Store fixture power distribution system

A modular electrical power and/or signal distribution system for store product displays can include a plurality of product display fixtures each defining at least one product display surface. An electrical distribution grid can be provided above the plurality of display fixtures within the store. The electrical distribution grid can have a plurality of spaced apart junction boxes each linked at least to a power source. A riser can be removably coupled to part of the fixture. The riser can have a lower box section with at least one power receptacle and an upper conduit section with a power cable extending from the conduit section. The power cable can have a power plug adapted for electrical connection with a selected one of the junction boxes and for electrically coupling the at least one power receptacle to the distribution grid. The system can also provide various signal connections for different products displayed, as needed. The system can be provided as separate modular components, as a single system, or as a kit including one or more risers, cable connections, and cable mask and support grids attachable near the store ceiling.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is generally related to store fixtures, and more particularly to a distribution system and method of distributing electrical power and/or signals to store fixtures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Virtually all retail and other stores display some type of product for sale on various fixtures and shelves. Many stores employ display fixtures that require electricity at the display to operate display lighting or to provide power for some other display feature or to provide power for operating actual product samples that are displayed. For example, electronic stores and store departments typically display a wide variety of televisions, stereo equipment, computers, electronic games, and the like that are operable by consumers. Power must thus be available at the fixture for the displayed items.

More modern technological products often require additional electronic signals in various forms such as digital, fiber optic converted, microwave, and/or other types of signals to operate. Such signals must also be available at the display fixture if the product is to be operable by a consumer at the fixture. Technology is constantly changing. Also, the sheer number of available products and options increases all the time.

Most stores, especially larger, multi-product or department stores, are constructed having a concrete slab floor. The store is typically equipped with floor mounted and routed power and signal distribution grids. These grids are typically fixed and cannot be altered once the store is built. A particular section of the store is selected and design to accommodate a number of electronic equipment and product displays. However, these store sections do not offer any flexibility to permit incorporating new technologies within the store environment. These store sections also do not easily accommodate re-arranging and altering the store environment.

It is common to alter and rearrange part or all of a store environment to accommodate new fashions, new products, simple product turn-over, seasonal items, design and style updates, consumer taste, and the like. However, the areas of the store having fixed, floor provided power and signal distribution grids cannot be easily updated, altered, or changed. Unfortunately, it is therefore common to route extension cords from the fixed junction boxes to the newly designated product display areas, as needed. This practice can result in an unwieldy tangle of wires and cable, an unsightly and perhaps unsafe store environment, and an often illegal power and signal distribution system. Alternatively, it is also common to leave as is the electronics product areas in the store, though a new or updated configuration for these areas may be desired or needed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention discloses a store power distribution system for providing electrical power and, if needed, electronic signals of various types to products being displayed in the store. The system is adaptable to provide power and/or signals to virtually any location in the store with little time, cost and reconstruction outlay. The system is modular in design resulting in a flexible, easily adaptable product display environment.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a store environment incorporating one example of a power distribution system 20 constructed according to the teachings of the present invention. The distribution system generally has a product display fixture 22 , a power distribution riser 24 , at least one power cable 26 extending from the riser 24 , at least one optional signal cable 27 , if necessary, and a plurality of mask and cable support grids 28 . The various portions of the system can be provided separately, grouped in kits, or packaged as an entire system.

The system 20 is intended for use with a power distribution grid 30 , shown schematically in FIG. 2 , that is preferably provided in a ceiling 32 of the store. The distribution grid 30 can also be provided in a floor of the store. However, the floor of most stores is typically poured concrete. Once the floor is poured, the power distribution grid 30 cannot be easily altered, modified, or rearranged, if needed, without tearing up portion of the floor. A ceiling mounted grid 30 is more easily accessible and not permanently embedded in concrete. Thus, the ceiling mounted grid 30 can be modified if necessary. The power distribution grid 30 can also be provided throughout the store environment or only in portions of the store as desired.

The grid 30 has a plurality of junction boxes 34 arranged spaced apart equidistant from one another in this example. The grid spacing between the boxes 34 can vary according to the needs of a particular store. In one example, the height of the ceiling 32 from a floor 36 of the store is such that an 8 foot grid spacing is adequate. The riser 24 height, ceiling 32 height, and cable 26 and 27 length will effect the junction box 34 spacing of the distribution grid 30 .

