Method and apparatus for retail display of cabinets, countertops and related items

A portable, modular apparatus for displaying fixtures and suites of fixtures in a commercial setting. The displayed fixtures can be cabinets, cabinets or the like and allow for display in a finished look to allow consumers to view the fixtures in a finished setting. A method of displaying fixtures and suites of fixtures in a commercial setting wherein the portions of the display are preassembled prior to in-store set up, thereby allowing quick and easy in-store set up of the display.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for displaying fixtures and suites of fixtures; and more specifically to a method and apparatus for displaying cabinets, countertops, appliances, plumbing and plumbing fixtures in a commercial environment.

BACKGROUND

In a commercial environment, such as, for example, a retail store or wholesale establishment, it is desirable to display fixtures, more specifically arrangements of matched or related fixtures, or suites of fixtures, in a fashion that is appealing to the potential buyer. For example, kitchen and bathroom cabinets, countertops, appliances, plumbing, plumbing fixtures and the like are typically displayed in finished form in an arrangement where they appear as they would after installation in the home, office or other setting. Retailers often display finished cabinets, countertops and the like in complete kitchen or bathroom arrangements. Such an arrangement allows the customer to examine the product and determine how it will look when built and installed.

In order to provide customers with such displays, retail stores must construct the displays on the retail floor space. Frequently, a retail store desires to display multiple different fixture suites in a given floor space and, therefore, multiple displays must be constructed. Conventional methods entail construction of a display framework and attachment of the cabinets and related fixtures to the framework within the store at the location of the promotional display. To do this, retail stores must retain the services of many contractors, including for example, carpenters, electricians and plumbers, to come into the store and build the displays. Such construction disrupts valuable commercial floor space for a considerable amount of time prior to completion. Furthermore, there are the added inconveniences of on-site construction, such as, for example, noise, safety concerns, and debris from the construction. These factors prevent stores from easily switching or updating displays when new and/or improved cabinets become available on the market. Furthermore, display units are not always configured to minimize the amount of floor space allocated to a particular display or to maximize the attractiveness of the displays to the consumer. Therefore, there is a need for display systems that provide an efficient method of assembling and disassembly of the displays.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a portable, modular display apparatus for fixtures and suites of fixtures, such as cabinets, countertops, appliances, plumbing, plumbing fixtures and the like. In one embodiment the display apparatus comprises a frame, a baseboard, and a set of display fixtures, such as cabinets, countertops or other fixtures and related items. In another embodiment, two or more display apparatuses can be arranged or attached together to display separate suites of fixtures in desired arrangements.

The present invention also relates to methods of displaying fixture suites in a commercial environment. In one embodiment, the method involves construction and assembly of the display apparatus off site, transportation of the apparatus to the commercial environment, and arrangement of the display in the commercial space. In another embodiment, the method involves construction and partial assembly of the display apparatus off site, transportation to the commercial environment, and arrangement of the display in the commercial space.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The fixture display apparatus comprises a frame, a baseboard, and various display items or fixtures. The frame2(FIG. 1) has a display section4and a foot section6. The display section4has spaced structural support bars8that are preferably parallel to one another and which extend from the floor, on which the display apparatus rests, vertically upward, forming a plane that is perpendicular to the floor. Optionally, there are top10, bottom12and side14structural support bars that attach to and are preferably placed along the height or width of the display section4of the frame2, within the plane formed by the vertically spaced structural support bars8, but placed at an angle to them. These top10, bottom12and side14structural support bars may form the edges of the display section4of the frame2. The support bars8are typically made of a durable, strong metal, such as steel or aluminum, in order to provide strength and stability for the frame2.

The foot section6of the frame2has a front bar16and two side bars18. The foot section6may have an optional rear bar20and cross bars22that stabilize the foot section6. The plane formed by the foot section6is placed parallel to the floor and is, in fact, placed so that it rests on the floor. So positioned on the floor, one edge of the display section4of the frame2is attached to the foot section6of the frame2and extends vertically upward from the foot section6. Normally, a bottom support bar12of the display section4of the frame2attaches to the foot section6of the frame2. Attachment of the display section4of the frame2to the foot section6of the frame2gives the display section4the support needed to extend vertically upward from the floor and to be free standing.

The width of both the display section4and the foot section6are normally the same and are typically built to be six, eight or ten feet wide. In other embodiments, however, the width of the foot section6of the frame2is not the same as the width of the display section4. In one embodiment, the width of the foot section6is less than the width of the display section4.FIG. 2shows one such embodiment where the edges of the foot section6and display section4are aligned on one side of the frame2and offset on the other side of the frame2. On the side of the frame2where there is offset, the foot section6is recessed from the edge of the display section4of the frame. In another embodiment, as shown inFIG. 3, the foot section6of the frame2is recessed from the edge of the display section4on both sides of the frame2. In other embodiments, the width of the foot section6of the frame2is greater than the width of the display section4. In such embodiments, there is also offset of the edges of the foot6and display section4on at least one side of the frame2. In such embodiments, the foot section6is extended from at least one edge of the display section4of the frame2. Frames that have recessed or extended foot sections6on one or both sides of the frame2are useful when separate display apparatuses are arranged at angles, right angles for example, to one another to form arrangements resembling a region of living space where two walls come together, as is discussed later. The recessed and/or extended foot sections6prevent overlap of foot sections6of separate frames2when the separate display apparatuses are arranged at angles to one another.

The height of the display section4is preferably from seven to twelve feet high. The depth of the foot section6of the frame2is preferably one and one-half to two feet. It should be appreciated that the shape, size and configuration of the frame2may vary and such variations are included within the scope of this application as defined by the claims attached hereto.

As shown in the figures, particularly inFIGS. 4 and 5, the baseboard102is one or more solid sheets, typically of plywood or particle board, that fit over the front of the display section4of the frame2parallel to the plane formed by the display section4of the frame2. Optionally, baseboards can be placed over the back of the display section4of the frame. The baseboard102is preferably attached to the frame2by a series of bolts, although other conventional fastening means can be used to affix the baseboard102to the frame2. Securement of the baseboard102to the display section4of the frame2provides additional support to the display apparatus and provides a surface to which fixtures may be attached. In addition, the exterior surface of the baseboard102can be painted, wallpapered, or covered with any of a number of coverings, such as for example, fabric, paneling or tile, to provide a stylish surface. Attached to the baseboard102are optional display drawers or doors. Such drawers or doors can be used to hold promotional literature describing the displayed fixtures. Such drawers or doors can also be used to hold a computer station, as is described in the discussion of end caps, below.

The display items or fixtures may include furnishings and fittings that are normally attached to a structure, such as a living or working space. Examples of fixtures for the home or office include overhead or base cabinets, cupboards, shelves, drawers, vanities and countertops, refrigerators, dishwashers, microwave ovens and ranges, shelving systems, bookcases, sinks, toilets, showers, spas, lighting fixtures, safes, fireplaces, desks and office systems. The fixtures or other display items are attached to the baseboard102by conventional means, which may include a series of bolts or screws. Display items may also rest on the foot section6of the frame2.

In a commercial environment, such as a retail environment, for example, the display items or fixtures are arranged to display suites of fixtures that would normally be found together in a specific part of a living space, a home or office, for example. Examples of fixtures suites include kitchen fixture suites, bathroom fixture suites, living room fixture suites and office fixture suites. Fixtures, such as those listed above, can be combined to provide the layout of one of these or other living areas. The fixtures that make up a fixture suite are typically matched or coordinated to provide an aesthetically pleasing arrangement.

The fixtures may also be attached to the baseboard102by means of connectors which allow the fixtures to be quickly and conveniently attached to the baseboard102. Such connectors can be of any of a number of types that, when attached to a fixture and/or the baseboard102, allow the fixture to be quickly and easily attached to the baseboard102of the display. A variety of such connectors, one type being pin connectors, are well known in the art. In one embodiment, the baseboard102of the display apparatus has a grid of connectors along the baseboard102surface, such that any suite of fixtures can be quickly and conveniently attached to the baseboard. Such a grid of connectors allows different fixture suites to be swapped in and out of the display in such a way that the display items of a display are changed, but not the frame2and baseboard102.

FIG. 6illustrates an assembled fixture display apparatus202. The assembled fixture display apparatus202includes a fixture suite204, here a kitchen fixture suite, attached to the baseboard102covered display section4of the frame2of the apparatus. While the figure shows a kitchen fixture suite, it should be appreciated that any of the above-described suites can also be used.FIG. 6also illustrates the modular aspect of the display apparatus. As shown inFIG. 6, two separate display apparatuses are arranged at right angles to one another to form an arrangement that resembles a region of a living space where two walls come together. As shown inFIG. 6, when the separate display apparatuses are arranged in this way, the displayed cabinets or countertops meet at the connection of the two displays to form a continuous set of cabinets and countertops.

The separate display apparatuses arranged as inFIG. 6are connected together through pin frame connectors302that are part of the baseboard102of each display. The pin frame connector302, shown inFIG. 7, is preferably two steel rods, spot-welded to a flat bar. As shown inFIG. 8, pin frame connectors302are press-fit or friction-fit into engagement with two adjacent open ends of the square support bars8forming the frame. Multiple pin frame connectors302are used as necessary and are simply forced into engagement with the aligned frames.

A display apparatus, or connected display apparatuses, can optionally include electrical connections or plumbing connections for attachment to fixtures. In another embodiment, the display apparatus has a bottom surface. The bottom surface is preferably plywood or particle board and is parallel to and in contact with the floor on which the display apparatus rests. The bottom surface provides a surface that can be covered with carpet, linoleum, tile, or some other flooring surface. Preferably, the floor is connected to the frame2of the fixture display apparatus and provides an area for customers viewing the display apparatus to walk upon and it adds to the aesthetic value of the display. In still another embodiment, the display apparatus has a ceiling. The ceiling is preferably plywood or particle board and is parallel to the floor on which the display rests. The ceiling is preferably attached to the top of the display section4of the frame, more preferably attached a top structural support bar of the display section4of the frame. The ceiling can be covered with paint, for example. The ceiling is used to attach a light fixture.

Additionally, the display may include one or more end caps206(FIG. 9). End caps are attached to the ends of the display apparatus (FIG. 6). The end caps have at least two display surfaces402, and the embodiment shown in the figures has four end cap display surfaces402. The display surfaces are arranged about a center axis, wherein a foot404is placed to allow rotation thereupon. Similar to the baseboard102, the display surfaces402can be painted, wallpapered or otherwise covered. The end cap206has a support structure408that is attached to the axis of the end cap206to the end of the frame. Different types of doors, drawers, handles or other displayed items or accessories can be affixed to the end cap display surfaces402, via conventional means such as bolts or screws, to allow for viewing of other types of cabinets appearances. Additionally, promotional material, such as advertisements or brochures can be placed on the display surfaces. In one embodiment, a promotional sign406is attached atop of the axis of the end cap206. As shown in the figures, this sign can be cylindrical in nature. Optionally, drawers, doors or shelves can be attached to, or are part of the end caps. Such drawers, doors or shelves can also be used to hold promotional material, which can be picked up by customers as they view the displayed items.

The end caps206may also be used for housing or holding a computer station which may comprise a personal computer or a computer terminal for the purpose of interacting with the consumer. In one embodiment, the consumer inputs various information into the computer and data is displayed or printed based on the input. For example, a consumer inputs a particular type, style, color or finish of fixtures that he or she is interested in and the computer displays a list, drawings or pictures of the particular fixture suite that conforms to the interest of the consumer. The price, availability, bill of materials and so forth, for the particular fixture suite of interest may also be displayed. In another example, a consumer inputs a floor plan and/or measurements of the particular room or rooms in his or her home in which the consumer is shopping for fixtures. In response to the input, the computer station displays one or more suites of fixtures that conform to the specifications input by the consumer. In this latter example, the consumer does the initial design work required for outfitting the particular room or rooms of his or her house with new fixtures at the computer station.

As described above, two or more display apparatuses202can be connected together to form a modular display apparatus, such apparatus serving to display a single suite or multiple suites of fixtures (FIGS. 10 and 11). Multiple modular apparatuses, each displaying a separate fixture suite, can be arranged to cover a floor space in a commercial environment, as discussed later (FIGS. 12 and 13).

The invention also concerns a method for displaying fixture suites in a commercial environment. The inventive method uses the display apparatus described above and involves full or partial assembly of the apparatus, transport of the apparatus to the site where it will be displayed and then arrangement of the display in the commercial space.

Assembly of the display apparatus involves attachment of the display section4of the frame2to the foot section6of the frame2. Such attachment results in formation of an “L-shaped” frame2configuration as described above. A baseboard102, typically plywood, is then attached to the frame2via conventional means, bolts for example, as described above.

In one embodiment, the various display items are then attached to the baseboard102using conventional means, preferably bolts and screws, or by the connectors described earlier that allow the fixtures to be quickly attached to the baseboard102. The fully assembled display is then transported to the commercial site where the display will be arranged.

In another embodiment, the display apparatus is partially assembled before it is transported to the commercial site. For example, the frame2of the display unit may be assembled (display section4of frame2connected to the foot section6) and the baseboard102attached. The assembled frame2and baseboard102is then transported to the commercial site. At the commercial site, the display items are attached to the assembled frame2and baseboard. The fully assembled display apparatus is then arranged in the commercial floor space.

Transport of either the fully assembled or partially assembled display apparatus to the commercial location is similarly performed. In order to safely transport the display, certain measures are taken to secure the assembly, including securing loose items, such as shelves, placing additional support brackets about the cabinets, and wrapping the display in a removable protective wrap, such as shrink wrap, to secure the cabinets and protect against scratching. The displays are then moved on modified incline dollies or modified piano movers and transported on trucks, or other vehicles, preferably ones with an automatic or hydraulic lift. Once they arrive at their destination, the displays are off-loaded and moved into location. The transportation wrapping and braces are then removed, and can be reused if a similar display is being removed for an updated version. Depending on the state of assembly when the apparatus left the production facility, some assembly may have to be done at the retail site.

Once arranged and in place at the commercial site, the displays can be connected, if desired to form larger displays, including connecting two displays at approximately right angles (FIG. 6). While the frames may be connected by conventional connection means, including bolts, hinges, or biscuit joints, in a preferred embodiment, the frames are joined by pin frame2connectors (FIGS. 7 and 8). When the displays are connected at an approximate right angle, thereby forming an “L-shaped” joined display unit, the cabinets, countertops and the like can be made to fit together so as to define a continuous set of cabinets or a continuous countertop.

The displays can then be arranged in various configurations to allow for efficient use of floor space (FIGS. 10 and 11). One embodiment has six total displays, wherein two sets of two are connected to form two “L-shaped” joint display units. These joint display units can then be arranged opposite and inverse to one another to form a “Z-shaped” configuration, with the displays all facing outward (FIG. 12). The two additional displays can then be placed back-to-back with the uncovered displays, thereby completing the “Z-shaped” design. The “Z-shaped” design permits the display of four different packages or styles of cabinets to be displayed, two full size, the “L-shaped” portions, and two smaller size, the two individual displays. In the “Z-shaped” configuration or design, up to six end caps can be used to supplement the display. In another embodiment, only one “L-shaped” joint display unit is employed, and two single displays are placed back-to-back with the displays of the “L-shaped” joint display. In this configuration, three packages or styles of cabinets can be displayed, one on the “L-shaped” joint display and one on each of the single displays. A floor layout with various displays is shown inFIG. 13.

An optional additional step to the method of displaying the cabinets includes wiring electrical cables along the top of the display, or in between the frames of two back-to-back displays. Electrical outlets or hook-ups can therefore be provided at various points in the display depending on where they are desired.

The present invention display can be constructed off site and then moved into location with relative ease and with minimal additional construction. Thus, display units can be set up in a relative short amount of time and with minimal to no inconvenience to the store or its customers. The relative ease of moving the display allows for changing out old units with newer displays showing newer models of cabinets. The modular display units can be configured to minimize the amount of floor-space allocated per display, thereby permitting more display units per square area then otherwise achievable.