Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
SHELF-READY SHIPPER DISPLAY SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001/0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to shelf-ready shipper
display systems having a shipping configuration and a display configuration.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Retail product sales are driven by many factors. Product demand,
quality, and pricing are some factors that contribute to retail product sales.
Other
factors may include product advertising and product location in the retail
environment. Many product display devices are designed to take advantage of
valuable retail space. Display devices may also be designed to utilize
advertising
space creatively to include product graphics, indicia, and trademarks.
[0004] Display devices and their products ideally should be easy to
assemble, easy to ship, easy to set up, and require minimal time and effort
from
retail employees. Some retail establishments require that displays meet
particular
size specifications to maximize the advertising and display space for the
product.
Some retail establishments also require that the display be easy to identify,
easy to
open, easy to replenish, and easy to break down for disposal of the display.
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Moreover, the display ideally should be configured so that product housed in
the
display be readily aligned for sale, and be easy for a consumer to identify,
handle,
and remove from the display. In other words, many retail establishments are
moving toward a display that is "shelf-ready." Many retail establishments are
also
moving toward displays that use less material and are therefore more
environmentally friendly.
[0005] It is thus desirable to provide a display that can be produced,
assembled
and filled on existing equipment, is easy and inexpensive to ship, is easy to
set up
at the retail location, and that provides efficient delivery of product to the
end-
consumer. It is further desirable to provide a display that features graphics,
and to
protect those graphics during shipment. It is further desirable to provide a
display
that is strong while using a minimal amount of material.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Embodiments of this invention include a shelf-ready shipper display
system that includes a tray portion, a hood portion, and a reinforcement
panel. In
some embodiments, the reinforcement panel is optional. According to one
embodiment of this invention, the shipper display has a shipping configuration
and
a display configuration. According to one embodiment, in the shipping
configuration, the hood portion and the reinforcement panel surround the tray
portion to protect product housed in the tray portion. In some embodiments,
the
reinforcement panel covers a front panel of the tray portion, such tray front
panel
optionally including graphics and promotional information. In some
embodiments, the reinforcement panel also provides additional support to the
display. In one embodiment, the hood portion (and in certain embodiments the
2
reinforcement panel) can be easily separated from the tray portion when the
shipper display is converted from the shipping configuration to the display
configuration. In some embodiments, the shipper display is made from a single
blank.
[0006a] Accordingly, in one aspect there is provided a shipper display
system for containing and displaying product comprising: (1) a tray front
panel, a
hood front panel, a rear panel, a bottom panel, a top panel, and a plurality
of top
flaps, wherein at least one of the top flaps is split into two top flaps and
wherein
one of the split top flaps is positioned adjacent to the hood front panel; (2)
side
panels, each side panel comprising a zone of weakness that extends at least
partially across the side panel, the zone of weakness enabling separation of
the
side panel into an upper side panel and a lower side panel; (3) a
reinforcement
panel attached to the hood front panel, wherein the reinforcement panel is
positioned adjacent to the tray front panel and wherein one of the split top
flaps is
positioned adjacent to the reinforcement panel; and wherein the shipper
display
system is convertible from a shipping configuration to a display configuration
upon separation of the zones of weakness; and wherein when the shipper display
system is in the shipping configuration, the upper side panels and the lower
side
panels are joined along the zones of weakness, and wherein, when the shipper
display system is in the display configuration, the shipper display system is
separated into (1) a hood portion that comprises the hood front panel, the
upper
side panels, and at least a portion of the top panel and (2) a tray portion
that
comprises the lower side panels, the tray front panel, the bottom panel, and
at least
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a portion of the rear panel; and wherein the shipper display system is made
from a
single blank.
[0006b] According to another aspect there is provided a blank for foi
ming a
shipper display system comprising: (1) a tray front panel, a hood front panel,
a rear
panel, a bottom panel comprising a plurality of bottom flaps and a top panel
comprising a plurality of top flaps; (2) side panels, each side panel
comprising a
zone of weakness that extends at least partially across the side panel, the
zone of
weakness enabling separation of the side panels into an upper side panel and a
lower side panel; (3) a reinforcement panel located adjacent to one of the
side
panels; and (4) a perforation line positioned between the reinforcement panel
and
the lower side panel of one of the side panels; wherein one of the top flaps
is split
into two top flaps and one of the split top flaps is positioned adjacent the
hood
front panel and the other of the split top flaps is positioned adjacent to the
reinforcement panel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the shipper display system
according
to one embodiment of the invention, shown in the shipping configuration.
[0008] FIGS. 2-6 are various perspective views of the shipper display
system of FIG. 1 as it is being converted from the shipping configuration to
the
display configuration.
[0009] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the shipper display system of
FIG. 1,
shown in the display configuration.
[0010] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the blank from which the shipper
display system of FIG. 1 is formed.
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[0011] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the shipper display system
according
to another embodiment of the invention, shown in the shipping configuration.
[0012] FIGS. 10-14 are various perspective views of the shipper display
system of FIG. 9 as it is being converted from the shipping configuration to
the
display configuration.
[0013] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the shipper display system of
FIG.
9, shown in the display configuration.
[0014] FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the blank from which the shipper
display system of FIG. 9 is formed.
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[0015] FIGS. 17-24 are top plan views of blanks from which shipper display
systems according to other embodiments of the invention are formed.
[0016] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a shipper display system according
to
one embodiment of the invention, shown in the shipping configuration.
[0017] FIG. 26 is a perspective views of the shipper display system of FIG.
25
as it is being converted from the shipping configuration to the display
configuration.
[0018] FIG. 27 is a top plan view of the blank from which the shipper display
system of FIG. 25 is formed.
[0019] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a shipper display system according
to
one embodiment of the invention, shown in the shipping configuration.
[0020] FIGS. 29-30 are various perspective views of the shipper display
system
of FIG. 28 as it is being converted from the shipping configuration to the
display
configuration.
[0021] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the shipper display system of FIG. 28,
shown in the display configuration.
[0022] FIG. 32 is a top plan view of the blank from which the shipper
display
system of FIG. 28 is formed.
[0023] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a shipper display system according
to
one embodiment of the invention, shown in the shipping configuration.
[0024] FIGS. 34-36 are various perspective views of the shipper display system
of FIG. 33 as it is being converted from the shipping configuration to the
display
configuration.
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[00251 FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the shipper display system of
FIG. 33,
shown in the display configuration.
[0026] FIG. 38 is a top plan view of the blank from which the shipper
display
system of FIG. 33 is formed.
[0027] FIGS. 39-40 are top plan views of blanks from which shipper display
systems are formed according to alternate embodiments of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a shipper display system
according to
one embodiment of the invention, shown as the shipper display is being loaded
with product in the shipping configuration.
[0029] FIGS. 42-45 are various perspective views of the shipper display
system
of FIG. 41 as it is being converted from the shipping configuration to the
display
configuration.
