Abstract:
A modular multi-configurable display system includes multiple interchangeable components. The system includes a plurality of vertical columns, a plurality of horizontal trusses members, which may be arcuate or linear, and optionally a plurality of extension modules. The columns are capable of removably receiving the horizontal arcuate and linear members or extension modules at each end of the columns. Each column may be formed of one or typically two elongated box frames that are removably stackable and connectable with respect to each other or with extension modules. Each box frame has elongate frame members secured and braced with webbing only at the ends. The elongate frame members are free from webbing or bracing between the end webbings. Appurtenant components, such as shelves or tables, may be attached at any desired location along the bracing-free length of the columns.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation-in-part application of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/953,113 filed Sep. 13, 2001, entitled, “MODULAR MULTI-CONFIGURABLE DISPLAY SYSTEM”, hereby fully incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to displays, and in particular, to a modular display system for the multi-configurable assembly of a display stand at a trade show or other exhibition.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Trade shows have been common for some time as a means for companies to significantly expand their client base. Generally, a trade show exhibitor is allocated a specific limited space within a large hall in which to set up a booth or display. It has been common practice for these exhibitors to purchase specially designed displays to showcase their products or services.  
           [0004]    These conventional displays usually include a “back wall.” This back wall is set as the focal point for the exhibition. However, while these back walls have generally been readily available and portable, they are often very limited in their use and can be quite expensive. For the most part, the currently available back walls come in limited configurations, with the display manufacturer designing a back wall specifically for the exhibitor. Consequently, conventional back walls are truly customized and are only capable of a limited number of configurations. Rectangular paneled back walls are often the only real configuration option and the exhibitor is only able to modify the look of the wall through the addition of furniture and shelves at predetermined locations.  
           [0005]    The lack of configuration flexibility is problematic. First, trade show facilities can vary greatly. The overall size and shape of the exhibit space is an important consideration. A small space may require a reduction in the size of the back wall, while a larger space may present opportunities for the exhibitor to expand the wall and the draw or appeal of the exhibited products or services. In addition, a uniquely shaped booth space may present a problem for those exhibitors utilizing conventional back wall displays since the wall cannot be configured to conform with the space.  
           [0006]    Second, exhibitors may wish to periodically change the configuration of the back wall for non-functional reasons. An exhibitor may simply wish to have options available to vary the look of the back wall in order to highlight specific products, influence a particular trade show audience, or for many other creative and aesthetic reasons. However, conventional back wall display systems are generally limited in this respect.  
           [0007]    Limited component shapes, such as those used in rectangular panel systems, restrict the ability of an exhibitor to creatively configure the wall. Consequently, there is a need for a display booth back wall system that includes various components of convenient interchangeable shapes and sizes that permit an exhibitor to assemble the wall in a myriad of modular configurations. In addition, there is a need for a lightweight system, that is easily disassemblable and portable to accommodate the demands of trade show exhibitors.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    The present invention substantially meets the needs of the industry for a lightweight, structurally rigid, flexibly multi-configurable, modular display structure. The modular multi-configurable display system of the present invention includes multiple interchangeable components. Generally, the system includes a plurality of vertical columns, a plurality of horizontal trusses members, which may be arcuate or linear, and optionally a plurality of extension modules. The columns are capable of fixedly removably receiving the horizontal arcuate and linear members at each end of the columns. Each column may be formed of one or typically two elongated box frames that are removably stackable and connectable with respect to each other or with extension modules. Each box frame has elongate frame members secured and braced with webbing only at the ends. The elongate frame members are free from webbing or bracing between the end webbings. Appurtenant components, such as shelves or tables, may be attached at any desired location along the bracing-free length of the columns.  
           [0009]    Similarly, in a preferred embodiment, the trusses have only end webbing with no intermediate webbing or bracing, thereby providing substantially the entire length of the truss for attachment positions for appurtenances. A myriad of modular configuration combinations are available to an exhibitor.  
