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Claims  |
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We claim:
1. A display system for manufactured articles, comprising: a display panel
having at least one aperture formed therein and at least one manufactured
article holding fixture, the fixture having a forward end adapted to hold
the manufactured article in a position for display and a rear end having a
face plate adapted to contact the front surface of the display panel
around the periphery of a selected aperture, a pair of opposed side lugs
and a flanged top clip in which the opposed side lugs are inclined along a
bottom edge thereof opposite from the flanged top clip, the side lugs and
the top clip being integral with the face plate and dimensioned such that
upon insertion into the same said selected aperture, the bottom edge of
the side lugs bears against a corresponding edge of the selected aperture
to force the top clip upwardly against an opposite edge of the selected
aperture so as to reasonably secure to fixture to the display panel.
2. The display system of claim 1, in which the display panel includes a
plurality of spaced apertures and a plurality of manufactured article
holding fixtures adapted to fit within a selected aperture.
3. The display system of claim 1, in which the display panel is generally
vertical.
4. The display system of claim 1, in which the aperture is rectangular,
square, circular or triangular.
5. The display system of claim 1, in which the opposed side lugs diverge
outwardly from each other.
6. The display system of claim 1, in which the opposed side lugs have
enlarged ends spaced from the rear surface of the face plate a distance
substantially equal to the thickness of the display panel.
7. The display system of claim 1, in which the flange on the top clip is
spaced from the rear surface of the face plate a distance substantially
equal to the thickness of the display panel.
8. A fixture for displaying an eyeglass or eyeglass frame on a display
panel, the fixture comprising: a forward end adapted to hold the eyeglass
or eyeglass frame in a position for display in which the forward end
includes an elongated rod portion having a forwardly extending nose
portion and bisecting cross arms for supporting the eyeglass frames in an
opened templar side arm position and a rear end having a face plate
adapted to contact the front surface of the display panel around the
periphery of an aperture in the display panel, a pair of opposed side lugs
and a flanged top clip adapted to fit within the same said selected
aperture in the display panel and engage portions of the periphery of the
aperture and the rear surface of the display panel to releasably secure
the fixture to the display panel.
9. The fixture of claim 8, in which the ends of the cross arms terminate in
upwardly extending fins to engage the opened templar side arms of the
eyeglass frames.
10. The fixture of claim 8, in which the forward extending portion includes
a slot to nest the nose bridge of the eyeglasses or eyeglass frames.
11. The fixture of claim 8, in which the face plate is substantially
rectangular, square, circular, triangular in shape.
12. The fixture of claim 8, in which the opposed side lugs diverge
outwardly from each other.
13. The fixture of claim 8, in which the opposed side lugs have enlarged
ends space from the rear surface of the face plate a distance
substantially equal to the thickness of the display panel.
14. The fixture of claim 8, in which the opposed side lugs have inclined
bottom edges that bear against an edge of the aperture opposite from the
clip to urge the top clip against an opposite edge of the aperture upon
full insertion of the fixture.
15. The fixture of claim 8, in which the flange on the top clip is spaced
from the rear surface of the face plate a distance substantially equal to
the thickness of the display panel.
16. A fixture for displaying a manufactured article on a display panel, the
fixture comprising: a forward end adapted to hold the manufactured article
in a position for display and a rear end having a face plate adapted to
contact the front surface of the display panel around the periphery of an
aperture in the display panel, the face plate having a pair of opposed
side lugs and a flanged top clip adapted to fit within the same said
selected aperture in the display panel and engage portions of the
periphery of the aperture and the rear surface of the display panel to
releasably secure the fixture to the display panel.
17. A generally horizontal fixture for displaying eyeglasses and eyeglass
frames on a generally vertical display panel, the fixture comprising: a
generally horizontal forward end adapted to hold the eyeglasses or
eyeglass frames in a position for display having an elongated rod
including a forward extending nose portion with a slot at the forward end
and bisecting cross arms with generally vertically extending fins and a
rear end face plate having a pair of opposed side lugs and a flanged top
clip adapted to fit within an aperture in the display panel and engage
portions of the periphery of the aperture and the rear surface of the
display panel to releasably secure the fixture to the display panel.
18. The fixture of claim 11, in which the opposed side lugs diverge
outwardly from each other and have enlarged ends spaced from the rear
surface of the face plate a distance substantially equal to the thickness
of the display panel and the flange on the top clip is spaced from the
rear surface of the face plate a distance substantially equal to the
thickness of the display panel.
