U.S. patent application number 11/408570 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-15 for display device assembly for personal care items.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mechtronics Corporation. Invention is credited to Kurt Haldin, Desmond Walsh.
Application Number | 20070056878 11/408570 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37853972 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070056878 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walsh; Desmond ; et
al. |
March 15, 2007 |
Display device assembly for personal care items
Abstract
A display device assembly for personal care items to be sampled
includes a housing having an upper surface, a seat extending
vertically down from the upper surface and a wall extending
vertically up from the upper surface. The seat defines an interior
cavity. A godet is disposed in the seat. The godet defines an
interior cavity for storing the personal care item. The assembly
includes a godet cover plate having an opening corresponding to the
seat and a hook protruding from a perimeter of the godet cover
plate. When assembled the godet cover plate rest on the upper
surface of the housing and is held by frictional force of the hook
and the wall such that the godet is secured within the seat. A
cover is rotatably mounted to the housing and, when assembled, the
cover encloses the upper surface to protect the personal care item
stored in the godet.
Inventors: |
Walsh; Desmond; (Norwalk,
CT) ; Haldin; Kurt; (New Milford, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAUD-DUFFY GROUP LLP
306 INDUSTRIAL PARK ROAD
SUITE 206
MIDDLETOWN
CT
06457
US
|
Assignee: |
Mechtronics Corporation
White Plains
NY
|
Family ID: |
37853972 |
Appl. No.: |
11/408570 |
Filed: |
April 21, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60674121 |
Apr 22, 2005 |
|
|
|
60781010 |
Mar 10, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/581 ;
206/823 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 2034/002 20130101;
A47F 7/286 20130101; A45D 40/0087 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/581 ;
206/823 |
International
Class: |
B65D 69/00 20060101
B65D069/00 |
Claims
1. A display device assembly for personal care items to be sampled,
the display device assembly comprising: a body having an upper
surface and a platform extending vertically up and horizontally
away from the upper surface, the body including a plurality of
seats extending vertically down from the upper surface, each of the
seats defining an interior cavity; a plurality of godets each
defining an interior cavity for storing the personal care items,
when assembled the godets are disposed within the seats; a godet
cover plate having a plurality of openings, each of the openings
corresponding to one of the plurality of seats, the godet cover
plate being rotatably mounted to the body and when assembled the
godet cover plate rest on the upper surface to secure the godets
within the seats; and at least one fastener for locking the godet
cover plate to the upper surface.
2. The display device of claim 1, wherein the godet cover plate is
comprised of a transparent synthetic plastic material of relatively
high strength.
3. The display device assembly of claim 1, wherein the body further
comprises an intermediate wall disposed between the upper surface
and the platform and wherein the godet cover plate is rotatably
mounted to the intermediate wall.
4. The display device assembly of claim 3, wherein the godet cover
plate is rotatably mounted to the intermediate wall by means of a
hinge arrangement.
5. The display device assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a
cover being rotatably mounted to the body and when assembled the
cover encloses the upper surface to protect the personal care items
stored in the godets.
6. The display device of claim 5, wherein the cover is comprised of
a transparent synthetic plastic material of relatively high
strength.
7. The display device of claim 5, wherein the cover is comprised of
a plurality of individual covers each corresponding to one of the
plurality of godets.
8. The display device assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a
mounting bracket affixed to the body for supporting the display
device assembly in a manner which improves visibility and
accessibility of the personal care items.
9. The display device assembly of claim 8, wherein the mounting
bracket includes: a first leg that is substantially horizontal; and
a second leg that extends vertically from the first leg at an
angle.
10. The display device assembly of claim 9, wherein the second leg
extends vertically from the first leg at an angle of about
forty-five degrees (45.degree.).
11. The display device assembly of claim 9, wherein the first leg
is fastened to a supporting surface in a retail environment.
12. The display device assembly of claim 11, wherein the supporting
surface is one of a counter, a display case and a shelf of a
display rack.
