Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
UNIVERSAL MERCHANDISER AND METHODS RELATING TO SAME
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates generally to merchandise display
structures, and more
specifically to customizable display structures capable of universally fitting
and automatically
facing desired products and methods relating to same.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Shelving systems have been used for decades to organize shelves
and the
presentation of products on shelves. For example, U.S. Patent No. 2516122
issued to Hughes
on July 25, 1950, U.S. Patent No. 2688409 issued to Echlin on September 7,
1954, U.S.
Patent No. 2884139 issued to Dunham on April 28, 1959, U.S. Patent No. 3285429
issued to
Propst on November 15, 1966, U.S. Patent No. 3339746 issued to McCabe on
September 5,
1967, U.S. Patent No. 3780876 issued to Elkins on December 25, 1973, U.S.
Patent No.
3868021 issued to Heinrich on February 25, 1975, and U.S. Patent No. 4615276
issued to
Garabedian on October 7, 1986 all disclose shelving systems that use dividers
that are
laterally moveable about front and/or rear rails associated with the shelves
to neatly present
items on the shelves in an organized manner and in such a way as to maximize
the use of
available shelving space.
[0003] In addition to the problems of neatly displaying items on
shelving and
organizing items in a way to maximize the use of available shelving space,
retailers were also
faced with the problem of keeping product at the front of shelves to maintain
neat
appearance, give off the impression of a well-stocked store and to ensure
older product is sold
before newer product. Many gravity feed systems were devised to solve this
problem, such
as U.S. Patent No. 2769551 issued to Just on November 6, 1956. Additional push
and/or pull
systems were then devised to accommodate shelving systems or product where
gravity feed
systems were not an option or at least did not work as well as desired. U.S.
Patent No.
3008583 issued to Lindell on November 14, 1961, U.S. Patent No. 3161295 issued
to
Chesley on December 15, 1964, Japanese Patent No. JPS56-33414 issued November
27,
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=
1979 and Japanese Patent No. JPS63-61007 issued December 8, 1984 disclose
examples of
such systems which automatically advance stored product toward the front of
the shelving
unit as items are removed from the shelf. These automatic advancement
merchandisers are
typically referred to as "front-facing", "auto-facing" or "self-facing"
merchandisers and are
desired because they greatly reduce the amount of time retailers or suppliers
to retailers have
to spend straightening or organizing their shelves to achieve the objectives
discussed above
(e.g., neatly presenting product in an organized manner, maximizing use of
available shelving
space, keeping product at the front of shelves to give the impression of a
well-stocked store,
to ensure older product is sold before newer product, etc.).
[0004] One problem associated with such front-facing merchandisers,
however, is
that they require advance knowledge of the product size before positioning the
system on a
shelf in order to maximize the use of available shelving space or the retailer
has to be willing
to give-up some shelf space by using a merchandiser that is not sized for the
specific product
or good being displayed. For example, in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, many of
the products
displayed via such merchandising systems were cigarette boxes and cartons of
cigarette boxes
which did not all come in the same size or shape. Thus, if a generic
merchandiser was used
that would fit all products, there would certainly be wasted space due to some
packages being
smaller than others. In order to solve this problem, systems were devised that
would
accommodate for products of varying size, and allow the merchandiser or
merchandising
system to be adjusted to varying product sizes so as to accommodate product of
different size
and shape and maximize the available shelving space (also known as maximizing
"pack-out"
or "packout"). U.S. Patent No. 3308961 issued to Chesley on March 14, 1967,
Swiss Patent
No. CH412251 issued to Gemperle/ETH Zurich on April 1, 1968 and U.S. Patent
No.
3452899 issued to Libberton on July 1, 1969 all disclose merchandisers that
adjust to fit the
specific size of the product being displayed and, thereby allowing retailers
to maximize use
of available shelving space or pack-out.
[0005] Over the years, a variety of different front-facing merchandisers
that account
for product size have been provided. Some comprise self-contained systems that
simply rest
on top of shelving like U.S. Patent No. 4730741 issued to Jackie on March 15,
1988, U.S.
Patent No. 5110192 issued to Lauterbach on May 5, 1992, U.S. Patent No.
5673801 issued to
Markson on October 7, 1997 and Japanese Patent Application Publication No.
JPH11-155701
published to Kawajun on June 15, 1999. Other front-facing merchandisers
utilize the front
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and/or rear rail systems discussed above such as British Patent No. GB2027339
issued to
Corjon on February 20, 1980, French Published Patent Application No. FR2667229
published to Corjon on April 3, 1992, U.S. Patent No. 5390802 issued to
Pappagallo on
February 21, 1995, International Patent Application No. W095/13003 published
to PPE Ltd.
on May 18, 1995, European Patent Application Publication No. EP0956794
published to
HMG Worldwide on November 17, 1999, Japanese Published Patent Application No.
JPH11-
342054 published to Kawajun on December 14, 1999, Japanese Published Patent
Application
No. JPH11-346879 published to Kawajun on December 21, 1999, Japanese Published
Patent
Application No. JP2000-004996 published to Kawajun on January 11, 2000. Many
of the
latter references further improve the merchandisers by reducing the number of
merchandiser
components and making more of the system parts out of plastic, such as by
integrating the
pusher track and divider and making the combined divider and track structure,
the
corresponding pushers, and front and rear rails out of plastic. These
merchandisers not only
allow for quick and easy adjustment to the specific size of the product being
displayed in
order to maximize usage of available shelving space, but also allow for easy
adjustment to
accommodate changes in displayed product size, the addition of new product
and/or the
reorganization of a shelf or product category on the shelf (typically referred
to as "cut-ins"
and "resets") without requiring removal of product inventory.
[0006] In
addition, several systems have been designed with features to improve the
performance of such front-facing merchandisers. For example, systems have been
designed
with pusher locks for locking the pusher in a rear stocking or re-stocking
position such as
U.S. Patent 3161295 issued to Chesley on December 15, 1964, U.S. Patent No.
4730741
issued to Jackle on March 15, 1988, U.S. Patent 5634564 issued to Spamer on
June 3, 1997,
U.S. Patent No. 5673801 issued to Markson on October 7, 1997 and British
Patent
GB2392667 issued to Gamble on March 10, 2004. In some systems, pushers have
been
designed with dampers to slow the progression of the pusher as product is
removed from the
merchandiser so that the pusher does not exert too much force against the
displayed product
(which could damage the product and/or force it out of the merchandiser
unintentionally).
Such systems are disclosed in Japanese Published Patent Application No. JPH06-
38735
published to Sunco Spring on May 24, 1994 and British Published Patent
Application No.
GB2392667 published to Gamble on March 10, 2004. Other improvements include
systems
having pushers that can be adjusted in width (e.g., such as by having pivoting
members to
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widen the reach of a pusher) or adjusted in height (e.g., such as by attaching
a pusher
attachment that extends the upper bounds of the pusher). Such systems are
disclosed in U.S.
Patent No. 5390802 issued to Pappagallo on February 21, 1995, U.S. Patent No.
5634564
issued to Spamer on June 3, 1997, Japanese Published Patent Application No.
JPH11-342054
published to Kawajun on December 14, 1999 and U.S. Patent No. 6142317 issued
to Merl on
November 7, 2000. Some systems also provide for adjusting the height of the
system to
accommodate taller types of product or stacked product such as U.S. Patent No.
4901869
issued to Hawkinson on February 20, 1990 and U.S. Patent No. 6598754 issued to
Weller on
July 29, 2003.
[0007] Even with all of these improvements, there are still other areas
in which
merchandisers can be improved, such as by further reducing the number of
merchandiser
components and further simplifying and/or perfecting the operation of the
merchandiser
including some of the very areas of operation discussed above. Accordingly, it
has been
determined that a need exists for an improved front-facing merchandiser and
components for
same which overcome the aforementioned limitations and which further provide
capabilities,
features and functions not available in current merchandisers and for improved
methods
relating to same.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The above needs are at least partially met through provision of
the universal
merchandiser described in the following detailed description, particularly
when studied in
conjunction with the drawings, wherein:
[0009] FIGS. 1A-C are perspective, left side elevation and front
elevation views,
respectively, of a universal merchandiser as configured in accordance with
various
embodiments of the invention, with the universal merchandiser being
illustrated with both a
fixed shelf unit and a bar support unit or suspended bar version;
[0010] FIG. 2 comprises a perspective view of a portion of the fixed
shelf unit of
FIGS. 1A-C illustrating an end bracket and an interstitial bracket;
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[0011] FIGS. 3A-B are enlarged perspective views of the front and rear,
respectively,
of the fully assembled interstitial bracket of FIG. 2;
[0012] FIGS. 4A-F are upper perspective, front elevation, rear
elevation, left side
elevation, top plan and lower perspective views, respectively, of the body of
the interstitial
bracket of FIG. 2;
[0013] FIGS. 5A-C are upper perspective, front elevation and lower
perspective
views, respectively, of a right side slider or pusher structure in accordance
with aspects of the
invention;
[0014] FIGS. 6A-C are upper perspective, front elevation and lower
perspective
views, respectively, of a left side slider or pusher structure in accordance
with aspects of the
invention;
[0015] FIG. 7 comprises a perspective view of the left side end bracket
of FIGS. 1A-
C in accordance with aspects of the invention illustrated without the friction
reducing
structure attached to the body of the bracket;
[0016] FIGS. 8A-B are upper and lower perspective views, respectively,
of the right
side end bracket of FIGS. 1A-C and 2 illustrated without the friction reducing
structure
attached to the body of the bracket;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the fixed shelf unit of FIGS. 1A-
C illustrating
the fully assembled brackets with roller type friction reducing structures and
having product
such as cereal boxes displayed in the universal merchandiser;
[0018] FIGS. 10A-B are perspective views of an alternate friction
reducing structure
in accordance with the invention, with FIG. 10B being an enlarged partial
perspective view of
the front of the interstitial bracket illustrated in FIG. 10A;
[0019] FIG. 11 comprises a perspective view of the alternate friction
reducing
structure of FIGS. 10A-B illustrating the flat bar or belt like shape of same;
[0020] FIG. 12 comprises a perspective view of the fixed shelf unit of
FIGS. 1A-C
using the alternate friction reducing structure of FIGS. 10A-11 to move
smaller product with
higher centers of gravity, such as potato chip containers, which may be easier
moved with a
friction reducing structure having a continuous surface rather than rollers;
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[0021] FIG. 13 comprises a perspective view of an alternate fixed shelf
unit in
accordance with the invention, in which the brackets are mounted to the shelf
in a manner
that allows for a limited range of lateral movement of each bracket rather
than the much
wider range of lateral movement provided in the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-C;
[0022] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of the suspended bar
version or bar
support unit of the universal merchandiser of FIGS. 1A-C;
[0023] FIGS. 15A-B are perspective and cross-sectional views,
respectively, of the
front of the interstitial bar support unit of FIG. 14, with the cross-section
of FIG. 15B taken
along line 15B-15B in FIG. 15A;
[0024] FIGS. 15C-D are perspective and cross-sectional views,
respectively, of the
rear of the interstitial bar support unit of FIG. 14, with the cross-section
of FIG. 15D being
taken along line 15D-15D in FIG. 15C;
[0025] FIG. 15E comprises a perspective view of the support bracket used
for the bar
support unit of FIG. 15A according to one aspect of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 16A is an enlarged perspective view of the front of the end
bracket of
FIG. 14;
[0027] FIGS. 16B-C are left side elevation and cross-sectional views,
respectively, of
the front of the end bracket of FIG. 14, with the cross-section taken through
the center of the
bracket and bracket support illustrated in FIG. 16A;
[0028] FIGS. 16D-E are side elevation and cross-sectional views,
respectively, of the
rear of the end bracket of FIG. 14, with the cross-section taken through the
center of the
bracket and bracket support illustrated in FIG. 16C;
[0029] FIGS. 17A-D are left side perspective, right side perspective,
front elevation
and left side elevation views, respectively, of the mounting bracket
illustrated in use with the
bar support unit of FIG. 14;
[0030] FIGS. 18A-D comprise side elevation views of the mounting bar and
bracket
of the bar support unit of FIG. 14 with FIG. 18A illustrating the mounting bar
and bracket in
position to hold the bar support member at an initial horizontal position,
FIG. 18B illustrating
the mounting bar and bracket in position to hold the bar support member at an
angled
position, FIG. 18C illustrating the mounting bar and bracket in position to
hold the bar
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support member at a raised horizontal position and FIG. 18D illustrating the
mounting bar
and bracket in position to hold the bar support member at a raised angled
position (noting that
the order of these orientations may be reversed so that the mounting bar and
bracket start at
an initial position that is higher and can be rotated to provide horizontal
and angled positions
that are lower if desired);
[0031] FIGS. 19A-B are perspective and left side elevation views of the
mounting bar
of FIG. 14;
[0032] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an alternate bar support unit in
accordance
with the invention in which a slide and pusher assembly similar to the slide
and pusher of
FIGS. 10A-12 is shown used in conjunction with a conventional square bar and
mounting
bracket;
[0033] FIGS. 21A-B are front and rear perspective views, respectively,
of an alternate
bar support unit in accordance with the invention in which optional risers are
shown
connected to the universal merchandiser to accommodate dispensing of stacked
products,
with FIG. 21B being a rear perspective of a cross-section of FIG. 21A taken
along line 21B-
21B in FIG. 21A;
[0034] FIG. 22 comprises a side perspective view of an alternate
mounting bar and
bracket for a bar support unit in accordance with aspects of the invention in
which a single
pivotable stabilizing member is used to secure the support arms in position
along the
mounting bar;
[0035] FIG. 23A-B are front perspective and side elevation views,
respectively, of an
alternate mounting bar and bracket for a bar support unit in accordance with
aspects of the
invention in which an alternate pivoting stabilizer is used to secure each
support arm in
position along the mounting bar;
[0036] FIGS. 24A-D are side elevation views of an alternate mounting bar
and
bracket for a bar support unit in accordance with aspects of the invention
inch which a multi-
positional mounting bracket is used to position a conventional square mounting
bar in four
different positions with each position allowing the support bar to be raised
or lowered a
predetermined amount of distance (a reference line has been added transcending
all figures to
illustrate how ninety degree rotations of the mounting bracket result in
corresponding
changes in the positioning of the support bar);
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[0037] FIGS. 25A-B are partially exploded and perspective views of an
alternate
mounting bar and support bar configuration in accordance with aspects of the
invention in
which FIG. 25A illustrates an alternate cammed fastener exploded from the
support bracket
and FIG. 25B illustrates the cammed fastener inserted into the support bracket
and pivoted or
turned in order to secure the support arm to the mounting bar without risking
puncture of the
mounting bar or other damage to same;
[0038] FIGS. 26A-D are perspective, front elevation, left side elevation
and bottom
views, respectively, of an alternate universal merchandiser assembly with a
lockable
dampened pusher as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the
invention,
with FIGS. 26C and 26D having break lines to allow for larger images to be
shown with more
detail;
[0039] FIGS. 26E-F are enlarged perspective views of the pusher assembly
of FIGS.
26A-D illustrating part of an exemplary and optional lock mechanism in locked
and released
positions, respectively;
[0040] FIGS. 26G-H are enlarged partial perspective views of the rear
carriage
portion of the universal merchandiser of FIGS. 26A-F (illustrated without the
pusher in FIG.
26G), showing how the damper mates with the pusher and how the internal damper
components are connected to the carriage and how the carriage is symmetrical
to allow the
internal components to be connected in a mirror image orientation for use on
the opposite
side of the divider;
[0041] FIGS. 2614 are enlarged partial perspective and left side
elevation views,
respectively, of the lock mechanism and glide bar of FIGS. 26A-H, illustrating
how the lock
mechanism and glide bar cooperate to form the track for the damper (see FIG.
261) and how
the lock mechanism is connected to the rear of the universal merchandiser
bracket and release
mechanism (see FIG. 26J);
[0042] FIGS. 27A-C are perspective views of exemplary pusher accessories
that may
be mounted onto the pusher to assist front facing of certain products so that
the merchandiser
can be customized and readily changed to accommodate specific product being
pushed, with
FIG. 27A illustrating the pusher and an exemplary accessory having an open
area to separate
a first and section portion which assists in the manufacturing thereof and
FIGS. 27B-C
illustrating alternate exemplary accessories;
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[0043] FIG. 28A is a perspective view of an alternate exemplary
embodiment of a
universal merchandiser assembly in accordance with various aspects of the
invention
illustrating an alternate embodiment of the release mechanism;
[0044] FIG. 28B is an enlarged rear perspective view of the front of the
universal
merchandiser assembly of FIG. 28A illustrating how it connects into the front
mount and how
the front mount connects to a shelving unit;
[0045] FIGS. 28C-D are enlarged perspective and side elevation views of
the front of
the universal merchandiser assembly of FIGS. 28A-B illustrating in greater
detail the
alternate embodiment of the release mechanism;
[0046] FIGS. 29A-B are rear and front perspective views, respectively,
of an alternate
universal merchandiser assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention,
with FIG. 29A illustrating a product divider assembly having two product
holders or slides on
opposite sides of the divider and FIG. 29B illustrating a cleaner front
perspective view of just
the product holders or slides showing how the structures engage one another
and the
universal merchandising assembly
[0047] FIGS. 30A-B are enlarged side elevation views of the front of an
alternate
universal merchandiser assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention,
with FIG. 30A illustrating a product divider assembly being engaged with a
front portion of a
rail to prevent and/or limit lateral movement along the rail, and FIG. 30B
illustrating the
product divider assembly being partially disengaged with the front portion of
the rail to allow
lateral movement along the rail while still being partially secured thereto;
[0048] FIGS. 31A-C are enlarged perspective views of the rear of an
alternate
universal merchandiser assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention,
with FIG. 31A illustrating a product divider assembly having an opening that
is disengaged
from a toothed or combed support structure, FIG. 31B illustrating the product
divider
assembly being in a raised, partially disengaged position to still allow
lateral movement of
the divider assembly along the length of the combed support structure, and
FIG. 31C
illustrating the divider assembly being in a lowered engaged configuration
whereby lateral
movement of the divider assembly is minimized due to engagement with the
combed support
structure;
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[0049] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an alternate combed support
structure for a
shelf-based universal merchandiser assembly;
[0050] FIGS. 33A-C are enlarged perspective and side elevation views of
the rear of
an alternate universal merchandiser stabilizing assembly being used in a grid-
type
merchandising environment in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention, with
FIGS. 33A-B illustrating a divider assembly being secured by the stabilizing
mechanism and
FIG. 33C illustrating the stabilizing mechanism being disengaged from the
divider assembly
to allow movement of the divider assembly;
[0051] FIGS. 34A-C are perspective, enlarged perspective, and cross
sectional views
of an alternate universal merchandiser assembly having an integral pusher
track and damper
rack, with FIGS. 34A-B illustrating a low profile front rail and a pusher
release mechanism,
and FIG. 34C illustrating the pusher release mechanism;
[0052] FIGS. 34D-E are side elevation views of the alternate universal
merchandiser
assembly of FIGS. 34A-C, with FIG. 34D illustrating the divider assembly being
disengaged
from the low profile front rail and FIG. 34E illustrating the divider assembly
being movably
engaged with a ridge or protrusion of the low profile front rail to limit
lateral movement of
the divider assembly;
[0053] FIGS. 34F-G are enlarged rear perspective views of the alternate
universal
merchandiser assembly of FIGS. 34A-G which illustrate the guide structure
which ensures
the pusher properly engages the pusher release mechanism and deformable hooks
at the end
of the integral track and rack which allow the pusher to be installed and/or
removed
therefrom;
[0054] FIGS. 35A-B are perspective and side elevation views of an
alternate universal
merchandiser assembly being useable on a bar-type gondola and being able to
accommodate
bars and/or gondolas having a number of different dimensions, with FIG. 35B
illustrating an
integral front rail, price channel, and pusher release mechanism; and
[0055] FIG. 35C-D illustrate enlarged front perspective and cross
sectional rear side
elevation views of the alternate universal merchandiser assembly of FIGS. 35A-
B, with FIG.
35C having the pusher removed to illustrate the damper gear assembly, and with
FIG. 35D
illustrating the pusher assembly being secured in a rearward position using a
separate gear on
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the damper assembly that engages the pusher release mechanism to prevent
forward
movement of the pusher.
[0056] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are
illustrated for
simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For
example, the
dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures
may be
exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of
various
embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood
elements that are
useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not
depicted in order to
facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments. It will
further be appreciated
that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular
order of
occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such
specificity with respect to
sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms
and expressions
used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms
and expressions
by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where
different specific
meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0057] Generally speaking, pursuant to these various embodiments, a
product display
is herein presented. The product display includes a pair of upstanding
vertical supports, at
least one product support structure having a plurality of protrusions
extending laterally
therefrom that is connected to the upstanding vertical supports, a friction-
reducing component
that couples to the protrusions of the product support structure, and a
stopping mecha,nism
coupled to a distal end of the product support structure.
[0058] In some embodiments, the product support structure further
includes a biasing
member coupled to the friction-reducing component configured to urge the
product to an end
of the product support structure. In one form, the biasing member is a pusher
or slider
assembly having a face, bottom surface, and an attachment portion, and is
configured to
allow the friction-reducing component to nest within the slider attachment
portion.
[0059] In some embodiments, the friction reducing component comprises a
plurality
of cylindrical rollers having an inner through bore and are coupled to the
protrusions of the
product support structure on a single side of the roller. In other
embodiments, the friction
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reducing component comprises an elongated flat slide bar or belt member having
a plurality
of holes configured to mate with the plurality of protrusions extending from
the product
support structure. In still other forms, a combination of rollers and slide
bar or belt members
may be used (e.g., having a roller portion and bar portion, alternating from
roller to bar to
roller or vice versa, etc.).
[0060] In some embodiments, the product display further includes an
information
display device pivotally mated to the product support structure so that it may
be rotated to
display a first set of information on a front side, and a second set of
information on a rear
side. For example, the information display device may be a pivotal or
rotatable price channel
that allows for a product price to be displayed in a first position and a SKU
number or bar
code to be accessed or displayed in a second position.
[0061] In some embodiments, the product support structure mates with a
horizontal
shelf and is configured to be placed at any distance between the pair of
upstanding vertical
supports. For example, in a preferred form, the upstanding vertical supports
are laterally
movable about a plurality of positions. In other forms, the support structures
are suspended
from a bar without a shelf present.
[0062] In some embodiments, the product support structure extends from
the
upstanding vertical support at an angle less than about 90 degrees. For
example, in some
forms, the support structure is angled so that gravitational forces assist the
product in moving
towards a protruding or distal end of the product support structure. In other
forms, a rotatable
bracket is used to allow the product support structures to be positioned at a
plurality of angles
with respect to the bar and/or the vertical support structure or gondola to
which they are
mounted.
[0063] In some examples, a product display apparatus is provided that
includes a
product divider assembly having a front portion, a rear portion, and a
divider, a pusher
operatively coupled to the product divider assembly to assist in moving
displayed products
from the rear portion of the product divider assembly to the front portion
thereof, and an
integral forward structure and pusher locking release mechanism coupled to the
front portion
of the product divider assembly. The pusher is configured to be engageable
with the rear
portion of the product divider assembly such that the pusher is retained at
the rear portion
thereof. The integral forward structure and pusher locking release mechanism
is configured to
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=
be actuated by effecting a force on a portion thereof to disengage the pusher
from the rear
portion of the product divider assembly.
[0064] In some forms, the integral forward structure and pusher locking
mechanism
may comprise a front rail which is configured to couple to and support at
least a portion of
the front portion of the product divider assembly. In other forms, the
integral forward
structure and pusher locking release mechanism may include an information
channel (e.g., a
price channel) which displays information relating to the displayed product.
This information
channel is configured to at least partially support at least a portion of the
front portion of the
product divider assembly. It is understood that in some of these forms, the
product display
apparatus may include an integral forward structure and pusher locking release
mechanism
includes both a front rail and an information channel.
[0065] In alternate approaches, a product display apparatus may include
a product
divider assembly having front and rear portions and a divider to divide a
number of displayed
products into rows, a pusher having an axis and being operatively coupled to
the product
divider assembly, and a damper attachment having an axis and being configured
to be
coupled to the pusher to dampen movement of the pusher. This damper attachment
is coupled
to a rear portion of the pusher such that the damper attachment axis is
collinear with the
pusher axis. So configured, the amount of torque generated by the pusher
during movement
from the rear portion of the product divider assembly to the front portion of
the product
divider assembly is limited. In some forms, this damper attachment may be
removable from
the pusher using any number of conventionally known methods. In other forms,
the damper
attachment may be an integral component of the pusher.
[0066] In some embodiments, a product display apparatus may include a
product
divider assembly having front and rear portions, a divider, and an integrally
formed track
assembly, a pusher being operatively coupled to the integrally formed track
assembly, and at
least one of a damper attachment coupled to a rear portion of the pusher and a
pusher locking
release mechanism configured to be actuated by effecting a force on a portion
of the product
divider assembly to disengage the pusher from the rear portion of the product
divider
assembly. This pusher locking release mechanism may be coupled to the front
portion of the
divider assembly. It will be understood that in some forms, the damper
attachment and the
pusher locking release mechanism may be provided.
CA 2932406 2019-10-30
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[0067] In still other examples, a product display apparatus is provided
having a
product divider assembly, at least one attachment coupled to the product
divider assembly
and defining a recess, and a pusher operatively coupled to the product divider
assembly. This
pusher is configured to be at least partially operably disposed in the recess
defined by the at
least one attachment.
[0068] In some approaches, a dual engagement product display apparatus
includes a
rail having a length extending between a portion of a product display and a
product divider
assembly being operably coupled to the rail to divide a plurality of displayed
products into
rows. The product divider assembly is configured to be movable between a first
position in
which the product divider is coupled to the rail while still allowing for
lateral movement
along the length of the rail and a second position where the assembly is
frictionally coupled
to the rail to hinder lateral movement along the length of the rail. The rail
may be a front rail
being coupled to the front portion of the product divider assembly and/or a
rear rail being
coupled to the rear portion of the product divider assembly.
[0069] The product divider assembly may include a clearance for allowing
a
stabilizing device to be disengaged such that the product display apparatus
may be laterally
movable when the product display is in the first position. This clearance may
allow the
product divider assembly to be engaged with the stabilizing device such that
lateral
movement of the product display apparatus is hindered when in the second
position. In
alternate approaches, the product divider assembly may include an angled
opening to allow
the product divider assembly to be moved between a first position where the
product divider
assembly does not engage a stabilizing device so as to allow lateral movement
of the product
divider assembly and a second position where the angled opening engages the
stabilizing
device to limit lateral movement of the product divider assembly.
[0070] In some embodiments, a product display apparatus may include a
product
divider assembly having a damper rack, a pusher being operatively coupled to
the product
divider assembly, and a compound gear having a first gear portion and a second
gear portion.
The first gear portion includes gear teeth configured to engage the damper
rack, and the
second gear portion is configured to engage a locking device for locking the
pusher at the rear
portion of the product divider assembly. In some forms, this locking device is
a pawl which
engages the second gear portion of the compound gear.
CA 2932406 2019-10-30
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[0071] In still other embodiments, a dual engagement product display
apparatus may
include a stabilizer having a length extending between a at least a portion of
a product display
and a product diver assembly. Upon moving one of the stabilizer or the product
divider
assembly in a first direction, a clearance between the stabilizer and the
product divider
assembly is created that allows for lateral movement of the product divider
assembly with
respect to the stabilizer. Upon moving one of the stabilizer or the product
divider assembly in
a second direction, lateral movement of the product divider assembly with
respect to the
stabilizer is hindered.
[0072] In some of these embodiments, the stabilizer comprises a combed
or toothed
structure disposed near the rear portion of the product divider assembly. It
is understood that
the stabilizer may alternatively be disposed near the front portion of the
product divider
assembly.
[0073] In addition to the above approaches, a method of displaying a
product is
provided. A product divider assembly is provided and a pusher having an axis
is operably
coupled to the divider assembly. A damper having an axis is then coupled to
the pusher such
that movement of the pusher from the rear to the front portion of the product
divider
assembly is dampened. This damper attachment is coupled to a rear portion of
the pusher
such that the axis of the damper attachment is in line with the axis of the
pusher so as to limit
the amount of torque generated by the pusher during movement of the pusher.
[0074] These and other benefits may become clearer upon making a
thorough review
and study of the following detailed description. Referring now to the
drawings, and in
particular to FIGS. 1A-C, an illustrative example of an upright merchandiser
100 that is
compatible with many of these teachings can include a vertical support
structure 110, fixed
shelf display 120, shelf 122, bar display 202, end brackets 150, 250,
rotatable bracket 220,
bar 230, and interstitial supports, such as arm support members or dividers
180, 280.
Together the arm support members 180, 280 and corresponding end brackets 150,
250 serve
as product support members. More of these structures may be added to provide
multiple
rows or columns of product as desired in a particular display. In some
embodiments, the
fixed shelf 122, end brackets 150, and arm support member 180 mount to the
vertical support
structures 110 and extend outwardly therefrom to form the shelf display 120.
In other
CA 2932406 2019-10-30
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embodiments, the vertical support structures 110, end brackets 250, rotatable
bracket 220, bar
230, and arm support member 280 are mated together to form the bar display
202.
[0075] The vertical support structures 110 are of the conventional
nature and include
elongated slots 112 for mounting a number of display devices. The elongated
slots 112 are
spaced 1 inch (1") apart along the vertical support structures 110, allowing a
merchandiser to
choose a variety of display mount heights. These vertical support structures
110 are well
known to those having skill in the art, and for the sake of brevity and the
preservation of
focus, will not be discussed further.
[0076] Referring now to FIGS. 2-3B, an example of a fixed shelf display
120 is
provided. In some embodiments, the fixed shelf display 120 includes a shelf
122, a first shelf
mount, such as rear shelf mount 124, a second shelf mount, such as front shelf
mount 126,
arm support member 180 having a support structure arm 181 extending upwardly,
front
mounting portion 186 and rear mounting portion 188, and end brackets 150
having front
mounting portion 156 and rear mounting portion 158. In some embodiments, all
of
components of the end brackets 150 and arm support member 180 are constructed
of extruded
or injection molded polymers or similar materials to reduce costs as compared
to
conventional metal parts. It is understood that other methods of producing
parts made of
polymers or similar materials may be envisioned, for example thermoforming,
blow molding,
or the like. Additionally, in some embodiments, the components of the end
brackets 150 and
arm support member 180 are constructed of a combination of plastics and metals
(e.g., plastic
body with metal bushings or bearings, etc.).
[0077] In some embodiments, the shelf 122 mounts to the vertical support
structures
110 through conventional methods. For example, both lateral ends of the shelf
122 may
include elongated hooked-shaped tabbed members (not shown) which are
configured to insert
into the elongated slots 112 to securely mount the shelf display 120.
[0078] In some embodiments, the rear and front shelf mounts 124, 126 are
configured
to mate to the upper surface of the shelf 122. The shelf mounts 124, 126 may
be configured
to be secured to the shelf by a snap or friction fit. Alternatively, the shelf
mounts 124, 126
may be secured to the shelf using screws, nuts and bolts, or other
conventional fastening
methods.
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[0079] The shelf mounts 124, 126 include an elongated C-shaped channel
125, 127
that extends along the longitudinal length of the shelf mount which allows the
corresponding
front and rear mounting attachments 186, 188 of the arm 180 to mate or connect
thereto. In
the form illustrated, mounting attachments 186, 188 and channels 125, 127 are
configured
with a mating arrangement such as a tongue and groove arrangement, a dovetail
or mortise
and tenon arrangement, etc.). Specifically, in the form illustrated, the
channel 125, 127 is C-
shaped in cross-section and captures a rounded insert member of mounting
attachments 186,
188. In some embodiments, the front mounting attachment 186 may be an integral
part of the
support structure arm 181 of the arm support member 180. In other embodiments,
the front
mounting attachment 186 may be coupled to the support structure arm 181
through various
conventional connecting methods including snap or press fitting. Similarly, in
some
embodiments, the rear mounting portion 188 may be an integral part of the
support structure
arm 181, and in other embodiments, the rear mounting portion 188 may be
coupled to the
support structure arm 181 through various conventional connecting methods.
[0080] In some embodiments, the front and rear mounting portions 186,
188 include
elongated circular tabbed portions 187, 189 which are either snap-fitted into
the elongated
channels 125, 127 or slid in through opening either in the upper surfaces or
sides of the
channels 125, 127, thus allowing the arm support member 180 to slide laterally
across the
shelf 122. This configuration allows the retailer to select any number of
positions for the
support arm 180, thus enabling the shelf display 120 to easily display
products having a wide
variety of widths by sliding the support arm 180 to a desired lateral
position. Additional
support arms 180 may be added as needed to support the desired number of
products or
columns/rows of product.
[0081] As illustrated in FIGS. 4A-F and as best seen in FIGS. 4D & 4F,
the support
structure arm 181 includes raised portions 184 to provide adequate clearance
of the shelf
mounts 124, 126 while retaining a flat, stable surface against the shelf 122.
This allows the
support structure 180 to sit firmly and squarely on the shelf 122. In a
preferred form, the
clearance provided for raised portions 184 is just enough to allow the support
structure to be
positioned laterally about mounts 124, 126 with ease but allow the bottom
surface of the
raised portion 184 to rest against the upper surface of mounts 124, 126 to
further support
structure 180 firmly and squarely on shelf 122.
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[0082] In some embodiments, and as seen additionally in FIGS. 7, 8A-B,
the shelf
display 120 also includes end brackets 150 at opposing lateral edges of the
shelf 120 or at
whatever end position is desired for the display if not at the lateral edge of
the shelf 122. In
some embodiments, end brackets 150 are configured in a similar manner as the
arm support
member 180 and include end bracket arm 151 which extends upwardly, front and
rear
mounting portions 156, 158 which may be an integral part of the end bracket
arm 151 or may
be coupled to the end bracket arm 151 through various conventional connecting
methods.
The same is true for support member 180.
[0083] The front and rear mounting portions 156, 158 further include
mounting
member portions, such as elongated circular tabbed portions 157, 159, which
are inserted into
the elongated channels 125, 127, thus allowing the end brackets to slide
laterally across the
shelf 122. As best seen in FIG. 7, the end bracket includes raised portions
154 to provide
adequate clearance of the shelf mounts 124, 126 while retaining a flat, stable
surface against
the shelf 122. In a preferred form, lateral movement of the end bracket 150 is
restricted in at
least one direction at the vertical supports 110 due to the end bracket 150
extending in a
rearward distance further than the forward projection of the vertical support
structures 110.
Such a configuration eliminates the possibility of laterally sliding an end
bracket 150 off of
the shelf 122. In alternate forms, however, spacing may be provided so that
the end brackets
150 and support structures 180 may be slid into engagement with channels 125,
127 as
desired. In either of these embodiments, movement of the end brackets 150 away
from the
outer edges of the shelf 122 (e.g., toward the center of the shelf) may be
provided for if
desired.
[0084] In some embodiments, and as seen in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, & 4D-4F,
the arm
support member 180 includes a plurality of mounting projections 192 that span
at least a
portion of the longitudinal length of the support structure arm 181. In a
preferred form and as
illustrated, the projections 192 span the longitudinal length of the support
structure 180. The
mounting projections 192 are integrally formed with the support structure arm
181 and thus
are constructed of extruded or molded plastic or other similar materials. The
mounting
projections 192 are generally cylindrically shaped posts having a recess or
cutout, such as a
tab, on their distal end, and are configured to allow a friction reducing
component to be snap
fit or press fit thereon. In alternate forms, however, it should be understood
that the friction
reducing component may be connected via other types of fasteners, such as by
bolt, screw,
CA 2932406 2019-10-30
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pin, rivet, etc. Preferably such connections will allow the friction reduction
component to
retain clearance with respect to the projections 192 and to remain moveable
with respect to
the projections if so desired. In one embodiment, the friction reducing
component is a
plurality of rollers 194 having both cylindrical inner and outer surfaces,
thus providing for
rotation about the mounting projections 192. Due to the snap-fit connection
between the
mounting projections 192 and the rollers 194, lateral movement of the rollers
194 along the
mounting projections 192 is largely if not completely restricted. The rollers
194 may be
made from the same material as the support structure 180 and end brackets 150.
Alternatively, the rollers 194 may be made of a special material specifically
intended to
further reduce friction between the product being displayed and the display
(e.g., support
structure 180, end brackets 150). In a preferred form, the rollers are made of
polyethylene
like the support structure 180 and end brackets 150, but further include
silicon to help reduce
friction between the products being displayed and the display.
[0085] In some embodiments, as seen in FIGS. 8A & 8B, the end brackets
150
include mounting projections 162 that span at least a portion of the
longitudinal length of the
arm end bracket 150 and, preferably, the entire longitudinal length. These
mounting
projections 162 are configured in an identical manner to the mounting
projections 192 of the
support member 180, thus they allow rollers 194 (not shown) to be attached
thereto.
[0086] Because each roller 194 requires only a single projection 162 to
attach to, both
size and costs are significantly reduced. Supporting the rollers 194 on a
single side of the end
bracket 150 or arm support member 180 further reduces the amount of material
necessary to
provide a rolling surface as compared to conventional rollers having "axles"
extending from
opposing sides.
[0087] As best seen in FIG. 4E, on opposing sides of the arm support
member 180,
the mounting projections 192 are placed in offset positions. More
specifically, the mounting
projections 192 on one side of the support structure arm 181 are placed within
the empty area
between the mounting projections 192 on the other side of the support
structure arm 181, or
in a half-pitch configuration. This offset configuration provides for a
smoother product
transition along rollers as it slides, thus reducing the potential of the
product tipping during
movement. More particularly, this configuration ensures that the leading edge
of the product
being supported by rollers 194 will always be on a roller on one side or the
other thereby
CA 2932406 2019-10-30
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reducing the risk that the product will pitch, tip or lean forward as move=
from the rear of the
shelf to the front of the shelf which could otherwise cause product hang-ups,
misalignment or
problems with getting the product to front face in the display. Similarly, the
rollers facing
each other from one side of the supper member 180 and the end bracket 150
would also
maintain this offset for the same reason. This offset is particularly helpful
when dealing with
smaller product and/or product with high centers of gravity and keeps these
items traveling
smoothly and without vibration or bounce when moving from the rear of the
shelf to the front
of the shelf.
[0088] In some embodiments, in operation, a support member 180 slides
laterally
along the shelf 122 until the support structure arm 181 is spaced at a
distance from the end
bracket arm 151 that is slightly greater than the product to be displayed,
thus creating a
product housing region 195. In other embodiments, multiple support members 180
are
placed on the shelf 122 and are appropriately spaced so as to allow a product
to be placed
between support structure arms 181, creating a similar product housing region
195. The
support structure arms 181 and end bracket arm 151 sufficiently extend
vertically to serve as
a partition or divider to restrict a product from lateral movement or from
tipping in the lateral
direction of the shelf. To display the product, it is placed on the rollers
194 connected to
either the mounting projections 162 of the end bracket 150 or the mounting
projections 192
of the support arm 180. The product 105 may then be faced at the front of the
shelf, where
the front mounting attachments 156, 186 of the end bracket 150 and arm support
member 180
extend laterally inwards and upwards, such as stops projecting into the
product housing
region 195 to restrict the product 105 from moving beyond the length of the
shelf 122.
[0089] In some embodiments, and as seen in FIGS. 10A-12, the friction
reducing
component comprises a flat slide bar or belt piece 197 which replaces the
rollers 194 to
provide a product sliding surface. In a preferred form, it is made of
polyethylene and silicon
(e.g., silicon infused polyethylene) to further reduce friction between the
product being
displayed and the slide 197. Thus, this display may be configured with support
structures
180, 150 made of a first material (e.g., polyethylene) and friction reducing
components made
of a second material different from the first (e.g., silicon infused
polyethylene). The flat slide
bar or belt piece 197 is constructed of plastic and formed using any of the
methods previously
mentioned. The flat slide bar or belt piece 197 defines openings or holes 198
which allow it
to be snap-fit onto the mounting projections 162 of the end bracket 150 or the
mounting
CA 2932406 2019-10-30
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projections 192 of the support arm 180 in a manner as indicated above. In
other
embodiments, the mounting projections 162, 192 are spaced further apart such
that they only
engage every other hole 198 or some other desired interval. In operation, the
product 105 is
placed on the flat slide bar or belt piece 197 to provide an uninterrupted or
uniform sliding
surface as described above.
[0090] In some embodiments, the friction reducing components further
include a
pusher or slider assembly 170 which assists in automatically facing the
product 105. Turning
now to FIGS. 3A, 5A-C, 6A-6C, 10A-B, a pusher or slider assembly 170 is
provided
constructed of polymers or similar materials using any of the previously-
mentioned methods
and is mated to the end bracket arm 151 or support structure arm 181. In the
form
illustrated, the pusher or slider assembly 170 includes a slider face 172,
slider bottom surface
174, slider attachment portion 176, a receptacle or coil spring area 176, and
coil spring 179.
The slider attachment portion 176 preferably defines an open, C-shaped channel
integrally
formed into the bottom of the pusher or slider assembly 170 provided to
slidably mate the
pusher or slider assembly 170 to the end bracket 150 or the support structure
180. The recess
or coil spring area 178 is an empty area defined by opposing rear sides of the
coil spring
assembly in which the coil spring may be inserted.
[0091] It will be appreciated that the pusher or slider assembly 170 in
FIGS. 5A-5C
are configured to be attached to the left side of a support structure 180 or
the left or inner side
of the right end bracket 150 (which is the end bracket on the left as you look
at the shelf from
an aisle), and the pusher or slider assembly 170 in FIGS 6A-6C are configured
to be attached
to the right side of a support structure 180 or the right or inner side of the
end bracket 150
(which is the end bracket on the right as you look from at the shelf from the
aisle).
Regardless of which pusher or slider assembly 170 is used, the attachment and
operation is
the same. As seen in FIGS. 3A and 10A, pusher or slider assemblies 170 may be
placed on
slides located on the inner sides (or inward facing sides) or opposing sides
of the end bracket
arm 151 or support structure arm 181 as well as rollers, and may operate
independently from
each other regardless of what friction reducing component is used.
[0092] To mate the pusher or slider assembly 170 with the end bracket
150 or the
support structure 180, the rollers 194 or flat slide bar or belt piece 197
must be inserted onto
the mounting projections 162, 192 of the end bracket 150 or support structure
180. In the
CA 2932406 2019-10-30
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form illustrated, some rollers 194 would be installed on projections 162, 192
and the pusher
or slider assembly 170 would be slid onto those rollers 194 and the remaining
rollers would
be installed to capture the pusher or slider assembly 170 on the support
structure 180 and end
bracket 150. Alternatively, in embodiments using a slider bar, the pusher or
slider assembly
170 would be slid onto the slider bar 170 and then the slider bar would be
connected to the
projections 162, 192 in order to capture the pusher or slider assembly 170 on
the support
structure 180 and end bracket 150. It should be appreciated, however, that in
alternate
embodiments the slider attachment portion 176 may be inserted onto either end
of the end
bracket arm 151 or support structure arm 181, with the open portion of the
slider attachment
portion 176 facing the elongated arm 151 or 181. The open area of the C-shaped
slider
attachment portion 176 is thus filled by the rollers 194 or the flat slide bar
or belt piece 197
which capture the pusher or slide assembly 170 onto the support member 180 and
end bracket
150.
[0093] In othcr embodiments, the pusher or slider assembly 170 may be
made of a
resilient, but flexible material that allows for the pusher or slider assembly
170 to deform and
be press or snap fit onto the friction reducing component. For example, to
mate the pusher or
slider assembly 170 with the end bracket 150 or the support structure 180 in
one form, the
bottom portion of the slider attachment portion 176 is pulled downwards to
provide sufficient
clearance of the rollers 194 or flat slide bar or belt piece 197. When the
tabbed portion of the
slider attachment portion 176 comes into contact with the inner lower surface
of the rollers
194 or the flat slide bar or belt piece 197, the pusher or slider assembly 170
can be rotated
upwards to snap the slider attachment portion 176 over the top of the rollers
194 or flat slide
bar or belt piece 197.
[0094] As best seen in FIGS. 3A, 5C, 6C, and 10B, the pusher or slider
assembly
further includes the coil spring 179 to provide an assistive force in facing
the product. The
coil spring 179 is attached to the end of the end bracket arm 151 or support
structure arm 181,
and the spooled portion is placed in the coil spring area 178 to allow the
coil spring 179 to
wind up in its relaxed configuration. In some embodiments, the end bracket arm
151 or
support structure arm 181 include a tabbed slot at its distal end to allow the
coil spring to be
snap fit therein. In other embodiments, the end of the coil spring is simply
secured to a side
of the arm 151, 181 through conventional methods such as screwing, bolting,
riveting, gluing,
taping, etc. As best seen in FIG. 6A, the pusher or slider assembly 170
includes a coil spring
CA 2932406 2019-10-30
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slot 175 configured to allow the coil spring to pass through to assist in
operation. In other
forms, at least the support structure 180 may be configured with a common coil
that recoils
both pusher or slider assemblies 170 mounted to support structure 180. For
example, the
distal ends of a coil may wind up to a relaxed position located about the
middle of the metal
coil spring. The middle may be mounted on the distal end of the support
structure 180 and
the distal ends disposed within the receptacles defined by the pusher or slide
assemblies 170
on each side of the support structure.
[0095] In some embodiments, the coil spring area 178 includes a
cylindrically tabbed
protrusion (not shown) on the bottom surface the coil spring rests on to
rotatably mate with
an inner bore of the coil spring 179. In some embodiments, this is a snap-fit
connection
which allows the coil spring 179 to quickly and easily be mated to the pusher
or slider
assembly 170. Coil springs are generally known in the art, with U.S. Patent
No. 6,409,028
providing a detailed example of the use of a coil springs in a product display
apparatus.
[0096] Once the pusher or slider assembly 170 is slidably mated to the
end bracket
150 or support structure 180, movement along the length of the arm 151, 181
may be
accomplished. As seen in FIGS. 9 and 13, when multiple products 105 are to be
displayed,
the product 105 closest to the proximal end of the end brackets 150 or support
structure 180
is placed on against the pusher or slider assembly 170 such that the back
surface of the
product 105 rests against the slider face 172 and the bottom surface of the
product 105 rests
on the slider bottom surface 104. As more products 105 are placed in the
product housing
regions 195, 196, the coil spring 179 continues to uncoil, thus biasing the
pusher or slider
assembly 170 to move towards the distal end of the end brackets 150 or support
structure
180. When a product 105 is removed from the product housing regions 195, 196,
the coil
spring 179 causes the pusher or slider assembly 170 to move towards the distal
end of the
product housing region 195, 196 until the product 105 comes into contact with
the front
mounting attachments 156, 186 of the end bracket 150 and support structure 180
that extend
inwards into the product housing region 195, 196 to restrict the product 105
from moving
beyond the length of the shelf 122.
[0097] In this configuration, combined with the roller 194 or flat slide
bar or belt
piece 197 mentioned above, an improved upright display 100 is provided. This
display 100 is
CA 2932406 2020-03-06
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less expensive to manufacture than conventional displays due to the slider 170
directly
attaching to the friction reducing component (e.g., rollers 194 or flat slide
bar or belt piece
197) as opposed to a separate track member provided in or coupled to the end
brackets 150 or
support structure 180, yet the pusher or slider 170 remains captured and
guided by the friction
reducing components so that it travels smoothly there along in a reproducible
manner and
without risk that the pusher or slider 170 will get misaligned. Further, the
display 100 is
beneficial to consumers because it allows product 105 to be automatically
faced (whether by
gravity in the non-pusher version or by the pusher in the pusher version),
thus increasing its
appeal to the eye to the consumer. Further, if the consumer decides to re-
merchandise the
product 105, the reduced spring force of the coil spring due to the presence
of the friction
reducing components results in the increased ability to push products back
into the display
structure without risking damaging the product packaging.. When combined with
the rollers
194, the coil spring 179 of the pusher or slider assembly 170 requires
approximately 1/5th of
the spring force of conventional coil springs, thus greatly reducing the
amount of stress on
product packaging and therefore reducing the risk of damaging the packaging.
In addition,
the configuration set forth herein with respect to the pusher version of the
display allows for
products to be pushed by their outer edges and corners where the products are
better equipped
to handle such forces rather than in the center of the product.
[0098] In
another embodiment, the end brackets 150 or support member 180 have
both a plurality of rollers 194 and a flat slide bar or .belt piece 197
coupled thereto. For
example, the end brackets 150 or support member 180 may be configured to have
rollers 194
coupled to the protrusions 162 for approximately half the length of the end
bracket 150 or
support member 180, and further configured to have a flat slide bar or belt
piece 197 coupled
to the remaining protrusions 162. It will be appreciated that any number of
rollers 194 and
flat slide bar or belt pieces 197 may be utilized. For example, the end
bracket 150 or support
member 180 may have a flat slide bar or belt piece 197 at its distal end,
followed by a
plurality of rollers 194, followed by another flat slide bar or belt piece 197
configured at its
proximal end. Alternatively, the end bracket 150 or support member 180 may
have a
plurality of rollers mated to the protrusions 162 at its distal end, followed
by a flat slide bar or
belt piece 197 mated to the protrusions 162, followed by a plurality of
rollers 194 mated to
the protrusions 162 at its proximal end. It is appreciated that any number of
configurations of
rollers 194 and flat slide bar or belt pieces 197 may be coupled to the end
bracket 150 or
CA 2932406 2019-10-30
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support member 180. It will be appreciate that the pusher or slider assembly
170 may be
used in this embodiment as described above.
[0099] In another embodiment, the end bracket 150 or support arm 180
include a
conveyor assembly. In this embodiment, the outermost protrusions 162 are
coupled to rollers
194 in the above-discussed manner. A belt is then placed over the rollers 194
to create a
conveyor belt assembly. In this embodiment, the product 105 rests on the belt,
and frictional
forces between the bottom surface of the product 105 and the belt limit
sliding motion
between the surfaces. When the product is moved to the distal end of the end
bracket 150 or
support arm 180 due to the use of a pusher or slider assembly 170 or simply by
manual
operation, the rollers 194 rotate in the same direction, thus causing the belt
to advance along
the length of the end bracket 150 or support arm 180. It will be appreciated
that any number
of rollers 194 may be mated to the protrusions 162, and the belt will then be
placed over the
rollers to create the conveyor belt assembly.
[00100] In some embodiments, some or all of rollers 194, pusher or slider
assembly
170, or flat slide bar or belt piece 197 are constructed of additional
materials using a molding,
extrusion, or another similar technique. For example, the friction reducing
members may be
molded with a silicon infused polymer which reduces the coefficient of
friction between the
product 195 and the display to improve movement of the product along the
display. In a
preferred form, the display is setup so that a majority of the components can
be made from
inexpensive plastic injection molded processes, but that the friction reducing
components
(e.g., rollers 194 and slide 197) can be made of a more expensive material or
process to
provide further friction reducing capabilities.
[00101] The upright merchandiser 100 is additionally beneficial to
retailers due to the
ease of providing support for products having varying widths. Upon configuring
the width of
the product housing regions 195, 196 to accommodate a product, either one or
two slider
assemblies 170 may be attached to the end bracket 150 or support structure 180
to provide
assistance in facing the product. For example, as seen in FIG. 12, if a
smaller product such as
a pill bottle or can of potato chips is to be merchandised, only one pusher or
slider assembly
170 will be attached to one of the two opposing end brackets 150 or support
structure 180.
Conversely, FIG. 13 shows a configuration involving a larger product. If a
retailer desires to
merchandise a product having larger dimensions, a pusher or slider assembly
170 will be
CA 2932406 2019-10-30
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mounted to both sides of the product housing regions 195,196, and the slider
assemblies 170
will provide a facing force on the product where the packaging is
geometrically strongest,
i.e., opposing outer edges of the product.
[00102] Combined with the roller 194 or flat belt piece 197 mentioned
above, the
pusher or slider assembly 170 provides for automatic facing of the desired
product, reducing
the amount of time retailers would normally need to spend front facing
products on said
display. The price channel 165 quickly allows the retailer to view the price
of a particular
product as well as to view additional information such as a barcode to scan
for the purpose of
maintaining accurate records of product stock.
[00103] Referring now to FIG. 13, an alternative embodiment shows a fixed
shelf
display as described above, but removes the rear shelf mount 124 and front
shelf mount 126,
thus removing the ability to slide the end brackets 150 and support structures
180 laterally
along the length of the shelf 122. In this embodiment, the shelf includes
spaced holes 128
which allow the end brackets 150 and support structures 180 to be mated
thereto: The arms
151, 181 include a reconfigured slotted projection 129 that has a horizontal
mating surface on
the distal end and proximal end (not shown) configured to align with the holes
128 of the
shelf 122. A screw, fastener, key lock, or any other securing device may then
be used to
secure the end brackets 150 and support structures 180 to the shelf 122. In
this embodiment,
while course adjustment of the lateral position of the end brackets 150 and
support structure
180 is not possible, retailers may still adjust the spacing at different
intervals depending on
the spacing of the holes 128 to make fine adjustments to the product display
which may be all
that is needed or desired for particular applications. In a preferred form, a
simple deformable
fastener pin is used to secure the product support structures 180, 150 into
position which can
be installed and removed and re-installed without the need for any tools.
[00104] It is envisioned that in an alternative embodiment, any of the
above
configurations may be modified to allow for vertically stacking of products
105 within the
product containing regions 195, 196. As seen ii FIGS 4A, 7, 8A, 9, 21A, and
21B, end
bracket arms 151 and support structure arms 181 include any number of openings
160, 190
which allows an additional partitioning arms 161 to be mated thereto. These
additional
partitioning arms 161 are capable of mating to both the end bracket arms 151
and support
structure arms 181 to create a vertical partition, thus providing further
guidance for the
CA 2932406 2019-10-30
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product housing region 195, 196. In some embodiments, and as seen in FIGS 4A,
7, and 8A,
the opening is generally trapezoidal in shape. In other embodiments, and as
seen in FIG. 9
and 21A, the opening is an elongated slot. In either of these configurations,
as best seen in
FIG. 21A & 21B, the additional partitioning arms 161 further include
alternating offset tabs
163 to mate with the arm 151, 181 directly below it.
[00105] To secure the additional partitioning arms 161, the additional
partitioning arms
161 are press fit onto the lower arms 151, 181 such that approximately half of
the alternating
offset tabs 163 are on one side of the lower arm 151, 181 and the other half
of the alternating
offset tabs 163 are on the other side of the lower arm 151, 181. If additional
securing force is
desired between the additional partitioning arms and the lower arms 151, 181,
a tab 163
having a protrusion clips into the opening 160, 190 to mate the two arms and
thereby restrict
movement. Such a configuration is illustrated in FIG. 21B. It is understood
that the arms
151, 181 may have any number of openings 160, 190, thus the additional
partitioning arms
161 would include the corresponding number of tabs having a protrusion to clip
into these
openings.
[00106] As seen in FIG. 21A, the additional partitioning arms 161 also
include flexible
finger members which extend inwardly at their distal end to restrict product
from sliding
beyond the length of the shelf 122. Although those fingers are shown on the
front or distal
edge of the partitions 161 only, it should be understood that in alternate
embodiments such
fingers could be produced on the rear or proximate end of the partition 161 as
well to prevent
products from being pushed too far back into a display. Such a configuration
may be
desirable in situations where the display does not have a back wall or when
available product
height clearances reduce as you move toward the rear of the display (meaning
that care must
be taken not to push product too far back into the display or it may get
wedged into the
display causing problems with gravity feeding and/or pusher or slider assembly
operation).
[00107] Referring now generally to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 14, and 16A, an example
of a bar
display 202 is provided to allow for the display of products 205. The bar
display 202
includes the previously-discussed vertical uprights 110, blade 210, rotatable
bracket 220, bar
230, end brackets 250, and support structure 280. Many components of the bar
display 202
are identical to those of the fixed shelf display 120, and thus additional
description of these
components will not be discussed in significant further detail.
CA 2932406 2019-10-30
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[00108] Turning to FIGS. 14, 16A, and 17A-17D, a rotatable bracket 220
is provided
which couples the bar display 202 to the vertical`supports 110. The rotatable
bracket 220 is
generally square shaped and includes first, second, third, and fourth hook-
shaped tabbed
protrusions 221, 222, 223, 224, respectively, and a generally central opening
226. The
rotatable bracket 220 further includes a tongue 228 having a hole 229
extending generally
perpendicularly from the opening 226. As stated with regards to the fixed
shelf display 120,
any one of the first 221, second 222, third 223, or fourth 224 tabbed
protrusions insert into
the elongated slots 112 of the vertical support structures 110 to securely
connect the bar
display 202 to the upright display 100. As discussed below, depending on the
desired
configuration of the bar display 202, a specific tabbed protrusion is inserted
into the
elongated slot 112.
[00109] As seen in FIGS. 18A-D, 19A, 19B, the bar 230 is generally
rhomboid-shaped
and hollow and includes a C-shaped channel 231, 233, 235, 237 on each side as
well as an
opening 232, 234, 236, 238 on the flattened bottom surface of each
corresponding C-shaped
channel. The rhomboid shape allows for the bar to be rotated amongst any of
the four
positions illustrated in FIGS. 18A- 18D (which show a cross sectional view of
the bar 230
and thus the rotatable bracket secured to the far end of the bar 230). In some
embodiments,
the rotatable bracket 220 may be mounted to the bar 230 in four ways
corresponding to the
four surfaces of the rhomboid-shaped bar 230. The tongue 228 of the rotatable
bracket 220 is
inserted into the bar 230 such that the upper surface of the tongue 228 rests
against the inner
flattened bottom surface of one of the C-shaped channels 231, 233, 235, 237.
Depending on
' the desired configuration, the first 232, second 234, third 236 or fourth
238 openings align
with the tongue hole 229 of the rotatable bracket 220 to allow for securing
the rotatable
bracket 220 to the bar 230. As seen in FIGS. 18A-18D, the securing device may
be a
countersunk screw to provide for movement along the channel, but alternative
devices such
as a snap fitting configuration may also be incorporated. It is understood
that a rotatable
bracket 220 is secured to both ends of the bar 230. By observing the
orientation of the tongue
228 relative to a corresponding side of the bar 230, a user can ensure that
the rotatable
bracket 220 is configured in an identical orientation at opposing ends of the
bar 230.
1001101 Referring now to FIGS. 15C-E, the mating of the blade 210 to
the bar 230 is
further described. In a preferred form, the blade 210 is an elongated member
formed of metal
or similar material using conventional methods (e.g., stamping, pressing,
forging, etc.). In
CA 2932406 2019-10-30
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other embodiments, the blade 210 is constructed of polymer using any of the
previously-
mentioned conventional methods. The blade 210 includes notches 211 and groove
213. The
blade 210 further includes a C-shaped opening 212 having a width configured to
be slightly
greater than the distance from one side of the bar 230 to the opposing side of
the bar 230. At
opposing ends of the C-shaped opening 212, a first and second tongue 214, 216,
respectively,
having openings 215, 217, respectively, extend perpendicularly from the blade
210.=
[00111] To slidably mate the blade 210 to the bar 230, the C-shaped
opening 212 is
placed over the bar 230. A fastener, such as a screw is then inserted through
the opening 215
of the first tongue 214 of blade 210 and into a C-shaped 'channel 231, 233,
235, 237 of bar
230. The screw is then rotated into engagement with the bar 230 to secure the
blade 210 into
position on the bar 230. Though not required, if so desired for additional
stability, the second
tongue 216 may be slidably mated to the opposing channel using similar
methods. In
alternative embodiments, the tongue 214 may slidably mate to any of the four
channels 231,
233, 235, 237 in a mating arrangement such as a tongue and groove, dovetail or
mortise and
tenon configuration, etc.
[00112] In other embodiments, the blade 210 may be slidably mated to the
bar 230 by
use of other types of fasteners. For example, in FIGS. 25A-B, a cammed
fastener is used to
secure the blade 210 to bar 230. More particularly, cam fastener 219 is
inserted through
opening 215 of first tongue 214 and into C-shaped channel 231, 233, 235 or
237. The
cammed fastener 219 is then turned (e.g., twisted a quarter turn) to cam the
fastener into
engagement with the C-shaped channel of bar 230 to secure the blade 210 into
position on the
bar 230. A benefit of this embodiment over a regular fastener like those
discussed above is
that it reduces the risk of damage being done to bar 23 due to over tightening
of the fastener
(such as over tightening the screw such that it punctures the channel wall of
bar 130 which
can easily happen if aluminum is used for bar 130). Alternatively, the
twisting cam lock can
be slid into the C-shaped channel 231, 233, 235, or 237 at either end of the
bar 230 prior to
securing the rotatable bracket 220 to the bar 230. In other forms, the blade
may be slidably
secured to the bar 230 after the rotatable bracket 220 is secured to the bar
230. While in the
"untwisted" configuration, the blade 210 is free to slide laterally along the
bar 230 or be
completely removed therefrom if the user so desires.
CA 2932406 2019-10-30
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[00113] While it is envisioned that the blade 210 is configured to slide
across the entire
lateral length of the bar 230 within one of the C-shaped channels 231, 233,
235, 237, it is also
envisioned that in some embodiments, the blade 210 is secured to the bar 230
to restrict
substantially any lateral movement of the blade 210. For example, a C-shaped
channel 231
of the bar 230 may include additional openings which tongue 214 may mate to
through a
screw or locking pin or other similar apparatuses.
[00114] Referring now to FIGS. 4B, 4C, 8B, 15E, 16B, securing the blade
210 to the
end brackets 250 and support structures 280 will now be described. In some
embodiments,
the end brackets 250 and support structures 280 include similar components as
in the fixed
shelf display 120 discussed above, thus a detailed description of these
components will not be
further described. In the bar display 202 embodiment, the underside of the end
bracket arm
251 and support structure arm 281 include a lower channel 255, 285 extending
the
longitudinal length of the arm 251, 281 that the elongated edge 218 of the
blade 210 inserts
into. In some embodiments, this mating between the blade 210 and the arms 251,
281 is a
friction fit connection which provides for easy installation and removal.
[00115] In other embodiments and as shown in FIGS. 4D, 8B, 15D, 15E, and
16B, the
arms 151, 181 include tabs 256, 286 which snap into the grooves 213 of the
blade 210. The
arms 151, 181 also include at least one clasp or hook that are snap fit into
one of the notches
211 of the blade 210. Such a configuration allows the bar display 202 to be
configured with
varying outward extensions. By inserting the clasp or hook into the different
notches 211, the
bar display 202 may be configured to extend outwardly at either twenty-one,
twenty-one and
one half and twenty two inches (21", 21.5" and 22"). Such a configuration
allows the retailer
to tailor the product extension of upright merchandiser 100 to suit their
specific shelf display
size and therefor their own individual needs. Conventional shelves typically
have a depth of
21", 21.5" or 22".
[00116] In some embodiments, the bar support structure 202 includes a
pusher or slider
assembly 270 used to assist in the automatic facing of products. The
configuration and
attachment of the pusher or slider assembly 270 is identical to the previously-
discussed shelf
support structure 120 embodiment. Thus, items ending with the same two-digit
suffix (for
example, -70, -72, and -74) correspond to the same two-digit suffix as above.
CA 2932406 2019-10-30
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[00117] As previously alluded to, because the rotatable bracket 220 has
four tabbed
protrusions or tangs 221, 222, 223, 224, four different configurations of the
bar display 202
are provided. It is understood that in the four configurations, the blade 210
mates to the arms
151, 181 in the same manner as detailed above. Additionally, it is understood
that the end
brackets 250 and support structures 280 include the same components such as
rollers 294 in
some embodiments and flat slide bar or belt pieces 297 in other embodiments.
Thus,
remaining aspects of the bar display 202 are configured in a similar fashion
to those of the
fixed shelf display 120 embodiment.
[00118] In a first configuration and as seen in FIG. 18A, the bar display
is in a first
horizontal configuration. In this first configuration, the first tabbed
protrusion 221 of the
rotatable bracket 220 is inserted into the elongated slots 112. The blade 210,
and thus the
arms 251, 281 and end brackets 250 and support structures 280 extend
horizontally at a first
vertical height to display products 205.
[00119] In a second configuration and as seen in FIG. 18B, the rotatable
bracket 220 is
rotated 90 degrees clockwise relative to the bar 230 and mated thereto using
previously
discussed methods. In this configuration, the second tabbed protrusion 222 of
the rotatable
bracket 220 is inserted into the elongated slots 112. The blade 210, and thus
the arms 251,
281 and end brackets 250 and support structure 280 extend at a downward angle
from
horizontal at the first vertical height to display products 205.
[00120] In this second configuration, gravitational forces combine with
the rollers 294,
flat slide bar or belt pieces 297, and pusher or slider assembly 270 to assist
in the automatic
facing of products 205 discussed previously. In some embodiments, the blade
210, arms 251,
281, and end brackets 250 and support structure 280 extend at a six degree
downward angle.
In other embodiments, the downward angle is configured to be a value between
six and 15
degrees.
[00121] In a third configuration and as seen in FIG. 18C, the rotatable
bracket 220 is
rotated an additional 90 degrees clockwise relative to the bar 230 from the
second
configuration, or 180 degrees from the first configuration, and mated thereto
using previously
discussed methods. In this configuration, the third tabbed protrusion 223 of
the rotatable
bracket 220 is inserted into the elongated slots 112. The blade 210, and thus
the arms 251,
CA 2932406 2019-10-30
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281 and end brackets 250 and support structure 280 extend horizontally at a
second vertical
height to display products 205.
[00122] In some embodiments, mating the third tabbed protrusion 223 to
the elongated
slots 112 results in a vertical offset half an inch up from the initial
configuration. In other
embodiments, the initial configuration is this third offset position, thus
rotating the rotatable
bracket 180 degrees to return to the "first" configuration results in a
vertical offset that is half
an inch downwards from this configuration.
[00123] The half inch vertical offset is beneficial over conventional
displays because
existing displays are only able to provide display units at one inch intervals
which correspond
to the spacing of the elongated slots 112 of the upright supports 110. In
these conventional
systems, unnecessary clearance between the top of the product 205 and the next
highest
display unit may provide for wasted space. By allowing bar displays 202 to be
spaced at half
inch intervals as opposed to one inch intervals, vertical clearances may be
reduced, thus
additional product 205 may be provided on the display by adding additional bar
displays 202
to the merchandiser. This configuration may provide retailers with the ability
to display more
product in the same, limited space, thus solving the common problem of having
too much
product to be displayed in a given display unit.
[00124] It is appreciated that in other embodiments, the amount of
vertical offset seen
with use of the third tabbed protrusion 223 is only one quarter of an inch in
either the upward
or downward direction, depending on whether the first or third configurations
is viewed as
the initial configuration. As above, unnecessary clearance between the top of
the product 205
and the next highest display unit is reduced or eliminated.
[00125] In a fourth configuration and as seen in FIG. 18D, the rotatable
bracket 220 is
rotated an additional 90 degrees clockwise relative to " the bar 230 from the
third
configuration, or 270 degrees clockwise from the first configuration, and
mated thereto using
previously discussed methods. In this configuration, the fourth tabbed
protrusion 224 of the
rotatable bracket 220 is inserted into the elongated slots 112. The blade 210,
and thus the
arms 251, 281 and end brackets 250 and support structure 280 extend at the
second horizontal
height at a downward angle to display products 205.
[00126] In this fourth configuration, benefits of the second and third
configurations are
incorporated to provide for reduced vertical product clearance between display
levels as well
CA 2932406 2019-10-30
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as taking advantage of gravitational forces to assist the product in
automatically facing. It is
understood that all of the embodiments of the second and third configurations
may also be
incorporated into this fourth configuration. For example, using this fourth
configuration may
result in the vertical offset instead being one fourth of an inch upwards from
the first
configuration, or the fourth configuration may actually be the first
configuration, and rotating
to the first configuration results in an offset that is one half or one
quarter of an inch lower
than the initial configuration.
[00127] It is further envisioned that in some embodiments, the pusher or
slider
assembly 270 is used in configurations where the bar support structure is in
its downwardly-
angled configuration. In this configuration, gravitational forces combined
with the spring
force of the pusher or slider assembly 270 will provide an increased ability
to automatically
face products, thus resulting in a merchandising system that requires little
to no retailer
assistance to maintain a properly faced display.
[00128] In some embodiments and as previously discussed above with
regards to the
shelf display structure, the bar merchandiser 202 is configured to allow for
vertically stacking
products 205. The configuration and attachment of the additional partitioning
arms 261 are
identical to the previously-discussed shelf support display 120 embodiment.
Thus, items
ending with the same two-digit suffix (for example, -61) correspond to the
same two-digit
suffixes as above.
[00129] In some embodiments and as seen in FIGS. 14, 15A, 15B, and 16A-
16B, a
price channel 165 is provided at the distal end of the end bracket 150 and arm
support
member 180. The price channel 165 includes a cylindrical clip portion 166,
latch portion
167, first display shelf 168, and second display shelf 169. The price channel
165 rotatably
mates to the end bracket arm 151 and/or support structure arm 181 by press
fitting the
cylindrical clip portion 166 into circular knob 152, 182 of the respective arm
151, 181.
[00130] To display a first set of information, generally the price of the
product, to the
consumer, a price card (not shown) is placed or secured onto the first display
shelf 168. The
price channel is rotated upwards such that the latch portion 167 secures to
the protruding tab
153, 183 of the arm 151, 181, thereby securing the price channel in this
configuration. The
connection between the latch portion 167 and the protruding tab 153, 183 is
friction fit, thus
by simply pulling or pushing on the first display shelf 168, the price channel
165 may engage
CA 2932406 2019-10-30
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the protruding tab 153, 183 to provide a secure connection or disengage from
the protruding
tab 153, 183 to allow rotation of the price channel 165.
[00131] To display the second set of information, typically a barcode
pertaining to the
product stocked on the product display, the price channel 165 is rotated
downwards such that
the second display shelf 169 is outwardly visible. The user (typically an
employee of the
retailer) then has access to the information contained on the second display
shelf 169 and
may use this information as appropriate. Examples of information contained on
the second
display shelf 169 include, but are not limited to, bar codes for use with a
scanning device to
track product stock, item descriptions, and similar information.
[00132] In further embodiments, and as seen in FIG. 22, the bar 330 is
configured to
mount with the blade 310 as follows. The bar 330 includes a plurality of
additional
cylindrical locking channels 335 configured to engage with a locking extrusion
340. The
locking extrusion 340 includes a rotatable locking member 342 configured to
snap fit into any
of the cylindrical locking channels 335. The locking extrusion 340 also
includes a locking
edge 346 configured to mate with a locking portion 312 of the blade 310.
[00133] In operation, one or more blades 310 are placed on the bar 330,
and the
rotatable locking member 342 is snap-fit into one of the cylindrical locking
channels 335.
The locking extrusion 340 is then rotated upwards so the locking edge 346
mates with the
locking portion 312.
[00134] In this embodiment, one or more blades 310 may quickly be mounted
or
removed from the bar 330 by simply rotating the locking extrusion 340 in the
desired
direction. Such a configuration is advantageous in configurations where the
blade 330 may
not be easily mounted to the bar 330 using previously described methods due to
the use of
different materials which may damage one or more of the components.
[00135] In further embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 23A-B, the
bar is
configured with the plurality of cylindrical locking channels configured to
engage with the
locking extrusion in a manner similar to that described above with respect to
the single
locking extrusion of FIG. 22. In the embodiment of FIGS. 23A-B, a plurality of
locking
extrusion are provided with each locking extrusion configured to engage a
single locking
portion of a blade, and each define or include an opening for engaging a notch
contained on
the blade.
CA 2932406 2019-10-30
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[00136] It is appreciated that in other embodiments, such as those
illustrated in FIGS.
24A-D, an alternative rotatable bracket is incorporated. In this embodiment,
rotating the
rotatable bracket 90 degrees (900) and mating the tabbed protrusion to the
elongated slots of
the vertical support structure or gondola results in a vertical offset of one
quarter of an inch
(0.25") upwards from the initial configuration. Rotating the gondola an
additional 90 degrees
(90 ) and mating the tabbed protrusion to the elongated slots of the gondola
results in a
vertical offset of an additional quarter of an inch (0.25") for a total
vertical offset of half an
inch (0.5"), and rotating the gondola an additional 90 degrees (90 ) will
result in a vertical
offset of a further quarter of an inch (0.25") for a total vertical offset of
three quarters of an
inch (0.75"). This configuration provides additional customization of height
of the support
structures while still being constrained by the interval between slots of
conventional gondolas
(e.g., which are typically 1" increments), and accommodates products having
varying product
dimensions. It is understood that the amount of vertical offset created by
rotating the
rotatable bracket may be in either the upward or downward direction, depending
on what is
considered the initial configuration. Unnecessary clearance between the top of
the product
205 and the next highest display unit is therefore reduced or eliminated.
[00137] In some embodiments, the tabbed protrusions or tangs on the
rotatable
mounting brackets include a tapered opening area. This configuration
accommodates vertical
risers or gondolas having different thicknesses, thus allowing the universal
merchandiser to
be integrated into various existing gondola configurations.
[00138] Turning to FIGS. 26-35, alternate universal merchandiser
assemblies are
provided. It is understood that portions of the alternate universal
merchandiser assemblies
may have similar features to those previously discussed, thus these similar
features will not
be discussed in further detail. As illustrated in FIGS. 26A-J, an alternate
universal
merchandiser assembly 2600 having a lockable dampened pusher is described. The
assembly
2600 includes an integrated toothed track or rack 2697 for accommodating the
pusher thereon
to guide products towards the front of the arm support (or divider) 2680. In
some forms, the
rack 2697 may be formed integrally with the arm support 2680. In other
embodiments, the
rack 2697 remains an add-on attachment which snaps onto protrusions in the arm
support
2680 as previously described. The assembly 2600 also includes a damper
assembly 2678
which serves to partially offset the spring force used to urge the pusher
towards the front of
the assembly 2600. The damper assembly 2678 may include a damper housing 2678A
and a
CA 2932406 2019-10-30
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damper 2678B which may be any type of conventionally known damper having gear
teeth
which engage the teeth of the rack 2697. The damper 2678B may be immersed in
any type of
viscous fluid (not shown) to further offset the spring force used to urge the
pusher forwards.
[00139] The damper housing 2678A include at least one tab to be
insertably coupled
with the pusher 2670. As such, the damper assembly 2678 may be used as an add-
on or
retrofit device that may be installed on the assembly as desired by the user.
The damper
housing 2678A further includes notches or protrusions on opposing sidewalls
thereof to
accommodate the damper 2678B. These notches are symmetrical to each other,
thus the ,
damper housing 2678A may be placed on either side of the support arm and the
damper
rotated to couple to the damper housing 2678A. So configured, a single damper
assembly
2678 may be used, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs.
Advantageously, the
damper assembly 2678 requires no tools to install or remove, which may result
in minimal
installation time.
[00140] The damper assembly 2678 is configured to be in line with the
pusher spring
and pusher 2670 to reduce or eliminate torque on the pusher. In other words,
an axis of the
damper 2678B is collinear with an axis of the pusher 2670. Because the pusher
2670 is
coupled to and traverses on the rack 2697 as opposed to being offset, it is
vertically in line
with the damper 2678B which in turn causes forces to be exerted along this
same line.
[00141] The assembly 2600 further includes a pusher release mechanism
2693 having
a rod 2693A which may extend a substantial length of the arm support 2680 and
a hold-
apparatus 2693B configured to hold and release the pusher 2670.
[00142] As illustrated in FIGS. 26A and C, the rod 2693A is integral to
the rack 2697
used by the damper assembly 2678. The rod 2693A extends the length of the rack
2697 and is
inserted into an opening in the hold-release apparatus 2693B. The hold-release
apparatus
2693B may be made of a deformable material such as a polymer and is configured
to deform
to secure and release the damper assembly 2678.
[00143] In operation, the pusher may be pushed to the rear portion of the
arm support
2680 as desired by the retailer (for example, to stock products to be
supported by the support
arm). As seen in FIG. 26E and G, the damper housing 2678A includes a mating
recess or
notch which engages the hold-release apparatus 2693B to lock the damper
assembly 2678
and pusher 2670 in place. It is understood that in some examples where the
damper assembly
CA 2932406 2019-10-30
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=
2678 is not used, the pusher 2670 may include a similar notch to engage the
hold-release
=
apparatus 2693B.
[001441 As illustrated in FIGS. 26A and F, when the user wishes to
release the pusher
2670 and damper 2678, they may engage the rod 2693A by pressing on the loop
portion
thereof to cause the rod to rotate about its central longitudinal axis (being
supported by the
rack 2697). This rotation causes the end that engages the opening in the hold-
release
apparatus 2693B to rotate as well, which in turn causes the hold-release
apparatus 2693B to
lower as seen in FIG. 26F and disengage the pusher 2670 and damper 2678. As
such, the user
may disengage the pusher without having to physically reach the rear of the
arm support 2680
which may be difficult to access due to interfering stocked products.
[00145] Additionally, as seen in FIG. 261, the hold-release apparatus
2693B includes a
flattened portion which may form a part of the rack 2697 and at least
partially support the
damper assembly 2678. So configured, the ability to move the pusher 2670 and
damper
assembly 2678 to a rearmost point on the arm 2680 is maximized.
[00146] So configured the assembly 2600 may have an integral damper
rack, pusher
release mechanism, and damper attachment are provided to reduce the number of
components
used in a product display.
[00147] Turning to FIGS. 27A-C, exemplary pusher accessories are
provided that may
be mounted onto the pusher to assist front facing of products. The pusher
accessories may be
made of polymers or any similar materials. The pusher accessory 2771
illustrated in FIG.
27A includes a mating portion 2771A, a first portion 2771B, and a second
portion 2771C
separated by a gap 2771D. The mating portion 2771A is configured to slidably
couple to the
front face of the pusher 2770. The first portion 2771B includes a concave
surface to
accommodate front facing curved packages. To more easily mold the pusher
accessory, the
first and second portions 2771B, 2771C define a gap 2771D therebetween.
[00148] The pusher accessory 2772 illustrated in FIG. 27B is a double-
high accessory
which may be used with taller products to increase the surface area of the
pusher face.
Similarly, the pusher accessory 2773 illustrated in FIG. 27C is a double-high,
double-wide
accessory which may be used,with generally larger products. So configured, the
merchandiser
may be customized and readily modified to accommodate the specific product
being pushed.
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[00149] Turning to FIGS. 28A-D, an alternate exemplary embodiment of a
universal
merchandiser assembly 2800 illustrating an alternate release mechanism 2893A,
B in which
the front mount 2826 integrally contains a portion of pusher release
mechanism. As
illustrated in FIG. 28B, the front mount 2826 is mounted to a shelf at
mounting portions 2827
using any known method such as bolts, push-in connectors, and the like. The
front mount
2826 may include a price channel which may be used to display information
relating to the
product, the retailer, and/or any other information.
[00150] As seen in FIG. 28D, the front mount 2826 includes a hooked
surface to
engage the rod 2893A. As with the embodiment of FIG. 26, the rod traverses the
length of the
divider or support arm 2880 and terminates at the rear portion thereof to be
inserted into an
opening in the hold-release apparatus 2893B. This hold-release apparatus 2893B
may be
made of a deformable material such as a polymer and is configured to deform to
secure and
release the damper assembly 2878.
[00151] In operation, the pusher 2870 and damper (if installed) 2878 may
be pushed to
the rear portion of the arm support 2880 as desired. The damper housing 2878
includes a
mating recess or notch that engages the hold-release apparatus 2893B to lock
the damper
assembly 2878 and pusher 2870 in place. It is understood that in some
embodiments where
the damper assembly 2878 is not used, a similar notch may be included on the
pusher 2870.
[00152] When the user wishes to release the pusher 2870 and damper
assembly 2878,
they may simply push or pull the front surface of the front mount 2826.
Applying a force to
the front surface in turn causes the rod 2893A to rotate such that at the rear
portion of the
support arm 2880, the hold-release apparatus 2893B is lowered, thereby
disengaging the
pusher 2870 and damper assembly 2878.
[00153] Turning to FIGS.29A-B, an alternate universal merchandiser
assembly 290,0 is
provided which includes a product divider assembly having two product holders
or slides
2981 on opposing sides of the support arm 2980. These product holders 2981 are
angled so as
to allow products having different shapes to be front faced. As a non-limiting
example, the
product holders 2981 may accommodate a pizza 2905 placed'between opposing
support arms
2980. The product holders 2981 may include a recess for disposing a pusher
2970 therein to
assist in front facing the product.
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[00154] As illustrated in FIG. 29B, adjacent product holders 2981 engage
with each
other via corresponding groove arrangements. Due to their symmetrical
configurations, the
product holders 2981 may be used on either side of the support arm 2980.
[00155] Turning to FIGS. 30A-B, an alternate universal merchandiser
assembly 3000
is provided where the divider or support arm 3080 is movable between a first
and second
position to restrict or allow lateral movement along a rail. The assembly 3000
includes a first
and second elongated channel 3027A, 3027B contained on the front shelf mount
3026. The
support arm or divider assembly 3080 includes corresponding first and second
mounting
portions 3056A, 3056B. It is understood that while the channels and mounting
portions
provided in FIGS. 30A-B are of the tongue and groove sort, any type of
engagement
mechanism may be employed in other examples.
[00156] As seen in FIG. 30A, when the second mounting portion 3056B is
engaged
with the second elongated channel 3027B, a frictional force restricts lateral
movement of the
support arm 3080 along the longitudinal length of the front shelf mount 3026.
Upon moving
the support arm 3080 from this first position to the second position
illustrated in FIG. 3013,
the second mounting portion 3056B disengages the second elongated channel
3027B such
that the support arm 3080 is only being supported by the first elongated
channel 3027A. In
some examples, a portion of the second elongated channel 3027B may be
deformable to
assist in disengaging the second mounting portion 3056B.
[00157] As such, the support arm 3080 may be moved laterally along the
front shelf
mount 3026 to accommodate products having different sizes without disturbing
any products
that may be currently supported by the support. Further, because of the dual
engagement
between the arm 3080 and the front shelf mount 3026, the frictional forces
between the two
may restrict any lateral movement of the support arm 3080.
[00158] Turning to FIGS. 31A-C, an alternate universal merchandiser
assembly 3100
is provided having a rear stabilizer 3116 configured to be disposed on a
vertical surface of the
bar 3130 to limit lateral and rotational movement of the support arm or
divider 3180. The
blade 3110 which is coupled to the support arm 3180 includes an engagement
region 3112A
and a disengagement region 3112B. The rear stabilizer 3116 includes any number
of teeth
which protrude therefrom to create a number of stabilizing surfaces. _
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[00159] The rear stabilizer 3116 may be mounted to the bar 3130 using any
conventional method. For example, the bar 3130 may have offset bores or holes
which
corresponding pegs, notches, screws and the like may be inserted into. Other
examples are
envisioned such as adhesives and/or fasteners. The rear stabilizer 3116 may
have opposing
angled end configurations allowing for multiple rear stabilizers 3116 to be
placed adjacent to
each other while maintaining a desired distance between teeth.
[00160] As seen in FIG. 31A, the support arm 3180 is in a completely
disengaged
configuration allowing the support arm 3180 to move freely relative to the bar
3130. In FIG.
31B, the blade is in a raised configuration in which it is partially engaged
with the bar 3130
such that the teeth of the rear stabilizer 3116 do not contact the blade. As
such, the blade
3110 and support arm 3180 may move along a lateral length of the bar.
[00161] As illustrated in FIG. 31C, the blade 3110 is in a lowered and
supported
position where the engagement region 3112A is in contact with the teeth of the
rear stabilizer
3116. In this position, the blade 3110 and support arm 3180 are restricted
from laterally
moving along the bar 3130. Further, this configuration stabilizes the support
arm 3180 by
reducing and/or eliminating any shifting or tilting which may occur during
stocking or
removal of a product. When a user wishes to reposition the support arm 3180,
they may
simply lift up the rear end of the support arm so the teeth of the rear
stabilizer 3116 are within
the disengagement region 3112B and slide the support arm 3180 to a new desired
position.
[00162] It is understood that in some alternate examples, the rear
stabilizer 3116 may
be disposed on the horizontal top surface of the bar 3130. As described above,
the rear
stabilizer 3116 may be secured to the bar 3130 using any number of known
methods. In these
examples, by lifting the rear portion of the support arm 3180 up so that it is
not engaged with
the teeth allows the support arm 3180 to be moved laterally along a length of
the bar 3130.
[00163] FIG. 32 illustrates an alternate universal merchandising assembly
3200 in
which a rear stabilizer 3216 is mounted on a shelf 3222. In this assembly
3200, the rear end
of a support arm (not shown) may simply be raised from a first engaged
position such that the
teeth or combed protrusions do not contact a lower surface of the support arm.
As such,
lateral movement along the shelf may occur when raised in this disengaged
second position.
[00164] FIGS. 33A-C illustrate an alternate universal merchandising
assembly 3300 in
Which a rear stabilizer is used in a grid-type display. The assembly 3300
includes a plurality
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of horizontal bars 3330, a blade 3310 configured to couple to at least one
horizontal bar 3330,
and a rear stabilizer 3316. The rear stabilizer 3316 has an engagement portion
3316A on a
first side thereof which frictionally couples to the horizontal bar 3330, a
disengagement
device 3116B which may include a protrusion for pushing or pulling the rear
stabilizer 3316,
and a slotted portion (not shown) for accepting a length of the bar 3310
therein.-
[00165] As illustrated in FIGS. 33A-B, the rear stabilizer 3316 is in a
first engaged
position. In this position, the engagement portion 3316A is frictionally fit
into one of the
horizontal bars 3330 such that lateral movement of the blade 3310 is resisted
due to the
frictional force between the bar 3330 and the engagement portion 3316A.
[00166] As illustrated in FIG 33C, the rear stabilizer 3316 is in a
second disengaged
position. To disengage the rear stabilizer 3316, a user pulls, the
disengagement device 3316B
away from the bar 3330 such that the bar 3330 is removed from the engagement
portion
3316A. As such, the blade 3310 may freely slide across a lateral distance of
the bar 3330 to
accommodate products having different sizes.
[00167] FIGS. 34A-34G illustrate an alternate universal merchandising
assembly 3400
having an integral pusher and damper assembly 3470, an integral pusher track
and damper
rack 3497, a low profile front shelf mount or rail 3426 with a pusher release
mechanism
3493, and a rear stabilizer 3416 to reduce or eliminate tilting and/or lateral
movement of the
universal merchandising assembly 3400.
[00168] As illustrated in FIGS. 34A, F, and G, the rear portion of the
support arm 3480
includes a pair of deformable retaining clips 3481 for accepting the pusher
and damper
assembly 3470. Upon first sliding the pusher and damper assembly 3470 onto the
integral
pusher track and damper rack 3497, the retaining clips 3481 deform to allow
the pusher and
damper assembly to be inserted thereon. The deformable retaining clips 3481
extend
outwardly to restrict the pusher and damper assembly 3470 from sliding off the
end of the
pusher track and damper rack 3497.
[00169] The front shelf mount 3426 has a low profile design to limit
interference when
accessing a displayed product. The front shelf mount 3426 may couple with a
mounting
portion 3456 to slidably secure the support arm 3480 therein. As seen in FIG.
34D, the
mounting portion 3456 may be in a first, disengaged position wherein the
support arm 3480
may slide laterally along a length of the shelf mount 3426. As illustrated in
FIG. 34E, the
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support arm 3480 may be slid forward such that the mounting portion 3456
engages the front
shelf mount 3426 to create a friction fit between the two, thus limiting or
restricting lateral
movement from occurring. In some examples, the front shelf mount 3426 may
include a
hump or a ridge to further secure the mounting portion 3456 within the front
shelf mount
3426.
[00170] The assembly 3400 further includes a rear stabilizer 3416 .to
limit lateral and
rotational movement of the support arm 3480. The rear stabilizer 3416 includes
any number
of teeth which protrude therefrom to create a number of stabilizing surfaces.
The rear
stabilizer 3416 engages a lower surface of the support arm 3480, and may be
lifted to allow
the support arm 3480 to slide along a length of the rear stabilizer 3416.
[00171] The assembly 3400 further includes a pusher release mechanism
3493 which
includes a rod 3493A extending from the shelf mount 3426 to the rear of the
support arm
3480. The hold-release apparatus 3493B includes a hooked surface for accepting
the rod
3493A and a protrusion for locking the pusher and damper assembly 3470 in
place. Upon
pushing the pusher and damper assembly towards the rear of the support arm
3480, a
generally flat guide contained on the support arm 3480 slidably contacts the
pusher and
damper assembly 3470 to ensure the pusher and damper assembly forms a solid
connection
with the hold-release apparatus 3493B. The hold-release apparatus 3493B is
made of a
generally deformable material to allow it to easily be engaged and disengaged
with the pusher
and damper assembly 3470. Upon engaging the rood 3493A at the front of the
support arm
3480, the rod causes the hold-release apparatus 3493B to lower so that the
hold-release
apparatus 3493B is no longer in contact with the pusher and damper assembly
3470. As such,
the pusher may be advanced towards the front of the support arm 3480.
[00172] FIGS. 35A-D illustrate an alternate universal merchandising
assembly 3500
being used in a bar configuration of varying dimensions and having an integral
pusher and
damper assembly 3570, an integral pusher track and damper rack 3597, an
integral front rail,
price channel, and pusher release mechanism, and a compound damper or gear
configured to
engage the rack and a separate gear to engage a hold-release apparatus of the
pusher release
mechanism. As illustrated in FIGS. 35A-B, the blade 3510 includes a plurality
of sized
openings dimensioned to accommodate bars 3530 of different sizes. Accordingly,
the
universal merchandiser may be used with any number of existing displays.
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=
[00173] The assembly 3500 includes a front price channel that is operably
coupled to
the front mount 3526, which in turn is operably coupled to the rod 3593A. To
secure the
pusher and damper assembly 3570 to the rear of the support arm 3580, the
pusher and damper
assembly is slid backwards until a generally flat guide contained on the
support arm 3580
slidably contacts the pusher and damper assembly 3570 to ensure the pusher and
damper
assembly forms a connection with the deformable hold-release apparatus 3593B
which
deforms to allow the pusher and damper assembly 35700 to be engaged thereto.
[00174] On the divider and at the front of the assembly 3500 is a hump or
protrusion
which extends inwardly towards the product containing region. This hump serves
to guide the
displayed product away from the divider wall to reduce the possibility of the
product catching
on components of the assembly 3500 during movement, removal, and/or stocking
of the
product.
[00175] The damper of the pusher and damper assembly 3570 includes a
compound
damper gear having a first gear portion 3571A and a second gear portion 3571B.
The first
gear portion 3571A is configured to engage the rack to dampen movement of the
pusher.
During this movement, the second gear portion 3571B is disengaged and travels
along the
rack freely. Upon pushing the pusher and damper assembly 3570 and engaging the
hold-
release apparatus 3593B, the second gear portion 3571B secures thereto to
eliminate
movement along the rack.
[00176] To disengage the pusher and damper assembly 3570 from the pusher
release
mechanism, a user may simply push a portion of the price channel, which causes
the rod
3593A to rotate and move the hold-release apparatus 3593B downwards. The
second gear
portion 3571B is then disengaged from the hold-release apparatus 3593B, and
accordingly,
the pusher and damper assembly will then be disengaged.
[00177] Advantageously, the universal merchandiser 100 may be coupled to
existing
retail displays. For example, the universal merchandiser 100 may be coupled,
directly to
existing retail shelves or upright support structures. It is envisioned that
the universal
merchandiser 100 may be configured with any combination of shelf displays 120
and bar
displays 202. For example, in some embodiments, the universal merchandiser 100
may only
include shelf display units 120 or only include bar display units 202.
Conversely, the
universal display merchandiser 100 may include a number of shelf display units
120 and a
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=
number of bar display units 202. The bar display 202 of the universal
merchandiser 100 may
also be configured to mount to a grid system for displaying within a retail
location. The
universal merchandiser 100 advantageously allows such configurations to easily
suit the
needs of each individual retailer.
[00178] In summary, approaches are described herein which a front-facing
universal
merchandiser may be employed with products having varying shapes and/or
dimensions. In
many of these examples, a universal front-facing merchandiser is described
having a front rail
having a first mating structure and a plurality of integrated pusher and
divider assemblies.
[00179] Each divider assembly includes a second mating structure that
corresponds to
and mates with the first mating structure to couple the integrated pusher and
divider
assemblies to the front rail, The mating structures of each pusher and divider
assembly and
the front rail are movable between a first position where the integrated
pusher and divider
assembly is coupled to and laterally movable about the front rail and is not
removable from
the front rail without force being applied to the integrated pusher and
divider assembly and a
second position where the integrated pusher and divider assembly is secured to
the front rail
in a desired position in a manner that hinders lateral movement of the
integrated pusher and
divider assembly.
[00180] In some of these approaches, the first mating structure of the
front rail includes
an extruded channel defining a first socket located in a first portion of the
front rail and a
second socket located in a second portion of the front rail. The second mating
structure of the
integrated pusher and divider assembly is insertable into the first socket of
the first mating
structure to couple the integrated pusher and divider assembly to the front
rail.
[00181] Further, the second mating structure is movable between the first
socket where
the integrated pusher and divider assembly remains laterally movable within
the front rail and
the second socket where the assembly is secured to the front rail in a way
that lateral
movement of the integrated pusher and divider assembly within the front rail
is hindered or
prevented.
[00182] In other examples, the second mating structure may be a
protrusion extending
from the integrated pusher and divider assembly which corresponds in shape to
at least one of
the first and second socket and creates a frictional engagement between the
protrusion and
second socket when the protrusion is moved from the first socket to the second
socket of the =
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front rail. The first socket is located in a rear portion of the front rail,
and the second socket is
located in a forward portion of the front rail so that movement of the
protrusion extending
from the assembly from the first socket to the second socket comprises linear
movement of at
least a portion of the assembly from the rear portion of the front rail toward
the forward
portion of a front rail. This movement is in a direction generally
perpendicular to the
permitted lateral movement of the assembly when the protrusion is in the first
socket.
[00183] In yet other examples, the front rail may include an integral
indicia channel
and front rail assembly. The indicia channel is located at a front end of the
front rail for
displaying indicia related to merchandise being displayed by the universal
front-facing
merchandiser. In some forms, each integrated pusher and divider assembly also
includes at
least one spring-biased pusher which moves from a rear portion of the
integrated pusher and
divider assembly to a forward portion of the integrated pusher and divider
assembly. The
merchandiser may further include a pusher lock mechanism having a first
portion that
engages the pusher and secures the pusher in a rearward stocking or re-
stocking position on
the integrated pusher and divider assembly. The locking mechanism may also
have a second
portion that serves as an actuator for either locking or unlocking the pusher.
[00184] In some forms, the integral indicia channel and front rail
assembly comprises a
price channel. This price channel is coupled to the second portion of the
pusher lock
mechanism and, together with the second portion of the pusher lock mechanism,
serves as the
actuator for unlocking the pusher when force is applied to at least a portion
of the integral
price channel and front rail assembly.
[00185] In many of these examples, the at least one spring-biased pusher
includes a
damper having a damper pinion gear extending from a portion of the pusher. The
at least one
integrated pusher and divider assembly further defines an integral pusher
track and damper
rack structure that the pusher travels along so that the damper pinion gear
engages the damper
rack to slow the pusher as merchandise is removed from the universal front-
facing
merchandiser. The damper rack is positioned within outer boundaries of the
pusher track so
that the damper is linearly aligned with the track to prevent operation of the
damper from
exerting racking forces on the pusher.
[00186] In some approaches, the integral pusher track and damper rack
defines a
channel within which at least a portion of the pusher lock mechanism is
disposed. The pusher
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lock mechanism may also include a pawl and the damper may include a compound
gear with
a first gear portion comprising the damper pinion gear and a second gear
portion that engages
the pawl to secure the pusher in the stocking or re-stocking position. The
first and second
gear portions are coaxial with one another.
[00187] The universal front-facing merchandiser may also include a rear
stabilizer for
hindering lateral movement of a rear portion of the integral pusher and
divider assembly. The
integral pusher and divider assembly may define a recess that aligns with the
rear stabilizer
when the mating structures of the integral pusher and divider assembly and
front rail are in
the first position so that the integral pusher and divider assembly is
laterally movable along
the front rail.
[00188] In some forms, pusher attachments may be provided that are
attachable to at
least, a portion of the at least one pusher to customize the universal front-
facing merchandiser
for a particular type of merchandise. The universal front-facing merchandiser
may further
comprise a divider extender that may be removably attached to a vertical wall
portion of at
least one of the integral pusher and divider assemblies. The divider extender
may have at
least one of a male or female structure for mating with a corresponding female
or male
structure on the vertical wall portion of the integral pusher and divider
assembly.
[00189] In addition to the above-mentioned apparatus or articles of
manufacture, it
should be understood that the invention disclosed herein includes various
methods. For
example, a method for displaying a product includes the steps of providing a
product divider
assembly including a front and rear portion and a divider configured to divide
displayed
products into rows, operatively coupling a pusher having an axis to the
product divider
assembly to assist in urging the displayed products from the rear portion of
the product
divider assembly to the front portion of the product divider assembly, and
coupling a damper
attachment having an axis to the pusher such that movement of the pusher from
the rear
portion of the product divider assembly to the front portion of the product
divider assembly is
dampened. The damper attachment is coupled to a rear portion of the pusher
such that the
axis of the damper attachment is in line with the axis of the pusher so as to
limit the amount
of torque generated by the pusher during movement from the rear portion of the
product
divider assembly to the front portion of the product divider assembly.
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[00190] In other examples, a method of assembling or operating a front-
facing
merchandiser is provided. First, a front rail is provided having a first
mating structure and at
least one integrated pusher and divider assembly including a second mating
structure that
corresponds to and mates with the first mating structure to couple the
integrated pusher and
divider assembly to the front rail. The first mating structure of the front
rail comprises a
channel defining a first socket located in a first portion of the front rail
and a second socket
located in a second portion of the front rail.
[00191] Next, the second mating structure is inserted in the first socket
of the front rail
channel so that the integrated pusher and divider assembly is coupled to the
front rail and
laterally movable with respect to the front rail. The second mating structure
is then moved
into the second socket of the front rail channel so that the integrated pusher
and divider
assembly is secured to the front rail in a desired position in a manner that
hinders lateral
movement of the integrated pusher and divider assembly.
[00192] In yet other embodiments, a method of damping movement of a
pusher in a
front-facing merchandiser is provided which includes the steps of providing an
integrated
pusher and divider assembly with an integral pusher track and damper rack
extending
therefrom, the integrated pusher and divider assembly having at least one
spring biased
pusher connected to the integral pusher track and damper rack, the pusher
further having a
damper with a damper pinion gear, and damping movement of the at least one
pusher by
having the damper pinion gear engage the damper rack of the integral pusher
track and
damper rack.
[00193] In these embodiments, the method may further include the step of
aligning the
damper rack between outer surfaces of the pusher track to linearly align the
damper with the
pusher track so that no racking forces are exerted on the pusher and damper
travels along the
integral pusher track and damper rack.
[00194] In some forms, a method of manufacturing an integrated pusher and
divider
assembly is provided. First a plastic front rail having a first mating
structure is extruded.
Next, at least one integrated pusher and divider assembly having a second
mating structure
that corresponds to and mates with the first mating structure of the front
rail to couple the
integrated pusher and divider assembly to the front rail is plastic injection
molded. The
integrated pusher and divider assembly has an integral pusher track and damper
rack
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extending from a main body of the integrated pusher and divider assembly, the
integrated
pusher and divider assembly having a resilient structure located on a distal
end thereof.
[00195]
Next, at least one pusher is molded and coupled to the integrated pusher and
divider assembly by installing the at least one pusher on the resilient end of
the integral
pusher track and damper rack. The resiliency of the resilient end maintains
the at least one
pusher on the integral pusher track and damper rack once installed thereon.
Finally, a spring
is connected from the at least one pusher to a forward portion of the
integrated pusher and
divider assembly in order to normally bias the pusher toward the forward
portion of the
integrated pusher and divider assembly.
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