U.S. patent application number 10/659736 was filed with the patent office on 2004-05-06 for merchandising system.
This patent application is currently assigned to DCI Marketing, Inc.. Invention is credited to Berglund, Terrence G., Bryson, M. Scott, Richter, Gary M..
Application Number | 20040084392 10/659736 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32179718 |
Filed Date | 2004-05-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040084392 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Richter, Gary M. ; et
al. |
May 6, 2004 |
Merchandising system
Abstract
A merchandising system is disclosed. The merchandising system
provides for the presentation and storage of articles comprising a
frame comprising a plurality of generally horizontal members
configured for attachment of a holder and at least one frame member
provided to rigidify the plurality of horizontal members so that
the frame is resistant to deformation when the holder is attached
to one or more of the plurality of horizontal members.
Inventors: |
Richter, Gary M.; (Waukesha,
WI) ; Bryson, M. Scott; (Brookfield, WI) ;
Berglund, Terrence G.; (Hales Corners, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Scott M. Day
Foley & Lardner
Suite 3800
777 East Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee
WI
53202-5306
US
|
Assignee: |
DCI Marketing, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
32179718 |
Appl. No.: |
10/659736 |
Filed: |
September 10, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60409612 |
Sep 10, 2002 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/59.3 ;
211/103; 211/106 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 5/0838
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/059.3 ;
211/103; 211/106 |
International
Class: |
A47F 001/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A merchandising system for presenting and storing articles
comprising: a grid comprising a plurality of vertical members and a
plurality of horizontal members arranged in a generally planar
configuration and oriented so that one or more tray systems may be
attached to the grid at select locations; and members coupled to
the grid and providing support to the grid to maintain the
generally planar configuration of the grid when the one or more
tray systems are attached to the grid.
2. The merchandising system of claim 1 wherein the members comprise
at least one of the following structures: (a) a square tube, (b) an
L-channel, (c) a C-channel, and (d) a U-channel.
3. The merchandising system of claim 2 wherein the members comprise
about a one inch square tube of about 11 gauge steel.
4. The merchandising system of claim 3 wherein the members are
coupled to the vertical members so that the grid resists
deformation in one or more directions.
5. The merchandising system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of
vertical members and the plurality of horizontal members are
generally perpendicular to one another when the one or more tray
systems are attached to the grids.
6. The merchandising system of claim 1 wherein the members provide
support to the grid so that articles may be presented and stored
along generally linear lines.
7. The merchandising system of claim 1 wherein the grid is
configured to support tray systems of different sizes
interchangeably.
8. The merchandising system of claim 1 further comprising a base
for supporting the grid.
9. The merchandising system of claim 8 wherein the base comprises
one or more vertical members.
10. The merchandising system of claim 9 further comprising brackets
for coupling the grid to the one or more vertical members.
11. The merchandising system of claim 10 wherein the vertical
members comprise apertures for engaging with the brackets.
12. The merchandising system of claim 1 further comprising a tray
system for presenting and storing articles, wherein the tray system
is coupled to the grid.
13. The merchandising system of claim 1 wherein the vertical
members have a diameter of about 0.30 to 0.425 inches.
14. The merchandising system of claim 13 wherein the vertical
members have a diameter of about 0.375 inches.
15. The merchandising system of claim 1 wherein the horizontal
members have a diameter of about 0.285 to 0.35 inches.
16. The merchandising system of claim 15 wherein the horizontal
members have a diameter of about 0.306 to about 0.312 inches.
17. The merchandising system of claim 1 further comprising a
plurality of grids.
18. A merchandising system for supporting tray systems comprising:
a support assembly having vertical members and horizontal members
and configured so that the tray systems may be attached at select
locations; and at least one member fixedly attached to the support
assembly and configured to resist deformation of the support
assembly.
19. The merchandising system of claim 18 wherein the at least one
member is attached to the vertical members.
20. The merchandising system of claim 19 wherein the support
assembly is configured to support the tray systems in a generally
linear orientation.
21. The merchandising system of claim 20 wherein the support
assembly is configured to support tray systems of different sizes
interchangeably.
22. The merchandising system of claim 21 wherein the at least one
member comprises one of the following structures: (a) a square
tube, (b) an L-channel, (c) a C-channel, and (d) a U-channel.
23. The merchandising system of claim 22 further comprising a base
for supporting the support assembly, the base comprising one or
more vertical elements.
