MXPA98006535A - Display rack with channel front member - Google Patents

Abstract

Un bastidor para exhibición (10) para soportar y exhibir artículos, que incluye una pluralidad de canales alargados (12), cada canal (12) es de una construcción integral, de una pieza, unitaria formada en una operación sencilla de moldeo de plástico. Cada canal (12) define un par de paredes laterales levantados espaciados lateralmente (20), una trayectoria sustancialmente plana (22) que conecta a las paredes laterales (29) en el fondo de las mismas, y un miembro frontal (24) espaciado encima de la trayectoria (22) y conectando las paredes laterales (20). La base del miembro frontal (24), el frente de la trayectoria y el frente de las paredes laterales definen cooperativamente una apertura (30) a través de la cual se puede ver una porción sustancial del artículo guía (Aï) en el canal. Los canales se aseguran en una relación adyacente de lado a lado, en paralelo longitudinalmente y transversalmente. De preferencia, el frente de la trayectoria se encuentra vacía de cualquier reborde o pared levantada que se extiende transversalmente.

Description

F- BAS IDOR FOR EXHIBITION WITH FRONTAL MEMBER OF THE CHANNEL Background of the Invention The invention relates to a display frame having channels from side to side, and more particularly to a display frame wherein each channel has a front member spaced above the path.

Typically a display rack for supporting and displaying articles is of either a horizontal type where a spring or other means must be provided to move the items (eg, bottles) in the forward channel as the guide article is removed of the same or a type 20 gravity feed where the front is tilted down so that the articles in the channel move forward under the influence of gravity as the guide article is removed from the channel, the frame for The display defines a plurality of channels, the several channels typically joined by virtue of a common floor or path, with the side walls of each channel defined by dividing members or in the case of the outer side walls of the outer channels, the side walls stops of the trajectory or floor member.

The present invention is especially adapted for use as a gravity feed display frame wherein the articles move down freely to the channel, over the top of the path and intermediate to the side walls, under the influence of gravity.

In a conventional display frame, the path of each channel is provided both with a front wall and a front ridge extending upward in front of the short distance path, sufficient to restrict the forward movement of an article traveling to down the channel. Because it is desirable for the display frame to expose a potential customer as much as possible to the front of the guide article in the channel, the front wall or the front flange is typically only an inch or two in height, often less than that. However, as the items increase in $ r size, most commonly for items that get taller, there is an increased tendency for items that collide with the front wall or on the flange The front panel is pulled forward over that front wall or flange, and either resting on them at an angle or falling from the display frame entirely on the floor. The tendency of articles that collide with the front wall or the flange to fall towards further arises from the fact that for reasons that are concerned with this molding operation, the rear part of the front flange is typically not strictly vertical, but rather tilts back and forth. Where the path is dirty and contains dust or particles sticky, the article may fall forward as it travels down the trajectory, even before it reaches the front wall or the front flange. Where the article is the only article in the channel, there is also a tendency for the article after hitting the front wall or the flange, bounce back and fall forward on the path.

In order to overcome this tendency to fall, many display frames are provided with a front member that is extends transversely, which is secured or passed through the sidewalls of the channels and is positioned at a height above the top of the path, so that the front member cooperates with the upstanding front wall or flange. stopping the movement forward of the article down the channel, presumably without dropping it. Of course, a disadvantage of the provision of this front member is that, just as the wall or the front flange interfere with a full view of the front of the guide article by the customer Jj? 10 potential. A further disadvantage of the known front members is that the user must join with the remainder of the display frame in an operating position. This introduces the additional expense of at least one additional piece that must be sent and manually assemble on the site, in order to provide a front member. The junction between the display frame and the additional part typically is not as strong as it would have been if the additional part were an original molded portion of the display frame. the side walls of the channel must also be of a greater thickness than others to receive and maintain the additional piece; this is unacceptable because the side walls of the thickest channel waste valuable freezer space by reducing the number of channels a rack can have of display of a given width. Still another disadvantage of the known front members is that a single front member serves for all or a portion of the channels of the frame, so that when it is necessary to simply add or subtract a channel from the display frame, one must have the appropriate number of channels for the front member that is used by means of the display frame, thereby destroying the desirable odularity of the display frame system.

In order to provide a complete view of the front of the guide article, the display frame was developed where the articles are not supported on the base thereof, but rather on the upper part thereof. In this way, the display frames used for bottles should hold the bottles around the neck, see for example, the display frames available under the NECK-TRACKER or NECK-GLIDE brands. However, these racks are too expensive for conventional use.

