FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention pertains generally to display structures that support product samples. More particularly, the present invention relates to tiered structures for supporting and displaying planar objects, such as flooring samples.
BACKGROUND
Retail displays typically are free standing or counter supported structures that support products in a high density exposure. The problem with the prior art structures is that they are often designed for a specific product and are often not adjustable or combinable to accommodate product changes or display arrangements.
The preferred solution to the above problem is to have display components that are combinable to produce displays that vary according to the displayed product and are combinable to make larger display units.
SUMMARY
The present solution to the above problem provides flexible display components that are combinable to produce displays that vary according to the displayed product and are combinable to make larger display units. The flexibility of the present overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing an adjustable display structure with variable display sizing and spacing of the displayed product.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a fully constructed modular display according to one embodiment;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the components that form the display assembly of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 illustrates a fully constructed display having more than one display module;
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the components that form a two module display;
FIG. 5 illustrates one form of a product-securing element;
FIG. 6 illustrates another form of a product-securing element;
FIG. 7 illustrated another form of a product-securing element that has projections for securing the element to the display module;
FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative modular display based on a wedge shaped base; and,
FIG. 9 illustrates a product securing element for use with the wedge shaped base of FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the display module 10 has multiple components 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 that form a single display for multiple product samples 24. In this configuration the side panels or walls 12 and 14 are the mirror images of each other so that the series of apertures 22 in the panels are opposite each other. The front and rear horizontal panels or rails, respectively 16 and 18, vary according to the width needed for displaying the desired product samples 24.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the components of the modules are illustrated in more detail. Each side panel 12 and 14 has a plurality of apertures or attachment points 22 for connecting horizontal panels 16 and 18 and the product securing elements 20. In the preferred construction, the vertical panels 12 and 14 are preferably made from wood or a similar material the will accept a mechanical fastener, such as screws or tacks, and the product securing elements 20 are fastened to the vertical panels 12 and 14 with a mechanical fastener, such as a screw. The fastener is preferable connected to the respective projection 43, see FIGS. 5 and 6. The product securing elements are preferably symmetric about their centerline so they can be used on either side panel. However the product securing elements 20A and 20B do have some difference as will be detailed below.
With reference to FIG. 3, the display 100 has modules 100-1; 100-2; 100-3; and 100-4. Modules 100-1; 100-3; and 100-4 have virtually identical widths but the module 100-2 is narrower and has a display placard that is secured to the sides of the display members. The vertical panels 12 and 14 are identical; however, the front and rear horizontal panels that are varied to achieve the desired width of the modules. The product securing elements 20 are as previously described herein. The adjacent modules can be assembled with blind fasteners; for example, the fastener can have a threaded end that secures to one panel and a second end that connect with a press fit to the adjacent panel. Alternatively, a barrel nut and bolt arrangement or a cam connector may be used to joint panels.
With reference to FIG. 4, there is shown an exploded view of the components that can be assembled into a multiple module display. The display 100 is assembled much like the display 20 using the same components as display 10. However, display 100 uses the interior side 14 for both modules. If a third module is desired, it would be constructed in the same manner with a shared interior side wall.
Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the presently preferred product securing elements 20A and 20B have slightly different configurations. The lead edge 40 product securing element is the same for both securing elements 20A and 20B and most of the securing slots 42 are the same. However, the trailing edges 50 and 60 of securing elements 20A and 20B are different. Trailing edge 50 has a ledge 52 that results in the trailing edge 50 being opened or only half of product securing slot 42. The leading edge 54 of securing elements 20b is a projection that complements the ledge 52 so that they form a complete product securing slot 42. The product securing elements 20A and 20B can be molded as a continuous length; however, it is currently believed that segments provide greater flexibility in assembling display modules.
Still with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, each slot 42 is comprise of forward wall 44, a rear wall 46 and a bulbous or inwardly disposed arcs or curvatures that form the recessed bottom 48 that interconnects the wall. The arc of the bottom recess has a radius that is more than half of the slot 42 so that there is a recessed area formed under the walls. This recess forms a product nesting area that both holds the product and allows the product to move forward and back in a flipping fashion. An additional advantage of the current solution over the prior art is its ability to control horizontal movement of the products so they are retained neatly within the display
The product securing element 40 is constructed with a vertical wall 42, a corrugated strip or ribbon 44 that defines the depth 46 of the product securing slots 42 and a dependent base 48. The base 48 is presently preferred for additional strength with heavier products, but it can be eliminated if the strength requirement is limited.
With reference to FIG. 7, the product securing element 240 is constructed in one piece with a plurality of projections 243 that are configured and sized to be pressed into receiving apertures in side panels 12 and 14, and the product is retained in slots 248.
With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the illustrated display 300 is a single module comprised of a base 320 and a plurality of product securing elements 340. With reference to FIG. 8, the base 320 has a plurality of parallel attachment points or apertures 324 that extend along the outer edges, and, alternatively, a third plurality of parallel attachment points 324 can be provide in the center of the base 320 to accommodate products having a narrower width.
With respect to FIG. 9, a preferred product securing element 340 is illustrated. The product securing element 340 is preferably molded in a desired length with at least four product receiving slots 348. The base 248 preferably has a plurality of passive connector, like molded pegs or projections 343 that are dimension for a press fit in the apertures 324 of base 320. Alternatively, they can be attached with mechanical fasteners that are inserted through the base.
Patent Application
20180279808
