U.S. patent application number 13/872735 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-30 for self-contained display system for mounting in pallet rack.
This patent application is currently assigned to Bertch Cabinet Mfg. Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is BERTCH CABINET MFG. INC.. Invention is credited to Noel A. DIETZ, Scott W. LODER, Daryl S. MORGAN, Steven P. O'BRIEN.
Application Number | 20140319988 13/872735 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51788681 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140319988 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DIETZ; Noel A. ; et
al. |
October 30, 2014 |
SELF-CONTAINED DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR MOUNTING IN PALLET RACK
Abstract
A self-contained display system cabinet products, for placement
in an empty compartment of a pallet rack shelving unit. The display
system includes a floor, ceiling and interconnecting side walls and
rear wall. Along the left side wall are arranged plural upright
pivotable panels which extend from a short distance above the floor
to a short distance below the ceiling. Each panel may move about an
axis at the hinge end of the panel and the axes of the succeeding
panels are offset laterally and from front to rear of the display.
The panels are manually rotatable and the rear face of a first
panel includes display materials which coordinate with the
materials attached to the front face of the next adjacent panel.
When rotated to open position, a panel is perpendicular to the rear
wall, while in its closed position it is parallel to the rear
wall.
Inventors: |
DIETZ; Noel A.; (Dunkerton,
IA) ; O'BRIEN; Steven P.; (Waterloo, IA) ;
LODER; Scott W.; (Cedar Falls, IA) ; MORGAN; Daryl
S.; (Waterloo, IA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BERTCH CABINET MFG. INC. |
Waterloo |
IA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Bertch Cabinet Mfg. Inc.
Waterloo
IA
|
Family ID: |
51788681 |
Appl. No.: |
13/872735 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/326 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 7/0042 20130101;
A47F 7/30 20130101; A47F 5/0087 20130101; A47F 10/00 20130101; A47F
11/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/326 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/00 20060101
A47F005/00 |
Claims
1. A display structure comprising an open front enclosure
comprising a rear wall, a first side wall, a second side wall
opposing the first side wall, a ceiling and a floor, the enclosure
adapted to be received in an open compartment of a pallet rack
shelving unit and supported on a building floor supporting the
pallet rack, the opposing sidewalls joined to the rear wall, to the
ceiling and to the floor, a cabinet disposed within the enclosure
and touchingly engaged with the second of the sidewalls and with
the rear wall, the cabinet comprising a front wall, a side wall,
and a countertop, a series of upright panels disposed along an
inside of the first sidewall, each upright panel of the series of
upright panel is spaced apart from the next adjacent panel of the
series of upright panels, each upright panel of the series of
upright panel is pivotable about a substantially vertical axis from
a closed position to an open position, each upright panel urged to
return to its closed position, each upright panel generally
parallel to the rear wall when the panel is in the closed position,
each upright panel general perpendicular to the rear wall when the
panel is in the open position, each of the upright panels pivotable
about the substantially vertical longitudinal axis of the panel,
each upright panel having a front upright face and a rear upright
face, each panel of the series of upright panels comprising a set
of display materials, each set of display materials including a
cabinet front facade, the front facade of each of the sets of
display materials different in appearance from the front facade of
the others of the sets of display materials, each set of display
material comprising a first part and a second part, the first part
of the display material of a first of the sets of display materials
attached to a rear upright surface of a first of the upright
panels, the second part of the display material of the first of the
sets of display materials attached to a front upright surface of a
second of the upright panels, the first part of the display
material of a second of the sets of display materials attached to a
rear upright surface of the second of the upright panels, the
second part of the display material of the second of the sets of
display materials attached to a front upright surface of a third of
the upright panels, the first part of the display material of a
third of the sets of display materials attached to a rear upright
surface of the third of the upright panels, the second part of the
display material attached to the front upright surface of a fourth
of the upright panels.
2. The display structure of claim 1 wherein each of the upright
panels is supported by a lower pivot pin, the upper and lower pivot
pins defining a substantially vertical longitudinal axis, an upper
pivot pin extending from a top of each of the upright panels, the
upper and lower pivot pins of each upright panel defining a
substantially vertical longitudinal axis, a bottom edge of each of
the upright panels spaced apart from the floor, the substantially
vertical axis of each panel located near a hinge end of the panel
each panel urged to return to its rest position by gravity.
