U.S. patent application number 12/044653 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-10 for device display unit.
This patent application is currently assigned to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.. Invention is credited to James D. Karel.
Application Number | 20090223908 12/044653 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41052515 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090223908 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Karel; James D. |
September 10, 2009 |
Device Display Unit
Abstract
A display fixture for personal electronic devices. The personal
electronic device display fixture comprises a base plate, a pillar
and a display plate configured to display an MP3 player or other
personal electronic device. The personal electronic device display
fixture allows for the display of items associated with the
personal electronic device and can be moved easily to various
locations in a retail environment. The personal electronic device
display fixture may also allow for the connection of an antitheft
device to the merchandise.
Inventors: |
Karel; James D.;
(Bentonville, AR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY & LARDNER LLP
321 NORTH CLARK STREET, SUITE 2800
CHICAGO
IL
60654-5313
US
|
Assignee: |
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
41052515 |
Appl. No.: |
12/044653 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/26 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 7/00 20130101; A47F
7/024 20130101; A47F 5/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/26 |
International
Class: |
A47F 7/00 20060101
A47F007/00 |
Claims
1. A display fixture, comprising: a top base plate; a pillar
operatively connected to the top base plate; and a display plate
operatively connected to the pillar; wherein the display fixture is
configured to define at least one associated item display region,
the at least one associated item display region configured to
display at least one item associated with a device to be displayed
on the display fixture in a retail environment including at least
one shelf, and wherein the display fixture is further configured to
accept the device.
2. The display fixture of claim 1, wherein the at least one
associated item display region comprises at least one hook.
3. The display fixture of claim 1, further comprising an anti-theft
device mounting region configured to accept an anti-theft
device.
4. The display fixture of claim 1, further comprising an anti-theft
device operatively connected to the display fixture, wherein the
anti-theft device is configured to operatively connect to a device
to be displayed.
5. The display fixture of claim 1, further comprising: an
anti-theft device mounting region configured to accept an
anti-theft device; and an anti-theft device operatively connected
to the display fixture in the anti-theft device mounting region,
the anti-theft device including: an alarm; a device mount
operatively connected to the alarm; and a device mount receptor
configured to engage with the device mount and operatively
connected to the device mount.
6. The display fixture of claim 1, wherein the at least one item
associated with the device to be displayed on the display fixture
is selected from the group consisting of gift cards for the
purchase of music over the internet, headphones, headphone
accessories, speakers, radio transmitters, audio output adapters,
audio capture devices, cables, connectors, remote controls, radios
configured to operate with an MP3 player, chargers, protective
cases, carrying cases, docking stations, docking station adapters,
athletic products that function with an MP3 player, clothing items
configured to accept an MP3 player, display screen protectors,
display screen enhancers, cleaning products for an MP3 player,
tools for repairing an MP3 player, and replacement parts.
7. The display fixture of claim 1, wherein the at least one
associated item display region comprises an arm including at least
one hook.
8. The display fixture of claim 1, wherein the at least one
associated item display region comprises a horizontal arm
projecting away from the display plate including: a right display
hook; and a left display hook; wherein the right display hook and
left display hook are configured to connect to items associated
with a device to be displayed.
9. The display fixture of claim 1, wherein the at least one
associated item display region comprises two hooks projecting from
the front of the display plate.
10. The display fixture of claim 1, wherein the at least one
associated item display region comprises at least one hook
configured to accept at least one card to be connected to the at
least one hook.
11. The display fixture of claim 1, wherein the display fixture is
further configured to operatively connect to a wire grid shelf.
12. The display fixture of claim 1, further comprising a plurality
of bolts and nuts, the bolts and nuts configured to operatively
engage each other to attach the display fixture to a shelf in a
retail environment.
13. A method for displaying a device, comprising: providing a
display fixture, including: a top base plate; a pillar operatively
connected to the top base plate; and a display plate operatively
connected to the pillar; wherein the display fixture is configured
to define at least one associated item display region, the at least
one associated item display region configured to display at least
one item associated with the device to be displayed on the display
fixture in a retail environment including at least one shelf, and
wherein the display fixture is further configured to accept a
device; operatively connecting a device to the display fixture; and
operatively connecting at least one associated item to the at least
one associated item display region.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one associated
item display region comprises at least one hook.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the display fixture further
comprises an anti-theft device mounting region configured to accept
an anti-theft device.
16. The method of claim 13, further comprising: operatively
connecting an anti-theft device to the display fixture, the
anti-theft device configured to connect a device to be displayed;
and operatively connecting the anti-theft device to the device to
be displayed.
17. A display fixture, comprising: a top base plate; a pillar
operatively connected to the top base plate and projecting
substantially upward from the surface of the top base plate; and a
display plate operatively connected to the pillar including: a
right associated item display region; a left associated item
display region; and a front associated item display region; wherein
the right associated item display region, the left associated item
display region and the front associated item display region are
each configured to display items associated with the device
displayed, and wherein the display fixture is configured to accept
a device.
