EASEL DISPLAY

Abstract

A gravity feed product display device having product chutes and supported by an easel. Embodiments of the device may include a center easel or side easels formed from the back and bottom panels of the outer body of the display device. Either a one piece or a two piece construction may be used to form the device, which may be front loaded with product.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/920,380 titled “Easel Displays” and filed on Mar. 28, 2007, and is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. application Ser. No. 11/321,137 titled “Display Device for Retail Goods” and filed Dec. 29, 2005 and a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/035,839 titled “Display Device for Retail Goods” and filed Feb. 22, 2008, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Retail product sales are driven by many factors. Product demand, quality, and pricing are some factors that contribute to retail product sales. Other factors may include product advertising and product location in the retail environment. Accordingly, many product display devices are designed to take advantage of valuable retail space location and resources. For instance, it is often preferable for such a display device, including paperboard devices, to occupy minimum space in the retail environment but present an attractive display that makes product readily available to the customer. Such devices may also be designed to present surface area for advertising and other product-related and sales-related graphics, indicia, and marks.

Conventional product display devices may take many different forms. Some retail establishments require that displays meet particular specifications in order to be used by that establishment. In the case of paperboard display devices, retail establishments are concerned not only with storage space required for display devices when not in use, as well as footprint, aesthetic qualities and other physical features, but they also value ease of setup that requires minimal time and effort from employees. From a cost point of view, devices are desirable which can easily and efficiently be loaded with product and shipped to the point of purchase in their containers. Retail establishments may additionally prefer environmentally friendly displays in order to minimize issues with respect to disposal and the environment.

Some of the popular display products being used have dispensing chutes that compartmentalize product and allow a consumer to remove one product while another product will slide down into its place. Some of the currently available displays are difficult to assemble because they require two or more body pieces to form the outer shell, as well as serpentine-style inserts. This means that rather than being shipped in an easy to assemble position, the person preparing the display actually has to fold the paperboard insert back and forth to form the chutes. As example of such a system is shown in FIG. 12. This system also has two separate body parts to form the housing, which adds to assembly time and manufacturing costs.

Cost of paperboard displays is also driven by, among other things, area of paperboard required to produce the display, necessity of more than one part or parts made of other materials, and complexity. For instance, a display which requires fewer folds, fewer parts, less complexity to set up, and fewer glue lines during construction, as shown in FIG. 15, may be preferable to a more complex device if other factors are equal.

It is thus desirable to provide a display unit that is easy to ship, easy to set up, and provides efficient delivery of product to the end-consumer. It is further desirable to provide display units that feature graphics, while also providing the additional display space on the unit, if needed. It is further desirable to provide a display unit that features chutes or other avenues by which products can be dispensed. It is further desirable to provide a display unit with sustainability, requiring less energy, fuel and resources for manufacturing and shipment.

SUMMARY

Devices according to embodiments of the present invention employ unique solutions to the multi-faceted set of requirements mentioned above. Such devices minimize complexity, required paperboard, and non-paperboard components or materials. They also address minimizing manufacturing steps and complications associated with loading product into the displays and the displays into their shipping container. From a retail environment point of view, they enhance ease of setup at the point of purchase, while maximizing opportunity for advertising and graphics, and minimizing required footprint of occupied space when the display is in use presenting product for purchase.

In one embodiment, there is provided a display device with an outer body and an inner display area with dividers suitable for front product loading. The blank has a series of panels that are adapted to be folded and glued upon one another to form a display area with dividers. The outer body preferably has an front panel, a back panel, and a series of additional panels comprising a bottom panel, a platform panel, and a front lip that are adapted to be folded upon themselves to collectively form a display base. The outer body may also have angled side easels attached to the side panels or a center easel that allow the display to lean back and support itself. In use, the insert can be inserted into the outer body and shipped in a flattened position.

Other embodiments provide a display device with an outer body and an inner display area with dividers with different easel supports that allow the device to support itself.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a blank of a body unit according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 3A-3C are perspective views showing how the body of FIG. 2 may be folded.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a blank of an insert according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows one way that the insert of FIG. 4 may be folded.

FIG. 6 shows a top plan view of an alternate blank of an insert according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show an elastic member for use in connection with sides of the body of FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 7A shows the side in a closed/storage position and FIG. 7B shows side in an open position.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a grid according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a blank of a face panel according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 10 shows one way that the face panel of FIG. 9 may have peg display hooks and product pouches attached thereto.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a blank of support legs according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one design that the present invention is intended to improve upon.

