Apparatus and method of merchandizing products

A display system for displaying products at a store, the display system includes a first module configured to display a first cleaning product, a second module adjacent the first module and configured to display a second cleaning product which is related to the first cleaning product, and an information display coupled to the first and second modules and configured to be visible when cleaning products are being displayed. The information display provides graphical information that associates the first cleaning product with a particular cleaning task and associates the second cleaning product with the first cleaning product. A method of merchandizing cleaning products includes the step of providing a plurality of cleaning products, organizing the plurality of cleaning products according to a particular cleaning task, providing one or more information displays configured to identify a particular cleaning product for the particular cleaning task, to pictorially display an associated work environment, and to provide related product information.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of merchandising products or services, and more particularly to an apparatus for organizing, shipping, displaying, and merchandising cleaning products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is generally known to provide display racks for organizing and displaying products for sale. Known display racks typically include containers or peg hooks mounted to a pegboard to store and display products and their prices.

However, known display racks have several disadvantages. For example, known display racks tend to easily become disorganized and take a long time to “clean up.” Also, known display racks do not adequately inform potential customers about the products or how the products are intended to be used. Likewise, known display racks do not adequately inform stockpersons about the proper display and arrangement of the products.

To provide a reliable, widely adaptable apparatus and method of merchandising products, which avoids the above-referenced and other problems, would represent a significant advance in the art. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide for an apparatus and method of merchandising products having one or more of these or other advantageous features.

SUMMARY

It is a primary feature of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus and method for merchandising products.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide a display system intended to educate potential customers about products for a particular task or work environment; to categorize and organize product by intended task or solution; to identify features and benefits of products; to assist the consumer in finding a particularly desired item such as subparts, repair parts, related or associated products, and the like.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide retailers a display system intended to reduce setup time; simplify stocking and restocking of products; simplify inventory review of the display system; reduce the use of peg hooks and their set up; simplify “cleaning” of the display; better organize products; advertise related items; provide an adjustable and modular display system; and the like.

How the above-referenced and other features are accomplished, individually, collectively, or in various subcombinations, will be described in the following detailed description of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the FIGURES. Generally, however, they are accomplished by providing a display system for displaying products at a store, the display system including a first module configured to display a first cleaning product, a second module adjacent the first module and configured to display a second cleaning product which is related to the first cleaning product, and an information display coupled to the first and second modules and configured to be visible when cleaning products are being displayed. The information display provides graphical information that associates the first cleaning product with a particular cleaning task and associates the second cleaning product with the first cleaning product.

The above-referenced and other features may also be accomplished by a method of merchandising products, the method including providing a display system for use in organizing and displaying a first product and a second product which is related to the first product, and providing graphical information of the first and second products on one or more information displays, wherein the graphical information is configured to pictorially display a particular work environment for one of the first and second product, and to identify the second product as being related to the first product.

The above-referenced and other features may also be accomplished by a method of merchandising cleaning products, the method including providing a plurality of cleaning products, organizing the plurality of cleaning products according to a particular cleaning task, providing one or more information displays configured to identify a particular cleaning product for the particular cleaning task, to pictorially display an associated work environment, and to provide related product information.

The present disclosure further relates to various features and combinations of features shown and described in the disclosed invention. Other ways in which the objects of the present invention are accomplished will be described in the following specification or will become apparent to those skilled in the art after they have read this specification. Such other ways are deemed to fall within the scope of the present invention if they fall within the scope of the claims which follow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND OTHER EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Before proceeding to the detailed description of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments, several comments can be made about the general applicability and the scope thereof.

First, the exemplary embodiments described herein are configured to provide an organized, informative, and efficient display system for storing, displaying, and merchandising products and/or services. The products or services may include any of a variety of products or services that are offered for sale at retail locations or other places of point of sale or advertisement locations. More particularly, the products offered for sale may be related or somehow associated (e.g., related product lines, same manufacturer, or the like). The present disclosure is also intended to have a wider applicability to a variety of products or services, including, but not limited to, cleaning implements or products, gardening or landscaping tools, etc. The display system for cleaning products, for example, as shown in the FIGURES, may be organized according to a cleaning task (e.g., mopping, dusting, sweeping, etc.). Cleaning products may include “stick goods (e.g., brooms, mops, etc.), “small wares” (e.g., brushes, sponges, scourers, etc.), “refills” or replacement portions and the like. In one area or portion shown as a module of the display system, the displayed cleaning product is placed next to its “refill” products and information about its usage and functionality.

