U.S. patent application number 11/627882 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-31 for eyewear case and display method.
Invention is credited to Bruce Raile.
Application Number | 20070119803 11/627882 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37833289 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070119803 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Raile; Bruce |
May 31, 2007 |
EYEWEAR CASE AND DISPLAY METHOD
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses for an eyeglass case and display are
provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, an
eyeglass case permitting a consumer to view at least a portion of
the eyeglasses is provided. In one embodiment, the eyeglass case is
configured to permit a consumer to view the entire eyeglass frame.
According to another embodiment, the eyeglass case provides a
substantially flat surface permitting the eyeglass case to be
rested on its end. According to another aspect of the present a
method of and apparatus of displaying eyeglasses that includes a
display member that permits a plurality of eyeglasses to be
positioned one behind another such that each of the plurality of
eyeglasses can be seen without needing to reposition the
eyeglasses.
Inventors: |
Raile; Bruce; (Park City,
UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOHN C. STRINGHAM;WORKMAN, NYDEGGER & SEELEY
1000 Eagle Gate Tower
60 East South Temple
Salt Lake City
UT
84111
US
|
Family ID: |
37833289 |
Appl. No.: |
11/627882 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10360264 |
Feb 6, 2003 |
7188739 |
|
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11627882 |
Jan 26, 2007 |
|
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60433724 |
Dec 13, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/85.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 11/04 20130101;
A47F 7/021 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/085.1 |
International
Class: |
A47F 7/02 20060101
A47F007/02 |
Claims
1. An eyeglass display comprising: at least one eyeglass case
adapted for receiving a pair of eyeglasses, said eyeglass case
formed to permit the viewing of at least a portion of said pair of
eyeglasses received therein; one or more display members adapted
for receiving said at least one eyeglass case and configured to
permit a consumer to view at least a portion of the eyeglasses
enclosed therein, wherein said at least one eyeglass case is
positioned at an angle to facilitate viewing of multiple rows of
eyeglasses.
2. The eyeglass display of claim 1, wherein said at least one
eyeglass case is displayed in a substantially vertical manner.
3. The eyeglass display of claim 1, wherein said eyeglass display
further comprises a base.
4. The eyeglass display of claim 3, wherein said at least one
eyeglass case being displayed in a substantially vertical manner
comprises said eyeglass case being placed in a position equal to or
greater than a twenty degree angle and equal to or less than a one
hundred sixty degree angle relative to said base of the eyeglass
display.
5. The eyeglass display recited in claim 1, wherein said at least
one eyeglass case is positioned at an angle between twenty degrees
and one hundred sixty degrees relative to the plane of the view of
the consumer.
6. The eyeglass display recited in claim 1, wherein said eyeglass
display further comprises magnification indicia.
7. The eyeglass display of claim 1, wherein said multiple rows of
eyeglasses are positioned consecutively.
8. A method for displaying eyeglasses, the method comprising the
steps of: providing an eyeglass case adapted for receiving a pair
of eyeglasses, said eyeglass case formed to permit the viewing of
at least a portion of said pair of eyeglasses received therein;
providing a display adapted for receiving at least one eyeglass
case and configured to permit a consumer to view at least a portion
of the eyeglasses enclosed therein; positioning said at least one
eyeglass case in said display to facilitate viewing of multiple
rows of eyeglass cases received therein.
9. The method for displaying eyeglasses recited in claim 8, wherein
said step of providing a display further comprises providing a base
for supporting said display.
10. The method for displaying eyeglasses described in claim 8,
wherein said method for displaying further comprises, positioning
said at lest one eyeglass case at an angle between twenty degrees
and one hundred sixty degrees relative to the plane of view of a
consumer.
11. The method for displaying eyeglasses described in claim 9,
wherein said method for displaying further comprises, positioning
said at least one eyeglass case at an angle between twenty degrees
and one hundred sixty degrees relative to said base for supporting
said display.
12. The method of displaying eyeglasses described in claim 8,
wherein said at least one eyeglass case is displayed in consecutive
rows.
