Product Display Platform

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This invention claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/702,712, filed Oct. 3, 2024, which is incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

It is common for a salesperson to present samples of a product when pitching the product. The samples may comprise variations of the product. The samples may be presented in a display device. However, the display device may present one or more of the variations of the product in a more favorable manner than other variations of the product. What is needed are systems and methods that address the above issues.

SUMMARY

Described herein is an example device for holding and/or displaying flooring samples. The example flooring display device is configured to present various flooring samples without any of the samples being displayed in a more favorable light than the others. More specifically, as the flooring samples may vary in thickness and materials, the example flooring display device is configured to display the samples in a manner in which the differences in thickness and materials are not readily apparent, while displaying the surface of the flooring samples only. In an aspect, the example flooring display device can be configured to house a plurality of different flooring samples. In some aspects, the example flooring display device is configured to hold between 2 samples and up to 10 samples. In an aspect, the device can be configured to hold seven flooring samples. The example device may include a frame having a top portion having a top surface and a bottom portion having a bottom surface. The example device may also include a bottom coupled to the bottom surface of the frame, forming an interior region surrounded by the frame, the interior region may include an upper surface. The example device may furthermore include a first modular base having a first base thickness, the first modular base configured to rest on, directly or indirectly, the upper surface and within the frame and support a first floor sample, the first floor sample having a first floor sample thickness, and where combining at least the first base thickness and the first floor sample thickness forms a first combined thickness. The example device may in addition include a second modular base having a second base thickness, the second modular base configured to rest on the upper surface, directly or indirectly, and within the frame, and support a second floor sample having a second floor sample thickness, and where combining at least the second base thickness and the second floor sample thickness forms a second combined thickness. The first combined thickness may be equivalent to the second combined thickness, such that a top surface of the first floor sample and a top surface of the second floor sample are substantially level within the display device with respect to each other.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The frame may include a front wall; a back wall parallel to the front wall, where the front wall and the back wall are equal in length; a first side wall; a second side wall parallel to the first side wall, where the first side wall and the second side wall are equal in length, where the first side wall, the second side wall, the front wall, and the back wall are equal in height, where the first side wall and the second side wall are perpendicular to the front wall and the back wall. The first floor sample thickness may be greater than the second floor sample thickness. The first floor sample thickness may be less than the second floor sample thickness. The first floor sample thickness may be equivalent to the second floor sample thickness.

The example device may include a third modular base having a third base thickness, the third modular base configured to rest on the upper surface, directly or indirectly, and within the frame and support a third floor sample having a third sample thickness, where combining at least the third base thickness and the third sample thickness forms a third combined thickness, where the third combined thickness is equivalent to the first combined thickness and the second combined thickness.

The first modular base and the second modular base have a base length, the first floor sample and the second floor sample have a sample length, and the base length may be less than the sample length, allowing space between ends of the modular bases and the frame when inserted into the frame. The space allows a user to apply pressure to an end of the first or second floor sample to tilt the first or second floor sample partially or fully above a height of the walls for removal. The bottom portion of the frame may include apertures allowing a user to lift the first modular base or the second modular base off of the upper surface of the interior region.

The example device may include a top coupled to at least a portion of the top surface of the frame. The example device may include a top to cover the first and second floor samples when within the frame. The example top may be formed from glass, plexiglass, plastic, or other like material. The top may be coupled to the at least a portion of the top surface of the frame via a hinge. The first combined thickness and the second combined thickness may cause the first floor sample and the second floor sample to be flush relative to the top surface of the frame. The first modular base and the second modular base may be configured such that the first combined thickness and the second combined thickness cause the first floor sample and the second floor sample to be inset within the frame relative to the top surface of the frame. The first modular base and the second modular base may be configured such that the first combined thickness and the second combined thickness cause a top surface of the first floor sample and the second floor sample to extend beyond the top surface of the frame. At least one dimension of the first and second floor samples may be substantially the same.

The example device may include a top with a viewing area. The viewing area may comprise an aperture. The aperture may expose the first floor sample and the second floor sample. The aperture in such instances can allow users to touch a top surface of the first and second floor samples. As discussed above, the number of flooring samples may vary, but the aperture can be configured to allow access to all of the flooring samples contained within the display device.

The frame may be configured such that a distance between the front wall and the back wall is substantially the same as the at least one dimension. The frame may be configured such that a distance between the first side wall and the second side wall is substantially the same as a sum of another dimension of the first and second floor samples. The first modular base and the second modular base can be placed at various places within the frame. The first and second modular bases can be removably placed within the frame. The front wall may include a top surface, the top surface of the front wall configured to display information related to the first floor sample and the second floor sample. The top surface of the front wall may be configured to removably display the information related to the first floor sample and the second floor sample.

In an embodiment, the viewing area may comprise an at least partially transparent (e.g., glass) lid, the top connected by a hinge on a top surface of the back wall, the top configured to be in a closed position that hides the information on the top surface of the front wall. The first combined thickness may include a first additional modular base when the first floor sample, first additional modular base, and first modular base are stacked together. In such instances, either the first modular base or the first additional modular base may rest directly on the upper surface of the bottom. In other aspects, the information of the floor samples may be removably displayed on the top surfaces of the modular bases.

