Abstract:
A clamp for use on a retail or commercial display device wherein a rod is slidingly received in a channel and selectively positionable therein by an position locking member. A hook plate attached to a display element, such as shelving, hanger rods, etc. has hooks for engaging a bolt mounted to the rod. A knob on the bolt is tightened to clamp the hook plate between the rod, or the post, and the inner face of the knob. The clamp may be locked in position while the hook plate is released or attached. Similarly, the hook plate may stay clamped to the display while the position lock is released, thereby permitting the clamp to be moved along the channel while the hook plate is still clamped thereto.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to commercial and retail display equipment and, more particularly, to an improved clamping system for use with such displays. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Commercial and retail display racks and fixtures come in many shapes, sizes and configurations. While it is trite to say that commercial and retail display fixtures must be attractive and functional, increasingly there is a need for versatility to permit a vendor to display a variety of wares and-to redesign the display with minimal effort and expense. 
     One popular mode of retail and commercial display utilizes a pair or more fixed posts typically running from the floor to the ceiling. A plurality of holes or protruding pegs provided vertically along the posts permits shelves, bars, hanger racks or other display equipment to be selectively attached at the appropriate height levels. While versatile, this arrangement presents a problem in that a loaded rack or shelf is difficult to reposition since it must be removed entirely from the hole or peg and advanced to the next discreet hole or peg position. This requires not only strength but a fair amount of dexterity. Alternately, the display equipment must be unloaded of merchandise, repositioned and then reloaded. 
     A further solution proposed has been to provide a channel running vertically along the length of the support post to permit a sliding fastening system to be provided for the display equipment. These sliding fastening systems provide versatility over the discreet hole/peg systems in that an infinite number of display positions are available along the length of the channel. However, repositioning or changing the display equipment in either a loaded or unloaded condition, can still be a problem. Present clamping systems of this type, when unlocked to be repositioned or to change the display equipment, must be held in place manually in order to permit the clamp and/or the display equipment from dropping to the floor. Thus, two people are often required to do the job. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for an improved display clamping system, which is both versatile, interchangeable and easy to operate. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a one aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for displaying an article, the apparatus comprising a support having an elongate channel defined therein, the channel having an interior, a length and a mouth, the mouth adapted to provide exterior access to the channel interior substantially along the channel length, a display element for displaying an article, the display element having a plate portion, an elongate member adapted to be slidingly received and retained in the channel, the elongate member being shorter than the channel length, a position lock mounted on the elongate member and adapted to extend through the mouth of the channel when the elongate member is disposed in the channel, the position lock being operable to releasibly fix the elongate member in a selected position along the length of the channel; and, a clamp mounted on the elongate member and adapted to extend through the mouth of the channel when the elongate member is disposed in the channel, the clamp being operable to selectively releasibly secure the display element plate portion adjacent the support. 
     In a second aspect, the invention provides an adjustable display apparatus comprising, a display element for displaying at least one article, the display element having a plate portion, an elongate member adapted to be slidingly received and retained in a channel defined in a support, the channel being of the type having an interior and a mouth, the mouth adapted to provide exterior access to the channel interior substantially along the length of the channel, a position lock mounted on the elongate member and adapted to extend through the mouth of the channel when the elongate member is disposed in the channel, the position lock being operable to releasibly fix the elongate member in a selected position along the length of the channel and a clamp mounted on the elongate member and adapted to extend through the mouth of the channel when the elongate member is disposed in the channel, the clamp being operable to selectively releasibly secure the display element plate portion adjacent the support. 
