Merchandise display system

Abstract

Merchandise display system includes a suspending mechanism for suspending a plurality of articles therefrom. The suspending mechanism has a suspending member sized and shaped so as to extend from a support member in a generally downward direction such that the plurality of articles can be fed downwardly along the suspending member. A guiding mechanism is also provided for positioning the plurality of articles in proper orientation. The guiding mechanism includes a guiding member sized and shaped so as to extend from the support member and engageable with side portions of the plurality of articles. The guiding member also includes an end sized and shaped so as to wrap around a lower front portion of an article located at a forward end of the plurality of articles for orienting the plurality of articles in a substantially upright orientation.

Description

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This is a non-provisional application relating to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/261,146 filed Jan. 12, 2001 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/306,774 filed Jul. 20, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to display systems and, more particularly, to a merchandise display system of a gravity-feed type.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In the past, various systems have been used for displaying merchandise packages (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,479,583; 4,616,753; 5,180,128; 5,626,243; and 5,762,207). For instance, with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, a conventional gravity-fed peg hook display system A is provided with a peg hook B adapted to be mounted from a pegboard C. When mounted, the peg hook B is angled downwardly relative to the pegboard C such that packages D loaded thereon are fed automatically in a forward direction (as indicated by arrow E in FIG. 15). Because the display system A is not provided with guide mechanisms for properly orienting displayed packages, the packages D tend to become arranged in a disorderly and disorganized manner. For instance, the packages D located at the front end of the display system A tend to tilt upwardly (as indicated by arrow F in FIG. 15) by the weight of the packages D located at the rear end of same. As a result, at least some of the packages D do not assume an upright or vertical position. Moreover, the packages D tend to stick or swing out laterally (as indicated by arrows G in FIG. 16), thereby making them appear disorderly and disorganized.

[0004] U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,742,923, 5,855,282 and 6,092,674 disclose package display systems. While these systems are equipped with some form of guide mechanisms, they suffer from various problems and shortcomings. For instance, these display systems are not adapted for easy adjustability for accommodating packages having different sizes. In such circumstances, there is a need for a merchandise display system addressing problems associated with conventional merchandise display systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and shortcomings of the prior art discussed above by providing a new and improved merchandise display system. More particularly, the merchandise display system includes a suspending mechanism for suspending a plurality of articles therefrom. The suspending mechanism has a suspending member sized and shaped so as to extend from a support member in a generally downward direction such that the plurality of articles can be fed downwardly along the suspending member. A guiding mechanism is also provided for positioning the plurality of articles in proper orientation. The guiding mechanism includes a guiding member sized and shaped so as to extend from the support member and engageable with side portions of the plurality of articles. The guiding member also includes an end sized and shaped so as to wrap around a lower front portion of an article located at a forward end of the plurality of articles for orienting the plurality of articles in a substantially upright orientation. The merchandise display system can also be provided with a supporting mechanism for supporting thereon the plurality of articles suspended from the suspending mechanism.

[0006] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the suspending mechanism, the supporting mechanism and the guiding mechanism can be formed as independent and discrete members which can be independently and selectively mounted to a support panel of the support member. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the suspending mechanism and the guiding mechanism can be formed as a single assembly. In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, the suspending mechanism and the guiding mechanism can be supported from a horizontal support tube of the support member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a merchandise display system constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the display system shown in FIG. 1 and mounted to a pegboard;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a side schematic view of the display system shown in FIG. 2;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a modified version of the display system shown in FIGS. 1-3;

[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another modified version of the display system shown in FIGS. 1-3;

[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a merchandise display system constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the display system shown in FIG. 6 and mounted to a pegboard;

[0015] FIG. 8 is a side schematic view of the display system shown in FIG. 7;

[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a merchandise display system constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 10 is a side schematic view of a merchandise display system constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a merchandise display system constructed in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of a section of the display system shown in FIG. 11;

[0020] FIG. 13 is a side schematic view of the section shown in FIG. 11;

