Display rack
A display rack for a plurality of drapable items includes a front face oriented at a first display angle and a retaining assembly associated with the front face. The retaining assembly includes a plurality of laterally extending cross members spaced from one another in an angled cascade configuration, each of the cross members including a first retainer edge.
The invention relates to display racks for drapable items, and more particularly to portable display racks for displaying items such as rugs in a cascading orientation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe typical consumer of rugs desires to view the entire rug prior to purchase. With larger sizes of area rugs, display and access to full view inspection is often space prohibitive. Rugs may be displayed, for example, on a floor or table stacked on one another. However, due to the size and weight of most rugs, the rugs are often difficult to maneuver, and thus, do not allow the consumer to conveniently obtain a complete view of the front and back sides of the rug. Generally also, the one rug of interest to a particular customer is near the bottom of the entire stack.
Heretofore, it has also been known to display rugs with hanging assemblies, wherein the rugs are supported in hanging relation by a plurality of rotatable rug hangers and movable toward and away from each other so as to allow a consumer to obtain a view of the rug. However, such hanging assemblies require a large area of display surface, require substantial structural components, and are often difficult and time intensive to assemble. Other retailers would like to have a display that can be moved out of the way when desired, or movable to compare rugs with other products, such as material for draperies, flooring products or furniture.
Accordingly, there is a need for a rug display rack configured to provide the consumer with an acceptable view of the rug, while minimizing space requirements and assembly time for the vendor and improving the adaptability of uses for the display and its location.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccordingly, the present invention is intended to address and obviate problems and shortcomings and otherwise improve previous display racks.
To achieve the foregoing and other objects and in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a display rack for a plurality of drapable items comprises a front face oriented at a first display angle and a retaining assembly associated with the front face. The retaining assembly comprises a plurality of laterally extending cross members spaced from one another in cascade configuration. Each of the cross members may include a first retainer edge.
To still further achieve the foregoing and other objects of the present invention, a display rack for a plurality of drapable items comprises a frame having a front face oriented at a first display angle and a rear section associated with the front face. The display rack further comprises a retaining assembly associated with the frame and comprises a plurality of laterally extending cross members spaced from one another in an angled cascade configuration. Each of the cross members may include a retainer edge.
Still other embodiments, combinations, advantages and objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following descriptions wherein there are shown and described alternative exemplary embodiments of this invention for illustration purposes. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different aspects, objects and embodiments all without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings, objects, and description should be regarded as illustrative and exemplary in nature only and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSWhile the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed that the same will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Referring to the drawing figures in detail, wherein like numerals indicate the same elements throughout the drawing figures,
As will be discussed, rugs may be displayed by the rack 10 in a cascading or “tiled” configuration from the bottom up so that when fully loaded, the rack will display, and a customer can see, a portion of every rug without having to first flip the or move overlying rugs. The tiled arrangement, where the lower portion of numerous overlying rugs can be seen, is shown in
As illustrated in
The display angle serves many functions. First, it is believed that the display angle gives the drapable items an aesthetically pleasing appearance to a consumer. More particularly, because all drapable items (e.g. rugs) are angled up toward an approaching consumer, the consumer is better able to capture a glimpse of all rugs, rather than just those toward the top (e.g.
As previously mentioned, front face 20 may comprise one or more transverse posts 27. It is contemplated that transverse posts 27 will help hold the drapable items in a desired display configuration corresponding to the display angle chosen, and will prevent the items from simply hanging vertically between front posts 22. In other embodiments, transverse posts 27 may be accomplished with any of a variety of configurations such as, for example, X-shaped beams extending between front posts 22.
The rear section 40 may similarly comprise one or more posts (e.g. rear posts 42) each having a first end 44 and a second end 46. As discussed later herein, second ends 46 of rear posts 42 may wrap around and be ultimately angled downwardly to form an attachment or resting surface 50 for accepting the retaining or cascade assembly 60. Of course, it should be understood that rear posts 42 may be arranged in a number of embodiments configured to provide support and stability for the rack. If desired, for example, stabilizing posts 47 may be secured between front face and rear section 20 and 40, respectively, with bolts, welds or other fastening arrangements to provide greater rigidity of the rack 10. In another embodiment, stabilizing posts 47 may be used instead of rear section 40. In such an embodiment stabilizing posts 47 may be secured to the front face, such as at front posts 22, transverse posts 27, or directly to retaining or cascade assembly 60 at one end and interface the floor at the other end (reminiscent of an easel). Stabilizing posts 47 could provide adequate support for the front face 20 and cascade assembly 60 thereby allowing rear section 40 to be partially or wholly eliminated. Also, as illustrated, one or more support post 49 may be secured between front posts and rear posts 22 and 42, respectively, to further enhance stability.
As exemplified in
As illustrated in the drawings, cascade assembly 60 can be secured at an angle (e.g. cascade angle α2) relative to the front face 20. In one embodiment, for example, the angle between cascade assembly 60 and front face 20 (cascade angle α2) may be approximately 138°. Similar to display angle, this cascade angle may be measured with the horizontal in normal practice, or when a display angle is not desired. Of course, where a cascade angle differing from the display angle is implemented, cascade angle may be increased or decreased according to the overall size of the rack, the number and weight of the items to be displayed, floor space constraints and/or aesthetic preferences. It is anticipated that in any case, the cascade assembly will generally be angled rearwardly from the front face. In other words, angle α2 will be effectively different than the display angle of the front face.
