NOVEL PREMIUM RETAIL DISPLAY CONTAINERS
The present invention is directed to premium retail display containers. In particular, the containers of the present invention comprise retail display containers that may be positioned in a standing orientation on a heel stand and rim creating a consumer favorable display angle of the containment area, and wherein the heel stand construct is not visible from consumer viewing angles providing a premium appearance.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/202,683, filed on Aug. 7, 2015; the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONProducts may be packaged for retail sale in a wide array of systems. For example, products may be packaged in boxes, in cartons, on hanger systems, in plastic shrink-wrap, or even in containers uniquely configured to the product specification. However, certain products lend themselves for display on retail shelves. For products to be displayed on retail shelves, it is particularly advantageous that product packaging facilitate a self-standing arrangement of the products.
Consumers of products are strongly influenced by the impression a retail container provides as it displays the product, particularly when faced with competing products. Given this, retailers have made numerous efforts to compete in the marketplace by preparing self-standing packaging that presents consumer viewing angles that display the product in a way that attracts the attention of the consumer. For example, containers that have a depth of the containment area that is significantly smaller than the length and width, may be placed in a standing position on one of the side walls of the container. The consumer viewing angle thus created is generally a combination of the side-wall sloping angle as the container is positioned in a side standing position, and the angle of a specialized angular shelving unit. In particular, in order to achieve favorable consumer viewing angles, and given the near vertical side walls, the specialized shelving is commonly necessary.
Moreover, to reduce the bulk of the packaging, certain adaptations have been made to the side-wall of the container to attempt to improve the look and feel of the container as viewed by the consumer. In fact, the configuration of some containers may preclude the standing orientation of such containers in this side-wall approach, necessitating alternative means of displaying these products, for example, such as stacked, placed on hangers, or other special accommodation made to display the containers. While certain efforts have been made to modify these containers to afford the ability of the containers to display the product in a similar self-standing orientation (such as adding one or more feet or legs to rounded containers as part of lid or base), such configurations reduce the premium look and feel of the container, and therefore the product contained therein.
As such, there is a need for new premium retail display containers that afford self-standing orientations, and which address these noted concerns.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccordingly, the present invention is directed to premium retail display containers. In particular, the containers of the present invention comprise retail display containers that may be positioned in a standing orientation on a heel stand and rim creating a consumer favorable display angle of the containment area, and wherein the heel stand construct is not visible from consumer viewing angles providing a premium appearance.
As such, one aspect of the invention provides a premium retail display container comprising a base portion with side walls tapering inward at an angle of about 65 degrees from a rim defining an opening into a containment area (e.g., as measured from the horizontal defined by the rim) in the shape of a truncated rectangular pyramid comprising a centrally positioned heel stand created by the right angle intersection of the rim of the base portion and the bottom of the base portion; and a cover portion designed to be mated to the rim of the base portion for opening and closing access into the containment area. Further, the retail display container may be positioned in a standing orientation on the heel stand and rim creating a consumer favorable display angle of the containment area, and wherein the heel stand construct is not visible from consumer viewing angles providing a premium appearance.
Another aspect of the invention provides a premium retail display container comprising a base portion with side walls tapering inward at an angle of about 65 degrees from a rim defining an opening into a containment area in the shape of a truncated square pyramid comprising a centrally positioned single partially bifurcated heel stand created by the right angle intersection of the rim of the base portion and the bottom of the base portion, wherein the rim of the base portion further comprises a peripheral receiving flange that extends outward from the rim; and a cover portion designed to be mated to the rim of the base portion for opening and closing access into the containment area, wherein the peripheral receiving flange of the rim mates with a peripheral cover portion flange. Further, the retail display container may be positioned in a standing orientation on the heel stand and rim creating a consumer favorable display angle of the containment area, and wherein the heel stand construct is not visible from consumer viewing angles providing a premium appearance.
Advantages of the present apparatus will be apparent from the following detailed description, which description should be considered in combination with the accompanying figures, which are not intended limit the scope of the invention in any way.
The present invention is directed to premium retail display containers. In particular, the containers of the present invention comprise retail display containers that may be positioned in a standing orientation on a heel stand and rim creating a consumer favorable display angle of the containment area, and wherein the heel stand construct is not visible from consumer viewing angles providing a premium appearance.
The present invention, including containers and methods of preparation will be described with reference to the following definitions that, for convenience, are set forth below. Unless otherwise specified, the below terms used herein are defined as follows:
I. DefinitionsAs used herein, the term “a,” “an,” “the” and similar terms used in the context of the present invention (especially in the context of the claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and plural unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context.
The term “about” is used herein in reference to the degree or extent of the term which it modifies, and that such extent may be 100% or near to but not exactly 100% of the modified term; and industry accepted standards will assist in defining the quantitative aspects of how “near” 100% is defined. In particular embodiments, the term “about” indicates ±3%, ±2%, ±1% or ±0.5%. In a particular embodiment, for example, the language “about 65 degrees” would be exactly 65 degrees. In an alternative particular embodiment, for example, the language “about 65 degrees” would mean 65 degrees ±2%.
The term “construct” is used herein to describe the exterior viewable elements of the container surface that make up the container components that are used in fixing the container in standing orientation position for display.
The term “flange” is art-recognized and is used herein to describe a projecting flat rim or collar on an object, serving to strengthen an object's position on a structure upon which it rests, e.g., a lip or a rail structure.
The term “imprinting” is art-recognized and is used herein to describe the act of either embossing or debossing a graphic image, e.g., textual, pictorial, or a combination of both. The product of imprinting is an imprint, which is either an embossed or debossed product. Embossing and debossing are techniques used to imprint impressed or depressed images onto paper. Embossing produces a raised design, e.g., text or graphic image, which is pressed into material from underneath. Embossing utilizes two dies (a male and female die). In particular embodiments, the imprinting may be printed upon, or the material may be printed upon before imprinting occurs.
The term “depth” is used herein to describe the distance from the top cover to the bottom of the base. For example, the side walls run in the direction of the depth measurement.
The language “standing orientation” is used herein to describe the orientation of the display container positioned vertically on a side-wall, e.g., on the heal stands described herein. The container may be positioned in the standing orientation and display the products to the consumer at an angle, e.g., a consumer favorable display angle.
The language “consumer favorable display angle” is used herein to describe the angle of display to the consumer of the products contained in the containment area upon placement of the container in a standing orientation. Certain angles of display are more favorable for consumer viewing and offer a greater showcase of the products contained therein, e.g., a display angle from 10 to 20 degrees from vertical. For clarity, the display angles are measured from a 90 degree vertically positioned cover (i.e., that intersects perpendicularly with a horizontal surface).
II. Premium Retail Display Containers of the InventionThe present invention is directed to premium retail display containers. Such display containers comprise heel stands that support the display container in a standing orientation with consumer favorable display angle, wherein the heel stand construct is not visible (or has significantly reduced visibility) from consumer viewing angles. In this way, the appearance of the display container is enhanced with a greater viewable container to construct ratio, and therefore a more premium look and feel.
As such, in one embodiment the present invention provides a premium retail display container comprising
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- a base portion with side walls tapering inward at an angle of about 65 degrees from a rim defining an opening into a containment area (e.g., as measured from the horizontal defined by the rim) in the shape of a truncated rectangular pyramid comprising a centrally positioned heel stand created by the right angle intersection of the rim of the base portion and the bottom of the base portion; and
- a cover portion designed to be mated to the rim of the base portion for opening and closing access into the containment area,
wherein the retail display container may be positioned in a standing orientation on the heel stand and rim creating a consumer favorable display angle of the containment area, and wherein the heel stand construct is not visible from consumer viewing angles providing a premium appearance.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a premium retail display container comprising
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- a base portion with side walls tapering inward at an angle of about 65 degrees from a rim defining an opening into a containment area in the shape of a truncated square pyramid comprising a centrally positioned single partially bifurcated heel stand created by the right angle intersection of the rim of the base portion and the bottom of the base portion, wherein the rim of the base portion further comprises a peripheral receiving flange that extends outward from the rim; and
- a cover portion designed to be mated to the rim of the base portion for opening and closing access into the containment area, wherein the peripheral receiving flange of the rim mates with a peripheral cover portion flange,
wherein the retail display container may be positioned in a standing orientation on the heel stand and rim creating a consumer favorable display angle of the containment area, and wherein the heel stand construct is not visible from consumer viewing angles providing a premium appearance.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the container comprises a single heel stand.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the heel stand is a bifurcated heel stand, e.g., partially bifurcated.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the rim, e.g., peripheral receiving flange, and the heel stand together provide the construct for positioning the container in the standing orientation.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the height of the heel stand is about 2.4 inches, e.g., 2.415 inches.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the truncated rectangular pyramid is a truncated square pyramid. In a particular embodiment, each side is about 9.8 inches, e.g., 9.800 inches.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the consumer favorable display angle ranges from about 5 to 25 degrees from vertical.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the consumer favorable display angle is about 15 degrees from vertical.
In certain embodiments of the present invention, the container is comprised of plastic e.g., clear/see-through or opaque plastic.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the base portion is microwave safe, e.g., polypropylene.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the cover portion is designed to be clear for ease of view of the containment area, e.g., PETE.
The retail display containers of the present invention are truncated rectangular pyramids, but are not otherwise not limited by size or shape. In certain embodiments, these shapes may be formed by arced lines (as compared with straight lines). In particular embodiments, the lower perimeter of the base portion is formed with straight lines, and the upper perimeter of the base portion (e.g., where the cover portion is placed to interlock with the base portion) is formed with arced lines. In addition, the shapes may contain arced vertices, which creates an arced edge lock at the corners of the shaped container structure, and which improves leak resistance.
In certain embodiments of the present invention, the container may comprise an imprint in any location or component of the container such that it does not affect the ability of the container to perform its intended function. In particular embodiments, the imprinting may be printed upon, or the material may be printed upon before imprinting occurs.
In certain embodiments of the present invention, the container further comprises printed graphics, e.g., distortion control printed graphics. In particular embodiments, the printed graphics comprise 2 or more colors. In particular embodiments, the printed graphics comprise 3 or more colors. In certain embodiments, the printing may be on the upper surface (product facing) of the container, the lower surface (underside that faces away from the product) of the container, or a combination of both.
Moreover, in certain embodiments, the containers of the present invention may incorporate additional design elements that do not significantly inhibit or prevent the features of the containers explicitly described herein.
In certain specific embodiments, the dimensions of the containers range from length 4″-15″ by width 4″-15″ by depth 1″-5″.
In certain embodiments, the central positioning of the heel stand increases the premium look, but reduces stability. As such, the container may achieve the consumer favorable display angle utilizing product fill tip-control. In this respect, at certain depth to height ratios, the product weight is taken into account to prevent tipping of the container in the standing orientation.
In certain embodiments of the present invention, the premium retail display containers afford the consumer the ability to serve from them.
A. Base Portion
The base portion of the retail display containers of the present invention serve as the lower portion of the container, Le., the portion of the container on which the items stored in the container are placed, and upon which the cover portion is placed to dose the containment area, e.g., interlocks with. Such base portion forms the primary shape of the container, i.e., a truncated rectangular pyramid.
The base portion of the present invention comprises side walls tapering inward at an angle of about 65 degrees from a rim defining an opening into a containment area (e.g., as measured from the horizontal defined by the rim) in the shape of a truncated rectangular pyramid comprising a centrally positioned heel stand created by the right angle intersection (or substantially right angle intersection, i.e., about 90 degrees) of the rim of the base portion and the bottom of the base portion.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the rim of the base portion further comprises a peripheral receiving flange that extends outward from the rim. In certain embodiments, the peripheral receiving flange of the rim mates with a peripheral cover portion flange.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the base portion further comprises a return wall engineered to improve structural integrity, e.g., present along the entire outer periphery of the base portion.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the base portion further comprises side ribs, e.g., in the sidewall, engineered to add structural strength and stiffness to the retail display container,
In certain embodiments of the invention, the base portion further comprises at least one chamfered corner, e.g., at edges between faces of the base portion, engineered to improve material distribution.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the base portion further comprises printing, e.g., distortion control printed graphics. In particular embodiments, the printed graphics comprise 2 or more colors. In particular embodiments, the printed graphics comprise 3 or more colors. In certain embodiments, the printing may be on the upper surface (product facing) of the container, the lower surface (underside that faces away from the product) of the container, or a combination of both.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the base portion is comprised of plastic, e.g., clear/see-through or opaque plastic.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the base portion is comprised of polypropylene.
B. Cover Portion
The cover portion of the retail display containers of the present invention is designed to be mated to the rim of the base portion for the purpose of opening/affording access to and closing/preventing access to the containment area.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the cover portion is comprised of plastic, e.g., clear/see-through or opaque plastic.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the cover portion is comprised of polyethylene terephthalate.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the cover portion further comprises a stacking ridge configured to allow a second container to be stacked on top of the retail display container.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the cover portion further comprises an optimized surface, e.g., sidewall or top surface, engineered for maximum labeling compatibility.
In certain embodiments of the present invention, the cover portion further comprises printing, e.g., distortion control printed graphics. Distortion control printing, or distortion printing is the process of printing a distorted version of an image onto a sheet of plastic and systematically vacuum forming the sheet on a mold so that specific areas of the printed image appear in intended corresponding areas of the resulting three-dimensional finished product. In particular embodiments, the printed graphics comprise 2 or more colors. In particular embodiments, the printed graphics comprise 3 or more colors. In certain embodiments, the printing may be on the upper surface (product facing) of the container, the lower surface (underside that faces away from the product) of the container, or a combination of both.
III. Methods of the InventionA. Methods of Preparation
It should be readily understood by the ordinarily skilled artisan in light of the disclosure provided herein that a container constructed in accordance with the present invention can be manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes of truncated rectangular pyramids, and can be formed from resins or plastic materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene terephthalate (“PETE”), as well as other suitable materials or combinations thereof. Moreover, the forming process can also vary to include methods such as thermoforming, injection molding or blow molding. In certain embodiments, the container can be transparent, translucent, or opaque, and may be colored in any instance.
In certain embodiments, the base portion is made of polypropylene, which is microwaveable and freezable. In particular embodiments, the cover portion is made of PETE.
In certain embodiments, and by no means intended to limit the containers of the present invention in terms of design or construction, e.g., material composition, the retail display containers of the present invention are prepared by using standard thermoforming techniques/technology, in conjunction with a mold constructed to produce a retail display container of the present invention.
In general, thermoforming is a manufacturing process where a plastic sheet is heated to a forming-temperature as to be pliable, formed with a mold into a specific shape, and trimmed to create a usable product. The sheet is heated in an oven to a high-enough temperature that it can be stretched into or onto a mold and cooled to a finished shape. In certain embodiments, the process may be automated, for example, by using large production machines to heat and form the plastic sheet, as well as trim the formed parts from the sheet using a continuous process.
In particular embodiments, plastic sheet may be fed from a roll or from an extruder into a set of indexing chains that incorporate pins, or spikes, which pierce the sheet and transport it through an oven for heating to forming-temperature. The heated sheet then moves through another station, i.e,, a form station, where, with the application of vacuum, a mold and pressure-box close on the sheet to produce the desired product, e.g., the retail display containers of the present invention. The sheet containing the formed product is then trimmed, e.g., with a die that cuts the product from the remaining sheet web.
In certain embodiments, the molds used in these processes may be comprised of wood, composite, or aluminum. It should be further understood that part of the thermoform process includes molds that create the score lines or perforations.
IV. Design Aspects of the InventionIndependent of the utility related to the containers of the present invention, the ornamental appearance of any novel design provided herein is intended to be part of this invention, for example, each of the perspective views in
Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention provide an ornamental design for a premium retail display container as shown and described.
EXEMPLIFICATIONHaving thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings of exemplary embodiments, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and which are not intended to be limiting in any way.
In this respect, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the description provided herein or illustrated in the Figures. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
The entire contents of all patents, published patent applications and other references cited herein are hereby expressly incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.
EquivalentsThose skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents were considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the following claims. Moreover, any numerical or alphabetical ranges provided herein are intended to include both the upper and lower value of those ranges. In addition, any listing or grouping is intended, at least in one embodiment, to represent a shorthand or convenient manner of listing independent embodiments; as such, each member of the list should be considered a separate embodiment.
Claims
1. A premium retail display container comprising wherein the retail display container may be positioned in a standing orientation on the heel stand and rim creating a consumer favorable display angle of the containment area, and wherein the heel stand construct is not visible from consumer viewing angles providing a premium appearance.
- a base portion with side walls tapering inward at an angle of about 65 degrees from a rim defining an opening into a containment area in the shape of a truncated rectangular pyramid comprising a centrally positioned heel stand created by the right angle intersection of the rim of the base portion and the bottom of the base portion; and
- a cover portion designed to be mated to the rim of the base portion for opening and closing access into the containment area,
2. The retail display container of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a single heel stand.
3. The retail display container of claim 1, wherein the heel stand is a bifurcated heel stand.
4. The retail display container of claim 1, wherein the rim of the base portion further comprises a peripheral receiving flange that extends outward from the rim.
5. The retail display container of claim 1, wherein the peripheral receiving flange of the rim mates with a peripheral cover portion flange.
6. The retail display container of claim 1, wherein the rim and the heel stand together provide the construct for positioning the container in the standing orientation.
7. The retail display container of claim 1, wherein the container can achieve the consumer favorable display angle utilizing product fill tip-control.
8. The retail display container of claim 1, wherein the height of the heel stand is about 2.4 inches.
9. The retail display container of claim 1, wherein the truncated rectangular pyramid is a truncated square pyramid.
10. The retail display container of claim 1, wherein each side is about 9.8 inches.
11. The retail display container of claim 1, wherein the consumer favorable display angle ranges from about 5 to 25 degrees from vertical.
12. The retail display container of claim 1, wherein the consumer favorable display angle is about 15 degrees from vertical.
13. The retail display container of claim 1, wherein the base portion is microwave safe.
14. The retail display container of claim 1, wherein the cover portion is designed to be clear for ease of view of the containment area.
15. The retail display container of claim 1, wherein the base portion further comprises a return wail engineered to improve structural integrity,
16. The retail display container of dam 1, wherein the base portion further comprises side ribs engineered to add structural strength and stiffness to the container.
17. The retail display container of claim 1, wherein the base portion further comprises at least one chamfered corner engineered to improve material distribution.
18. The retail display container of claim 1, wherein the cover portion further comprises distortion control printed graphics.
19. The retail display container of claim 1, wherein the cover or base portions further comprise distortion control printed graphics.
20. A premium retail display container comprising wherein the retail display container may be positioned in a standing orientation on the heel stand and rim creating a consumer favorable display angle of the containment area, and wherein the heel stand construct is not visible from consumer viewing angles providing a premium appearance.
- a base portion with side walls tapering inward at an angle of about 65 degrees from a rim defining an opening into a containment area in the shape of a truncated square pyramid comprising a centrally positioned single partially bifurcated heel stand created by the right angle intersection of the rim of the base portion and the bottom of the base portion, wherein the rim of the base portion further comprises a peripheral receiving flange that extends outward from the rim; and
- a cover portion designed to be mated to the rim of the base portion for opening and closing access into the containment area, wherein the peripheral receiving flange of the rim mates with a peripheral cover portion flange,
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 8, 2016
Publication Date: Feb 9, 2017
Inventors: Ali Lotfi (Weston, MA), Lawrence Murdoch (Greenville, RI)
Application Number: 15/231,765
