MXPA01009135A - Wall mounted display fixture system - Google Patents

Abstract

A display fixture system (10) for mounting to an associated surface (S) includes upper and lower of spaced apart, parallel horizontal brackets (14, 16) for mounting to the surface. Each bracket (14, 16) has a securing location corresponding to a securing location of the other of the pair of brackets. The brackets (14, 16) are mounted to the surface (S) so that corresponding securing locations are vertically aligned with one another. Support risers (12) extend between the brackets (14, 16) and are secured to the brackets in a vertical orientation, transverse to the brackets (14, 16) and spaced from the surface. The support risers (12) include a central support post (34) and a pair of parallel flanges (36) extending longitudinally along and parallel to the posts (34). Pins (38) extend transversely through the support posts (34), extending between the flanges (36) to join the flanges to the posts. The risers (12) are configured to support product display elements and ornamentation such as shelves (54), hangers (56) and the like for merchandise display.

Description

WALL-MOUNTED EXHIBITION DEVICE SYSTEM Field of the Invention This invention pertains to an exhibit device. More particularly, the invention pertains to an already installed wall mounted display device system, such as those used in retail establishments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Display systems are well known in the art. These systems can be used, for example, to display various items such as clothing and the like at retail. Consumers will probably recognize such systems which often include shelves to display goods and hangers from which items can be displayed or hung. These displays may also include separations and the like to segregate a particular type of merchandise from another. A known type of wall display system includes a plurality of vertically oriented, separate vertical posts mounted to the surface or wall. Posts typically include a plurality of uniformly spaced elongated slots that extend longitudinally along. Clamps that have hook-like projections extend from a rear end insert into the elongated slots and immobilize the posts. The clamps can be used to support the shelf, signs, desk surfaces and the like. A disadvantage of this type of system is that each of the vertical posts must be mounted separately and independently to the surface of the wall. Although this type of arrangement has gained wide acceptance, it leaves a lot of margin for error in distribution or design and installation.

For example, if the adjacent posts are not properly separated from each other, a shelf that is intended to extend between the posts may be too long or too short for the given installed spacing. In addition, when such systems are installed, the height of the corresponding slots of a pole to an adjacent pole must be properly maintained, or the shelf may not remain horizontally flat on the clamps. Another type of shelving system includes a grid-like arrangement that is mounted to the wall surface. The array similar to a grid includes a plurality of horizontally extending bars, on which clamps are attached. Although this arrangement overcomes some of the problems noted above associated with the type of independent pole array, the grid-like configuration can be very large and bulky and, as will be recognized, also very heavy. Additionally, the grid-like arrangement, like the independent pole array, requires that the grid be mounted to the wall in a large number of places. Still another type of display device system includes a plurality of U-shaped vertical supports, which can be placed essentially anywhere. Each of the U-shaped supports includes a pair of parallel elements, to which shelves and the like can be joined. Although this arrangement provides a significant amount of display space, it can be placed anywhere, and is therefore subject to instability associated with many such ubiquitous systems. Accordingly, there is a need for a wall mounted display device system that is easily installed. Desirably, such a system is easily installed on any flat wall surface, and the surface is secured using a minimum number of fasteners. More desirably, such a system eliminates the possibility of improper separation of the vertical supports from each other and provides adjustability of the vertical support elevators to maintain the elements it covers, such as horizontal shelves.

Brief Description of the Invention A display device system for mounting to an associated surface includes upper and lower horizontal clamps, separated, parallel, to mount to the surface. Each clamp has a place of assurance that corresponds to a place of securing the other clamp. The clamps are mounted to the surface so that the corresponding securing locatiare vertically aligned with each other. The support lifts extend between and are secured to the clamps. The elevators are secured between the clamps vertically, transverse to the clamps and separated from the surface of the wall. The lifts are mounted to the upper and lower clamps and in the securing places of the clamps. The display system is configured to support product display elements, such as shelves, display surfaces, signs and hangers for, for example, hanging garments, as well as other types of display ornamentation. The system is flexible and versatile enough because it uses standard posts and clamps, can be designed and installed quickly and efficiently sales displays, with a minimum number of wall fasteners required.

