PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9936826-B2
Application Number: US-201615215215-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Modular wall system for displaying a product

Abstract:
A system for displaying a product is disclosed. The system includes a wall having a recess therein and a display structure that defines the recess. The display structure extends through a front surface of the wall and includes a frame having a top panel, a bottom panel, and two side panels. The top and bottom panels are longer than the side panels. The system further includes a plurality of modular display units disposed within the display structure. Each modular display unit extends from the bottom panel to the top panel. At least a first one of the modular display units includes a frame open to a front exterior of the display structure and at least a second one of the modular display units is not open to the front exterior of the display structure. The system further includes a plurality of display elements disposed within the plurality of display units.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A system for displaying a product, the system comprising:
 a wall of a room, the wall comprising structural support beams and defining a recess therein; 
 a display structure defining the recess, wherein the display structure extends through a front surface of the wall and comprises a frame having a top panel, a bottom panel, and two side panels, wherein the top and bottom panels are longer than the side panels; 
 a plurality of modular display units disposed within the display structure, wherein each modular display unit extends from the bottom panel to the top panel, wherein at least a first one of the modular display units comprises a frame open to a front exterior of the display structure, and wherein at least a second one of the modular display units is not open to the front exterior of the display structure; and 
 a plurality of display elements disposed within the plurality of display units, 
 wherein the wall further comprises electrical infrastructure that provides power to the modular display units. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of modular display units are removable and replaceable within the display structure such that their order therein can be rearranged. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 1 , wherein at least the modular display units is movable within the display structure. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 1 , wherein at least the second one of the modular display units is movable within the display structure. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 tracks disposed on inner surfaces of the top and bottom panels; and 
 a rolling system disposed on an outer surface of a top and a bottom of each modular display unit, wherein the rolling system interfaces with the tracks to allow the display units to slide along the top and bottom panels. 
 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of trays disposed on the bottom panel,
 wherein the plurality of trays are movable along the bottom panel, and 
 wherein the plurality of modular display units are disposed on the plurality of trays. 
 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the modular display units are arranged side-by-side, and
 wherein each of the modular display units is not disposed above or below another modular display unit. 
 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 1 , wherein a maximum length of the display structure is at least fifty percent of a maximum length of the wall. 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the frame of the display structure protrudes from the wall by at least one inch. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 1 , wherein a height of the display structure is at least four feet, wherein a length of the display structure is at least fifty feet, and wherein a depth of the display structure is at least 1 foot. 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 1 , wherein a length of at least one of the display units is at least five feet and a length of at least one of the display units is at least ten feet. 
     
     
       12. The system of  claim 1 , wherein at least the second one of the modular display units comprises a transparent front. 
     
     
       13. The system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of modular display units comprises a graphic light box that comprises a fabric graphic panel and a light source disposed behind the fabric graphic panel. 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of modular display units comprises a planter module disposed therein, wherein the planter module comprises at leak one living plant. 
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the frame of the display structure comprises a rear panel that comprises a data box configured to provide power and data to the display elements. 
     
     
       16. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the display elements are drawers, each containing a plurality of dividers,
 wherein slots are formed in the side edges of the dividers, and 
 wherein the dividers are repositionable within the drawers by engaging the slots with projections of the drawer. 
 
     
     
       17. A system for displaying a product, the system comprising:
 a wall of a room, the wall defining a recess therein, wherein the recess has a height of at least four feet; 
 a display structure defining the recess, wherein the display structure extends through a front surface of the wall and comprises a frame having a top panel, a bottom panel, and two side panels, wherein the top and bottom panels are longer than the side panels; 
 a plurality of trays disposed on the bottom panel, wherein the plurality of trays are movable along the bottom panel. 
 
     
     
       18. The system of  claim 17 , further comprising a modular display unit disposed on at least one of the trays. 
     
     
       19. The system of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 a track disposed on the bottom panel; and 
 a wheel disposed on each of the plurality of trays, 
 wherein the wheel interfaces with the track, and 
 wherein the plurality of trays are movable along the bottom panel by the wheel rolling along the track. 
 
     
     
       20. The system of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 a track disposed on the top panel; 
 a plurality of modular display units, each disposed on at least one of the trays; and 
 a wheel disposed on a top of each of the plurality of modular display units, 
 wherein the plurality of modular display units are movable along the display structure by moving with the plurality of trays as the wheel rolls along the track. 
 
     
     