[0030] FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the shipper display system of
FIG. 41,
shown in the display configuration.
[0031] FIG. 47 is a top plan view of the blank from which the shipper
display
system of FIG. 41 is formed.
[0032] FIGS. 48-50 are perspective views of a shipper display system
according
to one embodiment of the invention, shown as it is assembled into its shipping
configuration.
[0033] FIGS. 51-52 are various perspective views of the shipper display
system
of FIGS. 48-50 as it is being converted from the shipping configuration to the
display configuration.
[0034] FIG. 53 is a perspective view of the shipper display system of
FIGS. 48-
50, shown in the display configuration.
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[0035] FIG. 54 is a top plan view of the blank from which the shipper
display
system of FIGS. 48-50 is formed.
[0036] FIG. 55 is a top plan view of a blank from which a shipper display
system is formed according to an alternate embodiment of the invention.
[0037] FIG. 56 is a top plan view of a blank from which a shipper display
system is formed according to an alternate embodiment of the invention.
[0038] FIG. 57 is a top plan view of a blank from which a shipper display
system is formed according to yet another embodiment of the invention.
[0039] FIG. 58 includes various perspective views of the shipper display
system
formed from the blank of FIG. 57 as it is being converted from the shipping
configuration to the display configuration.
[0040] FIG. 59 is a top plan view of a blank from which a shipper display
system is formed according to yet another embodiment of the invention.
[0041] FIG. 60A is a perspective view of the shipper display system formed
from the blank of FIG. 59 in its shipping configuration.
[0042] FIG. 60B is a perspective view of the shipper display system formed
from the blank of FIG. 59 in its display configuration.
[0043] FIG. 61 includes various perspective views of the shipper display
system
formed from the blank of FIG. 59 as it is being converted from the shipping
configuration to the display configuration.
[0044] FIG. 62 is a top view of a blank from which a shipper display system
is
formed according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0045] FIG. 63 is a top view of a blank from which a shipper display system
is
formed according to another embodiment of the invention.
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[0046] FIG. 64 is a top view of a blank from which a shipper display system
is
formed according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0047] FIG. 65 is a top view of a blank from which a shipper display system is
formed according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0048] FIG. 66 is a top view of a blank from which a shipper display system is
formed according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0049] FIG. 67 is a perspective view of the shipper display system formed from
the blank of FIG. 66 in its display configuration.
[0050] FIG. 68 is a top view of a blank from which a shipper display system is
formed according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0051] FIG. 69 is a perspective view of the shipper display system formed
from
the blank of FIG. 68 in its shipping configuration.
[0052] FIG. 70 is a perspective view of the shipper display system formed from
the blank of FIG. 68 in its display configuration.
[0053] FIG. 71 is a top view of a blank from which a shipper display system
is
formed according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0054] FIGS. 72-73 include various perspective views of the shipper display
system formed from the blank of FIG. 62 as it is being loaded with product and
as
it is being converted from the shipping configuration to the display
configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0055] Embodiments of the invention now will be described more fully with
reference to the drawings.
[0056] FIGS. 1-73 show various views of different embodiments of a shelf-
ready shipper display system of this invention. As shown in the embodiment of
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Figures 1-6, shipper display 10 comprises: a tray portion 12, a hood portion
14,
and a reinforcement panel 16. In this embodiment, the hood portion 14 and the
reinforcement panel 16 are configured so that they may be separated from the
tray
portion 12 when the shipper display is converted from a shipping configuration
into a display configuration.
[0057] The shipper display shown in Figures 1-6 may be formed from a single
blank 100, shown in Figure 8. The blanks illustrated herein are formed from
foldable substrates, which may be paper-based material such as paperboard or
corrugated sheet material, although other materials may be used if desired.
The
blanks may be formed from virgin or recycled material, may be coated or
uncoated, and may be single-ply or laminated paperboard. Unless otherwise
stated, within the borders of an illustration of a blank, broken or dotted
lines
indicate fold lines, score lines, perforation lines, or other lines of
weakness, while
solid lines indicate cuts or apertures. As shown in the drawings, a broken or
dotted line labeled as P1 indicates a microperforation or any other
perforation that
is suitable for tearing, and a broken or dotted line labeled as P2 indicates a
standard
perforation that is suitable for folding. As one of ordinary skill in the art
will
appreciate, however, any suitable perforation line may be used and in some
embodiments, a line identified as a P1 could be a standard perforation while a
line
identified as a P2 could be a microperforation. Moreover, any perforation line
with
suitable spacing may be used, which may vary depending on the type and weight
of material used and/or the type of case erecting equipment used.
[0058] As shown in
Figure 8, blank 100 includes reinforcement panel 16, tray
front panel 20 (which is part of the tray portion 12 of the formed display
10), and
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side panels 32. Each side panel 32 includes a zone of weakness 30 (which may
be
a score line, a line of perforation, or other zone of weakness) that separates
the
side panel 32 into a lower side panel 22 and an upper side panel 28. Although
zone of weakness 30 is shown as a straight line in Figures 1-18, zone of
weakness
30 may instead be curved or have any other suitable configuration (see, for
example, the blanks illustrated in Figures 19-24). The lower side panel 22 is
part
of the tray portion 12 of the formed shipper display 10, and the upper side
panel
28 is part of the hood portion 14 of the formed shipper display 10. Blank 100
further includes a hood front panel 36 that is part of the hood portion 14 of
the
formed shipper display 10.
[0059] Blank 100 also includes bottom flaps 44 for forming bottom panel 26
of
the tray portion 12 of the formed shipper display 10. Blank 100 further
includes
top flaps 42 for forming top panel 34 of the hood portion 14 of the formed
shipper
display 10.
[0060] Moreover, as shown in Figure 8, in some embodiments, blank 100
includes a perforation line 45. In some embodiments, blank 100 may also
include
an additional perforation line 39 that helps prevent the side panel 32 and the
reinforcement panel 16 of the hood portion 14 from separating during transit
of the
blank 100, while still allowing the shipper display 10 to be converted from
its
shipping configuration to its display configuration when the shipper display
10
reaches the retail environment. In some embodiments, perforation line 39
extends
at least partially from the bottom of reinforcement panel 16 up to
approximately
the positioning of the zone of weakness 30. Thus, perforation line 39 helps
prevent premature separation of hood portion 14 from tray portion 12 during
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ak
handling. As detailed below, perforation line 39 is broken to release
reinforcement panel 16 during conversion of the shipper display 10 from the
shipping configuration to the display configuration.
[0061] As shown in Figure 8, hood front panel 36 may be attached to
reinforcement panel 16 by way of glue area 43. Glue area 43 may be located
anywhere along hood front panel 36 or reinforcement panel 16, or both.
