U.S. patent application number 13/902889 was filed with the patent office on 2014-11-27 for support system.
The applicant listed for this patent is JOSHUA SIMON. Invention is credited to JOSHUA SIMON.
Application Number | 20140346933 13/902889 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51934942 |
Filed Date | 2014-11-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140346933 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SIMON; JOSHUA |
November 27, 2014 |
SUPPORT SYSTEM
Abstract
A support system for one or more display items is configured
with side walls extending in a longitudinal direction from a base
towards a top such that an interior is defined between the base,
top and side walls. A plurality of receptacles are configured in
the base and a plurality of holes are configured in a floor
parallel to and spaced apart from the base. Within the interior, a
plurality of transparent platforms of a plurality of different
sizes are configured at a plurality of different distances from the
base. One or more transparent pillars are configured to extend
between the receptacles, through the holes and into a supporting
relationship with each of the one or more platforms.
Inventors: |
SIMON; JOSHUA; (Longmont,
CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SIMON; JOSHUA |
Longmont |
CO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51934942 |
Appl. No.: |
13/902889 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/126 ;
312/294; 312/351 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 3/005 20130101;
A47F 5/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/126 ;
312/351; 312/294 |
International
Class: |
A47F 3/00 20060101
A47F003/00 |
Claims
1. A support system for one or more display items, comprising: an
enclosure having a base, a top, side walls extending in a
longitudinal direction and an interior defined between the base,
top and side walls; one or more platforms provided within the
interior; and one or more pillars supporting each of the one or
more platforms.
2. The support system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the interior
of the enclosure is visible through at least a portion of the side
walls.
3. The support as set forth in claim 1, wherein the side walls of
the enclosure are transparent.
4. The support as set forth in claim 1, wherein the pillars are
transparent.
5. The support as set forth in claim 1, wherein the platforms are
transparent.
6. The support as set forth in claim 1, wherein the side walls
include a back having a plurality of perforations therethrough.
7. The support as set forth in claim 1, wherein a first portion of
the side walls defines a first door configured to move between an
open position allowing access to the interior of the enclosure and
a closed position preventing access to the interior.
8. The support as set forth in claim 7, wherein the first door is
configured to be locked in the closed position.
9. The support as set forth in claim 1, wherein the one or more
platforms comprise a plurality of platforms of different sizes.
10. The support as set forth in claim 9, wherein the one or more
pillars comprise a plurality of pillars of different lengths
supporting the plurality of platforms at a plurality of distances
from the base.
11. The support as set forth in claim 10, further comprising a
floor provided parallel to and spaced apart from the base, wherein
the floor comprises a plurality of holes configured to receive
portions of the pillars.
12. The support as set forth in claim 11, further comprising a
plurality of receptacles provided at the base and configured to
receive portions of the pillars.
13. The support as set forth in claim 11, wherein each of the one
or more platforms includes a back and a foot provided at an angle
relative to the back.
14. The support as set forth in claim 13, wherein with the one or
more pillars supporting the one or more platforms and engaged with
the plurality of holes, the back and the foot extend at oblique
angles relative to the top, base, floor and side walls.
15. A method for providing a support for one or more display items,
comprising: configuring an enclosure with side walls extending in a
longitudinal direction from a base towards a top such that an
interior is defined between the base, top and side walls;
configuring a plurality of receptacles in the base to and a
plurality of holes in a floor parallel to and spaced apart from the
base; wherein the side walls are configured such that the interior
of the enclosure is visible therethrough; configuring, within the
interior, a plurality of transparent platforms of a plurality of
different sizes at a plurality of different distances from the
base; and configuring one or more transparent pillars to extend
between the receptacles, through the holes and into a supporting
relationship with each of the one or more platforms.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Frequently, it is desirable to support a plurality of
objects on one or more shelves or platforms to elevate the objects
from the floor or ground, for example, to facilitate viewing of the
objects or access thereto. A variety of types of supports are known
for this purpose.
SUMMARY
[0002] In a support system for one or more display items, an
enclosure has a base, a top, side walls extending in a longitudinal
direction and an interior defined between the base, top and side
walls; one or more platforms within the interior; and one or more
pillars supporting each of the one or more platforms.
[0003] In a method for providing a support for one or more display
items, an enclosure is configured with side walls extending in a
longitudinal direction from a base towards a top such that an
interior is defined between the base, top and side walls; a
plurality of receptacles are configured in the base and a plurality
of holes are configured in a floor parallel to and spaced apart
from the base; within the interior, a plurality of transparent
platforms of a plurality of different sizes are configured at a
plurality of different distances from the base; and one or more
transparent pillars are configured to extend between the
receptacles, through the holes and into a supporting relationship
with each of the one or more platforms.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an
example support system.
[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the example support system
of FIG. 1.
[0006] FIG. 3 illustrates a right side view of the example support
system of FIGS. 1 & 2.
[0007] FIG. 4 illustrates a back view of the example support system
of FIGS. 1-3.
[0008] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the example support
system of FIGS. 1-4.
[0009] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an example display
platform usable within the example support system of FIGS. 1-5.
[0010] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a second example
display platform usable within the example support system of FIGS.
1-5.
[0011] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a third example
display platform usable within the example support system of FIGS.
1-5.
[0012] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a fourth example
display platform usable within the example support system of FIGS.
1-5.
[0013] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a fifth example
display platform usable within the example support system of FIGS.
1-5.
[0014] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a sixth example
display platform usable within the example support system of FIGS.
1-5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] In addition to supporting a plurality of objects on one or
more shelves to elevate the objects from the floor or ground, it is
frequently desirable that these supported objects be housed within
an enclosure protecting them from an external environment or theft.
In some circumstances, such as when supported objects are intended
to be displayed while being supported and protected, it is
desirable that the objects be viewable through one or more portions
of their enclosure.
[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, a support system or display case
1000 for one or more display items includes an enclosure having a
base 100, a top 300, side walls 200 and an interior defined between
the base 100, top 300 and side walls 200 configured to house one or
more platforms 400 supported by one or more pillars 412.
[0017] While top 300 may be constructed in any of a variety of
shapes, in one example, top planar portions 310, 320, 330 and 340
support roof 370 in a position spaced apart from top frame 360
which is configured for operative coupling to top edges of side
walls 200. Top planar portions 310, 320, 330 and 340 may be
provided as separate pieces or formed as one integral sheet of
material folded three times and joined at the ends to provide an
open box. In some embodiments, roof 370 may also be formed by
folding a portion of the same integral sheet of material about an
axis perpendicular with the first three folds, thereby providing a
box closed at one end. Top 300 may be formed of any of a variety of
opaque, translucent or transparent materials. Top 300 may be
provided in any of a variety of shapes including but not limited to
a rectangular prism or a circular cylinder.
[0018] Referring to FIGS. 1 & 3-5, top 300 is provided parallel
to base 100 but may be provided at any of a variety of
orientations.
[0019] While base 100 may be constructed in any of a variety of
shapes. In one example, base planar portions 110, 120, 130 and 140
support frame 160 in a position spaced apart from base bottom 150.
Support frame 160 is configured to support floor 170. Base planar
portions 110, 120, 130 and 140 may be provided as separate pieces
or formed as one integral sheet of material folded three times and
joined at the ends to provide an open box. In some embodiments,
roof base bottom 150 may also be formed by folding a portion of the
same integral sheet of material about an axis perpendicular with
the first three folds, thereby providing a box closed at one end.
Base 100 may be formed of any of a variety of opaque, translucent
or transparent materials. Base 100 may be provided in any of a
variety of shapes including but not limited to a rectangular prism
or a circular cylinder.
[0020] Floor 170 may be provided with a plurality of holes 172
configured to receive one or more portions of one or more objects
housed within the enclosed interior. In some embodiments, a
receptacle 152 may be provided to a top surface of base bottom 150
to enable holding of a portion of one or more objects housed within
the enclosed interior and extending through holes 172.
[0021] Receptacles 152 may take any of a variety of forms including
but not limited to holes or cups with walls raised slightly above
the upper surface of bottom 150.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1 & 3-5, floor 170 is provided
parallel to base bottom 150 but may be provided at any of a variety
of orientations.
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1 & 3, side walls 200 extend upwardly
in a longitudinal direction from base 100 to up to and supporting
top 300. While side walls 200 may be constructed in any of a
variety of shapes, in one example, side planar portions 210, 220,
230 and 240 support top 300 by way of frame 360. As with top 300,
side planar portions 210, 220, 230 and 240 may be provided as
separate pieces or formed as one integral sheet of material folded
three times and joined at the ends to provide an open box. Side
walls 200 may be formed of any of a variety of opaque, translucent
or transparent materials. In some embodiments, side walls 200 may
be provided in the form of a circular cylinder or may have a
compound curvature that is convex at the exterior and concave at
the interior.
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1 & 3-5, side walls 200 are provided
orthogonal to base 100 but may be provided at any of a variety of
orientations.
[0025] A first portion 220 of the side walls 200 defines a first
door 226 configured to move between an open position allowing
access to the interior of support system 1000 and a closed position
preventing access to the interior. Pivoting of door 226 between
open and closed positions may be enabled by any of a variety of
hinge designs including but not limited to butt hinges, butterfly
hinges, flush hinges, barrel hinges, concealed hinges, continuous
hinges or living hinges.
[0026] A lock 228 is configured to lock the first door 226 in the
closed position. Lock 228 may take any of a variety of forms
including key locks and combination locks.
[0027] A second portion 240 of the side walls 200 defines a second
door 246 configured to move between an open position allowing
access to the interior of the enclosure and a closed position
preventing access to the interior. As with door 226, pivoting of
door 246 between open and closed positions may be enabled by any of
a variety of hinge designs.
[0028] A lock 248 is configured to lock the second door 246 in the
closed position. Lock 248 may take any of a variety of forms
including key locks and combination locks.
[0029] In some embodiments, side walls 200 may be provided with
only a single door and a single lock.
[0030] The interior of the enclosure may visible through at least a
portion of the side walls 200 when it is desirable that the
interior of the enclosure enable viewing of objects contained
thereby. Thus, the side walls 200 of the enclosure, including doors
226 and 246, may be transparent. When it is desirable that the view
of interior objects be partially obfuscated, the side walls 200 of
the enclosure may be translucent. When it is desirable that objects
enclosed within the interior be completely hidden from view, side
walls 200 may be opaque.
[0031] Side walls 200 may be formed of any of a variety of
materials according to the degree of clarity desired for the view
of objects within the interior. For example, glass or a transparent
plastic such as varieties of poly(methyl methacrylate), a frosted
glass or translucent plastic, or wood or metal may be provided for
walls 200 to achieve transparency, translucency or opacity,
respectively.
[0032] In some embodiments, different portions of side walls 200
may be formed of different materials. For example, side panels 210,
220 and 240 may be formed of a translucent plastic while panel 230
is formed of a metal or wood.
[0033] A plurality of perforations 232 (FIG. 1) may be provided
through back 230 allowing for penetration of one or more portions
of one or more internally housed or supported objects therethrough.
For example, if electronics are housed, cables which may be
necessary for sending and/or receiving electricity or other signals
may extend from the interior to the exterior through perforations
232.
[0034] A plurality of platforms 400 may be provided within the
interior of system 1000 for supporting objects to be held or
displayed within system 1000. Referring to FIGS. 1-5, platforms
410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, and 480 may take any of a
variety of sizes (FIG. 2) and may be spaced, by pillars 412, 422,
432, 442, 452, 462, 472, and 482 (only 412, 472 and 492 are
explicitly illustrated) at a variety of distances from base bottom
150 to facilitate support of a plurality of differently sized
objects. In some embodiments, large platforms such as 470 and 480
are provided at a greater distance from base bottom 150 than small
platforms such as 410 and 420 (FIG. 3) whereas, in other
embodiments, small platforms such as 410 and 420 are provided at a
greater distance from base bottom 150 than large platforms such as
470 and 480 according to how objects are to be housed or
displayed.
[0035] FIGS. 6-8 illustrate a first plurality of example platform
types. Each of the platforms 410, 470 and 490 (FIG. 8) includes a
back 418, 478, 498 and a foot 416, 476 and 496 provided at an angle
relative to the back 418, 478 and 498. Foot 416 may be provided at
a any of a variety of angles relative to back 418, 478 and 498 for
example, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees or 90 degrees.
[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an example display
platform usable within the example support system of FIGS. 1-5. One
or more platforms 410 may be coupled with single pillars 412
configured to be received through holes 172 and in receptacles 152
to space the platform 410 away from base bottom 150.
[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a second example
display platform usable within the example support system of FIGS.
1-5. One or more platforms 470 may be coupled with two pillars 472
configured to be received through holes 172 and in receptacles 152
to space the platform 410 away from base bottom 150. In some
embodiments, platforms 470 may be larger than platforms 410.
[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a third example
display platform usable within the example support system of FIGS.
1-5. One or more platforms 490 may be coupled with four pillars 492
configured to be received through holes 172 and in receptacles 152
to space the platform 490 away from base bottom 150. In some
embodiments, platforms 490 may be larger than platforms 470.
[0039] Each of platforms 410, 470 and 490 may be provided in any of
a variety of sizes and may be supported by pillars 412, 472 and 492
having any of a variety of lengths.
[0040] Pillars 412, 472 and 492 may be provided with any of a
variety of cross-sectional shapes including but not limited to
circular or rectangular.
[0041] Any of platforms 420, 430 and 440, 450, 460 and 480 may be
provided with any number of pillars. For example, platforms 420,
430 and 440 may be provided with one pillar, platforms 450 and 460
may be provided with two pillars and platforms 470 and 480 may be
provided with four pillars.
[0042] With portions of the pillars 412, 472 and 492 provided to
the receptacles 152, the backs 418, 478 and 498 and feet 416, 476
and 496 may extend at an oblique angle relative to top 300, base
100, floor 170 and side walls 200. In some embodiments, feet 416,
476 and 496 may be provided parallel to base bottom 150 while backs
418, 478 and 498 are orthogonal to bottom base 150.
[0043] When it is desirable that objects supported, displayed or
otherwise housed within the interior of system 1000 be viewed
clearly, pillars 412, 472 and 492 may be transparent. When it is
desirable that the view of interior objects be partially
obfuscated, pillars 412, 472 and 492 may be translucent. When it is
not necessary that objects enclosed within the interior be clearly
viewed, pillars 412, 472 and 492 may be opaque.
[0044] Pillars 412, 472 and 492 may be formed of any of a variety
of materials according to the degree of clarity desired for the
view of objects within the interior. For example, glass or a
transparent plastic such as varieties of poly(methyl methacrylate),
a frosted glass or translucent plastic, or wood or metal may be
provided for pillars 412, 472 and 492 to achieve transparency,
translucency or opacity, respectively.
[0045] In embodiments depicted by way of example in FIGS. 9-10 a
plurality of platforms 510, 570 and 590 may be provided without
distinct back and foot portions but, instead, include a single
support plane 516, 576 and 596.
[0046] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a fourth example
display platform usable within the example support system of FIGS.
1-5. One or more platforms 510 may be coupled with single pillars
512 configured to be received through holes 172 and in receptacles
152 to space the platform 510 away from base bottom 150 at any of a
variety of angles, for example parallel with base bottom 150, and
at any of a variety of distances. In some embodiments, platform 510
may extend at 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees or 90 degrees
relative to base bottom 150.
[0047] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a fifth example
display platform usable within the example support system of FIGS.
1-5. One or more platforms 570 may be coupled with single pillars
572 configured to be received through holes 172 and in receptacles
152 to space the platform 570 away from base bottom 150 at any of a
variety of angles, for example parallel with base bottom 150, and
at any of a variety of distances. In some embodiments, platforms
570 may be larger than platforms 510. In some embodiments, platform
570 may extend at 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees or 90 degrees
relative to base bottom 150 and may be larger than platforms
510.
[0048] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a sixth example
display platform usable within the example support system of FIGS.
1-5. One or more platforms 590 may be coupled with single pillars
592 configured to be received through holes 172 and in receptacles
152 to space the platform 590 away from base bottom 150 at any of a
variety of angles, for example parallel with base bottom 150, and
at any of a variety of distances. In some embodiments, platform 590
may extend at 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees or 90 degrees
relative to base bottom 150 and may be larger than platforms
570.
[0049] As with pillars 412, 472 and 492, pillars 512, 572 and 592
may be provided with any of a variety of cross-sectional shapes
including but not limited to circular or rectangular.
[0050] Each of platforms 510, 570 and 590 may be provided in any of
a variety of sizes and may be supported by pillars 512, 572 and 592
having any of a variety of lengths.
[0051] As with pillars 412, 472 and 492, when it is desirable that
objects housed or displayed within the interior of support system
1000 be viewed clearly, pillars 512, 572 and 592 may be
transparent; when it is desirable that the view of interior objects
be partially obfuscated, pillars 512, 572 and 592 may be
translucent; and when it is not necessary that objects enclosed
within the interior be clearly viewed, pillars 512, 572 and 592 may
be opaque.
[0052] Pillars 512, 572 and 592 may be formed of glass or a
transparent plastic such as varieties of poly(methyl methacrylate),
a frosted glass or translucent plastic, or wood or metal may be
provided for pillars 512, 572 and 592 to achieve transparency,
translucency or opacity, respectively.
[0053] To provide support and security, in the form of a support
system for one or more items to be displayed, an enclosure is
configured with side walls 200 extending in a longitudinal
direction from a base 100 towards a top 300 such that an interior
is defined between the base 100, top 300 and side walls 200.
[0054] A first portion of the side walls 200 is configured as a
first door 226 capable of movement between an open position
allowing access to the interior of the support system 1000 and a
closed position prohibiting access to the interior.
[0055] A second portion of the side walls 200 is configured as a
second door 246 capable of movement between an open position
allowing access to the interior of the support system 1000 and a
closed position prohibiting access to the interior.
[0056] A plurality of perforations 232 are configured through back
wall 230.
[0057] A portion of the side walls 200 are configured such that the
interior of the support system 1000 is visible therethrough. For
example, side walls 200 may be configured from a transparent
material.
[0058] One or more pillars 412 are configured to support each of
one or more platforms 410 of a plurality of different sizes and are
configured to extend, within the interior, from receptacles 172 and
through holes 152 to support back 418 and a foot 416 at a plurality
of different distances from the base 100 and at oblique angles
relative to the top 300, base 100, floor 170 and side walls 200.
Angles of orientation may include but are not limited to 30
degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees or 90 degrees. Pillars 412 and
platforms 410 are configured to be transparent.
[0059] Pillars 412 may be placed within the enclosure interior
through either of doors 226 and 246 and configured to extend from
receptacles 152, as described above.
[0060] Generally, any of pillars 412, 472, 492 may be configured
into any of receptacles 152 and through any of holes 172 provided
the configuration and size of pillars 412, 472, 492 is
accommodated. For example, pillars 492 may be best received in four
receptacles 152 which are configured in a matching arrangement.
[0061] With a support system 1000 provided, any of a variety of
objects may be provided to the interior of the enclosure on any of
platforms 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480 or 490. For
example, with a support system provided at a point of sale, small
electronics devices such as mobile phones, tablet computers,
personal music players or global positioning systems may be
positioned on platforms 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480 or
490 for support by feet 416, 426, 436, 446, 456, 466, 476, 486 or
496 and angled by backs 418, 428, 438, 448, 458, 468, 478, 488 or
498.
[0062] Alternatively, any number of platforms 510, 520, 530, 540,
550, 560, 570, 580 or 590 may replace any number of platforms 410,
420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480 or 490 and any of a variety of
objects may be provided to the interior of the enclosure on any of
support planes 516, 526, 536, 546, 556, 566, 576, 586 or 596. For
example, with this arrangement of support system 1000, miniaturized
displays of large items for sale may be positioned on support
planes 516, 526, 536, 546, 556, 566, 576, 586 or 596. For further
example, the miniaturized displays may be miniaturized mannequins
or dolls clothed in miniaturized articles of clothing which may be
available for purchase at a point of sale where the support system
is located.
[0063] In some embodiments, bottom 100 may be configured with a
perimeter lip (not illustrated) configured to receive a male
projection formed on top 300 (not shown) such that one or more
support systems 1000 may be stacked on and releasably locked to one
or more other support systems 1000. In some embodiments, a portion
of side walls 200 is configured to mate with another portion of
side walls 200 such that one or more support systems 1000 may abut
and releasably lock to one or more other support systems 1000. In
some embodiments, one or more locks may be provided to prevent
stacked or abutting support systems from separation during use.
[0064] While the disclosure has been presented with respect to
certain specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that many
modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is
intended, therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such
modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope
of the invention.
* * * * *