U.S. patent application number 11/174557 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-11 for display showcase with frames for covering slotted standard ends and having interchangeable features.
Invention is credited to John Kang.
Application Number | 20070007865 11/174557 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37617676 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070007865 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kang; John |
January 11, 2007 |
Display showcase with frames for covering slotted standard ends and
having interchangeable features
Abstract
The present invention concerns a display showcase with frames
that receive and cover the ends of the slotted standards without
the use of a separate slotted standard holder. The present
invention further comprises frames with built in interchangeable
housing design for changing items. Items in these interchangeable
housings may be changed to modify, add onto or otherwise alter the
appearance of the outer portions of the frames.
Inventors: |
Kang; John; (Old Tappan,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John J. Yim, Esq.
4th Floor
1750 Tysons Blvd.
McLean
VA
22102
US
|
Family ID: |
37617676 |
Appl. No.: |
11/174557 |
Filed: |
July 6, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/114 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 3/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/114 |
International
Class: |
A47F 3/00 20060101
A47F003/00 |
Claims
1. A display showcase with frames for receiving and covering ends
of slotted standards and having interchangeable housing comprising:
a glass display, further comprising frames, glass panels, a display
showcase bottom, one or more doors, one or more slotted standards,
one or more shelves, and one or more shelf brackets, wherein said
frames together form edges of said glass display, wherein said
frames hold the edges of the glass panels, wherein said one or more
shelf brackets insert into slots of one or more slotted standards,
wherein said one or more shelves are supported by said one or more
shelf brackets, wherein said slotted standards are positioned
vertically within the display showcase, wherein one or more frames
further comprise a slotted-standard holder & cover portion for
receiving and covering ends of said one or more slotted standards,
wherein one or more frames further comprise one or more
interchangeable housing along an outer surface portion of one or
more of said frames, wherein said interchangeable housing forms an
opening along said outer surface portion of said one or more of
said frames, wherein said interchangeable housing allows different
inserts to fit within said interchangeable housing.
2. The display showcase of claim 1, wherein said slotted-standard
holder & cover portion of a top frame further comprises a top
surface for placing a ruler beneath a glass panel.
3. The display showcase of claim 1, further comprising one or more
mirrored panels.
4. The display showcase of claim 1, wherein said frames are
extruded aluminum.
5. The display showcase of claim 1, further comprising one or more
bases for supporting said glass display.
6. The display showcase of claim 1, further comprising one or more
hoods.
7. The display showcase of claim 1, wherein said one or more
shelves are made of clear glass.
8. The display showcase of claim 1, wherein said insert is a color
strip.
9. The display showcase of claim 1, wherein said insert is a light
strip, wherein a portion of said light strip fits within said
interchangeable housing and another portion of said light strip
fits on the outer surface of the frame with said interchangeable
housing.
10. The display showcase of claim 1, wherein the style of the
display showcase is selected from the group consisting of free
standing showcase, island style showcase, wall display, tower case,
corner case, trophy case, glass display, counter showcase,
revolving showcase, security case, slanted showcase, multiple piece
showcase, and surround showcase.
11. The display showcase of claim 1, wherein the slotted standard
is secured to the slotted-standard holder & cover portion using
a screw.
12. The display showcase of claim 1, wherein the slotted standards
are placed vertically and near the rear of said display
showcase.
13. The display showcase of claim 1, wherein the doors are sliding
doors with ball bearing rollers.
14. The display showcase of claim 1, further comprising security
features for locking the doors.
15. The display showcase of claim 1, further comprising lighting
systems.
16. The display showcase of claim 1, wherein said doors are located
at the front of said display showcase.
17. The display showcase of claim 1, wherein said doors are located
at the rear of said display showcase.
Description
INTRODUCTION
[0001] The present invention concerns display showcases. Display
showcases are widely used to display merchandise and products of
all types. From large department stores to small retail businesses,
they are used by distributors and sellers of all kinds of goods.
