AU2024310033A1 - Display system - Google Patents

Abstract

A package (20) for displaying a plurality of items (10) includes a carton body having at least a bottom panel (24), a first side panel (26), a second side panel (28), and a rear panel (30). At least one support is extendable from at least one of the first side panel, the second side panel, and the bottom panel. At least one support (60) is engageable with a rear surface of one of the plurality of items. The at least one support is located remotely from the rear panel.

Description

DISPLAY SYSTEM

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63/510,955, filed on June 29, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a package for displaying items of sale.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It is known to transport pre-packaged items, such as confectionary, from a manufacturing site to a vending site in bulk cartons, such as cardboard boxes. One of the main functions of such a carton is to protect the items from physical damage during transit. At the vending site, the items are typically removed from the carton and arranged on display for sale.

[0003] It may, however, be desirable to display multiple smaller items in a carton and dispense them directly therefrom. In such a case it can be advantageous to use the same carton that was used for transporting the items. Such cartons are often referred to as “shelf ready packs.” U.S. Pat. No. 7,284,662 describes a carton that allows a product to be shipped, displayed, and dispensed all from the same carton.

[0004] Existing shelf ready packs exhibit a number of problems. For example, items which are stacked in such packs (whether horizontally, vertically or at an inclined angle) can look unsightly after removal of several items. In some instances, after removal of several items, the goods may fall to a where the goods are not readily viewable by a consumer. In addition, in applications where the goods within the pack are relatively fragile or deformable, such as when the goods are an edible food product for example, this unintended movement of the product away from a desired display position may damage the goods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0005] According to one embodiment, a package for displaying a plurality of items includes a carton body having at least a bottom panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, and a rear panel. At least one support is extendable from at least one of the first side panel, the second side panel, and the bottom panel. At least one support is engageable with a rear surface of one of the plurality of items. The at least one support is located remotely from the rear panel.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one support is integrally formed with the carton body.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the carton body includes a front panel separated from the rear panel. The front panel being positioned to support a front surface of one of the plurality of items.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the front panel has a non-uniform height.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments a height at a central portion of the front panel, measured perpendicularly from the bottom panel, is shorter than the height at a side of the front panel.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments an end of the front panel has a truncated V-shape.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one support is arranged at one or both of the first side panel and the second side panel.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one support extends upwardly from the bottom panel.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one support includes a plurality of supports spaced over a length of the carton body.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the plurality of supports are arranged at the same surface of the carton body.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the plurality of supports are arranged at different surfaces of the carton body.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one support includes a plurality of supports arranged in at least one group. The plurality of supports within the at least one group are aligned within a plane.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the carton body is formed from a folded piece of material. The folded piece of material having a removable portion separated from the carton body along a separation line.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the separation line includes a plurality of slit scores formed in the folded piece of material. The plurality of slit scores extend over at least 50% of the separation line.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the removable portion includes a deformable initial separation region.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the initial separation region is associated with the separation line. The separation line being accessible in response to deformation of the initial separation region.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments one or more score lines are formed in the removable portion adjacent to the initial separation region.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the plurality of items are distributed horizontally within the carton body.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one support is oriented to provide a backward support.

[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one support is oriented to provide a forward support.

[0025] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one support is oriented at an angle to the rear panel.

[0026] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one support includes a plurality of supports and at least one of a size and shape of the plurality of supports varies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification embodies several aspects of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serves to explain the principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shelf ready pack according to an embodiment; [0029] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a flat piece of material configured to be folded into a shelf ready pack according to an embodiment;

[0030] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the flat piece of material folded into a shelf ready pack according to an embodiment;

[0031] FIG. 4 is a front view of a shelf ready pack according to an embodiment;

[0032] FIG. 5 is a back side view of the shelf ready pack of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment;

[0033] FIG. 6 is first side view of a shelf ready pack according to an embodiment; and

[0034] FIG. 7 is a second side view of the shelf ready pack of FIG. 6 according to an embodiment; and

[0035] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the shelf ready pack of FIGS. 6 and 7 according to an embodiment.

