EP1538956A1

EP1538956A1 - Support for modular containers with outwardly-extending access panels

Info

Publication number: EP1538956A1
Application number: EP03766037A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Bill Wintermute; Rob Friedman; Carmine Packaging Corporation of America BUCALO
Original assignee: Mars Inc
Current assignee: Mars Inc
Priority date: 2002-07-24
Filing date: 2003-07-24
Publication date: 2005-06-15
Also published as: WO2004008918A1; CA2493931C; AU2003259263A1; CN1678220A; JP2005533570A; CA2493931A1

Abstract

A module support for forming a unitary display preferably from containers having outwardly extending access panels. The invention provides, in particular, a common module support for creating an array from two or more container modules. The invention may be advantageously utilized as a stand alone display for floor, shelf, and/or counter placement. The module support may also be hung on a wall or column using hanging means, e.g., double-sided adhesives, hook and loop fastening means, and hook and/or aperture means.

Description

TITLE

SUPPORT FOR MODULAR CONTAINERS WITH OUTWARDLY-EXTENDING ACCESS PANELS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a module support for containers having outwardly

extending access panels. The invention provides, in particular, a common module support for

creating an array from two or more container modules. The invention may be advantageously

utilized as a stand alone display for floor, shelf, and/or counter placement. The invention

may also be hung using hanging means, e.g., double-sided adhesives, hook and loop fastening

means, and hook and aperture means. Related Background Art

[0002] Product manufacturers and distributers, hereinafter "sellers", sell a majority of their

products in retail and wholesale stores. Since product display space in these stores is often

limited and densely occupied, sellers compete for space on store shelves, floors, walls, columns, and counters. Further, since high product visibility and ease of product accessibility are major factors in product sales, sellers also compete for certain areas on shelves, floors,

and the like. As a result, consumer eye level and other high visibility areas in stores are highly sought after. Unfortunately, high visibility display space is even more limited than

general display space.

[0003] The inability of a product seller to secure product placement in high visibility areas

may lead to lack of consumer awareness of the sellers' product, reduced sales, and loss of

sales revenue. Low product sales may lead to a product being "pulled" from store shelves in

order to make space available for presumed better selling products. Limited store space leads

to other problems as well, including reduced product carry away ease in the case of products placed in out-of-the-way or cramped areas.

[0004] Sellers have attempted to address product visibility problems by providing product

containers with artwork that makes the containers more readily visible by the consumer.

Now, however, since nearly all sellers utilize the same methods of making their products

more visible, individual containers again become unobvious amidst a virtual sea of brightly decorated product cartons.

[0005] Aside from shelves, stores have several areas for display that are un- or under¬

utilized, e.g., walls and columns. Most conventional shipping and display containers,

however, can not make viable use of these display areas since the containers are not designed for upright use, do not have hanging means, or both. Enumerable advantages can be realized through the use of upright containers with access panels, with or without hanging means.

Further, since store display space is limited, it would be even more advantageous if different

products could be "bundled" together prior to receipt at the point of sale for display at the point of sale. This would provide customizable consumer displays for the bundling of various consumer products for point of sale distribution. For example, a maker of

confectionaries could bundle one carton containing a plurality of one type of candy bar,

another carton containing a plurality of a different type of candy bar, and yet another carton

containing another consumer product in a common support having promotional and/or seasonal graphics printed thereon. The cartons within the support could have generic and/or

product-related graphics printed thereon; so, when the promotion is over, the seller could

easily remove the cartons from the support and continue to sell products from the individual

generically-decorated cartons. Obviously, substantial savings could be realized by the

product distributer since the distributer would no longer have to print cartons with seasonal

an/or promotional graphics thereon. The distributor would print generic cartons and or

cartons with product-related information. Seasonal and/or promotional graphics would be

printed on the support reducing costs associated with ever-changing carton graphics. Also,

assembly of the displays would not be labor intensive for the distributer even though sellers order custom displays with seller selected products contained therein. The seller would

receive an assembled custom display that requires little or no labor prior to being displayed

and a display that is easy to disassemble into individual product cartons when the seller desires or after a promotion is over.

