SECURE MERCHANDISE DISPLAY/STORAGE CONTAINER

Abstract

A merchandise display and storage container is provided. The container has a first side wall, a second side wall opposing the first side wall, and a rear wall connected to the first side wall and the second side wall. The top wall comprises a fixed first top wall portion and a pivotable second top wall portion. The container also has a first upper and lower door track for a first door, and a second upper and lower door track for a second door. The first and second doors are slidingly and pivotally connected to their respective door tracks to move from a first position parallel to and adjacent the side wall, to a second position transverse to the side wall and parallel to the rear wall. In a closed position, the second top wall portion can be secured over the first door and the second door.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/367,462, filed Jul. 27, 2016, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to merchandise display and storage containers, and more specifically to secure merchandise display and storage containers with locking security doors.

BACKGROUND

Merchandise display and storage containers are well known in the art. Traditionally, merchandise display/storage systems and containers are located inside a retail establishment, such as inside a grocery store or a gas station mini-mart. While such merchandise display systems according to the prior art provide a number of advantages, they nevertheless have certain limitations. For example, the storage containers typically do not have locks or security features as off-hours security of the merchandise inside the storage container is typically provided by locking exterior doors of the building to prevent access to anything within the building. The present invention seeks to overcome certain of these limitations and other drawbacks of the prior art, and to provide new features not heretofore available. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, the disclosed subject technology relates to a secure merchandise display/storage container.

The disclosed subject technology further relates to a merchandise display and storage container, comprising: a first side wall; a second side wall opposing the first side wall; a rear wall connected to the first side wall and the second side wall; a first top wall portion secured to the first side wall, the second side wall and the rear wall, wherein a front of the first top wall portion is distal a front of the first side wall and the second side wall; a second top wall portion having a front and a rear, the rear of the second top wall portion being hingedly connected to the front of the first top wall portion, the second top wall portion being pivotable between an open position and a closed position; a first upper door track connected to an exterior of the first side wall, wherein the first upper door track has a sliding surface and a transverse retaining surface, and where the first upper door track has a slot extending about a length of the sliding surface; a first lower door track connected to an exterior of the first side wall, wherein the first lower door track has a sliding surface and a transverse retaining surface, and where the first lower door track has a slot extending about a length of the sliding surface; a second upper door track connected to an exterior of the second side wall, wherein the second upper door track has a sliding surface and a transverse retaining surface, and where the second upper door track has a slot extending about a length of the sliding surface; a second lower door track connected to an exterior of the second side wall, wherein the second lower door track has a sliding surface and a transverse retaining surface, and where the second lower door track has a slot extending about a length of the sliding surface; a first door having a first pin extending from a top thereof and through the slot in the first upper door track, the first door further having a second pin extending from a bottom thereof and through the slot in the first lower door track, wherein the first door is positionable substantially parallel and adjacent to the first side wall in the first or open position, the first door being slidingly moveable about the first upper door track and the first lower door track to be positioned exterior and substantially parallel to the first side wall, the first door further being pivotable about the first upper and lower door tracks to be positioned substantially parallel to the rear wall in a closed position; a second door having a first pin extending from a top thereof and through the slot in the second upper door track, the second door further having a second pin extending from a bottom thereof and through the slot in the second lower door track, wherein the second door is positionable substantially parallel and adjacent to the second side wall in the first or open position, the second door being slidingly moveable about the second upper door track and the second lower door track to be positioned exterior and substantially parallel to the second side wall, the second door further being pivotable about the second upper and lower door tracks to be positioned substantially parallel to the rear wall in a closed position; and, wherein when the first door is in its closed position and the second door is in its closed position, the first door can be secured to the second door, and the second top wall portion can be secured over the first door and the second door.

The disclosed subject technology further relates to a merchandise display and storage container, comprising: a first side wall; a second side wall opposing the first side wall; a rear wall connected to the first side wall and the second side wall; a first top wall portion secured to the first side wall, the second side wall and the rear wall, wherein a front of the first top wall portion is distal a front of the first side wall and the second side wall; a second top wall portion having a front and a rear, the rear of the second top wall portion being hingedly connected to the front of the first top wall portion, the second top wall portion being pivotable between an open position and a closed position, the second top wall portion being transverse to the first top wall portion in the open position; a first upper door track connected to an exterior of the first side wall; a first lower door track connected to an exterior of the first side wall; a second upper door track connected to an exterior of the second side wall; a second lower door track connected to an exterior of the second side wall; a first door slidingly and pivotally connected to the first upper door track and the first lower door track, wherein the first door is moveable from a first position parallel to and adjacent the first side wall to a second position transverse to the first side wall; a second door slidingly and pivotally connected to the second upper door track and the second lower door track, wherein the second door is moveable from a first position parallel to and adjacent the second side wall to a second position transverse to the second side wall; and, wherein when the first door is in its second position and the second door is in its second position, the first door can be secured to the second door, and the second top wall portion can be secured over the first door and the second door when the second top wall portion is in the closed position.

