GB2476056A

GB2476056A - Collapsible promotional tray with height adjustable walls and method of shipping

Info

Publication number: GB2476056A
Application number: GB0921508A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gideon Feiner; Nir Hadar
Original assignee: Polymer Logistics UK Ltd
Current assignee: Tosca Services UK Ltd
Priority date: 2009-12-08
Filing date: 2009-12-08
Publication date: 2011-06-15
Anticipated expiration: 2029-12-08
Also published as: GB0921508D0; WO2011070518A2; GB2476137A; GB201013733D0; GB2476056B; WO2011070518A3

Abstract

A promotion tray includes a base 200 and two walls 202, wherein the two walls 202 of the promotion tray are deployable between an upright state (fig 2A), substantially perpendicular to the base 200, corresponding to an open state of the promotion tray, and a folded state (fig 2B), substantially parallel to the base, corresponding to a collapsed state of the promotion tray. The height of each of the walls 202 is adjustable between a minimum height and a maximum height. A wall latching mechanism 212 secures the walls 202 at the desired height. The promotion tray is stackable, carrying a stacking edge 214, and has at least one non-enclosed side. The height of the walls 202 may be adjusted when the walls are in the collapsed/ folded state. The promotion tray may carry advertising material. The promotion tray may carry a third wall (e.g. fig 8A, 820). A method of deploying the promotion tray is also claimed (illustrated in fig 3). The method consists of receiving the promotion tray from a point of sale, with the walls 202 at a first height suited to a first product, adjusting the height of the walls 202 to suit second product, loading the promotion tray with second product, stacking the promotion trays, and shipping the promotion trays to a point of sale.

Description

S

TITLE

Shipping method employing a promotional tray

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present embodiment generally relates to retail ready packaging, and in particular, it concerns a shipping method employing a promotional tray to provide a promotional retail sales display at a point of sale.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVEWflON

Retail ready packaging refers to the containers and packaging for retail goods that are ready to be deployed upon arrival at the point of sale for display to, and access by retail consumers. Retail ready packaging, just like it's name describes, is packaging that is strong enough to transport retail goods and also attractive enough to be displayed for consumer use.

Retail ready packaging has been around for many years and a variety of apparatus and methods of use have been developed for varieties of products. For example, one popular version of retail ready packaging is the boxes of gum that are displayed next to a register at a market. The boxes come branded with the gums' color and logo so the boxes are ready to be opened and placed in view for the consumers.

Advantages of retail ready packaging include allowing the producer control over the display and advertising of their product to the consumer. In this context, the term producer refers to the entity from which the retail product comes. Producer can include the company owning the license for the product, the manufacturer of the product, or even the Page 2 wholesaler/distributor of the product, depending on the specific product and the product's marketing and distribution cycle.

A large selection of packaging is known in the industry and can be selected for use depending on such factors as the product type, product type, production process, distribution method, and desired end use. The size of the retail packaging varies depending on the size of the product and the desired or required packing flexibility or limitations of the product.

Referring to FIGURE 1 is a picture of conventional disposable retail ready packaging.

This packaging is designed for a specific product or product line, manufactured, assembled, packed with the product, shipped to the point of sale where it is used, then disposed of as refuse. Each product shipment requires manufacturing and assembly of new packaging. In contrast to disposable packaging, reusable packaging reduces the refuse at the point of sale.

Additionally, since the packaging will be reused, the manufacturing cost can be amortized over multiple uses, and the packaging can be manufactured from sturdier (generally more expensive) materials.

An important factor in the cost of shipping an item is the size of the item. In the case of retail ready packaging, it is desirable that the size of the packaging be as small as possible, while accomniodating the product appropriately. Disposable retail ready packaging can be designed for the appropriate minimal size for the product, but as stated above, are limited to use with a specific product line. An example of disposable packaging is US patent number 7207473 to Stanley L. Fry for Self-Locking Stackable Tapered Container vith Partial Top Structure. This patent teaches a container made of a flexible material, erected from a unitary paperboard blank for the holding, stacking and transporting of various items such as agricultural produce.

Page 3 Reusable retail ready packaging can also be designed for the appropriate minimal size for the product. Conventional reusable packaging is limited to use with a specific product line. There are reusable shipping containers capable of having their height adjusted so that each shipment can accommodate products of a different size, generally height. US patent number 7353962 to John Paniall et at, for Bulk Shipping Container Having Adjustable Height, Collapsible Walls teaches a collapsible container having adjustable height walls. The sidewalls and endwalls are pivotable between an upright position and a collapsed position over the base. The sidewalls and endwalls each further include extension walls movably connected thereto between a nested, unextended position and an upright, extended position.

