JP2014516735A - Merchandising unit with movable housing - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a new consumer goods merchandising unit with increased flexibility in storage and display of consumer goods at a store.
A merchandising unit (10) for consumer goods, the coupling means for attaching the merchandising unit to a support surface, and extending from the coupling means and first with respect to the coupling means A merchant comprising a support unit (12) comprising at least one hinged support arm (20, 22) movable between a position and a second position and a housing (14) for containing consumer goods Dicing unit (10). The housing is at least movable relative to the at least one hinged support arm between a closed position where at least some of the consumer goods are not visible and an open position where at least some of the consumer goods are not visible in the closed position. Mounted on one hinged support arm.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a merchandising unit having a movable housing for containing consumer goods. The invention is particularly applicable as a merchandising unit for smoking articles.

  At stores, various different types of merchandising units are used to store, provide and display consumer goods. For example, in stores and kiosks, the majority of consumer goods are displayed on independent or wall mounted shelves and racks. However, for some items it may be preferable to provide from a unit that can be optionally covered or closed between purchases.

  Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a new consumer goods merchandising unit with increased flexibility in store and display of consumer goods at the store.

  According to the invention, the coupling means for attaching the merchandising unit to the support surface, and at least one extending from the coupling means and movable between a first position and a second position relative to the coupling means A consumer goods merchandising unit comprising a support unit including a hinged support arm and a housing for containing consumer goods is provided. The housing is movable relative to the at least one hinged support arm between a closed position where at least some of the consumer goods are not visible and an open position where at least some of the consumer goods are not visible in the closed position of the housing. Is mounted on at least one hinged support arm. In a first position of the at least one hinged support arm, the housing is held in a closed position, and in a second position of the at least one hinged support arm, the housing is movable between a closed position and an open position. .

  According to the present invention, the term “consumer goods” is used throughout the document to mean any kind of goods or items that can be sold to consumers. The term is also used to mean a package or package containing such goods.

  Thus, in order for the consumer goods in the housing to be visible to the consumer, the housing can be moved to the open position only after at least one hinged support arm of the support unit can be moved to the second position. In the open position of the housing, it is preferred that the consumer goods are accessible from the inside of the housing. In the closed position of the housing, initially invisible consumer goods can also be accessed from inside the housing. However, it is more preferred that the housing must be moved to an open position in order to access consumer goods that are not initially visible in the closed position of the housing and initially invisible.

  Preferably, in the first position of the at least one hinged support arm, all consumer goods in the housing are not visible.

  The term “visible” means that the consumer is not only able to recognize that the consumer good is being provided in the housing, but also that the consumer good is visible enough to know what the consumer good is. That is, the visibility of the consumer goods in the open position of the housing must be sufficient to allow the consumer to clearly see the appearance of the consumer goods. This allows the consumer to identify the product type and brand before purchase. The consumer can also distinguish between all the different types of consumer goods visible in the housing.

  The merchandising unit according to the invention increases the flexibility of the display and access of consumer goods at the storefront. The housing can remain in the closed position so that the consumer goods are not visible until the retailer chooses to move the housing to the open position. This can be beneficial for several reasons. For example, in stores, it may be desirable to control the visibility of consumer goods. The retailer can choose to display or hide the consumer goods by using a display assembly that can be easily moved between the closed and open positions. For example, in the closed position of the housing, there is also the advantage that the consumer goods are protected from exposure to air, heat, moisture or UV. This can prevent drying, dissolution or other forms of degradation of the consumer goods.

  The combination of the movement of the hinged support arm and the movement of the housing also has the advantage that an attractive and interesting opening mechanism is realized that can attract the attention of the customer.

  In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to provide locking means for locking the housing in the closed position. This can be accomplished by locking the housing to prevent movement of the housing relative to the at least one hinged support arm. Alternatively, it can be realized by locking at least one hinged support arm in the first position so that the housing cannot move between the closed and open positions. For example, it may be desirable to incorporate a locking mechanism if the merchandising unit is arranged so that it is not monitored or is freely accessible to the consumer.

  The merchandising unit according to the present invention can be mounted on a substantially horizontal support surface such as a storefront table or counter. Alternatively, the merchandising unit according to the invention can be mounted on a vertical support surface such as a wall. In a preferred embodiment, the merchandising unit is a wall mounted merchandising unit that is mounted behind a counter or bar, for example.

  The support unit of the merchandising unit of the present invention has a function of combining a function of coupling the merchandising unit to the support surface and a function of supporting the housing containing the consumer goods. The shape of the coupling means for coupling the merchandising unit to the support surface depends on the orientation of the support surface.

