Patent Publication Number: US-10758062-B1

Title: Bottle dispensation and marketing display assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/719,035, filed Aug. 16, 2018 and entitled MODULAR BOTTLE DISPENSATION SHOWCASE APPARATUS, which provisional application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a bottle dispensation and marketing display assembly. More so, the present invention relates to a dispensation and display assembly that stores and dispenses individual bottles of a fluid in a housing defined by sidewalls forming apertures used for fastening the housing to a mounting surface, or detachable attachment of the housing to an adjacent housing for modular display arrangements, thereby allowing multiple housings to stack on top of each other for marketing and space-saving purposes; whereby the housing forms an inlet opening for loading bottles, an outlet opening for dispensing bottles, and a passageway connecting the inlet opening to the outlet opening, creating a gravity feed dispensing means, such that gravity urges the bottles to towards the passageway (bottles fall into place) while substantially maintaining alignment of the bottles at the outlet opening; and whereby an at least partially transparent case snaps onto one side of the housing to display an individual bottle, and an at least partially transparent raised panel snaps onto a second side of the housing to display a card. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. 
     Typically, consumable liquid bottles are used for containing eclectic beverages, foodstuffs, petroleum products, cosmetics, and the like. These bottled fluid-like products are optimally retailed when displayed in an attractive manner, and dispensed easily from their container. Often, beverage containers, such as bottles, are displayed and sold individually at grocery stores, gas stations, drug stores, convenience stores and liquor stores. Typically, the beverage containers are manually loaded onto a display rack, shelving unit, or refrigeration display unit. 
     In the shelving arrangement of a typical store there often is an unutilized area because the uppermost shelf generally is not stocked with bottles. This is because the higher level is usually inconvenient for stocking by a stockperson, as well as being inconvenient for a customer to remove bottles. This is especially true for any bottles which may be stocked in rows rearward of the aisle edge of such top shelf. 
     Other proposals have involved display and dispensing units for bottles in a retail environment. The problem with these display and dispensing units is that they do not magnify allow for convenient dispensing of the bottles in a gravity fed manner. Also, these units do not display the bottles in an effective marketing manner. Even though the above display and dispensing units meet some of the needs of the market, a modular bottle dispensation showcase assembly that displays bottles and provides easy access to the bottles while detachably mounting to a mounting surface, and stacking/linking in an ornamental arrangement with adjacent showcase assemblies, is still desired. 
     SUMMARY 
     Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to a modular bottle dispensation showcase assembly. The modular bottle dispensation showcase assembly serves to control the display and access to multiple bottles that contain a fluid, and that are housed for individual display and sale in a retail environment. The showcase assembly is unique in that the bottles are dispensed through gravity-fed means, such that when removing a first bottle from an outlet opening, a subsequent bottle quickly falls to the outlet opening in a controlled, aligned manner. The showcase assembly is configured to display the bottles and a bottle information card in an ornamental manner, so as to optimize shelf space and marketing. The assembly also mounts to a variety of mounting surfaces, and has the modular capacity to link with adjacent showcase assemblies for creating efficient shelf space and marketing. 
     In one aspect, the modular bottle dispensation showcase assembly, comprises at least one housing defined by a bottom base wall and multiple sidewalls forming a cavity, the sidewalls further forming a pair of spaced-apart, parallel mount holes, the sidewalls further forming multiple case holes, the sidewalls forming multiple panel holes, the sidewalls defined by an upper end and a lower end, the upper end of the sidewalls forming multiple modular clip reception slots, the upper end of the sidewalls further forming an inlet opening, the lower end of the sidewalls forming an outlet opening, the housing being operable to enable containment of multiple bottles, whereby gravity urges the bottles from the inlet opening to the outlet opening. 
     In some embodiments, the assembly provides multiple mounting clips disposed at the upper end of the sidewalls, the mounting clips sized and dimensioned to detachably mate with a corresponding modular clip reception slot, whereby the adjacent housings are attachable in a modular arrangement. 
     In some embodiments, the assembly provides a lid detachably fitted to the edge of the upper end of the sidewalls. 
     In some embodiments, the assembly provides at least one case being detachably attachable to the sidewalls, the at least one case containing at least one of the bottles for display. 
     In some embodiments, the assembly provides multiple case tabs extending from the case, whereby the case tabs mate with corresponding case holes in the sidewall in a snap-fit relationship, such that the case detachably attaches to the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the assembly provides at least one panel, the panel being at least partially transparent, the panel being detachably attachable to the sidewalls, the raised panel being operable to enable retention of a card. Multiple panel tabs extend from the panel for mating with the mount holes. 
