MERCHANDISING SYSTEM

Abstract

A scoop includes a side member and lower blade that cooperate with each other to secure and hold a row of packages at one time. The packages are stored within a container that has a pivotable front wall to allow access to divided rows of packages within an interior of the container. During transport, the containers are supported on a rack structure that allows access to the pivotable front wall. During delivery, the front wall is pivoted into an open position and the scoop is inserted into the container to remove a row of packages for placement on a display.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/110,979, filed Nov. 3, 2008; U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/117,725, filed Nov. 25, 2008; U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/119,362, filed Dec. 2, 2008; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/155,689, filed Feb. 26, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a merchandising system. Stores selling small packages of chips or snacks or other small goods are restocked by delivery drivers. The driver carries one or more boxes of different varieties of packages from the truck into the store. At the appropriate shelf, the driver determines which packages are needed to be restocked, then selects the packages needed from the boxes and places them onto the shelf. This is inconvenient because the driver has carried in more packages than he is restocking and restocking packages one at a time is time consuming.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a scoop that includes a side member and lower blade that cooperate with each other to secure and hold a row of packages at one time. The packages could comprise chips, pretzels, cookies, or other types of small packages that are easily grouped together for shipment.

In one example, the packages are stored within a container that has a pivotable front wall to allow access to divided rows of packages. The front wall is pivoted into an open position and the scoop is inserted into the container to remove a row of packages for placement on a display

In one example, the scoop includes a body portion, a lower blade extending outwardly from the body portion to provide a base support surface for the plurality of packages, at least one side member extending outwardly from the body portion and spaced vertically above the lower blade, and a handle. The lower blade and side member cooperate with each other to secure and hold a plurality of packages to be transported by a user holding the handle.

In one example, the scoop includes an activation mechanism associated with at least one of the lower blade and the at least one side member. The activation mechanism is selectively moveable between an open position to allow the plurality of packages to be loaded on the lower blade or unloaded from the lower blade and a retention position to hold the plurality of packages on the lower blade for transport.

In one example, the scoop works in conjunction with stackable containers to provide a merchandise stocking assembly. The container includes a base wall, a pair of side walls, a rear wall, and a front wall that is pivotably mounted to the base wall to selectively open and close a front of the container to provide access to the plurality of packages.

In one example, the container also includes a plurality of dividers extending upwardly from the base wall to define rows for the plurality of packages. The container further includes at least one bottom support rib that protrudes upwardly from the base wall in each row to support the plurality of packages within each row at a spaced distance from the base wall to provide easier access for the scoop.

As such, the present invention allows the driver to deliver these small packages a row at a time on a shelf for display in a store. The driver would be able to carry one or more “rows” of packages into the store and place an entire row of packages onto the appropriate shelf at one time.

In one example, a support structure is included within the delivery truck to support a plurality of containers. In one example, the support structure includes a wall mount fixed to a wall of the truck and which includes a hook that allows the container to be hung on the wall. In another example, the support structure comprises a rack that is used to support a plurality of containers.

In one example, the rack includes at least one rear rail and at least one side rail extending outwardly from one end of the rear rail. The rear and side rails each include an interface structure that cooperates with a corresponding interface structure on a container to hold the container on the rack.

These and other features of the present invention can be best understood from the following specification and drawings, the following of which is a brief description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a merchandising system including a scoop and a stackable container to hold a plurality of divided packages in rows where a front wall of the container is in an open position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one example of a scoop.

FIG. 3 is a front end view of the scoop of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a rear end view of the scoop of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a perspective front view of the container of FIG. 1 with a front wall being in a closed position.

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view from the rear of the container of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the container of FIG. 5 in combination with a wall mount.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the wall mount of FIG. 7

FIG. 9 is a side view of the wall mount of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another example of a scoop showing side arms rotated to a retention position.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view from the rear of the scoop of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a front end view of the scoop of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a rear end view of the scoop of FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is perspective view of the scoop of FIG. 10 with side rods arms rotated to an open position.

FIG. 15 is a front end view of the scoop of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a rear end view of the scoop of FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another example of a scoop showing an activation mechanism in an open position.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view from the rear of the scoop of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the scoop showing the activation mechanism in a retention position.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged exploded view of the activation mechanism.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged partial section view of the activation mechanism in the open position.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged partial section view of the activation mechanism in the closed position.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another example of a scoop showing an activation mechanism in an open position.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the scoop of FIG. 23 in a retention position.

FIG. 25 is an enlarged exploded view from the front of the activation mechanism for the scoop of FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is an enlarged exploded view from the rear of the activation mechanism for the scoop of FIG. 23.

