Abstract:
A novelty advertising system using a plurality of hollow plastic rectangular enclosures simulating stacking boxes of real products to construct an advertising display is herein disclosed. The hollow enclosures provide replaceable advertising inserts depicting the product being sold. Each enclosure is provided with a plurality of interlocking posts and sockets allowing creation of large stable displays without using large quantities of real product which cannot be sold. Such displays can be built with minimal expense while avoiding a danger of toppling displays built with the actual heavy product.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Feb. 16, 2009, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to merchandise displays, and in particular, to a modular display unit which provides features of size, shape and aesthetic customizability. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In the field of merchandise, marketing and display of products represents one of the most important aspects of the business. Through the modern day, merchandise displays located in windows or the interior of stores are a common method of drawing attention to particular items in hopes of maximizing sales of those particular products. Such display near the actual point of purchase has proven to be very effective. 
     Many methods for displaying items are common in merchandising locations. Common practices include those of shelving systems intended to hold a plurality of an item in an organized manner, customized display racks or units particularly adapted for the positioning of a particular product in a visually unique manner, the use of large signs advertising products and sales, and the stacking of many units to form larger, more noticeable display units. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide adjustable or customizable display units. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 4,302,897, issued in the name of Deckys, describes a modular display system which utilizes a plurality of corrugated board portions. The Deckys system provides collapsible units which may be assembled and stacked at the location of display. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,925,038, issued in the name of Gajewski, describes a display fixture with modular display units. The Gajewski apparatus provides a pair of opposing sidewalls and a plurality of shelves which allow for the selective placement of a plurality of tray-like carrier portions for the display of merchandise. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,322,024, issued in the name of Avery et al., describes a modular merchandise display unit with removably attachable shelving units. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,581, issued in the name of Galazzo, describes a stacking display for merchandise which provides a means for securely vertically extending a plurality of products for display. 
     Additionally, ornamental designs for a display unit exist, particularly U.S. Pat. No. D 307,079. However, none of these designs are similar to the present invention. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such devices do not provide full customizability with regards to shape. Furthermore, many such devices are not customizable or adjustable with regards to size, particularly in three (3) dimensions, in order to accommodate an available or desired display area. In addition, many such devices do not provide a means for easily changing indicia and other aesthetic aspects of the display unit with full replacement. Also, many such devices require the use of saleable product for the display and lose aesthetic function when a contained product is removed. Accordingly, there exists a need for a modular display unit without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a means to provide modular, customizable, size adjustable three dimensional display capabilities which allow a user to selectively provide a desired shape and aesthetic appearance. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a modular advertising system particularly suited for replacing stacked boxes of product such as canned soda or the like. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an eye-catching, customizable display for merchandise. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to enable a user to create a custom three-dimension display including any number of possible perimeter shapes. 
     The system comprises a plurality of rectangular primary display boxes with corresponding posts and sockets which allow a user to securely stack the boxes in a plurality of configurations. The system further comprises a plurality of rectangular secondary display boxes which are selectively attachable to the front faces of the primary display boxes via corresponding post and socket portions, allow for three-dimensional protrusions along a front portion of a display. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to eliminate the need to use large quantities of saleable product for display purposes. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow a user to increase or decrease the size of the display to amicably fill an available display space. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide effective advertising for various products. The system further comprises a plurality of decorative or colorful product cards which are removably insertable into a channel along the front face of each display box. The front face of the display may then be provided with any number of desired cards to present a desired marketing scheme. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide safety and security to the display via an annular ring construction of the posts and sockets which provides a positive snapping engagement in order to protect against accidental collapse of the system. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of obtaining a plurality of first and second display boxes, providing a desired size and perimeter shape via interlocking stacking attachment of first display boxes, providing second display boxes along a front face to provide a desired three-dimensional appearance, selectively providing each display box with product cards to achieve a desired marketing scheme, easily detaching, removing, and transporting display boxes, and easily removing and replacing product cards to change the appearance of the display. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a modular display system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 2   a  is a side perspective view of a primary display box portion  20  of the modular display system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   b  is a bottom perspective view of a primary display box portion  20  of the modular display system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   c  is a side perspective view of a plurality of primary display boxes  20  having been arranged in an overlapping configuration, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   a  is a perspective view of the modular display system  10  depicting a secondary display box portion  40  in a detached state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   b  is a perspective view of the modular display system  10  depicting the secondary display box portion  40  in an attached state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 4  is a section view of post  30  and socket  32  portions of the modular display system  10  depicting an inserted state taken along section A-A (see  FIG. 3   b ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 10 
                 modular display system 
               