The disclosed subject technology further relates to a merchandise display and storage container, comprising: a first side wall; a second side wall opposing the first side wall; a rear wall connected to the first side wall and the second side wall; a top wall secured to the first side wall, the second side wall and the rear wall; a first upper door track connected to an exterior of the first side wall adjacent a top of the first side wall, wherein the first upper door track has a sliding surface and a transverse retaining surface, and where the first upper door track has a slot extending about a length of the sliding surface; a first guard above a first end of the slot in the first upper door track; a first lower door track connected to an exterior of the first side wall adjacent a bottom of the first side wall, wherein the first lower door track has a sliding surface and a transverse retaining surface, and where the first lower door track has a slot extending about a length of the sliding surface; a second guard above a first end of the slot in the second upper door track; a second upper door track connected to an exterior of the second side wall adjacent a top of the second side wall, wherein the second upper door track has a sliding surface and a transverse retaining surface, and where the second upper door track has a slot extending about a length of the sliding surface; a second lower door track connected to an exterior of the second side wall adjacent a bottom of the second side wall, wherein the second lower door track has a sliding surface and a transverse retaining surface, and where the second lower door track has a slot extending about a length of the sliding surface; a first door having a first pin extending from a top thereof and through the slot in the first upper door track, the first door further having a second pin extending from a bottom thereof and through the slot in the first lower door track, wherein the first door is positionable substantially parallel and adjacent to the first side wall in the first or open position, the first door being slidingly moveable about the first upper door track and the first lower door track to be positioned exterior and substantially parallel to the first side wall, the first door further being pivotable about the first upper and lower door tracks to be positioned substantially parallel to the rear wall in a closed position; a second door having a first pin extending from a top thereof and through the slot in the second upper door track, the second door further having a second pin extending from a bottom thereof and through the slot in the second lower door track, wherein the second door is positionable substantially parallel and adjacent to the second side wall in the first or open position, the second door being slidingly moveable about the second upper door track and the second lower door track to be positioned exterior and substantially parallel to the second side wall, the second door further being pivotable about the second upper and lower door tracks to be positioned substantially parallel to the rear wall in a closed position; and, wherein when the first door is in its closed position and the second door is in its closed position, the first door can be secured to the second door.

The disclosed subject technology further relates to a merchandise display and storage container wherein the first upper door track further comprises a vertical member extending from the sliding surface opposite the transverse retaining wall and a top member extending from the transverse retaining wall, wherein the second upper door track further comprises a vertical member extending from the sliding surface opposite the transverse retaining wall and a top member extending from the transverse retaining wall, wherein the first upper door track is secured to the first side wall at the top member of the first upper door track, and wherein the second upper door track is secured to the second side wall at the top member of the second upper door track.

The disclosed subject technology further relates to a merchandise display and storage container having a first guard above a first end of the slot in the first upper door track, and a second guard above a first end of the slot in the second upper door track.

The disclosed subject technology further relates to a merchandise display and storage container having a first bracket connected to the first top wall portion adjacent the first wall and a second bracket connected to the first top wall portion adjacent the second wall, the first and second brackets assisting in retaining the second top wall portion in the open position.

The disclosed subject technology further relates to a merchandise display and storage container wherein the first upper door track has a slot extending about a length of the first upper door track, wherein the first lower door track has a slot extending about a length of the first lower door track, wherein the second upper door track has a slot extending about a length of the second upper door track, and wherein the second lower door track has a slot extending about a length of the second lower door track.

The disclosed subject technology further relates to a merchandise display and storage container wherein the first door has a first pin extending from a top thereof and through the slot in the first upper door track, wherein the first door further has a second pin extending from a bottom thereof and through the slot in the first lower door track, and wherein the first door is slidingly moveable about the first upper and lower door tracks to be positioned exterior of the first side wall, the first door further being pivotable about the first upper and lower door tracks to be positioned substantially parallel to the rear wall in a closed position.

The disclosed subject technology further relates to a merchandise display and storage container wherein the second door has a first pin extending from a top thereof and through the slot in the second upper door track, wherein the second door further has a second pin extending from a bottom thereof and through the slot in the second lower door track, and wherein the second door is slidingly moveable about the second upper and lower door tracks to be positioned exterior of the second side wall, the second door further being pivotable about the second upper and lower door tracks to be positioned substantially parallel to the rear wall in a closed position.

The disclosed subject technology further relates to a merchandise display and storage container wherein the first upper door track and the first lower door track have a sliding surface and a transverse retaining wall to form a pocket for the first door, and wherein the second upper door track and the second lower door track have a sliding surface and a transverse retaining wall to form a pocket for the second door.

The disclosed subject technology further relates to a merchandise display and storage container having separate sliding members connected, respectively, to a bottom of the first door and a bottom of the second door.

The disclosed subject technology further relates to a merchandise display and storage container having separate sliding members connected, respectively, to a top of the first door and a top of the second door.

The disclosed subject technology further relates to a merchandise display and storage container having front and rear support legs connected to the first side wall, and front and rear support legs connected to the second side wall.

The disclosed subject technology further relates to a merchandise display and storage container wherein a length of the support legs extending from the first side wall and second side wall is separately adjustable.

The disclosed subject technology further relates to a merchandise display and storage container wherein the first upper door track further comprises a vertical member extending from the sliding surface opposite the transverse retaining wall of the first upper door track and a top member extending from the transverse retaining wall of the first upper door track, wherein the first upper door track is secured to the first side wall at the top member of the first upper door track, and wherein the second upper door track further comprises a vertical member extending from the sliding surface opposite the transverse retaining wall of the second upper door track and a top member extending from the transverse retaining wall of the second upper door track, wherein the second upper door track is secured to the second side wall at the top member of the second upper door track.

