Displayer device for packaged merchandise

March 17, 1970

P. E. BEHLES

3,501,015

DISPLAYER DEVICE FOR PACKAGED MERCHANDISE

Filed May 22, 1968

Sheets-Sheet 1

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March 17, 1970 p. e. behles 3,501,015

DISPLAYER DEVICE FOR PACKAGED MERCHANDISE Filed May 22, 1968 2 Sheets-Sheet 2

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United States Patent Office

3,501,015

Patented Mar. 17, 1970

3,501,015 DISPLAYER DEVICE FOR PACKAGED MERCHANDISE Paul E. Behles, 1350 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael, Calif. 94901 Filed May 22,1968, Ser. No. 731,064 Int. Cl. A47f 7/00

U.S. CI. 211—49 5 Claims

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

A system for displaying generally flat type packaged merchandise while supporting them on one edge in a substantially upright position comprising displayers or holders in pairs removably connectable to perforated upright material and spaced apart to support a plurality of packages of the same size on each pair. The displayers are formed from elongated material bent in a unique shape to hold a plurality of flat goods in a slightly tilted side-by-side arrangement, one end of each displayer having portions for 20 removably retaining it firmly in place on the perforated upright material.

This invention relates to improvements in devices for displaying and supporting packaged articles in large numbers on upright walls, panels, partitions, store fixtures, or any vertical surface.

In merchandising articles such as packaged games, kits, toys, gift sets, boxed household items and other such goods, it is desirable to provide a displaying system that will give the goods a maximum amount of exposure to the customer and thereby increase sales. It is also desirable to accommodate a relatively large quantity of goods with a minimum expenditure of space and yet to display the goods in the most eye-catching and appealing manner. The aforesaid type of merchandise is generally packaged in fairly shallow oblong containers and heretofore the conventional storing and displaying procedure was to stack them horizontally or flat on stands, gondolas, or wall shelving. The latter usually comprised expensive and space-consuming installations. Moreover, in the usual stacking arrangement the face or front of each package, which is not only the most colorful but also the most informative side for the customer, is not visible unless viewed from directly above. 43 Therefore, when such merchandise is stacked at eye level or above, only the side edge of the package is visible to the customer.

One object of the present invention is to provide an improved system for displaying packaged merchandise that 50 will overcome the aforesaid difficulties and enable it to be displayed and stored on edge on any perforated vertical surface. Thus, my display system can take full advantage of the. artistic and colorful top covers or windows on most flat type packages that advertise or describe the contents; 55 thereby providing not only a display that is decorative and eye-pleasing but one which enables the customer to view and identify easily the products of interest.

A more specific object of my invention is to provide a package displaying holder for use in matched pairs and 60 in combination with perforated wall material and the like, and a further object is to provide such a holder or displayer capable of retaining a plurality of packages in the on-edge position.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a two- 65 piece holder device that is readily adjustable to accommodate a plurality of packages of different lengths, heights and depths in the upright position on perforated vertical members.

In general, the aforesaid objectives are accomplished 70 by utilizing pairs of unique package holders. All of these holders or displayers have means at one end for re2 movably retaining them on a perforated wall section so as to be cantilevered outwardly therefrom, and they are spaced apart at the distance necessary to accommodate any desired length of package. Both holders are formed 5 from elongated wire-like material that is bent to a predetermined shape with portions for holding the packages in a stable position that provides the optimum exposure to the customer.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a 10 package holding unit for a display system that is strong and stable and which, though quickly and easily connectable to a perforated wall member, will be retained thereon firmly.

Yet another object of the present invention is to pro15 vide a display device for retaining packaged articles upright on a perforated wall or vertical surface that is particularly well adapted for ease and economy of manufacture.

Other objects, advantages and features of my invention will become apparent from the following detailed description thereof which is presented in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary view in perspective of a pair of merchandise displayers embodying the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view in elevation of the displayer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front end view of one of the displayers of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a view in perspective of a pair of a modified package displayers embodying the principles of my invention;

FIG. 5 is a view in elevation of one of the displayers of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a reduced plan view of the displayer shown in FIG. 5.

