Patent Publication Number: US-2010116760-A1

Title: Modular shelving and methods for displaying retail products

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/073,580, filed Jun. 18, 2008. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to shelving for displaying products and, more particularly, relates to modular shelving for displaying retail products to consumers. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     “Consumer attractors” can be positioned near retail products in retail stores to draw consumers toward particular retail products and/or to educate the consumers about them. In at least one embodiment, consumer attractors can include retail store aisle displays which are configured to display retail products. In various embodiments, the consumer attractors can include signage, lights, brochures, and even discount coupon dispensers. These consumer attractors can be placed on and/or near retail product display areas in retail stores to encourage consumers to purchase various retail products positioned within the retail product display areas. One problem with current consumer attractors is that they must be sized to fit the retail product display areas of each particular retail store, thus limiting their full consumer attraction potential in various retail stores. For example, if a particular retail product company has a first retail product display area, in a first store, of four feet wide by three feet high, and a second retail product display area, in a second store, of six feet wide by eight feet high, the company may have to tailor-make a separate consumer attractor for each store because of the size differences between the first and second retail product display areas. What is needed is an improvement over the foregoing. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In at least one general aspect, a modular retail product display kit can be applied to almost any existing shelf and/or set of shelves of a retail store regardless of the dimensions of a product display area. Each shelf can include an upwardly facing surface defined between a first end, a second end, a front side, and a rear side, for example. In various embodiments, the product display kit can be adapted to fit a retail store shelf regardless of the dimensions of the shelf, while at the same time creating a pleasing and advantageous presentation of the retail products to the consumer. In at least one embodiment, the product display kit may include features which can permit consumer education of a particular retail product to be matched with purchase inspiration for the same retail product, for example. In various embodiments, the product display kit can further include features that allow a consumer to easily navigate about the product display area to locate and purchase various retail products of interest. In at least one embodiment, the product display kit can be integrally formed on and/or manufactured with various modular product display areas to form a product display which can be used in a plurality of retail stores. 
     In at least one general aspect, a modular retail product display kit can comprise a plurality of base sections which can be configured to at least partially cover an upwardly facing surface of an existing retail store shelf such that the base sections can support a plurality of retail products thereon. In various embodiments, the product display kit can further comprise at least one shelf cap member, which can be positioned on a front side of at least one of the retail store shelves and at least one sample holder configured to receive and display a sample retail product to a consumer to encourage the consumer to purchase the retail product. In various embodiments, the shelf cap member and/or the sample holder can also be configured to receive and display an advertising message to the consumer to again encourage the consumer to purchase the retail products supported by the base sections. In at least one embodiment, the product display kit can further include a plurality of product locator tabs which can be positioned proximate to the front side of at least one of the retail store shelves. In such an embodiment, the product locator tabs can be configured to direct the consumer toward one of the retail products within the product display area and, additionally, can be configured to correspond with the sample retail product on the sample holder. In various embodiments, the product display kit can further include a retail product divider which can extend upwardly from at least one of the base sections. In at least one embodiment, the retail product divider can be configured to separate one type of retail product from another type of retail product to again aid the consumer in navigating about the product display area and to aid in restocking the product display area. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary product display area in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a product display kit assembled on the product display area of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevation view of the product display kit of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of the product display kit of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of the product display kit of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of various components of a product display kit in an assembled configuration in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of various components of a product display kit in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is another exploded perspective view of various components of a product display kit in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of two interlockable base sections of a product display kit in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of the two interlockable base sections of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a bottom perspective view of the two interlockable base sections of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of another base section of a product display kit in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of yet another base section of a product display kit in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a top perspective view of a shelf cap member of a product display kit in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a bottom perspective view of the shelf cap member of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is an exploded perspective view of the shelf cap member of  FIG. 14  being positioned to be engaged with a shelf cap receiver of a base section in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded side view of the shelf cap member of  FIG. 14  engaging a shelf cap receiver of a base section in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an advertising message banner configured to be attached to various shelf cap members of a product display kit in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a side view of a retail product divider positioned to be engaged with a base section of a product display kit in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  is a bottom perspective view of the retail product divider of  FIG. 19  positioned to be engaged with the base section; 
         FIG. 21  is a top perspective view of the retail product divider of  FIG. 19  positioned to be engaged with the base section; 
