DISPLAY FIXTURE SYSTEM

Abstract: A display fixture is provided for holding and displaying merchandise for sale. The display system includes a flat display panel (12) and a pair of side walls (26) extending from the edges (16) of the display panel (12). The display panel (12) includes one means for attaching a merchandise shelf, hook or the like for holding and displaying the merchandise. The display panel and side walls are integral with each other, are made of sheet metal, and have outwardly projecting support channels extending length of the panel. The held and displayed merchandise has a weight that is substantially all transferred vertically downwards through the display fixture system such that the system requires relatively small holders to keep it upright.

Description: DISPLAY FIXTURE SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a display fixture system, and more particularly to a fixture system for holding and displaying merchandise for sale, whereby substantially all of the weight of the merchandise is transferred vertically downwards. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Display fixture systems are common in the retail industry for displaying merchandise offered for sale. Preferably, the merchandise is either displayed on shelves or it is hung on hooks. Shelves are typically arranged along a wall by securing at least two strips vertically to the wall. The strips have a plurality of small slots along their lengths in which brackets can be releasably attached. The shelves are then placed on the brackets. One of the main disadvantages of this strip and bracket system is that the strips must be very securely attached to the wall, especially if the merchandise to be displayed is relatively heavy. As such, a large number of attachment means, such as screws, are needed to keep the strips upright against the wall. This also results in the strip and bracket ' system not being flexible and versatile if the location of the shelves is to be changed. Another display system available in the prior art is referred to as the "slot wall". This is a wood panel in which long horizontally disposed slots are provided. The slots are L-shaped in cross-section, thereby a portion of the wood panel forms a flange. Hooks or brackets are inserted and retained into the slots, and the merchandise is displayed thereon. A drawback of the slot wall is that the panel is generally constructed of particle board, thus the structural strength of the panel is weak. Accordingly, only relatively light weight merchandise, such as socks and clothing for example, can be held and displayed by the slot wall. Accordingly, there is a need for a display fixture system that is versatile and capable of holding and displaying relatively heavy merchandise. By versatility, it is meant that the display fixture system can be easily mounted and dismounted, it can be easily placed in any location in a retail store, and it is modular so that it can be connected to other such systems to build a larger display fixture. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with one aspect of the invention a display fixture panel for use in a display fixture system comprises: i) a display panel having a front face, two side edges, a top end and a bottom end; ii) a pair of side supports extending from the top end to the bottom end of the panel; iii) means for connecting the panel to the side supports; iv) each of the side supports comprising a continuous integral support channel projecting outwardly of the front face of the panel and a side wall extending rearwardly from the channel and behind the panel, the channel and side wall extending from the top end to the bottom end of the panel, and means for transferring any vertical component of display fixture weight supported by the support channel to a supporting floor. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the display panel of the display fixture is flat and is integral with the side support, means is provided for removably attaching to the display panel front face a merchandise shelf hook or the like for holding and displaying the merchandise. The held and displayed merchandise has a weight that is substantially all transferred vertically downwards through the display fixture system such that the holding means are relatively small in size, number and strength. The support channels support most of the merchandise weight outwardly of the front face of the display panel. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the display panel may be a substantially flat decorative panel where connectors are provided for connecting the decorative panel to each of the side supports. The connectors may comprises a plurality of spaced apart crossbars and means for interconnecting the crossbars to the side supports with the channels projecting outwardly of the crossbars. Clips are mounted on the panel for mounting the panel on the crossbars between the side supports. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the connectors for the flat panel may comprise a plurality of panel clips mounted on opposing sides of the side supports. Each clip lowermost of each side support has a base to support the panel by contact with its bottom end. The clips engage each respective side edge of the panel to position the panel between the side supports. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the side supports which carry the clips for the intermediate panels may be of an integral closed structure. The support has spaced apart outwardly projecting support channels interconnected by flat plate portion. The outwardly projecting support channels are on opposite front and rear of the side support. The planar side wall on each side of the side support interconnects the front and rear. The flat plate portion of each side support opposing one another each has a plurality of means for mounting of the panel clips. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with respect to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals denote like parts in the several views, and in which: Figure 1A is a partial perspective view of a first embodiment of the display fixture system of the present invention; Figure IB is a cross-sectional view of the display fixture system of Figure 1A; Figure 2, which appears with Figure 7, is a partial perspective view of a further embodiment of the display fixture system of the present invention; Figure 3A is a partial front elevation view of a further embodiment of the display fixture system of the present invention; Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the display fixture system of Figure 3A; Figure 3C is a partial perspective view of the display fixture system of Figure 3A; Figure 4, which appears with Figure 1A, is a partial perspective view of a further embodiment of the display fixture system of the present invention; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the display fixture system of the present invention; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the display fixture system of the present invention; Figure 7 is a perspective view of one example of a display case formed by interconnecting a plurality of display fixture systems of the present invention; Figure 8 is a perspective view of another example of a display case formed by interconnecting a plurality of display fixture systems of the present invention; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a plurality of display fixture systems of the present invention mounted for displaying merchandise along a wall; Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a free¬ standing display case constructed with the display fixture systems of the present invention; and Figure 11 is a perspective view of an example of a merchandise shelf that can used with the display fixture system of the present invention. Figure 12 is a planar side view of a shelf support system which allows removal of the shelf from the support system. Figure 13 is a partial exploded view in perspective showing the mounting of the shelf to the side support of the fixture system. Figure 14 is a sectional view in perspective of a portion of the panel showing the top and bottom U-channels interconnecting the panel faces. Figure 15A is a side plan view of a panel which may have either a convex or concave curvature, as shown in the cross-sectional views of Figures 15B and 15C. Figures 15D and 15E and top plan views showing alternative ways in which the panel of Figure 15A may be interconnected to form structures with curved front faces. Figure 16 is a perspective view in accordance with another embodiment of the invention of side supports to which flat panels are to be connected. Figure 17 is a section through one of the side supports showing an alternative configuration for the side support. Figure 18A is a perspective view showing the mounting of a flat panel between the side supports and to the crossbars. Figure 18B and 18C are partial sections showing the manner in which the clips on the panels engage the crossbars on the fixture system. Figure 19 is a section through an alternative embodiment for the side support where the side support is integral and completely enclosed. Figure 20 is a side elevation of the side support of Figure 19. Figure 21 is an end elevation of the side support of Figure 19. Figure 22 is a section through an alternative configuration for the side support of Figure 19. Figures 23 and 24 are perspective views of clips which may be used in mounting the panels between side supports of Figures 19 or 22. Figure 25 is perspective view of an alternative embodiment for the side supports which form part of a gondola display structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to Figures 1A and IB, there is shown a first embodiment, generally denoted by the numeral 10, of the display fixture system of the present invention. The display fixture 10 includes a substantially flat display panel 12 having a front face 14, side edges 16 and 18, a top end 20 and a bottom end 22 (not shown) . The display panel 12 has at least one means, and preferably a plurality of means, for removably attaching to the display panel 12 a merchandise shelf, hook or the like for holding and displaying merchandise for sale. In the embodiment of Figure 1A, the attaching means are shown as a plurality of horizontally and/or vertically oriented, generally rectangular slots 24 into which a stud on the shelf, hook or the like is inserted. Referring specifically to Figure IB, a cross-section of the display fixture system 10 of Figure 1A is shown. The display fixture system 10 includes a pair of side walls 26 and 28, each extending perpendicularly and rearwardly of the front plane of the display panel 12. The side walls 26 and 28 extend from the top end 20 to the bottom end 22 of the front plane of the display panel 12. In the embodiment of Figure IB, the side walls 26 and 28 each further includes an additional flange 30 and 32, respectively. The flanges 30 and 32 are not necessary but are useful to assist in maintaining the stability of the display fixture system 10. One feature of the display fixture system of the present invention is that the display panel 12 and the side walls 26 and 28 are integral with each other and constructed from one single piece of sheet metal. The sheet metal is bent at various locations to provide the general shape shown in Figure 1A. An important feature of the display fixture system of the present invention is that the weight of the merchandise held and displayed on the system is substantially all transferred vertically downwards. Even with merchandise displayed, the display has a small horizontal weight component relative to the vertical weight component. This allows the display system to be easily held upright. One reason for this support of a relatively large vertical weight component is that side walls 26 and 28 are of a sufficient width, preferably at least 2 inches wide. This permits the display system to be held against a wall with relatively small holding means, such as a pair of screws. If the display system is to be free-standing, that is located away from a wall, the system can easily be fitted onto a base to hold the system in an upright position. The size, number and strength