Patent Document

Cross-Reference to Related Applications  
       [0001]    This is a non-provisional application relating to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/261,146 filed Jan. 12, 2001 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/306,774 filed Jul. 20, 2001. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to display systems and, more particularly, to a merchandise display system of a gravity-feed type.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    In the past, various systems have been used for displaying merchandise packages (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,479,583; 4,616,753; 5,180,128; 5,626,243; and 5,762,207). For instance, with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, a conventional gravity-fed peg hook display system A is provided with a peg hook B adapted to be mounted from a pegboard C. When mounted, the peg hook B is angled downwardly relative to the pegboard C such that packages D loaded thereon are fed automatically in a forward direction (as indicated by arrow E in FIG. 15). Because the display system A is not provided with guide mechanisms for properly orienting displayed packages, the packages D tend to become arranged in a disorderly and disorganized manner. For instance, the packages D located at the front end of the display system A tend to tilt upwardly (as indicated by arrow F in FIG. 15) by the weight of the packages D located at the rear end of same. As a result, at least some of the packages D do not assume an upright or vertical position. Moreover, the packages D tend to stick or swing out laterally (as indicated by arrows G in FIG. 16), thereby making them appear disorderly and disorganized.  
           [0004]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,742,923, 5,855,282 and 6,092,674 disclose package display systems. While these systems are equipped with some form of guide mechanisms, they suffer from various problems and shortcomings. For instance, these display systems are not adapted for easy adjustability for accommodating packages having different sizes. In such circumstances, there is a need for a merchandise display system addressing problems associated with conventional merchandise display systems.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and shortcomings of the prior art discussed above by providing a new and improved merchandise display system. More particularly, the merchandise display system includes a suspending mechanism for suspending a plurality of articles therefrom. The suspending mechanism has a suspending member sized and shaped so as to extend from a support member in a generally downward direction such that the plurality of articles can be fed downwardly along the suspending member. A guiding mechanism is also provided for positioning the plurality of articles in proper orientation. The guiding mechanism includes a guiding member sized and shaped so as to extend from the support member and engageable with side portions of the plurality of articles. The guiding member also includes an end sized and shaped so as to wrap around a lower front portion of an article located at a forward end of the plurality of articles for orienting the plurality of articles in a substantially upright orientation. The merchandise display system can also be provided with a supporting mechanism for supporting thereon the plurality of articles suspended from the suspending mechanism.  
           [0006]    In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the suspending mechanism, the supporting mechanism and the guiding mechanism can be formed as independent and discrete members which can be independently and selectively mounted to a support panel of the support member. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the suspending mechanism and the guiding mechanism can be formed as a single assembly. In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, the suspending mechanism and the guiding mechanism can be supported from a horizontal support tube of the support member. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]    For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0008]    [0008]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a merchandise display system constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the display system shown in FIG. 1 and mounted to a pegboard;  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 3 is a side schematic view of the display system shown in FIG. 2;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a modified version of the display system shown in FIGS.  1 - 3 ;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another modified version of the display system shown in FIGS.  1 - 3 ;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a merchandise display system constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the display system shown in FIG. 6 and mounted to a pegboard;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 8 is a side schematic view of the display system shown in FIG. 7;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a merchandise display system constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 10 is a side schematic view of a merchandise display system constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a merchandise display system constructed in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of a section of the display system shown in FIG. 11;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 13 is a side schematic view of the section shown in FIG. 11;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a modified version of an attachment mechanism of the display system shown in FIG. 11;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 15 is a side schematic view of a conventional merchandise display system; and  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 16 is a front schematic view of the conventional display system shown in FIG. 15. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0024]    Although the present invention can be used in conjunction with any type of merchandise display systems, it is particularly suitable for use in connection with a gravity-feed display system. Accordingly, the present invention will be described hereinafter in connection with such a display system. It should be understood, however, that the following description is only meant to be illustrative of the present invention and is not meant to limit the scope of the present invention, which has applicability to other types of display systems.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIGS. 1 and 2 show a merchandise display system  10  constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. More particularly, the display system  10  is provided with a pegboard  11  having a plurality of openings  12 . The display system  10  also includes a peg hook  14  having a pair of prongs  16  which are sized and shaped so as to be inserted into a pair of adjacent openings  12  for removably mounting the peg hook  14  to the pegboard  11 . A peg rod  18  is fixedly attached to the prongs  16  such that when the peg hook  14  is mounted to the pegboard  11 , the rod  18  extends from the pegboard  11  in a generally downward manner (see FIG. 3). The rod  18  also includes an end portion  20  located opposite the prongs  16  and angled upwardly with respect to the rest of the rod  18 .  
