Patent Publication Number: US-7895784-B1

Title: Sign apparatus and method

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to a sign apparatus for displaying information, for example, in a retail store environment. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Display fixtures can be used in retail stores or other environments to present various products to consumers. The display fixtures can retain the product packages therein in view of the consumers. For example, cosmetics, greeting cards, fashion accessories, magazines, and other products are often displayed in trays or shelves of a designated display fixture. Such a display fixture can be arranged along an aisle in a store so that consumers walking by the display fixture can readily grasp selected products. 
     Some stores provide hanging signage to help consumers navigate between the various aisles or departments of the store. Such ceiling-mounted signage can indicate groups of products that are located in various aisles or areas of a store, thereby assisting consumers in navigating through the store. For example, a hanging sign may indicate that a particular area of the store is the home furnishings area. As another example, a hanging sign may indicate that an aisle includes particular pharmaceutical products. In some instances, navigation signage can be supported by or extend from an endcap of a display fixture. Endcaps can be positioned at the end of a store aisle and retain a particular set of products on display. Signage supported by or extending from an endcap can indicate products or groups of products located within a particular store aisle to allow consumers to easily navigate a store and readily locate a desired product. 
     Other signage relating to product or brand information also can be hung from the ceiling or mounted on walls. Some display fixtures include one or more signs that describe the type of products retained by the display fixture or describe various uses for products retained by the display fixture. The signage can also display other information relating to products, such as features of the product or price information. Such display signs are typically mounted so that a consumer may view the message from a distance. For example, the display sign may be hung from an area of the ceiling near the display fixture while the products are separately retained on the shelves of the display fixture. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some embodiments of sign assembly include a secondary sign that at least partially fits within a cavity defined by a larger, primary sign. In such embodiments, the primary sign includes an internal frame that defines a channel to receive a side portion of the secondary sign and thereby retain the secondary sign in a generally parallel, side-by-side configuration relative to the primary sign. As described below, in a number of embodiments, the primary sign has a substantially greater depth than the secondary sign, thereby creating primary and secondary sign surfaces on different planes. Moreover, in particular embodiments both the signs are toollessly mounted to a ceiling of a retail store environment so as to draw consumers&#39; attention toward the primary and secondary sign surfaces on multiple planes. 
     These and other embodiments described herein may provide one or more of the following benefits. First, some embodiments of the sign apparatus include first and second signs suspended from a ceiling in a retail store environment in a manner that provides graphic images and text in different display planes. Such a configuration can attract the attention of consumers in the retail store environment. Second, the first sign of the sign apparatus can be larger in both height and depth so that a depth dimension is thereby formed between a front face of the first sign and a front face of the second sign. Optionally, a depth dimension is also formed between a rear face of the first sign and a rear face of the second sign. Third, in some embodiments, the second sign is partially disposed within an interior space of the first sign (e.g., inside an open side of the first sign defined by the first sign frame), the display apparatus can provide a three-dimensional and more aesthetically pleasing appearance for the display apparatus. Fourth, in those embodiments in which the sign apparatus provides the multiple display surfaces at different depth dimensions, the three-dimensional appearance will more readily attract the attention of consumers passing by the sign apparatus, thereby encouraging consumers to pay closer attention to product information, sales events, or other information conveyed by the display surfaces. 
     The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a display apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a portion of the display apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the portion of the display apparatus of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the portion of the display apparatus of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of the portion of the display apparatus of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is a chart of a process for using a display apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , some embodiments of a display apparatus  100  include a first sign  110  and a second sign  130 . The first and second signs  110  and  130  of the display apparatus  100  include signage portions bearing text and images indicative of, for example, products available in a retail store environment. In some embodiments, the display apparatus  100  is positioned in the retail environment, such as a consumer products store, in order to convey product information, sales information, or other information to consumers. In such embodiments, the display apparatus  100  is positioned near one or more shelves or other display fixtures holding products. The display apparatus  100  optionally conveys information related to the products displayed by the shelves or display fixtures. For example, the display apparatus  100  is positioned near shelves holding clothing and fashion accessories, and the display apparatus displays images of people wearing outfits made from the clothing and fashion accessories retained by the shelves. In other embodiments, the display apparatus includes text or images for enhancing the aesthetics of a retail environment. 