19. The fixture of claim 18, in which the opposed side lugs have inclined
bottom edges that bear against an edge of the aperture opposite from the
top clip to urge the top clip against an opposite edge of the aperture
upon full insertion of the fixture.
20. A display system for eyeglasses or eyeglass frames, comprising: a
display panel having at least one aperture formed therein and at least one
manufactured article holding fixture, the fixture having a forward end
adapted to hold the manufactured article in a position for display and a
rear end having a face plate adapted to contact the front surface of the
display panel around the periphery of the same said selected aperture, a
pair of opposed side lugs and a flanged top clip in which the opposed side
lugs are inclined along a bottom edge thereof opposite from the flanged
top clip, the side lugs and the top clip being integral with the face
plate and dimensioned such that upon insertion into the aperture, the
bottom edge of the side lugs bears against a corresponding edge of the
aperture to force the top clip upwardly against an opposite edge of the
aperture.
21. The display system of claim 20, in which the display panel includes a
plurality of spaced apertures and a plurality of manufactured article
holding fixtures adapted to fit within a selected aperture.
22. The display system of claim 20, in which the display panel is generally
vertical.
23. The display system of claim 20, in which the aperture is rectangular,
square, circular or triangular.
24. The display system of claim 20, in which the opposed side lugs diverge
outwardly from each other.
25. The display system of claim 20, in which the opposed side lugs have
enlarged ends spaced from the rear surface of the face plate a distance
substantially equal to the thickness of the display panel.
26. The display system of claim 20, in which the flange on the top clip is
spaced from the rear surface of the face plate a distance substantially
equal to the thickness of the display panel.
27. The display system of claim 20, in which the forward end includes an
elongated rod having a forwardly extending nose portion and bisecting
cross arms for supporting the eyeglass frames in an opened templar side
arm position.
28. The display system of claim 20, in which the forward end includes an
elongated rod having a forward extending portion of two spaced apart
inverted generally U-shaped portions adjoined by an inverted generally
U-shaped nose portion for supporting the eyeglass frames in an opened or
folded templar side arm position. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to fixtures and a system for mounting and displaying
articles of manufacture such as eyeglasses, eyeglass flames or similar
articles on a display panel, for example in a retail store display. The
invention provides fixtures removably coupleable to a panel for displaying
a large number of eyeglass flames, complete eyeglasses or the like on a
wall display or stand in a showroom or office. The supporting structures
of the display are unobtrusive to allow prospective buyers to examine the
flames or the eyeglasses from a number of different perspectives. The
system includes a detachable fixture mounting arrangement for supporting
eyeglasses or flames or other objects, and a security band or cable
arrangement to lock the objects to the fixtures against inadvertent upset
when on display.
2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the optical business, it is desirable to display a large variety of
eyeglasses and eyeglass frames in a manner that is attractive and allows
the prospective buyer easily to examine and compare a large number of
different frames or eyeglasses. Advantageously, the frames or eyeglasses
are supported such that they are readily seen from different perspectives.
The supporting structure should not unduly interfere with the view of the
frames or eyeglasses, and should make it easy for the customer to try them
on, with minimal danger of upsetting other frames. A wide variety of such
displays are known, examples being disclosed in the following U.S.
patents:
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1,421,196 Fennimore 1922
3,229,944 Everburg 1966
3,924,750 Dunchock 1975
4,204,602 Dunchock 1980
5,018,253 Oppenheimer 1991
5,025,931 Berger 1991
5,056,668 Berger 1991
5,069,416 Ennis 1991
5,085,388 Cruetz 1992
5,144,345 Nyman 1992
5,176,262 Zoueki 1993
5,255,796 Josephson 1993
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Eyeglasses and/or frames have a peculiar structure, namely that needed to
fit in place on the wearer's head. Thus, the frames have temple pieces to
engage over a wearer's ears pivotally coupled to a lens support that
typically has spaced pads to fit the bridge of the nose. These aspects are
common to frames without lenses, sample frames with plain glass lenses,
finished eyeglasses, sunglasses, reading glasses, goggles and the like,
and the present invention is applicable to all these types, as well as
other articles having similar needs or attributes.