24. The merchandising system of claim 23 further comprising a
plurality of tray systems coupled to the support assembly.
25. A merchandising system for storing and presenting products on a
shelf or display case comprising: means for supporting a plurality
of tray systems at select locations; and means for providing
strength and rigidity to the merchandising system and configured to
resist deformation of the means for supporting the plurality of
tray systems.
26. A merchandising system for supporting products comprising: a
plurality of vertically oriented members; a plurality of
horizontally oriented members coupled to the vertically oriented
members in a grid formation; and frame members coupled to the
vertically oriented members such that the grid formation resists
deformation.
27. The merchandising system of claim 26 wherein the frame members
comprise at least one of the following structures: (a) a square
tube, (b) an L-channel, (c) a C-channel, and (d) a U-channel.
28. A merchandising system for presenting and storing articles
comprising: a frame comprising a plurality of generally horizontal
members configured for attachment of a holder; and at least one
frame member provided to rigidify the plurality of horizontal
members so that the frame is resistant to deformation when the
holder is attached to one or more of the plurality of horizontal
members.
29. The merchandising system of claim 28 wherein the holder is
removable.
30. The merchandising system of claim 29 wherein the holder is a
tray system.
31. The merchandising system of claim 28 wherein the frame is
configured for attachment of a holder by way of hooks.
32. The merchandising system of claim 28 wherein the frame further
comprises a plurality of generally vertical members arranged in a
grid with the plurality of horizontal members.
33. The merchandising system of claim 28 wherein the plurality of
horizontal members are arranged in a grid.
34. The merchandising system of claim 33 wherein the plurality of
horizontal members are arranged in a generally planar
configuration.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority as
may be available under 35 U.S.C. .sctn..sctn. 119-121 from the
following application: U.S. Patent Application No. 60/409,612
("MERCHANDISING SYSTEM") filed Sep. 10, 2002 (incorporated herein
by reference).
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
merchandising systems. In particular, the present invention relates
to merchandising systems providing for support of articles and/or
one or more tray systems.
[0003] It is known to provide for a merchandising system that may
be used for displaying articles in consumer settings such as
grocery stores, retail outlets, shops, etc. Such known
merchandising systems may be used to present, display and store
articles in fixed or limited spaces such as on shelves, in display
cases, cabinets, etc.
[0004] It is beneficial when merchandising articles to allow
potential customers to view or handle them in a convenient and
comfortable manner. It is also beneficial to be able to provide for
relatively neat and orderly presentation of articles. However,
within fixed or limited spaces, known merchandising systems may not
be configured to allow for relatively neat and orderly presentation
of articles. Such known merchandising systems do not always provide
articles and/or one or more tray systems in straight, linear,
and/or level arrangements. For example, some known merchandising
systems do not provide strong and/or rigid support for articles
and/or one or more tray systems. This supportive configuration can
be an important feature for customers and store personnel because
it enables articles to be merchandised with less sagging,
deformation, and/or movement of the merchandising system.
[0005] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a
merchandising system that may provide for relatively neat and
orderly presentation of articles. It would also be advantageous to
provide a merchandising system that may provide a strong and/or
rigid support for article and/or one or more tray systems. It would
also be advantageous to provide a merchandising system that may
provide articles and/or one or more tray systems in straight,
linear, or level arrangements. It would also be advantageous to
provide a merchandising system that may be configured to resist
sagging, deformation, bowing, and/or movement due to article
weight. It would also be advantageous to provide a merchandising
system that may provide a rigid support for article having
relatively high weight and/or density.
[0006] It would be advantageous to provide a merchandising system
or the like of a type disclosed in the present application that
provides any one or more of these or other advantageous
features.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention relates to a merchandising system for
presenting and storing products. The merchandising system comprises
a grid comprising a plurality of vertical members and a plurality
of horizontal members arranged in a generally planar configuration
and oriented so that one or more tray systems may be attached to
the grid at select locations. In addition, the merchandising system
comprises members coupled to the grid and providing support to the
grid to maintain the generally planar configuration of the grid
when the one or more tray systems are attached to the grid.
[0008] The present invention also relates to a merchandising system
for supporting tray systems comprising a support assembly having
vertical members and horizontal members and configured so that the
tray systems may be attached at select locations. In addition, the
merchandising system includes at least one member fixedly attached
to the support assembly and configured to resist deformation of the
support assembly.
[0009] The present invention also relates to a merchandising system
for storing and presenting products on a shelf or display case
comprising a means for supporting a plurality of tray systems at
select locations, and a means for providing strength and rigidity
to the merchandising system and configured to resist deformation of
the means for supporting the plurality of tray systems.
[0010] The present invention also relates to a merchandising system
for supporting products comprising a plurality of vertically
oriented members, a plurality of horizontally oriented members
coupled to the vertically oriented members in a grid formation, and
frame members coupled to the vertically oriented members such that
the grid formation resists deformation.
[0011] The present invention also relates to a merchandising system
for presenting and storing articles comprising a frame comprising a
plurality of generally horizontal members configured for attachment
of a holder, and at least one frame member provided to rigidify the
plurality of horizontal members so that the frame is resistant to
deformation when the holder is attached to one or more of the
plurality of horizontal members.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a merchandising system
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the
merchandising system.
[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded front perspective view of the
merchandising system.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the merchandising
system.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a front and side view of merchandising system
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a top view of a merchandising system according to
an exemplary embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a fastener for use
with a merchandising system according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a merchandising system
according to an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 8, various exemplary and
alternative embodiments of a merchandising system intended for
displaying articles such as products, containers, items, units,
etc. in consumer settings such as grocery stores, retail outlets,
shops, etc. are shown. According to a preferred embodiment, the
merchandising system is intended to dispense, store, merchandise,
display, etc. articles to provide for the space-efficient
presentation of groups of articles within a given or fixed display
area, and/or to allow for convenient and orderly presentation,
dispensing, and storage of articles (such as products or product
containers) having any of a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and
profiles (e.g., rectangular, non-rectangular, etc.).
[0021] FIGS. 1 through 8 show a merchandising system 10 according
to an exemplary embodiment. System 10 includes a base 22 (e.g.,
grid, support, frame, framework, backing, etc.) having a frame 30
and a grid 40. The grid 40 includes vertical members 42, horizontal
members 44, and frame members 46.
[0022] According to various exemplary embodiments, one or more tray
system 52 (e.g., tray, holder, carrier, container, shelf, platform,
etc.) may be provided. The tray system may be provided on an
existing merchandising system such as a shelf, grid system, display
case, etc. The tray system may be configured to hold, display,
retain, store, or otherwise receive articles such as product (e.g.,
goods, displayed objects, etc.). The tray system may provide for
the space division and orderly and convenient presentation of such
articles.
[0023] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, base 22 comprises a frame 30
(e.g., vertical component/element, frame, stand, member, etc.) and
grid 40 (e.g., grid module, wire module, wire frame, support,
support element, etc.). Base 22 may be configured to connect or
couple adjacent systems into a larger overall merchandising system.
According to a preferred embodiment, the base has a "modular"
construction and facilitates use with other bases, shelves, or a
variety of other existing merchandising systems, including shelving
units, support surfaces, grids, brackets, hangers, etc.
[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment, the frame 30 may
comprise one or more members 32 (e.g., vertical component, vertical
element, etc.). As shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, the frame 30 comprises
two vertical members 32. A number of apertures 34 (e.g., slots,
mounting points, etc.) may be provided along members 32 as shown in
FIGS. 3 and 8. Apertures 34 provide a mounting area for attaching
grid 40 to members 32.
[0025] Frame 30 may be attached to a wall, floor, base, support,
stand, etc. to provide stability or overall support to the
merchandising system. For example, the frame may be attached to a
cooler in a retail or display setting. According to other exemplary
embodiments, the frame may be attached to any shelving or display
system. According to various alternative embodiments, the frame may
be omitted and the one or more grid may be coupled directly to
other support structures (e.g., screwed, bolted, etc. directly to a
wall, case, frame, etc.).
[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more grid 40
(e.g., grid module, wire module, wire frame, support, support
assembly, etc.) may be coupled to frame 30. According to a
preferred embodiment, the grid has a "modular" construction and
facilitates use with many structures, shelves, bases, etc.