Moreover, in some embodiments, when forming shipper display 10, the
reinforcement panel 16 can be glued or otherwise attached via a glue tab 38 to
the
side panel 32. Any suitable type of adhesive, including but not limited to
white
glue, hot melt glue, moisture resistant adhesive, or water resistant adhesive,
may
be used to secure the reinforcement panel 16 to the hood front panel 36. In
some
embodiments, glue tab 38 is perforated so that it folds correctly when forming
shipper display 10. For example, in some embodiments, a perforation line 41 is
included above top edge 47 to assist with the formation of shipper display 10,
as
described below, while also preventing the creation of an inadvertent score
line in
side panel 32 that otherwise might occur during assembly if perforation line
41
was not present.
[0062]
Figure 1 illustrates a shipper display 10 in the shipping configuration
after it has been erected from blank 100. The hood portion 14 of the shipper
display 10 protects the product housed within the tray portion 12 during
shipment.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the reinforcement panel 16 extends so
that
it covers the tray front panel 20 of the tray portion 12. In certain
embodiments,
tray front panel 20 may include graphics or other advertising and promotional
materials. Although tray front panel 20 is shown in Figures 4-8 as rectangular
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shape, tray front panel 20 can be of various shapes and configurations defined
by
its top edge 47. This is possible because top edge 47 of tray front panel 20
of tray
portion 12 is not connected to other portions of the display. In some
embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in Figures 68-70, the top edge of
the
tray front panel is not continuous.
10063] Covering the tray front panel 20 with the reinforcement panel 16
protects the tray front panel 20 (and any graphics on the tray front panel 20)
from
damage that may occur during shipping of the shipper display 10. Reinforcement
panel 16 also provides additional structural integrity to shipper display 10,
increasing the stacking strength of the shipper display so that shipper
display 10
may be stacked without damage during transit. Specifically, the reinforcement
panel 16 helps prevent shipper display 10 from deforming or collapsing due to
compressive forces on the shipper display during shipment. This is
particularly
beneficial in embodiments of the shipper display where the side panels have
zones
of weakness, which reduce the strength of those panels. In such embodiments,
any
compressive force placed on the shipper display 10 is transmitted to the
bottoms of
the reinforcement panel 16 and the rear panel 24 of the tray portion 12, which
oppose each other to balance and withstand these forces. In some embodiments,
reinforcement panel 16 is free from any perforations or other zones of
weakness to
help maintain the structural integrity of shipper display 10.
[00641 Shipper
display 10 is preferably configured so that reinforcement panel
16 provides the necessary amount of support to the shipper display during
transit
and permits the zones of weakness 30 on the side panels 32 to be broken
relatively
easily. In this way, the zones of weakness are configured to allow for both
the
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integrity of the side panels 32 during shipment and handling, as well as ease
of
separating the hood portion 14 from the tray portion 12 at the point of sale.
Testing of the shipper display 10 for shear, compressive, and tensile forces
can be
used to calculate and establish the appropriate profile, size, and spacing of
the
zones of weakness 30 and the relationship between the zones of weakness 30 and
the overall dimensions and structural characteristics of the shipper display
10. In
this way, a physical and quantifiable relationship between the dimensions of
the
shipper display and the forces applied to the shipper display can be
calculated.
Once this relationship is determined, the zones of weakness can be configured
so
that structural integrity of the shipper display is maintained, while still
enabling
ease of separation along the zones of weakness. The equipment used to create
the
zones of weakness (such as the cutting or perforation rules) can be adjusted
to
establish the desired zones of weakness.
[0065] Moreover, in certain embodiments, the configuration of shipper
display
allows the top edge 47 of tray front panel 20 of tray portion 12 to remain
clean
and free of any perforations, glue spots, or other disruptions in the top edge
that
might lead to a rough top edge. Thus, the entire tray front panel 20 of
shipper
display 10 has a clean appearance when in the display configuration.
[0066] The shipper display 10 can be converted from its shipping
configuration
to its display configuration by means of the zones of weakness 30 in the side
panels 32 of the shipper display 10. Once the zones of weakness 30 have been
broken, side panel 32 separates into an upper side panel 28 and a lower side
panel
22. Once separated, as shown in Figure 6, hood portion 14, as well as
reinforcement panel 16 that is attached to hood portion 14, can be separated
from
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tray portion 12 by breaking the perforation line 45 at the top of rear panel
24, as
shown in Figures 5-6 and 8. Use of tab 18 or similar structure can facilitate
removal of hood portion 14 from tray portion 12. Tab 18 is not necessary to
practice the invention, however, and if used, can be of any size and
configuration,
and can be located anywhere on reinforcement panel 16, or on the hood portion
14. For example, as shown Figures 9-14, which is an alternate embodiment of
the
shipper display system, tab 18 instead can be replaced with a cutout 118 in
the
reinforcement panel.
[0067] Once the
hood portion 14 is removed, product housed within the tray
portion 12 is exposed and ready for merchandising by a consumer, as shown in
Figure 7. Moreover, the tray front panel 20 of the tray portion 12 and any
associated graphics are also visible. Thus, the shipper display 10 in its
display
configuration is shelf ready.
[0068] As will be apparent from the various embodiments described below,
there are various modifications that may be made to blank 100 without
departing
from the spirit of the invention. The following is a non-exhaustive list of
the types
of modifications that are considered to be within the scope of the invention:
the
dimensions of the overall blank (and thus the overall dimensions of the
shipper
display) may be modified based on customer preferences; the placement of
certain
flaps and/or panels relative to other flaps and/or panels may be moved to
accommodate different types of equipment for forming the blank and/or packing
the shipper display; the placement of the glue tab may be moved or excluded
altogether; the glue areas may be moved or excluded; the number of glue areas
may be altered (for example, more glue areas or larger glue areas may be
required
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as the width of the front panel of the shipper display increases); the zones
of
weakness may have any suitable configuration and/or may be repositioned on the
shipper display; additional lines of perforation may be included to assist
with the
conversion of the shipper display; the shape and/or configuration of the tray
front
panel may be modified as desired; various fold lines may be modified or added
as
appropriate; and/or the shipper display may optionally include a variety of
cutouts,
apertures, or tabs to assist with the conversion of the shipper display.
[0069] Figures 9-15
illustrate an alternate embodiment of the invention. As
shown in Figures 9-15, shipper display 110 can be formed from a blank 200,
shown in Figure 16. Like shipper display 10, shipper display 110 can be
converted from a shipping configuration into a display orientation. Shipper
display 110 has many of the same features and benefits as shipper display 10.
As
shown in Figures 9-18, one or both side panels 132 can include cutouts 140 to
facilitate separation of the lower side panel 122 from the upper side panel
128 by
way of zone of weakness 130. Moreover, as shown in Figures 9-18, reinforcement
panel 116 may include a cutout 118 to facilitate removal of the -hood portion
114
from the tray portion 112. Cutout 118 can also be used if the flaps 144 of the
bottom panel 126 are taped together to ensure that the reinforcement panel 116
is
not taped, which would hinder separation of the hood portion 114 from the tray
portion 112. Use of cutout 118 is not required to practice the invention. For
example, if flaps 144 are glued together to form bottom panel 126, cutout 118
may
not be necessary. Moreover, as shown in Figure 14, hood front panel 136 of
hood
portion 114 may optionally include a slot 146 to further facilitate removal of
hood
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portion 114 from tray portion 112 upon breaking of the perforation line 145
(Figures 14 and 16).
[0070] In another embodiment of this invention, which can be formed from the
blank 201 shown in Figure 17, the rear panel 224 can also include a zone of
weakness 230 that enables a top portion 234 of rear panel 224 to be removed
when
the hood portion is separated from the tray portion, as described above. In
this
manner, when the shipper display is on the retail shelf, a consumer can
determine
if there is another display behind the forward-most display on the shelf when
the
forward-most display is out of product.
[0071] In the embodiment shown in Figure 18, which is similar to the blank
200
shown in Figure 16, an additional perforation line 160 is included on the fold
line
between the side panel 132 and the hood front panel 136 to help keep the blank
203 oriented properly as it is folded.
[0072] Figures 19-24 illustrate additional embodiments of the invention.
The
blanks shown in Figures 19-24 form shipper displays having many of the same
features and benefits as shipper displays 10 and 110 detailed above. Blank 202
shown in Figure 19 is similar to the blanks 200 and 203 in Figures 16 and 18.
Blank 202, however, includes curved zones of weakness 230. Hood front panel
236 also includes two glue areas 242 and 243. Additional glue area 242 helps
prevent the reinforcement panel 216 from bowing when the blank 202 is erected
into the formed display. Further, optional cutouts 218, which facilitate the
breaking of the zone of weakness 230, each include a perforation line 220 so
that,
as the shipper display is being converted from its shipping configuration to
the
display configuration upon separation of the zone of weakness 230, the cutouts
CA 02745166 2011-06-30
218 collapse and avoid collision with product housed within the erected
shipper
display. Moreover, top edge 247 of tray front panel 240 includes a lip 248.
Lip
248 may be of any suitable shape and dimensions, and may include graphics or
other promotional material that would be visible to a consumer once the
shipper
display is converted to its display configuration.
[00731 Blank 204 illustrated in Figure 20 is similar to blank 300 of Figure
17,
and has an additional glue area 243 to help secure the hood front panel 236 to
reinforcement panel 216. Blank 206 illustrated in Figure 21 is similar to
blank
202 of Figure 19. Top edge 247 includes a curved lip 248. Moreover, blank 206
includes additional perforation or score lines 249 to facilitate the tearing
of the
zones of weakness 230 as the shipper display is converted from its shipping
configuration to its display configuration.
[0074] Blank 208 illustrated in Figure 22 is similar to blank 206 of Figure
21.
The tray front panel 240 includes a fold-over flap 244 and a fold line 250.
Specifically, before the shipper display is loaded with product, fold-over
flap 244
may be folded about fold line 250. This results in a cleaner top edge for the
tray
front panel, and also provides additional strength to the tray front panel
240.
[0075] Figures 23-24 illustrate additional embodiments of the invention.
The
blanks shown in Figures 23-24 form displays having many of the same features
and benefits as shipper displays 10 and 110 detailed above. Figures 23-24
illustrate blanks 210 and 212, which are similar to blank 206 shown in Figure
21.
Like blank 206, blanks 210 and 212 include top flaps 252 that form the top
panel
234 of the hood portion. As illustrated in Figures 23-24, however, one of the
top
flaps 252 is positioned relative to the hood front panel 236, instead of
relative to
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40*
reinforcement panel 216. Adjusting the placement of this particular top flap
252
helps keep blanks 210 and 212 aligned properly during forming of the shipper
display. With certain machinery, the squaring process lines up the edges of
blanks
210 and 212 during folding of the blanks to create the erected shipper
displays.
Moreover, the hood front panel 236 of blank 210 includes additional glue
areas,
described above, and an additional cutout 218 in the reinforcement panel 216,
as
described above.
[0076]
Figure 56 illustrates an additional embodiment of the invention. The
blank shown in Figure 56 forms a display having many of the same features and
benefits as shipper displays 10 and 110 detailed above. Figure 56 illustrates
a
blank 800 that is similar to blank 204 shown in Figure 20. Like blank 204,
blank
800 includes a hood front panel 236, a front panel 220, and a reinforcement
panel
216. As shown in Figure 56, however, the positioning of reinforcement panel
216
and hood front panel 236 and front panel 220 is swapped. In particular, the
reinforcement panel 216 is to the left of the side panel 230, and the hood
front
panel 236 and front panel 220 are to the right of the other side panel. This
difference in placement of the reinforcement panel does not change the
function of
shipper display, but instead accommodates various customers' packing
equipment.
[0077] Moreover, as shown in Figure 56, the hood front panel 236 of blank 800
includes a score slot 802, which increases the ability of the blank 800 to
flex as it
is folded into the formed shipper display. Score slot 802 is located on or
near
score line or other perforation 237, around which the glue tab 238 folds when
forming the formed shipper display. Score slot 802 removes material that could
otherwise cause mechanical resistance to the bending of glue tab 238 around
score
17
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,r
line 237. Score slot 802 also prevents bowing of the hood front panel 236 by
relieving stress placed at the score line 237. The addition of score slot 802
also
helps prevent a gap from forming between the reinforcement panel 216 and the
hood front panel 236 as the shipper display is formed from the blank. In some
embodiments, the score slot 802 increases the efficiency of manufacture and
reduces variations with the folding and/or gluing operations as the shipper
display
is formed from blank 800. As one example, score slot 802 helps ensure that the
glue tab 238 folds correctly around score line 237. In some embodiments, the
score line or perforation 237 extends above and/or below score slot 802.
[0078] Additionally, in some embodiments, optional cutouts 218, which
facilitate the breaking of the zone of weakness 230, each include a top
perforation
line (instead of a cut line) to facilitate the breaking of the zone of
weakness 230 as
the shipper display is converted from its shipping configuration to the
display
configuration upon separation of the zone of weakness 230.
[0079] Figures
59-61 illustrate yet another embodiment of the invention. The
blank shown in Figure 59 forms a display having many of the same features and
benefits as shipper displays 10 and 110 detailed above. In the embodiment
shown
in Figures 59-61, the top flaps are removed from the blank from which the
shipper
display system is formed so that the shipper display has an open top when
erected.
This design has many applications, one example being within the alcoholic
beverage industry and other industries that are accustomed to shipping their
products in open top corrugated shippers, commonly referred to as Half Slotted
Cartons (HSC). Although the HSC design can provide a suitable display for
products in a warehouse club store environment where product is typically on
18
CA 02745166 2011-06-30
display sitting on a pallet or sitting on a shelf that does not have another
shelf
above it, the utility of the HSC in a retail store environment is limited.
Specifically, when the HSC is placed on a shelf, the consumer's ability to
view
and access and remove the product from the HSC is hindered. For example, when
the HSC is placed on a shelf that has another shelf directly above it, product
visibility and removal are difficult for the consumer.
[0080] As described above, the shipper display shown in Figures 59-61 has a
shipping configuration and a display configuration. Specifically, the shipper
display of Figures 59-61 has a hood portion that is removed when the shipper
display is converted to its display configuration, allowing a consumer to
access the
product housed in the tray portion. Like the embodiments described above, the
reinforcement panel of the shipper display of Figure 60 protects any graphics
on
the tray front panel during transit. In some embodiments, the configuration of
the
shipper display also allows a top edge of the tray front panel to remain clean
and
free of any perforations, glue spots, or other disruptions in the top edge
that might
lead to a rough top edge.
[0081] Figures 25-
27 illustrate another embodiment of the invention. Shipper
display 410 illustrated in Figures 25-26 is similar to the embodiments
described
and has many of the same features and benefits as shipper displays 10 and 110
detailed above, except, as shown in Figure 26, the configuration of shipper
display
410 is such that, after shipper display 410 has been converted from its
shipping
configuration to its display configuration, tray portion 412 is lower in
height in the
rear and side dimensions than, for example, the tray portion 12 of shipper
display
10.
19
CA 02745166 2011-06-30
[0082] Like shipper
display 10, shipper display 410 includes a tray portion
412, a hood portion 414, and a reinforcement panel 416. Shipper display 410
may
be formed from a single blank 400, shown in Figure 27. Blank 400 includes side
panels 432, each side panel 432 having a zone of weakness 430 that separates
the
side panel 432 into a lower side panel 422 and an upper side panel 428.
Instead of
having a zone of weakness that extends in a generally diagonal direction
across the
side panels 432, however, blank 400 includes a relatively horizontal zone of
weakness 430 that extends partially around the perimeter of the tray portion
412.
This zone of weakness 430 also serves to separate rear panel 424 into an upper
rear panel 425 (which is part of the hood portion 414 of the formed shipper
display
410) and a lower rear panel 423 (which is part of the tray portion 412 of the
formed shipper display 410). Lines of perforation or scores 440, as well as
cutouts
450, in the side panels 432 facilitate removal of the hood portion 414 from
the tray
portion 412 when the shipper display 410 is converted from its shipping
configuration (Figure 25) to its display configuration (Figure 26).
[0083] Bottom flaps 444 form bottom panel 426 of the tray portion 412 of the
formed shipper display, and top flaps 442 form top panel 434 of the hood
portion
414 of the formed shipper display. Shipper display 410 may be formed in a
similar manner to shipper displays 10 and 110 described above. Reinforcement
panel 416 of shipper display 410 functions in a similar manner to
reinforcement
panel 16 of shipper display 10, in that it protects tray front panel 420 in
the
shipping configuration and provides strength and support to the shipper
display
410.
CA 02745166 2011-06-30
[0084] Figures 28-32 illustrate yet another embodiment of the invention.
Shipper display 510 illustrated in Figures 28-32 is similar to the embodiments
described and has many of the same features and benefits as shipper displays
10
and 110 detailed above, for example, except its dimensions, as well as the
configuration and positioning of the zones of weakness 530 and the
configuration
of the front display panel 520, are particularly well suited for thin
products.
Figure 32 illustrates the blank 500 used to form shipper display 510. Once the
shipper display 510 is separated along the zones of weakness 530 into a tray
portion 512 and a hood portion 514, the tray front panel 520, which may have
graphics or other advertising materials, is visible to consumers. As shown in
Figures 32 and 30-31, tray front panel 520 is dimensioned so it is
particularly well
suited to display flatter, thin products. The dimensions of tray front panel
520
may be further adjusted based on the dimensions of the particular product
housed
inside tray portion 512 so that the product is visible and easily accessible
to
consumers. As with the other embodiments described above, reinforcement panel
516 protects the tray front panel 520 during shipment while shipper display
510 is
in the shipping configuration (Figure 28), and provides strength and support
to
shipper display 510. Blank 500 may include many of the same features of the
blanks described above, such as glue areas 542 and 543, and glue tab 538, to
glue
reinforcement panel 516 to hood rear panel 524.
[00851 Figures 33-38 illustrate another embodiment of the current
invention.
Shipper display 610 illustrated in Figures 33-38 is similar to the embodiments
described and has many of the same features and benefits as shipper displays
10
and 110 detailed above. For example, like the embodiments described above,
21
CA 02745166 2011-06-30
shipper display 610 includes a tray portion 612, a hood portion 614, and a
reinforcement panel 616. Also like the embodiments described above and as
shown in Figure 38, shipper display 610 includes a tray front panel 620 (part
of
tray portion 612 of formed shipper display 610), a top panel 634 (part of hood
portion 614 of formed shipper display 610), side panels 632, and top flaps
642.
Each side panel 632 includes a zone of weakness 630 that separates side panel
632
into an upper side panel 628 and a lower side panel 622. Blank 600 also
includes
flap 640, as well as bottom flaps 644 that each include a zone of weakness 608
that separates bottom flap 644 into an upper bottom flap 646 and a lower
bottom
flap 648.
[0086] Like other embodiments, top panel 634 may include one or more glue
areas, such as glue areas 636 and 638, to attach top panel 634 to
reinforcement
panel 616. Glue areas may be located anywhere along hood top panel 634 or
reinforcement panel 616. Blank 600 may also include glue tab 635 to secure top
panel 634 to side panel 632. Glue tab 635 may be located adjacent to top panel
634 or reinforcement panel 616. Glue tab 635 may also include a perforation
line
631 to facilitate separation of the hood portion 614 from tray portion 612 of
formed shipper display 610. During shipment, perforation line 631 prevents
premature separation of the shipper display 610. The embodiment shown in
Figures 33-36 shows reinforcement panel 616 being positioned so that it is
interior
to top panel 634, although in other embodiments, reinforcement panel 616 may
be
positioned so that it is exterior to top panel 634 (Figure 38).
[0087] Flap 640,
bottom flaps 644, and tray front panel 620 fold together to
form a floor panel against which product can be loaded when the shipper
display
22
CA 02745166 2011-06-30
610 is in the first orientation. Tray front panel 620 is folded so that it is
interior to
flaps 644, so that flaps 644 protect tray front panel 620 (and any graphics
included
thereon) during shipment. As with other embodiments, tray front panel 620 may
be of any desired configuration, and various patterns may optionally be die
cut
into tray front panel 620.
[0088] In some embodiments, shipper display 610 may include a score slot
similar to score slot 802 described above and shown in Figure 56. As described
above, inclusion of a score slot increases the ability of the blank to flex as
it is
folded into the formed shipper display. In some embodiments, the score slot is
located on or near the score line around which the glue tab folds when forming
the
formed shipper display. Use of score slot removes material that could
otherwise
cause mechanical resistance to the bending of the glue tab around the score
line.