[0021] FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a modified version of an attachment mechanism of the display system shown in FIG. 11;

[0022] FIG. 15 is a side schematic view of a conventional merchandise display system; and

[0023] FIG. 16 is a front schematic view of the conventional display system shown in FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Although the present invention can be used in conjunction with any type of merchandise display systems, it is particularly suitable for use in connection with a gravity-feed display system. Accordingly, the present invention will be described hereinafter in connection with such a display system. It should be understood, however, that the following description is only meant to be illustrative of the present invention and is not meant to limit the scope of the present invention, which has applicability to other types of display systems.

[0025] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a merchandise display system 10 constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. More particularly, the display system 10 is provided with a pegboard 11 having a plurality of openings 12. The display system 10 also includes a peg hook 14 having a pair of prongs 16 which are sized and shaped so as to be inserted into a pair of adjacent openings 12 for removably mounting the peg hook 14 to the pegboard 11. A peg rod 18 is fixedly attached to the prongs 16 such that when the peg hook 14 is mounted to the pegboard 11, the rod 18 extends from the pegboard 11 in a generally downward manner (see FIG. 3). The rod 18 also includes an end portion 20 located opposite the prongs 16 and angled upwardly with respect to the rest of the rod 18.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the display system 10 also includes a support hook 24 equipped with a bracket 26 at one end thereof. The bracket 26 is provided with a pair of prongs 28 which are sized and shaped so as to be inserted into a pair of adjacent openings 12 of the pegboard 11 for removably mounting the support hook 24 to the pegboard 11. A U-shaped support rod 30 is fixedly attached to the bracket 26 such that when the support hook 24 is mounted to the pegboard 11, the support rod 30 extends from the pegboard 11 in a generally downward manner (see FIG. 3).

[0027] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the display system 10 also includes a guide hook 34 equipped with a bracket 36 at one end thereof. The bracket 36 is provided with a pair of prongs 38 which are sized and shaped so as to be inserted into a pair of adjacent openings 12 of the pegboard 11 for removably mounting the guide hook 34 to the pegboard 11. The guide hook 34 includes a U-shaped guide rod 40 having a guide section 42, which is fixedly attached to the bracket 36, and a stop section 44, which projects from an end of the guide section 42. The stop section 44 is oriented at an angle (e.g., a 90° angle) with respect to the guide section 42 for purposes to be discussed hereinafter. The guide and stop sections 42, 44 are sized and shaped such that when the guide hook 34 is mounted to the pegboard 11, the guide section 42 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the pegboard 11 (i.e., extends horizontally) and the stop section 44 extends substantially parallel to the pegboard 11 (see FIG. 3).

[0028] For displaying merchandise packages 80, the peg hook 14 is mounted to the pegboard 11 at a desired location (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The packages 80 are then loaded to the peg hook 14. Next, the support hook 24 is mounted to the pegboard 11 below the peg hook 14 such that the rod 18 of the peg hook 14 extends substantially parallel to the rod 30 of the support hook 24 and such that bottom ends 82 of the packages 80 are supported on the support rod 30. The guide hook 34 is then mounted to the pegboard 11 between the peg hook 14 and the support hook 24 such that the guide section 42 is spaced from the peg hook 14 and the support hook 24 in a lateral direction (see FIGS. 1 and 2) and such that the stop section 44 is located above a front end of the support hook 24 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). More particularly, the guide section 42 is adapted to engage associated lateral sides 84 (see FIG. 2) of the packages 80, while the stop section 44 is adapted to engage a lower portion 86 (see FIG. 3) of the front package 80′ (i.e., the package located at the forward end of the display system 10). When the front package 80′ is removed from the display system 10, the remaining packages 80 are fed in a downward direction towards the end portion 20 of the peg hook 14 (i.e., they slide along the rod 18 of the peg hook 14 and the rod 30 of the support hook 24).