Each of the support posts is inserted into the corresponding upper and lower clamp securing locations. The support posts are preferably formed so that they have a central support member, such as a tubular element and a pair of longitudinally extending flanges. Bolts are inserted through the transverse openings in the support posts and are attached to the posts and flanges to secure the flanges to the posts. In a more preferred configuration, an upper end of each support post includes a threaded insert or hole to facilitate securing the post to the upper bracket. The upper and lower clamps each include an opening and a pair of elongated slots positioned on either side of the opening to receive a support post. The ridges are inserted into the elongated slots and the posts are inserted through a relatively large opening in the lower flange. A threaded fastener, such as a screw, is inserted through the opening in the upper clamp and threadably engaged with the insert or hole in the post to secure the post to the upper clamp. In a more preferred embodiment, each support post includes an element to adjust the height, such as a threaded leg to make the support post rest on the floor, and to provide a height adjustment, so that each support post be vertically aligned with its adjacent posts. The bolts extending from the support posts to the shoulders are configured to receive clamps and other hanging elements for hanging shelves, signs, clothes hangers, table tops and the like, as well as other types of display ornamentation. Optionally, the display system may include wall panels that are mounted to the upper and lower clamps, between adjacent support posts. In one embodiment, the panels include fixed lower bolts extending from a lower edge of the panel frame and deflected upper bolts extending from an upper edge of the panel that are inserted into the openings formed in the upper and lower brackets, respectively. Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Brief Description of the Figures FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a wall mounted display device system employing the principles of the present invention, the system illustrated in partial view to illustrate a plurality of vertical straight posts; FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the partial exploded view of a vertical straight support post, illustrated when the support post is inserted into and secured to the upper and lower clamps; FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIGURE 1, and illustrates an exemplary shelf bracket being placed on one of the vertical straight support posts; FIGURE 4 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIGURE 1, and illustrates an exemplary vertical straight support post positioned within the lower bracket; FIGURE 5 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIGURE 1, illustrating an exemplary semicircular top element mounted to the upper portion of the vertical straight support post; and FIGURE 6 is a partial perspective view of the illustrated wall mounted display system with an optional wall panel positioned between the upper and lower clamps and between adjacent support posts.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Modes Although the present invention is susceptible to modalities in various forms, the preferred embodiments so far are shown in the drawings and will be described below., understanding that the present description should be considered as an example of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. Referring now to the figures, in particular to Figure 1, there is shown a wall mounted display device system 19 embodying the principles of the present invention. This system includes, in general, a plurality of straight support posts extending vertically, parallel, 12, secured between and mounted to upper and lower clamp members 14, 16, respectively. The clamp members, 14, 16 are adapted to secure the vertical support posts 12 in parallel relation, separated from each other. In a present embodiment, the upper and lower clamps 14, 16 are angle-like members having a leg 18 for mounting the clamp 14, 16 to the surface of the wall 15 and a second leg 20 that is configured to receive the posts of vertical supports 12. The clamps 14, 16 can be mounted to the wall S, by, for example, threaded fasteners, such as screws. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that clamps 14, 16 can be formed in a wide variety of configurations, which are within the scope of the present invention. The lower clamp 16 includes a plurality of relatively large diameter openings 22, each opening 22 having associated therewith a pair of openings preferably, a pair of symmetrically located elongated grooves 24 positioned on the opposite sides of the central opening, larger 22. The upper clamp 14 includes a plurality of smaller diameter openings 26, each of which has a pair of openings, preferably a pair of elongated slots 28 associated with each opening 26 placed on opposite sides of the opening of the opening. smaller diameter 26. For the purposes of the present discussion, each opening and its associated adapted slots will be referred to as an assurance location, indicated generally at 30 and 32 for the upper and lower clamps 14, 16, respectively. In a preferred configuration, the elongated slots 24, 28 are symmetrically formed in the clamps 14, 16, relative to the openings 22, 26 and extend transversely to a longitudinal axis A of the clamp 14, 16. Each of the places of upper and lower belaying 30, 32 a predetermined distance of its adjacent belay locations is separated. How to be appreciated from the drawings, the separation of each place of assurance , 32 of its adjacent securing locations establishes a predetermined distance between each of the vertical straight support posts 12. In this way it is not necessary to mark or determine the separation of the vertical support post 12 since the separation is established by the distance between each of the insurance sites 30, 32. In addition, each upper locking location 30 corresponds to a lower locking location 32, with the larger diameter opening 22 of the lower clamp 16 corresponding to the smaller diameter opening 26 of the upper clamp 14 and the elongated slots 24 of the clamp lower 16, likewise, corresponding to the elongated slots 28 of the upper clamp 14. Each of these upper and lower segments corresponds to another and is vertically flat with the other. Each of the vertical straight support posts 12 includes a central elongate support member 34 and a pair of termination flanges 36 extending longitudinally parallel to the support members 34. The bolts 38 extend transversely from the elongate support element. 