Score slot also prevents bowing of the hood front panel by relieving stress
placed
at the score line. The addition of score slot also helps prevent a gap from
forming
between the reinforcement panel and the hood front panel as the shipper
display is
formed from the blank. In some embodiments, the score slot increases
efficiency
of manufacture and reduces variations with the folding and/or gluing
operations as
the shipper display is formed from the blank. As one example, score slot may
help
ensure that the glue tab folds correctly around the score line.
[0089] Shipper display 610 is configured so that it is loaded with product
at a
first orientation (Figure 33) and then rotated 90 to a second orientation
(Figure
34) to orient the shipper display for conversion from its shipping
configuration to
its display configuration.
23
CA 02745166 2011-06-30
[0090] As shown in Figure 33, in some embodiments, shipper display 610 may
be top loaded, which accommodates customers having equipment only capable of
top loading product into the shipper display. In particular, shipper display
610 can
be oriented to its first position so it rests its floor panel (which is
comprised of
folded flap 640, bottom flaps 644, and front tray panel 620). As shown in
Figure
34, shipper display 610 is rotated 90 to its second orientation so that
reinforcement panel 616 (which is secured to top panel 634) is oriented as the
top
of the shipper display and so that side panels 632 are oriented as the sides
of the
shipper display 610 and so that bottom panel 626 is oriented as the bottom of
the
shipper display and the product rests on bottom panel 626 in the second
orientation. What was floor panel in the first orientation (folded flap 640,
bottom
flaps 644, and front tray panel 620) becomes the front of the shipper display
610 in
the second orientation. Like the other embodiments described, reinforcement
panel 616 provides strength to shipper display 610, although in certain
embodiments, reinforcement panel 616 does not protect tray front panel 620
during shipment. Instead flap 640 and bottom flaps 644 may be folded around
tray front panel 620 to protect it during shipment.
[0091] When pressure is applied along the zones of weakness 630 on side
panels 632, as facilitated by optional cutouts 618, the zones of weakness 630
are
broken and the side panels 632 separates. As pressure is applied and
reinforcement panel 616 is lifted (Figure 35), zone of weakness 631 and zones
of
weakness 608 also break to separate bottom flaps 644 into upper bottom flaps
646
(part of hood portion 614) and lower bottom flaps 648 (part of tray portion
612).
Upper bottom flaps 646 can then be removed along with the rest of the hood
24
CA 02745166 2011-06-30
portion 614 and reinforcement panel 616. Top panel 634 and/or reinforcement
panel 616 may optionally include a cutout 619 to facilitate lifting and
removal of
hood portion 614.
[0092] Figures 39-40 illustrate alternate blanks 601 and 602, which are
similar
to blank 600, but have variations in the configurations, positioning, and
placement
of various flaps, panels, and zones of weakness.
[0093] Figures 41-47 illustrate yet another embodiment of the invention.
Shipper display 710 illustrated in Figures 41-47 is similar to the embodiments
described and has many of the same features and benefits as shipper displays
10
and 110 detailed above. Shipper display 710 is configured, however, so that it
can be used with standard packing equipment that side loads the shipper
display
710 with product, as illustrated manually in Figure 41. Like the other
embodiments described above, shipper display 710 includes a tray portion 712,
hood portion 714, and a reinforcement panel 716. As with the other embodiments
described above, the hood portion 714 and the reinforcement panel 716 are
configured so that they may be separated from the tray portion 712 when the
shipper display is converted from a shipping configuration into a display
configuration.
[0094] Shipper display 710 may be formed from a single blank 700 shown in
Figure 47. As shown in Figure 47, shipper display 710 also includes a tray
front
panel 720, a bottom panel 726 (which is part of tray portion 712 of formed
shipper
display 710), and a top panel 734 (which is part of hood portion 714 of formed
shipper display 710). Shipper display 700 also includes a rear panel 724
having a
CA 02745166 2011-06-30
a
perforation line 725 that separates rear panel 724 into upper rear panel 706
and
lower rear panel 708.
[0095] Blank 700 also includes flaps 738 that fold together to form
the sides of
formed display 710. Middle flaps 740 each include a zone of weakness 730 that
separates middle flap 740 into an upper middle flap 742 and a lower middle
flap
744. Similarly, front flaps 746 each include a zone of weakness 731 that
separates
front flap 746 into an upper front flat 748 and a lower front flap 750. Blank
700
may further include glue tab 749 that attaches to reinforcement panel 716. In
some embodiments, one or both of upper front flaps 748 may also include glue
areas (not shown). In other embodiments, reinforcement panel 716 instead
includes a glue area to attach the panel to panel 749 and/or upper front flaps
748.
As with the other embodiments, zone of weaknesses 730 and/or 731 may
cooperate with one or more cutouts 718 to facilitate separate of the tray
portion
712 from the hood portion 714.
[0096] As shown in Figure 41, shipper display 710 may be side loaded with
product when in the shipping configuration, and the various flaps folded
together
and sealed. In some embodiments, shipper display 710 is shipped to a customer
partially assembled and glued and ready for the customer to pack the shipper
display 710 with product and finish gluing the various side flaps together. As
with
the other embodiments described above, when in the shipping configuration,
reinforcement panel 716 provides strength to the shipper display 710 and
protects
front panel 720.
[0097] To convert shipper display 710 from its shipping
configuration to its
display configuration, zones of weakness 730 and 731 are broken to separate
26
CA 02745166 2011-06-30
middle flaps 740 into upper middle flaps 742 and lower middle flaps 744 and to
separate front flaps 746 into upper front flaps 748 and lower front flaps 750.
As
with other embodiments, optional cutouts 718 may be used to facilitate the
separation of tray portion 712 from hood portion 714 and reinforcement panel
716.
Once zones of weakness 730 have been broken, hood portion 714 is lifted away
from tray portion 712, as shown in Figure 44. Optionally, cutout 719 may be
used
to facilitate the removal of hood portion 714 from tray portion 712. As shown
in
Figure 45, the rear panel is then torn along perforation line 725 to separate
rear
panel 724 into upper rear panel 706 and lower real panel 708. In this way,
hood
portion 714 and reinforcement panel 716 are completely separated from tray
portion 712. Figure 46 illustrates shipper display 710 in its display
configuration.
[0098] Figures 57-58 show an alternate embodiment of the blank used to form a
shipper display such as shipper display 710. The blank shown in Figure 57
forms
a display having many of the same features and benefits as shipper display 710
detailed above, such as a shipper display that is configured to be used with
standard packing equipment that side loads the shipper display 710 with
product.
