Patent Publication Number: US-8123051-B2

Title: Display apparatus for securely displaying a product

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Display fixtures can be used in retail stores or other environments to present various products to consumers. The display fixtures may retain products for consumers to purchase, or display products or images of products for consumers to view. For example, shirts, pants, and other various apparel products may be suspended from a display fixture. Such a display fixture can be arranged along an aisle in a store so that consumers walking by the display fixture can view selected products. 
     In another example, sporting goods, such as baseball bats, rollerblades, bicycle helmets, and hockey sticks can be hung from hooks or hangers attached to a retail display shelf Consumers may select among various styles and sizes of the sporting goods to find a desired product. Consumers can remove a desired sporting good product from the retail display and purchase the product. 
     In some circumstances, a retail display can display various sample products that are not available for purchase as examples of other products that are available for purchase. For example, a retail display may include a number of mannequins for displaying a variety of apparel items. The apparel items worn by the mannequins may not be for sale, but other products of the same style as the apparel items worn by the mannequins may be available for purchase. As another example, a retail case may display a variety of screws of various sizes. The screws within the case may not be available for purchase, but screws of the same size and design as the screws within the case may be available for purchase in a nearby bin or rack. 
     As another example, a retail display may include a number of fixtures for displaying kayaks or canoes. Such fixtures may retain display units of the kayaks or canoes out of reach of customers, in which case additional units would ordinarily be retrieved from an associated warehousing area in the event of a purchase. Other versions of such fixtures include horizontally extending arms that support the underside of the kayaks and canoes. The arms essentially provide a horizontal rack on which the kayaks or canoes rest. In such retail environments the displayed unit may itself be made available for sale. 
     Another type of fixture is typically used to display surfboards or skis. Such fixtures may comprise posts or arms extending outwardly from a wall, the posts being spaced apart a suitable distance to permit surfboards or skis to be inserted between the post and leaned against the wall or the posts. With these display arrangements customers may interact directly with the merchandise and may readily remove the surfboards or skis from the display unit and transport them around the retail environment. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some embodiments of a display fixture may include an articulable arm assembly that can be adjusted so as to retain items in a vertical orientation. In one implementation, the arm assembly may be mounted to a horizontal cross-member of a retail display fixture and may include two grasping arms that can be slidably adjusted relative to one another so as to contact the edges of a surfboard or wakeboard and securely display the item in an offset orientation such that the item is presented at an angle relative to a normal viewing direction. The arm assembly may include a pivot mechanism that permits the angle to be adjusted, optionally to a number of predetermined angular positions. In certain implementations, two or more such arm assemblies may be used to retain lower and upper portions of the surfboard or wakeboard, thereby substantially preventing customers from removing the item from the display and elevating the item so that a bottom surface of the item is not abraded from contact with a floor or base panel of an associated display fixture. In some embodiments, the arm assemblies may be integrated into the same display fixture on which retail display shelves are mounted, wherein the display shelves support products associated with the item being retained by the display fixtures. 
     In some embodiments, multiple display fixtures may be attached to a retail display shelf to allow several items to be secured and displayed by the display fixtures. For example, several display fixtures may be used to retain and display four surfboards in a side by side fashion relative to each other. As such, a consumer can easily view and compare the surfboards so as to select from among the surfboards. As another example, a first set of display fixtures may be used to retain a surfboard, a second set of display fixtures may be used to retain a wakeboard, and a third set of display fixtures may be used to retain a skateboard. As such, a consumer can easily view and touch the retained items so as to select from among the items without being able to readily remove the items from the display fixture. 
     In an illustrative embodiment, grasping arms of an arm assembly of a display fixture may include pads on an inner surface for contacting and securing an item. As such, the pads may prevent damage to the surfaces of an item being contacted by the display fixture. In an illustrative embodiment, a first arm of the arm assembly may include an aperture to allow a portion of the second arm of the arm assembly to pass through the first arm. For example, the width of the arm assembly may be adjusted to a width that is less than the width of one arm of the arm assembly by sliding the second arm relative to the first arm so that a portion of the first arm passes through the aperture. 
     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 fixture, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a display fixture, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a grasping arm of the display fixture of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of display fixtures securing and displaying a surfboard. 
