Abstract:
A display assembly has been provided to store and display an item that includes a first member and a second member. An upper end of the first member is positionable with a lower end of the second member in a first position. An upper end of the second member is positionable with a lower end of the first member in a second position. The first and second member in the first position stores the item. The first and second members in the second position display the item. In one configuration, a container is provided that supports the item. Additionally, a method of storing and displaying items has been provided.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates generally to the field of objects utilized for placing items on display and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a display assembly and method.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     For a variety of different occasions (e.g., Valentine&#39;s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, and the like), individuals like to send other individuals a variety of gifts or items, including, but not limited to flowers, candy, cookies or the like. In the transmittal of such items, care is taken to preserve the condition of the items (e.g., to avoid a crushing of the flowers or to avoid a crumbling of the cookies). Preservation techniques include packing or surrounding the items in protective containers. With such protective containers, a concern arises. Once the item arrives at its location, the protective container is typically thrown away, resulting (to a certain degree) in waste. Such a waste concern is further extended when such items are shipped via mail. In such mail shipments, further types of protective containers are utilized—then thrown away and wasted.  
         [0003]     Other concerns can additionally arise with the receipt of gifts or items. Some gift items by design are intended to have a certain desired effect: pointing out to everyone in the immediate surrounding area that the recipient has received a gift or item. A traditional approach in either accentuating the fact that a recipient has received an item or accentuating the presence of a particular item is to enlarge the item. As an example, an individual may receive a large cluster of balloons. While such accentuation techniques can have the desired effect, they at times can become cumbersome—thus, the concern.  
         [0004]     Separate and apart from receiving gifts, concerns arise with techniques utilized to accentuate a particular item at a party or an event. A variety of traditional techniques include a variation of colors, creative placement of decorations, or the like. However, at times, such traditional techniques do not ultimately have the desired effect.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     From the foregoing it may be appreciated that a need has arisen for a display assembly and method. In accordance with the present invention, a display assembly and method has been provided that substantially eliminate one or more of the disadvantages and problems outlined above.  
         [0006]     According to an aspect of the present invention, a display assembly, operable for storing and displaying an item has been provided. The display assembly comprises a first member and a second member operable for positioning with the first member. An upper end of the first member is positionable with a lower end of the second member in a first position. An upper end of the second member is positionable with a lower end of the first member in a second position. The first member and the second member in the first position store the item. The first member and the second member in the second position display the item.  
         [0007]     According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of storing and displaying an item has been provided. The method comprises providing a display assembly with a first member and second member, the second member operable for positioning with the first member; storing the item in a first position of the display assembly by positioning an upper end of the first member with a lower end of the second member; transitioning the display assembly to a second position by positioning an upper end of the second member with a lower end of the first member; and displaying the item with the display assembly in the second position.  
         [0008]     According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus, operable for displaying and accentuating an item has been provided. The apparatus comprises a container, an object, and a motor assembly. The container comprises a container body, operable for storing the item, wherein the container body defines a container space that extends from a lower end of the body. The motor assembly is positioned with the container and comprises a spinner and a wire. The object is suspended from the wire. The spinner spins the wire and object around the container to accentuate the item within the container body.  
         [0009]     The various embodiments and implementations of the present invention provide a profusion of potential technical advantages and benefits. A technical advantage of the present invention may include the capability to utilize a container for not only storing and/or shipping an item, but also displaying the item.  
         [0010]     Another technical advantage of the present invention may include the capability to accentuate a display assembly and/or items contained therein.  
         [0011]     Yet another technical advantage of the present invention may include the capability to protect an item while accentuating the item with a movable object thereabove.  
         [0012]     Still yet another technical advantage of the present invention may include the capability to facilitate a marketing of a display assembly via a stackability of display assemblies and an accentuation of the display assembly with the top display assembly.  
