Supports: racks – Specially mounted – Suspended type
Reexamination Certificate
2000-10-10
2001-10-30
Gibson, Jr., Robert W. (Department: 3634)
Supports: racks
Specially mounted
Suspended type
C211S045000, C211S204000, C211S206000, C206S494000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06308842
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to desk chairmats and specifically, to a retail display system for chairmats typically used under desk chairs.
BACKGROUND
Desk chairmats for office and home use are well known. Such chairmats typically have a main portion on which the desk chair rolls, and a forward lip portion which is adapted to extend partially under the desk well, and on which the feet of the person sitting in the chair may rest. Desk chairmats which are to be applied over carpeting typically have short but relatively sharp spikes on the undersides thereof which hold the mats firmly in place.
The above discribed desk chairmats, and particularly those with spikes, are difficult to carry and/or otherwise handle due to their relatively large size and the semi-rigid nature of the material from which they are formed. Unless the chairmat is boxed or otherwise protected, the user typically carries the chairmat by gripping about one or two of the edges of the chairmat, often resulting in irritation if not injury to the hands, due to the spikes projecting from the underside of the chairmat.
Some attempts have been made to solve the problem, but only to the extent of making the chairmats foldable to thereby reduce their size for handling purposes. See, for example. U.S. Pat. No. 5,073,428 and commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 4,784,888.
For the most part, desk chairmats have been sold at office supply stores or distributors as opposed to retail stores, so that to some extent, the handling problem was alleviated by boxing the chairmats individually or in groups prior to shipping. However, even when supplied from a distributor in boxed form, the end user has to remove the chairmat from the box and carry it to its final destination, again, with some difficulty due to the physical attributes of the chairmat. In any event. chairmats are now being found increasingly in retail outlets, compounding the problem and while it is recognized that the chairmats may be boxed, the fact is that boxes add cost and are themselves unwieldy, and are therefore not likely to be used to any great extent in the retail environment. Thus, with increasing retail activity, new displays are also required. Conventional chairmats, because of their bulky and somewhat unwieldy configuration, present display problems since, absent the use of boxes, they do not stand alone unless wound. Even standing on edge in a wound or partially wound state, however, the mats are relatively unstable and, in any event, this is not a viable display arrangement.
Accordingly, there remains a need for a solution to the problem of transporting desk chairmats easily and safely, particularly those chairmats which have carpet spikes, and to the problem of displaying and stocking chairmats in a retail environment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a retail display system for desk chairmats. In accordance with this invention, desk chairmats with handles and hang tabs are disclosed which solve the handling problem, and which can be later removed by the purchaser with, for example, a pair of scissors, knife or the like. The desk chairmats are also formed with fold lines, enabling the chairmats to be folded in half, wrapped, and suspended from a display stand from which they can be easily removed and carried away by the customer.
Specifically, in a first exemplary embodiment, integral handles are molded in place on opposite sides of the chairmat. With this arrangement, the chairmat may be folded in half (with the carpet spikes facing inwardly) so that the two handles align, thereby not only reducing the profile of the chairmat, but also forming a single stronger handle enabling the user to carry the chairmat without difficulty.
It is another feature of the invention to include one or more integral hang tabs along one or more sides of the chairmat to facilitate display, particularly in a retail environment. The tab may be in the form of an integral, solid tab with a hole sized to fit over a display hook. With a pair of such hang labs on opposite sides of the fold line, these tabs also align when the chairmat is folded, enabling the mat to be hung from both tabs.
It is another feature of the invention to include a longitudinal groove on one or both sides of the mat, extending midway between and parallel to those edges on which the handles are located, thereby providing an integral hinge, facilitating the folding of the chairmat and the bringing of the handles into engagement, to thereby permit easier transport due to the reduced profile of the chairmat.
The invention also relates to a wrap for holding the chairmat in the folded condition, further facilitating display and transport of the chairmat.
The invention also provides a display rack or stand by which several of the above described chairmats can be suspended for display and removal in a retail environment.
Accordingly, in its broader aspects, the present invention relates to a retail display system for a desk chairmat comprising a display stand having at least one support component thereon; a desk chairmat having a longitudinal fold line, the chairmat folded in half about the fold line; a wrap extending about the chairmat in the folded condition; and wherein the chairmat is suspended from the support component.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a retail display system for a desk chairmat comprising a display stand having a pair of vertical standards and a display rod having at least one hook thereon; a desk chairmat having a longitudinal fold line, the chairmat folded in half about the fold line wherein the chairmat is provided with a pair of handles on first and second opposite side edges thereof, such that the handles are aligned when the chairmat is folded; a wrap extending about the folded chairmat perpendicularly to the fold line; wherein the chairmat is provided with at least one hang tab along a third edge thereof, and wherein the chairmat is suspended from at least one hook by the hang tab; and wherein an underside of the desk chairmat is formed with integral spikes that face inwardly when the chairmat is in the folded condition.
Additional features and advantages of the subject invention will become apparent from the detailed description which follows.
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Carlton John D.
House Gary L.
Robbins, III Edward S.
Gibson , Jr. Robert W.
Nixon & Vanderhye P.C.
Robbins, III Edward S.
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