     Briefly, in use, the first and second signs  110  and  130  of the sign apparatus  100  are suspended from a ceiling track  104  in a manner to provide different display planes that attract the attention of consumers in a retail store environment. For example, both the signs  110  and  130  are toollessly mounted to the rail along the ceiling so as to draw attention from consumers in various parts of the retail store environment. In some embodiments, suspension members  102  are used to suspend the first and second signs  110  and  130  from the ceiling track  104 . Moreover, in particular embodiments the second sign  130  in this embodiment partially fits within channels  124   a - b  ( FIG. 2 ) defined by the larger, first sign  110 . For example, the first sign  110  includes an internal frame  112  that defines the channel  124   a - b  to receive a side portion of the second sign  130  and thereby retain the secondary sign  130  in a generally parallel, side-by-side configuration relative to the primary sign. The first sign  110  in this embodiment is larger in both height and depth, which forms a depth dimension between the display faces of the first sign  110  and the display faces of the second sign  130 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the first sign  110  in this embodiment includes a wire frame  112  that defines a three-dimensional prism and an interior space  125 . In the depicted example, the wire frame  112  provides a generally box-shaped structure that at least partially defines the interior space  125 . In some embodiments, the height of the wire frame  112  is substantially greater than the width of the wire frame  112  which is substantially greater than the depth of the wire frame  112 . For example, in one embodiment the wire frame  112  is about five feet tall, about two feet wide, and about six inches deep. In other embodiments the wire frame  112  is between about three feet tall and about seven feet tall, between about one foot wide and about five feet wide, and between about three inches deep and about eighteen inches deep. 
     In some embodiments, the first sign  110  includes a web of material  114  disposed about the wire frame  112 . The web of material  114  is made from a flexible material that wraps around the front, bottom, rear, and top portions of the wire frame  112  while leaving the side portions of the wire frame exposed. For example, the web of material  114  for the first sign  110  comprises a woven fabric material having an ink layer printed thereon to provide graphic images and text for conveying information. In other embodiments, the web of material  114  comprises a flexible plastic sheet, paper, cardboard, paper board, metal foil, or another flexible material. The ink layer on the web of material  114  provides the graphic images and text on both a front face  116  and a rear face (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the first sign  110 . For example, the display apparatus  100  is located in a retail environment (e.g. a store) and the front face  116  includes text and graphics related to products located near the display apparatus  100 . As another example, the front face  116  displays information relating to sales promotions or product prices in a store. As yet another example, the front face  116  displays images to enhance the aesthetics of the display apparatus  100 . In some embodiments, the rear face of the first sign  110  also includes similar graphic images and text so that similar information is conveyed to consumers on both sides of the display apparatus  100 . Optionally, the top face, the bottom face, or both include graphic images and text for conveying information to consumers. 
