PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9474392-B2
Application Number: US-201213652038-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Methods and systems for displaying a product

Abstract:
A display system may include a retaining puck for retaining a product, the retaining puck including a main body having a side surface and a bracket recess, wherein at least a portion of the side surface is continuous except for the bracket recess, and a bracket having a mounting flange configured to mate with the bracket recess, wherein the mounting flange is received by the bracket recess, and an outer surface of the mounting flange is aligned with the continuous portion of the side surface of the main body.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A retaining puck for retaining a product, the retaining puck comprising:
 a main body; and 
 two bracket arms extending from the main body in opposite directions, wherein each of the bracket arms is attached to the main body by a mounting flange received in a bracket recess of the main body, 
 wherein an outer surface of each mounting flange has an arcuate curvature around a portion of the main body; and 
 wherein the arcuate curvature defines a portion of a side surface of the main body. 
 
     
     
       2. The retaining puck of  claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of each mounting flange defines a portion of a cylindrical shape. 
     
     
       3. The retaining puck of  claim 1 , wherein the side surface of the main body and the outer surface of each mounting flange together define a cylindrical shape. 
     
     
       4. The retaining puck of  claim 1 , wherein the side surface of the main body and the outer surface of each mounting flange have the same radius of curvature. 
     
     
       5. The retaining puck of  claim 1 , wherein each mounting flange has an inner surface that has a different shape from its outer surface. 
     
     
       6. The retaining puck of  claim 5 , wherein each inner surface is defined by one or more flat surfaces, and
 wherein each outer surface is defined by a continuously curved surface. 
 
     
     
       7. A display system, comprising:
 the retaining puck of  claim 1 ; and 
 a display stem having an interior cavity at its proximal end for receiving a portion of the puck, 
 wherein the outer surface of the mounting flange aligns with an outer surface of the display stem at its proximal portion when the portion of the puck is received within the interior cavity of the display stem. 
 
     
     
       8. The display system of  claim 7 , wherein the side surface of the main body, the outer surface of each mounting flange, and the outer surface of the proximal portion of the display stem together define a cylindrical shape. 
     
     
       9. The display system of  claim 7 , wherein an outer diameter of the retaining puck is the same as an outer diameter of the display stem. 
     
     
       10. The display system of  claim 7 , wherein the outer surface of the display stem at its proximal portion is aligned with the outer surface of each mounting flange when the portion of the retaining puck is received within the interior cavity of the display stem. 
     
     
       11. The display system of  claim 7 , comprising:
 a product connector cable having a product cable plug coupled to the retaining puck, wherein the product cable plug is configured to receive power or data through the coupling with the retaining puck and to transmit the power or data to a product coupled to a product connection end of the product connector cable. 
 
     
     
       12. A display system, comprising:
 a retaining puck comprising a bracket having a mounting flange and a bracket arm extending from the mounting flange and configured to extend around a portion of a product to thereby couple the product to the retaining puck, wherein the retaining puck has a side surface defined at least in part by the mounting flange; and 
 a display stem having a side surface defining a shape at its proximal portion that corresponds to a shape defined by the side surface of the retaining puck, 
 wherein the side surface of the retaining puck defined by the mounting flange is aligned with the proximal portion of the side surface of the display stem when the retaining puck is coupled to the display stem, and 
 wherein the side surface of the retaining puck defined in part by the mounting flange has a cross-sectional shape that corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the proximal portion of the side surface of the display stem. 
 
     
     
       13. The display system of  claim 12 , wherein the outer surface of the display stem at its proximal portion and at least a portion of the side surface of the retaining puck together define a cylindrical shape. 
     
     
       14. The display system of  claim 12 , wherein the retaining puck further comprises a second bracket having a mounting flange,
 wherein at least a portion of the side surface of the retaining puck is defined by the second mounting flange, 
 wherein the side surface of the retaining puck defined by the second mounting flange is aligned with the proximal portion of the side surface of the display stem when the retaining puck is coupled to the display stem, and 
 wherein the first bracket and the second bracket each comprise a bracket arm, and wherein the bracket arms extend in opposite directions. 
 