           [0010]    The invention may also generally include an elongated columnar structure for use in constructing displays having at least one elongate substantially open paralellpiped structure having a pair of opposing ends. The parallelpiped structure includes a plurality of spaced apart elongate members operably coupled by a pair of spaced apart opposing end webbing members. Each elongate member defines an outside corner of the parallelpiped structure. The column further includes at least one extension module selectively couplable with one of the ends of the paralellpiped structure. The extension module includes a hollow, sheet metal enclosure having at least a top, a bottom, and four sides, the four sides intersecting at four outside corners. Each of the four outside corners of the extension module align with a separate one of the outside corners of the paralellpiped structure when the extension module is coupled with the parallelpiped structure.  
           [0011]    A parallelpiped structure according to the invention generally includes a plurality of frame segments with webbing attached to each end of the plurality of frame segments and no webbing intermediate the tubing ends. The plurality of frame segments are attached to the end piece such that a column-like structure is formed. The inner space defined within the frame segments is substantially free of webbing. Instead, structural strength and stability is achieved by the end webbing. The end of one elongated box frame structure is capable of removably connecting with the end piece of other similar elongated box frame structures to achieve varying framing heights and other dynamic configurations.  
           [0012]    The absence of webbing and other bracing intermediate the ends is a significant feature and advantage that in itself generates other features and advantages.  
           [0013]    A significant feature and advantage of utilizing an elongated box frame assembly free of webbing is that it is aesthetically appealing. Visual appeal is essential in trade show displays and other exhibition environments.  
           [0014]    Another significant feature and advantage of eliminating webbing in the present invention is that manufacturing and material costs are significantly reduced since fewer components are required. Reduced components provide a benefit to the end user as well by simplifying assembly and disassembly.  
           [0015]    A further feature and advantage of the column structure according to the present invention centers around frame attachments, such as shelving. The absence of space limiting webbing means that there are significantly more attachment and grasping points along the entire length of each frame segment. As a result, a valuable proliferation in configuration options is made available to the end user.  
           [0016]    Further features and advantages of the present invention relate to the extension module. The extension module of the present invention may be connected with other extension modules, paralellpiped box frames, trusses, or any other modular display component to form a multiplicity of unique, selectively configurable, display configurations. Center and corner apertures significantly lighten the extension module without compromising structural integrity of the column. All three adjacent sides of the extension module meet and engage at each corner for optimal structural strength and rigidity. Thus, the extension module combined with the open, bracing free, parallelpiped structure of the box frame of the present invention, which also is advantageously light and structurally rigid, offers a flexibly configurable, lightweight, structurally rigid, and aesthetically pleasing column assembly for a display structure.  
           [0017]    Another significant advantage and feature of the modular multi-configurable display system of the present invention is that configuration options are increased to accommodate an exhibitor&#39;s specific needs or creative desires.  
           [0018]    Another significant advantage and feature of the present invention is its modular interchangeability and connectability. Each modular component (i.e., the arcuate and linear members) is in connectable communication with other components of identical or different design through an intermediary connection with a frame assembly. Common connectability with a frame assembly permits flexibility in defining the overall shape and size of the display. In addition, a specific component is not directed or limited to a particular connection position, or to an individually designated frame assembly. This significantly increases the ease of assembly and decreases the time associated with assembly and disassembly.  
