U.S. patent application number 12/122345 was filed with the patent office on 2009-11-19 for combination headwear / apparel display.
Invention is credited to ERIC ANDERSON.
Application Number | 20090283485 12/122345 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41315143 |
Filed Date | 2009-11-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090283485 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ANDERSON; ERIC |
November 19, 2009 |
COMBINATION HEADWEAR / APPAREL DISPLAY
Abstract
A retail device for displaying headwear in close proximity to
wearing apparel. The retail device comprises a wall mount portion
attachable to a wall or other structure. Extending from the wall
mount portion is a wearing apparel rack operative to display at
least one, and preferably a plurality of like items of wearing
apparel. At the distal most end of the wearing apparel rack may be
provided a member for receiving indicia or other types of
information relative to the garment displayed on the rack, such as
pricing and the like. Extending from the wearing apparel display
rack is a headwear display device operative to display a specific
item of headwear, which can include hats, knit caps and protective
headwear, such as motorcycle helmets. The headwear display device
preferably displays the headwear in close proximity to the wearing
apparel displayed by the wearing apparel display rack so as to give
the consumer a visual impression of how the items would appear if
worn in combination.
Inventors: |
ANDERSON; ERIC; (Coto De
Caza, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STETINA BRUNDA GARRED & BRUCKER
75 ENTERPRISE, SUITE 250
ALISO VIEJO
CA
92656
US
|
Family ID: |
41315143 |
Appl. No.: |
12/122345 |
Filed: |
May 16, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/85.3 ;
211/30; 211/32 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 7/06 20130101; A47F
7/19 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/85.3 ;
211/32; 211/30 |
International
Class: |
A47F 7/00 20060101
A47F007/00; A47F 7/06 20060101 A47F007/06; A47F 7/24 20060101
A47F007/24 |
Claims
1. A display device for displaying an item of headwear in close
proximity to at least one item of wearing apparel comprising: a. a
wall mount portion for securing the device to a structure; b. a
wearing apparel display rack extending from said wall mount
portion, said wearing apparel rack being operative to display at
least one item of wearing apparel; and c. a headwear display device
extending from said wearing apparel rack, said headwear display
device being operative to mount and display an item of headwear
thereon.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein said wearing apparel display rack
has at least one member formed thereon for engaging with a
hanger.
3. The device of claim 2 wherein said wearing apparel display rack
has a plurality of members formed thereon, each respective member
being operative to engage with a dedicated hanger.
4. The device of claim 3 wherein said members formed upon said
wearing apparel display racks are equidistantly spaced along the
length of said rack.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein said headwear display device is
operative to receive headwear selected from the group consisting of
a hat, a sport cap, a knitted cap, a costume hat, a wig, a bicycle
helmet, a batting helmet, a football helmet, a construction hard
hat and a motorcycle helmet.
6. The device of claim 1 further comprising a display member formed
upon said wearing apparel rack, said display mount being configured
to receive and display signage.
7. The device of claim 6 wherein said display member is formed upon
the distal-most end of said wearing apparel display rack.
8. The display device of claim 1 wherein said apparel display rack
may have a selectively adjustable length.
9. The display device of claim 1 wherein said headwear display
device may have a selectively adjustable height.
10. The display device of claim 1 wherein said device has
decorative indicia formed thereon.
11. The display device of claim 10 wherein said decorative indicia
comprises a logo.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0003] The present invention is directed to retail display devices,
and more particularly to devices for displaying both headwear and
wearing apparel in close proximity to one another. The present
invention is particularly well suited for displaying motorcycle
helmets in close proximity to motorcycle riding jackets and the
like.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Devices for displaying wearing apparel in retail
establishments are well-known in the art. Such retail display
devices can take a wide variety of forms, including display racks,
hanger devices, mannequins, point of purchase displays and numerous
other means that seek to achieve the common goals of attracting
consumer attention and providing the consumer with the opportunity
to inspect and try on a specific item of apparel. Moreover, in an
attempt to maximize sales, most retail establishments seek to offer
complimentary accessories with the intent to sell an entire
"outfit," as opposed to a single piece of wearing apparel. As is
well-known, it is substantially more profitable for the retailer to
sell, for example, a jacket accessorized with a shirt, gloves,
headwear, pants and the like, compared to just the jacket
itself.
