US3679066A

US3679066A - Compact rotatable display device

Info

Publication number: US3679066A
Application number: US57551A
Authority: US
Inventors: Nathan A Leffeld
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1970-07-23
Filing date: 1970-07-23
Publication date: 1972-07-25
Anticipated expiration: 1989-07-25

Abstract

A display, comprising a central support post; at least one tier of an independently rotatable central frame rotatably carried on the post; each central frame carrying a plurality of merchandise display extension frames, access to which is obtained by rotating the central frame; each extension frame carrying a plurality of merchandise elements. In addition, there are separate brackets for mounting an extension frame on a support panel.

Description

United States Patent Leffeld COMPACT ROTATABLE DISPLAY DEVICE Inventor:

Nathan A. Leffeld, 64 W. 23rd St. Livingston, NJ. 10010 Filed: July 23, 1970 Appl. No.: 57,551

Related US. Application Data Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 865,222, Sept. 10, 1969, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 712,534, March 12, 1968.

U.S.Cl ..2ll/l63,211/165,211/181 Int. Cl. ..A47f 5/02 Field ofSearch ..211/44, 163, 165, 167, 169,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 824,083 6/1906 Roach ..21 [I44 k .32 d Ill [451 July 25, 1972 2,613,931 10/1952 Singer ..2l1/163 X 2,693,751 11/1954 Allen ...211/181X 2,926,862 3/1960 Jacobson 211/44 X 3,195,736 7/1965 Bomar ..211/163 3,478,893 11/1969 Crosslen ..21l/169 X Primary Examiner-David J. Williamowsky Assistant Examiner-Wayne L. Shedd Attorney-Ostrolenk, Faber, Gerb & Soflen [5 7] ABSTRACT A display, comprising a central support post; at least one tier of an independently rotatable central frame rotatably carried on the post; each central frame carrying a plurality of merchandise display extension frames, access to which is obtained by rotating the central frame; each extension frame carrying a plurality of merchandise elements. in addition, there are separate brackets for mounting an extension frame on a support panel.

30 Claims, 17 Drawing Figures SHEET 3 BF 6 COMPACT ROTATABLE DISPLAY DEVICE This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 865,222, filed Sept. 10, 1969, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 712,534, filed Mar. 12, I968.

This invention relates to a number of embodiments of displays for displaying a large number of small merchandise elements in a minimum of space.

Display space on the floor of or on a counter in a store is limited. Therefore, it is desirable to display merchandise in a manner which permits the maximum amount of merchandise to be displayed in a minimum of space. To minimize the area of the floor or the counter occupied by a display, individual items in the display are mounted above one another. Every merchandise display has a number of sides. Access to a nonmovable display in the corner of a floor or on a counter, may be had only on the front side of the display. However, if the display is made rotatable, all of its sides are accessible by rotation of the display.

The present invention makes use of the foregoing well known principles. A central support frame is mounted to be rotatable about a central post. The central frame has hooklike support means for supporting merchandise display extension frames extending away from the central frame. Rotation of the central frame enables individual ones of the extension frames to be accessible from the front of the display.

In a first embodiment of the invention, each extension frame supports a shaft. On each shaft is positioned a rack which is rotatable about the shaft and comprises a plurality of merchandise support panels extending outward from the shaft in a number of directions. For instance, a rack may be formed of four merchandise supports panels which extend away from the shaft and which may be mutually perpendicular. Each of the panels has receiving means, e.g., crossbars, vertically spaced with respect to each other for receiving merchandise, whereby merchandise may be vertically stacked using the merchandise receiving means.

An alternative embodiment of the invention uses a merchandise display extension frame which includes two cooperating parallel vertical columns of merchandise receiving means. The inner column is nearer than the outer one to the central frame. Each outer receiving means includes two horizontally spaced apart support elements, between which a card for holding merchandise may be inserted, and on which the supporting elements on the card may be rested to support the card. Each inner receiving means is in position to engage the inner end of a card supported on an outer receiving means so as to keep the cards at a proper orientation.

Yet another embodiment of the invention employs a central support frame, which holds a plurality of the extension frames of the just mentioned embodiment on their sides for supporting, between the two rows of spaced outer support elements, cards of merchandise, which fit between the rows.

Still a further embodiment of the invention employs yet another central support frame, with means for supporting a plurality of the just mentioned extension frames either upright or on their sides, for different display applications.

The invention contemplates the employment of one or more tiers, each including a central support frame and merchandise display extension frames and with each central frame being vertically displaced from its adjacent frame and being independently rotatable with respect to the central shaft. By use of the above described display, the number of merchandise elements that are made readily accessible to one side of the merchandise display is greatly increased.

As another feature of the present invention, each of the merchandise display extension frames which is mounted upon the receiving elements on the central frame may also be mounted on a stationary bracket, positioned on a wall or a board for example, whereby each merchandise display extension frame is enabled to alternately serve as a separate rack for display of merchandise or as part of a display including a plurality of such frames.

As another feature of the invention, all the components are formed of thin rigid wire wherever possible which makes the display unobtrusive as compared to the merchandise on it and makes the display as light in weight as possible to permit easy handling of a large display in a store.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a merchandise display which permits a maximum number of merchandise elements to be mounted for display in a minimum of space.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a display on all sides of which merchandise may be mounted while the merchandise remains readily accessible to one side of the display.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a display having rotatable means which permits the display to be rotated such that access can be had to every merchandise element.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent when the following description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective of an assembly including an individual one of all of the elements of a display designed in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view partially in cross-section of a display designed in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic elevation view, partly in cross-section, of a multi-tiered display designed in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a first alternate mounting technique for the merchandise display extension frames of the first embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate mounting brackets for the alternate mounting technique of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the merchandise display extension frame that is used in the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the frame of FIG.

FIG. 9 shows a manner in which merchandise is dispensed using the second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary side elevation view of an alternate form of the extension frame of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a view in the direction of arrows 11 in FIG. 10 of the alternate form of extension frame;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a'further embodiment of mounting bracket for extension frames;

FIG. 13 illustrates the mounting of the bracket of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 shows an alternate technique for mounting the extension frame of FIG. 7;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of central frame for a display;

FIG. 16 is a view of a mounting bracket for mounting the extension frame of FIG. 14; and

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of central frame for a display.

Turning to the drawings, and particularly FIG. 1, a display designed in accordance with the instant invention comprises a support base 12 of conventional design having a post 14 fixedly mounted thereto. Base 12 may be of any shape and may have legs. It only must hold the display upright.

Post 14 extends upward as far as necessary for the particular display. In FIG. 1, only a single tier 14 for display of merchandise is illustrated in detail. A second tier 18 is suggested.

Turning to FIG. 3, tiers l6 and 18 are clearly shown. In addition, a third tier 19 is shown. All these tiers are mounted upon post 14 in the manner described below in conjunction with tier 16. Each of tiers l6, l8 and 19 may be identical to one or another or might be different. Each of them may make use of the present invention or only some of them may. Each may include any of the central support frames and extension frames in accordance with the embodiments, described below, of the invention. While only three tiers are illustrated in FIG. 3, there may be any number of tiers. The various embodiments of the invention will be described in connection with only a single tier, it being understood that there will usually be other tiers.

