MXPA06008363A - Shelf display apparatus for absorbent articles packaged in flexible film - Google Patents

Abstract

A shelf display apparatus (100, 200, 300) for storing absorbent articles (800) packaged in a flexible film (805) in a substantially upright position on a shelf (900). The apparatus (100, 200, 300) includes a substantially horizontal top support member (110, 210, 310) having a proximate end and a distal end (113, 115 213, 215, 313, 315). The apparatus includes a first vertical support member (120, 220, 320) and a second vertical support (130, 230, 330). Both vertical supports being substantially vertical and both having an upper and lower end (123, 125, 223, 225, 323, 325). Moreover, the first upper end is joined to the proximate end (113, 213, 313) of the top support member and the first lower end (125, 225, 325) is connected to a shelf (900). Similarly, the second upper end 133, 233, 333) is joined to the distal end (115, 215, 315) of the top support member and the second lower end (135, 235, 335) is connected to the shelf (900). The top support member (110, 210, 310) has a non-linear portion to provide further upright support of the packaged absorbent articles (800). The non-linear portion shape may consistof curves, triangles, rectangles, random patterns and combinations thereof.

Description

EXHIBITOR APPARATUS FOR ABSORBENT ITEMS PACKAGED IN A FLEXIBLE FILM FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an exhibiting apparatus for storing absorbent articles packaged in a flexible film, in a non-vertical position Tactically vertical on a shelf.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Consumer products are commonly sold in retail stores that market these products by placing them on shelves in the store. Many consumer products stand on their own (eg cereal boxes, soup cans), so they do not need a support device when placed on a shelf. However, other consumer products are not fully supported by themselves. Of these products that are not fully supported by themselves, some require special orientation on the shelf (eg containers that have distinctive surface-oriented markings). A specific example of interest is that of absorbent articles (for example disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons and pantyhose). Many absorbent articles are packaged in a flexible film (for example low density polyethylene). Once packaged, generally the shape of the resulting package is rectangular. In general, these rectangular shapes have a larger front and back surface that provide the majority of the surface area to place distinctive surface markings (eg graphics, text or images). However, basic scientific principles (for example, the center of gravity) stipulate that the rectangular-shaped container is more stable when placed on one of these larger surfaces. In this way, distinctive surface marks are not visible to consumers, especially when one container is stacked on top of another (see the example of the previous industry of Figure 1, where a variety of absorbent articles 800 are shown). If the consumer can not find the product he wants on the shelf among a large number of stacked containers, he is less likely to buy the appropriate product for his particular application, which results in potential discontent with all the products of the product. brand. In addition, when consumers search among several product piles to find the desired selection, they are more likely to mix the product versions with each other. As a result, the buying experience of a subsequent consumer is disrupted. In addition to the frustration experienced by the consumer, the store employee experiences similar difficulties when trying to determine the quantities that must be ordered again and the appropriate location of the product. What is needed is a display apparatus for storing absorbent articles, packaged in a flexible film, in a practically vertical position. Such an apparatus would have to present these containers with a better orientation, which results in an improved identification of the product both for the consumer and for the store employee.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A display apparatus for storing absorbent articles, packaged in a flexible film, in a practically vertical position on a shelf. The apparatus includes a substantially horizontal upper support member with a proximal end and a distal end. The apparatus also includes a first vertical support member and a second vertical support. Both vertical supports are practically vertical and have an upper and lower end. In addition, the first upper end is attached to the proximal end of the upper support member and the first lower end is attached to a shelf. Similarly, the second upper end is attached to the distal end of the upper support member and the second lower end is attached to the shelf. The upper support member has a non-linear portion to provide additional vertical support of the packaged absorbent articles. The non-linear portion can extend any length of the upper support member. The non-linear portion has a shape selected from the group comprising curves, triangles, rectangles, random patterns and combinations of these. The apparatus may also include a first clamping mechanism that is attached to the first lower end of the first vertical support member. The first clamping mechanism joins the apparatus to the shelf. The first clamping mechanism can be a substantially horizontal bottom plate and at least one clamping means, wherein the bottom plate can be substantially parallel and juxtaposed with respect to the shelf, and said clamping means firmly connects the bottom plate to the shelf. Alternatively, the first clamping mechanism may be a U-shaped bracket that is partially inserted through the shelf. Alternatively, the first fastening mechanism may be a latching member that is inserted through a receiving area of an edge of the shelf. Similarly, the apparatus may also include a second clamping mechanism which is attached to the second lower end of the second vertical support member.