     In a third aspect, the invention provides an adjustable display apparatus comprising a rod adapted to be slidingly received and retained in a channel defined in a support, the channel being of the kind having an interior and a mouth, the mouth adapted to provide exterior access to the channel interior substantially along the length of the channel, an clamp mounted on the rod, the clamp having a knob adapted to extend beyond the mouth of the channel when the rod is disposed in the channel, the knob of the clamp being operable to selectively releasibly secure the display element plate portion adjacent the support, a position lock mounted on the rod, the position lock having a bolt operable to selectively advance in the channel relative to the rod to releasibly fix the rod in a selected position along the length of the channel, and a display element for displaying at least one article, the display element having a plate portion, the plate portion having an hooked slot and a axial slot, the hooked slot adapted to engage the clamp, the axial slot adapted to engage the position lock. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example to the accompanying drawings, which show articles made according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a retail display according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of the clamping system of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of the display clamp of FIG. 2, shown fully assembled; 
     FIG. 4 is a plan view of the display clamp of FIG. 2, shown with a portion thereof removed for clarity; 
     FIG. 5 is an end view along arrow  5  of the display clamp of FIG. 3 shown in a “locked” condition; 
     FIG. 6 is an end view, similar to FIG. 5, showing the clamp in an “unlocked” condition 
     FIG. 7 is an end view along arrow  7  of the display clamp of FIG. 4, shown in a “clamped” condition; 
     FIG. 8 is an end view similar to FIG. 7, showing the clamp in a “released” condition; 
     FIG. 9 is an enlarged isometric view of a portion of FIG. 1; 
     FIGS. 10-12 are isometric views of alternate display rack configurations embodying the present invention; 
     FIG. 13 is an enlarged isometric view of an alternate display equipment according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 14 is an isometric views of a retail display rack incorporating the equipment of FIG. 13; 
     FIG. 15 is a plurality of cross-sectional views of alternate support post profiles for use with the present invention; and 
     FIG. 16 is an alternate embodiment of the clamp of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     A retail display rack apparatus in accordance with the present invention is shown in the Figures generally at  10 . Display rack  10  has a pair of supports or posts  12  which extend from a foot  14  to a wall-mount  16 . A decorative ornament  18  may top posts  12 . Posts  12  have a longitudinal channel  20  defined therein. Channel  20  may run the entire length of posts  12  or may only be provided only in a portion thereof, and may comprise the post or may be only a part of the post. Extending between posts  12  are a plurality of display elements  22  releasably fixed to posts  12  at each end by a display clamp assembly  24  according to the present invention. Each display clamp assembly  24  is provided with a position lock  26  and a clamp  28 , as will be described in more detail below. Display element  22  has a hanger  30  disposed at each end thereof for engaging display clamp assembly  24 , as will also be described in more detail below. 
     Referring to FIG. 2, channel  20 , display clamp assembly  24  and hanger  30  are shown. Channel  20  comprises an interior recess  32  in post  12  having an inner wall  34  and a mouth  36  which runs substantially along the length of channel  20 . Display clamp assembly  24  comprises an elognate member or rod  38 , which has position lock  26  and clamp  28  mounted thereon, and which is adapted to be slidingly received in recess  32 . In this embodiment, position lock  26  is a bolt  40  threadingly received in rod  38  and having an exposed knurled head  42 . Adjacent an opposite end of rod  38  is clamp  28 , which in this embodiment comprises a bolt  44  threadingly received in rod  38  and having an exposed knurled head  46 . For ease of identification, knurled heads  42  and  44  are preferably differently sized (or in some other manner different) so as to be immediately distinguishable from one another. For reasons which will become apparent below, bolt  40  is freely threadingly received in rod  38  so as to be capable of advancing at least partially through, or withdrawing at least partially from, rod  38  by turning knurled head  42 . Bolt  44  is similarly configured. 
     In this embodiment, hanger  30  is a hook plate  50  comprising a plate  52  welded to each end of display element  22  and having a lower slot  54  and an upper slot  56 . As will be described below, the inner ends of slots  54  and  56  are sized to approximately the same centre-to-centre distance of bolts  40  and  44  to permit hanger  30  to cooperate with display clamp assembly  24 . Lower slot  54  is preferably sufficiently deep to permit it to continuously engage bolt  40  while upper slot  56  is slid over bolt  44 , as shown in FIG.  4  and described in more detail below. Upper slot  56  defines a hook  58  in plate  52 . 
     While the components described may be fabricated from almost any structural material, in the preferred embodiment post  12  is extruded aluminum and clamp assembly  24  and element  22  are made of steel. 
     Referring to FIG. 3, when display clamp assembly  24  is assembled, rod  38  is disposed inside recess  32  and bolt  40  of position lock  26  and bolt  44  of clamp  28  extend through mouth  36 , so that knobs  42  and  46  are outside of channel  20 . Bolts  40  and  44  are sized relative to mouth  36  so as to not hinder rod  38  from sliding in channel  20  (see FIGS.  6  and  8 ). 
     Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, with rod  38  inside recess  32 , hook plate  50  is installed thereon by sliding lower slot  54  onto bolt  40  and then upper slot  56  onto bolt  44 . Hook plate  50  is then moved downwardly (as it is depicted in phantom lines in FIG. 4) to firmly seat bolts  40  and  44  at the bases of upper and lower slots  54  and  56  respectively. As shown in FIG. 3, when plate  52  is so positioned, it is disposed between rod  38  and knobs  42  and  46 . Hook  58  is sufficiently strong to permit display element  22  to hang therefrom. 
     As stated above, bolt  40  of position lock  26  may be advanced into and withdrawn from rod  38 . When fully advanced, bolt  40  of position lock  26  bears against inner wall  34  of recess  32 , thereby forcing rod  38  in an opposite direction until it bears against inner wall  32  adjacent mouth  36 , as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. If bolt  40  is advanced sufficiently, the friction between bolt  40 , rod  38  and inner wall  32  will prevent rod  38  from sliding in channel  20  relative to post  12 . This condition is referred to herein as a “locked” condition. As shown in FIG. 5, knob  42  of position lock  26  is preferably spaced apart from plate  52  when position lock  26  is in the “locked” condition as shown in FIG. 5, for reasons discussed further below. 
     Referring to FIG. 6, when bolt  40  is at least partially threadingly withdrawn from the locked condition, rod  38  is released from firm contact with inner wall  32  adjacent mouth  36  and may thereby slide in channel  20  relative to post  12 . This condition is referred to herein as the “unlocked” condition. 
     As discussed, bolt  44  of clamp  28  may also be advanced into and withdrawn from rod  38 . Referring to FIG. 7, when bolt  44  is advanced into rod  38 , by turning knob  46 , eventually the undersurface  60  of knob  46  bears against plate  52  and thereby pins it between the opposed surfaces of undersurface  60  and rod  38 . Rod  38  protrudes partially out through mouth  36  of channel  20 . This condition is referred to herein as the “clamped” condition. Preferably, undersurface  60  is flat and has sufficient area to generate a satisfactory clamping pressure on hook plate  50  when in the clamped condition. Note that in this embodiment, when in the clamped condition, the pinning of hook plate  50  does not exert pressure on post  12  at mouth  36  and, thus, rod  38  is not prevented from sliding relative to post  12  merely because clamp assembly  24  is in the clamped condition. 
     Referring to FIG. 8, when bolt  44  is at least partially threadingly withdrawn from the clamped condition, hook plate  50  is released from between undersurface  60  and rod  38  and is thereby free to be removed from clamp assembly  24 . This is the “released” condition. 
     Referring again to FIG. 1, to facilitate the insertion of rod  38  into channel  20  (and its subsequent removal therefrom), channel  20  is provided with an insertion feature  62 . As shown also in FIG. 9, in this embodiment insertion feature  62  is a breach  64  in which a portion of mouth  36 , preferably near one of the ends of channel  20 , has been widened to permit to rod  38  to pass laterally therethrough into channel  20 , after which rod  38  can then advance axially along channel  20  to a desired position on post  12 . 
     In use, a rod  38  is inserted into each post  12  through breach  64  and advanced through channel  20  to a desired location. Knob  42  on position lock  26  is then turned to advance bolt  40  into rod  38  to place clamp assembly  24  in a locked condition. Display element  22  is then positioned such that lower slot  54  on hook plate  50  can be mated with bolt  40  of position lock  26  on each post  12  (FIG.  4 ). Hook plate  50  is then rotated, as shown in FIG. 4, towards bolt  44  of clamp  28 , and is fully engaged thereupon, as shown by the phantom lines in FIG.  4 . Hook plate is thus supporting display element  22  on bolt  44  by hook  58 . Lower slot  54  bears against bolt  42  to align and prevent rotation of display element  22 . Hook plate  50  is fixed in place by turning knob  46  to advance bolt  44  into rod  38  until a clamped condition is achieved (FIG.  7 ). 
     Once element  22  has been installed and clamped on clamps  24  in this manner, the position of element  22  relative to post  12  may be moved, if desired, without first having to remove element  22 . This is accomplished by loosening position lock  26  on each clamp assembly  24 , while taking care to manually support element  22  in some manner, and then sliding clamps  24  (and elements  22 ) up and down along channels  20  to a new position. Position lock  26  is then re-locked, as described above. When desired, element  22  may be removed while position lock  26  remains in the locked condition simply by unclamping clamp  28  as already described above. 
