Multi-function pallet rack

Abstract

The invention recites a pallet rack display system comprising a first side support and a second side support spaced a distance from the first side support to define a display volume therebetween. A transverse member is supported between a forward position and a rearward position by the first and second side supports. The display system also includes a panel support member connected to the transverse member. The panel support member is positionable between a first position adjacent the first side support and a second position adjacent the second side support.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to point-of-sale displays, and particularly to point-of-sale displays built within a pallet racking system. More particularly, the present invention relates to movable pallet racking systems for use as point-of-sale displays.

[0002] Pallet display systems are commonly used in large stores, warehouse stores, and large, home improvement centers. Point-of-sale displays are often built into the pallet racks to display products, to support product demonstrations or comparisons, and to support the products being sold. Commonly, the displays are built-out using wood or other combustible products. The combustible nature of these displays may require additional fire protection, additional insurance, additional inspections, or other additional measures that may prove costly to the store. Further, the construction of the displays may not be durable under conditions commonly found in large stores. For example, forklifts or large heavy carts often impact the displays and cause unseen damage that may pose a risk to the store patrons.

[0003] In addition, permanent custom build-outs cannot be easily moved or rearranged. It therefore becomes necessary to build a new display if changes to the store layout are desired or if the seller wants the product displayed differently. These changes present an inconvenience to the shopper and a cost to both the store and the product seller.

SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0004] The pallet rack display system of the invention provides a first side support and a second side support spaced a distance from the first side support to define a display volume therebetween. A transverse member is supported between a forward position and a rearward position by the first and second side supports. The display system also includes a panel support member connected to the transverse member. The panel support member is positionable between a first position adjacent the first side support and a second position adjacent the second side support.

[0005] In preferred embodiments, the pallet display system includes a cornice member having a pivotable end. Panels are disposed on the panel support members and the cornice member. The pivotable end of the cornice member allows the panel attached thereto to pivot into a second plane different from the plane of the panel attached to the panel support members.

[0006] In another construction, a pallet rack display system is supported by a pallet rack having a plurality of vertical members. The pallet rack display further comprises a first pair of lateral members that extend between two vertical members to define a first side support and a second pair of lateral members that extend between two vertical members to define a second side support. An upper transverse member is supported by the first side support and the second side support, and the upper transverse member is movable between a first position and a second position. A lower transverse member is supported by the first side support and the second side support, and the lower transverse member is movable between the first position and the second position. The pallet rack display also includes a plurality of panel support members slidably engagable with the upper transverse member and the lower transverse member, and the panel support members are movable between the first side support and the second side support.

[0007] In preferred constructions, the pallet rack display includes a cornice member engagable with the display.

[0008] In yet another construction, the invention provides a method of displaying goods at a point-of-sale, the method comprising the acts of providing a pallet rack display system having movable transverse members and movable panel support members. The method further comprising the acts of moving the movable panel support members to a desired display position, coupling a display panel to the movable panel support members, and moving the transverse members to the desired display position.

[0009] In preferred constructions, the method further includes the act of attaching cornice members to the display to support at least two panels in at least two different planes.

[0010] Additional features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-function pallet rack embodying the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the pallet rack of FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the pallet rack of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the pallet rack of FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cornice member in accordance with the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one possible configuration of the pallet rack of FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another possible configuration of the pallet rack of FIG. 1; and

[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another possible configuration of the pallet rack of FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a cornice member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, a multi-function pallet rack display system 10 includes vertical support members 15, lateral members 20, transverse members 25, and panel support members 30. The pallet rack 35 defines a cuboidal display volume having a front 40, a back 45, a first side 50, a second side 55, a top 60 and a bottom 65. The vertical support members 15 are positioned at each vertical dihedral corner of the display volume and provide support for the pallets, and additional pallet racks 35 stacked above, as well as the pallet rack display system 10. As such, the vertical support members are generally the only contact with the ground or store floor. In many constructions, the vertical support members 15 are part of the preexisting pallet support system installed in the store. The lateral members 20 are adapted to attach to these preexisting vertical supports 15. The vertical members 15 (best shown in FIG. 2) are generally formed from tubular steel or another structural material capable of safely supporting the pallet rack display 10 as well as other pallet racks that may be stacked above the pallet rack display system 10. The vertical members 15 are preferably square or rectangular in cross-section. However, any shape cross-section will function as a vertical member 15. The vertical members 15 include a plurality of apertures 70 disposed on the inside surface, adjacent the display volume. The apertures 70 are spaced along the vertical length of the vertical members 15 to provide a convenient, yet adjustable means of attaching the lateral members 20. The design of the lateral members 20 is dictated by the location and shape of the apertures 70 in the vertical members 15. For example, a lateral member 20 that engages the outside surface of the vertical members 15 would be required for a vertical member with apertures 70 on the outer surface. While the arrangement shown in FIG. 2 is preferred, the invention should not be limited to vertical members 15 having apertures 70 on the inside surface alone.

