Abstract:
A plurality of separate display modules are interchangeably installed on a shelf of a cooperating cabinet structure and arranged to provide concavely curved display panels mounting selected arrangements of illuminated sample chips, an interactive video display, and brochure receptacles. The structure is provided with an integral sprinkler water distribution system and may include a two-part chip mounting mechanism which facilitates changing out of sample chips.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application is a continuation of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 11/273,877, entitled “ILLUMINATED MODULAR DISPLAY,” filed on Nov. 14, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,360,915 which application is a divisional of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/022,392, entitled “MODULAR DISPLAY APPARATUS,” filed on Dec. 22, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,308,987. The contents of these applications are incorporated expressly by reference herein, as if fully set forth and full Paris Convention Priority is hereby expressly claimed. 

   BACKGROUND 
   The present invention relates generally to a modular display apparatus and more particularly to a modular display apparatus having a number of improved static display features, as well as interactive instructional capabilities. In an illustrative embodiment, these features are directed to the selection and application of wood treatment products. 
   In the past, wood treatment products such as paints, stains, water proofers, etc., have customarily been made available for purchase at various hardware, paint supply, and home supply stores. Selection of an appropriate product by the consumer has entailed reading product labels and brochures, examining various samples, and chatting with store personnel in a decentralized and often ad hoc or haphazard manner. Learning how to properly apply such products typically involves discussion with store personnel, reading often terse product labeling and trial and error. 
   SUMMARY 
   The following is a summary of various aspects and advantages realizable according to various embodiments of a modular display apparatus according to the present invention. It is provided as an introduction to assist those skilled in the art to more rapidly assimilate the detailed discussion of the invention that ensues and does not and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the claims that are appended hereto. 
   With this in mind, according to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular display comprising a number of interchangeable modules installable adjacent one another on a shelf. The modules may be designed to conveniently present samples and brochure information. According to another inventive aspect, one of the modules may comprise an interactive video unit providing instruction as to product selection and/or application. One or more of the modules may further provide concavely curved receptacles or grooves for receiving a flat display panel and imparting a concave contour thereto. Such a panel may carry sample chips, attached, for example, by a two piece chip holder which facilitates removal or changing out of sample chips. 
   According to another aspect, a mechanism is provided for removably retaining the modules in place on the shelf. One embodiment of such a mechanism comprises a panel slideable into and out of position between the shelf and the modules. A front molding piece is attached to the front panel and comes into abutment with the modules to retain them in place. 
   A specially designed lighting fixture may further be provided to uniformly and attractively illuminate the display. The modular structure may further be provided with a sprinkler irrigation feature comprising a water flow-through system for channeling and distributing water discharged by fire sprinkler systems. 
   Various of the inventive aspects just discussed may be combined to provide a product selection center where a customer may conveniently and centrally access information concerning the selection and application of wood treatment products. 

   
     DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a display apparatus according to the invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating a plurality of display modules employed in the display apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a first of the display modules of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a front view of the display module of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of the display module of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of a cabinet component in which display modules employed in the apparatus of  FIG. 1  may be installed; 
       FIG. 7  is a top view of the cabinet of  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a second display module for use in the display apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a side view, of the second display module of  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a third display module; 
       FIG. 11  is a side view of the display module of  FIG. 10 ; 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a fourth display module; 
       FIG. 13  is a side view of the display module of  FIG. 12 ; 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a fifth display module; 
       FIG. 15  is a side view of the display module of  FIG. 14 ; 
       FIG. 16 , is a front view of a display panel insertable into the fourth display module of  FIG. 12 ; 
       FIG. 17  is a front view of the display panel of  FIG. 16  with a plurality of sample chip display units mounted thereon; 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a recessed lighting fixture of the display apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 19  is a sectional view of the apparatus taken at  19 - 19  of  FIG. 23 ; 
       FIG. 20  is an end view of a lamp fixture utilized in the apparatus of  FIG. 18 ; 
