Abstract:
Product displays are provided having planar elements suggesting three-dimensional entities, and indication product class and/or product type visible from a distance.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED DOCUMENTS 
     The present non-provisional patent application claims priority to provisional application serial No. 60/364,542, filed on Mar. 15, 2002. The entire disclosure of provisional application 60/364,542 is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is in the field of product display apparatus for presenting products in a public setting, and pertains particularly to apparatus and methods for displaying products including product classes and categories using a same generic display base or constructed form capable of accepting a plurality of product class specific and/or product specific substantially planer members that function to indicate product class and/or type. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The art of creating display paraphernalia for public display of advertised products is one of the oldest of arts known. It is well-known that there are many existing varieties and styles of apparatus created specifically for product display that differ widely from one another in terms of design and construction. For example, there are folding backdrops, shelved backboards, pedestals, carousels, display cases, hanging racks, pinned backboards and all manner of other construction types available. 
     Generally speaking, successful public display of specific products or product classes requires considerable thought as to how the offered products will be presented to the public eye. For example, should the products be displayed at eye level? Should the products be presented with automated movement? What lighting levels should be applied if any? How far from a display location of the products should an indication of product class or type such as a banner or sign be visible and discernable? 
     There are many other questions in addition to the ones stated above that have arisen in the field and have had to be answered in some way before a quantifiable measure of success could be realized from how products are displayed. In the case of some product types, a proper display determines success or failure of a specific display presentation, with performance measured in number of units sold from the display over a given period of time. The art of creating product display environments is a science that takes considerable time to master. 
     An unsolved problem with conventional display apparatus is the generic nature of the display itself For example, a simple bookshelf can be used to display a wide variety of different products. However the physical presence and form of the bookshelf itself does not in any way indicate, for example, from any distance, exactly what products are presented in the display. Another example is a rotating pedestal display with product hooks or pins. The pedestal can present almost any product that can be suspended from a hook or pin, however indication of product class or specificity is not immediately discernable from a distance. 
     A solution to this problem has typically been to provide a sign that can be elevated above or near the display in some fashion to be visible from a distance, the sign telling the public at least the class type of the displayed product. Products displayed in front of folding backdrops rely on the banner displayed on the backdrop to identify the product class or product specificity. However, if one decides to change the product displayed from, for example, one product class to another in a same generic display, new signs have to be constructed or at least physically provided in place of the former signs. 
     What is clearly needed is a generic display base or constructed form that can accept one or more product class-specific or product-specific indicators for advertising display of each of disparate products in a manner that advertises the basic theme of the displayed product and wherein the advertised theme is recognizable from a considerable distance. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a display construction for presenting products to the public is provided, comprising a construction base, and one or more planer members interfaceable to the construction base, characterized in that the planer members advertise product class by virtue of shape and, or product specificity by virtue of recognizable print or symbol, such that a user changing the type of product for display changes the planer members of the construction base to generally and particularly advertise the new product type or types currently being presented by the display. 
     In some embodiments the base is a turntable rotatably mounted to a stand. In other embodiments the base is a pedestal. In still other embodiments the base is wall mountable. 
     In particular embodiments of the invention the one or more planer members are affixed to the base by insertion and seating thereof into one or more slots provided in the base. Also in some the one or more planer members are slotted and adapted to fit together and be mounted to the base. In some cases one of the planer members may be a backboard removably affixed to a base portion of a wall-mounted display. 
     In some cases the display in embodiments of the invention further comprises one or more of shelves, hooks, pins, pegs, or standoffs. Also in some cases the planar members are notched to hook to the base. The base may be a suspended platform and the one or more planner members for the suspension arm of the display. 
     In another aspect of the invention a method for visually advertising a product type or types displayed to the public using a display construction having a construction base and one or more planer members interfaceable with the construction base is provided, comprising steps of (a) providing the one or more planer members in the form of at least a shape or profile of likeness to one or more entities publicly recognized as associated with the product type or types; (b) adding the planer member or members to the display construction base; (c) adding the initial product type or types to the display construction; (d) removing the initial product type or types from the display construction; (e) removing the planner member or members from the display construction; (f) adding a new planer member or members of the shape or likeness of one or more entities publicly recognized as associated with a next displayed product or products to the display construction base; and (g) adding the new product or products to the display construction. 