         FIG. 22  is a side view of a side portion of a product display kit in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the side portion of  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a top view of the side portion of  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a bottom perspective view of the side portion of  FIG. 22  positioned to be engaged with a base section of a product display kit in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 26  is a top perspective view of the side portion of  FIG. 22  positioned to be engaged with a base section of a product display kit in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a shelf fin of a product display kit in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 28  is a side view of the shelf fin of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a side view of the shelf fin of  FIG. 27  positioned to be engaged with a shelf cap receiver of a base section of a product display kit in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 30  is an exploded side view of a connection between a connection member of the shelf fin of  FIG. 27  and a shelf cap receiver of a product display kit in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 31  is an exploded side view of a connection between a connection member of the shelf fin of  FIG. 27  and a shelf cap receiver of a product display kit in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 32  is an exploded view of advertising displays being connected to the shelf cap receiver of a product display kit in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 33  is an exploded perspective view of the connection of various components of a product display kit to a base section of the product display kit in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 34  is a top perspective view of a sample holder of a product display kit in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 35  is a bottom perspective view of the sample holder of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 36  is a perspective view of another sample holder of a product display kit in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 37  is another perspective view of the sample holder of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 38  is a perspective view of a product locator tab of a product display kit in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 39  is a side view of the product locator tab of  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 40  is a perspective view of a retail product logo portion attached to the product display area of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 41  is a perspective view of another retail product logo portion attached to another product display area in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 42  is a perspective view of yet another retail product logo portion attached to yet another product display in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 43  is a perspective view of the retail product logo portion of  FIG. 40 ; 
         FIG. 44  is a side view of a connection between the retail product logo portion of  FIG. 40  and a shelf of the product display area of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 45  is a perspective view of a bracket attached to the retail product logo portion of  FIG. 41  in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 46  is a perspective view of the bracket of  FIG. 45  being attached to shelf strips of the product display area in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 47  is a front perspective view of another bracket attached to the retail product logo portion of  FIG. 42  in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 48  is a rear perspective view of the bracket and retail product logo portion of  FIG. 47 ; 
         FIG. 49  is a front view of an adaptable retail product logo portion of a product display kit in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 50  is a perspective view of a product display kit in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 51  is a front elevation view of the product display kit of  FIG. 50 ; 
         FIG. 52  is a side elevation view of the product display kit of  FIG. 50 ; 
         FIG. 53  is an exploded perspective view of various components of a product display kit in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 54  is a top view of various components of a product display kit in an assembled configuration in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 55  is a perspective view of the various components of the product display kit of  FIG. 54 ; 
         FIG. 56  is a perspective view of an advertising display of the product display kit of  FIG. 54 ; 
         FIG. 57  is an exploded perspective view of various components positioned to be attached to a shelf cap receiver of a base portion of a product display kit in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 58  is a top view of a sample retail product retaining member of a product display kit in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 59  is a side view of the sample retail product retaining member of  FIG. 58 ; 
         FIG. 60  is a perspective view of the sample retail product retaining member of  FIG. 58 ; 
         FIG. 61  is an exploded perspective view of a column member positioned to be attached to a product display kit in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 62  is a perspective view of the column member of  FIG. 61 ; 
         FIG. 63  is another perspective view of the column member of  FIG. 61 ; 
         FIG. 64  is a perspective view of a retail product logo portion and two corner members of a product display kit assembled on a product display area in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 65  is a perspective view of the retail product logo portion and the two corner members of  FIG. 64 ; 
         FIG. 66  is a perspective view of one of the corner members of  FIG. 64 ; 
         FIG. 67  is another perspective view of one of the corner members of  FIG. 64 ; and 
         FIG. 68  is a perspective view of a lighting system for a product display kit in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the product displays, the product display kits, and the methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the product displays, the product display kits, and the methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other exemplary embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. 
     Companies that manufacture retail products, such as beauty care products, skin care products, and/or hair care products, for example, can display their products to consumers in product display areas within various retail stores. In various embodiments, the product display areas may include one shelf, a plurality of shelves supported by a frame, a plurality of sets of shelves, and/or other various product display platforms, for example. These product display areas can also include different dimensions, e.g., height, width, length, depth, which can make it difficult for the companies to design consumer attractors that universally fit all of the various product display areas. In various exemplary embodiments, referring to  FIG. 1 , an example of a product display area  10 , without a product display kit positioned thereon, can include a frame having a rear wall  12 , a plurality of shelf hanger strips  14 , and a plurality of shelves  16  configured to be attached to the shelf hanger strips  14  using any suitable connection members, such as hooks and/or brackets, for example. In at least one embodiment, each shelf  16  can include an upwardly facing surface  18  and a downwardly facing surface  20 , for example. In various embodiments, the shelves  16  can be moved upwardly and/or downwardly relative to the rear wall  12  simply by repositioning the various shelves  16  on the shelf hanger strips  14 . Once the shelves  16  are configured to a suitable arrangement within the product display area  10 , various retail products can be positioned on the upwardly facing surface  18  of any of the various shelves  16  to display the retail products to consumers. Generally speaking, the illustrated configuration of retail product display areas can be somewhat standard throughout most retail stores; however some retail product display areas can include only one or more shelves. In other various embodiments, other known types of retail product display areas can be used. In various embodiments, the dimensions of the retail product display areas can commonly differ from retail store to retail store. 
     Accordingly, in various embodiments, a product display kit can be applied to various product display areas in many retail stores regardless of the dimensions of the various product display areas. The product display kit can be used to display the retail products in a manner which promotes the retail products, educates consumers about the retail products, and/or inspires consumers to purchase the retail products, for example. In at least one embodiment, the product display kit can include features that allow easily navigation by consumers about the product display area and permit clear retail product presentation. Such advertising and retail product presentation techniques have the goal of attracting consumers to the retail products such that the consumers purchase the retail products. 
     In various embodiments, the product display kits described herein can be integrally formed on, formed with, and/or manufactured as a modular product display. In such an embodiment, the product displays can be used in retail stores, much like the product display kits described herein. These modular product displays can include some and/or all of the features of the product display areas and the product display kits described herein. For purposes of clarity, and without limitation, only the product display kits will be described in detail, although those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that modular product displays can be manufactured to include the features of the product display kits. 
     Further to the above, a consumer&#39;s first reaction, upon viewing a retail product, is one element in determining whether the consumer will purchase a company&#39;s product or buy a competitor&#39;s product. This consumer reaction can be referred to as the First Moment of Truth (FMOT). Further, any prior use of the retail product by the consumer can be referred to as the Second Moment of Truth (SMOT). The SMOT is the assessment of retail product usage by the consumer or a usage experience by someone else that has been relayed to the consumer, such as by word-of-mouth, Internet chat room, product reviews, or the like. The SMOT can refer to both the time of product use by the consumer, and product benefits lasting for a period of time after the consumer has used the product. 
     FMOT and SMOT can involve aesthetics, brand equity, textual and/or sensorial communications, and/or consumer benefits, among other things. Other factors can include the appearance of the retail product at the point of sale or in a product display area near the point of sale, the visual appearance (logo, copyrights, trademarks, or slogans), olfactory (smell), and aural (sound) features communicated by and in support of the brand equity, and the graphic, verbal, pictorial or textual communication to the consumer such as value, unit price, performance, prestige, and convenience, for example. The communication can also focus on how a message is transmitted to the consumer, e.g., through a design, logo, text, pictures, imagery, and the like. 
     With the above FMOT and SMOT theories in mind, referring to  FIGS. 2-5 , a modular retail product display kit  30  can be configured to be positioned on an existing shelf and/or set of existing retail store shelves, such as the product display area  10 , for example. In at least one embodiment, the product display kit  30  can include at least one base section  32 , at least one side portion  34 , at least one shelf cap member  36 , at least one product locator tab  38 , a retail product logo portion  40 , at least one product sample holder  41 , at least one retail product divider  42 , at least one shelf fin  44 , and/or at least one advertising display  46 . In such an embodiment, the product display kit  30  can be adaptable such that it can be fitted to almost any existing product display area in any retail store and be used to increase a consumer&#39;s attraction to various retail products. 
     Further to the above, in various embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 6-11 , the base sections  32  can be positioned on and/or supported by the upwardly facing surface  18  of the shelves  16  such that the base sections can support retail products thereon. In at least one embodiment, the base sections  32  can further support, and/or act as a base to, at least some of the other various components of the product display kit, such as the retail product dividers  42 , for example. In at least one exemplary embodiment, referring to  FIG. 6 , the base sections  32  and other various components of the product display kit are illustrated in an assembled configuration. In at least one embodiment,  FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate the various components of the product display kit  30 , including the plurality of base sections  32 , in an unassembled configuration. In various embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 9-11 , each base section  32  can include a first end  48 , a second end  50 , a first side wall  52 , and a second side wall  54 . In such an embodiment, the first or second side walls  52  and  54  of each base section  32  can include tabs  56  and/or  56 ′ extending therefrom which can be interlocked with tab receivers  58  and/or  58 ′ respectively. In at least one embodiment, the tab receivers can be located on and/or defined in an opposing first or second side wall of another adjacent base section  32 . In such an embodiment, the tabs  56  and/or  56 ′ can be engaged with, press-fit, and/or snap-fit with the corresponding tab receivers  58  and/or  58 ′, for example, to thereby join two base sections  32  to one another, for example. In various embodiments, the interlockability of the one or more base sections  32  can allow the product display kit  30  to be configured for use on a retail store shelf having any width, for example, in that any number of base sections  32  having any width can be provided in the product display kit  30  to cover the upwardly facing surface  18  of at least one retail store shelf. 
     In other various embodiments, the base sections can be adapted to fit various retail shelves in other ways while still including the features of the base section  32  discussed above. In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIG. 12 , a first portion  60  of a base section  32 ′ can be enveloped within a second portion  62  of the base section  32 ′ such that the first portion  60  can be selectively slid into and/or out of the second portion  62  to thereby allow the base section  32 ′ to expand and/or retract relative to a dimension, e.g., width, depth, of a retail store shelf. In such an embodiment, the base section  32 ′ can be used to easily adapt the product display kit  30  to any size shelf. In various embodiments, base section  32  and base section  32 ′ can be used in conjunction with each other and/or base sections  32  and  32 ′ can be used alone, for example. In further various embodiments, referring to  FIG. 13 , a base section  32 ″ can include a plurality of recesses  64 , perforations, and/or score marks defined therein, wherein the recesses, perforations, and/or score marks can be positioned parallel to, or substantially parallel to, the first and second ends  48 ″ and  50 ″ of the base section  32 ″. In at least one embodiment, a portion  66  of the base section can be separated from the rest of the base section  32 ″ along the recesses  64 , perforations, and/or score marks to thereby adjust a dimension of the base sections  32 ″ relative to a dimension of a particular retail store shelf, for example. Although the recesses, perforations  64 , and/or score marks are illustrated in one configuration suitable for adjustment in one direction, other recesses, perforations, and/or score marks can be positioned in other suitable directions for adjustment of the base section  32 ″ in other directions. In various embodiments, base sections  32 ″ can be used in conjunction with base sections  32  and/or  32 ′ and/or used alone. In at least one embodiment, a base section can include all or some of the features of the base sections  32 ,  32 ′, and  32 ″ described above. For purposes of clarity, and without limitation, only base sections  32  will be referred to hereafter. 
     In various embodiments, still referring to  FIGS. 6-11 , the base sections  32  can further include apertures  68  defined therein, wherein the apertures can be configured to receive portions of other components of the product display kit  30 , such as the retail product divider  42 , the side portions  34 , and the product locator tabs  38 , for example, to provide flexibility in positioning the various components relative to the shelf and/or base sections  32 . In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIG. 11 , the base sections  32  can further include risers  70  configured to maintain the base sections  32  at a distance above the upwardly facing surface  18  of at least one retail store shelf, for example. In further various embodiments, the base sections  32  can include shelf cap receivers  72  positioned relative to and/or on the first end  48 . In at least one embodiment, the shelf cap receivers  72  can be configured to receive at least one shelf cap member  36  and/or other various components of the product display kit, for example. 
     In various embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 7 ,  8 , and  53 , the product display kit can further include an attachment member  69  configured to attach the base sections  32  to an upwardly facing surface of at least one shelf. In at least one embodiment, the attachment member  69  can include an adhesive (not illustrated) position on at least a portion of a bottom surface thereof. In such an embodiment, a peelable membrane can be placed over the adhesive to prevent the adhesive from being activating and/or bonding prior to use. In various embodiments, the attachment member  69  can include features which can be configured to engage at least one side wall of a recess  71  defined through the base sections. In at least one embodiment, the attachment member  69  can be press-fit, snap-fit, and/or frictionally engaged with the side wall of the recess  71 . In such an embodiment, as the attachment member  69  engages the side wall of the recess  71 , the adhesive can engage the upwardly facing surface of at least one shelf to bond thereto. As a result, the base sections can be attached to at least one shelf owing to the adhesive and attachment member/recess engagement. Such an attachment of the base sections to at least one shelf can eliminate the need to apply an adhesive to the entire, or a large portion of, the bottom surface of the base sections, for example. Further, such an attachment member can be used to level and align the base sections with the upwardly facing surface of at least one of the shelves owing to the attachment member&#39;s engagement to both the upwardly facing surface of the shelf, through the adhesive, and its engagement to the side wall of the recess. 
     In various embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 6-8  and  14 - 17 , the product display kit  30  can include at least one, and preferably more than one, shelf cap member  36  having a top portion  37  for aesthetic purposes. In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 14-17 , the shelf cap member  36  can be configured to be positioned on and/or relative to the first end  48  of the base sections  32  and be engaged, press-fit, and/or snap-fit to one or more shelf cap receivers  72 . In other various embodiments, the shelf cap  36  can be attached to the front portion of the shelf and/or a portion of the base section  32 , for example. In various embodiments, the shelf cap members  36  can include any suitable dimensions, e.g., width or length, and/or the product display kit can be provided with shelf cap members  36  of a plurality of varying dimensions, for example, to provide adaptability and modularity to the product display kit  30 . In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIG. 18 , the shelf cap members  36  can be configured to hold an advertising message banner  74  to thereby display a first advertising message to a consumer. In such an embodiment, the shelf cap members  36  can include a first projection  76  and a second projection  78 , wherein the first and second projections can each define slots  80 , and wherein the slots  80  can be configured to receive edge portions  75  of the advertising message banner  74 , for example, to hold the banner to the shelf cap members. In other various embodiments, the first advertising message banner  74  can be attached to a front face  81  of the shelf cap members  36  in any suitable fashion, such as using an adhesive or magnets, for example. In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIG. 33 , a product sample holders  41  and/or  41 ′, a product locator tab  38 , a shelf fin  44 , an advertising display  46 , and/or other various components of the product display kit can also be attached to the shelf cap members  36  and/or to the shelf cap receivers  72 , for example, as discussed in further detail below. In such an embodiment, the above-listed components can be engaged with, connected to, press-fit, and/or snap-fit with the shelf cap members  36  and/or the shelf cap receivers  72 , for example. 
     In various embodiments, the product display kit  30  can further include retail product dividers  42  which can be configured to separate various retail products located in different portions of the product display area and/or positioned on or supported by the base sections  32 . In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 6-8  and  19 - 21 , the retail product dividers  42 , in combination with the product locator tabs  38 , can be used to help consumers quickly navigate through the product display area with the product display kit and locate the retail products they wish to purchase, for example. In various embodiments, the retail product dividers  42  can include an elongate body  82 . In at least one embodiment, a plurality of recesses  84 , perforations, and/or score marks can be defined in the elongate body  82  in any suitable direction. In such an embodiment, a portion  86  of the elongate body can be separated and/or broken from the elongate body  82  along the recesses  84 , perforations, and/or score marks to adapt the retail product dividers  42  to fit a dimension of a retail store shelf. As an example, the portion  86  can include a length of 5 mm to 100 mm. Of course, those of skill in the art will recognize that any other suitable portion length is within the scope of the present disclosure. In such a fashion, the retail product dividers  42  can be easily adapted to fit a dimension of any product display areas in any retail stores. 
     Further to the above, in various embodiments, the retail product dividers  42  can also include at least one hook member  88  extending from the elongate body  82 . In such an embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 19-21 , the hook member  88  can be configured to be engaged with at least some of the apertures  68  in the base sections  32  to retain the retail product dividers to the base sections. In other various embodiments, either in lieu of or in addition to the hook members, the retail product dividers  42  can be attached to the base sections  32  near the first end  48  and the second end  50  of the base section  32 , for example, using any suitable connection members. In other various embodiments, the retail product dividers can be used in conjunction with the base sections and/or attached thereto in any suitable configuration. In any event, the elongate body  82  of the retail product dividers  42  can be positioned perpendicular to, or substantially perpendicular to, a top face  83  of the base sections  32 . In such a fashion, the positioning of the retail product dividers  42  can be used to separate various retail products positioned in various portions of the product display kit thereby allowing ease in restocking the various products and ease in consumer navigation between the various retail products. 
     Further to the above, in various embodiments, the product display kit can further comprise at least one side portion  34  which can be configured to prevent, or at least inhibit, the retail products from falling off the shelf and/or spilling over into other product display areas, for example. In at least one embodiment, at least one side portion can be positioned on one or more shelves, for example. In various embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  4 ,  6 - 8 , and  22 - 26 , the side portions  34  can include an elongate frame  90  configured to be attached to at least one of the base sections  32  and/or a portion of the product display area. In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the elongate frame  90  can include a plurality of recesses  92 , perforations, and/or score marks defined therein and extending in any suitable direction. In such an embodiment, portions  94  of the elongate frame  90  can be separated from the elongate frame  90  along the recesses  92 , perforations, and/or score marks to adapt a dimension, e.g., width, depth, and/or length, of the side portions  34  to fit a dimension of a particular retail store shelf. Similar to the above, the separation of the portions  94  can allow the side portions to be very easily adapted for use with almost any retail store shelf having various dimensions, for example. In various embodiments, the side portions  34  can further comprise tabs  95  extending from a lower portion of the elongate frame  90 . In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 22-26 , the tabs  95  can be used to connect the side portions  34  to the base sections  32  by engaging connection members  96  of the base sections  32 . In such a fashion, the side portions  34  can be assembled to the base sections  32 , in a direction perpendicular to, or substantially perpendicular to, the top face  83  of the base section  32 . Of course, in other various embodiments, other connection members can be used to attach the side portions  34  to the base sections  32  and/or other portions of the product display kit and/or the product display area. 
     In various embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  7 , and  27 - 31 , the product display kit can also include a shelf fin configured to display consumer product information to a consumer. In such an embodiment, the shelf fin can allow retail product information for various retail products to be displayed on both sides of a retail product information display and/or in any location along the projection  100 . In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 27-31 , the shelf fin  44  can include a body  96  and a connecting tab  98  extending from a lower portion of the body. In such an embodiment, the connecting tab  98  can be used to engage the shelf fin  44  with the shelf cap receiver  72  and/or a portion of the base section  32 , for example, to retain the shelf fin to the product display kit. In various embodiments, the shelf cap receiver  72  can include a projection  100  defining a recess  102 , wherein the connecting tab  98  can be engaged with the recess and be latched onto a portion of the projection  100 . In other various embodiments, the connecting tab  98  can be press-fit and/or snap-fit to the shelf cap receiver  72  and/or a portion of the base sections  32 , for example. In still other various embodiments, the connecting tab  98  can be attached to the shelves, the base sections  32 , and/or the shelf cap receivers  72  in any suitable manner. In various embodiments, the body  96  of the shelf fin  44  can include an aperture  104  configured to receive a retail product information display  106 . In at least one embodiment, the retail product information display  106  can be attached to at least one side wall  108  of the aperture  104  using at least one pin or other connection member, such that the retail product information display can be configured to pivot and/or move relative to the body  96  of the shelf fin  44 , for example. 
     In addition to the shelf fin described above, in other various embodiments, at least one advertising display  46  or  46 ′ can be used to display a retail product brand, retail product information, and/or a retail product advertising message to a consumer. In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  7 , and  32 , the advertising display  46  can be positioned on or near the front end  48  of the base sections  32 . In such embodiments, the advertising display  46  can be engaged with the shelf cap receiver  72 , the front end  48  of the base sections  32 , and/or be otherwise engaged proximate to a front portion of a retail store shelf. In various embodiments, the advertising display  46  can be engaged to the shelf cap receiver  72  and/or the base section  32  in a similar fashion as the shelf fin  44  described above. In other various embodiments, referring to  FIG. 7 , the shelf fin  44  can be replaced by and/or used in conjunction with a product sample holder  41 , for example, which can be attached to the display kit  30  in a similar fashion as the shelf fin  44 . As illustrated in  FIG. 33 , various other components can be interchangeable with the shelf fin  44 , such as the sample holder  41  and/or the product locator tabs  38 , for example. In any event, each component can be attached to the display kit  30  in a similar fashion. 
     Further to the above, in various embodiments, the display kit  30  can include at least one product sample holder  41  configured to retain and display a sample retail product. In at least one embodiment, referring to FIGS.  7  and  33 - 35 , the sample holder  41  can include a main body  110  having a projecting sidewall  112  extending therefrom. In such an embodiment, the projecting sidewall  112  can include a connection portion  114  configured to be engaged with a portion of the product display kit  30  and/or the shelf cap receiver  72  near the first end  48  of the base sections  32  in a similar fashion as the shelf fin  44  described above. In various embodiments, the main body  110  can include a face  116  having a product sample receiving aperture  118  defined therein, wherein the aperture can be configured to receive at least a base portion of a sample retail product (not illustrated) therein. In other various embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 36 and 37 , a sample holder  41 ′ can include an advertisement holder  120  positioned opposite the projecting sidewall  112 , for example. In such an embodiment, the advertisement holder  120  can be configured to receive and display an advertising message and/or product information to a consumer. 
     Further to the above, in various embodiments, the display kit  30  can include at least one product locator tabs  38 . In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8 ,  33 ,  38 , and  39 , the product locator tabs  38  can be configured to aid consumers in quickly navigating about the product display area and locating various retail products within the product display area in that the product locator tabs can be positioned such that they correspond with the various retail products within the product display area. In other various embodiments, the product locator tabs  38  can aid store personnel in restocking the retail products within the product display area by indicating where each retail product should be placed. In at least one embodiment, a product display tab  38  can be positioned intermediate two retail product dividers  42 , for example, to indicate which retail product is positioned between the two dividers. In various embodiments, the product locator tabs  38  can include a first portion  122  configured to receive and display a retail product identifying message to a consumer, such as retail product type, for example. Further, the product locator tabs  38  can include a second raised portion  124  configured to display a number and/or a code, for example, related to a product information. In various embodiments, the product locator tabs  38  can also include a connector  126  configured to engage a portion of the product display kit  30  and/or the shelf cap receiver  72  in a similar fashion as the shelf fin  44  described above. 
     In addition to the various components of the product display kit  30  described above, the product display kit can further comprise a retail product logo portion which can be configured to display a retail product&#39;s brand, source, and/or logo to a consumer. In various embodiments, the retail product logo portion  40  can include many different configurations. As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  40 ,  43 , and  44 , a retail product logo portion  40  can be configured to be attached to a bracket  128 , wherein the bracket can be engaged with a top shelf  130  of the product display area  10 . In various embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 43 and 44 , the bracket  128  can include at least one threaded aperture  129  defined therein, wherein a threaded screw  132  can be positioned through the aperture. In at least one embodiment, the threaded screw  132  can include a handle portion  134  on a first end and a shelf abutting member  136  on a second end. In such an embodiment, the threaded screw  132  can be rotated clockwise and/or counterclockwise to engage and disengage the shelf abutting member  136  with the top shelf  130  to thereby engage and disengage the retail product logo portion  40  with the top shelf  130 . In other various embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 41 ,  45 , and  46 , the retail product logo portion  40 ′ and the bracket  128  can be connected to a bracket  128 ′ using any suitable connection members. Bracket  128 ′ can include a frame  138  and bracket connection members  140 , wherein the bracket connection members  140  can be used to connect the bracket  128 ′ to the shelf strips  14 , for example. In such an embodiment, bracket  128  can be used to connect the retail product logo portion  40 ′ to the bracket  128 ′. In various embodiments, the bracket  128 ′ can be used when the product area display does not include a top shelf  130 , for example, and/or when the retail product logo portion  40  needs to be positioned above the top shelf  130 . In still other various embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 42 ,  47 , and  48 , a bracket  128 ″ can be used with the retail product logo portion  40 ″ when it is desired to position the retail product logo portion proximate to the rear wall  12 . In at least one embodiment, the bracket  128 ″ can be attached to the retail product logo portion  40 ″ and can include connection member  140 ″ configured to be attached to the shelf strips  14 , for example. In any configuration, the various brackets and retail product logo portions can be mounted to each other and/or to the shelf strips  14  using any suitable mounting members, such as bolts and nuts, for example. 
     Further to the above, in various embodiments, referring to  FIG. 49 , a retail product logo portion  40 ′″ can include a main body  142  and two side portions  144 . In at least one embodiment, the side portions  144  can be selectively slidable in the direction of arrow  145  into and out of slots (not illustrated) in the main body  142 . In such an embodiment, the retail product logo portion  40  can be selectively adjusted to fit a particular dimension of a product display area in a retail store. Once the side portions  144  are slid to an appropriate position relative to the main body  142 , the side portions can then be locked and/or latched in place using any suitable locking members and/or latching members. In other various embodiments, the side portions can include recesses, perforations, and/or score marks (not illustrated) which can be similar to that described herein. As described above in relation to other various components of the display kit  30 , a piece of one or more of the side portions can be separated from the rest of the side portion to thereby fit the retail product logo portion to a dimension of a product display area and/or a shelf having any dimensions. 
     In other various embodiments of the modular retail product display kit, various other features, such as at least one column member, at least one sample holder, and at least one corner member, for example, can be included in addition to and/or in lieu of the various features described above. In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 50-52 , the product display kit  200  can be configured to be positioned on any existing product display area  10  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1 ), an existing shelf, and/or any existing set of retail store shelves. In such an embodiment, the product display kit  200  can include a plurality of column members  202 , as described in further detail below, wherein the column members  202  can be configured to extend intermediate a first shelf  204  and a second shelf  206  of the existing set of retail shelves. In a one-shelf product display area, the column members  202  can extend from the shelf in a direction perpendicular to and/or substantially perpendicular to the upwardly facing surface of the shelf. In various embodiments, the column members  202  can create the impression of columns on the set of shelves as illustrated in  FIGS. 50 and 51 , for example, even though the “column” may be separated by various shelves. In at least one embodiment, the columns created by the column members  202  can be positioned on a first side  208  and/or a second side  210  of the existing set of shelves, for example. 
     Further to the above, in various embodiments, sample holders  241  can be configured to be positioned on the product display area such that the sample holders can receive and display a sample retail product to consumers. In at least one embodiment, one or more sample holders can be positioned proximate to at least one shelf of the existing set of shelves, for example. In various embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 53-57 , the sample holders  241 , can be similar to the shelf cap members  36  described above; however, the sample holders  241  can include an additional sample holding portion  212  which can be attached to the front face  81  of the shelf cap members  36  and/or formed integrally therewith. In at least one embodiment, the sample holding portion  212  can include an arcuate face  214  configured to provide the product display kit with an attractive aesthetic appearance configured to attract consumers to the product display area. In various embodiments, referring to  FIG. 56 , an advertising display  215  can be attached to the arcuate faces  214  of the sample holding portions  212  and/or the slots defined in the shelf cap members  36  as discussed above. In at least one embodiment, the sample holding portions  212  can each include a top surface  216  having a recess  218  defined therein. In such an embodiment, the recess  218  can be configured to receive at least a portion of a sample retail product to display the sample retail product to consumers. In various embodiments, the sample holders can include any other suitable configuration which is configured to hold a sample retail product and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the product display kit  200 . 
     Further to the above, in various embodiments, the sample holders  41 ,  41 ′, and/or  241  can include a retractable elongate member (not illustrated), such as a flexible cord or a string, for example, configured to be coiled around a rotatable spool and/or engaged with another suitable extension/retraction device. In such an embodiment, the retractable elongate member can be used to retain a sample retail product to the sample holders  41 ,  41 ′, and/or  241 , for example, to prevent consumers from removing the sample retail product from the product display area. In at least one embodiment, the recess  218  of the sample holders  241  can include an aperture  219  defined therein, wherein the aperture can be configured to slidably accept a portion of the retractable elongate member therethrough. 
     In various embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 58-60 , a sample retail product retaining member  220  can be configured to be engaged with a bottom portion of a sample retail product (not illustrated) at least partially positioned within the recess  218  such that a consumer cannot walk away from the product display area with the sample product and/or remove the sample product more than a few feet from the recess  218  owing to the length of the retractable elongate member. In at least one embodiment, the retaining member  220  can be at least partially comprised of a flexible material and can include an outer perimeter  222  which can be frictionally engaged, snap-fit, and/or press-fit with the bottom portion of the sample retail product. In such an embodiment, the retaining member  220  can further include an aperture  224  defined in a central portion  221  thereof. In at least one embodiment, an end portion of the retractable cord and/or a connection member on an end of the retractable elongate member can be configured to be engaged with the aperture  224  such that the retractable elongate member can be attached to the retaining member  220 . In such an embodiment, the retaining member  220  can then be secured to the bottom of the sample retail product, for example. In various embodiments, the central portion  221  can extend from the retail product retaining member  220 . In at least one embodiment, the retaining member  220  can include at least one slot  226  defined therein, wherein the slot can be configured to intersect with and define a recess in the outer perimeter  222 . In such an embodiment, the slot  226  can define a first portion  228  and a second portion  230  in the retaining member  220 , wherein the first portion can include a first arcuate face  232 , wherein the second portion can include a second arcuate face  234 , and wherein the first and second arcuate faces can be configured to be frictionally engaged, press-fit, and/or snap-fit with the bottom portion of the sample retail product such that the retaining member  200  can be retained to the bottom of the sample retail product. 
     As described above, in various embodiments, the product display kit  200  can include a plurality of column members  202  which can be positioned on a first side  208  and/or a second side  210  of the existing set of shelves and/or the product display area. In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 50-53 ,  61 ,  62 , and  63  the column members  202  can be positioned intermediate each shelf of the existing set of shelves. In such an embodiment, the column members  202  can include a top portion  250 , including a first cap  252 , and a bottom portion  254 , including a second cap  256 . In various embodiments, the first and second caps can be attached to and/or integrally formed with a main body  258  of the column members  202 . In at least one embodiment, one of the top portion  250  and the first cap  252  can include an engagement member  260  projecting therefrom, wherein the projection member can be configured to be attached to a first aperture or connector (not illustrated) defined in a portion of the sample product holder  241  and/or a portion of the base sections  32 , for example. Further to the above, one of the bottom portion  254  and the second cap  256  can include at least one hook member  262  extending therefrom, wherein the hook member  262  can be engaged with a second aperture  264  or connector in a portion of the sample product holder  241  and/or a portion of the base sections  32 , for example. In such a fashion, referring to  FIG. 61 , the column members can be engaged with the product display kit  200  on an existing set of shelves. 
     Further to the above, in various embodiments, the column members  202  can be adapted to be fit intermediate any set of retail store shelves having any dimensions. Similar to various components of the product display kit discussed herein, referring to  FIGS. 61 and 63 , the main body  258  can include a plurality of recesses, perforations  259 , and/or score marks defined therein and extending in any suitable direction. In at least one embodiment, a portion  261  of the main body can be separated from the main body  258  along the recesses, perforations, and/or score marks to adapt the column members  202  for any suitable dimension between the various shelves. As discussed herein, because of the adjustability of the column members, among other features, the display kit  200  can easily be configured for use on almost any set of retail store shelves. 
     In various embodiments, when the column members  202  are included in the display kit  200 , at least one corner member  266  can be engaged with a portion of a topmost column member and/or a portion of the retail product logo portion  40 , for example. In such an embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 64-67 , the corner member  266  can include an arcuate face  268  which can have a first side  270  and a second side  272 . In at least one embodiment, one of the first and second sides can include hooks  274  positioned proximal thereto and/or extending therefrom, wherein the hooks can permit the corner members  266  to be engaged with the hook receiving portions  276  ( FIG. 65 ) of the retail product logo portion  40 , for example. In such an embodiment, the hooks  274  can be slidably engaged with the hook receiving portions  276  to connect the corner members  266  to portions of the retail product logo portion  40 . In various embodiments, the corner members  266  can also include a top end  278  and a bottom end  280 . In such an embodiment, the bottom end  280  can be configured to be connected to a top portion  250  and/or a first cap  252  of a column member, for example. 
     In various embodiments, lighting can be included in any of the product display kits discussed above. In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIG. 68 , the lighting can include at least a first lighting element  290  at least partially encased in a first container  292 , and at least a second lighting element  294  at least partially encased in a second container  296 . In such an embodiment, the first and second lighting elements can include a plurality of light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) configured to illuminate at least a portion of the product display area, a product sample, and/or various retail products within the product display area, for example. In various embodiments, the first and second containers can be at least partially comprised of a transparent material such that the LEDs can emit light from within the containers, for example. In at least one embodiment, the containers can be glass tubes having lengths of 5-50 mm or, more preferably, 10 mm, for example. In various embodiments, the containers can each include a first end and a second end. In such an embodiment, the first end of a first container can be connected to a second end of a second container to form a chain of containers, for example. In other various embodiments, the containers can be connecting using any suitable members and/or methods known in the art. In at least one embodiment, the lighting elements can be powered by a power source  298  located on and/or proximate to the product display area. In various embodiments, the lighting elements and containers can be strategically positioned on the product display area to enhance the aesthetic look of the product display kit. In various embodiments, the lighting system can be configured such that it produces a very minimal amount of heat to ensure safety of consumers and provide for retail product stability. If too much heat was generated by the lighting system, the heat could cause adverse consequences to the chemical properties of the retail products, for example. 
     The present invention can further comprise a method of displaying retail products on an existing shelf and/or set of shelves in a retail store, wherein each shelf can include an upwardly facing surface defined between a first end, a second end, a front side, and a rear side. In various embodiments, the method can include the step of adjusting, adapting, and/or interlocking a plurality of base sections to fit a first dimension of at least one of the retail store shelves. In at least one embodiment, the step of adjusting the plurality of base sections can further comprise separating a portion of each of the base sections along a recess, a perforation, and/or a score mark defined in each of the base sections to adapt the base sections to fit the first dimension of one of the shelves. In various embodiments, the method can further comprise the step of applying the plurality of base sections to the upwardly facing surface of at least one of the retail store shelves to form a base. In at least one embodiment, an attachment member having adhesive on a bottom portion thereof can be inserted into, engaged with, press-fit into, and/or snap-fit into, a recess in a base section to thereby attach the base section to the upwardly facing surface. In such an embodiment, the method can include adjusting, aligning, and/or leveling the base sections using the attachment member. In various embodiments, the method can further include the step of attaching a sample holder to one of the shelf or the base. In at least one embodiment, the method can further comprise the step of adjusting a retail product divider to fit a second dimension of at least one of the retail store shelves. In such an embodiment, the step of adjusting of the retail product divider can further include separating a portion of the retail product divider along a recess, perforation, and/or score marks defined in the retail product divider to adapt the retail product divider to fit the second dimension of at least one of the shelves. The retail product divider can then be engaged with the base. Once the base and retail product divider are positioned on one of the retail store shelves, a plurality of retail products can be positioned on and/or supported by the base on a first side and a second side of the retail product divider. In various embodiments, the method can further comprise applying a first product locator tab on the first side of the retail product divider to aid a consumer in locating a first of the plurality of retail products, and applying a second product locator tab on the second side of the retail product divider to aid the consumer in locating a second of the plurality of retail products. 
     The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm”. 
     Any documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern. 
     While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.