FIG. 27 is an enlarged partial section view of the activation mechanism of FIG. 25 in the open position.

FIG. 28 is an enlarged partial section view of the activation mechanism of FIG. 25 in the closed position.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of another example of a container showing a front wall in a closed position.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 29 with the front wall in an open position.

FIG. 31 is a rear perspective view of the container of FIG. 29.

FIG. 32 is a front perspective view of two containers of FIG. 29 in a stacked relationship.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of on example of a support structure comprising a rack.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of two racks connected to each other.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing a container being slid into the rack of FIG. 33.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing two containers of different sizes supported within a common rack structure with associated front walls in a closed position.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the containers and rack of FIG. 26 showing the front walls in an open position.

FIG. 38 is an enlarged perspective view of a corner of the container of FIG. 29.

FIG. 39 is an enlarged perspective view of the corner of FIG. 38 in combination with a side rail of the rack.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of another example of a rack structure with pivotable side rails.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of another example of a scoop with an activation mechanism in the open position.

FIG. 41 is a rear perspective view of the scoop of FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 is a front end view of the scoop of FIG. 41.

FIG. 44 is a rear end view of the scoop of FIG. 41.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view showing a side member of the scoop of FIG. 41 pivoting from a first position shown in FIG. 4 toward a second position.

FIG. 46 shows the scoop of 41 in the second position.

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of another example of a rack structure.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of one rack module from the rack structure of FIG. 47.

FIG. 49 is a rear perspective view of the rack module of FIG. 48.

FIG. 50 is a side view of the rack module of FIG. 48

FIG. 51 is a top view of the rack module of FIG. 48

FIG. 52 is a front view of the rack module of FIG. 48.

FIG. 53 is a top perspective view of another example of a container with a front wall in a closed position.

FIG. 54 is a bottom perspective view of the container of FIG. 53.

FIG. 55 is a breakaway view of the container of FIG. 53.

FIG. 56 is a perspective view showing the container of FIG. 53 supported by a rack module of FIG. 48.

FIG. 57 is a perspective view showing two containers of FIG. 53 supported by two rack modules of FIG. 48.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 illustrates a merchandising system 10 including a container 12 for shipping small packages (such as chips, cookies, snacks, etc.) to a store and a shovel or scoop 14 for transferring a row of packages from the container 12 to a store shelf.

The container 12 includes a base wall 16, side walls 18 and a rear wall 20. A front wall 22 is pivotably mounted to the base wall 16 to selectively open and close a front of the container 12 to provide access to the interior of the container 12. A plurality of dividers 24 are formed inside the container 12, extending upwardly from the base wall 16. The dividers 24 define rows of packages (not shown) therebetween. A pair of “false bottom” support ribs 26 protrudes upwardly from the base 16 in each row to support the packages at a distance from the base wall 16. The support ribs 26 may be angled toward the front of the container 12 to facilitate packages sliding forward onto the scoop 14 once the front wall 22 is moved to the open position.

The scoop 14 includes a body portion 36 from which extend a lower blade 38 and a side blade 40. The side blade 40 is substantially perpendicular (or at least substantially transverse) to the lower blade 38 and is spaced apart from the lower blade 38. A generally vertically oriented handle 42 extends rearwardly from the body portion 36 of the scoop 14. The side 40 and lower 38 blades extend outwardly from the body portion 36 in the same direction with the handle 42 extending outwardly from the body portion 36 in an opposite direction.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the scoop 14. As shown, the body portion 36 includes a lower portion 46 protruding forwardly and from which the lower blade 38 extends, and a side portion 48 protruding forwardly and from which the side blade 40 extends. The body portion 36, including the lower portion 46, side portion 48 and handle 42 are preferably integrally molded as a single plastic piece. The blades 38, 40 may be formed of plastic or may be formed from metal, such as aluminum. A rubber or plastic foot 50 may be secured to a forward distal end of the lower blade 38 to facilitate retention of packages on the scoop 14. The foot 50 includes an upwardly extending lip portion 50a that forms a shallow cup portion at the distal end to prevent packages from falling off of the scoop 14. Further, the foot 50 may include a textured surface 50b to further facilitate retention of the packages on the scoop 14.

