Patent Publication Number: US-8522985-B2

Title: Configurable display system and modular display arrangement for consumer electronic devices

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/838,009, filed Aug. 13, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,654,399, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/084,676, filed Mar. 18, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,287,652, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/554,609, filed Mar. 19, 2004, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     The subject matter of this application is related to the subject matter of commonly assigned U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/201,783, filed Mar. 19, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. D540,566, and commonly assigned U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/201,783, filed Mar. 19, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. D540,566, which are both incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional displays of premium consumer products in a retail store typically include a cabinet with a large glass enclosure to house the products. Consumers interested in examining a product must ask a store clerk to assist them by opening the glass cabinet and letting the consumer look at and handle the product. Unfortunately, many consumers shy away from asking for help, and many times would prefer to look on their own without the direct assistance of a store clerk. Accordingly, retail stores can lose sales if demonstration models of the products are not readily accessible by the consumer. At the same time, the retail stores must safeguard their demonstration products from theft, vandalism, accidents, and shoplifters. 
     Given these challenges, retail marketers have responded by placing demonstration products on shelves that are accessible by consumers but then tethering the demonstration products with cables, retractable cords, and various security devices to prevent theft or accidental damage. Moreover, retailer marketers continue attempts to make shelving and product displays ever more attractive to consumers. 
     Despite all of this activity aimed at luring consumers, retailers continue to struggle in finding an optimal combination of function and flexibility in making products easily accessible for inspection while maintaining the security of those products at the point of display. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of displaying consumer electronic devices. The method comprises supporting a plurality of rails on a frame in a generally parallel, spaced relationship and configuring each rail for slidable movement relative to the frame in a direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of each rail. A first row of display units is supported between a first adjacent pair of the rails and a second row of display units between a second adjacent pair of the rails, with each display unit comprising at least one of a device support unit and a plate. The plurality of display units are reconfigurable by exchanging the display units between different lateral positions within at least one of the first and second rows of display units and/or by exchanging at least one display unit between the first row and the second row of display units. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a front plan view of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a side sectional view of the display system of  FIG. 2 , as taken along lines  4 - 4 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded isometric view of a frame assembly and rails of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view of a base frame of a frame assembly of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7A  is an end view of a rail of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7B  is an end view of a rail of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is an end view of a side member of a frame assembly of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is an end view of a side member of a frame assembly of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10A  is an isometric view of a rail of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10B  is a plan view of a rail of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10C  is an end view of a rail of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11A  is an isometric view of a vertical support of a frame assembly of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11B  is a plan view of a vertical support of a frame assembly of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11C  is an end view of a vertical support of a frame assembly of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12A  is an isometric view of a bracket stop of a frame assembly of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12B  is a plan view of a bracket stop of a frame assembly of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12C  is an end view of a bracket stop of a frame assembly of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13A  is an isometric view of a bracket stop of a frame assembly of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13B  is a plan view of a bracket stop of a frame assembly of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13C  is an end view of a bracket stop of a frame assembly of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14A  is an isometric view of a bracket stop of a frame assembly of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14B  is a plan view of a bracket stop of a frame assembly of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14C  is an end view of a bracket stop of a frame assembly of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15A  is an isometric view of a bracket stop of a frame assembly of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15B  is a plan view of a bracket stop of a frame assembly of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15C  is an end view of a bracket stop of a frame assembly of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16A  is an isometric view of a bracket stop of a frame assembly of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16B  is a plan view of a bracket stop of a frame assembly of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16C  is an end view of a bracket stop of a frame assembly