U.S. patent application number 11/512472 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-08 for merchandise packaging and display.
This patent application is currently assigned to Henschel-Steinau, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael D. Luberto.
Application Number | 20080105594 11/512472 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39358839 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080105594 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Luberto; Michael D. |
May 8, 2008 |
Merchandise Packaging and display
Abstract
A merchandise display is capable of being shipped in a compact
package of limited longitudinal length complete with merchandise
items pre-loaded in place, and selectively expanded for displaying
the merchandise items at a point-of-purchase location wherein there
is a shelf which makes available at the point-of-purchase location
a predetermined longitudinal shelf length exceeding considerably
the limited longitudinal length of the compact package. The
merchandise display includes a case and at least one display tray
for carrying merchandise items arranged for display and dispensing
at the point-of-purchase location. The display tray is coupled with
the case for telescoping movement into and out of the case between
a retracted position telescoped within the case such that
merchandise items carried by the display tray are housed within the
case, and an advanced position extended longitudinally out of the
case for displaying the merchandise items at the point-of-purchase
location. With the display tray in the retracted position the
merchandising display is in a compact configuration for shipping in
the compact package, and with the display tray in the advanced
positions the merchandise display is in an expanded configuration
for displaying and dispensing the merchandise items, having a
prescribed longitudinal length which fills the predetermined
longitudinal shelf length available at the point-of-purchase
location.
Inventors: |
Luberto; Michael D.;
(Rivervale, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ARTHUR JACOB
25 EAST SALEM STREET, P.O. BOX 686
HACKENSACK
NJ
07602
US
|
Assignee: |
Henschel-Steinau, Inc.
Englewood
NJ
|
Family ID: |
39358839 |
Appl. No.: |
11/512472 |
Filed: |
August 30, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/758 ;
206/736; 206/774 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 5/16 20130101; A47F
5/11 20130101; B65D 5/5213 20130101; B65D 5/38 20130101; B65D
5/5266 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/758 ;
206/736; 206/774 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/50 20060101
B65D005/50; B65D 5/52 20060101 B65D005/52; B65D 25/54 20060101
B65D025/54 |
Claims
1. A merchandise display capable of being shipped in a compact
package of limited longitudinal length complete with merchandise
items pre-loaded in place, and selective expansion for displaying
and dispensing the merchandise items at a point-of-purchase
location of prescribed dimensions, including a predetermined
longitudinal shelf length available at the point-of-purchase
location, the merchandise display comprising: a generally central
case having a length extending longitudinally between opposite
first and second ends, the case including an opening at each of the
first and second ends; a first display tray for carrying
merchandise items arranged for display at the point-of-purchase
location; a first coupling arrangement coupling the first display
tray with the case for telescoping movement of the first display
tray into and out of the case through the opening at the first end
of the case, the telescoping movement being between a retracted
position, wherein the first display tray is essentially telescoped
within the case such that merchandise items carried by the first
display tray will be housed within the case, and an advanced
position, wherein the first display tray is extended longitudinally
out of the case for displaying the merchandise items at the
point-of-point location; a second display tray for carrying
merchandise items arranged for display at the point-of-purchase
location; and a second coupling arrangement coupling the second
display tray with the case for telescoping movement into and out of
the case through the opening at the second end of the case, the
telescoping movement being between a retracted position, wherein,
the second display tray is essentially telescoped within the case
such that merchandise items carried by the second display tray will
be housed within the case, and an advanced position, wherein the
second display tray is extended longitudinally out of the case for
displaying the merchandise items at the point-of-purchase location,
whereby, with the first and second display trays in respective
retracted positions the merchandise display is in a compact
configuration for shipping in the compact package, and with the
first and second display trays in respective advanced positions the
merchandise display is in an expanded configuration for displaying
and dispensing the merchandise items, the expanded configuration
having a prescribed longitudinal length for essentially filling the
predetermined longitudinal shelf length available at the
point-of-purchase location.
2. The merchandise display of claim 1 including a stop mechanism
between the case and each of the first and second display trays,
each stop mechanism being located and arranged for precluding
movement of a corresponding display tray out of the case beyond a
respective advanced position wherein the expanded configuration
includes the prescribed longitudinal length.