           [0019]    The following U.S. Patent Applications, commonly owned by the owner of the present invention, are hereby fully incorporated herein by reference: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/953,098, entitled “DISPLAY WITH APPURTENANCE ATTACHMENT”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/953,099, entitled “SCREEN MOUNTING APPARATUS”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/953,111, entitled, “BOX FRAME ASSEMBLY”; U.S. patent application Ser. No.______, filed Sep. 9, 2003, entitled “COLUMN ASSEMBLY FOR DISPLAY FRAME”; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/601,843, entitled “FRAMEWORK CONNECTION SYSTEM”. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]    [0020]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display in accordance with the invention herein;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 1 a  is a plan view of one configuration of the modular multi-configurable display wall system of the present invention;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 1 b  is a plan view of another configuration of the modular multi-configurable display wall system of the present invention;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 1 c  is a plan view of yet another configuration of the modular multi-configurable display wall system of the present invention.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a framework for a display;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 3 is a exploded view of a column in accordance with the invention herein;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the connection between a elongate box frame and a truss;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 5 is a plan view of a stamping for forming an end webbing;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 5 b  is a perspective view of a formed end webbing;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an elongate box frame, a truss and a graphic screen;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an elongate box frame and appurtenance attachment means;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a table adjustably mounted on an elongate box frame;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an extension module according to the present invention;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a comer of the extension module of FIG. 9;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of one body component of the extension module depicted in FIG. 9;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 11 a  is a plan view of a plate for forming a body component of the extension module;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 11 b  is an exploded view of an embodiment of the extension module;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of the body component depicted in FIG. 11;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the body component depicted in FIG. 11;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an extension module according to the present invention assembled with a pair of box frame members to form a column structure;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 14 a  is a perspective view of an exemplary multi-level display structure in accordance with the invention;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 14 b  is an enlarged view of a portion of the view of FIG. 14 a  depicting connections of vertical columns and horizontal trusses with extension modules;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a screen in accordance with the invention;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of a screen mounting apparatus in accordance with the invention;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 17 is an alternative embodiment of a screen mounting apparatus in accordance with the invention; and  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 18 is another alternative embodiment of a screen mounting apparatus in accordance with the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0046]    Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a portable disassemblable display structure  20  is depicted. Display structure  20  generally includes a framework  22  of a plurality of open vertical columns  24 , and a plurality of horizontal trusses  26 , including arcuate horizontal spanning members  27  and linear horizontal spanning members  28 . The vertical columns  24  and horizontal spanning members  28  define graphical screen window frames  30  defining a plurality of graphical screen windows or openings  32 . These may be linear rectangular frame openings  33  or arcuate rectangular frame openings  34 , which are linear in the vertical plane and curved, specifically arcuate, in the horizontal plane. The window frames  30  may be generally laid out in a serpentine arrangement to form a structurally stable display due to the serpentine shape.  
         [0047]    Referring to FIG. 3, a portion of a vertical column  24  is depicted. The column is composed of two elongated box frames  40 , each presenting a longitudinal axis a. Each box frame  40  in a preferred embodiment generally includes four frame segments  42  formed from square steel tubing and arranged in a parallelpiped configuration. Each frame segment  42  has a first end  46  and a second end  48 . Each of the respective first ends  46  of the four frame segments  42  is connected by an end webbing  50  as well as are the second ends  48 . The ends of the tubing segments  42  are open, defining a socket  56 , which facilitates connection to another elongated box frame  40  or to a truss  26 . Connections with other box frames  40  or trusses  26  may be made with in line connectors  60  as depicted in FIG. 3, or right angle connectors  62  as depicted in FIG. 4. In line connector  60  has a portion  57 , sized so as to be receivable in socket  56  of the frame segments  42 . The ends of the elongate box frames  40  also have threaded portions  64  configured as nuts  66  welded onto the ends  48  of the steel tubing frame segments  42 . Set screws  70  are threaded through threaded portions  64  to frictionally contact and thereby attach the connectors  60 ,  62 . The connectors will preferably have indentations  74  at the set screw location points. Similarly, the right angle connectors  62  have a portion  58  sized so as to be receivable in socket  56 . Right angle connectors  62  may also have body portion  59 , which is sized slightly larger than socket  56  as depicted in FIG. 4. The right angle connectors may also have threaded bores  78  for attachment of feet  80  or other appurtenances.  
