Article dispensing – Dispensing from staggered stacks
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-25
2001-03-13
Noland, Kenneth W. (Department: 3651)
Article dispensing
Dispensing from staggered stacks
C206S467000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06199721
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention generally pertains to retail merchandising. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a method and system for dispensing an irregularly shaped article for retail sale. More specifically, but without restriction to the particular embodiment and/or use which is shown and described for purposes of illustration, the present invention relates to a method and system for dispensing an irregularly shaped article for retail sale which incorporates an inner packaging portion defining an inner chamber for receiving the irregularly shaped article and an outer packaging portion having a cylindrical outer diameter.
2. Discussion
Shipment of products and the subsequent display of the products for retail sale is complicated where the products are irregularly shaped. Where the product is generally rectangular in shape, it can be packaged within a generally rectangular box. Such rectangular boxes can be easily stacked for shipment, as well as on shelving for retail display.
Various techniques have been heretofore employed for the shipping and display of irregularly shaped products. For example, it is known to package irregularly shaped products such as toys and other merchandise within blister packs formed by a sheet of clear plastic molded to conform generally to a face of the product and marginally bonded to a cardboard backing. The cardboard backing can be easily suspended from a peg for retail display. However, a blister pack has a contoured formation largely determined by the article housed therein. It is not box-like and lacks the structural strength and handling characteristics of rectangular and cylindrical packages. Because of their contoured shape, blister packs do not readily lend themselves to stacking or dispensing.
Another known technique for packaging an irregularly shaped article for shipment and subsequent retail sale is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,577. The '577 patent is specifically directed to a double-faced blister pack and frame assembly for packaging and displaying an article of merchandise. The article is sandwiched between a pair of transparent plastic sheets whose general regions are molded to generally conform to the opposite faces of the article. The four margins of the sheets each define a flange. The frame is formed of a cardboard strip that is die cut and folded so as to create a chain of four interhinged branches.
While techniques heretofore employed for packaging irregularly shaped articles have proven to reduce difficulties in stacking the products, they are all attendant with drawbacks. For example, products including such known packaging often consume significant shelf space and require frequent restocking and/or product organization on the display shelves. A need remains in the art for providing packaging for an irregularly shaped article which overcomes these disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved method and system for dispensing an irregularly shaped article for retail sale.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a system for dispensing an irregularly shaped article for retail sale which reduces product restocking.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a system for dispensing an irregularly shaped article for retail sale which incorporates a package assembly having a generally cylindrical exterior which may be easily dispensed.
It is another objection of the present invention to provide a method including the steps of packaging each of a plurality of irregularly shaped articles within a package assembly and loading the package assemblies into a continuous stocking path for individual dispensing.
It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide a package assembly for an irregularly shaped article having an inner packaging portion defining a cavity for receiving the irregularly shaped article and a cylindrical outer packaging portion defining a channel for receiving the inner packaging portion.
In one form, the present invention provides a package assembly for an irregularly spaced article. The package assembly includes an inner packaging portion and an outer packaging portion. The outer packaging portion defines a cylindrical cavity. The inner packaging portion is disposed within the cylindrical cavity. The inner packaging portion defines a cavity for receiving the irregularly shaped article. The inner packaging portion includes at least one cylindrical portion matingly received within the outer packaging portion.
In a more particular form, the present invention provides a system for dispensing an irregularly shaped article for retail sale. The system includes a plurality of package assemblies and a dispensing assembly. The dispensing assembly is operative for dispensing the plurality of package assemblies. Each package assembly of the plurality of package assemblies includes an outer packaging portion and an inner packaging portion. The outer packaging portion defines a generally cylindrical cavity. The inner packaging portion is disposed within the generally cylindrical cavity and defines a cavity for receiving the irregularly shaped article. The inner packaging portion includes at least one generally cylindrical portion matingly received within the outer packaging portion.
In another form, the present invention provides a method for dispensing a plurality of irregularly shaped articles for retail sale. The method includes the general step of providing a corresponding plurality of package assemblies each including an inner packaging portion defining a cavity and an outer packaging portion having a cylindrical member defining a generally cylindrical cavity. The method additionally includes the step of matingly receiving each of the irregularly shaped articles within the cavity of the inner packaging portion of a corresponding one of the plurality of package assemblies. The method further includes the general step of disposing each inner packaging portion of the plurality of package assemblies in a corresponding outer packaging portion to create a plurality of retail units each having a longitudinal axis and a circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
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Dunham David A.
Smith Kirsten M.
Black & Decker Inc.
Harness & Dickey & Pierce P.L.C.
Noland Kenneth W.
LandOfFree
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