U.S. patent application number 11/466006 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-21 for display case and related methods.
Invention is credited to Robert G. Siemon.
Application Number | 20080042529 11/466006 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39100738 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080042529 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Siemon; Robert G. |
February 21, 2008 |
DISPLAY CASE AND RELATED METHODS
Abstract
An improved display case may be used to show and eventually sell
items such as jewelry. The display case is both aesthetically
pleasing as well as functionally useful for displaying and selling
items. Additionally, methods are likewise disclosed for preparing
display trays without warping and for providing for ease in
restocking items once the display tray is depleted.
Inventors: |
Siemon; Robert G.; (Newport
Beach, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBERG TRAURIG LLP (LA)
2450 COLORADO AVENUE, SUITE 400E, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
SANTA MONICA
CA
90404
US
|
Family ID: |
39100738 |
Appl. No.: |
11/466006 |
Filed: |
August 21, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/114 ;
312/138.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 3/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/114 ;
312/138.1 |
International
Class: |
A47F 3/00 20060101
A47F003/00 |
Claims
1. An display apparatus comprising: a case, the case having a
geometric configuration and an orientation generally orthogonal to
a surface upon which the apparatus rests; a display tray connector
disposed within the case, the display tray connector further
comprising a cantilever device; and a display tray, the display
tray further comprising: a proximal lip; a display surface; and a
distal lip.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the case is enclosed by a
peripheral layer including transparent portions.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display tray further
comprises an anti-warping structure.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the anti-warping structure
comprises an opening in the display surface, the opening being
about T-shaped.
5. A method comprising: in conjunction with the use of a display
apparatus, providing for restocking information to be displayed on
a shelf surface; wherein, when a last item on the shelf is removed,
the restocking information is shown.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the restocking information is
shown on a paper-based member on the shelf surface.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the paper-based member is
selected from the group consisting of paper, cardstock, or
cardboard.
8. The method of claim 5, wherein the restocking information is
shown on at least one of a paper-based member on the shelf surface,
a holographic projection on the shelf surface, or an electronic
indicator.
9. The method of claim 5, wherein the restocking information is
affixed directly to the display shelf surface.
10. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of providing
a wireless signal notifying a computer system to reorder additional
items.
11. A method comprising: providing an anti-warping structure on at
least one display tray, wherein the anti-warping structure prevents
warping when the display tray is heated to form at least one
non-planar structure.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein at least one structure is a
lip.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the anti-warping structure
comprises an opening in each display shelf, the opening being about
T-shaped.
14. A business method of aesthetically displaying artistic articles
for advertising and selling the goods comprising: providing a
display case, the display case having at least one display tray and
a display tray connector to which the display tray is connected;
providing a lighting to aesthetically enhance the artistic
articles; providing at least one mirror in which a potential
consumer may view the artistic article; wherein the combination of
display case aesthetics, lighting, and mirrors induces consumers to
purchase the artistic articles out of the display case.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: providing a
cantilever device on display tray connecter, the cantilever device
being used to connect the display tray to the display tray
connector.
16. A business method for arraying and allowing users to select
desired items of value comprising: providing a display apparatus,
the display apparatus having at least one shelf for displaying at
least one item; wherein the shelf is configured to interconnect
with the display apparatus with a cantilever device, the shelf
configuration comprising at least one lip for articulating with the
cantilever device to support at least the weight of the shelf;
allowing items to be displayed, wherein display of the items in the
display apparatus increases revenues from sales of the items
displayed.
17. The business method of claim 16, wherein reordering information
is provided on the shelf and shown only when the last of a
particular item is removed from the shelf.
18. The business method of claim 16, wherein the shelf further
comprises a T-shaped anti-warping device.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure relates to display cases and related
apparatuses, for the display of jewelry and other items of similar
size. The apparatus and methods disclosed herein relate to new ways
to use the display cases, which function to offer choices to
consumers.
