Patent Publication Number: US-7909184-B2

Title: Capsule merchandising cage

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Fixtures are often used to support and display merchandise in a retail environment. Fixtures that are accessible, space efficient, and visually effective help promote retail sales and overall merchandising efficacy. While traditional fixtures accomplish these goals to some extent, enhancements in the functionality, or overall merchandising effect, of display fixtures remain to be realized. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some aspects of the invention relate to a merchandising system for displaying products in a retail environment. In some embodiments, the system includes a panel structure extending upwardly from a floor, the panel structure forming a plurality of regularly, or uniformly, spaced insertion areas. The system also includes an annular cage supported over the floor by the panel structure such that it projects outwardly from the front of the panel structure. The annular cage optionally includes a first loop defining a front and a back with the back facing toward the panel structure and the front facing away from the panel structure. 
     The first loop has four substantially flat sides interconnected at rounded corners such that the first loop has a semi-oval shape. The cage also includes a second loop defining a front and a back where the second loop is oriented parallel to the first loop and positioned laterally adjacent the first loop. The second loop also has four substantially flat sides interconnected at rounded corners such that the first loop has a semi-oval shape. The cage further includes at least two front tie members spaced vertically adjacent from one another that extend laterally between the fronts of the first and second loops and at least two back tie members spaced vertically adjacent from one another and extending laterally between the backs of the first and second loops. 
     In some embodiments, a first stirrup is releasably secured to one of the back tie members and a first one of the insertion areas of the panel structure. A second stirrup is optionally spaced laterally from the first stirrup and is releasably secured to one of the back tie members and one of the insertion areas of the panel structure at a laterally spaced position from the first stirrup. Aspects of the invention address various, other accessories usable with the system as well as methods of using the system to display, store, merchandise, or present, for example, various types of items. 
     While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a merchandising system including a first support assembly configuration, according to some embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a merchandising system including a second support assembly configuration, according to some embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  shows a frame of a merchandising cage, according to some embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a support bracket of a merchandising cage, according to some embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the support bracket of  FIG. 4 , according to some embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the support bracket of  FIG. 4 , according to some embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of a hang bar for use with the merchandising systems of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , according to some embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric, exploded view of a pair of hang bars and a hang bar saddle, according to some embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is an isometric, exploded view of a merchandising ring and associated box, according to some embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is an isometric view of the merchandising cage with a merchandising panel, according to some embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of the merchandising cage of the merchandising system of  FIG. 1  showing a basket accessory, according to some embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 11A  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 11 , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 12  is a front view of the basket accessory of  FIG. 11 , according to some embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The intention, however, is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  shows a merchandising system  10  according to some embodiments of the present invention. The system  10  includes a merchandising cage  12  releasably secured to a support assembly  14   a  that extends substantially vertically relative to a floor  16  in a retail environment  18 . The support assembly  14   a  of  FIG. 1  includes a plurality of substantially horizontal rods  20 , or bars, that are regularly, or uniformly, spaced from one another to define a plurality of slots  24 , also described as insertion areas or openings. The slots  24  are defined by, and interleaved between the rods  20 . The rods  20  are optionally secured to a panel structure  26 , also described as a wall structure, having a front  26   a  or other substantially vertical structure, such as an end cap of a shelving unit (not shown). Portions of the rods  20  around the cage  12  are not shown to allow the viewer to better see the cage  12 . Although various embodiments are described in association with a retail environment, such as a store, other embodiments include use of the system  10  in any of a variety of environments, such as storage or home environments, for example. 
       FIG. 2  shows the merchandising system  10  with the merchandising cage  12  secured to another support assembly  14   b . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the support assembly  14   b  includes a first member  28  and a second member  30 , each of the members  28 ,  30  extending substantially vertically and including a plurality of spaced apart, substantially aligned, and regularly spaced slots  32  for releasably securing one or more substantially horizontal members  34  at a desired height off of (i.e., relative to) the floor  16 . Similarly to the support assembly  14   a , the first and second members  28 ,  30  are optionally secured to the wall structure  26  or other structure, such as an end cap. Although some examples of support assembly configurations have been described, a variety of support assemblies, alternatively described as vertical standards or vertical supports, are contemplated. 
       FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the merchandising cage  12 , also described as an annular cage, a semi-ovular framework, or simply a “cage,” according to some embodiments. The cage  12  includes a frame  40  and support brackets  42  ( FIGS. 4-6 ). The frame  40  of the cage  12  has a front  44 , a back  46 , a top  48 , a bottom  50 , a first open side  54 , a second open side  56 , and an open interior  58  extending between the first and second open sides  54 ,  56 . The frame  40  includes a first end piece  60  and a second end piece  62 . Each of the first and second end pieces  60 ,  62  forms a substantially continuous ring or loop and is positioned in a substantially vertical orientation. The first and second end pieces  60 ,  62  are laterally spaced, each being set apart and are generally vertically aligned, being positioned adjacent one another at about the same height. The frame  40  also includes a plurality of cross bars  64  extending substantially horizontally between the first and second end pieces  60 ,  62 . When viewed in side profile, the frame is generally annular and semi-ovular in shape, or semi-oval-shaped. 
     The first and second end pieces  60 ,  62  are formed with substantially similar dimensions, as well as substantially similar materials as desired. In some embodiments, the first and second end pieces  60 ,  62  are formed of metal tubing. As shown best in  FIGS. 3 and 11 , the end pieces  60 ,  62  each form a substantially continuous ring or loop that is reminiscent of an oval shape, such that the ring can be characterized as semi-ovular, having an elongate or long dimension (a major axis) and a shorter dimension (a minor axis) with four clearly rounded corners. With reference to the first end piece  60 , each of the pieces  60 ,  62  includes a front  60   a  facing away from the wall  26  ( FIG. 1 ) and a back  60   b  facing toward the wall  26 , with four substantially flat sides  60   c  interconnected at rounded corners  60   d . The end pieces  60 ,  62  can be formed using a variety of techniques, but in some embodiments are formed by bending metal tubing and welding the ends of the metal tubing together. 
     The plurality of cross bars  64  include a back set  64   a  extending across the back  52  of the frame  40 , a front set  64   b  extending across the front  44  of the frame  40 , a top set  64   c  extending across the top of the frame, and a bottom set  64   d  extending across the bottom  50  of the frame  40 . Each of the cross bars  64  is optionally formed as substantially elongate, flat member and can be made of metal, plastic, or other suitable material. In some embodiments, the back set  64   a  includes a first cross bar  66  while the front set  64   b  includes a second cross bar  68 , where the first and second cross bars  66 ,  68  are positioned toward the middle of the frame  40 . 
     In some embodiments, the sets  64   a ,  64   b ,  64   c ,  64   d  of cross bars  64  act as tie members that secure the end pieces  60 ,  62  together to form the frame  40 . For example, the cross bars  64  are optionally welded to the end pieces  60 ,  62 . As shown, the frame  40  also includes a lower hang bar  70  fixed, for example by welding, to the bottom  50  of the frame  40 , although lower hang bars that are adapted to be removable are also contemplated. Various items can be hung from the lower hang bar  70  including, for example, hangers supporting clothing or other merchandise such as that shown in  FIG. 11 . In some embodiments, at least some of the cross bars  64  are adapted to receive brackets, clips, or other securing means as described in greater detail below. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the support brackets  42  are also described as hanging brackets or stirrups. The support brackets  42  include a first bracket  42   a  and a second bracket  42   b . The first and second brackets  42   a ,  42   b  are optionally substantially similar and as such are described with reference to a first support bracket  42   a , although differing configurations are contemplated. 
     The support bracket  42   a  is shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 4-6 . In some embodiments, the support bracket  42   a  includes a body  76  adapted to be received over at least one of the back set  64   a  of cross bars  64  ( FIG. 3 ). The support bracket  42   a  also includes a hook portion  78  adapted to releasably secure the frame  40  to a support assembly, for example the support assemblies  14   a ,  14   b , such that the frame  40  is maintained off of the floor  16  and projects outwardly from the front of the wall structure  26  ( FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments, the support bracket  42   a  is formed as a single, monolithic unit, for example by one or more metal forming processes, such as bending and punching processes. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , the body  76  of the support bracket  42   a  includes a substantially U-shaped portion  80  and a pair of ears  82  extending downwardly relative to the U-shaped portion  80 . The U-shaped portion  80  includes a central hole  84  for receiving a fastener  86 , such as a plastic clip, a bolt, or other fastener. The U-shaped portion  80  is adapted to receive one of the back set  64   a  of cross bars  64  ( FIG. 3 ). The pair of ears  82  are adapted to rest against the support assembly  14   a , and in particular the rods  20  ( FIG. 1 ), as described in greater detail below. 
