RETAIL DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR PLANAR DISPLAY ASSEMBLIES

Abstract

A retail display system is provided with a point-of-sale display unit sized to be received in a retail store aisle. A plurality of planar display panes with varying sizes and varying styles are oriented within the display unit. Mounting hardware kits are common for the plurality of planar display panes, and are oriented within the display unit, to mount the plurality of planar display planes at varying distances from an upright support surface. A plurality of frames with varying sizes and varying styles, are sized to mount about one of the plurality of planar display panes, and are oriented within the display unit. Instructional indicia are provided on the display unit to inform a customer to select at least one planar display pane and at least one frame.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments relate to planar display assemblies and retail display systems for planar display assemblies, such as mirror assemblies.

BACKGROUND

Prior art planar display assemblies, such as mirror assemblies, offer preassembled mirror assemblies with or without a frame. Separate frames and mirror panes are also offered, which require a user to assemble the mirror to the frame, often utilizing various tools. Hardware is installed to mount the frame of a framed mirror assembly to an upright support surface. For unframed mirror assemblies, the hardware is installed to the mirror pane.

SUMMARY

According to at least one embodiment, a retail display system is provided with a point-of-sale display unit sized to be received in a retail store aisle. A first plurality of planar display panes with a first size and a first style are oriented within the display unit. A second plurality of planar display panes with a second size and second style are oriented within the display unit. At least one of the second size and the second style is different from the first size and the first style. Mounting hardware kits are common for both of the first plurality of planar display panes and the second plurality of planar display panes, are oriented within the display unit, to mount one of the first plurality of planar display planes and the second plurality of planar display panes at varying distances from an upright support surface.

According to at least another embodiment, a retail display system is provided with a point-of-sale display unit sized to be received in a retail store aisle. A first plurality of planar display panes is oriented with the display unit. At least one first frame with a first size and a first style, is sized to mount about one of the first plurality of planar display panes, and is oriented within the display unit. At least one second frame with a second size and a second style, is sized to mount about one of the first plurality of planar display panes, and is oriented within the display unit. At least one of the second size and the second style is different from the first size and the first style.

According to at least another embodiment, a retail display system is provided with a point-of-sale display unit sized to be received in a retail store aisle. A first plurality of planar display panes with a first size and a first style oriented within the display unit. A second plurality of planar display panes with a second size and second style is oriented within the display unit. At least one of the second size and the second style is different from the first size and the first style. A first plurality of frames with a first size and a first style, is sized to receive one of the first plurality of planar display panes, and is oriented within the display unit. A second plurality of frames with a second size and a second style, sized to receive one of the first plurality of planar display panes, and oriented within the display unit. At least one of the second size and the second style is different from the first size and the first style. Instructional indicia are provided on the display unit to inform a customer to select at least one planar display pane and at least one frame.

According to at least another embodiment, a retail display system is provided with a point-of-sale display unit sized to be received in a retail store aisle. A first plurality of packaged planar display panes is oriented with the display unit. At least one packaged first frame with a first size and a first style, is sized to mount about one of the first plurality of planar display panes, and is oriented within the display unit. A planar display assembly is oriented upon the point-of-sale display. The planar display assembly includes an unpackaged planar display pane that corresponds to the first plurality of packaged planar display panes, which is mounted to an upright support surface of the point-of-sale display unit. An unpackaged partial frame that corresponds to the at least one packaged first frame, is mounted to the unpackaged planar display pane to depict the planar display assembly at retail with and without a frame.

According to at least another embodiment, a method for retailing customizable planar display assemblies provides a plurality of planar display panes with varying sizes and varying styles oriented within a display unit. A plurality of frames with varying sizes and varying styles is provided in the display unit. The plurality of frames is each sized to receive one of the plurality of planar display panes. Mounting hardware kits that are common for the plurality of planar display panes are provided to mount the plurality of planar display panes to an upright support surface. Instructional indicia is provided to inform a customer to select at least one planar display pane, to determine if the display pane is to be framed and if so, to select at least one frame that is sized for the at least one planar display pane, and to select one of the mounting hardware kits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a panoramic perspective view of a retail display system for mirror assemblies according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an assembly operation of one of the mirror assemblies of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a front side elevation view of a frame assembly hardware kit of the mirror assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a rear side elevation view of a frame and frame assembly hardware kit of the mirror assembly of FIG. 2 in a portrait orientation;

FIG. 5 is a rear side elevation view of a frame and frame assembly hardware kit of the mirror assembly of FIG. 2 in a landscape orientation;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the mirror assembly of FIG. 2 illustrating another assembly operation;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the mirror assembly of FIG. 2 illustrating another assembly operation;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a mirror pane and a packaged mirror pane of mirror assemblies of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of a plurality of packaged mirror panes of mirror assemblies of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a mirror pane and a packaged mirror pane of mirror assemblies of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of a plurality of packaged mirror panes of mirror assemblies of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a mirror pane and a packaged mirror pane of mirror assemblies of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a mirror pane and a packaged mirror pane of mirror assemblies of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment;

FIG. 14 is front elevation view of instructional indicia of the display system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 15 is front elevation view of instructional indicia of the display system of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

Conventional planar display assemblies, such as mirror assemblies, offer preassembled mirror assemblies with or without a frame. Separate frames and mirror panes are also offered, which require a user to assemble the mirror to the frame, often utilizing various tools. Hardware is installed to mount the frame of a framed mirror assembly to an upright support surface. For unframed mirror assemblies, the hardware is installed to the mirror pane. Dedicated hardware and tools are required for assembling and installing each mirror assembly, which requires significant efforts, components and costs to make any changes. Likewise options for various combinations may be limited.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a retail display system for planar display assemblies, such as mirror assemblies, is illustrated according to an embodiment, and referenced generally by numeral 20. The display system 20 is sized to be displayed within a retail store aisle, such as a home improvement store. The display system 20 is utilized for both displaying and retailing mirror assembly components. Although mirror assembly components are illustrated and described, any planar display assembly components may be employed, such as components for framing pictures.

The retail display system 20 includes a pair of point-of-sale display units 22, 24. Of course, any number of point-of-sale display units 22, 24 is contemplated; and as will be explained, it is advantageous to provide the greatest variety of products per each point-of-sale display unit 22, 24. The point-of-display units 22, 24 are sized to be received within a retail store aisle; and may be sized the same as conventional shelving for prior art mirror assembly retail displays for easy replacement.

The retail system 20 provides standardized or common mounting and assembly hardware to offer ease in customer selection, customization, assembly, installations, modifications, replacements, and the like. The retail system 20 includes a plurality of packaged mirror panes 26 of a small oval size and a particular style, such as standard glass. Adjacent to the mirror panes 26, are another plurality of packaged mirror panes 28 having a common size, small oval, with the first packaged mirror panes 26. The second packaged mirror panes 28 have a different style, however, such as deluxe glass, which may be clearer, have anti-fog treatment, a beveled perimeter edge, and/or etching.

An unpackaged mirror assembly 30, which includes one of the small oval mirror panes 26, is displayed in an upper region 32 of the display unit 22. The mirror assembly 30 is mounted to an upright support surface or wall 34 to illustrate the small oval mirror pane 26 in an installed orientation.

A user may desire an unframed mirror assembly, and may utilize one of the small oval mirror panes 26, 28 without a frame. However, if a user desires a framed mirror assembly, a plurality of small oval frames 36 are provided that are each sized to mount to one of the oval mirror panes 26, 28. The small oval frames 36 are offered in varying colors, finishes, ornamentation, widths, thicknesses and the like.

The mirror assembly 30 includes a half frame 38 to depict the mirror assembly 30 with and without a frame 36 to assist the user in making a decision. Additionally, multiple partial frame samples 40 are also provided on the wall 34 to illustrate other frame styles. The unpackaged mirror assembly 30 is aligned in the display unit 22 with the associated components, the small oval mirror panes 26, 28 and the small oval frames 36 so that these components are within a line of sight of the mirror assembly 30 to assist a customer in selecting the associated components.

The mirror pane and frame options may be repeated throughout the display system 20 to illustrate the various components. For example, the point-of-sale display unit 22 also includes small rectangular mirror panes 42 in standard and deluxe mirror materials. A variety of small rectangular frames 44 are provided adjacent the small rectangular mirror panes 42. A small rectangular mirror assembly 46 is provided in the upper region 32 with a half frame 48 and partial frame samples 49.

Additionally, medium rectangular mirror panes 50, medium rectangular frames 52, a medium rectangular mirror assembly 54, medium oval mirror panes 56, medium oval frames 58 and a medium oval mirror assembly 60 are provided in the point-of-display unit 22 with varying characteristics as described with the components for the small sized mirror components. Second medium rectangular mirror panes 62, second medium rectangular frames 64, a second medium rectangular mirror assembly 66, large rectangular mirror panes 68, large rectangular frames 70, a large rectangular mirror assembly 72, second large rectangular mirror panes 74, second large rectangular frames 76, a second large rectangular mirror assembly 78, large oval mirror panes 80, large oval frames 82, and a large oval mirror assembly 84, are provided within the point-of-display units 22, 24 offering varying styles at each of these sizes and shapes.

The display system provides mounting hardware kits 86 that are common or standardized for mounting any of the mirror panes 26, 28, 42, 50, 56, 62, 68, 74, 80. Although the hardware kits 86 are depicted as shelved on the point-of-display unit, the hardware kits 86 could be alternatively packaged with each of the packaged mirror panes 26, 28, 42, 50, 56, 62, 68, 74, 80.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear surface 88 of one of the small rectangular mirror panes 42. The mirror pane 42 includes a laminated backing board 90 according to an embodiment. A series of mounting plates 92 are fastened to the backing board 90 with rivets 94. The mounting plates 92 include a threaded insert 96 to receive a threaded end 98 of a stud 100 of the mounting hardware kit 86. The studs 100 can be manually installed without requiring additional tools. Studs 100 of various lengths may be provided to offer various mounting distances from the wall, to accommodate various frame thicknesses, to provide a flat appearance against the wall, or to provide a floating appearance away from the wall. The mounting hardware kit 86 and various embodiments thereof, are illustrated and explained in further detail in U.S. application Ser. No. 15/004,512 filed Jan. 22, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. ______, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. By providing a common mounting hardware kit 86 for all of the various mirror assembly options, interchangeability, modularity, replacement and reconfiguration are all permitted without additional hardware or tools.

FIG. 3 illustrates a frame assembly hardware kit 102 according to an embodiment. The frame assembly hardware kit 102 is standardized for all of the frames 36, 44, 52, 58, 64, 70, 76, 82 for commonality, interchangeability, modularity, replacement and reconfiguration of various combinations of frames 36, 44, 52, 58, 64, 70, 76, 82 and mirror panes 26, 28, 42, 50, 56, 62, 68, 74, 80. For convenience, the frame assembly hardware kits 102 may be packaged with each of the frames 36, 44, 52, 58, 64, 70, 76, 82.

The frame assembly hardware kit 102 includes a pair of rigid polymeric retainer clips 104 and a plurality of elastically deformable polymeric locking clips 106. Each of the clips 104, 106 includes a pin 108, 110 for installation into a frame 36, 44, 52, 58, 64, 70, 76, 82.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate one of the small rectangular frames 44 in a portrait orientation (FIG. 4) and a landscape orientation (FIG. 5). The rectangular frame 44 includes a series of apertures about an inner periphery, for example eight apertures, with two formed in each molding member of the frame 44, adjacent an intersection with another molding member, and facing an opposed oval member. The other rectangular frames 52, 64, 70, 76 include a similar aperture pattern. For oval frames 36, 58, 82, a similar aperture pattern is provided with two apertures in each quadrant, one of which faces a vertical direction, and the other faces a horizontal direction.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the retainer clips 104 are installed into the two apertures that are the upper apertures, relative to the intended installation orientation. The locking clips 106 are installed into two lower side apertures and the two apertures that are the lower apertures, relative to the intended installation orientation.

FIG. 6 illustrates the installation of the mirror pane 42 into the frame 44. The mirror pane 42 is first angled with an upper edge translated beneath the rigid retainer clips 104. Subsequently, the mirror pane 42 is pressed into the frame 44 thereby deforming the locking clips 106 to collapse. Once the mirror pane 42 is properly seated in the frame 44, the locking clips 106 expand to lock the mirror pane 42 into the frame 44.

In FIG. 7, a bracket 112 with a cleat 114 is installed upon a wall 116. The upper studs 100 of the mirror assembly 46 are received in the cleat 114 to support the mirror pane 42, and consequently, the frame 44 upon the wall 116.

FIG. 8 illustrates one of the small oval mirror panes 26 adjacent to a packaged small oval mirror pane 26. The packaged small oval mirror pane 26 includes packaging 118 which may be formed from cardboard with internal foam to cushion the small oval mirror pane 26. The mirror display system 20 provides customer flexibility for selecting desired combinations of components to obtain various mirror assembly capabilities. Consequently, the individual components, such as the small oval mirror pane 26 are packaged individually. In order to assist the customers in making combinations that are compatible, the packaging 118 visually conveys information regarding the packaged component 26. For example, the packaging 118 includes a cutout 120 to expose the small oval mirror pane 26. Additionally, the cutout 120 includes an extension 122 to the perimeter to reveal that the small oval mirror pane 26 is packaged independently of a frame. Additionally, the cutout 120 is also generally oval-shaped to reflect the shape of the component 26 packaged therein.

FIG. 9 illustrates a plurality of the standard small oval panes 26, each in packaging 118. Also, a plurality of the deluxe glass small oval panes 28 are depicted in packaging 124. Each of the packages 118, 124 include informational indicia 126, 128 to indicate the size—S for small, shape—oval, and glass style—standard or deluxe. Additionally, the indicia 126, 128 include a common color coding that is repeated with mechanically compatible frames 36. The color coding on the indicia 126, 128 assists the user in finding a compatible frame 36 for the selected mirror pane 26, 28.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the small oval frames 36 are retailed in packages 130 that also include cutouts 132 that expose the frame 36 and reveal that the frame 36 is packaged without a mirror pane 26, 28. The package 130 also includes informational indicia 134 that indicate the size, style and material of the frame 36. The indicia 134 is also color coded to correspond to the packages 118, 124 of the compatible mirror panes 26, 28. The display unit 22 may also include indicia 136 that is similarly color coded for the small oval mirror assembly 30 to indicate which components are associated with the displayed mirror assembly 30. These packaging features and informational indicia including color coding may be repeated throughout the display system 20 as illustrated for assisting customers in the selection process.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a small rectangular mirror pane 42 unpackaged and in packages 138, 140. The package 138 includes a cutout 142 that is rectangular in shape to match the quadrilateral shape of the mirror pane 42. A cutout extension 144 reveals the perimeter of the mirror pane 42 to reveal that a frame is not included in the package 138. The packages 138, 140 each include indicia 146, 148 to indicate the style of the mirror pane 42—standard or deluxe, the size—small, and the shape—quadrilateral or rectangular. The indicia 146, 148 is also color coded with similar compatible articles.

FIG. 12 illustrates the small oval mirror pane 26 with a package 150 according to another embodiment. The package 150 has an outer perimeter that is not a quadrilateral to further emphasize that the mirror pane 26 is not a rectangular mirror pane 42 to assist the customer in selecting the appropriate mirror pane 26 and to minimize confusion when selecting the desired mirror pane 26.

FIG. 13 illustrates the small rectangular mirror pane 42 with an alternative package 152 that is reduced to only corners on the front surface to further reveal that the packaged mirror pane 42 is rectangular, and not oval. The packaging 152 visually assists the customer in making the appropriate mirror pane 42 selection.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the display system 20 includes signage with instructional indicia to inform the customer regarding a process to select the appropriate components for a desired mirror assembly. The signage is illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 14. In step 1, the customer, chooses a style, no frame or framed. If framed is desired, the customer selects a desired frame. In step 2, the customer selects a glass style, standard or deluxe. During this selection, the customer selects a mirror pane that matches the size and shape of the selected frame. In step 3, the customer determines if the installation will be flush mount or float mount, and the appropriate mounting hardware is selected.

Signage 156 is illustrated in FIG. 15 according to another embodiment. In step 1, the customer selects a glass style, shape and size. In step 2, the customer determines if a frame is desired. If so, the customer selects a frame style that matches the size and shape of the selected glass shape and size. In step 3, the customer determines if the installation will be flush mount or float mount, and the appropriate mounting hardware is selected.

While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A retail display system comprising: a point-of-sale display unit sized to be received in a retail store aisle;a first plurality of planar display panes with a first size and a first style oriented within the display unit;a second plurality of planar display panes with a second size and second style oriented within the display unit, wherein at least one of the second size and the second style is different from the first size and the first style; andmounting hardware kits that are common for both of the first plurality of planar display panes and the second plurality of planar display panes, oriented within the display unit, to mount one of the first plurality of planar display planes and the second plurality of planar display panes at varying distances from an upright support surface.

2. The retail display system of claim 1 wherein the first style is further defined as a first mirror material; and wherein the second style is further defined as a second mirror material.

3. The retail display system of claim 1 wherein the first style is further defined as a round shape; and wherein the second style is further defined as a quadrilateral shape.

4. The retail display system of claim 1 further comprising: first packages sized to receive one of the first plurality of planar display panes; andsecond packages sized to receive one of the second plurality of display panes.

5. The retail display system of claim 4 wherein each of the first packages and the second packages are sized to receive at least one of the mounting hardware kits oriented therein.

6. The retail display system of claim 4 wherein the first style is further defined as a round shape; wherein the second style is further defined as a quadrilateral shape;wherein each of the first packages have a perimeter that is not a quadrilateral shape; andwherein each of the second packages have a perimeter that is a quadrilateral shape.

7. The retail display system of claim 4 wherein the first style is further defined as a round shape; wherein the second style is further defined as a quadrilateral shape;wherein each of the first packages are formed with a cutout that is not a quadrilateral shape to view the first pane packaged therein; andwherein each of the second packages are formed with a cutout that is a quadrilateral shape to view the second pane packaged therein.

8. A retail display system comprising: a point-of-sale display unit sized to be received in a retail store aisle;a first plurality of planar display panes oriented within the display unit;at least one first frame with a first size and a first style, sized to mount about one of the first plurality of planar display panes, and oriented within the display unit; andat least one second frame with a second size and a second style, sized to mount about one of the first plurality of planar display panes, and oriented within the display unit, wherein at least one of the second size and the second style is different from the first size and the first style.

9. The retail display system of claim 8 wherein the first size is further defined as a first thickness; and wherein the second size is further defined as a second thickness.

10. The retail display system of claim 9 further comprising: first mounting hardware kits to mount the first plurality of planar display panes at a first distance from an upright support surface for the first thickness of the at least one first frame; andsecond mounting hardware kits to mount the first plurality of planar display panes a second distance from an upright support surface for the second thickness of the at least one second frame.

11. The retail display system of claim 8 further comprising frame assembly hardware kits common for both the at least one first frame and the at least one second frame, oriented in the display unit, to interchangeably mount the at least one first frame and the at least one second frame to one of the first plurality of planar display panes.

12. The retail display system of claim 8 wherein the first style is further defined as a round shape; and wherein the second style is further defined as a quadrilateral shape.

13. The retail display system of claim 8 further comprising: a first frame package for the at least one first frame; anda second frame package for the at least one second frame.

14. The retail display system of claim 13 further comprising frame assembly hardware kits common for both the at least one first frame and the at least one second frame, to interchangeably mount the at least one first frame and the at least one second frame to one of the first plurality of planar display panes, wherein the frame assembly hardware kits are oriented in each of the first frame package and the second frame package.

15. The retail display system of claim 13 wherein each of the first frame package and the second frame package is formed with a cutout therein to reveal that each frame package does not include one of the first plurality of planar display panes.

16. The retail display system of claim 13 further comprising first pane packages sized to receive one of the first plurality of planar display panes, wherein each of the first pane packages are formed with a cutout in a perimeter to reveal that the first pane packages do not include a frame.

17. The retail display system of claim 16 wherein the first plurality of planar display panes have a first pane size and a first pane style, oriented within the display unit; and wherein the retail display system further comprises: first pane packages sized to receive one of the first plurality of planar display panes,a second plurality of planar display panes with a second pane size and a second pane style oriented within the display unit, wherein at least one of the second pane size and the second pane style is different from the first pane size and the first pane style,second pane packages sized to receive one of the second plurality of planar display panes, andinstructional indicia provided on each of the first frame package, the second frame package, the first pane packages and the second pane packages to inform a customer regarding a process to select at least one planar display pane and at least one frame.

18. The retail display system of claim 17 further comprising: at least one third frame with a third size and a third style, sized to mount about one of the second plurality of planar display panes, and oriented within the display unit;a third frame package sized to receive the at least one third frame;at least one fourth frame with a fourth size and a fourth style, sized to mount about one of the second plurality of planar display panes, and oriented within the display unit, wherein at least one of the fourth size and the fourth style is different from the third size and the third style;a fourth frame package sized to receive the at least one fourth frame; andinstructional indicia provided on each of the third frame package, and the fourth frame package to inform a customer to select at least one planar display pane and at least one frame.

19. A retail display system comprising: a point-of-sale display unit sized to be received in a retail store aisle;a first plurality of planar display panes with a first size and a first style oriented within the display unit;a second plurality of planar display panes with a second size and second style oriented within the display unit, wherein at least one of the second size and the second style is different from the first size and the first style;a first plurality of frames with a first size and a first style, sized to receive one of the first plurality of planar display panes, and oriented within the display unit;a second plurality of frame with a second size and a second style, sized to receive one of the first plurality of planar display panes, and oriented within the display unit, wherein at least one of the second size and the second style is different from the first size and the first style; andinstructional indicia provided on the display unit to inform a customer to select at least one planar display pane and at least one frame.

20. The retail display system of claim 19 further comprising; a third plurality of frames with a third size and a third style, sized to receive one of the second plurality of planar display panes, and oriented within the display unit; anda fourth plurality of frame with a fourth size and a fourth style, sized to receive one of the second plurality of planar display panes, and oriented within the display unit, wherein at least one of the fourth size and the fourth style is different from the third size and the third style.

21-23. (canceled)