     The web of material  114  is configured to be toollessly removed from the frame  112  so as to readily change the appearance of the display apparatus  100 . In some embodiments, the web of material  114  is equipped with a zipper  118  located, for example, at the free ends of the web  114  which meet along the bottom face of the first sign  130 . The zipper  118  allows a store worker or other user to easily remove the web of material  114  from the wire frame  112  by unzipping the zipper  118  and unwrapping the web of material  114  from the wire frame  112 . This readily removable configuration for the web of material  114  allows the web of material  114  to be quickly and efficiently removed from the first sign  110  and replaced with a different web of material to create a new look for the display apparatus  100 . For example, a spring themed web of material depicting images of flowers is replaced by a summer themed web of material depicting images of people playing at the beach. As another example, the web of material  114  is replaced to coincide with various holidays, such as removing a St. Patrick&#39;s Day themed web of material and replacing it with an Easter themed web of material. In some embodiments, rather than the zipper  118 , the web of material  114  includes one or more buttons, snaps, or hooks for attaching ends of the web of material  114  when the web of material  114  is wrapped around the wire frame  112 . In other embodiments, the free ends of the web of material  114  are optionally joined to provide a continuous loop of material, which is positioned about the wire frame  112  by sliding the web of material  114  over one of the sides of the wire frame  112 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , in accordance with some embodiments, the second sign  130  includes a wire frame  132  that defines a shape having a depth that is substantially smaller than the depth of the first sign  110 . For example, the wire frame  132  of the second sign  130  defines a generally two-dimensional rectangle while the wire frame  112  of the first sign  110  defines a generally three-dimensional rectangular prism. In some embodiments, the height of the wire frame  132  is substantially greater than the width of the wire frame  132 . For example, in one embodiment, the wire frame  132  is about fifty-four inches tall and about 24 inches wide. As another example, the wire frame  132  is between about 54 inches tall and about 78 inches tall and between about 12 inches wide and about 60 inches wide. In some embodiments, the height of the wire frame  132  for the second sign  130  is less than the height of the wire frame  112  for the first sign  110 , while the width of the wire frame  132  is approximately equivalent to the width of the wire frame  112 . 
     In some embodiments, the second sign  130  includes one or more webs of material  134   a - c  that each has an ink layer thereon to provide graphic images or text that convey information to the consumers. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , the second sign  130  includes webs of material  134   a - c  disposed within frame portions  144   a - c  of the wire frame  132 . For example, each of the webs  134   a - c  comprises a woven fabric material that receives the ink layer on one or both sides thereof. Each of the webs  134   a - c  in this embodiment includes finger extensions  135   a - c  proximate to the outer corners of each web  134   a - c . The finger extensions  135   a - c  are configured to engage with the wire frame  132  so as to retain the corresponding webs of material  134   a - c  in a generally taut condition between the portions of the wire frame  132 . For example, each finger extension  135   a - c  is optionally configured to wrap around a horizontal arm of the wire frame  132  and releasably secure to itself in a toolless manner using, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener or a releasable adhesive. As such, a store worker or other user can readily remove some or all of the webs  134   a - c  in a toolless manner and install new webs on the second sign  130  to provide a different appearance for the second sign  130 . In alternative embodiments, the webs of material  134   a - c  comprise flexible plastic sheets, paper, cardboard, paper board, metal foil, or another flexible material. In some instances, the webs of material  134   a - c  are attached to the wire frame  132  using mechanical fasteners, such as rivets, pins, or the like. In other instances, the finger extensions  135   a - c  of the webs of material  134   a - c  are tied to the wire frame  132 . In alternative embodiments, the second sign  130  includes a single web of material that wraps around the front, bottom, rear, and top portions of the wire frame  132  while leaving side portions of the frame  132  exposed. 
