Abstract:
A product display system is configured to display small items and signage in a retail environment. The display system includes a front cover that is removably attached to a rear cover by using a key to disengage the front cover from the rear cover. The product display system includes a tether for securing the small item and includes space for attaching signage associated with the item.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/440,775 filed on Feb. 8, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the field of advertising displays. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system for displaying a small item so that it may be manipulated easily by a user while both prohibiting unauthorized removal of the object from the premises and allowing retailers to quickly and efficiently change the configuration of a retail space. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    In the field of advertising displays, there is a need to display small items, typically electronics, such as cell-phones, camcorders, cameras, and remote controls in a way that allows consumers to touch and hold the device prior to purchase. Traditionally, such items were displayed in locked cases or behind counters where consumers could only get access to the items after consulting a sales associate. As the number of small electronic devices available for purchase increased dramatically, it became necessary for retailers to change the way small electronics are displayed. Retailers want to allow potential customers to handle the devices in the store, but lack the staffing and/or security to allow them to do so without fear of rampant theft. Small electronic devices, even so called “dummy” phones, are valuable and are attractive targets for thieves. In order to facilitate customer interaction with the devices while simultaneously preventing theft, retailers employ a wide variety of security measures. 
         [0004]    One common solution to the above problem is to anchor the item to a shelf, table, or display. Retailers have implemented a wide range of anchors, with most falling into one of two categories: recoiling tether with mechanical attachment, or recoiling tether with adhesive attachment. Both solutions have also been adapted to provide power to the device and/or alarm capabilities in the event that the device is removed from the tether. The anchors are typically permanently attached to shelves, tables, or displays or are integrated into the displays. Both solutions have significant limitations. 
         [0005]    Typical mechanical attachment systems include a pullbox and tether that are attached to a cage or mechanical claw that wraps around the secured device and locks in place. Mechanical attachment solutions tend to be quite bulky due to the fact that they must be adjustable to accommodate devices of varying size and shape. The adjustable nature of the mechanical attachment also causes mechanical attachments to be more complex, and are typically made of metal components, all of which contribute to increased cost of the anchors. The added bulk of the mechanical attachment also diminishes the consumer experience because the potential buyer is unable to get a true sense of the size and feel of the secured device. 
         [0006]    Adhesive attachment solutions tend to be much less bulky than their mechanical counterparts but suffer from a critical limitation: once the adhesive is bonded to the device, it is very difficult, if not impossible to remove it without damaging either the anchor or the secured device. The use of adhesive attachment becomes an issue if and when the store wishes to re-planogram. As used herein “planogram” refers to arranging items in a retail environment using a diagram of fixtures and products that illustrates how and where retail products should be displayed to increase customer purchases. 
         [0007]    Another disadvantage present in existing display solutions is the permanent or semi-permanent attachment of the anchor to a table, shelf, or display. Commonly, nearby the small item on display is signage displaying pertinent information about the item such as price or a description of the item. Thus, each time the store re-planograms, not only must the item be removed from the anchor, but any signage associated with the item must be removed from the display and kept with the item so it may be displayed in a new location. Keeping everything together and in good condition over time and after many re-planograms is a problem for retailers. In particular, the signage is commonly lost, damaged, or separated from the item to which it pertains. 
         [0008]    In the rapidly changing world of cell phones and small electronics, the ability of a retailer to quickly and easily re-planogram without damaging the products or the displays is extremely important. Thus, there is a need for a product display system, such that a significant portion of the display may be moved to a different location in one piece, for displaying a small item that includes a tether and attachment means for the item and has provisions for attaching pertinent signage. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    The present invention relates to a display system that securely displays small items in the retail environment and allows a retailer to quickly and easily re-planogram. The invention includes an attachment plate for securing the product display system to a base. Attached to the attachment plate is a rear cover adapted to semi-permanently attach to the attachment plate. A front cover is adapted to support a retention mechanism and to removably attach to the rear cover. Attached to the retention mechanism is a tether that is adapted to attach to a small item. 
