Patent Publication Number: US-7909296-B2

Title: Display with adjustable bracket

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Various types of displays are used to support and present merchandise to consumers in a retail environment. Displays that are eye-catching and that readily provide information about a product help draw the attention of the customer and promote retail sales. Additionally, displays that are able to be efficiently set up, broken down, and adjustable are versatile and adaptable for use with different base fixtures or mounts. Such displays provide a more efficient use of resources, including better use of employee time and reduced costs via cross-compatibility. As such, it is desirable to provide display systems characterized as visually pleasing, informative, adaptable and readily assembled. While traditional displays accomplish these features to some extent, enhancements in the functionality, or overall merchandising effectiveness, of such displays remain to be realized. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some aspects relate to a display system including a housing and a support bar. The housing has a front face and a rear face. The support bar includes an elongate body and a first bracket. The elongate body has a front face and a channel. The first bracket is secured within the channel of the elongate body and is adjustable relative to the housing in two substantially perpendicular directions. The rear face of the housing is secured to the front face of the support bar. 
     Some aspects relate to a merchandising system including a transparent casing for housing signs, a member, first means for releasably securing the member to a first fixation device and second means for releasably securing the member to a second fixation device. The member has an extended portion and means for releasably attaching the member to the transparent casing. At least one of the first means and second means is adjustable in a first direction and a second direction. 
     Some aspects relate to a method of displaying a sign including releasably attaching a channel assembly having a channel member, a first bracket and a second bracket to a retail accessory, adjusting an overall length of the channel assembly to correspond to a distance between a first attachment site defined by a first standard and a second attachment site defined by a second standard, adjusting an overall height of the first bracket and the second bracket relative to the channel member, and releasably securing the channel assembly to the first and second attachment sites to hang the signholder in a substantially upright position from the first and second standards. The first bracket and the second bracket are secured at opposite ends of the channel member. The first bracket includes a slide portion and a tooth portion. The slide portion includes a slot for receiving a pin to limit substantially horizontal adjustment and substantially vertical adjustment of the slide portion relative to the ends of the channel member. The tooth portion is adapted to be inserted into and releasably retained within the first standard. 
     Various other aspects are contemplated and should be understood with reference to the text and drawings that follow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is perspective view of a display system, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of a support bar of the display system of  FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3   a  is a rear view of a body of a support bar of  FIG. 2 , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3   b  is a side view of the body of the support bar of  FIG. 3   a , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4   a  is a rear perspective view of a first bracket of the support bar of  FIG. 2 , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4   b  is a rear view of the first bracket of  FIG. 4   a , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4   c  is a side view of the first bracket of  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5   a  is a rear perspective view of a second bracket of the support bar of  FIG. 2 , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5   b  is a rear view of the second bracket of  FIG. 5   a , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5   c  is a side view of the second bracket of  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6   a  is a rear perspective view of the support bar of  FIG. 2 , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6   b  is an enlarged partial perspective view of the support bar of  FIG. 6   a , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7   a  is a rear view of the support bar of  FIG. 6  with the first and second brackets (shown partially in phantom) in a first position, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7   b  is a rear view of the support bar of  FIG. 6  with the first and second brackets (shown partially in phantom) in a second position, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7   c  is a rear view of the support bar of  FIG. 6  with the first and second brackets (shown partially in phantom) in a third position, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7   d  is a rear view of the support bar of  FIG. 6  with the first and second brackets (shown partially in phantom) in a fourth position, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8   a  is a rear view of the signholder of the display system of  FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8   b  is a side view of the signholder of  FIG. 8   a , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  is a rear view of the signholder secured to the support bar, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 10   a  is a cross-sectional view of the support bar of  FIG. 2  assembled to an upright of the display system of  FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 10   b  is a cross-sectional view of the support bar of  FIG. 2  assembled to an upright of the display system of  FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, some embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. As alluded to above, the intention, however, is not to limit the invention by those examples. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In some embodiments, a display system includes a signholder that is adjustable in at least two directions relative to a base fixture to which the signholder is attached. For example, the signholder is optionally attached to a support bar that includes a set of brackets that are positionable at various locations relative to the support bar. The brackets are moved in a first, telescoping direction to mount the signholder to substantially vertical uprights that are spaced from each other at varying distances. The brackets are moved in a second, up/down direction to mount the signholder at varying heights relative to the base fixture within holes spaced from each other at varying distances along a length of the substantially vertical uprights. Additionally, the brackets are shaped to allow them to be mounted to substantially vertical uprights having holes or apertures of varying heights and thicknesses. The versatility and ease of adjustablility of the display system, for example, presents a variety of advantages in a retail environment. 
