least one standard comprises a pair of C-shaped standards, and a caster coupled to a lower end of each of the C-shaped standards.

18. A display for semi-rigid to semi-flaccid sheet goods, the display comprising: a base, a pair of sidewalls fixed to the base and extending vertically upward from the base, a plurality of members fixed to each sidewall defining slots perpendicular to the base, each slot being dimensioned to receive one of the sheet goods when the goods are curved in an arc, and a second display area for displaying a second set of sheet goods where the sheet goods are maintained in a substantially planar configuration.

19. The display of claim 18, wherein the second set of sheet goods is suspended from a horizontal member coupled to at least one standard fixed to the base.

20. The display of claim 18, wherein the second set of sheet goods is supported on an underlying surface that is elevated above the base and horizontally arranged in at least one direction.