In use, there is typically wasted space in front and behind an exhibition frame. For example, if the shelf supporting the display frame is placed inside a refrigerator, the shelf does not actually extend upward from the front door or back door of the refrigerator nor does it extend the length that carries the article of the display frame. . The failure of the length of the display frame supporting the article to extend to the back wall of the refrigerator only wastes space that would otherwise be occupied with the items presented for sale in the display frame. However, the failure of the length of the display frame supporting the article to extend to the front panel - of the refrigerator, further reduces the visibility of the guide article in each channel to the potential customer and invites the vendor to fix signals and other items in On the back of the front panel, these items block the items from the eyes of potential customers.

In the use of a fixed-width display frame, there is typically a wasted space in at least one side of the display frame. For example, where the shelf that supports the display frame is placed inside the refrigerator, unless the display frame completely occupies the shelf that supports it inside the refrigerator, the space is wasted, which would otherwise be wasted. Use to store items for sale. Accordingly, it is desirable to have a modular display frame that typically consists of 5 or 6 channel wide main modules, a double width module having two channels side by side, and a single width module having only one single channel . With a variety of these modules, you can create an on-site display rack that typically fills almost completely available shelf width.

Separate elements, such as fasteners, have been used to join the modules together in a side-by-side relationship. However, these separate elements with * 10 Frequently they get lost during the sending of the modules for exhibition frames to the vendor, are difficult to assemble with the modules, or fail to provide the desired rigidity to the assembled modules. The modules are also combined without the use of fasteners several key / lock connectors of dovetail key vertical or horizontal vending and the like.

* These connectors are known to create problems for molders, or result in weak or loose connections, or in being difficult to assemble. Therefore, the The need remains for the means to releasably secure the modules together to create no problems for molders and to result in a tight and secure connection via a simple assembly process.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an exhibit frame having at least one elongated channel; each channel in a preferred embodiment is of a unitary, one-piece, integral construction that is formed inexpensively in a simple plastic molding operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide this display frame in a preferred embodiment, the * 10 which has a front member spaced above the path and at least partially bridges the side walls so that the base of the front member, the upper part of the front of the path and the front of the side walls define a opening to through which the front of the guide article in the channel can be seen by a potential client.

'* An additional objective is to provide this exhibition frame which, in a preferred embodiment, is characterized because the front of the path remaining devoid of any transversely extending raised wall or top flange and the front member that is spaced above the path sufficiently to join the guide article in the channel adjacent to the center and above the center of the inertia thereof.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an exhibit frame in which a preferred embodiment of the front of the guide article in channel 5 is fully visible.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an exhibit frame in which a preferred embodiment utilizes a key disengageable key and modified key hole system for a pair of adjacent channels of the display frame.

Yet another objective is to provide an exhibit frame wherein a preferred embodiment, the channel can extend forward and / or back beyond the support thereof. # Compendium of the Invention It has been found that the foregoing and the related objects and advantages of the present invention are obtained in a display frame for supporting and displaying the articles comprising a plurality of elongated channels and means for securing the side channels to side, longitudinally in parallel and transversely adjacent relationship. Each channel defines a pair of laterally spaced side walls, a substantially flat path connecting the side walls at the bases thereof, and a front member spaced above the path and at least partially bridging the side walls. The base of the frontal member, the upper part of the front of the trajectory, and the front of the lateral walls define cooperatively an opening through which a substantial portion of an article guide in the channel can be seen.

In a preferred embodiment of the front member is placed 13 forward of the front of the path and more particularly, the front member is placed forward of the front of the path for less than the thickness of an article in the channel. The bases of the front limb, the front of the path, and the front of the walls laterals define a generally rectangular opening. The front member is preferably substantially transparent, so that the front of the guide article in the channel is fully visible. Preferably all the display frame is formed of polypropylene transparent.

Preferably the front member is divided above the trajectory sufficient to engage the guide article in the channel no lower than the center of inertia of the same, and optimally adjacent to the center and above the center of the inertia thereof. The front of the path remains empty of any edge or stop wall that extends transversely.

The display frame may include for each channel, a front member auxiliately positioned intermediate the path and the front member and extending at least partially through the channel. The auxiliary front member can be interrupted, with each end thereof that extends from the side wall of the channel to the other end and ending before reaching it.

Each channel of preference of a unitary, one-piece and integral construction, formed in a simple operation of plastic molding.