When using the scoop 14, the foot 50 of the lower blade 38 pulls the last bag out of the container 12. On the shelf, the user pushes the packages from the scoop 14 as the scoop is pulled out from underneath the packages.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are front and end views, respectively, of the scoop 14. As shown in FIG. 4, the lower blade 38 has a slight curvature C which further facilitates packages from sliding off of side edges of the lower blade 38.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the container 12, with the front wall 22 being pivoted to a closed position. As can also be seen in FIG. 5, elongated rails 54 extend across an uppermost edge of the side walls 18. Complementary grooves 56 are formed along a lower edge of the side walls 18, such that the container 12 can be slid on and stacked on a similar container, with the rails 54 of a lower container 12 being received within the grooves 56 of an upper container 12.

The container 12 may also include handles 58 formed within the side walls 18. The handles 58 are formed by openings extending through the side walls 18 to provide a section of the side walls that can be gripped to move the containers 12 as needed.

FIG. 6 is a bottom, rear perspective view of the container 12. The base wall 16 includes openings 16a to reduce the weight of the container 12. The rear wall 20 includes a bracket 60 at an upper end thereof. The bracket 60 is spaced rearwardly from the rear wall 20 to provide a clearance gap 20a.

FIG. 7 shows the container 12 hanging on a wall mount that includes a hook 62 attached to a plate bracket 64. The plate bracket 64 could be secured to an interior wall of the delivery truck, for example. The hook 62 extends upwardly into the clearance gap 20a provided by the bracket 60.

As shown in FIGS. 8-9, the hook 62 is formed as part of the plate bracket 64 and extends to a distal end 66 spaced away from the plate bracket 64, for hanging containers 12 thereon. Referring back to FIG. 7, to hang the container 12 on the hook 62, the distal end 66 is received within the clearance gap 20a between the rear wall 20 and the bracket 60.

FIG. 10 illustrates a scoop 70 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The scoop 70 includes a body portion 72 having a handle portion 74 and integral side portions 78. An activating trigger 76 is pivotably mounted in front of the handle portion 74.

Side arms or rods 80 extend forwardly from each of the side portions 78. The rods 80 are pivotable between a retention position (FIGS. 10-13) and an open position (FIGS. 14-16). Paddles or fingers 82 extend laterally inward toward each other from forward distal ends of the rods 80 when in the retention position. In use, the activation of the trigger 76 causes rotation of approximately ninety degrees of the rods 80 and fingers 82 to the open position shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 11 illustrates a filament 86 connecting the trigger 76 around a guide 88 to a lever 90, which rotates the rod 80. A spring 92 causes the lever 90 to return to the normal retention position (shown) upon release of the trigger 76. The other rod 80 is rotated at the same time via another filament 86 extending around a guide 88.

As shown, in the retention position, the fingers 82 are directed generally toward one another (FIGS. 10-13). When the trigger 76 is pulled toward the handle 74, the rods 80 and fingers 82 are rotated out of the way (FIGS. 14-16). Optionally, this functionality could be reversed.

In use, the packages are placed between the dividers 24 on the ribs 26. A user that uses the scoop 70 will insert the lower blade 84 of the scoop 70 between the ribs 26 under the packages in the access space provided just above the base wall 16. The user activates the trigger 76 before pushing the lower blade 84 below the packages. After the lower blade 84 is inserted, the user releases the trigger 76, causing the paddles to return to their normal retention position, which keeps the last package on the scoop 70 so that the package does not fall off during transport.

The user then lifts the scoop 70 from the container 12, with an entire row of packages and places the scoop 70 on the display shelf in the store (the user can carry one more loaded scoops 70). For scoop 70, the user then releases the packages by squeezing the trigger 76 and pulling the scoop 70 out from under the packages. Optionally, the rear wall 20 of the container 12 includes one or more recesses that receive the fingers 82, such that the fingers 82 can rotate between positions inside the recess without interference from the packages.

FIG. 17 illustrates a scoop 170 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the scoop 170 includes a body portion 172 having a handle portion 174, an integral side portion 178 and an integral lower portion 179. A side blade 182 extends from the side portion 178 and a lower blade 184 extends from the lower portion 179. An activation mechanism 188 is associated with a distal end of the lower blade 184. Optionally, the activation mechanism 188 could be associated with the side blade 182 instead of the lower blade 184.

In the example of FIGS. 17-22, the activation mechanism includes a flap 186 that projects forwardly from the activation mechanism 188 on the lower blade 184. In FIGS. 17 and 18, the flap 186 is shown in the extended, open position such that packages can be loaded or unloaded from the lower blade 184.

FIG. 19 shows the flap 186 in the retracted, closed position, generally perpendicular to the lower blade 184. In this position, the flap 186 holds the last package in place to prevent the package from falling off of the scoop 170.

