Abstract:
A modular merchandiser and system with a frame of vertical posts and horizontal bars is carried on legs and carries grid elements sandwiching an indicia panel. Adjacent merchandiser panels can be linearly, perpendicularly or angularly (from about 10° to 350°) joined, and placed on the front end or other positions in various locations to carry various product on novel, height adjustable accessories and merchandising effects. Various parts of the merchandiser and the accessories therefor may be obtained in a first financial transaction (lease or sale) and others in subsequent financial transactions to update the same. Supporting special software can be similarly obtained and used to achieve uniform displays by using the included indicia panel. The system permits easier, less expensive, less wasteful, faster, and more environmentally friendly updating of the merchandiser, accessories, frame and grid portions separately. 
     An improved hinge coupler is also provided for joining two panels together, one of a male projection and complimentary female socket is provided on each of the panels, and a connecting hinge link is provided having the other of a male projection and complimentary female socket is provided at the ends of the coupler link to hold the hinge coupler and the two panels in the desired angular position. The angular portion of the panels can be determined and changed by the relative position of the male projections in the receptive complimentary shaped female sockets.

Description:
DISCLOSURE 
       [0001]    This application is a United States Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Application, and claims the benefit and priority and filing dates of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/337,039, filed Jan. 29, 2010, entitled “Modular Merchandiser and Method of Providing the Same” in the names of the inventors Harold L. Turner, Jr., Joseph Theodore Bauer, Gabriel Garduno, Matthew Douglas Reier, Louis Frederick Polk, and Kenneth Earl Ramsey (Note: Charles M. Gruber one of the inventor&#39;s hereof named was inadvertently omitted) and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/397,746, filed Jun. 16, 2010, entitled “Panel Coupler Hinge,” in the names of the inventors Kenny Ramsey, Charles M. Gruber, Harold Lloyd Turner, Jr., Howard Lynn Hammond, Michael Lynn Shaver, and Michael Piontek. Said above two Provisional Applications are herein incorporated by reference. This invention relates to consumer retail fixtures known as merchandisers, and particularly to modular merchandisers which can be offered in a first financial transaction and components thereof or other accessories therefore, offered in the same or subsequent financial transactions, and has panels and various accessories and parts therefore and an improved coupler hinge which can connect two adjacent panels or grids. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    It is known to use merchandisers or product display units in various forms, such as two pegboard type panels set to form a “T” which can be placed at an aisle end, in for example, a retail store. One form of merchandisers is a front end merchandiser which is usually located at a check-out or check-in location for a retail store and other locations where consumers purchase or pay for goods or services and are offered the opportunity to purchase additional products or services displayed on the front end merchandisers. 
         [0003]    Heretofore, prior art merchandisers, and particularly front end merchandisers, were offered and sold as complete units. These prior complete merchandisers included the supporting structure and product displays and were installed and used until management of the location decides to replace the merchandiser and its product displays. As this prior merchandiser, including its base structure and product display components are fixed, they offer limited flexibility to change the nature or mix of goods or products offered on the merchandisers. Many times due to the high cost and expense of replacing an entire prior art merchandiser, they were used longer than they should be, and they can become somewhat run down and dated. The higher costs in replacing prior art merchandisers were due to the need to rip out the entire old merchandiser, and manufacture, ship in, and install an entire new merchandiser. The prior art merchandiser was not an environmentally friendly fixture since it had to be disposed of, usually by “junking,” at the end of life. 
         [0004]    Where a plurality of outlets (chain stores) might have similar or identical prior art merchandisers, even though some effort was made to make their displays uniform, such was difficult to achieve due to the lack of central control on what was done in each location. For example, while a pegboard type display might be used, though the pegboard accessories were identical, they were not uniformly placed in or on each of the displays, so that the uniformity desired was not achieved. 
         [0005]    One such prior art merchandiser is sold by DCI of Milwaukee, Wis. Some of these merchandisers have panels or sections framed by tubular members, both horizontal and vertical. These panels can be placed adjacent one another to form complimentary panels. These panels may be held upright on legs and joined to each other. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention includes a business method and system, novel and unique apparatus in the form of a merchandiser with a modular frame or base to form a panel, for carrying a plurality of product display components on the same, particularly in a uniform manner, and including software and methods for carrying out the same. 
         [0007]    The frame/base and its product display components or accessories form the front end and other portions of a merchandiser system. 
         [0008]    The business method provides for conducting a first business transaction giving the merchant/purchaser possession of a front-end merchandiser frame core/base, which optionally could also include one or more product display components. Possession of the first or additional product display components for engagement with the front end or other merchandiser frame core/base, can be offered and/or granted in a second or subsequent financial transactions. 
         [0009]    The first financial transaction can be an outright sale, financed, or, alternatively a lease, for an extended period of time, such as 5 to 7 years, may or may not include the sale or lease of certain type product display components or accessories for use on the novel front end or other merchandiser frame core/base and in the system. The initial type product display components or accessories and/or additional product type display accessories which can be used on the frame core/base can be offered for sale or lease in a second and/or subsequent financial transaction. The various product display components obtained and/or interchanged can be used on the frame core/base system. Thus, the merchant or other user of the front end merchandiser can obtain a front end or other merchandiser frame or base in one financial transaction, and in the same or subsequent financial transaction or transactions obtain the desired product display modules which fit on the previously obtained frame or base. Thus, when it is desired to update the other or front end merchandiser and/or change the product mix, one need not replace an entire merchandiser, but one can simply buy or lease the desired new or different type panels and product display modules and place them on the existing base or frame. Thus an updating or remodeling can be more easily done, without: the need to tear out the entire old unit, disrupting the location during the rip out and new install, and the disadvantages of higher cost and longer time needed to complete an entire new installation. 
         [0010]    As noted, the other or front end merchandiser of the present invention comprises a frame core/base system, wherein the frame core/base system and various product display components are available and separately priced. The component may be selected from an inventory of various product display components each having a frame core/base attachment interface engageable with any of the frame core/base in the system. 
         [0011]    Typical places where such modular front end or other merchandisers could be used would be check out counters or merchandisers in other areas not associated with check-out, for grocery and retail stores, movie theaters, businesses, buildings, ball parks, museums, bus or train stations and airport check-in check-out, and confection counters. This list of locations is just by way of examples and not limitation, as other locations where potential consumers/customers are present, could be utilized. The merchandiser could be located at, adjacent, before or after the cashier&#39;s or self checkout position, along aisles, or at aisle ends. 
         [0012]    The frame or base elements of accessories or modules for the merchandiser are both formed to complementary interfit with each other and are of consistent construction so other merchandiser frames or accessories or modules can be made and/or obtained at any time and any will interfit with earlier made or obtained complementary elements. Frame core/bases and product display components can be designed, manufactured and validated independently (to interfit) each other in accordance with a standardized interface system. The interface, removable but lockable and adjustably attached components may comprise, but are not limited to, as for example, a male connector or set of male connectors on the product display component(s) that interface and interfit with matching female connector(s) on the frame core/base structure. The interfit not only connects but also supports the component on the frame/base or panel. 
         [0013]    The frame core/base presents fewer or no restrictions on product display component placement, thereby accelerating the development process for new or subsequent product display components and increasing the flexibility of display component configurations. As new or future product display components are designed to mate with the previously manufactured, validated and installed frame core/base, at any future time newly designed product display components may be more quickly developed in response to market demands. For example, such could include a new product holder developed to draw unique, special attention to a new product, and attached in a wide range of configurations and locations to the previously (or in the future) manufactured, validated and installed frame core/base system. Should the merchant desire to change the product mix such is easily accomplished, as all product display modules are made with the uniform interface to fit the frame or base, and can simply be obtained in an additional financial transaction (purchased or leased), and then installed either temporarily or permanently. 
