Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
89458243
PRODUCT MANAGEMENT DISPLAY SYSTEM
This is a divisional application of Canadian Patent Application No. 3,050,593,
which is a divisional
of Canadian Patent Application No. 2,991,228 filed on August 31, 2012, which
is a divisional
application of Canadian Patent Application No. 2,930,201 filed on August 31,
2012, which is a
divisional application of Canadian Patent Application No. 2,847,521 filed on
August 31, 2012.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[01] This international application is related to United States Application
No. 12/639,656
filed December 16, 2009, which is a continuation-in-part application of United
States
Application No. 12/357,860 filed January 22, 2009, which is a continuation-in-
part
application of United States Application No. 11/760,196 filed June 8, 2007,
which is a
continuation-in-part application of United States Application No. 11/411,761
filed
April 25, 2006, and granted as U.S. Patent No. 7,823,734, which claims benefit
to
United States Provisional Application Nos. 60/716,362 filed September 12, 2005
and
60/734,692 filed November 8, 2005, all of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
This application also claims benefit to United States Provisional Application
Nos.
61/530,736 filed September 2, 2011, 61/542,473 filed October 3, 2011, and
61/553,545 filed October 31, 2011 and United States Continuation-in-Part
Patent
Application No. 13/542,419 filed July 5, 2012, all of which are incorporated
herein by
reference.
FIELD
[02] The exemplary embodiments relate generally to a shelf assembly for use in
merchandising product and more particularly to a shelf assembly having
improved
mechanisms for displaying and pushing product on the shelves.
BACKGROUND
[03] It is known that retail and wholesale stores, such as convenience stores,
drug stores,
grocery stores, discount stores, and the like, require a large amount of
shelving both to
store product and to display the product to consumers. In displaying product,
it is
desirable for the product on the shelves to be situated toward the front of
the shelf so
that the product is visible and accessible to consumers. In the case of
coolers or
refrigerators that are used to store and display such products as soft drinks,
energy
drinks, bottled water, and other bottled or canned beverages, it is desirable
for these
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products to also be situated toward the front of the shelf and visible and
accessible to
the consumers.
[04] To accomplish this placement of product, known systems may include
inclined trays
or floors that through gravity will cause the product to move toward the front
of the
shelf. Many of these systems include floors or shelves made of a plastic
material such
as polypropylene that due its low coefficient of friction permit the product
to easily
slide along the inclined floor or surface. However, over time, these surfaces
can
become obstructed with debris or sticky substances that inhibit the product
from
properly sliding, sometimes causing several products to tip over thus blocking
additional product from moving to the front of the shelf.
[05] Other systems include the use of a pusher system to push the product
toward the front
of the shelf as the product at the front of the shelf is removed. The known
pusher
systems are typically mounted to a track and include a pusher paddle and a
coiled
spring to urge the product forward. Occasionally, as the system is used, and
over
time, the track becomes obstructed with dirt or sticky materials that hinder
the proper
operation of the pusher system in the track. In addition, depending on the
size, shape
and weight of the product to be merchandised, the known pusher paddles may
occasionally tip or bend backwards, thereby causing a binding of the pusher
mechanism in the track. In those situations, the pusher mechanism may not
properly
push product toward the front of the shelf.
[06] One exemplary embodiment is directed at improving upon existing
merchandising
systems by providing a trackless pusher system that works with gravity-fed
merchandise systems (i.e., inclined shelves or trays) and non-gravity-fed
merchandise
systems.
SUMMARY
[07] One exemplary embodiment is directed to a product management display
system for
merchandising product on a shelf. This embodiment includes using a trackless
pusher
mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed. The
trackless
system overcomes the known problems with the use of tracks to hold and guide
the
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known pusher mechanisms. It should be understood however that the teachings of
this embodiment may be used with systems that include tracks for mounting a
pusher
mechanism or the like.
[08] The pusher mechanism can include a pusher paddle and a floor that extends
forward
of the pusher paddle. A flat coiled spring or other biasing element can be
operatively
connected behind the pusher paddle and extend across the floor of the pusher
mechanism and to the front of the shelf. Alternatively, the flat coiled spring
or
biasing element can extend across the divider to the front of the shelf
assembly.
With this configuration, the pusher paddle is prevented from tipping or
bending
backwards during operation.
[09] An exemplary embodiment also includes the use of a pushing mechanism with
the
merchandising of product on horizontal or non-inclined shelves or surfaces, as
well as
with gravity-fed systems, or systems that use gravity as a mechanism to urge
product
toward the front of the shelf.
[10] In accordance with an exemplary illustrative embodiment of the invention,
the pusher
paddle may define a concave pushing surface for pushing cylindrical products,
such
as soft drink bottles or cans, and to keep the paddle centered on the track
and behind
the product. Alternatively, the pusher paddle may define a flat pushing
surface that
may further include at its upper edge a curved rib or similar structure that
can also be
used to push cylindrical products.
[11] In accordance with another exemplary illustrative embodiment of the
invention, the
floor of the pusher mechanism can include a notched or cut-out portion to
align the
pusher mechanism relative to the coiled spring. Also, the floor of the system
also can
include a notch or cut-out portion for receiving and mounting a flat end of
the coiled
spring to the floor. A spring tip may be placed on the end of the coiled
spring to
mount the coiled spring to the floor of the system. Alternatively, the end of
the coiled
spring can mount to the divider of the assembly.
[12] In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment, an adaptor for a
product
management display system may be positioned on a floor surface of the display
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system. The adaptor may include a planar surface with at least two ribs
extending
outwardly from the planar surface and across the planar surface in a
substantially
parallel manner. A coiled spring may be positioned between the parallel
extending
ribs. With this configuration, product to be merchandised may sit on the ribs,
and not
directly on the coiled spring, to enhance the forward movement of certain
types of
product, such as cans of a beverage.
[13] In yet another alternative aspect, a mounting member may be used to mount
the end
of the coiled spring to the floor of the system. For those systems that
include spaced-
apart glide rails that are joined together by connecting ribs, the mounting
member
may be snap-fit to or otherwise mounted on the floor and between the glide
rails.
[14] In yet another alternative aspect, the trackless pusher system is
retrofitted into an
existing shelf assembly. This allows for the placement of the trackless pusher
system
in an existing shelving system as a low cost alternative to purchasing the
entire
trackless pusher assembly.
[15] In another exemplary embodiment, the coil spring can be mounted to the
retainer. An
end of the coil spring can be directly mounted to the retainer or
alternatively the end
can be mounted to the retainer via an adapter. The adapter can have a curved
portion
which is received in a correspondingly shaped curved slot in the retainer to
secure the
end of the spring to the display assembly.
[16] In another exemplary embodiment, the trays can be attached via a dovetail
connection
to form a shelf assembly. Additionally the dividers can be adjusted such that
the
width of the product rows can be adapted to receive different sized products.
[17] In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment, the product
management
display system can be arranged in a stackable arrangement. The assembly can be
provided with a first tray and a second tray each having a first wall and a
second wall.
The first and second trays are each adapted to receive a pusher mechanism, and
a
retainer mechanism. First and second spacers are mounted to the first and
second
trays for stacking the first and second trays on top of one another. The first
and
second spacer can be provided with a plurality of detents, and the first tray
and the
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second tray can each be provided with a plurality of correspondingly shaped
sockets
for receiving the plurality of detents.
[18] In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment, a product management
display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless
pusher
mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed and one or
more
dividers for separating product into rows. The one or more dividers may be
attached
and releasably engaged to a front rail. When the one or more dividers are not
engaged
and held in position to the front rail, the one or more dividers and product
positioned
on the display system may be moved in a lateral direction, or may be lifted
away from
the front rail. This permits ease of replanogramming of product on the shelf.
The one
or more dividers may releasably engage to the front rail through the use of
corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar, a cam
and/or
through a friction or press fit.
[19] In an example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and at
least one
divider configured to engage the front rail. The at least one divider includes
a barrier
and the at least one divider further includes a divider wall. The at least one
divider
also includes a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, wherein the
divider
floor is configured to hold product. The merchandise display system also
includes a
cam coupled to the divider, wherein the cam is configured to move between a
first
position and a second position. The at least one divider is (a) movable in a
lateral
direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in a direction
perpendicular to the
front rail when the at least one divider is engaged with the front rail and
the cam is in
the first position. The at least one divider is (a) fixed in the lateral
direction parallel to
the front rail and (b) secured in the direction perpendicular to the front
rail when the at
least one divider is engaged with the front rail and the cam is in the second
position.
[20] In an example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and a
plurality of
dividers configured to attach to the front rail and separate product into
rows. Each of
the plurality of dividers includes a divider wall extending in a direction
perpendicular
to the front rail, a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, wherein
the divider
floor is configured to hold product, and a cam coupled to the divider, wherein
the cam
is configured to move between a first position and a second position. Each of
the
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plurality of dividers is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the
front rail and
(b) secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when each of the
plurality of
dividers is engaged with the front rail and the cam for each of the plurality
of dividers
is in the first position. In addition, each of the plurality of dividers is
(a) fixed in the
lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in the direction
perpendicular
to the front rail when each of the plurality of dividers is engaged with the
front rail
and the cam for each of the plurality of dividers is in the second position.
[21] In an example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and at
least one
divider configured to attach to the front rail, the at least one divider
including a
barrier, a divider wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the front
rail, a divider
floor perpendicular to the divider wall, wherein the divider wall separates
the divider
floor into a first portion and a second portion and each of the first portion
and the
second portion are configured to hold product. The merchandise display system
also
includes a first pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least part of
the first
portion, a second pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least part of
the
second portion, and a cam coupled to the at least one divider, the cam
configured to
move between a first position and a second position. The at least one divider
is
movable in a lateral direction parallel to and along the front rail when the
cam is in
the first position, and the at least one divider resists movement in the
lateral direction
parallel to and along the front rail when the cam is in the second position.
[22] In an example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and at
least one
divider configured to attach to the front rail, the at least one divider
including a barrier
configured to engage the front rail, a divider wall extending in a direction
perpendicular to front rail, a divider floor perpendicular to the divider
wall, wherein
the divider floor configured to hold product. The display system also can
include a
resilient tab coupled to the divider, the resilient tab configured to move
between a first
position and a second position. The at least one divider is fixed in a lateral
direction
parallel to the front rail when the resilient tab is in the first position.
The at least one
divider is movable in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail when
the resilient
tab is in the second position.
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[23] In an example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail, the
front rail
comprising at least one first projection and at least one first recess, and at
least one
divider configured to attach to the front rail, the at least one divider
comprising a
divider wall and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, the at
least one
divider further comprising at least one second recess and at least one second
projection, the at least one second projection of the divider configured to
move
between a first position and a second position, The at least one divider is
(a) movable
in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in a
direction
perpendicular to the front rail when the at least one first projection of the
front rail is
engaged with the at least one second recess of the divider and the at least
one second
projection of the divider is in the first position. The at least one divider
(a) resists
movement in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) is
secured in a
direction perpendicular to the front rail when the at least one first
projection of the
front rail is engaged with the at least one second recess of the divider and
the at least
one second projection of the divider is in the second position.
[24] In an example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail, the
front rail
including at least one first projection and at least one second projection,
the at least
one second projection of the front rail configured to move between a first
position and
a second position. The merchandise display system also includes at least one
divider
configured to attach to the front rail, the at least one divider comprising a
divider wall
and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, the at least one
divider further
comprising at least one recess. The at least one divider is (a) movable in a
lateral
direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in a direction
perpendicular to the
front rail when the at least one first projection of the front rail is engaged
with the at
least one recess of the divider and the at least one second projection of the
front rail is
in the first position. The at least one divider is (a) fixed in the lateral
direction parallel
to the front rail and (b) secured in the direction perpendicular to the front
rail when
the at least one first projection of the front rail is engaged with the at
least one recess
of the divider and the at least one second projection of the front rail is in
the second
position.
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[25] In an example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail, the
front rail
comprising a first projection and a second projection. The merchandise display
system also includes at least one divider configured to attach to the front
rail, the at
least one divider comprising a divider wall and a divider floor perpendicular
to the
divider wall, the at least one divider further comprising a recess and a third
projection.
The at least one of the second projection or the third projection is a movable
projection that is movable between a first position and a second position. The
at least
one divider is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail
and (b)
secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when the first
projection of the
front rail is engaged with the recess of the divider and the movable
projection is in the
first position. The at least one divider is (a) fixed in the lateral direction
parallel to the
front rail and (b) secured in the direction perpendicular to the front rail
when the first
projection of the front rail is engaged with the recess of the divider and the
movable
projection is in the second position.
[26] In an example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail, the
front rail
comprising at least a first engaging member. The merchandise display system
also
includes at least one divider configured to attach to the front rail, the at
least one
divider comprising a divider wall and a divider floor perpendicular to the
divider
wall, the at least one divider further comprising at least a second engaging
member.
The merchandise display system also includes a third engaging member
configured to
move between a first position and a second position. The at least one divider
is (a)
movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in a
direction
perpendicular to the front rail when the first engaging member of the front
rail is
engaged with the second engaging member of the divider and the third engaging
member is in the first position. The at least one divider is (a) fixed in the
lateral
direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in the direction
perpendicular to the
front rail when the first engaging member of the front rail is engaged with
the second
engaging member of the divider and the third engaging member is in the second
position.
[27] In an example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and at
least one
divider configured to engage the front rail, the at least one divider
including a barrier,
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the at least one divider further including a divider wall, the at least one
divider further
including a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, wherein the
divider floor is
configured to hold product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam
coupled to the divider, wherein the cam is configured to move between a first
position
and a second position. The at least one divider can be secured in a direction
perpendicular to the front rail when the at least one divider is engaged with
the front
rail. The cam can inhibit movement of the at least one divider in the lateral
direction
parallel to the front rail when the cam in in the first position and the cam
can allow
movement of the divider in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail
when the cam
is in the second position. The merchandise display system can include a handle
to
rotate the cam between the first position and the second position. The
merchandise
display system can include a handle to slide the cam between the first
position and the
second position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[28] Figure 1 depicts an isometric exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of
a
product management display system of the present invention.
[29] Figure 2 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary pusher mechanism
mounted to an
exemplary tray or product channel of the present invention.
[30] Figure 3 depicts another isometric view of the system of Figure 2 with
product placed
in the system.
[31] Figure 4 depicts another isometric view of the system of Figure 2 with
multiple
product placed in the system.
[32] Figure 5 depicts an isometric rear view of the system of Figure 4.
[33] Figure 6 depicts an alternative embodiment of the tray or product channel
of the
present invention.
[34] Figure 7 depicts an exemplary tip for an end of a coiled spring that may
be used with
the product management display system of the invention.
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[35] Figure 8 depicts the exemplary tip of Figure 7 being mounted to a surface
of a tray or
product channel.
[36] Figure 9 depicts the exemplary tip of Figure 7 being mounted to an end of
a coiled
spring.
[37] Figure 10 depicts the exemplary tip of Figure 7 mounted to an end of a
coiled spring.
[38] Figure 11 depicts an isometric view of an alternative exemplary
embodiment of a
product management display system of the present invention.
[39] Figure 12 depicts another isometric view of the system of Figure 11.
[40] Figure 13 depicts a front view of the system of Figure 11.
[41] Figure 14 depicts a top view of the system of Figure 11.
[42] Figure 15 depicts a rear view of the system of Figure 11.
[43] Figure 16 depicts an isometric view of an adaptor that may be used with
the invention.
[44] Figure 17 depicts a front view of the adaptor of Figure 16.
[45] Figure 18 depicts an exemplary installation of the adaptor of the
invention.
[46] Figure 19 depicts an isometric view of an installed adaptor of the
invention.
[47] Figure 20 depicts a front view of an installed adaptor of the invention.
[48] Figure 21 depicts an isometric view of an alternative exemplary
embodiment of a
product management display system of the present invention.
[49] Figure 22 depicts an isometric bottom view of an exemplary mounting
member that
may be used to mount the end of the coiled spring to the floor of the display
system.
[50] Figure 23 depicts an isometric top view of the exemplary mounting member
of Figure
22.
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[51] Figure 24 depicts the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22 mounted to
the end
of the coiled spring with the coiled spring mounted to an exemplary pusher
paddle.
[52] Figure 25 depicts another view of the exemplary mounting member of Figure
22
mounted to the end of the coiled spring with the coiled spring mounted to an
exemplary pusher paddle.
[53] Figure 26 depicts the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22 with
attached coiled
spring being mounted to the floor of the system.
[54] Figure 27 depicts the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22 installed on
the floor
of the system.
[55] Figure 28 depicts an isometric view of an alternative exemplary
embodiment of a
product management display system of the present invention.
