WO2001008997A1

WO2001008997A1 - Universal point-of-sale display wrap

Info

Publication number: WO2001008997A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/020436
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sanita L. Alrey
Original assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
Priority date: 1999-07-28
Filing date: 2000-07-27
Publication date: 2001-02-08

Abstract

The present invention reveals a combination pallet wrap and display, suitable for mounting over and around shipping pallets of any size or configuration, and products stacked thereon, and which may be shipped pre-assembled with the shipping pallet and products. To accomplish its purpose, the device is constructed of a plurality of joined blanks, each blank (20, 20') comprises: a left edge (24) and a right edge (26) which are substantially parallel to each other; a plurality of slit scores which are substantially parallel to the edges; a plurality of foldably attached securing tabs (60) which hold the device in place during shipping; and a decorative surface. The securing tabs hold the pallet wrap in a shipping position, unfolding the securing tabs and lowering the pallet wrap is all that is necessary to ready the device for use at the retail facility.

Description

UNIVERSAL POINT-OF-SALE DISPLAY WRAP

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates in general to point-of-sale displays and pallet wraps, and more particularly relates to a universal combination point-of-sale display/pallet wrap which may be utilized and shipped with stacked goods of various sizes and configurations.

BACKGROUND ART

It is important to manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of consumer products that their products be shipped and presented in an economical, efficient, convenient, and effective manner. Consumer products are normally shipped in bulk. The products are typically stacked on shipping pallets and secured together for transport. Pallets of various widths and lengths are made to accommodate generally square stacked products of various dimensions. Generally, the pallet has been sized to correspond to the size of the stacked products.

The long-standing practice of retail stores has been to receive products, stacked on unfinished pallets, at a receiving location beyond the retail area. Stock clerks employed by the retailer unload the products for shelf display. In other words, stock clerks have to grab, lift, and carry the products from the pallet within the shipping location to the shelf within the retail area. A display placard or shelf label may then be placed to identify the product. Such use of labor provides an exceedingly slow arid inefficient system.

More recently, certain retailers, particularly those in an open "warehouse/retail" facility, have placed the shipping pallet and stacked products directly in the retail area within reach of the consumers. To attract consumers to the stack of products, retailers set up a point-of-sale display on top of or adjacent to the products. However, some problems exist in this type of display. The exposed shipping pallet may present an obstacle or hazard to consumers; products may be bumped or knocked from the stack causing damage to the product; the display may be knocked down or damaged if removed by the consumer to access the product; the display may be lost; or, the display may be separated from the product during shipping.

Presently, a number of product shipping and display devices exist. For example, it is known to improve the appearance and provide structural strength to a stack of products by providing a custom pallet to which only custom panels may be attached. At the retail facility, a point- of-sale display is assembled by inserting the side panels and rear panel into the custom single-sized pallet. A display panel is then removably affixed to the top of the rear panel.

Also, display units have been constructed with vertically stacked product-containing trays supporting upright dividers that maintain separation between the trays. A display insert, having a slotted lower edge, has been positioned along an edge of a tray so as to offer advertising directed toward the products. However, the display insert must be moved to successively lower trays as the stack is depleted.

Another type of display system has been assembled at the retail facility by erecting interlocking panels and a base of fixed size around a jack assembly. The products are then placed within the erected panels and the jack is activated as necessary to raise the products for easier access as the stack is depleted.

The primary thrust of the existing devices is to provide a device where stacked consumer products are protected during shipment, to provide a device that enhances the structural integrity of stacked consumer goods, or to provide a cover for the shipping pallet. Prior efforts have given only limited consideration to the point-of-sale display, that is, the existing devices perform a limited function and lack versatility.