The present invention also encloses a display frame for use with a support path having at least one front wall extending laterally and a rear wall extending laterally. The walls of the display frame are configured and sized to substantially divide the * base of the trajectory above the bases of the side walls and define a plurality of pairs of opening of the base divided laterally and aligned laterally of recesses extending upwards adjacent to the front and back thereof for a telescopic entry with the same of at least one front wall of the tray and a rear wall of the tray respectively, whereby the carrier length of the article of the display frame may exceed the length of a support tray resting thereon. The upper parts of the recesses are preferably below the bases of the trajectories. The present invention also encloses a disengageable safety system of key and key hole for a pair of channels of the adjacent display frame. Placed on one of the side walls of a pair of chassis channels for adjacent display, a generally flat lateral projection in the nature of a key. The key has a substantially flat inner potion on the upper surface and base thereof; a substantially flat average portion on one of the surfaces and defining a transverse flange extending normal to the substantially flat surface thereof, and a substantially flat outer portion on the other of the surfaces and defining a transverse flange extending normal towards the substantially flat surface thereof. Placed on an adjacent wall of the other pair of channels of the adjacent display frame is a hole with exit in the nature of a key hole. The key hole has an outer portion * s. 10 substantially flat defining a portion of a key hole in the plane of the adjacent side wall u and a substantially flat inner portion defining the remaining portion of a key hole of a key path in a plane parallel to the plane of the wall side adjacent. The exit hole defines a long passage that allows the passage of the key in it, and a restricted passage that communicates with the long passage and facilitates the passage of the same key only via the long passage. When the key is inserted completely in the passages , the transverse flange of the outer portion of the key loads an inner surface of the inner portion of the key hole, and the transverse flange of the central portion of the key loads an inner surface of the outer portion of the key hole. the key.

Brief Description of the Drawings The foregoing and the related objects, features and advantages of the present invention can be fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of the present preferred but illustrative embodiments of the present invention when studied in conjunction with the drawings. That # 10 accompany, where: Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the gravity feed display frame according to the present invention on a shelf with bottles on it; ^^ Figure 2 is a fragmentary top view of the bottles, the display frame and the shelf, taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the bottles, the frame and the shelf, on an enlarged scale, taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a fragmentary top plane view,? taken along line 4-4 of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a fragmentary plane view of the base, taken along line 5-5 of Figure 3; Figure 6 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken along line 6-6 of Figure 4; 'Jflk 10 Figure 7 is a fragmentary explored isometric view of the interconnecting structure of two adjacent channels; Figure 8 is a view of the fragmentary lateral lift assembly 15 of the two interconnecting channels, taken along line 8-8 of Figure 7m but with the interconnected channels, and; Figures 9 and 10 are fragmentary sectional views 20 taken along lines 9-9 and 10-10 respectively of Figure 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to Figures 1-6 thereof, there is illustrated an exhibit frame according to the present invention, generally designated by reference numeral 10 The frame 10 comprises at least one elongated channel generally designated 12, with generally designated means 14 being provided for the security of a plurality of channels 12 in an adjacent side-by-side, longitudinally parallel and transversely adjacent relationship. A variety of conventional mechanisms can be used to secure channels 12 in this relationship. A preferred means will be described later, but it will be recognized that other means are equally suitable, albeit with their own advantages and disadvantages. For example, while fasteners (not shown) can be used to secure the channels together, fasteners tend to be lost during shipping and typically do not provide the desirable level of safety when securing the channels together.

As best seen in Figures 1 and 2, each of the elongated channels 12 in an integral, one-piece, unitary construction formed in a simple plastic molding operation. The ability of each channel 12 to be formed into a simple plastic molding operation greatly reduces the costs thereof, increases the strength thereof, minimizes the width thereof, and avoids the need to preserve the * trajectory of several secondary parts, such as a separate front member that some time later must be secured to channel 12. The preferred channel is formed of a substantially transparent or clear material such as clear propylene, so as not to interfere with the front view of the guide article in the channel. Clear propylene is not only transparent, but also more strong, easy to clean and provides better slip than other materials that have been used conventionally for display frames, such as polystyrene, For reasons of economy, one can use instead of a completely transparent expensive material, one more economical, a substantially transparent material, such as partially clarified polypropylene. While clear or substantially transparent material is preferred, for reasons that will be apparent below, the opaque materials may be used instead. While the Polypropylene is somehow harder to mold than polystyrene, it is believed to provide service because its ease in cleaning, better slip, stronger and cheaper nature.

In its basic form, each channel 12 defines a pair of laterally spaced raised lateral walls 20, which extend 1 length of the channel, a substantially flat path 22 connecting the side walls 20 at the bases thereof (and also extend the length of the channel). frame) and a front member 24 divided above the path 22 and connects the side walls 20 adjacent the fronts thereof. Unlike the trajectories of the conventional display frames, the front of the path 22 is preferably not having any front flange or wall running transversely standing from the front of the path 22. The front member 2-4 is placed forward of the front of the path 22, preferably by less than the thickness of an article A (eg, a bottle) in the channel 12, so that the base of the guide article A 'can not fall into the gap between the plane vertical of the front member 24 and the vertical plane of the rear part of the front of the path 22. The lateral paths 20 may be rigid or resiliently flexible.