[0029] It should be appreciated that the peg hook 14, the support hook 24 and the guide hook 34 cooperate with one another so as to maintain the packages 80 in orderly and organized fashion (e.g., in a linear and upright orientation). For instance, the weight of the packages 80 is supported not only by the peg hook 14 but also by the support hook 24. As a result, the peg hook 14 is inhibited from over-bending. In this regard, the U-shaped rod 30 of the support hook 24 functions to distribute the weight of the packages 80 evenly, thereby providing enhanced stability to the packages 80 and reducing the amount of stress applied to the peg hook 14 by same. Moreover, the guide section 42 of the guide hook 34 is adapted to engage the lateral sides 84 of the packages 80, thereby inhibiting same from sticking out laterally. For example, when the front package 80′ is removed from the display system 10 and the remaining packages 80 are hence fed in a downward direction toward the end portion 20 of the peg hook 14, the guide section 42 inhibits the remaining packages 80 from swinging laterally and thereby maintains same in a substantially linear orientation (see FIG. 2). In addition, the stop section 44 of the guide hook 34 engages the lower portion 86 of the front package 80′ such that the front package 80′ and hence the remaining packages 80 are inhibited from tilting upwardly (see FIG. 3). In other words, the stop section 44 maintains the packages 80 in a substantially upright (i.e., vertical) position.

[0030] It should also be appreciated that because the peg hook 14, the support hook 24 and the guide hook 34 are formed as independent and discrete members removably mounted to the pegboard 11, they provide enhanced adjustability for accommodating packages having different sizes and/or shapes. More particularly, because the peg hook 14, the support hook 24 and the guide hook 34 can be independently and selectively mounted to the pegboard 11 at infinitely varying locations with respect to one another, they are adapted for universal use in connection with a number of merchandise packages having many different sizes and/or shapes.

[0031] It should be noted that the display system 10 can have numerous modifications and variations. For instance, the display system 10 can be used without the support hook 24 or the guide hook 34. Further, the U-shaped guide hook 34 can be provided with a single rod construction (see, for instance, FIG. 4). Moreover, the U-shaped rod 30 of the support hook 24 can also be provided with a single rod construction similar to that of the guide hook 34 shown in FIG. 4. In addition, the mechanisms for mounting the peg hook 14, the support hook 24 and the guide hook 34 to the pegboard 11 (i.e., the brackets 26 and 36 and prongs 16, 28, 38) are interchangeable and/or can be replaced with other conventional mounting mechanisms. Further, while the guide hook 34 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 as being located on the right side of the display system 10, it can be located on the left side, provided that the stop section 44 is bent in an opposite direction (see, for instance, FIG. 5) The order of mounting the peg hook 14, the support hook 24 and the guide hook 34 to the pegboard 11 can also be different from the one described above, depending upon user preferences, package sizes/shapes, etc.

[0032] FIGS. 6-8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10 and FIGS. 11-14 depict second, third, fourth and fifth embodiments, respectively, of the present invention. Elements illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10 and FIGS. 11-14, which correspond, either identically or substantially, in function or structure to the elements described above with respect to the display system 10 of FIGS. 1-3 have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by one hundred, two hundred, three hundred and four hundred, respectively. Unless otherwise stated or illustrated herein, the embodiments of FIGS. 6-14 are constructed and operate in the same basic manner as the display system 10 of FIGS. 1-3.

