Merchandise Transport, Storage and Display Apparatus and System

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to merchandise display apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to free-standing, high-capacity, merchandise floor displays particularly adapted for eyewear and eyewear accessories and a system for displaying, transporting, storing and replenishing the inventory of said eyewear. While the present invention is directed generally to the field of eyewear display apparatus, it can be readily understood that application of the invention can be readily extended to the display of other merchandise without detracting materially from the spirit and scope of the invention.

2. Description of the Prior Art

In the field of merchandise displays and particularly, eyeglass/sunglass displays, typical display stands include the carousel-type counter top displays, the free-standing rotatable displays and free-standing, fixed floor displays commonly found in most department and retail stores. Example prior art patents covering these types of displays include U.S. Pat. No. 4,211,331 issued to Salmon, et. al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,609,975 issued to Bodolato, U.S. Pat. No. 3,891,092 issued to Surrette et. al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,753,495 issued to Swink, U.S. Pat. No. 5,280,839 issued to Crampton, U.S. Pat. No. 4,140,223 issued to Rau, et. al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,090 issued to Crosslen, U.S. Pat. No. 4,760,927 issued to Dechirot and U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,703 issued to Ascik, et. al.

In the retail sales area, a particular problem for retailers is that a significant amount of labor is required for the initial loading of merchandise displays and the subsequent replenishing of sold inventory. In addition, retailers find it difficult to move large, heavy, high-capacity displays when stocked or which have multiple component parts which must be removed of dismantled before the display is relocated or withdrawn from the floor during off-season periods. Furthermore, many displays have little or insufficient surface area for the placement of attractive sales and marketing information or reflective surfaces such as mirrors for use by customers.

Accordingly, it is important for the retailer to be able to obtain a merchandise display which is pre-loaded with inventory in sufficient quantities to meet peak and seasonal demand periods, which requires little labor in the way of stocking and replenishing of inventory, which is easy to move when loaded with inventory and which includes sufficient surface areas for the placement of attractive marketing and sales information and reflective surfaces for use by potential purchasers.

Existing displays do not meet this criteria. Therefore, there exists a need in the art for a high capacity merchandise display which can be preloaded with inventory, which includes a sufficient quantity of stored inventory in receptacle means which permits a system of quick and easy replenishment of sold merchandise, which includes integral means for ease of transport of the display and which includes sufficient surface area for the presentation of collateral marketing and sales information and/or reflective surfaces for use by customers.

The present invention comprises a free-standing, high-capacity, vertically oriented, rectangular merchandise floor display apparatus for universal presentation of merchandise on all sides. The display apparatus includes a modularized merchandise receptacle system for the transport, storage and display of merchandise combined within a compartmented single display unit. Accordingly, the display apparatus is particularly adapted and suitable for eyewear and eyewear accessories.

The apparatus includes an integral pallet base assembly for ease of lifting and transportation while loaded or unloaded with merchandise. Engaged to the pallet base assembly is a light-weight, frame assembly having internal positioning means attached thereto for the strategic, internal placement of a plurality of likewise vertically oriented, but horizontally stacked merchandise receptacles.

The merchandise receptacles are pre-loaded with merchandise by the manufacturer or distributor before insertion into the display and shipment to the retailer. The merchandise receptacles are inserted, removed and/or repositioned in the display apparatus through removable or hinged side access panels or alternatively slid through the top of the display. The merchandise receptacles can be universally repositioned, removed and/or replaced depending on the retailer's inventory requirements providing for a modularized system for transportation, storage and display of merchandise requiring minimal labor effort.

The exterior surfaces of the side access panels provide large surface areas for the placement of marketing information and reflective surfaces such as mirrors.

A removably engaged cover means is also provided to cover the pallet base assembly of the display during presentation at the retail store location for a more attractive appearance.

List of Advantages:

One of the principal advantages of the present invention is to provide a free-standing, high-capacity merchandise display which is capable of being pre-loaded with merchandise and shipped to the retailer as one integral display unit.

It is another advantage of the present invention to provide a free-standing, high-capacity merchandise display which includes an integral means for lifting and transporting the display while loaded or unloaded.

It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide a free-standing, high-capacity merchandise display which includes a plurality of modular receptacle means for transporting, storing and displaying large quantities of merchandise reducing retail labor requirements.

It is yet another advantage of the present invention to provide a free-standing, high-capacity merchandise display which includes modular receptacle means for transporting, stocking and replenishing differing quantities of sold merchandise further reducing retail labor requirements.

It is yet a further advantage of the present invention to provide a free-standing, high-capacity merchandise display which includes greater surface area for the presentation of marketing information and/or reflective surfaces providing a more attractive display.

It is still another advantage of the present invention to provide a free-standing, high-capacity merchandise display which is simple to construct.

It is still another advantage of the present invention to provide a free-standing, high-capacity merchandise display which is constructed of light-weight materials for relative ease of movement and relocation of the display with little labor.

These and other further advantages of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following drawings, detailed description of the preferred embodiment and appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the merchandise transport, storage and display apparatus and merchandise receptacle system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a merchandise receptacle of the display system.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the display apparatus shown in FIG. 1 from the top with internal merchandise receptacles removed to reveal the internal frame structure and receptacle positioning means.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view from the top of the display apparatus shown in FIG. 1 wherein the merchandise receptacles are in position within the display.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the display apparatus of the invention shown in FIG. 1.

The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example, not be way of limitation of the principals of the invention. This description will enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describe several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what we presently believe as the best mode of carrying out the invention.

With reference now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown a merchandise transport, storage and display apparatus and merchandise receptacle system in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention and indicated general by the reference numeral 1.

The display apparatus 1 is generally defined as a vertical, free-standing, floor merchandising display broadly comprising a pallet base assembly 2a-c.sub.1-2, a frame assembly 3a-e, merchandise receptacle positioning guides 4-4a, 14-14a, 24-24a, 34-34a, merchandise receptacles 5a.sub.1-3 -5d.sub.1-3 bearing receivingly engaged merchandise 6, comprising sunglasses by way of example, side access panels 7, and header access panels 8.

Pallet base assembly 2 may be constructed of wood comprising an assembly of 2".times.4" studs 2a positioned in parallel orientation and intermediately engaged by nail between square upper sheet 2b and opposing lower slats 2c.sub.1 and 2c.sub.2. Pallet base assembly 2 includes opposing open ends ("throughways") 2d through which the forks of a fork lift or palate jack may be inserted providing means for lifting and moving ("transporting") display apparatus 1 while loaded or unloaded with merchandise receptacles 5a.sub.1-3 -5d.sub.1-3. Pallet base assembly 2 is preferably constructed of wood. However, it can be readily understood by one skilled in the art that suitable alternative materials such as plastic or metal can be used.

Referring further to FIG. 1, frame assembly 3 is constructed of a plurality of sections of metal tubing connected by tube assembling devices 3a as described fully in U.S. Pat. No. 4,368,998 issued to Pestoor, et al. Frame assembly 3 is preferably constructed of aluminum alloy. In the alternative, frame assembly 3 may be constructed of wood, steel or plastic. As is discussed more fully herein below, frame assembly 3 includes vertical corner members 3b and vertical medial members 3c, which are spaced apart a horizontal distance w.sub.2 and which define the external vertical edge of merchandise access ports 17.

Side access panels 7 and header panels 8 are removably engaged to frame assembly 3 by velcro fasteners 11, or alternatively hinges 12, or clear strip adhesive tape 13, or magnets 22. Side access panels 7 and header panels 8 are preferably constructed of light weight corrugated cardboard. In the alternative, said panels 7 and 8 may be comprised of plastic or light gauge sheet metal. Side access panels 7 and header panels 8 can have affixed thereto by adhesive, marketing material 9 or reflective surfaces 10 and/or a combination of both as shown in FIG. 1. Marketing material 9 may include poster art or soft adhesive labels including trademarks, trade names, sales information and/or attractive designs or pictures. Reflective surfaces 10 may include such items as light weight mirrors or reflective self adhesive tape.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown merchandise receptacles 5a.sub.1-3 -5d.sub.1-3. Said merchandise receptacles 5a.sub.1-3 -5d.sub.1-3 are rectangular boxes having a width w.sub.1 and a length of 5a, 5b, 5c or 5d, as may be desired by the manufacturer or retailer and are constructed of corrugated cardboard or alternatively plastic. Width "w.sub.1 " of said receptacles is larger than width "w.sub.2 " of merchandise access ports 17 such that when merchandise receptacles 5a.sub.1-3 -5d.sub.1-3 are in place, vertical tube members 3b and 3c act as a stop keeping receptacles 5a.sub.1-3 -5d.sub.1-3 from falling out of access port 17. Each receptacle includes two equally distanced columns and rows of aperture means 15 for receivingly engaging portions of merchandise 6. While apertures means 15 are shown by way of example, it can be understood by one skilled in the art that other equivalent engagement or hanging means such as ties, staples or small cantilevers or a combination of them may be employed to engage packaged or unpackaged merchandise to receptacles 5a.sub.1-3 -5d.sub.1-3 as desired and/or as required by the specific nature of the merchandise to be displayed. Merchandise receptacles 5a.sub.1-3 -5d.sub.1 3 are preloaded with merchandise 6 by the manufacturer or distributor prior to insertion into display apparatus 1 and prior to shipment to the retail store location. Once merchandise receptacles 5a.sub.1-3 -5d.sub.1-3 are fully loaded with merchandise 6, each receptacle 5a.sub.1-3 -5d.sub.1-3 can be wrapped in plastic (not shown) to protect the merchandise 6 from unintentionally disengaging from the receptacle. Each receptacle 5a.sub.1-3 -5d.sub.1-3 is individually positioned within the raised portions 4a, 14a, 24a and 34a of receptacle positioning guides 4, 14, 24 and 34 within frame assembly 3 of display apparatus 1 for shipment as is more fully discussed herein below.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of the display apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 from the top with merchandise receptacles 5a.sub.1-3 -5d.sub.1-3 (FIG. 1) removed revealing in further detail the construction of display apparatus 1. There is revealed the whole of frame assembly 3 which comprises: four vertical end frame tube sections 3b, four of the lower ends of which are engaged by screws to the respective corners of top sheet 2b of pallet base assembly 2 by connectors 3d, four vertical medial frame tube sections 3c having four lower ends of which are engaged by screws medially of each respective corner of top sheet 2b; and, eight horizontal upper frame tube sections 3e, each end of which is connected to an end of another horizontal frame tube 3e and an upper end of a vertical frame tube section 3b or 3c utilizing connection 3a, thus forming the whole of frame assembly 3 in the configuration as shown in FIG. 3.

Referring further to FIG. 3, upper cross-support members 18a, 18b are respectively engaged to and between the upper portions of each vertical medial frame tube (along the vertical medial line (not shown)) 3c providing means for lateral structural support of the upper portion of frame assembly 3 and to provide a support means for the attachment of merchandise receptacle positioning guides 14 and 24. Likewise, (as is best seen in FIG. 5) opposing lower wood cross-support members 19a, 19b are respectfully engaged to and between the lower portions of each vertical medial frame tube (along the vertical medial line (not shown)) 3c providing means for lateral structural support of the lower portion of frame assembly 3 and to provide a support means for attachment of merchandise receptacle positioning guide 24 (as is best seen in FIG. 5).

In further reference to FIG. 3, Upper and lower cross-members 18a, 18b and 19a, 19b divide display apparatus 1 internally into four vertical compartments I, II, III and IV of equal dimension. Each compartment I, II, III and IV includes merchandise receptacle positioning guides 4 fastened by nail or alternatively, screw, staple or adhesive to the top sheet 2b of pallet base assembly 2 and to cross-members 18 and/or 19. Each merchandise positioning guide 4, 14, 24 and 34 is preferably constructed of a single piece of sheet plastic with molded raised portions 4a, 14a, 24a and 34a between which the merchandise receptacles 5a.sub.1-3 -5d.sub.1-3 are respectively positioned, as is best seen in FIG. 4 and discussed more fully herein below. However, it can be appreciated by one skilled in the art that alternative materials to plastic such as wood or metal alloys can be used. For full-size merchandise receptacles 5a (see FIG. 2), positioning guides need only be attached to pallet sheet 2b and upper cross-member 18a, 18b to properly position the receptacle. However, for each compartment in which it is desired to use less than a full-size merchandise receptacle, such as lengths 5b-d, two opposing, single-piece merchandise receptacle guides 24 and 34 (of a dimension longer than that of a full-size merchandise receptacle), are used: one single-piece guide 34 affixed by adhesive to the interior surface 7a of access panel 7 and the other single-piece guide 24 affixed to the upper and lower cross-members 18a and 19a as is best seen in FIG. 5. For either alternative, each compartment is universally capable of holding three large-size merchandise receptacles 5a or the equivalent thereof in the smaller sized merchandise receptacles 5b-d.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a perspective view of the display apparatus of FIG. 1 from the top where merchandise receptacles 5a.sub.1-3 -5d.sub.1-3 are shown in place in each of compartments I, II, III and IV. Within each compartment I, II, III, and IV, each of merchandise receptacles 5a.sub.1-3 -5d.sub.1-3 is equadistantally nested (horizontally) and separated loosely one from the other by the raised portions 14a and 24a of positioning guides 14 and 24 respectively attached to cross-members 18a, 18b. Said raised portions 14a and 24a of positioning guides 14 and 24 are respectively of width w.sub.3 creating sufficient space 21 between said receptacles to permit the insertion, removal and replacement of fully loaded receptacles 5a.sub.1-3 -5d.sub.1-3 without interference one from the other and merchandise 6. Outer front-side edges 23 of receptacles 5a.sub.1 and 5d.sub.1 respectively abut loosely against vertical corner members 3b and vertical medial members 3c.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown an exploded perspective view of display apparatus 1 in FIG. 1 to further illustrate the construction and component parts of the invention.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 5, there is further shown in perspective view frame assembly 3 comprising horizontal upper frame tube sections 3e and vertical corner and medial members 3b and 3c which are integrally connected by together as shown by connectors 3a and the whole (assembly 3) of which is screwed or bolted to pallet sheet 2b through connectors 3d.

There is further shown in FIG. 5 the upper and lower transverse cross-members 18a, 18b and 19a, 19b which are respectively screwed or alternatively bolted, to vertical medial members 3c and to which are attached merchandise positioning guides 14 and 24 with respective raised portions 14a and 24a which spatially correspond with the merchandise positioning guides 4 with raised portions 4a attached to pallet sheet 2b for the positioning of merchandise receptacles 5a.sub.1-3 -5d.sub.1-3 (FIGS. 1 and 4). Referring to sides X, Y, and Z, there is shown one embodiment of corresponding positioning guides 14 suitable for the positioning of merchandise receptacles of length 5a (FIG. 2) as shown in ghost 5a.sub.1. Referring to side W there is shown an alternative embodiment of opposing elongated positioning guides 24 and 34, one guide 34 attached to the interior surface 7a of side panel 7 and the other guide 24 engaged to upper and lower cross-members 18a and 19a, together suitable for the positioning of merchandise receptacles of length 5a and more particularly lengths 5b, 5c and 5d as shown in ghost 5b.sub.1, 5c.sub.1, and 5c.sub.1.

Referring further to FIG. 5, there is further shown side access panels 7 and header panels 8 which may be removably affixed to frame assembly 3 by velcro fasteners as illustrated on display side Y (header panel 8 shown in non-exploded, fixed position). Alternatively, access panels 7 and header panels 8 may be swingingly affixed on one side edge 7b and 8b to frame assembly 3 by hinge 12 as shown on display side Y or by adhesive tape 13 as shown on display side Z. The opposing side edge 7c of said swingingly engaged panels 7 may be removably engaged to vertical corner or medial frame members 3b or 3c by velcro fasteners 11 as shown on display side W and Z or by magnet 22 as shown on display side Y. The opposing side edge 8a of said swingingly engaged header panels 8 is held down and over the exterior surface of side panels 7 naturally by gravity or alternative by velcro fastener 11 or magnet 22 as shown on display side X.

