PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10610031-B1
Application Number: US-201916446223-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Modular retail display system

Abstract:
A retail display table includes a table top with openings, and a modular display mat disposed over each opening. Each of the modular display mats is movable between a closed position in which it covers its respective table-top opening, and an open position in which it is lifted above the table top so that a cavity underneath the modular display mat is accessible. Also, each modular display mat has holes to accommodate a configuration of displayed items, and is removable and replaceable with another modular display mat having a different configuration of holes to accommodate a different configuration of displayed items. A retail display system may include such a retail display table, along with other modular retail fixtures such as display walls with modular display wall inserts and retail counter units with modular display mats interchangeable with those of the retail display table.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A retail display table, comprising:
 a frame; 
 a table top disposed within and supported by the frame, wherein the table top has openings therethrough; and 
 a modular display mat disposed over each opening, 
 wherein each of the modular display mats is movable between a closed position in which it covers its respective table-top opening, and an open position in which it is lifted above the table top so that a cavity underneath the modular display mat is accessible, and 
 wherein each modular display mat has a configuration of holes therethrough to accommodate a configuration of displayed items, and is removable and replaceable with another modular display mat having a different configuration of holes to accommodate a different configuration of displayed items. 
 
     
     
       2. The retail display table of  claim 1 , further comprising a lift tray disposed in each of the table-top openings,
 wherein each of the modular display mats is coupled to one of the lift trays, and 
 wherein each lift tray lifts and lowers its respective modular display mat to move the modular display mat between the open and closed positions. 
 
     
     
       3. The retail display table of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the displayed items comprises a cable that extends through the hole in its respective modular display mat,
 wherein the cable is hidden when the display mat is in the closed position, and 
 wherein the cable is accessible when the display mat is in the open position. 
 
     
     
       4. The retail display table of  claim 1 , wherein the table top is flat and finished on both a top side surface and a bottom side surface, and
 wherein the table top is reversible relative to the frame so that the top side surface can become the bottom side surface and the bottom side surface can become the top side surface. 
 
     
     
       5. The retail display table of  claim 4 , wherein, in an undamaged state, the bottom side surface of the table top has the same appearance as the top side surface of the table top. 
     
     
       6. The retail display table of  claim 1 , further comprising table legs connected to and supporting the frame, wherein each of the table legs has an inward-facing surface that faces an area under the table top, and an outward-facing surface that faces outward from the retail display table, and
 wherein each of the table legs is reversible relative to the frame so that its outward-facing surface can become an inward-facing surface, and its inward-facing surface can become an outward-facing surface. 
 
     
     
       7. The retail display table of  claim 6 , wherein, in an undamaged state, the outward-facing surfaces have the same appearance as the inward-facing surfaces. 
     
     
       8. The retail display table of  claim 1 , further comprising table legs connected to and supporting the frame, wherein an external surface of each table leg at a horizontal cross-section therethrough defines a shape with an order of rotational symmetry of 2. 
     
     
       9. A table, comprising:
 a table top having rectangular openings therethrough; 
 modular mats, wherein one modular mat covers each opening, and wherein each modular mat has a hole therethrough; and 
 fixtures coupled to each modular display mat, wherein one fixture covers each hole, 
 wherein each of the modular mats is interchangeable with another of the modular mats, and is removable and replaceable with a different modular mat. 
 
     
     
       10. The table of  claim 9 , wherein the table top is flat and finished on both a top side and a bottom side, and
 wherein the table top is reversible relative to a frame so that the top side can become the bottom side and the bottom side can become the top side. 
 
     
     
       11. The table of  claim 9 , wherein the table top further has a second opening therethrough, in addition to the first openings,
 wherein the table further comprises a non-mat modular element disposed within the second opening, and 
 wherein the non-mat modular element is swappable with each of the modular mats so that the non-mat modular element is disposed within one of the first openings and one of the modular mats is disposed within the second opening. 
 
     
     
       12. The table of  claim 11 , wherein the non-mat modular element is a recessed display cavity covered with a transparent cover. 
     
     
       13. A retail display system comprising:
 a table, the table comprising:
 a table frame; 
 a table top disposed within the frame and having openings therethrough; 
 modular display mats disposed over the openings of the table top; 
 
 a replacement table top; and 
 a replacement modular display mat, 
 wherein the table top and the replacement table top are each finished on both a top side and a bottom side such that each can be assembled together with the frame with either its top side or its bottom side facing up, 
 wherein each of the modular display mats and replacement modular display mat can be swapped with each other to reconfigure the table. 
 
     
     
       14. The retail display system of  claim 13 , wherein the replacement table top has a different appearance from the table top. 
     
     
       15. The retail display system of  claim 13 , wherein at least two of the modular display mats and the replacement modular display mat have the same outer shape and different inner configurations. 
     
     
       16. The retail display system of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a non-table display fixture, comprising:
 a display surface having openings therethrough; and 
 modular display mats disposed over the openings of the display surface; 
 
 wherein each of the modular display mats of the non-table display fixture can be swapped with any of the modular display mats and replacement modular display mat of the table to reconfigure the non-table display fixture. 
 
     
     
       17. The retail display system of  claim 16 , wherein the non-table display fixture is a counter unit. 
     
     
       18. The retail display system of  claim 16 , wherein the non-table display fixture is a display wall. 
     
     
       19. The retail display system of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a display wall comprising:
 a display wall frame; and 
 a display wall insert disposed vertically within the display wall frame; and 
 
 a replacement display wall insert having a different configuration from the display wall insert, 
 wherein the display wall insert and the replacement display wall insert can be swapped with each other to reconfigure the display wall. 
 
     
     
       20. The retail display system of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 modular floor tiles, each modular floor tile comprising:
 a flat upper surface; and 
 circular supports extending downward from the flat upper surface, wherein the circular supports support the flat upper surface; and 
 
 a cable disposed under the modular floor tiles, the cable traversing between the circular supports, 
 wherein the cable provides power to the table. 
 
     
     
       21. The retail display system of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a non-table display fixture, comprising:
 a display surface having openings therethrough; and 
 modular display mats disposed over the openings of the display surface; 
 
 a display wall comprising:
 a display wall frame; and 
 a display wall insert disposed vertically within the display wall frame; 
 
 a replacement display wall insert having a different configuration from the display wall insert; 
 modular floor tiles, each modular floor tile comprising:
 a flat upper surface; and 
 circular supports extending downward from the flat upper surface, wherein the circular supports support the flat upper surface; and 
 
 a cable disposed under the modular floor tiles, the cable traversing between the circular supports, wherein the cable provides power to the table, the non-table display fixture, and the display wall, 
 wherein each of the modular display mats of the non-table display fixture can be swapped with any of the modular display mats and replacement modular display mat of the table to reconfigure the non-table display fixture, and 
 wherein the display wall insert and the replacement display wall insert can be swapped with each other to reconfigure the display wall. 
 
     
     
       22. The retail display system of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a floor system comprising:
 subfloor tiles comprising a flat upper surface and circular supports extending downward from the flat upper surface; and 
 carpet tiles disposed on top of the flat upper surface; and 
 
 a display wall comprising:
 a display wall frame; 
 support plates attached to a bottom section of the display wall frame, 
 
 wherein the bottom section of the display wall frame is disposed to have an appearance of resting atop the carpet tiles, and 
 wherein the support plates extend beneath the carpet tiles. 
 