       FIG. 1  shows a display system  10  secured to a support structure  12 , such as a wall or other stationary base fixture, such as an end cap or end of a display shelf, according to some embodiments. The display system  10  includes a base assembly  14 , a support bar  16  and a signholder  18 . The support bar  16  is largely obscured by the signholder  18  in  FIG. 1 , and is thus represented by dotted lines in  FIG. 1 . In order to provide additional understanding, a second support bar  16   a  is shown in solid lines to the right of the support bar  16  without an associated signholder. In general terms, and as will be subsequently described, the signholder  18  is secured to the support bar  16 . The support bar  16 , in turn, is releasably secured to the base assembly  14  in order to hang the signholder  18  from the base assembly  14 . 
     Using bolts or other fasteners, the base assembly  14 , also described as a support assembly, is optionally secured to the support structure  12 . The support structure  12  is optionally a shelf in a retail environment, such as a store, although other environments, such as storage or home environments, are also contemplated. The base assembly  14  includes a first upright  20 , a second upright  22 , a third upright  24 , one or more product fixtures  26  maintaining one or more products  28 , and a top fixture system  30 . 
     The first upright  20 , also described as a substantially vertical standard or a standard, is substantially elongate in shape and is optionally formed as a hollow, tubular bar having a first plurality of holes  32  formed along a length of the first upright  20 . The first upright  20  is formed of metal, plastic, or other suitable material and is optionally substantially square in cross-section, substantially U-shaped in cross-section, or is otherwise suitably shaped. Each of the first plurality of holes  32  is optionally substantially rectangular, square, oval, or circular, for example. As will be described in greater detail, each of the first plurality of holes  32  defines an attachment site, or attachment point, for the support bar  16 . 
     The second and third uprights  22 ,  24  are optionally substantially similar to the first upright  20 , and as such can be described cumulatively with reference to the first upright  20 . The second and third uprights  22 ,  24  accordingly have a second plurality of holes  34  and a third plurality of holes  36 , respectively, laterally offset and generally corresponding in height to the first plurality of holes  32 . 
     The one or more product fixtures  26  are adapted to be releasably secured to the first and second uprights  20 ,  22  and/or the second and third uprights  22 ,  24 . The one or more products  28  are selected from a variety of items, including merchandise on display, such as clothing on hangers or shelves—women&#39;s undergarments, for example. 
     The top fixture system  30  is adapted to be releasably secured to the first, second, and third uprights  20 ,  22 ,  24 . The top fixture system  30  provides attachment sites for hanging visual displays (not shown), for example, such as posters, signs, or other objects. In particular, wires or other fasteners are optionally secured to the top fixture system  30  to hang a particular visual display. 
     Construction of the base assembly  14  includes securing each of the first, second, and third uprights  20 ,  22 ,  24  in a substantially vertical orientation. The first, second, and third uprights  20 ,  22 ,  24  are optionally secured to the support structure  12 , a shelf or wall or other appropriate support as desired. The first, second, and third uprights  20 ,  22 ,  24  are laterally spaced from one another and are substantially parallel. As alluded to above, the first, second, and third pluralities of holes  32 ,  34 ,  36  of the first, second, and third uprights  20 ,  22 ,  24 , respectively, are laterally aligned, corresponding in height to define corresponding lateral sets of attachment sites. The product fixture  26  maintaining the products  28  is secured between the first and second uprights  20 ,  22  at one or more lateral sets of attachment points. In turn, the top fixture system  30  is releasably secured to the first, second, and third uprights  20 ,  22 ,  24 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the support bar  16 , also described as a member. The support bar  16  includes a body  38 , also defined as an elongate body or an extended portion, having a first end  40 , a second end  42 , a top edge  44 , a bottom edge  46 . The support bar  16  also includes a first bracket  48  and a second bracket  50 . The body  38  is optionally substantially rectangular in front profile. As will be described in greater detail below, the first and second brackets  48 ,  50  are each telescopically, or substantially horizontally, as well as substantially vertically adjustable relative to the body  38  to facilitate use of the support bar  16  with various types and arrangements of uprights that define sets of attachment points having different lateral and substantially vertical offsets. Optionally, one of the first and second brackets  48 ,  50  is rigidly secured to the body  38 , for example being substantially continuously formed with the body  38 , welded to the body  38  or otherwise secured relative to the body  38 . The support bar  16  is optionally formed of metal, plastic, or other suitable material. 
