Patent Publication Number: US-7900385-B2

Title: Retail display systems and methods

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Retail businesses typically use a wide variety of display systems and articles to draw consumer attention to the products being sold. The display systems help the consumer envision how the product will look when worn, used, assembled, etc. Conventional display systems often incorporate the product itself to help the consumer envision use or wear of the product. For example, in the clothing sector, clothing is typically displayed on a three-dimensional mannequin in order to generally demonstrate the fit and cut of the clothing. Such display systems highlight particular products to possible consumers to increase the probability that a particular consumer will purchase the product. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some aspects of the present invention relate to a retail display system that includes a first bracket having a mounting portion defining a substantially arcuate face, a first arm having at least one insertion tab, and a second arm having at least one insertion tab. The first bracket is secured to a back face of a first display article including a backer and an image of a first product. The display article defines a border coterminous with a periphery of the first product. The display article is maintained by the backer by flexing the first display article to shape the first display article to the mounting portion of the first bracket and by securing the flexed, first display article to the first bracket. Other aspects, including those associated with display systems, display assemblies, and methods of displaying, are also addressed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a display system from a perspective view, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  shows a product assembly of the system of  FIG. 1  from a front view, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  shows the product assembly of  FIG. 2  from a side view, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  shows the product assembly of  FIG. 2  from a top view, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  shows a first mounting bracket of the system of  FIG. 1  from an isometric view, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  shows a second mounting bracket of the system of  FIG. 1  from an isometric view, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  shows a front view of a mounting board of the system of  FIG. 1  from a front view, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  shows a base fixture of the system of  FIG. 1  from a perspective view, according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  shows a display system  10  including a product display assembly  12 , a base fixture  14 , and products  16 . The system  10  is optionally used in a retail area, such as a clothing department of a store, to provide information to consumers or otherwise assist with product retailing, for example. The product display assembly  12  shows an image of a product or products  16  that are being offered for sale or are otherwise on display. In some embodiments, the products  16  being depicted include a clothing item or items, with the product display assembly  12  exhibiting the clothing items in a modeled orientation or in a posed manner otherwise illustrating the overall fit and look of the product  16  as worn. 
     The base fixture  14  is optionally used to support the product display assembly  12  depicting the products  16 , as well as to support a number of the products  16  being depicted. In some embodiments, the base fixture  14  is a portable rack or shelving unit. In some other embodiments, the base fixture  14  is a stationary wall or an end of a stationary shelving unit, often termed an “endcap” according to shelving unit design. As will be understood in greater detail with reference to the following description, some embodiment display systems provide the ability to display products with increased merchandising effect, product visualization, display versatility, and ease of use, for example, although embodiments with additional or alternative features are contemplated. 
       FIGS. 2-4  show the product display assembly  12  from various views. The product display assembly  12  includes first and second mountable signs  18   a ,  18   b  and a mounting board  20 . The first mountable sign  18   a  includes a first product signboard  22  and a first mounting bracket  24 . The second mountable sign  18   b  includes a second product signboard  26  and a second mounting bracket  28 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the first product signboard  22  includes a first product image  30  received by a support panel  32 , also described as a support layer. As further described, the first product signboard  22  provides means for visualizing a product  16  during use and for generally enhancing display of the product  16  for sale. 
     In some embodiments, the first product image  30  is an image of a posed clothing item  36  (for example, a shirt) having an outer edge  38 . As shown, the first product image  30  has an outer boundary  40 , or periphery, where at least a portion of the outer boundary  40  is substantially coterminous with the outer edge  38  of the posed clothing item  36 . In other words, the first product image  30  appears to be a cut out of the posed clothing item  36 , with some or all image details extraneous to the posed clothing item  36  removed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the posed clothing item  36  is arranged in a natural position, as if it were actually being worn by a model to show off the features of the clothing item  36  as worn or otherwise being posed in a more natural manner. In some embodiments, the first product image  30  is generated by positioning a product such as the posed clothing item  36  in a folded position or otherwise posed position and an image of the posed clothing item  36  is taken. Some or substantially all portions of the image other than the posed clothing item  36  are then removed. In other embodiments, the posed clothing item  36  is worn by a model, an image is taken, and some or substantially all portions of the image other than the posed clothing item  36  are removed. Examples of some methods of forming product images are described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 7,296,372 to Clark, et al., which has an earliest associated application publication date of Apr. 6, 2006, issued Nov. 20, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the first product image  30  is received by substantially flexible or formed print media  30   a , such as an image substrate including a polymeric or other material suited to receive the first product image  30  (for example, a thin sheet of polymeric material, paper, cardstock, velum, transparency, lithograph paper, or others). The first product image  30  is optionally printed on the print media  30   a , using a suitable printer, or otherwise imprinted on the print media  30   a . The print media  30   a  optionally includes an adhesive, is tackified, or is otherwise suited for application to the support panel  32 . In some other embodiments, the support panel  32  is suited or otherwise adapted to directly receive the first product image  30 , for example the first product image  30  is optionally directly printed onto the support panel  32 . 
