UNIVERSAL MOUNTING BRACKET FOR MERCHANDISE DISPLAY HOOKS

Abstract

A universal mounting bracket tightly attaches display hooks having a common base to a display structure, thereby restraining movement of the display hook relative to the display structure. The mounting bracket includes a mounting member having a feature that cooperates with a complimentary feature on the common base to mount the display hook onto the mounting bracket, an engaging member for engaging the mounting member with the display structure, and a securing member for securing the mounting member against the display structure. The mounting member may include a plate with an outer periphery having a rib that is received within a groove formed in the common base in an interference fit, and the securing member may include an adjustment guide and an adjustment element configured for guided movement relative to the adjustment guide in a direction generally perpendicular to a plane defined by the plate of the mounting member.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to display hooks for supporting and displaying items of merchandise on a display structure. More particularly, the invention relates to a universal mounting bracket for tightly attaching merchandise display hooks to a display structure.

It is common practice for retailers to display relatively small, relatively expensive items of merchandise on display hooks mounted to a display structure, such as a pegboard, slat board, slatwall, wire grid or horizontal bar. The display hooks allow a potential purchaser to closely examine a product, oftentimes through transparent protective packaging, prior to purchasing the item. At the same time, the display hooks permit a retailer to stock several of the items for purchase on the display hook in a relatively small amount of lateral and vertical space. As a result, the number of products that can be displayed on the display structure is increased. The use of display hooks also improves efficiency and reduces labor costs by increasing the amount of time products are displayed before needing to be re-stocked. The relatively small size and expense of the items, however, increases the possibility that the merchandise will be stolen or maliciously removed from the display area by an unauthorized person.

A known disadvantage of conventional display hooks is that typically the base of the display hook cannot be tightly attached to the display structure. As a result, the display hook tends to move laterally and/or vertically while a product is being removed from the display hook, which can frustrate a potential purchaser. Worse yet, the display hook may be so loosely attached that the entire display hook can be easily detached from the display structure and all of the products simultaneously stolen or maliciously removed. The common type of display hook having prongs, or “pegs,” depending from the base for attaching the display hook to a pegboard is particularly susceptible to this form of theft. In many instances, the holes formed in the pegboard are oversized relative to the pegs, and thus, the display hook does not attach tightly to the pegboard. In the case of a slat board, slatwall, wire grid or horizontal bar, the display hook is oftentimes restrained from sliding movement in a lateral and/or vertical direction only by friction.

Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved display hook for supporting and displaying items of merchandise on a display structure. More particularly, there exists a need for a display hook that can be tightly attached to a display structure. There exists a specific, unresolved need for a universal mounting bracket for tightly attaching display hooks having a common base to a display structure so as to prevent movement of the display hook while a product is being removed from the display hook by a potential purchaser, and to prevent theft of the display hook and all of the products from the display structure.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aforementioned needs, objectives and advantages, as well as others that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, are provided by a universal mounting bracket for tightly attaching merchandise display hooks having a common base to a display structure. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a universal mounting bracket for attaching a display hook to a display structure including a mounting member for mounting the display hook onto the mounting bracket, an engaging member for engaging the mounting member with the display structure, and a securing member for securing the mounting member against the display structure. The mounting member includes a plate having an outer periphery configured to receive a complimentary feature of the display hook. In this manner, the mounting bracket and the display hook are substantially restrained from movement relative to the display structure.

In another aspect, a rib is formed on the outer periphery of at least one side of the plate of the mounting member and a complimentary groove is formed in an interior surface of a base of the display hook. The base of the display hook engages the mounting member such that the rib of the mounting member is received within the groove of the base of the display hook. In an exemplary embodiment, the base of the display hook is positioned over the mounting member of the universal mounting bracket and moved downwardly such that the rib is received within the groove in an interference fit.

In yet another aspect, the securing member includes an adjustment guide and an adjustment element configured for guided movement relative to the adjustment guide. The adjustment element has a free end that engages the plate of the mounting member and exerts a force against the mounting member in a direction generally perpendicular to the plate. In this manner, the plate of the mounting member is secured tightly against the display structure such that the mounting bracket is substantially restrained from movement relative to the display structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustment element is configured to receive a tool operable for moving the adjustment element in the direction generally perpendicular to the plate of the mounting member.

