Display Tray Retainer Structure for Easy Blister Pack Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display trays for packaged sandwich meats in blister packs are difficult to handle due to nesting issues and require customers to grip the circular blister for removal, making it challenging for some users, and there is no easy way to return packages after changing one's mind.
Innovation Solution
A novel package-retainer design that engages the side edges of the package back panel, allowing the blister to project forward and enabling customers to grip the top for easy removal, with optional features like wire side guides and retaining tabs that facilitate lateral confinement and easy return of packages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional frame with side portions and upper portion is used to restrain the package back panel, then the package can be retained in the display tray, but customers must grip the circular blister to pull the package through, which is difficult for some customers
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into side portions only, removing the upper connecting portion. This segmentation allows the blister to project freely while the side portions continue to restrain the back panel, enabling easier grip and removal without requiring a complete frame structure
Solution Approach 2:
The upper portion connecting the side portions is extracted/removed from the frame structure. This extraction eliminates the obstruction that prevented easy gripping of the package top, while the side portions remain to provide necessary restraint and guidance
2Volume of moving object
If packages are nested in the back panel recess to save space, then overhead space is utilized efficiently, but the nesting makes upward removal of packages difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pulling packages upward from the nested position, the invention inverts the removal direction by allowing customers to pull packages forward horizontally. The side portions restrain the back panel during this forward motion, and the unrestrained blister projects through for easy gripping and horizontal extraction
Solution Approach 2:
The package removal motion is changed from the vertical dimension (upward pulling) to the horizontal dimension (forward pulling). This dimensional change allows packages to be removed easily from the nested configuration without requiring vertical clearance
3Ease of operation
If customers can easily remove packages by gripping the top, then package extraction is simplified, but there may be no space to return unwanted packages to the display
Solution Approach 1:
The display tray is designed with multi-functionality: the same forward projection space that enables easy package extraction also serves as a return location for unwanted packages. The side portions restrain the back panel during both removal and return operations, making the system versatile for both extraction and return functions
Data Source
AI summary
A tray for the display and dispensing of products in blister packages. Side guide elements, of wire or sheet material, are provided in forward portions thereof with retaining elements formed integrally and in one piece therewith. The retaining elements engage side margins of a forwardmost package well below the tops of the packages and preferably below the tops of the blisters thereof. A forwardmost package is gripped by its exposed and unobstructed upper portions and pulled forwardly to remove a package. Integral, one-piece construction of the side guide elements and the retaining elements provides for economical manufacture with superior performance. Optionally, space may be provided in front of the retaining portions to accommodate return of packages by a customer who has changed his or her mind. In one embodiment, a wire retaining portion of inverted U-shaped configuration is positioned with wire ends concealed and protected by the tray side.