     Regardless, in accordance with some embodiments, the support panel  32  is generally adapted to support the first product image  30 , either directly or by supporting the print media  30   a  onto which the first product image  30  is imprinted or otherwise fixed. The support panel  32  includes a front surface  42  and a back surface  44  opposite front surface  42 . A thickness is defined between the front and back surfaces  42 ,  44  that is sufficient to provide overall structural support to reduce the potential of folding or wilting of the first product signboard  22  under its own weight. The support panel  32  is optionally formed of a generally two-dimensional material such as paperboard or sheet plastic. In some embodiments, the support panel  32  is sufficiently flexible to allow some bending or flexing of the first product signboard  22  as desired, while still providing sufficient overall structural support. For example, the support panel  32  is optionally formed of flexible sheet plastic, cardboard, paperboard, or other suitable material having a suitable bend radius, or radius to which the support panel  32  can be bent without damage. In some embodiments, the support panel  32  is formed of 0.020 inch thick styrene material, although other flexible materials are contemplated. In other embodiments, the support panel  32  is formed of a generally inflexible, or rigid material, such as structural foam, that is rigidly formed with a bent or otherwise flexed configuration as desired. 
     As alluded to above, the first product image  30  is applied to the front surface  42  of the support panel  32  with an adhesive or tape, or is otherwise secured to the front surface  42 . In some embodiments, the support panel  32  is substantially larger than the first product image  30  and the support panel  32  is cut about the perimeter, or periphery, of the first product image  30  to define a cut edge. In other embodiments, the support panel  32  is preformed to the shape of the first product image  30  prior to application to the support panel  32 . In still other embodiments, the first product image  30  is secured (for example, directly printed onto or secured thereto via an intermediary, such as the print media  30   a ) to the support panel  32  with the first product image  30  and the support panel  32  being simultaneously cut to the final shape of the first product signboard  22 . In some embodiments, the first product image  30  and the support panel  32  are optionally concurrently cut to define the outer boundary  40  of the first product image  30  such that at least a portion of the outer boundary  40  is substantially coterminous with the outer edge  38  of a depicted product, such as the posed clothing item  36 . 
     Cutting the first product signboard  22  to define the cut edge optionally includes cutting out interior background portions of the first product image  30 , such as background portions framed between a bent arm and torso portion of the first product image  30  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The first product signboard  22  is cut in a die cut process according to some implementations, although other cutting and forming processes are contemplated. 
       FIG. 5  shows the first mounting bracket  24 , also described as a mounting member, from a perspective view. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the first mounting bracket  24  includes a body  50   a , a first leg  50   b , and a second leg  50   c . The first mounting bracket  24  is optionally formed of metal or plastic material, such as PETG having a thickness of about ⅛ inches. The first mounting bracket  24  is formed using molding methods, punching and bending methods, or any of a variety of forming methods according to a particular implementation. As will be described in greater detail, the first mounting bracket  24  provides means for releasably securing the first mounting bracket  24  to the mounting board  20  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     The body  50   a , also described as an intermediate portion, extends from a first end  52  to a second end  54  and defines a thickness between a front face  56  and a back face  58  ( FIG. 4 ). As shown in  FIG. 5 , the body  50   a  is substantially arcuate in shape end-to-end  52 ,  54 , with the front face  56  being curved generally convex and the back face  58  being curved generally concave. In some embodiments, the body  50   a  defines a radius of curvature, such as about 9.75 inches, for example. 