         [0014]    The front end or other merchandiser not only capitalizes upon the interchangeability of merchandising components on the frame core/base, but also on the expandability, and/or changeability of the frame/base core. The present invention has the ability to change the frame core/base system by adding or deleting portions thereof is furthered by a unique frame or panel interlock system. The base may comprise connectable metal frames, such as integral frame/grill—one or two of latter, which can be made integral as by welding, onto which the modules fit, and can be self supporting and have indicia means by which the product display modules can be uniformly and exactly attached, added or deleted. 
         [0015]    The frames are indexable or can carry indicia (such as indicia, when in pegboard or other form could indicate columns and rows or outlines of product display devices and the specification of the same. This index feature enables a corporate planning department to more easily plan a uniform display for all its locations or outlets. Thus the locations or outlets can more easily follow and carry out the corporate instructions, easily conform their displays to the corporate plan, and achieve desired display uniformity. 
         [0016]    Further to assist in the planning, the frame members and modular product displays can be incorporated into a spatial software planning program which presents the frame, core/bases, and all the modular displays in all possible or accomplishable arrangements. The software can print out the index or a flexible sheet and may be in the form of indicia, columns and rows, or product carrying devices outlines and indentifying specifications. This software can be acquired in any of the above or subsequent, separate financial transaction or offered as a service to the customer. The software can generate a plan for the desired display which can be fitted onto a module or panel and then used to arrange the display. This plan sheet can be shipped to the various locations, and after the display is set up, the plan sheet removed. 
         [0017]    The interchangeable product display components enables substantial freedom and variation in the types, sizes, shapes and quantities of consumer products displayed such as, by way of example, candies, gums, convenience items, magazines, books, newspapers, brochures, pamphlets, maps, beverages, general merchandise, etc. that can be interchanged on a frame core/base system in a free unrestrained or non-compartmentalized manner. The accessories or modules for displaying products could, for example, and not as a limitation, include solid and wire shelves, solid and wire baskets, flat or inclined shelves and baskets, single item display hooks or other merchandising displays such as brochure, pamphlet, map, magazine, newspaper and book racks, wire, metal or plastic pockets, pegs, hangers, hooks, custom product holders, including, unique custom product holders, shelf edge or other product spot lighting, LED, shelf edge lighting or other video displays with or without sound, digital signage, connected through an optional add-on low voltage power supply system. These and other future technology enhancements may be provided on the front end or other merchandiser of the present invention. 
         [0018]    Thus, various display arrangements may be easily provided as well as enhanced space utilization, and different types of design themes, aesthetics and functionality, easily achieved with the modular merchandiser, business method, system, and methods of the present invention. 
         [0019]    Various grid structure and hinge coupler are shown and disclosed herein and in the above mentioned U.S. Provisional Patent Applications. Further, improved forms of hinge coupler are herein shown and disclosed, and is to some degree similar to, but in other aspects different from, those shown in the above U.S. Provisional Patent Applications. The hinge coupler of the present invention comprises a retaining means for retaining the coupler in two of the adjacent vertical frame members of the two panels or grids to be joined. The retaining means can comprise for example an interference fit, bolts or fasteners, threading, adhesive, welding, brazing, pin means, or even the heretofore disclosed wedge means for retaining a retaining body in the interior of the vertical member. The pin means can be in the form of a cross pin that engages both the tube and retaining body. The retaining body can be in the form of an insert inserted into the hollow of the vertical member, such as formed by a round or square tube. This body could even be at least partially, if not fully, formed in the tube itself. As noted, the retaining means can be either a heretofore disclosed wedge (nut drawn tight to spread into the retaining body to frictionally, tightly fit it into the tube in which this retaining body is to be retained), such as disclosed herein or in the prior Provisional Applications. The retaining means can be alternatively, a cross pin, placed, driven or held by interference fit into complimenting holes or openings formed in both the vertical tube or member and the retaining body. The cross pin can have a threaded opening to receive a fastener to hold it and the tube and rest of the hinge coupler in place. 
         [0020]    The pin and retaining body and its cooperating openings can be indexed to keep the thread opening properly aligned when the fastener is not in place. Also, the engaging end of the fastener can be pointed to facilitate it entering the cooperating threaded opening. The pin and its cooperating opening may be non-circular, say square, to hold its threaded opening in position to receive its respective fastener. 
         [0021]    The other or outer end of the retaining body or insert comprises fastening means for retaining the coupling or hinging means extending between and holding together the two adjacent panels or screens. The fastening means can be in the form of a screw or bolt and a cooperating threaded opening. While the screw or bolt could be on the retaining body, preferably it is the threaded opening that is on the retaining body. The retaining body and coupling link on each end has one of cooperating male projection means and female socket means thereon. Thus, the coupling means would have one or the other at each of its ends and would cooperate with the two retaining bodies, insert or integral, having the cooperating socket means or projection means therein to hold the panels or grids to each other in a desired relationship. 
         [0022]    Preferably each of the retaining bodies has the female socket means and the coupling means or links has two separate retaining male projections, one at each end. Alternatively, a reverse construction could also be utilized with the socket on the link and projection on the tube. To provide for multiple placement of the panels or screens at various angles, the male projections means and female socket means can have numerous, equally spaced (similar to for example a hex head bolt and socket common in tools, or 20 point bolt and socket less common in tools) or unequally spaced, points. Thus, by relatively rotating the male projection in a cooperating socket, the hinge can be placed in various angular positions to cause the adjacent panels or screens, when assembled with the coupler hinge of the present invention, to be placed at and held in various angular positions to one another. Now as mentioned, if desired, the points need not be equally spaced but could be differently spaced so that different relative placements of panels into sockets could give different steps of angular displacement. However, the equally spaced male and female points (socket) panels may be more easily and less expensively manufactured and used. 
         [0023]    Now the male projection can have fewer equally spaced than the socket. For example, one could have a male portion with four points spaced 90 degrees apart, and such could be used with socket portions of 4, 8, 12, 20, 24, etc . . . receptive female points, and the greater number thus giving finer and finer steps of angular adjustment. 
         [0024]    For example, one could use 4 male points equally spaced at 90 degrees, and socket portions with 20 points spaced at 18 degrees apart. Such a construction would give a hinge capable of adjusting two adjacent screens from about 18 degrees, to 90 degrees (perpendicular), to 180 degrees (linear) to 342 degrees, or anywhere in between in steps of 18 degrees. For example, and preferably, if there were four, 90 degrees spaced apart male points and 16 female (socket) points, the angular positions for the screens or panels would be on 22.5 degrees steps. Now while not in a coupling use, the link can be put in a stored position so that it aligns below its respective panel. 
         [0025]    The vertical tube, retainer body, and hinge coupler element can be held assembled by outer fastener means, such as a threaded (insert) body fitting into a threaded opening. Preferably, the threaded opening is formed on, in or in conjunction with, the retainer body, and the threaded screw is provided to extend into the center of the female socket of the retainer body. Preferably, the outer end of the screw has a head, or more preferably a manually turnable knob or handle, so no tools are needed to install or remove the fastener or for assembly. Further, as mentioned, the socket itself could be integrally or directly formed as by punching or swaging in a die in the end of the vertical tube of the frame of the panel. This forming or punching step could be done before or after the tube is secured or welded together to form the panel frame. 
         [0026]    To assemble the hinge coupler, the retainer bodies or inserts (or integrally formed) are slipped into (or formed in) the two vertical tubes at their two tops, or even two bottoms. The hinge coupler of the present invention is capable of being used at top, and optionally at the bottom ends, of the vertical tubes to hold two adjacent screens or panels or grids together. If the panels are to be sufficiently angularly placed, say greater than 45 degrees, or perpendicular rather than linear (in line), the panels would be self-supporting without other legs. If panels are to be linear or in line, or less angularly placed, then supporting legs are needed. The two cross or retaining pins for the coupler, which may be made of metal or plastic, are placed or driven in to the opening in the tubes and retaining bodies or inserts. The cross pins can be sized to provide a free fit or an interference fit. In the former, some type of indexing may be provided, while in the latter, the interfaces fit will hold position to receive the fasteners. The panels with their tubes are positioned as desired and the male projections of the coupling portion fitted over socket portions to provide the selected and desired angle. Then the retaining fasteners are put through the male portions and center openings in the female portions and then screwed into threaded opening at the end to hold the two panels at the selected one of the various angular steps available. 
         [0027]    As noted, the socket can be formed by punching or broaching. The male projections can be integrally formed, machined or cast or even welded onto the link. Of course, the reverse construction could be similarly formed. 
