PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8596456-B2
Application Number: US-95087510-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Display apparatus

Abstract:
The present invention includes a display apparatus including an item retention wall defining a cavity, and a suspension member coupled to the item retention wall, wherein the item retention wall is configured to retain an item within the cavity by a retention seal between the item and the item retention wall.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A display apparatus, comprising:
 an item retention wall defining a cavity; and 
 a suspension member extending perpendicularly from an edge of the item retention wall, 
 wherein the item retention wall is configured to retain an item within the cavity by a retention seal between the item and the item retention wall, 
 wherein the retention seal is formed due to an air pressure differential when a force tending to remove the item from the cavity is applied, and 
 wherein the suspension member defines an opening therethrough. 
 
     
     
       2. The display apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the air pressure differential is between air pressure outside mating surfaces of the item retention wall and the item and air pressure between the mating surfaces of the item retention wall and the item. 
     
     
       3. The display apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the item retention wall comprises a side wall positioned to surround a portion of the item. 
     
     
       4. The display apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the side wall has a thickness of between 0.1 mm and 0.8 mm. 
     
     
       5. The display apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the item retention wall comprises a rear wall coupled to the side wall and positioned to correspond to a rear of the item. 
     
     
       6. The display apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the rear wall has a thickness of between 0.1 mm and 0.8 mm. 
     
     
       7. The display apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the item retention wall and the suspension member are integrally formed. 
     
     
       8. The display apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cavity has a draft angle that corresponds to a draft angle of the item. 
     
     
       9. The display system of  claim 1 , wherein the suspension member is positioned in a plane coincident with the center of gravity of the item when the item occupies the cavity. 
     
     
       10. The display system of  claim 1 , wherein the item retention wall is shaped so that the cavity contains the center of gravity of the item when the item occupies the cavity. 
     
     
       11. The display system of  claim 1 , wherein the suspension member is positioned in a plane offset from the center of gravity of the item when the item occupies the cavity. 
     
     
       12. A display apparatus, comprising:
 an item retention wall comprising:
 a first wall portion; 
 a second wall portion coupled to and disposed substantially perpendicularly to the first wall portion; 
 a third wall portion coupled to and disposed substantially perpendicularly to the second wall portion, and disposed substantially parallel to the first wall portion; 
 a fourth wall portion coupled to and disposed substantially perpendicularly to the third wall portion and the first wall portion, and disposed substantially parallel to the second wall portion; and 
 a fifth wall portion coupled to and disposed substantially perpendicularly to the first wall portion, the second wall portion, the third wall portion, and the fourth wall portion, such that the item retention wall defines a cavity, 
 
 wherein an interior surface of the cavity conforms to an exterior surface of an item such that the item retention wall retains the item by an air pressure differential between air pressure between the item and the cavity and air pressure outside the cavity when a force tending to remove the item from the cavity is applied. 
 
     
     
       13. The display apparatus of  claim 12 , further comprising a suspension member coupled to and disposed substantially perpendicularly to at least one of the first wall portion, the second wall portion, the third wall portion, and the fourth wall portion. 
     
     
       14. The display apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the fifth wall portion is coupled to the first wall portion, the second wall portion, the third wall portion, and the fourth wall portion at a first edge of the first wall portion, the second wall portion, the third wall portion, and the fourth wall portion, and
 wherein the suspension member is coupled to at least one of the first wall portion, the second wall portion, the third wall portion, and the fourth wall portion at a second edge of the first wall portion, the second wall portion, the third wall portion, and the fourth wall portion, the second edge being disposed opposite the first edge. 
 
     
     
       15. The display apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the suspension member defines a circular opening therethrough. 
     
     
       16. The display apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the first wall portion, the second wall portion, the third wall portion, the fourth wall portion, and the fifth wall portion have a thickness of between 0.1 mm and 0.8 mm. 
     
     
       17. The display apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the first wall portion, the second wall portion, the third wall portion, the fourth wall portion, and the fifth wall portion are monolithic. 
     
