U.S. patent application number 11/882508 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-05 for storage and display case.
Invention is credited to Michael Kester.
Application Number | 20090033183 11/882508 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40337436 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090033183 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kester; Michael |
February 5, 2009 |
Storage and display case
Abstract
A display and storage case is disclosed. The display and storage
case can include a structure having a front, back, top, bottom,
left and right sides. Formed into a front side of the structure are
a number of cavities of varying size and shape. The display and
storage case may be used to store or display bottles or other
products in a horizontal or vertical manner.
Inventors: |
Kester; Michael; (McAlien,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MAIER & MAIER, PLLC
1000 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
40337436 |
Appl. No.: |
11/882508 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/117 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 7/283 20130101;
A47F 3/00 20130101; A47B 73/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/117 |
International
Class: |
A47F 3/00 20060101
A47F003/00 |
Claims
1. A storage and display case, comprising: a structure having a top
side, a bottom side, a back side, a front side, a left side and a
right side; a plurality of cavities disposed on the front side, the
plurality of cavities comprising: a plurality of first cavities
having a depth and a width; and a plurality of second cavities
having a depth and a width, wherein the plurality of first cavities
and the plurality of second cavities disposed on the front side
form at least one horizontal row of cavities.
2. The storage and display case of claim 1, wherein the plurality
of second cavities have a width that is greater than the width of
the plurality of first cavities.
3. The storage and display case of claim 1, wherein the plurality
of second cavities have a depth that is greater than the depth of
the plurality of first cavities.
4. The storage and display case of claim 1, wherein the at least
one horizontal row of cavities comprises a series of alternating
first cavities and second cavities.
5. The storage and display case of claim 1, further comprising: a
step fixed to a bottom surface of at least one of the plurality of
first cavities and the plurality of second cavities.
6. The storage and display case of claim 5, wherein the step fixed
to the bottom surface of the at least one of the first plurality of
cavities and at least one of the second plurality of cavities is
made of a different material than the structure.
7. The storage and display case of claim 6, wherein the step is
made of wood.
8. The storage and display case of claim 1, wherein the structure
is made of a plastic coated foam material.
9. The storage and display case of claim 1, wherein the plurality
of cavities have a bottom surface which is substantially planar
throughout the entire surface.
10. The storage and display case of claim 1, wherein the plurality
of cavities are positioned vertically within the front side.
11. The storage and display case of claim 1, wherein the plurality
of first cavities and the plurality of second cavities each have
three substantially planar sides and one substantially concave
side.
12. The storage and display case of claim, further comprising: a
strip of material positioned flush with the back side of the
structure and made of a different material than the structure.
13. The storage and display case of claim 12, wherein the strip of
material is made of wood.
14. The storage and display case of claim 13, wherein the strip of
material runs horizontal from the left side to the right side.
15. The storage and display case of claim 1, further comprising: a
strip of material positioned flush with the top side of the
structure and made of a different material than the structure.
16. The storage and display case of claim 15, wherein the strip of
material is made of wood.
17. The storage and display case of claim 16, wherein the strip of
material runs horizontal from the left side to the right side.
18. A method of displaying and storing bottles, comprising: forming
a structure out of a solid material; forming a plurality of first
cavities each having a first set of dimensions in at least one
horizontal row in a face of the structure; forming a plurality of
second cavities each having a second set of dimensions in the at
least one horizontal row between the plurality of first cavities in
the face of the structure; disposing one of a product in each of
the plurality of first cavities; and disposing one or more of a
product in each of the plurality of second cavities.
19. The method of displaying and storing bottles of claim 18,
wherein the set of dimensions for the plurality of second cavities
is greater than the set of dimensions for the plurality of first
cavities.
20. The method of displaying and storing bottles of claim 19,
wherein the product disposed in the first plurality of cavities and
the second plurality of cavities is a wine bottle.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Merchandizing has long involved either the storage or
display of products and devices. These products range from boxes to
bottles, and anything modular. Often these products are stored and
displayed on shelving units, either free-standing or mounted to a
wall. These shelving units are generally used to organize products
or protect them from damage. Shelving units are commonly seen and
utilized in stores where large quantities of merchandise must be
stored before their sale.
[0002] Different shelving units are also used to display
merchandise. One of the purposes of these shelving units is to
display a desired product to a potential consumer, thus providing
the consumer with an opportunity to visually inspect the product,
if only superficially, before purchase.
SUMMARY
[0003] An exemplary embodiment discloses an apparatus for storing
or displaying products. The apparatus may include a structure
having a front, back, top, bottom, right and left sides. The
structure may also have a plurality of cavities on the front
surface that may be configured in a horizontal row. Immediately
adjacent cavities may have different depths and widths, and at
least one of the cavities may have a step on a bottom surface of
the cavity.