         [0028]    The parts may be made of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, other metals or plastics and/or a combination of these materials. 
         [0029]    The system includes single legs for the ends of the panels, double legs for joined or adjacent panels. The legs can be adjusted to carry the panel at various positions. Special end and “T” panels can be provided, which can be joined at or near its center or biased toward one end. Sets of product hooks of similar construction but of various vertical drops can be provided to accommodate each product, for example, the total vertical drop for a set could be 1 or 2 inches with a vertical drop in steps of, say from ⅛ to ¼ inch or other drops and steps as desired or needed. The system includes dividers hung from panels, fixed or adjustable leg bumper rails fitted between legs. All these components can be arranged in various manners to achieve the display desired. Additionally separate units such as coolers, refrigerators or freezers may be incorporated into the system and/or surrounded by complementary panels. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of merchandiser particularly for the front end, shown with accessories or product display modules of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view second embodiment frame of a front end merchandiser shown of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 2  fitted with product display accessories or modules for use therewith and shown at a check out station. 
           [0033]      FIG. 4  is a flow diagram showing the business method of the present invention and of acquiring a frame and panel and optionally some of the accessories of the present invention in a first financial transaction and acquiring additional accessories in a second, and subsequent financial transactions. 
           [0034]      FIG. 5  is a schematic listing different accessories may be interfaced with the merchandiser panel of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 6  shows a typical panel which could vary in width, say, from as narrow as 18 to 24 inches to as wide as 48 or more inches and vary in height, say, of 54 to 63 inches, with a pair of legs to vertically support the panel. 
           [0036]      FIG. 7  shows an enlarged portion of a typical grid for a panel which could having spacing 2 inches for horizontal members and 6 or 8 inches for vertical members. 
           [0037]      FIG. 8  shows a further enlargement and middle printed panel carrying placement indicia which could be sandwiched between the grids of the panels shown in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 9  illustrates in more detail the indicia of the middle panel shown in  FIG. 8 , with, in this instance, one half inch vertical and horizontal spacings. 
           [0039]      FIG. 10  shows another view of two panels angularly (on which could also be linearly) joined. 
           [0040]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged view showing in more detail how the panels of  FIG. 10  are angularly joined and held by a coupler and screws or security fasteners. 
           [0041]      FIG. 12  is an exploded view of one construction permitting the angular placement, with the end link cap inserted into the vertical frame and a joining link cap fitted there over with screw(s) to hold the panels angularly (or linearly) joined. 
           [0042]      FIG. 12  A-C show elevational and two perspective exploded views of one construction of the assembly of the hinge coupler, when used to connect the top of two panels. 
           [0043]      FIG. 13  shows two panels joined generally in a perpendicular manner with the end of one held at the top and bottom to the middle of the other, with a third panel at an angle to the middle panel. 
           [0044]      FIG. 14  shows in enlarged detail how the lower mid point attachment is made using the midpoint features on the generally perpendicular panel. 
           [0045]      FIG. 15  is a view of the upper portion of  FIG. 13 , but further enlarged and showing the upper midpoint attachment. 
           [0046]      FIG. 16  is a partial prospective view illustrating how the grid in one manner, by a bracket, may be removably attached to the vertical frame and how the vertical frame is mounted at its lower end to a leg. 
           [0047]      FIG. 16  A an enlarged view of a vertical grid mounting bracket to hold the grid to the spaced openings in the vertical frame member. 
           [0048]      FIG. 16  B-D show two perspective and an elevational view of further details for joining the lower end of a vertical frame or post to a leg. 
           [0049]      FIG. 17  shows an alternative position for the lower link shown in  FIG. 16  and receiving a second vertical member of an adjacent panel. 
           [0050]      FIGS. 18  A and B show other alternative stored positions for the lower link shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . 
           [0051]      FIG. 19 ,  FIG. 20  and  FIG. 21 , show various views of an additional form of product hanging, height adjustable, accessory, or display that can be attached to the grid or portion or part therefor. 
           [0052]      FIG. 21  A-D shows various elevational views of the clip portion shown in  FIGS. 19 ,  20  and  21 . 
           [0053]      FIG. 22 ,  FIG. 23  and  FIGS. 24A  and B show various views of another form of a product hanging accessory that can be attached to the grid. 
           [0054]      FIGS. 25  A-D show a simplified form of the accessory shown in  FIGS. 22-24 , and illustrate yet another form of product hanging height adjusting accessory for attachment to the grid. 
           [0055]      FIG. 26 ,  FIG. 27 ,  FIG. 28 , and  FIG. 29  illustrate yet another form of product hanging height adjusting accessory for attachment to the grid, which has a turnable locking member carries a hook/arm. 
           [0056]      FIG. 30 ,  FIG. 31 , and  FIG. 32  illustrate still a further product hanging height adjustable accessory that can be hung and secured via a pin or screw to the grid. 
           [0057]      FIG. 33 ,  FIG. 34 , and  FIG. 35  illustrate a further rotatable height adjustable product hanging accessory that is lockable onto the grid. 
           [0058]      FIG. 36  is a schematic flow chart for the special placement software program for and of the present invention. 
           [0059]      FIG. 37  is an illustration of some of the components forming the first embodiment hinge coupler of the present invention, showing the coupler portion with two male projections thereon, one of the female socket inserts that fits within a vertical frame tube of a screen, panel or grid, the center threaded cross pin which hold the socket in the end of the tube and the fastener which secures the one of the male portions in the socket and screws the coupler in place on its socket at a selected position and into the threaded opening in the pin. 
           [0060]      FIG. 38  shows two panels (partially) with the upper ends of the two vertical tubes to be connected or secured by the coupler, two socket inserts, two holding cross pins and two fasteners of  FIG. 37 , prior to assembly. 
           [0061]      FIG. 39  shows the components of  FIG. 38  assembled with the two screens, panels or grids arranged linearly (180 degrees apart), except the fasteners have not been installed; where the fasteners being used are of an Allen screw type. 
           [0062]      FIG. 40  is a full view of the screens or panels and coupler hinge of the present invention shown in  FIG. 38 . 
           [0063]      FIG. 40A  is an enlarged perspective, schematic view of an alternative bottom link like that shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18A  and B, which may be used in conjunction with the top hinge coupler of the present invention. 
           [0064]      FIG. 41  is an assembly of two panels  FIG. 6  with coupler assembly, fastener handles, and on legs with wheeled casters, the broad double headed arrow ( 350 ) indicating that a broad range of angles that the adjacent, connected panels can be set up to hold. 
           [0065]      FIG. 42  is an illustration or photograph showing how one of the ends of the tube (foreshortened) can receive the coupler socket insert portion. 
           [0066]      FIG. 43  is a photograph showing how the retaining cross pin is fit into openings in the tube and socket insert, with its threaded opening to eventually be axially aligned with the tube and socket axis, and also illustrates the multiple points in the socket which cooperate with the fewer, four, points on the cooperating male projection. 
           [0067]      FIG. 44  shows the retaining cross pin nearly or fully put or driven in. 
           [0068]      FIG. 45  shows the male projection and its square four points (90 degrees apart) and how it can be engaged into the socket insert (16 points 22.5 degrees apart), this being prior to the latter being positioned in the tube. 
           [0069]      FIG. 46 ,  FIG. 47 ,  FIG. 48 , and  FIG. 49  show how one of the coupler male projection can be selectively positioned in the socket in the tube (here foreshortened for illustration purposes) and fastened together. 
           [0070]      FIG. 50 ,  FIG. 51 ,  FIG. 52 , and  FIG. 53  show how a coupler with its two male projections can be selectively positioned in two socket inserts in or sockets on the two adjacent vertical tube ends of two screens or panels to be coupled together, except the fasteners are not yet installed. 
           [0071]      FIG. 54 ,  FIG. 55 ,  FIG. 56 , and  FIG. 57  show how the coupler hinge of the present invention can be used to position two screens, panels or grids and their adjacent vertical tubes at several relative positions from greater than zero degrees, to 90 degrees, to 180 degrees (linear), to greater than 180 degrees but less than 360 degrees when coupling together two adjacent panels. 
           [0072]      FIG. 58  shows an exploded view of a coupler for two adjacent panels but using knobbed fasteners. 
           [0073]      FIG. 59  is a schematic of an alternative embodiment for the socket, wherein the socket portion is formed directly or integrally in, as by punching, with or without a die, in the end of the tube forming the frame of a panel. 
           [0074]      FIG. 60  is a schematic showing how the square cross pin and tube and socket openings can be indexed to keep the cross pin properly aligned when the fastener is not in place, uses fasteners with handles or knobs thereon, instead of Allen screws so that the coupler hinge may be assembled without the need for tools. 
           [0075]      FIGS. 61A-C  show an assembly of two perpendicular panels (end-to-middle) with coupler assembly with handle or knob fasteners. 
           [0076]      FIGS. 62A  and B show assembly detail of two double-sided panel grid tubes to roller castered legs. 
           [0077]      FIGS. 63A  and B show single tube holder and double tube holder caster legs with slots for adjustable tube holder placement. 
           [0078]      FIG. 64  and  FIGS. 65A-C  show assembly detail of the weld panel grid to the tube frame mounted in castered foot or leg. 