The extension walls of this container must be nested for the container to be collapsed and each vall requires at least one adjacent wall to secure the wall in an upright position. US patent number 6601724 to Gerald R. Koefelda, et al for Collapsible Merchandising Container teaches a collapsible container that includes a portion of a wall that is movable between an open position and a closed position for the purpose of accessing the interior of the IS container. The height of this container cannot be adjusted (the height olthe collapsible vall) and requires at least one adjacent wall to secure the valt in an upright position.

General retail ready packaging may include various boxes and shipping crates that are opened at the point of sale to allow the consumer access to the product. This type of packaging generally allows the consumer to view and access only the contents of the top package. In contrast, in promotional retail sales displays it is desirable to have a highly visible display of multiple layers of a product and consumer access to those layers.

It is desirable to have a shipping method that includes a promotional tray for reusable retail ready packaging which can be configured and shipped ready to be loaded, the promotional tray including Ièatures such as height adjustment so that each shipment can Page 4 accommodate products of a different height, consumer access to the product from both sides of the packaging, and accommodating company branding, advertising, and/or product display in formation.

SUMMARY

According to the teachings of the present embodiment there is provided a promotion tray comprising a base and two walls, wherein the two walls of the promotion tray are deployable between an upright state, substantially perpendicular to the base, corresponding to an open state of the promotion tray, a folded state, substantially parallel to the base, corresponding to a collapsed state of the promotion tray, wherein a dimension of each of the walls that contributes to a height of the promotion tray in the upright state is adjustable within a range from a minimum height to a maximum height, the promotion tray in the open state providing a stackable tray with at least one non-enclosed side.

In an optional embodiment. the walls of the promotion tray are independently IS lockable in the upright state by engagement with the base. In another optional embodiment, the walls of the promotion tray are configured to allow adjustment of the dimension of the walls while the promotion Ira)' is in the collapsed state. In another optional embodiment, the walls of the promotion tray are configured to allow the walls to be collapsed while the walls are adjusted within a range from a minimum height to a maximum height. In another optional embodiment, the walls oithe promotion tray are configured to allow adjustment of the dimension of the walls while the promotion tray is in au open state. In another optional embodiment, the walls of the promotion tray are configured such that hen the walls arc adjusted to the maximum height and the promotion tray is in the collapsed state, the walls lie in the same plane and cover substantially the entire area of the base. In another optional Page 5 embodiment, the walls of the promotion tray have an upper edge configured to allow stacking of the promotion tray with other similar trays.

In an optional embodiment, the promotion tray further includes advertising material removably attached to one or more external surfaces of the promotion tray. In another optional embodiment, a method of configuring the promotion tray includes the step of receiving the promotion tray from a point of sale, and removing the advertising material.

In an optional embodiment, a method of configuring the promotion tray for shipping includes adjusting the dimension of the walls to be a first adjusted height. in another optional embodiment, a method of configuring the promotion tray for shipping includes loading the promotion tray with a first type of products and stacking the promotion trays. in another optional embodiment, a method of con figuring the promotion tray for deployment includes shipping the stacked promotion tray loaded with product to a point of sale to provide a retail sales display.

In an optional embodiment, a method of configuring the promotion tray for IS deployment includes configuring and collapsing the promotion tray in a first location, and shipping the promotion tray to a second location for loading. in another optional embodiment. a method of configuring the promotion tray for deployment includes collapsing the promotion tray in a first location, and shipping the promotion tray to a second location for configuring and loading.

In an optional embodiment, a method oIconuiguring the promotion tray for deployment includes receiving the promotion tray from a point of sale, and preparing the promotion trays for configuring. In another optional embodiment, preparing the promotion Page 6 tray includes cleaning the promotion tray. In another optional embodiment, preparing the promotion tray further includes the step of storing the promotion trays.

In an optional embodiment, a method of deploying the promotion tray includes: receiving the promotion tray from the point of sale; configuring the promotion tray by adjusting the dimension of the walls to be a second adjusted height; loading the promotion tray with a second type of product; stacking the promotion trays; and shipping the stacked promotion trays to a point of sale to provide a retail sales display, thereby repeating the use cycle of the promotion tray.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The embodiment is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. wherein: FIGURE I, a picture of conventional disposable retail ready packaging.

FIGURE 2A, a drawing of a promotion tray in an open state.

IS FIGURE 2B. a drawing of a promotion tray in a collapsed state.

FIGURE 2C. a second drawing of a promotion tray in a collapsed state.

FIGURE 3. a flowchart of a shipping method for providing promotion trays to a point of sale to provide a promotional retail sales display.