       21. The system of  claim 20 , wherein there are more trays than modular display units. 
     
     
       22. The system of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 a roller bar disposed on each of the plurality of trays; and 
 a track disposed on the bottom panel, 
 wherein the roller bar abuts the track to maintain the position of the tray within the display structure.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/208,432, filed on Aug. 21, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/327,674, filed on Apr. 26, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to modular wall systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Display systems may be utilized in a retail environment to display a product. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure details systems, apparatuses, and methods related to modular wall systems for displaying products. A wall system for displaying products may include a wall having a recess therein, a display structure defining the recess, a plurality of modular display units disposed within the display structure, and a plurality of display elements disposed within the plurality of display units. 
     In some embodiments, the display structure extends through a front surface of the wall and includes a frame having a top panel, a bottom panel, and two side panels. In some embodiments, the top and bottom panels are longer than the side panels. In some embodiments, each modular display unit extends from the bottom panel to the top panel. At least a first one of the modular display units has a frame open to a front exterior of the display structure and at least a second one of the modular display units is not open to the front exterior of the display structure. 
     In some embodiments, the plurality of modular display units are removable and replaceable within the display structure such that their order therein can be rearranged. In some embodiments, at least the first one of the modular display units is movable within the display structure. In some embodiments, at least the first one of the modular display units is slidable within the display structure. In some embodiments, at least the second one of the modular display units is movable within the display structure. In some embodiments, at least the second one of the modular display units is slidable within the display structure. 
     One or more embodiments have tracks disposed on inner surfaces of the top and bottom panels and a rolling system disposed on an outer surface of a top and a bottom of each modular display unit. The rolling system interfaces with the tracks to allow the display units to slide along the top and bottom panels. 
     In some embodiments, the modular display units are mounted to a rear panel of the display structure. In some embodiments, the modular display units are mounted to a rear panel of the display structure by cleats. 
     In some embodiments, the modular display units are arranged side-by-side. In some embodiments, each of the modular display units is not disposed above or below another modular display unit. 
     In some embodiments, a maximum height of the display structure is at least fifty percent of a maximum height of the wall. A maximum length of the display structure may be at least fifty percent of a maximum length of the wall. A maximum height of the display structure may be at least seventy-five percent of a maximum height of the wall. A maximum length of the display structure may be at least seventy-five percent of a maximum length of the wall. In some embodiments, the display structure has a constant height along its length. In some embodiments, the display structure has a constant length along its height. In some embodiments, the display structure has a constant depth along its height and length. 
     In one or more embodiments, the frame of the display structure protrudes from the wall. The frame of the display structure may protrude from the wall by at least one inch. The frame of the display structure may protrude from the wall by at least two inches (e.g., three to four inches). 
     In one or more embodiments, a height of the display structure is at least four feet. A height of the display structure may be six feet. In one or more embodiments, a length of the display structure is at least fifty feet. A length of the display structure may be seventy-five feet. In one or more embodiments, a depth of the display structure is at least 1 foot. A depth of the display structure may be 10 inches to 25 inches (e.g., two feet). 
     In some embodiments, a length of at least one of the display units is at least five feet and a length of at least one of the display units is at least ten feet. In some embodiments, a length of at least one of the display units is at least fifteen feet and a length of at least one of the display units is at least twenty feet. 
     In some embodiments, at least the first one of the modular display units comprises a back wall having a hole, and the frame includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and two side walls. In some embodiments, at least the second one of the modular display units comprises a glass front. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of modular display units comprises a graphic light box that comprises a fabric graphic panel and a light source disposed behind the fabric graphic panel. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of modular display units comprises a planter module disposed therein, wherein the planter module comprises at least one living plant. 
     In one or more embodiments, the frame of the display structure comprises a rear panel that defines a plurality of openings therethrough. Some embodiments may further comprise a data box disposed within each of the plurality of openings that provides power and data to the display elements. 
     In some embodiments, the display elements comprise shelves. In some embodiments, the display elements comprise hooks. In some embodiments, the display elements comprise display stands. In some embodiments, the display elements comprise products for sale. At least one of the display elements may be integral with one of the modular display units. In some embodiments, the display elements comprise a fabric graphic panel or a video display screen. In some embodiments, the display elements comprise an advertisement. 
     In some embodiments, a retail environment includes a side wall. The retail environment may include a display structure built into and extending along the side wall. The display structure may have a frame and a cavity open to a front side of the wall with the frame defining the outer periphery of the cavity. In some embodiments, the cavity is recessed relative to the frame. The cavity may have a total cavity length N with the total cavity length N being configured in increments of n. In some embodiments, the retail environment includes at least two modular display units configured for placement within the cavity of the display structure. The modular display units may have a unit length that is configured in increments of n. According to some embodiments, the total length of all the modular display units is equal to the total cavity length N. In some embodiments, at least two of the modular display units have different display characteristics. 
     In some embodiments, there are two side walls. In some embodiments, the at least two modular display units comprises nine modular display units. In some embodiments, n is five feet. In some embodiments, N is at least fifty feet. In some embodiments, N is at least seventy-five feet. In some embodiments, N is one hundred feet. 
     In some embodiments, a wall system for displaying products may include a wall having a recess therein, a display structure defining the recess, and a plurality of trays. In some embodiments, the display structure extends through a front surface of the wall and comprises a frame having a top panel, a bottom panel, and two side panels. In some embodiments, the top and bottom panels are longer than the side panels. In some embodiments, the plurality of trays are disposed on the bottom panel. In some embodiments, the plurality of trays are movable along the bottom panel. 
     In some embodiments, the plurality of trays are each configured to receive a modular display unit. In some embodiments, the system includes a track disposed on the bottom panel and a wheel disposed on each of the plurality of trays. In some embodiments, the wheel interfaces with the track. In some embodiments, the plurality of trays are movable along the bottom panel by the wheel rolling along the track. In some embodiments, the system includes a track disposed on the top panel, a plurality of modular display units disposed on the plurality of trays, and a wheel disposed on a top of each of the plurality of modular display units. In some embodiments, the plurality of modular display units are movable along the display structure by moving with the plurality of trays and by the wheel rolling along the track. In some embodiments, there are more trays than modular display units. 
    
    
     