       FIG. 3   a  shows a rear view of the body  38  and  FIG. 3   b  shows a side view from the first end  40  of the body  38 . With reference to  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , the body  38  defines a front face  52 , a rear face  54  and a plurality of holes  56  disposed between the first end  40  and the second end  42 . The top and bottom edges  44 ,  46  of the body  38  are folded back rearwardly from the front face  52  toward the rear face  54  to form a top lip  58  and a bottom lip  60 , respectively. The top and bottom lips  58 ,  60  (shown in dashed lines in  FIG. 3   a ) are formed such that the top and bottom lips  58 ,  60  are substantially parallel with the rear face  54 . The top and bottom lips  58 ,  60  together with the rear face  54  define a channel member  62 , or track, extending along at least a portion of the body  38 . Optionally, the top and bottom lips  58 ,  60  extend from the top edge  44  and the bottom edge  46 , respectively, at varying distances along the length of the body  38 , as can be seen in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3   a . The first bracket  48 , the second bracket  50  and the channel member  62  together form a channel assembly  64  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) for mounting the support bar  16 , and adjusting the support bar  16  relative to, the first and second substantially vertical uprights  20 ,  22  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments (not shown), the channel member  62  has a first portion extending from the first end  40  and a separate, second portion extending from the second end  42 . 
     The plurality of holes  56  are disposed lengthwise along the body  38 . Each of the holes  56  is adapted to receive a pin  66  for releasably or non-releasably securing the signholder  18  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) to the body  38  of the support bar  16 . At least a first hole  56   a  and a second hole  56   b  reside proximate the first end  40  of the body  38  and a third hole  56   c  and a fourth hole  56   d  reside proximate the second end  42  of the body  38 . The first and second holes  56   a ,  56   b , in combination with a first pin  66   a  and a second pin  66   b  (shown in  FIG. 7   a ), assist in adjustably securing the first bracket  48  to the body  38 . Likewise, the third and fourth holes  56   c ,  56   d , in combination with a third pin  66   c  and a fourth pin  66   d  (shown in  FIG. 7   a ), assist in adjustably securing the second bracket  50  to the body  38 . Thus, in addition to securing the support bar  16  to the signholder  18 , the first, second, third, and fourth holes  56   a - 56   d  and first, second, third, and fourth pins  66   a - 66   d  also allow the support bar  16  to be adjusted with respect to the signholder  18 . Examples of suitable pins include, but are not limited to: rivets, plastic clips, plastic bolts, wires or other fasteners. 
     The body  38  is about 46 inches long, about 2.35 inches tall and about 1.58 inches thick overall (including extension of the lips  58 ,  60 ), although other dimensions are contemplated. The channel member  62  has a depth of about 0.78 inches, although other dimensions are contemplated. Each of the plurality of holes  56  is about 0.25 inches in diameter and is spaced from an adjacent hole  56  by about 6 inches, although other dimensions are contemplated. Holes  56   a - 56   d  are positioned closer than the remainder of the holes  56  in order to be located proximate first and second ends  40 ,  42  of the body  38 , respectively. 
       FIGS. 4   a ,  4   b  and  4   c  show a rear perspective view, a rear view and a side view, respectively, of the first bracket  48 . The first bracket  48  provides part of the means for releasably securing the support bar  16  to the first upright  20  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). With reference to  FIGS. 4   a - 4   c , the first bracket  48  includes an insert arm  68  and a tab  70 . The insert arm  68 , also described as a slide arm or slide portion, is formed as a thin, elongate piece sized and shaped for insertion into the channel member  62  at the first end  40  of the body  38  (shown in  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b ). The insert arm  68  defines a first C-shaped slot  72   a  and a second C-shaped slot  72   b  (collectively referred to as “slots  72 ”). Each of the slots  72   a  and  72   b  has a substantially horizontal, upper portion  74 , a substantially horizontal, lower portion  76  and a substantially vertical portion  78  connecting the upper and a substantially horizontal, lower portions  74 ,  76 . The substantially horizontal portions  74 ,  76  and the substantially vertical portions  78  are adapted to work in conjunction with the first and second pins  66   a ,  66   b  (shown in  FIG. 7   a ) to allow the first bracket  48  to slide in and out, or telescope, as well as up and down within the channel member  62  (shown in  FIG. 3   b ) while limiting the amount of substantially lateral and substantially vertical movement of the first bracket  48  within the channel member  62 . The overall length of the support bar  16  is adjusted by positioning the first bracket  48  at varying positions within the channel member  62  such that the tab  70  of the insert arm  68  is located at varying distances relative to the first end  40  of the body  38  (shown in  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b ). The substantially vertical portion  78  of the slots  72  provides means for adjusting the position of the first bracket  48  within the channel member  62  such that the first bracket  48  is positionable at varying heights relative to the top edge  44  and the bottom edge  46  of the support bar  16 . 
