Supports – Watch and clock – Stands
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-28
2001-07-24
Braun, Leslie A. (Department: 3632)
Supports
Watch and clock
Stands
C206S301000, C206S566000, C248S116000, C368S316000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06264148
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to the field of display devices for use in retail merchandising and more particularly to a method and apparatus for displaying articles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Retail merchandisers require an effective method of displaying and storing their articles, goods or merchandise, both to attract a customer's attention and to easily access the merchandise for customer examination. Articles such as watches or jewelry have typically been displayed in boxes. These are bulky and can display articles in a limited number of positions. This limits a retailers' ability to display articles in a creative and attractive manner, as well as a customer's ability to view and inspect the article.
In an effort to overcome these disadvantages, display packaging was developed to display articles without the use of a box. This permitted a less bulky means for retailers to display articles. However, the packaging still limited the display to one viewing angle. The packaging also limited the types of articles which might be displayed to strap-type watches.
Yet another approach, described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,136,557, provided for a modular design providing a collar that can be removed from a base. This modular design does not permit usage of various bases which are not adaptable to the collar. Another disadvantage to this approach is that it limits the display of articles to a vertical axis relative to the base. Finally, this approach does not provide a means to secure an article for display, while retaining the ease of removing the article from its position on the display device for examination by a customer. Therefore, a need has arisen for a new method and apparatus for displaying an article that overcomes the disadvantages and deficiencies of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a method and an apparatus for displaying articles are provided which substantially eliminate or reduce the disadvantages and problems associated with prior devices that display articles.
The present invention comprises an apparatus that provides retailers with a highly flexible and attractive means to display their articles according to their needs. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an apparatus provides a means for displaying articles. The apparatus includes a collar adapted to receive the article. The apparatus also includes a support member adapted to releasably engage a receptor in the collar. Finally, the apparatus includes a base which is adapted to receive the support member.
In a further embodiment, the collar receptor is geared to engage with a complimentary gear of the support member. The apparatus also includes a support member having one end adapted to releasably engage the receptor, and a base for receiving a second end of the support member.
More specifically, the apparatus allows the collar to be engaged with the support member in a multiplicity of angular positions, or in a multiplicity of discrete positions. In another embodiment, the support member further comprises an end adapted to engage a base adaptor, the base adaptor further having an end adapted to engage the base. In yet another embodiment, the collar has a surface structure adapted to secure the article.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method comprising three steps is disclosed for displaying articles. The method first mounts the article on a collar. The next step engages the collar with a support member. The method then couples the support member to a base. More specifically, the method further comprises mounting a securing tab to secure the article. In a further embodiment, the method further comprises mounting a display marker.
A technical advantage of the present invention is a method of displaying articles in a way that is easily modifiable and reconfigurable, to serve a larger variety of retail needs, as dictated by changes in retailer inventory. Another technical advantage of the present invention is an apparatus for displaying articles which effectively secures the article to the apparatus. Another technical advantage of the present invention is an apparatus to display articles which can be configured to display the articles in a multiplicity of angular positions. Another technical advantage of the present invention is an apparatus for displaying articles where the collar may be engaged with the support member in a multiplicity of discrete positions.
A further technical advantage of the present invention is an apparatus for displaying articles where the collar has at least one receptor that enables the article to be displayed in both a horizontal and vertical axis relative to a base. Another technical advantage of the present invention is an apparatus for displaying articles which is adaptable to a wide variety of bases.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 4293943 (1981-10-01), Avery et al.
patent: 4707146 (1987-11-01), Wein
patent: 4913289 (1990-04-01), Feiler
patent: 5076523 (1991-12-01), Wang
patent: 5775653 (1998-07-01), Horney et al.
patent: 5799911 (1998-09-01), Dostie et al.
patent: 5966865 (1999-10-01), Jones
Baker & Botts L.L.P.
Braun Leslie A.
Chippenhook Corporation
Le Tan
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