Abstract:
A method of assembling a merchandising system includes providing a retail display fixture including first and second ends each supporting the retail display fixture on a floor. The method further includes providing a display fixture accessory releasably secured to the retail display fixture and coupling an accessory sheath to the retail display fixture. The accessory sheath includes two substantially planar panels extending substantially parallel to one another and defining a cavity between the two substantially planar panels, a top panel extending between and coupled to each of the two substantially planar panels, and an open bottom providing access to the cavity. Coupling the accessory sheath to the retail display fixture includes sliding the accessory sheath over the display fixture accessory to substantially enclose the display fixture accessory within the cavity such that the accessory sheath substantially covers an entirety of two opposite sides of the display fixture accessory.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/088,854 filed Apr. 18, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,191,720, issued Jun. 5, 2012, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/098,335, filed Apr. 4, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,946,435, issued May 24, 2011, the entire contents of each is hereby incorporated by reference in this application. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Various types of displays are used to support and present merchandise and provide merchandise information and other information to consumers in a retail environment. Displays that are eye-catching and that readily provide information about a product help draw the attention of the customer and promote retail sales. Additionally, displays that are able to be efficiently set up, broken down, and adjustable are versatile, more easily shipped and stored, and adaptable for use with different base fixtures or mounts. Such displays provide increased sales, better use of employee time, and reduced costs. While traditional displays accomplish these features to some extent, enhancements in the functionality, or overall merchandising effectiveness, of such displays remain to be realized. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some aspects of the invention relate to a method of assembling a merchandising system including providing a retail display fixture including a first end and a second end spaced from the first end. Each of the first end and the second end are configured to support the retail display fixture on a floor. The method further comprises providing a display fixture accessory releasably secured to the retail display fixture and coupling an accessory sheath to the retail display fixture. The accessory sheath comprises two substantially planar panels extending substantially parallel to and spaced from one another to define an internal cavity between the two substantially planar panels, a top panel extending between and coupled to each of the two substantially planar panels, and an open bottom providing access to the internal cavity. Coupling the accessory sheath to the retail display fixture includes sliding the accessory sheath over the display fixture accessory to substantially enclose the display fixture accessory within the internal cavity between the two substantially planar panels of the accessory sheath such that the accessory sheath substantially covers an entirety of two opposite sides of the display fixture accessory. The two substantially planar panels of the accessory sheath are configured to support a plurality of products hung from the accessory sheath. 
     This summary is not intended to be limiting in nature. Various other aspects and embodiments are contemplated and should be understood with reference to the text and drawings that follow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a retail system in a partially assembled state, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a convertible fixture of the system of  FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a first merchandise extender of the system of  FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a second merchandise extender of the system of  FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of an extender sheath of the system of  FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  shows an assembly according to some embodiments, with the extender sheath of  FIG. 5  and the merchandise extenders of  FIGS. 3 and 4  shown in cross-section and the convertible fixture of  FIG. 2  shown in broken lines. 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of an end sheath of the system of  FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view of a portion of the end sheath of  FIG. 7 , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged, cut-off view of a cross-section of the end sheath of  FIG. 7 , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  is an isometric view of the system of  FIG. 1  in a more assembled state, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 11  is an isometric view of a mirror assembly, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 12  is an isometric view of a peg hook, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 13  shows the peg hook of  FIG. 12  from a side view, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 14  is an isometric view of another end sheath, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 15  shows the end sheath of  FIG. 14  from a bottom view, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 16  is an isometric view of another retail system, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 17  shows a top view of an end sheath of the system of  FIG. 16 , according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     Some embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. As alluded to above, the intention, however, is not to limit the invention by providing such examples. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  shows a display system  10 , also described as a racking system or retail system, according to some embodiments. The display system  10  includes a convertible fixture  12  adapted to be rolled on a floor, an extender assembly  14  releasably secured to the convertible fixture  12  and sheaths, or covers, used with the convertible fixture  12  and/or extender assembly  14 , where the sheaths include an extender sheath  16 , a first end sheath  18 , and a second end sheath  20 , for example. In general terms, the convertible fixture  12  is used to support, store, and display products for sale in a retail environment; the extender assembly  14  is a retailing accessory to the convertible fixture  12 , the extender assembly  14  including a first merchandise extender  24 A and a second merchandise extender  24 B; and the sheaths  16 ,  18 ,  20  are used with the convertible fixture  12  and/or the extender assembly  14  to add and/or modify attachment points, as well as to enhance the overall visual effect presented by the system  10 . For example, the sheaths  16 ,  18 ,  20  optionally provide a cleaner, more filled-in look as well as providing more surfaces that are colored or decorated as desired. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the extender assembly  14  includes first and second merchandise extenders  24 A,  24 B. The merchandise extenders  24 A,  24 B are generally formed of metal, such as aluminum or steel, or appropriate plastics. However, a variety of other materials are optionally used. In general terms, the convertible fixture  12 , the merchandise extenders  24 A,  24 B, and the sheaths  16 ,  18 ,  20  are each optionally configured to support one or more merchandise support pieces, such as racking components, shelves, hangers, hooks, and others, and/or one or more display pieces, such as billboards, posters, pictures, or pegboards (which, in turn, are optionally used to support merchandising support pieces). The display system  10  is optionally used in a retail environment to support merchandise clothing or other products as desired. 
     In the description, further reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of the various embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for the purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. Additionally, various components and features of embodiments are optionally referred to using alternate names. For example, the convertible fixture  12  is optionally referred to as a main rack, a base rack, a base fixture, or a display fixture; the extender assembly  14  is optionally referred to as an extension assembly, a display extender assembly, or a secondary rack; the extender sheath  16  is optionally referred to as an accessory sheath or assembly cover; and the end sheaths  18 ,  20  are optionally referred to as clamshell covers, end covers, or end wraps. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the convertible fixture  12 . The convertible fixture  12  includes a first end piece  28 , a second end piece  29 , an upper horizontal member  30 , an intermediate horizontal member  32 , a first outer member  34 , a central member  36 , a second outer member  38  (partially obscured in  FIG. 2 ), and a lower horizontal member  40 . The first and second end pieces  28 ,  29 , also described as end assemblies, are opposingly positioned, on opposite ends, and are adapted to support the convertible fixture  12  on a substantially horizontal surface (not shown). The upper horizontal member  30 , intermediate horizontal member  32 , and lower horizontal member  40 , are optionally referred to as cross-pieces or cross-members, while the first outer member  34 , central member  36 , and second outer member  38  are optionally referred to as uprights. Each of the upper horizontal member  30 , the first outer member  34 , the central member  36 , and the second outer member  38  is optionally substantially tubular in shape, for example having a substantially round transverse cross-section. However, other cross-sections, for example, rectangular, are also contemplated. The intermediate horizontal member  32  is substantially rectangular in transverse cross-section, and is otherwise described as an elongate band, or strip of material. However, other shapes for the intermediate horizontal member  32  are contemplated, such as a substantially circular shape, for example. 
     The first end piece  28  has an upper body  28 A that includes a tubular framework forming an inverted U-shape. The first end piece  28  also includes a lower wheel assembly  28 B secured to the upper body  28 A. The second end piece  29  includes an upper body  29 A and a lower wheel assembly  29 B secured to the upper body  29 A, each of which is optionally substantially similar to corresponding components of the first end piece  28 . 
     The upper and intermediate horizontal members  30 ,  32  span the first outer member  34  and the second outer member  38  to the first and second end pieces  28 ,  29 . The upper horizontal member  30 , also described as a first horizontal member, optionally includes a locator pin hole  31  centrally located on the upper horizontal member  30 . The first outer member  34  defines a plurality of slots  35  that are optionally substantially rectangular in shape. Each of the plurality of slots  35  is adapted to receive projections, such as L-shaped bracket inserts, or other fastening means (not shown) for releasably securing hangers, hooks, shelves, or other display means to the convertible fixture  12 , as desired. The central member  36  and the second outer member  38  each include a plurality of slots  37 ,  39 , respectively (slots  39  are partially obscured in  FIG. 2 ). The pluralities of slots  37 ,  39  are each optionally substantially similar to the plurality of slots  35  of the first outer member  34 . Although not shown, the members  34 ,  36 ,  38  also each optionally have a plurality of slots on opposite sides of the members  34 ,  36 ,  38 . 
