Retail merchandising platform |
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申请号 | US13653875 | 申请日 | 2012-10-17 | 公开(公告)号 | US09161638B2 | 公开(公告)日 | 2015-10-20 |
申请人 | Schlage Lock Company LLC; | 发明人 | Paul Michael Ehmke; Christopher Michael Nusbaum; Lori Ann Long; John DeVito; | ||||
摘要 | Door lock merchandising display apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed. An exemplary apparatus includes a support structure including first and second fixtures positioned in a merchandise display region. The fixtures are laterally and rotatably movable relative to the support structure. The apparatus includes merchandise modules that include door locks and are detachably coupled with respective fixtures. Interior and exterior portions of the door locks are displayed on respective sides of the modules. A customer can position the fixtures to selectably simultaneously display the interior and exterior portions of the door locks. The apparatus may also include a customer-accessible inventory storage region and a customer interaction unit configured to receive customer input associated with a particular type of door lock and provide an output to the customer identifying a location of the particular type of door lock in the inventory storage region. | ||||||
权利要求 | The invention claimed is: |
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说明书全文 | This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 61/548,109 filed Oct. 17, 2011 and the same is hereby incorporated by reference. The present application relates generally to retail sales displays and to interactive product displays and more particularly but not exclusively to displays for door locks. Product display of door locks presents a number of unique challenges. To be functional door locks must be installed in a door or a display structure or stand which simulates their installed state. Conventional merchandising displays include door locks installed in doors or in other display structures or stands which limit or impair comparisons of various locks by fixing them in place. Alternatives such as loose or unfixed displays which might permit comparison do not allow lock function to be meaningfully evaluated. Customers could benefit from the ability to evaluate and compare the aesthetic features of different door locks as well as their functionality, feel and tactile response. Customers also face the challenge of locating particular door locks in displays that may include a large number of different locks and determining the location of the saleable inventory of a desired lock. Conventional approaches to door lock product display have left these and other needs unfulfilled. For the purposes of clearly, concisely and exactly describing exemplary embodiments of the invention, the manner and process of making and using the same, and to enable the practice, making and use of the same, certain aspects of the disclosure will now be summarized and exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures will be described in detail below. It shall be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby created and that the invention includes and protects such alterations, modifications, and further applications as would occur to one skilled in the art. Certain exemplary embodiments include door lock merchandising display apparatuses. One exemplary apparatus includes a support structure including a merchandise display region. A first fixture is coupled with the support structure and positioned in the merchandise display region. The first fixture is laterally and rotatably movable relative to the support structure. The apparatus includes a first merchandise module including a first door lock. The first merchandise module is detachably coupled with the first fixture. An interior portion of the first door lock is displayed from a first side of the first merchandise module, and an exterior portion of the first door lock is displayed from a second side of the first merchandise module. The apparatus further includes a second fixture coupled with the support structure and positioned in the merchandise display region. The second fixture is laterally and rotatably movable relative to the support structure. The apparatus includes a second merchandise module including a second door lock. The second merchandise module is detachably coupled with the second fixture. An interior portion of the second door lock is displayed from a first side of the second merchandise module, and an exterior portion of the second door lock is displayed from a second side of the second merchandise module. The first fixture and the second fixture are positionable by a customer to selectably simultaneously display to the customer the interior portion of the first door lock and the interior portion of the second door lock and to selectably simultaneously display to the customer the exterior portion of the first door lock and the exterior portion of the second door lock. Certain exemplary embodiments include door lock merchandising display systems. One exemplary system includes a merchandising platform including a display region, a customer-accessible inventory storage region, and a customer interaction unit. A plurality of merchandise display fixtures, each including one or more door locks, are positioned in the display region. Each of the door locks includes an interior portion and an exterior portion. The merchandise display fixtures are movable by the customer to a first configuration displaying the interior portions of at least two locks next to one another and movable by the customer to a second configuration displaying the exterior portions of the at least two locks next to one another. The customer-accessible inventory storage region includes: a plurality of types of door locks including the types of door locks of the merchandise display fixtures. The customer interaction unit is configured to receive customer input associated with a particular type of door lock of the door locks of the merchandise display fixtures and provide an output to the customer identifying a location of the particular type of door lock in the customer-accessible inventory storage region. Certain exemplary embodiments include methods of displaying door lock merchandise. One exemplary method includes providing a merchandising platform including a customer-accessible inventory storage region, a customer interaction unit, and a merchandise display region including a plurality of fixtures, each including one or more door locks including first portions on respective first sides of the fixtures and second portions on respective second sides of the fixtures. The merchandise display fixtures are movable by a customer to display a first side of at least two fixtures next to one another and are movable by the customer to display a second side of the at least two fixtures next to one another. The method further includes storing in a plurality of locations in the customer-accessible inventory storage region a plurality of types of door locks including the types of door locks of the merchandise display fixtures. The method also includes receiving at the customer interaction unit an input indicating a particular type of door lock of the door locks of the merchandise display fixtures, and providing an output at the customer interaction unit identifying a location of the particular type of door lock in the customer-accessible inventory storage region. With reference to In the embodiment illustrated in With further reference to Referring now to The interactive merchandise display portion 70 extends across the bays 18 and is divided into three sections by the frame members 14. In other embodiments, the interactive merchandise display portion 70 may include fewer or more sections. As shown in With reference to When the customer provides input indicating a particular lock of interest, the customer interaction unit 110 shows an image of the merchandizing platform 10 and indicates the exact location of the inventory of the appropriate lock. The wayfinding bar 30 provides a point of reference and allows the customer to quickly locate the shelf of the platform 10 on which the lock is located. The display 110 may also provide inventory information regarding the lock of interest, such as the number of locks remaining in inventory, an indication that additional locks should be ordered, and/or alternate locations where additional inventory is located. As illustrated in With reference to As illustrated in With reference to With reference to Referring again to As illustrated in With reference to The second side 230b includes features that are similar to the first side 230a, and similar features are denoted by the same reference numbers. The second side includes an outer face 262b, an outer edge 266b, an inner edge 270b, a hole 298, and a pin (not shown). A cylindrical wall 282b extends inward from an opening in the outer face 262b. The outer edge 266b includes a recess 290b. The inner edge 270b includes a pair of partial holes. The inserts 234a and 234b are preferably mirror images of each other, and like elements are denoted with the same reference numerals. The inserts 234a, 234b are preferably made from a clear composite material, such as polycarbonate and are preferably injection molded. The first insert 234a includes a partial tube 306a, a flange portion 308a and a pair of partial receptacles 310a. The tube 306a is adapted to receive a portion of the deadbolt assembly 254. The partial receptacles 310a each secure a portion of a nut 314. The second insert 234b includes features that are similar to the first insert 234a. In the illustrated embodiment, when the partial receptacles 310 of the two inserts are aligned, they form complete hexagonal receptacles adapted to receive respective nuts 314. To assemble the module 206, the flange portion 308a of the first insert 234a is placed in the recess 290a such that the tube 306a extends between the recess 290a and the cylindrical wall 282a. The end of the tube 306a aligns with a semicircular recess (not numbered) in the wall 282a. One of the nuts 314 is positioned in each receptacle 310a. Similarly, the flange portion 308b of the second insert 234b is placed in the recess 290b such that the tube 306b extends between the recess 290b and the cylindrical wall 282b. The end of the tube 306b aligns with a semicircular recess (not numbered) in the wall 282b. The first side 230a and the second side 230b are aligned such that the cylindrical walls 282a, 282b are coaxial and the recesses 290a, 290b are adjacent. The first side 230a and the second side 230b are pressed together such that the pin is pressed into the press fit socket 278 and the walls 282a and 282b meet end-to-end. In addition, when the inserts 234a, 234b are brought together, the nuts 314 are captured within the receptacles 310. A fastener 318 is then passed through the hole 298 and threaded into the socket 274 to fix the two halves or sides 230a and 230b together with the inserts 234a and 234b held in place. Other types of connections may be used to secure the sides 230a, 230b together, such as multiple press fit pin connections or threaded connections. The assembled module 206 includes a cylindrical bore that extends between the outer faces 262a, 262b and is defined by the cylindrical walls 282a, 282b. In addition, the module 206 includes a bore that is defined by the tubes 306a, 306b and that extends from the outer edge surface 266 and intersects the cylindrical bore defined by the walls 282a, 282b. The module 206 thus simulates a portion of a door on which a door lock is mounted and a lock installed in module 206 can be actuated by a customer to simulate its function and performance in an installed state. The lock 226 is installed in the assembled module 206 in a similar manner as it would