Display showcases are critical tools for prominently and
attractively displaying the showcased items. They protect the
merchandise from the elements and prevent against damage. Display
showcases also limit access to the merchandise and provide
security.
[0002] Display showcases vary widely in style, size, shape, color,
design and price. Some display showcases are custom made and may
involve intricate and elaborate designs. In a conventional display
showcase, small items such as jewelry, watches, small items, toys,
food, and any other suitable merchandise may be displayed for sale.
They can be free-standing as in island-style display showcases or
be designed to stand against a wall. Additional varieties include
tower cases, corner cases, trophy cases, glass display cases,
counter showcases, corner showcases, revolving showcases, wall
cases, showcases with drawers, security cases, slanted showcases,
jewelry showcases, pedestal cases, and more. Display showcases can
be supported by one or more bases. Other display showcases may be
placed on elevated surfaces such as table tops, while others are
designed to be carried by a vendor. Display showcases may also
comprise multiple parts and elements. A multiple piece showcase can
be built around an enclosed area. Other display showcases display
items on its outer surfaces for viewing as people walk around the
display.
[0003] The present invention, as described herein, can be
applicable to these and other types of display showcases as
described below.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0004] The present invention concerns a showcase with frames that
cover and hold the ends of the slotted standards without the use of
separate cover and/or attachment means. The present invention
further comprises frames with built in interchangeable housing for
changing items. Items in these interchangeable housings may be
changed to alter the appearance of the outer portions of the
frames.
[0005] The display showcase of the present invention comprises
frames that receive and cover the ends of the slotted standards.
Slotted standards are widely used in the industry as vertical
supports to support and/or hold the shelf brackets. The shelf
brackets in turn hold and/or support the glass shelves. Varying the
position of the shelf brackets along the different slots allow the
shelves to be placed at different positions. Although reference is
made herein to a slotted standard (e.g., a single slotted standards
with 3/4'' square tubing shape), the present invention contemplates
other slotted or adjustable shelf holders as known in the art.
[0006] There are generally two or more vertical slotted standards,
preferably in the rear portion of the display showcase. In the
prior art, slotted standards are secured directly onto the frames
so that the attachment parts (such as a slotted standard holder and
screw) are exposed to view.
[0007] The frames of the display showcase of the present invention
have an added portion that is designed to receive and cover the
ends of the slotted standards. The slotted standards are preferably
attached to horizontal frames in the rear area of the display
showcases.
[0008] Taking a rectangular-box shaped display showcase as an
example, the frames generally comprise the top frames, the bottom
frames, and the vertical side frames. In the example of a
rectangular-box shaped display, a customer faces the front of a
display showcase and the sliding doors are located at the rear. The
top frames further comprise a top rear frame, a top front frame, a
top right frame, and a top left frame. They connect at their ends
to form a rectangular shape to make up the top frames. The bottom
frames likewise comprise a bottom rear frame, a bottom front frame,
a bottom right frame, and a bottom left frame. There are also four
vertical side frames, which further comprise a front left, a front
right, a rear left and a rear right vertical frame. The vertical
frames connect the corresponding corners of the top and the bottom
frames. Therefore, the frames outline the edges of the display
showcase. The frames provide support for the glass frames.
[0009] Generally, the vertical slotted standards are placed in the
rear portion of the display showcase so that the customer's view
will not be obstructed by the slotted standards and the shelf
brackets. In the prior art, the slotted standards are attach
directly to the top rear frame and the bottom rear frame. The
slotted standards are usually held in place by a slotted standard
holder, which is in turn attached by a screw or other known parts
to the top rear frame and the bottom rear frame.
[0010] The present invention concerns an improved frame, wherein
the frames have an additional element for receiving and covering
the ends of the slotted standards. With the present invention, the
slotted standards do not need to be attached to the rear frames by
slotted standard holders. Instead, the rear frames of the present
invention are designed and extrude to contain an additional
element, a slotted-standard holder & cover, which receives,
holds and covers the slotted standards. The slotted-standard holder
& cover portion is preferably an extension of the extruded
frames. The frames may be made of extruded aluminum and can be
shaped as designed.