     
       18. A display system, comprising:
 an item; and 
 a display apparatus, the display apparatus comprising:
 an item retention wall defining a cavity; and 
 a suspension member coupled to the item retention wall, 
 
 wherein the item retention wall is configured to retain the item within the cavity by a retention seal between the item and the item retention wall, 
 wherein the item protrudes from an opening of the cavity when the item is fully inserted within the cavity, and 
 wherein the suspension member is positioned in a plane offset from the center of gravity of the item when the item occupies the cavity. 
 
     
     
       19. The display apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the item retention wall and the suspension member are integrally formed,
 wherein the suspension member comprises a tab extending perpendicularly from an edge of the item retention wall, and 
 wherein the suspension member defines an opening therethrough.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a display apparatus. Specifically, a display apparatus for retaining and displaying an item in a retail environment. 
     2. Background 
     Retail stores and other establishments often possess items that are desired to be displayed to those who would view the items, for example, shoppers. These items may be displayed for a variety of reasons, such as, for example, being offered for sale, presented for their aesthetic characteristics, presented as memorabilia or collectables, other reasons, or a combination of such reasons. In displaying an item, it is often important to the displayer that viewers can achieve a full appreciation of the displayed item, unencumbered by extraneous devices, mechanisms, and the like used to effect display of the item. To this end, conventional display techniques, such as, for example, clamshell-type packaging and hang tabs attached to items via adhesive or the like can obstruct the view of the item being displayed by including, for example, contours, seams, and residue that obfuscate optimal display of the item. 
     Conventional display techniques can also include a significant potential for sub-optimal display due to improper alignment and improper orientation of devices, mechanisms, and the like used to effect display of the item, with respect to the item. For example, a hang tab attached to an item via adhesive must be properly aligned with the item in order to display the item as desired when the item is hung via the hang tab. If the hang tab is improperly aligned the item may hang at an undesirable angle, or may face an undesirable direction. Moreover, if the item is improperly oriented with respect to the hang tab when the hang tab is applied to the item via adhesive, the item may be displayed at an undesirable orientation. Additionally, adhesive may be unreliable in that it may exhibit inconsistent adhesion characteristics depending on its environment. For instance, adhesive in a warmer environment may be pliable and may allow for undesirable movement between an item and hang tab, such that even precise initial positioning of the hang tab on the item cannot be relied upon when adhering the hand tab to the item. Thus even if the item and hang tab are properly aligned, they may not remain that way throughout a period of display. 
     These concerns are increased when multiple similar items are displayed together, as variances in alignment and orientation among the items will be more apparent to a viewer having multiple items to compare. 
     If an item is displayed for sale, it may be important to the seller that the devices, mechanisms, and the like used to effect display of the item do not impede a purchaser&#39;s use and enjoyment of the item. Conventional display techniques can be frustrating and dangerous to a purchaser. For example, clamshell packaging is well-known to frustrate and endanger purchasers, by often requiring substantial effort and dangerous tools in order to be opened by the purchaser. 
     Conventional display techniques can also generate substantial waste. Bulky clamshell packaging is typically disposed of after a single use, as are adhesive display tabs. Such single use can be inefficient, and such waste can have a negative environmental impact by accumulating in landfills and elsewhere in the environment. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     A display apparatus is provided, including an item retention wall defining a cavity, and a suspension member coupled to the item retention wall, wherein the item retention wall is configured to retain an item within the cavity by a retention seal between the item and the item retention wall. 
     A display system is also provided, including an item, an item retention wall defining a cavity, wherein the cavity is shaped to mate with the item, and a suspension member coupled to the item retention wall, wherein the item and the item retention wall create a retention seal therebetween when the item is mated with the cavity, such that the item is retained within the cavity. 
