GB2443408A

GB2443408A - Linked sliding receptacles for the receipt of arctiles

Info

Publication number: GB2443408A
Application number: GB0622062A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Cragie
Original assignee: Invicta Plastics Ltd
Current assignee: Invicta Plastics Ltd
Priority date: 2006-11-06
Filing date: 2006-11-06
Publication date: 2008-05-07
Also published as: GB0622062D0

Abstract

A receptacle 10 for a plurality of articles, the receptacle having first 12 and second 46 movable compartments, each compartment being movable between an 'at rest' condition and an 'actuated' condition. The first compartment 12 covers the second compartment 46 in the at rest condition and a linkage 48 is provided therebetween such that movement of the first compartment causes a corresponding movement of the second compartment into the actuated condition in which at least part of the second compartment is exposed. Preferably the second compartment 46 is limited to linear movement and takes the form of a slider. Additionally the first compartment 112 is urged towards the at rest condition under gravity.

Description

P02631U1( 20061106 SpecAsFited.doc Receptacle for Improved Access The

present invention relates to an improved receptacle for a plurality of articles and more specifically to a receptacle having multiple compartments for selective access to different articles.

It is a well known problem to provide a receptacle which adequately supports a number of products therein whilst allowing easy access to the products.

JO Instances in which such receptacles are required include, for example, point of sale units in retail premises and containers for an array of equipment or materials.

Figure 1 shows one known type of point of sale receptacle, which takes the form of a series of compartments or trays 2 positioned on an angled support 4. This type of receptacle is typically used for displaying cosmetics products or the like in a retail environment. The trays are stacked in a step-like manner, with the front edge of the lowermost tray protruding beyond the tray above, which in turn protrudes beyond the front edge of the tray above. Each tray contains a plurality of cosmetics articles and the stacking of the trays in a step-like manner allows the article at the front of each tray to be visible. * .* * S S

The support 4 is angled such that the trays 2 are tipped forward when on display.

Thus when an article is removed from the front of a tray, the remaining articles * * S. IS * 25 slide forward such that an article is always on display until the last remaining I...., * article is removed. S.. * a * aSS

Whilst such conventional tray arrangements are widely used, a number of problems exist. One particular problem relates to the size and shape of the stacked trays. The receptacle is an awkward shape due to the step-like stacking of the trays, which creates a significant amount of dead space to the rear of the receptacle.

P02631 UK 20061106 SpecAsFileddoc There is often a need to provide a product sample or tester on the receptacle so that the products contained within the articles on display can be tried prior to purchase. Thus whilst the articles themselves are generally sealed, there is a need to also be able to accommodate an open sample of material. In such instances, the support 4 is typically provided with an indentation 6 as shown in figure 1. A sample of the required product is inserted into the indentation 6 and a hinged cover plate 8 protects the sample from dirt and debris. When the sample is to be tested, a user lifts the cover plate 8 to allow access to the product beneath.

However the indentation 6 further increases the dimensions of the receptacle since it must protrude beyond the trays 2 in order to be accessible to a user.

Thus the trays are mounted part way along the support, creating further dead space to the rear of the receptacle.

Whilst the cover plate 8, provides some protection against dirt, the sample within the indentation 6 can dry out. This is a significant problem since the sample becomes unusable and degrades the appearance of the product on display. For this reason, samples of water-based products are currently not provided on such displays. In addition, the cover plate 8 often becomes soiled with the sample product and in some instances the cover plate becomes damaged from repeated use and breaks away from the base.

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* 25 In view of the foregoing problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a receptacle which allows improved access to the articles contained * *:*. therein and which makes more efficient use of space.

According to the present invention there is provided a receptacle for a plurality of articles, the receptacle having first and second movable compartments, each compartment being movable between an at rest condition and an actuated P02631U1( 20061106 SpecAsFiled.doc condition, wherein the first compartment covers the second compartment in the at rest condition and a linkage is provided therebeiween such that movement of the first compartment causes a corresponding movement of the second compartment into the actuated condition in which at least part of the second compartment is exposed.

The present invention presents a significant improvement over the prior art since the second compartment is stored out of view when it is not required. The second compartment, in which a product sample can be inserted, is protected by the first compartment and avoids the problems of degradation which are associated with an exposed cover plate. Thus the visual appearance of the receptacle is better maintained, whilst allowing both sealed and open-format articles to be accommodated.

Furthermore the second compartment need not protrude from the front of the receptacle in the at rest condition and the receptacle can be made more compact. In addition the second compartment is actuated by movement of the first compartment, avoiding direct contact with the second receptacle and/or cover.

The first compartment is preferably hinged, whilst the second compartment is preferably limited to linear motion. In one embodiment the second compartment is beneath the first compartment in the at rest condition and pivoting of the first * *..** * : compartment causes a corresponding sliding movement of the second :: 25 compartment via the linkage. * S.. * . * *55

Preferably the first compartment pivots away from the second compartment into the actuated condition. A first end of the linkage is typically attached to a fixed pivot point on the first compartment, whilst a second end of the linkage is typically movable with the second compartment.

P02631 UK 20061106 SpecAsFiled.doc According to a preferred embodiment, the linkage comprises a cover plate. The cover plate is preferably pivotally connected between the first and second compartment such that the cover plate is sandwiched between the first and second compartments in the at rest condition. Movement of the first compartment typicafly draws an end of the cover plate away from the second compartment, forming an angle between the cover plate and the second compartment.

Thus the actuation of the first compartment simultaneously moves the second compartment outward and also opens the cover plate. The actuation of the cover plate is therefore controlled by the freedom of movement of the compartments and is less prone to breakage.

In one embodiment the cover plate comprises a resilient material, which material typically abuts against the second compartment in the at rest condition thus forming an enclosure. In this regard the resilient material may coapt with the side walls of the second compartment. A substantially air tight seal can therefore be formed between the cover plate and second compartment. Such a tight seal allows a water-based sample product to be kept damp or conversely allows a dry product to be isolated from airborne moisture. * .* * * * ***

Typically the first compartment pivots about a substantially horizontal axis during use such that the first compartment is urged towards the at rest condition under gravity. Thus the weight of the first compartment is used to press the cover plate *****s. . * * 25 against the second compartment n order to establish an improved seal. In * addition the compartments advantageously return to the at rest condition under gravity. Additionally or else alternatively, a spring may bias the first compartment into the at rest condition.

The movement of the first and/or second compartment is typically limited by one or more stops. The first compartment typically takes the form of an open-ended P02631tiK 20061106 SpccAsFiled.doc tray for one or more articles whilst the second compartment is arranged to receive one or more material samples. The open end of the tray allows easy insertion and removal of articles without the requirement for a step between each tray. Typically the tray is pivotable about its opposing end.

The open end of the tray typically has a lip to retain the articles within the tray during use.

The receptacle preferably comprises a series of first compartments each having 0 an associated second compartment, the first compartments being stacked one on top of the other during use.

Each of the first compartments is typically pivotable relative to an adjacent compartment such that each compartment can be pivoted individually or in combination with the other compartments.

The receptacle is preferably arranged to be connected to an angled support during use and in one preferred embodiment, the second compartment is located in the support.

: .. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a receptacle for a plurality of articles, the receptacle having first and second compartments, the second compartment being movable between an at rest condition and an actuated condition, wherein the second compartment has a 25 cover plate disposed between the first and second compartments in the at rest condition and movement of the second compartment into the actuated condition * * * ..S ** . causes a corresponding movement of the cover plate so as to expose at least part of the second compartment.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in further detail below with reference to the following drawings, of which: P026311.1K 20061106 SpecAsFiled.doc Figure 1 shows a side view of a receptacle according to the prior art; Figure 2 shows a front view of a receptacle according to the present invention; Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the receptacle of figure 2 taken through the plane AA; Figures 4a and b show respective side and perspective views of the receptacle of figure 3 in a first actuated condition; and, Figures 5a and b show respective side and perspective views of the receptacle of figure 3 in an alternative actuated condition.

With reference to figure 1, conventional trays 2 are stacked on a angled support 4 to a required height. Each tray 2 is secured to the adjacent tray, typically by hook and slot fixings, such that the receptacle forms a rigid structure. In contrast, figures 2 to 5 show an embodiment of the present invention for accommodating different formats of articles, in which the trays are stacked in a manner which allows relative movement therebetween. * *. *S *

Turning to figures 2 and 3, there is shown a receptacle 10 according to the **..

present invention. The receptacle 10 generally comprises upper and lower *:: compartments which take the form of trays 12 and 14. The trays are stacked on *:: 25 support 16, which comprises walls 20 and 22 separated by an angled supporting * surface 18. The wall 20 at the front of support 16 is shorter than wall 22 at the S...

rear of the base so, that the supporting surface 18 slopes forward when the support is located on a substantially horizontal surface. A person skilled in the art will readily understand that such a method of slide feeding articles may be substituted with other conventional mechanisms which do not require the trays to P02631UK 20061106 SpccAsFilcd.doc be inclined. Such alternatives include a spring loaded feed system, in which a back plate urges the articles towards the front of the trays.

The trays and base are typically plastic and the trays may be transparent in order to allow the contents to be visible.

Each tray has a rear face 26, sides walls 28 and 30 and a base 32. One or more openings 34 are provided towards the rear of the base 32 for reception of a hinge member as will be described below. The front 24 of the tray is open-ended and its profile is defined by the front ends of the side walls 28 and 30 which are taller than the rear face 26 such that the depth of the tray is shallower towards the rear.

