The present version of the invention relates generally to display devices, and more specifically to individual jewelry display modules for storing and displaying jewelry.
Displays are commonly used to present articles in a manner that enhances the overall aesthetic appearance and artistic presentation of the articles and thereby entices consumers to purchase same. Additionally, display cases, lighting, mirrors, display forms, and the like, are often used in combination to display articles in a fashion that stimulates imagination and, thus, enables the consumer to envision himself using or enjoying the article.
For instance, jewelry articles, particularly rings, are often stored and displayed in a variety of fancy trays, holders or racks. The most common type of ring display comprises a square or rectangular frame typically made of plastic, rubber, or foam and covered by a rich-textured or luxurious fabric sheet such as linen, velvet, flock, faux leather (Vienna™), faux suede, silk, or burlap. Further, the jewelry display may be provided with one or more recesses or slit into which a ring may be inserted and generally configured such that the band of a ring is retained therein. Another common ring display is a ring post having a tapered cylindrical shape that simulates a finger, wherein a ring may be slid over the tapered post until securely held in place.
When such ring displays are in use, a sales person will often remove and return various displays from a display case in order to present selected rings to an enthused consumer for closer inspection. During such inspection, the sales person or consumer will often remove the ring from its individual display position, and thereafter, upon completing inspection, return the ring to its individual display position. Accordingly, over time, such repeated and continued removal and return of the ring, results in the outer surface of the jewelry display fraying; that is, the thin outer fabric tends to separate from the underlying jewelry display form, so as to exhibit a fringe or worn appearance. As a result, each recess, slit, edge, or surface in the thin fabric sheet, over time, detaches from the underlying display frame or wears away. Furthermore, such repeated use and activity causes ring-retaining recesses or slits formed within the frame to expand or stretch. Consequently, slits are no longer able to stably hold or securely retain a ring therewith, and/or fail to maintain the ring at an aesthetically pleasing angle; thus, significantly detracting from the overall product appearance.
Furthermore, upon selling a ring from a ring display, a sales person often rearranges the remaining rings or inserts a replacement ring into the open recess, slit, or ring post, resulting in additional wear and deterioration to the jewelry display. In addition, if a multiple ring display is in use, and a replacement ring is not available to fill an open recess, slit, or ring post, such a vacancy may detract from the general harmony and aesthetic appearance of the jewelry display and, thus, potentially causing a consumer to focus on the vacant recess, slit, or post, rather than the remaining rings displayed.
Therefore, for the foregoing reasons, it is readily apparent that there is a need for an article display and method of use thereof, wherein the present display enables convenient and repeated removal and replacement of the ring without fraying the jewelry display, or causing additional wear and deterioration to the jewelry display. There is a further need for a jewelry display that disposes with the burdensome task of rearranging the remaining jewelry items within a jewelry display, to fill a vacant recess, slit, or ring post presented after selling an individual jewelry piece from the display set.
Briefly described in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such an invention by providing an article display and method of use thereof, comprising a non-slip surface jewelry display for releasably adhering two or more jewelry displays together, thus, creating a jewelry display set, wherein any display can be easily separated from the jewelry display set; thereby, providing for individual viewing of the removed jewelry display and/or convenient rearrangement of the remaining jewelry displays within the jewelry display set.
According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is an article display and method of use thereof, comprising a display platform and a high friction surface material flexibly disposed over or placed thereon.
More specifically, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is an article display and method of use thereof, comprising a plurality of ring displays covered in a high friction surface material, wherein individual ring display surfaces may be removably adhered to other ring display surfaces, in any selected configuration, to form a ring display set. Each ring display preferably comprises one or more high-friction surfaces that may be brought into frictionally adhered contact with one or more surfaces of another ring display. As such, any ring display in the set can be temporarily removed and/or frictionally re-adhered to one or more other ring displays of the set. Additionally, the high friction surface material of each ring display facilitates repeated removal of the rings there from, without risk of fraying the jewelry display, or causing additional wear and deterioration to the jewelry display.
Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present version of the invention is its ability to expedite jewelry-handling processes by reducing or eliminating the time needed to remove and/or insert a ring into a fixed ring display set by providing an individual ring display, wherein the ring display releasably adheres to other ring displays forming a ring display set.
Another feature and advantage of the present version of the invention is its ability to expedite jewelry-handling processes by reducing or eliminating the need to reorganizing rings in a fixed ring display set by providing an individual ring display, wherein the ring display releasably adheres to other ring displays forming a ring display set.
Still another feature and advantage of the present version of the invention is its ability to expedite jewelry-retraying processes following removal of a single ring from a fixed ring display set by providing an individual ring display, wherein the ring display releasably adheres to other ring displays forming a ring display set.
Still another feature and advantage of the present version of the invention is its ability to separate a ring display module from the ring display set; thereby leaving the remaining rings in place for further display.