[0005] To achieve that end, it is well-known in the art to
concurrently display various specific types of wearing apparel in
close proximity to related accessories to thus make it easier for
the consumer to "match up" and purchase multiple items of apparel.
To create such retail displays, however, is often problematic
insofar as it is imperative to create a visual display that is
aesthetically pleasing to the consumer and can entice the consumer
to purchase multiple items of complementary or "matching" apparel
yet also can provide the consumer with the ability inspect and
visualize the complementary items of apparel in combination as they
would be worn by the consumer.
[0006] Such retail display devices are particularly scarce when
sought for the specific application of displaying headwear, such as
hats, knit caps, scarves and the like in combination with other
types of wearing apparel. In this respect, headwear is typically
displayed on mannequin "heads" or hat racks and the like, which are
typically separate and apart from and thus not in close proximity
to complementary items of wearing apparel to be sold or matched
therewith. Such devices are particularly lacking in the context of
protective headwear, such as helmets, including bicycle helmets,
motorcycle helmets, and the like, which are typically packaged in
boxes and sold as separate and distinct items.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a retail display
device that can effectively display headwear in combination with
other types of wearing apparel that is visually pleasing, easily
accessible and capable of being readily integrated into existing
retail environments. There is a further need for such a retail
display device that is of simple construction, easy to utilize,
exceptionally durable and capable of being utilized indefinitely,
and can also be made operative to be adjustable in nature to
accommodate a specific retail display application.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0008] The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates
the above-identified deficiencies in the art. In this regard, the
present invention is directed to a retail display device for
displaying headwear in close proximity to a second item of wearing
apparel. Preferably, the device comprises a wall mount portion for
providing means to attach the device to a wall or other suitable
object from which the headwear and wearing apparel will be
displayed. Extending from the mount portion is an apparel display
rack that is operative to provide a structure upon which one or
more items of apparel can be displayed, typically via hangers.
Preferably, the apparel display rack will be provided with multiple
partitions to thus enable multiple items of wearing apparel to be
equidistantly mounted thereon. The wearing apparel display rack
will further be angled in nature to thus enable the multiple types
of wearing apparel mounted thereon via hangers to be displayed in a
tiered or gradually ascending manner. The wearing apparel display
rack may further have a display member formed at the distal-most
end thereof to which signage or other indicia may be attached.
[0009] Extending upwardly from the wearing apparel display rack is
a headwear display device, the latter being adapted to receive and
display a specific item of headwear thereon. In this regard, the
headwear display device will preferably be provided with a
structure, such as a hemisphere or other like geometric design
operative to simulate the size and dimensions of at least a portion
of a human skull so as to provide a surface upon which the headwear
can be displayed. The headwear display device will preferably be
sized and spaced relative the wearing apparel display rack so as to
show the headwear mounted thereon in close proximity to the wearing
apparel displayed upon the wearing apparel rack. In one particular
embodiment, it is envisioned that the headwear display device will
be oriented so that the headwear positioned thereon will extend
just over a respective one of the wearing apparel items mounted
upon the wearing apparel display rack. Such arrangement is
particularly effective in displaying headwear in combination with
shirts, jackets, and other types of garments worn on the upper body
so as to simulate the appearance of the headwear in combination
with the upper body wear as would be seen when worn together.
[0010] The retail display device of the present invention may
further include apparatus for adjusting the height and/or length of
either the wearing apparel rack portion or the headwear display
device, as may be desired for a given application. Additionally, it
is contemplated that the headwear display device will be utilized
to display virtually all types of headwear, including all types of
hats, knit caps, sport caps, and the like, as well as protective
headwear, such as bicycle and motorcycle helmets, and the like. In
addition, it is contemplated that the retail device of the present
invention can be fabricated from any of a wide variety of
materials, and in particular molded plastic materials, metal and
the like, and further may be provided with decorative indicia,
colors, textures, trademarks, decorative artwork or any other type
of indicia that may be desired to provide a desired appearance or
particular application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] These and other features and advantages of the various
embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect
to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers
refer to like parts throughout, and in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a retail display device for
use in displaying headwear and wearing apparel in combination, and
further depicting a motorcycle riding jacket and motorcycle helmet
in phantom.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the display device
depicted in FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a frontal view of the display device depicted in
FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a side view of the display device depicted in FIG.
1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a
description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention,
and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present
invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets
forth the functions and sequences of steps for constructing and
operating the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the
same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by
different embodiments and that they are also intended to be
encompassed within the scope of the invention.
[0017] Referring now to the drawings, and initially to FIG. 1,
there is perspectively illustrated the retail display device 10
operative to display an item of headwear in close proximity to one
or more items of wearing apparel. Display 10 includes a wall mount
portion 12 operative to engage and interconnect with a wall 14 or
other similar type of structure to thus enable the device 10 to be
prominently displayed. As discussed below, wall mount portion 12
may be sized and configured and provided with one or more
structures to facilitate the ability of the wall mount portion 12
to remain securely fixed in position.
[0018] Extending from wall mount portion 12 is a wearing apparel
display rack 16 that is operative to retain and display one or more
items of wearing apparel mounted thereon. In the embodiment shown,
wearing apparel display rack 16 is provided with a proximal end 16a
that extends from the wall mount portion 12 and depends therefrom
such that the distal most end 16b of the wearing apparel display
rack 16 extends in a generally diagonal fashion. To enable multiple
items of wearing apparel to be mounted thereon, the wearing apparel
rack 16 may preferably be provided with one or more structures 18,
preferably spaced apart in equidistant increments, to thus enable
hanger 22 to be hung therefrom so as to allow a jacket 24 or other
type of garment, to be displayed. Along these lines, it is
contemplated that the wearing apparel rack 16 may take any of a
variety of wearing apparel display racks known in the art, and
preferably can take the form of the angled configuration as shown
so as to display wearing apparel in a more space efficient manner.
This configuration further allows the display of wearing apparel
according to gradually increasing size, such from small to extra
large, which is a well-known practice in the art. Optionally, a
display member 20 may be formed on the distal most end 16b of
wearing apparel display rack 16, which may be utilized to secure
and display indicia, such as pricing, product information, and the
like, as may be desired for a given sale display application.
[0019] Extending upwardly from wearing apparel display rack 16 is a
headwear display device, the latter consisting of upwardly
extending member 26 and headwear receiving apparatus 28. With
respect to the former, member 26 is provided with a proximal end
26a that can extend from a mid portion of wearing apparel display
rack 16. Formed at the top most portion 26b thereof is headwear
receiving apparatus 28, which is preferably configured to have a
hemisphere or dome-like configuration suitable for displaying a
specific type of headwear thereupon. As will be appreciated,
although as depicted as a dome-like member, apparatus 28 may take
any of a variety of configurations known in the art, and may
include mannequin heads, simulated skull-shape structures or any
other structure suitable for displaying headwear thereupon.
[0020] Among the specific applications contemplated is the display
of protective headwear, and in particular a motorcycle helmet 30
shown in phantom. In this regard, although the present invention is
configured to be utilized with any and all types of headwear, for
example sport caps, knit caps, berets, cowboy hats, costume hats,
and even wigs and the like, it is expressly contemplated that the
display device 10 of the present invention will be particularly
well-suited for the display of protective headwear, including but
not limited to bicycle helmets, construction hard hats, sports
safety helmets, such as batting helmets and football helmets, and
motorcycle helmets 30 as depicted in FIG. 1. Along these lines, it
is expressly contemplated that motorcycle helmets, such as 30, will
be shown in close proximity with related items of motorcycle
apparel, and in particular motorcycle riding jackets such as 24
depicted in phantom. Along these lines, the display device 10 of
the present invention will be operative to show such items 30, 24
in close proximity to one another to thus enable the consumer to
visualize the combination of such items 24, 30 as the same would be
worn by the consumer. Such display device 10, especially for
depicting the combination of motorcycle helmet 30 in combination
with riding jacket 24, has not heretofore been available to thus
enable the consumer to readily match up and purchase such related
items.