13. A system for displaying personal care items in a retail
environment, the system comprising: a display fixture for
presenting the personal care items to prospective consumers for
purchase; and a plurality of display device assemblies coupled to
at least one surface of the display fixture in at least one of a
side-by-side or a stacked arrangement, each of the plurality of
display devices assemblies presenting a plurality of the personal
care items to be sampled prior to purchase, each display device
assembly comprising: a body having an upper surface and a platform
extending vertically up and horizontally away from the upper
surface, the body including a plurality of seats extending
vertically down from the upper surface, each of the seats defining
an interior cavity; a plurality of godets each defining an interior
cavity for storing the personal care items to be sampled, when
assembled the godets are disposed within the seats; a godet cover
plate having a plurality of openings, each of the openings
corresponding to one of the plurality of seats, the godet cover
plate being rotatably mounted to the body and when assembled the
godet cover plate rest on the upper surface to secure the godets
within the seats; at least one fastener for locking the godet cover
plate to the upper surface; and a mounting bracket affixed to the
body and to the surface of the display fixture for supporting the
display device assembly in a manner which improves visibility and
accessibility of the personal care item samples.
14. The system for displaying personal care items of claim 13,
wherein the display fixture is comprised of a personal care item
service counter having a plurality of the display device assemblies
coupled thereto, the service counter including features to assist
prospective consumers make purchases of personal care item by
allowing the consumers to view the selected samples of the personal
care items once applied.
15. The system for displaying personal care items of claim 13,
wherein the display fixture is comprised of a display rack having a
plurality of shelves, at least one shelf having a plurality of the
display device assemblies coupled thereto.
16. A display device assembly for a personal care item to be
sampled, the display device assembly comprising: a housing having
an upper surface, a seat extending vertically down from the upper
surface and a wall extending vertically up from the upper surface;
a godet defining an interior cavity for storing the personal care
item, when assembled the godet is disposed within the seat of the
housing; and a godet retaining cover having an opening
corresponding to the seat and a hook protruding from a perimeter of
the godet retaining cover, and when assembled the godet retaining
cover rests on the upper surface of the housing and is held by
frictional force of the hook and the wall of the housing such that
the godet is secured within the seat.
17. The display device of claim 16, wherein the godet retaining
cover is comprised of a transparent synthetic plastic material of
relatively high strength.
18. The display device assembly of claim 16, further comprising: a
cover being releasably mounted to the housing and when assembled
the cover encloses the upper surface to protect the personal care
item stored in the godet.
19. The display device assembly of claim 18, wherein the cover is
rotatably mounted to the housing to permit the cover to rotate from
an open position to a closed position, in the open position the
aperture in the godet retaining cover is exposed such that
potential consumers may sample the personal care items within the
godet, and in the closed position the cover encloses the godet
retaining cover, the godet, and the upper surface and wall of the
housing.
20. The display device assembly of claim 18, wherein the cover
includes a lip extending horizontally from the cover in a direction
away from an outer perimeter of the housing.
21. The display device of claim 18, wherein the cover is comprised
of a transparent synthetic plastic material of relatively high
strength.
22. The display device assembly of claim 16, further comprising: a
backer board having a plurality of locations, each location being
adapted to receive the housing such that a plurality of personal
care items are displayed.
23. The display device assembly of claim 22, wherein the backer
board is comprised of a curved shape to improve visibility and
accessibility of the personal care items within the plurality of
housings.
24. The display device assembly of claim 22, wherein the backer
board is fastened to a supporting surface in a retail
environment.