[0006] Sellers have designed cartons with access panels, dispensation areas, and hanging

means. See, e.g., U.S. Patent Nos. 3,121,511; 3,207,380; 3,265,246; 3,278,080; 3,528,597; 3,593,908; 3,747,833; 3,944,128; 4,186,866; 4,646,937; 5,458,272; 5,857,586; 6,189,778; 6,216,944; and, European Patent No. 0 295 503. Unfortunately, none of these prior art

references disclose a singular, customizable common module support to be shared by more than one carton, each having a radially-openable access panel, and/or assembly of various sizes of carton modules in a module support that allows for easy assembly and disassembly.

[0007] Accordingly, the need remains for a way to customizably "bundle" more than one

multi-unit product container in a manner that makes use of underutilized store display areas,

allows the products to be more obvious to consumers, and is easy to assemble, ship, display, and disassemble, while maintaining or increasing consumer accessibility of the products housed within the product carton.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention is directed to a way to customizably "bundle" more than one

allows the products to be more obvious to consumers, and is easy to assemble, ship, display,

and disassemble, while maintaining or increasing consumer accessibility of the products

housed within the product carton.

[0009] A first embodiment is a module support blank for forming a unitary display

comprised of a plurality of cartons, each having a carton access panel, said blank comprising:

a first back panel integrally connected on a side thereof to a back side of a first side panel; a

second back panel integrally connected on a side thereof to a back side of a second side panel;

at least one face panel integrally connected on opposing sides to a front side of said first side panel and a front side of said second side panel; and at least one access area disposed between said first side panel and said second side panel and located above or below said face panel, wherein when said blank surrounds said plurality of cartons said access area provides access to said carton access panels.

[0010] A second embodiment is a unitary display comprising: a plurality of cartons, each

having a carton access panel; and a module support holding said plurality of cartons together

to form said unitary display, wherein said module support includes a first back panel

integrally connected on a side thereof to a back side of a first side panel, an inner surface of said first back panel disposed on at least a portion of an outer back surface of at least one carton and an inner surface of said first side panel disposed on at least a portion of an outer

side surface of at least one carton; a second back panel integrally connected on a side thereof

to a back side of a second side panel, an inner surface of said second back panel disposed on

at least a portion of an outer back surface of at least one carton and an inner surface of said

second side panel disposed on at least a portion of an outer side surface of at least one carton;

at least one face panel integrally connected on opposing sides to a front side of said first side

panel and a front side of said second side panel, said face panel disposed on a portion of an

outer front surface of at least one carton; and at least one access area providing access to at

least one carton access panel.

[0011] Unless otherwise stated, all units of measure are standard SI units. Any cited

documents are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference. Various alterations to the

present invention will be apparent to a skilled artisan upon viewing the figures and reading

the specification including the claims appended hereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0012] Figure 1 is a top view of a preferred embodiment in a flat and unaffixed state.

Specifically, it is a module support blank as it would leave a die-cut machine. [0013] Figure 2 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment in an erected state. The

containers to be housed therein are not shown.

[0014] Figure 3 is an isometric view of a preferred module having and access panel disposed

on its front. In a preferred embodiment, this module is of the general type to be housed

within the module support blank.

[0015] Figure 4 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment in an erected state. Preferred

modules to be housed therein are shown with their access panels in the open position. This

preferred embodiment has three tiers with three modules in each tier. The array may be

modified by, for example, replacing the three modules with one, two, four, or more modules of varying sizes on any or all tiers.

[0016] Figure 5 is a top view of a preferred embodiment having a module support bottom

panel in a flat and unaffixed state. Specifically, it is a bottom panel-equipped module support

blank as it would leave a die-cut machine.

