Apparatus for displaying retail items
Traditionally, RMUs have posed a significant problem for retailers in that they can be cumbersome. A modified RMU is, therefore, provided. This modified RMU utilizes a number of interconnected display units that allow for various configurations so that the RMU can be arranged for a variety of situations. For example, the modified RMU can be arranged to have a flat back side that allows it to be placed against a wall so as to reduce congestion of moving patrons and further prevent wasteful usage of valuable retail floor space. Hence, the modified RMU provides a solution for a long felt need for improved logistics by retailers.
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The invention relates generally to retail displays and, more particularly, to kiosk designs or Retail Merchandising Units (RMUs).
BACKGROUNDWith increasing competitiveness in the marketplace, retailers are looking for ways to increase market share and growth. Retail facilities in recent years have begun utilizing display devices, sometimes called kiosks or RMUs, in a variety of areas. The RMUs have been employed as both stand-alone shops and as mobile displays for use within stores.
Some significant problems have developed as a result of employing such RMUs and other display devices. Typically, RMUs, kiosks and other display devices are large enough to occupy a substantial amount of area, requiring retailers to place the RMUs in throughways or occupy valuable floor space that could otherwise be used for stocking or displaying of merchandise.
Because these RMUs are large three-dimensional displays, a large amount of floor space can be used and/or congestion of customer traffic through the retail area can result. Thus, for differing conditions, it is imperative that a retailer have the ability to provide a display or RMU that best utilizes the available floor space. Therefore, there has been a long felt need to have an RMU that is dynamic so as to better utilize valuable retail floor space and/or reduce traffic flow problems for varying conditions.
SUMMARYThe present invention, accordingly, provides a new and useful apparatus, employed at least in part, to display retail items. The apparatus, or RMU, has a central display unit, one or more substantially vertical columns that protrude above the central display unit, and a canopy secured to and supported by the columns. One or more additional modular components can be secured to the central display unit to provide additional display or business areas, enabling the RMUs to maximize use of available retail floor area.
Some of the additional modular components that can be added to the RMU include, but are not limited to display walls, hang grids, cash counters, shelving units, and auxiliary display units of various shapes, such as rectangles, circles, semi-circles, arcs, polygons, etc. The modular components can have multiple levels of varying heights, and shelves, counters, posts, or other elements can be added to or incorporated into various modular components. The number, shape and location of modular components used in a particular arrangement can vary, depending on the retail floor area in which the RMU is being used, and the products being displayed in the RMU. Additionally, because of the modularity of the system, the specific components used can be changed if the RMU is used in a different floor area or with different products.
Additionally, in one arrangement of the present invention, the central display unit contains modular “building blocks” that can be added to or removed from the central display unit.
Additionally, in one arrangement of the present invention, the RMU is designed so that it can be placed flush against a wall or railing, further reducing traffic flow problems and minimizing the amount of retail floor space that is used by the RMU. Because the RMU is configured so that only the front and, optionally, side portions provide display space accessible by customers, the unit can be placed up against a flat surface, thus improving traffic flow while still providing ample display space on the RMU.
The foregoing outlines rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFor a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
In the discussion of the FIGURES the same reference numerals will be used throughout to refer to the same or similar components.
Refer now to the drawings wherein depicted elements are, for the sake of clarity, not necessarily shown to scale and wherein like or similar elements are designated by the same reference numeral through the several views.
Referring to
The RMU 100 comprises a central display unit 110, support columns 130, a canopy 120, and several additional modular components, including a display wall 208 secured to the support columns 130, a cash counter 220 secured to one end of the central display unit 110, a shelving unit 210 secured to one side of the cash counter 220, an arcuate auxiliary display unit 240 secured to the cash counter 220, and a circular auxiliary display unit 250, sometimes referred to as a “puck” unit, secured to a portion of the front and one side of the central display unit 110.
The central display unit 110 is a focal point of the RMU, with other units attached thereto. In this embodiment of the present invention, the central display unit 110 is a generally rectangular unit allowing for ease of manufacture and ease of placement of the various modular components due to the use of flat surfaces. Other shapes, such as other curved surfaces, can also be employed, however.
The central display unit 110 employs a variety of features. Particularly, a countertop 112 can be located on the top surface of central display unit 110, and along the front of the central display unit 110, a number of storage and/or display areas can be provided. The various storage and/or display areas can employ locks for security. Additionally in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the countertop 112 and/or display areas can be made of transparent material so that the contents can be easily viewed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the central display unit 110 contains modular building blocks 118 that can be added to or removed from the central display unit 110. For example, the central display unit 110 shown in
In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the height of the countertop 112 can be set at an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) approved height of 34 inches.
To support the canopy 120, at least one support column 130 is used. In the embodiment shown in
In some embodiments of the present invention, the columns 130 are solid or filled with a rigid material; however, in other embodiments of the present invention, the columns 130 can be hollow, or partially hollow. If the column 130 is hollow, or partially hollow, electrical wiring for lighting or as a power supply can also be secured in one or more of the columns 130 to hide the wiring from general view.
In other embodiments of the present invention, the columns 130 are made of a metal or partially metallic material. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the columns 130 can be comprised of a rigid plastic. Typically, a polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can be utilized. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the columns 130 can have a load capacity greater than 700 pounds.
A canopy 120 can be suspended from the columns 130 above the RMU 100. As can best be seen in
In some embodiments of the present invention, additional support for the canopy 120, other than that provided by the columns 130, may be desired. Additional support booms 132, as can best be seen in
Then, to increase the amount of display area of the RMU 100, various modular components can be coupled to or merely abutted against the central display unit 110. Specifically, a variety of different locking mechanisms can be employed to couple the different modular units to the central display unit 110. For example, tongue-and-groove or rabbit joints can be used for alignment and combined with a mechanical lock for maintaining the position of the modular units with respect to the central display unit 110.
In some other embodiments of the present invention, various floor level modules may be provided with wheels or casters, which may be locked, to allow for ease of movement of the kiosk or RMU 100. Additionally, locking castors (not shown) can be employed to preserve the position of the various modular units with respect to the central display unit 110.
A cash counter 220 is one of the modular components that can be coupled to the central display unit 110. A cash counter 220 is generally used for financial transactions, and generally is used to hold a cash register, credit card acceptance machines, and the like. The cash counter 220 is typically a rectangular unit having a vertical height substantially equal to the height of the central display unit 110. However, it can be appreciated that different shapes and heights of cash counters 220 can be used, as can be seen in
Additionally, cash counter 220 can employ features similar to the remainder of the RMU 100. Drawer 226 and doors 224, as can best be seen in
The positioning of the cash counter 220 can also be an important aspect of RMU 100. Typically, the front of the cash counter 220 faces the central display unit 110, so that a cash register (not shown) can be placed on countertop 222. Placement of the cash counter 220 in this orientation allows a clerk or operator to maintain a visual connection with retail items displayed, even while a transaction is taking place. However, it can be appreciated that other placements of the cash counter 220 within the RMU 100 can be used to maximize space and efficiency.
To provide flexibility, multiple modular components can be joined together to form a single RMU 100. In the arrangement seen in
In the lower portion of puck unit 250 are a plurality of curved doors 254 and/or drawers 256 that wrap around the entire perimeter of the puck display unit 250. These doors 254 and/or drawers 256 can be provided with locking mechanisms so that only authorized personnel can gain access to the interior. Additionally, the horizontal surface areas 252, doors 254 and/or drawers 256 could be comprised of a transparent material so that merchandise can be viewed through the material.
As can be seen in
In addition, a shelving unit 210 is secured to one side of the cash counter 220 above the arcuate display unit 240.
To provide as much retail space as possible, a display wall 208 can be provided between columns 130. In one embodiment of the present invention, display shelving (not shown) can be attached to the display wall 208. Additionally, in another embodiment of the present invention, display items can be hung directly from the display wall 208. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, advertising material may be advantageously coupled to the display wall 208.
It should be understood that the arrangement of the RMU shown in
It should be noted that the arrangement of the RMU 100 shown in
In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, as can be seen in
Specifically, the modularity of the present invention yields the benefit of allowing a large number of possible configurations for differing circumstances. For example, in the arrangement depicted in
In another arrangement of the present invention, as shown in
In another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
Also, in this embodiment, four support columns 130 are employed to support the canopy 120, which is of a different size and shape than the canopy 120 shown in previous figures. The columns 130 protrude substantially vertical from the front and rear corners of the central display unit 110. Shelves 210 can, then, be advantageously coupled to the columns 130 in order to provide additional area for the display of retail items. Additionally, the RMU 500 shown in
In yet another embodiment of the present invention,
In other embodiments of the present invention, it is also possible to configure any of the individual units to have curves to define edges. However, for the purposes of illustration, only one embodiment of an RMU employing curved edges is shown.
Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain of its preferred embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range of variations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Many such variations and modifications may be considered obvious and desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review of the foregoing description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.
Claims
1. An apparatus for display retail items having a plurality of modular components, comprising:
- a central display unit adapted to be interconnected to at least one modular component;
- a canopy; and
- at least one support column that is secured to the canopy and the central display unit.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one modular component secured to the central display unit.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plurality of modular components are selected from a group comprising a cash counter, a display wall, a shelving unit, a puck unit, an arcuate display unit, a half-circle display unit, a rectangular display unit, or a custom-shaped display unit.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 configured so as to be placed against a wall or other flat surface.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the central display unit has a substantially rectangular shape.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the central display unit has a substantially curvilinear shape.
7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the system further comprises at least one access door on at least one of the central display unit or at least one modular component.
8. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the system further comprises at least one drawer on at least one of the central display unit or at least one modular component.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the canopy further comprises a grid.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus further comprises track lighting that is coupled to the grid.
11. A modular apparatus for displaying retail items, comprising a plurality of interconnected modular units, wherein at least one unit of the plurality of modular units employs at least one column to support a canopy.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein at least one modular unit further comprises:
- a signpost protruding therefrom; and
- signage that is coupled to at least a portion of the signpost.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the signpost provides support to the canopy.
14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein at least one modular unit is a central unit having at least one substantially vertical column protruding therefrom to support the canopy.
15. An apparatus comprising a central unit for displaying retail items adapted to have alternate modular units coupled thereto.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein at least one canopy is coupled to the central unit.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein at least one column protrudes from the central unit to support the canopy.
18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the alternate modular units are selected from a group comprising a cash counter, a display wall, a shelving unit, a puck unit, an arcuate display unit, a half-circle display unit, a rectangular display unit, or a custom-shaped display unit.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 15, 2006
Publication Date: Dec 20, 2007
Applicant: Stak Design, Inc. (Carrollton, TX)
Inventors: Joachim Moeller (Lewisville, TX), Garry Cohn (Dallas, TX)
Application Number: 11/355,239
International Classification: A47F 5/00 (20060101);