EP0262374A1

EP0262374A1 - Products display fixture system

Info

Publication number: EP0262374A1
Application number: EP87112118A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Robert Peterson
Original assignee: Ready Metal Manufacturing Co
Current assignee: Ready Metal Manufacturing Co
Priority date: 1986-08-22
Filing date: 1987-08-20
Publication date: 1988-04-06
Also published as: AU7716987A; CN87105767A; KR880002486A; JPS63111817A

Abstract

A product supporting and display system for providing interchangable and uniformly dimensioned parts which cooperate to form free standing or wall mounted shelf units, panel support structures, and display case and show case units, which can be interspersed in a retail store environment while maintaining the design continuity of the entire system. A basic support structure (10) is adapted to mount brackets (82) of various configuration which support shelving (64) at horizontal or vertical angles, and at several angles in between. Special forms of the brackets and shelves combine to form counter and showcase units, utilizing the same basic support structure (10).

Description

The present invention relates to a fixture system for supporting products for retail store display, and in particular to a multi-use fixture system comprised of uniformly dimensioned and configured interchangable elements which allow the construction of a retail store fixture system tailored to specific product display needs, and at the same time produces a continuity in design and aesthetics between the different elements of the system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The retailing of consumer products throughout the world has evolved into the presentation of goods in department, mass merchandising, convenience and specialty stores, among others, where products are displayed on long rows of multi-tiered shelving and in display counters and showcases. The cost of retailing these products has been greatly reduced by the reduction of sales personnel in the sales area, leaving the product packaging and the manner of display to advise the consumer of what is in the packaging, what the product's attributes are, and why the consumer should purchase the product. Therefore, an important aspect of consumating a retail sale is to display products in an attractive and appealing manner, such that the shelving supporting the products does not interfer with, and may even not be apparent to, the casual observation of a shopper. Also, the shelving and counters must fit into the retailing concept of the store, and produce a continuity of design and flow which results in an overall attractive ambiance.
Presently available store fixturing units are of several kinds. Wall units support shelves from uprights attached to perimeter or internal walls of the store. Free-standing shelving units are arrayed in most mass-merchandising stores, for example, to provide aisles in which goods are displayed and along which consumers shop. Counters are dispersed throughout the retail area for the display of more expensive goods, for cash handling stations, and wrapping functions, for example. Heretofore, there has been no readily available single system of shelving which furnishes wall-supported units, free-standing units, and counter of showcase units, including accessories, which are uniformly designed, have an aesthetic flow between varying display units, and may be altered to fit particular retailing requirements without distorting the continuity of design. Further, the above features have not been available in a shelving system which is simple to construct, which ships compactly from manufacturer to retail store outlet, and which provides the option to customize a portion of the shelving system to meet specific needs.
Certain presently available store fixturing units consist of vertical support structures from which brackets and shelving attached to the brackets are hung. Cross members may be attached between the vertical support structures, but only for the purpose of maintaining the vertical supports in an upright position, and not for the purpose of providing any load bearing or structional function to keep the rectangular configuration of the support structure. For this purpose, existing fixture units utilize back panels connected to the vertical support structures, whereby the force lines directed diagonally across the panel form the triangulation necessary to maintain the required rigidity of the system.
Therefore, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a single, coordinated, uniform system of wall-hung shelving, free-standing display units, and, counter unit sub-systems, with accessories, which assemble to provide a customized yet aestheticly pleasing total display system for consumer products.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a shelving and counter product display system which eliminates the need for a back panel connected to a pair of vertical sup port structures to maintain the system in its rectangular configuration, by providing horizontal brace elements which, with the vertical support structures to which they are connected, create a self-contained, structurally sufficient, support unit.
Yet another object of the present invention to provide a versatile shelving and counter retail product display system which embodies simplicity of design, and includes uniformly designed and dimensioned structural elements which are interchangable between sub-systems whereby different sub-systems may be grouped together with retention of overall continuity of aesthetics.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a retail shelving and counter system which is easy to assemble, contains pieceparts which pack compactly for ease of shipment as modular units from manufacturer to retail outlet, and which are totally non-combustible.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a shelving and counter product display system which results in high product visability, maximum use of available space, strength, and a design where the fixtures appear to disappear behind the displayed products.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a shelving and counter system including shelves which are reversable and are adapted to be mounted on brackets of varying kinds whereby the shelves can be mounted at different angles, resulting in easier viewing of products on the lower shelves.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a system of shelving and wall display elements which may be interchanged on the same unit, or alternated from one unit to the next without forfeiture of continuity of design.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above objects are provided in the present invention which, in the broad embodiment, includes a shelving and counter system having hollow slotted vertical support elements, bracket elements removably attached to the vertical support elements and having variously angled shelf mounting flanges, horizontal support elements such as shelving or counter platforms attached to the brackets for cantilever support from the vertical support elements, and uniformly horizontally extending spacer elements extending between adjacent vertical support elements. In separate embodiments, the vertical support elements can be attached directly to a wall or to supportive base members. The base member and vertical support junction may form either an L configuration or an inverted T configuration. The shelving elements adaptable for use in all embodiments include one long and one short leg, intersecting at right angles to each other. Depending upon the type of merchandise to be displayed, either the long or short shelf leg directly supports the product. To support heavier merchandise, stiffener elements are adapted to be supported by the shelf mounting brackets directly beneath the shelf. The system includes accessories such as graphics display holders, panel mounting elements in lieu of shelf elements, and baskets adapted to be mounted to the brackets to display smaller merchandise. The base unit and vertical support elements are also adapted to support a counter or showcase combination, which may also include shelving in conjunction therewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects of the present invention are provided by the various embodiments of the present invention which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the base members, hollow slotted vertical support elements, and horizontal spacer elements forming a basic unit of an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a detail view of one of the horizontal spacer elements of FIG. 1;
