Abstract: The multi-purpose columnar support of this invention is an aesthetically pleasing structural support primarily adapted for use in creating displays for merchandise in stores and exhibits. A tubular column extruded from heavy gauge metal or other structural material and cut to any desired length is the principal element of the columnar support. The diameter of the column is three inches in the illustrated embodiment, but may be of any desired diameter. The extruded column has a core and four holding areas that diverge outwardly from the core to the cylinder wall and support connectors selected from a group of connectors that are each configured to engage and support one or more items of conventional hardware, such as brackets, slotted strips, slatwalls, decorative panels and wire slat grid panels, that are used in the display of merchandise, The unused holding areas are closed by trim caps to provide the appearance of a substantially solid column with an unbroken surface except for the active holding areas.

Abstract: Improved connectors of the type used for attaching shelves and bins to slot boards are generally shaped like the known W-clips and Z-clips but have ribbed channels to receive one edge portion of a shelf or bin. The edge portions of the shelves and bins are shaped to fit within the channels and grooved to fit around the ribs on the connectors when a connector is attached to a shelf or bin by seating the corresponding edge portion of the shelf or bin in the channel of the connector and seating the rib on the connector in the groove in the shelf or bin to mechanically interlock the connector with its shelf or bin. A combination connector is also provided which can be used either as a W-clip or a Z-clip.

Abstract: A three dimensional shelf assembly is provided with three planar components and two tubular components. The planar and tubular shelf components can be manufactured and shipped before being assembled into three dimensional shelves, thereby avoiding the expense of shipping three dimensonal shelves.

Abstract: A holder for pictures and the like formed by folding an integral sheet of transparent material to define a support portion, a face portion and a brace portion. The face and brace portions are joined to the support portion at spaced first and second fold lines and the three portions extend one relative to another in predetermined relationships for including acute angles therebetween. The brace portion has an end portion which terminates adjacent the face portion at a location intermediate the length of the face portion and the portions cooperate for retaining a picture and the like.