     The tab  70 , also described as a tooth or tooth portion, is a thin piece protruding substantially orthogonally from the insert arm  68  designed for use with multiple types of slots/mounting standards. The tab  70  is optionally formed continuously with the insert arm  68  or is otherwise secured thereto. With particular reference to  FIG. 4   c , the tab  70  has an inverted J-shape defined by a substantially vertical portion  80  and a hook portion  82 . The substantially vertical portion  80  has includes a base  84 , a neck  86  and a toe  88 . The base  84  has a front edge  90  and a back edge  92 . The neck  86  extends fluidly into the hook portion  82 . In turn, the base  84  extends between the neck  86  and the toe  88  where the base  84  tapers down in width into the neck  86  with the front edge  90  defining a taper  94 . The base  84  steps down in width at the toe  88  with the back edge  92  defining a bend relief  96 . The bend relief  96  makes the tab  70  easier to produce by eliminating burrs and sharp points and by reducing stress fracture propagation so that the tab  70  does not tear when being formed. The hook portion  82  defines a mouth  98  and curves toward itself to form a catch  100 . As will be described in greater detail, the tab  70  is adapted to be inserted, hook portion  82  first, into one of the pluralities of holes  32 ,  34  associated with the first and second uprights  20 ,  22 , respectively, and then slid downward to releasably secure the first bracket  48  to one of the first and second uprights  20 ,  22 . 
     The insert arm  68  is about 4.16 inches long and about 1.44 inches tall, the substantially horizontal portions  74 ,  76  of the slots  72  are about 1.09 inches long (defining a lateral travel limit of about 1.09 inches for the first bracket  48 ), and the substantially vertical portion  78  of the slots  72  is about 0.94 inches tall (defining a substantially vertical travel limit of about 0.94 inches for the first bracket  48 ), although other dimensions are contemplated. The tab  70  is about 0.81 inches long and about 1.812 inches tall with the substantially vertical portion  80  being about 0.44 inches long including the taper  94 , which is angled at about 46 degrees, and the hook portion  82  being about 0.81 inches long and about 0.25 inches tall, although other dimensions are contemplated. 
       FIG. 5   a  shows a rear perspective view of the second bracket  50 ,  FIG. 5   b  shows a rear view of the second bracket  50  and  FIG. 5   c  shows a side view of the second bracket  50 .  FIGS. 5   a ,  5   b , and  5   c  will be discussed in conjunction with one another. The second bracket  50  is substantially a mirror-image of the first bracket  48  (shown in  FIGS. 4   a - 4   c ) and provides part of the means for releasably securing the support bar  16  to the second upright  22  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The second bracket  50  includes an insert arm  102  and a tab  104 . The insert arm  102  is insertable into the channel member  62  at the second end  42  of the body  38  of the support bar  16  (shown in  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b ) and also defines a first C-shaped slot  106   a  and a second C-shaped slot  106   b  (collectively referred to “slots  106 ”), each having a substantially horizontal, upper portion  108 , a substantially horizontal, lower portion  110 , and a substantially vertical portion  112 . 