       FIG. 21  is a top view of the lighting fixture of  FIG. 18 ; 
       FIG. 22  is a side view of the fixture of  FIG. 18 ; 
       FIG. 23  is a sectional view of the fixture of  FIG. 18  taken at  23 - 23 ; 
       FIG. 23   a  is a top view of a diffuser component employed in connection with the light fixture of  FIG. 18 ; 
       FIG. 23   b  is an enlarged view of a fragment of the diffuser of  FIG. 23   a;    
       FIG. 24  is a perspective view of components of the display apparatus of  FIG. 1  illustrating a water flow through feature; 
       FIG. 25  is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 24 ; 
       FIG. 26  is a perspective view of an interactive video module of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a portion of the interactive video apparatus of  FIG. 26  further illustrating a removable paint chip display panel; 
       FIG. 28  is a perspective view illustrating an apparatus for securing the display modules of the display apparatus of  FIG. 1  in position; 
       FIG. 29  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 28 ; 
       FIG. 30  is a perspective of a portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 28  illustrating the installed position; 
       FIG. 31  is a fragmentary view further illustrating an alternate method and an apparatus for securing display modules of the display apparatus in position; 
       FIG. 32  is a fragmentary view of a portion of the display panel of the display  11  of  FIG. 1  illustrating a particular embodiment of a wood chip mounting mechanism; 
       FIG. 33  is a perspective view of a chip clip mounting mechanism in disassembled relation; 
       FIG. 34  is a perspective view of a removable chip holder component of the chip mounting; and 
       FIG. 35 through 37  are sectional views illustrating the sequential assembly and installation of a chip mounting mechanism. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   A display apparatus  11  according to an illustrative embodiment is shown  FIG. 1 . The apparatus  11  includes a cabinet  13  which mounts  5  display modules,  17 ,  19 ,  21 ,  23 ,  25 . In the illustrated embodiment, the modules  17 ,  19 ,  21 ,  23 ,  25  separately mount into the cabinet  11  and therefore are subject to being reordered in any desired sequence. 
   The first and fifth display modules  17 ,  25  comprise brochure display modules. The first display module  17  presents brochures of a first size, while the fifth display module displays brochures of a second size. The size, of course, could be the same or different, as desired. 
   The second and fourth display modules  19 ,  23 , mount respective concave display panels  27 ,  28 . The first display panel of  27  may provide a display of a plurality of wood chips to each of which has been applied a different water proofing coating. The second display panel  28  may present a display of a plurality of wood chips each stained with a different wood stain, which may be, for example, either a solid and/or semi-transparent stain. 
   The third display module  21  includes an interactive instructive video display  29 , which may comprise a DVD/DVI ( 143 ,  FIG. 26 ) player. The module  21  further mounts a display panel  31 . The display panel  31  preferably mounts a plurality of adjacently disposed wood chips. Each of the chips comprises a different species of wood to which the same wood stain product has been applied. In this manner, a potential customer may appreciate the difference in overall appearance contributed by the underlying wood species. 
   A recessed fluorescent lighting fixture  27  is disposed above the display modules  17 ,  19 ,  21 ,  23 ,  25 . As will be explained in more detail below, the recessed lighting fixture  27  is specially designed to provide optimum and uniform illumination of the samples displayed by the display panels  27 ,  28 . 
     FIG. 2  illustrates the display apparatus  11  and the modules  17 ,  19 ,  21 ,  23 ,  25  with various graphic display components removed. Each of these components  11 ,  17 ,  19 ,  21 ,  23 ,  25  of  FIG. 2  will be now described in more detail. 
     FIGS. 3  thru  5  illustrate the construction of the large brochure module  25 . This module  25  includes first and second side panels,  33 , each of which has a bottom edge  39  and back edge  38 , which meet at right angles to one another. The front edge of each panel  33  is defined by a first vertical linear section  30 , which meets with a convexly curved section  36 , which then leads to a second vertical depending section  32 . The vertical section  32  forms into a surface whose top edge  132  is disposed at a slightly acute angle to the horizontal. Thus, a vertical leg  34  and a horizontal foot  37  are defined on each of the side panels  33 . The side panels  33  are linked to one another by a back panel  35 , a floor or base panel  47 , and an upper horizontal panel  44 . The module  25  further includes a central panel  45  having a convex outer edge  46 , which lies in parallel with the respective convex edges  36  of the side panels  33 . A hole  26  is formed in the floor panel  47  through which a fastening device such as a screw may be inserted to fasten or attach the module  25  to an underlying shelf or other structure. 
   Respective deck panels  41 ,  42  are disposed between the first side panel  33  and the central panel  45  and between the central panel  45  and the second side panel  33 , respectively. Clear vertical face panels  46 ,  48  are further mounted in slots in the respective side and central panels  33 ,  45 . The face panels  46 ,  48  may comprise, for example, plexi-glass preferably anchored in place by a suitable adhesive. The panels  33 ,  35 ,  47 ,  45  of the module  25  are preferably made of suitable wood or wood substitute materials fastened together according to conventional means well-known to those skilled in the woodworking arts. 