25. The display device assembly of claim 24, wherein the supporting
surface is one of a counter, a display case and a shelf of a
display rack.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of copending, U.S. Provisional Patent Applications,
Ser. No. 60/674,121, filed Apr. 22, 2005, and Ser. No. 60/781,010,
filed Mar. 10, 2006, the disclosures of which are incorporated by
reference herein in their entireties.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material, which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
United States Patent and Trademark Office files or records, but
otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] This invention relates to a device for displaying personal
care items and, more particularly, to a retail display device for
securely presenting for trial use samples of personal care items
such as, for example, cosmetic products, solid fragrances, and the
like.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] It is commonplace to find devices for displaying personal
care items in retail environments. For example, cosmetic products
such as lipstick, mascara, face powders, nail varnishes, and the
like, are typically displayed and a sample presented to potential
customers for trial use prior to purchase. Given the number of
different shades and intensities of various personal care products,
consumers understandably wish to observe how a given product looks
and/or smells when applied to their skin as the appearance and/or
scent of such products often vary depending on characteristics of
particular customers.
[0007] Many retail environments provide a sample product to the
customers for trial use out of their inventory of products for
sale. As can be appreciated, once used in such a sample capacity,
the product becomes a not-for-sale sample product. One problem with
such an approach is the large expense of providing such
not-for-sale sample products of each and every one of the myriad
colors, shades and scents available for each product. This expense
alone dissuades many stores from offering product samples.
[0008] Another perceived problem associated with the not-for-sale
sample approach is that some potential purchasers steal a
percentage of such samples. Since a not-for-sale sample product is
an otherwise fully acceptable retail product, there is an incentive
to remove the sample from the retail environment particularly when
the product is relatively expensive. To curve such theft, many
retailer environments attempt to secure the not-for-sale samples.
However, a balance must be struck between providing convenient
access to product samples and securing such samples. If security
measures are unduly cumbersome, customers will not try product
samples and sales of such products can be adversely impacted.
Cumbersome security measures can also cause difficulty to retailers
as they attempt to disengage the measures to provide new samples or
to refresh existing samples. As a result, retailers have realized
that less secure measures, while user-friendly and relatively easy
to operate, are ineffective at preventing theft.
[0009] Accordingly, efforts have been made to minimize the expense
of offering product samples. That is, rather than removing product
from an otherwise saleable condition or devising cumbersome
security measures, retailers have turned to alternate products that
are specifically designed for use as samples. For example, it is
well known to use a paper product such as a card or strip that is
scented with a fragrance offered for sale. The fragrance cards may
be sprayed or dampened with a selected fragrance or may include
microcapsules that can be crushed to release the fragrance enclosed
therein. A prospective customer may sample the product on the card
to determine whether it is satisfactory for purchase. A perceived
disadvantage of such alternative products is that the fragrance
employed on the alternative product often fades soon after it is
provided for sampling (requiring repeated restocking of "fresh"
samples) or is limited to provide a reduced formulation of the
fragrance that can be stored within the microcapsules (typically of
a diameter of only about a few microns). Another perceived
disadvantage is that it is often difficult for a consumer to apply
the fragrance to their skin (e.g., transfer the fragrance from the
cards to their skin), so that consumers often do not know how the
fragrance matches their particular body chemistry. Accordingly,
even with a retailer's best efforts, potential customers do not
experience the true scent of a selected fragrance.
[0010] Some retailers have employed another alternative product
sample specifically designed to address, at least in part, the
above noted true scent deficiency. The retailers provide semi-solid
fragrances in containers or modules, generally referred to in the
art as a "godet." The semi-solid fragrance formulation can be
designed to more closely approximate the formulation of the
products offered for sale. Typically, godets storing solid
fragrance are arranged on a tray and presented to potential
customers for trial use prior to purchase. The inventors have
realized that solid fragrance samples may be a preferred approach
as prospective consumers are better able to control the area in
which the solid is applied. The controlled application is seen as
an improvement over conventional uses of spray fragrance samples
where control over the location of a sprayed fragrance is more
difficult to manage. In other words, application of a fragrance
with a spray often results in covering a large area, thus limiting
the number of fragrance that can be sampled before different
samples overlap and produce different results. With solid fragrance
samples, an increased number of samples can be tried in a given
area, which may lead to a better shopping experience for
prospective consumers. While the use of solid fragrance samples
presented in godets may provide at least a solution to the true
scent deficiency, providing effective measures for securing the
sample godets still remains a problem.
[0011] Therefore, the inventors have realized that there remains a
need for an improved retail display device for securely presenting
for trial use samples of personal care items such as, for example,
cosmetic products, solid fragrances, and the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention is directed to a display device
assembly for personal care items to be sampled. The display device
assembly includes a body having an upper surface and a platform
extending vertically up and horizontally away from the upper
surface. The body includes a plurality of seats extending
vertically down from the upper surface. Each of the seats defines
an interior cavity. The display device assembly also includes a
plurality of godets. Each godet defines an interior cavity for
storing the personal care items. When assembled the godets are
disposed within the seats of the body. The display device assembly
further includes a godet cover plate having a plurality of
openings. Each of the openings of the godet cover plate correspond
to one of the plurality of seats. In one embodiment, the godet
cover plate is rotatably mounted to the body. When assembled the
godet cover plate rest on the upper surface of the body to secure
the godets within the seats. At least one fastener locks the godet
cover plate to the upper surface of the body.
[0013] In one embodiment, the display device assembly further
includes a cover rotatably mounted to the body. When assembled, the
cover encloses the upper surface of the body to protect the
personal care items stored in the godets. In one embodiment, the
cover is comprised of a plurality of individual covers each
corresponding to one of the plurality of godets.
[0014] In one aspect of the invention, a system for displaying
personal care items in a retail environment is disclosed. The
system includes a display fixture for presenting the personal care
items to prospective consumers for purchase and a plurality of
display device assemblies as described above coupled to at least
one surface of the display fixture in at least one of a
side-by-side or a stacked arrangement. In one embodiment, the
display fixture is comprised of a personal care item service
counter having a plurality of the display device assemblies coupled
thereto. The service counter includes features to assist
prospective consumers make purchases of personal care item by
allowing the consumers to view the selected samples of the personal
care items once applied. In another embodiment, the display fixture
is comprised of a display rack having a plurality of shelves, at
least one shelf having a plurality of the display device assemblies
coupled thereto.
[0015] In another aspect of the invention, a display device
assembly for a personal care item to be sampled includes a housing
having an upper surface, a seat extending vertically down from the
upper surface and a wall extending vertically up from the upper
surface. The display device assembly also includes a godet defining
an interior cavity for storing the personal care item. When
assembled, the godet is disposed within the seat of the housing.
The display device assembly further includes a godet retaining
cover having an opening corresponding to the seat and a hook
protruding from a perimeter of the godet retaining cover. When
assembled the godet retaining cover rests on the upper surface of
the housing and is held by frictional force of the hook and the
wall of the housing such that the godet is secured within the
seat.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The features and advantages of the present invention will be
better understood when the Detailed Description of the Preferred
Embodiments given below is considered in conjunction with the
figures provided.
[0017] FIG. 1 is an exploded assembly view of an improved retail
display device configured in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the retail display
device of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a top view of a cover configured in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a plurality of the retail display devices
of FIG. 1 employed within a retail environment.
[0021] FIG. 5 is an exploded assembly view of an improved retail
display device configured in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0022] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate one embodiment of the retail
display device of FIG. 5 employed within a retail environment.
[0023] FIGS. 7A-7E illustrate a method for restocking personal care
items stored within the retail display device of FIG. 5.
[0024] In these figures like structures are assigned like reference
numerals, but may not be referenced in the description of all
figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] FIG. 1 shows an exploded, assembly view of an improved
retail display device, shown generally at 10, for securely
presenting for trial use samples of personal care items, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The retail
display device 10 includes a body 12 having an upper surface 14 and
a plurality of cavities or seats 20 (e.g., seats 20A-20D shown)
extending vertically down from the upper surface 14 of the body 12.
