CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/214,228 filed Apr. 21, 2009 entitled “Method of Selling Bedding Products”, which is fully incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD The present invention relates to the sale of mattresses and other bedding products.
BACKGROUND In the United States, mattresses and box springs or bedding foundations are commonly sold in one store while pillows, bed sheets and other protective coverings are sold in a different store. Currently, there are a few stores which sell all these items, but the items are separated from each other, located in different parts of the store. A customer must walk from one section of the store to another to purchase all necessary items to complete a bedding system. Therefore, it would be desirable if a customer were able to select a mattress, a bedding foundation which complements the mattress characteristics, such as firmness and bedding accessories which are desirable to the customer, such as a firm pillow, for example.
SUMMARY The present invention provides a modular display for selling bedding products, said display comprising: a bedding foundation; a mattress on the bedding foundation; a pair of quarter columns, one of the quarter columns being on each side of the bedding foundation; a horizontally oriented bridge connected to and extending between the quarter columns above the mattress. The horizontally oriented bridge may comprise a pair of spaced bridge members. The bedding foundation may be an adjustable foundation. The modular display may further include a banner extending downwardly from the bridge for advertising purposes.
At least one of the quarter columns has multiple compartments for displaying bedding accessories such as pillows, bed sheets and mattress or pillow protectors, for example. In several embodiments, at least one of the quarter columns has multiple bed frame samples displayed so a consumer may select a desired bed frame. In some embodiments, at least one of the quarter columns has a pull-out drawer and/or lights.
The display may further comprise a headboard between the quarter columns. The headboard may be secured to the bedding foundation.
According to another aspect of the invention, a modular display for selling bedding products comprises: a plurality of spaced bedding foundations; a mattress on each of said bedding foundations; a pair of quarter columns, the quarter columns being on opposed sides of the bedding foundations; a joining column between adjacent bedding foundations; horizontally oriented bridges connected to and extending between adjacent columns above the mattresses. The bedding foundation may be an adjustable foundation.
The display may further comprise a banner extending downwardly from each bridge for advertising purposes and/or headboards between adjacent columns. At least one horizontally oriented bridge may comprise a pair of spaced bridge members.
At least one of the columns may have multiple compartments for displaying bedding accessories. At least one of the columns may have multiple bed frame samples displayed. At least one of the columns may have a pull-out drawer for displaying product samples. At least one of the columns may have lights for illuminating the display or a portion of the display. At least one of the columns may have a booklet support extending outwardly from one of the columns.
The present invention provides a novel method of selling bedding products where a customer may select to purchase one or more of the following items: 1) a bedding foundation, such as an adjustable bed; 2) a mattress, including its components, such as whether the mattress has a pillow top, pocketed or unpocketed springs, etc.; 3) pillows; 4) sets of sheets; 5) mattress and pillow protectors; 6) a bed frame; and 7) a headboard and/or footboard.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 comprises a perspective view of one embodiment of display in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a partially disassembled view of a portion of the display of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of display in accordance with the present invention; and
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of display in accordance with the present invention.
DESCRIPTION Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a modular display 10 for selling bedding products. This embodiment of display 10 comprises a bedding foundation 12 and a mattress 14 resting on the bedding foundation 12.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a pair of quarter columns 16a, 16b are present in the display 10. One of the quarter columns 16a is located on one side (to the left in FIG. 1) of the bedding foundation 12 and mattress 14. The other quarter column 16b is located on the other side (to the right in FIG. 1) of the bedding foundation 12 and mattress 14. A horizontally oriented bridge 18, comprising a pair of horizontally spaced bridge members 20, extends between the quarter columns 16a, 16b above the bedding foundation 12 and mattress 14.
As shown in FIG. 2, brackets 22 having holes 24 receive fasteners 26 which secure each bridge member 20 to opposing quarter columns 16a, 16b. As shown in FIG. 2, each bridge member 20 is generally I-shaped in cross-section and adapted to receive and retain one or more advertising placards 28. Each bridge member 20 may have opposed placards 28 on opposite sides of the bridge member 20 so that if a person desires a different placard 28, the person need only switch the orientation of the bridge member 20. Each placard 28 may have indicia, such as advertising on one or both sides thereof.
The display 10 further comprises a headboard 30 which is shown attached to a wheeled movable frame 32 supporting the bedding foundation 12. FIG. 2 illustrates a stationary bedding foundation or box spring 12. Although one style or configuration of headboard 30 is shown, the headboard may be any known configuration or style of headboard. Although one style or configuration of frame 32 is shown, the frame may be any known frame or similar support for supporting a bedding foundation. Although not illustrated, if desired, a footboard may be attached to the foot end of the frame 32.
