Merchandise display assembly having a crossbar base assembly

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A merchandise display assembly having a crossbar base assembly and a display container mounted thereon for displaying products above a conventional hanging rack, wherein the crossbar base assembly is for mounting on the upper hangrail of the hanging rack. The crossbar base assembly includes a first crossbar and a second crossbar being disposed perpendicular to each other in the same horizontal plane. The first crossbar includes a first midsection, a first outer section and a second outer section; and the second crossbar includes a first midsection, a first outer section and a second outer section. The first crossbar includes a first notch that is formed in the bottom surface of the first outer section and a second notch that is formed in the bottom surface of the second outer section; and the second crossbar includes a first notch that is formed in the bottom surface of the first outer section and a second notch that is formed in the bottom surface of the second outer section. The first midsection of the first crossbar has a first receiving surface with a reduced thickness for receiving the display container thereon, and the first midsection of the second crossbar has a second receiving surface with a reduced thickness for receiving a display container thereon. The first and second notches of the first and second crossbars are used for engaging and receiving within the notches the upper hangrail of the hanging rack for mounting the crossbar base assembly and the display container thereon. Also, the display container includes a plurality of display compartments on the upper surface thereof for displaying product merchandise in the display compartments.

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Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a merchandise display assembly having a crossbar base assembly and a display container thereon for displaying products, clothing, hats, gifts and the like, above a conventional hanging rack. More particularly, the crossbar base assembly is for mounting on an upper hangrail of the hanging rack for securely supporting thereon the display container having products therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Clothing and merchandise display racks for retail stores and department stores for displaying products on hanging racks are well known in the art. Display containers for displaying other products above the hangrail of the hanging racks are problematic and suffer from several undesirable limitations. For example, such display containers have complex mounting structures and they do not place the products in a position where they can be easily and readily viewed by a consumer who is standing adjacent to the hangrail. Also, many of these display containers are not capable of displaying a desired amount of products/items above the hangrail and still comply with display requirements of most mass marketing department stores. Further, many retail stores have height limits on how far products and signage supported on a display rack can extend above the floor. Common limits restrict products to fifty-four inches above the floor and signage to seventy-two inches above the floor. Accordingly, there is a need for a product display system that overcomes the above deficiencies and provides a convenient way to display products to consumers in a manner that causes consumers to be interested in purchasing the products and to facilitate product stocking.

There remains a need for a new and innovative merchandise/product display assembly that includes a display container for displaying products, clothing, hats, gifts, and toys that are mounted on a crossbar base assembly and, in turn, the crossbar base assembly is mounted on an upper hangrail of a conventional hanging rack. Further, the merchandise display assembly is configured for easy assembly and to maximize product storage for displaying products above the hanging rack at an optimum position for viewing and access by the consumer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Merchandise display racks, rotary display stands, product display systems, display stands and merchandising bins and the like having various designs, configurations, structures and materials of construction have been disclosed in the prior art. For example, U.S. Application No. 2004/0055982 to JENNINGS discloses a product display system configured for displaying products such as hats above a conventional clothing rack. The display system includes a base assembly for supporting the other system components above the rack, a plurality of product display trays supported on the base assembly for displaying the products, and a sign assembly supported on the base assembly for displaying product information and advertising indicia. The display system enables cross-merchandising at the point of sale by utilizing previously unusable space above the conventional circular rack while still complying with display requirements of most mass marketing retail stores. The base assembly is formed of wire bars that form modular truss sections and interconnect to form a sloped tray-supporting surface that extends radially beyond the perimeter of the rack to place the products supported thereon at an optimum position for viewing and access by the consumer. The display trays are uniquely configured to enable them to be arranged in a polygonal arrangement on the base assembly to maximize product storage. This prior art publication does not disclose or teach the design, configuration and structure of the merchandise display assembly of the present invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,060,214 to METCALF discloses a merchandise display stand for use as a countertop stand for displaying merchandise, in which a tubular support pole is held in an operationally upright position by a ground engaging base or pedestal and mounts at least one support member from which merchandise display racks or baskets are suspended outwardly about the support pole. This prior art patent does not disclose or teach the design, configuration and structure of the merchandise display assembly of the present invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,266,634 to TINTARY discloses a rotary display stand for use as a merchandise display stand which is intended to serve both as a means for displaying merchandise and as a device for maintaining a relatively large stock of said merchandise in immediate proximity and accessibility to the display thereof. The display stand is adapted to display and stock various types of small articles of hardware. This prior art patent does not disclose or teach the design, configuration and structure of the merchandise display assembly of the present invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,678,253 to ROSENBERG discloses a rotary bin having an upright central shaft and a series of bin sections mounted at different levels on the shaft, each with capacity for rotation relative to the shaft and independently of the others. This prior art patent does not disclose or teach the design, configuration and structure of the merchandise display assembly of the present invention.