As shown in Figures 57-58, however, the shipper display is designed so that
when
the shipper display is converted from its shipping configuration to its
display
configuration, less material is removed from the structure. In other words,
the
hood portion makes up a smaller percentage of the overall shipper display than
the
hood portion shown in Figures 44-45, so that, after the hood portion is
removed,
the side walls of the remaining display tray are taller and thus help retain
product
housed within the display tray. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 58, a
portion of the top panel also remains with the display tray after the shipper
display
27
CA 02745166 2011-06-30
.a =
is converted to its display configuration. Specifically, in the embodiment
shown
in Figure 58, the hood portion primarily consists of a portion of the top
panel and
the hood portion front panel. Moreover, in some embodiments, as shown in
Figure 58, the hood portion also consists of a relatively small percentage of
the
side panels of the shipper display.
[0099] Also disclosed are methods of using standard equipment to create the
blanks described above for forming the shelf-ready shipper display system
embodiments described above. The configuration of the shipper displays
described above is such that the blanks used to form them can be manufactured
and formed by conventional machinery standard in the industry. Specifically,
because each shipper display is formed from a single blank, the shipper
display
can be manufactured and formed on standard equipment in one operation, such as
on a standard "flexo-folder-gluer" that has the capability to print graphics
on the
blank, die cut the blank, apply any glue or other adhesive to the blank, and
fold
and assemble the blank into an erectible shipper display. The manufacturing
and
forming of the shipper display in a single operation results in both cost and
time
savings. Although not necessary, this equipment can have specialized cutting
dies
for customizing the blank to fit specific consumer product specifications. Use
of a
flexo-folder-gluer is not necessary, and other types of machinery standard in
the
industry could also be used to form the blanks described above. For example,
the
shipper display can also be formed on standard equipment in two operations by
first using a suitable die cutter (such as a rotary, flat bed, or clam shell
die cutter)
and then using a standard folder-gluer machine to fold and seal the shipper
display.
28
CA 02745166 2011-06-30
[00100] In some
embodiments, the blank is first printed, glued, folded, and
assembled into a partially completed shipper display. In some embodiments, the
partially assembled shipper display is then shipped in a knock-down-flat (KDF)
position to the supplier of the product to be shipped and displayed. Once the
KDF
shipper reaches the supplier, the supplier can then erect it into a position
ready for
filling, fill with product, and then close and seal in the shipping
configuration, as
shown in Figures 1 and 9. The configuration of the shipper display system
according to certain embodiments of this invention allows the supplier to fill
the
shipper display with product using standard case packing machinery. Because
the
shipper display according to certain embodiments of this invention is capable
of
running on standard case packing machinery, the supplier can pack the shipper
display with product without the use of a third party packer.
[00101] Also
disclosed are methods of converting the shipper display system
from its shipping configuration into its display configuration. Although many
different embodiments have been described above, the methods used to convert
the shipper displays from their shipping configurations into their display
configurations are similar and only a few selected methods are described in
detail
for illustrative purposes only. Similar methods may be employed to convert the
other embodiments described above. In one method of converting shipper display
10, as shown in Figure 2, upper side panels 28 of the side panels 32 are
pushed in
to break the zones of weakness 30. As shown in Figure 3, tab 18 is then lifted
and
hood portion 14 is lifted off of tray portion 12. Hood portion 14 can then be
disposed. In another embodiment, lower side panels 22 of the side panels 32
are
instead pushed in to break the zones of weakness 30 so that hood portion 14
can be
29
CA 02745166 2011-06-30
removed. Once hood portion 14 is removed, shipper display 10 is in its display
configuration and product housed within tray portion 12 is exposed and ready
for
merchandising, as shown in Figure 7.
[00102] In another embodiment of a method of converting the shipper display
110 from its shipping configuration into its display configuration, as shown
in
Figures 10-11, a user pushes through the cutouts 140 on side panels 132.
Cutouts
140 can be located either on lower side panel 122 or upper side panel 128.
Preferably, cutouts 140 are located near or along the zone of weakness 130 to
help
break the zone of weakness 130. As shown in Figure 11, cutouts 140 can then be
used to pull the upper side panel 128 (or lower side panel 122, depending on
where cutouts 140 are located) to break the zone of weakness 130 and separate
hood portion 114 from tray portion 112. As shown in Figure 12, reinforcement
panel 116 may then be lifted to tear any connecting portions remaining along
the
corners of the zone of weakness 130. Hood portion 114 is then lifted off of
tray
portion 112, as shown in Figures 13-14. In some embodiments, as shown in
Figure 14, shipper display 110 may include a slot 146 in the reinforcement
panel
116 to facilitate removal of hood portion 114 from tray portion 112. Once hood
portion 114 is removed, shipper display 110 is in its display configuration
and
product housed within tray portion 112 is exposed and ready for merchandising,
as
shown in Figure 15. Other disclosed shipper displays can be converted from a
shipping configuration to a display configuration using similar techniques.
[00103] Figures 48-
55 illustrate yet another alternate embodiment of the
invention. Figure 54 shows the blank 300 used to form erected display 310
(shown in Figures 48-53). Erected shipper display 310 includes a tray portion
312
CA 02745166 2011-06-30
and a hood portion 314. In this embodiment, the hood portion 314 is configured
so that it may be separated from the tray portion 312 when the shipper display
is
converted from a shipping configuration into a display configuration.
[00104] Shipper display 310 may be formed from a single blank 300, shown in
Figure 54. Blank 310 includes side panels 332, each side panel 332 including a
zone of weakness 330 that separates side panel 332 into a lower side panel 322
and an upper side panel 328. Although zone of weakness 330 is shown as a
straight line, zone of weakness 330 may instead be curved or have any other
suitable configuration, as described above. The lower side panel 322 is part
of the
tray portion 312 of the formed shipper display 310, and the upper side panel
328 is
part of the hood portion 314 of the formed shipper display 310. Blank 300
further
includes a hood top panel 334, which is part of the hood portion 314 of formed
shipper display 310, a tray bottom panel 326 and a tray front panel 320, which
are
part of the tray portion 312 of the formed shipper display 310. Blank 300 also
includes front flaps 342 and back flaps 344.
[00105] In some embodiments, blank 300 may be shipped flat to the customer,
who can then use standard machinery to pack the blank 300 with product 302 as
the blank is formed into shipper display 310. Figure 48 illustrates blank 300
as it
is being loaded with product 302 and folded into shipper display 310. As shown
in Figure 48, product may be placed on tray bottom panel 326 in some
embodiments. Hood top panel 334 is then folded about fold line 352, as shown
in
Figures 48-49 so that hood top panel 334 covers the top of product 302. As
shown
in Figures 48-50 and 54, hood top panel 334 may be attached to one of the end
side panels 332 by way of glue tab 343. Glue tab 343 is positioned with
respect to
31
CA 02745166 2011-06-30
hood top panel 334, although glue tab 343 could be positioned with respect to
side
panel 332 in other embodiments. Glue tab may be located anywhere along hood
top panel 334 or side panel 332, or both. As shown in the Figures, depending
on
the location and dimensions of glue tab 343, glue tab 343 may include a zone
of
weakness 331 to facilitate conversion of the shipper display 310 into its
display
configuration. When forming shipper display 310, as described below, side
panel
332 may be glued or otherwise attached via glue tab 343 to the hood front
panel
336.