In yet another aspect, the universal mounting bracket further includes a locking member for locking the display hook onto the mounting bracket. The locking member includes a forward-facing surface having a hole formed therein for receiving a biased locking pin provided on the base of the display hook. The forward-facing surface may be generally parallel to the plate of the mounting member and may include an upper edge that is beveled to urge movement of the locking pin against the biasing force. The locking pin may be made of a magnetic material and a magnetic key may be provided to overcome the biasing force and thereby retract the locking pin from the hole. In this manner, the locking member and the locking pin prevent the display hook from being stolen or being removed from the mounting bracket and the display structure by an unauthorized person.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a universal mounting bracket for attaching a display hook having a common base to a display structure. The mounting bracket includes a mounting member having a feature configured to cooperate with a complimentary feature provided on the common base of the display hook to mount the display hook onto the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket further includes an engaging member for engaging the mounting member with the display structure without securing the mounting member to the display structure. The mounting bracket further includes a securing member for securing the mounting member against the display structure to thereby restrain movement of the mounting bracket and the display hook relative to the display structure.

In one aspect, the mounting member includes a plate having an outer periphery configured to receive the complimentary feature of the display hook. A rib may be formed on the outer periphery of at least one side of the plate of the mounting member and the complimentary feature of the display hook may be a groove formed in the common base of the display hook. Alternatively, the rib may be formed on the common base and the groove may be formed in the outer periphery of the plate.

In another aspect, the engaging member may include a body having at least one peg depending therefrom that is configured to be received within at least one corresponding hole formed in a pegboard display structure. The body of the engaging member may have at least one arm sized and shaped to be received within a corresponding relief formed in the plate of the mounting member. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one arm includes a pair of arms spaced apart and joined together by a crossbar sized and shaped to support a portion of the securing member thereon.

In yet another aspect, the securing member includes a stationary adjustment guide and a movable adjustment element configured for guided movement relative to the adjustment guide in a direction that is generally perpendicular to a plane defined by a plate of the mounting member. The adjustment guide has an internally-threaded portion and the adjustment element has an externally-threaded portion having a slotted head configured to receive a tool for rotating the adjustment element about its lengthwise axis. Furthermore, a mechanical stop is provided on a forward-facing surface of the plate of the mounting member for engaging a free end of the externally-threaded portion of the adjustment element.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a universal mounting bracket for tightly attaching a display hook having a common base to a pegboard display structure and thereby restraining movement of the display hook relative to the pegboard display structure. The mounting bracket includes a mounting member having a feature configured to cooperate with a complimentary feature provided on the common base of the display hook to mount the display hook onto the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket further includes an engaging member for engaging the mounting member with the display structure, the engaging member including at least one peg configured to be received within a corresponding hole formed in the pegboard display structure. The mounting bracket further includes a securing member for securing the mounting member tightly against the display structure, the securing member including an adjustment guide and an adjustment element configured for guided movement relative to the adjust guide in a direction generally perpendicular to a plane defined by the mounting member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is best understood by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a universal mounting bracket according to the present invention shown in an assembled configuration.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the universal mounting bracket of FIG. 1 shown exploded in an unassembled configuration.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the universal mounting bracket of FIG. 1 shown in the assembled configuration.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the universal mounting bracket of FIG. 3 shown exploded in the unassembled configuration.

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the universal mounting bracket of FIG. 1, the left side view being substantially identical and opposite thereto.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the universal mounting bracket of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the universal mounting bracket of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the universal mounting bracket of FIG. 1 secured to a pegboard display structure.

FIG. 9 is a left side view of the universal mounting bracket and pegboard of FIG. 8 taken in the direction indicated by line 9-9 and illustrating the universal mounting bracket mounted on the pegboard in an unsecured configuration (broken lines) and in a secured configuration (solid lines), the right side view being substantially identical and opposite thereto.

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a universal mounting bracket and a display hook having a common base configured for cooperating with the mounting bracket shown exploded in an unassembled configuration.

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the universal mounting bracket and display hook of FIG. 10 shown in an assembled configuration.