Described herein is an example device for holding and/or displaying flooring samples. The example device may include a front wall. The example device may also include a back wall parallel to the front wall, where the front wall and the back wall are equal in length. The example device may furthermore include a first side wall. The example device may include a second side wall parallel to the first side wall, where the first side wall and the second side wall are equal in length. The example device may also include where the first side wall, the second side wall, the front wall, and the back wall are equal in height. The example device may include a configuration where the first side wall and the second side wall are perpendicular to the front wall and the back wall.

The example device may furthermore include a configuration where the device may include a top portion having a top surface and a bottom portion having a bottom surface. The example device may include a bottom coupled to the bottom surface of the device, forming an interior region surrounded by the device, the interior region may include an upper surface, where the interior region is configured to include one or more modular bases, where the upper surface of the interior region may include a first modular base area configured to receive a first modular base having a first base thickness, the first modular base configured to rest within the device on the first modular base area of the upper surface of the interior region and support a first floor sample, the first floor sample having a first floor sample thickness, and where combining at least the first base thickness and the first floor sample thickness forms a first total thickness, where the upper surface of the interior region may include a second modular base area configured to receive at least one of a second modular base having a second base thickness or a second floor sample, where when the second modular base area receives the second floor sample, the second floor sample being configured to rest within the device on the second modular base area of the upper surface of the interior region, the second floor sample having a second floor sample thickness, and the second floor sample thickness forms a second total thickness.

The example device may include a configuration where when the second modular base area receives the second modular base, the second modular base being configured to rest within the device on the second modular base area of the upper surface of the interior region and support the second floor sample, the second floor sample having a second floor sample thickness, and where combining at least the second base thickness and the second floor sample thickness forms a second total thickness. The example device may also include where the first total thickness is equivalent to the second total thickness, such that a top surface of the first floor sample and a top surface of the second floor sample are substantially level with respect to each other and the top surface of the device.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The example device may include: a frame, where the frame resides on the upper surface of an interior region formed by a bottom connected to the frame, where the frame resides within an area formed by the front wall, the back wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall, where the frame may include an interior region, and where the first modular base area and the second modular base area rest within the interior region of the frame. The example device where the frame may include a label area corresponding to each modular base area. The example device where the device may include a label area corresponding to each modular base area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and components of the following figures are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures can be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity.

FIG. 1A shows an example device for holding and/or displaying flooring samples described herein.

FIG. 1B shows a top view of an example frame.

FIG. 1C shows a front view of example modular bases and floor samples.

FIG. 1D shows an exploded perspective view of an example floor sample and modular base as described herein.

FIG. 2A shows an example device for holding and/or displaying flooring samples described herein.

FIG. 2B shows a front view of example modular bases.

FIG. 2C shows a top view of an example device.

FIG. 3A shows an example view for an example device for holding and/or displaying flooring samples described herein.

FIG. 3B shows an example view for an example device for holding and/or displaying flooring samples described herein.

FIG. 3C shows an example view for an example device for holding and/or displaying flooring samples described herein.

FIG. 3D shows an example view for an example device for holding and/or displaying flooring samples described herein.

FIG. 4A shows an example view for an example device for holding and/or displaying flooring samples described herein.

FIG. 4B shows an example view for an example device for holding and/or displaying flooring samples described herein.

FIG. 4C shows an example view for an example device for holding and/or displaying flooring samples described herein.

FIG. 4D shows an example view for an example device for holding and/or displaying flooring samples described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be appreciated that this disclosure is not limited to the systems, components, and methods described herein. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing certain embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Any systems, components, and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. All publications mentioned are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The use of the terms “a,” “an,” “the,” and similar referents in the context of describing the presently claimed invention (especially in the context of the claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

Use of the term “about” is intended to describe values either above or below the stated value in a range of approx. +/−10%; in other embodiments the values may range in value either above or below the stated value in a range of approx. +/−5%; in other embodiments the values may range in value either above or below the stated value in a range of approx. +/−2%; in other embodiments the values may range in value either above or below the stated value in a range of approx. +/−1%. The preceding ranges are intended to be made clear by context, and no further limitation is implied. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and their previous and following description. However, before the present systems, components, and methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific systems, components, and methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

Described herein is a system to display product samples in a manner that allows for product sample comparison, while lessening a likelihood of preference of product sample based on a presentation of the product samples and increasing a likelihood of preference of product samples based on the inspection of the product samples. Specifically, the systems and methods described herein facilitate comparison of flooring samples in an apples to apples manner that decreases a chance of preference of a flooring sample based on a better presentation of a first flooring sample over a second flooring sample and increases a chance of preference of a flooring sample based on inspection of each of the presented flooring samples. The methods and devices discussed herein allow the comparison of flooring samples that presents the flooring samples in a side by side comparison, allowing a user to inspect the surface of the flooring samples against one another, including visual and physical inspection, without presenting to the user the core materials or thickness of the flooring samples. The methods and systems can be configured to allow the comparison of a plurality of flooring samples, with the number dependent on the overall width of the device and widths of the individual flooring samples, as discussed below.