     FIGS. 6 and 7  further illustrate the cabinet  13 , which mounts the five modules  17 ,  19 ,  21 ,  23 ,  25 . As shown, the cabinet  13  preferably includes identical rectangular vertically disposed end panels  51 ,  53 , between which are mounted a horizontal rectangular base “shelf”  56  and a vertical rectangular back panel  55 . The back panel  55  is inset from the back edge  58  of the base  56 . Holes  57  are bored through base portion or shelf  56  behind the back panel  55  to facilitate water flow according to a fire prevention irrigation feature described in more detail hereafter. 
     FIGS. 8 and 9  further illustrate the third display module  21 , which mounts the video monitor  29  ( FIG. 1 ). The module  21  includes first and second rectangular vertical side panels  61 ,  63  spaced apart by a width appropriate to mount the video monitor  29 . The side panels  61 ,  63  further include horizontally extending display card mounting portions  67 ,  69  in which are formed suitably curved grooves  75  for receiving a display card as described in further, detail hereafter. The module  21  further preferably includes a horizontally disposed rib  73 , which provides a support structure to horizontally stabilize the module  21 . Again, the module  21  may be fabricated of suitable wood or wood substitutes according to techniques well-known to those in the woodworking arts. 
     FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate the fourth display module  23  in more detail. The fourth module  23  includes a rectangular base member  73 , a vertical rectangular back panel  71  and respective vertical side panels  75 ,  77 . The side panels  75 ,  77  each have a horizontal bottom edge  76  and a vertical back edge  78 . Each of the display panels  75 ,  77  further has a concave outer edge  80 ,  82  and an interior concave groove, e.g.,  84 , for receiving the display panel  28 . The respective interior grooves, e.g.,  84 , are mirror images of and lie parallel to one another. 
   The fourth display module  23  further includes first and second interior support panels  79 ,  81 , each of which has a respective horizontal bottom edge, vertical back edge, and a concave surface  68 ,  69 . The concave surfaces  68 ,  69  are parallel to one another and disposed in line with the grooves  84  so as to provide support to the display panel  28 , after it has been inserted into the grooves  84 , as described in more detail below. Finally, the bottom panel  73  of the module  23  includes a number of water drainage holes  86 . These holes cooperate with the fire sprinkler water distribution system to be described in further detail below. 
     FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate the second display card holding module  19  in more detail. The module  19  includes first and second vertically disposed side panels  91 ,  93 , each of which has a vertical back edge  94  and a horizontal bottom edge  95 . Each of the side panels  91 ,  93  further includes a concave outer edge  97 ,  99 . Each interior side surface of each of the side panels  91 ,  93  includes a concave groove, e.g.,  101 . The grooves  101  are again mirror images of and disposed parallel to one another. The second display module  19  further includes a vertical, rectangular back panel  90  and a horizontal rectangular base panel  92 . Again, suitable drainage holes  106  are created in the bottom panel  92 . 
     FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate the first display module  17  in more detail. The first display module  17  includes first and second side panels  101 ,  103  contoured similarly to those of the display module  25  of  FIGS. 3-5 . Like module  25 , the module  17  includes a horizontal rectangular base panel  105  and vertical rectangular back panel  107 . The module  17  further includes a plurality of rectangular horizontal deck members  109 ,  111 ,  113 , disposed in step-like fashion with respect to one another. The module  17  further includes a number of vertical transparent face plates  115 ,  117 ,  119 ,  120 , which may be, for example, disposed in suitable grooves in the side panels  101 ,  103  and retained in place by a suitable adhesive. A hole  29  is formed in the base panel  105  through which a fastening device such as a screw may be inserted to attach the module  17  to an underlying shelf or other structure. 
     FIGS. 16 and 17  show an illustrative embodiment for a display panel  28  ( FIG. 1 ) for insertion into the fourth display module  23 . The panel  28  shown in  FIG. 16  may comprise, for example, a rectangular panel of 0.125 millimeter thick expanded PVC. Illustrative dimensions of such a panel are 825.5 millimeters (32.5 inches) in width (w) and 590.55 millimeters (23.250 inches) in height (h). As further illustrated, suitable holes  113 , which may be for example 166 in number, are punched or otherwise created in the panel  28  in order to attach sample mounting chips such as are illustrated in  FIG. 34 .  FIG. 17  illustrates the graphic layout of sample chips  115  on the panel  28 . During installation, the flat panel  28  is inserted into the curved slots in the module and thereby is effectively turned into a curved panel, which is more suitable to a typical consumer&#39;s line of sight and results in improved light distribution and space conservation. 
