Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation of and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/958,017, filed Oct. 4, 2004 and entitled “Light Box Display,” which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Retail establishments typically use a wide variety of display systems to display products to consumers. Common display systems used in retail environments include hanging racks, gondolas, horizontally oriented display shelves, peg board systems, racks, end caps, display cases, and other devices. In order to draw attention to the products displayed, to assist the consumer in locating the particular item for which they are searching, and/or to add to the overall or departmental aesthetics of a retail establishment, signs are often placed in proximity to the displayed products. Such signs generally indicate the type of product, brand of product, advertising, other information helpful to the consumer or adding to an overall aesthetic feel of a retail establishment. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   One aspect of the present invention relates to a light box display for use in a retail environment. The light box display includes a light box, a graphic, and a graphic cover. The light box includes a first member and a second member configured to collectively house a plurality of light sources. The graphic cover is selectively coupled to the light box with at least one of static build up and friction fit to secure the graphic between the light box and the graphic cover such that the graphic is configured to be backlit with light emanating from the plurality of light sources. The first member of the light box includes a first member side wall and the second member of the light box includes a second member side wall. The second member side wall generally fits around and overlaps a substantial entirety of the first member side wall. Other features, methods, and advantages are also disclosed. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to the figures, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded, perspective view of one embodiment of a light box display, according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded, perspective view of one embodiment of a light box of the light box display of  FIG. 1 , according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a back view of the light box of  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a graphic cover of the light box display of  FIG. 1 , according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a graphic cover of the light box display of  FIG. 1 , according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting assembly used to hang the light box display of  FIG. 1 , according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the mounting assembly of  FIG. 6  taken along the line A-A. 
       FIG. 7  is a detailed perspective view of one embodiment of a portion of the mounting assembly of  FIG. 6  secured to a support structure, according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a product display system incorporating a plurality of the light box displays, according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an alternate mounting system for hanging the light box display of  FIG. 1 , according to the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a light box display  10  for use within a retail establishment. Light box display  10  includes a light box  12 , a graphic or image  14 , and a graphic cover  16 . Light box  12  is hung within a retail establishment from a mounting assembly  18  to receive and light up graphic  14 , which, in one embodiment, relates to at least one of the retail establishment, brand name, trademark, department, sale, product type, overall aesthetic theme, etc. A graphic cover  16  is placed over graphic  14  to secure graphic  14  to light box  12  by interposing graphic  14  between light box  12  and graphic cover  16 . Graphic cover  16  is clear or translucent to allow consumers to view graphic  14  through graphic cover  16 . Accordingly, during use, graphic  14  is displayed with a backlit effect to produce a display aesthetically pleasing and interesting to consumers and other passersby. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , light box  12  includes a base  20 , a ballast assembly  22 , a plurality of light bulbs  24 , and a cover or lid  26 . Base  20  includes an end wall  28  and a side wall  30 . In one embodiment, end wall  28  is generally circular and generally planar and includes two recessed portions  32  and  34  sized to each receive a portion of ballast assembly  22 . Side wall  30  extends perpendicularly from the perimeter of end wall  28  to define a cylinder with an opening  36  opposite end wall  28 . 
   Side wall  30  includes a plurality of outwardly protruding registration rails  38  extending from opening  36  perpendicular to and toward end wall  28 . In one embodiment, the plurality of registration rails  38  includes three protruding rails each circumferentially spaced from one another. A pin or flat headed peg  40  extends radially outwardly from each registration rail  38  near end wall  28 . The plurality of registration rails  38  are positioned on base  20  to decrease or minimize the view of pegs  40  from the front of light box  12  upon assembly. 
   Base  20  is homogenously formed of a translucent or transparent material. In one embodiment, base  20  is formed of a translucent and diffuse plastic or acrylic material. More specifically, in one embodiment, base  20  is vacuum-formed of a milk colored acrylic, such as the frosted OPTIX® acrylic material. The diffuse and translucent or transparent nature of base  20  contributes to an even distribution of light projected from light box  12 , as will be further described below. Even distribution of light from light box  12  contributes to the general aesthetics of light box display. 
   Ballast assembly  22  fits within base  20  and provides electricity to light box  12 . In one embodiment, ballast assembly  22  includes a first ballast box  50 , a second ballast box  52 , and a ballast cover sheet  54 . Ballast boxes  50  and  52  are spaced from one another, and in one embodiment, are electrically coupled to one another. Ballast cover sheet  54  is a metal plate extending between and over the front of ballast boxes  50  and  52  to increase the safety of light box  12 . A plurality of sockets  56  and a plurality of bulb holders  58  extend from ballast cover sheet  54  in an alternating and staggered pattern. 
   Each of the plurality of sockets  56  is electrically coupled to one of ballast box  50  or ballast box  52 , and each ballast box  50  and  52  provides electricity to support at least one of the plurality of sockets  56 . An alternating current cord  59  extends from at least one of ballast boxes  50  and  52  for interfacing with an electrical source or outlet to introduce electricity to ballast assembly  22  and, thereby to sockets  56 . 
   Each of the plurality of light bulbs  24 , preferably fluorescent light bulbs, defines a first fixture end  60  and a second end  62 . First fixture end  60  of each light bulb  24  selectively interfaces with one of the sockets  56 , and second end  62  of each light bulb  24  is placed within one of the bulb holders  58 . Accordingly, each light bulb  24  is securely positioned within base  20  between a socket  56  and a bulb holder  58 . In one embodiment, the orientation of each light bulb  24  (i.e. positioning from first fixture end  60  to second end  62  or from second end  62  to first fixture end  60 ) is alternated and light bulbs  24  extend in an at least partially staggered manner. The staggered and alternating positioning of light bulbs  24  provides for an evenly dispersed emission of light from light box  12 . 
   More specifically, in one example illustrated in  FIG. 2 , light bulbs  24  are spaced laterally (in this case, vertically) from each other and staggered longitudinally (in this case, horizontally left to right) such that a top light bulb  24  extends from a socket  56 , which is coupled with second ballast box  52 , over and beyond first ballast box  50 . A second light bulb  24  positioned just below top light bulb  24  extends from a socket  56 , which is coupled with first ballast box  50 , over and beyond second ballast box  52 . Additional light bulbs  24  are similarly staggered (i.e., are not horizontally aligned). The staggering of light bulbs  24  provides for a gradation of light collectively emitted from light bulbs  24  and diffused by cover  26  that presents viewers with a shimmering or meandering light effect. In the embodiment described above, light bulbs  24  are each centrally supported and second end  62  cantilevers from the respective holder  58 . With this in mind, second end  62  itself is not directly supported. 
   Ballast assembly  22  is received by placing each ballast box  50  and  52  in a respective recessed portion  32  and  34  of base  20 . In one embodiment, at least one recessed portion  32  or  34  includes a hole  64  for cord  59  to extend from a ballast box  50  or  52  and through base  20 . As a result, each socket  56  and bulb holder  58  is maintained within base  20  and extends toward base opening  36 . 
   Light box cover  26  includes an end wall  70  and a side wall  72 . End wall  70  is circular and, in one embodiment, generally planar. End wall  70  of cover  26  is sized slightly larger than end wall  28  of base  20 . Side wall  72  extends perpendicularly from the perimeter of end wall  70  to form a hollow cylinder with an opening  74  opposite end wall  70 . Side wall  72  extends from end wall  28  a distance similar to a distance side wall  30  extends from end wall  28  of base  20 . In one embodiment, cover  26  is rounded at the interface between end wall  70  and side wall  72  to form a smoother, less abrupt transition between walls  70  and  72 . 
   Side wall  72  includes a plurality of registration grooves  76  extending generally perpendicular to end wall  70  from opening  74 . In one embodiment, three registration grooves  76  are circumferentially spaced about side wall  72 . Each registration groove  76  is configured to receive one of the registration rails  38  of base  20 . A locking notch  80  is defined within each registration groove  76 . Each locking notch  80  extends entirely through the thickness of side wall  72  and includes a first portion  82  and a second portion  84 . First portion  82  extends from opening  74  parallel to the general extension of registration groove  76  and partially toward end wall  70 . Second portion  84  extends from first portion  82  opposite opening  74  with an orientation generally perpendicular to first portion  82 . Each portion  82  and  84  has a width sufficient to receive peg  40 . In one embodiment, each locking notch  80  includes a stop end  86  extending from second portion  84  opposite first portion  82  configured to selectively maintain peg  40  of base  20 . 
   Cover  26  is homogenously formed of a translucent or transparent material. In one embodiment, cover  26  is formed of a translucent and diffuse plastic or acrylic material. More specifically, in one embodiment, cover  26  is vacuum-formed of a milk colored acrylic, such as the frosted OPTIX® acrylic material. The diffuse and translucent or transparent nature of cover  26  contributes to an even distribution of light projected from light box  12  as opposed to spot or line lighting, which is readily identifiable by consumers and other passersby. Accordingly, even distribution of light from light box  12  contributes to the general aesthetics of light box display  10 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment, at least one mounting bracket  90  is secured to the back of base end wall  28 . For example, at least one mounting bracket  90  includes a first mounting bracket  92  and a second mounting bracket  94 . Each mounting bracket  92  and  94  is a Z-clip including a base interface portion  96 , and intermediate portion  98 , and a hanger interface portion  100 . Base interface portion  96 , intermediate portion  98 , and hanger interface portion  100  are each generally planar and generally rectangular. Intermediate portion  98  extends from a bottom edge  102  of base interface portion  96  with an orientation generally perpendicular to base interface portion  96 . Hanger interface portion  100  extends downwardly from intermediate portion  98  opposite base interface portion  96  with an orientation generally perpendicular to intermediate portion  98  and generally parallel to base interface portion  96 . 
   Base interface portion  96  is secured to back of end wall  28  between recessed portions  32  and  34  with at least one screw, rivet, adhesive or other attachment device such that hanger interface portion  100  extends parallel to but spaced from end wall  28 . In one embodiment, mounting brackets  92  and  94  are laterally aligned and vertically spaced from one another. More specifically, first mounting bracket  92  is secured to end wall  28  relatively near a top of end wall  28 , while second mounting bracket  94  is spaced from first mounting bracket  92  and secured to end wall  28  relatively near a bottom of end wall  28 . Each mounting bracket  92  and  94  is secured with a similar orientation, in particular, with hanger interface portion  100  extending downwardly from intermediate portion  98 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , graphic  14  is sized and shaped in a similar manner as end wall  28  of light box cover  26 . More specifically, graphic  14  is any graphical and/or textual representation to be displayed by light box display  10 . In particular, graphic  14  may depict graphics and/or text relating to one or more of brand name, retail establishment identification, trademark, department identification, product type, sale identification, general aesthetics, etc. In one embodiment, graphic  14  is a photograph of a subject  110 , such as a model wearing a clothing item being offered for sale by the retail establishment. Graphic  14  is printed or otherwise formed upon a translucent or transparent print media, such as a transparency, vellum, DURATRAN® polyethylene or polyester material. 
   Graphic cover  16  is formed of acrylic, plastic, or other relatively rigid material that is translucent or, more preferably, transparent. For example, graphic cover  16  is vacuum-formed of clear acrylic or plastic. Graphic cover  16  is shaped similar to and sized slightly larger than light box cover  26 . With this in mind, graphic cover  16  includes an end wall  120  and a side wall  122 . In one embodiment, end wall  120  is round and generally planar and sized slightly larger than graphic  14 . Side wall  122  extends around and generally perpendicularly from the perimeter of end wall  120  to define graphic cover  16  as a shallow cylinder with an open end  124 . Side wall  122  extends from end wall  120  a distance similar to or slightly larger than the distance side wall  72  of light box cover  26  extends from end wall  70 . In one embodiment, graphic cover  16  protects graphic  14  from staining or other incidental wear and tear during display of graphic  14  in a retail environment. 
     FIG. 4  illustrates an alternate-embodiment graphic cover  16 ′. Graphic cover  16 ′ is similar to graphic cover  16  in all respects other than those specifically described herein. Graphic cover  16 ′ includes an end wall  120 ′ having a perimeter shaped similar to and sized slightly larger than a perimeter of light box cover  26 . End wall  120 ′ includes at least one three-dimensional  FIG. 126  protruding outwardly (i.e. in a direction opposite the direction side wall  122  extends from end wall  120 ′) from the otherwise generally planar end wall  120 ′. In one embodiment, three-dimensional  FIG. 126  relates one or more of brand name, retail establishment identification, trademark, department identification, product type, sale identification, general aesthetics, etc. 
     FIG. 5  illustrates another embodiment of a graphic cover  130 . Graphic cover  130  includes a side wall  132  and an end wall  134 . Side wall  132  is sized and shaped similar to side wall  122  of graphic cover  16  described above. End wall  134  extends over and beyond a side or edge of side wall  132 . End wall  134  includes the image to be displayed, which in other embodiments is included on graphic  14 . Accordingly side wall  132  of graphic cover  130  is sized to be coupled with base  20  similar to graphic cover  16 , but presents a non-circular external display to consumers and other passersby. Graphic cover  130  is formed acrylic, plastic, or other relatively rigid material that is translucent or transparent. In one embodiment, graphic cover  130  is vacuum-formed. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, light box display  10  is hung or supported by a mounting assembly  18 . Additionally referring to  FIG. 6 , in one embodiment, mounting assembly  18  has a ladder-like construction including a first elongated, vertical support  142 , a second elongated, vertical support  144 , and a plurality of cross members  146 . First and second vertical supports  142  and  144  are laterally spaced from one another a distance greater than the width of each mounting bracket  90  on base  20 . 
   Each of the plurality of cross members  146  is secured to each of and extends between vertical supports  142  and  144 . The plurality of cross members  146  are vertically spaced from one another, in particular, in one embodiment, at least two of the plurality of cross members  146  are vertically spaced apart from each other a distance equal to the vertical distance mounting brackets  90  are spaced apart from each other on base  20 . In one example, each vertical support  142  and  144  and each cross member  146  is formed of powder-coated steel. Vertical supports  142  and  144  are channels and cross members  146  are rectangular plates. 
   More specifically, in one embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6A , each cross member  146  includes at least one threaded stud  148  extending from a planar surface  150  of each cross member  146 . Upon assembly with vertical supports  142  and  144 , each threaded stud  148  is placed through a corresponding aperture  152  of the respective vertical support  142  or  144 . A mounting channel  154  is placed within vertical support  142  or  144  with an opposite orientation as the channel of vertical support  142  or  144 . Threaded stud  148  extends through mounting channel  154  opposite vertical support  142  or  144 . A wing nut  156  is thread onto threaded stud  148  adjacent mounting channel  154  to securely hold cross member  146  to vertical support  142  or  144 . 
   Each vertical support  142  and  144  defines a top end  160  and a bottom end  162  opposite top end  160 . Top end  160  includes a hook  164  or other connection device for interfacing with a support rod  170 . Hook  164  is configured to selectively receive support rod  170  to hang mounting assembly from support rod  170 . In one embodiment, bottom end  162  of each vertical support  142  and  144  additionally includes a spacer  172  extending perpendicularly from vertical support  142  or  144  in a similar direction as hook  164  curves from vertical support  142  or  144 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 7 , support rod  170  is an elongated adjustable length support rod extending between two support struts  174 . More particularly, in one embodiment, support rod  170  includes a first rod portion  176 , a second rod portion  178  fit within and telescoping out of first rod portion  176 , and a latch  180 . Second rod portion  178  can longitudinally slide in and out of first rod portion  176  to lengthen or shorten support rod  170 . Latch  180  includes a screw or clamp to selectively lock second rod portion  178  in the desired position with respect to first rod portion  176 . 
   Support rod  170  additionally includes a hook or clip  182  or other attachment mechanism at each end of support rod  170 . In one embodiment, clips  182  of support rod  170  interface with support struts  174  extending over a display area. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , support struts  174  extend perpendicularly to a support wall  186 , such as a permanent or semi-permanent support wall of the retail establishment. Each support strut  174  includes a first side panel  190 , a second side panel  192  laterally spaced from first side panel  190 , and a bottom panel  194  extending between bottom edges of first and second side panels  190  and  192 . In one embodiment, first side panel  190  has a thickness sufficient to be received by and to maintain clips  182  of support rod  170 . 
   Additionally, in one embodiment, following coupling of support rod  170  with support struts  174 , a safety bar  196  is placed on each support strut  174  over at least a portion of clips  182 . In particular, safety bar  196  is sized to be received between first and second side panels  190  and  192  of each support strut  174 . More specifically, safety bar  196  extends between side panels  190  and  192  following insertion of clip  182  onto side panel  190 . 
   In one embodiment, safety bar  196  includes a latch mechanism  198  extending from one end of safety bar  196  to a position beneath bottom panel  194 . Safety bar  196  selectively latches or locks around bottom panel  194  of support strut  174 . In one embodiment, latch mechanism  198  includes a screw or pin  200  that is selectively secured across bottom panel  194  to lock support rod  170  in place with respect to support strut  174 . Accordingly, safety bar  196  increases the safety of the hung light box display  10  by decreasing the chance that support rod  170  would inadvertently be dislodged from support struts  174 . 
   In order to hang light box display  10 , mounting assembly  18  is lifted up to place hooks  164  over support rod  170 . In one embodiment, spacers  172  of mounting assembly  150  interface with wall  186  to maintain the spacing of vertical supports  142  and  144  from wall  186 . More specifically, in one example, vertical supports  142  and  144  extend parallel to a front surface  202  of wall  186 . Once mounting assembly  18  is hung from support rod  170 , base  20  of light box  12  with ballast assembly  22  is lifted and each mounting bracket  90  is placed to interface with one of cross members  146 . In particular, one of the cross members  146  is placed between end wall  28  of base  20  and hanger interface portion  100  of mounting bracket  90 . Accordingly, base  20  of light box  12  is hung from support rod  170  via mounting assembly  18 . 
   Once base  20  is hung, light bulbs  24  are placed to interface with sockets  56  and to be held by bulb holders  58 . Cord  59  is run up vertical support  142  or  144  to be electrically coupled with an outlet or other electrical source. With this in mind, light bulbs  24  are illuminated when electricity flows from the outlet or electrical source to sockets  56  via ballast boxes  50  and  52 . Cover  26  is placed over base  20  such that each registration groove  76  receives a corresponding registration rail  38  of base  20 . Cover  26  is slid further onto base  20  until peg  40  slides along first portion  82  of locking notch  80 . Then, cover  26  is given a partial, clockwise turn to forward peg  40  through second portion  84  of locking notch  80  and to stop end  86  of locking notch  80  to selectively lock cover  26  to base  20 . 
   Once cover  26  is secured to base  20 , graphic  14  is placed over cover  26  to block direct viewing of end wall  70  of cover  26 . In one embodiment, graphic  14  selectively adheres to cover  26  due to static cling or with another adhesive. In such an embodiment, graphic cover  16  is optional. In some instances, directly adhering graphic  14  to cover  26  due to static cling or other adhesive causes wrinkles to be formed in graphic  14 . Therefore, in other embodiments, graphic  14  is characterized by a lack of direct adherence to cover  26  due to static cling or use of adhesive. Graphic cover  16  is placed over graphic  14  and light box cover  26 . Graphic cover  16  is secured over light box cover  26  to interpose and secure graphic  14  between end wall  120  of graphic cover  16  and end wall  70  of light box cover  26 . In this manner, graphic cover  16  also protects graphic  14  from wear during display. 
   In one embodiment, graphic cover  16  is secured to light box cover  26  by a friction fit and/or static build up between side wall  122  of graphic cover  16  and side wall  72  of light box cover  26 . In other embodiments, graphic cover  16  is secured to light box cover  26  with plastic clips. Once assembled, graphic  14  is viewable to consumers or other passersby in a backlit manner. Graphic covers  16 ′ and  130  can similarly be attached. In other embodiments, in which graphic cover  16 ,  16 ′, or  130  is painted or otherwise depicts the image to be displayed, use of graphic  14  is optionally eliminated. 
   In one embodiment, mounting assembly  18  includes four cross members  146  wherein each set of two cross members  146  supports one light box display  10 . Accordingly, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , two light box displays  10  can be hung on a single mounting assembly  18 . In other embodiments, mounting assembly  18  only includes two cross members  146  and, therefore, only supports one light box display  10 . Graphic cover  16  and graphic  14  are removed from light box display  10  in the opposite manner as they were secured to light box display  10 . Similarly, light box  12  and mounting assembly  18  are removed and taken down from support rod  170  in the opposite manner as they were secured to light box display  10 . 
     FIG. 9  illustrates an alternate embodiment of a method of hanging light box display  10 . In this embodiment, two Z-clips or other mounting brackets  210  and  212  are hung on front surface  202  of wall  186 . Accordingly each clip  210  and  212  includes a wall interface portion  214  and a display interface portion  216  similar to base interface portion  96  and hanger interface portion  100  of mounting brackets  92  and  94  of light box display  10 . Each wall interface portion  214  is secured to wall  186  with at least one screw, adhesive, or other attachment device such that display interface portion  216  extends upwardly from the remainder of clip  210  or  212 . 
   In one embodiment, clips  210  and  212  are laterally aligned and vertically spaced from one another to interface with mounting brackets  92  and  94  of light box display  10 . More specifically, to hang light box display  10 , light box display  10  is positioned such that hanger interface portion  100  of mounting brackets  92  and  94  are placed between display interface portion  216  of the respective clip  210  and  212  and front surface  202  of wall  186 , thereby securing light box display  10  to wall  186 . 
   In one embodiment, one or more light box displays  10  are arranged for use in combination with product display articles, such as the display articles described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/958,142 for a “Retail Display Article and System,” filed concurrently with the present application on Oct. 4, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. In one example, one or more light box displays  10  are hung above, below, beside, spaced from, and/or aligned with a display article imitating a mannequin wearing or displaying a product for sale. In other examples, one or more light box displays  10  are hung with display panels hung in a three-dimensional manner, such as in front of a recessed panel between triangular spacers of adjacent panels. 
   Light box displays according to the present invention provide for an aesthetically pleasing way of presenting text or other images to a retail audience including retail consumers and other passersby. By providing for the backlit display of the graphics with a diffused light, the light display draws consumer attention and is yet pleasing to the eye of the consumer or other passersby. In addition, the modular nature of the light box display allows a single light box to be interchangeably used with various graphics and/or graphic covers. In this manner, the overall look of the light box display can be altered by changing the graphic and/or graphic cover without the added expense of providing a new light box for each altered display. 
   Although the invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments, such embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered to limit the invention. Various alternatives and change will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, although generally described as being round or cylindrical, a light box can be formed in a variety of shapes and sizes. Additional modifications and changes will further be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Technology Category: g