3. The merchandise display of claim 2 wherein each stop mechanism
is located and arranged for precluding movement of a corresponding
display tray into the case beyond a respective retracted position
when the merchandise display is placed in the compact
configuration.
4. The merchandise display of claim 2 wherein: the case includes a
bottom panel and a rear panel; the first and second display trays
each include a bottom wall juxtaposed with the bottom panel, and a
rear wall juxtaposed with the rear panel; and a said stop mechanism
is located at least between a wall of each display tray and a
juxtaposed panel of the case.
5. The merchandise display of claim 4 wherein each coupling
arrangement includes an elongate slot extending longitudinally
along at least one of the bottom panel and the rear panel of the
case and juxtaposed with a corresponding wall of each of the first
and second display trays, and a follower on the corresponding wall
received within a juxtaposed slot for sliding movement confined to
longitudinal movement along the slot during telescoping movement of
a corresponding display tray.
6. The merchandise display of claim 4 wherein the bottom panel
extends between a front edge and rear edge, the rear panel extends
upwardly from the rear edge of the bottom panel to a top edge, each
coupling arrangement includes first and second elongate slots
extending longitudinally along the rear panel and juxtaposed with
corresponding rear walls of the first and second display trays, and
a follower on each of the rear walls of the first and second
display trays, each follower being received within a corresponding
slot for sliding movement confined to longitudinal movement along
the slot during telescoping movement of a corresponding display
tray, each stop mechanism includes an abutment at one of opposite
terminal ends of each slot, the abutments being located adjacent a
corresponding end of the case such that upon the corresponding
display tray reaching the advanced position, a corresponding
follower will engage a corresponding abutment to preclude
advancement of the corresponding display tray out of the case
beyond the advanced position.
7. The merchandise display of claim 6 wherein each stop mechanism
includes a further abutment at another of the opposite terminal
ends of a corresponding slot, the further abutment being located
such that upon the corresponding display tray reaching the
retracted position, a corresponding follower will engage a
corresponding further abutment to preclude retraction of the
corresponding display tray into the case beyond the retracted
position.
8. The merchandise display of claim 6 wherein the slots extend
adjacent the top edge of the rear panel.
9. The merchandise display of claim 8 wherein each coupling
arrangement includes further elongate slots extending
longitudinally along the bottom panel of the case, and counterpart
followers on the bottom wall of each display tray received within
corresponding slots for longitudinal sliding movement during
telescoping movements of the corresponding display tray.
10. The merchandise display of claim 9 wherein each further slot
includes a terminal end having an abutment located for engagement
by a corresponding follower upon the corresponding display tray
reaching the advanced position of that display tray.
11. The merchandise display of claim 9 wherein each stop mechanism
includes a further abutment at another of the opposite terminal
ends of a corresponding slot, the further abutment being located
such that upon the corresponding display tray reaching the
retracted position, a corresponding follower will engage a
corresponding further abutment to preclude retraction of the
corresponding display tray into the case beyond the retracted
position.
12. The merchandise display of claim 9 wherein the further elongate
slots are located adjacent each of the front edge and the rear edge
of the bottom panel.
13. The merchandise display of claim 1 wherein the case includes a
bottom panel having a front edge and a rear edge, a rear panel, a
front panel extending upwardly from the front edge of the bottom
panel, a top panel extending rearwardly from the front panel to the
rear panel, and an outer face extending along at least one of the
front panel and the top panel for carrying information pertaining
to the merchandise items.
14. A merchandise display capable of being shipped in a compact
package of limited longitudinal length complete with merchandise
items pre-loaded in place, and selective expansion for displaying
and dispensing the merchandise items at a point-of-purchase
location of prescribed dimensions, including a predetermined
longitudinal shelf length available at the point-of-purchase
location, the merchandise display comprising: a case having a
length extending longitudinally between opposite first and second
ends, the case including an opening at least at the first end; a
display tray for carrying merchandise items arranged for display at
the point-of-purchase location; a coupling arrangement coupling the
display tray with the case for telescoping movement of the display
tray into and out of the case through the opening at the first end
of the case, the telescoping movement being between a retracted
position, wherein the display tray is essentially telescoped within
the case such that merchandise items carried by the display tray
will be housed within the case, and an advanced position, wherein
the display tray is extended longitudinally out of the case for
displaying the merchandise items at the point-of-purchase location,
whereby with the display tray in the retracted position the
merchandise display is in a compact configuration for shipping in
the compact package, and with the display tray in the advanced
position the merchandise display is in an expanded configuration
for displaying and dispensing the merchandise items, the expanded
configuration having a prescribed longitudinal length for
essentially filling the predetermined longitudinal shelf length
available at the point-of-purchase location.
