Collapsible merchandising display

Abstract

A one-piece, easily erected, collapsible cardboard display for merchandise. Shelves formed from its rear and front panels attach to a longitudinally displaceable center panel providing support for the device and facilitating assembly and disassembly thereof.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]There are no related applications.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX[0003]None.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0004]The present invention relates to display devices, and more particularly, to a foldable, portable cardboard display for supporting articles of merchandise.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0005]Corrugated fiberboard (i.e., cardboard) is a well-known structural material commonly used for manufacturing storage boxes and the like. The relative inexpense of the material, its structural qualities, and the ease with which it can be manipulated has resulted in an ever growing number of items manufactured from it. The use of this material in merchandising displays is well known and range from its use as a structural component with an advertising message to various support structures for display of merchandise in an aesthetically...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]The present invention is a multi-shelved merchandising display made from corrugated cardboard or a similar lightweight board-like material. In its collapsed state it is substantially flat thereby minimizing the space needed for storage and ensuring easier transport. When needed, the apparatus is assembled by simply squeezing its sides towards one another or displacing a central panel, thereby extending its front and rear panels causing the attached shelves to position themselves in a horizontal orientation. Locking tabs in the center panel interlock with slots formed in the side panels of the display in order to lock it into place.

[0011]The instant invention is simple to manufacture, minimizes waste, is easy to assemble, and otherwise solves the aforementioned problems noted in the discussion of the prior art. The primary superstructure of the device is die-cut from a single sheet of corrugated cardboard and folded along score or fold lines to create its front, rear, and side panels. Its center panel may also be cut from the same sheet of cardboard material. Whereas previously known devices utilize shelves formed from a center panel, thereby requiring additional materials and additional manufacturing steps, the instant invention employs flap-like shelves cut into its front and rear panels. The free ends of these shelves are then attached to the center panel in order to support them when assembled. In assembling the display, the user need only displace the center panel lengthwise or press the sides of the device towards one another. Movement of the center panel thereby erects the display, including positioning the shelves in a generally horizontal position.

[0012]Known display devices require that apertures be cut from the front and rear panels for access to the shelves formed from the center panel, with the additional result that the waste material from creating these apertures is usually discarded. Forming the shelves of the instant invention from the front and rear panels of the device also creates the apertures through which items displayed on the shelves may be accessed or more clearly visualized, thereby minimizing waste and the materials needed for manufacture. Additionally, the present design allows the center panel to remain intact, if desired, (i.e., without shelves cut therefrom) in order to maximize the structural rigidity of the device.

Problems solved by technology

Known display devices require that apertures be cut from the front and rear panels for access to the shelves formed from the center panel, with the additional result that the waste material from creating these apertures is usually discarded.

Images