     In some implementations, the merchandise extenders  24 A,  24 B ( FIG. 1 ) are attached to the convertible fixture  12  to facilitate use of various display pieces, such as product billboards or other merchandising signage, and/or to increase a merchandise carrying and displaying capacity of the convertible fixture  12 , for example by providing additional space for shelves, hangers, pegboard material, and others. In some embodiments, the merchandise extenders  24 A,  24 B are used to increase an overall height of the convertible fixture  12  that would otherwise be available for displaying products or supporting signage, for example. In particular, the first and second merchandise extenders  24 A,  24 B are optionally assembled to the convertible fixture  12  such that they extend vertically above the convertible fixture  12 . 
       FIG. 3  shows the first merchandise extender  24 A from a perspective view and  FIG. 4  shows the second merchandise extender  24 B from a perspective view. The first and second merchandise extenders  24 A,  24 B are optionally substantially similar. As such, the second merchandiser extender  24 B is described cumulatively with reference to the first merchandise extender  24 A. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the first merchandise extender  24 A includes a frame  140 , a first side vertical bracket  142 , a central vertical bracket  144 , a second side vertical bracket  146 , and a lateral bracket  148  (note that the second merchandise extender  24 B is free of a corresponding lateral bracket according to some embodiments). The frame  140  optionally defines a first window  150  and a second window  152 , each of the two windows  150 ,  152  being substantially square or rectangular as desired. The frame  140  includes a top cross member  154 , a first middle cross member  156 , a second middle cross member  158 , a first side member  160 , a central member  162 , and a second side member  164 . Each of the first side member  160 , the central member  162 , and the second side member  164  defines distal portions  166 ,  168 ,  170 , also described as side legs  166 ,  170  and a central leg  168 , respectively. 
     As shown, the frame  140  is substantially rectangular in shape with the distal portions  166 ,  168 ,  170  extending downwardly relative to a remainder of the frame  140 , although other shapes are contemplated. Respective components of the frame  140  are assembled via welding, for example. The top cross member  154 , the first middle cross member  156 , the second middle cross member  158 , the first side member  160 , the central member  162 , and the second side member  164  are all optionally formed as elongate tubular members having substantially square cross-sections, for example. 
     The first side vertical bracket  142 , the central vertical bracket  144 , and the second side vertical bracket  146  are optionally substantially similar. In some embodiments, each of the vertical brackets  142 ,  144 ,  146  includes an upper, L-shaped protrusion  182  and a lower, L-shaped protrusion  186 . Each of the upper and lower protrusions  182 ,  186  is adapted to be inserted into the pluralities of slots  35 ,  37 ,  39  ( FIG. 2 ) of the members  34 ,  36 ,  38  of the convertible fixture  12  ( FIG. 2 ). In particular, the upper and lower projections  182 ,  186  are insertable into respective ones of the plurality of slots  35 ,  37 ,  39 . In this manner, the first side vertical bracket  142  is optionally releasably, yet securely maintained on the first outer member  34  ( FIG. 2 ) by inserting portions of the projections  182 ,  186  into respective slots  35 ,  37 ,  39  and lowering the projections  182 ,  186  onto portions of the members  34 ,  36 ,  38  surrounding the slots  35 ,  37 ,  39 , respectively. 
     The first side vertical bracket  142  is secured to the first outer member  34  of the convertible fixture  12  using the plurality of slots  35  of the first outer member  34 . In turn, the central vertical bracket  144  of the first merchandise extender  24 A is attached to the central member  36  using the plurality of slots  37 . Additionally, the second vertical bracket  146  is secured to the second outer member  38  using the plurality of slots  39 . In particular, each of the vertical brackets  142 ,  144 , and  146  is optionally inserted into pairs of the slots  35 ,  37 ,  39  and pressed downwardly to “clip” the vertical brackets  142 , 144 ,  146  in place. 