     A method of displaying an item is also provided, the method including inserting an item into a cavity defined by an item retention wall, wherein the cavity is shaped to mate with the item such that the item and the item retention wall create a retention seal therebetween, and wherein a suspension member defining an opening is coupled to the item retention wall, and hanging the item via the suspension member. 
     Additional features will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments. Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the embodiments as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Together with the description, the figures further serve to explain the principles of, and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and use, the exemplary embodiments described herein. In the drawings like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a rear view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is an opposite side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  including an associated item. 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of  FIG. 10 , depicting a loading operation. 
         FIG. 12  is another side view  FIG. 10 , depicting the item as loaded. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention includes a display apparatus for displaying an item and can include a cavity for supporting and containing the item therein. The cavity may be dimensioned to allow the item to protrude from the cavity, thereby displaying at least a portion of the item unobscured by the display apparatus. Further, the cavity may be dimensioned to closely conform to the exterior of the item, so as to create a retention seal (which can be due to a suction-like effect created between conforming surfaces of the cavity and the item). The display apparatus may also include a suspension member from which the display apparatus containing the item can be suspended. The retention seal helps retain the item within the cavity while suspended for display and throughout normal handling incident to display in, for example, a retail environment. Upon application of sufficient force for a sufficient duration, the item can be removed from the display apparatus, for example upon sale of the item. The display apparatus can then be re-used by inserting another item into the cavity for display. 
     The following detailed description refers to the accompanying figures, which illustrate exemplary embodiments. Other embodiments are possible. Modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not meant to be limiting. The operation and behavior of the embodiments presented are described with the understanding that modifications and variations may be within the scope of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a display apparatus  100  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 2-9  depict various views of display apparatus  100 .  FIG. 10  depicts display apparatus  100  loaded with an item  500 .  FIG. 11  depicts a loading operation of display apparatus  100  with item  500 .  FIG. 12  depicts item  500  retained by display apparatus  100 . Display apparatus  100  may be a monolithic form and includes an item retention wall  200 , a suspension member  300 , and a cavity  400 . 
     Display apparatus  100  can be used to display an item (such as item  500 , which can be, for example, a product itself or a product including packaging therefor) in, for example, a retail setting. Display apparatus  100  can include retention characteristics, discussed in detail below, that enable display apparatus  100  to retain an item within cavity  400  during normal use. In a retail setting, normal use may encompass not only display of an item, but handling of display apparatus  100  loaded with the item by a consumer interested in the item, inadvertent dropping of display apparatus  100  loaded with the item, and transfer of possession, for example, between a retail store employee and a consumer in the event the consumer wants to buy the item. 
     Cavity  400  is defined by an interior surface of item retention wall  200 . Item retention wall  200  (and thus cavity  400 ) can be formed in a variety of shapes and sizes, including, for example, the rectangular cuboidal shape shown, a cylindrical shape, a conical shape, or an irregular shape. Such an irregular shape may include, for example, a shape having variously-shaped surfaces, such as, for example, a hexagonal surface, a circular surface, a triangular surface, a surface defined by curves of varying degree, a polygonal surface, or any combination thereof. For example, item retention wall  200  can be configured to mate with an exterior surface of item  500 , in that an interior surface of item retention wall  200  may be shaped so as to conform to an exterior surface of item  500  (see  FIG. 10 ). Item  500  may be, for example, any of the packaging disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 29/368,992, filed Aug. 31, 2010, and 29/369,022, filed Sep. 1, 2010, each of which is incorporated in its entirety by reference thereto. Such conformance between the exterior surface of item  500  and the interior surface of item retention wall  200  affects the retention of item  500  within cavity  400 , as will be described below. In addition, such conformance may facilitate proper orientation of item  500  within cavity  400 . For instance, in the case that item retention wall  200  and item  500  have corresponding draft angles, a user inserting item  500  into cavity  400  will be informed as to which portion of item  500  is to be inserted into cavity  400 , by aligning the draft angles. Conformance between the exterior surface of item  500  and the interior surface of item retention wall  200  need not be exact, as variance due to design or manufacturing can be tolerated while still accomplishing desired item retention. To further aid in such insertion, item retention wall  200  may have a rounded edge along the periphery of the opening  410  of cavity  400 , in order to guide item  500  into place during insertion. 