     The tab  104  has a substantially vertical portion  114  and a hook portion  116 . The substantially vertical portion  114  includes a base  118 , a neck  120  and a toe  122 . The base  118  includes a front edge  123  and a back edge  124 . The front edge  123  defines a taper  126 . The back edge  124  defines a bend relief  128 . The hook portion  116  defines a mouth  130  and a catch  132 . Each of the features of the insert arm  102  and the tab  104  are connected and function in a similar manner as the insert arm  68  and the tab  70  of the first bracket  48 . The insert arm  102  and the tab  104  of the second bracket  50  thus also have similar dimensions as the insert arm  68  and the tab  70  of the first bracket  48 . As will be described in greater detail, the tab  104  is adapted to be inserted, hook portion  116  first, into one of the pluralities of holes  34 ,  36  associated with the second and third uprights  22 ,  24 , respectively, and then moved downward to releasably secure the second bracket  50  to one of the second and third uprights  22 ,  24 . 
       FIG. 6   a  shows a rear perspective view of the first and second brackets  48 ,  50  positioned within the channel member  62  of the support bar  16 .  FIG. 6   b  shows an enlarged partial perspective view of the first bracket  48  (shown partially in phantom) positioned within the channel member  62 . The second bracket  50  is optionally mounted within the channel member  62  substantially similarly to the first bracket  48  and as such can be described cumulatively with reference to the first bracket  48 . The first bracket  48  is slidably received in the channel member  62  such that the first bracket  48  can be adjusted in both a substantially vertical direction and a lateral direction. The two U-shaped slots  72   a  and  72   b  of the first bracket  48  ride on pins  66   a  and  66   b  in the channel member  62  and can be adjusted substantially vertically and/or substantially horizontally to attach the support bar  16  and the signholder  18  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) to a variety of wall mounts. As previously mentioned, the tabs  70  and  104  of the brackets  48  and  50  are also versatile and designed to be insertable into multiple types of slots and mounting standards. 
       FIGS. 7   a - 7   d  show rear views of the support bar  16  with the first and second brackets  48  and  50  (shown partially in phantom) at varying (substantially horizontal and substantially vertical) positions within the channel member  62  of the support bar  16 . The slots  72  and  106  are also shown in phantom. In some embodiments, a method of displaying a sign includes releasably attaching a channel assembly  64 , including the channel member  62 , the first bracket  48  and the second bracket  50  to a retail accessory, adjusting an overall length of the channel assembly  64  to correspond to a distance between a first attachment site defined by the first upright  20  and a second attachment site defined by the second standard  22 , adjusting an overall height of the first bracket  48  and the second bracket  50  relative to the channel member  62 , and releasably securing the channel assembly  64  to the first and second attachment sites to hang the signholder  18  in a substantially upright position from the first and second standards  20 ,  22 . 
     The first and second brackets  48 ,  50  allow the overall length of the support bar  16  to be adjusted as desired to correspond to the lateral distance between the first and second target holes  32   a ,  34   a  of the first and second uprights  20 ,  22 , respectively (shown in  FIG. 1 ). For example, the first bracket  48  is optionally telescoped from a first position to a second position within the channel member  62 , as shown in  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b , to adjust the support bar  16  to the desired length.  FIG. 7   a  shows the first bracket  48  in the first position with the first and second pins  66   a ,  66   b  positioned to one side of the substantially horizontal, upper portions  74  of the slots  72 . To shorten the overall length of the support bar  16 , the first bracket  48  is guided by the first and second pins  66   a ,  66   b  in the substantially horizontal, upper portions  74  of the slots  72  in the substantially horizontal direction of arrow A to the second position. As shown in  FIG. 7   b , in this second position, the tab  70  of the first bracket  48  is brought closer to the first end  40  of the support bar  16 , reducing the overall length of the support bar  16 . The first bracket  48  is adjustable to any distance within the channel member  62  between the first and second positions shown  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b , respectively. The length of the support bar  16  may also be adjusted by telescoping the second bracket  50  within the channel member  62  in a similar manner. 