       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 retail environment according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of a modular wall system according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of a modular wall system according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a side wall according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  shows a display structure and modular display units according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a side wall according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of a side wall according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  shows a placement of modular display units into a display structure according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  shows a configuration of a modular wall system according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  shows a configuration of a modular wall system according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 11  shows a configuration of a modular wall system according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 12  shows a configuration of a modular wall system according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 13  shows a configuration of a modular wall system according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 14  is a front view of a side wall according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 15  is a side cross-section view of the side wall of  FIG. 14  along line  15 - 15  according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 16  is a top cross-section view of the side wall of  FIG. 14  along line  16 - 16  according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 17  shows a display structure according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 18  is a front view of a side wall according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 19  is a close-up view of a top portion of a display structure in a side wall according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 20  is a close-up view of a bottom portion of a display structure in a side wall according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 21  shows a modular display unit according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 22  is an exploded view of the modular display unit of  FIG. 21  according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 23  is an exploded view of the modular display unit of  FIG. 21  relative to a side wall according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 24  is a close-up side cross-section view of a modular display unit in a display structure according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 25  is a close-up side cross-section view of a modular display unit in a display structure according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 26  shows a modular display unit according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 27  shows a modular display unit according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 28  shows a modular display unit according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 29  shows a modular display unit according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 30  shows a modular display unit according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 31  shows a modular display unit according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 32  shows a modular display unit according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 33  shows a portion of a modular display unit according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 34  shows a side cross-section view of a modular display unit according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 35  shows a portion of a modular display unit according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 36  shows a portion of a modular display unit according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 37  shows a modular display unit according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 38  shows a modular display unit according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 39  shows a modular display unit with display elements according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 40  shows a modular display unit with display elements according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 41  shows a modular display unit with display elements according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 42  shows a modular display unit with display elements according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 43  shows a modular display unit with display elements according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 44  shows a modular display unit with display elements according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 45  shows a display element with a product according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 46  shows a modular display unit with display elements according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 47  shows an interior portion of a modular display unit according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 48  is a partial cross-section view of a modular display unit according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 49  shows a perspective view of a divider according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 50  shows bottom view of a divider according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 51  is a rear perspective view of a modular display unit according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 52  shows a configuration of a modular wall system according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 53  shows a configuration of a modular wall system according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 54  shows a configuration and a reconfiguration of a modular wall system according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 55  shows a configuration and a reconfiguration of a modular wall system according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 56  shows a configuration and a reconfiguration of a modular wall system according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     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. 
     Retail stores, in addition to selling products, may provide a setting that promotes and reinforces the brands of the store and the products being sold. Such a setting may include general store layout and design, look-and-feel of the store, advertising material, and product display. As the offered products or the store itself may change, it is desirable to provide a modular and flexible merchandising and marketing platform to facilitate this change. 
     The following disclosure relates to a modular wall system for displaying products. Modular wall systems according to embodiments of the present invention may be installed in any kind of retail store. For example, modular wall systems may be configured for, but not limited to, installation in an electronics store. Moreover, modular wall systems are not limited to retail stores and may also be installed in museums, libraries, universities, and other locations. Such modular wall systems enable a display that is modular, reconfigurable, and flexible. 
     In some embodiments, a modular wall system includes a wall having a recess and a display structure that defines the recess. With this configuration, a plurality of modular display units may be disposed within the display structure. Each modular display unit is a self-contained, discrete element that is specifically designed to properly interface with the display structure. 
     The modular wall system facilitates change in the quantity, size, and arrangement of the modular display units in the display structure. In addition, different types of modular display units may be disposed in the display structure. One or more of the modular display units are movable within the display structure. For example, some of the modular display units may slide along the display structure. Thus, the modular wall system provides flexibility to accommodate various design needs for displaying products and other material. 
     In some embodiments, a plurality of display elements are disposed within and form part of the modular display units. One or more of the display elements may be integral with a modular display unit. Other display elements may not be integral. This multi-layered aspect of the modular wall system provides increased flexibility in the reconfigurability and design of the display. The display elements may include, but are not limited to, shelves, product stands, display cases, racks, drawers (including dividers), hooks, display stands or mounts, baskets, lights, seats or display screens (e.g., video screens), plants, or décor. In some embodiments, the modules may be used to provide a particular environment or informational display or to display or showcase products for sale or marketing material. In some embodiments, both the display structure and the modular display units include holes or openings through which power or data may be supplied to the display elements. 
     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. 
       FIG. 1  is a front view showing a retail environment  10 , such as a store or a room, including a modular wall system  100  according to some embodiments. While the discussion here relates to retail environment  10 , other environments, locations, and institutions may also include modular wall system  100 . Such locations and institutions may include universities, libraries, museums, and so on. 
     In some embodiments, retail environment  10  includes two side walls  12 , a back wall  14 , a ceiling  16 , and a floor  18 . Side walls  12  may include a left side wall and a right side wall. One side wall  12  may be opposite to another side wall  12 . In some embodiments, only one side wall  12  comprises modular wall system  100 . In other embodiments, both side walls  12  comprise modular wall systems  100 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . Other walls may alternatively or additionally comprise modular wall system  100 . For example, back wall  14  may comprise modular wall system  100 . 
     Modular wall system  100 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , may include side wall  12 , a display structure  200 , and a plurality of modular display units  300 . Modular display units  300  are configured to include one or more display elements  400 , such as those depicted in  FIGS. 39-45 , and may showcase products  500 . 
     Side wall  12 , according to some embodiments, provides structural support for modular wall system  100 . While side wall  12  is specifically discussed, other walls may similarly implement modular wall system  100 . In some embodiments, side wall  12  is built specifically for modular wall system  100 . In other embodiments, an existing wall is modified to create side wall  12  that interfaces with modular wall system  100 . In addition to providing structural support, side wall  12  may also provide electrical infrastructure that interfaces with modular wall system  100  to deliver power and/or data required for display elements  400 . 
     In some embodiments, side wall  12  may include a recess  110  that is shaped to receive display structure  200 . In some embodiments, recess  110  is rectangular, as in  FIG. 2 . In other embodiments, recess  110  may be square, circular, oval, or some other shape. Side wall  12  may include multiple recesses  110 . In addition, retail environment  10  may include multiple modular wall systems  100  and thus have more than one wall  12  with recess  110 , as in  FIG. 1 . 
     An example of side wall  12  that is built specifically for modular wall system  100  is shown, for example, in  FIG. 4 . In some embodiments, side wall  12  provides structural support through beams  120  that are positioned to define recess  110 . In some embodiments, one or more support rails  130  are disposed at the bottom of recess  110 . For example, two support rails  130  may be disposed at the bottom of recess  110 . In some embodiments, support rails  130  provide a mounting surface for a portion of display structure  200 . In some embodiments, one or more unistrut rails  140  are disposed at the top of recess  110 . For example, two unistrut rails  140  may be disposed at the top of recess  110 . In some embodiments, unistrut rails  140  provide a mounting surface for a portion of display structure  200 . 
     According to some embodiments, recess  110  has a height of at least four feet. In some embodiments, recess  110  has a height of six feet. The maximum height of recess  110  may be at least fifty percent of the maximum height of side wall  12 . In some embodiments, the maximum height of recess  110  may be at least seventy-five percent of a maximum height of side wall  12 . 
     According to some embodiments, recess  110  has a length of at least fifty feet. In some embodiments, recess  110  has a length of at least seventy-five feet. In some embodiments, recess  110  has a length of one hundred feet. The maximum length of recess  110  may be at least fifty percent of a maximum length of side wall  12 . In some embodiments, the maximum length of recess  110  may be at least seventy-five percent of the maximum length of side wall  12 . 
     According to some embodiments, recess  110  has a depth of at least one foot. In some embodiments, recess  110  has a depth of 10 inches to 25 inches (e.g., two feet). In some embodiments, recess  110  may have a depth of less than one foot (e.g., 10 inches). In some embodiments, recess  110  may have a depth of greater than one foot (e.g., 25 inches). Recess  110  may have a constant height along its length, a constant length along its height, and/or a constant depth along its height and length. 
     Elements of modular wall system  100 , such as, for example, display structure  200  and/or modular display units  300  are generally shaped to be disposed within recess  110  of side wall  12 . In some embodiments, display structure  200  may be built into side wall  12 . According to some embodiments, display structure  200  includes a frame  240  surrounding a display space  250 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , for example. 
     Frame  240 , according to some embodiments, includes two side panels  241  having inner surfaces  242 , a top panel  243  having an inner surface  244 , and a bottom panel  245  having an inner surface  246 . In some embodiments, at least one of the panels (e.g., all of side panels  241 , top panel  243 , and bottom panel  245 ) of frame  240  is less than one-half inch thick. In some embodiments, at least one of the panels (e.g., side panels  241  and top panel  243 ) of frame  240  is less than one-quarter inch thick. In some embodiments, side panels  241  and top panel  243  are thinner than bottom panel  245 . In some embodiments, frame  240  includes a rear panel  247  having an inner surface  248 . In some embodiments, rear panel  247  is at least one-half inch thick. In some embodiments, rear panel  247  is at least three-quarters inch thick. In some embodiments, at least one of the panels (e.g., all of side panels  241 , top panel  243 , and bottom panel  245 ) of frame  240  is at least one inch thick. In some embodiments, at least one of the panels (e.g., all of side panels  241 , top panel  243 , and bottom panel  245 ) of frame  240  is two inches thick. In some embodiments, all of side panels  241 , top panel  243 , and bottom panel  245  are the same thickness. In some embodiments, at least one of the panels (e.g., all of side panels  241 , top panel  243 , and bottom panel  245 ) of frame  240  is made of wood (e.g., oak or maple, solid or veneer). 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the panels (e.g., all of side panels  241 , top panel  243 , and bottom panel  245 ) of frame  240  is made of metal (e.g., steel or aluminum), as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . In some embodiments, at least one of the panels (e.g., all of side panels  241 , top panel  243 , bottom panel  245 , and rear panel  247 ) of frame  240  is unitary. In some embodiments, at least one of the panels (e.g., all of side panels  241 , top panel  243 , bottom panel  245 , and rear panel  247 ) of frame  240  is made of multiple pieces, as in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . In some embodiments, top panel  243 , bottom panel  245 , and rear panel  247  of frame  240  are made of multiple pieces and side panel  241  is unitary. In some embodiments, each of the multiple pieces of at least one of the panels may be at least five feet in length. In some embodiments, each of the multiple pieces may be at least ten feet in length. In some embodiments, at least one of the panels (e.g., rear panel  247 ) is made of an engineered wood product, such as, for example, medium density fiberboard or plywood. 
     In some embodiments, frame  240  includes a front surface  249 . In some embodiments, front surface  249  comprises a trimming or nosing  251 , as shown, for example, in  FIG. 7 , that frames recess  110 . In some embodiments, trimming or nosing  251  (and front surface  249 ) is made of a different material than side panels  241 , top panel  243 , or bottom panel  245 . For example, side panels  241 , top panel  243 , and bottom panel  245  may be made of metal while trimming or nosing  251  may be made of wood (e.g., oak or maple). Thus, in some embodiments, trimming or nosing  251  gives the appearance that display structure  200  is made of wood. In some embodiments, trimming or nosing  251  is a portion of side panels  241 , top panel  243 , and bottom panel  245 . 
     According to some embodiments, frame  240  protrudes from side wall  12  (e.g., the portion of frame  240  forming trimming or nosing  251  protrudes from side wall  12 ). In some embodiments, frame  240  protrudes from side wall  12  by at least one inch. For example, frame  240  may protrude from side wall  12  by two, three, or four inches. Similarly, the front portions of modular display units  300  may also protrude from side wall  12  in some embodiments. For example, the front portion of modular display units  300  may be aligned with frame  240 . 
     Display space  250 , according to some embodiments, is the space defined by frame  240 . Display space  250  may be a cavity open to a front side of the wall. Frame  240  may or may not include rear panel  247  having inner surface  248 . In some embodiments, display structure  200  is configured to receive modular display units  300  into display space  250 , as in  FIGS. 5 and 8 . Modular display units  300  are configured according to a specification to fit into display space  250  of display structure  200 . For example, modular display units  300  may extend vertically between inner surface  246  of bottom panel  245  and inner surface  244  of top panel  243 , and modular display units  300  disposed side-by-side may together extend horizontally from inner surface  242  of one side panel  241  to the opposite inner surface  242  of the opposite side panel  241 . Discrete modular display units  300  are reconfigurable within display structure  200  (i.e., their positions relative to each other may be changed). 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , display space  250 , in some embodiments, has a total length N. The total length N may be configured in increments of n. According to some embodiments, N is at least fifty feet. In some embodiments, N is at least seventy-five feet. For example, N may be one hundred feet. Modular display units  300 , in some embodiments have unit lengths that are configured in increments of n. For example, one of individual modular display units  300  may have a unit length of n,  2   n ,  3   n , or  4   n . According to some embodiments, n is five feet. Thus, one of individual modular display units  300  may have a unit length of five feet, ten feet, fifteen feet, or twenty feet. 
     With this configuration, multiple arrangements are possible, as shown, for example in  FIGS. 10-13 . Because display units  300  are modular and discrete, modular wall system  100  can be reconfigured, as is discussed in more detail below. 
     In some embodiments, display structure  200  is substantially the same shape and size as the opening forming recess  110 , so it fits within recess  110  without a gap between display structure  200  and the opening. According to some embodiments, display structure  200  is rectangular in cross-section. In other embodiments, display structure  200  may be square, circular, or oval in cross-section. According to some embodiments, modular wall system  100  comprises multiple display structures  200 . For example, there may be a display structure  200  for a recess  110  on each side wall  12 . As another example, there may be a display structure  200  for each recess  110  on a single side wall  12 . 
     According to some embodiments, display structure  200  has a height of at least four feet. In some embodiments, display structure  200  has a height of six feet. The maximum height of display structure  200  may be at least fifty percent of the maximum height of side wall  12 . In some embodiments, the maximum height of display structure  200  may be at least seventy-five percent of a maximum height of side wall  12 . In some embodiments, the distance between floor  18  of retail environment  10  and the bottom of display structure  200  is at least one foot. For example, this distance may be one and a half feet. According to some embodiments, the distance between floor  18  of retail environment  10  and the top of display structure  200  is at least six feet. For example, this distance may be six and a half feet. 
     According to some embodiments, display structure  200  has a length of at least fifty feet. In some embodiments, display structure  200  has a length of at least seventy-five feet. In some embodiments, display structure  200  has a length of one hundred feet. The maximum length of display structure  200  may be at least fifty percent of a maximum length of side wall  12 . In some embodiments, the maximum length of display structure  200  may be at least seventy-five percent of the maximum length of side wall  12 . 
     According to some embodiments, display structure  200  has a depth of at least one foot. In some embodiments, display structure  200  has a depth of two feet. Display structure  200  may have a constant height along its length, a constant length along its height, and/or a constant depth along its height and length.  FIGS. 14-16  show display structure  200  built into side wall  12  according to some embodiments. 
     In some embodiments, rear panel  247  of display structure  200  defines one or more openings  210  therethrough, as shown in  FIG. 2 . According to some embodiments, rear panel  247  defines at least two openings  210 . In some embodiments, rear panel  247  defines six openings  210 . Openings  210  decrease the overall weight of display structure  200 , and provide access therethrough for cabling, pipes, tubing and other utilities that may provide service to elements of modular wall system  100  (e.g., electricity, data, water, air, fire suppressant). For example, according to some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 17 , data boxes  220  may be disposed within each opening  210  to provide data and/or power to display elements  400 . In some embodiments, openings  210  in rear panel  247  and/or data boxes  220  are located at least every twenty-five feet along the length of rear panel  247 . In some embodiments, openings  210  in rear panel  247  and/or data boxes  220  may be located every fifteen feet along the length of rear panel  247 . According to some embodiments, openings  210  are located midway between top panel  243  and bottom panel  245 . 
     In some embodiments, data boxes  220  are integrated into rear panel  247  as a wall panel, as shown, for example in  FIG. 18 . In some embodiments, data boxes  220  are located in an upper portion of rear panel  247 . In some embodiments, data boxes  220  may be located every five feet along the length of rear panel  247  so they can be accessible to any modular display unit  300  mounted along display structure  200 . In some embodiments, rear panel  247  is made of multiple pieces or panels, as in  FIG. 18 , and each panel comprises a data box  220 . In some embodiments, data boxes  220  include a lighting port (e.g., lighting control port  222 ). In some embodiments, data boxes  220  include a data port (e.g., network control port  224 ). In some embodiments, data boxes  220  include a power port. In some embodiments, data boxes  220  include both a lighting port and a data port. In some embodiments, each data box  220  provides power, data, and/or controls for a single modular display unit  300 . 
     In some embodiments, display structure  200  includes a track  230  disposed in inner surface  244  of top panel  243  and a track  230  in inner surface  246  of bottom panel  245 . In some embodiments, tracks  230  interface with a portion of modular display units  300  to allow modular display units  300  to move within display structure  200 . For example, modular display units  300  may slide or roll along the length of display structure  200 , guided by tracks  230 . 
       FIG. 19  shows a close-up view of top panel  243 . In some embodiments in side wall  12 , as shown in  FIG. 19 , for example, top panel  243  may include a track  230  at a front portion thereof to help facilitate movement of modular display units  300  within display structure  200 , as explained in more detail below. In some embodiments, track  230  may be disposed in a central portion or rear portion of top panel  243 . According to some embodiments, top panel  243  may include a channel  226  at a rear portion thereof. In some embodiments, channel  226  may be a conduit for cables. For example, channel  226  may act as a power bus. 
       FIG. 20  shows a close-up view of bottom panel  245  in side wall  12 . In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 20 , for example, bottom panel  245  may include a track  230  at a rear portion thereof to help facilitate movement of modular display units  300  within display structure  200 , as explained in more detail below. In some embodiments, track  230  may be disposed in a central or front portion of bottom panel  245 . In some embodiments, multiple tracks  230  may be disposed in one or both of the top panel  243  and bottom panel  245 . 
     In some embodiments, modular display units  300  are disposed within display structure  200  in display space  250 . Modular display units  300 , according to some embodiments, extend from bottom panel  245  to top panel  243 . Because modular display units  300  are discrete units configured to be disposed within display structure  200 , modular display units  300  are independent from display structure  200  and are independent of other modular display units  300 . In some embodiments, modular display units  300  are mounted to rear panel  247  of display structure  200  by cleats. In some embodiments, modular display units  300  are mounted to rear panel  247  of display structure  200  by screws or other fasteners. 
     In some embodiments, modular display units  300  are not mounted to rear panel  247 . In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 21-24 , for example, modular display units  300  are mounted on a tray  600  that interfaces with bottom panel  245 .  FIG. 21  shows a modular display unit  300  on tray  600 .  FIG. 22  shows an exploded view of modular display unit  300  on tray  600 .  FIG. 23  shows an exploded view of modular display unit  300  relative to side wall  12 .  FIG. 24  shows a close-up cross-section view of modular display unit  300  on tray  600 , which is disposed on bottom panel  245 . In some embodiments, modular display unit  300  rests on top of tray  600 . In some embodiments, modular display unit  300  is securely attached to tray  600  with a fastener, such as a screw or bolt. In some embodiments, modular display unit  300  may attach to tray  600  in alternative ways, such as a sliding interlock that includes a projection on a top surface of tray  600  that is configured to slide into a groove on the bottom of modular display unit  300 . 
     In some embodiments, tray  600  interfaces with bottom panel  245  such that tray  600  may slide or roll along the length of bottom panel  245 . In some embodiments, tray  600  includes a roller bar  610 . In some embodiments, roller bar  610  comprises a bar with a series of bearings or wheels disposed thereon that roll along track  230 . Roller bar  610 , in some embodiments, helps keep tray  600  positioned appropriately within display structure  200  on bottom panel  245  by abutting against trimming or nosing  251  and/or track  230 . In some embodiments, roller bar  610  allows for modular display units  300  to move easily along the length of display structure  200  by its bearings or wheels rolling along track  230 . In some embodiments, tray  600  includes a wheel  620  that interacts with track  230  on bottom panel  245 . In some embodiments, tray  600  includes multiple wheels  620 . In some embodiments, wheel  620  allows for modular display units  300  to move easily along the length of display structure  200  by rolling along track  230 . In some embodiments, multiple trays  600  are disposed on bottom panel  245 . In some embodiments, one or more trays  600  may be used to support and/or move each modular display unit  300 . 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the modular display units  300  includes a roller system  350 , as in  FIGS. 26-29 . According to some embodiments, modular display units include roller system  350  disposed on outer surface  333  of top wall  334  and on outer surface  335  of bottom wall  336 . Roller system  350  interfaces with tracks  230  disposed in inner surface  244  of top panel  243  and in inner surface  246  of bottom panel  245  of display structure  200 . In some embodiments, roller system  350  includes wheels that allow modular display units  300  to move (e.g., roll side-to-side) within display structure  200 . Other mechanisms that facilitate sliding of modular display units  300  within display structure  200  may also be used. Some embodiments of modular display units  300  are fixed. 
     In some embodiments, modular display units  300  include roller system  350  only on outer surface  333  of top wall  334  and not on outer surface  335  of bottom wall  336 . Instead of roller system  350  on bottom wall  336 , bottom wall  336  may rest on tray  600 , as shown in  FIG. 24 . In some embodiments, roller system  350  includes a horizontal wheel disposed with grooves that interface with tracks  230 , as shown in  FIG. 25 , which is a close-up cross-section view of roller system  350  interfacing with tracks  230 . 
     According to some embodiments, a plurality of modular display units  300  may be configured within display structure  200 . Some embodiments include at least two modular display units  300 . Other embodiments include at least five modular display units  300 . Other embodiments include at least seven modular display units  300 . Some embodiments include nine modular display units  300 . In some embodiments, modular display units  300  are arranged side-by-side. According to some embodiments, each modular display unit  300  is not disposed above or below another modular display unit  300 , so they form a linear row of modular display units  300  within display structure  200 . 
     Modular display units  300  may be of a variety of sizes within the same display structure  200  of modular wall system  100 . As noted above, modular display units  300  have a unit length configured in increments of n. For example, a modular display unit  300  may be five feet, ten feet, fifteen feet, or twenty feet in length, as shown in  FIGS. 26-29 . Display structure  200  may include one or more modular display units  300  with a length of five feet, one or more modular display units  300  with a length of ten feet, one or more modular display units  300  with a length of fifteen feet, and one or more modular display units  300  with a length of twenty feet. Other lengths may also be utilized in modular wall system  100 . 
     There are also various types of modular display units  300  suitable for modular wall system  100 , including open-face display units  320 , closed-face display units  340  (e.g., glass-faced vitrines), graphic light box units  360 , and living wall units  380 . 
     Display units  300 , as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 26-29 , may contain, for example, display elements  400  that showcase products for sale  500  ( FIGS. 39-45 ). Open-face display units  320  are open to a front exterior of display structure  200 , allowing customers in retail environment  10  to access a product if there is interest. In some embodiments, display units (including open-face display units  320 , closed-face display units  340 , graphic light box units  360 , and living wall units  380 ) include lighting to highlight various products or other elements therein. The lighting may be integrated into each display unit  300 . 
     In some embodiments, open-face display units  320  include a frame  330 . Frame  330  includes two side walls  332  having outer surfaces  331 , a top wall  334  having an outer surface  333 , and a bottom wall  336  having an outer surface  335 . According to some embodiments, frame  330  further includes a rear wall  338  having an inner surface  337 . Rear wall  338  may include one or more openings  322 . Openings  322  facilitate providing power and data to display elements  400  within open-face display units  320 . In addition, openings  322  reduce the weight of open-face display units  320  and the overall weight of modular wall system  100 . A front surface  339  of frame  330  may be aligned with front surface  249  of frame  240 , and both may protrude outward from a front surface of wall  12 . 
     Display units  300 , as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 30-31 , may contain, for example, display elements  400  that present marketing material. For example, closed-face display units  340  may provide an interactive experience in which a customer learns more details about how a certain product is made. According to some embodiments, the product itself and raw materials or other elements used to make the product may be located on one or more shelves  410  enclosed within closed-face display unit  340 . According to some embodiments, a video describing a process for how the product is made is shown on one or more display screens  346  (e.g., video screens) enclosed within closed-face display unit  340 . Closed-face display units  340  may also be used to display other information, such as, for example, information about a company selling the products. 
     In some embodiments, closed-face display units  340  have similar features as open-face display units  320 . For example, closed-face display units  340  may include frame  330  and/or openings  322 . According to some embodiments, closed-face display units  340  are not open to a front exterior of display structure  200 . For example, in some embodiments, closed-face display units  340  have a transparent front cover  342 . In some embodiments, transparent front cover  342  is glass. In some embodiments, transparent front cover  342  is plastic. According to some embodiments, transparent front cover  342  is configured to open to provide access for a retailer. For example, transparent front cover  342  may swing open. In other embodiments, transparent front cover  342  may slide open. Transparent front cover  342  may open manually or automatically. In some embodiments, the unlocking or opening of transparent front cover  342  may be controlled by an application, for example, running on a smartphone or other electronic device. 
