Display system for flexible sheet goods and spline for use in display system

Abstract

A display module for sheet goods is provided that uses a spline having a spline base and a sample attachment section defined by a recess along one side of the spline base. The depth of the recess is approximately equal to a thickness of the sample material. The sample attachment section has a reduced thickness in comparison to the spline base, and two slots are defined in the spline base on a side opposite to the sample attachment area. The slots have a first slot portion that extends inwardly from the side of the spline base and a second slot portion that extends generally perpendicular to an end of the first portion, and an enlarged slot end portion is located at an end of the second slot portion. A rack is provided having two generally parallel rods which are spaced apart by a same distance as a spacing between the slots in the spline. The rods are adapted to be received in the slots.

1 . A display module for sheet goods comprising:
 a spline having a spline base and a sample attachment section defined by a recess along one side of the spline base, the sample attachment section having a reduced thickness in comparison to the spline base;   two slots are defined in the spline base on a side opposite to the sample attachment area, the slots having a first slot portion that extends inwardly from the side of the spline base and a second slot portion that extends generally perpendicular to an end of the first slot portion, and an enlarged slot end portion is located at an end of the second slot portion; and   a rack having two generally parallel rods which are spaced apart by a same distance as a spacing between the slots in the spline, the rods being adapted to be received in the slots such that moving a sample downwardly with the rods being engaged in the slots and shifting the sample sideways results in the rods traversing through the first and second slot portions prior to engaging in the enlarged slot end portions.   
     
     
         2 . The display module of  claim 1 , wherein the spline is made from a polymeric material. 
     
     
         3 . The display module of  claim 1 , wherein a sample is attached to the sample attachment section by heat staking. 
     
     
         4 . The display module of  claim 1 , wherein a sample is attached to the sample attachment section by an adhesive. 
     
     
         5 . The display module of  claim 4 , wherein the sample comprises a vinyl flooring sample. 
     
     
         6 . The display module of  claim 1 , wherein the spline base has a thickness of approximately 0.125 inches and the sample attachment area has a thickness of approximately 0.02 inches. 
     
     
         7 . The display module of  claim 1 , wherein the recess has a depth that is adapted to allow a surface of the sheet goods attached thereto to be approximately level with an upward facing surface of the spline base. 
     
     
         8 . A spline for samples in a display module, comprising:
 a spline base and a sample attachment section defined by a recess along one side of the spline base, the sample attachment section having a reduced thickness in comparison to the spline base; and   two slots are defined in the spline base on a side opposite to the sample attachment area, the slots having a first slot portion that extends inwardly from the side of the spline base and a second slot portion that extends generally perpendicular to an end of the first portion, and an enlarged slot end portion is located at an end of the second slot portion.   
     
     
         9 . The spline of  claim 8 , wherein the spline base has a thickness of approximately 0.125 inches and the sample attachment area has a thickness of approximately 0.02 inches. 
     
     
         10 . The spline of  claim 8 , wherein the spline is made from a polymeric material. 
     
     
         11 . The spline of  claim 8 , wherein a depth of the recess is approximately equal to a thickness of a sample material adapted to be affixed thereto. 
     
     
         12 . The spline of  claim 8 , further comprising a vinyl flooring sample connected to the sample attachment section.