Supports – Brackets – Plural – for single article
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-24
2001-11-20
King, Anita M. (Department: 3632)
Supports
Brackets
Plural, for single article
C040S606040, C211S104000, C108S077000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06318684
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to signage for a retail merchandising display fixture. More particularly, this invention relates to such signage in the form of a valance for the fixture which can be positioned in a closed, normal position, or in an open position to gain access to items which might be positioned behind the valance. More specifically, the structure of the present invention allows the signage to be illuminated.
BACKGROUND ART
Retailers are constantly seeking eye-catching ways to promote or otherwise identify items being displayed on their merchandising fixtures. While there are numerous methods of doing so, one popular concept is to present graphics relating to the merchandise on a valance-type configuration located at or near the top of the fixture. Some such valances have been back lighted to provide the effect of an illuminated signage. In its simplest form, such an illuminated valance may merely take the form of a light-containing box positioned on a shelf. However, such is expensive, takes up valuable shelf space, and is difficult to maintain, such as when the light source must be replaced.
Other types of valances advantageously serve to hide additional inventory of the merchandise being displayed or other items used by the retailer. These types of valances could be illuminated as well and usually include a hinged panel which hangs down and carries the signage. The problem with these devices arises when access must be gained to whatever is positioned behind the panel. The user must either hold the panel up with one hand, thereby freeing only the other hand to manipulate items behind the panel, or some secondary component, such as prop rods or the like, must be utilized to hold the panel in the up position. Such is not only inconvenient and mechanically complex, but also can increase the cost of the unit and, if not properly operated, can cause damage to the panel.
As a result, the need exists for a valance for a retail display fixture which is inexpensive and which is easy to operate, from an open to closed position, and which can be readily illuminated, if desired.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a graphic-carrying valance for a merchandising fixture which is readily positionable in an open or closed condition.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a valance, as above, which can be locked in the open position and readily unlocked to move it to the closed position.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a valance, as above, which is formed of a light-weight but wear-resistant plastic material thereby rendering it strong and durable and yet economically produceable.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a valance, as above, in which a portion thereof is formed of a translucent material thereby rendering it to be adapted for back lighting.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a valance, as above, which can readily receive and carry a graphic image such that the graphic image can be easily changed, as desired.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a valance, as above, which can be utilized with almost any style of merchandising fixtures.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a valance, as above, which can be readily cut to any length, as may be desired by the user.
These and other objects of the present invention, as well as the advantages thereof over existing prior art forms, which will become apparent from the description to follow, are accomplished by the improvements hereinafter described and claimed.
In general, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a graphic display device for a merchandising fixture includes longitudinally spaced arms and bracket assemblies adapted to be attached to the fixture. Each one of the bracket assemblies pivotally carries one of the arms. A panel extends between and is carried by the arms, the panel thereby being rotatable from a generally vertical orientation to a generally horizontal orientation. The arms and the brackets interconnect at one relative position to hold the panel in the generally horizontal orientation.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a graphic display device for a merchandising fixture includes a first arm and a second arm spaced from the first arm. A first bracket assembly pivotally carries the first arm and is adapted to be attached to the fixture. A second bracket assembly pivotally carries the second arm and is adapted to be attached to the fixture. A panel extends between and is carried by the first and second arms. The first and second bracket assemblies each include a flexible arm having a notch therein, and the first and second arms each include a cam surface to engage the flexible arm of the respective first and second bracket assemblies. Each cam surface has a lug to be received in a notch of the respective first and second bracket assemblies. The panel is thereby held in one position when the lugs are received in the notches.
A preferred exemplary valance for a merchandising fixture incorporating the concepts of the present invention is shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings without attempting to show all the various forms and modifications in which the invention might be embodied, the invention being measured by the appended claims and not by the details of the specification.
REFERENCES:
patent: 473919 (1892-05-01), Edsall
patent: 3550891 (1970-12-01), Scott
patent: 4323162 (1982-04-01), Steinhilber
patent: 4407476 (1983-10-01), Bohannan
patent: 4805331 (1989-02-01), Boggess et al.
patent: 5437116 (1995-08-01), Hardy
patent: 5860537 (1999-01-01), Loew
patent: 5924367 (1999-07-01), Henke et al.
patent: 6003697 (1999-12-01), Ferchat et al.
Installation Instructions for a product manufactured by RTC Industries, Rolling Meadows, Illinois (6/97).
Ireland David S.
Myler Jeffry A.
Darko Company, Inc.
King Anita M.
Renner Kenner Greive Bobak Taylor & Weber
Wood Kimberly
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