[56] Figure 29 depicts a close-up isometric view of the tray of the exemplary
embodiment
of Figure 28.
[57] Figure 29A depicts a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of
Figure 28
illustrating a first securing method.
[58] Figure 29B depicts a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of
Figure 28
illustrating a second securing method.
[59] Figure 30 depicts a close-up isometric view of the embodiment of Figure
28
illustrating a rivet attaching the spring to the tray.
[60] Figure 31 depicts an isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 28 being
assembled
in a preexisting wire shelf.
[61] Figure 32 depicts an isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 28
assembled in a
preexisting wire shelf.
[62] Figure 33 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the
display
system.
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[63] Figure 34 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the
display
system.
[64] Figure 35 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an
adapter.
[65] Figure 36 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a
retainer.
[66] Figure 37 depicts a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the display
system.
[67] Figure 38 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the
display
system.
[68] Figure 39 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the
display
system.
[69] Figure 40 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the
display
system.
[70] Figure 41A depicts a sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of a
divider.
[71] Figure 41B depicts a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the display
system.
[72] Figure 41C depicts a close up view of a section of Figure 41B.
.. [73] Figure 41D depicts a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a
divider.
[74] Figure 42 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the
display
system.
[75] Figure 43 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the
display
system.
[76] Figure 44 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a
product
management display system.
[77] Figure 45 depicts another isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a
product
management display system with product in the system.
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[78] Figure 46 depicts a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a product
management display system with product in the system.
[79] Figure 47 depicts an isometric-rear view of an exemplary embodiment of a
product
management display system with product in the system.
[80] Figure 48 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the
pusher
mechanism mounted to a divider.
[81] Figure 49 depicts another isometric view of the divider and pusher
mechanism being
assembled to the product management display system.
[82] Figure 50 depicts an isometric view of yet another exemplary embodiment
of the
product management display system.
[83] Figure 51 depicts another isometric view of the exemplary embodiment of
the product
management display system of Figure 50 without product.
[84] Figure 52 depicts an exploded isometric view of the exemplary embodiment
of the
product management display system of Figure 50.
[85] Figure 53 depicts an isometric view of yet another exemplary embodiment
of the
product management display system.
[86] Figure 54 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary attachment of the
pusher spring
to a shelf of the product management display system of Figure 53.
[87] Figure 55 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary attachment of the
pusher spring
to a shelf of the product management display system of Figure 53.
[88] Figure 56 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary attachment of the
pusher spring
to a shelf of the product management display system of Figure 53.
[89] Figure 57 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary attachment of the
pusher spring
to a shelf of the product management display system of Figure 53.
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[90] Figure 58 depicts an isomeric view of an exemplary embodiment of the
product
management display system in accordance with one or more aspect of the
disclosure.
[91] Figure 59 depicts an isometric view of the exemplary product management
display
system of Figure 58.
[92] Figure 60 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary pusher mechanism in
accordance
with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[93] Figure 61 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary divider in
accordance with
one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[94] Figure 62 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary divider and pusher
mechanism in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[95] Figure 63 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary front portion
of a divider in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[96] Figure 64 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary front portion
of a front rail
in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[97] Figure 65 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary connection
between a
divider and a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the
disclosure.
[98] Figure 66 depicts a side view of an exemplary divider and front rail in
accordance
with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[99] Figures 67A-C depict side views of an exemplary divider attaching to a
front rail in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[100] Figures 68A-C depict side views of an exemplary divider attaching to a
front rail in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[101] Figure 69A depicts an isometric view of exemplary rail mounting clips
for a front rail
in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
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[102] Figure 69B depicts an isometric view of an exemplary front rail in
accordance with
one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[103] Figure 70 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary front rail and rail
mounting clips
in accordance with accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[104] Figure 71 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary front rail in
accordance with one
or more aspects of the disclosure.
[105] Figure 72 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary divider and pusher
mechanism in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[106] Figure 73 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary divider and pusher
mechanism in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[107] Figure 74 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary divider in
accordance with
one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[108] Figure 75 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary front rail in
accordance
with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[109] Figures 76A and 76B depict partial isometric views of an exemplary front
rail and a
cam bar lever in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[110] Figure 77 depicts a front exploded view of an exemplary product
management display
system in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[111] Figure 78 depicts a back exploded view of an exemplary product
management display
system in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[112] Figures 79A-C depict side views of an exemplary front rail and divider
in accordance
with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[113] Figure 80 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary product management
display
system in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
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[114] Figures 81A-B depict partial side views of an exemplary front rail and
divider in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[115] Figures 82A-C depict partial side views of an exemplary front rail and
divider in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[116] Figures 83A-C depict partial side views of an exemplary front rail and
divider in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[117] Figures 84A-F depict isometric views of an exemplary product management
display
system in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[118] Figure 85 depicts a side view of an exemplary divider and front rail in
accordance
with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[119] Figures 86A-L depict views of components of an exemplary product
management
display system in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[120] Figures 87A-C depict side views of exemplary dividers and front rails in
accordance
with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[121] Figures 88A-B depict isometric views of an exemplary divider in
accordance with one
or more aspects of the disclosure.
[122] Figures 89A-C depict side views of an exemplary divider attaching to a
front rail in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[123] Figures 90A-F depict views of an exemplary divider attaching to a front
rail in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[124] Figure 91A depicts a view of an exemplary divider and a rear rail in
accordance with
one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[125] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is
to be understood
that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and the
arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in
the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being
practiced
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or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the
phraseology
and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not
be
regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variations
thereof
is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as
well as
additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, the use of the term
"mount,"
"mounted" or "mounting" is meant to broadly include any technique or method of
mounting, attaching, joining or coupling one part to another, whether directly
or
indirectly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[126] The invention may be embodied in various forms. Referring to the Figures
wherein
like numerals indicate like elements, there is depicted in Figure 1 an
isometric
exploded view of an exemplary embodiment. Exemplary merchandise system 10
includes a product dispensing tray 12 in which is mounted an exemplary
trackless
pusher mechanism 14. As described in more detail below, the pusher mechanism
14
will fit in the tray 12 and will slide along the surface of the tray without
the use of
tracks, rails, or guides typically used to hold a conventional pusher
mechanism to the
tray or floor of the tray. The pusher mechanism defines a pusher paddle and a
pusher
floor that extends forward of the pusher paddle. A coiled spring may extend
across
the pusher floor and operatively connect to the tray at a forward position on
the tray.
In one aspect of the invention, product to be merchandised may be placed in
the tray
in front of the pusher paddle and may sit on the pusher floor as well as the
coiled
spring. With this configuration, the weight of the product will prevent the
pusher
paddle from tipping to ensure proper pushing of the product. In addition, the
problems associated with debris or sticky materials hindering the
effectiveness of
known pusher systems that use tracks, rails or guides have been eliminated.
Other
aspects, embodiments and features of the invention and its teachings are set
forth in
more detail below.
[127] The exemplary tray 12 may define a surface 16 and one or more dividing
panels or
dividers 18 to separate the tray into numerous rows for placement of product.
In an
alternative aspect, the tray 12 may be a shelf or any other surface on which
products
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may be placed for merchandising. The surface 16 may be a solid surface or a
surface
defining a plurality of spaced-apart apertures 20 separated by a plurality of
support
ribs 22. The apertures 20 and ribs 22 provide a surface that permits the
slidable
movement of product placed on this surface and also permits liquids and dirt
to pass
through the apertures 20 so that they do not collect on the surface 16. The
surface 16
may be made of any suitable material that permits the slidable movement of
product
on the surface 16. Other surface or floor configurations are known and may be
used
with the principles of the invention.
[128] As depicted in Figures 9 and 10, the surface 16 may define a rounded end
portion 24
that includes a notch or cut-out portion 26. The end portion 24 may be rounded
to
match the shape of the product that is placed on the tray. For example, the
depicted
end portion 24 is rounded or defines a semi-circular shape to match the
contour of a
bottle or can that may be placed in the tray and on the end portion 24. Other
shapes of
the end portion may be used with the invention depending on the product to be
merchandised.
[129] The notch 26 may be used to receive and mount an end 29 of a coiled
spring 30 or
similar biasing element. The notch 26 may define opposing angled edge surfaces
32
that are joined by edge 34. The edge 34 is preferably centered across the
width of the
product row formed in the tray 12 and extends perpendicular to the length of
the tray.
This configuration will center the coiled spring 30 relative to the tray 12
and will
permit the spring to extend in a substantially parallel manner relative to the
length of
the tray. In other words, the depicted edge 34 of the notch 26 will permit the
spring
to extend along the length of the tray 12 at or near the center of the product
row
formed by the tray. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the location
and
25 configuration of the notch may vary depending on the desired placement
of the spring.
[130] The coiled spring 30 may define an end 29 that is configured to be
placed across the
notch 26 and onto the edge 34. In one aspect, the end 29 of the coiled spring
may be
V-shaped and function as a hook such that the end 29 will wrap around the edge
34
with a portion of the end 29 of the coiled spring extending beneath the end
portion 24
30 of the surface 16. This configuration permits an easy installation of
the coiled spring
onto the tray.
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[131] In another aspect, and referring to Figure 7, a spring tip 60 may be
added to the end
29 of the spring 30 to assist with the mounting of the spring to the system.
The spring
tip 60 may define numerous shapes and configurations depending on the
configuration of the tray and the surface on which the spring end needs to
attach. The
spring tip 60 may be permanently attached to the end 29 of the coiled spring
30 or it
may be detachable to permit the interchange or replacement of the spring tip
60. The
spring tip 60 may be made of plastic and may define one or more apertures.
Aperture
61 may be used to receive the end 29 of the coiled spring 30. A second
aperture 63
may be used to receive a mating tongue or mounting member 65 extending from
the
surface 16 of the tray 12, as discussed below. With this configuration, the
end 29 of
the coiled spring 30 may be operatively connected to the tray 12.
[132] In another aspect, the end 29 of the coiled spring may snap-fit into an
aperture formed
in the surface 16, or may be otherwise inserted and secured to an aperture or
opening
in the tray, thereby securing the end 29 of the coiled spring 30 in position.
[133] Referring back to Figure 1, dividers 18 may also be used to separate
product into
rows. The dividers 18 extend substantially upwardly from the surface 16 and as
illustrated in Figure 1, may be positioned on opposing sides of the surface
16.
Alternatively, the dividers 18 may be positioned at any desired position on
the tray 12
or to the surface 16. The dividers 18 may be formed as a unitary structure
with the
surface 16, or the dividers 18 may be detachable to provide added flexibility
with the
system. The dividers may be attached to a front or back rail depending on the
system.
The dividers 18 may define numerous configurations and may extend upwardly any
desired distance to provide the desired height of the dividers between the
rows of
product to be merchandised. This height may be adjustable by adding divider
extenders or the like.
[134] Located at the front of the tray 12 and extending between the dividers
18 may be one
or more product-retaining members 44. The product-retaining members 44 serve
as a
front retaining wall or bar to hold the product in the tray 12 and to prevent
the product
from falling out of the tray 12. These members are also configured to permit
the easy
removal of the forward-most product positioned in the tray 12. The product-
retaining
member 44 may be one or more curve-shaped retaining ribs as depicted in Figure
1.
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These illustrated retaining ribs may extend from one divider to another
divider
thereby joining the dividers. The retaining ribs may also extend part-way
between the
dividers, as also shown in Figure 1 as rib 46, to also assist in retaining the
product in
the tray. Alternatively, and as shown in Figure 6 the product-retaining member
44
may be a curve-shaped solid retaining wall 48 that extends between dividers.
The
retaining wall 48 may be transparent or semi-transparent to permit
visualization of the
product on the shelf. In another aspect, the retaining wall 48 may also extend
part-
way between the dividers 18. In yet another embodiment depicted in Figures 11-
15,
the retaining wall 100 may be attached to the surface of the tray and not
connect to the
dividers. In this embodiment, the retaining wall 100 may form an opening 102
defined by an upper member 104, opposing, curved side walls 106 that further
define
an angled edge 108, and a floor member 110. The side walls 106 may also be
straight and not curved depending on the system. The end of the coiled spring
may
also snap-fit into the floor 110 or otherwise attached to the tray using any
of the
techniques described herein. One of skill in the art will readily appreciate
that there
are numerous shapes and configurations possible for the product-retaining
member 44
and that the depicted configurations are merely exemplary embodiments of these
numerous configurations.
[135] Referring back to Figure 1, the exemplary trackless pusher mechanism 14
defines a
pusher paddle 50 and a pusher floor 52. The pusher paddle 50 and pusher floor
52
may be formed as a single, unitary structure or may be separate structures
that are
joined together using known techniques. In addition, the pusher paddle 50 and
pusher
floor 52 may be made of any known suitable plastic or metal material. The
pusher
paddle and pusher floor may be reinforced using any known reinforcing
techniques.
[136] In one aspect, the pusher paddle 50 forms a curved-shape pusher surface
or face 54
that is configured to match the shape of the product to be merchandised, such
as
plastic bottles or cans containing a beverage, as depicted in Figures 3-5. The
curve-
shaped pusher surface 54 permits the pusher to remain centrally aligned with
the last
product in the tray. This configuration reduces friction and drag between the
pusher
and the divider walls. In an alternative aspect, the pusher surface or face
may be a flat
surface. In yet another aspect, the flat pusher surface may be accompanied by
a
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curved shaped rib that is positioned near or on the top of the pusher paddle
and that
may be used to center and align product in the tray, in a manner similar to
the curve-
shaped pusher surface 54 depicted in Figure 1. The curve shaped rib may define
other
shapes and configurations that permit cylindrical or similar shaped products
to be
properly pushed in the tray. Advertisement, product identification or other
product
information may be placed on the pusher surface 54.
[137] Positioned behind the pusher surface or face 54 may be one or more
support members
58, such as ribs, walls, or gussets. The support members 58 are configured to
support
the pusher surface 54 and further connect the pusher paddle 50 to the pusher
floor 52.
As can be seen in Figure 5, positioned between the support members 58 is the
coiled
spring 30, and more specifically the coiled end 57 that is used to urge the
pusher
paddle 50 forward and along the tray 12, as understood in the art. Any
technique used
to operatively connect the coiled spring to the pusher paddle 50 may be used
with the
invention.
[138] As shown in Figure 1, the pusher floor 52 may be positioned below the
pusher paddle
50 and may extend forward of the pusher surface 54 of the pusher paddle. The
pusher
floor 52 may extend any predetermined distance and at any predetermined angle.
For
example, the pusher floor 52 may extend substantially perpendicular to the
pusher
surface 54. In the exemplary embodiment, the pusher floor 52 may extend a
sufficient
distance to permit one product, such as a single bottle or can, to be placed
on the
pusher floor. In another aspect, the pusher floor 52 may be configured to
permit more
than one product to be placed on the pusher floor. The pusher floor 52 may
define
any shape, including the depicted round shape and may define any product
retaining
features on the surface of the pusher floor, such as ribs, walls, or the like,
to further
hold the product on the pusher floor.
[139] As can be seen in Figure 2, the pusher floor 52 may define an elongated
channel,
groove or recessed portion 59 that is sized, shaped and configured to seat the
coiled
spring 30. In the exemplary embodiment, the channel or groove 59 may extend
across
the floor 52 and in a substantially perpendicular manner relative to the
pusher paddle
50. In an alternative aspect, the groove or channel may extend part-way or
across the
entire pusher floor 52, as shown in Figure 19. Such configuration permits the
proper
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alignment and positioning of the pusher paddle 50 in the tray. The groove 59
may
define a depth that matches or exceeds the thickness of the coiled spring 30.
With this
configuration, the coiled spring 30 will seat at or below the pusher floor
surface such
that product will not sit directly on the coiled spring, rather, such product
will sit on
the pusher floor surface. As shown in Figure 19, the pusher floor may include
apertures and openings through which debris or other items may pass.
Alternatively,
the floor may be a solid surface.
[140] In an alternative aspect of the invention, as shown in Figures 16-20, an
adaptor 180
may be positioned on the surface 16. Referring to Figures 16 and 17, the
adaptor 180
may include one or more raised ribs 182 on which a product may sit. The raised
ribs
182 may extend longitudinally along the length of the adaptor 180. The adaptor
180
may be a flat extrusion of plastic material (or any other suitable material)
defining a
planar surface 184 with the one or more ribs 182 extending outwardly from the
planar
surface 184. The adaptor 180 may define a rounded end 185 and include a notch
or
cut-away portion 186 through which or across which the coiled spring may
extend.
The rounded end 185 may be configured to match the shape of the product that
is
placed on the tray. Other shapes of the end 185, notch 186 and adaptor 180 may
be
used with the invention depending on the product to be merchandised. The
adaptor
180 may be a separate, insertable piece or, alternatively, a piece formed
integral with
the surface 16.
