U.S. patent application number 12/286351 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-01 for foldable display structure.
Invention is credited to Paul Belokin.
Application Number | 20100078349 12/286351 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42056242 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100078349 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Belokin; Paul |
April 1, 2010 |
Foldable display structure
Abstract
A display tray formed as a substantially flat body is folded
along score lines to form a rigid tray body. The flat body is
formed with parallel score lines which define the adjoining edges
of a support panel, a floor, and a containment wall. The flat body
is formed into a tray by folding along the score lines.
Inventors: |
Belokin; Paul; (Denton,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JACK A. KANZ
502 SOUTH COTTONWOOD DRIVE
RICHARDSON
TX
75080
US
|
Family ID: |
42056242 |
Appl. No.: |
12/286351 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/557 ;
229/117.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 7/28 20130101; A47F
5/114 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/557 ;
229/117.01 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/00 20060101
B65D005/00; B65D 5/36 20060101 B65D005/36 |
Claims
1. A display tray having a support panel extending in a
substantially vertical first plane, a floor panel extending in a
plane substantially normal to said first plane; and a containment
wall panel extending in a plane spaced from and substantially
parallel with said first plane; said display tray formed by bending
portions of a unitary substantially planar body with respect to
other portions thereof; said unitary planar body comprising: (a) a
substantially flat body having first and second opposed faces; (b)
a first score line on said first face defining joined edges of said
floor panel and said containment wall panel; and (c) a second score
line on said second face defining joined edges of said floor panel
and said support panel; wherein (i) a portion of said substantially
planar body is bent in a first direction about said second score
line to form a support panel extending in a substantially vertical
first plane and a floor panel extending in a plane substantially
normal to first plane; and (ii) a portion of said substantially
planar body is bent in a second direction about said first score
line to form a containment wall panel extending from said floor
panel in a plane spaced from and substantially parallel with said
substantially vertical first plane.
2. A display tray as defined in claim 1 wherein said support panel
extends below said floor and displays advertising material on at
least one face thereof.
3. A display tray as defined in claim 1 wherein said containment
wall includes alignment spacers shaped to orient individual
products.
4. A display tray as defined in claim 3 wherein said alignment
spacers are defined by a portion of the substantially planar body
adjoining the upper edge of said containment wall is folded
inwardly toward said support panel.
5. A display tray as defined in claim 1 including end walls formed
by folding the outer ends of said containment wall panel inwardly
toward said support panel.
6. A display tray as defined in claim 5 wherein said end walls are
attached to said support panel.
7. A display tray as defined in claim 6 wherein said end walls are
attached to said support panel by bending the extreme ends of said
containment wall to extend parallel with the plane of the support
panel and securing said extreme ends to said support panel.
8. A display tray as defined in claim 7 wherein each of said
extreme ends includes a slot which mates with a boss extending from
the back face of said support panel.
9. A display tray as defined in claim 1 wherein the outer ends of
said floor panel portion are separated from said support panel
portion by parallel separation cuts extending from said first score
line to said second score line to define edge flanges which extend
above the floor panel when the display tray is assembled.
10. The method of forming a display tray comprising the steps of:
(a) forming a substantially flat body having a front face and a
back face which includes a support panel portion, a floor panel
portion, and a containment wall portion; (b) forming a first score
line on said front face to define the adjoining edges of said floor
panel and said containment wall panel; (c) forming a second score
line on said second face to define the adjoining edges of said
floor panel and said support panel; (d) folding said flat body
about said first and second score lines to form a display tray
having a vertically extending support panel, a horizontally
extending floor, and a vertically extending containment wall
horizontally spaced from said support panel.
11. The method set forth in claim 10 further including the step of
forming parallel separation cuts extending from said first score
line to said second score line which define the ends of said
containment wall portion.
Description
[0001] This invention relates to display structures for holding and
displaying merchandise products and product containers such as
candy bars, bottles, cans and the like. More particularly, it
relates to display trays adapted for mounting on one face of a
substantially vertical wall to support and display products on or
through the wall and to methods of making such display
structures.
[0002] Retail businesses commonly display products for sale in
trays, shelves or the like mounted on vertical walls such as
windows and walls of refrigerated vaults or the like which have a
transparent door or wall panel. Because a passing customer is more
likely to select and purchase products displayed where they can be
readily seen and recognized, the retailer desires to maximize
visibility of products on display and also to maximize utilization
of display space and space within the refrigerated area. Display
shelves typically used for this purpose are disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,984,693 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,433.