34 at predetermined distances along the elements and secure the flanges 36 to the support elements 34. Therefore, each of the vertical support posts 12 is a vertical elevator having a central support element 34 and a pair of ridges 36 extending parallel to and longitudinally along each of the elements 34 secured thereto by the bolts 38. In a preferred arrangement, the support elevator element 34 has openings 40 formed therein through which the bolts 38 pass through and are fastened to the flanges 38 and the support element 34 or, for example, welded. Referring now to Figure 2, the flanges 36 extend along each support post 12, at the top, to a position slightly beyond (ie, above) the end 42 of the support element 34. It is say, that the flanges 36 extend upwardly beyond the end 42 of the support element 34. A threaded insert or hole 44 is formed in the upper portion 42 of the support member 34 to facilitate securing the post 12 to the upper bracket 14. A knurled screw or fastener 46 is screwed into the hole 44 to secure the posts 12 to the upper bracket 14. The lower end of the support post is conveniently configured to the upper end. The elongate support member 34 extends beyond the lower end of the flanges 36, as generally shown at 48. In addition, the last transverse bolt 38z securing the flanges 36 to the support member 34 is spaced from the end of the supports. flanges 36. In this manner, a portion of each of the flanges 36 extends beyond the last transverse bolt 38z, but not towards the lower end of the support element 34. In a preferred arrangement, an element for adjusting the height 50 , such as the exemplary threaded leg shown from the lower end of each support post 12. As will be explained in more detail below, the threaded leg 50 allows fine adjustment of the height of the support post 12. Referring to FIGS. and 4, the installation of the wall mounted display system 10 will be easily understood. First, the upper and lower clamps 14, 16 are secured to the surface S, such as a wall. The clamps 14, 16 can be secured to the wall S by means of mechanical fasteners, such as bolts, screws and the like, mechanical fastening methods which will be recognized by those skilled in the art. To secure the upper and lower clamps 14, 16 to the wall S, the clamps 14, 16 must be secured parallel to each other and spaced a predetermined distance from each other. In addition, a desired distance of the lower clamp 16 from the lower floor F must also be carefully determined and maintained. To install the clamps 14, 16, care must also be taken to ensure that the corresponding upper and lower belaying locations 30, 32 are vertically aligned with each other. Essentially, the upper and lower clamps 14, 16, must be parallel and properly spaced apart from each other, with the lower clamp 16 properly spaced from the floor F. In addition, the corresponding upper and lower belaying locations 30, 32 must be vertically aligned with each other. . After the upper and lower clamps 14, 16 are located in and properly secured to the wall S, the lower end of the vertical support post 12 is mounted to the lower clamp 16 by inserting the support member 34 through the opening larger diameter 22 to the lower clamp 16. While the support member 34 is inserted through the opening 22, the lower ends of the flanges 36 are inserted into the elongated slots 24 located in the clamp 16 on either side of the opening 22 With the lower portion of the support post 12 placed in the lower bracket 16, the upper portion of the support post 12 is located and positioned in the upper bracket 14, by inserting the flanges 36 through the elongated grooves 28 in the upper bracket 14. The fastener or screw 46 is then inserted through the smaller diameter opening 26, and is threaded into the hole 44, securing the support post 12 and n its place. As seen in Figure 1, when the support post 12 is in place in the clamp 14, 16, it is separated from the wall S. The threaded leg 50 is then adjusted by lowering it to rest on the floor F, which transfers any vertical load exerted on the support post 12 to the floor F, instead of on the clamps 14, 16. The remaining support posts 12 are installed between the upper and lower clamps 14, 16 in a similar manner. The threaded leg 50 may further be used to provide a fine height adjustment of each support post 12, to ensure that each of the transverse bolts 38 is on a horizontal plane with the corresponding bolts 38 of each adjacent support post 12. The threaded leg 50 is also used to adjust the height of the post 12 to ensure that the enclosing elements, such as shelves extending between the multiple support posts 12, are oriented horizontally and not displaced. A wide variety of display and product display elements may be supported by the wall mounted display system 10. For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 5, a semicircular upper portion 52 may be used for extends between a pair of adjacent support posts 12.