of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a plan view schematically illustrating use of a reconfigurable display, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is an enlarged sectional view of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19A  is a side view schematically illustrating removal of a device display unit from a rail array of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19B  is a side view schematically illustrating insertion of a device display unit of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a side view of a device display unit of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  is an exploded side view of a device display unit of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22  is an isometric view of a device display unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 22A  is an isometric view of a device display unit portion in an alternative configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 23  is an isometric view of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 24  is a side view of the display system of  FIG. 23 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 25  is an isometric view of modular display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 26  is a top plan view of a modular display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 27  is a front isometric view of a base module of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 28  is a rear isometric view of a base module of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 29  is a front isometric view of a connector module of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 30  is a top plan view of a connector module of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 31  is an isometric view of a display system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 32  is an isometric view of a bracket, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following Detailed 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,” “leading,” “trailing,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments of the present invention can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. All such variations are within the scope of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view illustrating one embodiment of display system  50 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , configurable display system  50  comprises base  52 , frame assembly  54 , rails  60 A,  60 B,  60 C,  60 D,  60 E, and side members  62 . Display system  50  also comprises a plurality of display units  71 . Display units  71  are in the form of a plurality of generally flat plates  70 , and in the form of a plurality of device support units  72 . Each device support unit  72  comprises plate  74 , post  76 , and bracket  78 . Display system  50  also comprises display board  84  and sign units  82 . Bracket  78  is configured to removably secure camera  80  or other handheld consumer electronics device, or other product, to device support unit  72 . Sign units  82  and/or plates  70  may support price labels, product information, advertising, or the like. Plates  70  and plates  72  are generally identical in shape and form, according to embodiments of the invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of display system  50 , depicting corresponding components of system  50  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded view of display system  50  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , base  52  comprises vertical supports  90  with aperture  91 , central support  92 , bottom support  94 , and rear support  96 . 
     Base  52  supports frame assembly  100 , which, in turn, supports the remaining components of display system  50 , including plates  70  and device support units  72 , and rails  60 A- 60 B. Frame assembly  100  comprises a plurality of components that are described in detail in association with  FIGS. 5-16C . 
       FIG. 4  is a sectional view of display system  50  of  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , base  52  supports frame  54 , which in turn supports rails  60 A- 60 E and display units  71 . Device support unit  72  further comprises retractable cord unit  102  configured to secure camera  80  ( FIG. 1 ) or other product to device support unit  72  via a retractable cord, which tethers camera  80  to display system  50 . This tethering mechanism permits a user to pick up a camera for inspection while still securing camera  80  relative to display system  52 . Device support unit  72  is illustrated and described in more detail in association with  FIGS. 20-21 . 
       FIG. 5  is an enlarged exploded view of one embodiment of frame assembly  100  and rails  60 A- 60 E. Frame assembly  100  includes a plurality of components that act together to support rails  60 A- 60 E and direct their movement relative to one another. As shown in  FIG. 5 , frame assembly  100  comprises frame base  110 , display board  112 , first bracket stop  114 , second bracket stop  116 , third bracket stop  118 , fourth bracket stop  120 , fifth bracket stop  122 , and vertical support  124 . Rails  60 B- 60 E are described in more detail in association with  FIGS. 7A-7B  and  10 A- 10 C. Each of the components of frame assembly  100  is described in more detail in association with  FIGS. 6 ,  8 - 9 , and  11 A- 16 C. 
       FIG. 6  is an isometric view of one embodiment of frame base  110 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , frame base  110  comprises sides  140 , front end  142 , back end  144 , and lateral members  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156 , which extend laterally between sides  140  in a generally parallel spaced relationship. Each member  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156  comprises front  160 A, top  160 B, back  160 C, and bottom  160 D. Frame base  110  is made of a generally rigid material, such as a wood, metal or plastic material. Frame base  110  is securable onto base  52  ( FIG. 3 ) and supports substantially all other components of frame assembly  100 . 
       FIG. 7A  is an end view of second rail  60 B. As shown in  FIG. 7A , second rail  60 B comprises upper portion  180 , lower portion  182 , and central portion  184 , which together define first channel  185 A and second channel  185 B. Lower portion  182  comprises first wing  186  and second wing  188 . 