If the display has only one or two tiers, it would likely be a model to be placed on the counter in a store, rather than on the floor. A base, looking like base 12, may be employed. If the display has three or more tiers, the total height of the display may be so great as to preclude its being placed on a counter. In this case, it would be positioned on the floor and a base 13 having legs 15 would be provided. Any base which adequately supports the display at the proper height and prevents it from tipping over during use is sufficient.

Returning to FIG. 1, at the top of post 14 is decorative device 20, which may be shaped in any manner and may be used for holding a sign describing the merchandise appearing on the display.

A support element 22, shown in dotted line form as being a disc directly beneath the to be described annular ring 26, is fixedly attached to post 14. Disc 22 serves as a support for central frame 24 in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, thereby vertically positioning central frame 24. In place of the disc, a post or boss protruding out of post 14 may be substituted, the only requirements being that this element support central frame 24, to be described, at disc 26 and permit the frame to rotate with respect to post 14.

Central frame 24, as illustrated, is comprised of a lower base 28 which may be comprised of a rectangular loop of rigid wire. Disc 26 is part of base 28 or is secured thereto, e.g., by welding or soldering, at point 30. Hereinafter all parts recited as being secured together can be welded, soldered, bolted or otherwise conventionally secured. The lower surface of disc 26 sits upon disc 22, which positions frame 24 vertically. Ring 26 passes around post 14 and is intended to be rotated with respect to disc 22. Accordingly, the base of ring 26 and the upper surface of disc 22 are provided with means permitting rotative interengagement. Such means may consist merely of having each surface be made smooth, so that frictional resistance to rotation is minimized, or a ball bearing connection or other friction reducing connection well known in the art may be provided.

The other end of frame 24 is provided with an upper base 32, which may be a rectangular rigid wire loop to which is connected, in a manner similar to ring 26, a ring 34 having an aperture therethrough for having post 14 pass through it. A second support element 36 may be positioned beneath ring 34, just as disc 22 is located beneath ring 26, and should engage ring 34 in a manner which permits free rotation of frame 24 around post 14. This will aid in the vertical support of frame 24.

Bases

28, 32 are held apart by rigid wire legs 40 secured thereto. The length of legs 40 defines the height of frame 24.

Secured to each of the sides of rectangular upper base 32 is a respective hook like

element

42, 43, 44 and 45 (FIG. 2). Each is formed of a single strand of rigid wire bent to provide hook like receptacles, e.g., 43a and 43b (FIG. 1). The hook like elements are each the upper support for a merchandise display extension frame to be described.

Lower rectangular base 28 is similarly provided with respective hook like

element

46, 47, 48, 49 on each of its four sides. The lower support elements may not be necessary if the upper support elements hold the merchandise display extension frame sufficiently securely to the central frame 24.

Each of

bases

28, 32 is shown as being rectangular, with four sides to which merchandise display extension frames, to be described, may be attached. The number of sides with which bases 28 and 32 may be provided is not limited except by the undesirability of having a too crowded display or of having a display too large for its intended place of use. Upper and

lower bases

32, 28 must have the same number of sides and be so positioned that the respective ones of the support elements 42-49 for each merchandise display extension frame are disposed such that each merchandise display extension frame will hold the elements of merchandise being displayed in a vertical stack.

Support elements

43 and 46 cooperate to provide a support for a merchandise display extension frame to be described; as do

elements

44, 47; 45, 48; and 42, 49.

The first embodiment of the present invention includes the merchandise display extension frame shown in FIGS. 1-4. In FIG. 1, merchandise display extension frame 52 has means 54, 56 which cooperate with

support elements

42, 49 to hold frame 52 in position. Frame 52 comprises means 58, 60 for supporting a rotatable display rack containing a plurality of merchandise display elements, to be described.

As illustrated, extension frame 52 comprises a closed rectangular loop of rigid wire 62. The loop has great length as compared to its width. It is bent at bends 65 to form a U-shape having a vertical web portion 64, an upper. horizontal leg portion 66 and a lower horizontal leg portion 68. The

leg portions

66, 68 are of sufficient length to permit rotation of racks to be described without any interference from web 64.

Means 54, which cooperates with support element 42, comprises crossbars of rigid wire soldered, welded or otherwise secured to the upper part of the vertical web section 64 of loop 62. Means 56, which cooperates with lower support element 49, comprises similar rigid crossbars which are mounted near the bottom of the vertical web section of loop 62.

Shaft 72 is secured at end 74 of the upper horizontal portion 66 of loop 62. This connection 58 provides an upper support for the rotatable display rack to be described. The lower portion of shaft 72 is secured at 60 to end 76 of lower horizontal portion 68 of loop 62. Connection 60 provides the lower support for shaft 72.

Turning to FIG. 2, horizontal leg 66 of loop 62 of frame 52 can be seen. Each of merchandise display extension frames 80, 82 and 84 is similarly formed and in a similar manner supports its

respective shaft

86, 88 and 90 for supporting its respective rotatable display rack, to be described.

Turning to FIG. 1, secured to shaft 72 is a rack support means 94, which comprises a boss on shaft 72. The boss prevents downward movement of rotatable rack by engaging the lower surface of disc or plate 96, which is secured to the base of rack 100. In place of boss 94, a disc or ring, similar to disc 22, may be provided for engaging plate 96. Shaft 73 passes through plate 96, and the shaft is of a diameter which permits rotation of rack 100. Disc 97 at the top of rack 100 also has shaft 72 passing through it, and the disc holds the rack on shaft 72. The opening through disc 97 is sufficient to permit rotation of the rack.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, each of

support elements

42, 43, 44, 45 on central frame 24 may be used to support a

respective extension frame

62, 82, 80, which, in turn, supports a respective

merchandise display rack

100, 128, 126, 124. Each of

racks

128, 126, 124 may be identical to rack 100.

Pack 100 comprises four

panels

102, 104, 106, 108 for holding vertically disposed merchandise elements. The panels are rigidly connected with

discs

96 and 97, whereby the entire frame 100 may be rotated as a single unit. While four panels are shown, any number may be provided. The number of panels is limited only to prevent the merchandise display from becoming unduly cluttered.

Returning to FIG. 1, panel 102 is representative. It has means 1 12 for supporting merchandise being displayed. Since the merchandise is suspended from means 112, this means comprises two rigid, wire crossbars 114, which serve as a support for frame 116 that passes through an opening through merchandise element 118, e.g., a reel or spool, of merchandise. Frame 116 comprises a hook like element 1 19, which fits between crossbars 114 from which the spool is suspended. Other types of merchandise may be displayed on the device of the present invention, and other types of cooperating support means 1 12 would be employed to support this merchandise.

Panel 102 has a rigid wire crossbar beneath each support means 112. This supports each spool 118 to prevent it from swinging freely. Therefore, crossbars 120 cooperate with support means 112 to together provide a support means for the merchandise elements 118.

As shown in FIG. 1, panel 102 has four support means for supporting four merchandise elements. As many support means 112 as desired may be provided on each merchandise display panel, and no matter how many support means are provided, any number of those provided may be actually used to support merchandise elements. Framework 124 in FIG. 2 has all four of its panels 130 with merchandise elements 118 mounted upon them.

