In-store display systems

Abstract

In-store display systems, and methods for displaying products in stores are disclosed. In one embodiment, the in-store display system includes a display structure and at least one sample surface material. The display structure can be any type of structure that is suitable for holding the sample surface material. The sample surface material may be used to demonstrate the application of an architectural surface covering product thereto. In one embodiment, a method is provided for demonstrating an architectural surface covering product to a potential purchaser. In one version of such a method, the method includes a step of marring an area of the architectural surface covering product, and a step of repairing the marred surface.

1 . An in-store display system for use in conjunction with an architectural surface covering product, said system comprising: 
 (a) a display structure comprising at least one sample surface material that is at least temporarily joined to said display structure, wherein said display structure is distinct from the interior architectural surfaces of a building; and    (b) at least one sample of an architectural surface covering product for joining to said at least one sample surface material, said architectural surface covering product being in the form of a sheet having a length, a width, a pair of opposed surfaces, said architectural surface covering product comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive on one of its surfaces.    
   
   
       2 . The in-store display system of  claim 1  wherein said at least one sample surface material comprises a sample panel of a size that is greater than at least one of the length or the width of said sheet of said architectural surface covering product, wherein said sample surface material has a surface that has a micro-texture substantially similar to painted U.S. drywall, and a density of less than about 40 lbs/ft 3 .  
   
   
       3 . The in-store display system of  claim 1  wherein said at least one sample surface material is of a size that is greater that at least one of the length or the width of said sheet of said architectural surface covering product wherein said sample surface material has a surface that has a micro-texture substantially similar to painted U.S. drywall and is sufficiently flexible that it can be rolled without bending or cracking.  
   
   
       4 . The in-store display system of  claim 1  wherein said display structure further comprises a holder attached thereto for holding said at least one sample surface material when said at least one sample of an architectural surface covering product is applied to said at least one sample surface material.  
   
   
       5 . The in-store display system of  claim 4  wherein said display structure and said holder are configured to hold said at least one sample surface material in a vertical orientation to simulate the surface of a wall.  
   
   
       6 . The in-store display system of  claim 5  wherein said holder is configured to releasably retain said at least one sample surface material.  
   
   
       7 . The in-store display system of  claim 1  further comprising additional interchangeable sample surface materials.  
   
   
       8 . The in-store display system of  claim 1  wherein said display structure is configured to provide a comparative demonstration of the application of said at least one architectural surface covering product with at least one of: paint, faux finish painting, and wallpaper.  
   
   
       9 . The in-store display system of  claim 1  wherein said display structure further comprises a second sample surface material oriented at an angle relative to said at least one sample surface material.  
   
   
       10 . The in-store display system of  claim 1  wherein said display structure further comprises a backing to which said at least one sample surface material is joined, and at least one side wall joined to said backing, wherein said side wall is oriented at an angle of greater than 90 ° relative to said backing.  
   
   
       11 . The in-store display system of  claim 1  wherein said display structure further comprises an integral lighting system joined to said display structure for illuminating said at least one sample of an architectural surface covering product.  
   
   
       12 . The in-store display system of  claim 11  wherein said integral lighting system comprises more than one type of lighting.  
   
   
       13 . The in-store display system of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 (c) one or more applicators provided with said display structure for applying said architectural surface covering product to said sample surface material.    
   
   
       14 . A method for demonstrating an architectural surface covering product to a potential purchaser, said method comprising: 
 (a) obtaining an architectural surface covering product in the form of at least one sheet comprising an opaque layer of dry paint, said sheet having a length, a width, at least one pair of opposed side edges, side margins disposed inwardly of each of said side edges, and a pair of opposed surfaces, said architectural surface covering product comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive on one of its surfaces, wherein said opaque layer of dry paint is continuous along the length and across the width of the sheet;    (b) providing a display structure comprising at least one sample surface material that is at least temporarily joined to said display structure, wherein said display structure is distinct from the interior architectural surfaces of a building; and    (c) applying a first sheet of said architectural surface covering product to said sample surface material while a potential purchaser is viewing the sample surface material.    
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said method is carried out in a store in the presence of said prospective purchaser.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising providing an applicator for applying said first sheet of said architectural surface covering product to said surface, and said method further comprises allowing said prospective purchaser to apply a sheet of said architectural surface covering product to said sample surface material with said applicator.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising a step (d) of applying a second sheet of said architectural surface covering product to said sample surface material so that a side margin of said second sheet of said architectural surface covering product overlaps a side margin of said first sheet of said architectural surface covering product while a prospective purchaser is viewing the sample surface material.  
   
   
       18 . A method for demonstrating an architectural surface covering product to a potential purchaser, said method comprising: 
 (a) obtaining an architectural surface covering product in the form of at least one sheet having a length, a width, at least one pair of opposed side edges, side margins disposed inwardly of each of said side edges, and a pair of opposed surfaces, said architectural surface covering product comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive on one of its surfaces;    (b) providing a surface for application of said architectural surface covering product;    (c) applying a first sheet of said architectural surface covering product to said surface;    (d) marring an area of said first sheet of said architectural surface covering product while a potential purchaser is viewing the surface; and    (e) applying a second sheet of said architectural surface covering product to said surface over the marred area of said first sheet of architectural surface covering product while a potential purchaser is viewing the surface.    
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein step (e) further comprises rotating said second sheet of said architectural surface covering product while said potential purchaser is viewing the surface prior to applying said second sheet of said architectural surface covering product to said surface.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 18  further comprising providing a comparative demonstration of repairing said at least one architectural surface covering product with an attempt to repair a surface covered by at least one of: paint, faux finish painting, and wallpaper.