     In some embodiments, item retention wall  200  includes multiple wall portions, including rear wall portion  210  and side wall portions including top wall portion  220 , bottom wall portion  230 , first side wall portion  240 , and second side wall portion  250 . Side wall portions may be integral with one another and with rear wall portion  210 , and may extend substantially perpendicularly from rear wall portion  210  to form cavity  400 . At least a portion of at least one of top wall portion  220 , bottom wall portion  230 , first side wall portion  240 , and second side wall portion  250  may be integral with suspension member  300  and may extend substantially perpendicularly from suspension member  300 . Such designation and configuration of portions and suspension member are exemplary and are provided for convenience to aid in description and depiction. As one of skill in the art would recognize, item retention wall  200  may include more or fewer wall portions, and wall portions of item retention wall  200  may be designated and configured differently. For example, item retention wall may not include a rear wall portion, but may only include side wall portions configured to surround side walls of an item. Alternatively or additionally side wall portions need not have similar dimensions, but may have similar dimensions. Alternatively or additionally one or more side wall portions may include one or more cut-outs in order to accommodate an item including protrusions that can extend through the cut-outs. Alternatively or additionally side wall portions may include one set of opposing side walls configured to be flush with a front surface of an item when in the cavity, and another set of opposing side walls configured to be recessed thereby exposing a portion of the item. 
     To effect display of item  500 , item  500  may be inserted into cavity  400  of display apparatus  100 . Item  500  need not necessarily be fully inserted into cavity  400 , and may protrude from cavity  400 , as depicted in  FIG. 11 , for example. A portion of item  500  may be received by cavity  400  in the case that such portion of item  500  is inserted therein in the direction of arrow A- 1 . Given that item retention wall  200  is shaped to mate with item  500 , such insertion of item  500  into cavity  400  displaces air (or other gas or liquid) that would otherwise exist within cavity  400 . The amount of air displaced may vary depending on the configurations of item retention wall  200  and item  500 . In some embodiments, the amount of air displaced is an amount sufficient to create a retention seal between the exterior surface of item  500  and the interior surface of item retention wall  200 . In some embodiments, cavity  400  is dimensioned such that item  500  protrudes from cavity  400  when item  500  is fully inserted within cavity  400  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 11 and 12 ). This may be beneficial, for example, in the case that item  500  is transparent packaging containing a product placed forward such that it appears to be floating within the packaging, such as the packaging and item contained therein disclosed in either of U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 29/368,992, and 29/369,022. 
     A retention seal is a phenomenon by which item  500  is retained within cavity  400  even when subjected to forces incident to normal use and handling, including forces that would cause item  500  to decouple, or be removed, from display apparatus  100  in the absence of the retention seal. The retention seal can be created by the displacement of air within cavity  400  upon insertion of item  500 , as indicated above. Because of the mating configuration of the exterior surface of item  500  and the interior surface of item retention wall  200 , once item  500  has been inserted into display apparatus  100 , as depicted in  FIG. 12 , reintroduction of air into cavity  400  is limited by the proximity of mating surfaces of item retention wall  200  and item  500 . Item retention wall is shaped so as to limit the reintroduction of air to such an extent that item  500  resists being removed from cavity  400 . In other words, item  500  resists movement relative to display apparatus  100  in the direction of arrow A- 2 . 