The display of FIG. 1 is illustrated as being used for display of merchandise on spools. The spool has material, such as rib bon 132, wound thereon. To find the particular ribbon he desires, a customer would rotate main frame 24 and then rotate

individual racks

100, 124, 126, 128 until he finds the spool he is interested in on the panel, e.g., 102, that is facing him.

If the merchandise displayed is disposed of in unit lengths, e.g., ribbon, a length measuring device is used. As a separate feature of the present invention, a length measuring device is attached to the display for permitting the length of the material being dispensed to be measured. Referring to FIG. 1, length measuring device 140 comprises a rectangular loop 142 of rigid wire having mounting bracket loops 144 secured to it. Loops 144 are held by bolts 146 on post 14 in a manner which precludes rotation of measuring device 140 and prevents the measuring device from shifting vertically. The measuring device may alternatively be made rotatable and be supported in a manner similar to frame 24.

A lower, rectangular, rigid, wire loop 150 is secured to post 14 in the manner of securing loop 142. A measuring device 152 used in conjunction with the present invention comprises a standard rigid yard length ruler. Ruler 152 is held stationary by a support means, which includes flanged plate 154, the flanges of which surround the edges of the ruler and are resilient to hold the ruler in place. Returning to FIG. 1, ruler supports 154 are secured to upper and lower rigid wire support frames 156, which are fixedly secured to flanged panels 158. Panels 158 have resilient flanges that fit over and frictionally engage the rectangular wire frames 142, 150. In this manner, ruler 152 is held stationary.

TurninG to FIG. 2, it can be seen that one or more than one ruler may be provided. As illustrated in FIG. 1, rulers may be provided on only one side of the display or, as illustrated in FIG. 2, on opposite sides of the display, the rulers thereby being accessible no matter which way the display is turned.

In FIG. 3, a single ruler 152 may be provided for all the tiers of the multi-tier merchandise display. Since ruler 152 may be shorter than the height of the multi-tier display, the resiliently flanged panels 154 permit ruler 152 to be moved up or down, as needed in each individual case, so that the ruler will be available for measuring a length of ribbon on any spool on any of the tiers.

A further feature of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 4-6. The display just described comprises a stand, which may be located upon a counter or on the floor of a place where the merchandise is being displayed. However, it may be desirable to display the merchandise on a wall. With a minimum of extra components, the merchandise display extension frames e.g., 52, which are connected to central frame 24, may instead be mounted upon a wall or upon a panel on the wall.

Turning to FIG. 4, wall or panel 170 is provided with openings 172 for receiving mounting

bracket

176, 178, which holds one of merchandise display extension frames 62, 82, 80 or 84. Openings 172 receive mounting hooks 174 of mounting

brackets

176 and 178. Bracket 178 has

hook elements

180, 182, 184 and 186, which form a receptacle for crossbars 54 of loop 62 of frame 52. Although not illustrated, panel 170 has a substantially identical receiving means for lower crossbars 56 of loop 62. The merchandise display extension frame may be identical to that shown in FIG. 1. By the means just described, frame 52 may be mounted upon a wall. Merchandise display rack 100 is rotatable to permit ready access to the various

merchandise display panels

102, 104, 106, 108.

Hooks

180, 182, 184, 186 or

brackets

176, 178 can receive a separate measuring device, or ruler, support bracket 192 having an end 194 which extends into flanged plate 158. Bracket 192 is engaged by flanged plate 158 and thereby supports same. This supports ruler 152 in the manner previously described in connection with FIG. 1. Bracket 192 has crossbars 196, which, like crossbars 54, fit within

hooks

180, 182, 184, 186 and support ruler 152. At the bottom of the measuring device (not shown) is mounted another bracket, like 176, which receives a lower bracket, like 192. The lower bracket is inserted into the lower flanged plate 158 attached to measuring device support 154. Thus ruler 152 may be positioned on panel 170 near the merchandise being dispensed when it is desired to measure such merchandise.

In FIG. 2, support means43, 45 are of greater width than support means 42, 44. Their respective sides of rectangular base 32 are of corresponding length. Support means 43, 45 are adapted to receives merchandise display frames 80, 84, which have greater width than the merchandise display extension frames 62, 82. Note also that the merchandise display panels for rotating rack may be of greater width than the panels of rotating rack 124, whereby greater width merchandise elements may be mounted upon the panels of

rotating racks

124, 128 than upon the panels of

rotating racks

100, 126.

Support elements

42, 43, 44, 45 may all be of equal size, and the sides of rectangular base 32 may all be of equal size. The lengths of the sides of base 32 and the widths of the support elements is a matter of choice.

Turning to FIGS. 5 and 6,

brackets

176 or 178 there shown are provided not with two hooks but with four hooks, namely, 180, 182, 184, 186. A

narrower width loop

62, 82 when inserted in

bracket

176, 178 has its vertical legs, e.g., 64, extend between the pairs of

hooks

180, 182 and 184, 186. A larger width loop 80, 84 has its vertical legs outside both sets of

hooks

181, 182, and 184, 186.

The positions of the hooks are chosen so that when different width merchandise display frames are used, the abovedescribed result occurs. Therefore, using'the merchandise display extension frames of FIGS. 1 and 2, even though diflerent ones of the frames are of different widths, wall mounting brackets for mounting the frames are adapted for securely mounting both the small width and greater width frames, whereby a minimum of different components need be manufactured.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, an alternative form of merchandise display extension frame 52 is shown, which may be used in place of extension frame 52 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4. Extension frame 52' supports merchandise elements comprising flat display reels, such as reel or card 200 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Reel 200 has merchandise, such as ribbon 202, wound around its central portion 204.

Reel 200 includes retaining

edge portions

206 and 208, which are of greater length than central portion 204, to prevent merchandise 202, e.g., a length of ribbon, from sliding off central portion 204, and which are folded up to receive rigid reel support rod 210. Rod 210 passes through openings provided in the

edge portions

206 and 208 and is so positioned that merchandise is wound over it.

A section, e.g., 212, of edge portion 208 may be made readily separable, e.g., by perforations, from reel 200. This section might include information concerning the merchandise held on the reel to facilitate reordering.

Above described central frame 24 supports display extension frame 52. Hence, frame 24 is not shown again. Frame 52 includes two columns of vertical support means for a number of reels 200. The first column is defined by rigid wire

vertical posts

216, 218, which are spaced apart a distance that permits each reel 200 to pass between the posts. Pairs of loop shaped means 220, 220'; 222, 222'; 224, 224'; 226, 226; etc. are each able to support a reel 200. As an example of the operation of the loop shaped support means, in FIG. 8, support rod 210 of reel 200 is passed between two adjacent loops, e.g., 224, 226 on post 216 and between loops 224' and 226' (not shown) on post 218. The rod settles on the lower height section 228 of loop 224. The elevated and bulging outer section 230 of loop 224 both prevents rod 210 from accidentally sliding or falling off frame 52' once it has been placed in position and holds reel 200 in the correct location. The downward bulge 232 on loop 226 cooperates with upward bulge 230 on loop 224 to impede the reels accidentally falling out of its mounting position.

Posts

216, 218 are supported at their upper ends by rigid wire loop 236 and at their lower ends by rigid wire loop 238. The dimensions of

loops

236, 238 are chosen so as to permit

posts

216, 218 to be spaced apart properly.

