Product display assembly

Abstract

A display assembly comprising a receptacle, an attachment assembly and a product attachment assembly. The attachment assembly is positionable within the cavity of the receptacle through the opening thereof. Rotation of the attachment assembly interfaces the attachment member with the structures of the receptacle to releasably retain the attachment assembly relative to the receptacle, and preclude same from movement relative to each other. The product attachment assembly is capable of attaching an outside object to be displayed with the attachment assembly, wherein the outside object is freely rotatable about an axis relative to the attachment assembly.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/749,707 filed Dec. 13, 2006, entitled Product Display Assembly, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to displays, and more particularly, to a product display assembly configured for the display of a number of different products or merchandise at, for example, a store. The display system is well suited for the display of mechanical objects (i.e. cabinet and door hardware) as well as electronic equipment (i.e. cell phones) although the invention is certainly not limited thereto.

2. Background Art

The use of display systems has long been known in the art. Among other configurations, display systems may be disposable or permanent. Disposable display systems are of the type that often convert to a display system from a packaging system, such that a store can reconfigure the packing container into a display system upon arrival of the product.

Other display systems are permanent, meaning that they are generally restocked with merchandise and not replaced when the inventory is depleted. Such display systems are generally more robust, as they may remain on a store floor for extended periods of time.

Such systems are often specialized. In other words, they are often configured for the display of particular merchandise and products in a particular order. As such, if a product line changes or if certain products are discontinued, it is difficult to reorganize and/or reconfigure the display in light of the changes. Many times, the display requires extensive reworking which may not be feasible in many applications. In other instances, it may be complicated or impossible to reconfigure the display. In either case, the display may be rendered unusable, or partially unusable. Even where reconfiguration is possible, the time and expense to undertake such a reconfiguration may be excessive.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a display system which can be permanently utilized at a store to display merchandise.

It is another object of the invention to provide a display system which can be easily reconfigured to reflect product changes.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a display system which can be easily reconfigured by authorized personnel, but difficult to destroy or otherwise manipulate by other viewers, customers or unauthorized persons.

It is another object of the invention to place an sample of an actual product in view and accessible to a customer for evaluation.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent in light of the present specification, claims, and drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A display assembly comprising a receptacle, an attachment assembly and a product attachment assembly. The receptacle includes a base, a first side wall and a second side wall opposing the first side wall, and an upper flange overlying at least a portion of the base. The upper flange defines an opening, and the upper flange, the opposing side walls and the base cooperating to define a cavity. The attachment assembly includes a body and a manipulating member. The body includes a top surface and a bottom surface opposing the top surface, a thickness and an outer periphery. The manipulating member extends outwardly from the body. The manipulating member is accessible through the opening when the attachment assembly is positioned within the cavity. The product attachment assembly comprises a product attachment member and an attaching interface. The product attachment member is capable of being coupled to an outside object. The attaching interface attaches the product attachment member to the attachment assembly. At least a portion of the product attachment member is capable of rotation relative to the attachment assembly. The attachment assembly is positionable within the receptacle through the opening thereof. Upon rotation of the manipulating member, the body of the attachment member interfaces with at least one of the first and second side wall, the upper flange and the base, to releasably retain the attachment assembly relative to the receptacle, and preclude same from movement relative to each other.

In a preferred embodiment, the receptacle includes additional side walls so as to define a cavity having dimensions similar to that of the attachment assembly so as to substantially preclude slidable positioning of the attachment assembly along the opening of the receptacle.

In another preferred embodiment, the receptacle includes a width substantially greater than a longest linear dimension of either of the top surface and the bottom surface of the attachment assembly, to, in turn, facilitate the slidable movement of the attachment member along the opening of the receptacle in any number of different positions.

In one such preferred embodiment, a plurality of attachment assemblies are positioned within the receptacle in a spaced apart orientation. In another such preferred embodiment, the outside object is attached to each of the attachment assemblies by way of the respective attaching interface.

Preferably, the outside object comprises one of the group consisting of: a product, a display, a sign, a poster and a board.

