Patent Publication Number: US-2011073553-A1

Title: Cosmetic organizer display

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/058,981, filed Jun. 5, 2008. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This subject matter disclosed herein relates to a display which may be used to store and/or display cosmetics, personal hygiene items, or any other items. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many cosmetics users own and use several different types of cosmetics, and often several varieties of one or more types of cosmetics. For instance, many cosmetics users may own several varieties of lipsticks and mascaras. Keeping a collection of many cosmetics items organized and easily accessible can be difficult given the variety of shapes and sizes of such items, and the sheer numbers of such items that many cosmetics users acquire over time. Similar problems are encountered by any person who has several smaller items to organize and/or display. 
     Even when available displays and organizers may be suitable to contain items, they are often not configurable to one&#39;s needs. For example, if a person has three or four small items to display or store, the available display cases may be too large to appropriately display such a small number of items. Likewise, when a collection of items outgrows the available display case or container, such cases and containers are not able to expand easily and provide incremental growth in storage capacity. Thus, there is a need for a modular, configurable, and easy to use display system for storing and displaying multiple small items. 
     SUMMARY 
     A display is disclosed that may include tiers of support elements affixed to one another or to a central support. The supporting elements or the central support may be affixed to a base, and a cap may be affixed to topmost support element. The support elements may be configured to rotate or to be immobile. The support elements may be designed to hold specific types of items, such as cosmetics, and have slots or other elements designed for containing such items. Support elements may affix to a central support at attachment points on the central support. Alternatively, support elements may affix to one another rather than a central support, and may be configured to affix to a variety of elements, including other support elements, caps, and bases. The display may be constructed out of any material or combination of materials. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following detailed description of preferred embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, there is shown in the drawings exemplary embodiments; however, the subject matter is not limited to the specific elements and instrumentalities disclosed. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a graphical representation of an exemplary, non-limiting display. 
         FIGS. 2   a - d  are graphical representations of an exemplary, non-limiting base for a display. 
         FIGS. 3   a - c  are graphical representations of an exemplary, non-limiting central support for a display. 
         FIGS. 4   a - d  are graphical representations of an exemplary, non-limiting support element for a display. 
         FIGS. 5   a - d  are graphical representations of an exemplary, non-limiting cap for a display. 
         FIGS. 6   a - d  are graphical representations of an exemplary, non-limiting cover element for a display. 
         FIG. 7  is a graphical representation of an exemplary, non-limiting display. 
         FIGS. 8   a - b  are graphical representations of alternative embodiments of an exemplary, non-limiting displays. 
         FIG. 9  is a graphical representation of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary, non-limiting display. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     The subject matter of the present disclosure is described herein in reference to several specific embodiments. For example, several embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein for use in storing and/or displaying cosmetics. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims. For instance, the present subject matter may be useful for storing and/or displaying other items, such as jewelry, collectibles, toys, or any other such items as may be effectively stored and/or displayed in any embodiment of the present subject matter. Furthermore, although elements of the invention may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. 
     An exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, display  100 , is shown in  FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, display  100  may have a base  110  which may support the elements of display  100  and displayed items contained therein. Base  110  may be of any size and shape that enables base  110  to support the elements affixed to it. Base  110  may be constructed of any material that allows base  110  to serve as a base for display  100 , including metal, wood, plastic, a composite of any materials, and any other material which furthers the purpose of the present disclosure. Alternatively, in some embodiments display  100  may have no base  110 , and may be supported from above, below, or from the sides by various means known to those skilled in the art. 
     Affixed to base  110  may be central support  120 . Base  110  and central support  120  may be a single, unified element. Alternatively, central support  120  may be affixed to base  110  using any effective means known to those skilled in the art, included one or more screws, nails, clips, rivets, hinges, or any other attachment device. In other alternatives, central support  120  may be affixed to base  110  with glue, welds, or any other adhesive means. Central support  120  may be movably affixed to base  110 , such that central support  120 , and elements affixed to central support  120 , may rotate or move separately from base  110 . In another embodiment, central support  120  may be non-movably affixed to base  110 . Central support  120  may be constructed of any material that allows central support  120  to serve as a central support structure for display  100 , including metal, wood, plastic, a composite of any materials, and any other material which furthers the purpose of the present disclosure. In alternative embodiments, some of which are described herein, central support  120  may be integrated into other elements, or may not be present. 
