Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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PRODUCT MANAGEMENT DISPLAY SYSTEM WITH TRACKLESS PUSHER
MECHANISM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[01] The exemplary embodiments of the invention relate generally to a shelf
assembly for use
in merchandising product and more particularly to a shelf assembly having
improved
mechanisms for displaying and pushing product on the shelves.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[02] It is known that retail and wholesale stores, such as convenience stores,
drug stores,
grocery stores, discount stores, and the like, require a large amount of
shelving both to
store product and to display the product to consumers. In displaying product,
it is
desirable for the product on the shelves to be situated toward the front of
the shelf so that
the product is visible and accessible to consumers. In the case of coolers or
refrigerators
that are used to store and display such products as soft drinks, energy
drinks, bottled
water, and other bottled or canned beverages, it is desirable for these
products to also be
situated toward the front of the shelf and visible and accessible to the
consumers.
[03] To accomplish this placement of product, known systems may include
inclined trays or
floors that through gravity will cause the product to move toward the front of
the shelf.
Many of these systems include floors or shelves made of a plastic material
such as
polypropylene that due its low coefficient of friction permit the product to
easily slide
along the inclined floor or surface. However, over time, these surfaces can
become
obstructed with debris or sticky substances that inhibit the product from
properly sliding,
sometimes causing several products to tip over thus blocking additional
product from
moving to the front of the shelf.
[04] Other systems include the use of a pusher system to push the product
toward the front of
the shelf as the product at the front of the shelf is removed. The known
pusher systems
are typically mounted to a track and include a pusher paddle and a coiled
spring to urge
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the product forward. Occasionally, as the system is used, and over time, the
track
becomes obstructed with dirt or sticky materials that hinder the proper
operation of the
pusher system in the track. In addition, depending on the size, shape and
weight of the
product to be merchandised, the known pusher paddles may occasionally tip or
bend
backwards, thereby causing a binding of the pusher mechanism in the track. In
those
situations, the pusher mechanism may not properly push product toward the
front of the
shelf.
[05] One exemplary embodiment is directed at improving upon existing
merchandising
systems by providing a trackless pusher system that works with gravity-fed
merchandise
systems (i.e., inclined shelves or trays) and non-gravity-fed merchandise
systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[06] One exemplary embodiment is directed to a product management display
system for
merchandising product on a shelf. This embodiment includes using a trackless
pusher
mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed. The
trackless system
overcomes the known problems with the use of tracks to hold and guide the
known
pusher mechanisms. It should be understood however that the teachings of this
embodiment may be used with systems that include tracks for mounting a pusher
mechanism or the like.
[07] The pusher mechanism can include a pusher paddle and a floor that extends
forward of
the pusher paddle. A flat coiled spring or other biasing element can be
operatively
connected behind the pusher paddle and extend across the floor of the pusher
mechanism
and to the front of the shelf. Alternatively, the flat coiled spring or
biasing element can
extend across the divider to the front of the shelf assembly. With this
configuration, the
pusher paddle is prevented from tipping or bending backwards during operation.
[08] An exemplary embodiment also includes the use of a pushing mechanism with
the
merchandising of product on horizontal or non-inclined shelves or surfaces, as
well as
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with gravity-fed systems, or systems that use gravity as a mechanism to urge
product
toward the front of the shelf.
[09] In accordance with an exemplary illustrative embodiment of the invention,
the pusher
paddle may define a concave pushing surface for pushing cylindrical products,
such as
soft drink bottles or cans, and to keep the paddle centered on the track and
behind the
product. Alternatively, the pusher paddle may define a flat pushing surface
that may
further include at its upper edge a curved rib or similar structure that can
also be used to
push cylindrical products.
[10] In accordance with another exemplary illustrative embodiment of the
invention, the floor
of the pusher mechanism can include a notched or cut-out portion to align the
pusher
mechanism relative to the coiled spring. Also, the floor of the system also
can include a
notch or cut-out portion for receiving and mounting a flat end of the coiled
spring to the
floor. A spring tip may be placed on the end of the coiled spring to mount the
coiled
spring to the floor of the system. Alternatively, the end of the coiled spring
can mount to
the divider of the assembly.
[11] In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment, an adaptor for a
product
management display system may be positioned on a floor surface of the display
system.
The adaptor may include a planar surface with at least two ribs extending
outwardly
from the planar surface and across the planar surface in a substantially
parallel manner.
A coiled spring may be positioned between the parallel extending ribs. With
this
configuration, product to be merchandised may sit on the ribs, and not
directly on the
coiled spring, to enhance the forward movement of certain types of product,
such as cans
of a beverage.
[12] In yet another alternative aspect, a mounting member may be used to mount
the end of
the coiled spring to the floor of the system. For those systems that include
spaced-apart
glide rails that are joined together by connecting ribs, the mounting member
may be
snap-fit to or otherwise mounted on the floor and between the glide rails.
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[13] In yet another alternative aspect, the trackless pusher system is
retrofitted into an existing
shelf assembly. This allows for the placement of the trackless pusher system
in an
existing shelving system as a low cost alternative to purchasing the entire
trackless
pusher assembly.
[14] In another exemplary embodiment, the coil spring can be mounted to the
retainer. An
end of the coil spring can be directly mounted to the retainer or
alternatively the end can
be mounted to the retainer via an adapter. The adapter can have a curved
portion which
is received in a correspondingly shaped curved slot in the retainer to secure
the end of the
spring to the display assembly.
[15] In another exemplary embodiment, the trays can be attached via a dovetail
connection to
form a shelf assembly. Additionally the dividers can be adjusted such that the
width of
the product rows can be adapted to receive different sized products.
[16] In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment, the product
management display
system can be arranged in a stackable arrangement. The assembly can be
provided with
a first tray and a second tray each having a first wall and a second wall. The
first and
second trays are each adapted to receive a pusher mechanism, and a retainer
mechanism.