13. An eyeglass display comprising: a base; a support structure
coupled to said base; a display member coupled to said support
structure for receiving an eyeglass case, said eyeglass case formed
to permit the viewing of at least a portion of a pair of eyeglasses
received therein, wherein said at least one eyeglass case is
positioned at an angle to facilitate viewing of consecutive rows of
said eyeglasses.
14. The eyeglass case recited in claim 13, wherein said eyeglass
case further comprises at least one substantially flat surface at
the end thereof.
15. The eyeglass display recited in claim 13, wherein the display
is configured for hanging.
16. The eyeglass display recited in claim 13, wherein said at least
one eyeglass case is positioned at an angle between twenty degrees
and one hundred sixty degrees relative to the plane of the view of
the consumer.
17. The eyeglass display recited in claim 13, wherein said at least
one eyeglass case is positioned at an angle between twenty degrees
and one hundred sixty degrees relative to said base.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application No. 10/360,264 filed on Feb. 6, 2003, entitled EYEWEAR
CASE AND DISPLAY METHOD; this application also claims the benefit
of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/433,724 filed on Dec.
13, 2002, entitled EYEWEAR CASE AND DISPLAY METHODS; both of which
are incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to eyeglass cases and
displays. More particularly, the present invention relates to
methods and apparatuses of eyeglass cases and displays.
[0004] 2. The Relevant Technology
[0005] Eyeglass cases and point of sale displays have been used for
many years to protect eyeglasses and to display eyeglasses to
prospective buyers. The configuration of eyeglasses makes them
difficult to display. Eyeglasses positioned on a flat surface can
quickly become disorganized, damaged, or intertwined with frames of
adjacent eyeglasses.
[0006] Eyeglass displays facilitate display of eyeglasses by
presenting frames in a more organized and efficient manner.
However, the configurations of typical displays have many
deficiencies. The configuration of typical displays makes it
difficult to remove and replace eyeglasses without dropping the
eyeglasses or disturbing or damaging adjacent eyeglasses. Where the
display can be rotated, eyeglasses can slip from the display and
fall to the floor during movement of the display. Additionally,
eyeglass displays can be expensive to manufacture and are often
configured to display a limited number of eyeglasses on a large
display.
[0007] Eyeglass cases are adapted to provide protection for
eyeglasses. One drawback of typical eyeglass cases is that they are
often opaque and prevent viewing of the frames without removing the
eyeglasses from the eyeglass case. In many instances, the
eyeglasses are removed from the eyeglass cases for display on point
of sale displays. This increases the likelihood of damage to the
eyeglass frames and lenses. Additionally, the cases are often
discarded or misplaced resulting in inefficiencies due to wasted
eyeglass cases, mismatched eyeglass cases and frames, or lost time
spent locating the proper cases for the eyeglasses. Where an
eyeglass case is used which is not matched to the eyeglasses, the
chance of damaging or losing the eyeglasses increases.
[0008] Some eyeglass cases have been developed to permit a consumer
to be able to see part of the eyeglasses without needing to remove
the eyeglasses from the case. Such eyeglass cases allow the
eyeglasses to remain positioned in the eyeglass cases during
display of the eyeglasses. However, such eyeglass cases suffer from
several deficiencies. Eyeglass cases that have been developed to
allow a consumer to view a portion of the eyeglasses typically are
difficult to open, are tailored for a particular display type,
and/or do not allow a consumer to view the entire eyeglass frame.
Such eyeglass cases are typically disposable in nature and are of
little usefulness once the eyeglasses have been purchased.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses of
eyeglass cases and displays. An eyeglass case is provided according
to one aspect of the present invention. The eyeglass case is
adapted to enclose a pair of eyeglasses while permitting a consumer
to view at least a portion of the eyeglasses. According to one
aspect of the present invention, the eyeglass case is configured to
permit a consumer to view the entire eyeglass frame. In one
embodiment, the eyeglass cases can be transparent,
semi-transparent, or translucent to allow a consumer to view the
color, style, and other aspects of the eyeglass frames. In another
embodiment, the eyeglass case is reusable.