As shown in FIG. 2, the display 10 further comprises a banner 34 which may be secured to one of the bridge members 20 of bridge 18. The banner 34 may have indicia, such as advertising, on one or both sides thereof. Although one size of banner is shown, the banner may be any desired size. If desired, more than one banner may be displayed.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the display 10 further comprises a hang tag 36 secured to the mattress 14. Alternatively, or additionally, a hang tag 38 may be secured to the bedding foundation 12. Either hang tag 36, 38 may list different styles or models of either mattresses or bedding foundations offered for sale on either side of the hand tag, as indicated by the word INDICIA. Alternatively, or additionally, advertising members or tags 36, 38 may be adhesively secured or sewn or otherwise secured to the foot end of either the mattress 14 or bedding foundation 12.
FIG. 2 illustrates in detail a portion of the point-of-purchase display 10 of FIG. 1, but without product for sale being displayed. More particularly, quarter column 16b comprises an inner wall 40 and a rear wall 42 oriented perpendicular to the inner wall 40 in an “L” shape. A middle member 44 having a curved outer surface 46 extends the full height of the quarter column 16b, like walls 40, 42. This curved outer surface 46 of middle member 44 is adapted to receive and retain one or more placards 48 which may have advertising words or designs thereon, as indicated by the word INDICIA in the drawings.
Quarter column 16b further comprises a base portion 50, including a first lower shelf 52 extending outwardly from the rear wall 42 and between the inner wall 40 and a wall 54 of the middle member 44. Similarly, base portion 50 includes a second lower shelf 56 extending outwardly from the inner wall 40 and between the rear wall 42 and wall 54 of the middle member 44.
Quarter column 16b further comprises a plurality of adjustable shelves 58 aligned with lower shelf 52, two being shown. Between adjustable shelves 58 is located a pull-out drawer 60 movable or slidable along tracks 61 secured to the walls (only one being shown in FIG. 2). Drawer 60 has rails 63 (only one being shown in FIG. 2) which slidably engage tracks 61, as known in the industry. Drawer 60 has multiple compartments 62 of individual samples of different foams and fibers which a customer may touch and feel. Bedding products, such as pillows or comforters made of these materials, may be ordered on location. In addition, if a customer desires a mattress having one or more of these materials, it may be ordered. Although the pull-out drawer 60 is illustrated as being in one particular location, it may be located at any desired location, including in quarter column 16a.
Quarter column 16b further comprises a top portion 64, including two receptacles 66, each one being adapted to receive and retain a placard 68 which may be used for advertising. The writing and/or design on the placards 68 is indicated in the drawings by the word INDICIA. The upper portion 64, the lower shelf 52, the two adjustable shelves 58 and pull-out drawer 60 define a plurality of vertically aligned compartments 70 facing away from the wall 72. These compartments 70 may be any desired size and are adapted to receive bedding products as shown in FIG. 1 and described below.
As shown in FIG. 2, quarter column 16b further comprises a plurality of adjustable shelves 59 above second lower shelf 56. The upper portion 64, the lower shelf 56 and the three adjustable shelves 59 define a plurality of vertically aligned compartments 74 facing away from the mattress 14 and bedding foundation 12. These compartments 74 may be any desired size and are adapted to receive bedding products as shown in FIG. 1 and described herein. Although four compartments 74 are illustrated, quarter column 16b may have any number of compartments 74 accessible to a customer.
Quarter column 16b further comprises a support 76 extending outwardly from one of the adjustable shelves 59. Support 76 supports a booklet 78 which lists the various options available for sale in the bedding products shown in FIG. 1 and described herein. Although the support 76 and associated booklet 78 are shown in one location, they may be at any other desired location, such as extending outwardly from any of the adjustable shelves 58 or 59. A sticker or other similar advertising media, something other than a booklet, may be placed on the support to display to the customer available options or products which may be ordered and/or purchased.
As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, quarter column 16a of FIGS. 1 and 2 and quarter column 16a″ of FIG. 4 each comprises an inner wall 80, a rear wall 82 oriented perpendicular to the inner wall 80, an upper portion 84 and a base portion 86. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper portion 84 is adapted to receive and retain one or more placards 85 which may have advertising words and/or designs thereon, as indicated by the word INDICIA in the drawings. The front face or side 90 of quarter column 16a and quarter column 16a″ is adapted to receive and retain a plurality of mini frame samples 88, shown in detail in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of brackets 92 are cantilevered outwardly from two spaced rails 94 secured to a planar support wall 96. See FIG. 4.