The display systems and/or devices described herein may facilitate easy comparison of different flooring samples (floor samples, displays, demonstration models, display merchandise, pieces, products, samples, etc.). The display systems and/or devices described herein may facilitate comparison of hard surfaces and soft surfaces of the flooring samples. The display systems and/or devices described herein may facilitate comparison of different visuals. The display systems and/or devices described herein may facilitate comparison of different characteristics. The display systems and/or devices described herein may facilitate comparison of different price points. The display systems and/or devices described herein may facilitate visualization of products in an installed (placed, positioned, inserted, etc.) state. The display systems and/or devices described herein may facilitate comparison of products as the products would be perceived in the installed state. The display systems and/or devices described herein may facilitate accenting product characteristics perceivable in the installed state. The display systems and/or devices described herein may facilitate masking and/or concealing product characteristics not perceivable in the installed state. The display systems and/or devices described herein may comprise a training tool. The display systems and/or devices described herein may provide confidence for a salesperson in displaying a sales product.

The display systems and/or devices described herein may facilitate comparison of products of different thicknesses without displaying the thickness of the products. The display systems and/or devices described herein may present products in a flush manner relative to each other to facilitate comparison of the installed state. The display systems and/or devices described herein may present products in a flush manner relative to the display systems and/or devices to facilitate comparison of the installed state. The display systems and/or devices described herein may comprise one or more components configured to display information relative to the flooring samples.

The display systems and/or devices described herein may comprise a modular base in combination with floor samples. A modular base may comprise a shim piece. The modular base may comprise a solid piece. The floor sample may comprise a receiving component (groove, hole, indention, depression, slot, slit, notch, etc.) and the modular base may comprise a securing component (tongue, pole, shaft, tab, finger, etc.) configured to couple to the receiving component to secure the modular base to the floor sample. The modular base may comprise a receiving component and the floor sample may comprise a securing component configured to couple to the receiving component to secure the modular base to the floor sample. The modular base may include a surface that substantially secures the floor sample via friction. In another aspect, the modular base can include magnets that secure the modular base within display device. The modular base may comprise one or more additional modular base(s). The one or more additional modular base(s) may be stacked on the modular base. The modular base and the one or more additional modular base(s) may comprise a securing component and a corresponding receiving component configured to secure (lock, fasten, affix, couple, snap, etc.) the modular base and/or the one or more additional modular base(s) in a stack, including magnets, or it may reply on friction to maintain the connection between the bases. The modular base may couple to a modular base area of the frame and/or device. The modular base may comprise a receiving component and the display device and/or a frame and/or modular base area of the display device may comprise a securing component configured to couple to the receiving component to secure the modular base to the display device. The display device and/or a frame and/or modular base area of the display device may comprise a receiving component and the modular base and/or a frame of the display device may comprise a securing component configured to couple to the receiving component to secure the modular base to the display device. In an embodiment, there is no securing component and/or receiving component, and the modular base and floor samples are held in position via gravity, magnetics, friction, and/or at least a portion of a top (lid, etc.). The modular base may comprise a foldable component configured to increase a thickness associated with the modular base. For example, the modular base may comprise foldable legs wherein the modular base comprises a first thickness when the legs are in a folded position, and wherein the modular base comprises a thickness of the first thickness plus a distance from a bottom surface of the modular base to a point where a leg is in communication with the display device when the legs are in an engaged position. The display systems and/or devices described herein may comprise labels associated with floor samples. The display systems and/or devices described herein may comprise a dry erase surface. In some aspects, the modular bases may be configured to display information about corresponding floor samples. That is, the modular bases can be configured to mate with corresponding floor samples, the information of which can be displayed on the mating modular base. Such information can include dimensions of the flooring sample(s) (e.g., thickness, density, etc.), as well as product identification information and pricing.

The display systems and/or devices may comprise a frame. The frame may facilitate masking and/or concealing product characteristics not perceivable in the installed state, including thickness of the flooring sample and the product type (i.e., the material from which the core of the flooring sample is made). The frame may secure the products within the display systems and/or devices. The frame may facilitate comparison of products by touch. The frame may facilitate comparison of products by audible response of products to contact (for example, allowing a potential buyer to knock on various floor samples and hear a noise the floor samples make in response).

FIG. 1A shows an example device 10 for holding and/or displaying flooring samples described herein. The device 10 may comprise a frame 100. FIG. 1B shows a top view of an example frame, such as the frame 100 in the device 10. The frame 100 may comprise a front wall 108. The frame 100 may comprise a back wall 110. The front wall 108 and the back wall 110 may be positioned parallel to each other. The front wall 108 and the back wall 110 may comprise an equal length. The frame 100 may comprise a first side wall 112. The frame 100 may comprise a second side wall 114. The first side wall 112 and the second side wall 114 may be positioned parallel to each other. The first side wall 112 and the second side wall 114 may comprise an equal length. The front wall 108, the back wall 110, the first side wall 112, and the second side wall 114 may comprise an equal height 118. The front wall 108, the back wall 110, the first side wall 112, and the second side wall 114 may comprise separate components. The front wall 108, the back wall 110, the first side wall 112, and the second side wall 114 may be integrated into a single component. The first side wall 112 and the second side wall 114 may be perpendicular to the front wall 108 and the back wall 110.