     Graphic light box units  360 , shown, for example, in  FIG. 32 , may be used for display elements  400  that include, for example, marketing material or other graphics. According to some embodiments, graphic light box units  360  include a light source  362 . Graphic light box units  360  are configured to receive graphic displays  364 , which may be, for example, fabric with graphics disposed thereon, for example, by printing (e.g., screen printing). Light source  362  is disposed behind graphic fabric display  364  to illuminate the display  364 . Graphic fabric displays  364  may provide marketing material. For example, graphic fabric display  364  may be associated with a particular marketing campaign. In some embodiments, graphic light box units  360  do not include a visible frame. In some embodiments, graphic light box units  360  are expandable and retractable (in a length direction along display structure  200 ). In this way, one or more graphic light box units  360  can be used to take up space not occupied by other modular display units  300 , so that there is no empty space between modular display units  300  within display structure  200 . 
     In some embodiments, graphic fabric display  364  of graphic light box unit  360  is attached to and disposed over a frame  366 , such as is shown in  FIG. 33 . In some embodiments, frame  366  is made of multiple pieces. For example, as shown in  FIG. 33 , a piece of frame  366  may include a left edge of frame  366 . Other pieces may include a right edge of frame  366 , while yet other pieces may only include a top edge and a bottom edge of frame  366 . In some embodiments, a piece of frame  366  may have a length of 1, 2.5, or 5 feet. Any number of pieces may be combined to create graphic light box unit  360 . Light source  362  may be disposed within frame  366 . In some embodiments, light source  362  is an LED board (e.g., an array of LED lights arranged in a pattern in at least two dimensions). 
     According to some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 34-36 , for example, graphic light box units  360  may include a carriage  370 .  FIG. 34  shows a side-cross-sectional view of display structure  200  taken so that rear portions of graphic light box unit  360 , including its carriage  370 , is visible as installed.  FIG. 35  shows carriage  370  in isolation.  FIG. 36  shows an alternative carriage  370 . In some embodiments, carriage  370  supports graphic light box unit  360  within display structure  200 . In some embodiments, carriage  370  supports graphic light box unit  360  through attachment to frame  366 . For example, carriage  370  may have an outer structure  372  and an inner structure  376 . Frame  366  of graphic light box unit  360  may attach to outer structure  372 . In some embodiments, graphic light box unit  360  attaches to outer structure via cleats into a mounting portion  374 . In some embodiments, inner structure  376  is disposed at a rear portion of display structure  200 . In some embodiments, inner structure  376  comprises wheels to allow carriage  370  to move along the length of display structure  200 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 34 and 35 , the depth of carriage  370  is adjustable. In some embodiments, the adjustability facilitates attachment of the graphic light box unit  360  to carriage  370  in an open position. In some embodiments, carriage  370  in the open position has a depth that is greater than the depth of display structure  200 . In some embodiments, carriage  370  is in a closed position for presentation. In some embodiments, carriage  370  in the closed position has a depth that is less than the depth of display structure  200  so that an outer front surface of graphic light box unit  360  is aligned with an outer edge of frame  240  (e.g., front surface  249 ). In some embodiments, carriage  370  includes crossbars  378 . According to some embodiments, crossbars  378  may facilitate the adjustability of carriage  370 . For example, in some embodiments, the lower end of crossbars  378  may slide within slot  377  to adjust the depth of carriage  370  in the manner of a scissor mechanism. In some embodiments, carriage  370  includes one or more lock clasps  379 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 35 , carriage  370  may include two lock clasps  379 . In some embodiments, lock clasps  379  may hold carriage  370  in a certain position. For example, as shown in  FIG. 34 , lock clasp  379  may hold carriage  370  in a closed position by interfacing with a fastener  368 . In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 36 , carriage  370  may not be adjustable in depth. 
     Living wall units  380 , shown in  FIGS. 37-38 , may be planter modules used for display elements  400  that provide an area of natural feel, including elements of nature, such as living plants  382 . Such living wall units  380  can provide an area of respite for customers. Living wall units  380  may include one or more living plants  382  disposed within them. In some embodiments, living plants  382  are disposed over the entirety of rear wall  338  of living wall unit  380 . In some embodiments, plants  382  are artificial, nonliving plants. According to some embodiments, living wall units  380  provide a bench  384  or other type of sitting area. In some embodiments, living wall units  380  provide a table. In some embodiments, living wall units  380  provide a charging station  386  for customers&#39; electronic devices. In some embodiments, living wall units  380  are expandable and retractable. 
     According to some embodiments, living wall units  380  receive each living plant  382  within an individual pocket. In some embodiments, living wall units  380  may include a reservoir of water and a drip system. Thus, living wall units  380  may automatically provide water to living plants  382 . Some examples of display elements  400  have already been given above. Display elements  400  may include structure used to provide a particular environment or informational display, or to display or showcase marketing material or products for sale  500 . For example, display elements  400  may include shelves  410 , product stands  420 , display cases  430 , racks, hooks, display stands or mounts  440 ,  460 , baskets, lights  450 , seats or display screens, plants, or décor, and may be reconfigurable within display units  300 . Display elements  400  may include graphic fabric displays  364 , display screens  346 , object displays, and so on. Example display elements are illustrated in  FIGS. 39-45 . In some embodiments, display element  400  is integral with modular display unit  300 . According to some embodiments, display element  400  is not integral with modular display unit  300  and thus, display element  400  may be reconfigured within modular display unit  300 . 
     Display elements  400  disposed within modular display units  300  create differing display modules. For example, as shown in  FIG. 39 , a TV (television) display module can be created with sample television products exhibited as display elements  400 . Two shelves  410  may be used to place products  500  available for sale. Some display modules may only use shelves  410  to showcase sample products as display elements  400  and products for sale  500 , as shown in the case display module in  FIG. 40 .  FIG. 41  demonstrates the use of lights  450  in a display module. The example audio module in  FIG. 42  utilizes shelves  410  and mounts  460 . While some modules simply display products  500  and display elements  400  on shelves  410 , others display products  500  and display elements  400  in a manner more directed to a marketing scheme, as shown in  FIG. 43 .  FIG. 44  shows a module that utilizes display cases  430  and spherical display stands  440  (e.g., for headphones). And  FIG. 45  shows a product  500  displayed on a product stand  420 . 
     Reconfigurations within modular display units  300  may include changes to any of display elements  400  or products  500 . An example modular display unit  300  is shown in  FIGS. 46-51 . Modular display unit  300  may be moved along display structure  200  by use of roller system  350  and tray  600 , as discussed above. In some embodiments, cable  228  may be disposed along the top of modular display unit  300  to provide power and/or data to various display elements  400  or other portions of modular display unit  300 . Modular display unit  300  may include a plurality of product stands  420  with products  500  disposed thereon, as shown, for example, in  FIG. 46 . Product  500  may be, for example, a case for an electronic device. In some embodiments, product stand  420  is disposed on a front face of a display element  400  such as, for example, drawer  510  in which additional products  500  are stored for a customer to access. 
     In some embodiments, drawer  510  provides further reconfigurability. In some embodiments, drawer  510  includes dividers  512 , as shown in  FIGS. 47 and 48 , to separate multiple products  500 . In some embodiments, multiple projections  516  are disposed within drawer  510  to accommodate dividers  512 . For example dividers  512 , as shown in  FIGS. 49 and 50 , may include a slot  513  on each side to receive projections  516  on each side of the drawer. In some embodiments, dividers  512  are made of metal, such as aluminum. Slots  513 , in some embodiments, are machined grooves disposed at the bottom side edges of dividers  512 . In some embodiments, dividers  512  may be moved to be received by different projections to adjust for different sizes of products  500  for sale to fit within drawer  510 . 