18. The display fixture of claim 17, wherein the right associated
item display region; the left associated item display region, and
the front associated item display region each comprise at least one
hook.
19. The display fixture of claim 17, further comprising an
anti-theft device mounting region configured to accept an
anti-theft device.
20. The display fixture of claim 17, further comprising an
anti-theft device operatively connected to the display fixture,
wherein the anti-theft device is configured to operatively connect
to a device to be displayed.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of
merchandise display fixtures. More particularly, the invention
relates to a fixture for the display of personal electronic devices
in a retail environment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This section is intended to provide a background or context
to the invention that is recited in the claim. The description
herein may include concepts that could be pursued, but are not
necessarily ones that have been previously conceived or pursued.
Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, what is described in
this section is not prior art to the description and claims in this
application and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in
this section.
[0003] Retailers often seek ways to display merchandise that will
increase sales. Traditionally, retailers displayed merchandise in
the merchandise packaging with associated items nearby the
merchandise. While merchandise was displayed in its packaging, the
merchandise was often displayed on shelves where items associated
with the merchandise could easily be placed proximate the
associated items. For example, retailers could place items such as
headphones, batteries and carrying cases next to audio players on
the same shelf.
[0004] As personal electronic devices have become smaller,
retailers have sought new ways to display personal electronic
devices outside of the merchandise packaging so that customers can
evaluate the performance of the personal electronic devices.
Therefore, display apparatuses have been developed that allow a
retailer to display electronic merchandise free of the merchandise
packaging.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Various embodiments provide for an improved display fixture
capable of displaying an MP3 player or other personal electronic
device and items associated with the personal electronic device.
The display fixture may comprise a base plate, a pillar and a
display plate and is configured to display items associated with
the personal electronic device. In various embodiments the display
fixture may also allow for an anti-theft device to be operatively
connected to the display fixture and the personal electronic device
displayed.
[0006] These and other advantages and features of the invention,
together with the organization and manner of operation thereof,
will become apparent from the following detailed description when
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like
elements have like numerals throughout the several drawings
described below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display fixture according
to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a display fixture
constructed according to an additional embodiment of the present
invention;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a display fixture
constructed according to a further embodiment of the present
invention and including a mechanism for attaching a personal
electronic device to the display fixture and an anti-theft device;
and
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates an example method for displaying a device
and display fixture constructed according to various embodiments of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0011] Various embodiments provide for an improved display fixture
capable of displaying an MP3 player or other personal electronic
device and items associated with the personal electronic device.
The display fixture may comprise a base plate, a pillar and a
display plate and is configured to display items associated with
the personal electronic device. In various embodiments the display
fixture may also allow for an anti-theft device to be operatively
connected to the display fixture and the personal electronic device
displayed.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display fixture, shown
generally at 100, according to an embodiment of the present
invention. The display fixture 100 is configured to display
personal electronic devices such as MP3 players. Referring to FIG.
1, the display fixture is operatively connected to the top of a
shelf 1000, such as a wire grid shelf. The display fixture 100
comprises a top base plate 105 and a pillar 110. A display plate
115 is operatively connected to the pillar 100 for displaying a
personal electronic device 1010. The personal electronic device
1010 may be operatively connected to the display plate 115 so that
the customer may evaluate the performance of the personal
electronic device 1010 while the personal electronic device 1010 is
outside its packaging. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the display
plate 115 is rigidly connected to the pillar 100. In other
embodiments, the display plate 115 may be rotatably or otherwise
movably coupled to the pillar 110.
[0013] The display fixture 100 of FIG. 1 also comprises a right
display region 120, a left display region 125 and a front display
region 130 protruding from the display plate 115. The right display
region 120, the left display region 125 and the front display
region 130 are configured to display associated items 1020. In the
embodiment of FIG. 1, the right display region 120, the left
display region 125 and the front display region 130 each comprise a
hook. In greater detail, the right display region 120 includes an
arm 121 that projects away from the display plate. A right hook 122
and a left hook 123 extend from the arm 121 and are configured to
engage with an associated item 1020. In the embodiment of FIG. 1,
the arm 121 projects substantially horizontal from the display
plate 115. However, in other embodiments, the arm 121 need not
project horizontally from the display plate 115.
[0014] In further embodiments, the right display region 120, the
left display region 125 and the front display region 130 may extend
from the pillar 110 or the top base plate 105. Additionally, the
number of hooks extending from the display arm 121 may vary. In yet
further embodiments, the right display region 120, the left display
region 125 and the front display region 130 may comprise, for
example, a shelf, Velcro, buttons, an adhesive strip, or other
mechanisms for operatively connecting the associated items 1020 to
the display fixture 100.
[0015] The display of associated items 1020 proximate the personal
electronic device 1010 may increase sales of the personal
electronic device 1010 and items associated with the personal
electronic device 1010. In the case of an MP3 player, associated
items 1020 may include, for example, gift cards for the purchase of
music over the internet, headphones, headphone accessories,
speakers, radio transmitters, audio output adapters, audio capture
devices, cables, connectors, remote controls, radios configured to
operate with the MP3 player, chargers, protective cases for the MP3
player, carrying cases for the MP3 player, docking stations for the
MP3 player, docking station adapters, athletic products that
function with the MP3 player, clothing items configured to accept
the MP3 player, display screen protectors, display screen
enhancers, cleaning products for the MP3 player, tools for
repairing the MP3 player, replacement parts and other items whose
sale or function may be linked to the MP3 player.