     The first and second brackets  48 ,  50  also allow the overall height of the support bar  16  to be adjusted to correspond to a desired substantially vertical distance from the top edge  44  and the bottom edge  46  of the support bar  16 , respectively. For example, the first bracket  48  is optionally adjusted from the second position (shown in  FIG. 7   b ) to a third position (shown in  FIG. 7   d ) to adjust the position of the first bracket  48  with respect to the top edge  44  of the support bar  16 . To move the first bracket  48  from the second position to the third position, the first bracket  48  is positioned such that the first and second pins  66   a ,  66   b  are positioned in the substantially vertical portions  78  of the slots  72  ( FIG. 7   c ). The first bracket  48  is then guided in a upwardly, substantially vertical direction, as shown by arrow B in  FIG. 7   c , such that the first bracket  48  is brought closer to the top edge  44  of the support bar  16 . The first bracket  48  is moved such that the first and second pins  66   a ,  66   b  are positioned in the substantially horizontal, lower portions  76  of the slots  72  and the first bracket  48  is moved at least slightly toward the center of the support bar  16  such that the first and second pins  66   a ,  66   b  are positioned within the substantially horizontal, lower portions  76 , as shown in  FIG. 7   d . The first bracket  48  is moved toward the center of the support bar to ensure that the first and second pins  66   a ,  66   b  are not inadvertently projected downward in the substantially vertical portions  76  if pressure is applied to the first bracket  48 . In some embodiments, the first bracket  48  is adjustable to the two heights given by positioning the first and second pins  66   a ,  66   b  either at the substantially horizontal, upper portions  74  or at the substantially horizontal, lower portions  76  of the slots  72 . The second bracket  50  is also adjusted within the channel member  62  in a similar manner. 
       FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b  show a rear view and a side view, respectively, of the signholder  18 .  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b  will be discussed in conjunction with one another. The signholder  18 , also defined as a plastic sheath, casing or other retail assembly, includes a body  134  having a first end  136 , a second end  138 , a front face  140 , a rear face  142 , a top edge  144  and a bottom edge  146 . The front face  140 , rear face  142  and bottom edge  146  of the body  134  form a U-shaped housing  148 . The U-shaped housing  148  is designed to slidably receive a sign insert. At least the front face  140  of the signholder  18  is formed from a substantially transparent material, such as, for example, plastic or other suitable material. Because the signholder  18  is formed form a transparent material, when a sign insert or other substantially flat piece of material displaying a sign or piece of advertisement, is positioned within the housing  148 , the piece of material positioned between the front and rear faces  140 ,  142  is viewable by a user standing in front of the signholder  18 . 
     The front face  140  and the rear face  142  of the signholder  18  are substantially parallel and are connected at the bottom edge  146  to form the housing  148 . The front face  140  and the rear face  142  are either formed by two separate pieces that are connected to each other at the bottom edge  146  or are optionally integral or otherwise connected with each other. In the case where the front and rear faces  140 ,  142  are integral, the body  134  is folded substantially in half until the front and rear faces  140 ,  142  are substantially parallel. The housing  148  is formed such that the signholder  18  is substantially U-shaped when viewed from the side (as shown in  FIG. 8   c ). The signholder  18  is optionally substantially rectangular in front profile. 
     The body  134  includes a plurality of holes  150  disposed lengthwise along the rear face  142  of the signholder  18  between the first and second ends  136 ,  138 . The holes  150  are adapted to receive pins  66  for releasably or non-releasably securing the signholder  18  to the body  38  of the support bar  16  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). In order to facilitate assembly of the signholder  18  to the support bar  16 , the holes  150  of the signholder  18  are disposed along the length of the body  134  of the signholder  18  such that adjacent holes  150  are spaced from each other at distances similar to adjacent holes  56  of the support bar  16 . 
     The housing  148  is about 47.5 inches long and about 7.1 inches tall, although other dimensions are contemplated. Each of the plurality of holes  150  is about 0.156 inches in diameter and is spaced from an adjacent hole  150  by about 7 or 12 inches, although other dimensions are contemplated. The holes  150  are positioned about 2.06 inches from the top edge  144  of the signholder  18 , although other dimensions are contemplated. 