In a preferred embodiment, the display assembly includes a tool member engageable with the manipulating member. The tool member facilitates rotation of the attachment member within the cavity of the receptacle. Preferably, the rotation ofthe attachment member within the cavity of the manipulating member requires the tool member (the force required is generally greater than that which can easily be exerted upon the manipulating member without the aid of a tool). In another embodiment, the tool member may comprise a keyed member such that conventional tools are of limited utility.

In a preferred embodiment, the base of the receptacle further includes a top surface having a channel disposed thereon.

In one such preferred embodiment, the attachment assembly includes at least one channel engagement ramp extending from the bottom surface thereof. The at least one channel engagement ramp interfacing with the channel in a releasably retained position, to further enhance the releasably retained orientation, and, to, in turn, preclude inadvertent rotation out of the releasably retained orientation.

In a preferred embodiment, the outer periphery further includes at least one nub positioned thereupon, the nub precluding rotative movement of the attachment assembly therebeyond, to, in turn, increase the force required to position the attachment assembly into and out of the releasably retained orientation.

In yet another preferred embodiment, at least one of the front surface and the back surface of the body include means for biasing at least one of the upper flange and the base.

Preferably, the attachment interface comprises an opening extending through the manipulating member of the attachment assembly. In one such embodiment, the product attachment member comprises: a collar positionable within the opening of the manipulating member; and a fastener associatable with the collar. In one such embodiment, the opening of the manipulating member has a length, and the collar member has a length. The length of the collar member being greater than that of the opening of the manipulating member.

In a preferred embodiment, the outer periphery of the attachment member precludes 360° rotation of the attachment member within the receptacle. In one such embodiment, the outer periphery of the attachment member precludes rotation of the attachment member within the receptacle at an angular displacement exceeding 100°.

In another embodiment, the display assembly further comprises at least two receptacles, and at least two attachment assemblies. The receptacles are positioned in a spaced apart orientation. A display member is attached to each of the attachment assemblies. As such, multiple attachment assemblies can be utilized to position a display member in a desired orientation.

In another aspect of the invention, the method further comprises the steps of: (a) providing a receptacle; (b) providing an attachment assembly; (c) providing a product attachment assembly; (d) providing an outside object to be displayed; (e) attaching the outside object to a product attachment member by way of the attaching interface of the product attaching assembly; (f) positioning the body of the attachment assembly within the cavity of the receptacle; and (g) rotating the manipulating member of the attachment assembly, and, in turn, the attachment assembly, to a configuration wherein the outer periphery of the attachment assembly cooperates with at least one of the base, the side walls and the upper flange, to releasably retain the attachment assembly within the cavity, and to preclude relative movement thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 of the drawings is a perspective view of an embodiment of the product display assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 2a of the drawings is a front perspective view of an attachment assembly;

FIG. 2b of the drawings is a back perspective view of an attachment assembly;

FIG. 3 of the drawings is side elevational view of an embodiment of the receptacle of the display assembly;

FIG. 4 of the drawings is a schematic representation of the manipulation of the attachment assembly within the receptacle;

FIGS. 5a through 5g of the drawings comprise front elevational views of a number of different configurations of the attachment assembly;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the attachment assembly showing, in particular, a knob attached thereto;

FIG. 7 of the drawings is a perspective view of a pair of attachment assemblies attached to a display member;

FIG. 8 of the drawings is a perspective view of an embodiment of the product display assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 9 of the drawings is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the receptacle of the display assembly; and

FIG. 10 of the drawings is a perspective view of an embodiment of the product display system, as it is associated with separate bins.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of the invention, and some of the components may have been distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.

Referring now to the drawings and, in particular, to FIG. 1, product display assembly is referred to generally at 10. Display assembly 10 comprises receptacle 12, attachment assembly 14, product attachment member 16 (see, also, FIG. 6) and tool member 18 (FIG. 4). The display assembly is configured for the display of any number of different outside objects, including, but not limited to, mechanical objects (utensils, knobs, hooks, etc.), electronic equipment (cell phones, computer peripherals, etc.), displays and signs, among other objects. Of course, the invention is not limited to the display of any particular product. Advantageously, the display system allows a vendor to display products, while precluding the release and removal of the object from the display.

