Patent Grant
10123634
The disclosed embodiments relate generally to temporary display racks, display units, or stands with printed information (e.g., a scannable display code for retail activation) that are used, for instance, in retail stores to temporarily hold one or more particular products or fungible goods such as food products, cleaning products, health products, hardware products, and the like for a specific marketing campaign. In some instances, the display unit includes tabbed shelves and a pre-adhered (i.e., before shipment of the display unit) foldable frame with receiving slots for a predetermined shelf height, so that the foldable frame is easily constructed into the display unit with shelves having the predetermined shelf height.
Supermarkets, home centers, and other retail establishments, may have temporary display racks, display units, or stands used to display products or fungible goods such as food products, cleaning products, health products, hardware products, and other merchandise. Some racks of this type are typically constructed from permanent display materials such as wood, metal, and plastics. These displays are fairly costly to manufacture and ship, making them expensive to purchase and to deploy through Direct Store Delivery (DSD) systems. Because these displays are typically shipped in an unassembled form, assembly generally requires substantial labor and use of tools to erect these displays at the point of sale. Further, these displays are not easily recyclable and, therefore, are rarely recycled, instead ending up in landfills. Other display racks are made wholly or predominantly from corrugated paperboard on which advertising graphics are printed. In many instances, these display stands are produced with a combination of cardboard and internal metal supports that are complicated to put together. Furthermore, the merchants may not fill the temporary display racks with the appropriate items for the intended marketing campaign or may not place the products in the correct location on the shelves. As such, it is common for the temporary display racks to be put together offsite, filled with product, and then shipped to the retail establishment. Shipping in this manner induces wear and tear and sometimes causes damage to the temporary display before it even reaches the merchant. Also, the product being carried may be damaged or leak during shipment. Furthermore, this is a costly and inefficient way of shipping the product and the temporary display rack. Additionally, the product manufacturer or consumer package good company running the marketing campaign does not know when (or even if) the merchant places the temporary display in the retail establishment and activates the campaign.
Additionally, when display racks are made wholly or predominantly from corrugated paperboard, a display rack of the type noted above tends to wick water from its lower edges so as to lose its structural integrity when a floor on which the display rack is standing is cleaned. Also, such a display rack tends to damage easily at its lower edges if struck (e.g., by a cleaning appliance, person, shopping cart, or a child's toy). In some instances, the temporary display rack may carry as much as one hundred fifty pounds of displayed merchandise. Consequently, it can be very difficult to push, pull, or turn the display rack carrying displayed merchandise without stressing its lower edges and risking structural integrity damage.
It would be advantageous to provide a mechanism and method for providing a temporary display rack that overcomes the limitations discussed above.
The embodiments of the invention(s) described herein overcome the various limitations and disadvantages described above. Specifically, the specification describes a temporary display rack (also referred to interchangeably herein as a display unit) with at least some of components that are constructed from recyclable material. The temporary display rack can be shipped flat and assembled quickly on site without requiring the use of tools. Furthermore, the temporary display rack described herein includes a mechanism to assist merchants in placing the desired products on the shelves in the desired position. The temporary display rack described herein also includes a mechanism for the product manufacturer or consumer package good company running the marketing campaign to receive feedback indicating when the marketing campaign is active at the merchant (e.g., when the temporary display rack has been unpacked, assembled, and/or placed on the retail floor with product). The temporary display rack described herein also includes a mechanism that protects the bottom of the display rack from water and wear and tear. The temporary display rack described herein also includes a mechanism to allow movement of the temporary display rack without risking structural integrity damage.
The following presents a summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some of the aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some of the concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
In one aspect of the disclosure, a temporary display rack is provided. The temporary display rack may be used for instance as a specialty display in a retail store for a limited time marketing campaign. The temporary display rack includes a chassis (e.g., a disposable chassis) which has at least two display panels affixed with display graphics and a scannable display code (e.g., a unique scannable display code) for retail activation. In some embodiments, the chassis of the temporary display rack is a foldable frame (e.g., vertical panels joined together at vertical fold lines that are formed out of a display graphic that is attached to an exterior surface of the foldable frame). The temporary display rack also includes a plurality of shelves (e.g., disposable shelves) configured to be supported by the disposable chassis. The disposable chassis and the plurality of disposable shelves are typically made of a honeycombed cardboard material. In some embodiments, the shelves include one or more item codes that correspond to a particular item to be placed on that shelf or below the item code. The temporary display rack also includes a base that is configured to support the chassis and shelves. In some embodiments, the base is re-usable. Typically, the re-useable base is made of durable material such as plastic, medium density fiberboard (MDF), fiberwood, wood, and/or metal, and as such it can be kept and used with a new disposable chassis and a new plurality of disposable shelves for a new marketing campaign. In some instances the base is a pallet made of wood or other suitable materials, sized to fit the chassis. In some instances the base also includes wheels.
In some embodiments, the temporary display rack is a display unit. The display unit may be used for instance as a specialty display in a retail store for a limited time marketing campaign. The display unit includes a foldable frame (e.g., a chassis, shell, rigid structure, case, casing, body that is capably of collapsing or folding). The foldable frame includes a plurality of vertical panels that are joined at vertical fold lines (e.g., a first side panel, a second side panel and a back panel that are coupled together (with one or more hinges) prior to shipment of the display unit). For example, the foldable frame includes at least a first and a second vertical panel and the first vertical panel is joined with the second vertical panel at a respective vertical fold line. In some embodiments, the respective vertical fold line is formed out of a display graphic that is attached to an exterior surface of the foldable frame (more specifically and continuing the above example, the display graphic may cover an exterior surface of the first vertical panel and extend on to an exterior surface of the second vertical panel, such that a vertical fold line is formed between the first and second vertical panels). The exterior surface of the first vertical panel, in some embodiments, is covered by a display graphic that extends on to the exterior surface of second vertical panel, thus forming vertical fold line therebetween. In some embodiments, the foldable frame has a scannable display code for retail activation (as discussed in detail below). The foldable frame is also configured to support at least one shelf.
In another aspect, a flat kit for a temporary display rack is provided. The flat kit is foldable such that it can be shipped in a flat configuration. The flat kit includes a chassis (e.g., a hinged chassis, such as one formed by a plurality of vertical panels joined at vertical fold lines) including a first side panel, a back panel, and a second side panel. The chassis may also include a first hinge apparatus connecting the first side panel to the back panel such that a planar surface of the first side panel at least partially overlaps and contacts a planar surface of the back panel in a folded position. The chassis further includes a second hinge apparatus connecting the second side panel to the back panel such that a planar surface of the second side panel at least partially overlaps and contacts a planar surface of the first side panel in a folded position. In some embodiments, each panel is connected with an adjoining panel at a vertical fold line (e.g., the first side panel is connected with the back panel at a vertical fold that extends along the length of the first side panel). The flat kit also includes a plurality of shelves configured to be supported by the hinged chassis when unfolded and assembled. When the first and second side panels are in their respective folded positions, the hinged chassis is configured to be transportable along with the plurality of shelves as a flat kit for subsequent assembly into a temporary display rack. In some embodiments, the flat kit also includes a re-usable base configured to support the temporary display rack when assembled. In some embodiments, the flat kit includes a disposable pallet base configured to support the assembled temporary display rack.
In some embodiments, a flat kit is provided that includes components for assembling a display unit that includes a foldable frame and a pallet base. The foldable frame includes: (i) a plurality of vertical panels joined at vertical fold lines and (ii) a scannable display code for retail activation. The flat kit also includes: at least one shelf configured to be supported by the foldable frame when the foldable frame is folded in a substantially rigid-angled position. The foldable frame is folded into a substantially flat-folded position for inclusion in the flat kit, such that a substantially planar surface of a first vertical panel of the plurality of vertical panels at least partially overlaps and contacts a substantially planar surface of a second vertical panel of the plurality of vertical panels. Also, the foldable frame is configured to be transportable while in the substantially flat-folded position along with the at least one shelf as the flat kit for subsequent assembly into the display unit.
