Vertical display system

Abstract

A free-standing vertical display system for displaying merchandise, such as beverage containers, at the point of purchase, is described. The system includes a base and one or more trays which are slidably received on a center pole. In a first embodiment a merchandise-bearing tray rests on the merchandise on the tray beneath it. When the tray is empty, it may be stored on four screws protruding from the top of the center pole, allowing the customer to access the lower trays. A second embodiment of the invention provides a spring on the center pole, underneath each tray. When a tray is loaded with merchandise, the spring compresses and the tray rests on the merchandise on the tray beneath it. When a tray is emptied, the spring pushes the tray up, so that merchandise may be removed from the tray below. A third embodiment of the invention provides stationary spacer poles at the periphery of each tray to separate the trays, so that merchandise may be accessed from all trays simultaneously. All three embodiments of the invention can be provided with a cylindrical header positioned on top of the center pole and carrying product identification labels or other advertisements.