     
     
       23. The retail display system of  claim 22 , wherein each of the support plates is surrounded by adjacent subfloor tiles,
 wherein each of the support plates has a width that is an integer multiple of a width of one of the surrounding adjacent subfloor tiles, 
 wherein each of the support plates has a length that is an integer multiple of a length of one of the surrounding subfloor tiles, and 
 wherein each of the support plates has a depth that is equal to the depth of one of the surrounding subfloor tiles.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/738,785, filed Sep. 28, 2018, titled “Modular Retail Display System” and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/806,653, filed Feb. 15, 2019, titled “Modular Retail Display System,” each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to retail display systems. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to modular retail display systems and components. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Retail stores and other retail environments may include furniture, shelving, tables, and other fixtures to display and showcase merchandise. These environments often utilize customized fixtures and arrangements that are fixed in configuration, and that are not easily adaptable to re-configuration, re-arrangement, or re-purposing, and that may not work in multiple types of environments. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present invention include retail display systems with a high level of modularity. For example, a retail display table includes a frame and a table top within and supported by the frame. The table top has openings therethrough, and the retail display table includes a modular display mat disposed over each opening. The openings may be rectangular. Each of the modular display mats is movable between a closed position in which it covers its respective table-top opening, and an open position in which it is lifted above the table top so that a cavity underneath the modular display mat is accessible. Also, each modular display mat has a configuration of holes therethrough to accommodate a configuration of displayed items, and is removable and replaceable with another modular display mat having a different configuration of holes to accommodate a different configuration of displayed items. 
     The retail display table may include a lift tray in each of the table-top openings. Each of the modular display mats may be coupled to one of the lift trays such that each lift tray lifts and lowers its respective modular display mat to move the modular display mat between the open and closed positions. A cable of the displayed items may extend through one of the holes in the modular display mats. In the closed position, the cable may be hidden from view. In the open position it may be accessible. 
     The table top of the retail display table may be flat and finished on both a top side surface and a bottom side surface, and may be reversible relative to the frame so that the top side surface can become the bottom side surface and the bottom side surface can become the top side surface. In an undamaged state, the bottom side surface of the table top may have the same appearance as the top side surface of the table top. 
     The retail display table may also include table legs connected to and supporting the frame. Each of the table legs has an inward-facing surface that faces an area under the table top, and an outward-facing surface that faces outward from the retail display table. Each of the table legs may be reversible relative to the frame so that its outward-facing surface can become an inward-facing surface, and its inward-facing surface can become an outward-facing surface. In an undamaged state, the outward-facing surfaces may have the same appearance as the inward-facing surfaces. The external surface of each table leg at a horizontal cross-section therethrough may define a shape with an order of rotational symmetry of 2. 
     The retail display table may also include a non-mat modular element disposed within one of its openings, where the non-mat modular element is swappable with each of the modular display mats. The non-mat modular element may be, for example, a recessed display cavity covered with a transparent cover. 
     A retail display system may include, for example, the retail display table and replacement table tops and replacement modular display mats. The retail display system may also include a non-table display fixture including a display surface having openings therethrough and modular display mats disposed over the openings of the display surface. Each of the modular display mats of the non-table display fixture can be swapped with any of the modular display mats and replacement modular display mats of the table to reconfigure the non-table display fixture. The non-table display fixture may be a counter unit or a display wall, for example. 
     A display wall of the retail display system may include a display wall frame, a display wall insert disposed vertically within the display wall frame, and a replacement display wall insert having a different configuration from the display wall insert. The display wall insert and the replacement display wall insert can be swapped with each other to reconfigure the display wall. 
     The retail display system may also include modular floor tiles, each including a flat upper surface and circular supports extending downward from and supporting the flat upper surface. The retail display system may also include a cable disposed under the modular floor tiles, the cable traversing between the circular supports, where the cable provides power to the table and/or other modular retail fixtures (e.g., a counter unit or a display wall). 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a retail display system. 
         FIG. 2  shows a front view of the retail display system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows a top view of the retail display system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a retail display table of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  shows an exploded perspective view of the retail display table of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  shows a representation of configurations of a display wall of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  shows a representation of configurations of a display wall of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of a counter unit retail fixture. 
         FIG. 9  shows a partial view of the retail display system of  FIG. 1 , with a portion of the floor broken away. 
         FIG. 10  shows a partial exploded view of a retail display system. 
         FIG. 11  shows a top perspective view of a subfloor tile of  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
         FIG. 12  shows a bottom perspective view of the subfloor tile of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  shows a top view of the subfloor tile of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 14  shows a bottom view of the subfloor tile of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 15  shows a side view of the subfloor tile of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 16  shows an exploded perspective view of subfloor tiles of  FIGS. 9 and 10 , shown partially transparent. 
         FIG. 17  shows a top perspective assembled view of the assembled subfloor tiles of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  shows a bottom perspective assembled view of the assembled subfloor tiles of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIGS. 19A and 19B  each show a bottom perspective view of a subfloor tile of  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
         FIG. 20  shows a side view of a portion of a floor system including the subfloor tile of  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 21  shows a partial exploded view of a retail display system. 
         FIG. 22  shows a partial view of the retail display system of  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 23  shows a partial view of another configuration of the retail display system of  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 24  shows a perspective view of an example configuration of a retail display system. 
         FIG. 25  shows a top view of the configuration of  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 26  shows a perspective view of an example configuration of a retail display system. 
         FIG. 27  shows a top view of the configuration of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 28  shows a perspective view of an example configuration of a retail display system. 
         FIG. 29  shows a top view of the configuration of  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 30  shows a perspective view of an example configuration of a retail display system. 
         FIG. 31  shows a top view of the configuration of  FIG. 30 . 
         FIG. 32  shows a perspective view of an example configuration of a retail display system. 
         FIG. 33  shows a top view of the configuration of  FIG. 32 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the claims. 
     The following disclosure relates to a retail environment, which can be arranged, for example, within a larger retail environment, such as a retail store. It can create a defined space in which particular product-types or brands are displayed. For example, the retail environment may provide a company-branded space (e.g., Apple) inside a retail box store (e.g., Best Buy or Target) or service provider store (e.g., AT&amp;T or Verizon). 
     The retail environment may include a floor system that helps define its retail space. 
