U.S. patent application number 09/973474 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-10 for storage and display container.
Invention is credited to Ovadia, Joseph.
Application Number | 20030066781 09/973474 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29216503 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030066781 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ovadia, Joseph |
April 10, 2003 |
Storage and display container
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a container positionable
between a storage position and a display position is provided
comprised of a rectangular display panel having a planar display
side for mounting an article to be displayed. The display panel
maintains upper and lower edges as well as first and second side
edges. An upper rectangular panel is also provided which has upper
and lower edges and first and second side edges, where the lower
edge is hingedly connected to the upper edge of the display panel.
A lower rectangular panel is provided which has upper and lower
edges and first and second side edges, where the upper edge is
hingedly connected to the lower side edge of the display panel. The
container is also comprised of first and second triangluar side
panels, where the triangular side panels each have an upper side
edge, a lower side edge and a hypotenuse side. The hypotenuse sides
of the first and second triangular side panels are each hingedly
connected to the respective first and second side edges of the
rectangular display panel. When the container is oriented in the
display position, the container forms a triangular prism where the
display side of the rectangular display panel is outwardly facing.
When the container is oriented in the storage position, the
container forms forming a triangular prism where the display side
of the rectangular display panel is inwardly facing.
Inventors: |
Ovadia, Joseph;
(US) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Robert M. Haroun
SOFER & HAROUN, L.L.P.
342 Madison Avenue
Suite 1921
New York
NY
10173
US
|
Family ID: |
29216503 |
Appl. No.: |
09/973474 |
Filed: |
October 9, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/750 ;
206/45.25; 206/745; 206/749 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 7/02 20130101; A47F
5/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/750 ;
206/745; 206/749; 206/45.25 |
International
Class: |
B65D 001/22; B65D
079/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A container positionable between a storage position and a
display position, said container comprising: a rectangular display
panel having a planar display side for mounting an article to be
displayed, upper and lower edges and first and second side edges;
an upper rectangular panel having upper and lower edges and first
and second side edges, said lower edge hingedly connected to said
upper edge of said display panel; a lower rectangular panel having
upper and lower edges and first and second side edges, said upper
edge hingedly connected to said lower side edge of said display
panel; first and second triangluar side panels, said triangular
side panels each having an upper side edge, a lower side edge and a
hypotenuse side, said hypotenuse sides of said first and second
triangular side panels each hingedly connected to said respective
first and second side edges of said rectangular display panel, so
that when said container is oriented in said display position, said
upper and lower rectangular panels and said first and second
triangular side panels are positioned behind the plane of said
display panel so that said upper edges of said first and second
triangular side panels are coupled to said first and second side
edges of said upper rectangular panel, said lower edges of said
first and second triangular side panels are coupled to said first
and second side edges of said lower rectangular panel and said
upper edge of said upper rectangular panel is coupled to said lower
edge of said lower rectangular panel forming a triangular prism
where said display side of said rectangular display panel is
outwardly facing; and when said container is oriented in said
storage position, said upper and lower rectangular panels and said
first and second triangular side panels are positioned in front of
the plane of said display panel so that said upper edges of said
first and second triangular side panels are coupled to said first
and second side edges of said upper rectangular panel, said lower
edges of said first and second triangular side panels are coupled
to said first and second side edges of said lower rectangular panel
and said upper edge of said upper rectangular panel is coupled to
said lower edge of said lower rectangular panel forming a
triangular prism where said display side of said rectangular
display panel is inwardly facing.
2. The container as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a
display ridge disposed on said planar display side of said display
panel.
3. The container as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a
display mount configured to be placed on said display ridge.
4. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hinged
connections are living hinges.
5. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said container is
made of plastic.
6. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said container is
one homogenous structure.
7. The container as claimed in claim 6, wherein said container is
injection molded.
8. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said upper panel,
said lower panel, and said triangular side panels have at least one
textured surface.