The frame 100 may comprise a top portion. The top portion may comprise a top surface 116. The frame 100 may comprise a bottom portion. The bottom portion may comprise a bottom surface. A bottom 120 may be coupled to the bottom surface of the frame 100. The bottom 120 and the frame 100 may form an interior region 130. The interior region 130 may be surrounded by the frame 100. The bottom 120 may comprise an upper surface 132.

The example device 10 may comprise one or more modular bases 200 and 200a-g, and one or more additional modular bases, such as additional modular base 200h, as shown in FIGS. 1A-D. Each modular base 200 may comprise a top 202, such as 202g associated with the modular base 200g, a bottom 204, such as 204g associated with the modular base 200g, a first end 206, such as first end 206f associated with the modular base 200f, a second end 208, such as 208f associated with the modular base 200f, a first side 210, such as 210g associated with the modular base 200g, a second side, such as 212g associated with the modular base 200g, a base length, such as 214f associated with the modular base 200f, a base width 216, such as 216g associated with the modular base 200g, and a thickness 218, such as base thickness 218g associated with the modular base 200g. When in use, the example device 10 may be configured to receive one or more floor samples 20a-20g. The one or more modular bases 200f-g may comprise one or more corresponding modular base thicknesses (base thicknesses, etc.). The one or more floor samples 20a-20g may comprise one or more corresponding floor sample thicknesses (sample thicknesses, product thicknesses, etc.).

The one or more modular bases 200f-g may be configured to rest within the frame 100 on one or more portions 122a-122g of the upper surface 132 of the interior region 130 of the bottom 120. The one or more modular bases 200f-g may be configured to support the one or more floor samples 20a-20g. A modular base may have a corresponding floor sample. For example, the modular base 200f may correspond to the floor sample 20f and the modular base 200g may correspond to the floor sample 20g. FIG. 1C shows a front view of example modular bases and floor samples, such as the modular bases 200a-h and the floor samples 20a-g for use with the device of FIG. 1A. Each of the floor samples 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, and 20e may comprise corresponding modular bases 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, and 200e, respectively. The modular base 200f may be configured to rest within a portion 122f of the upper surface 132 of the interior region 130 of the bottom 120. The modular base 200g may be configured to rest within a portion 122g of the upper surface 132 of the interior region 130 of the bottom 120. The first portion of the upper surface 132 of the interior region 130 of the bottom 120 may be adjacent to the second portion of the upper surface 132 of the interior region 130 of the bottom 120. The modular bases may comprise additional modular bases. For example, the modular base 200a may comprise one or more additional modular bases, such as modular base h, positioned between the modular base 200a and the floor sample 20a. The modular base 200f, any additional modular bases corresponding to the modular base 200f, and the floor sample 20f may be placed within the frame adjacent to the modular base 200g, any additional modular bases corresponding to the modular base 200g, and the floor sample 20g. In other words, the modular bases can be stacked on additional modular bases in order to reach a desired total thickness for the combination of bases, as discussed below.

Each floor sample 20 may comprise a length 24, such as sample length 24f associated with the floor sample 20f, a width 25, such as floor sample 25f associated with the floor sample 20f, and a thickness 28, such as thickness 28d associated with the floor sample 20d.

Combining at least a modular base thickness 218 and a corresponding floor sample thickness 28 may form a combined thickness 150. For example, combining a modular base thickness 218f of the modular base 200f and a floor sample thickness 28f of the floor sample 20f may form a combined thickness 150f. As another example, combining a modular base thickness 218g of the modular base 200g and a floor sample thickness 28g of the floor sample 20 g may form a combined thickness 150g. The combined thickness 150f may be equivalent to the combined thickness 150g. A combined thickness 150 may include any additional modular bases. For example, a combined thickness 150a for the floor sample 20a and the modular base 200a and one or more additional modular base(s) positioned between the modular base 200a and the floor sample 20a may include a modular base thickness 218a of the modular base 200a, a modular base thickness of each of the one or more additional modular base(s) positioned between the modular base 200a and the floor sample 20a, and a floor sample thickness 28a of the floor sample 20a. Combining a modular base thickness 218a of the modular base 200a, a modular base thickness 218h of the additional modular base 200h, and a floor sample thickness 28a of the floor sample 20a may form a combined thickness 150a. Each of the combined thicknesses 150a-150g may be substantially equivalent. A top surface 22f of the floor sample 20f may be substantially level with a top surface 22g of the floor sample 20g when the modular bases 200f, 200g and the floor samples 20f, 20g are correctly installed (placed, positioned, inserted, etc.) within the device 10. The top surface 22f of the floor sample 20f may be substantially level with a top surface 116 of the frame 100 when the modular base 200f and the floor sample 20f are correctly installed within the device 10. A top surface 22g of the floor sample 20g may be substantially level with a top surface 22a-f of each other installed floor samples 20a-f, when each floor sample 20a-g and any corresponding modular bases 200a-g and/or additional modular bases, such as the additional modular base 200h, are correctly installed. The floor sample thicknesses 28 may vary. For example, the floor sample thickness 28f associated with the floor sample 20f may be greater than, less than, are equivalent to the floor sample thickness 28g associated with the floor sample 20g. When the floor samples 20a-g and any corresponding modular bases 200a-g and/or additional modular bases are correctly installed, the floor samples 20a-g may be flush relative to the top surface 116 of the frame 100. When the floor samples 20a-g and any corresponding modular bases 200a-g and/or additional modular bases are correctly installed, the floor samples 20a-g may be inset within the frame 100 relative to the top surface 116 of the frame 100. When the floor samples 20a-g and any corresponding modular bases 200a-g and/or additional modular bases are correctly installed, the floor samples 20a-g may extend beyond the top surface 116 of the frame 100.