         [0013]     Other technical advantages may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art after review of following figures and description, associated herewith.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]     For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts, in which:  
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a configuration of a display assembly in a packaged position;  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of another configuration of a display assembly;  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another configuration of a display assembly;  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a configuration of a display assembly in a display position;  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a configuration of a display assembly in a protected display position;  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a configuration of a display assembly in a partial display position;  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of a configuration of a container;  
         [0022]      FIGS. 8 and 9  are illustrative of a motor assembly that can be utilized, according to several configurations of the invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a configuration of a display assembly, illustrating details of a first member and a second member;  
         [0024]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a configuration of the display assembly in a globe assembly position;  
         [0025]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a positioning of a motor assembly within a container;  
         [0026]      FIGS. 13 and 14  show the mounting of a container within a first member; and  
         [0027]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a configuration of a display assembly in a market display position.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0028]     It should be understood at the outset that although an exemplary implementation of the present invention is illustrated below, the present invention may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The present invention should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary design and implementations illustrated and described herein. Additionally, the drawings contained herein are not necessarily drawn to scale.  
         [0029]      FIGS. 1-15  generally illustrate several configurations and features of a display assembly  200 . According to an aspect of the invention, certain features of the display assembly  200  have a flexibility, which allows the display assembly to be utilized in a variety of manners and/or positions. As an example, intended for illustrative purpose only,  FIG. 1  generally shows a packaged position configuration,  FIG. 4  generally shows a display position configuration,  FIG. 5  generally shows a protected display position configuration,  FIG. 6  generally shows a partial display position configuration,  FIG. 11  generally shows a globe assembly display position configuration, and  FIG. 15  generally shows a marketing display position configuration. Details of such “utilization” positions will be expounded upon in further detail below. Other utilization positions will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after review of the specification herein. While specific configurations will be shown and described with respect to these positions, it should be expressly understood that other configurations for each specific position can be utilized as will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after review of the specification herein.  
         [0030]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view, generally illustrating a packaged position configuration. In description of this packaged position configuration, several components parts (capable of being utilized in several configurations) will generally be introduced and then described in more detail below. The packaged position configuration is generally a position in which the display assembly  200  can be placed when the display assembly  200  is being stored and/or shipped—that is not being used. Such a configuration would be particularly useful when shipping the display assembly  200  or packaging the display assembly  200  to be sold.  
         [0031]     The display assembly  200  in the configuration of  FIG. 1  generally includes a globe assembly  100 , a container  30 , display item(s)  70 , an object  20 , a label  90 , and a motor assembly  50 . The globe assembly  100 , as will be described in further details below, generally includes a first member  110  and a second member  130  that are positioned to store or house the remaining portions of the display assembly  200  (e.g., the container  30 , display item(s)  70 , an object  20 , a label  90 , and a motor assembly  50 ). The positioning of the second member  130  with the first member  110 , for example, includes a lip  132  on a lower end  137  of the second member  130  being positioned over an edge  118  (seen in  FIG. 10 ) on the upper end  117  of the first member  110 . While such a configuration is shown, it should be understood that a variety of other configurations could be utilized as will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. As an example, intended for illustrative purpose only, the lip could be positioned on the upper end  117  of the first member  110  instead of the lower end  137  of the second member  130 .  
         [0032]     The globe assembly  100  can be made of virtually any material, including but not limited to, various grades of plastics, woods, metals, and the like. In a preferred configuration, the globe assembly  100  is made of a clear plastic material that is operable for allowing a clear view of the materials disposed within the globe assembly  100  (e.g., in this configuration the container  30 , display item(s)  70 , an object  20 , and the label  90 ). The globe assembly  100  can additionally include a variety of container markings  101 , which in this configuration is shown as a butterfly.  
         [0033]     The remaining items, described in more details below generally include the container  30 , the display item(s)  70 , the object  20 , the label  90 , and the motor assembly  50 . The container  30  can generally be arranged and designed to support or hold display item(s)  70 . In this specific configuration, the display item(s)  70  is floral material  75  and the object  20  is a butterfly  25 ; however, as will be described in more details, the display item(s)  70  and object  20  can any of a variety of things.  
