Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02490394 2004-12-13
DISPLAY RACK
Christopher A. Kin
Henry R. Kin
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to display racks for drapable items, and more
particularly
to portable display racks for displaying items such as rugs in a cascading
orientation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The typical consumer of rugs desires to view the entire rug prior to purchase.
With larger sizes of area rugs, display and access to full view inspection is
often space
prohibitive. Rugs may be displayed, for example, on a floor or table stacked
on one
another. However, due to the size and weight of most rugs, the rugs are often
difficult
to maneuver, and thus, do not allow the consumer to conveniently obtain a
complete
view of the front and back sides of the rug. Generally also, the one rug of
interest to a
particular customer is near the bottom of the entire stack.
Heretofore, it has also been known to display rugs with hanging assemblies,
wherein the rugs are supported in hanging relation by a plurality of rotatable
rug
hangers and movable toward and away from each other so as to allow a consumer
to
1 S obtain a view of the rug. However, such hanging assemblies require a large
area of
display surface, require substantial structural components, and are often
difficult and
time intensive to assemble. Other retailers would like to have a display that
can be
moved out of the way when desired, or movable to compare rugs with other
products,
such as material for draperies, flooring products or furniture.
Accordingly, there is a need for a rug display rack configured to provide the
consumer with an acceptable view of the rug, while minimizing space
requirements
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CA 02490394 2004-12-13
and assembly time for the vendor and improving the adaptability of uses for
the
display and its location.
SUMM aRY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention is intended to address and obviate
problems and shortcomings and otherwise improve previous display racks.
To achieve the foregoing and other objects and in accordance with the
exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a display rack for a plurality
of
drapable items comprises a front face oriented at a first display angle and a
retaining
assembly associated with the front face. The retaining assembly comprises a
plurality
of laterally extending cross members spaced from one another in cascade
conf guration. Each of the cross members may include a first retainer edge.
To still further achieve the foregoing and other objects of the present
invention, a display rack for a plurality of drapable items comprises a frame
having a
front face oriented at a first display angle and a rear section associated
with the front
face. The display rack further comprises a retaining assembly associated with
the
frame and comprises a plurality of laterally extending cross members spaced
from one
another in an angled cascade configuration. Each of the cross members may
include a
retainer edge.
Still other embodiments, combinations, advantages and objects of the present
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following
descriptions wherein there are shown and described alternative exemplary
embodiments of this invention for illustration purposes. As will be realized,
the
invention is capable of other different aspects, objects and embodiments all
without
departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings, objects,
and
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CA 02490394 2004-12-13
description should be regarded as illustrative and exemplary in nature only
and not as
restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and
distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed that the same will
be better
understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary display rack of the present
invention;
FIG. 2 is a cross section view of FIG. 1 along lines 2-2 illustrating a
portion of
several draped items between cross members in accordance with the present
invention;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 2, illustrating further detail of
adjacent
1 ~ cross members of this embodiment; and
FIG. 4 is a partially cut out front view of the display rack of FIGS. l and 2
illustrating a plurality of draped items loaded on rack in accordance with the
present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRTPTION OF EXEMPLAR' EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the drawing figures in detail, wherein like numerals indicate the
same elements throughout the drawing figures, FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an
embodiment of
a display rack and its components. Generally, the rack 10 may be supported on
a
display surface or floor 80, but may also be hung from a vertical surface in
another
CA 02490394 2004-12-13
embodiment. The rack 10 and its components may be comprised of steel tubing or
other durable material. In one embodiment, the rack 1 G may stand
approximately S'
tall, 6' wide and 3' deep. Such dimensions are provided as an example which
might
allow rack to display 10 or so area rugs of up to about 6' x 9' in size. Of
course, the
rack 10 may be configured with any number of dimensions to display any number
and
sizes of rugs or similar drapable items (hereinafter the term "rugs" will be
used to
generally connote any drapable products to be displayed). Moreover, while rack
10 is
generally illustrated with an angular and overall rectangular configuration,
it is to be
understood that it could equally be round in shape or include other such
aesthetic
designs to display rugs of all shapes. In addition, it is contemplated that
one or more
racks 10 can be placed generally back-to-back to display any desired number of
rugs.
As will be discussed, rugs may be displayed by the rack 10 in a cascading or
"tiled" configuration from the bottom up so that when fully loaded, the rack
will
display, and a customer can see, a portion of every rug without having to
first flip the
or move overlying rugs. The tiled arrangement, where the lower portion of
numerous
overlying rugs can be seen, is shown in FIG. 4. Again, while the rack 10 is
described
herein as being used to display rugs, it is contemplated that the rack may be
used to
display any number of drapable items including, for example, curtains, towels,
or
other such items.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, rack 10 comprises a frame 12 having a front face or
display section 20 and a rear section 40. Furthermore, as discussed later
herein, rack
10 is illustrated as also comprising a retaining or cascade assembly 60. As
illustrated,
frame 12 of rack 10 comprises a substantially unencumbered center portion.
Front
face 20 may include two front posts 22 each having a first end 24 and a second
end
2~ 26. If desired, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 4 one or more transverse posts 27
may be
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CA 02490394 2004-12-13
secured between tiont posts 22. As illustrated, posts 22 may be angled
upwardly and
rearwardly from the consumer to create a display angle a'. It has been found
that
such a display angle can contribute (along with the cascade assembly described
later
herein) to a "waterfall" type appearance which enhances visibility of the
products and
overall desirability of the display. As shown, a' is the angle between first
end 24 and
second end 26 of front post 22. However, it is contemplated that an
appropriate
display angle may be measured between any portion of front post 22 and another
part
of the frame or the horizontal.
The display angle serves many functions. First, it is believed that the
display
angle gives the drapable items an aesthetically pleasing appearance to a
consumer.
More particularly, because all drapable items (e.g. rugs) are angled up toward
an
approaching consumer, the consumer is better able to capture a glimpse of all
rugs,
rather than just those toward the top (e.g. FIG. 4). Another function of the
display
angle is to enhance stability of a loaded rack 10. For example, and as
discussed later
herein, because the front face 20 is angled, first ends 24 of front posts 22
are
positioned further away from rear posts 42, thereby establishing a more
stable, lower
center of gravity of rack 10. Of course, while rack 10 is described herein as
having a
display angle, it should be understood that in another embodiment, front face
20 may
be substantially perpendicular with regard to the horizontal. Where an angled
front
face is desired, the display angle a' may be increased or decreased according
to the
overall size of the rack, the number and weight of the items to be displayed,
floor
space constraints and/or aesthetic preferences. In one embodiment, for
example,
display angle al may be configured at approximately 166° to first end
24 of front post
22.
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As previously mentioned, front face 20 may comprise one or more transverse
posts 27. It is contemplated that transverse posts 27 will help hold the
drapable items
in a desired display configuration corresponding to the display angle chosen,
and will
prevent the items from simply hanging vertically between front posts 22. In
other
embodiments, transverse posts 27 may be accomplished with any of a variety of
configurations such as, for example, X-shaped beams extending between front
posts
22.
The rear section 40 may similarly comprise one or more posts (e.g. rear posts
42) each having a first end 44 and a second end 46. As discussed later herein,
second
ends 46 of rear posts 42 may wrap around and be ultimately angled downwardly
to
form an attachment or resting surface 50 for accepting the retaining or
cascade
assembly 60. Of course, it should be understood that rear posts 42 may be
arranged in
a number of embodiments configured to provide support and stability for the
rack. If
desired, for example, stabilizing posts 47 may be secured between front face
and rear
section 20 and 40, respectively, with bolts, welds or other fastening
arrangements to
provide greater rigidity of the rack 10. In another embodiment, stabilizing
posts 47
may be used instead of rear section 40. In such an embodiment stabilizing
posts 47
may be secured to the front face, such as at front posts 22, transverse posts
27, or
directly to retaining or cascade assembly 60 at one end and interface the
floor at the
other end (reminiscent of an easel). Stabilizing posts 47 could provide
adequate
support for the front face 20 and cascade assembly 60 thereby allowing rear
section
40 to be partially or wholly eliminated. Also, as illustrated, one or more
support post
49 may be secured between front posts and rear posts 22 and 42, respectively,
to
further enhance stability.
CA 02490394 2004-12-13
As exemplified in FIGS. 1-4, each second end 26 and 46 of front and rear
posts 22 and 42 may be configured to provide for attachment of cascade
assembly 60.
In the embodiment illustrated, cascade assembly 60 may comprise two
longitudinal
arms 62 with a plurality of cross members 70 disposed therebetween. As
discussed
later herein, cross members 70 are configured to allow easy loading of a rug
and to
provide interference or "friction" to prevent a loaded rug or other drapable
item from
slipping down into the center of frame 12. Arms 62 may also be used to
removably
secure cascade assembly to the front face and rear section 20 and 40. For
example, as
illustrated, arms 62 may comprise proximal, medial and distal sections 64, 65
and 66,
respectively. In one embodiment, proximal section 64 of arm 62 may
telescopingly
interface with second end 26 of front post 22, such as at junctions 67. If
desired, snap
locks such as spring loaded detents or the like may be included to prevent the
proximal section 64 of arm 62 from disengaging second end 26 of front post 22.
In
another embodiment, proximal section 64 of arm 62 may be more intimately
secured
to front post 22 by any fastening arrangement. A roll bar 68 may be secured to
distal
section 66 of arm 62 for supporting turned rugs (discussed later herein)
flipped back
for viewing. Distal and medial sections 65 and 66 of arm 62 may be secured to
second
end 46 of rear post 42 with, for example, screws or other fasteners. This
design
facilitates easy breakdown for shipping or storage, as well as assembly upon
delivery.
Of course, it is contemplated that components of frame 12 may be arranged so
that it
can be permanently assembled.
As illustrated in the drawings, cascade assembly 60 can be secured at an angle
(e.g. cascade angle a2) relative to the front face 20. In one embodiment, for
example,
the angle between cascade assembly 60 and front face 20 (cascade angle a2) may
be
approximately 138°. Similar to display angle, this cascade angle may be
measured
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CA 02490394 2004-12-13
with the horizontal in normal practice, or when a display angle is not
desired. Of
course, where a cascade angle differing from the display angle is implemented,
cascade angle may be increased or decreased according to the overall size of
the rack,
the number and weight of the items to be displayed, floor space constraints
and/or
aesthetic preferences. It is anticipated that in any case, the cascade
assembly will
generally be angled rearwardly from the front face. In other words, angle aZ
will be
effectively different than the display angle of the front face.
The cascade angle az along with display angle a' contribute to a cascade
configuration or "waterfall" type appearance of drapable items displayed by
the rack
10. While creation of a cascade angle that differs from the display angle is
not critical,
nor necessary to the present invention, it is believed that the differing
angles can
provide enhanced visibility and display effects as well as greater stability
when the
rack is loaded with rugs. For example, the display angle and cascade angle
effectively
open or spread out the frame 12 from front to rear. More particularly, the
front posts
22 are further away from rear posts 42 as a result of the designed angles.
This
extended opening, coupled with the angle of the front face and cascade
assembly
(which help support the weight of the rugs), works to move the center of
gravity of
the rack forward and downward so that the rack can better accommodate its
loaded
weight. Moreover, this unique design, including the display and cascade
angles, can
be changed to "tune" a desired center of gravity according to the number and
weight
of the rugs to be displayed. In addition, as previously discussed, the design
also
allows items to be displayed in a pleasing and "viewable" manner, as discussed
below.
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CA 02490394 2004-12-13
As previously mentioned, cascade assembly 60 may comprise two arms 62
with a plurality of cross members 70 disposed therebetween. As illustrated in
FIGS.
1-4, cross members 70 of cascade assembly 60 are reminiscent of a sideways
"Z." As
a result of the adjacent, spaced cross members 70 configuration, lateral slots
71 are
S present between the cross members 70. As discussed later herein, lateral
slots 71 can
be used to "load" or "unload" rugs onto the rack 10, such as, for example,
feeding one
edge of the rug between the slots 71 and pulling it through to allow one end
of the rug
to drape within frame 12. When the cascade assembly 60 is secured to frame 12,
the
cross members 70 "cascade" upwardly and toward rear section 40 parallel second
end
46 of rear post 42. This orientation (as illustrated in FIG. 4) allows the
rugs to be
stacked adjacent one another, but also provides desired spacing so that when
viewing
rugs from the front of the rack, a customer can get a glimpse of the first rug
(at the
lowermost point of front face, as seen best in FIG. 4) and each rug adjacent
the first
rug (a portion of each displayed as the eye moves up the front face). Another
benefit
of this orientation (each progressive cross member 70 being positioned above
the
previous) is that a loaded rugs will drape substantially equidistantly into
the center of
the frame (assuming the rugs are of similar length) while maintaining a
cascading
appearance moving upward along front face (see FIG. 4).
FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section of FIG. 1 along points 2-2. FIG. 3
illustrates
a blown up portion of FIG. 2 to show cross member 70. As illustrated in FIGS.
2-3,
in one embodiment, each cxoss member 70 may comprise a first retainer edge 72,
an
extension plate 74 and a second retainer edge 76. Each cross member 70 may be
comprised of a unitary piece of steel which is bent to form retaining edges 72
and 76
and extension plate 74. In another embodiment, cross members 70 may be
comprised
CA 02490394 2004-12-13
of any material and components configured to apply friction to a drapable item
to
prevent the item from falling to a surface.
As best seen in the enlarged view of FIG. 3, first retainer edge 72 may be
used
to secure a loaded rug as a result of its upward angled orientation. More
particularly,
the upward orientation of first retainer edge 72 creates a natural but non-
destructive
friction between a rug 100 and the cross member 70 thereby preventing the rugs
from
sliding either toward the center of the frame 12 or the front face 20. As
shown in
FIGS. 1-3, first retainer edge 72 extends substantially across the entire
length of cross
member 70 and cascade assembly 60 (with the exception of a portion beneath the
arms 62). Such embodiment may be useful to create friction between a rug and a
cross
member substantially the entire length of the cascade assembly 60 or when more
than
one rug is to be displayed by an individual cross member 70. In such case,
several
rugs of lesser width might be loaded into a particular slot in side by side
relationship.
In another embodiment, cross member 70 may comprise a serrated retainer edge
or a
1 S plurality of first retainer edges (e.g, teeth or fingers) spatially
arranged along cross
member 70 and configured to provide friction between a rug and a cross member
Second retainer edge 76 may be secured to arms 62 of cascade assembly 60.
Second retainer edge 76 may be secured to arms 62 with a weld, bolts or
another
fastening arrangement. In addition, although not necessary, second retainer
edge 76
may be used to effectively define at least a portion of the spacing between
adjacent
space cross members 70, thereby contributing to the spatial arrangement of the
lateral
slots 71. Moreover, as discussed later herein, second retainer edge 76 may be
used to
create a natural but non-destructive friction between a rug 100 and the cross
member
70 when a rug is flipped rearward.
CA 02490394 2004-12-13
As seen in FIG. 3, the overlapping arrangement of adjacent cross members and
their spacing may help to impose a somewhat sinuous conformation to a loaded
rug.
As a result of such design and as seen in FIGS. 2-3, a rug 100 fed into a
lateral slot 71
between adjacent cross members 70 will tend to take on a sinuous shape between
contact points P, and PZ. Such design creates additional friction between the
rug 100
and first retainer edge 72, thereby helping to prevent the rug from
inadvertently
slipping to the display surface either from the front face 20 or within the
center of
frame 12. Additionally, extension plate 74 may also function to space first
retainer
edge 72 from second retainer edge 76. The spacing may be needed to make up for
the
imbalance in gravity forces between the front display half and rear half of
the rug.
As also seen in FIG. 3, cross members 70 may advantageously overlap or
overlie at least a portion of an adjacent cross member. As mentioned, the
extension
plate 74 andlor a second edge 76 may cause the cross member to overlie or
overlap,
for example, the first edge 72 of a lower adjacent cross member. By
appropriate
design, such overlap can help to effectively define dimensions of lateral slot
71.
While the spacing between adjacent cross members, and particularly between
first
retainer edge 72 and an adjacent cross member, may vary, these dimensions
should be
large enough to easily accommodate an inserted item, and be designed to impose
the
desired wrapping of such item over at least first edge 72 to prevent the item
from
slipping through under its own weight. In embodiments such as illustrated in
FIG. 3,
a second edge 76 is also provided to impose the generally sinuous
conforniation to the
inserted rug, further minimizing the potential for undesired movement of the
rug once
loaded.
CA 02490394 2004-12-13
It should be understood that while cross members 70 of cascade assembly 60
have been illustrated herein as reminiscent of a sideways "Z," cross m embers
and
retainer edges may be configured in a variety of arrangements according to the
present invention. For example, cross members may comprise a single retainer
comprised of substantially flat steel secured between arms of cascade assembly
(reminiscent only of second retainer described above) having a retainer edge.
In
another embodiment, the first retainer edge may comprise a plurality of teeth
or
fingers. Such embodiment might eliminate the desire for any second retainer
edge or
extension plate described above. As such, any retainer arrangement configured
to
prevent a rug draped over an associated cross member may be used with the
present
invention.
Referring to FIGS. 2-4, in use, a vendor may take the edge of a rug 100 to be
displayed and insert it within lateral slot 71a between cross members 70a and
70b.
The vendor may continue feeding the rug between the cross members 70a and 70b
until the rug drapes a distance upwardly and away from the display surface 80
and is
laying on the front face 20 in a manner satisfactory to the vendor. As
illustrated in
FIG. 2, a portion of the drawing is cut away to illustrate how the rugs 100-
103 might
hang within the center of frame 12 out of sight of the consumer. As previously
discussed, front face 20 may be configured at an angle relative to the cascade
assembly 60, so that the draped rugs are presented at a desired angle to the
consumer.
Once the first rug is fed through, the vendor may insert a second rug 101. As
will be
understood, vendor may feed additional rugs between cross members in this
manner
until the rug drapes against first rug. In one embodiment, it is desired that
the second
rug 101 will not drape full distance toward display surface as first rug 100
(so as to
cover first rug 100 completely). As illustrated in FIG. 4, for example, a
consumer
1,2"",.~~_,_..
CA 02490394 2004-12-13
approaching rack will be able to see at least the lower portions of each of
first rug 100
and second rug 101 and third rug 102 in a shingled or tiled fashion. As vendor
adds
more rugs within the cascade assembly 60, each rug will have some portion
displayed
to the consumer upon approach to the rack 10.
This design has many benefits. First, because of the design of the cascade
assembly 60 and front face 20, rugs may be loaded into the rack so that at
least a
portion of all rugs may be viewed upon approach by a consumer. In addition, a
consumer seeking to gain a full view of the rug may simply turn each rug
rearward
(like pages of a book) until the desired rug is displayed (one half of rug
actually
displayed). FIG. 2 illustrates several rugs being folded rearwardly in this
manner for
illustrative purposes. The innovative design of each cross member allows rugs
to be
so manipulated without falling to the display surface. In fact, where the
cross
members are provided with a second retainer edge 76, additional friction will
be
provided on a loaded rug when it is folded rearwardly such as~at P2 (see, e.g.
FIG. 3).
1 S In addition, if a consumer wishes to purchase a rug (or get a full view),
the rug may be
easily removed from a rack and replaced with another rug by the vendor without
a
need to remove or rearrange adjacent rugs. The rack frame is also designed so
that
the rugs can be folded rearwardly over the roll bar 68 (which could be a cross
member
if desired) for more full viewing of individual rugs. The frame has an
effectively
forward-loaded center of gravity to minimize potential tipping even when all
displayed rugs are folded rearwardly over roll bar 68.
In addition, it is contemplated that the rack 10 can be moveable and can
accommodate signage. For example, if desired, coaster wheels 78 may be
attached to
first ends 24 and 44 of front and rear posts 22 and 42, respectively, thereby
allowing
the rack 10 to be easily moved about the display surface 80. This may be
useful when
CA 02490394 2004-12-13
a vendor wants to rearrange displays or a consumer wants to compare rugs
loaded on
separate racks. Moreover, signage, such as advertising can be attached to the
rack at
for example, along any of the front posts 22 or rear posts 42, along the
sides, or
extending upwardly from rear section 40.
The foregoing description of the various embodiments of the invention has
been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not
intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many
alternatives,
modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art of
the above
teaching. For example, the display rack in accordance with the present
invention may
display rugs of varying sizes and shapes in a variety of different
arrangements and can
include frames of various sizes and shapes. Accordingly, while some of the
alternative embodiments of the rug display system have been discussed
specifically,
other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of
ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace
all
alternatives, modifications and variations that have been discussed herein,
and others
that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the claims.