[0022] Referring again to FIG. 1, two lateral members 20 extend between two vertical members 15 to define a first side member 75. The side member 75 defines the first side surface 50 of the display volume. Two additional lateral members 20 extend between the remaining two vertical members 15 to define a second side member 80 that defines the second side surface 55 of the display volume. While two lateral members 20 are illustrated in FIG. 1, other constructions use other quantities of lateral members 20. Some constructions may require three or more lateral members 20 per side member 75, 80 to achieve the desired display configuration. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates a configuration that includes a third set of lateral members 20 (shown partially broken away) disposed between the first two sets of lateral members 20. Two lateral members 20 per side member 75, 80 produce a rigid side member 75, 80 and provide sufficient support for transverse members 25 for most configurations of the pallet display system 10. However, some configurations may require three or more lateral members 20 and are therefore contemplated by the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates the attachment of the lateral members 20 to the vertical members 15. Each lateral member 20 includes an attachment portion 85 having two tabs 87 that fit within the apertures 70 and engage the vertical members 15 to lock the lateral members 20 in place. A bolt 90 threads into a nut (not shown) that also engages the vertical member 15 to prevent unwanted removal of the lateral member 20. To configure the pallet rack display 10, the user positions the lateral members 20 at the desired elevation and affixes them to the vertical members 15.

[0024] Each lateral member 20 comprises a generally rectangular cross-section tubular member, however other shape tubes as well as channels and solid bars may be used as lateral members 20. The lateral members 20 include a plurality of apertures 95 spaced along the top surface. The aperture's size and shape allow the transverse member 25 to engage the lateral member 20 at multiple positions along the lateral member 20. In another construction (not shown), no apertures 95 are used. In this construction, the transverse members 25 are free to move along the lateral members 20 to any desired position. A locking screw locks the transverse member 25 in the desired position and prevents unwanted movement.

[0025] In applications having preinstalled vertical members 15, it is likely that the depth (distance from the front 40 to the back 45) of the display volume will vary slightly. To accommodate this, the lateral members 20 are adjustable. While many mechanisms are available to accomplish the desired adjustability, a preferred construction employs a lateral member 20 that includes a bar 105 that is slidable within a sleeve 107, as is shown in FIG. 2. The bar 105 may be a solid bar, a tube, or a channel that supports the attachment portion 85 that engages the vertical members 15. In addition, the joint between the bar 105 and the sleeve 107 may be located anywhere along the length of the lateral member. FIG. 1 illustrates the joint near the rear portion of the lateral member 20, while FIG. 2 illustrates the joint near the front portion. A locking screw (not shown) or other locking device (e.g., pin, bolt, spring-loaded ball, etc.) couples the bar 105 to the sleeve 107 at the desired location.

[0026] In preferred constructions, the lateral members 20 include channels (not shown) that extend along the lateral members length. The channels accommodate panels that allow the display to be separated from adjacent pallet display systems 10. Generally, the panels slide into position from the front or back of the display. However, other constructions include movable retaining members that engage the upper or lower portion of the panels to hold them in place.

[0027] The transverse members 25, illustrated best in FIG. 3, are preferably formed from channel members, however, tubular or solid members will function as transverse members 25. The transverse members 25 extend the full width (from the first side member 75 to the second side member 80) of the display volume and as such must be substantially rigid. For this reason, the channel shape is preferred as it provides substantial rigidity with low weight. Each transverse member 25 includes a channel or hook portion 120 formed to receive the panel support members 30. FIG. 3 illustrates one possible construction of the lateral member 20, wherein the apertures 95 receive a tab 100 that extends from the transverse member 25. Other constructions may employ rectangular or oval apertures 95. In fact, any shape aperture 95 will function so long as the tab 100 that extends from the transverse member 25 is able to engage the aperture 95.

[0028] The channel portion 120 of the construction illustrated in FIG. 3 is a generally V-shaped channel with one leg of the “V” extending slightly toward the front surface 40 of the display volume. The V-shaped channel allows panel support members 30 to firmly engage and slide along the transverse member 25 to any desired position.

[0029] For installations having preinstalled vertical members 15, it may be necessary to employ adjustable length transverse members 25. However, preferred embodiments do not require adjustable transverse members 25.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, a preferred construction includes two transverse members 25. The upper transverse member 25 extends between the upper lateral members 20 of the first and second side members 75, 80, while the lower transverse member 25 extends between the lower lateral members 20. In some configurations of the pallet rack display system 10, it may be necessary to include three or more transverse members 25. In the illustrated embodiment, additional lateral members 20 were added to each of the side members 75, 80 to accommodate the addition of a transverse member 25 at an elevation different from the already installed transverse members 25.