Second, each information display or board is intended to provide information about the associated products. Preferably, the information is textual and/or pictorial. Textual information may include description of the displayed product, instructions on how to use the product, its history, related or associated products (e.g., refills, repair parts, replacement parts, etc.), contact information (e.g., addresses, telephone numbers, website, etc.), information on the manufacturer, features, functionality, benefits or advantages, comparative advertising, advertising of other products, product names, price information, part numbers, alternative uses of the cleaning product, general cleaning “tips,” “technical” information, brochures, coupons, and any of a variety other information that would be helpful to the consumer or the retailer employees. Pictorial information may include images showing the product, the intended work environment(s), the product being used, related or associated products, trademark or other indicia, the product being assembled, repaired, refilled, and the like, photographs, schematic illustrations, and any of a variety of other information which could be displayed pictorially. The arrangement of the information display is also intended to provide information to the retailer relating to proper stocking of the display system, inventory information, product numbers, and the like. Preferably, graphical information is displayed adjacent (e.g., nearby, behind, next to, in front of, etc.) the products that the information pertains to.

Third, the apparatus and method of merchandising products is intended to be modular. The size or quantity of the various associated modules, containers, bins, accessories, information boards, and the like can be widely varied. Also, the structural components employed to display information or merchandise the products is also illustrative. As such, the display system may be changed or adapted for new or different products, increased or decreased according to allocated “floor space,” new display technologies, and the like.

Proceeding now to descriptions of the preferred and exemplary embodiments,FIG. 1is a front perspective view of a display system10according to a preferred embodiment. Display system10is configured to provide graphical information for associated products. The products are organized according to a cleaning task (cleaning products, for example, may be organized by task such as mopping, dusting, sweeping, etc.). In one portion of display system10(e.g., a module12) the cleaning product is placed next to related products (e.g., “refills,” repair parts, etc.) and information about their usage and functionality. For example, such cleaning products may include “stick goods” (e.g., brooms, mops, etc.) “small wares” (brushes, sponges, scourers, etc.), “refills” or replacement portions, etc. For the customer, display system10is intended to educate him or her as to the proper cleaning products to be used for a particular cleaning task or work environment (e.g., provide cleaning solutions to cleaning tasks); categorize and organize the cleaning products by cleaning task or cleaning solution; identify features and benefits of products; assist the consumer in finding a particularly desired item such as a refill, etc. For the retailer, display system10is intended to reduce setup time for a cleaning implement display; simplify stocking and restocking of products; simplify review of inventory of display system10; reduce the use of peg hooks and their set up; simplify “cleaning” of display; better organize products; advertise related items.

Display system10includes a plurality of sections or modules12a,12b,12c.Modules12a,12b,12chave any of a variety of configurations and arrangements, depending of the desired display needs, the availability of space, the variety or quantity of items being displayed, etc. For example, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, modules are provided in two-foot and four-foot increments, but a variety of increments may be employed.

Module12ais directed to merchandising, organizing, and displaying a variety of cleaning products commonly referred to as stick goods14(e.g., broom, mop, duster, etc.). As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, module12aincludes an information display (shown as an information board18), a rack16, and a backboard20. Module12ais configured to minimize the use of a multitude of individual display hooks, which may require tedious arrangement stocking by a retailer's stock person; and to present stick goods14in an organized and appealing manner.

Information board18is configured to provide information to the consumer including a description of the displayed cleaning product, a suggested method of using the cleaning product, alternative uses of the cleaning product, general cleaning “tips,” and “technical” information (such as part numbers, manufacturer contact information (e.g., address, telephone numbers, website, etc.), refill part information, related product information, brochures, coupons, etc.). Information board18is also configured to provide information to the retailer including stocking information, inventory information, product numbers, etc. Information displayed on information board18may include a combination of text and graphics (e.g., photographs, schematic depictions, etc.). Information board18may also include indicia88of the source of origin of the cleaning products for advertisement purposes and to assist the consumer and retail stockperson in identifying product location. As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, information board includes a core90having a front surface92, a back surface94. Information sheets96are attached (e.g., by adhesive, tacks, etc.) to front surface92and/or back surface94(for convenient and efficient product charge) and may include graphics, text, or the like. For example, information board18may provide information regarding “squeeze mops,” “butterfly mops,” “roller mops,” “dust mops,” “indoor brooms,” “outdoor brooms,” “twist mops,” and “handles.”

Rack16is configured to provide a support structure and system for organizing, displaying, and merchandising displayed products (shown as stick goods14). As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, rack16includes a frame22, a tube assembly24, a mounting bracket26, and one or more bins28. Rack16is made of metal, but any of a variety of materials may be used such as plastic, wood, etc., and painted (e.g., cobalt blue), but any of a variety of colors and finishes may be applied.

Frame22is configured to provide a support structure for a tube assembly24, a mounting bracket26, and one or more bins28. Frame22is a freestanding structure having any of a plurality of rods30that are bent and painted. Alternatively, frame22may be coupled to retailer's display arrangement32(e.g., pegboard34), wall, or floor36using any of a variety of brackets, fasteners or other attachment or mounting arrangements. Frame22includes a front portion38coupled to a back portion40by a plurality of laterally disposed and diagonally disposed rods42. A middle shelf44(shown as ventilated wire shelving) is disposed between the top and bottom of frame22and is configured to provide a supporting surface for stick goods14. Middle shelf44may be raised or lowered relative to frame22depending on the size of stick good14intended to be displayed. Middle shelf44also provides a catch basin for products that are not properly placed or replaced in rack16(e.g., when a customer removes an item from display system10, decides to not purchase it, and drops it between bins28and tube assemblies24). Shelf44collects such discarded items within an arm's reach of the retailer's stock person. As such, display system10may be easily cleaned and reorganized. According to alternative embodiments, frame22components may be made from any of a variety of materials and arrangements (including plastic, metal, or the like).

Tube assembly24is configured to display stick goods and to provide an easy to understand location for placing or replacing the displayed product. As shown inFIGS. 2-5, tube assembly24is coupled to front portion38and back portion40of the frame22. Tube assembly24is positioned above middle shelf44and attached (e.g., welded) to front portion38and back portion40. Alternatively, tube assembly24is positioned below middle shelf44and attached to front portion38, back portion40, and middle shelf44(e.g., for longer stick goods14). According to an exemplary embodiment, ends of upper plate46and/or lower plate48of tube assembly24include downwardly facing hooks50configured to engage front portion38and back portion40so that tube assembly24may be selectively suspended or placed in module12a(which allows for efficient set-up and reconfiguration for a variety of different cleaning products).

Tube assembly24includes a spaced apart upper plate46and lower plate48and one or more sleeves or tubes52. Upper plate46includes a plurality of apertures54that receive one of tubes52. Tubes52are configured to receive any of a variety of stick goods14. According to an alternative embodiment, tube assembly24is provided with a stick good restriction element which is intended to prevent a product not intended to be displayed in the display system from being placed in the tube assembly (e.g., products not related to information provided on display board18, products not sold or manufactured by the manufacturer, etc.). One type of such a stick good restriction element include tubes that are shaped so that only a specially-shaped stick good may be inserted into tube (e.g., by an aperture having a profile that corresponds to an associated profile on the product).

FIG. 6shows an alternative embodiment of rack16. As shown inFIG. 6, rack16includes upper and lower elongate members56,58having a plurality of corresponding apertures60to receive stick goods14. Stick goods14are inserted through the plurality of apertures60and are supported by a mesh or screen62disposed below elongate members56,58. A space64is provided below frame22for additional related products (e.g., mop buckets for mops or the like). Front portion38of frame22includes a hang unit or basket66for refills or related products. As shown inFIG. 6, basket66includes a wire frame65with a plurality of hooks67to couple with front portion38of frame22of rack16, and a display bracket69for receiving display cards or the like.

An elongate member68is provided for receiving stick goods14. Elongate member68includes a pair of spaced apart parallel rods70connected by a plurality of perpendicular rods72. Stick goods14are inserted between rods70and rods72.

FIG. 10shows a carousel74for displaying any of a variety of products on one or more panels75. Panels75include a mountable surface (e.g., a pegboard as shown, shelving, etc.). According to a preferred embodiment, two pegboard panels (e.g., “double panels”) are mounted a spaced apart distance from each other such that the display hooks do not interfere with each other when placed in the pegboard. According to an alternative embodiment, panels75include a plurality of metal cross bars or a mesh basket to hold products. Carousel74includes a frame76that couples to system10or other vertical surface by a pair of back plates78. Plates78include a plurality of hooks or pegs80that engage pegboard34or other mounting surface. Threaded studs84extend outwardly from back plates78for coupling frame76of carousel74to back plates78. Any of a variety of cleaning products may be displayed and arranged on panels75of carousel74. According to a preferred embodiment, carousel74is five feet or less so that it may work with existing gondolas in stores. According to alternative embodiments, carousel74may be any of a variety of sizes and profiles.

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, mounting bracket26is configured to receive information board18. Mounting bracket26is coupled to front portion38of frame22(e.g., by welding, fasteners, etc.). Mounting bracket26is shown as a downwardly facing U-shaped member86that is configured to receive and secure information board18. A second mounting bracket26may be coupled to the bottom of front portion38so that U-shaped member86is upwardly facing so that information board18is captured between mounting brackets26.

Bins28are configured to be mounted to frame22at a variety of locations, preferably adjacent tube assemblies24so that related products (e.g., refills, add-on items, etc.) may be easily found by the consumer and the retail stockperson when replenishing display system10. As such, the consumer can identify the correct related product based on information displayed on information boards18, identification of related cleaning products, or its displayed appearance.

Backboard20may be mounted to the retailer's shelving apparatus32(e.g., pegboard34, walls, etc.) by brackets97that attach to backboard20and engage peg board34. Alternatively, backboard20may attach to the retailer's shelving apparatus32using any of a variety of fasteners (e.g., screw, bold, latch-hook, etc.). As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, backboard20may be configured and ornamented to display the actual work surface that the cleaning implement is directed towards (e.g., ceramic or vinyl flooring, wood floors, concrete, etc.). Alternatively, backboard may include a sheet attached to a front surface of a core. Sheet includes graphics, text, etc. Alternatively, background may be configured and ornamented to provide a plain background. Alternatively, background may include product information in place of or in addition to information board18. As shown inFIG. 11, when background provides product information in place of information boards, additional products98may be displayed, organized, and merchandised below middle shelf44. As such, complementary products may be merchandised along with their related cleaning product. For example, mop buckets may be arranged below and/or in front of frame22so that the consumer does not have to look elsewhere.

Module12b,as shown inFIGS. 1 and 5, displays small wares100which are suspended from a display hook102or organized in a bin or basket104. Display hooks102are coupled to a display hook rack106which is attached to apparatus32, such as a pegboard34, by any of a variety of techniques. As shown inFIG. 5, display hook rack106includes a plurality of bent rods108that extend from a longitudinal plate110and engage apertures112in pegboard34to secure display hook rack106in place. Engagement of rods108of display hook rack106requires that display hook rack106be substantially level and is configured to assist the retail stock person in this task. Plate110is disposed at a spaced apart distance from pegboard34by the plurality of rods108. Display hook102couples to plate110by a U-shaped, downwardly facing bracket114. Bracket114is slid over plate110and may be selectively positioned (or repositioned) between the ends116,118of plate110of display hook rack106. A front display bracket120is coupled to plate110by a pair of rods122. Front display bracket120is configured to receive a display card124that includes information relating to the displayed product suspended by display hook102. Instead of inserting a plurality of conventional display hooks, (which requires careful placement of the display hooks to ensure a level and evenly spaced arrangement), display hook rack106is coupled to pegboard34in substantially a single step.

As shown inFIG. 7, basket104includes one or more dividers126configured to provide a plurality of compartments128configured to display a variety of products and provide for efficient stocking by the retail stock person and for easy selection by the consumer. A front display bracket130is coupled to basket104and configured to receive a display card132.

Module12c,as shown inFIGS. 8 and 9, is configured to display small wares organized in a bin or basket134. Basket134includes a plurality of compartments136configured to display a variety of products and provide for efficient stocking by the retail stock person and for easy selection by the consumer. A front display bracket136is coupled to basket134and configured to receive a display card138. Space140may be left below baskets134to store larger items. Basket134is a wire frame structure having sides136, bottom138, front140, and back142. Display bracket136is located on front140and a plurality of hooks146extend from back142and are configured to engage pegboard34. One or more dividers148are selectively placed between sides to provide plurality of compartments136.

Using the same module12a,12b,12c,the retailer may change the displayed product by changing the display card, and the products, and repositioning the display if necessary.

It is also important to note that terms “information board,” “information terms display,” and “graphical information” are not intended to be terms of limitation, but are intended to be interpreted broadly to include any information desirable or helpful to consumers and/or retailers, and in any of a variety of formats, mediums, and the like. The description of using such information is intended to provide the consumer with product information is not limited to a particular device, apparatus, or fixture, but is meant to cover any apparatus or system that may be configured to operate in the system described herein including other methods of dissemination of information, including graphical, pictorial, animated, video, etc.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the apparatus and method of merchandising products as shown in the preferred and other exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present inventions as expressed in the appended claims.