It may be desirable to display frames with the temple pieces folded wholly
or partly closed against the lens frame, or alternatively, folded open to
the position they occupy in use. The fixtures supporting the frames should
admit of such alternatives, and should also be arranged to hold the frames
in an attractive array. Potential purchasers typically make their
selection of eyeglass frames very carefully, and an attractive but
unobtrusive supporting fixture is important. While the eyeglass and
eyeglass frame displays disclosed in the foregoing patents include a
variety of different types of display structures, it would still be
desirable to improve on the supporting structures to provide a display
system that is more sturdy, light weight, simple but versatile,
unobtrusive, attractive, inexpensive and easy to install. It would further
be desirable to provide a security system for eyeglasses or eyeglass
frames when displayed on supporting structures that secures the frames to
the supporting structures such that the frames cannot be casually upset,
for example when reaching for an adjacent frame in a compact array.
3. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide a new and improved display
system and fixture for the display of eyeglasses and eyeglass frames or
other manufactured articles.
It is another object of this invention to provide a display system and
fixture that is easily removed and attached to a display panel for
installation or for varying the display between alternative fixtures for
holding different types of articles or articles in different display
modes.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a display system and
fixture that is sturdy when used for displaying manufactured articles such
as eyeglasses, eyeglass frames, or other manufactured articles, but is
also unobtrusive.
It is still another object of this invention to provide a display system
and fixture that is simple in design and economical to manufacture and
use, yet provides a versatile means for customizing arrays.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a security system
that secures eyeglasses and eyeglass frames on a fixture attached to a
display system.
According to the invention, these and other objects are accomplished by a
display system and fixtures for manufactured articles, such as eyeglasses
and eyeglass frames (herein sometimes simply termed "frames"), including a
display panel, preferably a generally vertical display panel, with at
least one aperture formed therein, preferably a plurality of spaced
apertures, and at least one article holding fixture, preferably a
plurality of article holding fixtures, attached to the aperture(s) of the
display panel. Each fixture includes a forward end adapted to hold the
manufactured article in a position for display and a rear end having a
face plate adapted to contact the front surface of the display panel
around the periphery of a selected aperture, the face plate having either
at least two lugs, or at least two flanged clips, or at least one lug and
at least one flanged clip, but preferably having a pair of side lugs and a
flanged top clip adapted to fit within the selected aperture and to engage
portions of the periphery of the aperture and the rear surface of the
display panel to releasably secure the fixture to the display panel.
For eyeglasses and eyeglass frames, the forward end of the fixture may
include a generally T-shaped forwardly extending portion including an
elongated rod portion preferably having a slot at the forward nose end for
supporting the nose bridge of the frames and elongated cross arms
bisecting the rod portion along the length thereof and preferably having
vertically extending fins thereon for supporting eyeglasses and eyeglass
frames in an opened templar side arm position.
A security band or cable can also be provided for the generally T-shaped
fixture including an elongated band or cable of resilient flexible
material having a band portion at one end and a locking retainer portion
with a locking pin at the other end. The nose bridge of an eyeglass or
eyeglass frame once positioned on the forward nose end of the fixture can
then be secured to the fixture by being positioned between the band and
retainer portions of the security cable attached to the fixture, thereby
causing the cable portion to form an arch over the nose bridge of the
frames to lock the frames in place.
The forward end of the fixture for eyeglasses and eyeglass frames may also
include a generally horseshoe-shaped forwardly extending portion including
an elongated rod portion having at the forward end a nose piece including
two spaced apart, forward and rear, inverted U-shaped members adjoined by
an inverted U-shaped nesting member for supporting the nose bridge of the
frames and also including a vertically extending fin on the rear member
for supporting eyeglasses and eyeglass frames in a folded and/or opened
templar side arm position.
4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
There are shown in the drawings certain exemplary embodiments of the
invention. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to
these embodiments, and is capable of variation within the scope and spirit
of the appended claims. In the drawings,
FIG. 1 is an isometric drawing of a preferred embodiment of the invention,
illustrating three different types of fixtures of the invention used for
displaying eyeglasses and eyeglass frames or other accessories such as
signs in a display system of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a top view showing the rear end of a fixture of the invention,
that fits into and engages an aperture in a display panel of the display
system of the invention;
FIG. 3 is a rear view showing the rear end of a fixture of the invention,
that fits into and engages an aperture in a display panel of the display
system of the invention;
FIG. 4 is a side view showing the rear end of a fixture of the invention,
that fits into and engages an aperture in a display panel of the display
system of the invention;
FIG. 5 is a side view showing insertion of the rear end of the fixture of
the invention, that fits into and engages an aperture in a display panel
of the display system of the invention;
FIG. 6 is rear view showing an alternative rear end of a fixture of the
invention, that fits into and engages an aperture in a display panel of
the display system of the invention;
FIG. 7 is rear view showing another alternative rear end of a fixture of
the invention, that fits into and engages an aperture in a display panel
of the display system of the invention;
FIG. 8 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the invention, showing the
rear end of a fixture of the invention that fits into and engages an
aperture in a display panel of the display system of the invention and the
front end of the fixture that is used for displaying eyeglasses and
eyeglass frames in an opened templar side arm position;
FIG. 9 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the invention, showing
the rear end of a fixture of the invention that fits into and engages an
aperture in a display panel of the display system of the invention and the
front end of the fixture that is used for displaying eyeglasses and
eyeglass frames in a folded and/or opened templar side arm position;
FIG. 10 is a cross-section view along lines X--X of both FIGS. 8 and 9
showing a channel in the fixture of the invention;
FIG. 11 is a front view showing a security cable of the invention, that
locks over a nose bridge of eyeglasses or eyeglass frames to affix them
the forward end of a fixture of the invention;
FIG. 12 is a side view showing a security band or cable according to an
aspect of the invention, that engages around a nose bridge of eyeglasses
or frames to hold the glasses or frames at the forward end of a fixture as
described;
FIG. 13 is a top view along line XIII--XIII of FIG. 12 showing the security
cable engaging the nose bridge of the glasses or frames;
FIG. 14 is a side view showing the locking means for the security cable of
the invention, that locks with the front end of a fixture;
FIG. 15 is a front view showing the locking means for security cable of the
invention, that lockingly engages that front end of a fixture to the
security cable;
FIG. 16 is a side view showing the operation of the security cable of the
invention, that fits over the front end of a fixture of the invention and
lockingly engages a nose bridge of an eyeglass or eyeglass frame
positioned between the security cable to the fixture;
FIG. 17 is an isometric view showing the operation of the security band or
cable of the invention;
FIG. 18 is a section view of the security cable of the invention, showing
the locking means in its locked state;
FIG. 19 is a section view of the security cable of the invention, showing
the locking means in its unlocked state; and,
FIG. 20 a top view along line XX--XX of FIG. 19, showing the insertion of
the locking means when in the unlocked position into the security cable.
5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a novel display system and fixtures for showcasing
articles of manufacture such as eyeglasses and eyeglass frames and other
accessories, which is sturdy, light weight, easy to assemble and
disassemble, as well as unobtrusive, inexpensive, versatile and
attractive. This is accomplished using one or more removable supporting
fixtures that protrude from a preferably-vertical support panel, the
fixtures being removably engaged in openings or apertures in the support
panel. A pattern of openings is provided for supporting an array of
eyeglasses and/or eyeglass frames, as well as other accessories, and the
alternative fixtures can be provided for supporting the eyeglasses and
eyeglass frames in different display modes, e.g., with the templars folded
or extended, or for supporting other accessories, such as signs, shelves,
photographs, lenses, lens tints, or the like.
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of this invention
illustrating three different types of fixtures for displaying eyeglasses
and eyeglass frames or other articles in the display system of this
invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the display system of this embodiment
comprises a substantially vertical display panel 1, which preferably is a
rectangular sheet, rods, or a lattice of a thin plastic, aluminum, wood or
other similar paneling material (e.g., 3mm thick). A suitable finish is
provided on the front surface thereof, and the finish preferably reflects
light from, e.g., overhead lighting, to provide substantial illumination
for the displayed articles supported on fixtures which are mounted to the
display panel. The display panel advantageously can be a clear plastic,
or, if desired, an opaque material can be used. The display panel defines
a backdrop for the displayed articles. The display panel 1 can be attached
to a wall of a display room or office, e.g., attached via support brackets
(not shown). Likewise, the display panel can attach to or rest on the top
surface of a display counter or table. The display panel may also extend
at an angle other than vertical or horizontal (not shown).
As shown in FIG. 1, the display panel 1 of this embodiment is provided with
a plurality of spaced rectangular apertures 2, preferably square in shape.