As best seen in Figure 3, the base of the front member 24, the upper part of the front of the path 22 and the opening 30 through which a substantial portion of the front of an article A 'in the channel 12 can See a potential customer The opening 30 thus formed, preferably is generally rectangular off the line. Where the front member 24 is transparent, the entire front of the guide article in channel 12 is completely visible, due to the absence of any front flange or wall stopped from the path 22. Even where the front member is not transparent, but assuming that any secondary or auxiliary front wall is transparent or not present, the opening 30 typically substantially presents a total quadrant of the guide article At for the view of a potential customer; the quadrant mentioned being half the base of the front half of the article, this quadrant in the case of a bottle, typically extends the full width of the bottle and upwards by approximately one third of approximately half the height of the bottle, typically in the area of approximately 10 square inches.

In order for the front member 24 to limit forward movement of the guide article A 'in the channel 12, the front member 24 is divided above the path 22 sufficiently to join the guide article A' in the channel 12 not lower than the center of the inertia of the same, so that there is no tendency for the article to guide A 'to fall on the front member 24. More particularly, the front member 24 is preferably divided above the path 22, enough to engage or join the article A' in the channel 12 above the center of the inertia thereof; the presence of a second article A 'immediately behind the first article or of the guide article A * and the weight of the guide article A' cooperating to minimize any tendency of article Ar to skid the base thereof forward while the The upper portion thereof is restricted by means of the front member 24. Optimally, the front member 24 is divided above the path 22 sufficiently to join the guide article A 'in channel 12 adjacent to the center and above the center of inertia of it, in others words, closely above the center of inertia of the same.

It will be appreciated that while the front of the path 22 preferably has no wall or flange extending transversely lifted therefrom, this raised wall or flange (not shown) can be provided at the front of the path 22, since it cooperates with the front member 24 in stopping forward movement of the guide article in the channel or when less does not interfere with the operation of the front member 24 in this aspect. This interference can be caused by a > Jp > lower portion of the raised front wall or flange that makes forward contact of the traveling article in channel before the front member 24 does so, with the resulting tendency to cause the leading article to fall forward.

As is common in the industry, path 22 may have its upper surface on it or it may be constituted substantially by a plurality of raised longitudinally extending relieves 40 to minimize friction between the articles A and the path 22 and thereby facilitate the movement of the articles down the path under the influence of gravity. Clearly, the channels 12 in accordance with the present invention can be provided with separation support segments 42 so as to facilitate that the overall length of the display frame is shortened to fit within the refrigeration units available, ~ "storage areas and the like.

As best seen in Figure 3, while a single front member 24 is disclosed for each channel 12. clearly a single front member 24 can be replaced by two or more relatively front members «Thin 24a, 24b. The two front members-_24a, 24b can be extended in parallel continuously through the channel 12 or one (as the base 24b is illustrated) or both can be interrupted to facilitate direct view of the guide article A. "The upper front member 24a is preferably placed at a height near the center of inertia of the articles to stop forward movement of the guide article A 'while the lower front member 24b is preferably placed at a height above the path 22 less than the diameter or thickness of the articles A to exclude the ability of a dropped article A to slide down the path 22 to pass in the middle of the front member of the base 24b and the top of trajectory 22.

As the display frame is commonly used in the round articles, co or bottles, the front member 24 as well as the front of the path 22 have been illustrated as arched or curved. However, it will be appreciated that for articles having a flat front, the front member 24 / and if desired the front of the trajectory 22) planes may extend through the channel 12. ß, A logo or a decorative piece (not shown) can be molded on the front of the continuous front member 24 during manufacture thereof or secured thereto time later to provide promotional or commercial information.

The display frame 10 is illustrated in Figures 1-6 as supported by a conventional support shelf, generally designated 50. The conventional support shelf 50 illustrated is adapted for use in a refrigeration unit (not shown) although clearly other support shelves can be used (ie, shelves that are not for refining units). .

The rack of the refrigeration unit consists of cylindrical members of narrow diameter, rods, wires and the like, secured together with spaces between them in order to allow fresh air to pass easily between them. The shelf 50 has a wall transverse front 52 and a transverse support wall 54; each wall 52, 54, are formed of an upper rod 56, a rod of the base 58 and a plurality of intermediate spaced balls 60. A plurality of longitudinal members spaced apart laterally 62 extend from between the rods of the base 58 and the balls 50 in the front wall 52 to between jK the rods of the base 58 and the balls 60 in a support wall 54.

