CN119816453A

CN119816453A - Module, modular transport and display unit for transporting and displaying products and related method

Info

Publication number: CN119816453A
Application number: CN202380050675.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 丹尼尔·洛佩兹·乌兰; 尼古拉斯·卡普恩斯
Original assignee: Chep Technology Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Chep Technology Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2022-06-29
Filing date: 2023-06-29
Publication date: 2025-04-11
Also published as: AU2023298223A1; MX2024016078A; JP2025524497A; US20250295250A1; EP4547569A1; CL2024004031A1; WO2024003562A1

Abstract

A module for a modular transport and display unit is disclosed for transporting products to a store and for subsequently displaying the products in the store. The module comprises a shelf adapted to receive the products thereon, and at least one reconfigurable support structure. The at least one reconfigurable support structure is adapted to be unfolded to support one or more additional modules which, when so supported, will together with the initial module form the modular transport and display unit. The at least one reconfigurable support structure is further adapted to be received within the shelf so that each module, and thereby the modular unit, can be disassembled directly by a store operator for return to a logistics center without damage to any components.

Description

Module, modular transport and display unit for transporting and displaying products and related method

Technical Field

The application relates to a module for a modular transport and display unit. In particular, the application relates to a module for a modular transport and display unit that can be used to load products thereon for transport to a store and that can then be used seamlessly and easily with minimal handling for displaying the products, such as in connection with special offers for the products, for example in the store.

The application also relates to the modular transport and display unit, and to a related method of erecting or stowing (collapse) the module and/or the modular transport and display unit, for loading the product thereon, respectively, or for returning the module and/or transport and display unit to a service center after repair, cleaning or repair (if necessary) before being used again for transporting and displaying new products.

Background

In the search for true recycling economy, it is becoming increasingly important to reduce or eliminate disposable packaging and employ concentrated product dispensing solutions.

While trays (pallet) may be used to display products in a store, and they are of a range of suitable sizes, such as full, half, and quarter trays, they may not be attractive or convenient for the consumer.

In order to appeal to consumers while maintaining transport convenience, available in the prior art are transport and display units that are effectively built on a transport platform, such as a pallet or wheel pallet (trolley (dolly)), these units can be decorated with promotional material, typically made of cardboard, such as a billboard, banner or billboard, either on site or prior to transport. When the product has been sold or a particular promotion terminated, the store operator may fold or remove the units for return and reuse, however, before reusing the units, it may be necessary to repair them these operations can be costly or time consuming.

Thus, there is a need for improved solutions that are more convenient, easier to handle and/or repair (if needed), while still being attractive to consumers and easy to operate by store operators.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a module for a modular shipping and display unit for shipping a product to a store and for subsequent display of said product in the store, the module comprising a shelf (or display tray) adapted to receive said product thereon, and at least one reconfigurable support structure adapted to be deployed in a first erect configuration, the support structure adapted to support one or more additional such modules such that all modules may together form the shipping and display unit, and the at least one reconfigurable support structure adapted to be stowed (stow-away) in a second stowed configuration.

Such stand-alone modules, also in combination with one or more modules of the same type, can provide a complete or more complete shipping and display unit, form a robust and easy to handle shipping and display solution, have good operability, and are easy and friendly to handle in a store and return for reuse.

The at least one reconfigurable support structure may be rotatably arranged with respect to a shelf or display tray.

The shelf or display tray may include a border adapted to retain the product on the shelf or display tray. The border may at least partially surround the shelf or display tray. However, it is preferred that the border completely surrounds the shelf or display tray, such as the border is integrally formed with the shelf or display tray, for example as a skirt extending perpendicularly from the shelf or display tray. To maximize the amount of product that can be contained on a shelf or display tray, a skirt may extend from the edge of the shelf or display tray.

In a preferred configuration, the at least one reconfigurable support structure and the boundary may be integral so that maximum space for the product may be maintained on the shelf or display tray. For example, the reconfigurable support structure and boundaries may be adapted to form a pivotable connection, or may be coupled/engaged by a pivotable connection. In other words, the at least one reconfigurable support structure may be pivotally connected to the boundary, rather than elsewhere on the module, such as to a shelf-as this will maximize the payload of the module.

Of particular concern in this disclosure is how the reconfigurable support structure and boundaries may be integrated. For example, the reconfigurable support structure in the erect configuration may be adjacent, contiguous, or even disposed as part of, or part of, a boundary or a particular region thereof (such as a corner). Thus, when the reconfigurable support structure is erected, as much space as possible may be left on the display tray or shelf to accommodate products for transport and/or display.

The reconfigurable support structure may include one or more rods that may be disposed adjacent, contiguous, or even included as part of the shelf boundary. The pivotable connection may include at least one pin that may be disposed on a respective rod, and at least one guide that may be disposed on the shelf boundary for receiving the pin and guiding movement thereof such that the at least one reconfigurable support structure may rotate and/or translate relative to the shelf such that the pivotable end of the rod may avoid the shelf boundary during reconfiguration.

An advantage of this arrangement is that the bars may be located adjacent or even abutting the border, or may form part of the border itself, to maximize space on the shelf for the product, but it may avoid the border when rotated to reconfigure the reconfigurable support structure. Of course, alternatively, the at least one pin may be provided on the boundary and the at least one guide may be provided on the rod.

Preferably, the at least one pin is provided on a pivotable end of the reconfigurable support structure, which may be a pivotable end of the lever. The at least one guide may be provided in the shape of a slot, and in particular as a cut through a (relatively thin) shelf boundary.

The pivotable connection may be arranged such that the minimum distance of the pivotable end of the reconfigurable support structure, e.g. measured from the base of the bar, is less than a predetermined value (i.e. the minimum distance between the base of the bar and the boundary) during the entire reconfiguration of the reconfigurable support structure. It is important that the support structure avoid the boundary upon reconfiguration and it is also important that in the erect position the support structure leave as much space as possible on the shelves or display trays of the module.

The pivotable connection may include an upper pin and a lower pin disposed on the pivotable end of the reconfigurable support structure (such as on the proximal end of the lever), and two respective upper and lower slots disposed on the shelf boundary for guiding movement of the two respective pins. The lower slot may extend linearly along the shelf boundary and the upper slot may be arcuate with a downward concavity. Forming the slots according to these shapes may facilitate simultaneous and/or sequential translation and/or rotation of the at least one reconfigurable support structure, which may be required for the pole base to avoid boundaries when reconfiguring the reconfigurable support structure.

The upper slot may form a holding point (cusp) at an end thereof for holding the at least one support structure in the first configuration or the second configuration. However, the boundary may alternatively and/or additionally comprise a resiliently flexible retainer for retaining the at least one support structure in the first configuration or the second configuration. However, other types of retainers may be provided.

Each reconfigurable support structure may include a pair of opposed pivotable levers and a bridge connecting respective distal ends of the pivotable levers. This arrangement is particularly simple and robust.

The bars may have an L-shaped cross-section and be arranged such that the respective angles formed by the L-shape face the shelf, which is also a simple measure of saving or helping to save space on the shelf for any product to be accommodated thereon.

The bridge may comprise a pair of opposed brackets arranged to engage the distal ends of the pivotable levers. The pair of opposing brackets may have different shapes, but the preferred shape is an L-shape to match the cross-sectional shape of the corresponding L-shaped rod.

The module may comprise two reconfigurable support structures disposed at opposite ends of the shelf or display tray.

Furthermore, the modules may be arranged to reach their respective second stowed positions by equal and opposite stowing operations such that the two reconfigurable support structures fold inwardly from their respective first upright positions towards the shelf. In this arrangement, the reconfigurable support structure may be intuitively and/or neatly stowed.

The at least one reconfigurable support structure may be extendable in addition to its being reconfigurable. It will be appreciated that this is particularly advantageous in terms of modularity of the arrangement. When multiple modules are stacked one upon the other, variable and/or adjustable spacing between shelves or display trays can be readily achieved by varying the length of the respective support structures. This of course allows different products or the same product of different sizes (e.g. beverage or cosmetic) to be efficiently stored in the modular unit, thereby saving space and maintaining compactness.

The bridge may be adapted to be positioned in at least a first fully retracted position and a second fully extended position relative to the two rods. These may be the only two positions the bridge is configured to take, or of course any arbitrary number of intermediate configurations may exist. Preferably, the bridge may be telescopically extendable. The rod engaging brackets may each be slidably disposed on a respective rod.

Advantageously, the bridge may comprise an actuation mechanism arranged such that the bridge may be extended or retracted upon actuation of the actuation mechanism. The institution may be manually actuatable, for example, by a store operator.

Preferably, the actuation mechanism may comprise one or more bolts and biasing means for biasing the bolts into the protruding configuration. In a protruding configuration, the bolts may engage with one or more of the brackets and/or rods of the reconfigurable support structure, for example with a set of openings or recesses provided thereon for this purpose. The actuation mechanism may be configured such that actuation of the actuation mechanism retracts the bolt against the biasing means.

In a particularly preferred arrangement, the shelf is generally rectangular. Preferably, the size of the shelf corresponds to the size of the tray or trolley, or to the size of a portion of the tray or trolley. More preferably, the shelf is the size of a quarter tray or trolley.

Each reconfigurable support structure may be disposed adjacent, near, at or near a short side of a rectangular shelf or display tray, and this will facilitate access (from at least one long side of the rectangle) to any product supported on the shelf. Each pivotable lever may be provided at a respective corner of the rectangular shelf to further save space on the shelf to accommodate products thereon. Each bridge may extend parallel to a corresponding short side of the rectangular shelf and may have the same length as the corresponding short side. The reconfiguration movement of the subsequently reconfigurable support structure may effectively be a two-dimensional rotation/translation on an imaginary or reference plane parallel to (or otherwise containing) the boundary or skirt, with the boundary or skirt extending perpendicularly from the shelf or display tray.

The at least one reconfigurable support structure may be sized and arranged such that in its second stowed configuration, the reconfigurable support structure lies entirely within the interior of the boundary. This will prevent or reduce accidental damage to the module, for example during transportation to repair and/or repair facilities before the module can be reused.

The dimensions and arrangement of the two reconfigurable support structures may be such that when both support structures are configured in the second stowed configuration, the reconfigurable support structures lie entirely within the interior of the boundary.

Preferably, the above conditions are also met when at least one or both of the reconfigurable support structures are extended-thus the store operator does not have to retract the bridge to be able to receive the reconfigurable support structures in a flat, fixed configuration.

Furthermore, the at least one reconfigurable support structure may be sized and arranged such that in the second stowed configuration the reconfigurable support structure lies flat with a footprint (footprint) that is entirely contained within the shelf, even further expanding the advantages described above.

Furthermore, the two reconfigurable support structures may be sized and arranged such that when both support structures are configured in the second stowed configuration, the reconfigurable support structures lie flat with a corresponding footprint entirely contained within the interior of the shelf.

Preferably, the above conditions are also met when at least one or both of the reconfigurable support structures are extended.

The bottom surface of the shelf may be configured to fit snugly over another module and/or over the loading surface of the pallet or trolley to increase the stability of the unit.

The border or skirt may be provided with one or more recesses or handles to facilitate handling of the module, such as by a user who may then better grip the module by hand via the one or more recesses or handles.

Furthermore, in the first erect configuration, at least one support structure may be configured to be snugly received by the bottom surface of the one or more additional such modules, additionally for improving the stability of the unit in the erect configuration.

Finally, the at least one reconfigurable support structure may include one or more features constructed and arranged to hold a packaging element (such as a cardboard sheet) in place when the at least one reconfigurable support structure is in the first upright configuration. The packaging element or cardboard sheet may prevent access to the product during transport to a store, for example. These features may include one or more tongues configured to hold the packaging element in place. Preferably, this is done in cooperation with at least a portion of the boundary. Alternatively, or in addition, the features may include one or more slits configured to hold the packaging element in place. Preferably, this is done in cooperation with another reconfigurable support structure as described herein. The tongue or slit may be configured such that the packaging element is arranged flush with the outer surface of the border and/or one or more outer surfaces of the associated support structure.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a modular shipping and display unit for shipping a product to a store and for subsequently displaying the product in the store, wherein the unit comprises at least a first module as described herein. The first module may comprise at least one upstanding reconfigurable support structure as described herein. The first module may comprise at least one stowed reconfigurable support structure as described herein.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a combination of a module as described herein or a modular transport and display unit as further described herein with a corresponding pallet or trolley. Preferably, the size of the modules, modular units and trays or trolleys corresponds to a quarter tray size.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of erecting and/or stowing a module as described herein or a modular unit as described herein, the method comprising deploying at least one reconfigurable support structure as described herein stowed in a first erect configuration and/or stowing at least one reconfigurable support structure as described herein erect in a second stowed configuration.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of making a modular shipping and display as described herein, the method comprising:

providing a first module as described herein, and deploying the at least one reconfigurable support structure stowed as described herein in a first upright configuration;

stacking at least one other upright module as described herein on the first module;

Optionally, the unit is loaded with one or more products by disposing the one or more products on any of the shelves of the first module or other modules of the modular unit.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of stowing a modular shipping and display unit as described herein, the method comprising:

Providing a first module as described herein, and receiving at least one reconfigurable support structure erected as described herein in a second stowed configuration;

stacking at least one other stow module on the first module;

Optionally, unloading the modular unit by removing one or more products from any of the shelves of the first or other modules.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a module for a modular shipping and display unit for shipping a product to a store and for subsequently displaying the product in the store, the module comprising:

A shelf adapted to receive the product thereon, and

At least one removable support structure adapted to support one or more additional such modules such that all modules together form the transport and display unit.