The cascade angle α2 along with display angle α1 contribute to a cascade configuration or “waterfall” type appearance of drapable items displayed by the rack 10. While creation of a cascade angle that differs from the display angle is not critical, nor necessary to the present invention, it is believed that the differing angles can provide enhanced visibility and display effects as well as greater stability when the rack is loaded with rugs. For example, the display angle and cascade angle effectively open or spread out the frame 12 from front to rear. More particularly, the front posts 22 are further away from rear posts 42 as a result of the designed angles. This extended opening, coupled with the angle of the front face and cascade assembly (which help support the weight of the rugs), works to move the center of gravity of the rack forward and downward so that the rack can better accommodate its loaded weight. Moreover, this unique design, including the display and cascade angles, can be changed to “tune” a desired center of gravity according to the number and weight of the rugs to be displayed. In addition, as previously discussed, the design also allows items to be displayed in a pleasing and “viewable” manner, as discussed below.
As previously mentioned, cascade assembly 60 may comprise two arms 62 with a plurality of cross members 70 disposed therebetween. As illustrated in
As best seen in the enlarged view of
Second retainer edge 76 may be secured to arms 62 of cascade assembly 60. Second retainer edge 76 may be secured to arms 62 with a weld, bolts or another fastening arrangement. In addition, although not necessary, second retainer edge 76 may be used to effectively define at least a portion of the spacing between adjacent space cross members 70, thereby contributing to the spatial arrangement of the lateral slots 71. Moreover, as discussed later herein, second retainer edge 76 may be used to create a natural but non-destructive friction between a rug 100 and the cross member 70 when a rug is flipped rearward.
As seen in
As also seen in
It should be understood that while cross members 70 of cascade assembly 60 have been illustrated herein as reminiscent of a sideways “Z,” cross members and retainer edges may be configured in a variety of arrangements according to the present invention. For example, cross members may comprise a single retainer comprised of substantially flat steel secured between arms of cascade assembly (reminiscent only of second retainer described above) having a retainer edge. In another embodiment, the first retainer edge may comprise a plurality of teeth or fingers. Such embodiment might eliminate the desire for any second retainer edge or extension plate described above. As such, any retainer arrangement configured to prevent a rug draped over an associated cross member may be used with the present invention.
Referring to
This design has many benefits. First, because of the design of the cascade assembly 60 and front face 20, rugs may be loaded into the rack so that at least a portion of all rugs may be viewed upon approach by a consumer. In addition, a consumer seeking to gain a full view of the rug may simply turn each rug rearward (like pages of a book) until the desired rug is displayed (one half of rug actually displayed).
In addition, it is contemplated that the rack 10 can be moveable and can accommodate signage. For example, if desired, coaster wheels 78 may be attached to first ends 24 and 44 of front and rear posts 22 and 42, respectively, thereby allowing the rack 10 to be easily moved about the display surface 80. This may be useful when a vendor wants to rearrange displays or a consumer wants to compare rugs loaded on separate racks. Moreover, signage, such as advertising can be attached to the rack at for example, along any of the front posts 22 or rear posts 42, along the sides, or extending upwardly from rear section 40.
The foregoing description of the various embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. For example, the display rack in accordance with the present invention may display rugs of varying sizes and shapes in a variety of different arrangements and can include frames of various sizes and shapes. Accordingly, while some of the alternative embodiments of the rug display system have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations that have been discussed herein, and others that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A display rack for a plurality of drapable items comprising:
- (a) a frame; and
- (b) a retaining assembly associated with said frame and comprising a plurality of laterally extending cross members spaced from one another in an angled cascade configuration, each of said cross members having a first retainer edge.
2. The display rack of claim 1, wherein said frame comprises a front face oriented at a first display angle.
3. The display rack of claim 2, wherein said first display angle is different from the cascade angle.
4. The display rack of claim 1, wherein each cross member at least partially overlaps an adjacent cross member.
5. The display rack of claim 1, wherein said frame comprises a substantially open interior to receive free ends of said drapable items.
6. The display rack of claim 1, further comprising lateral slots between each adjacent cross member, said lateral slots configured to receive a drapable item.
7. The display rack of claim 1, said cross members further comprise a second retainer edge.
8. The display rack of claim 1, wherein said first retainer edge extends substantially across said retaining assembly.
9. A display rack for a plurality of drapable items comprising:
- (a) a frame having a front face oriented at a first display angle; and
- (b) a retaining assembly associated with said frame and comprising a plurality of laterally extending cross members spaced from one another in an angled cascade configuration, each of said cross members having a retainer edge.
10. The display rack of claim 9, wherein said frame comprises a substantially open interior configured to receive free ends of said drapable items.
11. The display rack of claim 9, wherein said first display angle is offset from the cascade angle relative to the horizontal.
12. The display rack of claim 9, wherein each cross member at least partially overlaps an adjacent cross member.
13. The display rack of claim 9, further comprising lateral slots between each adjacent cross member, said lateral slots configured to receive a drapable item.
14. The display rack of claim 9, wherein said cross members further comprise a second retainer edge.
15. The display rack of claim 9, wherein said retaining assembly is removably secured to said front face.
16. The display rack of claim 9, wherein said retainer edge extends substantially across said retaining assembly.
17. A display rack for a plurality of drapable items comprising:
- (a) a frame having a front face oriented at a first display angle; and
- (b) a retaining assembly associated with said frame and comprising a plurality of laterally extending cross members spaced from one another in an angled cascade configuration, each of said cross members having a first and a second retainer edge.
18. The display rack of claim 17, wherein said first and second retainer edges extend substantially across said retaining assembly.
19. The display rack of claim 17, wherein said first display angle is offset from the cascade angle relative to the horizontal.
20. The display rack of claim 17, wherein each cross member at least partially overlaps an adjacent cross member.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 23, 2003
Publication Date: Jun 23, 2005
Inventors: Christopher Kin (Hamilton, OH), Henry Kin (Cincinnati, OH)
Application Number: 10/744,291