GB2495122A - Retail merchandising unit with modules that move to conceal display faces - Google Patents

Abstract

A reconfigurable retail merchandising unit 100 comprises at least three display modules 102,104,106 with at least two of the modules 102,104 being movable between an open configuration in which display faces of all modules are visible [Fig. 1] and a second closed or partially closed configuration in which display faces of at least some of the modules are concealed from view [see Figs 3,5,8]. Each display module has a cross-section the shape of a polygon and has at least one display face 120,122,124 which is at least partially open to permit the display of merchandise. The display modules are pivotally coupled to one another, e.g. by hinges [134, Fig. 2], and configured so as to be pivotable about vertical axes between (i) a closed solid polygon condition in which the display faces of the display modules are securely concealed within the closed solid polygon; and (ii) an open condition in which one or more of the display faces of the of the display modules is visible externally. In one embodiment, two side modules 102,106 are hinged to either side of a central module 104, each side module 102,106 having a width that it half the width of the central module 104. Alternatively, four side modules are hinged to a central module with two of the side modules covering a first display face, and another two covering a second display face [see Figs. 11-17].

Description

Retail Merchandising Unit

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to retail merchandising units for displaying merchandise or other items. Mote particularly, the present invention relates to retail merchandising units that are movable between an open condition and a closed condition, wherein in the open condition merchandise or other items displayed therein arc externally visible, and in the closed condition the merchandise or other items are securely concealed therein.

Background

Many companies use retail merchandising units to conduct business in public areas such as shopping malls, airport terminals, hotel lobbies, convention centers or the like. Retail merchandising units allow vendors to obtain a storefront in such public areas in a low-cost manner. Specifically, retail merchandising units allow a vendor to establish a storefront in a public area with much less overhead than is associated with traditional retail stores.

Because retail merchandising units do not consume a large amount of space as compared to traditionat retail stores and because they are often placed in otherwise unused areas, they may enjoy reduced rent and utility costs. The owners of public spaces may also benefit from allowing retail merchandising units since it allows them a source of revenue from otherwise unused areas.

Retail merchandising units typically include shelves or other means for displaying merchandise or other items to prospective customers or clients. Some retail merchandising units may also include at least some amount of storage space for storing inventory etc. It is generally desirable to secure the merchandise within the retail merchandising unit when the retail merchandising unit is left unattended. Specifically, since many retail merchandising units are set-up in public areas it is desirable to be able to secure the merchandise displayed therein to protect it from theft and vandalism. It is particularly advantageous to not only

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secure the merchandise within the retail merchandising unit, but to also conceal the merchandise within the retail merchandising unit. Specifically, when the merchandise is concealed from view, a thief may be less tempted to attempt to break into the retail merchandising unit to steal the merchandise since they do not know if the merchandise will he worth the risk.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a retail merehandisftg unit that is movable between an open condition in which merchandise or other items are externally visible, and a closed condition in which the merchandise or other items are securely concealed within the retail merchandising unit.

Summary of the Invention

in a preferred aspect there is provided in the following a retail merchandising unit comprising at least three display modules each having a cross-section in the shape of a polygon and each having at least one display face which is at least partially open to permit the display of merchandise, the display modules being pivotably coupled and configured so as to be pivotable about vertical axes between (i) a closed solid polygon condition in which the display faces of the display modules are securely concealed within the closed solid polygon; and (ii) an open condition in which one or more of the display faces of the of the display modules is visible externally.

in the closed solid polygon condition the unit has a polygonal cross section.

This may be achieved by the polygonal shapes of the individual modules being configured to fit together to form a solid polygon. In other words the sides of the polygonal shapes of the modules abut in the closed condition leaving no space between respective modules. In one embodiment the modules are all rectangular in cross section.

Preferably when the retail merchandising unit is in the closed solid polygon condition, one display face of one of the at least three display modules is securely concealed by at least two other of the at least thrce display modules.

Preferably each of the display modules has a width, and the sum of the width of the at least two other of the at least three display modules is equal to the width of the one of the at least three display modules. For example. the width of each the at least two other of the at least three display modules is half the width of the one of the at least three display modules.

hi one embodiment, each of the at least three display modules comprises at least two vertical panels and at least one horizontal panel; and when the retail merchandising unit is in the closed solid polygon condition, only a subset of the vertical and horizontal panels are visible externally. In other words there are panels concealed within the closed structure. The vertical and horizontal panels may be made of an opaque material.

In one embodiment, at least one of the display modules comprises a first display lice and a second display face, the first display face permitting display of merchandise in a first direction, and the second display lice permitting display of merchandise in a second direction. For example a display module may have first and second display faces back to back When the retail merchandising unit is in the closed solid polygon condition, the first display face may be securely concealed by two other of the at least three display modules and the second display face may be securely concealed by another two of the at least three display modules.

