TRAY

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the trays and more particularly, this invention relates to a tray for retaining and displaying an object.

Background of the Invention

The packaging, transportation and displaying of merchandise has typically involved cases containing individually sealed product that must be individually positioned on a store shelf or on a peg. This means of packaging, transporting and displaying of merchandise is labor-intensive for individuals to transition the product from the cases and onto the store shelf or peg. Furthermore, this means of packaging, transporting and display of merchandise may consume an increased volume of paper, cardstock or cardboard. Much of the paper, card stock or cardboard may not be recyclable due to printed matter, sealants or other treatments applied to the cases.

The retail marketplace has sought to reduce the cost associated with the packaging, transportation and displaying merchandise by utilizing ready to display products. The retail marketplace has coined this ready to display products as Product Displayed Quickly (PDQ). The PDQ provide a more efficient means for shelving and displaying the products on the shelves of the retailer. As a result, the retailer may reduce the labor required in packaging, transporting and displaying of the merchandise. Although the current PDQ assists in reducing the labor requirement, there is still a remaining issue of structural strength, ease of handling PDQ with product, appealing product display, ease of removing product from PDQ, reusability, and recyclability.

Although the PDQ systems have contributed to the advancement of the prior art, there is still a need for an improved PDQ system for the packaging, transporting and displaying of merchandise.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved tray with increased structural strength.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved tray with ease of handling.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved tray that provides an appealing product display.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved tray that provides ease of removing the product from the tray.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved tray that can be reusable many times.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved tray that may be constructed from recyclable materials.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved tray that may be recyclable.

The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the present invention. These objects should be construed as being merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by modifying the invention within the scope of the invention. Accordingly other objects in a full understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention and the detailed description describing the preferred embodiment of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is defined by the appended claims with the specific embodiments shown in the attached drawings. For the purpose of summarizing the invention, the invention comprises a tray for retaining and displaying an object. The object includes a front face, a back face, a bottom edge, a top edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. The tray comprises a first side member including an exterior side, an interior side, lower edge, an upper edge, a front edge and a back edge. A second side member includes an exterior side, an interior side, a lower edge, an upper edge, a front edge and a back edge. A panel couples the first side member with the second side member. The panel includes a front panel face, a back panel face, a bottom panel edge, a top panel edge, a first side panel edge and a second side panel edge. A primary rib is coupled to the interior side of the first side member for defining a primary channel between the front panel face of the panel and the primary rib. A secondary rib is coupled to the interior side of the second side member for defining a secondary channel between the front panel face of the panel and the secondary rib. The first side edge of the object slidably engages the primary channel and the second side edge of the object slidably engages the secondary channel for permitting the slidable displacement of the object relative to the panel and for securing the object relative to the panel.

In one embodiment of the invention, the primary rib and the secondary rib converge with the panel from the top panel edge of the panel to the bottom panel edge of the panel for defining a tapering channel within the primary channel and the secondary channel from the top panel edge of the panel to the bottom panel edge of the panel. The tapering channel provides a progressive compression fit of the object with the panel and the primary rib and the secondary rib as the object descends into the primary channel and the secondary channel.

In another embodiment of the invention, the primary rib and the secondary rib include an ascending rib height from the top panel edge of the panel to the bottom panel edge of the panel for defining an inclined primary rib and an inclined secondary rib from the top panel edge of the panel to the bottom panel edge of the panel. The inclined primary rib and the inclined secondary rib provide a progressive increased contact area between the object and the primary rib and the secondary rib as the object descends into the primary channel and the secondary channel.

In another embodiment of the invention, a secondary panel couples the first side member with the second side member. The secondary panel includes a front panel face, a back panel face, a bottom panel edge, a top panel edge a first side panel edge and a second side panel edge. The bottom panel edge of the panel is coupled to the bottom panel edge of the secondary panel.

In another embodiment of the invention, the secondary panel defines a secondary angular slope relative to the upper edge of the first side member and the upper edge of the second side member for permitting the object to be pivoted relative to the panel once the object has been removed from the primary channel and the secondary channel.