       FIG. 9  is a rear view of the signholder  18  secured to the support bar  16 . In some embodiments, assembly of the signholder  18  to the support bar  16  includes positioning the rear face  142  of the signholder  18  against the front face  52  (shown in  FIG. 3   b ) of the support bar  16  and aligning the plurality of holes  56  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) of the support bar  16  with the plurality of holes  150  (shown in  FIG. 8   a ) of the signholder  18 . Pins  66  are then passed through the holes  56  of the support bar  16  and the holes  150  of the signholder  18  to secure the signholder  18  to the support bar  16 . Next, the insert arms  68  and  102  of the first and second brackets  48 ,  50  are inserted into the channel member  62  of the body  38  at the first and second ends  40 ,  42 , respectively. The first bracket  48 , the support bar  16  and the signholder  18  are attached together by first and second pins  66   a ,  66   b . The first pin  66   a  is fastened through the first slot  72   a  of the first bracket  48  and through the first hole  56   a  of the body  38  of the support bar  16 . The first pin  66   a  optionally also passes through a hole  150  of the rear face  142  of the signholder  18 . Similarly, the second pin  66   b  is fastened through the second slot  72   b  of the first bracket  48  and through the second hole  56   b  of the support bar  16 . The second pin  66   b  optionally also passes through a hole  150  of the rear face  142  of the signholder  18 . The second bracket  50 , the support bar  16 , and the signholder  18  are likewise attached together. The third pin  66   c  is fastened through the first slot  106   c  of the second bracket  50  and through the third hole  56   c  of the support bar  16 . The third pin  66   c  optionally also passes through a hole  150  of the rear face  142  of the signholder  18 . Similarly, the fourth fastener  66   d  is fastened through the second slot  106   b  of the second bracket  50  and through the fourth hole  56   d  of the support bar  16 . The fourth pin  66   d  optionally also passes through a hole  150  of the rear face  142  of the signholder  18 . Each of these configurations defines a pin-and-slot mechanism, or pin-and-slot relationship, limiting the inward and outward travel of the first and second brackets  48 ,  50  within the channel member  62  as well as the upward and downward travel of the first and second brackets  48 ,  50  within the channel member  62 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  7   a - 7   d ,  10   a  and  10   b , the support bar  16  is optionally assembled to the base assembly  14  using the first and second brackets  48 ,  50 .  FIG. 10   a  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the support bar  16  assembled to a target hole  34   a  of the plurality of holes  34  of an embodiment of the second upright  22 .  FIG. 10   b  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the support bar  16  assembled to a target hole  34   b  of the plurality of holes  34  of another embodiment of the second upright  22 , according to some embodiments. For illustration purposes, the signholder  18  is not shown in  FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b , although it should be understood that the support bar  16  is optionally assembled to the base assembly  14  before assembly of the signholder  18  to the support bar  16 . In other embodiments, the signholder  18  is assembled to the base assembly  14  after assembly of the signholder  18  to the support bar  16 . 
     Assembly of the support bar  16  to the base assembly  14  includes adjusting the length of the support bar  16  and the height of the first and second brackets  48 ,  50  relative to a top edge  44  of the support bar  16 . In particular, the length of the support bar  16  is adjusted such that the first and second brackets  48 ,  50  line up with target holes  32   a ,  34   a  of the pluralities of holes  32 ,  34  of the first and second uprights  20 ,  22 , respectively. The heights of the first and second brackets  48 ,  50  are then adjusted relative to the top edge  44  of the support bar  16  based on the desired height of the signholder  18  with respect to the display system  10 . In this manner, the support bar  16  allows for releasable fixation at a variety of upright spacings and also allows for some deviation in the spacing between the first and second uprights  20 ,  22 . 
     Referring first to  FIG. 10   a , the target hole  34   a  of the second upright  22  is defined by a top edge of material  152  and a bottom edge of material  154 . The method of assembling includes inserting the hook portion  82  of the first bracket  48  into the target hole  34   a . The taper  94  of the front edge  90  optionally facilitates smooth insertion of the hook portion  82  into the target hole  34   a . The taper  94  acts as a clearance such that when the first bracket  48  is being installed, the first bracket  48  will not interfere with the hole adjacent target hole  34   a . The hook portion  116  of the second bracket  50  is similarly inserted into a target hole  32   a  (not shown). Following insertion of the hook portions  82 ,  116  into the target holes  34   a ,  32   a , respectively, the support bar  16 , including the first and second brackets  48 ,  50 , is moved downward. Once the first bracket  48  is moved downward, the hook portion  82  rests against the bottom edge of material  154  of the second upright  22  and the bottom edge of material  154  is received in the mouth  98  of the hook portion  82 . The mouth  98  of the hook portion  82  acts to releasably retain the first bracket  48  in the target hole  34   a . As can be seen in  FIG. 10   a , when the first bracket  48  is positioned in the target hole  34   a , the toe  88  abuts the second upright  22  to maintain the signholder  18  in a substantially vertical position. If the toe  88  did not abut the second upright  22 , the tab  70  would continue to move in a rearward direction, causing the signholder  18  to tilt relative to the first and second uprights  20 ,  22 . The second bracket  50  is similarly inserted into and moved downward within the target hole  32   a  of the first upright  20   a  to releasably retain the second bracket  50  to an attachment site defined by the target hole  32   a  of the first upright  20 . It should be understood that the support bar  16  can be used with target holes of different sizes as desired, as shown below with reference to  FIG. 10   b.    