     The webs of material  134   a - c  include front faces  136   a - c  that receive the ink layer for displaying information in the form of text and graphics. For example, the display apparatus  100  is located in a retail store and the front faces  136   a - c  depict images found on shirts or other apparel available for purchase from a shelf or retail display located near the display apparatus  100 . As another example, the front faces  136   a - c  display images of products and the front face  116  displays one or more images of people using the products. In some embodiments, rear faces (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the webs  134   a - c  also include images, text, or both. For example, the rear faces of the webs  134  optionally include substantially the same graphic images and text as the front faces  136   a - c  so that consumers on both sides of the second sign  130  will receive substantially similar information. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the second sign  130  of the display apparatus  100  is partially disposed within the interior space  125  of the first sign  110 . As will be described in greater detail with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 , the wire frame  112  of the first sign  110  defines one or more retaining structures recessed within an exposed side of the first sign  110 . For example, the retaining structures define one or more channels or female mating structures that are configured to receive a side portion of the second sign  130  (refer, for example, to  FIG. 2 ). When the first and second signs  110  and  130  are suspended from the ceiling, the second sign  130  is inserted through the open side face of the first sign  110  and the internal retaining structures maintain the second sign  130  in a generally parallel, side-by-side position relative to the first sign  130 . In this embodiment, the internal retaining structures comprise a set of channels  124   a - b  ( FIG. 2 ) defined by the frame  112  of the first sign  110  that have a width sufficient to slideably receive a side portion of the second sign. In such circumstances, the channels  124   a - b  maintain the front faces  136   a - c  of the second sign  130  and the front face  116  of the first sign  110  in a generally parallel relation even when one or both of the signs  110  and  130  are impacted or otherwise moved. 
     In such circumstances, the first and second signs  110  and  130  of the sign apparatus  100  are suspended from a ceiling track  104  in a manner that provides graphic images and text in different display planes to thereby attract the attention of consumers in a retail store environment. As previously described, the first sign  130  in this embodiment is larger in both height and depth, which forms a depth dimension between the front face  116  of the first sign  110  and the front faces  136   a - c  of the second sign  130  (and, optionally, a similar depth dimension between the rear faces). Because the second sign  130  is partially disposed within the interior space  125  of the first sign  110 , the display apparatus  100  provides a three-dimensional and more aesthetically pleasing appearance for the display apparatus  100 . In some instances, the three-dimensional appearance will more readily attract the attention of consumers passing by the display apparatus  100  than a two-dimensional sign, thereby causing consumers to pay closer attention to product information, sales events, or other information conveyed by the display apparatus  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-5 , the first and second signs  110  and  130  are shown with the web of material  114  and the webs of material  134   a - c  in hidden lines for illustrative purposes of showing internal structures of the first and second wire frames  112  and  132 . The first wire frame  112  includes cross supports  122  for providing extra support to the structure of the wire frame  112 . The wire frame  132  includes cross supports  142  that provide extra support to the structure of the wire frame  132  and also define the frame portions  144   a - c . The wire frame  112  defines channels  124   a  and  124   b  within the interior space  125  along a side  120  of the wire frame  112 . In this embodiment, the channels  124   a - b  are u-shaped channels defined by the wire frame  112  proximate to the open side of the first sign  110 . It should be understood that, in other embodiments, the channels  124   a - b  optionally include a shape that is different from the u-shaped channels illustrated in  FIGS. 2-5 . As previously described, the channels  124   a - b  are configured to receive a side edge portion  140  of the second sign  130 . The channels  124   a - b  align the second sign  130  in an operable position with respect to the first sign  110  with the side edge portion  140  disposed within the interior space  125  of the first sign  110 . The second sign  130  has a height that is necessarily shorter than the height of the first sign  110  to allow the second sign  130  (as shown, for example, in  FIG. 4 ) to be partially disposed within the interior space  125  defined by the wire frame  112 . 
     In some embodiments, the first and second wire frames  112  and  132  include mounting portions  126  and  146  respectively for receiving the suspension members  102 . In some embodiments, the suspension members  102  comprise flexible cables or wires that mate with the mounting portions  126  and  146  using hooks disposed at the ends thereof. The hooks allow a store worker to toollessly remove the display apparatus  100  from the suspension members  102  (e.g., without the use of handheld tools). This configuration enables a store worker to safely change the web of material  114  and/or the webs of material  134   a - c  while the first and second signs  110  and  130  are positioned on the ground, rather than hanging from the ceiling track  104 . Accordingly, the process for removing and replacing the webs of material  114  and  134   a - c  can be accomplished in a safe and convenient manner without the use of handheld tools. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 2-5 , the second sign  130  is capable of being removed from the first sign  110  to further simplify the removing and replacing of the webs of material  114  and  134   a - c . The second sign  130  is detached by sliding the side edge portion  140  out of the u-shaped channels  124   a - b . This configuration enables a store worker to readily separate the second sign  130  form the first sign  110  in a toolless manner before lowering the second sign  130  from the suspended position near the ceiling. Accordingly, the store worker can safely install or remove the apparatus  100  while standing on a ladder and without the need for operating handheld tools. 