     In some embodiments, drawer  510  may include cable  514 . In some embodiments, cable  514  is disposed behind a portion of drawer  510  designed to hold products. In some embodiments, cable  514  provides power and/or data to display elements (e.g., display stands  420 , see  FIG. 45 , which may include a light  421  for illuminating a product  500  positioned below) and/or products  500 . In some embodiments, cable  514  is configured to allow drawer  510  to open and close without losing a connection by including a sheath formed of a series of linkages to control position of cable  514  throughout opening and closing of drawer  510 . 
     In some embodiments, modular display unit  300  includes a connector  221  to receive power, data, and/or controls from data box  220 , as shown in  FIG. 51 . Connector  221  may interface with both lighting control port  222  and network control port  224 . In some embodiments, connector  221  is disposed on an outside of rear wall  338 . In some embodiments, an electronics panel  700  is disposed on an outside of rear wall  338 . In some embodiments, electronics panel  700  may hold electronics modules, such as power or control modules. In some embodiments, electronics panel  700  may slide relative to modular display unit  300 . In some embodiments, electronics panel  700  is disposed at an edge of rear wall  338 . Electronics panel  700  may be slid out from behind modular display unit  300  to provide access to electronics modules within electronics panel  700 . In some embodiments, this allows the modules to be replaced or modified from the front side of modular wall system  100  (e.g., to account for different display elements  400  and/or products  500 ) and without removing modular display unit  300  or accessing it from its rear. 
     In some embodiments, modular display units  300  may be reconfigured to feature a product  500  or marketing scheme. In some embodiments, for example, as shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , modular display unit  300  may include additional infrastructure to allow for increased reconfigurability. In some embodiments, such infrastructure may include an outer frame  324 , vertical rails  326 , and horizontal rails  328 . 
     Outer frame  324 , in some embodiments, provides support structure for vertical rails  326  and/or horizontal rails  328 . In some embodiments, outer frame  324  includes support structure on an outer perimeter of the additional infrastructure. In some embodiments, outer frame  324  includes support structure within the outer perimeter, such as horizontal crossbars or a central vertical cross bar. 
     Vertical rails  326 , in some embodiments, attach to outer frame  324 . For example, vertical rails  326  may be attached with fasteners to the outer perimeter and the horizontal crossbars of outer frame  324 . In some embodiments, vertical rails  326  may be repositioned along outer frame  324 . For example, in some embodiments, vertical rails  326  may be slidable along outer frame  324  for repositioning. In some embodiments, vertical rails  326  may include hooks that accept horizontal rails  328  in different locations. Thus, both vertical rails  326  and horizontal rails  326  may be adjusted to provide for different configurations within modular display unit  300 . 
     In some embodiments, horizontal rails  328  are configured to receive shelves  410 . In some embodiments, vertical rails  326  and/or horizontal rails  328  provide electricity to and/or data transmission to and/or from lighting in shelves  410 . The adjustability of vertical rails  326  and horizontal rails  328  allows a modular display unit  300  to provide a different presentation to a consumer. For example, the open-face display unit  320  on the left in  FIG. 52  may be reconfigured to provide the different presentation shown in the open-face display unit  320  of  FIG. 53 . 
     In some embodiments, horizontal rails  328  and/or vertical rails  326  are configured to receive backdrop panels  325 , as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 52 and 53 . Backdrop panels  325  may be of various sizes to correspond to a desired presentation. In some embodiments, backdrop panels  325  may be inserted between shelves  410 . In some embodiments, backdrop panels  325  may include holes through which supports for other elements may extend, such as, for example, graphic fabric displays  327  or shelves  410 . 
     In some embodiments, backdrop panels  325  hide the additional infrastructure (outer frame  324 , vertical rails  326 , and horizontal rails  328 ) from an observer&#39;s view. In some embodiments, backdrop panels  325  may be made of or have the appearance of wood to match the appearance of trimming or nosing  251 . In some embodiments, backdrop panels  325  may be made of or have the appearance of a textile fabric to provide a soft, diffuse appearance. In some embodiments, backdrop panels  325  may have other characteristics that contribute to the presentation of a featured product  500  or marketing scheme (e.g., color or pattern). Thus, while modular display unit  300  may be fully reconfigurable, backdrop panels  325  hides the infrastructure that facilitates the reconfigurability, giving the impression that modular display unit  300  is not reconfigurable. 
     According to the configurations described herein, modular wall system  100  may be reconfigured to accommodate the needs and desires for retail environment  10 . These reconfigurations may include moving modular display units  300  within display structure  200 , changing the size of modular display units  300 , and changing display elements  400  within modular display units  300 . 
     Example reconfigurations are illustrated in  FIGS. 54-56  with the original display on the top and the reconfigured display on the bottom. Reconfigurations may be driven by one or more factors. For example, reconfigurations may be driven by merchandising and/or marketing. Some reconfigurations may be done at a very simple level, while other reconfigurations require greater effort. In  FIGS. 54-56 , the numerals represent various module types and the letters represent various sizes, as follows: shelves  1 , living wall  2 , vitrine  3 , vignette  4 , graphic light box  5 , audio products  6 , television products  7 , and other products  8 . The letter A represents five feet, B represents ten feet, C represents fifteen feet, D represents twenty feet, and E represents twenty-five feet. Modules without left leaning diagonal lines (e.g.,  2 B in  FIG. 54 ) are expandable and modules with left leaning diagonal lines (e.g.,  1 B in  FIG. 54 ) are slidable or rollable. Modules in the reconfigured display with right leaning diagonal lines (e.g.,  5 C in  FIG. 54 ) have refreshed content or display elements  400 . Thus, modules in the reconfigured display with both right leaning and left leaning diagonal lines (e.g.,  3 A in  FIG. 54 ) are slidable or rollable and have refreshed content. 
     In  FIG. 54 , none of the modular display units  300  were moved, but the content or display elements  400  were refreshed. In  FIG. 55 , the graphic light box  5 D was reduced in size to  5 B, the display of television products  7 C was slid to the left by ten feet, the graphic light box  5 B was expanded to  5 E, the next four modular display units  300  (vitrine  3 A, vignette  4 A, display of audio products  6 C, and shelves  1 B) were slid to the right by five feet, the living wall  2 B was reduced to  2 A, and the display of other products  8 B was not moved, but its content was refreshed. While  FIGS. 54 and 55  were done at a low and moderate complexity level,  FIG. 56  illustrates a more complex reconfiguration. Graphic light box  5 D was reduced to  5 B, display of television products  7 C was removed and replaced with  7 B, graphic light box  5 B was expanded to  5 E, vitrine  3 A was repositioned to the right by 50 feet, vignette  4 A was repositioned to the left by thirty feet, display of audio products  6 C was removed and replaced with  6 B, shelves  1 B were repositioned to the left by twenty feet, living wall  2 B was expanded to  2 C and repositioned to the left by five feet, and the display of other products  8 B was slid to the left by five feet. These reconfigurations merely provide examples of the types of changes that can be made within modular wall system  100 . 
     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 present invention has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. 
     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: 20160720
Publication Date: 20180410
Grant Date: 20180410
Priority Date: 20150821
Inventors: AGNOLI VASCO
ANDRUS JAMES
BROWN SAM
FEENEY JAMES CASEY
GREEN CHRISTOPHER M.
MANDON KULLY KRAIG
Peak Christopher Daniel
SIEGEL JONATHAN P.
BEHLING STEFAN
SMEDS KEVIN FENTON
Deffenbaugh Andrew Charles
RANES GREGORY JAMES
SCHWALBACH CHARLES A.
YANG SHENG
O'BRIEN GRAHAM
Assignee: APPLE INC
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Family ID: 56787695