In another embodiment of the invention, the tray comprises a first side member including an exterior side, an interior side, lower edge, an upper edge, a front edge and a back edge. A second side member includes an exterior side, an interior side, a lower edge, an upper edge, a front edge and a back edge. A plurality of primary tabs are coupled to the first side member. A plurality of secondary tabs are coupled to the second side member. The plurality of primary tabs and the plurality of secondary tabs support the object. A plurality of support frames couple each the plurality of primary tabs with each the plurality of secondary tabs for terminating a descending displacement of the object relative to the support frame and support the bottom edge of the object.

In another embodiment of the invention, the tray comprising a first side member including an exterior side, an interior side, lower edge, an upper edge, a front edge and a back edge. A second side member includes an exterior side, an interior side, a lower edge, an upper edge, a front edge and a back edge. A plurality of frame sections couple the first side member with the second side member. A plurality of secondary frame sections couple the first side member with the second side member. A support frame is defined by each of the plurality of primary frame sections and the secondary frame sections for supporting the object. A lower support is defined by each of the plurality of primary frame sections and the plurality of secondary frame sections at the bottom of the support frame. The lower support terminates a descending displacement of the object relative to the support frame and supports the bottom edge of the object.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood so that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject matter of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiments may be modified for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front upper isometric view of a tray of the present invention retaining and displaying a plurality of objects;

FIG. 2 is top view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a left side view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view along line 6-6 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view along line 8-8 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a front upper isometric view of the object of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a top view of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a left side view of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a front view of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a front upper isometric view of the tray of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a rear upper isometric view of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is top view of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a left side view of FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is a rear view of FIG. 14;

FIG. 19 is a front view of FIG. 14;

FIG. 20 is a sectional view along line 20-20 in FIG. 16;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 20 illustrating a first and a second tray being nested together;

FIG. 23 an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a front upper isometric view of a second embodiment of the tray of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a rear bottom isometric view of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a front view of FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is a rear view of FIG. 24;

FIG. 28 is a top view of FIG. 24;

FIG. 29 is a bottom view FIG. 24;

FIG. 30 is a left side view of FIG. 24;

FIG. 31 is a right side view of FIG. 24;

FIG. 32 is a front upper isometric view of a third embodiment of the tray of the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a rear bottom isometric view of FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a front view of FIG. 32;

FIG. 35 is a rear view of FIG. 32;

FIG. 36 is a top view of FIG. 32;

FIG. 37 is a bottom view FIG. 32;

FIG. 38 is a left side view of FIG. 32;

FIG. 39 is a right side view of FIG. 32;

FIG. 40 is a front upper isometric view of a fourth embodiment of the tray of the present invention;

FIG. 41 is a rear bottom isometric view of FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 is a front view of FIG. 40;

FIG. 43 is a rear view of FIG. 40;

FIG. 44 is a top view of FIG. 40;

FIG. 45 is a bottom view FIG. 40;

FIG. 46 is a left side view of FIG. 40;

FIG. 47 is a right side view of FIG. 40;

FIG. 48 is a front upper isometric view of a fifth embodiment of the tray of the present invention;

FIG. 49 is a rear bottom isometric view of FIG. 48;

FIG. 50 is a front view of FIG. 48;

FIG. 51 is a rear view of FIG. 48;

FIG. 52 is a top view of FIG. 48;

FIG. 53 is a bottom view FIG. 48;

FIG. 54 is a left side view of FIG. 48;

FIG. 55 is a right side view of FIG. 48;

FIG. 56 is sectional view along line 56-56 in FIG. 27;

FIG. 57 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 24;

FIG. 58 is an isometric view of FIG. 40 illustrating a plurality of trays being stacked;

FIG. 59 is a top view of FIG. 58;

FIG. 60 is a sectional view along line 60-60 in FIG. 59;

FIG. 61 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 60; and

FIG. 62 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 60.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several Figures of the drawings.

DETAILED DISCUSSION

FIGS. 1-62 illustrate a tray 10 for retaining and displaying an object 20. The tray 10 provides an improved tray in that the tray 10 includes increased structural strength, is easily handled for positioning from a transportation container to a store shelf, provides an appealing product display, provides ease of removing the product from the tray, the tray may be reusable many times, the tray may be constructed from recyclable materials, and may be recyclable.