Still another feature and advantage of the present version of the invention is its ability to add a ring display module to the ring display set without having to remove the ring display set from the display case.
Yet another feature and advantage of the present version of the invention is its ability to create a pedestal jewelry display set.
These and other features and advantages of the present version of the invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.
The present version of the invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:
In describing the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of the present version of the invention, as illustrated in
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Specifically, platform 22 preferably comprises peripheral supporting side wall 32 and supporting top structure 34. As shown, side wall 32, comprises vertical front wall 42, side walls 43, side walls 44, and back wall 46. Back wall 46 preferably extends higher than front wall 42, wherein such a configuration yields a sloping structure 34, a sloping inclining from front wall 42 to back wall 46. Structure 34 and side wall 32 are connected together at edge 45 of corresponding structure 34 and side wall 32. Accordingly, jewelry item J preferably can be viewed from the vantage point in front of and above display 10. It will be appreciated; however, that platform 22 can be formed in any shape, such as rectangular, triangle, square, or any other configuration that creates sufficient surface area for fabric 24 or jewelry item J. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that back wall 46 may be the same height as front wall 42, wherein such an arrangement supports structure 34 in a horizontal position. Structure 34 and side wall 32 are connected together at edge 45 of corresponding structure 34 and side wall 32. Platform 22 is preferably constructed of plastic, as plastic offers a variety of forms and shapes; however, other suitable materials such as cardboard, Styrofoam, wood, metal, aluminum, or the like, can be utilized, provided such material has sufficient strength and/or durability as would meet the purpose described herein.
Moreover, structure 34 preferably comprises an elongated rectangular slot 48 adapted to receive a ring pushed down into and releasably gripped within slot 48. It will be appreciated that, although display 10 has been described as being used for rings, display 10 can also be used to display individual and/or multiple rings, earrings, pendants, charms, or any other ornament or jewelry item J.
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Notably, display 10 may be manufactured or otherwise fabricated to comprise any suitable structural configuration that facilitates the retention, presentation and display of a jewelry item thereon. Still further, display 10 may comprise a display preferably used to provide a back drop for displaying jewelry item J.
Jewelry items J may include, but are not limited to, ornamental devices worn by persons and typically made of stones, precious and semiprecious gems, and metals, and thus include individual and/or multiple rings, earrings, pendants, pins, clasp, charms, bracelets, bangles, watches, bracelets, necklaces, as well as items such as hair ornaments or body piercing jewelry.
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Woven backing 28 preferably includes woven, non-woven, open weave, closed weave tape yarns and/or fill yarns as such fabric combines low cost with adequate dimensional stability. The polymer types used to make the tapes and fill yarns may include polypropylene, polyester (PET and PTT), polyamide, polyethylene, polyamides, and/or acrylics. Blends of fibers may also be utilized.
Frictional material 26 preferably has a top surface 26a and bottom surface 26b. Top surface 26a is preferably constructed to frictionally (mechanical specific adheration) and securely hold two or more displays 10 covered with fabric 24 together, wherein such displays 10 releasably adhere to each other forming an article display 10 set. Frictional material 26 is preferably “tacky”, such that top surface 26a of display 10 clings to top surface 26a of another display 10 in a mechanical fashion, as opposed to a chemical or physical adhesive manner; thereby securely holding display 10 to another display 10. Each display 10 preferably comprises one or more fabric 24 covered surfaces in contact with one or more fabric 24 covered surfaces of another display 10 forming a display 10 set. As such, any display 10 in such a set can be temporarily removed and/or frictionally re-attached to one or more displays 10 creating a display 10 set.
Frictional material 26 is preferably constructed of an expanded vinyl material or polyurethane material; however, any suitable material can be utilized provided it has sufficient mechanical grip, mechanical specific adheration, and/or high frictional properties. Expanded vinyl material and polyurethane provide good mechanical specific adheration coefficient of friction or “tacky” quality. Frictional material 26 is preferably a single layer material that comprises the requisite coefficient of friction and further comprises other physical properties that enable frictional material 26 to be otherwise bent, formed, molded or shaped to conform to various underlying platforms 22 and further allow frictional material 26 to be otherwise laminated or adhered to platform 22.
In the alternative, frictional material 26 can be formed of multiple layers with different materials. More specifically, frictional material 26 can include without limitation: diisodecyl/phthalate; polymeric plasticer; UV stabilizer(s); vinyl shear stabilizer(s); blowing agent(s) for vinyl plastisol; and/or vinyl resin (plastic). Frictional material 26 may comprise a weight between approximately 15 and approximately 25 ounces per square foot; more preferably between approximately 17 and approximately 23 ounces per square foot; and most preferably between approximately 19 and approximately 21 ounces per square foot. Frictional material 26 may have a thickness between approximately 0.4 and approximately 1.0 millimeter; more preferably between approximately 0.55 and approximately 0.95 millimeter; and most preferably between approximately 0.65 and approximately 0.85 millimeter.