     FIGS. 18  thru  23  illustrate the recessed lighting fixture or “light box”  27  of  FIG. 1  in more detail. The fixture  27  includes a number of pairs of fluorescent lamp fixtures  123  disposed within a housing  124 . Each lamp fixture  123  preferably includes a biaxial lamp unit, preferably a Philips PL-L55W, 55 watt, 5500 K, 92 CRI unit. A CRI of 90 or above is preferred. The housing  124  comprises a perforated horizontal mounting (ceiling) panel  121 , first and second rectangular vertical end members  125 ,  126  and a rear edge member  127 .  FIG. 19  illustrates a centered header attachment support  134 , and a rectangular reinforcement member  136 , which member  136  preferably extends the entire length of the light box  127 . The header support  134  and reinforcement member  136  serve to prevent sagging of the middle of the structure. The member  136  may, for example, be a metal tube or formed from a portion of a metal sheet used to fabricate panel  121 . 
   Each fixture of the pair of lighting fixtures  123  is mounted parallel to an adjacent fixture  123  and at a slight acute angle to the horizontal edge  130  of the mounting panel  121 . The acute angle may be for example eight (8) degrees. The light fixtures  123  are so arrayed as to create a uniform lighting effect on the concave display panels. As may be seen in  FIG. 22 , the pairs of parallel light tubes of the fixtures  123  lie horizontally and provide a substantially linear line of light-radiating, surface. 
     FIG. 20  shows a detail of a lamp fixture  123  and its associated reflector  131 . A single side reflector  131  is positioned behind each lamp fixture  123 . The reflector  131  is especially designed with angled side sections  131 ,  135  in order to appropriately direct the light. Angled section  133  may be ½″ in length and formed at an angle of 130 degrees with respect to horizontal portion  126 , which maybe 2.5 inches in width. Angled portion  135  may also be ½″ in length and formed at an angle of 160 degrees to angled portion  135 . The reflecting surface may be 95% reflective, 92% specular. The single side reflector  131  further directs light downwardly, preventing glare in the customer&#39;s eyes. 
     FIG. 23  illustrates a decorative front face plate  129  which closes the front of the fixture  27  and is seen by one viewing the display  11 . A diffuser grill  201  ( FIG. 1 ) is mounted at the bottom of the lamp fixture  27  and is further illustrated in  FIGS. 23A and 23B . The diffuser may be a rectangular plastic grill (“egg crate” diffuser) comprising square openings each of which may be ½ inch on a side. 
   The lamp mounting arrangement shown in  FIG. 18  positions a light producing lamp portion adjacent a “tombstone” lamp mounting receptacle. The light box  27  is relatively shallow in depth and the staggered arrangement of light fixtures  123  together with the diffuser  201  substantially eliminates dark spots and provides a uniform, customer-attracting and aesthetically pleasing light distribution. 
     FIGS. 24 and 25  illustrate an advantageous irrigation feature, which cooperates with sprinkler systems positioned above the display  11  to distribute the flow of fire retarding water throughout the unit and to goods, e.g.,  202  ( FIG. 1 ), stored beneath the display  11 . As may be seen, the perforations, e.g.,  122 , in the light fixture housing  121  cooperate with holes, e.g.,  86 ,  186 , in underlying module members to permit water flow down and throughout the display  11  and its modular components  17 ,  19 ,  21 ,  23 ,  25 . Holes  186  and  86  overlie matching holes, e.g.,  57  in the cabinet  13 . 
     FIGS. 26 and 27  illustrate further details of the interactive video module  21 . The module  21  encloses a video display monitor  29  which has a display viewing screen  145  and user manipulated buttons  141 . The buttons  141  permit a user to step through a menu of audio/video displays describing, for example, various tasks required in applying and selecting stains, waterproofing, and other products. 
     FIG. 26  shows a cover plate  147  in a removed position, revealing a DVD/DVI player  143 . The DVD or DVI player  143  may be an adaptation of a commercially available unit providing a track selection feature cooperating with the buttons  141 .  FIG. 27  further illustrates a display panel  151  partially inserted into the concave grooves  75  of the module  21 . The display panel  151  may carry, for example, four rows of wood chips, e.g.,  152 ,  151  selectively stained. Each of the chips  154  may comprise a different species of wood each stained with the same stain, thereby illustrating to the consumer the different effects which the underlying wood can have on the finished appearance of the stained wood. 