FIG. 20 is an exploded view of the activation mechanism 188 at the distal end of the lower blade 184. The activation mechanism 188 includes the flap 186, a lower portion 193, and an upper portion 198 that overlaps the lower portion 193 when assembled. Apertures 190 on the flap 186 and apertures 192 on the lower portion 193 receive a hinge pin 194 therethrough to hingeably connect the flap 186 to the lower portion 193. The lower portion 193 is slidable relative to the lower blade 184 on a track portion 170a and is biased rearwardly (i.e. toward the handle 174) by a spring 195 reacting between the lower portion 193 and the upper portion 198. The flap 186 includes a first contact surface 196 and a second contact surface 197 that is orientated to be generally perpendicular to the first contact surface 196.

FIGS. 21 and 22 are section views through the lower blade 184. FIG. 21 shows the flap 186 in the extended, open position in which the lower portion 193 is drawn forward, compressing the spring 195. In this position, the second contact surface 197 of the flap 186 is drawn into contact with a forward end of the upper portion 198 of the flap activation mechanism 188. By rotating the flap 186 upward to the retracted, closed position shown in FIG. 22, the spring 195 first offers resistance as the flap 186 contacts the rear wall 20 (FIG. 1) of the container 12., and then in response to further exerted compression, the flap 186 snaps into the retracted, closed retention position with the first surface 196 contacting the forward end of the upper portion 198. The flap 186 can be rotated back to the extended, open position of FIG. 21, and again, the spring 195 first offers resistance and then snaps the flap 186 into the retention position of FIG. 22.

In use, the scoop 170 is inserted under a row of packages in the container 12. When the flap 186 hits the rear wall 20, the flap 186 snaps into the retracted, closed position, thereby retaining the packages on the scoop 170. The scoop 170 and packages can then be carried to the shelf or even into the store. The scoop 170 and packages are inserted onto the shelf, where the flap 186 is then pivoted downward to the extended, open position, such as by hand. The scoop 170 is then removed from the shelf, leaving the packages on the shelf.

FIGS. 23-28 illustrate a scoop 270 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, the scoop 270 includes a body portion 272 having a handle portion 274 with a pivotable lever 275. The body portion 272 further includes an integral side portion 278 and an integral lower portion 279. A side blade 282 extends from the side portion 278 and a lower blade 284 extends from the lower portion 279. An activation mechanism 288 is associated with a distal end of the lower blade 284. Optionally, the activation mechanism 288 could be associated with the side blade 282 instead of the lower blade 284.

In the example of FIGS. 23-28, the activation mechanism 288 includes a flap 286 that projects forwardly from the activation mechanism 288 on the lower blade 284. In FIG. 23, the flap 286 is shown in the extended, open position, while in FIG. 24 the flap 286 is shown in the retracted, closed retention position.

FIGS. 25 and 26 are exploded views of the outer end of the lower blade 284. The activation mechanism 288 includes the flap 286, a lower portion 293, and an upper portion 298 that overlaps the lower portion 293 when assembled. The flap 286 includes lower apertures 290 and upper apertures 291 for receiving hinge pins 294 therethrough. One hinge pin 294 hingeably connects the flap 286 to apertures 292 on the lower portion 293 of the activation mechanism 288. The other hinge pin 294 hingeably connects the flap 286 to apertures 296 on the upper portion 298 of the activation mechanism 288. The lower portion 293 is slidable relative to the lower blade 284 along a track portion 284a and is biased rearwardly (i.e. toward the handle 274) by a spring 295 reacting between the lower portion 293 and the upper portion 298 of the activation mechanism 288. The lower portion 293 is connected by an activation rod 289 to the lever 275 on the handle 274 (FIGS. 23 and 24). The upper portion 298 is secured to the lower blade 284 and retains the lower portion 293 slidably between a forward and rearward position.

FIGS. 27 and 28 are section views through the lower blade 284. FIG. 27 shows the flap 286 in the extended, open position in which the lower portion 293 is drawn rearward by expansion of the spring 295. By moving the lever 275 toward the handle 274, the lever 275 contacts an enlarged end 289a of the activation rod 289 which in turn pushes the lower portion 293 of the flap activation mechanism 288 forward, compressing the spring 295. This also moves the lower one of the hinge pins 294 forward, thereby rotating the flap 286 upwardly. By rotating the flap 286 upward to the retracted, closed position shown in FIG. 28, the spring 295 is compressed and subsequently returns the flap 286 to the open extended position when the lever 275 is released.

In use, the scoop 270 is inserted under a row of packages and the lever 275 is squeezed to move the flap 286 into the retracted, closed position, thereby retaining the packages on the scoop 270. The scoop 270 and packages can then be carried to the shelf or even into the store from the delivery truck. The scoop 270 and packages are inserted onto the shelf, where the lever 275 is released to move the flap 286 to the extended, open position. The scoop 270 is then removed from the shelf, leaving the packages on the shelf.

FIGS. 29-39 illustrate another container 112 that could be used with any the scoops described in the subject application and generally in the same manner as described in the subject application. Referring to FIGS. 29-30, the container 112 includes a base wall 116, side walls 118 and a rear wall 120. A front wall 122 is pivotably mounted to the base wall 116 to selectively open and close a front of the container 112 to provide access to the interior of the container 112. A plurality of dividers 124 are formed inside the container 112, extending upwardly from the base wall 116. The dividers 124 define rows of packages (not shown) therebetween. A pair of “false bottom” support ribs 126 protrudes upwardly from the base 116 in each row to support the packages at a spaced distance from the base wall 116 to facilitate scoop insertion. The support ribs 126 may be angled toward the front of the container 112 to further facilitate removal of the packages once the front wall 122 is opened. Concave ramps 127 are formed at an intersection of the base wall 116 and rear wall 120 in each row. The concave ramps 127 assist in activating the flaps 186, 286 of the scoops 170, 270, for example, such that the flaps 186, 286 will move toward the closed retention position behind the row of packages.

A lower flange 130 projects outwardly in a lateral direction from a periphery of the side walls 118 and rear wall 120. An upper flange 132 is spaced above the lower flange 130 to define a channel 134 therebetween. A cantilevered finger 140 has a latch portion extending into the channel 134. As shown in FIG. 31, the channel 134 extends entirely around the side 118 and rear 120 walls.

A lip 136 extends downward from an outer edge of the lower flange 130 on each side wall 118 to define a groove 138. Elongated rails 142 extend across uppermost edges of the side walls 118. Complementary grooves 138 that are formed along the lower edge of side walls 118 of another container receive the rails 142. This allows a similar container 112′ (FIG. 32) to be slid on and stacked on the container 112, with the rails 142 of the lower container being received within the grooves 138′ along both side edges of the upper container 112′, as shown in FIG. 32.

A rack 150 for holding a plurality of the containers 112 is shown in FIG. 33. The rack 150 includes a plurality of vertical supports 152 (which could be panels or walls) supporting U-shaped rails each including a pair of side rails 154 and a rear rail 156. The rails 154, 156 may be formed of plastic or metal for example. The side rails 154 include interlocking portions, such as a notch 158 formed along the side rails 154. As shown in FIG. 34, multiple racks 150 can be mounted together within a truck (not shown) to facilitate delivery of the packages in the containers 112. Any type of mounting interface can be used to attach adjoining racks 150 together, such as fasteners or clips for example.

As shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, each container 112 is slid into the rack 150 by sliding the side rails 154 into the channels 134 on the sides of the container 152 until the rear rail 156 is received in the channel 134 that extends along the rear wall 120 of the container 112. FIG. 36 illustrates that the container 112 as well as a similar, but larger container 112A can be stored on the same rack 150. As shown in FIG. 37, the front walls 122, 122A of the containers 112, 112A, can be opened to access the contents of the containers 112, 112A independently of one another while the containers 112, 112A are still on the rack 150.

FIGS. 38-39 illustrate the cantilevered finger 140 of the container 112 more clearly. As shown in FIG. 39, when the container 112 is slid into the rack 150, a latch portion of the finger 140 snaps into the notch 158 on the side rail 154. The side rail 154 can include a curved surface 154a to facilitate insertion.

FIG. 40 illustrates another example of a rack 250 that includes side rails 254 that pivot to an upper position (shown) and a lower position. Allowing alternate positions of the side rails 254 more efficiently accommodates containers 112, 112A of different sizes with less unused space. Vertical members 252 include bosses 252a that receive pivot portions 258 of the side rails 254.

FIGS. 41-46 illustrate a scoop 370 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 41, the scoop 370 includes a body portion 372 having a handle portion 374 with a wrist support platform 373 extending rearwardly from a lower portion thereof. The body portion 372 further includes a connector 376 including a plurality of circumferentially-spaced snap-fit fingers 376a to which a side blade bracket 378 is rotatably connected. The body portion 372 includes an integral lower portion 379. A side blade 382 extends from the side blade bracket 378 and a lower blade 384 extends from the lower portion 379. An activation mechanism 388 is associated with a distal end of the lower blade 384. Optionally, the activation mechanism 388 could be associated with the side blade 382 instead of the lower blade 384.