     One of the advantages of the clamp assembly of present invention is the separation of the position locking and equipment clamping functions of the device. The clamp assembly of the present invention permits display equipment to be mounted thereon, or removed therefrom, while the clamp remains locked in position on the post. Likewise, it permits the clamp assembly to be repositioned in the channel without the need for removing the display equipment therefrom. Advantageously, this allows a person working alone to remove or reposition a display relatively quickly and easily. The risk of dropping the display equipment and/or merchandise is reduced. As well, the simplicity of the present invention makes it both inexpensive to manufacture and easy to use. 
     It has been found that a rod of {fraction (7/16)}″ to ⅜″ diameter is suitable for use in the channels provided on retail display systems which are already commercially available. Consequently, the present invention may be quickly and easily retrofitted onto almost any known retail display system having a suitable channel(s). 
     As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the variety of configurations of display apparatus which may incorporate the present invention is limited only by the designer&#39;s imagination. Referring to FIG. 10, display element  22  may be configured to provide a shelf support  22 A or an angled book support  22 B. Referring to FIG. 11, a plurality of posts  12  may be arranged in a circular configuration and a plurality of shelves  70  may rest on a shelf-ledge-like element  22 C. Referring to FIG. 12, cantilevered element  22 D may be used to support a banner or standard  72 . These examples are just a few of the possibilities available. 
     Referring again to FIG. 10, posts  12  may each have a pair or more of channels  20 , in this case a pair of horizontally opposed channels  20   a  and  20   b . The dual-channel post  12  provides additional locations for mounting element  22  and also permits the use of a dual-armed hook plate  74 , as shown in more detail in FIG.  13 . Plate  74  includes two hook plates  52 A and  52 B (each like hook plate  52 ) spaced apart to permit contact with the outer surfaces of post  12  adjacent the channel mouths, and joined by an arm  76 . In use, plates  52 A and  52 B are engaged by a clamp assembly  24  in each channel  20  in a manner substantially as described above. A mounting hole  78  provided in arm  76  permits further equipment to be mounted thereto, such as the screen panels  80  shown in FIG. 14, or can be used to secure post  12  to a wall mount  16 , as shown in FIG.  10 . 
     Display clamp assembly  24  of the present invention may also be used with a variety of post and channel configurations. Referring to FIG. 15, profile A has a rectangular cross-sectioned recess in a rectangular post. Profile B has recesses which are approximately circular in cross-section and has an overall octagonal profile. Profile C has hexagonal recesses with a curvilinear overall profile. As one skilled in the art will understand, almost any post and recess profile may be used with the present invention as long as a correspondingly-shaped elongate member  38  is chosen to achieve the functionality described above. 
     While the above description constitutes the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that the present invention is susceptible to modification and change without departing from the fair meaning of the accompanying claims. 
     For example, one skilled in the art will appreciate that position lock  26  and/or clamp  28  need not include threaded bolts, but may comprise any mechanism which may be actuated between a locked condition and a released condition. Likewise, although position lock  26  has been shown and described as appearing below clamp  28  on clamp assembly  24 , their respective positions could be reversed. Also, it will be understood that the shape and configuration of the slots on hook plate  50  may be modified without departing from the present invention. 
     It will also be understood that when additional clamping force is required on element  22 , for example when the merchandise to be displayed on element  22  is quite heavy, providing a rod  38  with a shape complimentary to the shape of inner wall  32  immediately adjacent mouth  36  may be desirable. For example, referring to FIG. 16, rod  38  is provided with a flat surface  82 , preferably by milling, to substantially match the flat inner wall  84  adjacent mouth  36 . Other shapes may be required for other channel configurations. In embodiments such as this where rod  38  does not partially protrude through the channel mounth, display element  22  is clamped between undersurface  60  of knob  46  and the surface of support post  12 . 
     It will be understood that other clamping mechanisms may be substituted for the threaded clamping mechanism described above. As well, the elongate member and/or support post need not act as a clamping surface, and additional clamping surfaces may be provided. Further, slots need not be provided on the hook plate, nor does the hook plate have to be flat. Alternate position locks may also be used without departing from the essence of the present invention. The shape of the elongate member may be modified, as long as the functionality described above is achieved. 
     Still further modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.