COMBINATION HEADWEAR / APPAREL DISPLAY

Abstract

A retail device for displaying headwear in close proximity to wearing apparel. The retail device comprises a wall mount portion attachable to a wall or other structure. Extending from the wall mount portion is a wearing apparel rack operative to display at least one, and preferably a plurality of like items of wearing apparel. At the distal most end of the wearing apparel rack may be provided a member for receiving indicia or other types of information relative to the garment displayed on the rack, such as pricing and the like. Extending from the wearing apparel display rack is a headwear display device operative to display a specific item of headwear, which can include hats, knit caps and protective headwear, such as motorcycle helmets. The headwear display device preferably displays the headwear in close proximity to the wearing apparel displayed by the wearing apparel display rack so as to give the consumer a visual impression of how the items would appear if worn in combination.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed to retail display devices, and more particularly to devices for displaying both headwear and wearing apparel in close proximity to one another. The present invention is particularly well suited for displaying motorcycle helmets in close proximity to motorcycle riding jackets and the like.

BACKGROUND

Devices for displaying wearing apparel in retail establishments are well-known in the art. Such retail display devices can take a wide variety of forms, including display racks, hanger devices, mannequins, point of purchase displays and numerous other means that seek to achieve the common goals of attracting consumer attention and providing the consumer with the opportunity to inspect and try on a specific item of apparel. Moreover, in an attempt to maximize sales, most retail establishments seek to offer complimentary accessories with the intent to sell an entire “outfit,” as opposed to a single piece of wearing apparel. As is well-known, it is substantially more profitable for the retailer to sell, for example, a jacket accessorized with a shirt, gloves, headwear, pants and the like, compared to just the jacket itself.

To achieve that end, it is well-known in the art to concurrently display various specific types of wearing apparel in close proximity to related accessories to thus make it easier for the consumer to “match up” and purchase multiple items of apparel. To create such retail displays, however, is often problematic insofar as it is imperative to create a visual display that is aesthetically pleasing to the consumer and can entice the consumer to purchase multiple items of complementary or “matching” apparel yet also can provide the consumer with the ability inspect and visualize the complementary items of apparel in combination as they would be worn by the consumer.

Such retail display devices are particularly scarce when sought for the specific application of displaying headwear, such as hats, knit caps, scarves and the like in combination with other types of wearing apparel. In this respect, headwear is typically displayed on mannequin “heads” or hat racks and the like, which are typically separate and apart from and thus not in close proximity to complementary items of wearing apparel to be sold or matched therewith. Such devices are particularly lacking in the context of protective headwear, such as helmets, including bicycle helmets, motorcycle helmets, and the like, which are typically packaged in boxes and sold as separate and distinct items.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a retail display device that can effectively display headwear in combination with other types of wearing apparel that is visually pleasing, easily accessible and capable of being readily integrated into existing retail environments. There is a further need for such a retail display device that is of simple construction, easy to utilize, exceptionally durable and capable of being utilized indefinitely, and can also be made operative to be adjustable in nature to accommodate a specific retail display application.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above-identified deficiencies in the art. In this regard, the present invention is directed to a retail display device for displaying headwear in close proximity to a second item of wearing apparel. Preferably, the device comprises a wall mount portion for providing means to attach the device to a wall or other suitable object from which the headwear and wearing apparel will be displayed. Extending from the mount portion is an apparel display rack that is operative to provide a structure upon which one or more items of apparel can be displayed, typically via hangers. Preferably, the apparel display rack will be provided with multiple partitions to thus enable multiple items of wearing apparel to be equidistantly mounted thereon. The wearing apparel display rack will further be angled in nature to thus enable the multiple types of wearing apparel mounted thereon via hangers to be displayed in a tiered or gradually ascending manner. The wearing apparel display rack may further have a display member formed at the distal-most end thereof to which signage or other indicia may be attached.

Extending upwardly from the wearing apparel display rack is a headwear display device, the latter being adapted to receive and display a specific item of headwear thereon. In this regard, the headwear display device will preferably be provided with a structure, such as a hemisphere or other like geometric design operative to simulate the size and dimensions of at least a portion of a human skull so as to provide a surface upon which the headwear can be displayed. The headwear display device will preferably be sized and spaced relative the wearing apparel display rack so as to show the headwear mounted thereon in close proximity to the wearing apparel displayed upon the wearing apparel rack. In one particular embodiment, it is envisioned that the headwear display device will be oriented so that the headwear positioned thereon will extend just over a respective one of the wearing apparel items mounted upon the wearing apparel display rack. Such arrangement is particularly effective in displaying headwear in combination with shirts, jackets, and other types of garments worn on the upper body so as to simulate the appearance of the headwear in combination with the upper body wear as would be seen when worn together.

The retail display device of the present invention may further include apparatus for adjusting the height and/or length of either the wearing apparel rack portion or the headwear display device, as may be desired for a given application. Additionally, it is contemplated that the headwear display device will be utilized to display virtually all types of headwear, including all types of hats, knit caps, sport caps, and the like, as well as protective headwear, such as bicycle and motorcycle helmets, and the like. In addition, it is contemplated that the retail device of the present invention can be fabricated from any of a wide variety of materials, and in particular molded plastic materials, metal and the like, and further may be provided with decorative indicia, colors, textures, trademarks, decorative artwork or any other type of indicia that may be desired to provide a desired appearance or particular application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a retail display device for use in displaying headwear and wearing apparel in combination, and further depicting a motorcycle riding jacket and motorcycle helmet in phantom.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the display device depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a frontal view of the display device depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the display device depicted in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and sequences of steps for constructing and operating the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, and initially to FIG. 1, there is perspectively illustrated the retail display device 10 operative to display an item of headwear in close proximity to one or more items of wearing apparel. Display 10 includes a wall mount portion 12 operative to engage and interconnect with a wall 14 or other similar type of structure to thus enable the device 10 to be prominently displayed. As discussed below, wall mount portion 12 may be sized and configured and provided with one or more structures to facilitate the ability of the wall mount portion 12 to remain securely fixed in position.

Extending from wall mount portion 12 is a wearing apparel display rack 16 that is operative to retain and display one or more items of wearing apparel mounted thereon. In the embodiment shown, wearing apparel display rack 16 is provided with a proximal end 16a that extends from the wall mount portion 12 and depends therefrom such that the distal most end 16b of the wearing apparel display rack 16 extends in a generally diagonal fashion. To enable multiple items of wearing apparel to be mounted thereon, the wearing apparel rack 16 may preferably be provided with one or more structures 18, preferably spaced apart in equidistant increments, to thus enable hanger 22 to be hung therefrom so as to allow a jacket 24 or other type of garment, to be displayed. Along these lines, it is contemplated that the wearing apparel rack 16 may take any of a variety of wearing apparel display racks known in the art, and preferably can take the form of the angled configuration as shown so as to display wearing apparel in a more space efficient manner. This configuration further allows the display of wearing apparel according to gradually increasing size, such from small to extra large, which is a well-known practice in the art. Optionally, a display member 20 may be formed on the distal most end 16b of wearing apparel display rack 16, which may be utilized to secure and display indicia, such as pricing, product information, and the like, as may be desired for a given sale display application.

Extending upwardly from wearing apparel display rack 16 is a headwear display device, the latter consisting of upwardly extending member 26 and headwear receiving apparatus 28. With respect to the former, member 26 is provided with a proximal end 26a that can extend from a mid portion of wearing apparel display rack 16. Formed at the top most portion 26b thereof is headwear receiving apparatus 28, which is preferably configured to have a hemisphere or dome-like configuration suitable for displaying a specific type of headwear thereupon. As will be appreciated, although as depicted as a dome-like member, apparatus 28 may take any of a variety of configurations known in the art, and may include mannequin heads, simulated skull-shape structures or any other structure suitable for displaying headwear thereupon.

Among the specific applications contemplated is the display of protective headwear, and in particular a motorcycle helmet 30 shown in phantom. In this regard, although the present invention is configured to be utilized with any and all types of headwear, for example sport caps, knit caps, berets, cowboy hats, costume hats, and even wigs and the like, it is expressly contemplated that the display device 10 of the present invention will be particularly well-suited for the display of protective headwear, including but not limited to bicycle helmets, construction hard hats, sports safety helmets, such as batting helmets and football helmets, and motorcycle helmets 30 as depicted in FIG. 1. Along these lines, it is expressly contemplated that motorcycle helmets, such as 30, will be shown in close proximity with related items of motorcycle apparel, and in particular motorcycle riding jackets such as 24 depicted in phantom. Along these lines, the display device 10 of the present invention will be operative to show such items 30, 24 in close proximity to one another to thus enable the consumer to visualize the combination of such items 24, 30 as the same would be worn by the consumer. Such display device 10, especially for depicting the combination of motorcycle helmet 30 in combination with riding jacket 24, has not heretofore been available to thus enable the consumer to readily match up and purchase such related items.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, the structure of the display device 10 will be readily appreciated. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the wall mount portion 12 may be provided with one or more structures to facilitate the ability of the mount 12 to be secured to the wall of other type of structure. As illustrated, the mount 12 may be provided with one or more apertures, such as 12a, 12b, to receive fastening mechanisms, such as screws, nails, hooks, drywall anchors, and the like for use in securing the wall mount portion 12 to a wall or other suitable structure. Similarly, wall mount portion 12 may be provided with a lip member 12c operative to engage a support structure, such as a conventional retail wall mount display, which are well-known and extensively utilized in the art.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown the device 10 as viewed in a frontal orientation with the wearing apparel display rack 16 shown extending from wall mount portion 12. In such orientation, multiple items of wearing apparel can be mounted along the wearing apparel display rack 16, and more particularly, incrementally displayed by use of hangers against members 18 spaced therealong, as shown in FIG. 4. As per conventional retail display devices, it is contemplated that wearing apparel display rack 16 may extend in a diagonally depending fashion with the members 18 spaced at equidistant intervals, represented by the letter “A” in FIG. 4 therealong. As is well known and appreciated in the art, such equidistant spacing enhances the display of the apparel being displayed upon the wearing apparel display rack 16, as well as allows access to the wearing apparel displayed thereon, particularly when the same is utilized to display wearing apparel in gradually increasing sizes.

The upwardly extending member 26 and headwear receiving apparatus 28 will extend upwardly from the wearing apparel display rack 16 along a medial portion thereof. As will be appreciated, the headwear receiving apparatus 28 must extend a sufficient distance from wall mount portion 12, as depicted by the letter “B” in FIG. 4, so as to provide sufficient space for the headwear to be positioned thereupon and thus more prominently displayed. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 3, the headwear display device, 26, 28, will extend upwardly along a vertical axis, as depicted as “Y” and will be substantially collinear with the wearing apparel display rack 16. By arranging the headwear display device 26, 28 along the same vertical axis as the wearing apparel display rack 16, the consumer is able to visualize the combination of the headwear and wearing apparel displayed via the device 10 of the present invention in the manner similar as what would be depicted when such items are worn by the consumer. In this regard, and referring to FIG. 1, to show the helmet 30 and jacket 24 in such a manner readily imparts a display as to how such elements would be viewed as worn by the consumer, thus providing a better image to the consumer and enabling the consumer to readily appreciate the combination of such items 24, 30. Insofar as the chief objective of the invention is to display such related accessories in a manner that is aesthetically pleasing and capable of being readily appreciated by the consumer, it is believed the devices 10 of the present invention will promote the sales of such complimentary items.

In alternative embodiments of the present invention not depicted, it is contemplated that the wearing apparel display rack 16 and elongate member 26 of the headwear display device may be configured to be selectively adjustable in length or height, respectively. To that end, it is contemplated that either structure 16, 26 may be made to be telescoping in nature and/or interconnectable with one or more segments to thus enable the display device 10 of the present invention to display more or less items of apparel or otherwise have a particular size or configuration as may be desired for a particular retail display application. Additionally it should be recognized that the display device 10 of the present invention may be fabricated from any of a variety of materials, such as molded plastic or metal, and may further be configured to have a specific type of color, indicia, logo, decorative art work, or any other type of fanciful design or configuration as may be desired to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the device or otherwise enhance the functionality thereof.

Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, it is contemplated that the headwear display device may extend directly from wall mount portion 12, as opposed to extending upwardly from wearing apparel display rack 16. To that end, member 26 may extend horizontally a sufficient distance from mount 12 and then curve upwardly so that the headwear display mount 28 can receive an item of headwear along a vertical axis. Thus, the particular combination of parts and steps described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternative devices and methods within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A display device for displaying an item of headwear in close proximity to at least one item of wearing apparel comprising:

a. a wall mount portion for securing the device to a structure;

b. a wearing apparel display rack extending from said wall mount portion, said wearing apparel rack being operative to display at least one item of wearing apparel; and

c. a headwear display device extending from said wearing apparel rack, said headwear display device being operative to mount and display an item of headwear thereon.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said wearing apparel display rack has at least one member formed thereon for engaging with a hanger.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein said wearing apparel display rack has a plurality of members formed thereon, each respective member being operative to engage with a dedicated hanger.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein said members formed upon said wearing apparel display racks are equidistantly spaced along the length of said rack.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein said headwear display device is operative to receive headwear selected from the group consisting of a hat, a sport cap, a knitted cap, a costume hat, a wig, a bicycle helmet, a batting helmet, a football helmet, a construction hard hat and a motorcycle helmet.

6. The device of claim 1 further comprising a display member formed upon said wearing apparel rack, said display mount being configured to receive and display signage.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein said display member is formed upon the distal-most end of said wearing apparel display rack.

8. The display device of claim 1 wherein said apparel display rack may have a selectively adjustable length.

9. The display device of claim 1 wherein said headwear display device may have a selectively adjustable height.

10. The display device of claim 1 wherein said device has decorative indicia formed thereon.

11. The display device of claim 10 wherein said decorative indicia comprises a logo.