AU2014100174A4 - Insert for supporting products in upright positions in a point of sale carton - Google Patents

Abstract

H:\tld\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\TLD\5241147_ .doc-25/02/2014 - 14 An insert for supporting products in upright positions in a point of sale carton, including a 5 base member shaped to be seated on a base internal section of the carton; two pairs of product support members, each pair of said pairs being coupled to, and extending outwardly from, respective opposed side sections of the base member, wherein the product support members of each pair extend towards each other at least partially across the base member so as to separate the base member into three compartments and thereby inhibit 10 products stored in each one of said compartments from sliding into a neighbouring one of said compartments. 36a 1/10 36b 34 46b 10 32a 32b 44c 40c 40d 22a 22b 44d 42d 42c 44a 28c 28d 40b 44b 24c 40a 24d 42a 42b 20a720 24a 28a 46a 28b 16 24b Figure 1

Description

H:\tld\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\TLD\5241147_ .doc-25/02/2014 INSERT FOR SUPPORTING PRODUCTS IN UPRIGHT POSITIONS IN A POINT OF SALE CARTON 5 Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an insert for supporting products in upright positions in a point of sale carton; and a blank for forming the insert. 10 Background of the Invention Bags of products, such as tortillas for example, are typically floppy in nature and have difficulty supporting themselves in upright positions when displayed on a supermarket shelf. This problem has previously been addressed by pegging individual bags of product 15 to a supporting structure or by laying them flat on the shelf. It may be generally inconvenient to peg individual bags to the support structure and generally inefficient to replace the bags as they are purchased. Further, laying the bags of product flat on a supermarket shelf may not be desirable for point of sale marketing. That is, the product packaging may not be positioned for optimal viewing by a person who passes by the shelf 20 containing the bags of product. Shelf ready packaging systems have been devised to assist in quickly and efficiently stacking supermarket shelves with products. For example, a carton of products can be placed on a supermarket shelf and then made display ready by simply removing a font 25 facing section of the carton. The products within the carton are thereby laid open for selection by shoppers. The shelf ready carton obviates the need for stacking individual products on a shelf. Again, difficulties can arise where non self-supporting products are arranged in upright 30 positions when displayed inside a point of sale carton (also referred to as "shelf ready packaging"). For example, generally bagged product, such as tortillas, may sit upright H:\tld\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\TLD\5241147_ .doc-25/02/2014 -2 when the point of sale carton is first installed and the carton is full. However, as product is removed from the carton, the bags will typically tend to slump, lean over and slide towards a horizontal position. As this occurs, the product packaging may not be positioned for optimal viewing by a person who passes by the point of sale carton. 5 It is generally desirable to stand non self supporting products in an upright positions when displayed in point of sale cartons in supermarkets, for example. It is generally desirable to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the above mentioned 10 difficulties, or at least provide a useful alternative. Summary of the Invention In accordance with the invention, there is provided an insert for supporting products in 15 upright positions in a point of sale carton, including: (a) a base member shaped to be seated on a base internal section of the carton; (b) two pairs of product support members, each pair of said pairs being coupled to, and extending outwardly from, respective opposed side sections of the base member, 20 wherein the product support members of each pair extend towards each other at least partially across the base member so as to separate the base member into three compartments and thereby inhibit products stored in each one of said compartments from sliding into a neighbouring one of said compartments. 25 In accordance with the invention, there is also provided an insert for supporting products in upright positions in a point of sale carton, including: (a) a base member shaped to be seated on a base internal section of the carton; (b) a pair of product support members coupled to, and extending outwardly from, opposed side sections of the base member, 30 wherein the product support members extend towards each other at least partially across the base member so as to separate the base member into two compartments and H:\tld\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\TLD\5241147_ .doc-25/02/2014 -3 thereby inhibit products stored in a first one of said compartments from sliding into a second one of said compartments. In accordance with the invention, there is also provided a blank for forming an insert for 5 supporting products in upright positions in a point of sale carton, including: (a) a base member shaped to be seated on a base internal section of the carton; (b) two pairs of product support members, each pair of said pairs being coupled to, and adapted to extend outwardly from, respective opposed side sections of the base member, 10 wherein the product support members of each pair extend towards each other at least partially across the base member so as to separate the base member into three compartments and thereby inhibit products stored in each one of said compartments from sliding into a neighbouring one of said compartments. 15 In accordance with the invention, there is also provided a blank for supporting products in upright positions in a point of sale carton, including: (a) a base member shaped to be seated on a base internal section of the carton; (b) a pair of product support members coupled to, and are adapted to extend outwardly from, opposed side sections of the base member, 20 wherein the product support members extend towards each other at least partially across the base member so as to separate the base member into two compartments and thereby inhibit products stored in a first one of said compartments from sliding into a second one of said compartments. 25 Brief Description of the Drawings Preferred embodiments of the present invention are hereafter described, by way of non limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: 30 Figure 1 is a plan view of a blank for forming an insert for supporting products in upright positions in a point of sale carton; H:\tld\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\TLD\5241147_ .doc-25/02/2014 -4 Figure 2 is right side perspective view of an insert for supporting products in upright positions in a point of sale carton; Figure 3 is a right side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a plan view of the apparatus show in Figure 2; 5 Figure 5 is a front end view of the apparatus shown in Figure 2; Figure 6 is a right side perspective view of the blank shown in Figure 1 arranged in a condition of use; Figure 7 is right side perspective view of the blank shown in Figure 1 arranged in another condition of use; 10 Figure 8 is a side perspective view of a container including the insert show in Figure 2; Figure 9 is a top perspective view of the container shown in Figure 8 including the insert shown in Figure 2; and Figure 10 is a top perspective view of the container and insert show in Figure 9 with part of the container removed and being partially filled with products for point of sale 15 marketing Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention The blank 10 shown in Figure 1 is used to form the insert 100 shown in Figures 2 to 5 by 20 performing the steps shown in Figures 6 and 7. The insert 100 is for supporting products 12a, 12b, 12c in upright positions in a point of sale carton 14 in the manner shown in Figures 8 to 10. The insert 100 includes a base member 16 shaped to be seated on a base internal section 18 25 of the carton 14. The insert 100 also includes two pairs of product support members 20a, 20b and 22a, 22b where each pair is coupled to, and extends outwardly from, respective opposed side sections 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d of the base member 16. The product support members of each pair 20a, 20b and 22a, 22b extend towards each other at least partially across the base member 16 so as to separate the base member 16 into three compartments 30 26a, 26b, 26c and thereby inhibit products 12a, 12b, 12c stored in each one of the compartments 26a, 26b, 26c from sliding into a neighbouring compartment.