       FIG. 7B  is an end view of third and fourth rails  60 C,  60 D. As shown in  FIG. 7B , third and fourth rails  60 C have substantially the same features and attributes as corresponding elements of second rail  60 B of the embodiment of  FIG. 7A , except having a slightly longer upper portion  180  which defines a slightly deeper first channel  185 A. 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  are end views of side members  62 A,  62 B corresponding to side members  62  and/or of rail  60 A or other components illustrated in or associated with  FIG. 3 . Side members  62 A,  62 B each comprise central portion  190 , lower portion  192 , and upper portion  193 , which together define channel  194 . 
       FIGS. 10A-10C  are isometric, plan, and end views, respectively, of fifth rail  60 E. As shown in  FIGS. 10A-10C , fifth rail comprises lower portion  200 , central portion  202  and upper lip portion  204 . Apertured tabs  206  at opposite ends of fifth rail  60 E extend outwardly from lower portion  200  for securing fifth rail  60 E to member  156  of base frame  110 . 
       FIGS. 11A-11C  are isometric, plan, and end views, respectively, of vertical support  124 . As shown in  FIGS. 11A-11C , vertical support  124  comprises first portion  210  and second portion  212 . Apertured tabs  206  at opposite ends of vertical support  124  extend outwardly from lower portion  200  for securing vertical support  124  to member  156  of base frame  110 . 
       FIGS. 12A-12C  are isometric, plan, and end views, respectively, of third bracket stop  118 . As shown in  FIGS. 12A-12C , third bracket stop  118  comprises upper portion  220 , apertured lower portion  222 , and central portion  224 , which together define channel  225 . In one embodiment, upper portion  220  comprises end portions  226  which extend laterally outward at opposite ends of third bracket stop  118  for insertion into and slidable movement within side members  62  of frame assembly  100  ( FIG. 5 ). Apertures within lower portion  222  enable securing third bracket stop  118  to member  152  of base frame  110 , which is shown in more detail in association with  FIG. 18 . 
       FIGS. 13A-13C  are isometric, plan, and end views, respectively, of first bracket stop  114 . As shown in  FIGS. 13A-13C , first bracket stop  114  comprises upper portion  230 , apertured lower portion  232 , and central portion  234 , which together define channel  235 . In one embodiment, upper portion  230  comprises end portions  236  which extend laterally outward at opposite ends of first bracket stop  114  for insertion into and slidable movement within side members  62  of frame assembly  100  ( FIG. 5 ). Apertures within lower portion  232  enable securing first bracket stop  118  to member  150  of base frame  110 , which is shown in more detail in association with  FIG. 18 . 
       FIGS. 14A-14C  are isometric, plan, and end views, respectively, of fifth bracket stop  122 . As shown in  FIGS. 14A-14C , fifth bracket stop  122  comprises upper portion  240 , apertured lower portion  242 , and central portion  244 , which together define channel  245 . In one embodiment, upper portion  240  comprises end portions  246  which extend laterally outward at opposite ends of fifth bracket stop  122  for insertion into and slidable movement within side members  62  of frame assembly  100  ( FIG. 5 ). Apertures within lower portion  242  enable securing fifth bracket stop  122  to member  154  of base frame  110 , which is shown in more detail in association with  FIG. 18 . 
       FIGS. 15A-15C  are isometric, plan, and end views, respectively, of second bracket stop  116 . As shown in  FIGS. 15A-15C , second bracket stop  116  comprises upper portion  250 , apertured lower portion  252 , and central portion  254 , which together define channel  255 . In one embodiment, upper portion  250  comprises end portions  256  which extend laterally outward at opposite ends of second bracket stop  116  for insertion into and slidable movement within side members  62  of frame assembly  100  ( FIG. 5 ). Apertures within lower portion  252  enable securing second bracket stop  116  to member  152  of base frame  110 , which is shown in more detail in association with  FIG. 18 . 
