U.S. patent application number 13/581486 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-27 for devices for dispensing and displaying products and package assemblies for use with the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to MEADWESTVACO CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Ryan A. Bailey, Aaron L. Bates, Caleb S. Loftin, Laurel Thomas.
Application Number | 20120325839 13/581486 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44542528 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-27 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20120325839 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bates; Aaron L. ; et
al. |
December 27, 2012 |
DEVICES FOR DISPENSING AND DISPLAYING PRODUCTS AND PACKAGE
ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH THE SAME
Abstract
A device for dispensing and displaying products is disclosed.
The device comprises: a package assembly having an outer sleeve
with at least one aperture formed therein and a product retaining
insert slidably engaged within the outer sleeve; a frame having an
upper support deck and a product display area; and an engagement
feature extending from the frame. When the package assembly is slid
longitudinally onto the upper support deck of the frame, the
engagement feature extends through the aperture formed in the outer
sleeve and engages with the product retaining insert such that the
products inside the package assembly are at least partially
dispensed from the package into the product display area.
Inventors: |
Bates; Aaron L.; (Moseley,
VA) ; Loftin; Caleb S.; (Richmond, VA) ;
Bailey; Ryan A.; (Richmond, VA) ; Thomas; Laurel;
(Portland, OR) |
Assignee: |
MEADWESTVACO CORPORATION
Richmond
VA
|
Family ID: |
44542528 |
Appl. No.: |
13/581486 |
Filed: |
March 1, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
March 1, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US11/26621 |
371 Date: |
August 28, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61310238 |
Mar 3, 2010 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
221/194 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/728 20130101;
B65D 5/725 20130101; A47F 1/087 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
221/194 |
International
Class: |
B65H 3/00 20060101
B65H003/00 |
Claims
1. A system for shipping, dispensing and displaying a plurality of
products comprising: (a) a package assembly including: (i) an outer
sleeve having at least one aperture formed therein; and (ii) a
product retaining insert slidably engaged within the outer sleeve,
wherein the outer sleeve and the product retaining insert define a
shipping compartment for the plurality of products; (b) a frame
having longitudinally opposed front and rear end sections and
including an upper support deck extending at least partially
between the front and rear end sections and below which a product
display area is provided; and (c) an engagement feature extending
from the frame, wherein when the package assembly is slid
longitudinally onto the upper support deck of the frame towards the
rear end section to a first position, the engagement feature
extends through the aperture formed in the outer sleeve and engages
with the product retaining insert such that when the outer sleeve
is slid longitudinally towards the front end section to a second
position, the product retaining insert is restrained in the first
position enabling the products to be at least partially dispensed
from the package into the product display area.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the product retaining insert
includes a bottom panel having a hinged door formed therein which
is arranged such that the door opens when the outer sleeve is slid
longitudinally to the second position thereby allowing the products
to be at least partially dispensed from the package into the
product display area.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the product retaining insert
includes a U-shaped transverse cross-section.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the frame further includes a
lower display shelf.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the lower display shelf includes
a lane divider to create two display channels within the product
display area.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the lower display shelf includes
an upwardly extending rib for guiding products to the front end
section of the frame.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the frame further includes a rear
wall which is configured to guide products to the product display
area.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the upper support deck is
inclined at an acute angle with respect to a horizontal plane.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the engagement feature is formed
in the upper support deck of the frame.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the frame further includes first
and second laterally opposed side walls.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the first and second laterally
opposed side walls of the frame are adapted and configured for
guiding the package as it is moved longitudinally along the upper
support deck.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein the engagement feature is
associated with at least one of the first and second laterally
opposed side walls of the frame.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the upper support deck includes
two longitudinally extending rails.
14. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for securing
the frame to a vertical wall or to a horizontal shelf.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the front end section of the
frame includes means for displaying product related indicia.
16. A package assembly comprising: (a) an outer sleeve having at
least one aperture formed therein, and (b) a product retaining
insert slidably engaged within the outer sleeve so that the outer
sleeve and the insert are slidingly movable with respect to each
other along a sleeve axis of the outer sleeve, the insert
comprising at least one engaging edge disposed such that the at
least one engaging edge is accessible from an outside of the outer
sleeve through the at least one aperture, the engaging edge
extending transversely of the sleeve axis.