               
                 20 
                 primary display box 
               
               
                 22 
                 top surface 
               
               
                 23 
                 bottom surface 
               
               
                 24 
                 first side surface 
               
               
                 25 
                 second side surface 
               
               
                 26 
                 front surface 
               
               
                 27 
                 rear surface 
               
               
                 28 
                 card bracket 
               
               
                 30 
                 post 
               
               
                 32 
                 socket 
               
               
                 34 
                 male annular ring 
               
               
                 36 
                 female annular ring 
               
               
                 38 
                 product card 
               
               
                 39 
                 indicia 
               
               
                 40 
                 secondary display box 
               
               
                 41 
                 secondary display box body 
               
               
                 42 
                 clearance slot 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 4 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a modular display system (herein described as the “system”)  10 , which provides an advertising system intended to replace stacks of boxes containing canned soda, canned beer, or similarly boxed products being arranged therein interesting and eye-catching shapes to create an advertising display. The system  10  comprises a plurality of hollow plastic primary display boxes  20  having removably attached product cards  38  affixed thereto end portions depicting the product being sold. All six (6) sides of each primary display box  20  comprise a plurality of interlocking posts  30  and sockets  32 , enabling secure attachment of additional primary display boxes  20  or attachment of secondary display boxes  40  which provide an accenting protruding surface, thereby creating a three-dimensional effect. Any number of primary  20  and secondary  40  display boxes may be interlocked to produce large displays without risk of toppling. The system  10  eliminates a requirement of using large quantities of actual product which cannot be sold, as well as preventing a hazard to customers if said heavy product is accidentally knocked over. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a front perspective view of a modular display system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  comprises a plurality of primary display boxes  20 , a plurality of product cards  38 , and a plurality of secondary display boxes  40 . The system  10  is illustrated here depicting an attractive display in a form of a large wall; however, interlocking elements of the system  10  enable arrangement thereof to form any number of perimeter shapes depicting forms such as, but not limited to: geometric shapes, random shapes, animals, alphanumeric characters, or the like. Furthermore, the system  10  may comprise an overall size and shape based upon available space, a user&#39;s preference, or a particular advertising scheme. The system  10  comprises an assembly of interlocking primary  20  and secondary  40  display boxes. The system  10  further comprises a plurality of decorative and/or colorful product cards  38  along outwardly facing surfaces of said primary  20  and secondary  40  display boxes having various indicia  39  including specific registered or unregistered product symbols, solid colors, logos, and the like, thereby collectively forming a composite shape, logo, character, or the like. Said product cards  38  provide effective advertising of various products such as, but not limited to: soft drinks, beer, or other products to be sold. Additionally, rear surfaces of the primary display boxes  20  also provide attachment thereof additional primary display boxes  20 , secondary display boxes  40 , and product cards  38 , as required to create a double-sided display to advertise a single product or two (2) different products on front and back sides based upon a particular product advertisement scheme and a user&#39;s preference. 
     The primary display boxes  20  comprise molded or extruded hollow plastic enclosures having approximate dimensions of twelve (12) inches deep, five (5) inches high, and five (5) inches wide. Each primary display box  20  provides an attachment means along a front surface  26  and/or a rear surface  27  thereto a secondary display boxes  40  via post  30  and socket  32  fastening portions (see  FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b , and 4). The secondary display boxes  40  comprise identical height and width dimensions as the aforementioned primary display boxes  20  although having a depth of approximately two (2) inches deep, using similar construction and materials as the primary display boxes  20 . Said secondary display boxes  40  therefore provide an extended forward surface, thereby forming a geometric contrast therewith adjacent primary display boxes  20  to form an eye-catching effect comprising various shapes, logos, characters, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b , side and bottom perspective views of a primary display box portion  20  of the modular display system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. Each primary display box  20  comprises a six-sided rectangular structure further comprising a top surface  22 , a bottom surface  23 , a first side surface  24 , a second side surface  25 , a front surface  26 , and a rear surface  27 . 
     The top surface  22  of each primary display box  20  comprises four (4) integrally-molded cylindrically-shaped posts  30  located thereat corner positions protruding upwardly being approximately one-half (½) inch high and one-half (½) in diameter. Four (4) geometrically matching sockets  32  are integrally-molded into the bottom surface  23  therein vertically corresponding positions, thereby allowing interlocking stacking of a plurality of primary display boxes  20  thereupon each other in a vertical manner (see  FIG. 1 ). In like manner, the first side surface  24 , located thereat a left-hand position along said box  20 , comprises a single post feature  30  centered thereupon which correspondingly engages a matching socket portion  32  located along the opposing second side surface  25 , thereby establishing secure mechanical connection between adjacent primary display boxes  20  in a horizontal direction. Each post  30  and corresponding socket  32  provides an inserting and locking means via an interfering male annular ring  34  and a female annular ring  36 , respectively (see  FIG. 4 ). Also in like manner, the front  26  and rear  27  surfaces each comprise a pair of sockets  32  and posts  30 , respectively, being arranged along a horizontal centerline enabling connection thereof additional first  20  or second  40  display boxes if desired. 
     Said front  26  and rear  27  surfaces of the primary display boxes  20  further comprise integrally-molded card brackets  28  being affixed thereto lower and side edge regions thereof forming a “U”-shaped channel feature. The card brackets  28  comprise an encompassing three-sided channel in which a product card  38  may be slidingly inserted and held in place. The product card  38  comprises a rectangular plastic or paper flat panel having a variety of printed or painted indicia  39  displayed thereupon one (1) or both outer surfaces to aid in visually advertising of a product to be sold. Said product card  38  is envisioned to contain various indicia  39  such as, but not limited to: logos, alphanumeric characters, pictures, solid colors, patterns, and the like, thereby communicating an attractive product advertisement means (see  FIG. 1 ) 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2   c , a side perspective view of a plurality of primary display boxes  20  having been arranged in an overlapping configuration, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. Said primary display boxes  20  comprise a plurality of specifically positioned posts  30  and sockets  32  along outer surfaces which enable various arrangement designs. Said primary display boxes  20  may be stacked in a vertically aligned manner to form one (1) or more parallel columns (see  FIG. 1 ). Additionally, said posts  30  and sockets  32  enable said primary display boxes  20  to be interlockingly arranged in a horizontally overlapping manner forming a pattern being similar to a conventional arrangement of building bricks as seen here. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , perspective views of the modular display system  10  depicting the secondary display box portion  40  in detached and attached states, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The secondary display box  40  comprises a card bracket  28 , a pair of posts  30 , and a pair of clearance slots  42 . Attachment of the secondary display box  40  thereto the primary display box  20  is accomplished via locking insertion of the post portions  30  of the secondary display box  40  into the socket portions  32  of the primary display box  20  as previously described. The clearance slot  42  provides clearance between the secondary display box  40  and the card bracket portion  28  of the primary display box  20 , thereby allowing flush mounting between said primary  20  and secondary  40  display boxes as seen in  FIG. 3   b . The card bracket  28  portion of the secondary display box  40  provides insertion of a product card  38  as previously described (see  FIG. 2   a ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a section view of post  30  and socket  32  portions of the modular display system  10  depicting an inserted state taken along section A-A (see  FIG. 3   b ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The post  30  and socket  32  portions comprise cylindrical-shaped integrally-molded insertable male and female features which further comprise a respective circular male annular ring  34  and a female annular ring  36 . Said annular ring features  34 ,  36  provide a light interference fit between to securely fasten adjacent primary  20  and secondary  40  display box portions of the system  10 , while allowing easy manual disconnection from each other during disassembly. The male  34  and female  36  annular rings comprise circular features having a generally semi-circular cross sectional shape, thereby providing a positive snapping engagement therewith each other during assembly, thereby securing the system  10  together and protecting against accidental collapse of the system  10  in an event of being bumped into. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the system  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 1 ,  2   a , and  3   a.    
     The method of installing and utilizing the system  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: selecting a suitable location upon a flat floor surface to assemble the system  10  within a store, school, commercial location, or the like; laying out a first layer of primary display boxes  20  thereupon a floor surface by having all top surfaces  22  facing upwardly; having all first side surfaces  24  facing in a left-hand direction; interlocking all primary display boxes  20  together by inserting the post  30  and socket  32  portions along the side surfaces  24 ,  25  until sensing a positive snapping engagement of the male  34  and female  36  annular ring portions; and, repeating the previously described steps to assemble additional primary display boxes  20  in vertical, horizontal, and horizontally overlapping directions until creating a desired overall display shape. The method of completing a two-dimensional display of the system  10  may be accomplished by inserting a desired number of product cards  38  into the card brackets  28 , having various indicia  39  including various colors, logos, and the like, to obtain a desired advertisement scheme. 
     The method of creating a three-dimensional display of the system  10  may be accomplished by the following additional steps: attaching a desired number of secondary display boxes  40  thereto front  26  and rear  27  surfaces of the primary display boxes  20  so as to form a desired composite protruding shape, thereby forming a message, logo, or the like, by inserting the post portions  30  of the secondary display boxes  40  into the socket portions  32  of the primary display boxes  20  as previously described; and, inserting a desired number of product cards  38  into the card bracket portions  28  of the secondary display boxes  40  to obtain a desired advertisement scheme. 
     Due to the two-sided nature of the system  10 , the previously described two-dimensional and three-dimensional configurations of the system  10  may be utilized equally along one (1) or both sides of the system  10  as desired to advertise same or different products based upon a user&#39;s preference. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.