The apertures can also have a variety of different geometric
configurations such as in the shape of a rectangle, square, diamond,
circle, triangle, or the like, only the rectangle being shown. The
apertures 2 are preferably arranged in vertical and horizontal rows and/or
columns to allow flexibility in arranging the display. The apertures can
also be staggered or otherwise arranged in a variety of different arrays
as desired, and it is possible to use certain apertures and not others for
customizing the pattern of the array, for grouping frames of particular
types, etc. The apertures 2 can be punched through the display panel 1
using appropriate die, punch and press equipment, or otherwise formed.
FIG. 1 illustrates three different types of fixtures according to the
invention to display eyeglasses or eyeglass frames 3, or other
accessories, such as display signs 4, in an attractive array having depth.
One fixture 5 is provided to display opened eyeglasses or eyeglass frames
3, or also to display other accessories, the fixture 5 including a forward
end 6 having an inverted U-shaped nose piece 7 (e.g., about 1.5 cm long)
on the end of a generally elongated support rod portion 8 (e.g., about 15
cm long) which supports the nose bridge 9 and does not directly support
the opened templar side arms 10 of a pair of opened eyeglasses or eyeglass
frames 3. Another fixture 11, also illustrated in FIG. 1, is provided to
display folded eyeglasses or eyeglass frames, or also to display other
accessories, the fixture 11 including a forward end 12 having an inverted
U-shaped nose piece 13 (e.g., 1.5 cm long) on the end of a generally
elongated, but shorter support rod portion 14 relative to fixture 5 (e.g.,
6 cm long). Rod portion 14 supports the bridge 9 and folded templar side
arms 10 of a pair of folded eyeglasses or eyeglass frames 3.
Another fixture 15, also illustrated in FIG. 1, is provided to display
opened eyeglasses or eyeglass frames 3, the fixture 15 including a forward
end 16 in the form of a cross, the forward end 16 including a generally
elongated support rod portion 17 (e.g., 15 cm long) having a forwardly
extending nose portion 18 (e.g., 2.5 cm long) that supports the nose
bridge 9 of an opened pair of eyeglasses or eyeglass frames 3 and also
having a pair of extending side portions or cross arms 19 (e.g., each 8 cm
long) bisecting the rod portion at a selected position along the length
which support the opened templar side arms 10 of an opened pair of
eyeglasses or eyeglass frames 3. Fixture 15 is especially preferred when
used for displaying eyeglasses or eyeglass frames, since such fixture
allows any type of frame, e.g., plastic, metal, wireless, etc., to sit at
the same angle relative to any other frame of the same or different kind
within the display system of the invention, thereby providing an
advantageously attractive and organized presentation for comparison of the
frames. The low surface area design of fixture 15 also allows for only
minimal dust collection which is another advantage in the maintenance of
the display system.
The fixtures 5, 11, and 15 are preferably made of light weight but
attractive material such as a plastic material. The fixtures of the
invention should have sufficient mechanical strength to withstand mounting
and supporting forces without cracking, fracturing, breaking, or bending,
and should also be easily molded in quantity to the desired shape and size
(e.g., by injection molding or other plastic processing techniques), and
resistant to discoloration, such as yellowing, due to exposure to light
and age. Clear, and also opaque, Lexan.RTM. plastic is particularly
preferred as the fixture material since it is substantially resistant to
breaking and yellowing, and also is attractive and unobtrusive, whereby
more attention can be paid to the eyeglasses or eyeglass frames. Other
materials for the fixtures include clear or opaque acrylic plastic,
Lucite.RTM. plastic, and the like, which are also particularly attractive
in the display, readily molded in quantity to the desired shape and size,
and unobtrusive.
As shown, the fixtures 5, 11, and 15 are generally horizontally elongated
to display eyeglasses and eyeglass frames from a generally vertical
display panel. The fixtures may also be angled, e.g, about ninety degrees
(90.degree.), along a portion thereof to display the manufactured articles
from a generally horizontal display panel. Of course other angles between
horizontal and vertical are possible as well, for example with the display
panel attached at an acute angle to a base for resting on a horizontal
surface, such that the display panel leans back from vertical and disposes
the center of mass of the display over the base.
Three different types of eyeglass or eyeglass frame display fixtures are
shown in FIG. 1. Other specific types of article di | | |