[141] Referring to Figure 18, the adaptor 180 may be easily insertable onto
the surface 16
and between the dividers 18. Referring to Figure 19, once the adaptor 180 is
installed,
the pusher mechanism 14 may be positioned on top of the adaptor 180 and may
slide
freely across the ribs 182 of the adaptor 180. The coiled spring 30 may extend
in a
parallel manner between the ribs 182 and may seat at or below the top surface
of the
ribs 182, as more clearly shown in Figure 20. With this configuration, the
product to
be merchandised may sit on, and slide along, the ribs 182 and not on the
coiled spring
30.
[142] In an alternative aspect, the ribs 182 may be a raised bead or raised
beads, or a series
of fingers that may be used to facilitate the movement of the product on the
surface
16. In yet another alternative embodiment, the ribs 182 may be product moving
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members, such as runners or one or more rollers or rolling members that permit
the
product to roll across the rolling members and toward the front of the product
display
system. Exemplary roller assemblies include those disclosed and described in
United
States Application Serial No. 11/257,718 filed October 25, 2005 and assigned
to RTC
Industries, Inc, which application is incorporated herein by reference. As
should be
appreciated by those skilled in the art, there are many possible techniques
that may be
used with the described pusher mechanisms for facilitating the movement of the
product on the shelf or floor.
[143] The underneath side of the pusher floor 52 may be a smooth planar
surface that will
slide freely along the surface 16. Alternatively, and similar to above, the
pusher floor
52 may include beads, runners, rollers or the like that will permit the pusher
floor to
slide along the surface yet raise the pusher floor up off of the surface 16.
In another
alternative embodiment, the underneath side of the pusher floor may be
configured
with rail mounting members to permit the mounting of the pusher to a track or
rail, as
understood in the art.
[144] The pusher floor further defines a notch or cut-out portion 62 through
which will pass
the coiled spring 30. The end 29 of the coiled spring 30 will pass through the
notch
62 and through the notch 26 of the surface 16 and will mount to the tray using
any of
the techniques described above.
[145] In use, as the pusher mechanism 14 is urged rearward in the tray 12, the
end 29 of the
coiled spring 30 will be held in position as described above and the coiled
end 57 of
the spring 30 will begin to uncoil behind the pusher paddle 50. If the pusher
14 is
allowed to move forward in the tray 14, such as when product is removed from
the
front of the tray, the coiled end 57 of the spring 30 will coil and force the
pusher
paddle 50 forward in the tray 12, thereby urging product toward the front of
the tray.
[146] In an alternative embodiment, the coiled spring 30 may extend below and
underneath
the pusher floor 52 as opposed to above and across the pusher floor, as
depicted in the
figures. With this configuration, the groove 59 and notch 62 may not be
necessary.
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[147] The coiled spring 30 may be any biasing element including, without
limitation, a flat
coil spring commonly used with pusher systems. The present invention may use
one
or more coiled springs to urge the pusher mechanism 14 forward depending on
the
desired application. The coil tension of the spring 30 may also vary depending
on the
particular application.
[148] Referring to Figure 2, the trackless pusher mechanism 14 is shown
mounted to the
tray 12. As illustrated, the pusher mechanism 14 fits in the tray 12 between
the
dividers 18. End 29 of the coiled spring 30 extends through the notch in the
pusher
floor and mounts to the tray as described above. In use, the pusher mechanism
14 will
slide along the surface 16 of the tray 12 without the use of tracks, rails, or
guides. As
depicted in Figure 2, the pusher mechanism 14 is shown in a forward position.
[149] Referring to Figure 3, the pusher mechanism 14 is shown merchandising
one product
70 in the merchandise system 10. The product is prevented from tipping out of
the
tray by the product-retaining member 44. The product 70 may be any product to
be
merchandised including the depicted soft drink bottle. As shown in this
Figure, the
product 70 sits on the pusher floor 52 and the coiled spring 30 that extends
below the
product. The weight of the product on the floor 52 and the positioning of the
product
across the spring 30 prevent the paddle 50 from tipping in the tray 12.
[150] Referring to Figure 4, the pusher mechanism 14 is shown merchandising
multiple
products 70 in the merchandise system 10. As shown in this Figure, the product
next
to the pusher paddle 50 sits on the pusher floor 52 and the coiled spring 30
that
extends below the product. The other products will sit on the coiled spring 30
that
will extend below these products. Alternatively, the adaptor 180 may be
positioned in
the system in which case the product may sit on the ribs 182 of the adaptor as
opposed
to the coiled spring. Again, the weight of the product on the pusher floor 52
and the
positioning of the products across the spring 30 prevent the paddle 50 from
tipping in
the tray. In use, as one product is removed from the front of the tray near
the product-
retaining member 44, the pusher mechanism 14 (through the urging of the coiled
spring 30) will push the remaining product forward in the tray 12 until the
forward-
most product contacts the product-retaining member 44. As additional products
are
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removed, the pusher mechanism 14 will continue to push the remaining product
toward the product-retaining member 44.
[151] Referring to Figure 5, a rear view of the pusher mechanism 14 shows the
pusher
mechanism 14 merchandising multiple products 70 in the merchandise system 10.
Again, the product next to the pusher paddle 50 sits on the pusher floor 52
and the
coiled spring 30 that extends below the product. The other products will sit
on the
coiled spring that will extend below these products. Alternatively, the
adaptor 180
may be positioned in the system in which case the product may sit on the ribs
182 of
the adaptor as opposed to the coiled spring. As one product is removed from
the front
of the tray near the product-retaining member 44, the coiled end 57 of the
spring 30
will urge the pusher paddle 50 of the pusher mechanism 14 forward in the tray
12
until the forward-most product contacts the product-retaining member 44. As
can be
seen in this Figure, the coiled end 57 may be positioned between two support
members 58. The support members will retain the coiled spring between these
members. As can be seen in this Figure, the pusher floor 52 may also extend
below
the support members 58.
[152] Referring to Figure 6, an alternative embodiment of the pusher tray is
depicted. With
this embodiment, multiple trays 12 may be formed into a single multi-tray
assembly
80. The multi-trays may have a common floor with dividers 18 extending
upwardly
from the floor to create the multiple trays or rows. In this embodiment, the
product-
retaining member 44 may be a solid member that extends between two dividers,
as
discussed above. One or more of the multi-tray assemblies 80 may be coupled or
joined together in a side-by-side manner using any known technique, including
clips,
dovetailing, fasteners, or the like. With this configuration, numerous rows of
product
can be provided for the merchandising of numerous products.
[153] As stated above, the trackless pusher mechanism 14 may be used with
gravity-fed
systems, that is, systems having trays or product channels that are mounted on
an
incline to permit gravity to assist with the merchandising of the product.
Alternatively, the trackless pusher mechanism 14 may be used with systems that
are
mounted in a non-inclined or in a horizontal manner where gravity will provide
little
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or no assistance with the merchandising of the product. The
trackless pusher
mechanism 14 may also be used to push various shaped products.
[154] Figure 7 depicts an exemplary tip 60 for the end 29 of a coiled spring
30 that may be
used with the merchandise system 10. As illustrated, the tip 60 defines an
aperture 61
for receiving the end 29 of the coiled spring and an aperture 63 for mounting
to the
surface 16 of the tray. As can be seen in Figure 7, in one aspect of an
alternative
embodiment, extending beneath the surface 16 may be a tongue or mounting
member
65 that may be configured to mate with the aperture 63 and to snap-fit the tip
60 onto
the tongue 65 and thus to the surface 16.
[155] Referring to Figure 8, the exemplary tip 60 of Figure 7 is shown being
mounted to the
tongue or mounting member 65. The tongue 65 may include an elongated outwardly
extending rib 67 that is used to snap-fit the tip 60 onto the tongue 65. One
skilled in
the art will appreciate that other techniques may be used to mount the tip 60
to the
surface 16 and that the depicted technique is merely an exemplary embodiment
of one
such technique.
[156] Referring to Figure 9, the exemplary tip 60 is shown fully mounted in a
snap-fit
manner to the surface 16, and more specifically to the end portion 24 of the
surface 16
of the tray 12. Also depicted is the mounting of the end 29 of the coiled
spring 30 to
the aperture 61 of the tip 60. As shown in Figure 9, the end 29 of the coiled
spring
may be inserted into the aperture 61. The aperture 61 is configured to receive
the end
29 of the coiled spring and hold the end 29 in position, and to also permit
the removal
of the end 29 of the coiled spring from the aperture 61 in those circumstances
where it
is desirable to disconnect the coiled spring from the tip to permit the
removal of the
pusher mechanism 14 from the system.
[157] Referring to Figure 10 there is shown the end 29 of the coiled spring
fully mounted to
the exemplary tip 60. As illustrated in this figure, the coiled spring 30 is
now
operatively connected to the surface 16 of the tray 12. As a result, the
pusher
mechanism 14 is now mounted to the tray 12.
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[158] Referring to Figures 21-27 there is shown an alternative technique for
mounting the
end 29 of the coiled spring 30 to the merchandise display system. A mounting
member 130 may be used to mount the end 29 of the coiled spring to the floor
131 of
the system. For those systems that include spaced-apart glide rails 132 that
are joined
together by connecting ribs 134 (Figures 26-27), the mounting member 130 may
be
snap-fit to or otherwise mounted on the floor 131 and between the glide rails
132.
The mounting member will thus hold the end of the coiled spring in position
and to
the floor of the system.
[159] Referring to Figures 22-23, the mounting member 130 may include one or
more legs
136 on one or more sides of the member 130. The legs may be configured to snap-
fit
to the underside of the rails 132 to thereby hold the mounting member 130 to
the floor
of the system. The legs 136 may include legs ends 137 defining an L-shape or
angled
surfaces that are configured to contact the underside of the rail 132 and
prevent the
mounting member 130 from being lifted up from the floor, except by the
intentional
flexing of the legs out from the underside of the rail 132. The legs 136 may
contact
the connecting ribs 134 which will prevent slidable movement of the mounting
member 130 relative to the floor. Referring to Figure 26, the mounting member
130
is shown being mounted to the floor of the system and more specifically to the
rails.
Figure 27 illustrates that the mounting member 130 remains in position as the
pusher
paddle 141 is pulled away from the front of the system. The mounting member
130
may be connected to this type of system floor 131 using other techniques. For
example, a separate mounting clip, one or more fasteners, adhesives, or other
techniques may be used to secure the mounting member 130 to the floor 131.
[160] Referring to Figures 22-23, the mounting member 130 may also include an
aperture or
opening or slot 138 that will receive the end 29 of the spring. The spring may
be
mounted using any of the techniques described herein, or other techniques. The
configuration of the aperture 138 and mounting member 130 will hold the spring
in
position on the mounting member 130, similar to the technique described above.
[161] The mounting member 130 may also include glide ribs 139 on a top surface
that allow
product placed thereon to slide more easily across the mounting member after
the
mounting member is installed to the floor of the system. The mounting member
Il30
27
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may also include an elongated flat body 140 that extends forward of the
location of
the legs 136 to provide stability to the mounting member 130 after it is
mounted to the
floor of the system.
[162] Referring to Figures 24-25 and 27, the pusher paddle or pusher mechanism
141 may
include a pusher face 143 configured to match the shape of the product against
which
it pushes. As illustrated, the pusher face 143 may be curve shaped to match
the shape
of a bottle or other cylindrical object. The pusher paddle 141 may also
include a
pusher floor 145 similar to the pusher floor configurations described above.
The
pusher floor 145 may further include a spring sleeve 147 that receives the
coiled
spring 30 to shield and protect the spring. The spring sleeve 147 may extend
partly or
fully across the pusher floor 145 and in the direction of the spring 30. The
spring
sleeve 147 may have a relatively short height and a flat surface 149 to permit
product
to sit thereon without significant tipping or leaning of the product.
[163] The pusher paddle 141 may be positioned on top of the floor 131 to glide
on top of the
surface, as described above. The pusher paddle may be positioned between two
product divider walls 153 that are joined together by a product retaining
member 155.
Additional product retaining members 157 may extend outwardly from the product
dividers.
[164] Referring to Figures 28 and 29 there is shown yet another alternative
technique for
mounting the end 29 of the coiled spring 30 to the merchandise display system.
In
this embodiment, the end 29 is riveted to the tray 216.
[165] Referring to Figures 28-32 in an alternative embodiment, the trackless
pusher system
may be retrofitted to an existing shelf assembly 230, which may have product
dividers
already built in. For example, in one embodiment, the trackless pusher system
may
be retrofitted to an existing wire shelf assembly. Referring to Figures 30-32,
a tray or
adaptor 216 may have a glide floor 222 that may be sized to a single lane of
the shelf
234 or sized to an entire shelf width. The glide floor 222 may include several
raised
ribs 224, which help to reduce friction for the products merchandised on the
tray 216.
It should be understood that one or more raised ribs 224 may be used with the
glide
floor 222. Alternatively, the glide floor 222 may be a flat, planar surface
without
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raised ribs. The tray or adaptor 216 may be configured similar to the adaptor
180 of
Figure 16.
[166] As shown in Figures 28 and 30, the end 29 of coiled spring 30 may be
riveted, via a
rivet 229, to the front end 228 of the tray 216, or may be attached by any
other
attachment technique. The tray 216 can be retained to the shelf by any
attachment
technique suitable for the particular shelf. In one embodiment, and as
illustrated in
Figures 29-32, the tray 216 may include one or more outwardly extending
fingers or
snaps 220, which may engage one or more individual wires 232 of the shelf 234
to
retain the tray 216 on the shelf 234. The fingers or snaps 220 may extend
longitudinally along the length of the tray 216, or may be spaced apart along
the
length of the tray. The snaps 220 may be used to snap-fit the tray 216 to the
existing
wire shelf. As depicted in Figures 29A and 29B, the snaps 220A and 220B may
define numerous configurations that permit the tray 216 to be snap fit to the
shelf.
The embodiment depicted in Figures 28-32 allows for the placement of the
trackless
pusher system in an existing shelving system, such as a wire shelf system, as
a low
cost alternative to the entire trackless pusher assembly. It should be
understood that
with this embodiment, any pusher mechanism described herein may be used.
[167] As depicted in FIGS. 33 and 44, in another exemplary embodiment, the
display
management system comprises one or more pusher mechanisms 286, one or more
dividers 266, one or more trays 306, and one or more retainers 250. The pusher
mechanisms 286 can be formed of a pusher paddle 287 and a pusher floor 288.
Product is placed on the pusher floor 288 and guided to the front of the
display
management system via the dividers 266 and the pusher paddle 287. The coiled
spring 30 biases the pusher mechanism 286 toward the retainer 250 such that
product
moves to the front of the system.
[168] In one exemplary embodiment, depicted in FIG. 33, the coiled spring 30
can be
mounted to the retainer 250. Alternatively, the coiled spring 30 can be
mounted to a
divider 266 (also shown in FIGS. 48 and 49). The coiled spring 30 can be
directly
mounted to the retainer 250, as depicted in FIG. 33, or can be mounted to the
retainer
250 via a separate adapter 252, as depicted in FIG. 34.
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[169] As depicted in FIG. 35, the adapter 252 has a wall 254 proximate a first
end 256. The
first end 256 has a curved portion 262, which curves upwardly. The middle
portion of
the adapter 252 may be provided with a curved slot 260, which is adapted to
receive a
correspondingly shaped spring end (not shown).
[170] The coiled spring 30 at one end can be secured to the middle portion of
the adapter
252. In an exemplary embodiment, the curved slot 260 corresponds in shape and
size
of the first spring end. Additionally, the first spring end of the coiled
spring 30 can be
crimped or bent to provide for additional fastening. Nevertheless, any
sufficient
fastening method can be used to fix the first spring end of the coiled spring
30 to the
adapter 252.
[171] In an exemplary embodiment, shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, the retainer 250
has a
curved slot 284 corresponding in shape and size to the curved portion 262 of
the
adapter 252. The curved slot 284 extends the length of the retainer to allow
for
unlimited positioning of the adapter 252 along the length of the retainer 250.
[172] To secure the first spring end of the coiled spring 30 to the retainer
250, the curved
portion 262 of the adapter 252 is placed into the curved slot 284 of the
retainer 250.
The curved slot 284 secures the adapter 252 and the first spring end of the
coiled
spring 30 to the retainer 250 and provides for a quick and easy assembly of
the
display system. The wall 254 provides additional stability in the connection
between
the retainer 250 and the adapter 252. Other methods, however, can be used to
secure
the adapter 252 and/or the first spring end of the coiled spring 30 to the
retainer 250.