     Affixed atop central support  120  may be cap  130 . Cap  130  may serve a purely ornamental purpose, function as a retaining element for elements affixed to central support  120 , or may serve other purposes, some of which are further described herein. Cap  130  may be integrated into central support  120 , and may be composed of the same or different materials as central support  120  and/or base  110 . 
     Central support  120  may support one or more support elements such as support elements  140   a - c . Support elements  140   a - c  may be any size and shape that facilitates their use as elements of display  100  in supporting items such as items  150   a - d . For example, support elements  140   a - c  may be configured to receive an item shaped like a lipstick container, such as items  150   a  and  150   c , while allowing such an item to be easily grasped by a cosmetics user. In another alternative, support elements  140   a - c  may be of an appropriate shape to hold an item shaped like a compact, such as items  150   b  and  150   d , while allowing such an item to be easily grasped by a cosmetics user. In other alternatives, support elements  140   a - c  may be of an appropriate shape to hold items such as mascara, blush, eye shadow, lotions, powdered cosmetics, or any other item for which an effective and organized display may be desired. Support elements  140   a - c  may be shaped to maximize the ability of a user to grasp items supported by such elements, or shaped to maximize the view and appearance of such items, for instance when display  100  is used to display items for sale in a store. 
     Support elements  140   a - c  may be integrated into central support  120 . Alternatively, support elements  140   a - c  may movably affixed to central support  120  such that they can rotate or move separately from central support  120  and/or from each other. For example, support element  140   a  may be configured to rotate without coming into contact with support element  140   b  or causing support element  140   b  to move. Support elements  140   a - c  may be constructed of any material that allows support elements  140   a - c  to serve as support elements of display  100 , including metal, wood, plastic, a composite of any materials, and any other material which furthers the purpose of the present disclosure. 
     In one embodiment, one or more support elements such as support elements  140   a - c  may affixed to one or more hub elements such as hub elements  160   a - c , which may be affixed to central support  120 . Hub elements  160   a - c  may be movably affixed to central support  120  such that hub elements  160   a - c  and affixed support elements such as support elements  140   a - c  may rotate or otherwise move about central support  120 . Support elements  140   a - c  may be integrated into hub elements  160   a - c . For example, hub element  160   a  and support element  140   a  may be constructed of a single piece of material of any type. Alternatively, support elements such as support element  140   a  may be affixed to hub elements such as hub element  160   a , either movably or non-movably. In one example, hub element  160   a  may be non-movably affixed to central support  120 , and movable affixed to support element  140   a  such that support element  140   a  may rotate about hub element  160   a  while hub element  160   a  remains still. Such rotation may be enabled through the use of ball bearings, hinges, rotatable couplings, or any other elements. Hub elements  160   a - c  may be constructed of any material or combination of materials that allow hub elements  160   a - c  to serve as a hub element for display  100 , including metal, wood, plastic, a composite of any materials, and any other material or combination of materials that further the purpose of the present disclosure. 
     Cover elements such as cover  170  may also be affixed to central support  120 , hub elements  160   a - c , and/or support elements  140   a - c . Such elements may allow a modular construction of varying design while providing added support and structure to display  100 . Cover  170  may be constructed to allow or enable support elements, such as support element  140   a , to rotate about central support  120 . Alternatively, cover  170  may be configured to retain support element  140   a  or cover or secure connection elements affixing support element  140   a  to central support  120 . Like all the elements of display  100 , cover  170  may be constructed of any material or combination of materials that allow cover  170  to serve as a cover element for display  100 , including metal, wood, plastic, a composite of any materials, and any other material or combination of materials that further the purpose of the present disclosure. 