H:\tld\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\TLD\5241147_ .doc-25/02/2014 -5 The product support members 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b are coupled to respective sections 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d of the base member 16 by respective parallel hinges 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d extending across the base member 16. 5 The product support members 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b are preferably formed integrally with the base member 16 from a single sheet of material, such as cardboard. The hinges 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d preferably are "V" shaped grooves cut into the base member 16. The product support members 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b rotate in a common direction "Dc" about respective 10 hinges 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d from a first position generally coplanar with the base member 16 to a second position generally normal to the base member 16. The common direction "Dc" is towards a front end section 30 of the base member 16. 15 The product support members 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b are generally planar. The product support members 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b of each pair of product support members are generally coplanar when in the second position. Rotation of the product support members 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b in said common direction Dc 20 is limited by closure of the "V" shaped grooves. To this end, the vertices of the "V" shaped grooves are forced together and inhibit further movement in that direction. The insert also includes a pair of locking members 32a, 32b, each being coupled between a pair of product support members 20a, 20b and 22a, 22b on a common one of said opposed 25 sides sections 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d of the base member 16. The locking members 32a, 32b extend past the product support members 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b towards a rear end section 34 of the base member 16. Common end sections 36a, 36b of the locking members 32a, 32b abut a common rear end wall 38 of the carton 14 when 30 the product support members 20a, 20b 22a, 22b are located in the second position.

