TWI497452B - Merchandising unit with display assembly - Google Patents

Description

Sales equipment with display components

The present invention relates to a vending apparatus having at least one compartment equipped with a display assembly. The present invention finds particular utility as a smoking article selling device.

Many different types of merchandised equipment are used to store, dispense and display consumer goods at a point of sale. For example, in a store or a sales stand, most of the consumer goods are displayed on free standing or wall mounted shelf equipment or gantry. However, it would be preferable to dispense certain items from equipment that can be arbitrarily shaded or closed between each sale. This prevents the item from being directly captured or seen by the consumer.

Therefore, there is a need to provide a novel consumer product vending device that will provide greater flexibility in the storage and display of consumer products at the point of sale.

According to the present invention, there is provided a consumer product vending apparatus comprising: a first compartment for containing such consumer products, the first compartment having a first opening and including a first display assembly. The first display assembly includes a first plurality of closure panels, and each of the closure panels can be pivoted or rotated. Through the pivoting or rotation of the closure panel, the first display assembly is movable to a closed state in which the closure panel covers the first opening and an opening in which the closure panel is pivoted or rotated to allow the first opening to be at least partially opened shape Between states. The merchandising apparatus further includes an actuating means for pivoting or rotating the first plurality of closure panels substantially synchronously.

A plurality of closure panels or louvers in the first display assembly form a "louver" configuration, as is often used in curtains or visors. Preferably, the closure panels of the first display assembly are configured to be substantially parallel to each other.

The vending apparatus of the present invention provides greater flexibility in the display and access of consumer products at the point of sale. The first compartment may remain closed or closed so that the consumer product is inaccessible until the retailer chooses to move the first display assembly to the open state. This has many advantages. For example, the visibility of consumer products at the point of sale can be controlled as needed. The retailer can choose whether to show or hide the consumer products by using a display component that can be easily moved between the closed state and the open state. Alternatively, or in addition, it may be advantageous for the retailer to maintain the display assembly in a closed state, at which point all conditions within the first compartment may be controlled. For example, it may be advantageous to use the present invention when the temperature and humidity of the first compartment are necessarily controlled. The passage of the consumer product can be conveniently and quickly provided by moving the first display assembly to the open state for a short period of time such that various conditions within the first compartment are affected as small as possible.

The closure panel can be formed in any suitable shape or size, preferably in the form of a rectangular strip, such that the length of each panel is significantly greater than its width. Typically, the closure panels will be substantially the same size and shape to each other, although this will depend on the shape of the opening of the first compartment.

Preferably, each of the closure panels is mounted along a longitudinal axis, and the shaft The wires then extend along the length of the panel; and optimally, the closure panels are mounted such that their longitudinal axes are substantially parallel to each other. The closure panels of the first display assembly can be mounted such that their longitudinal axes lie in a generally horizontal or vertical direction. Preferably, the closure panels are each mounted in a generally vertical orientation such that they are pivotable about a vertical axis.

Each of the closure panels is pivotable or rotatable about a longitudinal axis along which the panel is mounted. The lateral position of the longitudinal axis across the width of the panel is variable depending on the direction and extent of the desired pivotal motion. The closure panels can be pivoted clockwise or counterclockwise or in both directions. Where the closure panels are mounted along a longitudinal axis that is at or near the edge of the panel, the panels can be pivoted or rotated outwardly from the opening of the first compartment to the first compartment. Within the space.

The closure panels can be constructed of any suitable material including, but not limited to, metal, plastic, glass, or rigid fiber materials. Such closure panels may be substantially transparent in the absence of control of the visible condition of the consumer product. However, the closure panel is preferably made of a material that is low in light transmission so that it cannot be seen through such panels. More preferably, the closure panel is completely opaque. This means that when these closing panels cover the first compartment, the consumer goods located in this compartment will not be visible.

In the closed state of the first display assembly, the closure panels are preferably flat such that no gaps exist between adjacent panels and a plurality of panels form a solid wall or curtain on the first opening. The panels can be laid flush with each other on a substantially identical plane, and only the edges of the phased panels can be in contact. Alternatively, the edges of adjacent panels may overlap each other. If there are gaps in the panels, the spacing can be selected based on the width of the panels (and the degree of overlap required in the closed state).