     In another aspect, the assembly further comprises at least one mount hole extending from a rear sidewall. A bolt (fastener) would already be attached to the peg board, and the housing then attaches to the bolt using the mount hole opening. 
     In another aspect, the housing has a rectangular shape. 
     In another aspect, the outlet opening has a U-shape. 
     In another aspect, the lid forms a snap-fit relationship with the sidewalls. 
     In another aspect, the case tabs mate with corresponding case hole in the sidewall in a snap-fit relationship. 
     In another aspect, the panel tabs mate with corresponding panel hole in the sidewall in a snap-fit relationship. 
     In another aspect, the bottles are defined by a 50 milliliter volume. 
     In another aspect, the assembly further comprises multiple case tabs extend from the case. 
     In another aspect, the sidewalls form multiple case holes. 
     In another aspect, the case tabs mate with corresponding case holes in the sidewall in a snap-fit relationship, such that the case detachably attaches to the housing. 
     In another aspect, the assembly further comprises multiple panel tabs extend from the case. 
     In another aspect, the sidewalls form multiple panel holes. 
     In another aspect, the panel tabs mate with corresponding panel holes in the sidewall in a snap-fit relationship, such that the panel detachably attaches to the housing. 
     In another aspect, the outlet opening is defined by a U-shaped edge. 
     In another aspect, the inlet opening and the outlet opening are disposed on opposing sidewalls. 
     In another aspect, the gravity urges the bottles from the inlet opening to the outlet opening when bottles are removed from the outlet opening. 
     One objective of the present invention is to dispense multiple bottles in an efficient, energy-free means, and also to ornamentally display the bottles, and cards describing the bottles in a unique assembly that can be mounted in a retail space with minimal shelf-space. 
     Another objective is to connect multiple housings in a modular arrangement with other assemblies carrying similar or dissimilar bottles. 
     Another objective is to efficiently stock and display 50 ml bottles in an attractive configuration. 
     Another objective is to stack and arrange the housings in an ornamental manner. 
     Yet another objective is to utilize gravity to urge the bottles to the dispensing outlet opening. 
     Yet another objective is to stack and link the housing with adjacent housings for enhanced stability, space-saving, and decorative effect. 
     Yet another objective is to mount the housing to a peg wall. 
     Yet another objective is to arrange the housing, so as to create more space in a retail environment. 
     Yet another objective is to display an individual bottle in the transparent case outside the housing for a consumer to view the label, contents, and shape of the bottle. 
     Yet another objective is to display a card with a transparent raised panel outside the housing, so as to display information pertinent to the bottle. 
     Yet another objective is to provide an inexpensive to manufacture bottle dispensing and display for bottles containing beverages, foodstuffs, cosmetics, or petroleum products. 
     Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary bottle dispensation and marketing display assembly containing bottles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a top plan of the bottle dispensation and marketing display assembly, shown in  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a front perspective view of the modular bottle dispensation showcase assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded view of the bottle dispensation and marketing display assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an elevated side view of the bottle dispensation and marketing display assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate the bottle dispensation and marketing display assembly with and without the panel attached to the housing, where  FIG. 6A  shows a rear view of the assembly with the panel attached, and  FIG. 6B  shows a rear view of the assembly with the panel detached, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of the modular bottle dispensation showcase assembly with two transparent cases, showing a bottle removed and replaced by a subsequent bottle at the outlet opening, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     A bottle dispensation and marketing display assembly is referenced in  FIGS. 1-7 . The bottle dispensation and marketing display assembly, hereafter “assembly”, is configured to both dispense multiple bottles in an efficient, energy-free means, and also to ornamentally display the bottles, and cards describing the bottles in a unique assembly that can be mounted in a retail space with minimal shelf-space, and connected in a modular arrangement with other assemblies carrying similar or dissimilar bottles. 
     As referenced in  FIG. 1 , the showcase assembly  100  comprises at least one housing  102  that is sized and dimensioned to store, receive, and dispense multiple individual bottles  116   a - e . The bottles  116   a ,  116   b ,  116   c ,  116   d ,  116   e  may include 50 ml bottles having a wide body and a narrow neck forming an opening ( FIG. 1 ). Though in other embodiments, any type or size of bottle, and container of a fluid, can be used, as the showcase assembly  100  is scalable. The assembly  100  is designed for retail environments, where efficient display and dispensing is important. 