Receptacle 12 is shown in FIG. 3 as comprising a base 20, side walls 22 and upper flanges 24. Base 20 includes a top surface 31, upper edge 30, lower edge 32, channel 34 and side edges 36 and 38 (FIGS. 1 and 4). Top surface 31 is substantially planar in the embodiment shown. In other embodiments, the top surface 31 may be slightly convex, concave or have a plurality of non-planar surface configurations. As will be explained, the non-planar surface configurations provide further means of securing the attachment assembly within the receptacle.

Referring again to FIG. 3, upper edge 30 and lower edge 32 are positioned on substantially opposing ends of top surface 31. In the embodiment shown, these edges are substantially parallel to each other, however, it is contemplated that these edges may be oblique to each other. Similarly, as is shown in FIG. 4, side edges 36, 38 are positioned at opposing ends of top surface and generally span the upper and lower edge 30, 32 at opposing ends thereof. In the embodiment shown, these edges are substantially parallel to each other. Of course other configurations are contemplated for use, including, bases shaped in configurations other than rectangular.

In certain configurations, channel 34 may be disposed upon top surface 31 of base 20. The channel provides a region below the top surface. As will be explained, certain features of the attachment assembly may cooperate with the channel to further foster retention of the device. In addition, the underlying receptacle may be fastened to an outside surface proximate the channel.

Referring again to FIGS. 3 and/or 4, side walls 22 comprise side wall components 22a-22d, each of which extend from edges 30, 32, 36 and 38. The side walls generally extend in a direction oblique to the top surface 31 of the base 20. In the embodiment shown, the side walls extend substantially perpendicular to the top surface 31 of the base 20. In other embodiments, the side walls may be at an angle which is either greater or less than perpendicular (i.e., acute or obtuse). In certain embodiments, the side walls may be positioned at a predetermined or arbitrary non planar configurations.

As is shown in FIGS. 3 and/or 4, upper flanges 24 comprise upper flange components 24a-24d, each of which extend from respective side walls 22a-22d. Each of the upper flanges includes an outer surface such as outer surface 40a and an inner surface such as inner surface 42a. The upper flanges extend inwardly from the side walls such that a portion of undersurfaces overlies a portion of top surface 31 of base 20. Generally, the upper flanges are substantially parallel with the top surface of the base, while other configurations are contemplated. The upper flanges cooperate with each other to define opening 44 which provides ingress into and egress from cavity 45 of receptacle 12.

In certain embodiments, as is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, receptacle 12 may have a top surface which is substantially elongated, such that the side edges, and corresponding side walls, are orders of magnitude further apart than the upper and lower edges. In such a configuration, the receptacle 12 takes on a substantially elongated channel configuration. Consequently, the attachment assembly 14 may be repositioned along any number of different positions about the length of the receptacle, and multiple attachment assemblies 14 may be utilized. Further, in such a configuration, the upper flanges corresponding to the side walls 22c and 22d (utilized in the embodiment of, for example, FIG. 4) may be eliminated, as may be the side walls themselves. Moreover, a single member, such as an extruded member may include multiple receptacles 12, 12′. Furthermore, a secondary receiving member 83 (FIG. 9) may be provided which is capable of receiving items such as price tag 81 (FIG. 10), or other copy items such as pictures, photographs, drawings, written description, etc.

Attachment assembly 14 is shown in FIGS. 2a and/or 2b as comprising body 50 and manipulating member 52. Body 50 includes top surface 54, bottom surface 56, the separation of which defines thickness 57, and outer periphery 58. Top surface 54 is substantially planar, while other configurations are contemplated (i.e., enhance retention of the attachment assembly within receptacle 12). Bottom surface 56 is shown as including channel engagement ramps 62a, 62b. The channel engagement ramps are substantially identical, and, as such, engagement ramp 62a will be described with the understanding that other engagement ramp 62b is substantially identical. Specifically engagement ramp 62a includes upper surface 64a and side edges 66a and 67a. The upper surface 64a is configured so as to correspond dimensionally with channel 34 of base 20, when the attachment assembly is in a restrained orientation. Side edge 66a extends outwardly from bottom surface 56 of body 50. Side edge 67a is substantially shorter than side edge 66a such that upper surface 64a is inclined relative to bottom surface 56 so as to form a ramp. Thus, in position, side edge 67a is configured to engage the sides of channel 34, to further promote the retention of the attachment assembly in a restrained orientation and to further assist in maintaining the restrained orientation. In the embodiment shown, the side edges may take on a number of different configurations so as to provide different interfacing characteristics at opposing ends of the ramp 62a.