     The floor system can provide a continuous distinct appearance, and may define an outer boundary of the retail space. The floor system may also help maintain a neat and uniform appearance to the retail space. For example, it may include a wire management system such that the wires and cables are hidden from view. The floor system can also include carpet tiles and edging to create a uniform appearance. This may be beneficial in a store environment where the floor helps define a dedicated retail space within the store. 
     The retail environment may include one or more display units (e.g., display walls) that are positioned within the retail space, on the floor system. These units may be freestanding, mounted to the floor, mounded to a wall, or mounted to both the floor and a wall. These units may connect to power and data invisibly to a customer, through cables running under the floor. The display units may form barriers or walls that help define a contained area defining the retail space and separating it from the rest of the environment (e.g., the rest of the store). The display units can be widely varied, including tables, counter units, and display walls. In some examples, the display units can include graphic panels (e.g., to advertise products), monitors, counters, product hangers, and/or storage cabinets. The display units can come in various sizes to accommodate some or all of these features and more. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the retail environment may include one or more tables positioned within the retail space, on the floor system. These tables may also connect to power and data invisibly to a customer, through cables running under the floor. The tables may themselves be display units, in that they may be used to showcase merchandise, or the tables may be used for work or demonstration areas. The tables may, for example, be positioned adjacent to the display units. In fact, the tables may work with or cooperate with the display units to create the desired retail environment. The tables and the display units may be referred to as retail fixtures, and together they can be placed to create pathways through the retail space, and to arrange merchandise, advertising, work areas, collaboration areas, demonstration areas, and more in a desired configuration to create different retail environments depending on the needs of the retail space or store. 
     Such retail environments and spaces therein may be regularly reconfigured. This may be to accommodate a new product, a seasonal change, or a new retail strategy. For example, a retail display table may include tabletop display fixtures such as product display stands and signage. The positions of such tabletop display fixtures may be specific to the product being displayed, and may be dictated by a template so that products are displayed similarly throughout the store, and among retail stores at different locations. This consistency can help maintain a desired appearance and layout among stores. 
     Setting up or changing over an existing product layout may require careful measuring and placement of tabletop display fixtures according to a template, and procedures to individually affix each tabletop display fixture in position. There may be significant time constraints on such setup or changeover—for instance, an entire store may have to be changed over in a single night so as not to interfere with regular business hours. The complexity of and time constraints on such setups and changeovers mean that they are often done by teams of specialists, not a store&#39;s regular retail employees. The need for teams of specialists can limit the speed at which a large company can changeover all of its stores simultaneously. 
     The inventors have developed a modular retail display system that simplifies the process of changing over a store and reduces the time it takes. In this modular retail display system, fixtures and parts of fixtures can be removed and replaced with ease and without special training, to allow easy configuration or reconfiguration of a retail space. This reduces cost and downtime that may be associated with less modular retail display systems that may require specialized training and longer times to effect reconfiguration. It also extends the useful life of system fixtures because they can be reconfigured or repaired without being replaced entirely. For example, a retail display table of this system has rectangular openings for each product display area. A table may have, one or more of these areas (for example six—three on each side—as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . Covering those openings are modular display mats. Tabletop display fixtures are mounted to the modular display mats. Such tabletop display fixtures may be, for example, product display stands. For example, a product display stand may have a stem that holds a product at its end, raised above the modular display mat so that a customer can interact with and experience its displayed product. Wires may run through the display stand to deliver power or data to the product. The modular display mats may be lifted up so that wires from the products or other display components on the modular display mats that extend through holes in the modular display mats can be connected to power or data within the table. These connections are concealed when the modular display mat is replaced over the table opening. 
     The modular display mats are easy to install, so they can be shipped to a store pre-configured (e.g., drilled for receiving tabletop display fixtures at the right locations, or pre-assembled with tabletop display fixtures already mounted). Then, a retail employee with no special training can simply install the modular display mat over one of the retail display table&#39;s openings in a matter of minutes. The ease with which these modular display mats can be installed makes reconfiguring a store easier, either by replacing old modular display mats with new ones shipped in, or by swapping positions of existing modular display mats to achieve a new look. Also, if a single modular display mat gets damaged, it can be quickly replaced individually without having to disturb other modular display mats that have not been damaged. 
     The system not only allows quick and easy changeover of tabletop display fixtures, but also of individual modular parts of its display fixtures, such as retail display tables, display walls, and counter units. This modularity provides additional dimensions to store reconfiguration, allowing the store to be maximally reconfigured in minimal time and with minimal expertise. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIGS. 1-3  illustrate an example store layout according to an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 1  is a perspective view,  FIG. 2  is a front view, and  FIG. 3  is a top view. 
     As shown, the store layout includes a retail display system  10  that defines a retail environment made up of modular retail fixtures  12 . Modular retail fixtures  12  may include one or more retail display tables  100  and display walls  200 , as shown. Modular retail fixtures  12  may include other fixtures, such as, for example, counter units  300  (see  FIG. 8 ). 
     Retail display system  10  may also include floor system  400 . Floor system  400  may be made up of floor tiles that can include pathways for unobtrusively providing power and/or data to modular retail fixtures  12 . Floor system  400  may be formed of subfloor tiles, carpet tiles on the subfloor tiles, and boundary edging, as will be described in more detail later. 
     Modular retail fixtures  12  may be used to display products and information about them, and to demonstrate product capabilities. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , each modular retail fixture  12  is shown with displayed items  600 , including a product  610  or demonstration/information device  620 . Products  610  may be, for example, items displayed for sale, whether for sale themselves or as representative display models (i.e., representative of a packaged item available for purchase and stored elsewhere). Such items may be, for example, smartphones, smartwatches, computers, tablet computers, cameras, video game systems, digital media players, entertainment systems, speakers, headphones, earphones, and the like. Demonstration/information devices  620  may be, for example, a tablet computer or display monitor (e.g., television) that demonstrates capabilities of an associated product  610  or a placard that conveys information (e.g., specifications, advertising) about an associated product  610 . 
     Such displayed items  600  may be displayed in specific arrangements, according to a desired layout of a modular retail fixture  12  or even of an entire store or retail area. Consistent arrangements can promote an orderly and planned appearance and can reflect a consistent look internally within a store and externally across multiple stores (e.g., stores of the same company or brand). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , modular retail fixtures  12  include tables  100  and display walls  200 . Each of tables  100  and display walls  200  can have power and data capabilities, including internal wiring and plugs that can provide power and data connections to their components or to displayed products  610  or demonstration/information devices  620 . Yet there are no apparent power or data cables connected to any of tables  100  or display walls  200 . Such power and data connections are made invisibly, by cables that run within floor system  400 . For example, cables may run through a leg of each table  100  (as explained in more detail below), or through an underside of each display wall  200 . This keeps the retail environment clear of cables and helps it maintain a neat and professional appearance. 