[0033] FIGS. 6 and 7 show a merchandise display system 110 constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. More particularly, the display system 110 is provided with a pegboard 111 having a plurality of openings 112. The display system 110 also includes a peg hook unit 145 having an elongated support member 146. The support member 146 has a rectangular shape and top and bottom portions 148, 150. Bridges 152a, 152b, 152c are provided for interconnecting the top portion 148 of the support member 146 to the bottom portion 150 and are spaced substantially equally along the support member 146. The support member 146 also includes a plurality of brackets 154a, 154b, 154c which are fixedly attached to the bridges 152a, 152b, 152c, respectively, as well as to the top portion 148 of the support member 146. The brackets 154a, 154b, 154c are provided with prongs 116a, 116b, 116c, respectively, which are sized and shaped so as to be inserted into the openings 112 of the pegboard 111 for mounting the peg hook unit 145 to the pegboard 111. Mounting hooks 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d extend from the support member 146 and include hook rods 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d, respectively. The rods 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d are provided with leg portions 156a, 156b, 156c, 156d, respectively. The leg portions 156a, 156b, 156c, 156d are fixedly attached to the top and bottom portions 148, 150 of the support member 146 such that when the peg hook unit 145 is mounted to the pegboard 111, the rods 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d extend from the pegboard 111 in a generally downward manner (see FIG. 8). The rods 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d also include reinforcing members 158a, 158b, 158c, 158d, respectively, connected to the top portion 148 of the support member 146 and the rods 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d, respectively, for purposes to be discussed hereinafter. Alternatively, the reinforcing members 158a, 158b, 158c, 158d can be attached to the leg portions 156a, 156b, 156c, 156d, respectively. The rods 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d also include upwardly angled end portions 120a, 120b 120c, 120d located opposite the leg portions 156a, 156b, 156c, 156d, respectively, functioning as a stop for packages supported therefrom.

[0034] Still referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the display system 110 also includes a retainer member 160 having laterally spaced horizontal sections 162a, 162b, laterally spaced angled sections 164a, 164b and a retainer section 166. More particularly, the horizontal sections 162a, 162b are connected to the angled section 164a, 164b, respectively, which in turn are connected to the retainer section 166. The retainer member 160 also includes brackets 136a, 136b provided with prongs 138a, 138b, respectively, for mounting the retainer member 160 to the pegboard 111. The brackets 136a, 136b are fixedly attached to ends of the horizontal sections 162a, 162b, respectively, such that when the retainer member 160 is mounted to the pegboard 111, the horizontal sections 162a, 162b extend from the pegboard 111 in a substantially horizontal fashion, the angled sections 164a, 164b are oriented at a downward angle with respect to the pegboard 111 and the retainer section 166 is substantially parallel relative to the pegboard 111. Guide rods 140a, 140b, 140c project from the retainer section 166 at a direction substantially parallel to the angled sections 164a, 164b.

[0035] For displaying merchandise packages 180, the peg hook unit 145 is mounted to the pegboard 111. Next, the packages 180 are mounted to the rods 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d of the peg hook unit 145. The retainer member 160 is then mounted to the pegboard 111 below the peg hook unit 145 such that the retainer section 166 engages lower portions 186 of the front packages (i.e., those positioned at the front end of the display system 110) and such that the guide rods 140a, 140b, 140c and the angled section 164b engage associated lateral sides of the packages 180. In this manner, the retainer section 166 inhibits the front packages and hence the remaining packages from tilting in an upward direction and thereby maintains the packages 180 in an upright (i.e., vertical) position. The guide rods 140a, 140b, 140c and the angled section 164b also inhibit the packages 180 from swinging (i.e., sticking) out laterally, thereby maintaining the packages 180 in a substantially linear fashion.

[0036] It should be appreciated that the display system 110 provides numerous advantages over the prior art discussed above. For instance, the display system 110 shares many of the same advantages provided by the display system 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3. Moreover, the reinforcing members 158a, 158b, 158c, 158d of the peg hook unit 145 provide additional support to the rods 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d, respectively, and hence inhibit the rods 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d from over-bending when packages are loaded thereon.

[0037] It should also be noted that the display system 110 can have many modifications and variations. For instance, although four mounting hooks 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the display system 110 can be provided with a different number of mounting hooks depending on available spaces, package sizes, etc. Moreover, the guide rods 140a, 140b, 140c can be eliminated from the display system 110. In addition, the peg hook unit 145 and/or the retainer member 160 can be treated with a suitable coating process (e.g. powder coating and zinc plating) for the purpose of providing them with a smooth slippery surface so as to enhance their appearance and/or functions (e.g. the packages 180 can slid easily on the peg hook unit 145 and/or the retainer member 160).

