US 4,331,245 AGranted

Carpet sample display rack

OwnerDennis L. Schellinventor

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Abstract

A rack structure for use in a store for storage and display of samples of material such as of carpet, fabrics, and the like comprises opposite end members positioned in spaced, upright relationship for display of large samples, such as sample books thereon, and a plurality of supportive shelf members extending between and connected to the end members. The shelf members have midportions and front portions and a plurality of spaced divider wall members on each of the shelf members extend from the midportions to the front portions and divide each shelf member into a plurality of narrow, side-by-side trays. Front wall members respectively extend along the front portions to close the front of the trays. A plurality of sample pieces of material of relatively small size are received in the trays and removable therefrom for transport from the store whereby the pieces can be taken to a proposed installation site for examination. In one embodiment, front portions of the shelf members are inclined for viewing of the sample pieces and in another embodiment, the trays include resilient retainers which present the pieces for ease of viewing and removal.

A movable, free-standing rack structure for use in a retail store for storage and display of carpet samples and comprising:

(a) opposite end panel members positioned in spaced, upright relationship, at least one of said panel members having fasteners thereon for supporting a plurality of large carpet samples thereon;
(b) leg members extending from said end panel members for contact with a floor surface;
(c) a plurality of supportive shelf members extending between and connected to said end panel members to form a free-standing rack structure, said shelf members respectively having generally planar midportions and downwardly inclined front and rear portions;
(d) elongate side wall members on each of said shelf members extending from said front to rear portions and dividing said shelf members into narrow, side-by-side trays and front and rear wall members respectively extending along said front and rear portions;
(e) rod members extending between and connected to said end panel members and extending through said side wall members at junctures of said shelf member midportions with said front and rear portions;
(f) a plurality of elongate carpet sample strips matching said large carpet samples and lying in said trays and having a width for fitting between said side wall members and a length less than the distance between said front and rear wall members, said carpet sample strips having first and second ends with the first ends respectively on said front and rear portions and the second ends in overlapped relationship, said carpet sample strips underlying said rod members and extending down said front and rear portions for display and view thereof by a prospective purchaser;
and
(g) a cutting tool engageable on said rack structure and operable for cutting a portion from a selected carpet sample strip for removal from said rack structure whereby said portion can be removed from said store and taken to a proposed installation site for viewing.

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Abstract

Claims1