     In some embodiments, and as shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , the hook portion  78  includes a pair of recurved legs  88  for insertion into one of the slots  32  of the support assembly  14   a . In particular, the legs  88  bend rearward and then upward to define rearward bends  88   a , or portions, and upward bends  88   b , or portions. In particular, the legs  88  can be tilted backward, with the upward bends  88   b  inserted into one of the slots  32 , and then tipped down such that the upward bends  88   b  reside behind one of the rods  20  and the rearward bends  88   a  extend between adjacent rods  20  ( FIG. 1 ). In this manner, the legs  88  are releasably retained in one of the slots  32  to secure the support bracket  42   a  relative to the support assembly  14   a . Although the support brackets  42  are optionally adapted for use with the support assembly  14   a , in other embodiments, the hook portion  78  is formed to have an inverted U-shape (not shown) that is releasably secured over one of the horizontal members  34  of the support assembly  14   b  ( FIG. 2 ), for example. 
     The central hole  84  and fastener  86  are adapted to help releasably secure the body  76  of the support bracket  42   a  to one of the back set  64   a  of cross bars  64 . For example, the fastener  86  is inserted through the hole  84  to frictionally engage the cross bar  64  in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the fastener  86  is inserted into the central hole  84  such that it is secured over the top of the cross bar  64  to act as a barrier, abutting the top of that cross bar  64  to prevent its ejection from the body  76 , although a variety of interactions are contemplated. 
     As subsequently described, the cage  12  also includes a variety of optional accessories, such as one or more hang bars  100  ( FIG. 7 ); a hang bar saddle  102  ( FIG. 8 ); a merchandising ring  104  ( FIG. 9 ); a merchandising panel  106  ( FIG. 10 ); a basket  108  ( FIG. 11 ); or others. The accessories  102 - 108  are used alone with the frame  40  or in any combination as desired. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the hang bar  100 , optionally described as an internal bar, is adapted to extend across the open interior  58  of the frame  40  as shown in  FIG. 10  and to be releasably secured to the first and second cross bars  66 ,  68  ( FIG. 3 ). In some embodiments, the hang bar  100  includes a first brace  120 , or bracket, adapted to be releasably secured over the first cross bar  66 , a second brace  122 , or bracket, adapted to be releasably secured over the second cross bar  68 , and a tubular body  124 , or intermediate member, extending between the first and second braces  120 ,  122 . 
     The tubular body  124  is adapted to support a variety of items, including other accessories, but according to some embodiments is suited for supporting clothing on hangers, such as the clothing item and hanger shown in  FIG. 11 , with the tubular body  124  acting as a clothing rod. In some embodiments, the first and second braces  120 ,  122  each have an inverted U-shape, are substantially square and flat when viewed from the front and back, and are adapted to be slid over the first and second cross bars  66 ,  68 , respectively. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the hang bar accessory saddle  102  is adapted to fit over a pair of hang bars  100   a ,  100   b  secured within the open interior  58 , which are each optionally substantially similar to the hang bar  100 . The saddle  102  has a substantially flat top portion  130  defining a top face  130   a  and bottom face  130   b . The saddle  102  also includes first and second side portions  132 ,  134  that extend downwardly from the top portion  130 . The top face  130   a  of the top portion  130  can be used to support boxes (such as the box shown in  FIG. 9 ) or other merchandise in some embodiments, for example stack of folded clothing items. The first and second side portions  132 ,  134  each include a plurality of elongate slots  136 ,  138 , respectively, oriented lengthwise along each of the side portions  132 ,  134 . The pluralities of elongated slots  136 ,  138  are adapted to receive hangers and/or hangable merchandise as desired. 
     In some embodiments, the hang bar accessory saddle  102  is received over the hang bars  100   a ,  100   b  with the bottom face  130   b  of the top portion  130  resting against the hang bars  100   a ,  100   b  and the side portions  132 ,  134  extending downwardly past the hang bars  100   a ,  100   b  such that the pluralities of slots  136 ,  138  are not covered by the hang bars  100   a ,  100   b . If desired, a plurality of items hanging on hangers (such as the clothing item received on the hanger shown in  FIG. 11 ) are hung from the hang bar accessory saddle  102 , and thus the frame  40 , using the slots  136 ,  138 . The slots  136 ,  138  in particular, and the saddle  102  in general, can serve a variety of other functions as well, including the top portion  130  acting as a shelf for a box or folded clothing merchandise as previously referenced. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the merchandising ring  104  defines a front edge  140  and a back edge  142  and is adapted to be releasably secured to one of the back set  64   a  of cross bars  64  ( FIG. 3 ). The merchandising ring  104  includes an upper ring portion  144 , also described as an annular body, a reinforcing collar  146  secured to, and extending downwardly from, a portion of the upper ring portion  144 , and a pair of brackets  148 ,  150  secured to the back edge  142  of the merchandising ring  104  which are adapted to be releasably secured over one of the cross bars  64 , including one of the back set  64   a  of cross bars  64 . 
     The brackets  148 ,  150  are optionally welded to the upper ring portion  144  and define a substantially inverted U-shape according to some embodiments, which allows the brackets  148 ,  150  be releasably secured over one of the cross bars  64 . In some embodiments, the brackets  148 ,  150  are secured over the particular cross bar  64  such that the upper ring portion  144  extends substantially orthogonally from the back  46  of the frame  40  into the open interior  58  with the front edge  140  left hanging as a free edge within the open interior  58 . In alternate terms, the merchandising ring  104  is substantially cantilevered to the frame  40  using the brackets  148 ,  150 . The merchandising ring  104  is optionally made of metal or plastic materials, for example the upper ring portion  144  is optionally made of solid metal tubing and the reinforcing collar  146  is optionally made of sheet metal. 
     The reinforcing collar  146  extends about the back of the merchandising ring  144  and partially about the sides. The reinforcing collar  146  tapers downwardly in thickness at the sides and serves to reinforce the upper ring portion  144  against bending when it is under load. In particular, the reinforcing collar lends additional strength to the cantilevered configuration previous described. For example, as shown in  FIG. 9 , a box  152 , for example a cardboard box, supporting various types of merchandise is optionally supported by the upper ring portion  144 . 
     For example, the box  152  optionally includes a plurality of outwardly and downwardly folded flaps  154  that are received over the upper ring portion  144  to support the box  152  within the open interior  58  of the frame  40 . If desired, the box  152  can be used to ship or store merchandise items and then be opened with the flaps  154  folded outwardly and downwardly such that the flaps  154  can be received over the upper ring portion  144  with the remainder of the box  152  received through the upper ring portion  144 . In this manner, the box  152  serves both a shipping/storage function, as well as a display/merchandising function in combination with the merchandising ring  104 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the merchandising panel  106  optionally provides one or more of a variety of retailing functions. In general terms, the merchandising panel  106  is secured over at least one of the front  44 , the top  48 , and the bottom  50  of the frame  40 . The panel  106  is optionally configured as a thin wrap made of sheet plastic or paper, for example, to cover portions of the front  44 , top  48 , and/or bottom  50  with indicia such as merchandising information or enticing graphics, although the merchandising panel  106  can include any of a variety of indicia. The merchandising panel  106  is optionally clipped to one of the top set  64   c  of cross bars  64  and one of the bottom set  64   d  of cross bars  64  using flexible clips  158  or other fastening means, such as snaps or hook and loop fasteners, including those sold under the tradename “VELCRO”. 
     In some embodiments, the merchandising panel  106  is substantial enough, i.e., structurally sound enough, to support various types of merchandise, such as a plurality of sunglasses  159 . For example, the merchandising panel  106  optionally includes openings  160  or other features for receiving hangers or hangable merchandise (e.g., sunglasses as previously mentioned), one or more metal sections  162  for use with magnetic clips or hangers (not shown), and/or one or more pegboard sections  164  for use with hangers or hangable merchandise suited for use with pegboard (not shown). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the basket  108  includes a wire frame body  170  and one or more brackets  172  adapted to be secured one of the front set  64   b  of cross bars  64 . The wire frame body  170  of the basket  108  is sized and shaped as desired to receive various types of merchandising items. In one embodiment, the basket  108  is sized and shaped to receive a plurality of picture albums, records for listening to on a record player, an assortment of loose items, or other merchandise as desired. The basket  108  has a substantially square profile when viewed from the front ( FIG. 12 ) and a tapered, trapezoidal profile when viewed from the side as shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     Methods of assembling the merchandising system  10  and displaying merchandise to a consumer according to some embodiments include releasably securing the support brackets  42  to a support assembly, such as one of the support assemblies  14   a  ( FIG. 1) and 14   b  ( FIG. 2 ).  FIG. 11A  is an enlarged view showing the support bracket  42   a  following assembly. As understood in greater detail with reference to  FIGS. 11 and 11A , the first bracket  42   a  is releasably received into one of the slots  24  of the support assembly  14   a  by inserting the hook portion  78 , and in particular the ears  82  into the slot  24  and then tilting the body  76  downwardly against the adjacent rods  20  such that the first bracket  42   a  is retained in the particular slot  24 . The second bracket  42   b  ( FIG. 1 ) is similarly secured in the slot  24 . One of the back set  64   a  of cross bars  64  is then slid downwardly into the U-shaped portions of the first bracket  42   a  and the second bracket  42   b  to maintain the frame  40  at a desired height off the floor  16  ( FIG. 1 ). As shown, the merchandise cage  12  projects outwardly from the front face  26   a  of the wall  26  and is supported at a vertical distance off of the floor  16 , for example at a height that is readily accessible by consumers in a retail environment. 
     The hang bar  100  is then optionally slid onto opposing cross bars  64  of the back and front sets  64   a ,  64   b , for example the first and second cross bars  66 ,  68  ( FIG. 3 ). A plurality of items, for example a clothing item  200  on a hanger  210  as shown in  FIG. 11 , is then hung from the hang bar  100 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, the first and second hang bars  100   a ,  100   b  ( FIG. 8 ) are secured onto opposing cross bars  64  of the back and front sets  64   a ,  64   b  and the hang bar saddle accessory  102  ( FIG. 8 ) is slid onto the first and second cross bars  66 ,  68  as previously described. If desired, a plurality of items, such as clothing on hangers for example, similar to clothing  200  and hanger  210 , shown in  FIG. 11 ), are hung from the slots  136 ,  138  in the saddle  102 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 10  the merchandising ring  104  is secured over one of the cross bars  64 , for example one of the back set  64   a . More specifically, the brackets  148 ,  150  ( FIG. 9 ) are slidably received over the particular cross bar  64 . A plurality of retail items is placed in the box  152  ( FIG. 9 ) or the retail items are previously disposed in the box  152 , for example during shipping. The box  152  is opened with the flaps  154  folded outwardly and downwardly and received over the upper ring portion  144  such that the box is supported by the merchandising ring  104  in the open interior  58  of the frame  40 , with the merchandising ring  104  extending inwardly from one of the cross bars  64  in a cantilevered fashion. In some embodiments, the merchandising ring  104  and box  152  are provided together as a kit of parts. 
     Additionally or alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the merchandising panel  106  is secured over portions of one or more of the top  48 , front  44 , and bottom  50  of the frame  40 . In some embodiments, the merchandising panel  106  is wrapped about the top  48 , front  44 , and bottom  50  of the frame  40 , respectively to substantially cover them while leaving the sides of the frame  40  open. The merchandising panel  106  is clipped to one of the top set  64   c  of cross bars  64  and one of the bottom set  64   d  of cross bars  64  using flexible clips  158  to secure the merchandising panel  106  in position. 
     The merchandising panel  106  can include indicia, such as words, graphics, or others which are thereby displayed to a consumer for retailing purposes, for example. As previously referenced, the merchandising panel  106  additionally or alternatively includes openings  160  or other features for receiving hangers or hangable merchandise (e.g., sunglasses), one or more metal sections  162  for use with magnetic clips or hangers (not shown), and/or one or more pegboard sections  164  for use with hangers or other hanger means suited for use with pegboard (not shown). Thus, in some embodiments, a plurality of retail items are also hung from the merchandising panel  106  for display/shelving purposes. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the basket  108  is optionally secured to one of the cross bars  64 , for example onto one of the front set  64   b  of cross bars  64 . Merchandise or other items (not shown) are then placed in the basket  108  as desired. Furthermore, the plurality of clothing items on hangers such as clothing item  200  and hanger  210 , or other hanger means, are hung from the lower hang bar  70  as shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     In view of the foregoing, the merchandising system provides means for providing a semi-ovular framework for displaying a plurality of retail items, including, for example the frame  40 ; means for adjustably and releasably securing the semi-ovular framework to a substantially vertical wall structure, including, for example the support brackets  42 ; means for hanging or otherwise supporting a plurality of retail items within the ovular framework and from the semi-ovular framework for display to a consumer, including, for example one or more of the hang bars  100 , the merchandising ring  104  and box  152 , or the saddle accessory  102 ; and means for selectively covering a front of the semi-ovular framework with indicia associated with the plurality of retail items, including for example, the merchandising panel  106 . 
     Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.