US2888147A - Display stand - Google Patents

Description

May 26, 1959 J. GOLDBERG 2,888,147

DISPLAY STAND May 25, 1959 J. GOLDBERG 2,888,147

DISPLAY STAND Filed Dec. 27, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 2J- IN VEN TOR.

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May 26 1959 J. GOLDBERG 2,888,147

DISPLAY STAND Filed Dec. 27, 1955 s,4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Maj7 26, 1959 Filed Deo. 27, 1955 J. GOLDBERG DISPLAY STAND INVENTOR.

61 BY MMYWW United States Patent O DISPLAY STAND Joseph Goldberg, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Rapid MountinfgnS Finishing Company, Chicago, Ill., a corporation mois Application December 27, 1955, Serial No. 555,600

The present invention relates generally to a display stand formed primarily from substantially horizontally extending shelf members supported at the corners thereof by tubular leg segments. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a cardboard display stand formed from a plurality of vertically spaced shelves being supported at the corners thereof with tubular cardboard leg segments, which shelves are provided with means for interconnection with the leg segments and which means include bracing elements which when cooperating with the leg segments impart sturdiness, rigidity and load-bearing properties of an improved degree to the display stand".

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved display stand formed from horizontally extending members and segmental supporting members which cooperate with one another in interfitting relation to impart to the display stand improved sturdiness and rigidity.

Another object is to provide an improved display stand formed from cardboard elements including any number of shelves sturdily mounted in vertically spaced relation by tubular cardboard leg segments, which shelves and leg segments are provided with interconnecting means of an improved nature allowing the elements to be readily assembled or dismantled and being capable of imparting to the assembled display stand improved rigidity and sturdiness.

A further object is to provide a readily assembled or dismantled display stand which is composed primarily of a plurality of similarly designed parts including shelves and leg segments, which parts may be inexpensively manufactured from cardboard material, the interconnecting of the parts including `the use of new and improved elements which impart rigidity and sturdiness to the assembled stand, and which stand may be formed in varying shapes depending on the particular use intended while still makingfull and efficient use of the improved interconnecting elements regardless of the over-all design of the stand or the number of elements used in the assembling thereof.

Other objects not specifically set forth will become apparent from the following detailed description made in conjunction with the drawings wherein:

Fig. l is a perspective view of an assembled display stand incorporating the element interconnecting features of the present invention, the display stand shown in Fig. l illustrating merely one embodiment of a display stand utilizing the principles of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale of a corner ofthe uppermost shelf of the stand shown in Fig. l, the positioning of the leg segment interconnected therewith being shown in broken lines;

Fig. 3 is a partial sectional view on an enlarged scale of a corner of the intermediate shelf of the stand of Fig. 1, the relative positioning of adjacent sections of the leg segments interconnected therewith being shown in broken lines;

ice

Fig. 4 is a composite fragmentary plan view of corner portions of the blanks of the different shelves of the stand of Fig. 1, each of the fragmentary portions illustrating the particular corner `design used in forming the shelves of the stand of Fig. l;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary vertical section on an enlarged scale of one of the corners of the intermediate shelf of the stand of Fig. l further illustrating in broken lines the relative positioning of adjacent ends of leg segments interconnected therewith;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view on an enlarged scale of one form of leg segment for use with the display stand of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view on an enlarged scale of another form of leg segment;

Fig. 8 is a top plan view of a modified form of display stand incorporating the structural features of the present invention;

Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the modified display stand of Fig. 8;

Fig. l() is an enlarged fragmentary plan View of one of the corners of the top shelf of the modified form of display stand of Figs. 8 and 9;

Fig. ll is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of another corner of the top shelf of the modified display stand of Figs. 8 and 9; and

Fig. l2 is a composite plan view of fragmentary portions of blanks capable of forming the various shelves of the display stand of Figs. 8 and 9, each of the cornposite portions illustrating corner structures of the blanks.

In Fig. l, one form of an erected display stand 20 is shown as including three shelves generally designated by the numerals 2l, 22 and 23. As illustrated the shelves 2li-23 are of rectangular shape and each are formed from a center panel 24, 25 and 26 respectively. Each of the center panels is provided with vertically extending side panels Z7, 2? and 2.9 respectively. For lightweight construction and economy in manufacturing cost the shelves 2li-23 are preferably formed from cardboard material and the side panels 27, 28 and Z9 are preferably hingedly attached to the end margins of their respective center panels. This structural arrangement allows the display stand 20 to bek readily disassembled and the shelves flattened for storage or shipment purposes.