None of the aforementioned prior art references disclose or teach a merchandise display assembly having a display container detachably mounted on a crossbar base assembly and wherein the crossbar base assembly is detachably mounted to an upper hangrail of a circular hanging rack.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a merchandise display assembly having a display container with a plurality of individual display compartments therein for displaying products, hardware, clothing, hats, gifts, toys, cosmetics and the like above a conventional hanging rack, and a crossbar base assembly for detachably mounting on an upper hangrail of the hanging rack for securely supporting thereon the display container having products therein.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a merchandise display assembly having a crossbar base assembly that includes first and second crossbars being disposed in a perpendicular configuration to each other in the same horizontal plane, such that the crossbar base assembly is detachably mountable on the upper hangrail of the hanging rack.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a merchandise display assembly where each of the sides of the display container engages and is held in place by locking edges on each of the first and second crossbars of the crossbar base assembly, such that the display container is detachably mounted on the first and second receiving surfaces of the first and second crossbars, respectively.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a merchandise display assembly that is easy to assemble and to mount, and easy to clean and maintain when in operational use at a retail or department store.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a merchandise display assembly having no moving parts that is easy to use and is durable and easily cleaned for repeated use by the merchandiser.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a merchandise display assembly that can be mass-produced in an automated and economical manner and is readily affordable by the merchandiser.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a merchandise display assembly having a crossbar base assembly and a display container mounted thereon for displaying products above a conventional hanging rack, wherein the crossbar base assembly is for mounting on the upper hangrail of the hanging rack. The crossbar base assembly includes a first crossbar and a second crossbar being disposed perpendicular to each other in the same horizontal plane. The first crossbar includes a first midsection, a first outer section and a second outer section; and the second crossbar includes a first midsection, a first outer section and a second outer section. The first crossbar includes a first notch that is formed in the bottom surface of the first outer section and a second notch that is formed in the bottom surface of the second outer section; and the second crossbar includes a first notch that is formed in the bottom surface of the first outer section and a second notch that is formed in the bottom surface of the second outer section. The first midsection of the first crossbar has a first receiving surface with a reduced thickness for receiving the display container thereon, and the first midsection of the second crossbar has a second receiving surface with a reduced thickness for receiving the display container thereon. The first and second notches of the first and second crossbars are used for engaging and receiving within the notches the upper hangrail of the hanging rack for mounting the crossbar base assembly and the display container thereon. Also, the display container includes a plurality of display compartments on the upper surface thereof for displaying product merchandise in the display compartments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon the consideration of the following detailed description of the presently-preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the merchandise display assembly of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a display container on a crossbar base assembly mounted to an upper hangrail of a clothing rack being in n assembled state and in a fully operational mode;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the merchandise display assembly of the present invention showing the display container having a header card, and the crossbar base assembly having a first crossbar base assembly having a first crossbar and a second crossbar that are perpendicular to each other in the same horizontal plane

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the merchandise display assembly of the present invention showing the major component parts thereof;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the merchandise display assembly of the present invention showing the display container and the crossbar base assembly being mounted to the upper hangrail of the hanging rack; and

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the of the merchandise display assembly of the present invention showing the display container having a plurality of individual display compartments thereto.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 10

The merchandise display assembly 10 and its component parts of the preferred embodiment of the present invention are represented in detail by FIGS. 1 through 5 of the patent drawing. The merchandise display assembly 10 is used for the displaying of products 12, hardware, clothing, hats, gifts, toys, cosmetics and the like for merchandising to consumers, such that the merchandise display assembly 10 is detachably mounted on an upper hangrail 14 of the conventional hanging rack 16, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 4 of the drawings.