In further reference to FIG. 5, there is illustrated in ghost merchandise receptacles 5a.sub.1, 5b.sub.1, 5c.sub.1 and 5d.sub.1 to further illustrate the two embodiments in which said merchandise receptacles can be inserted and removed from the display apparatus 1 along the lines and in the direction of arrows H (preferred) and G (alternative).

In further reference to FIG. 5, there is shown pallet base assembly 2 illustrating the positioning of merchandise positioning guides 4 thereon. Also shown for the first time is pallet base side cover 25 which removably engages to the exterior sides of pallet base assembly 2 by velcro fasteners 11 to provide an attractive finish to pallet base assembly 2 when at the retail location.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 5, the positioning of merchandise receptacles 5a.sub.1-3 -5d.sub.1-3 in display apparatus 1 is accomplished by first disengaging header panel 8 from frame assembly 3 or in the alternative swingingly open panel 8 upward along the line of arrow E as shown on side W of display apparatus 1 in FIG. 1 and secondly, disengaging side access panel 7 from frame assembly 3 or in the alternative, swingingly open access panel 7 outward along the line of arrow F as shown on side W of display apparatus 1 of FIG. 1. Merchandise receptacles 5a.sub.1-3 -5d.sub.1-3 may be inserted, repositioned, replaced and/or removed from each respective side W, X, Y or Z along the line of arrow G as shown on side W of display apparatus 1, by way of example. In the alternative, merchandise receptacles 5a.sub.1-3 -5d.sub.1-3 may be inserted, repositioned, replaced and/or removed vertically through the open top 16 of apparatus 1 along the line of arrow H as shown on side Z of display apparatus 1 in FIG. 1.

Once display apparatus 1 is fully loaded with preloaded merchandise receptacles 5a.sub.1-3 -5d.sub.1-3, display apparatus 1 can be shipped to the retail location in a standard shipping carton (not shown) or alternatively wrapped in protective plastic or paper (not shown). In each case, palate base assembly 2 is left uncovered and accessible by forklift or palate jack for ease of movement and transportation of display apparatus 1.

Once the display apparatus 1 is shipped to the retail store location, the retailer removes any shipping carton or wrap and the plastic wrap on the merchandise receptacles 5a.sub.1 -5 d.sub.1 which are accessible and movable reaching through the exterior merchandise access ports 17. The remaining merchandise receptacles 5a.sub.2-3 -5d.sub.2-3 stored in-board of the merchandise receptacles 5a.sub.1 -5d.sub.1 remain wrapped to protect stored merchandise 6 from exposure to dust, moisture and other undesirable elements. With all side access panels 7 and header panels 8 engaged ("closed") against frame assembly 3, the retailer positions the display apparatus 1 at a desirable location on the floor of the retail store where each side W, X, Y, and Z is accessible by consumers and attaches pallet base cover 25 to pallet base assembly 2. As consumers remove and deplete the inventory of accessible merchandise 6 from merchandise receptacles 5a.sub.1 -5d.sub.1, the retailer can access, remove and replace as described above empty or near empty receptacles with fully stocked receptacles stored in the interior of display apparatus 1 as needed. When merchandise receptacles 5a.sub.1-3 -5d.sub.1-3 are depleted of merchandise 6, the entire display apparatus 1 and all merchandise receptacles 5a.sub.1-3 -5d.sub.1-3 can be replaced with a new fully preloaded display apparatus 1 or in the alternative, each individual merchandise receptacle 5a.sub.1-3 -5d.sub.1-3 can be replaced with a new preloaded receptacle obtained from the manufacturer and/or distributor. The invention as above described thus provides the retailer a complete system for the transport, storage, display and replenishment of merchandise within one modularized display apparatus.

It should be understood that various modifications within the scope of this invention can be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit thereof. I therefore wish my invention to be defined by the scope of the appended claims as broadly as the prior art will permit, and to cover all alternatives and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.