It is understood that other embodiments and configurations of the subject technology will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein various configurations of the subject technology are shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the subject technology is capable of other and different configurations and its several details are capable of modification in various other respects, all without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example only, not by way of limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one or more embodiments of a merchandise display/storage container with the doors in the open position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the merchandise display/storage container of FIG. 1 with the doors transitioning to the closed position.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the merchandise display/storage container of FIG. 1 with the doors transitioning to the closed position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the merchandise display/storage container of FIG. 1 with the doors in the closed/locked position.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the merchandise display/storage container of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the foot area of the merchandise display/storage container of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the pivot/slide mechanism of the merchandise display/storage container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the pivot/slide mechanism of the merchandise display/storage container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a merchandise display/storage container with a cart.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a merchandise display/storage container displaying product on a pallet, with the doors in the open position.

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of the stop for the top panel of the merchandise display/storage container of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the merchandise display/storage container of FIG. 10 with the doors transitioning to the closed position.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the merchandise display/storage container of FIG. 10 with the doors transitioning to the closed position.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the merchandise display/storage container of FIG. 10, with the doors in the closed position, but with the top panel in the open position.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the merchandise display/storage container of FIG. 10 with the doors and top panel in the closed/locked position.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the merchandise display/storage container of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the secure merchandise display and storage container is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the merchandise display and storage container and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the disclosure to the embodiments illustrated.

Referring now to the figures, and specifically to FIGS. 1-9, there is shown a merchandise display and storage container 100 generally comprising a housing 110 or enclosure 110 having a first side wall 112, a second side wall 114, a top wall 116, a rear wall 118, a first door 120 and a second door 122. The housing 110 may be configured to support one or more shelves 124 for storing and/or displaying merchandise. For example, the merchandise display container 100 may retain product for sale to customers, where some of the product is stored and displayed on the shelf 124 for easy viewing and removal by the customer. As shown in FIG. 9, the housing 110 may also include a moveable cart assembly 126 for supporting additional product. Finally, as shown in FIG. 6, the housing 110 preferably includes support legs 128 that may be configured to raise the housing 110 above the surface (e.g., ground, asphalt, cement, etc.) upon which the merchandise display container 100 is standing, as well as to secure the housing 110 to the surface.

As best shown in FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the rear wall 118 of the housing 110 comprises an outer frame 130 and an inner wall 132 connected to the outer frame 130. In a preferred embodiment the outer frame 130 may be a weldment made of square steel tubing 134 at the top and bottom, and angle bars 136 at the sides. Further, the inner wall 132 may be a steel grid 138, made for example with 8 gauge steel wire in a cross grid configuration. The grid configuration allows a consumer to see what is stored in the interior 140 of the housing 110 while still providing protection to the product therein and precluding access to the interior 140 of the housing 110. However, alternate components/structures may be used for the outer frame and inner wall.

Referring also to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the top wall 116 of the housing 110 similarly comprises an outer frame 142 and an inner wall 144 connected to the outer frame 142. In a preferred embodiment the outer frame 142 may be a weldment made of three angle bars 146 at the sides and rear, and a z-shaped bar 148 at the front with a notch 150 in the lower lip of the z-shaped bar 148. Further, the inner wall 144 may be a steel grid 152, made for example with 8 gauge steel wire in a cross grid configuration. However, alternate components/structures may be used for the outer frame and inner wall.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the first side wall 112 and second side wall 114 are mirror images of each other. The side walls 112, 114 are preferably made of an outer frame 154 and an inner wall 156 connected to the outer frame 154. In a preferred embodiment, the outer frame 154 may be a weldment made of square tubing 158 at the sides and angle bar 160 at the top and bottom. Further, an upper door track 162 and a lower door track 164 are also provided for supporting the doors 120, 122. The inner wall 156 may be a steel grid 166, made for example with 8 gauge steel wire in a cross grid configuration.

As shown best in FIGS. 5-7, in one embodiment the upper door track 162 is a complex angle member comprising a sliding surface 168 and a transverse retaining wall 170. In various embodiments the upper door track 162 may also comprise a top member 172 for the side wall 112, 114 and a vertical member 173 connecting the top member 172 and the sliding surface 168. The sliding surface 168 preferably has a slot 174 for allowing the door 120, 122 to slide in and out for closing and opening the housing 110. Additionally, as described herein, the upper door track 162 also comprises a guard 176 to prevent access to the bolt securing the door 120, 122 to the upper door track 162 of the side walls 112, 114.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the lower door track 164 may similarly be made of a complex angle member comprising a sliding surface 178 and a transverse retaining wall 180. In various embodiments the lower door track 164 may also comprise a lower member, that operates as a bottom member for the side wall 112, 114, and a vertical member 184 connecting the lower member and the sliding surface 178. In one embodiment the lower door track 164 has cutouts for the tubular side members 158. Additionally, the lower door track 164 may similarly have a guard 179 to prevent access to the bolt securing the door 120, 122 to the lower door track 164 of the side walls 112, 114. Further, in one embodiment, the lower member 182 of the lower door track 164 may have a slot that resides in the inside of the housing 110 when assembled. Finally, the sliding surface 178 preferably has a slot 188, mirroring the slot 174 in the upper door track 162, for allowing the door 120, 122 to slide in and out for closing and opening the housing 110.