FIG. 12 is a right side view of the universal mounting bracket and display hook of FIG. 11 shown with the display hook tightly attached to a pegboard display structure, the left side view being substantially identical and opposite thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the accompanying drawing figures wherein identical reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the various views, a universal mounting bracket 20 according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-7. The mounting bracket 20 is operable for tightly attaching various merchandise display hooks having a common base to a display structure, such as a conventional pegboard, slat board, slatwall, wire grid or horizontal bar. As shown and described herein, the universal mounting bracket 20 is configured for tightly attaching display hooks to a pegboard display structure. However, the universal mounting bracket 20 may be readily configured by those of ordinary skill in the art to tightly attach various display hooks having a common base to any type of display structure, including but not limited to the examples provided herein. Regardless, the display hooks are configured for supporting and displaying items of merchandise, such as relatively small, relatively expensive consumer products (e.g. compact discs (CDs), digital video discs (DVDs), battery packs, etc.) on the display structure. The display structure and merchandise display hooks are commonly utilized by a retailer to stock multiple items on each display hook in a relatively small amount of lateral and vertical space.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 show the universal mounting bracket 20 in an assembled configuration, while FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 show the mounting bracket in an exploded unassembled configuration. The mounting bracket 20 comprises a mounting member 30, an engaging member 40 and a securing member 50. The mounting member 30 is operable for mounting a merchandise display hook (not shown) on the mounting bracket 20. The engaging member 40 is operable for engaging the mounting member 30 with the display structure (not shown). The securing member 50 is operable for securing the mounting bracket 20 on the display structure. The mounting bracket 20 may also comprise an optional locking member 60 for locking the display hook onto the mounting bracket, as will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 12.

In the exemplary embodiment shown and described herein, the mounting member 30 comprises a generally planar plate 32 having left and right opposed sides 31, 33 configured to receive a common base of any one of a plurality of different type merchandise display hooks. The configuration of the base is complimentary with the mounting member 30 so that each of the various merchandise display hooks is mountable on the universal mounting bracket 20. As a result, various merchandise display hooks having a common base are interchangeable on the same mounting member 30 without detaching the mounting bracket 20 from the display structure and replacing the mounting member with a different mounting member, or a different mounting bracket. In this manner, the type of products supported and displayed on the display structure can be easily and quickly changed, for example from battery packs to DVDs. Alternatively, products being supported and displayed on a particular type of merchandise display hook can be easily and quickly replenished by replacing an empty display hook with a fully-stocked display hook of the same type.

As shown, the plate 32 has a rib 34 extending outwardly from the periphery of the plate on at least the opposed sides 31, 33. The rib 34 may optionally extend across the top 35 of the plate 32 between the opposed sides 31, 33. Regardless, the rib 34 has a thickness that is less than the overall thickness of the plate 32. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the rib 34 is less than one-half the overall thickness of the plate 32, and the rib is positioned adjacent the outermost edge of the plate. However, the rib 34 may have any configuration suitable for receiving a complimentary feature provided on a common base of any of a plurality of different types of merchandise display hooks. The rib 34 may also be provided with one or more notches 36 (FIG. 2) for guiding the base of the display hook onto the mounting member 30 of the mounting bracket 20. When configured for use with pegboard display structure, the plate 32 further has at least one, and preferably, a pair of openings, recesses, cut-outs or reliefs 38 (FIG. 2) for receiving the engaging member 40, as will be described. The reliefs 38 may be positioned at any convenient location on the plate 32. As shown herein, the reliefs 38 are located adjacent the periphery of the plate 32 opposite the top 35 in order to facilitate receiving the engaging member 40.

In the exemplary embodiment shown and described herein, the engaging member 40 comprises a generally U-shaped body 42 (FIG. 1) having a prong or peg 44 depending vertically upward from each end of the body. The pegs 44 are configured to be received within corresponding holes formed in a conventional pegboard display structure in a known manner. As shown, the pegs 44 have a circular cross-section. However, the pegs 44 may have any configuration suitable for being received by a corresponding feature provided on the display structure. For example, the pegs 44 may be sized and shaped to be received within openings, recesses, cut-outs or reliefs provided on a conventional slat board, slatwall, wire grid or horizontal bar display structure. Regardless, the body 42 of the engaging member 40 has at least one, and preferably, a pair of horizontally-disposed, laterally-spaced arms 46 that are sized and shaped to be received within the reliefs 38 formed in the plate 32 of the mounting member 30. The arms 46 are spaced apart and joined together by a horizontally-disposed, laterally extending crossbar 48 (FIG. 2). The crossbar 48 is sized and shaped to support a portion of the securing member 50 thereon, as will be described.

In the exemplary embodiment shown and described herein, the securing member 50 comprises a stationary adjustment guide 52 and a movable adjustment element 54. The adjustment guide 52 is configured to be operably disposed between the crossbar 48 of the engaging member 40 and an adjustment arm 37 extending forwardly from the plate 32 of the mounting member 30. In particular, the adjustment guide 52 is restrained from vertical movement by the crossbar 48 and the adjustment arm 37, while being restrained from lateral movement by the opposed arms 46 of the engaging member 40. The adjustment element 54 is movable relative to the adjustment guide 52 in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the plane of the plate 32 of the mounting member 30 to adjust the position of the plate along the arms 46 of the engaging member 40. As a result, the distance (i.e. gap) between the plate 32 and the vertically extending pegs 44 of the engaging member 40 can be reduced to position the plate 32 tightly against the display structure.

As shown, the adjustment guide 52 has an internally-threaded portion 51 (e.g. a nut) and the adjustment element 54 has an externally-threaded portion 53 (e.g. a screw) having a slotted head 55 configured to receive a tool for rotating the adjustment element about its lengthwise axis. Furthermore, a mechanical stop 39 (FIG. 7) may be provided on the forward-facing surface of the plate 32 for engaging the free end of the externally-threaded portion 53 of the adjustment element 54. However, the adjustment guide 52 and the adjustment element 54 may be any components suitable for exerting a force on the plate 32 of the mounting member 30 that results in movement of the plate relative to the display structure in the direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the plate. For example, the adjustment element 54 may be a spring-loaded piston or plunger and the adjustment guide 52 may include means for alternately retaining and releasing the spring-loaded plunger from engaging the plate 32 so as to tightly press the mounting member 30 against the display structure.

FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 illustrate the manner in which a universal mounting bracket 20 according to the present invention may be mounted on a conventional pegboard display structure, indicated generally herein by the reference character PB. FIG. 8 shows the universal mounting bracket 20 in a secured configuration on the pegboard PB. FIG. 9 illustrates the universal mounting bracket 20 in both an unsecured configuration, indicated by broken lines, and the secured configuration, indicated by solid lines. It should be noted that only the mounting member 30 and the adjustment element 54 of the securing member 50 need to be moved between the unsecured configuration and the secured configuration. All other elements of the mounting bracket 20 remain in substantially the same position in the secured configuration and the unsecured configuration. In particular, the plate 32 of the mounting member 30 and the adjustment element 54 move in the direction indicated by the double-headed arrow in FIG. 9, which is generally perpendicular to the plane of the plate and the plane of the pegboard PB, while the engaging member 40 and the adjustment guide 52 of the securing member 50 remain essentially stationary.

In operation, the pegs 44 of the engaging member 40 are inserted into corresponding holes, indicated generally herein by the reference character H, formed through the pegboard PB in well known manner. As shown, the pegs 44 are inserted through laterally-spaced holes H in the pegboard PB. However, the pegs 44 may be inserted through vertically-spaced holes H, or even through diagonally-spaced holes H, as necessary depending on the desired orientation of the display hook or the orientation of the pegs 44 relative to the plate 32 of the mounting member 30. Regardless, the mounting member 30 is positioned on the engaging member 40 with the arms 46 of the engaging member disposed within the reliefs 38 formed in the plate 32 of the mounting member such that the pegboard PB is disposed between the pegs 44 and the plate 32. The adjustment element 54 of the securing member 50 is then moved relative to the adjustment guide 52 towards the pegboard PB (in the direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the plate 32 of the mounting member 30) to exert a force against the plate. In this manner, the plate 32 of the mounting member 30 is pressed tightly against the pegboard PB such that the mounting bracket 20 is substantially restrained from movement relative to the display structure.

FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 illustrate the manner in which various merchandise display hooks, indicated generally herein by the reference character DH, may be tightly attached to a display structure using a universal mounting bracket 20 according to the present invention. The various merchandise display hooks DH are each provided with a base B having a channel or groove G formed in an interior surface thereof for receiving the rib 34 of the mounting member 30. The groove G is formed in at least one, and preferable both, lateral sides of the base B and is sized to engage the rib 34 in a removable interference fit. As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the groove G alternatively can be formed in the periphery of the plate 32 of the mounting member 30 and the rib 34 formed on the interior surface of the base B. Regardless, the rib 34 and the complimentary groove G cooperate to securely attach the display hook DH to the universal mounting bracket 20. The mounting bracket 20 is referred to herein as “universal” since it is configured to mount various display hooks DH having a common base B onto the mounting member 30. By virtue of the interference fit with the mounting member 30, the display hook DH is substantially restrained from lateral, vertical, horizontal and rotational movement relative to the mounting bracket 20 and the pegboard display structure.

In the event that security against theft of the entire display hook DH is desired, the universal mounting bracket 20 may further comprise an optional locking member 60. FIG. 12 illustrates the manner in which the display hook DH may be locked to the universal mounting bracket 20. As best shown in FIG. 8, the locking member 60 comprises a forward-facing surface 62 that extends upwardly from the top 35 of the plate 32 of the mounting member 30 in the direction of the display hook DH. The locking member 60 further has an opening, recess or hole 64 formed in the forward-facing surface 62 and extending in the direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the plate 32 of the mounting member 30. The hole 64 is configured (i.e. sized and shaped) to receive a biased locking pin LP extending rearwardly from the base B of the display hook DH. As the base B is positioned over the mounting bracket 20 and moved downwardly onto the mounting member 30, as indicated by the solid arrow in FIG. 10, the locking pin LP rides over the forward-facing surface 62 against a biasing force and is subsequently biased into the hole 64. The locking pin LP, for example, may be biased by a conventional coil spring that generates the biasing force so that locking the display hook DH onto the mounting bracket 20 is entirely mechanical and is accomplished automatically as the display hook is mounted onto the mounting bracket.

If desired, the forward-facing surface 62 may be generally parallel to the plate 32 of the mounting member 30 and may include an upper edge that is beveled to urge movement of the locking pin LP against the biasing force. Furthermore, the locking pin LP may be provided with a gripping surface external to the base B for retracting the locking pin from the hole H to release the display hook DH from the mounting member 30 of the mounting bracket 20. However, in an exemplary embodiment, the locking pin LP is made of a magnetic material, such as metal, and a magnetic key MK is provided for retracting the locking pin against the biasing force. The magnetic key MK and the free end of the locking pin LP (or an opening, recess or hole formed in the base B adjacent the free end of the locking pin) may each have a proprietary complimentary shape (e.g. a “D” shape) to prevent the display hook DH from being unlocked and removed using an available tool having a magnetic tip. Regardless, the locking member 60 and the locking pin LP cooperate to lock the display hook DH on the universal mounting bracket 20, and thereby prevent the entire display hook and the merchandise supported and displayed thereon from being stolen or removed from the display structure by an unauthorized person.

The foregoing has described exemplary embodiments of a universal mounting bracket for tightly attaching various merchandise display hooks having a common base to a display structure. In the embodiments shown and described herein, the mounting bracket includes a mounting member for mounting the display hook onto the mounting bracket, an engaging member for engaging the mounting member with the display structure, and a securing member for securing the mounting member tightly against the display structure. The mounting member includes an outer periphery configured to receive a complimentary feature provided on a common base of the display hook in an interference fit. In this manner, the mounting bracket and the display hook are substantially restrained from movement relative to the display structure.

While exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications thereto can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation. In particular, it will be appreciated that a universal mounting bracket and a display device having a common base in accordance with the present invention may be applicable for use with various items of merchandise, including but not limited to consumer electronic products, now known or hereinafter devised, without departing from the spirit and scope of any appended claim.

Claims

1. A universal mounting bracket for attaching a display hook to a display structure comprising: a mounting member for mounting the display hook on the mounting bracket;an engaging member for engaging the mounting member with the display structure; anda securing member for securing the mounting member against the display structure;wherein the mounting member comprises a plate having an outer periphery configured to receive a complimentary feature of the display hook such that the mounting bracket and the display hook are substantially restrained from movement relative to the display structure.