         [0048]    A piece of sheet steel  81  is illustrated in FIG. 5 and  5   b , which is suitable for forming the end webbing  50 . Sheet steel piece  81  has notches  84  which conform in shape and dimension to the exterior of tubular frame segments  42 . Perpendicular portions  85 , depicted best in FIG. 5 b , are formed by bending sheet steel piece  81  along folding lines  83 . To lighten the assembly, end webbing  50  may have one or more apertures  86  defined therein. The end webbing  50  is welded onto each of the four tubular frame segments  42  at welds  43  to form an optimally strong and light structure. Although end webbing  50  as depicted is formed of a single unitary piece, it is also contemplated that webbing  50  could be formed of individual strips of material bridging between individual frame segments  42 . Thus, “webbing” is defined as the structure securing segments together, whether a single unitary piece or multiple pieces. Similarly, “bracing” is defined as any structure extending between the frame segments  42 . Central aperture  86  and cutouts  103  lighten the structure without significantly reducing the strength of the webbing and further provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.  
         [0049]    Significantly, the elongated box frames  40  have an intermediate portion  89  positioned intermediate the end webbing  50 ; said intermediate portion  89  does not have any webbing or bracing. This facilitates four “clean” frame segments for variable positioning of appurtenances as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, and for providing an aesthetically pleasing and uncluttered look. In an ideal embodiment the clean intermediate portion  89  without webbing will constitute  70  percent or more of the length of the box frame  40 .  
         [0050]    As depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, various appurtenances may be positioned along intermediate portion  89  of box frame  40 . In FIG. 7, for example, a shelving support apparatus  120  is depicted. The apparatus generally includes a frame attachment portion  121  and a shelf support member  122 . Shelf support member  122  may be a typical shelf support commonly used with adjustable shelving systems. As depicted in FIG. 7, the member  122  typically has a proximal end  126  with a plurality of downwardly directed hooks  128 . Frame attachment portion  121  is unshaped so as to fit over and secure to frame segments  42 . A plurality of vertically aligned slots  124 , each sized to receive a hook  128 , are provided in frame attachment portion  121 . Each shelf support member  122  may be attached to a frame attachment portion  121  by inserting hooks  128  into corresponding slots  124 , and moving the shelf support downwardly, thereby hooking the hooks  128  into the slots  124 . Another exemplary embodiment of a shelf support is depicted in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, shelf  90  has projecting portion  92  confronting frame segments  42 . Threaded knob  95  extends through clamping portion  94 , and threads into projecting portion  92 . If threaded knob  95  is tightened, frame segments  42  are trapped and frictionally secured between projecting portion  92  and clamping portion  94 , thereby providing a support for shelf  90 . Shelf  90  may be positioned in any desired position along frame segments  42  by loosening threaded knob  95 , sliding the shelf  90  along the frame segments  42  as depicted by the arrow until the desired position is reached, and retightening threaded knob  95 .  
         [0051]    Referring to FIGS. 2, 4 and  6 , details of the horizontal trusses  26  are illustrated. These trusses  26  may be linear in configuration as illustrated in FIG. 1 and  4  or may be arcuate as illustrated in FIG. 1 and  6 . In either case, the trusses have parallel frame segments  102 , which may be joined by webbing members  104  proximate the ends, or alternatively by conventional webbing  106  as depicted in FIG. 4.  
         [0052]    As illustrated in FIG. 6, the horizontal trusses  26  are utilized for connection of the graphic screen panels  108  which due to the positioning of the u-shaped webbing  104  on the bottom of the bottom truss and the top of the top truss, allows positioning of the screens  108  in four positions as identified by the arrows labeled as A, B, C and D in FIG. 6. This provides an extraordinary amount of flexibility in mounting the graphical screen. The horizontal trusses, in an alternate embodiment of the display may utilize conventional webbing  106  as illustrated by the dashed lines of FIG. 4.  
         [0053]    An extension module  140  is depicted in FIGS.  9 - 14 . Extension module  140  may be selectively coupled with one or more box frames  40 , trusses  26 , or other extension modules  140  to form columns of any desired length and configuration for a multiplicity of display configurations. Extension module  140  is generally a hollow cubic enclosure  142 , preferably made from sheet metal, including a top  144 , a bottom  146 , and four sides  148 .  