     
     
       15. The display system of  claim 12 , wherein the outer surface of the display stem and the side surface of the retaining puck together define at least a semi-cylindrical shape. 
     
     
       16. A method for displaying a product, the method comprising:
 fixing a product to a retaining puck, wherein the retaining puck comprises:
 a main body; and 
 two bracket arms extending from the main body in opposite directions, wherein each of the bracket arms is attached to the main body by a mounting flange received in a bracket recess of the main body, wherein an outer surface of each mounting flange has an arcuate curvature around a portion of the main body, and wherein the arcuate curvature defines a portion of a side surface of the main body; and 
 
 aligning the outer surface of each mounting flange with an outer surface of at least a proximal portion of a display stem. 
 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 16 , comprising positioning a mating surface of the retaining puck in contact with a mating surface of the display stem. 
     
     
       18. The retaining puck of  claim 1 , wherein each bracket arm has an end portion opposite its mounting flange, and wherein the end portion of each bracket anti curves to point toward the end portion of its opposing bracket arm. 
     
     
       19. The retaining puck of  claim 1 , wherein a top surface of the retaining puck is formed in part by top surfaces of the bracket arms. 
     
     
       20. The retaining puck of  claim 1 , wherein the bracket arms together define a space within which a product can be retained relative to the retaining puck by the bracket arms. 
     
     
       21. The retaining puck of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting flanges and the main body are not movable relative to each other when the bracket arms are attached to the main body. 
     
     
       22. The retaining puck  12 , wherein the side surface of the retaining puck defined in part by the mounting flange has a circular cross-sectional shape and the proximal portion of the side surface of the display stem has a circular cross-sectional shape with a diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of the side surface of the retaining puck defined in part by the mounting flange.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for displaying a product. 
     2. Background 
     A retailer or other person may desire to make a product available for use (e.g., testing) by a potential purchaser or other person. In some cases, the retailer may further desire to limit the potential purchaser&#39;s ability to remove the product from a display area. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     A retailer may have a display model product that is representative of products that are available for purchase by a purchaser. In order to entice such a purchase, the retailer may make the display model available for use by the potential purchaser. To promote such use, a retailer may further desire to present the product in a consistent and aesthetically-pleasing way, thereby further enticing the potential purchaser to handle and test the item, and to minimize the interference of elements of a display stand with the potential purchaser&#39;s viewing and use of the product. The retailer, however, may desire to limit the ability of the potential purchaser to remove the display model from a display area (e.g., to prevent theft or other unauthorized use). 
     To accomplish this, the retailer may use a display system or elements thereof according to embodiments described herein. 
     For example, some embodiments provide a retaining puck for retaining a product, the retaining puck including a main body having a side surface and a bracket recess, wherein at least a portion of the side surface is continuous except for the bracket recess, and a bracket having a mounting flange configured to mate with to the bracket recess, wherein the mounting flange is received by the bracket recess, and an outer surface of the mounting flange is aligned with the continuous portion of the side surface of the main body. 
     Also for example, some embodiments provide a display system, including a retaining puck having a main body having a side surface, and a display stem having an outer surface defining a shape at its proximal portion that corresponds to a shape defined by the side surface of the retaining puck, wherein the outer surface of the display stem at its proximal portion is aligned with the side surface of the main body of the retaining puck when the retaining puck is coupled to the display stem. 
     Also for example, some embodiments provide a method for displaying a product, the method including fixing a product to a retaining puck, wherein the retaining puck includes a main body having a side surface and a bracket recess, wherein at least a portion of the side surface is continuous except for the bracket recess, and a bracket having a mounting flange configured to mate with the bracket recess, wherein the mounting flange is received by the bracket recess, and an outer surface of the mounting flange is aligned with the continuous portion of the side surface of the main body, and aligning the side surface of the main body of the retaining puck and the outer surface of the mounting flange with an outer surface of at least a proximal portion of a display stem. 
     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 invention. Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments described herein. Together with the description, the figures further serve to explain the principles of and to enable a person skilled in the relevant arts to make and use the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a system for displaying a product, with a product thereby displayed, according to an embodiment presented herein. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the system of  FIG. 1  in an extended configuration. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a portion of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a portion of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a portion of the system of  FIG. 1  without a product. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a portion of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a portion of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to indicate identical or functionally similar elements. References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “some embodiments”, “an example embodiment”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. 
     The following examples are illustrative, but not limiting, of the present invention. Other suitable modifications and adaptations of the variety of conditions and parameters normally encountered in the field, and which would be apparent to those skilled in the art, are within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     A retailer may have a display model product that is representative of products that are available for purchase by a purchaser. In order to entice such a purchase, the retailer may make the display model available for use by the potential purchaser. The retailer, however, may desire to limit the ability of the potential purchaser to remove the display model from a display area (e.g., to prevent theft or other unauthorized use). To accomplish this, the retailer may use a stand as described herein, which may include security features. Although this document describes its display stand in terms of a retailer providing a display model for use by a potential purchaser, the display stand can be applied to any other suitable situation (e.g., any situation where use of an item is desired to be limited) such as, for example, a kiosk where a user may use displayed item, or a customer service station. 
     A retailer that makes a product available for use by a potential purchaser may further desire to present the product in an aesthetically-pleasing way, thereby further enticing the potential purchaser to handle and test the item, and to minimize the interference of elements of a display stand with the potential purchaser&#39;s viewing and use of the product. To further entice the potential purchaser, it may be desired that the display stand be configured to provide a consistent and aesthetically-pleasing appearance, so as to not detract from a potential purchaser&#39;s experience when viewing, handling, and testing the item. 
     The display stand system of the present invention is shown generally at  100  and can include, for example, a product  200  to be displayed, a display stand shown generally at  300  to display product  200 , and a display surface  400  upon which display stand  300  is mounted. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , display stand system  100  can display product  200  on a display stem  310  (e.g., as in  FIG. 1 ), and can allow product  200  to be moved relative to display stem  310  (e.g., when handled) while still remaining secured (e.g., as in  FIG. 2 ). As shown in  FIG. 2 , this can be accomplished by a security tether  330  linking display stem  310  and as retaining puck  320  that is coupled to product  200  to thereby retain product  200 . Security tether  330  can be retracted within (and/or through) display stem  310  when product  200  is replaced on display stem  310 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 2 and 5 , display stem  310  is cylindrical having a cylindrical outer surface  314 , and an interior cavity  318 , thereby defining a hollow tubular shape. In some embodiments, display stem  310  includes a mating surface  315  at a proximal end  317  of the display stem  310 , where mating surface  315  extends between outer surface  314  and cavity  318  of display stem  310 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 3-8 , retaining puck  320  includes a cylindrical main body  328  having a cylindrical side surface  329 . In some embodiments, a puck protrusion  350  protrudes from a distal side of retaining puck  320 . In some embodiments, retaining puck  320  includes one or more brackets  340 . Each bracket  340  may include a mounting flange  344  disposed in a recess  372  of retaining puck main body  328  such that an outer surface of mounting flange  344  defines a portion of side surface  329  of main body  328 . Each bracket  340  may further include a bracket arm  342  extending from mounting flange  344 , where bracket arm  342  is configured to extend around a portion of product  200  to thereby couple product  200  to retaining puck  320 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , each bracket arm  342  may include a rear retaining surface  386 , a side retaining surface  388 , and a top retaining surface  390 , where rear retaining surface  386  conforms to a rear surface of product  200 , side surface  388  conforms to a side surface of produce  200 , and top surface  390  conforms to a top surface of product  200  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1-4 ). 
     In some embodiments, product  200  may be coupled to retaining puck  320  by one or more techniques, including by brackets  340 . In some embodiments, bracket arms  342  may conform around sides of a product  200 , as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 1-4 . In some embodiments, brackets  340  may alternatively or additionally include other fixing elements such as, for example, screws, snaps, rivets, buckles, detents, bolts, press fit, or adhesive (e.g., glue, epoxy, adhesive tape) to couple product  200  to retaining puck  320 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , in some embodiments retaining puck  320  may be provided with a fixing element  322  to retain product  200 . Fixing element  322  may be disposed to define a face of retaining puck  320  intended to come into contact with product  200 . For example, fixing element  322  may be an adhesive, such as, for example, glue, epoxy, or adhesive tape (e.g., a double coated acrylic foam tape). In some embodiments, fixing element  322  may alternatively or additionally be a mechanical fastener such as, for example, a screw, snap, rivet, buckle, detent, bolt, or press fit. 
     In some embodiments, when product  200  is coupled to retaining puck  320 , product  200  may engage for disengage) a security switch  324 . Security switch  324  may be communicatively coupled to an alarm or other alert such that the alert can be triggered by removal of product  200  from retaining puck  320 . Such removal of product  200  from retaining puck  320  may disengage (or engage) security switch  324 , thereby triggering the alert. 
     In some embodiments, security tether  330  can limit the distance that product  200  can be removed from display stem  310  or other anchor, and may be formed of for example, a chain, a mono, or poly-filament cable, a hollow tube, a rope, or any other suitable element. In some embodiments, security tether  330  may be flexible. In some embodiments, retaining puck  320  may be coupled to security tether  330 , for example, at an end of security tether  330 . Retaining puck  320  may be coupled to security tether  330  by a security tether coupling element  332  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 9 ) which may be any suitable coupling element, such as, for example, a screw (as shown in  FIG. 9 ), snaps, rivets, buckles, detents, bolts, press fit, or adhesive (e.g., glue, epoxy, adhesive tape). 
     In some embodiments, security tether  330  may be coupled to an anchor that, along with security tether  330  and other elements of the display stand  300 , can be used to limit the ability of a handler of product  200  to remove product  200  from a limited area. In some embodiments, the anchor is the display stem  310 . In some embodiments, the anchor is another element (e.g., a fixture that display stem  310  is also coupled to, such as, for example, display surface  400 ). In some embodiments, security tether  330  may extend through display stem  310 . In some embodiments, security tether  330  may retract (e.g., through display stem  310 ) automatically or manually toward its anchor, in order to limit the amount of play in security tether  330 . 
     In some embodiments, retaining puck  320  may include a puck protrusion  350  extending from its main body  328  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 3-9 ). Puck protrusion  350  may be sized and shaped to fit within display stem cavity  318  to thereby removably mount retaining puck  320  to proximal portion  316  of display stem  310 . In some embodiments, the exterior surface of puck protrusion  350  is sized and shaped to mesh with the interior surface of display stem cavity  318 . In some embodiments, the exterior surface of puck protrusion  350  includes a puck protrusion orienter  352  that corresponds to a display stem orienter  312 , whereby interaction of puck protrusion orienter  352  and display stem orienter  312  orient retaining puck  320  (and coupled product  200 ) in one of at least one pre-determined orientations. For example, display stem orienter  312  may be a protrusion, and puck protrusion orienter  352  may be a recess shaped to receive the protrusion. 
     In some embodiments, retaining puck  320  includes a cable access  326 , which may provide access for a cable or other linkage (see, e.g.,  FIG. 5 ) such as, for example, a product cable plug  364  of a product connector cable  360 . Cable access  326  may be a cable pass-through through which a product cable can pass, or may be an outlet configured to receive a cable plug such as, for example, product cable plug  364 . In this way, secured product  200  can receive power and/or data by being connected to a product connection end  362  of product connector cable  360 , which, in the case of an electronic device, may facilitate its operation and testing by a potential purchaser. 
     In some embodiments, product cable plug  364  can be configured to fit within cable access  326  and can be formed to have a proximal surface  365  that aligns with fixing element  322 , to minimize interruption of fixing element  322  thereby, and to minimize interference in establishing contact between product  200  and fixing element  322  when product  200  is fixed thereto. 
     Any suitable outlet and plug combination can be used at either end of product connector cable  360  to provide such power and/or data transmission through cable access  326  to product  200 , such as, for example, Universal Serial Bus (USB), micro-USB, mini-USB, Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) (e.g., Parallel ATA, Serial ATA), or any other standard or proprietary connection format. In some embodiments, cable access  326  can be coupled to a cable (e.g., a data and/or power cable) running through or itself forming security tether  330 , which may in turn be coupled to a data and/or power source. 
     In some embodiments, brackets  340  may be coupled to a portion of retaining puck  320 , such as, for example, puck main body  328  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 7 and 8 ). The brackets  340  may be so coupled by any suitable bracket fixing element  380  such as, for example, screws, snaps, rivets, buckles, detents, bolts, press fit, or adhesive (e.g., glue, epoxy, adhesive tape).  FIG. 8  shows a bracket fixing opening  382  in a mounting flange  344  of bracket  340 , where bracket fixing opening  382  is configured to align with a bracket fixing opening  384  of puck main body  328 . Such openings may receive a fastener such as, for example, a screw, to couple the bracket  340  to main body  328 . 
     In some embodiments, mounting flange  344  of brackets  340  is received by a puck bracket recess  372  of retaining puck  320 . Puck bracket recess  372  and mounting flange  344  may be sized and shaped to mate with each other such that a mounting flange inner surface  348  of bracket  340  meshes with a bracket recess surface  374  of puck bracket recess  372 . In some embodiments these meshing surfaces have a non-constant curvature (e.g., three flat portions angled with respect to each other, as show, for example, in  FIG. 8 ), which may help maintain the position and orientation of mounting flange  344  relative to puck bracket recess  372 . Further, the sides of puck bracket recess  372  can inhibit relative motion of bracket  340  with respect to other portions of retaining puck  320 , thereby reliably maintaining the position and orientation of bracket  340 . In this way, mounting flange  344  can be consistently positioned at an intended location on retaining puck  320  corresponding to puck bracket recess  372 . 
     Further, in some embodiments, when mounting flange  344  is mounted within puck bracket recess  372 , a mounting flange outer surface  346  aligns with a puck side surface  370 , where puck side surface  370  is the surface from which puck bracket recess  372  is recessed. Together, mounting flange outer surface  346  and puck side surface  370  define puck main body side surface  329 . Alignment of surfaces generally occurs where surfaces sufficiently coincide at or near an interface therebetween so as to create a visual impression of continuity of shape. For example, in some embodiments, puck side surface  370  has substantially the same radius of curvature as mounting flange outer surface  346  such that, when aligned, these surfaces together define a continuous radius of curvature across their alignment interface. 
     In some embodiments, at least a portion of puck main body side surface  329  (e.g., side surface  370 ) is continuous (e.g., defining a portion of a cylindrical shape including, for example, a circular, ovoid, or frustoconical cylindrical shape) except for puck bracket recess  372 . In this way, mounting brackets  340  may be mounted within puck bracket recess  372  without appearing to interrupt the shape of puck main body side surface  329 , thereby preserving its aesthetic. The preserved aesthetic of puck main body side surface  329  helps maintain a consistent and aesthetically-pleasing appearance. Maintaining such a consistent and aesthetically-pleasing appearance avoids detracting from a potential purchaser&#39;s experience when viewing, handling, and testing product  200 , and can thereby increase the potential for sales of product  200 . The problem of maintaining such a consistent and aesthetically-pleasing appearance in a product display device, particularly in a retaining puck element, has not before been recognized, and thus conventional product display devices do not have these features as described. 
     Additionally, a curved shape is well suited for retaining puck  320 , and in particular puck main body  328 . The curved shape (e.g., a circular, ovoid, or frustoconical cylindrical shape) helps minimize the potential that a handler of product  200  will be able to remove retaining puck  320  from product  200 . This is due in part to the absence or minimization of corners upon which a handler could apply leverage to remove product  200  (e.g., leverage to overcome the retention features of retaining puck  320 , such as, for example, brackets  340  and/or fixing element  322 ). This is a further benefit to the consistent surface of puck main body side surface  329  defined by mounting flange outer surface  346  and puck side surface  370  when mounting flanges  344  of brackets  340  are mounted within puck bracket recesses  372 . In some embodiments, mounting flange inner surface  348  has a different shape from mounting flange outer surface  346 , in order to allow mounting flange inner surface  348  to mesh with bracket recess surface  374 , and to allow mounting flange outer surface  346  to align with puck side surface  370 . For example, mounting flange inner surface  348  may be defined by one or more flat surfaces (e.g., three flat surfaces angled with respect to each other, as shown in  FIG. 8 ) while mounting flange outer surface  346  may be defined by a continuously curved surface (e.g., a circular arc surface, as shown in  FIG. 8 ). As described, puck side surface  370  and bracket recess surface  374  may have different shape characteristics. 
     In some embodiments, a portion of retaining puck  320  may be removably coupled to display stem  310  to effect display of product  200  (e.g., puck protrusion  350  may be received by display stem cavity  318 , as shown in, for example,  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). In some embodiments, a portion of retaining puck  320  may protrude from display stem  310 . For example, a mating surface  378  of puck main body  328  may rest upon a mating surface  315  of proximal portion  316  of the display stem  310  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 10 ). In some embodiments, puck main body side surface  329  (the surface of retaining puck  320  defined by mounting flange outer surface  346  and puck side surface  370 ) may align with proximal portion  316  of display stem outer surface  314 , to thereby effect a consistent and aesthetically-pleasing appearance, so as not to detract from a potential purchaser&#39;s experience when viewing displayed product  200 . In other words, display stem  310  may have an outer surface  314  defining a shape at its proximal portion  316  that corresponds to a shape defined by puck main body side surface  329 . 
     For example, in some embodiments, outer surface  314  of proximal portion  316  of display stem  310  may be circular at a proximal end  317  thereof, and puck main body side surface  329  may be circular at a distal end  376  thereof (see  FIG. 5 ). The circular distal end  376  and the circular proximal end  317  may have substantially the same diameters, so as to maintain a consistent and aesthetically-pleasing appearance across the alignment interface of aligned surfaces of retaining puck  320  and display stem  310  (see  FIG. 10 ). Maintaining such a consistent and aesthetically-pleasing appearance avoids detracting from a potential purchaser&#39;s experience when viewing displayed product  200 , and can thereby increase the potential for sales of product  200 . The problem of maintaining such a consistent and aesthetically-pleasing appearance in a product display device, particularly between a display stem element and a retaining puck element resting thereon, has not before been recognized, and thus conventional product display devices do not have these features as described. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the cylindrical display stem outer surface  314  aligns with the cylindrical puck main body side surface  329  to create the impression of a consistent cylindrical shape defined by these surfaces together. In some embodiments, orienters  312 ,  352  (see  FIG. 5 ) may be configured to promote such alignment (e.g., where these surfaces together define a non-circular shape, where one of at least one orientations is required to align the surfaces as described). 
     In some embodiments, a retailer or other person may display a product by fixing product  200  to be displayed to retaining puck  320  as described above (e.g., using a fixing element  322 ). As described, retaining puck  320  may include main body  328  having at least a partially continuous side surface  370  and bracket  340  mounted thereto at puck bracket recess  372  thereof such that outer surface  346  of bracket mounting flange  344  is aligned with the continuous portion of side surface  370  to define puck main body side surface  329 . Further, the retailer or other person may position mating surface  378  of puck main body  328  in contact with mating surface  315  of display stem  310 , and may align puck main body side surface  329  with outer surface  314  of at least proximal portion  316  of display stem  310 , to thereby effect display of product  200 . 
     The foregoing description of the specific embodiments of the display stand system described with reference to the figures will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. For example, although the display stand system has been described herein generally with reference to cylindrical conformance in surfaces among display stem  310 , puck side surface  370 , and mounting flange outer surface  346 , the systems and methods described herein can also be employed to effect conformance in surfaces to define shapes other than cylindrical such as, for example, shapes having an ovoid, triangular, rectangular, pentangular, or other regular or irregular polygonal cross-section. 
     Also, for example, in some embodiments display stand system  100  may not include a display stem. In such embodiments, retaining puck  320  may be received by another element (e.g., a hole in a table surface), or not at all. 
     While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It should be apparent that 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. It therefore will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The elements of the embodiments presented above are not necessarily mutually exclusive, but may be interchanged to meet various needs as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art. 
     It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20121015
Publication Date: 20161025
Grant Date: 20161025
Priority Date: 20121015
Inventors: HOWARTH RICHARD P.
HAMM WESLEY BRYAN
TIO FEDERICO F.
THALER FRANK CRAIG
HEIRAKUJI RUSSELL JOHN KAAIHUE
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "F16M11/041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47F7/0246", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49826", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16M13/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16M13/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16M13/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16M13/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49826", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47F7/0246", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16M11/041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 50475718