Another aspect of the disclosure is a method for assembling a display rack. In some embodiments, a first side panel, a back panel, and a second side panel are each provided. Furthermore, a first hinge apparatus with a first flap having first adhesive material covered with a first removable backing is provided. The first backing is removed from the first flap. The first side panel is connected to the back panel via the first adhesive material of the first hinge. Similarly, a second hinge apparatus comprising a second flap having second adhesive material covered with a second removable backing is provided. The second backing is removed from the second flap. The second side panel is connected to the back panel via the second adhesive material of the second hinge. As such, a chassis is formed from the first side panel, the back panel, and the second side panel connected to one another via the first and second hinge apparatuses. In some embodiments, the panels are already joined to one another via vertical fold lines prior to shipment and no formation of the chassis is necessary. For example, a display graphic may be adhered to a first vertical panel and extend on to a second vertical panel (e.g., leaving at least one inch of display graphic material between the first and second vertical panels, so that they are capable of folding at the respective vertical fold line), thus forming a respective vertical fold line between the first vertical panel and the second vertical panel.
In some embodiments of the method discussed above, one or more shelves are also provided. Each shelf of the one or more shelves is connected to the chassis. In some embodiments, a respective shelf is connected to the chassis by inserting a tab on the shelf into a corresponding slot of the side or back panels of the chassis. In some embodiments, the shelves are attached to one or both of the side panels before the back panel is attached to the side panel and before the first and second hinges are attached to the back panel. In some embodiments, the chassis is also inserted, via similar tabs and slots, into a re-usable base that may have wheels. In some embodiments, the chassis is inserted into a pallet base that is made of wood or other suitable materials. In some embodiments, the assembly of the display rack may be performed in two minutes or less. In some embodiments, in order to allow for quick assembly, vertical panels are pre-configured into a foldable frame (e.g., each vertical panel is pre-adhered to one or more adjoining vertical panels) before shipment of the display unit to a merchant.
In some embodiments, a method for quick assembly of a display unit includes: providing a foldable frame, the foldable frame including (i) a plurality of vertical panels joined at vertical fold lines and (ii) a scannable display code for retail activation. The method also includes: folding the foldable frame along each vertical fold line of the vertical fold lines, such that the foldable frame is in a substantially rigid-angled position. In conjunction with folding the foldable frame, the method further includes: connecting at least one shelf to the foldable frame, such that the foldable frame while in the substantially rigid-angled position supports the at least one shelf. In some embodiments, the foldable frame includes slots that are at predetermined positions, so that the display unit has shelves of a predetermined height that is able to provide sufficient space to display a particular product (e.g., the predetermined height is determined by a supplier prior to shipment of the display unit, so that when the shelves are inserted in the receiving slots, the display unit has the shelves with the correct heights for displaying the particular product).
Thus, these mechanisms and methods provide new, less cumbersome, and more efficient ways to provide, ship, and assemble a temporary display rack.
Various embodiments of systems, methods, and devices within the scope of the appended claims each have several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirable attributes described herein. Without limiting the scope of the appended claims, some prominent features are described herein. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled “Description of Embodiments,” one will understand how the features of various embodiments are used.
For a better understanding of the aforementioned aspects of the invention as well as additional aspects and embodiments thereof, reference should be made to the Description of Embodiments below, in conjunction with the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the figures.
Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known components and methods have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.
It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another (e.g., first side panel and second side panel). For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without changing the meaning of the description, so long as all occurrences of the first element are renamed consistently and all occurrences of the second element are renamed consistently. The first element and the second element are both elements, but they are not the same element.
The terminology used in the description of the embodiments herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the claims. As used in the description of the embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” as well as the terms “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to,” depending on the context.
Many of the components of the temporary display rack described below are made of recyclable (e.g., honeycomb cardboard) material and are held in an assembled relationship by inter-fitting tabs and receiving slots. These components are lightweight, particularly relative to their strength, are easy to transport, and are capable of being set-up within the retail environment in two minutes or less. The manner in which the various structural components and graphics panels fit together provides a distinct advantage in terms of structural performance and ease of assembly, permitting the display racks to be efficiently deployed in the retail environment (and in such a way that ensures merchants are also complying with supplier requirements or requirements specific to a particular marketing campaign with which the display rack is associated).
The temporary display rack 100 also includes a plurality of shelves 114, which are configured to be supported by the components (e.g., the first side panel 104, the second side panel 106, and/or the back panel 108) of the chassis 102. Furthermore, as illustrated in
In some embodiments, a plurality of temporary display racks 100 (or display units 120,
Typically, the temporary display rack 100 includes a chassis 102 made of disposable material, i.e., it is a disposable chassis 102. As such, the first side panel 104, the second side panel 106, and the back panel 108 are made of a disposable material. Similarly, the shelves 114 are made of a similarly-disposable material, i.e., they are disposable shelves 114. In some embodiments, the disposable chassis 102 and the disposable shelves 114 are made of recyclable fiber-based materials such as containerboard or a honeycomb cardboard described in more detail with respect to
In some embodiments, the chassis 102 of
In some embodiments, the chassis 102 and shelves 114 are affixed with display graphics 118 (i.e., the display graphics are either permanently affixed or temporarily/removably attached). In some embodiments, when assembled, the display graphics 118 (also referred to herein as graphics or graphics layer 118) cover substantially all of the exterior surface(s) of the first side panel 104 and the second side panel 106. In some embodiments, the back panel 108 has display graphics 118 only partially covering its exterior surface. In other embodiments, substantially all of or the majority of the back panel 108 is also affixed with display graphics 118 (i.e., the display graphics are either permanently affixed or temporarily/removably attached to the back panel). Similarly, in some embodiments, the shelves 114 are affixed with display graphics on substantially all of the showing assembled surfaces (i.e., the display graphics are either permanently affixed or temporarily/removably attached to the shelves). In other embodiments, only the top surface and/or top and front surfaces of the shelf are affixed with display graphics.
In some embodiments, the display graphics are designed (or configured to) cover slots extending through the exterior surfaces of the back panel 108, first side panel 104, and/or second side panel 106. In some embodiments, the display graphics are pre-adhered (e.g., attached using any known adhering technique, including magnets, hooks, adhesives, and the like) to the vertical panels of the foldable frame (e.g., to an exterior surface of each vertical panel), while in other embodiments, the display graphics are not initially adhered (i.e., when a flat pack that includes the components of the display unit is shipped, the exterior surfaces of the vertical panels are not attached to the display graphics). In these other embodiments, the display graphics are included separately from the vertical panels and are adhered at a later point in time. In this way, the exterior surfaces appear smooth and only the display graphic is visible, creating a pleasing and attractive aesthetic appearance on the exterior surfaces of the temporary display rack (e.g., an exterior surface of each of the vertical panels).
Turning now to
Utilizing the temporary display rack 100 of
The flat kit 200 also includes a plurality of shelves 114 configured to be supported by the hinged chassis 202 when unfolded and assembled. In some embodiments or circumstances, the hinged chassis 202 is referred to as a foldable frame (e.g., foldable frame 122,
In some embodiments, the flat kit 200 also includes a base 110 configured to support the temporary display rack 100 when assembled. As illustrated in
In some embodiments, the flat kit 200 described above in reference to
As shown in
As discussed below with respect to
Turning back to
In some embodiments, the shelf 114 also includes one or more item codes 316 affixed (or removably attached) thereon. For instance, as illustrated in
In some embodiments, the placement of a respective item code 316 indicates the placement location of a corresponding product on the shelf 114 (in some embodiments, the respective item code 316 is used in conjunction with the display graphic 118, in order to identify appropriate product placement). For instance, the item codes 316 in
The side panel 106 also includes a plurality of receiving slots 402 (in order to avoid creating clutter in the figures, a single receiving slot 402 is labelled in each of
In some embodiments the receiving slots 402 are covered by removable perforated coverings 126 as illustrated in
In some embodiments, the temporary display rack includes one or more tabs 420 at a bottom portion of the temporary display rack (e.g., extending from a bottom portion of each vertical panel 208, as shown in
As discussed with respect to
In some embodiments, the side panel 106 is affixed with graphics on substantially all of the exterior surface 414. In some embodiments, the graphics are affixed to the interior of the side panel 106 or the foldable frame 122 and include removable perforated coverings 126 that substantially obscure, cover, or otherwise hide the receiving slots 402. In some embodiments, the graphics are printed on a graphics layer 118 that covers the receiving slots 402 such that the exterior of the side panel 106 appears to have a smooth, unblemished, solid face for displaying graphics. In some embodiments, as illustrated in
With reference to
In some embodiments, the shelf placement indication 416 is printed in a different color or printed with instructional arrows or similar indicators of where the shelves 114 should be placed. As illustrated in
In some embodiments, the side panel 106 (or a respective vertical panel 208 of display unit 120) includes at least one display code 418. The display code 418 is typically a unique scannable display code used for retail activation. For instance, in some embodiments, it is a program-specific universal product code (“UPC”). Although
In some embodiments, the display code 418 is included in the graphics affixed to the side panel 106 (or a respective vertical panel 208 of display unit 120). In other embodiments it is separately affixed to the side panel 106 or to the graphics on the side panel 106 (e.g., via separate sticker.) In some embodiments, the unique scannable display code 418 provides information regarding a marketing campaign associated with one or more products that are to be placed on the temporary display rack. In some embodiments, when scanned, the display code 418 provides information regarding campaign activation to an entity (e.g., a retailer) distinct from a merchant in possession of the temporary display rack. For instance, after scanning, information may be communicated to the manufacturer, to the CPG, or to the entity that produced and/or delivered the temporary display rack to the merchant. Thus, these external entities are notified that the program has started or is being executed by the merchant. One of the benefits of the display code 418 is that the retailer can gain visibility into specific store execution. Furthermore, the retailer receives proof of merchandising compliance. Generally, compliance improves merchandising success, which results in increased product sales. Also, with proof of execution, the CPG can assist with in-store labor associated with setting up and stocking the display, which results in decreased labor costs to the merchant. Furthermore, when the display code 418 is scanned, the CPG has evidence of the merchandising display being activated, which allows for a more predictable return on investment (ROI). Furthermore, the company that produces and/or delivers the temporary display rack also receives access to store-level execution information, which allows the company to generate service fees to manage the CPG's costs and labor credits.
In some embodiments, the temporary display rack includes either or both of a base with wheels or a pallet base. Turning now to
In some embodiments, the re-usable base 110 further includes a plurality of wheels 112. Typically, one wheel 112, or one set of wheels 112, is mounted under each corner of the base 110, as shown in
In some embodiments, the base 110 also includes one or more receiving slots 502 substantially sized to snugly receive a tab 420 of a component of the chassis 102 (e.g., the first side panel 104, the second side panel 106, or the back panel 108). For instance, when the chassis components are made of honeycomb cardboard having a thickness of ¾ of an inch and tabs 420 integrally formed thereon, then the receiving slots 502 of the base 110 will also have a thickness of ¾ of an inch. In some embodiments, the pallet base 124 includes a slot-creating insert 504 that, when inserted into the pallet base 124, leaves sufficient space to receive the tabs 420 (e.g., tabs 420 of the first side panel 104,
As shown in
In some embodiments, the flat kit 200 also includes a plurality of shelves 114 configured to be supported by the chassis 102 when unfolded and assembled. When the first and second side panels (e.g., first side panel 104 and second side panel 106) are in their respective folded and/or stacked positions, the chassis 102/202 is configured to be transportable along with the plurality of shelves 114 as a flat kit 200 for subsequent assembly into a temporary display rack 100. In some embodiments, the flat kit 200 also includes a header piece 116 used to display images, information, or advertising. As illustrated in
As illustrated in
In the second illustrated step (704), the first side panel 104 is placed onto the tabs 302 of the shelves 114 so that the tabs 302 are received snugly into the corresponding receiving slots 402 in the first panel 104. In some embodiments, in order to make sure that the shelves will be substantially horizontal to the floor when upright, the user should also check that the shelves are inserted into the first side panel 104 in accordance with the shelf placement indications 416.
In the third illustrated step (706), the semi-assembled temporary display rack is turned so that its front faces the floor. Then the back panel 108 is placed onto the tabs 302 of the shelves 114 so that the tabs 302 are received snugly into the corresponding receiving slots 402 in the back panel 108.
The method continues in
In the fifth illustrated step (710), an optional base 110 having wheels 112 is provided. The bottom tabs 420 of the chassis (comprising bottom tabs 420 from the first side panel 104, the second side panel 106, and the back panel 108 in this embodiment) are each inserted so that the bottom tabs 420 are received snugly into the corresponding receiving slots 502 in the base 110. In some embodiments, the bottom tabs 420 are of substantially the same width as the tabs 302 and the bottom tabs 420 are longer than the tabs 302.
In the sixth illustrated step (712), an optional header 116 is provided. The header 116 is inserted into a slot at the back edge of the top shelf 114, between the top shelf 114 and the back panel 108. Then, in some embodiments, twin-stick backing is removed from the back side of the header and pressed onto the back panel 108 to secure the header 116. Finally, the assembled temporary display rack 100 is loaded with one or more types of product onto its shelves 114 and the temporary display rack may be moved into its display position.
First, a chassis is provided (802). In some embodiments, the chassis includes a first side panel, a back panel, and a second side panel (804). In some embodiments, the first side panel includes a first plurality of slots, the second side panel includes a second plurality of slots, and the back panel includes a third plurality of slots. In some embodiments, the first, second, and third pluralities of slots each contain the same number of slots. For example, the first, second, and third pluralities of slots are arranged in nine rows and two columns, such that each row includes two slots each, for a total of eighteen slots. In some embodiments, the first plurality of slots and the second plurality of slots are in substantially the same x-y positions (i.e., each slot on the first side panel has the same Cartesian coordinates as a corresponding slot on the second side panel) on the first and second side panels, respectively. Stated another way, in some embodiments, the first and second pluralities of slots are mirror images of one another.
In some embodiments, the chassis also includes a first hinge apparatus and a second hinge apparatus (806). In some embodiments, the first hinge apparatus is attached to the first side panel and includes a first flap having first adhesive material covered with a first removable backing. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second hinge apparatus is attached to the second side panel and includes a second flap having second adhesive material covered with a second removable backing. In other embodiments, the first and second hinge apparatuses are both attached to the back panel.
In some embodiments, the first backing is removed from the first flap (808). Then the first side panel is connected to the back panel via the first adhesive material of the first hinge (810). In some embodiments, the second backing is removed from the second flap (812). The second side panel is connected to the back panel via the second adhesive material of the second hinge (814). As such, a chassis is formed from the first side panel, the back panel, and the second side panel connected to one another via the first and second hinge apparatuses. In other embodiments the first and second hinge apparatuses are already attached to the side panels and the back panel such that the chassis is erected simply by unfolding the side panels from the back panel (in these other embodiments, the flat kit used to ship the components of the temporary display rack included first and second hinges that were already attached to the side panels). In still other embodiments, the hinges are not attached to either of the side panels or the back panels. In these embodiments, the hinges are attached to the temporary display rack after the chassis components are secured to the shelves (e.g., the hinges are a standalone component that is used to secure or couple the side panels to/with the back panel).
One or more shelves are also provided (816). Each shelf of the one or more shelves is connected to the chassis (818). Typically, a respective shelf is connected to the chassis by inserting a tab on the shelf into a corresponding slot in one or more of the side or back panels of the chassis. It is noted that in some embodiments, the one or more shelves are inserted into the components of the chassis (e.g., the two side panels and/or the back panel).
In some embodiments, a base (which may be re-useable and may have wheels) is also provided, and the chassis is inserted into (i.e., connected to) the base, via similar tabs and slots to the mechanism used to inset the shelves into the chassis (820). In some embodiments, the tabs and slots used to connect the base to the chassis are larger than (e.g., are of substantially the same width, but are longer than) the tabs and slots used to insert the shelves into the chassis. In some embodiments, the base includes a fourth plurality of slots (e.g., the third plurality contains a number of slots that is distinct from the number of slots contained in the first, second, and third pluralities of slots). In some embodiments, each slot of the fourth plurality of slots is configured to receive one of the tabs of the first side panel, the second side panel, or the back panel. In some embodiments, the slots in the fourth plurality of slots have at least one dimension that differs from the dimensions of the slots in the first, second, and third pluralities of slots (e.g., the slots in the fourth plurality of slots are longer (have substantially the same width and also have a larger length dimension)).
In some embodiments, a header piece is also provided, and is connected to the chassis (822). Typically, connecting the header to the chassis is accomplished by inserting one or more tabs of the header between a top shelf and the back panel of the assembled temporary display rack 100. In some embodiments, the header piece is also affixed to the back panel by a removable twin-stick back on its back side or by hook and loop or other suitable fasteners. In some embodiments, the assembly of the display rack is completed in less than two minutes.
After assembly, the display code is scanned for retail activation and the item code(s) are scanned (824). In some embodiments, scanning the display code causes information regarding a marketing campaign associated with one or more products that are to be placed on the temporary display rack to be transmitted to the manufacturer, to the CPG, or to the entity that produced and/or delivered the temporary display rack to the merchant (as discussed in more detail above). In some embodiments, scanning the item code(s) allows the merchant to create and print a price label for the shelf and/or for each product.
Finally, the display rack is stocked with appropriate products (826). For instance, the product(s) associated with the item code(s) are placed on and/or behind the item codes or are placed according to a planogram associated with the item code(s). Finally, the temporary display rack is placed in the merchant's display room. For instance, in some embodiments, it may be moved into position using the wheels on the base.
As illustrated in
Turning now to
In the next illustrated step (1210) the shelves are placed in the shipping box next to the first protective insert. In some embodiments, the shelves are stacked before insertion into the shipping box, so that a protruding portion of each of the attached lips is facing in a downward direction relative to the stack of shelves (1210) and, in this way, the attached lips are protected from damage during shipment. In some embodiments, the slot-creating insert is also included with the stack of shelves.
The method also optionally includes placing (1212) a second protective insert into the shipping box (distinct from the first protective insert) and on top of the stack of shelves. When a second protective insert is used it can ensure that the stack of shelves and the slot-creating insert fit snugly in the shipping box 602 and next to the pallet base 124. The second protective insert can also fill the shipping box to the same height as the pallet base 124, leaving a substantially level surface for placement of other components of the flat kit 200 within the shipping box.
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, a piece of twin stick is applied (1216) to the foldable frame 122 while it is folded in the substantially flat-folded position. In some embodiments, the piece of twin stick allows for later attachment of a header piece to the display unit (as described above, e.g., in reference to
Turning now to
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, the method also includes: folding (1306) the foldable frame 122 into a substantially rigid-angled position, such that tabs of each shelf also fit into corresponding slots of the remaining vertical panels (i.e., side panels, because each shelf has already been inserted into the back panel). In some embodiments, each shelf is first inserted in receiving slots in the back panel 208-2 and, while folding the foldable frame in the substantially rigid-angled position, the shelves are then inserted into the remaining corresponding slots on the side panels (e.g., side panel 208-1 and 208-3).
Turning now to
The method also optionally includes attaching (1310) a header piece 116 to the display unit 120 (e.g., by inserting a bottom portion of the header piece at the back of a topmost shelf and securing the header to the back panel using an adhesive (such as a piece of twin stick)).
The above description, for explanatory purposes, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Various modifications may be made in the embodiments described above without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. Thus, as an example, the temporary display rack equipped with the respective base and with the respective wheels may be generally of any size, shape, or style capable of displaying product in a retail environment.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/694,872, filed Apr. 23, 2015, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/983,421, filed Apr. 23, 2014, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. This application is related to U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/488,838, filed Apr. 23, 2014, to U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/488,839, filed Apr. 23, 2014, to U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/488,840, filed Apr. 23, 2014, now U.S. Design Pat. No. D735,510, to U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/531,752, filed Jun. 29, 2015, and to U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/559,017, filed Mar. 23, 2016, filed herewith. Each of these applications is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14694872 | Apr 2015 | US |
| Child | 15078922 | US |