15. The merchandise display of claim 14 including a stop mechanism
between the case and the display tray, the stop mechanism being
located and arranged for precluding movement of the display tray
out of the case beyond the advanced position wherein the expanded
configuration includes the prescribed longitudinal length.
16. The merchandise display of claim 15 wherein: the case includes
a bottom panel and a rear panel; the display tray includes a bottom
wall juxtaposed with the bottom panel, and a rear wall juxtaposed
with the rear panel; and the stop mechanism is located at least
between a wall of the display tray and a juxtaposed panel of the
case.
17. The merchandise display of claim 16 wherein the coupling
arrangement includes an elongate slot extending longitudinally
along at least one of the bottom panel and the rear panel of the
case and juxtaposed with a corresponding wall of the display tray,
and a follower on the corresponding wall engaged with a juxtaposed
slot for longitudinal sliding movement along the slot during
telescoping movement of the display tray.
18. The merchandise display of claim 16 wherein the bottom panel
extends between a front edge and rear edge, the rear panel extends
upwardly from the rear edge of the bottom panel to a top edge, the
coupling arrangement includes an elongate slot extending
longitudinally along the rear panel and juxtaposed with the rear
wall of the display tray, and a follower on the rear wall of the
display tray, the follower extending within the slot for sliding
movement confined to longitudinal movement along the slot during
telescoping movement of the display tray, and the stop mechanism
includes an abutment at a terminal end of the slot, the abutment
being located adjacent the first end of the case such that upon the
display tray reaching the advanced position, the follower will
engage the abutment to preclude advancement of the display tray out
of the case beyond the advanced position.
19. The merchandise display of claim 18 wherein the slot extends
adjacent the top edge of the rear panel.
20. The merchandise display of claim 19 wherein the coupling
arrangement includes further elongate slots extending
longitudinally along the bottom panel of the case, and counterpart
followers on the bottom wall of the display tray and extending into
corresponding slots for longitudinal sliding movement along the
corresponding slots during telescoping movements of the display
tray.
21. The merchandise display of claim 20 wherein each further slot
includes a terminal end having an abutment located for engagement
by a corresponding follower upon the display tray reaching the
advanced position.
22. The merchandise display of claim 21 wherein the further
elongate slots are located adjacent each of the front edge and the
rear edge of the bottom panel.
23. The merchandise display of claim 14 wherein the case includes a
bottom panel having a front edge and a rear edge, a rear panel, a
front panel extending upwardly from the front edge of the bottom
panel, a top panel extending rearwardly from the front panel to the
rear panel, and an outer face extending along at least one of the
front panel and the top panel for carrying information pertaining
to the merchandise items.
24. A merchandise display capable of being shipped in a compact
package of limited longitudinal length complete with merchandise
items pre-loaded in place within the merchandise display, and
selective expansion for displaying and dispensing the merchandise
items at a point-of-purchase location of prescribed dimensions,
including a longitudinal shelf length available at the
point-of-purchase location, the merchandise display comprising: a
case having a length extending longitudinally between opposite
first and second ends, the case including an opening at least at
the first end; a display tray for carrying merchandise items
arranged for display at the point-of-purchase location; the display
tray being engageable with the case for telescoping movement of the
display tray along longitudinal directions extending into and out
of the case through the opening at the first end of the case, the
telescoping movement being between a retracted position, wherein at
least a portion of the display tray is telescoped within the case,
and an advanced position, wherein the display tray is extended
longitudinally beyond the first end of the case for displaying the
merchandise items at the point-of-purchase location, whereby with
the display tray in the retracted position the merchandise display
is in a compact configuration for shipping in the compact package,
and with the display tray in the advanced position the merchandise
display is in an expanded configuration for displaying and
dispensing the merchandise items, the expanded configuration
providing a longitudinal length for essentially filling the
longitudinal shelf length available at the point-of-purchase
location.
25. A method for shipping a merchandise display in a compact
package of limited longitudinal length complete with merchandise
items pre-loaded in place within the merchandise display, and
selectively expanding the merchandise display for displaying and
dispensing of the merchandise items at a point-of-purchase location
of prescribed dimensions, including a longitudinal shelf length
available at the point-of-purchase location, the method comprising:
placing merchandise items in a display tray with the merchandise
items arranged for display at the point-of purchase location;
moving the display tray into a retracted position within a case
having a length extending longitudinally between opposite first and
second ends of the case, the case including an opening at least at
the first end for enabling telescoping movement of the display tray
within the case, between a retracted position, wherein at least a
portion of the display tray is telescoped within the case to place
the merchandise display in a compact configuration, and an advanced
position, wherein at least a portion of the display tray is
extended longitudinally beyond the first end of the case to place
the merchandise display in an extended configuration for displaying
merchandise items at the point-of-purchase location; shipping the
merchandise display in the compact configuration; and subsequently
moving the display tray into the advanced position to place the
merchandise display in the expanded configuration for displaying
and dispensing the merchandise items, the expanded configuration
providing the merchandise display with a longitudinal length for
essentially filling the longitudinal shelf length available at the
point-of-purchase location.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the display of
merchandise items at a point-of-purchase location and pertains,
more specifically, to packaging merchandise items for shipping in a
compact package and subsequent ready expansion for display and
dispensing the merchandise items upon reaching a particular
point-of-purchase location.
[0002] It has become quite common in merchandising practice to ship
merchandise items pre-loaded in a package which will serve as a
display upon arrival at a designated point-of-purchase location.
More recently, these pre-loaded packages have been found to be
highly useful in conducting promotional programs where it is
desired to expedite the delivery of merchandise items being
promoted, and to facilitate a quick set-up of an attractive display
at a promotional point-of-purchase location.
[0003] However, in order to avoid excessive shipping costs, while
attaining a desired rapid deployment, the dimensions of these
pre-loaded packages have been restricted to limitations imposed by
express delivery services. Accordingly, it has not been practical,
heretofore, to conduct a rapidly-deployed promotion where a
point-of-purchase location exceeds certain dimensions, such as
along a display shelf having an extensive longitudinal shelf
length.
[0004] The present invention provides a merchandise display capable
of being shipped in a relatively compact package suitable for
economical express delivery, pre-loaded with promotional
merchandise items, and then being selectively expanded, upon
arrival at a promotional point-of-purchase location, for displaying
the merchandise items at a point-of-purchase location having more
extensive dimensions. As such, the present invention attains
several objects and advantages, some of which are summarized as
follows: Facilitates a rapid deployment of promotional merchandise
items for display at a point-of-purchase location with ease and
economy; provides increased versatility in the ability to conduct
promotional programs for merchandise items to be displayed at a
wider variety of point-of purchase locations; enables economical
express shipping of merchandise items in packages pre-loaded for
rapid deployment and quick set-up at a promotional
point-of-purchase location; provides an aesthetically pleasing
relatively large display of merchandise items at a
point-of-purchase location, while capable of being shipped
economically as well as being stored in a relatively compact
configuration; allows the construction of a point-of-purchase
merchandise display capable of economical rapid shipping and
effective display, utilizing materials which enable economical and
convenient disposal; provides a simple yet effective merchandise
display for compact shipping of pre-loaded merchandise items and
selective expansion to accommodate promotional programs conducted
at larger point-of-purchase locations; provides a relatively rugged
display for compact shipping of pre-loaded merchandise items to a
point-of-purchase location and ready expansion for effectively
filling a larger display area made available at the
point-of-purchase location.
[0005] The above objects and advantages, as well as further objects
and advantages, are attained by the present invention which may be
described briefly as a merchandise display capable of being shipped
in a compact package of limited longitudinal length complete with
merchandise items pre-loaded in place, and selective expansion for
displaying and dispensing the merchandise items at a
point-of-purchase location of prescribed dimensions, including a
predetermined longitudinal shelf length available at the
point-of-purchase location, the merchandise display comprising: a
generally central case having a length extending longitudinally
between opposite first and second ends, the case including an
opening at each of the first and second ends; a first display tray
for carrying merchandise items arranged for display at the
point-of-purchase location; a first coupling arrangement coupling
the first display tray with the case for telescoping movement of
the first display tray into and out of the case through the opening
at the first end of the case, the telescoping movement being
between a retracted position, wherein the first display tray is
essentially telescoped within the case such that merchandise items
carried by the first display tray will be housed within the case,
and an advanced position, wherein the first display tray is
extended longitudinally out of the case for displaying the
merchandise items at the point-of-purchase location; a second
display tray for carrying merchandise items arranged for display at
the point-of-purchase location; and a second coupling arrangement
coupling the second display tray with the case for telescoping
movement into and out of the case through the opening at the second
end of the case, the telescoping movement being between a retracted
position, wherein the second display tray is essentially telescoped
within the case such that merchandise items carried by the second
display tray will be housed within the case, and an advanced
position, wherein the second display tray is extended
longitudinally out of the case for displaying the merchandise items
at the point-of-purchase location, whereby, with the first and
second display trays in respective retracted positions the
merchandising display is in a compact configuration for shipping in
the compact package, and with the first and second display trays in
respective advanced positions the merchandise display is in an
expanded configuration for displaying and dispensing the
merchandise items, the expanded configuration having a prescribed
longitudinal length for essentially filling the predetermined
longitudinal shelf length available at the point-of-purchase
location.
[0006] In addition, the present invention provides a merchandise
display capable of being shipped in a compact package of limited
longitudinal length complete with merchandise items pre-loaded in
place, and selective expansion for displaying and dispensing the
merchandise items at a point-of-purchase location of prescribed
dimensions, including a predetermined longitudinal shelf length
available at the point-of-purchase location, the merchandise
display comprising: a case having a length extending longitudinally
between opposite first and second ends, the case including an
opening at least at the first end; a display tray for carrying
merchandise items arranged for display at the point-of-purchase
location; a coupling arrangement coupling the display tray with the
case for telescoping movement of the display tray into and out of
the case through the opening at the first end of the case, the
telescoping movement being between a retracted position, wherein
the display tray is essentially telescoped within the case such
that merchandise items carried by the display tray will be housed
within the case, and an advanced position, wherein the display tray
is extended longitudinally out of the case for displaying the
merchandise items at the point-of-purchase location, whereby with
the display tray in the retracted position the merchandising
display is in a compact configuration for shipping in the compact
package, and with the display tray in the advanced position the
merchandise display is in an expanded configuration for displaying
and dispensing the merchandise items, the expanded configuration
having a prescribed longitudinal length for essentially filling the
predetermined longitudinal shelf length available at the
point-of-purchase location.
[0007] The present invention will be understood more fully, while
still further objects and advantages will become apparent, in the
following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the
invention illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a pictorial view showing a merchandise display
constructed in accordance with the present invention in a compact
configuration for being packaged in a relatively small shipping
carton;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a pictorial view of the merchandise display in an
expanded configuration for placement at a point-of-purchase
location;
[0010] FIG. 3 is an exploded pictorial view of the merchandise
display illustrating component parts thereof;
[0011] FIG. 4 is rear elevational view of the merchandise
display;
[0012] FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view, partially sectioned,
of a portion 5 of FIG. 4;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the merchandise display;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of
FIG. 6; and
[0015] FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view, further sectioned,
of a portion 8 of FIG. 7.
[0016] Referring now to the drawing, and especially to FIG. 1
thereof, a merchandise display constructed in accordance with the
present invention is shown at 10 and is seen to be in a compact
configuration for reception within a relatively small shipping
carton 12. Merchandise display 10 has been pre-loaded with
merchandise items 20, and both the merchandise display 10 and the
merchandise items 20 are to be shipped in connection with the
conduct of a promotional program in which the merchandise items 20
are to be deployed rapidly for display and dispensing at a
particular point-of-purchase location. In the compact configuration
of merchandise display 10, as shown in FIG. 1, merchandise display
10 has a limited longitudinal length LM which enables the
merchandise display 10 to fit within the limited longitudinal
length LC of shipping carton 12.
[0017] Turning now to FIG. 2, upon arrival at a point-of-purchase
location 30, merchandise display 10 has been removed from the
shipping carton 12 and has been placed upon a shelf 32 provided at
the point-of-purchase location 30. Shelf 32 has a predetermined
longitudinal shelf length LS which exceeds considerably the
longitudinal length LM of the merchandise display 10 when in the
compact shipping configuration illustrated in FIG. 1. Merchandise
display 10 has been expanded to present merchandise items 20 for
display and dispensing at point-of-purchase location 30, the
expansion of the merchandise display 10 enabling the merchandise
items 20 to be arrayed essentially over the length LS of the shelf
32, thereby effectively filling the shelf length made available at
the point-of-purchase location 30, with the merchandise items 20
available for selection by a purchaser.
[0018] Merchandise display 10 has a central case 40 constructed in
the form of a sleeve 42 having a length 44 extending longitudinally
between opposite first and second open ends 46 and 48,
respectively. A rear panel 50 extends upwardly from rear edge 51
(see FIG. 4) of a bottom panel 52 to a top edge 53, and a cover
panel 54 extends upwardly from the front edge 55 of the bottom
panel 52 to the top edge 53 of the rear panel 50, the cover panel
54 having a front panel area 56 facing forward and a slanted panel
area 58 facing in an upward and forward direction.
[0019] A first display tray 60 is juxtaposed with first open end 46
and includes tiers 62 located above a bottom wall 63 and extending
longitudinally between end walls 64, the tiers 62 being stepped
upwardly from a front lip 66 toward a rear wall 68 of display tray
60 so as to carry merchandise items 20 arranged for display and
dispensing at the front of display tray 60. Likewise, a second
display tray 70 is juxtaposed with second open end 48 and includes
tiers 72 located above a bottom wall 73 and extending
longitudinally between end walls 74, tiers 72 being stepped
upwardly from a front lip 76 toward a rear wall 78 of display tray
70 so as to carry further merchandise items 20 arranged for display
and dispensing at the front of display tray 70.
[0020] Each display tray 60 and 70 is coupled with sleeve 42 for
telescoping movement between a retracted position, wherein each
display tray 60 and 70 is telescoped essentially within sleeve 42
such that the merchandise items 20 are housed within case 40, as
seen in FIG. 1, and an advanced position, wherein each display tray
60 and 70 is extended longitudinally out of the sleeve 42 for
displaying and dispensing the merchandise items 20 at the
point-of-purchase location 30, as seen in FIG. 2. Thus, with the
display trays 60 and 70 pre-loaded with merchandise items 20 and
placed in the respective retracted positions, merchandise display
10 is contracted into a compact configuration, as seen in FIG. 1,
for ready reception within a relatively small carton 12 suited for
economical express shipping, as well as for requiring only a
limited storage volume. Upon arrival at point-of-purchase location
30, merchandise display 10 is expanded readily, as illustrated in
FIG. 2, wherein the merchandise display 10 is in an expanded
configuration having a longitudinal length LL for essentially
filling the predetermined longitudinal shelf length LS made
available at the point-of-purchase location 30.
[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 3 through 8, as well as to FIGS. 1
and 2, a coupling arrangement 80 couples each display tray 60 and
70 with sleeve 42 for telescoping movement between the respective
retracted and advanced positions. Coupling arrangement 80 enables
the desired telescoping movements to be accomplished with ease and
stability, while maintaining a high degree of structural integrity
in the merchandise display 10. To that end, rear panel 50 of sleeve
42 is provided with elongate slots 82 juxtaposed with each rear
wall 68 and 78 of corresponding display trays 60 and 70.
Preferably, slots 82 extend along rear panel 50 adjacent the top
edge 53 of the rear panel 50, spaced away from bottom panel 52 of
sleeve 42. A follower on each display tray 60 and 70 is shown in
the form of a flanged pin 84 which extends through each slot 82 and
is secured at location 85 to a corresponding rear wall 68 and 78 of
a corresponding display tray 60 and 70. Each pin 84 is received and
captured within a corresponding slot 82 for sliding movement
confined to longitudinal movement along the slot 82 as a
corresponding display tray 60 and 70 is telescoped into and out of
sleeve 42. Terminal ends 86 of the slots 82 provide respective
abutments 88 which complete stop mechanisms that limit the movement
of each display tray 60 and 70 to movement between the advanced and
retracted positions by virtue of the engagement of each pin 84 with
a corresponding abutment 88.
[0022] In a similar manner, bottom panel 52 of sleeve 42 is
provided with elongate slots 90 and 92 juxtaposed with each bottom
wall 63 and 73 of corresponding display trays 60 and 70, slots 90
extending adjacent corresponding front lips 66 and 76, and slots 92
extending adjacent corresponding rear walls 68 and 78. A follower
in the form of a flanged pin 94 extends through each slot 90 and 92
and is secured at location 95 to a corresponding bottom wall 68 and
78 of a corresponding display tray 60 and 70. Each pin 94 is
received and captured within a corresponding slot 90 and 92 for
sliding movement confined to longitudinal movement along the slot
90 or 92 as a corresponding display tray 60 and 70 is telescoped
into and out of sleeve 42. The terminal ends 96 of the slots 90 and
92 include respective abutments 98 which provide further stop
mechanisms that limit the movement of each display tray 60 and 70
to movement between the advanced and retracted positions. The
location and extent of slots 82, 90 and 92 assure that telescoping
movements of display trays 60 and 70 remain longitudinally true and
well-controlled for ease of loading and for ready subsequent
set-up, while maintaining a high degree of structural integrity.
The location of abutments 88 and 98 assure the attainment of
precision in longitudinal lengths LM and LL of merchandise display
10 when the merchandise display 10 is placed respectively in the
compact configuration and in the expanded configuration.
[0023] As best seen in FIG. 8, each pin 84 preferably includes an
internally threaded post 100 capped with a flanged head 102 and
engaged by a threaded shank 104 likewise capped with a flanged head
106. A post 100 is extended through a corresponding aperture 108 in
each rear wall 68 and 78 of corresponding display trays 60 and 70
to secure a pin 84 at each location 85, and shank 104 is threaded
into post 100 to capture the pin 84 within a corresponding slot 82.
Pins 94 are constructed and secured in place in a like manner. Pins
84 and 94 preferably are constructed of a synthetic polymeric
material which provides structural strength together with a certain
amount of lubricity for promoting unencumbered smooth movements of
display trays 60 and 70.
[0024] Telescoping movements of the display trays 60 and 70 are
accomplished merely by grasping a corresponding end wall 64 or 74
to pull or push a display tray 60 or 70 relative to sleeve 42. As
seen in FIG. 1, in the retracted position of each display tray 60
and 70, the end walls 64 and 74 preferably are spaced a short
distance longitudinally away from corresponding ends 46 and 48 to
enable grasping of an end wall 64 or 74 for effecting the desired
telescoping movements. The case 40 and the display trays 60 and 70
are constructed readily of corrugated paperboard or a similar
material for economy and for ease and convenience of disposal.
[0025] The front panel area 56 and the slanted panel area 58
provide outer faces 110 and 120 for the placement of product
information and promotional material, including attractive
graphics, which is readily viewed at the point-of-purchase location
30, as well as easily accessed when merchandise display 10 is in
either one of the compact or expanded configurations. The generally
central location of sleeve 42, between the extended display trays
60 and 70, provides an aesthetically pleasing display upon
placement of the expanded merchandise display 10 at the
point-of-purchase location 30.
[0026] It will be seen that the present invention attains the
several objects and advantages summarized above; namely,
Facilitates a rapid deployment of promotional merchandise items for
display at a point-of-purchase location with ease and economy;
provides increased versatility in the ability to conduct
promotional programs for merchandise items to be displayed at a
wider variety of point-of purchase locations; enables economical
express shipping of merchandise items in packages pre-loaded for
rapid deployment and quick set-up at a promotional
point-of-purchase location; provides an aesthetically pleasing
relatively large display of merchandise items at a
point-of-purchase location, while capable of being shipped
economically as well as being stored in a relatively compact
configuration; allows the construction of a point-of-purchase
merchandise display capable of economical rapid shipping and
effective display, utilizing materials which enable economical and
convenient disposal; provides a simple yet effective merchandise
display for compact shipping of pre-loaded merchandise items and
selective expansion to accommodate promotional programs conducted
at larger point-of-purchase locations; provides a relatively rugged
display for compact shipping of pre-loaded merchandise items to a
point-of-purchase location and ready expansion for effectively
filling a larger display area made available at the
point-of-purchase location.
[0027] It is to be understood that the above detailed description
of a preferred embodiment of the invention is presented by way of
example only. Various details of design and construction may be
modified without departing from the true spirit and scope of the
invention, as set forth in the appended claims.
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