[0017] Figure 6 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment having a module support

bottom panel and in an erected state. The containers to be housed therein are not shown; however, the module support bottom panel is shown in one of its possible final positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] As used herein, the term "module", "carton", or "container" is intended to mean any

container designed to hold two or more individual product units. Construction materials

include, but are not limited to, paperboard, corrugated paperboard, cardboard, plastic, and combinations thereof. Other construction materials will be apparent to a skilled packaging artisan. [0019] As used herein, the term "access panel" as it relates to preferred containers to be

housed within the module support, is intended to mean an opening, a radially-openable panel,

a flap covered opening, or other openings known to skilled artisans, the only proviso being

that the module support does not inhibit access to the access panel even though the module support wraps around the front and towards the rear of the carton modules contained therein.

[0020] As used herein, the term "radial", as it relates to the operation of the access panel

disposed on preferred containers to be housed within the module support, is intended to mean

the access panel operates in much the same manner as a door; whereby when it is opened or

closed, its path is that of a pie slice with an arc defining its outermost path boundary. The

access panel preferably opens only a predetermined amount.

[0021] As used herein, the term "side", as it relates to the point of connection to another

panel (e.g., "front side" or "back side") is intended to refer to proximity of the point of

connection to the face panel of the module support. In other words, "front side" refers to the

edge of the panel being discussed that is closest to the face panel. Likewise, "back side" refers to the edge of the panel being discussed that is farthest from the face panel.

[0022] Product cartons serve a primary role in the shipment of product units for individual

sale. Cartons also provide a simple means to stock stores with numerous retail units without

individually handling numerous individual retail units. Product cartons also provide

containment means for multiple product units placed on, e.g., store counters and shelves. For example, candy bars and other snack foods would take an inordinate amount of time to stock if they were not packed, e.g., 25-30 per carton. Instead, the carton is opened; and, the entire carton is placed in a display area. [0023] However, as discussed hereinbefore, current product cartons pose an obstacle to

attaining consumer attention and easing consumer accessibility. Most cartons are also limited

to placement on standard store shelves leaving other store display areas underutilized. It has been surprisingly discovered that an array of two or more cartons can be provided with increased product visibility, ease of consumer accessibility, and cost-effective and relatively

simple manufacturing, erection, assembly, shipping, display, and disassembly techniques.

Further, the arrays are customizable as to product types, sizes, and amounts based on the

sellers' preferences. Promotional and/or seasonal graphics may be printed on the module

support reducing or eliminating the need to continuously alter the graphics printed on individual carton modules and/or carton modules with outdated promotional/seasonal

graphics printed thereon. By enabling the printing of generic graphics on carton modules, the

carton modules can be easily separated from the module support for individual display after

the promotion is over. While the following discussion will focus primarily on array display

systems that are rectangular in shape, the inventive module support can work for other carton shapes including triangular and cylindrical shapes without departure from the spirit and scope

of the invention.

[0024] The module support and/or cartons housed therein may also be equipped with means

for affixing them to a wall, shelfless display rack, e.g., pegboard rack, column, or other

display area. The means may include, for example, double-sided tape, hook and loop fastener means, e.g. Velcro®, and apertures designed to accommodate a peg in a pegboard rack, an s-

hook for hanging on an aperture-containing surface, and vice versa.

[0025] The containers used in the array preferably comprise an access panel that preferably

opens in a radial manner, and, preferably, to a predetermined amount. The predetermined opening amount can be controlled with a holding means, e.g., at least one, more preferably two, side arms disposed on the access panel. Other holding means known to the skilled

artisan are also envisioned. The side arm preferably limits access panel opening via at least

one notch disposed on at least one side arm. The access panel is preferably capable of being opened and closed repeatedly. Further, the containers are preferably usable without the module support since the capability to separate containers from each other is envisioned and

preferred.

[0026] The carton in Figure 3 has two opposing sides, 601, a bottom, 301, a top, 701, a front

panel, 901, a back panel, and an access panel, 151. The access panel preferably has two opposing side arms, 201, and an access panel lip, 101. The length and/or angular orientation

of side arms, 201, may be modified to vary the amount the access panel opens. A skilled

artisan will appreciate that all container panel sizes may be modified depending on whether,

for example, narrow, tall and narrow, short and narrow, wide, short and wide, and tall and wide cartons are desired for the modular display.