The various aspects described herein, and the features disclosed in association with each such aspect, may be combinable with each other, unless explicitly stated otherwise or there are particular technical considerations that would prevent such a combination.

Drawings

The modules and units of the invention and the related methods will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of a static reusable stand alone display unit (reusable free-STANDING DISPLAY unit, RFSDU).

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of RFSDU of fig. 1.

Fig. 3A is a front view of the fully assembled static RFSDU with the discs shown in a first arrangement.

Fig. 3B is a front view of the fully assembled static RFSDU, with the display tray in a second arrangement.

Fig. 4A is a front view of the fully assembled static RFSDU, with the display tray in a third arrangement.

Fig. 4B is a front view of the fully assembled static RFSDU, with the display tray in a fourth arrangement.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the first connector of RFSDU of fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a top view of the connector of fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the connector of fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the connector of fig. 5.

Fig. 9 is a side view of the connector of fig. 5.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the connector of fig. 5 attached to a static pallet base, further including a post support.

Fig. 11 is a top view of a second connector attached to the base of the static tray.

Fig. 12A is a top view of a static pallet base.

Fig. 12B is an enlarged top view of the engagement features of the static pallet base of fig. 12A.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the connector and static pallet base of fig. 11, further including side post supports and rear post supports.

Fig. 14A is a side view of the fully erected and extended static RFSDU.

Fig. 14B is a front view of RFSDU of fig. 14A.

Fig. 15A is a front view of a partially erected wheel RFSDU.

Fig. 15B is a front view of the fully erected wheel RFSDU.

Fig. 16A is a top view of the connector of fig. 11, indicating the location of the post support base region in the first layout.

Fig. 16B is a top view of the connector of fig. 11, indicating the location of the post support base region in the second layout.

Fig. 16C is a top view of the connector of fig. 11, indicating the position of the post support base region in the third layout.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the stationary RFSDU main structure, and associated display tray, in a first shipping configuration.

Fig. 18 is a side view of the wheel RFSDU main structure in a folded configuration.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the static RFSDU main structure with the rear pillar support partially erected.

Fig. 20 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the nesting point of the connector and the slider of the rear post support.

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a rear post support base region connected to a rear post support slider.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a side post support base region connected to a side post support slider.

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the static RFSDU main structure showing the rear post support partially erected horizontally in place.

Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the stationary RFSDU main structure of fig. 23, showing the partially erected rear pillar support lowered into position.

Fig. 25 is an enlarged perspective view of the connector and post support base engagement mechanism in a folded configuration.

Fig. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the post support base engagement mechanism of fig. 25.

Fig. 27A is a side view of the post support base engagement mechanism of fig. 25 in a folded configuration.

FIG. 27B is a side cross-sectional view of the post support base engagement mechanism of FIG. 25 in a folded configuration.

FIG. 28 is a side cross-sectional view of the post support base engagement mechanism of FIG. 26 in an upright configuration.

Fig. 29 is a front view of the wheel RFSDU fully erected and extended.

Fig. 30A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the telescopic extension of the strut support.

Fig. 30B is a front cross-sectional view of the telescoping extension mechanism of fig. 30A.

Fig. 31A is a front cross-sectional view of the telescoping extension mechanism of fig. 30 in a first position.

Fig. 31B is a front cross-sectional view of the telescoping extension mechanism of fig. 30 in a second position.

Fig. 31C is a front cross-sectional view of the telescoping extension mechanism of fig. 30 in a third position.

Fig. 31D is a front cross-sectional view of the telescoping extension mechanism of fig. 30 in a fourth position.

Fig. 32 is a second perspective view of the telescoping extension mechanism of the side support in a partially extended configuration.

Fig. 33A shows a perspective view of the static RFSDU with the side and rear post supports upright and the telescoping extension mechanism of the supports in a retracted configuration.

Fig. 33B is a perspective view of a user extending the telescoping extension mechanism of the upright RFSDU rear post support of fig. 34A from a retracted configuration.

Fig. 34A is a perspective view of the post support immediately after the user extends the telescoping extension mechanism of fig. 33, with the post support now in a fully extended configuration.

Fig. 34B is a perspective view of RFSDU of fig. 33 with the telescoping extension mechanisms of the side and rear post supports in a fully extended configuration.

Fig. 35A is a top view showing a tray.

Fig. 35B is a side view of the display tray of fig. 35A.

Fig. 36 is a perspective view of a display tray inserted into a fully erected and extended static RFSDU.

Fig. 37A is a perspective view of a user inserting a display tray through a slot into a fully erected and extended static RFSDU.

Fig. 37B is a perspective view of RFSDU of fig. 37A, showing the disc fully inserted into the slot of fig. 37A.

Fig. 38 shows an enlarged perspective view of a display tray inserted into one of the side post support slots of fig. 37.

Fig. 39A is an enlarged perspective view of a side post support slot.

Fig. 39B is an enlarged perspective cross-sectional view of the side post support slot of fig. 39A, showing the flexible display tray engagement mechanism.

Fig. 40 shows a side cross-sectional view of the flexible display tray engagement mechanism in a depressed state.

Fig. 41 shows a side cross-sectional view of the flexible display tray engagement mechanism of fig. 40 in an expanded state.

Fig. 42A is an enlarged side view of the rear post support showing the first locking mechanism.

Fig. 42B is an enlarged exploded view of the first locking mechanism of fig. 42A.

Fig. 43 is an enlarged side view of a display tray inserted into the first locking mechanism of fig. 42A.

Fig. 44A is an enlarged side view of the rear post support showing the second locking mechanism.

Fig. 44B is an enlarged side view of the rear post support showing the third locking mechanism.

Fig. 44C is an enlarged side view of the rear post support showing the fourth locking mechanism.

Fig. 45A is a perspective view of a user removing the bottom display tray from fully assembled RFSDU.

Fig. 45B is a perspective view of RFSDU fully erected and extended and a display tray stacked apart.

Fig. 46A is a perspective view of the telescoping extension mechanism with the user retracting the side post support of RFSDU fully erected and extended.

Fig. 46B is a perspective view of a user folding the pivot extension mechanism of the side post support of fig. 46A.

Fig. 47 is a perspective view of part-up RFSDU.

Fig. 48A is a perspective view of the partially erected RFSDU showing which direction each post support should be moved to enter the transport position.

Fig. 48B is a perspective view of the partially erected RFSDU of fig. 48A, showing the partially erected post support in a transport position.

Fig. 49A is a perspective view of the partially erected RFSDU of fig. 47 with one of the side post supports in a partially stowed position.

Fig. 49B is a perspective view of RFSDU of fig. 47 in a transport position, showing the trays stacked apart.

Fig. 50A is a perspective view of two stacks of display trays and RFSDU in a shipping position, stacked on top of each other in an alternating fashion.

Fig. 50B is a perspective view of two RFSDU stacked on top of each other in a shipping position.

FIG. 51A is a perspective view of an exemplary stowable module including two collapsible support structures in a stowed configuration.

Fig. 51B is a perspective view of an erection module.

Fig. 52A is a perspective view of the module of fig. 51A removably attached to a tray base.

Fig. 52B is a perspective view of the module of fig. 51B removably attached to a tray base.

Fig. 53A is a perspective view of the module of fig. 51B in an erect and extended configuration.

Fig. 53B is a perspective view of the module of fig. 53A removably attached to a tray base.

Fig. 54A is a perspective view of a stack of seven erected modules that are removably attached to a tray base to form an exemplary transport and display unit.

Fig. 54B is a perspective view of a stack of four stowage modules removably attached to a tray base to form a stowed transport and display unit.

Fig. 55A is a cross-sectional view of an extension mechanism of a support structure of a module as described herein in a first position.

Fig. 55B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the extension mechanism of fig. 55A.

Fig. 56A is a cross-sectional view of an extension mechanism of a support structure of a module as described herein in a second position.

Fig. 56B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the extension mechanism of fig. 56A.

Fig. 57A is a cross-sectional view of an extension mechanism of a support structure of a module as described herein in a third position.

Fig. 57B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the extension mechanism of fig. 57A.

Fig. 58A is a cross-sectional view of an extension mechanism of a support structure of a module as described herein in a fourth position.

Fig. 58B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the extension mechanism of fig. 58A.

Fig. 59A is a side view of the hinge mechanism of the stowable module of fig. 51-58 in a first position.

Fig. 59B is an enlarged side view of the hinge mechanism of fig. 58A.

Fig. 60A is a side view of the hinge mechanism of fig. 59 in a second position.

Fig. 60B is an enlarged side view of the hinge mechanism of fig. 60A.

Fig. 61A is a perspective view of the tray base adapter.

Fig. 61B is a perspective view of a first fully erected exemplary transport and display unit (or RFSDU) that includes paperboard decoration along with the product.

Fig. 62A is a perspective view of an exemplary shipping and display unit (or RFSDU) fully erected with a first paperboard decoration applied thereto.

Fig. 62B is a perspective view of the shipping and display unit of fig. 62A with a first paperboard decoration mounted thereon.

Fig. 63A is a perspective view of the shipping and display unit of fig. 62A with a second cardboard decoration mounted thereon.

Fig. 63B is a perspective view of the shipping and display unit of fig. 62A with a third cardboard decoration mounted thereon.

Fig. 64A is a front view of a second fully erected exemplary transport and display unit (or RFSDU) that includes paperboard decoration along with the product.

Fig. 64B is a top view of a display tray including products in a first arrangement.

Fig. 64C is a top view of a display tray including products in a second arrangement.

Fig. 65 is a detailed pictorial overview of the usage period of RFSDU.

FIG. 66 is an exploded perspective view of a second exemplary collapsible module including two collapsible support structures in an erect configuration and an extended configuration.

Fig. 67A is a side view of the hinge mechanism of the stowable module of fig. 66.

Fig. 67B is an enlarged side view of the hinge mechanism of the stowable module of fig. 66.

Fig. 68A is a bottom view of a pin of the hinge mechanism of the stowable module of fig. 66.

Fig. 68B is a side view of the pin of fig. 68A.

Fig. 68C is a top view of the pin of fig. 68A.

Fig. 68D is a perspective view of the pin of fig. 68A.

Fig. 69A is a perspective view of the inner leg of the stowable module of fig. 66.

Fig. 69B is an enlarged perspective view of the inner post of fig. 69A.

Detailed Description

Similar features across different arrangements will generally be labeled with the same reference numerals. Features described in connection with any of the aspects of the present disclosure may be provided in any other aspect disclosed herein unless there is a particular reason why such a combination is not possible.

Axis system

Depicted for orientation purposes, the axis system in fig. 1 indicates a first direction 10, a second direction 20, and a third direction 30 with respect to the orientation of RFSDU. The first direction 10 may be considered to be directed from right to left in the width dimension. The second direction 20 may be considered to be directed upward from below in the height dimension. The third direction 30 may be considered to be directed forward from back in depth dimension.

RFSDU introduction to

As seen in fig. 1 and 2, a reusable free-standing display unit (RFSDU) 100 according to an arrangement of the present disclosure includes a tray base 120, a connector 140, at least one post support 160, and at least one display tray 220. RFSDU shown in fig. 1 is fully assembled, fully erected, fully extended, and with the desired number of display trays inserted.

The tray base 120 is used to support the connector and post supports of RFSDU. Connectors are used to connect the post support to the tray base 120. The post support is used to support the display tray 220. The display tray 220 is used to support a product.