A separate inner column of support means for each reel 200 is also provided. As shown in FIG. 8, for each pair of outer support means, like 224, 224 there is a respective inner cross bar, like 240, over which the inner end of a reel 200 is seated. The inner end of reel 200 is trapped between crossbar 240 and crossbar 242 next above it. The latter crossbar supports another reel held on loop support means 226, 226'.

The cooperating outer and inner reel support means hold reels 200 in substantially parallel and horizontal orientation.

The inner support means crossbars are themselves secured to

rigid wire posts

246, 248, which are held in their desired locations by being secured to

loops

236 and 238.

Posts

246, 248 are spaced apart sufficiently to permit reels 200 to pass between them when the reels are seated on the inner support means

crossbars

240, 242, etc.

Secured near the tops of

posts

246, 248 is hooking means 250, which hooks into the hooking receiving means 42 of central frame 24. Near the lower ends of

posts

246, 248 is hook ing means 252, which hooks into hooking means 49 (FIG. 1) at the base of central frame 24. This supports the second embodiment of merchandise display extension frame on central frame 24.

Should an individual wish to more closely view merchandise on a particular reel, it would be necessary for him to manually raise the reel so that its support rod 210 would be able to be slid out of the notch between the adjacent outer support means loops, e.g., 224, 226. Once the reel has been removed from its support means, should an individual wish to remove merchandise from reel 200, the merchandise must be unwound from the reel.

In FIG. 9 is shown a device which aids in unwinding merchandise from a reel. Measuring device wire support frame 156 (shown in FIG. 1) has secured to it, by securing device 252, a hollow tube 254 with an opening sufiiciently wide to receive one end of rod 210 and sufficiently long so that reel 200 will be adequately supported in the tube. The tube is inclined so that the reel will not fall out of it. Unwind ing merchandise from the reel requires merely spinning the reel in the tube. After use, reel 200 is manually replaced on its support means in frame 52.

Whereas with each display rack shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, four panels of merchandise are available for observation and dispensing of merchandise, with the device of FIGS. 7-9 only one set of reels of material is available. Hence, the individual merchandise display extension frame 52' is not made rotatable like merchandise extension frame 52.

Turning to FIGS. 10 and 1 l, a further alternate form 260 of merchandise display extension frame is illustrated. Frame 260 is identical to extension frame 52, except that the former includes inclined guard rods 262, each of which is rigidly secured to a respective loop, like 226, 224, along one of the vertical support posts, like 216. Elements in FIGS. 10 and 11 that correspond to those in FIGS. 7 and 8 are correspondingly numbered.

As illustrated with loop 224 in FIG. 10, shaft 210 for carrying card 200 is passed between

loops

226, 224, is lifted over the upper free end 264 of guard bar 262 and is settled on the narrowed portion of loop 224 between guard bar 262 and support rod 216.

The incline of bar 262 prevents shaft 210 from accidentally moving off the narrowed portion of loop 224. Bars 262 further serve as pilferage retardants by complicating and thereby slowing the removal of an individual card 200 from frame 260. Furthermore, even when extension frame 260 is turned on its side, as illustrated in below described FIGS. 14-16, the inclusion of guard bars 262 permits cards like 200, which are supported on a shaft, like 210, to be carried in frame 260, because bars 262 prevent the shafts 210 from tipping or falling out of their positions.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show an alternate form of means 270 for mounting any of extension frames 52, 52' or 260 on above described wall .or panel 170, which panel includes a plurality of receiving openings 172. Mounting bracket 270 includes resilient, wire,

vertical legs

272, 274, which at their upper ends include S-bends 276 for insertion through cooperating openings 172. Starting behind panel 170, bends 276 emerge in front of panel and join

legs

272, 274 at junctions 278.

The lower ends of

legs

272, 274 are inward facing hooks 280 for insertion through openings 172. Hooks 280 emerge at the front of panel 170 and join

legs

272, 274 at junctions 282.

Bracket 270 includes upper end lower

rigid wire crossbars

290, 292 to which

legs

272, 274 are rigidly secured. These spaced apart crossbars permit squeezing together of

legs

272, 274, as described below, for mounting of bracket 270 on panel 170.

One of the drawbacks of the mounting brackets shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is that when a display extension frame, like 52, is suspended from one of these brackets, the weight of the frame as it extends away from the panel tends to pull the bracket slightly away from the surface of the panel supporting the bracket and also permits the bracket, and, therefore, the extension frame held thereby, to freely swing toward and away from the panel, which creates the impression that the extension frame is not securely held on the support panel. Mounting bracket 270 overcomes this drawback because the distance between

respective junctions

278, 282 of

legs

272, 274 is slightly greater than the distance between the two openings 172 in respective columns of openings on panel 170 through which the mounting means 276, 280 are expected to be passed.

In order to mount bracket 270 on panel 170, the S-bends are positioned in their respective openings 172. Then,

resilient legs

272, 274 are squeezed together, which slightly draws junction 282 toward junction 278 and shortens the distance between them, thereby moving the hooks 280 into position for insertion into their openings 172.

Legs

272, 274 are thereafter released and resiliently return from their solid line positions of FIG. 13 to their phantom line positions. This presses the mounting legs of hooks 280 and S-bends 276 securely against the walls of their apertures 172, thereby locking

legs

272, 274 in position and holding the top of bracket 270 and the extension frame mounted thereon securely in position against panel 170.

Rigidly secured to

crossbars

290, 292, are respective spaced apart hooks 294, 296. Upper hooks 294 receive upper hooking support means 250 to support extension frame 52', and lower hooks 296 receive lower hooking support means 252 of frame 52'.

Crossbars

290, 292 are so spaced apart and hooks 294, 296 are so located with respect to the crossbars that hooks 294, 296 provide secure support, of the type illustrated in FIG. 8, for extension frame 52.

An alternate technique for supporting extension frame 260 is illustrated in FIG. 14. Instead of being elongated vertically, as in FIG. 7, extension frame 260 is elongated horizontally, with

support bars

216, 218 and rows of loops, e.g., 226, 224, etc. and 226', 224, etc. running horizontally, its proper position with respect to its respective support loops, as was described above.

Turning frame 260 on its side also permits utilization of a different type of merchandise display reel 300. Reel 300 includes two spaced apart

rollers

302, 304 supported at their ends in upper and

lower support panels

306, 308.

Rollers

302, 304 are of sufficient length and support the

panels

306, 308 sufficiently apart that reel 300 fits closely between the two rows of

loops

224, 226, etc., and 224, 226, etc.

Panels

306, 308 are of sufficient width that they rest against more than one of the neighboring loops in a row of loops. The loops support reel 300 upright, as illustrated.

Material 310, e.g., ribbon, to be dispensed is wound around

rollers

302, 304. To dispense material, a reel 300 must be removed through the open end of frame 260. Upright reel 300 is returned between the two rows of frame loops and is inserted until the reel contacts the inner frame support bars 246, 248.

While only a single reel 300 is illustrated, a number of these reels may be placed side by side in frame 260. Also, reels 300 may be alternated in any manner with merchandise cards 200.

Frames like 52' and 260 are adaptable for a number of differing uses at different orientations, thereby minimizing the number of components that must be designed and manufactured for a complete display.

One means for supporting extension frame 260 in a sideways orientation is illustration by central support frame 320 of FIG. 15. Frame 320 supports a single tier on above described main support post 14. The manner in which frame 320 is held on post 14 would be the same as for central frame 24 of FIGS. 1 and 2.

Frame 320 is comprised of a plurality, four being illustrated, of short height, elongated width, rectangular, rigid,

wire carrying loops

322, 324, 326, 328. The inner edge of each loop meets and is joined to the neighboring loop, not at the inner edge of the latter, but part way toward the outer edge of that loop, thereby forming a central rectangle 330, which surrounds central support post 14.

Upper and lower central

frame support disks

332, 334 have secured thereto respective upper 336 and lower 338 rigid carrying bars, which are secured to the upper and lower legs of the rectangular carrying loops.

Turning to rectangular loop 324 as exemplary, extending outward in one direction from the plane of loop 324 is one set including upper hook 340 and lower hook 341. A second associated set of upper and

lower hooks

342, 343 is spaced horizontally from the respective hooks of the first set. The hooks are rigidly secured to their loop to maintain the illustrated orientation. Upper hooks 340, 342, receive inner, upper support bar 246 of frame 260, and lower hooks 341, 343 receive lower, inner support bar 248 of frame 260. The spacing between the upper and lower legs of rectangle 24 and the distance between the upper 340, 341 and lower 342, 343 hooks are so chosen that extension frame 260 is held rigidly in position by the hooks. The hooks are held by elongated stems away from the plane of the loop. This provides sufficient clearance for the rearwardly extending hook support means 250, 252 on frame 260.

Because of the rotatability of central frame 320, access to a number of extension frames is permitted. Furthermore, since each extension frame can hold a sizable number of reels or cards of material to be dispensed, with rotatable frame 320, a substantial variety of materials to be dispensed is accessible to the user of the display.

FIG. 16 is an end View of a means for mounting an extension frame 260 at a horizontal orientation and stationary on above described support panel 170. Support bracket 350 for frame 260 combines the mounting features of bracket 270 in FIG. 12, with the extension frame carrying features of one of the loops, e. g., 324, in FIG. 15. Bracket 350 includes a support leg 352, which is similar to bracket support leg 272, except that it is shorter in length because the vertical spacing between

hook supporting crossbars

354, 356, which are the equivalent of

rods

290, 292, is less. Upper and

lower hooks

358, 360 extend out from the plane of bracket 350. The second support leg and second set of hooks of mounting bracket 350 are not shown. However, as shown by FIGS. 12 and 15, this leg and these hooks would be the same as the ones illustrated. Thus, with the apparatus described above, frame 260 may be supported both vertically and horizontally on a rotatable display, or alternatively, on a stationary mounting panel.

Turning to FIG. 17, central frame 370 is a hybrid combination of

central frames

24 and 320. It is carried by its upper and

lower disks

372, 374 on central post 14 in the same manner as frame 320. Frame 370 also is comprised of a plurality, four being shown, of rigid,

rectangular wire loops

376, 378, 380, 382. As in frame 320, the inner end of each rectangular loop is joined to the neighboring rectangular loop, thereby forming an interior rectangular enclosure 384 around central post 14.

Affixed to upper and

lower disks

372, 374 are

respective support crossbars

386, 388. These crossbars are, respectively, connected with the upper and lower legs of

rectangular loops

378, 382, and thereby support them.

Rectangular loops

376, 380 are both connected to support

loops

378, 382 and are thereby supported by the latter.

Turning to rectangular loop 376 as exemplary, it includes two associated sets of upper and lower support means 392, 393 and 394, 395, which serve to support an extension frame, like

frame

52, 52 or 260 in an upright condition, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 7. Since two associated sets of support means are provided, two neighboring vertically oriented extension frames may be mounted on loop 376. The width of loop 376 may be extended to facilitate support of additional extension frames. The upper and lower legs of loop 376 are so spaced apart and the upper 392, 393 and lower 394, 395 support means are so secured to loop 376 and are also so spaced apart that the extension frame will be rigidly mounted to loop 376.

Extension frame 370 also includes means for carrying an ex tension frame, like 52 or 260, at a horizontally elongated orientation, such as that shown in FIG. 15. Turning again to loop 376, two hook support rods 398, 400 extend vertically between the upper and lower legs of loop 376 and are rigidly secured thereto. On support rod 400 are rigidly secured two sets of carrying hooks, 402, 404 and 406, 408. There are correspondingly located sets of carrying hooks on shaft 398. The upper hooks 402, 404 on rod 400 are, respectively, the upper and lower hooks of a first arrangement of hooks and correspond to

hooks

342, 343 in FIG. 15. In this first arrangement are also the correspondingly positioned, horizontally displaced, associated hooks 403, 405 on rod 398. The lower hooks 406, 408 on rod 400 are, respectively, the upper and lower hooks of a second arrangement of hooks, which is vertically displaced from the first arrangement. In this second arrangement are also the correspondingly positioned, horizontally displaced, associated respective upper and

lower hooks

407, 409 on rod 398. With the hooks arranged as in FIG. 17, two extension frames 52 or 260 can be supported in horizontal orientation, one above the other. While two sets of carrying hooks are shown, any number of sets may be provided for carrying any number of extension frames.

With central frame 370, a large number of merchandise display extension frames may be displayed and made readily accessible to the user of the apparatus. Furthermore, this central frame permits any vertical or horizontal arrangement of merchandise display extension frames as might be desired in a particular application, with some loops carrying horizontally and others vertically oriented extension frames. Thus, a single apparatus is widely adaptable for a number of uses.

There have just been described a number of different embodiments of display apparatus for supporting different types of merchandise at various orientations, and a number of different mounting brackets for mounting merchandise on a panel.

Although a number of embodiments of this novel invention have beendescribed, many variations and modifications will now be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this invention is to be limited, not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims.

I claim:

l. A compact rotatable merchandise display, comprising a central post and at least two display unit tiers independently held on said central post in axially spaced apart relationship; each said display unit tier comprising,

a central frame mounted on said central post by rotation mounting means which permit rotation of said central frame about said central post;

a plurality of merchandise display extension frames mounted on said central frame; at least one of said extension frames having a rack mounted thereto by mounting means designed to permit each said rack to be rotated with respect to its respective said extension frame;

said at least one merchandise display extension frame comprises a closed loop of rigid wire formed into a thin width rectangle, the width being thin as compared to the length of said rectangle; said rectangle being bent near the far distant ends thereof to form a U-shaped element having two legs joined by a web;

a plurality of support elements extending across said loop of rigid wire on said web of said U-shaped elements for engaging support means of said central frame; said central frame having support means to receive said support elements;

a rigid wire post secured to each of the free ends of said U- shaped element and extending therebetween; rotation support means on said wire post for supporting one of said racks and for permitting that said rack to rotate around said post;

said legs of said U-shaped element being sufficiently long that said one rack may be rotated without any structure interfering with the merchandise elements positioned thereon;

each of said racks comprising a plurality of panels which extend outward in different directions from said rigid wire post; each of said panels including a plurality of means positioned one above the other for supporting merchandise elements one above the other on each of said panels.

2. The display of claim 1, wherein said central frame is formed of rigid wire having support means formed thereon for supporting said merchandise display extension frames rigid to said central frame;

each of said extension frames being formed of rigid wire and each having cooperating rigid wire crossbars secured thereto which engage said support means on said central frame;

each of said racks being formed of rigid wire and including means for supporting a plurality of merchandise elements thereon.

3. The display of claim 2, wherein said means on each of said panels for supporting merchandise elements comprises wire crossbars from which merchandise elements may be suspended.

4. The display of claim 1, further including a length measuring device secured to said central post and in the vicinity of said extension frames to enable merchandise elements on said display to be measured on said length measuring device; said length measuring device being supported by support elements which hold it further out from said central post than said racks extend, whereby said measuring device does not interfere with the movement of said extension frames and said racks.

5. A merchandise display extension frame for use in displaying merchandise comprising, a closed loop of rigid wire formed into a thin width rectangle, the width being thin as compared to the length of said rectangle; said rectangle being bent near the far distant ends thereof to form a U-shaped element having two legs joined by a web;

a plurality of support elements extending across said loop on said web of said U-shaped element for being engaged by an extension frame support means, whereby said extension frame may be mounted upon either of a central frame of a merchandise display and wall mounting brackets;

a rigid wire post secured to each of the free ends of said U- shaped element and extending therebetween; rotation support means on said wire post for supporting a rack and for permitting the rack to rotate around said post;

a rack held by said rotation support means on said wire post;

said rack including a plurality of panels which extend outward in different directions from said rigid wire post; each of said panels can be turned outward with respect to said display by rotation of said rack; each of said panels including a plurality of means positioned one above the other for supporting merchandise elements one above the other on each of said panels.

6. The display of claim 5, wherein said means on each of said panels for supporting merchandise elements comprises wire crossbars from which merchandise elements may be suspended.

7. A compact rotatable merchandise display, comprising a central post and a display unit tier; said display unit tier compIlSlng,

a first central frame mounted on said central post by rotation mounting means which permit rotation of said first central frame about said central post;

a plurality of first merchandise display extension frames mounted on said first central frame; each said extension frame including two vertical columns of merchandise support elements;

the first of said columns is furthest from said central frame and includes two posts spaced apart sufficiently to permit a merchandise element to pass between them and sufficiently close together that support means on said posts can support each merchandise element;

a plurality of pairs of support means, with one of each pair being on one of said posts and the other being on the other said post and each said pair cooperating to support a merchandise element;

the second of said columns is closer to said central frame and comprises a plurality of vertically stacked crossbars supported in spaced apart relationship; each said crossbar is positioned to cooperate with one of said support means pairs to hold at proper orientation a merchandise element that is supported by said support means pair.

8. The display of claim 7, further comprising at least one additional display unit tier which comprises,

a second central frame mounted on said central post by rotation means which permits rotation of said second central frame about said central post; said second central frame being spaced along said central post away from said first central frame, whereby said first and said additional display unit tiers remain out of contact with each other;

a plurality of second merchandise display extension frames mounted on said second central frame.

9. The display of claim 8, wherein each of said second merchandise display extension frames includes two vertical columns of merchandise support elements;

a plurality of pairs of second support means, with one of each pair being on one of said posts and the other being on the other said post and each said pair cooperating to support a merchandise element;

the second of said columns is closer to said central frame and comprises a second plurality of vertically stacked crossbars supported in spaced apart relationship; each said crossbar is positioned to cooperate with one of said second support means pairs to hold at proper oritentation a merchandise element that is supported by that said second support means pair.

10. The display of claim 7, wherein each of said support means of said pair comprises a loop attached to its respective said post, which loop widens at its free end, whereby a merchandise element supported on said support means will not accidentally slide olf the free end thereof.

11. The display of claim 8 further comprising at least one merchandise element which is provided with a support rod connected thereto, said support rod seating upon one of said support means pairs and said merchandise element being shaped to have a portion which is adapted to engage the said crossbar that cooperates with that said support means pair.

12. The display of claim 11, including a merchandise dispensing device connected with said display; said dispensing device comprising a tube having an opening of a width large enough to permit it to receive said support rod to permit same.

device; said length measuring device being supported by support elements which hold it further out from said central post than said racks extend, whereby said measuring device does not interfere with the movement of said extension frames and said racks.

14. A merchandise display extension frame for use in displaying merchandise, including two vertical columns of merchandise support elements;

the first of said columns includes two posts spaced apart sufficiently to permit a merchandise element to pass between them and sufiiciently close together that support means on said posts can support each merchandise element;

the second of said columns is closer to said central frame and comprises a plurality of vertically stacked crossbars supported in spaced apart relationship; each said crossbar is positioned to cooperate with one of said support means pairs to hold at proper orientation a merchandise element that is supported by said support means pair;

means for mounting said extension frame on either of a central frame of a merchandise display and wall mounting brackets; said mounting means being positioned to permit said support means pair to face outward.

15. The merchandise display extension frame of claim 14, wherein each of said support means of said pair comprises a loop attached to its respective said post, which loop widens at its free end, whereby a merchandise element supported on said support means will not accidentally slide off the free end thereof.

16. The merchandise display extension frame of claim 15, whrein one of each said support means loops includes a guard bar secured thereto and extending beyond its said loop toward the neighboring said loop on the same said post for trapping a merchandise element between said guard bar and said post to which said loops are attached.

17. The merchandise display extension frame of claim 15, further comprising at least one merchandise element which is provided with a support rod connected thereto, which support rod seats on one of said support means pairs, and said merchandise element being shaped to have a portion which is adapted to engage the said crossbar that cooperates with that said support means pair.

18. The merchandise display extension frame of claim 14, wherein each of said support means of said pair comprises a loop attached to its respective said post, which loop widens at its free end, whereby a merchandise element supported on said support means will not accidentally slide off the free end thereof;

one of each said support means loops includes a guard bar secured thereto and extending beyond its said loop toward the neighboring said loop on the same said post for trapping a merchandise element between said guard bar and said post to which said loops are attached.

19. The merchandise display extension frame of claim 17, including a merchandise dispensing device associated with said merchandise display extension frame; said dispensing device comprising a tube having an opening of a width large enough to permit it to receive said support rod to permit same to rotate and small enough to cause said tube to hold said support rod in a manner to hold up said merchandise element during dispensing,

whereby after a support rod is inserted into said tube,

merchandise may be dispensed by rotating said merchandise element.

20. A compact, rotatable merchandise display, comprising a central post and a display unit tier; said display unit tier comprising,

a first central frame mounted on said central post by rotation mounting means which permit rotation of said first central frame about said central post; said first central frame comprising a plurality of loops, each having an inner edge connected to a neighboring said loop; said loops being supported on said rotation mounting means;

each said loop supporting at least one first set of upper and lower support hooks and at least one associated horizontally spaced away second set of upper and lower support hooks;

a plurality of first merchandise display extension frames mounted on said first central frame; each said extension frame including two spaced apart first posts; each said extension frame being oriented and positioned so that one of said first posts thereof is carried by said upper support hooks of said associated sets of hooks and the other of said first posts thereof is carried by said lower support hooks of said associated sets of hooks.