The merchandise display assembly 10 includes a detachable display container 20 mounted on a crossbar base assembly 40. The display container 20 includes a display housing 22 being substantially rectangularly-shaped. The display housing 22 includes a base member 24 having side walls 26a, 26b, 26c and 26d for forming an interior compartment 28. The interior compartment 28 includes a plurality of individual display compartments 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e and 30f having a middle wall 32 for separating display compartments 30a to 30c from the remaining display compartments 30d to 30f. Middle wall 32 can be replaced by a header wall card 34 having indicia 36 thereon for also separating display compartments 30a to 30c from the remaining display compartments 30d to 30f. Additionally, display compartments 30a to 30c are also further subdivided by angled separating divider walls 38a and 38c and display compartments 30d to 30f are subdivided by angled separating divider walls 38c and 38d, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 of the drawings. The display container 20 can include other geometric shapes, such as a square, a circle or an oval depending upon the size and shape of the clothing rack 16. Also, rack 16 may be of various shapes, such as circular, oval, square or rectangular. Further, the merchandise display assembly 10, and its component parts, including display container 20 and the crossbar base assembly 40 may be made from construction materials selected from the group consisting of wood, cardboard, plastic, lightweight metals (such as aluminum) and combinations thereof.

The crossbar base assembly 40, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, includes a first crossbar 42 and a second crossbar 62. The first crossbar 42 and second crossbar 62 are joined and connected at a center point CP, such that each of the crossbars are disposed in a perpendicular configuration P to each other and being in the same horizontal plane HP to each other. Each of the first and second crossbars 42 and 62 are joined and connected at the center point CP of first midsections 44 and 64, respectively, by a connecting device, such as a nut and bolt, gluing, welding, dowling, screws or opposing joint notches 43 and the like. The first crossbar 42 includes a first midsection 44, a first outer section 46 and a second outer section 48. The second crossbar 62 includes a first midsection 64, a first outer section 66 and a second outer section 68. The first crossbar 42 includes a first notch 50 formed in a first bottom surface 52 of the first outer section 46 and a second notch 54 formed in a second bottom surface 56 of the second outer section 48. The second crossbar 62 includes a first notch 70 formed in a first bottom surface 72 of the first outer section 66 and a second notch 74 formed in a second bottom surface 76 of the second outer section 68.

Further, the first midsection 44 of the first crossbar 42 includes a first receiving surface SR1 having a first reduced thickness TR1 for receiving the display container 20 thereon (the length L of display container 20), and the first midsection 66 of the second crossbar 62 includes a second receiving surface SR2 having a second reduced thickness TR2 for receiving the display container 20 thereon (the width W of display container 20). The first notches 50 and 54, and second notches 70 and 74 of the first and second crossbars 42 and 62, respectively, are for engaging and receiving within the notches 50, 54, 70 and 74 the upper hangrail 14 of the clothing rack 16 for mounting the crossbar base assembly 40 and the detachable display container 20 thereon.

Additionally, at the junction J1 of the first midsection 44 and the first outer section 46 of the first crossbar 42 there is formed a first locking edge 45 and the first locking edge 45 is for engaging and holding in place the first side 26a of the display container 20; and at the junction J2 of the first midsection 44 and the second outer section 48 of the first crossbar 42 there is formed a second locking edge 47 and the second locking edge 47 is for engaging and holding in place the second side 26b of the display container 20. Also, at the junction J3 of the first midsection 64 and the first outer section 66 of the second crossbar 62 there is formed a third locking edge 65 and the third locking edge 65 is for engaging and holding in place the third side 26c of the display container 20; and at the junction J4 of the first midsection 64 and the second outer section 68 of the second crossbar 62 there is formed a fourth locking edge 67 and the fourth locking edge 67 is for engaging and holding in place the fourth side 26d of display container 20, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 of the patent drawings.

It is understood that the first and second crossbars 42 and 62 of the crossbar base assembly 40 can have a tubular shape or a rectangular/square bar shape depending upon the type of materials used, such as wood, cardboard, lightweight plastics, lightweight metals (aluminum) or combinations thereof.

The physical dimensions of the display container are as follows: The width W is 13 inches, the length L is 25 inches and the height is 6 inches. Each of the individual product display compartments 30a to 30d have a width of 8 inches and a depth of 6 inches. Each of the divider walls 38a to 38d have a thickness of one half inch. Middle wall 32 has a height of 6 inches, a length of 24 inches and a wall thickness of one half inch. The header wall card 34 has a height of 12 inches, a length of 24 inches and a wall thickness of one half inch.

The physical dimensions of the crossbar base assembly 40 are as follows: Each of the first and second crossbars 42 and 62 have a length of 33 inches and a width of ¾ of an inch. Each of the first and second outer sections 46 and 48 of the first crossbar 42 have a length of 4 inches, a width of ¾ of an inch and a height of 2 inches. Each of the first and second outer sections 66 and 68 of the second crossbar 62 have a length of 10 inches, a width of ¾ of an inch and a height of 2 inches. The first receiving surface SR1 (first midsection 44) of the first crossbar 42 has a first reduced thickness TR1 of ¾ of an inch, a length of 25 inches and a width of ¾ of an inch. The second receiving surface SR2 (first midsection 64) of the second crossbar 62 has a second reduced thickness TR2 of ¾ of an inch, a length of 13 inches and a width of ¾ of an inch. Each of the first and second notches 50 and 54, and 70 and 74 of the first and second crossbars 42 and 62, respectively, have a center to center length of 30 inches. Each of the first and second notches 50 and 54, and 70 and 74 of the first and second crossbars 42 and 62, respectively, have a height of ¾ of an inch, a width of ¾ of an inch, and a thickness of ¾ of an inch within each of the first and second outer sections 46 and 48, and 66 and 68, respectively, of the first and second crossbars 42 and 62.

OPERATION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

As shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the merchandise display assembly 10 operates in the following manner: The user initially opens a container box (not shown) and removes the display container 20 and the crossbar base assembly 40, in order for the user to assemble the individual display container 20 and the crossbar base assembly 40. Next, the user assembles the plurality of display compartments 30a to 30f using divider walls 38a to 38d within the interior compartment 28 of display housing 22, using either middle wall 32 or header card wall 34 having indicia 36 thereon. The user now assembles each of the first and second crossbars 42 and 62, such that the first and second crossbars are joined and mated together at a center point CP, where each of the crossbars 42 and 62 are disposed in a perpendicular configuration P to each other and are in the same horizontal plane HP to each other. Also, each of the first and second crossbars 42 and 62 are joined and mated together at the center point CP of first midsections 44 and 64, respectively, by a connecting device, such as a nut and bolt, welding, dowling, gluing, screws, opposing joint notches 43 or the like. The user now places the display container 20 within the crossbar base assembly 40 such that each of the locking edges 45, 47, 65 and 67 of the first and second crossbars 42 and 62 engage and hold in place the container sides 26a to 26d, respectively (see FIG. 5). Now, the user places the notches 50, 54, 70 and 74 of crossbars 42 and 62 on the upper hangrail 14 of clothing rack 16, as depicted in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5 of the patent drawings. In the last step, the user places the product, such as hats 12, within each of the individual product display compartments 30a to 30d, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, so the merchandise display assembly 10 is in full operational use.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Accordingly, an advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a merchandise display assembly having a display container with a plurality of individual display compartments therein for displaying products, hardware, clothing, hats, gifts, toys, cosmetics and the like above a conventional hanging rack, and a crossbar base assembly for detachably mounting on an upper hangrail of the hanging rack for securely supporting thereon the display container having products therein.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a merchandise display assembly having a crossbar base assembly that includes first and second crossbars being disposed in a perpendicular configuration to each other in the same horizontal plane, such that the crossbar base assembly is detachably mountable on the upper hangrail of the hanging rack.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a merchandise display assembly where each of the sides of the display container engages and is held in place by locking edges on each of the first and second crossbars of the crossbar base assembly, such that the display container is detachably mounted on the first and second receiving surfaces of the first and second crossbars, respectively.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a merchandise display assembly that is easy to assemble and to mount, and easy to clean and maintain when in operational use at a retail or department store.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a merchandise display assembly having no moving parts that is easy to use and is durable and easily cleaned for repeated use by the merchandiser.

A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a merchandise display assembly that can be mass-produced in an automated and economical manner and is readily affordable by the merchandiser.