In the example of FIGS. 41-46, the activation mechanism 388 includes a flap 386 that projects forwardly from the activation mechanism 388 on the lower blade 384. In FIG. 41, the flap 386 is shown in the extended, open position. In the embodiment shown, the flap activation mechanism 388 is similar to that of the third embodiment (FIGS. 17-22), but alternatively the activation mechanism could be of the type shown in the fourth embodiment, with the activation handle. The flap 386 moves between open and retention positions as described above.

FIG. 42 is a rear perspective view of the scoop 370. FIG. 43 is a front view, and FIG. 44 is a rear view, of the scoop 370. As shown in FIG. 45, the side blade bracket 378 can be rotated relative to the body portion 372 via the rotatable connection between the side blade bracket 378 and the connector 376. This way, the side blade 382 can be rotated from the right-side position of FIG. 45 to the left-side position of FIG. 46, based upon the preference of the user. Optionally, the connector 376 could be offset from the center, so that the side blade 382 could accommodate larger items and larger width trays.

FIG. 47 shows a rack 350 including a plurality of rack modules 351 mounted on a wall 349, such as an interior wall 349 of a truck.

One of the rack modules 351 is shown in FIG. 48. The rack module 351 includes a rear bracket 355 having a rear rail 356 mounted parallel to the bracket 355 and protruding therefrom. A side rail 354 extends generally perpendicularly from one end of the bracket 355. The side rail 354 has a head 357 mounted at its outer end. The head 357 includes a notch 358 on either side of the outer end for interacting with a container (described herein) to secure the container to the rail 354. Alternatively, the rail 354 could include a flexible finger that interacts with a notch in the container. FIG. 49 is a rear perspective view of the rack module 351. FIGS. 50, 51 and 52 are side, top and front views of the rack module 351.

FIGS. 53-57 illustrate another container 312 that could be used with the scoops described above generally in the same manner described above. The container 312 includes a base wall 316, side walls 318 and a rear wall 320. A front wall 322 is pivotably mounted to the base wall 316 to selectively open and close a front of the container 312 to provide access to the interior of the container 312. A plurality of dividers 324 are formed inside the container 312, extending upwardly from the base wall 316. The dividers 324 define rows of packages (not shown) therebetween.

Referring to the breakaway view of FIG. 70, the base wall 316 is corrugated, i.e. is formed to have alternating lower wall portions 328 and upper wall portions 329 connected by generally vertical wall portions 326. The lower wall portions 328 and vertical wall portions 326 define channels below the packages (not shown), which rest on the vertical wall portions 326 and upper wall portions 329 between the dividers 324, which extend upwardly from the upper walls 329. The upper wall portions 329 may be angled and vertical wall portions 326 may be tapered toward the front of the container 312, as shown, to facilitate removal of the packages once the front wall 322 is moved to the open position.

Concave ramps 327 are formed at the intersection of the lower wall portion 328 and rear wall 320 in each row. The concave ramp 327 assists in activating the flap 386 of the scoop 370 of FIG. 68, for example, such that the flap 386 will move toward the closed position behind the row of packages.

A lower flange 330 projects outwardly in a lateral direction from a periphery of the side walls 318 and rear wall 320. An upper flange 332 is spaced above the lower flange 330 to define a channel 334 therebetween. A groove 338 is defined below the lower flange 330 and outward of the base 316 and positioned and sized to be received on the rails 342 across the uppermost edge of the side walls 318 of a similar container. A cantilevered finger 340 has a latch portion extending into the channel 334.

As shown in FIG. 56, the container 312 is mountable to the rack modules 351 of the rack 350 (rack 350 shown in FIG. 47; only one module 351 shown in FIG. 56). The side rail 354 slides into the channel 334 of the container 312 until the cantilevered finger 340 snaps into the notch 358 of the side rail 354 to secure it in place. Although only one rack module 351 is shown, the container 312 would be simultaneously slide onto two side rails 354 to secure it in the rack. As shown in FIG. 57, each side rail 354 would be received within the adjacent channels 334 of two adjacent containers 312. This maximizes the number of containers 312 that can be stored in a given volume (e.g. the interior of a truck).

In use, the scoop 370 of FIGS. 41-46 (or any of the other scoops) would be used to remove an entire row of the packages (not shown) from the container 312, and would be used to carry the entire row of packages into the store and delivered onto a shelf in the store.

Although a preferred embodiment of this invention has been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this invention. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention.

Claims

1. A scoop to simultaneously support a plurality of packages for transport between different locations:

a body portion;

a lower blade extending outwardly from the body portion to provide a base support surface for a plurality of packages;

at least one side member extending outwardly from the body portion and spaced vertically above the lower blade, the at least one side member and lower blade cooperating with each other to secure and hold a plurality of packages to be transported; and

a handle extending outwardly from the body portion.

2. The scoop according to claim 1 wherein the body portion includes a lower portion protruding from the body portion in a first direction to support the lower blade and a side portion protruding from the body portion in the first direction to support the at least one side member, and wherein the handle protrudes from the body portion in a second direction opposite the first direction

3. The scoop according to claim 2 wherein the body portion including the lower portion, side portion, and handle are integrally formed as single-piece component with the lower blade and at least one side member comprising separate components that are attached to the single-piece component.

4. The scoop according to claim 1 wherein the at least one side member comprises a side blade that is orientated transverse to the lower blade, the side blade providing a side support surface for the plurality of packages.

5. The scoop according to claim 4 wherein the at least one side member comprises a single side blade that is perpendicular to the lower blade, the side blade providing a side support surface for the plurality of packages.

6. The scoop according to claim 1 wherein the at least one side member comprises a single blade that provides a side support surface for the plurality of packages, the single blade being selectively movable between a first position extending along one side of the lower blade, and a second position extending along an opposite side of the lower blade.

7. The scoop according to claim 1 wherein the at least one side member comprises a pair of side rods that each extend to a distal end comprising a transversely extending finger, the pair of side rods being rotatable between an open position where the transversely extending fingers extend downwardly to allow the plurality of packages to be loaded on the lower blade or unloaded from the lower blade and a retention position where the transversely extending fingers extend inwardly toward each other to hold the plurality of packages on the lower blade for transport.

8. The scoop according to claim 7 including an activating trigger that is selectively actuatable to rotate the pair of side rods between the open position and the retention position.

9. The scoop according to claim 8 wherein the activating trigger is pivotally mounted to the handle.

10. The scoop according to claim 1 including an actuation mechanism that moves one of the at least one side member and at least a portion of the lower blade between an open position to allow the plurality of packages to be loaded on the lower blade or unloaded from the lower blade and a retention position to hold the plurality of packages on the lower blade for transport.

11. The scoop according to claim 1 wherein the lower blade comprises a rigid member extending from the body portion to a distal end, and including a retention foot associated with the distal end to facilitate retention of the plurality of packages on the lower blade.

12. The scoop according to claim 11 wherein the retention foot includes a lip extending upwardly from the distal end of the lower blade to form a shallow cup-portion.

13. The scoop according to claim 1 wherein the lower blade extends from the body portion to a distal end, and including a flap activation mechanism associated with the distal end, the flap activation mechanism being selectively moveable between an open position to allow the plurality of packages to be loaded on the lower blade or unloaded from the lower blade and a retention position to hold the plurality of packages on the lower blade for transport.

14. The scoop according to claim 13 wherein the flap activation mechanism includes a lower member mounted for sliding movement relative to the lower blade, a flap member pivotally mounted to the lower member, and an upper member positioned over the lower member.

15. The scoop according to claim 14 including a spring reacting between the lower portion and the upper portion to bias the lower portion rearwardly toward the handle.

16. The scoop according to claim 13 wherein the flap activation mechanism includes a flap member that is selectively movable between the open position where the flap member is generally parallel to the lower blade and the retention position where the flap member extends upwardly from the lower blade in a transverse orientation.

17. The scoop according to claim 16 wherein the flap member is selectively movable to the retention position due to contact of an end of the flapper member against an abutment surface and a subsequent increase in compression force exerted at the handle.

18. The scoop according to claim 16 including a lever mounted to the handle, wherein the lever is selectively actuatable to move the flap member between the open and retention positions.

19. The scoop according to claim 1 including a wrist support platform extending rearwardly of the handle.

20. A scoop to simultaneously support a plurality of packages for transport comprising:

a body portion;

a lower blade extending outwardly from the body portion to provide a base support surface for a plurality of packages;

at least one side member extending outwardly from the body portion and spaced vertically above the lower blade, the at least one side member and lower blade cooperating with each other to secure and hold a plurality of packages to be transported between two locations;

a handle extending outwardly from the body portion; and

an activation mechanism associated with at least one of the lower blade and the at least one side member, the activation mechanism being selectively moveable between an open position to allow the plurality of packages to be loaded on the lower blade or unloaded from the lower blade and a retention position to hold the plurality of packages on the lower blade for transport.

21. The scoop according to claim 20 wherein the activation mechanism includes a flap.

22. The scoop according to claim 20 wherein the activation mechanism includes one of a trigger or lever that selectively moves the activation mechanism between the open and retention positions.

23. A merchandise stocking assembly comprising:

at least one container including a base wall, a pair of side walls, a rear wall, and a front wall that is pivotably mounted to the base wall to selectively open and close a front of the container to provide access to a plurality of packages within an interior of the container; and

a scoop including a body portion, a lower blade extending outwardly from the body portion to provide a base support surface for a plurality of packages to be removed from the container, at least one side member extending outwardly from the body portion and spaced vertically above the lower blade, and a handle extending outwardly from the body portion, and wherein the at least one side member and lower blade cooperate with each other to secure and hold the plurality of packages to be removed from the container for transport to another location.

24. The merchandise stocking assembly according to claim 23 wherein the container includes a plurality of dividers formed inside the container and extending upwardly from the base wall to define rows for the plurality of packages, and wherein the container includes at least one bottom support rib that protrudes upwardly from the base wall in each row to support the plurality of packages within each row at a spaced distance from the base wall.

25. The merchandise stocking assembly according to claim 23 including a mount interface associated with the container, the mount interface adapted to support the container on one of a wall or rack.

26. The merchandise stocking assembly according to claim 23 including at least one concave ramp formed at an intersection of the base wall and rear wall in each row wherein the lower blade contacts the concave ramp to facilitate loading of the plurality of packages on the scoop for transport.

27. The merchandise stocking assembly according to claim 23 wherein the scoop includes an activation mechanism associated with at least one of the lower blade and the at least one side member, the activation mechanism being selectively moveable between an open position to allow the plurality of packages to be loaded on the lower blade or unloaded from the lower blade and a retention position to hold the plurality of packages on the lower blade for transport.

28. The merchandise stocking assembly according to claim 23 including a support structure adapted to be positioned within a delivery truck, the support structure to support a plurality of containers.

29. The merchandise stocking assembly according to claim 28 wherein the support structure comprises a rack including a plurality of vertical supports, a plurality of side rails supported opposite of each other on the vertical supports, and a rear rail extending between each pair of side rails, wherein each of the side and rear rails includes an interlocking feature that cooperates with a corresponding interlocking feature on the container to hold the containers on the rack.

30. The merchandise stocking assembly according to claim 29 wherein the side rails are pivotable relative to the vertical supports.

31. The merchandise stocking assembly according to claim 28 wherein the support structure comprises a rack including a plurality of rack modules, each rack module comprising a rear bracket with a rear rail and a side rail that extends outwardly from one end of the rear bracket with the rear and side rails cooperating with each other to support a container.

32. A container for storing a plurality of packages comprising:

a base wall;

a pair of side walls extending upwardly from the base wall,

a rear wall extending upwardly from the base wall and extending between rear edges of the side walls;

a front wall that is pivotably mounted to the base wall to selectively open and close a front of the container to provide access to a plurality of packages within an interior of the container;

a plurality of dividers extending upwardly from the base wall to define rows for the plurality of packages; and

at least one bottom support rib that protrudes upwardly from the base wall in each row to support the plurality of packages within each row at a spaced distance from the base wall.

33. The container according to claim 32 wherein the at least one bottom support rib comprises a pair of support ribs that define a false bottom within each row, with each pair of support ribs being spaced apart from each other to provide an access gap between the base wall and a bottom of the packages stored within each row.

34. The container according to claim 32 including a mount interface associated with the container, the mount interface adapted to support the container on one of a wall or rack.

35. The container according to claim 32 including at least one concave ramp formed at an intersection of the base wall and rear wall in each row.

36. The container according to claim 32 including a first interface formed at least along upper edges of the side walls and a second interface formed at least one along lower edges of the side walls, the first and second interfaces to cooperate with corresponding attachment interfaces on upper and lower stacked containers to provide a stacked set of containers.

37. The container according to claim 32 including a connection interface formed along the side walls to cooperate with corresponding connection interfaces on adjacent containers to provide a row of containers that are secured to each other.

38. A rack assembly for supporting a plurality of containers comprising:

at least one rear rail; and

at least one side rail extending outwardly from one end of the rear rail, the rear and side rails each including an interface structure that cooperates with a corresponding interface structure on a container to hold the container on the rack assembly.

39. The rack assembly according to claim 38 including a plurality of vertical supports wherein the side rails and rear rail are supported on the vertical supports.

40. The rack assembly according to claim 38 wherein the at least one rear rail comprises a plurality of rear rails and the at least one side rail comprises a plurality of side rails, with one side rail and one rear rail being associated with each other to form a rack module, and wherein a plurality of rack modules are associated with each other to form the rack assembly.