FIG. 13 is front a perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the display device of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the blank of the body unit of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the insert of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of a display device according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view of the display device of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of the blank of the body unit of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of a blank of a body unit according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 21 is front a perspective view of a display device of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of the display device of FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is a partial view of the blank of the body unit taken along line I in FIG. 20.

FIG. 24 is a partial view of the blank of the body unit taken along line II in FIG. 20.

DESCRIPTION

According to certain embodiments, the invention provides a retail product display for use with consumer goods products in a retail establishment. One embodiment of the display is a gravity feed type display, preferably formed from paperboard or other suitable lightweight material. Another embodiment is a pegged display that provides a platform for materials to be displayed and/or hung from pegs or hooks. It should be understood that the display body or other parts may be made from corrugated, fiberboard, chip board, or any other material as desired.

FIG. 1 shows a gravity feed display device 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. It preferably comprises an outer body 100 and one or more inserts 12. Outer body 100 is folded in such a way that it provides a base 54 on which product may rest as it is inserted through chutes 56. The top of device 10 may feature an opening 44 that may be secured or open at the top. It should be understood that a separate lid may be provided, if desired. In some embodiments, opening 44 provides an area for product to be inserted into device 10. According to particular embodiments, the device 10 may comprises three separate pieces, one outer body and two inserts 12, depending upon the length of the device 10 and the uses for which it is intended. It should be understood, however, that the device 10 may comprise a single insert 12, or more than two inserts, if desired. In a preferred embodiment, the body unit 100 is made from a single blank 14, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. As will be described in more detail below, a particular embodiment of the outer body 100 has a front panel 34, a rear panel 16, and a series of additional panels that are adapted to be folded upon themselves to form a square or rectangle-shaped display base 54. The additional panels may be a bottom panel 24, a foot panel 26, and a platform panel 28 that collectively form the display base 54.

With reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the blank 14 preferably comprises a rear panel 16 and a front panel 34. A side panel 18 is foldably attached to each end of the rear panel 16 along a fold line 17. First tabs 20 and second tabs 22 are foldable attached to each side panel along fold lines 19, 21. The first tab 20 may preferably be larger than the second tab 22, as shown in FIG. 2, if desired.

The rear panel 16 is foldably attached to a bottom panel 24 along a fold line 23. Two slots 42 are preferably located on the rear panel 16 in the corners, adjacent the fold line 23 connecting the rear panel to the bottom panel. The bottom panel 24 is preferably foldably attached to a foot panel 26 along a fold line 25, opposite the side attached to the rear panel 16. The foot panel 26 is preferably attached to a platform panel 28 along a fold line 27, opposite the side attached to the bottom panel 24. A fold tab 30 is foldably attached to each side end of the platform panel 28 along a fold line 29. The platform panel 28 is foldably attached to a tuck panel 32 along a fold line 31, opposite the side attached to the platform panel. Two tabs 40 are preferably located along the fold line 31 connecting the platform panel and the tuck panel, one at each end of the fold line. The tuck panel 32 has a free end opposite the side connected to the platform panel 28, which in the blank form is preferably adjacent to a front panel 34.

The front panel 34 is foldably connected to a top panel 36 along a fold line 35. The top panel 36 preferably comprises an opening 44 for product placement as will be described below. The top panel 36 is preferably foldably connected to a glue panel 38 along a fold line 37, opposite the side connected to the front panel 34. A side panel 46 is connected to each side end of the front panel 34 and the foot panel 26 along a fold line 45. Each side panel 46 is preferably foldably connected to a support panel 48 along a fold line 47. Each support panel 48 is preferably foldably connected to a base panel 50 along an angled fold line 49. The base panels are also preferably connected to the side panels 46 and the angled fold line 49 preferably extends across the fold line 47 connecting the side panels 46 to the support panels 48.

Once prepared and die cut, blank 14 is glued and then folded as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C. In a specific embodiment, the body 12 is preferably erected by folding the rear panel 16 along the fold line 23 and the bottom panel 24 along the fold line 25 as shown in FIG. 3A. The foot panel 26, platform panel 28, and tuck panel 32 are then folded upon themselves as shown in FIG. 3B. The tuck panel 32 is not shown in FIG. 3B because when it is folded away from platform panel 28, tabs 40 are exposed and allowed to cooperate with slots 42 of rear panel, and tuck panel 32 is tucked underneath platform panel 28 to form base 54. The exposed tabs 40 preferably engage the slots 42 located on the rear panel 16. The slots 42 are preferably positioned on the rear panel such that, when engaging the tabs 40, the bottom panel 24 is rearwardly sloped causing the body unit to be rearwardly sloped. This allows device 10 to be displayed on a countertop and support itself.

