CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/309,213 filed on March 16, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to garment displays which are attractive, environmentally friendly, and require reduced amounts of material to construct.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Prior to purchase, consumers generally prefer to inspect socks, underwear, and other displayable garments to evaluate their design, quality, and feel. Certain displays, such as cascading sock displays, can facilitate such inspection by allowing a consumer to see and touch each pair of socks sold in a set prior to purchase. However, traditional garment displays suffer from a number of undesirable attributes including unattractive designs and excessive material usage. It would therefore be desirable to provide an improved display that can attractively display socks, underwear, and other displayable garments prior to sale that is easily assembled and environmentally friendly.

SUMMARY

[0004] In accordance with one embodiment, a cascading sock display includes a front face, a back face, and a cascade support structure. The cascade support structure includes a plurality of integrally formed sock support structures. Each of the plurality of integrally formed sock support structures is vertically spaced apart along the front face and displaced away from the front face. Each of the plurality of integrally formed sock support structures is displaced farther away from the front face than each of the preceding sock support structures.

[0005] In accordance with another embodiment, a method of assembling a cascading sock display includes providing a cascade support structure and folding a plurality of integrally formed distally extending members to form a plurality of sock support structures. The cascade support structure includes the plurality of integrally formed distally extending members. Each of the integrally formed distally extending members is vertically spaced apart. Each of the plurality of sock support members is spaced farther away from a front face of the cascading sock display than preceding sock support structures. [0006] In accordance with another embodiment, a cascade support structure includes a substantially flat sheet of material including longitudinal edges and a plurality of integrally formed distally extending members vertically spaced apart.

[0007] In accordance with another embodiment, a cascading display for displaying a plurality of undergarments comprises a front face and a cascading support structure integrally formed with and extending therefrom. The cascading support structure comprises at least one pair of integrally formed extending members each for retaining and displaying an undergarment, and a display portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a cascading sock display according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the cascading sock display depicted in FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 3 depicts a front view of the cascading sock display depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0011] FIG. 4 depicts a front view of an unassembled cascade structure according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 5 depicts a detailed front view of a sock support structure according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of a cascading sock display according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 7 depicts a side view of the cascading sock display depicted in FIG. 6.

[0015] FIG. 8 depicts a front view of the cascading sock display depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0016] FIG. 9 depicts a front view of a backing structure according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 10 depicts a front view of an unassembled cascade structure according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of an unassembled cascading display according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 12 depicts a front view of the unassembled cascading display depicted in FIG. 11. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] An improved cascading display that can attractively display multiple pairs of socks, underwear, and other displayable garments is disclosed. The improved display is environmentally friendly, can require less material than comparative displays, and can be quickly modified to suit the needs of particular stores and consumers. Generally, such improved display can include a cascade support structure which can simultaneously support and exhibit multiple pairs of socks, underwear, and other displayable garments.

[0021] An illustrative example of a cascade support structure 100 is depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 which respectively illustrate perspective, side, and front views of a cascade support structure 100 including three sock support structures 5a, 5b, and 5c. Each of the sock support structures 5a, 5b, and 5c can support a pair of socks. The sock support structures 5a, 5b, and 5c are arranged to display at least a portion of every pair of socks in the improved sock display. The cascade design can allow consumers to quickly evaluate the aesthetics and quality of each of the socks sold in the improved sock display without physical manipulation of the display.

[0022] As illustrated by the different projection views in FIGS. 1 to 3, each of the sock support structures 5a, 5b, and 5c can be distally spaced away from a front face 10 of the cascade support structure 100. Additionally, each of the sock support structures can be vertically spaced apart the front face 10.

[0023] Distal spacing of the sock support structures 5a, 5b, and 5c from the front face 10 can form volumes for socks included in the sock display to hang from. To allow for sock pairs to overlie preceding sock pairs, each of the sock support structures 5a, 5b, and 5c can be distally spaced farther away from the front face 10 than the preceding sock structure. For example, sock support structure 5b can be distally displaced farther away from the front face 10 of the cascade support structure 100 than sock support structure 5a.

[0024] In combination with distal spacing, vertical spacing of each of the sock support structures 5a, 5b, and 5c along the front face 10 can allow an improved sock display to exhibit socks in a cascading nature with each pair of socks overlying a preceding pair of socks. Vertical spacing can ensure that at least a portion of each sock pair is viewable to a consumer with the amount of vertical space between each sock support structure 5a, 5b, and 5c determining how much of each sock pair is viewable. [0025] As can be appreciated, the number of sock support structures (e.g., 5a, 5b, and 5c in FIGS. 1 to 3) in an improved sock display can vary depending on the number of socks to be displayed. For example, in certain embodiments, a cascade support structure 100 can include only two sock support structures 5a and 5b. However, in other certain embodiments, a cascade support structure 100 can include a greater number of sock support structures and can include, for example, five sock support structures (not depicted) or even seven or more sock support structures (not depicted). Generally, the maximum number of sock support structures in an improved sock display can be limited only by the resulting height of the sock display and any aesthetic concerns.

[0026] According to certain embodiments, the width of each sock support structure 5a, 5b, and 5c can be about the width of a sock. Such widths can allow a pair of socks to be attractively displayed without wrinkling or folding of the socks. As can be appreciated however, other widths are also possible. For example, the width of each sock support structure 5 can alternatively be an integer multiple of a sock width such as two or three sock widths. In such embodiments, multiple pairs of socks can attractively be hung adjacent to one another and can be displayed on a single sock support structure. Increased sock support structure widths can be useful to exhibit relatively large quantities of socks without requiring the improved sock display to have a large vertical height or be at risk of toppling.

[0027] The sock support structures can generally vary in both materials and formation. For example, in certain embodiments, the sock support structures can be integrally formed from the cascade support structure 100. As used herein, integrally formed can mean the structures were formed from a single piece of material. For example, a cascade support structure with integrally formed sock support structures can mean both the cascade support structure and the sock support structures are formed from a single sheet of material. As can be appreciated, structures that are integrally formed can eliminate waste material inherent to comparative designs that require mechanical attachment of additional components.

[0028] An example of such an embodiment is illustrated by FIG. 4 which depicts an unassembled and substantially flat cascade support structure 100 including a plurality of integrally formed distally extending members la, lb, and lc. As depicted, corresponding pairs of distally extending members la, lb, and lc can be folded and attached to one another to respectively assemble the sock support structures 5a, 5b, and 5c previously depicted in FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0029] Generally, two folds are necessary to form the sock support structures 5a, 5b, and 5c from the distally extending members la, lb, and lc. First, each of the distally extending portions la, lb, and lc can be folded along edge 2 to extend the distally extending portions la, lb, and lc away from the front face 10 of the cascade support structure 100. Second, the distally extending portions la, lb, and lc can then be folded at a second location 3a, 3b, and 3c to cause the corresponding pairs la, lb, and lc to overlap over the front face 10.

[0030] The location of the second fold 3a, 3b, and 3c can vary for each distally extending member la, lb, and lc. As can be appreciated, the location of the second fold 3a, 3b, and 3c can determine the distance the assembled sock support structure is spaced away from the front face 10. In certain embodiments, the distance between edge 2 and second fold location 3a, 3b, and 3c can generally match the thickness of a pair of hanging socks with each successive second fold location 3a, 3b, and 3c further including the thickness of a pair of socks hung on the preceding sock support structure. As can be appreciated, the distance of the second fold location 3a, 3b, and 3c can also be further increased in certain embodiments such as when, for example, a pair of socks is folded twice and the sock support structure needs to accommodate the greater volume required for the additional fold.

[0031] When the distally extending members la, lb, and lc of FIG. 4 are folded, each distally extending member la, lb, and lc can overlap with a corresponding distally extending member la, lb, and lc extending from the opposite side of the cascade support structure 100. The corresponding distally extending members la, lb, and lc can be attached to the corresponding member to form sock support structures 5a, 5b, and 5c. Although any suitable attachment process can be effective including adhesives, mechanical fasteners, and hook and loop fasteners, it can be particularly advantageous to mechanically join the corresponding members together without additional materials. For example, each of the corresponding distally extending members la, lb, and lc can include one or more slotted sections 6 as depicted in FIG. 5. Secure attachment can be made in such embodiments by sliding the corresponding member la, lb, or lc into the one or more slotted sections 6 of the other corresponding member. As can be appreciated, other direct attachment methods are also possible. For example, in certain embodiments, one of the distally extending members can include a hole and the corresponding distally extending member can then be inserted into the hole. Direct attachment of the distally extending members can simplify the construction of an improved sock display, minimize the volume of materials required, and can allow for easier recycling.

[0032] Sock support structures 5a, 5b, and 5c can alternatively be formed by including distally extending members la, lb, and lc on only a single side of a cascade support structure 100. In such embodiments, the distally extending members la, lb, and lc can be of about twice the length as the distally extending members depicted in FIG. 4. Such distally extending members can form sock support structures by folding the members to create a sock support structure and then attaching the free end of the member to the distal side of the cascade support structure.

[0033] As can be appreciated, many variations to an improved sock display are possible. For example, in certain embodiments, an improved sock display can alternatively be formed of a cascading support structure and a backing structure. The use of two structures can allow for additional features in a sock display. For example, an improved sock display including a cascading structure and a backing structure can further include a display portion. Additionally, while this embodiment of the cascade support structure 100 has been described with respect to displaying socks, this is not meant as a limitation as the sock support structures 5a, 5b, and 5c may also be used to retain and display any other type of garment that is displayable.

[0034] FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of an improved sock display 200 including a display portion 250. As depicted in FIG. 6, the improved sock display 200 can be similar in appearance to the cascade support structure 100 depicted in FIG. 1 but can further include a display portion 250 at the bottom of the sock display 200. The display portion 250 can exhibit indicia, provide additional protection to any underlying socks, and can allow the improved sock display 200 to vertically support itself. FIGS. 7 and 8 depict side and front views of the improved sock display 200.

[0035] The improved sock display depicted in FIGS. 6 to 8 can be assembled by attaching a cascade support structure 230 to a backing structure 210. Examples of a backing structure 210 and a flat, unassembled, cascade support structure 230 are depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10 respectively.

[0036] As illustrated by FIG. 10, the cascade support structure 230 can require folding or assembly either before or after attachment to the backing structure 210. Steps required to assemble the cascade support structure 230 can include the steps of forming the display portion 250 by folding along lines 251, and assembling the sock support structures 235a, 235b, and 235c from distal members 233a, 233b, and 233c by folding along lines 232 and second fold lines 232a, 232b, and 232c. Sock support structures 235a, 235b, and 235c can be integrally formed and can be similar to sock support structures 5a, 5b, and 5c previously described with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0037] As can be appreciated, cascade support structure 230 can require a backing member because it has substantially no inherent front or back face after assembly. Attachment of the backing structure 210 can provide a front face 211 and back face (not depicted) to the improved sock display. [0038] Generally, the backing structure 210 and the cascade support structure 230 can be attached to each other in a variety of ways. For example, the longitudinal edges 215 and 236 of the backing structure 210 and the cascade support structure 230 can be joined together by inserting strips of material from one of the structures into holes in the corresponding structure. Alternatively, a mechanical fastener such as a staple or grommet, or a suitable adhesive such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive can be used. As can be appreciated however, it can be preferable not to use mechanical fasteners or adhesives because such attachment methods require additional materials and can interfere with the recyclability of the sock display.

[0039] As can be further appreciated, although the mounting structure 210 and the cascading structure 230 are shown attached along their longitudinal edges 215 and 236, other attachment locations can also be utilized. For example, certain cascading support structures 230 can wrap around the back of a backing structure 210 and can be attached to a back face of the backing structure 210.

[0040] FIGS. 11 and 12 disclose another exemplary embodiment of a cascading display 300 for use in displaying undergarments such boxers, briefs, thermal garments, and the like. The cascading display 300 comprises a front face 310 and a cascading support structure 330. The cascading display 300 may further comprise a hanger 320 incorporated into the front face 310 which may be optionally reinforced as described infra.

[0041] The cascading support structure 330 comprises at least one pair of distally extending members 333 integrally formed out of the front face 310, and similar to sock support structures 5a, 5b, and 5c previously described with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5. Each of the at least one pair of distally extending members 333 comprises a folded edge 334 and a second fold location 335 similar in configuration to the folded edge 2 and the second fold location 3a, 3,b, and 3c of the cascade support structure 100 as described supra. While each at least one pair of distally extending members 333 may be connected to the other by any suitable attachment process, each at least one pair of distally extending members 333 may further comprise a slotted section 336 for attaching the at least one pair of distally extending members 333 together. Secure attachment is achieved by mating the slotted sections 336 sliding one into the other.

[0042] The cascading support structure 330 further comprises a display portion 350 comprising a first member 360 and a second member 370 each integrally formed out of the front face 310. The first member 360 comprises a folded edge 364 and a second fold location 365 similar in configuration to the fold along lines 251 of the cascade support structure 230 as illustrated in FIG. 10 and the folded edge 2 and the second fold location 3a, 3,b, and 3c of the cascade support structure 100 as described supra. The second member 370 similarly comprises a folded edge 374 and a second fold location 375.

[0043] While the first member 360 may be attached to the second member 370 by any suitable attachment process, the first member 360 may further comprise a tab 366 and the second member 370 may further comprise a tab insertion element 376. The tab insertion element 376 is typically a slot, hole, or similarly designed opening capable of mating with and retaining the tab 366 of the first member 360 to form the display portion 350 once connected. Additionally, as described supra regarding the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, once assembled, the width of the display portion 350 will be proportionally larger than that of a widest of the at least one pair of distally extending members 333. As such, each displayable undergarment will be readily visible in a cascading orientation.

[0044] The improved cascading displays disclosed herein can incorporate a variety of additional features. For example, a hanger 20 or 220 can be incorporated into a front face 10 or 211 to allow for an improved cascading display to be hung from a store shelf. In certain embodiments, a front face 10 or 211 can also include optional reinforcement for hanger 20 or 220. For example, a front face 10 or 211 can include a flap of additional material 221 which can be folded over to reinforce the hangar cutout. An example of such reinforcement is depicted in FIG. 9.

[0045] Radio-Frequency Identification ("RFI D") tags can also be incorporated into the improved cascading display. RFI D tags can allow factories and stores to quickly improve logistics and inventory management. A variety of suitable RFI D tags can be obtained from the Avery Dennison Corporation (Clinton, South Carolina).

[0046] The improved cascading displays disclosed herein can exhibit a number of beneficial improvements over known cascading displays. For example, the improved cascading displays can require less material than existing cascading displays and can be substantially formed of environmentally friendly materials such as paper, cardstock, cardboard, coated paper, and the like. Alternatively, a plastic material can be suitable. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the material can also be sourced from post-consumer content.

[0047] As can be appreciated, the improved cascading displays can also require less components and fewer steps to assemble. For example, improved cascading garment displays as disclosed herein can be formed of only one or two components in certain embodiments. [0048] Formation of the improved cascading displays from materials such as paper and cardstock can also allow for indicia to be formed on substantially any portion of the cascading display including the front face, back face, and display portions of the display. As can be appreciated, the flat nature of the unassembled improved cascading displays can allow for easier formation and customization of indicia because it enables printing of indicia using common and conventional printing techniques. The use of conventional printing techniques can also allow stores or factories to quickly produce customized indicia without great expense.

[0049] The improved cascading displays can also minimize the energy and expense required to ship sock displays to a store or factory. For example, the improved cascading displays can be shipped in a substantially flat geometry and can be assembled onsite allowing for more efficient shipping of the unassembled cascading display. Alternatively, the improved cascading displays can be quickly assembled at a factory using common materials such as cardstock. As can appreciated, the ability to flatten the improved cascading displays can also allow a consumer to reduce the volume of material to be recycled or thrown away after purchase of the socks, underwear, and other displayable garments.

[0050] The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, certain embodiments, and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be constructed as being limited to the particular embodiments disclosed above. Additional variations of the embodiments disclosed will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above- disclosed embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.