Multi-patterned floor covering sample element

Abstract

A multi-patterned rug display sample embodying at least two different geometric designs and/or coloration schemes across a common surface for simultaneous comparative evaluation by a potential purchaser. The rug display sample may be patterned to include two or more geometric or solid patterns corresponding to patterns available on floor covering products independent of the display sample.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a surface covering, such as a wall covering or floor covering sample display element, and more particularly to a floor covering sample display element incorporating a multiplicity of design combinations across a common surface so as to reduce space requirements for the display of multiple available colors, patterns, and combinations thereof.

BACKGROUND

[0002] It is well known to utilize floor covering elements of substantially planar configuration for disposition across flooring surfaces. Such floor covering elements may include broadloom carpeting, carpet tile, mats and area rugs. In the trade, the term “area rugs” refers to free laying floor covering elements ranging in shape (rectangular, oval, circular, etc.) and size from relatively small dimensions to substantial size in the range of 12 ft.×15 ft. or greater.

[0003] In the marketing of area rugs, respective samples with each sample embodying one of various available patterns and color schemes are typically arranged in a hanging orientation on respective swinging rack elements so as to permit a potential purchaser to examine a large number of available styles and patterns in relatively close proximity to one another. In recent years, the variety of available patterns and color schemes has increased, as manufacturing techniques have become more versatile. Accordingly, the options available to a potential purchaser have been correspondingly expanded. In particular, the number of available patterns has increased each of which may be available in a number of different color combinations. The number of possible choices is increased still further by the availability of border patterns of different styles and colorations which may be incorporated around a basic pattern if desired.

[0004] While the availability of a wide array of design combinations is believed to be beneficial to the consumer, the display of the various available combinations has proven to be problematic due to the cost and space requirements for a sufficient number of display racks to present each available combination.

[0005] As a possible resolution to this problem, it has been proposed to display area rug samples wherein one available color scheme is utilized within the interior portion of the sample area rug and various alternative available bordering patterns are displayed in the form of separate attached smaller samples. However, this sample display technique has the deficiency of requiring space allocation for the border sample elements. In addition, if the pattern for the main portion of the area rug is available in two or more colors, a corresponding number of samples is nonetheless still required to provide the potential purchaser with the ability to view those particular colors. Such combined area rugs and sample rug pieces form a substantial weight and bulk for each display rack. Also, it is difficult to attach multiple rugs or rug pieces (corners) to a single rack. Finally, the display system which utilizes sample rugs in combination with discrete samples of bordering patterns leaves open the possibility that the display rug itself may be intentionally or inadvertently sold to a perspective purchaser having an immediate desire for the article. Such a sale of the sample area rug may cause confusion due to the lack of subsequent pairing between a rug and the remaining discrete border pattern samples.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention offers advantages and alternatives over the prior art by providing a surface covering display element such as an area rug sample display element which may be viewed by a potential purchaser and which incorporates across a common surface a multiplicity of available patterns and/or color schemes which may be selected for incorporation within an area rug or other surface covering, wall covering or floor covering article for purchase. A single sample rug may best be used to convey visual information to a perspective purchaser which previously required two or more discrete sample units. Moreover virtually any number of combinations of patterns and/or coloration schemes may be incorporated into the single sample rug thereby providing the potential purchaser with the ability to simultaneously view various alternatives across a common surface without having to move physically from one display unit to another and thereby further enhancing the ability to select an appropriate and desirable color and/or patterning scheme. In addition, color and/or pattern reference numbers and/or other information (text and/or numbers) may be incorporated integrally within the sample rug in a coordinated arrangement with each of the different displayed regions thereby enhancing the accuracy of the ordering process once a desired color and pattern arrangement is selected.

