Method for mobile sales and vehicles therefore

• US 6,182,795 B1
• Filed: 11/02/1998
• Issued: 02/06/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 11/02/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Nyda Boerer
• Original Assignee: Nyda Boerer
• Inventors: Boerer, Nyda
• Primary Examiner(s): BARTUSKA, FRANCIS JOHN
• Application Number:
  US09/183,965
• Time in Patent Office: 827 Days
• Field of Search: 296/21, 296/24.1, 186/52
• US Class Current: 186/52
• CPC Class Codes: B60P 3/0257 the object being a vending stall, restaurant or food kiosk
• CPC Class Codes: B60P 3/05 for transporting meat for transporting refrigerated goods B60P3/20

Abstract

The method and apparatus of the present invention relates to a method of selling merchandise, particularly clothing fashions and accessories, to customers at locations convenient to the customer. Initially, potential customers are identified and contacted by direct telemarketing. If a customer is interested in purchasing merchandise, an appointment is scheduled at a location convenient to the customer. At the appointed time, a mobile store vehicle is driven to the appointed location. A customer can enter the vehicle. The fashion coordinator can present a brief fashion show. The customer can browse through the inventory displayed within the vehicle. A salesperson can merchandise the inventory and provide fashion suggestions to the customer. The customer can try on the merchandise within the vehicle. The customer can purchase the fashions within the vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with racks for displaying merchandise, dressing room space to allow a customer to try on fashions, and a mirror to allow the customer to view themselves wearing the fashions. The customer can also purchase the fashions, as the vehicle is equipped with wireless means for interconnecting with a telecommunications network for verifying and accepting credit card charges. The vehicle is retrofitted to function as a mobile store with racks secured along the perimeter thereof to allow for clothing to be hung on hangers therefrom. Dressing room space is provided and a mirror can be attached in a desired location for allowing one to view themselves wearing the fashions.

Claims

1. A method of selling merchandise to customers comprising:

scheduling an appointment with a customer;

driving a vehicle retrofitted as a retail store to a location requested by the customer;

bringing the customer into the vehicle;

displaying the inventory of merchandise within the vehicle for the customer to browse;

allowing the customer to try on merchandise within the vehicle;

pivoting a mirror down from the ceiling to allow a customer to view itself wearing the merchandise and pivoting the mirror up to take it out of the way when not in use; and

allowing the customer to purchase merchandise.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of providing a fashion show for the customer.

3. The method of claim 2 further comprising the step of identifying potential customers and telephoning the potential customers to inform the potential customer of the service and to schedule an appointment.

4. The method of claim 3 further comprising the step of allowing a customer to view oneself wearing merchandise in a mirror after trying on same.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of allowing a customer to make purchases with a credit card.

6. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of making suggestions to the customer about clothing appropriate for the customer.

7. The method of claim 6 further comprising the step of making suggestions to the customer concerning compensating or accentuating the customers body type.

8. A mobile retail clothing and accessory store comprising:

vehicle means for moving the mobile store to a desired location;

entry means for allowing a customer to enter the mobile store;

displaying means about the perimeter of the interior of the mobile store for displaying fashion merchandise;

dressing room means within the interior of the mobile store for allowing a customer to try on merchandise;

mirror means for allowing a customer to view itself wearing merchandise the mirror means being pivotally interconnected with the ceiling to be pivoted down for use and pivoted up to be retained out of the way when not in use; and

cash register means for accepting payment for merchandise.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the display means comprises pipe racks mounted to the vehicle to allow clothes to be hung therefrom by clothes hangers.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising special display means.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the displays comprise mannequin forms.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 further including layering hangers.

13. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the dress room means is formed by a fabric curtain.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the fabric curtain is hung from a rod positioned in a desired location within the mobile store.