The side panels 27-29 of each of the shelves 21-23 respectively are convergent at their free ends to define corners which are attached to vertically extending supporting members or leg segments 30. These leg segments space the shelves vertically and support the same in spaced relation. The interconnection between the corners of the shelves as defined by the convergent side panels and the leg segments form the principal features of the present invention. The `leg segments 30 may be formed from cardboard material for lightweight and economical construction and are preferably tubular being interiorly hollowed at least at the end portions thereof.

In describing the elements of the corner construction of the various panels of the display stand 20 of Fig. l, reference is now made to the composite fragmentary View of the different corner structures utilized in the display stand as Ishown in Fig. 4. The upper left hand portion of the composite view of Fig. 4 illustrates a corner section of the shelf or tray 21 as shown in Fig. l. As each of the corners of the shelf 21 are similar in their construction, it is deemed merely necessary to describe one of such corners.

The center panel 24 has integrally attached to its margins, as defined by the creases 31, the side panels 27. Inwardly of the convergent end margins` of the side panels 27 are creases 32 which are continuations of the creases 31. The creases 32 define the inner margins of hingedly attached bracing means or panels 33 which are separated from one another by a diagonally extending cut line 34. The center panel 24 at each of its corners, as dened by the creases 31, is inwardly arcuately recessed or cut away as evidenced by a concave corner margin 35. By reason of the arcuate cut-out portion at the corners of the center panel 24, the convergent end portions of the side panels 27 are unattached to the center panel 24. Adjacent each end of the concave margin 35, slots 36 are cut out of the side panels 27 and, as shown in Fig. 4 extend inwardly of the inner margins thereof. The slots 36 extend radially inwardly of the side panels 27 substantially half the distance between their longitudinal side margins.

In describing the manner in which the corners of the shelf 21 are interconnected with the leg segments 30, reference is now made to Fig. 6 wherein a tubular leg segment 30 is shown as being provided at the ends thereof with oppositely spaced or diametrically opposed inwardly directed slots 37 and 38. The uppermost slots 37 extend inwardly of the tubular leg segment 30 a distance at least equal to the length of the slots 36 in the side panels 27. The lowermost slots 38 extend inwardly of the lowermost end of the leg segment 30 a distance of approximately half that of the slots 37.

In Fig. 2, the manner in which the leg segment 30 is attached to a corner of the top tray 21 is illustrated. The side panels 27 are folded upwardly into a right angle relation with the center panel 24 thereby positioning the slots 36 in a vertical plane. The bracing panels 33 are folded about the hinge creases 32 inwardly and their inner faces are placed in abutting relation to one another so that the combined bracing panels 33 in faceto-face relation are directed inwardly at an angle along a line which substantially bisects the right angle relation between the side panels 27. The top end of the leg segment 30 which carries the longer inwardly directed slots 37 is then brought into engagement with the side panels 27 by moving the leg segment 30 upwardly from the bottom of the center panel 24. The slots 37 are aligned with the slots 36 and the concave margin 35 allows the outer periphery of the leg segment 30 to move upwardly past the `top surface of the center panel 24 into locking engagement with the side panels 27.

During the attachment of the leg segment 30 to a corner of the shelf 21 the end portions of the side panels 27 existing between the slots 36 and the crease lines 32 are received interiorly of the leg segment 30. The inwardly directed abutting bracing panels 33 are also received interiorly of the leg segment 30 and are of such a width as to substantially equal the inner diameter of the leg segment 30. The upward movement of the leg segment 30 is continued until the slots 3/ thereof receive therein the material of the side panels 27 and the upper edge of the leg segment 30 is substantially ilush with the upper edge of the erected side panels 27. Upon reaching this point of completion of assembly the slots 36 have received therein the material of the tubular wall of the leg segment 30 and the end faces of the slots 36 and 37 are in abutment.