[0036] The detailed description explains embodiments of the invention, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] In the following, the related expressions top, bottom, upper, lower, front, rear, inner, outer, upward, downward, and derivatives thereof are used to refer to the completed carton and parts thereof when the carton is in its intended orientation, for placing on a shelf or other display surface. However, the carton may be used and stored in other orientations as desired.

[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 1-8, an example of a shelf ready pack or package 20 is illustrated. The shelf ready package 20 includes a carton 22 positionable on a shelf to display one or more products 10 therein. The carton 22 has a carton body formed from a bottom panel 24, at least one side panel, such as a first side panel 26 and a second side panel 28 for example, a back or rear panel 30, and a front panel 32, all extending upwardly from the bottom panel 24. However, it should be appreciated that not all of these panels, such as the back panel 30 for example, are necessary for operation of the package 20. Although the embodiment of the carton 22 illustrated in the FIGS, does not include a lid, embodiments where the carton 22 includes a lid or a partial lid are also within the scope of the disclosure. In such embodiments, the lid may be arranged generally parallel to and opposite the bottom panel 24 and may extend between the two side panels 26, 28, the back panel 30 and/or the front panel 32. [0039] A cavity 36 for storing multiple products 10 (see FIGS. 4-8), oriented or distributed in either a vertical or horizontal configuration, is defined between the front panel 32, the back panel 30, and the side panels 26, 28 of the carton 22. Typically, each of the plurality of products 10 arranged within the cavity 36 is substantially identical, but embodiments where different products are contained within the cavity 36 are also contemplated. In an embodiment, at least one dimension of the cavity 36, such as the distance between the opposing side panels 26, 28 for example, is substantially identical or slightly larger than a dimension of a product 10 housed within the cavity 36. In addition, another dimension of the cavity 36, such as the distance between the front panel 32 and the back panel 30 for example, may be selected based on a predefined quantity of the one or more products 10 to be housed within the cavity 36.

[0040] The carton 22 may be made of any suitable material, a common material for such cartons being cardboard. In an embodiment, best shown in FIG. 2, the shelf ready package 20 formed from a single piece of material 40, by folding various portions of the material 40 along fold lines 42. Accordingly, in some embodiments one or more panels of the carton 22, such as the rear panel 30, and a front panel 32 for example, may have a doublewalled configuration formed by coupling or adhering overlapping portions of the material 40 to one another. In such embodiments, other panels of the carton 22, such as the side panels 26, 28 and/or the bottom panel 24 may have only a single wall. However, it should be appreciated that embodiments where all of the panels of the carton 22 are single-walled and embodiments where all of the panels of the carton 22 are double-walled are also within the scope of the disclosure.

[0041] A portion 44 of the material 40 may be perforated for easy detachment to form the carton 22. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the removable portion 44 includes a lid, and at least part of the one or more of sections of the material 40 that ultimately form the front panel 32, the side panels 26, 28, and the back panel 30. The removable portion 44 of the folded piece of material 40 may be arranged at an upper end of each of the respective panels 26, 28, 30, 32. During transport and shipment, this removable portion 44 of the shelf ready package 20 remains connected to the carton 22 to protect the contents of the carton 22. When the carton 22 is ready to be positioned on a shelf for display, as shown in FIG. 1, the portion 44 is removed to provide a consumer with access to the contents contained within the interior cavity 36 of the carton 22.

[0042] As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, one or more separation lines 46 extend across the sections of the material 40 that form part of the back panel 30, a side panel 26, 28, and the front panel 32 to define the removable portion 44 and the carton 22. As shown, the separation lines 46 may be formed by a plurality of cuts or scores formed in the material 40, also referred to herein as slit scores. In an embodiment, the plurality of slit scores may cover more than 50% of the length of the separation line 46. However, embodiments where the separation lines 46 are formed in another suitable manner, such as by a perforation scoring for example, are also within the scope of the disclosure. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, a first separation line 46 extends through the sections of the material 40 that form the back panel 30, a side panel 26, and the front panel 32 and a second separation line 46 extends through the sections of the material 40 that form the back panel 30, a side panel 28, and the front panel 32, respectively.

[0043] One or more initial separation regions 48 may be formed in the removable portion 44. The initial separation regions 48 may be tabs, flaps, or other features that can be deformable to facilitate separation of the removable portion 44 from the carton 22, such as by providing a finger grip for a user to grasp the removable portion 44 more easily. As used herein, the term deformable is also intended to include embodiments where the initial separation region 48 is at least partially removable or separable from the material 40. The initial separation regions 48 may be pushed inwardly, pulled outwardly, or generally ruptured, and in some embodiments may be shaped like a handle.

[0044] An initial separation region 48 may be connected to and extend from a corresponding separation line 46 such that the separation line 46 is accessible via the initial separation region 48. For example, the separation line 46 may form a portion of the periphery of cuts, scores, or perforations that define the initial separation regions 48. Although the initial separation regions 48 are illustrated as being arranged near a center of a side panel 26, 28, embodiments where the initial separation regions 48 are located at another portion of the material are also within the scope of the disclosure. It should be appreciated that deformation of the initial separation region 48 forms an opening within which one or more fingers of a user’s hand may be received to further separate the removable portion 44 from the carton 22.

[0045] With continued reference to FIG. 2, one or more score lines or cuts 50 may be formed in the material 40, such as at an internal surface of the material configured to face the cavity 36 for example, adjacent to an initial separation region 48. In an embodiment, the score lines or cuts 50 extend through only a portion of the thickness of the material 40. As shown, the score lines or cuts 50 are generally aligned with a comer or curve of the initial separation region 48. Accordingly, the cuts score lines or cuts 50 may have an elongated linear configuration and each score lines or cuts 50 is arranged at a slight angle to an adjacent score line or cut 50. However, it should be appreciated that score lines may be formed near any suitable region of the material 40 where a user may apply a force to the removable portion 44. The score lines or cuts 50 formed in the material 40 weaken the structural rigidity of the material at that location. Accordingly, as a user applies a force to the removable portion 44, such as via the one or more openings formed by deforming the initial separation regions 48, the score lines or cuts 50 may cause the material 40 near where the force is applied to bend. As a result, the force applied by the user may be redirected to the separation lines 46, causing the removable portion 44 to separate from the carton 22 more easily than if the score lines or cuts 50 were not present.

[0046] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, when the removable portion 44 has been separated from the carton 22, the front panel 32 of the carton 22 is configured to support an adjacent product 10 in an upright or display or dispense position within the cavity 36. In an embodiment, the configuration of the front panel 32 is designed to prevent the foremost product within the cavity 36 from falling forward to a position where the product is more difficult to see by a consumer. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the front panel 32 extending between the side panels 26, 28 has a non-uniform height. As shown, the height of the front panel 32, measured perpendicularly from the bottom panel 24, may be shortest at a central portion of the front panel 32, illustrated generally at 52. From the outer edges of the central portion, the height of the front panel 32 may gradually increase towards the sides 54, 56 of the front panel 32 located adjacent to the side panels 26, 28, of the carton 22. As a result, the end 58 of the front panel 32 has a general V-shape. The V-shape increases the overall visibility of the product 10 within the cavity and the higher sides 54, 56 of the front panel 32 may be suitable to retain a foremost product 10 in a display orientation. The slope of the front panel 32 extending from the central portion 52 towards each side 54, 56 thereof may be generally uniform. However, embodiments where the front panel 32 has a non- symmetrical configuration are also within the scope of the disclosure. In an embodiment, the central portion 52 of the front panel 32 has a generally linear configuration such that the end 58 of the front panel 32 has a truncated V-shape. A V-shape having a truncated apex may aide a user in separating the removable portion 44 from the carton 22. For example, the truncated apex may provide a finger grip and allow easier withdrawal of the product from the cavity. Further, by limiting any sharp comers of the front panel 32 to the interface with the side panels 26, 28, the aesthetic appearance of the front panel 32 is enhanced.