The modular base thicknesses may vary to accommodate associated floor sample thicknesses. For example, if combined thicknesses 150 a-150g are 10 millimeters (mm), and if floor sample 20a has a floor sample thickness 28a of 3 mm, then modular base 200a may have a modular base thickness 200a may have a modular base thickness 218a of 4 mm, and modular base 200h may have a modular base thickness 218h of 3 mm. For example, if combined thicknesses 150 a-150g are 10 mm, and if floor sample 20b has a floor sample thickness 28b of 5 mm, then modular base 200 b may have a modular base thickness 218b of 5 mm. For example, if combined thicknesses 150a-150g are 10 mm, and if floor sample 20c has a floor sample thickness 28c of 3 mm, then modular base 200c may have a modular base thickness 218c of 7 mm. For example, if combined thicknesses 150a-150g are 10 mm, and if floor sample 20d has a floor sample thickness 28d of 5 mm, then modular base 200d may have a modular base thickness 218d of 5 mm. For example, if combined thicknesses 150a-150g are 10 mm, and if floor sample 20e has a floor sample thickness 28e of 4 mm, then modular base 200e may have a modular base thickness 218e of 6 mm. For example, if combined thicknesses 150a-150g are 10 mm, and if floor sample 20f has a floor sample thickness 28f of 4 mm, then modular base 200 f may have a modular base thickness 218f of 6 mm. For example, if combined thicknesses 150a-150g are 10 mm, and if floor sample 20g has a floor sample thickness 28g of 9 mm, then modular base 200g may have a modular base thickness 218g of 1 mm.

The modular base 200f may comprise the base length 214f. The floor sample 20f may comprise the sample length 24f. The base length 214f may be less than the sample length 24f. The base length 214f may allow space 106f between a first end 206f of the modular base 200f and the front wall 108 and/or a space 107f second end 208 of the modular base 200f and the back wall 110 when installed into the frame 100. The space 106f between the first end 206f of the modular base 200f and the front wall 108 and/or the space 107f between the second end 208 of the modular base 200f and the back wall 110 may allow a user to apply pressure to an end of the corresponding floor sample 20f when installed to tilt the floor sample 20f above a height 118 of the walls 108, 110, 112, 114 of the frame 100 for removal. The bottom 120 may comprise one or more apertures (holes, indentions, etc.) 124a-n. The one or more apertures 124a-n may allow a user to lift the one or more modular bases off of the upper surface 132 of the bottom 120. The modular bases 200a-g may be placed at various places with the frame 100. The modular bases 200a-g may be removably placed within the frame 100.

At least one dimension of the floor samples 20a-g may be substantially the same, such as sample lengths 24 associated with floor samples 20a-g. The frame 100 may be configured such that a distance between the front wall 108 and the back wall 110 is substantially the same as the at least one dimension, such as the sample length 24f. The frame 100 may be configured such that a distance between the first side wall 112 and the second side wall 114 is substantially the same as a sum of another dimension (e.g., the sum of the widths 25) of the floor samples 20a-g.

The device 10 may comprise a top (lid, cover, etc.) 140 coupled to at least a portion of the top surface 116 of the frame 100. The device 10 may comprise a top 140 to cover the one or more floor samples 20a-g when within the frame 100. The top 140 may comprise a viewing area 142. The viewing area 142 may comprise an aperture. The aperture may expose the one or more floor samples 20a-g, allowing people a chance to physically interact with the flooring samples (e.g., touch and feel with hands, tap to hear flooring, etc.) without opening the top 140. In another embodiment, the viewing area 142 may comprise and/or be formed from a transparent material, such as clear glass, plexiglass, plastic, or a like material. The top 140 may be coupled to the top surface 116 of the frame 100 via a hinge. The front wall 108 may include a top surface. The top surface 116 of the front wall 108 may be configured to display information related to the floor samples 20a-g. The top surface 116 of the front wall 108 may be configured to removably display the information related to the floor samples 20a-g. Configuring the top surface 116 of the front wall 108 to removably display the information related to the floor samples 20a-g may comprise providing an area configured to receive tape, wherein information may be written on the tape and/or a component in communication with the tape. Configuring the top surface 116 of the front wall 108 to removably display the information related to the floor samples 20a-g may comprise providing a whiteboard. Configuring the top surface 116 of the front wall 108 to removably display the information related to the floor samples 20a-g may comprise providing a slot configured to receive a component comprising printed information. The device 10 may comprise a top 140 with a glass lid. The top 140 may be connected by a hinge on a top surface of the back wall 110. The top 140 may be configured to be in a closed position that hides the information on the top surface 116 of the front wall 108.