     Such resistance to movement is due to a suction-like effect created between mating surfaces of item retention wall  200  and item  500 . Because reintroduction of air into cavity  400  is limited, a force acting on item  500  in the direction of arrow A- 2 , relative to display apparatus  100 , may create a pressure differential between the air pressure outside the mating surfaces of item retention wall  200  and item  500  (which may be, for example, air at an atmospheric pressure), and the air pressure between the mating surfaces of item retention wall  200  and item  500 . Thus, in order to avoid such a pressure differential and to tend toward equilibrium, item  500  may resist such a force, creating a retention seal. 
     Air flow from an area outside the mating surfaces of item retention wall  200  and item  500  to between item retention wall  200  and item  500  (and thus to within cavity  400 ) may not be totally inhibited, such that removal of item  500  from cavity  400  is possible. Such removal may be accomplished by applying sufficient force on item  500  relative to display apparatus  100  in the direction of arrow A- 2 , for a sufficient period of time, during which air may enter cavity  400  via the periphery of item  500 . Alternatively, a small pilot hole or the like may be included in item retention wall  200  to control the air flow as desired. The amount of force and period of time necessary in order to remove item  500  from cavity  400  can be varied and optimized as desired, and can depend on factors such as, for example, proximity of the exterior surface of item  500  to the interior surface of item retention wall  200 , the surface area of mating surfaces of item  500  and item retention wall  200 , the degree of conformance of mating surfaces of item  500  and item retention wall  200 , the shape of mating surfaces of item  500  and item retention wall  200 , the surface characteristics of item  500  and item retention wall  200 , and the nature of the materials from which item  500  and item retention wall  200  are formed. 
     The above and other parameters (or “retention characteristics”) can be varied in order to achieve retention having desired characteristics, which will affect both the effectiveness of retention of item  500  within cavity  400  and the nature of effective removal of item  500  from cavity  400 . For example, the distance or distances between the exterior surface of item  500  and the interior surface of item retention wall  200  can be varied, generally achieving stronger retention (i.e., greater resistance to removal of item  500  from cavity  400 ) with a smaller distance. The surface area of mating surfaces of item  500  and item retention wall  200  can be varied, potentially achieving stronger retention with a greater mating surface area, though this will be impacted by the shape of mating surfaces as well. The shape of mating surfaces of item  500  and item retention wall  200  can be varied, generally achieving stronger retention with greater depth and with more gradual directional changes around the periphery. The degree of conformance of mating surfaces of item  500  and item retention wall  200  can be varied, generally achieving stronger retention with a greater degree of conformance. The surface characteristics of item  500  and item retention wall  200  can be varied, generally requiring greater force to remove item  500  from cavity  400  with surfaces having higher coefficients of friction. Higher coefficients of friction may also require more accurate alignment of item  500  relative to item retention wall  200  to facilitate removal. The coefficient of friction between item  500  and item retention wall  200 , as well as the distance or distances between the exterior surface of item  500  and the interior surface of item retention wall  200  can be adjusted to achieve friction coupling between item  500  and item retention wall  200 . Friction coupling occurs when item  500  is retained due at least to friction between item  500  and item retention wall  200 , but is still removable from item retention wall  200  upon application of sufficient force. 
     Depending on the retention characteristics, item  500  may be able to be retained by display apparatus  100  even though cavity  400  only mates with a portion of item  500 . Such a configuration may be desirable in order to more clearly display portions of item  500  not within cavity  400 . For instance, if a front surface  510  of item  500  is desired to be displayed most prominently, the rear surface  520  of item  500  may be configured to be received into cavity  400 , thereby allowing display apparatus  100  to retain item  500  while leaving the front surface  510  of item  500  unobscured. Moreover, item  500  need not necessarily be fully inserted into cavity  400 , and may protrude from cavity  400 , as depicted in  FIG. 11 , for example. 
     The nature of the materials from which item  500  and item retention wall  200  are formed can be varied. For example, item retention wall  200  can be formed of a variety of materials having varying deformation characteristics. Deformability can be optimized according to the particular application. Some level of deformability may achieve stronger retention, by increasing the ability of item retention wall  200  to conform to item  500 , however too much deformability may prevent formation of the pressure differential described above, as the item retention wall may simply invert itself in response to a force tending to remove the item from the cavity. Deformability can also be affected by dimensional characteristics, such as thickness of item retention wall  200 . 