As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of adjustable shelves 98 are supported by a support wall 96 and rear wall 82 and extend therebetween. The adjustable shelves 98 are outside the inner wall 80 along an outer side or face 100 of the quarter column 16a. The upper portion 84, the base portion 86 and the adjustable shelves 98 define a plurality of vertically aligned compartments 104 facing away from the mattress 14 and bedding foundation 12. These compartments 104 may be any desired size and are adapted to receive and retain bedding products as shown in FIG. 1 and described herein. Although five compartments 104 are illustrated, quarter column 16a or 16a″ may have any number of compartments 104.
As shown in FIG. 4, quarter column 16a further comprises a pull-out drawer 102, similar to pull-out drawer 60 of quarter column 16b. This drawer 102 has multiple compartments 103 of individual samples of different foams and fibers which a customer may touch. Bedding products, such as pillows or comforters made of these materials, may be ordered and/or purchased on location. In addition, if one desires a mattress having one or more of these materials, it may be ordered. Either quarter column may have no pull-out drawers or any desired number of such drawers.
The portion of the point-of-purchase display 10 comprising the quarter columns 16a, 16b and bridge 18 is in the form of an inverted U or has an inverted U-shaped configuration. Across the top of this portion of the point-of-purchase display 10 may be advertising, but may include sample products. As shown in FIG. 1, for purposes of example only, the vertical quarter column 16a shown on the left side of bedding foundation 12 has a plurality of bed frame samples 88 displayed. Any of these bed frames may be ordered by the customer. As shown in FIG. 1, to the right of the bedding foundation 12 and mattress 14 in the upper compartments 74 of quarter column 16b are packaged mattress and pillow protectors 106 for sale. In the lower compartments 74 of quarter column 16b are shown packaged sheets 108. In the lower compartments 70 of quarter column 16 below pull-out drawer 60 are shown packaged pillows 110.
Of course, any of the products may be displayed anywhere in the display at any desired location. For example, the pillows may be displayed in storage compartments of quarter column 16a, instead of the storage compartments of quarter column 16b, as shown in the drawings. Similarly, the mini bed frame samples 88 may be shown in quarter column 16b rather than quarter column 16a, as depicted in the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows two additional display components on opposite sides of the principal display component including the frame, 32, bedding foundation 12 and mattress 14: a half column 112 and a full column 114. Half column 112 comprises two quarter components 16aa and 16bb placed side-to-side. Quarter components 16aa, 16bb are illustrated as being identical, but may be different from each other. Either quarter component 16aa, 16bb may be similar to quarter component 16a or quarter component 16b or any variant thereof described herein.
As shown in FIG. 1, for purposes of example only, quarter column 16aa shown on the left side of half column 112 has a plurality of compartments in which bedding products are displayed. In FIG. 1, packaged sheets 108a are displayed in the uppermost compartments 116 of quarter columns 16aa and 16bb. In the lower compartments 116 between adjustable shelves 118 of quarter columns 16aa and 16bb are shown packaged mattress and pillow protectors 106a and packaged pillows 110a.
Half column 112 of FIG. 1 further illustrates two supports 76a, each supporting a booklet 78a as described herein. Although the supports 76a and associated booklets 78a are shown in select locations, they may be at any other desired location, such as extending outwardly from any of the adjustable shelves 118 between compartments 116 of the half column 112. Although not shown, quarter column 16aa or quarter column 16bb may have one or more pull-out drawers, as shown and described herein.
Of course, any of the products may be displayed anywhere in the half column. For example, mini bed frames may be displayed from one of the quarter columns 16aa or 16bb.
Full column 114 comprises four quarter components 16aaa placed side-to-side or back-to-back, as shown in FIG. 1. Quarter components 16aaa are illustrated as being identical, but may be different from each other. Full column 114 has multiple levels or layers of compartments 120 defined by adjustable shelves 122. Packaged mattress and pillow protectors 106aa, packaged sheets 108aa and packaged pillows 110aa are displayed in any desired configuration. Although these packaged products are illustrated being in particular compartments, they may be moved around as desired, for display purposes. For example, all the pillows may be in the uppermost level of compartments 120.
Full column 114 of FIG. 1 further illustrates two supports 76aa, each supporting a booklet 78aa as described herein. Although the supports 76aa and associated booklets 78aa are shown in select locations, they may be at any other desired location, such as extending outwardly from any of the adjustable shelves 122 between compartments 120 of the full column 114. Although not shown, any of the quarter columns 16aaa of full column 114 may have one or more pull-out drawers, as shown and described herein.
Of course, any of the products may be displayed anywhere in the full column 114. For example, mini bed frames may be displayed from one of the quarter columns 16aaa.
FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative display 10′ comprising two bedding foundations 12′ and two mattresses 14′. In this display 10′ the bedding foundations 12′ are adjustable bed foundations, as indicated by the generally inverted U-shaped stop 124 at the foot end of each bedding foundation 12′. In FIG. 3, one of the bedding foundations 12′ (the one on the left in FIG. 3) is shown in an inclined position while the other bedding foundation 12′ (the one on the right in FIG. 3) is shown in a horizontal position. As is known in the industry, a remote control 126 may be used to change or adjust the position of each bedding foundation 12′. Although FIG. 3 illustrates two adjustable bedding foundations 12″, any number of the bedding foundations may be stationary (non-adjustable).
The display 10′ shown in FIG. 3 comprises a quarter column 16a′, like quarter column 16a shown in FIGS. 1 and 2; a quarter column 16b′, like quarter column 16b shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and a joining column 128 between the bedding foundations 12′. The joining column 128 has a base 130, an upper portion 132; a pair of opposed side walls 134 and a plurality of adjustable shelves 136 which together define a plurality of compartments 138 for displaying bedding products.
The display 10′ shown in FIG. 3 further comprises two horizontally oriented bridges 18′, each comprising a pair of horizontally spaced bridge members 20′ extending between the joining column 128 and one of the quarter columns 16a′, 16b′. As shown in FIG. 3, brackets 22′ identical to brackets 22 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 secure each bridge member 20′ to either the joining column 128 or one of the quarter columns 16a′, 16b′. Like bridge members 20 shown in FIG. 2, each bridge member 20′ is generally I-shaped in cross-section and adapted to receive and retain advertising placards like placards 28 shown in FIG. 2. Each bridge member 20′ may have opposed placards 28 on opposite sides of the bridge member 20′ so that if a person desires a different placard 28, the person need only switch the orientation of the bridge member 20′. Each placard 28 may have indicia, such as advertising on one or both sides thereof.
As shown in FIG. 3, the display 10′ further comprises a hang tag 140 hanging from the stop 124 of each of the bedding foundations 12′. Alternatively, a hang tag may be secured to the bedding foundation 12′ or mattress 14′. Hang tag 140 may list different styles or models of either mattresses or bedding foundations offered for sale on either side of the hand tag, as indicated by the word INDICIA. Alternatively, advertising members may be adhesively secured or sewn or otherwise secured to the foot end of either a mattress 14′ or bedding foundation 12′.
FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative display 10″ comprising three bedding foundations 12″ and three mattresses 14″. In this display 10″, the bedding foundations 12″ are all adjustable bed foundations, as indicated by the generally inverted U-shaped stop 124 at the foot end of each bedding foundation 12″. In FIG. 4, one of the bedding foundations 12″ (the one furthest to the right in FIG. 4) is shown in an inclined position while the other bedding foundations 12″ are shown in a horizontal position. As is known in the industry, a remote control 126 may be used to change or adjust the position of each bedding foundation 12″. Although FIG. 4 illustrates three adjustable bedding foundations 12″, any number of the bedding foundations may be stationary (non-adjustable).
The display 10″ shown in FIG. 4 further comprises a quarter column 16a″, like quarter column 16a shown in FIGS. 1 and 2; a quarter column 16b″, like quarter column 16b shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and two joining columns 128. The display 10″ shown in FIG. 4 further comprises three horizontally oriented bridges 18″, each comprising a pair of horizontally spaced bridge members 20″ extending between the joining column 128 and one of the quarter columns 16a′, 16b′ or between the two joining columns 128. As shown in FIG. 4, brackets 22″ identical to brackets 22 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 secure each bridge member 20″ to either one of the joining columns 128 or one of the quarter columns 16a″, 16b″. Like bridge members 20 shown in FIG. 2, each bridge member 20″ is generally I-shaped in cross-section and adapted to receive and retain advertising placards like placards 28 shown in FIG. 2. Each bridge member 20″ may have opposed placards 28 on opposite sides of the bridge member 20″ so that if a person desires a different placard 28, the person need only switch the orientation of the bridge member 20″. Each placard 28 may have indicia, such as advertising, on one or both sides thereof.
The display 10″ of FIG. 4 shows different headboards. One of the headboards 148 is like the headboard 30 of FIG. 1, while another of the headboards 150 is configured differently. Any of the adjustable bedding foundations 12″ may have any desired configuration, including any desired headboard.
As shown in FIG. 1, any of the quarter columns may be equipped with lights 142 which project outwardly from an upper portion of the quarter column. The lights 142 may be remotely controlled or controlled via a switch in the light or a switch in a cord 144 connected to a conventional wall outlet 146.
Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.