FIGURE 4. a drawing showing the adjustment of the height of the sidewalls.

FIGURE SA, a drawing of hinging and base latch mechanisms between the sidewalls and the base of the promotion tray.

Page 7 FIGURE 5B, a close-up drawing of hinging and base latch mechanisms from an external view.

FIGURE 5C, a close-up drawing of hinging and base latch mechanisms from an opposite view.

FIGURE 6A, a drawing of a sidewall latching mechanism.

FIGURE 6B, a close-up drawing of a sidewall latching mechanism.

FIGURE 7A, a second implementation of a base latch mechanism.

FIGURE 7B, a close-up of a second implementation of a base latch mechanism.

FIGURE 7C. a second implementation of a base latch mechanism in a latched position.

FIGURE 7D, a close-up of a second implementation of a base latch mechanism in a latched position.

FIGURE 7E, a close-up of a base latch mechanism.

FIGURE 8A. a drawing of a three-wall promotion tray in an open state.

IS FIGURE 8B. a drawing of a three-wall promotion tray where the third sidewall is shown in a position between the folded state and the upright state.

FIGURE 8C a drawing ofa three-wall promotion traY in a partially collapsed state.

FIGURE 8D, a drawing of a three-wall promotion tray in a collapsed state.

J:JGURE 9A. a drawing ofa three-wall promotion tray with the lower portion of the sidewall including an inner wall and an outer wall.

Page 8 FIGURE 9B, a drawing of a promotion tray with the lower portion of the sidewall including an inner wall and an outer wall.

FIGURE 9C is a close-up view of a portion of sidewall 902 viewed from the outside.

FIGURE 9D is a close-up view of a portion of sidewall 902 viewed from the inside.

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* DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The principles and operation of this shipping method including a promotional tray, according to the present embodiment may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description. The present embodiment is a shipping method for providing promotion trays to a point of sale to provide a promotional retail sales display.

In this context, a promotion tray allows a retail consumer to see the majority of at least an outer row of the product in each layer of the promotional retail sales display of a product, and have ready access to the products. The following is a non-limiting description of the circumstances where this system and method are used.

I 5 Referring to FIGURE 3, a flowchart of a shipping method for providing promotion trays to a point of sale to provide a promotional retail sales display. promotional trays are stored at a depot 300. When promotional trays are needed, they are taken from storage 302 so the wall height can be set 304 as shown in 306. Optionally disposabie advertising can be added 308 as shown in 310. The conligured promotion trays. preferably in the collapsed state. are then transported to the packer 312 using known shipping methods as shown in 314.

The promotion tray is set to the open state and the product is loaded 316 onto the promotion tray 318. The loaded promotion trays are prepared for shipping using known shipping methods 322 and sent to the point of sale 320. The promotion trays are deployed at the point Page 9 of sale 324 to provide a promotional retail sales display 326. When use of the promotional trays finished they can be collapsed and shipped to a depot 328, again using known shipping methods 330. The depot can inspect and clean the promotion trays 332 as shown in 334, removing previous advertising material, generally preparing the promotion trays for re-use, and optionally storing them 300 until needed.

It should be appreciated the specific application of this method can include performing the various steps at one or more locations by one or more entities and/or combining or skipping steps as appropriate. Some of these options are described below as non-limiting examples and of the application of this method. Based on this description, further variations will be clear to one skilled in the art.

The shipping method flowcharted in FIGURE 3 is a cyclical process. For convenience, our description will start with the promotion trays stored at the depot 300. The promotion tray collapses when not in use so that the storage space required for the promotional trays can be minimized. In this context, collapsing the promotion tray includes folding, rotating, or otherwise setting the walls so that the outer dimensions of the promotion tray are minimized. The promotion tray can be stacked and stored in the collapsed state, as shown in 302.

When promotional trays are needed. they are taken from storage and configured for a specific use. The dimensions olthe product are provided to determine the required adjusted height of the walls of the promotional tray. Configuration includes setting the height of the walls 304 of the promotion tray to accommodate appropriately the specific product with which the promotion tray will be loaded. In the context of this description, the height to which the walls are set (extended/retracted) to accommodate a given product when the promotion tray is in the open state, is referred to as the adjusted height. A feature of an Page 10 embodiment of the promotion tray is that it allows the height to be adjusted while in the collapsed state. This also allows the tray to be shipped with the walls set to the adjusted height, as shown in 306.