FIG. 2F is a modified embodiment of the horizontal brace member of FIGS. 1 and 2, bent at an angle at its approximate midsection;
FIG. 3 is an exploded detail view of the manner of attachment between the base elements and the vertical support elements of an embodiment of the present invention wherein the base elements and vertical supports form an inverted T configuration;
FIG. 4 is an exploded detail view of the manner of attachment between the base elements and the vertical support elements of another embodiment of the present invention wherein the base elements and vertical supports form an L configuration;
FIG. 5 is a detail view of the end of the base elements, showing how the metal sheet is folded over to form a decorative end closure;
FIG. 6 illustrates the mounting of an additional embodiment of a vertical hollow slotted support element of the present invention directly to a wall to form a wall shelf unit;
FIGS. 7 and 8 are illustrative of two types of shelf elements used in the present invention;
FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 illustrate shelf and graphic support brackets of varying horizontal lengths;
FIG. 12 is an elevation view of one embodiment of a shelf support bracket used to support shelving and other elements from the vertical support elements, illustrating the different lengths and forward angular configurations of the brackets;
FIG. 13 is an elevation view of the bracket of FIG. 12, showing how one of the shelf units of either FIGS. 7 or 8 is mounted to the angled forward face of the bracket;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a horizontal shelf support bracket used to support a shelf in a flat or horizontal position;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another bracket adapted to hold a shelf in a horizontal or flat position, such as in library form of a shelving unit;
FIG. 16 is an exploded view of a library type shelf assembly utilizing the bracket of FIG. 15 and the shelving element of FIG. 7;
FIG. 17 is an elevation view of the bracket of FIG. 15, illustrating how the shelf of FIG. 7 is mounted to the bracket;
FIG. 18 is a detail exploded perspective view showing how the bracket of FIG. 14 supports a stiffening element;
FIG. 19 is a perspective partial view of a graphics holder or channel, used to affix signage to the shelf and counter unit of the present invention;
FIG. 20 is an elevation view of the brackets used to mount the signage holders or channels to the vertical support elements, showing the signage held in the channels;
FIG. 21 illustrates how the brackets of FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 are installed in the hollow slotted vertical support elements of FIGS. 1 and 6;
FIG. 22 is an exploded view showing the attachment of a basket accessory to the mounting bracket of FIG. 12;
FIG. 23 is a detail view of a means for mounting product display perforated panels to the vertical support elements of FIG. 1 in one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 24 is a perspective detail view of a panel mounting bracket used in conjunction with the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 23;
FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective partial view of the base and cover elements forming one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 26 is an elevation view of the embodiment of the invention of FIG. 25, showing the relative positions of the vertical support elements, shelving elements, and base and cover elements of FIG. 25;
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention utilizing the wall mounted vertical support element of FIG. 6, the shelf brackets of FIGS. 12, 13, and the shelf units of FIG. 8;
FIG. 28 is a section view of one of the shelves of FIG. 27 showing the means of mounting the shelf and its support bracket to a hollow slotted support element;
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a shelving unit similar to that shown in FIG. 27, but m ounted on free standing vertical support elements;
FIG. 30 is a sectional view of an alternate manner of incorporating a signage holder in the present invention;
FIG. 31 is an exploded view of the elements comprising a display counter or showcase constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
FIGS. 31A and 31B are section views of a side panel element and shelf element, respectively, used in the embodiment of FIG. 31; and
FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a display counter or show case utilizing the teachings of the present invention, incorporating vertical support elements rising above the top level of the counter or showcase to provide additional shelving capacity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated one of the basic structural unit configurations comprising the present invention, the free standing support structure 10. The support structure 10 includes base members 12 which are adapted to rest on a floor or other support structure of a retail or other merchandise display and sale facility. A pair of hollow, slotted vertical support elements 14 extend through apertures 16 in base members 12 (FIG. 3) and are welded or otherwise suitably attached to the base members. The bottoms of vertical support elements 14 extend through apertures 16 far enough to reach the bottoms base members 12, to provide added support for the vertical support elements 14. A plurality of vertically oriented slots 18 are provided in opposite faces 20 of vertical support elements 14 to accept hooks attached to shelf-mounting brackets and brackets for attaching other elements of the presently-described system, as will be explained.
To provide rigidity to basic structural unit 10, a pair of horizontal spacer elements 22 extend between a pair of vertical support elements 14. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, spacer elements 22 comprise inverted U-shaped channel members having two pairs of hooks or tabs 24 at either end which are adapted to be inserted into corresponding pairs of slots 26 on the upper and lower portions of vertical support elements 14. Slots 26 are provided on the opposite faces 28 of vertical support elements 14. The number of horizontal spacer elements used in a particular support structure 10 depends upon the height of the unit. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, two horizontal spacer elements 22 are required, however slots 26 are provided between the spacers 22 in the event it becomes desireable to add another spacer.