[00106] As shown in
Figures 49-50, the front flaps 342 and the back flaps 344
may be folded to cover or partially cover the front and back of product 302.
Figures 49 and 50 illustrate shipper display 310 in the shipping configuration
after
blank 300 has been folded and assembled. The hood portion 314 of the shipper
display 310 protects the product 302 housed within the tray portion 312 during
shipment. In certain embodiments, tray front panel 320 may include graphics or
other advertising and promotional materials. Unlike the other embodiments
described above, shipper display 310 does not include a reinforcement panel;
rather the material and configuration of the shipper display 310 holds the
shipper
display together.
[00107] The shipper display 310 can be converted from its shipping
configuration to its display configuration by means of the zones of weakness
330
in the side panels 332 of the shipper display 310, and optional zone of
weakness
331 in glue tab 343. Once the zones of weakness 330 and 331 have been broken,
side panel 332 separates into an upper side panel 328 and a lower side panel
322,
as shown in Figures 51-52, and glue tab 343 separates. Cutouts 319 may
32
CA 02745166 2011-06-30
=
optionally be used to facilitate the breaking of the zones of weakness 330.
Once
separated, as shown in Figure 52, hood portion 314 may be separated from tray
portion 314 by breaking the perforation line 345 on top panel 334, as shown in
Figures 51-52. Use of tab 318 or other similar structure on hood top panel 334
can
facilitate removal of hood portion 314 from tray portion 312. Tab 318 is not
necessary to practice the invention, however, and if used, can be any size and
configuration, and can be located anywhere on hood portion 314. Once the hood
portion 314 is removed, product housed within the tray portion 312 is exposed
and
ready for merchandising by a consumer, as shown in Figure 53. Thus, the
shipper
display 310 in its display configuration is shelf ready.
[00108] Figure
55 illustrates another blank 301 that may be used to form a
shipper display similar to shipper display 310 in another embodiment of the
invention. Figure 55 illustrates how glue tab 343 may be positioned with
respect
to side panel 332, and how front panel 320 may be of any desired
configuration.
Figure 55 also illustrates how the dimensions of the various panels of the
shipper
display may be altered.
[00109] Blank 300 may be shipped before it is folded and glued. A
customer/distributor can then pack product onto the bottom panel 326 of blank
300, and then the blank 300 may be folded and erected into shipper display
310.
Blank 300 may be formed folded manually or using a standard case wrapper
machine.
[00110] Figure 62 illustrates another blank 1000 that may be used to form a
shipper display similar to shipping displays of Figures 39-40, except the
blank has
a split top flaps, as described immediately below. Figures 72-73 illustrate
the
33
CA 02745166 2011-06-30
process of loading with product the shipper display formed from blank 1000,
and
the conversion of the shipper display from its shipping orientation to its
display
orientation.
[00111] Figure 63 illustrates another blank 1100 that may be used to form a
shipper display similar to shipper displays 100 and 110. As shown in Figure
63,
the blank 1100 includes a plurality of top flaps 1142. Blank 1110 also
includes
split top flaps 1143, which consist of a top flap that has been split in half
(or any
other suitable proportion) to form the split top flaps. The split top flaps
assist in
squaring the carton on the flexo-folder-gluer or other suitable machinery used
to
erect the blank into the formed carton. In some embodiments, because the two
split top flaps are formed from a standard top flap, the two split top flaps
together
are similar in width to the width of a non-split top flap. In this way, when
the
blank is erected into the shipper display, the two split top flaps together
have the
same width as a top flap such as top flap 1142. In some embodiments, the
proportion of the two split flaps is different (i.e., one of the split top
flaps is wider
than the other split top flap). As pictured, one of the split top flaps 1143
is
positioned adjacent to the reinforcement panel and the other split top flap
1143 is
positioned adjacent to the hood front panel, but the split top flaps may be
positioned adjacent to other panels in different embodiments. Including split
top
panels can lead to more consistent gluing and/or folding of the carton.
[00112] Figure 64
illustrates another blank 1200 that forms an open-top type
carton similar to those formed from the blanks of Figures 59-61. Blank 1200
may
include zones of weakness 1230 that are in the form of grip strips, which
includes
a strip to assist with proper tearing.
34
CA 02745166 2011-06-30
[00113] Figure 65 illustrates another blank 1300 that may be used to form a
shipper display similar to shipping displays 100 and 110.
[00114] Figure 66 illustrates another blank 1500 that may be used to form a
shipper display similar to shipping displays 100 and 110. As shown in Figure
67,
which shows the shipper display formed from blank 1500 in its display
configuration, the shipper display in its display configuration has higher
sides due
to the placement of the zones of weakness 1530.
[00115] Figure 68 illustrates another blank 1600 that may be used to form a
shipper display similar to shipper displays 100 and 110. Figure 69 illustrates
the
shipper display formed from blank 1600 in its shipping configuration. As shown
in Figure 70, which illustrates the shipper display formed from blank 1600 in
its
display configuration, the shipper display has a front panel 1620 that has a
top
edge 1647 that is intermittent instead of continuous. Among other functions,
having an intermittent top edge can allow for easier viewing of product stored
in
the erected shipper display and/or allows for easier removal of the product.
As
shown in Figure 68, along at least a portion of front panel 1620, top edge
1647
substantially aligns with bottom edge 1648.
[00116] Figure 71 illustrates another blank 1700 that may be used to form a
shipper display similar to the ones described above. Blank 1700 includes
bottom
flaps 1744 that arc of a different configuration than the bottom flaps
illustrated in
other embodiments described above. The configuration of bottom flaps 1744 is
sometimes referred to as a "1-2-3" or a "self-locking" style bottom, which
reduces
assembly time and does not require tape or adhesive to seal the bottom.
CA 02745166 2011-06-30
[00117] Because the shipper displays according to certain embodiments of
this
invention may be formed using a single blank, the shipper displays take less
time
to assemble than conventional two-piece shipper displays. Moreover, the
shipper
displays of this invention require less material than two-piece shipper
displays and
therefore are less expensive to manufacture. The shipper displays are also
dimensioned to eliminate empty space on the retail shelf.
[00118] Changes and modifications, additions and deletions may be made to
the
structures and methods recited above and shown in the drawings without
departing
from the scope or spirit of the invention and the following claims. For
example, in
some embodiments, the reinforcement panel is of a different width or height
than
the front panel. In some embodiments, the reinforcement panel is narrower
and/or
shorter than the front panel. In some embodiments, a blank's vertical scores
are
replaced with folding perforations (referred to herein as P2).
36