Once base 54 has been formed, the top panel 36 is then folded along the fold line 35 and the glue panel 38 is folded along the fold line 37 so that the glue panel can be adhered to the rear panel 16 using an adhesive. The opening 44 allows product to be inserted into body, once inserts (described below) are in place.

One embodiment of insert 12 may also be formed from a blank, as shown in FIG. 4. The insert blank preferably comprises a glue panel 60 foldably connected to a divider panel 62 along a fold line 61. The divider panel 62 is preferably foldably connected to a secondary front panel 64 along a fold line 63. The secondary front panel 64 is foldably connected to another divider panel 66 along a fold line 65. This second divider panel 66 is foldably connected to a rear panel 68 along a fold line 67 located between the divider panel 66 and the rear panel 68. The rear panel 68 is foldably connected to a side panel 70 along a fold line 69, opposite the side of the rear panel 68 connected to the divider panel 66. Side panel 70 is foldably connected to the primary front panel 72 along a fold line 71, opposite the side of the side panel 70 connected to the rear panel 68. The primary front panel 72 is foldably connecter to a second side panel 74 along a fold line 73, opposite the side of the front panel 72 connected to the first side panel 70. The second side panel 74 is foldably connected to an end panel 76 along a fold line 75, opposite the side of the second side panel 74 connected to the primary front panel 72. It should be understood that the front panels 64, 72 may preferably be smaller than the remaining panels (or have indented openings 78) in order to provider access to the product stored in the display device 10. The smaller size provides a chute-like opening in the assembled insert.

As shown in FIG. 5, inserts 12 may preferably be erected by placing adhesive on the glue panel 60 and folding along the fold line 65 so that the glue panel is adhered to the rear panel 68. In a preferred embodiment, glue panel 60 may be secured to rear panel 68 substantially in its middle area. Adhesive may then be placed on the front panel 72, again, preferably approximately at its mid-point. The blank is then preferably folded along the fold line 69, and the secondary front panel 64 is adhered to the backside of the primary front panel 72. Adhesive is then preferably placed on the end portion of the end panel 76 and the blank is folded along the fold line 73. The end panel 76 wraps around the partially formed blank and is attached to the back of the rear panel 68.

According to certain embodiments of the invention, when assembled and erected, the insert comprises three divided chutes for product placement, as shown in the completed insert shown in FIG. 5. It should be understood that the blank may be configured to provide fewer or more chutes 56 as desired, by providing fewer or more panels. The insert 12 can be collapsed to a flat condition as desired for shipping and storage.

An alternate embodiment of an insert 112 according to other embodiments of the invention is shown in FIG. 6. This insert 112 forms chutes by providing dividers 114. In a particular embodiment, each divider 114 is connected to the blank 110 via a fold line 108 and a perforated portion 106. Optional thumb grips 104 may be provided as a cut out portion on blank 110 to provide a space for a user to grasp the divider 114 to remove it from blank 110 along perforated portion 106. When the perforated portion 106 is separated from blank 110 and folded back along fold line 108, divider 114 is folded out from blank 110 to form a series of chutes 56. Although shown as curved and somewhat trapezoidal, dividers 114 may be any shape and size that is useful to provide the desired purposes. Typically, insert blank 110 is placed inside body 100 before dividers 114 are activated for ease of shipping. Dividers 114 are then extended to provide chutes prior to assembly and loading.

The inserts 12, 112 may preferably be placed inside the body unit 100 by passing them through one of the side ends of the erected body unit. Once placed inside the body 100, the sides of the body 100 may be closed by folding the side panels 18 along the fold lines 17 and inserting the tabs 20, 21 into the body, shown in FIG. 2. A piece of adhesive tape may be placed on the exposed surface of the side panels 18. The support panels 48 and side panels 46 may be folded against and adhered to the side panels 18. It should be understood that other methods of adhering can be used, such as an adhesive or a fastener. The base panels 50 are preferably folded along the angled fold lines 49. Because of the angled fold line connecting the support panels and the base panel, the erected display unit will preferably tilt slightly backward. The display unit can therefore be assembled and placed on a surface, supported by the support panels and base panels. According to certain embodiments, the display provides four bearing surfaces which increases stability of the display.

Graphical display indicia may be printed on the external surfaces of the display unit as desired. For example, graphical display indicia, such as advertisements for the displayed product may be printed on the front panel 34, the foot panel 26, and the support panels 48 and the side panels 46 of body 100.

The display unit according to certain embodiments of the invention may be shipped in a flat, unassembled configuration and meets virtually all current retail establishment specifications. It may be desirable to pre-glue the body unit and the inserts, thus requiring minimal effort to set up the display at the retail establishment. By shipping the display in a flat, unassembled configuration, approximately 50% more display units may be shipped per shipping truck as compared to other conventional display units. This also reduces the amount of storage space occupied at the retail establishment. By providing fewer parts, the display according to certain embodiments of the invention is easier to assemble. In addition, the preferable choice of environmentally friendly materials allows for easier disposal of the display.

Once the display is assembled, product can be placed in each chute 56 through the opening 44 located in the top panel 36 of body 100. Multiple units of a product may be placed in each chute 56, stacked one on top of another. The product preferably rests on the platform panel 28 and against the rear panel 16 (or against the back of chutes, if so designed). The bottom-most product is visible and may be removed from the platform panel or base 54 of the display 10 by a consumer. This allows the remaining product to be moved downward due to gravitational forces and the removed product to be automatically replaced by a new product until there is no more product located in the chute.

An additional optional feature of the invention is an anti-swiping device 192, shown in FIG. 1. This device 192 may be provided in the form of a shield 192 of plastic tape that is adhered to the inside of the blank used to form body 100 prior to its assembly. It is also possible to adhere anti-sweeping device 192 to body 100 once it has been formed.

An additional optional feature is to provide elastic members 93 to cause side panels to open automatically for the body 100. According to certain embodiments, the display unit may further comprise elastic members 93 as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, allowing the side panels to open automatically when erecting the display unit. The support panels 48 may preferably comprise a fold line 94 extending vertically along the support panels and creating a hinge panel 96. The hinge panel may preferably be adhered to the rear panel 16 using an adhesive tape or any other type of adhesive. The support panels are preferably opened when folded outward, away from the rear panel 16, along the fold line 94. The support panels are thus approximately perpendicular to the rear panel and support the display device when open, creating a stand or support for the display device.

One end of each elastic member, such as a bando device, rubber band, or other similar elastic device, is preferably attached to the bottom outer portion of each support panel 48. The opposite end of each elastic member is preferably attached to the bottom portion of each respective hinge panel 96.

According to certain embodiments, the elastic member may be a bando device. The bando device may be attached to the support panels and the hinge panels by passing through small holes in the appropriate location of each panel.

The elastic members may preferably allow the support panels 48 of the display device to open automatically to the erected position, as shown in FIG. 7B. The elastic member is preferably in a neutral (minimal tensile) position when the support panels are opened or approximately perpendicular to the rear panel 16. The display unit is preferably shipped in a flat configuration as described above. This is done by folding the support panels down so that they are adjacent to the rear panel 16, causing the elastic members to stretch, as shown in FIG. 7A. When the display unit is removed from the shipping container, the elastic members will preferably cause the support panels to open automatically (or “pop” open) along the fold line 94. The support panels preferably open to a position approximately perpendicular to the rear panel because the elastic members are preferably in a minimal tensile position. This allows the user to erect the display with minimal effort.

According to other embodiments of the invention, the display device need not be a gravity feed display, but may be a pegged display, one example of which is shown in FIG. 10. In this embodiment, body 100 does not necessarily have to have a series panels that are folded upon one another to form a base 54 for product to rest on as it is inserted into chutes, although that is type of body could be used. A pegged display may comprise display hooks for displaying product. Hooks may be included on the body 100 or there may be a separate panel provided with such hooks, as example of which is shown in FIG. 8. A front panel comprising holes may be adhered to the front surface of the display using an adhesive tape, an adhesive or other adhesive means. Peg hooks may be inserted into the holes. Each display device may support multiple peg hooks as desired. Product may be hung from the peg hooks for display, allowing complete product visibility. A product pouch may be clipped to the front panel if desired to further hold the product if desired. It should be understood that the product pouch may be attached to the display in many ways including adhesive tape, adhesives, clips, hook and loop fasteners and others.

Additionally, certain embodiments of the display unit 10 comprise an angled flat front surface. This may be provided by the bottom of the base 54 being angled so that the device 10 leans back and supports itself.

Certain embodiments of the invention provide a display device comprising a support panel or grid 115, as shown in FIG. 8. The support grid 115 may preferably be a rectangular plastic (talc filled copolymer) grid, but can be made from different materials and in different shapes if desired. For example, a paper or paperboard grid may be used. In certain embodiments, a face panel 120, such as that shown in FIG. 9, may be attached to the grid when assembling the display. The face panel may preferably be of the same height and width as the grid. According to certain embodiments, the face panel may have several openings 122 located across the face panel. The openings 122 may preferably be larger than the openings of the support grid 115. The face panel may also preferably comprise several holes 126, one located in approximately each corner of the face panel.