The tray base 120 shown in fig. 1 and 2 is a static tray base 125. In other arrangements, the tray base 120 may be a wheeled tray base 130.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, there are three post supports 160. In other arrangements, there may be more (such as four or five) post supports 160, or there may be fewer (such as one or two) post supports. Each of the post supports 160 may be a side post support 170 or a rear post support 200. In this example, there are two side post supports 170 and one rear post support 200. Each of the side post supports 170 may be a left post support 180 or a right post support 190. In this example, one of the side post supports 170 is a left post support 180 and the other side post support 170 is a right post support 190. In other arrangements not shown, one of the strut supports 160 may be a front strut support.

Display tray 220 is supported at intervals by post support 160. The intervals may be regular, wherein the distance between adjacent display trays 220 is substantially the same, or the intervals may be irregular, wherein the distance between adjacent display trays 220 is different.

In fig. 1 and 2, five display trays 220 are shown, but fewer (such as one, two, or three) display trays 220 may be used, or more (such as six, seven, eight, nine, or ten) display trays 220 may be used. The distance between the connector 240 and the bottom display tray may be the same or different from the distance between each two adjacent display trays, such as less than or greater than the distance between each two adjacent display trays. Fig. 3A-4B show a fully assembled RFSDU with a different number of display trays. In fig. 3A, there are seven display trays, each of which is disposed at regular intervals from an adjacent display tray. In fig. 3A, the distance between the connector 240 and the bottom display tray is greater than the distance between every two adjacent display trays. The arrangement shown in fig. 3B has six display trays, with the top five display trays being disposed at regular intervals and the bottom display trays being spaced farther apart. In fig. 4A, there are five display trays arranged at regular intervals, and the distance between the connector 140 and the bottom display tray is greater than the distance between every two adjacent display trays. In fig. 4B, there are four display trays arranged at regular intervals, and the distance between the connector 240 and the bottom display tray is smaller than the distance between every two adjacent display trays.

Connector with a plurality of connectors

The connector 140 is detachably attached to the tray base 120. Referring now to fig. 5-9, the connector 140 includes sides 250, 251, 252, 253 and at least one reinforcing feature 152. The stiffening features 152 serve to stiffen some areas of the connector 140. In this arrangement, the connector 140 includes four sides and three reinforcing features 152. In other arrangements, the connector 140 may include fewer or more) sides 250, 251, 252, 253 and/or connector reinforcement features 152 (such as one, two, four, or five reinforcement features). In this arrangement, the four sides of the connector 140 are a connector front side 250, a connector rear side 251, a connector left side 252 and a connector right side 253. At least one of the connector reinforcing features 152 may be a connector corner reinforcing feature 153 and the third reinforcing feature 152 may be a connector mid-section reinforcing feature 154. The connector corner reinforcing features 153 reinforce the area where the sides of the connector 140 adjoin each other. In this example, both connector corner reinforcing features 153 are positioned adjacent to the same side 252. The connector mid-section reinforcement feature 154 is positioned along the length of one side 253 and is not directly adjacent to any other side.

Connector 140 has a connector width 240, a connector height 241, and a connector depth 242. Connector 140 has a connector top surface 244 that extends in the same direction as connector width 240 and in the same direction as connector depth 242. The top surface 244 of the connector 140 is substantially rectangular in profile, having substantially four substantially straight sides, opposing pairs of sides being substantially at right angles to each other, and adjacent sides having unequal lengths. The top surface 244 of the connector 140 includes a connector inner boundary 141 that defines the boundary of the connector main cutout. The boundary of the connector main cutout defined by the connector inner boundary 141 has a larger surface area than the surface area of the connector top surface 244 including the connector sides 250, 251, 252, 253 and the stiffening features 152, 153, 154. Connector width 240 and connector depth 242 may each be greater than connector height 241.

The connector 140 further includes at least one connector post support guide 142 for receiving and guiding the at least one post support 160. The connector post support guide 142 may be formed as a groove in the connector 140.

In this arrangement and as seen in fig. 11, there are three post support guides 142, two of which are connector side post support guides 144 and one is a connector rear post support guide 150. Of the two connector side post support guides 144, one is a connector left post support guide 146 and one is a connector right post support guide 148 for receiving and guiding the left and right post supports, respectively. The connector rear post support guide 150 may be used to accommodate the rear post support 200. In other arrangements, the connector 140 may include fewer or more (such as one, two, four, or five) connector post support guides 142.

The connector post support guides 142 each extend along at least a portion of one or more connector sides 250, 251, 252, 253. The left and right strut support guides 146 and 148 extend along at least a portion of the connector left and right sides 252 and 253, respectively. The left and right strut support guides 146 and 148 extend substantially parallel to each other. The rear post support guide 150 extends along at least a portion of the connector rear side portion 251 and along at least a portion of the connector left side portion 252. In this arrangement, the rear post support guide 150 extends a greater distance along the connector rear side portion 251 than the rear post support guide 150 extends along the connector left side portion 252. In other arrangements, the rear post support guide 150 may extend along at least a portion of the connector rear side portion 251 and the connector right side portion 253.

As seen in fig. 8, the connector 140 includes a connector fixture 155 for removably attaching the connector 140 to the tray base 120. The connector fixture 155 may be a U-shaped pin extending from the bottom surface of the connector 140.

Referring now to fig. 10, a connector 140 is removably attached to the tray base 120. The connector 140 may be detachably attached to an upper portion of the tray base 120. As shown, the side post support 170 is located within the connector side post support guide 144.

The connector 140 is shown as being formed from one integral part, but may be formed from several parts or as one integral part with the tray base 120 in other examples.

Referring now to fig. 12A and 12B, the tray base 120 may include display attachment features 255 for the purpose of removably attaching the display structure 600. The tray base 120 of the arrangement shown includes four display attachment features 255, although in other arrangements fewer (such as one, two, or three) or more (such as six or eight) display attachment features may be included. The display attachment feature 255 does not include a moving portion and may be flush with the top surface of the tray base 120.

Description of post support

Fig. 13, 14A and 14B show RFSDU fully erected and extended, including the static pallet base 125. The post supports 160 may each include several sections. The strut supports 160 may each include a strut support first section 161, a strut support second section 162, a strut support third section 163, and a strut support base zone 164, a strut support first hinge 165, and a strut support second hinge 166. The post support first section 161 is positioned adjacent to and nested within the connector 140. The post support first section 161 includes a post support base region 164. The post support base region 164 includes a post support first hinge. The post support first hinge 165 allows the post support 160 to fold substantially parallel to the top surface 244 of the connector 140. The post support first section 161 is positioned adjacent to the post support second hinge 166. The post support second hinge 166 is also adjacent the post support second section 162. The post support second hinge 166 allows the overall length of the post support 160 to pivotally extend. The post support second section 162 is positioned adjacent to the post support third section. The post support second section 162 may include a tip region 169. The post support third section 163 telescopically extends from the end of the post support second section 162.

Pillar support hinge

The post support first hinge 165 and the post support second hinge 166 pivot between two configurations, retracted and fully deployed. Between these two configurations, the post support first hinge 165 and the post support second hinge 166 may be considered partially deployed. When retracted, the strut support first hinge 165 opens at an angle of 0 degrees (+ -10 degrees). When fully deployed, the opening angle of the strut support first hinge is substantially 90 degrees (+ -10 degrees). When retracted, the strut support second hinge 166 opens at an angle of 0 degrees (+ -10 degrees). When fully deployed, the opening angle of the post support second hinge is substantially 180 degrees (+ -20 degrees). In other arrangements, upon retraction and full deployment to the arrangements described herein, the strut support first hinge 165 and the strut support second hinge 166 may have different opening angles, such as an opening angle of substantially 45 degrees (+ -10 degrees), substantially 135 degrees (+ -20 degrees), or substantially 270 degrees (+ -20 degrees).

As shown in fig. 17, when the post support 160 is in the folded configuration, the post support first section 161 and the post support second section 162 extend in a direction substantially parallel to the connector top surface 244. In this folded configuration, the top end region 169 of the post support second section 162 is adjacent to the base region 164 of the post support first section 161, and the distance between the top end region 169 and the base region 164 is shorter than the distance between the top end region 169 and the post support second hinge 166. Further, both the post support first hinge 165 and the post support second hinge 166 retract.

Fig. 15A shows the wheel RFSDU 100 with the first hinge of each post support 160 deployed. The post support first section 161 and the post support second section 162 extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the connector top surface 244 when the post support 160 is in the partially erected configuration. In this partially erected configuration, the top end region 169 of the post support second section 162 is adjacent the base region 164 of the post support first section 161, and the distance between the top end region 169 and the base region 164 is shorter than the distance between the top end region 169 and the post support second hinge 166. In this partially erected configuration, the post support first hinge 165 is fully deployed and the post support second hinge 166 is retracted.

Fig. 15B shows the wheel RFSDU 100 with the first and second hinges of each post support 160 deployed. The post support first section 161 and the post support second section 162 extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the connector top surface 244 when the post support 160 is in the fully upright configuration. In this fully erected configuration, the top end region 169 of the post support second section 162 is not adjacent to the base region 164 of the post support first section 161, and the distance between the top end region 169 and the base region 164 is longer than the distance between the top end region 169 and the post support second hinge 166. In this fully erected configuration, both the post support first hinge 165 and the post support second hinge 166 are fully deployed.

Post supports 160, 170, 180, 190, 200 include post support slots 167, 177, 187, 197, 207 for supporting display trays.

Post support layout

Reference is now made to fig. 16A to 16C and 17. In some configurations, the strut supports 160 may be located at various non-discrete points within their respective connector strut support guides 142, or the connector strut support guides 142 may include features for facilitating positioning of the strut supports 160 at discrete intervals. As seen in fig. 16A, the first layout shows a first base position 541 of the connector left post support guide 146, a first base position 543 of the connector right post support guide 148, and a first base position 545 of the connector rear post support guide 150. Each of the left and right strut support guides 146, 148 includes a front portion that is the portion closest to the connector front side 250 and a rear portion that is the portion closest to the connector rear side 251. The rear post support guide 150 includes a right portion that extends along at least a portion of the connector rear side 251 of the connector 140 that is closest to the connector right side 253, and a left portion that extends along at least a portion of the connector left side 252. The left portion of the rear strut support guide 150 may extend substantially parallel to the left strut support guide 146.

The first base position 541 is located at the front of the connector left strut support guide 146 or closer to the front of the connector left strut support guide 146 than the rear of the connector left strut support guide 146. The first base position 543 is located at the rear of the connector right post support guide 148 or is located closer to the rear of the connector right post support guide 148 than the front of the connector right post support guide 148. The first base position 545 is positioned at the left portion of the connector rear post-support guide 150 or closer to the left portion of the connector rear post-support guide 150 than the right portion of the connector rear post-support guide 150.

As seen in fig. 16B, the second layout shows a first base position 541 of the connector left post support guide 146, a second base position 544 of the connector right post support guide 148, and a second base position 546 of the rear post support guide 150. The second base position 544 of the connector right post support guide 148 is positioned at the front of the connector right post support guide 148 or closer to the front of the connector right post support guide 148 than the rear of the connector right post support guide 148. The second base position 546 of the connector rear post-support guide 150 is positioned at the left portion of the connector rear post-support guide 150 or closer to the left portion of the connector rear post-support guide 150 than the right portion of the connector rear post-support guide 150.

As seen in fig. 16C, the third layout shows a second base position 542 of the connector left post support guide 146, a second base position 544 of the connector right post support guide 148, and a second base position 546 of the rear post support guide 150. The second base position 542 of the connector left strut support guide 146 is positioned at the rear of the connector left strut support guide 146 or closer to the rear of the connector left strut support guide 146 than the front of the connector left strut support guide 146.

The base region 184, 194, 204 of each of the corresponding post supports 180, 190, 200 may be located at each of the corresponding first base positions 541, 543, 545 or the corresponding second base positions 542, 544, 546. In the first arrangement, each of the first and second hinges 185, 195, 205, 186, 196, 206 of the post support 180, 190, 200 can be retracted. An example of this can be seen in fig. 17. RFSDU in this state may be considered to be in a transport configuration. In the second and third arrangements, each of the first hinges 185, 195, 205 of the strut supports 180, 190, 200 may be unfolded so as to prevent the first sections of the left and right strut supports 180, 190 from interacting with each other. The second hinges 186, 196, 206 of the post supports 180, 190, 200 may be deployed or retracted.

The first layout, the second layout and the third layout may each be used for different purposes. For example, as seen in fig. 17 and 18, the first arrangement may be used with each of the first hinges 185, 195, 205 and the second hinges 186, 196, 206 retracted while transporting RFSDU. This is because the first base position 541 of the connector left post support guide 146 where the left post support 180 is located, the first base position 543 of the connector right post support guide 148 where the right post support 190 is located, and the first base position 545 of the connector rear post support guide 150 where the rear post support 200 is located are offset from each other. This allows the post supports 180, 190, 200 to rest on the top surface 244 of the connector 140 when the first hinges 185, 195, 205 are retracted and form a substantially planar surface thereon.

The second arrangement may be used with each of the first hinges 185, 195, 205 and the second hinges 186, 196, 206 deployed. In this arrangement, the left and right post supports 180, 190 are positioned adjacent the connector front side 250 and the rear post support 200 is positioned adjacent the connector rear side 251. Accordingly, the cargo loaded at the front of the display tray 220 will be securely supported by the post supports 180, 190, 200.

The third arrangement may be used with each of the first hinges 185, 195, 205 and the second hinges 186, 196, 206 deployed. In this arrangement, the left and right post supports 180, 190 are located substantially equidistant between the connector front side 250 and the connector rear side 251, and the rear post support 200 is located proximate to the connector rear side 251.

Fig. 18 shows RFSDU in a first layout, in which the tray base 120 is a wheeled tray base 130. The wheeled pallet base 130 includes a wheeled pallet platform 131, wheeled pallet wheels 132, rigid standoffs 133, and swivel standoffs 134. The wheeled pallet platform has a wheeled pallet platform width 330, a wheeled pallet platform height 331, and a wheeled pallet platform depth 332. Wheeled pallet 131 also has a wheeled pallet top surface 333 and a wheeled pallet bottom surface 334 that both extend in the same direction as wheeled pallet width 330 and in the same direction as wheeled pallet depth 332. The outline of the wheeled pallet deck top surface 333 and the wheeled pallet deck bottom surface is substantially rectangular, having substantially four substantially straight sides, opposing pairs of sides being substantially at right angles to each other, and adjacent sides having unequal lengths. The wheeled pallet platform width 330 and the wheeled pallet platform depth 332 may both be greater than the wheeled pallet platform height 331.

The wheeled pallet platform bottom surface 334 includes two rigid supports 133 that each support a wheeled pallet wheel 132. The wheeled pallet bottom surface 334 also includes a swivel mount 134 that supports a wheeled pallet wheel 132. The rotating standoffs 134 allow the wheeled tray base 130 to move in different directions across a relatively flat surface (such as a floor) than the static tray base 125, which may or may not be desirable, to more easily push the tray base 130 by a user. The wheeled pallet wheels of the rigid support 133 and the swivel support 134 may be different from each other, such as constructed of different materials, or they may have substantially the same design. The distance from the bottom of one of the wheel pallet wheels 133 to the top of the side post support 170 is 240mm 20mm.

RFSDU assembly

Fig. 19 shows the user beginning to erect RFSDU with the post support 160 in the first base positions 541, 543, 545, which corresponds to the first arrangement described in detail above. One of the post supports 160, the rear post support 200, is shown fully erected and in a first base position 545 of the connector rear post support guide 148. The erection of the post support 160 will now be generally described in detail with reference to the rear post support 200 shown in fig. 19.

The post support 160 is initially in a folded configuration with the first hinge 165 and the second hinge 166 retracted. To partially erect the post support 160, a user first lifts the ends of the post support first section 161 and the post support second section 162 corresponding to the post support second hinge 166 to rotate the sections about the post support first hinge 165, thereby deploying the post support first hinge 165. As shown in fig. 19, this action corresponds to arrow 570, which indicates the rotation of the rear strut support first section 201 about the rear strut support first hinge 205. When fully deployed, and if a first threshold moment is reached about the strut support first hinge 165, the strut support first hinge 165 will snap into place, preventing retraction thereof unless a second threshold moment is reached that causes the first hinge 165 to disengage from the detent and retract. This is described in further detail in this specification. The first threshold torque and the second threshold torque may be in the same direction or in different directions.

The user then lifts the top end region 169 of the post support second section 162 to rotate the post support second section 162 about the post support second hinge 166, thereby deploying the post support second hinge 166. This is shown in fig. 19, which action corresponds to arrow 571, which indicates the rotation of the rear post support second section 202 about the rear post support second hinge 206. When fully deployed, and if a third threshold moment is reached about the post support second hinge 166, the post support second hinge 166 will snap into place, preventing its retraction unless a fourth threshold moment is reached that causes the post support second hinge 166 to disengage from the detent and retract.

The first threshold torque, the second threshold torque, the third threshold torque, and the fourth threshold torque may all be in the same rotational direction, or only three (such as the first threshold torque, the second threshold torque, and the third threshold torque) may be in the same rotational direction, or two (such as the first threshold torque and the third threshold torque) may be in the same rotational direction, or each may be in a different rotational direction.

First hinge of pillar support

Fig. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of the left hand side of RFSDU of fig. 19, with the post support 160 at least partially erected. A first arrangement of the post support first hinge 165 is shown. In this arrangement, the post support first hinge 165 includes at least one post support first hinge pin 260, at least one post support first hinge leg 261, at least one post support first hinge foot 262, and at least one post support first hinge slider 263. In the arrangement shown, there are two post support first hinge pins 260 positioned adjacent opposite sides of the post support first section 261 and arranged such that they form two points on a line parallel to a portion of the connector post support guide 152. Each post support first hinge pin 260 may extend into a recess of the post support first section 161 in which it is received. The lateral dimension of each recess of the post support first section 162 may be greater than the lateral dimension of each corresponding post support first hinge pin 260. This allows each post support first hinge pin 260 to rotate within a corresponding recess of the post support first section 260. When the post support 160 is inserted into the connector 140, at least one post support first hinge leg 261 extends into the connector post support guide 142. The pillar support first hinge pin 260 may be integrally formed with the pillar support first hinge leg 261.

The post support first hinge leg 262 is located at a distal end of the post support first hinge leg 261. The post support first hinge slider 263 connects at least one of the post support first hinge leg 261 and the post support first hinge leg 262 with at least one of the post support first hinge leg 261 and the post support first hinge leg 262.

Each connector strut support guide 142 may include a connector strut support guide nesting point 143. The connector post support guide nesting point 143 may be located at each of the first base positions 541, 543, 545 and the second base positions 542, 544, 546 of the left post support guide, the right post support guide and the rear post support guide. The connector post support guide nesting point 143 may be part of a connector post support guide 142 that includes a recess. The connector post support guide nesting point lip 256 may define the perimeter of the recess of the connector post support guide nesting point 143.

In the arrangement shown in fig. 20, each of the post support first hinge legs 262 can fit within the connector post support guide nesting points 143.

In the second arrangement shown in fig. 21, the post support first hinge 165 is similar to the post support first hinge shown in fig. 20, but with a number of differences. For example, the post support first hinge pin 260 may alternatively be the post support first hinge assembly 265. Further, the pillar support first hinge leg 262 may have a lateral dimension that is greater than the lateral dimension of the pillar support first hinge leg 261. This may be preferable for preventing the post support 160 from being removed from the connector post support guide 142 because the post support 160 may be inserted at the entrance portion of the connector post support guide 142 (which has a lateral dimension that is greater than both the lateral dimension of the post support first hinge leg 262 and the lateral dimension of the post support first hinge leg 261) and retained in the retaining portion of the connector post support guide 142 (which has a lateral dimension that is less than the lateral dimension of the post support hinge leg 262 and greater than the lateral dimension of the post support hinge leg 261). In addition, the post support first hinge slider 263 may not be present. This may facilitate movement of the post support 160 (such as the rear post support 200) along the length of the connector post support guide 142, which may extend along at least two of the four connector sides 250, 251, 252, 253.

In the third arrangement shown in fig. 22, the strut support 160 is a side strut support 170 and there is a strut support first hinge slide 263. In this particular arrangement, the two post support first hinge legs 261, the two post support first hinge feet 262, and the post support first hinge slide 263 are all formed from one integral part. Further, the end bottom surface of the post support first hinge leg 262 is flush with the end bottom surface of the post support first hinge slider 263.

Fig. 23 shows the user moving the fully erected post support 160 (rear post support 200 in this image) from the first base position 545 to the second base position 546. To do this, the user needs to lift the post support before applying a lateral force, allowing the post support base region to move laterally within the connector post support guide 142. The post supports may be assembled in any order.

Fig. 24 shows the user lowering the rear post support 200 to the nesting point 143 and the second base position 546.

First hinge locking assembly for post support

Fig. 25 shows a fourth arrangement of post support first hinge 165, referred to as post support first hinge locking assembly 350, which is seen in the exploded view of fig. 26. The post support first hinge lock assembly 350 interacts with the post support guide 142 to secure the post support 160 in place.

The post support first hinge lock assembly 350 may include at least one extension 359, at least one plunger 351, at least one locking pin 357, at least one swivel pin 358, and a sliding base 367.

Each of the locking pin 357 and the rotation pin 358 may have a substantially circular cross section. The lateral dimension of locking pin 357 may be greater than the equivalent lateral dimension of rotation pin 358.

At least one extension 359 may extend from the base section of the post support 160 and, if the number of extensions is more than one, these extensions may extend with a gap therebetween. Each extension may include two pin cavities for receiving a locking pin and a swivel pin, one being a locking pin cavity 365 and the other being a swivel pin cavity 366. The pin cavities 365, 366 of each extension may be arranged such that they are concentric with each other, thereby facilitating insertion of at least one pin through the corresponding cavity in each of them. Each extension 359 includes an extension first sub-portion 360 and an extension second sub-portion 361. The locking pin cavity 365 may be located within the extension first sub-portion and the swivel pin cavity 366 may be located within the extension second sub-portion 361.

The extension first sub-portion 360 and the extension second sub-portion 361 are positioned adjacent to each other and may be formed of one integral part. The locking pin cavity 365 may extend through the extension first sub-portion 360 and the swivel pin cavity 366 may extend through the extension second sub-portion 361. The extension first sub-portion 360 may be a cuboid. The extension first sub-portion 360 may include a side surface 362. The perimeter of the extension first sub-portion side 362 may be rectangular. The extension second sub-portion 361 may include a side surface 363. These side surfaces may lie in a plane defined by the second direction and the third direction. The perimeter of the extension second sub-portion side surface 363 may include three straight sides and one curved side. The extension second sub-portion 361 may extend in the first direction 11 and may always have a substantially identical cross-section. The curved edge of the periphery of the extension second sub-portion side surface may be convex and may extend in a forward-facing direction. The bottom surface 364 of the second sub-portion 361 is substantially planar.

The at least one plunger 351 may include a base 352, a middle portion 353, and a top 354, the middle portion 353 may further include a pin cavity 355, and the top 354 may further include an engagement portion 356. The plunger 351 is gradually widened toward its base. Base 352 may be a trapezoidal prism. The middle portion 353 may be a rectangular parallelepiped. The top 354 is for receiving and engaging a locking pin. The pin cavity may extend through the intermediate portion 353 and may house a swivel pin 358. The engagement portion 356 may be C-shaped and is adapted to engage with the locking pin 357. The base 352 of the plunger is wider than the top. The plunger may have two substantially flat, parallel outer surfaces. The plunger may be formed of one integral part or may be several parts attached (possibly detachably) to each other.

The sliding base is for receiving the base of the plunger and includes at least one plunger portion 368 and at least two stop portions 372. In fig. 26, there are two plunger portions and three stopper portions. The stop portion serves to maintain the structural integrity of the slide base. The plunger portion is for receiving a base of the plunger. The plunger portion may house one or more plungers. The plunger portion may have three main portions, a main base 369 and two main sides 370. The base may be a plate having a substantially planar upper surface 377 and a lower surface 378. Each side portion may be adjacent to the base portion extending from at least a portion of an edge portion of the base portion. The side portions may extend from at least a portion of the opposite edge portions of the base. The side portions may extend substantially perpendicularly from the planar upper surface of the base such that the upper surface of the base is surrounded by at least two sides thereof. When undeformed, the sides may extend in planes parallel to each other. One side 370 may include a side lip 371. The side lips may extend in the same plane as the base. The side lip may extend from at least a portion of the outboard upper edge of the side. The base and side portions may have substantially the same thickness. The side portions may extend along a portion of the edge portion of the base such that there is a gap at either side of the side portions. This means that the sides of the plunger portion are not attached to the stopper portion and as such can be deformed more easily.

The stop portions 372 may each include a base 373 and a top 374. A top 374 is disposed on top of base 373. The top 374 is smaller than the base 373, and is disposed in the center of the base 373. There may be two types of stop portions, an outer stop portion 375 and an inner stop portion 376. The outer stop portion may be thinner (i.e., extend more inwardly than the inner stop portion) than the inner stop portion. The outer stop portion and the inner stop portion may have the same cross-section. Both of them are portions having a uniform cross section at all times. The thickness dimension of the outer stop portion may be substantially the same as the corresponding thickness dimension of the outer extension portion of the post support 160. The plunger portion and the stopper portion may be formed of one integral part or may be several parts attached (possibly detachably attached) to each other. The plunger portion engages the connector post support guide.

As seen in fig. 27A, the extension second sub-portion of the extension of the base of the post support includes two length dimensions from the cross-sectional center of the swivel pin cavity that are offset from one another by the angle of the hinge. The first dimension is of length L2 and the second dimension is of length L2. The cross-section shown in fig. 27B shows the plunger within the sliding base. When the first hinge is unfolded, the bottom prop section rotates about the rotation pin, at which point the distance between the rotation pin and the connector top surface 244 is L2. This means that the plunger is pulled upwards while the sliding base remains in its original position. When this occurs, the sliding base deforms and the protrusion locks itself in a corresponding recess in the post support guide of the connector. This means that the slide base is locked in place and cannot move in any direction relative to the connector. The locking pin is then engaged with the plunger, with the top c-section engaged with the locking pin. This prevents the struts from rotating and falling down. This can be seen in fig. 28.

Telescopic locking mechanism

The wheel RFSDU shown in fig. 29 includes post supports whose first and second hinges are fully deployed and telescopically extended. The third section of the post support may be telescopically extendable different distances and may be locked into place at set intervals. The third section of the strut support can be locked into at least one position by a telescopic locking mechanism 400, which can be seen in fig. 30A and 30B. The telescoping locking mechanism may include a locking body 402. The locking body may further include a top portion 404, a leg portion 414, and a foot portion 416. The top portion may have a bendable upper surface 408. The top portion may have a lower surface 410 that may be substantially planar. The top portion may also have at least one side surface 412 that may be substantially planar. The top portion may be substantially D-shaped in cross-section. The top may include a top extension 406 extending from the front surface. The top extension 406 may include a substantially planar front surface. The locking body may comprise at least one leg portion and at least one foot portion. At least one leg portion may connect the top portion with at least one foot portion. The leg portions may include at least one first leg portion 422 and at least one second leg portion 424. The first leg portion may be directly connected to the top portion and may be directly connected to the foot portion. The first leg portion may be capable of undergoing elastic deformation. The first leg portion may be curved. The first leg portion may have a uniform thickness along at least a portion of its length. The second leg portion may be directly connected to the at least one first leg portion. In the example shown, each leg portion comprises two first leg portions and one second leg portion. The second leg portion may have a consistent thickness along at least a portion of its length, and the thickness may be greater than the consistent thickness of the first leg portion. The second leg portion may be in the form of a parallelepiped. The second leg portion may be in the form of a cuboid. The foot portion may include a foot body 426 that also includes a foot pin 418 and a foot lip 420. The leg portion 416 may include a first side, a second side, an upper side, and a lower side. The foot lip 418 may be located on an upper side of the foot portion 416. The first leg portion may be directly connected to the foot portion at a position corresponding to an intersection between the first side portion and the upper side portion. The foot lip may be located at the upper side of the foot portion. The leg pin may be located at the second side. The leg portions may have only substantially flat surfaces. The locking body may include at least one axis of symmetry 430. The locking body may be formed from one integral part.

The post support third section may fit within the post support second section. The post support third section may comprise a plurality of support edges for supporting the locking body. The locking body is in place when movement of the locking body is limited by the support edge of the third section of the strut support. The locking body is retained by the support edge of the third section of the strut support. The support edge may comprise several parts. The first support edge 450 may extend along at least a portion of the length of the strut support third section. The first support edge may prevent the top of the locking body from moving horizontally relative to the post support third section. The second support edge may extend across at least a portion of the width of the third section of the post support. The second support edge may be directly adjacent to the first support edge. The second support edge may prevent the lock body from moving vertically upward relative to the post support third section when the lock body is in place. The second support edge may be adjacent to the upper side of the foot portion. The foot lip may be an area of increased thickness for engagement with the second support edge. The third support edge may also extend across at least a portion of the width of the third section of the post support. The third support edge may be separate from both the first support edge and the second support edge. The third support edge may prevent the lock body from moving vertically downward relative to the post support third section when the lock body is in place. The third support edge may be adjacent to the foot portion underside. The second and third support edges may be adjacent to the leg body of the lock body when the lock body is in place in the post support third section.

The post support second section may include at least one support edge 460 that is an area of increased thickness to guide the post support third section as it is telescopically extended and held. The support edge may include at least one leg pin cutout 462 that may be similar to a notch. The leg pin cutouts are for receiving and locking in place the leg pins of the locking body. The leg pin cutout may include a horizontal lower surface and may further include an angled upper surface.

Fig. 31A to 31D show the telescopic locking mechanism in an operating state. Fig. 31A shows the locking body in an uncompressed form. The two leg pins are located in corresponding first leg pin cutouts. In fig. 31B, the top is pushed down, compressing the locking body, causing the leg pin to retract from the first leg pin cutout. The leg pin is then no longer located within the first leg pin cutout. When the leg pin is retracted due to the locking body being compressed, the user applies an upward directed force to the third section. As seen in fig. 31C, this moves the third section upward relative to the second section. When the locking body reaches the second leg pin cutout, the user stops compressing the locking body, thereby extending the leg pin into the second leg pin cutout (shown in fig. 31D). The third section is then locked in place. These steps can also be seen in fig. 33A through 35B.

Shelf or display tray

Display tray 220 is used to support cargo in RFSDU. RFSDU 100 can include more than one display tray at more than one height.

The display tray includes a plate body 221. The display tray may include a main edge 222 and the plate body may include at least one post cutout 225.

The plate body 221 is used for supporting goods. The plate body may be substantially flat and may have substantially rectangular upper and lower surfaces. The upper and lower surfaces of the plate body may share four edges. The plate body may include rounded corners.

The main edge is used to enhance the usability of the display tray and engages the post support. The major edge may extend around the perimeter of the plate body. The main edge may include a reinforcing structure. The major edges may extend beyond the upper and lower surfaces of the plate body. The major edge may extend along a portion of at least one edge of the plate body. The major edge may include a first portion 223 and a second portion 224. These portions of the main edge may be separated from each other, forming at least one break (break) therebetween. The major edge may extend substantially perpendicular to the plate body. The major edges may substantially define a front edge 226, a rear edge 227, and two side edges 228 of display tray 220. The main edge 222 may also include reinforcing ribs 230 for increasing its strength characteristics.

The plate body may further include at least one post cutout 225 for engagement with a post support. At least one break of these portions of the main edge may be located at a pillar cut of the plate body.

Display tray 220 may have a width of 600mm, which may or may not include a major edge. Presentation tray 220 may have a depth of 400mm, which may or may not include a major edge. The height of the main edge may be substantially 30mm. At least one break in the main edge may have a width of 60 mm.

Assuming RFSDU is fully erected and extended, display tray 220 is inserted into and then supported by the post support slots. The post support third section may include at least one post support slot, as shown in fig. 32.

As seen in fig. 36, 37A and 37B, when a user is inserting display tray 220 into RFSDU, the display tray is oriented substantially flat and enters the post support from the front side of RFSDU. The front edge of the display tray first enters the side post support slot before the side edge. When fully inserted, display tray 220 may be removably attached to the rear post support. The engagement of display tray 220 with the side post supports can be seen in fig. 38.

Display plate jointing mechanism

In some arrangements, post support slots 167, 177, 187, 197, 207 may include display tray engagement mechanisms 232 for preventing removal of display tray 220.

The post support slots 167, 177, 187, 197, 207 may include a display tray support portion 231. The display tray support portion may include a front plate 235 and an attachment structure 236. A cross section of the attachment structure is shown in fig. 39B. The attachment structure may further include a display tray engagement mechanism 232. The display tray support portions may be substantially equally spaced between the front and rear sides of the post support 160.

The front plate may be substantially flat and may be substantially rectangular in cross-section. The front plate may have a thickness dimension with an upper side. When in place, the upper side may support display tray 220. The front plate may have a front surface with four corners. The corners may be chamfered.

The attachment structure is for attaching the front panel to the post support and for supporting the display tray. The attachment structure may have internal ribs to provide strength while keeping its weight to a minimum. The cross section of the attachment structure may also be rectangular. The cross section of the attachment structure may be smaller than an equivalent cross section in the front plate. The attachment structure may be directly attached to the post support. The attachment structure may be located at a substantially central position of the front plate.

The attachment structure may include a top surface 237. The display tray engagement mechanism may be located on a top surface of the attachment structure. The display tray engagement mechanism may be integrally formed with the attachment structure. The display tray engagement mechanism may not be directly attached to the post support. The presentation tray engagement mechanism shown in fig. 39A, 39B, 40 and 41 is formed by a lever 233 and a lever end 234. The joystick may be substantially thin. In this arrangement, the lever or lever end is directly attached to the post support, while in other arrangements they are possible. The lever end is bulbous. The lever end may have an increased thickness compared to the lever portion. The lever end may be bulbous in comparison to the lever. The lever end may extend upwardly beyond the top surface of the lever.

There may be more than one display tray support portion on each post support. For example, there may be five, seven, eight, nine or ten display tray support portions. If more than one display tray support portion is present, they may be arranged along the length of the post supports 160, 170 such that they are generally aligned. A gap may exist between display tray support portions to facilitate insertion of display trays between adjacent display tray support portions. As such, the lateral dimensions of the gap may be greater than the height of the major edge of display tray 220, or they may be substantially equal to each other. The width of the attachment structure may be substantially equal to the gap of display tray 220, or the width may be greater.

Fig. 40 shows a cross section of an attachment structure wherein a display tray 220 is inserted into the space between two attachment structures, wherein arrow 238 shows the direction of movement of the display tray relative to the post support 160. The display tray has been inserted beyond the gap of the main edge. The second portion of the major edge of display tray 220 may include an angled sub-portion 229 for making it easier for a user to guide the display tray into the space between the two attachment structures and beyond the display tray gap. The display tray engagement mechanism is pushed down by the display tray and is thus in a depressed state.

Fig. 41 shows a snapshot of a user attempting to remove display tray 220, wherein arrow 239 shows the direction of movement of the display tray relative to post support 160. When display tray 220 is partially removed, the gap of display tray 220 is located above the display tray engagement mechanism such that the display tray engagement mechanism is no longer depressed by display tray 220 and thus returns to its resting state. In its rest state, the lever end prevents removal of the display tray by engaging the first portion of the main rim. As such, the display tray cannot be removed. The user must then move the display tray downward while maintaining the display tray substantially horizontal to reach the bottom of the post support where it can be reinserted in preparation for transport.

Rear locking mechanism

The rear locking mechanism 590 removably attaches the inserted display tray to the rear post support 200, thereby providing stability and support for the display tray.

Reference is now made to fig. 42A and 42B. The rear locking mechanism includes a display tray cavity 587 located within the rear post support and may further include a locking insert 581 and a corresponding locking insert cavity 586 located within the rear post support 200.

The display tray cavity may have a rear surface 588, an upper surface 589 and a lower surface 590. The rear, upper and lower surfaces of the display tray cavity may each include at least one substantially planar portion.

The locking insert may be removably attached to the rear post support. The locking insert includes a body 582, an arm 583, and an attachment device 585. The arm and the attachment means may each be attached to the body. The body, the arms and the attachment means may be formed as one integral part. The arm may be an extension having an S-shaped cross-section. The arm may include an end, and the end of the arm may be rounded. The arm may be capable of undergoing cyclic deformation. The locking insert cavity may include a main cavity 593 and an attachment device cavity 594. The main lumen and the attachment device lumen may be formed as one lumen, or they may be separate lumens. The main lumen 593 cavity may include an arm lumen for providing a volume within which at least a portion of the arm may be elastically deformed. The attachment means may comprise tines (prong). When attached to the rear post support, the locking insert may substantially rest within the locking insert cavity and the ends of the arms may extend toward the display tray cavity.

Fig. 43 shows the display tray inserted into a rear locking mechanism that includes a locking insert. The arms of the locking insert are resting in an initial position. When the display tray enters the display tray cavity, it contacts and displaces the ends of the arms upward such that the ends of the arms are substantially within the arm cavity of the locking insert cavity. This movement of the ends of the arms may put the arms under tension, possibly due to the flexibility of the arms. The display tray may then be fully inserted such that the rear of the display tray contacts the rear surface of the display tray cavity. The major edge of display tray 220 is pushed beyond the ends of the arms of the locking insert, allowing the arms to release their tension and return to their original position such that the ends of the arms prevent the display tray from being removed. To remove the display tray, a threshold force is required to displace the ends of the arms upward over the major edges of the display tray. The rounded edges of the ends of the arms may facilitate displacement of the ends of the arms.

Fig. 44 shows three different arrangements of the rear locking mechanism 580. In fig. 44A, the tray cavity lower surface 590 is shown to include a lower surface lip 591. The lower surface lip prevents display tray 220 from being removed. In fig. 44B, there is a lower surface lip 591, but no locking insert. Thus, the display tray cavity upper surface 589 is substantially planar. In fig. 44C, there is a presentation tray cavity lower surface lip and a corresponding cutout 592 on a presentation tray cavity upper surface 589.

RFSDU removal

Fig. 45A shows the user removing the display tray from fully erected and assembled RFSDU. The user at the front side of RFSDU pulls the display tray out of RFSDU away from the rear support. If no display tray engagement mechanism is present, the display tray may be completely removed and may be stacked outside of the fully erected and extended RFSDU as shown in fig. 45B.

Fig. 46A and 46B illustrate the disassembly RFSDU by the user after the display tray has been removed. The post support starts at a second base position. The user retracts the telescoping locking mechanism to substantially nest the third post support section within the second post support section. The user then retracts the second hinge of the post support. The user then repeats the retracting and retrieving steps for each post support, thereby bringing the post support in RFSDU to the second base position (not extended and only the first hinge deployed), similar to that seen in fig. 47.

Fig. 48A shows RFSDU of fig. 47 with directional arrows indicating that the user must apply force in order to move the indicated post support to the first base position. The rear and right post supports 200, 190 move back to the first base position, as seen in fig. 48B. The user must then apply a force to either the first post support or the second post support to retract the first hinge (as seen in fig. 49) so that the disassembled RFSDU is in the transport position.

Fig. 50A shows two sets of folded RFSDU and seven display trays stacked on top of each other. Fig. 50B shows two folds RFSDU stacked on top of each other. When multiple RFSDU are stacked, the bottom surface of the pallet base "on top" RFSDU rests on the folded post supports.

Summary of "foldable display tray

Fig. 51A and 51B illustrate an exemplary "foldable presentation tray" 800. In this connection, "collapsible" means that there are one or more reconfigurable support structures on a base (such as a shelf or display tray), as will be described further below. It should be understood that the foldable display tray 800 described herein constitutes a reconfigurable module 800 for a modular transport and/or display unit as described herein. Foldable display tray 800 includes a base 802, a major edge or border 804, and at least one reconfigurable support structure configured as a reconfigurable, generally U-shaped arm 806 in the depicted module 800. The at least one arm 806 includes at least one bar/bracket (which in the depicted module 800 is in the shape of a strut member 808) and at least one cross member or bridge 810.

In the example shown, there are two arms 806, and each arm includes two strut members 808 and one cross member 810. As seen in the configuration of fig. 51B, the arms 806 are inverted U-shaped, with the strut members 808 forming two parallel sides and the cross members 810 connecting the two parallel sides. Furthermore, the arm 806 may have at least one axis of symmetry, i.e. the two halves of the U-shape are symmetrical. In the example shown, the axis of symmetry bisects the cross member 810.

The base 802 (i.e., the shelf or display tray 802 itself) is used to support the product. The base 802 is substantially planar and has substantially rectangular upper and lower surfaces. The upper and lower surfaces of the base 802 share four sides. The base 802 includes perforations 812 to facilitate drainage and/or to increase static friction to prevent product migration.

The major edge 804 (this feature is alternatively referred to as a border or skirt, as described in the summary of the invention and the appended claims) is used to improve the usability of the module or display tray 800 and to align the foldable display tray 800 when stacking the display trays. It also provides a plurality of pivotable connections with the U-shaped arm 806, as will be described further below. The major edge 804 extends around the periphery of the base 802. The major edge 804 may include a reinforcing structure. The major edge 804 extends beyond the upper and lower surfaces of the base 802. The major edge 804 also extends along a portion of at least one edge of the base 802. The major edge 804 also extends substantially perpendicular to the base 802. The main edge 804 may include at least one alignment bump (ALIGNMENT NUB) 814 located on at least one of an upper surface or a lower surface of the main edge 804. In the example shown, the main edge 804 has four alignment bumps 814 located at four corners of the main edge 804. Alignment bumps 814 have corresponding alignment cavities (not shown) on the lower surface of main edge 804. When stacking foldable display trays 800, alignment bumps 814 of lower display tray 800 are inserted into the alignment cavities, thereby aligning display tray 800. This increases the stacking stability of the module 800 when the arms 806 are folded. The major edge 804 also defines a front edge, a rear edge, and two side edges of the foldable display tray 800. The main edge 804 may further include reinforcing ribs for increasing its strength characteristics.

Fig. 52A and 52B illustrate the foldable display tray 800 in an "unoccupied" (i.e., folded or collapsed) and upright configuration, which is located on top of the tray base 120.

Fig. 53A and 53B illustrate foldable display tray 800 in an erect and extended configuration.

Fig. 54A shows seven upright foldable display trays 800 stacked on top of each other, on top of the tray base 120. Fig. 54B shows four non-unfolded and non-erected foldable display trays, which are located on top of the tray base 120. A foldable display tray 800 or module 800 may be considered RFSDU. More generally, however, RFSDU or transport and display units will include two or more stackable modules 800. A stack of two or more foldable modules 800 is more often referred to as RFSDU.

Extension mechanism of foldable display disc

As seen in fig. 55A and 55B, at least one arm 806 includes an extension mechanism 820. The extension mechanism 820 includes a control body 822, a pin body 826, several pin cavities 830, 832, 834 for receiving a portion of the pin body 826, and resilient devices 836, 838. The control body 822 also includes a control tab 824. The control body 822 is biased by a first resilient device 836. One or more control bodies 822 may be present in each arm 806. In the example shown, there is one control body 822 as part of each extension mechanism 820. The pin body 826 may include an engagement pin 828. The pin body 826 and engagement pin 828 may be formed as an integral part. The engagement pin 828 may be received within any of the pin cavities 830, 832, 834. The pin body 826 is biased by a second resilient device 838. The first resilient device 836 and the second resilient device 838 may be one or more springs, and may specifically be one or more tension and/or compression coil springs.

In normal use of the extension mechanism 820, the first resilient device 836 and the second resilient device 838 are resiliently biased. Further, the first elastic device 836 and the second elastic device 838 each have a spring constant, and the spring constant of the first elastic device may be greater than the spring constant of the second elastic device 838. The control body 822 and pin body 826 may be biased in a direction substantially perpendicular to each other by their respective resilient devices 836, 838. One or more pin bodies 826 may be present as part of each extension mechanism 820. In the example shown, there are two pin bodies 826 as part of the extension mechanism 820.

The control body 822 and pin body 826 have substantially parallel upper and lower surfaces. The control body 822 and the pin body 826 also abut each other along at least one of their sides. The adjoining sides of the control body 822 and pin body 826 are substantially planar, but may not be substantially perpendicular to the upper and lower surfaces. In the example shown, the abutting sides of the control body 822 and pin body 826 are angled such that vertical movement of one of the bodies 822, 826 causes horizontal movement of the other, and horizontal movement of one causes vertical movement of the other. In the example shown, two pin bodies 826 abut control body 822 on opposite sides of control body 822.

The cross member 810 includes at least one cross member cavity 810. The extension mechanism 820 is at least partially located within the cross-member cavity 821. In the example shown, control body 822 and pin body 826 are located substantially within cross-member cavity 821.

Each post support 808 includes an inner post 852 and an outer post 854. The outer struts (or brackets) 854 and the cross member (or bridge) 810 are formed as an integral part. In this way, the outer struts (or braces) 854 cover the inner struts (or rods) 852 along at least a portion of the length of the strut supports 808. The inner struts 852 may be made of metal such as aluminum or stainless steel. The outer struts 854 may be made of a plastic material. The inner leg 852 includes a first inner leg engagement pin cavity 830 and a second inner leg engagement pin cavity 832. The pin chambers 830, 832 may be located at different distances along the length of the inner leg 852. The first inner post engagement pin cavity 830 may be positioned closer to the base of the inner post 852 than the second inner post engagement pin cavity 832. As such, the second inner post engagement pin cavity 832 may be located closer to the distal end or tip of the inner post 852 than the first inner post engagement pin cavity 830.

The extension mechanism is in principle similar to the mechanisms commonly associated with suitcase handles as are common in the art. Fig. 55A to 58B are snapshots of the extension mechanism at various stages of deployment/extension.

Fig. 55A and 55B illustrate the extension mechanism 820 in a first position. The control body 822 is in a first rest position. In this position, the first inner post engagement pin cavity 830 and the outer post engagement pin cavity 834 are aligned, and more specifically, may be concentrically aligned. The pin body 826 extends into at least one pin cavity, thereby locking the extension mechanism 820 in the first position. More specifically, engagement pin 828 extends into first inner post engagement pin cavity 830 and outer post engagement pin cavity 834. When the control body 822 is in the first position, the first resilient device 836 is in a substantially extended configuration and the second resilient device 838 is in a substantially compressed configuration.

Fig. 56A and 56B illustrate the extension mechanism 820 in a second position. The control body 822 is in a second depressed position. The user must press the control tab 824, thereby compressing the first resilient device 836. This creates room for the pin body 826 to extend inwardly under the bias of the second resilient device 838. This movement of the pin body 826 retracts the engagement pin 828, meaning that it is no longer located within the first inner post engagement pin cavity 830 or the outer post engagement pin cavity 834. In this position, the extension mechanism 820 is free to extend, so that the user can pull the cross member 810 upward (in the direction indicated by the black arrow on fig. 56A) to extend the extension mechanism.

Fig. 57A and 57B illustrate the extension mechanism 820 in a third position. In this position, the arm 806 has been extended. The control body 822 is maintained in the second depressed position. The outer post 854 has slid over a portion of the inner post 852 such that the second inner post engagement pin cavity 832 and the outer post engagement pin cavity 834 are now aligned, and more specifically, may be concentrically aligned.

Fig. 58A and 58B illustrate the extension mechanism 820 in a fourth position. In this position, the extension mechanism has been fully deployed and the arms 806 are extended. The control body 822 is again in the first position due to the bias of the first resilient device 836. As a result, the pin body 826 extends back to its first position, pushing the engagement pin 828 into the aligned cavities 832, 834 and locking the extension mechanism 820 in this fourth position.

When starting from the fourth position, to retract and lock the extension mechanism 820, a user can apply a force to the control tab 824 to depress the control body 822. This moves control body 822 back to its second position. This causes the extension mechanism 820 to be in its third position. Here, while continuing to depress the control body 822, the user may push the cross member 810 downward and retract the extension mechanism 820. This causes the extension mechanism 820 to move to its second position. Here, the user may then cease applying force to the control tab 824 and the bias of the first resilient device 836 moves the control body 822 back to its first position. As a result, the extension mechanism returns to its first position.

Hinge mechanism of foldable display disc

Considering now fig. 59A-60B, an arm 806 is attached to a module (or a foldable display tray) 800, and more specifically to an edge 804 thereof, via a hinge mechanism (or pivotable connection) 850. More specifically, an inner post 852 (or rod) is attached to foldable display tray 800 via hinge mechanism 850. The tape direction arrow 880 in fig. 59A indicates an upward direction. The hinge mechanism 850 ensures that the base of the strut member 808 follows the inner wall of the main edge 804 during deployment or erection, allowing the strut member 808 to hinge securely away from the corners of the main edge 804, thus minimizing the space required for the base of the strut member 808 to rotate, which would otherwise require the strut member 808 to hinge from a position further from the corners of the main edge 804. Alternatively, the hinge mechanism 850 allows the strut member 808 to hinge very close to the corner. This means that the fully deployed hinge mechanism 850 allows the strut member 808 to be closer to the inner wall of the main edge 804 by up to 30mm than other hinge mechanisms. This allows additional space to be available for the product on shelf 802.

The hinge mechanism 850 includes a locking assembly 855, at least one pin, and at least one pin guide or cavity 862. In the example shown, there is a first pin 861 and a second pin 868 that are both connected to the inner leg 852, and the locking assembly 855 includes a hinge arm cavity 856 and a hinge arm 858. Hinge arm 858 is configured to be elastically deformable. Hinge arm 858 includes tab 859 and head 860. The tab 859 is attached to the main edge 804 at a first portion and to the head 860 at a second portion. The tab 859 is an elongated element and is configured to be elastically deformable. The tab 859 may elastically deform as the first pin 861 moves within the first pin cavity or guide 862 and abuts the head 860 thereby exerting a force.

The hinge arm chamber 856 can be located above the first pin chamber 862. The hinge arm chamber 856 and the first pin chamber 862 may be two portions of one continuous chamber. The first pin cavity 862 may include a leg portion 863 and a hook or spike portion 864. The leg portion 863 and the hook or spike portion 864 may form an "r" shape such that the leg portion 863 is an elongated channel and the hook portion 864 is also a channel (although shorter than the leg portion 863) and extends such that the portions 863, 864 form an acute angle with each other. The hinge arm chamber 856 can be shaped such that the hinge arm 858 extends at least partially through to the first pin chamber 862. In this example, the head 860 of the hinge arm 858 extends partially through the leg portion 863 of the first pin cavity 862, wherein some sections of the leg portion 863 are large enough for the first pin to substantially fully engage with any side portion of the leg portion 863 wherein the head 860 extends.

The second pin cavity 870 may be located below the first pin cavity 862. The second pin cavity 870 may be a straight elongated channel oriented such that it extends parallel to the base 802 when viewed from the side.

First pin cavity 862 and second pin cavity 870 may have substantially the same width. The first pin 861 and the second pin 868 may have substantially the same size.

In this example, the locking assembly 855 and pin chambers 862, 870 are formed by the main edge 804.

Hinge mechanism 850 receives arm 806 when arm 806 is folded or laid down (not shown). When hinge mechanism 850 is folded/retracted, first pin 861 is positioned within first hook portion 864 of first pin cavity 862 and second pin 868 is positioned within a first portion of second pin cavity 870. As the arm 806 stands up, the first pin 861 begins to move through the hook portion 864 and beyond the bend connecting the leg portion 863 of the first pin cavity 862 and the hook or spike portion 864. At the same time, second pin 868 moves from the first end of second pin chamber 870 and substantially approaches the midpoint of second pin chamber 870 by the time first pin 861 reaches leg portion 863 of first pin chamber 862. As the first pin 861 travels through the leg portion 863 of the first pin chamber, it abuts the head 860 of the hinge arm 858, thereby elastically deforming the tab 859 and pushing the head 860 substantially completely into the hinge arm chamber 856 and out of the first pin chamber 862. This is shown in fig. 59A and 59B. At this point, the arm 806 is almost completely upright. The first pin 861 continues to travel through the leg portion 863 until the first pin 861 reaches the end of the leg portion 863 and cannot travel further. When the first pin 861 reaches the end of the leg portion 863 and cannot travel further (shown in fig. 60A and 60B), the hinge arm 858 returns to its rest position, effectively pressing the first pin 861 against the end of the first pin cavity 862, and more particularly against the leg portion 863. The second pin 868 reaches a second end of the second pin cavity 870. The arm 806 is now substantially upright. Thus, in summary, if a first predetermined moment about the hinge mechanism 850 sufficient to deform the tab 859 and allow the first pin 861 to continue its travel within the leg portion 863 is reached, the hinge mechanism will fully expand while preventing the hinge arm 858 from folding unless a second threshold moment in the opposite direction is reached that causes the hinge mechanism 850 to be out of the detent and folded/retracted.

In order for the hinge mechanism 850 to be fully retracted, the arm 806 may need to be retracted. Alternatively, however, this may not be required. When the hinge mechanism 850 is fully retracted, the arms 804 are positioned below the top surface of the main edge 804, allowing the display trays 800 to be stacked on top of one another without interference from the arms (and thus avoiding possible inadvertent damage).

The pivotable mechanism 850 described herein (which includes a system of pins/guides as described herein) allows the reconfigurable arm 806 to be guided from an erect configuration to a received configuration, and vice versa, wherein the stem/base 808 of the arm 806 in the erect configuration is integrated with the edge or boundary 804 as seamlessly as possible. Thus, even further in combination with the L-shape in cross-section of the stem/base 808, the reconfigurability of the arms 806 does not adversely affect the product retention capabilities of the module or display tray 800.

Transportation of goods

Thus, the module 800 described herein facilitates the transportation of goods that require additional protection during shipping and are thereafter easily displayed in a store (e.g., for sale). Each display tray 800 may be sealed using disposable panels made of material, such as cardboard. This sealing arrangement may require three panels in total, two side panels and one U-shaped cover. The arms 806 include a series of tongues to hold the side panels in place. The side panels can be slid from the top into special slots provided in the arms, after which they are pushed down and fixed. The cross member 810 includes a tongue with protrusions that may be triangular and arranged to prevent the side panels from being pulled out. The U-shaped cover covers the space between the two arms of display tray 800. When three panels are in place on display tray 800, the three panels are independent and do not contact each other.

Assembly of a transport and display unit with cardboard decoration

Fig. 61A shows an insert 902 for the tray base 120. The purpose of the insert 902 is to prevent lateral movement of the foldable display tray 800 stacked thereon. The insert 902 engages with the attachment feature 255 of the tray base 120 (shown in fig. 12B) and is configured to engage with a corresponding recess in the base 802 of the foldable display tray 800, thereby preventing lateral movement of the foldable display tray 800. The insert 902 may extend above the top surface 122 of the tray base 120. At least two inserts 902 may be disposed on opposite sides of the tray base 120.

When assembling a modular shipping and display unit comprising foldable display tray 800, a user may first insert two inserts 902 into corresponding attachment features of tray base 120. The first display tray 800 may begin to be folded and then fully erected by the user and may be stretched out by the user as necessary. The folded first display tray 800 may then be placed on top of the tray base 120 with the inserts 902 positioned within the corresponding recesses of the base 802. The other display trays may then be erected by the user and spread apart and stacked one upon the other on the first display tray 800. Thus, a user may have a similar transport and display unit to that seen in fig. 54A with fewer or more display trays 800 in total.

Reference is now made to fig. 62A and 62B. When RFSDU, 800 are fully assembled, the user may then enclose RFSDU, 800 within display structure 600. The display structure 600 is used to display RFSDU (with brands suitable for the products displayed on the RFSDU, 800) in a store and may be constructed from cardboard. Display structure 600 may include at least one display tray cover for covering the exposed edges of the display tray.

The paperboard decoration 950 shown in fig. 62A is an example of a display structure 600. The user may then slide the cardboard decoration 950 over the stack of display trays 800 to cover at least a portion of the transport and display units 100, 800. As indicated by directional arrow 948 in fig. 62A, cardboard decoration 950, described herein as a sleeve, may be slid down over and over the stack of display trays 800. Other mounting arrangements would be possible. For example, the cardboard decoration may be supplied as an open, foldable sheet rather than a sleeve, and wrapped over the unit. In the depicted installation, the cardboard decoration 950 also includes at least one tab 960 that can be folded down once the cardboard decoration 950 has reached its stacked display position relative to the display tray 800. The tab 960 engages with at least one display tray 800 via its base 802 or major edge 804 to ensure that the paperboard decoration 950 remains in place. The paperboard decoration 950 may have a lower edge that is substantially flush with the top surface 122 of the tray base 120. However, various other configurations will be possible.

Cardboard decor 950 may take many different forms that may be implemented for different retail purposes. However, in fig. 62A and 62B, the paperboard decoration 950 includes a lower covering 951 that substantially completely covers at least one of the display trays 800. The illustrated paperboard decoration 950 also includes a head board (headboard) 952 and may also include at least one side board 953 (shown in fig. 63A). Further, the paperboard decoration 950 may include (as shown in fig. 63B) at least one display tray cover 954 for covering at least a portion of the top surface of the base 802 of the display tray 800, and the paperboard decoration may (internally) cover at least a portion of the major edge 804. At least one display tray cover 954 is generally separate from the paperboard decoration 950.

Fig. 62B shows a shipping and display unit with a first cardboard decorative design 957. The first board decorative design 957 includes a lower cover 951 and a head board 952. The second paperboard decorative design 958 shown in fig. 63A includes a lower covering 951, a head board 952, and two side panels 953. The uppermost presentation tray 800 in the stack may not include any of the arms 806, as shown in fig. 63A. Fig. 63B shows a third paperboard decorative design 959, which includes a lower covering 951 and two display tray covers 954. In each of the cardboard decoration designs 957, 958, 959, the lowermost two display trays 800 are substantially completely covered by the cardboard decoration 950, more specifically by the lower cover 951. Thus, the bottom two display trays may serve only as support structures without containing any product, or alternatively may store a quantity of products for sale (but typically the products are not reached by the customer, and may be used to refill the display trays above if necessary).

Referring to fig. 61B and 64A-64C, in some examples, product 610 may be disposed on display tray 220 and then inserted into RFSDU, or alternatively, product 610 may be placed on display tray 220 when display tray 220 has been fully inserted. Further, in examples such as foldable display tray 800, the product may be disposed on foldable display tray 800 either before stacking (if stacked) or after stacking.

Fig. 64A shows a front view of a shipping and display unit filled with product 610. Product 610 may be considered to be located on two display trays 800 that remain uncovered by paperboard decoration 950. Dividers 961 may be added to display tray 800 to limit movement of product 610.

Fig. 64B and 64C illustrate different product arrangements on display trays 220, 800 that may be implemented. The display tray 220, 800 cannot be filled to the maximum capacity of the product 610 in order to increase the attractiveness of the product. RFSDU 100, 800 each display tray 220, 800 may contain the same number of products 610 or a different number of products 610. In fig. 63B, the products 610 are arranged in columns such that each column contains the same number of products. In fig. 63C, the products 610 are arranged such that some columns contain fewer products 610 than others.

Period of use RFSDU

Fig. 65 shows the usage period of RFSDU through the supply chain. The transportation symbology generally represents transportation and may include one or more methods selected from trucks, automobiles, vans, trains, ships, or planes.

The display tray and folded RFSDU are provided separately at the service center 704 before being transported to the packaging/co-packaging site 706. Then RFSDU is fully assembled by the user and the product can be filled manually, in a partially automated manner, or in a substantially automated manner. The display tray may be pre-filled with product prior to insertion into RFSDU or may be loaded thereafter. RFSDU are covered by the display structure 600. RFSDU filled with product and covered by the display structure is referred to as loaded RFSDU. The number of display trays may match point-of-sale design requirements. The loaded RFSDU is then transported to the retailer delivery center 708. The loaded RFSDU is then transported to store 710.RFSDU are received, processed, and placed for display at a store for promotional purposes.

After use, once the promotion is over, the display structure 600 is removed and discarded, and RFSDU a can be folded and placed into a shipping position, as previously described. The display tray and folded RFSDU may then be transported back to the retailer distribution center before returning to the service center for sorting, inspection, cleaning, and repair.

With respect to foldable display tray 800, display tray 800 is disposed at service center 704 prior to being transported to packaging/co-packaging site 706. Then RFSDU is fully assembled by the user and the product can be filled manually, in a partially automated manner, or in a substantially automated manner. If RFSDU includes more than one foldable display tray 800, display tray 800 may be pre-filled with product prior to stacking or loaded thereafter. Then RFSDU is covered by the display structure 600. RFSDU filled with product and covered by the display structure is referred to as loaded RFSDU. The number of display trays 800 may match point-of-sale design requirements. The loaded RFSDU is then transported to the retailer delivery center 708. The loaded RFSDU is then transported to store 710.RFSDU are received, processed, and placed for display at a store for promotional purposes. After use, once the promotion is exhausted, the display structure 600 is removed and discarded, or recycled, and each display tray 800 may be reconfigured by receiving its arms prior to re-stacking, as seen in fig. 54B. The stacks of foldable display trays 800 may then be transported back to the retailer distribution center, after which they are returned to the service center for sorting, inspection, cleaning, and repair.

Removable support structure

In the context of a fully formed and erected product display unit, which has been described above in particular in connection with fig. 63A, the uppermost display tray may advantageously not comprise a support arm. After all, such display tray may not be required to provide support for another display tray disposed thereon. Thus, any reconfigurable arm 806 provided on that particular display tray may remain potentially unused (if, of course, the display tray is always used as the uppermost display tray of the display unit), and thus may be considered unnecessary or unnecessary. Thus, the uppermost display tray may be provided as a substantially conventional display tray only (although the display tray is of course a display tray adapted to be supported from below by the arms 806 of another display tray 800). Alternatively, the support arm 806 may be removable-to maintain maximum flexibility of use. Next, an implementation of the removable support arm 806 is described.

Fig. 66-69B relate to a second example of a foldable display tray 920. The first example of foldable display tray 800 is substantially identical to the second example of foldable display tray 920, except for the differences described in detail below, which are intended to facilitate the separation and reattachment of at least one arm 930 of foldable display tray 920 (similar to arm 806 of foldable display tray 800) from foldable display tray 920. At least one arm 930 may be disposable and cannot be reattached once separated from foldable display tray 920. The at least one arm may be constructed of one or more materials including aluminum, stainless steel, cardboard or plastic materials-the latter two materials being certainly most suitable for the case of disposable arms. At least one arm 930 may or may not extend. In presentation tray 920 shown in fig. 66-67B, arm 930 does extend and retract.

As seen in fig. 67A and 67B, one difference between foldable display discs 800, 920 is that, unlike the main edge 804 of foldable display disc 800 which extends at a substantially uniform height around the perimeter of the base, the main edge 922 of foldable display disc 920 has a reduced height along its sides, i.e., reduced edges 922. This reduced edge 922 reduces the likelihood of product getting caught on the main edge 922 when the user removes product from the foldable display tray 920, thereby improving the user experience, and may have the additional benefit of reducing the amount of material required to manufacture the foldable display tray 920. The main edge 922 may have a greater height at the corners of the edge 922 to facilitate inclusion of a hinge mechanism.

One other difference is that, similar to the first pin 861 and/or the second pin 868 of the foldable display tray 800, at least one pin 871 (but of course preferably all pins 871) of the foldable display tray 920 is removably attachable to at least one inner strut 926 (similar to the inner strut 852). Foldable display tray 920 may include a total of eight pins 871, two pins per post 926. In the example shown, the pin 871 is basically implemented as an insert and/or a screw. More specifically, pin 871 may be considered a threaded insert, a set screw, a grub screw, and/or a headless screw. Further, pin 871 may be considered a partially threaded headless screw. In the example shown, each pin 871 is substantially identical, but in principle different pins may be used.

As shown in fig. 68A-68D, the pin 871 includes a shaft 872, a screw driver 874, and a tip 875. The shaft 872 also includes a threaded portion 873 that extends along a portion of the shaft 872. In some pins, the threaded portion 873 may extend along substantially the entire shaft 872 and thus be considered fully threaded. The screw driver 874 of the pin is shown as a socket head, but other pins may utilize various other driving patterns, such as a cross screw driver (such as a phillips screw driver). Tip 875 is a flat head, but may be different in other embodiments, such as a cup-shaped head, a conical head, or an oval nodding head.

As seen in fig. 69A and 69B, the inner strut 926 further includes at least one pin engagement feature 928 for removably attaching at least one pin 871 to the inner strut 926. In the present display tray, each inner post 926 includes two pin engagement features 928, but in other display trays, each inner post may include a different number (such as three, four, or five) of pin engagement features 928. Each pin joint feature 928 in the present embodiment shown in fig. 69A and 69B is a cavity and may be formed as a perforation through the entire inner post 926. The pin engagement feature 928 is threaded to engage with the threaded portion 873 of the pin 871. The pin joint feature 928 has a circular cross section.

A user may use a tool to removably attach each pin 871 to one of the at least one inner struts 926. Alternatively, the user may removably attach each pin 871 to one of the at least one inner struts 926 without the use of a tool. Each pin 871 is removably attached to one of the at least one inner struts 926 by threading each pin of the at least one pin 871 into one of the at least one pin joint features 928. Furthermore, in other display trays, the pin 871 may be removably attached to the inner post 926 by alternative engagement means (e.g., a snap fit or interference fit). Upon removal of the removable pin 871, the corresponding post 926 will easily disengage from the display tray 920.

Claims

1. A module for a modular shipping and display unit for shipping a product to a store and for subsequently displaying the product in the store, the module comprising:

a display tray adapted to receive the product thereon, the display tray including a border at least partially surrounding the display tray and adapted to retain the product thereon, and

At least one reconfigurable and removable support structure rotatably disposed with respect to the shelf and pivotally connected to the border,

Wherein the at least one reconfigurable support structure is adapted to:

In a first erect configuration, wherein the support structure is adapted to support one or more additional of the modules such that all modules collectively form the transport and display unit, and

In a second stowed configuration, or

Is removed together from the display tray.

2. The module of claim 1, wherein the boundary completely surrounds the shelf;

preferably, wherein the border is integrally formed with the shelf;

More preferably, wherein the border is provided as a skirt extending perpendicularly relative to the shelf;

More preferably, wherein the skirt extends from an edge of the shelf.

3. The module of claim 1 or 2, wherein the reconfigurable support structure is disposed adjacent a shelf boundary and the pivotable connection comprises at least one pin and at least one guide for receiving the pin and guiding movement of the pin such that the at least one reconfigurable support structure is adapted to rotate and translate relative to the shelf such that a pivotable end of the at least one reconfigurable support structure can avoid the shelf boundary during reconfiguration;

preferably, wherein the at least one pin is disposed on the pivotable end of the reconfigurable support structure;

more preferably, wherein the guide is provided in the shape of a slot;

More preferably, wherein the guide is provided as a cut through the shelf boundary.

4. A module according to claim 3, wherein the pivotable connection is arranged such that the minimum distance between the pivotable end of the reconfigurable support structure and the boundary is less than a predetermined value during the entire reconfiguration of the reconfigurable support structure.

5. The module of claim 3 or 4, wherein the pivotable connection comprises an upper and a lower pin provided on pivotable ends of the reconfigurable support structure and two respective upper and lower slots for guiding movement of two respective pins, wherein the lower slot extends linearly along the shelf boundary and the upper slot is arcuate with a downward concavity.

6. The module of claim 5, wherein the upper slot forms a retaining peak at an end thereof for retaining at least one support structure in either the first configuration or the second configuration.

7. The module of claim 5 or 6, wherein the boundary comprises a resiliently flexible retainer for retaining the at least one support structure in the first configuration or the second configuration.

8. A module according to claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein at least one of the pins is removable, preferably both pins are removable.

9. A module according to any preceding claim, wherein each reconfigurable support structure comprises a pair of opposed pivotable levers and a bridge connecting respective distal ends of the pivotable levers;

Preferably, wherein the bar has an L-shaped cross-section and is arranged such that the respective corners formed by the L-shape face the shelf;

more preferably, wherein the bridge comprises a pair of opposed brackets arranged to engage with the distal end of the pivotable lever.

10. A module according to any preceding claim, wherein the module comprises two of the reconfigurable support structures provided at opposite ends of the shelf, wherein the module is arranged to reach respective second stowed positions of the reconfigurable support structures by equal and opposite stowing operations such that the two reconfigurable support structures fold inwardly towards the shelf from their respective first erect positions.

11. A module according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one reconfigurable support structure is additionally extendable;

Preferably, wherein the bridge is adapted to be positioned in at least a first fully retracted position and a second fully extended position relative to the two rods;

more preferably, wherein the bridge is telescopically extendable;

More preferably, wherein the rod engaging brackets are each slidably disposed on a respective rod.

12. A module according to claim 11, wherein the bridge comprises an actuation mechanism arranged such that the bridge can be extended or retracted upon actuation of the actuation mechanism;

Preferably, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises one or more bolts and biasing means for biasing the bolts into a protruding configuration;

Preferably, wherein the actuation mechanism is configured such that actuation of the actuation mechanism retracts the bolt against the biasing means.

13. A module according to any preceding claim, wherein the shelf is generally rectangular;

Preferably, the size of the shelf is the size of a tray or trolley, or the size of a part of the tray or trolley;

more preferably, wherein the shelf is the size of a quarter tray or trolley.

14. The module of claim 13, wherein each reconfigurable support structure is disposed at a short side of a rectangular shelf;

Preferably, wherein each pivot rod is disposed at a respective corner of the rectangular shelf;

more preferably, wherein each bridge extends parallel to a corresponding short side of the rectangular shelf and has the same length as the corresponding short side.

15. A module according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one reconfigurable support structure is sized and arranged such that in its second stowed configuration it lies entirely within the interior of the boundary.

16. A module according to claim 15 when dependent on claim 10, wherein the dimensions and arrangement of the two reconfigurable support structures are such that when both support structures are configured in the second stowed configuration they lie entirely within the interior of the boundary;

preferably, wherein the above condition is also met when at least one or both of the reconfigurable support structures are extended.

17. A module according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one reconfigurable support structure is sized and arranged such that in the second stowed configuration it lies flat and occupies space entirely contained within the shelf interior.

18. A module according to claim 17 when dependent on claim 10, wherein the two reconfigurable support structures are sized and arranged such that when both support structures are configured in the second stowed configuration they lie flat and the respective footprints are wholly contained within the shelf interior;

19. A module according to any preceding claim, wherein the underside of the shelf is configured to fit snugly over another module and/or a loading surface of a pallet or trolley.

20. The module of any preceding claim, wherein in the first upright configuration the at least one support structure is configured to be snugly received by a bottom surface of one or more additional modules.

21. A module according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one reconfigurable support structure comprises one or more features constructed and arranged to hold a packaging element, such as a cardboard sheet, in place when the at least one reconfigurable support structure is in the first erect configuration;

optionally, the feature comprises one or more tongues configured to hold the packaging element in place, preferably in cooperation with at least a portion of the border, and/or

Wherein the feature comprises one or more slits configured to hold the packaging element in place, preferably in cooperation with another reconfigurable support structure.

22. A module for a modular shipping and display unit for shipping a product to a store and for subsequently displaying the product in the store, the module comprising:

A shelf adapted to receive the product thereon, and

At least one removable support structure adapted to support one or more additional said modules such that all modules together form said transport and display unit.

23. The module of claim 22, wherein the at least one removable support structure is adapted to be reconfigurable when present between a first erect configuration and a second stowed or stowed configuration, wherein the support structure is adapted to support the one or more additional modules in the first erect configuration.

24. A modular shipping and display unit for shipping a product to a store and for subsequently displaying the product in the store, wherein the unit comprises at least a first module according to any one of claims 1 to 21;

Optionally, wherein the first module comprises at least one upright reconfigurable support structure;

Optionally, wherein the first module comprises at least one stowed reconfigurable support structure.

25. A combination of a module according to any one of claims 1 to 23 or a modular transport and display unit according to claim 24 with a corresponding pallet or trolley;

preferably, wherein the size of the modules, the modular units and the trays or trolleys corresponds to the size of a quarter tray.

26. A method of erecting and/or stowing a module according to any one of claims 1 to 21 or a modular unit according to claim 24, the method comprising deploying at least one reconfigurable support structure stowed in the first erect configuration and/or stowing at least one reconfigurable support structure erect in the second stowed configuration.

27. A method of making the modular shipping and display unit of claim 24, the method comprising:

In a first erect configuration, deploying the at least one stowed reconfigurable support structure;

Stacking at least one other erected module on the first module;

Optionally, one or more products are provided on any of the shelves of the first module or other modules of the modular unit to load the unit with one or more products.

28. A method of stowing the modular shipping and display unit of claim 24, the method comprising:

In a second stowed configuration, receiving the erected at least one reconfigurable support structure;

Stacking at least one other stowed module on the first module;

Optionally, one or more products are removed from any of the shelves of the first or other modules, thereby unloading the modular unit.

29. A modular shipping and display unit for shipping a product to a store and for subsequently displaying the product in the store, wherein the unit comprises at least a first module according to claim 22 or 23.

30. A combination of a module according to claim 22 or 23 or a modular transport and display unit according to claim 29 with a corresponding pallet or trolley;

31. A method of providing a module according to claim 22 or 23 or a modular unit according to claim 29, the method comprising attaching at least one removable support structure and/or removing at least one removable support structure;

optionally, wherein the method further comprises deploying the stowed at least one reconfigurable support structure in the first stowed configuration and/or stowing the stowed at least one reconfigurable support structure in the second stowed configuration.

32. A method of making or stowing a modular shipping and display unit according to claim 29, the method comprising attaching at least one removable support structure and/or removing at least one removable support structure.