[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
eyeglass case provides a substantially flat surface permitting the
eyeglass case to be rested on its end. By permitting the eyeglass
cases to be rested on its end, the eyeglasses can be displayed in a
vertical manner. This allows a large number of eyeglasses to be
positioned adjacent one another in a small amount of display space.
By permitting a consumer to view at least a portion of the
eyeglasses, the eyeglass case allows the consumer to browse a large
number of eyeglasses without having to remove the eyeglasses from
the eyeglass cases. This improves the ease and efficiency of
browsing eyeglasses.
[0011] The present invention also provides a display and method for
displaying eyeglasses. According to one aspect of the present
invention, the display includes a display member that permits a
plurality of eyeglasses to be positioned one behind another such
that each of the plurality of eyeglasses can be seen without
needing to reposition the eyeglasses. In one embodiment, the
display member includes a plurality of openings that are configured
to receive an end of an eyeglass case such that each eyeglass case
can be displayed in a vertical manner. In an alternative
embodiment, the display member comprises a horizontally positioned
shelf or tray that is configured to accommodate a plurality of
vertically positioned eyeglass cases.
[0012] The combination of the display and the eyeglass case
facilitates simple and efficient browsing of the eyeglasses.
Additionally, the combination helps the eyeglasses stay neat and
clean thus maintaining the organized and professional presentation
of the eyeglasses. For example, the eyeglass cases allow a consumer
to quickly identify the color, eyeglass frame style, and lens color
of eyeglasses without needing to remove the eyeglasses from the
eyeglass case. The configuration of the display allows a consumer
to view a large number of eyeglass cases simultaneously without
needing to move or reposition the eyeglass cases. Once a desired
pair of eyeglasses is identified, the display permits the consumer
to remove and replace the eyeglass case in which the eyeglasses are
enclosed without disturbing adjacent eyeglass cases. Additionally,
the configuration of the display allows the consumer to return the
eyeglass case to the display without affecting the organized and
professional presentation of the eyeglasses. The configuration
further allows a user to rotate the eyeglass display without
throwing the eyeglasses to the floor.
[0013] These and other objects and features of the present
invention will become more fully apparent from the following
description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice
of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] To further clarify the above and other advantages and
features of the present invention, a more particular description of
the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments
thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is
appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of
the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of
its scope. The invention will be described and explained with
additional specificity and detail through the use of the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an eyeglass case
according to one aspect of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an eyeglass case
illustrating a mechanism for coupling the first end of the eyeglass
case to the second end of the eyeglass case.
[0017] FIG. 3 shows a front view of an eyeglass case according to
another aspect of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an eyeglass
case illustrating the construction of the eyeglass case according
to one aspect of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a display for
displaying eyeglasses on a shelf or table top according to one
aspect of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a display for use
on a show room floor according to one aspect of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a display according
to one aspect of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses of
eyeglass cases and displays. According to one aspect of the present
invention, an eyeglass case is provided which is adapted to enclose
a pair of eyeglasses while permitting a consumer to view at least a
portion of the eyeglasses. In one embodiment, the eyeglass case is
configured to permit a consumer to view the entire eyeglass frame.
According to another embodiment, the eyeglass case provides a
substantially flat surface permitting the eyeglass case to be
rested on its end. In this manner, the eyeglass case can be
displayed in a vertical manner. This allows a consumer to view at
least a portion of a large number of eyeglasses without having to
remove the eyeglasses from the eyeglass case
[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention a
display and method for displaying eyeglass is provided. According
to one aspect of the present invention, the display includes a
display member that permits a plurality of eyeglasses to be
positioned one behind another such that each of the plurality of
eyeglasses can be seen without needing to reposition the
eyeglasses.