       FIGS. 16A-16C  are isometric, plan, and end views, respectively, of fourth bracket stop  120 . As shown in  FIGS. 16A-16C , fourth bracket stop  120  comprises upper portion  260 , apertured lower portion  262 , and central portion  264 , which together define channel  265 . In one embodiment, upper portion  260  comprises end portions  266  which extend laterally outward at opposite ends of fourth bracket stop  120  for insertion into and slidable movement within side members  62  of frame assembly  100  ( FIG. 5 ). Apertures within lower portion  262  enable securing fourth bracket stop  120  to member  154  of base frame  110 , which is shown in more detail in association with  FIG. 18 . 
       FIG. 17  is plan view schematically illustrating one embodiment of a display system  300 . Display system  300  has substantially the same features and attributes as display system  50  of the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-16 . As shown in  FIG. 17 , rails  60 A- 60 D are horizontally supported on a frame in a generally parallel, spaced relationship. In one embodiment, the frame corresponds to frame assembly  100  in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-16C . Moreover, the ends of rails  60 A- 60 D are positioned for slidable movement relative to side members  62  of the frame in a direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of each rail (as indicated by directional arrows A). A first row  301  of display units  71  is supported between adjacent rails  60 A and  60 B and a second row  303  of display units  71  is supported between adjacent rails  60 B and  60 C. Similarly, a third row  305  of display units  71  is supported between adjacent rails  60 C and  60 D. Display units  71  within first row  301 , second row  303 , and third row  305  comprise a device support unit  72  and/or a plate  70 / 74 . 
     Display system  300 , which schematically represents display system  50 , enables reconfiguring the array of display units  71  to move selected units among the different rows to achieve a desired configuration of plates  70 / 74  and device support units  72  in each row. A desired configuration includes selecting the number of each type of display unit  71  (plate  70 / 74  and/or device support unit  72 ) that will be in each row (e.g. rows  301 ,  303 ,  305 ) as well as the sequence of the different types of display units  71  from left to right. As shown in  FIG. 17 , first row  301  alternates between plates  74  and device support units  72  from left to right. Moreover, display system  300  is not limited to three rows of display units  71 , and may include more than three rows or less than three rows of display units  71 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , each display unit  71  includes first end  302  and second end  304  which slidably fit into adjacent rails. For example, in first row  301 , first end  302  of each display unit  71  is slidably fit within a lower rail  60 A while second end  304  is slidably fit into adjacent upper rail  60 B. 
     To reconfigure display units  71  in system  300 , a display unit is selected from a location in the array of display units  71 , such as location  308 , for removal. Accordingly, as indicated by directional arrow  1 , device support unit  72  from third row  305  is removed and inserted into location  310  of second row  303 . The specific manner in which rails  60 A- 60 D are manipulated to accomplish removal and insertion of display units  71  is described in more detail in association with e.g.  FIGS. 18 ,  19 A, and  19 B. In this example, to remove device support unit  72  from third row  305 , rails  60 C and  60 D are moved apart from each other a small amount to increase the separation distance between them, to permit second end  304  to be moved freely out from rail  60 D and then out from rail  60 C. This maneuver is described and illustrated in more detail in association with e.g.  FIGS. 19A and 19B . 
     In addition, as indicated by directional arrow  2 , a plate  70  and/or device support unit  72  supplied from another location on display system  300  or from elsewhere is inserted into location  308 , from which device support unit  72  was just removed. Of course, plate  74  also can be inserted instead in other locations in display system  300  that are open to receive a display unit  71 . 
       FIG. 18  is a sectional view schematically illustrating a device support unit  72  secured within a row (e.g. third row  305  of  FIG. 17 ) of display units  71  between rail  60 C and  60 D.  FIG. 18  illustrates the relationship between the rails  60 C,  60 D and various components of frame assembly  100  that support the position and selective movement of rails  60 C,  60 D relative to frame assembly  100 . All of the components of frame assembly  100  shown in  FIG. 18  have been previously described in association with e.g. FIGS.  3  and  5 - 16 C. 
     As shown in  FIG. 18 , rail  60 C is supported on member  152  of frame base  110  via bracket stops  116  and  118 , which are secured to member  152  via fasteners  322 . Bottom portion  182  of rail  60 C rests on top  160 B of frame member  152 . Upper portion  250  of bracket stop  116  and upper portion  220  of bracket stop  118  are spaced above top  160 B of frame member  152  to maintain bottom portion  182  of rail  60 C over frame member  152  while permitting limited sliding movement of rail  60 C toward front  160 A of member  152  or toward back  160 C of member  152 . The extent of this sliding movement of rail  60 C relative to frame member  152  (and thereby relative to frame assembly  100 ) is determined by the diameter of opening  328 , which is the space between an end of upper portion  250  of bracket stop  116  and an end of upper portion  220  of bracket stop  118 . This diameter of opening  328  determines how far portion  184  of rail  60 C can travel in either direction (left or right as seen in the drawing) before portion  184  contacts an end of upper portion  250  of bracket stop  116  or contacts an end of upper portion  220  of bracket stop  118 . 
     In another embodiment, bracket stops  116  and  118 , frame member  152 , and lower portion  182  of rail  60 C are dimensioned so that lower portion  182  rests on top  160 B of frame member  152 , and upper portion  250  of bracket stop  116  and upper portion  220  of bracket stop  118  also rest on top  160 B of frame member  152 , so that upper portions  250  and  220  of bracket stops  116 ,  118 , respectively, are substantially coplanar with lower portion  182  of rail  60 C. In this arrangement, lower portion  182  of rail  60 C is permitted to slide back and forth between ends of upper portion  250  of bracket stop  116  and upper portion  220  of bracket stop  118  to enable movement of rail  60 C relative to frame assembly  100 . A similar modification is optionally made to bracket stops  120  and  122 , and frame member  154 , in association with rail  60 D. 
     As also shown in  FIG. 18 , rail  60 D is supported on member  154  of frame base  110  via bracket stops  120  and  122 , which are secured to member  154  via fasteners  322 . Bottom portion  182  of rail  60 D rests on top  160 B of frame member  154 . Upper portion  260  of bracket stop  120  and upper portion  240  of bracket stop  122  are spaced above top  160 B of frame member  154 , to maintain bottom portion  182  of rail  60 D over frame member  154  while permitting limited sliding movement of rail  60 D toward front  160 A of member  154  or toward back  160 C of member  154 . The extent of this sliding movement of rail  60 C relative to frame member  154  (and thereby relative to frame assembly  100 ) is determined by the diameter of opening  330 , which is the space between an end of upper portion  260  of bracket stop  120  and an end of upper portion  240  of bracket stop  122 . This diameter of opening  330  determines how far portion  184  of rail  60 D can travel in either direction (left or right as seen in the drawing) before portion  184  contacts an end of upper portion  260  of bracket stop  120  or contacts an end of upper portion  240  of bracket stop  122 . 
     Rails  60 A,  60 B,  60 E are positioned on, and are selectively moved relative to, frame assembly  100  in substantially the same manner as for rails  60 C and  60 D, except for rails  60 B, 60 E being associated with a different set of corresponding components (e.g., bracket stops, frame members) of frame assembly  100  as has been previously described in association with  FIGS. 1-16C . 
       FIGS. 19A ,  19 B are sectional views schematically illustrating removal and insertion, respectively, of device support unit  72  relative to rails  60 C,  60 D. 
     As shown in  FIG. 19A , device support unit  72  is removed from frame assembly  100  by first sliding rail  60 D relative to frame member  154  of assembly  100  (e.g., shown in  FIG. 18 ) in a direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of rail  60 D to increase the space between end  304  of plate  74  and channel  185 A of rail  60 D, as indicated by directional arrow  1 . This sliding movement increases a separation distance between adjacent pair of rails  60 C,  60 D to enable removal of device support unit  72  from its supported position between rails  60 C,  60 D. Next, as indicated by directional arrow  2 , second end  304  of plate  74  is rotated upwardly away from rail  60 D, thereby releasing second end  304  of plate  74  from rail  60 D. Finally, as indicated by directional arrow  3 , first end  302  of plate  74  is slidably removed out of channel  185 B of rail  60 C, thereby permitting complete removal of plate  74  of device support unit  72  from its previously supported position between adjacent pair of rails  60 C and  60 D. 
     A substantially similar maneuver is performed to remove device support unit  72  from a supported position between another adjacent pair of rails, such as rails  60 A and  60 B. 
     Finally, a substantially similar maneuver is performed to remove a plate  70  from a supported position between rails  60 C,  60 D, or another adjacent pair of rails (e.g.  60 A and  60 B) in order to enable reconfiguring device support units  72  and/or plates  70  within a row (from left to right, or vice versa) or between rows (e.g. rows  301 ,  303 ,  305 ) of a display system, such as display system  300  of  FIG. 17 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 19B , device support unit  72  is inserted into a position on display system  300  and, in particular, supported by frame assembly  100 , by first slidably inserting first end  302  of plate  74  into channel  185 B of rail  60 C, as indicated by directional arrow  4 . Next, as indicated by directional arrow  5 , second end  304  of plate  74  is rotated downward toward rail  60 D, thereby positioning second end  304  of plate  74  for slidably mating with channel  185 A of rail  60 D. Finally, as indicated by directional arrow  6 , rail  60 D is slidably advanced relative to frame assembly  100  (not shown) in a direction generally perpendicular to rail  60 D, so that second end  304  of plate  74  of device support unit  72  is removably fixed within channel  185 B of rail  60 D, thereby establishing plate  74  of device display unit in a supported position between rails  60 C and  60 D. This maneuver decreases the separation distance between rails  60 C and  60 D to establish pressing contact between rail  60 C, plate  74  of device support unit  72  and, rail  60 D. 
     A substantially similar maneuver is performed to insert device support unit  72  into a supported position between another adjacent pair of rails, such as rails  60 A and  60 B. 
     Finally, a substantially similar maneuver is performed to insert a plate  70  into a supported position between rails  60 C,  60 D, or another adjacent pair of rails (e.g.  60 A and  60 B) in order to enable reconfiguring device support units  72  and/or plates  70  within a row (from left to right, or vice versa) or between rows (e.g. rows  301 ,  303 ,  305 ) of a display system, such as display system  300  of  FIG. 17 . 
       FIG. 20  is an enlarged side view of device support unit  72  illustrating previously described plate  74 , post  76 , bracket  78 , sign unit  82 , and retractable cord unit  102 . Components disposed above plate  74  are generally in view of a consumer, and components disposed below plate  74  are generally hidden from view. 
       FIG. 21  is an exploded view of device support unit  72  illustrating its various components in more detail. As shown in  FIG. 21 , device support unit  72  comprises bracket  78  including support plate  400  and stem  402 , which is slidably received into tube  410  having flange  411 . Jacket  413  slidably receives tube  410  with flange  411  resting on an upper surface  417  of jacket  413 . Plate  412  and base  414  together support plate  74 , jacket  413 , tube  410 , and stem  402 . In addition, bracket  416  is positioned for securing retractable cord unit  102  to base  414 . 
       FIG. 22  is an isometric view of device support unit  72  illustrating its various components, including plate  74 , post  76 , bracket  78 , and sign unit  82 , in more detail. Bracket  78  includes post cover  420 , cover plate  422  supporting mounting screw  424  for connection to the camera or other product to be supported, a plurality of apertures  426  for accommodating and/or supporting components such as one or more antirotation pins for generally preventing or limiting rotation of the camera or other product with respect to plate  422 , one or more limit switches, etc.  FIGS. 22 and 22A  also show slide bracket  427 , which includes lip  428  for abutting e.g. a rear or edge of the camera or other product, and base  430 , which is connected to lip  428  at generally a right angle and slides back and forth between plate  422  and cover  420  to a desired position to precisely accommodate the camera or other product. Once slide bracket  427  is moved to a desired position, it may be locked in place by e.g. tightening mounting screw  424  into the base of the camera, thereby tightening base  430  against the underside of plate  422 . 
       FIG. 23  is an isometric view of another embodiment of display system  500 . As shown in  FIG. 23 , display system  500  has substantially the same features and attributes of display system  50  of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , except additionally comprising sign units  502  which are angled upwardly relative to plates  70 , for example. Sign units  502  each comprise two sign holders or sign areas  502 A,  502 B. Sign holder  502 A is of a relatively large size and forms a background element, and sign holder  502 B is of a relatively small size and forms a foreground element. Sign units  502  are optionally removably secured to display system  500  in front of each device support unit  72 . 
       FIG. 24  is a side view of display system  500 . As shown in  FIG. 24 , sign units  502  are angled upwardly, and further comprise respective members  504  for removable securement of sign unit  502  adjacent device support units  72 . 
       FIGS. 25-30  illustrate embodiments of a modular display system including a plurality of base modules and connecting modules for combination into an integrated display arrangement. 
       FIG. 25  is an isometric view of display  600 . As shown in  FIG. 25 , display  600  comprises base modules  602 A,  602 B,  602 C,  602 D,  602 E, and connecting modules  604 A,  604 B,  604 C and  604 D (shown in  FIG. 26 ). Each base module  602 A- 602 E comprises cabinet  610 , display system  612 , face  620 , and sides  630 , as well as rear  626 . Each connecting module  604 A- 604 D comprises base  642 , upper display area  650  for supporting one or more display units  652 , and sides  643 . Plates  70 , display units  71 , device support units  72 , plates  74 , and associated cameras or other products are reconfigurable and rearrangeable, and can be of any desired number, to form any number of different desired patterns, as shown e.g. by three different display systems  612  visible in  FIG. 25 . 
     Each display system  612  is or comprises one or more of display systems  50 ,  300  and provides a configurable array of plates  70  and device support units  72  as previously described in association with  FIGS. 1-24 , or another suitable display system for displaying consumer devices in a configurable array atop one or more of base modules  602 A- 602 E. 
       FIG. 26  is plan view of display system  600  illustrating base modules  602 A- 602 E and connecting modules  604 A- 604 E in one exemplary configuration, with display systems  612  removed from a top portion of base modules  602 A- 602 E for illustrative purposes. As shown in  FIG. 26 , a display area of connecting modules  604 A- 604 D comprises upper surface  660  and lower surface  662  having aperture  664  for receiving a display unit  652 , which may be display unit  71  described earlier herein. Base modules  602 A- 602 E are arranged side by side with connecting modules  604 A- 604 E in an alternating fashion. Sides  630  of each base module (e.g. base module  602 A) are in contact with sides  643  of each connecting module (e.g. connecting module  604 A). Sides  643  of a single connecting module (e.g. module  604 A) form an angle of about 45 degrees so that a side  630  of one base module, such as base module  602 A, is at a roughly 45 angle relative to side  630  of base module  602 B. This pattern is repeated among adjacent base modules  602 B- 602 E and connecting modules  604 B interspersed between those respective base modules  604 A- 604 E so that the entire arrangement forms a roughly 180 degree panoramic configuration. This arrangement enables modular display system  600  to present five base modules  602 A- 602 E that face consumers over a 180 degree area, enhancing access to configurable device display systems  612  that sit atop base modules  602 A- 602 E. Connecting modules  604 A- 604 E provide additional display surfaces (e.g. surfaces  660 ,  662 ) interspersed between the adjacent base modules (e.g., adjacent base modules  602 A and  602 B), and provide substantial continuity to displays and display surfaces along the front surfaces and top surfaces between the adjacent base modules  602 A- 602 E and connecting modules  604 A- 604 E. 
