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United States Patent Application	20030234228
Kind Code	A1
Johnson, Allen E.	December 25, 2003

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Claims

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What is claimed is:

1. A merchandising system for product of a type that is configured for presentation and storage in a vertical orientation and in a horizontal orientation, the merchandising system comprising: a first compartment having a front and a base, the first compartment configured to receive product in a vertical orientation; and a second compartment coupled to the first compartment and provided below the first compartment, the second compartment having a front; wherein the second compartment has a first portion to receive product in a vertical orientation between the front of the first compartment and the front of the second compartment, and a second portion configured to receive product in a horizontal orientation below the base of the first compartment.

2. The merchandising system of claim 1 wherein the first compartment and the first portion of the second compartment are spaced that product in the first compartment and product in the vertical orientation in the second compartment partially overlap.

3. The merchandising system of claim 1 wherein first portion of the second compartment is provided in front of the second portion of the second compartment.

4. The merchandising system of claim 1 wherein the first compartment and the second compartment are constructed from wire.

5. The merchandising system of claim 1 further comprising: a third compartment having a front and a base, the third compartment configured to receive product in a vertical orientation; and a fourth compartment coupled to the third compartment and provided below the third compartment, the fourth compartment having a front; wherein the fourth compartment has a first portion to receive product in a vertical orientation between the front of the third compartment and the front of the fourth compartment, and a second portion configured to receive product in a horizontal orientation below the base of the third compartment; wherein the third compartment and the fourth compartment are coupled to a side of the first compartment and the second compartment.

6. The merchandising system of claim 1 wherein the first compartment provides a first product facing, and the first portion of the second compartment provides a second product facing, and the first product facing and the second product facing partially overlap.

7. The merchandising system of claim 1 wherein the second portion of the second compartment is sized to receive multiple products in a horizontal configuration.

8. The merchandising system of claim 1 wherein the first compartment and the second compartment have a width approximately the same as a width of the product.

9. A merchandising system for presenting and storing product, the merchandising system comprising: a first compartment to receive product; and a second compartment provided behind the first compartment, the second compartment configured to receive product; wherein the first compartment is provided at an angle relative to the second compartment.

10. The merchandising system of claim 9 wherein the first compartment and the second compartment are sized to accommodate a product case.

11. The merchandising system of claim 10, wherein the product case is at least one of a digital versatile disc (DVD) case, a compact disk (CD) case, a video cassette case and an audio cassette case.

12. The merchandising system of claim 10, wherein the first compartment is sized to received one product case.

13. The merchandising system of claim 10, wherein the first compartment is sized to received a plurality of product cases.

14. The merchandising system of claim 9 wherein the first compartment further comprises at least one divider.

15. The merchandising system of claim 9 wherein the second compartment further comprises at least one divider.

16. The merchandising system of claim 9 wherein the second compartment further comprises: a rear wall; two opposing sidewalls; and an open front portion in communication with the first compartment.

17. The merchandising system of claim 9 wherein the first compartment further comprises a channel to receive product.

18. The merchandising system of claim 9 further comprising a first interface provided on a side of the second compartment.

19. The merchandising system of claim 18 further comprising: a third compartment to receive product; a fourth compartment provided behind the third compartment, the fourth compartment configured to receive product; a second interface provided on a side of the fourth compartment; wherein the third compartment is provided at an angle relative to the fourth compartment; wherein the first interface and the second interface are configured to selectively coact.

20. The merchandising system of claim 19 wherein the first compartment and the third compartment are staggered relative to each other.

21. A merchandising system for storing and presenting products on a shelf to a viewer, the merchandising system comprising: means for presenting at least two adjacent product facings to the viewer; means for storing products provided behind the means for presenting at least two adjacent product facings; wherein the means for presenting the at least two adjacent product facings overlap.

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Description

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) from the following application: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/382,657 ("MERCHANDISING SYSTEM") filed May 22, 2002 (incorporated by reference herein). The present application is related to U.S. Pat. No. D473,076 ("MERCHANDISING SYSTEM") filed May 22, 2002 and U.S. patent application Nos. 29/161,150 ("MERCHANDISING SYSTEM") filed May 22, 2002 and 29/167,630 ("MERCHANDISING SYSTEM") filed Sep. 18, 2002.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention relates to a merchandising system. The present invention more specifically relates to a merchandising system providing for orderly presentation of product in a display space.

[0003] It is known to provide for a merchandising system that may be used for displaying product such as digital versatile disks (DVDs), compact disks (CDs), tapes, cassettes, etc. Conventional merchandising systems may be used to present, display and store product in fixed or limited spaces such as on shelves, in display cases, cabinets, etc.

[0004] Conventional merchandising systems may display products to a consumer by providing the products in a side-to-side or end-to-end configuration. Within fixed or limited spaces, conventional merchandising systems may not be configured to balance or optimize the number of products or product facings presented to a customer with providing relatively high visibility of the product presented to the customer.

[0005] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to optimize or balance the number and visibility of product facings to be presented to customers in limited spaces such as shelves and display cases. It would also be advantageous to provide storage for additional products near the facings. It would further be advantageous to provide a merchandising system that may provide for the display and storage of a relatively large number of articles in a relatively compact space. It would further be advantageous to provide a merchandising system that may provide for the orderly presentation and display of products. It would further be advantageous to provide a merchandising system that may provide for selective modularity in the construction and assembly of the merchandising system.

[0006] It would be advantageous to provide a merchandising system or the like of a type disclosed in the present application that includes any one or more of these or other advantageous features.

SUMMARY

[0007] The present invention relates to a merchandising system for product of a type that is configured for presentation and storage in a vertical orientation and in a horizontal orientation. The merchandising system includes a first compartment having a front and a base. The first compartment is configured to receive product in a vertical orientation. The merchandising system further includes a second compartment coupled to the first compartment and provided below the first compartment, the second compartment having a front. The second compartment has a first portion to receive product in a vertical orientation between the front of the first compartment and the front of the second compartment, and a second portion configured to receive product in a horizontal orientation below the base of the first compartment

[0008] The present invention also relates to a merchandising system for presenting and storing product. The merchandising system includes a first compartment to receive product, and a second compartment provided behind the first compartment, the second compartment configured to receive product. The first compartment is provided at an angle relative to the second compartment.

[0009] The present invention further relates to a merchandising system for storing and presenting products on a shelf to a viewer. The merchandising system includes means for presenting at least two adjacent product facings to the viewer, and means for storing products provided behind the means for presenting at least two adjacent product facings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a merchandising system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a module of the merchandising system shown in FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the module shown in FIG. 2.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the module shown in FIG. 2.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the module shown in FIG. 2.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a module of a merchandising system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the module shown in FIG. 6.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the module shown in FIG. 6.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a merchandising system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the merchandising system shown in FIG. 9 with product.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a merchandising system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the merchandising system shown in FIG. 11.

[0022] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a merchandising system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a merchandising system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the merchandising system shown in FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0025] According to the various exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 through 15, a merchandising system may be provided on an existing merchandising system (such as a shelf, shelving unit, display case, etc.). The merchandising system shown in the FIGURES may be provided to merchandise, display, and/or store various products (including DVD cases, CD cases, video games, movies, videocassettes, etc). The merchandising systems shown may be provided for the storage and presentation of articles (such as products and product containers) in a store, retail sales outlet, storage facility, or other environment.

[0026] According to any preferred embodiment, the merchandising systems are intended provide for the display and/or storage of additional product and product facings within a space. Within fixed or limited spaces (such as on a shelf or in a display case), the merchandising systems shown are intended to increase the number of products or product facings presented to a customer while also maintaining relatively high visibility of the product to enhance commercial sales. Also, the merchandising systems shown are intended to provide storage for additional products near the increased number of facings. For example, merchandising system 10 shown in FIGS. 1-5 may be provided on a number of vertically spaced shelves or in a display case and provide for an increased number of rows of product (e.g. product display areas, compartments, facings, etc.) along the height of the display case, whereas other conventional systems (providing product in an end-to-end configuration) will provide fewer rows of product. The merchandising systems shown in FIGS. 6-15 are intended provide an increased number of staggered facings of product along the width of a shelf, whereas other conventional systems (providing product in a side-by-side configuration) will provide fewer facings of product. The merchandising systems also are intended to provide for storage of additional products near the product facings.

[0027] The merchandising systems shown are intended to achieve increased space efficiency in part by providing product in compartments such that individual product, containers, product cases (such as DVD cases) overlap each other or are staggered relative to each other. For example, increased space efficiency or optimization may be provided by merchandising system 10 shown in FIGS. 1-5 by providing a vertical overlap between adjacent DVD cases. The overlap contributes to space savings, and thus allow for the display of additional facings throughout the height of the display case. The merchandising systems shown in FIGS. 9-15 also achieve increased space efficiency (or optimization of product facings and product visibility) by staggering products at an angle (such as an angle relative to a shelf) while still allowing the front of the product to be viewed. These arrangements assist in decreasing the width needed to display a product (such as a DVD case) and increasing the number of facings which may be provided along the width of the shelf.

[0028] According to various alternative embodiments, the compartments may be configured to receive a wide variety of products, packages, sizes and configurations. For example, the particularly preferred embodiments shown in the FIGURES are configured for DVD cases. According to various alternative embodiments, the merchandising system may be configured for articles such as CD cases, videocassettes, audio cassettes, albums, vinyl, books, magazines, articles, objects, etc. According to other alternative embodiments, the merchandising system may be configured for more than one type of article (e.g. a combination display providing for CD cases in a first compartment and DVD cases in a second compartment, etc.).

[0029] According to one exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, a merchandising system 10 may comprise one or more modules 12 (shown as a product display module) for displaying product 14 (shown in broken lines). Module 12 comprises a first compartment 20 and a second compartment 40. One or more modules 12 may be provided to assemble merchandising system 10 having a modular configuration, with variable sizes, configurations, orientations, number of compartments, facings, etc.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, first compartment 20 may be provided on an upper portion of module 12. First compartment 20 may be a product facing section, display, display area, holder, slot, retainer, product display, etc. According to one particularly preferred embodiment, first compartment 20 is configured to hold, display, retain, or otherwise restrain articles (e.g. products, goods, display objects, etc.) such as DVD cases or CD cases.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, first compartment 20 comprises a front member 22, a rear member 24, a base 26, and two side members 28. Front member 22 and rear member 24 are configured to restrict the front to back motion of product 14 (shown as DVD cases). Side members 28 are configured to restrain the side to side motion of product 14. Base 26 is configured to provide a support for product 14. Front member 22, rear member 24 and a portion of base 26 may be constructed in a single structure. Two side members 28 and a portion of base 26 may also be constructed in a single structure. Alternatively, the various members may be constructed from separate structures or assemblies.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, first compartment 20 is configured to display product 14. According to a preferred embodiment, first compartment 20 is configured to display four DVD cases in a vertical orientation. According to various alternative embodiments, one or more DVD cases may be provided or displayed in a vertical orientation, and one or more stacks of DVD cases may be provided or stored in a horizontal orientation (such as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, or supported along edge 32).

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, a second compartment 40 may be provided on a lower portion of module 12. Second compartment 40 is configured to hold, display, retain, store and/or otherwise restrain product 14.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, second compartment 40 comprises a front member 42, a rear member 44, a base 46, and two side members 48. Front member 42 and rear member 44 are configured to restrict the front to back motion of product 14. Side members 48 are configured to restrain the side to side motion of product 14. Base 46 is configured to provide a support for product 14. Front member 42, rear member 44 and a portion of base 46 may be constructed in a single structure. Additionally, side members 48 and a portion of base 46 may also be constructed in a single structure. Alternatively, the various members may be constructed from separate structures or assemblies.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, second compartment 40 is configured to display product 14. Second compartment 40 may be configured to display one or more product 14 in a vertical orientation, and store one or more product 14 in a horizontal orientation. According to a preferred embodiment, second compartment 40 is configured to store a stack of product 14 "one deep" (i.e. a single stack of product 14a may be stored behind vertical product 14b). According to various alternative embodiments, one or more product 14b may be provided or displayed in a vertical orientation, and one or more stacks of product 14a may be provided or stored in a horizontal orientation (i.e. the compartment may hold two or more stacks deep of product 14a). (It should be noted that horizontal orientation includes both products 14b as shown in FIG. 3, as well as products supported along edge 32.)

[0036] Merchandising system 10 may comprise one or more modules 12. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, merchandising system 10 is configured to provide eight modules, with each module having a first compartment 20 and second compartment 40. Merchandising system 10 may be provided for use on a shelf or on a variety of other existing merchandising systems, including shelving units, support surfaces, grids, brackets, hangers, etc. According to a preferred embodiment, merchandising system 10 is constructed and assembled from steel wire which may be bent or otherwise formed.

[0037] According to another exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-10, a merchandising system 110 comprises one or more modules 112 (shown as a product display module). Merchandising system 110 may be comprised of any number of modules. Merchandising system 110 may be provided on a variety of other existing merchandising systems, including shelves, shelving units, support surfaces, grids, brackets, hangers, etc.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 6-10, a module 112 comprises a first compartment 120, a second compartment 140, and one or more interfaces 160.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 6, first compartment 120 (e.g., display area, holder, slot, channel, retainer, product display, product facing section, etc.) is provided on a front portion of module 112. According to a preferred embodiment, first compartment 120 is configured to hold, display, retain, or otherwise restrain product 114 (e.g. goods, objects, articles, etc.). As shown in FIG. 10, first compartment 120 is configured to hold or retain product 114 shown as a DVD case.

[0040] First compartment 120 is configured to display the product at an angle relative to second compartment 120 (i.e., stagger or provide product at a non-perpendicular angle to second compartment 120). As shown in FIG. 9, second compartment 140 (e.g., storage section, compartments, container, holder, partition, etc.) is provided behind first compartment 120. Second compartment 140 may be configured to hold any number of products. According to one particularly preferred embodiment, second compartment 140 is configured to hold five product 114 in a vertical orientation. Second compartment 140 advantageously provides storage, additional stock, etc. near first compartment 120 (i.e., a product facing). As shown in FIG. 6, the second compartment comprises two sidewalls 142, a rear wall 144, and a base 146.

[0041] One or more interfaces 160 (e.g., interconnect, connecting members, attachments, fasteners, etc.) are provided on modules 112 to allow for selective engagement or attachment of one module with adjacent or neighboring modules, thereby allowing for the construction or assembly of a modular merchandising system of variable size. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, interface 160 is a tab or projection 162 provided on the side of module 112, configured to connect or interface (e.g. fit or coact with) a corresponding aperture, recess or hole 164 provided on an adjacent side of a neighboring module to retain a neighboring module. According to various alternative embodiments, the interface may be any of a wide variety of fasteners, including mechanical fasteners, adhesives, bolt, screws, Velcro.TM. fasteners, engaging dovetail portions 260 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, interface 460 (as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 comprising a clip 462 having two flexible members 468 received in a socket 464 formed by an aperture and member 466). According to other alternative embodiments, one or more modules may be provided as a single, integrated piece. According to a preferred embodiment, module 112 is constructed and assembled from injection molded plastic.

[0042] According to an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a merchandising system 210 may comprise one or more modules 212. A first compartment 220 may be provided to hold or otherwise retain a plurality of articles in a vertical configuration. First compartment 220 may be substantially similar in construction and arrangement as compartment 120 shown in FIGS. 6 through 10. Compartment 220 further comprises one or more dividers 222 provided along a sidewall 224 of compartment 220. Product is received between adjacent dividers 222. Dividers 222 assist in retaining product in a vertical orientation, retaining and dividing multiple products provided in first compartment 220, and maintaining an orderly stocked appearance.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 11, a second compartment 240 may also be provided which is similar in arrangement and construction as compartment 140 shown in FIGS. 6-10. Compartment 240 further includes a plurality of dividers 242 (e.g. members) provided along a back wall 244 of second compartment 240. Product (such as DVD cases) is received between adjacent dividers 242. Dividers 242 assist in retaining product in a vertical orientation, retaining and dividing multiple products provided in compartment 240, and maintaining an orderly stocked appearance.

[0044] According to another alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 13, apertures or reliefs 370 may be provided in base 346 of second compartment 340. Apertures 370 may be utilized to reduce the amount of material needed to construct or assemble module 312.

[0045] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the merchandising system as shown in the preferred and other exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures, members, connectors or other elements of the system may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present inventions. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present inventions.

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