As illustrated, the shelf 50 is inclined toward the horizontal, so as to effect an orientation fed by gravity where the bottles move on a slippery path 22 from the rear of the shelf 54 to the front of the shelf 52 , under the influence of gravity. Alternatively, the shelf 50 can be oriented horizontally and the display frame 10 tilts to effect the same movement. As these support shelves are well known, it is not considered necessary to describe the details thereof in the present.

The shelf 50 can extend from one side wall of the cooling unit to the other. However, it will often not extend throughout the part rear of the cooling unit or all along the front of the cooling unit, or both. In order to facilitate the use of the front and rear space available in the refrigeration unit, the display frame 10 preferably has an envelope lengthwise relative to the shelf 50, so that it can accommodate the additional articles A on the same). Referring now especially to Figures 1 and 4-5, adjacent to the front end 52 and the channel 12, the bases of the side walls of the channel 20 define a plurality of laterally spaced and laterally aligned pairs of narrow opening recesses in the base extending upwardly 70. Additionally, the front of the trajectory 22 preferably defines at least one additional narrow recess 70A formed by lugs which are * - > 10 extend transversely dependent 71. Each of the recesses 70, 70A are configured and dimensioned to telescopically receive therein the upper rod 56 of the front wall 52 of the support shelf 50. This provides flexibility in the positioning of the display 10 in relation to the support shelf 50. The display frame 10 can be placed on the shelf 50 so that the guide article A "extends at least partially forwardly beyond the shelf 50. Thus the front end of the display frame 10 is placed on the front end 52 of the support shelf 50 so that the slidable and at least partial telescopic connection between the front wall 52 of the support shelf 50 and a recess 70 or 70A at the base of the display frame 10 is relatively compact to limit the longitudinal relative movement. Less reduction is required for the sliding connection and at least telescopic * partial of the rear end 54 of the support shelf 50 and one of the separation support segments 42 of the display frame 10. Preferably the portion of display frame support 10 (especially the areas under the separation support segments 42, when present) include dependent contiguity brakes 64 which are defined therebetween to recesses 70"opening widths in the base extending up. The brakes 64 extend transversely through the display frame 10 between the side walls 20 and project down therefrom to limit the sliding movement of the rear of the display frame 10 relative to the rear wall 54. of the support shelf 50. In this way, the rear end segment 42 of the display frame 10 can be hung on top of the rear wall 54 of the support shelf 50, just as the front end of the display frame can be hang on top of the front wall 52 of the support shelf 50.

The recesses 70, 70A, 70 'are configured and dimensioned for the telescopic entry therein of at least one of the front and rear walls of the support shelves , 52, 54, respectively, so that the useful length that transports the article of the display frame 10 can k exceeding the length of the support shelf 50 resting on it. In other words, the vertical telescopic action between the recesses of the display frame 70, 70A, 70 'and at least one of the back and front walls of the support shelf 52, 54, facilitates the support length of the frame article of the frame. display 10 to exceed the length of the support shelf 50.

It will be appreciated that the gaps between the support shelf 50 or the display frame 10 and the rear wall of the cooling unit on one side and the front wall of the cooling unit on the other side are not essential with the elements of the illustrated type as the spaces open therethrough allow fresh air to flow through the support shelf and the display frame.

It will be appreciated that there is some sacrifice in the height of the 20 items that can be used on the display frame, so as to facilitate the side walls of the above described channel 20 to maintain the base of the path 22 spaced above the part top of the support shelf 50, and thereby facilitate the above-described telescopic action between the display frame or the support shelf and facilitate the display frame and support shelf j and facilitate the display frame to have a footprint greater and sustain a greater amount of items.

Referring now to Figures 7-10, the means 14 is illustrated therein to secure the channels 12 in an adjacent side-to-side relationship, longitudinally and transversely parallel, to form the multiple channel display frame 10. A middle of The preferred security is the key disengageable key and key hole system for a pair of channels of the adjacent display frame 12A, 12B, having adjacent side walls 20A and 20B respectively.

Placed on an outer surface of the side wall 20A, there is a generally flat lateral projection, generally designated 69, in the nature and configuration of a key. The projection of the key 69 includes an inner portion 72, a middle portion 74, and a outer portion 78. inner portion 72 is substantially flat on both upper and base surfaces. The middle portion 74 is substantially flat on one of the surfaces of the base and top (as illustrated here, the surface of the base) and define a transverse flange 76 extending (here upwards) normal to the substantially planar surface of the J itself. The outer portion 78 is substantially flat on the other of the base and top surfaces (here the top surface) and defines a transverse flange 80 that extends normal toward the substantially planar surface thereof (down here).