Thus, there is a need for an adjustable point-of-sale display device that is compatible with stacked products of various sizes and configurations, or that is compatible with pallets of various sizes and configurations. There is also a need for an adjustable point-of-sale display device that provides a large area for advertisements and artwork. Additionally, there is a need for an adjustable point-of-sale display device that provides a pallet skirt that is securely shipped with the product. Also, there is a need for an adjustable point-of-sale display device that requires no assembly at the retail facility and may be reused or easily disposed of after use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention seeks to provide an adjustable point- of-sale display suitable for mounting around stacked products of various sizes and over shipping pallets of various sizes. The present invention also seeks to provide a point-of-sale display that may be shipped fully assembled, along with a pallet having stacked products thereon, without interfering with access to the pallet during shipping. Further, the present invention seeks to provide a point-of-sale display that requires no assembly after shipping. In addition, the present invention seeks to provide a point-of-sale display that surrounds the pallet and extends upwardly to surround at least some of the stacked products. Simultaneously, the present invention seeks to provide a point-of-sale display which mounts around a stack of products that does not rest upon a pallet. The present invention further seeks to provide a point-of-sale display that includes an area large enough for suitable advertisements, indicia and artwork. If desired, the point-of-sale display may be either disposable or reusable, and may include a display on either side.

In accordance with the present invention, the objective of providing an adjustable point-of-sale display suitable for mounting over stacked products of various sizes and configurations, or products stacked on shipping pallets of various sizes and configurations, is accomplished by constructing the preferred embodiment from bendable blanks. To that end, in one embodiment the blanks are bendable in the vertical direction, because of a plurality of vertically oriented perforations, and rigid in the horizontal direction. In the preferred embodiment, all bends including the final folds to adjust for the size of the stack or pallet, are located along the perforations.

To accomplish the object of providing an adjustable point- of-sale display that may be shipped fully assembled, the present invention in one embodiment may be fitted to match at least the size and configuration of the shipping pallet or stack of products, then mounted around the stacked products above the shipping pallet. To secure the point-of-sale display in this "shipping position," the point-of-sale display includes bendable securing tabs which are inserted under some of the stacked products. That is, the point-of-sale display is held in place because the securing tabs are weighed down by some of the products in the stack. In the shipping position, the point-of-sale display is fully visible, making identification of the product easier, and does not interfere with access to the shipping pallet.

In accordance with the present invention, the objective of providing a point-of-sale display which requires no assembly after shipping is accomplished in one embodiment, by shipping the fully assembled point-of-sale display in the shipping position. At the retail facility, the point-of-sale display may be positioned by removing the individual products that hold the securing tabs in place, retracting the securing tabs, returning the individual products back to the stacks, and moving the point-of-sale display to the desired position. Thus, no assembly is required at the retail facility to erect a point-of-sale display delivered in the shipping position.

To accomplish the object of providing a point-of-sale display which surrounds the shipping pallet and extends upwardly to surround at least some of the stacked products, the height of the point-of-sale display may vary according to the products shipped, the needs of the shipper, and other factors. In the preferred embodiment, the height of the point-of-sale display is such that it entirely surrounds the shipping pallet and extends upwardly to surround at least some of the stacked products. In an alternative embodiment, the point-of-sale display may not extend upwardly to cover any of the stacked products.

In accordance with the present invention, a decorative pattern, advertisement, indicia, or combination thereof is provided on the outer facing side of the point-of-sale display. In the preferred embodiment, only the outer facing side includes a decorative finish. However, an alternative embodiment may include a decorative finish on either or both the inner and outer facing sides, such that the point-of-sale display may be considered reversible, that is, provide two point-of-sale displays.

In the preferred embodiment, the adjustable point-of-sale display is inexpensive to manufacture, is pre-assembled, is shipped mounted around products stacked on a shipping pallet, and is disposable after a single use. However, if desired, the point-of-sale display may be designed for multiple uses. To that end, the point-of-sale display may be constructed of stronger materials, or finished with materials for other extended performance characteristics such as, but not limited to, shear and tensile strength, durability, or water resistance. Also, the point-of- sale display may be shipped separately from the products and assembled at the retail facility, or dismantled and reassembled at the retail facility for multiple uses.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent upon reviewing the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when taken in conjunction with the drawings and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a point-of-sale display embodying the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an elevation view of a blank for forming a point-of- sale display according to the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the blank of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is an elevation view of a point-of-sale display embodying the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the initial positioning of the present invention around stacked goods.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the attachment of the two ends of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the placement of the securing tabs of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view illustrating in-store positioning of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in more detail to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the universal point-of-sale display blank 10 surrounding a stack of consumer products 12 and a shipping pallet 14.