The object 20 includes a front face 22, a back face 24, a bottom edge 26, a top edge 28, a first side edge 30 and a second side edge 32. The object 20 may include retail merchandise 34 such as a liquid dispenser 36 and a merchandise label board 38. The merchandise label board 38 may be utilized for providing information with regard to the retail merchandise 34. A merchandise enclosure 40 may be utilized for securing the retail merchandise 34 to the merchandise label board 38. The merchandise enclosure 40 may include shrinkwrap, wire tie or other coupling devices. The object 20 may alternatively not include a merchandise label board 38 in which the object 20 is directly inserted into the tray 10. The object 20 may alternatively include, but not limited to, hardware, cosmetics, box containers or other goods.

The tray 10 comprises a first side member 50 including an exterior side 52, an interior side 54, lower edge 56, an upper edge 58, a front edge 60 and a back edge 62. A second side member 70 includes an exterior side 72, an interior side 74, a lower edge 76, an upper edge 78, a front edge 80 and a back edge 82.

FIGS. 1-23 illustrate a first embodiment of the tray 10. A panel 90 couples the first side member 50 with the second side member 70. The panel 90 includes a front panel face 92, a back panel face 94, a bottom panel edge 96, a top panel edge 98, a first side panel edge 100 and a second side panel edge 102.

A primary rib 110 is coupled to the interior side 54 of the first side member 50 for defining a primary channel 112 between the front panel face 92 of the panel 90 and the primary rib 110. A secondary rib 120 is coupled to the interior side 74 of the second side member 70 for defining a secondary channel 122 between the front panel face 92 of the panel 90 and the secondary rib 120. The first side edge 30 of the object 20 slidably engages primary channel 112 and the second side edge 32 of the object 20 slidably engages the secondary channel 122 for permitting the slidable displacement of the object 20 relative to the panel 90 and for securing the object 20 relative to the panel 90.

As best shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 20-23, the panel 90 may includes an angular slope 130 relative to the upper edge 58 of the first side member 50 and the upper edge 78 of the second side member 70 for supporting the object 20 in an angular position 132 and permitting the object 20 to be pivoted relative to the panel 90 once the object 20 has been removed from the primary channel 112 and the secondary channel 122. Preferably, the angular slope 130 of the panel 90 is commensurate at both the first side member 50 and the second side member 70. However the angular slope 130 of the panel 90 may not be commensurate at the first side member 50 and the second side member 70 in order to facilitate the removal of the object 20 from the primary channel 112 and the secondary channel 122.

As best shown in FIG. 9, the primary rib 110 and the secondary rib 120 may converge with the panel 90 from the top panel edge 98 of the panel 90 to the bottom panel edge 96 of the panel 90 for defining a tapering channel 134 within the primary channel 112 and the secondary channel 122 from the top panel edge 98 of the panel 90 to the bottom panel edge 96 of the panel 90. The tapering channel 134 provides a progressive compression fit 136 of the object 20 with the panel 90 and the primary rib 110 and the secondary rib 120 as the object 20 descends into the primary channel 112 and the secondary channel 122.

As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the primary rib 110 and the secondary rib 120 may include an ascending rib height 138 from the top panel edge 98 of the panel 90 to the bottom panel edge 96 of the panel 90 for defining an inclined primary rib 114 and an inclined secondary rib 124 from the top panel edge 98 of the panel 90 to the bottom panel edge 96 of the panel 90. The inclined primary rib 114 and the inclined secondary rib 124 provide a progressive increased contact area 140 between the object 20 and the primary rib 110 and the secondary rib 120 as the object 20 descends into the primary channel 112 and the secondary channel 122. A support 142 may be coupled to the panel 90 for supporting the bottom edge 26 of the object 20 and terminating descending displacement of the object 20 relative to the panel 90.

As best shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 15, 16 and 20-23, the tray 10 may further include a secondary panel 150 couples the first side member 50 with the second side member 70. The secondary panel 150 includes a front panel face 152, a back panel face 154, a bottom panel edge 156, a top panel edge 158, a first side panel edge 160 and a second side panel edge 162. The bottom panel edge 96 of the panel 90 is coupled to the bottom panel edge 156 of the secondary panel 150. Alternatively, the bottom panel edge 96 of the panel 90 is coupled to the bottom panel edge 156 of the secondary panel 150 by the support 142.