As previously described, each of the corners of the shelf 21 is constructed in a similar manner. In supporting all of the corners of the top shelf 21 the same procedure is followed using the same type of leg segment 30 for each of the corners. As a result of the structural features described, each of the leg segments is braced with respect to the shelf 21 while at the same time being readily assembled therewith and capable of being easily disassembled therefrom. The provision of the bracing panels 33 imparts added strength to the side panels 27 with respect to their interconnection with the leg segments 30 and, as a result, the shelf 21 is sturdily and ruggedly supported at each of its corners. It should be understood that the width of the bracing panels 33 may be just slightly greater than the inner diameter of 4 the leg `segment 30 thereby providing a wedging action upon the interconnection of the elements. However, adequate bracing action may still be obtained without the necessity of Wedging the bracing panels 33 within the leg segment 30. In the event that the shelf 2l should be subjected to forces which promote relative movement between the shelf and the supporting leg segments 30, the total amount of relative movement will be substantially eliminated by the bracing action of the panels 33. As long as the width of each bracing panel 33 is substantially equal to the inner diameter of a leg segment 30, any relative movement between the leg segment and the shelf 21 will be substantially eliminated.

The intermediate shelf 22, to be next described, is provided with corners which are modified slightly as compared to the corner construction of the shelf 21. As shown in Fig. 4, the lowermost composite portion illustrates left and right corners of a blank of the shelf 22 which are of similar construction. For descriptive purposes, like reference numerals will be used and it should be understood that all of the corners of the intermediate shelf 22 are constructed in the same manner.

The `side panels 28 are hingedly attached to the margins of the center panel 25 by creases 38. Each of the side panels 28 is provided inwardly of the convergent ends thereof with creases 39 which dene the innermost margins of bracing panels 40. Each pair of bracing panels 40 are subdivided by diagonally directed cut lines 41 to allow each of the bracing panels 40 to move freely about their hin-ged connections 39. The corner margins of the center panel 25 are inwardly recessed to define concave margins 42 thereby freeing the outermost end portions of the side panels 28. Adjacent the ends of the concave margins 42 are slots 43 which are directed inwardly of the side panels 28 in substantially parallel relation with the adjacent creases 39. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the slots 43 extend inwardly about M1 the width of the side panels 28 for a purpose to be described. The outer margins of the side panels 28 at a point directly opposite the `slots 43 are provided with inwardly directed slots 44 which `similarly extend approximately 1A of the total width of each of the side panels 28.

To explain the manner in which the shelf 22 is mounted with respect to adjacent leg segments 30, reference is made to Figs. 3 and 5. The views of Figs. 3 and 5 illustrate a corner of the shelf 22 and it should be understood that all of the corners of such a shelf are interconnected with adjacent leg segments in the same manner. The side panels 28 are folded upwardly about the creases 38 and the bracing panels 40 are folded inwardly about the creases 39 in face-to-face abutting relation so as to be generally positioned in a direction along a line bisecting the right angle formed by the convergent end portions of the side panels 28. A leg segment 30 of the type shown in Fig. 6 is inverted with respect to its position as shown in Fig. 6 so that the slots 38 are at the top end thereof and this end of the leg segment 30 is advanced upwardly from underneath the shelf 22 into general peripheral alignment with the concave margin 42 of the center panel 25. The slots 38 are aligned with the slots 43 of the side panels 28 and the leg segment is advanced upwardly until the innermost edges of the slots 38 and the slots 43 contact one another. Under these circumstances the slots 38 and 43, being of subtsantially the same length, have received therein the material of the side panels 28 and the material of the leg segment 30 respectively. The slots 3S and 43 being of a length substantially equal to 1A: the width of the side panels 28 allow the top edge of the lowermost leg segment to advance to approximately the center of the side panels 28. The endmost portions of the side panels 28 between the slots 43 and the creases 39 are received interiorly of the leg segment 30 along with the lower portion of the bracing panels 40. The bracing panels 40; extend sufliciently within. the upper end of, the leg segments 30 to provide a bracing function thereby limiting relative movement between the leg segment andthe shelf 22.