[0011] The top portion of the slotted-standard holder & cover
can also be used as a surface for useful items such as rulers or
other references. For example, in a display showcase for jewelry, a
ruler can be placed across the entire length of a top rear frame,
resting on the top surface of the slotted-standard holder &
cover. This surface can be used for a number of different items as
known in the art.
[0012] The display showcase of the present invention also concerns
frames that comprise interchangeable housings that run along about
the outer portions of the frames. The interchangeable housing
preferably has an opening that runs along the length of the frame
so that the exterior of the frame and the interior of the
interchangeable housing are connected. Different items may be
interchangeably inserted into the interchangeable housing.
[0013] In a typical glass display described above, the top front
frame will have two outer surfaces, the top surface and the front
surface. Taking the front surface of the top front frame, an
interchangeable housing may be designed into the front surface of
the top front frame so that different color strips may be
interchangeably inserted into the housing. Different colored strips
may thus be displayed. The color strips may be adjusted to match
with the base.
[0014] Various items may be inserted into the interchangeable
housing. For example, different colored light strips may be
inserted into the interchangeable housing. Also, the
interchangeable housing may be at different places along the outer
surfaces of the frames. For example, the interchangeable housing
may also be placed at the edges.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] A preferred embodiment of the invention has been depicted
for illustrative purposes wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is an example of a display showcase of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 (Prior Art) is a cross sectional view of a frame of a
display showcase, a top rear frame, wherein a slotted standard is
attached to the frame using a slotted standard holder and
screws.
[0018] FIG. 3 (Prior Art) is a cross sectional view of a frame of a
display showcase, a bottom rear frame, wherein a slotted standard
is attached to the frame using a slotted standard holder and
screws.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a top rear frame of FIG.
1, wherein the frame receives and covers the end of a slotted
standard.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a bottom rear frame of
FIG. 1, wherein the frame receives and covers the end of a slotted
standard.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a partial view of the bottom rear left corner of
the glass display of FIG. 1, wherein the bottom rear frame receives
and covers the end of a slotted standard.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the top front frame of
FIG. 1, wherein an interchangeable housing about the front surface
of the top front frame allows an interchangeable strip to be
changed.
[0023] FIG. 8 is an example of an alternative embodiment of the top
front frame of FIG. 7, wherein the interchangeable insert is
different from that of FIG. 7.
[0024] FIG. 9 is an example of the interchangeable insert used in
FIG. 7.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of a top front frame,
wherein an interchangeable housing about the front surface of the
top front frame allows an interchangeable strip to be changed, and
wherein the top front frame receives and covers the end of a
slotted standard.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a side profile view of the top front frame and
the slotted standard of FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] Some of the preferred embodiments of the present invention
are discussed below. As the present invention may be embodied in
several forms without departing from the spirit or essential
characteristics thereof, it should be understood that the
description contained herein is not limited by the details of the
foregoing description, unless otherwise stated. The present
invention should be construed within its spirit and scope, and
therefore all changes and modifications that fall within the meets
and bounds of the claims, or equivalences of such meets and bounds
are therefore intended to be embraced by the invention.
[0028] The present invention is applicable for use with various
types of display showcases. Applicants describe herein an example
of a rectangular box-shaped display as seen in FIG. 1. The present
invention, however, is applicable to other types of display
showcases as well. Examples include self-standing showcases, island
showcases, wall showcases, showcases for display on tabletops,
counters, and elevated surfaces, portable showcases, and full
vision showcases (preferably visible from the top, side, front
and/or rear, usually made of clear glass). Additional types of
display showcases include tower cases, corner cases, trophy cases,
glassware display cases, counter showcases, corner showcases,
revolving showcases, wall cases, wall cases with drawers, security
cases, slanted showcases, jewelry showcases, pedestal cases, and
more. Also, display showcases may be rectangular or square box in
shape, may be corner pieces, may have multiple sides (3 sides, 4
sides, 5 sides, or more), may be stand-alone pieces (square,
octagonal, etc.), may be tower models of various shapes and sizes,
may be trophy cases, may have slanted frontal glass for greater
visibility, may be secured cases with security features, and may be
wall cases with drawers, among others.