17. The package assembly of claim 16, wherein the aperture has
first and second opposed end edges disposed along the sleeve axis,
and the engaging edge is disposed between the first and second end
edges when the insert is in a fully received position.
18. The package assembly of claim 17, wherein the outer sleeve has
a closed end and an opposed open end, the first end edge of the
aperture is disposed closer to the closed end than the second end
edge, the engaging edge is disposed at a distance (D1) from the
second end edge when the insert is in a fully received position,
and the distance is no less than a dimension (D2) of an access
opening defined in the insert.
19. The package assembly of claim 18, wherein the insert comprises
first and second adjacent walls, the first wall being disposed to
close the open end of the outer sleeve when the insert is in the
fully received position, and the access opening is defined in the
second wall proximate the first wall.
20. The package assembly of claim 19, wherein the engaging edge is
provided by the second wall.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0002] The dispensing and display devices for use at point-of-sale
(POS) locations are disclosed. The disclosure relates to a display
device which includes a frame that is adapted and configured for
receiving a carton or package containing a plurality of products on
an upper deck of the display device and an engagement feature for
facilitating the opening of the carton and the dispensing of the
products sequentially from the carton into a lower display area.
The disclosure also relates to a system that includes a dispensing
and display device, such as the aforementioned, and a package or
carton of articles which is specially adapted for use with the
dispensing and display device, the package or carton including an
inner product retaining insert slidably positioned within and an
outer sleeve. The disclosure further relates to blanks for use in
forming cartons or packages adapted for use with the aforementioned
dispensing and display device.
[0003] 2. Background of the Related Art
[0004] At point-of-sale (POS) or display units in retail
outlets/locations, it is convenient to present articles and
products in an eye-catching and easily accessible manner. These POS
or display units also act as a storage area for articles and
products. As such, it is desirable to maximize the amount of
storage space utilized, whilst at the same time enabling a customer
to easily select and take products away for purchase. To achieve
this, as articles are removed, it is desirable for the shelf to
forward fill to present the next stored article for easy selection
by a customer. Some dispensers have sprung-biased mechanisms that
push articles forward; other known display devices use gravity feed
mechanisms to cause articles to flow to the forward-most sale
position. One such dispensing device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,396,997 wherein a dispensing device has upper and lower jar
guides and a plurality of glass jar containers are loaded on their
sides through a container loading area. The dispenser racks
successively feed one container at a time to the container
dispensing area to thereby provide a self-feeding and self-facing
storage, dispensing and display system.
[0005] A drawback of systems, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,396,997, is that loading of the dispensing device is done
manually and individually. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,396,997, a rotatable
door panel is provided so that loading occurs through the openable
upper jar guide. As such articles are fed one at a time into the
upper jar guide. Loading in this manner is slow, and therefore,
time-consuming. Additionally, the products being displayed in the
dispensing device are usually transported to a retail outlet in a
carton or box containing a number of such articles. Therefore, if
the dispensing device is not capable of holding all of the articles
contained in the delivered carton or box, then any article that
could not be loaded into the dispensing device need to be stored
elsewhere in the retail outlet in the partially emptied carton or
box, until such time as the dispensing device can accommodate those
articles.
[0006] It is therefore desirable to improve the manner in which the
filling of the dispensing devices takes place. It is desirable that
the filling is quick, enables full cartons of delivered goods to be
accommodated in the dispensing device. Additionally, it is
desirable that the requirement for storing any extra article that
cannot be displayed may be avoided.
[0007] Furthermore, it is desirable that such dispensing devices
are made from a minimum amount of material.
[0008] It is also desirable that such dispensing devices are as
eye-catching as possible to the consumers and contain branding,
advertising and/or marketing material for this purpose. Since the
advertising and branding materials and graphics are frequently
changed and altered in line with trends and promotions, it is also
desirable that the dispensing devices are adaptable to facilitate
quick changeovers in the branding, advertising and marketing
graphics displayed thereon.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0009] A system for shipping, dispensing and displaying a plurality
of products is disclosed that includes a package assembly, a frame,
and an engagement feature extending from the framer.
