Display Tray Side Retainers for Easier 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 convenient space for returning unwanted packages.
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 easily grip and pull the top of the package for removal, with optional space at the front for returning packages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional frame structure 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 for removal which is difficult for some users
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer structure is segmented into two separate components: a U-shaped retainer that engages the side edges of the back panel, and a separate upper engagement surface. This segmentation allows customers to grip the top of the package rather than the blister, improving ease of removal while maintaining package retention through the side-edge engagement mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the package back panel is fully restrained by the frame, then the package is securely retained, but the customer cannot easily grip and pull the package for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer structure applies restraint locally at the side edges of the back panel through the U-shaped retainer, while leaving the upper portion of the back panel unrestrained and accessible for customer gripping. This local differentiation of restraint quality maintains secure retention through side-edge engagement while enabling easy removal through top-grip pulling.
3Ease of operation
If customers can easily remove packages, then user convenience is improved, but there is no convenient space for returning unwanted packages
Solution Approach 1:
The display tray structure is designed with a multi-functional front portion that serves dual purposes: it provides an unrestrained area that facilitates easy package removal by allowing customer gripping, and simultaneously creates a return space where customers can place unwanted packages. The same structural features that enable easy removal also accommodate package returns.
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.