The seats 20 store a corresponding plurality of godets 30 (e.g.,
godets 30A-30D shown). A platform 16 extends vertically up and
horizontally away from the upper surface 14 of the body 12. An
intermediate wall 18 is disposed between the platform 16 and the
upper surface 14. A rear wall 19 terminates the platform 16. FIG. 2
depicts a cross-sectional view of the retail display device
assembly 10 of FIG. 1.
[0026] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the seats 20A-20D
includes a floor 22 and a surrounding wall 24 that defines an
interior cavity 25 of the seat 20 and couples the seat 20 to the
upper surface 14 of the body 12. In one embodiment, an upper
portion of the surrounding wall 24 includes a recess 26 about a
periphery of the seat 20 for receiving a feature of the godet 30
such that, once installed in the seat 20, the godet 30 lies below
or at least within a same plane as the upper surface 14.
Preferably, the recess 26 includes a forward portion 28.
[0027] As is generally known, the godets 30 are suitable for
storing personal care items such as, for example, cosmetic
products, solid fragrance, and the like. For clarity, the personal
care items are not shown. As is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the
godets 30 includes a floor 32 and a surrounding wall 34 that
defines an interior cavity 35 of the godet that stores the personal
care item. In one embodiment, the surrounding wall 34 includes a
rim 36 extending outward from the interior cavity of the godet.
Preferably, the rim 36 includes a forward projecting lip 38. The
rim 36 and projecting lip 38 rest within the recess 26 and forward
portion 28 of the seat 20, respectively. In one embodiment,
graphical and/or textual indicia (not shown) is affixed to the
projecting lip 38 for identifying the personal care item stored
within the godet 30. For example, in one embodiment, the graphical
and/or textual indicia may include a brand name, text describing
the color or scent of the personal care item contained within the
godet 30.
[0028] A godet cover plate 50 includes a plurality of apertures 52
(e.g., apertures 52A-52D shown) corresponding to the plurality of
seats 20. The godet cover plate 50 is mounted to the intermediate
wall 18 of the body 12 for example, by a hinge attachment 54A and
54B as is known in the art, to permit the godet cover plate 50 to
rotate down (e.g., close) to rest on the upper surface 14. In this
closed position, the godets 30 are secured within the seats 20 of
the body 12 and cannot be removed without raising (e.g., opening)
the godet cover plate 50. The apertures 52 of the godet cover plate
50 permit convenient access to the interior cavity 35 of the godet
30 and the personal care items stored therein. In one embodiment,
the godet cover plate 50 includes a plurality of recesses 56 for
receiving fasteners 58 such as, for example, screws, pins or
dowels, for locking the godet cover plate 50 over the upper surface
14 of the body 12 to maintain the closed position and prevent
opening of the godet cover plate 50 and removal of godets 30 by
unauthorized persons. As should be appreciated, authorized
personnel are permitted to unlock the godet cover plate 50 by
removing the fasteners 58, raising the godet cover plate 50 and
replenishing one or more of the personal care items within the
godet 30. In one embodiment, individual ones of the godets 30 are
replaceable. In another embodiment, the godets 30 can be refilled
with personal care items.
[0029] A cover 60 is releasably fastened to the rear wall 19 of the
body 12. In one embodiment, the cover 19 is mounted to the rear
wall 19 of the body 12 by, for example, a hinge attachment 21A and
21B as is known in the art, to permit the cover 19 to be rotated
down and enclose the upper surface 14. In one embodiment, the cover
60 encloses the upper surface 14 and the platform 16. In the
enclosed position, the contents of the retail display device 10,
e.g., the personal care items stored within the godets 30 are
protected from contaminates and/or evaporation to provide, for
example, a longer product life cycle. It should be appreciated that
while shown in FIG. 1 as a unitary cover, it is within the scope of
the present invention for cover 60 to include a plurality of
individual covers for enclosing the upper surface 14 in proximity
to individual ones of the plurality of godets 30. For example, FIG.
3 depicts a cover 60' having a plurality of sections 60A'-60D' that
are aligned to enclose portions of the upper surface 14 in
proximity to individual ones of the godets 30A-30D. The inventors
have realized that the use of individual covers 60A'-60D' for each
of the godets 30 allows for a selective sampling of personal care
items stored within each godet without, for example, one sample
influencing the scent of another sample. As can be appreciated, the
plurality of individual covers 60A'-60D' is a preferred approach
when the personal care items stored in the godets are
fragrances.
[0030] In one aspect of the invention, the display device 10
includes a mounting bracket 70. In one embodiment, the mounting
bracket 70 includes a first leg 72 that is substantially horizontal
and a second leg 74 that extends vertically from the first leg 74
at an angle. In one embodiment, the second leg 74 extends
vertically from the first leg 72 at an angle of about forty-five
degrees (45.degree.). As shown in FIG. 1, the body 12 is affixed to
the second leg 74 to improve visibility and accessibility to the
display device 10 and the personal care item samples presented
thereon. The first leg 72 is typically fastened to a supporting
surface in the retail environment such as, for example, a counter,
display case, shelf or the like.
[0031] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
the components of the display device 10, e.g., the base 12, the
godets 30, the godet cover plate 50, the cover 60 and the mounting
bracket 70, are formed of a synthetic plastic material of
relatively high strength such as, for example, polycarbonate,
polypropylene, polystyrene or the like. Preferably, the godet cover
plate 50 and the cover 60 are transparent such that prospective
purchasers may view the personal care items disposed within the
display device 10.
[0032] In one embodiment, two or more of the display devices 10 are
placed in side-by-side or a stacked arrangement such that a
multitude of personal care items samples are presented to potential
consumers. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates a plurality of display
devices 10 employed by a retailer in a variety of different ways in
a retail environment 100. For example, two display devices 10 are
depicted in a side-by side arrangement 110 on a personal care item
service counter 120. While at the service counter 120 prospective
consumers may view and try sample personal care items presented in
each of the display devices 10. Typically, the service counter 120
includes features to assist prospective consumers make product
selections such as, for example, a mirror 122 and applicators 124
are provided so that, once applied, the consumer may view a
selected personal care item. As shown in FIG. 4, the side-by-side
arrangement 110 of display devices 10 includes features to attract
prospective consumers and increase the possibility of a sale. In
one embodiment, side panels 112 and 114 are coupled to opposing
ends of the side-by-side arrangement 110. The side panels 112 and
114 may include graphical and/or textual indicia (not shown) for
identifying individual personal care items or product lines of
items stored within the display devices 10. For example, in one
embodiment, the graphical and/or textual indicia may include models
depicted wearing the personal care items, brand names, or text
describing the color or scent of the personal care items contained
within the display devices 10.
[0033] FIG. 4 also illustrates four display devices 10 in a
side-by-side arrangement 210 secured to a shelf 222 of a display
rack 220. As shown, the display rack 220 may display a variety of
different personal care items 230 to prospective consumers for
purchase. A stacked arrangement 310 of display devices 10 is also
depicted on the display rack 220. In accordance with one aspect of
the present invention, the arrangements 210 and 310 permit a
retailer to offer samples of personal care items in areas where
space limitations do not permit an otherwise full personal care
item service counter, such as service counter 120. In one
embodiment, the side-by-side 210 and stacked 310 arrangements
include similar features for attracting consumers such as, for
example, side panels 212 and 214, and 312 and 314, similar to the
side panels 112 and 114, respectively. While not shown in FIG. 4,
it should be appreciated that it is within the scope of the present
invention to provide any number of display devices 10 in a modular
form arranged to suit the needs of particular retail environments.
For example, some retail environments will employ more or less than
the illustrated two and four side-by side modular arrangements 110
and 210 and the stacked modular arrangement 310 of display devices
10.
[0034] FIG. 5 shows an exploded, assembly view of an improved
retail display device, shown generally at 410, for securely
presenting for trial use samples of personal care items, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The retail
display device 410 includes a housing 412 having an upper surface
414, a cavity or seat 420 extending vertically down from the upper
surface 414, and a wall 418 extending vertically up from the upper
surface 414 of the housing 412. In one embodiment, the housing 412
has a circular shape and the wall 418 terminates the upper surface
414 at a periphery of the housing 412. In one embodiment, a forward
and a rear portion of the upper surface 414 include apertures 412A
and 412B, respectively, for receiving features of the retail
display device 410 described in detail below.
[0035] In accordance with the present invention, the seat 420
stores a corresponding godet 430. The seat 420 includes a floor 422
and a surrounding wall 424 that defines an interior portion of the
seat 420 and couples the seat 420 to the upper surface 414 of the
housing 412. In one embodiment, an upper portion of the surrounding
wall 424 includes a recess 426 about a periphery of the seat 420
for receiving a feature of the godet 430 such that, once installed
in the seat 420, the godet 430 lies below or at least within a same
plane as the upper surface 414 of the housing 412. Preferably, the
recess 426 includes a forward portion 428.
[0036] As is generally known, the godet 430 is suitable for storing
personal care items such as, for example, cosmetic products, solid
fragrance, and the like. For clarity, the personal care items are
not shown. As is shown in FIG. 5, the godet 430 includes a floor
432 and a surrounding wall 434 that defines an interior cavity 435
of the godet 430 that stores the personal care item. In one
embodiment, the surrounding wall 434 includes a rim 436 extending
outward from the interior cavity 435 of the godet 430. Preferably,
the rim 436 includes a forward projecting lip 438. The rim 436 and
projecting lip 438 rest within the recess 426 and forward portion
428 of the seat 420, respectively.
[0037] A godet retaining cover 450 includes a first aperture 452
corresponding to the seat 420, a second aperture 454 corresponding
to the aperture 412A in the forward portion of the housing 412, and
a third aperture 456 corresponding to the aperture 412B in the rear
portion of the housing 412. In one embodiment, a hook 458 protrudes
from a perimeter of the godet retaining cover 450. The godet
retaining cover 450 is mounted to the housing 412 such that the
cover 450 rests on the upper surface 414 within the periphery of
the upper surface 414 and is held by, for example, frictional force
of the hook 458 and the wall 418 of the housing 412. In accordance
with the present invention, when mounted to the housing 412, the
godet retaining cover 450 secures the godet 430 within the seat 420
of the housing 412 such that the godet 430, and personal care item
stored therein, cannot be removed from the retail display device
410. The first aperture 452 of the godet retaining cover plate 450
permits convenient access to the interior cavity 435 of the godet
430 and the personal care items stored therein.
[0038] A cover 460 is releasably fastened to the housing 412. In
one embodiment, the cover 460 is mounted within the aperture 412B
in the rear portion of the housing 412 by, for example, a hinge
attachment 462 as is known in the art, to permit the cover 460 to
be rotated down from an open position to an enclosed position such
that the godet retaining cover 450, godet 430 as well as the upper
surface 414 and wall 418 of the housing 412 are enclosed. In the
enclosed position, the contents of the retail display device 410,
e.g., the personal care items stored within the godet 430, are
protected from contaminates and/or evaporation to provide, for
example, a longer product life cycle. In the open position,
potential consumers may sample the personal care items within the
godet 430 accessible through the corresponding aperture 452 in the
godet retaining cover 450.
[0039] In one embodiment, the cover 460 includes a lip 464 that
extends horizontally from the cover 460 in a direction away from an
outer perimeter of the housing 412. As should be appreciated, the
lip 464 assists a potential consumer lifting the cover 460 and
rotating the cover 460 to the open position. Alternatively, the lip
464 assists the consumer in closing the cover 460. In one
embodiment, graphical and/or textual indicia 466 (FIGS. 6A and 6B)
is affixed to the cover 460 for identifying the personal care item
stored within the godet 430. For example, in one embodiment, the
graphical and/or textual indicia 466 include a brand name and text
describing the color or scent of the personal care item contained
within the godet 430.