Peg hooks may be attached to the grid 115 thorough the openings 122. The peg hooks preferably snap into the support grid 115. Multiple peg hooks may be attached to the face panel and spaced apart as desired. A product pouch may be attached to the face panel and grid, preferably below each peg hook, if desired. The product pouch may have be clipped to the grid and face panel using Christmas tree clips, other types of clips, adhesive tape, adhesives, or other fastening means.

The display 10 may be assembled by placing the face panel 120 shown in FIG. 9 on the support grid 115 of FIG. 8. The support grid could be attached to a body or it could be a stand-alone unit. The face panel may be affixed to the grid using clips or by other manners such as an adhesive tape or an adhesive. According to certain embodiments, Christmas tree clips may be placed through the holes 126 located in the corners of the face panel. The Christmas tree clips preferably pass through the holes and through the grid, attaching the face panel to the grid. An example of such a completed assembly is shown in FIG. 10.

If desired, support legs may be attached to the grid, allowing the display to stand according to certain embodiments of the invention. This could be in addition to or instead of the option of providing an angled base 54, as described above. In one embodiment, the support legs may preferably comprise a blank 130 as shown in FIG. 11. According to certain embodiments, two support legs may be made from a single blank, although only one or more than two legs may also be provided from a single blank. The blank 130 may preferably have a scored line forming two symmetrical halves of the blank. The scored line can be folded and the two halves separated, forming two support legs.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the blank 130 comprises a first body panel 136 and a second body panel 138 separated by a fold line 137. The blank 130 preferably comprises attachment holes 134 located in approximately the outer corners of the first body panel 136 and the second body panel 138. The blank may preferably be folded along the fold line 137 and the first body panel attached to the second body panel, such as by an adhesive. This may provide additional strength to the support legs for supporting the display. The attachment holes 134 will preferably be aligned when the first body panel is attached to the second body panel.

Each support leg may be attached to the grid by placing the attachment holes over the exposed ends of the Christmas tree clips, on the back side of the grid, opposite the face panel. It should be understood that the support legs may be attached to the grid in any suitable manner using clips, adhesives, adhesive tapes, or other fastening devices if desired. The support legs may be folded along a fold line 140, causing the support legs to extend away from the grid. Base panels 144 may be folded along diagonal fold line 143, forming a base for the support legs. The base panels 144 preferably provide four bearing surfaces for supporting the assembled display device.

Displays according to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 13-29 can be assembled and loaded with product from the front, then placed in a corrugated or other container for shipment to the retail site. There, the displays can be unpacked from the shipping container and the center easel or side easel support on the displays deployed to allow the displays to stand upright in an acceptable footprint to present an attractive display with suitable advertising and graphics as well as readily available product. In one embodiment, such displays can be made from paperboard, and the center easel or wings can be unfolded and deployed from the center or back of the display as shown in the drawings when the display, loaded with product, has reached the location at which it will be set up and positioned to present and dispense product for sale. Embodiments described may provide a display unit with sustainability, requiring less energy, fuel and resources for manufacturing and shipment.

In an alternative embodiment, the display device is supported by a center easel. For example, as shown FIGS. 13-16, the display device 210 is constructed from two pieces, blank 214 (FIG. 15) and divider insert 208 (FIG. 16). As shown in FIG. 15, blank 214 includes front panel 218 foldably connected to top panel 219 along fold line 290. The front panel 218 is foldably connected to side flap 220 along fold line 292 and to side flap 221 along fold line 293. Back panel 228 is foldably connected to the top panel 219 along fold line 291. Side panel 222 is foldably connected to back panel 228 along fold line 247. Side panel 223 is foldably connected to back panel 228 along fold line 248.

To form the base portion of the display, the bottom panel 229, which is foldably connected to the back panel 228, is folded along fold line 281. Tuck panel 263 (foldably connected to side panel 222 along fold line 256) is tucked onto the bottom panel 229. Tuck panel 264 (foldably connected to side panel 223 along fold line 255) is tucked onto bottom panel 229. The front lip 251, which is foldably connected to the bottom panel 229, is folded along fold line 282. Tuck panel 240 is foldably connected to side panel 223 along fold line 294 and is tucked behind the front lip 251. Tuck panel 241 is foldably connected to side panel 222 along fold line 295 and is tucked behind the front lip 251. The platform panel 250 is foldably connected to front lip 251 along fold line 283. Tuck panel 261 is foldably connected to platform panel 250 along fold line 258 and is folded to rest on side panel 222. Tuck panel 262 is foldably connected to platform panel 250 along fold line 257 and is folded to rest on side panel 223. Inner flap 254 is foldably connected to platform panel 250 along fold line 274. Inner flap 254 is folded and tucked so that it is touching the back panel 228 and parallel to front lip 251.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, five slots 242, 243, 244, 245, and 246 are located on the back panel 228 and are evenly spaced apart. Center slot 244 is adjacent the fold line 281 connecting the back panel 228 to the bottom panel 229. The slots 242, 243, 244, 245, and 246 (further described below) are used to support platform panel 250 where products are placed.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, base panel 203 of center easel support 270 is foldably connected to the inner flap 254 along fold line 273. Base panel 203 is also foldably connected to middle panel 202 along fold line 271. To form the center easel support 270, insert panel 201 (foldably connected to middle panel 202 along fold line 272) is inserted through slot 259 which is located along fold line 281. Insert panel 201 is inserted through center slot 244. Tabs 265, 266, 267 and 268 are inserted into slots 242, 243, 245 and 246, respectively, fixing the platform panel 250 perpendicularly to the back panel 228, opposite the side attached to the bottom panel 229. When constructed display device 210 tilts slightly backward and is supported by the center easel support 270.

A second component, divider insert 208, is shown in FIG. 16. Divider insert 208 includes back panel 209 having dividers 212 connected to back panel 209 along perforated portions 213. Divider 212 is activated by separating perforated portion 213 from insert 208, and folded back along fold line 215. Although shown as curved and somewhat trapezoidal, dividers 212 may be any suitable shape and size. When folded out as described, dividers 212 separate the interior of display device 210 into compartments for displaying products. In the embodiment shown, the divider insert 208 includes six dividers 212 for product placement. However, the divider insert 208 may be configured to provide any suitable number of dividers by increasing or decreasing the number of panels. The divider insert 208 can be collapsed to a flat condition as desired for shipping and storage.

Display device 210 is assembled by inserting divider insert 208 into the outer body formed from blank 214 prior to closing the front panel 218. Divider insert 208 may be placed inside blank 214 before dividers 212 are activated for ease of shipping. Dividers 212 are then extended to provide chutes prior to assembly and loading.

Once the display device 210 is assembled and prior to closing front panel 218, product can be front loaded between dividers 212. Multiple units of a product may be stacked between each divider 212. The product rests on the platform panel 250 and against the back panel 228. The bottom-most product is visible and may be removed from the platform panel 250 or base of the display by a consumer. This allows the remaining product to be moved downward due to gravitational forces and the removed product to be automatically replaced by a new product until there is no more product located between the dividers. Holes 249, located along platform panel 250, allow access to the product.

After divider insert 208 is placed into the outer body formed from blank 214, the final component of assembly involves closing front panel 218. To secure front panel 218 in place, tuck panel 225 is folded along fold line 275 and tuck panel 224 is folded along fold line 276, so that both are in and under the top panel 219. Then, front panel 218 is folded down. Side flap 220 (foldably connected to front panel 218 along fold line 292) is then glued to the side panel 222 and side flap 221 (foldably connected to front panel 218 along fold line 293) is glued to side panel 223. It should be understood that other methods of adhering can be used, such as any suitable adhesive, fastener or mechanical lock.

Graphical display indicia may be printed on the external surfaces of the display unit as desired. For example, graphical display indicia, such as advertisements for the displayed product, may be printed on the front panel 218, the front lip 251, and/or the side panels 222 and 223 and the side flaps 220 and 221. In some instances, it may be desirable to pre-glue, or use other adhesive to assemble, the body unit and the inserts, so that minimal effort is required to set up the display.

In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 17-19, the display device 393 is constructed from a single piece of material. As shown in FIG. 19, the blank 399, comprises front panel 300, foldably connected to a top panel 301 along a fold line 338. The front panel 300 is foldably connected to side flap 384 along a fold line 312 and to side flap 385 along fold line 311. The back panel 302 is foldably connected to the top panel 301 along fold line 337. Side panel 381 is foldably connected to back panel 302 along fold line 389. Side panel 380 is foldably connected to back panel 302 along fold line 388.

To form the base portion of the display, the bottom panel 303, which is foldably connected to the back panel 302, is folded along fold line 336. Tuck panel 373 is foldably connected to side panel 381 along fold line 347 and tucked onto the bottom panel 303. Tuck panel 372 is foldably connected to side panel 380 along fold line 346 and tucked onto bottom panel 303. The front lip 304, which is foldably connected to the bottom panel 303, is folded along fold line 335. Tuck panel 374 is foldably connected to side panel 380 along fold line 344 and is tucked behind the front lip 304. Tuck panel 375 is foldably connected to side panel 381 along fold line 345 and is tucked behind the front lip 304. The platform panel 305 is foldably connected to front lip 304 along fold line 334. Tuck panel 371 is foldably connected to platform panel 305 along fold line 349 and is folded to rest on side panel 381. Tuck panel 370 is foldably connected to platform panel 305 along fold line 348 and is folded to rest on side panel 380. Inner flap 306 is foldably connected to platform panel 305 along fold line 333. Inner flap 306 is folded and tucked so that it is touching the back panel 302 and parallel to front lip 304.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, five slots 351, 352, 353, 354, and 355 are located on back panel 302 and evenly spaced apart. Center slot 353, is located in the center of the lower portion of the back panel 302 and adjacent to fold line 336, which connects the back panel 302 to the bottom panel 303. The slots 351, 352, 353, 354, and 355 (further described below) are used to support platform panel 305 where products can be placed.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, base panel 320 of center easel 325 is foldably connected to inner flap 306 along fold line 332. Base panel 320 is foldably connected to middle panel 321 along fold line 331. To form the center easel support insert panel 322 (foldably connected to middle panel 321 along fold line 330) is inserted through slot 350. Insert panel 322 is inserted through center easel slot 353. Tabs 340, 341, 342, and 343 are inserted into slots 351, 352, 354 and 355, respectively, fixing the platform panel 305 perpendicularly to the back panel 302, opposite the side attached to the bottom panel 303. When constructed, display device 393 tilts slightly backward and is supported by the center easel 326.

The dividers 390 are located on the back panel 302. Each divider 390 is connected to the back panel 302 via a perforated portion 326 and fold line 327. Divider 390 is activated by separating perforated portion 326 out from back panel 302, and folded back along fold line 327. Although shown as curved and somewhat trapezoidal, dividers 390 may be any shape and size that is useful to provide the desired purposes. While six dividers 390 are shown, it should be understood that fewer or additional dividers 390 may be provided by increasing or decreasing the number of panels.

Once the display device 393 is assembled and prior to closing front panel 300, product can be front loaded between dividers 390. Multiple units of a product may be placed between each divider 390, stacked one on top of another. The bottom-most product is visible and may be removed from the platform panel 305 or base of the display by a consumer. This allows the remaining product to be moved downward due to gravitational forces and the removed product to be automatically replaced by a new product until there is no more product located between the dividers. Holes 316, located along platform panel 305, allow access to the product.

The final component of assembly involves closing front panel 300. To secure front panel 300 in place, tuck panel 382 (foldably connected to side panel 380) is folded along fold line 386 and tuck panel 383 (foldably connected to side panel 381) is folded along fold line 387, so that both are in and under the top panel 301. Then, front panel 300 is folded down into place. Side flap 384 (foldably connected to front panel 300 along fold line 312) is then glued to the side panel 380 and side flap 385 (foldably connected to front panel 300 along fold line 311) is glued to side panel 381. Any suitable adhesive or other fastener may be used to secure the side flaps to the side panels.

The display unit may be shipped in a flat, unassembled configuration and meets virtually all current retail establishment specifications. In addition, graphical display indicia may be printed on the external surfaces of the display unit as desired and as described above. It may be desirable to pre-glue, or use other adhesive, the body unit thus requiring minimal effort to set up the display at the retail establishment.

In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 20-24, display device 455 may be formed from a single piece of material and utilize side support structures. As shown in FIG. 20, blank 499 includes a front panel 400 foldably connected to a top panel 401 along a fold line 450. The front panel 400 is foldably connected to side flap 410 along a fold line 460 and side flap 411 along fold line 461. The back panel 402 is foldably connected to the top panel 401 along fold line 451. To form the display base, the bottom panel 403, which is foldably connected to the back panel 402, is folded along fold line 470.

Back panel 402 is cut along lines 491 and 492, while bottom panel 403 is cut along lines 490 and 493. In this manner, side easel member 496 is formed by cutting along line 492 of back panel 402 and along line 490 of bottom panel 403, and side easel member 497 is formed by cutting along line 491 of back panel 402 and along line 493 of bottom panel 403. Side easel member 496 is connected to side panel 415 along fold line 426 and to bottom edge member 494 along fold line 424. Side easel member 497 is connected to side panel 414 along fold line 425 and to bottom edge member 495 along fold line 423. Bottom edge member 494 and bottom edge member 495 are pre-folded. Bottom edge member 494 folds along fold line 426 to the interior of and adjacent to bottom panel 403 and bottom edge member 495 folds along fold line 425 to the interior of and adjacent to bottom panel 403.

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 23, side edge member 444 is triangular in shape, and includes slot 440, while bottom portion 432 of side easel member 496 includes tab 442, so that tab 442 is inserted into slot 440 to lock the side easel member 496 into place. In one embodiment tab 442 and slot 440 may be omitted. Bottom portion 432 of side easel member 496 is divided by fold line 436, allowing bottom portion 432 of side easel member 496 to fold inside the cavity of the display and flush with the remainder of the blank 499. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 24, side edge member 445 is triangular in shape, and includes slot 441, while bottom portion 433 of side easel member 497 includes tab 443, so that tab 443 is inserted into slot 441 to lock side easel member 497 into place. In one embodiment tab 443 and slot 441 may be omitted. Bottom portion 433 of side easel member 497 is divided by fold line 437, allowing bottom portion 433 of side easel member 497 to fold inside the cavity of the display and flush with the remainder of the blank 499. This ability to fold flush with the display provides an advantage in shipping.

Front lip 404, which is foldably connected to the bottom panel 403, is folded along fold line 471. Tuck panels 480 and 481 are tucked behind the front lip 404. The platform panel 405 is foldably connected to front lip 404 along fold line 472. Divider panel 406 is foldably connected to platform panel 405 along fold line 473. Divider panel 406 is folded so that it rests on top of and covering back panel 402.

Two slots 434 and 435 are located on the back panel 402, adjacent the fold line 470. Tabs 430 and 431 are inserted into slots 434 and 435, fixing the platform panel 405 perpendicularly to the back panel 402, above and parallel to the side attached to the bottom panel 403.

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the dividers 420 are located on divider panel 406. Each divider 420 is connected to the divider panel 406 via a perforated portion 422 and fold line 421. Divider 420 is activated by separating perforated portion 422 from the divider panel 406, and folded back along fold line 421. Although shown as curved and somewhat trapezoidal, dividers 420 may be any shape and size that is useful to provide the desired purposes. While six dividers 420 are shown, it should be understood that any suitable number of dividers 420 may be provided by increasing or decreasing the number of panels.

Once the display device 455 is assembled, prior to closing the front panel 400, product can be front loaded between dividers 420. Multiple units of a product may be placed between each divider 420, stacked one on top of another. The bottom-most product is visible and may be removed from the platform panel 405 or base of the display by a consumer. This allows the remaining product to be moved downward due to gravitational forces and the removed product to be automatically replaced by a new product until there is no more product located between the dividers.

Once the product is loaded, front panel 400 is closed, as illustrated in FIG. 21. To secure the front panel 400, tuck panel 412 (foldably connected to side panel 414) is folded along fold line 462 and tuck panel 413 (foldably connected to side panel 415) is folded along fold line 463, so that both are in and under the top panel 401. Front panel 400 is then folded down into place. Side flap 410 (foldably connected to front panel 400 along fold line 464) is glued to the side panel 414 and side flap 411 (foldably connected to front panel 400 along fold line 461) is glued to side panel 415. Any other suitable adhesive or other fastener may also be used.

As described above, graphical display indicia may be printed on the external surfaces of the display unit as desired. The display unit may be shipped in a flat, unassembled configuration and meets virtually all current retail establishment specifications.

Claims

1. A gravity feed display device, comprising:

(a) a front panel with side flaps that do not extend beyond the width of a side panel;

(b) a back panel;

(c) a side panel;

(d) a series of additional panels comprising a bottom panel, a front lip, and a platform panel that are adapted to be folded upon themselves to collectively form a display base;

(e) a side easel support structure extending from a side panel and formed from the back panel and the bottom panel to support the display; and

(f) a series of dividers that are folded to form product dividers.

2. The display device of claim 1, wherein the at least one side flap does not extend beyond the length of the side panel or to the bottom panel.

3. The display device of claim 1, wherein the series of additional panels further comprises a tuck panel adapted to be tucked under the display base for support.

4. The display device of claim 1, wherein the back panel comprises one or more slots for receiving one or more tabs from one of the series of additional panels.

5. The display device of claim 1, wherein the dividers are activated by separating the perforated portion and folding the dividers out along the fold line.

6. A method for forming a gravity feed display device, comprising:

(a) providing a blank, the blank comprising: (i) a front panel with at least one side flap that does not extend beyond the width of a side panel; (ii) a back panel; (iii) a side panel;

(b) folding and securing the front panel with at least one side flap to the side panel;

(c) forming a display base comprising a bottom panel, a front lip, and a platform panel; and

(d) activating an insert comprising dividers, a perforated portion and fold lines.