Suspension apparatus

Abstract

Apparatus for displaying merchandise is suspended from overhead ceiling structures. The display apparatus includes a suspension beam supported by a support hook which attaches to the ceiling support grid members of a drop-style ceiling. The suspension beam includes an elongated channel defined by opposing sides connected by a central web. Display hooks are mounted in apertures in the web and locked into position by the opposing sides of the channel. Promotional graphic displays and/or merchandise may be supported on the hook structures mounted on the suspension beam.

1 . Apparatus for supporting and displaying merchandise comprising:
 (a) a suspension beam comprising:
 (i) an elongated body having parallel opposing sides connected by a central web which cooperates with said opposing sides to define a channel extending along at least a portion of the length of said body; and 
 (ii) at least one aperture in said central web; 
   (b) a display hook removeably mounted on said suspension beam comprising:
 (i) a base adapted to project through said aperture and engage said central web; and 
 (ii) a hook prong projecting from said base between said parallel opposing sides of said beam; and 
   (c) a support connector adapted to be attached to a ceiling support grid member and including means depending therefrom adapted to engage and support said suspension beam.   
   
   
       2 . Apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein said suspension beam comprises an elongated body having parallel opposing sides connected by a central web which cooperates with said opposing sides to define parallel channels on opposite sides of said beam. 
   
   
       3 . Apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein said suspension beam further comprises a plurality of elongated bodies connected together in an end-to-end relationship. 
   
   
       4 . Apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein said display hook comprises:
 (i) an elongated base portion having inner and outer edges sized to nest in said channel;   (ii) a prong depending from said outer edge; and   (iii) a foot sized to mate with said aperture projecting from said inner edge, said foot supporting a toe which projects in substantially the same direction as the inner edge of said base portion and spaced from said inner edge a distance which approximates the thickness of said central web.   
   
   
       5 . Apparatus as defined in  claim 4  further comprising a boss projecting from said inner face and sized to mate with an aperture in said central web. 
   
   
       6 . Apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein said display hook comprises:
 (i) a base in the form of an inverted U with opposing sides defining a gap sized to accommodate said central web; and   (ii) a prong depending from at least one of the sides of said base.   
   
   
       7 . Apparatus as defined in  claim 6  wherein prongs depend from both sides of said base.