Ribbon rack and method of supplying ribbon

BACKGROUND

The invention relates generally to devices for displaying and supplying materials and methods of displaying and supplying materials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ribbon rack, shown loaded with rolls of ribbon;

FIG. 2 is a right side elevational view of the ribbon rack of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the ribbon rack of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the ribbon rack of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the ribbon rack of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the ribbon rack of FIG. 1, shown with a tray of the rack exploded away;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of three ribbon racks, similar to those of FIG. 1, arranged in a stacked arrangement, shown with the uppermost stacked ribbon rack exploded away.

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of a ribbon rack, shown with hanger assemblies;

FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of the ribbon rack of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a hanthe ribbon rack of FIG. 8, showing a hanger receiving area of the ribbon rack of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the ribbon rack of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a rack 10 for housing a supply of ribbon 12 is shown. The rack 10 may be formed from a rigid wire frame 14. The frame 14 may be formed from one or more lengths of rigid wire members that are joined together, such as by welding or by the use of mechanical or other suitable fasteners.

In the embodiment shown, an upper end or upper panel of the frame 14 may be formed from longitudinal wire members 16, 18, (FIG. 1). The members 16, 18 are laterally spaced apart and joined together by four transverse wire members 20, 22, 24, 26. The transverse wire members 20, 22, 24, 26 are each longitudinally spaced from one another along the length of the upper end.

A lower end or lower panel (FIG. 2) of the frame 14 may be formed from longitudinal wire members 28, 30, which are laterally spaced apart and joined together by transverse wire members 32, 34, 36, 38, 39, 40. The transverse wire members 32, 34, 36, 38, 39, 40 are each longitudinally spaced apart from one another along the length of the lower end. In the embodiment shown, the lower end of the frame 14 has a length greater than that of the upper end and projects forward a distance from the upper end, as is shown in FIG. 6 and discussed later on.

A rear end or rear panel of the frame 14 (FIG. 3) is formed from the rearmost upper and lower transverse members 20, 30, respectively. These are joined together by upright left and right side members 42, 44 and upright center member 46. Brace members 48, 50 are each joined at their lower ends to lower transverse member 30, adjacent to the center member 46, and extend outward to opposite upper corners 52, 54.

An intermediate rear transverse member 55 may be positioned between members 20, 30 and extend across the width of the frame 14 and be joined at the ends to members 42, 44. Brace members 48, 50 and upright member 46 may be joined to the transverse member 55 by welding or other fastening means.

A front end or front panel (FIG. 4) of the frame 14 is formed from the forward transverse member 40, forward side members 56, 58, transverse member 60 and transverse member 26. The side members 56, 58 may each be inclined generally rearward towards the upper end of the frame 14. In the embodiment shown, an upper portion 62 of the forward end is defined by side members 56, 58 and transverse members 26, 60. A lower portion 64 of the forward end of the frame 14 is defined by side members 56, 58 and transverse members 40, 60. The upper portion 62 is inclined rearward towards the upper end of the frame 14, with the lower portion 64 being non-inclined rearward. An opening is provided in the upper portion 62 between side members 56, 58 and transverse members 26, 60.

Opposite left and right sides or side panels of the frame 14 may each be configured similarly. In the embodiment shown, the left side of the frame 14 is defined by upper and lower longitudinal members 16, 28, front and rear side members 58, 44, and upright side wire members 66, 68, 70. The upright side members 66, 68, 70 are joined at the ends to upper and lower longitudinal members 16, 28. The right side of the frame 14 (FIG. 5) is defined by upper and lower longitudinal members 18, 30, front and rear side members 56, 42, and upright side wire members 72, 74, 76. The upright side members 72, 74, 76 are joined at the ends to the upper and lower longitudinal members 18, 30. The side members 66, 72 may be aligned in the same plane as transverse members 22, 34. Likewise, the side members 68, 76 may be aligned in the same plane with the transverse members 24, 36, and side members 70, 76 may be aligned in the same plane as the transverse members 26, 38.

The frame 14 may also include intermediate longitudinal members 78 and 80 that extend between and are joined to front and rear side members 58, 44 and 56, 42, respectively. The longitudinal members 78, 80 may be sloped downward towards the forward end of the frame 14, with the rearward ends of the members 78, 80 terminating generally near or at the rear cross member 55 and the forward ends of the members 78, 80 terminating near or at the forward cross member 60, as shown in FIG. 6. The upright members 66, 68, 70 and 72, 74, 76 may also be joined by welding or other fastening means to the longitudinal side members 78, 80, respectively.