In one embodiment, the first and second doors 120, 122 are identical components, and therefore are interchangeable merely by flipping the doors over for the correct orientation as the left/first or right/second door. Each door 120, 122 preferably comprises an outer frame 190 and an inner wall 192 connected to the outer frame 190. In a preferred embodiment, the outer frame 190 may be a weldment made of angle bars at the top 194 and bottom 196, another angle bar at the interior side 198, and a tubular member or u-shaped bar member at the exterior side 200 of the outer frame 190. The inner wall 192 may be a steel grid 202, made for example, with 8 gauge steel wire in a cross grid configuration and welded to the outer frame 190. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the doors 120, 122 also preferably have door glides 204 on the outer surfaces of the top member 194 and bottom member 196 to assist in sliding the doors 120, 122 on the sliding surfaces of the upper and lower door tracks 162, 164. In one embodiment, the door glides 204 are made of a plastic, nylon, or other bearing material, such as Teflon or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.

The first and second doors 120, 122, as shown in FIGS. 5, 7 and 8, in one embodiment also have gliding members 210 that slide in the slots 174, 188 in the upper door track 162 and lower door track 164, respectively. The gliding members 210 connect the doors 120, 122 to the side walls 112, 114 at the upper door track 162 and lower door track 164 thereof, respectively, in both the open configuration of FIG. 1 and the closed/locked configuration of FIG. 4. In one embodiment, the gliding members 210 comprise a fastener 212, such as a bolt, a shoulder bushing 214 around the fastener 212, a first spacer 216 such as a nylon washer, a second spacer 218 such as a nylon washer, and a retainer 220 such as a locking nut. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the fastener 212 is inserted into the shoulder bushing 214, and the two spacers 216, 218 are fitted around/on the shoulder bushing 214. Typically, the flange of the shoulder bushing 214 and the first spacer 216 will reside on the outside/exterior of the upper door track 162 and lower door track 164, respectively, and the second spacer 218 will reside between the upper door track 162/lower door track 164 and the door glides 204 on the doors 120, 122. The retainers 220 for the gliding members 210 fixedly secure the gliding members 210 to the doors 120, 122 and slidingly secure the doors 120, 122 to the side walls 112, 114 at the top and bottom of the doors 120, 122.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the doors 120, 122 are disposed on the front of the housing 110 and are configured to open to provide access to the inside of the merchandise display container 100. For example, as explained above, the doors 120, 122 are preferably rotatably/pivotally and slidably connected to the side walls 112, 114. Accordingly, in one embodiment the first and second doors 120, 122 are security doors. In the open configuration of FIG. 1, the doors 120, 122 are retained against the side walls 112, 114 and within the respective upper and lower door tracks 162, 164. To close the doors 120, 122 for securing the contents within the container 100, the doors 120, 122 may be slid forward toward the front of the housing 110 as shown in FIG. 2. This configuration is an intermediate orientation between closed and open doors. From the intermediate position shown in FIG. 2, the doors 120, 122 may be slidingly pushed into the door tracks 162, 164 to provide full access to the contents of the container 100 during business hours, or the doors 120, 122 may be pivoted, as shown in FIG. 3, to a closed position, as shown in FIG. 4, where the doors 120, 122 close access to the cavity of the container 100, after which the doors may be secured or locked (e.g., padlock, key lock) in place to prevent access to the products within the merchandise display/storage container 100 during hours the establishment is closed. When the doors are pulled out to the intermediate position the gliding members 210 come in contact with the front of the slot 174, and the doors 120, 122 are then ready to be pivotally closed. As shown in FIG. 3, the pivoting connection of the doors 120, 122 provides for the doors 120, 122 to pivot into a closed or fully secured position and then locked to the opposing door, as shown in FIG. 4, thus securing the products within the merchandise display container 100. The doors 120, 122 also have tabs 230 secured, such as by welding or via fasteners, to the interior side 198 or the outer frame 190 of the doors 120, 122. To secure the doors 120, 122 and lock the housing 110 to protect the contents in the housing 110, opposing tabs 230 on the doors 120, 122 are secured together with locks as shown in FIG. 4.

The first side wall 112, second side wall 114, top wall 116 and rear wall 118 are secured together to form the housing 110. Additionally, the support legs 128 are connected to the housing 110. In one embodiment the tubing 158 forming the sidewalls of the outer frame 154 of the side walls 112, 114 has a threaded female receiver to mate with a threaded rod 129 extending from the support leg 128. In an alternate embodiment, not shown, the tubing 158 has apertures through the walls of the tubing 158, and a vertical extension from the support legs 128 extends into the tubing and is pined in place. Further, the pads of the legs 128 can also be secured to the ground structure on which they sit.

The container 100 may also have various signage connected to the doors, side walls, and top of the container 100. Further, side panels, which may be for security or signage purposes, may be connected to the appropriate walls of the housing 110.

An alternate embodiment of the storage container 300 is shown in FIGS. 10-16. This embodiment is preferably used for larger items, including items that are on pallets, as this storage container is especially well suited for inserting pallets into the container 300. Like components in this embodiment have a common numbering structure to similar components in the prior embodiments. For example, the first sidewall in this embodiment is identified with reference number 312, whereas the first sidewall in the prior embodiment is identified with reference number 112.

Referring to FIGS. 10-16, the merchandise display and storage container 300 generally comprises a housing 310 or enclosure 310 having a first side wall 312, a second side wall 314, a first top wall 316 portion that is secured in place, a hinged second top wall portion 317, a rear wall 318, a first door 320 and a second door 322. While the housing 310 may be configured to support one or more shelves for storing and/or displaying merchandise, because this container 300 typically holds pallets of items, shelving is generally not used with this container 300. The housing 310 also preferably includes support legs 328 that may be configured to raise the housing 310 above the surface (e.g., ground, asphalt, cement, etc.) upon which the merchandise display container 300 is standing, as shown in the figures, as well as to secure the housing 310 to the surface.

As best shown in FIGS. 11 and 14-16, in one embodiment, the rear wall 318 of the housing 310 comprises an outer frame 330 and an inner wall 332 connected to the outer frame 330. In a preferred embodiment the outer frame 330 may be a weldment made of square steel tubing 334 at the top and bottom, and angle bars 336 at the sides. Further, the inner wall 332 may be a steel grid 338, made for example with 8 gauge steel wire in a cross grid configuration. The grid configuration allows a consumer to see what is stored in the interior 340 of the housing 310 while still providing protection to the product therein and precluding access to the interior 340 of the housing 310. In an alternate embodiment, where the rear wall 318 is larger, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 21-22, the outer frame 330 may also include a central support 335, such as a u-tube or a pair of angle brackets welded to the top and bottom members 334, and the inner wall 332 may be provided between the top and bottom members 334, the side members 336 and the central support 335. As shown in FIG. 16, the rear wall 318 may also include retaining tabs 337 extending from the both ends of bottom member 334 to engage an interior of the side members 358 of the opposing side walls 312, 314 to provide support for the rear wall 318 when product is loaded into the housing 310.

Referring also to FIGS. 10-12 and 15-16, in one embodiment, a first portion of the top wall of the housing is secured in place and a second portion is pivotable upward. The portion of the top wall that is secured in place is top wall 316 of the housing 310. Top wall 316 comprises an outer frame 342 and an inner wall 344 connected to the outer frame 342. In a preferred embodiment the outer frame 342 may be a weldment made of four angle bars 346 at the sides, front and rear. A portion of the angle bars 346 at the sides and rear typically have a wall that sits outside of the rear wall 318 and side walls 312, 314 and to secure the top wall 316 to the rear wall 318 and side walls 312, 314. The front of the secured top wall portion 316 is preferably located a distance distal the front end of the side walls 312, 314. Accordingly, the angle bar 346 at the front of the top wall 316 is similarly located a distance from the front end of the side walls 312, 314. In such an embodiment, the downward portion of the angle bar 346 at the front of the top wall 316 resides interior of the side walls 312, 314.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the first side wall 312 and second side wall 314 are nearly mirror images of each other. The side walls 312, 314 are preferably made of an outer frame 354 and an inner wall 356 connected to the outer frame 354. In one embodiment, the outer frame 354 may be a weldment made of square tubing at the side members 358 and angle bar at the top and bottom members 360. In an alternate embodiment, where the side walls are larger in size, as shown in FIGS. 14-16, the outer frame 354 may also include a central support 355 welded to the top and bottom members 360, and the inner wall 356 may be provided between the exterior portions of the outer frame 354 and the central support 355. Further, an upper door track 362 and a lower door track 364 are also provided for supporting the doors 320, 322. The inner wall 356 may be a steel grid 366, made for example with 8 gauge steel wire in a cross grid configuration.

As shown best in FIGS. 11 and 16, in one embodiment the upper door track 362 is preferably a u-shaped member comprising a sliding surface 368, an exterior transverse retaining wall 370 and an interior transverse wall 372. The interior transverse wall 372 is preferably welded or fixed to the top member 360 of the outer frame 354 of the side wall. The sliding surface 368 preferably has a slot 374 for allowing the door 320, 322 to slide in and out for closing and opening the housing 310.

Referring also to FIGS. 15 and 16, the lower door track 364 may similarly be made of a u-shaped member comprising a sliding surface 378, an exterior transverse retaining wall 380, and an interior transverse wall 382. The interior transverse wall 382 is preferably welded or fixed to the bottom member 360 of the outer frame 354 of the side wall. The sliding surface 378 preferably has a slot 388, mirroring the slot 374 in the upper door track 362, for allowing the door 320, 322 to slide in and out for closing and opening the housing 310.

In one embodiment, like the earlier embodiment, the first and second doors 320, 322 are identical components, and therefore are interchangeable merely by flipping the doors over for the correct orientation as the left/first or right/second door. Each door 320, 322 preferably comprises an outer frame 390 and an inner wall 392 connected to the outer frame 390. In a preferred embodiment, the outer frame 390 may be a weldment made of angle bars at the top 394 and bottom 396, another angle bar at the interior side 398, and a tubular member or u-shaped bar member at the exterior side 400 of the outer frame 390. The inner wall 392 may be a steel grid 402, made for example, with 8 gauge steel wire in a cross grid configuration and welded to the outer frame 390. As shown in FIG. 16, the doors 320, 322 also preferably have door glides 404 on the outer surfaces of the top member 394 and bottom member 396 to assist in sliding the doors 320, 322 on the sliding surfaces 368, 378 of the upper and lower door tracks 362, 364. In one embodiment, the door glides 404 are made of a plastic, nylon, or other bearing material, such as Teflon or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.