9. The container as claimed in claim 8, wherein textured surface is
positioned opposite said planar display side of said display
panel.
10. The container as claimed in claim 9, where in said textured
surface is covered with a polyvinyl aesthetic covering.
11. The container as claimed in claim 9, where in said textured
surface is covered with a leather aesthetic covering.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a container for mounting an
article to be displayed. More specifically, this invention relates
to a container for mounting an article to be displayed,
positionable between a storage position and a display position.
BACKGROUND
[0002] There are many means available in the retail industry for
displaying items for sale and, in particular, small items such as
jewelry. These displays are designed not only for convenient
handling but also for their ability to suitably display the
merchandise.
[0003] In addition to display means there are many means available
in the retail industry for storage of individual items for sale,
particularly smaller retails items such as jewelry. Packaging such
as jewelry boxes are often used for storage of individual jewelry
items for sale.
[0004] Also available in the retail industry are packaging
configurations combining both storage and display of jewelry and
other related smaller retail items such as watches. For example,
some packaging configurations are comprised of a display insert
which is fitted into a storage box. This display insert is used to
display the merchandise and also to hold the jewelry in position.
The display is of a shape such that, when sold, the display can be
folded down into the storage box so as to secure the items during
storage. These packaging configurations are not only advantageous
from the retailers position but they are also utilized by the
consumer after purchase in order to conveniently display and store
their jewelry at home.
[0005] However, there are several drawbacks to these combination
storage and display configurations. For example, the cost of
manufacturing is increased because the storage box needs to be
manufactured separate from the display portion. In fact, in some
cases the storage box is made of cardboard and the display is made
of plastic. Other problems include the durability of the cardboard
storage boxes and uniformity problems associated with different
sized displays and different sized storage boxes.
[0006] As such, there exists a need in the retail industry, and in
particular, the jewelry retail industry for a combination storage
and display container which is durable, easy to manufacture, easy
to use, and which provides versatility in displaying various
jewelry types. The present invention is directed to overcoming the
problems associated with the prior art and provides container
positionable between a storage position and a display position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] To this end, a container positionable between a storage
position and a display position is provided comprised of a
rectangular display panel having a planar display side for mounting
an article to be displayed. The display panel maintains upper and
lower edges as well as first and second side edges. An upper
rectangular panel is also provided which has upper and lower edges
and first and second side edges, where the lower edge is hingedly
connected to the upper edge of the display panel.
[0008] A lower rectangular panel is provided which has upper and
lower edges and first and second side edges, where the upper edge
is hingedly connected to the lower side edge of the display panel.
The container is also comprised of first and second triangluar side
panels, where the triangular side panels each have an upper side
edge, a lower side edge and a hypotenuse side. The hypotenuse sides
of the first and second triangular side panels are each hingedly
connected to the respective first and second side edges of the
rectangular display panel.
[0009] When the container is oriented in the display position, the
upper and lower rectangular panels and the first and second
triangular side panels are positioned behind the plane of the
display panel so that the upper edges of the first and second
triangular side panels are coupled to the first and second side
edges of the upper rectangular panel. The lower edges of the first
and second triangular side panels are coupled to the first and
second side edges of the lower rectangular panel. The upper edge of
the upper rectangular panel is coupled to the lower edge of the
lower rectangular panel forming a triangular prism where the
display side of the rectangular display panel is outwardly
facing.
[0010] When the container is oriented in the storage position, the
upper and lower rectangular panels and the first and second
triangular side panels are positioned in front of the plane of the
display panel so that the upper edges of the first and second
triangular side panels are coupled to the first and second side
edges of said upper rectangular panel. The lower edges of the first
and second triangular side panels are coupled to the first and
second side edges of the lower rectangular panel. The upper edge of
the upper rectangular panel is coupled to the lower edge of the
lower rectangular panel forming a triangular prism where the
display side of the rectangular display panel is inwardly
facing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the container in an open
position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the container in a folded
display position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the container in a folded
storage position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0014] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the container in a folded
storage position with a cut away panel for viewing the inside of
the container, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 1 illustrates an open container 10 positionable between a
storage position and a display position. Container 10 is comprised
of a rectangular display panel 12 having a planar display side 14
for mounting an article to be displayed. Display panel 12 has upper
and lower edges 16 and 18 and first and second side edges 20 and
22.