         [0026]    Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the display system  10  also includes a support hook  24  equipped with a bracket  26  at one end thereof. The bracket  26  is provided with a pair of prongs  28  which are sized and shaped so as to be inserted into a pair of adjacent openings  12  of the pegboard  11  for removably mounting the support hook  24  to the pegboard  11 . A U-shaped support rod  30  is fixedly attached to the bracket  26  such that when the support hook  24  is mounted to the pegboard  11 , the support rod  30  extends from the pegboard  11  in a generally downward manner (see FIG. 3).  
         [0027]    Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the display system  10  also includes a guide hook  34  equipped with a bracket  36  at one end thereof. The bracket  36  is provided with a pair of prongs  38  which are sized and shaped so as to be inserted into a pair of adjacent openings  12  of the pegboard  11  for removably mounting the guide hook  34  to the pegboard  11 . The guide hook  34  includes a U-shaped guide rod  40  having a guide section  42 , which is fixedly attached to the bracket  36 , and a stop section  44 , which projects from an end of the guide section  42 . The stop section  44  is oriented at an angle (e.g., a 90° angle) with respect to the guide section  42  for purposes to be discussed hereinafter. The guide and stop sections  42 ,  44  are sized and shaped such that when the guide hook  34  is mounted to the pegboard  11 , the guide section  42  is oriented substantially perpendicular to the pegboard  11  (i.e., extends horizontally) and the stop section  44  extends substantially parallel to the pegboard  11  (see FIG. 3).  
         [0028]    For displaying merchandise packages  80 , the peg hook  14  is mounted to the pegboard  11  at a desired location (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The packages  80  are then loaded to the peg hook  14 . Next, the support hook  24  is mounted to the pegboard  11  below the peg hook  14  such that the rod  18  of the peg hook  14  extends substantially parallel to the rod  30  of the support hook  24  and such that bottom ends  82  of the packages  80  are supported on the support rod  30 . The guide hook  34  is then mounted to the pegboard  11  between the peg hook  14  and the support hook  24  such that the guide section  42  is spaced from the peg hook  14  and the support hook  24  in a lateral direction (see FIGS. 1 and 2) and such that the stop section  44  is located above a front end of the support hook  24  (see FIGS. 2 and 3). More particularly, the guide section  42  is adapted to engage associated lateral sides  84  (see FIG. 2) of the packages  80 , while the stop section  44  is adapted to engage a lower portion  86  (see FIG. 3) of the front package  80 ′ (i.e., the package located at the forward end of the display system  10 ). When the front package  80 ′ is removed from the display system  10 , the remaining packages  80  are fed in a downward direction towards the end portion  20  of the peg hook  14  (i.e., they slide along the rod  18  of the peg hook  14  and the rod  30  of the support hook  24 ).  
         [0029]    It should be appreciated that the peg hook  14 , the support hook  24  and the guide hook  34  cooperate with one another so as to maintain the packages  80  in orderly and organized fashion (e.g., in a linear and upright orientation). For instance, the weight of the packages  80  is supported not only by the peg hook  14  but also by the support hook  24 . As a result, the peg hook  14  is inhibited from over-bending. In this regard, the U-shaped rod  30  of the support hook  24  functions to distribute the weight of the packages  80  evenly, thereby providing enhanced stability to the packages  80  and reducing the amount of stress applied to the peg hook  14  by same. Moreover, the guide section  42  of the guide hook  34  is adapted to engage the lateral sides  84  of the packages  80 , thereby inhibiting same from sticking out laterally. For example, when the front package  80 ′ is removed from the display system  10  and the remaining packages  80  are hence fed in a downward direction toward the end portion  20  of the peg hook  14 , the guide section  42  inhibits the remaining packages  80  from swinging laterally and thereby maintains same in a substantially linear orientation (see FIG. 2). In addition, the stop section  44  of the guide hook  34  engages the lower portion  86  of the front package  80 ′ such that the front package  80 ′ and hence the remaining packages  80  are inhibited from tilting upwardly (see FIG. 3). In other words, the stop section  44  maintains the packages  80  in a substantially upright (i.e., vertical) position.  