[0027] An advantage of the present invention is that several sizes and/or shapes of containers

may be fit into the same modular display. For example, a modular display having three tiers

may include one wide container in the top tier, two narrower containers in the middle tier, and

another wide container in the bottom tier. A skilled artisan can appreciate a multitude of display options by altering the size of the modular support blank, the number of tiers in the

modular support blank, the size of the containers, and/or the shapes of the containers.

Another advantage is the ability to print promotional/seasonal graphics on the module support

allowing the easily removable individual carton modules to be printed with generic/product specific graphics not specific to a particular promotion and/or season.

[0028] A preferred embodiment of a multi-container module support blank in accordance

with the present invention is shown in Figure 1. An un-erected module support blank is one that is removed from the die-cutting machine without assembly or affixation of any of the

panels. A preferred embodiment of the inventive module support as illustrated in Figure 1 is comprised of two back panels, 10, two side panels, 20, a front panel comprised of at least one

face panel, 30, and at least one access area, 40, and optionally one lower access area, 50.

Access area, 40, may be an opening or, preferably, is defined, at least in part, by a shelf panel,

70, perforated or cut along its borders with side panels, 20, and either is perforated or cut

along its upper border with the face panel, 30, immediately above the access area or bordered by gap, 80. Preferably, the blank comprises gap(s), 80, situated between shelf panel(s), 70,

and the face panel, 30, immediately above the shelf panel. Gap, 80, can assist in positioning

containers as well as facilitate the set-up of shelf panel, 70, along its perforation score.

[0029] Another preferred embodiment of a multi-container module support blank in

accordance with the present invention is shown in Figure 5. This preferred embodiment of the inventive module support is comprised of the same features illustrated in Figure 1 with

the addition of module support bottom panel, 100. Module support bottom panel, 100, has

gusset sides, 110, which have gusset fold lines or scores, 90. The fold/score lines enable easy

folding of gusset sides during assembly of the unitary display or array. Optionally, gusset

sides, 110, may be folded manually or pre-glued , whereby the inner sides of the outermost

corners of gusset sides, 110, are glued to the inner sides of side panels, 20. In this pre-glued

form, lifting side panels, 20, to a position perpendicular to face panel(s), 30, would

consequently lift modular support bottom panel, 100, to its preferred orientation and would

prepare the modular support for loading with a modular container(s). [0030] Shelf panel, 70, when present as illustrated in Figures 2 and 6, may be torn along the

perforations or separated if it is almost completely cut with only small attachment areas/nicks

and folded in a manner that creates an opening in the face of the module support and a shelf inside the module support. The shelf defines a separation between containers to be housed within the module support and provides further rigidity to the module support when loaded with containers. More importantly, the shelf allows containers to be efficiently positioned

within the module support such that the containers' access panels are properly aligned with

the module support's access area. As can be elucidated from the figures, a shelf is not

required, but is a preferred option since each shelf acts as a placement guide for containers above and below the shelf.

[0031] As stated hereinbefore, the module support bundles two or more containers for

display together. Figure 2 depicts a module support upright and assembled; however, the

containers that would be housed therein are not shown. In order to assemble the module

support with containers, the module support blank is preferably placed face down, and, if present, shelf panel(s), 70, is folded or torn along its perforations or separated if it is almost

completely cut with only small attachment areas/nicks and folded until perpendicular with

face panel(s), 30. Suitably sized containers with front access panels are arranged such that

their access panels are accessible from access area, 40. Two or more narrower containers

may be placed side-by-side to utilize the same access area, 40, or a single wider carton may

utilize an entire access area, 40, depending on the desired configuration. As can be

appreciated by the skilled artisan, module supports with a single or multiple tiers can provide

several array combinations. Individual face panels, 30, on the same module support may have

different heights to accommodate several shapes and sizes of containers as well as various array configurations. The sizes of side panels, 20, and back panels, 10, can also be adjusted for various containers. As stated above, the skilled artisan can appreciate a myriad of

different array possibilities. [0032] Figure 4 depicts an exemplary and preferred unitary display 1 that is a three tier

embodiment with three cartons per tier. The tops, 120, of the three cartons in the uppermost

tier are visible. Also depicted is the module support's side panel, 20, and face panels, 30.

Preferred modules with open carton access panels, 100, having preferred side arms, 110, are shown protruding through the module support's access area, 40.

[0033] The module support blank may include a fixative somewhere on the inner side. The

fixative may be, for example, one or more pressure activated double-sided adhesive strips

running the entire width of the inner side of the module support blank such that one or more

panels of each carton placed in the module support are affixed to the module support after an array is assembled. Double-sided adhesive may also/alternatively be placed height-wise on

the inner side of the module support. More preferably, box-sealing tape or the like is utilized

to reduce costs. In any regard, it is preferable the fixative and/or tape not contact the carton

modules so as not to deface the graphics printed thereon. In particular, the preferred

embodiment having a module support bottom panel depicted in Figures 5 and 6 enables the array to be assembled without the need for fixative and/or tape to contact the carton modules

contained therein.

[0034] Another suitable fixative is heat sensitive adhesive, applied when the adhesive is in a

melted condition. When adhering two surfaces together, melted adhesive is applied to the

first surface, then the second surface is placed in immediate contact with the first surface. The melted adhesive quickly solidifies shortly after the two surfaces are brought together since the ambient temperature of the surfaces cool the adhesive almost immediately after

joining. Preferably, the surfaces to be adhered together are held under compression for a

period of time until the adhesive has set. Of course, assembly of the array may be done by machine as can be appreciated by a skilled artisan. [0035] As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, surfaces may also be joined by

including interlocking portions on the surfaces. For example, one surface may include a

cut-out or slot for receiving a corresponding locking member from another surface for connection thereto.

[0036] As stated hereinbefore, it is preferable the module support and carton modules be

assembled without fixative and/or tape applied between the modules and the module support.

This may be achieved, for example, by joining back panels, 10, together with box sealing tape

or the like once array assemble is complete. If back panels, 10, are sized such that their

outermost edges meet upon folding around the backs of the carton modules, tape or the like may be used to join the outermost ends of back panels, 10. The tape or the like may be

affixed running along the seam created where the outermost edges of back panels, 10, meet.

Preferably, the tape continues down and around the bottom of the assembly and preferably

does not continue around to the front of the assembly.

[0037] If the preferable bottom panel-equipped module support is used, the tape procedure is

the same with the exception that tape will not contact the carton modules on the bottom.

Instead, the module support bottom panel will be in the folded position, as shown in Figure 6,

preferably covering the entirety of the bottom of the carton module(s) in the only or

lowermost tier of the assembly. When the tape is run around the bottom of the assembly, the

tape will be affixed to the module support bottom panel instead of the carton module bottom(s). Even disassembly is simplified since the assembly may be turned upside down

and shaken until the carton modules slide out. Alternatively or additionally, tape may be

peeled away and/or cut allowing separation of the module support and the carton module(s) contained therein. In any regard, disassembly is simplified and the defacing of any graphics on the carton module(s) may be avoided advantageously allowing separate display of

aesthetically in-tact carton modules.

[0038] After carton modules are situated within the module support, the module support

must be folded around the cartons from the front to the rear of the cartons and affixed. To do this, side panels, 20, are folded towards the carton modules by bending the module support

between side panels, 20, and face panel(s), 30. Back panels, 10, are then folded towards the

carton modules by bending the module support between back panels, 10, and side panels, 20.

If a bottom panel-equipped module support is used, the module support bottom panel must also be folded into position. This may be done, for example, by folding module support bottom panel, 100, and gusset sides, 110, towards the carton modules. Prior to module

support bottom panel, 100, making abutting-contact with the carton modules, gusset sides,

110, are each folded half- wise diagonally along fold/score lines, 90, and inwardly toward the bottom(s) of the carton module(s). With gusset sides, 110, folded, module support bottom panel, 100, can be abutted with the bottom(s) of the carton module(s). If desired, module

support bottom panel, 100, may be folded into position prior to placement of the carton

modules. Then, the carton modules can be placed to sandwich gusset sides, 110, between the

sides of the carton module(s) and side panel, 20, of the support module. If fixative is used, once it sets between the module support and the carton modules, unitary display assembly is

complete. Alternatively or additionally, the taping procedures described hereinbefore may be utilized.