In order to move the display assembly from the closed state to the open state, the closure panels are pivoted or rotated by an angle of 110 degrees. All of the closure panels are pivoted substantially synchronously, and all closure panels are preferably pivoted at the same or similar angles. The closer the pivoting panel pivots or rotates from its closed starting position to the 90 degree angle, the larger the area in which the first opening is opened, and thus the greater the visibility of the consumer product within the first compartment. Preferably, in the open state, the closure panels are substantially perpendicular to the plane of the first opening in the first compartment such that the first opening can be opened to a maximum extent. In the open state, the counterfeit goods can be seen through the interval between the closed panels. Preferably, the closure panels are relatively thin. Thus, in the open state, when the panels are at an angle of 90 degrees to the plane of the first opening, the side edges of the panels occupy the first opening as small as possible.

The spacing of the closure panels of the first display assembly can vary depending on whether it is desired to provide access to the consumer products in the first compartment via the display assembly. For example, the closure panels can be configured to be spaced relatively close together such that when the display assembly is in the open state, the gaps or spacing between the panels are less than the size of the consumer product within the first compartment. In this case, although the consumer product can be seen by the consumer, it cannot be removed from the first compartment of the vending device, and the first compartment only provides the display. Alternatively, the closure panels can be spaced wider so that when the display assembly is open The gap or spacing between the panels can be wide enough for the retailer to remove the consumer product from the first compartment via such gaps.

The actuating means of the vending apparatus of the present invention acts on the closure panels to cause their or the like to pivot or rotate synchronously. Many of the applicable motivating means are well known to those skilled in the art. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the actuating means comprises a plurality of parallel bars or arms, wherein each of the closing panels of the first display assembly is mounted on a member, and wherein the members are movable, The movement of the lever causes pivoting or rotation of the closure panel mounted thereon. The rods can be joined or joined together, either directly or indirectly, such that a simultaneous movement of one of the rods and a final synchronized rotation or rotation of the closure panels can be achieved. For example, the plurality of bars in the display assembly can be mounted as a conventional louver assembly.

Preferably, the vending apparatus implemented in accordance with this preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a first control means associated with the actuating means for operatively moving the first display assembly Between the open state and the closed state. The first control means can be an electric control means (such as an electrical switch) or a mechanical control means. Preferably, the first control means is disposed external to the merchandised equipment so that the retailer can easily access and use it.

The first control means can be adapted to provide an open state of the plurality of closure panels for use by the display assembly. Alternatively, the control means may be adapted to enable only the off state or the on state to be selected, with no other options between the two.

More preferably, the first control means includes a handle or a pedal configured to allow the first display assembly to be depressed during use, after pressing the handle or pedal It then moves from the off state to the on state. Thus, by applying a single force to this control means, all of the closure panels are pivoted or rotated to open the first display assembly. In the normal preset position of the merchandised equipment, the display assembly is thus in a closed condition to render the consumer product in the compartment invisible. However, the retailer can use the first control to easily and quickly open the display assembly so that the consumer product can be displayed and removed if necessary.

The first compartment of the vending apparatus implemented in accordance with the present invention may additionally include means for installing consumer goods to be contained therein. Preferably, such a means of installation is necessary to facilitate the alignment and dispensing of consumer products. For example, within the first compartment, one or more shelves or pedestals for stacking consumer products may be provided. Alternatively, the consumer product can be stacked in one or more cartridges, and such cartridges can optionally be equipped with a spring-loaded mechanism to assist in the dispensing of consumer products.

The first compartment may further include a light fixture for illuminating the consumer items contained in the compartment when the first display assembly is in an open state to make the consumer items more visible. Alternatively, or in addition, means for controlling at least one of the temperature or humidity of the first compartment may be provided in the merchandising apparatus.

The outer surfaces of the closure panels may be provided with, for example, graphics or text to reflect the brand of the associated merchandise or related merchandise within the first compartment, or may be advertised for completely different consumer products. Alternatively, or in addition, the closure panels may include one or more regions in which graphics or text are placed on the inner surface, and such graphics or text become only when the display assembly is moved to its open state. visible.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vending apparatus further includes: a second compartment for containing consumer items, and the second compartment has a second opening and includes a second display assembly. The second display assembly includes a plurality of second closure panels, wherein the closure panels are pivotable or rotatable to move the second display assembly to a closed state in which the closure panels cover the second opening and the second opening Between the open states that are at least partially opened. The second actuating means is preferably arranged such that the second plurality of closing panels of the second display assembly are pivotable or rotatable simultaneously.

A plurality of closure panels or louvers in the second display assembly, as often used in curtains or visors, form a "louver" configuration. Preferably, the closure panels of the second display assembly are configured to be substantially parallel to each other.

A vending device having two compartments implemented in accordance with this embodiment of the invention will provide even greater flexibility in the display and dispensing of consumer products.

The second display component is similar in form and function to the first display component. The second display assembly can have any of the aforementioned features associated with the first display assembly.