         [0054]    Although hollow enclosure  142  may be formed by any suitable means or methods, in a preferred embodiment, hollow enclosure  142  generally includes a first u-shaped body portion  152  and a second u-shaped body portion  154 . Each u-shaped body portion  152 ,  154 , generally includes a center portion  156  and a pair of generally perpendicular opposing side portions  158 ,  160 . Body portions  152 ,  154 , are interfitted together as depicted in FIG. 9 a , with center portions  156  opposing and with side portions  158 ,  160 , adjacent and perpendicular so as to define a hollow cube when fully engaged as depicted in FIG. 9.  
         [0055]    U-shaped body portions  152 ,  154 , may each be formed from a single flat metal plate  162 , which may be bent along bend lines  164  so as to define the u-shape of the body portion  152 ,  154 . Center portion  156  and each side portion  158 ,  160 , may have one or more center apertures  162  defined therein. Corner apertures  166  may be defined within each u-shaped body portion  152 ,  154 , by positioning apertures  168  along bend lines  164 . Other corner apertures  168  may be defined between interfitted body portions  152 ,  154 , by providing cutouts  170  in the periphery  172  of plate  162 . Center apertures  162  and corner apertures  166 ,  168 , serve to lighten extension module  140  and lend an aesthetically pleasing open appearance. Projecting tabs  174  may be provided at the corners  176  of plate  162 , and corresponding receiving notches  178  may be formed in periphery  172  along bend lines  164 . When body portions  152 ,  154 , are interfitted, tabs  174  are securely received in notches  178  as depicted best in FIG. 10, so as to form smooth, structural corners. Body portions  152 ,  154 , may be welded together or otherwise fastened together by any suitable means.  
         [0056]    It is most preferred that extension module  140  be of a cubic shape, and sized so that corners  179  of extension module  140  align with outside corners  29  of box frame  40  when extension module  140  is coupled with one or more box frames  40  to form a column structure  180  as depicted in FIG. 14. Cutouts  103  of end webbing  50  in each box frame  40  mate with and mirror the shape of corner apertures  166 ,  168 , to lend an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the overall column structure  180 . Extension module  140  may be connected with the box frames  40  using removable fasteners (not depicted) through fastener holes  182 , or by any other suitable means.  
         [0057]    The center apertures  162  and corner apertures  166 ,  168 , significantly lighten extension module  140  without compromising structural integrity. All three adjacent sides of extension module  140  meet and engage at each comer  179  for optimal structural strength and rigidity. Extension module  140 , combined with the open, bracing free, parallelpiped structure of box frame  40 , which also is advantageously light and structurally rigid, offers a flexibly configurable, lightweight, structurally rigid, and aesthetically pleasing column assembly for a display structure. One or more sides of extension module  140  may be open, but this configuration is less preferred.  
         [0058]    Although depicted herein as a symmetrical cubic form, it will be appreciated that extension module  140  may be made in any other desired geometric shape. For example, sides  148  may be elongated so that extension module  140  has an elongated rectangular cuboid shape. In addition, top  144  and bottom  146 , may be hexagonal, octagonal, or any other geometric shape to accommodate box frames  40  having a corresponding geometrical shape.  
         [0059]    Although extension module  140  is depicted in FIG. 14 connecting two box frames  40 , it will be appreciated that a multiplicity of display configurations are possible with extension module  140 , and such configurations are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. For example, an extension module  140  may be positioned at the base of a column in contact with the ground, at the top of the column, or both at the bottom and top of a column. Multiple extension modules  140  may be positioned adjacent between box frames  40 , or may be alternated with box frames  40  to form a column of any desired length. In addition, trusses  26  may be connected with extension module  140  using removable fasteners (not depicted) in fastener holes  182  or any other suitable means to form display frames for displaying graphic material.  