Referring to the drawing, FIG. 1 shows a pair of merchandise displayers or holders 10 arranged for supporting and displaying packaged goods 12 (shown in phantom) in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The displayers are arranged in pairs and removably but firmly attached to a vertical surface of wall panel material 14 having a series of spaced apart perforations 16. Thus, displayer pairs can be spaced apart by different amounts to accommodate packages of various lengths and heights in the generally upright position. When displayed in this position with their top covers upright and on edge, the packages are fully and conveniently exposed to the- customer so that the full effect of their box design, contents and advertising can be realized. The overall appearance of a large variety and number of packages supported by a plurality of displayer pairs on a large wall panel has a colorful and attractive effect.

Each displayer 10 of a pair thereof essentially comprises a base member 18 at one end which is adapted to fit flush against a vertical surface 14. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, this base member is preferably made from a heavy metal wire or rod material having a bright finish and a uniform cross section slightly smaller than the perforations 16 of the wall panel material. The base member is U-shaped with parallel side portions 20 and 21 having bent offset portions 22 at their upper ends. Fixed to the base member 18 as by welding is a supporting arm 24 which is cantilevered outwardly from the base member 18. This portion of each displayer 10 is also made from metal wire or rod material bent in a unique manner in accordance with the invention. A top portion 26 of the arm 24 is welded near the top of one side portion 20 of the base member and extends outwardly therefrom at substantially a right angle. At its outer end the top portion is bent laterally at a right

3,501 3 igle to form a relatively short horizontal end portion 28 id extending downwardly therefrom is a vertical end artion 30. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the horizontal iter end portion 28 is preferably slightly longer than le horizontal distance between the inner ends of the ₅rm. This provides a small increase in bearing area at the ont of the displayer to compensate for any lateral movelent of installed displayers for any reason. Extending ick toward the base member 18 from the lower end of ιέ vertical end portion is a bottom arm portion 32. jq efore it reaches the base member the bottom arm poran bends upwardly to form another substantially vertical irtion 34 before bending back again to connect with ie other side portion 21 near its bottom end. This latter :rtical portion 34 is thus spaced from the base member 15 id serves as a stop to keep packages spaced away from ie base member and thus away from the perforated wall mel. This assures a sufficient tilting of all the packages hen they are placed in the displayers so that as packages :e removed or replaced, the angle of tilt will remain 20 instant and packages will not fall forward face down, he displayers 10 with the base members 18 are particurly adaptable for use with the thicker type of perforated all material such as perforated wood paneling or fiberlard which has round or square perforations. 25

Another form of my displayer designated 10α is shown

FIGS. 4-6 which is more adaptable to a thinner :rforated metal type of wall material 14α in which the irforations may be of any geometric shape. In this nbodiment a modified base member 18α of sheet metal 30 utilized in combination with the same supporting arm I as previously described. It has a generally rectangular lape with narrow flanges 36 on opposite sides which e bent at right angles to the central portion. At the jper end of each side flange is a downwardly and 35 itwardly projecting tab portion 38 forming a diverging itch 40 which tapers to a width substantially equal । the thickness of the perforated metal wall material, hus, the upper, tabs 38 project through a pair of irforations and downwardly on the opposite side of e thin wall material to retain the displayer thereon, t the lower end of each flange and extending outardly therefrom is a stabilizing tab 42 which fits in lother perforation below to firmly lock the displayer . place. °

The arm 24 of each displayer 10α may be attached । the base plate 18α by any suitable means. I have fund it to be convenient to insert the ends of the ip and bottom arm portions through holes drilled or ₅θ inched in the base plate and then welding them to ie rear side of the base plate. This construction not fly provides strength and rigidity but has been found &gt; be efficient and economical. Or, they may be welded • the front side of the base plate, if desired. _5g

In a typical installation of my displayers the perfoited material 14 is first installed on a suitable vertical irface or supporting frame or it may be a part of a mventional store fixture. Any desired number of disayers 10 can then be quickly attached in pairs at θθ hatever spacing is required to accommodate packages : certain sizes. It is understood that each pair of disayers is similar in every respect except for the fact lat the top and bottom arm portions on one holder ;tend from the opposite side of the base member 18 θ5 om those on the mating displayer, thus forming a ght and left hand unit for each pair.

From the foregoing, it should be apparent that the resent invention provides merchandising displayers that e highly versatile in their application, while affording 70 ivantages and features heretofore unavailable. They tn be quickly and easily attached in pairs to perforated

015 wall material at any desired location and at the spacing necessary to accommodate packages of various lengths and heights. Not only is display space conserved, but the packages of various sizes can all be displayed to their fullest advantage in any arrangement that the merchant desires.

To those skilled in the art to which this invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The disclosures and the description herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.