The first and second doors 320, 322, as shown in FIG. 16, in one embodiment also have gliding members 410 that slide in the slots 374, 388 in the upper door track 362 and lower door track 364, respectively. The gliding members 410 connect to the doors 320, 322 to the side walls 312, 314 at the upper door track 362 and lower door track 364 thereof, respectively, in both the open configuration of FIG. 13 and the closed/locked configuration of FIG. 15. In one embodiment, the gliding members 410 comprise a fastener 412, such as a bolt, a shoulder bushing 414 around the fastener 412, a first spacer 416 such as a nylon washer, a second spacer 418 such as a nylon washer, and a retainer 420 such as a locking nut. As shown in FIG. 16, the fastener 412 is inserted into the shoulder bushing 414, and the two spacers 416, 418 are fitted around/on the shoulder bushing 414. Typically, the flange of the shoulder bushing 414 and the first spacer 416 will reside on the outside/exterior of the upper door track 362 and lower door track 364, respectively, and the second spacer 418 will reside between the upper door track 362/lower door track 364 and the door glides 404 on the doors 320, 322. The retainers 420 for the gliding members 410 fixedly secure the gliding members 410 to the doors 320, 322 and slidingly secure the doors 320, 322 to the side walls 312, 314 at the top and bottom of the doors 320, 322.

As shown in FIGS. 10-15, the doors 320, 322 are disposed on the front of the housing 310 and are configured to open to provide access to the inside of the merchandise display container 300. For example, as explained above, the doors 320, 322 are preferably rotatably/pivotally and slidably connected to the side walls 312, 314. Accordingly, in one embodiment the first and second doors 320, 322 are security doors. In the open configuration of FIG. 10, the doors 320, 322 are retained against the side walls 312, 314 and within the respective upper and lower door tracks 362, 364. To close the doors 320, 322 for securing the contents within the container 300, the doors 320, 322 may be slid forward toward the front of the housing 310 as shown in FIG. 12. This configuration is an intermediate orientation between closed and open doors. From the intermediate position shown in FIG. 12, the doors 320, 322 may be slidingly pushed into the door tracks 362, 364 to provide full access to the contents of the container 300 during business hours, or the doors 320, 322 may be pivoted to a closed position where the doors 320, 322 close access to the cavity of the container 300 from the front, after which the doors may be secured or locked (e.g., padlock, key lock) in place to prevent access to the products within the merchandise display/storage container 300 during hours the establishment is closed. When the doors are pulled out to the intermediate position the gliding members 410 come in contact with the front of the slot 474, and the doors 320, 322 are then ready to be pivotally closed. The pivoting connection of the doors 320, 322 provides for the doors 320, 322 to pivot into a closed or fully secured position and then locked to the opposing door, as shown in FIG. 15, thus securing the products within the merchandise display container 300. The doors 320, 322 also have tabs 430 secured, such as by welding or via fasteners, to the interior side 398 of the outer frame 390 of the doors 320, 322. To secure the doors 320, 322 and lock the front of the housing 310 to protect the contents in the housing 310, opposing tabs 430 on the doors 320, 322 are secured together with locks as shown in FIG. 15. One of the doors also has a locking tab 454 extending toward the top of the housing to secure the hinged portion 317 of the top of the housing 310 in the locked position.

In a preferred embodiment the top wall also includes a hinged or pivotable portion 317. The hinged portion 317 of the top of the housing 310 is connected with a hinge member 440 to the front member 346 of the secured portion of the top wall 316. The pivotable portion 317 of the top member of the housing 310 is formed by an outer frame 442, which is preferably a weldment made up of angle bars at the sides 444, front 446 and rear 448. An inner wall 450 made up of a grid of wires or round stock, or the like, is secured interior to the outer frame 442. The front 446 angle member of the outer frame 442 has an aperture 452 for receiving a locking tab 454 from one of the doors 320, 322.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 14-16, the housing 310 also includes first and second brackets 460 on the top of opposing side walls of the outer frame 342 of the secured top wall 316. The brackets 460 are angled to receive the hinged portion 317 backwards at an angle as shown in FIG. 14. The brackets 460 have tabs 462 to allow the hinged portion 317 to be locked to the brackets 460.

The first side wall 312, second side wall 314, top wall 316, hinged top portion 317 and rear wall 318 are secured together to form the housing 310. Additionally, the support legs 328 are connected to the housing 310. In one embodiment the tubing 358 forming the sides of the outer frame 354 of the side walls 312, 314 has apertures through the walls of the tubing 358. In one embodiment, the support legs 328 have a vertical extension member 422 that is positioned within the tubing 358, or around the tubing 358, forming the sides of the side walls 312, 314. For connection and leveling purposes, in one embodiment the vertical extensions 422 preferably threadingly mate with the tubing 358 for vertical adjustment.

The container 300 may also have guards 470 to protect the fronts of the side walls 312, 314 as shown in FIGS. 110, 12 and 14-16. The guards 470 also help to direct the pallets into the cavity of the container 300. The guards 470 may be fixed to the ground structure with fasteners.

The container 300 may also have various signage connected to the doors, side walls, and top of the container 300, as well as in the hinged top portion 317 via brackets 470 in the hinged top portion 317. Further, side panels, which may be for security or signage purposes, may be connected to the appropriate walls of the housing 310.

Preferably, the structure of the housing 110, 310 are made of zinc plated metals that are powder coated to provide for longevity in outdoor weather situations.