FIG. 2A shows an example device 30 for holding and/or displaying flooring samples described herein. The device 30 may comprise a front wall 308. The device 30 may comprise a back wall 310. The front wall 308 and the back wall 310 may be positioned parallel to each other. The front wall 308 and the back wall 310 may comprise an equal length. The device 30 may comprise a first side wall 312. The device 30 may comprise a second side wall 314. The first side wall 312 and the second side wall 314 may be positioned parallel to each other. The first side wall 312 and the second side wall 314 may comprise an equal length. The front wall 308, the back wall 310, the first side wall 312, and the second side wall 314 may comprise an equal height. The front wall 308, the back wall 310, the first side wall 312, and the second side wall 314 may comprise separate components. The front wall 308, the back wall 310, the first side wall 312, and the second side wall 314 may be integrated into a single component. The first side wall 312 and the second side wall 314 may be perpendicular to the front wall 308 and the back wall 310. The device 30 may comprise a top portion. The top portion may comprise a top surface. The device 30 may comprise a bottom portion. The bottom portion may comprise a bottom surface.

A bottom 320 may be coupled to the bottom surface of the device 30. The bottom 320 and the device 30 may form an interior region. The interior region may be surrounded by the device 30. The bottom 320 may comprise an upper surface. The example device 30 may comprise one or more modular bases 400a-f. The upper surface of the interior region of the bottom 320 may comprise be configured to comprise one or more modular base areas. A modular base area of the modular base areas may be configured to receive a modular base of the modular bases 400a-f. A modular base of the one or more modular bases 400a-f may be installed (placed, positioned, inserted, etc.) in a modular base area of the one or more modular bases areas. For example, the modular bases 400a-f may each be installed in a modular base area in the interior region of the bottom 320. The one or more modular bases 400a-f may be configured to rest within the device 30 on the upper surface of the bottom 320.

FIG. 2B shows a front view of example modular bases 400a-400f. The one or more modular bases 400a-f may comprise one or more corresponding modular base thicknesses (base thicknesses, etc.) 418a-f. Some modular base thicknesses may be the same. For example, the modular base thickness 418a associated with the modular base 400a may be the same as the modular base thickness 418b associated with the modular base 400b. Some modular base thicknesses may be different. For example, modular base thicknesses 418b, 418c, 418d, 418e, and 418f may be different from each other. The one or more modular bases 400a-f may be configured to support one or more corresponding floor samples 40b-40g. The one or more floor samples 40b-40g may comprise one or more floor sample thicknesses (sample thicknesses, product thicknesses, etc.) 48, such as 48d corresponding to floor sample 40d. Combining at least a floor sample thickness 48 with a corresponding modular base thickness 418 may form a total thickness 350, as shown by 350b-350g in FIG. 2B. For example, a modular base thickness 418c associated with the modular base 400c combined with a floor sample thickness 48d of a floor sample 40d configured to couple with the modular base 400a may form a total thickness 350d. As another example, an additional modular base (not shown) may be stacked onto the modular base 400b, and a modular base thickness associated with the modular base 400b, a modular base thickness associated with the additional modular base, and a floor sample thickness of a floor sample configured to couple with the modular base 400b and/or the additional modular base may form a total thickness. A total thickness 350 associated with each modular base 400a-f, corresponding optional additional modular base(s), and corresponding floor sample may be equivalent. An area on the bottom 320 between the modular base 400a and the first side wall 312 may comprise a modular base area with no modular base (empty modular base area). A total thickness 48a associated with a floor sample 40a configured to be installed in the empty modular base area (bottom-touching floor sample) may be a floor sample thickness of the bottom-touching floor sample. A total thickness 350a of the bottom-touching floor sample may be equivalent to the total thickness associated with the one or more modular base 400a-f, corresponding optional additional modular base(s), and corresponding floor sample. A top surface 42 of a floor sample 40 may be substantially level with top surfaces each other floor sample 42b-g when each of the modular bases 400a-f, corresponding optional additional modular base(s), and corresponding floor sample is correctly installed within the device 30. A top surface 42a of the bottom-touching floor sample 40a may be substantially level with the top surface 42b-42g of each other floor sample 40b-40g when each of the modular bases 400a-f, corresponding optional additional modular base(s), and corresponding floor sample is correctly installed within the device 30. A top surface 42a-g of each floor sample 40a-g may be substantially level with respect to the top surface of the device 30 when each of the modular bases 400a-f, corresponding optional additional modular base(s), and corresponding floor sample is correctly installed within the device 30.

FIG. 2C shows a top view of an example device 30. The device 30 may comprise a buffer 330. The buffer 330 may reside on the upper surface of the interior region of the bottom 320. The buffer 330 may reside within an area formed by the front wall 308, the back wall 310, the first side wall 312, and the second side wall 314. The buffer 330 may comprise an interior region. The modular base areas may rest within the interior region of the buffer.

The buffer 330 may comprise a label area corresponding to each modular base area, such as label area 340a corresponding to an area between 400a and the buffer 330, label area 340b corresponding to modular base 400a, label area 340c corresponding to modular base 400b, label area 340d corresponding to modular base 400c, label area 340e corresponding to modular base 400d, label area 340f corresponding to modular base 400e, and label area 340g corresponding to modular base 400f. The device 30 may comprise a label area corresponding to each modular base area. For example, in another embodiment, label areas 340a-g may reside on a top or front of the front wall 308.