H:\tld\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\TLD\5241147_ .doc-25/02/2014 -6 The locking members 32a, 32b inhibit rotation of the product support members 20a, 20b 22a, 22b from the second position back towards the first position. The locking members 32a, 32b are coupled to upper end sections of the product support members 20a, 20b 22a, 22b by connector members 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d. The connector members 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d 5 are preferably generally triangular. One side of each triangular connector member 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d is hingedly coupled to a respective product support member and another side of each triangular connector member is hingedly coupled to a respective product support member. 10 The locking members 32a, 32b, the connector members 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, the product support members 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b and the base member 16 are preferably formed integrally from a single sheet of cardboard, or any other suitable material. The base member 16 shown in the accompanying drawings substantially overlies the base 15 section 18 of the carton 14. However, the base member 16 alternatively overlies only a portion of the base section 18 of the carton 14, that portion being sufficient to inhibit translation of the base member 16 with respect to the base section 18 of the carton 14. The insert 100 is used in display and shelf ready cartons 14, also referred to as boxes or 20 shelf ready boxes. The insert 100 allow bags of products, usually floppy, to stand vertically throughout the entire packing, distribution and in store process. Through a series of simple folds, the blank 10 is converted into the insert 100 which can be inset into a carton 14. The products 12a, 12b, 12c come to rest in the small compartments 25 26a, 26b, 26c. The compartments 26a, 26b, 26c reduce the amount of slippage of the product 12a, 12b, 12c even when the carton 14 may be half empty in store and keeps the products upright as a result. The insert 100 is simple to erect and insert into the carton 14 and lends itself to an 30 automated insertion process.

H:\tld\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\TLD\5241147_ .doc-25/02/2014 -7 Although the above description has been made with reference to bags of products, the insert 100 can be used in other categories using bagged product or product that does not lend itself to sitting in an up right position easily. 5 The insert 100 is simple to erect and maintains the products 12a, 12b, 12c in an upright position right up to the point of sale. The insert 100 works consistently and is simple to assemble. The one piece insert 100 with cut outs 46a, 46b in both ends to allow for manual removal 10 of insert 100 to assist with collapsing the packaging for quick and easy waste management. Insert 100 is reliant on being placed inside an outer carton 14 of which the walls of the carton keep the insert 100 in its formed position. 15 Although the blank 10 and the insert 100 are described as having three compartments 26a, 26b, 26c, the blank 10 and the insert 100 can alternatively be formed with any number of compartments by adding or subtracting pairs of product support members to the blank 10 and insert 100. 20 Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the 25 inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common 30 general knowledge in Australia.

Claims (38)

1. An insert for supporting products in upright positions in a point of sale carton, including: 5 (a) a base member shaped to be seated on a base internal section of the carton; (b) two pairs of product support members, each pair of said pairs being coupled to, and extending outwardly from, respective opposed side sections of the base member, wherein the product support members of each pair extend towards each other at 10 least partially across the base member so as to separate the base member into three compartments and thereby inhibit products stored in each one of said compartments from sliding into a neighbouring one of said compartments.

2. The insert claimed in claim 1, wherein the product support members are coupled to 15 respective sections of the base member by parallel hinges extending across the base member.

3. The insert claimed in claim 2, wherein the product support members are formed integrally with the base member and the hinges are "V" shaped grooves cut into the base 20 member.

4. The insert claimed in claim 3, wherein the product support members rotate in a common direction about respective hinges from a first position generally coplanar with the base member to a second position generally normal to the base member. 25

5. The insert claimed in claim 4, wherein the common direction is towards a front end section of the base member.

6. The insert claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the product support members are 30 generally planar. H:\tld\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\TLD\52411471 .doc-25/02/2014 -9

7. The insert claimed in claim 6, wherein the product support members of each pair of product support members are generally coplanar when in the second position.

8. The insert claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein rotation of the product 5 support members in said common direction is limited by closure of the "V" shaped grooves.

9. The insert claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, including a pair of locking members, each being coupled between a pair of product support members on a common 10 one of said opposed sides sections of the base member.

10. The insert claimed in claim 9, wherein the locking members extend past the product support members towards a rear end section of the base member. 15

11. The insert claimed in claim 10, wherein common end sections of the locking members abut a common rear end wall of the carton when the product support members are located in the second position.

12. The insert claimed in claim any on of claims 9 to 11, wherein the locking members 20 inhibit rotation of the product support members from the second position towards the first position.

13. The insert claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the locking members are coupled to upper end sections of the product support members by connector members. 25

14. The insert claimed in claim 13, wherein the connector members are generally triangular.

15. The insert claimed in claim 14, wherein one side of each triangular connector 30 member is hingedly coupled to a respective product support member and another side of each triangular connector member is hingedly coupled to a respective product support H:\tld\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\TLD\5241147_ .doc-25/02/2014 - 10 member.

16. The insert claimed in claim 15, wherein the locking members, the connector members, the product support members and the base member are formed integrally. 5

17. The insert claimed in claim 16, wherein the locking members, the connector members, the product support members and the base member are formed integrally from a single sheet of cardboard. 10

18. The insert claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the base member conforms to the shape of the base section of the carton.

19. An insert for supporting products in upright positions in a point of sale carton, including: 15 (a) a base member shaped to be seated on a base internal section of the carton; (b) a pair of product support members coupled to, and extending outwardly from, opposed side sections of the base member, wherein the product support members extend towards each other at least partially across the base member so as to separate the base member into two compartments and 20 thereby inhibit products stored in a first one of said compartments from sliding into a second one of said compartments.

20. A blank for forming an insert for supporting products in upright positions in a point of sale carton, including: 25 (a) a base member shaped to be seated on a base internal section of the carton; (b) two pairs of product support members, each pair of said pairs being coupled to, and adapted to extend outwardly from, respective opposed side sections of the base member, wherein the product support members of each pair extend towards each other at 30 least partially across the base member so as to separate the base member into three compartments and thereby inhibit products stored in each one of said compartments from H:\tld\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\TLD\5241147_ .doc-25/02/2014 - 11 sliding into a neighbouring one of said compartments.

21. The blank claimed in claim 20, wherein the product support members are coupled to respective sections of the base member by parallel hinges extending across the base 5 member.

22. The blank claimed in claim 21, wherein the product support members are formed integrally with the base member and the hinges are "V" shaped grooves cut into the base member. 10

23. The blank claimed in claim 22, wherein the product support members rotate in a common direction about respective hinges from a first position generally coplanar with the base member to a second position generally normal to the base member. 15

24. The blank claimed in claim 23, wherein the common direction is towards a front end section of the base member.

25. The blank claimed in claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the product support members are generally planar. 20

26. The blank claimed in claim 25, wherein the product support members of each pair of product support members are generally coplanar when in the second position.

27. The blank claimed in any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein rotation of the product 25 support members in said common direction is limited by closure of the "V" shaped grooves.

28. The blank claimed in any one of claims 24 to 27, including a pair of locking members, each being coupled between a pair of product support members on a common 30 one of said opposed sides sections of the base member. H:\tld\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\TLD\5241147_ .doc-25/02/2014 - 12

29. The blank claimed in claim 28, wherein the locking members extend past the product support members towards a rear end section of the base member when the product support members are arranged in the second position. 5

30. The blank claimed in claim 29, wherein common end sections of the locking members abut a common rear end wall of the carton when the product support members are located in the second position.

31. The blank claimed in claim any on of claims 28 to 30, wherein the locking 10 members inhibit rotation of the product support members from the second position towards the first position.

32. The blank claimed in any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein the locking members are coupled to upper end sections of the product support members by connector members. 15

33. The blank claimed in claim 32, wherein the connector members are generally triangular.

34. The blank claimed in claim 33, wherein one side of each triangular connector 20 member is hingedly coupled to a respective product support member and another side of each triangular connector member is hingedly coupled to a respective product support member.

35. The blank claimed in claim 34, wherein the locking members, the connector 25 members, the product support members and the base member are formed integrally.

36. The blank claimed in claim 35, wherein the locking members, the connector members, the product support members and the base member are formed integrally from a single sheet of cardboard. 30

37. The blank claimed in any one of claims 20 to 36, wherein the base member H:\tld\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\TLD\52411471 .doc-25/02/2014 - 13 conforms to the shape of the base section of the carton.

38. An blank for supporting products in upright positions in a point of sale carton, including: 5 (a) a base member shaped to be seated on a base internal section of the carton; (b) a pair of product support members coupled to, and are adapted to extend outwardly from, opposed side sections of the base member, wherein the product support members extend towards each other at least partially across the base member so as to separate the base member into two compartments and 10 thereby inhibit products stored in a first one of said compartments from sliding into a second one of said compartments. 15 20