The side walls are shaped to provide a weight-bearing portion 28a and 30a in the vicinity of the front end 24, and a tapered portion 30b, the height of which reduces towards the rear wall 26. The weight-bearing potions 28a and 30 a take the form of flanges depending from the sides walls.

The front end 24 has a projection 25, which extends forward of the front face 24 and takes the form of a tab. Retracted slightly from the tab 25, there is provided a lip 27 which extends upwardly of the base 32. The lip 32 provides a stop, which prevents articles within the tray sliding out of the front end. * Is * U

The rear face 26 has a pair of slots 35 and a hinge member 36 (figure 2) is 5s5* provided with a corresponding pair of locating pins or lugs, which are located in the slots 35 so as to secure the hinge member in place. The lugs 38 typically 25 have a narrow neck and a wider head potion to fix the hinge member securely against the rear face 26. * S *SSS 5. S

* .: The hinge member is generally planar in shape and has a pair of upwardly projecting hinge formations 40 which extend through the openings 34 in the tray above. Each tray is thus pivoted about a substantiaHy horizontal axis. The hinge formations 40 are bent rearward to form a hook shape upon which the above tray P026310K 20061106 SpecAsFiled.doc can pivot. The end of the hook 40 abuts the upper surface of the base of the above tray such that the above tray can undergo rotational movement only until the above tray has been rotated sufficiently to allow the hook portion 40 to be removed from the opening 34. Thus the trays are secured for normal use but can be detached if necessary.

The lower tray 14 is seated on the supporting surface 18 of the base 16, to which an alternative form of hinge member 42 is attached. This hinge member 42 has hinge formations 40 as described above but the remainder of the hinge member 42 is shaped to form a bracket for attachment to the support 16.

A further compartment 46 is provided between the trays 12 and 14. The compartment 46 takes the form of a small tray or shuttle, into which a product sample 44 can be inserted. The compartment 46 is seated on the flanges 28a and 30a of the lower tray 14. A mechanical linkage 48 is pivotaily attached between a rear side of the compartment 46 and the underside of the tray 12, details of which can be seen in figure 4.

Turning to figure 4a, the mechanical linkage takes the form of cover plate 48 which is pivotally attached to both the tray 12 and the compartment 46. The : .. cover plate 48 has pins 50 and 52 at each end thereof, which are received in e..

correspondingly shaped bearing formations depending from the base 32 of tray 12 and the compartment 46. The compartment has slots 47 in its side, which * * allow the compartment to slide on the flanges 28a and 30a.

* In use, the tray 12 can be pivoted about the hinge member 36 by the tab 25. By doing so, the front edge of cover plate 48 is drawn upward causing the cover plate to pivot about pins 50 and 52. A component of the upward force applied to the tray 12 is thus transmitted to the compartment 46 via the cover plate, causing it to slide forward and exposing the product sample 44 contained therein. Stops (not shown) are provided on the flanges 28a and 30a and/or the compartment 46 P02631UK 20061106 SpecAsFileddoc to limit the travel of the compartment. The degree to which the tray 12 can be lifted is thus limited such that the angle between the cover plate 48 and the tray 14 is always less than 900.

When a user has sampled the product in the compartment 46, the tray 12 is lowered to its resting position on the tray 14 as shown in figure 3. The compartment 46 can thus repeatedly slide back and forth in the form of a shuttle.

It a user simply lets go of tab 25 then the tray 12 will return to its, resting position under gravity. The limited freedom of movement of the tray 12 prevents damage to the receptacle in this regard.

It will be apparent to the skilled person that the particular hinge arrangement shown in figures 2 to 5 may be substituted with an alternative hinge arrangement comprising, for example, one or more pins mounted in the side of the trays. In an IS alternative embodiment, the side walls may be profiled to allow a tray to rock and/or slide to the required degree between an at rest condition and an actuated condition according to the present invention.

The cover plate 48 has a resilient material layer 54 which may comprise rubber, foam or another compliant material such as a thermoplastic elastomer. The ::". cover plate 48 may be formed of the resilient material or else a resilient material layer may be adhered thereto. The compartment 46 has an upwardly projecting perimeter portion 56 such that when the tray 12 is lowered to its at rest condition, the resilient material layer 54 contacts the perimeter portion 56 and forms a seal *r'; 25 therewith. The weight of the tray 12 and its contents presses on the cover plate * 48 thus ensuring a tight seal is maintained, so as to isolate the sample product a *I * from the surrounding atmosphere. By selection of a suitable material 54 an air tight seal can be achieved thus allowing water-based sample products to be provided within the compartment 46 without the sample drying out. Alternatively, dry sample products can also be kept dry.