21. The display of claim 20, wherein each said loop is a rectangular loop of wire, with one side being said edge connected to a neighboring said loop, and the top and bottom sides, respectively, supporting said associated upper hooks and said associated lower hooks.

22. The display of claim 21, further comprising at least one additional display unit tier which comprises,

a second central frame mounted on said central post by rotation means which permit rotation of said second central frame about said central post; said second central frame being spaced along said central post away from said first central frame, whereby said first and said additional display unit tiers remain out of contact with each other;

23. The display of claim 20, wherein at least one of said extension frames comprises two horizontal spaced apart rows of merchandise. support elements, with each said row being carried on a respective horizontal second post; said second posts being carried by and being further from said central frames than said first posts; said rows being spaced sufficiently apart to permit a merchandise element to pass between said rows and sufiiciently close together that said merchandise support elements can support a merchandise element.

24. The display of claim 23, wherein said upper row of merchandise support elements comprises a loop attached to its respective said second post, which loop widens at its free end, whereby a merchandise element supported on said support means will not accidentally slide ofi the free end thereof;

each said support element loop includes a guard bar secured thereto and extending beyond its said loop toward the neighboring said loop on the same said second post for trapping a merchandise element between said guard bar and said second post to which said loops are attached.

25. A compact rotatable merchandise display, comprising a central post and a display unit tier; said display unit tier comprising,

each said loop supporting at least two vertically displaced arrangements of support hooks, with each said arrangement comprising a first set of upper and lower support hooks and an associated second set of upper and lower support hooks, which are horizontally spaced away from said first set thereof;

each said upper hook of the upper said arrangement, each said lower hook of the upper said arrangement, each said upper hook of the lower said arrangement and each said lower hook of the lower said arrangement is, respectively, arranged so as to be adapted to support a first merchandise display extension frame support post;

each said loop also supporting one first set of upper and lower second support elements and one associated second set of upper and lower second support elements spaced away from said first set thereof; each said upper support elements of said first and second sets thereof and each said lower support element of said first and second sets thereof is, respectively, arranged so as to be adapted to carry a respective upper and lower support element of a second merchandise display extension frame.

26. The display of claim 25, further comprising at least one additional display unit tier which comprises,

27. The display of claim 25, wherein each said loop is a rectangular loop of wire, with one side being said edge connected into a neighboring said loop;

said upper side of said loop supporting said second upper support elements of said first and second sets thereof and said lower side of said loop supporting said second lower support elements of said first and second sets thereof.

28. The display of claim 27, further including two vertical support posts extending across said central frame loop; the first of said vertical support posts carrying said first set upper and lower support hooks of said arrangements thereof and the second of said vertical support posts carrying said second set upper and lower support hooks of said arrangements thereof.

29. A mounting bracket for mounting a merchandise display extension frame on a panel, wherein the panel includes two columns of vertically spaced openings, with each column including two openings which are spaced a first distance apart;

said bracket comprising, two vertical, resilient legs, respectively aligned with the two columns of openings in the panel; at each end of each leg is a fixture for insertion in one of the panel openings; said fixtures on each leg being spaced slightly more than said first distance apart;

two spaced, horizontal crossbars joining said vertical legs,

whereby when said legs are squeezed together between said crossbars, said bracket legs become thereby shortened to fit into the panel openings spaced a first distance apart; said bracket including support means for supporting a merchandise display extension frame.

30. The bracket of claim 29, wherein one of said fixtures comprises an S-bend and the other comprises a hook; and

said support means are carried by said crossbars.

Claims

1. A compact rotatable merchandise display, comprising a central post and at least two display unit tiers independently held on said central post in axially spaced apart relationship; each said display unit tier comprising, a central frame mounted on said central post by rotation mounting means which permit rotation of said central frame about said central post; a plurality of merchandise display extension frames mounted on said central frame; at least one of said extension frames having a rack mounted thereto by mounting means designed to permit each said rack to be rotated with respect to its respective said extension frame; said at least one merchandise display extension frame comprises a closed loop of rigid wire formed into a thin width rectangle, the width being thin as compared to the length of said rectangle; said rectangle being bent near the far distant ends thereof to form a U-shaped element having two legs joined by a web; a plurality of support elements extending across said loop of rigid wire on said web of said U-shaped elements for engaging support means of said central frame; said central frame having support means to receive said support elements; a rigid wire post secured to each of the free ends of said Ushaped element and extending therebetween; rotation support means on said wire post for supporting one of said racks and for permitting that sAid rack to rotate around said post; said legs of said U-shaped element being sufficiently long that said one rack may be rotated without any structure interfering with the merchandise elements positioned thereon; each of said racks comprising a plurality of panels which extend outward in different directions from said rigid wire post; each of said panels including a plurality of means positioned one above the other for supporting merchandise elements one above the other on each of said panels.

2. The display of claim 1, wherein said central frame is formed of rigid wire having support means formed thereon for supporting said merchandise display extension frames rigid to said central frame; each of said extension frames being formed of rigid wire and each having cooperating rigid wire crossbars secured thereto which engage said support means on said central frame; each of said racks being formed of rigid wire and including means for supporting a plurality of merchandise elements thereon.

5. A merchandise display extension frame for use in displaying merchandise comprising, a closed loop of rigid wire formed into a thin width rectangle, the width being thin as compared to the length of said rectangle; said rectangle being bent near the far distant ends thereof to form a U-shaped element having two legs joined by a web; a plurality of support elements extending across said loop on said web of said U-shaped element for being engaged by an extension frame support means, whereby said extension frame may be mounted upon either of a central frame of a merchandise display and wall mounting brackets; a rigid wire post secured to each of the free ends of said U-shaped element and extending therebetween; rotation support means on said wire post for supporting a rack and for permitting the rack to rotate around said post; a rack held by said rotation support means on said wire post; said rack including a plurality of panels which extend outward in different directions from said rigid wire post; each of said panels can be turned outward with respect to said display by rotation of said rack; each of said panels including a plurality of means positioned one above the other for supporting merchandise elements one above the other on each of said panels.

7. A compact rotatable merchandise display, comprising a central post and a display unit tier; said display unit tier comprising, a first central frame mounted on said central post by rotation mounting means which permit rotation of said first central frame about said central post; a plurality of first merchandise display extension frames mounted on said first central frame; each said extension frame including two vertical columns of merchandise support elements; the first of said columns is furthest from said central frame and includes two posts spaced apart sufficiently to permit a merchandise element to pass between them and sufficiently close together that support means on said posts can support each merchandise element; a plurality of pairs of support means, with one of each pair being on one of said posts and the other being on the other said post and each said pair cooperating to support a merchandise element; the second of said columns is closer to said central frame and comprises a plurality of vertically stacked crossbars supported in spaced apart relationship; each said crossbar is positioned to cooperate with one of said support means pairs to hold at proper orientation a merchandise element that is supported by said support means pair.

8. The display of claim 7, further comprising at least one additional display unit tier which comprises, a second central frame mounted on said central post by rotation means which permits rotation of said second central frame about said central post; said second central frame being spaced along said central post away from said first central frame, whereby said first and said additional display unit tiers remain out of contact with each other; a plurality of second merchandise display extension frames mounted on said second central frame.

