U.S. patent application number 11/759742 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-06 for interlocking nestable article holder.
This patent application is currently assigned to SANFORD, L.P.. Invention is credited to Michael L. Pyle, Aaron W. Smith.
Application Number | 20080053862 11/759742 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38754758 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080053862 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pyle; Michael L. ; et
al. |
March 6, 2008 |
Interlocking Nestable Article Holder
Abstract
An article holder is provided including a bottom panel, a back
wall extending from a rear edge of the bottom panel, first and
second side walls extending from side edges of the bottom panel,
each side wall being coupled to the back wall along a rear edge
each side wall, a front flange spanning between the first and
second side walls along front edges of the first and second side
walls, and a slot in the bottom panel extending from the first side
wall to the second side wall. The first and second side walls are
farther apart from one another at front edges of the first and
second side walls than at rear edges of the first and second side
walls and the slot is adapted to receive a front flange of another
like article holder when two or more article holders are stacked in
a nested configuration.
Inventors: |
Pyle; Michael L.; (Sugar
Grove, IL) ; Smith; Aaron W.; (Plainfield,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARSHALL, GERSTEIN & BORUN LLP
233 S. WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 6300, SEARS TOWER
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
SANFORD, L.P.
Oak Brook
IL
|
Family ID: |
38754758 |
Appl. No.: |
11/759742 |
Filed: |
June 7, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60806421 |
Jun 30, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/505 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B42F 7/12 20130101; B42F
7/145 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/505 |
International
Class: |
B65D 21/032 20060101
B65D021/032 |
Claims
1. An article holder comprising: a bottom panel; a back wall
extending from a rear edge of the bottom panel; first and second
side walls extending from side edges of the bottom panel, each side
wall being coupled to the back wall along a rear edge each side
wall; a front flange spanning between the first and second side
walls along front edges of the first and second side walls; and a
slot in the bottom panel extending from the first side wall to the
second side wall; wherein the first and second side walls are
farther apart from one another at front edges of the first and
second side walls than at rear edges of the first and second side
walls and the slot is adapted to receive a front flange of another
like article holder when two or more article holders are stacked in
a nested configuration.
2. The article holder of claim 1, wherein the slot extends into the
first and second side walls, thereby forming a side wall portion of
the slot.
3. The article holder of claim 2, wherein the front flange is
slanted rearward, toward the back wall, moving upward, away from
the bottom panel.
4. The article holder of claim 3, wherein the side wall portion of
the slot is slanted rearward, toward the back wall moving away from
the bottom panel.
5. The article holder of claim 4, wherein the side wall portion of
the slot and the front flange are slanted at approximately the same
angle relative to the bottom panel.
6. The article holder of claim 2, wherein the front flange is
slanted forward, away from the back, wall, in a direction away from
the bottom panel.
7. The article holder of claim 6, wherein the side wall portion of
the slot is slanted forward, away from the back wall in a direction
away from the bottom panel.
8. The article holder of claim 7, wherein the side wall portion of
the slot and the front flange are slanted at approximately the same
angle relative to the bottom panel.
9. The article holder of claim 2, wherein the slot extends into one
of the first side wall and the second side wall a distance greater
than a height of the front flange.
10. The article holder of claim 1 comprising a plurality of
slots.
11. The article holder of claim 10, wherein the plurality of slots
are uniformly spaced apart.
12. The article holder of claim 11, wherein the slots are spaced
approximately 2 inches from one another.
13. The article holder of claim 1 comprising a side wall slot in
one of the first and second side walls that extends partially into,
but not completely across, the bottom panel.
14. The article holder of claim 1, wherein the first and second
side walls diverge from one another in a linear fashion from the
back wall towards the front flange.
15. The article holder of claim 14, wherein the divergence of the
first and second side walls from the back wall towards the front
flange is in a range of approximately 1 degree to approximately 7
degrees.
16. The article holder of claim 1, wherein the first and second
side walls diverge from one another in a curvilinear fashion from
the back wall towards the front flange.
17. The article holder of claim 1, further comprising a window in
the back wall.
18. The article holder of claim 1, further comprising a window in
one of the first and second side walls.
19. The article holder of claim 1, wherein top edges of the first
and second side walls are curved.
20. The article holder of claim 1, wherein the front flange is a
nesting stop that contacts an upper edge of a slot of another
article holder when two or more article holders are stacked in a
nested configuration.
21. The article holder of claim 1, wherein the back wall is angled
forward, toward the front flange in a direction away from the
bottom panel.
22. The article holder of claim 1, wherein the back wall is angled
rearward, away from the front flange in a direction away from the
bottom panel.
23. An article holder comprising: a bottom panel; a back wall
extending from a rear edge of the bottom panel; a pair of side
walls extending from respective side edges of the bottom panel; and
a front flange extending between front edges of the side walls, the
front flange having a lower portion; wherein the bottom panel
includes a narrowed portion and the lower portion of the front
flange is adapted to receive the narrowed portion of a bottom panel
of another article holder when two or more article holders are
stacked in a nested configuration.
24. The article holder of claim 22, wherein the bottom panel has an
hourglass-shape.
25. The article holder of claim 22, wherein the front flange has a
scallop-shaped top edge.
26. The article holder of claim 24, wherein the scallop-shaped top
edge prevents lateral movement between like article holders when
two or more article holders are stacked in a nested
configuration.
27. The article holder of claim 22, wherein the lower portion of
the front flange is substantially coplanar with the bottom
panel.
28. A method of stacking two or more article holders comprising:
providing a first article holder comprising: a bottom panel; a back
wall extending from a rear edge of the bottom panel; a pair of side
walls extending from respective side edges of the bottom panel,
each side wall being coupled to the back wall along a rear edge of
the respective side wall; a front flange spanning between the side
walls along respective front edges of the side walls; and a
plurality of slots in the bottom panel extending from one side wall
to the other side wall; providing a second article holder
comprising: a bottom panel; a back wall extending from a rear edge
of the bottom panel; a pair of side walls extending from respective
side edges of the bottom panel, each side wall being coupled to the
back wall along a rear edge of the respective side wall; a front
flange spanning between the side walls along respective front edges
of the side walls; and a plurality of slots in the bottom panel
extending from one side wall to the other side wall; aligning the
first article holder with a storage space of the second article
holder; aligning the front flange of the second article holder with
a slot in the plurality of slots in the first article holder; and
inserting the front flange of the second article holder into the
slot in the first article holder.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein the step of inserting the front
flange of the second article holder into the slot in the first
article holder includes inserting the front flange of the second
article holder into the slot in the first article holder until a
top edge of the front flange of the second article holder contacts
a top of the slot in the first article holder.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Application
No. 60/806,421, filed Jun. 30, 2006, and is entitled to the benefit
of the filing date thereof for all commonly disclosed subject
matter.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0003] The disclosure relates generally to magazine, file, and
document holders, and more particularly to interlocking nestable
holders for organizing and storing magazines, files, and other
documents in an orderly fashion.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] File folder racks and magazine holders are known in the art.
These articles are typically configured to support a plurality of
magazines, folders, documents, or the like adjacent one another and
in a generally vertical or standing orientation. These types of
storage products are, as a result, relatively tall in nature and
relatively wide or deep in order to accommodate a desired width or
length of magazine, file folder, or the like. Thus, such products
occupy a substantial amount of shelf space when shipped, stocked
and/or displayed for sale.
[0006] The consumption of relatively large amounts of retail shelf
space by such products is problematic, as retail shelf space is
extremely valuable and manufacturers compete vigorously for
adequate shelf space to display their products. Any inefficient use
of retail shelf space can lead to a manufacturer's products not
being adequately displayed, as well as a reduction in the number of
different products a manufacturer may be allowed to display in a
given retail store.