The secondary panel 150 may define a secondary angular slope 170 relative to the upper edge 58 of the first side member 50 and the upper edge 78 of the second side member 70 for permitting the object 20 to be pivoted relative to the panel 90 once the object 20 has been removed from the primary channel 112 and the secondary channel 122. The angular slope 130 and the secondary angular slope 170 defines a groove 172 between the panel 90 and the secondary panel 150. The groove 172 may include a V-shaped groove 174 between the panel 90 and the secondary panel 150. The groove 172 permits the object 20 to be pivoted relative to the panel 90 once the object 20 has been removed from the primary channel 112 and the secondary channel 122. More specifically, the groove 172 permits the forward displacement of the top edge 28 of the object 20 in a forward direction to the front edge 60 and 80 of the first side member 50 and the second side member 70 respectively once the object 20 has been partially removed from the primary channel 112 and the secondary channel 122. A panel aperture 180 may be included in the secondary panel 150 for preventing the object 20 from making contact with the secondary panel 150 as the object 20 descends into the primary channel 112 and the secondary channel 122. More specifically, if the object 20 includes retail merchandise 34 that protrudes forward substantially from the merchandise label board 38, the retail merchandise 34 is permitted to traverse the secondary panel 150 by the retail merchandise 34 entering and extending through the panel aperture 180. The retail merchandise 34 may then enter into a cavity 182 that is forward of the secondary panel 150. More specifically, the cavity 182 may comprise an inverted V-shaped cavity 184.

As best shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the tray 10 may further include a primary rib base 190 is in the primary rib 110 for increasing the coupling surface area between the first side member 50 and the secondary panel 150. A secondary rib base 192 is in the secondary rib 120 for increasing the coupling surface area between the second side member 70 and the secondary panel 150. The primary rib base 190 and the secondary rib base 192 may include a V-shaped rib base 194. Alternatively, the primary rib base 190 and the secondary rib base 192 may include other shapes including but not limited to L-shaped rib base, linear shaped rib base or other configurations.

The tray 10 may further include a front member 200 that further couples the first side member 50 with the second side member 70. The front member 200 may define a front handle 202 that facilitates the handling and positioning of the tray 10. A rear member 204 may couple the first side member 50 with the second side member 70. The rear member 204 may define a rear handle 206 that facilitates the handling and positioning of the tray 10. The rear member 204 may include a rear aperture 208 for further defining the rear handle 206 and facilitate the grasping of the tray 10. An upper member 210 couples the first side member 50 with the second side member 70.

A rear upper member 212 may further couple the first side member 50 with the second side member 70. The rear upper member defines the rear handle 206. A rear lower member 214 may further couple the first side member 50 with the second side member 70. The rear lower member defines the rear handle 206.

Preferably, the tray 10 includes a plurality of panels 220 coupling the first side member 50 with the second side member 70 for receiving a plurality of objects 20. The tray 10 may further include a plurality of secondary panels 222 coupling the first side member 50 with the second side member 70. The plurality of panels 220 and the plurality of secondary panels 222 define a plurality of grooves 224 between each of the plurality of panels 220 and the plurality of secondary panels 222. A plurality of primary ribs 226 are coupled to the interior side 54 of the first side member 50 for defining a plurality of primary channels 228 between the front panel face 92 of the plurality of panels 220 and the plurality of primary ribs 226. A plurality of secondary ribs 230 are coupled to the interior side 74 of the second side member 70 for defining a plurality of secondary channels 232 between the front panel face 92 of the plurality of panels 220 and the plurality of secondary ribs 230. Each of the first side edges 30 of each of the plurality of objects 20 slidably engage the plurality of primary channels 228 and each of the second side edges 32 of each of the plurality of objects 20 slidably engage the plurality of secondary channels 232 for permitting the slidable displacement of the plurality of objects 20 relative to the plurality of panels 220 and for securing the plurality of objects 20 relative to the plurality of panels 220. A plurality of supports 234 may couple the bottom panel edges 96 of the plurality of panels 220 to the bottom panel edges 156 of the plurality of secondary panels 222. A plurality of upper supports 236 may couple the top panel edges 98 of the plurality of panels 220 to the top panel edges 158 of the plurality of secondary panels 222. The plurality of panels 220, the plurality of supports 234, the plurality of secondary panels 222, and the plurality of upper supports 236 may define a continuous W-shaped rack 244 between the first side member 50 and the second side member 70.

