U.S. patent application number 10/198248 was filed with the patent office on 2004-01-22 for modular point-of-purchase display.
Invention is credited to Betsch, James A., Field, David L., Harpring, Jeffrey G..
Application Number | 20040011753 10/198248 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30443088 |
Filed Date | 2004-01-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040011753 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Field, David L. ; et
al. |
January 22, 2004 |
Modular point-of-purchase display
Abstract
A modular point-of-purchase display system is provided with a
base in which open-fronted trays are inserted, and an alternative
base in which open-fronted trays are stacked onto a base having an
inclined, L-shaped profile, when observed from the side, the trays
being wider than the base surface upon which they rest. Vertical
extensions are provided, for increasing the stacking capacity of
each of the bases. Two tray sizes are provided, ones having a
shallow depth, and ones having substantially greater depth. Front
extensions are provided for the bases, in both modes, for
accommodating trays having substantially greater depth. Trays are
provided with interior wall components that enable the user to
select between several alternative tray interior configurations, to
accommodate products being displayed, products having different
dimensions, and to accommodate products having different row and/or
stack counts.
Inventors: |
Field, David L.;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; Harpring, Jeffrey G.;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; Betsch, James A.; (Cincinnati,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBERG TRAURIG, P.C.
77 WEST WACKER DRIVE
CHICAGO
IL
60601-1732
US
|
Family ID: |
30443088 |
Appl. No.: |
10/198248 |
Filed: |
July 18, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/132.1 ;
211/149; 248/174 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 5/116 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/132.1 ;
211/149; 248/174 |
International
Class: |
A47F 003/14 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A modular point-of-purchase display system, for the display of a
plurality of individual discrete articles, the modular
point-of-purchase display system comprising: a base, erectable from
a substantially flat blank, and operably configured, upon
articulation, to support at least one discrete display tray, the
base including an open-fronted tray receiving region, the base
including a front panel, a tray support bottom panel extending
rearwardly from an upper edge region of the front panel, and a tray
support back panel, extending upwardly from a rear edge region of
the tray support bottom panel, the tray support bottom panel and
the tray support back panel together forming, at least in part, the
open-fronted tray receiving region; one or more display trays, each
of the one or more display trays being operably configured to be
received by and supported within the open-fronted tray receiving
region of the base, each of the one or more display trays having
one of a first and a second depth, in which said second depth is
greater than said first depth.
2. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim
1, further comprising: a front extension support, erectable from a
substantially flat blank, and operably configured for attachment to
the front panel of the base, when at least one of the one or more
display trays has a second greater depth, the front extension
support including a front extension tray support panel, configured
to align in a substantially coplanar orientation with the tray
support bottom panel of the base, when the front extension support
is attached to the base, for providing support for a forward
portion of a bottom wall of a lowermost one of one or more display
trays that is received in the tray receiving region.
3. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim
1, further comprising: tray receiving region side panels operably
disposed on opposite sides of the open-fronted tray-receiving
region, to define a tray-receiving cavity.
4. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim
3, wherein the tray receiving region side panels, are disposed in
planes substantially perpendicular to at least one of the tray
support bottom panel, the tray support back panel.
5. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim
3, wherein the tray receiving cavity has a width that is greater
that the width of each of the one or more display trays.
6. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim
1, wherein the tray receiving region of the base is configured for
accommodating a stack of trays of a specific number, the modular
point-of-purchase display system further comprising: a vertical
extension support, operably attachable to an upper region of the
base, for enabling the accommodation of additional one or more
trays atop an uppermost one of a stack of trays of a specific
number, which the tray receiving region of the base can
accommodate.
7. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim
6, wherein the vertical extension support is configured to
accommodate a single additional stacked tray.
8. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim
6, wherein the vertical extension support is configured to
accommodate a plurality of additional stacked trays.
9. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim
6, wherein the vertical extension support includes a center panel,
that is operably configured, upon positioning of the vertical
extension support atop the base, to align in a substantially
coplanar manner with the tray support back panel of the base.
10. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim
6, wherein the vertical extension support is provided with a
plurality of downwardly extending tabs configured to engage upper
edge portions of the base, for maintaining the vertical extension
support in position atop the base.
11. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim
1, wherein at least one of the one or more display trays is
open-fronted.
12. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim
1, wherein at least one of the one or more display trays is
provided with at least one deployable easel support, for enabling
the tray to be employed in an individual countertop display mode,
independent of the base.
13. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim
1, wherein each of the one or more display trays has a width that
is greater than at least one of the tray support bottom panel, the
tray support back panel.
14. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim
1, wherein at least one of the one or more display trays is
erectable from a substantially flat blank, into a substantially
rectangular open-fronted parallelepiped.
15. The modular point-of-purchase display system, according to
claim 1, wherein the substantially flat blank includes a plurality
of successively connected panels, emanating from a panel, forming
an outer top wall of a tray, which plurality of successively
connected panels may be articulated in a plurality of different
sequences, toward providing different selectable interior
configurations for the tray.
16. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim
15, wherein the plurality of successively connected panels, upon
selected articulation, forms a tray having inner and outer top
walls and a single back wall.
17. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim
15, wherein the plurality of successively connected panels, upon
articulation, forms a tray having inner and outer juxtaposed top
walls and inner and outer juxtaposed back walls, and inner and
outer juxtaposed bottom walls.
18. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim
15, wherein the plurality of successively connected panels, upon
articulation, forms a tray having inner and outer juxtaposed top
walls and inner and outer juxtaposed back walls, and inner and
outer vertically spaced bottom walls.
19. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim
15, wherein the plurality of successively connected panels, upon
articulation, forms a tray having at least one spacer projection
extending from inner back and bottom walls, toward an interior
region of the tray.
20. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim
1, further comprising an interior support, formed from a blank
discrete from the base.
21. The modular point-of-purchase display system according to claim
1, wherein the substantially flat blank includes a plurality of
successively connected panels, emanating from a panel forming an
inner front wall of a tray, which plurality of successively
connected panels form further bottom and back walls for the tray.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention is directed to point-of-purchase
display shelving structures, in particular point of purchase
display shelving structures for small products, that may be
packaged in individual cartons, boxes or plastic or paperboard
clamshells.
[0003] 2. Prior Art
[0004] Point of purchase display shelving structures for small size
goods are well known. Such shelving structures are often fabricated
from metal, plastic, or paperboard materials, may be fabricated to
be quickly set up and knocked down, in order to accommodate the
needs of the particular business establishment, as well as the
changing promotional events that prompt the use of the point of
purchase display shelving.
[0005] However, such prior art displays are typically very generic
in shape, little more than open-topped or open-front bins in which
the goods are piled or stacked. Furthermore, such displays, by
their generic nature, are incapable of addressing changing needs or
conditions for the ultimate customer, the vendor for the goods
being displayed.
[0006] Accordingly, prior art point-of-purchase display stands, for
different product package sizes, have, in the past, required
different die-cut base and/or tray designs, and typically employed
fillers to take up extra space when the package sizes or counts are
less than that for which the particular display was designed.
[0007] As such, it would be desirable to provide a
point-of-purchase display stand that is capable of being adjusted
or modified, in order to accommodate the specific products being
displayed, without requiring a range of different die-cut
configurations.