[0039] The unitary display may be optionally wrapped with a protective material such as

plastic, stacked with other arrays in a columnar fashion and wrapped with a protective material such as plastic and/or strapped together, and/or palletized along with other array columns and wrapped with a protective material such as plastic and/or strapped together prior to shipping. Pre-pack embodiments of the present invention are preferred, i.e., embodiments

where the unitary displays are shipped to the point-of-sale filled with product and ready for display after opening the access panels of the cartons within the unitary display. Preferably, the unitary display is capable of simple disassembly.

[0040] The module support may be equipped with perforations or tear strips running the

entire height of the module support at or near the outermost edge of back panel, 10. If a

unitary display is to be disassembled allowing separate placement of individual carton

modules, the tear strips or perforations can be torn and the modules separated from the module support. Perforations may also be situated at the outermost boundaries of any strips

of fixative. Therefore, when disassembly is desired, the module support may be separated

from the carton modules at fixative containing points only. Most preferably, back panels, 10,

of the module support are joined with tape or the like without tape/fixative affixing the module support to the carton modules such that the carton modules may be "dumped" from

the top of the module support, or, at the very least, such that any graphics on the carton

modules are not defaced upon disassembly of the display. Disassembly of a unitary display

would be desirable, for example, if the entire contents of one or more carton modules have

been removed and continued display of carton modules containing products is desired. The cessation of promotional or other activities may also create the desirability for separate

modules if the graphics on the module support are limited to that activity since, preferably,

the graphics on the carton modules themselves would lend the carton modules to

conventional or non-promotional display. Again, one potential advantage of utilizing a common module support is the ability to unite various carton modules under one theme while retaining the ability to separately display the carton modules at any point. [0041] To assist opening of the access panels on cartons contained in a unitary display,

perforations and/or tear areas may be provided on the cartons. Other opening means will be apparent to the skilled packaging artisan. With the access panel in each carton in the unitary

display operable, the unitary display may be placed on the store floor, counter, rack, column,

or wall. It is preferred the module support be equipped with hanging means enabling the

entire array to be hung on a column or wall. Figure 1 depicts optional hanging apertures, 60,

disposed on back panels, 10, of the module support. The carton modules themselves may also be equipped with hanging means. The carton module hanging means may be

purposefully designed for mating with support module hanging means, e.g., aperture, 60,

and/or designed for the carton modules' individual use after removal from the display.

[0042] The module support, as well as the cartons contained therein, may include printed

information on the panels thereof. In preferred embodiments, the carton modules are printed

with information generally related to type, amount, color, flavor, etc., of the products

contained therein, while the module supports are printed with seasonal, promotional, or other

themes uniting various carton modules.

[0043] All module support components or a unitary module support may be manufactured

from paperboard, corrugated paperboard, corrugated paper board laminated with plastic or

other materials, or the like, produced with cutting dies and printing plates according to

processes well known to the skilled artisan. With such processes, sheets of material are cut into flat panels which are later folded around, and, optionally, affixed to carton modules as

hereinbefore described. Such folds provide exemplary internal connections between the panels.

[0044] A variety of fixatives may be used which are sufficient for affixing the module

support to carton modules. It is preferable, however, that box sealing tape be applied externally to join the back panels, 10, together for assembly efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

A stated hereinbefore, this will avoid the defacing of carton module graphics upon

disassembly. Module support manufacture, carton module placement, unitary display

assembly, and unitary display erection may be partially or fully automated. Such process would print graphics on the module support, apply adhesive(s) if necessary, and cut the

module support. Then, at an assembly point, product-filled carton module(s) may be properly

positioned in the module support, and the module support may be folded and affixed to create

the unitary display containing a plurality of cartons. Any of the above-described processes may be partially or fully automated.

[0045] Other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to the skilled artisan.