[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, the structure of the display
device 10 will be readily appreciated. As illustrated in FIG. 2,
the wall mount portion 12 may be provided with one or more
structures to facilitate the ability of the mount 12 to be secured
to the wall of other type of structure. As illustrated, the mount
12 may be provided with one or more apertures, such as 12a, 12b, to
receive fastening mechanisms, such as screws, nails, hooks, drywall
anchors, and the like for use in securing the wall mount portion 12
to a wall or other suitable structure. Similarly, wall mount
portion 12 may be provided with a lip member 12c operative to
engage a support structure, such as a conventional retail wall
mount display, which are well-known and extensively utilized in the
art.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown the device 10 as
viewed in a frontal orientation with the wearing apparel display
rack 16 shown extending from wall mount portion 12. In such
orientation, multiple items of wearing apparel can be mounted along
the wearing apparel display rack 16, and more particularly,
incrementally displayed by use of hangers against members 18 spaced
therealong, as shown in FIG. 4. As per conventional retail display
devices, it is contemplated that wearing apparel display rack 16
may extend in a diagonally depending fashion with the members 18
spaced at equidistant intervals, represented by the letter "A" in
FIG. 4 therealong. As is well known and appreciated in the art,
such equidistant spacing enhances the display of the apparel being
displayed upon the wearing apparel display rack 16, as well as
allows access to the wearing apparel displayed thereon,
particularly when the same is utilized to display wearing apparel
in gradually increasing sizes.
[0023] The upwardly extending member 26 and headwear receiving
apparatus 28 will extend upwardly from the wearing apparel display
rack 16 along a medial portion thereof. As will be appreciated, the
headwear receiving apparatus 28 must extend a sufficient distance
from wall mount portion 12, as depicted by the letter "B" in FIG.
4, so as to provide sufficient space for the headwear to be
positioned thereupon and thus more prominently displayed.
Preferably, as shown in FIG. 3, the headwear display device, 26,
28, will extend upwardly along a vertical axis, as depicted as "Y"
and will be substantially collinear with the wearing apparel
display rack 16. By arranging the headwear display device 26, 28
along the same vertical axis as the wearing apparel display rack
16, the consumer is able to visualize the combination of the
headwear and wearing apparel displayed via the device 10 of the
present invention in the manner similar as what would be depicted
when such items are worn by the consumer. In this regard, and
referring to FIG. 1, to show the helmet 30 and jacket 24 in such a
manner readily imparts a display as to how such elements would be
viewed as worn by the consumer, thus providing a better image to
the consumer and enabling the consumer to readily appreciate the
combination of such items 24, 30. Insofar as the chief objective of
the invention is to display such related accessories in a manner
that is aesthetically pleasing and capable of being readily
appreciated by the consumer, it is believed the devices 10 of the
present invention will promote the sales of such complimentary
items.
[0024] In alternative embodiments of the present invention not
depicted, it is contemplated that the wearing apparel display rack
16 and elongate member 26 of the headwear display device may be
configured to be selectively adjustable in length or height,
respectively. To that end, it is contemplated that either structure
16, 26 may be made to be telescoping in nature and/or
interconnectable with one or more segments to thus enable the
display device 10 of the present invention to display more or less
items of apparel or otherwise have a particular size or
configuration as may be desired for a particular retail display
application. Additionally it should be recognized that the display
device 10 of the present invention may be fabricated from any of a
variety of materials, such as molded plastic or metal, and may
further be configured to have a specific type of color, indicia,
logo, decorative art work, or any other type of fanciful design or
configuration as may be desired to enhance the aesthetic appearance
of the device or otherwise enhance the functionality thereof.
[0025] Additional modifications and improvements of the present
invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art. For example, it is contemplated that the headwear display
device may extend directly from wall mount portion 12, as opposed
to extending upwardly from wearing apparel display rack 16. To that
end, member 26 may extend horizontally a sufficient distance from
mount 12 and then curve upwardly so that the headwear display mount
28 can receive an item of headwear along a vertical axis. Thus, the
particular combination of parts and steps described and illustrated
herein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the
present invention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of
alternative devices and methods within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
* * * * *