           [0079]      FIG. 66A  shows four distinct style display hooks, assembled with hanging mounting bracket portions. 
           [0080]      FIGS. 66B  and C show that each display style hook can be made with various height drops and a side view how such attaches to the grid. 
           [0081]      FIGS. 67A  and B show an assembly of two perpendicular panels to form a corner with coupler assembly, panels, link or cap, sockets, cross pin, and fastener handles. 
           [0082]      FIGS. 68A-C  show an elevational and two perspective views and details of a hinge coupler with knob screws and square cross section cross pins links, utilized in  FIG. 60 . 
           [0083]      FIGS. 69A-C  are a schematic of an alternate construction, replacing cross pins of  FIGS. 60 ,  68 A-C with a construction which wedged tight in the tubes. 
           [0084]      FIGS. 70A  and B show a plan layout locator board or “plan-o-form” construction, intended for use and may have indicia, such as columns and rows and/or selected silhouetted product/display template displays. 
           [0085]      FIGS. 71A , B &amp; C show the method or process of using a plan layout which shows the silhouette of product display and specification. 
           [0086]      FIGS. 72A-D  show assembly of a mounting bracket ( 72 A), for attaching a shelf ( 72 B) unit to panel ( 72 C-D). 
           [0087]      FIG. 73  shows a series of mounting brackets of the type shown in  FIG. 72A , numbered 1 to 8, which each has a different vertical drop. 
           [0088]      FIGS. 74A-C  show a connection of a panel perpendicularly to an end panel using a bottom mount to connect the bottom of the end panel to the side of a foot for the panel.  FIGS. 75A-C  show assembly of another mounting bracket on a shelf unit ( 75 A and B), and attaching the same unit to panel at various height locations to the grid ( 75 C). 
           [0089]      FIGS. 76A-D  show assembly of an attachable section of conventional peg board to a panel. 
           [0090]      FIGS. 77A-C  show assembly of an attachable panel divider onto a panel. 
           [0091]      FIGS. 78A-C  show an attachment of a solid end wall register panel perpendicularly to a panel with a coupler. 
           [0092]      FIGS. 79A-C  show the lower assembly of a panel onto a single width foot or leg, bottom mount, and perpendicularly to the solid end register panel. 
           [0093]      FIGS. 80A  and B show assembly of and an assembled offset panel display module with a 5 inch offset or shelf panel and two register panels, one at each end. 
           [0094]      FIGS. 81A  and B show assembly of a standard panel with a panel extension section. 
           [0095]      FIGS. 82A  and B show a panel to be perpendicularly connected to the back of a cooler unit, using an upper mounting top ring that connects via a coupler to the cooler and panel ( FIG. 82A ) and a lower mounting bracket that connects the leg to the cooler unit ( FIG. 82B ). 
           [0096]      FIGS. 83A  and B show assembled views of a panel to the back of the cooler. 
           [0097]      FIGS. 84A  and B show a panel assembled to side of a cooler. 
           [0098]      FIG. 85A  shows a cooler surround or cage connected at its back to a panel. 
           [0099]      FIG. 85B  shows a similar surround, but now connected at one side to a panel. 
           [0100]      FIGS. 86A  (at back) and B (at side) show details of panel and cooler surround connection of  FIGS. 85A . 
           [0101]      FIGS. 87A  and B show the assembly and assembled additional display rack for the top of a cooler. 
           [0102]      FIGS. 88A  and B show assembly of a single tube and double tube castered foot connecting bars or bumper rails with quick release “U” shaped snap buttons. 
           [0103]      FIGS. 89  and B show the assembled single and double castered feet and connecting bumper rails shown in  FIGS. 88A  and B. 
           [0104]      FIG. 90  shows placement of and placed plastic dust covers for the feet and bumper rails. 
           [0105]      FIGS. 91  show details of leg connecting, length adjustable bumper, with standard hinge, pin hinge, and locking button for the length adjustment. 
           [0106]      FIGS. 92A  to C show assembly of the double-hinged, length adjustable bumper to the castered feet, of linearly connected panels. 
           [0107]      FIGS. 93A  and B show the assembled double-hinged adjustable bumper, castered feet, and connected now angled panels. 
           [0108]      FIGS. 94A  and B show a cross section and perspective view of a typical panel having two grids between which a panel product display locator, plan-o-form sheet or board may be inserted to locate product displays on the panel, and shows how the panel locator board insert opening between the grids may be closed by a top cover or cap. 
           [0109]      FIGS. 95A , B and C show a preferred form for the coupler assembly using a knobbed or bolt fastener, coupler link with male projection, a female socket with slots, a finned nut fitting into the slots, and an indent indexed tube. 
           [0110]      FIGS. 96A  and B show an alternative method of adding dividers at the frame post of a panel by upper and lower attachment brackets. 
           [0111]      FIGS. 97A , B and C show the addition of the side surround to the side of a cooler. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0112]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a first embodiment of merchandiser  10  is shown and comprises several frame members  12  (right side),  14  (left side),  16  (top) and  18  (bottom) to form a frame carrying panels joined together along with various accessories  20 , such as metal (wire shelf) of various forms which can be attached to the merchandiser  10 . As shown each frame members  12 ,  14 ,  16  and  18  forming a frame carries one or more panels  19  secured to the frame. The frame members  12 ,  14 ,  16  and  18  extends around the entire perimeter of the panels  19 . Some panels are in forms of peg boards, while others are sheet material. Three of the frames  17  formed by members  12 ,  14 ,  16  and  18  are linearly arranged and joined to each other. The end panel  19  and frame  17  is perpendicular to the other three panels. 
         [0113]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , another embodiment merchandiser  30  is shown and has a base  32  onto which stands a vertical peg board style panel  34  with holes therein. Attached perpendicularly to the end of the panel  34  is another panel  36 . As can be seen various shelf or other product display accessories  38  can be attached thereto. Likewise, various accessories can be attached to either side of panel  34 . 
         [0114]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the merchandiser  30  is shown in a retail environment forming a front end merchandiser placed adjacent and next to a cashier or checkout station  40 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , additional accessories such as wire shelves  42  inclined wire shelves  44 , wire basked  46  and a plurality of single product hooks  50  are attached to panel  34 . As shown in the circular detail, the accessories carry two or more male prongs which fit into the female opening into the peg board style steel panel  34 . Any of the merchandisers shown in this application, and particularly those shown at  FIG. 6  and later, could also be used to form a front end merchandiser at or near a cashier or checkout station. 
         [0115]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram illustrating the multiple transaction aspect of the present invention, wherein a frame and/or panel, and optionally some accessories therefore may be sold or leased in a first financial transaction. Then, subsequently, additional accessories or frames and/or panels may be acquired in a second and/or subsequent financial transaction. When it becomes time to update, new panels and/or accessories can be acquired in a subsequent transaction and added to or used to replace the existing frame. The replaced accessories can be recycled and/or reused elsewhere. Likewise, after the initial install, subsequent updates can be more easily, less expensively, more quickly made, with less disruption of the location, and more environmentally friendly because less material needs to be disposed. 
         [0116]      FIG. 5  is a schematic illustrating how a frame/base having a panel of the present invention can have interfitted and installed thereon various accessories or devices, such as product hangers, shelves, brackets, racks, including any others mentioned therein or herein. 
         [0117]      FIG. 6  illustrates a preferred form of frame/base  60  carrying at least one, and preferably two, grill or grid style panels  62  spaced from ¼ to ½ inch or more apart. Of course, frame/bases with but a single grid can be used as will be described below, for example, in connection with a cooler surround. The grills or grids  62  are secured to the frames  63  for example by clips, or preferably welding. The frame  63  comprises a perimeter of two vertical tubes or posts  64  and  66  closed by upper and lower horizontal members  68  and  70 . The former  68  could be a removable cap to gain access to the space between the grids. The bottoms of the vertical posts  64  and  66  can be mounted on a pair of horizontal feet or legs  72  and  74  at their midpoints. The outer ends of the legs  72  and  74  may carry casters or glides  76  for ease of movement. Referring to  FIG. 7 , the grill or grid  62  can be made up of horizontal wires or bars  80  spaced say  2  inches apart vertically, tied together with vertical wires  82  from 6 to 8 inches apart. The grid and panel  62  can be of, for example, as narrow as 1½ to 2 feet and 4 feet or more wide and say 54 to 63 inches high. Of course other dimensions could be used. The panel could be formed of two or more vertically stacked grids, each of a height of say from 10 to 36 inches or more, preferably 14 to 24 inches and preferably about 18 inches in height. Preferably the panel is made of a pair of full size grids  62 , welded with a space there between to its frame  60  of two end posts  62  or  64  and lower frame member  70 , like shown in, for example, the two shown in  FIGS. 10 and 64 . Of course, any custom size grid can be made. 
         [0118]    Referring to  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 , the grid  62  shown in  FIG. 6 , can be backed by an index or indicia panel  90 , which contains or carry indicia  91  making it possible to accurately locate accessories and product displays on the base/frame panel  60  and grid  62 . Preferably, the indicia panel  90  is in the form of the product display silhouette panel, such as shown in  FIGS. 71A  to C. If the panel is to be exposed on both sides two grids  62  can be used to sandwich the index panel  90  in the space there between. 
         [0119]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , the index or indicia  91  in this instance, is spaced ½ inch apart, but could be as low as ¼ inch apart, vertically in columns and horizontally in rows. Of course other spacings or arrangements could be used. 