The consumer products 12 are any articles that may be stacked, on or without a conventional shipping pallet 14, and are likely to be displayed in a retail facility. The stack of products 12 may be of any size or configuration, and the shipping pallet 14 may be of any size and construction known to those skilled in the art. The function of the shipping pallet 14 may also be provided by other product support devices, such as but not limited to flats, boxes, crates, and the like.

Here, the shipping pallet 14 is shown in phantom to illustrate that in the "display position" of this embodiment, the point-of-sale display 10 is placed over and completely surrounds the pallet 14. In the display position, the point-of-sale display 10 offers an aesthetic covering to the shipping pallet 14 while eliminating a potential tripping hazard. Further, the point-of-sale display 10 offers an easily visible point-of-sale display while protecting the stacked products 12 from the possibility of being knocked over by shopping carts or consumers. Thus, the point-of- sale display 10 completely surrounds the pallet 14, provides a display, and shields the products from possible damage. It is readily apparent that the point-of-sale display 10 is not required to cover the pallet 14 and may be positioned at any location along the height of the product stack 12.

In the preferred embodiment, the point-of-sale display 10 is constructed of multiple blanks 20. Fig. 2 illustrates a single blank 20, which will be described in detail below. Briefly, Fig. 4 illustrates that the point-of-sale display 10 is constructed of two identical blanks 20, designated 20, 20'. It will be understood that additional blanks 20 may be added to create a point-of-sale display 10 of additional lengths and configurations.

Returning to Fig. 2, the blank 20 includes a bottom edge 22. In the preferred embodiment, the bottom edge 22 is straight and peφendicular to a left edge 24 and a right edge 26. The bottom edge 22 is straight as it will presumably rest on a level surface, or cover a straight- edged pallet 14. The left edge 24 and right edge 26 are peφendicular to the bottom edge 22 and parallel to each other. It is understood by those skilled in the art that the left edge 24 and right edge 26 do not necessarily have to be peφendicular to the bottom edge 22 or parallel to each other. Further, the bottom edge 22 does not necessarily have to be straight but may be of another shape or design. The blank 20 preferably includes a sculptured top edge 28 which can be any desired shape. However, the sculptured top edge 28 is set back from the left and right sides 24, 26 to accommodate perforations described in detail below. Further, the sculptured top edge 28 includes securing tabs described in detail below.

Referring now to the embodiment of Fig. 3, the blank 20 comprises four layers, including: a decorative facing 32; a narrow corrugated medium 34; a wide corrugated medium 36; and an interior facing 38. It is understood by those skilled in the art that fewer or greater layers may be utilized or other layers may be substituted for those described below.

Preferably, the decorative facing 32 has a basis weight on the order of about 42 lbs. It is understood that other basis weight may be used. It is understood that the decorative facing 32 is the outward facing side of the point-of-sale display 10. As such, the facing 32 may include indicia or decorative patterns including artwork, letters, lighting or other display technology, advertisements, logos, trademarks, or a combination thereof to create the point-of-sale display desired by the end user. In addition, the decorative facing 32 may be a medium that can be changed or that can accept decorations, indicia or other display technology applied at remote locations such as the retail facility. Further, the performance characteristics of the decorative facing 32 may be improved by including texturing, materials or treatments (not shown) as is well known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the narrow corrugated medium 3 4 is a conventional B-fluted paperboard oriented such that the longitudinal direction of the pleats is vertical, that is, substantially peφendicular to the bottom edge 22. Preferably, the narrow corrugated medium 34 has a basis weight on the order of about 26 lbs. It is understood that other basis weight may be used. Similarly, the wide corrugated medium 36 is a conventional C-fluted paperboard oriented such that the longitudinal direction of the pleats is vertical, that is, substantially peφendicular to the bottom edge 22. Preferably, the wide corrugated medium 38 has a basis weight on the order of about 26 lbs. It is understood that other basis weight may be used. In the preferred embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the pleats of both the narrow corrugated medium 34 and wide corrugated medium 36 are orientated in the same direction to improve bendability in the vertical direction. Further, orientating the pleats in the same direction provides a major strength axis in the horizontal direction. Preferably, the interior facing 38 has a basis weight on the order of about 42 lbs. It is understood that other basis weight may be used. The interior facing 38 may also be a mottled white paper board. In the preferred embodiment, the decorative facing 32 includes a visual display regarding the stacked products and the interior facing 38 does not. However, it is understood that the interior facing 38 may likewise include a visual display such that the point-of-sale display 10 may include two point-of-sale displays. That is, the point-of-sale display 10 may be considered reversible.

The four layers 32, 34, 36, 38 described above are adhered together in the order presented using conventional adhesives (not shown). Suitable adhesives may include a variety of solvent-based and water- based adhesives and may include the use of extruded polymers. Thus, the decorative facing 32 is glued to the narrow corrugated medium 34, which in turn is glued to the wide corrugated medium 36, which in turn is glued to the interior facing 38. Those skilled in the art will recognize this assembly as a double wall corrugated board.

In the preferred embodiment, the point-of-sale display 10 is very inexpensive to produce and may be considered disposable after a single use. However, if desired, the blank 20 may be constructed for multiple uses. To that end, the blank 20 may be made of greater weights than described above, or may include other materials as is well known in the art to provide additional strength, thickness, and rigidity. Further, finishes to the decorative facing, interior facing, or the edges may improve wearability, water resistance, and durability.

As best shown in Fig. 4, two blanks 20, 20' are joined together to form the point-of-sale display 10. A first blank 20 is joined at the right edge 26 with the left edge 24 of the second blank 20'. As shown in Fig. 2, there is a glue area 42 on the decorative facing 32 adjacent to the left edge 24. Also, there is a glue area 44 on the interior facing 38 adjacent to the right edge 26. In the preferred embodiment, two blanks 20, 20' are joined together at the decorative facing glue area 42 and the interior facing glue area 44 with adhesives (not shown). The decorative facing glue area 42 and the interior facing glue area 44, one or both with adhesive applied, are mated together to create the lapped area 46. The right edge 26 of the lapped area 46 is referred to as the lap edge 47. It is at the lap edge 47 that the point-of-sale display 10 may be folded or bent to form a first bend 48. It will be understood that the blanks 20, 20' may be joined with other fastener means including but not limited to interlocking tabs cut from the blanks 20, 20', other types of chemicals, stitching, staples, or other mechanical fasteners well known to those skilled in the art. Returning now to Fig. 2, to complete the description of a single blank 20, there are illustrated impressions such as perforations 52, impressions such as fold lines 54, and securing tabs 60. Perforations 52 are well known to those skilled in the art as cuts in the corrugated medium which facilitate bending or folding. By way of example and not limitation, it is understood that other types of impressions, such as scores, slits, slit-scores, and creases may be used in place of perforations or fold lines. Here, perforations 52 begin at the left edge 24, are orientated vertically, that is, substantially peφendicular to the bottom edge 22, and placed on center approximately every 1 inch (2.54 cm) with about a 3/8" x 3/8" perforation pattern. Perforations 52 are also located at the center of the blank 20, orientated vertically and placed on center approximately every 1 inch (2.54 cm) with about a 3/8" x 3/8" perforation pattern. Finally, perforations 52 are also located from the right edge 26 beginning approximately two inches inward and placed on center approximately every 1 inch (2.54 cm) with about a 3/8" x 3/8" perforation pattern. It is understood that the location of the perforations and the size of the perforation pattern may vary. As described below, when erecting the point-of-sale display 10, each blank 20, 20' is bent or folded along the nearest perforation 52 to conform to the shape of the stack 12. The point-of-display wrap 10 may be further described with reference to sections 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, those sections being the areas between sets of perforations 52. Although the preferred embodiment includes single perforations 52, so that the point-of-display wrap 10 may bend easily in one direction, it is understood that double perforations (not shown) may be provided so that the point-of-sale display 10 may bend easily in two directions. An advantage of the point-of-sale display 10, is that it may be assembled, erected, and secured in a "shipping position" for transport with stacked products 12 and shipping pallets 14 of various sizes and configurations. The erecting and securing of the point-of-sale display 10 to a rectangular stack 12, will now be described in detail.