A second control means associated with the second actuating means is preferably arranged for operatively moving the second display assembly between an open state and a closed state. The second actuating means and the second control means may be similar or identical to the first actuating means and the first control means.

Preferably, the second control means can move the first and second display components Between the closed state and the open state. This allows the first display assembly and the second display assembly to be simultaneously opened so that the consumer items in the first compartment and the second compartment can be simultaneously displayed. In this case, the retailer may choose to use the first control means to open only the first display component or to use the second control means to open the two display components.

Preferably, both the first control means and the second control means comprise a pedal for the retailer to operate with the foot so that the retailer's hand remains free to access the consumer product.

The first compartment and the second compartment may be disposed anywhere in the merchandised equipment, and the combination may occupy all or only a portion of the apparatus, however, the first compartment and the second compartment are preferably Adjacent to or adjacent to the merchandised equipment, the consumer goods can be accessed.

The first display component and the second display component can be disposed on either side of the presently-selling device and can be disposed on the same side or on different sides of each other. Each display component may cover all or only a portion of the device. Preferably, at least one of the display assemblies is disposed on a side of the device such that once the display assembly has been opened, the consumer product can be displayed and accessed. This is typically located on the front side of the device, which is intended for the consumer when the device has been installed and placed.

The walls of the first and second compartments (without the display components) may be constructed of any suitable material. Preferably, the other wall materials used to form the first and second compartments have low light transmission such that the consumer product is not visible therethrough. This allows the consumer product to be completely hidden or obscured before the associated display component is moved to its open state.

The consumer goods in the second compartment may be the same as the consumer goods in the first compartment. Alternatively, the second compartment can accommodate a consumer product that is different from the one in which the first compartment is housed, such as a different type or brand of consumer product. The first compartment and the second compartment are sized and shaped to conform to the consumer product to be contained therein. The second compartment may have the same or a different size and shape than the first compartment.

The vending apparatus implemented in accordance with the present invention may additionally include one or more additional storage compartments for containing consumer products. This may be particularly desirable in the case where the consumer is not accessible due to the spacing of the panels being closed as described above. Any additional storage compartments provided in the merchandised equipment may be accessed via a movable wall (such as a sliding wall or panel) or a hinged door. Alternatively, the additional storage compartment may itself be movable relative to the remainder of the equipment being sold. For example, such storage compartments may be in the form of one or more drawers that are slidably moved into or out of the remainder of the merchandised equipment.

The equipment sold can be designed to be used independently, whether it is standing freely or mounted on a wall. Alternatively, the merchandised equipment can be suitably designed to be integrated into an existing counter-type fixture at a point of sale.

The size and shape of the vending device implemented in accordance with the present invention can be adapted to fit the consumer product contained therein. In addition, this size and shape can be varied to match the space in which the equipment to be sold will be placed. The outer surfaces of the equipment sold (including the surfaces of the closure panels) can be equipped with any desired surface finish. Such outer surfaces may optionally display graphics or text, such as brand or product information relating to consumer products contained within the device, or those associated with the retail store in which the device is placed.

Commercially available equipment implemented in accordance with the present invention has been found to be a particular use as a packet of cigarettes for displaying and dispensing a plurality of smoking articles. The merchandised equipment can be adapted to contain cigarette packets of different quantities, sizes and shapes of smoking articles, and is suitable for displaying these packets in a number of different ways.

The present invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a consumer product-selling apparatus in accordance with the present invention, wherein the first and second deployment components are in a closed state. .

The vending apparatus 10 in Fig. 1 is generally in the shape of a square body and includes a bottom unit 12 and a top unit 14 mounted on the bottom unit 12. The top unit 14 includes a rear wall, a left side wall, a right side wall 16, a top wall 18, and a bottom wall.

The terms "before", "after", "left" and "right" are based on the opinion of a consumer standing in front of the device.

The top unit 14 is divided into a left compartment and a right compartment by a central vertical partition, and the central partition is substantially parallel to the right side wall 16 and the left side wall. The left and right compartments are approximately equal in size and each has an opening at the front face of the top unit 14. The two compartments contain a plurality of cigarette packs of cigarettes which are stacked in a stack of spring-loaded cassettes. The cigarette packs are arranged in front of the cassettes so that their front faces can be displayed.

The opening of the left compartment is covered by a left display assembly 20; likewise, the opening of the right compartment is covered by a right display assembly 22. Figure 1 shows the vendor of the left display assembly 20 and the right display assembly 22, both in a closed state. The device 10 is sold such that the openings in each of the compartments are completely covered. In this state, the left display assembly 20 and the right display assembly 22 will form the front face of the top unit 14.

Each of the display assemblies 20, 22 is constructed of a louver assembly having three rectangular elongated panels 24 that are vertically mounted at the opening of the associated compartment. The length of the panels 24 corresponds to the height of the opening. Each panel 24 is mounted on an actuating means (not shown), such as a vertical arm, that extends between the top and bottom walls of the top unit. The ends of the vertical arms are mounted within the louver assembly so that they can be rotated synchronously.

Each of the display assemblies 20, 22 is movable between a closed state and an open state as shown in FIG. In this closed state, the closure panels 24 are laid flat on the plane of the opening and there is no gap between adjacent panels. This opening is thus completely covered by the closure panels 24 so that the packets located in the compartments are not visible. In the open state, the closure panels 24 have been pivoted 90 degrees so that they are so perpendicular to the plane of the openings. In the open state of any of the display assemblies 20, 22, the packets in the corresponding compartments can be seen through the gaps between the closure panels 24.

The display assemblies are operated by a pair of foot pedals 40, 42 located on the base of the vending device 10. The foot pedals 40, 42 are coupled to the louver assemblies by an actuation mechanism located within the base unit 12 such that movement of the pedals 40, 42 can cause simultaneous pivoting of the closure panels 24. The left pedal 40 is coupled to the left display assembly 20 such that the left display assembly 20 is here After the pedal 40 is depressed, it is moved from a closed state to an open state. The right display assembly 22 is unaffected and remains in a closed state. The right pedal 42 is coupled to both the left display assembly 20 and the right display assembly 22 such that after the right pedal 42 is depressed, the two components are then moved from a closed state to an open state. The retailer can remove the cigarette packets located in the compartments when the associated display assembly is open.

The bottom unit 12 of the vending apparatus 10 includes a rear wall, a left side wall, a right side wall 50, and a bottom wall. This bottom unit 12 can be accessed via an opening at the front side of the unit. A pair of hinged doors 52 are provided at the front face of the bottom unit 12 to cover the opening. Each door includes a handle 54 to facilitate opening and closing of the door.

The bottom unit 12 provides more storage space for the cigarette packs and, in addition, accommodates an actuation mechanism that can connect the foot pedals 40, 42 to the display assemblies 20, 22. The top surface of the bottom unit 12 is open so that the actuation structure can be in communication with the arm assemblies, and the vertical arms and closure panels 24 are mounted within the arm assemblies.

10‧‧‧Sale equipment

12‧‧‧ bottom unit

14‧‧‧top unit

16‧‧‧ right wall

18‧‧‧ top wall

20‧‧‧ Left display assembly

22‧‧‧right display component

24‧‧‧Close panel

40/42‧‧‧ pedals

50‧‧‧ right wall

52‧‧‧ hinged door

54‧‧‧ handle

1 shows a front perspective view of a consumer goods vending apparatus implemented in accordance with the present invention, wherein the first and second deployment components are in a closed condition.

10‧‧‧Sale equipment

12‧‧‧ bottom unit

14‧‧‧top unit

16‧‧‧ right wall

18‧‧‧ top wall

20‧‧‧ Left display assembly

22‧‧‧right display component

24‧‧‧Close panel

40/42‧‧‧ pedals

50‧‧‧ right wall

Claims (7)

A consumer product selling apparatus comprising: a first compartment for accommodating the consumer products, the first compartment having a first opening and including a first display assembly having a first plurality of closure panels And wherein the closure panels are pivotable to move the first display assembly between the closed state in which the closure panel covers the first opening and the open state in which the first opening is at least partially uncovered; And an actuating means for pivoting the first plurality of closure panels substantially synchronously. The vending apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first control means associated with the actuating means for operatively moving the first display component to the open state and the closed state between. The vending apparatus of claim 2, wherein the actuating means comprises a plurality of parallel bars, wherein each of the closing panels of the first display assembly is mounted on a bar, and wherein each of the bars is movable The movement of the lever causes pivoting of the closure panel to which it is mounted. The vending apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first control means comprises a handle or a pedal configured to cause the first display assembly to be pressed from the handle or pedal after use thereof The off state moves to the on state. For example, the vending apparatus of claim 1 further includes: a second compartment for accommodating the consumer goods, and the second compartment Having a second opening in the second wall thereof and including a second display assembly having a second plurality of closure panels, wherein the closure panels are pivotable to enable the second display assembly to be movable And closing the panel between the closed state of the second opening and the open state at which the second opening is at least partially uncovered; and a second actuating means and a second control means for moving the second display assembly Between the open state and the closed state. The vending apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second control component is configured to move the first and second display components between the open state and the closed state substantially simultaneously. A vending apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 for containing a plurality of cigarette packages.