         [0060]    An exemplary display configuration wherein extension modules  140  are used to assemble a multi-level structure  184  is depicted in FIGS. 14 a  and  14   b . Multi-level structure  184  includes a first level  186  and a second level  188 . Vertical columns  24  forming first level  186  each include two stacked elongated box frames  40 . Horizontal trusses  26  connect the bottoms of the columns  24 , and a first series of extension modules  140  are positioned at the top of each column. Extension modules  140  are horizontally connected with single elongated box frames  40 . Alternatively, trusses  26  could be used for these horizontal connections. Longer span horizontal connections may be made with a horizontal truss  189  made from elongated box frames  40  and extension modules  140  connected in alternating fashion.  
         [0061]    Second level  188  again includes columns  24 , each including two stacked elongated box frames  40 . The bottom of each second level column  24  is connected with an extension module  140  of first level  186 . Extension modules  140  are also positioned at the top of each of the columns  24  of second level  188 . These second level extension modules  140  are connected by a horizontal truss  190  made from a pair of elongated box frames  40  connected by an extension module  140 . It will also be appreciated that extension modules  140  may be used to connect with other types and configurations of display systems components. For example, extension modules  140  may be used to connect with tubular display systems such as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/601,843, previously incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0062]    One or more screens  240 , which may carry graphics or indicia thereon, may traverse each window frame  30  as depicted in FIG. 1. In a preferred embodiment, screens  240  are generally formed of flexible material. Screens  240  are primarily rectangular in shape and are formed of material such as textile material, vinyl, or other known sheet materials of flexible and inflexible make-up. The sheet screens  240  are removably mounted to horizontal trusses  26 . The screens  240  comprise the rectangular sheet material  246  and a mounting apparatus  250 .  
         [0063]    Referring to FIGS. 15, 16,  17 , and  18 , details of the mounting apparatus  250  are depicted. The mounting apparatus is principally comprised of a frame attachment  251  or clasping portion  252 , a screen material attachment portion  254 , and a bias providing elastic portion  256 .  
         [0064]    The screen mounting apparatus  250  is preferably formed from an extruded piece  260  of thermoplastic material. In a preferred embodiment, the extrusion  260  will be formed of at least two different materials having different characteristics. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has been found to be a very suitable material for specific portions of the extrusion  260 . For example, the portion  264  of the extrusion  260  that is part of the attachment portion  251  of the apparatus as well as the screen material attachment portion  254  may be made of PVC. Also, in certain embodiments in which the elastic portion  256  is formed of a spring section  266  having at least a C-shape in the cross-section or further folds to comprise an S-shape or perhaps more folds. Additionally, a second material generally of a lower durometer and having greater flexibility may be utilized in embodiments of the screen mounting apparatus  250  in which the elastic portion  256  does not rely exclusively or principally upon folds in the extrusion. Additionally, this second plastic portion may be generally narrower than the rest of the extrusion, adding further elastic characteristics and also providing advantageously a living hinge  270  which facilitates the folding and rolling up of the screen when not in use.  
         [0065]    The screen material attachment portion  254  generally extends the width of the rectangular screen material piece as well as the width of the screen mounting apparatus. Although, in certain instances it may be desirable to have the screen attachment portion  254  extending beyond the lateral edges  274  of the screen material piece for aesthetic or other reasons. The screen material portion may be of fabric, vinyl material, or other flexible, foldable thin sheet material. In addition, non-flexible sheet materials can be used, depending on the elastic characteristics of the elastic portion  256 . Upper and lower horizontal extending strips  278 ,  280  are secured to the screen material attachment portion  254  by way of adhesive or other suitable attachment means.  
         [0066]    Frame attachment portion  251  may be configured as a clasping portion  252  having hook-shape members  282 . Such hook materials may be formed of appropriately shaped sheet metal such as steel. The hook-shape would be suitably sized for the support member. Such hook members may be attached to extrusion  260  by way of rivets or other suitable fastening means. Such hook member may include a strip of magnetic material  288  to secure the attachment of the mounting apparatus to the support member  242 . Other configurations could utilize an L-shape member  290  as part of the extrusion with a piece of hook and loop material such as Velcro® extending along the width or along portions of the width of the extrusion.  
         [0067]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.