[173] Alternatively, as depicted in FIGS. 33 and 44 the coiled spring 30 of
the pusher
paddle 287 can be mounted directly to the front of the tray 306. The first
spring end
290 of the coiled spring 30 is provided with a curved portion. The curved
portion
curves downwardly from the pusher floor 288 and is adapted to be received in a
recess 316 (shown in FIG. 33) defined by a lip 318 of the front surface of the
dispensing tray 306 and the retainer 250. A vertically oriented surface of the
retainer
250 and the lip 318 are spaced such that a gap is formed between the
vertically
oriented surface and a front edge of the lip 250. To secure the coiled spring
30 and
the pusher mechanism 286 to the assembly, the first spring end 290 is inserted
into the
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gap formed between the vertically oriented surface of the retainer 250 and the
front
edge of the lip 318 and placed into the recess 316 formed by the lip 318 of
the
dispensing tray 306 and the retainer 250.
[174] In another exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 38, 39, 48 and 49, the
coiled
spring 30 can be directly mounted to a divider 266. In addition, in this
exemplary
embodiment the coiled spring 30 can be mounted perpendicular to the pusher
floor
288 such that the axis, about which the coiled spring 30 is coiled, is
perpendicular to
the pusher floor 288. This orientation has the benefit of preventing the
pusher paddle
from tipping back. The first spring end 290 can be provided with an angled
portion
292 and a tip portion 296. In one exemplary embodiment, the angled portion 292
can
be bent perpendicular to the coiled spring body 294. The divider can be
provided
with a slot 298, which is adapted to receive the tip portion 296 of the first
spring end
290.
[175] To secure the coiled spring to the divider, the tip portion 296 is
inserted into the slot
298. Once the tip portion 296 is fully inserted into the slot 298, the angled
portion
292 engages the slot 298 so as to secure the first spring end 290 to the
divider 266.
[176] As depicted in FIG. 33, various pusher mechanism designs can be
implemented. The
pusher paddle 287 can be formed flat to accommodate correspondingly shaped
product. Alternatively, the pusher paddle 286 can have a curved first end and
a flat
second end. This serves to accommodate a variety of cylindrical products
having a
variety of different sized diameters and to facilitate the operation of the
pusher
mechanism 286. During operation, the product in the pusher mechanism 286 and
the
curved first end together force the pusher mechanism against the divider 266,
such
that the coil spring 30 remains flat against the divider 266 holding the first
spring end
290, while in tension or in operation. This allows for a smoother operation of
the
pusher mechanism and ensures that the product is properly dispensed as users
remove
the product from the system.
[177] In another exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 40-41D, the distance
between
the dividers 266 can be adjusted to accommodate different sized containers.
The
dividers 266 can be provided with connecting portions 272. The connecting
portions
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272 can be provided with a first elongated angled surface 268 and a second
elongated
angled surface 270. Additionally, the connecting portions 272 can be provided
with a
plurality of projections 274. As depicted in FIG. 41B, the rails can be formed
of teeth
278 having face surfaces 280 and flank surfaces 282.
[178] When assembled, as depicted in FIG. 41C, the connecting portions 272 are
received
between the teeth 278 of the rails. Additionally, the elongated angled
surfaces 268
and 270 and the projections 274 are wedged between the teeth 278. Also as
shown in
FIG. 41C, the elongated angled surfaces 268 and 270 engage the face surfaces
280,
and the projections 274 engage the lower surfaces of the teeth 278. Flank
surfaces
282 contact the connecting portion 272.
[179] In an exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 42, the trays 306 are
provided with
dovetail connections. A first side 308 of the trays 306 is provided with
tongues 312
adapted to fit within grooves 314 located on a second side 310 of the trays
306. To
connect the trays, the grooves 314 are aligned with tongues 312 such that the
tongues
312 are firmly secured within the grooves 314.
[180] In an exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 43, the trays 306 are
configured to
receive the retainer 250 at a front end. The retainer can be provided with
rectangular
holes 300, and the retainer is provided with correspondingly shaped and sized
projections 302. To secure the retainer 250 to the tray 306, the projections
302 fit into
holes 300 to lock the retainer into place on the tray 306.
[181] As depicted in FIGS. 45-47, after the product management display system
is
assembled, product is loaded into the system. By adjusting the dividers 266 a
wide
variety of product sizes and shapes can be loaded into the system. As shown in
FIGS.
46 and 47, the coil spring 30 in conjunction with the pusher paddle 287 push
the
product toward the retainer 250. As a user takes product out of the system,
the pusher
paddle 287 pushes the remaining product such that the product slides along the
floor
264 to the retainer 250. This assures that all product remains at the front of
the
display system.
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[182] As depicted in Figures 50-52, the product management display system 400
can be
arranged such that trays 402, 404 can be stacked on top of one another. This
embodiment can consist generally of a first tray 402, a second tray 404, a
first spacer
406, and a second spacer 408.
[183] The trays 402, 404 are each arranged to house product to be dispensed.
The first tray
402 and the second tray 404 can be each provided with a clear retainer 410, a
pusher
mechanism 412, first and second guiding walls, and a coil spring 414.
[184] The pusher mechanism 414 is arranged in a similar fashion as the
embodiments
discussed above, such that it slides product along the surface of the trays
402, 404,
while product is removed. Additionally, any of the alternative arrangements of
the
pusher mechanism discussed above may be implemented in a stackable tray
arrangement.
[185] To provide for an easy assembly and disassembly, the stackable product
management
display system can be provided with a dovetail connection or any other
suitable
connection, such as a snap-fit connection, screw-thread connection, or a rivet
connection. The first and second trays are provided with detents 416 for
assembling
the first and second spacers 406, 408 to the first and second trays 402, 404.
Each of
the first and second trays 402, 404 can be provided with sockets 418 on their
respective outside surfaces for receiving the correspondingly shaped detents
416
located on the first and second spacers 406, 408.
[186] To assemble the stackable product management display system, the detents
416
located on the first and second spacers 406, 408 are placed into the
correspondingly
shaped sockets 418 on the outside surfaces of the first and second trays 402,
404 in a
locking arrangement. This provides for a stackable arrangement that can be
implemented in conjunction with any of the embodiments discussed above.
[187] In another exemplary embodiment depicted in Figures 53-57, a pusher
paddle 500
may be mounted directly to a shelf 508 and held to the shelf by the end of the
coiled
spring 504. The pusher paddle 500 will slide along and on top of the surface
of the
shelf. One or more dividers 502 that define a T-shaped configuration may be
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positioned next to the pusher paddle 500. In an alternative aspect, the base
of the
divider 502 may be positioned on the shelf such that the base is located
underneath
the pusher paddle 500. With this configuration, the pusher paddle 500 may
slide
along the base of the divider. If the dividers 502 are positioned sufficiently
far away
from the paddle 500, the paddle 500 will slide directly on the surface of the
shelf 508.
The dividers 502 may define numerous configurations including those described
herein and may be secured to the shelf using any known technique, including
push
pins, rivets, fasteners, adhesives and the like.
[188] In one aspect, the end 510 of the coiled spring 504 is positioned within
a hole or
aperture 506 located on the shelf 508. The end 510 may define a spring tip
that may
further define any suitable configuration that permits the spring end to pass
into the
hole 506 and remain secured to the hole. For example, the spring tip of end
510 may
define a hook-shaped configuration that permits the end 510 to wrap around the
edges
of the hole 506. Alternatively, the spring tip may define one or more catches
that
hook onto the edges of the hole 506. Still other spring tip configurations are
possible.
[189] As shown in Figure 54, to further secure the spring 504 to the shelf
508, a fastener
512, pin, rivet or the like may be used. This fastener 512 will provide a
second
spaced-apart anchoring point for the spring that will hold the spring in the
desired
alignment during the full operation of the spring 504 as the paddle 500 moves
back
and forth on the shelf 508. It will be appreciated that depending on the shelf
type and
the number and spacing of existing holes on the shelf, even more anchoring
points are
possible.
[190] Referring to Figures 55-57, there is depicted an exemplary mounting
technique for
mounting the spring 504 of the paddle 500 onto a shelf. As shown in Figure 55,
the
end 510 of the spring 504 is inserted into the hole 506 on the shelf. The end
510 may
define a spring tip as described herein to hold the end 510 to the edges of
the hole
506. As shown in Figure 56, the spring 504, which in this embodiment includes
a
rivet or stud 514, is lowered onto the shelf such that the rivet or stud 514
fits within
another hole 506 located on the shelf. This rivet or stud provides another
anchoring
point for the spring. As shown in Figures 56 and 57, the spring 504 may define
an
aperture 516 for receiving yet another rivet or stud 518 to even further
secure the
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spring 504 to the shelf. With these multiple anchoring points, the spring 504
will be
secured to the shelf, and thus the paddle will be secured to the shelf. Also,
with these
multiple anchoring points, the spring will retain the desired alignment during
the full
operation of the spring as the paddle moves back and forth on the shelf. It
should be
understood that other anchoring techniques are possible to secure the end of
the spring
504 to the shelf, including any of the technique described herein, or any
combination
of the techniques described herein. It should be appreciated that if a shelf
does not
have pre-existing holes that could be used to anchor the spring 504, one or
more holes
could be drilled into the shelf at the desired locations.
[191] With the embodiment depicted in Fig. 53-57, it can be appreciated that a
trackless
pusher paddle may be retrofitted directly onto existing store shelves with
very
minimal effort or extra mounting pieces. Additionally, this embodiment is
easily
removable to permit the repositioning of the pusher paddle at any location on
the shelf
to accommodate any size and type of product being merchandised on the shelf.
One
of skill in the art will also appreciate that any of the pusher paddles
described herein
may be mounted directly to the shelf using the techniques described herein, or
by
using any combination of the techniques described herein.
[192] In an alternative embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 58, a display
management system is
comprised of one or more pushers 520, one or more dividers 550, and a front
rail 580.
The divider 550 and the front rail 580 can sit on a shelf. The pusher 520 can
include a
pusher face 522 and a pusher floor 524, as illustrated in FIG. 59. The pusher
face 522
can be divided into a non-adjustable portion 526 and pusher extender 528. The
non-
adjustable portion 526 and pusher extender 528 both may define a surface that
may be
used to contact product on the shelf. Both the non-adjustable portion 526 and
the
pusher extender 528 may define similar heights and depths. The pusher extender
528
can adjust from a position that is flush with and adjacent to the non-
adjustable portion
526, as shown in FIG. 59. The pusher extender 528 can be directed downward
toward
the pusher floor 524 as in FIG. 60. The pusher extender 528 can be adjusted to
a
variety of positions as shown in FIG. 60, including a position that is
parallel to the
pusher floor 524 and a position that is directed upward away from the pusher
floor
524 and a position that is directed downward toward the pusher floor 524. In
this
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manner, the width or the height of the pusher 520 can be effectively extended
for
wider or taller products.
[193] The pusher extender 528 can rotate about an axis on the upper portion of
the pusher
520. A notched wheel 532 (see FIG. 77) can be located behind the pusher
extender
528. The pusher extender 528 includes a protrusion (see, e.g. protrusion 530
in FIG.
77) that fits within the notches in the notched wheel 532. As the pusher
extender 528
rotates, about the axis, the protrusion rotates into the various spaces within
the
notches in the notched wheel 532, similar to a pawl and ratchet mechanism.
Each
notch represents a separate position for the pusher extender 528. In each
separate
position, the pusher extender 528 can remain stationary, such that a force is
required
to move the pusher extender 528 to a different position. In exemplary aspects
of the
embodiment, the pusher extender may rotate from a first position that is
adjacent to
the non-adjustable portion 526 to one of numerous second positions that may be
located within a range of approximately 180 degrees relative to the first
position. The
degree of adjustment may vary depending on the number, size and spacing of the
notches on the notched wheel. The pusher extender may define a lightener
aperture
through the wall of the pusher extender to reduce the weight of the pusher
extender
and to reduce the moment created around the axis of the pusher extender. The
pusher
extender may define a smooth or textured pusher face.
[194] Referring back to FIG. 59, a biasing element, such as a coiled spring
534, can be
maintained in a rear portion of the pusher 520. In an embodiment, the coiled
spring
534 can be positioned adjacent the non-adjustable portion 526 of the pusher
face 522.
The coiled spring 534 can extend across the pusher floor 524 as shown in FIG.
59. In
an embodiment, the pusher floor 524 can include a channel 536 in which the
coiled
spring 534 sits. The channel 536 allows for product to sit on the pusher floor
524
with limited contact with the spring. The weight of the product rests on the
pusher
floor 524 in this embodiment. The pusher floor 524 also can comprise a surface
with
no channel.
[195] In an example, a divider 550 can be comprised of a divider wall 552, a
floor 554 and a
barrier 556, as illustrated in FIG. 59. In an example, a divider 550 can
include no
barrier. In an example, a divider 550 can include no floor. The divider wall
552 can
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divide the divider floor 554 into two portions, 559 and 551 (see FIG. 78) with
one
portion on each side of the divider wall 552. The divider wall 552 also can
have a
divider floor 554 on only one side of the divider wall 552. As illustrated in
FIG. 77,
the divider wall 552 can extend perpendicularly from the divider floor 554.
The
divider floor 554 can be a planar surface. In an embodiment, the divider floor
554 can
include a channel within a portion of the divider floor 554. The coiled spring
534 can
extend across the divider floor 554. In an embodiment, the coiled spring 534
can
extend across the divider floor 554 within a channel in the divider floor 554.
In this
embodiment, product will not rest on the coiled spring 534 and instead will
rest on the
portions of the divider floor 554 that are adjacent the channel in the divider
floor 554.
In another embodiment, the divider floor 554 does not include a channel. In an
example, a single pusher 520 can be located on one portion of the divider
floor 554
and a second pusher (see FIG. 84F) can be located on a second portion of the
divider
floor 554. Thus, one divider 550 can contain two pushers 520, one on each side
of the
divider wall 552.
[196] The barrier 556 can be configured to restrain product that is being
pushed by the
pusher 520 and the biasing element contained therein. The barrier 556 can be
located
at the front of the divider wall 552, as illustrated in FIG. 59. The barrier
556 may also
be located at the rear of the divider wall to prevent overstocking of product
on the
shelf. As shown in FIGS. 59 and 77, the divider wall 552 can divide the
barrier 556
into two portions. The barrier 556 can be perpendicular to the front end of
the divider
wall 552. In an embodiment, the barrier 556, the divider wall 552 and the
divider
floor 554 are a single integrated device. These three elements can also be
integral
with each other. In an example, the barrier is separate from the divider. In
an
example, the barrier is not integral with or integrated with the divider. In
another
example, the barrier is configured to engage with the divider. In an example,
the
divider wall and the divider floor are separate devices from each other and
are not
integral with each other or part of a single integrated device. In an example,
the
divider wall and the divider floor are configured to engage with each other.
In further
examples, a barrier can be connected to the front rail 580 or comprise a
portion of the
front rail 580.
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[197] As illustrated in FIG. 61, an end 557 of a coiled spring 534 can be
positioned within
the barrier 556. The end 557 of the spring can be folded at an angle to the
remainder
of the spring. This angle can be 90 degrees or any other suitable angle that
may be
less than or greater than 90 degrees. The end 557 of the coiled spring can
then be
placed into a slot 558 within the barrier 556. Once in the slot 558, the end
of the
spring 557 will remain in place and will assist in biasing the pusher 520
toward the
barrier 556. An end 557 of the coiled spring 534 can include a plurality of
portions,
each with bends that place a subsequent portion of the end of the coiled
spring at an
angle to a previous portion of the coiled spring (not shown). The plurality of
bends
can engage a plurality of slots or apertures in the barrier 556 or other
connection point
on the divider 550 or front rail 580. The plurality of slots or apertures can
conform to
the shape of the plurality of bends in the end 557 of the coiled spring 534.
The coiled
spring 534 can include a catch (not shown) at one end. The catch in the coiled
spring
534 can be configured to prevent the coiled spring 534 from disengaging with
the
pusher 520, such as, for example, when the coiled spring 534 is extended.
[198] The pusher 520 may be connected to the divider 550 by only the coiled
spring 534.
The pusher 520 can sit on top of the divider floor 554 and can slide across
the divider
floor. The pusher 520 can be configured to rest entirely above the divider
floor 554 as
shown in FIG. 59 and not go below the divider floor 554. In this embodiment,
the
pusher 520 can be picked up off the divider floor 554 as shown in FIG. 62.
Gravity
and the weight of product sitting on the pusher floor 524 maintain the pusher
520 on
the divider floor 554. Product sitting on the coiled spring 534 also maintains
the
pusher 520 on the divider floor 554. The only integrated connection between
the
pusher and the divider can be the end of the coiled spring 557 that is
maintained
within a slot 558 in the barrier 556. The divider wall 552 may be used to
guide the
pusher 520 as the pusher 520 moves front to back, and vice versa, on the
divider floor
554.
[199] The divider 550 can define a groove 560 or other recess in an underside
portion of the
divider. This groove 560 or other recess can be in the shape of an upside down
"u" as
shown in FIG. 61 or can take another shape. The groove 560 or other recess can
extend across the full width of the underside portion of the divider 550. The
groove
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560, or other recess in an example, may extend along only a portion of the
width of
the underside portion of the divider. The groove 560 or other recess may be
used to
engage a front rail, front wall of a tray, or other structure. The term recess
as used
herein can mean a groove, slot, channel, indentation, depression or other
recess that
extends inwardly.
[200] The divider 550 also can define a plurality of teeth 562 or other
projection. The teeth
562 or other projection can be located at the front portion of the barrier
556. As
illustrated in an exemplary embodiment in FIG. 63, the teeth 562 may define a
series
of outwardly-extending, angled surfaces that meet or join at an apex. As used
herein,
the term teeth can mean any uniform, non-uniform, continuous, non-continuous,
evenly-spaced, or non-evenly-spaced outwardly-extending surfaces that may or
may
not be angled and that may or may not meet or join at an apex. Additionally,
the teeth
may define at an apex pointed, blunt, rounded, flat, or polygonal ends, or any
other
suitable shape. Also, the surfaces that define the shape of the teeth may be
flat,
convex, concave, smooth or textured, or any other suitable configuration. In
an
embodiment, the teeth 562 are placed on an extension from the front portion of
the
barrier 556. The divider 550 also can define a resilient tongue or tab 564.
The teeth
562 or other projection can be located on the resilient tab 564. When a force
is
applied to the resilient tab 564, the teeth 562 or other projection can move
in the
direction of the force. When the force is removed, the teeth or other
projection will
move back to their original position. The term projection as used herein can
mean a
protrusion, resilient tab, tongue, bump, tooth or plurality of teeth, ridge,
knob or other
projection that extends outwardly. A plurality of teeth can include a
plurality of
projections where the teeth extend outwardly and can include a plurality of
recesses
that extend inwardly between the portions of the plurality of teeth that
extend
outwardly.
[201] A front rail 580 can define a planar surface 582, a ridge or tongue 584
or other
projection or engaging member, a channel or groove 586 or other recess or
engaging
member and a plurality of teeth 588 or other engaging member. The ridge or
tongue
584 or other projection or engaging member of the front rail 580 can be
configured to
engage the groove 560 or other recess or engaging member of the divider. The
ridge
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584 or other projection or other engaging member can fit within the groove 560
or
other recess or engaging member and inhibit the divider 550 from moving in a
direction perpendicular to the ridge 584 or front rail 580 or at an angle
(i.e., out of
perpendicular) to the ridge 584 or front rail 580. The teeth 588 or other
engaging
member of the front rail 580 can be spaced apart. The teeth 588 or other
engaging
member of the front rail can engage the teeth 562 or other engaging member of
the
divider 550, which teeth 562 are illustrated in FIG. 63, so as to prevent the
divider
from moving in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580. The teeth
588 or other
engaging member of the front rail 580 are engaged with the teeth 562 or other
engaging member of the divider 550 and prevent the divider 550 from moving in
the
lateral direction shown by arrow "A" in FIG. 65. The term engaging member as
used
herein can mean a projection, recess, planar surface, near-planar surface, or
other item
of structure that can engage with another item of structure. The front rail
may be a
separate structure that is attached or coupled to a shelf. Alternatively, the
front rail
may be part of a tray that defines one or more of a front, back and opposing
side
walls. In this configuration, the front rail, as described herein, may be
formed as part
of a front or back wall of a tray and still achieve the objectives of the
invention. That
is, the front rail may be formed as part of the tray walls (or attached to the
tray walls)
and receive and engage the dividers and pusher mechanisms using any of the
various
techniques described herein. The front rail also need not be located in the
absolute
front of a shelf. The front rail can be located near the front of the shelf or
in a
location a distance back from the front of the shelf. In an example, the front
rail can
be located at or near the rear of the shelf, away from the front of the
merchandise
display system. The front of the shelf can include no rail in an example.
[202] When the resilient tab 564 of the divider 550 is pressed or a force is
placed on the
resilient tab in a direction away from the teeth 588 in the front rail 580,
the teeth 562
of the divider can become disengaged with the teeth 588 on the front rail.
When the
teeth 588 on the front rail and the teeth 562 on the resilient tab 564 on the
divider 550
are disengaged, the divider 550 can be moved in a lateral direction to the
teeth 588 in
the front rail 580 (i.e., the direction shown by arrow "A" in FIG. 65).
Through the use
of this resilient tab 564, products contained on the merchandise system 10 can
be
replanogrammed. When the divider 550 is moved in a lateral direction, the
divider
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need not be rotated. Instead, the divider 550 remains in a plane parallel to
the planar
surface 582 of the front rail 580. In addition, the divider 550 need not be
lifted. The
divider 550 can simply be moved in the direction noted by arrow "A" in FIG.
65.
[203] In an example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580
and at least one
divider 550 configured to engage the front rail 580. The at least one divider
550
includes a barrier 556 and the at least one divider 550 further includes a
divider wall
552. The at least one divider also includes a divider floor 554 perpendicular
to the
divider wall 552, wherein the divider floor 554 is configured to hold product.
The
merchandise display system also includes a cam 720 coupled to the divider 550,
wherein the cam 720 is configured to move between a first position and a
second
position. The at least one divider 550 is (a) movable in a lateral direction
parallel to
the front rail 580 and (b) secured in a direction perpendicular to the front
rail 580
when the at least one divider 550 is engaged with the front rail 580 and the
cam 720 is
in the first position. The at least one divider 550 is (a) fixed in the
lateral direction
parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) secured in the direction perpendicular
to the front
rail 580 when the at least one divider 550 is engaged with the front rail 580
and the
cam 720 is in the second position.
[204] In an example the cam 720 includes a handle to rotate the cam 720
between the first
position and the second position. In another example, the cam 720 can include
a
handle that allows the cam 720 to slide between a first position and a second
position
(not shown). The cam 720 also can include one or more cam walls configured to
engage one or more groove walls in the front rail 580 when the cam 720 is in
the
second position. The cam 720 also can include a plurality of cam teeth
configured to
engage a plurality of front rail teeth on a surface of the front rail 580 when
the cam
720 is in the second position. The front rail teeth can be on an inner surface
of the
front rail 580. The merchandise display system also can include a pusher
mechanism
having a pusher surface, a pusher floor extending forwardly from the pusher
surface,
and a coiled spring having a coiled end and a free end. The coiled end of the
spring
can be positioned behind the pusher surface and the pusher mechanism can be
attached to the merchandise display system only by the coiled spring. The
barrier can
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be configured to receive the free end of the coiled spring. The front rail can
define a
front rail groove and the divider can define a divider ridge configured to
engage the
front rail groove.
[205] In an example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580
and a plurality
of dividers 550 configured to attach to the front rail 580 and separate
product into
rows. Each of the plurality of dividers 550 includes a divider wall 552
extending in a
direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, a divider floor 554
perpendicular to the
divider wall 552, wherein the divider floor 554 is configured to hold product,
and a
cam 720 coupled to the divider 550, wherein the cam 720 is configured to move
between a first position and a second position. Each of the plurality of
dividers 550 is
(a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b)
secured in a
direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when each of the plurality of
dividers 550
is engaged with the front rail 580 and the cam 720 for each of the plurality
of dividers
550 is in the first position. In addition, each of the plurality of dividers
550 is (a)
fixed in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) secured
in the
direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when each of the plurality of
dividers 550
is engaged with the front rail 580 and the cam 720 for each of the plurality
of dividers
550 is in the second position.
[206] In an example, each of the plurality of dividers 550 is configured to
move in the
lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when product is positioned on
the divider
floor 554. A force on an outermost divider of the plurality of dividers 550
can cause
each of the plurality of dividers 550 to move in the lateral direction
parallel to the
front rail 580 when the cams 720 for each of the plurality of dividers 550 is
in the first
position, and wherein the force is in a direction parallel to the front rail
580 and
perpendicular to the divider wall 552 of the outermost divider.
[207] In an example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580
and at least one
divider 550 configured to attach to the front rail 580, the at least one
divider 550
including a barrier, a divider wall 552 extending in a direction perpendicular
to the
front rail, a divider floor 554 perpendicular to the divider wall 552, wherein
the
divider wall 552 separates the divider floor 554 into a first portion and a
second
portion and each of the first portion and the second portion are configured to
hold
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product. The merchandise display system also includes a first pusher mechanism
configured to slide along at least part of the first portion, a second pusher
mechanism
configured to slide along at least part of the second portion, and a cam 720
coupled to
the at least one divider 550, the cam 720 configured to move between a first
position
and a second position. The at least one divider 550 is movable in a lateral
direction
parallel to and along the front rail 580 when the cam 720 is in the first
position, and
the at least one divider 550 resists movement in the lateral direction
parallel to and
along the front rail 580 when the cam is in the second position.
[208] In an example, each of the first and second pusher mechanisms of the
merchandise
display system include a pusher surface, a pusher floor extending forwardly
from the
pusher surface, and a coiled spring having a coiled end and a free end,
wherein the
coiled end is positioned behind the pusher surface. The first and second
pusher
mechanisms are attached to the merchandise display system only by the coiled
spring.
The at least one divider can define a divider engaging member and the at least
one
front rail can define a front rail engaging member, and the divider engaging
member
can be configured to engage the front rail engaging member. The divider
engaging
member can define divider teeth on at least one surface of the divider
engaging
member and the front rail engaging member can define front rail teeth on at
least one
surface of the front rail engaging member. The divider teeth can be configured
to
engage the front rail teeth.
[209] In an example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580
and at least one
divider 550 configured to attach to the front rail 580, the at least one
divider 550
including a barrier configured to engage the front rail 580, a divider wall
552
extending in a direction perpendicular to front rail 580, a divider floor 554
perpendicular to the divider wall 552, wherein the divider floor 554 is
configured to
hold product. The display system also can include a resilient tab coupled to
the
divider 550, the resilient tab configured to move between a first position and
a second
position. The at least one divider 550 is fixed in a lateral direction
parallel to the front
rail 580 when the resilient tab is in the first position. The at least one
divider 550 is
movable in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the
resilient tab is in
the second position.
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[210] In an example, the divider 550 includes a plurality of teeth configured
to engage the
front rail 580. The divider teeth can be configured to engage corresponding
teeth on
the front rail 580. The divider teeth of the merchandise display system can be
configured to engage a resilient surface on the front rail 580.
[211] In an example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580,
the front rail
580 comprising at least one first projection and at least one first recess,
and at least
one divider 550 configured to attach to the front rail 580, the at least one
divider 550
comprising a divider wall 552 and a divider floor 554 perpendicular to the
divider
wall 552, the at least one divider 550 further comprising at least one second
recess
and at least one second projection, the at least one second projection of the
divider550
configured to move between a first position and a second position, The at
least one
divider 550 is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail
580 and (b)
secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the at least
one first
projection of the front rail 580 is engaged with the at least one second
recess of the
divider 550 and the at least one second projection of the divider 550 is in
the first
position. The at least one divider 550 (a) resists movement in the lateral
direction
parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) is secured in a direction perpendicular
to the front
rail 580 when the at least one first projection of the front rail is engaged
with the at
least one second recess of the divider 550 and the at least one second
projection of the
divider 550 is in the second position.
[212] In an example, the at least one second projection of the divider 550 can
comprise a
cam 720. The at least one first recess of the front rail 580 can comprise a
groove.
The at least one second projection of the divider 550 can include a resilient
tab. The
at least one first projection of the front rail 580 can comprise a tongue. The
at least
one first projection of the front rail 580 can comprise a plurality of teeth.
The at least
one second projection of the divider 550 can comprise a tongue. The at least
one
second projection of the divider 550 can include a plurality of teeth. The
merchandise
display system also can include a plurality of teeth on the at least one first
projection
of the front rail 580 and a plurality of teeth on the at least one second
recess of the
divider 550.
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[213] In an example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580,
the front rail
580 including at least one first projection and at least one second
projection, the at
least one second projection of the front rail 580 configured to move between a
first
position and a second position. The merchandise display system also includes
at least
one divider 550 configured to attach to the front rail 580, the at least one
divider 550
comprising a divider wall 552 and a divider floor 554 perpendicular to the
divider
wall 552, the at least one divider 550 further comprising at least one recess.
The at
least one divider 550 is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the
front rail 580
and (b) secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the at
least one
first projection of the front rail 580 is engaged with the at least one recess
of the
divider 550 and the at least one second projection of the front rail 580 is in
the first
position. The at least one divider 550 is (a) fixed in the lateral direction
parallel to the
front rail 580 and (b) secured in the direction perpendicular to the front
rail 580 when
the at least one first projection of the front rail 580 is engaged with the at
least one
recess of the divider 550 and the at least one second projection of the front
rail 580 is
in the second position.
[214] In an example, the at least one first projection of the front rail 580
can comprise a
tongue and the at least one recess of the divider 550 can comprise a groove.
[215] In an example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580,
the front rail
580 comprising a first projection and a second projection. The merchandise
display
system also includes at least one divider 550 configured to attach to the
front rail 580,
the at least one divider 550 comprising a divider wall 552 and a divider floor
554
perpendicular to the divider wall 552, the at least one divider 550 further
comprising a
recess and a third projection. The at least one of the second projection or
the third
projection is a movable projection that is movable between a first position
and a
second position. The at least one divider 550 is (a) movable in a lateral
direction
parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) secured in a direction perpendicular to
the front
rail 580 when the first projection of the front rail 580 is engaged with the
recess of the
divider 550 and the movable projection is in the first position. The at least
one
divider 550 is (a) fixed in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail
580 and (b)
secured in the direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the first
projection of
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the front rail 580 is engaged with the recess of the divider 550 and the
movable
projection is in the second position.
[216] In an example, the movable projection of the merchandise display system
can be a
cam 720 or a resilient tab. The first projection of the front rail 580 can be
a tongue
and the recess of the divider 550 can be a groove.
[217] In an example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580,
the front rail
580 comprising at least a first engaging member. The merchandise display
system
also includes at least one divider 550 configured to attach to the front rail
580, the at
least one divider 550 comprising a divider wall 552 and a divider floor 554
perpendicular to the divider wall, the at least one divider 550 further
comprising at
least a second engaging member. The merchandise display system also includes a
third engaging member configured to move between a first position and a second
position. The at least one divider 550 is (a) movable in a lateral direction
parallel to
the front rail 580 and (b) secured in a direction perpendicular to the front
rail 580
when the first engaging member of the front rail 580 is engaged with the
second
engaging member of the divider 550 and the third engaging member is in the
first
position. The at least one divider 550 is (a) fixed in the lateral direction
parallel to the
front rail and (b) secured in the direction perpendicular to the front rail
580 when the
first engaging member of the front rail 580 is engaged with the second
engaging
member of the divider 550 and the third engaging member is in the second
position.
In an example, when the first engaging member of the front rail 580 is engaged
with
the second engaging member of the divider 550 and the third engaging member is
in
the first position, the at least one divider 550 is movable in the plane of a
shelf (such
as shelf 596 shown in FIGS 70 and 71) only in the lateral direction parallel
to the
front rail 580; the at least one divider 550 is fixed in the plane of the
shelf in all
directions other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580; the at
least one divider
550 may not twist, splay of fish tail in the plane of the shelf; the at least
one divider
550 remains perpendicular to the front rail 580.
[218] In an example, the third engaging member can be a portion of the front
rail 580 or a
portion of the divider 550. In an example, the third engaging member can
comprise a
cam 720 or an engaging surface. In an example, the first engaging member of
the
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front rail 580 is a projection. The merchandise display system also can
include a
pusher mechanism 520 having a pusher surface 528, a pusher floor 524 extending
forwardly from the pusher surface 528, and a coiled spring 534 having a coiled
end
and a free end. The coiled end can be positioned behind the pusher surface 528
and
the pusher mechanism 520 is attached to the merchandise display system only by
the
coiled spring 534. The merchandise display system also can include a barrier
that is
configured to receive the free end of the coiled spring 534.
[219] In an example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580
and at least one
divider 550 configured to engage the front rail 580, the at least one divider
550
including a barrier 556, the at least one divider further including a divider
wall 554,
the at least one divider further including a divider floor 552 perpendicular
to the
divider wall 554, wherein the divider floor 552 is configured to hold product.