[0007] These advantages are accomplished in a potentially preferred form of the invention by providing a multi-patterned rug sample embodying at least two different geometric designs and/or coloration schemes across a common surface. The display rug is preferably of a substantially full sized geometry such as a 6 ft.×9 ft. construction for display on a traditional sample rack although larger and smaller geometries may likewise be utilized if desired. The display rug also preferably includes integral display legends designating the patterns present in the various patterned regions to facilitate subsequent ordering of an area rug incorporating features of those defined regions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and which constitute a part of this specification illustrate several potentially preferred embodiments of the present invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description set forth below, serve to explain the principles of the invention wherein:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a representative side view of an exemplary area rug display rack;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a top view of the display rack illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a surface plan view of an embodiment of an area rug sample display element according to the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 3A is a black and white view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the surface of an embodiment of a floor covering sample display element according to the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 4A is a black and white view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4;

[0015] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the surface of an embodiment of a floor covering sample display element according to the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 5A is a black and white view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the surface of an embodiment of a floor covering sample element according to the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 6A is a black and white view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6;

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a geometric arrangement for the display of two substantially different patterned regions within a single sample display element;

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a geometric arrangement for the display of four discrete patterns within a single sample display element;

[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates a geometric arrangement for the display of two different major pattern elements and available auxiliary pattern elements within a single sample display unit; and

[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates a geometric arrangement for the display of multiple major pattern elements and dedicated auxiliary pattern elements associated with each of the major pattern elements within a single sample display unit.

[0023] While the invention has been illustrated and generally described above and will hereinafter be described in connection with certain potentially preferred embodiments and practices, it is to be understood and appreciated that in no event is the invention to be limited to such illustrated and described embodiments and practices. On the contrary, it is intended that the present invention shall extend to all alternatives and modifications as may embrace the broad principles of this invention within the true spirit and scope thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Turning now to the drawings, in FIG. 1 there is illustrated a display rack 10 as may be used to display area rug samples in a purchase environment. As shown, the display rack 10 may include a pair of vertical posts 12 and at least one horizontal bar element 14 extending between the vertical posts 12. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a plurality of support rods 18 project outwardly away from the horizontal element 14. The support rods 18 are preferably hingeable relative to the horizontal bar element 14 so as to permit support rods 18 adjacent to one another to be hingeably separated in opposing directions thereby opening a viewing space between such adjacent support rods 18. In practice, a rug sample 20 may extend downwardly away from either side of each support rod 18 such that each support rod 18 carries two rug samples 20.

[0025] While the display 10 as illustrated represents one exemplary embodiment, it is to be understood and appreciated that the present invention is in no way to be limited to any particular embodiment of display rack. To the contrary, it is contemplated that the present invention is useful in any display environment without regard to the actual means of display. For example, rugs may be displayed in drawers, shelves, or slides. Accordingly, the display rack 10 as illustrated and described is to be understood to be exemplary only and in no way limiting to the present invention.

[0026] Regardless of the actual construction of the display rack 10, in the past the sample rugs 20 have typically been displayed in the form in which they are actually to be purchased and used. That is, the rug sample 20 has typically corresponded substantially to the rug which the purchaser is ultimately sold. However, such a display practice necessitates the allocation of sufficient space to house individual rug samples 20 corresponding to each available pattern and/or coloration scheme. As the number of available patterns and coloration schemes increases, so too does the space required to present corresponding samples.

[0027] As will be appreciated, area rugs may incorporate either a substantially uniform pattern across their surface or may utilize a combination of patterns, colors and borders to achieve desired aesthetic characteristics. The most simple uniform pattern across the entire surface is a single solid color extending across substantially the entire surface of the area rug. A substantially repeating geometric pattern such as a floral pattern or the like may also extend in a substantially uninterrupted manner across the entire surface.

[0028] In many area rugs, a substantially solid color pattern or a repeating geometric pattern may extend across the interior of the rug surrounded by color coordinated bordering colors and/or patterns. The coordinated presentation of the bordering patterns in conjunction with the interior portion has a substantial influence upon the final appearance of the rug in the environment of use. In this regard, for any given interior pattern, it has been found that relatively minor changes in the coloration of the bordering patterns may give rise to fairly substantial changes in the final overall appearance of the rug.

[0029] In a first exemplary embodiment of the invention as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 3A, a sample rug 320 is provided which incorporates across its show surface a representative pattern portion 322 which provides the viewer with an understanding of the character and arrangement of the various pattern elements. In the illustrated embodiment, the representative pattern portion 322 includes a major interior pattern portion 324 and a boundary portion 326. A plurality of alternative pattern portions 328 are present on the same surface or substrate as the representative pattern portion 322. As illustrated, the alternative pattern portions may display corners of various available rug designs incorporating the alternative patterns or colors so as to facilitate an understanding of relative spatial orientation of design components by the viewer.

[0030] According to the illustrated and potentially preferred practice, the rug sample element 320 is a unitary structure formed by appropriate formation and patterning techniques. In this regard, it is contemplated that the alternative pattern portions 328 may be applied by patterned color tufting or weaving techniques, inlaying techniques, and/or printing techniques. It is contemplated that printing techniques may be particularly useful. Such printing techniques may include by way of example, screen printing, jet dye printing, transfer printing, and combinations thereof. Jet dye printing utilizing a plurality of fine dimension dye jet streams may be particularly preferred. Regardless of the mechanism utilized to apply the array of patterns across the rug sample element 320, the final resulting construction provides a potential purchaser with a view of multiple available combinations of coloration and/or geometric patterns which would otherwise have to be displayed on two or more separate rugs.

[0031] As illustrated, according to the potentially preferred practice, both the representative pattern portion 322 as well as each of the alternate pattern portions 328 is preferably designated by a readable identifying legend 340 The identifying legend 340 may be in either machine readable or human readable form. Human readable form may be potentially preferred to facilitate the placement of orders by retail customers.

[0032] It is to be appreciated that the present invention permits various pattern portions to be disposed across the surface of the rug sample element 320 according to a wide variety of arrangements. In FIG. 4, a rug sample element 420 is illustrated wherein the alternate pattern portions 428 are arranged across the upper portion of the rug sample element 420 and the representative pattern portion 422 is disposed below and to the side of the arranged alternate pattern portions 428.

[0033] According to another potentially preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 5, a rug sample element 520 may be patterned to include a representative pattern portion 522 including an interior pattern portion 524 and a boundary portion 526. In this embodiment, one or more alternate pattern portions 528 including interior portion 524′ and boundary portions 526′ are arranged around at least a portion of the perimeter of the rug sample element 520 so as to provide the appearance of substantial continuity of the boundary portion 526 while nonetheless exhibiting a plurality of possible patterning combinations (in a single sample rug).

[0034] In FIG. 6 there is illustrated yet a further alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein a rug sample element 620 is subdivided into a plurality of substantially discrete pattern portions 650, 652, 654, 656 disposed in a coordinated pattern across the surface of the rug sample element 620 such that each pattern portion occupies one quadrant of the rug sample element 620. According to the illustrated embodiment, each of the substantially discrete pattern portions 650, 652, 654, 656 defines a substantially discrete pattern and/or color combination while simultaneously cooperatively defining a portion of an entire rug structure. As will be appreciated, while the rug sample element 320 illustrated in FIG. 6 incorporates four substantially discrete pattern portions 650, 652, 654, 656 such segmentation may result in either a greater or lesser number of discrete pattern portions if desired. Accordingly, by way of example only, and not limitation, it is contemplated that the rug sample element 620 may include as few as two substantially discrete pattern portions or any odd or even number in excess of two as may be desired and necessary to represent various patterning and/or color options including by way of example only, an arrangement of six or eight pattern portions.

[0035] While each of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3-6 illustrate rug sample elements used to display alternative coloration schemes applicable to common patterns, it is also contemplated that a single rug sample element according to the present invention may incorporate two or more substantially different patterns either in the same or different color schemes. Such an embodiment is illustrated in representative manner in FIG. 7 wherein a single rug sample element 720 incorporates a first segment 760 and a second segment 762. The pattern across the first segment 760 is distinct from the pattern across the second segment 762.

[0036] In FIG. 8 a further representative illustration of the ability to provide a multiplicity of patterns across a single rug sample element 820 is illustrated wherein four substantially discrete pattern portions 864, 866, 868, 870 are provided. Of course, it is likewise understood that any greater or lesser number of pattern portions may also be utilized.

