FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a merchandise display system using a lattice panel and a plurality of hardware removably secured to the lattice panel for hanging or otherwise supporting the merchandise from the lattice panel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a merchandise display system comprising a lattice panel comprising a plurality of equally spaced and parallel front members joined to a plurality of equally spaced and parallel rear members and hanging hardware removably secured to the lattice panel. The front and rear members are disposed diagonally in first and second directions, respectively, thereby defining adjacent diamond shaped openings. Each hardware includes a support member to operably support an article to be displayed from the panel. Each hardware includes a hanging member having a base portion and hook portions. The support member includes an end portion attached to the base portion; and the hook portions each includes an L-shaped member having a horizontal portion and a vertical portion, where the horizontal portion is disposed to sit at a bottom portion of a respective diamond shaped opening, and the vertical portion is disposed to engage a surface of a respective one of the rear members.
The present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a merchandise display system made in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a merchandise display system made in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 3 is fragmentary perspective of a lattice panel used in the present invention.
FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of hanging hardware made in accordance with the present invention.
FIGS. 6 and 7 are front and rear views, respectively of the hanging hardware of FIG. 4 shown secured to the lattice panel of FIG. 3.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A merchandise display system 2 made in accordance with the present invention is disclosed in FIGS. 1 and 2. The system 2 comprises at least a lattice panel 4 and a plurality of hanging hardware 6 removably secured to the panel 4 in a manner that will be described below. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the lattice panel 2 is shown attached to an existing wall 8. A frame 10 may be added around the periphery of the panel. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the system 2 is a freestanding fixture, such as a box structure having four walls made of the lattice panel 4.
Referring to FIG. 3, the lattice panel 4 is made of a plurality of front members 12 equally spaced and parallel to each other, and a plurality of rear members 14 equally spaced and parallel to each other. The front and rear members 12 and 14 are joined to each other at an angle, preferably at 90°, to form square, diamond-shaped openings 16. The lattice panel 4 is preferably made of extruded plastic, in which case the front and rear members 12 and 14 are unitary.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, each hardware comprises a support member 18, which may be in the form of a rod 20 or shelf bracket 22. Other forms or shapes of the member 18 may be used. The member 18 is attached to a hanging member 24 having a base portion 26 and L-shaped hook portions 28. The base portion 26 is preferably planar to provide a large bearing surface that spans two adjacent front members 12 for greater stability. Each hook portion 28 includes a horizontal portion 30 and a vertical portion 32 attached to the base portion 26. The hanging member 24 is preferably formed from sheet metal or other suitable material, such as plastic of sufficient strength to carry the intended load.
Referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the hook portions 28 of each hardware are configured such that the horizontal portions 30 sit at the bottom of a respective diamond-shaped opening 16 and the vertical portions 32 bear against the respective rear members 14. Preferably, the members 12 and 14 have parallel front surface 34 and opposite rear surface 36 to provide bearing surfaces for the base portion 26 and the vertical portions 32.
Each diamond-shaped opening 16 is advantageously wide at center to allow easy insertion of the vertical portions 32, and narrows toward the bottom as in a V to advantageously provide a narrowing of the distance along a horizontal between two intersecting members 12 and 14 to provide a seat with side-to-side stability for the horizontal portions 30.
The merchandise display system 2 may also be used for trade show exhibits, tool organizers, garage wall organizers, closet organizers, etc.
While this invention has been described as having preferred design, it is understood that it is capable of further modification, uses and/or adaptations following in general the principle of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to the essential features set forth, and fall within the scope of the invention or the limits of the appended claims.
Patent Application
20070090067