The
merchandise display system also includes a cam 720 coupled to the divider 550,
wherein the cam 720 is configured to move between a first position and a
second
position. The at least one divider 550 can be secured in a direction
perpendicular to
the front rail 580 when the at least one divider 550 is engaged with the front
rail 580.
The cam 720 can inhibit movement of the at least one divider 550 in the
lateral
direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the cam 720 is in the first
position. The
cam 720 can allow movement of the divider 550 in the lateral direction
parallel to the
front rail 580 when the cam 720 is in the second position. The merchandise
display
system can include a handle to rotate the cam 720 between the first position
and the
second position. The merchandise display system can include a handle to slide
the
cam 720 between the first position and the second position (not shown).
[220] Figures 67A-C show an example of a step by step approach to placement of
a divider
into a front rail. To begin, as illustrated in FIG. 67A, the divider 550 is
lowered into
the channel 586 defined by the front rail 580. The force of lowering the
divider 550
into the channel 586 causes the teeth 562 on the divider 550 to contact the
top of the
front rail 580 and move in a direction toward the divider 550 and away from
the front
rail 580, as illustrated in FIG. 67B. The teeth 562 on the divider 550 may be
ramped
teeth as shown in FIG. 63. The front rail 580 includes recesses 589, as
illustrated in
FIG. 64, that are shaped to engage the teeth 562 on the divider 550. These
recesses
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589 are spaced by the teeth 588 present on the front rail 580. When the
divider 550 is
lowered further into the channel 586 on the front rail 580, as illustrated in
FIG. 67C,
the teeth 564 of the divider 550 move past the top of the front rail 580 and
move into
the recesses 589 in the front rail 580. When the teeth 564 on the divider 550
are in the
recesses 589 in the front rail 580, the divider 550 is in an engaged position
and will
not move in a lateral direction under a normal amount of force.
[221] In an example, FIGS. 68A-C show a step by step approach to placement of
a divider
in a front rail in another embodiment. In the initial step, as illustrated in
FIG. 68A,
the resilient tongue or tab 564 is manually pushed backward causing the teeth
562 on
the tab 564 to move backward toward the divider 550. An axle style pivot
allows for
the resilient tongue or tab 564 to remain in the pushed back position and
allows the
teeth 562 to remain in the position toward the divider 550. The divider 550 is
then
placed in contact with the front rail 580, as illustrated in FIG. 68B. The
groove 560 of
the divider 550 engages the ridge or tongue 584 of the front rail 580. At this
point the
divider 550 can be moved in a lateral direction along the front rail and can
allow for
ease of replanogramming. However, the divider 550 is secured in a direction
perpendicular to the front rail 580 (i.e., parallel to the divider 550) and
cannot be
moved in this direction, other than for an insignificantly small amount of
play
between the grove 560 of the divider 550 and the ridge or tongue 584 of front
rail 580.
(The direction perpendicular to the front rail is noted by arrow "B" in FIG
86H.) This
insignificantly small amount of play may not be noticeable to a user of the
system.
While the divider 550 is in contact with the front rail 580 and the groove 560
of the
divider 550 engages the ridge or tongue 584 of the front rail 580, as
illustrated in FIG
68B, the divider 550 can move in the plane of the shelf (the shelf is noted as
596 in
FIGS 70 and 71) only in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580
(i.e., the
direction noted by arrow "A" in FIG 65). The divider is fixed and immovable in
the
plane of the shelf under normal operating forces in all other directions other
than the
direction parallel to the front rail 580. The divider cannot twist, splay,
fish tail or
otherwise move in the plane of the shelf in a direction other than the
direction parallel
to the front rail 580. The divider 550 may, however, be able to move in a
direction
out of the plane of the shelf, such as the direction noted by arrow "C" in FIG
87B.
The divider 550, with or without product on the divider floor 554, can be slid
in the
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direction previously noted by arrow "A" in FIG. 65, without requiring that the
divider
550 be lifted up. In the final step, as illustrated in FIG. 68C, the resilient
tongue or
tab 564 is manually pulled forward away from the divider 550. This movement
causes the teeth 562 on the front divider 550 to fit within recesses 589 in
the front rail
580. The recesses 589 in the front rail 580 are spaced by teeth 588 in the
front rail.
When the teeth 562 of the divider 550 are in contact with the recesses 589 and
teeth
588 in the front rail 580, the divider 550 is engaged and cannot move in a
lateral
direction under a normal amount of force.
[222] In another example, the resilient tongue or tab does not include an axle
style pivot that
allows for the resilient tongue or tab 564 to remain in the pushed back
position.
Instead, the resilient tongue or tab 564 is biased toward the front rail 580
and away
from the divider 550 such that the tongue or tab 564 automatically returns to
its
resting position and may engage the front rail 580 when the force manually
pushing
the resilient tongue or tab 564 backward is removed.
[223] In an example, a divider 550 is placed in contact with a front rail 580.
An engaging
member of the front rail 580 engages with an engaging member of the divider
550,
which secures the divider in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580
(the
direction noted by arrow "B" in FIG 86H) and renders the divider 550 immovable
in a
direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, other than for an
insignificantly small
amount of play or space between the engaging members that may not be
noticeable to
a user. The divider 550 also is secured in the plane of the shelf in all
directions other
than the direction parallel to the front rail 580 (the direction noted by
arrow "A" in
FIG 65). The divider 550 can move in the plane of the shelf only in the
direction
parallel to the front rail 580. The divider 550 is fixed, under normal
operating forces
and conditions, in the plane of the shelf in a direction other than the
direction parallel
to the front rail 580. The divider, however, may be movable in a direction out
of the
plane of the shelf, such as a direction noted by arrow "C" in FIG 87B. When
the
divider is "secured" in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, this
means that
the divider 550 is immovable, under normal operating forces and conditions, in
a
direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, other than for an
insignificantly small
amount of play or space between the engaging members that may not be
noticeable to
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a user. The direction perpendicular to the front rail is noted by arrow "B" in
FIG
86H. A second engaging member of the front rail 580 or the divider 550 is in a
first
position and the divider is moved laterally, parallel to the front rail. The
second
engaging member is then moved to a second position, which makes the divider
550
fixed in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 (the direction
noted by arrow
"A" in FIG 65) under normal operating conditions and forces. When the divider
550
is "fixed" in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580, the divider
550 will not
move in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 under normal
operating
conditions and forces.
[224] In an example, a plurality of dividers 550 can be moved as a group
parallel to the
front rail 580 while remaining secured to the front rail 580 in a direction
perpendicular to the front rail (the direction noted by arrow "B" in FIG 86H).
Each of
a plurality of dividers 550 can be placed in contact with a front rail 580. An
engaging
member or a plurality of engaging members of the front rail 580 engage(s) with
an
engaging member on each of the plurality of dividers 550, which secures each
of the
plurality of dividers 550 in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580
(the direction
noted by arrow "B" in FIG 86H) and renders each of the plurality of dividers
550
immovable in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, other than for
an
insignificantly small amount of play or space between the engaging members
that
may not be noticeable to a user. A second engaging member (or a plurality of
second
engaging members) of the front rail 580 or each of the dividers 550 is in a
first
position, which allows the plurality of dividers 550 to be moved laterally,
parallel to
the front rail 580. The plurality of dividers 550 can form rows between the
dividers
550 that are configured for holding product. Product can be placed between two
of
the plurality of dividers 550 as shown in FIGS 45-47. A force can be applied
to a first
divider in the direction parallel to the front rail 580. This force can move
the first
divider in the direction parallel to the front rail 580 and cause the divider
550 to
contact a product adjacent the first divider 550. (Product is shown in FIGS 45-
47 as
cans or cartons and can take other shapes.) The divider 550 then can force the
product to move in the same direction as the first divider 550, i.e., parallel
to the front
rail 580. The force can move the product to come in contact with a second
divider
550 adjacent the product. The product can then force the second divider 550 to
move
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in in the same direction as the first divider 550 and the product, i.e.,
parallel to the
front rail 580. The second divider can then force a second product adjacent
the
second divider 550 to move in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. The
second
product can force a third divider 550 adjacent the second product to move in a
direction parallel to the front rail 580. In this manner, a series of dividers
550 and
products all can be moved in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 with a
single
force acting on only one of the dividers 550 or products in a direction
parallel to the
front 580. When the second engaging member or members on the front rail 580 or
one of the plurality of dividers 550 is moved to a second position, which
makes the
divider 550 fixed in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 under
normal
operating conditions and forces, the divider 550 cannot move in the direction
parallel
to the front rail 580 and the divider 550 will not force other dividers 550 or
products
to move in a direction parallel to the front rail 580.
[225] In an example, when the second engaging member is moved to a second
position, the
second engaging member inhibits movement of the divider 550 in a lateral
direction
parallel to the front rail 580. Under a force equal to or less than a
predefined amount
of force, the second engaging member prevents the divider 550 from moving in a
lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580. When an amount of force
above the
predefined amount of force is applied to the divider 550 in the lateral
direction
parallel to the front rail 580, the divider 550 can move in the lateral
direction parallel
to the front rail 580.
[226] In an embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 66, the thickness of the divider
floor 554
varies. The thickness of a front portion of the divider floor 554 where it is
adjacent
the planar surface 582 of the front rail is less than the thickness of a rear
portion of the
divider floor 554 further back, where it is not adjacent the planar surface
582 of the
front rail. As shown in FIG. 67, the portion of divider floor 554A is thinner
than the
portion of divider floor 554B. In an example, the thickness of the front
portion of the
divider floor adjacent the planar surface 582 of a front rail 580 is at least
25% less
than the thickness of a rear portion of the divider floor 554 that is non-
adjacent the
planar surface 582 of the front rail 580.
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[227] An embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 69A and 69B, includes rail
mounting clips
590 for the front rail 580. As illustrated in FIG. 69B, the front rail 580
includes an
aperture 592. This aperture 592 can be coordinated to be placed over apertures
595
on a shelf 596 in a retail environment as shown in FIG. 70. The rail mounting
clips
590 can be curved. The rail mounting clips 590 also contain a narrow portion
594 at
one end of the rail mounting clips 590. The rail mounting clips 590 can be
inserted
into the wider, round portion of the aperture 592 in the front rail 580 and
into
apertures 595 on the shelf 596 in the retail environment as shown in FIG. 71.
The rail
mounting clips 590 can then be shifted laterally to a narrower portion within
the
aperture 592 in the front rail 580. By shifting the rail mounting clips 590,
the wider
round portion of the rail mounting clips 590 will engage the narrower portion
of the
aperture 592 in the front rail and will be locked into place. The rail
mounting clips
590 thereby hold the front rail 580 in place and prevent the front rail 580
from
movement in the lateral direction. If it is known prior to shipping that a
store shelf
will have holes, the rail mounting clips 590 can be inserted and locked into
the front
rail 580 in advance of shipping. Inserting the rail mounting clips 590 in
advance of
shipping can add to ease of installation of the merchandise system in the
store
environment.
[228] In at least one embodiment, the height of the divider wall 552 may be
greater than the
height of the barrier 556, as shown in Figs 72 and 73. FIG. 74 further
displays the
end 557 of the coiled spring 534 maintained within the barrier 556. The end
557 of
the spring 534 is bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the
remainder of the
spring body 534. The end 557 is placed within a slot 558 maintained within the
barrier 556.
[229] In an embodiment, the divider 550 contains teeth 600, as illustrated in
FIGS. 72 and
73. These teeth can be molded to be integral with the divider 550. The teeth
600 are
not maintained on a resilient tab or tongue as in other embodiments. The teeth
600
are spaced apart from each other. A plurality of teeth 600 can be placed on
the
divider 550 at the bottom of a front portion of the divider 550 and in front
of the
barrier 556.
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[230] As illustrated in FIG. 75, a front rail 610 can include a plurality of
teeth 612. The
teeth 612 in the front rail 610 can be designed to releasably engage the teeth
600 of
the divider 550 through use of a cam bar 622 in the front rail 610 and camming
action,
as illustrated in FIG. 76. The front rail 610 also includes a planar surface
614 that is
substantially flat or planar and a tongue or ridge 616 that is substantially
perpendicular to the planar surface 614, as illustrated in FIG. 75. The front
rail 610
further includes a cam bar lever 618 that moves the cam bar 622 within the
front rail
610, as shown in FIGS. 76A and 76B. In FIG. 76A, the cam bar lever 618 is in a
first
position in which the teeth 612 of the front rail 610 are withdrawn into the
front rail
610 away from the divider. In FIG. 76B, the cam bar lever 618 is in a second
position
in which the teeth 612 of the front rail 610 are extended toward the divider
550.
[231] FIG. 77 shows an exploded view of several aspects of an embodiment.
Front rail 610
is shown to include an extruded shell 620, a cam bar 622 and a tooth bar 624.
The
tooth bar 624 contains a plurality of teeth 612. The extruded shell 620
includes a cam
area 626 designed to house the cam bar 622 and the tooth bar 624. The cam bar
622
is located on the base of the front rail 610 adjacent to the extruded shell
620. The cam
bar 624 is in contact with the cam bar lever 618. The cam bar lever 618 can
operate
to move the cam bar 622 back and forth in a lateral direction. The cam bar 622
further includes elongated cam reservoirs 628. The cam reservoirs 628 are
diagonal
with a front end of the cam reservoir 628 closer to the front end of the front
rail 610
and a rear end of the reservoir 628 further back from the front end of the
front rail
610.
[232] The tooth bar 624 may include cam studs 630. The tooth bar cam studs 630
are
placed within the cam bar reservoirs 628 during operation of the front rail
610. When
the cam bar 622 and the cam bar reservoirs 628 move laterally, the tooth bar
cam
studs 630 move in a perpendicular direction to the movement of the cam bar
622. The
tooth bar cam studs 630 move toward the front of the front rail 610 (and away
from
the teeth 600 of the divider) and away from the front of the front rail 610
(and toward
the teeth 600 of the divider) as the cam bar 622 moves laterally back and
forth within
the cam area 626. As the tooth bar cam studs 630 move, the tooth bar 624 also
moves. Thus, when the cam bar lever 618 is moved from a first position to a
second
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position, it moves the cam bar 622 laterally along the inside of the front
rail 610. This
lateral movement of the cam bar 622 causes the tooth bar 624 and the teeth 612
thereon to move in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the cam bar
622; that
is, the tooth bar 624 moves in a direction toward or away from the front of
the front
rail 610 and toward or away from the teeth 600 on the divider 550. FIG. 78
shows a
rear exploded view of several aspects of the embodiment shown in FIG. 77
[233] FIGS. 79A-C show an example of a step by step guide to placement of the
divider 550
into the front rail 610. The divider 550 including teeth 600 on the divider is
lowered
into the channel 640 of the front rail 610, as illustrated in FIG. 79A. The
tooth bar
624 initially is in a position closer to the front of the front rail 610 and
the teeth 612 of
the tooth bar 624 are not engaged with the teeth 600 of the divider 550. The
cam bar
lever 618 is in a first position which maintains the teeth 612 of the tooth
bar 624 out
of engagement with the divider teeth 600, as illustrated in FIG. 79B. In this
position,
the divider 550 can be moved laterally along the ridge or tongue 616 of the
front rail
610. The divider 550 can have product sit on the divider floor 554 as the
divider 550
is moved laterally along the front rail in the direction shown in FIG. 77 by
arrow "A".
. The ridge 584 or other projection in the front rail 580 can engage the
groove 560 or
other recess in the divider 550 to secure the divider 550 and prevent the
divider from
movement in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, other than for an
insignificantly small amount of play (e.g., less than 3 mm) between the ridge
584 and
the groove 560, under normal operating conditions and forces. The cam bar
lever 618
is then moved from a first position to second position. The movement of the
cam bar
lever 618 causes the cam bar 622 to move in a lateral direction within the
extruded
shell 620. The movement of the cam bar 622 includes movement of the diagonal
cam
bar reservoirs 628 in the lateral direction. Movement of the cam bar
reservoirs 628 in
turn causes the tooth bar cam studs 630 to move in a direction perpendicular
to the
direction of the cam bar 622 and in a direction toward the teeth 600 of the
divider 550,
as illustrated in FIG. 79C. The tooth bar cam studs 630 are coupled to and may
be
integral with the tooth bar 624. Accordingly, movement of the tooth bar cam
studs
630 causes the tooth bar 624 and the teeth 612 contained therein to move
toward the
teeth 600 of the divider. This movement causes the teeth 612 of the tooth bar
624 to
become engaged with the teeth 600 of the divider. When the teeth 612 of the
tooth
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bar are engaged with the teeth 600 of the divider, the divider 550 is
releasably
engaged and will not move in a lateral direction shown by arrow "A" in FIG. 77
under
not ________ nal operating forces and conditions.
[234] The tooth bar 624 is fixed on its ends such that the tooth bar 624 can
only move in a
direction that is toward or away from the teeth 600 of the divider. The tooth
bar 624
cannot move in a lateral direction shown in FIG. 77 by arrow "A". The cam bar
622
operates in the opposite manner. The cam bar 622 is fixed such that the cam
bar 622
can only move in a lateral direction shown in FIG. 77 by arrow "A". The cam
bar
cannot move toward or away from the teeth 600 on the divider
[235] FIG. 80 provides an isometric view of aspects of an embodiment. When the
teeth
612 of the tooth bar 624 are engaged with the teeth 600 of the divider, the
entire
merchandise system 10 is locked. The front rail 610 and the divider 550 are
releasably engaged with each other and will not move relative to each other.
In
addition, the pusher 520 is engaged with the divider 550. In this position,
the entire
merchandise system 10 can be moved. The merchandise system 10 can be set up in
a
remote location according to a particular planogram and then locked. The
merchandise system 10 can then be shipped to the store location. At the store
location
the merchandise system 10 can be removed from the shipping container and
placed on
the shelf like a mat. The planogramming of the dividers 550 will remain intact
while
the merchandise system 10 is locked.
[236] In an example, a display system is assembled in a remote location away
from a shelf
and then moved as a unit to the shelf and secured to the shelf. A plurality of
dividers
550 are engaged with a front rail 580 in a manner in which they are secured
and will
not significantly move in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580. The
plurality
of dividers 550 are adjusted laterally parallel to the front rail 580
according to a pre-
panned planogram or other arrangement. The plurality of dividers 550 include
engaging members and the front rail 580 includes engaging members. The
engaging
members on the plurality of dividers 550 ancUor the engaging members on the
front
rail 580 are adjusted from a first position to second position to fix the
plurality of
dividers 550 to the front rail 580 such that the plurality of dividers cannot
move in any
direction in relation to the front rail 580. The front rail 580 and the
plurality of
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dividers 550 are then moved as a unit to the shelf. The front rail 580 then is
secured
to the shelf.
[237] To alter the planogramming of the merchandise system at the store
location, the
dividers 550 and the product need not be removed from the shelf. The cam bar
lever
618 or other engaging member for each of the dividers 550 can be moved to its
initial
position. By moving the cam bar lever 618 or other engaging member to its
initial
position, the teeth 612 of the tooth bar 624 release from the teeth 600 of the
divider
(or one engaging member disengages from another engaging member). In this
position, the dividers 550 can be moved laterally in the direction denoted by
arrow
"A" in FIG. 80. Product can remain in place on the divider floors 554 and the
pusher
floors 524 while the dividers 550 are being moved. Once the dividers 550 have
been
moved to the new planogram position, the cam bar lever 618 or other engaging
member for each of the dividers 550 can be moved to its second position. The
teeth
612 of the tooth bar 622 will then engage the teeth 600 of the divider 550 (or
one
engaging member will engage with another engaging member) and again cause the
merchandise system 10 to become locked.
[238] In an example, operation of the camming action is further shown in FIGS.
81A and
81B. FIG. 81A shows the teeth 600 of the divider not engaged with the teeth
612 of
the tooth bar 624. In the embodiment, the cam bar 622 is adjacent the front
wall of
the front rail 610. In FIG. 81B, the cam bar lever 618 has been moved to the
second
position, the cam bar 622 has moved laterally and the tooth bar cam studs 630
have
moved toward the divider 550. The teeth 612 of the tooth bar 624 also have
moved
toward the divider 550 and have engaged the divider teeth 600.
[239] In an embodiment, a soft rubber pad can be utilized in place of the
teeth 612 on tooth
bar 624 and can function as an engaging member. In this embodiment, when the
tooth bar 624 is adjacent the front portion of the front rail 610, the soft
rubber pad and
the divider teeth 600 are not in contact with each other. When the cam bar
lever 618
is moved to its second position and the cam bar 622 moves the tooth bar 624 in
the
direction of the divider teeth 600, the divider teeth 600 come into contact
with and
thereby engage the soft rubber pad. This contact provides resistive
interference and
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maintains the divider teeth 600 in place and prevents the divider 550 from
lateral
movement in the direct noted in FIG. 77 by arrow "A".
[240] In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 82A-C, the divider 550 is held
in place in
contact with the front rail 580 through use of a clamp. FIG. 82A-C show a step
by
step process for insertion of the divider 550 into the front rail 580.
Initially, as
illustrated in FIG. 82A, the divider 550 is lowered into a channel 640 formed
in the
front rail 580 (or 610). In addition, a ridge or tongue 644 in the front rail
580 contacts
a channel 645 in the divider 550. The divider 550 includes a bump or outwardly
extending ridge 650 at a front portion of the divider 550. A clamp 652 on the
front
rail 580 is rotated to engage the bump 650 of the divider 550. The clamp 652
snaps
over the bump 650 and locks the bump 650 and the divider 550 into place. Once
releasably engaged, the divider 550 cannot move in the lateral direction noted
in FIG.
80 by arrow "A". To move the divider 550, the clamp 652 must be pulled to
unsnap
the clamp 652 from the divider bump 650.
[241] In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 83A-C, the divider 550 is held
in place in
contact with the front rail 580 through use of a rotating rod 660 that
includes teeth.
FIGS. 83A-C show a step by step process for insertion of the divider 550 into
the
front rail 580. Initially, as illustrated in FIG. 83A, the divider 550 is
lowered into a
channel 640 formed in the front rail 580. The front rail 580 includes a
rotating rod
660 which itself includes teeth. When the divider 550 initially is lowered
into the
channel, as illustrated in FIG. 83B, the teeth of the rotating rod 660 are in
a first
position in which they are not engaged with the teeth 600 of the divider 550.
A
handle 662 is coupled to the rotating rod 660. When the handle is in a first
position
664, the teeth of the rotating rod 660 are in a first position in which they
are not
engaged with the teeth 600 of the divider 500. When the handle 662 is moved to
a
second position 668, as illustrated in FIG. 83C, the handle 662 rotates the
rotating rod
660 and moves the teeth on the rotating rod 662 into a position in which they
engage
the teeth 600 on the divider 550. In this position, the rod teeth are in an
interfering
condition with the divider teeth 600. When the rod teeth and the divider teeth
600 are
engaged with each other the divider 550 cannot move in the lateral direction
noted in
FIG. 80 by arrow "A". To move the divider 550, the rod 660 must be returned to
its
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first position 664 and the teeth of the rod 660 moved out of engagement with
the teeth
600 on the divider 550.
[242] In an embodiment, a plurality of pushers 520 and dividers 550 can be
used with a
single front rail 580. ¨FIGS. 84A-E show the use of two pushers 520 and two
dividers 550 to push product toward the front of the shelf. Use of multiple
pushers
520 can allow for pushing of wide product, shown schematically in the figures.
In
addition, placing the pusher extender 528 in its upwardly extended position
can allow
the pushers 520 to push taller products or more products as shown in FIG. 84 D
and
84E. In an embodiment, a divider 550 can be coupled to two pushers 520. One
pusher 520 can be engaged to a portion of the barrier 556 on each side of the
divider
wall 552 as shown in FIG. 84F. In other examples, the divider can be coupled
to one
pusher or the divider can be coupled to no pusher.
[243] In another embodiment, the divider 550 is secured to the front rail 580
in part through
the operation of a cam 720, as illustrated in FIG. 85. FIG. 85 illustrates a
cam 720 in
a side perspective view coupled to the barrier 556. The cam 720 includes a
rounded
portion 722 that is configured to rotate within a cavity 740 (see FIG. 86G) in
barrier
556. The cam 720 also includes a tongue 724 that is comprised of a first cam
wall
726, a second cam wall, 728, and a third cam wall 730. In FIG. 85, the cam is
in a
position where it is not engaged with the front rail. In this position, the
first cam wall
726 can be in a substantially vertical alignment. In this position the second
cam wall
728 and the third cam wall 730 may also be in a substantially horizontal
alignment.
The first cam wall 726 connects with the second cam wall 728. The second cam
wall
728 connects with the third cam wall 730. The cam also includes a handle 732.
[244] In another embodiment, the tongue 724 only has two cam walls. A first
cam wall,
such as first cam wall 726, and a second cam wall. The second cam wall is
straight
and spans the length shown by cam walls 728 and 730. There is no bend in the
second cam wall in this embodiment. The cam walls can extend for one or more
portions of the width of the divider 550 or can extend the entire width of the
divider
550.
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[245] In an embodiment, the cam 720 fits within a cavity 740 of the barrier
556, as
illustrated in FIG. 86G. In an embodiment, the cavity 740 is bounded by side
walls
742. Side walls 742 render the front of the cavity 740 slightly narrower than
the
width of cam 720. An amount of force is required to push cam 720 past side
walls
742 and into cavity 740. After the cam passes the side walls 742 it snaps into
place in
the cavity 740. The cam 720 can then rotate in cavity 740 and will not fall
out of
cavity 740 or detach from cavity 740 during normal use. The cam 720 is
rotatably
secured within cavity 740. In an embodiment, cavity 740 also is bounded at its
front
portion by a front wall (not shown).
[246] In another embodiment, the side walls 742 do not render the front of
cavity 740
narrower than the width of cam 720. In this embodiment, cam 720 may be placed
into
cavity 740 and removed from cavity 740 without the need to overcome resistive
force
caused by side walls 742.
[247] In an example, FIGS. 86E and 86F illustrate magnified portions of cam
720 and front
rail 580. The cam 720 can include texturing. Cam 720 can include teeth or
other
engaging members. In an embodiment, first cam wall 726 is textured with teeth
736
and 738. Teeth 736 can form a lower row of teeth. Teeth 738 can form an upper
row
of teeth. Teeth 736 and teeth 738 in an embodiment are rounded. In at least
one
embodiment, teeth 736 and teeth 738 form one vertical row of teeth.
Eliminating the
points on the teeth can provide for better operation and longer-life for the
cam teeth.
Cam 720 also can be textured in manners other than with teeth, such as through
roughening or other texturing.
[248] In an example, front rail 580 includes a groove 750, as illustrated in
FIG. 86F. The
groove 750 may include a first groove wall 752, a second groove wall 754 and a
third
groove wall 756. First groove wall 752 is connected to second groove wall 754,
which in turn also is connected to third groove wall 756. In another
embodiment, the
groove 750 only has two groove walls. A first groove wall, such as first
groove wall
752, and a second groove wall 754. The second groove wall 754 is straight and
spans
the length shown by groove walls 754 and 756. There is no bend in the second
groove wall 754 in this embodiment.
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[249] In an embodiment, groove 750 can be textured. Groove 750 can include
teeth. In an
embodiment, first groove wall 752 includes teeth 766 and teeth 768. Teeth 766
can
form a lower row of teeth. Teeth 768 can form an upper row of teeth. In at
least one
embodiment, teeth 766 and 768 form one vertical row of teeth. Teeth 766 and
768
can be rounded. Teeth 766 and 768 can be placed along an entire length of
groove
750. In addition, teeth 766 and 768 can be placed in sections along groove 750
with
additional sections of groove 750 that are smooth and without teeth. Groove
750 also
can be textured in manners other than with teeth, such as through roughening
or other
texturing. In an embodiment, second groove wall 754 is smooth and third groove
wall
756 is smooth. In an embodiment, second cam wall 728 is smooth and third cam
wall
730 is smooth.
[250] In an embodiment, as shown in Figs. 87A-C, a merchandise display system
10
comprises a divider 550 and a front rail 580. The divider 550 comprises a
divider
wall 556, a divider floor 554 and a barrier 554. A cam 720 is rotatably
coupled to a
front portion of the barrier 556. The cam 720 includes a cam tongue 724,
wherein the
cam tongue 724 comprises a first cam wall 726, a second cam wall 728 and a
third
cam wall 730. The cam 720 also includes a handle 732. The front rail 580
comprises
a groove 750 that is comprised of a first groove wall 752, a second groove
wall 754
and a third groove wall 756. The cam 720 is configured to rotate between a
first
position and a second position, wherein when the cam 720 is in the second
position,
the cam tongue 724 is engaged with the front rail groove 750 and the divider
wall
5560 is inhibited from moving in a lateral direction. The cam 720 also can be
configured to slide between a first position and a second position.
[251] FIGS. 87A-C show a progression in which divider 550 is coupled to front
rail 580.
The cam 720 is moved between a first position in FIG. 87B to a second position
in
FIG. 87C. As described below, the cam 720 allows for the divider 550 to be
moved
laterally along the front rail 580 or otherwise parallel to the front rail 580
when the
cam 720 is in the first position shown in FIG. 87B. (In FIG 87 B the divider
550 is
secured in the direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 and cannot move
in the
perpendicular direction, other than for an insignificantly small amount of
play that
may exist between the divider and the front rail, which may not be noticeable
to a user
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of the system.) The cam 720 inhibits the divider 550 from moving laterally
along the
front rail 580 when the cam 720 is in the second position shown in FIG. 87C.
In an
example, under normal operating conditions and forces, the cam 720 will
prevent the
divider 550 from moving laterally along front rail 580 (and render the divider
550
immovable along the front rail 580) when the cam 720 is in the second position
shown in FIG. 87C. In another example, the cam 720 inhibits movement of the
divider 550 by preventing the divider 550 from moving laterally along front
rail 580
when a force equal to or less than a predefined amount of force is applied to
the
divider 550 in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580. When an
amount of
force above the predefined amount of force is applied to the divider 550 in a
lateral
direction parallel to the front rail 580, the divider 550 moves in the lateral
direction
parallel to the front rail 580.
[252] FIG. 87A shows divider 550 raised above front rail 580. In FIG. 87B,
divider 550 has
been lowered and placed into contact with front rail 580. Groove 560 has been
placed
over ridge 584 and ridge 584 has been placed with groove 560. Groove 560 and
ridge
584 may be in contact with each other in this position. Groove 560 and ridge
584 also
may not be in contact with each other at all times in this position. Space can
exist
between the surfaces of groove 560 and ridge 584 in some positions. A front
portion
of barrier 556 also has been placed within channel or groove 586. In FIG. 87B,
the
tongue 724 of cam 720 is not engaged with the groove 750 of front rail 580. In
FIG.
87B, the divider 550 can move in a lateral direction shown by arrow "A" in
FIGS.
86F and 86H. Divider 550 need not be raised above front rail 580 to enable
such
movement. Divider 550 can remain in contact with front rail 580 and move in
direction "A." Product may be placed on the divider floor 554 during the
process of
moving divider 550. The ability to move divider 550 without separating divider
550
from front rail 580 or removing product provides for ease of replanogramming.
In
FIG 87B, the divider 550 can move in the plane of the shelf (the shelf is
shown as 596
in FIGS 70 and 71) only in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail
580 shown by
arrow "A" in FIGS 86F and 86H. In FIG 87B, the divider 550 is immovable in all
other directions in the plane of the shelf, such as the direction shown by
arrow "B" in
FIG 86H, under normal operating forces and conditions. The divider 550 cannot
swing, rotate, splay or fish tail in the plane of the shelf and the divider
550 remains
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perpendicular to front rail 580 under normal operating forces and conditions.
In FIG
87B, the divider 550 can move in the direction shown by arrow "C" in FIG 87B
and
thereby lift away from the front rail 580. The direction shown by arrow "C" in
FIG
87B is not in the plane of the shelf.
[253] In FIG. 87C, cam handle 732 has been rotated toward front rail 580. In
an
embodiment, cam handle 732 is in contact with front rail 580. As the cam 720
is
rotated from its position in FIG. 87B to its position in FIG. 87C, cam tongue
724
comes into contact with the front rail 580 and slightly deforms the front rail
580 away
from cam tongue 724. Cam first wall 726 may be in contact with groove third
wall
756 as the cam 720 is being rotated from its position in FIG. 87B to its
position FIG.
87C.
[254] As the cam moves into the position shown in FIG. 87C, tongue 724 can
snap into
place within groove 750 and tongue 724 is engaged with groove 750. In an
embodiment, tongue 724 is in perfect fit with groove 750. This perfect fit
involves
engagement of the tongue 724 and the groove 750. Front rail 580 is not
deformed and
the cam 720 and the front rail 580 are not in tension with each other. First
cam wall
726 is adjacent first groove wall 752. Second cam wall 728 is adjacent second
groove
wall 754. Third cam wall 730 is adjacent third groove wall 756. In an
embodiment,
the cam walls and the groove walls are in contact with each other. For
example, first
cam wall 726 is in contact with first groove wall 752; second cam wall 728 is
in
contact with second groove wall 754; and third cam wall 730 is in contact with
third
groove wall 756. In at least one embodiment, while the cam walls and the
groove
walls are in contact with each other they are not in substantial tension with
each other.
In another embodiment, one or more of the cam walls are in tension with one or
more
of the groove walls when the cam walls and groove walls are in contact with
each
other.
[255] In an embodiment where first cam wall 726 has been placed in contact
with first
groove wall 752, the teeth of first cam wall 726 engage the teeth of first
grove wall
752. Teeth 736 engage teeth 766 and teeth 738 engage teeth 768. The engagement
of
the teeth of the first cam wall and the teeth of the first groove wall
provides resistance
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to the divider moving laterally along the front rail in the lateral direction
shown by
arrow "A" (as shown in FIG. 86H).
[256] When cam tongue 724 has been placed in perfect fit with groove 750,
there is
substantial resistance to movement of the divider 550 laterally along the
front rail in
the lateral direction shown by arrow "A," (as shown in FIG. 86H) and the
divider 550
will not move laterally under the normal forces placed on the divider during
operation.
[257] When it is desired to again move the divider 550 along front rail 580,
the cam can be
unsnapped from the front rail. Handle 732 can be rotated away from front rail
580.
Tongue 724 can disengage from groove 750 and return to its position in FIG.
87B.
[258] In an embodiment, the divider wall 552 has sections of different width
(see FIG. 85).
A front section 770 of the divider wall 552 that can be adjacent barrier 556
can have a
greater width than a rear section 772 of divider wall 552 that is adjacent
barrier 556.
Front section 770 can be connected to rear section 772 by an intermediate
section 774.
The width of intermediate section 774 gradually changes from the width of the
divider
front section 770 to the width of the divider rear section 772. In an
embodiment, the
width of the portion of the intermediate section 774 adjacent section 770 is
equal to
the width of section 770 and the width of the portion of the intermediate
section 774
adjacent section 772 is equal to the width of section 772. The lesser width of
rear
section 772 of divider wall 552 creates air space between divider walls 552
and assists
in preventing product from binding between two divider walls 552 when being
pushed
and assists in providing for flow of product along the divider floor 554 as
product is
removed from the front of the merchandise system 10. In an example, the width
of
the front section 770 of the divider wall 552 is at least 25% greater than the
width of
the rear section 772 of the divider wall 552.
[259] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 85-87C one or more dividers 550 can be
placed
into contact with front rail 580. When the cam 720 or other engaging member is
not
engaged with front rail 580, the dividers 550 can move parallel to the length
of front
rail 580 in the lateral direction shown by arrow "A" (see FIG. 86H). The
divider 550
can then be fixed into place by snapping the cam 720 or other engaging member
into
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engagement with front rail 580. The divider 550 will remain fixed under normal
operating forces until the cam 720 or other engaging member is unsnapped or
otherwise placed out of engagement with front rail 580.
[260] In an embodiment, the front wall 561 of groove 560 is textured, as shown
in FIG.
86K. This texturing can be in the form of roughening or small teeth. The
texturing
causes the surface of the front wall 561 of groove 560 to not be smooth. In an
embodiment, front wall 585 of ridge 584 or other protrusion or engaging member
is
textured, as depicted in FIGS. 861, 86J, and 86L. This texturing can be in the
form of
roughening or small teeth and causes the surface of front wall 585 of ridge
584 to not
be smooth.
[261] In at least one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 861, the barrier 556 is
a separate
component and may removably attached to the divider 550. In at least one
embodiment, the barrier 556 may snap on to the front of the divider 550. In at
least
one embodiment, the barrier 556 is moveable. The entire barrier 556 may be
movable, or a portion or portions of the barrier 556 may be moveable. For
example,
the portion of the barrier 556 positioned in front of product on the
merchandise
display system 10 may be movable. In at least one embodiment, the portion of
the
barrier 556 positioned in front of the product may be configured to slide. In
an
alternative embodiment, the portion of the barrier 556 positioned in front of
the
product may be configured to rotate around an axis, to allow the portion of
the barrier
556 to open and close. In this embodiment, the axis may be a hinged
connection.
Additionally or alternatively, the portion of the barrier 556 may be spring
mounted to
the divider 550, such that the portion of the barrier 556 requires an amount
of force to
move it away from the divider 550. In this embodiment, upon release of the
force, the
portion of the barrier 556 will close or return to its original position.
Exemplary
methods for mounting the barrier 556 are described in further detail in U.S.
Patent No.
8,056,734, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[262] In an example, the divider 550 does not include a barrier.
Alternatively, one or more
barriers may be included in the front rail 580.
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[263] In an embodiment, when the divider 550 is placed in contact with the
front rail 580, as
shown in FIG. 87B, front wall 561 of groove 560 is not in contact with or not
in
consistent contact with front wall 585 of ridge 584 while the cam 720 is in
the
position shown in FIG. 87B and the tongue of cam 720 is not engaged with
groove
750 of front rail 580. When the cam 720 is moved from a first position shown
in FIG.
87B to a second position shown in FIG. 97C, and the tongue 724 engages with
groove
750, the tongue can force the divider 550 to move backward. In an embodiment,
tension between the tongue 724 and the groove 750 forces divider 550 to move
in a
rearward direction. When the cam is moved to the second position shown in FIG.
87C front wall 561 of groove 560 comes into contact with front wall 585 of
ridge 584.
Front wall 561 engages with front wall 585. The texturing on front wall 561 of
groove 560 engages with the texturing on front wall 585 of ridge 584. The
engagement of front wall 561 of groove 560 with front wall 585 of ridge 584
inhibits
movement of the divider 550 along front rail 580 in the direction shown by
arrow "A"
in FIG. 86H. The engagement of the texturing on front wall 561 of groove 560
with
the texturing on front wall 585 of ridge 584 further inhibits movement of the
divider
550 along front rail 580 in the direction shown by arrow "A" in FIG. 86H.
[264] In an example, a resilient strip or bead can be included into the top
surface of ridge
584, or other protrusion, of front rail 580. When cam 720, or other engaging
device,
is in a first position, the resilient strip or bead is not compressed. In this
first position,
the divider 550 can move in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail,
but cannot
move in a direction perpendicular to the front rail. When cam 720, or other
engaging
device, is moved to a second position, the resilient strip or bead comes into
compression with groove 560, or other recess, of divider 550. When the
resilient strip
or bead is in compression with groove 560, or other recess, divider 550
becomes fixed
under normal operating forces in a direction parallel to the front rail 580.
In an
example, the portion of the groove 560, or other recess, that comes into
contact with
the resilient strip or bead of front rail 580 can include a roughening or
teeth (not
shown).
[265] In an embodiment, barrier 556 is not molded at the same time as divider
wall 552 and
divider floor 554. Barrier 556 is molded as a separate piece from divider wall
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and divider floor 556, as shown in FIG. 88A. Barrier 556 may be molded of a
clear
material, whereas divider wall 552 and divider floor 554 may be molded of an
opaque
material.
[266] In an example, a divider 550 includes an engaging member that comprises
a planar
surface. The front rail 580 can include an engaging member that comprises a
planar
surface. The planar surface of the engaging member on the divider and/or the
engaging member on the front rail can comprise a smooth or substantially
smooth
surface. The planar surface can include a resilient surface. The planar
surface can
include a rubber strip or a neoprene strip or material that is otherwise
compressible.
In an example, when the engaging member of the divider 550 is in a first
position it is
not engaged with the engaging member of the front rail 580 and the divider 550
is
movable laterally parallel to the front rail. When the engaging member of the
divider
550 is in a second position it is engaged with the engaging member of the
front rail
580 and the divider is fixed and not movable laterally parallel to the front
rail under
normal operating conditions and forces. In an example where the engaging
members
of the front rail 580 and the divider 550 are smooth or substantially smooth
surfaces
and do not include teeth or other protrusions, the divider 550 can have
additional
lateral adjustability and infinite or near infinite lateral adjustability. The
lateral
adjustability of the divider 550 is not limited by the physical dimensions,
such as
width, of projections or teeth. Infinite lateral adjustability provides
significant
benefits to display systems by efficiently utilizing lateral space and
limiting or
minimizing unused or lost space between product rows and thereby potentially
increasing the amount of usable space and lateral product facings on a shelf.
[267] In an embodiment, barrier 556 can be snap fit or otherwise engaged with
divider 550,
as shown in FIG. 88B. The engagement between barrier 556 and divider 550 can
be
such that barrier 556 cannot be removed from divider 550 under normal
operating
conditions and without deleteriously affecting the structure of barrier 556 or
divider
550.
[268] FIGS. 89A-C show an example of a step by step approach to placement of a
divider in
a front rail. In the initial step, as illustrated in FIG. 89A, the divider 550
may be
lowered into contact with the front rail 590. A rotating "T" lock 900 may be
rotated
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to snap over the front rail 580. The rotating "T" lock 900 may be attached to
a front
portion of the divider 550. The rotating "T" lock 900 may rotate around an
axis 903.
The divider 550 may be lowered and placed in contact with the front rail 580,
as
illustrated in FIG. 89B. The groove 560 or other recess of the divider 550
engages the
ridge or tongue 584 or other protrusion of the front rail 580. At this point
the divider
550 can be moved in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and can
allow for ease
of replanogramming. In an example the divider 550 can move along the front
rail.
The divider 550, with or without product on the divider floor 554, can be slid
in the
direction previously noted by arrow "A" in FIG. 65, without requiring that the
divider
550 be lifted up. In the final step, as illustrated in FIG. 89C, the rotating
"T" lock 900
may be pushed forward and downwardly toward the front rail 580. The rotating
"T"
lock 900 may engage with a lip 901 on a front portion of the front rail 580.
In at least
one embodiment, the front rail 580 includes a top front surface 902. The top
front
surface 902 may include a texture or may be a resilient surface, such as
rubber.
Alternatively, the top front surface 902 may include one or more teeth. The
top front
surface 902 may engage with a surface 904 on the rotating "T" lock 900. The
surface
904 may also include a texture or may be a resilient surface, such as rubber.
Alternatively, the surface 904 may include teeth configured to engage the
teeth on the
top front surface 902. When the rotating "T" lock 900 engages lip 901, the
divider
550 is engaged to the front rail 580 and cannot move in a lateral direction
under a
normal amount of force.
[269] FIGS. 90A-F illustrate embodiments of the divider 550 and front rail
580. As shown
in FIG. 90A, a divider 550 may include wall 552, a floor 554 and a barrier
556. The
divider wall 552 may divide the divider floor 554 into two portions, 559 and
551 with
one portion on each side of the divider wall 552. As illustrated in FIG. 90B,
the
divider wall 552 may extend perpendicularly from the divider floor 554. The
barrier
556 may be located at the front of the divider wall 552. As illustrated in
FIGS. 90C
and 90F, the bottom surface of the divider floor 554 may include a groove 560
or
other recess, a tongue 941 or other protrusion, and a front wall 561. In at
least one
embodiment, the front wall 561 of groove 560 is textured. This texturing can
be in
the form of roughening or small teeth. The texturing may cause the surface of
the
front wall 561 of groove 560 to not be smooth.
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[270] As illustrated in FIG. 90D, a front rail 580 can define a planar surface
582, a ridge or
tongue 584 or other projection, a first channel or groove 586 or other recess,
and a
second channel or groove 950 or other recess. The front wall 561 of the
divider 550
may engage the first groove 586 of the front rail 580. The ridge or tongue 584
of the
front rail 580 may engage the groove 560 of the divider 550. The tongue 941 of
the
divider 550 may engage the second groove 950 of the front rail 580. In an
embodiment, front wall 585 of ridge 584 is textured. This texturing can be in
the
form of roughening or small teeth and causes the surface of front wall 585 of
ridge
584 to not be smooth. The texturing of the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 may
engage with the texturing of the front wall 561 of groove 560. The engagement
of the
front wall 561 of the divider 550 to the first channel 586 of the front rail
580, the
engagement of the ridge or tongue 584 of the front rail 580 to the groove 560
of the
divider 550, and the engagement of the projection 941 of the divider 550 to
the second
groove 950 of the front rail 580 may keep the divider wall 552 perpendicular
to the
front rail 580 and prevent a back portion of the divider 550 from splaying. In
at least
one embodiment, the divider 550 may be moved laterally parallel to and/or
along the
front rail 580 when the divider 550 receives a lateral force.
[271] The front rail 580 may include apertures 951 and openings 952, as
illustrated in FIG.
90E. The apertures 951 may be configured to engage with corresponding
engagement
projections (not shown). In an example, the engagement projection can be a
flat
splicer. The corresponding engagement projections may connect one or more
front
rails 580 together in series. The connection of the apertures 951 and
engagement
projections can allow for one or more front rails 580 to be connected in
series, even if
the front rails 580 are not in perfect alignment with each other. The openings
952
may be configured to receive fasteners, which fasten the front rail 580 to a
display
shelf. The front rail 580 may include any number of opening 952 suitable for
securing the front rail 580 to a display shelf. Any type of fastener may be
contemplated within the scope of the invention.
[272] In an example, as illustrated in Fig. 91A, the merchandise display
system 10 may
include a back rail 810. The back rail 810 can be located at or near the back
of a
shelf. The back rail 810 may be a similar construction as the front rail 580
and the
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disclosure herein regarding the front rail 580 applies equally to the back
rail 810. For
example, the back rail 810 may include a recess 804, which may generally be in
the
shape of a "u". In this embodiment, the dividers 550 may be connected to
divider
blocks 802. The divider blocks 802 may then engage with the back rail 810. The
back rail 810 can be a second rail in the merchandise display system, along
with the
front rail 580. The back rail 810 also can be the only rail in the merchandise
display
system. As noted above, front rail 580 can be located at the rear of the
merchandise
display system and thereby function as a back rail 810. In at least one
embodiment,
the plurality of divider blocks 802 each has a cam 710 (not shown in FIG 91A)
in the
location denoted by the arrow in FIG 91A. This cam 720 can rotate from a first
position to a second position and have the same affect as the cam 720 in the
divider
that engages with the front rail 580. The divider blocks 802 also can include
other
engaging devices, including the engaging devices described herein for the
divider
550, that engage with the back rail 810. The use of the back rail 810 may keep
the
back of the dividers 550 in position and prevent product from moving to a
position
behind the pusher 520. To unlock the dividers 550 from the back rail 810, the
720 or
other engaging device is rotated away from the back rail 810 or otherwise
disengaged
with the back rail 810.
[273] In an example, a divider 550 can be placed into contact with a front
rail 580. Groove
560 can be placed over ridge 584 and ridge 584 can be placed within groove
560.
Groove 560 and ridge 584 can be in contact with each other in this position.
Divider
550 also can be placed into contact with rear rail 810. A groove or other
recess in the
divider 550 can be placed over a ridge or other protrusion of rear rail 810
and the
ridge or protrusion of the rear rail 810 can be placed within a groove or
other recess of
divider 550. Divider 550 can be in contact with front rail 580 and rear rail
810 at the
same time. An engagement device, such as cam 720, on the front of the divider
can
be in a position such that the divider 550 can move laterally parallel to the
front rail
580 and the rear rail 810, but the divider 550 is immovable in a direction
perpendicular to front rail 580 or rear rail 810 (the direction between front
rail 580
and rear rail 810). The divider block 802 also can include an engagement
device (not
shown), such as cam 720 or other engagement devices described above with
respect to
the front rail 810. The engagement device on divider block 802 can be in a
position
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such that the divider 550 can move laterally parallel to the front rail 580
and the rear
rail 810, but the divider 550 is fixed in a direction perpendicular to front
rail 580 or
rear rail 810 (the direction between front rail 580 and rear rail 810).
[274] In an example, the engagement device on the front of the divider 550 can
be moved to
a second position. In the second position the divider 550 is fixed in a
direction
parallel to the front rail 580 under normal operating forces. The engagement
device
on divider block 802 also can be moved to a second position. In the second
position,
the engagement device on divider block 802 renders the divider 550 fixed in a
direction parallel to the rear rail 810 under normal operating forces. The
front rail
580, divider 550 and rear rail 810 can form a rigid tray that may be moved as
a unit
from one location to another. The front rail 580, rear rail 810 and a
plurality of
dividers 550 can be preassembled and formed into a rigid tray in a location
away from
the shelf. The front rail 580, rear rail 810 and a plurality of dividers 550
can then be
moved to the shelf and secured to the shelf by one or more fasteners.
[275] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of
the present
invention. For example, one of skill in the art will understand that multiples
of the
described components may be used in stores and in various configurations. The
present invention is therefore not to be limited to a single system, nor the
upright
pusher configuration, depicted in the Figures, as the system is simply
illustrative of
the features, teachings and principles of the invention. It should further be
understood
that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative
combinations
of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text
and/or
drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative
aspects of
the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes
known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art
to utilize
the invention.
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