[0016] An upper rectangular panel 24 is attached to upper edge 16
of display panel 12, and has upper and lower edges 26 and 28 and
first and second side edges 30 and 32. Lower edge 28 of upper panel
24 is hingedly connected to upper edge 16 of display panel 12.
[0017] A lower rectangular panel 34 is attached to upper edge 18 of
display panel 12, and has upper and lower edges 36 and 38 and first
and second side edges 40 and 42. Upper edge 36 of lower panel 34 is
hingedly connected to lower edge 18 of display panel 12.
[0018] First and second triangular side panels 44 and 46 each have
upper side edges 48 and 50, lower side edges 52 and 54 and
hypotenuse side edges 56 and 58. Hypotenuse side edges 56 and 58 of
first and second triangular side panels 44 and 46 are each hingedly
attached to respective first and second side edges 20 and 22 of
rectangular display panel 12.
[0019] A latch connector 60 is positioned in the middle of upper
edge 26 of upper panel 24 configured to be received in latch
acceptor 62, disposed in the middle of lower edge 38 of lower panel
34. Latch connector 60 can securedly attach to latch acceptor 62 in
both the later described display and storage positions.
[0020] In another embodiment of the present invention, container 10
is of a unitary construction such that display panel 12, upper
panel 24, lower panel 34 and first and second side panels 44 and 46
are all single homogeneous structure. The hinged connection points
between the panels, for example, the connection of upper panel 24
and display panel 12 along upper edge 16 and lower edge 28, are
constructed of living hinges formed by pressure molding along the
connection lines. Although, the present example makes use of living
hinges formed in a continuous structure for container 10, this is
in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
Panels 12, 24, 34, 44 and 46 may be connected in different manners
so long as they meet all of the requirements necessary to carry out
the functions of container 10 as both a display and storage
device.
[0021] In another embodiment of the present invention, container 10
is constructed of plastic. Any form of plastic which is
sufficiently rigid to maintain the display and the storage
properties of container 10 is within the contemplation of the
present invention. The plastic can be either transparent,
translucent or opaque depending on the retailers
specifications.
[0022] In another embodiment of the present invention, container 10
is manufactured by injection molding. Because container 10 can
easily formed into a planar or open position, as illustrated in
FIG. 1, the process of injection molding is particularly useful for
quick and cheap construction of container 10. The flat initial
construction of container 10 is also useful for storage and
shipment prior to use, in connection with large retail orders.
[0023] In another embodiment of the present invention, surfaces of
panels 12, 24, 34, 44 and 46 are corrugated or fashioned in some
other textured form so as to provide a design to container 10 in
order to enhance its aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the corrugated
or textured surface improves the surfaces of panels 12, 24, 34, 44
and 46 such that they can be fitted with covers such as vinyl or
leather covers. The corrugated or textured surfaces prevent such
covers from sliding around on the panels and provide additional
surface area for contact with adhesives.
[0024] In another embodiment of the present invention, as
illustrated in FIG. 1, a display ridge 64 is positioned on display
panel 12 in order to support a removable display mount 66. Display
ridge 64 is preferably positioned in the center of display panel
12, however it can be placed anywhere on the panel at the direction
of the purchaser. Display mount 66 is configured to mount an item
for sale such as jewelry in much the same way display panel 12
mounts a retail item. However, the use of the combined display
mount 66 and display ridge 64 allows a greater versatility for the
retailer to manipulate the use of container 10.
[0025] For example, in the course of business it may de desirable
to arrange jewelry in some particular fashion. Without moving
containers 10, the retailer could move some of the display mounts
66 from one display to another and simply mount them on the display
ridges 64 of containers 10 in those other displays. Also, if a
container 10 were to become broken as a result of over use, upon
sale, the retailer could easily exchange display mount 66 from the
damaged container 10 to a new container 10 without having to
re-mount the jewelry.
[0026] The use of jewelry mount 66 and display ridge 64 are
intended only as examples of possible embodiments for container 10
and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the present
invention. Any similar container 10 having a display panel 12 for
mounting retail items in any way, is within the contemplation of
the present invention.
[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated
in FIG. 2, when a retailer receives container 10, a retail item is
mounted on planar display side 14 of display panel 12.
Alternatively, as pictured, the retail item is mounted onto display
mount 66 which is then placed on display ridge 64 on planar display
side 14 of display panel 12. It should be noted that the means used
to mount jewelry or other retail items on display panel 12 do not
affect the other aspects of the present invention, particularly,
the ability of container 10 to function a both a display and
storage container.
[0028] After the sales item is mounted container 10 is formed into
its display position by folding upper panel 24, lower panel 34, and
first and second triangular side panels 44 and 46 along the hinged
connections with display panel 12 such that all the other panels
fold behind the plane of display panel 12 and connect to form a
triangular prism. In this display position, container 10 is
positioned such that planar display side 14 of display panel 12 is
outwardly displaying the retail item.
[0029] In the display position, upper edge 26 of upper panel 24 is
connected along lower edge 38 of lower panel 34. First and second
upper edges 48 and 50 of triangular side panels 44 and 46 are
connected along first and second side edges 30 and 32 of upper
panel 24. First and second lower edges 52 and 54 of triangular side
panels 44 and 46 are connected along first and second side edges 40
and 42 of lower panel 34. Container 10 is held in this display
position when latch connector 60 and latch acceptor 62 are
connected. In this display position container 10 provides a stable
means for displaying retail items for sale.
[0030] In another embodiment of the present invention as
illustrated in FIG. 3, after a retailer makes a sale or if the
retailer decides to store the retail item, container 10, with a
retail item still mounted on planar display side 14 of display
panel 12, is placed into a storage position, protecting and
securing the retail item. This is performed without any additional
steps other than simply re-folding panels 24, 34, 44, and 46 from
behind the plane of display panel 12 to in front of the plane of
display panel 12.
[0031] When the item is sold or stored, container 10 is formed into
its storage position by folding upper panel 24, lower panel 34, and
first and second triangular side panels 44 and 46 along the hinged
connections with display panel 12 such that all the other panels
fold in front of the plane of display panel 12 and connect to form
a triangular prism. In this storage position, container 10 is
positioned such that planar display side 14 of display panel 12 is
inwardly facing, protecting and securing the retail item.
[0032] In the display position, upper edge 26 of upper panel 24 is
connected along lower edge 38 of lower panel 34. First and second
upper edges 48 and 50 of triangular side panels 44 and 46 are
connected along first and second side edges 30 and 32 of upper
panel 24. First and second lower edges 52 and 54 of triangular side
panels 44 and 46 are connected along first and second side edges 40
and 42 of lower panel 34. Container 10 is held in this display
position when latch connector 60 and latch acceptor 62 are
connected. In this storage position container 10 provides a stable
means for protecting and securing the retail item for sale. As
illustrated in FIG. 4, the use of display mount 66 by the retailer
does not affect the storage function of container 10.
[0033] Thus, the present invention, as described above, provides
container 10 which is configurable between a display position and
storage position such that retailer can both display and store a
retail item with container 10, where configuration between the two
positions does not require the adjustment or
attachment/re-attachment of the retail item.
[0034] While only certain features of the invention have been
illustrated and described herein, many modifications,
substitutions, changes or equivalents will now occur to those
skilled in the art. It is therefore, to be understood that this
application is intended to cover all such modifications and changes
that fall within the true spirit of the invention.
* * * * *