[0038] FIG. 9 illustrates a merchandise display system 210 constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. More particularly, the display system 210 includes a bracket 254, which has a pair of prongs 216, and a hook rod 218, which is equipped with a leg portion 256 fixedly attached to the bracket 254. A reinforcing member 258 is connected between the rod 218 and the leg 256 for providing additional support to the rod 218 and hence inhibiting same from over-bending when packages (not shown in FIG. 9) are loaded on the rod 218. The display system 210 also includes a guide rod 240 having a leg section 241, which is connected to the bracket 254, a guide section 242, which extends from the leg section 241 at an angle (e.g., a 90° angle), and a stop section 244, which extends from the guide section 242 at an angle (e.g., a 90° angle). The guide section 242 is sized and shaped so as to engage associated lateral sides of the packages and to inhibit same from swinging out laterally. In this manner, the guide section 242 maintains the packages in a substantially linear fashion. Likewise, the stop section 244 is sized and shaped so as to engage the front package to maintain the packages in a substantially upright position. The display system 210 has a rigid construction. Alternatively, the display system 210 can be made such that the orientation of the guide rod 240 can be adjusted to accommodate packages having different sizes.

[0039] FIG. 10 illustrates a merchandise display system 310 constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The display system 310 has a construction and operation identical to those of the display system 10 of FIGS. 1-3, except as follows. The display system 310 includes a peg hook 314 which is provided with a peg rod 318 having a horizontal section 370. The horizontal section 370, which is preferably ¾ inch to 1 inch in length, is angled relative to the peg rod 318 such that when the peg hook 314 is properly mounted to a pegboard 311, the horizontal section 370 assumes a substantially horizontal orientation. The display system 310 also includes a U-shaped support hook 324 which is provided with a support rod 330 having a horizontal section 331. The horizontal section 331 of the support rod 330 has a length ranging preferably from ¾ inch to 1 inch. The horizontal section 331 is also angled relative to the support rod 330 such that when the support hook 324 is properly mounted to the pegboard 311, the horizontal section 331 assumes a substantially horizontal orientation. Alternatively, the support rod 330 can have a construction identical to that of the support rod 30 of the display system 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3 (i.e., the support rod 330 can be linear throughout its length).

[0040] Due to the horizontal section 370 of the peg rod 318 and/or the horizontal section 331 of the support rod 330, less weight is exerted on packages 380 located at the horizontal sections 370, 331 (i.e., at the front sections of the peg rod 318 and support rod 330) by packages located behind same. In this manner, the horizontal section 370 and/or the horizontal section 331 further assist the packages 380 to assume an upright position. In addition, the horizontal sections 370, 331 cooperate to reduce friction between packages 380 located at the horizontal sections 370, 331, thereby facilitating the removal of the front package 3801 from the display system 310.

[0041] It should be noted that display system 310 can have numerous modifications and variations. For instance, the display system 310 can be used without the support hook 324. In such circumstances, the diameter of the peg hook 318 can be increased to compensate for the lack of bottom support. The horizontal section 370 and/or the horizontal section 331 can also be modified such that they are angled upwardly from the peg rod 318 and the support rod 330, respectively, when the peg hook 314 and the support hook 324 are mounted from the pegboard 311. In this manner, the weight of the packages 380 located at the horizontal sections 370, 331 can counteract with the weight of the packages 380 located behind same, further assisting the packages 380 to assume a proper orientation. This modification is particularly suitable when the display system 310 is used without the support hook 324.

[0042] It should also be noted that the horizontal section 370 of the peg rod 318 and/or horizontal section 331 of the support rod 330 can be incorporated into one or more of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-9. For instance, a horizontal section can be provided in the mounting hooks 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d of the embodiment of FIGS. 6-8 and in the hook rod 218 of the embodiment of FIG. 9.