be installed in a door. The deadbolt assembly 254 is inserted into the bore defined by the tubes 306a, 306b, and the face plate 258 is placed over the flange portions 308a, 308b in the recesses 290a, 290b. Bolts 322 are inserted through the openings in the face plate 258 and are threaded into the nuts 314 in the same manner screws would normally be threaded into a door. In other embodiments, the inserts 234a, 234b may form threaded holes that receive screws. In further embodiments, the inserts 234a, 234b may be formed integrally with the sides 230a, 230b, respectively. The interior assembly 242 of the lock 226 is inserted in the opening in the face 262a, and the exterior assembly 246 is inserted in the opening in the face 262b. The assemblies 242, 246 are connected to each other and to the deadbolt assembly 254 in a similar manner as when installed in a door. The connected assemblies 242, 246 help hold the two sides 230a, 230b together. The locking plate 238 is secured to the inner edge surface 270 by passing threaded fasteners through the locking plate 238 ( The assembled thickness of the module 206 is similar to that of a standard door. The modules 206 can be switched out and replaced by uncoupling the module 206 from the bracket 202 and substituting a different module 206. In the illustrated embodiments, the modules 206 have heights of 4 inches, 6 inches, 8 inches, or 20 inches. The different sizes allow the seller to mount lock assemblies 226 of various dimensions. In other embodiments, the subframe 158 may include only one module 206 that is coupled to the bracket 202, and each module 206 supports multiple lock assemblies 226. Different modules will have different numbers of openings as is necessary to mount different types of door locks. The fixtures 122 are configured to be moved as desired by a customer, so that the customer may simultaneously compare various locks side-by-side as well as at various lateral and rotational configurations relative to one another. For instance, a door knob on one module 206 of one fixture 122 may be moved horizontally and positioned adjacent another knob on another fixture 122 either on the same track or on offset tracks. The customer may also rotate the fixtures 122 to simultaneously display the opposite sides of their respective door locks side-by-side or in other configurations. The customer may operate the door knob and rotate the subframe 158 about the rod 162, simulating the operation of a door. Also, because the modules 206 are composed of a clear material, the customer can examine the interior working components of the lock assembly 226, especially during operation. The interactive merchandise display portion 70 provides an efficient and helpful interface for the customer to compare various locks. As locks are updated, the modules 206 may be replaced to change out older door locks with newer door locks. Because the modules 206 may be switched out and replaced easily, the door locks may be updated quickly and frequently. Also, the composite material of the modules 206 reduces costs related to shipping, installation, and fabrication. In addition, the adjustable shelf portions 62, 66 accommodate changes in product packaging, allowing the seller to expand the width of the shelf 86 and adjust the spacing of the door locks. Furthermore, the reversible nature of the fixtures 122 provides multiple configurations for the fixtures 122, depending on the positioning of the merchandizing platform 10 within a store, customer traffic patterns, and the preference for simulating a door that opens to the left or the right of a customer. With reference to Customer input indicating a particular lock may be received in a number of manners. In one form the customer interaction unit 110 is configured with executable code stored in memory medium which is executable to guide the customer in selecting a lock. Upon approaching the customer interaction unit 110, the customer is prompted to answer various questions related to the lock application. These questions may include describing the location where the lock will be used, the type and color of the door, the type, style and finish of the lock, and other features of the door or lock. The customer interaction unit 110 then displays a recommendation for a particular door lock based on the information gathered from the customer. The customer interaction unit 110 may also highlight a location on a fixture 122 which includes a display model of the lock of interest. Additionally, if a lock is out of stock, the program allows the customer to order the lock, or the program may recommend the next-most appropriate lock based on the customer's input. The customer interaction unit 110 can also assist the customer in locating particular locks in inventory. As described above customer input indicating a lock of interest may be provided through customer input to the touch screen of the customer interaction unit 110 or through a number of additional customer input devices associated with display locks. The position may be indicated in various ways as described above. The wayfinding bar 30 orients the customer with respect to the organization of the door locks. These features allow a customer to easily locate the door lock. The aspects summarized above and the exemplary embodiments illustrated and described in detail in the figures and foregoing description are illustrative and not limiting or restrictive. It shall be understood that various features and aspects of the embodiments described above may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same are also protected and that all changes and modifications that come within the scope of the invention are to be protected. It shall be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Use of “consisting of” and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass only the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. |