While the appended claims distinctly point to specific embodiments, embodiments falling

within the spirit and scope of the preceding specification are also encompassed.

Claims

We claim:

1. A module support blank for forming a unitary display comprised of a plurality of cartons, each having a carton access panel, said blank comprising:

a) a first back panel integrally connected on a side thereof to a back side of a first

side panel;

b) a second back panel integrally connected on a side thereof to a back side of a second side panel; c) at least one face panel integrally connected on opposing sides to a front side of

said first side panel and a front side of said second side panel; and

d) at least one access area disposed between said first side panel and said second

side panel and located above or below said face panel, wherein when said blank surrounds said plurality of cartons said access area provides access to said carton access panels.

2. The module support blank according to claim 1, further comprising a module support

bottom panel.

3. The module support blank according to claim 1, further comprising at least one shelf

panel disposed between said first side panel and said second side panel and located above or

below said face panel, said at least one shelf panel being movable or removable to form said

at least one access area.

4. The module support blank according to any one of claims 1 and 3, having two face

panels and said access area is disposed therebetween.

5. The module support blank according to any one of claims 1 and 3, having three face

panels and two access areas, said access areas alternately disposed between said face panels.

6. The module support blank according to claim 1 , further comprising means for affixing said blank to said plurality of cartons.

7. The module support blank according to claim 1, further comprising at least one

unitary display hanging element.

8. The module support blank according to claim 7, wherein said unitary display hanging

element is a hook and loop fastening element.

9. The module support blank according to claim 7, wherein said unitary display hanging element is a hook opening disposed on each of said back panels.

10. The module support blank according to claim 3, wherein said shelf panel has two

perforated and detachable opposing sides bordering said first and second side panels, whereby said shelf panel may be detached or folded after detaching said opposing sides of said shelf

panel from said first and second side panels.

11. The module support blank according to claim 10, wherein there is a gap between a top

of said shelf panel and a face panel disposed above said shelf panel.

12. The module support blank according to claim 10, wherein a border of a top of said

shelf panel is perforated and detachable from a face panel disposed above said shelf panel.

13. The module support blank according to any of claims 1 and 3, wherein said blank is

constructed of corrugated paperboard.

14. A unitary display comprising:

a) a plurality of cartons, each having a carton access panel; and

b) a module support holding said plurality of cartons together to form said unitary

display, wherein said module support includes: i) a first back panel integrally connected on a side thereof to a back side of a first

side panel, an inner surface of said first back panel disposed on at least a portion of an outer

back surface of at least one carton and an inner surface of said first side panel disposed on at

least a portion of an outer side surface of at least one carton;

ii) a second back panel integrally connected on a side thereof to a back side of a

second side panel, an inner surface of said second back panel disposed on at least a portion of

an outer back surface of at least one carton and an inner surface of said second side panel

disposed on at least a portion of an outer side surface of at least one carton;

iii) at least one face panel integrally connected on opposing sides to a front side of said first side panel and a front side of said second side panel, said face panel disposed on a portion of an outer front surface of at least one carton; and

iv) at least one access area providing access to at least one carton access panel.

15. The unitary display according to claim 14, wherein said module support further

comprises a module support bottom panel, an inner surface of said module support bottom

panel disposed on at least a portion of an outer bottom surface of at least one carton.

16. The unitary display according to claim 14, further comprising at least one shelf panel disposed under at least one carton and integrally connected to a top side of said at least one

face panel.

17. The unitary display according to claim 14, having two cartons positioned side by side

with at least one face panel and one access area providing access to each carton access panel.

18. The unitary display according to claim 17, further comprising a shelf panel disposed under said two cartons and integrally connected to an upper edge of said lower face panel.

19. The unitary display according to claim 14 having two cartons, one positioned on top

of the other, said cartons having disposed therebetween a shelf panel, and wherein said carton

access panels are each accessible from a separate access area.

20. The unitary display according to claim 14 having three cartons, two of said cartons

positioned side by side and having said access panels accessible from one access area and the

other carton having its access panel accessible from another access area, wherein said two cartons and said other carton have disposed therebetween said shelf panel.