[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
combination of the display and the eyeglass case facilitates simple
and efficient browsing of the eyeglasses. Additionally, the
combination maintains an organized and professional presentation of
the eyeglasses. For example, the configuration of the display
allows a consumer to view a large number of eyeglasses
simultaneously without needing to move or reposition the eyeglass
cases. Once a desired pair of eyeglasses is identified, the display
permits the consumer to remove and replace the eyeglass case
without disturbing adjacent eyeglass cases. Additionally, the
configuration of the display allows the consumer to return the
eyeglass case to the display without affecting the organized and
professional presentation of the eyeglasses.
[0025] With reference now to FIG. 1, there is shown an eyeglass
case 1 and a pair of eyeglasses 2 positioned therein. Eyeglass case
1 provides a protective covering to eyeglasses 2 while allowing a
consumer to observe part or all of the eyeglasses. In the
illustrated embodiment, eyeglass case 1 comprises a body 10. Body
10 is adapted to enclose a pair of eyeglasses. Body 10 permits a
consumer to observe at least a portion of eyeglasses 2. While
eyeglass case 1 is described with reference to eyeglasses 2, it
will be appreciated that eyeglasses 2 are representative of a
variety of types and configurations of eyewear including but not
limited to reading glasses, sunglasses, and computer glasses.
[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, body 10 is substantially
transparent allowing a consumer to observe the color and frame
style of eyeglasses positioned in the eyeglass case 1. In
alternative embodiment, the body is translucent and permits a
consumer to detect the color and/or outline of the eyeglasses
positioned therein. In yet another embodiment, the eyeglass case
includes a first translucent or transparent portion and a second
opaque portion. The transparent or translucent portion permits a
consumer to observe at least a portion of the eyeglasses.
[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, body 10 includes a first side
surface 12, a second side surface 14, and a third side surface 16.
First and second side surfaces 12, 14 are wider than third side
surface 16. The width of first and second side surfaces 12, 14
roughly corresponds with the width of the eyeglasses from the top
of the lens to the tips of the temple cover when the eyeglasses are
in a folded position. The width of third side surface 16 roughly
corresponds with the width of the folded eyeglasses at the thickest
point from the back of the temples to the front of the lenses. When
eyeglass case 1 is resting on first side surface 12, the front of
the eyeglass lenses are facing downwards. When eyeglass case 1 is
resting on second side surface 14 the front of the eyeglass lenses
are facing upwards. When eyeglass case 1 is resting on third side
surface 16 the eyeglass lenses are positioned in the same manner as
when worn by a consumer.
[0028] In one embodiment, the three-side configuration of body 10
provides a tailored enclosure for accommodating the folded eyeglass
frames. Typically, folded eyeglasses are widest at or near the top
of the eyeglasses where the temples are folded behind the lenses.
The eyeglasses are narrowest at the bottom portion of the
eyeglasses where the temple tips touch the frame at the bottom of
the lenses. The portion of the eyeglass case corresponding with the
third side surface 16 accommodates the wider top of the eyeglasses.
The narrower portion of the eyeglass case opposite the third side
surface 16 accommodates the narrower bottom of the eyeglasses. As
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art the configuration
of body 10 is not limited to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1
and 2. A variety of types and configurations of body 10 can be
provided. For example, in one embodiment body 10 has a two-sided
configuration. In another embodiment, body has a rectangular or any
shape permitting the eyeglasses to be displayed on its side. In an
alternative embodiment, body 10 does not provide a tailored
enclosure for the eyeglass frames.
[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, body 10 comprises a first
component 20 and a second component 30. First component 20 is
configured to enclose the right side of eyeglasses 2. Second
component 30 is configured to enclose the left side of eyeglasses
2. To form body 10, first component 20 and second component 30 are
coupled to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the three
side surface configuration of body 10 provides an orientation for
correct coupling of first component 20 to second component 30.
[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, first component 20 includes
an end 22 while second component 30 includes an end 32. End 22 and
end 32 comprise the top and bottom surfaces of eyeglass case 1. End
22 and/or end 32 provide a substantially flat surface permitting
the eyeglass case to be rested on its end and displayed in a
vertical manner. By permitting eyeglasses to displayed in a
vertical manner, a plurality of eyeglass cases can be positioned so
as to allow a consumer to view the eyeglasses in an efficient and
organized manner.
[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, there is also shown indicia
40 situated on end 22 of first component 20. In the illustrated
embodiment, indicia 40 provides an indication of the
characteristics of the eyeglasses and other information related to
the eyeglasses contained therein. For example, in the illustrated
embodiment indicia 40 specifies the magnification power of the
eyeglass lenses. In alternative embodiments, the indicia can
include, but is not limited to, eyeglass style, price, UPC code,
SKU number, picture of eyeglass style, style number, and/or care
information. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art
that a variety of types and configurations of eyeglass cases can be
utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present
invention. For surfaces. In an alternative embodiment, one of the
first or second ends is weighted to maintain the eyeglass case in a
vertical display position.
[0032] With reference now to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective
view of eyeglass case 1 illustrating a mechanism for coupling first
component 20 to second component 30. First component 20 is shown
separated from second component 30. Additionally, eyeglasses 2 have
been removed from eyeglass case 1. First component 20 comprises an
end 22, a recess 24, and a flange 26. Second component 30 comprises
an end 32, an insert 34, and a flange 36.
[0033] Recess 24 of first component 20 comprises a female element.
Insert 34 of second component 30 comprises a male element. Insert
34 is adapted to be positioned in recess 24 to secure first
component 20 to second component 30. Flange 26 of first component
20 abuts the end of insert 34 when insert 34 is properly positioned
in recess 24. Similarly flange 36 abuts the end of first component
20 when insert 34 is properly positioned in recess 24. In this
manner, a simple yet effective coupling is provided between first
component 20 and second component 30.
[0034] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a
variety of types and configurations of coupling can be provided
between first component 20 and second component 30 without
departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For
example, in one embodiment a threaded coupling is provided between
first component 20 and second component 30. In an alternative
embodiment, a hinged coupling is provided between first component
20 and second component 30.
[0035] With reference now to FIG. 3, there is shown an eyeglass
case 50 according to an alternative embodiment of the present
invention. In the illustrated embodiment, eyeglass case 50 is
adapted to enclose a pair of eyeglasses while permitting a consumer
to observe at least a portion of the eyeglasses. Eyeglass case 50
comprises a body 60, a first end 70, and a second end 80.
[0036] Body 60 is adapted to enclose eyeglasses 2, while permitting
a consumer to observe at least a portion of the eyeglasses 2. Body
60 permits a consumer to observe at least a portion of the
eyeglasses by having a transparent, semi-transparent, or
translucent construction. In the illustrated embodiment body 60 has
a cylindrical configuration. In an alternative embodiment, body 60
has a rectangular or triangular configuration.
[0037] First end 70 is coupled to one end of body 60. Second end 80
is coupled to the opposite end of body 60. In the illustrated
embodiment, first end 70 and second end 80 comprise removable
barriers maintaining the position of eyeglasses 2 in eyeglass case
50. At least one of the first and second ends 70 and 80 provides a
substantially flat surface permitting the eyeglass case to be
rested on its end.
[0038] With reference now to FIG. 4, there is shown a
cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3 illustrating
the construction of eyeglass case 50. In the illustrated
embodiment, body 60 is constructed of a clear synthetic polymer. By
utilizing a polymer material, body 60 provides shatterproof
protection for eyeglasses that can be manufactured simply and at
low cost. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that
body 60 can be constructed from a variety of types and
configurations of materials. For example, in one embodiment, body
60 comprises a glass tube.
[0039] First end 70 and second end 80 are inserted into the ends of
body 60. First end 70 comprises an insert 72, an end cap 74, a
resilient material 76, and a contact region 78. Insert 72 is
positioned internal to one end of body 60. End cap 74 is positioned
external to the end of body 60. End cap 74 provides a stopping
mechanism for preventing insertion of first end 70 past a given
point. Resilient material 76 provides a cushion mechanism internal
to first end 70. Contact region 78 permits a portion of the
eyeglasses to contact resilient material 76, thus minimizing
movement of eyeglasses 2 within eyeglass case 50.
[0040] Second end 80 comprises an insert 82, an end cap 84, a
resilient material 86, and a contact region 88. Insert 82 is
positioned internal to the other end of body 60. End cap 84 is
positioned external to the end of body 60 and provides a stopping
mechanism for preventing insertion of second end 80 past a given
point. Resilient material 86 provides a cushion mechanism internal
to second end 80. Contact region 88 permits a portion of the
eyeglasses to contact resilient material 86, thus minimizing
movement of eyeglasses 2 within eyeglass case 50.
[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, indicia 40 is positioned
directly on eyeglasses 2. By permitting a consumer to observe at
least a portion of eyeglasses 2, the configuration of body 60
allows a consumer to view indicia 40 so as to identify
characteristics of the eyeglass quickly and easily. A variety of
types and configurations of eyeglass cases can be utilized without
departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For
example, in the preferred embodiment the eyeglass case is reusable
thus providing a mechanism for displaying the eyeglasses to a
consumer and for protecting the eyeglasses on an ongoing basis
subsequent to purchase of the eyeglasses. In another embodiment,
the eyeglass case includes a display element that permits the
eyeglass case to be hung in a vertical manner. Examples of display
elements include a hook, loop, tag, adhesive tab, and the like.
[0042] With reference now to FIG. 5 there is shown a display 100
for displaying eyeglasses. Display 100 permits a plurality of
eyeglasses to be positioned one behind another such that a
plurality of eyeglasses can be seen without needing to reposition
the eyeglasses. Additionally, the configuration of display 100
permits eyeglasses to be displayed in a vertical manner, thus
providing an improved and efficient browsing experience.
[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, display 100 comprises a base
110, a support structure 120, a display member 130, a front 140,
and a display surface 150. Base 110 provides a mechanism for
securing display 100. Base 110 allows a consumer to position
display 100 on a surface such as a floor, a counter top, or shelf,
thus permitting a consumer to identify and browse eyeglasses to be
purchased.
[0044] Support structure 120 is coupled to base 110. Support
structure 120 provides a frame for securing other components of
display 100. Display member 130 is coupled to support structure 120
and/or base 110. Display member 130 permits a plurality of
eyeglasses to be positioned in rows one behind another such that
each of the plurality of eyeglasses can be seen without needing to
reposition the eyeglasses. This increases the number of eyeglasses
that can be displayed. Additionally, display member 130 permits the
eyeglasses to be displayed in a vertical manner.
[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, display member 130 is
positioned at an angle to facilitate viewing of consecutive rows of
eyeglasses. In an alternative embodiment, display member 130 is
positioned in a substantially horizontal manner. A variety of types
and configurations of display members can be utilized without
departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In
one embodiment, display member 130 comprises a shelf on which
eyeglass cases can be positioned in a vertical manner. In another
embodiment, display member 130 comprises a tray adapted to allow
proper positioning of the eyeglasses.
[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, display member 130 includes a
plurality of openings 132a-n. Openings 132a-n are configured to
receive an end of eyeglasses cases 1a-1n such that the eyeglass
cases are displayed in a vertical manner. Each one of openings
132a-n corresponds with a slot that accommodates the eyeglass case.
The slot secures the eyeglass case such that the eyeglass case is
displayed in a vertical manner. The slot is configured to conform
to the shape of the eyeglass cases. In an alternative embodiment,
openings 132a-n do not correspond with slots. Instead, the
configuration of the openings 132a-n is sufficient to secure the
eyeglass cases.
[0047] The configuration of display member 130 and openings 132a-n
facilitates viewing of the eyeglasses when a purchaser is
attempting to select from a variety of eyeglasses. A purchaser can
quickly identify the characteristics of eyeglasses such as color,
frame design, and magnification. This permits a purchaser to
quickly identify desirable eyeglasses which can be inspected in
greater detail.
[0048] Once a number of eyeglasses of interest have been
identified, display member 130 and openings 132a-n allow a consumer
to easily and efficiently remove the eyeglass cases from the
display. The configuration of openings 132a-n prevents disruption
of adjacent eyeglasses when removing or replacing eyeglass covers.
This also permits a consumer to return the eyeglass case to its
proper position in the display without difficulty and without
disturbing adjacent eyeglasses, thus maintaining the organized and
efficient display of eyeglasses.
[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, display 100 includes a front
140 having a plurality of indicia 142a-h. Indicia 142a-h correspond
with characteristics of the eyeglasses such as magnification of
each row of eyeglasses. In this manner a consumer can quickly and
efficiently identify rows of eyeglasses having a desired
magnification. Once a given magnification is identified, the
consumer can select glasses according to other characteristics,
such as frame type, color, or tinting of the lenses. The
configuration of eyeglass cases 1a-1n further facilitates the
efficiency and ease of browsing eyeglass by permitting a consumer
to view important characteristics of the eyeglasses without needing
to remove the eyeglasses from the display 100.
[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, display 100 also includes
display surface 150. Display surface 150 is configured to provide a
mechanism for display of an emblem, logo, advertisement, or
informational materials to a consumer. As will be appreciated by
those skilled in the art, the configuration and placement of the
display surface can be varied without departing from the scope and
spirit of the present invention.
[0051] With reference now to FIG. 6 there is shown an alternative
embodiment of display 100. In the illustrated embodiment display
100 comprises a base 110, a support structure 120, display members
130a-h, and a display surface 150. Base 110 secures the display
while providing aesthetic and functional design features to the
display. The height of base 110 facilitates display of eyeglasses
by positioning the lowest display members within a consumer's
reach.
[0052] Support structure 120 is coupled to base 110. Support
structure 120 provides a central frame mechanism to which display
members 130a-h are coupled. Display members 130a-d are positioned
on one side of support structure 120. Display members 130e-h are
positioned on the opposite side of support structure 120. By
providing a plurality of display members, a variety of types and
configurations of eyeglasses can be provided. For example, a wide
range of lens powers and different colors and intensities of lens
shading of can be provided. Additionally, frames having different
styles, colors, and construction can be displayed.
[0053] With reference now to FIG. 7, there is shown yet another
embodiment of display 100 according to one aspect of the present
invention. In the illustrated embodiment display 100 has a
rectangular configuration. Base 110 comprises a wide and solid
foundation for display 100. Support structure 120 has a skeleton
frame configuration to provide support to five display members on
each of four sides of the display. Additionally, reflective
surfaces 160a-e are provided. Reflective surfaces 160a-e provide a
mechanism for allowing consumers to observe their visage while
wearing the selected eyeglasses.
[0054] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a
variety of types and configurations of displays can be utilized
without departing from the scope or spirit of the present
invention. For example, in one embodiment the display has three
sides instead of four sides as shown in FIG. 7. In another
embodiment, the support structure is integrally coupled to the
display member. In yet another embodiment, the display is rotatable
about a central axis. In an alternative embodiment the display is
disposable. In yet another embodiment, the display is configured to
permit a plurality of substantially clear eyeglass cases to be hung
such that the eyeglasses are displayed vertically.
[0055] One presently preferred method of displaying eyeglasses
enclosed in eyeglass cases will now be described in relation to
FIGS. 1-7. A display 100 having one or more display members 130 for
containing glasses is provided. Next, a first eyeglass case
containing a pair of eyeglasses is positioned on display member
130. Next, at least a second eyeglass case containing a pair of
eyeglasses is positioned on the display member 130 behind the first
eyeglass case such that a consumer can view the eyeglasses in the
first and second eyeglass case simultaneously.
[0056] Another presently preferred method of displaying the
eyeglasses will now be described. In the embodiment, a display
having at least a first display member is provided. Next, a first
eyeglass case permitting a user to view an entire frame of
eyeglasses and containing a pair of eyeglasses is hung on the
display member such that the eyeglasses are positioned vertically.
Next, a second eyeglass case permitting a user to view an entire
frame of eyeglasses and containing a pair of eyeglasses is hung on
the display member behind the first eyeglass case such that the
eyeglasses are positioned vertically.
[0057] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
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