9. The display of claim 8, wherein each of said second merchandise display extension frames includes two vertical columns of merchandise support elements; the first of said columns is furthest from said central frame and includes two posts spaced apart sufficiently to permit a merchandise element to pass between them and sufficiently close together that support means on said posts can support each merchandise element; a plurality of pairs of second support means, with one of each pair being on one of said posts and the other being on the other said post and each said pair cooperating to support a merchandise element; the second of said columns is closer to said central frame and comprises a second plurality of vertically stacked crossbars supported in spaced apart relationship; each said crossbar is positioned to cooperate with one of said second support means pairs to hold at proper oritentation a merchandise element that is supported by that said second support means pair.

10. The display of claim 7, wherein each of said support means of said pair comprises a loop attached to its respective said post, which loop widens at its free end, whereby a merchandise element supported on said support means will not accidentally slide off the free end thereof.

12. The display of claim 11, including a merchandise dispensing device connected with said display; said dispensing device comprising a tube having an opening of a width large enough to permit it to receive said support rod to permit same to rotate and small enough to cause said tube to hold said support rod in a manner to hold up said merchandise element during dispensing, whereby after a support rod is inserted into said tube, merchandise may be dispensed by rotating said merchandise element.

13. The display of claim 12, further including a length measuring device secured to said central post and in the vicinity of said merchandise dispensing device to enable merchandise being dispensed to be measured on said length measuring device; said length measuring device being supported by support elements which hold it further out from said central post than said racks extend, whereby said measuring device does not interfere with the movement of said extension frames and said racks.

14. A merchandise display extension frame for use in displaying merchandise, including two vertical columns of merchandise support elements; the first of said columns includes two posts spaced apart sufficiently to permit a merchandise element to pass between them and sufficiently close together that support means on said posts can support each merchandise element; a plurality of pairs of support meanS, with one of each pair being on one of said posts and the other being on the other said post and each said pair cooperating to support a merchandise element; the second of said columns is closer to said central frame and comprises a plurality of vertically stacked crossbars supported in spaced apart relationship; each said crossbar is positioned to cooperate with one of said support means pairs to hold at proper orientation a merchandise element that is supported by said support means pair; means for mounting said extension frame on either of a central frame of a merchandise display and wall mounting brackets; said mounting means being positioned to permit said support means pair to face outward.

18. The merchandise display extension frame of claim 14, wherein each of said support means of said pair comprises a loop attached to its respective said post, which loop widens at its free end, whereby a merchandise element supported on said support means will not accidentally slide off the free end thereof; one of each said support means loops includes a guard bar secured thereto and extending beyond its said loop toward the neighboring said loop on the same said post for trapping a merchandise element between said guard bar and said post to which said loops are attached.

19. The merchandise display extension frame of claim 17, including a merchandise dispensing device associated with said merchandise display extension frame; said dispensing device comprising a tube having an opening of a width large enough to permit it to receive said support rod to permit same to rotate and small enough to cause said tube to hold said support rod in a manner to hold up said merchandise element during dispensing, whereby after a support rod is inserted into said tube, merchandise may be dispensed by rotating said merchandise element.

20. A compact, rotatable merchandise display, comprising a central post and a display unit tier; said display unit tier comprising, a first central frame mounted on said central post by rotation mounting means which permit rotation of said first central frame about said central post; said first central frame comprising a plurality of loops, each having an inner edge connected to a neighboring said loop; said loops being supported on said rotation mounting means; each said loop supporting at least one first set of upper and lower support hooks and at least one associated horizontally spaced away second set of upper and lower support hooks; a plurality of first merchandise display extension frames mounted on said first central frame; each said extension frame including two spaced apart first posts; each said extension frame being oriented and positioned so that one of said first posts thereof is carried by said upper support hooks of said associated sets of hooks and the other of said first posts thereof is carried by said lower support hooks of said associated sets of hooks.

22. The display of claim 21, further comprising at least one additional display unit tier which comprises, a second central frame mounted on said central post by rotation means which permit rotation of said second central frame about said central post; said second central frame being spaced along said central post away from said first central frame, whereby said first and said additional display unit tiers remain out of contact with each other; a plurality of second merchandise display extension frames mounted on said second central frame.

23. The display of claim 20, wherein at least one of said extension frames comprises two horizontal spaced apart rows of merchandise support elements, with each said row being carried on a respective horizontal second post; said second posts being carried by and being further from said central frames than said first posts; said rows being spaced sufficiently apart to permit a merchandise element to pass between said rows and sufficiently close together that said merchandise support elements can support a merchandise element.

24. The display of claim 23, wherein said upper row of merchandise support elements comprises a loop attached to its respective said second post, which loop widens at its free end, whereby a merchandise element supported on said support means will not accidentally slide off the free end thereof; each said support element loop includes a guard bar secured thereto and extending beyond its said loop toward the neighboring said loop on the same said second post for trapping a merchandise element between said guard bar and said second post to which said loops are attached.

25. A compact rotatable merchandise display, comprising a central post and a display unit tier; said display unit tier comprising, a first central frame mounted on said central post by rotation mounting means which permit rotation of said first central frame about said central post; said first central frame comprising a plurality of loops, each having an inner edge connected to a neighboring said loop; said loops being supported on said rotation mounting means; each said loop supporting at least two vertically displaced arrangements of support hooks, with each said arrangement comprising a first set of upper and lower support hooks and an associated second set of upper and lower support hooks, which are horizontally spaced away from said first set thereof; each said upper hook of the upper said arrangement, each said lower hook of the upper said arrangement, each said upper hook of the lower said arrangement and each said lower hook of the lower said arrangement is, respectively, arranged so as to be adapted to support a first merchandise display extension frame support post; each said loop also supporting one first set of upper and lower second support elements and one associated second set of upper and lower second support elements spaced away from said first set thereof; each said upper support elements of said first and second sets thereof and each said lower support element of said first and second sets thereof is, respectively, arranged so as to be adapted to carry a respective upper and lower support element of a second merchandise display extension frame.

26. The display of claim 25, further comprising at least one additional display unit tier which comprises, a second central frame mounted on said central post by rotation means which permit rotation of said second central frame about said central post; said second central frame being spaced along said central post away from said first central frame, whereby said first and said additional display unit tiers remain out of contact with each other; a plurality of second merchandise display extension frames mounted oN said second central frame.

27. The display of claim 25, wherein each said loop is a rectangular loop of wire, with one side being said edge connected into a neighboring said loop; said upper side of said loop supporting said second upper support elements of said first and second sets thereof and said lower side of said loop supporting said second lower support elements of said first and second sets thereof.

29. A mounting bracket for mounting a merchandise display extension frame on a panel, wherein the panel includes two columns of vertically spaced openings, with each column including two openings which are spaced a first distance apart; said bracket comprising, two vertical, resilient legs, respectively aligned with the two columns of openings in the panel; at each end of each leg is a fixture for insertion in one of the panel openings; said fixtures on each leg being spaced slightly more than said first distance apart; two spaced, horizontal crossbars joining said vertical legs, whereby when said legs are squeezed together between said crossbars, said bracket legs become thereby shortened to fit into the panel openings spaced a first distance apart; said bracket including support means for supporting a merchandise display extension frame.

30. The bracket of claim 29, wherein one of said fixtures comprises an S-bend and the other comprises a hook; and said support means are carried by said crossbars.