The shelf 22 being intermediate of the top and bottom,

shelves is arranged to receive at the corners thereof the end portions of adjacent leg segments. As a result the corners receive the lowermost end portions of` leg segments 30 extending upwardly from the shelf 22 into engagement with corners of the shelf 21. The leg segment 30 of Fig. 6 is also capable of being used for vertical extension above the shelf 22 as well as below the shelf 22 as previously described. The lowermost end of the leg segmentk 30, as shown in Fig. 6, vwhich is provided with lthe relatively short slots 38 is advanced downwardly into Contact with the upper margins of the side panels 28. The slots 38 and l44 are aligned and the end portions of the side panels 28 extending between the slots 44 and the creases 39 as well as the top portions of the bracing panels 40 are received interiorly of the leg segment 30. The uppermost leg segment 30 is then moved downwardly until the end walls of the slots 38 and 44 abut at which position the uppermost leg segment 30 is in its operative engagement with the corners of the shelf 22. The length of the slots 38 and 44 being substantially 1A of the width of the side panels 28 allows the lowermost edge of thev upper leg segment 30 to abut or come into close contact with the uppermost edge of the lowermost leg segment 30. The point of contact is illustrated in Figs. 3 and 5 by the broken line 45. This line of contact is clearly shown in' Fig. l. It should be noted, however, that actual abutment between the opposed ends of the leg segments in their engagement with the corners of the intermediate shelf is not necessary as long as the areas of ,contact existing between the leg segments and the corner elements of the shelf are suicient to impart rigidity and` sturdiness to the structure.

Obviously any number of intermediate shelves 22 may be utilized in forming a display stand of the type shown in Fig. 1. In using a plurality of intermediate shelves 22, a plurality of leg segments of the type shown in Fig. 7 will then be used intermediate the shelves 22. The leg segment 46 of Fig. 7 is slightly different from the leg segment 30 in that its ends are provided with slots 47 and -48 which extend inwardly a distance equal to the length of the slots 38 of the leg segments 30. While the use of.

a plurality of intermediate shelves 22 is not shown it is` believed clear that the opposed ends of upper and lowerleg segments 46 will interconnect in the same manner as described with respect to the opposed ends of leg segments 30 carrying the shorter slots38.

The shelf 23, is of exactly the same structure as the shelf 21 except that the shelf 23 is in an inverted' position with respect to the shelf 21. The lowermost leg segments 30 are also inverted as compared with the uppermost leg segments 30 in the display stand 20. As a result the longer slots 37 of the lowermost leg segments 30 are engaged with the corners of the shelf 23 and this engagement is brought aboutv exactly in the same manner as described in connecion with Fig. 2. Consequently, in the use of the three-shelf display stand 20, the leg segments are of exactly the same construction andthe shelves 21 and 23 are also of exactly the same construction. The only difference in structural details resides in the intermediate shelf 22 and it should be obvious thatany number of these intermediate shelves may be used in conjunction with a numberV of the modified leg segments 46.

It will be noted that the shelves 21 and 22 are in the form of trays having their side panels 27 and 28, respectively, directed upwardly -with respect to their center panels 24 and 25. The bottom shelf 23 is in an inverted position in that the side panels 29 thereof arel directed.l

downwardly Iwith respect to the center panel 26. Obviously the intermediate shelf 22 may be mounted ,with respect to the. leg` segments 30 either in` the, tray-like position shown in Fig. l or in an inverted position with the side panels 28 being directed downwardly with respect to the center panel 25 without the necessity of changing the structural ,features of its corners or the arrangement or structural features of the leg segments 30.

With minor modifications in structural features of the corners of a shelf the bottom shelf 23, for example, may be a tray-like structure with the side panels thereof being directed upwardly with respect to its center panel and the top shelf 21 may be an inverted tray. To illustrate these modications the upper right fragmentary portion of the composite view of Fig. 4 illustrates a blank generally designated 49 including a center panel 50 having integrally formed therewith by creases 51, side panels 52. The side panels at their convergent ends are provided with laterally extending creases 53 which define bracing panels 54. The bracing panels S4 are separated by the cut line 55. immediately inwardly of the creases 53 and extending inwardly from the outer margins of the side panels 52 are slots 56. ln comparing this particular structure with the corner structure of shelf 21, it will be noted that the slots extend inwardly from the outer margins of the side panels instead of extending inwardly from the inner -margins thereof. It will be further noted that the corners of the center panels are not recessed in concave outline. The reason for this is that the side panels 52 in use are folded upwardly when the blank 49 is used in forming the lowermost shelf and the center panel 50 is flush with the supporting surface on which the assembled stand is placed. As a result the bottommost ends of the leg segments 30 connected to the corners of the blank 49 partially abut the upper surface of the center panel 50 and itis not necessary that the outer periphery of the leg segment extend past the center panel 50. Likewise when the blank 49 is used to -form the uppermost shelf the side panels 52 will be folded downwardly and it is unnecessary that the uppermost edge of the leg segments attached to the corners thereof extend past the center panel 50. Therefore, it should be apparent that with slight modifications in line with the principles of the present invention, the uppermost or lowermost shelves-may have slightly modified corner constructions to allow the stand toeither :present a traylike bottom shelf or a at surface top shelf, the l-atter having depending side panels.

With respect to the blank 49l the bracing panels 54 are folded inwardly and coincide with a line substantially bisecting the right angle formed between the erected side panels 52 and are received along with thel end portions of the side panels 52, as defined between the slots 56 and the creases 53, within the interior of the leg segments 30. The blank 49, whether used as the uppermost shelf or the lowermost shelf, is provided with slots 56 which extend to the longitudinal center line of the side panelsl S2 similarly as the slots 36 in the shelf 21.

The structural principles above described are capable of being incorporated in many different designs of shelves to thereby provide a number of display stands of varying shapes. A further example of a form of display stand utilizing the structural features of the present invention is shown in Figs. 8-l2. In Figs. 8 and 9, a display stand generally designated 57 is shown as being providedl with shelves of diamond shape. For purposes of illustration, all butthe lowermost shelf of the stand 57 are tray-like Y shelves and a total of four such shelves have been shown to further illustrate the use of a plurality of intermediate shelves. The display stand 57 includes shelves 5861 which are supported and interconnected by the use of a plurality of leg segments 30 and 46. The leg segments 3d) and 46 are of the same structural design as those illustr-ated in Figs. 6 and 7, respectively, and therefore like reference numerals have been used.

A composite view of portions of the shelves of the display stand 57 are shown in Fig. l2 to generally illustrate the various structuralelements forming the corners thereof. The composite nature of the view of Fig. 12 illustrates'the general shape of each of the shelves used in the display stand 57. As will be noted the side panels of adjacent corners converge at dilerent angles while those of opposite corners converge at similar angles. For example, the uppermost and lowermost corners of the composite view of Fig. 12 are defined by converging side panels which form an angle less than the angles formed at the left and right hand corners of the composite blank. This is of course necessary due to the diamond-like outline of the shelves of the display stand 57. As a result of this dierence in angularity between the convergent ends of the side panels, it is necessary to vary the shape and number of the bracing panels as will subsequently be described.

In first considering the corner construction of the shelves 58 and 61 reference is made to the upper portion of the composite blank of Fig. 12 which is generally designated by the numeral 62. The full blank 62 will, of course, be provided with four corners including oppositely spaced pairs of identical construction for purposes of illustration only two of these corners are shown, each corner illustrating one form of corner construction.

The blank 62 is formed from a center panel 63 which is provided with marginal creases 64 providing hinge connections for side panels 65. The converging ends of the side panels 65 forming the top corner as shown in Fig. 12 are provided inwardly of the ends thereof with laterally extending increases 66. These creases define integrally hinged bracing panels 67. inwardly of the creases 66 are slots 68 which extend inwardly of the side panels 65 from the inner margins thereof. The slots 65 are of a length substantially equal to 1/2 of the width of the side panels 65. The center panel 63 at each of its corners is provided with an inwardly directed arcuate margin 69 having its ends adjacent the slots 68.

The second form of corner construction of blank 62 shown on the left of the composite view of Fig. 12 includes a bracing panel 70 integrally hinged to one of the convergent ends of the side panels 65 by a crease 71. Due to the wide angle defined by the convergent ends of the side panels 65 it is preferred to form a single bracing panel 70 to thereby allow the shelf blank 62 to be `formed from a single sheet of material. inwardly of the crease 71 and the end margin of the adjacent side panel are positioned slots 72 which extend inwardly of the side panels 65 from the inner margins thereof. The slots 72 are also adjacent the ends of the concave margin 69. The pair of bracing panels 67 is separated by a cut line 73 while the bracing panel 70 is freed by a cut line 73. It will be noted that the bracing panels 67 and 70 are of different shape to account for the variance in angularity of side panel convergence.