         [0010]    It will be understood by those skilled in the art that one or more aspects of this invention can meet certain objectives, while one or more other aspects can lead to certain other objectives. Other objects, features, benefits and advantages of the present invention will be apparent in this summary and descriptions of the disclosed embodiment, and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such objects, features, benefits and advantages will be apparent from the above as taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures and all reasonable inferences to be drawn therefrom. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a product display in accordance with the invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the product display of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  a front view of the product display of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the product display of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the product display of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of the back cover of the product display of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view of the back cover of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a top view of the back cover of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a front view of the back cover of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a right side view of the back cover of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a left side view of the back cover of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a front perspective view of the front cover of the product display of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a rear perspective view of the front cover of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a bottom view of the front cover of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a left side view of the front cover of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  is a right side view of the front cover of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  is a front perspective view of a device cradle of the product display of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  is rear perspective view of the device cradle of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  is a front view of the device cradle of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  is a top view of the device cradle of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 21  is a side view of the device cradle of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an accent panel of the product display of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 23  is a top view of the accent panel of  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 24  is a front view of the accent panel of  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 25  is a side view of the accent panel of  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a key of the product display of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 27  is a top view of the key of  FIG. 26 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 28  is a front view of the key of  FIG. 26 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 29  is a side view of the key of  FIG. 26 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of a sign holder of the product display of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 31  is a front view of the sign holder of  FIG. 30 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 32  is a top view of the sign holder of  FIG. 30 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 33  is a side view of the sign holder of  FIG. 30 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 33A  is a detail view of the sign holder of  FIG. 30 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 34  is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a product display in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 35  is a rear perspective view of the product display of  FIG. 34 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 36  is another rear perspective view of the product display of  FIG. 34  with the rear cover removed; 
           [0048]      FIG. 37  is a front perspective view of an attachment plate of the product display of  FIG. 34 ; and 
           [0049]      FIG. 38  is a rear perspective view of the attachment plate of  FIG. 37 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0050]      FIGS. 1-33  show one embodiment of a product display system  100  in accordance with the invention. As shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , the product display system  100  includes a post  101 , an attachment plate  102 , a rear cover  104 , a pullbox  106 , a tether (not shown) a tether guide  108 , device cradle  110 , a front cover  112 , an accent panel  114 , a sign holder  116 , a key  120 , and attachment means for attaching a small device (not shown). In the embodiment shown, the pullbox  106  is attached to the tether guide  108 , which in turn is attached to the device cradle  110 . The tether guide  108  includes a mounting flange  142  that provides a surface to which the device cradle  110  is attached. 
         [0051]    The post  101  is secured to a display surface (not shown) in a retail environment and includes the attachment plate  102 , which provides a surface on which to mount the rear cover  104 . In the embodiment shown, the rear cover  104  includes mounting posts  132  for mounting the rear cover  104  to the attachment plate  102 . The rear cover  104  is attached to the attachment plate  102  with a plurality of fasteners (not shown). Alternative attachment means such as adhesive or welding may be used without departing from the invention. Additionally, an embodiment may be contemplated where the post  101 , attachment plate  102 , and rear cover  104 , are formed either as one piece or some other combination of separate attached pieces. 
         [0052]      FIGS. 6-11  show the rear cover  104  in greater detail. The rear cover  104  includes at least one keyhole  122 . Proximate to the at least one keyhole  122  is a ridge  124  that is adapted to retain the front cover  112  when it is attached to the rear cover  104 . The rear cover  104  also includes a plurality of attachment openings  126  that engage attachment protrusions  128  on the front cover  112  (see  FIGS. 12-16 ). The rear cover  104  also includes a recess  130  that provides space for the pullbox  106 . The recess  130  is also large enough to allow the front cover  112  to be attached to the rear cover  104  with the pullbox  106  already attached. 
         [0053]    Turning now to  FIGS. 12-16 , the front cover  112  is shown in greater detail. The front cover  112  is configured to be customer facing and to be easily attached and removed from the rear cover  104 . A number of components are mounted to the front cover  112  so that when it is removed from the rear cover  104 , all of those components remain mounted to the front cover. Such components include the pullbox  106 , tether guide  108 , device cradle  110 , accent panel  114 , and sign holder  116  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0054]    In the embodiment shown, the front cover includes a plurality of resilient fingers  138  that lock the front cover  112  when it is attached to the rear cover  104 . To install the front cover  112  on the rear cover  104 , the front cover  112  is positioned such that the attachment protrusions  128  are within the attachment openings  126  of the rear cover. The front cover  112  is then moved horizontally such that the resilient fingers  138  pass over the ridge  124  of the rear cover  104 . When the fingers  138  pass over the ridge  124 , they deform slightly so that when the front cover  112  is in its final position, the resilient fingers  138  spring into position proximate the ridge  124 . When the front cover  112  is properly installed, it may not be removed from the rear cover  102  unless the key  120  is used to depress the resilient fingers  138 , allowing them to pass back over the ridge  124 . Once the front cover  112  is disengaged from the rear cover  104 , it, along with anything attached to it, may be easily moved and attached to another rear cover elsewhere in the store. Likewise, another front cover  112  from a different location in the store may be similarly attached to the rear cover  104  that was just vacated. Thus, retailers may quickly and easily re-planogram their stores by simply moving front covers  112  between rear covers  104 . 
         [0055]    The front cover  112  includes an interchangeable socket  134  for attaching different device cradles  110  as necessary. The inclusion of an interchangeable socket  134  allows the product display  100  to accommodate a variety of pullboxes  106  and corresponding mounting plates (not shown). The interchangeable socket  134  includes a plurality of mounting protrusions  136  that engage corresponding mounting features  140  on the device cradle  110  (see  FIGS. 17-21 ). 
         [0056]      FIGS. 17-21  show detail of the device cradle  110  of the present embodiment. The device cradle  110  includes mounting bosses  144 , a socket  146 , a tether hole  148 , and a plurality of mounting features  140 . The mounting bosses  144  are adapted to accept threaded fasteners through the tether guide mounting flange  142  to attach the device cradle  110  to the pullbox  106 . The socket  146  is configured to align a device attachment apparatus (not shown) and to prevent the device attachment apparatus from rotating. The socket  146  may be of any shape or size to accommodate any device attachment apparatus. 
         [0057]    Turning now to  FIGS. 22-25 , an accent panel  148  in accordance with the invention is shown. In the embodiment shown, the accent panel  148  is a removable, flexible substrate that may be removably attached to the front cover  112 . As shown, the accent panel  148  is made of flexible plastic, but other materials may be used without departing from the invention. The accent panel  148  includes a plurality of mounting tabs  150  that fit into corresponding mounting holes  151  on the front cover  112 . The accent panel  148  may be a solid color or may have a pattern or advertising copy printed on it. 
         [0058]      FIGS. 26-29  show a key  120  in accordance with the invention. As shown, the key  120  includes at least one blade  152  that is adapted to fit into the keyhole  122  on the rear cover  104 . When the at least one blade  152  enters the keyhole  122 , it contacts and elastically deforms the resilient fingers  138  of the front cover  112 , thus allowing the front cover to be removed from the rear cover  104 . The key  120  also includes a key chain hole  154  for attachment to a key chain, key fob, or other place. In the embodiment shown, the key  120  is made of plastic, but other materials may be used without departing from the invention. Other key  120  and finger  138  designs could also be used without departing from the invention. 
         [0059]    Turning now to  FIGS. 30-33 , a sign holder  116  in accordance with the invention is shown. The sign holder  116  is adapted to attach to the front cover  112  and to display graphics (not shown). The sign holder  116  is attached to the front cover  112  by inserting at least one mounting flange  155  into corresponding slots  156  on the front cover. In the embodiment shown, the sign holder  116  is made of one continuous piece of resilient clear plastic and includes a living hinge  156 , allowing the retailer to display two graphics simultaneously. The continuous piece of resilient plastic has three distinct parts: (1) a primary graphic cover  158 , a secondary graphic base  160 , and a secondary graphic cover  162 . A first graphic is captured between the primary graphic cover  158  and the front cover  112 . A second graphic is captured between the secondary graphic base  160  and the secondary graphic cover  162 . Of course, other configurations of the sign holder  116  may be contemplated without departing from the invention. Such alternative configurations include but are not limited to a sign holder that is configured to display more or less than two graphics, or a sign holder that is made of separate parts. 
         [0060]      FIGS. 34-38  show an alternative embodiment of a product display  200  in accordance with the invention. In the alternative embodiment, the locking mechanism described above is integrated into an attachment plate  202  (see  FIG. 37 ) rather than a rear cover. The product display  200  includes an attachment plate  202 , a post  204 , and a product display  206 . The post  204  and the attachment plate  202  together make a base  205 . A pullbox  207  is enclosed within the product display  206  and includes a tether  208  that is attached to a display item  210 . Like the previously discussed embodiment, the product display  206  includes a tether guide (not shown), device cradle  210 , accent panel  212 , and sign holder  214 . The product display  206  may be removed from the attachment plate by inserting a key  212  into a corresponding keyhole  216  on the product display. 
         [0061]      FIG. 35  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the product display bracket of  FIG. 34 .  FIG. 35  shows the back of the product display  206  as it is installed on the attachment plate  202 . Nothing on the inside of the product display  206  is visible when it is installed on the attachment plate  202  because it is covered by a back plate  208  that is permanently attached to the product display. 
         [0062]      FIG. 36-38  show how the pullbox  207  is attached within the product display  206  and how the attachment plate  202  engages with the product display. Other attachment means between the pullbox  207  and product display  206 , and between the attachment plate  202  and the product display may be used without departing from the invention. The pullbox  207  is removably attached to the product display  206  by at least one retention clip  208 . In the embodiment shown, the retention clips  208  are resilient plastic that allow the pullbox  207  to be easily removed and replaced. 
         [0063]    An operator installs the product display  206  on the attachment plate  202  by aligning at least one retention clip  209  with at least one alignment flange  211  on the attachment plate and then lowering the product display into position such that a plurality of resilient fingers  216  on the attachment plate engage the product display to lock it in place. When the key  212  is inserted into the corresponding keyholes  214  (see  FIG. 35 ) on the product display  206 , the key  212  elastically deforms the fingers  212  and allows the product display  206  to be removed from the attachment plate  202 . 
         [0064]    Although the invention has been herein described in what is perceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments set forth above. Rather, it is recognized that modifications may be made by one of skill in the art of the invention without departing from the spirit or intent of the invention and, therefore, the invention is to be taken as including all reasonable equivalents to the subject matter of the appended claims and the description of the invention herein.