It is contemplated that any non-slip high friction material can be applied to jewelry display 10 using an aerosol dispenser, dispenser pump, or other pressurized system, to propel thereover a mixture of the aerosol and such material. The aerosol propellant may include, but is not limited to liquefied chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), liquefied hydrofluoroalkanes (HFA), air, or any other substitute propellant that is capable of being propelled with such material onto jewelry display 20 via an aerosol dispenser system. In addition, it is contemplated that such material can be applied to jewelry display 10 using extrusion, extrusion coating, extrusion laminating, dipping or any other coating or laminating system.
It will be appreciated that frictional material 26 in use in a jewelry display cases is subjected to and preferably withstands extreme conditions, such as heat and sunlight, fading, cracking, or bleaching. In addition, it will be appreciated that frictional material 26 preferably withstands standard cleaning solutions such as soap and water without fading, cracking, or loss of luster or tackiness. Moreover, frictional material 26 preferably is re-useable, in that display 10 may be is repeatedly adhered to another display 10 and repeatedly removed therefrom without losing its frictional or “tacky” quality that retains each display 10 in contact with such other display 10.
Moreover, no damaging or reactive residues are transferred to jewelry item J when placed upon and removed from jewelry display 10. Further, display 10 will not chemically interact with jewelry item J, nor damage or tarnish the surface of jewelry item J. That is, frictional material 26 passes the Pearl Nacre Test, as placement and removal of a pearl from display 10 will not cause the nacre of the pearl to peel or change colors.
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In general use, display 10 may selectively comprise one or more surfaces in contact with one or more surfaces of additional ring displays 10. As such, any ring display 10 can be temporarily removed and/or frictionally re-adhered to one or more displays 10, so as to provide any selected configuration or general set of displays 10. Additionally, since display 10 comprises releasably adhering high friction surface material 26, such enables convenient and expeditions removal or addition of a display 10 from a display set for presentation of one or more displays 10 to a customer, and further enables practically effortless return of such display 10 to the display case, as well as selective rearranging, reorganizing, and/or reordering of display(s) 10. Accordingly, the present invention expedites both the jewelry handling and/or re-traying process by enabling the removal, adhering, or re-adhering of display 10 from one or more other displays 10 forming a display set. Such jewelry handling processes may include, but are not limited to, jewelry display set-up time, take-down time, and alignment and/or adjustments. Further, if a jewelry item is sold, the associated display 10 does not have to be returned to a display set within the case, but can be removed from the display set, and the set reorder in any selected manner. Still further, if a jewelry item J is to be added to a display set, the associated display 10 displaying jewelry item J may be releasably adhered to one or more displays 10 forming a display set.
In use, display sets 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 may be used to display jewelry sets as a collection of jewelry items having a particular style, or jewelry items having similar gem stones, grouped together and displayed as a set. Jewelry items J may include, but are not limited to, ornamental devices worn by persons, and typically made of stones, precious and semiprecious gems, and metals, and thus include pins, clasp, bracelets, bangles, watches, bracelets, necklaces, rings, and earrings, as well as items such as hair ornaments or body piercing jewelry. It is contemplated that other items can be selectively secured to frictional material 26 and displayed and/or offered for sale.
Structure 34 may also include indicia 56 formed on display 10, including embossing or de-bossing such indicia 46. Indicia 56 can be formed by ink, or ink-like materials, printed on structure 34. Indicia 56 can be a label or business card adhered by frictional material 26 to display 10. Indicia 56 can include, but is-not limited to, a logo, an advertisement, an instruction, a promotion, a company name, and a jewelry item J name or set name. Thus, structure 34 can be used as a promotional item by including a business name or product logo on display 10.
Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present version of the invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present version of the invention. Accordingly, the present version of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.
To the full extent permitted by law, the present non-provisional patent application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application entitled “Slip Free Article Displays,” filed on Nov. 3, 2005, having assigned Ser. No. 11/266,640 (which claims priority to Ser. No. 11/252,534, 60/595,514, and 60/594,065); U.S. Non-Provisional patent application entitled “Slip Free Article Displays,” filed on Oct. 18, 2005, having assigned Ser. No. 11/252,534 (which claims priority to 60/595,514, and 60/594,065); U.S. Provisional patent application entitled “Separating Ring Tray Module,” filed on Jul. 12, 2005, having assigned Ser. No. 60/595,514; and; U.S. Provisional patent application entitled “Slip Free Jewelry Displays,” filed on Mar. 8, 2005, having assigned Ser. No. 60/594,065.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60595514 | Jul 2005 | US | |
60594065 | Mar 2005 | US |