US20030217981A1 - Downrod display - Google Patents

Abstract

A display system for fan downrod extensions and similar items which is modular in design and customizable to accept items of varying size.

Description

• This invention relates generally to the art of retail displays, and more particularly to a downrod display rack allowing for a customer-friendly display of fan extension downrods. [0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Overhead ceiling fans are suspended from ceilings or other overhead structures by downrods. Since ceiling heights are not uniform, it is customary for retail establishments to stock a large number of different length downrods. [0002]
• Fan extension downrods and other long, slender, tubular retail items are difficult to display due to the height required to display them properly and their instability when placed upright. If not displayed in an upright position, the items can not be optimally viewed and must be secured to prevent them from rolling. [0003]
• When displayed horizontally, the items' small profile can interfere with consumers being able to readily identify which product is best suited for their needs. A great deal of display depth can be needed, and if the display area is high off the ground, then consumers may not be able to identify the products, which can affect sales. [0004]
• Items such as fan extension downrods can also be difficult to load into and remove from a shelving space, especially if displayed horizontally, due to their length and the potential for rolling. [0005]
• As there may be many variations of a product which must be displayed, it can be difficult to label the displays so as to provide maximum information to consumers. [0006]
• Freestanding displays exist in the art, but can be quite bulky and unable to accommodate differing heights of goods. The prior art also lacks the capability for customization of the storage shelving and a effective point of purchase display. [0007]
• There is then a need for a display system which addresses the shortcomings of the present methods of fan downrod extension consumer displays. [0008]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• It is thus an object of this invention to provide a display system for fan downrod extensions and similar items which is modular in design and customizable to accept items of varying size. [0009]
• It is a further object of this invention to provide a display system which angles the displayed products at an angle which optimizes viewing by customers as well as loading and unloading. [0010]
• It is a further object of this invention to provide a display system which provides clear identification of the displayed merchandise for customers. [0011]
• These as well as other objects are accomplished by a display system for storing and displaying merchandise, comprised of an upright display rack which is made of plastic, wood, wire or other material, and has adjustable compartments, adjustable dividers within the compartments, a point-of-purchase channel on the front of the display, and an angled surface in each compartment to tilt merchandise to an optimal angle for viewing, loading and unloading merchandise.[0012]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is an front perspective view of the display in accordance with this invention. [0013]
• FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the display in accordance with this invention. [0014]
• Each [0015] bin 15 is provided with a point-of-purchase (POP) rail 19 which accommodates inserts for product identification. Each individual section of each bin 15, as defined by the dividers 17, can be easily identified through use of the POP rail. Other information could be displayed, such as when a particular product is out-of-stock or a date by which more of the product can be expected.
• FIG. 2 illustrates the angle of the [0016] bins 15; as discussed above. The bins are angled back at varying degrees, although a ten degree (10°) angle has been found to be optimal. This angle is adjustable and serves to present a pleasing viewing angle to consumers as well as easing loading and unloading of the items contained within. The profile of the POP rail 19 is clearly seen in FIG. 2, as well as the small footprint of the display. In the preferred embodiment, the display 11 is only eighteen inches deep. This shallowness provides more floor space for retailers, and when combined with the modular nature of the display 11, gives retailers maximum flexibility in choosing a location for the display. This can translate into greater sales for the products displayed by the invention, as retailers are more likely to utilize this display than the prior art which does not contain the previously-disclosed advantages.
• It is thus seen that this invention provides a novel display system for fan downrod extensions, as well as other long, slender, round objects. [0017]
• As the above description is exemplary in nature many variations will become apparent to those with skill in the art. Such variations however may be embodied within the spirit and scope of this invention as defined by the following appended claims. [0018]

Claims (4)

What is claimed is:

1. A display system for storing and displaying merchandise, comprising:

an upright display rack having adjustable compartments;

adjustable dividers within said adjustable compartments;

a channel comprised of rails disposed horizontally along the front facing of each said compartment; and

said adjustable compartment being angled upwards in relation to the floor upon which the display system is placed.

2. The display system of claim 1, further comprising said adjustable compartments being adaptable to receive varying heights of products.

3. The display system of claim 1 wherein said system is modular in design.

4. A modular segmented display system for storing and displaying merchandise, comprising:

an upright display rack having adjustable compartments, said compartments being adaptable to receive varying heights of products;

adjustable dividers within said adjustable compartments;

a channel comprised of rails disposed horizontally along the front facing of each said compartment; and

said adjustable compartment being angled upwards in relation to the floor upon which the display system is placed.

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