According to an exemplary embodiment, brackets 50 are provided to
couple the grid 40 to the frame 30. As an example, the brackets may
be similar to those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,248, the
entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment, merchandising system
10 may include right and left brackets for use on either the
corresponding right or left side of the system 10. Right and left
brackets may be mirror images of one another. FIG. 7 shows a right
bracket 50 according to an exemplary embodiment. Bracket 50
includes a generally z-shaped member 68 having a first leg 70, a
second leg 72, and a center portion 74. The first leg 70 is
generally rectangular and includes a hook portion 76 extending
outwardly from the first leg 70 in a direction away from the second
leg 72 and away from the center portion 74. The hook portion 76 is
configured to engage with the apertures 34 of the members 32. The
center portion 74 is generally rectangular and is at about a 90
degree angle with respect to the first leg 70. The center portion
74 has apertures 78 with diameters of about 1/8 to 1/2 inches,
preferably about 1/4 inches. The second leg 72 is also generally
rectangular and oriented at about a 90 degree angle with respect to
the center portion 74 extending outwardly from the center portion
74 in a generally parallel orientation to the first leg 70. The
second leg 72 has three holes 82 spaced so as to correspond to the
spacing of horizontal members 44 of the grid 40. The bracket 50 is
preferably integrally formed as one piece and is made from
steel.
[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment, a pair of screws 84
and plate 86 may be used to secure grid 40 to brackets 70. Plate 86
is generally rectangular and has apertures 88 configured to hold
screws 84. Plate 86 is preferably made from steel.
[0029] To secure grid 40 to members 32, bracket 50 is assembled by
threading each screw 84 through an aperture 88 in plate 86 then
through center portion 74 through an aperture 78 such that plate 86
is between the head of screw 84 and center portion 74. The
horizontal members 44 are inserted in holes 82 in the second leg
72. The horizontal members 44 should be positioned between the
plate 86 and the center portion 74. Screws 84 may be tightened such
that the plate 86, screws 84 and bracket 50 cooperate to secure the
horizontal members 44 in place. This procedure may be repeated on
the left side. The grid 40 with brackets 50 attached can then be
secured to the members 32 (or other support assembly) by placing
the hook portions 76 of brackets 50 in a respective aperture 34 in
members 32.
[0030] Grid 40 may comprise one or more vertical members 42, one or
more horizontal members 44, and one or more frame members 46. As
shown in FIGS. 1 through 6, and 8, one or more vertical member 42
(e.g., wire, rod, tube, extended member, etc.) may be provided for
the grid 40. The vertical members 42 add strength and/or rigidity
to the grid 40. According to a particularly preferred embodiment,
eight vertical members 42 are provided. According to other
alternative embodiments, any number of vertical wires may be
provided for the grid. The vertical members 42 prevent the
horizontal members 44 from bending, deforming, "drooping", or
otherwise being moved from position.
[0031] The vertical members 42 are spaced apart from each other
along a width of the grid 40. According to an exemplary embodiment,
the vertical members 42 are spaced apart about 2.5 inches to 8.5
inches, preferably about 4.875 inches to 6.925 inches. According to
an exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the vertical members 42 is
about 0.1 to 0.5 inches, preferably about 0.375 inches. According
to other alternative embodiments, the vertical members may be
placed and/or arranged along some or all of the width of the grid
according to any suitable configuration.
[0032] According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more horizontal
members 44 (e.g., wire, rod, tube, extended member, etc.) may be
provided with the grid 40. The horizontal members 44 may be
configured to work with one or more tray systems and provide
flexibility in the positioning and placement of the various trays.
According to an exemplary embodiment, eighteen horizontal members
44 are provided, each spaced approximately one inch apart.
According to another embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 6, and 8,
nine horizontal members 44 are be provided. According to other
alternative embodiments, any number of members may be provided
along the grid. The horizontal members may be spaced apart from
each other along any portion or the entire width of the grid.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the
horizontal member may be about 0.1 to about 0.5 inches, preferably
about 0.306 to 0.312 inches.
[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more frame
members 46 (e.g., member, tube, L-channel, C-channel, U-channel,
square tube backer, reinforcement, etc.) may be provided with the
grid 40. According to a preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1
through 5, and 8, the grid 40 may have two frame members 46 (shown
as square tubes) provided on the back side of the grid 40.
According to alternative embodiments, the frame members 46 may have
a variety of shapes, including L-channels, C-channels, U-channels,
round shapes, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, the frame
member may be a square tube made from about 9 to 13 gauge steel
having sides measuring about 0.5 to 2.0 inches in length. According
to a preferred embodiment, the frame member is about a one inch
square tube made from about 11 gauge steel.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 through 6, and 8, the frame member 46
may be coupled, fastened or attached to the vertical members 42.
According to a preferred embodiment, the frame member 46 is welded
to the vertical members 42. According to alternative embodiments,
any fastening method or technique may be used, including adhesives,
mechanical fasteners, etc.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 6, and 8, the frame member 46
may extend along the length of the grid 40. According to a
preferred embodiment, a frame member 46 may be provided along the
upper and lower portions of the grid 40. According to alternative
embodiments, one or more frame members may be provided on the grid
in any variety of locations, including the center, upper and/or
lower portion of the grid. According to other embodiments, the
frame member may extend in any direction on the grid (e.g., up,
down, diagonal, etc.) and may extend across only a portion of the
grid (e.g., across half of the grid). According to other
embodiments, the frame member may comprise separate parts or
elements connected to each other or may be formed integrally as one
part.
[0036] According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more tray
system (e.g., tray, storage, holder, container, divider system,
etc.) may be provided in the merchandising system. One or more tray
systems may be provided in the merchandising system to display
and/or store articles. According to one exemplary embodiment, the
tray system may be of a type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,248.
According to various alternative embodiments, any number of
suitable trays, dividers, storage bins, holders, etc. may be
provided in the merchandising system.
[0037] According to various exemplary embodiments, the assemblies
and components of the merchandising system may be constructed from
a variety of suitable materials, including metals, alloys,
composites, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, the
horizontal members of the grid are assembled and constructed from
steel wire having a diameter of about 0.25 to about 0.35 inches,
preferably about 0.306 to 0.312 inches. According to an exemplary
embodiment, the frame member may be a square tube made from about 9
to 13 gauge steel having sides measuring about 0.5 to 2.0 inches in
length. According to a preferred embodiment, the frame member is
about a one inch square tube made from about 11 gauge steel.
[0038] Conventional arrangements of merchandising systems may allow
"sagging" or "drooping" of the tray systems provided on the
merchandising system. For example, tray systems may be provided on
a grid. The tray systems may be used to display and/or store
articles. The articles may have a high weight and/or density.
Conventional merchandising systems may not be fully suited to
display and/or store heavy weight or high density articles. The
weight of the articles may cause deformation and/or movement of the
grid. For example, the grid may deform, and/or move in a number of
directions, including along axis X-X shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, along
axis Y-Y shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, along axis Z-Z shown in FIGS. 3
and 8, and twisting or torsional deformation and/or movement along
other axes and directions.
[0039] The exemplary embodiments of disclosed merchandising system
have increased strength and/or rigidity. The merchandising system
shown in the FIGURES allows for the presentation of articles along
straight and/or linear lines. For example, horizontal rows of trays
may be presented to a customer in a relatively neat or orderly
straight line (e.g., parallel to axis X-X in FIG. 8, generally
planar, etc.). The grid also resists deformation or movement in a
direction shown along axis Z-Z in FIG. 8 and axis Y-Y in FIG. 8.
The resulting displayed articles may be displayed along linear,
orderly lines for viewing by a customer.
[0040] The frame members provided on the grid assist in
strengthening and/or rigidifying the merchandising system to resist
sagging or deformation. The vertical wires, having larger
diameters, also help to resist sagging or deformation. Accordingly,
the merchandising system shown in the FIGURES reduces movement
and/or deformation due to the weight of articles. This results in
the display, storage and/or presentation of articles in the trays
being relatively more neat, orderly, linear, straight, etc.
[0041] It is important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the elements of the merchandising system as shown in
the preferred and other exemplary embodiments is illustrative only.
Although only a few embodiments of the present inventions have been
described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art
who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many
modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,
structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values
of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,
orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel
teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. It is
important to note that any dimensions shown are dimensions of
particularly preferred embodiments, and are not intended to be
limited to those dimensions. Elements shown as integrally formed
may be constructed of multiple parts or elements show as multiple
parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may
be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the
structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the
system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions
provided between the elements may be varied (e.g., by variations in
the number of engagement slots or size of the engagement slots or
type of engagement). It should be noted that the elements and/or
assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide
variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or
durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures and
combinations. It should also be noted that the system may be used
in association with a rotating display, or alternatively other,
fixed and non-movable displays or any of a wide variety of other
surfaces in any of a wide variety of other applications.
Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included
within the scope of the present inventions. The order or sequence
of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced
according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any
means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures
described herein as performing the recited function and not only
structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other
substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in
the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred
and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit
of the present inventions.
* * * * *