[0003] Many products are packaged in containers such as bottles,
cans and the like. In order to advantageously display such
products, they must be arranged so that the product or package is
readily visible and easily recognizable. To maximize use of visible
space on a supporting wall or transparent panel, the display shelf
must permit unobstructed view of the displayed product, selectively
position the product units adjacent the supporting panel, and
preferably display advertising or the like related to the displayed
products. Since display space is usually limited, the display tray
should be adapted for easy installation and removal; should be
adapted to support and display the maximum amount of product in the
space available; and should permit easy removal and replacement of
displayed product.
[0004] Typically, display trays or shelves are formed as unitary
molded units which are mounted on the supporting wall with suction
cups or the like secured to the tray. Such molded products are
usually made of plastics and the like and are generally sturdy
lightweight structures. However, the molded units are usually bulky
and not nestable for shipping. Accordingly, transport of the
finished product to the use site can be cumbersome and expensive.
Furthermore, such bulky products can be cumbersome and awkward to
store when not in use.
[0005] In accordance with the present invention, display tray
structures are formed and shipped to the end user as a
substantially flat unitary molded piece. Since the molded piece is
flat, multiple units may be densely stacked, stored and shipped in
relatively small packages. The flat units are thus easily handled
and stored. Each unitary molded piece is pre-cut and scored to
permit the flat unit to be quickly and easily folded into a sturdy
display tray on site without use of any tools, fasteners, glues or
the like and the assembled unit is immediately ready for use. Since
the display unit is formed as a substantially flat piece, the cost
of production tooling is substantially reduced. Since the unit is
delivered to the use site as a flat unit, shipping, handling and
storage costs are substantially reduced. Other features and
advantages of the invention will become more readily understood
from the following detailed description taken in connection with
the appended claims and attached drawing in which:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the
foldable display tray structure of the invention in the molded
as-formed condition;
[0007] FIG. 2 is an edge view of the structure of FIG. 1 as viewed
from the right-hand edge;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a right-hand perspective view of the structure of
FIG. 1 illustrating the initial folding steps to define the support
panel, the floor and the containment wall;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view (partially broken away) of
the structure of FIG. 1 illustrating the folding steps to form the
end walls and attachment of the end walls to the support panel;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a right-hand perspective view of the structure of
FIG. 1 illustrating attachment of the end walls to the support
panel;
[0011] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the structure of FIG.
1 in the final folded and assembled condition; and
[0012] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the structure of FIG. 1
in the final folded and assembled condition.
[0013] The above-described drawing is incorporated into and forms
part of the specification to illustrate an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention. Throughout the drawing like reference
numerals designate corresponding elements. The figures are not to
scale but are intended to disclose the inventive concepts by
illustration. This drawing, together with the description herein,
serves to explain the principles of the invention and is only for
the purpose of illustrating preferred and alternative examples of
how the invention can be made and used.
[0014] It will be recognized that the principles of the invention
may be utilized and embodied in many and various forms. In order to
demonstrate these principles, the invention is described herein by
reference to specific preferred embodiments. The invention,
however, is not limited to the forms illustrated and described.
Furthermore, the invention is not limited to use in connection with
any particular arrangement of support panels, floors or containment
walls but may find utility in various other applications involving
support and display of various items.
[0015] For purposes of this disclosure the terms "shelf" and "tray"
are used interchangeably to mean any structure having a floor on
which products or packages containing products may be placed or
suspended from for display. Such apparatus may be formed of any
suitable material and may have walls extending upwardly or
downwardly to form cavities in which goods may be supported and
displayed. Accordingly, the tray may define one or more cavities
above the floor or the floor may support one or more cavities which
depend downwardly from the floor. Similarly, the floor and/or walls
of the tray may have perforations, slots and/or hooks and the like
from which goods may be suspended. Accordingly, the terms "shelf"
and "tray" are used generally to describe any structure on, in or
from which goods may be placed or suspended for display.
[0016] For perspective and consistency in describing the display
structure illustrated, the portion of the tray unit which is
closest the wall or panel on which it is supported is described as
the front and the portion most remote from the supporting wall or
panel is described as the back or rear. Similarly, spatial
orientation and relative terms such as "upwardly," "downwardly,"
"rearwardly," "horizontally," "above," "below," "upper," "lower"
and the like are used in reference to the position of the tray when
the tray is mounted on a supporting wall for use.
[0017] In the embodiment illustrated, the display structure
comprises a substantially flat unitary piece with oppositely
disposed faces 100, 200 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The flat
piece is formed with score lines 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 and
with separation cuts 17, 17a and 17b as discussed below to permit
the flat piece to be folded to form a display tray.
[0018] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 the display unit of the
invention is preferably formed as a unitary flat piece having a
front face 100 and a back face 200. A score line 10 is formed in
back face 200 to define the adjoining edges of the portions of the
flat piece which will form the support panel 20 and the floor
21.
[0019] In order to provide edge flanges 20a, 20b which extend
upwardly from floor 21 in the final assembly, separation cuts 17
divide the end edges of floor 21 from the edge flanges 20a, 20b and
separation cuts 17a, 17b divide the edge flanges 20a, 20b from the
portions of the flat piece which will form end walls 18a, 18b.
[0020] A score line 11 is formed in the front face 100 parallel
with and spaced from score line 10 to define the adjoining edges of
floor 21 and the portion of the flat piece which will form the
containment wall 25. Another score line 12 is formed in the front
face 100 parallel with and spaced from score line 11 to define the
adjoining edges of the top of containment wall 25 and alignment
spacer 26.
[0021] Parallel score lines 13 and 14 are formed in the front face
100 connecting the ends of parallel score lines 11 and 12. Score
lines 13 and 14 define the lateral ends of containment wall 25 and
also define the adjoining edges of end walls 18a, 18b with
containment wall 25.
[0022] Parallel score lines 15, 16 are formed in the back face 200
of the flat piece. Score line 15 is spaced outwardly from score
line 13 so that score lines 13 and 15 define the end edges of end
wall 18a. Similarly, score line 16 is spaced outwardly from score
line 14 so that score lines 14 and 16 define the end edges of end
wall 18b. Score line 15 also defines the adjoining edges of end
wall 18a and attachment flange 19a. Similarly, score line 16
defines the adjoining edges of end wall 18b and attachment flange
19b.
[0023] In the preferred embodiment illustrated a slot 36 is formed
in each attachment flange 19a, 19b which is adapted to mate with a
post or boss 37 extending from the back faces of edge flanges 20a,
20b (see FIG. 2) as explained in more detail hereinafter.
[0024] In the preferred embodiment illustrated parallel notches 30
are formed in the extreme lateral edges of support panel 20 to
define a tongue 31 adapted to mate with an appropriate mounting
device such as a suction cup or the like. Similarly, notches 32 are
formed in the lateral edges of edge flanges 20a and 20b to define
tongues 33. In the preferred embodiment, however, the thickness of
tongues 33 is reduced to approximately one-half (1/2) the thickness
of end flanges 20a, 20b by forming an indentation 29 (see FIG. 3)
in the front face 100 of tongues 33. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the
back face of tongue 33 is coplanar with back face 200 of the flat
piece. The front face of tongue 33, however, is recessed to
approximately the midpoint of the thickness of end flanges 20a,
20b. Similarly, matching notches 34 are formed in the extreme
lateral edges of attachment flanges 19a, 19b to define tongues 35.
In the preferred embodiment the thickness of tongue 35 is also
reduced to approximately one-half (1/2) the thickness of attachment
flanges 19a, 19b with the front faces of tongues 35 coplanar with
the front face 100 and the back face of tongues 35 recessed to
approximately the midpoint of the thickness of attachment flanges
19a, 19b.
[0025] The flat piece illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be readily
formed into a sturdy unitary tray or shelf by simply folding along
the score lines. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the floor 21 is formed
by folding the flat piece toward back face 100 along score line 10
as indicated by fold arrow 101. Since the lateral ends of floor 21
are separated from edge flanges 20a, 20b by separation cuts 17, the
front face 100 of support panel 20 and edge flanges 20a, 20b remain
vertical and the front face 100 of floor 21 is positioned
horizontal and normal to the plane of the support panel 20.
[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the end wall 18a is formed by
folding the end portion of the containment wall portion 25 toward
front face 100 along score line 13 and attachment flange 19a formed
by folding the extreme end of containment wall portion 25 in the
opposite direction along score line 15. In like manner, the
opposite end wall 18b is formed by folding the opposite end of
containment wall portion 25 toward the front face 100 along score
line 14 and attachment flange 19b formed by folding the extreme end
of containment wall portion 25 in the opposite direction along
score line 16.
[0027] To complete formation of the tray the containment wall
portion is folded in the direction of front face 100 along score
line 11 as indicated by fold arrow 201. When the folds along score
lines 10 and 11 are each 90.degree. in opposite directions (see
FIG. 6) the tray assumes a position wherein the support panel 20
(and edge flanges 20a, 20b) remain vertical; floor 21 is positioned
horizontal; containment wall 25 is vertical and parallel with but
spaced from support panel 20; and end walls 18a, 18b are vertical
and normal to and positioned between the containment wall 25 and
the plane of support panel 20.
[0028] When the respective components of the flat piece are folded
and positioned as described above, the attachment flanges 19a, 19b
are positioned parallel with and adjacent support flanges 20a, 20b,
respectively (see FIGS. 4 and 5). When so positioned, bosses 37 fit
into slots 36. With the slots 36 and bosses 37 appropriately sized
and shaped, the boss 37 acts as a tongue to align the attachment
flanges 19a, 19b with edge flanges 20a, 20b and securely hold the
assembly in the folded condition.
[0029] In the assembled condition, tongues 33 are aligned with and
positioned adjacent tongues 35. Since tongues 33 and 35 are each
only one-half (1/2) the thickness of the flat piece and are
positioned with the front face of tongue 35 adjacent the back face
of tongue 33, the combined thickness of tongues 33 and 35 is
approximately equal to the thickness of the remainder of the flat
piece. Thus mounting devices such as suction cups (not shown) or
other mounting systems may be secured to tongues 33, 35 and/or in
notches 32 to aid in securing the tray in the folded condition and
adjacent a wall, window or the like. Similarly, mounting devices
(not shown) may be secured in notches 30 and/or tongues 31 to
assist in mounting the tray in a position for use.
[0030] It will be appreciated that the flat piece may be formed by
any suitable manufacturing process such as molding, stamping,
machining or the like and may be constructed of any suitable
material such as plastic, paper, metal or the like. Likewise, the
score lines and separation cuts may be formed by any process
compatible with the material of construction and method of
manufacture.
[0031] In the preferred embodiment, the flat piece is formed by
injection molding polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or similar
thermoplastic polymer. PET is preferred because it is relatively
inexpensive and easily molded.
[0032] The score lines 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 may be formed in
the injection molding tool or individually cut. Where a
thermoplastic polymer such as PET is used, the score lines may be
cut to a depth of 2/3 or more of the thickness of the flat piece.
The scores are preferably formed so that the sides of the cut are
flat and form a 90.degree. trough with the sides intersecting the
surfaces 100, 200 at an angle of 45.degree.. Accordingly, when the
adjoining parts are folded 90.degree., the sides of the trough mate
to form a 90.degree. bend and the uncut portion below the score
line forms a hinge holding the adjoining portions together.
[0033] If desired, an alignment spacer 26 shaped to space
individual containers or products positioned vertically on floor 21
may be formed by appropriately shaping the upper edge of the flat
piece and forming a score line 12 parallel with and spaced from
score line 11. The alignment spacer 26 may be positioned to extend
horizontally inwardly over the floor 21 by simply folding the
alignment spacer 26 inwardly toward the front face 11 along score
line 12. If desired, score line 12 (or any of the other score
lines) may be enhanced by perforations 23 or the like.
[0034] In the embodiment illustrated, mounting slots 30 are formed
at the outer edges of flanges 20a, 20b. If desired (and to permit
more secure mounting of the tray) slots may be formed in the lower
edge of support panel 20 and arranged so that the entrance of each
slot is at the lower edge of support panel 20. It will be
appreciated that various other combinations and arrangements of
slots, holes and the like may be used to mount the display shelf
adjacent a transparent wall.
[0035] In the embodiment illustrated, holes 22 are formed in the
containment wall 20 and depressions 24 are formed in the floor 21.
These holes 22 and depressions 24 may be of any desired shape and
size to aid in removal of products from the tray, to aid in
positioning products in the tray, or merely for ornamentation.
[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the display tray of the invention
is uniquely suited for attachment to a transparent wall (not
illustrated) to support products on the floor 21 which will be
visible through the transparent wall. In such applications,
advertising copy 40 may be displayed on the front face 100 of
support panel 20 which will be visible through the transparent wall
directly below the displayed product.
[0037] It will be apparent from the foregoing that the principles
of the invention may be used to form display trays which support
products such as bottles, cans and the like on a vertically
supporting wall. The shape and size of the tray, as well as the
materials of construction may be varied as desired to accommodate a
wide variety of products.
[0038] It is to be understood that even though numerous
characteristics and advantages of the invention have been set forth
in the foregoing description together with details of the structure
and function of the invention, this disclosure is to be considered
illustrative only. Various changes and modifications may be made in
detail, especially in matters of shape, size, arrangement and
combination of parts, without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *