U.S. patent application number 17/662888 was filed with the patent office on 2022-08-25 for storage, shipping, and display unit.
The applicant listed for this patent is Signode Industrial Group LLC. Invention is credited to Nancy Roach-Feig.
Application Number | 20220265067 17/662888 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006322300 |
Filed Date | 2022-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220265067 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roach-Feig; Nancy |
August 25, 2022 |
STORAGE, SHIPPING, AND DISPLAY UNIT
Abstract
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a storage,
shipping, and display unit that can be loaded with product, shipped
after loading, and used as a display unit after shipment.
Inventors: |
Roach-Feig; Nancy;
(Cincinnati, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Signode Industrial Group LLC |
Tampa |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006322300 |
Appl. No.: |
17/662888 |
Filed: |
May 11, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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17087179 |
Nov 2, 2020 |
11350770 |
|
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17662888 |
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62932286 |
Nov 7, 2019 |
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62978968 |
Feb 20, 2020 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 61/00 20130101;
A47F 5/0018 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/00 20060101
A47F005/00; B65D 61/00 20060101 B65D061/00 |
Claims
1. A storage, shipping, and display unit comprising: a frame
comprising: spaced-apart first and second shelf supports,
spaced-apart first and second stretchers extending between and
supported by the first and second shelf supports, and spaced-apart
third and fourth shelf supports supported by the first and second
stretchers and by the first and second shelf supports; a first
shelf supported by and extending between the first and second shelf
supports, wherein the first and second shelf supports inhibits a
first side-to-side movement of the first shelf; and a second shelf
supported by and extending between the third and fourth shelf
supports, wherein the third and fourth shelf supports inhibits a
second side-to-side movement of the second shelf.
2. The storage, shipping, and display unit of claim 1, wherein the
first and second shelf supports are spaced-apart in a first
direction, the first and second stretchers are spaced-apart in a
second direction, and the third and fourth shelf supports are
spaced-apart in the first direction, wherein the second direction
is transverse to the first direction.
3. The storage, shipping, and display unit of claim 2, wherein the
first and second stretchers each extend in the first direction.
4. The storage, shipping, and display unit of claim 3, wherein the
first and second shelf supports are parallel to one another, the
third and fourth shelf supports are parallel to one another, and
the first and second shelf supports are parallel to each of the
third and fourth shelf supports.
5. The storage, shipping, and display unit of claim 3, wherein each
shelf support comprises first, second, third, and fourth legs,
wherein for each shelf support the first leg is opposite the third
leg, the second leg is opposite the fourth leg, and the first and
third legs are transverse to the second and fourth legs so the legs
form a rectangular shape.
6. The storage, shipping, and display unit of claim 5, wherein: the
second leg of the first shelf support and the second leg of the
third shelf support extend in a third direction, are aligned with
one another, and are separated by the first stretcher; the fourth
leg of the first shelf support and the fourth leg of the third
shelf support extend in the third direction, are aligned with one
another, and are separated by the second stretcher; the second leg
of the second shelf support and the second leg of the fourth shelf
support extend in the third direction, are aligned with one
another, and are separated by the first stretcher; the fourth leg
of the second shelf support and the fourth leg of the fourth shelf
support extend in the third direction, are aligned with one
another, and are separated by the second stretcher; and the third
direction is transverse to the first direction and second
directions.
7. The storage, shipping, and display unit of claim 5, wherein the
first and second stretchers are longer than the first and third
legs of each of the shelf supports.
8. The storage, shipping, and display unit of claim 5, wherein the
first and second stretchers are shorter than the first and the
third legs of each of the shelf supports.
9. The storage, shipping, and display unit of claim 1, further
comprising third and fourth stretchers that are spaced-apart in the
second direction, extend in the first direction between the third
and fourth shelf supports, and are supported by the third and
fourth shelf supports.
10. The storage, shipping, and display unit of claim 1, further
comprising a base support supporting the first and second shelf
supports.
11. The storage, shipping, and display unit of claim 1, wherein the
first and second stretchers extend between the third and fourth
shelf supports.
12. The storage, shipping, and display unit of claim 1, wherein the
first, second, third, and fourth shelf supports are parallel to one
another.
13. The storage, shipping, and display unit of claim 1, wherein the
first stretcher is connected to the first, second, third, and
fourth shelf supports, and wherein the second stretcher is
connected to the first, second, third, and fourth shelf
supports.
14. The storage, shipping, and display unit of claim 1, wherein the
first and second shelf supports inhibit a first front-to-back
movement of the first shelf, and wherein the third and fourth shelf
supports inhibit a second front-to-back movement of the second
shelf.
15. The storage, shipping, and display unit of claim 1, wherein
each shelf support comprises top, bottom, front, and back legs,
wherein the first stretcher rests on the top legs of the the first
and second shelf supports above the front legs, and wherein the
second stretcher rests on the top legs of the first and second
shelf supports above the back legs.
16. The storage, shipping, and display unit of claim 1, wherein
each shelf support comprises top, bottom, front, and back legs,
wherein the first stretcher rests on the top legs of the first and
second shelf supports above the front legs, and wherein the second
stretcher rests on the top legs of the first and second shelf
supports above the back legs, and wherein the third and fourth
shelf supports rest on the first and second stretchers.
17. The storage, shipping, and display unit of claim 1, wherein
each shelf support comprises top, bottom, first side, and second
side legs, wherein the first stretcher rests on the top legs of the
first and second shelf supports and above the first side legs of
the first and second shelf supports, and wherein the second
stretcher rests on the top legs of the first and second shelf
supports and above the second side legs of the first and second
shelf supports.
18. A storage, shipping, and display unit comprising: a frame
comprising: first and second shelf supports spaced-apart in a first
direction, first and second stretchers spaced-apart in a second
direction and extending in the first direction between and
supported by the first and second shelf supports, wherein the
second direction is transverse to the first direction, and third
and fourth shelf supports spaced-apart in the first direction and
supported by the first and second stretchers and by the first and
second shelf supports; a first shelf supported by and extending
between the first and second shelf supports, wherein the first and
second shelf supports inhibits a first side-to-side movement of the
first shelf; and a second shelf supported by and extending between
the third and fourth shelf supports, wherein the third and fourth
shelf supports inhibits a second side-to-side movement of the
second shelf.
19. The storage, shipping, and display unit of claim 18, wherein
each shelf support comprises top, bottom, front, and back legs, and
wherein the first and second stretchers are longer than the top and
bottom legs of each of the shelf supports.
20. The storage, shipping, and display unit of claim 18, wherein
each shelf support comprises top, bottom, front, and first and
second side legs, and wherein the first and second stretchers are
shorter than the top and bottom legs of each of the shelf supports.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This patent application is a continuation of, claims
priority to and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
17/087,179, filed on Nov. 2, 2020, which claims priority to and the
benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/932,286,
which was filed on Nov. 7, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/978,968, which was filed on Feb. 20, 2020, the
entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to storage, shipping, and
display units.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In the retail industry, vendors supply products to retailers
that in turn sell the products to consumers. A vendor typically
packages the products (such as in a box filled with dunnage) before
shipping them (such as via truck) to a retailer. After receiving
the products, the retailer transfers them to a display rack and
discards the packaging. These display racks are typically formed
from heavy, non-recyclable material. While the display racks are
reusable, they occupy a significant amount of valuable storage
space when not being used and require time and labor to set up and
take down, which increases costs. In some cases, the vendors ship
the display racks to the retailers, in some instances with the
display racks assembled and the products packaged on the display
racks. Given the size and weight of these display racks, this
increases freight costs and limits how far the vendors can ship the
products. The vendors typically require the retailers to ship the
display racks back to the vendors, which increases costs for the
retailers and increases the likelihood that the display racks will
be damaged or that a component will be lost in transit.
SUMMARY
[0004] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a
storage, shipping, and display unit that can be loaded with
product, shipped after loading, and used as a display unit after
shipment.
[0005] One embodiment of the storage, shipping, and display unit of
the present disclosure includes a frame, a first shelf, and a
second shelf. The frame includes spaced-apart first and second
shelf supports, spaced-apart first and second stretchers extending
between and supported by the first and second shelf supports, and
spaced-apart third and fourth shelf supports supported by the first
and second stretchers. The first shelf is supported by and extends
between the first and second shelf supports. The second shelf is
supported by and extends between the third and fourth shelf
supports.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0006] FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of one example
embodiment of an example support of the present disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one example embodiment of an
example stretcher and an example vertical stabilizer of the present
disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one example embodiment of
the storage, shipping, and display unit of the present
disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional top plan view of a bottom
corner of the storage, shipping, and display unit of FIG. 3 taken
along line 3A-3A of FIG. 3.
[0010] FIGS. 4 and 5 are assembled and exploded perspective views,
respectively, of the frame of the storage, shipping, and display
unit of FIG. 3.
[0011] FIGS. 6 and 7 are assembled and exploded perspective views,
respectively, of the frame of another embodiment of the storage,
shipping, and display unit of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIGS. 8 and 9 are assembled and exploded perspective views,
respectively, of the frame of another embodiment of the storage,
shipping, and display unit of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] While the systems, devices, and methods described herein may
be embodied in various forms, the drawings show and the
specification describes certain exemplary and non-limiting
embodiments. Not all of the components shown in the drawings and
described in the specification may be required, and certain
implementations may include additional, different, or fewer
components. Variations in the arrangement and type of the
components; the shapes, sizes, and materials of the components; and
the manners of connections of the components may be made without
departing from the spirit or scope of the claims. Unless otherwise
indicated, any directions referred to in the specification reflect
the orientations of the components shown in the corresponding
drawings and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.
Further, terms that refer to mounting methods, such as mounted,
connected, etc., are not intended to be limited to direct mounting
methods but should be interpreted broadly to include indirect and
operably mounted, connected, and like mounting methods. This
specification is intended to be taken as a whole and interpreted in
accordance with the principles of the present disclosure and as
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0014] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a
storage, shipping, and display unit formed from multiple supports,
multiple stretchers, multiple vertical stabilizers, and multiple
shelves.
[0015] FIGS. 1A and 1B show an example support SU. As described
below, the support SU is an example of the base support, the top
support, and the shelf supports of the storage, shipping, and
display unit. These different types of supports may have different
sizes, but include the same components. The support SU includes
first, second, third, and fourth legs 10, 20, 30, and 40,
respectively, connected to one another and oriented to form a
rectangular shape. Each leg includes two transversely oriented
walls that (at least in this example embodiment) form an
L-shape.
[0016] More specifically, the first leg 10 includes a first wall 12
having an outer surface 12o and an opposing inner surface 12i and a
second wall 14 having an outer surface 14o and an opposing inner
surface 14i. The first wall 12 is connected to (and in this
embodiment integrally formed with) the second wall 14 and oriented
so the first wall 12 is transverse to (and in this embodiment
perpendicular to) the second wall 14. The second leg 20 includes a
first wall 22 having an outer surface 22o and an opposing inner
surface 22i and a second wall 24 having an outer surface 24o and an
opposing inner surface 24i. The first wall 22 is connected to (and
in this embodiment integrally formed with) the second wall 24 and
oriented so the first wall 22 is transverse to (and in this
embodiment perpendicular to) the second wall 24. The third leg 30
includes a first wall 32 having an outer surface 32o and an
opposing inner surface 32i and a second wall 34 having an outer
surface 34o and an opposing inner surface 34i. The first wall 32 is
connected to (and in this embodiment integrally formed with) the
second wall 34 and oriented so the first wall 32 is transverse to
(and in this embodiment perpendicular to) the second wall 34. The
fourth leg 40 includes a first wall 42 having an outer surface 42o
and an opposing inner surface 42i and a second wall 44 having an
outer surface 44o and an opposing inner surface 44i. The first wall
42 is connected to (and in this embodiment integrally formed with)
the second wall 44 and oriented so the first wall 42 is transverse
to (and in this embodiment perpendicular to) the second wall
44.
[0017] As best shown in FIG. 1A, the legs 10, 20, 30, and 40 have
respective lengths L.sub.10, L.sub.20, L.sub.30, and L.sub.40.
These lengths generally correspond to the length of the first walls
12, 22, 32, and 42 of the respective legs. The widths and
thicknesses (neither of which are labeled) of the walls may be
selected as desired for the intended application.
[0018] The first leg 10 is connected to the second leg 20, and the
first leg 10 and the second leg 20 are oriented transversely to
(and in this embodiment perpendicular to) one another. In this
example embodiment, the first wall 12 of the first leg 10 and the
first wall 22 of the second leg 20 are integrally formed with one
another and bent to achieve this orientation. The second leg 20 is
connected to the third leg 30, and the second leg 20 and the third
leg 30 are oriented transversely to (and in this embodiment
perpendicular to) one another. In this example embodiment, the
second wall 24 of the second leg 20 and the second wall 34 of the
third leg 30 are connected via a connector 50b to achieve this
orientation. The connector 50b may be any suitable connector, such
as a mechanical fastener (staple, rivet, etc.); adhesive; or tape.
The third leg 30 is connected to the fourth leg 40, and the third
leg 30 and the fourth leg 40 are oriented transversely to (and in
this embodiment perpendicular to) one another. In this example
embodiment, the first wall 32 of the third leg 30 and the first
wall 42 of the fourth leg 40 are integrally formed with one another
and bent to achieve this orientation. The fourth leg 40 is
connected to the first leg 10, and the fourth leg 40 and the first
leg 10 are oriented transversely to (and in this embodiment
perpendicular to) one another. In this example embodiment, the
second wall 44 of the fourth leg 40 and the second wall 14 of the
first leg 10 are connected via a connector 50a to achieve this
orientation. The connector 50a may be any suitable connector
referenced above.
[0019] As best shown in FIG. 1A, opposing pairs of legs of the
support SU are approximately the same length so the support SU
forms a rectangular shape. That is, in this example embodiment, the
lengths L.sub.10 and L.sub.30 of the opposing legs 10 and 30 are
approximately the same length, and the lengths L.sub.20 and
L.sub.40 of the opposing legs 20 and 40 are approximately the same
length. Varying the lengths L.sub.10, L.sub.20, L.sub.30, and
L.sub.40 of the legs 10, 20, 30, and 40 varies the size of the
support SU.
[0020] In this example embodiment, the legs 10, 20, 30, and 40 are
formed from recycled and recyclable material: multiple plies of
paperboard laminated together with a suitable adhesive (such water
or non-water-based polyvinyl acetate adhesive, a sodium silicate
adhesive, or a potato starch adhesive). In other embodiments, the
legs may be formed from any other suitable material, such as
non-recycled and/or recyclable material, biodegradable material,
plant-based material, and the like.
[0021] In other embodiments, the first walls of the second and
third legs are integrally formed with one another and bent to
achieve the described orientation. In some embodiments, the first
walls of the first and fourth legs are integrally formed with one
another and bent to achieve the described orientation.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows an example stretcher ST/vertical stabilizer V.
In this example embodiment, the stretchers ST and the vertical
stabilizers V are generally the same shape (though may have
different sizes) and are shown and described with reference to the
single component shown in FIG. 2 for brevity (though in other
embodiments these components may differ). The stretcher ST/vertical
stabilizer V includes first and second walls 60 and 70,
respectively, connected to and transversely oriented relative to
one another to form an L-shape. More specifically, the first wall
60 has an outer surface 62o and an opposing inner surface 62i, and
the second wall 70 has an outer surface 72o and an opposing inner
surface 72i. The first wall 60 is connected to (and in this
embodiment integrally formed with) the second wall 70 and oriented
so the first wall 60 is transverse to (and in this embodiment
perpendicular to) the second wall 70.
[0023] The stretcher ST/vertical stabilizer V has a length
L.sub.ST/L.sub.V, which generally corresponds to the lengths of the
first and second walls 60 and 70. The widths and thicknesses
(neither of which are labeled) of the walls may be selected as
needed for the desired application of the stretcher ST/vertical
stabilizer V.
[0024] In this example embodiment, the stretcher ST/vertical
stabilizer V is formed from recycled and recyclable material:
multiple plies of paperboard laminated together with a suitable
adhesive (such a water or non-water-based polyvinyl acetate
adhesive, a sodium silicate adhesive, or a potato starch adhesive).
In other embodiments, the stretcher/vertical stabilizer may be
formed from any other suitable material, such as such as
non-recycled and/or recyclable material, biodegradable material,
plant-based material, and the like.
[0025] FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 show one example embodiment of the
storage, shipping, and display unit E1. The storage, shipping, and
display unit E1 includes: a base support BS; shelf supports
SU.sub.100, SU.sub.200, SU.sub.300, SU.sub.400, SU.sub.500,
SU.sub.600, SU.sub.700, and SU.sub.800; a top support TS;
stretchers ST.sub.100, ST.sub.200, ST.sub.300, ST.sub.400,
ST.sub.500, ST.sub.600, ST.sub.700, and ST.sub.800; shelves
SH.sub.1, SH.sub.2, SH.sub.3, and SH.sub.4; and vertical
stabilizers V.sub.100, V.sub.200, V.sub.300, and V.sub.400. The
storage, shipping, and display unit E1 has a height H.sub.E1, a
width W.sub.E1, and a depth D.sub.E1. For clarity, the supports are
showed in simplified form in the drawings, though they are
generally the same as the support SU shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.
[0026] In this example embodiment: the base and top supports BS and
TS are the same size and shape; the shelf supports SU.sub.100,
SU.sub.200, SU.sub.500, and SU.sub.600 are the same size and shape;
the shelf supports SU.sub.300, SU.sub.400, SU.sub.700, and
SU.sub.800 are the same size and shape; the stretchers ST.sub.100,
ST.sub.200, ST.sub.500, and ST.sub.600 are the same size and shape;
the stretchers ST.sub.300, ST.sub.400, ST.sub.700, and ST.sub.800
are the same size and shape; the vertical stabilizers
V.sub.100-V.sub.400 are the same size and shape; and the shelves
SH.sub.1-SH.sub.4 are the same size and shape.
[0027] Generally, and as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the shelf
supports SU.sub.100-SU.sub.800 and the stretchers
ST.sub.100-ST.sub.800 are arranged to form a frame F1 that supports
the shelves SH.sub.1-SH.sub.4. More specifically, the frame F1 is
formed of multiple frame layers L1, L2, L3, and L4, each of which
includes a spaced-apart pair of the shelf supports
SU.sub.100-SU.sub.800 that together support one of the shelves
SH.sub.1-SH.sub.4. A pair of the stretchers ST.sub.100-ST.sub.800
separates consecutive frame layers. In this example embodiment, the
pair of shelf supports in a given frame layer are oriented
transversely (and more particularly, perpendicularly) to the
pair(s) of shelf supports in the frame layers above and below that
given frame layer. Put differently, in this example embodiment the
pairs of shelf supports alternate in orientation from frame layer
to frame layer. As shown in FIG. 3, the vertical stabilizers
V.sub.100-V.sub.400 extend along the four corners of the frame F1.
The base and top supports BS and TS tie together the bottom and top
(respectively) of the frame F1 and the vertical stabilizers
V.sub.100-V.sub.400.
[0028] The orientations of the components of the storage, shipping,
and display unit E1 are described below with respect to a
coordinate system C shown in FIG. 3. The coordinate system includes
X-, Y-, and Z-directions that are transverse to (and here,
perpendicular to) one another.
[0029] As noted above, the support SU shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is
an example representation of the base support BS, the shelf
supports SU.sub.100-SU.sub.800, and the top support TS. The
components of the supports BS, SU.sub.100-SU.sub.800, and TS thus
have the same components as the example support SU. For clarity and
brevity, the components of the supports BS, SU.sub.100-SU.sub.800,
and TS are identified below with the same numbering convention used
in FIGS. 1A and 1B with the addition of a prefix that corresponds
to the particular support: the prefix is "BS" for the base support
BS, the prefixes "1" through "8" for the shelf supports
SU.sub.100-SU.sub.800, and the prefix "TS" for the top support TS.
For instance, the first leg of the shelf support SU.sub.100 is
identified using element number 110, and the first wall of the
fourth leg of the top support TS is identified using element number
TS42. The individual elements of these components are not labeled
in the drawings for clarity.
[0030] The components of the stretchers ST.sub.100-ST.sub.800 have
the same components as the example stretcher ST/vertical stabilizer
V shown in FIG. 2. For clarity and brevity, the components of the
stretchers ST.sub.100-ST.sub.800 are identified below with the same
numbering convention used in FIG. 2 with the addition of a prefix
number that corresponds to the particular stretcher: the prefixes
"1" through "8" for the stretchers ST.sub.100-ST.sub.800. For
instance, the first wall of the stretcher ST.sub.300 is identified
using element number 360. The individual elements of these
components are not labeled in the drawings for clarity.
[0031] The components of the vertical stabilizers
V.sub.100-V.sub.400 have the same components as the example
stretcher ST/vertical stabilizer V shown in FIG. 2. For clarity and
brevity, the components of the vertical stabilizers
V.sub.100-V.sub.400 are identified below with the same numbering
convention used in FIG. 2 with the addition of a prefix number that
corresponds to the particular vertical stabilizer: the prefixes "1"
through "4" for the vertical stabilizers V.sub.100-V.sub.400. For
instance, the second wall of the vertical stabilizer V.sub.400 is
identified using element number 470. The individual elements of
these components are not labeled in the drawings for clarity.
[0032] Starting from the bottom of the storage, shipping, and
display unit E1, the base support BS is positioned on (and in some
embodiments attached to) and supported by a pallet (not shown) so
the outer surfaces BS14o, BS24o, BS34o, and BS44o of the second
walls BS14, BS24, BS34, and BS44 of the legs BS10, BS20, BS30, and
BS40 of the base support BS engage the pallet and so the inner
surfaces BS14i, BS24i, BS34i, and BS44i of the second walls BS14,
BS24, BS34, and BS44 of the legs BS10, BS20, BS30, and BS40 of the
base support BS face away from the pallet. The base support BS is
oriented generally parallel to the X-Z plane.
[0033] The shelf support SU.sub.100 nests into and is supported by
the base support BS. More specifically, the shelf support
SU.sub.100 is positioned and oriented so: (1) the outer surface
112o of the first wall 112 of the first leg 110 of the shelf
support SU.sub.100 engages the inner surface BS14i of the second
wall BS14 of the first leg BS10 of the base support BS; (2) the
outer surface 114a of the second wall 114 of the first leg 110 of
the shelf support SU.sub.100 engages the inner surface BS12i of the
first wall BS12 of the first leg BS10 of the base support BS; (3)
the fourth leg 140 of the shelf support SU.sub.100 extends upward
in the Y-direction from the junction of the first and second legs
BS10 and BS20 of the base support BS; and (4) the second leg 120 of
the shelf support SU.sub.100 extends upward in the Y-direction from
the junction of the first and fourth legs BS10 and BS40 of the base
support BS. In this orientation, the first and third legs 110 and
130 of the shelf support SU.sub.100 extend generally horizontally
in the X-direction, the second and fourth legs 120 and 140 of the
shelf support SU.sub.100 extend generally vertically in the
Y-direction, and the shelf support SU.sub.100 is oriented generally
parallel to the X-Y plane. In certain embodiments, the shelf
support SU.sub.100 is attached to the base support BS in any
suitable manner, such as via mechanical fasteners (such as staples,
pins, or brads); adhesives; or tape.
[0034] The shelf support SU.sub.200 nests into and is supported by
the base support BS. More specifically, the shelf support
SU.sub.200 is positioned and oriented so: (1) the outer surface
212o of the first wall 212 of the first leg 210 of the shelf
support SU.sub.200 engages the inner surface BS34i of the second
wall BS34 of the third leg BS30 of the base support BS; (2) the
outer surface 214a of the second wall 214 of the first leg 210 of
the shelf support SU.sub.200 engages the inner surface BS32i of the
first wall BS32 of the third leg BS30 of the base support BS; (3)
the fourth leg 240 of the shelf support SU.sub.200 extends upward
in the Y-direction from the junction of the third and fourth legs
BS30 and BS40 of the base support BS; and (4) the second leg 220 of
the shelf support SU.sub.200 extends upward in the Y-direction from
the junction of the second and third legs BS20 and BS30 of the base
support BS. In this orientation, therefore, the first and third
legs 210 and 230 of the shelf support SU.sub.200 extend generally
horizontally in the X-direction, the second and fourth legs 220 and
240 of the shelf support SU.sub.200 extend generally vertically in
the Y-direction, and the shelf support SU.sub.200 is oriented
generally parallel to the X-Y plane and spaced-apart from the shelf
support SU.sub.200 in the Z-direction. In certain embodiments, the
shelf support SU.sub.200 is attached to the base support BS in any
suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.
[0035] The stretcher ST.sub.100 is supported by and extends between
and connects the shelf supports SU.sub.100 and SU.sub.200. More
specifically, the stretcher ST.sub.100 is positioned and oriented
so: (1) the inner surface 162i of the first wall 160 of the
stretcher ST.sub.100 engages the outer surfaces 132o and 232o of
the first walls 132 and 232 of the third legs 130 and 230 of the
shelf supports SU.sub.100 and SU.sub.200; and (2) the inner surface
172i of the second wall 170 of the stretcher ST.sub.100 engages the
outer surface 142o of the first wall 142 of the fourth leg 140 of
the shelf support SU.sub.100 and engages the outer surface 222o of
the first wall 222 of the second leg 220 of the shelf support
SU.sub.200. In this orientation, the stretcher ST.sub.100 extends
generally horizontally in the Z-direction. In certain embodiments,
the stretcher ST.sub.100 is attached to the shelf supports
SU.sub.100 and SU.sub.200 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0036] The stretcher ST.sub.200 is supported by and extends between
and connects the shelf supports SU.sub.100 and SU.sub.200. More
specifically, the stretcher ST.sub.200 is positioned and oriented
so: (1) the inner surface 262i of the first wall 260 of the
stretcher ST.sub.200 engages the outer surfaces 132o and 232o of
the first walls 132 and 232 of the third legs 130 and 230 of the
shelf supports SU.sub.100 and SU.sub.200; and (2) the inner surface
272i of the second wall 270 of the stretcher ST.sub.200 engages the
outer surface 122o of the first wall 122 of the second leg 120 of
the shelf support SU.sub.100 and engages the outer surface 242o of
the first wall 242 of the fourth leg 240 of the shelf support
SU.sub.200. In this orientation, the stretcher ST.sub.200 extends
generally horizontally in the Z-direction and is spaced-apart from
the stretcher ST.sub.100 in the X-direction. In certain
embodiments, the stretcher ST.sub.100 is attached to the shelf
supports SU.sub.100 and SU.sub.200 in any suitable manner, such as
any of those referenced above.
[0037] The shelf support SU.sub.300 is supported by the stretcher
ST.sub.100. More specifically, the shelf support SU.sub.300 is
positioned and oriented so: (1) the outer surface 312o of the first
wall 312 of the first leg 310 of the shelf support SU.sub.200
engages the outer surface 162o of the first wall 162 of the
stretcher ST.sub.100; (2) the second leg 320 of the shelf support
SU.sub.300 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is
positioned above the fourth leg 140 of the shelf support
SU.sub.100; and (3) the fourth leg 340 of the shelf support
SU.sub.300 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is
positioned above the second leg 220 of the shelf support
SU.sub.200. In this orientation, the first and third legs 310 and
330 of the shelf support SU.sub.300 extend generally horizontally
in the Z-direction, and the shelf support SU.sub.300 is oriented
generally parallel to the Y-Z plane. In certain embodiments, the
shelf support SU.sub.300 is attached to the stretcher ST.sub.100 in
any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.
[0038] The shelf support SU.sub.400 is supported by the stretcher
ST.sub.200. More specifically, the shelf support SU.sub.400 is
positioned and oriented so: (1) the outer surface 412o of the first
wall 412 of the first leg 410 of the shelf support SU.sub.400
engages the outer surface 262o of the first wall 262 of the
stretcher ST.sub.200; (2) the second leg 420 of the shelf support
SU.sub.400 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is
positioned above the fourth leg 240 of the shelf support
SU.sub.200; and (3) the fourth leg 440 of the shelf support
SU.sub.400 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is
positioned above the second leg 120 of the shelf support
SU.sub.100. In this orientation, the first and third legs 410 and
430 of the shelf support SU.sub.400 extend generally horizontally
in the Z-direction, and the shelf support SU.sub.400 is oriented
generally parallel to the Y-Z plane and spaced-apart from the shelf
support SU.sub.300 in the X-direction. In certain embodiments, the
shelf support SU.sub.400 is attached to the stretcher ST.sub.200 in
any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.
[0039] The stretcher ST.sub.300 is supported by and extends between
and connects the shelf supports SU.sub.300 and SU.sub.400. More
specifically, the stretcher ST.sub.300 is positioned and oriented
so: (1) the inner surface 362i of the first wall 360 of the
stretcher ST.sub.300 engages the outer surfaces 332o and 432o of
the first walls 332 and 432 of the third legs 330 and 430 of the
shelf supports SU.sub.300 and SU.sub.400; and (2) the inner surface
372i of the second wall 370 of the stretcher ST.sub.300 engages the
outer surface 322o of the first wall 322 of the second leg 320 of
the shelf support SU.sub.300 and the outer surface 442o of the
first wall 442 of the fourth leg 440 of the shelf support
SU.sub.400. In this orientation, the stretcher ST.sub.300 extends
generally horizontally in the X-direction. In certain embodiments,
the stretcher ST.sub.300 is attached to the shelf supports
SU.sub.300 and SU.sub.400 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0040] The stretcher ST.sub.400 is supported by and extends between
and connects the shelf supports SU.sub.300 and SU.sub.400. More
specifically, the stretcher ST.sub.400 is positioned and oriented
so: (1) the inner surface 462i of the first wall 460 of the
stretcher ST.sub.400 engages the outer surfaces 332o and 432o of
the first walls 332 and 432 of the third legs 330 and 430 of the
shelf supports SU.sub.300 and SU.sub.400; and (2) the inner surface
472i of the second wall 470 of the stretcher ST.sub.400 engages the
outer surface 342o of the first wall 342 of the fourth leg 340 of
the shelf support SU.sub.300 and the outer surface 422o of the
first wall 422 of the second leg 420 of the shelf support
SU.sub.400. In this orientation, the stretcher ST.sub.400 extends
generally horizontally in the X-direction and is spaced apart from
the stretcher ST.sub.300 in the Z-direction. In certain
embodiments, the stretcher ST.sub.400 is attached to the shelf
supports SU.sub.300 and SU.sub.400 in any suitable manner, such as
any of those referenced above.
[0041] The shelf support SU.sub.500 is supported by the stretcher
ST.sub.300. More specifically, the shelf support SU.sub.500 is
positioned and oriented so: (1) the outer surface 512o of the first
wall 512 of the first leg 510 of the shelf support SU.sub.500
engages the outer surface 362o of the first wall 362 of the
stretcher ST.sub.300; (2) the second leg 520 of the shelf support
SU.sub.500 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is
positioned above the fourth leg 440 of the shelf support
SU.sub.400; and (3) the fourth leg 540 of the shelf support
SU.sub.500 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is
positioned above the second leg 320 of the shelf support
SU.sub.300. In this orientation, the first and third legs 510 and
530 of the shelf support SU.sub.500 extend generally horizontally
in the X-direction, and the shelf support SU.sub.500 is oriented
generally parallel to the X-Y plane. In certain embodiments, the
shelf support SU.sub.500 is attached to the stretcher ST.sub.300 in
any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.
[0042] The shelf support SU.sub.600 is supported by the stretcher
ST.sub.400. More specifically, the shelf support SU.sub.600 is
positioned and oriented so: (1) the outer surface 612o of the first
wall 612 of the first leg 610 of the shelf support SU.sub.600
engages the outer surface 462o of the first wall 462 of the
stretcher ST.sub.400; (2) the second leg 620 of the shelf support
SU.sub.600 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is
positioned above the fourth leg 340 of the shelf support
SU.sub.300; and (3) the fourth leg 640 of the shelf support
SU.sub.600 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is
positioned above the second leg 420 of the shelf support
SU.sub.400. In this orientation, the first and third legs 610 and
630 of the shelf support SU.sub.600 extend generally horizontally
in the X-direction, and the shelf support SU.sub.600 is oriented
generally parallel to the X-Y plane and spaced-apart from the shelf
support SU.sub.500 in the Z-direction. In certain embodiments, the
shelf support SU.sub.600 is attached to the stretcher ST.sub.400 in
any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.
[0043] The stretcher ST.sub.500 is supported by and extends between
and connects the shelf supports SU.sub.500 and SU.sub.600. More
specifically, the stretcher ST.sub.500 is positioned and oriented
so: (1) the inner surface 562i of the first wall 560 of the
stretcher ST.sub.500 engages the outer surfaces 532o and 632o of
the first walls 532 and 632 of the third legs 530 and 630 of the
shelf supports SU.sub.500 and SU.sub.600; and (2) the inner surface
572i of the second wall 570 of the stretcher ST.sub.500 engages the
outer surface 542o of the first wall 542 of the fourth leg 540 of
the shelf support SU.sub.500 and engages the outer surface 622o of
the first wall 622 of the second leg 620 of the shelf support and
SU.sub.600. In this orientation, the stretcher ST.sub.500 extends
generally horizontally in the Z-direction. In certain embodiments,
the stretcher ST.sub.500 is attached to the shelf supports
SU.sub.500 and SU.sub.600 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0044] The stretcher ST.sub.600 is supported by and extends between
and connects the shelf supports SU.sub.500 and SU.sub.600. More
specifically, the stretcher ST.sub.600 is positioned and oriented
so: (1) the inner surface 662i of the first wall 660 of the
stretcher ST.sub.600 engages the outer surfaces 532o and 632o of
the first walls 532 and 632 of the third legs 530 and 630 of the
shelf supports SU.sub.500 and SU.sub.500; and (2) the inner surface
672i of the second wall 670 of the stretcher ST.sub.600 engages the
outer surface 522o of the first wall 522 of the second leg 520 of
the shelf support SU.sub.500 and engages the outer surface 642o of
the first wall 642 of the fourth leg 640 of the shelf support
SU.sub.600. In this orientation, the stretcher ST.sub.600 extends
generally horizontally in the Z-direction and is spaced-apart from
the stretcher ST.sub.500 in the X-direction. In certain
embodiments, the stretcher ST.sub.600 is attached to the shelf
supports SU.sub.500 and SU.sub.600 in any suitable manner, such as
any of those referenced above.
[0045] The shelf support SU.sub.700 is supported by the stretcher
ST.sub.500. More specifically, the shelf support SU.sub.700 is
positioned and oriented so: (1) the outer surface 712o of the first
wall 712 of the first leg 710 of the shelf support SU.sub.700
engages the outer surface 562o of the first wall 562 of the
stretcher ST.sub.500; (2) the second leg 720 of the shelf support
SU.sub.700 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is
positioned above the fourth leg 540 of the shelf support
SU.sub.500; and (3) the fourth leg 740 of the shelf support
SU.sub.700 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is
positioned above the second leg 620 of the shelf support
SU.sub.600. In this orientation, the first and third legs 710 and
730 of the shelf support SU.sub.700 extend generally horizontally
in the Z-direction, and the shelf support SU.sub.700 is oriented
generally parallel to the Y-Z plane. In certain embodiments, the
shelf support SU.sub.700 is attached to the stretcher ST.sub.500 in
any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.
[0046] The shelf support SU.sub.800 is supported by the stretcher
ST.sub.600. More specifically, the shelf support SU.sub.800 is
positioned and oriented so: (1) the outer surface 812o of the first
wall 812 of the first leg 810 of the shelf support SU.sub.800
engages the outer surface 662o of the first wall 662 of the
stretcher ST.sub.600; (2) the second leg 820 of the shelf support
SU.sub.800 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is
positioned above the fourth leg 640 of the shelf support
SU.sub.600; and (3) the fourth leg 840 of the shelf support
SU.sub.800 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is
positioned above the second leg 520 of the shelf support
SU.sub.500. In this orientation, the first and third legs 810 and
830 of the shelf support SU.sub.800 extend generally horizontally
in the Z-direction, and the shelf support SU.sub.800 is oriented
generally parallel to the Y-Z plane and spaced-apart from the shelf
support SU.sub.700 in the X-direction. In certain embodiments, the
shelf support SU.sub.800 is attached to the stretcher ST.sub.600 in
any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.
[0047] The stretcher ST.sub.700 is supported by and extends between
and connects the shelf supports SU.sub.700 and SU.sub.800. More
specifically, the stretcher ST.sub.700 is positioned and oriented
so: (1) the inner surface 762i of the first wall 760 of the
stretcher ST.sub.700 engages the outer surfaces 732o and 832o of
the first walls 732 and 832 of the third legs 730 and 830 of the
shelf supports SU.sub.700 and SU.sub.800; and (2) the inner surface
772i of the second wall 770 of the stretcher ST.sub.700 engages the
outer surface 722o of the first wall 722 of the second leg 720 of
the shelf support SU.sub.700 and the outer surface 842o of the
first wall 842 of the fourth leg 840 of the shelf support
SU.sub.900. In this orientation, the stretcher ST.sub.700 extends
generally horizontally in the X-direction. In certain embodiments,
the stretcher ST.sub.700 is attached to the shelf supports
SU.sub.700 and SU.sub.800 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0048] The stretcher ST.sub.800 is supported by and extends between
and connects the shelf supports SU.sub.700 and SU.sub.800. More
specifically, the stretcher ST.sub.800 is positioned and oriented
so: (1) the inner surface 862i of the first wall 860 of the
stretcher ST.sub.800 engages the outer surfaces 732o and 832o of
the first walls 732 and 832 of the third legs 730 and 830 of the
shelf supports SU.sub.700 and SU.sub.800; and (2) the inner surface
872i of the second wall 870 of the stretcher ST.sub.800 engages the
outer surface 742o of the first wall 742 of the fourth leg 740 of
the shelf support SU.sub.700 and the outer surface 822o of the
first wall 822 of the second leg 820 of the shelf support
SU.sub.800. In this orientation, the stretcher ST.sub.800 extends
generally horizontally in the X-direction and is spaced-apart from
the stretcher ST.sub.700 in the Z-direction. In certain
embodiments, the stretcher ST.sub.800 is attached to the shelf
supports SU.sub.700 and SU.sub.800 in any suitable manner, such as
any of those referenced above.
[0049] The top support TS is positioned and oriented so the inner
surfaces TS14i and TS34i of the second walls TS14 and TS34 of the
legs TS10 and TS30 of the top support TS respectively engage the
outer surface 762o of the first wall 760 of the stretcher
ST.sub.700 and the outer surface 862o of the first wall 860 of the
stretcher ST.sub.800. The top support TS is oriented generally
parallel to the X-Z plane and spaced apart from the base support BS
in the Y-direction. In certain embodiments, the top support TS is
attached to stretchers ST.sub.700 and ST.sub.800 in any suitable
manner, such as any of those referenced above.
[0050] The vertical stabilizer V.sub.100 extends generally
vertically in the Y-direction from the junction between the first
and fourth legs BS10 and BS40 of the base support BS to the
junction between the first and second legs TS10 and TS20 of the top
support TS. The bottom of the vertical stabilizer V.sub.100 is
sandwiched between the base support BS and the shelf support
SU.sub.100, and the top of the vertical stabilizer V.sub.100 is
sandwiched between the top support TS and the stretcher ST.sub.700.
The vertical stabilizer V.sub.100 is generally aligned with the
second leg 120 of the shelf support SU.sub.100, the fourth leg 440
of the shelf support SU.sub.400, the second leg 520 of the shelf
support SU.sub.500, and the fourth leg 840 of the shelf support
SU.sub.800 such that the inner surfaces 162i and 172i of the first
and second walls 160 and 170 of the vertical stabilizer V.sub.100
face (and in certain embodiments engage) the legs. In certain
embodiments, the vertical stabilizer V.sub.100 is attached to one
or more of these components in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0051] The vertical stabilizer V.sub.200 extends generally
vertically in the Y-direction from the junction between the first
and second legs BS10 and BS20 of the base support BS to the
junction between the first and fourth legs TS10 and TS40 of the top
support TS. The bottom of the vertical stabilizer V.sub.200 is
sandwiched between the base support BS and the shelf support
SU.sub.100 (as shown in FIG. 3A), and the top of the vertical
stabilizer V.sub.200 is sandwiched between the top support TS and
the stretcher ST.sub.700. The vertical stabilizer V.sub.200 is
generally aligned with the fourth leg 140 of the shelf support
SU.sub.100, the second leg 320 of the shelf support SU.sub.300, the
fourth leg 540 of the shelf support SU.sub.500, and the second leg
720 of the shelf support SU.sub.700 such that the inner surfaces
262i and 272i of the first and second walls 260 and 270 of the
vertical stabilizer V.sub.200 face (and in certain embodiments
engage) the legs. In certain embodiments, the vertical stabilizer
V.sub.200 is attached to one or more of these components in any
suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.
[0052] The vertical stabilizer V.sub.300 extends generally
vertically in the Y-direction from the junction between the second
and third legs BS20 and BS30 of the base support BS to the junction
between the third and fourth legs TS30 and TS40 of the top support
TS. The bottom of the vertical stabilizer V.sub.300 is sandwiched
between the base support BS and the shelf support SU.sub.200, and
the top of the vertical stabilizer V.sub.300 is sandwiched between
the top support TS and the stretcher ST.sub.800. The vertical
stabilizer V.sub.300 is generally aligned with the second leg 220
of the shelf support SU.sub.200, the fourth leg 340 of the shelf
support SU.sub.300, the second leg 620 of the shelf support
SU.sub.600, and the fourth leg 740 of the shelf support SU.sub.700
such that the inner surfaces 362i and 372i of the first and second
walls 360 and 370 of the vertical stabilizer V.sub.300 face (and in
certain embodiments engage) the legs. In certain embodiments, the
vertical stabilizer V.sub.300 is attached to one or more of these
components in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced
above.
[0053] The vertical stabilizer V.sub.400 extends generally
vertically in the Y-direction from the junction between the third
and fourth legs BS30 and BS40 of the base support BS to the
junction between the second and third legs TS20 and TS30 of the top
support TS. The bottom of the vertical stabilizer V.sub.400 is
sandwiched between the base support BS and the shelf support
SU.sub.200, and the top of the vertical stabilizer V.sub.400 is
sandwiched between the top support TS and the stretcher ST.sub.800.
The vertical stabilizer V.sub.400 is generally aligned with the
fourth leg 240 of the shelf support SU.sub.200, the second leg 420
of the shelf support SU.sub.400, the fourth leg 640 of the shelf
support SU.sub.600, and the second leg 820 of the shelf support
SU.sub.800 such that the inner surfaces 462i and 472i of the first
and second walls 460 and 470 of the vertical stabilizer V.sub.400
face (and in certain embodiments engage) the legs. In certain
embodiments, the vertical stabilizer V.sub.400 is attached to one
or more of these components in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0054] The shelves SH.sub.1-SH.sub.4 are rectangular cuboid in
shape and are formed from any suitable material or materials. In
this example embodiment, the shelves include opposing top and
bottom facing layers of paper or corrugated material that sandwich
core material in between (such as honeycomb material. In other
embodiments, the shelves may be formed from any suitable material,
such as built-up corrugated material or plastic.
[0055] The shelf SH.sub.1 extends between and is supported by the
shelf supports SU.sub.100 and SU.sub.100. Specifically, the bottom
surface of the shelf SH.sub.1 engages the inner surfaces 112i and
212i of the first walls 112 and 212 of the first legs 110 and 210
of the shelf supports SU.sub.100 and SU.sub.100 so the shelf
SH.sub.1 is oriented generally parallel to the X-Z plane. The shelf
SH.sub.1 is sized and shaped so installing the shelf SH.sub.1
forces the shelf supports SU.sub.100 and SU.sub.200 away from one
another against the vertical stabilizers V.sub.100-V.sub.400, which
in turn forces the vertical stabilizers V.sub.100-V.sub.400 against
the base support BS. This adds rigidity to the storage, shipping,
and display unit E1 and ensures the shelf SH.sub.1 is held in place
via interference fit. The walls of the first, second, and fourth
legs of the shelf supports SU.sub.100 and SU.sub.200 prevent
substantial back-and-forth and side-to-side movement of the shelf
SH.sub.1 in the X- and Z-directions relative to the other
components of the storage, shipping, and display unit E1. In
certain embodiments, the shelf SH.sub.1 is attached to one or more
of the shelf supports SU.sub.100 and SU.sub.100 in any suitable
manner, such as any of those referenced above.
[0056] The shelf SH.sub.2 extends between and is supported by the
shelf supports SU.sub.300 and SU.sub.400. Specifically, the bottom
surface of the shelf SH.sub.2 engages the inner surfaces 312i and
412i of the first walls 312 and 412 of the first legs 310 and 410
of the shelf supports SU.sub.300 and SU.sub.400 so the shelf
SH.sub.2 is oriented generally parallel to the X-Z plane. The shelf
SH.sub.2 is sized and shaped so installing the shelf SH.sub.2
forces the shelf supports SU.sub.300 and SU.sub.400 away from one
another and against the vertical stabilizers V.sub.100-V.sub.400.
This adds rigidity to the storage, shipping, and display unit E1
and ensures the shelf SH.sub.2 is held in place via interference
fit. The walls of the first, second, and fourth legs of the shelf
supports SU.sub.300 and SU.sub.400 prevent substantial
back-and-forth and side-to-side movement of the shelf SH.sub.2 in
the X- and Z-directions relative to the other components of the
storage, shipping, and display unit E1. In certain embodiments, the
shelf SH.sub.2 is attached to one or more of the shelf supports
SU.sub.300 and SU.sub.400 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0057] The shelf SH.sub.3 extends between and is supported by the
shelf supports SU.sub.500 and SU.sub.600. Specifically, the bottom
surface of the shelf SH.sub.3 engages the inner surfaces 512i and
612i of the first walls 512 and 612 of the first legs 510 and 610
of the shelf supports SU.sub.500 and SU.sub.600 so the shelf
SH.sub.3 is oriented generally parallel to the X-Z plane. The shelf
SH.sub.3 is sized and shaped so installing the shelf SH.sub.3
forces the shelf supports SU.sub.500 and SU.sub.600 away from one
another and against the vertical stabilizers V.sub.100-V.sub.400.
This adds rigidity to the storage, shipping, and display unit E1
and ensures the shelf SH.sub.3 is held in place via interference
fit. The walls of the first, second, and fourth legs of the shelf
supports SU.sub.500 and SU.sub.600 prevent substantial
back-and-forth and side-to-side movement of the shelf SH.sub.3 in
the X- and Z-directions relative to the other components of the
storage, shipping, and display unit E1. In certain embodiments, the
shelf SH.sub.3 is attached to one or more of the shelf supports
SU.sub.500 and SU.sub.600 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0058] The shelf SH.sub.4 extends between and is supported by the
shelf supports SU.sub.700 and SU.sub.800. Specifically, the bottom
surface of the shelf SH.sub.4 engages the inner surfaces 712i and
812i of the first walls 712 and 812 of the first legs 710 and 810
of the shelf supports SU.sub.700 and SU.sub.800 so the shelf
SH.sub.4 is oriented generally parallel to the X-Z plane. The shelf
SH.sub.4 is sized and shaped so installing the shelf SH.sub.4
forces the shelf supports SU.sub.700 and SU.sub.800 away from one
another and against the vertical stabilizers V.sub.100-V.sub.400,
which in turn forces the vertical stabilizers V.sub.100-V.sub.400
against the top support TS. This adds rigidity to the storage,
shipping, and display unit E1 and ensures the shelf SH.sub.4 is
held in place via interference fit. The walls of the first, second,
and fourth legs of the shelf supports SU.sub.700 and SU.sub.800
prevent substantial back-and-forth and side-to-side movement of the
shelf SH.sub.4 in the X- and Z-directions relative to the other
components of the storage, shipping, and display unit E1. In
certain embodiments, the shelf SH.sub.4 is attached to one or more
of the shelf supports SU.sub.700 and SU.sub.800 in any suitable
manner, such as any of those referenced above.
[0059] The height H.sub.E1 of the storage, shipping, and display
unit E1 is generally equal to the sum of the lengths of the
vertically aligned legs of the shelf supports. The width W.sub.E1
of the storage, shipping, and display unit E1 is generally equal to
the lengths of the first and third legs of the shelf supports
SU.sub.100, SU.sub.200, SU.sub.500, and SU.sub.600 and the lengths
of the stretchers ST.sub.300, ST.sub.400, ST.sub.700, and
ST.sub.800. The depth D.sub.E1 of the storage, shipping, and
display unit E1 is generally equal to the lengths of the first and
third legs of the shelf supports SU.sub.300, SU.sub.400,
SU.sub.700, and SU.sub.800 and the lengths of the stretchers
ST.sub.100, ST.sub.200, ST.sub.500, and ST.sub.600.
[0060] The storage, shipping, and display unit of the present
disclosure solves the above-described problems. A vendor can
assemble the storage, shipping, and display unit; load its product
directly onto the storage, shipping, and display unit; and ship the
storage, shipping, and display unit to the retailer. After
receiving the storage, shipping, and display unit (loaded with
products), the retailer moves it onto the sales floor. The storage,
shipping, and display unit thus acts as a storage unit, shipping
container, and display unit for the products. This eliminates
excess packaging for the products, thereby lowering shipping costs
and reducing waste. This eliminates the need for retailers to
transfer the products from their packaging to display units, which
saves time and reduces labor costs. This eliminates the need for
retailers to purchase, store, set up, and take down reusable
display units, which saves time and money. In instances in which
the storage, shipping, and display unit is formed from components
made of recyclable material, the reduced weight of the display unit
reduces freight costs and therefore increases the shipping radius
of the display unit. Yet the construction of the display unit
renders it rigid so as not to sacrifice performance. It also
reduces the cost of the display unit and, since the display unit is
recyclable, enables the retailer to recycle the display unit after
use rather than ship it back to the vendor.
[0061] In other embodiments, some or all of the stretchers nest
into and are supported by the shelf supports. In certain of these
embodiments, the shelf supports directly contact and directly
support one another, and the stretchers directly contact and
directly support the shelves while providing rigidity to the frame.
For instance, in one of these embodiments, the stretcher ST.sub.100
nests within one of the legs of the shelf support SU.sub.300 such
that the shelf supports SU.sub.100 and SU.sub.200 directly contact
and directly support that leg of the shelf support SU.sub.300.
[0062] FIGS. 6 and 7 show the frame F2 of another embodiment of the
storage, shipping, and display unit. While not shown, this
embodiment of the storage, shipping, and display unit includes the
same base support, top support, vertical stabilizers, and shelves
as the storage, shipping, and display unit E1 shown in FIG. 3. The
frame F2 includes shelf supports SU.sub.1100, SU.sub.1200,
SU.sub.1300, SU.sub.1400, SU.sub.1500, SU.sub.1600, SU.sub.1700,
and SU.sub.1800 and stretchers ST.sub.1100, ST.sub.1200,
ST.sub.1300, ST.sub.1400, ST.sub.1500, ST.sub.1600, ST.sub.1700,
and ST.sub.1800. In this example embodiment, the shelf supports
SU.sub.1100-SU.sub.1800 are the same size and shape, and the
stretchers ST.sub.1100-ST.sub.1800 are the same size and shape.
[0063] The frame F2 is formed of multiple frame layers L.sub.11,
L.sub.12, L.sub.13, and L.sub.14, each of which includes a
spaced-apart pair of the shelf supports SU.sub.1100-SU.sub.1800
that together support one of the shelves (not shown). A pair of the
stretchers ST.sub.1100-ST.sub.1800 separates consecutive frame
layers. In this example embodiment, the pairs of shelf supports are
oriented parallel to the pair(s) of shelf supports in the frame
layers above and below that given frame layer. Put differently, in
this example embodiment the pairs of shelf supports have the same
orientation from frame layer to frame layer.
[0064] The orientations of the components of the frame F2 are
described below with respect to the coordinate system C shown in
FIG. 3. For clarity, the supports are showed in simplified form in
the drawings, though they are generally the same as the support SU
shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.
[0065] The shelf supports SU.sub.1100 and SU.sub.1200 are oriented
generally parallel to the Y-Z plane and are spaced-apart in the
X-direction. The shelf support SU.sub.1100 is positioned and
oriented so its second and fourth legs 1120 and 1140 extend
generally vertically in the Y-direction and so its first and third
legs 1110 and 1130 extend generally horizontally in the
Z-direction. The shelf support SU.sub.1200 is positioned and
oriented so its second and fourth legs 1220 and 1240 extend
generally vertically in the Y-direction and so its first and third
legs 1210 and 1230 extend generally horizontally in the
Z-direction.
[0066] The stretcher ST.sub.1100 is supported by and extends
between and connects the shelf supports SU.sub.1100 and
SU.sub.1200. More specifically, the stretcher ST.sub.1100 is
positioned with one end above the second leg 1120 of the shelf
support SU.sub.1100 and the other end above the fourth leg 1240 of
the shelf support SU.sub.1200. The stretcher ST.sub.1100 extends
generally horizontally in the X-direction. In certain embodiments,
the stretcher ST.sub.1100 is attached to the shelf supports
SU.sub.1100 and SU.sub.1200 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0067] The stretcher ST.sub.1100 is supported by and extends
between and connects the shelf supports SU.sub.1100 and
SU.sub.1200. More specifically, the stretcher ST.sub.1200 is
spaced-apart from the stretcher ST.sub.1100 in the Z-direction and
positioned with one end above the fourth leg 1140 of the shelf
support SU.sub.1100 and the other end above the second leg 1220 of
the shelf support SU.sub.1200. The stretcher ST.sub.1200 extends
generally horizontally in the X-direction. In certain embodiments,
the stretcher ST.sub.1200 is attached to the shelf supports
SU.sub.1100 and SU.sub.1200 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0068] The shelf support SU.sub.1300 is supported by the stretchers
ST.sub.1100 and ST.sub.1200. More specifically, the shelf support
SU.sub.1300 is positioned and oriented so the second leg 1320 of
the shelf support SU.sub.1300 extends generally vertically in the
Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 1120 of the
shelf support SU.sub.1100 and the fourth leg 1340 of the shelf
support SU.sub.1300 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction
and is positioned above the fourth leg 1140 of the shelf support
SU.sub.1100. In this orientation, the first and third legs 1310 and
1330 of the shelf support SU.sub.1300 extend generally horizontally
in the Z-direction, and the shelf support SU.sub.1300 is oriented
generally parallel to the Y-Z plane. In certain embodiments, the
shelf support SU.sub.1300 is attached to one or more of stretchers
ST.sub.1100 and ST.sub.1200 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0069] The shelf support SU.sub.1400 is supported by the stretchers
ST.sub.1100 and ST.sub.1200. More specifically, the shelf support
SU.sub.1400 is positioned and oriented so the second leg 1420 of
the shelf support SU.sub.1400 extends generally vertically in the
Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 1220 of the
shelf support SU.sub.1200 and the fourth leg 1440 of the shelf
support SU.sub.1400 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction
and is positioned above the fourth leg 1240 of the shelf support
SU.sub.1200. In this orientation, the first and third legs 1410 and
1430 of the shelf support SU.sub.1400 extend generally horizontally
in the Z-direction, and the shelf support SU.sub.1400 is oriented
generally parallel to the Y-Z plane. In certain embodiments, the
shelf support SU.sub.1400 is attached to one or more of stretchers
ST.sub.1100 and ST.sub.1200 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0070] The stretcher ST.sub.1300 is supported by and extends
between and connects the shelf supports SU.sub.1300 and
SU.sub.1400. More specifically, the stretcher ST.sub.1300 is
positioned with one end above the second leg 1320 of the shelf
support SU.sub.1300 and the other end above the fourth leg 1440 of
the shelf support SU.sub.1400. The stretcher ST.sub.1300 extends
generally horizontally in the X-direction. In certain embodiments,
the stretcher ST.sub.1300 is attached to the shelf supports
SU.sub.1300 and SU.sub.1400 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0071] The stretcher ST.sub.1400 is supported by and extends
between and connects the shelf supports SU.sub.1300 and
SU.sub.1400. More specifically, the stretcher ST.sub.1400 is
spaced-apart from the stretcher ST.sub.1300 in the Z-direction and
positioned with one end above the fourth leg 1340 of the shelf
support SU.sub.1300 and the other end above the second leg 1420 of
the shelf support SU.sub.1400. The stretcher ST.sub.1400 extends
generally horizontally in the X-direction. In certain embodiments,
the stretcher ST.sub.1400 is attached to the shelf supports
SU.sub.1300 and SU.sub.1400 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0072] The shelf support SU.sub.1500 is supported by the stretchers
ST.sub.1300 and ST.sub.1400. More specifically, the shelf support
SU.sub.1500 is positioned and oriented so the second leg 1520 of
the shelf support SU.sub.1500 extends generally vertically in the
Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 1320 of the
shelf support SU.sub.1300 and the fourth leg 1540 of the shelf
support SU.sub.1500 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction
and is positioned above the fourth leg 1340 of the shelf support
SU.sub.1300. In this orientation, the first and third legs 1510 and
1530 of the shelf support SU.sub.1500 extend generally horizontally
in the Z-direction, and the shelf support SU.sub.1500 is oriented
generally parallel to the Y-Z plane. In certain embodiments, the
shelf support SU.sub.1500 is attached to one or more of stretchers
ST.sub.1300 and ST.sub.1400 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0073] The shelf support SU.sub.1600 is supported by the stretchers
ST.sub.1300 and ST.sub.1400. More specifically, the shelf support
SU.sub.1600 is positioned and oriented so the second leg 1620 of
the shelf support SU.sub.1600 extends generally vertically in the
Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 1420 of the
shelf support SU.sub.1400 and the fourth leg 1640 of the shelf
support SU.sub.1600 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction
and is positioned above the fourth leg 1440 of the shelf support
SU.sub.1400. In this orientation, the first and third legs 1610 and
1630 of the shelf support SU.sub.1600 extend generally horizontally
in the Z-direction, and the shelf support SU.sub.1600 is oriented
generally parallel to the Y-Z plane. In certain embodiments, the
shelf support SU.sub.1600 is attached to one or more of stretchers
ST.sub.1300 and ST.sub.1400 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0074] The stretcher ST.sub.1500 is supported by and extends
between and connects the shelf supports SU.sub.1500 and
SU.sub.1600. More specifically, the stretcher ST.sub.1500 is
positioned with one end above the second leg 1520 of the shelf
support SU.sub.1500 and the other end above the fourth leg 1640 of
the shelf support SU.sub.1600. The stretcher ST.sub.1500 extends
generally horizontally in the X-direction. In certain embodiments,
the stretcher ST.sub.1500 is attached to the shelf supports
SU.sub.1500 and SU.sub.1600 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0075] The stretcher ST.sub.1600 is supported by and extends
between and connects the shelf supports SU.sub.1500 and
SU.sub.1600. More specifically, the stretcher ST.sub.1600 is
spaced-apart from the stretcher ST.sub.1500 in the Z-direction and
positioned with one end above the fourth leg 1540 of the shelf
support SU.sub.1500 and the other end above the second leg 1620 of
the shelf support SU.sub.1600. The stretcher ST.sub.1600 extends
generally horizontally in the X-direction. In certain embodiments,
the stretcher ST.sub.1600 is attached to the shelf supports
SU.sub.1500 and SU.sub.1600 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0076] The shelf support SU.sub.1700 is supported by the stretchers
ST.sub.1500 and ST.sub.1600. More specifically, the shelf support
SU.sub.1700 is positioned and oriented so the second leg 1720 of
the shelf support SU.sub.1700 extends generally vertically in the
Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 1520 of the
shelf support SU.sub.1500 and the fourth leg 1740 of the shelf
support SU.sub.1700 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction
and is positioned above the fourth leg 1540 of the shelf support
SU.sub.1500. In this orientation, the first and third legs 1710 and
1730 of the shelf support SU.sub.1700 extend generally horizontally
in the Z-direction, and the shelf support SU.sub.1700 is oriented
generally parallel to the Y-Z plane. In certain embodiments, the
shelf support SU.sub.1700 is attached to one or more of stretchers
ST.sub.1500 and ST.sub.1600 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0077] The shelf support SU.sub.1800 is supported by the stretchers
ST.sub.1500 and ST.sub.1600. More specifically, the shelf support
SU.sub.1800 is positioned and oriented so the second leg 1820 of
the shelf support SU.sub.1800 extends generally vertically in the
Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 1620 of the
shelf support SU.sub.1600 and the fourth leg 1840 of the shelf
support SU.sub.1800 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction
and is positioned above the fourth leg 1640 of the shelf support
SU.sub.1600. In this orientation, the first and third legs 1810 and
1830 of the shelf support SU.sub.1800 extend generally horizontally
in the Z-direction, and the shelf support SU.sub.1800 is oriented
generally parallel to the Y-Z plane. In certain embodiments, the
shelf support SU.sub.1800 is attached to one or more of stretchers
ST.sub.1500 and ST.sub.1600 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0078] The stretcher ST.sub.1700 is supported by and extends
between and connects the shelf supports SU.sub.1700 and
SU.sub.1800. More specifically, the stretcher ST.sub.1700 is
positioned with one end above the second leg 1720 of the shelf
support SU.sub.1700 and the other end above the fourth leg 1840 of
the shelf support SU.sub.1800. The stretcher ST.sub.1700 extends
generally horizontally in the X-direction. In certain embodiments,
the stretcher ST.sub.1700 is attached to the shelf supports
SU.sub.1700 and SU.sub.1800 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0079] The stretcher ST.sub.1800 is supported by and extends
between and connects the shelf supports SU.sub.1700 and
SU.sub.1800. More specifically, the stretcher ST.sub.1800 is
spaced-apart from the stretcher ST.sub.1700 in the Z-direction and
positioned with one end above the fourth leg 1740 of the shelf
support SU.sub.1700 and the other end above the second leg 1820 of
the shelf support SU.sub.1800. The stretcher ST.sub.1800 extends
generally horizontally in the X-direction. In certain embodiments,
the stretcher ST.sub.1800 is attached to the shelf supports
SU.sub.1700 and SU.sub.1800 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0080] The height (not labeled) of this embodiment of the storage,
shipping, and display unit is generally equal to the sum of the
lengths of the vertically aligned legs of the shelf supports. The
width (not labeled) of this embodiment of the storage, shipping,
and display unit is generally equal to the lengths of the
stretchers ST.sub.1100-ST.sub.1800. The depth (not labeled) of this
embodiment of the storage, shipping, and display unit is generally
equal to the lengths of the first and third legs of the shelf
supports SU.sub.1100-SU.sub.1800.
[0081] In other embodiments, some or all of the stretchers nest
into and are supported by the shelf supports. In certain of these
embodiments, the shelf supports directly contact and directly
support one another, and the stretchers directly contact and
directly support the shelves while providing rigidity to the frame.
For instance, in one of these embodiments, the stretcher
ST.sub.1100 nests within and extends between the legs of the shelf
supports SU.sub.1300 and SU.sub.1400 such that the shelf supports
SU.sub.1100 and SU.sub.1200 directly contact and directly support
those legs of the shelf supports SU.sub.1300 and SU.sub.1400.
[0082] FIGS. 8 and 9 show the frame F3 of another embodiment of the
storage, shipping, and display unit. While not shown, this
embodiment of the storage, shipping, and display unit includes the
same base support, top support, vertical stabilizers, and shelves
as the storage, shipping, and display unit E1 shown in FIG. 3. The
frame F3 includes shelf supports SU.sub.2100, SU.sub.2200,
SU.sub.2300, SU.sub.2400, SU.sub.2500, SU.sub.2600, SU.sub.2700,
and SU.sub.2800 and stretchers ST.sub.2100, ST.sub.2200,
ST.sub.2300, ST.sub.2400, ST.sub.2500, ST.sub.2600, ST.sub.2700,
and ST.sub.2800. In this example embodiment, the shelf supports
SU.sub.2100-SU.sub.2800 are the same size and shape, and the
stretchers ST.sub.2100-ST.sub.2800 are the same size and shape.
[0083] The frame F3 is formed of multiple frame layers L.sub.21,
L.sub.22, L.sub.23, and L.sub.24, each of which includes a
spaced-apart pair of the shelf supports SU.sub.2100-SU.sub.2800
that together support one of the shelves (not shown). A pair of the
stretchers ST.sub.2100-ST.sub.2800 separates consecutive frame
layers. In this example embodiment, the pairs of shelf supports are
oriented parallel to the pair(s) of shelf supports in the frame
layers above and below that given frame layer. Put differently, in
this example embodiment the pairs of shelf supports have the same
orientation from frame layer to frame layer.
[0084] The orientations of the components of the frame F3 are
described below with respect to the coordinate system C shown in
FIG. 3. For clarity, the supports are showed in simplified form in
the drawings, though they are generally the same as the support SU
shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.
[0085] The shelf supports SU.sub.2100 and SU.sub.2200 are oriented
generally parallel to the X-Y plane and are spaced-apart in the
Z-direction. The shelf support SU.sub.2100 is positioned and
oriented so its second and fourth legs 2120 and 2140 extend
generally vertically in the Y-direction and so its first and third
legs 2110 and 2130 extend generally horizontally in the
X-direction. The shelf support SU.sub.2200 is positioned and
oriented so its second and fourth legs 2220 and 2240 extend
generally vertically in the Y-direction and so its first and third
legs 2210 and 2230 extend generally horizontally in the
X-direction.
[0086] The stretcher ST.sub.2100 is supported by and extends
between and connects the shelf supports SU.sub.2100 and
SU.sub.2200. More specifically, the stretcher ST.sub.2100 is
positioned with one end above the fourth leg 2140 of the shelf
support SU.sub.2100 and the other end above the second leg 2220 of
the shelf support SU.sub.2200. The stretcher ST.sub.2100 extends
generally horizontally in the Z-direction. In certain embodiments,
the stretcher ST.sub.2100 is attached to the shelf supports
SU.sub.2100 and SU.sub.2200 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0087] The stretcher ST.sub.2200 is supported by and extends
between and connects the shelf supports SU.sub.2100 and
SU.sub.2200. More specifically, the stretcher ST.sub.2200 is
spaced-apart from the stretcher ST.sub.2100 in the X-direction and
positioned with one end above the second leg 2120 of the shelf
support SU.sub.2100 and the other end above the fourth leg 2240 of
the shelf support SU.sub.2200. The stretcher ST.sub.2200 extends
generally horizontally in the Z-direction. In certain embodiments,
the stretcher ST.sub.2200 is attached to the shelf supports
SU.sub.2100 and SU.sub.2200 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0088] The shelf support SU.sub.2300 is supported by the stretchers
ST.sub.2100 and ST.sub.2200. More specifically, the shelf support
SU.sub.2300 is positioned and oriented so the second leg 2320 of
the shelf support SU.sub.2300 extends generally vertically in the
Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 2120 of the
shelf support SU.sub.2100 and the fourth leg 2340 of the shelf
support SU.sub.2300 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction
and is positioned above the fourth leg 2140 of the shelf support
SU.sub.2100. In this orientation, the first and third legs 2310 and
2330 of the shelf support SU.sub.2300 extend generally horizontally
in the X-direction, and the shelf support SU.sub.2300 is oriented
generally parallel to the X-Y plane. In certain embodiments, the
shelf support SU.sub.2300 is attached to one or more of stretchers
ST.sub.2100 and ST.sub.2200 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0089] The shelf support SU.sub.2400 is supported by the stretchers
ST.sub.2100 and ST.sub.2200. More specifically, the shelf support
SU.sub.2400 is positioned and oriented so the second leg 2420 of
the shelf support SU.sub.2400 extends generally vertically in the
Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 2220 of the
shelf support SU.sub.2200 and the fourth leg 2440 of the shelf
support SU.sub.2400 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction
and is positioned above the fourth leg 2240 of the shelf support
SU.sub.2200. In this orientation, the first and third legs 2410 and
2430 of the shelf support SU.sub.2400 extend generally horizontally
in the X-direction, and the shelf support SU.sub.2400 is oriented
generally parallel to the X-Y plane. In certain embodiments, the
shelf support SU.sub.2400 is attached to one or more of stretchers
ST.sub.2100 and ST.sub.2200 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0090] The stretcher ST.sub.2300 is supported by and extends
between and connects the shelf supports SU.sub.2300 and
SU.sub.2400. More specifically, the stretcher ST.sub.2300 is
positioned with one end above the fourth leg 2440 of the shelf
support SU.sub.2300 and the other end above the second leg 2420 of
the shelf support SU.sub.2400. The stretcher ST.sub.2300 extends
generally horizontally in the Z-direction. In certain embodiments,
the stretcher ST.sub.2300 is attached to the shelf supports
SU.sub.2300 and SU.sub.2400 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0091] The stretcher ST.sub.2400 is supported by and extends
between and connects the shelf supports SU.sub.2300 and
SU.sub.2400. More specifically, the stretcher ST.sub.2400 is
spaced-apart from the stretcher ST.sub.2300 in the X-direction and
positioned with one end above the second leg 2320 of the shelf
support SU.sub.2300 and the other end above the fourth leg 2440 of
the shelf support SU.sub.2400. The stretcher ST.sub.2400 extends
generally horizontally in the Z-direction. In certain embodiments,
the stretcher ST.sub.2400 is attached to the shelf supports
SU.sub.2300 and SU.sub.2400 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0092] The shelf support SU.sub.2500 is supported by the stretchers
ST.sub.2300 and ST.sub.2400. More specifically, the shelf support
SU.sub.2500 is positioned and oriented so the second leg 2520 of
the shelf support SU.sub.2500 extends generally vertically in the
Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 2320 of the
shelf support SU.sub.2300 and the fourth leg 2540 of the shelf
support SU.sub.2500 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction
and is positioned above the fourth leg 2340 of the shelf support
SU.sub.2300. In this orientation, the first and third legs 2510 and
2530 of the shelf support SU.sub.2500 extend generally horizontally
in the X-direction, and the shelf support SU.sub.2500 is oriented
generally parallel to the X-Y plane. In certain embodiments, the
shelf support SU.sub.2500 is attached to one or more of stretchers
ST.sub.2300 and ST.sub.2400 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0093] The shelf support SU.sub.2600 is supported by the stretchers
ST.sub.2300 and ST.sub.2400. More specifically, the shelf support
SU.sub.2600 is positioned and oriented so the second leg 2620 of
the shelf support SU.sub.2600 extends generally vertically in the
Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 2420 of the
shelf support SU.sub.2400 and the fourth leg 2640 of the shelf
support SU.sub.2600 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction
and is positioned above the fourth leg 2440 of the shelf support
SU.sub.2400. In this orientation, the first and third legs 2610 and
2630 of the shelf support SU.sub.2600 extend generally horizontally
in the X-direction, and the shelf support SU.sub.2600 is oriented
generally parallel to the X-Y plane. In certain embodiments, the
shelf support SU.sub.2600 is attached to one or more of stretchers
ST.sub.2300 and ST.sub.2400 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0094] The stretcher ST.sub.2500 is supported by and extends
between and connects the shelf supports SU.sub.2500 and
SU.sub.2600. More specifically, the stretcher ST.sub.2500 is
positioned with one end above the fourth leg 2540 of the shelf
support SU.sub.2500 and the other end above the second leg 2620 of
the shelf support SU.sub.2600. The stretcher ST.sub.2500 extends
generally horizontally in the Z-direction. In certain embodiments,
the stretcher ST.sub.2500 is attached to the shelf supports
SU.sub.2500 and SU.sub.2600 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0095] The stretcher ST.sub.2600 is supported by and extends
between and connects the shelf supports SU.sub.2500 and
SU.sub.2600. More specifically, the stretcher ST.sub.2600 is
spaced-apart from the stretcher ST.sub.2500 in the X-direction and
positioned with one end above the second leg 2520 of the shelf
support SU.sub.2500 and the other end above the fourth leg 2640 of
the shelf support SU.sub.2600. The stretcher ST.sub.2600 extends
generally horizontally in the Z-direction. In certain embodiments,
the stretcher ST.sub.2600 is attached to the shelf supports
SU.sub.2500 and SU.sub.2600 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0096] The shelf support SU.sub.2700 is supported by the stretchers
ST.sub.2500 and ST.sub.2600. More specifically, the shelf support
SU.sub.2700 is positioned and oriented so the second leg 2720 of
the shelf support SU.sub.2700 extends generally vertically in the
Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 2520 of the
shelf support SU.sub.2500 and the fourth leg 2740 of the shelf
support SU.sub.2700 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction
and is positioned above the fourth leg 2540 of the shelf support
SU.sub.2500. In this orientation, the first and third legs 2710 and
2730 of the shelf support SU.sub.2700 extend generally horizontally
in the X-direction, and the shelf support SU.sub.2700 is oriented
generally parallel to the X-Y plane. In certain embodiments, the
shelf support SU.sub.2700 is attached to one or more of stretchers
ST.sub.2500 and ST.sub.2600 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0097] The shelf support SU.sub.2500 is supported by the stretchers
ST.sub.2500 and ST.sub.2600. More specifically, the shelf support
SU.sub.2500 is positioned and oriented so the second leg 2820 of
the shelf support SU.sub.2500 extends generally vertically in the
Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 2620 of the
shelf support SU.sub.2600 and the fourth leg 2840 of the shelf
support SU.sub.2800 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction
and is positioned above the fourth leg 2640 of the shelf support
SU.sub.2600. In this orientation, the first and third legs 2810 and
2830 of the shelf support SU.sub.2800 extend generally horizontally
in the X-direction, and the shelf support SU.sub.2800 is oriented
generally parallel to the X-Y plane. In certain embodiments, the
shelf support SU.sub.2800 is attached to one or more of stretchers
ST.sub.2500 and ST.sub.2600 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0098] The stretcher ST.sub.2700 is supported by and extends
between and connects the shelf supports SU.sub.2700 and
SU.sub.2800. More specifically, the stretcher ST.sub.2700 is
positioned with one end above the fourth leg 2740 of the shelf
support SU.sub.2700 and the other end above the second leg 2820 of
the shelf support SU.sub.2800. The stretcher ST.sub.2700 extends
generally horizontally in the Z-direction. In certain embodiments,
the stretcher ST.sub.2700 is attached to the shelf supports
SU.sub.2700 and SU.sub.2800 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0099] The stretcher ST.sub.2800 is supported by and extends
between and connects the shelf supports SU.sub.2700 and
SU.sub.2800. More specifically, the stretcher ST.sub.2800 is
spaced-apart from the stretcher ST.sub.2700 in the X-direction and
positioned with one end above the second leg 2720 of the shelf
support SU.sub.2700 and the other end above the fourth leg 2840 of
the shelf support SU.sub.2500. The stretcher ST.sub.2800 extends
generally horizontally in the Z-direction. In certain embodiments,
the stretcher ST.sub.2800 is attached to the shelf supports
SU.sub.2700 and SU.sub.2800 in any suitable manner, such as any of
those referenced above.
[0100] The height (not labeled) of this embodiment of the storage,
shipping, and display unit is generally equal to the sum of the
lengths of the vertically aligned legs of the shelf supports. The
width (not labeled) of this embodiment of the storage, shipping,
and display unit is generally equal to the lengths of the shelf
supports SU.sub.1100-SU.sub.1800. The depth (not labeled) of this
embodiment of the storage, shipping, and display unit is generally
equal to the lengths of the first and third legs of the stretchers
ST.sub.1100-ST.sub.1800.
[0101] In other embodiments, some or all of the stretchers nest
into and are supported by the shelf supports. In certain of these
embodiments, the shelf supports directly contact and directly
support one another, and the stretchers directly contact and
directly support the shelves while providing rigidity to the frame.
For instance, in one of these embodiments, the stretcher
ST.sub.2100 nests within and extends between one of the legs of the
shelf supports SU.sub.2300 and SU.sub.2400 such that the shelf
supports SU.sub.2100 and SU.sub.2200 directly contact and directly
support those legs of the shelf supports SU.sub.2300 and
SU.sub.2400.
* * * * *