  If the merchandising unit is adapted to be mounted on a vertical surface such as a wall, the coupling means takes the form of a rail or bar and mounting means such as screws or bolts for fixing the rail or bar to the wall It is preferable to contain. The at least one hinged support arm is preferably coupled to one or both ends of the rail or bar so that it can pivot relative to the support unit. In another embodiment, the coupling means can include a support frame formed of two or more coupled rails or bars.

  If the merchandising unit is to be mounted or stood on a horizontal surface such as a counter, the coupling means may optionally be suitable mounting means such as screws or bolts with a base that can be placed directly on the support surface Preferably, it is in the form of an independent column or frame that can be secured to the support surface.

  The merchandising unit according to the invention comprises one or more elongated hinged support arms, each of which is preferably pivotable relative to the coupling means. Preferably, one end of each support arm is pivotally coupled to the coupling means and the opposite end of each support arm is pivotally coupled to the housing. Each support arm can include a single rigid arm portion. Alternatively, each support arm can be formed of two or more coupling arm portions. These coupling arm portions can be coupled together so that the arm portions can move relative to each other. For example, these coupling arm portions can be coupled together in a hinged joint or in a folded or nested configuration to extend the support arm.

  The housing of the merchandising unit according to the invention can take any suitable form for containing consumer goods. The housing is preferably in the form of a substantially parallelepiped box.

  The housing is mounted on at least one hinged support arm for movement relative to the support arm. The housing is preferably mounted so that it can pivot with respect to the support arm. The housing is preferably rotatable between a closed position and an open position about a substantially vertical axis. The housing is preferably coupled to each hinged support arm at an attachment point and is pivotable about the attachment point. The attachment point is preferably provided on the top of the housing. Typically, this configuration maximizes the freedom of rotation of the housing relative to the support arm when the axis of rotation is vertical. When incorporating two or more hinged support arms, the attachment points are preferably provided at the top and bottom of the housing.

  These one or more attachment points can be provided approximately at the center such that the housing rotates about the central axis. Alternatively, these one or more attachment points can be provided eccentric so that the rotation shaft is provided on one side of the housing.

  Instead of or in addition to being pivotable relative to the support arm, the housing can be mounted for translational sliding with respect to the support arm. For example, the housing can be mounted so that it can slide along the support arm before rotating to the open position. This configuration can be realized, for example, by providing a track on the support arm and attaching a part of the support arm on the support arm so that the track can move along the track. Those skilled in the art will know suitable configurations.

  The housing preferably includes a first compartment for containing consumer goods. The first compartment preferably includes an access opening that allows access to the consumer goods in the open position of the housing. The access opening is preferably covered when the housing is in the closed position. For example, in the closed position, the access opening can be placed in contact with the support surface to which the merchandising unit is attached so that the access opening is not accessible.

  In some embodiments, the consumer goods in the first compartment may be visible to the consumer when the housing is moved to the open position. For example, the cover of the access opening can be removed, or it can be covered with a transparent cover. In other embodiments, the consumer goods in the first compartment may not be visible to the consumer when the housing is moved to the open position. In any case, a further second compartment can be provided for displaying the consumer goods in the open position of the housing. A single or a small number of consumer goods can be placed in the second compartment so that the consumer goods or their exterior are clearly displayed.

  The housing preferably further includes a cover panel coupled to the housing along the hinge line. The cover panel is pivotable about a hinge line between a closed position where the access opening of the first compartment is covered by the cover panel and an open position where the access opening is not covered. The cover panel may be at least partially formed of a substantially transparent material so that the consumer goods in the first compartment are visible through the cover panel at the second position of the support arm. Alternatively, the cover panel can be formed of an opaque material that prevents the consumer goods in the first compartment from being seen.

  The housing of the merchandising unit according to the invention preferably further comprises means for mounting the consumer goods contained therein. Incorporating such mounting means may be desirable to facilitate the placement and provision of consumer goods. For example, one or more racks or stands for stacking consumer goods can be provided in the housing. Alternatively, the consumer goods can be stacked in one or more cassettes optionally including a spring mechanism to assist in the provision of the consumer goods.

  The first compartment may further include light for illuminating the consumer goods contained in the compartment when the housing is in the open position and any cover panel is open so that the consumer goods are easier to see. preferable. This can be particularly advantageous when the store illuminance is low. Where the housing includes a second compartment, it is preferable to provide light for illuminating the displayed consumer goods in the second compartment. Alternatively or in addition, means may be provided in the merchandising unit for controlling at least one of the temperature or humidity of the compartment within the housing.

  It is preferable to apply a picture or a letter to the outer surface including any cover panel of the housing. For example, this may reflect the brand of consumer goods in or related to the housing, or may advertise completely different consumer goods. Alternatively or in addition, the housing may include one or more regions with a picture or text on the inner surface. Thus, these pictures and characters will only be visible when the housing is moved to its open position. For example, when a cover panel is provided to cover the access opening, a picture or letter may be applied to the inner surface of the cover panel so that the consumer can see it when the cover panel is opened.

  In some preferred embodiments, the housing includes one or more lighting panels for covering the consumer goods in its closed position. For example, a lighting panel can be provided on the panel or wall that forms the front wall of the housing in the closed position. This advantageously attracts attention to the merchandising unit, especially in dark environments. This lighting panel can also be used to increase the visibility of any brand or picture applied on the housing displayed in the closed position.

  The merchandising unit according to the invention preferably further comprises one or more further storage compartments for containing consumer goods. The consumer goods in this further compartment may be the same as or different from the consumer goods in the first compartment.

  In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support arm is in contact with the support surface to which the merchandising unit is attached at a first position of the at least one hinged support arm of the support unit. Thus, to move the support arm to a second position where the housing can be moved to the open position, the support arm must be rotated away from the support surface.

  This support arm configuration is particularly convenient when the coupling means is a wall mounted merchandising unit mounted on a vertical wall. In the first position, the hinged support arm can be brought into contact with the wall so that the merchandising unit takes up minimal space and does not protrude significantly from the wall. In this position, the merchandising unit can resemble an ordinary wall mounted unit or cabinet. Only when it is desirable to display consumer goods in the housing, the hinged support arm and the housing need only be rotated away from the wall. While the hinged support arm is in position in contact with the wall or other support surface, the housing must move from the closed position because the central axis that the housing must pivot on is in contact with the support surface. Is prevented by the support surface. However, in some embodiments, when the housing is in the open position, the hinged support arm can be returned to a first position that contacts the support surface.

  The support unit preferably includes a pair of opposed hinged support arms, and a housing is mounted between the opposed support arms. This configuration provides additional support to the housing and can be particularly beneficial when the housing is relatively large or heavy. Each of the hinged support arms is preferably coupled to a coupling means for attaching the merchandising unit to the support surface. In some embodiments, two opposing support arms can be coupled to each other as well as coupled to the coupling means. For example, the two support arms can be integrally formed in a fork-type configuration or can be coupled together through an intermediate support arm or unit. This allows the pair of hinged support arms to be conveniently moved together with respect to the coupling means.

  The merchandising unit according to the invention is applied in particular as a merchandising unit for the display and sale of packs of smoking articles. The merchandising unit can accommodate different numbers, sizes and shapes of smoking article packs and can be configured to display these packs in various ways.

  The invention will now be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the merchandising unit according to the present invention with the hinged support arm in the first position and the housing in the closed position. FIG. 2 shows the merchandising unit of FIG. 1 with the hinged support arm in the second position and the housing in the closed position. FIG. 3 shows the merchandising unit of FIGS. 1 and 2 with the hinged support arm in the first position and the housing in the open position.

  The merchandising unit 10 of FIGS. 1-3 is adapted to be mounted on a substantially vertical wall and includes a support unit 12 and a housing 14 for housing a plurality of smoking article packs (not shown). Including.

  In the following description, the terms “top”, “bottom”, “front” and “rear” refer to the figure in which the support arms 20, 22 of the support unit 12 are in a first position and the housing 14 is in a closed position. The relative position of the component of the merchandising unit 10 of the structure shown in 1 is shown.

  The support unit 12 includes a vertical support bar 18 that includes attachment means (not shown) for coupling the support bar to the wall. The first end portion of the upper support arm 20 is attached to the upper end portion of the support bar 18, and the first end portion of the lower support arm 22 facing the lower support portion 20 is attached to the lower end portion of the support bar 20. The upper support arm 20 and the lower support arm 22 are joined together by a substantially vertical member 24 to form a C-shaped frame 26. The first support arm 20 and the second support arm 22 are pivotally attached to both ends of the support bar 18 so that the C-shaped frame 26 has the first position shown in FIG. 1 and the second position shown in FIG. It is possible to rotate with respect to the support bar 18 between these positions.

  The housing 14 has a first compartment 28 for storing a plurality of smoking article packs and three display packs located above the first compartment 28 and showing the smoking article packs in the first compartment 28 (FIG. A generally rectangular parallelepiped cabinet including a second compartment 30 including a space 32 for displaying (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the first compartment 28 includes a plurality of vertical channels or racks in which a plurality of packs can be stacked vertically with the end face of each pack facing outward. The first compartment 28 includes an access opening 34 in the rear wall of the housing through which a smoking article pack can be removed.

  A cover panel 36 is coupled to the housing 14 along a hinge line extending along the right end of the access opening 34. The cover panel 36 is pivoted away from the first compartment 28, with the cover panel 36 pivoting away from the first compartment 28, as shown in FIG. Pivot between the open position shown in FIG. 3 where the opening 34 becomes uncovered. The cover panel 36 is formed of a substantially opaque material so that the smoking article pack in the first compartment is not visible through the panel 36 in the closed position shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the second compartment 30 includes three spaced spaces for display packs, which are arranged in the second compartment 30 with the front of each pack facing outward. The As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second compartment 30 is not covered so that the display pack is visible whenever the rear wall of the housing 14 is visible.

  The housing 14 includes a front wall 38 formed of an illuminating panel, which when the front wall 38 is in the closed position shown in FIG. cover.

  The center of the upper wall and the center of the bottom wall of the housing 14 are respectively coupled between the upper support arm 20 and the lower support arm 22 at opposite mounting points 40. This allows the housing 14 to rotate about a substantially vertical axis extending between the attachment points 40 when the support arms 20, 22 are in the second position shown in FIG. The housing 14 can rotate about this axis between a closed position shown in FIG. 1 and an open position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In the closed position, the front wall 38 of the housing 14 faces outward. In the open position, the rear wall of the housing 14 faces outward. In the open position, a consumer standing in front of the merchandising unit 10 can see the display pack in the space 32. To access the smoking article pack in the first compartment 28, the cover panel 36 can be opened.

  FIG. 1 shows the merchandising unit 10 with the support arms 20 and 22 in the first position. In this position, the support arm is positioned substantially parallel to the wall surface to which the merchandising unit is attached. The housing 14 is in a closed position with the front wall 38 facing outward. The pack of smoking articles in the housing 14 is not visible and cannot be accessed. In this position, the wall to which the merchandising unit is attached prevents the housing 14 from rotating toward the open position so that the housing 14 is held in the closed position.

  To access the pack of smoking articles in the first compartment 28, these are initially centered around the support bar 18 in order to move the support arms 20, 22 away from the wall to the second position shown in FIG. The arm must be rotated. In the second position, the support arms 20, 22 extend outwardly substantially perpendicularly from the wall. The housing 14 is free to rotate from a closed position with the front wall 38 facing outward to an open position shown in FIG. 2 with the rear wall facing outward. Next, the support arms 20, 22 can be rotated about the support bar 18 to return the arms to contact the wall as shown in FIG. Accordingly, the support arms 20 and 22 are returned to the start position, but the housing 14 is in the open position.

  In the open position shown in FIG. 3, the consumer can see the display pack in the space 32. To access the pack in the first compartment 28, the cover panel 36 must be moved away from the rest of the housing 14 and rotated from the closed position shown in FIG. 2 to the open position shown in FIG. As a result, the cover of the access opening 34 in the first compartment is removed, and the pack in the first compartment 28 can be taken out through the access opening 34.

  Once the smoking article pack is provided, the merchandising unit 10 can be returned to the position shown in FIG. 1 with the housing 14 in the closed position and the support arms 20, 22 in the first position contacting the wall.

10 Merchandising unit 12 Support unit 14 Housing 18 Support bar 20 Support arm 22 Support arm 24 Member 26 C-shaped frame 38 Front wall

Claims (12)

A merchandising unit for consumer goods,
Coupling means for attaching the merchandising unit to a support surface; and at least one hinged support arm extending from the coupling means and movable relative to the coupling means between a first position and a second position A support unit comprising:
A housing for containing the consumer goods;
The housing with respect to the at least one hinged support arm in a closed position where at least some of the consumer goods in the housing are not visible, and at least of the consumer goods not visible in the closed position of the housing Mounted on the at least one hinged support arm so that it can move between an open position where some are visible;
In the first position of the at least one hinged support arm, the housing is held in the closed position, and in the second position of the at least one hinged support arm, the housing is moved from the closed position to the closed position. Movable between open positions,
Merchandising unit characterized by that. The housing is mounted for pivotal movement relative to the at least one hinged support arm;
The merchandising unit according to claim 1. Accessible to the interior of the housing in the open position;
The merchandising unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The housing includes a first compartment for receiving the consumer good, the first compartment including an access opening that allows access to the consumer good in the open position of the housing;
The merchandising unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The housing further includes a second compartment for displaying the consumer good in the open position of the housing;
The merchandising unit according to claim 4. The housing further includes a cover panel coupled to the housing along a hinge line, wherein the cover panel covers the access opening of the first compartment with the hinge line as a center. Pivotable between a closed position and an open position where the access opening is not covered;
The merchandising unit according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that The housing further includes an illumination panel for covering the consumer goods in the closed position of the housing;
The merchandising unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The at least one hinged support arm is adapted to contact the support surface in the first position and rotates away from the support surface to move toward the second position;
The merchandising unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that Means for disposing a plurality of consumer goods in the housing;
The merchandising unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The at least one support arm includes a pair of opposing hinged support arms and the housing is mounted between the opposing support arms;
The merchandising unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The pair of opposing support arms are coupled,
The merchandising unit according to claim 10.   12. A merchandising unit according to any of claims 1 to 11 for containing a pack of smoking articles.

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