BR112015017972B1 - MERCHANDISE DISPLAY SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

product handling display system. The present invention relates to a merchandise display system that may include a pusher extender that increases the pushing surface of the pusher. the pusher extender can define an elongated pusher body that has a cavity. The pusher extender can be configured to slide over the wall of the pusher through cavity like a sleeve. The pusher extender with an enlarged substantially flat pusher surface thereby creates a larger pusher surface for pushing larger products toward the front of the display system. the pusher extender can also be fitted with an angled pusher surface to accommodate larger products. The display system can be mounted on a rear suspension bar located toward the rear of the shelf. a hanger may be positioned within a cavity formed in the divider and extend the length of the divider. The hook end of the hanger can then be positioned on the hanger bar, and the entire system cantilevers out from the hanger bar.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE FOR RELATED ORDER

[0001] This Order claims priority from Order No. US 61/757,479, filed January 28, 2013 and is a continuation order in part of Order No. 14/136,029, filed December 20, 2013, which is an application a continuation application in part of Application No. 13/839,674, filed March 15, 2013, which is a continuation application in part of Application No. 13/542,419, filed July 5, 2012, which is a continuation application. in part of Application No. 12/639,656 filed December 16, 2009, now Patent No. 8,322,544, which is a continuation application in part of Application No. 12/357,860, filed January 22, 2009 , now Patent No. 8,453,850, which is a continuation application in part of Application No. 11/760,196, filed June 8, 2007, now Patent No. 8,312,999, which is a continuation application in part of Application No. 11/411,761, filed April 25, 2006, now Patent No. 7,823,734, which claims benefit for Prov Applications isories in US 60/716,362, filed September 12, 2005, and US 60/734,692, filed November 8, 2005, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Application No. US 13/542,419 also claims benefit from Provisional Applications US 61/530,736 filed September 2, 2011, US 61/542,473 filed October 3, 2011, and US 61/553,545 filed October 31, 2011 , all of which are incorporated herein by reference. This Application also claims priority from Provisional Application No. US 61/861,843, filed August 2, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The exemplifying modalities refer, in general, to a set of shelves for use in a marketing product and more particularly to a set of shelves that have improved mechanisms to display and push product on the shelves.

BACKGROUND

[0003] It is known that retail and wholesale stores, such as convenience stores, drugstores, department stores, discount stores, and the like, require a large amount of shelves both to store product and to display the product to consumers. In product display, it is desirable that the product on the shelves is situated towards the front of the shelf so that the product is visible and accessible to consumers. In the case of coolers or coolers that are used to store and display such products as soft drinks, energy drinks, bottled water, and other bottled or canned beverages, it is desirable that these products are also situated towards the front of the shelf and visible and accessible to consumers .

[0004] To achieve this product positioning, known systems can include trays or sloping floors that through gravity will cause the product to move towards the front of the shelf. Many of these systems include floors or shelves made of a plastic material such as polypropylene which due to its low coefficient of friction allows the product to slide easily along the sloped floor or surface. However, over time, these surfaces can become clogged with residues or sticky substances that inhibit the product from sliding properly, sometimes causing several products to tip over to thereby block the movement of additional product to the front of the shelf. .

[0005] Other systems include the use of a pusher system to push product toward the front of the shelf when the product in front of the shelf is removed. Known pusher systems are typically track mounted and include a pusher paddle and a spiral spring to propel the product forward. Occasionally, when the system is used, and over time, the lane becomes clogged with dirt or sticky materials that impair proper operation of the pusher system on the lane. Additionally, depending on the size, shape and weight of the product to be marketed, known pusher paddles may occasionally tilt or flex backward, to thereby cause the pusher mechanism to stick to the track. In these situations, the pusher mechanism may not properly push the product towards the front of the shelf.

[0006] An exemplary modality is aimed at improving existing marketing systems by providing a trackless pusher system that works with gravity-fed marketing systems (ie, tilted shelves or trays) and non-gravity-fed marketing systems .

SUMMARY

[0007] An exemplary modality is directed to a product handling display system for product marketing on a shelf. This modality includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which the product is placed. The trackless system overcomes known problems by using tracks to hold and guide known pushing mechanisms. It should be understood, however, that the teachings of this modality can be used with systems that include tracks for mounting a pusher mechanism or the like.

[0008] The pusher mechanism may include a pusher paddle and a floor that extends in front of the pusher paddle. A flat spiral spring or other biasing element may be operatively connected behind the pusher paddle and extends across the floor of the pusher mechanism and to the front of the shelf. Alternatively, the flat coiled spring or biasing element may extend across the divider to the front of the shelf assembly. With this configuration, the pusher paddle is prevented from tilting or flexing back during operation.

[0009] An exemplary modality also includes the use of a push mechanism with the marketing of product on shelves or horizontal or non-tilted surfaces, as well as with gravity fed systems, or systems that use gravity as a mechanism to propel the product into towards the front of the shelf.

[00010] According to an exemplary illustrative embodiment of the invention, the pusher paddle can define a concave pusher surface to push cylindrical products, such as soda bottles or cans, and to hold the paddle centered on the track and behind the product. Alternatively, the pusher paddle may define a flat pusher surface which may additionally include on its upper edge a curved rib or similar structure which may also be used to push cylindrical products.

[00011] According to another exemplary illustrative embodiment of the invention, the floor of the pusher mechanism may include a notched or cut-out portion to align the pusher mechanism relative to the spiral spring. The tread of the system may also include a notched or undercut portion for receiving and mounting a flat end of the spiral spring in the tread. A spring tip can be placed on the end of the coil spring to mount the coil spring on the system floor. Alternatively, the end of the coiled spring can mount on the assembly divider.

[00012] According to yet another exemplary embodiment, an adapter for a product handling display system can be positioned on a floor surface of the display system. The adapter may include a flat surface with at least two ribs extending outwardly from the flat surface and transversely to the flat surface in a substantially parallel manner. A coil spring can be positioned between the parallel extending ribs. With this configuration, the product to be marketed can rest on the ribs, rather than directly on the coil spring, to increase the forward movement of certain types of product, such as a beverage can.

[00013] In yet another alternative aspect, a mounting member can be used to mount the end of the coil spring to the floor of the system. For those systems that include spaced-apart slide rails that are connected by connecting ribs, where the mounting member can be snap-fitted to or otherwise mounted on the floor and between the slide rails.

[00014] In yet another alternative aspect, the trackless pusher system is retrofitted into an existing set of shelves. This allows placement of the trackless pusher system on an existing racking system as a cost-effective alternative to purchasing the entire trackless pusher assembly.

[00015] In another exemplary modality, the spiral spring can be mounted on the retainer. One end of the coil spring can be mounted directly on the retainer or alternatively the end can be mounted on the retainer via an adaptor. The adapter may have a curved portion that is received in a corresponding curved shaped slot in the retainer to secure the end of the spring to the display assembly.

[00016] In another exemplary embodiment, the trays can be attached transversely to a dovetail type connection to form a set of shelves. Additionally the dividers can be adjusted so that the width of the product rows can be adapted to receive products of different sizes.

[00017] According to yet another exemplary modality, the product handling display system can be arranged in a stackable arrangement. The assembly may be provided with a first tray and a second tray each having a first wall and a second wall. Each of the first and second trays is adapted to receive a pusher mechanism, and a retainer mechanism. First and second spacers are mounted on the first and second trays to stack the first and second trays on top of one another. The first and second spacers may be provided with a plurality of detents, and the first tray and the second tray may each be provided with a plurality of sockets of corresponding shape for receiving the plurality of detents.

[00018] According to yet another exemplary embodiment, a product handling display system for marketing a product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that moves along a surface on which the product is placed and one or more dividers to separate the product into rows. The one or more dividers can be attached and releasably attached to a front rail. When the one or more dividers are not engaged and held in position on the front rail, the one or more dividers and product positioned on the display system can be moved in a lateral direction, or can be lifted off the front rail. This allows you to easily redo the product planogram on the shelf. The one or more dividers may releasably engage the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar, a cam and/or through a friction or pressure fit.

[00019] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and at least one divider configured to engage the front rail. The at least one divider includes a barrier and the at least one divider further includes a divider wall. The at least one divider also includes a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, wherein the divider floor is configured to hold product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam coupled to the divider, where the cam is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The at least one divider is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when the at least one divider is engaged with the front rail and the cam is in the first position. The at least one divider is (a) fixed in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in the direction perpendicular to the front rail when the at least one divider is engaged with the front rail and the cam is in the second position.

[00020] 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 in rows. Each of the plurality of dividers includes a divider wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail, a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, wherein the divider floor is configured to hold product, and a cam coupled to the divider, wherein the cam is set 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) secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when each of the plurality of dividers is engaged with the front rail and the cam for each one of the plurality of dividers is in the first position. Additionally, each of the plurality of dividers is (a) fixed in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in the direction perpendicular to the front rail when each of the plurality of dividers is engaged with the front rail and the cam for each of the plurality of dividers is in the second position.

[00021] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and at least one divider configured to attach to the front rail, wherein the at least one divider includes a barrier, a divider wall that extends in a perpendicular direction to the front rail, a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, wherein the divider wall separates the divider floor into a first portion and a second portion and each of the first portion and the second portion is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a first pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least part of the first portion, a second pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least part of the second portion, and a cam coupled to the at least one divider, in which the cam is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The at least one divider is movable in a lateral direction parallel to and along the front rail when the cam is in the first position, and the at least one divider resists movement in the lateral direction parallel to and along the front rail when the cam is in the second position.

[00022] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and at least one divider configured to attach to the front rail, the at least one divider that includes a barrier configured to engage the front rail, a divider wall that engages extends in a direction perpendicular to the front rail, a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, where the divider floor is configured to hold product. The display system may also include a resilient tab coupled to the divider, wherein the resilient tab is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The at least one divider is fixed in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the resilient tab is in the first position. The at least one divider is movable in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the resilient tab is in the second position.

[00023] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail, wherein the front rail comprises at least a first projection and at least a first recess, and at least one divider configured to attach to the front rail, wherein the at least one divider comprises a divider wall and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, wherein the at least one divider further comprises at least one second recess and at least one second projection, wherein the at least one second projection of the divider is configured to move between a first position and a second position, The at least one divider is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when the at least one first projection of the front rail is engaged with the at least one second recess of the divider and the at least one second projection of the divider is in the first position. The at least one divider (a) resists movement in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when the at least one first projection of the front rail is engaged with at least one second recess of the divider and the at least one second projection of the divider is in the second position.

[00024] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail, wherein the front rail includes at least one first projection and at least one second projection, wherein the at least one second projection of the front rail is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The merchandise display system also includes at least one divider configured to attach to the front rail, wherein the at least one divider comprises a divider wall and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, wherein the at least one divider further comprises at least an indentation. The at least one divider is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when the at least one first projection of the front rail is engaged to at least one recess of the divider and the at least one second projection of the front rail is in the first position. The at least one divider is (a) fixed in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in the direction perpendicular to the front rail when the at least one first projection of the front rail is engaged to at least one recess of the divider and the by minus a second projection of the front rail is in the second position.

[00025] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail, wherein the front rail comprises a first projection and a second projection. The merchandise display system also includes at least one divider configured to attach to the front rail, wherein the at least one divider comprises a divider wall and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, wherein the at least one divider additionally comprises a recess and a third projection. The at least one of the second projection or the third projection is a movable projection that is movable between a first position and a second position. The at least one divider is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when the first projection of the front rail is engaged with the recess of the divider and the movable projection is in the first position. The at least one divider is (a) fixed in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in the direction perpendicular to the front rail when the first projection of the front rail is engaged with the recess in the divider and the movable projection is in the second position.

[00026] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail, wherein the front rail comprises at least one first engaging member. The merchandise display system also includes at least one divider configured to attach to the front rail, wherein the at least one divider comprises a divider wall and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, wherein the at least one divider further comprises at least a second hitch member. The merchandise display system also includes a third engagement member configured to move between a first position and a second position. The at least one divider is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when the first front rail engaging member is engaged with the second divider engaging member and the third hitch member is in first position. The at least one divider is (a) fixed in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in the direction perpendicular to the front rail when the first engaging member of the front rail is engaged with the second engaging member of the divider and the third member coupling is in the second position.

[00027] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and at least one divider configured to engage the front rail, wherein the at least one divider includes a barrier, wherein the at least one divider additionally includes a divider wall, wherein the at least one divider further includes a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, wherein the divider floor is configured to hold product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam coupled to the divider, where the cam is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The at least one divider can be secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when the at least one divider is engaged with the front rail. The cam can inhibit movement of the at least one divider in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the cam is in the first position and the cam can allow movement of the divider in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the cam is in the second position. The merchandise display system may include a knob to rotate the cam between the first position and the second position. The merchandise display system may include a handle to slide the cam between the first position and the second position.

[00028] In another exemplary embodiment, a merchandise display system includes a front rail that defines a rail slot and a divider configured to engage the front rail. The divider includes a barrier, a divider wall, and a divider floor that extends perpendicular to the divider wall. The divider floor additionally includes a top surface for holding product and a bottom surface. The merchandise display system also includes a cam rotatably coupled to the divider. The cam is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position. The cam defines a cam slider that extends under the bottom surface of the divider floor and contacts the front rail when the cam is in the first position. In operation, the divider is movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the cam is in the first position and the cam slider contacts the front rail, and the divider is fixed in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the cam is in the second position and in contact with the rail groove of the front rail. With this mode, the cam is at all times in contact with the front rail, regardless of whether the cam is in the first or second position, or in a position between the first and second positions.

[00029] In an alternative aspect, the cam includes a handle for rotating the cam between the first position and the second position, and the cam may include one or more cam surfaces configured to engage one or more groove walls in the rail groove. when the cam is in the second position. Additionally, the cam slider can define an elongated flat surface. Also, the merchandise display system can include a pusher mechanism that has a pusher surface and a pusher floor that extends forwardly from the pusher surface. A spiral spring having a spiral end can be positioned behind the pusher surface and a free end of the spring can secure the pusher mechanism to the merchandise display system. Alternatively, the barrier can be configured to receive the free end of the coil spring. In yet another alternative aspect, the front rail may define a ridge configured to engage a slot in the divider.

[00030] In another exemplary embodiment, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and at least one divider configured to attach to the front rail. The at least one divider may include a barrier and a divider wall that extends in a direction perpendicular to the front rail. The divider may include a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall and the divider wall separates the divider floor into a first portion and a second portion and each of the first portion and the second portion is configured to hold the product. Additionally, the merchandise display system includes a first pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least part of the first portion and a second pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least part of the second portion. The merchandise display system includes a cam coupled to at least one divider. The cam defines a cam slider and is configured to move between a first position and a second position. In operation, the at least one divider is movable in a lateral direction parallel to and along the front rail when the cam is in the first position and the cam slider is in contact with the front rail, and the at least one divider resists movement in the lateral direction parallel to and along the front rail when the cam is in the second position and the cam slider is not in contact with the front rail.

[00031] In one aspect, the first and second pusher mechanisms each include a pusher surface, a pusher floor that extends forward from the pusher surface, and a spiral spring that has a spiral end and one free end. The spiral end is positioned behind the pusher surface and the free end attaches the first and second pusher mechanisms to the merchandise display system.

[00032] In an alternative aspect, the at least one divider may define a divider engaging member and the at least one front rail may define a front rail engaging member. The divider engaging member is configured to engage the front rail engaging member. The divider engaging member may define divider teeth on at least one surface of the divider engaging member. The front rail engaging member may define front rail teeth on at least one surface of the front rail engaging member. The divider teeth are configured to engage the front rail teeth.

[00033] In another exemplary embodiment, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and at least one divider configured to engage the front rail. The at least one divider includes a barrier, a divider wall, and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall. The divider floor is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam attached to the divider. The cam is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The cam defines a cam slider to lift the divider off the front rail when the cam is in the first position. The at least one divider is attached to the front rail when the cam is in the second position and the cam slider is moved away from the front rail. In one aspect, the at least one divider is movable in the plane of a shelf only in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail and the at least one divider is fixed in the plane of the shelf in all directions beyond the direction parallel to the front rail when the minus one divider is attached to the front rail. In another aspect, the cam may include a handle to rotate the cam between the first position and the second position. Additionally, the cam slider can define an elongated flat surface that has an edge that allows sliding movement of the cam slider relative to the front rail.

[00034] In another exemplary embodiment, the merchandise display system may include a front rail and at least one divider configured to engage the front rail. The divider may include a barrier, a divider wall, and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall configured to hold the product. A front lock can be attached to the divider. In one aspect, the front lock can be configured to rotate, pivot or move between a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the front latch can allow sliding movement of the divider relative to the front rail. In an alternative aspect, the front latch can lift the divider off the front rail. When in the second position, the front latch locks the divider to the front rail and prevents sliding movement between the divider and the front rail.

[00035] In another exemplary embodiment, the merchandise display system may include a divider attached to a support structure. The divider can include a divider wall and a divider floor. The divider wall may extend upward from the divider floor and the divider floor may include a top surface. The system can additionally include a barrier that is movable by rotation between a folded position and an extended position without a rotation propensity element. A product positioned on a top surface of the divider floor may contact the barrier when the product moves toward the front end of the divider and rotate the barrier from the folded position to the extended position. The barrier can be configured to cease forward movement of the product when the barrier is in the extended position. The system can include a swivel mounting frame to which the movable barrier is attached. The swivel mounting frame can be detachably attached to the front end of the divider.

[00036] In another exemplary embodiment, the merchandise display system can be used in combination with a product tray to replenish the system with product. The product tray can include a bottom surface, right side wall, left side wall, and an alignment slide. The alignment coverslip can include a proximate edge, distal edge, right edge, and left edge. An alignment coverslip width can be defined between the right edge and the left edge. The near end of the alignment slide can be connected to the bottom surface of the product tray and the alignment slide can be configured so that at least a portion of the slide width is approximately equal to a width of product stored in the product tray . The alignment lamella can be positioned between opposing dividing walls of a merchandise display system in which a bag of product is defined between the opposing dividing walls. The alignment slide aligns the product tray and product stored in the product tray to the product bag so that product stored in the product tray can be slid from the product tray into the product bag of the merchandise display system.

[00037] In another exemplary merchandise display system, the display system may include a pusher extender that increases the pusher surface of the pusher. The pusher stent can define an elongated pusher body that has a cavity. The pusher extender can be configured to slide over the pusher wall through the cavity like a glove. The pusher extender with a larger substantially flat pusher surface thus creates a larger pusher surface to push larger products towards the front of the display system.

[00038] In an exemplary merchandise display system, the display system can be mounted on a rear suspension bar located towards the rear of the shelf. A hanger can be positioned within a cavity formed within the divider and extend the length of the divider. The hook end of the hanger can then be positioned on the hanger bar and cantilevered from the hanger bar.

[00039] In another example, a merchandise display system may include at least one divider that includes a barrier, wherein the at least one divider further includes a divider wall and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall. The divider floor can be configured to hold the product. The exemplary merchandise display system may also include a pusher mechanism that has a pusher surface, a pusher floor that extends forward from the pusher surface, and a coil spring that has a spiral end and a free end. The pusher mechanism may also include a pusher extender that increases the pusher surface of the pusher mechanism.

[00040] An exemplary merchandise display system may also include a hanger that is configured to be inserted under the divider or into a cavity formed in the divider. The hanger may be elongated and substantially flat, and the hanger may be formed with a hook at one end thereof, which may be configured to mount on a suspension bar for suspending the at least one divider and pusher mechanism. The pusher stent may additionally include an elongated pusher body having a cavity. The pusher stent can be configured to slide over the pusher surface through the cavity to create an enlarged, substantially flat pusher surface for the pusher. The divider may include a notch portion at a rear end of the divider floor, and the notch portion may allow the divider to rest on a flange of a suspension bar. The notch portion can extend the width of the divider floor to create a contact line that extends the divider's width to stabilize the divider on the suspension bar. A divider extender can be configured to attach to the divider, for example, the divider extender may be configured to slide into a cavity formed by the divider. The spiral end of the spring can be positioned behind the pusher surface, and the pusher mechanism is guided in a track above the divider floor. The barrier can be configured to receive the free end of the coil spring.

[00041] In another example, a merchandise display system may include a pusher mechanism that has a pushing surface, and a spiral spring that has a spiral end and a free end, and a retainer configured to limit movement. of product. However, the pushing surface can be angled with respect to the retainer. The pusher mechanism can include a pusher paddle and a pusher spreader configured to accommodate over the pusher paddle and the pusher spreader may include the pusher surface. The pusher stent may also include at least one tab that is configured to help secure the pusher stent in place on the pusher paddle. The pusher stent may also include at least one projection that is configured to align with a corresponding groove located in the pusher paddle to help secure the pusher stent in place on the pusher paddle. The pusher stent may also define an elongated pusher body that has a cavity. A divider can be supplied and configured for separate products, and a divider extender can be configured to attach to the divider. For example, the divider extender can be configured to slide into a cavity formed by the divider.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00042] Figure 1 depicts an isometric exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a product handling display system of the present invention.