[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 9 in accordance with the present invention a rug sample element 920 may be provide wherein discrete pattern portions 970, 972 may be arranged across the surface of the rug sample element 920. In addition, one or more auxiliary pattern portions 974 may be disposed in an arrangement across the surface of the rug sample element 920. It is contemplated that such an arrangement may be particularly useful in the event that the auxiliary pattern portions 974 are commonly available for both the discrete pattern portions 970, 972.

[0038] The present invention also enables the presentation of a number of discrete pattern portions and affiliated auxiliary pattern elements within a common structure. One such arrangement is illustrated in representative fashion in FIG. 10. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, a rug sample element 1020 is provided including a first pattern portion 1080 and a second pattern portion 1082 having a substantially different pattern. A plurality of auxiliary pattern portions 1084 available for use in conjunction with the pattern present across the first pattern portion 1180 are disposed adjacent to the first pattern portion 1180. Likewise, a plurality of auxiliary pattern portions 1186 available for use in combination with the pattern displayed within the second pattern portion 1182 are disposed adjacent to the second pattern portion 1182 for use in the selection of an appropriate combination of patterning elements.

[0039] It is, of course, to be understood that the present invention extends to any surface covering display element, such as wall covering or floor covering display elements which incorporate an arrangement of colored and/or patterned regions which display patterns and/or coloration schemes selectable by a potential purchaser. Such a floor covering element is useful in the simultaneous display of multiple pattern, border or color options for area rugs, as well as for other floor covering elements including floor mats, broadloom carpeting and carpet tile. Thus, the embodiments and practices which have been particularly illustrated and described herein are intended to be exemplary only and are in no event to be construed as in any manner limiting the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood and appreciated that the present invention is intended to extended to all modifications and variations as may incorporate the broad aspects of the invention within the full spirit and scope of the appended claims and all equivalents thereto.

Claims

1. A floor covering sample display element for use in selection of a floor covering product pattern, the sample display element comprising: a rug element including a patterned surface wherein said patterned surface includes an arrangement of at least two selectable patterns corresponding to patterns of floor covering products independent from the sample display element.

2. A floor covering sample display element as recited in claim 1, wherein said rug element is of a size and shape substantially corresponding to said floor covering product.

3. A floor covering sample display element as recited in claim 1, wherein said arrangement of at least two selectable patterns comprises at least one inlayed pattern portion across said patterned surface.

4. A floor covering sample display element as recited in claim 1, wherein said arrangement of at least two selectable patterns comprises at least one color tufted pattern portion across said patterned surface.

5. A floor covering sample display element as recited in claim 1, wherein said arrangement of at least two selectable patterns comprises at least one dyed pattern portion across said patterned surface.

6. A floor covering sample display element as recited in claim 5, wherein said at least one dyed pattern portion comprises a screen printed dye pattern.

7. A floor covering sample display element as recited in claim 5, wherein said at least one dyed pattern portion comprises a transfer printed dye pattern.

8. A floor covering sample display element as recited in claim 5, wherein said at least one dyed pattern portion comprises a jet printed dye pattern.

9. A floor covering sample display element as recited in claim 1, wherein said patterned surface includes an arrangement of three or more selectable patterns corresponding to patterns for floor covering products independent of the sample display element.

10. A floor covering sample display element as recited in claim 1, wherein said patterned surface includes an arrangement of four or more selectable patterns corresponding to patterns for floor covering products independent of the sample display element.

11. A floor covering sample display element as recited in claim 1, wherein said patterned surface includes an arrangement of six or more selectable patterns corresponding to patterns for floor covering products independent of the sample display element.

12. A floor covering sample display element as recited in claim 1, wherein said patterned surface includes an arrangement of eight or more selectable patterns corresponding to patterns for floor covering products independent of the sample display element.

13. A floor covering sample display element as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least two selectable patterns comprise substantially similar geometric designs but are different in color.

14. A floor covering sample display element as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least two selectable patterns comprise substantially different geometric designs.