In one embodiment, a pair of the at least three display modules comprises two display modules each comprising two side panels forming one side of The polygonal shape of the module, one side panel of each of the pair of modules being pivotably attached to another module, and the other side panel of each of the pair of modules being positioned parallel and aacent to the other side panel of the other of the pair of modules in The closed solid polygon condition. Thus when the modules are brought together to close the unit, two facing side panels are bmught into a parallel configuration. This contributes to a strong and secure overall structure.

A unit of may comprise multiple pairs of display modules each of which comprises two display modules each comprising two side panels forming one side of the polygonal shape of the module, one side panel of each of the pair of modules being pivotably attached to another module, and the other side panel of each of the pair of modules being positioned parallel and adjacent to the other side panel of the other of the pair of modules in the closed solid polygon condition. Thus, a unit with a module having back to back display faces might have a pair of display modules, one pair closing each of the back to back display faces. In this arrangement each display module of a pair would be pivotably attached via one side panel to the same module.

In a preferred embodiment: the at least three display modules comprise a central display module and four further display modules: the central display module comprises a first display face and a second display face, the first display face petmitting display of merchandise in a first direction, the second display face permitting display of merchandise in a second direction, the second direction generally opposing the lust direction; the first display face being securely concealed by two of the thither display modules when the retail merchandising unit is in the closed polygon condition; and the second display face being securely concealed by another two of the further display modules when the retail merchandising unit is in the closed polygon condition.

At least one of the at least three display modules may beshaped and sized to house a removable cabinet.

The retail merchandising unit may flurther comprise a locking mechanism coupled to at least two of the at least three display modules to secure merchandise within the retail merchandising unit when the retail merchandising unit is in the closed polygon condition.

Any of the display modules may comprise at least one of a shelf, a cupboard and a drawer.

Any of the display modules may comprise at least one of a lighting fixture, a hole to route cables and a power outlet.

As noted above, in the preferred embodiment, the horizontal cross sectional shape of each display module is square or rectangular.

Brief Description of the Figures

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a retail merchandising unit in an open condition according to a first embodiment; Figure 2 is a front view of the retail merchandising unit of Figure 1 in the open condition; Figure 3 is a front view of the retail merchandising unit of Figure 1 in a closed condition; Figure 4 is a side view of the retail merchandising unit of Figure 1 in the open condition; Figure 5 is a side view of the retail merchandising unit of Figure 1 in the closed condition; Figure 6 is a rear view of the retail merchandising unit of Figure tin tbe open condition; Figure 7 is a rear view of the retail merchandising unit of Figure 1 in the closed condition; Figure 8 is a front view of the retail mcrehandising unit of Figure 1 in a first partially open condition; Figure 9 is a front view of the retail merchandising unit of Figure I in a second partially open conditioit Figure 10 is a front view of the retail merchandising unit of Figure 1 in the open condition with a removable cabinet positioned away from the retail merchandising unit; Figure Il is a perspective view of a retail merchandising unit in an open condition according to a second embodiment; Figure 12 is a front view of a retail merchandising unit of Figure 11 in the open condition; Figure 13 is a front view of the retail merchandising unit of Figure 11 in a closed condition; Figure 14 is a side view of the retail merchandising unit of Figure 11 in the open condition; Figure 15 is a side view of the retail merchandising unit of Figure 11 in the closed condition, Figure 16 is a rear view of the retail merchandising unit of Figure 11 in the open condition; and Figure 17 is a rear view of the retail merchandising unit of Figure 11 in the closed condition.

Detailed Descrlpdon Embodiments described herein relate to retail merchandising wts in which merchandise or other items may be displayed. The retail merchandising units described herein may be used in public places such as shopping malls, airport terminals, hotel lobbies, convention centers or the like. As used herein, the term "merchandise" is used to include goods, services and any other offerings Mm a particular vendor.

it will be appreciated that fix simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinaiy skill in the art that the example embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. in other instances, well-known methods, proccdures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the example embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limited to the scope of the example embodiments described herein.

Reference is made to Figures Ito 10 which show a retail merchandising unit 100 in accordance with a first embodiment. The merchandising unit 100 is movable between an open condition (Figures 1,2,4 and 6) for displaying merchandise or other items, and a closed condition (Figures 3,5 and 7) for securely concealing merchandise or other items therein.