     Modular retail fixtures  12  may have many features to perform their various functions. For example, display walls  200  may include demonstration/information devices  620 , which may be, for example as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , display monitors (e.g., televisions), graphic light boxes (e.g., with advertising), or full graphic panels. Display walls  200  may further include display counters  220 , cabinets  222 , display hooks  224 , display shelves  226  (see  FIG. 6 ), or other features to facilitate display of products  610  or related information. The features of display walls  200  may have some correspondence with features of tables  100 . For example, the height of a top surface of a display counter  220  may be the same as the height of a top surface of a table  100 . 
     The features of display walls  200  may also share visual characteristics, such as their outer shapes. For example, display counters  220 , cabinets  222 , and outer frames  260  of display walls  200  itself may share a similar appearance in having significantly rounded corners. The rounded bottom corners of outer frames  260  help emphasize the vertical appearance of display walls  200  rising up from and sitting atop floor system  400 . Tables  100  have similar rounded edge profiles, for example along the outer and inner sides of their legs, thereby further tying the appearance of the modular retail fixtures  12  together to help define a cohesive retail environment. Likewise, floor system  400  may also share a similar outer profile with significantly rounded corners. Again, this may help to define a cohesive retail environment. The shapes and appearances of modular retail fixtures  12  and floor system  400  may be varied widely to achieve different visual appearances. For example, rather than being rounded, corners of the modular retail fixtures  12  and floor system  400  could have a squared or chamfered shape, among other shapes. 
     Display walls  200  may include flush areas  204  that are aligned with a front edge of their frames  260  (e.g., flush area  204  including a graphic panel such as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). Display walls  200  may alternatively or additionally include recessed areas  202  set in from a front edge of their frames  260 . Such recessed areas  202  provide a further defined area within which to showcase displayed items  600 , for example with a display monitor and a shelf with an example of merchandise for sale, thereby providing an effective way for customers to interact with and learn about the merchandise. 
     To help further define and set apart recessed areas  202 , exposed inner-side surfaces  264  of their frames  260  may have a different appearance than outer surfaces of frames  260 . For example, frames  260  may be generally formed of metal and have a colored (e.g., white) or metallic (e.g., brushed aluminum) appearance, but exposed inner-side surfaces  264  may be have a different appearance, such as a wood-grain appearance. This may be achieved by wood-laminate panels set atop or within channels of outer frame  260 . Similar contrast in appearance may be effected in other ways among modular retail fixtures  12 . For example, top surfaces of tables  100  and counters  220  may have a wood-grain appearance, which may contrast with a colored (e.g., white) or metallic (e.g., brushed aluminum) appearance of their frames. 
     At times, a retailer may desire to replace displayed items  600  in a way that is consistent with other displayed items  600 , or may desire to reconfigure the arrangement of displayed items  600  in a consistent way or to replace currently displayed items  600  with new displayed items  600  in a new consistent arrangement. Rather than requiring tedious and time-consuming measuring and making attendant modifications to retail display fixtures on which displayed items  600  are displayed, modular retail fixtures  12  include features that make reconfigurations easier, faster, and more convenient. 
       FIG. 4  shows a retail display table  100 , which is a free-standing display fixture. Retail display table  100  may have a continuous flat top surface, or it may be broken up into one or more display areas (e.g., six display areas are shown in  FIG. 4 ). The display areas are defined by modular mats  500  that appear to be situated on the top surface of retail display table  100 . In some embodiments, each modular display mat  500  is disposed over an opening in the retail display table  100  in which it is installed. For example, retail display table  100  may have six such openings  120  in its table top  110  (two of which are shown in  FIG. 4 ). Together, table top  110  and modular display mats  500  form the top surface of an assembled retail display table  100  when all modular display mats  500  of the retail display table  100  are in the closed position. The shapes and sizes of openings  120  and modular display mats  500  may correspond. As shown, they are both rectangular, however they could also have other shapes, such as square or circular, for example. Modular display mats  500  may protrude from their corresponding openings  120 , or they may be flush with or recessed relative to the upper surface of table top  110 . In some embodiments, modular display mats  500  may have an upper lip that rests on table top  110  around openings  120 . A modular display mat  500  may be sized and dimensioned so that at least a portion of it corresponds to the size and dimension of an opening  120  so that the modular display mat  500  fits closely and securely within the opening  120 . The position of a modular display mat  500  over or within an opening  120  may be maintained by a mechanical connection (e.g., a hinge, detents, a snap-fit, a friction fit), by close correspondence between the shape of a portion of a modular display mat  500  and its corresponding opening  120 , or by magnetic attraction of magnets connected to modular display mat  500 , table top  110 , or both. 
     To facilitate modular reconfiguration of modular retail fixtures  12 , each modular display mat  500  is modularly removable and replaceable over openings  120 , and can be affixed in position to lift trays  510  disposed within openings  120 . Modular display mats  500  can be hingedly affixed, such that they can move between open and closed positions relative to retail display table  100 . In  FIG. 4 , modular display mat  500 ′ is shown in the open position, and modular display mat  500 ″ is shown uninstalled. The other modular display mats  500  shown in  FIG. 4  are in the closed position. 
     In the open or uninstalled position, an interior cavity  130  of retail display table  100  is accessible. Within interior cavity  130  may be hardware or other infrastructure to facilitate operation of retail display table  100 , including, for example, power and/or data connections  140 . An installer may access interior cavity  130  to plug displayed items  600  into power and/or data connections  140  via cables  602  of displayed items  600 . 
     Each modular display mat  500  may include a configuration of holes  502  therethrough (see, e.g.,  FIG. 5 ). Each hole  502  may be positioned at the desired location of a corresponding displayed item  600 , which may be affixed to modular display mat  500  over hole  502 . Hole  502  thereby provides access through modular display mat  500  for passing through a cable  602  of displayed item  600  to connect it to power and/or data connection  140  of retail display table  100 . 
     As shown, for example, in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , displayed items  600  may be attached to an item display fixture  630 , such as a display stand. For example, an item display fixture  630  may have a stem that holds a product  610  at its end, raised above a modular display mat  500  so that a customer can interact with and experience its displayed product  610 . Item display fixture  630  may be designed to support and/or secure its displayed item  600  relative to itself, and item display fixture  630  may itself be fixed in place to modular display mat  500 . In this way, modular display mats  500  may be assembled and shipped to a store for use or replacement with item display fixtures  630  already attached in the correct positions, and store employees can secure products  610  to display fixtures  630  when setting up an associated modular retail fixture  12  such as retail display table  100 . 
     Lift trays  510  may be disposed within a respective opening  120  by a connection to frame  160 . The connection to frame  160  may be effected by reversible common fasteners such as, for example, machine screws. Modular display mats  500  may be connected to lift trays  510  via a reversible common fastener, such as by one of more machine screws or clips. In some embodiments, modular display mats  500  have a catch along the rear of their bottom side that slots under a portion of a lift tray  510  to secure the rear side, so that modular display mat  500  can be secured to lift tray  510  by fasteners at the front of its bottom side, where they are more easily accessible to an installer. 
     Modular display mats  500  may be secured in a closed position by a latch. In a removal operation, an installer may un-latch a modular display mat  500  and rotate it into the open position. In some embodiments modular display mat  500  is maintained in the open position automatically upon being opened or unlatched (e.g., by a gas strut lift support, a prop rod, or other mechanism). In the open position, cables  602  within interior cavity  130  are accessible to the installer through opening  120 . The installer may un-plug cables  602  from power and/or data connection  140  so that displayed items  600  are free from cabled connection to retail display table  100 . Then the installer may un-screw bolts (or other fixing mechanism) that connect modular display mat  500  to lift tray  510  so that modular display mat  500  is free from connection to retail display table  100 . In some embodiments, the latch may include a lock such that only authorized personnel may access interior cavity  130 . 
     In a replacement (or an initial placement) operation, an installer may essentially reverse the removal operation. He or she may obtain a new or replacement modular display mat  500  (e.g., one with a different configuration of holes for accommodating a different configuration of displayed items  600 ), including displayed items  600  already fixed in place (or if they are not pre-fixed in place, the installer may fix them in place to modular display mat  500 ). The installer may then place modular display mat  500  over opening  120  and lift tray  510 . The installer may connect modular display mat  500  to lift tray  510  (e.g., by screwing in bolts to establish mechanical connection between modular display mat  500  and lift tray  510 ). Modular display mat  500  may now be hingedly movable relative to retail display table  100  between the open and closed position. The installer may maintain modular display mat  500  in the open position and may then plug cables  602  of displayed items  600  into power and/or data connection  140  to establish a power and data connection between retail display table  100  and displayed items  600 . The installer may then lower modular display mat  500  into the closed position and latch it in place such that interior cavity  130  and cables  602  are hidden from view. 
     Lift trays  510  may be alarmed so that unauthorized opening of modular display mats  500  can be detected and discouraged. For example, each lift tray  510  may include an alarm sensor that detects when the lift tray  510  is moved to the open position. If the alarm has not been disabled (e.g., by an authorized user entering a code or using a key), then the alarm may send a signal that lift tray  510  has been opened without authorization. This signal may be audible at the location of the opened lift tray  510  (e.g., at the retail display table  100  in which it is installed), and/or it may be transmitted to a remote monitoring device that can alert the appropriate person. 
     In some embodiments, a unit other than a modular display mat  500  and lift tray  510  may be disposed within an opening  120  of table top  110 . For example, such a non-mat modular element may be a recessed display cavity topped with a transparent (e.g., glass) cover, and with products  610  displayed inside. Such a non-mat modular element may be interchangeable with modular display mats  500  as described above. For example, modular display mats  500  and their associated lift trays  510  may be disposed within first openings  120  of a retail display table  100 , and a non-mat modular element may be disposed within a second opening  120  of the same retail display table  100 . In the case that a retailer wishes to reconfigure the retail display table  100 , he or she may swap the non-mat modular element with one of the modular display mats  500  such that the non-mat modular element is positioned in one of the first openings  120  and one of the modular display mats  500  is positioned in the second opening  120 . 
     Because retail display tables  100  may often be used in a retail location where customers can examine displayed items  600 , there may be times that a retail display table  100  becomes damaged. For example, modular display mat  500  or table top  110  may become scratched or dented (e.g., by dropping a heavy item on it), a table leg  150  may become scratched or dented (e.g., by running into it with a shopping cart). In the case of a damaged modular display mat  500 , the modular display mat  500  can be easily and quickly replaced with a replacement modular display mat  500  in the manner described above, without the need for a specially-trained technician or significant downtime. The old modular display mat  500  can be refurbished (e.g., sent back to an offsite refurbisher) to be reconfigured and re-used. In some embodiments, each modular display mat  500  can be refurbished, reconfigured, and reused multiple times, and is formed of recyclable material (e.g., a cellulose-based material such as HPL (High-Pressure Laminate)) so that at the end of its life it can be recycled. 
     In some embodiments, table top  110  is flat and finished on both sides. That is, it is finished on its top side surface  112  (viewable in the assembled retail display table  100 , see  FIG. 4 ) and its bottom side surface  114  (hidden in the assembled retail display table  100 , facing interior cavity  130 , see  FIG. 5 ). For example, both top side surface  112  and bottom side surface  114  have undergone a finishing operation such that their appearance is visually improved and protected (e.g., by a flattening/smoothing operation such as planing or sanding, and/or by the application of a stain or paint or other appearance-changing substance, and/or by the application of a protective coating such as lacquer or varnish. Both top side surface  112  and bottom side surface  114  may be veneered. In some embodiments, table top  110  may have an appearance that contrasts with that of other visible parts of table  100 , such as frame  160  and modular display mats  500 . For example, table top  110  may have a wood-grain appearance, while other visible parts of table  100 , such as frame  160  and modular display mats  500 , may have a colored (e.g., white) or metallic (e.g., brushed aluminum) appearance. In some embodiments, table top  110  may have an appearance that matches an appearance of inner side surfaces  264  of display walls  200  (e.g., both may have a wood-grain appearance) and other visible parts of table  100 , such as frame  160  and modular display mats  500  may have an appearance that matches an appearance of exterior side surfaces of display walls  200  (e.g., both may have a colored (e.g., white) or metallic (e.g., brushed aluminum) appearance. 
     In the case of damage to top side surface  112 , table top  110  is reversible. That is, it can be simply flipped over so that bottom side surface  114  becomes top side surface  112 , and vice versa. In other words, bottom side surface  114 , previously facing downward toward interior cavity  130 , is now facing up. And top side surface  112 , previously facing up, is now facing downward toward interior cavity  130 . In an undamaged state, bottom side surface  114  of table top  110  has the same appearance as top side surface  112  of table top  110 . By flipping table top  110  over in this way, any scratches, dents, or other damage to the previously-top surface are now hidden within retail display table  110 , and retail display table  100  is restored to its un-damaged appearance without the need to order and wait for a new table top  110  or a specially-trained technician, thereby avoiding unnecessary cost and downtime. 
     Table top  110  includes a number of features to help it effect this easy reversibility. First, as mentioned above, it is finished on both sides  112 ,  114 . It also has the same appearance on both sides  112 ,  114 . It has a symmetrical shape, including a symmetrical positioning of its openings  120 . It also does not include any attachment fixtures (e.g., fasteners, fastening holes) in either its top side surface  112  or its bottom side surface  114 . Instead, it is supported by supports  164  of table frame  160  within a recess  162  of table frame  160  such that its top side surface  112  is aligned with an upper edge  166  of table frame  160  (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). To stay snug within recess  162 , table top  110  may include a gasket  116  around its side perimeter that presses against an interior of table frame  160  when table top  110  is installed within table frame  160 . 
     Table frame  160  may be formed of aluminum. It may have extruded sides  167  with milled corners  168 . To effect a seamless look between its extruded sides  167  and its milled corners  168 , extruded sides  167  may be welded to milled corners  168  and both extruded sides  167  and milled corners  168  may be powder coated. In some embodiments, table frame  160  may be formed of or include die-cast aluminum parts. 
     In some embodiments, retail display system  10  may include one or more replacement table tops  110  and replacement modular display mats  500  (e.g., table tops  110  and modular display mats  500  that are not presently installed within a retail display table  100 ). Such replacement table tops  110  and replacement modular display mats  500  can be used to easily replace installed table tops  110  and modular display mats  500  in the same manner as described above. The replacement table tops  110  and replacement modular display mats  500  may have the same appearance as installed table tops  110  and modular display mats  500 , respectively (e.g., for re-creating an original appearance, in the case of damage). The replacement table tops  110  and replacement modular display mats  500  may have different appearances or configurations (e.g., for reconfiguring a retail display table  100 ). 
     For example, a replacement table top may have fewer (or no) openings  120 , to provide a larger or different work surface (e.g., with pop-up electrical outlets) or an area for a different type of product display. Also for example, a replacement modular display mat  500  may have the same outer shape as an installed modular display mat  500  (such that it is compatible with the opening  120  of the installed modular display mat  500 ) but a different inner configuration (e.g., different hole  502  placement, or different item display fixtures  630  attached). 