The device 30 may comprise a top (lid, cover, etc.) 316 coupled to at least a portion of the top surface of the device 30. The device 30 may comprise the top 316 to cover the one or more floor samples when within the device 30. The top 316 may comprise a viewing area. The viewing area may comprise an aperture. The aperture may expose the one or more floor samples. In an embodiment, the viewing area may comprise transparent material. The top 316 may be coupled to the top surface of the device 30 via a hinge. The front wall 308 may include a top surface. The top surface of the front wall 308 may be configured to display information related to the floor samples. The top surface of the front wall 308 may be configured to removably display the information related to the floor samples. The top 316 may be connected by a hinge on a top surface of the back wall 310. The top 316 may be configured to be in a closed position that hides the information on the top surface of the front wall 308. In other aspects, the lid can be in a slidable relationship with the top of the frame, with a corresponding tab and channel configuration.

FIGS. 3A-3D show example views for an example device for holding and/or displaying flooring samples described herein. FIG. 3A shows a top view 50a of the example device in an example open position. The device may comprise the device 10 in FIG. 1A and/or the device 30 in FIG. 2A. An open position may comprise a top, such as the top 140 in FIG. 1A and/or the top 316 in FIG. 2A, being open and/or ajar. The open position may allow for engagement of floor samples in the device. The open position may expose labels associated with the floor samples. FIG. 3B shows a front view 50b of the example device in the example open position. FIG. 3C shows an isometric view 50c of the device in the example open position. FIG. 3D shows a side view 50d of the device in the example open position.

FIGS. 4A-4D show example views for an example device for holding and/or displaying flooring samples described herein. FIG. 4A shows a top view 60a of the example device in an example closed position. The device may comprise the device 10 in FIG. 1A and/or the device 30 in FIG. 2A. A closed position may comprise a top, such as the top 140 in FIG. 1A and/or the top 316 in FIG. 2A, being shut. The closed position may prevent for engagement of floor samples in the device. The open position may hide labels associated with the floor samples. FIG. 4B shows a front view 60b of the example device in the example closed position. FIG. 4C shows an isometric view 60c of the device in the example closed position. FIG. 4D shows a side view 60d of the device in the example closed position.

Although several aspects have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other aspects will come to mind to which this disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific aspects disclosed hereinabove, and that many modifications and other aspects are intended to be included within the scope of any claims that can recite the disclosed subject matter.

It should be emphasized that the above-described aspects are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described aspect(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and all combinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspects discussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.

EXAMPLE CLAUSES

Example Clause 1: A device for holding and/or displaying flooring samples may include: a frame may include: a top portion having a top surface and a bottom portion having a bottom surface; a bottom coupled to the bottom surface of the frame, forming an interior region surrounded by the frame, the interior region further may include an upper surface; a first modular base having a first base thickness, the first modular base configured to rest on the upper surface, directly or indirectly, and within the frame and support a first floor sample, the first floor sample having a first floor sample thickness, and where combining at least the first base thickness and the first floor sample thickness forms a first combined thickness; a second modular base having a second base thickness, the second modular base configured to rest on the upper surface, directly or indirectly, and within the frame and support a second floor sample having a second floor sample thickness, and where combining at least the second base thickness and the second floor sample thickness forms a second combined thickness, and where the first combined thickness is equivalent to the second combined thickness, such that a top surface of the first floor sample and a top surface of the second floor sample are substantially level with respect to each other.

Example Clause 2: The device of Example Clause 1, where the first floor sample thickness is greater than the second floor sample thickness.

Example Clause 3: The device of Example Clause 1 or Example Clause 2A, where the first floor sample thickness is less than the second floor sample thickness.

Example Clause 4: The device of any one of Example Clauses 1-3, where the first floor sample thickness is equivalent to the second floor sample thickness.

Example Clause 5: The device of any one of Example Clauses 1-4, further may include a third modular base having a third base thickness, the third modular base configured to rest on the upper surface, directly or indirectly, within the frame and support a third floor sample having a third sample thickness, where combining at least the third base thickness and the third sample thickness forms a third combined thickness, where the third combined thickness is equivalent to the first combined thickness and the second combined thickness.

Example Clause 6: The device of any one of Example Clauses 1-5, where the first modular base and the second modular base have a base length, where the first floor sample and the second floor sample have a sample length, the base length less than the sample length, allowing space between ends of the modular bases and the frame when inserted into the frame.

Example Clause 7: The device of any one of Example Clauses 1-6, where the space allows a user to apply pressure to an end of the first or second floor sample to tilt the first or second floor sample above a height of the walls for removal.

Example Clause 8: The device of any one of Example Clauses 1-7, where the bottom may include apertures allowing a user to lift the first modular base or the second modular base off of the upper surface of the interior region.

Example Clause 9: The device of any one of Example Clauses 1-8, further may include a top coupled to at least a portion of the top surface of the frame.

Example Clause 10: The device of any one of Example Clauses 1-9, further may include a top to cover the first and second floor sample when within the frame.

Example Clause 11: The device of any one of Example Clauses 1-10, where the top may include glass.