     As an example, display apparatus  100 , including item retention wall  200 , may be formed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and may be formed integrally with suspension member  300 , thereby resulting in a monolithic structure of display apparatus  100 . The PET that forms display apparatus  100  may be of varying thicknesses, including, for example, thicknesses in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm. 
     In use display apparatus  100  may be loaded with item  500  and may be hung via an opening in suspension member  300 , such as hole  310 . As also described above, item  500  may be retained within cavity  400  of display apparatus  100  through a retention seal. Because the retention seal may rely on pressure differentials, and because air flow from an area outside the mating surfaces of item retention wall  200  and item  500  to between item retention wall  200  and item  500  (and thus to within cavity  400 ) may not be totally inhibited, it may be desirable to limit the affect of gravity insofar as it may undesirably tend toward removal of item  500  from within cavity  400  while item  500  is being displayed by display apparatus  100 . To accomplish this, display apparatus  100  may be configured to include a wall portion of item retention wall  200  that is below a point proximate to the center of gravity of item  500  and display apparatus  100  together when displayed in a loaded configuration hung via hole  310 , or that is proximate to a plane passing through the center of gravity and oriented to be normal to the direction of insertion of item  500  into cavity  400 . For example,  FIG. 12  depicts display apparatus  100  loaded with item  500  and suspended from hole  310 . In such a configuration, bottom wall portion  230  extends proximate to a position below the center of gravity of item  500  and display apparatus  100  together (indicated by CG 1  in  FIG. 12 ). It is not necessary, however, that a wall portion of item retention wall  200  be directly below the center of gravity of item  500  when displayed, or that it overlap with the plane described above. Depending on other retention characteristics of display apparatus  100 , the center of gravity of item  500  and display apparatus  100  together may be positioned outside the bounds of cavity  400 , and display apparatus  100  may still effectively retain item  500 . Positioning the center of gravity of item  500  and display apparatus  100  closer to or further within cavity  400  may, however, generally tend to improve retention of item  500  in normal use. 
     The position of the center of gravity of item  500  and display apparatus  100  together relative to the configuration of display apparatus  100  implicates characteristics of display apparatus  100  other than retention characteristics. For example, the position of the center of gravity relative to hole  310  in suspension member  300  may dictate the angle at which display apparatus  100  will hang when loaded with item  500 . As such, the angle at which item  500  is displayed may be affected. 
     In order to achieve desirable characteristics at least with respect to item retention and item display, display apparatus  100  may be formed of any suitable material as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art, such as, for example, PET or aluminum, and may have any suitable wall thickness, such as, for example, 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm. Display apparatus  100  may have any suitable height, such as, for example, 70.3 mm or 79.1 mm, and may have any suitable width, such as, for example, 51.6 mm or 59.9 mm. Display apparatus  100  may have any suitable depth, such as, for example, 25.8 mm or 27.6 mm. Cavity  400  may have any suitable height, such as, for example, 47.6 mm or 56.0 mm, measured centrally at an opening side of cavity  400 . Cavity  400  may have any suitable width, such as, for example, 47.6 mm or 56.0 mm, measured centrally at an opening side of cavity  400 . Hole  310  may be positioned at any suitable position in suspension member  300 , such as, for example, centrally. Hole  310  may be of any suitable diameter, such as, for example, 11.5 mm. Display apparatus  100  may include any suitable draft angle θ, such as, for example 0.25 degrees to 8 degrees (see  FIG. 4 ). 
     Display apparatus  100  may be formed through a variety of processes, including, for example, machining or thermoforming. The suitability of any particular manufacturing process may be influenced by the desired retention characteristics, as described above. In some embodiments, display apparatus  100  is formed from a flat sheet of PET stock. The PET stock may be heated and drawn into a vacuum mold in a thermoforming process in order to form cavity  400 . In order to facilitate production in this manner, surfaces of display apparatus  100  may include a draft angle θ, which may be, for example, 0.25 to 3 degrees. Hole  310  may be created by a punch operation. Due to the nature of the thermoforming process, display apparatus  100  may not have a constant thickness. For instance, rear wall portion  210  may be thinner than suspension member  300 , and the thickness of rear wall portion  210  may be dependent on the depth of cavity  400 . 
     Display apparatus  100  may be transparent, translucent, opaque, or any combination or degree thereof. Display apparatus  100  may be colored or tinted, and may include design elements such as, for example, graphics or print molded into display apparatus  100 , deposited or printed thereon, or etched into the surface thereof. Transparency may be desirable in order to more fully display item  500 . Opacity may be desirable in order to hide an interior of display apparatus  100  or to hide a portion of item  500 . Color or design or lack thereof may be desirable to impact aesthetic appeal. Graphics or print may be desirable in order to convey information about item  500  or to impact aesthetic appeal. Alternatively or additionally, a technique such as, for example, physical vapor deposition may be used to achieve a desired surface appearance, such as, for example, a mirrored look. Such technique may be used on only a portion of display apparatus  100  or over the entire surface of display apparatus  100  in order to achieve a desired look. 
     The retention characteristics of display apparatus  100  described above allow display apparatus  100  to retain item  500  within cavity  400  throughout the course of normal use. For example, in a retail setting, display apparatus  100  can be hung by hole  310 , for example from an elongated member of a display structure, a string, or the like, in order to display item  500 . Display apparatus  100  may also retain item  500  within cavity  400  while display apparatus  100  loaded with item  500  is handled by a consumer interested in item  500 , while display apparatus  100  loaded with item  500  is inadvertently dropped, and while transfer of possession takes place, for example, between a retail store employee and a consumer in the event the consumer wants to buy the item. 
     In use a user such as, for example, a retail store employee, may have a supply of display apparatuses  100  and a supply of items  500 . The employee may orient an item  500  to correspond with the interior surface of item retention wall  200 , and may insert item  500  into cavity  400 , such as by a sliding motion, for example. When item  500  is fully engaged with display apparatus  100  (i.e., when the exterior surface of item  500  mates with the interior surface of item retention wall  200 ), item  500  will be retained within cavity  400  of display apparatus  100 . The employee may then display item  500  by, for example, hanging display apparatus  100  (retaining item  500 ) from hole  310 . The employee may, for example, position display apparatus  100  such that an elongated member of a display structure extends through hole  310 , thereby supporting display apparatus  100  and item  500  in a desired manner. The employee may repeat this process with additional display apparatuses  100  and items  500  if desired, for example in order to stock a display structure. 
     Upon seeing item  500  thus displayed, a person such as, for example, a consumer in a retail store, may desire to handle item  500  retained by display apparatus  100 . Display apparatus  100  may be designed and configured such that item  500  remains retained by display apparatus  100  through such handling. The consumer may then desire to purchase item  500 , in which case he or she will bring item  500  retained by display apparatus  100  to an employee in order to complete the purchase. The employee may then pull item  500  from display apparatus  100 , applying sufficient force for a sufficient time in order to overcome the retention seal, thereby removing item  500  from cavity  400  of display apparatus  100 . The employee may then retain display apparatus  100  for reuse. 
     Display apparatus  100  provides numerous advantages over conventional techniques for displaying items. Due to the conforming nature of item  500  with item retention wall  200 , improper alignment or orientation of item  500  with respect to display apparatus  100  is minimized. Because display apparatus  100  can retain item  500  through interaction with only a portion of item  500 , the balance of item  500  can be displayed without obstruction. Because display apparatus  100  can retain item  500  without requiring additional elements such as glue or other adhesive, a process of preparing a display is simplified. Due to the simplification of the display preparation process, display preparation may be more feasibly performed at a display site (such as a retail store) rather than at an upstream facility such as, for example, a manufacturing or distribution facility. This allows display apparatus  100  to be shipped separately from items to be displayed, such as item  500 , and thus allows more freedom in shipping configurations to increase efficiency and reduce cost. Because display apparatus  100  is distinct from any dedicated packaging, display apparatus can be removed and retained by a seller of a displayed item  500 . Moreover, because display apparatus  100  is not deformed or destroyed during or after use, and can be retained, display apparatus can be re-used once a first item is removed to be sold by being loaded with a second item to be displayed for sale. This increases shipping efficiency by requiring fewer display apparatuses  100  to be shipped, and is more environmentally responsible by reducing waste and requiring fewer resources be expended in the display of items. 