         [0030]    It should also be appreciated that because the peg hook  14 , the support hook  24  and the guide hook  34  are formed as independent and discrete members removably mounted to the pegboard  11 , they provide enhanced adjustability for accommodating packages having different sizes and/or shapes. More particularly, because the peg hook  14 , the support hook  24  and the guide hook  34  can be independently and selectively mounted to the pegboard  11  at infinitely varying locations with respect to one another, they are adapted for universal use in connection with a number of merchandise packages having many different sizes and/or shapes.  
         [0031]    It should be noted that the display system  10  can have numerous modifications and variations. For instance, the display system  10  can be used without the support hook  24  or the guide hook  34 . Further, the U-shaped guide hook  34  can be provided with a single rod construction (see, for instance, FIG. 4). Moreover, the U-shaped rod  30  of the support hook  24  can also be provided with a single rod construction similar to that of the guide hook  34  shown in FIG. 4. In addition, the mechanisms for mounting the peg hook  14 , the support hook  24  and the guide hook  34  to the pegboard  11  (i.e., the brackets  26  and  36  and prongs  16 ,  28 ,  38 ) are interchangeable and/or can be replaced with other conventional mounting mechanisms. Further, while the guide hook  34  is illustrated in FIGS.  1 - 3  as being located on the right side of the display system  10 , it can be located on the left side, provided that the stop section  44  is bent in an opposite direction (see, for instance, FIG. 5) The order of mounting the peg hook  14 , the support hook  24  and the guide hook  34  to the pegboard  11  can also be different from the one described above, depending upon user preferences, package sizes/shapes, etc.  
         [0032]    FIGS.  6 - 8 , FIG. 9, FIG. 10 and FIGS.  11 - 14  depict second, third, fourth and fifth embodiments, respectively, of the present invention. Elements illustrated in FIGS.  6 - 8 , FIG. 9, FIG. 10 and FIGS.  11 - 14 , which correspond, either identically or substantially, in function or structure to the elements described above with respect to the display system  10  of FIGS.  1 - 3  have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by one hundred, two hundred, three hundred and four hundred, respectively. Unless otherwise stated or illustrated herein, the embodiments of FIGS.  6 - 14  are constructed and operate in the same basic manner as the display system  10  of FIGS.  1 - 3 .  
         [0033]    [0033]FIGS. 6 and 7 show a merchandise display system  110  constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. More particularly, the display system  110  is provided with a pegboard  111  having a plurality of openings  112 . The display system  110  also includes a peg hook unit  145  having an elongated support member  146 . The support member  146  has a rectangular shape and top and bottom portions  148 ,  150 . Bridges  152   a ,  152   b ,  152   c  are provided for interconnecting the top portion  148  of the support member  146  to the bottom portion  150  and are spaced substantially equally along the support member  146 . The support member  146  also includes a plurality of brackets  154   a ,  154   b ,  154   c  which are fixedly attached to the bridges  152   a ,  152   b ,  152   c , respectively, as well as to the top portion  148  of the support member  146 . The brackets  154   a ,  154   b ,  154   c  are provided with prongs  116   a ,  116   b ,  116   c , respectively, which are sized and shaped so as to be inserted into the openings  112  of the pegboard  111  for mounting the peg hook unit  145  to the pegboard  111 . Mounting hooks  114   a ,  114   b ,  114   c ,  114   d  extend from the support member  146  and include hook rods  118   a ,  118   b ,  118   c ,  118   d , respectively. The rods  118   a ,  118   b ,  118   c ,  118   d  are provided with leg portions  156   a ,  156   b ,  156   c ,  156   d , respectively. The leg portions  156   a ,  156   b ,  156   c ,  156   d  are fixedly attached to the top and bottom portions  148 ,  150  of the support member  146  such that when the peg hook unit  145  is mounted to the pegboard  111 , the rods  118   a ,  118   b ,  118   c ,  118   d  extend from the pegboard  111  in a generally downward manner (see FIG. 8). The rods  118   a ,  118   b ,  118   c ,  118   d  also include reinforcing members  158   a ,  158   b ,  158   c ,  158   d , respectively, connected to the top portion  148  of the support member  146  and the rods  118   a ,  118   b ,  118   c ,  118   d , respectively, for purposes to be discussed hereinafter. Alternatively, the reinforcing members  158   a ,  158   b ,  158   c ,  158   d  can be attached to the leg portions  156   a ,  156   b ,  156   c ,  156   d , respectively. The rods  118   a ,  118   b ,  118   c ,  118   d  also include upwardly angled end portions  120   a ,  120   b    120   c ,  120   d  located opposite the leg portions  156   a ,  156   b ,  156   c ,  156   d , respectively, functioning as a stop for packages supported therefrom.  
         [0034]    Still referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the display system  110  also includes a retainer member  160  having laterally spaced horizontal sections  162   a ,  162   b , laterally spaced angled sections  164   a ,  164   b  and a retainer section  166 . More particularly, the horizontal sections  162   a ,  162   b  are connected to the angled section  164   a ,  164   b , respectively, which in turn are connected to the retainer section  166 . The retainer member  160  also includes brackets  136   a ,  136   b  provided with prongs  138   a ,  138   b , respectively, for mounting the retainer member  160  to the pegboard  111 . The brackets  136   a ,  136   b  are fixedly attached to ends of the horizontal sections  162   a ,  162   b , respectively, such that when the retainer member  160  is mounted to the pegboard  111 , the horizontal sections  162   a ,  162   b  extend from the pegboard  111  in a substantially horizontal fashion, the angled sections  164   a ,  164   b  are oriented at a downward angle with respect to the pegboard  111  and the retainer section  166  is substantially parallel relative to the pegboard  111 . Guide rods  140   a ,  140   b ,  140   c  project from the retainer section  166  at a direction substantially parallel to the angled sections  164   a ,  164   b.    
         [0035]    For displaying merchandise packages  180 , the peg hook unit  145  is mounted to the pegboard  111 . Next, the packages  180  are mounted to the rods  118 a,  118 b,  118 c,  118 d of the peg hook unit  145 . The retainer member  160  is then mounted to the pegboard  111  below the peg hook unit  145  such that the retainer section  166  engages lower portions  186  of the front packages (i.e., those positioned at the front end of the display system  110 ) and such that the guide rods  140   a ,  140   b ,  140   c  and the angled section  164   b  engage associated lateral sides of the packages  180 . In this manner, the retainer section  166  inhibits the front packages and hence the remaining packages from tilting in an upward direction and thereby maintains the packages  180  in an upright (i.e., vertical) position. The guide rods  140   a ,  140   b ,  140   c  and the angled section  164   b  also inhibit the packages  180  from swinging (i.e., sticking) out laterally, thereby maintaining the packages  180  in a substantially linear fashion.  
         [0036]    It should be appreciated that the display system  110  provides numerous advantages over the prior art discussed above. For instance, the display system  110  shares many of the same advantages provided by the display system  10  shown in FIGS.  1 - 3 . Moreover, the reinforcing members  158   a ,  158   b ,  158   c ,  158   d  of the peg hook unit  145  provide additional support to the rods  118   a ,  118   b ,  118   c ,  118   d , respectively, and hence inhibit the rods  118   a ,  118   b ,  118   c ,  118   d  from over-bending when packages are loaded thereon.  
         [0037]    It should also be noted that the display system  110  can have many modifications and variations. For instance, although four mounting hooks  114   a ,  114   b ,  114   c ,  114   d  are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the display system  110  can be provided with a different number of mounting hooks depending on available spaces, package sizes, etc. Moreover, the guide rods  140   a ,  140   b ,  140   c  can be eliminated from the display system  110 . In addition, the peg hook unit  145  and/or the retainer member  160  can be treated with a suitable coating process (e.g. powder coating and zinc plating) for the purpose of providing them with a smooth slippery surface so as to enhance their appearance and/or functions (e.g. the packages  180  can slid easily on the peg hook unit  145  and/or the retainer member  160 ).  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 9 illustrates a merchandise display system  210  constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. More particularly, the display system  210  includes a bracket  254 , which has a pair of prongs  216 , and a hook rod  218 , which is equipped with a leg portion  256  fixedly attached to the bracket  254 . A reinforcing member  258  is connected between the rod  218  and the leg  256  for providing additional support to the rod  218  and hence inhibiting same from over-bending when packages (not shown in FIG. 9) are loaded on the rod  218 . The display system  210  also includes a guide rod  240  having a leg section  241 , which is connected to the bracket  254 , a guide section  242 , which extends from the leg section  241  at an angle (e.g., a 90° angle), and a stop section  244 , which extends from the guide section  242  at an angle (e.g., a 90° angle). The guide section  242  is sized and shaped so as to engage associated lateral sides of the packages and to inhibit same from swinging out laterally. In this manner, the guide section  242  maintains the packages in a substantially linear fashion. Likewise, the stop section  244  is sized and shaped so as to engage the front package to maintain the packages in a substantially upright position. The display system  210  has a rigid construction. Alternatively, the display system  210  can be made such that the orientation of the guide rod  240  can be adjusted to accommodate packages having different sizes.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 10 illustrates a merchandise display system  310  constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The display system  310  has a construction and operation identical to those of the display system  10  of FIGS.  1 - 3 , except as follows. The display system  310  includes a peg hook  314  which is provided with a peg rod  318  having a horizontal section  370 . The horizontal section  370 , which is preferably ¾ inch to 1 inch in length, is angled relative to the peg rod  318  such that when the peg hook  314  is properly mounted to a pegboard  311 , the horizontal section  370  assumes a substantially horizontal orientation. The display system  310  also includes a U-shaped support hook  324  which is provided with a support rod  330  having a horizontal section  331 . The horizontal section  331  of the support rod  330  has a length ranging preferably from ¾ inch to 1 inch. The horizontal section  331  is also angled relative to the support rod  330  such that when the support hook  324  is properly mounted to the pegboard  311 , the horizontal section  331  assumes a substantially horizontal orientation. Alternatively, the support rod  330  can have a construction identical to that of the support rod  30  of the display system  10  shown in FIGS.  1 - 3  (i.e., the support rod  330  can be linear throughout its length).  
         [0040]    Due to the horizontal section  370  of the peg rod  318  and/or the horizontal section  331  of the support rod  330 , less weight is exerted on packages  380  located at the horizontal sections  370 ,  331  (i.e., at the front sections of the peg rod  318  and support rod  330 ) by packages located behind same. In this manner, the horizontal section  370  and/or the horizontal section  331  further assist the packages  380  to assume an upright position. In addition, the horizontal sections  370 ,  331  cooperate to reduce friction between packages  380  located at the horizontal sections  370 ,  331 , thereby facilitating the removal of the front package  3801  from the display system  310 .  
         [0041]    It should be noted that display system  310  can have numerous modifications and variations. For instance, the display system  310  can be used without the support hook  324 . In such circumstances, the diameter of the peg hook  318  can be increased to compensate for the lack of bottom support. The horizontal section  370  and/or the horizontal section  331  can also be modified such that they are angled upwardly from the peg rod  318  and the support rod  330 , respectively, when the peg hook  314  and the support hook  324  are mounted from the pegboard  311 . In this manner, the weight of the packages  380  located at the horizontal sections  370 ,  331  can counteract with the weight of the packages  380  located behind same, further assisting the packages  380  to assume a proper orientation. This modification is particularly suitable when the display system  310  is used without the support hook  324 .  
         [0042]    It should also be noted that the horizontal section  370  of the peg rod  318  and/or horizontal section  331  of the support rod  330  can be incorporated into one or more of the embodiments of FIGS.  1 - 9 . For instance, a horizontal section can be provided in the mounting hooks  114   a ,  114   b ,  114   c ,  114   d  of the embodiment of FIGS.  6 - 8  and in the hook rod  218  of the embodiment of FIG. 9.  
         [0043]    FIGS.  11 - 13  illustrate a merchandise display system  410  constructed in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. For the sake of clarity, it is noted that FIG. 11 shows only one side of the display system  410 , the opposite side being a mirror image thereof. That is, the opposite side of the display system  410  has a construction basically identical to the side shown in FIG. 11. In such circumstances, the following discussion of the display system  410  will not include a discussion of the construction and operation of the opposite side.  