Figs. 10 and 11 illustrate the manner in which the bracing panels and the convergent end portions of the side panels 65 of the blank 62 are received within the interior of the leg segments 30. The view of Fig. l deals with the interconnection of the left corner of the blank 62 with the end of a leg segment 30 provided with slots 37. Due to the arrangement of the slots 72 extending inwardly from the inner margins of the side panels 65, the latter panels are folded upwardly with respect to the center panel 63 to form a tray-like shelf 58. The uppermost end of the leg segment 30 is then advanced in an upward direction and the slots 37 thereof are aligned with the slots 72. A portion of the outer periphery of the leg segment 30 is brought into contact with the concave margin 69 as previously described and the leg segment is moved upwardly until the inner ends of the slots 37 and 72 abut one another. The bracing panel 70 having been folded inwardly along a line substantially bisecting the angle formed between the side panels 65 is received interiorly of the leg segment 30 to brace the same with respect to the shelf.

Due to the angularity between the side panels 65 and the diametrically opposed positioning of the slots 37, it is necessary that the end portions of the side panels 65 outwardly of the slots 72 be placed under compression or bending stress to bring about a slight bending thereof, as illustrated in Fig. 10. In this manner the leg segment is eciently engaged with the structural elements of the corner and the combined shelf and leg segment are placed in braced relation. Due to the presence of a compressive action, the end portion of the side panels 65 not carrying a bracing panel is urged into abutment with the other side panel near the crease 71. This arrangement allows the single bracing panel 70 to function as two bracing panels and the side panel not carrying a bracing panel is well braced.

In order to overcome the necessity of bending or placing the end portions of the side panels 65 under compressive forces, the angular relation of the slots 37 in the leg elements may be varied. Such variations are considered to be well within the skill of the art and it is merely intended in discussing the display stand 57 to illustrate an additional shape of display stand which ncorporates the principles of the present invention.

The remaining form of corner structure of the shelf blank 62 is illustrated in Fig. 1l in the erected form of the blank and in engagement with a leg segment 30. Referring to Fig. 1l, the side panels 65 are folded upwardly with respect to the center panel 63 to form a traylike shelf and the slots 68 are aligned with the slots 37 of the leg segment 30 and advanced into end-abutting relation. A portion of the outer periphery of the leg segment 30 is in engagement with the concave margin 69 and the bracing panels 67 are received interiorly of the leg segment 30. Here again, the end portions of the side panels 65 which extend between the creases 66 and the slots 68 are under compressive forces within the leg segment 30 to allow the angular relation of the side panels 65 to be compensated with respect to the oppositely positioned slots 37. It should also be understood with respect to this particular corner structure that the angular relation between the slots 37 in the leg segment 30 may be varied in order to eliminate the necessity of placing the end portions of the side panels 65 under compressive forces.

While it is not necessary to place the end portions of the side panels 65 under compressive forces so as to bring about a bending thereof, it should be noted that if the display stand is to be subjected to rough handling or relatively heavy loads the placing of the end portions of the side panels under compressive forces further adds to the stability existing between the leg segments and the shelves supported thereby. An increased wedging action is obtained between the inner periphery of the leg segments and the elements received therein and additional strength is imparted to the over-all structure.

As previously described, the blank 62 is used to form both the top shelf 58 and the bottom shelf 61. With respect to the bottom shelf 61 the side panels 65 extend downwardly from the center panel 63 while, with respect to the top shelf 58, the shelf is a tray-like structure with the side panels 65 extending upwardly with respect to the center panel 63.

The intermediate shelves 59 and 60 are provided with corner constructions as shown in the blank fragment generally designated 74 in Fig. 12. Here again, the blank is composed of four corner constructions, the oppositely positioned corners being of similar construction. For purposes of illustration the construction of one of each of the pairs of corner constructions is shown in Fig. 12. The blank 74 is formed from a center panel 75 and is provided with side panels 76 which are hingedly attached to the margins of the center panel 75 by creases 77. The right corner construction, as viewed in Fig. 12, is provided with a bracing panel 78 separated from the adjacent side panel by a cut line 79 and defined at its inner margin by a crease 80. Inwardly of the crease 80 and the end margin of the adjacent side panel are inwardly directed slots 81 which extend inwardly from the inner margins of the side panels 76. The slots 81 extend inwardly a length of substantially 1A the total width of the side panels 76. Additional slots 82 are positioned oppositely with respect to the slots 81 and extend inwardly from the outer margins of the side panels 76. The slots 82 are of the same length as the slots 81.

