DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM FOR PRODUCT HANDLINGFIELD OF THE INVENTIONExemplary embodiments generally refer to a shelf assembly for use in product marketing and more particularly to a shelf assembly that has improved mechanisms for deploying and pushing product onto the shelves.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONIt is known that in retail and wholesale stores, such as convenience stores, pharmacies, grocery stores, discount stores, and the like, a large number of shelves are required both to store product and to display the product to consumers. . When deploying the product, it is desirable that the product that is placed on the shelves is located towards the front of the shelf so that the product is visible and accessible to consumers. In the case of chillers or refrigerators that are used to store and display products such as soft drinks, energy drinks, bottled water, and other canned or bottled beverages, it is desirable that these products are also located towards the front of the shelf andvisible and accessible to consumers.
To achieve this product placement, known systems may include trays or inclined floors that, through gravity, will cause the product to move forward to the front of the shelf. Many of these systems include floors or shelves made of a plastic material such as polypropylene which due to their low coefficient of friction allow the product to slide easily along the floor or inclined surface. However, over time, these surfaces can become clogged with debris or sticky substances that inhibit the product from sliding properly, sometimes causing several products to tilt, thus blocking additional product so that it no longer moves. to the front of the bookshelf.
Other systems include the use of a pusher system to push the product toward the front of the rack as the product that is located on the front of the rack is removed. Known pushing systems are usually mounted to a rail and include a pusher paddle and spiral spring to push the product forward. Occasionally, as the system is used, and with the passage of time, the lane becomes clogged with dirt orsticky materials that hinder the correct operation of the pusher system in the rail. In addition, depending on the size, shape and weight of the product to be marketed, the known thrust pallets can occasionally be tilted or bent backwards, thus causing a fold of the pusher mechanism in the rail. In these situations, the pusher mechanism may not properly push the product toward the front of the rack.
An exemplary embodiment is aimed at improving upon existing marketing systems by providing a railless pusher system that operates with gravity-fed merchandise systems (ie, shelves or inclined trays) and merchandise systems not fed by gravity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONAn exemplary mode is directed to a deployment system for product management to market product on a shelf. This embodiment includes the use of a pusher mechanism without a rail that travels along a surface on which the product is placed. The railless system overcomes the known problems with the use of rails to sustain and guide the known pushing mechanisms. However, it should beunderstand that the teachings of this embodiment can be used with systems that include rails for mounting a pusher mechanism or the like.
The pusher mechanism may include a pushing paddle and a floor extending forward of the pushing paddle. A flat spiral spring or other deflection element can be operatively connected behind the pushing blade and can be extended through the floor of the pusher mechanism and to the front of the rack. Alternatively, the flat spiral spring or deflection element may extend through the divider to the front of the shelf assembly. With this configuration, the pushing paddle is prevented from tilting or bending backwards during operation.
An exemplary embodiment also includes the use of a push mechanism with the product merchandise on the shelves or horizontal or non-inclined surfaces, as well as with systems fed by gravity or systems that use gravity as a mechanism to push the product towards the part. front of the shelf.
According to an exemplary exemplary embodiment of the invention, the pusher blade can define a concave thrust surface for pushing cylindrical products, such as bottles or cans of soft drinks, and maintain thepaddle centered on the rail and behind the product. Alternatively, the pushing blade may define a flat thrust surface which may also include, at its upper edge, a curved rib or similar structure which may also be used to push the cylindrical products.
According to another exemplary exemplary embodiment of the invention, the floor of the pushing mechanism may include a notched or cutout portion for aligning the pusher mechanism relative to the coil spring. Also, the floor of the system may include a notched or cutout portion to receive and mount a flat end of the spiral spring to the floor. A tip of the spring can be placed over the end of the spiral spring to mount the spiral spring to the floor of the system. Alternatively, the end of the coil spring can be mounted to the splitter of the assembly.
According to another exemplary embodiment, an adapter can be placed for a deployment system for handling product on a floor surface of the deployment system. The adapter may include a flat surface with at least two ribs extending outwardly from the flat surface and across the flat surface in a substantially parallel manner. You can place aspiral spring between the ribs that extend in parallel, With this configuration, the product to be marketed can be placed on the ribs, and not directly on the spiral spring, to improve the forward movement of certain types of product , such as cans of a drink.
In yet another alternative aspect, a mounting element can be used to mount the end of the coil spring to the floor of the system. For those systems that include separate sliding rails that are joined together by connecting ribs, the mounting element may be a snap fit or otherwise be mounted on the floor and between the slide rails.
In yet another alternative aspect, the pusher system without rail is retrofitted into an existing rack assembly. This allows the placement of the railless pusher system in an existing rack system as a low cost alternative to the purchase of the entire railless pusher assembly.
In another exemplary embodiment, the coil spring can be mounted to the retainer. One end of the coil spring can be mounted directly to the retainer or alternatively the end can be mounted to the retainer through an adapter. The adapter can have a curved portion that isreceived in a curved slot with a corresponding shape in the retainer to secure the end of the spring to the deployment assembly.
In another exemplary embodiment, the trays can be joined via a dovetail connection to form a shelf assembly. Additionally, the dividers can be adjusted so that the width of the rows of the product can be adapted to receive products of different sizes.
According to another exemplary embodiment still, the deployment system for product handling can be accommodated in a stackable arrangement. The assembly can be provided with a first tray and a second tray, each with a first wall and a second wall. The first and second trays are adapted to receive a pusher mechanism, and a retainer mechanism. The first and second separators are mounted to the first and second trays to stack the first and second trays one on top of the other. The first and second spacers may be provided with a plurality of stops, and the first tray and the second tray may each be provided with a plurality of sockets with a corresponding shape for receiving the plurality of stops.
According to another example modality still, adeployment system for product management to market product on a shelf includes using a pusher mechanism without a rail that moves along a surface on which product is placed and one or more dividers to separate product into rows. One or more dividers can be attached and coupled in a released manner to a front rail. When one or more dividers are not coupled and held in position to the front rail, one or more dividers and product placed on the deployment system may be moved in a lateral direction, or they may be lifted from the front rail. This allows easy programming of product replenishment on the shelf. One or more dividers may be releasably coupled to the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, a locking flange, a locking bar, a cam and / or through a pressure or friction fit.
In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and at least one divider configured to engage the front rail. At least one divider includes a barrier and at least one divider further includes a divider wall. At least the divider also includes a dividing floor perpendicular to the dividing wall, wherein the dividing floor is configured to hold product. The system ofThe merchandise display also includes a cam coupled to the divider, wherein the cam is configured to move between a first position and a second position. At least the divider is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when at least the divider is engaged with the front rail and the cam is in the first position. 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 at least one divider is engaged with the front rail and the cam is in the second position.
In one 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 that extends 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, in where the cam is configured to move between a first position and a second position. Each of the plurality of dividers is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) is secured in one directionperpendicular to the front rail when each of the plurality of dividers is coupled 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) is 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.
In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and at least one divider configured to attach to the front rail, at least the divider including a barrier, a divider wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail, a perpendicular divider floor to the dividing wall, wherein the dividing wall separates the dividing floor into a first portion and a second portion and each of the first portion and the second portion is 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 attached at least onedivider, the cam configured to move between a first position and a second position. At least the divider is movable in a parallel lateral direction a and runs along the front rail when the cam is in the first position, and at least the divider resists movement in the parallel lateral direction a and runs along the rail front when the cam is in the second position.
In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and at least one divider configured to attach to the front rail, at least the divider including a barrier configured to engage the front rail, a divider wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the rail front, a dividing floor perpendicular to the dividing wall, where the dividing floor is configured to hold product. The deployment system may also include a resilient flange coupled to the divider, the resilient flange configured to move between a first position and a second position. At least the divider is fixed in a parallel lateral direction to the front rail when the resilient flange is in the first position. At least the divider is movable in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the resilient flange is in the second position.
In one example, a merchandise display systemincludes a front rail, the front rail comprises at least a first projection and at least one first cavity, and at least one divider configured to join the front rail, at least the divider comprises a dividing wall and a dividing floor perpendicular to the dividing wall , at least the divider further comprises at least one second cavity and at least one second projection, at least the second projection of the divider configured to move between a first position and a second position. At least the divider is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when at least a first projection of the front rail is coupled with at least one second cavity of the divider and at least the second projection of the divisor is in the first position. 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 at least the first projection of the front rail is engaged with at least the second divider cavity. and at least the second projection of the divisor is in the second position.
In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail, the front rail including at least one first projection and at least one second projection, atminus the 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 join the front rail, at least the divider comprises a divider wall and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, at least the divider further comprises at least one cavity. At least the divisor is(a) mobile in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and(b) is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when at least the first projection of the front rail is coupled with at least one cavity of the divider and at least one second projection of the front rail is in the first position. At least the 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 at least the first projection of the front rail is coupled with at least the divider cavity and at least the second projection of the front rail is in the second position.
In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail, the front rail comprises a first projection and a second projection. The merchandise display system also includes at least one divider configured to join the front rail, at least the divider comprises a divider wall and a perpendicular divider floorto the dividing wall, at least the divider further comprises a cavity and a third projection. At least one of the second projection or the third projection is a mobile projection that can be moved between a first position and a second position. At least the divider is (a) mobile in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when the first projection of the front rail is engaged with the divider cavity and the moving projection is in the first position. At least the 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 cavity of the divider and the mobile projection is in the second position.
In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail, the front rail comprises at least one first coupling element. The merchandise display system also includes at least one divider configured to be attached to the front rail, at least the divider comprises a dividing wall and a dividing floor perpendicular to the dividing wall, at least one divider further comprises at least one second coupling element . The merchandise display system also includes a third coupling element configured to move between a first position and asecond position. At least the divider is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when the first coupling element of the front rail is coupled with the second coupling element of the divider and the third coupling element is in the first position. At least the 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 coupling element of the front rail is coupled with the second coupling element of the divider and the third coupling element is in the second position.
In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and at least one divider configured to engage the front rail, at least the divider including a barrier, at least the divider further includes a dividing wall, at least the divider also includes a dividing floor perpendicular to the dividing wall, where the dividing 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. At least the divider can be secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when at least the divider is engaged with thefront rail The cam can inhibit the movement of at least the divider in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the cam is in the first position and the cam can allow the 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 may include a handle for rotating the cam between the first position and the second position. The merchandise display system may include a handle for sliding the cam between the first position and the second position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURESFigure 1 shows an exploded isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a deployment system for product handling of the present invention.
Figure 2 shows an isometric view of an exemplary pusher mechanism mounted to an exemplary product tray or channel of the present invention.
Figure 3 shows another isometric view of the system of Figure 2 with product placed in the system.
Figure 4 shows another isometric view of the system of Figure 2 with multiple product placed in the system.
Figure 5 shows an isometric rear view of the system of Figure 4.
Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the product tray or channel of the present invention.
Figure 7 shows an exemplary tip for one end of a coil spring that can be used with the deployment system for product handling of the invention.
Figure 8 shows the exemplary tip of Figure 7 mounted to a surface of a product tray or channel.
Figure 9 shows the exemplary tip of Figure 7 mounted at one end of a coil spring.
Figure 10 shows the exemplary tip of Figure 7 mounted at one end of a coil spring.
Figure 11 shows an isometric view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a deployment system for product handling of the present invention.
Figure 12 shows another isometric view of the system of Figure 11.
Figure 13 shows a front view of the system of Figure 11.
Figure 14 shows a top view of the system of Figure 11.
Figure 15 shows a rear view of the system of Figure 11.
Figure 16 shows an isometric view of an adapter that can be used with the invention.
Figure 17 shows a front view of the adapter of figure 16.
Figure 18 shows an exemplary installation of the adapter of the invention.
Figure 19 shows an isometric view of an installed adapter of the invention.
Figure 20 shows a front view of an installed adapter of the invention.
Figure 21 shows an isometric view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a deployment system for product handling of the present invention.
Figure 22 shows an isometric bottom view of an exemplary mounting element that can be used to mount the end of the coil spring to the floor of the deployment system.
Figure 23 shows an isometric top view of the exemplary mounting element of Figure 22.
Figure 24 shows the exemplary mounting element of Figure 22 mounted to the end of the coil spring with the coil spring mounted to an exemplary push blade.
Figure 25 shows another view of the exemplary mounting element of Figure 22 mounted to the end of the coil spring with the coil spring mounted to an exemplary push blade.
Figure 26 shows the exemplary mounting element of Figure 22 with the attached coil spring that is mounted to the floor of the system.
Figure 27 shows the exemplary mounting element of Figure 22 installed on the floor of the system.
Figure 28 shows an isometric view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a deployment system for product handling of the present invention.
Figure 29 shows an isometric approach view of the tray of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 28.
Fig. 29A shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 28 illustrating a first securing method.
Fig. 29B shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 28 illustrating a second securing method.
Figure 30 shows an isometric approach view of the embodiment of Figure 28 illustrating a rivet attaching the spring to the tray.
Figure 31 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 28 assembled in a pre-existing wire rack.
Figure 32 shows an isometric view of themodality of figure 28 assembled in a pre-existing wire rack.
Figure 33 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the deployment system.
Figure 34 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the deployment system.
Figure 35 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an adapter.
Figure 36 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a retainer.
Figure 37 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the deployment system.
Figure 38 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the deployment system.
Figure 39 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the deployment system.
Figure 40 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the deployment system.
Figure 41A shows a side view in sections of an exemplary embodiment of a divider.
Figure 41B shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the deployment system.
Figure 41C shows an approach view of a section of Figure 41B.
Figure 41D shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a divider.
Figure 42 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the deployment system.
Figure 43 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the deployment system.
Figure 44 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a deployment system for product handling.
Figure 45 shows another isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a deployment system for product management with product in the system.
Figure 46 shows a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a deployment system for product management with product in the system.
Figure 47 shows an isometric rear view of an exemplary embodiment of a deployment system for product management with product in the system.
Figure 48 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the pusher mechanism mounted to a divider.
Figure 49 shows another isometric view of the divider and pusher mechanism being assembled to the deployment system for product handling.
Figure 50 shows an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of the product management deployment system.
Figure 51 shows another isometric view of the exemplary embodiment of the product management deployment system of Figure 50 without product.
Figure 52 shows an exploded isometric view of the exemplary embodiment of the product management deployment system of Figure 50.
Figure 53 shows an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of the product management deployment system.
Fig. 54 shows an isometric view of an exemplary attachment of the pusher spring for a shelf of the product handling deployment system of Fig. 53.
Figure 55 shows an isometric view of an exemplary attachment of the pusher spring to a shelf of the product handling deployment system of Figure 53.
Figure 56 shows an isometric view of an exemplary attachment of the pusher spring to a shelf of the product handling deployment system of Figure 53.
Fig. 57 shows an isometric view of an exemplary attachment of the pusher spring to a shelf of the product handling deployment system of Fig. 53.
Fig. 58 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the product management deployment system according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Fig. 59 shows an isometric view of the exemplary product deployment system of Fig. 58.
Figure 60 shows an isometric view of an exemplary pusher mechanism according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figure 61 shows a partial isometric view of an exemplary divider according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figure 62 shows an isometric view of an exemplary divider and pusher mechanism according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figure 63 shows a partial isometric view of an exemplary front portion of a divider according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Fig. 64 shows a partial isometric view of an exemplary front portion of a front rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figure 65 shows a partial isometric view of an exemplary connection between a divider and a front rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figure 66 shows a side view of a divider andExemplary front rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figures 67A-C show side views of an exemplary divider that attaches to a front rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figures 68A-C show side views of an exemplary divider that attaches to a front rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figures 69A shows an isometric view of exemplary rail mounting clips for a front rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figure 69B shows an isometric view of an exemplary front rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figure 70 shows an isometric view of a front rail and exemplary rail mounting clips according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figure 71 shows an isometric view of an exemplary front rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figure 72 shows an isometric view of an exemplary divider and pusher mechanism according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figure 73 shows an isometric view of a dividerand exemplary pusher mechanism according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figure 74 shows a partial isometric view of an exemplary divider according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figure 75 shows a partial isometric view of an exemplary front rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figures 76A and 76B show partial isometric views of an exemplary front rail and a cam bar lever according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figure 77 shows a front exploded view of a deployment system for exemplary product handling in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figure 78 shows a later exploded view of a deployment system for exemplary product handling in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figures 79A-C show side views of an exemplary front rail and divider according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figure 80 shows an isometric view of a deployment system for exemplary product handling in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figures 81A-B show partial side views ofan exemplary front rail and divider according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figures 82A-C show partial side views of an exemplary front rail and divider according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figures 83A-C show partial side views of an exemplary front rail and divider according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figures 84A-F show isometric views of a deployment system for exemplary product handling in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figure 85 shows a side view of an exemplary divider and rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figures 86A-L show views of components of a deployment system for exemplary product handling in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figures 87A-C show exemplary side views of dividers and front rails according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figures 88A-B show isometric views of an exemplary divider according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figures 89A-C show side views of aexemplary divider that attaches to a front rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figures 90A-F show views of an exemplary divider that attaches to a front rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figure 91A shows a view of an exemplary divider and back rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Before explaining in detail the embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description that is illustrated in the drawings. The invention has the capacity for other modalities and also for being practiced or carried out in various forms. Also, it will be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be viewed as a limitation. The use of "including" and "understanding" and variations thereof are intended to encompass all that is listed from there and their equivalents as well as products and additional equivalents thereof. In addition, the use of the term "assemble", "assembled" or "assembling" have a broad meaning that includes any technique or method for assembling, joining, attaching or coupling one part to another,either directly or indirectly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONThe invention can be incorporated in various forms. Referring to the figures in which similar numbers indicate similar elements, an exploded isometric view of an exemplary embodiment is shown in Figure 1. The exemplary merchandise system 10 includes a product supply tray 12 on which a pusher mechanism without exemplary rail 14 is mounted. As described in more detail below, the pusher mechanism 14 will fit into the tray 12 and slide. along the surface of the tray without the use of rails, rails or guides typically used to support a conventional pusher mechanism in the tray or floor of the tray. The pusher mechanism defines a pushing paddle and a pusher floor that extends forward of the pushing paddle. A spiral spring may extend through the pusher floor and operatively connect to the tray in a forward position on the tray. In one aspect of the invention, the product to be marketed can be placed on the tray in front of the pushing paddle and can be seated on the pusher floor as well as the spiral spring. With this configuration, the weight of the product will avoidthat the push paddle is tilted to ensure the proper thrust of the product. In addition, problems associated with debris or sticky materials that hinder the effectiveness of known pusher systems using rails, rails or guides have been eliminated. Other aspects, modalities and characteristics of the invention as well as its teachings. establish in more detail below.
The exemplary tray 12 can define a surface 16 and one or more partition panels or dividers 18 for separating the tray into numerous rows for product placement. In an alternative aspect, the tray 12 can be a shelf or any other surface on which products for commercialization can be placed. The surface 16 may be a solid surface or a surface defining a plurality of spaced openings 20 separated by a plurality of support ribs 22. The openings 20 and the ribs 22 provide a surface that allows sliding movement of the product placed on this surface and also allows liquids and dirt to pass through the openings 20 so that they do not accumulate on the surface 16. The surface 16 can be made of any convenient material that allows sliding movement of the product on the surface 16. They are knownother surface or floor configurations and can be used with the principles of the invention.
As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the surface 16 can define a rounded end portion 24 that includes a notch portion or cutout 26. The end portion 24 can be rounded to fit the shape of the product that is placed on the tray. For example, the end portion shown 24 is rounded or defines a semicircular shape to fit the contour of a bottle or can that can be placed on the tray and on the end portion 24. Other shapes of the end portion can be used with the invention depending on the product to be marketed.
The notch 26 can be used to receive and mount an end 29 of a coil spring 30 or similar biasing element. The notch 26 can define opposite inclined edge surfaces 32 which are joined by the edge 34. The edge 34 is preferably centered across the width of the product row formed in the tray 12 and extending perpendicular to the length of the edge. tray. This configuration will center the spiral spring 30 relative to the tray 12 and allow the spring to extend in a substantially parallel manner relative to the length of the tray. In other words, the displayed edge 34 of thenotch 26 will allow spring 30 to extend along the length of tray 12 at or near the center of the product row formed by the tray. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the location and configuration of the notch may vary depending on the desired placement of the spring.
The coil spring 30 may define an end 29 which is configured to be positioned through the notch 26 and over the edge 34. In one aspect, the end 29 of the coil spring may have a V-shape and function as a hook so that the end 29 will wrap around the edge 34 with a portion of the end 29 of the coil spring extending below the end portion 24 of the surface 26. This configuration allows easy installation of the coil spring on the tray.
In another aspect, and referring to Figure 7, a spring tip 60 can 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 can define numerous shapes and configurations depending on the configuration of the tray and the surface on which the end of the spring needs to be joined. The spring tip 60 may be permanently attached to the end 29 of the coil spring 30 or detachable to allow exchange or replacement of the tipof spring 60. Spring tip 60 may be made of plastic and may define one or more openings. The opening 61 can be used to receive the end 29 of the spiral spring 30. A second opening 63 can be used to receive a coupling tab or mounting element 65 extending from the surface 16 of the tray 12, as discussed in FIG. continuation. With this configuration, the end 29 of the spiral spring 30 can be operatively connected to the tray 12.
In another aspect, the end 29 of the coil spring may be pressurized into an opening formed in the surface 16, or otherwise inserted and secured to an opening in the tray, thereby securing the end 29 of the spring. of spiral 30 in position.
Referring again to Figure 1, dividers 18 can also be used to separate product into rows. The dividers 18 extend substantially upwardly from the surface 16, and as illustrated in Figure 1, can be placed on opposite sides of the surface 16. Alternatively, the dividers 18 can be placed in any desired position on the tray 18 or surface 16. Divisers 18 can be formed as a unitary structure with surface 16, or dividers 18 can be separated to provide added flexibilitywith the system. Dividers can be attached to a front or rear rail depending on the system. The dividers 18 can define numerous configurations and can be extended upward by any desired distance to provide the desired height of the dividers between the product rows to be marketed. This height can be adjustable by adding splitter extenders or similar.
Located at the front of the tray 12 and extending between the dividers 18 may be one or more product holding elements 44. The product holding elements 44 serve as a front retaining wall or bar to hold the product in the tray 12 and prevent the product from falling off the tray 12. These elements are also configured to allow easy removal of the product that is later placed in the tray 12. Product retention element 44 may be one or more curved retention ribs as shown in Figure 1. These illustrated retention ribs may extend from one divider to another divider thereby joining the dividers. The retention ribs can also be partially extended between the dividers, as also shown in Figure 1 as the retaining rib 46, to also assist in the retention of theproduct on the tray. Alternatively, and as shown in Figure 6, the product retention element 44 may be a solid curved retaining wall 48 extending between dividers. The retaining wall 48 may be transparent or semitransparent to allow the display of the product on the shelf. In another aspect, the retaining wall 48 may also extend partially between the dividers 18. In another embodiment still shown in Figures 11-15, the retaining wall 100 may be attached to the surface of the tray and not be connected to the trays. dividers In this embodiment, the retaining wall 100 can form an opening 102 defined by an upper element 104, opposing the curved side walls 106 which further define an angled edge 108 and a floor element 110. The side walls 106 can also be straight and not curved depending on the system. The end of the coil spring can also be press fit into the floor 110 or otherwise attached to the tray using any of the techniques described herein. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that there are numerous possible shapes and configurations for the product holding member 44 and that the configurations shown are simply exemplary embodiments of these numerous configurations.
Referring again to FIG. 1, the pusher mechanism without exemplary lane 14 defines a pusher blade 50 and a pusher plate 52. The pusher blade 50 and the pusher plate 52 can be formed as a single unit structure or can be separate structures that are joined using known techniques. In addition, the pusher paddle 50 and the pusher floor 52 can be made of any suitable plastic or metal material. The pusher paddle and the pusher floor can be reinforced using any of the known reinforcement techniques.
In one aspect, the pusher paddle 50 forms a curved face or pusher face 54 that is configured to conform to the shape of the product to be marketed, such as plastic bottles or cans containing a beverage, as shown. in figures 3-5. The curved shaped pusher surface 54 allows the pusher to remain centrally aligned with the last product in the tray. This configuration reduces friction and drag between the pusher and the dividing walls. In an alternative aspect the surface or pusher face may be a flat surface. In yet another aspect, the flat pusher surface may be accompanied by a curved rib which is positioned near or on top of the pusher blade and which can be used for centeringand aligning product in the tray, in a manner similar to the curved surface 54 that is shown in Figure 1. The curved rib can define other shapes and configurations that allow cylindrical or similar shaped products to be pushed properly in the tray. Advertising, product identification or other product information can be placed on the pushing surface 54.
Placed behind the surface or pusher face 54 may be one or more support elements 58, such as ribs, walls or bellows. The support elements 58 are configured to support the pusher surface 54 and further connect the pusher blade 50 to the pusher floor 52. As shown in Fig. 5, placed between the support elements 58 is the spiral spring 30, and more specifically the spiral end 57 which is used to push the pusher pad 50 forward and along the tray 12, as is understood in the art. Any technique used to operatively connect the coil spring to the pusher paddle 50 can be used with the invention.
As shown in Fig. 1, the pushing floor 52 can be placed below the pusher paddle 50 and can extend forwardly of the pusher surface 54 of thepush pallet adore. The pusher floor 52 can be extended by any predetermined distance and at any predetermined angle. For example, the pusher floor 52 may extend substantially perpendicular to the pushing surface 54. In the exemplary embodiment, the pusher floor 52 may extend a sufficient distance to allow a product, such as a single bottle or can, to be placed on. the floor pusher. In another aspect, the pusher floor 52 can be configured to allow more than one product to be placed on the pusher floor. The pusher floor 52 can define any shape, including the round shape shown, and can define any feature of product retention on the surface of the pusher floor, such as ribs, walls, or the like to additionally hold the product on the pusher floor.
As can be seen in Figure 2, the pusher floor 52 can define an elongated channel, notch or recessed portion 59 that is dimensioned, formed and configured to seat the coil spring 30. In the exemplary embodiment, the channel or notch 59 it may extend through the floor 52 and in a substantially perpendicular manner relative to the pusher pad 50. In an alternative aspect, the notch or channel may extendpartially or through the entire pusher floor 52, as shown in Figure 19. Said configuration allows proper alignment and positioning of the pusher paddle 50 in the tray. The notch 59 can define a depth that fits or exceeds the thickness of the coil spring ^. 30. With this configuration, the spiral spring 30 will settle at or below the surface of the pusher floor so that the product will not settle directly on the spiral spring, rather, said product will settle on the floor surface pusher As shown in Figure 19, the pusher floor may include openings through which waste or other products may pass. Alternatively, the floor can be a solid surface.
In an alternative aspect of the invention, as shown in Figures 16-20, an adapter may be placed on the surface 16. Referring to Figures 16 and 17, the adapter 180 may include one or more raised ribs 182 on which can settle a product. The raised ribs 182 may extend longitudinally along the length of the adapter 180. The adapter 180 may be a flat extrusion of plastic material (or any other suitable material) defining a flat surface 184 with one or more ribs.182 extending outwardly from the flat surface 184. The adapter 180 may define a rounded end 185 and may include a notch or cutout portion 186 through which the coil spring may extend. The rounded end 185 can be configured to conform to the shape of the product that is placed on the tray. Other shapes of end 185, notch 186 and adapter 180 may be used with the invention depending on the product to be marketed. The adapter 180 may be a separate piece, insertable or, alternatively, a piece formed integral with the surface 16.
Referring to Figure 18, the adapter 180 can be easily inserted on the surface 16 and between the dividers 18. With reference to Figure 19, once the adapter 180 is installed, the pusher mechanism 14 can be placed on top of the adapter 180 and can freely slide through the ribs 182 of the adapter 180. The spiral spring 30 can extend in a parallel manner between the ribs 182 and can seat at or below the upper surface of the ribs 182, as it is shown more clearly in Figure 20. With this configuration, the product to be marketed can be placed on, and slid along the ribs 182 and not on the spiral spring 30.4 OIn an alternative aspect, the ribs 182 can be a raised heel or high heels, or a series of nails that can be used to facilitate movement of the products on the surface 16. In yet another alternative embodiment, the ribs 182 can be elements of product movement, such as slides or one or more rollers or rolling element that allow the product to roll through the rolling elements and towards the front of the product deployment system. Exemplary roller assemblies include those disclosed and described in U.S. Application Serial No. 11 / 257,718 filed October 25, 2005 and assigned to RTC Industries, Inc., the application of which is incorporated herein by reference. As those skilled in the art should appreciate, there are many possible techniques that can be used with the described pusher mechanisms to facilitate the movement of the product on the shelf or floor.
The underside of the pusher floor 52 may be a smooth flat surface that slides freely along the surface 16. Alternatively, and similar to the foregoing, the pusher floor 52 may include heels, slides, rollers or the like allow the pusher floor to slide along the surface and stillraising the pusher floor up from the surface 16. In another alternative embodiment, the underside of the pusher floor can be configured with rail mounting elements to allow mounting of the pusher to a rail or rail, as understood in technique.
The pusher floor further defines a notch or cut-out portion 62 through which the coil spring 30 will pass. The end 29 of the coil spring will pass through the groove 62 and through the notch 26 of the surface 16 and will will mount to the tray using any of the techniques described above.
In use, as the pusher mechanism 14 is pushed towards the back in the tray 12, the end29 of the spiral spring 30 will be held in position as described above and the spiral end 57 of the spring30 will begin to unwind behind the push blade 50. If the pusher 14 is allowed to move forwardly on the tray 14, such as in the case where the product is removed from the front of the tray, the spiral 57 of spring 30 will roll and push pusher paddle 50 forward on tray 12, thus pushing the product towards the front of the tray.
In an alternative embodiment, the coil spring 30 may extend below and below the pusher floor 52 inopposition to doing it above and through the pusher floor, as shown in the figures. With this configuration, notch 59 and slot 62 may not be necessary.
The coil spring 30 can be any deflection element including, without limitation, a flat coil spring commonly used with pushing systems. The present invention may use one or more coil springs to push the pusher mechanism 14 forward depending on the desired application. The spring tension of spring 30 may also vary depending on the particular application.
Referring to Figure 2, the pusher mechanism without rail 14 is shown mounted to the tray 12. As illustrated, the pusher mechanism 14 fits on the tray 12 between the dividers 18. The end 29 of the spiral spring 30 is 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 rails, rails or guides. As shown in Figure 2, the pusher mechanism 14 is shown in a forward position.
Referring to Figure 3, pusher mechanism 14 is shown marketing a product 70 in themerchandise system 10. The product is prevented from tilting out of the tray through the product holding element 44. The product 70 can be any product that is to be marketed including the gaseous beverage bottle shown. As shown in this figure, the product 70 sits on the pusher floor 52 and the spiral spring 30 which extends below the product. The weight of the product on the floor 52 and the placement of the product through the spring 30 prevents the pallet 50 from tilting on the tray 12.
Referring to Figure 4, the pusher mechanism 14 is shown marketing multiple products 70 in the merchandise system 10. As shown in this figure, the product that is adjacent to the pusher paddle 50 sits on the pusher floor 52 and the spiral spring 30 extending below the product. The other products will settle on the spiral spring 30 that will extend below these products. Alternatively, the adapter 180 can be placed in the system in which case the product can be seated on the ribs 182 of the adapter opposite the spiral spring. Again, the weight of the product on the pusher floor 52 and the placement of the products through the spring 30 will prevent the pallet 50 from tilting in the tray. In use as aproduct is removed from the front of the tray near the product retainer element 44, the pusher mechanism 14 (through the thrust of the coil spring 30) will push the remaining product forward into the tray 12 until the product more towards at the front contact the product holding element 44. As additional products are removed, the pusher mechanism 14 will continue to push the remaining product towards the product holding member 44.
Referring to Figure 5, a subsequent visit of the pusher mechanism 14 shows the pusher mechanism 14 marketing multiple products 70 in the merchandise system 10. Once again, the product that is next to the pusher paddle 50 sits on the pusher floor. 52 and the spiral spring 30 extending below the product. The other products will settle on the spiral spring that will extend below these products. Alternatively, the adapter 180 can be placed in the system in which case the product can be seated on the ribs 182 of the adapter opposite the spiral spring. As a product is removed from the front of the tray near the product holding member 44, the spiral end 57 of the spring 30 will push the pusher paddle 50 of the pusher mechanism 14 forward into the tray 12 untilthat the product that is more forward contact the product retaining element 44. As can be seen in this figure, the spiral end 57 can be placed between two support elements 58. The support elements will retain the spiral spring between these elements. As can be seen in this figure, the pusher floor 52 can also extend below the support elements 58.
Referring to Figure 6, an alternative embodiment of the pusher tray is shown. With this embodiment, multiple trays 12 can be formed into a single multi-tray assembly 80. The multi-trays can have a common floor with the dividers 18 extending up from the floor to create the multiple trays or rows. In this embodiment, the product retention element 44 can be a solid element that extends between two dividers, as discussed above. One or more of the multi-tray assemblies 80 may be coupled or joined in a side-by-side manner using any known technique, including clamps, dovetails, fasteners, or the like. With this configuration, numerous product rows can be provided for the marketing of numerous products.
As indicated before, the pusher mechanism withoutLane 14 can be used with gravity-fed systems, ie, systems that have trays or product channels that are mounted on an incline to allow gravity to assist with the marketing of the product. Alternatively, the pusher mechanism without rail 14 can be used with systems that are mounted in a non-inclined manner or in a horizontal manner where gravity will provide little or no assistance with product marketing. The pusher mechanism without rail 14 can also be used to push products in various ways.
Figure 7 shows an exemplary tip 60 for the end 29 of a coil spring 30 that can be used with the merchandise system 10. As illustrated, the tip 60 defines an opening 61 for receiving the end 29 of the coil spring and an opening 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 below the surface 16 may be a tab or mounting element 65 that can be configured to engage with the aperture 63 and snap the tip 60 together. on the tongue 65 and in this way on the surface 16.
Referring to Figure 8, the exemplary tip 60 of Figure 7 is shown as mounted to the tongue ormounting element 65. The tongue 65 may include an elongated outwardly extending rib 67 which is used to press fit the tip 60 on the tongue 65. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other techniques for mounting the tip may be used. 60 to the surface 16 and that the technique shown is simply an exemplary embodiment of said technique.
Referring to Figure 9, the exemplary tip 60 is shown fully assembled 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. It is also shown mounting the end 29 of the coil spring 30 to the opening 61 of the tip 60. As shown in Figure 9, the end 29 of the coil spring can be inserted into the opening 61. The opening 61 is configured to receive the end 29 of the coil spring and keeping the end 29 in position, and also to allow the removal of the end 29 of the coil spring from the opening 61 in those circumstances where it is desirable to disconnect the coil spring from the tip to allow removal of the pusher mechanism 14 of the system.
Referring to Figure 10, the end 29 of the coil spring fully assembled to the exemplary tip 60 is shown. As illustrated in this figure, the springspiral 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.
Referring to Figures 21-27 there is shown an alternative technique for mounting the end 29 of the coil spring 30 to the merchandise display system. A mounting element 130 can be used to mount the end 29 of the spiral spring to the floor 131 of the system. For those systems that include separate sliding rails 132 that are joined by connecting ribs 134 (Figures 26-27), the mounting element 130 can be snapped or otherwise mounted on the floor 131 and between the sliding rails 132. The mounting element will then hold the end of the coil spring in position and to the floor of the system.
Referring to Figures 22-23, the mounting element 130 may include one or more legs 136 on one or more sides of the element 130. The legs may be configured to press fit to the underside of the rails 132 to thereby hold the mounting element 130 to the system floor. The legs 136 may include leg ends 137 defining an L-shaped or sloped surfaces that are configured to contact the underside of the rail 132 and prevent the mounting element 130 from rising off the floor,except for the intentional bending of the legs off the underside of the rail 132. The legs 136 can contact the connecting ribs 134 which will prevent the sliding movement of the mounting element 130 relative to the floor. Referring to Figure 26, the mounting element 130 is shown as being mounted to the floor of the system and more specifically to the rails. Figure 27 illustrates that the mounting element 130 remains in position as the pusher pad 141 is moved away from the front of the system. The mounting element 130 can 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 element 130 to the floor 131.
Referring to Figures 22-23, the mounting element 130 may also include an opening or slot 138 that will receive the end 29 of the spring. The spring can be assembled using any of the techniques described herein, or other techniques. The configuration of the opening 138 and the mounting element 130 will hold the spring in position on the mounting element 130, similar to the technique described above.
The mounting element 130 may also include sliding ribs 139 on a top surfacewhich allows the product placed on it to slide more easily through the mounting element after the mounting element is installed on the floor of the system. The mounting element 130 may also include an elongated flat body 140 extending forward of the location of the legs 136 to provide stability to the mounting element 130 after it is mounted to the floor of the system.
Referring to Figures 24-25 and 27, the pusher paddle or pusher mechanism 141 may include a pusher face 143 configured to conform to the shape of the product against which it pushes. As illustrated, the pusher face 143 may be curved to conform to 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 which receives the spiral spring 30 to cover and protect the spring. The spring sleeve 147 may extend partially or completely through 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 allow the product to settle there without tilting or tilting the product significantly.
The push paddle 141 can be placed on top of the floor 131 to slide over the surface, as described above. The pusher paddle can be positioned between two product divider walls G53 that are joined together through the product retainer element 145. Additional product retention elements 157 can extend outwardly from the product dividers.
Referring to Figs. 28 and 29 there is shown yet another alternative technique for mounting the end 29 of the coil spring 30 to the merchandise display system. In this embodiment, the end 29 is riveted to the tray 216.
Referring to Figures 28-32 in an alternative embodiment, the railless pusher system can be retrofitted to an existing shelf assembly 230, which may have already integrated product dividers. For example, in one embodiment, the pusher system without rail may be retrofitted to an existing wire rack assembly. Referring to Figures 30-32, a tray or adapter 216 may have a sliding floor 222 that may be sized for a single rack rail 234 or that may be sized for the full width of the rack. The sliding floor 222 may include several raised ribs 224, which helps reduce frictionfor the products marketed in the tray 216. It should be understood that one or more raised ribs 224 may be used with the sliding floor 222. Alternatively, the sliding floor 222 may be a flat surface without raised ribs. The tray or adapter 216 can be configured similar to the adapter 180 of Figure 16.
As shown in FIGS. 28 and 30, the end 29 of the coil spring 30 may be riveted, through a rivet 229, to the front end 228 of the tray 216, and may be attached through any other technique Union. The tray 216 can be retained to the shelf by any convenient joining technique for the particular shelf. In one embodiment, and as illustrated in FIGS. 29-32, tray 216 may include one or more outwardly extending nails or clamps 220, which may engage one or more individual wires 232 of shelf 234 to retain the tray 216 on the shelf 234. The nails or tweezers 220 can extend longitudinally along the length of the tray 216, or they can be spaced along the length of the tray. The tweezers 220 can be used to press fit the tray 216 to the existing wire rack. As shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B, the clamps 220A and 20B can define numerous configurations that allowthat the tray 216 snaps into the shelf. The embodiment shown in Figures 28-32 allows the placement of the railless pusher system in an existing shelving system, such as a wire shelving system, as a low cost alternative to the pusher assembly without full rail. It should be understood that with this embodiment any pusher mechanism described herein can be used.
As shown in FIGS. 33 and 44, in another exemplary embodiment, the deployment 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. Push mechanisms 286 may be formed of a pusher paddle 287 and a pusher pad 288. The product is placed on the pusher pad 288 and guided to the front of the deployment management system through the dividers 266 and the paddle paddle 287. The spiral spring 30 biases the pusher mechanism 286 towards the retainer 250 so that the product moves to the front of the system.
In an exemplary embodiment, shown in Figure 33, the coil spring 30 can be mounted to the retainer 250. Alternatively, the coil spring 30 can be mounted to a divider 266 (which is also shown in Figures 48 and49). The spiral spring 30 can be mounted directly to the retainer 250, as shown in Figure 33, or it can be mounted to the retainer 250 through a separate adapter 252, as shown in Figure 34.
As shown in Figure 35, the adapter 252 has a wall 254 near a first end 256. The first end 256 has a curved portion 262, which curves upward, the middle portion of the adapter 252 can be provided with a curved slot 260, which is adapted to receive a correspondingly sized spring end (not shown).
The spiral spring 30 at one end can be secured to the middle portion of the adapter 252. In the exemplary embodiment, the curved slot 260 corresponds in size and shape to the first spring end. Additionally, the first spring end of the coil spring 30 can be folded or bent to provide additional fastening. However, any sufficient clamping method can be used to fix the first spring end of the coil spring 30 to the adapter 252.
In an exemplary embodiment, which is shown in Figures 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 in lengthof the retainer to allow an unlimited positioning of the adapter 252 along the length of the retainer 250.
To secure the first spring end of the spiral spring 30 to the retainer 250, the curved portion 262 of the adapter 252 is positioned within the curved slot 284 of the retainer 250. The curved slot 284 secures the adapter 252 and the first spring end of the spiral spring 30 to retainer 250 and provides a quick and easy assembly of the deployment system. The wall 254 provides additional stability in the connection between the retainer 250 and the adapter 252. However, other methods can be used to secure the adapter 252 and / or the first spring end of the coil spring 30 to the retainer 250.
Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 44, the spiral spring 30 of the pusher blade 287 can be mounted directly to the front of the tray 306. The first spring end 290 of the spiral 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 cavity 316 (shown in FIG. 33) defined by a rim 318 of the front surface of the dispenser tray 306 and the retainer 250. A vertically oriented surface of the retainer 250 and the flange 318 are spaced apart so that a space is formedbetween the vertically oriented surface and a leading edge of the flange 250. To secure the spiral spring 30 and the pusher mechanism 286 to the assembly, the first spring end 290 is inserted into the space formed between the vertically oriented surface of the retainer 250 and the the front edge of the flange 318 and placed in the cavity 316 formed by the flange 318 of the dispensing tray 306 and the retainer 250.
In another exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 38, 39, 48 and 49, the coil spring 30 can be mounted directly to a divider 266. Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the coil spring 30 can be mounted perpendicular to the pusher floor 288 so that the axis around which the spiral spring 30 is wound is perpendicular to the pusher floor 288. This orientation has the benefit of preventing the pushing blade from tilting backwards. The first spring end 290 can be provided with an inclined portion 292 and a tip portion 296. In an exemplary embodiment, the inclined portion 292 can be bent perpendicular to the spiral 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.
To secure the coil spring to the divider, thetip portion 296 is inserted into the slot 298. Once the tip portion 296 is fully inserted into the slot 298, the inclined portion 292 engages the slot 298 to secure the first spring end 290 to the splitter 266.
As shown in Figure 33, various pusher mechanism designs can be implemented. The pusher paddle 287 can be formed flat to accommodate a product with a corresponding shape. Alternatively, the pusher paddle 286 may have a first curved end and a second flat end. This serves to accommodate a variety of cylindrical products having a variety of different size diameters and to facilitate the operation of the pusher mechanism 286. During operation, the product in the pusher mechanism 286 and the first curved end together push the pusher mechanism against the divider 266, so that the spiral spring 30 remains flat against the divider 266 holding the first spring end 290, while in tension or in operation. This allows a smoother operation of the pusher mechanism and ensures that the product is properly supplied as users remove the product from the system.
In another exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 40-41D, the distance between the dividers 266 can be adjusted to accommodate containers of different size. The dividers 266 can be provided with connection portions 272. The connection portions 272 can be provided with a first elongated inclined surface 268 and a second elongated inclined surface 270. Additionally, the connection portions 272 can be provided with a plurality of projections 274. As shown in Figure 41B, the rails may be formed of teeth 278 having face surfaces 280 and side surfaces 282.
When assembled, as shown in Figure 41C, the connecting portions 272 are received between the teeth 278 of the rails. Additionally, the elongated inclined surfaces 268 and 270 and the projections 274 are wedged between the teeth 278. Also, as shown in Figure 41C, the elongated inclined surfaces 268 and 270 couple the face surfaces 280 and the projections 274 coupling the lower surfaces of the teeth 278. The flank surfaces 282 contact the connecting portion 272.
In an exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 42, the trays 306 are provided with dovetail connections. A first side 308 of the trays 306 is provided with tabs 312 adapted to fit within thenotches 314 located on a second side 310 of the trays 306. To connect the trays, the notches 314 are aligned with the tabs 312 so that the tabs 312 are firmly secured within the notches 314.
In an exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 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 projections having a corresponding shape and size 302. To secure the retainer 250 to the tray 306, the projections 302 fit into the holes 300 to lock the retainer in its place on the tray 306.
As shown in Figures 45-47, after the product management deployment system is assembled, the product is loaded into the system. By adjusting the 266 splitters a wide variety of product sizes and shapes can be loaded into the system. As shown in FIGS. 46 and 47, the spiral spring 30 in conjunction with the push blade 287 pushes the product toward the retainer 250. As a user pulls product out of the system, the pallet pushes 287 pushes the product. remaining so that the product slides along the floor 264 to the retainer 250. This ensures that the entire product remainson the front of the deployment system.
As shown in Figures 50-52, the product handling deployment system 400 can be arranged so that the trays 402, 404 can be stacked one on top of the other. This embodiment may generally consist of a first tray 402, a second tray 404, a first separator 406 and a second separator 408.
The trays 402, 404 are each arranged to house product to be delivered. The first tray 402 and the second tray 404 can be provided with a clear retainer 410, a pusher mechanism 412, first and second guide walls, and a spiral spring 414.
The pusher mechanism 414 is accommodated in a similar manner as the embodiments discussed above, so that it slides product along the surface of the trays 402, 404 while removing product. Additionally, any of the alternative arrangements of the pusher mechanism discussed above can be implemented in a stackable tray arrangement.
To allow easy assembly and disassembly, the stackable product handling deployment system can be provided with a dovetail connection or any other convenient connection, such as a snap connection, a screw thread connection, or arivet connection. The first and second trays are provided with stops 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 may be provided with sockets 418 on their surfaces. respective exteriors to receive the corresponding shaped stops 416 located in the first and second spacers 406, 408.
To assemble the stackable product deployment system, the stops 416 located on the first and second spacers 406, 408 are placed in the correspondingly shaped sockets 418 on the outer surfaces of the first and second trays 402, 404 in an arrangement of blocking. This allows the stackable arrangement to be implemented in conjunction with any of the modalities discussed above.
In another exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 53-57, a pusher paddle 500 can be mounted directly to a rack 508 and held in the rack through the end of the spiral spring 504. The pusher paddle 500 will slide along and over of the shelf surface. One or more dividers 502 defining a T-shaped configuration can be placed adjacent to the pusher paddle 500. In an alternative aspect, the base of divider 502 can be placed on the rack in a mannerthat the base is located under the pushing paddle 500. With this configuration, the pushing paddle 500 can be slid along the base of the divider. If the dividers 502 are positioned far enough away from the pallet 500, the pallet 500 will slide directly onto the surface of the shelf 508. The dividers 502 can define numerous configurations including those described herein and can be secured to the rack using any known technique , including thrust pliers, rivets, fasteners, adhesives, and the like.
In one aspect, the end 510 of the coil spring 504 is positioned within a hole or opening 506 located on the rack 508. The end 510 can define a spring point that can further define any convenient configuration that allows the end of the spring Pass inside hole 506 and remain secured to the hole. For example, the end tip 510 may define a hook-shaped configuration that allows the end 510 to wrap around the edges of the hole 506. Alternatively, the spring tip may define one or more ratchets that are they engage over the edges of hole 506. Other spring-tip configurations are still possible.
As shown in Figure 54, to ensure stillplus the spring 504 to the shelf 508, a fastener 512, clamp, rivet or the like can be used. This fastener 512 will provide a second separate anchor point for the spring that will hold the spring in the desired alignment during the complete operation of the spring 504 as the vane 500 moves forward and backward on the rack 508. It will be appreciated, depending of the type of shelving and the existing number and hole separation on the shelf, that even more anchor points are possible.
Referring to Figures 55-57, an exemplary mounting technique is shown for mounting spring 504 of pallet 500 on 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 can define a spring tip as described herein to hold the end 510 to the edges of the hole 506. As shown in FIG. 56, the spring 504, which in this embodiment includes a rivet or eyelet 514 , it is lowered onto the shelf so that the rivet or eyelet 514 fits into another hole 506 located on the shelf. This rivet or eyelet provides another anchor point for the spring. As shown in Figures 56 and 57, spring 504 may define an opening 516 to receive another rivetor eye 518 still to even further secure the 504 spring to the shelf. With these multiple anchoring points, the spring 504 will be secured to the shelf, and therefore the pallet will be secured to the shelf. Also, with these multiple anchor points, the spring will retain the desired alignment during full spring operation as the paddle moves back and forth over 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 techniques described herein, or any combination of the techniques described herein. It should be appreciated that if a shelf has no pre-existing holes that could be used to anchor the spring 504, one or more hole in the shelf could be drilled in the desired locations.
With the modality shown in Figure 53-57, it can be appreciated that a pallet pusher without a rail can be readaptdda directly on existing store shelves with very little effort or extra assembly parts. Additionally, this mode is easily removable to allow the repositioning of the pushing pallet at any location on the shelf to accommodate any size and type of product that is being marketed on the shelf. An expert in the artyou will also appreciate that any of the pusher paddles described here can be mounted directly to the rack using the techniques described herein, or using any combination of the techniques described herein.
In an alternative embodiment, as shown in Figure 58, a deployment management system is comprised of one or more pushers 520, one or more dividers 550 and a front rail 580. Divider 550 and front rail 580 can be settle on a shelf. The pusher 520 may include a pusher face 522 and a pusher floor 524, as illustrated in FIG. 59. The pusher face 522 may be divided into a non-adjustable portion 526 and a pusher extender 528. The non-adjustable portion 526 and The pusher extender 528 can define a surface that can be used to contact the product on the shelf. Both the non-adjustable portion 526 and the pusher extender 528 can define similar heights and depths. The pusher extender 528 can be adjusted from a position that is level and adjacent to the non-adjustable portion 526, as shown in Figure 59. The pusher extender 528 can be directed downward to the pusher floor 524 as in the figure 60. The pusher extender 528 can be adjusted to a variety of positions as shown in Figure 60, including a position thatis parallel to the pusher floor 524 and a position that is directed upwardly away from the pusher floor 524 and a position that is directed downward to the pusher floor 524. In this manner, the width or height of the pusher 520 can be effectively extended for products that are wider or taller.
The pusher extender 528 can rotate about an axis on the upper portion of the pusher 520. A notched wheel 532 (see figure 77) can be located behind the pusher extender 528. The pusher extender 528 includes a protrusion (see, for example, 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 in the various spaces within the notches in the hub. notched wheel 532, similar to a ratchet mechanism. Each notch represents a separate position for the pusher extender 528. In each separate position, the pusher extender 528 can remain stationary, so that a force is required to move the pusher extender 528 to a different position. In exemplary aspects of the embodiment, the pusher extender can rotate from a first position that is adjacent to the non-adjustable portion 526 to one of numerous second positions that may belocated 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 notched wheel notches. The pusher extender can define a lighter opening through the wall of the pusher extender to reduce the weight of the pusher extender and reduce the moment created around the pusher extender axis. The pusher extender can define a smooth or textured pusher face.
Referring again to FIG. 59, a deflection member, such as a coil spring 534, may be maintained at a rear portion of the pusher 520. In one embodiment, the coil spring 534 may be positioned adjacent the non-adjustable portion. 526 of the pusher face 522. The coil spring 534 may extend through the pusher floor 524 as shown in Figure 59. In one embodiment, the pusher floor 524 may include a channel 536 on which the spring is seated. 534. The channel 536 allows the 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 mode. The pusher floor 524 may also comprise a surface without channel.
In one example, a divider 550 may be comprised ofa divider wall 552, a floor 554 and a barrier 556, as illustrated in Figure 59. In one example, a divider 550 may not include a barrier. In one example, a divider 550 may not include a floor. The dividing wall 552 can divide the dividing floor 554 into two portions 559 and 551 (see figure 78) with a portion on each side of the dividing wall 552. The dividing wall 552 can also have a dividing floor 554 on only one side of the dividing wall 552. dividing wall 552. As illustrated in Figure 77, dividing wall 552 may extend perpendicularly from dividing floor 554. Divider floor 554 may be a flat surface. In one embodiment, the divider floor 554 may include a channel without a portion of the divider floor 554. The spiral spring 534 may extend through the divider floor 554. In one embodiment, the spiral spring 534 may extend through the divider floor 554. dividing floor 554 within a channel in divider floor 554. In this embodiment, the product will not rest on spiral spring 534 and will rather rest on portions of divider floor 554 that are adjacent to the channel in divider floor 554. In another modality, the dividing floor 554 does not include a channel. In one example, a single pusher 520 can be placed on a portion of the divider floor 554 and a second pusher (see Figure 84F) can be placed on a second portion of divider floor 554. Therefore, adivider 550 may contain two pushers 520, one on each side of dividing wall 552.
The barrier 556 can be configured to restrict the product that is being pushed by the pusher 520 and the diverting element therein. The barrier 556 can be placed on the front of the divider wall 552, as illustrated in Figure 59. The barrier 556 can also be located on the back of the dividing wall to avoid excess supply of product in the wall. shelving. As shown in Figures 59 and 77, divider wall 552 can divide barrier 556 into two portions. The barrier 556 may be perpendicular to the front end of the divider wall 552. In one 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 one example, the barrier is separated from the divisor. In one example, the barrier is not integral with the divider or is not integrated with the divider. In another example, the barrier is configured to mate with the divider. In one example, the dividing wall and dividing floor are separate devices from each other and are not integral with each other or part of a single integrated device. In one example, the divider wall and divider floor are configured to mate with each other. In examplesIn addition, a barrier may be connected to the front rail 580 or the barrier may comprise a portion of the front rail 580.
As illustrated in Figure 61, one end 557 of a coil spring 534 may be placed within the barrier 556. The end 557 of the spring may be bent at an angle to the remainder of the spring. This angle can be 90 degrees or any other convenient angle that can be less than or greater than 90 degrees. The end 557 of the coil spring can then be placed within a slot 558 within the barrier 556. Once in the slot 558, the end of the spring 557 will remain in place and help to divert the pusher 520 towards the barrier 556. One end 557 of coil spring 534 may include a plurality of portions, each with folds that place a rear end portion of the coil spring at an angle to a previous portion of the coil spring (not shown). The plurality of bends can couple a plurality of slots or openings in the barrier 556 or other connection point on the divider 550 or front rail 580. The plurality of slots or openings can be adapted to the shape of the plurality of folds at the end 557 of spiral spring 534. Spiral spring 534 may include a ratchet (not shown at one end). The ratchet inthe coil spring may be configured to prevent the coil spring 534 from disengaging from the pusher 520, such as, for example, when the coil spring 534 is extended.
The pusher 520 can be connected to the divider 550 only through the spiral spring 534. The pusher 520 can be seated on top of the divider floor 554 and can be slid through the divider floor. The pusher 520 can be configured to lie completely above the divider floor 554 as shown in Figure 59 and not to lie below the divider floor 554. In this embodiment, the pusher 520 can be lifted out of the divider floor 554 as shown in FIG. Figure 62. The gravity and the weight of the product that sits on the pusher floor 524 keep pusher 520 on divider floor 554. The product that sits on spiral spring 534 also keeps pusher 520 on divider floor 554 The only integrated connection between the pusher and the divider can be the end of the coil spring 557 which is held within a slot 558 in the barrier 556. The divider wall 552 can be used to guide the pusher 520 as the pusher 520 moves forward and backward, and vice versa, on the divider floor 554.
The dividers 550 can define a notch 560 or othercavity in a portion of the lower side of the divider. This notch 560 or other cavity may be in the form of an inverted "u" as shown in Figure 61 or may assume another shape. The notch 560 or other cavity may extend across the full width of the lower side portion of the divider 550. The notch 560, or another cavity in one example, may extend along only a portion of the width of the portion of the lower side of the divider. The notch 560 or other cavity can be used to attach a front rail, front wall of a tray, or other structure. The term "cavity", as used herein, may mean a notch, groove, channel, indentation, depression or other cavity extending inwardly.
The divider 550 can also define a plurality of teeth 562 or other projection. Teeth 562 or other projection may be located on the front portion of barrier 556. As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 63, teeth 562 may define a series of outwardly extending inclined surfaces that meet or they unite in an apex. As used herein, the term "teeth" can mean any uniform, non-uniform, continuous, non-continuous, evenly spaced, or non-uniformly spaced-out surface which may or may not be inclined and whichmay or may not be found or united in an apex. Additionally, the teeth may define, at one apex pointed ends, bulging, rounded, flat or polygonal or any other convenient shape. Also, the surfaces that define the shape of the teeth can be flat, convex, concave, smooth or textured, or any other convenient configuration. In one embodiment, the teeth 562 are placed on an extension from the front portion of the barrier 556. The divider 550 may also define a resilient tab or tab 564. The teeth 562 or other projection may be located on the resilient flange 564. When a force is applied to resilient flange 564, teeth 562 or other projection can be moved in the direction of force. When the force is removed, the teeth or other projection will move back to their original position. The term "projection", as used herein, may mean a protuberance, resilient flange, tongue, bulge, tooth or plurality of teeth, edge, knob or other projection extending outwardly. A plurality of teeth may include a plurality of projections wherein the teeth extend outwardly and may include a plurality of cavities extending inwardly between the portions of the plurality of teeth that extend outwardly.
A front rail 580 may define a flat surface 582, an edge or tab 584 or another projection or coupling element, a channel or notch 586 or another cavity or coupling element and a plurality of teeth 588 or other coupling element. The ridge or tongue 584 or other projection or coupling element of the front rail 580 can be configured to engage the notch 560 or another cavity or coupling element of the divider. The edge 584 or other projection or other coupling element can be adjusted within the notch 560 or another cavity or coupling element and inhibit the divider 550 from moving in a direction perpendicular to the edge 584 or front rail 580 or a angle (ie, outside the perpendicular) to the edge 584 or front rail 580. The teeth 588 or another front rail coupling element 580 may be separated. The teeth 588 or other coupling element of the front rail can couple the teeth 562 or another coupling element of the dividers 550, said teeth 562 are illustrated in figure 63, to prevent the divider from moving in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580. The teeth 588 or other front-end coupling element 580 are engaged with the teeth 562 or another coupling member of the divider 550 and prevent the divider 550 from moving in the lateral direction shown by thearrow "A" in figure 65. The term coupling element, as used herein, may mean a projection, cavity, flat surface, almost flat surface, or other portion of the structure that can be coupled with another portion of the structure. structure. The front rail may be a separate structure that is attached or coupled to a rack, alternatively, the front rail may be part of a tray defining one or more of a front, rear wall and opposite side walls. In this configuration, the front rail, as described herein, can be formed as part of a front or rear wall of a tray and still achieve the objectives of the invention. That is, the front rail can be formed as part of the tray walls (or can be attached to the tray walls) and receive and engage the dividers and pushing mechanisms using any of the various techniques described herein. The front rail also does not need to be located on the absolute front of a shelf. The front rail can be located near the front of the bookshelf or at a location at a distance back from the front of the bookshelf. In one example, the front rail can be located on or near the back of the shelf, away from the front of the merchandise display system. The front of the shelf may not includea rail in an example.
When the resilient flange 564 of the divider 550 is pressed or a force is applied on the resilient flange in a direction away from the teeth 588 in the front rail 580, the teeth 562 of the divider can be disengaged from the teeth 588 in the front rail. When the teeth 588 on the front rail and the teeth 562 on the resilient flange 564 on the divider 550 are decoupled, the divider 550 can be moved in a lateral direction to the teeth 588 on the front rail 580 (i.e., the direction shown) by the arrow WA "in Figure 65. Through the use of this resilient flange 564, the products contained in the merchandise system 10 can be planned.When the divider 550 is moved in a lateral direction, the divider does not need to be In contrast, the divider 550 remains in a plane parallel to the flat surface 582 of the front rail 580. In addition, the divider 550 need not be raised.The divider 550 can simply be moved in the direction observed by the arrow "A "in figure 65.
In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580 and at least one divider 550 configured to engage the front rail 580. At least one divider 550 includes a barrier 556 and at least one divider 550 further includes a divider wall 552 At least one dividerit 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. At least the divider 550 is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when at least one divider 550 is coupled with the front rail 580 and the cam 720 He is in the first position. At least the 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 at least the divider 550 is engaged with the front rail 580 and the cam 720 is in the second position.
In one example, the cam 720 includes a handle for rotating the cam 720 between the first position and the second position. In another example, the cam 720 may include a handle that allows the cam 720 to slide between a first position and a second position (not shown). The cam 720 may also include one or more cam walls configured to engage one or more notch walls in the front rail 580 when the cam 720 is in the second. The cam 720 may also include a plurality of cam teethconfigured 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 may be on an inner surface of the front rail 580. The merchandise display system may also include a pusher mechanism having a pusher surface, a pusher floor, extending forwardly from the pusher surface, and a spiral spring that has a spiral end and a free end. The spiral end of the spring can be placed behind the pusher surface and the pusher mechanism can be attached to the merchandise deployment system only by the spiral spring. The barrier can be configured to receive the free end of the spiral spring. The front rail can define a front rail notch and the divider can define a divider edge configured to engage the front rail notch.
In one 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 where the floordivider 554 is configured to hold product and a cam 720 coupled to divider 550, wherein 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) is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when each of the plurality of dividers 550 is coupled with the rail front 580 and 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 coupled with the front rail 580 and cam 720 for each of the plurality of dividers 550 is in the second position.
In one example, each of the plurality of dividers 550 is configured to move in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the product is placed on the divider floor 554. A force on a outermost divider of the plurality of dividers 550 may causing 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 550it is in the first position, and where the force is in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 and perpendicular to the divider wall 552 of the outermost divider.
In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580 and at least one divider 550 configured to attach to the front rail 580, at least the divider 550 including a barrier, a divider wall 552 extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail , a dividing floor 554 perpendicular to the dividing wall 552, wherein the dividing wall 552 separates the dividing floor 554 into a first portion and a second portion and each of the first portion and the second portion is 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 and second portion, a second pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least part of the second portion, and a cam 720 coupled at least to the divider 550, the cam 720 configured to move between a first position and a second position. At least the divider 550 is movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and along the same when the cam 720 is in the first position, and at least one divider 550 resists movement in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail580 and along the same when the cam is in the second position.
In one example, each of the first and second pusher mechanisms of the merchandise display system includes a pusher surface, a pusher floor extending forward from the pusher surface, and a spiral spring having a spiral end and a free end, where the spiral end is placed behind the pushing surface. The first and second pusher mechanisms are attached to the merchandise deployment system solely by the spiral spring. At least the divider can define a splitter coupling element and at least one front rail can define a front rail coupling element, and the splitter coupling element can be configured to couple the front rail coupling element. The splitter coupling element can define splitter teeth on at least one splitter coupling element surface and the front track coupling element can define front rail teeth on at least one surface of the front rail coupling element. The splitter teeth can be configured to attach the front rail teeth.
In one example, a merchandise display systemincludes a front rail 580 and at least one splitter 550 configured to attach to the front rail 580, at least the splitter 550 including a barrier configured to engage the front rail 580, a divider wall 552 extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, a dividing floor 554 perpendicular to dividing wall 552, wherein dividing floor 554 is configured to hold product. The deployment system may also include a resilient flange coupled to the divider 550, the resilient flange configured to move between a first position and a second position. At least the divider 550 is fixed in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the resilient flange is in the first position. At least the divider 550 is movable in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the resilient flange is in the second position.
In one example, the divider 550 includes a plurality of teeth configured to engage the front rail 580. The splitter teeth can be configured to engage corresponding teeth in the front rail 580. The splitter teeth of the merchandise display system can be configured to attach a resilient surface on the front rail 580.
In one example, a merchandise display systemincludes a front rail 580, the front rail 580 comprises at least a first projection and at least one first cavity, and at least one divider 550 configured to attach to the front rail 580, at least the divider 550 comprises a divider wall 552 and a floor Divider 554 perpendicular to the divider wall 552, at least the divider 550 further comprises at least one second cavity and at least one second projection, at least the second projection of the divider 550 configured to move between a first position and a second position. At least the divider 550 is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when at least the first projection of the front rail 580 is engaged with at least the second rail the divider cavity 550 and at least the second projection of the divider 550 is in the first position. At least the 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 at least the first projection of the front rail is coupled with at least one second cavity of divider 550 and at least the second projection of divider 550 is in the second position.
In an example, at least the second projection of the divider 550 may comprise a cam 720. At least theThe first cavity of the front rail 580 may comprise a notch. At least the second projection of divider 550 may include a resilient flange. At least the first projection of the front rail 580 may comprise a tab. At least the first projection of the front rail 580 may comprise a plurality of teeth. At least the second projection of divider 580 may comprise a tab. At least the second projection of the dividers 550 may comprise a plurality of teeth. The merchandise display system may also include a plurality of teeth on at least the first projection of the front rail 580 and a plurality of teeth on at least the second cavity of the divider 550.
In one 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, at least the 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 join the front rail 580, at least the divider 550 comprises a divider wall 552 and a divider floor 554 perpendicular to the divider wall 552, at least the divider 550 further comprises at least one cavity. At least the divisor 550 is(a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when at least the first projection of the front rail 580 is coupled with at least one cavity of the divider 550 and at least a second projection of the front rail 580 is in the first position. At least one divider 550 is (a) fixed in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) is secured in the direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when at least the first projection of the front rail 580 is coupled with at least the cavity of the divider 550 and at least one second projection of the front rail 580 is in the second position.
In one example, at least the first projection of the front rail 580 may comprise a tab and at least one cavity of the divider 550 may comprise a notch.
In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580, the front rail 580 comprises 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, at least the divider 550 comprises a divider wall 552 and a divider floor 554 perpendicular to the divider wall 552, at least the divider 550 further comprises a cavity and a third projection. At least one of the second projection orThe third projection is a mobile projection that can be moved between a first position and a second position. At least the divider 550 is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the first projection of the front rail 580 is engaged with the cavity of the divider 550 and the mobile projection is in the first position. At least the 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 the front rail 580 is engaged with the cavity of the divider 550 and less a second mobile projection is in the second position.
In one example, the mobile projection of the merchandise display system may be a cam 720 or a resilient tab. The first projection of the front rail 580 may be a tab and the cavity of the divider 550 may be a notch.
In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580, the front rail 580 comprises at least a first coupling element. The merchandise display system also includes at least one divider 550 configured to join the front rail 580, at least the divider 550 comprises a divider wall 552 and a floorDivider 554 perpendicular to the dividing wall, at least the divider 550 further comprises at least a second coupling element. The merchandise display system also includes a third coupling element configured to move between a first position and a second position. At least the divider 550 is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the first front rail coupling member 580 is engaged with the second rail element 580. coupling of the divider 550 and the third coupling element is in first position. At least the 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 front rail coupling element 580 is engaged with the second divider coupling member 550 and the third coupling element is in the second position. In an example, when the first coupling element of the front rail 580 is coupled with the second coupling element of the divider 550 and the third coupling element is in the first position, at least the divider 550 is movable in the plane of a shelf (such as the rack 596 shown in FIGS. 70 and 71) only in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail580; at least the divider 550 is fixed in the plane of the rack in all directions other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580 / at least the divider 550 may not twist, and open as a fishtail in the plane of the rack; at least the divider 550 remains perpendicular to the front rail 580.
In one example, the third coupling element may be a portion of the front rail 580 or a portion of the divider 550. In one example, the third coupling member may comprise a cam 720 or a mating surface. In one example, the first coupling element of the front rail 580 is a projection. The merchandise display system may also include a pusher mechanism 520 having a pusher surface 528, a pusher floor 524 extending forward from the pusher surface 528, and a spiral spring 534 having a spiral end and an end free. The spiral end may be positioned behind the push surface 528 and the pusher mechanism 520 is attached to the merchandise display system only by the coil spring 534. The merchandise display system may also include a barrier that is configured for receive the free end of the coil spring 534.
In one example, a merchandise display systemincludes a front rail 580 and at least one divider 550 configured to engage the front rail 580, at least the divider 550 including a barrier 556, at least the divider further including a divider wall 554, at least the divider further including a divider floor 552 perpendicular to the divider wall 554 where 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. At least the divider 550 can be secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when at least the divider 550 is coupled with the front rail 580. The cam 720 can inhibit the movement of at least the divider 550 in the lateral direction parallel to the rail front 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 may include a handle for rotating the cam 720 between the first position and the second position. The merchandise display system may include a handle for sliding cam 720 between the first position and the second position (not shown).
Figures 67A-C show an example of a step approachstep by step for the placement of a divider in a front rail. To begin, as illustrated in Figure 67A, the divider 550 is lowered into the channel 586 defined by the front rail 580. The force of lowering the divider 550 within the channel 586 causes the teeth 562 on the divider 550 to contact the upper part of the front rail 580 and move in a direction toward the divider 550 and away from the front rail 580, as illustrated in Figure 67B. The teeth 562 on the divider 550 can be ramp teeth as shown in Figure 63. The front rail 580 includes the cavities 589, as illustrated in Figure 64, which are dimensioned to engage the teeth 562 in the divider 550 These cavities 589 are separated by the teeth 588 present in the front rail 580. When the divider 550 is further lowered into the channel 586 on the front rail 580, as illustrated in Fig. 67C, the teeth 564 of the divider 550 are they move past the upper part of the front rail 580 and move into the cavities 589 in the front rail 580. When the teeth 564 in the divider 550 are in the cavities 589 in the front rail 580, the divider 550 is in a coupled position and will not move in a lateral direction under a normal amount of force.
In an example, Figures 68A-C show a focusStep by step for the placement of a divider in a front rail in another mode. In the initial step, as illustrated in FIG. 68A, the resilient tab or tab 564 is manually pushed rearward causing the teeth 562 on the flange 564 to move backward toward the divider 550. An axle-style pivot allows the resilient tab or tab 564 remains in the rearwardly pushed 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 notch 560 of the divider 550 engages the ridge or tab 584 of the front rail 580. At this point, the divider 550 can move in a lateral direction along the front rail and can allow easy reprogramming of the refueling. However, the divider 550 is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 (ie, parallel to the divider 550) and can not be moved in this direction, unless for an insignificantly small amount of play between the notch 560 of the divider. 550 and the edge or tab 584 of the front rail 580. (The direction perpendicular to the front rail is seen by arrow "B" in figure 86H). This insignificantly small amount of game may not be noticeable to a user of the system. Although the divisor550 is in contact with the front rail 580 and the notch 560 of the divider 550 engages the ridge or tab 584 of the front rail 580, as illustrated in Figure 68B, the divider 550 can be moved in the plane of the rack (the shelving is observed as 596 in Figures 70 and 71) only in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 (ie, the direction observed by arrow "A" in Figure 65). The divider is fixed and can not move in the plane of the rack under normal operating forces in all other directions other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580. The divider can not be twisted, expanded into fishtail or other way to move in the plane of the shelf in a direction other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580. However, the divider 550 can move in a direction away from the shelf plane, such as the direction observed by the arrow " C "in Figure 87B. The divider 550, with or without product on the divider floor 554, can be slid in the direction previously observed by the arrow "A" in Figure 65, without requiring the divider 550 to be lifted. In the final step, as illustrated in FIG. 68C, the resilient tab or tab 564 is manually pulled away from the divider 550. This movement causes the teeth 562 on the front divider 550 to fit within the cavities 589 in the railfront 580. The cavities 589 in the front rail 580 are separated by the teeth 588 in the front rail. When the teeth of 562 of the divider 550 are in contact with the cavities 589 and the teeth 588 in the front rail 580, the divider 550 is engaged and can not be moved in a lateral direction under a normal amount of force.
In another example, the tongue, or resilient flange, does not include an axle-style pivot that allows the resilient tongue or tab 564 to remain in the rearward-pushed position. In contrast, the resilient tongue or tab 564 is biased toward the front rail 580 and away from the divider 550 so that the tab or tab 564 automatically returns to its rest position and can engage the front rail 580 when the force is removed. manually push the resilient tab or tab 564 rearward.
In one example, a divider 550 is contacted with a front rail 580. A front rail coupling member 580 engages a coupling member of the divider 550, which secures the divider in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 ( the direction observed by the arrow MB "in Fig. 86H) and causes the divider 550 not to move in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, unless for a small, insignificant amountof play or space between coupling elements that may not be noticeable to a user. The divider 550 is also secured in the plane of the rack in all directions other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580 (the direction observed by arrow "A" in Figure 65). The divider 550 can move in the shelf plane only in the direction parallel to the front rail 580. The divider 550 is fixed, under normal operating forces and conditions, in the shelf plane in a direction different from the direction parallel to the 580 front rail. However, the divider can be mobile in a direction away from the shelf plan, such as an address observed by the XVC date "in Fig. 87 B. When the divider is" locked "in a direction perpendicular to the rail front 580, this means that the divider 550 can not move, under normal operating forces and conditions, in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, except for a small insignificant amount of clearance or space between the coupling elements that may not be noticeable for a user The direction perpendicular to the front rail is observed by the arrow "B" in figure 86 H. A second coupling element of the front rail 580 or the divider 550 is in a first position and the divider moves laterally, parallel to the front rail. The secondThe coupling element then moves to a second position, which causes the divider 550 to be fixed in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 (the direction observed by arrow "A" in Figure 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.
In one example, a plurality of dividers 550 can be moved as a group parallel to the front rail 580 while the remainder is secured to the front rail 580 in a direction perpendicular to the front rail (the direction observed by arrow nB "in Figure 86H Each of a plurality of dividers 550 can be placed in contact with a front rail 580. A coupling element or a plurality of front rail coupling elements 580 is coupled with a coupling element in each of the plurality of dividers 550, which insures each of the plurality of dividers 550 in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 (the direction observed by arrow "B" in Figure 86H) and makes each of the plurality of dividers 550 not can move in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, except for a small insignificant amount of playor space between coupling elements that may not be noticeable to a user. A second coupling element (or a plurality of second coupling elements) of the front rail 580 or each of the dividers 550 is in a first position, which allows the plurality of dividers 550 to move laterally, parallel to the front rail 580. The plurality of dividers 550 may form rows between dividers 550 that are configured to hold product. The product can be placed between two of the plurality of dividers 550 as shown in Figures 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 to the first divider 550 (the product shown in Figures 45-47 as cans or cartons and may assume other shapes) the divider 550 may then force the product to move in the same direction as the first divider 550, ie, parallel to the front rail 580. The force may moving the product to come into contact with a second divider 550 adjacent to the product. The product can then force the second divider 550 to move in the same direction as the first divider 550 and the product, that is, parallel to the front rail 580. The secondThe splitter can then force a second product adjacent to 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 to the second product to move in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. this way, a series of dividers 550 and products can be moved in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 with a single force acting only on one of the dividers 550 or products in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. When the second element of coupling or elements on the front rail 580 or one of the plurality of dividers 550 is moved to a second position, which causes the divider 550 to be fixed in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 under normal operating conditions and forces, the divider 550 can not be moved in the direction parallel to the front rail 580 and the 550 divider will not force other 550 splitters or products to move in a direction parallel to the front rail 580.
In one example, when the second coupling element is moved to a second position, the second coupling element inhibits the 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 coupling element prevents thedivider 550 moves 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 580 front rail.
In one embodiment as illustrated in Figure 66, the thickness of the divider floor 554 varies. The thickness of a front portion of the divider floor 554 where it is adjacent to the flat 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 no longer adjacent to the flat surface 582 of the frontal rail. As shown in Fig. 67, the portion of the divider floor 554A is thinner than the portion of divider floor 554B. In one example, the thickness of the front portion of the divider floor adjacent the flat 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 not adjacent to the flat surface 582 of the 580 front rail.
One embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 69A and 69B, includes rail mounting clips 590 for the front rail 580. As illustrated in Figure 69B, the front rail 580 includes an aperture 592. This aperture 592 can be coordinate to be placed over openings 595 ina rack 596 in a retail setting as shown in figure 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 opening 592 in the front rail 580 and within the openings 595 on the rack 596 in the retail environment as shown in Figure 71. The rail mounting clips 590 can then be moved laterally to a narrower portion within the opening 592 in the front rail 580. When moving the rail mounting clips 590, the wider round portion of the rail mounting clips 590 will couple the narrower portion of the opening 592 in the front rail and lock in place. The rail mounting clamps 590 in this manner hold the front rail 580 in place and prevent the front rail 580 from moving in the lateral direction. If prior to shipment it is known that a store shelf will have holes, the 590 rail mounting clips can be inserted and locked on the 580 front rail before shipment. The insertion of the 590 rail mounting clamps before shipment can add ease to the installation of the merchandise system in the store environment.
In at least one embodiment, the height of the partition wall 552 may be greater than the height of the barrier 556, as shown in FIGS. 72 and 73. FIGURE 74 also displays the end 557 of spiral spring 534 maintained within of barrier 556. End 557 of spring 534 is bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to rest of spring body 534. End 557 is positioned within a slot 558 maintained within barrier 556.
In one embodiment, the divider 550 contains teeth 600, as illustrated in Figures 72 and 73. These teeth may be molded to be integral with the divider 550. The teeth 600 are not held on a resilient tab or tab as in other modalities. The teeth 600 are separated from each other. A plurality of teeth 600 may be placed on the divider 550 at the bottom of a front portion of the divider 550 and on the front of the barrier 556.
As illustrated in Figure 75, a front rail 610 may include a plurality of teeth 612. The teeth 612 in the front rail 610 may be designed to releasably couple the teeth 600 of the divider 550 through the use of a bar of cams 622 on the front rail 610 and by the action of cams, as illustrated in figure 76. The front rail 610 also includes a flat surface614 which is substantially planar and a tab or edge 616 that is substantially perpendicular to the flat surface 614, as illustrated in Figure 75. The front rail 610 further includes a cam bar lever 618 that moves the cam bar 622 inside the front rail 610, as shown in figures 76A and 76B. In Figure 76A, the cam bar lever 618 is in a first position in which the teeth 612 of the front rail 610 are removed within the front rail 610 away from the divider. In Figure 76B, the cam bar lever 618 is in a second position in which the teeth 612 of the front rail 610 extend toward the divider 550.
Figure 77 shows an exploded view of various aspects of a modality. The front rail 610 is shown including an extruded housing 620, a cam bar 622 and a tooth bar 624. The tooth bar 624 contains a plurality of teeth 612. The extruded housing 620 includes a cam area 626 designed to accommodate the cam bar 622 and tooth bar 624. Cam bar 622 is located on the base of front rail 610 adjacent to extruded housing 620. Cam rod 624 is in contact with cam bar lever 618. camshaft lever 618 can operate to move camshaft 622 back and forth in a lateral direction. Thecam bar 622 further includes elongated cams tanks 628. Camspots 628 are diagonal with a front end of camshaft 628 closer to the front end of front rail 610 and a rear end of caisson 628 further back from the end front of the 610 front rail.
The tooth bar 624 may include cam rivets 630. The tooth bar cams 630 rivets are placed within the camshaft reservoirs 628 during the front rail operation 610. When the camshaft 622 and the camshaft reservoirs camshaft 628 are moved laterally, the tooth bar cams 630 are moved in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the camshaft 622. The camshaft camshaft rivets 630 move towards 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 towards the teeth 600 of the divider) as the cam rod 622 moves laterally back and forth within the area of 626 cams. As the tooth bar cams 630 are moved, the tooth bar 624 also moves. Therefore, when the camshaft lever 618 moves from a first position to a second position, it moves the camshaft 622 laterally along the length of the camshaft.interior 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 in the divider 550. Figure 78 shows a later exploded view of various aspects of the modality shown in figure 77.
Figures 79A-C show an example of a step-by-step guide for positioning the divider 550 within the front rail 610. The divider 550 including the teeth 600 on the divider is lowered into the channel 640 of the front rail 610, as shown in FIG. illustrated in Figure 79A. The tooth bar 624 is initially in a position closer to the front of the front rail 610 and the teeth 612 of the tooth bar 624 are not coupled with the teeth 600 of the divider 550. The cam bar lever 618 is in a first position that holds the teeth 612 of the tooth bar 624 out of engagement with the tooth dividers 600, as illustrated in Figure 79B. In this position, the divider 550 can move laterally along the ridge or tab 616 of the front rail 610. The divider 550 can have product placed on the divider floor 554 aas the divider 550 is moved laterally along the front rail in the direction shown in figure 77 by the arrow WA. "The ridge 584 or another projection on the front rail 580 may engage the notch 560 or other cavity in the divider 550 to secure the divider 550 and prevent the divider from moving in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, except for a small insignificant amount of play (eg, less than 3 mm) between the ridge 584 and the notch 560, under conditions and normal operating forces, the camshaft lever 618 then moves from a first position to a second position.The movement of the camshaft lever 618 causes the camshaft 622 to move in a lateral direction within the extruded shell 620. Movement of camshaft 622 includes movement of diagonal camshaft deposits 628 in the lateral direction.The movement of camshaft 628 deposits in turn causes the tooth bar cams 630 to move in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the camshaft 622 and in a direction toward the teeth 600 of the divider 550, as illustrated in Figure 79C. The tooth bar cams 630 latches are coupled to and can be an integral part of the tooth bar 624. Accordingly, the movement of the tooth bar cams 630causes the tooth bar 624 and the teeth 612 contained there to move towards the teeth 600 of the divider. This movement causes the teeth 612 of the tooth bar 624 to engage the teeth 600 of the divider. When the teeth 612 of the tooth bar are engaged with the teeth 600 of the divider, the divider 550 is releasably coupled and will not move in a lateral direction shown by the arrow "A" in Figure 77 under operating forces and conditions. normal.
The tooth bar 624 is fixed on its ends so 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 can not be moved in a lateral direction shown in figure 77 by the arrow "A". The camshaft 622 operates in the opposite manner. The camshaft 622 is fixed so that the camshaft 622 can only move in a lateral direction shown in figure 77 by the arrow "A". The camshaft can not move towards or away from the teeth 600 in the divider.
Figure 80 provides an isometric view of aspects of a modality. When the teeth 612 of the tooth bar 624 are coupled with the teeth 600 of the divider, the entire merchandise system 10 is blocked. The front rail 610 and the divider 550 are coupled in a released mannerbetween them and they will not move in relation to each other. In addition the pusher 520 is coupled with the divider 550. In this position, the entire merchandise system 10 can be moved. The merchandise system 10 can be configured at a remote location according to a particular planogram and can then be secured. The merchandise system 10 can then be sent to the location of the store. At the location of the store, the merchandise system 10 can be removed from the shipping container and placed on the shelf as a rug. The programming of the plane of the dividers 550 will remain intact while the system of commodity 10 is insured.
In one example, a deployment system is assembled at 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 is coupled with a front rail '580 in a manner in which the dividers are secured and will not move significantly 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 previously planned planogram or other arrangement. The plurality of dividers 550 includes coupling elements and the front rail 580 includes coupling elements. The coupling elements inthe plurality of dividers 550 and / or the coupling elements in the front rail 580 are adjusted from a first position to a second position to fix the plurality of dividers 550 to the front rail 580 so that the plurality of dividers can not be moved in some direction relative to the front rail 580. The front rail 580 and the plurality of dividers 550 then move as a unit to the shelf. The 580 front rail is then secured to the rack.
To alter the schedule of the merchandise system drawing at the store location, the dividers 550 and the product do not need to be removed from the shelf. The camshaft lever 618 or other coupling element for each of the dividers 550 can be moved to its initial position. By moving the camshaft lever 618 or other coupling element to its initial position, the teeth 612 of the tooth bar 624 are released from the teeth 600 of the divider (or one coupling element disengages from another coupling element) . In this position, the dividers 550 can move laterally in the direction denoted by the arrow "A" in Figure 80. The product can remain in place on the splitter floors 554 and the pusher floors 524 while the dividers 550 are being moved. Once the divisors550 have been moved to the new position of the planogram, the camshaft lever 618 or other coupling element 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 a coupling element will couple another coupling element) and again cause the merchandise system 10 to lock.
In one example, the operation of the action of the cams is further shown in Figures 81A and 81B. Figure 81A shows the teeth 600 of the splitter not engaged with the teeth 612 of the tooth bar 624. In the embodiment, the cam bar 622 is adjacent to the front wall of the front rail 610. In Figure 81B the bar lever of cams 618 has been moved to the second position, the camshaft 622 has moved laterally and the cam rivets of the tooth bar 630 have moved towards the divider 550. The teeth of 612 of the tooth bar 624 have also been moved to the divider 550. they have moved towards the divider 550 and have coupled the tooth dividers 600.
In one embodiment, a soft rubber pad can be used in place of the teeth 612 on the tooth bar 624 and can function as a coupling element. In this mode, when the tooth bar624 is adjacent to the front portion of the front rail 610, the soft rubber pad and the splitter teeth 600 are not in contact with each other. When the cam bar lever 618 moves to its second position and the cam bar 622 moves the tooth bar 624 in the direction of the indexing teeth 600, the indexing teeth 600 come into contact with the soft rubber pad and this way they are attached to it. This contact provides resistive interference and keeps the splitter teeth 600 in place and prevents the divider 550 from moving laterally in the direction seen in Figure 77 by the arrow "A".
In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 82A-C the divider 550 is held in place in contact with the front rail 580 through the use of a clamp. Figures 82A-C show a step-by-step process for inserting the divider 550 into the front rail 580. Initially, as illustrated in Figure 82A, the divider 550 is lowered into a channel 640 formed in the front rail 580 (or 610). In addition, an edge or tab 644 on the front rail 580 contacts a channel 645 in the divider 550. The divider 550 includes a projection or edge extending outwardly 650 at a front portion of the divider 550. A clamp 652 on the front rail 580 is rotated tocoupling the projection 650 of the divider 550. The clamp 652 fits over the projection 650 and secures the projection 650 and the divider 550 in place. Once coupled in a released manner, the divider 550 can not be moved in the lateral direction observed in Figure 80 by the arrow "A". To move the divider 550, the clamp 652 must be pulled to release the clamp 652 from the projection of the divider 650.
In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 83A-C, the divider 550 is held in place in contact with the front rail 580 through the use of a rotating rod 660 including teeth. Figures 83A-C show a step-by-step process for inserting the divider 550 into the front rail 580. Initially, as illustrated in Figure 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 is initially lowered into the channel, as illustrated in Fig. 83B, the teeth of the rotary bar 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 rotary bar 660. When the handle is in a first position 664, the teeth of the rotary bar 660 are in a first position in which they are not coupled with the teeth 600 of the divider 500. Whenthe handle 662 is moved to a second position 668, as illustrated in Figure 83C, the handle 662 rotates the rotary bar 660 and moves the teeth on the rotary bar 662 to a position in which they engage the teeth of 600 in the 550. In this position, the teeth of the bar are in an interference condition with the teeth of the divider 600. When the teeth of the bar and the teeth of the divider 600 are coupled together, the divider 550 can not be moved in the lateral direction observed in figure 80 by the arrow "A". To move the divider 550, the bar 660 must be returned to its first position 664 and the teeth of the bar 660 must be moved out of engagement with the teeth 600 in the divider 550.
In one 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 for pushing product toward the front of the rack. The use of multiple pushers 520 can allow the wide product thrust shown schematically in the figures. In addition, positioning the pusher extender 528 in its extended upward position may allow pushers 520 to push higher products or a greater number of products as shown in Figure 84D and Figure 84E. In aIn this embodiment, a divider 550 may be coupled to two pushers 520. A pusher 520 may be coupled 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 may be attached to a pusher or the pusher may not be coupled to some pusher.
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 Figure 85. Figure 85 illustrates a cam 720 in a side perspective view coupled to the barrier 556. Cam 720 includes a rounded portion 722 that is configured to rotate within a cavity 740 (see figure 86G) in barrier 556. Cam 720 also includes a tab 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 may 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 is connected to the second cam wall 728. The second cam wall 728 is connected to the third cam wall 730. The cam alsoincludes a 732 handle.
In another embodiment, tongue 724 has only two cam walls. A first cam wall, such as the first cam wall 726, and a second cam wall. The second cam wall is straight and encompasses the length shown by the cam walls 728 and 730. There is no bending in the second cam wall in this embodiment. The cam walls may extend by one or more portions of the width of the divider 550 or may extend the full width of the divider 550.
In one embodiment, cam 720 fits within a cavity 740 of barrier 556, as illustrated in FIG. 86G. In one embodiment, the cavity 740 is bounded by side walls 742. The side walls 742 cause the front portion of the cavity 740 to be slightly narrower than the width of the cam 720. An amount of force is required to push the cam 720 passing the side walls 742 and into the cavity 740. After the cam passes the side walls 742, it locks into place in the cavity 740. The cam 720 can then rotate in the cavity 740 and will not leave the cavity. 740 or will be separated from the cavity 740 during normal use. The cam 720 is rotatably secured within the cavity 740. In one embodiment, the cavity 740 is also bounded in itsfront portion by a front wall (not shown).
In another embodiment, the side walls 742 do not cause the front portion of the cavity 740 to be narrower than the width of the cam 720. In this embodiment, the cam 720 can be placed within the cavity 740 and removed from the cavity 740 without the need to overcome the resistive force caused by the side walls 742.
In one example, Figures 86A and 86F illustrate magnified portions of the cam 720 and the front rail 580. The cam 720 may include textured. Cam 720 may include teeth or other coupling elements. In one embodiment, the first cam wall 726 is textured with teeth 735 and 738. The teeth 736 can form a lower row of teeth. Teeth 738 can form an upper row of teeth. The teeth 736 and the teeth 738 in one embodiment are rounded. In at least one embodiment, the teeth 736 and the teeth 738 form a vertical row of teeth. The elimination of the tips in the teeth can allow a better operation and a longer life for the teeth of the cams. The cam 720 can also be textured in different ways to the teeth, such as through roughness or other texturing.
In one example, the front rail 580 includes a notch 750, as illustrated in FIG. 86F. Notch 750it may include a first notch wall 752, a second notch wall 754 and a third notch wall 756. The first notch wall 752 is connected to the second notch wall 754, which in turn is also connected to the third one. notch wall 756. In another embodiment, notch 750 has only two notch walls. A first notch wall, such as the first notch wall 752 and a second notch wall 754. The second notch wall 754 is straight and encompasses the length shown by the notch walls 754 and 756. There is no bending in the second. Notch wall 754 in this mode. In one embodiment, notch 750 may be textured. The notch 750 may include teeth. In one embodiment, the first notch wall 752 includes teeth 766 and teeth 768. The teeth 766 can form a lower row of teeth. The teeth 768 can form an upper row of teeth. In at least one embodiment, the teeth 766 and 768 form a vertical row of teeth. The teeth 766 and 768 can be rounded. The teeth 766 and 768 can be placed along the entire length of the notch 750. In addition, the teeth 766 and 768 can be placed in sections along the notch 750 with additional notch sections 750 which are smooth and teeth. The notch 750 can also be textured in ways other than teeth, such as through roughnessor another textured. In one embodiment, the second notch wall 754 is smooth and the third notch wall 756 is smooth. In one embodiment, the second cam wall 728 is smooth and the third cam wall 730 is smooth.
In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 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 tab 724, wherein the cam tab 724 comprises a first cam wall 726, a second cam wall 728, and a cam tab 724. third cam wall 730. Cam 720 also includes a handle 732. Front rail 580 comprises a groove 750 which is comprised of a first notch wall 752, a second notch wall 754 and a third notch 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 tab 724 is coupled with the front rail notch 750 and the divider wall 5560 is prevented from moving and n a lateral direction. The cam 720 can also be configured to slide between a first position and a second position.
Figures 87A-C show an advance in which theSplitter 550 is coupled to front rail 580. Cam 720 is moved between a first position in Fig. 87B and a second position in Fig. 87C. As described below, the cam 720 allows 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. 87B, the divider 550 is secured in the direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 and can not be moved in the perpendicular direction, unless 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 of the system). The cam 720 prevents 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 one example, under normal operating conditions and forces, the cam 720 will prevent the divider 550 from moving laterally along the front rail 580 (and causes the divider 550 not to move 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 the movement of the divider 550 preventing the divider 550 from moving laterally along the front rail 580 when a force equal to or less than a quantity ofpredefined 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 is moves in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580.
Figure 87A shows the divider 550 raised above the front rail 580. In Figure 87B, the divider 550 has been lowered and placed in contact with the front rail 580. The notch 560 has been placed on the ridge 584 and the ridge 584 it has been placed with the notch 560. The notch 560 and the edge 584 may be in contact with each other in this position. The notch 560 and the edge 584 may also not be in contact with each other at all times in this position. There may be a space between the surface of the notch 560 and the edge 584 in some positions. A front portion of the barrier 556 has also been placed within the cel or notch 586. In FIG. 87B, the tab 724 of the cam 720 is not engaged with the notch 750 of the front rail 580. In FIG. 87B the divider 550 is shown in FIG. it can move in a lateral direction shown by the date "A" in figures 86F and 86H. The divider 550 need not be raised above the front rail 580 to allow such movement. The divider 550 can remain in contact with the front rail 580 andmove in the WA direction. "The product can be placed on the divider floor 554 during the process of moving the divider 550. The ability to move the divider 550 without separating the divider 550 from the front rail 580 or removing product provides an ease for the reprogramming the plane In Fig. 87F, the divider 550 can be moved in the plane of the rack (the rack is shown as 596 in Figs. 70 and 71) only in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 shown by the arrow " A "in Figures 86F and 86H. In Figure 87B, divider 550 can not be moved in all other directions in the shelf plane, such as the direction shown by arrow" B ", in Figure 86H, under normal operating conditions and forces The divider 550 can not oscillate, rotate or expand in fishtail in the shelf plane and the divider 550 remains perpendicular to the front rail 580 under normal operating forces and conditions. Fig. 87B, the divider 550 can be moved in the direction shown by the arrow WC "in Fig. 87B and thus lifted off the front rail 580. The direction shown by the arrow" C "in Fig. 87B is not in the plan of the bookshelf.
In Figure 87C, the cam le 732 has been rotated toward the front rail 580. In one embodiment, the cam le 732 is in contact with the front rail 580. Custom-madethat the cam 720 is rotated from its position in Fig. 87B to its position in Fig. 87C, the cam tab 724 comes into contact with the front rail 580 and slightly deforms the front rail 580 away from the cam tab 724. First cam wall 726 may be in contact with third notch wall 756 as cam 720 is being rotated from its position in Fig. 87B to its position in Fig. 87C.
As the cam moves towards the position shown in Fig. 87C, the tongue 724 can be adjusted in place within the groove 750 and the tongue 724 is engaged with the groove 750. In one embodiment, the tongue 724 is in perfect fit with the notch 750. This perfect fit involves the engagement of the tongue 724 and the groove 750. The front rail 580 is not deformed and the cam 720 and the front rail 580 are not in tension with each other. The first cam wall 726 is adjacent to the first notch wall 752. The second cam wall 728 is adjacent the second notch wall 754. The third cam wall 730 is adjacent to the third notch wall 756. In one mode, the cam walls and notch walls are in contact with each other. For example, the first cam wall 726 is in contact with the first notch wall 752; the second cam wall 728 is adjacent to the second notch wall 754. The third wallcam 730 is adjacent the third notch wall 756. In one embodiment, the cam walls and the notch walls are in contact with each other. For example, the first cam wall 726 is in contact with the first notch wall 752; the second cam wall 728 is in contact with the second notch wall 754, and the third cam wall 730 is in contact with the third notch wall 756. In at least one embodiment, although the cam walls and the walls of the cam notch are in contact with each other, these 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 notch walls when the cam walls and the notch walls are in contact with each other.
In a mode where the first cam wall 726 has been placed in contact with the first notch wall 752, the teeth of the first cam wall 726 engage the teeth of the first notch wall 752. The teeth 736 engage the teeth 766 and the teeth 738 engage the teeth 768. The engagement of the teeth of the first cam wall and the teeth of the first notch wall provides resistance to the splitter by moving laterally along the front rail in the lateral direction shown by the arrow " A "(as shown in Figure 86H).
When the cam tab 724 has been placed inPerfect fit with notch 750, there is substantial resistance to movement of divider 550 laterally along the front rail in the lateral direction shown by arrow "A", (as shown in Figure 86H) and divider 550 not it will move laterally under the normal forces placed on the divider during the operation.
When it is desired to move the divider 550 along the front rail 580 again, the cam can be pulled out of the front rail. The handle 732 can be rotated away from the front rail 580. The tab 724 can be uncoupled from the groove 750 and returned to its position in Fig. 87B.
In one embodiment, divider wall 552 has sections of different width (see Figure 85). A front section 770 of divider wall 552 that may be adjacent to barrier 556 may have a greater width than a rear section 772 of divider wall 552 that is adjacent to barrier 556. Front section 770 may be connected to the cross section. rear 772 through an intermediate section 774. The width of the intermediate section 774 gradually changes from the width of the front section of the divider 770 to the width of the rear section of the divider 772. In one embodiment, the width of the section portion intermediate 774 adjacent to section 770 is equal to the width of section 770 and the width of the portion of intermediate section 774 adjacent to thesection 772 is equal to the width of section 772. The minor width of rear section 772 of divider wall 552 creates an air gap between dividing walls 552 and helps prevent the product from bending between two partition walls 552 when it is being pushed and helps to allow product flow along the divider floor 554 as the product is removed from the front of the merchandise system 10. In one example, the width of the front section 770 of divider wall 552 it is at least 25% greater than the width of the rear section 772 of the divider wall 552.
In the embodiments shown in Figures 85-87C, one or more splitters 550 may be placed in contact with the front rail 580. When the cam 720 or other coupling element is not engaged with the front rail 580, the dividers 550 may be move parallel to the length of the front rail 580 in the lateral direction shown by the arrow "A" (see figure 86H). The divider 550 can then be fixed in place by pressing the cam 720 or another coupling element in engagement with the front rail 580. The divider 550 will remain fixed under normal operating forces until the cam 720 or other coupling element is released or removed. another way taken out of engagement with the 580 front rail.
In one embodiment, the divider wall 561 of the notch 560 is textured, as shown in Figure 86K. This texturing can be in the form of roughness or small teeth. The texturing causes the surface of the front wall 561 of the notch 560 not to be smooth. In one embodiment, the front wall 585 of the edge 584 or other protrusion or coupling element is textured, as shown in FIGS. 861, 86J, and 86L. This texturing may be in the form of roughness or small teeth and causes the surface of the front wall 585 of the edge 584 not to be smooth.
In at least one embodiment, as shown in Fig. 861, the barrier 556 is a separate component and can be removably attached to the divider 550. In at least one embodiment, the barrier 556 can be adjusted to the front portion of the barrier. divider 550. In at least one embodiment, barrier 556 is mobile. The entire barrier 556 can be mobile, or a portion or portions of the barrier 556 can be mobile. For example, the portion of the barrier 556 placed on the front of the product on the merchandise display system 10 can be mobile. In at least one embodiment, the portion of the barrier 556 placed on the front of the product can be configured to slide. In an alternative embodiment, the portion of the 556 barrier placedon the front of the product can be configured to rotate about an axis, in order to allow the portion of the barrier 556 to open and close. In this mode, the shaft can be a hinged connection. Additionally or alternatively, the portion of the barrier 556 may be spring-mounted to the divider 550, so that the portion of the barrier 556 requires an amount of force to move away from the divider 550. In this embodiment, at the time of releasing the strength, the portion of barrier 556 will close and return to its original position. Exemplary methods for mounting barrier 556 are described in greater detail in U.S. Patent No. 8,056,734, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
In one example, divider 550 does not include a barrier. Alternatively, one or more barriers can be included in the 580 front rail.
In one embodiment, when the divider 550 is placed in contact with the front rail 580, as shown in Fig. 87B, the front wall 561 of the notch 560 is not in contact with or is not in consistent contact with the front wall. 585 of the ridge 584 while the cam 720 is in the position shown in Fig. 87B and the tab of the cam 720 is not engaged with the notch 750 of the front rail 580. When the cam 720 is moved from a first positionshown in Fig. 87B to a second position shown in Fig. 97C, and tab 724 engages notch 750, the tab can force divider 550 to move rearwardly. In one embodiment, the tension between the tab 724 and the groove 750 forces the divider 550 to move in a backward direction. When the cam is moved to the second position shown in Fig. 87C, the front wall 561 of the notch 560 comes into contact with the wall 585 of the edge 584. The front wall 561 engages the front wall 585. The texturized the front wall 561 of the notch 560 engages the textured on the front wall 585 of the edge 584. The engagement of the front wall 561 of the notch 560 with the front wall of the edge 584 inhibits the movement of the divider 550 as length of the front rail 580 in the direction shown by arrow "A" in figure 86H. The engagement of the textured on the front wall 561 of the notch 560 with the textured on the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 further inhibits the movement of the divider 550 along the front rail 580 in the direction shown by the arrow "A" in Figure 86H.
In one example, a resilient strip or heel may be included in the upper surface of the ridge 584, or other protrusion, of the front rail 580. When the cam 720, or other coupling device, is in a firstposition, the resilient strip or heel is not compressed. In this first position the divider 550 can move in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail, but can not be moved in a direction perpendicular to the front rail. When the cam 720, or other coupling device, is moved to a second position, the resilient strip or heel comes into compression with the notch 560, or another cavity, of the divider 550. When the resilient strip or heel is in compression with the notch 560, or other cavity, the divider 550 is fixed under normal operating forces in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. In one example, the portion of the notch 560, or another cavity, that comes in contact with the resilient strip or bead of the front rail 580 may include a roughness or teeth (not shown).
In one 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 part of dividing wall 552 and dividing floor 556, as shown in the figure 88A. The barrier 556 can be molded into a transparent material, while the divider wall 552 and the divider floor 554 can be molded in an opaque material.
In one example, a divider 550 includes a coupling element comprising a flat surface. The front rail 580 may include a coupling element thatIt comprises a flat surface. The flat surface of the coupling element in the divider and / or the coupling element in the front rail may comprise a smooth or substantially smooth surface. The flat surface may include a resilient surface. The flat surface may include a rubber strip or a strip of neoprene or material that is otherwise compressible. In one example, when the coupling element of the divider 550 is in a first position, it is not coupled with the coupling element of the front rail 5.80 and the divider 550 is movable laterally parallel to the front rail. When the coupling element of the divider 550 is in a second position, it is coupled with the front rail coupling element 580 and the divider is fixed and not laterally movable parallel to the front rail under normal operating conditions and forces. In an example where the coupling elements 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 may have additional lateral adjustability and infinite or near-infinite lateral adjustability. . The lateral adjustment capability of the divider 550 is not limited by the physical dimensions, such as the width of the projections or teeth. The infinite lateral adjustment capacity providesSignificant benefits to the deployment system by efficiently utilizing the side space and limiting or minimizing lost or unused space between rows of products and thus potentially increasing the amount of usable space and side faces of the product on a shelf.
In one embodiment, the barrier 556 can be snapped or otherwise coupled with the divider 550, as shown in FIG. 88B. The coupling between barrier 556 and divider 550 may be such that barrier 556 can not be removed from divider 550 under normal operating conditions and without detrimentally affecting the structure of barrier 556 or divider 550.
Figures 89A-C show an example of a step-by-step approach for positioning a divider in a front rail. In the initial step, as illustrated in Fig. 89A, the divider 550 can be lowered to contact the front rail 590. A "T" 900 rotary latch can be rotated to fit over the front rail 580. "T" 900 rotary lock can be attached to a front portion of the 550 splitter. The "T" 900 rotary lock can be rotated around an axle 903. The 550 divider can be lowered and placed in contact with the 580 front rail , as illustrated in Figure 89B. Notch 560 or other cavity of theSplitter 550 engages the ridge or tongue 584 or other front rail protrusion 580. At this point, the divider 550 can move in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and can allow for easy reprogramming of the plane. In one example, the divider 550 can be moved along the front rail. The divider 550, with or without product on the divider floor 554, can be slid in the direction previously observed by the arrow "A" in Figure 65, without requiring the divider 550 to be lifted. In the final step, as illustrated in FIG. 89C, the "T" 900 rotary latch can be pushed forward and down toward the front rail 580. The "T" 900 rotary latch can be engaged with a flange 901 on a front portion of the front rail 580. In at least one embodiment, the front rail 580 includes an upper front surface 902. The upper front surface 902 may include a texture or may be a resilient surface, such as rubber. Alternatively, the upper front surface 902 may include one or more teeth. The upper front surface 902 may be coupled with a surface 904 in the "T" rotary lock 900. The surface 904 may also include a texture or it may be a resilient surface, such as rubber. Alternatively, the surface 904 may include teeth configured to engage the teeth in theupper front surface 902. When the "T" rotary latch 900 engages the flange 901, the divider 550 is coupled to the front rail 580 and can not be moved in a lateral direction under a normal amount of force.
Figures 90A-F illustrate embodiments of the divider 550 and the front rail 580. As shown in Figure 90A, a divider 550 may include the wall 552, a floor 554, and a barrier 556. The divider wall 552 may divide the floor divider 554 into two portions 559 and 551 with a portion on each side of divider wall 552. As illustrated in Figure 90B, divider wall 552 may extend perpendicularly from divider floor 554. Barrier 556 may be located at the front part of the divider wall 552. As illustrated in Figures 90C and 90F, the bottom surface of divider floor 554 may include a notch 560 or other cavity, a tongue 941 or other protrusion, and a front wall 561. In at least one embodiment, the front wall 561 of the notch 560 is textured. This texturing can be in the form of roughness or small teeth. The texturing can cause the surface of the front wall 561 of the notch 560 not to be smooth.
As illustrated in Figure 90D, a front rail 580 can define a flat surface 582, an edge ortab 584 or other projection, a first channel or notch 586 or other cavity and a second channel or notch 950 or other cavity. The front wall 561 of the divider 550 can engage the first notch 586 of the front rail 580. The ridge or tab 584 of the front rail 580 can engage the notch 560 of the divider 550. The tab 941 of the divider 550 can engage the second notch 950 of the rail front 580. In one embodiment, the front wall 585 of the edge 584 is textured. This texturing may be in the form of roughness or small teeth and causes the surface of the front wall 585 of the edge 584 not to be smooth. The texture of the front wall 585 of the edge 584 can be coupled with the texturing of the front wall 561 of the notch 560. The coupling of the front wall 561 of the divider 550 to the first channel 586 of the front rail 580, the coupling of the edge or tab 584 of the front rail 580 to the notch 560 of the divider 550, and the coupling of the projection 941 of the divider 550 to the second notch 950 of the front rail 580 can keep the divider wall 552 perpendicular to the front rail 580 and prevent a portion Rear of divider 550 expands. In at least one embodiment, the divider 550 can move laterally parallel to and / or along the front rail 580 when the divider 550 receives a lateral force.
The front rail 580 may include openings 951 and openings 952, as illustrated in Figure 90E. The openings 951 can be configured to mate with corresponding coupling projections (not shown). In one example, the coupling projection can be a planar splicer. The corresponding coupling projections can connect one or more front rails 580 in series. The connection of the openings 951 and the coupling projections can allow 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 can be configured to receive fasteners, which fasten the front rail 580 to a deployment rack. The front rail 580 may include any number of convenient openings 952 for securing the front rail 580 to a deployment rack. Any type of fastener can be contemplated within the scope of the invention.
In one example, as illustrated in Figure 91A, the merchandise display system 10 may include a back rail 810. The back rail 810 may be located on or near the back of a shelf. The rear rail 810 may be a similar construction as the front rail 580 and the present disclosure pertaining to the railfront 580 applies equally to the rear rail 810. For example, the rear rail 810 may include a cavity 804, which can usually be in the form of a "u". In this embodiment, the dividers 550 can be connected to the splitter blocks 802. The splitter blocks 802 can then be coupled with the rear track 810. The rear track 810 can be a second track in the merchandise display system, along with the track. 580 front rail. The 810 rear rail can also be the only rail in the merchandise display system. As noted above, the front rail 580 can be located in the rear of the merchandise display system and thus functions as a back rail 810. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of 802 divider blog has, each , a cam 710 (not shown in Figure 9LA) at the location denoted by the arrow in Figure 91A. This cam 720 can rotate from a first position to a second position and can have the same effect as the cam 720 in the splitter that engages with the front rail 580. The splitter blocks 802 can also include other coupling devices, including the devices coupling here described for the splitter 550, which engage the back rail 810. In use, the rear rail 810 can keep the rear part of the dividers 550 in position and prevent theThe product moves to a position behind the pusher 520. To unlock the dividers 550 of the rear rail 810, 720, another coupling device is rotated away from the rear rail 810 or otherwise uncoupled with the rear rail 810.
In one example, a divider 550 may be placed in contact with a front rail 580. The notch 560 may be placed on the ridge 584 and the ridge 584 may be placed within the notch 560. The notch 560 and the ridge 584 may be in contact with each other at this point. The divider 550 can also be placed in contact with the rear rail 810. A notch or other cavity in the divider 550 can be placed on an edge or other protrusion of rear rail 810 and the ridge or protrusion of the rear rail 810 can be placed inside. of a notch or other cavity of the divider 550. The divider 550 may be in contact with the front rail 580 and the rear rail 810 at the same time. A coupling device, such as the cam 720, on the front of the splitter may be in a position so that the divider 550 can move laterally parallel to the front rail 580 and the rear rail 810, but the divider 550 can not be moved. move in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 or the rear rail 810 (the direction between the front rail 580 and the rear rail 810). The blockdivider 802 may also include a coupling device (not shown), such as a cam 720 or other coupling devices described above with respect to the front rail 810. The coupling device or divider block 802 may be in a position so 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 the front rail 580 or rear rail 810 (the direction between the front rail 580 and the rear rail 810 ).
In one example the coupling 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 coupling device in divider block 802 can also be moved to a second position. In the second position, the coupling device or divider block 802 causes the divider 550 to be fixed in a direction parallel to the rear rail 810 under normal operating forces. The front rail 580, splitter 550 and rear rail 810 can form a rigid tray that can 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 in arigid 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 rack and secured to the rack through one or more fasteners.
Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. For example, one skilled in the art will understand that multiple of the described components can be used in stores and in various configurations. Therefore, the present invention will not be limited to a single system, nor to the vertical pusher configuration, shown in the figures, since the system is merely illustrative of the features, teachings and principles of the invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual characteristics mentioned or apparent from the text and / or figures. All of these different combinations constitute several alternative aspects of the present invention. The method described herein explains the best known ways to practice the invention and will allow other experts in the art to use the invention.