     The embodiments described above are exemplary only. As one of skill in the art would appreciate, the present invention can be embodied in various alternative embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, in some embodiments additional features may be included in order to assist in retention of item  500  within cavity  400  of display apparatus  100 . These additional features can include, alternatively or additionally, for example, spring detents that push inwardly on item  500  when item  500  is within cavity  400 , snaps, latches, magnets, or the like. In some embodiments, detents in item retention wall  200  correspond to ridges or matching detents in item  500 , such that interior bulges created in item retention wall  200  can be received by the ridges or matching detents in item  500  upon insertion of item  500  into cavity  400  of display apparatus  100 . These additional features can also include, for example, the inclusion of an adhesive or other tacky substance on the interior surface of item retention wall  200  that can adhesively attach to item  500  upon insertion of item  500  into cavity  400  of display apparatus  100 . This adhesive or other tacky substance can be configured to remain within cavity  400  even upon removal of item  500  from cavity  400 , without depositing significant residue on item  500 . These additional features can also include a crush fit interface between at least a portion of item  500  and cavity  400 , thereby providing a degree of compression on the exterior surface of item  500  tending to retain item  500  within cavity  400 . 
     Additionally, though the above embodiments have been described in the context of retention and display, the invention is not so limited. The invention also encompasses security features. Use of electronic article security (EAS) tags is common among retailers. EAS tags are typically adhered to item packaging, and, when in an active state, can be sensed by EAS tag monitors, which can emit an alarm or other signal in response to sensing an EAS tag. These EAS tag monitors are typically placed near points of ingress and egress to a retail facility. Thus, when an “active” EAS tag is removed from the retail facility, the EAS tag monitors sense the proximity of the active EAS tag and emit an alarm. EAS-tagged items will typically carry active EAS tags while within the retail facility. Upon purchase of an EAS-tagged item, however, the EAS tag is typically deactivated by a retail store employee, allowing the purchaser to exit the retail facility without setting off an alarm. This process can be simplified by attaching the EAS tag to display apparatus  100 , rather than item  500 . Because display apparatus  100  can be retained and reused by the retailer, there is no need to deactivate the EAS tag. Upon purchase of an item  500 , the retail store employee need only remove the EAS-tagged display apparatus  100 , thereby allowing the purchaser to leave the retail facility with the EAS tag-free item  500 . This technique can also reduce cost by reducing the number of EAS tags required to secure a given number of items. In order to maintain visual aesthetics while using an EAS tag, display apparatus  100  may be made opaque, and the EAS tag accommodated on an interior surface of item retention wall  200 , thereby hiding it from view during display of item  500 . Additionally, by allowing EAS tags to be retained within the retail facility, including EAS tags on display apparatus  100  rather than item  500  reduces a phenomenon known as “tag pollution”. Tag pollution occurs when, for example, EAS tags, affixed and activated prior to receipt within a retail location by a party such as, for example, a manufacturer or distributor, are used at a retail facility that does not take advantage of the EAS tag capabilities (i.e., does not use EAS tag monitors) and so does not deactivate the EAS tags at sale. These active EAS tags may set off EAS tag monitors at other retail facilities, leading to confusion and false alarms. Retaining EAS tags within the retail location reduces this possibility.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20101119
Publication Date: 20131203
Grant Date: 20131203
Priority Date: 20101119
Inventors: BIRGERS CHRISTOPHER J.
SOLOMON MICHAEL JOSEPH
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B65D2313/10", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D2313/10", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D73/0035", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D73/0035", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D2313/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D2313/06", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D2313/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D2313/06", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 45094228