Figure! is a perspective view of the retail merchandising unit 100 in the open condition; Figure 2 is a front view of the retail merchandising unit 100 in the open condition; Figure 3 is a front view of the retail merchandising unit 100 in the closed condition; Figure 4 is a side view of the retail merchandising unit 100 in the open condition; FigureS is a side view of the retail merchandising unit 100 in the closed condition; Figure 6 is a rear view of the retail merchandising unit 100 in the open condition; Figure 7 is a rear view oldie retail merchandising unit 100 in the closed condition; Figure 8 is a front view of the retail merchandising unit 100 in a first partially open condition; Figure 9 is a front view of the retail merchandising unit 100 in a second partially open condition; and Figure 10 is a front view of the retail merchandising unit 100 in the open condition with a removable cabinet conditioned away from the retail merchandising unit 100.

The retail merchandising unit 100 comprises three display modules 102,104 and 106 for displaying merchandise or other items. Each display module 102, 104 and 106 is generally in the form of an open-faced cuboid with a rectangular cross-section comprising three vertical pancls(firstandsecondsidepanelsl08,110,112,114,ll6andll8andarearpanell26, 128 and 130)andtwohorizontalpanels(atoppanel 109, lii and 113 andabottompanel 115, 117 and 119). The open face of each display module 120, 104 and 106 provides a display face 120, 122 and 124 fix displaying merchandise or other items.

The terms "top" and "bottom" are used herein for ease of explanation and are not intended to limit the retail merchandising unit 100 to a specific orientation. Specifically, it will be evident to a person of skill in the art that the retail merchandising unit 100 may be oriented in such a manner that the top panel becomes the bottom panel and vice versa.

Although the display modules 102, 104 and 106 am shown as comprising five panels, in other embodiments one or more of the display modules may comprise a fewer number of panels.

For example, in one embodiment, one or more of the display modules 102. 104 or 106 may not comprise a bottom panel 115, 117 or 119.

The retail merchandising unit I 00 is configured to be symmetrical when viewed in the direction of the display face 122 of the display module 104. Thus in the embodiment shown in Figures 1-10, each of the display modules 102, 104 and 106 have the same depth dl, d2 and d3 and height hi, h2 and h3, but the width wi and w3 of the first and third display modules 102 and 106 is half the width w2 of the second display module 104. The person of skill in the art, however, will recognize that display modules 102, 104 and 106 may have different dimensions with respect to each other.

Each display module 102, 104 and 106 is pivotab1 coupled to at least one other display module 102, 104 or 106 so that it is pivotable about a vertical axis between an open condition and a closed condition. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-10, one edge of the second side panel 136 of the first display module 102 is pivotably coupled to one edge of the first side pane! 110 of the second display module 104 via a first pair of hinges 132 and 134; and one edge of the liNt side panel 112 of the third display module 106 is pivotably coupled to one edge of the second side panel 116 of the second display module 304 via a second pair of hinges 136 and 138. However, it will be evident to a person of skill in the art that the display modules 102, 104 and 106 may be pivotably coupled in a different configuration using any suitable means that allow the display modules 102, 104 and] 06 to pivot between open and closed conditions.

When a display module 102, 104 or 106 is in the open condition (Figures 1, 2. 8 and 9), the corresponding display face 120, 122 or 124 is at least partially exposed, allowing merchandise or other items displayed therein to be externally visible to a passerby.

A display module 102, 104 or 106 is said to be in the filly open condition when the side panels 108, 110, 112, 114, 116 and 118 ofthe display module 102, 104 or 106 are generally parallel to the side panels 108, 110, 112, 114, 116 and 118 of the adjacent display module 102, 104 or 106. For example, when the first display module i 02 is in the filly open condition (Figures 1,2 and 9) the first and second side panels 108 and I 14 of the first display module 102 are generally parallel to the first and second side panels 110 and 116 of the second display module 104. Similarly, when the third display module 106 is in the fully open condition (Figures I, 2 and 8) the first and second side panels 112 and 1 18 of the third display module 106 are adjacent and parallel to the first and second side panels 110 and 116 of the second display module 104. The respective panels may even abut each other in the open condition.

When all of the display modules 102, 104 and 106 are in the open condition the retail merchandising unit 100 is said to be in the open condition (Figures 1, 2, 4 and 6). When one or more, but not all of thc display modules 102, 104 and 106 arc in the open condition, the retail merchandising unit 100 is said to be in a partially open condition (Figures 8 and 9).

When a display module 102, 104 or 106 is in the closed condition, the corresponding display face 120, 122 or 124 is concealed within the retail merchandising unit 100. Specifically, when a display module 302, 304 or 106 is moved to the closed condition, the corresponding display face 120, 122 or 124 is positioned so that it is concealed by one or more other display modules 102, 104 or 106. Accordingly, when a display module 102, 104 or 106 is in the closcd condition the merchandise and other items displayed therein are not visible to a passerby.

For example, when the first display module 102 is in the closed condition, the display face 120 is positioned so that it is concealed by a first portion of the second display module 104.

Similarly, when the third display module 106 is in the closed condition, the display face 124 is positioned so that itis concealed by a second portion of the second display module 104.

When the second display module 104 is in the closed condition, the display face 122 is concealed by a combination of the first and third display modules 102 and 106. Specifically, the first and third display modules 102 and 106 are sized and shaped so that in the closed condition the first and third display modules 102 and 106 fit together to conceal the entire display face 122 of the second display module 104.

In the embodiment shown in Hgures 1-10, the sum of the widths wi and w3 of the first and to third display modules 102 and 106 is equal to the width w2 of the second display module 104 so that together the fist and third display modules 102 and 106 conceal the entire display face 122 of the second module 104. For example, each of the widths wi and w3 of the first and third display modules 102 and 106 may be half the width w2 of the second display module 104. However, it will be evident to a person tiled in the art that the display modules 102, 104 and 106 may have any dimensions with respect to each that allow the display modules 102,104 and 106W fittogetherinamannerthatconcealsthedisplayfäces 120, 122 and 124 therein.

When all of the display modules 102, 104 and 106 are in the closed condition, the retail merchandising unit 100 is said to be in the closed condition (Figures 3,5 and 7). When the retail merchandising unit 100 is in the closed condition, the display modules 102,104 and 106 fit together to form a three dimensional structure with a cross section in the shape of a polygon wherein all the display faces 120, 122 and 124 (and the merchandise and other items displayed therein) are concealed within the structure. In a preferred enibodlinent, hi the closed condition of the retail merchandising imit 100 the polygonal cross section is equiangular (all its corner angles are equal). For example in the embodiment shown in Figures 1-10, the display modules 102, 104 and 106 fIt together to krm a solid cuboid with a rectangular cross-section. It should be noted that in this condition the side panels of the respective display modules 102,104 and 106 are in an abutting relationship leaving no spaces between respective display modules 102, 104 and 106.

Because the display modules 102, 104 and 106 form a solid polygonal structure in the closed condition, the retail merchandising unit 100 has a very stable and secure structure in the closed condition. Specifically, because polygons are rigid, able to stand lively and support Their weight they are partic War strong structures, especially when compared to circular or oval structures.

AscanbcseenfromFigures3,Sandl,whentheretailmerchandisingunitlO0isinthe closed condition, only a subset of the vertical and horizontal panels 109, ItO, Ill, 112, 113, 114, 116, 126, 128, 130 of the display modules 102, 104 and 106 ate externally visible to a passerby. Inapreferred embodiment, theexternaByvisible panels 109,110,111,112,113,

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114, 1 6, 126, 128, 130 are made of an opaque material, such as wood, so that when the retail merchandising unit 100 is in the closed condition, the merchandise or other items displayed therein are not visible to a passerby. Because potential thieves cannot see the merchandise contained therein they may be less tempted to break into the retail merchandising unit 100 not knowing if the contents are worth the risk.

One or more ofthe externally visible panels 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 116, 126, 128, 130 may include a design that is visible when the retail merchandising unit 100 is in the closed condition. The design may, for example, be used to make the retail merchandising unit 100 more attractive to passerbys in the closed condition, or it may be used for advertising or other purposes when the retail merchandising unit 100 is in the closed condition.

The retail merchandising unit 100 may comprise a locking mechanism 140 as shown in Figure 3 for locking the retail merchandising unit 100 by securing the first and third display modules 102 and 106 to each other in the closed condition to restrict unauthorized access to the display faces 120, 322 and 124 when the retail merchandising unit tOO is in the closed condition. The locking mechanism 140 may comprise any suitable locking means, such as a lock and key or a keypad, to restrict access to the display faces 120, 122 and 124 when the retail merchandising unit 100 is in the closed condition.

The two modules 102 and 106 each have one side panel 114 or 112 pivotably attached to the central module 104 and one side panel 108 or 118 not attached to another module, i.e. one side panel 114 or 112 is attached and one side panel 108 or 118 is free. The unit is moved from the open condition to the closed condition by pivoting two of the modules 102 and 106 with respect to the central module 104 to bring their free side panels 108 and 118 into a position where they are parallel and adjacent to each other. The resulting structure is stronger and more difficult to break open after locking than a cupboard with a simple door for example.

If the retail merchandising unit 100 is to be left unattended in a public place it is desirable to leave the retail merchandising unit 100 in the closed condition with the locking mechanism activated so that the display Laces 120, 122 and 124 and the merchandise or other items displayed therein are securely concealed within the retail merchandising unit 100, protecting them from theft or vandalism.

One of the benefits of using the structure of the retail merchandising unit 100 itself to conceal the display faces 120, 122 and 124 is that it saves space from having to store separate concealing components such as curtains or bars. Specifically, since retail merchandising units typically have stringent size constraints, efficient utilization of space for storing inventory, displaying merchandise, displaying signage etc. is paramount. Generally, an increase in display space allows more opportunities for better display of the merchandise. In some prior art retail merchandising units, components separate from the retail merchandising unit itselL such as curtains or rods, are used to conceal and/or secure the retail merchandising unit when it is left unattended. However, these separate components undesirably consume space within the retail merchandising unit when the retail merchandising unit is open for business. For example, the curtains or bars are typically stored within the retail merchandising unit when it is in the open condition, thus resulting in a loss of display and/or storage space.

One or more of the display modules 102, 104 and 106 may comprise one or more shelves to store and/or display merchandise or other items. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure I, each display module 102, 104 and 106 comprises a plurality of shelves 142, 144, 146, 348, 350 ard 152. Each shelf 142, 144, 146, 148, 150 and 152 is mounted to the corresponding display module 102, 104 and 106 using a standard adjustable hook system.

Therefore, the armngement of the shelves may be changed. For example, the shelves 142, 144, 146, 148, ISO and 152 may be adjusted to permit placement of the shelves 142, 144, 146, 148, 150 and 152 at higher conditions, lower conditions, closer together, father apart, and/or at any angles etc. The shelves 142, 144, 146, 148, 150 and 152 may be made of a fransparent or translucent material such as glass, or an opaque material such as wood. It will be evident to a person of skill in the art that the display modules 102, 104 and 106 may comprise any number of shelves, and that the shelves may be mounted to the display modules 102, 104 and 106 using any suitable means.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing that in this embodiment, each of the display modules 102, 104 and 106 is in the form of a cabinet comprising one or more shelves.

One or moit of the display modules 102, 104 and 106 may be partially closed with a door thereby providing a cupboard for storing merchandise or other items. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1-10, each of the first and third display modules 102 and 106 comprises a cupboard 154 and 156. Each cupboard 154 and 156 comprises a plurality of shelvesl58, 160, l62and l64andadoorl66andl68. Figure2showsthecupboardsl54 and 156 with their corresponding doors 166 and 168 in the closed position, Figure 8 shows the second cupboard 156 with its door 168 in the open position, and Figure 9 shows the first cupboard 154 with its door 166 in the open position.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-10, the shelves 158, 160, 162 and 164 aremounted to the corresponding display module 102 or 106 using a standard adjustable hook system, and the doors 138 and 120 are pivotably coupled to the corresponding display module 102 or 106 using hinges. However, it will be evident to a person of skill in the art that the shelves 158, 160, 162 and 164 and doors 138 and 120 may be mounted to the corresponding display module 102 or 106 using any suitable means.

in some cases, the cupboards 154 and 156 may comprise means to aid in the opening and closing of the door. For example, the cupboards 154 and 156 may comprise a pull or handle (not shown) for each door 166 and 168, or a push and release mechanism 170 and 172.

One or morn of the display modules 102, 104 and 106 maybe sized and shaped to house a removable cabinet. The removable cabinet may be removed from the corresponding display module 102, 104 or 106 to allow easier access to certain merchandise or other items, or to enhance the appeal of the retail merchandising unit 100.

For example, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1-10, the second display module 104 is sized and shaped to house a removable cabinet 114. The removable cabinet 174 has a generally cuboidal shape defined by three vertical panels (two side panels 178 and 180 and a rear panel (not shown)) and two horizontal panels (atop panel 482 and a bottom panel 184).

The removable cabinet 174 may also comprise doors 186 and 188 thereby forming a cupboard and one or more shelves 190 and 192.

In some cases the removable cabinet 174 may also comprise wheels (not shown) to aid in moving the removable cabinet 174 between the storage and display conditions.

Figure 2 shows the removable cabinet 174 in the storage condition (positioned within the second display module 104) with the doors 186 and 188 in the closed position, and Figure [0 shows the removable cabinet 174 in the display condition (positioned away from the second display module 104) with the doors 36 and 388 in the open position The retail merchandising unit 100 may also comprise an enclosed partially transparent display case for displaying special or high-value items. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-10, a glass display case 194 (Figure 10) is provided on the removable cabinet 174. It may be sized and shaped to fit inside the removable cabinet 174 when not on display. Alternatively it may be sized and shaped to be accommodated between the top panel 182 of the removable cabinet 174 and the shelf immediately above it in the closed configuration of the retail merchandising unit 100.

One or more of the display modules 102, 104 and 106 may also comprise one or more drawers (not shown) for storage of merchandise or other items.

One or more of the display modules 102, 104 and 106 may also comprise one or more light fixtures to enhance the appearance of the merchandise or other items to attract customers. For example, each of the first and third display modules 102 and 106 comprise a single lighting fixture 196 and 198 and the second display module 104 comprises a track lighting system 200 comprising one or more lighting fixtures 202 and 204 as shown in Figures 1 and 2 However, a person of skill in the art will understand that the type and placement of light fixtures can be selected to achieve any desired lighting effect.

One or more of the display modules 102, 104 and 106 may further comprise one or more holes for routing cables, and/or one or more power outlets to provide power to external devices and systems. For example, the second display module 304 comprises two holes 206 and 208 for routing cables and a power outlet 210 as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 8-10. The power outlet 210 may be connected to a main power source or a portable battery. It will be evident to a person of skill in the art that there may be any suitable number of holes and power outlets and they can be placed in any suitable location to increase case of access or aesthetics.

Reference is now made to Figures)! to 17 which show a retail merchandising unit 300 in accordance with a second embodiment. Similar to the retail merchandising unit 100 of Figures 1 to 10, the retail merchandising unit 300 comprises a plurality of display modules 302.304,306,308 and 310 and is movable between an open condition (Figures 12, 12, 14 and 16) for displaying merchandise or other items, and a closed condition (Figures 13, 15 and 17) lbr securely concealing the merchandise or other items within the retail merchandising unit 300.

The retail merchandising unit 300, however, differs from the retail merchandising unit 100 of Figures 1-10 in that it comprises five display modules 302,304,306,308 and 310 (as opposed toothy three). Specifically, the retail merchandising unit 300 comprises a central display module 304 of rectangular cross-section having an additional display module (first second, third and fourth display modules 302, 306, 308 and 310) pivotably attached to each of its comers. The central display module 304 generally corresponds to the second or central display module 104 of the retail merchandising unit 100. The first and second display modules 3O2and 306 generally correspond to the first and third display modules lO2and 106 respectively of the retail merchandising unit 100 of Figures ito 10. The third and fourth display modules 308 and 310 are generally mirror images of the first and third display modules 302 and 306.

Thus the retail merchandising unit 300 can be thought of as two units as shown in Figures Ito in back to back configuration. In the fblly open and fitly closed conditions the retail merchandising unit 300 is symmetrical about a vertical plane bisecting the central module 304.

The central module 304 has opposing display faces. In the embodiment to be described below the central module 304 has nothing equivalent to a rear panel, at least in its open shelved region.

The five display modules 302,304,306,308 and 310 enable merchandise or other items to be displayed in two generally opposing directions when the retail merchandising unit 300 is in the open condition. Specifically, when the retail merchandising unit 300 is in the open condition, the display modules 302, 304 and 306 may be used to display merchandise in a first direction and the display modules 304, 308 and 310 may be used to display merchandise in a second direction generally opposing the first direction. This ability to display merchandise or other items in multiple directions makes the retail merchandising unit 300 ideal for placement in the center of a room or space.

As noted above, the first and second display modules 302 and 306 generally correspond to the first and third display modules 102 and 106 of the retail merchandising unit 100 of Figures I to 10. Accordingly, the first and second display modules 302 and 306 may comprise similar features and operate in a similar manner to the first and third display modules 102 and 106 described above. The third and fourth display modules 308 and 310 are generally mirror images of the first and second display modules 302 and 304 respectively and accordingly also have similar features and operate in a similar manner to the first and third display modules 102 and 106 described above.

Specifically, each display module 302, 306, 308 and 310 is generally in the form of an open-faced cuboid comprising three vertical panels (first and second side panels 312, 314, 316, 318 320, 322, 324 and 326, and a rear panel 336, 338, 340 and 342) and two horizontal panels (a toppanel3ll,313,3lsand3llandaboftompanel3l9,32l,323and325). Theopenface of each display module 302, 306, 308 and 310 provides a display face 120, 122 and 124 for displaying merchandisc or other items.

The modules 302, 306, 308 and 310 are also pivotably coupled to the central display module 304 via hinges 344, 346, 348, 350, 352, 354, 356 and 358 so that they are pivotable about a vertical axis between an open condition and a closed condition as described above.

Furthermore, the display modules 302, 306, 308 and 310 may comprise shelves 360, 362, 364, 366, 368, 370, 372, 374, cabinets 376, 378, 380 and 382, drawers (not shown), and lighting fixtures 384, 386, 388, 390 as described above in reference to display modules 102 and 106.

Although the third and fourth display modules 308 and 310 are described as being minor images of the first and second display modules 302 and 306 respectively, it is not essential that the third and fourth display modules 308 and 310 be exact minor images of the first and second display modules 302 and 206. Specifically, the third and fourth display modules 308 and 310 may have a different configuration of shelves, cabinets, drawers and/or lighting fixtures. The third and fourth display modules 308 and 310 may also have a different set of dimensions with respect to the central display module 304 compared to the first and second display modules 302 and 306. For example, even though in the embodiment shown in Figures 11 to 17, the display modules 302, 306, 308 and 310 all have a width w21, w23, w24 and w25 that is half the width w22 of the central display module 304, the first and second display modules 302 and 306 may have widths w21 and w23 that are 1/3 and 2/3 the width w22 of the central display module 304 respectively, and the third and fourth display modules 308 and 310 may have widths w24 and w25 that are 1/4 and 3/4 the width w22 of the central display module 304 respectively.

The main diffbrence between the display modules 302,306,308 and 310 of Figures 11 to 17 and the first and third display modules 102 and 106 of Figures 1-10 is their relative depths.

Where the depth dl and d3 of the first and third display modules 102 and 106 of Figures 1-10 isthe samcasthedepth d2oftheseconddisplaymodule 104,thcdepth 421,423, d24and d25 of the display modules 302, 306, 308 and 310 are half the depth d22 of the central display module 304. This change is implemented so that when thc first and third display modules 302 and 308 (and similarly the second and fourth display modules 306 and 310) are in the fully open condition and the respective rear panels 336 and 338 or 340 and 342 are adjacent, the sum of the depths d2 1 and d24 of the first and third display modules 302 and 308 (and similarly the sum of the depths 423 and 425 of the second and fourth display modules 306 and 310) is equal to the depth d22 of the central display module. While, this configuration provides added stability to the retail merchandising unit 300 and produces an aesthetically pleasing retail merchandising wilt 300, this is not an essential kature of the retail merchandising unit 300 and it will be evident to a person of skill in the art that changing the dimensions of the display modules 302,304,306,308 and 310 will not affrct the operation of the retail merchandising unit 300.

As described above, the central display module 304 generally corresponds to the second display module 104 of the retail merchandising unit 100 of Figures ito 10. However, the second display module 304 is generally in the form of a cuboid with multiple open faces. The central display module 304 comprises two vertical panels (first and second side panels 392 and 394) and two horizontal panels (a top panel 397 and a bottom panel 399). One open face of the central display module 304 defines a first display face 396. Furthermore, the central display module 304 may comprise shelves 398 and 400, cabinets (not shown). drawers (not shown), removable cabinets 402 and 404, lighting systems and fixtures 406, 408 and 410, holes for routing cables 410, 412 and power outlets (not shown) as described above in reference to display module 104.

The central display module 304 as illustrated in Figures 11-17 aLso differs from the second display module 104 of Figures 1 to 10 in that it does not have a rear panel. This lack of a rear panel provides a second open face which defines a second display face 416 for displaying merchandise or other items. The second display face 416 is generally parallel to the first display face 396.

The first and second display faces 396 and 416 allow merchandise to be displayed in two generally opposing directions at the same time when the central display module 304 is in the open condition. Specifically, the first display face 396 allows merchandise to be displayed in the first direction and the second display face 416 allows merchandise to be displayed in the second direction generally opposing the first direction. In some eases the first and second display faces 396 and 416 of the ccntral display modulc 304 may bc separated by a vertically extending wall (not shown) so that the merchandise or items displayed in both display faces 396 and 416 are not visible from a passerby at the same time. In otl1er cases, the display faces 396 and 416 may be seamless (meaning there is nothing physically separating the display faces 396 and 416) so that the merchandise or items displayed in both display faces 396 and 416 may be visible from a passerby at the same time.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-10, the rear panel 128 of the second display module 104 aids in concealing the display faces 120, 122 and 124 when the retail merchandising unit is in the closed position. Specifically, it conceals the display faces 120, [22 and 124 from the rear. In the embodiment shown in Figures 11-17, however, the central display module 304 does not require a rear panel since the third and fourth display modules 308 and 310 work together to conceal the display faces from the rear when the retail merchandising unit 300 is in the closed condition (see Figure IS).

Similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 1-10, the retail merchandising unit 300 may comprise one or more locking mechanisms 416 and 418 for securing the retail merchandising unit 300 in the closed polygon condition. For example, as shown in Figures 13 and 17, the retail merchandising unit 300 may comprise a first locking mechanism 416, such as a lock, coupled to the rear panels 336 and 338 of the first and third display modules 302 and 306, and a second locking mechanism 418, such as a lock, coupled to the rear panels 340 and 342 of the fourth and fifth display modules 308 and 310. When the first locking mechanism 416 is in the locked condition it secures the first and third display modules 302 and 306 in the closed condition. Similarly, when the second locking mechanism 418 is in the locked condition it secures the fourth and fifih display modules 308 and 310 in the closed position. It will be evident to a person skilled in the art that other suitable locking mechanisms may be used to secure the display modules 302, 304, 306 and 310 in the closed condition.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of specific exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that various modifications, alterations and/or combinations of features disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims (1)

1. <claim-text>Claims: 1. A retail merchandising unit comprising at least three display modules each having a cross-section in the shape of a polygon and each having at least one display face which is at kast partially open to permit the display of merchandise, the display modules being pivotably coupled and configured so as to be pivotable about vertical axes between (i) a closed solid polygon condition in which the display faces of the display modules arc securely concealed within the closed solid polygon: and (ii) an open condition in which one or more of the display faces of the of the display modules is visible externally.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. The retail merchandising unit of claim I, wherein the cross sectional shapes of the display modules are such that in the closed solid polygon condition tile modules fit together to form a solid polygon.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. The retail merchandising unit of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when the retail merchandising unit is in the closed solid polygon condition, one display face of one of the at least three display modules is securely concealed by at least two other of the at least three display modules.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. The retail merchandising unit of any preceding claim, wherein each of the display modules has a width, and the sum of the width of the at least two other of the at least three display modules is equal to the width of the one of the at least three display modules.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. The retail merchandising unit of claim 4, wherein the width of each the at ieast two other of the at least three display modules is half the width of the one of the at least three display modules.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. The retail merchandising unit of any preceding claim, wherein: each of the at least three display modules comprises at least two vertical panels and at least one horizontal panel; and when the retail merchandising unit is in the closed solid polygon condition, only a subset of the vertical and horizontal panels are visible externally.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. The retail merchandising unit of claim 6, wherein the subset of vertical and horizontal panels are made of an opaque material.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. The retail merchandising unit of any onc of claims I to 6, wherein at least one of the at least three display modules comprises a first display face and a second display face, the first display face permitting display of merchandise in a first direction, and the second display face permitting display of merchandise in a second direction.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. The retail merchandising unit of claim 8, wherein when the retail merchandising unit is in the closed solid polygon condition, the first display face is securely concealed by two other of the at least three display modules and the second display face is securely concealed by another two of the at least three display modules.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. The retail merchandising unit of any preceding claim, wherein a pair of the at least three display modules comprises two display modules each comprising two side panels fonning one side of the polygonal shape of the module, one side panel of each of the pair of modules being pivotably attached to another module, and the other side panel of each of the pair of modules being positioned parallel and 4acent to the other side panel of the other of the pair of modules in thc closed solid polygon condition.ii. The retail merchandising unit of claim 10 comprising multiple pairs of display modules each of which comprises two display modules each comprising two side panels thSng one side of the polygonal shape of the module, one side panel of each of the pair of modules being pivotably attached to another module, and the other side panel of each of the pair of modules being positioned parallel and adjacent to the other side panel of the other of the pair of modules in the closed solid polygon condition.12. The retail merchandising unit of claim 10 or claim 11 wherein each display module of a said pair of display modules is pivotably attached via one side panel to the same module.13. The rctail merchandising unit of any preceding claim, wherein: the at least three display modules comprise a central display module and four further display modules; the central display module comprises a first display face and a second display facc, the first display face permitting display of merchandise in a tint direction, the second display face permitting display of merchandise in a second direction, the second direction generally opposing the first directioit the first display face being securely concealed by two of the further display modules when the retail merchandising unit is in the closed polygon condition; and the second display face being securely concealed by another two of the further display modules when the retail merchandising unit is in the closed polygon condition.14. The retail merchandising unit of claim 13, wherein: each of the central and (luther display modules has a width; the sum of the widths of the two of the further display modules being equal to the width of the central display module; and the sum of the widths of the other two of the further modules being equal to the width of the central display module.IS. The retail merchandising unit of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the at least three display modules is shaped and sized to house a removable cabinet.16. The retail merchandising unit of any preceding claim, further comprising a locking mechanism coupled to at least two of the at least three display modules to secure merchandise within the retail merchandising unit when the retail merchandising unit is in the closed polygon condition.17. The retail merchandising unit of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the at least three display modules comprises at least one of a shelf; a cupboard and a drawer.18. The retail merchandising unit of any preceding claim, whcrein at least one of thc at least three display modules comprises at least one of a lighting fixture, a hole to mute cables and a power outlet.19. The retail merchandising unit of any preceding claim in which the horizontal cmss sectional shape of each display module is square or rectangular.20. Any of the retail merchandising units substantially as hereinbcfore descnl,ed with reference to the accompanying drawings.</claim-text>