[00043] Figure 2 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary pusher mechanism mounted on an exemplary product tray or channel of the present invention.

[00044] Figure 3 depicts another isometric view of the system in Figure 2 with product placed in the system.

[00045] Figure 4 depicts another isometric view of the system of Figure 2 with multiple products placed in the system.

[00046] Figure 5 depicts an isometric rear view of the system in Figure 4.

[00047] Figure 6 depicts an alternative embodiment of the tray or product channel of the present invention.

[00048] Figure 7 depicts an exemplary tip for an end of a spiral spring that can be used with the product handling display system of the invention.

[00049] Figure 8 depicts the exemplary tip of Figure 7 being mounted on a surface of a tray or product channel.

[00050] Figure 9 depicts the exemplary tip of Figure 7 being mounted on one end of a coil spring.

[00051] Figure 10 depicts the exemplary tip of Figure 7 mounted on one end of a coil spring.

[00052] Figure 11 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary alternative embodiment of a product handling display system of the present invention.

[00053] Figure 12 depicts another isometric view of the system in Figure 11.

[00054] Figure 13 depicts a front view of the system in Figure 11.

[00055] Figure 14 depicts a top view of the system in Figure 11.

[00056] Figure 15 depicts a rear view of the system in Figure 11.

[00057] Figure 16 depicts an isometric view of an adapter that can be used with the invention.

[00058] Figure 17 depicts a front view of the adapter of Figure 16.

[00059] Figure 18 depicts an exemplary installation of the adapter of the invention.

[00060] Figure 19 depicts an isometric view of an installed adapter of the invention.

[00061] Figure 20 depicts a front view of an installed adapter of the invention.

[00062] Figure 21 depicts an isometric view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a product handling display system of the present invention.

[00063] Figure 22 depicts an isometric bottom view of an exemplary mounting member that can be used to mount the coil spring end to the display system floor.

[00064] Figure 23 depicts an isometric top view of the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22.

[00065] Figure 24 depicts the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22 mounted on the end of the coil spring with the coil spring mounted on an exemplary pusher paddle.

[00066] Figure 25 depicts another view of the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22 mounted on the end of the coil spring with the coil spring mounted on an exemplary pusher paddle.

[00067] Figure 26 depicts the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22 with the attached spiral spring being mounted on the floor of the system.

[00068] Figure 27 depicts the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22 installed on the floor of the system.

[00069] Figure 28 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary alternative embodiment of a product handling display system of the present invention.

[00070] Figure 29 depicts an approximate isometric view of the tray of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 28.

[00071] Figure 29A depicts a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 28 illustrating a first gripping method.

[00072] Figure 29B depicts a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 28 illustrating a second gripping method.

[00073] Figure 30 depicts an approximate isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 28 illustrating a rivet that secures the spring to the tray.

[00074] Figure 31 depicts an isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 28 being joined to a preexisting grid shelf.

[00075] Figure 32 depicts an isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 28 joined in a pre-existing meshed shelf.

[00076] Figure 33 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary mode of the display system.

[00077] Figure 34 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary mode of the display system.

[00078] Figure 35 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary modality of an adapter.

[00079] Figure 36 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary mode of a retainer.

[00080] Figure 37 depicts a side view of an exemplary mode of the display system.

[00081] Figure 38 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary mode of the display system.

[00082] Figure 39 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary mode of the display system.

[00083] Figure 40 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary mode of the display system.

[00084] Figure 41A depicts a side sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a divider.

[00085] Figure 41B depicts a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the display system.

[00086] Figure 41C depicts a close-up view of a section of Figure 41B.

[00087] Figure 41D depicts a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a divider.

[00088] Figure 42 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary mode of the display system.

[00089] Figure 43 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary mode of the display system.

[00090] Figure 44 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary modality of a product handling display system.

[00091] Figure 45 depicts another isometric view of an exemplary modality of a product handling display system with product in the system.

[00092] Figure 46 depicts a top view of another exemplary modality of a product handling display system with product in the system.

[00093] Figure 47 depicts an isometric rear view of an exemplary modality of a product handling display system with product in the system.

[00094] Figure 48 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary modality of the pusher mechanism mounted on a divider.

[00095] Figure 49 depicts another isometric view of the divider and pusher mechanism being attached to the product handling display system.

[00096] Figure 50 depicts an isometric view of yet another exemplary mode of product handling display system.

[00097] Figure 51 depicts another isometric view of the exemplary modality of the product handling display system of Figure 50 without product.

[00098] Figure 52 depicts an exploded isometric view of the exemplary modality of the product handling display system of Figure 50.

[00099] Figure 53 depicts an isometric view of yet another exemplary modality of product handling display system.

[000100] Figure 54 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary push spring attachment to a shelf of the product handling display system of Figure 53.

[000101] Figure 55 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary push spring attachment to a shelf of the product handling display system of Figure 53.

[000102] Figure 56 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary push spring attachment to a shelf of the product handling display system of Figure 53.

[000103] Figure 57 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary push spring attachment to a shelf of the product handling display system of Figure 53.

[000104] Figure 58 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the product handling display system according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000105] Figure 59 depicts an isometric view of the exemplary product handling display system of Figure 58.

[000106] Figure 60 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary pusher mechanism according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000107] Figure 61 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary divider according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000108] Figure 62 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary divider and pusher mechanism according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000109] Figure 63 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary front portion of a divider according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000110] Figure 64 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary front portion of a front rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000111] Figure 65 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary connection between a divider and a front rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000112] Figure 66 depicts a side view of an exemplary divider and front rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000113] Figures 67A to C depict side views of an exemplary divider that attaches to a front rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000114] Figures 68A to C depict side views of an exemplary divider that attaches to a front rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000115] Figure 69A depicts an isometric view of exemplary rail mounting clips for a front rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000116] Figure 69B depicts an isometric view of a rail in front of such an exemplar according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000117] Figure 70 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary front rail and rail mounting clips according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000118] Figure 71 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary front rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000119] Figure 72 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary divider and pusher mechanism according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000120] Figure 73 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary divider and pusher mechanism according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000121] Figure 74 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary divider according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000122] Figure 75 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary front rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000123] Figures 76A and 76B depict partial isometric views of an exemplary front rail and cam bar lever according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000124] Figure 77 depicts an exploded front view of an exemplary product handling display system according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000125] Figure 78 depicts an exploded rear view of an exemplary product handling display system in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000126] Figures 79A to C depict side views of an exemplary front rail and divider according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000127] Figure 80 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary product handling display system according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000128] Figures 81A and B depict partial side views of an exemplary front rail and divider according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000129] Figures 82A to C depict partial side views of an exemplary front rail and divider according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000130] Figures 83A to C depict partial side views of an exemplary front rail and divider according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000131] Figures 84A to F depict isometric views of an exemplary product handling display system according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000132] Figure 85 depicts a side view of an exemplary divider and front rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000133] Figures 86A to L depict views of components of an exemplary product handling display system according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000134] Figures 87A to C depict side views of exemplifying front dividers and rails according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000135] Figures 88A and B depict isometric views of an exemplary divider according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000136] Figures 89A to C depict side views of an exemplary divider that attaches to a front rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000137] Figures 90A to F depict views of an exemplary divider that attaches to a front rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000138] Figure 91A depicts a view of an exemplary divider and a rear rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000139] Figure 92 depicts an exploded view of an exemplary divider and rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000140] Figures 93A and B depict views of an exemplary divider assembly on a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000141] Figures 94A to C depict cross-sectional views of the movement of an exemplary cam used with a divider and front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[000142] Figure 95 depicts a top, right perspective view of example component aspects of a merchandise display system.

[000143] Figures 96A and 96B are top, right perspective views of example component aspects of a merchandise display system.

[000144] Figure 97 is an exploded view in top right perspective of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system.

[000145] Figures 98A to C are side views of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system.

[000146] Figures 99A to C are side views of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system.

[000147] Figures 100A through D are top left perspective views of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system.

[000148] Figure 101A is a top, right perspective view of aspects of an example product tray.

[000149] Figure 101B is a top view of aspects of an example product tray.

[000150] Figures 101C to F are top left perspective views of aspects of an example product tray used in combination with example components of a merchandise display system.

[000151] Figure 102A is a top right perspective view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system.

[000152] Figure 102B is an exploded, top right perspective view of example component aspects of a merchandise display system.

[000153] Figures 102C and 102D are side views of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system.

[000154] Figure 103A is a top, front, right perspective view of example component aspects of a rotatable mounting structure of a merchandise display system.

[000155] Figure 103B is a top, rear, right perspective view of example component aspects of a rotatable mounting structure of a merchandise display system.

[000156] Figure 103C is a rear view of example component aspects of a swivel mounting structure of a merchandise display system.

[000157] Figure 103D is a top view of example component aspects of a revolving mounting structure of a merchandise display system.

[000158] Figure 103E is a right side view of example component aspects of a rotatable mounting structure of a merchandise display system.

[000159] Figure 104A is an exploded, top right perspective view of example component aspects of a merchandise display system.

[000160] Figure 104B is a top, right perspective view of example component aspects of a rotatable mounting structure of a merchandise display system.

[000161] Figure 104C is a bottom right perspective view of example component aspects of a swivel mounting structure of a merchandise display system.

[000162] Figure 104D is a front view of example component aspects of a swivel mounting structure of a merchandise display system.

[000163] Figure 104E is a top view of example component aspects of a swivel mounting structure of a merchandise display system.

[000164] Figure 104F is a left side view of example component aspects of a swivel mounting structure of a merchandise display system.

[000165] Figure 104G is a bottom view of example component aspects of a revolving mounting structure of a merchandise display system.

[000166] Figures 105A to D are side views of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system.

[000167] Figure 106A is an exploded, top right perspective view of example component aspects of a merchandise display system.

[000168] Figure 106B is a side view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system.

[000169] Figures 107 to 135 depict perspective views of an alternative embodiment of a product handling display system.

[000170] Figure 136 depicts a rear perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a product handling display system.

[000171] Figures 137, 139, and 143 depict several perspective views of another alternative embodiment of a product handling display system.

[000172] Figures 138 and 140 to 142 depict several perspective views of another alternative embodiment of a product handling display system.

[000173] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to construction details and the arrangement of components shown in the description below or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other modalities and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it should be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be considered limiting. The use of "include" and "comprise" and variations thereof is intended to encompass items listed subsequently and equivalent thereto as well as additional items and equivalents thereto. Additionally, the use of the term "assemble" "assembled" or "assembly" is intended to broadly include any technique or method of assembly, which fixes, binds or couples one part to another, directly or indirectly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[000174] The invention can be incorporated in various ways. With reference to the Figures in which like numerals indicate like elements, depicted in Figure 1 is an isometric exploded view of an exemplary embodiment. Exemplary marketing system 10 includes a product dispensing tray 12 to which an exemplary trackless pusher mechanism 14 is mounted. As described in more detail below, pusher mechanism 14 will accommodate tray 12 and will slide along the surface of the tray without the use of tracks, rails, or guides typically used to secure a conventional pusher mechanism to the tray or to the floor of the tray. The pusher mechanism defines a pusher paddle and a pusher floor that extends in front of the pusher paddle. A coil spring can extend across 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 pusher shovel and can rest on the pusher floor as well as the spiral spring. With this setting, the weight of the product will prevent the pusher paddle from tipping to ensure proper product thrust. Additionally, problems associated with residues or sticky materials that undermine the effectiveness of known pusher systems that use tracks, rails or guides have been eliminated. Other aspects, embodiments and features of the invention and its teachings are presented in more detail below.

[000175] The example tray 12 can define a surface 16 and one or more divider panels or dividers 18 to separate the tray into multiple rows for product placement. In an alternative aspect, tray 12 can be a shelf or any other surface on which products can be placed for sale. The surface 16 can be a solid surface or a surface defining a plurality of spaced apart passages 20 separated by a plurality of support ribs 22. The passages 20 and ribs 22 provide a surface that allows for the sliding movement of product placed on that surface and it also allows liquids and dirt to pass through the passages 20 so that they do not accumulate on the surface 16. The surface 16 can be made of any suitable material that allows the sliding movement of product over the surface 16. Other surface configurations or floor are known and can be used with the principles of the invention.

[000176] As depicted in Figures 9 and 10, the surface 16 may define a rounded end portion 24 that includes a notch or cutaway portion 26. The end portion 24 may be rounded to match the shape of the product that is placed on the tray. For example, the pictured end portion 24 is rounded or defines a semi-circular shape to match the contour of a bottle or can that can be placed on the tray and end portion 24. Other end portion shapes can be used with the invention depending on the product to be marketed.

[000177] The notch 26 can be used to receive and mount one end 29 of a coil spring 30 or similar biasing element. Slot 26 may define opposite angled edge surfaces 32 that are joined by edge 34. Edge 34 is preferably centered transversely across the width of the row of product formed in tray 12 and extends perpendicular to the length of the tray. This configuration will center the coil spring 30 relative to the tray 12 and allow the spring to extend substantially parallel relative to the length of the tray. In other words, the depicted edge 34 of notch 26 will allow spring 30 to extend along the length of tray 12 at or near the center of the row of product formed by the tray. A person skilled in the art will understand that the location and configuration of the notch may vary depending on the desired placement of the spring.

[000178] The coil spring 30 may define an end 29 which is configured to be placed transversely to the notch 26 and on the edge 34. In one aspect, the end 29 of the coil spring may be V-shaped and function as a hook so that end 29 will wrap around edge 34 with a portion of end 29 of the spiral spring extending under end portion 24 of surface 16. This configuration allows for easy installation of the spiral spring in the tray.

[000179] In another aspect, and with reference to Figure 7, a spring tip 60 may be added to end 29 of spring 30 to assist with assembling the spring to the system. Spring tip 60 can define various shapes and configurations depending on the tray configuration and the surface to which the spring end needs to attach. Spring tip 60 may be permanently attached to end 29 of coil spring 30, or it may be detachable to allow exchange or repositioning of spring tip 60. Spring tip 60 may be made of plastic and may define one or more more passages. Passage 61 can be used to receive end 29 of coil spring 30. A second passageway 63 can be used to receive a tongue or mounting member that mate 65 and extends from surface 16 of tray 12, as discussed below. . With this configuration, end 29 of coil spring 30 can be operably connected to tray 12.

[000180] In another aspect, the end 29 of the coil spring may press fit into a passage formed in the surface 16, or it may be inserted and otherwise secured to a passage or opening in the tray, to thereby secure the end 29 of coil spring 30 in position.

[000181] Returning to Figure 1, dividers 18 can also be used to separate product into rows. Dividers 18 extend substantially upward from surface 16 and as illustrated in Figure 1, may be positioned on opposite sides of surface 16. Alternatively, dividers 18 may be positioned in any desired position on tray 12 or surface 16 Dividers 18 can be formed as a unitary structure with surface 16, or dividers 18 can be collapsible to provide added flexibility with the system. Dividers can be attached to a front or rear rail depending on the system. Dividers 18 can define various configurations and can extend upward any desired distance to provide the desired height of dividers between rows of product to be marketed. This height can be adjusted by adding divider extenders or similar.

[000182] Located in front of tray 12 and extending between dividers 18 may be one or more product retaining members 44. Product retaining members 44 serve as a wall or front retaining bar to hold product in the tray 12 and to prevent product from falling out of tray 12. These members are also configured to allow easy removal of product positioned further forward in tray 12. Product retaining member 44 may be one or more retaining ribs. curved in shape as depicted in Figure 1. These illustrated retaining ribs can extend from one divider to another divider to thereby connect the dividers. The retaining ribs may also extend partially between the dividers, as also shown in Figure 1 as rib 46, to also aid in retaining product in the tray. Alternatively, and as shown in Figure 6 the product retaining member 44 may be a curved shaped solid retaining wall 48 extending between the dividers. Retaining wall 48 may be transparent or semi-transparent to allow viewing of the product on the shelf. In another aspect, retaining wall 48 may also partially extend between dividers 18. In yet another embodiment depicted in Figures 11 to 15, retaining wall 100 may be secured to the surface of the tray and not connect to the dividers. In this embodiment, retaining wall 100 may form an opening 102 defined by an upper member 104, opposing curved side walls 106 which further define an angled edge 108, and a floor member 110. The side walls 106 may also be straight and no curves depending on the system. The end of the coil spring may also press fit on the floor 110 or otherwise be secured to the tray using any of the techniques described herein. A person skilled in the art will readily understand that there are several possible shapes and configurations for the product holding member 44 and that the configurations depicted are merely exemplary embodiments of these various configurations.

[000183] Returning to Figure 1, the exemplary trackless pusher mechanism 14 defines a pusher shovel 50 and a pusher floor 52. The pusher shovel 50 and pusher floor 52 may be formed as a single, unitary structure, or they may be separate structures. which are linked to use known techniques. Additionally, the pusher paddle 50 and pusher floor 52 may be made of any known suitable plastic or metallic material. The pusher shovel and pusher floor can be reinforced using any known reinforcement techniques.

[000184] In one aspect, the pusher paddle 50 forms a curved shaped pusher surface or face 54 that is configured to match the shape of the product to be marketed, such as plastic bottles or cans containing a beverage, as depicted in Figures 3 to 5. Curved shaped pusher surface 54 allows pusher to remain centrally aligned to the last product in the tray. This configuration reduces friction and drag between the pusher and the dividing walls. In an alternative aspect, the pushing surface or face can be a flat surface. In yet another aspect, the flat pusher surface may be accompanied by a curved shaped rib that is positioned near or on top of the pusher paddle and which can be used to center and align the product on the tray, in a similar manner to the pushed surface. - curved shaped ra 54 pictured in Figure 1. The curved shaped rib can define other shapes and configurations that allow cylindrical or similar shaped products to be properly pushed into the tray. Advertisement, product identification or other product information can be placed on the pusher surface 54.

[000185] Positioned behind the surface or pushing face 54 may be one or more support members 58, such as ribs, walls, or angles. Support members 58 are configured to support pusher surface 54 and additionally connect pusher paddle 50 to pusher floor 52. As seen in Figure 5, coil spring 30 is positioned between support members 58, and more specifically the spiral end 57 which is used to drive the pusher paddle 50 forward and along the tray 12, as understood in the art. Any technique used to operatively connect the coil spring to the pusher blade 50 can be used with the invention.

[000186] As shown in Figure 1, the pusher floor 52 can be positioned below the pusher paddle 50 and may extend in front of the pusher surface 54 of the pusher paddle. The pusher floor 52 may extend any predetermined distance and at any predetermined angle. For example, pusher floor 52 may extend substantially perpendicular to pusher surface 54. In the exemplary embodiment, pusher floor 52 may extend a sufficient distance to allow a product, such as a single bottle or can, to be placed on top of it. the pusher floor. In another aspect, the pusher floor 52 may be configured to allow more than one product to be placed on the pusher floor. The pusher floor 52 may define any shape, which includes the rounded shape depicted, and may define any product retaining features on the surface of the pusher floor, such as ribs, walls, or the like, to further secure the product to the pusher floor.

[000187] As can be seen in Figure 2, the pusher floor 52 can define a channel, slot or elongated recessed portion 59 that is sized, shaped and configured to seat the coil spring 30. In the exemplary embodiment, the channel or slot 59 may extend transversely to floor 52 and in a substantially perpendicular manner relative to pusher paddle 50. In an alternative aspect, the groove or channel may extend partially or through the entire pusher floor 52, as shown in Figure 19. This configuration allows for the proper alignment and positioning of the pusher paddle 50 on the tray. Slot 59 can define a depth that matches or exceeds the thickness of the spiral spring 30. With this configuration, the spiral spring 30 will seat on or below the pusher floor surface so that product will not seat directly on the spiral spring, in instead, this product will sit on the pusher floor surface. As shown in Figure 19, the pusher floor can include passages and openings through which debris or other items can pass. Alternatively, the floor can be a solid surface.

[000188] In an alternative aspect of the invention, as shown in Figures 16 to 20, an adapter 180 may be positioned on the surface 16. Referring to Figures 16 and 17, the adapter 180 may include one or more raised ribs 182 in which a product may settle. Raised ribs 182 may extend longitudinally along the length of adapter 180. Adapter 180 may be a flat extrusion of plastic material (or any other suitable material) that defines a flat surface 184 with the one or more extending ribs 182. outward from flat surface 184. Adapter 180 may define a rounded end 185 and include a notched or cutaway portion 186 through which or transversely to which the coil spring may extend. The rounded end 185 can be configured to match the shape of the product that is placed in the tray. Other shapes of end 185, notch 186 and adapter 180 can be used with the invention depending on the product being marketed. Adapter 180 may be a separate, insertable piece, alternatively a formed piece integral with surface 16.

[000189] With reference to Figure 18, the adapter 180 can be easily insertable into 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 positioned on top of the adapter 180 and can slide freely transversely to ribs 182 of adapter 180. Coil spring 30 can extend in a parallel manner between ribs 182 and can rest on or below the top surface of ribs 182, as shown more clearly in Figure 20. With this configuration, the product to be marketed can rest on, and slide along, the ribs 182 and not the coil spring 30.

[000190] In an alternative aspect, the ribs 182 may be a raised heel or raised heels, or a series of fingers that can be used to facilitate movement of the product on the surface 16. In yet another alternative embodiment, the ribs 182 may be product moving members, such as pulleys or one or more rollers or rotating members that allow the product to roll across the rotating members and toward the front of the product display system. Exemplary roller assemblies include those disclosed and described in US Application No. 11/257,718 filed October 25, 2005 and assigned to RTC Industries, Inc., which application is incorporated herein by reference. As will be understood by persons skilled in the art, there are many possible techniques that can be used with the pusher mechanisms described to facilitate movement of the product on the shelf or floor.

[000191] The underside of the pusher floor 52 may be a smooth flat surface that will slide freely along the surface 16. Alternatively, and similar to the above, the pusher floor 52 may include beads, pulleys, rollers or the like that allow it to the pusher floor slides along the surface and further lift the pusher floor off the surface 16. In another alternative embodiment, the underside of the pusher floor can be configured with rail mounting members to allow mounting of the pusher to a track or trail, as understood in the art.

[000192] The pusher floor further defines a notch or cutaway portion 62 through which the spiral spring 30 will pass. The end 29 of the spiral spring 30 will pass through the notch 62 and through the notch 26 of the surface 16 and will mount on the tray with the use of any of the techniques described above.

[000193] In use, when the pusher mechanism 14 is pushed back on the tray 12, the end 29 of the spiral spring 30 will be held in position as described above and the spiral end 57 of the spring 30 will begin to unwind behind the pusher paddle 50. If pusher 14 is allowed to move forward on tray 14, such as when product is removed from the front of tray, spiral end 57 of spring 30 will curl and force pusher paddle 50 forward on tray 12 to , thereby pushing the product towards the front of the tray.

[000194] In an alternative embodiment, the coil spring 30 may extend below and below the pusher floor 52 as opposed to above and across the pusher floor, as depicted in the Figures. With this configuration, slot 59 and notch 62 may not be needed.

[000195] The spiral spring 30 can be any biasing element that includes, without limitation, a flattened spiral spring commonly used with pusher systems. The present invention can use one or more coil springs to propel pusher mechanism 14 forward depending on the desired application. The winding tension of spring 30 may also vary depending on the particular application.

[000196] Referring to Figure 2, trackless pusher mechanism 14 is shown mounted on tray 12. As illustrated, pusher mechanism 14 accommodates on tray 12 between dividers 18. End 29 of coil spring 30 extends through of the notch in the pusher floor and mounts to the tray as described above. In use, pusher mechanism 14 will slide along surface 16 of tray 12 without the use of tracks, rails, or guides. As depicted in Figure 2, the pusher mechanism 14 is shown in a forward position.

[000197] Referring to Figure 3, pusher mechanism 14 is shown marketing a product 70 in marketing system 10. The product is prevented from tipping out of the tray by the product retaining member 44. The product 70 can be any product to be marketed which includes the soda bottle pictured. As shown in that Figure, the product 70 rests on the pusher floor 52 and the coil spring 30 that extends below the product. The weight of the product on the floor 52 and the positioning of the product across the spring 30 prevents the paddle 50 from tipping onto the tray 12.

[000198] Referring to Figure 4, the pusher mechanism 14 is shown marketing multiple products 70 in the marketing system 10. As shown in that Figure, the product next to the pusher paddle 50 rests on the pusher floor 52 and the spiral spring 30 that extends below the product. The other products will rest on the coil spring 30 that will extend below these products. Alternatively, the adapter 180 can be positioned in the system, in which case the product can rest on the ribs 182 of the adapter instead of the coil spring. Again, the weight of the product on the pusher floor 52 and the positioning of the products transversely to the spring 30 prevent the paddle 50 from tipping onto the tray. In use, when a product is removed from the front of the tray next to the product holding member 44, the pusher mechanism 14 (via the thrust of the spiral spring 30) will push the remaining product forward in the tray 12 until the product is over. front contact product holding member 44. When additional product is removed, pusher mechanism 14 will continue to push remaining product toward product holding member 44.

[000199] Referring to Figure 5, a rear view of the pusher mechanism 14 shows the pusher mechanism 14 marketing multiple products 70 in the marketing system 10. Again, the product near the pusher paddle 50 rests on the pusher floor 52 and the coil spring 30 that extends below the product. The other products will rest on the coil spring that will extend below these products. Alternatively, the adapter 180 can be positioned in the system, in which case the product can rest on the ribs 182 of the adapter instead of the coil spring. When a product is removed from the front of the tray next to the product holding member 44, the spiral end 57 of the spring 30 will urge the pusher paddle 50 of the pusher mechanism 14 forward on the tray 12 until the product further forward contacts the member. of product holding 44. As can be seen in this Figure, the spiral end 57 can be positioned between two support members 58. The support members will retain the spiral spring between these members. As can be seen in this Figure, the pusher floor 52 may also extend below the support members 58.

[000200] Referring to Figure 6, an alternative embodiment of the tray pusher is pictured. With this modality, multiple trays 12 can be formed into a single multi-tray set 80. The multi-trays can have a common floor with dividers 18 that extend upwards from the floor to create the multiple trays or rows. In this embodiment, the product holding member 44 can be a solid member that extends between two dividers, as discussed above. One or more of the multi-tray assemblies 80 can be coupled or connected in a side-by-side manner using any known technique, which includes clips, dovetail type fasteners, or the like. With this configuration, multiple product tiers can be provided for marketing multiple products.

[000201] As mentioned above, trackless pusher mechanism 14 can be used with gravity fed systems, ie systems that have product trays or channels that are mounted on an incline to allow gravity to assist with product marketing . Alternatively, the trackless pusher mechanism 14 can be used with systems that are mounted in an uninclined or horizontal manner where gravity will provide little or no assistance with marketing the product. The trackless pusher mechanism 14 can also be used to push products in various shapes.

[000202] Figure 7 depicts an exemplary tip 60 for the end 29 of a coil spring 30 that can be used with the marketing system 10. As illustrated, the tip 60 defines a passage 61 for receiving the end 29 of the spring at spiral and a passage 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 under surface 16 may be a tongue or mounting member 65 which may be configured to mate with passageway 63 and to press-fit point 60 to the tongue 65 and thus to the surface 16.

[000203] Referring to Figure 8, the exemplary tip 60 of Figure 7 is shown being mounted on the pawl or mounting member 65. The pawl 65 may include an elongated outwardly extending rib 67 which is used to press-fit to point 60 to tongue 65. A person skilled in the art will understand that other techniques can be used to mount point 60 to surface 16 and that the technique depicted is merely an exemplary modality of this technique.

[000204] Referring to Figure 9, the exemplary tip 60 is shown fully assembled in a press-fit manner to surface 16, and more specifically to end portion 24 of surface 16 of tray 12. End assembly 29 is also depicted. of the coil spring 30 in the passage 61 of the tip 60. As shown in Figure 9, the end 29 of the coil spring can be inserted into the passage 61. The passage 61 is configured to receive the end 29 of the coil spring and secure the end. 29 in position, and also to allow removal of the end 29 of the coil spring from the passage 61 in those circumstances where it is desirable to disconnect the coil spring from the tip to allow removal of the pusher mechanism 14 from the system.

[000205] Referring to Figure 10, the end 29 of the coil spring fully mounted on the exemplary tip 60 is shown. As illustrated in this Figure, the coil spring 30 is now operatively connected to the surface 16 of the tray 12. As a result, the mechanism pusher 14 is now mounted on tray 12.

[000206] Referring to Figures 21 to 27 an alternative technique for mounting the end 29 of the coil spring 30 in the merchandise display system is shown. A mounting member 130 can be used to mount end 29 of the coil spring to floor 131 of the system. For those systems that include spaced apart slide rails 132 that are connected by connecting ribs 134 (Figures 26 and 27), the mounting member 130 can be press-fitted to or otherwise mounted on the floor 131 and between the slide rails 132. The mounting member will thus hold the end of the coil spring in position and to the floor of the system.

[000207] Referring to Figures 22 and 23, the mounting member 130 may include one or more legs 136 on one or more sides of member 130. The legs may be configured to snap-fit to the underside of rails 132 to thereby In this way, secure the mounting member 130 to the floor of the system. Legs 136 may include ends of legs 137 that define L-shaped or angled surfaces that are configured to contact the underside of rail 132 and prevent mounting member 130 from being lifted from the floor, except for intentional flexing of the legs outward. from the underside of the rail 132. The legs 136 may contact the connecting ribs 134 which will prevent sliding movement of the mounting member 130 relative to the floor. With reference to Figure 26, mounting member 130 is shown being mounted to the floor of the system and more specifically to the rails. Figure 27 illustrates that mounting member 130 remains in position when pusher paddle 141 is pulled away from the front of the system. Mounting member 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 can be used to secure mounting member 130 to floor 131.

[000208] Referring to Figures 22 and 23, the mounting member 130 may also include a passageway or opening or slot 138 that will receive the end 29 of the spring. The spring can be assembled using any of the techniques described in this document, or other techniques. The configuration of passage 138 and mounting member 130 will hold the spring in position on mounting member 130, similar to the technique described above.

[000209] The mounting member 130 may also include sliding ribs 139 on a top surface that allow product placed thereon to more easily slide across the mounting member after the mounting member is installed on the floor of the system. Mounting member 130 may also include an elongated flat body 140 that extends forward from the location of legs 136 to provide stability to mounting member 130 after it is mounted to the floor of the system.

[000210] Referring to Figures 24, 25 and 27, the pusher paddle or pusher mechanism 141 may include a pusher face 143 configured to match the shape of the product against which it pushes. As illustrated, pusher face 143 may be curved in shape to match the shape of a bottle or other cylindrical object. Pusher paddle 141 may also include a pusher floor 145 similar to the pusher floor configurations described above. The pusher floor 145 may additionally include a spring sleeve 147 which receives the coil spring 30 to shield and protect the spring. Spring sleeve 147 may extend partially or completely transversely to pusher floor 145 and in the direction of spring 30. Spring sleeve 147 may have a relatively small height and a flat surface 149 to allow product to rest thereon. no significant inclination or curvature of the product.

[000211] The pusher paddle 141 can be positioned on top of the tread 131 to slide on top of the surface, as described above. The pusher paddle can be positioned between two product divider walls 153 that are connected by a product retaining member 155. Additional product retaining members 157 may extend outwardly from the product dividers.

[000212] Referring to Figures 28 and 29 is shown yet another technical alternative for mounting the end 29 of the spiral spring 30 in the merchandise display system. In this embodiment, end 29 is riveted to tray 216.

[000213] Referring to Figures 28 to 32 in an alternative embodiment, the trackless pusher system can be adapted to an existing set of shelves 230, which can have already integrated product dividers. For example, in one modality, the trackless pusher system can be adapted to an existing set of barred shelves. Referring to Figures 30 to 32, a tray or adapter 216 may have a sliding floor 222 that can be sized for a single shelf strip 234 or sized for an entire shelf width. Sliding floor 222 may include several raised ribs 224, which help to reduce friction for products marketed on tray 216. It should be understood that one or more raised ribs 224 can be used with sliding floor 222. Alternatively, sliding floor 222 it can be a flat, flat surface without raised ribs. Tray or adapter 216 can be configured similar to adapter 180 in Figure 16.

[000214] As shown in Figures 28 and 30, the end 29 of the coil spring 30 can be riveted, through a rivet 229, to the front end 228 of the tray 216, or it can be attached by any other fastening technique. Tray 216 can be retained on the shelf by any attachment technique suitable for the particular shelf. In one embodiment, and as illustrated in Figures 29 to 32, tray 216 may include one or more outwardly extending fingers or sockets 220 which may engage one or more individual grids 232 of shelf 234 to retain tray 216 in the shelf. 234. The fingers or snaps 220 can extend longitudinally along the length of the tray 216, or they can be spread out along the length of the tray. Fittings 220 can be used to press-fit tray 216 to the existing mesh shelf. As depicted in Figures 29A and 29B, fittings 220A and 220B define various configurations that allow tray 216 to be press-fitted to the shelf. The embodiment depicted in Figures 28 through 32 allows for the positioning of the trackless pusher system in an existing shelving system, such as a meshed shelving system, as a cost-effective alternative to the entire trackless pusher assembly. It should be understood that with this embodiment, any pusher mechanism described in this document can be used.

[000215] As depicted in Figures 33 and 44, in another exemplary embodiment, the display handling system comprises one or more pusher mechanisms 286, one or more dividers 266, one or more trays 306, and one or more retainers 250. pusher mechanisms 286 can be formed of a pusher shovel 287 and a pusher floor 288. Product is placed on pusher floor 288 and guided to the front of the display handling system through dividers 266 and pusher shovel 287. Coil spring 30 propels pusher mechanism 286 toward retainer 250 so that product moves to the front of the system.

[000216] In an exemplary embodiment, depicted in Figure 33, coil spring 30 can be mounted on retainer 250. Alternatively, coil spring 30 can be mounted on divider 266 (also shown in Figures 48 and 49). Coil spring 30 can be mounted directly to retainer 250, as depicted in Figure 33, or may be mounted to retainer 250 through a separate adapter 252 as depicted in Figure 34.

[000217] As depicted in Figure 35, adapter 252 has a wall 254 proximate to a first end 256. The first end 256 has a curved portion 262, which curves upward. The intermediate portion of adapter 252 may be provided with a curved slot 260, which is adapted to receive a spring end (not shown) corresponding in shape.

[000218] The coil spring 30 at one end can be secured to the middle portion of the adapter 252. In an exemplary embodiment, the curved slot 260 corresponds in shape and size to the first end of the spring. Additionally, the first spring end of the coil spring 30 can be crimped or bent to provide for additional tightening. However, any sufficient tightening method can be used to secure the first spring end of the coil spring 30 to the adapter 252.

[000219] In an exemplary embodiment, 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 the length of the retainer to allow for positioning Unlimited range of adapter 252 along the length of retainer 250.

[000220] To secure the first end of the coil spring 30 to the retainer 250, the curved portion 262 of the adapter 252 is placed in the curved slot 284 of the retainer 250. The curved slot 284 secures the adapter 252 and the first end of the spring from coil spring 30 to retainer 250 and provides quick and easy attachment of the display system. Wall 254 provides additional stability in the connection between retainer 250 and adapter 252. Other methods, however, can be used to secure adapter 252 and/or the first end of the spring coil spring 30 to retainer 250.

[000221] Alternatively, as depicted in Figures 33 and 44 the spiral spring 30 of the pusher paddle 287 can be mounted directly to the front of the tray 306. The first spring end 290 of the spiral spring 30 is provided with a curved portion. The curved portion curves downwardly from pusher floor 288 and is adapted to be received in a recess 316 (shown in Figure 33) defined by a bead 318 of the front surface of dispensing tray 306 and retainer 250. A vertically oriented surface of retainer 250 and bead 318 are separated such that a gap is formed between the vertically oriented surface and a front edge of bead 250. To secure coil spring 30 and pusher mechanism 286 to the assembly, the first spring end 290 is inserted into the gap formed between the vertically oriented surface of the retainer 250 and the front edge of the flange 318 and placed into the recess 316 formed by the flange 318 of the dispensing tray 306 and the retainer 250.

[000222] In another exemplary embodiment depicted in Figures 38, 39, 48 and 49, the spiral spring 30 can be directly mounted to a divider 266. In addition, in this exemplary mode, the spiral spring 30 can be mounted perpendicular to the floor pusher 288 such 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 pusher blade from tipping. The first spring end 290 may be provided with an angled portion 292 and a point portion 296. In an exemplary embodiment, the angled portion 292 may be flexed perpendicular to the coil spring body 294. The divider may be provided with a a slot 298 which is adapted to receive the nose portion 296 of the first spring end 290.

[000223] To secure the coil spring to the divider, the nose portion 296 is inserted into the slot 298. Since the tip portion 296 is fully inserted into the slot 298, the angled portion 292 engages the slot 298 so as to secure the first spring end 290 to the divider 266.

[000224] As depicted in Figure 33, several pusher mechanism designs can be implemented. Pusher paddle 287 can be formed flat to accommodate a correspondingly shaped product. Alternatively, pusher paddle 286 may have a first curved end and a second flat end. This serves to accommodate a variety of cylindrical products that have a variety of diameters of different sizes and to facilitate the operation of the 286 pusher mechanism. During operation, the product in the 286 pusher mechanism and the first curved end together force the pusher mechanism against divider 266 such that coil spring 30 remains flat against divider 266 which holds first spring end 290 while in tension or in operation. This allows for smoother operation of the pusher mechanism and ensures that product is properly dispensed as users remove product from the system.

[000225] In another exemplary embodiment depicted in Figures 40 to 41D, the distance between dividers 266 can be adjusted to accommodate containers of different sizes. Dividers 266 may be provided with connecting portions 272. Connecting portions 272 may be provided with a first elongated angled surface 268 and a second elongate angled surface 270. Additionally, connecting portions 272 may be provided with a plurality of projections 274. As depicted in Figure 41B, the rails can be formed from teeth 278 that have face surfaces 280 and flank surfaces 282.

[000226] When joined together, as depicted in Figure 41C, the connecting portions 272 are received between teeth 278 of the rails. Additionally, elongate angled surfaces 268 and 270 and projections 274 are wedged between teeth 278. Additionally, as shown in Figure 41C, elongate angled surfaces 268 and 270 engage face surfaces 280, and projections 274 engage lower surfaces of teeth 278. Flank surfaces 282 make contact with connecting portion 272.

[000227] In an exemplary embodiment depicted in Figure 42, the trays 306 are provided with "swallow tail" type connections. A first side 308 of trays 306 is provided with tabs 312 adapted to accommodate within slots 314 located on a second side 310 of trays 306. To connect the trays, slots 314 are aligned with tabs 312 such that the tongues 312 are secured firmly within grooves 314.

[000228] In an exemplary embodiment depicted in Figure 43, trays 306 are configured to receive retainer 250 at a front end. The retainer may be provided with rectangular holes 300, and the retainer is provided with projections 302 shaped and sized accordingly. To secure retainer 250 to tray 306, projections 302 accommodate into holes 300 to lock retainer in place on tray 306.

[000229] As pictured in Figures 45 to 47, after the product handling display system is attached, product is loaded into the system. By adjusting the 266 dividers a wide variety of product sizes and shapes can be loaded into the system. As shown in Figures 46 and 47, coil spring 30 in conjunction with pusher paddle 287 push product toward retainer 250. As a user withdraws product from the system, pusher paddle 287 pushes the remaining product in such a way that the product slides along floor 264 to retainer 250. This ensures that all product remains in front of the display system.

[000230] As depicted in Figures 50 to 52, the product handling display system 400 can be arranged in such a way that trays 402, 404 can be stacked on top of one another. This embodiment may generally consist of a first tray 402, a second tray 404, a first spacer 406 and a second spacer 408.

[000231] The trays 402, 404 are each arranged to house the product to be dispensed. The first tray 402 and the second tray 404 may each be provided with a transparent retainer 410, a pusher mechanism 412, first and second guide walls, and a spiral spring 414.

[000232] The pusher mechanism 414 is arranged in a similar manner as the modalities discussed above, such that it slides product along the surface of trays 402, 404 while the product is removed. Additionally, any of the alternative pusher mechanism arrangements discussed above can be deployed in a stackable tray arrangement.

[000233] To provide ease of splicing and splicing, the stackable product handling display system may be provided with a "swallow tail" connection or any other suitable connection such as a snap-on connection, connection by screw threading or a rivet connection. The first and second trays are provided with detents 416 to join 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 the surfaces respective externals thereof to receive the correspondingly formatted detents 416 located in the first and second spacers 406, 408.

[000234] To join the stackable product handling display system, the detents 416 located on the first and second spacers 406, 408 are placed into the correspondingly shaped sockets 418 on the external surfaces of the first and second trays 402, 404 in a locking arrangement. This provides a stackable arrangement that can be deployed in conjunction with any of the modalities discussed above.

[000235] In another exemplary embodiment depicted in Figures 53 to 57, a push shovel 500 can be mounted directly to a shelf 508 and held on the shelf by the end of the spiral spring 504. The push shovel 500 will slide along and on top of the shelf surface. One or more dividers 502 defining a T-shaped configuration may be positioned proximate the pusher paddle 500. In an alternative aspect, the base of the divider 502 may be positioned on the shelf such that the base is located under the pusher paddle 500. With this configuration, the pusher paddle 500 can slide along the base of the divider. If dividers 502 are positioned far enough away from paddle 500, paddle 500 will slide directly onto the surface of shelf 508. Dividers 502 can define numerous configurations, including those described in this document, and can be secured to the shelf through the use of any known technique, including push pins, rivets, fasteners, adhesives and the like.

[000236] In one aspect, the end 510 of the coil spring 504 is positioned within a hole or passage 506 located in the shelf 508. The end 510 may define a spring tip which may further define any suitable configuration that allows the spring end passes into hole 506 and remains attached to hole. For example, end spring tip 510 may define a hook-shaped configuration that allows end 510 to wrap around the edges of hole 506. Alternatively, spring tip may define one or more handles that engage by hook on edges of hole 506. Still other spring tip configurations are possible.

[000237] As shown in Figure 54, to further secure spring 504 to shelf 508, a lock 512, pin, rivet or the like can be used. This lock 512 will provide a separate second anchor point for the spring that will hold the spring in the desired alignment during the full operation of spring 504 as paddle 500 moves back and forth on shelf 508. It will be understood that depending on type of shelf and the number and spacing of holes in the shelf, even more anchor points are possible.

[000238] With reference to Figures 55 to 57, an exemplary assembly technique for mounting the spring 504 of the paddle 500 on a shelf is depicted. As shown in Figure 55, end 510 of spring 504 is inserted into hole 506 in the shelf. End 510 may define a spring tip as described herein to secure end 510 to the edges of hole 506. As shown in Figure 56, spring 504, which in this embodiment includes a rivet or stud 514, is lowered over the shelf such that the rivet or stud 514 fits into another hole 506 located in the shelf. This rivet or stud provides another anchor point for the spring. As shown in Figures 56 and 57, spring 504 may define a passage 516 to receive yet another rivet or stud 518 to further secure spring 504 to the shelf. With these multiple anchor points, spring 504 will be attached to the shelf, and thereby the paddle will be secured to the shelf. Additionally, with these multiple anchor points, the spring will retain the desired alignment during full spring operation as the paddle moves back and forth on the shelf. It should be understood that other anchoring techniques are possible to secure the end of spring 504 to the shelf, including any of the techniques described herein, or any combination of the techniques described herein. It should be understood that if a shelf does not have pre-existing holes this could be used to anchor spring 504, one or more holes could be drilled into the shelf at the desired locations.

[000239] With the modality pictured in Figure 53 to 57, it can be understood that a trackless pusher shovel can be retrofitted directly into existing storage shelves with very little effort or extra mounting parts. Additionally, this mode is easily removable to allow repositioning of the pusher paddle anywhere on the shelf to accommodate any size and type of product that is marketed on the shelf. One of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that any of the pusher paddles described herein can be mounted directly to the shelf through the use of the techniques described herein, or through the use of any combination of the techniques described herein.

[000240] In an alternative embodiment, as depicted in Figure 58, a display handling system is composed of one or more pushers 520, one or more dividers 550 and a front rail 580. The divider 550 and the front rail 580 can seat on a shelf. Pusher 520 may include a pusher face 522 and pusher floor 524, as illustrated in Figure 59. Pusher face 522 may be divided into a non-adjustable portion 526 and pusher exten- sioner 528. pusher 528 both can define a surface that can be used to contact product on the shelf. Both the non-adjustable portion 526 and the pusher extender 528 can define similar heights and depths. Pusher stent 528 can adjust from a position that is aligned with and adjacent to non-adjustable portion 526, as shown in Figure 59. Pusher stent 528 can be directed downward toward pusher floor 524 as in Figure 60. Pusher extender 528 can be adjusted to a variety of positions as shown in Figure 60, including a position that is parallel to pusher floor 524 and a position that is directed up and away from pusher floor 524 and a position that is directed toward low towards the 524 pusher floor. In this way, the width or height of the 520 pusher can be effectively extended for wider or taller products.

[000241] The pusher extender 528 can rotate about a geometric axis on the top 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 bulge (see, for example, protrusion 530 in Figure 77) that fits within the notches in the notch wheel 532. As pusher extender 528 rotates about the geometry axis, the protrusion rotates into the various spaces within the notches in the notched wheel 532, similar to a trigger and ratchet mechanism. Each notch represents a separate position for pusher stent 528. At each separate position, pusher stent 528 may remain stationary, such that a force is required to move pusher stent 528 to a different position. In exemplary aspects of the embodiment, the pusher stent may rotate from a first position that is adjacent non-adjustable portion 526 to one of a number of second positions that can be located within a range of approximately 180 degrees relative to the first position. The degree of adjustment may vary depending on the number, size and spacing of notches in the notched wheel. The pusher spreader can define an illuminating passage through the wall of the pusher spreader to reduce the weight of the pusher spreader and to reduce the momentum created around the geometric axis of the pusher spreader. The pusher extender can define a smooth or textured pusher face.

[000242] Again referring to Figure 59, a biasing element, such as a spiral spring 534, may be held in a rear portion of the pusher 520. adjustable 526 of pusher face 522. Spiral spring 534 may extend transversely to pusher floor 524 as shown in Figure 59. In one embodiment, pusher floor 524 may include a channel 536 in which spiral spring 534 seats. Channel 536 allows product to rest on pusher floor 524 with limited spring contact. The weight of the product rests on the pusher floor 524 in this mode. Pusher floor 524 may also comprise a surface with no channel.

[000243] In one example, a divider 550 may be composed of a divider wall 552, a floor 554 and a barrier 556, as illustrated in Figure 59. In an example, a divider 550 may not include any barriers. In one example, a divider 550 might not include any floors. Divider wall 552 can divide divider floor 554 into two portions, 559 and 551 (see Figure 78) with a portion on each side of divider wall 552. Divider wall 552 may also have divider floor 554 on only one side of the divider. divider wall 552. As illustrated in Figure 77, divider wall 552 may extend perpendicularly from divider floor 554. Divider floor 554 may be a flat surface. In one embodiment, divider floor 554 may include a channel within a portion of divider floor 554. Spiral spring 534 may extend transversely to divider floor 554. In one embodiment, spiral spring 534 may extend transversely of the divider floor 554. divider floor 554 within a divider floor channel 554. In this mode, the product will not rest on spiral spring 534 and will instead rest on portions of divider floor 554 that are adjacent to the divider floor channel 554. In another mode , the divider floor 554 does not include a channel. In one example, a single pusher 520 may be located on a portion of the divider floor 554 and a second pusher (see Figure 84F) may be located on a second portion of the divider floor 554. Thus, a divider 550 may contain two pushers 520, one on each side of dividing wall 552.

[000244] The barrier 556 can be configured to restrict product that is to be pushed by the pusher 520 and the biasing element contained therein. Barrier 556 can be located in front of divider wall 552, as illustrated in Figure 59. Barrier 556 can also be located at the rear of divider wall to prevent excess product inventory on the shelf. As shown in Figures 59 and 77, divider wall 552 can divide barrier 556 into two portions. Barrier 556 may be perpendicular to the front end of divider wall 552. In one embodiment, barrier 556, divider wall 552, and divider floor 554 are a single integrated device. These three elements can also be integral to each other. In one example, the barrier is separated from the divider. In one example, the barrier is not integral or integrated with the divider. In another example, the barrier is configured to engage with the divider. In one example, the divider wall and divider floor are separate devices from each other and are not integral to each other or part of a single integrated device. In one example, the divider wall and divider floor are configured to engage with each other. In additional examples, a barrier may be connected to the front rail 580 or comprise a portion of the front rail 580.

[000245] As illustrated in Figure 61, one end 557 of a coil spring 534 can be positioned within the barrier 556. The end 557 of the spring can be bent at an angle to the remainder of the spring. This angle can be 90 degrees or any other suitable angle that can be less than or greater than 90 degrees. The end 557 of the coil spring can then be placed into a slit 558 within the barrier 556. Once in the slit 558, the end of the spring 557 will remain in place and will assist in the propensity of the pusher 520 toward to barrier 556. An end 557 of the coil spring 534 may include a plurality of portions, each with bends that allocate a subsequent portion of the end of the coil spring at an angle to a front portion of the coil spring (not shown) . The plurality of slits may engage a plurality of slits or passages in barrier 556 or other connection point in divider 550 or front rail 580. The plurality of slits or passages may conform to the shape of the plurality of sags at the end 557 of the spring Spiral spring 534. Spiral spring 534 may include a handle (not shown) at one end. The handle on the coil spring 534 can be configured to prevent the coil spring 534 from disengaging with the pusher 520, such as, for example, when the coil spring 534 is extended.

[000246] Pusher 520 can be connected to divider 550 only via coil spring 534. Pusher 520 can seat on top of divider floor 554 and can slide across the divider floor. The pusher 520 can be configured to rest entirely above the divider floor 554 as shown in Figure 59 and not go below the divider floor 554. In this mode, the pusher 520 can be picked up from the divider floor 554 as shown in Figure 62 The gravity and weight of product seated on pusher floor 524 keeps pusher 520 on divider floor 554. Product seated on coil 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 from front to back, and vice versa. versa, on the dividing floor 554.

[000247] Divider 550 may define a slot 560 or other recess in an unwanted portion of the divider. This slot 560, or other recess, may be in the shape of an upside-down "u" as shown in Figure 61, or it may take another shape. Slot 560, or other recess, may extend across the full width of the unwanted portion of divider 550. Slot 560, or other recess in one example, may extend across only a portion of the width of the unwanted portion of the divider. Slot 560, or other recess, can be used to engage a front rail, front wall of a tray, or other structure. The term recess as used herein may mean a groove, slit, channel, indentation, depression or other recess that extends inwardly.

[000248] Divider 550 may 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 an exemplary embodiment in Figure 63, teeth 562 may define a series of outwardly extending angled surfaces that meet or join in an apex. As used herein, the term teeth can mean any outwardly extending, uniform, non-uniform, continuous, non-continuous, evenly spaced, or not evenly spaced surfaces, which may or may not be angled and which may or may not meet or join at a glance. Additionally, teeth may define at an apex of sharp, blunt, round, flat or polygonal ends, or any other suitable shape. In addition, the surfaces that define the shape of the teeth can be flat, convex, concave, smooth or textured, or any other suitable configuration. In one embodiment, teeth 562 are placed on an extension from the front portion of barrier 556. Divider 550 may also define a tongue or resilient tab 564. Teeth 562, or other projection, may be located on resilient tab 564. When a force is applied to resilient tab 564, teeth 562, or other projection, can move in the direction of the force. When the force is removed, the teeth, or other projection, will move back to their original position. The term projection, as used herein, can mean a bulge, resilient tab, tongue, protrusion, tooth or plurality of teeth, ridge, button or other projection that extends outwardly. A plurality of teeth may include a plurality of projections where the teeth extend outwardly and may include a plurality of recesses that extend inwardly between the portions of the plurality of teeth that extend outwardly.

[000249] A front rail 580 may define a flat surface 582, a ridge or tongue 584 or other projection or engagement member, a channel or groove 586 or other recess or engagement member, and a plurality of teeth 588 or other engagement member . Crest or tongue 584, or other projection or front rail engaging member 580, may be configured to engage slot 560, or other recess or divider engaging member. Crest 584, or other projection or other engagement member, may accommodate within groove 560, or other recess or engagement member, and inhibit divider 550 from moving in a direction perpendicular to ridge 584 or front rail 580 or at an angle (ie, off-perpendicular) to crest 584 or front rail 580. Teeth 588, or other engaging member of front rail 580, may be separated. Teeth 588, or another front rail engaging member, may engage teeth 562, or another divider engaging member 550, teeth 562 which are illustrated in Figure 63, so as to prevent the divider from moving in one direction. side, parallel to front rail 580. Teeth 588, or other front rail engaging member 580, are engaged with teeth 562, or other divider engaging member 550, and prevent divider 550 from moving in the lateral direction shown by arrow "A" in Figure 65. The term engagement member, as used herein, can mean a projection, recess, flat surface, nearly flat surface, or other item of structure that may engage with another item of structure. The front rail can be a separate frame that is fixed or attached to a shelf. Alternatively, the front rail can be part of a tray that defines one or more of a front, back, and opposite-sided wall. In this configuration, the front rail, as described herein, can be formed as part of a front or back wall of a tray and still achieve the objectives of the invention. That is, the front rail can be formed as part of the tray walls (or fixed to the tray walls) and receive and engage the dividers and pusher mechanisms through the use of any of the various techniques described herein. The front rail also does not need to be located absolutely in front of a shelf. The front rail can be located near the front of the shelf or at a location a distance back from the front of the shelf. In one example, the front rail may be located on or near the rear of the shelf, away from the front of the merchandise display system. The front of the shelf may not include any rails in an example.

[000250] When resilient tab 564 of divider 550 is pressed or a force is applied to the resilient tab in a direction away from teeth 588 on front rail 580, teeth 562 of divider may become disengaged with teeth 588 on rail front. When teeth 588 on the front rail and teeth 562 on resilient tab 564 on divider 550 are disengaged, divider 550 can be moved in a direction lateral to teeth 588 on front rail 580 (i.e., the direction shown by arrow "A" in Figure 65). Through the use of this resilient tab 564, the products contained in the marketing system 10 can have the planogram redone. When divider 550 is moved in a lateral direction, the divider does not need to be rotated. Instead, divider 550 remains in a plane parallel to flat surface 582 of front rail 580. In addition, divider 550 does not need to be lifted. Divider 550 can simply be moved in the direction indicated by the arrow "A" in Figure 65.

[000251] 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. The at least one divider 550 includes a barrier 556 and the at least one divider 550 includes additionally a divider wall 552. The at least one divider also includes a divider floor 554 perpendicular to the divider wall 552, wherein the divider floor 554 is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam 720 coupled to divider 550, where cam 720 is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The at least one divider 550 is (a) movable in a lateral direction, parallel to the front rail 580, and (b) secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the at least one divider 550 is engaged with the front rail 580 and cam 720 is in first position. The at least one divider 550 is (a) affixed in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) secured in the direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the at least one divider 550 is engaged with the front rail 580 and the cam 720 is in the second position.

[000252] In one example, cam 720 includes a handle for rotating cam 720 between the first position and the second position. In another example, cam 720 may include a handle that allows cam 720 to slide between a first position and a second position (not shown). Cam 720 may also include one or more cam walls configured to engage one or more groove walls with front rail 580 when cam 720 is in the second position. Cam 720 may also include a plurality of cam teeth configured to engage a plurality of front rail teeth with a surface of front rail 580 when 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 that has a pusher surface, a pusher floor that extends forward 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 positioned behind the pushing surface and the pusher mechanism can be attached to the merchandise display system only by the spiral spring. The barrier can be configured to receive the free end of the coil spring. The front rail can define a front rail groove and the divider can define a divider crest configured to engage the front rail groove.

[000253] 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 that extends in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, a divider floor 554 perpendicular to the divider wall 552, wherein the divider floor 554 is configured to hold the 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) secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when each of the plurality of dividers 550 is engaged with the front rail 580 and 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) affixed in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) secured in the direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when each of the plurality of dividers 550 is engaged with the front rail 580 and cam 720 for each of the plurality of dividers 550 is in the second position.

[000254] 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 product is positioned on the floor divider 554. A force on an outermost divider of the plurality of dividers 550 may cause that each of the plurality of dividers 550 move in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the cams 720 for each of the plurality of dividers 550 are 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.

[000255] 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, wherein the at least one divider 550 includes a barrier, a divider wall 552 that extends in a direction perpendicular to the front rail, a divider floor 554 perpendicular to divider wall 552, wherein divider wall 552 separates divider floor 554 into a first portion and a second portion, and each of the first portion and the second portion is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a first pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least part of the first portion, a second pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least part of the second portion, and a cam 720 coupled to the fur. minus a divider 550, wherein the cam 720 is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The at least one divider 550 is movable in a lateral direction parallel to and along the front rail 580 when the cam 720 is in the first position, and the at least one divider 550 resists movement in the lateral direction parallel to and along the front rail 580 when the cam is in the second position.

[000256] In one example, each of the first and second pusher mechanisms of the merchandise display system includes a pusher surface, a pusher floor that extends forward from the pusher surface, and a spiral spring that has a spiral end. and a free end, wherein the spiral end is positioned behind the pushing surface. The first and second pusher mechanisms are fixed to the merchandise display system only by the spiral spring. The at least one divider may define a divider engaging member and the at least one front rail may define a front rail engaging member, and the divider engaging member may be configured to engage the front rail engaging member. The divider engaging member may define divider teeth on at least one surface of the divider engaging member and the front rail engaging member may define front rail teeth on at least one surface of the front rail engaging member. Divider teeth can be configured to engage front rail teeth.

[000257] 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, wherein the at least one divider 550 includes a barrier configured to engage the front rail 580 , a divider wall 552 extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, a divider floor 554 perpendicular to the divider wall 552, wherein the divider floor 554 is configured to hold the product. The display system may also include a resilient tab coupled to the divider 550, wherein the resilient tab is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The at least one divider 550 is affixed in a lateral direction, parallel to the front rail 580, when the resilient tab is in the first position. The at least one divider 550 is movable in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the resilient tab is in the second position.

[000258] In one example, the divider 550 includes a plurality of teeth configured to engage the front rail 580. The divider teeth may be configured to engage corresponding teeth on the front rail 580. The divider teeth of the merchandise display system may be configured to engage a resilient surface on the front rail 580.

[000259] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580, wherein the front rail 580 comprises at least a first projection and at least a first recess, and at least one divider 550 configured to attach to the front rail 580, wherein the at least one divider 550 comprises a divider wall 552 and a divider floor 554 perpendicular to the divider wall 552, wherein the at least one divider 550 further comprises at least a second recess and at least one second projection, the at least at least a second projection of divider 550 is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The at least one divider 550 is (a) movable in a lateral direction, parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the at least one first projection of the front rail 580 is engaged with the fur. at least one second recess of divider 550 and the at least one second projection of divider 550 is in the first position. The at least one divider 550 (a) resists movement in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the at least one first projection of the front rail is engaged with the at least a second recess of divider 550 and the at least one second projection of divider 550 is in the second position.

[000260] In one example, the at least one second projection of the divider 550 may comprise a cam 720. The at least one first recess of the front rail 580 may comprise a groove. The at least one second projection of divider 550 may include a resilient tab. The at least one first projection of the front rail 580 may comprise a tongue. The at least one first projection of the front rail 580 may comprise a plurality of teeth. The at least one second projection of the divider 550 may comprise a tongue. The at least one second projection of divider 550 may include a plurality of teeth. The merchandise display system may also include a plurality of teeth on the at least one first projection of the front rail 580 and a plurality of teeth on the at least one second recess of the divider 550.

[000261] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580, wherein the front rail 580 includes at least one first projection and at least one second projection, wherein the at least one second projection of the front rail 580 is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The merchandise display system also includes at least one divider 550 configured to attach to the front rail 580, wherein the at least one divider 550 comprises a divider wall 552 and a divider floor 554 perpendicular to the divider wall 552 and wherein the at least a divider 550 further comprises at least one recess. The at least one divider 550 is (a) movable in a lateral direction, parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the at least one first projection of the front rail 580 is engaged with the fur. at least one recess of divider 550 and the at least one second projection of front rail 580 is in the first position. The at least one divider 550 is (a) affixed in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) secured in the perpendicular direction to the front rail 580 when the at least one first projection of the front rail 580 is engaged with the at least one divider recess 550 and the at least one second projection of front rail 580 is in the second position.

[000262] In one example, the at least one first projection of the front rail 580 may comprise a tongue and the at least one recess of the divider 550 may comprise a groove.

[000263] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580, wherein 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, wherein the at least one divider 550 comprises a divider wall 552 and a divider floor 554 perpendicular to the divider wall 552, wherein the at least a divider 550 further comprises a recess and a third projection. The at least one of the second projection or the third projection is a movable projection that is movable between a first position and a second position. The at least one divider 550 is (a) movable in a lateral direction, parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the first projection of the front rail 580 is engaged with the recess of the divider 550 and mobile projection is in the first position. The at least one divider 550 is (a) affixed 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 recess of the divider 550 and the projection mobile is in second position.

[000264] In an example, the movable projection of the merchandise display system may be a cam 720 or a resilient flap. The first projection of the front rail 580 may be a tongue and the recess of the divider 550 may be a groove.

[000265] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580, wherein the front rail 580 comprises at least a first engaging member. The merchandise display system also includes at least one divider 550 configured to attach to the front rail 580, wherein the at least one divider 550 comprises a divider wall 552 and a divider floor 554 perpendicular to the divider wall, wherein the at least one divider 550 further comprises at least one second engaging member. The merchandise display system also includes a third engagement member configured to move between a first position and a second position. The at least one divider 550 is (a) movable in a lateral direction, parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the first engaging member of the front rail 580 is engaged with the second member of splitter engagement 550 and the third engagement member is in the first position. The at least one divider 550 is (a) affixed 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 engaging member 580 is engaged with the second divider engaging member 550 and the third engagement member is in the second position. In one example, when the first front rail engaging member 580 is engaged with the second divider engaging member 550 and the third engaging member is in the first position, the at least one divider 550 is movable in the plane of a shelf ( such as shelf 596 shown in Figures 70 and 71) only in the lateral direction parallel to front rail 580; the at least one divider 550 is affixed to the plane of the shelf in all directions other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580; the at least one divider 550 may not twist, undergo "fish tail" type dilation in the plane of the shelf; the at least one divider 550 remains perpendicular to the front rail 580.

[000266] In one example, the third engagement member may be a front rail portion 580 or a divider portion 550. In one example, the third engagement member may comprise a cam 720 or an engagement surface. In one example, the first front rail engaging member 580 is a projection. The merchandise display system may also include a pusher mechanism 520 that has a pusher surface 528, a pusher floor 524 that extends forward from pusher surface 528, and a spiral spring 534 that has a spiral end and a free end. The spiral end can be positioned behind the pusher surface 528 and the pusher mechanism 520 is secured to the merchandise display system only by the spiral spring 534. The merchandise display system may also include a barrier that is configured to receive the end. free of spiral spring 534.

[000267] 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, wherein the at least one divider 550 includes a barrier 556, wherein the at least a divider further includes a divider wall 554, wherein the at least one divider further includes a divider floor 552 perpendicular to the divider wall 554 and wherein the divider floor 552 is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam 720 coupled to divider 550, where cam 720 is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The at least one divider 550 may be secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the at least one divider 550 is engaged with the front rail 580. The cam 720 may inhibit movement of the at least one divider 550 in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when cam 720 is in first position. Cam 720 can allow movement of divider 550 in the lateral direction parallel to front rail 580 when cam 720 is in second position. The merchandise display system may include a handle to rotate cam 720 between the first position and the second position. The merchandise display system may include a handle to slide the cam 720 between the first position and the second position (not shown).

[000268] Figures 67A to C show an example of a step-by-step approach to placing a divider into a front rail. To start, as illustrated in Figure 67A, divider 550 is lowered into channel 586 defined by front rail 580. The lowering force of divider 550 into channel 586 causes teeth 562 on divider 550 to contact with the top of the front rail 580 and move in a direction toward the divider 550 and away from the front rail 580, as illustrated in Figure 67B. Teeth 562 on divider 550 may be ramp teeth as shown in Figure 63. Front rail 580 includes recesses 589, as illustrated in Figure 64, which are shaped to engage teeth 562 on divider 550. These recesses 589 are separated by teeth 588 present on front rail 580. When divider 550 is lowered further into channel 586 on front rail 580, as illustrated in Figure 67C, teeth 564 of divider 550 move past the top of front rail 580 and move inward of the recesses 589 in the front rail 580. When the teeth 564 in the divider 550 are in the recesses 589 in the front rail 580, the divider 550 is in an engaged position and will not move in a lateral direction under a normal amount of force.

[000269] In an example, Figures 68A to C show a step-by-step approach to placing a divider on a front rail in another modality. In the initial step, as illustrated in Figure 68A, the pawl or resilient tab 564 is manually pushed in the rearward direction, which causes the teeth 562 on the tab 564 to move back towards the divider 550. A shaft-type pivot allows the tongue or resilient tab 564 to remain in the pushed-back position and allows the teeth 562 to remain in position toward the divider 550. The divider 550 is then placed in contact with the front rail 580, as illustrated in Figure 68B. Slot 560 of divider 550 engages crest or tongue 584 of front rail 580. At this point, divider 550 can be moved in a lateral direction along the front rail and can allow an ease of redoing the planogram. However, divider 550 is secured in a direction perpendicular to front rail 580 (ie, parallel to divider 550) and cannot be moved in that direction, other than by an insignificantly small amount of play between slot 560 of divider 550 and the crest or tongue 584 of front rail 580. (The direction perpendicular to the front rail is indicated by arrow "B" in Figure 86H.) This insignificantly small amount of play may not be noticeable to a system user. While divider 550 is in contact with front rail 580 and slot 560 of divider 550 engages crest or tongue 584 of front rail 580, as illustrated in Figure 68B, divider 550 may move in the plane of the shelf (the shelf is indicated as 596 in Figures 70 and 71) only in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 (ie, the direction indicated by arrow "A" in Figure 65). The divider is affixed and immobile in the shelf plane under normal operating forces in all directions other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580. move in the shelf plane in a direction beyond the direction parallel to the front rail 580. The divider 550 may, however, have the ability to move in a direction out of the shelf plane, such as the direction indicated by the arrow "C" in Figure 87B. Divider 550, with or without product on the divider floor 554, can be slid in the direction previously indicated by the arrow “A” in Figure 65, without requiring the divider 550 to be lifted. In the final step, as illustrated in Figure 68C, the tongue or resilient tab 564 is manually pulled forward away from the divider 550. This movement causes the teeth 562 on the front divider 550 to fit within the recesses 589 in the front rail 580. Recesses 589 in the front rail 580 are separated by teeth 588 in the front rail. When teeth 562 of divider 550 are in contact with recesses 589 and teeth 588 on front rail 580, divider 550 is engaged and cannot move in a lateral direction under a normal amount of force.

[000270] In another example, the pawl or resilient tab does not include an axle-type pivot that allows the pawl or resilient tab 564 to remain in the pushed-back position. Instead, resilient tongue or tab 564 is propelled toward front rail 580 and away from divider 550 such that tongue or tab 564 automatically returns to the rest position thereof and can engage front rail 580 when the force that manually pushes the resilient tab or tab 564 back is removed.

[000271] In one example, a divider 550 is placed in contact with a front rail 580. A front rail engaging member 580 engages with a divider engaging member 550, which secures the divider in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 (the direction indicated by the arrow "B" in Figure 86H) and makes the divider 550 immobile in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, in addition to by an insignificantly small amount of play or clearance between the engagement members that may not be noticeable for a user. Divider 550 also attaches to the shelf plane in all directions other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580 (the direction indicated by the arrow "A" in Figure 65). Divider 550 can move in the shelf plane only in the direction parallel to the front rail 580. Divider 550 is affixed, under normal operating conditions and forces, in the shelf plane in a direction beyond the direction parallel to the front rail 580. The divider, however, can be movable in a direction out of the shelf plane, such as a direction indicated by the arrow "C" in Figure 87B. When the divider is "stuck" in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, it means that the divider 550 is immobile, under normal operating conditions and forces, in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, in addition to an insignificantly small amount of play. or clearance between the hitch members that may not be noticeable to a user. The direction perpendicular to the front rail is indicated by the arrow "B" in Figure 86H. A second front rail engaging member 580 or divider 550 is in a first position and the divider is moved laterally, parallel to the front rail. The second engagement member is then moved to a second position, which makes divider 550 attached in a lateral direction, parallel to front rail 580 (the direction indicated by arrow "A" in Figure 65) under normal forces and operating conditions. When divider 550 is "attached" in a lateral direction parallel to front rail 580, divider 550 will not move in lateral direction parallel to front rail 580 under normal operating conditions and forces.

[000272] In one example, a plurality of dividers 550 can be moved as a group parallel to the front rail 580 while remaining attached to the front rail 580 in a direction perpendicular to the front rail (the direction indicated by the arrow "B" in Figure 86H) . Each of a plurality of dividers 550 may be contacted with a front rail 580. One engaging member or a plurality of front rail engaging members 580 engages(m) with an engaging member on each of the plurality of dividers 550 , which holds each of the plurality of dividers 550 in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 (the direction indicated by the arrow "B" in Figure 86H) and makes each of the plurality of dividers 550 immobile in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, in addition to an insignificantly small amount of play or slack between the hitch members that may not be noticeable to a user. A second engaging member (or a plurality of second engaging members) of the front rail 580 or each of the dividers 550 is in a first position, which allows the plurality of dividers 550 to be moved laterally, parallel to the front rail 580. of dividers 550 can form rows between dividers 550 that are configured to hold the product. The product can be placed between two of the plurality of dividers 550 as shown in Figures 45 to 47. A force may be applied to a first divider in the direction parallel to the front rail 580. This force may move the first divider in the direction parallel to the front rail 580 and causing divider 550 to contact a product adjacent to the first divider 550. (The product is shown in Figures 45 to 47 as cans or cardboard boxes and may take other shapes.) Divider 550 can then force the product to move in the same direction as the first divider 550, ie, parallel to the front rail 580. The force can move the product to contact a second divider 550 adjacent to the product. The product may then force the second divider 550 to move in the same direction as the first divider 550 and the product, ie, parallel to the front rail 580. The second divider may 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. In this way, a series of dividers 550 and products can all 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 580. When the second member or members engage with the front rail 580 or one of the plurality of dividers 550 is moved to a second position, which makes divider 550 affixed in a lateral direction, parallel to front rail 580 under normal forces and operating conditions, divider 550 cannot move in the even direction. alleys to the 580 front rail and the 550 divider will not force other 550 dividers or products to move in a direction parallel to the 580 front rail.

[000273] In one example, when the second engagement member is moved to a second position, the second engagement member inhibits movement of the divider 550 in a lateral direction, parallel to the front rail 580. Under a force equal to or less than a predefined amount of force, the second engagement member prevents the divider 550 from moving in a lateral direction, parallel to the front rail 580. When an amount of force above the predefined amount of force is applied to the divider 550 in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580, the divider 550 can move in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580.

[000274] 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 tread 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 tread 554 further back where it is not adjacent to the flat surface 582 of the front rail. As shown in Figure 67, the divider tread portion 554A is thinner than the divider tread portion 554B. In one example, the thickness of the front portion of the divider tread adjacent to the flat surface 582 of a front rail 580 is at least 25% less than the thickness of a rear portion of the divider tread 554 that is not adjacent to the flat surface 582 of the front rail 580.

[000275] One embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 69A and 69B, includes rail mounting clamps 590 for the front rail 580. As illustrated in Figure 69B, the front rail 580 includes a passage 592. This passage 592 can be coordinated to be placed over passages 595 in a shelf 596 in a retail environment as shown in Figure 70. The 590 rail mounting clips can be bent. The 590 rail mounting clips also contain a narrow portion 594 at one end of the 590 rail mounting clips. inside passages 595 in shelf 596 in the retail environment as shown in Figure 71. Rail mounting clips 590 can then be displaced laterally to a narrower portion inside passage 592 in front rail 580. 590 rail mounting clamps, the wider round portion of the 590 rail mounting clamps will engage the narrower portion of passage 592 on the front rail and will be locked in place. The 590 rail mounting clamps thus hold the 580 front rail in place and prevent the 580 front rail from moving in the lateral direction. If it becomes known prior to shipping that a storage shelf will have holes, the 590 rail mounting clips can be inserted and locked into the 580 front rail in anticipation of shipping. Inserting the 590 rail mounting clips in advance of shipping can add to the ease of installation of the merchandising system in the store environment.

[000276] In at least one embodiment, the height of the divider wall 552 may be greater than the height of the barrier 556, as shown in Figures 72 and 73. Figure 74 additionally shows the end 557 of the coil spring 534 held within the barrier 556. End 557 of spring 534 is flexed at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the remainder of spring body 534. End 557 is placed within a slot 558 maintained within barrier 556.

[000277] In one embodiment, the divider 550 contains teeth 600, as illustrated in Figures 72 and 73. These teeth can be molded to be integral with the divider 550. The teeth 600 are not held in a resilient tab or tongue as in others modalities. The 600 teeth are separated from each other. A plurality of teeth 600 may be placed on divider 550 at the bottom of a front portion of divider 550 and opposite barrier 556.

[000278] As illustrated in Figure 75, a front rail 610 may include a plurality of teeth 612. The teeth 612 on the front rail 610 may be designed to releasably engage the teeth 600 of the divider 550 through the use of a cam bar 622 on front rail 610 and cam action as illustrated in Figure 76. Front rail 610 also includes a flat surface 614 that is substantially flat or flat and a tongue or ridge 616 that is substantially perpendicular to flat surface 614, as illustrated in Figure 75. Front rail 610 additionally includes a cam bar lever 618 that moves cam bar 622 within front rail 610, as shown in Figures 76A and 76B. In Figure 76A, cam bar lever 618 is in a first position where teeth 612 of front rail 610 are withdrawn into front rail 610 and away from the divider. In Figure 76B, cam bar lever 618 is in a second position where teeth 612 of front rail 610 are extended toward divider 550.

[000279] Figure 77 shows an exploded view of several aspects of a modality. Front rail 610 is shown to include 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 cam bar 622 and tooth bar 624. Cam bar 622 is located at the base of front rail 610 adjacent to extruded housing 620. Cam bar 624 is in contact with cam bar lever 618. The lever Cam bar 618 can operate to move cam bar 622 back and forth in a lateral direction. Cam bar 622 additionally includes elongated cam reservoirs 628. Cam reservoirs 628 are diagonal with a front end of cam reservoir 628 closest to the front end of front rail 610 and a rear end of reservoir 628 further back from from the front end of the front rail 610.

[000280] The 624 tine bar may include 630 cam studs. The 630 tine bar cam studs are placed inside the 628 cam bar reservoirs during the operation of the 610 front rail. When the cam bar 622 and the cam bar reservoirs 628 move laterally, the tine bar cam studs 630 move in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the cam bar 622. The tine bar cam studs 630 move in a forward direction from the front rail 610 (and away from the divider teeth 600) and away from the front of the front rail 610 (and towards the divider teeth 600) as the cam bar 622 moves laterally back and forth within the cam area 626. As tine bar 630 cam studs move, tine bar 624 also moves. Thus, when the cam bar lever 618 is moved from a first position to a second position, it moves the cam bar 622 laterally along the inner side of the front rail 610. This lateral movement of the cam bar 622 causes tooth bar 624 and teeth 612 thereon to move in a direction perpendicular to the direction of cam bar 622; that is, tooth bar 624 moves in a direction toward or away from the front of front rail 610 and toward or away from teeth 600 on divider 550. Figure 78 shows a rear exploded view of several aspects of the modality shown in Figure 77.

[000281] Figures 79A to C show an example of a step-by-step guide for placing the divider 550 into the front rail 610. The divider 550 which includes teeth 600 on the divider is lowered into the channel 640 of the front rail 610, as illustrated in Figure 79A. Tooth bar 624 is initially in a position closest to the front of front rail 610 and teeth 612 of tooth bar 624 are not engaged with teeth 600 of divider 550. Cam bar lever 618 is in a first position which keeps teeth 612 of tooth bar 624 out of engagement with divider teeth 600, as illustrated in Figure 79B. In this position, divider 550 can be moved laterally along crest or tongue 616 of front rail 610. Divider 550 may have product seated on divider floor 554 as divider 550 is moved laterally along front rail in the direction shown in Figure 77 by the arrow "A". Crest 584 or other projection on front rail 580 may engage slot 560, or other recess, on divider 550 to secure divider 550 and prevent the divider from moving in a direction perpendicular to front rail 580, in addition to by an insignificantly small amount of play (eg less than 3 mm) between crest 584 and groove 560 under normal operating conditions and forces. Cam bar lever 618 is then moved from a first position to the second position. Movement of cam bar lever 618 causes cam bar 622 to move in a lateral direction within extruded housing 620. Movement of cam bar 622 includes movement of diagonal cam bar reservoirs 628 in the lateral direction. The movement of the cam bar reservoirs 628, in turn, causes the tooth bar cam studs 630 to move in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the cam bar 622 and in a direction toward the teeth 600 of the divider. 550, as illustrated in Figure 79C. The tine bar cam studs 630 are coupled to and may be integral with the tine bar 624. Consequently, movement of the tine bar cam studs 630 causes the tine bar 624 and teeth 612 to be contained. in the same move towards the 600 teeth of the divider. This movement causes teeth 612 of tooth bar 624 to become engaged with teeth 600 of divider. When tine bar teeth 612 are engaged with divider teeth 600, divider 550 is releasably engaged and will not move in a lateral direction shown by arrow "A" in Figure 77 under normal operating conditions and forces.

[000282] Tooth bar 624 is affixed to the ends thereof such that tooth bar 624 can only move in a direction that is towards or away from teeth 600 of the divider. Tooth bar 624 cannot move in a lateral direction shown in Figure 77 by arrow "A". Cam bar 622 operates in the opposite manner. Cam bar 622 is affixed in such a way that cam bar 622 can only move in a lateral direction shown in Figure 77 by arrow "A". Cam bar cannot move towards or away from 600 teeth on divider.

[000283] Figure 80 provides an isometric view of aspects of a modality. When teeth 612 of tooth bar 624 are engaged with teeth 600 of divider, the entire marketing system 10 is locked. Front rail 610 and divider 550 are releasably engaged with each other and will not move relative to each other. In addition, pusher 520 is engaged with divider 550. In this position, the entire marketing system 10 can be moved. Trading system 10 can be configured at a remote location according to a particular planogram and then be locked out. The marketing system 10 can then be transported to the store location. At the store site the merchandising system 10 can be removed from the shipping container and placed on the shelf like a mat. The planogram execution of the dividers 550 will remain intact while the trading system 10 is locked.

[000284] In one example, a display system is attached 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 are engaged with a front rail 580 in a manner that they are secured and will not move significantly in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580. The plurality of dividers 550 is adjusted laterally parallel to the front rail 580 accordingly with a pre-panned planogram or other layout. The plurality of dividers 550 includes engaging members and the front rail 580 includes engaging members. The engaging members on the plurality of dividers 550 and/or the engaging members of the front rail 580 are adjusted from a first position to a second position to affix the plurality of dividers 550 to the front rail 580 such that the plurality of dividers cannot move in any direction relative to the front rail 580. The front rail 580 and the plurality of dividers 550 are then moved as a unit to the shelf. The front rail 580 is then attached to the shelf.

[000285] To change the planogram run of the on-site merchandising system, the dividers 550 and the product do not need to be removed from the shelf. Cam bar lever 618, or other engagement member for each of the dividers 550, can be moved to its home position. Upon movement of the cam bar lever 618, or other engagement member to the initial position thereof, teeth 612 of tine bar 624 disengage from teeth 600 of the divider (or an engagement member disengages from other hitch member). In this position, dividers 550 can be moved laterally in the direction denoted by arrow “A” in Figure 80. The product can remain in place on floor dividers 554 and pusher floors 524 while dividers 550 are moved. Once the dividers 550 have been moved to the new planogram position, the cam bar lever 618 or other engagement member for each of the dividers 550 can be moved to the second position thereof. Teeth 612 of tooth bar 622 will then engage teeth 600 of divider 550 (or one engaging member will engage with another engaging member) and again cause the marketing system 10 to become locked.

[000286] In an example, the operation of the cam action is shown further in Figures 81A and 81B. Figure 81A shows divider teeth 600 not engaged with teeth 612 of tooth bar 624. In embodiment, cam bar 622 is adjacent to front wall of front rail 610. In Figure 81B, cam bar lever 618 was moved to the second position, cam bar 622 moved laterally and tine bar cam studs 630 moved towards divider 550. Teeth 612 of tine bar 624 also moved towards divider 550 and engaged the split teeth 600.

[000287] In one embodiment, a soft rubber block can be used in place of teeth 612 on tooth bar 624 and can function as a hitch member. In this embodiment, when tooth bar 624 is adjacent to the front portion of front rail 610, the soft rubber block and divider teeth 600 are not in contact with each other. When the cam bar lever 618 is moved to its second position and the cam bar 622 moves the tooth bar 624 towards the divider teeth 600, the divider teeth 600 come into contact and thereby engage the block soft rubber. This contact provides resistive interference and holds divider teeth 600 in place and prevents divider 550 from moving laterally in the direction indicated in Figure 77 by the arrow "A".

[000288] In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 82A to C, the divider 550 is held in place in contact with the front rail 580 through the use of a gripper. Figures 82A through C show a step-by-step process for inserting divider 550 into front rail 580. Initially, as illustrated in Figure 82A, divider 550 is lowered into a channel 640 formed in front rail 580 (or 610 ). In addition, a ridge or tongue 644 on the front rail 580 makes contact with a channel 645 on the divider 550. The divider 550 includes an outwardly extending protrusion or ridge 650 on a front portion of the divider 550. A claw 652 on the front rail 580 is rotated to engage boss 650 of divider 550. Clamp 652 fits over boss 650 and locks boss 650 and divider 550 in place. Once releasably engaged, the divider 550 cannot move in the lateral direction indicated in Figure 80 by the arrow "A". To move divider 550, jaw 652 must be pulled to disengage jaw 652 from divider boss 650.

[000289] In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 83A to C, the divider 550 is held in place in contact with the front rail 580 through the use of a swivel rod 660 that includes teeth. Figures 83A through C show a step-by-step process for inserting divider 550 into front rail 580. Initially, as illustrated in Figure 83A, divider 550 is lowered into a channel 640 formed in front rail 580. The front end 580 includes a swivel rod 660 which, therein, includes teeth. When divider 550 is initially lowered into the channel, as illustrated in Figure 83B, the swivel rod teeth 660 are in a first position where they are not engaged with the teeth 600 of divider 550. A handle 662 is coupled to the swivel rod 660. When the handle is in a first position 664, the swivel rod teeth 660 are in a first position where they are not engaged with the teeth 600 of the divider 500. When the handle 662 is moved to a second position 668, as illustrated in Figure 83C, handle 662 rotates swivel rod 660 and moves teeth on swivel rod 662 to a position where they engage teeth 600 in divider 550. an interference condition with the divider teeth 600. When the shank teeth and the divider teeth 600 are interlocked with each other, the divider 550 cannot move in the lateral direction indicated in Figure 80 by the arrow "A". To move divider 550, rod 660 must be returned to its first position 664 and teeth of rod 660 disengaged from teeth 600 on divider 550.

[000290] In one embodiment, a plurality of pushers 520 and dividers 550 may be used with a single front rail 580. Figures 84A to E show the use of two pushers 520 and two dividers 550 to push product towards the front of the shelf . The use of multiple pushers 520 can allow the thrust of a large product, shown schematically in the Figures. In addition, placing pusher extender 528 into the extended up position thereof may allow pushers 520 to push higher products or more products as shown in Figures 84D and 84E. In one embodiment, a divider 550 can be coupled to two pushers 520. A pusher 520 can be engaged to a portion of the barrier 556 on either side of the divider wall 552 as shown in Figure 84F. In other examples, the divider may be attached to a pusher or the divider may not be attached to any pusher.

[000291] In another embodiment, the divider 550 is secured to the front rail 580 in part by operating 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 round portion 722 that is configured to rotate within a cavity 740 (see Figure 86G) in barrier 556. Cam 720 also includes a pawl 724 that is comprised of a first cam wall 726, a second cam wall, 728, and a third cam wall 730. In Figure 85, the cam is in a position where it is not engaged with the front rail. In this position, the first cam wall 726 can be in substantially vertical alignment. In this position the second cam wall 728 and the third cam wall 730 may also be in substantially horizontal alignment. First cam wall 726 connects with second cam wall 728. Second cam wall 728 connects with third cam wall 730. The cam also includes a handle 732.

[000292] In another embodiment, pawl 724 has only two cam walls. A first cam wall, such as first cam wall 726, and a second cam wall. The second cam wall is straight and spans the length shown by cam walls 728 and 730. There is no bending in the second cam wall in this mode. The cam walls may extend for one or more portions of the width of divider 550 or may extend the entire width of divider 550.

[000293] In another embodiment shown in Figures 92 to 94, the cam 720 may define a cam slider surface 733 (hereafter called the cam slider) located on a bottom side of the cam, opposite the knob 732 The 733 Cam Slider serves as a low friction slide protrusion to enhance the divider's sliding ability relative to the rail. In operation, cam slider 733 raises the divider above the rail to reduce friction between the divider and the rail, which thereby improves the divider's ability to slide relative to the rail. As seen in the Figures, the cam slider 733 of the cam 720 extends below or below the bottom surface of the divider and is the point of contact between the divider and the rail. In this configuration, when the divider is moved laterally with respect to the rail, the primary contact between the divider and the rail is only the cam slider, and no other significant portions of the divider and rail make contact with each other. This single point of contact therefore reduces friction between the divider and the rail.

[000294] The cam slider can further define a flat surface that extends outwardly from the round portion 722 of the cam 720. The cam slider 733 can be positioned centrally on the round portion 722 of the cam to provide stability and balance for the divider in relation to the rail. It should be understood, however, that the cam slider can be located at any other suitable location on the cam. The flat surface of the cam slider may interrupt at an elongated edge that is sized and shaped to slide freely in the channel 586 of the rail 580 to thereby allow ease of lateral movement of the divider relative to the rail. The elongated edge of the flat surface can define rounded or contoured edge surfaces to further aid in the free movement of the cam slider relative to the rail. It should be understood that the cam slider can define other configurations that allow the cam slider to accommodate within or along the rail and also allow for sliding movement of the divider relative to the rail. For example, the cam slider can define a round protrusion or protrusion or a series of round protrusions or protrusions, which would achieve the same goal as the flat surface defining an elongated edge. Although the cam 720 defining a cam slider 733 is pictured to be used with a divider, the cam and cam slider can be used with the pusher or pusher assembly or other components that are mounted on the rail.

[000295] In another embodiment, the cam 720 defining the cam slider 733 can be mounted to the rear of the divider or pusher, and can operatively engage a rear rail that is mounted to the rear of the shelf. In this mode, the cam 720 can be used to secure and prevent lateral movement of the divider or pusher relative to the rear rail, if used on the shelf. In other words, the cam and cam slider described in this document can be used to attach the divider or pusher to a front rail or a rear rail, or both, depending on the desired application.

[000296] In an exemplary aspect, the cam 720 serves as a latch to lock the divider or pusher to either the front rail or the rear rail, or both. Cam 720, when moved to a locked position, will lock the divider or pusher to the rail and prevent lateral movement of the divider or pusher relative to the rail. In an unlocked position, cam 720 allows sliding movement of the divider or pusher relative to the rail. In an exemplary aspect, the cam 720 is rotatable or pivotable between the locked and unlocked position. In yet another exemplary aspect, the cam 720 defining the cam slider 733 serves the dual function of locking the divider or pusher to the rail and also enhances the ability to slide laterally of the divider or pusher relative to the rail when the cam is on the rail. unlocked position.

[000297] As shown in Figure 92, the cam 720 can define a round portion 722 that is configured to rotate within a cavity 741 in front of the divider. Cam 720 may also define a cam surface 725 and cam surface 727 that will engage front rail groove walls 754 and 756, as explained below.

[000298] In one embodiment, the cam 720 accommodates within a cavity 740 of the barrier 556, as illustrated in Figure 86G. In one embodiment, cavity 740 is bounded by side walls 742. Side walls 742 make the front of cavity 740 slightly narrower than cam width 720. An amount of force is required to push cam 720 past the side walls 742 and into cavity 740. After the cam passes sidewalls 742, it snaps into place in cavity 740. Cam 720 can then rotate in cavity 740 and will not fall out of cavity 740 or disengage from cavity 740. 740 during normal use. Cam 720 is pivotally secured within cavity 740. In one embodiment, cavity 740 is also delimited at the front portion thereof by a front wall (not shown).

[000299] In another embodiment, the side walls 742 do not make the front of the cavity 740 any narrower than the width of cam 720. In this embodiment, the cam 720 can be placed into the cavity 740 and removed from the cavity 740 without the need to overcome drag force generated by sidewalls 742.

[000300] Referring to Figure 92, in another embodiment, the cam 720 that defines a cam slider 733 can be accommodated inside the cavity 741 formed at the front end of the divider 550 and can be delimited by the side walls 743. The side walls 743 makes the front of cavity 741 slightly narrower than cam width 720. An amount of force is required to push cam 720 past sidewalls 743 and into cavity 741. After the cam passes sidewalls 743, it snaps into place in cavity 741 and seats on a pair of cavity surfaces 747. Cam 720 can then rotate in cavity and will not fall out of cavity or dislodge from cavity during normal use.

[000301] As depicted in Figures 92 to 94, cam 720 is rotatably secured within cavity 741. In this embodiment, cavity 741 also defines an opening or slot 745 that is sized and shaped to allow rotational movement of the slider. cam 733 inside the cavity. Slot 745 is sized and shaped to allow the flat surface of cam slider 733 to fit therein and to thereby allow the cam to rotate within cavity 741. Aperture 745 also allows cam slider 733 extends beyond the bottom surface of the divider and into the rail. Once on the rail, the cam slider will lift the divider up and off the rail and out of contact with the rail, as described above, to allow a free sliding ability of the divider relative to the rail.

[000302] Opening 745 also creates clearance for cam slider rotation away from the rail. When the knob 732 on the cam is rotated towards the front edge of the rail, the cam slider will consequently rotate away from the rail. The opening 745 formed within the cavity 741 allows for this pivotal movement.

[000303] With reference to Figures 93A and 93B, divider 550 is shown to be lowered and placed over rail 580. More specifically, the front portion of divider 550 is lowered into channel 586 and slot 560 is placed over the crest 584. Cam slider 733 will contact channel 586 and support divider up and out of rail 580 as shown in Figure 93B. In this mode, cam slider 733 supports the divider and allows free sliding movement of the divider relative to the rail. As shown in Figure 93B, there is a gap between slot 560 and ridge 584 and between the unwanted surface of the divider and the top rail surface.

[000304] With reference to Figures 94A to 94C, which shows cross-sectional views of the divider, cam and rail, cam 720 is at all times in contact with rail 580. As shown in Figure 94A, when divider 550 is initially lowered onto rail 580, cam slider 733 is in contact with channel 586 of rail 580 and lifts the divider up and off the rail. As shown in Figure 94A, cam 720 defines cam surfaces 725, 727, and 729. Cam further defines a cam handle 732 located opposite cam slider 733. Also shown in Figure 94A is front rail 580 which defines a rail channel 586 which receives a portion of divider 550 and is the contact surface for cam slider 733. Rail 580 further defines a rail groove 750 which further defines groove walls 752, 754 and 756, which , as explained below, comes into contact with the cam surfaces during cam operation.

[000305] Referring to Figure 94B, as the cam rotates, through the operation of the handle 732, the cam slider remains in contact with the channel 586 and the cam surface 725 contacts the wall or groove surface 756 of the rail front. At this point, cam 720 contacts the rail at two points simultaneously.

[000306] Referring to Figure 94C, as the cam rotates further through the operation of the handle, the cam surface 725 contacts the wall or groove surface 754 while the cam surface 727 contacts the wall or groove surface 756 In addition, the cam surface 729 will contact the wall or groove surface 752. The groove wall 752 serves as a stop to prevent further rotational movement of the cam 720. The handle 732 extends over the top of the front edge of the front rail and still with the same or surpasses the front edge of the front rail. In one example, the front of cam handle 732 is aligned with the front-most portion of the front rail. There is human digital clearance between the 732 handle and the front rail, enough for a human finger (ie, a finger or toe) to access the handle. At this point, cam slider 733 has rotated up and out of channel 586 of rail 580 and rotated into opening 745. The divider now seats and directly contacts the rail, while the cam engages the rail and secures the divider to the rail, avoiding lateral movement of the divider. In an exemplary aspect, the cam 720 fits onto the rail with an audible notification heard with standard adult human hearing when in the position depicted in Figure 94C, which indicates that the cam is locked onto the rail.

[000307] To release the cam from the locked in place or locked position, a user simply lifts up handle 732 to release cam surfaces 725 and 727 from groove walls 754 and 756. As the cam is released from groove walls, the cam slider will rotate back in contact with the 586 rail channel and lift the divider up and off the rail. The divider will then rest on the rail by means of the cam slider and then can then be moved laterally with respect to the rail, and the operation described above can be repeated. As indicated, during locking and releasing the cam with respect to the rail groove, the cam is at all times in contact with the rail and is at all times in contact with the divider.

[000308] In an exemplary aspect, the merchandise display system may include a front rail and at least one divider configured to engage the front rail. The divider may include a barrier, a divider wall, and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall configured to hold the product, as shown herein. A front latch, such as the exemplary cam 720 described herein, may be coupled to the divider. In one aspect, the front lock is configured to rotate, pivot, or move between a first position and a second position. When in first position, the front latch can allow sliding movement of the divider relative to the front rail. In one mode, the latch can lift the divider up off the front rail. When in the second position, the latch locks the divider to the front rail and prevents sliding movement between the divider and the front rail. The cam is in constant contact with the front rail in both the first position and the second position, and in all positions between the first position and the second position.

[000309] In one example, a lock for the divider, such as cam 720 or other locks, is located at one end of the divider. The latch can be located at the front end of the divider (ie, the end of the divider closest to or in contact with the front rail 580, which is also the end closest to the consumer selecting the product). The latch, such as cam 720, may be in front of divider wall 552. The latch, such as cam 720, may be in front of barrier 556. When located at the front end of divider and in front of divider wall 552 and at the front of the 556 barrier, the latch is finger accessible by an individual supply of shelf maintenance, shelf restocking or new shelf plan-gram, even when product is on divider floor 554 and even when divider floor 554 is full of products (ie, no additional products can be accommodated on the dividing floor). The latch (such as cam 720) can be located on the divider so that the latch is in front of the product when product is on the divider floor 554 and product will not interfere with accessing the latch in any position of the product when the product is on the divider floor 554. The cam handle 732 can be aligned with the front end of the front rail 580 and can extend beyond the front end of the front rail 580.

[000310] In one example, the merchandise display system may include a front rail, at least one divider configured to engage the front rail, and the at least one divider that includes a barrier. The at least one divider may additionally include a divider wall, and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall wherein the divider floor is configured to hold product. The merchandise display system also includes a front latch attached to the front end of the divider. The front latch is in front of the barrier and in front of the dividing wall. The front lock is configured to be finger accessible when the product is on the divider floor. The front lock is displaceable between a first position and a second position. The front latch lifts the divider up out of the front rail and out of contact with it when in the first position and allows for sliding movement of the divider relative to the front rail. The front lock prevents sliding movement of the divider relative to the front rail when in the second position.

[000311] In one example, Figures 86E and 86F illustrate enlarged portions of cam 720 and front rail 580. Cam 720 may include texturing. Cam 720 may include teeth or other engaging members. In one embodiment, first cam wall 726 is textured with teeth 736 and 738. Teeth 736 can form a lower row of teeth. Teeth 738 can form a top row of teeth. Teeth 736 and Teeth 738, in one modality, are rounded. In at least one embodiment, teeth 736 and teeth 738 form a vertical row of teeth. Eliminating points on the teeth can provide better operation and longer life for the cam teeth. The cam 720 can also be textured in ways other than with teeth, such as through roughness or other texture.

[000312] In one example, the front rail 580 includes a slot 750, as illustrated in Figure 86F. Slot 750 may include a first slot wall 752, a second slot wall 754, and a third slot wall 756. The first slot wall 752 is connected to the second slot wall 754, which, in turn, is also connected. to third groove wall 756. In another embodiment, groove 750 only has two groove walls. A first groove wall, such as first groove wall 752, and a second groove wall 754. Second groove wall 754 is straight and expands the length shown by groove walls 754 and 756. There is no bending in the second wall slot 754 in this mode.

[000313] In one embodiment, groove 750 may be textured. Groove 750 may include teeth. In one embodiment, first groove wall 752 includes teeth 766 and teeth 768. Teeth 766 may form a lower row of teeth. Teeth 768 can form a top row of teeth. In at least one embodiment, teeth 766 and 768 form a vertical row of teeth. Teeth 766 and 768 can be rounded. Teeth 766 and 768 can be placed along an entire length of groove 750. Additionally, teeth 766 and 768 can be placed in sections along groove 750 with additional sections of groove 750 that are smooth and toothless. Groove 750 can also be textured in ways other than teeth, such as by roughing or other texturing. In one embodiment, second slot wall 754 is smooth and third slot wall 756 is smooth. In one embodiment, second cam wall 728 is smooth and third cam wall 730 is smooth.

[000314] 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 pivotally coupled to a front portion of barrier 556. Cam 720 includes a cam pawl 724, wherein cam pawl 724 comprises a first cam wall 726, a second cam wall 728 and a third cam wall 730. Cam 720 also includes a handle 732. Front rail 580 comprises a groove 750 that is comprised of a first groove wall 752, a second groove wall 754, and a third groove wall 756. The cam 720 is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position, wherein, when the cam 720 is in the second position, the cam pawl 724 is engaged with the front rail groove 750 and the divider wall 5560 is inhibited from moving in a direction the side. Cam 720 can also be configured to slide between a first position and a second position.

[000315] Figures 87A to 87C show a progression in which divider 550 is coupled to front rail 580. Cam 720 is moved from a first position in Figure 87B to a second position in Figure 87C. As described below, cam 720 allows divider 550 to be moved laterally along front rail 580 or otherwise parallel to front rail 580 when cam 720 is in the first position shown in Figure 87B. (In Figure 87B, the divider 550 is attached in the perpendicular direction to the front rail 580 and cannot move in the perpendicular direction, other than by an insignificantly small amount of play that may exist between the divider and the front rail, which may not be notable to a system user.) Cam 720 inhibits divider 550 from moving laterally along front rail 580 when cam 720 is in the second position shown in Figure 87C. In one example, under normal operating conditions and forces, cam 720 will prevent divider 550 from moving laterally along front rail 580 (and make divider 550 immobile along front rail 580) when cam 720 is in second position shown in Figure 87C. In another example, cam 720 inhibits movement of divider 550 by preventing divider 550 from moving sideways along front rail 580 when a force equal to or less than a preset amount of force is applied to divider 550 at a side direction parallel to the front rail 580. When an amount of force above the preset amount of force is applied to the divider 550 in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580, the divider 550 moves in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580.

[000316] Figure 87A shows divider 550 raised above front rail 580. In Figure 87B, divider 550 has been lowered and placed in contact with front rail 580. Slot 560 has been placed over crest 584 and crest 584 has been placed with slot 560. Slot 560 and ridge 584 may be in contact with each other in this position. Groove 560 and crest 584 may also not be in contact with each other at all times in this position. There may be space between the surfaces of groove 560 and ridge 584 at some positions. A front portion of barrier 556 has also been placed into channel or slot 586. In Figure 87B, tab 724 of cam 720 is not engaged with slot 750 of front rail 580. In Figure 87B, divider 550 may move. in a lateral direction shown by arrow "A" in Figures 86F and 86H. Divider 550 does not need to be raised above front rail 580 to allow such movement. Divider 550 can remain in contact with front rail 580 and move in the "A" direction. The product can be placed on the divider floor 554 during the divider 550 movement process. The ability to move the divider 550 without separating the divider 550 from the front rail 580 or removing the product provides ease of redoing the planogram. In Figure 87B, divider 550 can move in the plane of the shelf (the shelf is shown as 596 in Figures 70 and 71) only in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 shown by arrow "A" in Figures 86F and 86H. In Figure 87B, divider 550 is immobile in all other directions in the plane of the shelf, such as the direction shown by arrow "B" in Figure 86H, under normal forces and operating conditions. Divider 550 cannot swing, rotate, expand or yaw in the shelf plane and divider 550 remains perpendicular to front rail 580 under normal forces and operating conditions. In Figure 87B, divider 550 can move in the direction shown by arrow "C" in Figure 87B and thus lift off front rail 580. The direction shown by arrow "C" in Figure 87B is not in the plane of the shelf.

[000317] In Figure 87C, cam handle 732 has rotated towards front rail 580. In one mode, cam handle 732 is in contact with front rail 580. As cam 720 rotates from its position in Figure 87B to its position in Figure 87C, cam tongue 724 contacts front rail 580 and slightly deforms front rail 580 of cam tongue 724. First cam wall 726 may be in contact with groove third wall 756 à as cam 720 rotates from its position in Figure 87B to its position in Figure 87C.

[000318] As the cam moves in the position shown in Figure 87C, pawl 724 can snap into place within groove 750 and pawl 724 is engaged with groove 750. In one embodiment, pawl 724 is in accommodation perfect with groove 750. This perfect accommodation involves engagement of tongue 724 and groove 750. Front rail 580 is not deformed and cam 720 and front rail 580 are not in tension with each other. First cam wall 726 is adjacent to first groove wall 752. Second cam wall 728 is adjacent to second groove wall 754. Third cam wall 730 is adjacent to third groove wall 756. In one embodiment, the walls cam and groove walls are in contact with each other. For example, first cam wall 726 is in contact with first groove wall 752; second cam wall 728 is in contact with second groove wall 754; and the third cam wall 730 is in contact with the third groove wall 756. In at least one embodiment, although the cam walls and the groove walls are in contact with each other, they are not in substantial tension with one another. with the other. In another embodiment, one or more of the cam walls are in tension with one or more of the groove walls when the cam walls and groove walls are in contact with each other.

[000319] In an embodiment where the first cam wall 726 has been placed in contact with the first groove wall 752, the teeth of the first cam wall 726 engage with the teeth of the first groove wall 752. The teeth 736 engage to teeth 766 and teeth 738 engage with teeth 768. The engagement of the teeth of the first cam wall and the teeth of the first groove wall provides resistance to the divider moving laterally along the front rail in the lateral direction shown by the arrow " A" (as shown in Figure 86H).

[000320] When cam tongue 724 has been placed in perfect accommodation with groove 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 will not move laterally under the normal forces placed on the divider during operation.