[0031] The panel support members 30, best illustrated in FIG. 3, are generally U-shaped channel members having a front attachment surface 125 and two leg portions 130. The front attachment surface 125 includes a plurality of rectangular slots 135 arranged in two parallel rows and equally spaced. The leg portions 130 of the panel supports 30 include angled slots 140 positioned to engage the channel portion 120 of the transverse members 25. Once engaged, the slots 140 support the panel support members 30 and allow them to slide between the first side member 75 and the second side member 80. While U-shaped panel supports 30 are illustrated, other constructions employ different shaped cross sections. For example, another construction uses square or rectangular panel support members. The square or rectangular shape, like the U-shape, provides side surfaces that can be used to support other components or panels if desired.

[0032] FIG. 1 shows the pallet rack display system 10 including three panel support members 30. It should be understood that any number of panel support members 30 can be employed depending on the desired configuration of the pallet rack display 10.

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates a construction in which the panel support members 30 directly support panels 155. A plurality of hooks 150 extend from the panel 155 and engage the slots 135 of the panel support member 30. The panels 155 are generally perforated metal panels as shown in FIG. 4. Alternatively, drywall, wood paneling, or any other panel-like material supportable by hooks, screws, nails or other fasteners could be used to produce the desired display.

[0034] Turning to FIG. 3, a portion of a cornice member 145 is illustrated in an engaged position with one of the panel support members 30. The cornice member 145 (described below) includes a plurality of hooks 150 that engage some of the slots 135 in the panel support 30. FIG. 5 illustrates one possible construction of the cornice member 145. The cornice member 145 includes a hook portion 160, a neck portion 165, and an attachment portion 170. The hook portion 160 includes the plurality of hooks 150 that engage the slots 135 of the panel support members 30 to anchor the cornice member 145 at the desired elevation within the display volume. The neck portion 165 extends between the hook portion 160 and the attachment portion 170. The neck portion 165 includes a large tube 175 and a small tube 180 disposed within the large tube 175. The small tube 180 slides in and out of the large tube 175 to reduce or extend the length of the neck portion 165, thereby allowing the user to position the attachment portion 170 as desired. The attachment portion 170 pivotally connects to the neck portion 165 to allow free rotation of the attachment portion 170 to almost any angle desired. Panels 155 or other objects connect to the attachment section 170. The cornice members 145 allow panels 155 to be positioned within the display volume on different planes and at different angles than would be possible if the panels 155 were only connected to the panel support members 30.

[0035] FIG. 9 shows another construction of a cornice member 145A. The cornice member 145A is formed from a channel or other shape able to engage the lateral member 20. The cornice member 145A also includes locking mechanisms 185 (e.g., spring-loaded balls or pins, screws, etc.) sized to engage the apertures 95 formed in the lateral members 20. Thus, the cornice member 145A attaches to, and slides along, the lateral members 20 to one of multiple positions. A faceplate 190 extends at a right angle to the lateral member 20, thereby projecting into the display volume. The faceplate 190 can support a panel 155 in a vertical orientation, or at any other angle desired. To support a panel 155 at an angle other than vertical, a pivot shoe 195 is attached to the faceplate 190. The pivot shoe 195 attaches to the faceplate 190 and pivots in a manner similar to that of the attachment portion 170 of the cornice member 145 of FIG. 5.

[0036] FIGS. 6-8 illustrate different configurations of the pallet rack display system 10 employing cornice members 145A. FIG. 6 includes a vertically oriented panel 155 attached to the panel support members 30 as illustrated in FIG. 4. Several cornice members 145A support an angled panel 155′ immediately above the vertically oriented panel 155. This type of arrangement may be desired to display products on the vertical panels 155 and instructions or advertisements that assist the customer in choosing the correct product on the angled panel 155′.

[0037] The display of FIG. 7 includes two sets of cornice members 145 to create a counter or table display. The first set of cornice members support a lower vertical panel 155 spaced a distance in front of the panel support members 30. The second set of cornice members 145 support a panel 155″ in a substantially horizontal plane. Additional panels (not shown) would be attached to the panel support members 30 as illustrated in FIG. 4 to complete the display. This type of display may be desirable to display goods such as sinks and faucets or flooring material such as ceramic tile, laminate, wood, or carpet. The table portion provides a surface to display the “as installed” product, thereby improving the consumers understanding of the product. In an alternative construction (not shown), the display of FIG. 7 is formed using two additional transverse members. The first extends between the lower lateral members near the desired plane of the lower vertical panel, while the second extends just below the horizontal panel. Short panel support members engage the additional transverse members and the lower vertical panel connects to the short panel support members.