     In preferred embodiments of the method, in steps (a) and (f), one or more of the planer members further include print and or logo to identify product specificity. Also in preferred embodiments, in steps (b) and (f), adding the planer member or members involves inserting the member or members into a slot or slots. The base may be one of a pedestal, a suspended platform, a wall-mounted base, or a turntable. Also the base may be mounted to a wall and one of the planer members may be a backboard removably affixed thereto. In still other cases the base may be a suspended platform and one of the planer members forms the suspension arm of the platform. 
     In yet another aspect of the invention a display apparatus for suggesting a three-dimensional entity is provided, comprising a first substantially planar member shaped as a cross-section through the three-dimensional entity at a first position, and a second planar member shaped as a cross-section through the three-dimensional entity at a second position, having a particular geometric relationship to the first position. The display apparatus is characterized in that the planar members are joined in the same geometrical relationship from which the cross-sections are derived, thereby creating a suggestion of the three-dimensional entity. In many embodiments planar members are suitably slotted to be joined to one another in the geometrical relationship. 
     In still another aspect of the invention a method for simulating a three-dimensional entity in an advertising display is provided, comprising the steps of (a) determining a first planar shape as a first cross-section of the three-dimensional entity taken at a first position relative to the three-dimensional entity; (b) creating a first planar element in the first planar shape; (c) determining a second planar shape as a second cross-section of the three-dimensional entity at a second position relative to the three-dimensional entity, the second position having a particular geometric relationship to the first position; (d) creating a second planar element in the second planar shape; and (e) joining the two planar elements in the particular geometric relationship, thereby creating a planar assembly suggesting the three-dimensional entity. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
     FIG. 1A is an elevation view of a display apparatus supporting at least one planer member for indicating class or specificity of a product according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 1B is an elevation view of the display base of FIG. 1A supporting at least one planer member for indicating a different product class or specificity from that indicated in FIG.  1 A. 
     FIG. 2A is a side view of a wall-mounted display supporting at least one planer member and shelving for displaying a specific product class according to another embodiment of the present invention, 
     FIG. 2B is an elevation view of the display apparatus of FIG.  2 A. 
     FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a suspended display apparatus supporting at least one planer member for display of a specific product according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3B is an assembly view of a pedestal display supporting more than one planer member assembled together according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The inventor provides a method and apparatus for enabling a multiform-capable display having a generic base for displaying a variety of differing product classes and products according to several embodiments. The method and apparatus of the invention is described in enabling detail below. 
     FIG. 1A is an elevation view of a display apparatus  100  supporting at least one planer member  101  for indicating class of a product according to an embodiment of the present invention. Display apparatus  100  is exemplary of a display that might be used to present products that may be suspended from hooks, pins or pegs. Display  100  has a support stand  106  adapted to enable display  100  to stand upright on a flat surface. Stand  100  is simple in this example comprising a cross member construction. 
     Stand  106  has a column  105  affixed thereto in a position substantially centered and extending upward in a substantially perpendicular arrangement from stand  106 . Column  105  has a plurality of annular discs rotatably affixed thereto illustrated herein as a disc  102 , a disc  103 , and a disc  104 . Discs  102 - 104  are freely rotatable around column  105 . Annular openings (not shown) are provided through center of discs  103 , and  104  and partially through the center of disc  102  on the side facing column  105  and stand  106 . The openings are provided of a diameter larger than that of column  105  at the positions of attachment so that free rotation of the discs is possible as with a turntable. Each disc  102 ,  103 , and  104  is suitably spaced apart from adjacent discs. 
     Each disc  102 ,  103 , and  104  has a plurality of hooks  107  affixed thereto around the periphery. Hooks  107  are adapted to suspend products presented on display to the public. Instead of hooks, clips, pegs, pins, clamps or similar apparatus may be provided. Although a limited number of hooks  107  are illustrated per disc, it may be assumed that the entire peripheral surface of each disc may be populated with hooks  107 . 
     Stand  106 , column  105 , and discs  102 ,  103 , and  104  may be manufactured of wood, a durable polymer, or any other suitable and common material used to build display apparatus. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, disc  102  has an elongated opening (slot)  108  laterally across the top face of the disc approximately along the diagonal center of the disc, although the position of the slot is not intended to be limiting in the invention. Slot  108  is adapted to accept a planer member  101  to be positioned substantially upright in on the disc face. 
     Planer member  101  is, in this particular example, provided in the recognizable shape or outline of the head of a woman or girl. Planer member  101  is of a suitable thickness so as to be pressed into slot  108  and be held thus secure. Planer member  101  is removable by hand and can be removed and replaced with another planer member of another shape or outline, having a common interface to slot  108 . 
     In this embodiment, planer member  101  signifies the female gender implying that the products (not shown) that would be presented by display  100  with planer member  101  positioned thereon would be those used by ladies. Jewelry, woman&#39;s watches, makeup, and similar products might be displayed in this case. Provision of planer member  101  thus, by shape, and possibly by other indicia as well, indicates a class of products being displayed and not necessarily specificity of products. In this case display  100  is a generic display except for the provision of planer member  101 . 
     It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that display  100  can take many other generic forms than the one illustrated in this example as long as it has an interface capable of accepting planer member  101  or other like planer members of other forms. 
     FIG. 1B is an elevation view of a display  109  having many common elements to that of display  100 , but having a different planar member  110  for indicating a different product class from that indicated in FIG.  1 A. Elements that were formerly introduced retain their same element numbers and are not re-introduced. In this example, a planer member  110  is provided and adapted to fit into slot  108  of disc  102 . Planer member  110  is provided in the likeness of a man or boy wearing a hat. In fact, display  109  is identical to display  100  accept for the presence of planer member  110 . 
     By switching planer members, vendors can use a constant generic display to advertise markedly different products. The planer members are designed for easy recognition from a considerable distance letting consumers know what product classes are available at the display. Display  110  would present products used by males. 
     In one embodiment, disc  102  may be cross-slotted to accept more than one planer member, with each planar member also slotted to allow the members to assemble together as slices of a three-dimensional entity. Additional planer members may be provided and inserted elsewhere on displays  100  or  109 , such as along the vertical edge of column  105 , for example. There are many possibilities. Planer members  101  (FIG. 1A) and  110  can be painted, engraved, and adorned with other elements, such as planer shelves for holding products. Planer members may be provided to resemble virtually any likeness, for example, people, animals, birds, automobiles, shapes of tools, and so on. Therefore, the displays themselves can take many forms. 
     FIG. 2A is a side view of a wall-mounted display  200  supporting at least one planer member and shelving for displaying a specific product class according to another embodiment of the present invention. Display  200  is a wall-mounted display comprising a baseboard  201 , a backboard  200 , and a planer member  203 . 
     Baseboard  201  is notched or otherwise tooled to enable wall mounting. Backboard  202  is essentially a flat signboard that provides a backdrop for the displayed product. Baseboard  201  and backboard  202  are typically fashioned of wood, a durable polymer, or any other suitable construction material commonly used to build displays. 
     Planer member  203  is, in this example, provided in the outline of a dog, like a German Sheppard or a Doberman Pincer. Planer member  203  is notched at its anterior extremity to fit into a slot provided vertically in backboard  202 . Planer member  203  is of a thickness such that it may fit tightly into the slot in backboard  202  and be positioned securely. In one embodiment, pins are provided to secure member  203  to member  202 , the pins retaining member  203  in vertical alignment and in substantially perpendicular position related to backboard  202 . 
     Backboard  202  can be hand-removed from baseboard  201  and replaced with another backboard with a different likeness. Planer member  202  can be hand removed from backboard  202  and replaced with another planer member of a different likeness. 
     Planer member  203  in this example has at least 2 lateral slots (not shown) provided therein on opposite sides and in a substantially horizontal orientation. The slots are adapted to support shelving illustrated herein as shelving  205 . Shelving  205  supports products illustrated herein as products  204 . Backboard  202  also has slots (not shown) provided laterally across and vertically on either side of the position of planer member  203  for supporting the ends of shelving  205 . Therefore, shelving  205  can be hand removed and installed. 
     Shelving  205  is, in this example, loaded with product  204  that would be used in conjunction with a dog, for example, flea drops, coat shine solution, or perhaps some other veterinarian solution. A dog collar  206  is illustrated in this example as an adornment for display  200 . 
     FIG. 2B is a front-elevation view of display  200  of FIG.  2 A. In this view it can be seen that collar  206  fits around member  203  and the width of shelving  205  for a pleasing cosmetic effect. It can also be seen that backboard  202  has an area for placing a logo or some other printed media that may more specifically identify product  204 . Planer member  203  can represent virtually any likeness. For example, planer member  203  can, in one embodiment, represent a classic palm tree and product  204  could be suntan lotion. There are many other possibilities. Display  200  can take forms to represent a wide variety of product classes as was described with reference to planer members  101  and  110  of FIGS. 1A and 1B respectively. 
     In this example, the only generic portion of display  200  is baseboard  201 . Planer member  203  can be removed from display  200  along with planer member  202  when another product type will be displayed. In this case, planer member  203  indicates product class while planer member  202  can indicate product specificity such as exact brand and description. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, planer members adapted to display  200  are also adapted to be used in display  100  and  109  described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B respectively. Similarly, planer members adapted for the latter displays can be used in display  200 . Therefore, a vendor who has rapidly changing or seasonal product lines can present those products using a minimum number of displays. A multi-product storefront would take less time to assemble. If the vendor is a trade show vendor, he or she would require less space for packing and storing display parts and more space for transporting products. 
     FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a suspended display apparatus  300  supporting at least one planer member  301  for display of a specific product according to an embodiment of the present invention. Display  300  is a hanging display type. Planer member  301  is inserted up through a slot  303  provided through an annular base  305 . Planer member  301  is narrower in width than the length of slot  303  at the suspension end, and wider than the slot length at the opposite end such that one may insert planer member  301  up through base  305  until the width of member  301  equals the length of slot  303  enabling a suspended presentation. A chain  302  is illustrated as the suspension medium although other mediums are certainly available. 
     Planer member  301  indicates product specificity by way of exhibiting the product type “TIES” in printed or painted lettering on one or both faces. Ties  304  are hung from clips or other suitable apparatus provided around the periphery of base  305 . Planer member  301  and base  305  can be wood, a durable polymer or any other suitable material for building displays. Other planer members specifying other products can be inserted in place of member  301  when a different product is set up for presentation. Unlike the planer members described thus far, member  301  is product specific and not product class-identifying due to lack of a recognizable profile. However, planer members exhibiting a recognizable shape can also be provided in a form to be useable in display  300 , and planar members may also be provided in a manner to indicate specific slices through a three-dimensional entity, as previously described. 
     FIG. 3B is an assembly view of a pedestal display  306  supporting more than one planer member  307  and  308  assembled together according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Display  306  represents a simple pedestal or table top display for presenting a specific demo or model of a certain type of product. 
     Display  306  has an annular base  309 . Base  309  may be manufactured of wood, a durable polymer, or any other suitable construction material commonly used in building displays. Base  309  is cross-slotted by a slot  310  and a slot  311 . There may be more slots positioned at yet different angles. Slot  311  is adapted to accept a planer member  308  as illustrated by assembly arrows. Planer member  308  has a thickness adapted to fit snugly into slot  311  so as to assume a substantially upright position when inserted. 
     Planer member  308  has an elongated notch or slot  313  placed vertically therethrough to a suitable depth for accepting a similarly notched or slotted ( 312 ) planer member  307 . Planer member  307  fits over planer member  308  forming a crossed assembly with member  307  seating within slot  310 . 
     When fully assembled, display  306  exhibits a profile of a human head with one plane indicating front-to-back shape, and the other side-to-side shape. This display may be used to show a demo or model of an earmuff product, a headset telephone, or any other product that may fit on the display using the ear-stand as a mounting point. The use of such planar members suggests the three-dimensional entity to a viewer, without the necessity of a much more complicated, and therefore more expensive, display. 
     In some embodiment of the present invention any generic core or base of a display may have more than one or a few interfaces for accepting planer members. Furthermore, planner members may be part of a planer assembly that itself is adapted to interface with a generic core of a display. 
     The method and apparatus of the present invention can be used by any type of retail vendor and may be used to present virtually any type or class of products. In one embodiment a single display core may have one or more shape-specific planer members attached thereto that indicate a product class and one or more sub-display cores also assembled thereto, the sub cores having planer members associated therewith that narrow down the specific products presented. 
     One with skill in the art of physical presentation of products will appreciate that a form-assuming display is advantageous from the viewpoint of product recognition, ease of set-up and tear down, and storage requirements. The present invention is specifically useful to those vendors having rapidly or constantly changing product lines. 
     The methods and apparatus of the present invention should be afforded to broadest possible scope under examination. The spirit and scope of the present invention is limited only by the following claims.