     Referring now to  FIG. 10   b , the target hole  34   b  of the second upright  22  is defined by a top edge of material  156  and a bottom edge of material  158 . The method of assembling is substantially similar to positioning the hook portion  82  of the first bracket  48  in the target hole  34   a  described above. However, because the target hole  34   a  has a shorter height such that an adjacent hole  34   b  is spaced closer to the target hole  34   a , the tab  70  rests differently against the second upright  22 . As can be seen in  FIG. 10   b , when the first bracket  48  is positioned in the target hole  34   a  such that the hook portion  82  rests against the bottom edge of material  158  of the second upright  22  and the bottom edge of material  158  is received in the mouth  98  of the hook portion  82 , the base  84  abuts the second upright  22  to maintain the signholder  18  in a substantially vertical position. The second bracket  50  is similarly inserted into and moved downward within a target hole  32   b  (not shown) of the first upright  20  to releasably retain the second bracket  50  to an attachment site defined by the target hole  32   b  of the first upright  20 . 
     With the assembly and arrangement described above, each of the first and second brackets  48 ,  50  provides means for releasably securing the support bar  16  to the base assembly  14 . From the preceding description, it should be understood that the weight of the signholder  18  optionally assists with retaining the first and second brackets  48 ,  50  in the downward, secure position. When release of the first and second brackets  48 ,  50  is desired, the support bar  16  is slide or upwardly with the body  38  moving outwardly and away from the first and second uprights  20 ,  22 . The hook portions  82 ,  116  are removed from the target holes  32   a ,  34   a , respectively. 
     As alluded to above and depicted in  FIG. 1 , a method of displaying merchandise to an observer in an environment, such as a retail environment, includes securing the first upright  20  in a substantially vertical orientation to the support structure  12  and securing the second upright  22  in a substantially vertical orientation to the support structure  12 . The product fixture  26  is releasably secured to the first and second uprights  20 ,  22  and maintains the products  28 , clothing (also referred to as “softlines”) for example, such that the products  28  hang in front of the support structure  12  off of a floor of a retail location, according to some embodiments. 
     In some embodiments, the support bar  16  (with the signholder  18  when previously assembled thereto) is positioned above the one or more product fixtures  26  and the one or more products  28 . Each of the first and second brackets  48 ,  50  is secured to a lateral set of attachment sites corresponding to the first and second target holes  32   a ,  34   a . This releasably secures the signholder  18  in a substantially vertical orientation from the base assembly  14  and above the one or more hanging products  28 . 
     When securing the first and second brackets  48 ,  50  to the first and second target holes  32   a ,  34   a , respectively, the overall length of the support bar  16  is adjusted as desired to correspond to the lateral distance between the first and second target holes  32   a ,  34   a  of the first and second uprights  20 ,  22 , respectively. The overall height of the support bar  16  relative to target holes  32   a ,  34   a  is also adjusted to correspond to a desired substantially vertical distance between the signholder  18  and the product fixtures  26  and products  28 . After the support bar  16  is positioned at the desired height relative to the first and second uprights  20 ,  22  by inserting the first and second brackets  48 ,  50  within the first and second target holes  32   a ,  34   a , respectively, the support bar  16  may be further adjusted by adjusting the first and second brackets  48 ,  50 . The first and second brackets  48 ,  50  allow the height of the support bar  16  to be fine tuned depending on the layout of the display system and adjacent support bars and product fixtures. 
     For reference, the support bar  16 , signholder  18 , instructions, a sign and appropriate pins  66  are optionally provided to a retail location as a kit of parts. The sign optionally includes indicia corresponding to the products  28  the display system  10  is advertising. If desired, a plurality of different signholders are provided with the kit of parts. 
     Various advantages are optionally accomplished through use of the display system  10 . For example, the support bar  16 , as well as the signholder  18 , is optionally assembled to the base assembly  14  after the one or more product fixtures  26  and products  28  have been assembled to base assembly  14 . This facilitates interchanging signs as desired and allows flexibility in the manner in which a product display is assembled. Furthermore, the signholder  18  is readily changed, mixed-and-matched, adjusted, or otherwise optimized to provide a pleasing display to an observer. 
     Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.