A biasing means may be provided on one of the top and bottom surfaces of body 50. The biasing means comprises at least one biasing member, such as biasing members 69a, 69b. The biasing members increase the thickness of body 50 such that the biasing members outwardly bias the upper flange and the base wall, thereby further enhancing the retention of the attachment assembly in the restrained orientation. In other embodiments, the biasing means may comprise the molding of outwardly extending leaf springs into the attachment member. Any such members generally place a bias on the upper flange and the base wall.

Thickness 57 is configured such that the attachment assembly is freely rotatable within receptacle 12 through a predetermined angular rotation. As such, thickness 57 is the same as or slightly less than the distance between the lower surface 42a (FIG. 3) of the upper flanges 24 and top surface 31 of base 20. In certain embodiments, thickness 57 may comprise a substantially uniform surface configuration. In other embodiments, thickness 57 may include a plurality of nubs, such as nubs 68a, 68b. These nubs increase the retention of the attachment assembly, as will be explained, when the attachment assembly is in a restrained orientation.

Outer periphery 58 is structurally configured such that the attachment assembly is positionable within receptacle 12 and rotatable from an orientation wherein the attachment assembly is freely movable and removable, through opening 44, or otherwise, from within the confines of the cavity defined by the receptacle, to an orientation wherein the attachment assembly is substantially restrained from at least one of removal from and slidable movement within the cavity of the receptacle. Preferably, in a restrained orientation movement of the attachment assembly is achievable only through the use of tool member 18 as without the tool, it is difficult for a user to properly grasp and rotate. The tool may comprise a conventionally shaped tool, such as, for example an open end wrench. In other embodiments, the tool may comprise a special security tool, to prevent movement of the attachment assembly with conventional tools by unauthorized individuals. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that movement may be achieved through manual manipulation after the application of a certain force. A number of different configurations of the attachment assembly are contemplated for use wherein a rotation from a substantially unrestrained to a substantially restrained configuration within the cavity of the receptacle is accomplishable.

Certain exemplary embodiments or the attachment assembly are shown in FIGS. 5a-f. As can be seen, due to the particular configuration of the outer periphery, rotation of about 80° to 100° is required to direct the attachment assembly to and from a releasably restrained orientation. In other embodiments, such as the embodiment of FIG. 5g, a rotation of substantially less than 60° is required, even as little as 5° in certain embodiments,

Manipulation member 52 of attachment assembly 14 is shown in FIG. 2a as comprising body 53. Body 53 extends from top surface 54 of body 50. In the embodiment shown, the body comprises a substantially cubic configuration having outer surface 55 and engagement surfaces 57a-d. The engagement surfaces are configured to releasably receive tool member 18 (FIG. 4).

Product attachment assembly 16 is shown in FIG. 6 as comprising interface member 70 and product attachment member 72. Interface member 70 comprises opening 74 extending through attachment assembly 14. In the embodiment shown, the opening extends through body 50 and manipulating member 52 (through outer surface 55 thereof). Generally, the opening is substantially perpendicular to top surface of 31 of base 20 of the receptacle.

Product attachment member 72 is shown in FIGS. 6 as comprising collar member 76 and fastener 78. The collar member is extendable through opening 74. The collar member is generally longer than the length of the opening 74, such that it extends beyond the opening on either side thereof. Additionally, the collar member is substantially freely rotatable within the opening 74. Fastener 78 extends from the collar member and is attachable to the outside object. In certain embodiments, the fastener may comprise a screw, nail or bolt which extends through an opening in collar member 76 and into the outside object. In other embodiments, the fastener may be molded integrally with collar member 76. In yet other embodiments, the fastener may comprise a glue, adhesive, or other bonding assembly.

In operation, the display assembly is configured to display a number of products in a substantially restrained orientation. To achieve the usage of the device, a user first attaches a product that is to be displayed (an outside object, such as a mechanical or electronic device, for example) to the attachment assembly. Initially, the outside object is provided along with a product attachment assembly and an attachment assembly. Collar member 76 is positioned within opening 74 of interface member 70. Fastener 78 is utilized to couple the collar with the outside object. In the embodiment shown, the fastener 78 is, on the one side coupled with the outside object, and on the other side provides a head which precludes removal of the collar from the opening. In other embodiments (such as, for example, where the fastener is integrated with the collar), a flange may be positioned on the end of the collar opposing the outside object, to preclude slidable removal of the collar from the opening.

Once the outside object is coupled to the product attachment member and the attachment assembly, the attachment assembly 14 can be coupled to receptacle 12. Specifically, the attachment assembly is rotated in such a fashion relative to the receptacle so that the body of the attachment member can be positioned in the cavity of the receptacle 12. Once spatially oriented, the attachment member is inserted into the cavity. Once inserted, tool member 18 (FIG. 4) can be utilized to grasp the engagement surfaces of manipulating member 52. Once grasped, the tool member can rotate the attachment assembly to a releasably retained orientation.

With the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, from insertion into the cavity to the releasably restrained orientation requires rotation which is generally between 80° and 100°. In other embodiments, the rotation of the attachment assembly can be limited less than 360°, (such as, for example, to as little as 5°) or may be freely rotatable through a full rotation of 360° and beyond.

Specifically, the outer periphery of the body of the attachment assembly becomes wedged by the receptacle, and most preferably through cooperation of opposing side walls thereof. Additional structures of the attachment assembly, namely the ramps, interface with channel 34 of top surface 31 to further facilitate retention in the retained orientation. Furthermore, in a releasably retained orientation, the protrusions approach, contact then pass beyond the interfacing surfaces of the receptacle (through, presumably, an elastic deformation of at least one of the receptacle and the attachment assembly). As such, to rotate the attachment member back to a releasable configuration, the protrusions may once again be hurdled. As such, the protrusions further serve to maintain the releasably retained configuration.

In this releasably retained orientation, the outside object is freely displayed. Furthermore, inasmuch as the collar member 76 is freely rotatable relative to the attachment assembly, the user is free to rotate the product, without having the risk of releasing the attachment assembly from engagement with the receptacle. In certain embodiments, it will be understood that it may not be desirable to include a collar member, or to permit relative rotation of the outside member.

To remove the attachment member from a releasably retained orientation, the user grasps tool member 18 and engages the engagement surfaces of the manipulating member of the attachment assembly. The user then rotates the attachment assembly from the releasably retained orientation to a non-restrained orientation. The attachment assembly can then be removed.

In another embodiment, wherein the receptacle comprises an elongated channel configuration, the user can reposition the attachment assembly in any number of different positions along the length of the elongated channel receptacle.

In one such embodiment, a plurality of attachment members can be utilized with, for example, a sign, mounting member, or another display member 85, as is shown in FIG. 7. In such a configuration, a receptacle, such as the elongated receptacle of FIGS. 8 and 9, or a plurality of receptacles (one or both of which are elongated) may be provided. Each of the attachment assemblies are positioned within a respective receptacle. Once positioned as desired, tool member 18 may be utilized to releasably retain the attachment assemblies (and, in turn, the signs and display members) in a locked configuration. The sign or display member may have other structures attached thereto such as a mechanical or electrical component.

The foregoing configurations, have great benefits for point of purchase display 100 (FIG. 10), wherein products are stored in a bin, hangar, etc. proximate a display. The present display assembly allows for a quick interchange of display members which are associated with the respective bin 89.

The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A display assembly comprising:

a receptacle having a base, a first side wall and a second side wall opposing the first side wall, and an upper flange overlying at least a portion of the base, the upper flange defining an opening, and, the upper flange, the opposing side walls and the base cooperating to define a cavity;

an attachment assembly having: a body including a top surface and a bottom surface opposing the top surface, a thickness and an outer periphery; a manipulating member extending outwardly from the body, the manipulating member being accessible through the opening when the attachment assembly is positioned within the cavity; and

a product attachment assembly comprising: a product attachment member capable of being coupled to an outside object; and an interface for attaching the product attachment member to the attachment assembly, wherein at least a portion of the product attachment member is capable of rotation relative to the attachment assembly,

wherein, the attachment assembly is positionable within the receptacle through the opening thereof, and whereupon rotation of the manipulating member, the body of the attachment member interfaces with at least one of the first and second side wall, the upper flange and the base, to releasably retain the attachment assembly relative to the receptacle, and preclude same from movement relative to each other.

2. The display assembly of claim 1 wherein the receptacle includes additional side walls so as to define a cavity having dimensions similar to that of the attachment assembly so as to substantially preclude slidable positioning of the attachment assembly along the opening of the receptacle.

3. The display assembly of claim 1 wherein the receptacle includes a width substantially greater than a longest linear dimension of either of the top surface and the bottom surface of the attachment assembly, to, in turn, facilitate the slidable movement of the attachment member along the opening of the receptacle in any number of different positions.

4. The display assembly of claim 3 wherein a plurality of attachment assemblies are positioned within the receptacle in a spaced apart orientation.

5. The display assembly of claim 4 wherein the outside object is attached to each of the attachment assemblies by way of the respective attaching interface.

6. The display assembly of claim 1 wherein the outside object comprises one of the group consisting of: a product, a display, a sign, a poster and a board.

7. The display assembly of claim 1 further comprising a tool member engageable with the manipulating member, the tool member facilitating rotation of the attachment member within the cavity of the receptacle.

8. The display assembly of claim 7 wherein the rotation of the attachment member within the cavity of the manipulating member requires the tool member.

9. The display assembly of claim 1 wherein the base of the receptacle further includes a top surface having a channel disposed thereon.

10. The display assembly of claim 9 wherein the attachment assembly includes at least one channel engagement ramp extending from the bottom surface thereof, the at least one channel engagement ramp interfacing with the channel in a releasably retained position, to further enhance the releasably retained orientation, and, to, in turn, preclude inadvertent rotation out of the releasably retained orientation.

11. The display assembly of claim 1 wherein the outer periphery further includes at least one nub positioned thereupon, the nub precluding rotative movement of the attachment assembly therebeyond, to, in turn, increase the force required to position the attachment assembly into and out of the releasably retained orientation.

12. The display assembly of claim 1 wherein at least one of the front surface and the back surface of the body include means for biasing at least one of the upper flange and the base.

13. The display assembly of claim 1 wherein the attachment interface comprises an opening extending through the manipulating member of the attachment assembly.

14. The display assembly of claim 13 wherein the product attachment member comprises:

a collar positionable within the opening of the manipulating member; and

a fastener associatable with the collar.

15. The display assembly of claim 14 wherein the opening of the manipulating member has a length, and the collar member has a length, the length of the collar member being greater than that of the opening of the manipulating member.

16. The display assembly of claim 1 wherein the outer periphery of the attachment member precludes 360° rotation of the attachment member within the receptacle.

17. The display assembly of claim 1 wherein the outer periphery of the attachment member precludes rotation of the attachment member within the receptacle at an angular displacement exceeding 100°.

18. The display assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least two receptacles, and at least two attachment assemblies, the receptacles positioned in a spaced apart orientation, an outside object is attached to each of the attachment assemblies by way of the respective attaching interface.

19. The display assembly of claim 18 further comprising a display member attached to each of the attachment assemblies.

20. A method of displaying an object, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a receptacle, the receptacle comprising: a receptacle having a base, a first side wall and a second side wall opposing the first side wall, and an upper flange overlying at least a portion of the base, the upper flange defining an opening, and the upper flange, the opposing side walls and the base cooperating to define a cavity;

providing an attachment assembly, the attachment assembly comprising: a body including a top surface and a bottom surface opposing the top surface, a thickness and an outer periphery; and a manipulating member extending outwardly from the body, the manipulating member being accessible through the opening when the attachment assembly is positioned within the cavity;

providing a product attachment assembly comprising: a product attachment member capable of being coupled to an outside object; and an interface for attaching the product attachment member to the attachment assembly, wherein at least a portion of the product attachment member is capable of rotation relative to the attachment assembly;

providing an outside object to be displayed;

attaching the outside object to a product attachment member by way of the attaching interface of the product attaching assembly;

positioning the body of the attachment assembly within the cavity of the receptacle; and

rotating the manipulating member of the attachment assembly, and, in turn, the attachment assembly, to a configuration wherein the outer periphery of the attachment assembly cooperates with at least one of the base, the side walls and the upper flange, to releasably retain the attachment assembly within the cavity, and to preclude relative movement thereof.