To erect the point-of-display wrap 10 around the stacked products 12, as first shown in Fig. 5, the following steps are preferred. First, standing the point-of-display wrap 10 upright, with the bottom edge 22 resting on a level surface, sections 20b and 20c are folded inward toward each other so that the point-of-display wrap 10 bends along the lap edge 47 to form a first bend 48. The point-of-display wrap 10 is then brought to the stacked products 12, wherein the first bend 48 is placed along the stacked products 12. Second, a first assembler (not shown) raises the point-of-display wrap 10 up near the second tier of the stacked products 12. With sections 20b and 20c held against the stacked products 14 by one assembler, another assembler (not shown) pushes section 20a in the direction of the arrow "A" and section 20d around the right side of the stacked products 12 in the direction of arrow "B".

As illustrated in Fig. 6, sections 20a and 20 d are then bent around the stacked products 12 along perforations 52 forming, respectively, a second bend 49 and a third bend 50. Left edge 24 and right edge 26 are then brought together for attachment by fastening means 70. Before fastening the edges 24 and 26 together, the respective ends are folded along the perforations 52 so that upon fastening, the adjustable point-of-sale display 10 will fit snugly around the stacked products 12. Upon fastening, the point-of-sale display 10 will entirely surround the stack of products 12, that is, the point-of-sale display 10 will entirely circumscribe the stack of products 12, or any portion thereof. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that many fastening means are possible. For example, by way of example and not limitation, fastening means 70 may include, adhesives, adhesive tapes, staples, clips, wires, threads, interlocking slots cut from the blanks 20, and other chemical or mechanical fastening means well known to those skilled in the art.

After joining sections 20a and 20d, either assembler removes the individual products 12a positioned immediately above securing tabs 60, and each securing tab 60 is folded inward along fold lines 54. The assembler then returns each individual products 12a back to the stack to rest directly on a corresponding securing tabs 60. In the preferred embodiment, the point-of-display wrap 10 is now secured to the stack 12 because the securing tabs 60 are held in place under the weight of the products 12a. The stacked products 12, shipping pallet 14, and point-of-display wrap 10 may be readied for shipment by applying a securing means such as stretch wrap or straps around the point-of-display wrap 10, stacked products 12, and shipping pallet 14.

Upon receipt at the retail facility, the stacked products 12 and pallet 14 are placed within the retail area and the products prepared for sale. The securing means is removed and the individual stacked products 12a, resting on the securing tabs 60, are removed from stack 12. The securing tabs 60 are folded back, that is, lifted out of their shipping positions along fold line 54 and the individual stacked products 12a are returned to the stack 12. The point-of-display wrap 10 is then slid down the stacked products 12 and over the shipping pallet 14 to the display position, best illustrated in Fig. 1.

It will be understood that the adjustable point-of-sale display 10 may be used in conjunction with a stack of products 12 of any size or configuration whether or not the products are stacked on a pallet 14 of any size or configuration. It will be understood that the adjustable point- of-sale display 10 may be positioned, and repositioned as often as desired, at any location along the stack of products 12. Further, the point- of-sale display 10 may be held in place by the securing tabs 60 provided, or any other fastening means such as, by way of example and not limitation, mechanical fastening means, chemical fastening means, intermediate supports, attachment to the shipping pallet, or simply resting on the ground. It will be understood that the point-of-sale display 10 may be supplied unassembled and separately from the product. Also, the point-of-sale display 10 has been explained within the context of the retail facility, but it will be understood that the point-of-sale display may be used in any situation where it would be helpful to identify shipped or stacked products.

While the present invention in its various aspects has been described in detail with regard to preferred embodiments thereof, and an example of an alternative embodiment has been provided, it should be understood that variations, modifications and enhancements can be made to the disclosed apparatus and procedures without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A point-of-sale display blank for positioning about a plurality of articles grouped together, said blank comprising: a plurality of impressions positioned on said blank to facilitate bending about said articles; and adjustable ends such that said blank extends about said articles.

2. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said blank further comprises a multi-layer structure.

3. The apparatus of Claim 2, wherein said structure comprises double wall corrugated board.

4. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said impressions comprise substantially parallel perforations.

5. The apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein said blank is bendable about said impressions so as to conform said blank to a configuration of said group of articles.

6. The apparatus of Claim 5, wherein said blank is further bendable about said impressions so as to conform said blank to a configuration of a pallet.

7. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said blank further comprises a means for securing said blank to said group of articles.

8. The apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein said blank comprises means for fastening said adjustable ends together.

9. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said blank further comprises a surface, said surface comprising indicia related to said group of articles.

10. A point-of-sale display blank for positioning about a pallet, said blank comprising: a plurality of impressions positioned on said blank to facilitate bending about said pallet; and adjustable ends such that said blank extends about said pallet.

11. The apparatus of Claim 10, wherein said blank further comprises a multi-layer structure.

12. The apparatus of Claim 11 , wherein said structure comprises double wall corrugated board.

13. The apparatus of Claim 10, wherein said impressions comprise substantially parallel perforations.

14. The apparatus of Claim 10, wherein said blank is bendable about said impressions so as to conform said blank to a configuration of said pallet.

15. The apparatus of Claim 10, wherein said blank is further bendable about said impressions so as to conform said blank to a configuration of a stack of products.

16. The apparatus of Claim 10, wherein said blank further comprises a means for securing said blank to said pallet.

17. The apparatus of Claim 10, wherein said blank comprises means for fastening said adjustable ends together.

18. The apparatus of Claim 10, wherein said blank further comprises a surface, said surface comprising indicia related to articles placed on said pallet.

19. A point-of-sale display blank for positioning about a plurality of articles grouped together, said blank comprising: a multi-layer structure; a plurality of substantially parallel impressions on said blank to facilitate bending about said articles; adjustable ends such that said blank extends about said articles; means for fastening said adjustable ends together; a surface comprising indicia related to said group of articles; and a means for securing said blank to said group of articles.

20. A point-of-sale display blank for positioning about a pallet, said blank comprising: a multi-layer structure; a plurality of substantially parallel impressions on said blank to facilitate bending about said pallet; adjustable ends such that said blank extends about said pallet; means for fastening said adjustable ends together; a surface comprising indicia related to articles placed on said pallet; and a means for securing said blank to said pallet.

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21. A method for shipping and positioning a point-of-sale display with a plurality of articles grouped together and stacked on a pallet, comprising the steps of: bending said point-of-sale display to conform to the configuration of said stack of articles; adjusting said point-of-sale display to conform to the size of said stack of articles; securing said point-of-sale display to said stack of articles; shipping said point-of-sale display, said stack of articles, and said pallet together; receiving said point-of-sale display, said stack of articles, and said pallet; un-securing said point-of-sale display from said stack of articles; locating said point-of-sale display at desired position about said stack of articles; and re-securing said point-of-sale display to said stack of articles or to said pallet so as to maintain said desired position.

22. A method of positioning a point-of-sale display around a plurality of articles grouped together, comprising the steps of: bending said point-of-sale display to conform to the configuration of said stack of articles; adjusting said point-of-sale display to conform to the size of said stack of articles; locating said point-of-sale display at desired position about said stack of articles; and securing said point-of-sale display to said articles to maintain said position.

23. The method of Claim 22, wherein said step of adjusting further comprises the step of removing a means for fastemng and refastening said point-of-sale display to another desired size about said stack of articles.

24. The method of Claim 22, wherein said step of locating further comprises the step of removing a means for securing and re- securing said point-of-sale display at another desired position about said stack of articles.