The second clamping mechanism joins the apparatus to the shelf. The second clamping mechanism can be a substantially horizontal bottom plate and at least one clamping means, wherein the bottom plate can be substantially parallel and juxtaposed with respect to the shelf, and said clamping means firmly attaches the bottom plate to the shelf. Alternatively, the second clamping mechanism may be a U-shaped bracket that is partially inserted through the shelf. Alternatively, the second clamping mechanism may be a latching member that is inserted through a receiving area of a shelf edge. The apparatus may also include a substantially solid wall located below the upper support member and disposed between the first vertical support member and the second vertical support member. The wall provides additional support and facilitates the handling of said device for its location on the shelf. The absorbent articles may be selected from the group comprising disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons, and panty-pads. The relevant parts of all the cited documents are incorporated herein by reference; the mention of any document should not be construed as an admission that it constitutes a prior industry with respect to the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Although the specification concludes with the claims that in particular indicate and clearly claim the present invention, it is considered that this will be better understood from the following description of the preferred embodiments considered together with the accompanying figures, in which like numbers Reference identifies identical elements and numbers with the same two final digits. Identify the corresponding elements between modalities, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the previous industry, where the packaged absorbent articles are stacked one on top of the other, which results in a confusing presentation for both the employee of the store as for the consumer; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the display apparatus in accordance with the present invention, wherein a packaged absorbent article is held in a substantially vertical position on a store shelf so that the distinctive surface markings are easily distinguishable for both the store employee and the consumer; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 2, wherein the item and the bumper is indexed and filled to clearly depict the display apparatus attached to the store shelf; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of Figure 5 3; Figure 5 is a right side elevation view of a portion of the apparatus of Figure 4, showing the mechanical connection between the clamping mechanism and the store shelf; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an exhibit apparatus in accordance with the present invention. Figure 7 is a right side elevation view of a portion of the apparatus of Figure 6, showing the mechanical connection between the clamping mechanism and the store shelf; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an exhibiting apparatus in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 9 is a right side elevational view of a portion of the apparatus of Figure 8, showing the mechanical connection between the clamping mechanism and the store shelf.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Reference will now be made in detail to various illustrative embodiments of the invention, several of which are also illustrated in the accompanying figures. Figure 2 discloses a first non-limiting illustrative embodiment of a display apparatus 100 that is adapted to store the absorbent articles 800 packaged in a flexible film 805 (hereinafter referred to collectively as "packages") on a store shelf 900. 800 containers have, generally, a practically rectangular shape and surface distinguishing marks on at least one of its sides of greater surface area 807. Preferably, the apparatus 100 is adapted to store the containers 800 in such a way that the larger surface area side 807 that has the distinctive surface markings are oriented towards the consumer (for example on the front of the shelf 900). Figures 3 to 5 illustrate in more detail the apparatus 100, which has a substantially horizontal upper support member 110. The upper support member 110 has a proximal end 113 and a distal end 115. The upper support member 110 is held vertically by a first vertical support member 120 and a second vertical support member 130. More specifically, said first vertical support member 120 has a first upper end 123 and a first lower end 125, wherein said first upper end 123 is attached to the proximal end 113 of the upper support member 110 and wherein said first lower end 125 is attached to the shelf 900. Similarly, the second vertical support member 130 has a second upper end 133 and a second lower end 135, wherein said second upper end 1 33 is attached to the distal end 115 of the upper support member 110 and wherein the second lower end 135 is connected to the rack 900. The upper support member 110 together with the first vertical support member 120 and the second support member see Tical 130 provides a support structure for orienting and storing containers 800 in a substantially vertical position in a store rack 900. In addition, the upper support member 110 may have a non-linear portion 112 that helps prevent containers 800 from moving in the longitudinal direction along the shelf 900 and towards an adjacent absorbent article, thus reducing the risk of producing a domino effect of falling packages. A person with experience in the industry will appreciate that the non-linear portion 112 can extend any portion of the length of the upper support member 110, including practically the total length. A person with experience in the industry will also appreciate that the non-linear form can take any form or shape, including, but not limited to, curves (shown herein), triangles, rectangles, random patterns, etc., and combinations of these. A first clamping mechanism 140 and a second clamping mechanism 150 are provided for attaching the apparatus 100 to the tent rack 900. More specifically, the first clamping mechanism 140 may have a substantially horizontal bottom plate 142 and a fastening means 144, wherein the lower plate 142 may be substantially parallel and juxtaposed with respect to the store shelf 900 and the fastening means 144 firmly attaches said lower plate 142 to said store rack 900. The shelf of store 900 has a shelf surface 903 on which apparatus 100 and containers 800 are placed. Further, store shelf 900 may have holes 905 through which the securing means 144 is passed inwardly (or through) the body region of the shelf 907. Although the store shelf 900 has a substantially hollow body region 907 shown in the application herein, a person with industry experience will appreciate that the body region 907 can be practically solid and notches can be used instead of holes 905 to receive the fastening means 144. The second fastening mechanism 1 50 can be ta Tactically identical at said first clamping mechanism 140, wherein a similar clamping means 154 and a lower plate 152 can be used. However, a person with experience in the industry will also appreciate that the first clamping mechanism 140 and the second clamping mechanism 150 may be different and not necessarily combinations of the various clamping means described herein. Figures 6 to 7 describe a second non-limiting illustrative embodiment of an exhibit apparatus 200 that is adapted to store packages (not shown) on a store shelf 900. The apparatus 200 may have a top support member 210 with a proximal end 213 and a distal end 215. The upper support member 210 is supported vertically by a first vertical support member 220 and a second vertical support member 230. More specificallysaid first vertical support member 220 has a first upper end 223 and a first lower end 225, wherein said first upper end 223 is attached to a proximal end 213 of the upper support member 210 and wherein said first lower end 225 it is attached to the shelf 900. Similarly, the second vertical support member 230 has a second upper end 233 and a second lower end 235, wherein said second upper end 233 is attached to the distal end 215 of the upper support member 210. and wherein the second lower end 235 is attached to the shelf 900. The upper support member 210 together with the first vertical support member 220 and the second vertical support member 230 provide a support structure for orienting and storing containers 800 in a almost vertical position on the store shelf 900. In addition, the upper support member 210 may have a non-linear portion 212 that it helps to prevent the containers 800 from moving in the longitudinal direction along the shelf 900 and towards an adjacent absorbent article, thus reducing the risk of producing a domino effect of falling packages. A person with experience in the industry will appreciate that the non-linear portion 212 can extend any portion of the length of the upper support member 210, including practically the total length. A person with experience in the industry will also appreciate that the non-linear form can take any form or shape including, but not limited to, curves (shown herein), triangles, rectangles, random patterns, etc., and combinations thereof . A first clamping mechanism 240 and a second clamping mechanism 250 are provided for attaching the apparatus 200 to the tent rack 900. More specifically, the first clamping mechanism 240 may be a U-shaped bracket that is partially inserted through orifices 905 (or notches, as mentioned above) to provide vertical support for the first vertical support member 220. The second securing mechanism 250 can be substantially identical to said first securing mechanism 240, where a similar bracket can be used. U-shaped. However, a person with experience in the industry will also appreciate that the first clamping mechanism 240 and the second clamping mechanism 250 may be different and not necessarily combinations of the various clamping means described in FIG. I presented. Figures 8 to 9 describe a third non-limiting illustrative embodiment of an exhibit apparatus 300 that is adapted to store packages (not shown) on a store shelf 900. While it is similar in construction to the first and second modes, the apparatus 300 may also incorporate a substantially solid wall 311 which helps provide additional structural support and facilitates the handling of said apparatus for placement on the rack 900. Similarly, the apparatus 300 may have an upper support member 310 with a proximal end 313 and distal end 315. Upper support member 310 is supported vertically by a first vertical support member 320 and a second vertical support member 330. More specifically, said first vertical support member 320 has a first upper end 323 and a first lower end 325, wherein said first upper end 323 is attached to the proximal end 313 of the upper support member 310 and wherein said first lower end 325 is attached to the rack 900. Similarly, the second vertical support member 330 has a second upper end 333 and a second lower end 335, wherein said upper end 333 is attached to the distal end 315 of the upper support member 310 and wherein the second lower end 335 is attached to the rack 900. The upper support member 310 together with the first vertical support member 320, the second vertical support member 330 and the wall 311 provide a support structure for orienting and storing containers 800 in a substantially vertical position on a store shelf 900. In addition, the upper support member 310 and the wall 311 may have a non-linear portion 312 which helps prevent the containers 800 from moving longitudinally along the shelf 900 and towards an adjacent absorbent article, thus reducing the risk of producing a domino effect of falling packages. A person with experience in the industry will appreciate that the non-linear portion 112 can extend any portion of the length of the upper support member 310 and the wall 311, including practically the total length. A person with experience in the industry will also appreciate that the non-linear form can take any form or shape including, but not limited to, curves (shown herein), triangles, rectangles, random patterns, etc., and combinations thereof . A first clamping mechanism 340 and a second clamping mechanism 350 are provided to join the apparatus 300 to the tent rack 900. More specifically, the first clamping mechanism 340 may be a latching member that is inserted through a receiving area. 913 of the edge of a shelf 909 to provide the vertical support of the first vertical support member 320. The shelf edge 909 may be an integral portion of the shelf 900 or may be attached to said shelf by a link mechanism 911 through holes (or notches) 905. Additionally, an advertisement 915 (such as a card or label) may be inserted or fixed on the shelf edge 909 to communicate all types of product information to the store employee or to the consumer (e.g. , size, type, quantity, quality, price, discounts and minimum stock on the shelf, location in the repository, etc.). The second clamping mechanism 350 can be practically identical to said first clamping mechanism 340, where a similar clamping member can be used. However, a person with experience in the industry will also appreciate that the first clamping mechanism 340 and the second clamping mechanism 350 may be different and not necessarily combinations of the various clamping means described herein. Additionally, the first and second mechanism 350 can be a single integral part running longitudinally along the shelf 900 to help provide additional structural support and facilitate alignment and insertion of the apparatus 300 for placement on the shelf 900. Finally, the apparatus 300 may have a trailing edge that is not necessarily adapted for the use of an advertisement card or label, especially when the rear side of the shelf is not directly visible.

The display apparatus contemplated herein may be manufactured in any suitable manner that provides sufficient rigidity for its intended purpose, including, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, plastic, etc. While the advantages of the present invention can be appreciated, of course, in a store shelf, the present invention can also be taken into account for other locations in which it is necessary to design and store packaging (for example). example the home of a consumer). Although the container 800 generally has a substantially rectangular shape, a person skilled in the industry will appreciate that other forms (e.g., trapezoidal) can be used with the present invention, as exemplified in the co-pending patent applications WO 01/68022A1 (filed on May 10, 2000, published September 9, 2001), and the US patent. UU no. of series 10 / 423,425 (filed on April 25, 2003, claiming priority on May 28, 2002). Additionally, the present invention can be especially useful for absorbent article packages in which these articles are not highly compacted within the flexible film so that the package does not fully support itself, as exemplified in co-pending patent applications WO 01 / 68022A1 (filed May 10, 2000, published September 9, 2001). Even though the particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear to those with experience in the industry that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. It has been intended, therefore, to cover in the appended claims all changes and modifications that are within the scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

1. A display apparatus for storing absorbent articles, packaged in a flexible film, in a practically vertical position on a shelf; The apparatus is characterized by: A top support member; the upper support member is substantially horizontal and has a proximal end and a distal end; a first vertical support member; the first vertical support member is practically vertical and has a first upper end and a lower first end, characterized in that the first upper end is attached to the proximal end of the upper support member, characterized in that the first lower end is attached to a shelf; and a second vertical support member; the second vertical support member is practically vertical and has a second upper end and a second lower end, end of the upper extremity is located at the extreme end of the upper support member and because the second lower end it is attached to a shelf; wherein the upper member, the first vertical support member and the second vertical support member jointly provide a structural support for mounting and imaging packaged absorbent articles in a substantially vertical position on a shelf.

The apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that the upper support member has a non-linear portion to provide additional vertical support of the packaged absorbent articles.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further characterized in that the non-linear portion extends substantially the total length of said upper support member.

The apparatus according to claim 2, further characterized in that the non-linear portion has a shape selected from the group comprising curves, triangles, rectangles, random patterns and combinations thereof.

The apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises a first clamping mechanism; the first clamping mechanism is attached to the first lower end of the first vertical support member, and the first clamping mechanism attaches the apparatus to the shelf.

The apparatus according to claim 5, further characterized in that the first clamping mechanism has a substantially horizontal bottom plate and at least one clamping means, wherein the bottom plate can be substantially parallel and juxtaposed with respect to the rack, wherein the fastening means firmly attaches the bottom plate to the shelf.

The apparatus according to claim 5, further characterized in that the first clamping mechanism is a U-shaped bracket that is partially inserted through the rack.

The apparatus according to claim 5, further characterized in that the first clamping mechanism is a latching member that is inserted through a receiving area of an edge of the shelf.

The apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises a substantially solid wall which is located below the upper support member and disposed between the first vertical support member and the second vertical support member; the wall provides additional support and facilitates the handling of the appliance for its placement on the shelf.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that the absorbent articles are selected from the group comprising disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons, and pantiliners.