As shown schematically in FIG. 2 , the junction boxes 34 are interconnected by various wires and cables 38 and to a power source 40 and various signal sources 42 , as needed for a particular system. The power source 40 can be the store electrical power. The signal sources 42 can be one or more of analog or digital cable television, telephone, internet service, and the like, for example. The signal sources 42 can be many and can vary considerably according to the technology available and to the needs of a particular store product display. As shown, each junction box 34 has at least one power connection 44 and one or more signal connections 46 for connection with the power cables 26 and signal cables 27 of the riser 24 .

FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a product display fixture 22 suitable for use with the disclosed system 20 . The term fixture is used herein to denote the overall product display apparatus providing one or more surfaces adapted for supporting products for display in the store. As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, the display fixture can vary considerably and yet fall within the scope of the present invention. The fixture construction, configuration, design, size, and the like can vary from that shown and described herein. The fixture can be supported on the floor, wall, or ceiling of the store. The fixture supporting structure and/or the product support surface characteristics can vary from that described below for the fixture 22 .

In this example, the disclosed fixture 22 generally has a frame 50 and a plurality of shelves 52 supported by the frame. The frame 50 acts as the supporting structure for the shelves 52 and can vary in size, shape, and structural detail, if such a frame is utilized. The frame 50 in this example includes a plurality of wheels 54 that support the fixture 22 on the floor 36 . The fixture 22 can therefore be easily moved as needed. The frame 50 need not be supported on wheels and can instead rest directly on the floor 36 . In addition, the shelves 52 need not be supported by a frame at all. The shelves 52 can alternatively be supported on a wall within the store without the use of a frame. If so, the riser 24 can be mounted directly to a portion of a shelf 52 or to the wall near a shelf instead of being mounted to part of the frame 50 as described below for the disclosed fixture 22 .

Each disclosed shelf 52 is supported by the frame 50 and has an upwardly facing product support surface 56 . Electronic products such as televisions, radios, stereo equipment, DVD players, telephones, computers, and the like are typically displayed for consumers to view and test. In order to test these products, electric power and, when necessary, other electronic signals are required to properly operate the devices. To illustrate features of the invention, a television 58 is shown in simplified form in FIG. 3 resting on the support surface 56 of the shelf 52 . The television has a power cord 60 and a cable signal cord 62 extending therefrom as is known.

The disclosed shelf 52 of the system 20 has a trough 64 that is recessed into and relative to the support surface 58 . The trough 64 in this example extends over a substantial portion of the shelf length. As shown in FIG. 4 , the trough 64 has a bottom surface 66 positioned below the support surface 56 and has a pair of overhanging ledges 68 arranged such that the bottom surface 66 is wider than a trough opening 70 of the trough. A power connection strip 72 is positioned within the trough 64 . The strip 72 can be a conventional strip simply placed in the trough and resting on the bottom surface 66 or can be a fixed, integral strip formed as part of the shelf 52 . In either case, the strip 72 provides a plurality of power connection outlets 74 for connection with power cords of products supported by the shelf 52 such as the power cord 60 of the television 58 . The trough 64 and overhanging ledges 68 assist in neatly routing and hiding the various cords and cables of the products on the shelf 52 as shown in FIG. 4 .

In this example, the signal cords such as the cable television signal cord 62 are routed directly from the products into the trough and tucked beneath the overhanging ledges, including any cord excess length. The power cords such as the television cord 60 are first plugged into the strip 72 with the excess cord tucked beneath the overhanging ledges 68 . Each of the cords and cables is then routed through a bottom opening 76 in one end of the trough of the shelf 52 . One or both ends of the shelf 52 can be provided with such a bottom opening, as needed for a particular system. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 , the distal end of each signal cord in the disclosed example extends from the shelf 52 through the selected bottom opening 76 for connection with the riser 24 as described below. A single strip cord 78 also extends from one end of the power strip 72 through the selected bottom opening 76 for connection with the riser 24 as described below.

The fixtures 22 can be designed as modular units where the frames 50 and shelves 52 can be arranged in various configurations and constructions according to a particular store display design. The shape, size, and orientation of the shelves 52 can also vary from the disclosed rectangular shelf 52 . Further, the trough 64 can be formed along any edge of the shelf 52 with only a singe overhanging ledge 68 , instead of the disclosed center placed trough. For some applications, a shelf may be provided with no such trough and yet be useable with other components of the system 20 . In further applications, the shelves and frame can be provided as a single integral unit or each shelf can be provided with an integral frame portion in a stackable configuration.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6 , the power distribution riser 24 has a lower box section 80 and an upper conduit section 82 extending upward from the box section. The lower box section 80 has an interior 84 , a front opening 86 , an openable front cover 88 , a back side 90 , a back opening 92 , a bottom end 93 , and a top end 94 . The conduit section 82 has at least a pair of conduits 96 and 98 fixed to and extending upward from the top end 94 of the box section 80 . Each conduit is for receiving wires and/or cables from the box section 80 and for supporting and guiding the respective wires or cables upward as described below.

A plurality of electrical power plug receptacles 100 are housed within the interior 84 on one side of the box section. A plurality of signal plug receptacles 102 are housed within the interior 84 on an opposite side of the box section. The power plug receptacles 100 are electrically coupled to the power cable 26 that extends from the box section 80 into and through the conduit 96 . A free end of the power cable 26 extends well beyond the top end of the conduit 96 and terminates at a power plug connectors 106 . The signal plug receptacles 102 are coupled to one or more signal cables 27 , as needed, that extend into and through the conduit 98 . The free ends of the signal cables 27 also extend well beyond the top end of the conduit 98 and terminate at appropriate signal plug connectors 110 .

In one example, the power cable 26 and signal cables 27 extend about six feet beyond the respective conduit top end. A number of electrical standards (such as the Underwriters Laboratories) do not permit more that 6 feet of unprotected cable within a store environment or the like. As discussed above, the 8 foot centered junction boxes 34 of the distribution grid 30 will permit a fixture and riser positioned anywhere within the power grid 30 to reach and plug into a junction box without over-stressing the cables and plugs.

One or more hooks 112 can be provided on the back side 90 near the top end 94 of the box section 80 . One or more hooks 113 can also be provided on the back side 90 near the bottom end 93 . The hooks 112 and 113 can be received in corresponding slots or openings 114 provided either in one of the shelves 52 or in part of the frame 50 of the fixture 22 . The hooks and slots permit attachment and removal of the risers 24 from the fixtures 22 without the need for fasteners. This construction makes installation and removal of the risers 24 very simple and relatively fast. The lower hooks 113 prevent each riser 24 from being swung or pivoted outward at the bottom end 93 once installed. This can prevent damage to parts of the riser 24 or dislodging of the various cables and connections.

The conduits 96 and 98 and the box section 80 can vary in size, shape, and curvature and yet fall within the scope of the invention. A particular store design may require a stylized look that can be easily enhanced using specialized conduit and box designs. The box section 80 and conduit section 82 can also be fabricated from virtually any material including metals, plastics, and the like. Similarly, the shelves 52 and frame 50 can also be fabricated from virtually any suitable material including metals, plastics, wood, or the like, as long as the material and structural design is adequate perform as intended.

FIG. 7 illustrates one of many options that can be included as part of the riser or other part of the system. A lamp 120 extends from the top end 94 of the box section 80 . The lamp 120 has a shade 122 affixed to a distal end of a lamp conduit 124 . The proximal end of the conduit 124 is coupled to the top end 94 . In one example, the proximal conduit end is removably coupled to the top end 94 such that the lamp is electrically energized upon attachment of the lamp 120 to the box section 80 . Alternatively, the lamp 120 can be provided as a permanent attachment to the distribution riser 24 or can snap into place on the top end 94 and plug directly into one of the receptacles 100 . As will be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art, the lamp 120 can vary considerably in design, style, illumination properties and the like without departing from thee scope of the invention.

The disclosed lamp 120 is held in place by a pair of grommets 126 received over the conduit 124 . A pair of clips 128 are secured to the conduits 96 and 98 which hold the conduits in a predetermined spacing. A slot 129 is positioned between each conduit 96 and 98 in the clips 128 . Each grommet 126 is received in a respective one of the clip slots 129 to hold the lamp 120 in place.