The tray 10 may further include a plurality of legs 240 coupled to the lower edge 56 and 76of the first side member 50 and the second side member 70 respectively. The plurality of legs 240 may be utilized to elevate the first side member 50 and the second side member 70 from a support surface. The plurality of legs 240 may further be utilized for mating with apertures in the supporting surface for preventing slidable displacement of the tray 10 relative to a supporting surface.

Preferably, the tray 10 is constructed of an integral one piece unit 242. More specifically, the tray 10 is constructed by an injection molding process from a polymeric material which may be reusable multiple times and may further be recyclable. The tray 10 is constructed such that the structure defines a skeletal rack that is and rigid and resistance twisting and flexing. Furthermore, the primary channel 112 and the secondary channel 122 secure the product in place and ensure proper product alignment and facing. As best shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the tray 10 is constructed such that multiple trays 10 may nest on top of one another to facilitate storage and shipping of the trays 10.

FIGS. 24-31 and 56-57 illustrate a second embodiment of a tray 10. FIGS. 32-39 illustrate a third embodiment of the tray 10. FIGS. 40-47 and 58-62 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the tray 10. The tray 10 comprises a first side member 50 including an exterior side 52, an interior side 54, lower edge 56, an upper edge 58, a front edge 60 and a back edge 62. A second side member 70 includes an exterior side 72, an interior side 74, a lower edge 76, an upper edge 78, a front edge 80 and a back edge 82.

A plurality of primary tabs 250 are coupled to the first side member 50. A plurality of secondary tabs 252 are coupled to the second side member 70. The plurality of primary tabs 250 and the plurality of secondary tabs 252 support the object 20. A plurality of support frames 260 couple each the plurality of primary tabs 250 with each the plurality of secondary tabs 252 for terminating a descending displacement of the object 20 relative to the support frame 260 and supports the bottom edge 26 of the object 20.

Preferably, the plurality of primary tabs 250 have a rearward angular slope 261 relative to the first side member 50 and the second side member 70 for supporting the object 20 in an angular position 132. The rearward angular slope 261 is relative to the front member 200.

A plurality of primary ribs 110 are coupled to the first side member 50 for defining a primary channel 112 between each of the plurality of primary tabs 250 and the plurality of primary ribs 110. A plurality of secondary ribs 120 are coupled to the second side member 70 for defining a secondary channel 122 between each of the plurality of secondary tabs 252 and the plurality of secondary ribs 120. The first side edge 30 of the object 20 slidably engages the primary channel 112 and the second side edge 32 of the object 20 slidably engages the secondary channel 122 for permitting the slidable displacement of the object 20 relative to the support frame 260 and for securing the object 20 relative to the support frame 260.

The primary channel 112 and the secondary channel 122 may define a descending tapering channel 134. The descending tapering channel 134 provides a progressive compression fit 136 of the object 20 between each of the plurality of primary tabs 250 and the plurality of primary ribs 110 and each of the plurality of secondary tabs 252 and the plurality of secondary ribs 120.

A cross-member 262 is coupled between each the plurality of support frames 260. The plurality of support frames 260 and the cross-members 262 define a grid member bottom 264.

A tab extension 266 is coupled to each of the plurality of primary tabs 250 and the plurality of secondary tabs 252. The tab extensions 266 extending above the upper edge 58 of the first side member 50 and the upper edge 78 the second side member 70 for increasing the contact surface area between the plurality of primary tabs 250, the plurality of secondary tabs 252 and the object 20. A plurality of re-enforcing members 268 may be coupled between the first side member 50, the plurality of primary tabs 250 and the plurality of support frames 260 and between the second side member 70, the plurality of primary tabs 250 and the plurality of support frames 260. The plurality of re-enforcing members 268 strengthen and stiffen the first side member 50, the second side member 70, the plurality of primary tabs 250, the plurality of secondary tabs 252 and the plurality of support frames 260.

As best shown in FIGS. 58-62, a plurality of stop members 270 are coupled to the first side member 50 and the second side member 70. The plurality of stop members 270 extend below the upper edge 58 of the first side member 50 and the upper edge 78 of the second side member 70 for distancing multiple trays 10 in a stacked position. More specifically, the plurality of stop members 270 rest on the upper edge 58 of the first side member 50 and the upper edge 78 of the second side member 70 for creating a hard stop. The plurality of stop members 270 prevent stacked trays 10 from creating a locking angle where trays would resist being released when stacked.