[000321] When it is desired to move divider 550 along front rail 580 again, the cam can be disengaged from the front rail. Handle 732 can be rotated from front rail 580. Tongue 724 can disengage from slot 750 and return to its position in Figure 87B.

[000322] In one embodiment, the dividing wall 552 has sections of different width (see Figure 85). A front section 770 of divider wall 552 which may be adjacent to barrier 556 may have a greater width than a rear section 772 of divider wall 552 which is adjacent to barrier 556. Front section 770 may be connected to rear section 772 by an intermediate section 774. The width of the intermediate section 774 gradually changes from the width of the divider front section 770 to the width of the rear divider section 772. In one embodiment, the width of the portion of the intermediate section 774 adjacent to the section 770 is equal to width of section 770 and the width of the portion of intermediate section 774 adjacent to section 772 is equal to the width of section 772. The smaller width of rear section 772 of divider wall 552 creates air space between divider walls 552 and helps to prevent the product catches between two divider walls 552 as it is pushed and assists in providing product flow along the divider floor 554 as product is removed from the front of the merchandise system 10. At As an example, the width of the front section 770 of the divider wall 552 is at least 25% greater than the width of the rear section 772 of the divider wall 552.

[000323] In the embodiments shown in Figures 85 to 87C one or more dividers 550 may be placed in contact with the front rail 580. When the cam 720 or other engagement member is not engaged with the front rail 580, the dividers 550 may move parallel to the length of the front rail 580 in the lateral direction shown by arrow "A" (see Figure 86H). Divider 550 can then be secured in place by snapping cam 720 or other engagement member into engagement with front rail 580. Divider 550 will remain secured under normal operating forces until cam 720 or other engagement member is disengaged or out of engagement. another mode placed out of engagement with the front rail 580.

[000324] In one embodiment, the front wall 561 of slot 560 is textured as shown in Figure 86K. This texture can be in the form of roughness or small teeth. The texture makes the surface of the front wall 561 of the slot 560 not smooth. In one embodiment, the front wall 585 of ridge 584 or other protrusion or engaging member is textured, as depicted in Figures 86I, 86J and 86L. This texture can be in the form of roughness or small teeth and makes the surface of the front wall 585 of crest 584 not smooth.

[000325] In at least one embodiment, as depicted in Figure 86I, the barrier 556 is a separate component and is removably attachable to the divider 550. In at least one embodiment, the barrier 556 may engage the front of the divider 550 In at least one embodiment, the barrier 556 is movable. The entire barrier 556 may be mobile, or a portion or portions of the barrier 556 may be mobile. For example, the portion of the barrier 556 positioned at the product front on the merchandise display system 10 may be movable. In at least one embodiment, the portion of the barrier 556 positioned in front of the product can be configured to slide. In an alternative embodiment, the portion of the barrier 556 positioned in front of the product may be configured to rotate about a geometric axis to allow the portion of the barrier 556 to open and close. In this modality, the geometric axis can be an articulated connection. Additionally or alternatively, the barrier portion 556 may be spring-mounted to the divider 550 such that the barrier portion 556 requires an amount of force to move it from the divider 550. In this embodiment, upon release of force, the barrier portion 556 will close or return to its original position. Exemplary methods for mounting the 556 barrier are described in more detail in U.S. Patent document 8,056,734, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[000326] In one example, divider 550 does not include a barrier. Alternatively, one or more barriers can be included on the front rail 580.

[000327] In one embodiment, when divider 550 is placed in contact with front rail 580, as shown in Figure 87B, front wall 561 of slot 560 is not in contact with front wall 585 of crest 584 or is not in consistent contact therewith while cam 720 is in the position shown in Figure 87B and pawl of cam 720 is not engaged with groove 750 of front rail 580. When cam 720 is moved from a first position shown in Figure 87B to a second position shown in Figure 97C, and tongue 724 engages with slot 750, the tongue may force divider 550 to move backward. In one embodiment, tension between tongue 724 and slot 750 forces divider 550 to move in a backward direction. When the cam is moved to the second position shown in Figure 87C, the front wall 561 of groove 560 contacts the front wall 585 of the crest 584. The front wall 561 engages with the front wall 585. The texture in the wall front wall 561 of slot 560 engages with texture on front wall 585 of crest 584. Engagement of front wall 561 of slot 560 with front wall 585 of crest 584 inhibits movement of divider 550 along front rail 580 in the direction shown by arrow "A" in Figure 86H. Engagement of the texture on front wall 561 of slot 560 with the texture on front wall 585 of crest 584 also inhibits movement of divider 550 along front rail 580 in the direction shown by arrow "A" in Figure 86H.

[000328] In one example, a resilient strap or bead may be included on the top surface of the ridge 584, or other protrusion, of front rail 580. When the cam 720, or other engagement device, is in a first position, the resilient strip or bead is not compressed. In this first position, divider 550 can move in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail, but it cannot move in a direction perpendicular to the front rail. When the cam 720, or other engagement device, is moved to a second position, the resilient strip or bead enters into compression with the slot 560, or other recess, of the divider 550. When the resilient strip or bead is in compression with the slot 560, or other recess, divider 550 secures under normal operating forces in a direction parallel to front rail 580. In one example, the portion of slot 560, or other recess, that contacts the resilient strap or bead of the front rail 580 may include a roughness or teeth (not shown).

[000329] In one embodiment, the barrier 556 is not molded at the same time as the divider wall 552 and the divider floor 554. The barrier 556 is molded as a separate piece from the divider wall 552 and divider floor 556, as shown in Figure 88A . Barrier 556 can be molded from a clear material, while divider wall 552 and divider floor 554 can be molded from an opaque material.

[000330] In one example, a divider 550 includes an engaging member comprising a flat surface. Front rail 580 may include an engagement member that comprises a flat surface. The flat surface of the divider engaging member and/or the front rail engaging member may comprise a smooth or substantially smooth surface. The flat surface can include a resilient surface. The flat surface may include a rubber band or a neoprene band or material that is otherwise compressible. In one example, when divider engaging member 550 is in a first position, it is not engaged with front rail engaging member 580 and divider 550 may move laterally parallel to the front rail. When the divider engaging member 550 is in a second position, it is engaged with the front rail engaging member 580 and the divider is secured and not laterally parallel to the front rail under normal operating conditions and forces. In an example where the front rail engaging members 580 and divider 550 are smooth or substantially smooth surfaces and do not include teeth or other protrusions, divider 550 may have additional lateral adjustability and infinite or near infinite lateral adjustability. The lateral adjustability of the divider 550 is not limited by physical dimensions such as the width of projections or teeth. Infinite side adjustability provides significant benefits to display systems by efficiently utilizing side space and limiting or minimizing unused or wasted space between product rows and thereby potentially increasing the amount of usable space and side product facings in a shelf.

[000331] In one embodiment, barrier 556 may be snap-fitted or otherwise engaged with divider 550 as shown in Figure 88B. The engagement between the barrier 556 and the divider 550 may be such that the barrier 556 cannot be removed from the divider 550 under normal operating conditions and without adversely affecting the structure of the barrier 556 or divider 550.

[000332] Figures 89A to 89C show an example of a step-by-step approach to placing a divider on a front rail. In the initial step, as illustrated in Figure 89A, the divider 550 can be lowered into contact with the front rail 590. A swivel T-latch 900 can be rotated to fit the front rail 580. The swivel T-latch 900 can be secured to a front portion of divider 550. Swivel T-latch 900 can rotate about a geometric axis 903. Divider 550 can be lowered and placed in contact with front rail 580, as illustrated in Figure 89B. Slot 560 or other recess of divider 550 engages crest or tongue 584 or other protrusion of front rail 580. At this point, divider 550 can be moved in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and may allow ease of remaking the planogram . In one example, divider 550 may move along the front rail. Divider 550, with or without product on the divider floor 554, can be slid in the direction previously noted by arrow “A” in Figure 65, without requiring the divider 550 to be lifted. In the final step, as illustrated in Figure 89C, the swivel T-latch 900 can be pushed back and forth towards the front rail 580. The swivel T-latch 900 can engage a shoulder 901 on a front portion of the rail front 580. In at least one embodiment, front rail 580 includes a top front surface 902. Top front surface 902 can include a texture or can be a resilient surface, such as rubber. Alternatively, top front surface 902 can include one or more prongs. Top front surface 902 may engage a surface 904 on swivel T-lock 900. Surface 904 may also include a texture or may be a resilient surface such as rubber. Alternatively, surface 904 may include teeth configured to engage teeth on top front surface 902. When swivel T-latch 900 engages shoulder 901, divider 550 is engaged with front rail 580 and cannot move in a lateral direction under a normal amount of force.

[000333] Figures 90A to 90F illustrate embodiments of the divider 550 and the front rail 580. As shown in Figure 90A, a divider 550 may include 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 in front of divider wall 552. As illustrated in Figures 90C and 90F, the bottom surface of the divider floor 554 may include a groove 560 or other recess, a tongue 941 or other protrusion, and a front wall 561. In at least one embodiment, the front wall 561 of groove 560 is textured. This texture can be in the form of roughness or small teeth. The texture may cause the surface of the front wall 561 of the groove 560 to be not smooth.

[000334] As illustrated in Figure 90D, a front rail 580 may define a flat surface 582, a crest or tongue 584 or other projection, a first channel or groove 586 or other indentation, and a second channel or groove 950 or other indentation. Front wall 561 of divider 550 may engage first slot 586 of front rail 580. Crest or tongue 584 of front rail 580 may engage slot 560 of divider 550. Latch 941 of divider 550 may engage second slot 950 of rail front wall 580. In one embodiment, front wall 585 of ridge 584 is textured. This texture can be in the form of roughness or small teeth and makes the surface of the front wall 585 of crest 584 not smooth. Front wall texture 585 of crest 584 may engage with front wall texture 561 of slot 560. front rail 580 to slot 560 of divider 550, and engagement of projection 941 of divider 550 to second slot 950 of front rail 580 can keep divider wall 552 perpendicular to front rail 580 and prevent a rear portion of divider 550 from being dilated. In at least one embodiment, divider 550 may be moved laterally parallel to front rail 580 and/or along it when divider 550 receives a lateral force.

[000335] The front rail 580 may include passages 951 and openings 952 as illustrated in Figure 90E. Ports 951 can be configured to engage with mating engagement projections (not shown). In one example, the hitch projection could be a flat splice. The mating hook projections can connect one or more front rails 580 together in series. The connection of the 951 passages and the hook 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. Apertures 952 can be configured to receive latches, which close the front rail 580 into a display shelf. The front rail 580 can include any opening number 952 suitable for securing the front rail 580 to a display shelf. Any type of closure can be contemplated within the scope of the invention.

[000336] In one example, as illustrated in Figure 91A, the merchandise display system 10 may include a rear rail 810. The rear rail 810 may be located at or near the rear of a shelf. The rear rail 810 may be similar in construction to the front rail 580 and the disclosure herein relating to the front rail 580 applies equally to the rear rail 810. For example, the rear rail 810 may include a recess 804, which may generally be in the shape of a "u". In this mode, the dividers 550 can be connected to the divider blocks 802. The divider blocks 802 can then engage the rear rail 810. The rear rail 810 may be a second rail in the merchandise display system, next to the front rail 580 The rear 810 rail may also be the only rail in the merchandise display system. As noted above, the front rail 580 can be located at the rear of the merchandise display system and thus function as a rear rail 810. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of divider blocks 802 each having a cam 710 (not shown in Figure 91A) at the location indicated by the arrow in Figure 91A. This cam 720 can rotate from a first position to a second position and have the same effect as the cam 720 on the divider that engages with the front rail 580. Divider blocks 802 may also include other engagement devices, including engagement devices described herein for the divider 550, which engages the rear rail 810. The use of the rear rail 810 can hold the rear of the dividers 550 in position and prevent the product from moving to a position behind the pusher 520. the dividers 550 of the rear rail 810, the 720 or other engaging device pivots away from the rear rail 810 or otherwise disengaged with the rear rail 810.

[000337] In one example, a divider 550 may be placed in contact with a front rail 580. Slot 560 may be placed over crest 584 and crest 584 may be placed within slot 560. Slot 560 and crest 584 they can be in contact with each other in this position. Divider 550 may also be placed in contact with rear rail 810. A slot or other recess in divider 550 may be placed over a ridge or other protrusion of rear rail 810 and the crest or protrusion of rear rail 810 may be placed inside a slot or other recess of the divider 550. The divider 550 can be in contact with the front rail 580 and the rear rail 810 at the same time. A latching device, such as cam 720, on the front of the divider may be in a position such that divider 550 can move laterally parallel to front rail 580 and rear rail 810, but divider 550 is immobile in a direction perpendicular to front rail 580 or rear rail 810 (the direction between front rail 580 and rear rail 810). Divider block 802 may also include an engagement device (not shown), such as the cam 720 or other engagement devices described above with respect to front rail 810. The engagement device on divider block 802 may be in a mode position. 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 ).

[000338] In one example, the engagement device on the front of the divider 550 can be moved to a second position. In the second position, divider 550 is fixed in a direction parallel to front rail 580 under normal operating forces. The engagement device on the divider block 802 can also be moved to a second position. In the second position, the engagement device on the divider block 802 makes the divider 550 fixed in a direction parallel to the rear rail 810 under normal operating forces. Front rail 580, divider 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, the rear rail 810 and a plurality of dividers 550 can be pre-assembled and formed into a rigid tray at a location away from the shelf. Front rail 580, rear rail 810 and a plurality of dividers 550 can then be moved to the shelf and secured to the shelf by one or more latches.

[000339] In one embodiment, a merchandise display system may include a barrier that is movable by rotation between a folded position and an extended position without the aid of, for example, a rotation propensity element (such as a loaded hinge spring) dedicated to propel the barrier in the extended position. Several exemplary aspects of exemplary systems that may include a barrier that is movable between a folded position and an extended position without the aid of a rotation propensity element are shown in Figures 95 to 106. In one embodiment, the system may include a divider assembly 550 configured to be secured to a support structure. As used herein, a divider assembly 550 may also be referred to as a divider 550. A support structure may include, for example, a front rail 580. In one embodiment, a divider 550 may include a front end 553 and a trailing end 555. Movement in the forward direction as used herein with respect to embodiments that include a rotational barrier is defined by movement of the trailing end 555 toward the leading end 553. For example, the arrow F depicted in Figures 99B and 100D points towards the front. Movement in the rearward direction as used herein with respect to modalities that include a rotational barrier is defined by movement of the leading end 553 towards the trailing end 555. For example, the arrow R depicted in Figures 99A and 100C points in the backward direction. Movement in a lateral direction as used herein in relation to embodiments that include a rotational barrier is defined by movement in the directions shown, for example, by arrow A in Figures 65, 100A, and 103A. In one embodiment, a divider 550 may include a divider wall 552 that has a right-hand surface 552a and a left-hand surface 552b. In one embodiment, divider wall 552 may extend from front end 553 of divider 550 to rear end 555. In one embodiment, divider wall 552 may extend upward from divider floor 554. The divider floor may include a top surface 554a and a bottom surface 554b. In one embodiment, the divider wall 552 separates the divider floor 554 into a first side portion 559 and a second side portion 551 on each side of the divider 550. The first side portion 559 of the divider floor 554 may also be referred to as the right side portion 559 of divider floor 554 and second side portion 551 may also be referred to as left side portion 551 of divider floor 554.

[000340] In one embodiment, barriers 556 are movable by rotation between a folded position, as shown, for example, in Figure 96B for the barrier 556a on the right side of the divider, to an extended position, as shown, for example, in Figure 96A for both barriers 556a, 556b. In one embodiment, barriers 556 can be connected to a rotational mounting frame 563. In one embodiment, the rotational mounting frame 563 can be directly connected to the divider. In one embodiment, as discussed below with reference to the examples shown in Figures 102 and 103, the rotational mounting frame 563 can be removably connected to the divider. Referring to Figure 97, in one embodiment, rotational mounting frame 563 may be a swivel joint type 565 and pin 566. In one embodiment, rotational mounting frame 563 may be a flexible member such as polymer. Flexible or metal component.

[000341] In one embodiment, the barrier 556 may be considered to be positioned near the front end 553 of the divider 550 when a product positioned on the top surface 554a of the divider floor 554 may contact the barrier 556 when the product moves in the forward direction on towards the front end 553 of the divider 550. In one embodiment, the rotational mounting frame 563 is close to the front end 553 and connected thereto of the divider 550 and/or the divider floor 554. For example, with reference to Figures 95, 96A , and 96B, barrier 556a is shown positioned near front end 553 and is connected thereto of divider 550 and divider floor 554. In one embodiment, barrier 556 may be positioned near front end 553 of divider 550 and /or the divider floor 554 by being spaced from both the front end 553 and the divider floor 554 (not shown) and/or not being directly connected thereto. For example, in one embodiment, the barrier may be removably connected to the front rail 580 and not connected to the divider 550, but positioned close enough to the divider so that a product positioned on the top surface 55a of the divider floor 554 can contact the 556 barrier when the product moves in the forward direction (not shown). In such an example, the barrier 556 may be considered positioned near the front end 553 of the divider 550. In one embodiment, the barrier 556 may be positioned near the front end of the divider and be connected to the divider wall. In one embodiment, the barrier can fold towards the dividing wall by moving towards the folded position (not shown).

[000342] Referring to Figures 98A to 98C, in one embodiment, the barrier 556 is configured to rotate between an extended position and a folded position. An exemplary extended position is shown in Figure 98A and an exemplary folded position is shown in Figure 98C. In one embodiment, top edge 568 of barrier 556 may rotate along the arc shown as B in Figure 98A. For example, a force applied in the backward direction R to a barrier 556 in the extended position may cause the barrier to rotate towards the folded position, as shown in Figure 98B, to reach the folded position as shown, for example, in Figure 98C. Additionally, for example, the barrier 556 can be manually rotated by digitally pulling or pushing the barrier handle 567 to respectively raise the barrier to the extended position or lower the barrier to the folded position. In one embodiment, the top edge 568 of the barrier 556 may rotate along the entire arc of B and C so that the top edge contacts the top surface of the divider floor (not shown).

[000343] In one embodiment, in the folded position, the barrier 556 defines a bent angle C between a rear surface 569 of the barrier and the top surface 554a of the divider floor. In one embodiment, the bent angle C is between about 45 degrees to about 20 degrees. In another embodiment, the bent angle C is between about 30 degrees and 15 degrees. The term "about" as used herein in connection with embodiments that include a rotational barrier means 5% more or less than the quoted value. In one modality, the bent angle is about 20 degrees.

[000344] In one embodiment, a folding stop structure 570 is configured to stop rotation of the barrier 556 towards the divider floor 554 and maintain the barrier at a desired bent angle C in the bent position. In one embodiment, the fold stop structure 570 is a protrusion positioned proximate a lower portion of the rear surface 569 of the barrier. In one embodiment, the fold stop structure is connected to the top surface 554a of the divider floor so that the lower portion 587 of the rear surface of the barrier contacts the fold stop structure 570 when the barrier reaches the folded angle C in the folded position. . In one embodiment, the folding stop structure is connected to the lower portion of the rear surface of the barrier such that the folding stop structure contacts the top surface of the divider floor when the barrier reaches the desired folded angle in the folded position ( not shown). In one embodiment, the bend stop structure is an extension or plateau or plate attached to or integral with the divider floor 554. In one embodiment, the divider floor prevents the barrier 556 from becoming completely horizontal. Barrier 556 is configured so that when barrier 556 is rotated to the folded position, the barrier is at an angle from the horizontal. This angle can be about 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees or between about 20 - 45 degrees or between about 10 to 35 degrees. In one embodiment, the barrier has a horizontal portion and a vertical portion that allow the barrier 556 to be at a predetermined angle to the divider floor when the barrier 556 is in contact with the divider floor 554. In one example, the stop structure 570 does not exist and the barrier 556 contacts the divider floor 554 directly on the horizontal top surface 554a of the divider floor.