A latitude of modification, change and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclosure, and in some instances, some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention herein.

Claims

1. A merchandise display assembly having a crossbar base assembly and a display container mounted thereon for displaying products above a conventional hanging rack, wherein said crossbar base assembly is for mounting on the upper hangrail of the hanging rack, comprising:

a) a crossbar base assembly including a first crossbar and a second crossbar being disposed perpendicular to each other in the same horizontal plane;
b) said first crossbar including a first midsection, a first outer section and a second outer section;
c) said second crossbar including a first midsection, a first outer section and a second outer section;
d) said first crossbar including a first notch formed in the bottom surface of said first outer section and a second notch formed in the bottom surface of said second outer section;
e) said second crossbar including a first notch formed in the bottom surface of said first outer section and a second notch formed in the bottom surface of said second outer section;
f) said first midsection of said first crossbar having a first receiving surface having a reduced thickness for receiving said display container thereon, and said first midsection of said second crossbar having a second receiving surface having a reduced thickness for receiving said display container thereon;
g) said first and second notches of said first and second crossbars for engaging and receiving within said notches the upper hangrail of the hanging rack for mounting said crossbar base assembly and said display container thereon; and
h) said display container having a plurality of display compartments on the upper surface thereof for displaying product merchandise in said display compartments.

2. A merchandise display assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein the junction of said first midsection and said first outer section of said first crossbar forms a first locking edge, said first locking edge for engaging and holding in place a first side of said display container.

3. A merchandise display assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein the junction of said first midsection and said second outer section of said first crossbar forms a second locking edge, said second locking edge for engaging and holding in place a second side of said display container.

4. A merchandise display assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein the junction of said first midsection and said first outer section of said second crossbar forms a third locking edge, said third locking edge for engaging and holding in place a third side of said display container.

5. A merchandise display assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein the junction of said first midsection and said second outer section of said second crossbar forms a fourth locking edge, said fourth locking edge for engaging and holding in place a fourth side of said display container.

6. A merchandise display assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of said first and second crossbars are connected to each other to form said crossbar assembly.

7. A merchandise display assembly in accordance with claim 6, wherein each of said first and second crossbars are connected by a nut and bolt, welding, dowling, glueing, screws or opposing joint notches.

8. A merchandise display assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of said first and second crossbars have a tubular shape.

9. A merchandise display assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of said first and second crossbars have a bar shape.

10. A merchandise display assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said merchandise display assembly is made from materials selected from the group consisting of cardboard, lightweight plastic, lightweight metal, wood or combinations thereof.

11. A merchandise display assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said display container includes a display header having indicia thereon.

12. A merchandise display assembly in accordance with claim 11, wherein said display header is centrally positioned within said plurality of display compartments of said display container.

13. A merchandise display assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of said first and second notches of said first and second crossbars, respectively, have a height of ¾ of an inch, a width of ¾ of an inch and a thickness of ¾ of an inch.

14. A merchandise display assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of said first and second crossbars have a length of 33 inches, and a width of ¾ of an inch.

15. A merchandise display assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of said first and second outer sections of said first crossbar have a length of 4 inches, a width of ¾ of an inch and a height of 2 inches.

16. A merchandise display assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of said first and second outer sections of said second crossbar have a length of 10 inches, a width of ¾ of an inch and a height of 2 inches.

17. A merchandise display assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first receiving surface of said first crossbar has said reduced thickness of ¾ of an inch, a length of 25 inches and a width of ¾ of an inch.

18. A merchandise display assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said second receiving surface of said second crossbar has said reduced thickness of ¾ of an inch, a length of 13 inches and a width of ¾ of an inch.

19. A merchandise display assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first and second notches of said first and second crossbars, respectively, have a center to center length of 30 inches.

20. A merchandise display assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said display container includes geometric shapes selected from the group consisting of an oval, a circle, a square and a rectangle.

Patent History
Publication number: 20080110842
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 13, 2006
Publication Date: May 15, 2008
Applicant:
Inventor: Boris J. Duchatellier (New York, NY)
Application Number: 11/598,584
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Stacked Articles (211/49.1)
International Classification: A47F 7/00 (20060101);