P02631UK 20061106 SpecAsFiled.doc Figures 4a and 4b also show details of the display unit on which the receptacle is positioned during use. As would be understood by a person skilled in the art, the display unit has a front panel 58, on which point of sale information can be provided, and a locating ridge 60 which ensures correct positioning of the support.

Turning now to figure 5, the receptacle is shown with the lower tray 14 in a raised position, such that a lower compartment 46a extends from the support 16. In this regard the support 16 is provided with a pair of flanges spaced to match the flanges 28a and 30a of tray 14. The compartment 46a and cover plate 48a are identical to the corresponding compartment 46 and cover plate 28 in the tray 14 and operate in the same manner. However it will be appreciated that by raising the lower housing 14 only the compartment 46a in the support 16 is actuated.

The compartment 46 associated with the tray 12 is not operated since the trays 12 and 14 are raised in unison. Hence each compartment can be actuated individually as required by raising the tray immediately above.

: *.* The embodiment of figures 2 to 5 has two trays, although it will be appreciated **SI that the modular nature of the trays would allow a receptacle to be constructed *..S using a single tray or else three or more trays as required.

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It will also be appreciated that the seal formed between the cover plate and compartment need not be air tight for conventional applications in which sample products are used which are not prone to drying. Thus the resilient material is * 25 optional. Furthermore, the seal of the embodiment of figures 2 to 5 is formed between the compartment 46 abutting against a sheet of resilient material. It is envisaged that the underside of the cover plate and/or the resilient material may be profiled to improve the sealing characteristics with the perimeter of the compartment 46. Alternatively, the seal may be formed between the resilient material and a pan or other vessel for the product sample which is inserted in the P0263 IUK 20061106 SpecAsFikd. doe compartment. In that case, the compartment itself need not be a complete enclosure but need only support the pan correctly for use.

Whilst the actuation of the compartment 46 by the tray 12 or 14 represents a preferred embodiment, it is also possible to actuate the compartment by other means, such as, for example, a spring-loaded mechanism which causes the compartment to be extended from beneath the tray, whilst simultaneously opening the cover plate. * *. * S S S.., S... * S

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Claims

P02631UK 20061106 SpecAsFiled.doc Claims: 1 A receptacle for a

plurality of articles, the receptacle having first and second movable compartments, each compartment being movable between an at rest condition and an actuated condition, wherein the first compartment covers the second compartment in the at rest condition and a linkage is provided therebetween such that movement of the first compartment causes a corresponding movement of the second compartment into the actuated condition in which at least part of the second compartment is exposed.
2 A receptacle according to claim 1, wherein the first compartment is hinged.
3 A receptacle according to claim I or claim 2, wherein the second compartment is limited to linear motion.

: *.
4 A receptacle according to claim 3, wherein the second compartment I...
takes the form of a slider. es.

A receptacle according to any preceding claim, wherein the linkage *4 comprises a cover plate.
6 A receptacle according to claim 5, wherein the cover plate is pivotally * 25 connected between the first and second compartment.
7 A receptacle according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the cover plate is sandwiched between the first and second compartments in the at rest condition.

P02631UK 20061106 SpccAsFitcd.doc
8 A receptacle according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the cover plate comprises a resilient material.
9 A receptacle according to any preceding claim, wherein the first compartment is urged towards the at rest condition under gravity.
A receptacle according to any preceding claim, wherein movement of the first and/or second compartment is limited by one or more stops.
11 A receptacle according to any preceding claim, wherein the second compartment is beneath the first compartment in the at rest condition.
12 A receptacle according to any preceding claim, wherein the first compartment takes the form of a tray.
13 A receptacle according to claim 12, wherein the tray has an open front end. * *. * * * a...
14 A receptacle according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the tray is pivotable *..
about its rear end. a * .

A receptacle according to any preceding claim, wherein the receptacle comprises a series of first compartments each having an associated second compartment, the first compartments being stacked one on top * 25 of the other during use.
16 A receptacle according to claim 15, wherein each of the first compartments is pivotable relative to an adjacent compartment.
17 A receptacle according to any preceding claim, wherein the receptacle is arranged to be connected to a support during use.

P02631 UK 20061 106 SpecAsFiled.doc
18 A receptacle according to claim 16, wherein the second compartment is located in the support.
19 A receptacle for a plurality of articles, the receptacle having first and second compartments, the second compartment being movable between an at rest condition and an actuated condition, wherein the second compartment has a cover plate disposed between the first and second compartments in the at rest condition and movement of the second compartment into the actuated condition causes a corresponding movement of the cover plate so as to expose at least part of the second compartment.
A receptacle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures2to5.
21 A storage device for at least one article, the device having: : *. a compartment movable between a first, closed condition and a second, open condition allowing access to said compartment; and closure means for said compartment movable between first and second positions; wherein in said first position said closure, means closes said * compartment and movement of said closure means towards said second position causes said compartment to move from said first * a* * a.

towards said second position.