U.S. patent application number 16/192929 was filed with the patent office on 2019-03-21 for product display rack assembly and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to iSee Store Innovations, L.L.C.. The applicant listed for this patent is iSee Store Innovations, L.L.C.. Invention is credited to Sivateja Kasireddy, Sesha Madireddi, Mark Schaefer.
Application Number | 20190082860 16/192929 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64458485 |
Filed Date | 2019-03-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190082860 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schaefer; Mark ; et
al. |
March 21, 2019 |
PRODUCT DISPLAY RACK ASSEMBLY AND METHOD
Abstract
A product display assembly includes a first side member, a
second side member, and a cross member. The first side member
includes at least one first rack assembly feature. The second side
member includes at least one second rack assembly feature. The
cross member is configured to be releasably securable to the first
side member and the second side member. The cross member includes
cross member rack assembly features configured to cooperate with
the at least one first rack assembly feature and the at least one
second rack assembly feature to releasably secure the cross member
to the first side member and the second side member. The cross
member is interposed between the first side member and the second
side member and oriented perpendicular to the first side member and
the second side member. The cross member comprises a support
surface configured to support beverage containers.
Inventors: |
Schaefer; Mark; (Town and
Country, MO) ; Kasireddy; Sivateja; (Maryland
Heights, MO) ; Madireddi; Sesha; (Maryland Heights,
MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
iSee Store Innovations, L.L.C. |
St. Louis |
MO |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
iSee Store Innovations,
L.L.C.
St. Louis
MO
|
Family ID: |
64458485 |
Appl. No.: |
16/192929 |
Filed: |
November 16, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15612738 |
Jun 2, 2017 |
10172480 |
|
|
16192929 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 1/12 20130101; A47F
7/28 20130101; A47F 5/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47F 1/12 20060101
A47F001/12; A47F 5/10 20060101 A47F005/10; A47F 7/28 20060101
A47F007/28 |
Claims
1. A product display assembly configured to display beverage
containers, the assembly comprising: a cross member; and a back
retention member integrally formed with the cross member and
extending straight from a support surface configured to support the
beverage containers when the back retention member is in a
pre-assembly position, the back retention member configured to be
removable from the cross member and re-positioned to a retaining
position at which the back retention member is perpendicular to the
cross member, the back retention member including back retention
tabs configured to be accepted by back retention slots of the cross
member when the back retention member is in the retaining
position.
2. The product display assembly of claim 1, wherein the cross
member is configured to be releasably securable to a first side
member and a second side member.
3. The product display assembly of claim 2, wherein the first side
member, the second side member, and the cross member comprise score
lines, the score lines located and configured for removing
corresponding portions of the first side member, second side
member, and cross member.
4. The product display assembly of claim 2, wherein the first side
member and the second side member define a top and a bottom,
wherein the cross member is interposed between the top and the
bottom.
5. The product display assembly of claim 4, wherein the first side
member and the second side member each comprise a ledge disposed
proximate the top, the ledge configured to align or secure the
product display assembly with at least one additional product
display assembly.
6. The product display assembly of claim 4, wherein the first side
member and the second side member each comprise first stacking
cooperating features disposed proximate the top and second stacking
cooperating features disposed proximate the bottom, the first and
second stacking cooperating features configured to at least one of
align or secure the product display assembly with at least one
additional product display assembly.
7. The product display assembly of claim 6, wherein the first
stacking cooperating features comprise stacking tabs and the second
stacking features comprise stacking slots configured to accept the
stacking tabs.
8. The product display assembly of claim 1, wherein the cross
member comprises cross member rack assembly features that are
configured to cooperate with at least one first rack assembly
feature of a first side member and at least one second rack
assembly feature of a second side member to releasably secure the
cross member to the first side member and the second side
member.
9. The product display assembly of claim 8, wherein the cross
member is interposed between the first side member and the second
side member and oriented perpendicular to the first side member and
the second side member.
10. The product display assembly of claim 8, wherein the cross
member rack assembly features comprise tabs, wherein the first and
second rack assembly features comprise slots, and wherein the slots
are configured to accept the tabs.
11. The product display assembly of claim 1, wherein the cross
member comprises a support surface configured to support the
beverage containers.
12. The product display assembly of claim 11, wherein the support
surface has openings extending therethrough.
13. The product display assembly of claim 11, wherein the support
surface is sloped downward from a rear to a front relative to a
bottom defined by first and second side members.
14. The product display assembly of claim 11, wherein the support
surface has cross-shaped securement openings extending
therethrough.
15. The product display assembly of claim 1, wherein the back
retention member is snappably removable from a rear of the cross
member.
16. The product display assembly of claim 1, wherein the cross
member comprises back retention slot groups disposed proximate
corresponding score lines of the cross member.
17. The product display assembly of claim 1, wherein the cross
member comprises a curved surface proximate a front of the cross
member, the curved surface configured to correspond to a shape of
the beverage containers, the curved surface comprising a cut away
configured to provide access to an interior of the product display
assembly.
18. The product display assembly of claim 17, further comprising a
flat portion disposed proximate the front of the cross member and
proximate the curved surface.
19. A product display assembly configured to display beverage
containers, the assembly comprising: a back retention member
extending straight from a support surface configured to support the
beverage containers when the back retention member is in a
pre-assembly position, the back retention member configured to be
removable and re-positioned to a retaining position, the back
retention member including back retention tabs configured to be
accepted by back retention slots of a cross member when the back
retention member is in the retaining position.
20. The product display assembly of claim 19, wherein the back
retention member is integrally formed with the cross member.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/612,738 entitled "Product Display Rack
Assembly and Method," filed Jun. 2, 2017, which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to
systems and methods for displaying products, such as beverage
containers.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Various commercial enterprises offer beverages for sale in
containers. For convenience of consumers, it is beneficial for the
beverages to be organized in easily identifiable groups. Often, the
amount of shelving or display space is limited. Conventionally,
beverage containers may be displayed using racks. However,
currently known racks may suffer from one or more of difficulty or
inefficiency of shipping, limitations regarding stacking or other
use of limited available space, and/or lack of flexibility of use
with differently sized shelving environments.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] A need exists for a system and/or method of conveniently and
reliably displaying products such as beverage containers.
[0005] Accordingly, certain embodiments of the present disclosure
provide a product display assembly that is configured to display
beverage containers. The assembly includes a first side member, a
second side member, and a cross member. The first side member
includes at least one first rack assembly feature. The second side
member includes at least one second rack assembly feature. The
cross member is configured to be releasably securable to the first
side member and the second side member. The cross member includes
cross member rack assembly features configured to cooperate with
the at least one first rack assembly feature and the at least one
second rack assembly feature to releasably secure the cross member
to the first side member and the second side member. The cross
member is interposed between the first side member and the second
side member and oriented perpendicular to the first side member and
the second side member. The cross member comprises a support
surface configured to support the beverage containers.
[0006] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a
method of providing a product display assembly configured to
display beverage containers. The method includes providing a first
side member comprising at least one first rack assembly feature,
providing a second side member comprising at least one second rack
assembly feature, and providing a cross member comprising cross
member rack assembly features. The method also includes joining the
first side member to the cross member via the at least one first
rack assembly feature and at least one of the cross member rack
assembly features, and joining the second side member to the cross
member via the at least one second rack assembly feature and at
least one other of the cross member rack assembly features. The
cross member is interposed between the first side member and the
second side member and oriented perpendicular to the first side
member and the second side member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective front view of a product
display assembly, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective front view of the product
display assembly of FIG. 1 with beverage containers in place.
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of the product display
assembly of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the product display
assembly of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 5 a front sectional view of the product display
assembly 100 taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3.
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view of stacked product
display assemblies, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of
FIG. 4.
[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart of a method of displaying
products within an adjustable product display system, according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0015] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of certain embodiments will be better understood when
read in conjunction with the appended drawings. As used herein, an
element or step recited in the singular and preceded by the word
"a" or "an" should be understood as not necessarily excluding the
plural of the elements or steps. Further, references to "one
embodiment" are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the
existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the
recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the
contrary, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or a
plurality of elements having a particular condition may include
additional elements not having that condition.
[0016] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a
beverage container rack (e.g., a gravity fed can dispensing rack).
In various embodiments, the units are stackable (e.g., up to three
levels of cans). Also, in various embodiments, a three-piece design
is provided consisting of two sides and a base or cross member that
are joined (e.g., by snapping together). Various embodiments
provide for compact and inexpensive transportation or shipping of
the assembly (e.g., in a dis-assembled state) and easy setup.
Additionally, various embodiments allow retailers to adapt the
display to suit available shelf height space. Further, with three
separately accessible levels, for example, three different
varieties of beverage may be placed in a relatively limited space
(e.g., a space that previously would accommodate only two cants
sitting vertically.
[0017] In various embodiments, a base or cross member includes
pentagonal (or other polygonal) shaped holes or openings instead of
slats, with the sides being rigid enough to provide for desired
modularity and stackability. Various embodiments also provide
additional attachment points to connect the sides to the base or
cross member. Accordingly, various embodiments are sufficiently
rigid to provide stacking of up to 3 levels of racks, and in some
embodiments, additional product may be placed on top of an
uppermost stack.
[0018] Various embodiments also provide a flat panel for improved
labelling (e.g., with product logos). Additionally or
alternatively, various embodiments provide a recessed or cutaway
shape that allows a consumer to easily grasp and remove a beverage
container (e.g., can).
[0019] Further still, various embodiments provide for scoring or
break off lines for convenient removal of portions of a product
display assembly to suit a given available space. Also, various
embodiments provide a back retention member that may be integrally
formed with another component (e.g., base or cross member) and
removed from the other component (e.g., snapped off a back end of
the cross member) prior to assembly.
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective front view of a product
display assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective front view of the
product display 100 with beverage containers 102 disposed in an
interior 103 of the product display 100. Also, FIG. 3 illustrates a
side view of the product display assembly 100, and FIG. 4
illustrates a bottom view of the product display assembly 100. The
product display assembly 100 generally is configured to display the
beverage containers 102, for example in a retail environment. For
example, the product display assembly 100 may be positioned on a
shelf within a store. In various embodiments, the depicted product
display assembly 100 may be used in conjunction with other similar
product display assemblies (e.g., with two or more product display
assemblies 100 arranged in a stacked arrangement). Also, it may be
noted that the depicted embodiment is assembled using separate
pieces, and may be assembled at or near a point of display, and/or
may be assembled remotely at a different location. Accordingly, in
various embodiments the product display assembly 100 may be
provided as a kit, with various components provided in an
un-assembled or partially assembled state. For example, the various
aspects of product display assembly 100 may be manufactured (e.g.,
molded from a plastic), shipped to a second location (e.g., retail
store or point of sale) in an unassembled condition, and assembled
and used at the second location. As another example, the product
display assembly 100 may be assembled at the second location, and
then transported to a third location for use.
[0021] As seen in FIGS. 1-4, the product display assembly 100
includes a first side member 120, a second side member 140, and a
cross member 160. Generally, the first side member 120, second side
member 140, and cross member 160 are configured to be assembled or
secured to each other to form an assembled product display assembly
100. In some embodiments, the first side member 120, second side
member 140, and cross member 160 may be releasably securable to
each other to allow for convenient assembly and/or disassembly.
Shipping the product display assembly 100 in an un-assembled state
may provide for more convenient, efficient shipping.
[0022] Generally, the first side member 120 and second side member
140 define sides of the product display assembly 100 when in an
assembled state as seen in FIGS. 1-4, and the cross member 160
provides a base on which the beverage containers 102 may be placed.
As best seen in FIG. 5 (which provides a front sectional view of
the product display assembly 100 taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3),
the cross member 160 is oriented perpendicular to the first side
member 120 and the second side member 140, with the first side
member 120 and the second side member 140 parallel to each other.
The first side member 120, second side member 140, and cross member
160 in various embodiments are sized to accommodate a predetermined
size of beverage container. As seen in FIGS. 1-5, the product
display assembly 100 (and/or components thereof) define and/or
include a top 110, a bottom 112, a front 114, and a rear 116.
Generally, the depicted product display assembly 100 is configured
for the beverage containers 102 to be removed (e.g., by a consumer)
from the product display assembly 100 from the front 114.
[0023] As discussed herein, various components of the product
display assembly 100 are configured to be securable (e.g.,
releasably securable) to other components of the product display
100 to place the product display assembly 100 in an assembled
state. The assembly in various embodiments may take place at a
point of manufacture, at a point of use, or a different location.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first side member 120 includes
at least one first rack assembly feature 122. Generally the first
rack assembly feature 122 is configured to cooperate with at least
one cooperating feature of the cross member 160 to join the first
side member 120 to the cross member 160 and to align, position,
and/or secure the first side member 120 in a desired position with
respect to the cross member 160. The first side member 120 (as well
as the second side member 140 and cross member 160) in various
embodiments may be molded from a plastic.
[0024] Similarly, in the illustrated embodiment, the second side
member 140 includes at least one second rack assembly feature 142.
Generally the second rack assembly feature 142 is configured to
cooperate with at least one cooperating feature of the cross member
160 to join the second side member 140 to the cross member 160 and
to align, position, and/or secure the second side member 140 in a
desired position with respect to the cross member 160.
[0025] The depicted cross member 160 is configured to be releasably
securable to the first side member 120 and the second side member
140. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross member 160 includes
cross member rack assembly features 162. The cross member rack
assembly features 162 are configured to cooperate with at least one
first rack assembly feature 122 and at least one second rack
assembly feature 142 to releasably secure the cross member 160 to
the first side member 120 and also to the second side member 140.
In the assembled state, the cross member 160 of the illustrated
embodiment is interposed between the first side member 120 and the
second side member 140 and oriented perpendicular (e.g., within a
range permitted by manufacturing tolerances and/or clearances
between securement features joining the various components) to the
first vertical member 120 and the second vertical member 140. Also
the cross member 160 includes a support surface 164 configured to
support the beverage containers 102.
[0026] As discussed herein, the first side member 120, second side
member 140, and cross member 160 include various features
configured to secure the first side member 120 to the cross member
160 and to secure the second side member 120 to the cross member
160. For example, tabs and slots may be utilized to secure the
various components together. For instance, as best seen in FIG. 5,
the cross member rack assembly features 162 include tabs 163. As
also seen in FIG. 5, the first rack assembly feature 122 includes a
slot 124, and the second rack assembly feature 142 includes a slot
144. The slots 124, 144 are configured to accept a corresponding
tab 164. In various embodiments, the tabs 163 may be configured to
be slid in (to assemble) and out (to dis-assemble) of the slots
124, 144, thereby providing releaseable securability between the
components. Accordingly, in such embodiments, the side members may
be non-destructively joined and subsequently separated from the
cross member 160. It may be noted that in alternate embodiments,
for example, the mounting of the slots and tabs may be reversed
(e.g., the cross member 160 may include slots that accept tabs of
the first side member 120 and the second side member 140). It may
further be noted that, while in some embodiments only a single rack
assembly feature may be present on each side member, in other
embodiments multiple rack assembly features may be distributed
along the length of the product display assembly 100 for added
security, redundancy, and/or improved alignment.
[0027] As seen in FIGS. 1-3 and 5, the first side member 120 and
the second side member 140 define a top 110 and a bottom 112. As
best seen in FIG. 5, the cross member 160 is interposed between the
top 110 and the bottom 112. As seen in FIG. 5, the cross member 160
is interposed laterally or horizontally between the first side
member 120 and the second side member 140, and interposed between
the top 110 and the bottom 112 vertically. As such, the first side
member 120 and the second side member 140 both extend above the
cross member 160 and below the cross member 160.
[0028] In various embodiments, such an arrangement of the first
side member 120, second side member 140, and cross member 160
(e.g., first and second side members 120, 140 extending above and
below the cross member 160) provides for improved performance
and/or convenience when stacking product display assemblies 100.
For example, various embodiments provide improved resistance to
twisting and/or improved stability and alignment for stacking. FIG.
6 illustrates a sectional view of portions of two product display
assemblies 100, with product display assembly 100a stacked on top
of product display assembly 100b in a stacked arrangement. Product
display assemblies 100a and 100b may be generally similar in
various respects with product display assembly 100.
[0029] As seen in FIG. 6, the first side member 120 and the second
side member 140 each include first stacking cooperating features
130 disposed proximate the top 110, and also include second
stacking cooperating features 132 disposed proximate the bottom
112. The first stacking cooperating features 130 and the second
stacking cooperating features 132 are configured to at least one of
align or secure the product display assembly (e.g., product display
assembly 100a) to at least one additional product display assembly
(e.g., product display assembly 100b). For example, the first
stacking cooperating features 130 may accept and/or be accepted by
the second stacking cooperating features 132 to align and stabilize
the product display assemblies 100a, 100b in a stacked arrangement.
In the illustrated embodiment, the stacking cooperating features
130, 132 of the second side members 140 are generally similar to
the stacking cooperating features 130, 132 of the first side member
120, but they may be different in alternate embodiments. Generally,
the stacking cooperating features 130, 132 of the second side
member 140 are configured to cooperate with each other, and the
stacking features 130, 132 of the first side member 120 are
configured to cooperate with each other.
[0030] For example, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, the first
stacking cooperating features 130 include stacking tabs 131
disposed proximate the top 110. Also, the second stacking
cooperating features 132 include stacking slots 133 configured to
accept the stacking tabs 131. Accordingly, as seen in FIG. 6,
stacking slots 133 of product display assembly 100a accept stacking
tabs 131 of product display assembly 100b to align and/or secure
the product display assemblies 100a, 100b in a stacked arrangement
with product display assembly 100a on top of product display
assembly 100b. In the illustrated embodiment, the stacking slots
133 are defined within an interior of an L-shaped member 135.
Further, it may be noted that stacking tabs 131 disposed proximate
the top of product display assembly 100a may be accepted by
stacking slots of an additional product display assembly (not shown
in FIG. 6) stacked on top of product display assembly 100a.
Additionally or alternatively, stacking slots 133 disposed
proximate the bottom product display assembly 100b may accept
stacking tabs of an addition product display assembly (not shown in
FIG. 6) stacked below product display assembly 100b.
[0031] Further still, additionally or alternatively, the side
members may include one or more additional structures or features
configured for improved convenience and/or stability when stacking.
For example, as best seen in FIG. 1, the first side member 120 and
the second side member 140 each include a ledge 134. The ledge 134
is disposed proximate the top 110, and is configured to align
and/or secure the product display assembly with at least one
additional product display assembly (e.g., to align and/or secure
product display assembly 100a with product display assembly 100b).
It may be noted that in some embodiments, the ledge 134 may be
configured as a first stacking cooperating feature 130. For
example, the ledge 134 may extend for a length along the product
display assembly 100, and be accepted by one or more second
stacking cooperating features 132 (e.g., the ledge 134 may be
inserted into the opening defined by one or more L-shaped members
135 to be accepted by one or more corresponding stacking slots
133). Stacking product display assemblies in various embodiments
allows for convenient, efficient placement of product display
assemblies within an available shelving space and/or allows for
display of different products in different levels of a stacked
array of product display assemblies.
[0032] In various embodiments, the product display assembly 100
includes one or more features or structures configured to help
contain the beverage containers 102 within the interior 103 of the
product display assembly 100. For example, the first side member
120 and the second side member 140 help prevent the beverage
containers 102 from leaving the interior 103 along lateral
directions. As another example, in some embodiments, a back
retention member is employed to help prevent the beverage
containers 102 from leaving the interior 103 via the rear 116.
[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates a section taken along lines 7-7 of FIG.
4, with a back retention member 180 secured in place to help
prevent the beverage containers 102 from leaving the interior 103
via the rear 116. It may be noted that in FIG. 4, the back
retention member 180 is depicted in a shipping or pre-assembly
position in which the back retention member 180 extends straight
from the support surface 164 (or along the same plane as the
support surface). As seen in FIG. 4, the back retention member 180
includes back retention tabs 182, and the cross member 160 includes
back retention slots 170 that accept the back retention tabs 182.
With the back retention tabs 182 inserted into the back retention
slots 170, the back retention member 180 is placed in a retaining
position as depicted in FIG. 7.
[0034] As discussed above, the back retention member 180 may be
initially provided in various embodiments in a shipping or
pre-assembly position in which the back retention member 180
extends straight from the support surface (e.g., as shown in FIGS.
3 and 4). In various embodiments, the back retention member 180 is
snappably removable from the cross member 160 (e.g. from a portion
of the cross member 160 proximate the rear 116 or a rear of the
cross member 160). For example, the back retention member 180 may
be formed (e.g., molded) integrally with the cross member 160. For
improved accuracy and convenience of removal of the back retention
member 180 from the cross member 160, a score or relief line 181
may be provided, along which the back retention member 180 may be
bent with respect to the cross member 160 until the back retention
member 180 snaps off of the cross member 160. Alternatively, for
example, the back retention member 180 may be cut or otherwise
removed from the cross member 160.
[0035] In various embodiments, the product display assembly 100 may
be configured for use with shelves of different lengths. For
example, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the depicted first side member
120, second side member 140, and cross member 160 include score
lines 190. The score lines 190 are located and configured for
removing corresponding portions of the first side member 120,
second side member 140, and cross member 160. The score lines 190
may be located in predetermined positions corresponding to known
shelving lengths. For example, when use with a relatively long
shelf, no portions of the product display assembly 100 may be
removed to allow for a maximum number of beverage containers 102 to
be placed in the product display assembly 100. However, for a
shorter shelf length corresponding to score lines 190a, the
portions of the first side member 120, second side member 140, and
cross member 160 that are disposed rearward of the score line 190a
may be removed before the first side member 120, second side member
140, and cross member 160 are assembled. For example, the portions
may be removed by bending and/or cutting along the score line 190a.
It may be noted that in various embodiments the cross member 160
includes back retention slot groups 194 (which each include back
retention slots 170). Each back retention slot group 194 in the
illustrated embodiments is positioned proximate (and forward of) a
corresponding score line 190, and is configured for placement of
the back retention member 180 after removal of corresponding
portions of the product display assembly 100 along the
corresponding score line. For example, when portions rearward of
score line 190a are removed, back retention slot group 194a may be
used for mounting the back retention member 180.
[0036] As best seen in FIG. 1, for the depicted embodiment, the
cross member 160 includes a curved surface 186 disposed proximate
the front 114. The curved surface 186 is configured to correspond
to a shape of the beverage containers 102. For example, the curved
surface 186 may have a radius within a predetermined range of a can
radius for cans to be placed in the product display assembly 100.
In the illustrated embodiment, the curved surface 186 includes a
cut away 187. The cut away 187 is configured to provide access to
the interior 103 of the product display assembly 100. For example,
the cut away 187 may be sized and positioned to allow a consumer to
place fingers around a beverage container 102 to grasp and remove
the beverage container 102. As also seen in FIG. 1, the product
display assembly 100 includes a flat portion 188 disposed proximate
the front 114 and proximate the curved surface 186. The flat
portion 188 may be utilized, for example, for product
identification, pricing information, and/or advertising. The flat
portion 188 in various embodiments may be integrally formed (e.g.,
molded) with the cross member 160.
[0037] It may be noted that, in various embodiments, the support
surface 164 is sloped downward from the rear 116 to the front 114
(e.g., the support surface 164 is relatively closer to the bottom
112 proximate the front 114 and relatively closer to the top 110
proximate the rear 116). The slope in various embodiments helps to
urge the beverage containers 102 toward the front 114 for more
convenient removal from the front 114. The slope may be selected to
function effectively in conjunction with both straight and sloped
shelves. For example, a slope of 5 degrees may effectively urge
beverage container 102 toward the front 114 when the bottom 112 of
the product display system 100 is placed on either a flat shelf
(e.g., slope of 0 degrees) or a sloped shelf (e.g., slope of 10-15
degrees).
[0038] Various embodiments also provide for convenient securement
to a shelf or other structure. For example, as best seen in FIG. 4,
the depicted support surface 164 has securement openings 167 that
extend through the support surface 164. The securement openings 167
are configured to accept a fastening member (e.g., a cable tie,
wire, clip; not shown in FIG. 4) that is configured to secure the
product display assembly 100 to a shelf In the illustrated
embodiment, the securement openings are cross-shaped or shaped like
an "x" or "+" sign. Further, additionally or alternatively, the
support surface 164 may have openings or other features configured
to lighten the cross member 160. In the depicted embodiment, the
support surface 164 includes openings 165 that extend through the
the support surface. The openings 165 of the illustrated embodiment
are hexagonal openings arranged in a honeycomb pattern. Such a
pattern provides an example of a pattern that allows for a lighter
cross member 160 while still providing adequate structural
rigidity. It may be noted that other shapes and/or arrangements of
openings 165 may be utilized in alternate embodiments.
[0039] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart of providing a product
display assembly (e.g., product display assembly 100), according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure. It may be noted that
various steps may be omitted, combined with other steps, performed
more than once, and/or performed in different orders in various
embodiments.
[0040] The method begins at 802, at which a first side member
(e.g., first side member 120) is provided. The first side member
includes at least one first rack assembly feature as discussed
herein. At 804, a second side member (e.g., second side member 140)
is provided. The second side member includes at least one second
rack assembly feature as discussed herein. Also, at 806, a cross
member (e.g., cross member 160) is provided. The cross member
includes cross member rack assembly features which are configured
to cooperate with the first and second rack assembly features to
join the first side member, second side member, and cross member
together. It may be noted that, in various embodiments, the first
side member, second side member, and cross member may be provided
in a dis-assembled or partially assembled condition as part of a
kit.
[0041] At 808 in the depicted embodiment, portions of the first
side member, second side member, and cross member are removed. In
various embodiments, the portions may be removed (e.g., removed by
bending and snapping a portion off, removed by cutting, removed by
sawing) along predefined score lines provided at predetermined
locations (e.g., corresponding to available shelving lengths) on
the first side member, second side member, and cross member. The
portions may be removed before joining the various components
together. In other embodiments, for example embodiments where an
available shelf length exceeds the maximum length of the product
display assembly, this step may be omitted and portions need not
necessarily be removed.
[0042] At 810 in the depicted embodiment, a back retention member
(e.g., back retention member 180) is removed from a pre-assembly
position. For example, in some embodiments, the back retention
member, in the pre-assembly position, extends straight from the
cross member (e.g., along a plane defined by a base or support
surface of the cross member). In some embodiments, the back
retention member may be initially formed integrally with the cross
member (e.g., as part of a molding process), and then snapped off,
cut off, or otherwise removed from the cross member. It may be
noted that in other embodiments, this step may be omitted. For
example, in some embodiments, a back retention member may not be
utilized. In other embodiments, as another example, a back
retention member (or members) may be formed in a retaining position
integrally with one or more of the first side member, second side
member, or cross member (e.g., extending perpendicularly from or at
an oblique angle from the first side member, second side member, or
cross member).
[0043] At 812, the first side member is joined to the cross member.
For example, in some embodiments, at least one first rack assembly
feature and at least one cross member rack assembly feature are
used to join the first side member to the cross member. For
instance, one or more slots associated with one of the first side
member or the cross member may accept one or more tabs associated
with the other of the first side member or the cross member.
[0044] At 814, the second side member is joined to the cross
member. For example, in some embodiments, at least one second rack
assembly feature and at least one cross member rack assembly
feature are used to join the second side member to the cross
member. For instance, one or more slots associated with one of the
second side member or the cross member may accept one or more tabs
associated with the other of the second side member or the cross
member.
[0045] At 816, the back retention member (e.g., back retention
member 180) is mounted to the cross member. In various embodiments,
back retention tabs of the back retention member are inserted into
back retention slots of the cross member.
[0046] In some embodiments, more than one product display assembly
may be utilized. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, at
818, an additional product display assembly is provided (e.g.,
using steps 802-816 above). At 820, the additional product display
assembly is stacked with a previously obtained or provided product
display assembly. In various embodiments, the product display
assemblies are stacked using stacking cooperating features as
discussed herein. For example, the product display assemblies may
be stacked using first stacking cooperating features disposed
proximate a top of a product display assembly and second stacking
cooperating features disposed proximate a bottom of a different
product display assembly. The first and second stacking cooperating
features in various embodiments are configured to cooperate with
each other to align and/or secure product display assemblies
together in a stacked arrangement. For example, in various
embodiments, slots, tabs, and/or ledges may be utilized.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1-8, embodiments of the present
disclosure provide a product display assembly that allows for
display one or more products. Product display assemblies as
discussed herein may be conveniently shipped in an un-assembled
state and assembled at a point of use. Also, product display
assemblies as discussed herein may provide for convenient and
reliable stacking with other product display assemblies.
[0048] While various spatial and directional terms, such as top,
bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the
like may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure,
it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to
the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations may be
inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion
is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical,
and the like.
[0049] As used herein, a structure, limitation, or element that is
"configured to" perform a task or operation is particularly
structurally formed, constructed, or adapted in a manner
corresponding to the task or operation. For purposes of clarity and
the avoidance of doubt, an object that is merely capable of being
modified to perform the task or operation is not "configured to"
perform the task or operation as used herein.
[0050] It is to be understood that the above description is
intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the
above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in
combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be
made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings
of the various embodiments of the disclosure without departing from
their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described
herein are intended to define the parameters of the various
embodiments of the disclosure, the embodiments are by no means
limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will
be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above
description. The scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure
should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended
claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such
claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms "including"
and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the
respective terms "comprising" and "wherein." Moreover, the terms
"first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and
are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.
Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in
means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted
based on 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112(f), unless and until such claim
limitations expressly use the phrase "means for" followed by a
statement of function void of further structure.
[0051] This written description uses examples to disclose the
various embodiments of the disclosure, including the best mode, and
also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the
various embodiments of the disclosure, including making and using
any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The
patentable scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure is
defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to
those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be
within the scope of the claims if the examples have structural
elements that do not differ from the literal language of the
claims, or if the examples include equivalent structural elements
with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the
claims.
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