     FIGS. 28  thru  31  illustrate an apparatus and method for securing the modules  17 ,  19 ,  21 ,  23  into the surrounding cabinet  13 . In particular, a flat horizontal panel  166 , preferably sheet metal, is provided with suitable parallel slots  163  and with a front molding piece  167  providing a vertically extending surface  170  for abutting respective noses  171  of the modules  17 ,  19 ,  21 ,  23 ,  25 . A stud  165  is positioned in each slot  163  and serves to position and guide the panel  166 . The panel  166  is slideable in and out between the shelf  56  and the base panels  47 ,  71 ,  92 ,  73 ,  105  of the respective modules  17 ,  19 ,  21 ,  23 ,  25 , guided by the studs  165 . 
   Considering  FIGS. 29 and 30 , in the order to secure the modules  17 ,  19 ,  21 ,  23  in place, the front molding piece  167  is pushed in towards the respective noses  171  of the modules  17 ,  19 ,  21 ,  23 ,  25  until the position shown in  FIG. 30  is reached, at which point, screws or other devices are inserted through the holes  26 ,  29  in the base of each of modules  17 ,  25 , then through the sheet metal panel  166 , and finally into the shelf  56 , thereby securely fixing the molding piece  167  and hence the modules  17 ,  19 ,  21 ,  23 ,  25  in position. Other means of securing the modules in place can of course be used. In one alternate embodiment, for example, a piano hinge could be used to mount a suitable front molding piece  167 . It will also be noted further that the placement of the fastening devices through holes  26 ,  29  in the respective brochure modules  17 ,  25  renders them inconspicuous, for example, as compared to side insertion through panel  13 .  FIG. 31  illustrates an alternate approach wherein a screw or other fastening device is inserted through a display panel, then through a module base and a sheet metal panel, and into the shelf  56 . The approach using holes  26 ,  29  is preferred over this approach because it is less conspicuous. 
     FIGS. 32 through 37  illustrate a chip mounting mechanism  215 . As illustrated in  FIG. 33 , the chip mounting mechanism includes a removable chip holder  217 , which mounts into a carrier  225 . Both the chip holder  217  and the carrier  225  may be fabricated, for example, of a suitable molded plastic. 
   The chip holder  217  includes a base portion  232  on which is formed first and second horizontal tabs  229 ,  221  and an acutely angled tab  230 . The chip holder  217  further includes vertically depending edge portions  235 ,  237  and respective lips  239 ,  240  ( FIG. 35 ). Each lip  239 ,  240  has a cammed surface  350  to facilitate installation as further described below. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 34 , the tabs  229 ,  231 ,  230  facilitate removable mounting of respective wood chips  219 ,  221 , each of which has a groove  227  formed therein for slideably receiving the respective tabs  229 ,  231 . The opposite ends of the respective chips  219 ,  221  slide snuggly underneath the acutely angled tab  230 . 
   The carrier member  225  includes a flat rectangular bottom  253  and a generally rectangular rim  251  formed about the periphery of the bottom  253 . First and second slots  241 ,  243  are formed in the carrier member  225  for receiving the respective tabs  239 ,  240  ( FIG. 35 ) of the chip holder  217 . The vertically depending edge portions  235 ,  237  of the chip holder  217  are sized such that they snuggly fit within the rectangular rim  251  of the carrier member  225 . On the underside of the bottom  253  of the carrier member  225  are formed respective expandable plugs  250 , which insert into respective adjacent mounting holes e.g.,  261 ,  263  formed in the display panel  28 . 
     FIGS. 35 through 37  illustrate the manner of insertion of the removable chip holder  217  into the carrier member  225 . As shown, the first lip  239  is engaged with the first slot  241 , and then the chip holder  217  is pressed downward such that the second lip  240  snaps into the slot  243  with the assistance of the cammed surface  350 , thereby snuggly joining the chip holder  217  and carrier member  225  together. Suitable wood chips, e.g.,  229  may then be slideably inserted into the chip carrier  217 . Thereafter, the assembled unit may be mounted on the display panel  28  by inserting the prongs  250  through the respective mounting holes, e.g.,  261 , resulting in the mounted position shown in  FIG. 37 . The construction illustrated in  FIGS. 32-37  permits sample chips to be removed by the retailer (but not the customer) for purposes of changing out or updating different chips, as desired. 
   Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just-described preferred embodiment can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other that as specifically described herein.