         [0044]    Referring to FIG. 11, the display system  410  includes a support frame assembly  470  having a plurality of rear vertical tubes  472 . The rear vertical tubes  472  extend in a vertical direction and are arranged linearly along a rear side of the display system  410  (i.e., in a lateral direction). Each of the rear vertical tubes  472  is provided with a plurality of U-shaped supporting bracket  474  securely attached (e.g., welded or bolted) thereto. Top and bottom horizontal tubes  476  extend between opposing lateral sides  478  (only one of which is shown in FIG. 11) of the display system  410  for securing the rear vertical tubes  472  thereto. Lateral top and bottom tubes  490  project in a direction transverse to the rear side of the display system  410 , while a front vertical tube  494  is connected to the lateral top and bottom tubes  490 . A top horizontal tube  477  extends from the front vertical tube  494  to a front vertical tube (not shown) located on the opposite lateral side of the display system  410 . Likewise, an intermediate horizontal tube  496  extends from the lateral bottom tube  490  to a lateral bottom tube (not shown) located on the opposite side of the display system  410 . A rack subassembly  498  extends between the lateral sides  478  of the display system  410  for supporting display boxes thereon (as indicated by broken line representation in FIG. 11). Each of the tubes  472 ,  476 ,  477 ,  490 ,  494 ,  496  of the support frame assembly  470  discussed above is preferably made from a rigid material, such as steel, and has a square-shaped cross-section. Alternatively, the tubes  472 ,  476 ,  477 ,  490 ,  494 ,  496  can be provided with different cross-sectional shapes.  
         [0045]    With reference to FIGS.  11 - 13 , the display system  410  is also provided with a horizontal support tube  497  which has a pair of ends  495 . The horizontal support tube  497  is preferably made from a rigid material, such as steel, and has a square-shaped cross-section. Alternatively, the horizontal support tube  497  can be provided with a different cross-sectional shape. Each of the ends  495  of the horizontal support tube  497  is sized and shaped so as to be removably received in a corresponding one of the U-shaped brackets  474  such that the horizontal support tube  497  can be securely mounted to the rear vertical tubes  472 . The horizontal support tube  497  is provided with a mounting rod  414  and a guide rod  434 . While additional mounting rods and guide rods are provided on the horizontal support tube  497 , because their construction and operation are identical to those of the mounting rod  414  and the guide rod  434 , respectively, they have been omitted from FIG. 11.  
         [0046]    Still referring to FIGS.  11 - 13 , the mounting rod  414  has a construction and operation basically identical to those of the peg hook  314  of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, except as follows. The mounting rod  414  has an end  416 , which is received in the horizontal support tube  497  through a hole formed therein, and a section  418  extending from the end  416 . The section  418  of the mounting rod  414  is securely welded to the horizontal support tube  497  at a rear portion thereof  418 ′. The mounting rod  414  is also provided with a horizontal section  470 , which projects from the section  418  at an angle, and a tip  420  which projects from the horizontal section  470  at an angle. In this manner, when the horizontal support tube  497  is properly supported from the rear vertical tubes  472 , the section  418  extends in a generally downward direction, while the horizontal section  470  assumes a substantially horizontal orientation.  
         [0047]    The guide rod  434  has a construction and operation basically identical to those of the guide rod  240  of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, except as follows. For instance, the guide rod  434  has an end  436  extending through and secured (e.g., welded or bolted) to the horizontal support tube  497 . A guide section  442  projects from the end  436 , while a stop section  444  projects from the guide section  442 .  
         [0048]    The display system  410  also includes horizontal support tubes  499  (see FIG. 11). More particularly, each of the horizontal support tubes  499  has a construction and operation identical to those of the horizontal support tube  497 . For instance, the horizontal support tubes  499  have mounting rods and guide rods (not shown) similar to the mounting rod  414  and the guide rod  434 . In such circumstances, a further discussion of the construction and operation of the horizontal support tubes  499  is considered unnecessary.  
         [0049]    It should be noted that the display system  410  can have numerous modifications and variations. For instance, the mounting rod  414  and the guide rod  434  can be attached to the horizontal support tube  497  by many different mechanisms. By way of example, the mounting rod  414  can be attached to the horizontal support tube  497  by a clip  493  bolted to same (see FIG. 14). The support frame assembly  470  can also be provided with different components or replaced with other supporting mechanisms. That is, the present invention can be used in connection with a wide range of support mechanisms, including wall systems, pegboards, support frames and other supporting systems. Moreover, the display system  410  can be provided with a support rod similar to the U-shaped support hook  324  of FIG. 10.  
         [0050]    It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications, including those discussed above, are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Technology Category: 1