SUMMARY
[0002] An improved display case is advantageously used to show and
eventually sell items such as jewelry. The display case is designed
to be both aesthetically pleasing as well as functionally useful
for displaying and selling items. Additionally, methods are
likewise disclosed for preparing display trays without warping and
for providing for ease in restocking items once the display tray is
depleted.
DRAWINGS
[0003] The above-mentioned features and objects of the present
disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the
following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and
in which:
[0004] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a display
case of the present disclosure.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a display
tray interconnected with a display tray connector via a cantilever
device.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of a display case
connector, shown with a shelf articulated therein.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of a display case
connector, shown with a shelf articulated therein.
[0008] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a display
tray.
[0009] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a display
tray in use, wherein reordering information is provided on the
display tray.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] The present inventor is a class leading jewelry designer
whose prominence differentiates works from others, however, he
needs to constantly innovate to continue to better display his
works. Jewelry shopping and sales is a billion dollar business
worldwide. Despite the large size of the business, however, each
individual piece of jewelry is art. Nearly all pieces are
one-of-a-kind, and discriminating buyers appreciate each piece's
unique aesthetic, even when the overall form of the piece is
similar to many others. Consequently, the purchase of jewelry is a
personal activity in which the consumer's taste and eye dictate
whether the piece is purchased. Consumers like to view, handle, and
often "try on" jewelry pieces prior to making a purchase.
Consequently, jewelers maintain secure display cases in showrooms
to show the jewelry to potential consumers, where the jewelry may
be removed and replaced with little effort. These type of display
cases must be both aesthetically pleasing and flattering to the
individual pieces, as well as functional.
[0011] Jewelry cases are designed both as functional display media,
that is, as a tool to efficiently and economically show jewelry
pieces, as well as an aesthetic media to highlight the beauty and
individual character of each piece of jewelry. Designers seek to
maximize both the useable space within the case, while maintaining
a degree of elegance that highlights the aesthetic of each piece
individually. Often, these types of cases employ multiple shelving
tiers and lighting solutions to accomplish these objectives.
[0012] In addition to the artistry of the jewelry, cases may be
designed by artists in conjunction with the pieces to highlight the
pieces as part of an overall solution for showing or selling their
products. These cases incorporate the functionality of a generic
display case, while preserving the aesthetic elements that attract
consumers and improve overall sales of the pieces. Tools, such as
display cases, are therefore often copied for their functional
features of both attracting customers and improving sales.
[0013] Turning now to an embodiment of the present disclosure shown
in FIG. 1, display case 100 is shown. Display case 100 is a
structure in which items may be displayed on display trays 130
inside of display case 100. Disposed inside of display case 100 is
at least one display case connector 110, to which one or more
display trays 130 are connected. Display case 100 may either be
enclosed or open, depending on the nature and circumstances of the
items displayed. In embodiments in which display case 100 is
closed, locking mechanisms may be added to prevent unauthorized
opening of the case and access to the items on sale. The design and
form of display case 100 is well known to persons of ordinary skill
in the art.
[0014] According to embodiments, display case 100 may be made from
combinations of acrylic; glass; polycarbonate thermoplastics, such
as Cyrolon, Lexan, and Tuffak; laminate; wood; metal; and other
materials from which similar cases are made, as would be known and
understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The choice of
material depends upon the desired aesthetic, as well as the
functional features of the case. For example, a museum display case
wherein high value jewelry is displayed may require a polycarbonate
thermoplastic transparent layer disposed in a polished steel frame.
Conversely, for other jewelry cases, acrylic and laminate may be
sufficient to both be aesthetically pleasing and provide a modicum
of security with a simple locking mechanism. In embodiments that
are open, items may be displayed where security is not an issue. In
these type of systems, a simple laminate or acrylic frame, with no
transparent doors or windows, may be sufficient.