[0040] In one aspect of the invention, the display device 410
includes a backer board 470. The backer board 470 includes a
plurality of locations (e.g., four locations 471A-471D shown)
adapted to receive a plurality of the housings 412. In one
embodiment, the backer board 470 includes a securing platform 472
having an aperture 474 for receiving a fastener 476 such as, for
example, a screw, pin or dowel, for locking the housing 412 to the
backer board 470 (and/or mounting bracket described below) and
preventing removal of the housing 412 and godet 430 by unauthorized
persons. As should be appreciated, authorized personnel are
permitted to unlock and remove the fastener 476 to remove and/or
replace individual ones of the housings 412. In one embodiment, the
backer board 470 is of a curved shape to improve visibility of the
contents of the housing 412 (e.g., the personal care items stored
in the godet 430). In one embodiment, graphical and/or textual
indicia 478 (FIG. 6A) is affixed to the backer board 470 for
identifying the personal care item stored within the godet 430
and/or providing information, for example, instructional
information for sampling the personal care items.
[0041] In one embodiment, the retail display device 410 includes a
mounting bracket 480. The mounting bracket 480 receives the backer
board 470 and provides a platform such that the permits the backer
board 470 to be fastened to a supporting surface in the retail
environment such as, for example, a counter, display case, shelf or
the like. In one embodiment, the mounting bracket 480 includes a
plate 482 that extends vertically from a rod 484 at an angle. In
one embodiment, the plate 482 extends vertically from the rod 484
at an angle of about forty-five degrees (45.degree.). As shown in
FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B, the housing 410 and backer board 470 are
affixed to the mounting bracket 480 to improve visibility and
accessibility to the display device 410 and the personal care item
samples presented thereon. As shown in FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B, the rod
484 is typically fastened to the supporting surface in the retail
environment by, for example, a snap on/off detail 486 as is
generally known in the art.
[0042] As with the display device 10, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention, the components of the display
device 410, e.g., the housing 412, the godet 430, the godet
retaining cover 450 and the cover 460, are formed of a synthetic
plastic material of relatively high strength such as, for example,
polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene or the like. In one
embodiment, the components are molded. Preferably, the godet
retaining plate 450 is transparent such that prospective purchasers
may view the personal care items disposed within the display device
410.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, two or more of the display
devices 410 are placed in side-by-side arrangement such that a
multitude of personal care items samples are presented to potential
consumers. It should be appreciated that a retailer may employ a
plurality of the display devices 410 in a variety of different ways
(e.g., side-by-side or stacked arrangements) to best achieve a
desired retail environment.
[0044] FIGS. 7A-7E illustrate a method for removing the godet 430
from the housing 412. As shown in FIG. 7A, the cover 460 is lifted
(pivoted open) in a direction indicated by arrow A1. Next, a force
is applied in the direction indicated by arrow A2 (FIG. 7B) along
the periphery of the upper surface 414 of the housing 412 to offset
the frictional engagement of the hook 458 and the wall 418 such
that the godet retaining cover 450 may be removed from the upper
surface of the housing 412 (FIG. 7C). A force is then applied in a
direction indicated by arrow A3 (FIG. 7D) to a bottom surface of
the housing 412 in proximity to the seat 420 such that the godet
430 is disposed from the seat 420 (FIG. 7E). The godet 430 may then
be replaced and a new godet 430 reinstalled in the seat by
reversing the aforementioned process steps.
[0045] One or more embodiments of the present invention have been
described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. For example, many construction techniques
and materials may be utilized. Accordingly, other embodiments are
within the scope of the following claims.
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