[0043] FIGS. 11-13 illustrate a merchandise display system 410 constructed in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. For the sake of clarity, it is noted that FIG. 11 shows only one side of the display system 410, the opposite side being a mirror image thereof. That is, the opposite side of the display system 410 has a construction basically identical to the side shown in FIG. 11. In such circumstances, the following discussion of the display system 410 will not include a discussion of the construction and operation of the opposite side.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 11, the display system 410 includes a support frame assembly 470 having a plurality of rear vertical tubes 472. The rear vertical tubes 472 extend in a vertical direction and are arranged linearly along a rear side of the display system 410 (i.e., in a lateral direction). Each of the rear vertical tubes 472 is provided with a plurality of U-shaped supporting bracket 474 securely attached (e.g., welded or bolted) thereto. Top and bottom horizontal tubes 476 extend between opposing lateral sides 478 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 11) of the display system 410 for securing the rear vertical tubes 472 thereto. Lateral top and bottom tubes 490 project in a direction transverse to the rear side of the display system 410, while a front vertical tube 494 is connected to the lateral top and bottom tubes 490. A top horizontal tube 477 extends from the front vertical tube 494 to a front vertical tube (not shown) located on the opposite lateral side of the display system 410. Likewise, an intermediate horizontal tube 496 extends from the lateral bottom tube 490 to a lateral bottom tube (not shown) located on the opposite side of the display system 410. A rack subassembly 498 extends between the lateral sides 478 of the display system 410 for supporting display boxes thereon (as indicated by broken line representation in FIG. 11). Each of the tubes 472, 476, 477, 490, 494, 496 of the support frame assembly 470 discussed above is preferably made from a rigid material, such as steel, and has a square-shaped cross-section. Alternatively, the tubes 472, 476, 477, 490, 494, 496 can be provided with different cross-sectional shapes.

[0045] With reference to FIGS. 11-13, the display system 410 is also provided with a horizontal support tube 497 which has a pair of ends 495. The horizontal support tube 497 is preferably made from a rigid material, such as steel, and has a square-shaped cross-section. Alternatively, the horizontal support tube 497 can be provided with a different cross-sectional shape. Each of the ends 495 of the horizontal support tube 497 is sized and shaped so as to be removably received in a corresponding one of the U-shaped brackets 474 such that the horizontal support tube 497 can be securely mounted to the rear vertical tubes 472. The horizontal support tube 497 is provided with a mounting rod 414 and a guide rod 434. While additional mounting rods and guide rods are provided on the horizontal support tube 497, because their construction and operation are identical to those of the mounting rod 414 and the guide rod 434, respectively, they have been omitted from FIG. 11.

[0046] Still referring to FIGS. 11-13, the mounting rod 414 has a construction and operation basically identical to those of the peg hook 314 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, except as follows. The mounting rod 414 has an end 416, which is received in the horizontal support tube 497 through a hole formed therein, and a section 418 extending from the end 416. The section 418 of the mounting rod 414 is securely welded to the horizontal support tube 497 at a rear portion thereof 418′. The mounting rod 414 is also provided with a horizontal section 470, which projects from the section 418 at an angle, and a tip 420 which projects from the horizontal section 470 at an angle. In this manner, when the horizontal support tube 497 is properly supported from the rear vertical tubes 472, the section 418 extends in a generally downward direction, while the horizontal section 470 assumes a substantially horizontal orientation.

[0047] The guide rod 434 has a construction and operation basically identical to those of the guide rod 240 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, except as follows. For instance, the guide rod 434 has an end 436 extending through and secured (e.g., welded or bolted) to the horizontal support tube 497. A guide section 442 projects from the end 436, while a stop section 444 projects from the guide section 442.