15. A floor covering sample display element as recited in claim 14, wherein said at least two selectable patterns comprise substantially different geometric designs of different colors.

16. A floor covering sample display element as recited in claim 1, wherein said rug element further includes one or more integral readable pattern identification legends identifying at least a portion of said at least two selectable patterns.

17. A floor covering sample display element for use in selection of an area rug floor covering product pattern, the sample display element comprising: a rug element including a patterned surface wherein said patterned surface includes an arrangement of at least two selectable patterns corresponding to patterns of area rug floor covering products independent from the sample display element and wherein at least one of said at least two selectable patterns comprises an interior portion and a boundary portion and wherein said boundary portion includes a pattern different from the interior portion.

18. A floor covering sample display element as recited in claim 17, wherein said rug element further includes one or more integral readable pattern identification legends identifying at least a portion of said at least two selectable patterns.

19. A floor covering sample display element for use in selection of an area rug floor covering product pattern, the sample display element comprising: a rug element including a patterned surface wherein said patterned surface includes an arrangement of at least two selectable patterns corresponding to patterns of area rug floor covering products independent from the sample display element and wherein at least one of said at least two selectable patterns comprises a pattern corresponding to a corner portion of an area rug floor covering product independent from the sample display element.

20. A floor covering sample display element as recited in claim 19, wherein said rug element further includes one or more integral readable pattern identification legends identifying at least a portion of said at least two selectable patterns.

21. A display system for simultaneously presenting a plurality of floor covering product patterns comprising: a display rack and a plurality of sample rug elements supported on said display rack, wherein at least a portion of said plurality of sample rug elements comprise a patterned surface including an arrangement of at least two selectable patterns corresponding to patterns of floor covering products independent from the sample rug element.

22. A display system according to claim 21, wherein said floor covering products independent from the sample rug element comprise area rugs.

23. A display system as recited in claim 22, wherein at least a portion of said plurality of sample rug elements are of a size and shape substantially corresponding to said area rugs.

24. A display system as recited in claim 22, wherein said arrangement of at least two selectable patterns comprises at least one inlayed pattern portion across said patterned surface.

25. A display system as recited in claim 22, wherein said arrangement of at least two selectable patterns comprises at least one color tufted pattern portion across said patterned surface.

26. A display system as recited in claim 22, wherein said arrangement of at least two selectable patterns comprises at least one dyed pattern portion across said patterned surface.

27. A display system as recited in claim 26, wherein said at least one dyed pattern portion comprises a screen printed dye pattern.

28. A display system as recited in claim 26, wherein said at least one dyed pattern portion comprises a transfer printed dye pattern.

29. A display system as recited in claim 26, wherein said at least one dyed pattern portion comprises a jet printed dye pattern.

30. A display system as recited in claim 21, wherein said patterned surface includes an arrangement of three or more selectable patterns corresponding to patterns for floor covering products independent of the sample display element.

31. A display system as recited in claim 21, wherein said patterned surface includes an arrangement of four or more selectable patterns corresponding to patterns for floor covering products independent of the sample display element.

32. A display system as recited in claim 21, wherein said patterned surface includes an arrangement of six or more selectable patterns corresponding to patterns for floor covering products independent of the sample display element.

33. A display system as recited in claim 21, wherein said patterned surface includes an arrangement of eight or more selectable patterns corresponding to patterns for floor covering products independent of the sample display element.

34. A display system as recited in claim 21, wherein said at least two selectable patterns comprise substantially similar geometric designs but are different in color.

35. A display system as recited in claim 21, wherein said at least two selectable patterns comprise substantially different geometric designs.

36. A display system for simultaneously presenting a plurality of floor covering product patterns comprising: a display rack and a plurality of sample rug elements supported on said display rack, wherein at least a portion of said plurality of sample rug elements comprise a patterned surface including an arrangement of a plurality of selectable patterns corresponding to patterns of area rug floor covering products independent from the sample rug element and wherein at least a portion of said sample rug elements further include one or more integral readable pattern identification legends identifying at least a portion of said selectable patterns.