[0008] These and other desirable characteristics of the invention
will become apparent in light of the present specification,
including claims, and drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is directed to a modular
point-of-purchase display system, for the display of a plurality of
individual discrete articles. The modular point-of-purchase display
system comprises a base, erectable from a substantially flat blank,
and operably configured, upon articulation, to support at least one
discrete display tray, the base including an open-fronted tray
receiving region.
[0010] The base includes a front panel, a tray support bottom panel
extending rearwardly from an upper edge region of the front panel,
and a tray support back panel, extending upwardly from a rear edge
region of the tray support bottom panel. The tray support bottom
panel and the tray support back panel together form, at least in
part, the open-fronted tray receiving region.
[0011] One or more display trays are provided, each of the one or
more display trays being operably configured to be received by and
supported within the open-fronted tray receiving region of the
base.
[0012] Each of the one or more display trays has one of a first and
a second depth, in which said second depth is greater than said
first depth.
[0013] The modular point-of-purchase display system may further
comprise a front extension support, erectable from a substantially
flat blank, and operably configured for attachment to the front
panel of the base, when at least one of the one or more display
trays has a second greater depth. The front extension support
preferably includes a front extension tray support panel,
configured to align in a substantially coplanar orientation with
the tray support bottom panel of the base, when the front extension
support is attached to the base, for providing support for a
forward portion of a bottom wall of a lowermost one of one or more
display trays that is received in the tray receiving region.
[0014] The modular point-of-purchase display system may further
comprise tray receiving region side panels operably disposed on
opposite sides of the open-fronted tray-receiving region, to define
a tray-receiving cavity. The tray receiving region side panels are
preferably disposed in planes substantially perpendicular to at
least one of the tray support bottom panel, the tray support back
panel.
[0015] In an embodiment of the invention, the tray receiving cavity
has a width that is greater that the width of each of the one or
more display trays.
[0016] In an embodiment of the invention, in which the tray
receiving region of the base is configured for accommodating a
stack of trays of a specific number, the modular point-of-purchase
display system further comprises a vertical extension support,
operably attachable to an upper region of the base, for enabling
the accommodation of additional one or more trays atop an uppermost
one of a stack of trays of a specific number, which the tray
receiving region of the base can accommodate. The vertical
extension support may be configured to accommodate a single
additional stacked tray. Alternatively, the vertical extension
support may be configured to accommodate a plurality of additional
stacked trays.
[0017] Preferably, the vertical extension support includes a center
panel, that is operably configured, upon positioning of the
vertical extension support atop the base, to align in a
substantially coplanar manner with the tray support back panel of
the base.
[0018] The vertical extension support may be provided with a
plurality of downwardly extending tabs configured to engage upper
edge portions of the base, for maintaining the vertical extension
support in position atop the base.
[0019] Preferably, at least one of the one or more display trays is
open-fronted.
[0020] In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the one
or more display trays is provided with at least one deployable
easel support, for enabling the tray to be employed in an
individual countertop display mode, independent of the base.
[0021] In an embodiment of the invention, each of the one or more
display trays has a width that is greater than at least one of the
tray support bottom panel, the tray support back panel.
[0022] In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the one
or more display trays is erectable from a substantially flat blank,
into a substantially rectangular open-fronted parallelepiped.
Preferably, in one such embodiment, the substantially flat blank
includes a plurality of successively connected panels, emanating
from a panel, forming an outer top wall of a tray, which plurality
of successively connected panels may be articulated in a plurality
of different sequences, toward providing different selectable
interior configurations for the tray. The plurality of successively
connected panels, upon selected articulation, may form a tray
having inner and outer top walls and a single back wall. The
plurality of successively connected panels, upon articulation, may
alternatively form a tray having inner and outer juxtaposed top
walls and inner and outer juxtaposed back walls, and inner and
outer juxtaposed bottom walls. The plurality of successively
connected panels, upon articulation, may alternatively form a tray
having inner and outer juxtaposed top walls and inner and outer
juxtaposed back walls, and inner and outer vertically spaced bottom
walls. The plurality of successively connected panels, upon
articulation, may alternatively form a tray having at least one
spacer projection extending from inner back and bottom walls,
toward an interior region of the tray.
[0023] The modular point-of-purchase display system may further
comprise an interior support, formed from a blank discrete from the
base.
[0024] The modular point-of-purchase display system may further
comprise at least one tray formed from a substantially flat blank,
wherein the substantially flat blank includes a plurality of
successively connected panels, emanating from a panel forming an
inner front wall of a tray, which plurality of successively
connected panels form further bottom and back walls for the
tray.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank for an inserted tray
floorstand, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 1a is a plan view of a blank for a support for the
floorstand of FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 1b is a plan view of a blank for a signage or graphics
riser, for use with the stand and the trays in accordance with the
embodiment of FIG. 1 in the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 1c is a series of illustrations showing the steps for
setting up the floorstand of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a blank for a front extension for
an inserted tray floorstand, in accordance with the embodiment of
FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 3a is a plan view of a blank for a shallow tray for use
in association with an inserted tray floorstand, in accordance with
the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0031] FIG. 3b is a plan view of a blank for a deep tray for use in
association with an inserted tray floorstand, in accordance with
the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a shallow tray, shown in its
erected form, with bottom and back easel portions deployed, to
enable the shallow tray to be used in its countertop
configuration.
[0033] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a blank for a short vertical
extension, for use with the inserted tray floorstand of FIG. 1.
[0034] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a blank for a long vertical
extension, for use with the inserted tray floorstand of FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a modular point-of-purchase
display, incorporating an inserted tray floorstand, and shallow
trays, in a two-up configuration.
[0036] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a modular point-of-purchase
display, incorporating an inserted tray floorstand, and shallow
trays, in a three-up configuration.
[0037] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a modular point-of-purchase
display, incorporating an inserted tray floorstand, and deep trays,
in a four-up configuration.
[0038] FIG. 10 is an enlarged, top and side perspective view of a
portion of the modular point-of-purchase display of FIG. 9.
[0039] FIG. 11 is an enlarged, rear and side perspective view of a
portion of the modular point-of-purchase display of FIGS. 9 and
10.
[0040] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a blank for an exposed tray
floorstand, in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention.
[0041] FIG. 12b is a plan view of a blank for a signage or graphics
riser, for use with the stand and the trays in accordance with the
embodiment of FIG. 1 in the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a blank for a front extension for
an exposed tray floorstand, in accordance with the embodiment of
FIG. 12.
[0043] FIG. 14a is a plan view of a blank for a tray for use in
association with an exposed tray floorstand, in accordance with the
embodiment of FIG. 12.
[0044] FIG. 14b is a plan view of an alternative blank for a tray
for use in association with an exposed tray floorstand, in
accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 12.
[0045] FIG. 15 is an illustration of a blank for a vertical
extension, for use with the exposed tray floorstand of FIG. 12.
[0046] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exposed tray floorstand
display, employing shallow trays.
[0047] FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of an
exposed tray floorstand display, in which the tray is articulated
into a slip sleeve configuration without deployed spacer
projections.
[0048] FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of an
exposed tray floorstand display, in which the tray is articulated
into a slip sleeve configuration, with deployed spacer
projections.
[0049] FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of an upper portion
of an exposed tray floorstand display, showing the vertical
extension.
[0050] FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of an
exposed tray floorstand display, in which the tray is articulated
into a clamshell configuration.
[0051] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an exposed tray floorstand
display, employing two deep trays.