Optionally, configuration of the promotion tray includes placing advertising material on an external surface of the promotion tray 308. In this context, advertising material includes company branding, product information, and other material to be viewed by the consumer at the point of sale. A feature of the promotion tray is that it can provide one or more external surfaces, while in the collapsed state, on which advertising material can be placed, as shown in 310. Depending on the application, advertising material can be a variety of sizes. In one implementation, the advertising material is placed along a majority of at least one dimension of the tray. Preferably, this dimension is the length of the base of the promotion tray.

Advertising material can be placed on the promotion tray using a variety of techniques. One technique is to rotate the promotion tray adjacent to an applicator, facilitating the applicator placing advertising material on one or more surfaces oithe promotion tray. Similarly, an applicator can rotate around the promotion tray placing advertising material on one or more surfaces of the promotion tray. Another technique is to use self-adhesive advertising material that can be placed on the desired surfaces. Placement of advertising material can be manual or via an automated process. Another technique is to use advertising material that is heat-welded to one or more surfaces of the promotion tray.

Another technique is to use shrink-fit advertising material that is placed around a promotion tray. in particular around the base of a promotion tray. I-lot air is then applied to the shrink-fit advertising material causing it to reduce in size and become secured to the promotion tray.

Using shrink-wrap advertising material is the non-tim iting example pictured in 310. In Page 11 picture 310, a ribbon of advertising material 311 has been placed around the base of the tray.

The ribbon of advertising material 311 is longer than the circumference of the base to which it is to be attached. When the ribbon of advertising material 311 is heated, the material shrinks until it conforms and adheres to the associated external surface of the base. A feature of this step in the shipping method of placing advertising material on the promotion tray is that the advertising material is placed on the promotion tray such that the advertising material can later be removed from the promotion tray. The feature of placing disposable advertising material on a promotion tray facilitates repeating the use cycle of the promotion tray.

The features of the promotion tray preferably allow configuration of the tray to be performed at a first location, so that when the tray is received at a second location (for example, at a packer) the tray can be opened to the open state and loaded without requiring configuration of the promotion tray at the second location. In this context, the open state of the promotion tray refers to two opposing walls being in their upright states. Optionally, one or more aspects of the configuration of the promotion tray can be performed at the second location. One non-limiting example is the case where the promotion trays are received, inspected, and cleaned at a depot, then shipped to a packer for configuration and loading. In another non-limiting example, the promotion trays have their height adjusted at a depot and advertising placed at a packer. Note that although the above description is of two opposing walls being in their upright states, in an optional implementation of the promotional tray, two or more waIls can be in their upright stales. As stated previously, based on this description.

further variations viIl be clear to one skilled in the art.

Continuing with a description of FIGURE 3, the configured promotion tray 310 is transported to a packing location 312. This promotion tray facilitates using standard industry shipping methods, such as stacking the collapsed promotion trays on a shipping pallet, as Page 12 shown in 314. It should be noted that alternate or special shipping methods could be used for all shipping described in this method, depending on the specific application.

At a packing location, the promotion tray is opened to the open state and loaded with the product 316. A non-limiting example of a promotion tray loaded with product is shown in 318. The adjusted height of the promotion tray accommodates the necessary height required to transport and display the product, while minimizing the height (hence size) required for shipping. A preferred feature of the promotion tray is that each wall is independently lockable in an upright state. In other words, a wall does not require another adjacent wall to maintain an upright state.

Loaded promotion trays are stacked, as shown in 322, and prepared for shipping 320 to the point of sale using known shipping methods. In this context, the step of stacking the promotion trays includes all the necessary work to prepare the promotion trays for shipping.

This work includes, but is not limited to, stacking the promotion trays, wrapping, pal letization, and marking. A default case of the stacking step also includes preparing a IS single promotion tray for shipping, in hich case there is obviously no actual stacking of multiple promotion trays.

At the point of sale, the promotion trays are deployed 324 to provide a promotional retail sales display. In this context, deploying the promotional trays refers to removing any wrapping, packing. or undoing any other shipping, and making the promotional trays available for consumer access. Deployment does not require reconfiguration of the promotional tray or reconliguration/arrarigement olthe products. One non-limiting example of how the promotion trays can be used to provide a promotional retail sales display is shown in 326. At the point of sale, the at least one non-enclosed side of the promotion tray allows the product to be seen and allows the consumer ready access to the product, among other Page 13 features. In this context, non-enclosed side refers to having at least most of one side open. In another implementation, two sides of the promotion tray are non-enclosed. In a case where two opposing sides of a promotion tray are non-enclosed, a consumer has ready access to the product from both non-enclosed sides. When the promotion trays are stacked, multiple layers of the product are highly visible, and preferably accessible, to the consumer via the non-enclosed sides. Advertising material on an external surface of the promotion tray can be viewed by consumers.

After use at the point of sale, the promotion trays can be shipped to a depot 328. The promotion tray can be collapsed and stacked to minimize the shipping size. Standard shipping methods can be used, as shown in 330.

At a depot, the promotion trays can be inspected and cleaned 332 as shown in 334.

Inspection can include such tasks as checking for broken or worn promotion trays. Cleaning can include such tasks as removing of previous advertising material and general washing.

The walls of the promotion trays do not require adjustment for storage; the walls are simply folded. After the trays have been inspected, cleaned, and generally prepared for storage or re- use, the promotion trays are optionally stored at the depot or optionally sent for re-configuration and re-use.

Newly manufactured promotional trays can be sent to the depot for storage and to restart the use cycle of the promotion tray. Optionally, promotion trays can be sent from the manufacturer to a packer or other location for configuration and loading.

Referring to FIGURE 2A, a drawing of a promotion tray in an open state, this shipping method includes providing an innovative promotion tray designed with features that facilitate implementations of this method. A base 200 is the portion of the promotion tray Page 14 that defines the base, bottom, or floor of the container. An opposing pair of sidewalls 202 are attached to a base 200 via a hinge mechanism 210. The sidewalls 202 are shown in the upright state, where each wall is substantially perpendicular to the base of the promotion tray.

The walls in the upright state correspond to the promotion tray being in an open state. A base latching mechanism 204 maintains a sidewall in an upright state. In this context, the sidewall refers to the entire sidewall mechanism that includes a lower portion 206 and an extension portion 208. The lower portion of the sidewall is attached to the base 200 via a hinge mechanism 210. The extension portion of the sidewall 208 moves relative to the lower portion ficilitating the adjustment of the height of the wall. A wall latching mechanism 212 secures the position of the moveable portion of the sidewall relative to the lower portion of the sidewall, allowing the tray to be configured to an adjusted height. The top of the wall features an edge 214 to facilitate stacking of the promotion trays.

Referring to FIGURE 2B, a drawing of a promotion tray in a collapsed state, the sidewalls 202 are shown in the folded state, where each wall is substantially parallel to the base of the promotion tray. The walls in the folded state correspond to the promotion tray being in a collapsed state. In FIGURE 2B, the adjusted height of the sidewalls have both been set to the minimum height (lowest setting) by retracting the extension portion of the sidewalL Referring to FIGURE 2C. a second drawing of a promotion tray in an collapsed state, the adjusted height of the sidewalls have both been set to the maximum height by extending the extension portion oithe sidewall. The sidewalls are preferably configured such that when the walls are adjusted to the maximum height (highest setting) arid the promotion tray is in he collapsed state, the walls lie in the same plane and cover substantially the entire area of the base, ill this context. at least 95% of the area of the base. In certain preferred Page 15 implementations, the upper edges of the extension portions are substantially abutting when the promotion tray is folded with the extension portions in their fully extended positions.

Referring to FIGURE 4, a drawing showing the adjustment of the height of the sidewalls, arrows 400 show the directions in which the extension portions of the sidewalls extend. A promotion tray configured as shown in 402A can be adjusted to the configuration shown in 402B.

A most preferred implementation of the walls is shown in FIGURE 2A, where the promotion tray has two walls 202 deployed on opposing sides of a base, and two sides that are non-enclosed. In alternate implementations, the width of two opposing sidewalls can be selected, and/or the location where the two opposing sidewalls are attached to the base can be selected (offset in height from the base) to construct the promotion tray to accommodate walls being attached to other edges of the base. In other words. the walls can be attached to the base at different heights from the base to facilitate additional walls. Referring to FIGURE 8A, a drawing of a three-wall promotion tray in an open state, a preferred implementation of IS the promotion tray has an opposing pair of sidewalls 802, and a third sidewall 820 is attached between the walls 802 to an edge of the base 800. In a case where only one non-enclosed side is desired for the specific application, this third vall can be locked in an upright state to provide additional support for stacking the promotional trays. In an alternative implementation (not shown), the promotion tray includes a fourth wall attached between the opposing sidewalls to an edge of the base, and opposing a third sidewall. The fourth wall includes a mostly open frame to facilitate visibility and customer access to the product.

The specific construction of the walls 202 of the promotion tray depend on the specific application in which the promotion tray will be used. In the implementation shown in FIGURE 2A. the lower portion of the sidewall includes a single inner wall and the Page 16 extension portion of the sidewall includes a single outer wall. In an alternative implementation, the lower portion of the sidewall includes a single outer wall and the extension portion of the sidewall includes a single inner wall. In another alternative implementation, the lower portion of the sidewall is implemented as a hollow structure including an inner wall and an outer wall and the extension portion of the sidewall includes a single wall at least partly enclosed between the inner and outer walls. Such an implementation is illustrated below in FiGURES 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D. In another alternative implementation, the extension portion of the sidewall is implemented as a hollow structure including an inner wall and an outer wall and the lower portion of the sidewall includes a single wall at least partly enclosed between the inner and outer walls. In these implementations. the walls preferably provide access to the wall latching mechanism 212 from the external side of the walls, to facilitate a preferred feature that the height of the walls can be configured while the walls are in the upright or folded state. Thus, in FIGURE 2A, the movable sidewall 208 includes openings 216 to allow access to the sidewall latching iS mechanism. Based on this description, further sidewall implementations will be clear to one skilled in the art.

Referring to FIGURE 6A, this drawing shows an implementation for a sidewall latching mechanism 600 that secures the position of the moveable portion of the sidewall 602 relative to the fixed portion of the sidewall (hot shown), allowing the tray to be configured to an adjusted height. Access holes 608 provide access to finger holds 604, 606. When finger hold 604 is pulled to the left and uingerliold 606 is pulled to the right, the latch is disengaged and the moveable portion of the sidewall 602 can be extended or retracted to set the adjusted height. Referring to FIGURE 6B, a close-up drawing of a sidewall latching mechanism, the details of the sidewall latching mechanism from FIGURE 6A can be seen.

Page 17 In an implementation where the user accesses finger hold 604 from the side of the latch shown in FIGURE 6B, the user has ready access to the finger hold 604. In an implementation where the user accesses finger hold 604 from the side of the latch opposite the side shown in FIGURE 6B, access hole 608 facilitates this access. Access from both sides of the latch facilitates a user being able to actuate the latch when the sidewall is in the upright state or in the folded state. Finger hold 604 is connected via piece 620 to the sidewall latch flange 622. Flange 622 extends from the area inside the edge of the moveable sidewall to an area on the outside of the edge of the movable portion of the sidewall. The flange 622 mates to a matching slot in the fixed portion of the sidewall (not shown) securing the movable portion of the sidewall to the fixed portion of the sidewall. When the latch is actuated by pulling finger hold 604 to the left, flexible tabs 624 bend towards each other and flange 622 moves to the left disengaging from the fixed portion of the sidewall. When the tabs 624 are bent, they flex against the latch mechanism housing 626 and provide pressure on the latch mechanism to move to the right. When the finger hold 604 is released, the pressure IS from the bent tabs pushes the latch mechanism to the right, allowing flange 622 to mate with a matching slot, and securing the latch in a closed state.

in some implementations, the sidewall latching mechanism is connected to the extension portion of the sidewall. In these cases, the user can adjust the height of the sidewall with the same handhold and simultaneously with engaging or disengaging the latching mechanism. These implementations further facilitate handholds that can be operated using a single hand, allowing a user to configure two sidewalls (each with one hand) at the same time. The latch mechanism can also be implemented in the fixed portion othe sidewall, but this implementation would require at least two hands to configure each sidewall, and is not preferred. Based on this description and the desired features of the sidewall Page 18 latching mechanism, further sidewall latching implementations will be clear to one skilled in the art.

Referring to FIGURE 5A, a drawing of hinging and base latch mechanisms between the sidewalls and the base of the promotion tray, this drawing shows an implementation for a hinge mechanism 510 that attaches a lower portion of a sidewall 206 to a base 200 and allows the sidewall 202 (shown in FIGURE 2A) to rotate between at least an upright state and a folded state. The circled area 520 is shown larger in FIGURE 5B, a close-up drawing of hinging and base latch mechanisms from an external view. This implementation of a hinge mechanism 510 includes a circular cutout 522 in the lower portion of a sidewall 206, which is matched to a circular stub 524 on the base 200. Referring to FIGURE SC, a close-up drawing of hinging and base latch mechanisms from an opposite view, the base 200 is not shown in this view, allowing details of the lower portion of a sidewall 206 to be seen, such as the circular cutout 522.

FIGURE 5A also shows an implementation of a base latch mechanism that maintains a sidewall in an upright state. A notch 504 in the base 200 receives a flange (not shown in FIGURE SA) on the lower portion of the sidewall. The flange 506 can be seen in FIGURE SC. In this implementation, the sidewall flange 506 secures to the base notch 504 by means of a "click-in/click-out" technique. \Vhen the sidewall is rotated to the upright state, the bottom edge 526 of the lower portion of a sidewall 206 extends below the level of the hinge mechanism 510. In this implementation, the whole bottom edge 526 of the wall abuts the side edge oithe base of' the tray and prevents the wall froni turning beyond the intended degree of rotation. Referring to FIGURE 7A, a second implementation of a base latch niechanism that maintains a sidewall in an upright state. sidewall 202 is shown in a position between the folded state and the upright state. A hlange 700 is attached to the lower portion Page 19 of a sidewall 206. Referring to FIGURE 7B, a close-up of a second implementation of a base latch mechanism that maintains a sidewall in an upright state, details of flange 700 can be seen.