Several alternative examples have been described and illustrated herein. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the examples could be provided in any combination with the other examples disclosed herein. Additionally, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth” as used herein are intended for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the embodiments in any way. Further, the term “plurality” as used herein indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number. Additionally, the word “including” as used herein is utilized in an open-ended manner.

While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and/or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and that the teachings may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and all applications, modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the present teachings.

Claims

1. A merchandise display and storage container, comprising:

a first side wall;

a second side wall opposing the first side wall;

a rear wall connected to the first side wall and the second side wall;

a first top wall portion secured to the first side wall, the second side wall and the rear wall, wherein a front of the first top wall portion is distal a front of the first side wall and the second side wall;

a second top wall portion having a front and a rear, the rear of the second top wall portion being hingedly connected to the front of the first top wall portion, the second top wall portion being pivotable between an open position and a closed position;

a first upper door track connected to an exterior of the first side wall, wherein the first upper door track has a sliding surface and a transverse retaining surface, and where the first upper door track has a slot extending about a length of the sliding surface;

a first lower door track connected to an exterior of the first side wall, wherein the first lower door track has a sliding surface and a transverse retaining surface, and where the first lower door track has a slot extending about a length of the sliding surface;

a second upper door track connected to an exterior of the second side wall, wherein the second upper door track has a sliding surface and a transverse retaining surface, and where the second upper door track has a slot extending about a length of the sliding surface;

a second lower door track connected to an exterior of the second side wall, wherein the second lower door track has a sliding surface and a transverse retaining surface, and where the second lower door track has a slot extending about a length of the sliding surface;

a first door having a first pin extending from a top thereof and through the slot in the first upper door track, the first door further having a second pin extending from a bottom thereof and through the slot in the first lower door track, wherein the first door is positionable substantially parallel and adjacent to the first side wall in the first or open position, the first door being slidingly moveable about the first upper door track and the first lower door track to be positioned exterior and substantially parallel to the first side wall, the first door further being pivotable about the first upper and lower door tracks to be positioned substantially parallel to the rear wall in a closed position;

a second door having a first pin extending from a top thereof and through the slot in the second upper door track, the second door further having a second pin extending from a bottom thereof and through the slot in the second lower door track, wherein the second door is positionable substantially parallel and adjacent to the second side wall in the first or open position, the second door being slidingly moveable about the second upper door track and the second lower door track to be positioned exterior and substantially parallel to the second side wall, the second door further being pivotable about the second upper and lower door tracks to be positioned substantially parallel to the rear wall in a closed position; and,

wherein when the first door is in its closed position and the second door is in its closed position, the first door can be secured to the second door, and the second top wall portion can be secured over the first door and the second door.

2. The merchandise display and storage container of claim 1, wherein the first upper door track further comprises a vertical member extending from the sliding surface opposite the transverse retaining wall and a top member extending from the transverse retaining wall, wherein the second upper door track further comprises a vertical member extending from the sliding surface opposite the transverse retaining wall and a top member extending from the transverse retaining wall, wherein the first upper door track is secured to the first side wall at the top member of the first upper door track, and wherein the second upper door track is secured to the second side wall at the top member of the second upper door track.

3. The merchandise display and storage container of claim 1, further comprising a first guard above a first end of the slot in the first upper door track, and a second guard above a first end of the slot in the second upper door track.

4. The merchandise display and storage container of claim 1, further comprising a first bracket connected to the first top wall portion adjacent the first wall and a second bracket connected to the first top wall portion adjacent the second wall, the first and second brackets assisting in retaining the second top wall portion in the open position.

5. A merchandise display and storage container, comprising:

a first side wall;

a second side wall opposing the first side wall;

a rear wall connected to the first side wall and the second side wall;

a first top wall portion secured to the first side wall, the second side wall and the rear wall, wherein a front of the first top wall portion is distal a front of the first side wall and the second side wall;

a second top wall portion having a front and a rear, the rear of the second top wall portion being hingedly connected to the front of the first top wall portion, the second top wall portion being pivotable between an open position and a closed position, the second top wall portion being transverse to the first top wall portion in the open position;

a first upper door track connected to an exterior of the first side wall;

a first lower door track connected to an exterior of the first side wall;

a second upper door track connected to an exterior of the second side wall;

a second lower door track connected to an exterior of the second side wall;

a first door slidingly and pivotally connected to the first upper door track and the first lower door track, wherein the first door is moveable from a first position parallel to and adjacent the first side wall to a second position transverse to the first side wall;

a second door slidingly and pivotally connected to the second upper door track and the second lower door track, wherein the second door is moveable from a first position parallel to and adjacent the second side wall to a second position transverse to the second side wall; and,

wherein when the first door is in its second position and the second door is in its second position, the first door can be secured to the second door, and the second top wall portion can be secured over the first door and the second door when the second top wall portion is in the closed position.

6. The merchandise display and storage container of claim 5, wherein the first upper door track has a slot extending about a length of the first upper door track, wherein the first lower door track has a slot extending about a length of the first lower door track, wherein the second upper door track has a slot extending about a length of the second upper door track, and wherein the second lower door track has a slot extending about a length of the second lower door track.

7. The merchandise display and storage container of claim 6, wherein the first door has a first pin extending from a top thereof and through the slot in the first upper door track, wherein the first door further has a second pin extending from a bottom thereof and through the slot in the first lower door track, and wherein the first door is slidingly moveable about the first upper and lower door tracks to be positioned exterior of the first side wall, the first door further being pivotable about the first upper and lower door tracks to be positioned substantially parallel to the rear wall in a closed position.

8. The merchandise display and storage container of claim 7, wherein the second door has a first pin extending from a top thereof and through the slot in the second upper door track, wherein the second door further has a second pin extending from a bottom thereof and through the slot in the second lower door track, and wherein the second door is slidingly moveable about the second upper and lower door tracks to be positioned exterior of the second side wall, the second door further being pivotable about the second upper and lower door tracks to be positioned substantially parallel to the rear wall in a closed position.

9. The merchandise display and storage container of claim 5, wherein the first upper door track has a sliding surface and a transverse retaining wall.

10. The merchandise display and storage container of claim 9, wherein the first upper door track further comprises a vertical member extending from the sliding surface opposite the transverse retaining wall, and a top member extending from the transverse retaining wall, wherein the first upper door track is secured to the first side wall at the top member of the first upper door track.

11. The merchandise display and storage container of claim 6, further comprising a first guard above a first end of the slot in the first upper door track, and a second guard above a first end of the slot in the second upper door track.

12. The merchandise display and storage container of claim 5, wherein the first upper door track and the first lower door track have a sliding surface and a transverse retaining wall to form a pocket for the first door, and wherein the second upper door track and the second lower door track have a sliding surface and a transverse retaining wall to form a pocket for the second door.

13. The merchandise display and storage container of claim 5, further comprising separate sliding members connected, respectively, to a bottom of the first door and a bottom of the second door.

14. The merchandise display and storage container of claim 13, further comprising separate sliding members connected, respectively, to a top of the first door and a top of the second door.

15. The merchandise display and storage container of claim 5, further comprising front and rear support legs connected to the first side wall, and front and rear support legs connected to the second side wall.

16. The merchandise display and storage container of claim 15, wherein a length of the support legs extending from the first side wall and second side wall is separately adjustable.

17. The merchandise display and storage container of claim 5, further comprising a first bracket connected to the first top wall portion adjacent the first wall and a second bracket connected to the first top wall portion adjacent the second wall, the first and second brackets assisting in retaining the second top wall portion in an open position.

18. A merchandise display and storage container, comprising:

a first side wall;

a second side wall opposing the first side wall;

a rear wall connected to the first side wall and the second side wall;

a top wall secured to the first side wall, the second side wall and the rear wall;

a first upper door track connected to an exterior of the first side wall adjacent a top of the first side wall, wherein the first upper door track has a sliding surface and a transverse retaining surface, and where the first upper door track has a slot extending about a length of the sliding surface;

a first guard above a first end of the slot in the first upper door track;

a first lower door track connected to an exterior of the first side wall adjacent a bottom of the first side wall, wherein the first lower door track has a sliding surface and a transverse retaining surface, and where the first lower door track has a slot extending about a length of the sliding surface;

a second guard above a first end of the slot in the second upper door track;

a second upper door track connected to an exterior of the second side wall adjacent a top of the second side wall, wherein the second upper door track has a sliding surface and a transverse retaining surface, and where the second upper door track has a slot extending about a length of the sliding surface;

a second lower door track connected to an exterior of the second side wall adjacent a bottom of the second side wall, wherein the second lower door track has a sliding surface and a transverse retaining surface, and where the second lower door track has a slot extending about a length of the sliding surface;

a first door having a first pin extending from a top thereof and through the slot in the first upper door track, the first door further having a second pin extending from a bottom thereof and through the slot in the first lower door track, wherein the first door is positionable substantially parallel and adjacent to the first side wall in the first or open position, the first door being slidingly moveable about the first upper door track and the first lower door track to be positioned exterior and substantially parallel to the first side wall, the first door further being pivotable about the first upper and lower door tracks to be positioned substantially parallel to the rear wall in a closed position;

a second door having a first pin extending from a top thereof and through the slot in the second upper door track, the second door further having a second pin extending from a bottom thereof and through the slot in the second lower door track, wherein the second door is positionable substantially parallel and adjacent to the second side wall in the first or open position, the second door being slidingly moveable about the second upper door track and the second lower door track to be positioned exterior and substantially parallel to the second side wall, the second door further being pivotable about the second upper and lower door tracks to be positioned substantially parallel to the rear wall in a closed position; and,

wherein when the first door is in its closed position and the second door is in its closed position, the first door can be secured to the second door.

19. The merchandise display and storage container of claim 18, wherein the sliding surfaces and a transverse retaining walls of the first upper door track and the first lower door track form an exterior pocket for the first door, and wherein the sliding surfaces and a transverse retaining walls of the second upper door track and the second lower door track form an exterior pocket for the second door.

20. The merchandise display and storage container of claim 18, wherein the first upper door track further comprises a vertical member extending from the sliding surface opposite the transverse retaining wall of the first upper door track and a top member extending from the transverse retaining wall of the first upper door track, wherein the first upper door track is secured to the first side wall at the top member of the first upper door track, and wherein the second upper door track further comprises a vertical member extending from the sliding surface opposite the transverse retaining wall of the second upper door track and a top member extending from the transverse retaining wall of the second upper door track, wherein the second upper door track is secured to the second side wall at the top member of the second upper door track.