[0029] Display showcases can also be supported by one or more bases
and rest on the floor. Other display showcases are placed on
elevated surfaces such as table tops. Display showcases may also
have multiple parts, partitions and elements. A multi-piece display
showcase can be built around to enclose an area (whether against a
corner of a room) where the vendors would stand. Some display
showcases display items on all of its outer surfaces so that the
displayed items can be viewed as people walk around the display.
Some display showcases have differing heights, shapes, and sizes in
its different components. The present invention, as described
herein, can be applied to any one or more of these various types of
showcases.
[0030] A display showcase may also have various shapes of glass
display with varying combinations of heights, depths, widths,
shapes, designs and sizes. The frames of display cases also come in
a variety of shapes, sizes and designs. The frames along with the
glass and the doors may be referred to herein as the glass display
portion of the display showcase. The frames generally provide
structural support for the glass and help hold the glass in place.
They may be made of any material as known in the art. One preferred
example is extruded aluminum.
[0031] The frames generally outline the edges of the glass display.
Various designs and shapes are known in the art. The frames
together form the support that holds the glass in place. Corners
may have various shapes, designs and sizes as known in the art,
preferably radial shaped edges and constructed of extruded
aluminum.
[0032] The glass walls are preferably clear to allow unrestricted
viewing of the displayed merchandise through the glass. They may
also be colored, tinted, or otherwise adorned or modified as known
in the art. In one preferred embodiment, the thickness of clear
glass used in display cases is about 1/4''.
[0033] Many of the display showcases have adjustable internal
shelves. The present invention concerns display showcases with
shelves. These shelves may be height adjustable to vary their
position within the displays. Shelves generally sit on shelf
brackets that insert into vertical slotted standards. Brackets fit
within the different slots in the slotted standards to allow for
variable positioning of the shelves. Shelves may be made of any
material and any size or shape as known in the art. In the
conventional shape, it is preferably a glass shelf that sits on
brackets that insert into the slotted standards.
[0034] A display preferably has two or more slotted standards. The
shelf brackets fit into the different slots along the vertical
slotted standard. Changing the position of the shelf brackets
changes the height position of the shelves. In a display showcase,
the slotted standards are preferably placed near the back of the
display cases. In the prior art, they are generally received and
secured at the top and the bottom by slotted standard holders that
secure the slotted standards to the display showcase frames. In the
prior art, these slotted standard holders are also generally
secured by screws to the showcase frames. In the prior art
showcase, the slotted standard holders and the screws are visible
to the consumer.
[0035] Display showcases also generally have doors or access way to
reach the interior of the display showcases. Doors for example may
be constructed and designed in various ways as known in the art,
for example, it may be a hinged door or a sliding door. Preferably,
sliding doors with ball bearing rollers that move smoothly on
rail-style bottom tracks are used. The location of the doors may
depend on the type of display showcase as know in the art. For
example, if a showcase is designed for salesperson to stand behind
the showcase with the customer in the front, then the door will
preferably located in the rear for access by the salesperson. If,
however, the showcase is designed to abut the wall with the
salesperson and the customer both in front of the display, then the
display will preferably have a front glass door access, which may
or may not have lock mechanism for security.
[0036] Furthermore, the display showcases of the present invention
may comprise base, cap or hood of various sizes, shapes, and
designs as known in the art. For example, a base may or may not
correlate with glass display on top, e.g., square box base for a
square box display. Some may have multiple parts (e.g. elongated
display showcase may have two separate bases at each end). There
may be multiple tiered bases (narrowing in size from glass to mid
base to bottom base, or other multiple parts). Preferably, the base
complements the glass display component of a display showcase.
There may also be a top, a cap or a hood on top of the glass
display. The base may be made of any material as known in the art.
In one example, the base is made of 3/4'' thick melanin
particleboard.
[0037] Various optional features include different designs (as well
as custom designed displays) as known in the art, lighting systems
and lights, and various security features. Furthermore, the present
invention may also be applied to various custom-built display
showcases.
[0038] The embodiment described below will refer to a generally
rectangular-box shaped display showcase as shown in FIG. 1. The
description contained herein may be applied to the various types,
shapes, designs, and sizes of display showcases as described.
[0039] In FIG. 1, one embodiment of the display showcase 2 of the
present invention is shown. The display showcase 2 generally
comprises a glass display 4 portion and a base 10. The base 10
shown in FIG. 1 may be wooden in composition and serves to elevate
the glass display 4. The base 10 may be made of any material as
known in the art and may be constructed in any manner as known in
the arts. In alternative embodiments, the base 10 may be
multi-tiered with successively widening or narrowing in cross
sectional area away from the glass display 4. In other embodiments,
there may be multiple bases. The base 10 further comprises a base
top or a display bottom 12 as shown in FIG. 1. The display bottom
12 serves as the bottom portion of the glass display 4, and may be
made of various known materials, including but not limited to,
melanin surfaced material, glass, wood, metal, and mirror. The
height of base 10 may be varied to further elevate or lower the
glass display 4. In additional embodiments, a hood (not pictured)
may be placed on top of the glass display 4. The hood may be made
of any material known in the art and may have various designs as
known in the art. Such hoods may contain various features,
including lighting equipment to increase the aesthetic appeal of
the display showcase 2.
[0040] In FIG. 1, the glass display 4 portion of the display
showcase 2 of the present invention comprises multiple frames 14,
16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 & 36, glass panels that
form the walls of the glass display 4, rear sliding doors 42 &
43, slotted standards 40, 41 & 45, shelves (not pictured), and
shelf brackets (not pictured). The frames may be made of any known
material as known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the frames
are extruded aluminum with rounded edges.
[0041] The frames of the glass display 4 further comprise four
pieces for the top portion of the frame: top front frame 22, top
rear frame 24, top right frame 26, and top left frame 28. The
frames of the glass display 4 further comprise four pieces for the
bottom portion of the frame: bottom front frame 14, bottom rear
frame 20, bottom right frame 16, and bottom left frame 18. There
are also four vertical side frames in FIG. 1, vertical front right
frame 32, vertical rear right frame 34, vertical front left frame
30, and vertical rear left frame 36. The vertical side frames 30,
32, 34 & 36 connect the corners of the top frames 22, 24, 26
& 28 with the corresponding corners of the bottom frames 14,
16, 18 & 20. Thus, the frames outline the edges of the
three-dimension box of the glass display 4. The glass is held in
place by the frame.
[0042] Glass is preferably clear and scratch resistant, but other
varieties may be used as known in the art. Clear glass panels
preferably make up the front, the top and the two sides of the
glass display 4 in FIG. 1.
[0043] The glass display 4 of the present invention further
comprises doors. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the display
showcase 2 is a stand-alone, island-style showcase, where a vendor
(not shown) stands behind the display showcase 2, and a customer
(now shown) stands in the front facing the vendor with the display
showcase 2 between them. Thus, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,
the vendor stands behind the display showcase 2 and opens the glass
display 4 through the rear sliding doors 42 & 43. In
alternative embodiments where the display showcase is placed
against a wall, the sliding doors may preferably be made of clear
glass and be positioned at the front of the glass display 4. In
alternative embodiments, the doors may be attached by hinges or
other means as known in the art. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,
the doors are sliding doors 42 & 43, which slide along slots
within the top rear frame 24 and the bottom rear frame 20 using
ball bearings. As mentions, alternative embodiments as known in the
art may also be used. As the rear sliding doors 42 & 43 slide
along their respective tracks, they may pass each other as they are
opened or closed.
[0044] The glass display 4 further comprises slotted standards 40,
41 & 45, which are positioned vertically at the rear of the
glass display 4, in front of the sliding doors 42 & 43. The
slotted standards may be made of any material and in any manner as
known in the art. They are preferably made of anodized extruded
aluminum and have slots running along their lengths. The shelf
brackets (not pictured) insert into the slots of the slotted
standards 40, 41 & 45 as known in the art. The shelves (not
shown) may be made of any material and in design as known in the
art. Preferably, glass shelves, which allow viewing through the
glass shelves, rest on top of the shelf brackets. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 1, three different slotted standards 40, 41 and 45
allow for three different shelf brackets to support a glass shelf.
Multiple shelves may be inserted into the glass display 4 as known
in the art. Thus, one shelf may be placed near the top, another in
the middle, another near the bottom, and so forth.
[0045] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the slotted standards 40,
41 & 45 are in contact with and secured to the top rear frame
24 and bottom rear frame 20 according to the present invention, as
will be discussed in more detail below. Furthermore, the top front
frame 22 comprises an interchangeable housing, wherein different
items may be placed within the interchangeable housing 46. Various
items, such as color strips, lights, and texture elements, among
others, may be interchanged to vary the appearance of the frames as
will be discussed in more detail below.
[0046] FIG. 2 shows an example of a prior art embodiment, wherein
the slotted standard 61 is attached to a top rear frame 51 as
previously known in the art. The top rear frame 51 is a portion of
the frame in a display showcase similar to that seen in FIG. 1. The
top rear frame 51 reveals a cross sectional view to further show
its design. The top rear frame 51 further comprises a top surface
52 and a rear surface 50. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a
glass surface portion 53 provides a horizontally flat surface, upon
which the glass top of the glass display rests. The top rear frame
51 further comprises sliding door slots 54 & 55 where the
sliding doors fit.
[0047] In the prior art embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the slotted
standard 61 is attached directly to the front face 56 of the top
rear frame 51 using a slotted standard holder 60. The slotted
standard 61 fit within the slotted standard holder 60, and the
slotted standard holder 60 is in turn secured to the front face 56
of the top rear frame 51. The slotted standard holder 60 is secured
as known in the art, for example as shown pre-drilling a hole and
using screws as shown in FIG. 2. The slotted standard 61 is further
attached to the slotted standard holder 60 with an additional screw
63. The slotted standard holder 60 and screws 62 & 63 are
visible through the clear glass.
[0048] Similarly in the prior art embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the
bottom portion of the slotted standard 104 is attached to the
bottom rear frame 90 by slotted standard holder 102. The slotted
standard 104 fits within the slotted standard holder 102, which is
then attached to the bottom rear frame 90 and to the slotted
standard 104 by methods as known in the art (e.g., solder or screws
106). The bottom rear frame further comprises door slots 100 &
101 for the doors to run along its tracks, a base slot 96 for
fitting a portion of the base, and the base top 98, which also fits
within the bottom rear frame 80 as shown in FIG. 3.
[0049] The prior art example is cumbersome to make and requires
additional steps, parts, and cost. Furthermore, the ends of the
slotted standard 61, which were covered with the slotted standard
holder 103 and the screws 106, were exposed and visible through the
clear glass surfaces of the display showcases and the glass
shelves.
[0050] In the display showcase 2 of the present invention as shown
in FIG. 1, the slotted standards 40, 41 & 45 are held and
received by the top rear frame 24 and the bottom rear frame 20.
There are no visible slotted standard holder or screw attachments
for viewing through the clear glass and the clear glass
shelves.
[0051] FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of the top rear frame 24
of the present invention as seen in FIG. 1. The top rear frame 24
comprises multiple surfaces and portions as shown. The top surface
70 is preferably at the same level as the top of the glass (not
shown) that sits on the glass surface portion 72. The rear surface
74 faces the rear of the display showcase 2 as seen in FIG. 1. The
sliding door slots 76 as seen in FIG. 4 show slots that will house
the sliding doors (not shown). The top rear frame 24 of FIG. 4 is
different from the top rear frame 51 of FIG. 2 in that the top rear
frame 24 of the present invention further comprises an additional
portion, the slotted-standard holder & cover 80. The
slotted-standard holder & cover 80 is preferably continuous
with the remainder of the top rear frame 24 and is preferably made
through extruded aluminum. The slotted-standard holder & cover
80 receives and covers the ends of the slotted standard 40. The end
of the slotted standard 40 is not visible. A slotted standard sized
area may be pre-drilled to allow for a friction fit of the slotted
standard 40 within the slotted-standard holder & cover 80. An
additional screw (not shown) may be used to affix the slotted
standard 40 to the slotted-standard holder & cover to prevent
movement.
[0052] In the present invention, the top end of the slotted
standard 40 fits within the interior of the slotted-standard holder
& cover 80. Thus, the end of the slotted standard 40 fits
within the top rear frame 24. The ends of the slotted standard 40
are tucked away out of view, resulting in a cleaner and a more
aesthetically pleasing display.
[0053] Furthermore, as seen in FIG. 4, the top surface 78 of the
slotted standard holder & cover 80 portion of the top rear
frame 24 may be used for additional items to be placed under the
glass top surface. The top glass (not shown) sits on the glass
surface 72 portion of the top rear frame 24. By placing material
(not shown) on the top surface 78, the material will appear
underneath the top glass. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, ruler
44 sits on the top surface 78 and shows measurement spacing to
allow the vendor to use the ruler 44 in assisting with sale. For
example, the vendor may use the ruler 44 to show the dimensions of
a piece of jewelry in an easy and convenient manner. Additional
materials may be placed on the top surface 78.
[0054] Similarly, FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view of the bottom
rear frame 20 of FIG. 1. The bottom rear frame 20 of the present
invention differs from prior art bottom rear frame 90 of FIG. 3, in
that there is an additional portion, designated the
slotted-standard holder & cover 120 of the bottom rear frame
20. It is a part of and runs along the length of the bottom rear
frame 20. The slotted-standard holder & cover 120 receives and
holds the slotted standard 40. A space the shape of the slotted
standard 40 may be pre-drilled as known in the art. The slotted
standard 40 may form a friction fit within the slotted-standard
holder & cover 120 or in alternative embodiments, the slotted
standard 40 may be affixed as known in the art, for example with a
screw (not shown). The bottom rear frame 20 also has sliding door
slots 116 that provide tracks for the sliding doors 42 & 43 (as
seen in FIG. 1), a base slot 114 for the base 10, and a base top or
display bottom 12.
[0055] With the present invention, similar to the top rear frame as
shown in FIG. 4, the bottom end of the slotted standard 40 in FIG.
5 fits within the slotted-standard holder & cover 120 portion
of the bottom rear frame 20. The frame of the present invention
eliminates parts and renders construction easier. Furthermore, the
ends of the slotted standard 40 are tucked away out of view,
resulting in a cleaner and a more aesthetically pleasing
display.
[0056] FIG. 6 shows the rear left corner of the glass display 4 of
FIG. 1. Three different frames (vertical rear left frame 36, bottom
left frame 18, and the bottom rear frame 20) converge at this
corner. A partial view of a glass panel 132 is shown. As discussed,
the bottom rear frame 20 has multiple sections, parts, and
surfaces. For example, the sliding door slots 116 allow the sliding
doors (not shown) to run along its tracks. Further, the base slot
114 fits with the base 10 of FIG. 1, and the slot for base top 130
of FIG. 1 allows for the base top 12 (not shown in FIG. 6) to fit.