Referring to FIGURE 7C, a second implementation of a base latch mechanism in a latched position, hen a sidewall 202 rotates to an upright state, the latch 700 secures to a ridge 702 on the base 200 by means of a "click-in/click-out" technique. Referring to FIGURE 7D, a close-up of a second implementation of a base latch mechanism in a latched position, details can be seen of how flange ridge 704 secures to a ridge 702 on the base. Note that only the end of flange ridge 704 is shown in the figure. Flange ridge 704 extends the entire length of the flange along the bottom edge 706 of the lower portion of flange 700.

Referring to FIGURE 7E, a close-up of a base latch mechanism, the details can be seen of how flange ridge 704 secures to ridge 702 on the base.

Referring back to FIGURE 7C. to prevent the wall from turning beyond the intended degree of rotation, the bottom corner edge 708 of the lower portion of a sidewall 206 extends below the level ola hinge mechanism 510. When sidewall 200 is rotated to the upright state, the bottom corner edge 708 abuts the side edge of the base of the tray and prevents the wall from turning beyond the intended degree of rotation. Based on this description and the desired features of the hinging and base latching mechanisms, further implementations will be clear to one skilled in the art.

Referring to FIGURE 8A the construction is similar to the description in FIGURE 2A, a drawing of a promotion tray in an open state. An opposing pair of sidewalls 802 are attached to a base 800 via a hinge mechanism 810. The sidewalls 802 are shown in the upright state, where each wall is substantially perpendicular to the base 800 of the promotion tray. A base latching mechanism 804 maintains a sidewall in an upright state. In this Page 20 context, the sidewall 802 refers to the entire sidewall mechanism that includes a lower portion 806 and an extension portion 808. The lower portion of the sidewall is attached to the base 800 via a hinge mechanism 810. The extension portion of the sidewall 808 moves relative to the lower portion facilitating the adjustment of the height of the wall. A wall latching mechanism 812 secures the position of the moveable portion of the sidewall relative to the lower portion of the sidewall, allowing the tray to be configured to an adjusted height.

The adjusted height of the sidewalls have both been set to the lowest setting by retracting the extension portion of the sidewall. The top of the wall features an edge 814 to facilitate stacking of the promotion trays. A third sidewall 820 is attached between the walls 802 to an edge of the base 800 by a hinge mechanism 822. A base latching mechanism (not shown) maintains the third sidewall in an upright state. The third sidewall base latching mechanism can be implemented according to the description of 504/506, 700, or 804. Based on this description, further hinge and base locking mechanisms will be clear to one skilled in the art.

Referring to FIGURE SB, a drawing of a three-wall promotion tray where the third IS sidewall 820 is in a position between the folded state and the upright state. Referring to FIGURE SC a drawing of a three-wall promotion tray in a partially coilapsed state, the third sidewall 820 is shown in the folded state, where the third wall is substantially parallel to the base 800 of the promotion tray. The two opposing sidewalls 802 are in the upright state.

Referring to FIGURE 8D, a drawing of a three-wall promotion tray in an collapsed state, the third all 820 and the opposing sidewalls 202 are shown in the folded state, where each wall is substantially parallel to the base of the promotion tray.

Referring to FIGURE 9A, a drawing of a three-wall promotion tray with the lower portion of the sidewall including an inner all and an outer wall, the construction is similar to the description of FIGURE 8A. The lower portion 906 of the sidewall 902 is here Page 21 implemented as a hollow structure including an inner wall 907A similar to the description of 206 and an outer wall 907B. The extension portion 908 extends and retracts between inner wall 907A and outer wall 907B.

Referring to FIGURE 9B, a drawing of a promotion tray with the lower portion of the sidewall including an inner wall and an outer wall, the construction is similar to that of FIGURE 9A. in this implementation, the promotion tray includes two opposing sidewalls 902 (and does not include a third sidewall). Both sides of sidewall 902 are shown in detail for circled area 930. FIGURE 9C is a close-up view of a portion of sidewall 902 viewed from the outside, and FIGURE 9D is a close-up view of a portion of sidewall 902 viewed from the inside. In FIGURES 9C and 9D, the fixed portion 906 of the sidewall includes inner wall 907A and outer wall 907B.

Referring again to FIGURE 2A, a sidewall 202 of the promotion tray has an tipper edge 214 configured to allow stacking of the promotion tray with other similar promotion trays. In the implementation shown, the top edge 214 of the extension portion of the sidewall 208 includes an edge designed to nest a bottom edge of the base 200 of the promotion tray.

Based on this description, further implementations vilI be clear to one skilled in the art.

In one embodiment, advertising material can be placed on at least one external surface of the promotion tray. Referring again to FIGURE 2A, an option is to place the advertising material on the base 200. Two sides of the outside edge 218 of the base can be seen in this figure. although all four sides are available for placing advertising. Another option is to place advertising on the external surface of the extension portion of the sidewall 208. In this case, the advertising material and the placement of the advertising material should be done in a way that will not interfere with access and operation of the wall latching mechanism.

Depending on the specific implementation of the promotion tray, other surfaces can be used Page 22 instead or in combination with the described surfaces. Based on this description, further implementations will be clear to one skilled in the art.

Depending on the application for which the promotion tray vili be used, the components of the promotion tray can be constructed from a variety of materials. Typically, construction would be with injection-molded plastic, but other materials and construction techniques can be used, including: thernioformed plastic, aluminum, and stainless steel.

It will be appreciated that the above descriptions are intended only to serve as examples, and that many other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

Page 23 WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A promotion tray comprising a base and two walls, wherein the two walls of the promotion tray are deployable between an upright state, substantially perpendicular to said base, corresponding to an open state of the promotion tray, a folded state, substantially parallel to said base, corresponding to a collapsed state of the promotion tray, wherein a dimension of each of said walls that contributes to a height of the promotion tray in the upright state is adjustable within a range from a minimum height to a maximum height, the promotion tray in the open state providing a stackable tray with at least one non-enclosed side.
2. The promotion tray of claim I wherein said walls are independently lockable in said upright state by engagement with said base.
3. The promotion tray of claim I wherein said walls are con figured to allow adjustment of said dimension of the walls while the promotion tray is in the collapsed state.
4. The promotion tray of claim I wherein said walls are configured to allow the walls to be collapsed while said walls assume said maximum height.
5. The promotion tray of claim I wherein said walls are configured to allow adjustment of said dimension of the walls while the promotion tray is in an open state.

Page 24
6. The promotion tray of claim I wherein said walls are configured such that when said walls are adjusted to said maximum height and the promotion tray is in the collapsed state, said walls lie in the same plane and cover substantially the entire area of the base.
7. The promotion tray of claim I wherein each of said walls has an upper edge configured to allow stacking of the promotion tray with other similar trays.
8. The promotion tray of claim I further comprising advertising material removably attached to one or more external surfaces of the promotion tray.
9. A method of configuring the promotion tray of claim 8 comprising the step of receiving the promotion tray from a point of sale, and removing said advertising material.
10. A method of configuring the promotion tray of claim I for shipping comprising the step of adjusting the dimension of the walls to be a first adjusted height.
II. A method of configuring the promotion tray of claim I for shipping comprising the steps oI (a) loading the promotion tray with a first type of products; and Page 25 (b) stacking the promotion trays.
12. A method of deploying the promotion tray of claim I comprising the step of shipping the promotion tray loaded with product to a point of sale to provide a retail sales display.
13. A method of deploying the promotion tray of claim I comprising the steps of configuring and collapsing the promotion tray in a first location, and shipping the promotion tray to a second location for loading.
14. A method of deploying the promotion tray of claim I comprising collapsing the promotion tray in a first location, and shipping the proniotion tray to a second location for configuring and loading.
IS. A method of deploying the promotion tray of claim I comprising the steps of receiving the promotion tray from a point of sale, and preparing the promotion trays for subsequent use.
16. The method of claim IS wherein preparing the promotion tray includes cleaning the promotion tray.
17. The method of claim
IS further comprising the step of storing the promotion trays.

Page 26 S 18. A method of deploying the promotion tray of claim I comprising: (a) receiving the promotion tray from a point of sale with said walls configured at a first adjusted height suited to a first product; (b) configuring the promotion tray by adjusting the dimension of the walls to be a second adjusted height suited to a second product; (c) loading the promotion tray with the second product; (d) stacking the promotion trays; and (e) shipping the stacked promotion trays to a point of sale to provide a retail sales display, thereby completing a use cycle of the promotion tray.
19. A promotion tray according to claim 1 and substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 2 and 4 to 9.
20. A method of deploying a promotion tray according to claim 1 8 and substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 3.