Example Clause 12: The device of any one of Example Clauses 1-11, where the top is coupled to the at least a portion of the top surface of the frame via a hinge.

Example Clause 13: The device of any one of Example Clauses 1-12, where the first combined thickness and the second combined thickness cause the first floor sample and the second floor sample to be flush relative to the top surface of the frame.

Example Clause 14: The device of any one of Example Clauses 1-13, where the first modular base and the second modular base are configured such that the first combined thickness and the second combined thickness cause the first floor sample and the second floor sample to be inset within the frame relative to the top surface of the frame.

Example Clause 15: The device of any one of Example Clauses 1-14, where at least one dimension of the first and second floor samples are substantially the same.

Example Clause 16: The device of any one of Example Clauses 1-15, where the frame is configured such that a distance between the front wall and the back wall is substantially the same as the at least one dimension.

Example Clause 17: The device of any one of Example Clauses 1-16, where the frame is configured such that a distance between the first side wall and the second side wall is substantially the same as a sum of another dimension of the first and second floor samples.

Example Clause 18: The device of any one of Example Clauses 1-17, where the first modular base and the second modular base can be placed at various places within the frame.

Example Clause 19: The device of any one of Example Clauses 1-18, where the first and second modular bases can be removably placed within the frame.

Example Clause 20: The device of any one of Example Clauses 1-19, where the frame includes a front wall; a back wall parallel to the front wall, where the front wall and the back wall are equal in length; a first side wall; a second side wall parallel to the first side wall, where the first side wall and the second side wall are equal in length, where the first side wall, the second side wall, the front wall, and the back wall are equal in height, where the first side wall and the second side wall are perpendicular to the front wall and the back wall.

Example Claim 21: The device of any one of Example Clauses 1-20, where the first modular base and the second modular base are configured such that the first combined thickness and the second combined thickness cause a top surface of the first floor sample and the second floor sample to extend beyond the top surface of the frame.

Example Clause 22: The device of any one of Example Clauses 1-21, where the front wall includes a top surface, the top surface of the front wall configured to display information related to the first floor sample and the second floor sample.

Example Clause 23: The device of any one of Example Clauses 1-22, where the top surface of the front wall is configured to removably display the information related to the first floor sample and the second floor sample.

Example Clause 24: The device of any one of Example Clauses 1-23, further may include a top with a glass lid, the top connected by a hinge on a top surface of the back wall, the top configured to be in a closed position that hides the information on the top surface of the front wall.

Example Clause 25: The device of any one of Example Clauses 1-24, wherein the first combined thickness includes a first additional modular base when the first floor sample, first additional modular base, and first modular base are stacked together.

Example Clause 26: A device for holding and/or displaying flooring samples may include: a front wall; a back wall parallel to the front wall, where the front wall and the back wall are equal in length; a first side wall; a second side wall parallel to the first side wall, where the first side wall and the second side wall are equal in length, where the first side wall, the second side wall, the front wall, and the back wall are equal in height, where the first side wall and the second side wall are perpendicular to the front wall and the back wall, and where the device may include a top portion having a top surface and a bottom portion having a bottom surface; and a bottom coupled to the bottom surface of the device, forming an interior region surrounded by the device, the interior region further may include an upper surface, where the interior region is configured to may include one or more modular bases, where the upper surface of the interior region may include a first modular base area configured to receive a first modular base having a first base thickness, the first modular base configured to rest within the device on the first modular base area of the upper surface of the interior region and support a first floor sample, the first floor sample having a first floor sample thickness, and where combining at least the first base thickness and the first floor sample thickness forms a first total thickness, where the upper surface of the interior region may include a second modular base area configured to receive at least one of a second modular base having a second base thickness or a second floor sample, where when the second modular base area receives the second floor sample: the second floor sample configured to rest within the device on the second modular base area of the upper surface of the interior region, the second floor sample having a second floor sample thickness, and the second floor sample thickness forms a second total thickness, and where when the second modular base area receives the second modular base: the second modular base configured to rest within the device on the second modular base area of the upper surface of the interior region and support the second floor sample, the second floor sample having a second floor sample thickness, and where combining at least the second base thickness and the second floor sample thickness forms a second total thickness, and where the first total thickness is equivalent to the second total thickness, such that a top surface of the first floor sample and a top surface of the second floor sample are substantially level with respect to each other and the top surface of the device.

Example Clause 27: The device of Example Clause 26, further may include: a frame, where the frame resides on the upper surface of the interior region, where the frame resides within an area formed by the front wall, the back wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall, where the frame may include an interior region, and where the first modular base area and the second modular base area rest within the interior region of the frame.

Example Clause 28: The device of Example Clause 26 or Example Clause 27, where the frame may include a label area corresponding to each modular base area.

Example Clause 29: The device of any one of Example Clauses 26-28, where the device may include a label area corresponding to each modular base area.

Example Clause 30: The device of any of Example Clauses 26-29, where the first total thickness includes a first additional modular base when the first floor sample, first additional modular base, and first modular base are stacked together.

What has been described and illustrated herein is an example along with some of its variations. The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the subject matter, which is intended to be defined by the following claims—and their equivalents—in which all terms are meant in their broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated.