US20080023424A1

US20080023424A1 - Methods and apparatus for displaying blister packages

Info

Publication number: US20080023424A1
Application number: US11/492,205
Authority: US
Inventors: Brandon Gerard Sudholt
Original assignee: Brandon Gerard Sudholt
Current assignee: Qualcomm Atheros Inc
Priority date: 2004-03-12
Filing date: 2006-07-24
Publication date: 2008-01-31

Abstract

A display rack and a method for use of facilitates displaying at least two blister packages. The display rack includes a first and a second elongated member that each include a first end, a second end, and a channel extending there between, and an adjustable support that extends between the first and second elongated members. The members are coupled together such that the first channel substantially mirrors the second channel and such that a display area is defined between the first and second elongated member channels. The first elongated member is spaced a variable distance from the second elongated member such a display area is sized to receive at least two blister package packages therein such that each blister package is retained within the display area by the first and second elongated members. The adjustable support is repositionable to selectively control the size of the display area.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/799,332 filed Mar. 12, 2004, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to display racks, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for displaying blister packages.
At least some known consumer goods are packaged for retail sale in display packages which include a substantially planar backing sheet on which the consumer good is mounted so as to be visible when displayed on a display rack. For example, at least some such display packages are known as blister packages wherein the consumer good being sold is contained within a plastic enclosure that is coupled to the backing sheet. Within at least some blister packages, the plastic enclosure includes at least a portion that is contoured substantially in shape and size to the consumer good contained therein.
To facilitate displaying blister packages, at least some known display racks include a plurality of hanger members which extend outwardly from the display rack. The banger members are inserted through openings formed within the backing sheets, such that the blister packages are suspended from the display rack. Generally, the backing sheet and plastic enclosure are discarded after the consumer good has been removed from the display packaging. However, if the packaged consumer good houses a consumer good that is deemed collectible, the value of the collectible is generally enhanced if the collectible is retained in its original packaging. Accordingly, collectors generally do not open the blister packaging. For example, metal die-cast, reduced-scale automobile models of authentic racing stock cars, or miniature figurines of current and past sports participants, such as baseball, football, and/or basketball players, have become increasingly more collectible in recent years. However, the original packaging may be an inconvenience and an annoyance which collectors endure to facilitate increasing the value of the consumer good contained within the packaging. Specifically, when maintained in their original packaging, collectible goods may be difficult to neatly and compactly display, and as such, may detract from the attractiveness of the collection display.
Accordingly, at least some known display racks are sized to display the collectible goods while maintained within their original blister packaging. At least some known display racks include a pair of opposed rails that are mounted generally horizontally to a support structure. The rails are spaced apart such that a blister package may be inserted therebetween such that the lower edge of the blister package is against the lower rail, and such that at least a portion of the backing sheet is tucked loosely behind the upper rail, between the upper rail and the support structure. As such, the blister packages are only moderately maintained in their position, and furthermore, the display racks are limited to only being oriented in a generally horizontal arrangement.
Other known display racks include a plurality of openings formed in a display sheet. The plastic enclosure is inserted through the opening and each backing sheet remains behind the display sheet. Accordingly, when the display sheet is coupled to a support structure, removing any of the blister packages from the display sheet is difficult without uncoupling the sheet from the support structure.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a display rack for displaying at least two blister packages is provided. The display rack includes a first elongated member including a first end, a second end, and a channel extending there between, and a second elongated member including a first end, a second end, and a channel extending therebetween there between. The display rack also includes an adjustable support that extends between the first and second elongated members. The first elongated member channel is coupled to the second elongated member such that the first member elongated channel substantially mirrors the second elongated member channel such that a display area is defined between the first and second elongated member channels. The first elongated member is spaced a variable distance from the second elongated member such a display area is sized to receive at least two blister package packages therein such that each blister package is retained within the display area by the first and second elongated members, and such that adjacent blister packages partially overlap within the first and second member channels. The adjustable support is selectively repositionable to selectively control the size of the display area.
In another aspect, a display rack assembly for displaying at least two blister packages is provided. The display rack assembly includes at least one pair of opposed elongated members that are coupled together by an adjustable support that extends between the pair of elongated members. Each of the elongated members includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and a channel extending therebetween. Each channel extends from a first end of the elongated member to an opposite second end of the same elongated member. The pair of elongated members are spaced apart such that a display area is defined between the pair of elongated members. The display area is selectively sized to receive at least two blister packages therein such that opposite sides of each blister package are slidably coupled within the pair of elongated member channels, and such that adjacent blister packages partially overlap within the first and second member channels. The adjustable support is selectively repositionable to selectively control the size of said display area.
In a further aspect, a method of displaying at least two blister packages within a display rack is provided. The method comprises coupling a first elongated member to an adjustable member, wherein wherein the first elongated member includes a first end, a second end, and a channel extending from the first end at least partially towards the second end, and coupling a second elongated member to the adjustable member, wherein the second elongated member includes a first end, a second end, and a channel extending from the first end at least partially towards the second end, and such that the second elongated member substantially mirrors that of the first elongated member. The method also comprises selectively adjusting the size of a display area defined between the opposed channels such that the display area is sized such that opposite sides of each blister package are received within the channels for retention within the display rack and such that adjacent blister packages partially overlap within the first and second member channels, and securing the position of the adjustable member relative to the first and second elongated members to facilitate maintaining the size of the display area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary known metal die-cast, reduced-scale automobile model contained in a blister package;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary display rack assembly that may be used to display a plurality of blister packages, such as the blister package shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a channel member used with the display rack assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the display rack assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an alternative embodiment of a display rack assembly that may be used to display a plurality of blister packages, such as the blister package shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is another alternative embodiment of a display rack that may be used with the rack assembly shown in FIGS. 2-5 to display a plurality of blister packages, such as the blister package shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary known metal die-cast, reduced-scale automobile model 10 contained in a blister package 12. For example, reduced-scale automobile model 10 may be, but is not limited to being, commercially available from Mattel, Incorporated, Funline Merchandise Company, and/or Playing Mantis, Incorporated. In alternative embodiments, blister package 12 may contain other consumer good, such as, but not limited to, sports figurines, toys, dolls, or model railroad paraphernalia. Moreover, it should be noted that blister package 12 is not limited to the exemplary embodiment shown, and that rather, blister package 12 is representative of one conventional form of package in which collectible goods are sold by retailers. Accordingly, alternative retail package orientations are possible.
In the exemplary embodiment, blister package 12 includes a generally planar hanger card or backing sheet 20 which supports one model 10 within a transparent enclosure or blister 22. Enclosure 22 is coupled to, and extends outwardly from a forward face 24 of backing sheet 20. In the exemplary embodiment, backing sheet 20 has a width W, measured between opposing side edges 21, that is wider than a width W₂of enclosure 22, and a height H, measured between opposing side edges 21, that is taller than a height H₂of enclosure 22.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary display rack assembly 40 that may be used to display a plurality of blister packages 12. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a channel member 42 used with display rack assembly 40. FIG. 4 is a side view of display rack assembly 40. In the exemplary embodiment, rack assembly 40 includes a plurality of display racks 44 coupled together. In an alternative embodiment, display rack assembly 40 includes only one display rack 44. Each display rack 44 is fabricated from a plurality of elongated channel members 42. Specifically, each display rack 44 includes a pair of primary support rails 48 and 50 that are coupled together by at least one lateral siderail support 52. In the exemplary embodiment, siderail support 52 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional profile. Alternatively, siderail support 52 has a non-rectangular cross-sectional profile, such as but not limited to, an L-shaped cross-sectional profile.
Siderail support 52, in the exemplary embodiment, extends substantially perpendicularly between rails 48 and 50, such that rails 48 and 50 are substantially parallel. In an alternative embodiment, rails 48 and 50 are not parallel to each other. In the exemplary embodiment, rails 48 and 50 are identical and each includes a first end 54, an opposite second end 56, and a channel 58 extending therebetween along a length L of rails 48 and 50. In an alternative embodiment, channel 58 extends only partially between ends 54 and 56 along length L. In a further alternative embodiment, rails 48 and 50 are not identical.
In the exemplary embodiment, each rail 48 and 50 has a substantially J-shaped cross-sectional profile and each includes an inner surface 60 and an external surface 62. Alternatively, each rail 48 and 50 has a different shaped cross-sectional profile, such as, but not limited to a U-shaped or generally box-end cross-sectional profile. Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment, channel 58 is defined by inner surface 60. External surface 62 extends substantially continuously from an inner side 64 of each rail 48 and 50 to an outer side 66 of each rail 48 and 50.
Each end 56 of rails 48 and 50 is coupled to siderail support 52 such that rails 48 and 50 are separated by a distance D measured across an inner side of rails 48 and 50, such that rails 48 and 50 substantially mirror each other in the exemplary embodiment. In an alternative embodiment, siderail support 52 extends between rails 48 and 50, but does not extend between rail ends 56. Distance D ensures that a display area 70 is defined between rails 48 and 50. More specifically, display area 70 extends between rails 48 and 50 and is bordered by opposed channels 58. Accordingly, because rails 48 and 50 are in a mirrored orientation, display area 70 has a width W₄that is measured with respect to rail inner sides 64, and a slightly wider width (not shown in FIGS. 2-4) when measured with respect to channel inner surface 58. Display area widths W₃and W₄are variably selected to be slightly larger than either blister package enclosure width W₂and/or blister package backing sheet width W, depending on the amount and type of blister packages 12 desired to be displayed. Moreover, rail lengths L are variably selected depending on the amount and type of blister packages 12 desired to be displayed.
In the exemplary embodiment, a hanger support 80 extends substantially perpendicularly between rail ends 54. Alternatively, hanger support 80 may be coupled only to either rail 48 or 50, depending upon a desired display orientation of that respective display rack 44. In a further alternative embodiment, hanger support 80 extends non-perpendicularly between rails 48 and 50. In another alternative embodiment, rack display assembly 40 does not include hanger support 80, but rather includes at least one additional siderail support 52. In a further alternative embodiment, rack display assembly 40 includes a plurality of support members 52 that are spaced along display rack length L to facilitate providing additional structural support to each respective display rack 44. In the exemplary embodiment, hanger support 80 is fabricated identically with rails 48 and 50 and is a channel member 42. Alternatively, hanger support 80 may have any cross-sectional profile that enables hanger support 80 to function as described herein.
Hanger support 80 is coupled to rails 48 and 50 such that an inner side 64 of hanger support 80 is coupled against each rail inner side 64. Accordingly, a channel 58 extending through hanger support 80 faces away from display area 70, thus enabling hanger support 80 to function as a hanger assembly such that display rack 44 may be coupled to a support structure 88. Support structure 88 may be, but is not limited to being a wall, a panel, or a sheet of rigid material.
Display rack assembly 40 also includes a structural support mount 90 that is coupled to support structure 88 and enables at least one display rack 44 to be coupled to support structure 88. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, support mount 90 enables a plurality of display racks 44 to be removably coupled to support structure 88. In the exemplary embodiment, support mount 90 is fabricated identically with rails 48 and 50, and/or with hanger mount 80, and is a channel member 42. Alternatively, support mount 90 may have any cross-sectional profile that enables support mount 90 to function as described herein. Specifically, a channel 58 extending through support mount 90 provides a surface for each hanger mount 80 to couple thereto such that each respective display rack 44 is suspended from support mount 90 by hanger mount 80. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, display rack 44 is suspended from support mount 90 such that display rack 44 is in a generally vertical orientation with respect to support mount 90. Alternatively, hanger mounts 80 may be coupled to other areas of each rack 44 to enable that respective display rack 44 to be oriented in a non-vertical orientation, for example, such that members 48 and 50 are generally horizontally-oriented with respect to, and/or substantially parallel to, support mount 90. In other alternative embodiments, display rack assembly 40 is not suspended from support structure 88, but rather is fixedly secured to support structure 88 using a plurality of fasteners, for example.
In the exemplary embodiment, rails 48 and 50, support mount 90, hanger mount 80, and siderail support 52 are each fabricated from a metallic material. In alternative embodiments, display rack assembly 40 and its associated components are fabricated from any non-metallic material that enables display rack assembly 40 to function as described herein.
During use, a plurality of blister packages 12 may be supported by rack assembly 40 and displayed within each respective display area 70. More specifically, each blister package 12 is inserted within display area 70 such that opposite side edges 21 or side edges 23 of backing sheet 20 are inserted within opposing channels 58. Accordingly, when edges 21 or 23 are inserted within opposing channels 58, that respective blister package 12 is slidably coupled within display area 70 such that enclosure 22 and at least a portion of blister package backing sheet forward surface 24 is visible within display area 70. Moreover, because rails 48 and 50 are in a mirrored orientation, and because display area widths W₃and W₄are variably selected to be slightly larger than either blister package enclosure width W₂and/or blister package backing sheet width W, blister packages 12 are retained within display area 70 by rails 48 and 58. Moreover, depending on the display area widths W₃and W₄selected, when inserted within display area 12, the amount of backing sheet 20 to be displayed with enclosures 22 varies. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, adjacent blister package backing sheets 20 overlap when a plurality of blister packages 12 are removably coupled within display area 70. Alternatively, blister packages 12 may be removably coupled within display area 70 such that adjacent blister package backing sheets do not overlap when a plurality of blister packages 12 are removably coupled within display area 70.
FIG. 5 is an alternative embodiment of a display rack assembly 100 that may be used to display a plurality of blister packages, such as blister package 12 (shown in FIG. 1). Display rack assembly 100 is substantially similar to display rack assembly 40 (shown in FIGS. 2-4) and components of rack display assembly 100 that are identical to components of rack display assembly 40 are identified in FIG. 5 using the same reference numerals used in FIGS. 2-4. Accordingly, rack display assembly 100 includes a plurality of display racks 44 for use in displaying blister packages 12. However, rather than each being suspended in a generally planar manner to a support structure, such as support structure 88 (shown in FIG. 2), adjacent racks 40 are coupled together using a plurality of end caps 110 such that display rack assembly 100 is free-standing. Moreover, although only two racks 40 are illustrated in FIG. 5, it is contemplated that more than two racks 40 may be coupled together depending on a desired geometric configuration for rack assembly 100.
In addition, in alternative embodiments, display rack assembly 100 includes a hanger mount 80 that extends from a first side 112 of display rack assembly 100 to an opposite side 114 of display rack assembly 100. Accordingly, hanger mount 80 enables display rack assembly 100 to be removably coupled to support structure 88 via support mount 90 such that display rack assembly 100 is suspended from support mount 90. As such, display rack assembly 100 can be used in conjunction with, or adjacent display rack assembly 40.
FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of a display rack 200 that may be used with a display rack assembly, such as, but not limited to rack assemblies 40 and/or 100 (shown in FIGS. 2-4, and 5, respectively), to display a plurality of blister packages, such as blister package 12 (shown in FIG. 1). Display rack 200 is substantially similar to display rack 44 (shown in FIGS. 2-5) and components of display rack 200 that are identical to components of display rack 44 are identified in FIG. 6 using the same reference numerals used in FIGS. 2-5. Accordingly, display rack 44 is fabricated from channel members 42 and includes primary support rails 48 and 50. Display rack 44 is not limited to being used in a vertical orientation, as is illustrated in FIG. 6, but rather display rack 200 may be used in orientation, including but not limited to, a horizontal orientation.
In the exemplary embodiment, support rails 48 and 50 are coupled together via an adjustable support 202 that includes a pair of cross-members 204 and 206. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, cross-members 204 and 206 are coupled to rails 48 and 50 in a scissor-joint orientation, described in more detail below. Alternatively, cross-members 204 and 206 may be oriented in any orientation that enables display rack 200 to function as described herein. For example, in one alternative embodiment, cross-members 204 and 206 are oriented substantially perpendicularly to rails 48 and 50, and rails 48 and 50 are modified to enable members 204 and 206 to be selectively adjustable to selectively control the spacing D between rails 48 and 50, as described in more detail below. To facilitate the use of display rack 200 in any orientation, in the exemplary embodiment, each rail 48 and 50 is formed with an integral stop (not shown) that extends along the same end 56 of each rail 48 and 50. More specifically, the stop extends at least partially across the rail channels 58 (shown in FIG. 3) to prevent a blister package 12 (shown in FIG. 1) from inadvertently sliding outward from display rack 200. In another embodiment, a stop is coupled to rails 48 and 50 to prevent a blister package 12 from inadvertently sliding outward from display rack 200.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, in the exemplary embodiment, cross-members 204 and 206 are each substantially identical and each has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional profile. In one alternative embodiment, display rack 200 includes only one cross-member 204 or 206. In another alternative embodiment, at least one cross-member 204 and/or 206 has a non-rectangular cross-sectional profile. In a further alternative embodiment, members 204 and 206 each have different cross-sectional profiles and/or different lengths L_c.
In the exemplary embodiment, rails 48 and 50 are substantially parallel and cross-members 204 and 206 each extend obliquely between rails 48 and 50 in a scissors-joint orientation. More specifically, cross-members 204 and 206 each include a first end 210, an opposite second end 212, and a body 214 extending therebetween. The length L_cof each cross-member 204 and 206 is measured between each first end 210 and each second end 212. In the exemplary embodiment, the body portions 214 of each cross-member 204 and 206 are pivotally coupled together via a rivet 218.
Each rail 48 and 50 includes a slot 220 defined within a portion of the substantially J-shaped cross-sectional profile of each rail 48 and 50. More specifically, to facilitate maintaining rails 48 and 50 substantially parallel to each other, in the exemplary embodiment, the slots 220 formed in each rail 48 and 50 are substantially identical and each is located within each rail 48 and 50 at the same axial distance D_cfrom rail ends 56. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, slots 220 do not extend into rail channels 58 (shown in FIG. 3).
In the exemplary embodiment, the first end 210 of each cross-member 204 and 206 is slidably coupled within each slot 220, and the second end 212 of each cross-member 204 and 206 is secured in position to each rail 48 and 50. In one alternative embodiment, each cross-member 220 includes at least a pair of slots 220, and the first and second ends 210 and 212, respectively, of each cross-member 204 and 206 is slidably coupled within a respective slot 220. In another alternative embodiment, only one rail 48 or 50 includes a pair of slots 220 and a cross-member 204 and 206 is fixedly secured to one rail 48 or 50 and is slidably coupled within the slots 220 defined in the other rail 48 or 50. In one embodiment, each cross-member second end 212 is secured to each rail 48 and 50 via a mechanical fastener, such as, but not limited to, a rivet, a threaded screw, and/or a nut and bolt. Alternatively, each cross-member second end 212 may be fixedly secured to each rail using any fastening means that enables adjustable support 202 to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, each cross-member second end 212 includes a tab 222 that extends outward from each cross-member 204 and 206. Tabs 222 are each sized to be received in an aperture (not shown) formed in each rail 48 and 50, such that when tabs 222 are inserted through the rail apertures, cross-member second ends 212 are secured in position relative to each rail 48 and 50.
Each cross-member first end 210 is slidably coupled to each respective rail 48 and 50. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, each cross-member first end 210 is coupled to each rail 48 and 50 via a mechanical fastener assembly 230 that includes a threaded backing plate, insert, or nut (not shown) that is secured in position to a rear side (not shown) of each cross-member 204 and 206, adjacent each cross-member first end 210, and a threaded screw 232 that is inserted partially through each slot 220 and is threadalby coupled to each threaded backing plate, insert, or nut. As such, when each screw 232 is threadably coupled to each backing plate, each cross-member first end 210 is slidably coupled to each rail 48 and 50 via slots 220. More specifically, fastener assembly 230 is configured such that screws 232 may be selectively tightened until a head portion (not shown) of each screw 232 is securely held against each respective rail 48 and 50 such that each cross-member first end 210 is securely maintained in position relative to each slot 220. Selectively loosening of fastener assembly 230 enables the distance D between rails 48 and 50 to be selectively adjusted.
Cross-members 204 and 206 are coupled to rails 48 and 50 such that rails 48 and 50 are separated by a distance D measured across an inner side 64 of rails 48 and 50, and such that rails 48 and 50 are in a substantially mirrored relationship relative to each other. To facilitate ease of storage and/or transportation, slots 220 are sized to enable rails 48 and 50 to be stored against each other such that the inner side 64 of rail 48 is positioned against the inner side 64 of rail 50.
Distance D is selectably adjustable, as described in more detail below, to ensure that a display area 70 is defined between rails 48 and 50. More specifically, display area 70 extends between rails 48 and 50 and is bordered by opposed channels 58. Accordingly, because rails 48 and 50 are in a mirrored orientation, display area 70 has a width W₄that is measured with respect to rail inner sides 64 (shown in FIG. 3), and a slightly wider width (not shown in FIG. 6) when measured with respect to channel inner surface 58 (shown in FIG. 3). Display area width W₄is variably selected to be slightly larger than either blister package enclosure width W₂(shown in FIG. 1) and/or blister package backing sheet width W (shown in FIG. 1), depending on the amount and type of blister packages 12 desired to be displayed. Moreover, rail lengths L (shown in FIG. 2) are variably selected depending on the amount and type of blister packages 12 desired to be displayed.
Adjustable support 202 enables the display rack display area 70 to be quickly adjusted and/or resized such that display rack 200 can accommodate a variety of different sized blister packages 12. It should be noted that in alternative embodiments, rails 48 and 50 do not include slots 220, but rather display rack 200 includes alternative adjustment means that enable display area 70 to be selectably adjusted. For example in one embodiment, at least one cross-member 204 or 206 includes a plurality of openings spaced along its body 214 that are each sized to receive a pin extending from either rail 48 or 50.
During use, a plurality of blister packages 12 may be supported by display rack 200 and displayed within display area 70. More specifically, during use, if necessary, initially fastener assembly 230 is loosened and a first blister package 12 is inserted within display area 70, and rails 48 and 50 are selectively adjusted such that display area 70 is reduced and rails 48 and 50 are moved closer towards each other, or such that display area 70 is increased and rails 48 and 50 are moved apart from each other. After display area 70 is adjusted, the opposite side edges 21 (shown in FIG. 1) or side edges 23 (shown in FIG. 1) of backing sheet 20 (shown in FIG. 1) are inserted within opposing channels 58. Accordingly, when edges 21 or 23 are inserted within opposing channels 58, that respective blister package 12 is slidably coupled within display area 70 such that enclosure 22 and at least a portion of blister package backing sheet forward surface 24 is visible within display area 70.
After the first blister package 12 is inserted within display area 70 and is retained within rails 48 and 50, fastener mechanism 230 is tightened to prevent any additional adjustments of display area 70 until screw 232 is re-loosened. Moreover, because rails 48 and 50 are in a mirrored orientation, and because display area width W₄is selectively adjustable to be slightly larger than either blister package enclosure width W₂and/or blister package backing sheet width W, blister packages 12 are retained within display area 70 by rails 48 and 58. Moreover, depending on the display area width W₄selected, when inserted within display area 12, the amount of backing sheet 20 to be displayed with enclosures 22 varies.
The above-described display rack assembly is cost-effective and highly reliable. The display rack assembly includes a pair of opposed rails that each define a channel at least partially therein. The members are retained in a spaced-apart orientation by at least one siderail support member such that a display area is defined between the rails. The overall dimensions of the display area are selectively adjustable depending on the amount, size, and type of blister packages being displayed, as well as the amount of each blister package that is desired to be displayed. As a result, an assembly is provided which facilitates displaying blister packages in a cost-effective and reliable manner.
Various alternative embodiments to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2-6 are possible and contemplated. For example, rather than being mounted to a structural support, a plurality of display racks could be mounted to each other to form a free-standing display assembly. Furthermore, the cross-sectional profile of each rail and/or other display rack components, such as the cross-members, could be in one of many different various selected shapes to facilitate improved displaying of consumer goods. Moreover, although many of the components are described and illustrated has having the same generally J-shaped cross-sectional profile, the components could have square or planar shapes that include channels formed therein where appropriate. In addition, each component need not have the same planar shape.
Exemplary embodiments of display rack assemblies and blister packages are described above in detail. The methods for displaying consumer goods are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, aspects of each display rack assembly may be utilized independently and separately from other display rack assemblies described herein. For example, each display rack assembly component can also be used in combination with other display rack assembly components.
While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A display rack for displaying at least two blister packages, said display rack comprising:

a first elongated member comprising a first end, a second end, and a channel extending there between;

a second elongated member comprising a first end, a second end, and a channel extending therebetween there between; and

an adjustable support extending between said first and second elongated members, said first elongated member channel substantially mirrors said second elongated member channel such that a display area is defined between said first and second elongated member channels, said first elongated member spaced a variable distance from said second elongated member such said display area is sized to receive at least two blister package packages therein such that each blister package is retained within said display area by said first and second elongated members, such that adjacent blister packages partially overlap within said first and second member channels, said adjustable support is selectively repositionable to selectively control the size of said display area.

2. A display rack in accordance with claim 1 wherein said adjustable support is selectively repositionable while remaining coupled to said first and second elongated members.

3. A display rack in accordance with claim 1 wherein said adjustable support comprises a first cross-member and a second cross-member, said first and second cross-members each coupled to at least one of said first and second elongated members.

4. A display rack in accordance with claim 4 wherein said first and second cross-members are pivotally coupled together in a scissors joint.

5. A display rack in accordance with claim 1 wherein a portion of said adjustable support is slidably coupled to one of said first and said second elongated members.

6. A display rack in accordance with claim 1 wherein a portion of said adjustable support is slidably coupled to each of said first and said second elongated members.

7. A display rack in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first and second elongated members each comprise a rear surface and a front surface, each said rear surface is substantially planar between said first and second ends.

8. A display rack in accordance with claim 7 wherein at least one of said first and said second elongated members further comprises a slot extending through a portion of said rear surface.

9. A display rack in accordance with claim 8 wherein a portion of said adjustable support is slidably coupled to said slot defined in at least one of said first and second elongated members.

10. A display rack assembly for displaying at least two blister packages, said display rack assembly comprising at least one pair of opposed elongated members coupled together by an adjustable support that extends between said pair of elongated members, each of said elongated members comprises an outer surface, an inner surface, and a channel extending therebetween, each said channel extends from a first end of said elongated member to an opposite second end of said elongated member, said pair of elongated members are spaced apart such that a display area is defined between said pair of elongated members, said display area is selectively sized to receive at least two blister packages therein such that opposite sides of each blister package are slidably coupled within said pair of elongated member channels, and such that adjacent blister packages partially overlap within said first and second member channels, said adjustable support is selectively repositionable to selectively control the size of said display area.

11. A display rack assembly in accordance with claim 10 wherein said adjustable support is selectively repositionable while remaining coupled to said first and second elongated members.

12. A display rack assembly in accordance with claim 11 wherein said adjustable support comprises a first cross-member and a second cross-member, said first and second cross-members each coupled to at least one of said first and second elongated members.

13. A display rack assembly in accordance with claim 12 wherein said first cross-member is substantially identical to said second cross-member.

14. A display rack assembly in accordance with claim 12 wherein said first and second cross-members are pivotally coupled together.

15. A display rack assembly in accordance with claim 11 wherein said adjustable support is slidably coupled to one of said first and said second elongated members.

16. A display rack assembly in accordance with claim 11 wherein said adjustable support is slidably coupled to each of said first and said second elongated members.

17. A display rack assembly in accordance with claim 11 wherein said first and second elongated members each comprise a slot extending therethrough, said slot sized to receive a portion of said adjustable support therein.

18. A display rack assembly in accordance with claim 11 wherein a portion of said adjustable support is slidably coupled to one of said first and second elongated members via at least one slot defined within said elongated member.

19. A method of displaying at least two blister packages within a display rack, said method comprising:

coupling a first elongated member to an adjustable member, wherein wherein the first elongated member includes a first end, a second end, and a channel extending from the first end at least partially towards the second end;

coupling a second elongated member to the adjustable member, wherein the second elongated member includes a first end, a second end, and a channel extending from the first end at least partially towards the second end, and such that the second elongated member substantially mirrors that of the first elongated member;

selectively adjusting the size of a display area defined between the opposed channels such that the display area is sized such that opposite sides of each blister package are received within the channels for retention within the display rack and such that adjacent blister packages partially overlap within the first and second member channels; and

securing the position of the adjustable member relative to the first and second elongated members to facilitate maintaining the size of the display area.

20. A method in accordance with claim 19 wherein coupling a first elongated member to an adjustable member further comprises slidably coupling the adjustable member to the first elongated member, and wherein coupling a second elongated member to the adjustable member further comprises slidably coupling the adjustable member to the second elongated member.