[0052] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an exposed tray floorstand
display, with vertical extension, employing four deep trays, in
different configurations.
[0053] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an exposed tray floorstand
display, with vertical extension, employing three deep trays, in
different configurations.
[0054] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the lower portion of an
exposed tray floorstand display, showing the front extension.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0055] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will be
described herein in detail, a specific embodiment, with the
understanding that the present invention is to be considered as an
exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated.
[0056] In the figures, unless otherwise noted, the usual convention
is observed that solid lines on the interior of a figure represent
cuts, edges or points of inflection (like a ridge, crease or
inwardly or outwardly projecting gusset), and broken or dashed
lines indicate folds, score lines or other lines of weakness.
[0057] The present invention is directed to a modular
point-of-purchase display stand system, in two basic embodiments
(inserted trays and exposed trays), with several configuration
options. The system includes: 1) the "inserted tray" embodiment,
including inserted trays (in both shallow and deep configurations);
a floorstand base for inserted trays; a base front extender for
enabling the accommodation of deep inserted trays; and 2) the
"exposed tray" embodiment, including exposed trays (in both shallow
and deep configurations); a floorstand base for exposed trays; a
base front extender for enabling the accommodation of deep exposed
trays; vertical or top extenders, for permitting increased stacks
or layers of trays (for both base configurations); and 3) a
graphics or signage riser, applicable to both embodiments.
[0058] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the blanks may
all be fabricated from corrugated paperboard, particularly of a
kind in which all of the surfaces that will be exposed to public
visual inspection during use may be faced with bleached white,
printed, pigmented or clay-coated kraft paper or some other
cosmetically more attractive surface than the typical brown plain
kraft paper with which corrugated paperboard is often made.
[0059] FIGS. 1-11 illustrate the components of the "inserted tray"
embodiment. FIG. 1 is a plan view of base/blank 10 for an inserted
tray floorstand, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention. Blank 10, preferably formed from corrugated paperboard
material (though other materials may be used) includes front panel
12, front bottom flap 14, fold line 16, tray support bottom panel
18, fold line 20, and tray support back panel 22. Tray support back
panel 22 is connected to tray support bottom panel 18 by three fold
lines 24a, 24b and 24c, which are separated by contoured cuts 25a
and 25b. Top edge panel 28 is connected to tray support back panel
22 along fold line 27, and to back connection panel 30 by fold line
29. Back connection panel 30 includes two notches 31a and 31b.
[0060] Elongated slots 32a, 32b and 32c are located along three
edges of front panel 12. Front side panels 34a and 34b emanate from
front panel 12, along fold lines 35a, 35b, respectively. Rear side
panels 36a, 36b emanate from front side panels 34a and 34b, along
fold lines 37a, 37b, respectively (which are provided, for enabling
blank 10 to be folded flat for shipping, prior to final
articulation into the finished configuration). Side panel bottom
flaps 38a-d emanate from the bottom edges of front side panels
34a-b and rear side panels 36a-b, along fold lines 39a-d,
respectively.
[0061] Back panel 40 emanates from the rear edge of rear side panel
36b, along fold line 41. Back panel bottom flap 42 emanates from
the bottom edge of back panel 40, along fold line 43. Glue flap 44
emanates from the rear edge of rear side panel 36a, along fold line
45.
[0062] Tray receiving region side panels 46a, 46b, emanate from
front side panels 34a, 34b, along fold lines 47a, 47b, and are
separated from tray support back panel 22, and tray support bottom
panel 18, by cuts 48a-b and 49a-b.
[0063] FIG. 1a is a plan view of a blank 42 for an interior base
support for base 10. Blank 42 includes center panel 44; fold lines
45a and 45b; rear side panels 46 and 47; fold lines 48a, 48b (which
are provided solely for packing purposes, for enabling reduction in
the size of the blank for shipping purposes; and front side panels
49 and 50.
[0064] FIG. 1c is a series of illustrations showing the steps for
setting up the floorstand of the embodiment of FIG. 1. Fabrication
of base 10 is accomplished by gluing tab 44 to panel 40, so that a
tube is formed. Typically, the sides will be collapsed by folding
front side panels 34a, 34b over rear side panels 36a, 36b, with the
edges formed by fold lines 37a, 37b projecting inwardly, so that
base 10 is collapsed flat for shipping (upper left of FIG. 1c). Set
up comprises pushing out the in-folded side panels, and folding in
the bottom flaps. Then, the base support 42 is folded into the
shape shown in the upper right of FIG. 1c and inserted down into
base 10. Tray support bottom panel 18 is folded downward to form an
oblique or perpendicular angle to front panel 12. Tray support back
panel 22 is lowered, while top edge panel 28 is folded oblique or
perpendicular to tray support back panel 22, to a substantially
horizontal orientation, and back connection panel 30 is folded
down. Simultaneously, notches 49a and 50a will be aligned with and
inserted into slots 22a and 22b of tray support back panel 22.
Panel 22 is then folded back over support 42, so that notches 31a
and 31b engage and interfit with notches 46a, 47a (lower left of
FIG. 1c).
[0065] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a blank for a front extension 50
for inserted tray floorstand 10. Front extension 50 is used, when
"deep" inserted trays are going to be used in the display. Front
extension/blank 50 includes front panel 52; fold lines 53a and 53b;
side panels 54a and 54b; fold lines 55a and 55b; attachment flaps
56a and 56b; fold lines 57a and 57b; hook tabs 58a and 58b; fold
line 59; top panel 60; fold line 61; rear flap 62; and die cut flap
63 with tab 64.
[0066] Articulation of blank 50 is accomplished by folding panels
54a, 54b back oblique to front panel 52. In a preferred embodiment
of the invention, front panel 52 is not as wide as front panel 12
of base 10. Accordingly, there is an included angle between front
panel 52 and each of panels 54a, 54b, in the finally articulated
extension, that is greater than 90.degree.. Alternatively, if front
panel 52 is as wide as front panel 12, then panels 54a, 54b will
eventually be substantially perpendicular to front panel 52. Top
panel 60 is folded down, past the perpendicular, so that its
surface is parallel to the top edges of side panels 54a and 54b.
Back panel 62 is folded down to extend vertically, parallel to
front panel 52, and will abut the front of front panel 12, when
front extension 50 is attached to a base 10. Attachment flaps 56a,
56b, with their corresponding hook tabs 58a and 58b, are received
in slots 32a, 32c, respectively, of base 10, while tab 64 is
received through slot 32b.
[0067] In an embodiment of the invention, the displays of the
present invention may be employed for the display of video
products, such as Digital Video Disc (DVD) holders (relatively thin
containers--on the order of one-half inch thick, by five and
one-quarter inches, by seven and one-half inches--also known as
"Amaray/Amray trays"), or video tapes, in containers known as
clamshells (having the following typical dimensions: 9 in..times.5
{fraction (7/16)} in..times.1 {fraction (3/16)} in.) or in
paperboard envelopes known as slipsheets or slip sleeves (which
occupy less volume and have smaller overall dimensions than do
clamshells--having the following dimensions 7 {fraction (7/16)}
in..times.4 1/8 in..times.1 {fraction (1/16)} in.).
[0068] The present invention is not to be construed as limited to
the display of such products, but may be applicable to other types
of product packaging that is generally rectangular parallelepiped
in form, as well as, with some modification, blister packs or other
packaging modes, all without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
[0069] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a blank for a tray 70 for use in
association with inserted tray floorstand 10, specifically a
shallow tray, as is reflected in the fact that the top and bottom
walls are approximately one-half as deep as the back wall is high.
Blank 70 is configured to be articulated in several different ways,
depending upon the shape, size and quantity of the articles to be
displayed, to accommodate different packaging styles and sizes,
such as those discussed hereinabove.
[0070] Blank 70 includes back wall 72; diecut easel flaps 74, with
movable tabs 76 extending along fold lines perpendicular to the
fold lines for flaps 74; and diecut holes 75a, 75b. Bottom wall 82
is connected to back wall 72 along fold line 84, and includes
diecut easel flap 86 with movable tabs 88 foldably attached
thereto; diecut holes 87a, 87b, and slots 89a, 89b. Tabs 88 include
short projections 90a, 90b.
[0071] Outer front panel 92 emanates from fold line 91 (along which
are located elongated slots 91a, 91b), and inner front panel 94
emanates from double fold line 93. The free "bottom" edge of front
panel 94 includes two shallow tabs 95a, 95b. Middle bottom wall 95c
emanates along fold line 95d from inner front panel 94, and middle
back wall 95e emanates along fold line 95f from middle bottom wall
95c.
[0072] Sidewalls 96a, 96b emanate from back wall 72 along fold
lines 97a, 97b, respectively. Slots 98a, 98b are aligned
substantially along fold lines 97a, 97b, as well. Locking flaps
99a, 99b emanate from sidewalls 96a, 96b, along fold lines 100a,
100b. Inner sidewalls 103a, 103b emanate from sidewalls 96a, 96b,
along double fold lines 104a, 104b, and include shallow tabs 105a,
105b. Inner side tabs 106a, 106b also emanate along fold lines
104a, 104b. Outer top wall 108 emanates from back wall 72 along
fold line 107. Top flaps 110a, 110b, emanate from outer top wall
108, along fold lines 109a, 109b. Inner top wall 112 extends along
double fold line 111, and incorporates two shallow tabs 113a, 113b,
defined by cuts 114a, 114b, and perforations 114c-e. Optional inner
back wall 115 adjoins inner top wall 112, and incorporates diecut
deployable projections 116a-116b (although two are shown, a greater
or lesser number may be employed, as desired), which are shown in
their undeployed form, in FIG. 3. Each deployable projection
includes two opposing, joined tabs, e.g., tabs 117a and 117b, that
are pivotably connected to one another, and have a circular (or
other shape) hole 118 centered on the fold line between the tabs.
Inner bottom wall 119 is connected to inner back wall 115, via the
several pairs of tabs 117a, 117b, as well as the foldably connected
rectangular mini-panels 120a-120c, located between the respective
pairs of tabs 117a, 117b. Inner bottom wall 119 includes side flaps
119a and 119b, and inner locking flap 122.
[0073] Articulation of tray 70 is as follows: walls 108 and 82 are
folded (e.g., toward the viewer of FIG. 3) to positions
perpendicular to back wall 72. Flaps 110a, 110b are folded
inwardly, perpendicular to back wall 108; flaps 99a, 99b are folded
inwardly, perpendicular to outer sidewalls 96a, 96b, which are, in
turn, folded inwardly (toward the viewer), to be perpendicular to
back wall 82. Inner side flaps 103a, 103b are folded inwardly,
until tabs 105a, 105b are received in slots 98a, 98b. Flaps 99a,
99b, 110a, 110b will be captured between outer sidewalls 96a, 96b,
and their respective inner sidewalls 103a, 103b.
[0074] Flaps 106a and 106b are folded to be parallel to back wall
72, and to point toward one another. Outer front wall 92 is folded
up perpendicular to bottom wall 82. Inner front wall 94 is folded
to the inside of wall 92, so that flaps 106a, 106b are captured
between them. Tabs 95a and 95b also lock into slots 91a and 91b.
Middle bottom wall 95c is positioned parallel to and to the inside
of wall 82, and wall 95d is positioned parallel to and to the
inside of wall 72.
[0075] If a maximum amount of volume within the interior of tray 70
is desired, inner back wall 115 is torn away from inner top wall
112, along cuts/perforations 114a-e. Then, inner top wall 112 is
folded downwardly and inwardly, into the receiving region which has
now been formed, until tabs 113a, 113b, are received in slots
created by notches 107a, 107b, upon articulation of the blank into
a tray.
[0076] By leaving inner back wall 115 attached to inner top wall
112, then by different methods of articulation of inner back wall
115 and inner bottom wall 119, and the tabs and mini-panels, can be
used, to arrive at different interior volumes and architectures for
tray 70.
[0077] In another alternative embodiment, a fold is accomplished
along line 115a. This positions inner bottom wall 119 in parallel,
vertically spaced relation to bottom wall 82, just below the top
edge of the front wall formed by panels 92, 94, and double fold
line 93. This is shown, in the environment of the exposed tray
displays, in the upper portion of FIG. 18. Panels 119a and 119b,
and 122 are folded down, toward bottom wall 82, to help support
inner bottom wall 119 above bottom wall 82. In this embodiment, the
projections 116a-b are still not deployed, but their respective
component tabs 117a and 117b are still "flush" with their
surrounding panels. In this embodiment, there is substantially less
height in the enclosed volume, to accommodate shorter packages,
without the need for a void filler.
[0078] In a still further embodiment, projections 116a-b are
deployed, during articulation, or thereafter, by one inserting a
finger or tool, into each opening 118, and pulling on one or the
other of tab pairs 117a, 117b, until each projection 116a-116b
"pops" out, at a right angle, so that tabs 117a, 117b and adjacent
portions of inner back wall 115, and the adjacent mini-panels 120a,
b or c form, from the side, a rectangular contour, as is visible,
in the environment of an exposed tray display, in FIG. 19. When
projections 116a-b are deployed, there is less available depth to
the interior volume of the tray, to accommodate thinner packages or
a lower count of packages for a row (front to back) or both, again
without requiring a separate void filler.
[0079] Tray 70 is also configured to be a stand-alone countertop
display tray, if so desired, as shown in FIG. 4. This orientation
is obtained by pushing easel panels 74 and 86 outwardly, and
folding panels 76 perpendicular to and in locking engagement with
74, and by folding flaps 88 perpendicular to panel 86, and
inserting tabs 90a, 90b into slots 89a, 89b.
[0080] Because, as can be seen from the figures, the individual
trays are inclined, so that their top and bottom walls are at an
angle with respect to the horizontal, a back wall support is needed
to provide stability when the trays are stacked. In a preferred
embodiment of the invention, inserted tray base 10 is configured to
insertingly receive two stacked trays, whether they are shallow
trays or deep trays.
[0081] FIG. 3b illustrates a "deep" tray to be used in combination
with base 10, in that the depth of the top and bottom walls is
substantially the same as or greater than the height of the back
wall. To the extent that the walls, panels and flaps of the
embodiment of FIG. 3b have the same orientation, structure and mode
of operation (if not the same dimensions or proportions) as
counterpart walls, panels and flaps in the blank of FIG. 3a, they
have been given like reference numerals, differentiated by a prime
('), and their structure and mode of articulation are understood to
be substantially the same as that described hereinabove.
[0082] The tray 70' of FIG. 3b differentiates from tray 70
primarily in that it lacks the pop-up spacer structures 116a, 116b.