In other words, the projection of the key 69 has an upper flange 76 and a lower flange 80 placed in r 10 parallel planes.

Placed on the adjacent side wall 20B is an outlet hole, generally designated 90, in the nature and configuration of a key hole. A The substantially flat outer portion 92 of the side wall 20B defines a portion of the key hole 90 in # the main plane of the side wall 20B, and a substantially flat interior portion 04 of the side wall 20B (formed by a local thickness of the side wall 20B) defines the remaining portion of the key hole 90 in a plane parallel to the plane of the main side wall. As can be seen minor in Figure 7, the outer surface 92 of the side wall 20B of the channel 12B is cut to define the half of the key hole and the surface inside 94 of the side wall 20B is cut to define the other half of the hole in the key 94. The hole with outlet 90 resembles a key hole as it defines a long passage 96 that facilitates the passage of the projection of the key 70 normally inside and outside thereof, and a restricted passage 98 communicating with the long passage 96 and facilitating the passage of the projection of the key 60 therein and outside thereof only along the long passage 96.

When the projection of the key 69 is fully inserted into the restricted passage 98, the transverse flange 80 (here extending upwards) of the middle portion 74 of the projection of the key 69 loads on an inner surface of the outer portion. 92 of the key 90 hole.

The security means 14 of the present invention provides a releasable security system to provide a tight and secure relationship between the two channels 12A and 12B. The security means 14 accomplishes this by the means that produce as tight a union as the distribution of the dovetail, but nevertheless does not require the precision of the distribution skill of the dovetail. To use the security means 14, the two channels 12A, 12B are placed in a side-by-side arrangement with the projection of the key 69 aligned laterally with the key hole 90. The two channels 12A, 12B then move further close together, so that the side walls 20A and 20B make contact and the projection of the key 69 extends in and partially through the key hole 90. At this point, the channel 12A moves forward in relation to the channel 12B so that the upper flange 76 bears on the inner surface of the outer portion 92 of the side wall 20B, and the flange of the base 80 loads on the inner surface of the inner portion 94. This action results in the projection of the key 69 which is repositioned within the key hole 90, from the long passage 96 (see Figure 9) in the relatively narrow restricted passage 98 (see Figure 10).

To summarize, the present invention provides an exhibit frame having at least one elongated channel; each channel in a preferred embodiment is of an integral, one-piece, unitary construction that is formed inexpensively in a simple plastic molding operation. In another preferred embodiment, a front member is positioned above the path and at least partially forms a bridge to the side walls, so that the base of the front member, the upper part of the front of the path and the front of the side walls they define an opening through which the front of the article guides in jH the channel can be seen by a potential client. In another preferred embodiment, the front of the path is vacant from any wall or raised top flange 5 extending transversely, and the front member divides above the path, enough to engage the guide article in the channel adjacent to the guide. center and above the center of the inertia of it. In a further preferred embodiment, the front of the article guides in the channel is totally visible. A preferred embodiment of the display frame utilizes a disengageable key lock system and modified key hole to secure a pair of channels from adjacent display frames. In another additional preferred embodiment. The channel can be extended forward and / or back beyond the support thereof.

Now that the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail, several Modifications and improvements thereof will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention is to be broadly constructed and limited only by the appended claims and not by the previous specification.

Claims (28)

w CLAIMS

1. A display frame for supporting and displaying raised elongated articles, comprising: (A) a plurality of elongated channels, each channel defining: (i) a pair of side walls raised spaced 15 laterally, (II) a substantially flat article support path that connects with the side walls at the bases thereof, and (iii) a front member spaced above the 20 path, secured to at least one of the side walls and at least partially joining the side walls; the base of the front member, the upper part of the front of the path and the front of the side walls cooperatively define an opening through which a substantial portion of a raised guide article can be seen in the channel, and;

(B) means for securing the channels in the adjacent relationship from side to side, in parallel longitudinally and transversely. 2. The display frame of Claim 1, wherein the front member is positioned forward of the front of the path.

3. The display frame of Claim 2, wherein the front of the member is positioned forward of the front of the path for less than the thickness of an article in the channel.

4. The display frame of Claim 1, wherein the base of the front member, the front of the path and the front of the side walls define a generally rectangular opening.

^^ 5. The display frame of Claim 1, wherein the front member is substantially transparent, whereby the front of the guide article in the channel is fully visible.

6. The display frame of Claim 1, wherein the display frame is formed of transparent polypropylene.

7. The display frame of Claim 1 wherein the front member divides above the trajectory sufficient to engage the guide article raised in the channel no lower than the center of inertia of the guide article.

8. The display frame of Claim 1, at 20 where the front member divides above the trajectory sufficiently to engage the guide article raised in the channel above the center of inertia of the guide article.

9. The display frame of Claim 1, wherein the front member divides above the trajectory sufficiently to engage the raised article in the channel adjacent to the center and above the center of inertia of the guide article.

10. The display frame of Claim 1, wherein the front of the path is empty of any wall or raised ridge that extends 10 transversely.

11. The display frame of Claim 1, which includes for each channel an auxiliary front member positioned in the middle of the path and the front member and extending 15 at least partially through the channel.

12. The display frame of Claim 11, wherein the auxiliary front member is interrupted and each end thereof extends from a side wall of the 20 channel to the other end and ends before it reaches it.

13. The display frame of Claim 11, wherein the front member is interrupted and each end thereof extends from one side wall of the channel to the other end and ends before it reaches it.

14. The display frame of Claim 1, for use with a support tray having at least one laterally extending front wall and a laterally extending rear wall, wherein the side walls are configured and dimensioned to substantially divide. the bottom of the path above the bases of the side walls and define a plurality of pairs of lateral openings laterally spaced and aligned laterally of the recesses extending upwards adjacent to the front and rear thereof for the telescopic entry with the same at least one front wall 15 of the tray and one rear wall of the tray respectively, whereby the supporting length of the article of the display frame can exceed the length of a support tray.

15. The display frame of Claim 14, wherein the upper portions of the recesses are below the bottoms of the paths.

16. The display frame of Claim 1 further includes means for each channel to substantially space the base of the path on top of a support tray having at least one front wall that is raised extending laterally and a rear wall that is raised extending laterally, while 5 which simultaneously allows telescopic entry of at least one of the front walls and the rear wall of the tray therein, so that the display frame has an article-supporting length that can be over-extended and extended beyond when minus one of tj ^ 10 the front walls and back walls of the tray.

17. The display frame of Claim 1, wherein each channel is of integral construction, of a unitary piece formed in a simple molding operation. 15 plastic.

18. A display frame for supporting and displaying raised items comprising; (A) A plurality of elongated channels, each one is an integral construction of a unitary piece formed in a simple plastic molding operation and which defines: (i) a pair of raised walls spaced laterally, (ii) a substantially flat path connecting the side walls at the bases thereof, the front of the path is empty of any raised edge or wall that extends transversely , Y; (ili) a transparent front member formed of polypropylene placed forward of the front of the path secured to at least one of the side walls and at least partially joining the side walls; this front member divides above the trajectory sufficiently to engage the guide article in the channel adjacent to the center and above the center of inertia of the guide article; the bottom of the front member, the upper part of the front of the path and the front of the side walls cooperatively define a generally rectangular aperture through which a substantial portion of the guide article can be seen in the channel, and (B) means for securing the channels in an adjacent side-to-side, parallel relationship longitudinally and transversely. _ ^ F **

19. The display frame of Claim 18 including for each channel an auxiliary front member positioned between the path and the front member and extending at least partially through the channel.

20. The display frame of Claim 19, wherein the auxiliary front member is interrupted and each end thereof extends from a side wall of the 10 channel to the other end and ends before reaching it.

21. A display frame for supporting and displaying articles, for use with a support tray having at least one front wall that extends laterally and a laterally extending raised rear wall, comprising: (A) a plurality of elongated channels that define: 20 (i) a pair of side walls raised laterally spaced and; (ii) a substantially flat trajectory connecting the side walls at the bottoms thereof, and; (B) means for securing the channels in an adjacent side-to-side relationship, in parallel longitudinally and transversely; these side walls are shaped and dimensioned to substantially space the bottom of the path on top of the bottoms of the side walls and define a plurality of the laterally spaced and laterally aligned pairs of the bottom opening recesses extending upwards, adjacent in front and behind the same for the telescopic entry therein of at least one front wall of the tray and a rear wall of the tray respectively, whereby the display frame has a support length of the article which can extend the length of the support tray that rests on it.

22. The display frame of Claim 1, wherein the upper portions of the recesses are below the bases of the paths.

23. The display frame of Claim 21 further includes channel means for substantially spacing the base of the path on top of a support tray having at least one front wall. * raised laterally extending and a rear wall extending laterally extending, while simultaneously allowing telescopic entry of at least one of the front walls and rear wall of the tray therein, so that the display frame can overhang and extend beyond at least one of the front wall and back wall of the tray.

24. The display frame of claim 21, wherein each channel is an integral, one-piece, integral construction formed in a simple plastic molding operation.

25. A display frame for supporting and displaying articles, for use with a support tray having at least one front wall extending laterally extending and a laterally extending raised rear wall, comprising: (A) a plurality of elongated channels that define: (i) a pair of raised lateral walls spaced laterally and; (ii) a substantially flat trajectory that connects A to the side walls in the bottoms thereof, and; (iii) means for substantially spacing the base of the path on top of a support tray having at least one front wall that extends laterally and a rear wall extending laterally, while simultaneously allowing telescopic entry of at least one of the # 10 front walls and the rear wall of the tray therein, so that the display frame has an article support length that can be overlapped and extend beyond at least one of the front walls and rear walls of the tray. - 15 (B) means for securing the channels in an adjacent side-to-side relationship, in parallel longitudinally and transversely;

26. The display rack of Claim 25, wherein each channel is an integral, one-piece, integral construction formed in a simple plastic molding operation.

27. A lockable wrench and key hole security system for a pair of channels of the adjacent display frame comprising: 5 (A) a generally flat lateral projection in the nature of a key disposed on a side wall of a pair of channels of the adjacent display frame and having: 10 (i) an interior portion substantially planar on both sides of the bottom and upper thereof, (ii) a substantially planar middle portion on one of the surfaces and defining a transverse flange extending normal to the 15 flat surface substantially thereof, and; (B) an exit hole in the nature of a key path disposed on an adjacent side wall on the other of the channel pairs of the frame 20 adjacent exhibit and that has: (i) a substantially flat inner portion defining a portion of the key hole in the plane of the adjacent side wall, and (ii) a substantially flat outer portion that - * ^ -. defines the remaining portion of a hole in the key in a plane parallel to the plane of the adjacent side wall, the exit hole defines a long passage that allows the passage of the key and a restricted passage that communicates with the long passage and allows the passage of the key only via the long passageway 10 so that when the key is inserted completely in the restricted passage, the transverse flange of the outer portion of the key loads on an inner surface of the inner portion of the key hole, and the transverse flange of the central portion of the key loads an inner surface of the outer portion of the key thereon. key hole.

28. A display rack for supporting and displaying 20 items for use with a support tray having at least one laterally extending front wall and a laterally extending rear wall, comprising: 25 (A) a plurality of elongated channels, each channel is m. of unitary construction of a piece, integral formed in a simple plastic molding operation and which defines: (i) a pair of raised side walls spaced laterally. (ii) a substantially flat trajectory connecting the side walls at the bottom thereof; the front of the path is 10 is empty of any wall or raised ridge that extends transversely and, (iii) a transparent front member placed forwardly of the front of the path, secured to at least one of the side walls and when 15 less partially joining the side walls; the front member is spaced above the path sufficiently to engage the guide article in the adjacent channel towards the center and above the center of the inertia of the article 20 guide; the bottom of the front member, the upper part of the front of the path and the front of the side walls cooperatively define an opening through which a substantial portion of the guide article in the channel can be seen, and; the side walls are configured and dimensioned to 5 substantially space the bottom of the path above the bottoms of the side walls and define a plurality of laterally spaced and laterally aligned pairs of the bottom opening recesses extending upwardly adjacent to the front and rear of the 10 same for the telescopic entry therein of at least one of the front walls of the tray and one of the rear walls of the tray respectively, whereby the length of the e4xhibition frame may exceed the length of the support tray which rest on top, and; 15 (B) means to secure the channels in a relationship «Adjacent from side to side, parallel longitudinally and transversely,; These security means include a disengageable security system of key or hole 20 key for a pair of channels of the adjacent display frame, comprising: (a) a generally planar lateral projection in the nature of a key positioned on a side wall of one of the pairs of adjacent channels and having: (i) a substantially flat inner portion on * both upper and base surfaces thereof; (ii) a substantially planar median portion on one of the surfaces and defining a transverse flange extending normal toward a substantially planar surface thereof, and (iii) a substantially planar outer portion on another of the surfaces and defining a portion thereof. eyelash 10 transverse extending normal to the substantially planar surface thereof, and; (b) an exit hole in the nature of a key path disposed on an adjacent side wall on the other pair of adjacent channels and having; (i) a substantially flat inner portion defining a portion of a key hole in the plane of the adjacent side wall, and (20) a substantially flat outer portion defining the remaining portion of a key hole in a plane parallel to the adjacent flat side wall, the exit hole defines a long passage that allows the passage of the key and a restricted passage that is * communicates with the long passage and facilitates the passage of the key only via the long passage; so that when the key is fully inserted into the restricted passage, the transverse flange of the outer portion of the key loads an inner surface of the inner portion of the key hole in it. 10 the key, and the transverse flange of the central portion of the key loads an inner surface of the outer portion of the key hole. fifteen « twenty