     In some embodiments, the modular design of the display apparatus  100  allows the first and second signs  110  and  130  to be detached from each other and displayed separately. For example, the display apparatus  100  is removed from a first area of a retail store and placed in a second area of the retail store having more constrained space restrictions. In this example, the second sign  130  is removed from the first sign  110  and the first sign  110  is suspended from a support rail without the second sign  130  in order to accommodate the constrained space restrictions. As another example, the first and second signs  110  and  130  are detached and suspended from the ceiling track  104  in close proximity to each other in order to create a different three dimensional appearance for the display apparatus  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the suspension members  102  are attached to the mounting portions  126  and  146  of the first and second signs  110  and  130  using fasteners. In other embodiments, the suspension members  102  comprise cable, rope, string, ribbon, or other flexible members, which are tied or otherwise coupled to the mounting portions  126  and  146  in order to suspend the first and second signs  110  and  130  from the ceiling track  104 . Moreover, in alternative embodiments, the suspension members  102  optionally comprise rigid rods or other rigid members that are suspended from the ceiling track  104  and mate with the mounting portions  126  and  146  of the first and second frames  112  and  132 . In this embodiment, the mounting portions  126  and  146  are formed by bent portions of the wire frames  112  and  132 . In other embodiments, the mounting portions  126  and  146  optionally comprise eyelets or hooks mounted to the wire frames  112  and  132 . 
     The suspension members  102  attached to the mounting portions  146  of the second wire frame  132  are longer than the suspension members  102  attached to the mounting portions  126  of the first wire frame  112 . As such, the top of the second sign  130  is positioned lower from the ceiling than the top of the first sign  110  when the first and second signs  110  and  130  are suspended from the ceiling track  104 . Furthermore, the height of the second wire frame  132  is such that the bottom of the second sign  130  is positioned above the bottom of the first sign  110  when the first and second signs  110  and  130  are suspended from the ceiling track  104 . Such a configuration allows the open side  120  of the first sign  110  to receive the side edge portion  140  of the second sign  130  in the interior space  125  ( FIG. 1 ) without the second sign  130  contacting the top or bottom edges of the first wire frame  112 . 
     In some alternate embodiments, a second side  121  of the wire frame  112  that is opposed to the side  120  also includes channels similar in shape and size as the channels  124   a - b . These channels arranged proximate to the second side  121  of the first sign  110  are configured to receive a side edge portion of a third sign (not shown) having a structure similar to the second sign  130 . For example, the third sign includes a wire frame similar to the second wire frame  132  of the second sign  130  and one or more webs of material attached to the wire frame for displaying images and/or text to consumers. Such a configuration in which the first sign  110  receives the second sign  130  and a third sign (not shown) may provide a larger and attractive appearance for the display apparatus  100 . 
     In some alternate embodiments, the display apparatus  100  includes one or more light sources (e.g. light bulbs, LEDs, or the like) disposed within the interior space  125  of the first sign  110 . The light sources can provide a backlighting effect for the first sign  110 . In such embodiment, the web of material  114  is composed of a translucent or semi-transparent material, such as cloth, or translucent plastic. In some instances, the backlighting effect will more effectively draw the attention of consumers to the display apparatus  100 . Additionally, in some embodiments, the light sources are positioned so as to shed light on the webs of material  134   a - c  in order to make graphics and text displayed on the webs of material  134   a - c  more readily visible to consumers viewing the display apparatus  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , some embodiments of a process  200  for altering the appearance of a display apparatus include an operation  205  of separating a primary sign from a secondary sign of a display apparatus. In one example, the first sign  110  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) is the primary sign, and the second sign  130  (also shown in  FIG. 1 ) is the secondary sign. A store worker separates the second sign  130  from the first sign  110  by withdrawing the side edge portion  140  of the second sign  130  from the channels  124   a - b  disposed within the open side face  120  of the first sign  110 . As such, the second sign  130  is configured to be toollessly removed from the first sign  110  while the first sign  110  remains suspended from the ceiling. In some embodiments, the second sign  130  is held in the channels  124   a - b  by a friction fit, and the second sign  130  is removed from the open side face  120  of the first sign  110  by a sliding motion of the side edge portion  140  away from the channels  124   a - b.    
     In operation  210 , a user removes the secondary sign from a suspended position. For example, the store worker can use a ladder to reach the display apparatus  100  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) when it is suspended in an operative position. The store worker removes the second sign  130  (also shown in  FIG. 1 ) from the suspension members  102  and places the second sign  130  on the ground, a shelf, a support device, or in another location accessible while standing on the ground. In some instances, the second sign  130  is removed from the suspension members  102  by unhooking the mounting portions  146  from hooks disposed at the end of the suspension members  102 . 
     In operation  215 , a user removes the primary sign from a suspended position. In one example, the store worker can use the ladders to access the first sign  110  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) when it is suspended in an operative position. The store worker removes the first sign  110  from the suspension members  102 . The first sign  110  is then placed on the ground, a shelf, a support device, or in another location accessible while standing on the ground. In some instances, the first sign  110  is removed from the suspension members  102  by unhooking the mounting portions  126  from hooks disposed at the end of the suspension members  102 . In some alternate embodiments in which the display apparatus  100  includes light sources for providing a backlit effect for the first sign  110 , removing the first sign  110  from a suspended position further includes detaching the light sources from a power source (e.g. unplugging a power cable of the light sources) or detaching the light sources from the first sign  110 . 
     In these embodiments of the process  200  in which the primary sign and secondary sign are separated before removing the primary and secondary signs from their suspended positions, an individual store worker can readily change the appearance of the display apparatus  100  because the individual store worker optionally manipulates the signs  110  and  130  one at a time rather than attempting to remove the signs  110  and  130  from the suspension members  102  while the signs  110  and  130  are still attached to one another. 
     In some alternate embodiments of the process  200 , the steps of removing the secondary sign and the primary sign from suspended positions are performed in reverse order. Also, in other embodiments of the process  200 , the step of separating the secondary sign from the primary sign is performed after the step of removing the primary and secondary signs from a suspended position. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 6 , in operation  220  of the process  200 , the user removes an outer covering of the primary sign and replaces the outer covering with a different outer covering. For example, the web of material  114  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) wrapped around the first wire frame  112  of the first sign  110  includes graphics and texts related to a first set of products. In this example, a store worker toollessly removes the web of material  114  from the wire frame  112  by unzipping the zipper  118  and removing the web of material  114 . The store worker then retrieves a replacement web of material which includes different graphics and texts related to a different set of products or otherwise providing a different appearance. The store worker wraps the replacement web of material around the first wire frame  112  and uses a zipper, buttons, or snaps of the second web of material to secure the second web of material around the wire frame  112 , thus changing the appearance of the first sign  110 . As another example, the store worker toollessly removes the web of material  114  from the wire frame  112  by sliding the web of material  114  over one of the sides of the wire frame  112  (e.g. the side  120  or the side  121 ). The store worker then slides the replacement web of material over one of the sides of the wire frame  112  until the second web of material is in an operative position on the wire frame  112 . In such instances, the web of material  114  and the replacement web of material do not require zippers, buttons, snaps, hooks, or other fasteners in order to be removed from or attached to the wire frame  112 . 