In addition, tabs 111a' and 111b' are provided with are inserted
and received into slots 111c' and 111d', respectively. In addition,
tabs 117a' and 117b' are provided, which are crushed, and are then
received in the "slots" formed, upon articulation, between side
walls 96a', 96b', and flaps 110a' and 110b', to assist in
alignment, stacking and orientation of trays 70' atop one
another.
[0083] In FIG. 5, "short" vertical extension/blank 150 includes
center panel 152; two inner side panels 154a, 154b, joined to
center panel 152 along fold lines 153a, 153b; two outer side panels
156a, 156b, joined to inner side panels 154a, 154b along double
fold lines 155a, 155b; and back bracing panels 158a, 158b, joined
to outer side panels 156a, 156b along fold lines 157a, 157b; and
center panel bottom flap 160 joined to center panel 152 along fold
line 159. Back bracing panels 158a, 158b include notches 161a, 161b
and 162a, 162b. Bottom flap 160 when folded back 90.degree.
stabilizes fold 159, to keep it from bending or collapsing.
[0084] In FIG. 6, "long" vertical extension/blank 170 includes
center panel 172; two inner side panels 174a, 174b, joined to
center panel 172 along fold lines 173a, 173b; two outer side panels
176a, 176b, joined to inner side panels 174a, 174b along double
fold lines 175a, 175b; and back bracing panels 178a, 178b, joined
to outer side panels 176a, 176b along fold lines 177a, 177b; and
center panel bottom flap 180 joined to center panel 172 along fold
line 179. Back bracing panels 178a, 178b include notches 181a, 181b
and 182a, 182b. Bottom flap 180 when folded back 90.degree.
stabilizes fold 179, to keep it from bending or collapsing.
[0085] Short vertical extension 150 and long vertical extension 170
differ in their dimensions and the proportions of their panels, but
their articulation and mode of operation are the same. Accordingly,
articulation of long vertical extension 170 will be described in
detail (particularly in association with FIG. 11), with the
understanding that similar steps will be performed for the
articulation and mounting of the "short" vertical extension.
[0086] Making reference to FIGS. 6 and 11, inner side panels 174a,
174b are folded forward, perpendicular to center panel 172, to
define a C-shaped region as seen from above. Outer side panels
176a, 176b are folded back into juxtaposed overlying relationship
with inner side panels 174a, 174b, and affixed in place by any
suitable means, so that the outer "edges" of outer side panels
176a, 176b extend backward, beyond the plane of center panel 172.
Back bracing panels 178a, 178b are folded inwardly toward one
another, to be perpendicular to outer side panels 176a, 176b. Long
vertical extension 170 is pushed down onto the top of base 170,
with the top edge region of base 10 being inserted into notches
181a, 181b, 182a, 182b, and the downwardly extending portions of
outer side panels 176a, 176b are pushed to the inside of the tops
of the sidewalls of base 10, so that long vertical extension 170 is
held in place, largely by friction. Extension 170 is advantageously
dimensioned, so that when mounted on base 10, center panel 172 is
parallel to and substantially aligned with tray support back panel
22, to provide an extended, substantially continuous back support
surface.
[0087] Long vertical extension 170 as illustrated is preferably
dimensioned and proportioned to provide back support for two
additional trays, for a total of four trays for the display. Short
vertical extension 150 as illustrated is preferably dimensioned and
proportioned to provide back support for one additional tray, for a
total of three trays for the display. A greater number of trays may
be accommodated, by even taller extensions, limited only by issues
of center of gravity, the weight of the loaded trays, and the load
strength of the particular material employed for the trays,
extensions and base.
[0088] A graphics or signage riser 190 (FIG. 1b) may be provided,
comprising a central panel 191, two side panels 192, 193 folded
perpendicular to the central panel, and a bottom flap 194 and
extensions 195, 196. Flap 194 is folded back 90.degree. to
stabilize the adjoining fold line, to keep panel 191 from buckling.
No adhesive is believed necessary to hold signage riser 190 in
place. Extensions 195 and 196 are insertably received in "slots"
formed by articulation, in the top side regions of the topmost
tray, or alternatively, into slots that are formed into the topmost
tray, for example, along upper fold lines therein. The extensions
may have small tabs adjoining them, forming slots, into which top
edges of tray sidewalls may be insertingly received. The same riser
configuration may be employed with any or all of the embodiments of
the "inserted tray" modular point-of-purchase display illustrated
and described herein, and such risers are shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 9
and 11.
[0089] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a modular point-of-purchase
display, incorporating an inserted tray floorstand 10, and shallow
trays, in a two-up configuration, without front extension or
vertical extension.
[0090] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a modular point-of-purchase
display, incorporating an inserted tray floorstand 10 and shallow
trays (which may be as described hereinabove), in a three-up
configuration, incorporating a short vertical extension 150.
[0091] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a modular point-of-purchase
display, incorporating an inserted tray floorstand 10, and deep
trays (that are proportioned to have twice the depth of a "shallow"
or "small" tray, but are otherwise the same), in a four-up
configuration, employing a front extension 50 and a long vertical
extension 170. FIG. 10 is an enlarged, top and side perspective
view of a portion of the modular point-of-purchase display of FIG.
9. FIG. 11 is an enlarged, rear and side perspective view of a
portion of the modular point-of-purchase display of FIGS. 9 and 10,
showing the long vertical extender 170 in further detail.
[0092] FIGS. 12-25 illustrate the components of the "exposed tray"
embodiment. FIG. 12 is a plan view of base/blank 200 for an
inserted tray floorstand, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention. Blank 200, preferably formed from corrugated paperboard
material (though other materials may be used) includes front panel
212, front bottom flap 214, fold line 216, tray support bottom
panel 218, fold line 220, and tray support back panel 222. Tray
support back panel 222 is connected to tray support bottom panel
218 by fold line 224. Tray support bottom panel 218 includes two
laterally extending tabs 225a and 225b, connected to panel 218 by
fold lines 226a and 226b. Tray support back panel 222 includes two
laterally extending tabs 223a and 223b, connected to panel 222 by
fold lines 227a and 227b.
[0093] Elongated slots 232a, 232b, 232c and 232d are located the
opposite vertical edges of front panel 212. Front side panels 234a
and 234b emanate from front panel 212, along fold lines 235a, 235b,
respectively. Rear side panels 236a, 236b emanate from front side
panels 234a and 234b, along fold lines 237a, 237b, respectively
(which are provided, for enabling blank 200 to be folded flat for
shipping, prior to final articulation into the finished
configuration). Side-top panels 236c and 236d emanate from the top
edges of rear side panels 236a and 236b, respectively, with fold
lines and slots 236e, 236f, separating panels 236a and b, from
panels 236c and d, respectively. Side panel bottom flaps 238a-d
emanate from the bottom regions of front side panels 234a-b and
rear side panels 236a-b, along fold lines 239a-d, respectively.
[0094] Back panel 240 emanates from the rear edge of rear side
panel 236b, along fold line 241, formed as lower panel 240a and
upper panel 240b, separated by double fold line 242. Back top panel
240c emanates from the top edge region of upper panel 240b, along
fold line 240d. Back top flap 240d emanates from back top panel
240c along fold line 240e. Back top panel 240c also includes
laterally located, generally rectangular notches 240f and 240g.
Glue flap 244 emanates from the rear edge of rear side panel 236a,
along fold line 245.
[0095] Tray receiving region side panels 246a, 246b, emanate from
front side panels 234a, 234b, and rear side panels 236a, 236b,
along fold lines 247a, 247b, which include elongated slots 247c and
247d, respectively. Tray receiving region bottom panels 249a and
249b emanate from front side panels 234a, 234b, respectively, along
fold lines 249c and 249d, respectively, which include elongated
slots 249e and 249f, respectively. Panels 246a-b receive panel 222.
Panels 249a-b receive panel 218.
[0096] Fabrication of base 210 is accomplished by folding front
side panels 234a, 234b (which will be parallel and "flat" with
respect to rear side panels 236a, 236b) perpendicular to front
panel 212 (e.g., away from the observer of FIG. 12). Flap 214 and
238a-d will all be folded away from the observer (i.e., into the
figure), so that they will all eventually "point" inwardly toward
the interior of the erected base, and substantially perpendicular
to their respective adjoining panels. Back panel 240 is then folded
parallel to front panel 212. Glue flap 244 will be folded
perpendicular to rear side panel 236a, and affixed to the outside
or inside of rear panel 240. Panel 249a is folded perpendicular to
panel 234a. Panel 249b is folded perpendicular to panel 234b. Panel
246a is folded perpendicular to panel 234a and panel 246b is folded
perpendicular to panel 234b. Tray support bottom panel 218 is
folded downward to form an oblique or perpendicular angle to front
panel 212, with tabs 225a, 225b being inserted into and received by
slots 249e and 249f, respectively. Tray support back panel 222 is
lowered, until tabs 223a, 223b are aligned with, and subsequently
inserted into and received by slots 247c, 247d, respectively.
[0097] Flaps 236c and 236d are folded inwardly, perpendicular to
panels 236a and 236b, respectively. Panel 240c is then folded
forward, toward the top edge of panel 222, with flap 240d being
folded down and inserted behind the top edge of panel 222.
[0098] A graphics or signage riser 190' (FIG. 12a) may be provided,
comprising a central panel 191', two side panels 192', 193' folded
perpendicular to the central panel, and appropriate bottom flaps
(194') or extensions (195', 196'), from each of the panels, that
are folded inwardly perpendicular to their respective panels (e.g.,
194') and are preferably insertably received (extensions 195',
196'), in "slots" formed by articulation, into the top side regions
of the topmost tray, or alternatively, into slots that are formed
into the topmost tray, for example, along upper fold lines therein.
The extensions may have small tabs adjoining them, forming slots,
into which top edges of tray sidewalls may be insertingly received.
These small tabs are folded back, before tabs 195 and 196 are
inserted into slots in the topmost tray. The same riser
configuration may be employed with any or all of the "exposed"
embodiments of the modular point-of-purchase display illustrated
and described herein.
[0099] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a blank for a front extension 250
for exposed tray floorstand 200. Front extension 250 is used, when
"deep" exposed trays are going to be used in the display. Front
extension/blank 250 includes front panel 252; fold lines 253a and
253b; side panels 254a and 254b; fold lines 255a and 255b;
attachment flaps 256a and 256b; hook tabs 258a, 258b, 258c and
258d; flap 257; fold line 257a; fold line 259 and top panel
260.
[0100] Articulation of blank 250 is accomplished by folding panels
254a, 254b back oblique to front panel 252. In a preferred
embodiment of the invention, front panel 252 is as wide as front
panel 212 of base 210. Accordingly, there is an included angle
between front panel 252 and each of panels 254a, 254b, in the
finally articulated extension that is approximately 90.degree..
Alternatively, if front panel 252 is not as wide as front panel
212, then panels 254a, 254b will eventually be at obtuse angles
(i.e., >90.degree.) to front panel 252. Top panel 260 is folded
down, past the perpendicular, so that its surface is past the top
edges of side panels 254a and 254b. Attachment flaps 256a, 256b
will be folded inwardly toward one another, and out of plane with
their corresponding hook tabs 258a, 258b, 258c and 258d, which are
received in slots 232a-d, respectively, of base 210.
[0101] FIG. 14a is a plan view of a blank for a tray 270 for use in
association with exposed tray floorstand 200, specifically a deep
tray. Blank 270 is configured to be articulated in several
different ways, depending upon the shape, size and quantity of the
articles to be displayed, to accommodate different packaging styles
and sizes, such as those discussed hereinabove.
[0102] Blank 270 includes back wall 272; and diecut placement
locking flaps 278, 280. Bottom wall 282 is connected to back wall
272 along fold line 284, and diecut fold-out placement flaps 289a,
289b which emanate along fold lines 290a, 290b. Outer front panel
292 emanates from fold line 291, and inner front panel 294 emanates
from double fold line 293. The free "bottom" edge of front panel
294 includes two shallow tabs 295a, 295b, that are received in
slots formed by notches 323a, 323b, respectively.
[0103] Sidewalls 296a, 296b emanate from back wall 272 along fold
lines 297a, 297b, respectively. Slots 298a, 298b are aligned
substantially along fold lines 297a, 297b, as well. Locking flaps
299a, 299b emanate from sidewalls 296a, 296b, along fold lines
300a, 300b, as do diecut locking tabs 301a, 301b, at the ends of
which are knockouts 302a, 302b. Inner sidewalls 303a, 303b emanate
from sidewalls 296a, 296b, along double fold lines 304a, 304b.
Inner side tabs 306a, 306b also emanate along fold lines adjacent
fold lines 304a, 304b. Outer top wall 308 emanates from back wall
272 along fold line 307. Top flaps 310a, 310b, emanate from outer
top wall 308, along fold lines 309a, 309b. Inner top wall 312
extends along double fold line 311, and incorporates two shallow
tabs 313a, 313b, defined by cuts 314a, 314b, and perforations
314c-e. Optional inner back wall 315 adjoins inner top wall 312,
and incorporates diecut deployable projections 316a-d (although
four are shown, a greater or lesser number may be employed, as
desired), which are shown in their undeployed form, in FIG. 14a.
Each deployable projection includes two opposing, joined tabs,
e.g., tabs 317a and 317b, that are pivotably connected to one
another, and have a circular (or other shape) hole 318 centered on
the fold line between the tabs. Inner bottom wall 319 is connected
to inner back wall 315, via the several pairs of tabs 317a, 317b,
as well as the foldably connected rectangular mini-panels
320a-320c, located between the respective pairs of tabs 317a, 317b,
and the end rectangular mini-panels 321a, 321b. Inner bottom wall
319 includes side flaps 319a and 319b, and inner locking flap
322.
[0104] Articulation of tray 270 is as follows: walls 308 and 282
are folded (e.g., toward the viewer of FIG. 14) to positions
perpendicular to back wall 272. Flaps 310a, 310b are folded
inwardly, perpendicular to back wall 308; flaps 299a, 299b, and
tabs 301a, 301b, are folded inwardly, perpendicular to outer
sidewalls 296a, 296b, which are, in turn, folded inwardly (toward
the viewer), to be perpendicular to back wall 272. Inner side flaps
303a, 303b are folded inwardly. Tabs 324a, 324b lock into slots
298a, 298b, respectively, when inner flaps 303a, 303b,
respectively, are folded in. Flaps 310a, 310b will be captured
between outer sidewalls 296a, 296b, and their respective inner
sidewalls 303a, 303b. When flaps 299a, 299b are folded so as to
overlie bottom wall 282, flaps 289a, 289b are inserted through the
openings created by flaps 301a, 301b, and vice versa, to help hold
flaps 299a, 299b in place, and maintain bottom wall 282 in place,
during subsequent articulation steps. In addition, tabs 325a, 325b
are folded forward and inserted into corresponding slots 326a,
326b, as panels 296a, 296b are folded forward.
[0105] Flaps 306a and 306b are folded forward relative to walls
296a and 296b, respectively. Wall 292 is folded up perpendicular to
bottom wall 282. Flap 294 is folded down and in, capturing flaps
306a and 306b, so that tabs 295a, 295b engage slots 323a and 323b,
respectively.
[0106] If a maximum amount of volume within the interior of tray
270 is desired, inner back wall 315 may be torn away from inner top
wall 312, along cuts/perforations 314c, 314d, 314e (although this
may not be desired, as a surface having a less than desired surface
finish may be exposed). Then, inner top wall 312 is folded
downwardly and inwardly, into the receiving region, which has now
been formed, until tabs 313a, 313b, are received in slots 307a,
307b.
[0107] By leaving inner back wall 315 attached to inner top wall
312, then by different methods of articulation of inner back wall
315 and inner bottom wall 319, and the tabs and mini-panels, can be
used, to arrive at different interior volumes and architectures for
tray 270.
[0108] The distance from fold line(s) 314c-e to fold line 319c is
slightly less than the distance from fold line 284 to fold line
307, so that if inner bottom wall 319 is folded, relative to inner
back wall 315, along fold line 319c, then inner back wall 315 (upon
folding inwardly of inner top wall 312, and simultaneous folding
outward of wall 315, with respect to top wall 312, overlies back
wall 272 in its entirety, from fold lines 314c-e, to fold line
319c. Such an orientation is shown, in FIG. 20 herein. Upon further
articulation, inner bottom wall 319 overlies bottom wall 282 (with
flaps 299a, 299b, 301a, 301b, between them), wall 322 is folded up
perpendicular to its respective bottom wall. Nicks 327a and b are
separated, then flaps 328a and 329a, and 328b and 329b are folded
up with flaps 328a, b, folded behind flaps 329a, b. This embodiment
will result in a volume having slightly less depth and height than
the prior (possibly less desired) embodiment, due to the presence
of the inner top, back and bottom walls.
[0109] The distance between fold line 319c and 315a is slightly
less than the distance between fold lines 291 and 293. In another
alternative embodiment, instead of folding inner bottom wall 319
relative to inner back wall 315, along fold line 319c, the fold is
accomplished along line 315a, instead. Panel 322 is folded down,
against panel 294. This positions inner bottom wall 319 in
parallel, vertically spaced relation to bottom wall 282, just below
the top edge of the front wall formed by panels 292, 294, and
double fold line 293. This is shown, in the upper portion of FIG.
17. Panels 329a, 329b, 328a, 328b, and 322 are folded down, toward
bottom wall 282, to help support inner bottom wall 319 above bottom
wall 282. In this embodiment, the projections 316a-d are still not
deployed, but their respective component tabs 317a and 317b are
still "flush" with their surrounding panels. In this embodiment,
there is substantially less height in the enclosed volume, to
accommodate shorter packages, without the need for a void
filler.
[0110] In a still further embodiment, projections 316a-d are
deployed, during articulation, or thereafter, by one inserting a
finger or tool, into each opening 318, and pulling on one or the
other of tab pairs 317a, 317b, until each projection 316a-316d
"pops" out, at a right angle, so that tabs 317a, 317b and adjacent
portions of inner back wall 315, and the adjacent mini-panels
320a,b or c form, from the side, a square contour, as is visible,
in FIG. 18. When projections 316a-d are deployed, there is less
available depth to the interior volume of the tray, to accommodate
thinner packages or a lower count of packages for a row (front to
back) or both, again without requiring a separate void filler.
[0111] FIG. 14b is a plan view of a blank for a tray 470 for use in
association with inserted tray floorstand 200, specifically a
shallow tray, as is reflected in the fact that the top and bottom
walls are approximately one-half as deep as the back wall is high.
Blank 470 is configured to be articulated in several different
ways, depending upon the shape, size and quantity of the articles
to be displayed, to accommodate different packaging styles and
sizes, such as those discussed hereinabove.
[0112] Blank 470 includes back wall 472; diecut easel flap 474,
with movable tab 476 foldably attached thereto; knockouts 475a,
475b; and diecut placement locking flaps 478, 480. Bottom wall 482
is connected to back wall 472 along fold line 484, and includes
diecut easel flap 486 with movable tab 488 foldably attached
thereto; and knockouts 487a, 487b. Diecut fold-out placement flaps
489a, 489b emanate along fold lines 490a, 490b. Outer front panel
492 emanates from fold line 491, and inner front panel 494 emanates
from double fold line 493. The free "bottom" edge of front panel
494 includes two shallow tabs 495a, 495b.
[0113] Sidewalls 496a, 496b emanate from back wall 472 along fold
lines 497a, 497b, respectively. Slots 498a, 498b are aligned
substantially along fold lines 497a, 497b, as well. Locking flaps
499a, 499b incorporating notches 500a and 500b respectively,
emanate from sidewalls 496a, 496b, along fold lines 400a, 400b, as
do diecut locking tabs 401a, 401b, at the ends of which are
knockouts 402a, 402b. Inner sidewalls 403a, 403b emanate from
sidewalls 496a, 496b, along double fold lines 404a, 404b, and
include shallow tabs 405a, 405b. Inner side tabs 406a, 406b also
emanate along fold lines 404a, 404b. Outer top wall 408 emanates
from back wall 472 along fold line 407. Top flaps 410a, 410b,
emanate from outer top wall 408, along fold lines 409a, 409b. Inner
top wall 412 extends along double fold line 411, and incorporates
two shallow tabs 413a, 413b, defined by cuts 414a, 414b, and
perforations 414c-e. Optional inner back wall 415 adjoins inner top
wall 412, and incorporates diecut deployable projections 416a-d
(although four are shown, a greater or lesser number may be
employed, as desired), which are shown in their undeployed form, in
FIG. 14b. Each deployable projection includes two opposing, joined
tabs, e.g., tabs 417a and 417b, that are pivotably connected to one
another, and have a circular (or other shape) hole 418 centered on
the fold line between the tabs. Inner bottom wall 419 is connected
to inner back wall 415, via the several pairs of tabs 417a, 417b,
as well as the foldably connected rectangular mini-panels
420a-420c, located between the respective pairs of tabs 417a, 417b,
and the end rectangular mini-panels 421a, 421b. Inner bottom wall
419 includes side flaps 419a and 419b, and inner flap 422.
[0114] Articulation of tray 470 is as follows: walls 408 and 482
are folded (e.g., toward the viewer of FIG. 14b) to positions
perpendicular to back wall 472. Flaps 410a, 410b are folded
inwardly, perpendicular to back wall 408; flaps 499a, 499b, and
tabs 401a, 401b, are folded inwardly, perpendicular to outer
sidewalls 496a, 496b, which are, in turn, folded inwardly (toward
the viewer), to be perpendicular to back wall 472. Inner side flaps
403a, 403b are folded inwardly, until tabs 405a, 405b are received
in slots 498a, 498b. Flaps 410a, 410b will be captured between
outer sidewalls 496a, 496b, and their respective inner sidewalls
403a, 403b. When flaps 499a, 499b are folded so as to overlie
bottom wall 482, flaps 489a, 489b are inserted through the openings
created by flaps 401a, 401b, and vice versa, to help hold flaps
499a, 499b in place, and maintain bottom wall 482 in place, during
subsequent articulation steps.
[0115] Flaps 406a and 406b are folded forward relative to walls
496a and 496b, respectively. Wall 492 is folded up perpendicular to
bottom wall 482. Flap 494 is folded down and in, so that tabs 495a,
495b engage notches 500a and 500b, respectively.
[0116] If a maximum amount of volume within the interior of tray
470 is desired, inner back wall 415 may be torn away from inner top
wall 412, along cuts/perforations 414c, 414d, 414e (although this
may not be desired, as a surface having a less than desired surface
finish may be exposed). Then, inner top wall 412 is folded
downwardly and inwardly, into the receiving region which has now
been formed, until tabs 413a, 413b, are received in slots 407a,
407b.
[0117] By leaving inner back wall 415 attached to inner top wall
412, then by different methods of articulation of inner back wall
415 and inner bottom wall 419, and the tabs and mini-panels, can be
used, to arrive at different interior volumes and architectures for
tray 470.
[0118] The distance from fold line(s) 414c-e to fold line 419c is
slightly less than the distance from fold line 484 to fold line
407, so that if inner bottom wall 419 is folded, relative to inner
back wall 415, along fold line 419c, then inner back wall 415 (upon
folding inwardly of inner top wall 412, and simultaneous folding
outward of wall 415, with respect to top wall 412, overlies back
wall 472 in its entirety, from fold lines 414c-e, to fold line
419c. Such an orientation is shown, in the environment of exposed
trays, in FIG. 20 herein. Upon further articulation, inner bottom
wall 419 overlies bottom wall 482 (with flaps 499a, 499b, 401a,
401b, between them), wall 422 is folded up perpendicular to its
respective bottom wall. Nicks 427a and b are separated, then flaps
428a and 428b, and 419a and 419b are folded up with flaps 428a, b
folded behind flaps 419a, b. This embodiment will result in a
volume having slightly less depth and height than the prior
embodiment, due to the presence of the inner top, back and bottom
walls.
[0119] The distance between fold line 419c and 415a is slightly
less than the distance between fold lines 491 and 493. In another
alternative embodiment, instead of folding inner bottom wall 419
relative to inner back wall 415, along fold line 419c, the fold is
accomplished along line 415a, instead. This positions inner bottom
wall 419 in parallel, vertically spaced relation to bottom wall
482, just below the top edge of the front wall formed by panels
492, 494, and double fold line 493. This is shown, in the
environment of the exposed tray displays, in FIG. 17. Panels 419a
and 419b, and 328a and 328b, and 422 are folded down, toward bottom
wall 482, to help support inner bottom wall 419 above bottom wall
482. In this embodiment, the projections 416a-d are still not
deployed, but their respective component tabs 417a and 417b are
still "flush" with their surrounding panels. In this embodiment,
there is substantially less height in the enclosed volume, to
accommodate shorter packages, without the need for a void
filler.
[0120] In a still further embodiment, projections 416a-d are
deployed, during articulation, or thereafter, by one inserting a
finger or tool, into each opening 418, and pulling on one or the
other of tab pairs 417a, 417b, until each projection 416a-416d
"pops" out, at a right angle, so that tabs 417a, 417b and adjacent
portions of inner back wall 415, and the adjacent mini-panels 420a,
b or c form, from the side, a square contour, as is visible, in the
environment of an exposed tray display, in FIG. 18. When
projections 416a-d are deployed, there is less available depth to
the interior volume of the tray, to accommodate thinner packages or
a lower count of packages for a row (front to back) or both, again
without requiring a separate void filler.
[0121] Tray 470 is also configured to be a stand-alone countertop
display tray, if so desired. This orientation is obtained by
pushing easel panels 474 and 486 outwardly, and folding panels 476
toward 474 and 488 toward 486, until acute angles are formed
between them. Each of panels 476 and 488 have laterally projecting
"ears" that form shoulders with adjacent tab portions. Respective
knockout pairs 475a, 475b and 487a, 487b leave behind rectangular
openings, into which the top projecting portions of panels 476 and
488 are received, with the shoulders formed by the laterally
projecting ears catching on the opposed distal edges of the
respective pairs of knockout openings, to form one support,
extending from the bottom of the tray, and another, extending
outwardly and downwardly from the back wall of the tray, to form an
inclined display.
[0122] FIG. 15 is an illustration of a blank for a vertical
extension 350, for use with the exposed tray floorstand of FIG. 12.
Blank 350 includes center panel 352; fold lines 353a and 353b; side
panels 354a and 354b; elongated slots 355a-d; side panel hook tabs
356a and 356b, formed by fold lines 358a and 359a and cut 357a, and
fold lines 358b and 359b and cut 357b, respectively; and side panel
flaps 360a and 360b. Blank 350 also includes tabs 362a, 362b,
having tab ends 364a, 364b, and fold lines 363a, 363b,
respectively.
[0123] Making reference to FIGS. 12, 15 and 19, vertical extension
is formed by folding panels 354a and 354b perpendicular to panel
352. Flaps 360a and 360b are folded away from their respective tabs
356a, 356b. Tabs 356a, 356b are inserted into slots 240g and 240f,
and 236e and f, respectively, while tabs 364a, 364b are inserted
into slots 246c and 246d, respectively.
[0124] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exposed tray floorstand
display, with base 200, employing shallow trays 470, and riser 190,
and without a front extension.
[0125] FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of an
exposed tray floorstand display, in which the tray 470 is
articulated into a slip sleeve configuration without deployed
spacer projections ("bumps").
[0126] FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of an
exposed tray floorstand display, with base 200 in which the shallow
tray 470 is articulated into a slip sleeve configuration, with
deployed spacer projections ("bumps").
[0127] FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of an upper portion
of an exposed tray floorstand display, showing the vertical
extension 350 attached to the upper edge of base 200.
[0128] FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of an
exposed tray floorstand display, in which the tray 470 is
articulated into a clamshell configuration.
[0129] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an exposed tray floorstand
display, having base 200, front extension 250, employing two deep
trays 270, and riser 190.
[0130] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an exposed tray floorstand
display, having base 200, front extension 250, with vertical
extension 350, employing four deep trays 270, in different
configurations.
[0131] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an exposed tray floorstand
display, having base 200, front extension 250, with vertical
extension 350, employing three deep trays 270, in different
configurations, and riser 190.
[0132] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the lower portion of an
exposed tray floorstand display, showing the front extension 250,
being affixed to the front of base 200.
[0133] While the present invention, as illustrated and described,
shows two general embodiments of floorstand bases, using "shallow"
and "deep trays" (wherein the deep trays are approximately twice as
deep as the shallow trays), it is to be understood that trays
having other depths, and relative proportions, may be employed in
this modular system, and may be appreciated and understood by one
having ordinary skill in the art, having the present disclosure
before them, without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0134] The foregoing description and drawings merely explain and
illustrate the invention, and the invention is not limited except
insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in
the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make
modifications and variations therein without departing from the
scope of the invention.
* * * * *