FIGS. 1 , 8 , and 9 illustrate one possible example of the mask and support grids 28 for the excess and exposed signal and power cables 26 and 27 extending between the top ends of the riser conduits 96 and 98 and the power grid junction boxes 34 . The disclosed mask and support grids 28 each a wire mesh grid 132 and a perimeter rim 134 supporting the mesh grid. The mask and support grid is intended to mask or hide the existence of excess cables 26 and 27 extending from the riser conduits. The mask and support grids 28 are also intended to support the weight of the excess cable 26 and 27 to prevent damage or disconnection of the power plug connectors 106 and signal plug connectors 110 from the junction box 34 . The disclosed perimeter rim 134 is circular and the mesh grid 132 is a simple square check pattern. Other shapes and patterns from that disclosed herein are possible that can perform the masking and supporting functions. The perimeter rim and mesh grid can vary in size, style and design and yet perform these intended functions.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 9 , the mask and support grids 28 are each suspended from the store ceiling 32 . In this example, the ceiling 32 is a suspended tile ceiling having a plurality of acoustical tiles 140 supported by a framework with a plurality of frame elements 142 . A plurality of spring clips 144 are provided having inwardly curved opposed jaws 146 adapted to snap over a frame element 142 of the ceiling 32 . One end 150 of a hook 148 is received in an opening 152 in each clip 144 . An opposite end 154 of each hook 148 loops under the perimeter rim 134 of the mask and support grid 28 to support and suspend the grid in a desired position.

The hooks 148 and/or clips 144 can be designed having a predetermined height or length to suspend the mask and support grid at a particular height above the store floor 36 . Depending upon the shape or style of the mask and support grid 28 , the diameter, length, and/or width of the grid can vary to match a particular power distribution grid 30 . It is desirable that the mask and support grids 28 be capable of supporting and of hiding or masking the cables 26 and 27 and the junction boxes 34 no matter the position of the fixtures 22 within the store environment. For example, with a junction boxes 34 spaced about eight feet apart for the distribution grid 30 , four foot diameter circular mask and support grids 28 can be effective for both the masking and supporting functions.

In use, the system 20 is usable in a number of ways. First, the system can be provided as a specifically designed entirely modular system for a particular store. Each fixture 22 , riser 24 , and mask and support grid 28 , as well as the power distribution grid 30 , can designed for and installed in the particular store. Second, the system can be provided as completely separate modular components available on an as needed basis. Third, the system can be provided as a kit for stores with a pre-installed power distribution grid 30 . The kit can include modular fixtures 22 available with various features such as shelf size and design options, frame size and design options, color options, fixed or wheeled versions, material options, and the like. The kit can also include modular risers 24 available with various features including lamp options, riser box size, design, and color options, power and signal receptacle options, conduit shape and contour options, material options, and the like. The mask and support grids 28 can also be provided with various size, color, and style or design options. The mounting hardware for the grids 28 such as the clips 144 and hooks 148 can also be provided in various designs, sizes, colors, bracket configurations, and the like.

In use, the system 20 is versatile, flexible, and is easy to install, uninstall, and change. Each time the system 20 is set up, the fixtures 22 are simply put in place on the store floor 36 and the shelves 52 assembled or hung appropriately. The risers 24 are hung from the fixtures 22 utilizing the hooks 112 without the need for fasteners. The power and signal cables 26 and 27 and plug connectors 106 and 110 , respectively, of each riser 24 are plugged into the corresponding power receptacles 44 and 46 of the nearest available junction box 34 .

Products to be displayed are placed on the shelves as desired. The products are plugged into the shelf power receptacles or outlets 74 and the shelf power cords are each plugged into the riser power receptacles 100 . The product signal cables, where necessary (such as the cable cord 62 ), are plugged directly into the riser signal receptacles 102 . The excess product power and signal cables are routed and hidden in the shelf troughs 64 beneath the overhanging ledges 68 .

The mask and support grids 28 are suspended from the ceiling 32 utilizing the appropriate hardware, such as the clips 144 and hooks 148 . The excess cables 26 and 27 are appropriately routed and rested as necessary on the support mesh 132 of the grids 28 . To rearrange or changeover the store display, the system is easily uninstalled in the same manner. The fixtures can be replaced or moved and then the system 20 can be reinstalled again to accommodate the new in-store arrangement and/or the new products.

Although certain methods and distribution systems and modifications have been disclosed and described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the invention fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.