[0007] Because the profit margin for these items can be relatively
small, a means for packaging these items in a compact manner is
important for reducing shipment and handling costs.
[0008] Typical magazine holders can only be stacked with one other
identical holder by inverting one of the holders, rotating it 180
degrees, and placing it on top of and nesting it with the other of
the holders. Holders stacked and nested in this manner are
susceptible to movement relative to one another, and can be
damaged. Thus, additional packaging materials, such as cardboard,
Styrofoam, plastic film and the like must be utilized to prevent
product damage from relative movement between such holders, such as
scuffing or scratching during shipment and handling.
[0009] These types of holders are typically individually packaged
or packaged in pairs for shipping. Upon being prepared to be
displayed for sale, the products are then unpackaged by the
retailer if packaged in pairs, further increasing handling
labor.
[0010] Generally, these types of holders have included a relatively
short front flange in an effort to prevent the articles from
falling out of a front of these types of holders, while not unduly
limiting the ability to nest the holders. However, such short front
flanges of conventional article holders of this nature have been
inadequate to prevent magazines, files, and other documents from
falling forward, out of the holders intended to retain them.
SUMMARY
[0011] An article holder is provided including a bottom panel, a
back wall extending from a rear edge of the bottom panel, first and
second side walls extending from side edges of the bottom panel,
each side wall being coupled to the back wall along a rear edge
each side wall, a front flange spanning between the first and
second side walls along front edges of the first and second side
walls, and a slot in the bottom panel extending from the first side
wall to the second side wall. The first and second side walls are
farther apart from one another at front edges of the first and
second side walls than at rear edges of the first and second side
walls and the slot is adapted to receive a front flange of another
like article holder when two or more article holders are stacked in
a nested configuration.
[0012] In another embodiment, the article holder includes a bottom
panel, a back wall extending from a rear edge of the bottom panel,
a pair of side walls extending from respective side edges of the
bottom panel, and a front flange extending between front edges of
the side walls, the front flange having a lower portion. The bottom
panel includes a narrowed portion and the lower portion of the
front flange is adapted to receive the narrowed portion of a bottom
panel of another article holder when two or more article holders
are stacked in a nested configuration.
[0013] Likewise a method of staking article holders includes
providing first and second article holders, aligning the first
article holder with a storage space of the second article holder,
aligning a front flange of the second article holder with a slot in
the first article holder, and inserting the front flange of the
second article holder into the slot in the first article holder,
thereby forming a nested stack of article holders.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent upon reading the following description in
conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one example of an article
holder constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present
disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a top view of the article holder shown in FIG.
1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a front view of the article holder shown in FIG.
1;
[0018] FIG. 4A is a side view of the article holder shown in FIG.
1;
[0019] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the article holder shown in
FIG. 1, including two pairs of side wall slots.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the article holder of FIG.
1, as nested with a like article holder;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a front plan view of the two nested article
holders of FIG. 5;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the two nested article
holders of FIG. 5, taken along lines A-A of FIG. 6;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a side view of the two nested article holders of
FIG. 5;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a top view of the two nested article holders of
FIG. 5;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the article holder of FIG.
1, as nested with four like article holders;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a front plan view of the five nested article
holders of FIG. 10;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a side view of the five nested article holders
shown in FIG. 10;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a top view of the five nested article holders of
FIG. 10
[0029] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an article holder according
to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 15 is a side view of the article holder of FIG. 14;
[0031] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the article holder of FIG.
14, nested with a like article holder;
[0032] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an article holder according
to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 18 is a side view of the article holder of FIG. 17;
[0034] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the article holder of FIG.