       FIG. 27  is a front isometric view of base module  602 A, which is representative of all base modules  602 A- 602 E. As shown in  FIG. 27 , base module  602 A comprises front face  620 , sides  630 , feet  680 , upper side portions  682  for supporting a display system  612  (or other configurable display system) and desktop portion  684  for interior storage of items below display system  612 . 
       FIG. 28  is a rear isometric view of base module  602 A, which is representative of all base modules  602 A- 602 E. As shown in  FIG. 28 , base module  602 A comprises sides  630 , feet  680 , upper side portions  682  for supporting a display system  612  (or other configurable display system), desktop portion  684  for interior storage of items below display system  612 , an array  690  of lockable drawers  692 , as well as lateral support member  686  and lip  688  for additional support of display system  612  or another suitable system for displaying consumer devices atop base module  602 A. 
       FIG. 29  is an isometric view of connecting module  604 A, which is representative of all connecting modules  604 A- 604 D. As shown in  FIG. 29 , connecting module  604 A comprises front face  642 , bottom portion  640 , feet  700 , sides  643 , display area  650  which includes upper surface  660 , lower surface  662 , and vertical surface  702 , and front lip  704 . Display unit  652  is inserted into aperture  664  for supporting and displaying bracket  78  adapted to receive a consumer device, such as a camera. 
       FIG. 30  is a top plan view of display surface  650  of connecting module  604 A, further illustrating previously described upper surface  660 , lower surface  662 , and front lip  704 . 
       FIG. 31  is an isometric view of another embodiment of a display system  750 . As shown in  FIG. 31 , display system  750  comprises base  752  having a rear vertical member  753  and a front vertical member  754  with rear vertical member  753  having a height greater than a height of the front vertical member  754 . Lids  756 A,  756 B,  756 C are arranged side-by-side onto base  752  with each lid  756 A- 756 C having first end  760 , body  762 , and second end  764 . Second end  764  of each lid  756 A- 756 C is pivotally mounted to the rear vertical member  753 . This pivotal mounting comprises a hinge or other pivoting mechanism joining rear vertical member  753  to second end  764  of each lid  756 A- 756 C, and can comprise a single pivoting mechanism for all three lids, or a separate pivoting mechanism for each lid  756 A- 756 C. First end  760  of each lid  756 A- 756 C is supportable by front vertical member  754 . Each lid  756 A- 756 C defines a plurality of electronic device display units  770  having a base surface  780 , post  76  and bracket  78  for supporting a consumer device thereon. Device display units  770  are arranged in series between the first end  760  and the second end  764  of each lid  756 A- 756 C along body  762  generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the lid. 
     In use, first end  760  of one of lids  756 A- 756 C, such as lid  756 C as shown in  FIG. 31 , is raised off ledge  755  of front vertical member  754  to pivotally raise lid  756 C away from base  752  to gain access to an interior of base  752  and/or for manipulation of device display units  770  for reconfiguring device display units within a single lid or between adjacent lids. Accordingly, lid  756 A is shown in the closed position while both lids  756 B and  756 C are shown in a partially opened position. 
       FIG. 32  is an isometric view of an alternative bracket embodiment. Bracket  790  includes base  792 , which supports mount  794  having apertures  796 , side  798 , and slide bracket  800 . Slide bracket  800  includes lip  802  and base  804 . Base  804  includes a plurality of teeth  806  that interlock with teeth  808  of side  798 , and with teeth  810  of mount  794 . In use, slide bracket  800  is adjusted to a desired extension relative to side  798  and mount  794 , and then a screw, bolt or other fastener is inserted through one or more of apertures  796  and into the camera or other product to be displayed. Tightening the fastener locks bracket  790  into position with respect to the camera or other product, generally preventing or limiting relative rotation between the camera or product and bracket  790 . 
     While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein for purposes of description, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. Those with skill in the chemical, mechanical, electro-mechanical, electrical, and computer arts will readily appreciate that the present invention may be implemented in a very wide variety of embodiments. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein.