Abstract:
Traditionally, RMUs have posed a significant problem for retailers in that they can be cumbersome. A modified RMU is, therefore, provided. This modified RMU utilizes a number of interconnected display units that allow for various configurations so that the RMU can be arranged for a variety of situations. For example, the modified RMU can be arranged to have a flat back side that allows it to be placed against a wall so as to reduce congestion of moving patrons and further prevent wasteful usage of valuable retail floor space. Hence, the modified RMU provides a solution for a long felt need for improved logistics by retailers.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]     The invention relates generally to retail displays and, more particularly, to kiosk designs or Retail Merchandising Units (RMUs).  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     With increasing competitiveness in the marketplace, retailers are looking for ways to increase market share and growth. Retail facilities in recent years have begun utilizing display devices, sometimes called kiosks or RMUs, in a variety of areas. The RMUs have been employed as both stand-alone shops and as mobile displays for use within stores.  
         [0003]     Some significant problems have developed as a result of employing such RMUs and other display devices. Typically, RMUs, kiosks and other display devices are large enough to occupy a substantial amount of area, requiring retailers to place the RMUs in throughways or occupy valuable floor space that could otherwise be used for stocking or displaying of merchandise.  
         [0004]     Because these RMUs are large three-dimensional displays, a large amount of floor space can be used and/or congestion of customer traffic through the retail area can result. Thus, for differing conditions, it is imperative that a retailer have the ability to provide a display or RMU that best utilizes the available floor space. Therefore, there has been a long felt need to have an RMU that is dynamic so as to better utilize valuable retail floor space and/or reduce traffic flow problems for varying conditions.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0005]     The present invention, accordingly, provides a new and useful apparatus, employed at least in part, to display retail items. The apparatus, or RMU, has a central display unit, one or more substantially vertical columns that protrude above the central display unit, and a canopy secured to and supported by the columns. One or more additional modular components can be secured to the central display unit to provide additional display or business areas, enabling the RMUs to maximize use of available retail floor area.  
         [0006]     Some of the additional modular components that can be added to the RMU include, but are not limited to display walls, hang grids, cash counters, shelving units, and auxiliary display units of various shapes, such as rectangles, circles, semi-circles, arcs, polygons, etc. The modular components can have multiple levels of varying heights, and shelves, counters, posts, or other elements can be added to or incorporated into various modular components. The number, shape and location of modular components used in a particular arrangement can vary, depending on the retail floor area in which the RMU is being used, and the products being displayed in the RMU. Additionally, because of the modularity of the system, the specific components used can be changed if the RMU is used in a different floor area or with different products.  
         [0007]     Additionally, in one arrangement of the present invention, the central display unit contains modular “building blocks” that can be added to or removed from the central display unit.  
         [0008]     Additionally, in one arrangement of the present invention, the RMU is designed so that it can be placed flush against a wall or railing, further reducing traffic flow problems and minimizing the amount of retail floor space that is used by the RMU. Because the RMU is configured so that only the front and, optionally, side portions provide display space accessible by customers, the unit can be placed up against a flat surface, thus improving traffic flow while still providing ample display space on the RMU.  
         [0009]     The foregoing outlines rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]     For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0011]      FIG. 1A  is a left front isometric view of a preferred embodiment showing one arrangement of an RMU of the present invention;  
         [0012]      FIG. 1B  is a right front isometric view of the RMU of  FIG. 1A ;  
         [0013]      FIG. 1C  is a plan view of the RMU of  FIG. 1A  with the canopy removed;  
         [0014]      FIG. 1D  is another plan view of the RMU of  FIG. 1A , with the canopy;  
         [0015]      FIG. 1E  is a front elevation view of the RMU of  FIG. 1A ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 1F  is a rear elevation view of the RMU of  FIG. 1A ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 1G  is a side elevation view of the RMU of  FIG. 1A ;  
         [0018]      FIG. 1H  is another side elevation view of the RMU of  FIG. 1A ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of another arrangement of the present invention similar to the arrangement shown in  FIG. 1 , but having different column and canopy elements;  
         [0020]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention employing one column arrangement and having various modular components attached thereto;  
         [0021]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention, further incorporating a signpost into a semi-circular modular component;  
         [0022]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0024]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention having a curved display unit and a curved cash counter.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0025]     In the discussion of the FIGURES the same reference numerals will be used throughout to refer to the same or similar components.  
         [0026]     Refer now to the drawings wherein depicted elements are, for the sake of clarity, not necessarily shown to scale and wherein like or similar elements are designated by the same reference numeral through the several views.  
         [0027]     Referring to  FIGS. 1A through 1H  of the drawings, the reference numeral  100  generally designates a modified RMU embodying features of an arrangement of the present invention. Typically, RMU  100  is employed to allow patrons to see retail items while shopping in a large retail store, or traveling between stores in a shopping mall. If a large number of patrons stop at a typical RMU, or the RMU is very large and projects into pedestrian passageways excessively, congestion of customer traffic through the area will result. However, RMU  100  is specifically developed to allow for a large amount of display area while reducing congestion that may be caused as a result of placement of RMU  100 . RMU  100  employs multiple multi-level surfaces to provide a high degree of display area.  
         [0028]     The RMU  100  comprises a central display unit  110 , support columns  130 , a canopy  120 , and several additional modular components, including a display wall  208  secured to the support columns  130 , a cash counter  220  secured to one end of the central display unit  110 , a shelving unit  210  secured to one side of the cash counter  220 , an arcuate auxiliary display unit  240  secured to the cash counter  220 , and a circular auxiliary display unit  250 , sometimes referred to as a “puck” unit, secured to a portion of the front and one side of the central display unit  110 .  
         [0029]     The central display unit  110  is a focal point of the RMU, with other units attached thereto. In this embodiment of the present invention, the central display unit  110  is a generally rectangular unit allowing for ease of manufacture and ease of placement of the various modular components due to the use of flat surfaces. Other shapes, such as other curved surfaces, can also be employed, however.  
         [0030]     The central display unit  110  employs a variety of features. Particularly, a countertop  112  can be located on the top surface of central display unit  110 , and along the front of the central display unit  110 , a number of storage and/or display areas can be provided. The various storage and/or display areas can employ locks for security. Additionally in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the countertop  112  and/or display areas can be made of transparent material so that the contents can be easily viewed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the central display unit  110  contains modular building blocks  118  that can be added to or removed from the central display unit  110 . For example, the central display unit  110  shown in  FIG. 1A  contains two building blocks  118   a ,  118   b  that are storage drawers having handles. If the need arises for additional display area, building block  118   a  can be replaced with a new building block (not shown) of the same dimensions that is a transparent display case. If additional storage area for various small items is needed, building block  118   b  could also be replaced with a building block (not shown) of the same dimensions that contained multiple shallow drawers for more efficient storage of smaller items. This modularity provides the RMU  100  with greater versatility and flexibility to adapt to changing needs.  
         [0031]     In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the height of the countertop  112  can be set at an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) approved height of 34 inches.  
         [0032]     To support the canopy  120 , at least one support column  130  is used. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1A through 1H , two support columns  130 , which are secured to the central display unit  110 , are used. These support columns  130  are generally rectangular in shape and protrude vertically above the top of the central display unit  110 .  
         [0033]     In some embodiments of the present invention, the columns  130  are solid or filled with a rigid material; however, in other embodiments of the present invention, the columns  130  can be hollow, or partially hollow. If the column  130  is hollow, or partially hollow, electrical wiring for lighting or as a power supply can also be secured in one or more of the columns  130  to hide the wiring from general view.  
         [0034]     In other embodiments of the present invention, the columns  130  are made of a metal or partially metallic material. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the columns  130  can be comprised of a rigid plastic. Typically, a polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can be utilized. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the columns  130  can have a load capacity greater than 700 pounds.  
         [0035]     A canopy  120  can be suspended from the columns  130  above the RMU  100 . As can best be seen in  FIG. 1D , the canopy  120  in this arrangement of the present invention has a substantially rectangular perimeter with a grid  126  optionally mounted therein and having signage  150  optionally mounted thereto. Retail items can then be advantageously hung from the grid  126 . In one arrangement, support pins  124  protrude through holes in the canopy  120  to provide vertical and/or horizontal supporting forces.  
         [0036]     In some embodiments of the present invention, additional support for the canopy  120 , other than that provided by the columns  130 , may be desired. Additional support booms  132 , as can best be seen in  FIG. 1H , are typically provided for additional vertical and horizontal support for the canopy  120  and to better distribute the weight of the canopy  120  across a greater surface area of the columns  130 .  
         [0037]     Then, to increase the amount of display area of the RMU  100 , various modular components can be coupled to or merely abutted against the central display unit  110 . Specifically, a variety of different locking mechanisms can be employed to couple the different modular units to the central display unit  110 . For example, tongue-and-groove or rabbit joints can be used for alignment and combined with a mechanical lock for maintaining the position of the modular units with respect to the central display unit  110 .  
         [0038]     In some other embodiments of the present invention, various floor level modules may be provided with wheels or casters, which may be locked, to allow for ease of movement of the kiosk or RMU  100 . Additionally, locking castors (not shown) can be employed to preserve the position of the various modular units with respect to the central display unit  110 .  
         [0039]     A cash counter  220  is one of the modular components that can be coupled to the central display unit  110 . A cash counter  220  is generally used for financial transactions, and generally is used to hold a cash register, credit card acceptance machines, and the like. The cash counter  220  is typically a rectangular unit having a vertical height substantially equal to the height of the central display unit  110 . However, it can be appreciated that different shapes and heights of cash counters  220  can be used, as can be seen in  FIGS. 4 through 7 . A cash counter  220  is typically located at an end of the central display unit  110  and secured thereto opposite the puck wall unit  250 . Cash counter  220  further comprises at least one countertop  222 .  
         [0040]     Additionally, cash counter  220  can employ features similar to the remainder of the RMU  100 . Drawer  226  and doors  224 , as can best be seen in  FIG. 1H , can be utilized, wherein the doors  224  and drawers  226  open in a direction away from the central display unit  110 . Doors  224  and/or drawers  226  are utilized to secure items including, but not limited to, retail items and transaction materials. These doors  224  and drawers  226  can further be equipped with locking mechanisms so as to allow only authorized personnel to gain entry. Open shelves or an open area (not shown) in which to store retail items, stools, or other items could also be incorporated into the cash counter  220 .  
         [0041]     The positioning of the cash counter  220  can also be an important aspect of RMU  100 . Typically, the front of the cash counter  220  faces the central display unit  110 , so that a cash register (not shown) can be placed on countertop  222 . Placement of the cash counter  220  in this orientation allows a clerk or operator to maintain a visual connection with retail items displayed, even while a transaction is taking place. However, it can be appreciated that other placements of the cash counter  220  within the RMU  100  can be used to maximize space and efficiency.  
         [0042]     To provide flexibility, multiple modular components can be joined together to form a single RMU  100 . In the arrangement seen in  FIGS. 1A through 1H , a puck-shaped display unit  250  is coupled to the central display unit  110 . In this arrangement, the puck unit  250  is coupled to a front corner of the central display unit  110 . Generally, as can best be seen in  FIG. 1C , the puck unit  250  is a circular or arcuate display with at least one substantially flat horizontal upper surface. The puck unit  250  shown in  FIGS. 1A-1H  has multiple substantially flat horizontal surface areas  252  for displaying merchandise.  
         [0043]     In the lower portion of puck unit  250  are a plurality of curved doors  254  and/or drawers  256  that wrap around the entire perimeter of the puck display unit  250 . These doors  254  and/or drawers  256  can be provided with locking mechanisms so that only authorized personnel can gain access to the interior. Additionally, the horizontal surface areas  252 , doors  254  and/or drawers  256  could be comprised of a transparent material so that merchandise can be viewed through the material.  
         [0044]     As can be seen in  FIGS. 1A-1H , multiple modular components are coupled to the RMU  100 . An arcuate display unit  240  is secured to one side of the cash counter  220 . The arcuate display unit  240  has one generally vertical side, which is secured adjacent to the side of the cash counter  220 , with the arcuate side projecting outwards for greater display area. The arcuate display unit  240  has at least one substantially flat horizontal surface  242  for displaying merchandise. In the lower portion of arcuate display unit  240  can be a plurality of doors (not shown) and/or drawers (not shown). These doors (not shown) and/or drawers (not shown) can be provided with locking mechanisms so that only authorized personnel can gain access to the interior. Additionally, the horizontal surface areas  242 , doors (not shown) and/or drawers (not shown) could be comprised of a transparent material so that merchandise can be viewed through the material. In one embodiment, the interior of the arcuate display unit  240  has an area that is not accessible from the front, but instead defines a space accessible by door  249  or an open area (not shown) facing in a direction away from auxiliary unit  240 . This door  249  can be provided with a locking mechanism so that only authorized personnel can gain access through the door  249 .  
         [0045]     In addition, a shelving unit  210  is secured to one side of the cash counter  220  above the arcuate display unit  240 .  
         [0046]     To provide as much retail space as possible, a display wall  208  can be provided between columns  130 . In one embodiment of the present invention, display shelving (not shown) can be attached to the display wall  208 . Additionally, in another embodiment of the present invention, display items can be hung directly from the display wall  208 . In yet another embodiment of the present invention, advertising material may be advantageously coupled to the display wall  208 .  
         [0047]     It should be understood that the arrangement of the RMU shown in  FIGS. 1A through 1H  is merely one arrangement of an RMU  100  of the present invention. By utilizing differing components of different shapes, sizes, colors and arrangements, many different RMUs  100  can be made. It should be further understood that because the components of RMUs  100  are modular, RMU  100  can be changed over time, as its location, the type of items sold or other needs or aspects change.  
         [0048]     It should be noted that the arrangement of the RMU  100  shown in  FIGS. 1A through 1H  is configured so that the rear side of the RMU  100  is not intended to be accessible by patrons, and is generally flat. This was done so that the RMU  100  could be placed flush against a wall or railing to minimize space used, provide a more open atmosphere, and reduce traffic congestion sometimes seen with prior art RMUs that project into traffic flow patterns.  
         [0049]     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, as can be seen in  FIG. 1F , a door  119  can be located on the back of the central display unit  110 . Therefore, when the central display unit  110  is flush to a rail or wall, patrons are unaware of the door. Thus, storage panels, security device, and other items can be safely stowed away. Additionally, the door  119  can be equipped with a lock so that, even if a person is aware of the existence of the door  119 , only authorized personnel are able to gain access through door  119 . In  FIG. 2 , another arrangement of the present invention is seen. The RMU  200  shown in  FIG. 2  is a unit utilizing the same modular components as those in  FIGS. 1A through 1H . However, the configuration of the columns  130  and the canopy  120  are different. The columns  130  have a curvilinear shape, rather than a rectangular shape such as those in  FIGS. 1A-1H . The signage  150  attached to the canopy  120  is slightly different from that shown in  FIGS. 1A-1H . Additionally, lights  140  are vertically mounted to the top of the canopy  120  so as to provide decorative lighting.  
         [0050]     Specifically, the modularity of the present invention yields the benefit of allowing a large number of possible configurations for differing circumstances. For example, in the arrangement depicted in  FIG. 3  of the drawings, the RMU  300 , while very similar to the arrangements shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , employs a plurality of support pins  324  instead of utilizing a support boom to provide horizontal and vertical support for the canopy  120 . Each of the plurality of support pins  324  protrudes from column  130  at different angles relative to one another so as to intersect the plane of the canopy  120  at different positions. Thus, each support pin  324  provides a different amount of support in a given direction. Additionally, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , low-profile track lighting  340  is hung below the level of the canopy  120 . It should be appreciated that other lighting systems (not shown) could be hung from or permanently affixed to the canopy  120 , the grid  126 , or any combination thereof.  
         [0051]     In another arrangement of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the RMU  400 , while very similar to the arrangements shown in  FIGS. 1, 2  and  3 , has an additional column support  135  that projects vertically from the center of the puck unit  250 . This provides additional support to the canopy  120 , which is also of a different size and shape in the arrangement shown in  FIG. 4 . Additionally, column support  135  can be used to hang display items or shelves (not shown) at various heights where additional retail items can be displayed. Additionally, different signage  150  is used in the arrangement of the present invention shown in  FIG. 4 . Typically, the signage  150  is attached at or near the top of the support column  135 ; however, the signage can be attached at any point along the support column  135 .  
         [0052]     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 5  illustrates an RMU  500  that utilizes different modular components than those shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . The RMU  500  shown in  FIG. 5  utilizes a central display unit  110 , support columns  130  and a canopy  120 . However, as can be seen, the central display unit  110  is comprised of various building blocks  118 ′,  118 ″ of different sizes to create a tiered effect to the central display unit  110 . Additionally, the cash counter  220  is secured to the opposite end of the central display unit  110  in RMU  500 . Additionally, a half-circle shaped unit  260  is secured flush to the opposite end of the central display unit  110  from the cash counter  220 . This half-circle unit  260  is also configured with multiple horizontal surfaces  262  and upper and lower storage sections of different sizes to create a tiered effect such as the one of the central display unit  110 . Additionally, a rectangular display unit  270  of a single height can be secured to one side of the cash counter  220  to continue the tiered appearance around the entire RMU. This rectangular display unit  270  is similar to the arcuate display unit  240  shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , but has a different shape. Transparent shelving units  210  are hung from both tiers of the central display unit and half-circle unit  260  at the same heights to create additional upper and lower display spaces. Shelving units  210  are continued on the side of the cash counter  220  and rectangular display unit  270 , at the same heights as the upper and lower shelves on the central display unit  110 , to provide additional display space and present a unified appearance to the RMU  500 .  
         [0053]     Also, in this embodiment, four support columns  130  are employed to support the canopy  120 , which is of a different size and shape than the canopy  120  shown in previous figures. The columns  130  protrude substantially vertical from the front and rear corners of the central display unit  110 . Shelves  210  can, then, be advantageously coupled to the columns  130  in order to provide additional area for the display of retail items. Additionally, the RMU  500  shown in  FIG. 5  employs both upward projecting lighting  140  and track lighting  340 .  
         [0054]      FIG. 6  illustrates a RMU of the present invention with another configuration. The RMU  600  comprises a tiered central display unit  110 , a cash counter  220  oriented to face outward rather than toward the central display unit  110 , a rectangular display unit  270  attached to the cash counter  220 , and a custom shaped multi-level display unit  280  attached to the opposite end of the central display unit  110 . Shelving units  210  are attached to the front of the central display unit for additional area to display retail items. Also, in this embodiment, two support columns  130  are employed to support the canopy  120 . The columns  130  protrude substantially vertically from the central display unit  110  and the auxiliary display unit  280 .  
         [0055]     In yet another embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 7  depicts a RMU  700  similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 ; however, in addition to the puck unit  250 , the cash counter  220  and the central display unit  110  are also curvilinear in shape.  
         [0056]     In other embodiments of the present invention, it is also possible to configure any of the individual units to have curves to define edges. However, for the purposes of illustration, only one embodiment of an RMU employing curved edges is shown.  
         [0057]     Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain of its preferred embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range of variations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Many such variations and modifications may be considered obvious and desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review of the foregoing description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.