[0010] The package assembly has an outer sleeve with at least one
aperture formed therein and a product retaining insert slidably
engaged within the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve and the product
retaining insert define a shipping compartment for the plurality of
products.
[0011] The frame that has longitudinally opposed front and rear end
sections and includes an upper support deck extending at least
partially between the front and rear end sections and below which a
product display area is provided. In one embodiment of the present
disclosure, the upper support deck is inclined at an acute angle
with respect to a horizontal plane. It is presently envisioned that
in certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the upper support
deck includes two longitudinally extending rails. The frame may
also include first and second laterally opposed side walls, which
in certain constructions are adapted and configured for guiding the
package as it is moved longitudinally along the upper support
deck.
[0012] When the package assembly is slid longitudinally onto the
upper support deck of the frame towards the rear end section to a
first position, the engagement feature extends through the aperture
formed in the outer sleeve of the package assembly and engages with
the product retaining insert. As a result, when the outer sleeve is
slid longitudinally towards the front end section to a second
position, the product retaining insert is restrained in the first
position which enables the products to be at least partially
dispensed from the package into the product display area. Those
skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the engagement
feature and the frame may be a unitary structure or separate parts
which are attached using a variety of known techniques.
[0013] In certain constructions, it is envisioned that the product
retaining insert includes a bottom panel that has a hinged door
formed therein. The hinged door is arranged and configured such
that the door opens when the outer sleeve is slid longitudinally to
the second position, thereby allowing the products to be at least
partially dispensed from the package into the product display area.
Alternatively, in certain constructions, the transverse
cross-section of the product retaining insert is U-shaped.
[0014] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the frame
includes a lower display shelf. In certain constructions, the lower
display shelf includes a lane divider to create two display
channels within the product display area. Still further, the lower
display shelf may include an upwardly extending rib for guiding
products to the front end section of the frame.
[0015] It is also envisioned that the frame may include a rear wall
which is configured to guide products to the product display area.
In certain constructions, a guide ramp may be formed as part of the
rear wall of the frame. In alternative constructions, the guide
ramp may be formed as part of the lower display shelf.
[0016] In certain construction embodiments of the present
disclosure, the engagement feature may be formed in the upper
support deck. Alternatively, the engagement feature may be formed
in or extend from either of both lateral side walls of the
frame.
[0017] It is envisioned that in certain embodiments of the present
disclosure, the frame includes a mechanism for securing the frame
to a vertical wall. Moreover, the frame may include a mechanism for
securing the frame to a horizontal shelf. It is also envisioned
that the front end section of the frame may include structure or a
mechanism for displaying product related indicia.
[0018] The present disclosure is also directed to a package
assembly that includes an outer sleeve having at least one aperture
formed therein, and a product retaining insert slidably engaged
within the outer sleeve such that the outer sleeve and the insert
are slidingly movable with respect to each other along a sleeve
axis. The insert includes at least one engaging edge disposed such
that the at least one engaging edge is accessible from an outside
of the outer sleeve through the at least one aperture, the engaging
edge extending transversely of the sleeve axis.
[0019] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the aperture
formed in the outer sleeve has first and second opposed end edges
disposed along the sleeve axis, and the engaging edge of the insert
is disposed or positioned between the first and second end edges
when the insert is in a fully received position.
[0020] In certain constructions, the outer sleeve has a closed end
and an opposed open end, and the first end edge of the aperture is
disposed closer to the closed end than the second end edge.
Moreover, the engaging edge of the insert is disposed at a distance
(D1) from the second end edge, and the distance is no less than a
dimension (D2) of an access opening defined in the insert.
[0021] In one construction of the present disclosure, the insert
includes first and second adjacent walls, the first wall being
disposed to close the open end of the outer sleeve when the insert
is in the fully received position, and the access opening defined
in the second wall proximate the first wall. In such a
construction, it is envisioned that the engaging edge of the insert
may be provided by the second wall.
[0022] These and other aspects of the present disclosure will
become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the
art from the following detailed description taken in conjunction
with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a blank for forming an outer sleeve for a package
assembly constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an outer sleeve for a
packaging assembly of the present disclosure which has been
constructed using the blank of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a blank for a product retaining insert for a
packaging assembly constructed in accordance with a first
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a product retaining insert
for a packaging assembly of the present disclosure which has been
constructed using the blank of FIG. 3;
[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a packaging assembly which
has been constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the
present disclosure using the outer sleeve of FIG. 2 and the product
retaining insert of FIG. 4;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view taken from beneath a packaging
assembly which has been constructed in accordance with a first
embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the outer sleeve has
been moved longitudinally with respect to the product retaining
insert thereby opening a door formed in the bottom of the product
retaining insert;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a perspective view taken from the above the
packaging assembly illustrated in FIG. 6;
[0030] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of frame constructed in
accordance with a first embodiment of the display and dispensing
device of the present disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the
longitudinal centerline of the frame illustrated in FIG. 8;
[0032] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the
longitudinal centerline of the frame illustrated in FIG. 8 showing
the packaging assembly located on the upper support deck in a first
position;
[0033] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the
longitudinal centerline of the frame illustrated in FIG. 8 showing
the packaging assembly located on the upper support deck in a
second position and wherein the products have been partially
dispensed from the package assembly;
[0034] FIG. 12 is an exemplary product that may be dispensed and
displayed using the devices and methods of the present disclosure;
and
[0035] FIG. 13 provides a perspective view of a second embodiment
of the packaging assembly of the present disclosure wherein the
product retaining insert has a U-shaped lateral cross-section.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0036] Detailed descriptions of several embodiments of the
disclosed dispensing and display devices and packaging assemblies
are discussed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed
embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects
of the disclosure can be implemented and they do not represent an
exhaustive list of all of the ways the disclosure may be embodied.
Indeed, it will be understood that the apparatus and cartons
described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms.
The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be
exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components.
Well-known components, materials, or methods are not necessarily
described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present
disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details
disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely
as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for
teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the
disclosure.
[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 1-7, shown therein is a packaging
assembly 100 which has been constructed in accordance with one
embodiment of the present disclosure. Package assembly 100 includes
an outer sleeve 20 (see FIG. 2) and a product retaining insert 40
(see FIG. 4).
[0038] FIG. 1 provides an illustration of the carton blank used to
construct outer sleeve 20. As shown therein, the carton blank
includes: a top panel 22, a first side panel 24, a bottom panel 26,
a second side panel 28, end closure flaps 30a-d, and glue flap 32.
The main panels (the top panel 22, the first side panel 24, the
bottom panel 26, and the second side panel 28) are hinged one to
the next in series along fold lines 34, 36 and 38 respectively. The
glue flap 32 is connected to the second side panel 26 along fold
line 39. The end closure flaps 30a-c are hinged to opposite ends of
the main panels along fold lines 10a-d respectively.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, the blank is foldable into outer sleeve
20 when the glue flap 32 is secured to the inner face of first side
panel 24 and the end closure flaps 30a-d are secured in an
overlapping, face contacting relationship. The end closure flaps
30a-d may be secured using adhesive or other suitable securing
means including mechanical fastenings, to form a composite front
end wall 30 (see FIGS. 5 and 7). As shown in FIG. 2, a fully formed
outer sleeve 20 is formed which has one open end and one closed
end.
[0040] Outer sleeve 20 has an elongated aperture 12 formed in
bottom panel 26 and a weakened or perforated arcuate-shaped section
14 has been provided in top panel 22. The aperture 12 has a front
end edge 15 and an opposed rear end edge 17 disposed along the
sleeve axis X-X of the outer sleeve 20. The purpose and function of
aperture 12 and perforated section 14 will be discussed in detail
hereinbelow.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 3, which illustrates the blank used to
construct product retaining insert 40. As shown therein, the carton
blank includes: a top panel 42, a first side panel 44, a bottom
panel 46, a second side panel 48, end closure flaps 50a-d, and glue
flap 52. The main panels (top panel 42, first side panel 44, bottom
panel 46, and second side panel 48) are hinged one to the next in
series along fold lines 54, 56 and 58, respectively. The glue flap
52 is connected to the second side panel 46 along fold line 59. The
end closure flaps 50a-d are hinged to opposite ends of the main
panels along fold lines 60a-d respectively.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, the blank is foldable into product
retaining insert 40 when the glue flap 52 is secured to the inner
face of second side panel 48 and the end closure flaps 50a-d are
secured in an overlapping, face contacting relationship. The end
closure flaps 50a-d may be secured using adhesive or other suitable
securing means including mechanical fastenings, to form a composite
rear end wall 50 (see FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 4, a fully formed
product retaining insert 40 is formed which has one open end and
one closed end.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 3, product retaining insert 40 has
U-shaped perforation 62 formed in bottom panel 46 and an
arcuate-shaped cutout 64 has been provided in top panel 42.
Additionally, a door 66 has been formed in bottom panel 46 which is
bounded by severance lines 68a-c, 69a, 69b, and fold line 60c. The
severance line 68b extends transversely across the bottom panel 46
and is disposed substantially parallel to the fold line 60c. The
severance lines 68a and 68c emanate from the opposite ends of the
severance line 68b respectively extend toward the fold line 60c and
terminate at respective points spaced from the fold line 60c. The
severance lines 69a and 69b emanate from the respective terminal
points of the severance lines 68a and 68c and extend to the fold
line 60c. The severance lines 68a and 69a are disposed in alignment
with the fold line 56; whereas the severance lines 68c and 69b are
disposed in alignment with the fold line 58. The severance lines
69a and 69b may be less frangible than the other severance lines
68a-c. For example, the severance lines 68a-c are perforations;
whereas the severance lines 69a and 69b are score lines. The
purpose and function of U-shaped perforation 62, cutout 64, and
door 66 will be discussed in detail hereinbelow.
[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, which illustrate the product
retaining insert 40 slidably received within outer sleeve 20. In
FIG. 5, the product retaining insert 40 has been completely
inserted into the open end of the outer sleeve 20 such that its
rear end wall 50 is aligned with the rear end of the outer sleeve
20. In such a configuration, the U-shaped perforation or slit 62
formed in the bottom panel 46 of the retaining insert 40 is visible
through the aperture 12 formed in the bottom panel of the outer
sleeve 20. As can be readily understood by those skilled in the art
to which this application pertains, the outer sleeve 20 and the
product retaining insert 40 cooperate to define a shipping
compartment for a plurality of products.
[0045] In FIGS. 6 and 7, the product retaining insert 40 is only
partially inserted into the outer sleeve 20 such that the rear end
wall 50 is positioned well beyond the open end of the outer sleeve
20. In this configuration, the door 66 formed in the bottom panel
46 of the retaining insert 40 is exposed and drops open. In FIG. 6,
the door 66 is illustrated as being folded down along a fold line
71 which is substantially parallel to the fold line 60c and which
extends between the respective terminal points of the severance
lines 68a and 68c. The fold line 71 may be either naturally created
as the door 66 is folded down or pre-formed when the blank 40 is
cut. The severance lines 69a and 69b remain unbroken in such an
embodiment. Alternatively, the door 66 may be folded down along the
fold line 60c regardless of a pre-formed fold line 71. In such an
alternative embodiment, the severance lines 69a and 69c are broken
along with the other severance lines 68a-c.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, there is illustrated a frame
70 and an engagement feature 90, which have been constructed in
accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The frame
70 has longitudinally opposed front and rear end sections, 72 and
74 respectively, and includes an upper support deck 76 that extends
partially between the front and rear end sections 72/74 of the
frame 70. The upper support deck 76 is inclined at an acute angle
with respect to a horizontal plane and slopes downward as it
approaches the rear end section 74 of the frame 70. A product
display area 80 is provided below the upper support deck 76. Those
skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the upper support
deck 76 may include two longitudinally extending rails, rather than
one or in addition to a full width platform, without departing from
the scope of the present disclosure.
[0047] The frame 70 may also includes first and second laterally
opposed side walls 78a-b, which are adapted and configured for
guiding the package assembly 100 as it is moved longitudinally
along the upper support deck 76.
[0048] The frame 70 may also include an inclined lower display
shelf 82. The lower display shelf 82 slopes downward in the
direction towards the front end section 72 of the frame 70. A rib
84 extends upwards from the lower display shelf 82 and is used to
guide products to the front end section 72 of the frame 70. In
certain embodiments of the present disclosure, products may have an
uneven distribution of weight, and therefore, would tend to bind up
between the laterally opposed side walls 78a-b of the frame 70 or
become misaligned when rolling down the lower display shelf 82. An
exemplary product "P" having an uneven distribution of weight is
shown in FIG. 12. This product "P" has been provided with a recess
(R) or groove in its outer periphery. The rib 84 formed is the
lower display shelf is configured to engage within the recess (R)
formed in product "P" and keeps the product properly aligned as it
rolls towards the front end section 72 of the frame 70.
Additionally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that
the lower display shelf 82 may include a lane divider if it is
desirable to create two display channels within the product display
area.
[0049] The frame 70 may also include a rear wall 86 which is
configured to guide products to the product display area. In the
construction shown in FIG. 9, a guide ramp 88 is formed as part of
the rear wall 86 and lower display shelf 82 of the frame 70.
[0050] The engagement feature 90 extends upwardly from the upper
support deck 76 and is positioned along the longitudinal centerline
of the frame 70. As shown in FIG. 8, the engagement feature 90 is
formed as part of the upper support deck 76 (i.e., it's a
monolithic structure). However, those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that the engagement feature 90 may be a separate
part which is removable or modular and may be secured to the upper
support deck 76 using a variety of means, including, but not
limited to, mechanical fasteners, adhesives, or welding
techniques.
[0051] With continuing reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, engagement
feature 90 is elongated and has a front inclined surface 92, a flat
top surface 94, and a rear face 96 which is perpendicular to top
surface 94.
[0052] Refer now to FIGS. 10 and 11, which illustrate the operation
of the display and dispensing device of the present disclosure.
First a packaging assembly, for example, the previously described
packaging assembly 100, is slid onto the upper support deck 76
until it contacts the rear wall 86 of frame 70. When in this
position, the flat top surface 94 of the engagement feature
projects at least partially through the aperture 12 formed in the
outer sleeve 20 of the packaging assembly 100 and presses upward on
the bottom panel 46 of the product retaining insert 40. As a
result, the U-shaped perforation is severed and creates in an
upwardly projecting tab 63 (see FIG. 5) and a severed engaging edge
65 on the bottom panel 46 of the product retaining insert 40. This
severed engaging edge 65 engages with the rear face 96 of the
engagement feature 90 and prevents movement of the retaining insert
back towards the front end surface 72 of the frame 70.
[0053] Next the outer sleeve 20 is slid towards the front end
section 72 of the frame 70, may be moved by using a finger hole
which is created by severing perforated section 14 provided in the
top panel 22. When the outer sleeve 20 is withdraw sufficiently to
expose the door 66 formed in the bottom panel 46 of the retaining
insert 40, the door opens 46 and allows the products contained
within the packaging assembly 100 to dispense through access
opening 67 into the product display area and onto the lower display
shelf 82.
[0054] The products "P" are successively released from the
packaging assembly 100 with the assistance of gravity. The upper
deck 76 is angled or inclined relative to the plane of the lower
level of the frame 70 to encourage the products "P" in the carton
to gently roll toward the door provided in the product retaining
insert 40. The guide ramp 88 prevents the products from rolling out
of the frame 70 and beneficially encourages the products, by
providing a path for them to follow, to roll around and down onto
the lower display shelf 82. The gravity feed mechanism causes the
products "P" to be supplied automatically to the front of the lower
display shelf 82. A stopping mechanism 96 is formed as an upturned
or radiused portion on the front end section 72 of the frame 70 and
prevents the front-most product, contained in dispensing position,
from rolling completely out of the frame 70.
[0055] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that rather
than providing a door in the bottom panel of the retaining insert,
an aperture may be provided which when exposed allows the products
to be dispensed. It is also envisioned that the length of the
elongated aperture 12 provided in the bottom panel 26 of the outer
sleeve 20 may be chosen such that it may be used in conjunction
with the engagement member to limit the amount that the outer
sleeve may be withdrawn.
[0056] In alternative constructions, the engagement feature may be
formed in or extend from either of both lateral side walls of the
frame. For example, FIG. 13 illustrates a packaging assembly
embodiment 200 wherein the product retaining insert 240 has a
U-shaped cross-section, has a U-shaped perforation formed in its
side panel and does not include a bottom panel. Moreover, the outer
sleeve 220 has an aperture 212 formed in its side panel rather than
in the bottom panel.
[0057] In one embodiment, the frame used in the dispensing and
display system of the present disclosure may be formed of
lightweight, yet suitably strong plastics material.
[0058] In one embodiment, the frame may be formed from other
material such as plastic-fiber composite material, metal, wood, ply
wood, etc.
[0059] In certain constructions, the frame may not include a lower
display shelf. In such constructions, once installed at a point of
sale unit, the store shelf will provide the base onto which
dispensed articles may be placed.
[0060] It is also envisaged that engagement feature may be formed
as a pair of hooked pins, each insertable into an aperture or
weakened tab formed on the product retaining insert to engage that
component. The outer sleeve has a pair of apertures or slots
aligned with the aperture or weakened tab of the product retaining
insert to allow for easy insertion of the engagement feature into
the product retaining insert. The outer sleeve may be affixed or
adjoined in some manner, such as by adhesive or by a panel, that is
broken by the relative movement between the product retaining
insert and outer sleeve to allow the opening in the bottom of the
product retaining insert to be exposed for dispensing articles.
[0061] It can be appreciated that various changes may be made
within the scope of the present disclosure, for example, the size
and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to
accommodate articles of differing size or shape. Where as many
embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated using cartons
containing ten articles disposed in a 2.times.5 array, it is
envisaged that in other embodiments of the disclosure the cartons
may contain a greater or lesser number of articles than ten and the
articles may be arranged in any suitable configuration such as a
2.times.6 array. Furthermore, though the disclosure has been
described in the context of a paperboard carton and plastic
dispensing device, in other embodiments of the disclosure it is
envisaged that other suitable foldable sheet materials may be used
for forming the carton (such as cardboard, plastics material and
the like) or that the carton or magazine for articles may formed as
a reusable dispenser with a reusable opening mechanism.
Furthermore, the dispensing device may be formed from other
materials or combinations of materials for example: metal, wood,
fiber glass, glass-reinforced plastic.
[0062] Though the products illustrated are bottles, the disclosure
is applicable to a wide variety of products contained in various
containers. In one embodiment, the containers have at least a
cylindrical portion to encourage rolling of the articles from the
carton through the lower level of the display device and into the
dispensing position. However, the dispensing device apparatus of
the present disclosure is applicable to other types and/or shapes
and/or sizes of articles. However, where advantage cannot be taken
of the gravity and rolling to provide the forward feed mechanism,
other devices may be provided, for example: a sprung biased
mechanism or other suitable means.
[0063] It is also envisaged that the packaging assembly or cartons
may be provided with a means for detecting when the carton is empty
of articles without having to lift or too closely inspect the
carton. Such means for detecting when the carton is empty of
articles may take the form of a window, i.e. an aperture or shaped
cut-out in the carton; such a window may be disposed close to the
bottom of the carton so that the presence or not of articles in the
lowermost tier of the carton can be detected by observation. In
some embodiments the window could be provided by piece, strip or
section of clear, transparent or translucent material, such as
plastic sheet to enable the interior of the carton to be viewed,
yet maintaining the structural integrity and barrier to dust etc of
the carton. Alternatively, an inspection hole or aperture may be
provided into which a pen or other instrument could be inserted in
order to feel for the presence of articles in the lowermost
row.
[0064] It will be recognized that as used herein, directional
references such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "end", "side",
"inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not limit the respective
panels to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these
panels from one another. Any reference to hinged connection should
not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line
only; indeed it is envisaged that hinged connection can be formed
from one or more of the following, a short slit, a frangible line
or a fold line without departing from the scope of the
disclosure.
[0065] It is envisioned that in certain embodiments of the present
disclosure, the frame includes a mechanism for securing the frame
to a vertical wall. Moreover, the frame can include a mechanism for
securing the frame to a horizontal shelf. It is also envisioned
that the front end section of the frame can include structure or a
mechanism for displaying product related indicia.
[0066] Although the product dispensing and display system of the
present disclosure has been described with respect to preferred
embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that
changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing
from the spirit and scope of the subject disclosure as defined by
the appended claims.
* * * * *