[0015] Lighting may be provided to the items in display case 100
either naturally or with artificial lights placed inside of or
outside of display case 100. For example, display case 100 may have
transparent roofs that allow natural light to filter through and
prevent the need to install electrical outlets or devices within
display case 100. Conversely, display case 100 users may wish to
use lighting to highlight various pieces and may install light
fixtures accordingly. The decision and placement of a lighting
solution for display case 100 is readily ascertainable and
understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.
[0016] Disposed within display case 100 is at least one display
case connector 110. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a close-up view
of display case connector 110 with display tray 130 disposed
thereon. Display trays 130 may be placed into one or more
cantilever devices 120 disposed on display tray connector 110.
[0017] Display case connector 110 holds display tray 130 in display
case 100. According to an embodiment shown in FIG. 3, display case
connector 110 comprises cantilever device 120, which supports the
weight of display tray 130 and the items placed upon display tray
130. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, Cantilever device
120 comprises at least one opening in display case connector
110.
[0018] According to an alternate, similar embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 4, cantilever device 120 comprises upper cantilever lip 122
and lower lip 124. Lower cantilever lip 124 may comprise the upper
cantilever lip 122 of a lower display tray 130. Similarly upper
cantilever lip 122 may comprise lower cantilever lip 122 of display
tray 130 disposed above display tray 130. Display tray 130
articulates with cantilever device 120 via specialized parts.
[0019] Referring now to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, display
tray 130 comprises proximal lip 132, distal lip 134, and display
surface 136. According to the embodiment shown, anti-warping device
138 may be disposed in display surface 136, which allows proximal
lip 132 and distal lip 134 to be molded without warping display
tray 130.
[0020] Proximal lip 132 is used in conjunction with cantilever
device 120 to support the weight of display tray 130. Referring
back to the embodiment of FIG. 2, proximal lip 132 is inserted into
cantilever device 120 at an angle. By angling proximal lip 132, it
fits within the opening of cantilever device 120. Once inserted, a
moment is formed at the opening of cantilever device 120. The
weight of display tray 130 and the area forming display surface 136
causes proximal lip to rotate about the opening of cantilever
device 120 until it contacts an inner surface of display case
connector 110 or cantilever device 120, depending on the
embodiment. Once inserted, display tray 130 is mounted on display
tray connector 110 and ready for items to be placed upon it.
[0021] According to a similar embodiment shown in FIG. 4,
cantilever device 120 comprises parts mounted to an outer surface
of display case connector 110. For example, upper cantilever lip
122 may be used in conjunction with lower cantilever lip 124.
Proximal lip 132 is inserted into a space formed by upper
cantilever lip 122 between the inner surface of upper cantilever
lip 122 and the outer surface of display case connector 110. Once
inserted, the distal-most portion of proximal lip 132 or
proximal-most portion of display tray 130 rests on lower cantilever
lip 124. Lower cantilever lip 124 must prevent the forces of
gravity from causing proximal lip 132 to slide from the cavity
formed by upper cantilever lip 132 and display case connector 110.
This function may be accomplished by extensions on lower cantilever
lip 124 that articulate with corresponding indentations in the
proximal end of display tray 130. The method of cantilevering
display tray 130 in conjunction with display case connector 110 is
well understood and known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.
Insertion may occur by angling display tray 130 or by sliding
display tray 130 into position, as would similarly be known to a
person of ordinary skill in the art.
[0022] Display tray 130 may only be inserted or removed at angles,
depending on the embodiment, which prevent accidental disengagement
between cantilever device 120 and display tray 130. It may also be
inserted by sliding into cantilever device 120 from the sides.
[0023] Likewise contemplated, but now shown, display tray 130 may
be affixed to display case connector 110 with an adhesive. Use of
an adhesive requires no cantilever device, although a cantilever
device may be used in conjunction with an adhesive. Attachment of
display tray 130 is well known in the art and requires no further
elucidation herein.
[0024] Referring again to FIG. 5, items are placed on display
surface 136. Distal lip 134 prevents items placed on display
surface 136 from falling to the bottom of display case 100. Various
traction providing surfaces may be affixed to display surface 136
to prevent items from sliding. Similarly, distal lip 134 provides a
point where boxed items may rest against display tray 130, to
prevent them from falling to the bottom of display case 100.
[0025] According to embodiments, a method of restocking merchandise
is disclosed and may be used in conjunction with the apparatuses of
the present disclosure, although they are equally applicable to
nearly any other display as well. According to an embodiment,
restocking information is displayed on display surface 136. The
restocking information gives information regarding the item that
was offered for sale on display tray 130 to ensure that the same
item is restocked. To that end, further information may be likewise
provided--for example, product numbers, names of the relevant
distributors and their addresses. Additionally, according to
embodiments, a picture or photo may be provided to more easily
reorder the items, as well as facilitate ease of restocking the
items.
[0026] According to embodiments, the reordering information is
displayed on a paper or card sized to fit onto display tray 130
without appreciable overlap. The paper or card may then be removed
and replaced as choices in stock change or are updated. In other
embodiments, each item has its own paper or card reorder
information that may be placed on a shelf to identify the item
being offered for sale in a given position on display tray 130 on a
larger paper or card. Similarly, the paper or card reorder
information may be introduced as part of a shelf restocking unit by
affixing the paper or card reorder information with others for
items shown on the same shelf. Such methods of affixing or
otherwise combining paper or card reorder information would be well
understood and known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.
[0027] According to the present disclosure, when items are for sale
on display tray 150, the restocking information is unseen. Only
after the last item is removed from display tray 150 is the
restocking information revealed. According to other embodiments,
however, the information may be displayed on the underside of
display tray 130 or on other parts of the display tray 130 that are
generally not viewed by consumers. Thus, the aesthetics of the
overall display case 100 are preserved while maintaining the
primary functionality of the display case 100 and display tray 130
which is to advertise and sell items.
[0028] A related method disclosed according to embodiments of the
present disclosure is the formation of an unwarped display tray
130, in cases in which display tray 130 is made from plastic,
acrylic, or glass. Referring again to an embodiment shown in FIG.
5, a problem with plastics, acrylic, and glass is that they can
warp when heated. To create proximal lip 132 and distal lip 134,
however, display tray 130 must be heated to bend the plastic,
acrylic, or glass to form structures on display tray 130, such as
lips. Because of the heating necessary to form the structures,
along substantial portions of display tray 134, the potential for
warping increases. Warp preventer 138 is therefore introduced to
avoid warping as structures are formed on display tray 130.
[0029] Warp preventer 138 provides a conduit wherein the plastic,
acrylic, or glass may expand when heated to accommodate the heat
induced expansion rather than by warping. According to the
exemplary embodiment, warp preventer 138 is T-shaped. The inventors
of the present disclosure have discovered that a T-shaped opening
in display tray 130 is sufficient to prevent warping when display
tray 130 is heated to form proximal lip 132 and distal lip 134, by
providing a relief mechanism for heat induced expansion of the
material from which display tray 130 is made.
[0030] Accordingly, the method, according to embodiments, comprises
providing a T-shaped opening in display tray 130. Depending on the
size of display tray 130 and the specifics with respect to the
bending requirements, multiple warp preventers 138 may be employed.
Similarly, variations on the dimensions and shapes accomplishing
the same objective may be used and will be apparent to artisans
without undue experimentation, based on the size and structures
desired for each display tray 130.
[0031] While the apparatus and method have been described in terms
of what are presently considered to be the most practical and
preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure
need not be limited to the disclosed embodiments. It is intended to
cover various modifications and similar arrangements included
within the spirit and scope of the claims, the scope of which
should be accorded the broadest interpretation so sa to encompass
all such modifications and similar structures. The present
disclosure includes any and all embodiments of the following
claims.
* * * * *