     One advantage of the present disclosure is the modular construction allowing a variety of elements to be constructed which can then be assembled into various configurations and styles to create displays such as display  100 . In  FIGS. 2   a - d , an exemplary modular base  200  is shown in more detail. In  FIG. 2   a , a side view of base  200  is illustrated. Base  200  may be cone-shaped or any other shape that facilitates the construction of a display. Bottom surface  210  of base  200  may be circular in shape, or may be any other shape. Top surface  220  of base  200  may be linear or variable (as shown). At center  230  of base  200 , which may be the apex of a cone-shaped base, a cavity or hole may be configured for placement of a central support such as central support  120 . Center  230  may be a centrally located opening slightly larger than the diameter of a central support. 
     In  FIG. 2   b , a top view of exemplary base  200  is shown. Outer perimeter  240  of base  200  may be circular, oval, or any other shape. Center  230  of base  200  may be configured as a cavity or hole in which a central support may be placed or affixed. Center  230  of base  200  may be constructed with connection elements  250  that are designed to interconnect or otherwise operate with a center support to facilitate the connection of a center support to base  200 . In one embodiment, center  230  is configured to be immobile and retain a center support in place. In another embodiment, center  230  may be constructed as a modular element separate but movably affixed to base  200  that rotates or moves, allowing a center support to rotate or move when affixed to base  200  at center  230 . Other variations of shapes and placements of center  230  are contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In  FIG. 2   c , a cross-section of exemplary base  200  is illustrated. Top surface  220  may be constructed of wall  260 , which may be constructed of any appropriate material. Wall  260  may be any thickness or density, and may be constructed of a single material or a composite of materials and/or elements. Likewise, bottom surface  210  may also be constructed of any material or combination of materials and/or elements, and may be of any thickness or density. Top surface  220  and bottom surface  210  may be of the same construction or different construction. In some embodiments, bottom surface  210  may be omitted, and support for base  200  may be provided at the points where top surface  220  meets a plane or other surface upon which base  200  is set. 
       FIG. 2   c  also illustrates a cross-section of center  230 , where connection elements  250  can be seen. Center  230  in this embodiment may be a cavity into which a central support element may be placed. Such a central support element may connect to or otherwise interact with connection elements  250 . In alternative embodiments, center  230  may be a hole completely through base  200 . Such a hole may or may not have connection elements  250  to assist in affixing base  200  to a central support. Note that in other embodiments, base  200  may be constructed of legs or other elements, and that base  200  may be of any shape and any construction that facilitates the present disclosure. All such embodiments are contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In  FIG. 2   d , a three-dimensional view of exemplary base  200  is shown, with an exploded view of center  230  and connection elements  250 . In one embodiment, connection elements  250  may be vertical protrusions designed to interconnect to intrusions configured on a central support. In another embodiment, connection elements  250  may be threads designed to interconnect with threads on a central support. Any other connection means may be employed to affix a central support to base  200 . Connection elements  250  may also be designed to interconnect with connections elements of an element other than a central support. All such embodiments are contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In  FIGS. 3   a - b , an exemplary modular central support  300  is shown in more detail.  FIG. 3   a  is a side view of central support  300 . Central support  300  may constructed of a elongated columnar element  310 , which may be of any shape and constructed of any material and number of elements, or any combination of materials and/or elements. Alternatively, element  310  may be a shape that is not columnar. Central support  300  may be constructed of a single element, where columnar element  310 , and top element  340  are a single piece. Alternatively, central support  300  may be assembled from various elements. For example, sections  321   a - c  may be separate elements that may be affixed to one another through various means, including threaded connections and interlocking elements. Top element  340  may also connect to one or more of sections  321   a - c  through various means, including threaded connections and interlocking elements. Each of sections  321   a - c  may provide or enable the support of one or more support, hub and/or cover elements such as those described herein. 
     In one embodiment, a varying number of sections  321   a - c  may be used to construct a central element of various sizes. For example, in one embodiment each of sections  321   a - c  can provide support for one support element. If a user wishes to have a display that is configured with two support elements, the user may construct a central support from two sections such as sections  321   a - c . Any other number of sections may used to create any display configuration. 
     In some embodiments, some of sections  321   a - c  may have a particular construction based on their function. For example, section  321   c  may be constructed to be the bottom section of a display, and may have connection elements  330  that may be designed to interconnect or affix to a base as described herein. Likewise, top element  340  may be constructed to be the top section of a display, and maybe designed to affix to the topmost of sections  321   a - c , and/or affix to a cap as described herein. Alternatively, each of sections  321   a - c  and/or top element  340  may be designed to serve as any of a topmost, bottommost, and/or intermediate section, and may be designed to attached or affix to other sections, a base, and/or a cap. All such embodiments are contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Element  310  may have notches  320   a - c  that may facilitate the connection of other elements, such as hub, cap, or support elements such as those described herein. Notches  320   a - c  may provide a fixture point for hub, cap, and/or support elements. Notches  320   a - c  may be protrusions rather than notches, or may be of any other construction that facilitates the attachment of other elements. In some embodiments, notches  320   a - c  may be created at the attachment point of sections such as sections  321   a - c  and top element  340 . Any other form or construction of notches or other elements designed to interact with support, hub, or cover elements is contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 3   b  illustrates a cross-section of exemplary central support  300 . Central support  300  may be constructed with walls  350 , which may be of any density and thickness, and may be uniformly constructed or constructed of varying thickness and/or density. Within top element  340  may be cavity  345  that may be a cavity or hole in the top most section of central support  300 . Cavity  345  may be constructed with attachment elements that facilitate the affixation or attachment of a cap element. It is contemplated that any other form of attachment element may be constructed into top element  340  or any other section of central support  300  that may facilitate the attachment or affixation of a cap is within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Central support  300  may also be constructed with base attachment elements  335  that may facilitate the attachment of central support  300  to any base including, but not limited to, those described herein. Base attachment elements  335  may be constructed to interconnect or affix to a base, or may be constructed to facilitate the movement of central support  300  within a base, or the movement of a base about central support  300 . Any embodiment of base attachment elements is contemplated. 
       FIG. 3   c  illustrates a three dimensional view of exemplary central support  300 . Within top  340 , and/or about or proximate to cavity  345 , cap attachment elements  360  may be configured. Cap attachment elements  360  may be constructed to interconnect or otherwise facilitate the attachment or affixation of a cap to the topmost element of central support  300 . Any form of attachment is contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In  FIGS. 4   a - d , an exemplary modular support element  400  is shown in more detail.  FIG. 4   a  is a side view of support element  400 . Support element  400  may have one or more support sections  410 . Support section  410  may be constructed of a single element designed to support or otherwise contain one or more items such as cosmetics items. For example, in one embodiment, support section  410  is a single element molded from a single piece of material, such as plastic or metal, to create slots  415   a - c  that are appropriately sized to hold lipsticks, compacts, etc. Alternatively, support section  410  may be constructed of more than one element and/or configures to hold items of any size or shape. 
     Support element  400  may include hub  420  that may be a separate element that is attached to one or more other elements of support element  400 . Alternatively, hub  420  may be integrated into an element of support element  400 , such as support section  410  and constructed out of the same piece of material as another section of support element  400 . Hub  420  may facilitate the interconnection of support element  400  with a central support. Hub  420  may allow support element  400  to rotate or move about a central support, or hub  420  may non-movably affix support element  400  to a central support. Hub  420  may include connection elements designed to affix to attachment points on a central support, such as notches  320   a - c  described in regard to  FIGS. 3   a - d.    
     Support element  400  may also be constructed with central connection element  430 . Central connection element may be a separate element that is attached to one or more other elements of support element  400 . Alternatively, central connection element  430  may be integrated into an element of support element  400 , such as support section  410  and constructed out of the same piece of material as another section of support element  400 . In one embodiment, central connection element  430  may be constructed with connection elements  435 . Connection elements  435  may be constructed to attach, affix, or otherwise facilitate the connection of support element  400  to a central support element. For example, in one embodiment, connection elements  435  may be pliable and may snap into attachment points on a central support, such as notches  320   a - c  described in regard to  FIGS. 3   a - d . Central connection element  430  and/or connection elements  435  may also have connection points and/or connection elements for affixing other elements, such as a cover element. Such a cover element may be configured to secure connection elements  435  to a central support, provide aesthetic improvements to a display, or perform other functions. Any other form of connection means, located anywhere on support element  400 , is contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 4   b  is a top view of support element  400 . In one embodiment, as seen in  FIG. 4   b , support section  410  is molded to create recessions or slots  415   a - c  that are capable of containing or supporting items. Slots  415   a - c  may be of any size, shape, depth, or orientation, and may be constructed specifically for particular items or for a wide variety of items. Also illustrated in  FIG. 4   b  is central connection element  430 , and the connection elements  435 . Support element  400  may have a hole or cavity  440  that may be a centrally located opening slightly larger than the diameter of a central support through which a central support may be inserted. When inserted through hole  440 , connection elements  435  may affix to the central support as described herein, including by snapping into or otherwise entering notches or other connection points as described in regard to central support  300  in  FIGS. 3   a - d . Alternatively, connection elements  435  may be configured to attach to other support elements, including to hubs and/or central connection elements of other support elements, or to a base or cap of a display. It is contemplated that any means of attachment may be used. 
       FIG. 4   c  is a cross-sectional view of support element  400 . Support section  410  may be constructed with wall  450 , which may be any suitable material and may be any thickness or density of material. The thickness and density of wall  450  may be consistent throughout support section  410 , or it may be variable. Hub  420  may be integrated into support section  410 , and may also be constructed with wall  450 . Similarly, central connection element  430  and/or connection elements  435  may be constructed of the same material as wall  450 . In some embodiments, any of the elements of support element  400  may be constructed of a combination of two or more materials and/or elements. Any such construction is contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 4   d  is a three-dimensional view of support element  400 . In one embodiment, a central support may be inserted through hole  420 , affixing hub  420 , support element  410 , and central connection element  430  to the central support such that each of these elements is oriented about axis  460 . Connection elements  435  may affix to notches or other connection points on the central support. Items may be placed in slots  415   a - c  for display and access by users. Support element  400  may be rotatable about axis  460  once affixed to a central support, or it may be non-movably affixed to a central support. In some embodiments, rather than a molded circular shape such as that shown in Figured  4   a - d , support element  400  may be constructed of branch elements designed to hold or support particular items. Any other configuration or construction of a support elements is contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure. 
       FIGS. 5   a - d  illustrate an exemplary cap  500  that may be an element of a display.  FIG. 5   a  shows a side view of cap  500 . Cap  500  may have a top section  510  and connection elements  520 . Top section  510  and connection elements  520  may constructed from a single piece of material, or from separate elements affixed to one another. Top section  510  may provide an area for decorative display or brand markings. Connection elements  520  may affix or otherwise attach to a topmost section of a display, such as the topmost section of a central support. Alternatively, connection elements  520  may affix to a support element that is located at the topmost portion of a display. Cap  500  may be integrated into a central support or a support element, or any other element of a display. Cap  500  may be spherical, hemispherical, cubic, or any other shape, and may be constructed of any material or combination of materials, and any number of individual elements. All such configurations are contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 5   b  illustrates a bottom view of cap  500 . Connection elements  520  may be arranged about center  530  of cap  500 . It is contemplated that any number of connection elements may be employed. 
       FIG. 5   c  illustrates a cross-sectional view of cap  500 . Cap  500  may include walls  540  that may be constructed of any material or combination of materials. Connection elements  520  may be integrated into top section  510 .  FIG. 5   d  illustrates a three-dimensional view of cap  500 . 
     Cap  500  may also provide additional functions. Cap  500  may be constructed to provide support for one or more items. For example, cap  500  may be constructed such that it can support or contain a lipstick, other cosmetic item, or any other item. Cap  500  may also be constructed so that is it an ornamental element of the display. Cap  500  may also serve as a means to secure support elements to as display. For example, cap  500  may affix to a central support element and be of such a size and shape that support elements cannot be removed from the central support without removal of cap  500 . Cap  500  may be affixed to a central support using any means known to those skilled in the art, including threading, screws, adhesives, welding, clips, friction, or any other effective means. 
       FIGS. 6   a - d  illustrate an exemplary cover element  600 .  FIG. 6   a  shows side view of cover element  600 . Cover element  600  may have a top section  610  and connection elements  620 . Connection elements  620  may be configured to affix to a support element and may cover and/or secure support element connection elements that affix a support element to a central support. Alternatively, connection elements may be configured to affix to a central support or any other element. 
       FIG. 6   b  shows a bottom view of cover element  600 . Cover element  600  may have a hole  640  that may be centrally located in cover element  600  about center  630  and may be an opening slightly larger than the diameter of a central support. Hole  640  may allow for the insertion of a central support through cover element  600 , allowing cover element to be configured above a support element affixed to a central support. 
       FIG. 6   c  is a cross-sectional view of cover element  600 . Cover element  600  may have walls  650  that may be constructed of any material or combination of materials. Hole  640  may be oriented at the top of cover element  600  and allow a central support to pass through hole  640 . Top section  610  and connection elements  620  may be constructed from a single piece of any type of material or combination of materials, or these sections may separate and affixed to one another.  FIG. 6   d  illustrates a three-dimensional view of cover element  600 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a display  700  constructed with the elements describe herein. Display  700  may have a base  710  into which central support  720  may inserted. Central support  720  may be fixedly attached to base  710 , or movably attached, for example, so that central support  720  can rotate within a cavity in base  710 . After central support  720  is affixed in base  710 , hub  730   c  and support element  740   c  may be affixed to central support  720  and/or base  710  by inserting central support  720  through holes in hub  730   c  and support element  740   c . In one embodiment, hub  730   c  and support element  740   c  are a single element. 
     Support element  740   c  may have connection elements that affix to a connection point on central support  720  as described herein. Once affixed to central support  720 , support element  740   c  may be movable, for example, configured to be rotatable about central support  720 , or may be stationary. Cover element  750   c  may next be affixed by inserting central support  720  through a hole in cover element  750   c . Cover element  750   c  may cover support element  740   c  or a portion of support element  740   c  such as the connection elements of support element  740   c . Cover element  750   c  may also assist in retaining support element  740   c  by preventing the actuation of connection elements of support element  740   c , thus preventing the removal of support element  740   c  while cover element  750   c  is in place. 
     In another embodiment, only a single cover element, such as cover element  750   a , may be used in a display. Such a cover element may be affixed at the top of the display, performing any of the cover element functions described herein. In such an embodiment, the functions performed by a cover element may also be performed by a hub element of a display. For example, hub  730   b  may perform the functions of cover element  750   c , thus reducing the number of elements in a display. Alternatively, no cover element functionality may be required except for above the topmost support element of a display. By assisting in affixing the topmost element of a display, a cover element may function to secure all the elements in a display. In yet another alternative, no cover elements may be employed and all functions of a cover element may be performed by other elements, or not performed. All such embodiments are contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     After cover element  750   c  is in place, additional elements, such as hub  730   b , support element  740   b , cover element  750   b , hub  730   a , support element  740   a , and cover element  750   a  may be configured as shown in  FIG. 7 . Once all support elements are related elements are in place, then, in one embodiment, cap  760  may be affixed to central support  720 . Note that cap  760  may be entirely optional and serve only cosmetic purposes in some embodiments, while in other embodiments, cap  760  may serve to retain other elements affixed to central support  720 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, display  700  may be assembled roughly in the opposite manner as described above. For example, central support  720  may be constructed such that the topmost section of central support  720  may be larger than the holes through which central support  720  must be inserted to affix elements of display  700 . This may be desirable for added security or stability. In such an embodiment, or if a user so desires, element may be constructed from the top of the display down. 
     For example, cover element  750   a  may be affixed to display  700  by inserting central support  720  through a hole in cover element  750   a . Next, support element  740   a  may be affixed to display  700  by inserting central support  720  through a hole in support element  740   a . Next, if hub element  730   a  is a separate element from support element  740   a , hub element  730   a  may be affixed to display  700  by inserting central support  720  through a hole in hub element  730   a . After hub element  730   a  is in place, additional elements, such as cover element  750   b , support element  740   b , hub  730   b , cover element  750   a , support element  740   a , and hub  730   a  may be configured as shown in  FIG. 7 . Then central support  720 , with elements attached, may be inserted into base  710 . In such an embodiment, cap  760  may be affixed at any point. 
     The opening in a support element may be large enough to allow the support element to freely rotate about a central support. When multiple supports elements are installed on a display, such as display  700 , each support element may be constructed to rotate individually and separately from other installed support elements. Support elements may include elements or means which enable or improve the ability of support elements to be stacked upon one another and rotate or otherwise move independently of other support elements. Alternatively, the support elements may be constructed such that the surfaces of each support element most proximate to other support elements interlock. When constructed in this way, all support elements will rotate in unison when one support element is made to rotate about a central support. Other means of arranging and constructing support elements may be recognized by those skilled in the art, and all such alternative arrangements and constructions are contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure. 
       FIGS. 8   a - b  illustrate alternative embodiments enabled by the modular nature of the elements of the present disclosure.  FIG. 8   a  shows a non-limiting, exemplary display  810  that may have a central support  820  that allows for a single support element  830  to be affixed. Central support  820  may be designed to support only a single support element. Alternatively, central support  820  may be one or more sections of a modular central support as described herein that allow for only a single support element to be affixed. Central support  820  may be affixed to base  840 . Any of the other elements described herein, including hub and cover elements and caps, may be configured on display  810 . 
       FIG. 8   b  shows a non-limiting, exemplary display  811  that may have a central support  850  that allows for two support elements  860   a - b  to be affixed. Central support  850  may be designed to support only two support elements. Alternatively, central support  850  may be one or more sections of a modular central support as described herein that allow for only two support elements to be affixed. Central support  850  may be affixed to base  870 . Any of the other elements described herein, including hub and cover elements and caps, may be configured on display  811 . 
     In another alternative embodiment, a central support is not used, and the support elements interconnect with one another to create a display with the needed structural support. In  FIG. 9 , such an embodiment is illustrated. Non-limiting, exemplary display  900  has a base  920  to which support element  910   b  directly affixes at attachment point  940   c . Support element  910   b  may be constructed with a bottom section that is similar to a bottom section of a central support, or is may affix to base  920  using other means, including flexible elements configured to be inserted into notches in base  920 . Support element  910   a  may then affix directly to support element  910   b  at attachment point  940   b  using any means, including flexible elements configured to be inserted into notches in support element  910   b . Cap  930  may affix directly to support element  910   a  at attachment point  940   a  using any means. In such an embodiment, each element may be constructed to interconnect with any other element, or certain elements may have certain functions. For example, support element  910   b  may be specially designed to serve as a bottom support element that is capable of affixing to base  920 , and/or support element  910   a  may be specially designed to serve as a top support element that is capable of affixing to cap  930 . Other support element may be specially designed to be intermediate support elements, configured to be located between a top and bottom support elements. 
     In this embodiment, any of the elements described herein may be employed and any manner and method of constructions, number of support elements, materials or combination of materials may be used. All such embodiments are contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     While the embodiments have been described in connection with the preferred embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiment for performing the same function without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should not be limited to any single embodiment but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims.