Pallet display assembly

Abstract

A pallet display assembly comprises a pallet defining a maximum length boundary of a shipping and display space and a maximum width boundary of the shipping and display space. The pallet display assembly also comprises a plurality of product packages arranged on the pallet and defining a maximum height boundary of the shipping and display space. The pallet display assembly further comprises at least one product demonstration package disposed on the pallet within the dimensions of the shipping and display space.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to pallet display assemblies, and particularly to pallet display assemblies and methods of displaying a product demonstration package.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Product demonstration units or packages are effective marketing tools for product manufacturers and retailers. When customers see products, especially newer products, on a shelf or pallet in a store location, the customer may be reluctant to purchase the product without sampling the product or seeing the product benefits firsthand. To combat this reluctance, product demonstration packages are provided to enable a customer to view and/or use a product sample before making a purchasing decision. In addition, these product demonstration packages provide an aesthetically appealing display designed to draw customer interest at a store location. Consequently, product demonstration packages generate product sales and revenue.

Because product demonstration units impact product revenue, manufacturers and retailers have a vested interest in displaying product packages and product demonstration packages in the most effective way possible. That being said, presenting and maintaining effective displays may provide obstacles for a retailer. For instance, ensuring product demonstration packages are displayed properly in a store location increases costs, because personnel are required to set up and monitor the displays. As a result, the need arises for systems and methods of effectively displaying product demonstration packages, while eliminating the costs of setting up the display.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first embodiment of the present invention, a pallet display assembly is provided. The pallet display assembly comprises a pallet defining a maximum length boundary of a shipping and display space and a maximum width boundary of the shipping and display space. The pallet display assembly further comprises a plurality of product packages arranged on the pallet and defining a maximum height boundary of the shipping and display space. At least one product demonstration package is disposed on the pallet within the dimensions of the shipping and display space.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, a method of displaying a product demonstration package is provided. The method comprises providing a pallet defining a maximum length boundary of a shipping and display space and a maximum width boundary of the shipping and display space. The method further comprises loading onto the pallet a plurality of product packages and at least one product demonstration package, wherein the plurality of product packages defines a maximum height boundary of the shipping and display space. The at least one product demonstration package is dispersed within the dimensions of the shipping and display space. The method also comprises delivering the loaded pallet to a store location to display the product packages and the product demonstration package.

In a third embodiment of the present invention, a method of displaying a product demonstration package is provided. The method comprises placing a pallet display assembly at a display area of a store location, wherein the pallet display assembly comprises a pallet defining a maximum length boundary of a shipping and display space and a maximum width boundary of the shipping and display space. The pallet display assembly further comprises a plurality of product packages defining a maximum height boundary of the shipping and display space, and at least one product demonstration package disposed on the pallet within the dimensions of the shipping and display space.

The pallet display assemblies and methods of the invention are advantageous in facilitating presentation and display of a product demonstration package at a store location. Additional features and advantages provided by the embodiments of the pallet display assemblies and the methods of displaying a product demonstration package according to the invention will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structures are indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a pallet display assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is another schematic view of another pallet display assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a product demonstration package according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to pallet display assemblies and methods of displaying product demonstration packages on a pallet. In one embodiment, the pallet display assembly comprises a pallet defining a maximum length boundary and a maximum width boundary of a shipping and display space thereon. The pallet display assembly comprises a plurality of product packages arranged on the pallet and defining a maximum height boundary of the shipping and display space, and at least one product demonstration package disposed on the pallet within the dimensions of the shipping and display space. In one embodiment, the method of displaying the product demonstration package according to the invention includes the steps of delivering the pallet display assembly and placing the pallet display assembly at a store location for display.

Referring to FIG. 1, a pallet display assembly 1 comprises a pallet 5. The pallet 5 defines a maximum length boundary 10 of a shipping and display space and a maximum width boundary 20 of the shipping and display space. The pallet display assembly 1 further comprises a plurality of product packages 40. The product packages 40 are arranged on the pallet 5 and define a maximum height boundary 30 of the shipping and display space. The pallet display assembly 1 also comprises at least one product demonstration package 50 disposed on the pallet within the dimensions 10, 20, and 30 of the shipping and display space. Two, three or more product demonstration packages 50 may be included in the pallet display assembly as appropriate. The products associated with the product packages 40 and the product demonstration package 50 may comprise any consumer product sold in a store location, including but not limited to, supermarkets, convenience stores, warehouses, discount outlets, price clubs, etc.

The pallet display assembly 1 may be placed at various locations inside the above store locations. For example, the pallet display assembly 1 may be placed on a shelf, near a checkout location, in the center of an aisle, on the end of an aisle, or any other suitable store location familiar to one of ordinary skill in the art. In a further exemplary embodiment, the pallet display assembly 1 may also be placed on the outside of a store location, for example, near the entrance and/or exit doors.

As defined herein, the shipping and display space refers to the available volume of loading space for product packages 40 and/or product demonstration packages 50 on a pallet 5 during shipping. The shipping and display space comprises a maximum length 10 boundary and a maximum width boundary 20 defined by the length and width dimensions of the pallet 5, and a maximum height boundary 30 defined by the product packages 40.