[0016] Together, the top base plate 105, the pillar 110, the
display plate 115, the right display region 120, the left display
region 125 and the front display region 130 comprise the upper
portion 101 of the display fixture 100. This upper portion 101 is
configured to operatively connect with a bottom base plate 135 that
allows the display fixture to be connected to the shelf 1000. In
the embodiment of FIG. 1, four bolts 140 and four nuts 145 connect
the top base plate 105 to the bottom base plate 135 with the shelf
1000 between the top base plate 105 and the bottom base plate 135.
This orientation secures the display fixture 100 to the shelf 1000
but also allows the display fixture 100 to be moved to another
shelf in a retail environment. In other embodiments, the number of
nuts 145 and bolts 140 may vary and need not be four. In additional
embodiments, the display fixture 100 may not use nuts 145 and bolts
140 to operatively connect to the shelf 1000 and may instead be
operatively connected using a clamp or other mechanism suitable for
attaching the display fixture 100 to a shelf 1000.
[0017] FIG. 2 shows an additional embodiment of a display fixture.
The display fixture 200 comprises a top base plate 205 and a pillar
210. A display plate 215 is operatively connected to the pillar
210. A front display region 220 is located at the bottom of the
display plate 215 on the front side of the display fixture 200. In
the embodiment of FIG. 2, the front display region 220 comprises a
hook. In other embodiments, the front display region 220 may
protrude from the pillar 210 or the top base plate 205.
[0018] The embodiment of FIG. 2 is also configured to allow for the
connection of an anti-theft device 2000 on an anti-theft device
mounting region 222. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the anti-theft
device mounting region 222 comprises a plate operatively connected
to the pillar 210. In other embodiments, the anti-theft device
mounting region 222 may be located on the top base plate 205 or the
display plate 215 and need not be a separate plate. To facilitate
the connection of the device to be displayed with the anti-theft
device 2000, the display plate 215 is configured to allow a
connection of through an opening 223 in the display plate 215.
[0019] In a similar fashion to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the
display fixture 200 of FIG. 2 can be connected to a fixed structure
using bolts 225, a bottom base plate 230 and nuts configured to
engage with the bolts 225. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the bolts
225 are formed as protrusions of the top base plate 205.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a display fixture, shown
generally at 300, constructed according to a further embodiment of
the present invention. The display fixture 300 comprises a top base
plate 305, a pillar 310 and a display plate 315. The display
fixture 300 also has a front display region 320 that comprises a
hook in one embodiment. The display fixture is configured to accept
the device to be displayed in a device attachment region 301.
[0021] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, an example anti-theft device,
shown generally at 3000, is connected to the display fixture 300.
The anti-theft device 3000 comprises a device mount receptor 3005
and a device mount 3010 which is configured to engage with the
device mount receptor 3005. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the device
mount receptor 3005 is located in the device attachment region 301.
A mount cable 3015 operatively connects the device mount 3010 to
the device mount receptor 3005. An alarm 3020 is operatively
connected to the display fixture 300 in an anti-theft device
mounting region 322. An alarm cable 3025 operatively connects the
device mount receptor 3005 to the alarm 3020.
[0022] A device 3030 may be operatively connected to the device
mount 3010 using adhesive, screws, straps or other known mechanisms
for connection. An opening 323, shown more clearly in the similar
embodiment of FIG. 2 at 223, allows the alarm 3020 to operatively
connect to the device mount receptor 3005 while concealing cords or
cables which may clutter the visual appearance of the display
fixture 300 and the device 3030 from sight.
[0023] In other embodiments, the type and configuration of the
anti-theft device 3000 may vary and the configuration of the
display fixture 300 may vary accordingly. For example, if the
anti-theft device 3000 employs a retractable cable instead of the
coiled mount cable 3015 in FIG. 3, additional associated item
display regions may be included as the visual appeal of the display
fixture 300 and the device 3030 may not be adversely affected by
the potential of the coiled mount cable 3015 to become tangled with
the associated item display regions.
[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a method, shown
generally at 400, of displaying a personal electronic device using
a display fixture constructed according to various embodiments of
the present invention. At 405, a display fixture is provided. At
410, a device is operatively connected to the display fixture. At
415, an associated item is operatively connected to the display
fixture.
[0025] The foregoing description of embodiments of the present
invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and
description. The foregoing description is not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit embodiments of the present invention to the
precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are
possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from
practice of various embodiments of the present invention. The
embodiments discussed herein were chosen and described in order to
explain the principles and the nature of various embodiments of the
present invention and its practical application to enable one
skilled in the art to utilize the present invention in various
embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the
particular use contemplated.
* * * * *