[0048] The display system 410 also includes horizontal support tubes 499 (see FIG. 11). More particularly, each of the horizontal support tubes 499 has a construction and operation identical to those of the horizontal support tube 497. For instance, the horizontal support tubes 499 have mounting rods and guide rods (not shown) similar to the mounting rod 414 and the guide rod 434. In such circumstances, a further discussion of the construction and operation of the horizontal support tubes 499 is considered unnecessary.

[0049] It should be noted that the display system 410 can have numerous modifications and variations. For instance, the mounting rod 414 and the guide rod 434 can be attached to the horizontal support tube 497 by many different mechanisms. By way of example, the mounting rod 414 can be attached to the horizontal support tube 497 by a clip 493 bolted to same (see FIG. 14). The support frame assembly 470 can also be provided with different components or replaced with other supporting mechanisms. That is, the present invention can be used in connection with a wide range of support mechanisms, including wall systems, pegboards, support frames and other supporting systems. Moreover, the display system 410 can be provided with a support rod similar to the U-shaped support hook 324 of FIG. 10.

[0050] It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications, including those discussed above, are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Apparatus adapted to be mounted to a support member for displaying articles, comprising suspending means for suspending a plurality of articles therefrom, said suspending means including a suspending member sized and shaped so as to extend from the support member in a generally downward direction such that the plurality of articles can be fed downwardly along said suspending member; and guiding means for positioning the plurality of articles in proper orientation, said guiding means including a guiding member sized and shaped so as to extend from the support member for engaging side portions of the plurality of articles, and said guiding member including an end sized and shaped so as to wrap around a lower front portion of an article located at a forward end of the plurality of articles for orienting the plurality of articles in a substantially upright orientation.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said guiding member has a rod-like construction.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said guiding member has a guiding section extending in a first direction, said end of said guiding member extending from said guiding section in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising supporting means for supporting thereon the plurality of articles, each of said suspending means, said guiding means and said support means being independently and selectively mountable to the support member.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said supporting means includes first attaching means for removably attaching said supporting means to a support panel of the support member below said suspending means.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said supporting means includes a U-shaped support rod extending from said first attaching means such that when said supporting means is attached to the support panel, said U-shaped support rod extends from the support panel in a direction substantially parallel to said suspending member of said suspending means.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said guiding means includes second attaching means f or removably attaching said guiding means to the support panel at a location laterally offset from said suspending means and said supporting means.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said guiding member includes a U-shaped guide rod having a guide section, which is attached to said second attaching means, and a stop section, which defines said end of said guiding member.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said guide section extends in a first direction; and said stop section extends from said guide section in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said suspending means includes third attaching means for removably attaching said suspending means to the support panel.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said suspending member extends from said third attaching means.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said suspending member includes a plurality of suspending rods, each of which is sized and shaped so as to suspend the plurality of articles therefrom, said suspending rods being formed as a first assembly.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said suspending means includes first attaching means for removably attaching said first assembly to a support panel of the support member, said first attaching means being fixedly attached to said suspending rods.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said guiding member includes a plurality of guide rods, each of which is sized and shaped so as to engage the side portions of a corresponding set of the plurality of articles, and a retainer rod which defines said end of said guiding member, said retainer rod being attached to ends of said guide rods such that said guide rods and said retainer rod form a second assembly.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said guiding means includes second attaching means for removably attaching said second assembly to the support panel.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said suspending means includes reinforcing means for reinforcing said suspending rods so as to inhibit said suspending rods from over-bending when articles are suspended from said suspending rods.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said suspending means and said guiding means are formed as a single assembly.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising attaching means for removably attaching said assembly to a support panel of the support member, said suspending means and said guiding means being fixedly attached to said attaching means.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said suspending means includes reinforcing means for reinforcing said suspending member so as to inhibit said suspending member from over-bending when articles are suspended from said suspending member.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said suspending means and said guiding means are supported from a horizontal support beam of the support member.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said suspending means and said guiding means are fixedly attached to the horizontal support beam.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the support member includes a frame assembly for supporting the horizontal support beam.