2. The universal mounting bracket according to claim 1, wherein a rib is formed on the outer periphery of at least one side of the plate of the mounting member and a complimentary groove is formed in a base of the display hook.

3. The universal mounting bracket according to claim 2, wherein the base of the display hook engages the mounting member such that the rib of the mounting member is received within the groove of the base of the display hook.

4. The universal mounting bracket according to claim 3, wherein the rib of the mounting member is received within the groove of the base of the display hook in an interference fit.

5. The universal mounting bracket according to claim 1, wherein the securing member comprises an adjustment guide and an adjustment element configured for guided movement relative to the adjustment guide.

6. The universal mounting bracket according to claim 5, wherein the adjustment element has a free end that engages the plate of the mounting member and exerts a force against the mounting member in a direction generally perpendicular to the plate.

7. The universal mounting bracket according to claim 6, wherein the adjustment element is configured to receive a tool operable for moving the adjustment element in the direction generally perpendicular to the plate.

8. The universal mounting bracket according to claim 1, further comprising a locking member for locking the display hook onto the mounting bracket.

9. The universal mounting bracket according to claim 8, wherein the locking member comprises a forward-facing surface having a hole formed therein for receiving a biased locking pin provided on the base of the display hook.

10. The universal mounting bracket according to claim 9, wherein the forward-facing surface is generally parallel to the plate of the mounting member and comprises an upper edge that is beveled to urge movement of the locking pin against a biasing force.

11. The universal mounting bracket according to claim 10, wherein the locking pin is made of a magnetic material and a magnetic key overcomes the biasing force to thereby retract the locking pin from the hole.

12. A universal mounting bracket for attaching a display hook having a common base to a display structure, the mounting bracket comprising: a mounting member having a feature configured to cooperate with a complimentary feature provided on the common base of the display hook to mount the display hook onto the mounting bracket;an engaging member for engaging the mounting member with the display structure without securing the mounting member to the display structure; anda securing member for securing the mounting member against the display structure to thereby restrain movement of the mounting bracket and the display hook relative to the display structure.

13. The universal mounting bracket according to claim 12, wherein the mounting member comprises a plate having an outer periphery configured to receive the complimentary feature of the display hook.

14. The universal mounting bracket according to claim 13 wherein a rib is formed on the outer periphery of at least one side of the plate of the mounting member and the complimentary feature of the display hook is a groove formed in the common base of the display hook.

15. The universal mounting bracket according to claim 12, wherein the engaging member comprises a generally U-shaped body having at least one peg depending therefrom that is configured to be received within at least one corresponding hole formed in a pegboard display structure.

16. The universal mounting bracket according to claim 15, wherein the body of the engaging member has at least one arm sized and shaped to be received within a corresponding relief formed in the plate of the mounting member.

17. The universal mounting bracket according to claim 16, wherein the at least one arm comprises a pair of arms spaced apart and joined together by a crossbar sized and shaped to support a portion of the securing member thereon.

18. The universal mounting bracket according to claim 12, wherein the securing member comprises a stationary adjustment guide and a movable adjustment element configured for guided movement relative to the adjustment guide in a direction that is generally perpendicular to a plane defined by a plate of the mounting member

19. The universal mounting bracket according to claim 18, wherein the adjustment guide has an internally-threaded portion and the adjustment element has an externally-threaded portion having a slotted head configured to receive a tool for rotating the adjustment element about a lengthwise axis, and wherein a mechanical stop is provided on a forward-facing surface of the plate of the mounting member for engaging a free end of the externally-threaded portion of the adjustment element.

20. A universal mounting bracket for tightly attaching a display hook having a common base to a pegboard display structure and thereby restraining movement of the display hook relative to the pegboard display structure, the mounting bracket comprising: a mounting member having a feature configured to cooperate with a complimentary feature provided on the common base of the display hook to mount the display hook onto the mounting bracket;an engaging member for engaging the mounting member with the display structure, the engaging member comprising at least one peg configured to be received within a corresponding hole formed in the pegboard display structure; anda securing member for securing the mounting member tightly against the display structure, the securing member comprising an adjustment guide and an adjustment element configured for guided movement relative to the adjust guide in a direction generally perpendicular to a plane defined by the mounting member.