     The at least one housing  102  is defined by sidewalls  106   a - d  and a bottom base wall  104  forming a containment for the bottles in a cavity  110  that forms therein. The sidewalls  106   a - d  are defined by an upper end  124   a  and a lower end  124   b  that is disposed at a lower elevation than the upper end  124   a  when the housing  102  is operational, or mounted for display and dispensing the bottles  116   a - e . The housing  102  also includes a bottom base wall  104  abutting the lower end  124   b  of the sidewalls  106   a - d . A lid  108  fits over the upper end  124   a  of the sidewalls  106   a - d . In some embodiments, the housing  102  may include a rectangular shape, and the sidewalls  106   a - d  are rigid, such as from a rigid polymer, metal material, rubber, or wood. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , multiple mounting clips  114   a - b  are disposed at the junction of the sidewalls  106   a - d  and the lid  108 . Mounting clips  114   a - b  allow housing to be mounted to a surface, such as a wall, nail, shelf, or other surface that mates with mounting clips  114   a - b . In one non-limiting embodiment, two mounting clips  114   a ,  114   b  are on a first side of the sidewalls  106   a . Mounting clips  114   a - b  are also operable to detachably attach to an adjacent housing in a colinear relationship. 
     Furthermore, multiple modular clip reception slots  120   a ,  120   b  form on a second side of the sidewalls  106   b , opposite the side of the first sidewall having the mounting clips  114   a - b . The modular clip reception slots  120   a - b  are sized and dimensioned to receive a corresponding mounting clips  114   a - b  of an adjacent housing. In this manner, multiple housings can be detachably joined together in a colinear relationship. This can be effective for magnifying the display effect, as different types of bottles can be arranged in a colinear, adjacent disposition. 
     In this manner, multiple housings to stack on top of each other for marketing and space-saving purposes. In one non-limiting embodiment, pegs or other protruding members may join the modular apertures. Though in other embodiments, the modular apertures have raised flanges that slid  108   e  into each other to form a locking relationship between housings. 
     For example, a pyramid arrangement of housings, with each housing containing a different type of bottle could be arranged. The housings could be loosely stacked, or detachably attached through modular apertures, as described below. By stacking the housings in various modular arrangements, space is saved and the bottles  116   a - e  can be presented in a more attractive way. Also by stacking multiple housings in such a manner, different brands and types of bottles  116   a - e  can be presented for optimal sales and display effect. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 4 , the housing forms an inlet opening  200  through at least one of the sidewalls  106   a - d . In one embodiment, the upper edges of the sidewalls  106   a - d  define the inlet opening  200 . The inlet opening  200  enables passage into a cavity  110  for containing the bottles  116   a - e . Inlet opening  200  may be shaped and dimensioned to enable a hand to push through multiple bottles simultaneously. 
     The bottles  116   a - e  are stacked on each other, buttressing each other to create a snug structural reinforcement inside the housing  102 . The base wall  104  and sidewalls  106   a - d  are sufficiently rigid to maintain this stacked arrangement. Through the inlet opening  200 , the bottles  116   a - e  can be placed in the cavity  110  in an organized arrangement that allows the bottles  116   a - e  to fall from the elevated inlet opening  200  to a lower outlet opening  118  in a steady, gravity-fed manner. The outlet opening  118  may have a wide, U-shaped edge  118  that is sufficiently wide enough to enable more than one bottle to be dispensed therefrom. For example, the necks of the bottles  116   a - e  can be oriented in the same direction, towards the end of the housing  102  forming the outlet opening  118 . 
     Looking at  FIG. 3 , the assembly  100  provides a lid  108  that detachably attaches to the sidewalls  106   a - d  to cover the inlet opening  200  and thereby, regulate access to the cavity  110 . The lid can form a snap-fit relationship, or a slidable relationship with the sidewalls for opening and closing. In some embodiments, at least one lid fastener  408   a ,  408   b  fastens the lid  108  to the sidewalls  106   a - d . Lid fastener  408   a - d  may include a threaded screw, a bolt, a magnet, and other fastening mechanism known in the art. 
     Looking now at  FIG. 5 , the sidewall housing  102  forms an inlet opening  200  for loading bottles  116   a - e , an outlet opening  118  for dispensing bottles  116   a - e , and a passageway through the cavity  110  connecting the inlet opening  200  to the outlet opening  118 . When mounted or stacked, the housing  102  is oriented such that the inlet opening  200  is at a higher elevation than the outlet opening  118 . This creates a gravity feed dispensing means, such that gravity urges the bottles  116   a - e  to towards the passageway when a bottle  116   a  is removed from the outlet opening  118 , while substantially maintaining alignment of the bottles  116   a - e  at the outlet opening  118 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the assembly  100  comprises at least one mount hole  204   a ,  204   b  that forms in the sidewall  106   d . Mount hole  204   a - b  may have a shape that receives a peg, bolt, or other fastening mechanism from a peg board for attachment to a mounting surface, such as a peg board, wall, a shelf, and a table. Mount hole  204   a - b  may include two-spaced-apart mount holes, or possible more than two mount holes. An alternative embodiment of mount holes  600   a ,  600   b , shown in  FIG. 6B , are larger than mount holes  204   a - b . The larger mount holes  600   a - b  are displayable when the panel  202  is detached from housing  102 . In one non-limiting embodiment, the mount hole  204   a - b  includes threaded or tapered bolts, screws, magnets, adhesives, and other mounting means known in the art. 
     Looking at  FIG. 5 , the showcase assembly  100  also provides at least one case  112   a - b  that provides unique showcasing of the bottle  116   d . In one non-limiting embodiment, the case  112   a - b  is elongated to match the length of the bottle, and has a rounded shape that ends at two edges. The case  112   a - b  is at least partially transparent and detachably attaches, or snaps, onto one side of the housing  102  in a friction fit coupling relationship. In one embodiment, multiple case tabs  402   a ,  402   b ,  402   c ,  402   d  extend from the case  112 . The sidewalls  106   a - d  form multiple case holes  404   a ,  404   b ,  404   c ,  404   d  that are aligned with the case tabs  402   a - d . The case tabs  402   a - d  mate with corresponding case holes  404   a - d  in the sidewall in a snap-fit relationship, such that the case  112  detachably attaches to the housing  102 . 
     While attached to the housing, and containing bottles, the case  112   a - b  is sized and dimensioned to prominently display the bottle  116   d  that is contained in the housing  102 . The case  112   a - b  allows the bottle  116   d  to display in a clear, prominent manner from the housing  102 . In this manner, a consumer will not have to remove a bottle from the housing  102  to view the labeling, contents, and shape of the bottle. 
     In another marketing component, the showcase assembly  100  provides at least one panel  202  to display a card or placard, often used in retail environments. The panel  202  that is sized to enable a card or placard to slide between the sidewall and the panel  202 . The displayed card may include information about the bottle or contents therein. For example, a description of a beverage, a nutrient count, and a price may display on the card. The panel  202  is configured to detachably attaches to the housing for retaining a card. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate the bottle dispensation and marketing display assembly with and without the panel attached to the housing, where  FIG. 6A  shows a rear view of the assembly with the panel attached to a front sidewall  106   a , and  FIG. 6B  shows a rear view of the assembly with the panel  202  detached from the rear sidewall  106   b  of the housing  102 . It is significant to note that the panels can be detachably attached on any of the sidewalls  106   a - d . The panel  202  is at least partially transparent, and detachably fastens, or snaps onto a second sidewall  106   d  of the housing  102  in a friction fit coupling relationship. 
     In one embodiment, multiple panel tabs  400   a ,  400   b ,  400   c ,  400   d  extend from the case  112 . The sidewalls  106   a - d  form multiple panel holes  406   a ,  406   b ,  406   c ,  406   d  that are aligned with the panel tabs  400   a - d . The panel tabs  400   a - d  mate with corresponding panel holes  406   a - d  in the sidewall in a snap-fit relationship, such that the panel  202  detachably attaches to the housing  102 . Thus, the operational aspects of the showcase assembly  100  remain the same, even while the bottle display means are changeable. The panel  202  is sized to enable a card or placard to slide between the sidewall and the panel  202 . The displayed card may include information about the bottle or contents therein. For example, a description of a beverage, a nutrient count, and a price may display on the card. 
     In an alternative embodiment,  FIG. 7  illustrates, two cases  700   a ,  700   b  attached to the housing  102 . The two cases  700   a - b  can be used simultaneously to display one or two different bottles  116   d ,  200   e  from both ends of the housing  102 . This can be useful for presenting the bottles  116   d ,  200   e  from both sides of a shelf or display area. Thus, as a bottle  116   a  is removed from the outlet opening  118 , a subsequent bottle  116   b  replaces the removed bottle. 
     In conclusion, a bottle dispensation and marketing display assembly  100  for controlling access to multiple bottles  116   a - e  containing a fluid-like product that are housed for individual display and sale at grocery stores, gas stations, drug stores, and convenience stores. The assembly  100  is unique in that it provides great stability in mounting to a mounting surface, and flexibility in a display arrangement with adjacent assemblies through modular connectivity. 
     The assembly  100  is also unique in that an attached transparent case retains one bottle for display, and an at least partially transparent panel  202  retains an information card, business card, or other marketing card to provide bottle-pertinent information. The card creates optimal viewing and information gathering of the bottles contained within. Further, the assembly  100  utilizes gravity feed dispensing means to dispense the bottles, such that when removing a first bottle from an outlet opening, gravity causes a subsequent bottle quickly falls to the outlet opening in a controlled, aligned manner. 
     These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings. 
     Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.