3. A display structure for cabinet products comprising an open
front enclosure comprising a rear wall, a first side wall, a second
side wall opposing the first side wall, a ceiling and a floor, the
opposing sidewalls joined to the rear wall, to the ceiling and to
the floor, the enclosure adapted to be received in an open
compartment of a pallet rack shelving unit and supported on a
building floor supporting the pallet rack, a cabinet unit of the
cabinet products disposed within the enclosure and touchingly
engaged with the second of the sidewalls and with the rear wall,
the cabinet unit comprising a front wall and a countertop, a series
of upright panels disposed along an inside of the first sidewall,
each upright panel of the series of upright panel is spaced apart
from the next adjacent panel of the series of upright panels, each
upright panel of the series of upright panel is pivotable about a
substantially vertical axis from a rest position to a second
position, the second position rotated generally ninety degrees away
from the rest position, each upright panel urged to return to its
rest position, each upright panel generally parallel to the rear
wall when the panel is in the rest position, each upright panel
general perpendicular to the rear wall when the panel is in the
second position, each upright panel having a front upright face and
a rear upright face, at least one of the upright panels supporting
a front facade of a one of the cabinet products, the enclosure
having a vertical dimension sufficient to allow an adult person to
stand upright within the enclosure, each of the upright panels
movable to its open position by the adult person.
4. A display structure for bathroom vanity cabinet products
comprising an open front enclosure comprising five substantially
orthogonal walls, the five substantially orthogonal walls
comprising a rear wall, a first side wall, a second side wall
opposing the first side wall, a ceiling and a floor, the enclosure
adapted to be received in an open compartment of a pallet rack
shelving unit and supported on a building floor supporting the
pallet rack, the opposing sidewalls joined by the rear wall, the
ceiling and the floor, a full size bathroom vanity cabinet member
disposed within the enclosure and touchingly engaged with the rear
wall, the cabinet member including a front wall, a first side wall,
and a countertop, the front wall of the cabinet member including at
least a first door, a full size mirror unit affixed to the rear
wall and disposed above the cabinet member, a series of four
upright substantially planar panels disposed within the enclosure
adjacent the left sidewall, a first of the upright panels nearer
the open front of the enclosure than the others of the upright
panels, the first of the upright panels spaced from the left
sidewall less than the spacing from the left sidewall of each other
of the upright panels, each upright panel of the series of upright
panel is spaced apart a small distance from the next adjacent panel
of the series of upright panels, each of the upright panels
pivotable about a substantially vertical longitudinal axis, the
vertical longitudinal axis of each upright panel defined by an
upper pivot pin and a lower pivot pin, the upper pivot pin and the
lower pivot pin of each upright panel disposed adjacent a hinge end
of the upright panel, a bottom edge of each of the upright panels
spaced apart from the floor, the upper end of each of the upright
panels spaced apart from the ceiling a short distance, each upright
panel having a front face and a rear opposing face, the first face
on a first side of the panel and the second opposing face on a
second side of the panel, each of the series of upright panels
comprising a set of display materials, each set of display
materials differing from the others of the sets of display
materials, each set of display materials comprising a first part
and a second part, the first part of display materials of a first
of the sets of display materials attached to the rear face of a
first of the upright panels, the second part of the display
material of the first of the sets of display materials supported on
the front face of a second of the upright panels, the first panel
of display material of a second of the sets of display materials
attached to a rear face of the second of the upright panels, the
second panel of the second of the sets of display materials
attached to the rear face of a third of the upright panels, the
first panel of display material of a third of the sets of display
materials attached to the rear face of the third of the upright
panels, the second panel of display material attached to the front
face of a fourth of the upright panels, the second part of the
display material of each of the sets of display material comprising
a front facade of a bathroom vanity cabinet.
5. The display structure for bathroom vanity cabinet products of
claim 4 wherein the height of the enclosure is approximately 92.75
inches, the width of the enclosure is approximately 96.75
inches.
6. The display structure for bathroom vanity cabinet products of
claim 4 wherein a vertical pin receiver is disposed on the floor of
the enclosure under each panel, the vertical pin receiver under
each panel receives the lower pivot pin of the panel, the pin
receiver is divided into two parts by a bias cut, the pin receiver
rotating with the panel, the pin receiver urging the panel to
return to its closed rest position.
7. The display structure for bathroom vanity cabinet products of
claim 4 wherein the upper and lower pivot pins of the first of the
upright panels are spaced from the left sidewall by approximately
2.33 inches, the upper and lower pivot pins of the second of the
upright panels are spaced from the left sidewall by approximately
6.08 inches, the upper and lower pivot pins of the third of the
upright panels are spaced from the left sidewall by approximately
9.17 inches, the upper and lower pivot pins of the fourth of the
upright panels are spaced from the left sidewall by approximately
14.50 inches.
8. The display structure for bathroom vanity cabinet products of
claim 7 wherein the upper and lower pivot pins of the first of the
upright panels are spaced from the rear wall by approximately 16.69
inches, the upper and lower pivot pins of the second of the upright
panels are spaced from the rear wall by approximately 12.92 inches,
the upper and lower pivot pins of the third of the upright panels
are spaced from the rear wall by approximately 9.17 inches, the
upper and lower pivot pins of the fourth of the upright panels are
spaced from the rear wall by approximately 4.50 inches.
9. The display structure for bathroom vanity cabinet products of
claim 8 wherein a stationary panel is fixed to the rear wall of the
enclosure, the stationary panel aligned with the fourth of the
upright panels when the fourth upright panel is in its rest
position.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Advertising displays have been of great importance for many
years. However, some goods are more easily displayed than others.
For instance, in the case of bathroom cabinetry and fixtures, the
usual method for advertising the line of goods is by either showing
photographs of the goods in varying styles and finishes, or by
providing a sample of cabinets with a countertop and faucet
fixtures attached, sometimes accompanied by an array of molding
pieces with differing stain finishes.
[0002] In the case of large hardware stores catering to
do-it-yourself homeowners, an array of exemplary vanity cabinets
may be displayed with the goods to be sold stored in warehouse
space on the store premises. If several styles of cabinets are on
display, a sizeable amount of floor space is taken which might be
better used for display of additional types of goods for sale.
[0003] Improvements in the efficiency of displays for cabinetry
goods and bathroom fixtures would conserve space while allowing a
potential buyer to examine a wide selection of goods.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] An improved display system is disclosed which can be moved
as a unit and placed within a space in pallet rack shelving
commonly used in a warehouse and frequently used in retail display
spaces of a do-it-yourself oriented home improvement store. The
disclosed system is sized to generally fill the volume of one lower
compartment of a pallet rack between the floor and first shelf of
the pallet rack. The disclosed system includes an open sided
enclosure having a floor, a ceiling, opposing side walls and a rear
wall. The floor, ceiling and rear wall are all interconnected by
the opposing side walls so that an open front side is provided.
[0005] A series of pivotable panels are installed in the enclosure
with each panel offset from its neighboring panels in both the
front-to-rear dimension and in the left-side to right-side
dimension.
[0006] Each pivoting panel is pivotable about a vertical axis
provided by coaxial stub axles extending from upper and lower rails
of the panel. The stub axles connect to the floor and to the
ceiling of the enclosure. The vertical axis about which each panel
is pivotable is located at a hinge end of the panel. The pivot axis
of each panel is offset laterally, as well as forward to rearward,
from the next adjacent panel's pivot axis. Each panel may be
rotated from a rest position to an open position after each panel
in front of that panel has been rotated to an open position. In the
rest or closed position, each panel is substantially parallel to
the rear wall of the enclosure. In the open position, each panel is
rotated to a position about ninety degrees from each panel's
respective closed position and the rear face of one panel is
viewable at the same time as the front face of the next neighboring
panel.
[0007] Each panel includes a front face oriented toward the open
front of the enclosure when the panel is in closed position and
each panel has an opposing rear face which is oriented to the rear
wall of the enclosure when the panel is in closed position. Each
face is equipped so that a selection of cabinet elements can be
attached to the panel faces. Specifically, when a first front-most
panel is moved about its pivot axis to its open position, the front
face of the second (next neighboring) panel is exposed while the
rear face of the first panel is also exposed, so that the goods
displayed on the reverse face of the first panel may be observed at
the same time as the goods displayed on the front face of the
second panel. In the case of display of bathroom cabinet goods,
either the rear face of one panel or the front face of the next
neighboring panel may carry a front facade of a particular bathroom
cabinet, so that a prospective customer may observe a
three-dimensional front face of a particular model of cabinet, with
a matching mirror or matching medicine cabinet mounted above it,
while the exposed face on the adjacent panel may carry further
detail information and samples of finishes for the cabinet items
displayed on the first face.
[0008] Samples of the profiles of the exterior elements of the
first model of cabinet may also displayed either on available space
of the front face of the second panel or on the rear face of the
first panel. Therefore, a potential buyer of bathroom cabinet goods
may inspect multiple styles or appearances of an available line of
cabinets by moving each panel in succession to its open position
while also having access to view multiple finish colors of the
particular models of the cabinet. Therefore, if there are four
pivotable panels, three styles of a particular line of cabinets may
be displayed on facing pairs of panel faces as each panel is
rotated approximately 90.degree. from its rest position to its open
position.
[0009] A fourth model of the same line of cabinets may be shown in
full size mounted along the rear wall of the enclosure, alongside
the set of panels. The full size cabinet may be displayed with a
coordinated full depth medicine cabinet or mirror being mounted to
the rear wall of the enclosure above the full size cabinet.
[0010] The full size cabinet is provided with a full size
countertop equipped with a sink and faucet fixture. The finish and
style of the full size cabinet on display may differ from the
styles and colors of the facade samples mounted to the facing pairs
of panel faces of the adjoining panels, but the potential customer
will be able to review a given line of cabinet goods with multiple
style and finish color options while successively rotating the
panels in the enclosure.
[0011] The enclosure may be provided with an auxiliary compartment
with an open front in which boxed goods may be stored. In addition,
cabinet units and mirror units in cartons may be stored on shelves
of the pallet rack shelving so that a customer may select the
desired cabinet and medicine cabinet or mirror and take cartons
containing those goods to the point of sale location.
[0012] The entire enclosure equipped with the display panels and
full size cabinet sample may be moved as a unit from a delivery
truck to an empty pallet rack compartment. When the enclosure is in
place in the pallet rack compartment, the empty shelves of the
pallet rack may carry boxed goods ready for retail sale.
[0013] It is an object of the invention to provide an attractive
and efficient display system for bulky items which are sold in
retail outlets which employ warehouse pallet rack shelving
units.
[0014] It is specifically an object of the invention to provide a
display system which can display cabinet products in various colors
and styles in a stand-alone display enclosure which requires no
assembly at the destination location.
[0015] It is a further object of the invention to provide a self
contained display system for bathroom cabinet products which may be
operated manually by a shopper in a self service retail outlet.
[0016] These and other desirable objects of the invention will be
better understood from examination of the detailed description
which follows:
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0017] FIG. 1 is a front elevation of an embodiment of the
invention in place within a warehouse pallet rack shelving
unit.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the display invention with
each of the hinged panels in its closed position.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 with the
top wall omitted illustrating the positioning of the pivotable
panels of the display invention, and with the frontmost panel shown
in phantom in its open position.
[0020] FIG. 4A is a front elevation of the display invention of
FIG. 2 with the first of the pivotable panels rotated to its fully
open position.
[0021] FIG. 4B is a section view taken along line 4-4 of FIG.
4A.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of two adjacent pivotable
panels of the invention, with a first panel rotated to its open
position and the second panel resting in its closed position.
[0023] FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of the encircled area 6A of FIG.
2, with multiples of the same elements omitted.
[0024] FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of the encircled area 6B of FIG.
2, with multiples of the same elements omitted.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The present invention is a self-contained display system for
pallet rack shelving in a retail outlet. FIG. 1 discloses a
standard pallet rack shelving unit 11 in which a unit of the
self-contained display system 10 has been placed. The pallet rack
shelving unit 11 is constructed of left and right side upright
posts 17, 27 at the sides of the pallet rack shelving unit 11 and
center upright post 23, all of which, along with comparable upright
members at the rear of pallet rack shelving unit 11 support top
shelf 21, horizontal intermediate shelves 19, bottom shelf 31 and
subdivision shelf 13. The front and rear left side upright posts
17, 27, the left side intermediate shelf 19 and the front and rear
center upright posts 23 define a compartment 25 having a
standardized volume into which the self-contained display system 10
fits easily. Because compartment 25 has no floor member,
self-contained display system 10 may rest directly on the building
floor 15. Cartons 30 containing units of cabinets may be stored on
intermediate shelf 19 and on top shelf 21 of pallet rack shelving
unit 11. In addition, mirror containing cartons 32 may also be
stored on intermediate shelves 19 as well as within storage
compartment 28 of self-contained display system 10.
[0026] Pallet rack shelving unit 11 may contain within its right
hand half 29 a subdivider shelf 13 on which alternative cabinet
models 61, 63, 65 may be supported while additional product cartons
30, 32 may be stored on bottom shelf 31 of pallet rack shelving
unit 11. It should be understood that pallet rack shelving unit 11
may be rearranged but may be used as a housing for self-contained
display system 10 as long as a suitable compartment 25 is available
and unoccupied in pallet rack shelving unit 11.
[0027] Generally compartment 25 is about 94 inches in height, about
98 inches in width and about 98 inches deep while self-contained
display system 10 has maximum dimensions which will fit easily
within compartment 25, namely: width--about 96.75 inches;
depth--about 37.75 inches; and height--about 92.75 inches. It is to
be understood that minor variations in the dimensions may be made
so long as the self-contained display system 10 will fit easily
within compartment 25 of the pallet rack shelving unit 11.
Self-contained display system 10 equipped with the display panels
40, 42, 44, 46 and full size cabinet 60 may be moved as a unit from
a delivery truck to an empty pallet rack shelving unit 11 with
moving equipment such as a forklift or pallet truck and then the
self-contained display system 10 may then be slid on the building
floor 15 into place into compartment 25. Preferably self-contained
display system 10 will occupy essentially the entirety of the
compartment 25. It is also useful to understand that pallet rack
shelving unit 11 will be accessible from both its front and its
rear and therefore, the front-to-back depth of self-contained
display system 10 will be no more than one half the front-to-back
dimension of the pallet rack shelving unit 11, so that other goods
may be stored or displayed in the opposing side of the pallet rack
shelving unit 11. Alternatively, a second self-contained display
system 10 may be placed into the back side of compartment 25 from
the rear side of the pallet rack shelving unit 11.
[0028] The height of display volume 26 is preferably sufficient to
accommodate the height of the most adult persons so that such an
adult consumer may enter enclosure 26 and stand upright while
inspecting cabinet 60 and mirror unit 64 and while rotating panels
40, 42, 44, 46.
[0029] Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, the self-contained display
system 10 is illustrated. Self-contained display system 10
comprises outer upright side walls 14, 16 joined by floor 12 and
ceiling 22. A rear wall 24 orthogonally joins side walls 14, 16,
floor 12, and ceiling 22, leaving self-contained display system 10
with a fully open front. Floor 12, side walls 14, 16, ceiling 22
and rear wall 24 define an open fronted display volume 26. Base 38
underlies and supports floor 12. Divider wall 20 joins rear wall
24, as well as floor 12 and ceiling 22, and separates
self-contained display system 10 into display volume 26 and storage
compartment 28. Storage compartment 28 is divided, preferably
bifurcated, by horizontal divider 34.
[0030] Pivotable panels 40, 42, 44, 46 are located within display
volume 26 generally along divider wall 20 but spaced from divider
wall 20 by successively increasing distances from front to rear to
allow pivotable panels 40, 42, 44, 46 to be pivoted from a closed
position wherein each panel 40, 42, 44, 46 is generally parallel to
rear wall 24 to an open position wherein each panel 40, 42, 44, 46
is generally perpendicular to rear wall 24.
[0031] Situated alongside panels 40, 42, 44, 46 and mounted to rear
wall 24 is a full size bathroom vanity cabinet 60 equipped with a
countertop 62 and with a faucet unit 70 mounted to the countertop
62. The vanity cabinet 60 is mounted to the rear wall 24 of the
self-contained display system 10 and abuts the right side wall 16.
Mounted to the rear wall 24 above and spaced from countertop 62 is
a mirror unit 64 which includes a mirror 66 and a mirror frame 68,
the mirror frame 68 preferably matching the appearance and wood
from which the vanity cabinet 60 is constructed. Mirror unit 64 may
include a medicine cabinet located behind mirror 66 and mirror
frame 68. Vanity cabinet 60 and mirror unit 64 are of full size in
order to provide the potential end user with an opportunity to
inspect the entire goods. Vanity cabinet 60 and mirror unit 64
provide a sample of one style and color of a line of cabinets
available to the consumer who has the opportunity to view the full
size vanity cabinet 60 and mirror unit 64 mounted within the
self-contained display system 10.
[0032] Referring again particularly to FIG. 2, the vanity cabinet
60 of self-contained display system 10 is full size and includes an
array of doors 90, and drawers 92. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4,
the cabinet 60 is supported on legs 94 which rest on floor 12. It
is to be understood that the vanity cabinet 60 illustrated in FIGS.
1-4 is merely exemplary and that other styles of cabinet may be
substituted for the specific cabinet 60 shown in the drawings.
[0033] In FIG. 3 one can observe that each panel 40, 42, 44, 46 is
offset from the next from left to right with the frontmost panel 40
closest to divider wall 20 and with each succeeding panel 42, 44,
46 spaced farther from divider wall 20 than the one before.
[0034] In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 3, the upper pivot pin
56 (and therefore coaxial lower pivot pin 58 as well) of panel 40
is spaced approximately 16.69 inches from rear wall 24 and 2.33
inches from subdivider wall 20. The upper pivot pin 56 of panel 42
is spaced approximately 12.92 inches from rear wall 24 and 6.08
inches from subdivider wall 20. The upper pivot pin 56 of panel 44
is spaced approximately 9.17 inches from rear wall 24 and 9.83
inches from subdivider wall 20. The upper pivot pin 56 of panel 46
is spaced approximately 4.50 inches from rear wall 24 and 14.50
inches from subdivider wall 20. The separations of panels 40, 42,
44, 46 may be different but the spacing of each panel in succession
should increase in steps from subdivider wall 20 and decrease in
steps from rear wall 24. It is necessary that upper pivot pin 56 of
frontmost panel 40 be spaced from subdivider wall 20 sufficiently
to permit the panel 40 to rotate forward without touching the
subdivider wall 20 and that upper pivot pint 56 of rear most panel
46 be forward of stationary panel 48 sufficiently so that fourth
panel 46 be able to rotate forward without its hinge end 74
striking stationary panel 48 which is stationed between fourth
panel 46 and rear wall 24 to which stationary panel 48 is attached.
Stationary panel 48 may be substituted by an alternative cabinet
facade and mirror unit. When each of panels 40, 42, 44, 46 are in
closed, rest position, spacing between the rear face of each panel
to the elements attached to the front face of the next adjacent
panel is at least one-half inch. It also necessary that a one inch
clearance be provided between the free end of fourth panel 46 and
the sidewall 86 of full size cabinet 60.
[0035] In the open position, each panel 40, 42, 44, 46 is
substantially perpendicular to rear wall 24 but none of panels 42,
44, 46 may be rotated to its open position unless each panel
forward of the panel is already in the open position due to the
small spacing between the panels 40, 42, 44. For example, each of
panels 40, 42, 44 must be moved to its open position before panel
46 can be rotated ninety degrees to its open position. From the
drawings, it can be understood that panels 40, 42, 44, 46 must be
moved to its open position sequentially with the frontmost panel 40
required to be rotated first.
[0036] Mounted to rear wall 24 behind fourth panel 46 is a
stationary panel 48 which may include another cabinet facade and
matching mirror unit, or another cabinet facade and matching mirror
unit may be substituted for stationary panel 48 and mounted to rear
wall 24. Stationary panel 48 is generally aligned with fourth panel
46 when fourth panel 46 is in its closed position, that is, while
fourth panel 46 is parallel to the rear wall 24.
[0037] Continuing with reference to FIG. 3, it can be observed that
an imaginary horizontal line passing through the series of upper
pivot pins 56 defines an approximate forty-five degree angle
relative to the rear wall 24 with each successive panel 40, 42, 44,
46 being spaced from divider wall 20 farther than the next adjacent
panel. Each succeeding panel 40, 42, 44, 46 is farther from the
open front 36 of the self-contained display system 10.
[0038] In the specific embodiment illustrated in the drawings,
upper pivot pin 56 extending from panel 46 is spaced away from the
upper pivot pin 56 which extends from panel 44 a greater distance
than the separation of the upper pivot pins 56 of the other panels,
in order to provide additional space between panels 44 and 46 when
panel 44 is in its closed position, because a deeper vanity front
is intended to be used on the front face 76 of panel 46. The need
to space a selected panel further from its adjacent panels is
determined by the depth or thickness of the products to be
displayed on the selected panel. In the embodiment disclosed in the
figures, the spacing between pivot pins 56 is at least 5.3 inches
and may be larger such as is the case of the pivot pin 56 spacing
between panels 44, and 46 where the spacing is approximately 6.5
inches.
[0039] Now referring in particular to FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5, the
self-contained display system 10 is shown with the first panel 40
positioned in its open position, that is, with the panel 40 rotated
about the longitudinal pivot axis created by the upper and lower
pivot pins 56, 58 of panel 40 to a position where the plane of
panel 40 is substantially perpendicular to rear wall 24. In this
disposition, the rear face 80 of first panel 40 is exposed and may
be viewed along with the front face 82 of second panel 42. FIG. 5
further shows the relative positioning of the first panel 40 in its
open position juxtaposed with second panel 42 with an approximate
ninety degree angle between them.
[0040] Preferably the upper and lower pivot pins 56, 58 of first
panel 40 are set back from open front 36 by about twenty-one inches
so that when first panel 40 is in its open position, the free edge
84 of first panel 40 will not extend more than about ten inches
beyond open front 36 to avoid creating a large obstruction to
persons or moving machinery passing in front of pallet rack
shelving unit 11.
[0041] By proper selection of elements of cabinetry to display on
rear face 80 and front face 82, the user of the self-contained
display system 10 may provide to an observer a wide array of
options for a particular size of vanity bathroom cabinet such as
vanity cabinet 60, while providing an alternative to the shape and
appearance of the specific vanity cabinet 60 by mounting a front
facade 88 of a first alternative cabinet to the front face 82 of
second panel 42 while also displaying a first alternative mirror
unit 64' on front face 82 which matches the style, finish, color
and appearance of the front facade 88 of the first alternative
vanity cabinet. The first alternative mirror unit 64' is mounted to
front face 82 of second panel 42 above and spaced apart from the
front facade 88 of the first alternative vanity cabinet, to
replicate the appearance of these cabinet elements in a bathroom.
On the rear face 80 of the front panel 40 may be attached molding
segments % in differing finish colors but matching the appearance
of the wood front facade 88 so that the potential buyer of the
cabinet goods may compare available colors and finishes.
Photographic or graphic material 98 or other cabinet elements may
also be mounted to rear face 80 of first panel 40 to provide
additional information to the potential buyer about selections to
be made about the cabinet product line in the particular model of
the first alternative vanity cabinet as shown by facade 88 and
alternative mirror unit 64' shown on front face 82 of second panel
42 which cooperates with rear face 80 of first panel 40 to exhibit
various aspects of a first alternative vanity cabinet from the same
cabinet line as full size vanity cabinet 60. FIG. 5 further shows
the relative positioning of the first panel 40 in its open position
juxtaposed with second panel 42 with an approximate ninety degree
angle between them.
[0042] Similarly, when both first panel 40 and second panel 42 have
been rotated to their respective open positions, then the rear face
of the second panel 42 and the front face of the third panel 44 may
be observed in a side-by-side arrangement though with the panels
42, 44 defining a ninety degree angle between them. A second
alternative style or model of cabinet facade, matching mirror unit,
and samples of moldings with varying finish colors and other
information may be exhibited on the juxtaposed pair of panels 42,
44, in a similar manner as seen in FIGS. 4A-B and 5 in reference to
opened panel 40 and closed panel 42, as described above.
[0043] When all four panels 40, 42, 44, 46 have been rotated to
their respective open positions, then the rear of panel 46 becomes
observable along with the stationary panel 48 mounted to rear wall
24, wherein one more iteration of the cabinet line expressed
generally as vanity cabinet 60 and mirror unit 64 may be
inspected.
[0044] From reference to FIGS. 4B, 6A and 6B, it can be seen that
each panel 40, 42, 44, 46 is constructed with a rigid peripheral
frame 72 which is substantially rectangular. Peripheral frame 72
includes upper rail 78 and lower rail 74.
[0045] In referring to FIGS. 6A, 6B, it can be observed that panel
40, which is also exemplary of panels 42, 44, 46, is supported on
an upright, substantially vertical lower pivot pin 58 which is
received in a vertically oriented cylindrical socket 50 which is
retained to floor 12 by a plate 54. Socket 50 is split on a
transverse bias into upper and lower parts so that its upper part
with be fixed to lower pivot pin 58 and turn with it, sliding upon
the lower part of socket 50 which biases each panel 40, 42, 44, 46
to come to rest by gravity in its closed position.
[0046] The lower rail 74 is spaced apart a small distance from the
floor 12 so that lower rail 74 does not scrape along floor 12. The
lower pivot pin 58 extends from the lower rail 74 of panel 40 near
the hinge end 76 of the panel 40 and is received in the upper part
of socket 50. Similarly, an upper pivot pin 56 extends from the
upper rail 78 of each panel 40, 42, 44, 46. Upper pivot pins extend
to the ceiling 22 and are attached to ceiling 22 and are of
sufficient length so that upper rail 78 does not scrape along
ceiling 22 when the panel 40 is rotated. The upper pivot pin 56 of
each panel 40 is coaxial with the lower pivot pin 56 of the panel
40 and together upper pivot pin 56 and lower pivot pin 58 define a
vertical pivot axis around which panel 40 may rotate. Plates 54 are
also used to secure the pivot pins 56, 58 to the respective upper
and lower rails 74, 78.
[0047] The frame 72 of each panel 42, 44, 46 is generally identical
to the frame 72 of panel 40 illustrated in FIGS. 6A, 6B. Therefore
each panel 40, 42, 44, 46 is pivotable about the pivot axis of its
own upper and lower pivot pin 56, 58, subject to the next adjacent
panel forward of a selected panel already having been rotated about
its pivot axis to its open position. The coaxial upper and lower
pivot pins 56, 58 comprise a pivot assembly and could be replaced
by an elongate pole which extends fully from floor 12 to ceiling
22.
OPERATION OF THE INVENTION
[0048] The self-contained display system 10 may be moved from a
loading dock to a selected location in a do-it-yourself style
retail outlet to be placed in an empty compartment of a unit of
pallet rack shelving which has dimensions of at least 94 inches in
height, 49 inches in depth and 98 inches in width. When the
self-contained display system 10 is shipped from the manufacturer,
it is equipped with the full size vanity cabinet 60 and mirror unit
64 and with the four moveable panels 40, 42, 44, 46 and stationary
panel 48, each of which having been equipped with display material
including cabinet facades 88 of available alternative styles to
vanity cabinets 60 and mirror units 64. As a potential customer for
cabinet goods approaches the self-contained display system 10, the
potential customer may observe one style of the vanity cabinet and
an accompanying mirror unit in place, in full size on the rear wall
24 of the self-contained display system 10 while the customer may
then move each rotatable panel 40, 42, 44, 46 in succession in
order to observe the facades of alternative styles of the same
cabinet line along with matching mirror units which match the
appearance of the cabinet facade on display on the front face of a
given panel which remains in its closed position but which is made
observable by the rotation of the panels in front of the panel to
be observed. At the time that the front face of one of the panels
is observable, adjoining it in view is the rear face of the panel
next forward of the panel remaining in closed position, and on the
rear face of the panel in open position which adjoins, the
manufacturer will have mounted samples of other colors and finishes
of the style of cabinet which matches the facade on the front face
of the observed adjacent closed panel. By using multiple panels
which are all supported on pivot pins and with each pivot pin set
offset from those of each successive panel, both laterally and from
front to back, the potential customer may sequentially rotate the
panels and sequentially inspect multiple versions of the styles of
cabinet which are available which include the basic features of the
full size bathroom vanity cabinet on display and mounted at the
right hand wall and along the rear wall 24 of the self-contained
display system 10.
[0049] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated within this document or as otherwise clearly contradicted
by context.
[0050] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are
merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring
individually to each separate value falling within the range,
unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of
the invention.
* * * * *