     The first leg  50   b  extends from the first end  52  of the body  50   a  away from the back face  58  to a terminal end  60 . The first leg  50   a  is substantially straight and includes an upper tab  62  and a lower tab  64 , also described as insertion tabs, at the terminal end  60 . Each of the upper and lower tabs  62 ,  64  is substantially L-shaped and adapted to be used with an apertured support structure, as subsequently described. The second leg  50   c  extends substantially parallel to the first leg  50   b  from the second end  54  of the body  50   a  away from the back face  58  to a terminal end  66 . The second leg  50   c  is substantially straight and includes an upper tab  68  and a lower tab  70 , also described as insertion tabs, each of which is also adapted for use with an apertured support structure. For example, in some embodiments the upper and lower tabs  62 ,  64  of the first leg  50   b  and the upper and lower tabs  68 ,  70  of the second leg  50   c  provide means for releasably securing the first mounting bracket  24  to the mounting board  20  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     Assembly of the first mountable sign  18   a  is described with reference to  FIGS. 2-4 . In some embodiments, the first mountable sign  18   a  is assembled by securing the first mounting bracket  24  to the first product signboard  22 , and in particular, to the back surface  44  of the support panel  32  such that the first and second legs  52 ,  54  extend rearward from the back surface  44  of the support panel  32 . The first mounting bracket  24  is secured at a desired height on the product signboard  22 , for example toward a bottom, middle, or top of the first product signboard  22  as appropriate. 
     As shown, the first product signboard  22  tracks or otherwise follows the curvature of the body  50   a  of the first mounting bracket  24  such that the first product signboard  22  is also substantially curved, or bent along its width. In some embodiments, the first product signboard  22  is flexed, or bent to shape the first product signboard  22  to the mounting bracket  24  and the flexed, first product signboard  22  is affixed or otherwise secured to the first mounting bracket  24  using adhesives, rivets, clips, comolding, heat welding, or other fastening means suitable for securing the first product signboard  22  and mounting bracket  24  together. This curved or flexed configuration helps the first mountable sign  18   a  provide a more three-dimensional view of the posed clothing item  36  and optionally causes the first product image  30  to pop out at an observer of the first product signboard  22 , thereby enhancing overall realism and merchandising effect of the first mountable sign  18   a.    
     The second product signboard  26  includes a second product image  80  received by another support panel  82 . Similarly to the first product signboard  22 , the second product signboard  26  also optionally provides means for visualizing a product  16  during use and generally enhancing display of products for sale or otherwise on display. 
     In some embodiments, the second product image  80  is an image of another posed clothing item  86  (for example, a pair of pants) having an outer edge  88 . As with the first product image  30 , the second product image  80  optionally has an outer boundary  90 , or periphery, where at least a portion of the outer boundary  90  is substantially coterminous with the outer edge  88  of the posed clothing item  86 . In other words, the second product image  80  appears to be a cut out of the posed clothing item  86 , with some or all image details extraneous to the posed clothing item  86  removed. If desired, the first and second posed clothing items  36 ,  86  are optionally complementary in nature, such as a shirt that goes with, or matches, a pair of pants. 
     As shown, the posed clothing item  86  is arranged in a natural position, as if it were rumpled to show the length as worn, as if it were actually being worn by a model, or as if the posed clothing item  86  had been otherwise arranged to show off the features of the clothing item  86  as worn. The second product image  80  is optionally generated in any of the manners provided for in association with the first product image  30 , for example via any of the methods of forming product images described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,296,372, previously incorporated herein by reference. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , and as with the first product image  30 , the second product image  80  is optionally received by substantially flexible or formed print media  80   a , or image substrate, suited to receive the second product image  80 , including any of those print materials and methods of printing or fixation previously described, for example. In some other embodiments, the support panel  82  is suited or otherwise adapted to directly receive the second product image  80 , for example the second product image  80  is optionally directly printed onto the support panel  82 . 
     The support panel  82  supports the second product image  80 , either directly or by supporting the print media  80   a  onto which the second product image  80  is imprinted or otherwise fixed. The support panel  82  includes a front surface  92  and a back surface  94  opposite front surface  92 . A thickness is defined between the front and back surfaces  92 ,  94  that is sufficient to provide overall structural support to reduce the potential of folding or wilting of the second product signboard  26  under its own weight. The support panel  82  is optionally formed of a generally two-dimensional material such as those previously referenced. In some embodiments, the support panel  82  is also sufficiently flexible to allow some bending or flexing as desired, while still providing sufficient overall structural support. In other embodiments, the support panel  82  is formed of a generally inflexible, or rigid material that is rigidly formed with a desired configuration. 
     As alluded to above, the product image  80  is applied to the front surface  92  of the support panel  82 . In some embodiments, the support panel  82  is substantially larger than the second product image  80  and the support panel  82  is cut about the perimeter of the second product image  80  to define a cut edge. In other embodiments, the support panel  82  is preformed to the shape of the second product image  80  prior to application to the support panel  82 . In still other embodiments, the second product image  80  is secured (for example, directly printed onto or secured thereto via an intermediary, such as the print media  80   a ) to the support panel  82  with the second product image  80  and the support panel  82  being simultaneously cut to the final shape of the second product signboard  26 . In particular, in some embodiments, the second product image  80  and the support panel  82  are optionally concurrently cut to define the outer boundary  90  of the second product image  80  such that at least a portion of the outer boundary  90  is substantially coterminous with the outer edge  88  of a depicted product, such as the posed clothing item  86 . 
     Cutting the second product signboard  26  to define the cut edge optionally includes cutting out interior background portions of the second product image  80 , such as background portions framed between a bent arm and torso portion of the second product image  80  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The second product signboard  26  is optionally cut in a die cutting operation, although other cutting and forming processes are contemplated. 
       FIG. 6  shows the second mounting bracket  28 , also described as a mounting member, from a perspective view. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the second mounting bracket  28  includes a body  100   a , a first leg  100   b , and a second leg  100   c . The second mounting bracket  28  is optionally formed of metal or plastic material, such as PETG having a thickness of about ⅛ inches. The second mounting bracket  28  is formed using molding methods, punching and bending methods, or any of a variety of forming methods, such as those previously described. 
     The body  100   a , also described as an intermediate portion, extends from a first end  102  to a second end  104  and defines a thickness between a front face  106  and a back face  108  ( FIG. 4 ). As shown in  FIG. 6 , the body  100   a  is substantially planar end-to-end  102 ,  104 , with both the front and back faces  106 ,  108  being generally planar in configuration, though curved or other configurations are contemplated. 
     The first leg  100   a  extends from the first end  102  of the body  100   a  away from the back face  108  to a terminal end  110 . The first leg  100   b  is substantially straight and includes an upper tab  112  and a lower tab  114 , also described as insertion tabs, at the terminal end  110 . Each of the upper and lower tabs  112 ,  114  is substantially L-shaped and adapted to be used with an apertured support structure, as subsequently described. The second leg  100   c  extends substantially parallel to the first leg  100   b , but from the second end  104  of the body  100   a  away from the back face  108  to a terminal end  116 . The second leg  100   c  is substantially straight and includes an upper tab  118  and a lower tab  120  (shown in dotted lines), also described as insertion tabs, each of which is also adapted for use with an apertured support structure. For example, in some embodiments the upper and lower tabs  112 ,  114  of the first leg  100   b  and the upper and lower tabs  118 ,  120  of the second leg  100   c  provide means for releasably securing the second mounting bracket  28  to the mounting board  20 . Each of the first and second legs  100   b ,  100   c  extends substantially orthogonally from the body  100   a , although angled orientations are also contemplated. In some embodiments, the first and second legs  100   b ,  100   c  are substantially shorter than the first and second legs  50   b ,  50   c  of the first mounting bracket  24  ( FIG. 5 ), as will be subsequently described. 
     Methods of assembling the second mountable sign  18   b  are described with reference to  FIGS. 2-4 . As shown and in some embodiments, the second mountable sign  18   b  is assembled by securing the second mounting bracket  28  to the second product signboard  26 , and in particular, the back surface  94  of the support panel  82  such that the first and second legs  100   b ,  100   c  extend rearward, back away from the back surface  94  of the second product signboard  26 . As shown, the second product signboard  26  tracks, or otherwise follows the planar body  100   a  of the second mounting bracket  28  such that the second product signboard  26  is also substantially planar, or flat along its width. In some embodiments, the second product signboard  26  is affixed or otherwise secured to the second mounting bracket  28  using adhesives, rivets, clips, or other fastening means suitable for securing the second product signboard  26  and mounting bracket  28  together. As described in greater detail, when used in combination with the first mountable sign  18   a , the planar configuration of the second mountable sign  18   b  provides contrast in depth perception to the first mountable sign  18   a  to help the first and second product images  30 ,  80  pop out at an observer, thereby enhancing overall merchandising effect. 
       FIG. 7  shows the mounting board  20 , also described as a backer panel, from a front view. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the mounting board  20  is substantially rectangular in shape, although a variety of shapes are contemplated, and is formed of a panel of material, such as plastic, glass, fiberboard, cardboard, paperboard, or other suitable material. The mounting board  20  has indicia  150 , a first column of substantially vertically aligned apertures  152 , a second column of substantially vertically aligned apertures  154 , and a plurality of fastener holes  156  positioned about a perimeter  158  of the mounting board  20 . As shown, the columns of apertures  152 ,  154  are optionally rectangular and the holes  156  are optionally circular, although a variety of shapes and sizes are contemplated. 
     The indicia  150  are shown in light dotted lines as geometric shapes, but is optionally adapted to provide information relating to the products  16  ( FIG. 1 ) or otherwise is coordinated with the products  16  and the overall display presentation. For example, the indicia  150  are optionally graphical or textual indicia further identifying the products  16  for sale. Graphical or textual indicia are optionally related to a trademark, brand name, product identifier, slogan, product type or other textual or graphical reference further drawing consumer attention to the products  16  and/or enticing a consumer to purchase the products  16  on display. In other embodiments, the indicia  150  provide unrelated information or a different presentation concept or concepts from that of the first and second mountable signs  18   a ,  18   b  ( FIG. 2 ). 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a base fixture  14  usable with the product display assembly  12 . The base fixture  14 , also described as a fixture assembly, a racking assembly, or a merchandising assembly, includes a quad-rack fixture  202 , also described as a base rack, a base fixture, or a display fixture, and an extendable frame assembly  204 , also described as a frame, an extendable billboard attachment, billboard attachment, or a billboard extender. Some suitable product display assemblies are described, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/627,262, filed Jan. 25, 2007, entitled “Display Fixture Accessories,” published as U.S. Pat. App. Pub. 2007/0170139 on Jul. 26, 2007, and incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     The quad-rack fixture  202  is adapted for displaying the products  16 , such as clothing maintained on hangers, for example. The quad-rack fixture  202  includes a frame  206 , a first extendable arm assembly  208 , and a second extendable arm assembly  210 . The first and second extendable arm assemblies  208 ,  210  are optionally adapted for supporting or otherwise maintaining the products  16 . The frame  206  includes a lower cross member  212 , an intermediate cross member  214 , and a top cross member  215 . The quad rack fixture  202  includes a first end piece  216  and a second end piece  217 , the first and second end pieces  216 ,  217  adapted to support the quad rack fixture  202  on a surface (not shown). 
     The telescoping frame assembly  204  of the base fixture  14  has a plurality of spaced-apart holes  236  extending through the telescoping frame assembly  204 , serving to assist in securing the mounting board  20  to telescoping frame assembly  204  as desired. However, it should be noted that the plurality of holes  236  are optionally used for a variety of purposes. The telescoping frame assembly  204  is substantially rectangular in shape and supported in a substantially vertical position by the quad-rack fixture  202 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the products  16  include a plurality of upper body items  300  and lower body items  302 , and can be substantially complementary in nature. In some embodiments the upper body items  300  and lower body items  302  optionally go well together or match. The upper body items  300  optionally include shirts, sweaters, jackets, or other items to be worn on a torso of a person. In turn, the lower body items  302  optionally include pants, shorts, skirts, skorts, knickers, culottes, or other items to be worn on a lower body of a person. Although shown on hangers, the clothing items are optionally presented for display and purchase in a variety of configurations and, although some types of products are specifically listed, any number of different product types and categories, including non-clothing items, are also contemplated. 
     In some methods of assembling the system  10  and associated methods of displaying products  16 , the mounting board  20  ( FIG. 7 ) is secured to the extendable frame assembly  204  of the base fixture  14  using fastening means such as plastic fasteners  310  ( FIG. 8 ), for example. The plastic fasteners are optionally one or more of those sold by ITW Fastex of Des Plaines, Ill. under the trade name “CANOE CLIPS,” “CHRISTMAS TREE CLIPS,” “PINE TREE CLIPS,” and “STALOCK FASTENERS,” although other fastening means such as adhesives, metal clips, rivets, or others are contemplated. In some embodiments, the plastic rivets  310  are inserted through the plurality of fastener holes  156  positioned about the mounting board  20  and into the holes  236  in the extendable frame assembly  204 , thereby providing means for supporting the mounting board  20  in a substantially upright or substantially vertical position relative to the floor (not shown) of a retail environment, for example. 
     In some embodiments, the first mountable sign  18   a  ( FIGS. 2-4 ) is releasably secured or otherwise affixed to the mounting board  20  ( FIG. 7 ) using the first and second columns of apertures  152 ,  154 . For example, the upper and lower tabs  62 ,  64  of the first mounting bracket  24  ( FIG. 5 ) are inserted into a first pair of the apertures  152  and the upper and lower tabs  68 ,  70  are inserted into a second pair of the apertures  154  that are laterally adjacent the first pair of apertures  152 . With the first mountable sign  18   a  positioned at a desired height, the second mountable sign  18   b  ( FIGS. 2-4 ) is similarly secured to the mounting board  20 . For example, the upper and lower tabs  112 ,  114  of the second mounting bracket  28  ( FIG. 6 ) are inserted into a lower pair of the apertures  152  and the upper and lower tabs  118 ,  120  of the second mounting bracket  28  are inserted into a pair of the apertures  154  adjacent the lower pair of apertures  152  such that the second mountable sign  18   b  is positioned below the first mountable sign  18   a  with a desired amount of overlap. 
     In particular, and as shown best in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the first mountable sign  18   a  is optionally offset outwardly, or set out, in front from the mounting board  20  to a greater degree than the second mountable sign  18   b , such that the first mountable sign  18   a  defines a first spacing  350  with respect to the mounting board  20  while the second mountable sign  18   b  defines a second, smaller spacing  352 , or offset, with the mounting board  20 . For example, due at least in part to the arcuate configuration of the first product signboard  22 , the first spacing  350  varies from side-to-side with at least some of the first spacing  350  being greater than the second spacing  352 . For example, in some embodiments the legs  50   b ,  50   c  of the first mounting bracket  24  are substantially longer than the legs  100   b ,  100   c  of the second mounting bracket  26 . 
     Furthermore, and as shown, the first spacing  350  substantially changes across the width of the first mountable sign  18   a . In turn, the second spacing  352  is substantially continuous from side-to-side. By positioning the first and second product signboards  22 ,  26  at two different heights corresponding to how they would be worn by a person, by varying the relative curvature of the product signboards  22 ,  26 , and/or by differing the amounts the product signboards  22 ,  26  are offset from the mounting board  20 , the three-dimensional illusion of overall product display assembly  12  is enhanced as desired. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2  the slight overlap of the first product signboard  22  over the second product signboard  26  gives an appearance of a shirt actually hanging down slightly past a pair of pants. Furthermore, the arcuate and more outset appearance of the first product signboard  22  imitates the outward projection of a chest of a person relative to the lower extremities of a person, for example. From this it should be understood that a variety of effects are optionally accomplished by changing orientations, offsets, curvatures, and other features of the product display assembly  12 . 
     As alluded to above, methods of assembling and displaying include hanging or otherwise positioning the products  16  in proximity to the product display assembly  12 , for example using the base fixture  14 , which provides means for positioning display articles  10  within the retail establishment, relatively near or in proximate position to the actual products  16  being sold to a consumer. Accordingly, a consumer drawn to a particular area due to the display assembly  12  can easily find and access the actual corresponding products  16  for purchase. 
     In view of the foregoing, the systems, assemblies, and methods of displaying optionally help provide a consumer with the ability to visualize a product during use or wear. Furthermore, due to the lightweight and relatively flat, compact nature of the display articles, the display articles are easily placed for display in a variety of positions and areas otherwise relatively cumbersome to produce with conventional mannequins or display fixtures. 
     Additional modifications and changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the various features of embodiments described herein can be interchangeably used to provide combinations not specifically described herein. Although the invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments, such embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered to limit the invention and various alternatives and changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.