A ribbon tray support of the frame 14 is formed from longitudinally spaced apart transverse wire members 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92 and lower transverse member 39. The transverse members 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92 and lower transverse member 39 extend between longitudinal side members 94, 96, which extend between the front and rear ends of the frame 14. The longitudinal side members 94, 96 may be positioned below and be generally parallel to the longitudinal members 78, 80. The side member 94, 96 may be joined to the side members 44, 66, 68, 70, 58 and 42, 72, 74, 76, 56, respectively.

The transverse member 82 constitutes a rear transverse member that is located below transverse member 55. It may extend between and be joined to rear upright side members 42, 44 and members 46, 48, 50.

The upper end of the frame 14 is provided with seating prongs 100 that project upward a short distance from the other portions forming the upper end of the frame 14. In the embodiment shown, the seating prongs 100 are formed in the corners where longitudinal members 16, 18 intersect and join cross members 20 and 26. In the embodiment shown, a corner cross-piece 102 formed from a short length of rigid wire extends between the members 16, 18 and the adjoining cross member 20, 26 to facilitate supporting the prong 100. The prong 100 may be formed from an angled or curved length of wire that extends from the corners to the cross-piece 102. Other projecting members may be used for the seating prong 100, as well.

The lower end of the frame 14 is provided with seating prong apertures 104. These may be formed from a short length of wire 106 that extends between the lower longitudinal members 28, 30 and transverse members 32, 38 to define the apertures 104. The apertures 104 are configured to closely receive the seating prong 100 of a similarly constructed rack 12, when two or more racks 12 are arranged in a stacked configuration, such as shown in FIG. 7. In the embodiment shown, the apertures 104 have a generally triangular shape.

The wire frame 14 provides a generally open configuration, with the wire members forming the frame 14 being spaced apart a distance so that the interior of the frame is readily visible to view items that may be housed within the frame 14, as is discussed later on.

The wire members forming the frame 14 may be formed from continuous lengths of wire. Thus, although the wire members have each been discussed as being independent members, several of the wire members may be formed from the same continuous length of wire, which is bent or otherwise shaped to form one or more other members that may be joined together. Other constructions other than those described may also be used, with less or more members or components being used than those shown and described for the construction of the frame 14.

A ribbon tray 108 is provided with the frame 14. The tray 108 may be formed from a generally flat panel 110, which may be formed from metal, plastic or other suitable material. The panel 110 defines a floor of the tray 108. Longitudinally extending dividers or partitions 112 project upward from the floor of the tray. The dividers or partitions 112 are laterally spaced apart a distance to define generally U-shaped channels 114 for receiving ribbon or other items to be housed within the frame 14. The dividers 112 may be spaced an equal or non-equal lateral distance from each other to accommodate ribbon or items of the same or different widths. As shown in FIG. 1, the outer edges of the tray 108 may be free of upright dividers or partitions.

The tray 108 is positioned on the tray support, which was previously described. Releasable or non-releasable fastening means, such as welds, mechanical fasteners, etc. may be used to secure the tray to the members forming the tray support. The tray 108 rests on the tray support so that it is sloped downward towards the front of the frame 14. The tray 108 may be permanently fixed to the frame 14 or it may be removable.

As shown in FIG. 4, provided on the forward end of the frame 14 is a display panel 116. The display panel 116 may be releasably or non-releasably secured to and be generally positioned over the lower forward portion 64 of the frame 14. The panel 116 may be formed from paper or cardboard, plastic, sheet metal or other suitable material. Signage or other indicia (not shown) may be provided on the forward face of the display panel 116. This may include information regarding the contents of the rack 10.

Secured to the panel 116 are samples or swatches 118. The ribbon samples or swatches 118 are positioned directly in front of the channels 114 and may be selected so that they match or are indicative of the ribbon or items held within the corresponding channel 114. The samples or swatches 118 may also be secured directly to the lower portion 64 for display without the panel 116.