The lowerrnost corner of the blank 74, as viewed in Fig. l2, is provided with bracing panels 83 which are connected to the end portions of the side panels 76 by' creases 84. The adjacent edges of the bracing panels 83 are separated by a cut line 85. Inwardly of the creases 84 are slots 86 which extend inwardly from the inner margins of the side panels 76. Oppositely positioned from the slots S6 are additional slots 87 which extend inwardly from the outer margins of the side panels 76. The slots 86 and 87 are each of a length substantially 1A of the width of the side panels 76. Each of the corner margins of the center panel 75 are defined by concave margins 88.

It will be noted that in comparing the bracing panels 70 and 78, these panels are of the same shape and design. Furthermore, the panels 67 and 83 are of similar design and, as a result, the corner constructions of the blank 74 when erected to form a shelf such as the shelves 59 and 60 cooperate with the leg segments 30 as previously described in connection with Figs. 10 and ll.

The blank 74 is used to form the intermediate shelves 59 and 60 and the corners are connected with adjacent ends of leg segments. In this connection the slots 38 of the lowermost leg segments 30 are interconnected with one of the pairs of slots 81 or S6 when the blank 74 is formed into a tray-like shelf 60. When the blank 74 is formed into a tray-like shelf 59 the slots 38 of the uppermost leg segments 30 cooperate with the slots 82 and the slots 87. Intermediate the shelves 59 and 60 the leg segments 46 are utilized as the slots 47 and 48 carried by each of the ends thereof are of the same length. The slots 47 and 48 are adapted to cooperate with any of the pairs of slots 81 or 87 to interconnect the intermediate shelves 59 and 60. The added bracing action of the placing of the end portions of the side panels outwardly of the slots under bending stress is also obtained with respect to the intermediate shelves 59 and 60.

While two modifications of display stand construction incorporating the principles of the present invention have been shown, it should be understood that any desired shape of shelves incorporated in a display stand of the type described maybe utilized and that such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Obviously combinations of rectangular and triangular portions of a single shelf may be used |while incorporating the structural features in each of the corners carried by such a shelf for engagement with leg segments of the type described. Furthermore, any number of shelves may be used and while such has not been shown in the drawings, a single shelf supported by the necessary number of leg segments is considered to fall within the teachings of the present invention.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the invention as hereinbefore set forth may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and therefore only such limitations should be imposed as are indicated in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A display stand comprising a substantially horizontal member having substantially vertical supporting members attached thereto, said horizontal member being provided with substantially vertically extending panels convergent at their ends to define supporting member attaching portions, said panels carrying slots spaced inwardly of the convergent ends thereof, and folded bracing means attached to the convergent ends of said panels, said supporting members being slotted inwardly of' at least one end thereof, the slots of said panels and said supporting members being vertically aligned and each receiving the material of the other therein, said bracing means being fully received interiorly of said supporting members in angular relation to the panels to which they are attached to brace the supporting members and horizontal member therebetween.

2. A display stand comprising a plurality of substantially horizontal vertically spaced shelves, and a plurality of tubular leg segments attached to the corners of said shelves to vertically space and support the same, each of.

said shelves being formed from a substantially horizontal center panel being provided at the margins thereof with vertically extending side panels convergent at their ends to.

define said corners, said side panels being slotted in a vertical direction spaced inwardly of the convergent ends thereof, the side panels of lthe lowermost shelf extending `downwardly from the center panel thereof and the side panels of the remainder of said shelves extending upwardly with respect to their associated center panels, and bracing panels hingedly attached to the convergent ends of said side panels, said leg segments beingslotted inwardly of the ends thereof, the slots of said side panels and said leg segments being vertically aligned and each receiving the material of the other therein, the convergent ends of the side panels of intermediate shelves being slottingly engaged with adjacent ends of leg segments, said bracing panels being fully received interiorly of said leg segments in angular relation to the side panels to which they are attached to brace the leg segments and said shelves with respect to one another.

3. A display stand comprising a substantially horizontal member. having substantially vertical supporting members attached thereto, said horizontal member being provided with substantially vertically extending side panels convergent at their ends to define supporting member attaching portions, said side panels carrying slots spaced inwardly of the convergent ends thereof, and bracing panels hingedly attached to the convergent ends of said side panels, said supporting members being provided with hollow interiors inwardly of the ends thereof attached to said horizontal member, said supporting members being slotted inwardly of the hollow ends thereof, the slots of said side panels and said supporting members being vertically aligned and each receiving the material of the other therein, said bracing panels being received in the hollow ends of said supporting members and being of a width at least substantially equal to but no greater than the inner diameter of said hollow ends while further being in angular relation to the side panels to which they are attached to brace said supporting members and said horizontal member with respect to one another by contacting the inner surfaces of said supporting members.

4. A display stand comprising a plurality of substantially horizontal vertically spaced shelves, and a plurality of tubular leg segments attached to the corners of said shelves to vertically space and support the same, each of said shelves being formed from a substantially horizontal center panel being provided at the margins thereof with vertically extending side panels convergent at their ends to define said corners, said side panels being slotted in a vertical direction inwardly of the convergent ends thereof, the corners of said center panels being relieved to define concave corner margins in close association with a portion of the outer periphery of adjacent leg segments, and bracing panels hingedly attached to the convergent ends of said side panels, said leg segments being slotted inwardly of the ends thereof, the slots of said side panels and said leg segments being vertically aligned and each receiving the material of the other therein, the convergent ends of the side panels of intermediate shelves being slottingly engaged with adjacent ends of leg segments, said bracing panels being received interiorly of said leg segments and being of a width at least substantially equal to the inner diameter of said leg segments to brace said leg segments and shelves with respect to one another by engagement with the inner surfaces of said leg segments.

5. A display stand comprising a plurality of substantially horizontal vertically spaced shelves, and a plurality of tubular leg segments attached to the corners of said shelves to vertically space and support the same, each of said shelves being formed from a substantially horizontal center panel being provided at the margins thereof with vertically extending side panels convergent at their ends to define said corners, the corners of said center panel being dened by inwardly directed arcuate marginal portions in close association with a portion of the outer periphery of adjacent leg segments, the convergent ends of said side panels having portions unattached to their associated center panel, the unattached end portions being vertically slotted inwardly of the convergent ends thereof, the slots of the side panels of the uppermost shelf extending upwardly from the lowermost margins thereof, the slots of the side panels of the lowermost shelf extending downwardly from the uppermost margins thereof, the slots of the side panels of the intermediate shelves extending inwardly from both the uppermost and lowermost margins thereof, the side panels of said intermediate shelves being attached to opposed ends of adjacent leg segments, and bracing panels hingedly attached to the convergent ends of said side panels, said leg segments being slotted inwardly of the ends thereof, the slots of said side panels and said leg segments being vertically aligned and each receiving the material of the other therein, said bracing panels being received interiorly of said leg segments while further being in angular relation to the side panels to which they are attached to brace said leg segments and shelves with respect to one another by engagement with the inner surfaces of said leg segments.

6. A display stand comprising a plurality of substantially horizontal vertically spaced shelves, and a plurality of tubular leg segments attached to the corners of said shelves to vertically space and support the same, each of said shelves being formed from a substantially horizontal center panel being provided at the margins thereof `with vertically extending side panels convergent at their ends to define said corners, the convergent ends of said side panels having portions unattached to their associated center panel, the unattached end portions being vertically slotted inwardly of the convergent ends thereof, and bracing panels hingedly attached to the convergent ends of said side panels, said leg segments being slotted inwardly of the ends thereof, the slots of said side panels and said leg segments being vertically aligned and each receiving the material of the other therein, the convergent ends of the side panels of intermediate shelves being slottingly engaged ywith adjacent ends of leg segments, said bracing panels'being received interiorly of said leg segments to brace the same and said shelves with respect to one another, the end portions of said side panels being placed under bending stress within the interiors of said leg segments by edge contact with the inner surfaces of said leg segments.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,040,270 Bryning Oct. 8, 1912 1,209,157 Heerdt Dec. 19, 1916 1,854,777 Bales Apr. 19, 1934 1,956,662 Wolcott May l, 1934 2,132,785 Hill Oct. 11, 1938 2,276,308 Hugh Mar. 17, 1942 2,669,117 Fuhrmann Feb. 16, 1954 FOREIGN PATENTS 53,167 Netherlands Sept. 15, 1942

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