As discussed, the slotted standard 40 is received by and covered at
its bottom end by the slotted-standard holder & cover 120 of
the bottom rear frame 20, thereby creating a simpler and cleaner
look.
[0057] The display showcase 2 of the present invention further
comprises frames with built-in interchangeable housing for
replacing insert items as shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, the top front
frame 22 has an interchangeable housing 46 that contains a color
strip. The interchangeable housing 46 runs along the length of the
top front frame 22. The interchangeable housing 46 preferably has
an opening that runs along the top front frame 22. Thus, as the
color strip is changed in the top front frame 22, the color
appearing through the opening will change the appearance of the top
front frame 22.
[0058] FIG. 7 is a close up of a cross-sectional view of the top
front frame 22 of FIG. 1. The top front frame 22 comprises a top
surface 152, a front surface 150, slots for the front glass 148,
and an interchangeable insert housing 146. The interchangeable
insert housing 146 is designed into the top front frame 22 and runs
along the length of the top front frame 22. Preferably, aluminum or
other metal may be extruded into a shape as shown in FIG. 7. The
interchangeable color strip 144 may be taken out and replaced with
a different color strip. Thus, as the color strip is varied, the
outer appearance of the front surface 150 of the top front frame 22
is varied. The shape of the interchangeable insert housing 146 may
also vary. For example, the opening (along the front surface 150)
revealing the interchangeable strip 144 may be widened. The
interchangeable insert housing 146 may possess variety of shapes
and sizes. A light canopy male member 142 may receive a light
canopy female member (not pictured).
[0059] An alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 8, wherein the
interchangeable insert housing 146 remains relatively the same as
in FIG. 9. However, the interchangeable insert 160 is different.
Although a portion of the interchangeable insert 160, here a
colored plastic insert, fits within the interchangeable insert
housing 146 and therefore makes a secure fit, a portion of the
interchangeable insert 160 sits outside the interchangeable housing
146 and on the front face 150 of the top front frame 22. Various
items may be used as interchangeable inserts, including but not
limited to, lights, plastic or wood or metallic inserts, and
more.
[0060] Further, the position of the interchangeable insert housing
146 may be varied. In alternative embodiments, the interchangeable
insert housing may be placed within or about the top surface 152 of
the top front frame 22 or even at the edge where the top surface
152 and the top face 150 meet. Various sizes and shapes of
interchangeable insert housing 146 are contemplated in the present
invention. Furthermore, any of the frame portions as seen in FIG. 1
may have one or more interchangeable insert housing. Thus, not only
the top front frame, but one or more of the other frames may also
have this feature.
[0061] FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment, wherein a display
showcase opens from the front of the glass display. In situations
where the display showcase backs to a wall, the glass display may
preferably be accessed from the front. Thus, sliding doors (or
other opening) are positioned in the front of the showcase. In FIG.
10, the top front frame 200 of such an embodiment is shown. The top
front frame 200 comprises a top surface 202, a front face 208,
sliding door slots 210 for fitting sliding doors, and a
slotted-standard holder & cover portion 214. In the wall unit
embodiments of the present invention, the slotted standard may also
be preferably positioned in the rear. But as shown in FIG. 10, the
slotted standard 212 may also be positioned near the front. As in
previous examples, the slotted standard 212 is fitted within the
slotted-standard holder & cover 214. The top front frame 200
may also comprise the interchangeable insert housing 206 as shown
in FIG. 10.
[0062] FIG. 11 shows a side view of a cross section of the top
front frame of FIG. 10. Again, shown are the top surface 202, the
glass surface 204 where the glass (not shown) sits, ruler surface
216, slotted-standard holder & cover 214, slotted standard 212,
sliding door slots 210, and interchangeable insert housing 206.
* * * * *