         [0120]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , two panels  60 / 62  as shown in  FIG. 6 , can be angularly (from about 10 degrees to about 350 degrees) or linearly (180 degrees) joined together. The manner of joining is shown in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12  for the upper end of the vertical posts  64  and  66 . To do so a joining link cap  100  fits over the closing caps  102  of two adjacent posts of the adjacent panels. The caps  100  or  102  have opening  104  to receive bolts or screws  106  which can be threaded into a member welded, held or pressed into and inside the top or bottom ends opening of the tubular posts  64  and  66 . The lower end of the two adjacent posts can be joined angular or linearly to feet or legs  72  as is shown in  FIG. 17 . There the bottoms of the two adjacent vertical posts  64  and  66  fit into adjacent opening in the bottom connecting link  120 , which has a lower lip to support the bottom of the tube. Further details of this upper connection can be seen in  FIG. 12  A-C. 
         [0121]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , two panels may be joined perpendicularly with one panel so joined at or near the midpoint of the other. The lower perpendicular connection is shown in  FIG. 14  with a joining bottom link or cap  120  having two adjacent openings or holes  122  to receive the bottoms of the vertical posts  64  or  66  of the panels. One of the openings can also receive a stub  124  extending upward from the midpoint of the leg  72 . The upper perpendicular connection is shown in  FIG. 15 . There a joining link or cap  130 , which could be like link  100  or  100 ′ at the midpoint of the perpendicular panel, which also receives the upper end of the vertical end post of the adjacent panel and a stub at the midpoint of the top of the perpendicular panel. 
         [0122]    Referring to  FIG. 16 , enlarge detail of the leg  72 , vertical post  64 , frame, grid  62  and indicia panel  90  is shown. The grid may be secured by brackets  129  (see  FIG. 16A ), which in turn are secured to or hang from the vertical posts ( 64  or  66 ) of the frame. As shown the leg  72  is a horizontal beam element with a vertical opening  130  for receiving the bottom of the vertical post ( 64  or  66 ). Between the top of the leg and the bottom of the frame for the grid, a connecting link  120  is provided. The link  120  is similar to the link shown in  FIG. 40A . To facilitate mounting of the bracket  129 , the vertical posts  64  and  66  have vertically spaced opening  136  (see  FIG. 16 ) to receive the hook  138  and pin  140  portions of the bracket  129 . Alternative positions for this connection link hook are shown in  FIG. 17  and  FIGS. 18A  and B, the former accommodating linear or angular joining of two adjacent panels. Further details of attaching a vertical post  64  or  66  to a leg are shown in  FIG. 16B-D  and include a bolt  131  which is screwed into a member or nut  133  that wedges an insert  135  tight in the post. If a lower hinge  120  is used, the vertical post or tube  64  or  66  is slipped into one or the other of the adjacent opening  122  (see  FIG. 18B ) in the lower hinge link  120 . To hold the bracket  129  to the posts  64  or  66 , the bracket has the hook  138  and pin  140  which engages in two hole  136 . The bracket  129  also has a series of grid hooks  141  which engage the horizontal wires or bars  80  of the grid. 
         [0123]    Preferably the grid can be welded to its frame, including mainly to the posts  64  and  66 . 
         [0124]    Referring to  FIG. 19 ,  FIG. 20 , and  FIG. 21 , they show a height adjustable product hanger  160 . The device companies a bracket  162  portion (see  FIG. 21A-D  for details) having two hooks  164  and  166  which can be placed over the horizontal wires or bars  80  of the grid, and held in place by a screw  168  (or other type fastener) threaded into an opening into the bracket to trap an upper bar  80  of the grid. The screw  168  (or other fastener) can have a special security design or provision that requires a special tool for installation or removal so as to prevent theft. The device includes a central “U” shaped portion  170  which has one leg forming a product hook  172 , and the other leg forming a price tag carrier/safety protrusion  174 , with a bent outer end. For example, if a shelf or basket or other display accessory is used, it could have a complimentary “U” shaped portion to fit within the bracket portion  162 . The same screw  168  that secures the bracket  168  can be used to hold the middle “U” shaped portion  170  in relative height adjustment of the product hook  172 / 174  with respect to the bracket  162  and hence to the grid. One would loosen the screw  168  to make a height adjustment then retighten the screw  168  at the desired level. These “U” shaped portions can carry height adjustment indicia. Alternatively, the indicia may be placed on the bracket  162 . 
         [0125]      FIG. 22 ,  FIG. 23 , and  FIGS. 24A  and B show another form of product hanger  180 . This hanger is generally “U” shaped and on each leg has a plurality (here more than four) of hooks  182  with slots there below to receive the horizontal bars  80  of the grid, by selecting different slots height adjustments can be made. Other product display accessories can be attached to one or more of the central openings  186 . These openings too can be used for height adjustment. Small products could be supported by a single hanger  180 , while large one could use two or more. 
         [0126]    A simplified hanger  190  is shown in  FIG. 25  A-D and has a few grid hooks  192 , four, spaced apart the distance between the horizontal bars  80  and a elongated, center opening  194  providing height adjustment to which other devices may be attached by a screw or bolt (not shown). 
         [0127]    Referring to  FIG. 26 ,  FIG. 27 ,  FIG. 28 , and  FIG. 29  another product display accessory hook  200  is shown. It has a rotatable bar  202  with can be turned to engage two of the horizontal bars  80  of the grid. The rotatable bar is shown in  FIG. 26 , which can pass horizontally by the horizontal grid wire or bars  80 . In  FIG. 27 ,  FIG. 28 , and  FIG. 29  it is shown in a locked on position on the grid. The hook  201  thereof is bent at right angle and has an inner portion  204  a series of vertically spaced holes  206  therein to provide relative height adjustment. To hold the height adjustment a pin member  208  engages in one of these holes. When the retainer  210  is rotated to the locking position, it also abuts and retains this pin  208  in place to hold the height adjustment. 
         [0128]    Referring to  FIG. 30 ,  FIG. 31  and  FIG. 32  another height adjustable bracket/hook accessory  220  is shown and has a product hook  221  and hook  222  on the top of the bracket which hangs from one of the horizontal wires or bars  80  of the grid. To lock the hanger in place a pin or screw  224  is provided and it traps the bar  80  in place. The hook is relatively height adjustable, and to this end, its vertical inner end has a series of vertical holes  225  into which a nipple  226  (stamped into the bracket) can protrude to hold the height adjustment. The upper end of the vertical portion is fit into sliding “U” shaped portion  228  engaged in the bracket. To adjust the same, the leg hole or  225  opening is disengaged from the nipple  226 , the hook is slid to a new position and a new opening thereof is aligned and inserted on the nipple  226 . 
         [0129]    Still another form accessory product hook  240  with a product hanging hook  24  is shown in  FIG. 33 ,  FIG. 34 , and  FIG. 35 . This accessory includes a rotatable member  242  having a series of (here five) hooks  244  to  248  of different relative vertical height upon which the accessory hangs from a top horizontal bar of the grid that accomplishes the height adjustment. By selecting various ones of the radially placed hooks  244 - 248  different heights can be achieved. To hold the accessory in place a lower vertical cross bar  250  on a rotatable pin  252  is provided. With this cross bar  250  turned from horizontal to vertical, it can trap two of the horizontal wires or bars  80  of the grid to hold the accessory  240  in place. To accommodate possible vertical alignment, the pin engages in a “U” shaped portion  254  of the hanger  200 . 
         [0130]    Referring to  FIG. 36 , a flow chart for the software special planning program is shown. This software can be made available in the initial or subsequent financial transaction, and by lease or sale, or provide as a service on any known media. The software permits the merchant to make trial layouts, and once one is approved, say at the corporate level, copies of that layout sheet printed out or electronically or digitally sent to locations to exactly duplicate the chosen layout using the indicia contained in the indicia  90  for the panels. 
         [0131]    Referring to  FIGS. 38 to 57 , improved upper hinge couplers or links  310  of the present invention is shown. This is an improved from and over the upper hinge coupler shown in the prior referred to Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/337,039. As noted in  FIG. 38  and shown in more detail in  FIG. 37 , the hinge coupler  310  comprises a link or hinge coupler element  312  and a cooperating or receiving insert or body  314  for joining two vertical tubes or members  316  of two screens, panels or grids  318 . It should be noted as disclosed below a socket portion thereof could be provided directly on or integral with the tubes  316  of the panels  318  joined by the coupler  310 . The hinge coupler  312  and cooperating insert or receiving body  314  are in the form of a two male projection  322  and female sockets  324 . In this instance, the male projections are at the ends and on one side (bottom) of the link  312  and the sockets  322  are in the center of the top or outer ends of the cooperating receiving body or insert  314 . While there could be equal number of male points and cooperating female recessed points for receiving the same, in this instance there are four points  26  at 90 degrees apart forming the male projection (an easily formed square), while the socket has  16  female recesses or points  328 . Thus, the relative relationship between the points can be changed by 22.5 degrees (360 degrees divided by 16). Of course, other arrangements of male points and female points could be used and are shown in the table below (the small arrows in the table indicating the table could be continued): 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Relative Angular Degree Change 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Female 
                 Socket Multiplier Male points 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Male points 
                 points 
                 1 
                 2 
                 3 
                 4 
                 5 
                 6 → 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 2 
                   