[0004] Another exemplary embodiment discloses a method of
displaying and storing bottles. The method may include the step of
forming a structure that may have a plurality of first cavities in
a horizontal row and may have a plurality of second cavities in a
horizontal row. The method may also include disposing a product in
each of the plurality of first cavities and the plurality of second
cavities.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be
apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary
embodiments thereof, which description should be considered in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals
indicate like elements, in which:
[0006] FIG. 1A is an exemplary front view of a first exemplary
embodiment of a storage and display case.
[0007] FIG. 1B is an exemplary side view of a first exemplary
embodiment of a storage and display case.
[0008] FIG. 1C is an exemplary back view of a first exemplary
embodiment of a storage and display case.
[0009] FIG. 2A is an exemplary front view of a second exemplary
embodiment of a storage and display case.
[0010] FIG. 2B is an exemplary side view of a second exemplary
embodiment of a storage and display case.
[0011] FIG. 2C is an exemplary back view of a second exemplary
embodiment of a storage and display case.
[0012] FIG. 3A is an exemplary front view of a third exemplary
embodiment of a storage and display case.
[0013] FIG. 3B is an exemplary side view of a third exemplary
embodiment of a storage and display case.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Aspects of the invention are disclosed in the following
description and related drawings directed to specific embodiments
of the invention. Alternate embodiments may be devised without
departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention.
Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the
invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as
not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. Further, to
facilitate an understanding of the description, discussion of
several terms used herein follows.
[0015] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an
example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described
herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as
preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the
term "embodiments of the invention" does not require that all
embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature,
advantage or mode of operation.
[0016] Generally referring to FIGS. 1A-3B, a storage and display
case for storing or displaying products of similar or varying size
and shape may be shown. Products using this case may be stored or
displayed in a substantially vertical or horizontal position.
Examples of products that could be stored or displayed in this case
can include, but are not limited to, bottles, jars, boxes, cartons,
or any other modular products. The storage and display case may be
modular and light-weight to provide for easy relocation. Also, the
storage and display case can be manufactured in any of a variety of
different manners.
[0017] In a first exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, a
storage and display case can be formed from a structure 100. The
structure 100 may have a top side 101, bottom side 102, left side
103, right side 104, front side 105 and back side 106. The surface
of the front side 105 may include a plurality of cavities, which
may have at least two different shapes, for example, a storage
cavity 108 and a display cavity 110. The storage cavities 108 and
display cavities 110 may be different shapes and sizes and may be
located or oriented in any desired manner.
[0018] For example, the depth and width of the storage cavities 108
and display cavities 110 may be any size or shape capable of
storing or displaying a product. In one exemplary embodiment, the
widths of the storage cavities 108 may be greater than the widths
of the display cavities 110, the heights of the storage cavities
108 may be about the same as the heights of the display cavities
110 and the depths of the storage cavities 108 may be greater than
the depths of the display cavities 110. For example, the storage
cavities 108 may be about 14 inches in depth and the display
cavities 110 may be about 4.5 inches in depth. Additionally, both
the storage cavities 108 and display cavities 110 may have upper
walls or surfaces 109 and 111, respectively, that may be formed
with two concave surfaces joined at center points, for example, in
cathedral shapes. The storage cavities 108 and display cavities 110
may form circular, rectangular or any other desirable shapes.
[0019] The structure 100 may also vary in size and shape. The one
exemplary embodiment illustrates a structure 100 where the length
of the top side 101, bottom side 102, front side 105 and back side
106 may each be about 44 inches, the height of the left side 103,
right side 104, front side 105 and back side 106 may each be about
66 to 66.75 inches and the width of the top side 101, bottom side
102, left side 103 and right side 104 may each be about 16 inches.
In another exemplary embodiment, edges of the front side 105 may be
squared, bullnosed or formed having any other desired edge.
[0020] Additional exemplary embodiments may be derived by one of
ordinary skill in the art from FIGS. 1A-1C. For example, structure
100 may be manufactured as half of its illustrated size, having
half as many storage cavities and display cavities, in FIG. 1A,
where the length of top side 101, bottom side 102, front side 105
and back side 106, may each be about 22-22.5 inches wide.
Alternatively, structure 100 may be manufactured as half of its
illustrated size, having half as many storage cavities and display
cavities, in FIG. 1A, where the height of the left side 103, right
side 104, front side 105 and back side 106, may each be about 33-34
inches tall.
[0021] The structure 100 of a storage and display case may also be
imbedded with strips of material 112, 113, which may be used for
mounting the structure to a wall or stationary structure, mounting
signage on the structure, adding additional support to the overall
structure or any other desired use. An example of these strips can
be seen in FIGS. 1B and 1C, where the strip 112 may be embedded
into the back side 106, flush with the back surface. The second
strip 113 may be embedded into the top side 101, flush with the top
surface. In other exemplary embodiments, the strips 112, 113, can
be positioned in any configuration on the top 101 side and back 106
side.
[0022] The storage cavities 108 and display cavities 110 may be
positioned in rows and columns. In one exemplary embodiment the
storage cavities 108 may be positioned in vertical columns and,
similarly, the display cavities 110 may also be positioned in
vertical columns. Along a given row or column, storage cavities 108
or display cavities 110 may be positioned in any order. For example
like cavities may be positioned in vertical columns and the
cavities may alternate between display cavities 110 and storage
cavities 108 along the horizontal rows. Also, as shown in FIG. 1A,
there may be four rows and four columns of cavities, with the same
number of storage cavities 108 and display cavities 110. However,
in other exemplary embodiments, storage cavities 108 and display
cavities 110 can be positioned in any order with respect to both
the vertical columns and the horizontal rows.
[0023] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the storage cavities
108 and display cavities 110 may also be formed with a step 107 on
the bottom surface. This step 107 may appear in either or both of
the storage cavities 108 and the display cavities 110, but is shown
in the first exemplary embodiment to be positioned on the bottom
surface of the storage cavity 108. In an exemplary embodiment, the
step may be about 1.5 to 2 inches in height and may be positioned
about 1.5 inches from the front side 105. For example, this step
107 may provide a rest for the neck of a bottle, thereby providing
a designated space in the storage cavities 108 for the horizontal
storage of bottles, such as wine bottles or any other desired
bottles. Additionally, in another exemplary embodiment, the display
cavities 110 may have a depth less the depth of the storage
cavities 108, thereby providing a designated space for the vertical
display of a single wine bottle or any other desired bottle.
[0024] In a different exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS.
2A-2C, a storage and display case can be formed from a structure
200. The structure 200 may have a top side 201, bottom side 202,
left side 203, right side 204, front side 205 and back side 206. On
the surface of the front side 205 may be a plurality of cavities,
for example, a storage cavity 208 and a display cavity 210. The
storage cavities 208 and display cavities 210 may be any number of
different shapes and sizes.
[0025] For example, the depth and width of the storage cavities 208
and display cavities 210 may be any size or shape capable of
storing or displaying a product. In this exemplary embodiment, the
widths of the storage cavities 208 may be greater than the widths
of the display cavities 210, the height of the storage cavities 208
may be about the same as the heights of the display cavities 210
and the depths of the storage cavities 208 maybe greater than the
depths of the display cavities 210. For example, the storage
cavities 208 may be about 14 inches in depth and the display
cavities 210 may be about 4.5 inches in depth. Additionally, both
the storage cavities 208 and display cavities 210 may have upper
walls or surfaces, 209 and 211, respectively, that may be in a
cathedral shape, for example, two concave surfaces joined at a
center point.
[0026] The structure 200 may also vary in size and shape. An
exemplary embodiment illustrates a structure 200 where the length
of the top side 201, bottom side 202, front side 205 and back side
206 may each be about 44 inches, the left side 203, right side 204,
front side 205 and back side 206 may each have a height of about
17.5 inches and the width of the top side 201, bottom side 202,
left side 203 and right side 204 may each be about 16 inches. In
another exemplary embodiment, edges of the front side 205 may be
squared, bullnosed or formed having any other desired edge.
[0027] The structure 200 of a storage and display case may also
include a strip of material 212 which provides for, but is not
limited to, mounting the structure to a wall or stationary
structure, mounting signage on the structure, adding additional
support to the overall structure or any other desired purpose. An
example of this strip 212 can be seen in FIGS. 2B and 2C, where the
strip 212 may be embedded into the back side 206, flush with the
back surface. This strip 212 can also be positioned in any
configuration on the back side 206.
[0028] The storage cavities 208 and display cavities 210, in some
exemplary embodiments, may only be positioned in a single row. In
the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2C, the storage cavities 208
and display cavities 210 may be positioned in a single horizontal
row. Along the row, storage cavities 208 or display cavities 210
may be positioned in any order. Here the storage cavities 208 and
display cavities 210 alternate between display cavities 210 and
storage cavities 208 along the row. Also, an equal number of
storage cavities 208 and display cavities 210 may alternate
positions along the row. The storage and display case structure 200
can further vary in size and shape to better satisfy different
demands, for example, accommodating any sized product.
[0029] In further exemplary embodiments, the storage cavities 208
and display cavities 210 may also be formed with a step 207 on a
bottom surface. This step 207 may appear in either or both the
storage cavities or display cavities, but is shown in this
exemplary embodiment as positioned on a bottom surface of a storage
cavity 208. In an exemplary embodiment, the step may be about 1.5
to 2 inches in height and may be positioned about 1.5 inches from
the front side 105. For example, this step 207 may provide a rest
for the neck of a bottle, thereby providing a designated space in
the storage cavities 208 for the horizontal storage of bottles,
such as wine bottles or any other desired bottles. Additionally, in
another exemplary embodiment, the display cavities 210 may have a
depth less the depth of the storage cavities 208, thereby providing
a designated space for the vertical display of a single wine bottle
or any other desired bottle.
[0030] In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3A and
3B, a storage and display case can be formed from a structure 300.
The structure 300 may have a top side 301, bottom side 302, left
side 303, right side 304, front side 305 and back side 306. The
surface of the front side 305 may include a plurality of cavities
that may have at least two different shapes, for example, a storage
cavity 308 and a display cavity 310. The storage cavity 308 and
display cavity 310 may be of different shapes and sizes.
[0031] For example, the depth and width of the storage cavity 308
and display cavity 310 may be any size or shape capable of storing
or displaying a product. In this exemplary embodiment, the width of
the storage cavity 308 may be greater than the width of the display
cavity 310, the height of the storage cavity 308 mat be about the
same as the height of the display cavity 310 and the depth of the
storage cavity 308 may be greater than the depth of the display
cavity 310. For example, the storage cavity 308 may be about 14
inches in depth and the display cavity 310 may be about 4.5 inches
in depth. Additionally, both the storage cavity 308 and display
cavity 310 may have an upper wall or surface, 309 and 311,
respectively, that may be a cathedral shape, for example, two
concave surfaces joined at a center point.
[0032] The structure 300 may also vary in size and shape. FIGS.
3A-B illustrate an exemplary structure 300 where the length of the
top side 301, bottom side 302, front side 305 and back side 306 may
each be about 22 inches, the height of the left side 303, right
side 304, front side 305 and back side 306 may each be about 17.5
inches and width of the top 301, bottom 302, left 303 and right 304
sides may each be about 16 inches. In another exemplary embodiment,
front side 305 edges may be squared, bullnosed or formed having any
other desired edge.
[0033] The storage cavity 308 and display cavity 310 may be
positioned in any manner, for example, single row with a single
storage cavity 308 adjacent to a single display cavity 310.
Further, the storage and display case structure 300 can vary in
size and shape to better satisfy different demands, for example,
products of all sizes.
[0034] The storage cavity 308 and display cavity 310 may also be
formed with a step 307 on a bottom surface. This step 307 may be
utilized in either the storage cavity 308 or the display cavity
310, but may be positioned, for example, on the bottom surface of
the storage cavity 308. In an exemplary embodiment, the step 307
may be about 1.5 to 2 inches in height and may be positioned about
1.5 inches from the front side 305. Other positions, locations an
orientations of step 307 may be utilized. For example, this step
307 may provide a rest for the neck of a bottle, thereby providing
a designated space in the storage cavities 308 for the horizontal
storage of bottles, such as wine bottles or any other desired
bottles. Additionally, in another exemplary embodiment, the display
cavities 310 may have a depth less the depth of the storage
cavities 308, thereby providing a designated space for the vertical
display of a single wine bottle or any other desired bottle.
[0035] Generally referring to FIGS. 1A-3B, the structure of the
storage and display case can be made of any material capable of
retaining a shape, for example, but not limited to, wood, plastic,
metal, foam or combinations of materials. Another example of
material suitable to form the structure of the storage and display
case is 1.5 pound foam. This foam can be cut, carved, stamped or
injection molded, among other methods know to one having ordinary
skill in the art, into a desired structure shape, for example
structure 100, 200 or 300. Alternatively, a fiberglass shell may be
molded and filled with a foam or other shape retaining material.
Imperfections can also be added to the surface of the structure to
add a textured or unique finish. A polyurea or plastic coating may
also be used to coat the final structure after the strips have been
embedded or otherwise disposed thereon. The plastic coating may,
for example, comprise a two part mixture combined to catalyze and
harden upon application. Other finishes may also be used that may
be unique to the material, such as a stained finish for wood.
[0036] Any strips and steps, for example steps 107, 207, or 307,
described herein may also be formed of any material capable of
retaining its shape, for example, but not limited to, wood,
plastic, metal, foam or combinations of materials. These strips may
be made of the same or different material as the structure.
Additionally, hook and loop fasteners or any other fastener or
adhesive may be added to any surface or any other portion of the
structure. For example, a strip of hook and loop fasteners may be
placed directly below the display cavities, having about the same
width as the display cavities. Alternatively, small adhesive or
hook and loop strips of any shape, for example circular or
rectangular, may be used. These fasteners may be used for
attachment of price tags, advertisements or any other desired
signage, for example.
[0037] The foregoing description and accompanying drawings
illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of
operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be
construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed
above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
[0038] Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be
regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it
should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be
made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope
of the invention as defined by the following claims.
* * * * *