     In operation  225 , the user removes one or more signage portions of the secondary sign and replaces the one or more signage portions with one or more different signage portions. For example, a store worker removes one, some, or all of the webs of material  134   a - c  from the frame portions  144   a - c  of the second wire frame  132  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments, the webs of material  134   a - c  are toollessly removed from the wire frame  132  by disengaging (e.g. unwrapping) the finger extensions  135   a - c  of the webs of material  134   a - c  from horizontal arms of the wire frame  132 . In some instances, the webs of material  134   a - c  are removed by loosening fasteners used to attach the webs of material  134   a - c  to the wire frame  132 . As another example, the webs of material  134   a - c  are removed from the wire frame  132  by releasing a removable adhesive or two sided tape from the finger extensions  135   a - c . Once the store worker has removed one or more of the webs of material  134   a - c , the store worker attaches one or more replacement webs of material to the wire frame  132  in order to change the appearance of the second sign  130 . For example, the webs of material  134   a - c  display graphics that are displayed on clothing items located near the display apparatus  100  when the display apparatus is suspended in an operative position. The webs of material  134   a - c  are removed and replaced with replacement webs of material that display graphics representing a different set of clothing items or otherwise having a different appearance. In some instances, images and text displayed by the different signage portions affixed to the secondary sign correspond to images and text displayed by the different outer covering that is affixed to the primary sign in operation  220 . In some embodiments, the replacement webs of material include finger extensions (similar to finger extensions  135   a - c  shown in  FIG. 1 ) configured to wrap around horizontal arms of the wire frame  132  and hold the different webs of material in a generally taut condition between the frame portions  144   a - c  of the wire frame  132   
     In operation  230 , the user positions the primary sign in a suspended position. For example, one or more store workers lift the first sign  110  (having the replacement web of material) toward the ceiling and attach the first sign  110  to the suspension members  102 . In some instances, the first sign  110  is attached to the suspension members  102  by attaching hooks disposed at the end of the suspension members  102  to the mounting portions  126  of the wire frame  112 . In some embodiments, the suspension members  102  are attached to the wire frame  112  using fasteners. In some embodiments, the first sign  110  is suspended from the ceiling track  104  using rope, string, chains, rods, or ribbons. In some alternate embodiments in which the display apparatus  100  includes light sources for providing a backlit effect for the first sign  110 , positioning the first sign  110  in a suspended position further includes coupling the light sources to a power source (e.g. plugging in a power cable of the light sources) or attaching the light sources to the first sign  110 . 
     In operation  235 , the user positions the secondary sign in a suspended position. For example, one or more store workers use one or more ladders to lift the second sign  130  (having the replacement webs) toward the ceiling and attach the second sign  130  to the suspension members  102 . In some instances, the second sign  130  is attached to the suspension members  102  by attaching hooks disposed at the end of the suspension members  102  to the mounting portions  146  of the wire frame  132 . In some embodiments, the suspension members  102  are attached to the wire frame  132  using fasteners. In some embodiments, the second sign  130  is suspended from the ceiling track  104  using rope, string, chains, rods, or ribbons. 
     In operation  240 , the user couples the secondary sign to the primary sign. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the side edge portion  140  of the second sign  130  is inserted into the channels  124   a - b  disposed within the open side face  120  of the first sign  110 . In some instances, fasteners are used to secure the second sign  130  to the first sign  110  once the side edge portion  140  is in an operative position with respect to the u-shaped channels  124   a - b  of the first sign  110 . In some instances the channels  124   a - b  form a friction fit with the side edge portion  140  of the second sign  130 . 
     Accordingly, the process  200  provides a user with opportunity to toollessly remove the first and second signs, change the appearance of one or both signs, and thereafter install the first and second signs in the ceiling-mounted position. In such embodiments, both the first and second signs can be toollessly mounted to a ceiling of a retail store environment so as to draw consumers&#39; attention toward the primary and secondary sign surfaces on multiple planes. 
     A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.