of the holding means is, therefore, relatively small compared to prior art systems and to the amount of weight that can be supported by the display panel system. Furthermore, the nature of the panels substantially enhances the structural strength of the integral panels. Referring again to Figures 1A and IB, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the display panel 12 includes a pair of narrow side strips or shoulders 34 and 36 disposed proximate side edges 16 and 18, respectively. The side strips 34 and 36 are formed by bending the sheet metal perpendicularly and outwardly of front face 14, and then bending perpendicularly again to form the U-shaped side strips. These strips or shoulders which are in the shape of a channel opening rearwardly of face 14, provide additional strength in the overall structure particularly the longitudinal increased bending strength. In the embodiment of Figures 1A and IB, the side walls 26 and 28 are about 2 1/2 inches wide, although it will be understood that any width greater than about 2 inches will be useful for purposes of attachment and strength. The distance between side edges 16 and 18 of display system 10 can vary, but preferably will be between about 12 and 36 inches. The width of the side strips 34 and 36 may also vary, but preferably is about 5/8 inches to about 3/4 inches. The side strips 34 and 36 in the form of reinforcing channels extend the complete length of the panel. The vertical weight component of supported merchandise is transferred down the length of the panel to the floor on which the panel is supported or resting by virtue of the longitudinally extending channels 34 and 36. With reference to Figure 2, a second embodiment of the display fixture system is illustrated, generally denoted by numeral 40. Display system 40 is similar to display system 10 of Figures 1A and IB, except that adjacent side edge 42 has a holding strip 44. Side strip 46 is located adjacent holding strip 44, rather than adjacent side edge 42 as was the case with the display fixture system 10 of Figures 1A and IB. Holding strip 44 includes at least one means, and preferably a plurality of means for removably attaching to the holding strip 44 a merchandise shelf, hook or the like. The attaching means 48 shown in Figure 2 comprise vertically oriented rectangular slots. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the width of holding strip 44 can vary, and preferably is about 5/8 inches wide, and as shown in Figure 2, its face is on the same plane as front face 50. Optionally, horizontal slots 47 may be provided in the side. In the embodiment of Figures 3A, 3B and 3C, display fixture system 60 includes two holding strips 62 and 64 adjacent side edges 66 and 68, respectively. Each of holding strips 62 and 64 include at least one means, and preferably a plurality of means for removably attaching to the holding strips 62 and 64 a merchandise shelf, hook or the like. The attaching means 70 shown in Figures 3A and 3C are vertically oriented rectangular slots. In Figure 4, a further embodiment of the fixture system of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, denoted by the numeral 80, a second substantially flat display panel 82 is provided in addition to the first display panel 84. The second display panel 82 is identical to the first display panel 84, thereby allowing merchandise to be held and displayed on both sides of the system 80. Figure 4 shows in detail the first display panel 84. Second display panel 82 is similar to display panel 84 so that it also includes at least one means, and preferably a plurality of means for removably attaching a merchandise shelf, hook or the like. In system 80, the preferred attaching means 86 are horizontally oriented generally rectangular slots. The display panels may be joined at a welded seam or coupled at a seam by mechanical fasteners optionally with use of inverted reinforcement channels at the bottom and top of the joined panels. The double-sided display system 80 of Figure 4 also includes a pair of narrow side strips on each of the display panels 82 and 84 respectively. The side strips or shoulders 88, 90, 92 and 94 are located proximate the side edges of each display panel 82 and 84. In the display fixture system 80, side walls 96 and 98 are, preferably, about 3 inches wide, about one-half inches wider than the embodiments in Figures 1, 2 and 3. The additional width accommodates side strips 88 and 90 which are provided on the second display panel 82. Another difference between display system 80 and the earlier described embodiments is that display panel 82 need not be integral with display panel 84 and side walls 96 and 98. That is, display panel 82 may be constructed from a second piece of sheet metal and connected to a flange 95 on side walls 96 and 98 by means of welding. It will be understood that display fixture system 80 may be of any convenient width, preferably between 12 inches and 36 inches wide. In Figures 5 and 6, two further embodiments of the invention are shown. In both cases, double-sided display systems are shown. In Figure 5, display system 100 is similar to display system 80 of Figure 4, except that adjacent side edge 102, is disposed holding strips 104 and 106 on each of display panels 108 and 110. Side strip 112 is located adjacent holding strip 104, rather than adjacent side edge 102 as was the case with the display fixture system 80 of Figure 4. Similarly, side strip 114 is located adjacent holding strip 106 rather than side edge 102. Each of holding strips 104 and 106 include at least one means, and preferably a plurality of means for removably attaching to the holding strips 104 and 106 a merchandise shelf, hook or the like (the attaching means not being shown in Figure 5) . The attaching means are vertically oriented rectangular slots similar to those shown in Figures 3A and 3C. In the embodiment of Figure 5, the holding strips 104 and 106 are 5/8 inches wide, and their faces are on the same plane as the respective faces of display panels 108 and 110. In the embodiment of Figure 6, display fixture system 120 includes holding strips 122, 124, 126 and 128 adjacent side edges 130 and 132, respectively. Each of the holding strips include at least one means, and preferably a plurality of means for removably attaching to the holding strips a merchandise shelf, hook or the like (not shown in Figure 6) . The attaching means are vertically oriented rectangular slots similar to those shown in Figure 3A and 3C. In the particular embodiments of Figures 5 and 6, the spaced apart display panels are welded together at overlapping flange portions. In Figure 5, flanges 113 and 115 are welded together at both ends to provide an integral unit. Similarly, flanges 121 and 123 at each end of the structure of Figure 6 are welded together to provide an integral unit. Although not specifically shown, it will be understood that one or more of the side walls in display systems 80, 100 and 120 of Figures 4 to 6 may also include at least one means, and preferably a plurality of means for removably attaching a merchandise shelf, hook or the like thereto. As such, systems 80, 100 and 120 become more versatile in that merchandise may be displayed on the side walls in addition to the display panels. The display fixture system of the present invention is modular in the sense that two or more such systems may be combined and interconnected to create a display case of various sizes and shapes. For example, Figure 7 illustrates a display case 140 in which three double-sided systems 142, 144 and 146 are connected side by side. Two display systems 148 and 150 are connected perpendicularly at the ends, and all are held on base 152. The result is a free-standing display case capable of holding and displaying merchandise in all four directions. The base is of sufficient platform area and weight to preclude accidental knocking over of the display. Another example of a modular display case is shown in Figure 8. In that example, the case 160 does not require a base. Rather, the end panels 162 are generally triangular in shape, allowing the case to be self- supporting. Figure 9 illustrates a wall-mounted display case 170 where the bottom edge of the panels rest on the floor so that any vertical component of display weight supported by said channel is transferred to the floor by the channel resting directly on the floor at 171. A plurality of display panels are connected side by side to a wall. Figure 9 also shows some examples of the various types of merchandise shelves, hooks, etc. that can be used, such as metal shelves 172, hooks 174, bars 176 and hang bars 178. It will be understood that different types of merchandise-holding means may be used, and these can preferably be removedly attached to the display panels so as to make the systems more versatile. Figure 10 illustrates another example of a display case 180 made with two fixture systems 182 and 184 of the present invention. Case 180 is free-standing and supported on a base 186 on which the systems 182 and 184 are held. Base 186 includes a plurality of retaining arms 188 which are adapted to be inserted into the systems 182 and 184, thereby retaining them. The support channels 187 as they interact with arms 188 rest directly on the base 186 thereby transferring to the base any vertical component of display weight. The base 186 may be provided with casters 187 or have solid feet as at 189. Display case 180 further includes attaching means 190 on side wall 192. A merchandise hook 194 can be removably attached to side wall 192 for holding and displaying merchandise for sale. The hook 194 has at its inner end, finger 195 which fits in slots 190 in the normal manner in order to secure the hook in outstanding position. A merchandise shelf 196 is also shown, which can be removably attached to the display systems 182 and 184. Finally, case 180 may optionally have a decorative header 197, which is adapted to be inserted on top of the systems 182 and 184 for making the case 180 attractive. An example of a merchandise shelf 200 is shown in Figure 11. Shelf 200 includes a display area 202, a rear flange 204 and a front flange 206. A pair of retaining fingers 208 and 210 are provided proximate the ends of rear flange 204. Fingers 208 and 210 are adapted to cooperate with the attaching means on the fixture system of the present invention to attach the shelf 200 thereon. The fingers are inserted into corresponding rectangular slots in the systems to hold the shelf thereon. It will be understood that similar fingers may be provided on hooks and other such merchandise holders. The display of Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10 show various preferred structural arrangements for the panels whether they be interconnected lengthwise and then joined at the ends, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, mounted on a wall, as shown in Figure 9 where the base of the panel system rests on the floor or set on a mobile or stationary base where the panels have a closed structure, such as shown in Figure 10. As shown with respect to Figure 9, the shelves 172 may be of various configurations and provide flat support surfaces, recess surfaces and sloped surfaces. A preferred structure 212 for the shelving unit is shown in Figure 12. A bracket 214 which mounts in the holding strips is formed from a flat plate. The bracket 212 has the usual connection teeth 216 which are inserted in the vertical slots 70 of the holding strips. The bracket is held in place by the interaction of faces 218 and 220 abutting the planar portions of the holding strip 62 or 64 of Figure 3A. The bracket 214 has an outwardly extending arm portion 216 with a distal end 218. The arm portion 216 includes a notch at 220 adjacent the region of the bracket that includes the teeth 216. The shelving unit 222 comprises opposing end plates 224 with a planar upper merchandise support section 226 and inwardly overturned edges 228 and 230. The shelf 222 is removable from the brackets 214 or may be mounted on the brackets 214 by inserting the overturned edge 230 on the distal end 218 of the bracket and then swinging the shelving unit 222 downwardly to position overturned edge 228 in the notch 220 of the mounting bracket. As shown in Figure 13, the bracket 214 is mounted in the holding strip 64 by provision of the slots 70. The integral panel portion 60 is recessed due to provision of the vertical support channel 232 which performs the same function as the outwardly projecting support channels shown in respect of the embodiments of Figures 1A, Figure 2 and Figure 5. The shelving unit 222 may then be mounted on the brackets 214, as secured in the respective holding strips. Because of pivotal action in positioning the shelving unit on the brackets 214 in the manner shown in Figure 12, the system of Figure 13 readily permits repositioning of the shelving. By separating the support brackets 214 from the shelving unit one can readily position the brackets on the panel at any desired height. The heavier shelve portion is then positioned on the distal ends 218 of the support brackets and by simply lowering the shelve, locate the inner overturned edge 228 in the respective notch 220. Although it is understood that the enclosed units, for example, of Figures 4, 5 and 6 may have their upper and lower portions open, as shown in Figure 4, it is also understood that the upper and lower portions may be enclosed to prevent collection of debris between the opposing panels and as well add additional reinforcement to the upper and lower portions of the enclosed panel sections. As shown in Figure 14, a section of the panel of Figure 6 shows the opposing panel faces 234 and 236. The standard horizontal slots 238 are provided in the respective panel faces on which merchandising hooks and the like may be mounted. The panels have the opposing outwardly extending vertical support channels 240 and 242 and the interconnecting outside portion 244. In the upper region 246 an inverted U-shaped channel 248 may be welded between the interior faces of panels 234 and 236. Correspondingly, in the lower region 250 an inverted U- shaped channel 252 may be welded to and secured between the interior faces of panels 234 and 236. The U-shaped channels may extend across the top of the section, for example, of Figure 6 where their respective ends 254 essentially contact the outsides 244. By closing in the top and bottom portions of the panel, the collection of debris between the panels is eliminated. Furthermore, structural strength for the unit is increased. The U-shape channels resist torsion movements in the panels and as well assist in transferring the vertical loads into the vertical support channels 240 and 242. As shown in Figure 14, levelling legs 256 may be mounted in the outer vertical support channels 240 and 242. As described with respect to Figure 9, the vertical loads are transmitted to the floor through the support channels 240. By positioning levelling feet 256 directly in the support channels the structure ensures that the vertical loads are transmitted through the channels 240 directly to the floor. A suitable threaded member is welded within the interior space of the outwardly projecting channel 240/242 so that the levelling foot 256 having a threaded rod may be threaded into the member. A lock nut or the like may be provided on the threaded rod so that once the levelling leg 256 is in the correct position, it may be locked so that the levelling leg rests securely on the floor. Figure 15A shows a front view of a panel 258 which has curved front face 260. The curved front face provides various aesthetics for the panel depending upon the manner in which they are interconnected or presented on a wall. As shown in Figures 15B and 15C which are sections through the panel of Figure 15A, the front face 260 may either be convex, as shown in Figure 15B or concave, as shown in Figure 15C. Figures 15D and 15E shown various manners in which the curved panels may be positioned to enhance display qualities of the fixture system. In Figure 15D panels with concave faces 260 may be interconnected at the side supports 262 to form a triangular shaped unit. Alternatively, a single curved panel with concave face 260 may be mounted in the corner to 264 of intersecting walls to soften the appearance of the display area and allow interconnection of flat panels to either side of the curved panel 260. Alternatively, it is understood that the convex curved panels may be interconnected to form outwardly curved structures or alternately interconnected with concave panels to form S-shaped walls. It is also understood that the panels may be circular in shape to provide a cylindrical column. In providing a cylindrical column the side supports 262 may be removed to present a cylindrical column with the horizontal slots to allow interconnection of correspondingly curved shelving units. As with the cylindrical unit, curved shelving units may also be made for the concave and convex panel curvatures of Figures 15B and 15C. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, it is understood that the side supports for the integral panels may be independent of the panels to provide for additional flexibility in fixture display. The separate panels, by virtue of being interconnected to the side supports do not have as much structural strength as the integral designs of Figures 1, 2 or 5. However, some display fixtures require that the panels have an ornamentive value rather than having a plurality of slots on which various merchandise hooks may be mounted. For example, it may be preferable to have the intermediate panels made of wood, decorative plastic or mirror. These panels can be interspersed with the integral panel arrangements, as shown in Figure 9 to significantly enhance the overall appearance of the display system. This alternative embodiment for the invention is described in more detail in respect of Figure 16. Three spaced apart side supports 266, 268 and 270 are shown. Side supports 266 and 270 are in cross-section, the inverse of each other. Intermediate side support 268 is an integral structure which resembles the two side supports 266 and 270 interconnected with one another. What is common to each of the side support designs is the outwardly extending support channel 272 on support 266, channels 274 and 276 on support 268 and channel 278 on support 270. Furthermore, each of the side supports includes a rearwardly extending planar portion 280, 282, 284 and 286. In each of the side supports are vertically extending slots 288. These slots are specially adapted to receive crossbars 290, which are all of identical configuration and structure. Each crossbar 290 is of a length which provides for the desired spacing between the side supports 266, 268 and 270. Each crossbar has two spaced apart upwardly extending slots 292 and 294. The slits 292 and 294 have a width to accommodate the thickness of the respective side walls 280, 282, 284 and 286. Slots 288 are of a height to receive the overall height of the side edges 296 of the crossbars. Hence, the crossbars may be inserted in the side supports and lowered such that the slots 292 and 294 engage the region generally designated 296 below each slot 288. With all of the crossbars 290 assembled to the side supports a stable interconnected structure is provided. The upper portions of the side supports 266, 268 and 270 may be secured to the wall through the apertures provided, for example, at 298. At the base of each side support is the usual levelling foot 300. As with the levelling foot of Figure 14, it is threaded into a threaded member, and secured within the outwardly extending respective channel 272, 274, 276 and 278. With the side supports positioned and secured to the wall they are ready to receive the decorative panel. Figure 18A is a rearview of a portion of the system of Figure 16. The side supports 266 and 268 are interconnected by the crossbars 290. A rear face 302 for the decorative panel 304 is shown. A plurality of mounting brackets or clips 306 are secured to the rear face 302 of the decorative panel 304. The number of mounting brackets 306 correspond in number to the number of crossbars 290. As shown in Figure 18B, each mounting bracket 306 has a planar base portion 308 which may be secured to the rear face 302 of the panel 304 by an appropriate screw, adhesive or the like in the region of line 310. The clip also includes an outwardly projecting leg 312 to provide an opening 314 sufficient to accommodate the thickness of crossbar 290. The panel is lowered in the direction of arrow 316 such that the outwardly extending leg 312 moves downwardly over the crossbar 290 until the base 318 of the mounting bracket 306 abuts the upper edge 320 of the crossbar 290. In this resting position, as shown in Figure 18C, the weight of the panel is now transferred to the side supports and by virtue of the mounting brackets 306 engaging the crossbars 290, a secure positioning of the decorative panel is achieved. The weight of the decorative panels are transferred through the side supports downwardly to the floor where most of the weight is transmitted to the floor outwardly of the face of the panels through the outwardly projecting support channels 272, 274 and 276 of the system of Figure 16. The side supports 266, 268 and 270 may also include the usual bracket mounting strips 322 with the vertical slots 324. The central side panel 268 may include two rows of vertical slots 324. The vertical slots are desired for the purposes of the mounting of shelves and other display hooks and the like which are received by the vertical slots. Figure 17 shows an alternative section for the central side support 326. The usual outwardly projecting channels 274 and 276 are provided. The side walls 282 and 284 now include vertical slots 328 in addition to the vertical slots 324 now provided to the outside of each vertical support channel 274 and 276. Intermediate the two outward support channels 274 and 276 is the planar surface 330 in which horizontal slots 332 are provided. This alternative structure for the side support provides alternative options for mounting of alternative types of hooks or the like in the display system which would normally be used in the horizontal slots. The rear portions 334 and 336 of the side support 326 may either extend outwardly in the manner shown to provide for securement to the wall and the like or alternatively, may extend inwardly, as shown in dot at 334a and 336a. This of course depends upon the type of mounting desired and the wall structure. To either side of the system of Figure 16, which provides for the support of two decorative panels, it is understood that the standard panels of Figures 1A or 3A may be mounted such that alternate provisions may be made for decorative panels and utility horizontal slotted panels. Alternatively, the decorative panels may themselves be utility panels with horizontal slots having the mounting brackets on the rear face and clipped into the crossbars 290. This may be desirable where utility display is required rather than the decorative panel. The utility panel with the mounting clips may be then readily positioned in place of the decorative panel without having to remove the side members from the wall. A further alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in respect of Figures 19 through 21. The side member is formed of a totally integral structure which may be joined at a seam which is a butt weld or a lap weld. Enclosed structure 338 comprises the usual outwardly projecting support channels 340, 342, 346 and 348. Between the outwardly projecting channels are planar integral members or plates 350 and 352. In each of these plate sections are the respective horizontal slots 354 and 356, the arrangement being shown in more detail in Figure 20, as symmetrically positioned between the outwardly projecting channels 340 and 342. Laterally of the support channels are holding strips 358, 360, 362 and 364. These holding strips include the usual vertical slots 366 to which the normal brackets, such as shown in Figure 12, may be mounted. The front and rear portions of the side support includes interconnecting side walls 368 and 370 with the usual horizontal slots 372 and 374 provided therein. The relative positioning of the horizontal slots 374 are shown in more detail in the side view of Figure 21. Additionally, the outwardly projecting support channels 340, 342, 346 and 358 may include outwardly facing slots 376, 378, 380 and 382. Their relative positioning is shown in more detail in Figure 21 in respect of the side wall 368. Each of the supporting channels 340, 342, 346 and 348 include the levelling feet 384. As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the levelling feet are secured in the respective outwardly extending channels by the usual threaded member in the channel which engages the threaded post extending upwardly from the foot 384. By virtue of the space between the foot 384 and the side member frame 338, the threaded upwardly extended rod 386 is shown. Hence, each side support 338 is supported directly on the floor. The planar portions 350 and 354 may be of varying lengths to provide alternative shapes for the side supports. It is understood, as shown in Figure 22, that the shape may be equilateral, to form in essence a square post structure 388. The square post structure has the usual outwardly extending support channels 390. The planar faces 392 between the outwardly projecting support channels as well as faces 392 on the support channels may include appropriate horizontal slots and vertical slots. The posts may be stand alone units to provide a point of purchase like display or the posts may be interconnected with panels mounted therebetween. For example, with the side support 338 of Figure 19, appropriate clips may be mounted in the horizontal slots 354 and 356. Examples of those clips are shown in Figures 23 and 24. Clip 394 has a base plate 396 with a laterally displaced connector member 398 which is inserted in the respective horizontal slot. The connector functions in the usual manner to support the clip in position, such as described with respect to the shelving unit of Figure 11. The base plate 396 also carries an outwardly opened U-shaped channel member 400 which has opposing legs 402 and 404 with a base 406 welded to the plate 396. The opposing legs 402 and 404 include apertures 408 which allow screws or other fasteners or the like to be used in securing a panel to the clip. The clip 410 of Figure 24 is essentially the same as that of Figure 23 except the U-shaped channel member 400 includes a base for 412 on which the lower edge of a panel may rest. The usual apertures 408 are provided in the side legs 402 and 404, between which the panel is inserted. Hence, spaced apart side supports 319 may be located and fixed in position and by use of the clips of Figures 23 and 24, a panel may be mounted therebetween. This integral post structure for the side supports provides further flexibility in the design and setup of the display fixture systems where the side supports include the usual outwardly positioned support channels. By use of appropriate fastening devices, the panels may be secured to the clips 394 and 410 so that when mounted in the appropriate horizontal slots of the opposing post structures of Figure 19 or Figure 22 a completed unit is provided. In accordance with a another aspect of the invention, a gondola-style display system 414 may be provided. The gondola display system includes a base 416 which may have wheel 418 mounted on its underside. Spaced apart side supports 420 and 422 are provided. A panel 424 is mounted between the side supports 420 and 422 by use of the clips 394 and 410. As described with respect to Figures 23 and 24, the panel 424 is secured to the clips by suitable fastening devices. The variation with respect to the gondola display of Figure 25 is that the side supports are of the integral box structure of Figure 19 except the opposing planar portions 350 and 352 have been modified in shape. As shown in Figure 25, side support 420 with outwardly facing planar wall 350 has an upwardly converging trapezoidal shape. The outwardly projecting support channels 340 and 342 are retained. In the outwardly presented face the horizontal slots 356 are retained where the clips 394 and 410 are positioned in horizonal slots of the interfaces 252. The trapezoidal shape for the sides of the posts 420 and 422 significantly enhance the strength of the gondola display and as well provide various alternatives in the display setup. The panel 424 may be decorative or functional with horizontal slots. A variety of hooks and the like may be suspended from the horizontal slots 356 in the sides and edges or in the vertical slots 366 of the sides and edges. The base of each side support 420 and 422 may be secured to the support base 416. This may be accomplished in the manner described with respect to the system of Figure 10 or blots, welds or the like may be used to fasten the components together. With the interchangeability feature of the panel 424 the system may be readily converted from a decorative system to a functional system, as described with respect to the wall system of Figure 16. Although preferred embodiments of the invention are described herein in detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims: CLAIMS : 1. A display fixture panel for use in a display fixture system, said panel comprising: i) a display panel having a front face, two side edges, a top end and a bottom end; ii) a pair of side supports extending from the top end to the bottom end of said panel; iii) means for connecting said panel to said side supports; iv) each of said side supports comprising a continuous integral support channel projecting outwardly of the front face of said panel and a side wall extending rearwardly from said channel and behind said panel, said channel and side wall extending from the top end to the bottom end of said panel, and means for transferring any vertical component of display fixture weight supported by said support channel to a supporting floor. 2. A display fixture panel of claim 1 wherein said support channel is spaced inwardly of said side wall, a holding strip integral with and being positioned between said channel and said side wall, said holding strip having means for removably receiving a merchandise shelf, hook or the like for holding and displaying merchandise. 3. A display fixture panel of claim 1 or 2 wherein said means for connecting said panel is a continuous metal plate from which said panel is formed, said panel being integral with said supports. 4. A display fixture panel of claim 1 or 2 wherein said connecting means comprises interconnecting connectors for connecting said panel to said side supports. 5. A display fixture panel of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said panel is substantially flat. 6. A display fixture panel of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said panel is curved. 7. A display fixture system for holding and displaying merchandise for sale, comprising a display fixture panel of claim 5, wherein: a) at least one means for removably attaching to the first display panel front face a merchandise shelf, hook or the like for holding and displaying the merchandise; and b) means for holding the display panel system in a substantially upright position, wherein the first display panel and the pair of side supports are integral with each other and are made from sheet metal, and wherein the held and displayed merchandise has a weight that is substantially all transferred vertically downwards through the display fixture system such that the holding means are relatively small in size, number and strength. 8. The display fixture system of claim 7, wherein the holding means comprises a pair of screws for attaching the display fixture system to a wall. 9. The display fixture system of claim 7, wherein the holding means comprises a base on which the display fixture system is held. 10. The display fixture system of claim 7, further comprising: a) a second substantially flat display panel having a front face, two side edges, a top end and a bottom end, each one of the side walls extending from the side edges of the second display panel and perpendicularly and rearwardly of the second display panel where each side wall has a width of at least 2 inches; and b) at least one means for removably attaching on the second display panel front face a merchandise shelf, hook or the like for holding and displaying the merchandise. 11. The display fixture system of claim 7, wherein at least one of the side walls includes at least one means for removably attaching to the at least one side wall a merchandise shelf, hook or the like for holding and displaying the merchandise. 12. The display fixture system of claim 10, wherein at least one of the side walls includes at least one means for removably attaching to the at least one side wall a merchandise shelf, hook or the like for holding and displaying the merchandise. 13. The display fixture system of claim 7, wherein the display panel further comprises at least one holding strip adjacent the support channel of each side support, the at least one holding strip having at least one means for removably attaching to the holding strip a merchandise shelf, hook or the like for holding and displaying the merchandise. 14. The display fixture system of claim 10, wherein the display panels further comprise at least one holding strip adjacent the support channel of each side support, the at least one holding strip having at least one means for removably attaching to the holding strip a merchandise shelf, hook or the like for holding and displaying the merchandise. 15. The display fixture system of claim 7 or 10, further comprising means for removably attaching the display fixture system to a second display fixture system to form a modular display case. 16. The display fixture system of claim 7 or 10, wherein the removably attaching means comprises a generally rectangular slot through which a holding finger on the merchandise shelf, hook or the like can be inserted. 17. A display fixture panel of claim 4 wherein said display panel is a substantially flat decorative panel, said connectors connecting said decorative panel to each of said side supports. 18. A display fixture panel of claim 17 wherein said connectors comprise a plurality of spaced apart cross bars and means for interconnecting said cross bars to said side supports with said channels projecting outwardly of said cross bars, clips being secured on said panel for mounting said panel on said cross bars between said side supports. 19. A display fixture panel of claim 4 wherein said panel is substantially flat, said connectors comprise a plurality of panel clips mounted on opposing sides of said side supports each clip lowermost of each side support having a base to support the panel by contact with its bottom end, said clips engaging each respective side edge of said panel to position said panel between said side supports. 20. A display fixture panel of claim 19 wherein said side support is an integral closed structure, said support having spaced apart outwardly projecting support channels interconnected by a flat plate portion, said outwardly projecting support channels being on opposite front and rear of said side support, a planar side wall on each side of said side support interconnecting said front and rear, said flat plate portion of each said side support opposing one another each having a plurality of means for mounting of said panel clips. 21. A display fixture panel of claim 20 wherein a holding strip which is aligned with said flat plate portion interconnects each support channel to said respective planar side wall of said side support, said holding strip having means for removably receiving a merchandise shelf, hook or the like for holding and displaying merchandise. 22. A display fixture panel of claim 20 wherein said side support further comprises spaced apart support channels on said planar side walls to provide a total of eight support channels on said side support. 23. A display fixture panel of claim 20 wherein said flat plate portions are generally triangular in shape to provide outwardly sloping planar side walls. 24. A display fixture panel of any one of the preceding claims wherein said weight transfer means comprises a levelling foot mounted in base portion of each of said support channels.

Inventors: BRONER TZVI J, CONEN ELLA B, BRONER, TZVI, J., CONEN, ELLA, B.
Applicants: BRONER TZVI J, CONEN ELLA B, BRONER, TZVI, J., CONEN, ELLA, B.
Application year: 1995
Main classification: A47F5
IPC codes: A47B96, A47F5