[0047] The carton 22 may additionally include one or more features or supports 60 for retaining at least one, and in some embodiments a plurality of products 10 arranged within the cavity 36 in a display position. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the at least one support 60 extends into the cavity 36 and is configured to abut or contact a surface of one of the products 10 arranged within the cavity 36, such as a rear surface 12 for example, thereby preventing the product 10 from falling backward within the cavity 36. The one or more supports 60 may be located remotely from the back panel 30 of the carton 22. Similarly, the one or more supports 60 may be located remotely from the front panel 32. Accordingly, when the cavity 36 is filled with products, the at least one support 60 is operable to engage an intermediate product separated from both the front panel 32 and the back panel 30 by a distance. However, in embodiments where the cavity 36 is only partially filled with products 10, a support 60 may engage the rearmost product within the cavity 36. Although the supports 60 are illustrated as being oriented generally perpendicular to the bottom panel 24, or substantially vertical, it should be appreciated that embodiments where one or more of the supports 60 is arranged at another angle are also within the scope of the disclosure. In such embodiments, the supports 60 are not oriented parallel to the front panel 32 and/or the rear panel 30 and may be configured to support a corresponding product at an angle relative to a vertical plane.

[0048] The one or more supports 60 may be formed at any suitable location about the carton 22. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the supports 60 are located at or extend from one or more of the side panels 26, 28 of the carton 22. However, in some embodiments, one or more supports 60 may alternatively, or additionally, be formed in the bottom panel 24, or in a lid when present. The at least one support 60 may be integrally formed with the carton 22. For example, the body of a support 60 may be formed by a region of the material 40 that is only partially detachable from the remainder of the material 40. Further, the region may be deformable, for example bendable or deflectable, inwardly into the cavity 36 such that a portion of the body overlaps a surface 12 or 14 of an adjacent product. Accordingly, the one or more supports 60 may be transformable from a retracted position in which the supports are coplanar with a corresponding panel or side of the carton 22 to a deployed position in which the supports 60 inwardly extend into the cavity 36. The deployed position may be generally perpendicular to the refracted position. As a result of transforming a support 60 to the deployed position, a corresponding opening or hole 62 may be formed in the portion of the carton 22 from which the support 60 extends (see FIGS. 6 and 7). However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the support 60 may be a separate component affixed to the carton 22. [0049] In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the carton 22 includes a plurality of supports, such as a first support 60a and a second support 60b for example. The plurality of supports 60 may be located closer to the front panel 32 than to the back panel 30 to retain the products 10 located near the front panel 32 in the display position. As shown, the first support 60a and the second support 60b may be spaced from one another along a longitudinal axis X of the carton 22 extending between the front panel 32 and the back panel 30. Accordingly, a first group of products, identified as 10a in FIGS. 6 and 7, is receivable between the front panel 32 and the first support 60a and a second group of products, identified as 10b in FIGS. 6 and 7, is positionable between the first support 60a and the second support 60b.

[0050] In an embodiment, the supports 60 cooperate with the front panel 32 or with another support 60 to hold the plurality of products 10 disposed therebetween in a generally upright or vertical display position within the carton 22, visible to a consumer. As previously described, the front panel 32 is arranged in contact with a first or front surface 14 of a foremost product of the first group of products 10a positioned between the front panel 32 and the first support 60a, thereby preventing the foremost product from falling forward. Similarly, the first support 60a is arranged in contact with a back or rearmost product of the first group of products 10a positioned between the front panel 32 and the first support 60a. The limited movement of the end products of the first group of products 10a and the contact between adjacent products arranged between the front panel 32 and the first support 60a generally retains the first group of products 10a in a display position.

[0051] With reference to FIG. 8, in the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the supports 60 are arranged in groups, such as in pairs for example, configured to support the same product 10 within the cavity 36. For example, a first support 60a positioned at or near the side panel 26 may be configured to contact a rear surface 12 of a product 10 and a corresponding second support 60b positioned at or near the side panel 28 may be configured to contact the rear surface 12 of the same product 10. Such engagement between a plurality of supports and the same product 10 provides more uniform support of the product 10 and may prevent twisting of the product within the cavity 36. It should be appreciated that in such embodiments, the plurality of supports within a group may but need not have the same configuration. For example, the size and shape of one of the supports may be different from the size and shape or another support.

[0052] In embodiments including one or more group of supports, the plurality of supports 60 within a group may be located at different panels of the carton 22, such as the side panels 26, 28 for example, or may be located at the same panel, such as the bottom panel 24. In such embodiments, the plurality of supports 60 within a group may be arranged within a plane oriented generally perpendicular to an axis along which the products 10 are stacked within the cavity 36. However, it should be appreciated that embodiments where only a single support 60 is used to engage and retain a product 10 in the display position are also within the scope of the disclosure. In embodiments including only a single support, the surface area of the portion of the single support configured to contact the product 10 may be greater than the surface area of each support configured to contact a product 10 in embodiments where multiple supports are used.

[0053] The supports 60 as shown may be directional in that they are configured as a backward support to resist backward movement of one or more of the products 10. This may be useful when the first set of products 10a have been removed and the second set 10b are then moved to the front. However, it should be understood that the directional orientation of one or more of the supports 60 can be reversed such that a support 60 may be configured as a forward support to resist forward movement of one or more products 10. Accordingly in an embodiment, the carton 22 may include a first support operable as a backward support and a second support operable a forward support. Such supports may be arranged at the same panel, or at different panels about the body of the carton 22.

[0054] The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application. As used herein, the term “substantially” and derivatives thereof, and words of similar import, when used to describe a size, shape, orientation, distance, spatial relationship, or other parameter includes the stated size, shape, orientation, distance, spatial relationship, or other parameter, and can also include a range up to 10% more and up to 10% less than the stated parameter, including 5% more and 5% less, including 3% more and 3% less, including 1% more and 1% less.

[0055] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” 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, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof. [0056] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS: What is claimed is:

1. A package for displaying a plurality of items, the package comprising: a carton body having at least a bottom panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, and a rear panel; and at least one support extendable from at least one of said first side panel, said second side panel, and said bottom panel, wherein said at least one support is engageable with a rear surface of one of the plurality of items, and wherein said at least one support is located remotely from said rear panel.

2. The package according to claim 1, wherein said at least one support is integrally formed with said carton body.

3. The package according to claim 1, wherein said carton body further includes a front panel separated from said rear panel, said front panel being positioned to support a front surface of one of the plurality of items.

4. The package according to claim 3, wherein said front panel has a non-uniform height.

5. The package according to claim 4, wherein a height at a central portion of said front panel, measured perpendicularly from said bottom panel, is shorter than said height at a side of said front panel.

6. The package according to claim 4, wherein an end of said front panel has a truncated V-shape.

7. The package according to claim 1, wherein said at least one support is arranged at one or both of said first side panel and said second side panel.

8. The package according to claim 1, wherein said at least one support extends upwardly from said bottom panel.

9. The package according to claim 1, wherein said at least one support further comprises a plurality of supports spaced over a length of said carton body.

10. The package according to claim 9, wherein said plurality of supports are arranged at said same surface of said carton body.

11. The package according to claim 9, wherein said plurality of supports are arranged at different surfaces of said carton body.

12. The package according to claim 1, wherein said at least one support further includes a plurality of supports arranged in at least one group, said plurality of supports within said at least one group being aligned within a plane.

13. The package according to claim 1, wherein said carton body is formed from a folded piece of material, said folded piece of material having a removable portion separated from said carton body along a separation line.

14. The package according to claim 13, wherein said separation line includes a plurality of slit scores formed in said folded piece of material, said plurality of slit scores extending over at least 50% of said separation line.

15. The package according to claim 13, wherein said removable portion includes an initial separation region, said initial separation region being deformable.

16. The package according to claim 15, wherein said initial separation region is associated with said separation line, said separation line being accessible in response to deformation of said initial separation region.

17. The package according to claim 15, wherein one or more score lines are formed in said removable portion adjacent to said initial separation region.

18. The package according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of items are distributed horizontally within said carton body.

19. The package according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support is oriented to provide a backward support.

20. The package according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support is oriented to provide a forward support.

21. The package according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support is oriented at an angle to said rear panel.

22. The package according to claim 1, wherein said at least one support further comprises a plurality of supports and at least one of a size and shape of said plurality of supports varies.