         FIGS. 5A-5E  show perspective views of grasping arms, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  is a flow chart for a process for securing a product using a display fixture. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , some embodiments of a display fixture  100  can be configured to secure and display a variety of board shaped products. For example, products secured and displayed by the display fixture  100  can include surfboards, snowboards, skateboards, long boards, wakeboards, and ironing boards. The display fixture  100  includes a support arm  150  which terminates at its proximal end in a support bracket  160 . The display fixture  100  further includes a joint bracket  140  attached to the distal end of the support arm  150 . The display fixture  100  further includes an arm assembly which includes grasping arms  110   a  and  110   b  and attaches to the joint bracket  140 . The arm assembly can be articulated in a lateral direction to adjust the width of the display fixture in order to secure a portion of a product using the grasping arms  110 . In some embodiments, the display fixture  100  can display a product (e.g. a surfboard) in a generally vertical manner. In some embodiments, two or more display fixtures can attach to a retail display shelf and can be used to secure and display a product in a generally vertical manner by grasping the edges of the product with the grasping arms  110 . 
     Each grasping arm  110  includes a longitudinally extending portion  112  and a grasping portion  114 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , each grasping portion  114  includes a number of linear portions connected so as to form a generally hook shaped portion. Each grasping portion  114  defines a channel  116  for receiving a surfboard or other product as mentioned above. For example, a surfboard can be grasped by the grasping arm  110   a  by positioning the side of the surfboard within the channel  116   a  so that a front portion  115  of the grasping portion  114   a  contacts the front of the surfboard and a back portion  117  of the grasping portion  114   a  contacts the back of the surfboard. 
     Each grasping arm  110  includes one or more pads  118  on the inner surface of the grasping portion  114 . The pads can contact a product that is being secured by the display fixture  100  to secure the product in place while preventing damage to the product. For example, the pads  118  can prevent the grasping arms  110  from scratching a surfboard that is being secured by the display fixture  100 . 
     The grasping arms  110  are slideably mounted to one another to allow the display fixture  100  to be adjusted to the width of a product being secured. For example, the grasping arms  110  can be slid apart with relation to each other to allow a surfboard to be placed between the grasping portions  114  of the grasping arms  110 . The grasping arms can be slid together until the grasping portions  114  contact the surfboard, to provide a secure fit. As another example, the display fixture  100  can be adjusted to a first width to display a surfboard. The surfboard can then be removed from the display fixture  100 , and the display fixture  100  can be adjusted to a second width, which is smaller than the first width, to secure a smaller product, such as a skateboard. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , in accordance with some embodiments, each grasping arm  110  includes a track  120 . The tracks  120  are disposed within the longitudinally extending portions  112  of the grasping arms  110 . The grasping arms  110  are secured to one another using fasteners (e.g. bolts  122 ) extending through the track  120  of each grasping arm  110 . In some embodiments, rather than the bolts  122 , the fasteners can be screws, pins, or rivets. The bolts  122  can be loosened to allow each grasping arm  110  to slide along its respective track  120  in relation to the other grasping arm  110 . The bolts  122  can be tightened (for example, using nuts) to secure the display fixture  100  at a particular width. For example, the bolts  122  can extend first through the track  120   a  and then through the track  120   b  and can couple to nuts on the back side of the grasping arm  110   b . The nuts can be tightened to secure the bolts  122  and hold the grasping arms  110  in place with respect to each other. 
     In some embodiments, the nuts used to secure the bolts  122  can be wing nuts to allow an employee of a store which includes the display fixture  100  to easily loosen and tighten the nuts by hand without the use of handheld tools. This allows the employee to easily adjust the width of the display fixture  100  to accommodate a variety of products of varying sizes. For example, the employee can easily loosen the nuts and slide the grasping arms  110  away from each other to remove a large product, such as a surfboard. The employee can then insert a smaller product, such as a snowboard, between the grasping portions  114  of the grasping arms  110  and slide the grasping arms  110  toward each other to hold the snowboard in place. The employee can then tighten the wing nuts by hand to secure the snowboard in place. 
     In some embodiments, the nuts used to secure the bolts  122  can be nuts that require a special tool to be loosened and tightened so that only an employee of the store is capable of loosening the bolts  122  and adjusting the width of the display fixture  100 . For example, the nuts can have a unique shape that does not readily mate with a standard wrench. A special tool that is keyed to the unique shape of the nuts can be used to loosen and tighten the nuts. As another example, the bolts  122  can have a unique pattern to prevent standard wrenches and screwdrivers from being used to loosen and tighten the bolts  122 . A special tool that matches the unique pattern of the bolts  122  can be used to loosen and tighten the nuts. This allows the display fixture  100  to securely retain a product while preventing customers from removing the product from the display fixture  100 . In some embodiments, the nuts used to tighten the bolts  122  can be partially hidden from view so as not to be readily noticeable by a customer viewing the display fixture  100 . This can prevent a customer from loosening the bolts  122  and releasing a product from the display fixture  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the grasping arm  110   b  can include one or more spring loaded ball bearings disposed along the longitudinally extending portion  112   b  and the grasping arm  110   a  can include a number of detents at various intervals along the length of the longitudinally extending portion  112   a  for receiving the spring loaded ball bearings. The spring loaded ball bearings can engage the detents to hold the grasping arms  110  at a number of predetermined widths with relation to each other. This provides a quick release sliding mechanism for adjusting the width of the display fixture  100  without the use of nuts, bolts, screws, or tools. 
     The grasping arm  110   b  includes an aperture  124  to allow the longitudinally extending portion  112   a  of the grasping arm  110   a  to pass through the grasping arm  110   b . This allows the display fixture  100  to be adjusted to widths that are smaller than the length of a grasping arm  110 . For example, if the grasping arm  110   b  did not include the aperture  124 , the display fixture  100  would only be able to be decreased in width until the end of the longitudinally extending portion  112   a  came in contact with the grasping portion  114   b  of the grasping arm  110   b . The aperture  124  allows the longitudinally extending portion  112   a  to pass through the grasping arm  110   b , thereby allowing the display fixture to secure products with relatively small widths (e.g. widths smaller than the length of one grasping arm  110 ). 
     In some embodiments, the grasping arms  110  can be made of stainless steel. Stainless steel provides the advantages of stain, corrosion, and rust resistance while being suitably rigid for securing a product to be displayed. In some embodiments, the grasping arms  110  can be made of a rigid plastic. For example, the grasping arms  110  can be made of high density polyethylene, which has a relatively high intermolecular force and tensile strength compared to other rigid plastics, such as low density polyethylene. As another example, the grasping arms  110  can be made of polypropylene, which is lighter weight than high density polyethylene, yet still rigid enough to adequately secure a product for display. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , in accordance with some embodiments, the display fixture  100  includes a joint bracket  140 . The grasping arms  110  are secured to the joint bracket  140  by the bolts  122  to allow the grasping arms  110  to slide horizontally with relation to the joint bracket  140 . In some embodiments, the grasping arms  110  are secured to the joint bracket  140  by tightening nuts onto the ends of the bolts  122 . In some embodiments, the joint bracket  140  can include one or more spring loaded pins on the top surface of the joint bracket  140 . Each of the grasping arms  110  can include a plate extending from the top surface of the grasping arm  110  in a direction towards the joint bracket  140 . The plates can include apertures for receiving the spring loaded pins of the joint bracket  140 . This allows the grasping arms  110  to be positioned at a number of predetermine positions with relation to each other and the joint bracket  140 . For example, the grasping arm  110   b  can include a plate that extends rearward from the top of the longitudinally extending portion  112   b  over the top surface of the joint bracket  140 . The spring loaded pin disposed within the joint bracket  140  can extend through a first aperture of the plate to hold the grasping arm  110   b  at a first fixed position relative to the joint bracket  140 . To adjust the position of the grasping arm  110   b , the pin can be pushed down, and the grasping arm  110   b  can be slid relative to the joint bracket  140  until a second aperture is aligned with the pin. The spring mechanism of the pin can then cause the pin to extend through the second aperture to hold the grasping arm  110   b  at a second fixed position relative to the joint bracket  140 . 
     In accordance with some embodiments, the joint bracket  140  attaches to the support arm  150  at a distal end of the support arm  150 . In some embodiments, the joint bracket  140  attaches to the support arm  150  using a bolt  142 . In some embodiments, the joint bracket  140  attaches to the support arm using a pin or screw. In some embodiments, the joint bracket  140  can be welded to the support arm  150 . 
     In some embodiments, the joint bracket  140  is capable of rotating or pivoting with relation to the support arm  150 . For example, the joint bracket  140  can rotate about the bolt  142  in order to rotate with relation to the support arm  150 . In some embodiments, the joint bracket  140  can be coupled to the support arm  150  by a ball bearing mechanism to allow for easy rotation of the joint bracket  140  with relation to the support arm  150 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, the joint bracket  140  includes a number of apertures  144  for receiving a spring loaded pin  152 . The spring loaded pin  152  is disposed within the support arm  150 . The spring loaded pin  152  can extend through the apertures  144  to hold the joint bracket  140  at a number of predetermined angles with respect to the support arm  150 . For example, the spring loaded pin  152  can extend through a first one of the apertures  144  to hold the joint bracket  140  at a first angle with respect to the support arm  150 . The spring loaded pin  152  can be pressed down through the first aperture  144  to release the joint bracket  140  and allow the joint bracket  140  to rotate with respect to the support arm  150  about the bolt  142 . The joint bracket  140  can be rotated until the spring loaded pin  152  is aligned with a second one of the apertures  144 . The spring loaded pin  152  can extend through the second aperture  144  to hold the joint bracket  140  at a second angle with respect to the support arm  150  which is different from the first angle. In some embodiments, the spring loaded pin  152  can hold the joint bracket  140  in a position with relation to the support arm  150  so as to cause the longitudinally extending portion  112   a  to form an angle  156  with respect to the support arm  150 . In some embodiments, the angle  156  can be about 50 to 80 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle  156  can be about 60 to 75 degrees. In some further embodiments, the angle  156  can be about 65 to 70 degrees. In some further embodiments, the angle  156  can be about 67 to 68 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle  156  can be about 67.5 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle  156  can be about 30 to 60 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle  156  can be about 40 to 50 degrees. In some further embodiments, the angle  156  can be about 46 to 47 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle  156  can be about 45 degrees. 
     In some embodiments, the support arm  150  includes one or more spring loaded ball bearings and the joint bracket  140  includes a number of detents for receiving the ball bearings. The detents can receive the one or more spring loaded ball bearings to releasably hold the joint bracket at a desired angle with respect to the support arm. The detents can be spaced apart so as to allow the joint bracket  140  to be positioned at a number of predetermined angles with respect to the support arm  150 . In some embodiments, the joint bracket  140  can be rotated to a desired angle with respect to the support arm  150  and secured in place by tightening the bolt  142  (e.g. using a wing nut). In some embodiments, the joint bracket  140  can be secured to the support arm  150  at a fixed angle. For example, the joint bracket  140  can be welded to the support arm  150  at a fixed angle. As another example, a number of fasteners (e.g., nuts and bolts) can be used to attach the joint bracket  140  to the support arm  150  at a fixed angle. 
     The proximal end of the support arm  150  terminates in the support bracket  160  configured to attach to a support structure. For example, the support bracket  160  can attach to a crossbeam of a retail display shelf. The support bracket includes an aperture  162  for receiving a bolt for securing the display fixture  100  to a support structure. For example, the support bracket  160  can be attached to a crossbeam of a retail display shelf by aligning the aperture  162  with a hole in the crossbeam and inserting a bolt through the aperture  162  and the hole in the crossbeam. A nut can be affixed to the bottom end of the bolt and tightened to hold the display fixture  100  in place with respect to the crossbeam. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a merchandise display  200  includes a display fixture  202  and a crossbeam  280 . The display fixture  202  includes grasping arms  110   a  and  110   b  as described above with reference to  FIG. 1 . The display fixture  202  further includes a support arm  250  for attaching the grasping arms  110  to the crossbeam  280 . In the example depicted, the support arm  250  attaches directly to the grasping arms  110  without the use of a joint bracket. The grasping arms  110  are secured to the support arm  250  by fasteners (e.g. bolts  222 ). The bolts are inserted through the tracks  120  of the grasping arms  110  and through bolt receiving apertures of the support arm  250 . The bolts  222  can be secured in place by affixing nuts to the bolts  222  to secure the grasping arms  110  in place with respect to the support arm  250 . The bolts  222  can be loosened to allow the grasping arms  110  to slide in a horizontal direction with respect to each other and the support arm  250 . The bolts  222  can be tightened to hold the grasping arms  110  in a fixed position with relation to each other and the support arm  250 . 
     In some embodiments, the grasping arm  110   b  is attached to the support arm in a fixed position. For example, the grasping arm  110   b  can be permanently fixed to the support arm  250  by welding the longitudinally extending portion  112   b  to the support arm  250 . As another example, the grasping arm  110   b  and the support arm  250  can be constructed from a single piece of metal. As another example, the grasping arm  110   b  can be secured to the support arm  250  using rivets. In some embodiments, the support arm  110   a  can be slidably attached to the support arm  110   b  as described above with reference to  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, the support arm  110   a  can be slidably attached to the support arm  110   b  using spring loaded ball bearings and detents as described above with reference to  FIG. 1 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2 , the support arm  250  includes a support bracket  260  on an end of the support arm  250  opposite the grasping arms  110 . The support bracket  260  includes an aperture  262  for receiving a bolt or screw. The crossbeam  280  includes a plurality of holes  282 . The support bracket  260  can be positioned along the crossbeam  280  so that the aperture  262  aligns with one of the holes  282 . A bolt can be inserted through the aperture  262  and the hole  282  and secured in place using a nut. The bolt can be removed from the hole  282  and the aperture  262  to allow the display fixture  202  to be repositioned along the length of the crossbeam  280 . In some embodiments, the display fixture  202  can be detached from the crossbeam  280  by removing the bolt from the aperture  262  and the hole  282 . The display fixture  202  can then be attached to a different crossbeam or another suitable support structure capable of receiving the display fixture  202 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the longitudinally extending portion  112   a  of grasping arm  110   a  is capable of extending through the aperture  124  of the grasping arm  110   b . The aperture  124  is wider than the width of the longitudinally extending portion  112   a  to allow the longitudinally extending portion  112   a  to easily pass through. The longitudinally extending portion  112   a  is positioned in front of the longitudinally extending portion  112   b  so that the longitudinally extending portion  112   a  passes through the aperture  124  rather than behind the grasping arm  110 . This allows the width of the display fixture  100  to be smaller than the length of a grasping arm  110  (as described above with reference to  FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments, the grasping arm  110   a  can be positioned above or below the grasping arm  110   b  to allow the longitudinally extending portion  112   a  to pass beside the grasping portion  114   b  of the grasping arm  110   b  rather than passing through an aperture in the grasping arm  110   b.    
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , in accordance with some embodiments, a product (e.g. a surfboard  440 ) is secured in place by display fixtures  100 . The display fixtures  100  are attached to crossbeams  410  of a merchandise display  400 . The display fixtures  100  are attached to the crossbeams  410  by positioning the support brackets  160  on the crossbeams  410  and inserting bolts through the apertures  162  to secure the display fixtures in place. In some embodiments, the merchandise display  400  can include additional display fixtures  100  for receiving additional surfboards or other products as described above with reference to  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, the merchandise display  400  can include additional crossbeams  410  for receiving additional display fixtures  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the merchandise display  400  includes a number of shelves  420 . The shelves  420  are attached to a back support  422  of the merchandise display  400 . Various products can be placed on the shelves  420 . For example, products related to surfing, such as wetsuits or sunscreen, can be placed on the shelves  420 . In some embodiments, the merchandise display  400  can include a number of hooks for displaying products. For example, the display fixtures  100  can be used to secure a skateboard. Skating related apparel can be hung from the hooks alongside the skateboard. In some embodiments, the merchandise display  400  can include a number of bins for displaying products. Following the example where the display fixtures  100  are used to secure a skateboard, the bins can display skateboard parts such as wheels, bearings, and grip tape. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 4 , the surfboard  440  is secured in place by adjusting the grasping arms  110  of the display fixtures  100  to securely contact the edges of the surfboard  440 . For example, nuts and bolts of the display fixtures  100  can be loosened to allow the grasping arms to slide horizontally with relation to each other as described above with reference to  FIG. 1 . Once the grasping arms  110  have been adjusted to a desired position so as to firmly contact the edges of the surfboard  440 , the nuts and bolts can be tightened to secure the surfboard  440  in place. 
     The surfboard  440  can be positioned at a desired angle for display by rotating the joint brackets  140  of the display fixtures  100  with respect to the support arms  150  of the display fixtures as described above with reference to  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, the display fixtures  100  can be positioned at a number of predetermined angles for displaying the surfboard at a number of predetermined positions with respect to the merchandise display  400 . In some embodiments, the display fixtures  100  can be positioned at any angle within the range of motion of the joint brackets  140  to allow an employee of a store which includes the merchandise display  400  to position the surfboard  440  at a desired angle. 
     In some embodiments, the bottom of the surfboard  440  is supported by a base portion  424  of the merchandise display  400 . The base portion  424  supports a portion of the weight of the surfboard to allow the display fixtures  100  to secure the surfboard  440  in place without bearing the entire weight of the surfboard  440 . This can prevent the grasping arms  110  from damaging the edges of the surfboard by allowing the display fixtures  100  to be adjusted to a slightly looser fit. In some embodiments, the surfboard  440  is suspended above the base portion  424  and supported entirely by the display fixtures  100 . This can prevent damage to the bottom of the surfboard. 
     The display fixtures  100  secure surfboard  440  in place to allow customers to see and touch the surfboard  440  without being able to remove the surfboard  440  from the display fixtures  100 . This allows a customer to view one or more surfboards  440  and select a desired style or design of surfboard. Securing the surfboard  440  in place prevents the customer from removing from merchandise display  400  and carrying the surfboard  440  through the rest of the store. This can help to prevent damage to other products in the store that can be caused by a customer carrying a large object, such as the surfboard  440 , through store isles. If the customer decides to purchase a surfboard, an employee of the store can retrieve a surfboard of the style or design selected by the customer from a storage area, such as a warehouse portion of the store. The customer can pay for the surfboard and pick up the purchased surfboard from a loading dock in order to avoid having to carry a large product through the main portion of the store. 
     Certain of the aforementioned embodiments have been specifically described in the context of displaying vertically oriented surfboards. The apparatus described herein may be deployed so as to display items in a substantially non-vertical direction, such as at an inclined angle or substantially horizontally. In such embodiments, the arm assemblies may be mounted to horizontal or vertical support rails such that the arm assemblies lie in substantially vertical planes. Alternatively or additionally, a rotational mechanism may be added to the support arm that permits the distal portion to rotate relative to the proximal end. In such embodiments, an axle and bearing assembly may be housed within the outer wall of the support arm such that one end of the axle is retained within each end of the support arm. Frictional engagement members may be placed on the faces of the support arm sections that abut one another to cause the sections to substantially remain in one operative position when not articulated by a user. 
     In some embodiments, the joint bracket may be rotatably coupled to the support arm to allow the arm assembly to rotate about a major axis of the horizontal arm. For example, the joint bracket may be coupled to the support arm by an axle and bearing assembly such that a first end of the axle is retained within the support arm and a second end of the axel is retained within the joint bracket. In some embodiments, frictional engagement members may be placed on the faces of the support arm and joint bracket that abut one another to cause the sections to substantially remain in one operative position when not articulated by a user. 
     In some embodiments, the arm assembly can be coupled to the support arm by a lockable universal ball type joint so as to allow the arm assembly to rotate about a plurality of axes with respect to the support arm. For example, the arm assembly may include a generally ball shaped extension which is received by a joint or socket of the support arm, thereby allowing the arm assembly to be positioned at a number of angles within a plurality of planes with respect to the support arm. 
     In some embodiments, a retail display may include first and second display fixtures. The first display fixture may be positioned above the second display fixture and used to secure an upper portion of a surfboard. The second display fixture may be used to secure a lower portion of the surfboard. The support arm of the first display fixture may be longer than the support arm of the second display fixture so as to position the surfboard so that the front surface of the surfboard is facing in a downward direction relative to vertically displayed surfboard. In some embodiments, the length of the support arm of a display fixture may be adjustable so as to allow an employee of a store which includes the display fixture to adjust the length of the support arm to position a surfboard or other product retained by the display fixture at various angles with respect to a vertically displayed product. For example, the support arm may include a number of telescoping sections nested within each other to allow the length of the support arm to be adjusted. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5A , in accordance with some embodiments, a grasping arm  510  includes a longitudinally extending portion  512  and a grasping portion  514 . The grasping portion  514  is formed from a plurality of straight portions  520   a - c . The straight portions  520   a - c  of the grasping portion  514  define a channel  516  for receiving an edge of a product, such as a surfboard, snowboard, skateboard, long board, wakeboard, or ironing board. The grasping portion  514  includes one or more pads  518  for receiving the edge of a surfboard or other product as mentioned above. The pads  518  can prevent the grasping portion  514  from damaging a product being secured by the grasping arm  510 . In some embodiments, the grasping arm  510  can be made from a soft plastic, such as polypropylene to prevent the grasping portion  514  from damaging a product, thereby eliminating the need for pads  518 . 
     In some embodiments, the grasping portion  514  can be formed from less than three straight portions  520 . For example, the grasping portion  514  can be formed from two straight portions  520  connected at a generally v-shaped angle with respect to each other. In some embodiments, the grasping portion can be formed from more than three straight portions  520 . For example, the grasping portion  514  can be formed from five straight portions  520  which define the channel  516 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5B , in accordance with some embodiments, a grasping arm  610  includes a longitudinally extending portion  612  and a grasping portion  614 . The grasping portion  614  is formed from a straight portion  620  and a generally elliptically shaped portion  622 . The generally elliptically shaped portion  622  of the grasping portion  614  defines a channel  616  for receiving an edge of a product, such as a surfboard, snowboard, skateboard, long board, wakeboard, or ironing board. The grasping portion  614  includes one or more pads  618  for receiving the edge of a surfboard or other product as mentioned above. The pads  618  can prevent the grasping portion  614  from damaging a product being secured by the grasping arm  610 . In some embodiments, the grasping arm  610  can be made from a soft plastic, such as polypropylene to prevent the grasping portion  614  from damaging a product, thereby eliminating the need for pads  618 . In some embodiments, the generally elliptically shaped portion  622  can be formed to match the shape of the edge of a product (e.g. a surfboard) to allow the grasping arm  610  to better contact and secure the product within the channel  616 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5C , in accordance with some embodiments, a grasping arm  710  includes a longitudinally extending portion  712  and a grasping portion  714 . The grasping portion  714  is formed from a straight portion  720  and a generally semi-circular portion  722 . The generally semi-circular portion  722  of the grasping portion  714  defines a channel  716  for receiving an edge of a product, such as a surfboard, snowboard, skateboard, long board, wakeboard, or ironing board. In some embodiments, the grasping portion  714  includes one or more pads for receiving the edge of a surfboard or other product as mentioned above. The pads can prevent the grasping portion  714  from damaging a product being secured by the grasping arm  710 . In some embodiments, the grasping arm  710  can be made from a soft plastic, such as polypropylene to prevent the grasping portion  714  from damaging a product, thereby eliminating the need for pads. In some embodiments, the generally semi-circular portion  722  can be formed to match the shape of the edge of a product (e.g. a surfboard) to allow the grasping arm  710  to better contact and secure the product. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5D , in accordance with some embodiments, a grasping arm  810  includes a longitudinally extending portion  812  and a grasping portion  814 . The grasping portion  814  is formed from a plurality of straight portions  820   a - b . The straight portion  820   a  forms a right angle with respect to the longitudinally extending portion  812  and the straight portion  820   b  forms a right angle with respect to the straight portion  820   a . The straight portions  820   a - b  of the grasping portion  814 , along with the longitudinally extending portion  812 , define a channel  816  for receiving an edge of a product, such as a surfboard, snowboard, skateboard, long board, wakeboard, or ironing board. In some embodiments, the grasping portion  814  includes one or more pads for receiving the edge of a surfboard or other product as mentioned above. The pads can prevent the grasping portion  814  from damaging a product being secured by the grasping arm  810 . In some embodiments, the grasping arm  810  can be made from a soft plastic, such as polypropylene to prevent the grasping portion  814  from damaging a product, thereby eliminating the need for pads. 
     In some embodiments, the grasping arm  810  includes a mechanism for adjusting the length of the straight portion  820   a . For example, the straight portion  820   a  can be formed from two straight pieces that are designed to slide with relation to each other, as described above for the grasping arms  110  with relation to  FIG. 1 . This allows a user of the grasping arm  810  to adjust the width of the channel  816  by adjusting the distance between the straight portion  820   b  and the longitudinally extending portion  812 . The width of the channel  816  can be adjusted to allow the grasping arm  810  to securely grasp a product (e.g. a surfboard) on the front and rear surfaces of the product. By contacting the product on the front and rear surfaces, damage to the edge of the product can be prevented. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5E , in accordance with some embodiments, a grasping arm  910  includes a longitudinally extending portion  912  and a first grasping portion  914   a  and a second grasping portion  914   b . The grasping portions are joined by a spring assembly  940 . The spring assembly  940  includes a housing  942  for holding a spring mechanism and arms  944  for connecting to the grasping portions  914 . The grasping portions  914  define a channel  916  for receiving an edge of a product, such as a surfboard, snowboard, skateboard, long board, wakeboard, or ironing board. In the embodiment depicted, the grasping portions  914  have a generally semi-elliptical shape. In some embodiments, the grasping portions  914  can have shapes similar to those described above with reference to  FIGS. 5A-5D . The grasping portions  914  include one or more pads  918  for a surfboard or other product as mentioned above. The pads  918  can prevent the grasping portions  914  from damaging a product being secured by the grasping arm  910 . The grasping arm  910  can secure a product (e.g. a surfboard) by receiving an edge of the product within the channel  916 . The spring assembly causes the grasping portion  914   b  to rotate towards the grasping portion  914   b  until the pads  918  contact the front and rear surfaces of the product and to securely hold the product in place. By contacting the product on the front and rear surfaces, damage to the edge of the product can be prevented. In some embodiments, the grasping portions  914  can be made from a soft plastic, such as polypropylene to prevent the grasping portions  914  from damaging a product, thereby eliminating the need for pads  918 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , some embodiments of a process  1000  for securing a product can include an operation  1005  of positioning an edge of a product within a channel of a first grasping arm of a display fixture. For example, a product such as a surfboard, snowboard, skateboard, long board, wakeboard, or ironing board can be secured by the display fixture  100  shown in  FIG. 1  by placing an edge of the product within the channel  116   a  of the grasping arm  110   a . In some embodiments, positioning an edge of a product includes contacting the edge of the product with one or more pads  118   a  secured to the inner surface of the grasping arm  110   a.    
     In some embodiments, positioning an edge of a product within a channel of a first grasping arm of a display fixture can include adjusting the size of the channel by adjusting the length of a straight portion of a non-linear grasping portion of the first grasping arm as described above with reference to  FIG. 5D . For example, the straight portion  820   a  of the grasping arm  810  can be formed from two straight pieces that are designed to slide with relation to each other. This allows a user of the grasping arm  810  to adjust the width of the channel  816  by adjusting the distance between the straight portion  820   b  and the longitudinally extending portion  812 . 
     In operation  1010 , a user can position a second grasping arm of the display fixture relative to the first grasping arm so as to engage an opposing edge of the product. For example, the grasping arm  110   b  of the display fixture  100  shown in  FIG. 1  can be slid relative to the grasping arm  110   a . The grasping arm  110   b  can be positioned in a horizontal direction by positioning the track  120   b  relative to the bolts  122 . The grasping arm  110   b  can be positioned so that an edge of the product, opposite the edge secured by the grasping arm  110   a , is positioned within the channel  116   b . In some embodiments, positioning the second grasping arm to engage an opposing edge of the product includes contacting the opposing edge of the product with one or more pads  118   b  secured to the inner surface of the grasping arm  110   b.    
     In some embodiments, positioning the second grasping arm relative to the first grasping arm includes passing a portion of the first grasping arm through an aperture or opening in the second grasping arm. For example, the user can position the grasping arm  110   b  relative to the grasping arm  110   a  so that the longitudinally extending portion  112   a  passes through the aperture  124  of the grasping arm  110   b . For example, if a relatively small product, such as a skateboard, is secured using the display fixture  100 , the grasping arm  110   b  may need to be positioned so that the distance between the grasping portion  114   a  and the grasping portion  114   b  is less than the length of the longitudinally extending portion  112   a  in order to properly secure the edges of the skateboard. This can be accomplished by positioning the grasping arm  110   b  so that the longitudinally extending portion  112   a  passes through the aperture  124 . In some embodiments, positioning the second grasping arm relative to the first grasping arm includes passing a portion of the second grasping arm through an aperture or opening in the first grasping arm. 
     In operation  1015 , the user can secure the second grasping arm in place relative to the first grasping arm. For example, the user can tighten one or more fasteners in order to secure the second grasping arm to the first grasping arm. As another example, the user can secure the grasping arm  110   b  to the grasping arm  110   a  of the display fixture  100  shown in  FIG. 1  by tightening wing nuts secured to the bolts  122  that extend through the tracks  120   a - b . As another example, the second grasping arm can be secured in place relative to the first grasping arm by one or more spring loaded ball bearings attached to the longitudinally extending portion  112   a  engaging with one or more detents in the longitudinally extending portion  112   b.    
     In operation  1020 , the user can position the product at an angle relative to a support arm supporting the first and second grasping arms. For example, the joint bracket  140  of the display fixture  100  shown in  FIG. 1  can be rotated about the bolt  142  so as to position the product being secured by the grasping arms  110  at an angle relative to the support arm  150 . In some embodiments, the joint bracket  140  can be secured at the selected angle by the spring loaded pin  152  attached to the support arm  150 . The spring loaded pin can pass through an aperture  144  in the joint bracket  140  to secure the joint bracket  140  in place relative to the support arm  150 . 
     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.