First and second spacers are mounted to the first and second trays for
stacking the first
and second trays on top of one another. The first and second spacer can be
provided with
a plurality of detents, and the first tray and the second tray can each be
provided with a
plurality of correspondingly shaped sockets for receiving the plurality of
detents.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[17] Figure 1 depicts an isometric exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of
a product
management display system of the present invention.
[18] Figure 2 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary pusher mechanism
mounted to an
exemplary tray or product channel of the present invention.
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[19] Figure 3 depicts another isometric view of the system of Figure 2 with
product placed in
the system.
[20] Figure 4 depicts another isometric view of the system of Figure 2 with
multiple product
placed in the system.
[21] Figure 5 depicts an isometric rear view of the system of Figure 4.
[22] Figure 6 depicts an alternative embodiment of the tray or product channel
of the present
invention.
[23] Figure 7 depicts an exemplary tip for an end of a coiled spring that may
be used with the
product management display system of the invention.
[24] Figure 8 depicts the exemplary tip of Figure 7 being mounted to a surface
of a tray or
product channel.
[25] Figure 9 depicts the exemplary tip of Figure 7 being mounted to an end of
a coiled
spring.
[26] Figure 10 depicts the exemplary tip of Figure 7 mounted to an end of a
coiled spring.
[27] Figure 11 depicts an isometric view of an alternative exemplary
embodiment of a
product management display system of the present invention.
[28] Figure 12 depicts another isometric view of the system of Figure 11.
[29] Figure 13 depicts a front view of the system of Figure 11.
[30] Figure 14 depicts a top view of the system of Figure 11.
[31] Figure 15 depicts a rear view of the system of Figure 11.
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[32] Figure 16 depicts an isometric view of an adaptor that may be used with
the invention.
[33] Figure 17 depicts a front view of the adaptor of Figure 16.
[34] Figure 18 depicts an exemplary installation of the adaptor of the
invention.
[35] Figure 19 depicts an isometric view of an installed adaptor of the
invention.
[36] Figure 20 depicts a front view of an installed adaptor of the invention.
[37] Figure 21 depicts an isometric view of an alternative exemplary
embodiment of a
product management display system of the present invention.
[38] Figure 22 depicts an isometric bottom view of an exemplary mounting
member that may
be used to mount the end of the coiled spring to the floor of the display
system.
[39] Figure 23 depicts an isometric top view of the exemplary mounting member
of Figure
22.
[40] Figure 24 depicts the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22 mounted to
the end of
the coiled spring with the coiled spring mounted to an exemplary pusher
paddle.
[41] Figure 25 depicts another view of the exemplary mounting member of Figure
22
mounted to the end of the coiled spring with the coiled spring mounted to an
exemplary
pusher paddle.
[42] Figure 26 depicts the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22 with
attached coiled
spring being mounted to the floor of the system.
[43] Figure 27 depicts the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22 installed on
the floor of
the system.
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[44] Figure 28 depicts an isometric view of an alternative exemplary
embodiment of a
product management display system of the present invention.
[45] Figure 29 depicts a close-up isometric view of the tray of the exemplary
embodiment of
Figure 28.
[46] Figure 29A depicts a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of
Figure 28
illustrating a first securing method.
[47] Figure 29B depicts a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of
Figure 28
illustrating a second securing method.
[48] Figure 30 depicts a close-up isometric view of the embodiment of Figure
28 illustrating a
rivet attaching the spring to the tray.
[49] Figure 31 depicts an isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 28 being
assembled in
a preexisting wire shelf.
[50] Figure 32 depicts an isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 28
assembled in a
preexisting wire shelf.
[51] Figure 33 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the
display system.
[52] Figure 34 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the
display system.
[53] Figure 35 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an
adapter.
[54] Figure 36 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a
retainer.
[55] Figure 37 depicts a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the display
system.
[56] Figure 38 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the
display system.
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[57] Figure 39 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the
display system.
[58] Figure 40 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the
display system.
[59] Figure 41 A depicts a sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of a
divider.
[60] Figure 41 B depicts a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the
display system.
[61] Figure 41 C depicts a close up view of a section of Figure 41 B.
[62] Figure 41 D depicts a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a divider.
[63] Figure 42 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the
display system.
[64] Figure 43 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the
display system.
[65] Figure 44 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a
product
management display system.
[66] Figure 45 depicts another isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a
product
management display system with product in the system.
[67] Figure 46 depicts a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a product
management display system with product in the system.
[68] Figure 47 depicts an isometric-rear view of an exemplary embodiment of a
product
management display system with product in the system.
[69] Figure 48 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the
pusher
mechanism mounted to a divider.
[70] Figure 49 depicts another isometric view of the divider and pusher
mechanism being
assembled to the product management display system.
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[71] Figure 50 depicts an isometric view of yet another exemplary embodiment
of the product
management display system.
[72] Figure 51 depicts another isometric view of the exemplary embodiment of
the product
management display system of Figure 50 without product.
[73] Figure 52 depicts an exploded isometric view of the exemplary embodiment
of the
product management display system of Figure 50.
[74] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to
be understood
that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and the
arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the
drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
or
being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the
phraseology and
terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be
regarded as
limiting. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof is
meant to
encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as
additional items
and equivalents thereof. Further, the use of the term "mount," "mounted" or
"mounting"
is meant to broadly include any technique or method of mounting, attaching,
joining or
coupling one part to another, whether directly or indirectly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[75] The invention may be embodied in various forms. Referring to the Figures
wherein like
numerals indicate like elements, there is depicted in Figure 1 an isometric
exploded view
of an exemplary embodiment. Exemplary merchandise system 10 includes a product
dispensing tray 12 in which is mounted an exemplary trackless pusher mechanism
14.
As described in more detail below, the pusher mechanism 14 will fit in the
tray 12 and
will slide along the surface of the tray without the use of tracks, rails, or
guides typically
used to hold a conventional pusher mechanism to the tray or floor of the tray.
The
pusher mechanism defines a pusher paddle and a pusher floor that extends
forward of the
pusher paddle. A coiled spring may extend across the pusher floor and
operatively
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connect to the tray at a forward position on the tray. In one aspect of the
invention,
product to be merchandised may be placed in the tray in front of the pusher
paddle and
may sit on the pusher floor as well as the coiled spring. With this
configuration, the
weight of the product will prevent the pusher paddle from tipping to ensure
proper
pushing of the product. In addition, the problems associated with debris or
sticky
materials hindering the effectiveness of known pusher systems that use tracks,
rails or
guides have been eliminated. Other aspects, embodiments and features of the
invention
and its teachings are set forth in more detail below.
[76] The exemplary tray 12 may define a surface 16 and one or more dividing
panels or
dividers 18 to separate the tray into numerous rows for placement of product.
In an
alternative aspect, the tray 12 may be a shelf or any other surface on which
products may
be placed for merchandising. The surface 16 may be a solid surface or a
surface defining
a plurality of spaced-apart apertures 20 separated by a plurality of support
ribs 22. The
apertures 20 and ribs 22 provide a surface that permits the slidable movement
of product
placed on this surface and also permits liquids and dirt to pass through the
apertures 20
so that they do not collect on the surface 16. The surface 16 may be made of
any
suitable material that permits the slidable movement of product on the surface
16. Other
surface or floor configurations are known and may be used with the principles
of the
invention.
[77] As depicted in Figures 9 and 10, the surface 16 may define a rounded end
portion 24 that
includes a notch or cut-out portion 26. The end portion 24 may be rounded to
match the
shape of the product that is placed on the tray. For example, the depicted end
portion 24
is rounded or defines a semi-circular shape to match the contour of a bottle
or can that
may be placed in the tray and on the end portion 24. Other shapes of the end
portion
may be used with the invention depending on the product to be merchandised.
[78] The notch 26 may be used to receive and mount an end 29 of a coiled
spring 30 or
similar biasing element. The notch 26 may define opposing angled edge surfaces
32 that
are joined by edge 34. The edge 34 is preferably centered across the width of
the product
row formed in the tray 12 and extends perpendicular to the length of the tray.
This
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configuration will center the coiled spring 30 relative to the tray 12 and
will permit the
spring to extend in a substantially parallel manner relative to the length of
the tray. In
other words, the depicted edge 34 of the notch 26 will permit the spring 30 to
extend
along the length of the tray 12 at or near the center of the product row
formed by the tray.
One skilled in the art will appreciate that the location and configuration of
the notch may
vary depending on the desired placement of the spring.
[79] The coiled spring 30 may define an end 29 that is configured to be placed
across the
notch 26 and onto the edge 34. In one aspect, the end 29 of the coiled spring
may be V-
shaped and function as a hook such that the end 29 will wrap around the edge
34 with a
portion of the end 29 of the coiled spring extending beneath the end portion
24 of the
surface 16. This configuration permits an easy installation of the coiled
spring onto the
tray.
[80] In another aspect, and referring to Figure 7, a spring tip 60 may be
added to the end 29 of
the spring 30 to assist with the mounting of the spring to the system. The
spring tip 60
may define numerous shapes and configurations depending on the configuration
of the
tray and the surface on which the spring end needs to attach. The spring tip
60 may be
permanently attached to the end 29 of the coiled spring 30 or it may be
detachable to
permit the interchange or replacement of the spring tip 60. The spring tip 60
may be
made of plastic and may define one or more apertures. Aperture 61 may be used
to
receive the end 29 of the coiled spring 30. A second aperture 63 may be used
to receive
a mating tongue or mounting member 65 extending from the surface 16 of the
tray 12, as
discussed below. With this configuration, the end 29 of the coiled spring 30
may be
operatively connected to the tray 12.
[81] In another aspect, the end 29 of the coiled spring may snap-fit into an
aperture formed in
the surface 16, or may be otherwise inserted and secured to an aperture or
opening in the
tray, thereby securing the end 29 of the coiled spring 30 in position.
[82] Referring back to Figure 1, dividers 18 may also be used to separate
product into rows.
The dividers 18 extend substantially upwardly from the surface 16 and as
illustrated in
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Figure 1, may be positioned on opposing sides of the surface 16.
Alternatively, the
dividers 18 may be positioned at any desired position on the tray 12 or to the
surface 16.
The dividers 18 may be formed as a unitary structure with the surface 16, or
the dividers
18 may be detachable to provide added flexibility with the system. The
dividers may be
attached to a front or back rail depending on the system. The dividers 18 may
define
numerous configurations and may extend upwardly any desired distance to
provide the
desired height of the dividers between the rows of product to be merchandised.
This
height may be adjustable by adding divider extenders or the like.
[83] Located at the front of the tray 12 and extending between the dividers 18
may be one or
more product-retaining members 44. The product-retaining members 44 serve as a
front
retaining wall or bar to hold the product in the tray 12 and to prevent the
product from
falling out of the tray 12. These members are also configured to permit the
easy removal
of the forward-most product positioned in the tray 12. The product-retaining
member 44
may be one or more curve-shaped retaining ribs as depicted in Figure 1. These
illustrated retaining ribs may extend from one divider to another divider
thereby joining
the dividers. The retaining ribs may also extend part-way between the
dividers, as also
shown in Figure 1 as rib 46, to also assist in retaining the product in the
tray.
Alternatively, and as shown in Figure 6 the product-retaining member 44 may be
a
curve-shaped solid retaining wall 48 that extends between dividers. The
retaining wall
48 may be transparent or semi-transparent to permit visualization of the
product on the
shelf. In another aspect, the retaining wall 48 may also extend part-way
between the
dividers 18. In yet another embodiment depicted in Figures 11-15, the
retaining wall 100
may be attached to the surface of the tray and not connect to the dividers. In
this
embodiment, the retaining wall 100 may form an opening 102 defined by an upper
member 104, opposing, curved side walls 106 that further define an angled edge
108, and
a floor member 110. The side walls 106 may also be straight and not curved
depending
on the system. The end of the coiled spring may also snap-fit into the floor
110 or
otherwise attached to the tray using any of the techniques described herein.
One of skill
in the art will readily appreciate that there are numerous shapes and
configurations
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possible for the product-retaining member 44 and that the depicted
configurations are
merely exemplary embodiments of these numerous configurations.
[84] Referring back to Figure 1, the exemplary trackless pusher mechanism 14
defines a
pusher paddle 50 and a pusher floor 52. The pusher paddle 50 and pusher floor
52 may
be formed as a single, unitary structure or may be separate structures that
are joined
together using known techniques. In addition, the pusher paddle 50 and pusher
floor 52
may be made of any known suitable plastic or metal material. The pusher paddle
and
pusher floor may be reinforced using any known reinforcing techniques.
[85] In one aspect, the pusher paddle 50 forms a curved-shape pusher surface
or face 54 that
is configured to match the shape of the product to be merchandised, such as
plastic
bottles or cans containing a beverage, as depicted in Figures 3-5. The curve-
shaped
pusher surface 54 permits the pusher to remain centrally aligned with the last
product in
the tray. This configuration reduces friction and drag between the pusher and
the divider
walls. In an alternative aspect, the pusher surface or face may be a flat
surface. In yet
another aspect, the flat pusher surface may be accompanied by a curved shaped
rib that is
positioned near or on the top of the pusher paddle and that may be used to
center and
align product in the tray, in a manner similar to the curve-shaped pusher
surface 54
depicted in Figure 1. The curve shaped rib may define other shapes and
configurations
that permit cylindrical or similar shaped products to be properly pushed in
the tray.
Advertisement, product identification or other product information may be
placed on the
pusher surface 54.
[86] Positioned behind the pusher surface or face 54 may be one or more
support members
58, such as ribs, walls, or gussets. The support members 58 are configured to
support the
pusher surface 54 and further connect the pusher paddle 50 to the pusher floor
52. As
can be seen in Figure 5, positioned between the support members 58 is the
coiled spring
30, and more specifically the coiled end 57 that is used to urge the pusher
paddle 50
forward and along the tray 12, as understood in the art. Any technique used to
operatively connect the coiled spring to the pusher paddle 50 may be used with
the
invention.
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[87] As shown in Figure 1, the pusher floor 52 may be positioned below the
pusher paddle 50
and may extend forward of the pusher surface 54 of the pusher paddle. The
pusher floor
52 may extend any predetermined distance and at any predetermined angle. For
example, the pusher floor 52 may extend substantially perpendicular to the
pusher
surface 54. In the exemplary embodiment, the pusher floor 52 may extend a
sufficient
distance to permit one product, such as a single bottle or can, to be placed
on the pusher
floor. In another aspect, the pusher floor 52 may be configured to permit more
than one
product to be placed on the pusher floor. The pusher floor 52 may define any
shape,
including the depicted round shape and may define any product retaining
features on the
surface of the pusher floor, such as ribs, walls, or the like, to further hold
the product on
the pusher floor.
[88] As can be seen in Figure 2, the pusher floor 52 may define an elongated
channel, groove
or recessed portion 59 that is sized, shaped and configured to seat the coiled
spring 30.
In the exemplary embodiment, the channel or groove 59 may extend across the
floor 52
and in a substantially perpendicular manner relative to the pusher paddle 50.
In an
alternative aspect, the groove or channel may extend part-way or across the
entire pusher
floor 52, as shown in Figure 19. Such configuration permits the proper
alignment and
positioning of the pusher paddle 50 in the tray. The groove 59 may define a
depth that
matches or exceeds the thickness of the coiled spring 30. With this
configuration, the
coiled spring 30 will seat at or below the pusher floor surface such that
product will not
sit directly on the coiled spring, rather, such product will sit on the pusher
floor surface.
As shown in Figure 19, the pusher floor may include apertures and openings
through
which debris or other items may pass. Alternatively, the floor may be a solid
surface.
[89] In an alternative aspect of the invention, as shown in Figures 16-20, an
adaptor 180 may
be positioned on the surface 16. Referring to Figures 16 and 17, the adaptor
180 may
include one or more raised ribs 182 on which a product may sit. The raised
ribs 182 may
extend longitudinally along the length of the adaptor 180. The adaptor 180 may
be a flat
extrusion of plastic material (or any other suitable material) defining a
planar surface 184
with the one or more ribs 182 extending outwardly from the planar surface 184.
The
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adaptor 180 may define a rounded end 185 and include a notch or cut-away
portion 186
through which or across which the coiled spring may extend. The rounded end
185 may
be configured to match the shape of the product that is placed on the tray.
Other shapes
of the end 185, notch 186 and adaptor 180 may be used with the invention
depending on
the product to be merchandised. The adaptor 180 may be a separate, insertable
piece or,
alternatively, a piece formed integral with the surface 16.
[90] Referring to Figure 18, the adaptor 180 may be easily insertable onto the
surface 16 and
between the dividers 18. Referring to Figure 19, once the adaptor 180 is
installed, the
pusher mechanism 14 may be positioned on top of the adaptor 180 and may slide
freely
across the ribs 182 of the adaptor 180. The coiled spring 30 may extend in a
parallel
manner between the ribs 182 and may seat at or below the top surface of the
ribs 182, as
more clearly shown in Figure 20. With this configuration, the product to be
merchandised may sit on, and slide along, the ribs 182 and not on the coiled
spring 30.
[91] In an alternative aspect, the ribs 182 may be a raised bead or raised
beads, or a series of
fingers that may be used to facilitate the movement of the product on the
surface 16. In
yet another alternative embodiment, the ribs 182 may be product moving
members, such
as runners or one or more rollers or rolling members that permit the product
to roll across
the rolling members and toward the front of the product display system.
Exemplary
roller assemblies include those disclosed and described in United States
Application
Serial No. 11/257,718 filed October 25, 2005 and assigned to RTC Industries,
Inc, which
application is incorporated herein by reference. As should be appreciated by
those
skilled in the art, there are many possible techniques that may be used with
the described
pusher mechanisms for facilitating the movement of the product on the shelf or
floor.
[92] The underneath side of the pusher floor 52 may be a smooth planar surface
that will slide
freely along the surface 16. Alternatively, and similar to above, the pusher
floor 52 may
include beads, runners, rollers or the like that will permit the pusher floor
to slide along
the surface yet raise the pusher floor up off of the surface 16. In another
alternative
embodiment, the underneath side of the pusher floor may be configured with
rail
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mounting members to permit the mounting of the pusher to a track or rail, as
understood
in the art.
[93] The pusher floor further defines a notch or cut-out portion 62 through
which will pass the
coiled spring 30. The end 29 of the coiled spring 30 will pass through the
notch 62 and
through the notch 26 of the surface 16 and will mount to the tray using any of
the
techniques described above.
[94] In use, as the pusher mechanism 14 is urged rearward in the tray 12, the
end 29 of the
coiled spring 30 will be held in position as described above and the coiled
end 57 of the
spring 30 will begin to uncoil behind the pusher paddle 50. If the pusher 14
is allowed to
move forward in the tray 14, such as when product is removed from the front of
the tray,
the coiled end 57 of the spring 30 will coil and force the pusher paddle 50
forward in the
tray 12, thereby urging product toward the front of the tray.
[95] In an alternative embodiment, the coiled spring 30 may extend below and
underneath the
pusher floor 52 as opposed to above and across the pusher floor, as depicted
in the
figures. With this configuration, the groove 59 and notch 62 may not be
necessary.
[96] The coiled spring 30 may be any biasing element including, without
limitation, a flat coil
spring commonly used with pusher systems. The present invention may use one or
more
coiled springs to urge the pusher mechanism 14 forward depending on the
desired
application. The coil tension of the spring 30 may also vary depending on the
particular
application.
[97] Referring to Figure 2, the trackless pusher mechanism 14 is shown mounted
to the tray
12. As illustrated, the pusher mechanism 14 fits in the tray 12 between the
dividers 18.
End 29 of the coiled spring 30 extends through the notch in the pusher floor
and mounts
to the tray as described above. In use, the pusher mechanism 14 will slide
along the
surface 16 of the tray 12 without the use of tracks, rails, or guides. As
depicted in Figure
2, the pusher mechanism 14 is shown in a forward position.
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[98] Referring to Figure 3, the pusher mechanism 14 is shown merchandising one
product 70
in the merchandise system 10. The product is prevented from tipping out of the
tray by
the product-retaining member 44. The product 70 may be any product to be
merchandised including the depicted soft drink bottle. As shown in this
Figure, the
product 70 sits on the pusher floor 52 and the coiled spring 30 that extends
below the
product. The weight of the product on the floor 52 and the positioning of the
product
across the spring 30 prevent the paddle 50 from tipping in the tray 12.
[99] Referring to Figure 4, the pusher mechanism 14 is shown merchandising
multiple
products 70 in the merchandise system 10. As shown in this Figure, the product
next to
the pusher paddle 50 sits on the pusher floor 52 and the coiled spring 30 that
extends
below the product. The other products will sit on the coiled spring 30 that
will extend
below these products. Alternatively, the adaptor 180 may be positioned in the
system in
which case the product may sit on the ribs 182 of the adaptor as opposed to
the coiled
spring. Again, the weight of the product on the pusher floor 52 and the
positioning of the
products across the spring 30 prevent the paddle 50 from tipping in the tray.
In use, as
one product is removed from the front of the tray near the product-retaining
member 44,
the pusher mechanism 14 (through the urging of the coiled spring 30) will push
the
remaining product forward in the tray 12 until the forward-most product
contacts the
product-retaining member 44. As additional products are removed, the pusher
mechanism 14 will continue to push the remaining product toward the product-
retaining
member 44.
[100] Referring to Figure 5, a rear view of the pusher mechanism 14 shows the
pusher
mechanism 14 merchandising multiple products 70 in the merchandise system 10.
Again, the product next to the pusher paddle 50 sits on the pusher floor 52
and the coiled
spring 30 that extends below the product. The other products will sit on the
coiled spring
that will extend below these products. Alternatively, the adaptor 180 may be
positioned
in the system in which case the product may sit on the ribs 182 of the adaptor
as opposed
to the coiled spring. As one product is removed from the front of the tray
near the
product-retaining member 44, the coiled end 57 of the spring 30 will urge the
pusher
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paddle 50 of the pusher mechanism 14 forward in the tray 12 until the forward-
most
product contacts the product-retaining member 44. As can be seen in this
Figure, the
coiled end 57 may be positioned between two support members 58. The support
members will retain the coiled spring between these members. As can be seen in
this
Figure, the pusher floor 52 may also extend below the support members 58.
[101] Referring to Figure 6, an alternative embodiment of the pusher tray is
depicted. With
this embodiment, multiple trays 12 may be formed into a single multi-tray
assembly 80.
The multi-trays may have a common floor with dividers 18 extending upwardly
from the
floor to create the multiple trays or rows. In this embodiment, the product-
retaining
member 44 may be a solid member that extends between two dividers, as
discussed
above. One or more of the multi-tray assemblies 80 may be coupled or joined
together in
a side-by-side manner using any known technique, including clips, dovetailing,
fasteners,
or the like. With this configuration, numerous rows of product can be provided
for the
merchandising of numerous products.
[102] As stated above, the trackless pusher mechanism 14 may be used with
gravity-fed
systems, that is, systems having trays or product channels that are mounted on
an incline
to permit gravity to assist with the merchandising of the product.
Alternatively, the
trackless pusher mechanism 14 may be used with systems that are mounted in a
non-
inclined or in a horizontal manner where gravity will provide little or no
assistance with
the merchandising of the product. The trackless pusher mechanism 14 may also
be
used to push various shaped products.
[103] Figure 7 depicts an exemplary tip 60 for the end 29 of a coiled spring
30 that may be
used with the merchandise system 10. As illustrated, the tip 60 defines an
aperture 61
for receiving the end 29 of the coiled spring and an aperture 63 for mounting
to the
surface 16 of the tray. As can be seen in Figure 7, in one aspect of an
alternative
embodiment, extending beneath the surface 16 may be a tongue or mounting
member 65
that may be configured to mate with the aperture 63 and to snap-fit the tip 60
onto the
tongue 65 and thus to the surface 16.
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[104] Referring to Figure 8, the exemplary tip 60 of Figure 7 is shown being
mounted to the
tongue or mounting member 65. The tongue 65 may include an elongated outwardly
extending rib 67 that is used to snap-fit the tip 60 onto the tongue 65. One
skilled in the
art will appreciate that other techniques may be used to mount the tip 60 to
the surface 16
and that the depicted technique is merely an exemplary embodiment of one such
technique.
[105] Referring to Figure 9, the exemplary tip 60 is shown fully mounted in a
snap-fit manner
to the surface 16, and more specifically to the end portion 24 of the surface
16 of the tray
12. Also depicted is the mounting of the end 29 of the coiled spring 30 to the
aperture
61 of the tip 60. As shown in Figure 9, the end 29 of the coiled spring may be
inserted
into the aperture 61. The aperture 61 is configured to receive the end 29 of
the coiled
spring and hold the end 29 in position, and to also permit the removal of the
end 29 of
the coiled spring from the aperture 61 in those circumstances where it is
desirable to
disconnect the coiled spring from the tip to permit the removal of the pusher
mechanism
14 from the system.
[106] Referring to Figure 10 there is shown the end 29 of the coiled spring
fully mounted to the
exemplary tip 60. As illustrated in this figure, the coiled spring 30 is now
operatively
connected to the surface 16 of the tray 12. As a result, the pusher mechanism
14 is now
mounted to the tray 12.
[107] Referring to Figures 21-27 there is shown an alternative technique for
mounting the end
29 of the coiled spring 30 to the merchandise display system. A mounting
member 130
may be used to mount the end 29 of the coiled spring to the floor 131 of the
system. For
those systems that include spaced-apart glide rails 132 that are joined
together by
connecting ribs 134 (Figures 26-27), the mounting member 130 may be snap-fit
to or
otherwise mounted on the floor 131 and between the glide rails 132. The
mounting
member will thus hold the end of the coiled spring in position and to the
floor of the
system.
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[108] Referring to Figures 22-23, the mounting member 130 may include one or
more legs 136
on one or more sides of the member 130. The legs may be configured to snap-fit
to the
underside of the rails 132 to thereby hold the mounting member 130 to the
floor of the
system. The legs 136 may include legs ends 137 defining an L-shape or angled
surfaces
that are configured to contact the underside of the rail 132 and prevent the
mounting
member 130 from being lifted up from the floor, except by the intentional
flexing of the
legs out from the underside of the rail 132. The legs 136 may contact the
connecting ribs
134 which will prevent slidable movement of the mounting member 130 relative
to the
floor. Referring to Figure 26, the mounting member 130 is shown being mounted
to the
floor of the system and more specifically to the rails. Figure 27 illustrates
that the
mounting member 130 remains in position as the pusher paddle 141 is pulled
away from
the front of the system. The mounting member 130 may be connected to this type
of
system floor 131 using other techniques. For example, a separate mounting
clip, one or
more fasteners, adhesives, or other techniques may be used to secure the
mounting
member 130 to the floor 131.
[109] Referring to Figures 22-23, the mounting member 130 may also include an
aperture or
opening or slot 138 that will receive the end 29 of the spring. The spring may
be
mounted using any of the techniques described herein, or other techniques. The
configuration of the aperture 138 and mounting member 130 will hold the spring
in
position on the mounting member 130, similar to the technique described above.
[110] The mounting member 130 may also include glide ribs 139 on a top surface
that allow
product placed thereon to slide more easily across the mounting member after
the
mounting member is installed to the floor of the system. The mounting member
130
may also include an elongated flat body 140 that extends forward of the
location of the
legs 136 to provide stability to the mounting member 130 after it is mounted
to the floor
of the system.
[111] Referring to Figures 24-25 and 27, the pusher paddle or pusher mechanism
141 may
include a pusher face 143 configured to match the shape of the product against
which it
pushes. As illustrated, the pusher face 143 may be curve shaped to match the
shape of a
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bottle or other cylindrical object. The pusher paddle 141 may also include a
pusher floor
145 similar to the pusher floor configurations described above. The pusher
floor 145
may further include a spring sleeve 147 that receives the coiled spring 30 to
shield and
protect the spring. The spring sleeve 147 may extend partly or fully across
the pusher
floor 145 and in the direction of the spring 30. The spring sleeve 147 may
have a
relatively short height and a flat surface 149 to permit product to sit
thereon without
significant tipping or leaning of the product.
[112] The pusher paddle 141 may be positioned on top of the floor 131 to glide
on top of the
surface, as describe above. The pusher paddle may be positioned between two
product
divider walls 153 that are joined together by a product retaining member 155.
Additional
product retaining members 157 may extend outwardly from the product dividers.
[113] Referring to Figures 28 and 29 there is shown yet another alternative
technique for
mounting the end 29 of the coiled spring 30 to the merchandise display system.
In this
embodiment, the end 29 is riveted to the tray 216.
[114] Referring to Figures 28-32 in an alternative embodiment, the trackless
pusher system
may be retrofitted to an existing shelf assembly 230, which may have product
dividers
already built in. For example, in one embodiment, the trackless pusher system
may be
retrofitted to an existing wire shelf assembly. Referring to Figures 30-32, a
tray or
adaptor 216 may have a glide floor 222 that may be sized to a single lane of
the shelf 234
or sized to an entire shelf width. The glide floor 222 may include several
raised ribs 224,
which help to reduce friction for the products merchandised on the tray 216.
It should be
understood that one or more raised ribs 224 may be used with the glide floor
222.
Alternatively, the glide floor 222 may be a flat, planar surface without
raised ribs. The
tray or adaptor 216 may be configured similar to the adaptor 180 of Figure 16.
[115] As shown in Figures 28 and 30, the end 29 of coiled spring 30 may be
riveted, via a rivet
229, to the front end 228 of the tray 216, or may be attached by any other
attachment
technique. The tray 216 can be retained to the shelf by any attachment
technique suitable
for the particular shelf. In one embodiment, and as illustrated in Figures 29-
32, the tray
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216 may include one or more outwardly extending fingers or snaps 220, which
may
engage one or more individual wires 232 of the shelf 234 to retain the tray
216 on the
shelf 234. The fingers or snaps 220 may extend longitudinally along the length
of the
tray 216, or may be spaced apart along the length of the tray. The snaps 220
may be
used to snap-fit the tray 216 to the existing wire shelf. As depicted in
Figures 29A and
29B, the snaps 220A and 220B may define numerous configurations that permit
the tray
216 to be snap fit to the shelf. The embodiment depicted in Figures 28-32
allows for the
placement of the trackless pusher system in an existing shelving system, such
as a wire
shelf system, as a low cost alternative to the entire trackless pusher
assembly. It should
be understood that with this embodiment, any pusher mechanism described herein
may
be used.
[116] As depicted in FIGS. 33 and 44, in another exemplary embodiment, the
display
management system comprises one or more pusher mechanisms 286, one or more
dividers 266, one or more trays 306, and one or more retainers 250. The pusher
mechanisms 286 can be formed of a pusher paddle 287 and a pusher floor 288.
Product
is placed on the pusher floor 288 and guided to the front of the display
management
system via the dividers 266 and the pusher paddle 287. The coiled spring 30
biases the
pusher mechanism 286 toward the retainer 250 such that product moves to the
front of
the system.
[117] In one exemplary embodiment, depicted in FIG. 33, the coiled spring 30
can be mounted
to the retainer 250. Alternatively, the coiled spring 30 can be mounted to a
divider 266
(also shown in FIGS. 48 and 49). The coiled spring 30 can be directly mounted
to the
retainer 250, as depicted in FIG. 33, or can be mounted to the retainer 250
via a separate
adapter 252, as depicted in FIG. 34.
[118] As depicted in FIG. 35, the adapter 252 has a wall 254 proximate a first
end 256. The
first end 256 has a curved portion 262, which curves upwardly. The middle
portion of
the adapter 252 may be provided with a curved slot 260, which is adapted to
receive a
correspondingly shaped spring end (not shown).
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[119] The coiled spring 30 at one end can be secured to the middle portion of
the adapter 252.
In an exemplary embodiment, the curved slot 260 corresponds in shape and size
of the
first spring end. Additionally, the first spring end of the coiled spring 30
can be crimped
or bent to provide for additional fastening. Nevertheless, any sufficient
fastening method
can be used to fix the first spring end of the coiled spring 30 to the adapter
252.
[120] In an exemplary embodiment, shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, the retainer 250
has a curved
slot 284 corresponding in shape and size to the curved portion 262 of the
adapter 252.
The curved slot 284 extends the length of the retainer to allow for unlimited
positioning
of the adapter 252 along the length of the retainer 250.
[121] To secure the first spring end of the coiled spring 30 to the retainer
250, the curved
portion 262 of the adapter 252 is placed into the curved slot 284 of the
retainer 250. The
curved slot 284 secures the adapter 252 and the first spring end of the coiled
spring 30 to
the retainer 250 and provides for a quick and easy assembly of the display
system. The
wall 254 provides additional stability in the connection between the retainer
250 and the
adapter 252. Other methods, however, can be used to secure the adapter 252
and/or the
first spring end of the coiled spring 30 to the retainer 250.
[122] Alternatively, as depicted in FIGS. 33 and 44 the coiled spring 30 of
the pusher paddle
287 can be mounted directly to the front of the tray 306. The first spring end
290 of the
coiled spring 30 is provided with a curved portion. The curved portion curves
downwardly from the pusher floor 288 and is adapted to be received in a recess
316
(shown in FIG. 33) defined by a lip 318 of the front surface of the dispensing
tray 306
and the retainer 250. A vertically oriented surface of the retainer 250 and
the lip 318 are
spaced such that a gap is formed between the vertically oriented surface and a
front edge
of the lip 250. To secure the coiled spring 30 and the pusher mechanism 286 to
the
assembly, the first spring end 290 is inserted into the gap formed between the
vertically
oriented surface of the retainer 250 and the front edge of the lip 318 and
placed into the
recess 316 formed by the lip 318 of the dispensing tray 306 and the retainer
250.
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[123] In another exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 38, 39, 48 and 49, the
coiled spring
30 can be directly mounted to a divider 266. In addition, in this exemplary
embodiment
the coiled spring 30 can be mounted perpendicular to the pusher floor 288 such
that the
axis, about which the coiled spring 30 is coiled, is perpendicular to the
pusher floor 288.
This orientation has the benefit of preventing the pusher paddle from tipping
back. The
first spring end 290 can be provided with an angled portion 292 and a tip
portion 296. In
one exemplary embodiment, the angled portion 292 can be bent perpendicular to
the
coiled spring body 294. The divider can be provided with a slot 298, which is
adapted to
receive the tip portion 296 of the first spring end 290.
[124] To secure the coiled spring to the divider, the tip portion 296 is
inserted into the slot 298.
Once the tip portion 296 is fully inserted into the slot 298, the angled
portion 292
engages the slot 298 so as to secure the first spring end 290 to the divider
266.
[125] As depicted in FIG. 33, various pusher mechanism designs can be
implemented. The
pusher paddle 287 can be formed flat to accommodate correspondingly shaped
product.
Alternatively, the pusher paddle 286 can have a curved first end and a flat
second end.
This serves to accommodate a variety of cylindrical products having a variety
of
different sized diameters and to facilitate the operation of the pusher
mechanism 286.
During operation, the product in the pusher mechanism 286 and the curved first
end
together force the pusher mechanism against the divider 266, such that the
coil spring 30
remains flat against the divider 266 holding the first spring end 290, while
in tension or
in operation. This allows for a smoother operation of the pusher mechanism and
ensures
that the product is properly dispensed as users remove the product from the
system.
[126] In another exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 40-41D, the distance
between the
dividers 266 can be adjusted to accommodate different sized containers. The
dividers
266 can be provided with connecting portions 272. The connecting portions 272
can be
provided with a first elongated angled surface 268 and a second elongated
angled surface
270. Additionally, the connecting portions 272 can be provided with a
plurality of
projections 274. As depicted in FIG. 41B, the rails can be formed of teeth 278
having
face surfaces 280 and flank surfaces 282.
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[127] When assembled, as depicted in FIG. 41C, the connecting portions 272 are
received
between the teeth 278 of the rails. Additionally, the elongated angled
surfaces 268 and
270 and the projections 274 are wedged between the teeth 278. Also as shown in
FIG.
41C, the elongated angled surfaces 268 and 270 engage the face surfaces 280,
and the
projections 274 engage the lower surfaces of the teeth 278. Flank surfaces 282
contact
the connecting portion 272.
[128] In an exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 42, the trays 306 are
provided with
dovetail connections. A first side 308 of the trays 306 is provided with
tongues 312
adapted to fit within grooves 314 located on a second side 310 of the trays
306. To
connect the trays, the grooves 314 are aligned with tongues 312 such that the
tongues
312 are firmly secured within the grooves 314.
[129] In an exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 43, the trays 306 are
configured to receive
the retainer 250 at a front end. The retainer can be provided with rectangular
holes 300,
and the retainer is provided with correspondingly shaped and sized projections
302. To
secure the retainer 250 to the tray 306, the projections 302 fit into holes
300 to lock the
retainer into place on the tray 306.
[130] As depicted in FIGS. 45-47, after the product management display system
is assembled,
product is loaded into the system. By adjusting the dividers 266 a wide
variety of
product sizes and shapes can be loaded into the system. As shown in FIGS. 46
and 47,
the coil spring 30 in conjunction with the pusher paddle 287 push the product
toward the
retainer 250. As a user takes product out of the system, the pusher paddle 287
pushes the
remaining product such that the product slides along the floor 264 to the
retainer 250.
This assures that all product remains at the front of the display system.
[131] As depicted in Figures 50-52, the product management display system 400
can be
arranged such that trays 402, 404 can be stacked on top of one another. This
embodiment can consist generally of a first tray 402, a second tray 404, a
first spacer
406, and a second spacer 408.
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[132] The trays 402, 404 are each arranged to house product to be dispensed.
The first tray 402
and the second tray 404 can be each provided with a clear retainer 410, a
pusher
mechanism 412, first and second guiding walls, and a coil spring 414.
[133] The pusher mechanism 414 is arranged in a similar fashion as the
embodiments
discussed above, such that it slides product along the surface of the trays
402, 404, while
product is removed. Additionally, any of the alternative arrangements of the
pusher
mechanism discussed above may be implemented in a stackable tray arrangement.
[134] To provide for an easy assembly and disassembly, the stackable product
management
display system can be provided with a dovetail connection or any other
suitable
connection, such as a snap-fit connection, screw-thread connection, or a rivet
connection.
The first and second trays are provided with detents 416 for assembling the
first and
second spacers 406, 408 to the first and second trays 402, 404. Each of the
first and
second trays 402, 404 can be provided with sockets 418 on their respective
outside
surfaces for receiving the correspondingly shaped detents 416 located on the
first and
second spacers 406, 408.
[135] To assemble the stackable product management display system, the detents
416 located
on the first and second spacers 406, 408 are placed into the correspondingly
shaped
sockets 418 on the outside surfaces of the first and second trays 402, 404 in
a locking
arrangement. This provides for a stackable arrangement that can be implemented
in
conjunction with any of the embodiments discussed above.
[136] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of
the present
invention. For example, one of skill in the art will understand that multiples
of the
described components may be used in stores and in various configurations. The
present
invention is therefore not to be limited to the single system 10, nor the
upright pusher
configuration, depicted in the Figures, as the system 10 is simply
illustrative of the
features, teachings and principles of the invention. It should further be
understood that
the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative
combinations of two
or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or
drawings.
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All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of
the present
invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for
practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize
the invention.
The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the
extent
permitted by the prior art.
[137] Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.