As shown in FIGS. 32-39, the front member 200 and the rear member 210 may include a descending arcuate groove 272. As shown in FIGS. 48-55, the front member 200 may include the descending arcuate groove 272. The descending arcuate groove 272 permits for increased exposure of the object 20 and further facilitates the disengagement of the object 20 from the tray 10. As shown in FIGS. 40-47, the tray 10 may include an open end 274. The open end 274 permits full exposure of the object 20 and further facilitates the disengagement of the object 20 from the tray 10.

Preferably, the trays 10 in FIGS. 24-47 are constructed of an integral one piece unit 242. More specifically, the tray 10 is constructed by an injection molding process from a polymeric material which may be reusable multiple times and may further be recyclable. The tray 10 is constructed such that the structure defines a skeletal rack that is and rigid and resistance twisting and flexing. Furthermore, the primary channel 112 and the secondary channel 122 secure the product in place and ensure proper product alignment and facing. As best shown in FIGS. 58-62, the tray 10 is constructed such that multiple trays 10 may nest on top of one another to facilitate storage and shipping of the trays 10.

FIGS. 48-55 illustrate a fifth embodiment of the tray 10. A tray retains and displays a plurality of objects, the objects including a front face, a back face, a bottom edge, a top edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. The tray 10 comprises a first side member 50 including an exterior side 52, an interior side 54, lower edge 56, an upper edge 58, a front edge 60 and a back edge 62. A second side member 70 includes an exterior side 72, an interior side 74, a lower edge 76, an upper edge 78, a front edge 80 and a back edge 82.

A plurality of primary frame sections 290 couple the first side member 50 with the second side member 70. A plurality of secondary frame sections 292 couple the first side member 50 with the second side member 70. A support frame 294 is defined by each of the plurality of primary frame sections 290 and the secondary frame sections 292 for supporting the object 20.

A lower support 296 is defined by each of the plurality of primary frame sections 290 and the plurality of secondary frame sections 292 at the bottom of the support frame 294. The lower support 296 terminates a descending displacement of the object 20 relative to the support frame 294 and supports the bottom edge 26 of the object 20.

A primary groove 300 is in the plurality of primary frame sections 290. A secondary groove 302 is in the plurality of secondary frame sections 292. The primary groove 300 and the secondary groove 302 define a cavity 304 between each of the plurality of primary frame sections 290 and the plurality of secondary frame sections 292. The secondary groove 302 permits the object 20 to be pivoted forward for facilitating the removal of the object 20 from the support frame 294.

The plurality of primary frame sections 290 may include a rearward angular slope 310 relative to the first side member 50 and the second side member 70 for supporting the object 20 in an angular position 132. The rearward angular slope 310 is relative to the front member 200. The plurality of secondary frame sections 292 have a forward angular slope 312 relative to the first side member 50 and the second side member 70. The forward angular slope 312 is relative to the front member 200.

A plurality of primary ribs 110 are coupled to the first side member 50 for defining a primary channel 112 between each of the plurality of primary frame sections 290 and the plurality of primary ribs 110. A plurality of secondary ribs 120 are coupled to the second side member 70 for defining a secondary channel 122 between each of the plurality of secondary frame sections 292 and the plurality of secondary ribs 120. The first side edge 30 of the object 20 slidably engages the primary channel 112 and the second side edge 32 of the object 20 slidably engages the secondary channel 122 for permitting the slidable displacement of the object 20 relative to the support frame 294 and for securing the object 20 relative to the support frame 294.

The primary channel 112 and the secondary channel 122 may define a descending tapering channel 134. The descending tapering channel 134 provides a progressive compression fit 136 of the object 20 between each of the plurality of primary frame sections 290 and the plurality of primary ribs 110 and each of the plurality of secondary frame sections 292 and the plurality of secondary ribs 120.

The support frame 294 may define a V-shaped frame 314. A primary upper support 320 is defined by each of the plurality of primary frame sections 290 and the plurality of secondary frame sections 292 at the top of the support frame 294 and adjacent to the first side member 50. A secondary upper support 322 is defined by each of the plurality of primary frame sections 290 and the plurality of secondary frame sections 292 at the top of the support frame 294 and adjacent to the second side member 70. The primary upper support 320 and the secondary upper support 322 increase the rigidly and resistance twisting and flexing of the tray 10. The plurality of primary frame sections 290, the plurality of secondary frame sections 292, the plurality lower supports 296, the plurality of primary upper supports 320 and plurality of secondary upper supports 322 may define a continuous W-shaped rack 244.

As shown in FIGS. 48-55, the front member 200 may include the descending arcuate groove 270. The descending arcuate groove 270 permits for exposure of the object 20 and further facilitates the disengagement of the object 20 from the tray 10.

Preferably, the trays 10 in FIGS. 48-55 are constructed of an integral one piece unit 242. More specifically, the tray 10 is constructed by an injection molding process from a polymeric material which may be reusable multiple times and may further be recyclable. The tray 10 is constructed such that the structure defines a skeletal rack that is and rigid and resistance twisting and flexing. Furthermore, the primary channel 112 and the secondary channel 122 secure the product in place and ensure proper product alignment and facing. The tray 10 is constructed such that multiple trays 10 may nest on top of one another to facilitate storage and shipping of the trays 10.

List of Reference Signs

• • 10 tray
  • 20 object
  • 22 front face
  • 24 back face
  • 26 bottom edge
  • 28 top edge
  • 30 first side edge
  • 32 second side edge
  • 34 retail merchandise
  • 36 liquid dispenser
  • 38 merchandise label board
  • 40 merchandise enclosure
  • 50 first side member
  • 52 exterior side
  • 54 interior side
  • 56 lower edge
  • 58 upper edge
  • 60 front edge
  • 62 back edge
  • 70 second side member
  • 72 exterior side
  • 74 interior side
  • 76 lower edge
  • 78 upper edge
  • 80 front edge
  • 82 back edge
  • 90 panel
  • 92 front panel face
  • 94 back panel face
  • 96 bottom panel edge
  • 98 top panel edge
  • 100 first side panel edge
  • 102 second side panel edge
  • 110 primary rib
  • 112 primary channel
  • 114 inclined primary rib
  • 120 secondary rib
  • 122 secondary channel
  • 124 inclined secondary rib
  • 130 angular slope
  • 132 angular position
  • 134 tapering channel
  • 136 progressive compression fit
  • 138 ascending rib height
  • 140 progressive increased contact area
  • 142 support
  • 144 upper support
  • 150 secondary panel
  • 152 front panel face
  • 154 back panel face
  • 156 bottom panel edge
  • 158 top panel edge
  • 160 first side panel edge
  • 162 second side panel edge
  • 170 secondary angular slope
  • 172 groove
  • 174 V-shaped groove
  • 180 panel aperture
  • 182 cavity
  • 184 inverted V-shape cavity
  • 190 primary rib base
  • 192 secondary rib base
  • 194 V-shaped rib base
  • 200 front member
  • 202 front handle
  • 204 rear member
  • 206 rear handle
  • 208 rear aperture
  • 210 upper member
  • 212 rear upper member
  • 214 rear lower member
  • 220 plurality of panels
  • 222 plurality of secondary panels
  • 224 plurality of grooves
  • 226 plurality of primary ribs
  • 228 plurality of primary channels
  • 230 plurality of secondary ribs
  • 232 plurality of secondary channels
  • 234 plurality of supports
  • 236 plurality of upper supports
  • 240 plurality of legs
  • 242 integral one piece unit
  • 244 continuous W-shaped rack
  • 250 plurality of primary tabs
  • 252 plurality of secondary tabs
  • 260 plurality of support frames
  • 261 rearward angular slope
  • 262 cross-member
  • 264 grid member bottom
  • 266 tab extension
  • 268 plurality of re-enforcing members
  • 270 plurality of stop members
  • 272 descending arcuate groove
  • 274 open end
  • 290 plurality of primary frame sections
  • 292 plurality of secondary frame sections
  • 294 support frame
  • 296 lower support
  • 300 primary groove
  • 302 secondary groove
  • 304 cavity
  • 310 rearward angular slope
  • 312 forward angular slope
  • 314 V-shaped frame
  • 320 plurality of primary upper supports
  • 322 plurality of secondary upper supports

The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims as well as the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.