                 180 
                 90 
                 60 
                 45 
                 36 
                 30 
               
               
                 3 
                   
                 120 
                 60 
                 40 
                 30 
                 24 
                 20 → 
               
               
                 4 
                   
                  90 
                 45 
                 30 
                 22.5 
                 18 
                 15 → 
               
               
                 5 
                   
                  72 
                 36 
                 24 
                 18 
                 14+ 
                 12 →  
               
               
                 6 
                   
                  60 
                 30 
                 20 
                 15 
                 12 
                 10 → 
               
               
                 7 
                   
                  51+ 
                 25+ 
                 17+ 
                 12+ 
                 10+ 
                 8+ → 
               
               
                 8 
                   
                  45 
                 22.5  
                 15 
                 11+ 
                  9 
                 7+ → 
               
               
                 9 
                   
                  40 
                 20 
                 13+ 
                 10 
                  8 
                 6+ → 
               
               
                 10 
                   
                  36 
                 18 
                 12 
                  9 
                  7.2 
                  6 →  
               
               
                 ↓ 
                   
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0132]      FIG. 38  shows complimentary set of components, including two panels  318 , which are here shown linear, but could be arranged at any angle herein described, these have frames formed by end tubes  316 , herein vertical, the two socket inserts  314 , with sockets  324 , the link  312 , with two male projections  322  and fastener openings  338 . Also shown are the two retaining cross pins  332 , with center threaded openings  334  to receive fasteners  336  (here screws). Also shown in the tube and inserts are openings  332 A and  332 B into which the cross pin  332  fits. The pin and these openings could be index to keep the pin properly aligned to receive the fastener. For example, the pin and openings could have non-circulation cross sections for at least a portion, or both could be of a non-circular cross section, such as the square cross sections shown in  FIG. 60 . 
         [0133]      FIG. 39  shows the hinge almost fully assembled, except for the fasteners  336  being put in place. 
         [0134]      FIG. 40  shows a full view of the panels  318  of  FIG. 38  and  FIG. 39 , again without the fasteners  336  installed. Note, the panels are supported by legs  340  on rollers or casters  342 , and the bottoms of the panels tubes  316  are joined by a large link  344  having two circular  346  openings to receive the tubes  316  and is shown in  FIG. 40A . 
         [0135]      FIG. 41  shows how the screens or panels  316  can be placed in different relative angular positions when the hinge coupler  310  of the present invention is disassembled, the panels and hinge moved, and then the hinge reassembled. Note also that the fasteners  336  have been installed. The broad arrow  350  schematically indicates the other possible stepped angular placement of the panels  318 . 
         [0136]      FIG. 42  to  FIG. 49  show how some of the hinge coupler  310  components are assembled. The socket insert  314  is held in the end  330  of the tube  316 , by the retaining cross pin  332 . The retaining pin has a central threaded opening  334  which will receive the fastener  336  to hold the pin in the tube  316  and the insert  314  in the tube, with the coupler link  312  and its male projections  322  in the female socket  324 . The socket insert  314  and tube  316  have cooperating openings  332 A and  332 B to receive the pin  332 . To accommodate the fastener  336 , the link  312  is provided with openings  338  which pass through the male projection  322 , the sockets  324 , insert  314  and/or into tube  316 , and engage with the threaded opening  332 B in the cross pin  332 . 
         [0137]      FIG. 50  to  FIG. 53 , show how the link  312  with its projections  322  can be assembled into the socket  324  of the inserts  314  and held in the ends of adjacent top ends  330  of tubes  316 , by the retaining cross pin  332 . While the cross pin is used, other type of means could be used such as other pins, say square in cross section (see  FIG. 60 ), fasteners, adhesives, epoxy or brazing, welding, etc. 
         [0138]      FIG. 54  to  FIG. 57  show the two panels  318  held in various angular positions by the hinge coupler  310  of the present invention. The panels  318  are in about a 90 degree apart position in  FIG. 54 ; in about a 145 degree apart position in  FIG. 55 ; in about a 167.5 degree apart position in  FIG. 56 ; and in a linear, 180 degree apart position in  FIG. 57 . Note in  FIG. 54  to  FIG. 57 , the fasteners  336  have not yet been installed. 
         [0139]      FIG. 58  shows an embodiment identical to that in  FIG. 39 , except that the fasteners  336  have handles knobs  336 A thereon so that they can be installed and removed manually, without the need of tools. The knobs  336 A could be integral with the fasteners  336  or could be attached thereto as by welding, adhesive, epoxy, etc. The knobs could be of the same material as the fasteners  336  or made of a different metal or plastic. Also note the lower threaded end of the fasteners  336  could be pointed  336 B to more easily locate its threaded opening. 
         [0140]    As presented below, prime numbers are used to indicate similar, but not identical parts, for example, tube  316  could be shown as  316 ′ or  316 ″, wherein it has some small variations from tube  316 . 
         [0141]      FIG. 59  shows a variation wherein the socket  324 ′ is formed directly in the end  330 ′ of the tube  316 ′. An opening  332 A is provided for a cross pin  332 . The socket  324 ′ could be formed by punching or swaging the end of the tube in a die. The socket  324 ′ is thus formed and could be used in a similar manner as shown or described. 
         [0142]    As noted in  FIG. 60 , the cross pin  332 ″ has a threaded opening or hole  334 A″ which can be indexed, such as both being partially or fully non-circular, in this instance, square to hold the threaded opening  334 ″ properly oriented to receive the pointed end  336 B of the fasteners  336 . The opening  332 A″ in the ends  330 ″ of tubes  316 ″ are also square or non-circular to accommodate the cross pin  332 ″. Note, also the sockets  314 ″ have complimentary openings  332 B″ to receive the square cross pin  332 ″. Similar non-circular openings could be provided in the tube wherein the socket is integrally formed as in  FIG. 60 . 
         [0143]    For advertising purposes a third hole or opening  339  is provided in the link  312 , at its center and between the two openings  338  to which advertising, such as a banner on posts may be secured. 
         [0144]      FIG. 61A-C  shows a mid-section panel assembly of two panels  318  held perpendicular (end-to-middle) with a coupler assembly  410  and handled fastener  336 . The end panel  402  has a shorter width of about 26 inches (26½ inches) and multiple, three, upper connection square holes or opening  404  to receive one of the male projections  322  of the coupler  312 . 
         [0145]      FIGS. 62A  and B shows assembly detail of the two connected panel or grids  318  to a double foot or leg  420 . As shown in  FIG. 62A  the leg or foot  420  has two stepped sides  426  extending from a stepped bottom  428 . The high ends  430  thus formed mount casters  432  at and under each end  430 . In the center low portions are two separate upstanding tubes  412 , into, or alternatively over, which the lower portions of the frame posts  64  and  66  can extend. These two tubes  412  are individually secured as by welding to two separate bottom saddle plates  436 , which can be individually slided along the center of bottom  428 . Of course, if desired, the two tubes  412  could be carried on one bottom plate  436 ′ so that they moved together, rather than individually and/or separately. The bottom  428  also has two sets long slots  426 , one set on each side which can accommodate bolts and nuts fasteners  448  to secure the bottom plates  410  and thus tubes  412  in various positions along the slots  446  to individually vary the position of the tubes  412  and hence the posts  64  and  66  of the frames or panels  318  relative to the ground the panels, and the legs  420 . The range of adjustment for this double leg or foot is shown in  FIG. 63B . It should be understood that also one tube  412  could be forward and the other rearward of each other. At the ends  430  of each foot or leg  420  is a center vertical tab  452  with a center opening  456 , which works in conjunction with collinear opening  458  in the ends of walls  426  to cooperate with other fasteners as will later be later described. The casters  432  can be held by the extended portion  460  onto the leg bottom. 