The semicircular top 52 can be placed directly in the threaded hole 44 of the support posts 12 or can be connected to the screw 46 using any of a variety of mechanical fastening arrangements. The display system 10 can also support shelves 54 and hangers 56 as illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 3. FIGURE 3 illustrates an exemplary arrangement whereby a shelf bracket 58 or hanger bracket is attached to the support post 12. The clamp 58 may include a pair of opposite oriented slits 60, 62 formed in the clamp 58. An upper slit 60 having an L-shaped opening for immobilizing the slit 60 on the transverse pins 38 may be formed. An advantage of the present display system 10 is that the end flanges 36 which are fixed to the bolts 38, prevent the clamp 58 from slipping or otherwise decoupling from the bolts 38. This additional lateral belaying arrangement, providing greater integrity to the integrity structure of the display system 10 and the supported structural elements (e.g., product display elements) that are attached to the system 10, such as s shelves 54, hangers 56 and the like. The hanger element 56 is secured to the display system 10 in a similar manner, and can be used to, for example, hang garments and the like for display.

Other display elements may include, for example, a portion 64 extending from the display system 10, transversely from the wall S. Such portion 64 may be used to segregate or separate different goods or, for example, different sizes of the same merchandise An additional display element includes a wall panel 66 which is secured to the upper and lower clamps 14, 16 between adjacent vertical support posts 12, as illustrated in FIGURE 6. The panel 66 can be formed having a frame 68 and a central core (not shown) interposed between facing sheets 70 (one shown). The facing sheets 70 may be formed to have different colors or graphics, or may be mirror images, depending on the design or ornamentation desired. In one embodiment, the frame 68 includes fixed lower pins 72 extending from a lower edge 74 of the frame 68 and deflected upper pins (eg, loaded by a spring) 76 extending from an upper edge 78 of the frame 68. The pins 72 , 76 are inserted into the openings 80 formed in the upper and lower clamps 14, 16 to secure the panel 66 to the display system 10. The panels 66 provide greater flexibility and potential design to the display system 10.

Those skilled in the art will recognize the extreme advantages of the present wall mounted display system 10. The present system 10 provides an easily designed, easily installed and extremely versatile display system 10 which can be used to display a wide variety of goods. In addition, the wall-mounted display system 10 also provides for the easy installation of shelving, hangers, desk tops and other product display and ornamentation elements to create tailored retail display arrangements. From the foregoing, it will be noted that numerous modifications and variations may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It should be understood that no limitation is intended or infers with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated. It is intended that the description cover with the appended claims all those modifications that fall within the scope of these claims.

Claims (15)

1. CLAIMS 1. A system of display device for mounting to an associated surface, characterized in that it comprises: a pair of horizontal clamps, separate, parallel, to be mounted to the surface, each clamp has a place of assurance corresponding to a place for securing the another pair of clamps, the clamps being mounted to the surface so that the corresponding securing locations are vertically aligned with each other; and a support lifter extending between and secured to the clamps, the lifter being secured to the clamps in a vertical orientation, transverse to the clamps and spaced apart from the surface, the support elevator is capable of supporting an exhibited product. The display device system according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the pair of clamps is a lower clamp and the other of the pair of clamps is an upper clamp. The display device system according to claim 2, characterized in that the securing place of the lower bracket includes an opening configured to receive the support elevator. 4. The display device system according to claim 2, characterized in that each of the securing locations includes an opening and a pair of elongated openings placed on any of the opposite sides of the opening, and where the support elevator includes a pair of flanges extending longitudinally parallel thereto, the riser being configured to be received in the opening and the flanges being configured to receive the elongated slots. The display device system according to claim 4, characterized in that the elongated slots are positioned symmetrically relative to the opening. The display device system according to claim 5, characterized in that the elongated slots are placed transverse to a longitudinal axis of the lower clamp. The display device system according to claim 6, characterized in that the support elevator includes a hole formed therein for receiving a fastener inserted through the opening in the upper clamp to secure the support elevator to the clamp higher. The display device system according to claim 7, characterized in that it includes an element for adjusting the height mounted to the support elevator. 9. A display device system for mounting to an associated vertical surface, above the floor, characterized by comprising: separate upper and lower horizontal clamps, parallel to be mounted to the surface, the upper clamp has an assurance place vertically aligned with and corresponding to an opening in the lower clamp, the lower clamp being mounted to the surface above the floor; and a vertical support lifter extending from the floor, through the opening in the lower bracket and securing the upper bracket, the lifter being secured between the brackets in a vertical orientation, transverse to the brackets and spaced from the surface , being therefore able to support product displays and ornamentation. The display device system according to claim 9, characterized in that it includes an element for adjusting the height mounted to a lower end of the support elevator. The display device system according to claim 10, characterized in that the upper securing location includes an opening and a pair of elongated slots positioned on any of the opposite sides of the opening, and where the opening in the lower bracket includes a pair of elongated slots placed on either side of the opening corresponding to the elongated slots of the upper securing site, and wherein the support elevator includes a pair of ridges extending longitudinally throughout the length, the elevator being configured to be received in the opening of the lower clamp and the flanges being configured to be received in the elongated slots. The display device system according to claim 11, characterized in that the support elevator includes a hole formed therein for receiving a fastener inserted through the opening in the upper clamp to secure the support elevator to the clamp higher. The display device system according to claim 9, characterized in that the element for adjusting the height is a leg mounted to a threaded rod for screwing into an opening in a lower end of the support elevator. The display device system according to claim 9, characterized in that it includes a removable panel configured to be mounted between the upper and lower clamps, and between adjacent support elevators. The display device system according to claim 14, characterized in that the upper and lower clamps include openings therein, and wherein the removable panel has bolts extending therefrom to engage with the openings of the clamp.