     In this manner, the first merchandise extender  24 A is optionally secured to the convertible fixture  12  as shown in  FIG. 1  at a desired height according to which of the pluralities of slots  35 ,  37 ,  39  the first merchandise extender  24 A is secured. The second merchandise extender  24 B ( FIG. 4 ) is optionally secured to the convertible fixture  12  opposite the first merchandise extender  24 A in a substantially similar manner using pluralities of slots formed in the convertible fixture  12  opposite the pluralities of slots  35 ,  37 ,  39 , for example. Suitable merchandise extenders are described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2007/0170139, “Display Fixture Accessories,” published on Jul. 26, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     If desired, a plurality of shelves (not shown) or other merchandise supports are optionally attached to the convertible fixture  12  using the pluralities of slots  35 ,  37 ,  39 , for example, where the merchandise supports maintain products such as a plurality of jeans or pants, for example. From the above, it should be apparent that a variety of configurations and products are contemplated. 
       FIG. 5  shows the extender sheath  16  from a perspective view. The extender sheath  16 , also described as a cover, provides means for supporting product support devices, or otherwise provides a plurality of attachment points for product support devices, such as a hanger post  400  ( FIGS. 12 and 13 ) or other slot-mountable fixture accessory. The extender sheath  16  has a closed top  200 , a closed first side  202 , a closed second side  204  ( FIG. 1 ), a front  206 , a back  208  and an open bottom  210  and defines an interior  212  ( FIG. 6 ). The extender sheath  16  defines means for covering the extender assembly  14 . In some embodiments, the extender sheath  16  is formed of molded plastic, such as a styrene polymer, or structural foam material, although other materials, for example cardboard, are contemplated. 
     The first and second sides  202 ,  204  are optionally substantially similar. In some embodiments, the first side  202  has an upper bracket slot  220 A, a lower bracket slot  222 A, and a bottom edge  224 A including an arcuate cut out  226 A adapted to receive the upper horizontal member  30  ( FIG. 2 ). The second side  204  ( FIG. 1 ) has an upper bracket slot  220 B, a lower bracket slot  222 B, and a bottom edge  224 B including an arcuate cut out  226 B adapted to receive the upper horizontal member  30 . The upper and lower bracket slots  220 A,  220 B,  222 A,  222 B (cumulatively referenced as “slots  220 ,  222 ”) are substantially horizontal, parallel to one another, and formed through the sides  202 ,  204  respectively. The slots  220 ,  222  are each optionally adapted or otherwise sized and shaped to receive product support devices, such as the hanger post  400  shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , which is subsequently described in greater detail. 
     The front  206  and back  208  are optionally substantially similar. As shown in  FIG. 5 , in some embodiments, the front  206  has a plurality of upper bracket slots  230 A, a plurality of lower bracket slots  232 A, and a bottom edge  234 A that extends below the bottom edges  224 A,  224 B of the first and second sides  202 ,  204  such that the front  206  defines a lower skirt portion  236 A. The back  208  optionally has a plurality of upper bracket slots (not shown), a plurality of lower bracket slots (not shown), and a bottom edge  234 B that extends below the bottom edges  224 A,  224 B of the first and second sides  202 ,  204  such that the back  208  defines a lower skirt portion  236 B extending below the bottom edges  224 A,  224 B. 
     The pluralities of bracket slots  230 A,  232 A (cumulatively referenced as “slots  230 ,  232 ”) are each optionally adapted or otherwise sized and shaped to receive product support devices, such as the hanger post  400  shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13  and subsequently described in greater detail. Each of the lower skirt portions  236 A,  236 B are adapted to extend down to cover, or otherwise hide the distal portions (e.g., distal portions  166 ,  168 , 170 ) of the merchandise extenders  24 A,  24 B. In some embodiments, the lower skirt portions  236 A,  236 B also help prevent the extender sheath  16  from rocking forward and backward on the extender assembly  14 , for example by increasing contact area between the respective components. 