         [0146]      FIG. 63A  shows single tube caster foot assembly  420 ′. The single foot (one tube  412 ) assembly  420 ′, is similar to the just described double foot assembly  420 . However, assembly  420 ′ is narrower in width as it needs only to accommodate one tube  412  and one frame post  64  or  66 . Otherwise it is similar having the sliding bottom saddle  436  to which the tube  412  is mounted and may be adjusted along similar slots  446 ′ and held in place by fasteners  448 . The saddle bottom for the single leg and the single leg could be sized the same as one of the saddle bottom used in the double legs. The sides  426 ′ are similarly stepped high at the ends and low in the center, preferably the tubes  412  can be secured, as by being welded, to the bottom saddles  436 . Note this is the same part for the double foot. The parts forming these legs can be bent from sheet metal, and like many of the parts here shown in the application could be made of aluminum, stainless steel, and preferably steel, which can be painted as powder coated.  FIG. 63B  shows similar adjustability up and down the legs length for the double foot assembly as the two saddle bottoms  436  are separate from each other, each tube  412  could be independently adjusted from each other. 
         [0147]      FIG. 64  and  FIG. 65A-C  shows assembly detail of the panel grid  420 ′ mounted at one end to a single foot or leg  420 ′ with two roller casters  432 . The single leg or foot  420 ′ like the double leg or foot  420 , has its tube  412  secured as by welding to the interior bottom saddle  436 ′, which fits on the bottom of the leg and can be slid there along to adjust the relative position of the tube  412 . The bottom plate  436 ′ can be bolted in place in various positions by fasteners  418  which slide in slots  446 ′ formed in the bottom center of the leg. If desired the fasteners could use thumb screw or wing nuts or other fasteners with knobs or other manual means to tighten them so no tools are needed to make the adjustment. The adjustment in the single or double legs lets the supported panel be centered or biased to one end or side or the other of the leg. 
         [0148]      FIG. 66A  shows four distinct type product display hooks  502 ,  504 ,  506  and  508  assembled with free hanging clip or mounting brackets  510 . The product holding portions (left portion) of hooks  502 ,  504 ,  506 A and  508 A, shown in  FIG. 66A , are generally conventional, but each is attached as by welding or spot welding to a spring clip (right portion)  510  made or bent to engage the horizontal wires of  80  of the panel grid. See  FIGS. 66B and 66C . As shown in  FIG. 66B  the attachment of the left portion of any of these can be relatively altered with respect to its position and particularly height, on the spring clip. For example, if the grid wires are spaced apart 2″, the set or series of brackets shown in  FIG. 66B  could differ in relative height of the joint by say ¼ inch so that by using different ones of the hooks the desired product spacing on the display can be achieved. To hold the spring clip portion  510  to the grid wire  80 , the clip has an upper hook  512  which fits over an upper grid wire  80  and a lower snap hook  514  which snaps onto the lower grid wire  80  to secure the clip and product hook be it any of  502 A,  504 A,  506 A or  508 A or other type to the grid. The display hooks are spot welded to the mounting bracket in eight vertical positions (sets of eight being provided for each hook style.) 
         [0149]      FIGS. 67A  and B is similar to  FIG. 58 , but here shows an assembly of two perpendicular panels  318  to form a corner with coupler assembly  310  like that shown in  FIG. 58 . 
         [0150]    Like the coupling assembly shown in  FIG. 60 , the cross pin  332 ″ in  FIGS. 67  A and B is square in cross section and fits into square openings formed in the frame post or tube and socket so as to index them relative one another and to index the threaded opening in the cross pin to receive the fastener. 
         [0151]      FIGS. 68A-C  are schematics (with  FIG. 68A  being a cross section) of the details of the coupler shown in  FIGS. 60 and 67A  and B. 
         [0152]      FIG. 69A-C  are schematics (with  FIG. 69A  being a cross section) for an alternate using a socket  424  having a plurality of segments  428  (here six), which can be pulled by the fastener  336  into tight friction engagement with the interior of the tube  464  or  466  to hold female socket portion  428 , of the socket and hence, the male portion  312  of the coupler  312  in place in the tubes  462  and  464 . As the screw  336  is tightened, it pulls the bottom  465  of the socket  424  upward, which in turn forces the sidewalls  428  outward to tighten against the interior of the tube. To keep the sockets indexed or aligned as desired, they have alignment slots  468  which receive alignment indents  472  formed on the tube. Of course, if desired, the placement of these alignment slot and indent could be reversed on the tube and socket. The cap  312  of the coupler is the same or previously shown in  FIG. 60 . 
         [0153]      FIG. 70A  shows a panel with its frame  318  formed by vertical posts  62  and  64  and carrying on either side of a grid  60  with a gap, space or slot there between. A plan-o-form or product placement or locator board (really a flexible sheet)  90  that carries rows and columns to specify product placement, etc. can be inserted. Alternatively, this board or sheet could show product outlines on the board for the same purpose. As shown the space into which the board is located can be closed by a removable panel cap  47 —see  FIGS. 93A  and B. As noted, the cap can be removed, the locator inserted into the slot between the two grills, and when the panel is set up with products, the locator can be removed and the cap  470  put back in place to close the gap or slot. This assembly of product brackets, etc. just described is illustrated in  FIGS. 71  A, B and C with the heavy arrows indicating the install ( FIG. 71A ) and removal ( FIG. 71C ). 
         [0154]      FIGS. 72A  to D show another type product display  500 , including a component bracket  502  which can be secured to the grid wires  80  and also carry various forms of product display devices, such as the shelf shown. The bracket has two upper hooks  504  which can be hung from a horizontal grid wire  80 . It also has a set of center hooks  506  and another set of lower hooks  508 . With the bracket having six hooks engaged on the grid on three separate wires ( FIG. 72D ), the bracket can carry a considerable load per bracket. Should greater capacity be needed, several component brackets could be used to carry a single device. 
         [0155]    As shown in  FIGS. 72B  and C the bracket can have, for example, a shelf hung on it with the base of the shelf engaging an upper outer hooks  506  on the bracket  502 . A pin  510  can be placed over the hook  512  into an opening in the bracket to trap of the shelf wire  514 . The bottom wire of the shelf bears against the bracket  502  to hold the shelf. The bracket itself can be pinned with pin  518  at the bottom below one of the grid wires  80  to prevent lifting the bracket  500  upward. 
         [0156]    To prevent sliding of the metal bracket hooks on the upper grid wire, two rubber pins  520  are inserted into the bottom of the center openings in the upper hooks. The rubber pins  520  provide enough friction to prevent sliding of the bracket. 
         [0157]    To assist during set up of the component bracket a plastic grid clip  522  can be inserted to trap a grid wire  80  when it was snapped into the square hole  524  in the bottom of the component bracket. The hanging of the bracket on the upper grid wire  80  on the bracket hook and the use of the plastic grip clip on the lower wire is enough to prevent the bracket from moving around until fully set up. 
         [0158]    As shown in  FIG. 73 , the component bracket  502  can be made in a variation wherein the product bracket&#39;s hook  512  is varied, by say ⅛ inch or other steps, so that the product can be displayed with the desired relative position with respect to the bracket and hence grid. 
         [0159]      FIGS. 74A  to C, illustrated how a end panel  530 , such as a register panel, used at or near a register, can be placed on and perpendicular to a panel  318 , which, in this instance, is mounted on a single leg  420 ′. Of course, if desired, a register panel could be placed on a panel with a double leg  420 . To do so a bottom mount  532  is secured to the leg, and the end panel bottom  534  held on the bottom mount  532 . To assist the bottom mount  532  has a bottom opening channel  536  which receives the raised end portions  538  of the leg or foot, and the bottom  534  of the end or register panel fits into an upward facing channel  540  of the bottom mount  536 . As shown in  FIG. 74C  a grill constructed end panel  542  could be used instead of a solid panel  530 . 
         [0160]    The upper end of the end panel is held as shown in  FIG. 78 . As the upper mount  550  is provided with these square opening  552  in its top  554  to receive the male portion  322  to provide three positions, the bottom channel too can by sliding along the leg accommodate any of the three upper positions. 
         [0161]      FIGS. 75A  to C show another form of fixed hook  560  which is attached, in this instance, to a shelf  562  to hang the same off the grid wires  80 . The hook has a cooperating lower protrusion to help trap the wire  80 . As shown in  FIG. 75C , the hook bracket can engage on various wires  80  to provide height variation. 
         [0162]      FIGS. 76A  to D illustrate how a peg board type display  570  can be attached to the grid via hooks  572  on the back side of the peg board. These hooks  572  can be carried on vertical support  524  s on the pegboard. 
         [0163]      FIGS. 77A  to C, illustrate how a divider  580  having plural hooks  582  thereon can be attached mid panel, with the hooks  582  engaging the wires  80  of the grid. Several of the multiple hooks can be located along the height of the divider. 
         [0164]      FIGS. 78A  to C show how the top of a register or end panel  530  can be attached perpendicularly to a panel  318 .  FIGS. 79A  to C show the bottom of the register panel  530  can be attached to the panel and its leg  420 ′ using the bottom mount  532  previously disclosed and described in  FIG. 74A-C . 
         [0165]      FIG. 80  shows two register panels  630  attached at the top and bottom in a manner just described, but this time to a split panel  632  having an offset top  634  and bottom  636  with a shelf  638  formed there between, and mounted or a pair of legs. 