         [0034]      FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of another configuration of a display assembly  200 . In this configuration, a designer insignia  103  is placed on a second portion  134  of an upper end  135  of the second member  130 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another configuration of the display assembly  200  similar to  FIG. 1 . In this configuration, a second member  130  (not shown) has been removed exposing the display item(s)  70 . The label  90  is generally shown, which can include a variety of items, including but not limited to, instructions on how to operate the display assembly  200 , the manufacturer, contact information on how to purchase further devices, and the like. In this configuration a lip  119  is shown positioned on the upper end  117  of the first member  110  instead of the lower end  137  of the second member  130  as shown in  FIG. 1  (seen in more detail in  FIG. 10 ). Such a configuration is intended as showing that a variety of different configurations can be utilized with the display assembly  200 .  
         [0036]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a configuration of the display assembly  200  transitioned into a display position. As an example, intended for illustrative purposes only, the first member  110  has been placed upon the second member  130  and a wire  55  has been positioned with the motor assembly  50  to suspend the object  20  over the display assembly  200 . Upon activation of the motor assembly  50  (described with reference to  FIGS. 8 and 9  below), a spinner  59  begins to move, fluctuating the wire  55  such that the object  20  appears to be floating or flapping around the display assembly  200  and the display item(s)  70 . As an example, intended for illustrative purposes only, the object  20  can be a butterfly  25  and the display item(s)  70  can be floral material  75  such that the butterfly  25  appears to be flying around the floral material  75 .  
         [0037]     With this configuration, it can clearly be seen that the object  20 , in addition to providing stunning visual entertainment, also accentuates the display assembly  200  and display item(s)  70  therein. In other words, the display assembly  200  not only draws attention to the display assembly  200 , itself, but the display assembly  200  also draws attention to the display item(s)  70  disposed within the container  30  of the display assembly  200 .  
         [0038]     While the object  20  has been shown as a butterfly  25  and the display item(s)  70  has been shown as floral material  75 , it should be expressly understood that the object  20  and the display item(s)  70  can be a virtual limitless number of objects/items. Illustrative examples follow: a witch, a bat or a ghost (the object  20 ) could be flying around Halloween candy or cookies (the display item(s)  70 ); a cupid figure (the object  20 ) could be flying around Valentine treats, conversational hearts, or the like (the display item(s)  70 ); a dancing jalapeno (the object  20 ) could be flapping around chips and salsa (the display item(s)  70 ); a stork (the object  20 ) could be flying around candy cigars with “congratulations, it&#39;s a boy” signs marked thereon (the display item(s)  70 ); or a “Happy Birthday” sign (the object  20 ) could be flying around birthday cookies (the display item(s)  70 ). As can be seen, the types of objects  20  and display item(s)  70  are limitless. After review of the specification, other objects  20  and display item(s)  70  should become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.  
         [0039]     While the display item(s)  70  has been shown positioned within the container  30  in this configuration, it should be expressly understood that in other configurations, the display item(s)  70  can be positioned in other locations. For example, in some configurations, the display item(s)  70  can be positioned within a container area  111 , defined by the first member  110  (as shown in  FIG. 11 ).  
         [0040]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a display assembly  200  transitioned into a protected display position. In some configurations, it may be desirable to protect the display item(s)  70 , yet still accentuate the display assembly  200  and display item(s)  70  by having the object  20  fly therearound. To allow such a feature, the second member  130  in this configuration has been provided with an opening  136  in a second portion  138  on the upper end  135  of the second member  130 .  
         [0041]     In the preferred configuration, the second member  130  is made of a clear plastic material. Thus, it can be seen that the object  20  can still take on the appearance of flying around the display item(s)  70  (seen through the clear plastic material of the second member  130 ) while the display item(s)  70  are protected within the second member  130 .  
         [0042]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a display assembly  200  transitioned into a partial display position. This configuration illustrates that the container  30  can be removed from the globe assembly  100  in some configurations and used by itself to accentuate whatever is in the container  30 —e.g., the display item(s)  70 .  
         [0043]      FIG. 7  shows a top perspective view of a configuration of a container  30 . In this configuration, the container  30  includes a plurality of stem mountings  36 , a motor assembly mounting  52 , an opening  37  and a multi-tiered container body  39 . The motor assembly mounting  52  is generally operable to support the motor assembly  50  (seen in  FIGS. 8 and 9 ), the plurality of stem mountings  36  are generally operable to support or hold a stem of a flower (e.g., a rose or the like—not shown), the multi-tiered container body  39  is generally operable to support display item(s)  70  (seen, e.g., in  FIG. 4 ) on different tier levels as should become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, and the opening  37  is generally operable to allow positioning of a variety of items therethrough. While a specific configuration of the container  30  has been shown in  FIG. 7 , it should be expressly understood that a variety of other configurations can be utilized as will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. A similar container  30  is shown in a perspective view in  FIG. 13  and will be described below.  
         [0044]      FIGS. 8 and 9  are illustrative of a motor assembly  50  that can be utilized, according to several configurations of the invention. The motor assembly  50  of  FIGS. 8 and 9  generally includes a body  56 , a spinner  59 , and a power switch  57 . The body  56  generally includes the power supply and motor (not shown), which upon activation of the power switch  57  allow the spinner  59  to rotate. A wire  55  (connected to the object  20 —e.g., a butterfly  25 ) can be inserted into the spinner  59 , allowing the wire  55  and object  20  to be spun around. The general concept is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,146,702. While this specific configuration of a motor assembly  50  has been provided, other configurations of a motor assembly  50  can be utilized—including not only those that are now known, but also those that will be later developed. In such configurations, it will be recognized that the motor assembly can be placed in other locations—e.g., towards the side of the display assembly  200  as opposed to being centrally positioned in the display assembly  200 .  
         [0045]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view, illustrating further details of configurations of the first member  110  and the second member  130 . The first member  110  and the second member  130  in this configuration generally have a bowl-like configuration; however, the first member  110  and the second member  130  can have other configurations as will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. The first member  110  has an upper end  117  and a lower end  115 . At the upper end  117  of the first member  110  is an edge  118 . At the lower end  115  of the first member  110  is a base  114  and a lower base  112 . The lower base  112  includes an opening  116  disposed therein.  
         [0046]     The second member  130  has a lower end  137  and an upper end  135 . The lower end  137  generally includes a lip  132 , which is arranged and designed to fit over the edge  118  of the upper end  117  of the first member  110 —e.g., to arrive at a configuration similar to that of  FIG. 1 . The upper end  135  includes a first portion  134  and a second portion  138 . The second portion  138  of the upper end  135  in this configuration is complimentary to the lower base  112  on the lower end  115  of the first member  110  and includes an opening  136 . Additionally, the first portion  134  of the upper end  135  of the second member  130  in this configuration is arranged and designed to mate with the base  114  of the lower end  115  of the first member  110 . The mating of the lower end  115  of the first member  110  to the upper end  135  of the second member  130  can produce a configuration similar to  FIG. 11 , described in more detail below.  
         [0047]      FIG. 11  is generally illustrative of a display assembly  200  transitioned to a globe assembly display position. In this configuration, the lower end  115  of the first member  110  is mated with the upper end  135  of the second member  130 . The first member  110  generally defines a container area  111 , which can support or hold display item(s)  70 —e.g., absent the container  30 . The opening  116  (seen in  FIG. 10 ) in the lower base  112  (seen in  FIG. 10 ) of the lower end  115  of the first member can support and hold a motor assembly  50  (seen in  FIGS. 8 and 9 ). The motor assembly  50  may also transverse at least partially into the opening  136  (seen in  FIG. 10 ), depending on the size of the motor assembly  50 . With this configuration, it can be seen that, according to certain aspects of the display assembly, the container  30  may not be utilized.  
         [0048]      FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of the positioning of the motor assembly  50  within the container  30 . The motor assembly  50  is generally shown disposed within a motor mounting  32 .  FIG. 12  also shows a multi-tiered container body  39 , which helps define a container space  34 , and a plurality of stem mountings  36 . The motor mounting  32  and the plurality of stem mountings  36  are elevated upon a member  33 . One of the lower tiers in the container body  39  forms a lower end  31  of the container  30 . As referenced above, the spinner  59  can rotate the wire  55 , which rotates the object.  
         [0049]      FIGS. 13 and 14  show the mounting of the container  30  within the first member  110 . A lower end  31  of the container  30  is complimentary to an internal portion of the lower base  112  of the first member  110 .  FIG. 14  shows the second member  130  removed to further illustrate the positioning of the lower end  31  of the container  30  in an internal portion of the lower base  112  of the first member  110 . In this particular configuration, if one were to remove the motor assembly  50  of  FIG. 13 , an opening  37  in communication with an opening  116 , which is in communication with an opening  136  (seen in  FIG. 10 ) could be seen. Accordingly, a motor assembly  50  with a larger base portion could be inserted through such openings  37 ,  116 , and  136 .  
         [0050]      FIG. 15  is generally illustrative of a display assembly  200  transitioned to a marketing display position. In this position, two or more display assemblies  200  are stacked—one on top of the other. For example and with reference to  FIGS. 10 &amp; 15 , the lower base  112  of the lower end  115  of the first member  110  of the upper display assembly  200  is positioned in the second portion  138  of the upper end  135  of the second member  130  of the lower display assembly  200 . Utilizing such a technique, a plurality of display assemblies  200  can be stacked. Once again, in a preferred embodiment, the globe assembly  100  is made of clear plastic. As such, a clear view is provided of the contents of each respective display assembly  200 . For example, a consumer can see what type of display item(s)  70  is within the globe assembly  100 —thereby allowing a selection of a particular type of display item(s)  70 . Additionally, the top display assembly  200  can be transitioned into a display position to accentuate the entire stack of display assemblies  200 .  
         [0051]     Thus, it can be seen that the display assembly  200  can be utilized in a variety of configurations for a variety of occasions. As an example, intended for illustrative purposes only, the display assembly  200  can be delivered to individuals in a manner similar to delivery of candy grams or floral displays as a gift. Then, the display position can be revealed to draw attention to the recipient by accentuating the display assembly  200  and/or the display item(s)  70  therein.  
         [0052]     As another example, also intended for illustrative purposes only, the display assembly  200  can be mailed to a recipient as a gift. In such a mailing, the globe assembly  100  in a packaged position ( FIG. 1 ) helps to protect the display item(s)  70  and/or container  30  during shipment. When the shipment arrives, the display assembly  200  can be transformed into the other positions (e.g., the display position of  FIG. 4 )—serving a second function in the transformed position.  
         [0053]     In yet a further example, also intended for illustrative purposes only, the display assembly  200  can serve as a central piece at a party or event, accentuating the particular location of the display assembly  200  and/or the display item(s)  70  therein.  
         [0054]     With the above examples, it can be seen that the globe assembly  100  can provide a plurality of functions. For example, in the packaged position configuration of  FIG. 1  or the protected display position of  FIG. 5 , the globe assembly  100  serves to protect the display item(s)  70 —the display item(s)  70 , being cookies, candy, flowers, or the like. In the display position of  FIG. 4 , the globe assembly  100  serves to display another object—namely the container  30  with display item(s)  70  therein and an object  20  flying therearound. In the container position of  FIG. 11 , the globe assembly  100  serves to hold the display item(s)  70 , itself. In the marketing display position of  FIG. 15 , the globe assembly  100  serves to facilitate a stackability of the display assemblies  200 .  
         [0055]     Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, a display assembly and method that satisfies one or more of the advantages set forth above. Although the preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the scope of the present invention, even if all of the advantages and benefits identified above are not present. For example, the various elements or components may be combined or integrated in another system or certain features may not be implemented. Also, the techniques, systems, sub-systems, and methods described and illustrated in the preferred embodiment as discrete or separate may be combined or integrated with other systems, techniques, or methods without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, a variety of different objects  20  and item(s)  70  can be utilized with the display assembly  200 . Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are readily ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.