       FIG. 6  shows an assembly of the fixture  12 , extender assembly  14 , and extender sheath  16  as would be viewed along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 1  ( FIG. 1  shows the extender sheath  16  disassembled from the fixture  12  and extender assembly  14 ). In  FIG. 6 , the extender assembly  14  and extender sheath  16  are shown in cross-section and an outline of the fixture  12  is shown in dotted lines to facilitate understanding. As generally shown, the extender sheath  16  slips over the extender assembly  14 , providing means for covering a substantial portion of the extender assembly  14 . This assembly is optionally accomplished by sliding the open bottom  210  over the extender assembly  14  until the lower skirt portions  236 A,  236 B cover the distal portions of the merchandise extenders  24 A,  24 B ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ). In some embodiments, the extender sheath  16  rests on the extender assembly  14 , with the closed top  200  resting on the top cross members of the merchandise extenders  24 A,  24 B (e.g., top cross member  154  shown in  FIG. 3 ) and the lateral bracket  148 . In turn, the bottom edges  224 A,  224 B ( FIG. 1 ) rest atop the upper horizontal member  30  of the fixture  12  with the arcuate cut outs  226 A,  226 B ( FIG. 1 ) receiving the upper horizontal member  30 . 
     The first and second end sheaths  18 ,  20  ( FIG. 1 ) are optionally substantially similar and thus are described cumulatively with reference to the first end sheath  18 . The first and second end sheaths  18 ,  20  respectively define means for covering the first and second end pieces  28 ,  29 .  FIG. 7  shows the first end sheath  18  from a perspective view, where the first end sheath  18  optionally includes a first clamshell  250  and a second clamshell  252 . The first and second clamshells  250 ,  252 , also described as U-shaped housings, are optionally substantially similar and thus are described cumulatively with reference to the first clamshell  250 . In particular, the first and second clamshells  250 ,  252  are substantially mirror images of one another. The first clamshell  250  includes a body  260  and a capper  262 , also described as a cap. In some embodiments, the first clamshell  250  also includes fixation means  264 , also described as fastener or hanging means, secured to the body  260 , such as a hook and loop fastener material (e.g., the hook material portion or the loop material portion) sold under the tradename “VELCRO.” 
       FIG. 8  shows the body  260  from a perspective view. The body  260  is formed of a thin sheet of material folded over to define a substantially U-shaped transverse cross-section. The body  260  extends over a length from a top  266  to a bottom  268 , where the length is generally sized to be complementary to the height of the upper body  28 A of the first end piece  28  ( FIG. 2 ), although a variety of sizes are contemplated. In some embodiments the body  260  has a plurality of fastener holes  270  adapted to receive one or more plastic fasteners or rivets, for example, such as those sold by ITW Fastex of Des Plaines, Ill. under the tradename “CANOE CLIPS” or “CHRISTMAS TREE CLIPS.” 
       FIG. 9  shows a close-up of a cross-section of the capper  262  as assembled into the top  266  of the body  260 . As shown, the capper  262  is substantially I-shaped in transverse cross-section and is complementary in top profile to the transverse cross-section of the body  260 . In some embodiments, the capper  262  is retained in the top  266  of the body  260  via a friction fit. In other embodiments, the capper  262  is secured in the top  266  of the body  260 , for example, by using an adhesive. 
       FIG. 10  shows the sheaths  16 ,  18 ,  20  secured to the extender assembly  14  ( FIG. 6 ) and the fixture  12 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the first clamshell  250  and the second clamshell  252  of the first end sheath  18  are opposingly positioned about the upper body  28 A of the first end piece  28  ( FIG. 2 ) providing means for substantially covering, or enclosing the upper body  28 A of the first end piece  28 . The second end sheath  20  is optionally secured about the upper body  29 A of the second end piece  29  ( FIG. 2 ) in a substantially similar manner such that the sheaths  18 ,  20  are secured on opposing ends of the fixture  12 . 