The product demonstration package 50 may comprise any product sample, advertising information or the like, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the product demonstration package 50 comprises at least one product sample 60, wherein the sample 60 is provided for consumer viewing and/or testing of the product. In one embodiment, the sample 60 is presented without customary product packaging to facilitate ease of use. In one embodiment, the product demonstration package 50 comprises an open top wall and at least one open side wall to facilitate viewing of the material presented therein. Referring to an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the product demonstration package 50 comprises two side walls 52 and a base 54, wherein the remaining sides are at least partially open to provide increased access to the display item 60. Although FIGS. 1-3 depict the product demonstration package 50 and product packages 40 as rectangular boxes, numerous other shapes and configurations known to one skilled in the art are possible.

Referring to another embodiment set forth in FIG. 2, the product demonstration package 50 comprises an expandable portion 56 operable to extend outwardly from the shipping and display space once the pallet display assembly has been received and arranged at a display location. The expandable portion 56 may be arranged to extend beyond a boundary of the shipping and display space, for example as shown in FIG. 2, above the maximum height boundary 30 of the shipping and display space during display. During shipping, the expandable portion 56 is retained within the shipping and display space, for example the portion 56 may be folded or compressed so that the product demonstration package 50 is maintained within the dimensions of the shipping and display space.

Referring to another embodiment as shown in FIG. 3, the product demonstration package 50 comprises an electrical power source 57. In an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 3, the electrical power source 57 may comprise one or more batteries housed in a battery compartment. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the electrical power source comprises a power cord for use with an electrical outlet. The electrical power source may be used to supply electrical power to one or more of the product demonstration packages 50. Suitable electric components include, but are not limited to, one or more lighting elements 58 as shown in FIG. 3, a moving component, video component, an audio component, or combinations thereof. The moving components may comprise various parts and devices, for example, components suitable for demonstrating a property, quality and/or use of the product, or for providing a product sample to a consumer. Of course, the product demonstration package can also provide these benefits in the absence of an electric power source and electrically powered component, if desired.

The product demonstration package 50 may be removable from the pallet display assembly 1, and can be placed at various positions in the pallet display assembly 1, or at various other store display locations upon removal from the pallet 5. These display locations may include, but are not limited to, shelf spaces, checkout spaces, and the like. The product demonstration package 50 is operable at any display location. In one embodiment, the product demonstration package 50 is stacked on or abuts a product package 40 or another product demonstration package 50. In another embodiment, the product package 40 or another product demonstration package 50 is stacked on the product demonstration package 50. By making the product demonstration packages 50 removable, customers may easily obtain product packages 40 located underneath or adjacent the product demonstration packages 50.

In another embodiment, the product demonstration package 50 comprises a footprint substantially similar to a footprint of the product package 40. As defined herein, “footprint” defines a two dimensional configuration of an object, or, optionally, a three dimensional configuration of an object, for example, the product demonstration package 50 and/or the product package 40. A substantially similar footprint is one which has a substantially similar standard sized configuration. The similar dimensions of the product package 40 and product demonstration package 50 ensure the product demonstration package 50 properly fits on the pallet 5 within the shipping and display space. In a further embodiment, this similar footprint also enables the product demonstration package 50 to be displayed on a shelf at a store location. It is also contemplated that the footprint of the product demonstration package 50 can have a footprint varying by about a multiplier from the footprint of the product package 40. In a non-limiting example, it is contemplated that the product demonstration package 50 comprises a footprint that is about two times the footprint of the product package 40. Non-limiting multipliers include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/5, 1/6, 1/7, 1/8, 1/9, 1/10 and ranges composed of the multipliers. While the above multipliers are listed, any multiplier, fractional or decimal, can be utilized with the present invention.

When displaying the product demonstration package 50, it is desirable to place the product demonstration package 50 at a suitable location of the shipping and display space wherein a customer may view and/or use the product sample 60 in the product demonstration package 50. In one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the product demonstration package 50 is disposed along a perimeter of the shipping and display space. In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the product demonstration package 50 is disposed at a corner of the shipping and display space. By placing the product demonstration packages along the outer portions of the pallet display assembly, the product demonstration packages 50 are more easily viewed and used by the customer. In contrast, disposing the product demonstration package 50 in the center of the pallet display assembly 1 may hinder the consumer's ability to view the product demonstration package 50, although, depending on the design of the product display package, replacement at a non-perimeter location of the pallet display assembly 1 may be appropriate. The product demonstration package 50 can also, optionally, be placed on a shelf or other means typically used for presenting products for sale, such as the product for demonstration in the product demonstration package 50.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of displaying a product demonstration package 50 in a pallet display assembly 1 is provided. The method comprises loading onto the pallet 5 a plurality of product packages 40 and at least one product demonstration package 50. The method may comprise an optional step of at least partially surrounding the product packages 40 and/or product demonstration packages 50 with a shipping cover. The shipping cover may comprise any suitable material designed to stabilize the product packages 40 and/or product demonstration packages 50 during shipping. The material used in the shipping cover may include, but is not limited to, plastic sheet wrap, bubble wrap, paper, carton, box, strap, tape, or combinations thereof. In a further embodiment, the product demonstration packages 50 and/or product packages 40 may further comprise package covers configured to individually wrap the product demonstration packages 50 and/or product packages 40. The package cover may comprise similar materials to the shipping cover materials.

After the pallet 5 is loaded, and optionally provided with a shipping cover, the pallet display assembly 1 is delivered to a store location to display the product packages 40 and the product demonstration package 50. In one embodiment, a transport device delivers the pallet display assembly 1 to the store location. The transport device may include, but is not limited to, a truck, a forklift, a conveyor belt, or combinations thereof.

Because the product demonstration package 50 is maintained within the dimensions of the shipping and display area, the pallet display assembly 1 is shipped in a “ready-to-display” configuration. The “ready-to-display” configuration requires no additional setup in displaying the product demonstration packages 50 and product packages upon delivery to a store location, besides, in one embodiment, removing the shipping cover, or in an embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, arranging a portion of the product demonstration package to extend beyond the shipping and display space. The product demonstration package 50 is configured such that is always ready for display and generally does not require any additional setup in order to be displayed. In one exemplary embodiment, the product demonstration package 50 comprises a cover, e.g. plastic wrap, which requires removal before displaying the product demonstration package 50. In another exemplary embodiment, the product demonstration package 50 may include instructions to modify the package for display, for example, to remove one or more walls to provide a configuration as shown in FIG. 3. Consequently, the “ready-to-display” pallet display 1 assembly reduces setup costs and ensures that the pallet display assembly 1 is arranged as desired by the retailer and/or manufacturer.

It is noted that terms like “specifically,” “preferably,” “typically”, “generally”, and “often” are not utilized herein to limit the scope of the claimed invention or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the claimed invention. Rather, these terms are merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the present invention. It is also noted that terms like “substantially” and “about” are utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm”.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A pallet display assembly comprising:

a pallet defining a maximum length boundary of a shipping and display space and a maximum width boundary of the shipping and display space;

a plurality of product packages arranged on the pallet and defining a maximum height boundary of the shipping and display space; and

at least one product demonstration package disposed on the pallet within the dimensions of the shipping and display space.

2. A pallet display assembly according to claim 1 wherein the product demonstration package is stacked on or abuts a product package or another product demonstration package.

3. A pallet display assembly according to claim 1 wherein a product package or another product demonstration package is stacked on the product demonstration package.

4. A pallet display assembly according to claim 1 wherein the product demonstration package is disposed along a perimeter of the shipping and display space.

5. A pallet display assembly according to claim 1 wherein the product demonstration package is disposed at a corner of the shipping and display space.

6. A pallet display assembly according to claim 1 further comprising a shipping cover at least partially surrounding the product packages and/or product demonstration packages thereon.

7. A pallet display assembly according to claim 1 further comprising at least one package cover configured to individually wrap the product packages and/or product demonstration packages.

8. A pallet display assembly according to claim 1 wherein the product demonstration package comprises a footprint varying by about a multiplier to a footprint of a product package.

9. A pallet display assembly according to claim 1 wherein the product demonstration package comprises an open top wall and at least one open side wall.

10. A pallet display assembly according to claim 1 wherein the product demonstration package comprises an expandable portion contained within the shipping and display space and operable to extend outwardly from the shipping and display space.

11. A pallet display assembly according to claim 1 wherein the product demonstration package comprises an electrical power source.

12. A pallet display assembly according to claim 11 wherein the electrical power source comprises at least one battery and a battery compartment.

13. A pallet display assembly according to claim 1 wherein the product demonstration package comprises at least one electric component and/or moving component.

14. A pallet display assembly according to claim 1 wherein the product package is removable from the pallet display assembly.

15. A pallet display assembly according to claim 1 wherein the product demonstration package is operable to be displayed on a shelf or checkout space at a store location.

16. A method of displaying a product demonstration package comprising:

providing a pallet defining a maximum length boundary of a shipping and display space, and a maximum width boundary of the shipping and display space;

loading onto the pallet a plurality of product packages and at least one product demonstration package, the plurality of product packages defining a maximum height boundary of the shipping and display space and the at least one product demonstration package being disposed within the dimensions of the shipping and display space; and

delivering the loaded pallet to a store location to display the product packages and the product demonstration package.

17. A method according to claim 16 further comprising covering the loaded pallet with a shipping cover prior to the delivery step.

18. A method according to claim 17 further comprising removing the shipping cover from the loaded pallet after the delivery step.

19. A method according to claim 16 wherein the loaded pallet is delivered via a transport device.

20. A method of displaying a product demonstration package comprising: placing a pallet display assembly at a display area of a store location, the pallet display assembly comprising:

a pallet defining a maximum length boundary of a shipping and display space and a maximum width boundary of the shipping and display space;

a plurality of product packages defining a maximum height boundary of the shipping and display space; and

at least one product demonstration package disposed on the pallet within the dimensions of the shipping and display space.