         [0166]      FIGS. 81A  and B show how a top extension  570  can be added using an extension panel  572  having lower posts  574  fitting into the tops of the posts  64  and  66  of a panel  318 . If the extension is to be joined to another adjacent post and panel a coupler  310  is provided and held connected in place by an upper cross pin  332 D with an enlarged non threaded opening  332 E to permit a long fastener  336 C to pass through. The longer knob  336 C fastener fits through the upper cross pin  332 D to engage the lower, threaded cross pin  332 F in the normal manner to hold all parts together. The extension can have the same or different grid. Here, the extension grid  576  shown is more closely spaced vertically say one, instead of two, inches between grid wires. 
         [0167]      FIGS. 82A  and B illustrate that a cooler, freezer or refrigerator  590  can be mounted to a panel and its leg. To secure the cooler  590 , a top ring assembly  592  is secured to the refrigerator  590  and then connected to the panel  318  and its vertical end tube  62  using upper cooler brackets  591 . The bottom  594  of the refrigerator is attached to bottom cooler brackets  596 , which in turn are connected to the panel leg  420 ′ using a cooler. The door  600  of the refrigerator is at the side (front) opposite the panel  318 . 
         [0168]      FIGS. 83A  and B show a cooler, refrigerator or freezer or both using a cooler  590  having its back  590  attachment  593  attached to the panel in a similar manner using a top ring and lower connector bracket. Here the door  600  of the refrigerator is perpendicular to the panel  318 . 
         [0169]      FIGS. 84A  and B show the cooler attached at its side to a panel. 
         [0170]      FIGS. 85A and 85B  illustrate the attachment of a surround  630  made up of grill or grids on three side  627 ,  628 ,  629 . The open side can be at the end ( FIG. 84A ) or at the side of ( FIG. 84B ). A refrigerator, cooler or other display could then be placed into the interior  636  of the surround or the surround used for other product display purposes. 
         [0171]      FIGS. 86A  and B show how the top and bottom respectively of the surround  630  may be mounted to the panel. The connector bracket  640  and raised end of the leg or foot  420 ′ has openings  642  to accommodate the studs  644  of a double headed snap button  645  to hold the mounting to the sidewall of the leg. The connector bracket has the downward opening channel to accept the raised sidewall of the leg ends. The surround can be bolted to the connector bracket  646 . The top  649  of the surround back has a square opening  650  to accept the male portion  322  of the coupler  310  and can threadably receive the fastener  336 A. Similar square openings could be provided on the top sides of the surround for alternative side arrangements. 
         [0172]    As shown in  FIGS. 87A  and B, the cooler  596  can be fitted with a cooler top rack  660  which can be mounted by four fasteners  662  to the cooler top ring assembly. 
         [0173]    As shown in  FIGS. 88A  and B, the ends of the legs or feet  420  or  420 ′ can be connected by bumper rails  680 , these of a fixed length. The bumpers have downward extending double wall end tabs  682  which fit over the raised sidewall  683  of the leg or foot  420  or  420 ′, and both have openings  684  to accept the stud  685  of the double headed snap button  645 . The snap bottom is spring loaded outwardly but can be disengaged by hand so the bumper can be installed or removed without tools. 
         [0174]      FIGS. 89A  and B show how the bumpers of  FIGS. 88A and 88B , respectively, will look when installation is completed. 
         [0175]      FIG. 90  shows how dust covers for the right  700  and left  702  (singles) corners and the center (doubles)  204  there between can be installed to cover the caster. As shown the dust covers  700 ,  702  and  704  are snapped over one edge and may have a retainer  706  to hold them in place. 
         [0176]    Instead of a fixed length bumper  680 , an adjustable length bumper  720  can be provided as shown in  FIG. 91 . The adjustable bumper  720  comprises inner and outer telescopic tubes  722  and  724  in this instance, of a square cross section. The outer tube  724  has a plurality of openings  726  to receive a spring  728  based snap button  730 . See Detail A of  FIG. 90 . The two ends of the adjustable bumper pivot as shown by the hinge  732  construction at the leg&#39;s large end, and the pin hinge  734  construction at the small tube end as shown in Detail B of  FIG. 90 . Both ends have downward opening channels  738  to receive the raised end sidewall of a leg. In addition, openings are provided therein to receive the studs of the snap buttons to hold the pivotable ends of the adjustable bumper on the leg. As shown in Detail B, the pin hinge has two tabs secured on the channel as by welding, with holes to engage a hinge pin  737  dropped through two openings in the small tube and welded in place and ground flat with the tube surface to form the limited movement joint (say + or −10 degrees). 
         [0177]    The large end hinge has the channel  738  welded to a short segment of large size tube to which at the other are one upper and one lower tab. The upper and lower tabs are secured as welded or formed by the tube and have opening for a hinge pin  739 . Similar construction is provided on the outer end of the larger tube. The hinge pin is engaged on all four tabs to provide the hinging action. 
         [0178]      FIG. 92A  to C shows how the adjustable bumper  720  may change length and pivot at each end, indicated by the heavy arrows  800 ,  801  and  802  in  FIG. 91C .  FIGS. 91A  and B show how two panels  318  may be linearly joined to an adjacent panel in a manner described above. The outer end of the legs may also be joined by an adjustable bumper  720 , and here two are used, one or each end of the legs on each side of the leftmost panels as shown in  FIG. 91A . 
         [0179]    As shown there the two panels are linear and the all bumpers  690  and  728  are parallel to each other. Referring now to  FIGS. 93A  and B leftmost, the end panel may be bent or turned relative to the other panel  368 , and as shown, one adjustable bumper  720  can elongate while the other  720  shortens. Thus, though assembled, the panels may still be changed angularly, relatively a limited amount (say about 22.5 degrees) without dissembled and reassembly of the structures. Of course, dust covers like  700 ,  702  and  704 , could also be provided if desired. 
         [0180]    It should be understood that the previously referred to software can generate the product lay out or plan-o-form  90 , which can be installed or removed from the space or gap  820  between the two grids of a frame or panel as shown in  FIGS. 93A  and B. 
         [0181]      FIGS. 95A  to C show portions of another embodiment of coupler  850 , which can be used similarly to coupler  10  and  310 . This embodiment comprises the same knob  336 A with threaded screw fastener  336 , coupler link  12  or  312  with male projections  22  or  322  thereon. This male projection  22  or  322  engages with a socket insert  860  that has a series of cutouts  864  on its lower perimeter. Within this socket  860  is a finned nut  866  with fins  865  which fit into the cutouts  864  to prevent rotation of the nut relative to the socket insert. The interior lower center portion of the socket  860  is threaded to accept the fastener  336 . When the socket inert  860  is placed in the upper end  876  of the tube  64 ′ or  66 ′ and the fastener  336  tightened, the wedge shape of the nut fins  865  spreads apart the lower portion of the socket insert wall to frictionally hold the insert  860  in the tube  64 ′/ 66 ′ and the coupler link  312  and its male projection  322  in the desired, selected relative angular relationship to the female socket points  324  in the upper end of the socket insert  860 . The individual nut  866 , socket insert  860  and fasteners  336  (there a bolt) are shown in  FIGS. 95C . How they are assembled with each other for one side of the coupler is shown in  FIG. 95B , but outside of the tube  64 ′/ 66 ′. The tube  64 ′/ 66 ′ has an inward indent  890  which can engage in one of the cutouts  864  to index the socket insert  860  to the tube and prevent the socket insert from turning in the tube when the fastener  366  is turned.  FIGS. 96  A, B and C show the installation of a divider  900  onto a pair of panels  319  and the coupler link  312 . The divider  900  at the top carries a top divider bracket  904  having two holes  905  to fit under the two fasteners  336 . At the bottom the divider has another bottom divider bracket  910  which has a lower “U” shaped portion with openings  904  to be engaged by the same snap buttons  645  used to hold the bumper rails  680  in place.  FIG. 96A  shows the divider by itself with its brackets.  FIG. 96B  shows the start of and  FIG. 96C  shows the completion of the divider installation. 
         [0182]      FIG. 97A  to C shows the installation of a grill structure  936  onto and around a cooler  590 . The grill structure  936  can be provided around most or a good portion of the cooler. As shown the grill structure  936  is fastened with fasteners to the top ring assembly  592 .  FIG. 97A  shows the grill structure. Its installation started is in  FIG. 97B  and completed in  97 C. The grill structure can be used as an alternative to a cooler surround and offers additional opportunity to offer additional products to the consumer and increases the retailers per square foot sales. 
         [0183]    While several embodiments of merchandisers or front end merchandisers with various panels, including peg board and grids, hinges or couplers, and accessories for the same and business methods have been described, it should be understood, that equivalent elements and equivalent steps fall within the scope of the below presented claims.