     In some embodiments, a retail device, such as a mirror assembly  300  as shown in  FIG. 11  is secured to the first end sheath  18  ( FIG. 10 ). For example, the mirror assembly  300  optionally includes a plurality of fastener holes  310  corresponding to the fastener holes  270  ( FIG. 10 ), where a plurality of fasteners  312  are inserted through the fastener holes  270 ,  310  to secure the mirror assembly  300  to the first end sheath  18 . Alternatively, pegboards, posterboards, billboards, or other sheet-like retail devices are similarly secured to the first end sheath  18  as desired. In other embodiments, the mirror assembly  300  includes complementary fixation means (e.g., hook or loop material) associated with the fixation means  264  for securing the mirror assembly  300  to the first end sheath  18 . The second end sheath  20  is similarly used to support retail devices or as otherwise desired. 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  show a hanger post  400 , also described as a peg hook or a slot mounted peg, which is one type of slot-mountable fixture accessory used with the extender sheath  16  ( FIG. 5 ). As shown, the hanger post  400  includes a bracket  412 , a body  414 , and an end stop  416 . The bracket  412  includes an upper portion  420 , a step portion  422 , and a lower portion  424 . The bracket  412  is adapted to be secured to the extender sheath  16  using one of the slots  220 ,  222 ,  230 ,  232  ( FIG. 5 ) for example, where the sheath  16  is a means for providing a plurality of attachment points for the bracket  412 . The upper portion  420  is substantially upright, the step portion  422  extends substantially orthogonally from the upper portion  420 , and the lower portion  424  extends substantially orthogonally from the step portion  422  such that is substantially parallel with, and offset from, the upper portion  420 . 
     In some embodiments, the upper portion  420  is inserted into one of the slots (e.g., one of the plurality of slots  230 A) of the extender sheath  16  and the lower portion  424  is pivoted downwardly such that the step portion  422  rests on material defining a bottom edge of a particular slot with the upper portion  420  residing inside the extender sheath  16  and resting against an inner surface of the extender sheath  16  and the lower portion  424  resting against an outer surface (e.g., an outer surface of the front  206 ) of the extender sheath  16 . The body  414  is optionally adapted to support clothing hangers, with the end stop  416  helping to prevent the clothing hangers from sliding off the body  414 . Although the bracket  412  is optionally used in association with a peg hook type design adapted to support clothing hangers, bracket designs similar to the bracket  412  are optionally used with shelving (not shown) or other types of fixture accessories to be secured to the extender sheath  16 . In view of the foregoing, the extender sheath  16  optionally provides means for augmenting the attachment points and/or to adapt the rack extender assembly  14  ( FIG. 1 ) for use with different types of fixture accessories, such as the hanger post  400 . 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  show another end sheath  500 , also described as an end wrap or clamshell cover, used to cover and/or augment attachment points of the first or second end pieces  28 ,  29  ( FIG. 2 ), for example. FIG,  14  shows the end sheath  500  from a perspective view and  FIG. 15  shows the end sheath  500  from a bottom view. As shown, the end sheath  500  includes a body  502 , front fixation means  504 , and spine fixation means  506 . The body  502  is formed of a thin sheet of material folded over to define a substantially U-shaped transverse cross-section having a front  510 , a back  512 , and a spine  514 . The body  502  extends from a bottom  516  to a top  520  and is generally sized to be complementary to the height of the upper body  28 A of the first end piece  28  ( FIG. 2 ), although a variety of sizes are contemplated. 
     The front fixation means  504  includes a plurality of strips  504 A,  504 B,  504 C of hook and loop material (e.g., a piece of hook material), such as that previously described, dispersed at desired intervals along the front  510  of the body  502 . The spine fixation means  506  includes a plurality of dots  506 A,  506 B of hook and loop material (e.g., a piece of hook material) dispersed on the spine  514  toward the bottom  516  of the body  502 . The fixation means  504 ,  506  are used as desired to secure retail devices, such as posters, billboards, pegboard, or other materials, to the end sheath  500 . In some embodiments the body  502  additionally or alternatively has a plurality of fastener holes (not shown) adapted to receive one or more plastic fasteners or rivets, for example, such as those previously described. 
     In some implementations, the end sheath  500  is slipped over the upper bodies  28 A,  29 A of one of the first or second end pieces  28 ,  29  ( FIG. 2 ) and is frictionally retained thereon. For example, the body  502  of the end sheath  500  is optionally somewhat flexible. In use, the front and back  510 ,  512  are pulled away from one another during positioning and then allowed to engage the end piece (e.g., the upper body  28 A of the first end piece  28 ) with sufficient compressive force to maintain the end sheath  500  in position. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates another display system  600  in an unassembled state from a perspective view. The display system  600 , also described as a racking system or a merchandising system includes a quad-rack fixture  602 , also described as a base rack, a main rack, a base fixture, or a display fixture, a first end sheath  604 , also described as a first end cover, and a second end sheath  605 , also described as a second end cover. 
     The quad-rack fixture  602  is generally adapted for displaying merchandise, for example clothing maintained on hangers. The quad-rack fixture  602  includes a frame  606 , a first extendable arm  608 , a second extendable arm  609 , a third extendable arm  610 , and a fourth extendable arm  611 . The extendable arms  608 ,  609 ,  610 ,  611  are optionally adapted for supporting or otherwise maintaining clothes, hangers, etc. The frame  606  includes a lower cross member  612 , an intermediate cross member  614 , and a top cross member  615 . The quad rack fixture  602  also optionally includes a first end piece  616  and a second end piece  617 , the first and second end pieces  616 ,  617  being adapted to support the quad rack fixture  602  on a surface (not shown). 
     In some embodiments, the first end piece  616  includes an upper body  616 A and a lower wheel assembly  616 B secured to the upper body  616 A. The upper body  616 A optionally includes a first substantially vertical member  630  telescopically receiving the first extendable arm  608  and a second substantially vertical member  632  telescopically receiving the second extendable arm  609 . The first and second substantially vertical members  630 ,  632  are optionally substantially square in transverse cross-section. The first end piece  616  also includes a plurality of cross members  634  extending laterally between the first and second substantially vertical members  630 ,  632 . The lower wheel assembly  616 B includes a substantially horizontal base member  636  having a first end  637 , a second end  638 , and wheels  639 A,  639 B mounted on each of the first and second ends  637 ,  638 , respectively. The second end piece  617  optionally includes an upper body  617 A and lower wheel assembly  617 B which are substantially similar to the first end piece  616 . 
     The first and second end sheaths  604 ,  605  are optionally substantially similar and thus are described cumulatively with reference to the first sheath  604 . In some embodiments, the first sheath  604  is formed of a molded polymeric material, although other materials are contemplated. As shown, the first sheath  604  has a height that is generally complementary to a height of the first and second substantially vertical members  630 ,  632 .  FIG. 17  is a top view of the first end sheath  604 . With reference to  FIG. 17 , the first end sheath  604  includes an outer wall  640 , a first sidewall  642 , a first lip  644 , a second sidewall  646 , and a snap fit tab  648 . 
     The first end sheath  604  is optionally sturdy, yet sufficiently flexible to allow the snap fit tab  648  to be flexed away from the first sidewall  642  and first lip  644 . In some implementations, the first end sheath  604  is assembled to the first end piece  616  ( FIG. 16 ) by hooking the first lip  644  over the first substantially vertical member  630  and pressing the snap fit tab  648  against the second substantially vertical member  632  until it defects outwardly, allowing the snap fit tab  648  to slip over the second substantially vertical member  632  in a snap fit relationship such that the upper body  616 A of the first end piece  616  is releasably retained in the first end sheath  604 . Upon assembly, the first substantially vertical member  630  is optionally abutted against the first sidewall  642  while the second substantially vertical member  632  is abutted against the second side wall  646 . In order to remove the first end sheath  604 , the snap fit tab  648  is moved away in a direction opposite to the first sidewall  642  to release the first end sheath  604  from the upper body  616 A. The second end sheath  605  is optionally substantially similarly assembled and disassembled from the second end piece  617 . 
     The first and second end sheaths  604 ,  605  optionally include fixation means, including any of those previously described, such as fastener holes, bracket slots, or other features for supporting retail devices or other components. In some implementations, the first and second end sheaths  604 ,  605  are applied to modify an appearance of the quad-rack fixture  602 , for example to give a complementary, sheathed visual appearance similar to the sheathed visual appearance of the display system  10 . 
     Various modifications and additions can be made to the embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof. 
     In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of the various embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for the purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. The detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.