In use, the rack 10 is filled with items 12 to be displayed and dispensed. The rack 10 may be positioned on a level surface. As shown in FIG. 1, the items include lengths of ribbon or material stored in cylindrical rolls on spindles or the like. Although the rack 10 has particular application to such ribbon rolls, it may be used for other articles, as well, which may be contained on rolls or otherwise configured so that they advance down the inclined tray 108 as the items are removed. The dividers 112 and longitudinal side members 78, 80 serve to retain the rolls in longitudinal rows. The open spaces between the wire members forming the frame 14 facilitate visual perception of the rows of ribbon or articles housed within.

Individual rolls of ribbon or items stored in the rack 10 may be removed through the forward opening of the upper portion 62. As the items are removed through the forward opening, the sloped tray 108 allows the ribbon or items to advance by gravity toward the forward end of the rack 10. This may be repeated until all of the items are removed.

Several racks 10 may be used in a stacked configuration, as shown in FIG. 7. When used in a stacked configuration, the racks 10 may be filled with ribbon or other items. The racks 10 are positioned one on top of the other with the seating prongs 100 of the lower rack being received within the seating prong aperature 104 of the rack positioned on top. This ensures that the racks 10 are properly positioned and aligned one on top of the other. The seating prongs also prevent relative movement of the racks 10 so that they stack securely. It should be pointed out that although the seating prong 100 and aperture 104 are provided on the upper and lower ends of the frame 14, these may be reversed with the seating prongs extending downward from the lower end of the frame 14 and the apertures 104 being provided at the upper end.

As shown, the lower end of the upper rack 10 will project a distance over the inclined upper portion 62 of the rack underneath when in the stacked arrangement.

In one method of use of the rack 10, the rack 10 may be provided from a seller or supplier of ribbon or other articles 12. The racks 10 are preloaded with such items and shipped to a reseller. During shipping, the racks 10 may be provided on a pallet or other support in a stacked arrangement, as has been described. The preloaded rack or racks 10 may be delivered to the reseller in this manner or they may be removed from the pallet or support and delivered to the reseller. The rigid wire members provide a sturdy construction that allows several of the racks to be arranged in a stacked configuration.

Once delivered to the reseller's place of business or point of resale, the preloaded racks 10 may be positioned there for display and removal by purchasers or the like. The loaded racks 10 may be arranged in a stacked configuration, as has been described. The swatch samples 118 facilitate identification and selection by the customer or remover of the items. As the ribbon or items are removed, the remaining rolls advance within the channels 114 of the tray 108 toward the forward end of the frame 14.

Once all the ribbon or items are removed, the racks 10 may be discarded. Optionally, the racks 10 may be reloaded by the reseller or returned to the original seller for reloading and return to the reseller or other resellers.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a ribbon rack 130. The ribbon rack 130 is similar to the ribbon rack 10, previously described. The ribbon rack 130 may be formed by a rigid wire frame 132 formed from one or more lengths of rigid wire members that are joined together, such as by welding or by the use of mechanical or other suitable fasteners.

The ribbon rack 130 is provided with multiple ribbon trays 134 that are positioned on tray supports that may be formed by front and rear transverse wire members 136, 138 (FIG. 9). The wire members 136, 138 are vertically spaced apart so that the trays 134 are sloped downward toward the front of the rack 130 to facilitate feeding of ribbon rolls towards the front of the rack. The tray support may also include sloped side members 140, 142 (FIG. 11) and one or more intermediate wire members 144 to facilitate supporting of the trays 134. Other means of supporting the trays 134 may also be employed. The trays 134 may formed from sheet metal, plastic, etc. and may be removably or permanently coupled to the wire frame 134, such as by spot welding, bolting, riveting, etc.

Longitudinally extending dividers or partitions 146 project upward from the floor of each tray 134. The dividers 146 may be formed from angled or upwardly projecting portions of the material used in forming the trays 134. The dividers or partitions 146 are laterally spaced apart a distance to define generally U-shaped channels 148 for receiving ribbon rolls or other items to be housed within the frame rack 130. The dividers 146 may be spaced an equal or non-equal lateral distance from each other to accommodate ribbon or items of the same or different widths.

The tray supports are vertically spaced apart one on top of the other with sufficient space to allow ribbon rolls (not shown) to be positioned and fed within the channels 148 and accessed from the forward end of the channel 148. A forward cross member 150 is provided with the frame 132 in front of each tray 134 to retain ribbon within the channels 144.

the embodiment shown, three ribbon trays 134 are provided with the rack 130. The tray supports and associated trays 134 are shown positioned at the lower portion of the rack 130, with the upper portion of the rack 130 being free of tray supports.

The upper portion of the rack 130 that is free of trays constitutes a display area for displaying articles above the trays 134. A hanger area is formed by a wire lattice 152 that is mounted to the rear panel of the wire frame 132. The wire lattice 152 provides a plurality of hanger receiving areas for receiving hanger assemblies 154. The area of the frame 132 in front of the lattice 152 is generally open to allow access to the hanger assemblies 154 from the front of the rack 130 for access or removal of items supported on the hanger assemblies 154.

The hanger assemblies 154 (FIG. 10) each may include a frame engagement portion 156, which may be in the form of a hook or clip having a face plate 157 and a hooked portion 158. The hooked portion 158 is configured for hooking over a cross wire of the wire lattice 152. The lower portion of the face plate 157 extends below the hooked portion 158, with the rearward face engaging or abutting against the next lower adjacent cross wire of the wire lattice 152.

An elongated hanger member or peg 160 is coupled to and projects from the engagement portion 156 and may be provided with an upturned end 162 to facilitate retaining of articles on the member 160. A plurality of the hanger assemblies 154 may be provided with the ribbon rack 130 and may be positioned at selected areas. The hanger assemblies 154 may be used to suspend a variety of different items, such as additional ribbon products, pre-made bows, sheer bags, ribbon hanks, tree scarves, etc. Although the hanger assemblies 154 are shown as single hangers or pegs, other differently configured hanging assemblies may be similarly employed as well. For example, trays, bins, shelves, pockets, etc. may be provided with one or more frame engagement portions 156 and these may be hung or selectively coupled to the wire lattice 152 in a similar fashion as the hanger assemblies 154.

The upper end 166 (FIG. 10) and lower base 168 (FIG. 11) of the ribbon rack 130 are each formed from wire members that are squared or flat at the ends to provide level seating surfaces. The wire members forming the ends 166, 168 may have a square or rectangular cross section.

In the embodiment shown, the upper end 166 is provided with seating prongs 170 at the corners that project upward a short distance. The seating prong 170, which may be formed from a short length of angled or curved wire, extends from the corners of the upper end 166 to a corner cross-piece 172. Other projecting members may be used for the seating prong 170, as well.

The lower end 168 of the frame 132 is provided with seating prong apertures 174. These may be formed from a short length of wire 176 that extends across the corners of the base 168 to define the apertures 174. The apertures 174 are configured to closely receive the seating prong 170 of another similarly constructed ribbon rack 130, when two or more racks 130 are arranged in a stacked configuration. In the embodiment shown, the apertures 174 have a generally triangular shape.

In use, the ribbon rack 130 may be provided at a selected location for display of multiple rolls of ribbon. The ribbon rack 130 has particular application for use in retail stores, such as arts and craft stores, where ribbon may be sold. The racks 130 may have a depth of 1 to 3½ feet, with a height of from 1½ to 3½ feet, and a width of 1½ to 4 feet, although the dimensions of the rack may vary. The multiple levels of trays 134 allow a large amount of ribbon to be stored and displayed within a small amount of space. Sample ribbon swatches (not shown), such as the swatches 118 of rack 10, may be provided at the front end of the trays for indicating the type of ribbon held within each channel 148. When a roll of ribbon is removed from one of the tray channels 148, the sloped tray allows the ribbon to be advanced or fed toward the front of the tray 134.

The squared base 168 of the rack 130 facilitates seating of the rack 130 on a flat floor or shelf. Additionally, the squared upper end 166 facilitates stacking of one or more similarly configured racks 130 one on top of the other. In such situations where the racks 130 are in a stacked configuration, the seating prongs 170 at the upper end 166 of the lower rack are received within the apertures 174 of at the bottom 168 of the upper rack 130.

One or more of the hanger assemblies 154 may be positioned within the hanger area and coupled to the lattice 152 at various selected locations. Items may be suspended on the hangers 158 for display and may be readily removed by sliding them off the pegs and through the open area 178 at the front of the frame 132.

While the invention has been shown in only some of its forms, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but is susceptible to various changes and modifications without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.