U.S. patent application number 17/588067 was filed with the patent office on 2022-08-18 for display tray for improved product visibility.
This patent application is currently assigned to WestRock CP, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is WestRock CP, LLC. Invention is credited to Andrew Laackman, Michael McLeod.
Application Number | 20220257011 17/588067 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006177130 |
Filed Date | 2022-08-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220257011 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McLeod; Michael ; et
al. |
August 18, 2022 |
DISPLAY TRAY FOR IMPROVED PRODUCT VISIBILITY
Abstract
A display tray formed of a continuous blank having a plurality
of hingedly coupled panels and sub-panels including a first
sidewall, defined at least partially by a first panel, a front
wall, defined by at least partially by a second panel, hingedly
attached to the first panel sidewall, a second sidewall, defined at
least partially by the first panel sidewall, and a rear wall
defined at least partially by a third panel hingedly attached to
the first panel for adjoining the display tray to a second display
tray.
Inventors: |
McLeod; Michael;
(Romeoville, IL) ; Laackman; Andrew; (Wilmette,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WestRock CP, LLC |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
WestRock CP, LLC
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
1000006177130 |
Appl. No.: |
17/588067 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
17587141 |
Jan 28, 2022 |
|
|
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17588067 |
|
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63148681 |
Feb 12, 2021 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 87/0269 20130101;
A47F 5/005 20130101; A47F 5/114 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47B 87/02 20060101
A47B087/02; A47F 5/11 20060101 A47F005/11; A47F 5/00 20060101
A47F005/00 |
Claims
1. A display tray formed of a continuous blank having a plurality
of hingedly coupled panels and sub-panels comprising: a first
sidewall, defined at least partially by a first panel; a front
wall, defined by at least partially by a second panel, hingedly
attached to the first panel sidewall; a second sidewall, defined at
least partially by the first panel; a rear wall defined at least
partially by a third panel hingedly attached to the first panel for
adjoining the display tray to a second display tray sidewall; a
first corner having at a junction of the front wall and the first
sidewall; and a second corner at a junction of the front wall and
the second sidewall, wherein each of the first and second corners
is defined by at least three hingedly attached sub-panels of the
second panel.
2. The display tray of claim 1, wherein each of the corners
includes an upright tube having a triangular cross-section defined
by at least three sub-panels for providing support to a display
panel above.
3. The display tray of claim 2, where each of the corners includes
a sub-panel adjacent to the upright tube.
4. The display tray of claim 1, wherein each of the corners
includes an overhang defined by a sub-panel in a horizontal
plane.
5. The display tray of claim 1, wherein each of the corners are
defined by an inner layer comprising three panels facing toward an
inner portion of the tray, and by an outer layer comprising two
panels arranged in a convex direction toward the inner portion of
the tray.
6. The display tray of claim 1, wherein a base of each of the
corners includes an aperture for receiving a portion of a corner of
a second display tray.
7. The display tray of claim 1, wherein each of the corners
includes a vertical protrusion for connecting to a second display
tray.
8. The display tray of claim 1, wherein a floor of the tray
includes at least a pair of apertures for receiving a support
structure of a second display tray.
9. The display tray of claim 1, wherein the rear wall includes at
least a slit for receiving a joining or a support member for
coupling the display tray to a second tray.
10. The display tray of claim 1, wherein at least one of the
corners includes a subpanel from a first panel and at least one
subpanel from a second subpanel.
11. A joining member for coupling adjacent display trays formed of
a continuous blank having a plurality of hingedly coupled panels
and sub-panels comprising: a first support sheet, defined at least
partially by a first panel and vertically aligned; a second support
sheet, defined at least partially by a second panel, vertically
aligned, and hingedly coupled to the first support sheet; a first
plurality of support wings hingedly attached to the first support
sheet across respective vertical hinge lines, wherein each wing of
the first plurality of wings is defined by at least a sub-panel of
the first panel; and a second plurality of support wings hingedly
attached to the second support sheet across respective vertical
hinge lines, wherein each wing of the second plurality of wings is
defined by at least a sub-panel of the second panel.
12. The joining member of claim 11, further comprising a planar
sheet connecting the first support sheet and the second support
sheet.
13. The joining member of claim 11, wherein the first support sheet
and the second support sheet are at least partially split at a
centerline.
14. The joining member of claim 11, wherein the first support sheet
and the second support sheet each include a vertical tab for
coupling to a second display tray.
15. The joining member of claim 11, wherein each of the pluralities
of wings include at least one panel coupled thereto across a
vertical hinge line.
16. The joining member of claim 15, the at least one panel joins a
corresponding wing.
17. The joining member of claim 15, wherein the at least one panel
includes a plurality of panels forming a conduit.
18. The joining member of claim 17, wherein the conduit includes a
triangular cross section.
19. The joining member of claim 5, wherein the at least one panel
includes a locking feature for locking the panel to its respective
wing.
20. A continuous blank for forming a display tray comprising: a
first panel, having a first plurality of sub-panels, extended along
a longitudinal axis defining at least a portion of a joining wall
of the tray when erected; a second panel, having a second plurality
of subpanels, hingedly coupled to the first panel, and defining a
floor of the tray and at least portions of two side walls of the
tray when erected; and a third panel hingedly coupled to the second
panel for defining at least a portion of the outer wall of the
tray, wherein the third panel includes a first plurality of
sub-panels hingedly attached to each other and hingedly attached to
a first end of the third panel for defining a first corner post
when erected and a second plurality of sub-panels hingedly attached
to each other and hingedly attached to a second end of the third
panel for defining a second corner post when erected.
21. The blank of claim 20, wherein each of the sub-panels of the
plurality of sub-panels extend across the longitudinal axis.
22. The blank of claim 20, wherein a first end of one of the
sub-panels of the plurality of sub-panels defines a gap with a side
edge of the third panel.
23. The blank of claim 20, wherein at least one of the sub-panels
includes a tab for coupling to a second display tray.
24. The blank of claim 23, wherein the tab is defined by two
adjacent sub-panels of the plurality of sub-panels.
25. The blank of claim 23, wherein the tab extends across the
longitudinal axis away from the second panel.
26. The blank of claim 25, wherein the tab projects from one of the
sub-panels in a longitudinal direction.
27. The blank of claim 20, wherein one of the sub-panels of the
plurality of sub-panels is L-shaped.
28. The blank of claim 20, wherein a first sub-panel of the
plurality of sub-panels is attached to a second sub-panel along a
longitudinal hinge line.
29. A continuous blank including panels and sub-panels for forming
a support member for a display tray comprising: a first panel
extended along a longitudinal axis including a first end sub-panel
hingedly attached to a first end of the first panel and a second
end sub-panel hingedly attached to a second end of the first panel;
and a second panel hingedly coupled to the first panel including a
first end subpanel hingedly attached to the first end of the second
panel and a second end sub-panel hingedly attached to the second
end of the second panel.
30. The blank of claim 29, wherein each sub-panel comprises at
least two hingedly attached section, wherein one of the at least
two section includes a locking feature for coupling to a mating
feature of a corresponding panel.
31. The blank of claim 29, wherein the locking feature is on an end
section of the at least two sub-panels of each corresponding
panel.
32. The blank of claim 31, wherein the locking feature is on an
intermediate section of the at least two sub-panels of each
corresponding panel.
33. The blank of claim 29, further comprising a central panel
between the first panel and the second panel for defining a central
portion of the support member when erected.
34. The blank of claim 33, wherein the central panel is bisected
into two equal halves.
35. The blank of claim 33, wherein each of the panels are bisected
into two equal halves.
36. The blank of claim 33, wherein the first end sub-panel and the
second end sub-panel of the first panel are hingedly attached and
wherein the first end sub-panel and the second end sub-panel of the
second panel are hingedly attached.
37. The blank of claim 33, wherein the central panel includes at
least one locking means for locking to a second display tray above
the display tray of the support member.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a Continuation Application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 17/587,141 filed on Jan. 28, 2022,
which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 63/148,681, which was filed on Feb. 12, 2021, the
contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a display tray
and its supporting elements, and specifically to a display tray
systems providing improved visibility and stacking abilities.
2. Description of Related Art
[0003] Pallet displays are used in club stores such as Costco,
BJ's, and Sam's Club since a large amount of product can be
merchandised in one location without having to be re-stocked often.
These pallet displays typically incorporate a full depth "X" or
similar divider insert that separates each tray into quadrants and
provides critical stacking support for the multiple tray layers.
However, the "X" dividers tend to obstruct the customer's view of
the product when the primary customer facing side of the display
has been emptied and product in the remaining quadrants are
difficult to see or cannot be seen entirely by the customer because
the insert blocks their view. Further, the dividers cannot be
removed without affecting the integrity of the tray stack and the
trays are hard to or impossible to rotate by the staff in order to
show what product is located in the other quadrants.
[0004] Thus a clear need exists for display trays having improved
stacking abilities and visibility to various sections of the tray
from various vantage points. The present disclosure provides a
solution for this need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A display tray formed of a continuous blank having a
plurality of hingedly coupled panels and sub-panels is disclosed.
The display tray includes a first sidewall, defined at least
partially by a first panel, a front wall, defined by at least
partially by a second panel, hingedly attached to the first panel
sidewall, a second sidewall, defined at least partially by the
first panel, sidewall a rear wall defined at least partially by a
third panel hingedly attached to the first panel for adjoining the
display tray to a second display tray a sidewall, a first corner at
a junction of the front wall and the first sidewall, and a second
corner at a junction of the front wall and the second sidewall,
wherein each of the first and second corners are defined by at
least three hingedly attached sub-panels of the second panel.
[0006] It is also conceived that each of the corners can include a
main upright having a triangular cross section. Each of the corners
can include a vertical sub-panel adjacent to the main upright. Each
of the corners can include an overhang defining a horizontal plane.
Each of the corners can be defined by an inner layer comprising
three panels arranged in a convex direction toward an inner portion
of the tray, and by an outer layer comprising two panels arranged
in a convex direction toward the inner portion of the tray. A base
of each of the corners can include an aperture for receiving a
portion of a corner of a second display tray. Each of the corners
can include a vertical protrusion for connecting to a second
display tray. It is also conceived that a floor of the tray can
include at least a pair of apertures for receiving a support
structure of a second display tray. The rear wall can include at
least a slit for receiving a joining or a support member for
coupling the display tray to a second tray.
[0007] A joining member for coupling adjacent display trays is also
disclosed. The joining member is formed of a continuous blank
having a plurality of hingedly coupled panels and sub-panels
including a first support sheet, defined at least partially by a
first panel and vertically aligned, a second support sheet, defined
at least partially by a second panel, vertically aligned, and
hingedly coupled to the first support sheet, a first plurality of
support wings hingedly attached to the first support sheet across
respective vertical hinge lines, wherein each wing of the first
plurality of wings is defined by at least a sub-panel of the first
panel, and a second plurality of support wings hingedly attached to
the second support sheet across respective vertical hinge lines,
wherein each wing of the second plurality of wings is defined by at
least a sub-panel of the second panel.
[0008] It is also considered that a planar sheet can be used for
connecting the first support sheet and the second support sheet.
The first support sheet and the second support sheet can be at
least partially split at a corresponding centerline. The first
support sheet and the second support sheet can each include a
vertical tab for coupling to a second display tray.
[0009] It is also considered that each of the pluralities of wings
can include at least one panel coupled thereto across a vertical
hinge line. The at least one panel can join a corresponding wing
and include a plurality of panels forming a conduit. The conduit
can include a triangular cross section. The at least one panel can
include a locking feature for locking the panel to its respective
wing.
[0010] A continuous blank for forming a display tray is also
disclosed. The blank includes a first panel, having a first
plurality of sub-panels, extended along a longitudinal axis
defining at least a portion of a joining wall of the tray when
erected, a second panel, having a second plurality of subpanels,
hingedly coupled to the first panel, and defining a floor of the
tray and at least portions of two side walls of the tray when
erected, a third panel hingedly coupled to the second panel for
defining at least a portion of the outer wall of the tray, wherein
the third panel includes a first plurality of sub-panels hingedly
attached to each other and hingedly attached to a first end of the
third panel for defining a first corner post when erected and a
second plurality of sub-panels hingedly attached to each other and
hingedly attached to a second end of the third panel for defining a
second corner post when erected.
[0011] Each of the sub-panels of the plurality of sub-panels can
extend across the longitudinal axis. A first end of one of the
sub-panels of the plurality of sub-panels can define a gap with a
side edge of the second panel. At least one of the sub-panels can
include a tab to provide locking support to a second display tray,
wherein the tab can be defined by two adjacent sub-panels of the
plurality of sub-panels. The tab can extend across the longitudinal
axis away from the second panel or the tab can project from one of
the sub-panels in a longitudinal direction.
[0012] It is also considered that one of the sub-panels of the
plurality of sub-panels is L-shaped. A first sub-panel of the
plurality of sub-panels can be attached to a second sub-panel along
a longitudinal hinge line.
[0013] A continuous blank including panels and sub-panels for
forming a support member for a display tray is also disclosed. The
blank includes a first panel extended along a longitudinal axis
including a first end sub-panel hingedly attached to a first end of
the first panel and a second end sub-panel hingedly attached to a
second end of the first panel, a second panel hingedly coupled to
the first panel including a first end subpanel hingedly attached to
the first end of the second panel and a second end sub-panel
hingedly attached to the second end of the second panel. Each
sub-panel can include at least two hingedly attached sections,
wherein one of the at least two sections includes a locking feature
for coupling to a mating feature of a corresponding panel. The
locking feature can be on an end section of the at least two
sub-panels of each corresponding panel, or the locking feature is
on an intermediate section of the at least two sub-panels of each
corresponding panel.
[0014] It is also considered that a central panel between the first
panel and the second panel for defining a roof of the support
member when erected. The central panel can be bisected into two
equal halves and each of the panels can be bisected into two equal
halves. The first end sub-panel and the second end sub-panel of the
first panel can be hingedly attached and wherein the first end
sub-panel and the second end sub-panel of the second panel are
hingedly attached. The central panel can include at least one
locking means for locking to a second display tray above the
display tray of the support member.
[0015] These and other features of the systems and methods of the
subject disclosure will become more readily apparent to those
skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] So that those skilled in the art to which the subject
disclosure appertains will readily understand how to make and use
the devices and methods of the subject disclosure without undue
experimentation, embodiments thereof will be described in detail
herein below with reference to certain figures, wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
a tray system according to the disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 1B is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a tray
system according to the disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 1C is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a tray
system according to the disclosure showing a window between the
middle support and the joining wall;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a pair
of trays of the tray system of FIG. 1A;
[0021] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
a pair of trays of the tray system of FIG. 1A showing an attachment
of the joining member;
[0022] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
a single tray of the tray system of FIG. 1A;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a blank for constructing the single
tray of FIG. 3B;
[0024] FIG. 5A is a front view of a tray of an exemplary embodiment
of a tray system according to the disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 5A;
[0026] FIG. 5C is a side view of a tray system of FIG. 5A showing a
window between the middle support and the joining wall;
[0027] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
a pair of trays of the tray system of FIG. 5A showing an attachment
of the joining member;
[0028] FIG. 6B is a Side view of an exemplary embodiment of a pair
of trays of the tray system of FIG. 5A;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a blank for constructing the single
tray of FIG. 6B;
[0030] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a blank for constructing the
joining member of FIGS. 1A and 5A;
[0031] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
a tray system according to the disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the tray system of FIG. 9A
with a joining member being placed in place;
[0033] FIG. 9C is a perspective view of the tray system of FIG. 9A
with an alternative joining member being placed in place;
[0034] FIG. 9D is a perspective view of a tray system of FIG. 9A
with the alternative joining member of FIG. 9C;
[0035] FIG. 9E is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
a tray system employing a divider showing in 9D;
[0036] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an open corner post with
stacking tabs;
[0037] FIG. 10B is a plan view of a blank for constructing the
corner post of FIG. 10A;
[0038] FIG. 10C is a perspective view of an open corner post
without stacking tabs;
[0039] FIG. 10D is a plan view of a blank for constructing the
corner post of FIG. 10C;
[0040] FIG. 10E is a perspective view of a closed corner post with
stacking tabs;
[0041] FIG. 10F is a plan view of a blank for constructing the
closed corner post of FIG. 10E;
[0042] FIG. 10G is a perspective view of an "L" corner post:
[0043] FIG. 10H is a plan view of a blank for constructing the
corner post of FIG. 10G;
[0044] FIG. 10I is a perspective view of a five-panel "complex"
corner post;
[0045] FIG. 10J is a plan view of a blank for constructing the
"complex" corner post of FIG. 10I;
[0046] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a tray;
[0047] FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the tray of FIG. 11A
showing a reverse side of the tray;
[0048] FIG. 11C is a plan view of the a blank for constructing the
tray of FIG. 11A;
[0049] FIGS. 12A and 12B are perspective views of the trays of FIG.
1A showing being filled with products;
[0050] FIG. 13A is a plan view of a blank for constructing a tray
having an open post corner;
[0051] FIG. 13B is a tray that is constructed from the blank of
FIG. 13A having an open post corner;
[0052] FIG. 14A is a plan view of a blank for constructing a tray
having a triangular corner post;
[0053] FIG. 14B is a tray that is constructed from the blank of
FIG. 14A with a triangular corner post;
[0054] FIG. 15A is a plan view of a blank for constructing another
tray having a triangular corner post;
[0055] FIG. 15B is a tray that is constructed from the blank of
FIG. 15A having triangular corner post with a tab in a second
location;
[0056] FIG. 16A is a plan view of a blank for constructing a tray
with overhanging corners;
[0057] FIG. 16B is a tray that is constructed from the blank of
FIG. 16A having bent and overhanging corners;
[0058] FIG. 17A is a plan view of a blank for constructing another
tray with overhanging corners;
[0059] FIG. 17B is a tray that is constructed from the blank of
FIG. 17A having bent and overhanging corners;
[0060] FIG. 18A is a plan view of a blank for constructing a tray
with overhanging corners;
[0061] FIG. 18B is a tray that is constructed from the blank of
FIG. 18A;
[0062] FIG. 19A is a plan view of a blank for constructing another
tray with overhanging corners;
[0063] FIG. 19B is a tray that is constructed from the blank of
FIG. 19A;
[0064] FIG. 20A is a plan view of a blank for a support member
having a flat top;
[0065] FIG. 20B is a support member that is constructed from the
blank of FIG. 20A having a flat top connecting the supporting
wings;
[0066] FIG. 21A is a plan view of a blank for a support member
having a flat top with multiple support wings;
[0067] FIG. 21B is a support member that is constructed from the
blank of FIG. 21A having multiple support wings hingedly attached
to the support wings;
[0068] FIG. 22A is a plan view of a blank for a support member
having a flat top with triangular support wings;
[0069] FIG. 22B is a support member that is constructed from the
blank of FIG. 22A having support wings with a triangular
cross-section;
[0070] FIG. 23A is a plan view of a blank for another support
member having a flat top with triangular support wings;
[0071] FIG. 23B is a support member that is constructed from the
blank of FIG. 23A having triangular support wings with an alternate
locking feature;
[0072] FIG. 24A is a plan view of a blank for a support member
having a flat top with rectangular support wings;
[0073] FIG. 24B is a support member that is constructed from the
blank of FIG. 24A with rectangular support wings;
[0074] FIG. 25A is a plan view of a blank for a two-layer support
member having support wings;
[0075] FIG. 25B is a support member that is constructed from the
blank of FIG. 25A;
[0076] FIG. 26A is a plan view of a blank for a two-layer support
member having triangular support wings;
[0077] FIG. 26B is a support member that is constructed from the
blank of FIG. 26A;
[0078] FIG. 27A is a plan view of a blank for a two-layer support
member having rectangular support wings;
[0079] FIG. 27B is a support member that is constructed from the
blank of FIG. 27A;
[0080] FIG. 28A is a plan view of a blank for a split support
member having connected support wings;
[0081] FIG. 28B is a support member that is constructed from the
blank of FIG. 28A;
[0082] FIG. 29A is a plan view of a blank for a connected support
member having connected support wings;
[0083] FIG. 29B is a support member that is constructed from the
blank of FIG. 29A;
[0084] FIG. 30A is a tray that is constructed from the blank of
FIG. 18A;
[0085] FIG. 30B is a support member tray that is constructed from
the blank of FIG. 25A;
[0086] FIG. 30C shows four trays f FIG. 30A coupled together with a
support member of FIG. 30B;
[0087] FIG. 31A is a tray that is constructed from the blank of
FIG. 19A having overhanging corners;
[0088] FIG. 31B is a support member tray that is constructed from
the blank of FIG. 25A;
[0089] FIG. 31C shows two trays of FIG. 31A coupled together with a
support member of FIG. 31B;
[0090] FIG. 32A shows two trays of FIG. 31A coupled together with a
support member of FIG. 21B;
[0091] FIG. 32B shows four trays of FIG. 31A coupled together with
a support member of FIG. 21B;
[0092] FIG. 33A shows two trays of FIG. 13B coupled together with a
support member of FIG. 21B;
[0093] FIG. 33B shows four trays of FIG. 13B coupled together with
a support member of FIG. 21B;
[0094] FIG. 34 shows four trays of FIG. 13B coupled together with a
support member of FIG. 24B;
[0095] FIG. 35 shows four trays of FIG. 13B coupled together with a
support member of FIG. 22B;
[0096] FIG. 36A is a tray of FIG. 31A having overhanging
corners;
[0097] FIG. 36B is a support member of FIG. 28B;
[0098] FIG. 36C shows four trays of FIG. 36A coupled together with
a support member of FIG. 36B;
[0099] FIG. 37A is a tray of FIG. 13B constructing a tray having an
open post corner;
[0100] FIG. 37B is a support member of FIG. 29B;
[0101] FIG. 37C shows four trays of FIG. 37A coupled together with
a support member of FIG. 37B;
[0102] FIG. 38A is a tray of FIG. 31A having overhanging
corners;
[0103] FIG. 38B is a support member of FIG. 28B; and
[0104] FIG. 38C shows two trays of FIG. 38A coupled together with a
support member of FIG. 38B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0105] Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like
reference numerals identify similar structural features or aspects
of the subject disclosure. For purposes of explanation and
illustration, and not limitation, a partial view of an exemplary
tray system in accordance with the disclosure is shown in FIG. 1
and is designated generally by reference character 100. Other
embodiments of the tray system, methods of constructing trays in
accordance with the disclosure, or aspects thereof, are provided in
FIGS. 2-38C, as will be described. The tray systems presented and
described below improve product visibility in a display unit common
in Club and other large format point of purchase applications, and
improve stacking performance and reduce cost to use.
[0106] FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of an exemplary
embodiment of a tray system 100 according to the disclosure. The
tray system 100 shows a first tray 102 having three outer walls
104, 106, 108, a first corner 110 which can have a first height
(H1) at a junction of two of the outer walls 104/106, a second
corner 112 having at a junction of two other outer walls 106/108, a
joining wall 114 defining an inner border with a second tray 116, a
third corner 118 at a junction of the joining wall 114 and outer
wall 104, a fourth corner 120 at a junction of the joining wall 114
and outer wall 108. The second tray 116 similarly includes three
outer walls 122, 124, 126, a first corner 128, a second corner 130,
a joining wall 132, a third corner 134, and a fourth corner 136. A
joining member 138 coupled to the joining wall of the first tray
114 and coupled to the joining wall of the second tray 132 to
couple the first 102 and second 116 trays and provide vertical
support to the tray system 100 when other trays loaded with product
are stacked on top. It is also considered that four trays can be
combined with a joining member joining them all together and
supported by a single joining member or a system of joining
members.
[0107] FIG. 1C is a side view the tray system 100. The joining
member 138 includes a flat upper wall 142 which can be level to the
height of the first corners 110 and second corners 112 of the first
tray 102. The upper wall 142 of the saddle shaped joining member
138 joins a first support 144 and a second support 146. The first
support 144 and the second support 146 each straddle the joining
walls 114/132 of each of the trays and are partially within the
first tray 102 and partially within the second tray 116. Each of
the supports 146/144 includes a pair of support wings 146a/146b and
144a/144b respectively hingedly attached thereto. The supports
wings 146a/146b and 144a/144b allow for better stability and
flexibility in filling the trays with product. The support wings
146a/146b and 144a/144b can be positioned at a variety of angles in
order to accommodate packages of various shapes and sizes while
still providing support against vertical pressures. Joining member
138 can be self-locking or pre-glued. It is also considered that
the joining member can join four quarter trays together using
various slit combinations. The supports 146/144 can also include
rolled-up 3D self-locked or glued supports that will give further
vertical support.
[0108] FIG. 1C further shows a window 140 between the joining wall
114 and joining member 138. An underside of the upper wall 146 of
the joining member 138 and the upper edge 146 of the joining walls
114/132 of the first tray 114 and the second tray 132 define a top
and a bottom of the window 140. The window 140 allows a user to see
from one side of the tray system to the other. Not only can a
customer see around the joining member 138 to see what is in the
back of the tray, but the customer can also see through the joining
member 138 to see what is on the other side of the tray, and if
needed extract product from that side over the abutting tray walls.
Another feature improving sight lines across the tray is having the
joining walls 114/132 along with the third corner 118 and fourth
corner 120 which are shown below the heights of the first corner
110 and second corner 112.
[0109] As seen in FIG. 2, the upper wall 142 includes a plurality
of tabs 148 which couple to slots 150 of a floor 152 of a tray 154
above the first tray 102 and the second tray 116. The tabs 148
provide further stability to the tray system seen in FIGS. 1A-1C.
The joining member 138 extends 60% or less into the width of each
of the trays This combination allows for the desired staging of
products shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B.
[0110] FIGS. 3A and 3B show a single tray 102 of the tray system of
FIGS. 1A-1C. The tray 102 is coupled with the joining member 138 by
matching the slots of the joining member 160 with the slots 162 of
the joining walls 114/132. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a blank 400 for
constructing the single tray shown in FIG. 3B. The blank 400
includes a first panel 402 which defines the joining wall 114 of
tray 102. A second panel 406 is hingedly attached to the first
panel 402 which defines a floor 152 of tray 102 and outer walls 104
and 108 of tray 102. A third panel 408 is hingedly attached to the
second panel 406 and defines the third outer wall 106 of tray 102.
The third panel 408 includes a first foursome 410 of sections
extended across the third panel 408 hingedly attached to each other
and to a first end 412 of the third panel 408. The first foursome
410 defines a first corner post 110 of tray 102. A second foursome
of sections 414 at a second end 416 define the second corner post
112. It should be understood to one of ordinary skill in the art
that multiple variations and combinations of corners. Details of
possible corners are shown and discussed in FIGS. 10A-10J.
[0111] The second panel 406 includes a first tab 418 hingedly
attached at a first end 420 and a second tab 422 hingedly attached
at a second end 424. Each tab includes a respective fold-out
portion 422a/418a to partially detach from the respective tab
422/418 and fold inwards in order to define a portion of a
respective outer wall 104/108 and to support the outer wall. The
second panel 406 is generally wider than the first panel 402, and
the second panel 406 is generally wider than the third panel 408.
However, it should be understood that various configurations and
dimensional combinations can be used to create a desired tray. The
third panel 408 includes a fold-out tab 426 hingedly attached at a
first edge 428 to partially detach from the third panel 408 and
fold inwards in order to define a portion of outer wall 406 and to
provide added thickness to outer wall 406. Panel 408 also defines a
window or lowest point of visibility of the product within the
tray.
[0112] FIG. 5A-6B show another possible features of the previously
discussed tray system. It should be understood that the tray system
500 shown here includes all of the features previously discussed
but adds height to the third corner post 518 and the fourth corner
post 520. The height of the third corner 518 and fourth corner 520
can be equal to the height of the first corner 510 and the second
corner 512. In sacrificing visibility and lines of sight the higher
corner posts 518 allows for greater weight support in the tray
system 500. The added stability also allows the joining member 538
to forgo tabs that get placed within the above tray.
[0113] FIG. 7 shows a plan view of a blank 700 for constructing the
single tray of FIGS. 5A-6B. Similarly to the previously discussed
blank 400, the blank 700 includes a first panel 702 which defines
the joining wall 514 of tray 502. A second panel 706 is hingedly
attached to the first panel 702 which defines a floor 552 of tray
502 and outer walls 504 and 508 of tray 502. A third panel 708 is
hingedly attached to the second panel 706 and defines the third
outer wall 506 of tray 502. The first panel 702 and third panel 708
each includes a respective foursome 710/711 of sections extended
across the respective panels hingedly attached to each other and to
a first end 712. The first foursomes 710/711 define the first
corner post 510 and third corner post 518 of tray 502. A second
foursome of sections 714/715 at a second end 716 define the second
corner post 512 and fourth corner post 520.
[0114] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a blank 800 for constructing the
joining member previously shown in FIGS. 1A and 5A. The blank 800
includes a first panel 802 forming the first support 144 of tray
102, a first end tab 804 hingedly attached to the first end 806
forming the first support wing 144a and a second end tab 808
hingedly attached to the second end 810 forming the second support
wing 144b, a second panel 812 hingedly attached to the first panel
defining the upper wall 142 of joining member 138 of tray 102. A
third panel 814 includes a first end tab 816 defining the first
support wing 146a hingedly attached to the first end 818 and a
second end tab 820 defining the second support wing 146b hingedly
attached to the second end 822. The second panel 812 includes a
plurality of tabs 824 which bend in and out of the page to create
the tabs 148 of tray 102. The first panel 802 and the second panel
814 each include a respective slot 802a/814a partially bisecting
the respective panel in order to couple to the joining walls of
tray 102.
[0115] FIG. 9A-9E are perspective views of an exemplary embodiment
of a tray system according to the disclosure showing a variety of
joining members being placed. FIG. 9B shows a two panel joining
member 938 being folded over the joining walls 914 of the trays 902
and 904. Joining member 938 further includes a slit 908 placed in
the middle of the panels not reaching the end, that slides over the
joining walls 914 of trays 904 and 902. FIGS. 9C and 9D show
joining member being placed over the joining walls 914. FIG. 9E
shows a tray stack, with each tray having the joining member
938.
[0116] FIGS. 10A-10J shows a variety of corner posts that can be
used with each of the tray systems discussed previously. FIG. 10A
is a perspective view of an open corner post 1010 with stacking tab
1012 and FIG. 10B is a plan view of a blank 1020 for constructing
the corner post of FIG. 10A. The outermost panel 1022 with the
stacking tab 1012 folds inwards and attaches to the portion of the
panel 1024 responsible for creating an outer wall of the tray in an
inner-to-inner relationship. FIG. 10C is a perspective view of an
open corner post 1032 and FIG. 10D is a plan view of a blank for
constructing the corner post of FIG. 10C. Similarly, the outermost
panel 1042 folds inwards and attaches to the portion of the panel
1044 responsible for creating an outer wall of the tray. FIG. 10E
shows a perspective view of a closed corner post 1060 with stacking
tabs 1062 and FIG. 10F is a plan view of a blank 1064 for
constructing the corner post of FIG. 10E wherein the outermost
panel 1066 folds inward and attaches to the main panel 1068, in an
outer to inner relationship. FIG. 10G shows a perspective view of
an "L" corner post 1070 and FIG. 10H is a plan view of a blank 1072
for constructing the corner post of FIG. 10G. Here the two outer
most panels 1074 and 1076 both fold inward to form an
inner-to-inner side relationship with the inner most panel 1078 and
the main panel 1079. FIG. 10I shows a perspective view of a
five-panel corner post 1080 and FIG. 10J is a plan view of a blank
1082 for constructing the corner post 1080 of FIG. 10I. This corner
post 1080 employs five panels with the middle panels 1084 being in
mitered position.
[0117] FIGS. 11a and 11B are perspective views of a tray 1100. The
tray 1100 is similar to tray 102 shown previously, but all of the
folding is secured by tabs being placed into slots as a locking
feature. FIG. 11C is a plan view of a blank for constructing the
tray of FIGS. 11A and 11B. The tabs 1102 are meant to be placed
into slots 1104 when the blank is folded in a manner similar to
that of blank 102.
[0118] Referring now to FIGS. 12A and 12B, a staging of products is
shown with bagged products being placed within a display tray
previously shown and described in FIGS. 11A-11C, and a support
member previously shown and described in FIGS. 5A-5C. The products
are shown surrounding the support member, as well as the support
member covering a number of products.
[0119] Referring now to FIGS. 13A and 13B, a plan view of a blank
1300 for constructing a tray having a five-panelpost corner and a
display tray 1350 that is constructed from the blank of FIG. 13A
are respectively shown. The display tray 1350 formed of the
continuous blank 1300 includes a plurality of hingedly coupled
panels and sub-panels. The display tray 1350 includes a first
sidewall 1352. The first sidewall 1352 can have a first height
(H1). The display tray 1350 has a front wall 1354 which is
partially defined by a second panel 1304 of the blank 1300 which is
hingedly, but indirectly, attached to the first panel 1302 and has
a second height (H2) which can be equal to the first height (H1) of
the first sidewall 1352. A second sidewall 1356, defined at least
partially by the first panel 1302 and a third panel 1306, has a
third height (H3), when erected can equal to the first height (H1)
of the first sidewall 1352. A rear wall 1358 is defined at least
partially by a third panel 1306 and is hingedly attached to the
first panel 1302. The first panel 1302 is extended along a
longitudinal axis 1301, and the second panel 1304, hingedly coupled
to the first panel 1302, also defines a floor 1357 of the tray
1350. The third panel 1306 is hingedly coupled to the second panel
1304. The rear wall 1358 can be used adjoining the display tray
1300 to a second display tray. The rear wall 1358 includes a fourth
height (H4), which is shown as greater than the first height (H1)
of the first sidewall 1352.
[0120] Referring further to FIGS. 13A and 13B display tray 1350
includes a first corner 1360 having a fifth height (H5) which can
be greater than the fourth height (H4) of the rear wall 1358 at a
junction of the front wall 1354 and the first sidewall 1352. A
second corner 1362 includes a sixth height (H6) which is also shown
as greater than the fourth height (H4) of the rear wall 1358 at the
junction of the front wall 1354 and the second sidewall 1356. The
first and second corners 1360/1362 are each defined by at four
hingedly attached sub-panels 1308(a-e) and 1310(a-e), respectively,
of the second panel 1304. Each of the corners 1360/1362 are open
corners facing the inner portion of the tray 1350. Each of the
corners 1360/1362 include a tabs 1364/1366 respectively for joining
and locking into a respective corner of a tray placed above tray
1350. The tabs 1364/1366 are each located on the respective
subpanel 1308a/b/1310a/b which are bent at the crease line between
respective member a/b to create the corner.
[0121] Referring now to FIGS. 14A and 14B, a plan view of a blank
1400 for constructing a tray having a triangular post corner and a
display tray 1450 that is constructed from the blank of FIG. 14A
are respectively shown. The display tray 1450 formed of the
continuous blank 1400 includes a three of hingedly coupled panels
1402, 1404, and 1406. The first panel 1402 includes two sub panels
1403a and 1403b. The third panel 1406 includes five subpanels on
opposite sides, 1408(a-e) and 1410(a-e). The display tray 1450
includes a first sidewall 1452, defined at least partially by a
first panel 1402. The first sidewall 1452 has a first height (H1).
The display tray 1450 has a front wall 1454 which is partially
defined by a second panel 1404 of the blank 1400 which is hingedly
attached to the first panel 1402 and has a second height (H2) can
be equal to the first height (H1) of the first sidewall 1452. A
second sidewall 1456, defined at least partially by the first panel
1402, has a third height (H3), when erected can be equal to the
first height (H1) of the first sidewall 1452. A rear wall 1458 is
defined at least partially by a third panel 1406 and is hingedly
attached to the first panel 1402. The rear wall 1458 can be used
adjoining the display tray 1400 to a second display tray. The rear
wall 1458 includes a fourth height (H4), which can be greater than
the first height (H1) of the first sidewall 1452. The first panel
1402 further includes a pair of tabs 1402a and 1402b extending
along the longitudinal axis and pointing in opposite directions.
Tabs 1402a and 1402b help lock the tray 1450 by being locked under
respective panels 1404a and 1404b when the tray is erected.
[0122] Referring further to FIGS. 14A and 14B display tray 1450
includes a first corner 1460 having a fifth height (H5) greater
than the fourth height (H4) of the rear wall 1458 at a junction of
the front wall 1454 and the first sidewall 1452. A second corner
1462 includes a sixth height (H6) which can be also greater than
the fourth height (H4) of the rear wall 1458 at the junction of the
front wall 1454 and the second sidewall 1456. The first and second
corners 1460/1462 are each defined by at five hingedly attached
sub-panels 1408(a-e) and 1410(a-e), respectively, of the second
panel 1404. The sub panels wrap around to lock respective panels
`e` to panel `c` in order to create a corner with a triangular
cross section, with each respective subpanel `d` having a vertical
tab protruding up to connect to a display tray above the display
tray 1450. These tabs help stabilize the structure when stacked
with other display trays.
[0123] Referring now to FIGS. 15A and 15B, a plan view of a blank
1500 for constructing a self-locking tray having an triangular post
and a self-locking display tray 1550 that is constructed from the
blank of FIG. 15A are respectively shown. The display tray 1550
formed of the continuous blank 1500 includes a three hingedly
coupled panels 1502, 1504, and 1506. The first panel 1502 includes
two sub panels 1503a and 1503b. The third panel 1506 includes five
subpanels on opposite sides, 1508(a-e) and 1510(a-e). The display
tray 1550 includes a first sidewall 1552, defined at least
partially by a first panel 1502. The first sidewall 1552 has two
heights (H1a and H1b). The display tray 1550 has a front wall 1554
which is partially defined by a second panel 1504 of the blank 1500
which is hingedly attached to the first panel 1502 and has a second
height (H2) equal to the first height (H1a) of the first sidewall
1552. A second sidewall 1556, defined at least partially by the
first panel 1502, has two heights (H3a and H3b), when erected equal
to the first heights (H1a and H1b) of the first sidewall 1552. The
higher section (H1b and H3b) allow for more strength, while the
lower sections (H1a and H3a) allow for more visibility to the
shoppers. A rear wall 1558 is defined at least partially by the
third panel 1506 and is hingedly attached to the first panel 1502.
The rear wall 1558 can be used adjoining the display tray 1500 to a
second display tray. The rear wall 1558 includes a fourth height
(H4), which can be greater than the first height (H1) of the first
sidewall 1552.
[0124] Referring further to FIGS. 15A and 15B display tray 1550
includes a first corner 1560 having a fifth height (H5) which can
be greater than the fourth height (H4) of the rear wall 1558 at a
junction of the front wall 1554 and the first sidewall 1552. A
second corner 1562 includes a sixth height (H6) which can also
greater than the fourth height (H4) of the rear wall 1558 at the
junction of the front wall 1554 and the second sidewall 1556. The
first and second corners 1560/1562 are each defined by the five
hingedly attached sub-panels 1508(a-e) and 1510(a-e), respectively,
of the second panel 1504. The sub panels wrap around to lock
respective panels `e` to panel `c` in order to create a corner with
a triangular cross section, with each respective subpanel `d`
having a vertical tab protruding up to connect to a display tray
above the display tray 1550. Having more bends within the corner
allows for a stronger support.
[0125] Referring now to FIGS. 16A and 16B, a plan view of a blank
1600 for constructing a tray having an overhanging corner and a
display tray 1650 that is constructed from the blank of FIG. 16A
are respectively shown. The two display trays 1650 are each formed
of the continuous blank 1600 includes a three of hingedly coupled
panels 1602, 1604, and 1606. The first panel 1602 includes three
sub panels on each side 1603(a-c) and 1605(a-c). The third panel
1606 includes three subpanels on opposite sides, 1608(a-c) and
1610(a-c). The display tray 1650 includes a first sidewall 1652,
defined at least partially by a first panel 1602. The first
sidewall 1652 has a first height (H1). The display tray 1650 has a
front wall 1654 which is partially defined by a second panel 1604
of the blank 1600 which is hingedly attached to the first panel
1602 and has a second height (H2) which can be equal to the first
height (H1) of the first sidewall 1652. A second sidewall 1656,
defined at least partially by the first panel 1602, has a third
height (H3), when erected can be equal to the first height (H1) of
the first sidewall 1652. A rear wall 1658 is defined at least
partially by a third panel 1606 and is hingedly attached to the
first panel 1602. The rear wall 1658 can be used adjoining the
display tray 1600 to a second display tray. The rear wall 1658
includes a fourth height (H4), which can be greater than the first
height (H1) of the first sidewall 1652.
[0126] Referring further to FIGS. 16A and 16B display tray 1650
includes a first corner 1660 having a fifth height (H5) which can
be greater than the fourth height (H4) of the rear wall 1658 at a
junction of the front wall 1654 and the first sidewall 1652. A
second corner 1662 includes a sixth height (H6) which can be also
greater than the fourth height (H4) of the rear wall 1658 at the
junction of the front wall 1654 and the second sidewall 1656. A
third corner 1664 includes a seventh height (H7) at the junction of
the rear wall and the second sidewall 1656. A fourth corner 1666
includes an eighth height (H8) at the junction of the rear wall and
the first sidewall 1652. The corners 1660/1662/1664/1666 are each
defined by three hingedly attached sub-panels
1603/1605/1608/1610(a-c). The middle sub-panel of the three
sub-panels includes a tab for locking to a second display tray
above display tray 1650, and the inner most sub-panel (a) includes
an L-shape for bending into the inner portion of the display tray
1650 in order to provide further stacking support. Each middle
sub-panel (b) includes a tab 1612 for coupling with a second
display tray in order to provide further stacking support.
[0127] Referring now to FIGS. 17A and 17B, a plan view of a blank
1700 for constructing a tray having an overhanging post corner and
a display tray 1750 that is constructed from the blank of FIG. 17A
are respectively shown. The two display trays 1750 shown are each
formed of the continuous blank 1700 includes a three of hingedly
coupled panels 1702, 1704, and 1706. The third panel 1706 includes
two sub panels on each side 1703(a/b) and 1705(a/b) extending along
the longitudinal axis. The first panel 1702 includes individual
subpanels 1708/1710 on respective ends thereof.
[0128] The display tray 1750 includes a first sidewall 1752,
defined at least partially by a first panel 1702. The first
sidewall 1752 includes two heights (H1a and H1b). The display tray
1750 has a front wall 1754 which is partially defined by a second
panel 1704 of the blank 1700 which is hingedly attached to the
first panel 1702 and has a second height (H2) which can be equal to
the first height (H1) of the first sidewall 1752. A second sidewall
1756, defined at least partially by the first panel 1702, has two
heights (H3a and H3b), when erected can be equal to the
corresponding heights of the first sidewall 1752. A rear wall 1758
is defined at least partially by a third panel 1706 and is hingedly
attached to the first panel 1702. The rear wall 1758 can be used
adjoining the display tray 1700 to a second display tray. The rear
wall 1758 includes a fourth height (H4), which can be greater than
the first height (H1) of the first sidewall 1752.
[0129] Referring further to FIGS. 17A and 17B display tray 1750
includes a first corner 1760 having a fifth height (H5) which can
be greater than the fourth height (H4) of the rear wall 1758 at a
junction of the front wall 1754 and the first sidewall 1752. A
second corner 1762 includes a sixth height (H6) which can be also
greater than the fourth height (H4) of the rear wall 1758 at the
junction of the front wall 1754 and the second sidewall 1756. The
corners 1760/1762 are each defined by two hingedly attached
sub-panels (1703a/b and 1705a/b). The lower sub-panel (a) of the
two sub-panels includes a tab 1770 for locking to an indentation
1772 of second display tray above display tray 1750. The second
panel 1704 includes sub-panels 1704a/b on each end thereof having
an L-shape for bending into the inner portion of the display tray
1750 in order to provide further stacking support to the display
tray.
[0130] Referring now to FIGS. 18A and 18B, a plan view of a blank
1800 for constructing a tray having an overhanging corner and a
display tray 1850 that is constructed from the blank of FIG. 18A
are respectively shown. The display trays 1850 is formed of the
continuous blank 1800 includes a three of hingedly coupled panels
1802, 1804, and 1806. The first panel 1802 includes three sub
panels on each side 1803(a-c) and 1805(a-c) extending across the
longitudinal axis. The third panel 1806 includes three subpanels on
opposite sides, 1808(a-c) and 1810(a-c) also extending across the
longitudinal axis.
[0131] The display tray 1850 includes a first sidewall 1852,
defined at least partially by a first panel 1802. The first
sidewall 1852 has a first height (H1). The display tray 1850 has a
front wall 1854 which is partially defined by a second panel 1804
of the blank 1800 which is hingedly attached to the first panel
1802 and has a second height (H2) which can be equal to the first
height (H1) of the first sidewall 1852. A second sidewall 1856,
defined at least partially by the first panel 1802, has a third
height (H3), when erected can be equal to the first height (H1) of
the first sidewall 1852. A rear wall 1858 is defined at least
partially by a third panel 1806 and is hingedly attached to the
first panel 1802. The rear wall 1858 can be used adjoining the
display tray 1800 to a second display tray. The rear wall 1858
includes a fourth height (H4), which can be greater than the first
height (H1) of the first sidewall 1852. The rear wall 1858 is
defined by a sub-panel 1812 of the second panel 1804.
[0132] Referring further to FIGS. 18A and 18B display tray 1850
includes a first corner 1860 having a fifth height (H5) which can
be greater than the fourth height (H4) of the rear wall 1858 at a
junction of the front wall 1854 and the first sidewall 1852. A
second corner 1862 includes a sixth height (H6) which can be
greater than the fourth height (H4) of the rear wall 1858 at the
junction of the front wall 1854 and the second sidewall 1856. A
third corner 1864 includes a seventh height (H7) at the junction of
the rear wall and the second sidewall 1856. A fourth corner 1866
includes an eighth height (H8) at the junction of the rear wall and
the first sidewall 1852. The overhang 1870 of each of the corners
of each of the corners is defined by a diagonally cut portion 1816
of the subpanels 1812 and 1814 of the second panel.
[0133] Referring now to FIGS. 19A and 19B, a plan view of a blank
1900 for constructing a self-locking tray having an overhanging
post corner and a self-locking display tray 1950 that is
constructed from the blank of FIG. 19A are respectively shown. The
display tray 1950 shown is formed of the continuous blank 1900
includes a three of hingedly coupled panels 1902, 1904, and 1906.
The first panel 1902 includes individual sub panels on each side
1903 and 1905 extending across the longitudinal axis. The third
panel 1906 includes two subpanels 1908(b-c) and 1910(b-c) on each
end of the third panel 1906 extending along the longitudinal axis,
with subpanels 1908a and 1910c being hingedly attached to the
middle panel 1904.
[0134] The display tray 1950 includes a first sidewall 1952,
defined at least partially by a first panel 1902. The first
sidewall 1952 includes two heights (H1a and H1b). The display tray
1950 has a front wall 1954 which is partially defined by a second
panel 1904 of the blank 1900 which is hingedly attached to the
first panel 1902 and has a second height (H2) which can be equal to
the first height (H1) of the first sidewall 1952. A second sidewall
1956, defined at least partially by the first panel 1902, has two
heights (H3a and H3b), when erected can be equal to the
corresponding heights of the first sidewall 1952. A rear wall 1958
is defined at least partially by a third panel 1906 and is hingedly
attached to the first panel 1902. The rear wall 1958 can be used
adjoining the display tray 1900 to a second display tray. The rear
wall 1958 includes a fourth height (H4), which can be greater than
the first height (H1) of the first sidewall 1952.
[0135] Referring further to FIGS. 19A and 19B display tray 1950
includes a first corner 1960 having a fifth height (H5) which can
be greater than the fourth height (H4) of the rear wall 1958 at a
junction of the front wall 1954 and the first sidewall 1952. A
second corner 1962 includes a sixth height (H6) which can be
greater than the fourth height (H4) of the rear wall 1958 at the
junction of the front wall 1954 and the second sidewall 1956. The
corners 1960/1962 are each defined by three hingedly attached
sub-panels of the third panel 1906. The overhang 1970 of each of
the corners of each of the corners is defined by the diagonally cut
portions 1916 of the third panel 1906.
[0136] Each of the trays described above provide improved product
visibility in a display unit common in Club and other large format
point of purchase applications, and improve stacking performance
and reduce cost to use. Each of the trays described above can be
coupled to other trays with the aid of a support member as
described below. The support member help hold each of the trays
together and provide stacking assistance to tray placed above.
[0137] Referring now to FIGS. 20A and 20B, the figures show is a
plan view of a blank 2000 for a support member having a flat top
and the support member 2050 that is constructed from the blank 2000
of FIG. 20A. The joining member is used for coupling adjacent
display trays, were described previously and formed of the
continuous blank 2000 which is made up of two hingedly coupled
panels 2002 and 2004 and sub-panels 2002a/2002b and 2004a/2004b
with an intermediate panel 2003 placed between panels 2002 and
2004. When erected, the support member 2050 includes a first
support sheet 2052 which is vertically aligned, a second support
sheet 2054 which is vertically aligned, and a flat horizontal sheet
2056 hingedly connecting the first support sheet 2052 and the
second support sheet 2054. Each of the support sheets 2052/2054
includes a two support wings 2058/2060 and 2062/2064 hingedly
attached to the respective support sheet 2052/2054 across vertical
hinge lines. Each of the support sheets 2052/2054 includes a
partial cutout 2066/2068 at the base for straddling two adjacent
rear walls of adjacent display trays discussed above. The support
member 2050 is able to provide support vertically to display trays
placed above and horizontally to hold a pair of display trays
together.
[0138] Referring now to FIGS. 21A and 21B, the figures show is a
plan view of a blank 2100 for a support member having a flat top
and the support member 2150 that is constructed from the blank 2100
of FIG. 21A. The joining member is formed of the continuous blank
2100 which is made up of two hingedly coupled panels 2102 and 2104
with an intermediate panel 2103 placed between panels 2102 and
2104.
[0139] When erected, the support member 2150 includes a first
support sheet 2152 which is vertically aligned, a second support
sheet 2154 which is vertically aligned, and a flat horizontal sheet
2156 hingedly connecting the first support sheet 2152 and the
second support sheet 2154. The flat horizontal sheet 2156 is
narrower than each of the support sheets 2152/2154. Each of the
support sheets 2152/2154 includes a two support wings 2158/2160 and
2162/2164 hingedly attached to the respective support sheet
2152/2154 across vertical hinge lines. Each of the support wings is
made up of two subpanels (a/b) that are hingedly attached to each
other. The hingedly attached subpanels of each support wing provide
further lateral and vertical support to a stack of display trays.
Each of the support sheets 2152/2154 includes a partial cutout
2166/2168 at the base for straddling two adjacent rear walls of
adjacent display trays discussed above.
[0140] Referring now to FIGS. 22A and 22B, the figures show is a
plan view of a blank 2200 for a support member having a flat top
and the support member 2250 that is constructed from the blank 2200
of FIG. 22A. The joining member is formed of the continuous blank
2200 which is made up of two hingedly coupled panels 2202 and 2204
with an intermediate panel 2203 placed between panels 2202 and
2204.
[0141] When erected, the support member 2250 includes a first
support sheet 2252 which is vertically aligned, a second support
sheet 2254 which is vertically aligned, and a flat horizontal sheet
2256 hingedly connecting the first support sheet 2252 and the
second support sheet 2254. The flat horizontal sheet 2256 includes
four tabs 2272 for locking into a display tray placed above the
support member 2250, further improving lateral support of the
structure. Each of the support sheets 2252/2254 includes a two
support wings 2258/2260 and 2262/2264 hingedly attached to the
respective support sheet 2252/2254 across vertical hinge lines.
Each of the support wings is made up of two subpanels (a/b) that
are hingedly attached to each other. The outer subpanel (a) of each
support wing includes a locking key 2268 that fits into an opening
2270 of its respective support sheet 2254, resulting in an upright
support with a triangular cross-section. Each of the support sheets
2252/2254 includes a slit 2280/2282 at the base for straddling two
adjacent rear walls of adjacent display trays discussed above.
[0142] Referring now to FIGS. 23A and 23B, the figures show is a
plan view of a blank 2300 for a support member having a flat top
and the support member 2350 that is constructed from the blank 2300
of FIG. 23A. The joining member is formed of the continuous blank
2300 which is made up of two hingedly coupled panels 2302 and 2304
with an intermediate panel 2303 placed between panels 2302 and
2304.
[0143] When erected, the support member 2350 includes a first
support sheet 2352 which is vertically aligned, a second support
sheet 2354 which is vertically aligned, and a flat horizontal sheet
2356 hingedly connecting the first support sheet 2352 and the
second support sheet 2354. The horizontal sheet 2356 includes four
tabs 2372 for locking into a display tray placed above the support
member 2350, further improving lateral support of the structure.
The horizontal sheet in this case includes four obtuse angles (a),
to allow for easier folding and erecting, specifically such that
support wings 2358/2360 and 2362/2364 do not contact the edges of
the intermediate panel 2303. Each of the support sheets 2352/2354
includes a two support wings 2358/2360 and 2362/2364 hingedly
attached to the respective support sheet 2352/2354 across vertical
hinge lines. Each of the support wings is made up of three
subpanels (a-c) that are hingedly attached to each other. The outer
subpanel (a) of each support wing includes a locking key 2368 that
is pressed in and fits into an opening 2370 of its respective
support sheet 2354 and into an openings 2374 of the horizontal
sheet 2356, resulting in an upright support with a triangular
cross-section with the outer subpanel positioned flush against a
corresponding support sheet 2352/2354. Each of the support sheets
2352/2354 includes a slit 2366/2368 at the base for straddling two
adjacent rear walls of adjacent display trays discussed above.
[0144] Referring now to FIGS. 24A and 24B, the figures show is a
plan view of a blank 2400 for a support member having a flat top
and the support member 2450 that is constructed from the blank 2400
of FIG. 24A. The joining member is formed of the continuous blank
2400 which is made up of two hingedly coupled panels 2402 and 2404
with an intermediate panel 2403 placed between panels 2402 and
2404.
[0145] When erected, the support member 2450 includes a first
support sheet 2452 which is vertically aligned, a second support
sheet 2454 which is vertically aligned, and a flat horizontal sheet
2456 hingedly connecting the first support sheet 2452 and the
second support sheet 2454. The horizontal sheet 2456 includes four
tabs 2472 for locking into a display tray placed above the support
member 2450, further improving lateral support of the structure.
The horizontal sheet in this case includes four obtuse angles (a).
Each of the support sheets 2452/2454 includes a two support wings
2458/2460 and 2462/2464 hingedly attached to the respective support
sheet 2452/2454 across vertical hinge lines. Each of the support
wings is made up of four subpanels (a-d) that are hingedly attached
to each other. The outer subpanel (a) of each support wing includes
a locking key 2468 that fits into an opening 2470 of its respective
support sheet 2454 and into an openings 2474 of the horizontal
sheet 2456, resulting in an upright support with a rectangular
cross-section with the outer subpanel positioned flush against a
corresponding support sheet 2452/2454. Each of the support sheets
2452/2454 includes a slit 2466/2468 at the base for straddling two
adjacent rear walls of adjacent display trays discussed above.
[0146] Referring now to FIGS. 25A and 25B, the figures show is a
plan view of a blank 2500 for the support member 2550 of FIG. 25B.
The joining member is used for coupling adjacent display trays,
were described previously and formed of the continuous blank 2500
which is made up of two panels 2502 and 2504 hingedly directly to
each other coupled and sub-panels 2502a/2502b and 2504a/2504b, and
without an intermediate panel placed between panels 2502 and 2504.
When erected, the support member 2550 includes a first support
sheet 2552 which is vertically aligned and a second support sheet
2554 which is vertically aligned. Each of the support sheets
2552/2554 includes a two support wings 2558/2560 and 2562/2564
hingedly attached to the respective support sheet 2552/2554 across
vertical hinge lines. Each of the support sheets 2552/2554 includes
a partial cutout 2566/2568 at the base for straddling two adjacent
rear walls of adjacent display trays discussed above. The support
member 2550 is able to provide support vertically to display trays
placed above and horizontally to hold a pair of display trays
together.
[0147] Referring now to FIGS. 26A and 26B, the figures show is a
plan view of a blank 2600 for the support member 2650 of FIG. 26B.
The joining member is formed of the continuous blank 2600 which is
made up of two hingedly coupled panels 2602 and 2604.
[0148] When erected, the support member 2650 includes a first
support sheet 2652 which is vertically aligned and a second support
sheet 2654 which is vertically aligned. Each of the support sheets
2652/2654 include a two support wings 2658/2660 and 2662/2664
hingedly attached to the respective support sheet 2652/2654 across
vertical hinge lines. Each of the support wings is made up of three
subpanels (a-c) that are hingedly attached to each other. The outer
subpanel (a) of each support wing includes a locking key 2668 that
fits into an opening 2670 of the inner subpanel (c), resulting in
an upright support with a triangular cross-section. Each of the
support sheets 2652/2654 includes a slit 2666/2668 at the base for
straddling two adjacent rear walls of adjacent display trays
discussed above.
[0149] Referring now to FIGS. 27A and 27B, the figures show is a
plan view of a blank 2700 for a support member and the support
member 2750 that is constructed from the blank 2700 of FIG. 27A.
The joining member is formed of the continuous blank 2700 which is
made up of two hingedly coupled panels 2702 and 2704.
[0150] When erected, the support member 2750 includes a first
support sheet 2752 which is vertically aligned and second support
sheet 2754 which is vertically aligned. Each of the support sheets
2752/2754 includes a two support wings 2758/2760 and 2762/2764
hingedly attached to the respective support sheet 2752/2754 across
vertical hinge lines. Each of the support wings is made up of five
subpanels (a-e) that are hingedly attached to each other. The outer
subpanel (a) of each support wing includes a locking key 2768 that
fits into an opening 2770 the innermost subpanel (e), resulting in
an upright support with a rectangular cross-section with the outer
subpanel positioned flush against a corresponding support sheet
2752/2754. Each of the support sheets 2752/2754 includes a slit
2770/2772 at the base for straddling two adjacent rear walls of
adjacent display trays discussed above.
[0151] Referring now to FIGS. 28A and 28B, the figures show is a
plan view of a blank 2800 for a support member 2850 that is
constructed from the blank 2800 of FIG. 28A having two enclosed
cavities 2870 and 2872. The joining member is formed of the
continuous blank 2800 which is made up of two hingedly coupled
panels 2802 and 2804 with an intermediate panel 2803 placed between
panels 2802 and 2804. The intermediate panel 2803 fully split down
the middle by a slit 2812 bisecting the intermediate panel 2803
into two portions (a/b). The center of the intermediate panel 2803
also includes a rectangular cutout 2805. Each of the panels 2802
and 2804 also include rectangular cutouts 2808 in their respective
centers and are bisected by respective slits 2810 which are
connected to the slit 2812 of the intermediate panel. Each of the
panels 2802 and 2804 include two subpanels (a/b). The subpanels a/b
are hingedly connected to each other and are hingedly connected to
their respective panels 2802/2804 forming a "C"-shape on each
respective end of the blank 2800.
[0152] When erected, the support member 2850 includes a front wall
2852 and a back wall 2854 each including a partial slit 2856/2858
for straddling walls of adjacent display trays discussed above. The
front wall 2852 and the back wall 2854 are defined by the two
portions 2803a/2803b of the intermediate panel of the blank 2800.
The support member 2850 further includes a first sidewall 2856 and
a second sidewall 2858 which connect the front wall 2852 and back
wall 2854. Each of the sidewalls 2856/2858 are defined by the
panels 2802 and 2804 of the blank 2800. A central double wall 2860
connects the sidewalls 2856/2858 at their respective midpoints and
creates the two cavities 2870 and 2872 within the perimeter defined
by the sidewalls 2856/2858, the front wall 2852, and the back wall
2854. The central double wall 2860 is defined by the subpanels
2802a/b and 2804a/b. The central double wall 2860 is also split in
the center, allowing the support member 2850 to straddle two
display trays.
[0153] Referring now to FIGS. 29A and 29B, the figures show is a
plan view of a blank 2900 for a support member 2950 that is
constructed from the blank 2900 of FIG. 29A having two enclosed
cavities 2970 and 2972. The joining member is formed of the
continuous blank 2900 which is made up of two hingedly coupled
panels 2902 and 2904 with an intermediate panel 2903 placed between
panels 2902 and 2904, and end panel 2905 hingedly coupled to the
panel 2904 and an end tab 2907 hingedly coupled to panel 2902. The
center of the intermediate panel 2903 and end panel 2905 include
rectangular cutouts 2911 and 2913 respectively extending along the
length of the blank and the panels 2902 and 2904 also include
rectangular cutouts 2908 in their respective centers extending
along the width of the blank 2900. The panels 2902 and 2904 are
fully bisected on one edge (a) and hingedly attached at a second
edge (b).
[0154] When erected, the support member 2950 includes a front wall
2952 and a back wall 2954 each including a partial slit 2956/2958
for straddling walls of adjacent display tray discussed above. The
front wall 2952 and the back wall 2954 are defined by panel 2904 of
the blank 2900. A central double wall 2960 connects the sidewalls
at their respective midpoints and creates the two cavities 2970 and
2972 within the perimeter defined by the sidewalls 2980 and 2982,
the front wall 2952, and the back wall 2954. The central double
wall 2960 is defined by the panel 2902 of the blank 2900. The wall
2960 is partially split in the center, allowing the support member
2950 to straddle two display trays.
[0155] Referring now to FIGS. 30A-30C, four trays 3002 that are
also shown in FIG. 18B are coupled by a pair of support members
3004 that don't include a flat top that were also shown in FIG. 25B
form a system 3000 for displaying product in a Club format. The
benefit of this format is the ability to see around the support to
the edges of the rear tray, allowing the system to be set up in any
direction. Referring now to FIGS. 31A-31C, two trays 3102 that are
also shown in FIG. 19B are coupled by a pair of support members
3104 that were also shown in FIG. 25B form a system 3100 for
displaying product in a Club format. Referring now to FIGS. 32A and
32B, two trays 3202 that are also shown in FIG. 18B are coupled by
support member 3204 that were also shown in FIG. 20B form a system
3200 are shown in FIG. 32A; four trays 3202 that are shown in FIG.
18B are coupled by two support members 3204 that were shown in FIG.
20B form a system 3250 are shown in FIG. 32B. Referring now to FIG.
33A, two trays 3302 of FIG. 13B coupled together with a support
member 3304 of FIG. 21B, and FIG. 33B shows four trays 3302 of FIG.
13B coupled together with two support members 3304 of FIG. 21B.
Referring now to FIG. 34, shows four trays 3402 of FIG. 13B coupled
together with a single support members 3404 of FIG. 24B. Referring
now to FIG. 35, shows four trays 3502 of FIG. 13B coupled together
with a single support members 3504 of FIG. 22B.
[0156] Referring now to FIGS. 36A-36C, two trays 3602 that are also
shown in FIG. 31A are coupled by a pair of support members 3604
that include two internal cavities that were also shown in FIG. 28B
form a system of trays 3600. Referring now to FIGS. 37A-37C, four
trays 3702 that are also shown in FIG. 13B are coupled by a single
support member 3704 that include two internal cavities that were
also shown in FIG. 29B form a system 3700. Referring now to FIGS.
38A-37C, four trays 3802 that are also shown in FIG. 31B are
coupled by a single support member 3804 that include two internal
cavities that were also shown in FIG. 28B form a system of trays
3800.
[0157] The methods and systems of the present disclosure, as
described above and shown in the drawings, provide for a tray
system and components thereof that allow for better stacking of
trays and visibility within the trays. While the apparatus and
methods of the subject disclosure have been shown and described
with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art
will readily appreciate that changes and/or modifications may be
made thereto without departing from the scope of the subject
disclosure.
* * * * *