Spacer elements 22 combine with vertical support elements 14 to create a firm structural unit which maintains its rectangular configuration under load, and prevents the support structure 10 from wobbling, by creating a self-contained support unit which does not depend upon back panels or other cross members to preserve the load-bearing and shape integrity of the support structure. This allows the spacer elements 22 to be installed to vertical support elements 14 at different heights, this allowing structural support units 10 of different heights to be placed adjacent units of varying heights to complete a unified fixture run of several different heights.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the ends of horizontal spacer elements 22 are provided with downwardly extending flanges 30 formed from an extension of one side 32 of the channel forming the spacer element. FIG. 2 illustrates in phantom how the flange 30 is formed and bent downward at the end of the horizontal spacer element 22. A portion of flange 30 extends beneath the lower edge of spacer element 22, and includes an aperture 34 therethrough. Aperture 34 is adapted to align itself with a corresponding aperture in face 28 of a vertical support element 14 when each horizontal spacer element 22 is connected to the vertical support elements by extending hooks 24 through slots 26. In the preferred e mbodiment, a plastic fastener is inserted through aperture 30 and into the corresponding aperture in vertical support element 14, which fastens the horizontal brace 22 to the vertical support 14 and prevents the horizontal brace from becoming dislodged if an upward force is accidentially applied to the horizontal brace 22.
The present invention contemplates the use of horizontal spacer elements 22ʹ (FIG. 2A) which are bent at their midsection 23 at a forty five degree angle, or other suitable angle if desired. Use of several of these angled spacer elements 22ʹ on the free standing support structure 10 shown in FIG. 1 enables a basic structural unit constructed in accordance with the present invention to continue in a plane at forty five degrees, or some other suitable angle, to the next adjacent support structure 10. Wedge shaped shelf pieces (not shown) are adapted to be mounted to brackets and to extend between the vertical support structures 14 which are connected to both ends of angled spacer elements 22ʹ.
FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein a modified base member 36 is attached at one end thereof to a vertical support element 14, such that the junction between the base member 36 and vertical support 14 forms an L configuration as contrasted to the inverted T configuration of the support structure illustrated in FIG. 1. A slot 38 is formed in one end of base member 36, and the lower end of vertical support element 14 is inserted into and welded or otherwise suitably attached to the base member. It has been discovered that if shelving or other display elements, as will be described, are attached to only one side of a free standing support structure 10, the L-shaped base of FIG. 4 is sufficient to adequately support the structure 10. Where it is desired to suspend shelving from both sides of the support structure, the inverted T base of FIG. 1 is more desireable.
FIG. 5 is a detail view of the outer end of one of the base members 12, illustrating how the end of the channel element forming the base member is cut and folded in a triangular fashion at 39 to provide a cosmetic finish to the end of the base member 12. An aperture 40 extends through the upper and lower portions of the ends of base member 12 for the installation of floor mounts or manual leveling devices (not shown) which are well known in the art. The same triangular cut 39 and aperture 40 could be applied to the outer end of modified base member 36 (FIG. 4) if desired.
The vertical support elements of the present invention also include a modified form adapted to be secured directly to a vertical rising wall or other vertical structure, such as a column, in a store area. FIG. 6 illustrates one such modified form comprising vertical support element 42 attached directly to wall 44 by suitable attachment means 46 such as screws, wall anchors, and the like. Vertical support element 42 includes a hollow portion 48 and apertures 18 similar to those in the form of vertical support element 18 disclosed in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4.
The free standing support structure 10 of FIG. 1, as well as the wall mounted support elements 42, when arrayed in pairs, are adapted to provide a cantilevered support for shelving and other product display sub-assemblies, as will be described. The shelving units adapted to be utilized in the system embodying the present invention are illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 discloses a shelf unit 50 having a portion 52 extending in one direction, and a second portion 54 extending at substantially right angles to portion 52. In the preferred embodiment, shelf 50 is made of sheet metal, but can be fabricated of other materials if desired. For commercial purposes, it has been found that the material of choice for shelving 50 is sheet metal due to its high strength-to-thickness ratio, and its non-combustible character.
The outer end of shelf portion 52 terminates in a bent-over flange 56, and the outer end of shelf portion 5 4 also terminates in a flange 58. The purposes of flanges 56 and 58 are to add to the aesthetics of the shelves, to provide more strength at the outer edges of shelf portions 52 and 54, and to permit shelf units 50 to fit around certain bracket elements which form part of the present invention, as will be explained. A pair of spaced apart apertures 60 are located near the ends of each shelf unit 50 to permit attachment of the shelf unit to support brackets, to be described.
The shelf unit 64 illustrated in FIG. 8 is a modified form of the shelf unit 50 of FIG. 7. In FIG. 8, like numerals are used to designate similar parts such as one shelf portion 54, flange 58, and apertures 60. In the modified shelf of FIG. 8, another shelf portion 66 extends only a short distance from the right angle intersection with portion 54. Also the outer end of shelf portion 66 terminates in a hem and mash flange 68 to provide strength to the outer edge of the short portion 66 of the shelf unit.
FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 illustrate three different sizes of graphic signage mounting brackets 70, which are used to support the signage channels illustrated in further detail in FIGS. 19 and 20. Each bracket includes a longitudinally extending plate 72 terminating at one end with a flange 74 disposed at substantially right angles to plate 72. A pair of apertures 76 are located near the end of flange 74. Preferably, the distance between apertures 76 in each bracket 70 is the same as the distance between two apertures 60 (FIGS. 7, 8) adjacent the edge of shelf units 50 and 64, whereby brackets 70 could also be utilized to mount shelf units 50 or 64 if desired, in a manner to be explained.
The end of each bracket 70 opposite flange 74 comprises two hook elements 78 which are spaced apart a sufficient distance to allow the hook elements to be inserted in slots 18 in either vertical support element 14 (FIG. 1) or 42 (FIG. 6). FIG. 9 illustrates an optional configuration of hook 78 comprising an upwardly extending locking flange portion 80. When hook 78 of bracket 70 is inserted into a slot 18 of the vertical support members 14, 42, the bracket is first tilted upward and flange 80 is inserted into slot 18. Then the bracket is lifted upward and the lower portion of hook 78 is inserted into the slot, and the bracket is thus mounted to the vertical support element. Flange 80 affords added protection against bracket 70 becoming accidently dislodged from its associated vertical support element.
FIG. 12 discloses one form of mounting bracket used in various embodiments of the present invention. This mounting bracket designated by the numeral 82, comprises a plate section 84 having hook elements 78 formed at one end thereof. These hook elements are similar to those described in conjunction with the brackets of FIGS. 9-11, and to hooks 24 illustrated in FIG. 2. The vertical spacing between adjacent hook elements 78 on bracket 82 is predetermined to correspond to the spacing between adjacent slots 18 on vertical support elements 14 (FIG. 1) and 42 (FIG. 6). The showing in phantom on the right side of bracket 82 in FIG. 12 illustrates that the length of bracket 82 may be varied to suspend shelf units at different distances from the vertical support elements 14 and 42.
The end of bracket 82 opposite hooks 78 comprises an angled flange 86 which extends at substantially right angles to plate 84. As shown in phantom at the left end of bracket 82, as viewed in FIG. 12, the present invention contemplates the use of brackets 82 having vertical flanges 86, as well as flanges 86 skewed at several different angles from the vertical, as will be further explained in conjunction with the shelf unit assemblies illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 29.
In a preferred embodiment, the bracket 82 of FIG. 12 is adapted to be mechanically fastened to a shelf unit, such as shelf unit 64 (FIG. 8). This is illustrated in FIG. 13, which discloses a bracket 82 with two apertures 88 located in flan ge 86 at a distance apart corresponding to the distance between apertures 60 in shelf 64 (FIG. 8). Shelf unit 64 is located flush against the outer surface of angled flange 86, and is fastened thereto by fasteners 90 inserted through apertures 60 and 88. In the preferred embodiment, fasteners 90 are plastic self-locking fasteners, but other suitable fastening means may be utilized. Thus, bracket 82 can support shelf unit 64 at any angle, depending upon the angle of flange 86 on the bracket.
The bracket 92 shown in FIG. 14 is a modification of bracket 82 of FIGS. 12 and 13, having a flange 94 extending horizontally and at substantially a right angle relative to plate 96 which comprises the body of bracket 92. A pair of apertures 98 are disposed in flange 94 and are spaced apart a distance equivalent to the distance between two adjacent apertures 60 in shelf units 50 and 64. (FIGS. 7, 8). A plurality of hooks 100 extend outward from one end of plate 96 for the purpose of extending through slots 18 in vertical support elements 14 and 42 and holding bracket 92 in place on the vertical support elements. The brackets 92 are thus adapted to provide a cantilevered support for shelving units 50 or 64 in a horizontal position on the vertical support elements 14 and 42, when the shelf units are attached to flange 94 by passing suitable fasteners through apertures 60 in the shelf units and through apertures 98 in bracket 92.
Another bracket 102 is illustrated in FIG. 15 which is specifically adapted to create a library type shelf unit of horizontally extending shelving having closed ends. Bracket 102 comprises a substantially rectangular plate 104 having hooks 106 extending from one side thereof. Hooks 104 are spaced apart sufficiently to fit into slots 18 in vertical support elements 14 and 42, in the same manner as described previously regarding similarly configured hooks on the aforedescribed brackets. A flange element 108, having two legs 110, 112 bent at substantially a right angle to each other, is fixed to plate 104 by means of rivets, spot welds, or other suitable means designated by the numeral 114. Flange portions 116, 118 extend away from plate 104, and vertically extending flange portion 116 includes a pair of apertures 120 spaced apart a distance equal to two adjacent apertures 60 in shelf unit 50 (FIG. 7).
As seen in FIGS. 16 and 17, a library-type shelf sub-assembly is created by attaching a plurality of brackets 102 to spaced apart vertical support elements (not shown) by inserting hooks 106 into slots 18 in the vertical support element, whereby the brackets are spaced a predetermined vertical distance from each other. This predetermined distance is a function of the desired height of each shelf in the completed unit. Two parallel vertical support elements are fitted with brackets 102 disposed at the same heights. Shelf units 50 are then placed over opposite flange elements 108, and the shelf is attached to the flange element by inserting suitable fastening means 122 through apertures 60 in the shelf unit 50, and through corresponding apertures 120 in flanges 108. In the preferred embodiment, fastening means 122 comprise plastic self-locking devices. Flange 56 of shelf 50 is either cut off near its ends, or wide enough to extend around the uppermost end of vertically rising flange leg 112, enabling the end of shelf 50 to fit flush against plate 104. Also, flange 58 of shelf unit 50 is either cut off near its ends, or extends around the outermost end of horizontally extending flange leg 110, also enabling the end of shelf 50 to fit flush against plate 104. Additional support for the ends of shelf unit 50 is provided by horizontally extending portion 118 of flange leg 110, whereby the underside of the end of horizontally situated shelf portion 54 rests directly upon the upper surface of, and is supported by, horizontally extending flange portion 118.
The shelving unit of the present invention is adapted to support heavier as well as lig hter weight products. For example, the shelving unit may be utilized to display automotive batteries in an auto parts retail environment. FIG. 18 illustrates how a stiffener 124 is adapted to be installed beneath a shelf 50 or 64 (FIGS. 7, 8) and supported by bracket 92 (FIG. 14). Stiffener 124 is an elongated channel-like element having a bottom portion 126, vertically extending side walls 128, and outwardly extending flanges 130. At the ends of stiffener 124 are two cut-out portions 132 in each of the side walls 128. Each cut-out portion extends to the underside of flanges 130, providing a flat supporting surface for the stiffener on the undersides of flanges 130 at both ends of the stiffener. In the preferred embodiment, stiffener 124 is made of the same thickness of material, such as steel, as shelves 50 and 64. If desired, or if dictated by special load requirements, stiffener 124 can be made of a thicker material. Cut-out portions 132 are identically configured on each end of stiffener 124. Also, stiffener 124 is shorter than the length of shelf units 50 and 64 by an amount equal to two times the gauge of the metal of bracket 92 (FIGS. 7, 8).
In use, a pair of brackets 92 (FIG. 18) are attached by hooks 100 to a pair of vertical support elements 14 or 42 at the same level and at a distance apart equivalent to the standard length of shelving used in the described system. Prior to mounting a shelf 14 or 42 on brackets 92, stiffener 124 is installed between brackets 92 by maneuvering the stiffener into position whereby flange 94 of the brackets on both ends of the stiffener are inserted into cut-out portions 132 of the stiffener. The undersides of the ends of flanges 130 are allowed to rest on flanges 94, whereby flanges 94 and brackets 92 support the stiffener 124 at either end. Stiffener 124 is not permanently fixed to flanges 94, and can be moved inwardly or outwardly along flanges 94. After stiffener 124 has been properly placed, shelf unit 50 or 64 is attached to brackets 92 over the stiffener by aligning apertures 60 (FIGS. 7, 8) of the shelves over apertures 98 in bracket 92, and inserting suitable fastening means, such as plastic self-fastening devices, through the aligned apertures. Since the stiffener 124 is desireably made of relatively thin material, and is located midway between apertures 98, any bulge in the flat surface of shelves 50 or 64 caused in the small area of the shelf directly above brackets 92 will be insignificant.
The shelving and counter system of the present invention includes elements for supporting signage and other graphic display materials promoting the products displayed on the shelves or counters. To this end, FIG. 19 illustrates a universal graphics holder channel 134 having a central portion 136 and U-shaped flanges 138, 140 facing in opposite directions on either end of central portion 136. As seen in FIG. 19, side 142 of flange 138 is shorter than side 144 of flange 140, for purposes to be explained. Aperatures 141 are provided adjacent either end of channel 134. The purpose of universal graphics holder channel 134 is to provide a structural element which cooperates with other standard bracket elements of the disclosed system to form a graphics holding unit, and which utilizes a single part to provide the capability of supporting graphics of varying sizes.
A greater understanding of the above-mentioned versatility of the graphics supporting elements of the present invention can be achieved with reference to FIG. 20, wherein a pair of graphic holder channels 134 are attached to the flanges 74 of brackets 72 (FIGS. 9-11). As shown in phantom in FIG. 20, brackets 72 may be of varying horizontal lengths, depending upon the desired position of the graphics display. Suitable fastening elements 146 are inserted through apertures 141 (FIG. 19) and corresponding apertures 76 (FIG. 9) to secure the graphics holding channels 134 to flange 74 of bracket 72.
As seen in FIG. 20, the uppermost channel 134 is fix ed to its corresponding bracket 72 such that long side 144 of flange 140 faces outward. Lowermost channel 134 is attached to its corresponding bracket 72 in an inverted manner, whereby short side 142 of flange 138 faces outward. Due to the uniform lengths of each bracket 72 used to support the graphics channels 134, and due to the symmetry of construction of the flanges 138 and 140 of the graphics channels 134, flange 140 is directly over flange 138 when the channels 134 are mounted to their respective brackets as viewed in FIG. 20, thus forming a space or pocket 148 between flanges 138 and 140. A placard or other graphic display device 150 is inserted in pocket 148 by first lifting the top of placard against the inside top of flange 140, then lifting the bottom of the placard over the edge of side 142 of flange 138, and then dropping the bottom of placard 150 to the inside bottom of flange 138. The top of the placard is held in place by the added length of side 144 of flange 140.
The vertical support elements which hold brackets 72 comprise a plurality of linearly disposed slots 18 (FIG. 1) located short distances apart, providing a multitude of heights at which the shelving and other elements of the system are attached. Therefore, the relative distance between the upper and lower brackets 72 of the assembly of FIG. 20 can be adjusted to fit signage of various heights in space 148.
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing how a bracket 72, or any of the other brackets illustrated in the drawings, is attached to vertical support element 14. The same method of attachment applies to vertical support member 42 (FIG. 6). As seen in FIG. 21, hooks 78 of bracket 72 are inserted into slots 18, where the hooks extend into the hollow internal portion of vertical support element 14. Hooks 78 engage the inside surface of the vertical support, while the edge 152 of the bracket abuts the outside of vertical support element 14. As a load is applied to the upper surface of bracket 18, hooks 78 and the abutment of edge 152 against the vertical support element prevent bracket 72 from moving, thus providing a cantilever support element for a shelf, stiffener, or any other member supported by bracket 72.
Various accessory items may also be integrated with the support system of the present invention, and several examples of these are illustrated in FIGS. 22-24. Refering to FIG. 22, a basket 154 is adapted to hold a quantity of smaller items, and includes a plurality of rod-like elements 156 extending rearwardly from the basket. The rearward facing side of basket 154 slopes outward, and at the same angle as flange 86 of bracket 82, which was previously described in association with FIGS. 12 and 13. To mount basket 154 on bracket 82, rod-like elements 156 are inserted through apertures 88, and a lock washer 158 is inserted over the rod like elements against the inside surface of flange 86 to hold the basket firmly against bracket 82. The opposite end of basket 154 is similarly constructed and affixed to a mirror-image bracket 82. Hooks 78 of each bracket 82 are then inserted through slots 18 in vertical support element 14 or 42, thereby attaching the basket to the system.
Current sales and marketing techniques also include the presentation of products in blister packs attached to cardboard backings having holes for suspension from a peg or rack. The present invention contemplates the selective attachment to the support system of panels comprising perforations or slots adapted to hold such pegs or racks for ultimate product display purposes. Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, there is shown a pair of perforated panels 160 supported against vertical support element 14 (FIG. 1) or element 42 (FIG. 6) by means of panel clip 162. Referring to FIG. 24, panel clip 162 includes a plurality of hooks 164 substantially identical in shape and size to hooks 24, 78, 100 and 106 used on other bracket elements described heretofore. In use, panels 160 are temporarily held against a pair of vertical support elements 14, adjacent but not blocking slots 18 (FIG. 23). Hooks 164 of panel clip 162 are inserted in adjacent slots 18 of the vertical support element, and clip 162 is pushed inward and downward until hooks 164 engage the internal surface of the vertical support element in the space formed between the inner surface of the clip and vertical support element 14 or 42. This downward push locks panel clip 162 in place, and the clip holds panels 160 against the vertical support element. The number of panel clips 162 required to hold a particular panel to the vertical support element 14 is a function of the weight of the products to be supported by the perforated panel. If only one panel is to be fastened to a given vertical support element, a shim can be placed between panel clip 162 and vertical support element 14 or 42 in place of a panel 160.
A decorative as well as functional base deck assembly is provided for the free standing or wall supported structures of FIGS. 1 and 6. Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, vertical support element 14 having linearly disposed slots 18 on opposite faces 20 thereof is attached to base member 36 as described previously in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 4. Slots 26 are located in the remaining opposed faces 28 of vertical support element 14. Horizontal spacer element 22 extends across to a similar structure comprising vertical support element 14 and base member 36 to provide a free standing shelving unit assembly.
A base bracket 166 comprising a substantially U-shaped channel includes a base flange 168, a central portion 170, and an upper flange 172. A lip 174 partially closes one end of base bracket 166. A pair of apertures 176 are located in upper flange 172, and are spaced apart a distance equal to the distance between adjacent apertures 60 in shelf units 50 and 52 (FIGS. 7, 8). A cut-out portion 176 is formed in the segment of the base bracket above lip 174. A plurality of hooks 178, similar to the hooks described in relation to the previously-mentioned brackets, extend rearwardly from base bracket 168 and are adapted to be inserted into slots 18 at the bottom of vertical support element 14 to attach base bracket 168 to the vertical support element, whereby the underside of base flange 168 rests on top of base member 36.
A modified form of stiffener 124ʹ having a portion of upper flange 130ʹ cut away is inserted into the opening of base bracket 166 located between upper flange 172 and base flange 168, whereby upper flange 172 fits into the cut-away portion of stiffener 124ʹ. Bottom portion 126ʹ of stiffener 124ʹ rests on and is supported by base flange 168. Base deck 182 is then placed over base bracket 166 such that apertures 184 align with apertures 180 of upper flange 172. Base deck 182 is similar to shelf units 50 and 64 (FIGS. 7, 8), or may be made of a thicker gauge material. Fastening elements are then inserted through the aligned apertures to affix base deck 182 to base bracket 166 and thereby to vertical support element 14. Stiffener 124ʹ is kept in place by being wedged between the two base brackets 166 on opposite ends of support structure 10 (FIG. 26).
To provide a decorative appearance to the free standing support structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 25, a plurality of closure elements are adapted to fit over the functional features of the shelf unit. Front closure 186, which is purely decorative and has no structural function, includes a central portion 188, first horizontally extending flanges 190, vertically extending flanges 192, and second horizontally extending flanges 194. When inserted over the assembled base unit of support structure 10, lip 174 of base bracket 166 abuts the inner surface of central portion 188, and flanges 190 and 192 on the top part of closure 186 extend into cut-out portion 176 of the base bracket. Flange 194 extends over flange 172 of base bracket 166 and under base deck 182 forming the decorative reveal between the fr ont vertical of base deck 182 and the vertical surface 188 of front closure 186.
A decorative side closure 196 is provided to mask the ends of the base assembly. Referring to FIG. 25, side closure 196 comprises a channel-like element having a front face 198, and an upper flanged face 200 incorporating flange 202. Apertures 204 extend through flange 202 and are used to attach side closure 196 to base deck 182 and base bracket 166 by passing fastening means simultaneously through apertures 184, 180, and 240. When so attached, front face 198 of side closure 196 directly abuts the edge of central portion 188 of front closure 186, whereby flanged face 200 becomes a continuation of the upper surface of base deck 182.
A vertical closure 206 (FIG. 25) comprises an elongated channel with spring-like inwardly directed flanges 208 which are adapted to snugly grip the sides of vertical support element 14 and cover the side of the vertical support element. Apertures 210 are provided in vertical closure 206 to receive a fastening element which attach to a corresponding aperture 212 in vertical support element 14 to further secure vertical closure 206 to vertical support element 14.
An embodiment of the present invention comprising a wall mounted shelf unit particularly suited for the display of packages of video cassettes or books is illustrated in FIG. 27. A pair of vertical support elements 42 are secured to a wall 214. A plurality of shelves 64 are attached to support elements 42 by means of a series of brackets 70 and 82 (FIGS. 11, 12), as will be explained in more detail, to provide a contoured shelf assembly which provides a consumer with greater ease of viewing the products displayed on the lower shelves.
The topmost shelf 64 is preferably attached to vertical support elements 14 utilizing bracket 70 (FIG. 11) which has a vertically extending flange 74. Shelf 64 is secured to bracket 70 by fastening means 90 extending through corresponding apertures in shelf 64 and bracket 70, as previously described in conjunction with the embodiment of FIG. 13. Since flange 74 (FIG. 11) of bracket 70 extends straight up and down, the longer portion of uppermost shelf 64 in the embodiment of FIG. 27 will also extend in a vertical direction.
The next several shelves in the shelf assembly depicted in FIG. 27, working downward, are attached to vertical support elements 42 by means of brackets 82 (FIG. 12) having a forward flange 86 disposed at an angle to the vertical. FIG. 12 illustrates three types of bracket 82, each having flange 86 directed at a different angle from the vertical. Preferably, the brackets 82 having flange 86 angled the least amount from vertical are used to attach the next several shelves 64 below the topmost shelf to vertical supper elements 42. Therefore, in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 27, the second through six shelves, working down, are all tilted the same angle from vertical.
The next-to-the-bottom self 64 in the shelf assembly of FIG. 27 is attached to vertical support elements 42 using brackets 82 which have a greater degree of angle from vertical than the brackets 82 used to mount the previous five shelf units. Also, the length of plate section 84 (FIG. 12) of these brackets is greater than the brackets used above. Therefore, the next to last shelf in the embodiment of FIG. 27 is tilted at a greater angle from vertical than the shelves above it, and also extends outward further than the shelves above.
The bottom shelf 64 of the assembly of FIG. 27 is attached to vertical support elements 42 using a bracket 82 (FIG. 12) having a flange 86 with even more pronounced angulation from vertical than used in association with the brackets used to attach the upper shelves. Also, the plate section 84 of the bracket 82 used for the bottom shelf is longer than the other brackets, and longer than the bracket 82 used on the next to last shelf. Therefore, the long portion of the bottommost shelf 64 sit s at a greater angle from vertical than the shelves above it, and extends out further away from wall 214 and vertical support elements 42. For an illustration of the details of how shelves 64 are mounted on brackets 82, refer above to the text relating to the assembly illustrated in FIG. 13.
When products such as video tape packages or books are placed on shelves 64, as assembled according to the embodiment of FIG. 27, the products at eye level are easily observed by a consumer. The products on the lower two shelves are brought closer to the consumer's view and attention by the upward angle of the bottom two shelves, and the extension of these two shelves outward away from the wall and toward the shopper. In addition, the overall contoured curvature of the entire shelving assembly of FIG. 27 presents a clean, flowing, and attractive ambiance for the retail environment.
FIG. 28 illustrates how shelf units 64 and brackets 82 are utilized to mount the shelves to vertical support elements 42. Shelf 64 is fastened to angled flange 86 of bracket 82 by fastening means 90. Hooks 78 of bracket 82 are inserted into slots 18 of vertical support element 42, where they engage the hollow interior surface of support element 42, and hold bracket 82 and shelf 64 in place.
The contour-type shelf assembly illustrated in FIG. 27 can also be constructed on free-standing support structure 10 (FIG. 1), as well as on wall mounted supports 42. This free-standing embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIG. 29, where the same shelf and angled bracket assembly described in connection with the wall supported unit of FIG. 27 is mounted on the free-standing support structure 10 of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 29, shelves 64 are mounted on brackets 82, as illustrated in FIG. 28. Hooks 78 of brackets 82 are inserted through slots (not shown) of two parallel vertical support elements 14, which in turn are mounted on two base members 12.
FIG. 30 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a graphic signage holder, incorporating a bracket 216 having hooks 218 extending through slots 18 of vertical support element 14 as previously described. A U-shaped channel 220 is attached by fasteners 222 to flange 224 of bracket 216. Extending from channel 220 are a pair of flanges 226 arrayed vertically. A graphics placard or sign 228 has its upper and lower ends extending around flanges 226, thereby mounting placard 228 to the shelving system. Placard 228 is adapted to carry advertising or informational graphics in aid of the sale of the merchandise displayed on the shelving system.
The present product display system also forms the basis of a counter or showcase display assembly, which is illustrated in FIGS. 31 and 32, wherein each counter or showcase module 230 (FIG. 32) is mounted on a pair of vertical support elements 14 attached to base members 36 (FIG. 4). In the preferred embodiment, a pair of horizontal spacer elements 22 are mounted by means of hooks 24 extending into slots 26 on face 28 of each vertical support element 14. The sides of each counter 230 comprise a relatively thin walled rectangular shaped panel 232 having a plurality of hooks 234 located top and bottom and extending rearwardly from the panel. Hooks 234 are identical in structure and purpose to all previous hooks described hereinabove. A ledge 236 extends horizontally across the top of panel 232 to form a support for a glass counter top, to be explained. An additional L-shaped ledge element 238 extends vertically along the front edge of panel 232 to form a support for a vertically oriented glass counter front, as explained hereinbelow. The bottom of panel 232 includes a support ledge 240 adapted to support the base panel 242 of the showcase 230.
Base panel 240 includes a channel 244 extending along its front edge, which is adapted to support a glass case front 246, as shown in detail in FIG. 31B. Side ledges 248 of base panel 242 engage and are supported by ledge 240 of side panel 232 w hen the counter 230 is fully assembled.
The rear of base panel 242 includes a channel 250 adapted to hold sliding door hardware, such as tracks, whereby access to the inside of counter 230 is obtained through a pair of rear mounted sliding doors, not shown. When counter 230 is assembled, channel 250 is directly below the open underside of upper horizontal spacer element 22, which also incorporates hardware (not shown) for mounting and operating the sliding doors at the rear of the counter. The rear ledge 252 of base panel 252 extends downwards over the rear of the lowermost horizontal spacer element 22.
In assembling counter 230, hooks 234 of two mirror image side panels 232 are inserted in slots 18 of two parallel vertical support elements 14, which are separated and connected by two horizontal spacer elements 22 whose hooks 24 are inserted into slots 26 of vertical support element 24. Next, base panel 242 is maneuvered into place where its sides 248 are supported by support ledges 240 of each side panel. Sliding door hardware and sliding doors are added between channel 250 and the interior of uppermost spacer channel 22. A glass case front 246 (FIG. 31A) is located against ledge elements 238 on the front side of each side panel 232, and held in place by two-sided adhesive tape, or other suitable means. The bottom of glass case front 246 rests in and is supported by channel 244 of base panel 242.
A glass counter top 252 is then positioned on top of horizontal ledges 236 adjacent the top of each side panel 232. The glass top 252 is also supported on its front ledge by resting on the top edge of glass case front 246. Two sided adhesive tape may be used to adhere the glass counter top 252 to ledges 236 and to the top edge of glass case front 246. Alternatively, a protective plastic channel can be inserted on the edge of glass case front 246 where it meets counter top 252.
If desired, additional shelving can be installed above counters 230 by extending the lengths of vertical support elements 14 above the rear of the counters. Shelve units 50 attached to brackets 70 and including hooks 78 are mounted via slots 18 to the upper ends of vertical support elements 14, as illustrated in FIG. 32. Additional shelving 50 can be similarly mounted on vertical support elements 14, if desired, beneath the uppermost shelf 50.
From the foregoing description of the several aspects of the present invention, it is apparent that a plurality of product display shelving and counter structures are available using basic support elements including (a) free standing or wall mounted slotted vertical support elements, with base members for the free-standing units, (b) a plurality of brackets having mounting flanges of varying angles and configurations, and adapted to be mounted to the vertical support elements, and (c) a limited number of shelf unit configurations adapted to be mounted on the brackets and to be ultimately supported by the vertical support elements in a desired array for efficient and attractive display of merchandise, whereby the shelves are mounted in a vertical, horizontal, or slanted manner, can form a base unit for a fixture system, or can form a counter or showcase assembly. To support heavier products, stiffener members can be inserted between a shelf and the brackets supporting the shelf. Accessory items such as graphic display support structures, perforated panels, and product-holding baskets may also be incorporated into the structure of the present invention. Due to the uniformity of dimensions of the elements of the shelving and counter system disclosed herein, as well as the uniformity of dimensioning of the mounting apparatus such as the apertures in the brackets and shelving units, the present invention can be used to create a plurality of wall hung shelf units, free standing shelf units, and free standing counters and showcases in an array presenting an effective and versatile display and sale of merchandise, while at the same time maintaining a uniformity of aesthetics and design between the various units making up the system. Also, the present system uses a few basic parts, and yet permits shelving, wall panels, accessories, and counters/showcases to be readily interchanged on the same wall unit segment, or to be alternated from one segment to the next, giving the option to customize for special needs.
The present shelving and counter system provides a high degree of product visibility, maximum use of available store space, and wide flexibility of arrangement. The shelves are reversible to change their display characteristics, and may be angled at varying degrees to enhance the display of products at the lower end of the shelving assembly.
The uniformity of dimensioning and the use of lightweight sheet steel elements in the preferred embodiment of the shelving and counter unit of the present invention allows the structures to be easily assembled, revised, and disassembled. The simplicity built into the disclosed shelf units prevents the shelving from visually overpowering the merchandise displayed thereon, without sacrificing the strength required to support heavier products, such as automotive batteries or the like.
By using all metal components for the disclosed system, except for the plastic fasteners and glass counter tops and fronts, the system is non-combustible, which is an important requirement of many municipal fire safety codes. When counters or showcases are arrayed side by side, seams between the cases are almost non-existant since the side panels of each case are relatively thin, eighth inch divider panels, rather than inch wide double frames found in previous cases. The modular units of the present invention can also be shipped knocked down and assembled at the site, eliminating the breakage common with preassembled units.
The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom. Modifications of the present invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A product supporting and display system comprising:
a plurality of hollow, slotted vertical support means spaced apart from each other;
horizontally positioned spacer means extending between said vertical support means and providing a structural support element for the vertical support means which maintains a rectangular configuration, without appreciable deviation, between said spacer means and said vertical support means without the use of additional structural members;
a plurality of angled bracket means each including hook means adapted to engage the slots in said vertical support means, whereby said bracket means are cantilevered from said vertical support means;
shelf means adapted to be attached to said bracket means and supported in cantilever fashion from adjacent, spaced apart vertical support means;
said shelf means adapted to be supported from said vertical support means in angular positions depending upon the angle of said bracket means to which said shelf means are attached.

2. The product supporting and display system of claim 1 including base members attached to and supporting said vertical support means, whereby said system may be free standing.

3. The product supporting and display shelving system of claim 1 wherein said vertical support means are attached to a wall.

4. The product supporting and display system of claim 2 wherein said horizontally positioned spacer means comprises inverted U-shaped channel means having additional hook means extending from both ends thereof, said additional hook means adapted to engage additional slot means in two adjacent verticle support means whereby said vertical support means are held in a fixed position relative to each other by said spacer means.

5. The product supporting and display system of claim 1 wherein each said bracket includes flange means extending at substantially right angles from a plate section forming part of said bracket, said flange means also extending in a vertical direction wherein said bracket is attached to said vertical support means, said flange means including attachment means for attaching said means to said bracket.

6. The product supporting and display system of claim 1 wherein each of said brackets comprises a plate, angled leg members attached to said plate including flange portions extending in a direction toward an adjacent vertical support means, attachment means disposed on said flange portions, said shelf means attached to said flange portions by said attachment means, whereby said shelf means extend between the plates of two opposed brackets and said plates form abutments at the ends of said shelf means.

7. The product supporting and display system of claim 1 including stiffener means extending beneath said shelf means to provide added support capability to said shelf means, each end of said stiffener means including first flange means extending over and supported by second flange means forming part of said bracket means located at each end of said shelving means, said first flange means disposed between said shelf means and said bracket means.

8. The product supporting and display system of claim 1 including graphic display means comprising a first graphics holding channel attached to a first pair of bracket means, a second graphics holding channel attached to a second pair of bracket means, a graphics receiving pocket disposed between said first and second graphics holding channels, the distance between said first and second graphics holding channel being variable to accommodate various sizes of graphics placards in said pockets, said first graphics holding channel being substantially S-shaped in cross-section having a long and a short vertically extending flange and is mounted on said first pair of bracket means in a first position, said second graphics holding channel constructed substantially identical in cross-section to said first graphics holding channel and is mounted on said second pair of bracket means in a second position which is inverted from said first position of said first graphics channel means, said pocket being formed between said long vertically extending flange of said first graphics holding channel and a short vertically extending flange of said second graphics holding channel.

9. A product supporting and display panel system comprising:
a plurality of hollow, slotted vertical support means spaced apart from each other;
panel clip means including a flat panel engaging surface and a plurality of hook means extending at right angles from said panel engaging surface, said hook means adapted to be inserted into said slots in said vertical support means to hold said clip to said vertical support means whereby a space exists between said panel engaging surface and said vertical support means, and
product supporting panel means inserted in said space whereby said panel means are held in place against said vertical support means by said panel clip means.

10. The product supporting and display system of claim 2 including a base shelving assembly adjacent the bottom of said display system, said base shelving assembly comprising: spaced apart base bracket means having hook means extending through said slots of said vertical support means for attaching said base bracket means to said vertical support means, the underside of said base bracket means resting directly on respective said base members, said base bracket means including horizontally extending upper flange means, and base deck shelving means extending between said base bracket means and attached by attachment means to said upper flange means of said base bracket means, said base shelving assembly further includes stiffener means supported by said base bracket means directly beneath said base deck shelving means, whereby said stiffener means provides added support capability to said base deck shelving means.

11. The product supporting and display system of claim 14 including decorative closure means adapted to be attached to the outwardly extending borders of said base shelving assembly to make the edges of said base shelving assembly from view, said decorative closure means further comprising a front closure element adapted to be attached to a front edge of said base deck shelving means and to the side edges of said base bracket means supporting said base deck shelving, and a decorative side closure element adapted to be attached to and extend over a side of said base bracket means, and to extend over said corresponding base member, to mask said base bracket means and said base member from view.

12. The product supporting and display system of claim 1 wherein the angular position of said shelf means is closer to vertical at an upper position of said vertical support means, and is further from the vertical at a lower position of said vertical support means, and the shelf means between said upper position and said lower position of said vertical support means are angled at increasingly greater degrees from the vertical between said upper and lower positions of said vertical support means to provide a progressively smooth contour to the total shelf means of the system.

13. The product supporting and display system of claim 1 wherein said bracket means comprise a pair of spaced apart substantially rectangularly shaped vertically disposed side panels having a plurality of hook means engaging the slots of said vertical support means at two vertically spaced apart locations, said vertical disposed side panels having lower support ledge means at the lower edge of said side panels, said shelf means comprising base panel means extending horizontally between and supported by said lower support ledge of each of said side panels, said side panels each also including upper support ledge means extending horizontally at the upper edge of said side panels and side support ledge means extending vertically along an edge of said side panels, counter top means extending between and supported by said upper support ledge means of said side panels, and case front means supported by channel means in said base panel means, said case front means extending between and adhered to said side support ledge means of said side panels, whereby said side panels, said base panel means, said counter top means and said case front means cooperate to provide a case which is enclosed on all but one side thereof, said system further comprising additional channel means in said base panel means, closure means having a lower end thereof slidably movable in said additional channel means, said spacer means comprising inverted U-shaped channel means extending between said vertical support means, the upper end of said closure means slidably movable in said inverted U-shaped channel of said spacer means, whereby said closure mens opens and closes said one side of said case.

14. The product supporting and display system of claim 13 wherein said vertical support means extend above said counter top means for a predetermined distance, and additional shelf means or graphic display means supported by said bracket means from said vertical support means and above said counter top means.

15. A product supporting and display system comprising:
a plurality of hollow, slotted vertical support means spaced apart from each other;
horizontally positioned spacer means extending between said vertical support means;
base members attached to and supporting said vertical support means;
a pair of bracket means in the form of substantially rectangularly shaped side panel means having a plurality of hook means engaging the slots of said vertical support means at two vertically spaced apart locations;
sai d vertically disposed side panels having lower support ledge means at the lower edge of said side panels;
said side panels each also including upper support ledge means extending horizontally at the upper edge of said side panels;
said side panels each also including side support ledge means extending vertically along an edge of said side panels;
counter top means extending between and supported by said upper support ledge means of said side panels; and
case front means supported by channel means in said base panel means, said case front means extending between and adhered to said side support ledge means of said side panels, whereby said side panels, said base panel means, said counter top means, and said case front means cooperate to provide a case which is enclosed on all but one side thereof.