18, as nested with a like article holder;
[0035] FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of an article holder
according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0036] FIG. 21 shows a front elevational view of the article holder
of FIG. 20.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0037] The present disclosure is generally directed to an organizer
or storage device, described herein as an article holder, or simply
a holder, for storing and/or organizing articles such as magazines,
file folders, documents, and the like in a generally upright,
vertical orientation. The disclosed holders are both stackable and
nestable with like holders. Furthermore, when stacked in a
cascading fashion and nested, the disclosed holders are interlocked
to prevent relative movement between the stacked and nested article
holders.
[0038] Additionally, when on display for sale to consumers, a
plurality of the stacked and nested holders occupy relatively
little shelf space as compared to conventional holders of this
type. By taking up less space, the stackable, nestable holders
disclosed herein result in more efficient packaging for shipping
and stocking, and during display for sale.
[0039] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a
perspective view of one example of a holder 20 constructed in
accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The holder
20 is configured for storing and/or organizing articles such as
magazines, documents, file folders, or the like in a generally
vertical orientation.
[0040] The disclosed holder 20 in this example has a generally
horizontally oriented bottom panel 22 and a rear panel or back wall
24. The back wall 24 in this example is coupled to and extends in a
generally upward direction from a rear edge 26 of the bottom panel
22. The holder 20 also has a pair of spaced apart and opposed side
walls or panels 28. Bottom edges of the side walls 28 in this
example are coupled to respective side edges 30 of the bottom panel
22. The side walls 28 extend in a generally upward direction from
the opposed side edges 30 of the bottom panel 22. The side walls 28
also have rear edges 33 coupled to respective side edges 32 of the
back wall 24. The side walls 28 extend in a forward direction from
the side edges 32 of the back wall 24.
[0041] In this example, a storage receptacle 31 is formed in the
space above the bottom panel 22, forward of the back wall 24, and
between the side walls 28. The gap between opposed front edges 34
of the side walls 28 above a forward edge 36 of the bottom panel 22
forms a front opening 38 for forward insertion and removal of
articles in the storage receptacle 31. The gap between opposed top
edges 40 of the side walls 28 forward of an upper edge 42 of the
back wall 24 forms a top opening 44, also for insertion and removal
of articles in the storage space 31. In this example, the entire
top opening 44 and a substantial majority of the front opening 38
are clear and unencumbered. This may not be the case in other
optional examples. As shown and described herein, a front flange 45
spans between the opposed side walls 28 and extends from the
forward edge 36 of the bottom panel 22. However, the front flange
45 need not be connected to the bottom panel 22, but rather, the
front flange 45 may be spaced apart from the bottom panel 22 if
desired. In this case, the front flange 45 extends sufficiently
from the forward edge 36 of the bottom panel 22 to provide a
forward barrier to any article, magazine or document stored in the
holder 20, thus preventing the articles, magazines or documents
from unintentionally tumbling out of the holder 20.
[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the holder 20 shown in FIG.
1. In this example, the holder includes a series of slots 46. These
slots 46 extend between the side walls 28 along the bottom panel 22
and away from the bottom panel 22 a distance into the side walls 28
(FIGS. 1 and 4), but not completely to the top edges 40 of the side
walls 28, thereby forming a top 47 in each slot 46. Generally, the
slots extend into the side walls 28 a distance only slightly
greater than a height of the front flange 45. The slots 46 of a
given holder 20 receive front flanges 45 of like holders 20
disposed beneath the given holder 20 when a plurality of the
holders 20 are stacked and nested. The slots 46 are generally
uniformly spaced both to provide a stable stack of holders 20
during nesting and to provide a more pleasing appearance. Because
of retail shelf depth constraints, it is recognized that there is a
limit to the number of holders 20 which may be nested in this
fashion. Thus, it is unnecessary for the entire depth of the
holders 20 to be provided with slots 46 extending completely across
the bottom panel 22. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, the two
slots 46a nearest the back wall 24 may only extend through a
portion of the side walls 28 and slightly into the bottom panel,
but not entirely across the bottom panel 22. These two rear-most
slots 46a, would then be provided only to maintain an aesthetically
pleasing appearance for the holder 20. The nesting feature will be
discussed further hereinafter.
[0043] As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 the side walls 28 diverge away from
one another from the back wall 24 towards the front flange 45,
producing a storage area 31 that is wider near the front flange 45
than near the back wall 24. In this example, the side walls diverge
from one another in a linear fashion. However, the divergence of
the side walls may be in a curvilinear fashion if desired. The back
wall 24 can include one or more optional openings or windows (not
shown in the figures of this embodiment). The windows may extend a
short distance upward from the rear edge 26 of the bottom panel 22.
The windows may extend partly into the rear edge 26 of the bottom
panel 22, if desired. The one or more openings or windows can be
provided to create a desired aesthetic appearance. However, the
openings or widows can also be incorporated to reduce overall
weight of the holder 20, to provide a view to the rear edge of the
contents stored within the receptacle 31, and/or to reduce cost per
unit based on material reduction.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 4A, the side walls 28 each include top
edges 40, bottom edges 56 which are coupled to the bottom panel
side edges 30, and rear edges 58 which are coupled to the side
edges 32 of the back panel 24. In this example, the top edges 40
are arched or upwardly curved so that the side walls 28 are higher
near the back wall 24 than near the front flange 45. The arched top
edges 40 permit a user of the holder 20 to view and to grasp an
article such as a file folder or magazine that is stored in the
receptacle 31 by either the top or front of the article. As will be
evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, the contour of
the top edge 40 can, however, vary from that disclosed in this
example and need not provide such increased access to the articles
unless desired.
[0045] The side walls 28 can also include one or more windows or
openings (not shown in the figures of this embodiment). As with the
widows in the back wall 24, the windows in the side walls 28 can
also extend at least slightly into the edge of bottom panel 22. As
will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, the
windows can vary in configuration, contour, positioning, number,
and the like, depending upon manufacturing considerations, the
aesthetic appearance desired and/or other desired characteristics
such as weight reduction, material cost savings, view of contents
within the receptacle 31, or the like.
[0046] As shown in FIGS. 5-9, the holder 20 in this example can be
stacked in a cascading fashion and nested with other like holders
120. The side walls 28, 128 diverge slightly away from one another
from back to front. Thus, the storage receptacle 31 becomes wider
toward the front opening 38, 138. The angle of divergence relative
to a front to rear axis of the holder 20, 120 can vary. However, a
minimum angle can be included to create a sufficient draft angle
for part formation and for nesting, as well as to accommodate the
material wall thickness of the walls. For example, the angle can
vary up to about 5.degree.-7.degree. from about 1.degree. or
less.
[0047] Two of the holders 20, 120 are shown in FIGS. 5-9 in a
forwardly stacked and nested configuration. The back wall 124 of
one holder 120 is narrower than the front opening 38 of another
like holder 20. Thus, one holder 120 can be lowered into the
storage receptacle 31 of another holder 20. The front flange 45 of
one (lower) holder 20 is inserted into one of the slots 146 of the
other (upper) holder 120. The front flange 45 of the lower holder
20 contacts the top 147 of the slot 146 of the upper holder 120
when the upper and lower holders 120, 20 are stacked in a nested
configuration. Thus, the front flange 45 acts as a nesting stop and
prevents the upper and lower holders 120, 20 from becoming
frictionally locked. The number of like holders 20, 120 of this
construction that can be nested with one another is limited only by
the number of slots 46, 146. As shown in FIGS. 5-9, a total of
seven like holders of this example could be nested with one another
because each holder has seven slots 146 in this embodiment.
[0048] The number of slots 46, 146 and the distance between the
slots 46, 146 may vary based on particular needs. Each additional
stacked holder only adds only a minimal amount of additional depth
to the stack of holders. In particular, only the distance between
the first slot and the front flange will lie outside of the holder
immediately beneath in the stack of holders. Thus, the distance
between the slots 46, 146, the front flange 45, 145, and the back
wall 24, 214 may be adjusted based on the depth of a shelf upon
which the stack of holders 20, 120 will be displayed for sale in a
retail store. In one embodiment, the slots 46, 146 are spaced
approximately 2'' apart. In the same embodiment, the distance
between the first slot 46, 146, and the front flange 45, 145 is
also approximately 2''. Adjusting the spacing between the slots 46,
146, and the front flange 45, 145 and the back wall 24, 124 based
on as shelf depth makes maximum use of available display space.
[0049] FIG. 7 illustrates in cross section a side view of the
stacked holders 20, taken along lines A-A of FIG. 6. As can be seen
in this view, the front flange 45 acts both as a vertical nesting
stop or nesting limiter and, in combination with the slots 46, 146,
a forward nesting stop/interlock. As shown in FIG. 7, the bottom
panel 22 bears against and is substantially parallel to the bottom
panel 122. This arrangement provides a very stable stacked
configuration while preventing frictional locking between walls of
adjacent holders. Thus, the outer surfaces of stacked and nested
holders are not subject to scuffing or scratching because they are
not in contact with one another. Accordingly, the need for
additional packing and/or protection between holders during
shipping is eliminated while preserving a clean and unmarred
appearance for each holder.
[0050] As shown in the top view of FIG. 9, full vertical nesting is
permitted because the bottom panels 22, 122 of the holders 20, 120
are arranged parallel and adjacent to one another. The successive
nested holders do not progressively tilt rearward, as they
otherwise would tend to do if the slots 46, 146 were not provided.
Because the side walls 28, 128 are prevented from frictionally
locking due to the location of the slots 46, 146 and the front
flanges 45, 145, the holders are also relatively easy to separate,
even when fully nested.
[0051] FIGS. 10-13 show views similar to FIGS. 5-9 except that a
stack of five like holders 20 are nested together.
[0052] FIGS. 14 and 15 show an alternate embodiment of the holder
220. In this embodiment, the front flange 245 is slanted rearward,
toward the rear wall 224. Likewise, the slots 246 are also slanted
toward the rear wall 224. The slots 246 are substantially parallel
to the front flange 245. Thus, the slots 246 are slanted at
approximately the same angle relative to the bottom panel 222 as
the front flange 245. The nesting of article holders 220 according
to this embodiment is similar to the nesting described above with
respect to the holders 20 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS.
1-12, except that once a top edge of the front flange 245 of a
first holder 220 is aligned with a slot 246 of a second holder 220,
the second holder 220 completes nesting by moving downward and
forward to keep the front flange 245 of the first holder 220
aligned with the slot 246 of the second holder. The distance
between the rearmost slot 246 and the back wall 224 is sufficient
to align the front flange 245 of the first holder 220 with a
respective slot 246 of the second holder because the point where
the front flange 245 of the first holder is aligned with the slot
246 of the second holder is the point of closest relative position
between the back wall 224 of the first holder 220 and the back wall
224 of the second holder. The back wall 224 may be angled in the
same direction as the front flange 245 and the slots 246 if
desired, as such tilting of the back wall 224 allows even greater
clearance, allowing the second holder to be tilted rearward
relative to the first holder 220, enabling a user to gain a better
sight line for aligning the front flange 245 of the first holder
with the slot 246 of the second holder.
[0053] FIG. 16 shows two like holders shown in FIGS. 14 and 15
nested together in a stack.
[0054] Similarly, FIGS. 17-19 show another alternate embodiment of
the holder 320. However, the front flange 345 and the slots 346 of
this embodiment are slanted forward, away from the back wall 324.
Again, the slots 346 are arranged substantially parallel to the
front flange 345, and are thus slanted at approximately the same
angle relative to the bottom panel 322 as the front flange 345.
Back wall 324 clearance for this embodiment is not an issue because
the closest relative position between the back wall 324 of a first
holder 320 and the back wall 324 of a second holder 320 is when the
holders 320 are completely nested. For example, the top edge of the
front flange 345 of a first holder 320 is aligned with a chosen
slot 346 of a second holder. The second holder is then moved
downwardly and rearwardly to complete nesting. The rear wall 324
may be angled in the same direction as the front flange 345 and the
slots 346 if desired.
[0055] Complementary slots and front flange interactions are not
the only way to provide interlocked nestable article holders. For
example, an alternative design encompassed by the present
disclosure is shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. In this embodiment, the
front flange 445 includes a scallop-shaped top edge. The
scallop-shaped top edge includes a lower portion 460 that is
substantially coplanar with the bottom panel 422. Furthermore, the
bottom panel 422 includes generally curved side edges 430 forming a
generally hourglass-shaped bottom panel 422. A narrowed portion 462
of the bottom panel 422 may fit neatly in the lower portion 460 of
the front flange 445 when two or more holders 420 are stacked in a
nested configuration. In doing so, the scallop-shaped sides 464 of
the front flange 445 prevent side to side or lateral movement
between holders 420 when stacked with one another.
[0056] The holders can be made from any material desired, but in
one example are formed from a wire mesh, with the front flange, a
lower portion of the side walls, a lower portion of the rear wall,
and the bottom panel comprising sheet metal. Alternatively, the
entire holder may be made of molded plastic material. Other
materials such as metal, wood, or the like can also be utilized and
yet fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The
mesh can be plastic molded, metal, or a combination thereof.
[0057] In one example, the article holders disclosed herein can be
manufactured using an injection molding process. The materials
utilized in one example can be commodity plastics such as
polystyrene or polypropylene. However, many other materials may be
suitable for forming the disclosed article holders. For example,
other materials may include engineering grade plastic materials
such as polycarbonate, ABS or TPE. Other commodity thermoplastics,
or even further alternative materials such as metal, wood, organic
materials, leather, glass, paperboard, or variations and
combinations of these materials including fabrics and woven
materials. Material selection may assist in creating a higher
impact strength, flexibility, improved resistance to scratching or
scuffing, or enhanced appearance. The material selection can be
undertaken with the most important characteristics in mind for a
given application. However, engineering plastics such as
polystyrene or polypropylene also can reduce consumer cost.
[0058] As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the
art, features of the various embodiments disclosed herein can be
mixed and combined with other features of the other
embodiments.
[0059] Merchandisers and retailers of vertical orientation magazine
and file holders typically provide shelf space and arrangements
that vary from store to store and from retailer to retailer. Thus,
a product configuration that is suitable for display in a shelf
space at one store or retailer may not be suitable for a shelf
space or display configuration at another. The disclosed article
holders permit stacking and nesting of a large number of the
products. The disclosed products or holders can thus be displayed,
packaged, shipped, stocked, stored, and the like within a
relatively small amount of shelf space.
[0060] By minimizing use of packaging and shipping space as well as
optimizing store shelf space by utilizing the disclosed article
holder configurations, one is able to ship and store a larger
product volume per unit of available space. This creates more space
within, an existing product display in a limited shelf storage
space that was originally suited for a completely different
product. This can increase revenue dollars for the retailer per
square foot of shelf space.
[0061] Article holders for storing items such as magazines or file
folders in a vertical orientation have not heretofore been designed
for nestability in the manner disclosed herein. Some solutions have
been devised, but these typically require that the article holders
offered for sale be provided in several pieces and partially
dismantled. Also, such products typically are packaged to protect
the articles from being damaged by one another, such as by being
scuffed, scratched, or the like while being shipped or while on
display for sale.
[0062] In contrast, the disclosed article holder configurations may
eliminate or significantly reduce the need for utilizing foam,
paper, corrugated elements, poly bags, or other such packing
materials. Instead, the disclosed article holders can be shipped,
stored, and displayed in tightly nested stacks. The stacks will
provide stability to the shipped, stored, and displayed products.
The products can stand alone with limited or no packing materials
in shipping containers or on a shelf storage space for sale, and
yet be tightly packed to inhibit relative movement and thus
damage.
[0063] Some other existing office products of the type described
herein are capable of nesting, but only with one other like
product. Further, the two products must be inverted or turned
upside down and rotated 180 degrees relative to one another in
order to nest with one another. These types of products, however,
must still utilize additional packing to prevent the products from
moving relative to one another, which would otherwise cause
scuffing or scratching. Such known products do not typically
optimize the use of shelf, shipping, and storage space to the
degree that the disclosed article holders can accomplish. In one
example, a known magazine holder can be inverted, rotated, and
rested on top of an identical holder so that two of the products
can be overlapped with one another. However, such an arrangement is
limited to only two products being nested with one another.
[0064] The disclosed article holders substantially reduce the
necessary space required for shipping, storage, and retail sale,
all the while maintaining standard function for such products, i.e.
storing magazines, file folders, or similar sized documents.
[0065] The disclosed article holders can be painted, decorated, or
in-molded with labels, graphics, or other layers or accents. These
additional design characteristics can be employed to protect the
surfaces of the article holder or to enhance the decorative nature
of the product. Combinations of materials can be utilized and
assembled in any suitable way, including forming a plastic
underbody product having a rubber over-molded on the plastic base
material. Alternatively, metal parts can be mechanically fastened
together or wood products can be covered with suitable decorative
materials such as fabric, metal decorative and protective corner
features, and the like.
[0066] Depending upon the materials selected, the manufacturing
processes and methods used can also vary and be employed as needed.
In one example, a plastic article holder disclosed herein can be
molded using a simple two part mold. The draft angle of the side
walls, front flange, and back wall can provide the necessary mold
draft for easy formation and removal of parts from the mold
cavities. Windows in the walls can be formed by providing shut-offs
or surface-to-surface metal contact within the mold. By extending
the windows into both the side and back walls and at least slightly
into the bottom panel, the shut-off can be provided and yet permit
easy mold separation and part removal.
[0067] The disclosed article holder configurations improve upon
maximizing retail shelf space, accommodate variable shelf space
configurations, and enhance product nesting for sale. The stacked
products can be displayed and shipped without damage to the product
due to scuffing, scrapping, and the like because the products will
be nested, yet the exposed outer surfaces of the holders do not
contact one another. Thus, additional packing can be negated. The
disclosed article holders also provide multiple article access
points so that a user can easily grasp materials stored within the
holder at more than one location.
[0068] Additionally, freight cube size can be optimized and
significantly reduced utilizing the disclosed article holder
configurations. Products shipped in bulk can also be directly
unloaded from the master carton or shipping box onto a shelf. No
additional reorientation of the product may be necessary, making
the merchandiser's handling of the product easier. The nested
products also assist in retaining the displayed article holders on
a retail shelf space. The products also look more organized when
nested as disclosed herein. This reduces the amount of work
required by the customer/merchandiser to keep the shelf display
organized and arranged, while also permitting easy removal by the
consumer of an individual article holder from a nested group of the
holders for purchase. An organized shelf space, and ability to
remove a given product, may effect the perception of the consumer
and influence his or her decision to buy the displayed
products.
[0069] Further, because more product can be displayed for sale in a
given amount of shelf space, less restocking time and stocking
space is necessary for the retailer. Having more product available
for sale at any one time reduces the frequency of an item appearing
to be out of stock. This can prevent a consumer from leaving the
establishment to go elsewhere to find the desired product.
[0070] Although certain article holders for storing and organizing
magazines, file folders, documents, and the like have been
described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present
disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited
thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the
teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of
permissible equivalents.
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