     As shown, for example, in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , retail display table  100  may include table legs  150 . Table legs  150  may be connected to table frame  160  to support table frame  160  above the ground (e.g., floor system  400  or other surface on which table legs  150  are supported). Table legs  150  may also be reversible relative to table frame  160 . In the case that an outer side surface of a table leg  150  is damaged, that table leg  150  may be simply removed from table frame  160  (e.g., by fasteners accessible from within table frame  160  upon removal of table top  110  as described above), rotated 180 degrees, and reattached to table frame  160  such that a previously-outward-facing surface  152  of table leg  150  now faces inward, and a previously-inward-facing surface  154  of table leg  150  now faces outward. In an undamaged state, both outward-facing surface  152  and inward-facing surface  154  of each table leg  150  have the same appearance. This way, the damaged side of the table leg  150  is no longer visible from an exterior of retail display table  100 , but is hidden from view by facing inward underneath table top  110 . Thus, the leg  150  of retail display table  100  is restored to its un-damaged external appearance without the need to order and wait for a new table leg  150  or a specially-trained technician, thereby avoiding unnecessary cost and downtime. 
     Table leg  150  includes a number of features to help it effect this easy reversibility. In some embodiments, it has a constant horizontal external cross-section. Also, the external surface of table leg  150  at any horizontal cross-section therethrough may define a symmetrical shape. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the external surface of table leg  150  at any horizontal cross-section therethrough defines a shape with an order of rotational symmetry of two (i.e., there are exactly two positions—180 degrees apart—within a 360 degree rotation at which the shape looks the same. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the external surface of table leg  150  at any horizontal cross-section therethrough defines a football-like profile. This shape also allows table leg  150  to have a wide external appearance in a small footprint, and helps hide the appearance of its internal side (e.g., in the event that it shows some damage). 
     Table legs  150  may be extruded, and may be formed of aluminum. They may have a powder coated finish (e.g., the same finish as frame  160 ). In some embodiments, table legs  150  may be formed of or include die-cast aluminum parts. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate example display walls  200  according to embodiments of the invention. Display walls  200  may be free-standing display fixtures. Each includes a modular display wall insert  210 , on which displayed items  600  may be displayed (see  FIGS. 1-3 ). Each also includes a frame  260  that surrounds and supports its modular display wall insert  210 . Frame  260  may extend around and define an exterior of display wall  200 . Frame  260  may be a single integral piece, or it may be formed of multiple frame members connected together. Retail display system  10  may include multiple different modular display wall inserts  210 , as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , each with a perimeter that aligns with an interior side surface of a receiving cavity  262  of display wall frame  260 . In this way modular display wall insert  210  is sized and dimensioned to be received within and framed by display wall frame  260 . Some modular display wall inserts  210  may include surfaces with openings configured to receive modular display mats  500  and lift trays  510  as described above relative to retail display table  100 . 
     In some embodiments, modular display wall inserts  210  may include a modular counter panel  212 . Modular counter panel  212  may be flat and finished on both sides such that it is reversible and replaceable within a counter frame  214  of display wall insert  210  in a similar manner as described above with respect to retail display table  100 . For example, if modular shelf panel is damaged, it may be reversed to restore its original appearance. As with table top  110 , modular counter panel  212  may have an appearance that contrasts with that of other visible parts of its display wall  200 , such as counter frame  214 . For example, modular counter panel  212  may have a wood-grain appearance, while other visible parts of its display wall  200 , such as counter frame  214 , may have a colored (e.g., white) or metallic (e.g., brushed aluminum) appearance. In some embodiments, modular counter panel  212  may have an appearance that matches an appearance of one or more of table top  110  or inner side surfaces  264  of display walls  200  (e.g., both may have a wood-grain appearance). If a retailer desires to reconfigure displayed items  600  of modular counter panel  212  he or she may remove and replace modular counter panel  212  with a different one having a different configuration (e.g., holes in different places). Beneath modular counter panel  212  may be a cavity similar to interior cavity  130  of retail display table  100  within which cables  602  of displayed items  600  can be connected to a power and/or data connection  140 . 
     Receiving cavities  262  of retail display system  10  may have four different shape types, depending on their position within display wall frame  260 : left side (curved left-side corners, right-angled right-side corners, as shown on the left in  FIG. 6 ), right side (curved right-side corners, right-angled left-side corners, as shown on the right in  FIG. 6 ), centered (right-angled left-side corners and right-angled right-side corners), and solitary (curved left-side corners and curved right-side corners, as shown in  FIG. 7 ). 
     In some embodiments, retail display system  10  may include one or more replacement modular display wall inserts  210  (e.g., modular display wall inserts  210  that are not presently installed within a display wall  200 ). Such replacement modular display wall inserts  210  can be used to easily replace installed modular display wall inserts  210  in the same manner as described above. The replacement modular display wall inserts  210  may have the same appearance as installed modular display wall inserts  210  (e.g., for re-creating an original appearance, in the case of damage). The replacement modular display wall inserts  210  may have different appearances or configurations (e.g., for reconfiguring a display wall  200 ). For example, a replacement modular display wall insert  210  may have the same outer shape as an installed modular display wall insert  210  (such that it is compatible with the receiving cavity  262  of the display wall frame  260 ) but a different inner configuration (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 6 and 7 , showing many different potential configurations of modular display wall insert  210 ). 
     Display walls  200  may be large units, taller than many people (e.g., taller than 6 feet), and modular display wall inserts  210  may extend vertically nearly the full height of display wall  200  (save for the height attributable to the frame  260  above and below the display wall insert  210 ). Display wall  200  may include only a single row of modular display wall inserts (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 6 ). Each modular display wall insert may extend vertically from a bottom frame portion to a top frame portion (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 ). Being so large, the ability to quickly and easily change the appearance of display walls  200  in place with minimal alteration can help save time, effort, and expertise. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , many differently-configured modular display wall inserts  210  can be installed within receiving cavities  262  of display wall frames  260 . In the case that a retailer wants to remove and replace one (e.g., as part of a store reconfiguration, or because one became damaged) the display wall  200  need not be removed or significantly altered. The old modular display wall insert  210  can simply be removed and replaced with another of the appropriate type to match the shape of the receiving cavity  262 . Display wall inserts  210  can be installed within display wall frames  260  in a variety of ways, for example they can be screwed or bolted in against an underlying mounting structure  266  of display wall  200 , they can be affixed within display wall framed  260  using magnets, or they can be installed using a cooperative connection of hooks or latches. In this way, a display wall  200  can be modularly reconfigured with minimal alteration and without the need for significant downtime or a specially-trained technician, facilitating easy creation and change of different retail environment configurations depending on the needs of the retailer. For example, U.S. patent application Nos. 29/656,127 (filed Jul. 10, 2018), 29/655,973 (filed Jul. 9, 2018), and 29/656,129 (filed Jul. 10, 2018) show examples of different configurations of display walls  200 . Each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference thereto. 
     As mentioned above, inner side surfaces  264  of frame  260  may be formed of a removable panel (e.g., panel  268  shown in  FIG. 7 ). The top removable panel  268  may have openings therethrough, for example, to accommodate internal lights that illuminate the display area of display wall  200 . The removability of panels  268  can facilitate replacement, repair or maintenance of panels  268 , which can allow reconfiguration or rehabilitation of display wall  200  in a modular manner, without having to disassemble frame  260 . It can also facilitate access behind panels  268 , for instance, to access bolts or other mounting fixtures behind the bottom panel  268 , for mounting display wall  200  to the floor (as explained in more detail elsewhere herein) or to access lights behind the top panel  268  for maintenance or repair of the lights.  FIG. 7  shows removable panel  268  on the bottom interior side of frame  260 . A similar removable panel  268  may be similarly situated in the top interior side of frame  260 . 
     To maintain the continuous seamless look of the inner side surface  264  of frame  260  (which, as mentioned above, may contrast in appearance with an exterior side of frame  260 , and which may, for example, have a wood-grain look) removable panel  268  may not have any evident fastening means. Instead, it may be held in place by magnets. For example, there may be magnets attached to an interior side of removable panel  268  that align with magnets or magnetic material of frame  260 . Frame  260  may also have a recess in its interior side to accommodate removable panel  268  and to help locate it in position. When display wall insert  210  is disposed within frame  260 , it may overlap removable panel  268 , thereby hiding a rear edge thereof and contributing to the continuous seamless appearance of the inner side surface  264 . 
     To insert or remove removable panel  268 , any display wall insert  210  may be removed, thereby exposing the rear edge of removable panel  268 . Removable panel  268  may have a grasping feature  269 , such as a ribbon or tab protruding from its rear edge that allows a user to pull removable panel  268  away from and out of frame  260 . 
     Display walls  200  that are not positioned against a wall may have a first wall insert  210  and a second wall insert  210 , each disposed on an opposing side of the display wall  200 . The first and second wall inserts  210  may be recessed within cavity  262  of frame  260  thereby exposing inner side surface  264  of frame  260 . Display walls  200  that are positioned against a wall may have only a single wall insert  210  disposed therein, on the side facing away from the wall. 
     Depending on the width of display wall  200 , display wall  200  may be configured to receive one or more wall inserts  210 . A small version may be configured to receive a single wall insert  210 , whereas a larger version may be configured to receive two or more wall inserts  210  as both shown, for example, in  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, the larger version may include inset wall inserts  210  on opposing sides (left and right), with graphic panel wall inserts  210  in between. 
       FIG. 8  shows a retail counter unit  300 , which is another type of modular retail fixture  12  that may be used to create a configurable retail environment as part of retail display system  10 . Like table  100 , counter unit  300  may have a continuous flat top surface, or it may be broken up into one or more display areas (e.g., three display areas are shown in  FIG. 8 ), and the display areas are defined by modular mats  500  that appear to be situated on the top surface of counter unit  300 . Retail counter unit  300  includes a counter top  310  and counter frame  360 . 
     The description of the features and use of table top  110  and table frame  160  described above relative to retail display table  100  apply equally to counter top  310  and counter frame  360 . Further, the description of the features and use of modular display mat  500  and lift tray  510  described in more detail above relative to retail display table  100  is equally applicable to retail counter unit  300 . In fact, to increase the modularity and reconfigurability of retail display system  10  overall, all modular display mats  500  may be interchangeable with each other, including that modular display mats  500  of retail display tables  100 , retail counter units  300 , and display walls  200  may all be interchangeable with each other. 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate portions of example store layouts showing underlying floor tiles and other components according to an embodiment of the invention. In  FIG. 9 , floor system  400  is shown with portions broken away to facilitate explanation. In  FIG. 10 , floor system  400  is shown as an exploded view for the same reason. The top surface of floor system  400  may be defined by carpet tiles  410 . As shown, carpet tiles  410  are disposed atop subfloor tiles  420 , which support carpet tiles  410  above an underlying floor. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/680,483 (filed Feb. 15, 2019) shows some example floor system components and is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. 
     Floor system  400  also includes edging segments  470  that connect to an outer periphery of carpet tiles  410  and subfloor tiles  420 , and that together combine to define a continuous-looking outer periphery of floor system  400  (and also of a retail environment situated on floor system  400 ). Edging segments  470  may interconnect to outer edges of both subfloor tiles  420  and carpet tiles  410  to secure them in place relative to each other and to edging segments  470 . This can help to keep floor system  400  together and unitary in use, and inhibits carpet tiles  410  from inadvertently lifting away from subfloor tiles  420  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 20 , discussed in more detail below). Some edging segments  470 , such as edging segment  476  in  FIG. 10 , can have openings to allow ingress and egress of wires underneath subfloor tiles  420 , which can then be routed around circular supports  422  (see  FIG. 12 ) of subfloor tiles  420  to get to and from components of retail display system  10  without being visible. For example, cable  700  may enter floor system  400  at edging segment  476 , traverse beneath subfloor tiles  420  until arriving at a hole  450  extending up through subfloor tile  420  and an overlaying carpet tile  410 . A leg  150  of a table  100  may be disposed over this hole, and cable  700  may be routed through this leg  150  into table  100  to provide power or data to table  100 , as also explained elsewhere herein. Table leg  150  may be located over hole  450  by a positioning block  452  that connects to and within hole  450 , and also through a table leg guide  156  that is fixed to an underside of table leg  150 . 
     Floor system  400  may be rectangular in shape, with rounded corners. The rounded corners may be formed by a cooperating subfloor tile  420 , carpet tile  410 , and edging segment  470  that come together to form a unitary rounded corner, as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , for example. The shapes of floor system  400  may be varied widely, however, to achieve different visual appearances and to accommodate differently sized and shaped retail environments. For example, rather than being rounded, corners of floor system  400  could have a squared or chamfered shape, among other shapes. 
     An example modular subfloor tile  420  is shown in more detail in  FIGS. 11-15 . As shown, each has an array of circular supports  422  in its interior, a series of closed half-circle-sector supports  424  along each of its outer edges, and a closed quarter-circle-sector support  426  at each corner. Each support  422 ,  424 ,  426  may be hollow, as shown. Circular supports  422 , closed half-circle-sector supports  424 , and closed quarter-circle-sector supports  426  may all have the same radius (as to their circular sector portions) such that when aligned next to similar supports in other subfloor tiles, closed half-circle-sector supports  424  and a closed quarter-circle-sector supports  426  (together with the aligned similar supports) form circles having the same diameter as circular supports  422 . 
     Supports  422 ,  424 ,  426  support an upper panel  428  of subfloor tile  420  above the ground (i.e., above the underlying floor surface). Upper panel  428  defines a flat upper surface (e.g., on which carpet tiles  410  can be installed, affixed, for example, with double-sided tape). Supports  422 ,  424 ,  426  are tall enough and spaced apart far enough to accommodate a standard-diameter power cable between adjacent supports  422 ,  424 ,  426 , and are sized and shaped so as to have a rounded radius against which such cable can gently turn without overtaxing the cable&#39;s structural flexibility, such as cable  700  shown in  FIG. 14 , for example. For example, supports  422 ,  424 ,  426  may be at least ¾ inches tall and spaced apart by at least ¾ inches. In this way, a power and/or data cable  700  can deliver power and/or establish a data connection unseen within floor system  400  to any modular retail fixture  12  of retail display system  10 . Such modular retail fixture  12 —for example retail display table  100  may in turn deliver this power and/or data connection to its displayed items  600  through, for example, power and/or data connection  140  (see  FIG. 4 ). This helps keep the overlying retail environment neat and clear of any visual indication of cabling, while still allowing power and data connections to reach the retail display fixtures  12  situated on floor system  400 . 
     Outer subfloor tiles  420  may taper downwards, to transition to a surrounding floor upon which floor system  400  is disposed. This can make it easier for customers, mobility devices, and carts to move into and out of the defined retail environment of retail display system  10 .  FIGS. 16-20  show inner subfloor tile  421  along with transition subfloor tiles  423  and  425 . Transition subfloor tiles  423  provide a tapered outer edge to provide a ramped transition up to the level of inner subfloor tile  421 . Transition floor tile  425  provides a tapered outer corner and outer edges to provide a ramped transition up to the level of inner subfloor tile  421 . In  FIGS. 16 and 17 , subfloor tiles  421 ,  423 ,  425  are shown transparent so that their underlying features can be seen for ease of explanation. As can be seen, transition subfloor tiles  423  and  425  include circular supports  422 , closed half-circle-sector supports  424 , and closed quarter-circle-sector supports  426  as described above for subfloor tile  421 . 
     Also shown in  FIGS. 16-18  is a tile connector  460 . Tile connector  460  is cross-shaped, with five circular holes extending through it. Each circular hole has the same diameter as, or slightly larger diameter than, an outer diameter of circular supports  422 . When subfloor tiles  421 ,  423 ,  425  are aligned next to each other to form a subfloor, as shown in  FIG. 17 , tile connector  460  can fit over aligned closed half-circle-sector supports  424  and closed quarter-circle-sector supports  426  to hold subfloor tiles  421 ,  423 ,  425  in place next to each other. Because circular supports  422 , closed half-circle-sector supports  424 , and closed quarter-circle-sector supports  426  when aligned form an array of uniformly sized and spaced supports, tile connector  460  can be inserted over such supports in any place where a connection between subfloor tiles is desired. 
       FIG. 17  also shows cable  700  extending underneath subfloor tiles  421 ,  423  and coming out a hole  450  through upper panel  428  of subfloor tile  421 . In use, hole  450  may be positioned directly underneath a table leg  150  of a retail display table  100 , as shown in  FIG. 10 , and cable  700  may extend within and through table leg  150  (see  FIG. 5 ) to deliver power and/or data to retail display table  100  (e.g., as described above). 
       FIGS. 19A and 19B  show the underside of subfloor tiles  423  and  425 , which are transition subfloor tiles  420 . As shown, in addition to circular supports  422 , some subfloor tiles  420  may include other support structures such as, for example, support ribs  427 . Support ribs  427  can be used in conjunction with circular supports  422  to provide support to subfloor tiles  420 , and, in the case of transition subfloor tiles  420  (like subfloor tiles  423  and  425  shown), support ribs  427  can support a tapering portion of subfloor tile  420  to help upper panel  428  of subfloor tile  420  taper downward toward an outer edge of floor system  400 . 
     Also, the outer portions of transition subfloor tiles  423 ,  425  may have an interlocking structure  429 . As shown in the side view of  FIG. 20 , this interlocking structure  429  may have a cooperating shape with interlocking structure  472  of edging segments  470 . Thus, edging segment  470  can extend under and be mechanically captured in place by the interlocking structure  429  of the overlying portion of transition subfloor tile  423 , 425 .  FIG. 20  also shows an overlying carpet tile  410 , an outer edge of which gets captured beneath an overlying hook structure  474  of edging segment  470 . Overlying hook structure  474  extends inward toward the interior of floor system  400 , vertically spaced apart from interlocking structure  472 . This defines a space between interlocking structure  472  and overlying hook structure  474 , within which an outer edge of carpet tile  410  is captured. Thus, outer edges of subfloor tile  420  and carpet tile  410  are interconnected together with edging segment  470  by their own structures, without any additional interconnecting components. 
       FIGS. 21-23  show support structure for a display wall  200 . As shown, a display wall  200  may be connected at a bottom section of its frame  260  to support plates  800 . Display wall  200  may extend above carpet tiles  410  in a first direction. Support plates  800  may extend under carpet tiles  410  in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In other words, support plates  800  may extend in front of and behind a display wall  200  in a front-to-back direction relative to display wall  200 , to increase the stability of display wall  200  in a front-to-back direction. Support plates  800  may be bolted to display wall  200  along a bottom horizontal section of frame  260 . In some embodiments, an intermediate pedestal plate  810  is disposed between display wall  200  and support plates  800  to strengthen the connection between display wall  200  and support plates  800 . To help secure display wall  200  in place, support plates  800  may be bolted into the floor that underlies floor system  400 . 
     To seamlessly integrate into floor system  400 , each support plates  800  may be sized to take the place of adjacent subfloor tiles  420 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 21-23 , each support plate  800  is sized to take the place of two adjacent subfloor tiles  420 . In this way, each support plate  800  may fit into and fill a cavity between surrounding subfloor tiles  420 . In other words, each support plate  800  may have a width that is an integer multiple of a width of a subfloor tile  420 , and a length that is an integer multiple of a subfloor tile  420 . Each support plate  800  may also have the same depth as an inner subfloor tile  421 , such that when it is disposed between surrounding subfloor tiles  420 , carpet tiles  410  may overlay both the support plate  800  and the surrounding subfloor tiles  420  with no noticeable difference from above carpet tiles  410 . To help give the appearance that display wall  200  is resting on floor system  400 , without the appearance of additional support features, carpet tiles  410  may extend under portions of frame  260  of display wall  200  all around the bottom of display wall  200 . For example, carpet tiles  410  may extend underneath the rounded bottom corners of display wall  200 . In this way, the structure that connects support wall  200  to support plates  800  between carpet tiles  410  is not visually apparent. 
     To further increase the modularity of retail display system  10 , support plates  800  may have slots  802  therethrough extending centrally along their length. This helps to facilitate flexibility in positioning within a retail environment. For example, in the case where display wall  200  is positioned away from a wall (as shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 ), it is positioned centrally on support plates  800 , and bolts securing display wall  200  to support plate  800  go through slots  802  centrally along slots  802 . But in the case where display wall  200  is positioned against a wall  900  (as shown in  FIG. 23 ), it can be positioned at or near ends of support plates  800 , and bolts securing display wall  200  to support plates  800  go through slots  802  at or near an end of slots  802 . In the case where display wall  200  is positioned against a wall  900 , display wall  200  may also be anchored to wall  900  (e.g., by bolts or other connection hardware). In either case the support plates  800  can be optionally secured to the underlying floor, e.g., by bolts through support plates  800  and into the floor. Thus the slotted configuration of support plates  800  allows them to be used in multiple configurations, contributing to the flexibility and modularity of retail display system  10 . 
     Display wall  200  is shown in  FIGS. 21-23  with two support plates  800 . In some embodiments display wall  200  is supported by more than two support plates  800 . For example, longer versions of display wall  200  may include 3-6 support plates, or even more depending on the parameters of the display wall and its installation environment. 
     Support plates  800  are shown supporting a display wall  200 . In some embodiments support plates  800  are used to support other retail display fixtures  12 , such as, for example, counter units  300 . 
     As described above, retail display system  10  allows for a high degree of modularity at many different levels, including the modular display fixtures themselves (e.g., tables  100 , display walls  200 , counter units  300 ) as well as their components (e.g., modular display mats  500 , table tops  110 , counter tops  310 , modular display wall inserts  210 , and modular counter panels  212 ) and displayed items  600 . Some other example configurations are shown in FIGS.  24 - 33 . Not only does this modularity make reconfigurations easier and less expensive as described above, but it also extends the useful life of many components of the retail display system  10 . For example, a table frame  160  or a display wall frame  260  can be re-used in place to support all kinds of reconfigurations, using the components and techniques described above. Some examples are shown in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 29/658,466 (filed Jul. 31, 2018), 29/655,963 (filed Jul. 9, 2018), 29/655,967 (filed Jul. 9, 2018), 29/656,127 (filed Jul. 10, 2018), 29/655,973 (filed Jul. 9, 2018), and 29/656,129 (filed Jul. 10, 2018). Each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference thereto. 
     It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users. 
     The foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. These exemplary embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. All specific details described are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. 
     It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings, and that by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, one may readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. 
     The Detailed Description section is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit the present invention and the claims. 
     The phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan. 
     The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined in accordance with the claims and their equivalents.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20190619
Publication Date: 20200407
Grant Date: 20200407
Priority Date: 20180928
Inventors: EDWARDS, JOSHUA ROBERT
WILSBERG, MORITZ
HEIRAKUJI, RUSSELL JOHN KAAIHUE
INOUYE, ALLISON
LUONG, Kenneth
GADY, JEAN-MARC
BRUGGER, ALICE MARLIN
DEJESUS, MANUEL
HAMM, WESLEY BRYAN
Assignee: APPLE INC
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Family ID: 69947876