TREA

STORAGE, SHIPPING, AND DISPLAY UNIT

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Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20220265067
  • Publication Number
    20220265067
  • Date Filed
    May 11, 2022
    2 years ago
  • Date Published
    August 25, 2022
    2 years ago
Information
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.
Description
FIELD

The present disclosure relates to storage, shipping, and display units.


BACKGROUND

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

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.


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


FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of one example embodiment of an example support of the present disclosure.



FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one example embodiment of an example stretcher and an example vertical stabilizer of the present disclosure.



FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one example embodiment of the storage, shipping, and display unit of the present disclosure.



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.



FIGS. 4 and 5 are assembled and exploded perspective views, respectively, of the frame of the storage, shipping, and display unit of FIG. 3.



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.



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

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.


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.



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.


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.


As best shown in FIG. 1A, the legs 10, 20, 30, and 40 have respective lengths L10, L20, L30, and L40. 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.


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.


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 L10 and L30 of the opposing legs 10 and 30 are approximately the same length, and the lengths L20 and L40 of the opposing legs 20 and 40 are approximately the same length. Varying the lengths L10, L20, L30, and L40 of the legs 10, 20, 30, and 40 varies the size of the support SU.


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.


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.



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.


The stretcher ST/vertical stabilizer V has a length LST/LV, 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.


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.



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 SU100, SU200, SU300, SU400, SU500, SU600, SU700, and SU800; a top support TS; stretchers ST100, ST200, ST300, ST400, ST500, ST600, ST700, and ST800; shelves SH1, SH2, SH3, and SH4; and vertical stabilizers V100, V200, V300, and V400. The storage, shipping, and display unit E1 has a height HE1, a width WE1, and a depth DE1. 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.


In this example embodiment: the base and top supports BS and TS are the same size and shape; the shelf supports SU100, SU200, SU500, and SU600 are the same size and shape; the shelf supports SU300, SU400, SU700, and SU800 are the same size and shape; the stretchers ST100, ST200, ST500, and ST600 are the same size and shape; the stretchers ST300, ST400, ST700, and ST800 are the same size and shape; the vertical stabilizers V100-V400 are the same size and shape; and the shelves SH1-SH4 are the same size and shape.


Generally, and as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the shelf supports SU100-SU800 and the stretchers ST100-ST800 are arranged to form a frame F1 that supports the shelves SH1-SH4. 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 SU100-SU800 that together support one of the shelves SH1-SH4. A pair of the stretchers ST100-ST800 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 V100-V400 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 V100-V400.


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.


As noted above, the support SU shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is an example representation of the base support BS, the shelf supports SU100-SU800, and the top support TS. The components of the supports BS, SU100-SU800, and TS thus have the same components as the example support SU. For clarity and brevity, the components of the supports BS, SU100-SU800, 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 SU100-SU800, and the prefix “TS” for the top support TS. For instance, the first leg of the shelf support SU100 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.


The components of the stretchers ST100-ST800 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 ST100-ST800 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 ST100-ST800. For instance, the first wall of the stretcher ST300 is identified using element number 360. The individual elements of these components are not labeled in the drawings for clarity.


The components of the vertical stabilizers V100-V400 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 V100-V400 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 V100-V400. For instance, the second wall of the vertical stabilizer V400 is identified using element number 470. The individual elements of these components are not labeled in the drawings for clarity.


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.


The shelf support SU100 nests into and is supported by the base support BS. More specifically, the shelf support SU100 is positioned and oriented so: (1) the outer surface 112o of the first wall 112 of the first leg 110 of the shelf support SU100 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 SU100 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 SU100 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 SU100 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 SU100 extend generally horizontally in the X-direction, the second and fourth legs 120 and 140 of the shelf support SU100 extend generally vertically in the Y-direction, and the shelf support SU100 is oriented generally parallel to the X-Y plane. In certain embodiments, the shelf support SU100 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.


The shelf support SU200 nests into and is supported by the base support BS. More specifically, the shelf support SU200 is positioned and oriented so: (1) the outer surface 212o of the first wall 212 of the first leg 210 of the shelf support SU200 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 SU200 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 SU200 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 SU200 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 SU200 extend generally horizontally in the X-direction, the second and fourth legs 220 and 240 of the shelf support SU200 extend generally vertically in the Y-direction, and the shelf support SU200 is oriented generally parallel to the X-Y plane and spaced-apart from the shelf support SU200 in the Z-direction. In certain embodiments, the shelf support SU200 is attached to the base support BS in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The stretcher ST100 is supported by and extends between and connects the shelf supports SU100 and SU200. More specifically, the stretcher ST100 is positioned and oriented so: (1) the inner surface 162i of the first wall 160 of the stretcher ST100 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 SU100 and SU200; and (2) the inner surface 172i of the second wall 170 of the stretcher ST100 engages the outer surface 142o of the first wall 142 of the fourth leg 140 of the shelf support SU100 and engages the outer surface 222o of the first wall 222 of the second leg 220 of the shelf support SU200. In this orientation, the stretcher ST100 extends generally horizontally in the Z-direction. In certain embodiments, the stretcher ST100 is attached to the shelf supports SU100 and SU200 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The stretcher ST200 is supported by and extends between and connects the shelf supports SU100 and SU200. More specifically, the stretcher ST200 is positioned and oriented so: (1) the inner surface 262i of the first wall 260 of the stretcher ST200 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 SU100 and SU200; and (2) the inner surface 272i of the second wall 270 of the stretcher ST200 engages the outer surface 122o of the first wall 122 of the second leg 120 of the shelf support SU100 and engages the outer surface 242o of the first wall 242 of the fourth leg 240 of the shelf support SU200. In this orientation, the stretcher ST200 extends generally horizontally in the Z-direction and is spaced-apart from the stretcher ST100 in the X-direction. In certain embodiments, the stretcher ST100 is attached to the shelf supports SU100 and SU200 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The shelf support SU300 is supported by the stretcher ST100. More specifically, the shelf support SU300 is positioned and oriented so: (1) the outer surface 312o of the first wall 312 of the first leg 310 of the shelf support SU200 engages the outer surface 162o of the first wall 162 of the stretcher ST100; (2) the second leg 320 of the shelf support SU300 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the fourth leg 140 of the shelf support SU100; and (3) the fourth leg 340 of the shelf support SU300 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 220 of the shelf support SU200. In this orientation, the first and third legs 310 and 330 of the shelf support SU300 extend generally horizontally in the Z-direction, and the shelf support SU300 is oriented generally parallel to the Y-Z plane. In certain embodiments, the shelf support SU300 is attached to the stretcher ST100 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The shelf support SU400 is supported by the stretcher ST200. More specifically, the shelf support SU400 is positioned and oriented so: (1) the outer surface 412o of the first wall 412 of the first leg 410 of the shelf support SU400 engages the outer surface 262o of the first wall 262 of the stretcher ST200; (2) the second leg 420 of the shelf support SU400 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the fourth leg 240 of the shelf support SU200; and (3) the fourth leg 440 of the shelf support SU400 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 120 of the shelf support SU100. In this orientation, the first and third legs 410 and 430 of the shelf support SU400 extend generally horizontally in the Z-direction, and the shelf support SU400 is oriented generally parallel to the Y-Z plane and spaced-apart from the shelf support SU300 in the X-direction. In certain embodiments, the shelf support SU400 is attached to the stretcher ST200 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The stretcher ST300 is supported by and extends between and connects the shelf supports SU300 and SU400. More specifically, the stretcher ST300 is positioned and oriented so: (1) the inner surface 362i of the first wall 360 of the stretcher ST300 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 SU300 and SU400; and (2) the inner surface 372i of the second wall 370 of the stretcher ST300 engages the outer surface 322o of the first wall 322 of the second leg 320 of the shelf support SU300 and the outer surface 442o of the first wall 442 of the fourth leg 440 of the shelf support SU400. In this orientation, the stretcher ST300 extends generally horizontally in the X-direction. In certain embodiments, the stretcher ST300 is attached to the shelf supports SU300 and SU400 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The stretcher ST400 is supported by and extends between and connects the shelf supports SU300 and SU400. More specifically, the stretcher ST400 is positioned and oriented so: (1) the inner surface 462i of the first wall 460 of the stretcher ST400 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 SU300 and SU400; and (2) the inner surface 472i of the second wall 470 of the stretcher ST400 engages the outer surface 342o of the first wall 342 of the fourth leg 340 of the shelf support SU300 and the outer surface 422o of the first wall 422 of the second leg 420 of the shelf support SU400. In this orientation, the stretcher ST400 extends generally horizontally in the X-direction and is spaced apart from the stretcher ST300 in the Z-direction. In certain embodiments, the stretcher ST400 is attached to the shelf supports SU300 and SU400 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The shelf support SU500 is supported by the stretcher ST300. More specifically, the shelf support SU500 is positioned and oriented so: (1) the outer surface 512o of the first wall 512 of the first leg 510 of the shelf support SU500 engages the outer surface 362o of the first wall 362 of the stretcher ST300; (2) the second leg 520 of the shelf support SU500 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the fourth leg 440 of the shelf support SU400; and (3) the fourth leg 540 of the shelf support SU500 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 320 of the shelf support SU300. In this orientation, the first and third legs 510 and 530 of the shelf support SU500 extend generally horizontally in the X-direction, and the shelf support SU500 is oriented generally parallel to the X-Y plane. In certain embodiments, the shelf support SU500 is attached to the stretcher ST300 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The shelf support SU600 is supported by the stretcher ST400. More specifically, the shelf support SU600 is positioned and oriented so: (1) the outer surface 612o of the first wall 612 of the first leg 610 of the shelf support SU600 engages the outer surface 462o of the first wall 462 of the stretcher ST400; (2) the second leg 620 of the shelf support SU600 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the fourth leg 340 of the shelf support SU300; and (3) the fourth leg 640 of the shelf support SU600 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 420 of the shelf support SU400. In this orientation, the first and third legs 610 and 630 of the shelf support SU600 extend generally horizontally in the X-direction, and the shelf support SU600 is oriented generally parallel to the X-Y plane and spaced-apart from the shelf support SU500 in the Z-direction. In certain embodiments, the shelf support SU600 is attached to the stretcher ST400 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The stretcher ST500 is supported by and extends between and connects the shelf supports SU500 and SU600. More specifically, the stretcher ST500 is positioned and oriented so: (1) the inner surface 562i of the first wall 560 of the stretcher ST500 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 SU500 and SU600; and (2) the inner surface 572i of the second wall 570 of the stretcher ST500 engages the outer surface 542o of the first wall 542 of the fourth leg 540 of the shelf support SU500 and engages the outer surface 622o of the first wall 622 of the second leg 620 of the shelf support and SU600. In this orientation, the stretcher ST500 extends generally horizontally in the Z-direction. In certain embodiments, the stretcher ST500 is attached to the shelf supports SU500 and SU600 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The stretcher ST600 is supported by and extends between and connects the shelf supports SU500 and SU600. More specifically, the stretcher ST600 is positioned and oriented so: (1) the inner surface 662i of the first wall 660 of the stretcher ST600 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 SU500 and SU500; and (2) the inner surface 672i of the second wall 670 of the stretcher ST600 engages the outer surface 522o of the first wall 522 of the second leg 520 of the shelf support SU500 and engages the outer surface 642o of the first wall 642 of the fourth leg 640 of the shelf support SU600. In this orientation, the stretcher ST600 extends generally horizontally in the Z-direction and is spaced-apart from the stretcher ST500 in the X-direction. In certain embodiments, the stretcher ST600 is attached to the shelf supports SU500 and SU600 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The shelf support SU700 is supported by the stretcher ST500. More specifically, the shelf support SU700 is positioned and oriented so: (1) the outer surface 712o of the first wall 712 of the first leg 710 of the shelf support SU700 engages the outer surface 562o of the first wall 562 of the stretcher ST500; (2) the second leg 720 of the shelf support SU700 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the fourth leg 540 of the shelf support SU500; and (3) the fourth leg 740 of the shelf support SU700 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 620 of the shelf support SU600. In this orientation, the first and third legs 710 and 730 of the shelf support SU700 extend generally horizontally in the Z-direction, and the shelf support SU700 is oriented generally parallel to the Y-Z plane. In certain embodiments, the shelf support SU700 is attached to the stretcher ST500 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The shelf support SU800 is supported by the stretcher ST600. More specifically, the shelf support SU800 is positioned and oriented so: (1) the outer surface 812o of the first wall 812 of the first leg 810 of the shelf support SU800 engages the outer surface 662o of the first wall 662 of the stretcher ST600; (2) the second leg 820 of the shelf support SU800 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the fourth leg 640 of the shelf support SU600; and (3) the fourth leg 840 of the shelf support SU800 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 520 of the shelf support SU500. In this orientation, the first and third legs 810 and 830 of the shelf support SU800 extend generally horizontally in the Z-direction, and the shelf support SU800 is oriented generally parallel to the Y-Z plane and spaced-apart from the shelf support SU700 in the X-direction. In certain embodiments, the shelf support SU800 is attached to the stretcher ST600 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The stretcher ST700 is supported by and extends between and connects the shelf supports SU700 and SU800. More specifically, the stretcher ST700 is positioned and oriented so: (1) the inner surface 762i of the first wall 760 of the stretcher ST700 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 SU700 and SU800; and (2) the inner surface 772i of the second wall 770 of the stretcher ST700 engages the outer surface 722o of the first wall 722 of the second leg 720 of the shelf support SU700 and the outer surface 842o of the first wall 842 of the fourth leg 840 of the shelf support SU900. In this orientation, the stretcher ST700 extends generally horizontally in the X-direction. In certain embodiments, the stretcher ST700 is attached to the shelf supports SU700 and SU800 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The stretcher ST800 is supported by and extends between and connects the shelf supports SU700 and SU800. More specifically, the stretcher ST800 is positioned and oriented so: (1) the inner surface 862i of the first wall 860 of the stretcher ST800 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 SU700 and SU800; and (2) the inner surface 872i of the second wall 870 of the stretcher ST800 engages the outer surface 742o of the first wall 742 of the fourth leg 740 of the shelf support SU700 and the outer surface 822o of the first wall 822 of the second leg 820 of the shelf support SU800. In this orientation, the stretcher ST800 extends generally horizontally in the X-direction and is spaced-apart from the stretcher ST700 in the Z-direction. In certain embodiments, the stretcher ST800 is attached to the shelf supports SU700 and SU800 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


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 ST700 and the outer surface 862o of the first wall 860 of the stretcher ST800. 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 ST700 and ST800 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The vertical stabilizer V100 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 V100 is sandwiched between the base support BS and the shelf support SU100, and the top of the vertical stabilizer V100 is sandwiched between the top support TS and the stretcher ST700. The vertical stabilizer V100 is generally aligned with the second leg 120 of the shelf support SU100, the fourth leg 440 of the shelf support SU400, the second leg 520 of the shelf support SU500, and the fourth leg 840 of the shelf support SU800 such that the inner surfaces 162i and 172i of the first and second walls 160 and 170 of the vertical stabilizer V100 face (and in certain embodiments engage) the legs. In certain embodiments, the vertical stabilizer V100 is attached to one or more of these components in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The vertical stabilizer V200 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 V200 is sandwiched between the base support BS and the shelf support SU100 (as shown in FIG. 3A), and the top of the vertical stabilizer V200 is sandwiched between the top support TS and the stretcher ST700. The vertical stabilizer V200 is generally aligned with the fourth leg 140 of the shelf support SU100, the second leg 320 of the shelf support SU300, the fourth leg 540 of the shelf support SU500, and the second leg 720 of the shelf support SU700 such that the inner surfaces 262i and 272i of the first and second walls 260 and 270 of the vertical stabilizer V200 face (and in certain embodiments engage) the legs. In certain embodiments, the vertical stabilizer V200 is attached to one or more of these components in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The vertical stabilizer V300 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 V300 is sandwiched between the base support BS and the shelf support SU200, and the top of the vertical stabilizer V300 is sandwiched between the top support TS and the stretcher ST800. The vertical stabilizer V300 is generally aligned with the second leg 220 of the shelf support SU200, the fourth leg 340 of the shelf support SU300, the second leg 620 of the shelf support SU600, and the fourth leg 740 of the shelf support SU700 such that the inner surfaces 362i and 372i of the first and second walls 360 and 370 of the vertical stabilizer V300 face (and in certain embodiments engage) the legs. In certain embodiments, the vertical stabilizer V300 is attached to one or more of these components in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The vertical stabilizer V400 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 V400 is sandwiched between the base support BS and the shelf support SU200, and the top of the vertical stabilizer V400 is sandwiched between the top support TS and the stretcher ST800. The vertical stabilizer V400 is generally aligned with the fourth leg 240 of the shelf support SU200, the second leg 420 of the shelf support SU400, the fourth leg 640 of the shelf support SU600, and the second leg 820 of the shelf support SU800 such that the inner surfaces 462i and 472i of the first and second walls 460 and 470 of the vertical stabilizer V400 face (and in certain embodiments engage) the legs. In certain embodiments, the vertical stabilizer V400 is attached to one or more of these components in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The shelves SH1-SH4 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.


The shelf SH1 extends between and is supported by the shelf supports SU100 and SU100. Specifically, the bottom surface of the shelf SH1 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 SU100 and SU100 so the shelf SH1 is oriented generally parallel to the X-Z plane. The shelf SH1 is sized and shaped so installing the shelf SH1 forces the shelf supports SU100 and SU200 away from one another against the vertical stabilizers V100-V400, which in turn forces the vertical stabilizers V100-V400 against the base support BS. This adds rigidity to the storage, shipping, and display unit E1 and ensures the shelf SH1 is held in place via interference fit. The walls of the first, second, and fourth legs of the shelf supports SU100 and SU200 prevent substantial back-and-forth and side-to-side movement of the shelf SH1 in the X- and Z-directions relative to the other components of the storage, shipping, and display unit E1. In certain embodiments, the shelf SH1 is attached to one or more of the shelf supports SU100 and SU100 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The shelf SH2 extends between and is supported by the shelf supports SU300 and SU400. Specifically, the bottom surface of the shelf SH2 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 SU300 and SU400 so the shelf SH2 is oriented generally parallel to the X-Z plane. The shelf SH2 is sized and shaped so installing the shelf SH2 forces the shelf supports SU300 and SU400 away from one another and against the vertical stabilizers V100-V400. This adds rigidity to the storage, shipping, and display unit E1 and ensures the shelf SH2 is held in place via interference fit. The walls of the first, second, and fourth legs of the shelf supports SU300 and SU400 prevent substantial back-and-forth and side-to-side movement of the shelf SH2 in the X- and Z-directions relative to the other components of the storage, shipping, and display unit E1. In certain embodiments, the shelf SH2 is attached to one or more of the shelf supports SU300 and SU400 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The shelf SH3 extends between and is supported by the shelf supports SU500 and SU600. Specifically, the bottom surface of the shelf SH3 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 SU500 and SU600 so the shelf SH3 is oriented generally parallel to the X-Z plane. The shelf SH3 is sized and shaped so installing the shelf SH3 forces the shelf supports SU500 and SU600 away from one another and against the vertical stabilizers V100-V400. This adds rigidity to the storage, shipping, and display unit E1 and ensures the shelf SH3 is held in place via interference fit. The walls of the first, second, and fourth legs of the shelf supports SU500 and SU600 prevent substantial back-and-forth and side-to-side movement of the shelf SH3 in the X- and Z-directions relative to the other components of the storage, shipping, and display unit E1. In certain embodiments, the shelf SH3 is attached to one or more of the shelf supports SU500 and SU600 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The shelf SH4 extends between and is supported by the shelf supports SU700 and SU800. Specifically, the bottom surface of the shelf SH4 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 SU700 and SU800 so the shelf SH4 is oriented generally parallel to the X-Z plane. The shelf SH4 is sized and shaped so installing the shelf SH4 forces the shelf supports SU700 and SU800 away from one another and against the vertical stabilizers V100-V400, which in turn forces the vertical stabilizers V100-V400 against the top support TS. This adds rigidity to the storage, shipping, and display unit E1 and ensures the shelf SH4 is held in place via interference fit. The walls of the first, second, and fourth legs of the shelf supports SU700 and SU800 prevent substantial back-and-forth and side-to-side movement of the shelf SH4 in the X- and Z-directions relative to the other components of the storage, shipping, and display unit E1. In certain embodiments, the shelf SH4 is attached to one or more of the shelf supports SU700 and SU800 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The height HE1 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 WE1 of the storage, shipping, and display unit E1 is generally equal to the lengths of the first and third legs of the shelf supports SU100, SU200, SU500, and SU600 and the lengths of the stretchers ST300, ST400, ST700, and ST800. The depth DE1 of the storage, shipping, and display unit E1 is generally equal to the lengths of the first and third legs of the shelf supports SU300, SU400, SU700, and SU800 and the lengths of the stretchers ST100, ST200, ST500, and ST600.


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.


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 ST100 nests within one of the legs of the shelf support SU300 such that the shelf supports SU100 and SU200 directly contact and directly support that leg of the shelf support SU300.



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 SU1100, SU1200, SU1300, SU1400, SU1500, SU1600, SU1700, and SU1800 and stretchers ST1100, ST1200, ST1300, ST1400, ST1500, ST1600, ST1700, and ST1800. In this example embodiment, the shelf supports SU1100-SU1800 are the same size and shape, and the stretchers ST1100-ST1800 are the same size and shape.


The frame F2 is formed of multiple frame layers L11, L12, L13, and L14, each of which includes a spaced-apart pair of the shelf supports SU1100-SU1800 that together support one of the shelves (not shown). A pair of the stretchers ST1100-ST1800 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.


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.


The shelf supports SU1100 and SU1200 are oriented generally parallel to the Y-Z plane and are spaced-apart in the X-direction. The shelf support SU1100 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 SU1200 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.


The stretcher ST1100 is supported by and extends between and connects the shelf supports SU1100 and SU1200. More specifically, the stretcher ST1100 is positioned with one end above the second leg 1120 of the shelf support SU1100 and the other end above the fourth leg 1240 of the shelf support SU1200. The stretcher ST1100 extends generally horizontally in the X-direction. In certain embodiments, the stretcher ST1100 is attached to the shelf supports SU1100 and SU1200 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The stretcher ST1100 is supported by and extends between and connects the shelf supports SU1100 and SU1200. More specifically, the stretcher ST1200 is spaced-apart from the stretcher ST1100 in the Z-direction and positioned with one end above the fourth leg 1140 of the shelf support SU1100 and the other end above the second leg 1220 of the shelf support SU1200. The stretcher ST1200 extends generally horizontally in the X-direction. In certain embodiments, the stretcher ST1200 is attached to the shelf supports SU1100 and SU1200 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The shelf support SU1300 is supported by the stretchers ST1100 and ST1200. More specifically, the shelf support SU1300 is positioned and oriented so the second leg 1320 of the shelf support SU1300 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 1120 of the shelf support SU1100 and the fourth leg 1340 of the shelf support SU1300 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the fourth leg 1140 of the shelf support SU1100. In this orientation, the first and third legs 1310 and 1330 of the shelf support SU1300 extend generally horizontally in the Z-direction, and the shelf support SU1300 is oriented generally parallel to the Y-Z plane. In certain embodiments, the shelf support SU1300 is attached to one or more of stretchers ST1100 and ST1200 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The shelf support SU1400 is supported by the stretchers ST1100 and ST1200. More specifically, the shelf support SU1400 is positioned and oriented so the second leg 1420 of the shelf support SU1400 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 1220 of the shelf support SU1200 and the fourth leg 1440 of the shelf support SU1400 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the fourth leg 1240 of the shelf support SU1200. In this orientation, the first and third legs 1410 and 1430 of the shelf support SU1400 extend generally horizontally in the Z-direction, and the shelf support SU1400 is oriented generally parallel to the Y-Z plane. In certain embodiments, the shelf support SU1400 is attached to one or more of stretchers ST1100 and ST1200 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The stretcher ST1300 is supported by and extends between and connects the shelf supports SU1300 and SU1400. More specifically, the stretcher ST1300 is positioned with one end above the second leg 1320 of the shelf support SU1300 and the other end above the fourth leg 1440 of the shelf support SU1400. The stretcher ST1300 extends generally horizontally in the X-direction. In certain embodiments, the stretcher ST1300 is attached to the shelf supports SU1300 and SU1400 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The stretcher ST1400 is supported by and extends between and connects the shelf supports SU1300 and SU1400. More specifically, the stretcher ST1400 is spaced-apart from the stretcher ST1300 in the Z-direction and positioned with one end above the fourth leg 1340 of the shelf support SU1300 and the other end above the second leg 1420 of the shelf support SU1400. The stretcher ST1400 extends generally horizontally in the X-direction. In certain embodiments, the stretcher ST1400 is attached to the shelf supports SU1300 and SU1400 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The shelf support SU1500 is supported by the stretchers ST1300 and ST1400. More specifically, the shelf support SU1500 is positioned and oriented so the second leg 1520 of the shelf support SU1500 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 1320 of the shelf support SU1300 and the fourth leg 1540 of the shelf support SU1500 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the fourth leg 1340 of the shelf support SU1300. In this orientation, the first and third legs 1510 and 1530 of the shelf support SU1500 extend generally horizontally in the Z-direction, and the shelf support SU1500 is oriented generally parallel to the Y-Z plane. In certain embodiments, the shelf support SU1500 is attached to one or more of stretchers ST1300 and ST1400 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The shelf support SU1600 is supported by the stretchers ST1300 and ST1400. More specifically, the shelf support SU1600 is positioned and oriented so the second leg 1620 of the shelf support SU1600 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 1420 of the shelf support SU1400 and the fourth leg 1640 of the shelf support SU1600 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the fourth leg 1440 of the shelf support SU1400. In this orientation, the first and third legs 1610 and 1630 of the shelf support SU1600 extend generally horizontally in the Z-direction, and the shelf support SU1600 is oriented generally parallel to the Y-Z plane. In certain embodiments, the shelf support SU1600 is attached to one or more of stretchers ST1300 and ST1400 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The stretcher ST1500 is supported by and extends between and connects the shelf supports SU1500 and SU1600. More specifically, the stretcher ST1500 is positioned with one end above the second leg 1520 of the shelf support SU1500 and the other end above the fourth leg 1640 of the shelf support SU1600. The stretcher ST1500 extends generally horizontally in the X-direction. In certain embodiments, the stretcher ST1500 is attached to the shelf supports SU1500 and SU1600 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The stretcher ST1600 is supported by and extends between and connects the shelf supports SU1500 and SU1600. More specifically, the stretcher ST1600 is spaced-apart from the stretcher ST1500 in the Z-direction and positioned with one end above the fourth leg 1540 of the shelf support SU1500 and the other end above the second leg 1620 of the shelf support SU1600. The stretcher ST1600 extends generally horizontally in the X-direction. In certain embodiments, the stretcher ST1600 is attached to the shelf supports SU1500 and SU1600 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The shelf support SU1700 is supported by the stretchers ST1500 and ST1600. More specifically, the shelf support SU1700 is positioned and oriented so the second leg 1720 of the shelf support SU1700 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 1520 of the shelf support SU1500 and the fourth leg 1740 of the shelf support SU1700 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the fourth leg 1540 of the shelf support SU1500. In this orientation, the first and third legs 1710 and 1730 of the shelf support SU1700 extend generally horizontally in the Z-direction, and the shelf support SU1700 is oriented generally parallel to the Y-Z plane. In certain embodiments, the shelf support SU1700 is attached to one or more of stretchers ST1500 and ST1600 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The shelf support SU1800 is supported by the stretchers ST1500 and ST1600. More specifically, the shelf support SU1800 is positioned and oriented so the second leg 1820 of the shelf support SU1800 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 1620 of the shelf support SU1600 and the fourth leg 1840 of the shelf support SU1800 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the fourth leg 1640 of the shelf support SU1600. In this orientation, the first and third legs 1810 and 1830 of the shelf support SU1800 extend generally horizontally in the Z-direction, and the shelf support SU1800 is oriented generally parallel to the Y-Z plane. In certain embodiments, the shelf support SU1800 is attached to one or more of stretchers ST1500 and ST1600 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The stretcher ST1700 is supported by and extends between and connects the shelf supports SU1700 and SU1800. More specifically, the stretcher ST1700 is positioned with one end above the second leg 1720 of the shelf support SU1700 and the other end above the fourth leg 1840 of the shelf support SU1800. The stretcher ST1700 extends generally horizontally in the X-direction. In certain embodiments, the stretcher ST1700 is attached to the shelf supports SU1700 and SU1800 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The stretcher ST1800 is supported by and extends between and connects the shelf supports SU1700 and SU1800. More specifically, the stretcher ST1800 is spaced-apart from the stretcher ST1700 in the Z-direction and positioned with one end above the fourth leg 1740 of the shelf support SU1700 and the other end above the second leg 1820 of the shelf support SU1800. The stretcher ST1800 extends generally horizontally in the X-direction. In certain embodiments, the stretcher ST1800 is attached to the shelf supports SU1700 and SU1800 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


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 ST1100-ST1800. 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 SU1100-SU1800.


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 ST1100 nests within and extends between the legs of the shelf supports SU1300 and SU1400 such that the shelf supports SU1100 and SU1200 directly contact and directly support those legs of the shelf supports SU1300 and SU1400.



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 SU2100, SU2200, SU2300, SU2400, SU2500, SU2600, SU2700, and SU2800 and stretchers ST2100, ST2200, ST2300, ST2400, ST2500, ST2600, ST2700, and ST2800. In this example embodiment, the shelf supports SU2100-SU2800 are the same size and shape, and the stretchers ST2100-ST2800 are the same size and shape.


The frame F3 is formed of multiple frame layers L21, L22, L23, and L24, each of which includes a spaced-apart pair of the shelf supports SU2100-SU2800 that together support one of the shelves (not shown). A pair of the stretchers ST2100-ST2800 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.


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.


The shelf supports SU2100 and SU2200 are oriented generally parallel to the X-Y plane and are spaced-apart in the Z-direction. The shelf support SU2100 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 SU2200 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.


The stretcher ST2100 is supported by and extends between and connects the shelf supports SU2100 and SU2200. More specifically, the stretcher ST2100 is positioned with one end above the fourth leg 2140 of the shelf support SU2100 and the other end above the second leg 2220 of the shelf support SU2200. The stretcher ST2100 extends generally horizontally in the Z-direction. In certain embodiments, the stretcher ST2100 is attached to the shelf supports SU2100 and SU2200 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The stretcher ST2200 is supported by and extends between and connects the shelf supports SU2100 and SU2200. More specifically, the stretcher ST2200 is spaced-apart from the stretcher ST2100 in the X-direction and positioned with one end above the second leg 2120 of the shelf support SU2100 and the other end above the fourth leg 2240 of the shelf support SU2200. The stretcher ST2200 extends generally horizontally in the Z-direction. In certain embodiments, the stretcher ST2200 is attached to the shelf supports SU2100 and SU2200 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The shelf support SU2300 is supported by the stretchers ST2100 and ST2200. More specifically, the shelf support SU2300 is positioned and oriented so the second leg 2320 of the shelf support SU2300 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 2120 of the shelf support SU2100 and the fourth leg 2340 of the shelf support SU2300 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the fourth leg 2140 of the shelf support SU2100. In this orientation, the first and third legs 2310 and 2330 of the shelf support SU2300 extend generally horizontally in the X-direction, and the shelf support SU2300 is oriented generally parallel to the X-Y plane. In certain embodiments, the shelf support SU2300 is attached to one or more of stretchers ST2100 and ST2200 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The shelf support SU2400 is supported by the stretchers ST2100 and ST2200. More specifically, the shelf support SU2400 is positioned and oriented so the second leg 2420 of the shelf support SU2400 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 2220 of the shelf support SU2200 and the fourth leg 2440 of the shelf support SU2400 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the fourth leg 2240 of the shelf support SU2200. In this orientation, the first and third legs 2410 and 2430 of the shelf support SU2400 extend generally horizontally in the X-direction, and the shelf support SU2400 is oriented generally parallel to the X-Y plane. In certain embodiments, the shelf support SU2400 is attached to one or more of stretchers ST2100 and ST2200 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The stretcher ST2300 is supported by and extends between and connects the shelf supports SU2300 and SU2400. More specifically, the stretcher ST2300 is positioned with one end above the fourth leg 2440 of the shelf support SU2300 and the other end above the second leg 2420 of the shelf support SU2400. The stretcher ST2300 extends generally horizontally in the Z-direction. In certain embodiments, the stretcher ST2300 is attached to the shelf supports SU2300 and SU2400 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The stretcher ST2400 is supported by and extends between and connects the shelf supports SU2300 and SU2400. More specifically, the stretcher ST2400 is spaced-apart from the stretcher ST2300 in the X-direction and positioned with one end above the second leg 2320 of the shelf support SU2300 and the other end above the fourth leg 2440 of the shelf support SU2400. The stretcher ST2400 extends generally horizontally in the Z-direction. In certain embodiments, the stretcher ST2400 is attached to the shelf supports SU2300 and SU2400 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The shelf support SU2500 is supported by the stretchers ST2300 and ST2400. More specifically, the shelf support SU2500 is positioned and oriented so the second leg 2520 of the shelf support SU2500 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 2320 of the shelf support SU2300 and the fourth leg 2540 of the shelf support SU2500 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the fourth leg 2340 of the shelf support SU2300. In this orientation, the first and third legs 2510 and 2530 of the shelf support SU2500 extend generally horizontally in the X-direction, and the shelf support SU2500 is oriented generally parallel to the X-Y plane. In certain embodiments, the shelf support SU2500 is attached to one or more of stretchers ST2300 and ST2400 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The shelf support SU2600 is supported by the stretchers ST2300 and ST2400. More specifically, the shelf support SU2600 is positioned and oriented so the second leg 2620 of the shelf support SU2600 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 2420 of the shelf support SU2400 and the fourth leg 2640 of the shelf support SU2600 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the fourth leg 2440 of the shelf support SU2400. In this orientation, the first and third legs 2610 and 2630 of the shelf support SU2600 extend generally horizontally in the X-direction, and the shelf support SU2600 is oriented generally parallel to the X-Y plane. In certain embodiments, the shelf support SU2600 is attached to one or more of stretchers ST2300 and ST2400 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The stretcher ST2500 is supported by and extends between and connects the shelf supports SU2500 and SU2600. More specifically, the stretcher ST2500 is positioned with one end above the fourth leg 2540 of the shelf support SU2500 and the other end above the second leg 2620 of the shelf support SU2600. The stretcher ST2500 extends generally horizontally in the Z-direction. In certain embodiments, the stretcher ST2500 is attached to the shelf supports SU2500 and SU2600 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The stretcher ST2600 is supported by and extends between and connects the shelf supports SU2500 and SU2600. More specifically, the stretcher ST2600 is spaced-apart from the stretcher ST2500 in the X-direction and positioned with one end above the second leg 2520 of the shelf support SU2500 and the other end above the fourth leg 2640 of the shelf support SU2600. The stretcher ST2600 extends generally horizontally in the Z-direction. In certain embodiments, the stretcher ST2600 is attached to the shelf supports SU2500 and SU2600 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The shelf support SU2700 is supported by the stretchers ST2500 and ST2600. More specifically, the shelf support SU2700 is positioned and oriented so the second leg 2720 of the shelf support SU2700 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 2520 of the shelf support SU2500 and the fourth leg 2740 of the shelf support SU2700 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the fourth leg 2540 of the shelf support SU2500. In this orientation, the first and third legs 2710 and 2730 of the shelf support SU2700 extend generally horizontally in the X-direction, and the shelf support SU2700 is oriented generally parallel to the X-Y plane. In certain embodiments, the shelf support SU2700 is attached to one or more of stretchers ST2500 and ST2600 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The shelf support SU2500 is supported by the stretchers ST2500 and ST2600. More specifically, the shelf support SU2500 is positioned and oriented so the second leg 2820 of the shelf support SU2500 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the second leg 2620 of the shelf support SU2600 and the fourth leg 2840 of the shelf support SU2800 extends generally vertically in the Y-direction and is positioned above the fourth leg 2640 of the shelf support SU2600. In this orientation, the first and third legs 2810 and 2830 of the shelf support SU2800 extend generally horizontally in the X-direction, and the shelf support SU2800 is oriented generally parallel to the X-Y plane. In certain embodiments, the shelf support SU2800 is attached to one or more of stretchers ST2500 and ST2600 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The stretcher ST2700 is supported by and extends between and connects the shelf supports SU2700 and SU2800. More specifically, the stretcher ST2700 is positioned with one end above the fourth leg 2740 of the shelf support SU2700 and the other end above the second leg 2820 of the shelf support SU2800. The stretcher ST2700 extends generally horizontally in the Z-direction. In certain embodiments, the stretcher ST2700 is attached to the shelf supports SU2700 and SU2800 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


The stretcher ST2800 is supported by and extends between and connects the shelf supports SU2700 and SU2800. More specifically, the stretcher ST2800 is spaced-apart from the stretcher ST2700 in the X-direction and positioned with one end above the second leg 2720 of the shelf support SU2700 and the other end above the fourth leg 2840 of the shelf support SU2500. The stretcher ST2800 extends generally horizontally in the Z-direction. In certain embodiments, the stretcher ST2800 is attached to the shelf supports SU2700 and SU2800 in any suitable manner, such as any of those referenced above.


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 SU1100-SU1800. 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 ST1100-ST1800.


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 ST2100 nests within and extends between one of the legs of the shelf supports SU2300 and SU2400 such that the shelf supports SU2100 and SU2200 directly contact and directly support those legs of the shelf supports SU2300 and SU2400.

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, andspaced-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; anda 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; andthe 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, andthird 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; anda 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.
PRIORITY CLAIM

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.

Provisional Applications (2)
Number Date Country
62932286 Nov 2019 US
62978968 Feb 2020 US
Continuations (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 17087179 Nov 2020 US
Child 17662888 US