[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates yet another possible configuration of the pallet rack display 10. In this configuration, a vertical panel 155 connects to the panel support members 30 as illustrated in FIG. 4. Several cornice members 145 support a second panel 155′″ above the first 155. The second panel is substantially horizontal, essentially defining a ceiling over the first panel 155. This display configuration is suitable for the display of ceiling lights, beams, or other accoutrements commonly attached to ceilings. In addition, the vertical panel 155 can support any manner of goods to be sold, while lights are supported in the horizontal panel 155′″. The lights are positioned to accentuate the products being displayed. The multi-function pallet rack display 10 of the present invention allows for many configurations in addition to the few illustrated herein.

[0039] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A pallet rack display system comprising:

a first side support;

a second side support spaced a distance from the first side support to define a display volume therebetween;

a transverse member supported between a forward position and a rearward position by the first and second side supports; and

a panel support member connected to the transverse member, the panel support member positionable between a first position adjacent the first side support and a second position adjacent the second side support.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first side support further comprises a first lateral support member and the second side support further comprises a second lateral member, each lateral member having a plurality of apertures, the transverse member further including a first tab member engaged with one of the apertures of the first lateral member and a second tab member engaged with one of the apertures of the second lateral member.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the transverse member further includes a channel portion and the panel support member further includes a slot portion, the slot portion engaged with the hook portion.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a cornice member engaged with one of the panel support member, the first side support, the second side support, and the transverse member, the cornice member having an attachment portion, a neck portion and an end portion.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the panel support member includes a plurality of slots and the attachment portion of the cornice member includes a hook, the hook engaged with one of the plurality of slots to connect the cornice member to the panel support member.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein the neck portion is extendable along an axis perpendicular to the panel support member.

7. The system of claim 4, wherein the end portion is pivotable between a first angle and a second angle.

8. The system of claim 7, further comprising a panel connected to the end portion, the panel movable between the first angle and the second angle.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a panel connected to the panel support member, the panel having a plurality of apertures therein.

10. A pallet rack display system supported by a pallet rack having a plurality of vertical members, the system comprising:

a first lateral member extending between two vertical members to define a first side support, the first lateral member including a plurality of apertures;

a second lateral member extending between two vertical members to define a second side support;

a transverse member supported by the first side support and the second side support, the transverse member including a first tab member engaged with one of the plurality of apertures in the first lateral member to position the transverse member between a first position and a second position;

11. The system of claim 10, further comprising a cornice member engaged with one of the panel support members, the first side support, the second side support, the upper transverse member, and the lower transverse member.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the cornice member includes an end portion pivotable between a first angle and a second angle.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the panel support member includes a plurality of apertures and the cornice member includes an attachment portion having a hook, the hook engaged with one of the plurality of apertures to connect the cornice member to the panel support member.

14. The system of claim 11, further comprising a panel connected to one of the panel support members and the cornice member, the panel having a plurality of apertures therein.

15. The system of claim 10, wherein the first and second lateral members each define a plurality of apertures and the transverse member further includes a first tab member engaged with one of the apertures of the first lateral member and a second tab member engaged with one of the apertures of the second lateral member.

16. The system of claim 10, wherein the transverse member further includes a channel portion and the panel support member further includes a slot portion, the slot portion slidably engagable with the hook portion.

17. The system of claim 10, wherein the lateral members further comprise an adjustment bar movable between a first position and a second position, and wherein the lateral member is a first length when the adjustment bar is in the first position and the lateral member is a second length when the adjustment bar is in the second position.

18. The system of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of panel support members engaged with the transverse member, the panel support members positionable between the first side support and the second side support.

19. The system of claim 10, wherein the transverse member further comprises a second tab member and the second lateral member further includes a plurality of apertures, the second tab member engaged with one of the plurality of apertures within the second lateral member.

20. A method of displaying goods at a point-of-sale, the method comprising the acts of:

providing a pallet rack display system having movable transverse members and movable panel support members;

moving the movable panel support members to a desired display position;

coupling a display panel to the movable panel support members; and

moving the transverse members to the desired display position.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the acts of:

providing a cornice member having an attachment portion, a neck portion, and an end portion;

engaging the attachment portion of the cornice member to the pallet rack display system;

extending the neck portion of the cornice member to a desired display position;

pivoting the end portion of the cornice member to a desired display angle; and

attaching a panel to the end portion of the cornice member so that the panel is positioned in the desired display position at the desired display angle.

22. The method of claim 20, further comprising the act of providing multiple cornice members, the cornice members and the panel support members supporting at least two panels, the panels defining at least two planes.