[000345] Referring to Figures 99A to 99C, in one embodiment, a force applied in the forward direction to a product positioned in contact with at least a portion of the rear surface 569 of barrier 556 while the barrier is in the folded position can cause allow the barrier to rotate from the folded position to the extended position. For example, referring to Figure 99A, a product may be placed on the top surface 554a of the divider floor 554 while the barrier is in the folded position. In one embodiment, a force can be applied to the product to move the product in the forward direction towards the barrier, as shown, for example, in Figure 99B. In one modality, force is gravity. For example, a divider 550 positioned such that the front end 553 is angled down relative to the rear end can cause products positioned therein to move by gravity by themselves towards the front end 553. , force can be applied by a pusher mechanism 520. In one embodiment, the pusher mechanism 520 can be propelled in the forward direction and can be configured to slide across the divider floor and move the product in the forward direction. In one embodiment, the top edge 568 of the back surface 569 of the barrier is rounded out or defines a curved or radiused surface. The rounded edge of the top of the back surface of the barrier assists in the rotation of the barrier, for example, allowing the 556 barrier to slide or slide to the product surface as the barrier motion vector changes as it rotates towards the extended position of the barrier. as the product moves forward. Additionally, for example, the rounded edge prevents the edge from pushing against the surface of the product package and maintains low friction between the rounded edge and the product as the product moves forward and the rounded edge moves over the top of the product. product surface. In one embodiment, the top of the barrier may include other structures to facilitate sliding of the barrier to the surface of the product such as, for example, a roller structure. In one embodiment, when the barrier reaches the extended position, the barrier ceases rotation and stops product movement in the forward direction. In one embodiment, a vertical stop structure is configured to stop rotation of the barrier in the forward position and establish the extended position of the barrier. In one embodiment, the vertical stop structure may be a vertical surface 571 on the rotational mounting structure and an opposing vertical surface 572 on the barrier 556.

[000346] Referring to Figures 100A to 100D, in one embodiment, aspects of a rotational barrier described in the examples above can be used, for example, in an embodiment of the merchandise display system that includes a pair of dividers 550a, 550b and a pusher mechanism 520. Dividers 550a, 550b can define a product pocket 573 in between opposite walls of the dividers. Product pouch 573 may, for example, have a width that is slightly larger than a product that is intended to be displayed on the system. In one embodiment, barriers can be positioned in the folded position as shown in Figure 100B to facilitate placement of product into the system. Additionally, in one embodiment, manually positioning a product against the front surface 556f of the barriers in the extended position and thrusting the product in a backward direction against the front surface 556f of the barriers can cause the barriers to rotate to the folded position and allow that the product is easily inserted into the product pouch 573 as shown in Figure 100C. In one embodiment, once the product is positioned in the product bag on the top surfaces of the divider floors and against the front surface of the pusher mechanism, and then released, the pusher mechanism pushes the product in a forward direction F and causes that the product rotates the barriers from the folded position to the extended position, as shown in Figure 100D, where the forward movement of the product is then ceased.

[000347] In one embodiment, rotational mounting frame 563 may be removably connected to divider 550, front rail 580, or shelf 234. In one embodiment, rotational mounting frame 563 is detachably connected to front end 553 of divider 550. Referring to Figures 102A to 102D and 103A to 103E, an example removable rotational mounting structure 563 may include a vertical strut 591, horizontal crossbeam 593, and rotational mounts 597a, 597b connected to horizontal crossbeam 593. In one embodiment, the vertical strut 591 can be an elongated pole oriented in the vertical direction and the horizontal cross beam 593 can be an elongated beam oriented horizontally in the lateral direction. In one embodiment, the strut may include a gripping structure proximate the top portion of the strut to facilitate manual insertion and removal of rotational mounting frame 563 into or out of divider 550. In one embodiment, horizontal cross beam 593 is connected to the vertical strut 591 and extends from opposite sides of the vertical strut in a similar manner to the cross so that a left section 593b of the horizontal cross beam 593 extends in a lateral direction from a left side 591b of the vertical strut 591 and a straight section 593a of horizontal cross beam 593 extends in the lateral direction of a right side 591a of vertical strut 591. In one embodiment, a right rotational mount 597a is connected to the right section 593a of horizontal cross beam 593 and a left rotational mount 597b is connected to the left section 53b of the horizontal crossbeam 593. In one embodiment, each section 593a, 593b of the horizontal crossbeam extends to a length approximately equal to the width of the respective side portions 559, 551 of the divider floor 554.

[000348] In one embodiment, a rotational assembly may include a swivel joint and pin-type joint or flexible member. In an embodiment where a rotational assembly 597a is a swivel joint and pin pivot, the rotational assembly 597a can include a first swivel joint component 601 and the barrier can include a second swivel joint component 602, the first and second swivel components swivel joint are complementary so that a pin 566 can extend through the first and second swivel joint components to form a swivel for rotational attachment of barrier 556a to rotational assembly 597a and rotational assembly frame 563.

[000349] In one embodiment, a rotational mount 597a includes a fold stop structure 570a configured to stop rotation of the barrier 556a toward the divider floor 554a and maintain the desired bent angle C for the bent position. In one embodiment, the bend stop structure 570a is a plate 603 that extends from the rotational mount 597a and is integral with the same or horizontal cross beam 593a, with the plate 603 having a raised or angled portion 615 configured to define the bent angle C. In one embodiment as described above, the bend stop structure is connected to the lower portion of the rear surface 569 of the barrier such that the bend stop structure contacts the top surface of the divider floor 554 or plate 603 when the barrier reaches the desired bent angle in the bent position (not shown). In one embodiment, the bend stop structure is integral with the divider floor.

[000350] In one embodiment, a rotational mount 597a includes a vertical stop structure configured to stop rotation of the barrier in the forward position and establish the extended position of the barrier. In one embodiment, the vertical stop structure may be a vertical surface 571 on the rotational mount and an opposing vertical surface 572 on the barrier 556. In one embodiment, the vertical surface of the vertical stop structure of the rotational mount may be within a recess of mount 604 defined within rotational mount 597a and opposite vertical surface 572 on barrier 556 may be on a tab 605 formed on the bottom portion of the barrier. Mounting recess 604 may be shaped complementary to tab 605 such that the tab accommodates mounting recess 604 as the barrier rotates in the forward direction.

[000351] In one embodiment, the strut 591 may include a mounting slot 598 defined in the strut that is configured to mate with a front crest 599 of the divider 550 to detachably connect the rotational mounting structure 563 to the front end 553 of the divider 550. In one embodiment, the rotational mounting frame detachably attaches to the divider using a clamp, cam, or other coupling frame.

[000352] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 104A to 104G, an example of removable rotational mounting structure 563 may include a horizontal cross beam 593 and rotational mounts 597a, 597b connected to the horizontal cross beam 593. In one embodiment, the horizontal cross beam 593 extends in a lateral direction and has a length about equal to the width of the respective lateral portions 559, 551 of the divider floor 554. In one embodiment, a right rotational mount 597a is connected to a straight beam section 593a of the beam horizontal crossbeam 593 and a left rotational mount 597b is connected to a left section 593b of horizontal crossbeam 593. In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 104A to 104G, horizontal crossbeam 593 is configured to have a low profile in which the height of the beam over the 802 divider block is minimized. A low profile horizontal cross beam 593 can provide more space for product to be inserted over the removable rotational mounting frame 563 from the forward direction of the merchandise display system.

[000353] In one embodiment, the horizontal crossbeam 593 may include a forward extension 593c of the horizontal crossbeam that extends toward the front of the divider block 802. In one embodiment, the forward extension 593c of the horizontal crossbeam 593 may extend to the front of the front of the 802 divider block and include an extension hook 593e configured to extend below the front end of the front extension such that the extension hook is positioned on the front of the 802 divider block when the removable mounting frame is secured in place on the divider. In one embodiment, the rotational mounting structure includes a forward extension 593c and extension hook 593e extending from a straight section 593a of the horizontal cross beam 593 and a forward extension 593d and extension hook 593f extending from a left section 593b of horizontal cross beam 593. Front extensions 593c, 593d and extension hooks 593e, 593f can, for example, aid in stabilizing the removable mounting frame on the divider.

[000354] In one embodiment, the removable mounting frame 563 includes a first plate 603a that extends from the right rotational mount 597a or the right section 593a of the horizontal cross beam 593 and a second plate 603b that extends from the rotational assembly. in the left 597b or left section 593b of the horizontal crossbeam 593. In one embodiment, the plates 603a, 603b may extend in the lateral direction from either side of the rotational mounts 597a, 597b. In one embodiment, the inner edges of plates 603a, 603b can be configured to define a mounting slot 598 configured to mate the removable mounting frame 563 with the front crest 599 of the divider 550 to detachably connect the rotational mounting frame 563 to the front end 553 of divider 550. In one embodiment, each plate 603a, 603b may include a fold-stop structure 570a, 570b. In the embodiment, the bend stop structure may include a raised or angled portion 615a, 615b configured to define bend angle C.

[000355] Referring to Figures 105A to 105D, in one embodiment, the barrier 556 includes a resilient tab 606 configured to engage a tab recess 604a defined in the rotational mount 597 when the barrier reaches the extended position, as shown in Figure 105B. Resilient tab 606 is configured to hold the barrier in the extended position when it engages with tab recess 604a. In one embodiment, tab recess 604a is defined in mounting recess 604. In one embodiment, when a backward force is applied to the barrier, resilient tab 606 flexes and disengages from tab recess 604a such that the barrier can move toward the folded position, shown in Figure 105D. In one embodiment, the mounting recess 604 includes a bend stop frame 604b. In one embodiment, resilient tab 606 engages the fold stop structure to stop rotation of the barrier 556 toward the divider floor 554 and maintain the desired bent angle of the bent position. In one embodiment, the bend stop structure 604b is defined in the mounting recess 604 and may be, for example, an angled portion as shown in Figure 105A.

[000356] Referring to Figures 106A and 106B, examples of aspects of an example of a system that can include a movable barrier between a folded position and an extended position without the aid of a rotation propensity element are shown. In one embodiment, a system may include a divider assembly 550 configured to be secured to a support structure, such as a front rail. In one embodiment, the divider wall 552 may include a divider wall extension 552a configured to increase the height of the divider wall. In one embodiment, the divider wall extension 552a and the divider wall 552 may include tongue and groove members configured to secure the extension to the divider wall. In one embodiment, the front edge 552d of the dividing wall may be rounded. A rounded edge can, for example, prevent a product package from being caught on the edge and breaking off. Additionally, the divider wall thickness can be increased to improve the strength of the wall and, for example, accommodate the tongue and groove components for the divider wall extension. Examples of systems that use increased thickness dividing walls can be useful for heavier products, such as soda-in-can cases, which may require more robust aspects of a display system than smaller, lighter products. In one embodiment, the width of the system and barriers can be increased to, for example, accommodate larger products that may require more shelf space. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 106B, the bend stop structure 570 is defined in the divider floor 554

[000357] In one embodiment, an example method of restocking a merchandise display system is described with reference to Figures 100A through 100D. As shown in Figure 100A, a merchandise display system may include a first divider 550a and second divider 550b. The first and second dividers may also be referred to as a left side divider 550a and a right side divider 550b. The first and second dividers may include first and second divider walls extending from the front end to the rear end of the respective dividers. A product pouch 573 may be defined between opposite first and second dividing walls. The first divider may include a first barrier 556c positioned at the front end of divider 550a and to the right of the first divider wall. And, second divider 550b may include a barrier 556d positioned at the forward end of the second divider and to the left of the second divider wall. The system may include a pusher 520 positioned between the first and second dividers. The pusher may include a biasing element which propels the pusher in the forward direction F towards the front ends of the dividers. Barriers 556c, 556d may be in a first extended position as shown in Figure 100A. Referring to Figure 100B, barriers 556c, 556d can be positioned in a second folded position, for example by digitally moving the barriers to the second position or using the product to push the barriers to the second position when positioning the product in the product bag. Alternatively, product can be placed in the product pouch by moving the product over the top of the barriers that are in the first extended position and directly into the product pouch. Referring to Figure 100C, the product may be positioned in front of the pusher product and in contact with the front surface of the pusher product such that the pusher product is in position to move the product forward when the product is released. Once the product is released, pusher 520 moves the product forward such that the product contacts the barriers. When the barriers are in the second folded position and the product is in the product pouch and is released, the pusher can push the product forward such that the product contacts the barriers and moves the barriers from the second folded position to the first extended position. The barriers cease the forward movement of the pusher and product when the barriers reach the first extended position, as shown in Figure 100D. In one embodiment, the product can be positioned in the product pouch by moving the product over barriers that are positioned in the first extended position. In such an example, the pusher can move the product forward until the product contacts the barriers that are in the first extended position — at which time, the forward movement of the product will be stopped, as shown in Figure 100D.

[000358] Referring to Figures 101A to 101F, in one embodiment, a merchandise display system that includes rotational barriers described above can be used in conjunction with an enhanced product tray to facilitate sufficient storage of product in the delivery system. merchandise display. Referring to Figures 101A and 101B, in one embodiment, an enhanced product tray 578 may include a bottom surface 574, right side wall 575, left side wall 576, and an alignment slide 577. alignment 577 can have a proximal end 579, a distal end 581, a right edge 583, and a left edge 587. A slide width D of the alignment slide 577 can be defined between the right edge 583 and the left edge 587 of the coverslip shim 577. In one embodiment, slide width D is approximately equal to the width of product in product tray 578. In one embodiment, the length of the aligning slide is set in a direction perpendicular to width D. In one embodiment, the length of the alignment slide may vary. In one embodiment, the length of the alignment slide can be approximately equal to the height of the barrier 556 or the height of the product. In one embodiment, the proximal end 579 of the alignment slide is configured to be connected to the bottom surface 574 of the product tray. In one embodiment, the alignment slide 577 is configured to be positioned between opposing dividing walls of a merchandise display system so that the alignment slide aligns the product tray and product stored in the product tray with the product bag such that product stored in the product tray can be slipped from within the product tray, as shown in Figure 101D, directly into the product pouch of the merchandise display system, as shown in Figure 101E. In one embodiment, a portion of the alignment lamella can be tapered towards the distal end to aid in the insertion of the alignment lamella between opposing dividing walls of the system. In one embodiment, the alignment lamella can be used to move the barriers from the extended position to the folded position to facilitate the sliding of product from the product tray into the system's product pouch. In one embodiment, the alignment slide is positioned within the product pouch such that the alignment slide moves the barriers from the extended position to the folded position (as shown in Figures 101C and 101D), product can then be slid off the product tray. to the system's product bag (as shown in Figure 101E), and the alignment slide is removed from the product bag and removed from contact with the barriers. In such an embodiment, in an embodiment with a pusher (as shown in Figures 101E), the pusher can then push the product forward such that the product further ahead contacts the barriers and moves the barriers from the folded position to the extended position. When the barriers reach the extended position, rotation of the barriers ceases and the forward movement of the product is stopped such that the product further ahead is positioned in the forward position on the display system (as shown in Figure 101F). In such an example, the alignment lamella is used to temporarily move the barriers from the extended position to the folded position for system storage. In one embodiment, barriers can be physically removed from the system such that the system can be stocked with product. In one embodiment, the barriers can be configured to rotate from the extended position to the forward direction such that, for example, the top of the barrier extends beyond the front end of the divider in the forward direction. Such a position may be termed a folded forward position. In one embodiment, the barrier can be configured to rotate from the folded position, to the extended position, and past the front end of the divider in the forward direction to reach the folded forward position (not shown). In one embodiment, a barrier that can rotate in the forward direction beyond the front end of the divider may include a rotational stop and define angles relative to the divider floor as described above with respect to barriers that rotate only between the extended position and folded position as described above. In one modality, barriers can be configured to slide in a lateral, left and/or right direction. In one embodiment, barriers can be manually positioned in the folded position, extended position, and/or folded forward position.

[000359] In one example, a propelled barrier 556 is connected to a divider floor 554. The propelled barrier 556 is configured to be adjustable from a first position to a second position. In a first position, the propelled barrier 556 is configured to inhibit or prevent product on the divider floor 554 from moving beyond the front edge of the divider 550. In a first position, the propelled barrier 556 is configured to inhibit product from being placed on the divider floor 554. In a first position, the propelled barrier is configured to be vertical. In a second position, the propelled barrier 556 is configured to allow the product to be placed on the divider floor 554. In the second position the propelled barrier is horizontal or diagonal to the divider floor 554 or shelf or other structure in which the divider 550 resides. . In aspects, in the second position the propelled barrier 556 is configured to be horizontal to the divider floor 554, or the shelf or other structure in which the propelled barrier 556 resides; or the propelled barrier 556, in the second position, is configured to be rotated or adjusted to a horizontal angle of the divider floor 554. The horizontal angle of the divider floor 554 may be 20 degrees, it may be between approximately 10 and 30 degrees, or it may be between approximately 20 and 45 degrees. In one embodiment, the propelled barrier 556 is configured to have no spring or other biasing element that forces between a first position and a second position. In one embodiment, the propelled barrier 556 is configured to be freely adjustable from the first position to the second position. In one embodiment, the propelled barrier 556 is configured so that it can be moved to the first position and remain in the first position and can be moved to the second position and remain in the second position. In one embodiment, the propelled barrier 556 is configured to be non-propelled and not to include biasing mechanism such as a spring or other device that applies a force to the propelled barrier 556 to force the propelled barrier into the first or second position.

[000360] In various embodiments, which include examples of embodiments as in the previous paragraph, external objects such as product shown in Figures 99A to 99C or a product tray 578 or alignment lamella 577 or a product tray wall 578 shown in Figures 101A - 101C or a human hand or fingers may move or force the propelled barrier 556 from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position. The product or a tray 578 or alignment slide 577 or a human finger can exert a force on the propelled barrier 556 such that the propelled barrier 556 moves from a first position that is substantially vertical to the divider floor 554 to a second position that is diagonal or a second position that is substantially horizontal. In the second position, the propelled barrier 556 is configured such that product can be placed on the divider floor 554 and allow product to be immediately restocked. After the product has been restocked on the divider floor 554, a pusher 520 exerts a force on the product in a direction toward the front of the divider 550 and the front of the product shelf or other structure in which the divider 550 resides. The pusher may be a spring-driven pusher in which a spring or other propensity unit exerts a force on the pusher to propel it toward the front of divider 550. The spring or other propensity unit is not physically connected to the propelled barrier 556 or is in direct contact with it. The product, in turn, exerts a force on the propelled barrier 554 which forces the propelled barrier into a first position. In the first position, the propelled barrier prevents the product from moving beyond the front edge of the divider 550 or shelf or other structure to which the divider 550 is attached.

[000361] In one modality, multiple products can be positioned in the system's product bag. A consumer can, for example, remove the product later on. In such a case, for example, the pusher can push the product remaining in the product pouch forward such that the next product in line contacts the barriers and forward movement of the product stops. In such a case, a product in the furthest position is replaced by the next product in line, thus keeping the product in the furthest position until the product in bag 573 runs out.

[000362] Referring to Figures 107 to 135, an alternative product handling display system exemplifying 1200 is depicted. In this embodiment, the divider 1202 and pusher 1204 can be larger than the modalities described above to work with larger packages in room shelves as well as shelves in refrigerators and freezers. These three applications typically require a larger and more robust divider and pusher than other alternative modalities, which is more desirable for smaller type products such as health and beauty aid type products. This embodiment and the alternative embodiments described above can be mounted side by side on the same front rail, and can be movable and lockable in position in the manner described herein. For example, cam 720 can be incorporated into the divider and display system 1200 can then be mounted to front rail 580 as described above. Pusher 1204 can be any of the pushers described above, or it can be a pusher that mounts on the divider floor or a strip thereof. Pusher 1204 may include a coil spring as described herein.

[000363] As shown in the Figures, the product handling display system can be mounted on a 1206 rear suspension bar located towards the rear of the shelf. A hanger 1208 can be positioned within a cavity formed in the divider and extend the length of the divider. A hook end of the hanger can then be positioned on the hanger bar and protrudes cantilevered from the hanger bar.

[000364] In one embodiment, the suspension bar 1206 may be a square tube with a short support attached to either end that accommodates the gondola pilasters of the shelf system. When installed on gondola pilasters, the 1206 suspension bar generally rests only 2.54 or 5.08 cm (one or two inches) from the back wall of the gondola. Individual product trays, or sometimes just long hooks or hangers (eg hanger 1208), are then attached to the 1206 hanger bar and front cantilever. With the use of hangers, the need for a shelf is eliminated.

[000365] Additionally, the use of hangers allows you to position product packages closer together vertically and often gives the product a "floating" appearance that may be desirable from a product management marketing standpoint. Hanger 1208 can be a metal bracket that is configured to be inserted under or with the cavity formed in the divider. As shown in Figure 134, the metal support may be a substantially elongated flat piece of flat metal. At one end, this can be a large 1210 "hook" that fits over the suspension bar.

[000366] In another aspect, as shown, for example, in Figures 116 to 120, the product handling display system includes a pusher extender 1212 that increases the pushing surface of the pusher. Pusher stent 1212 defines an elongated pusher body having a cavity. Pusher stent 1212 is configured to slide over the pusher wall through the glove-like cavity, as shown, for example, in Figures 117 and 118. Pusher stent 1212 with a substantially flat flared surface thus creates a pusher surface. enlarged for the pusher. The 1212 pusher extender can define various shapes and configurations that will provide an increased pusher surface to push larger products towards the front of the display system product. It is also contemplated that pusher stent 1212 may be formed integral with pusher paddle wall in a molding operation or other forming process.

[000367] In an alternative embodiment, the product handling display system could be a self-contained adjustable tray that could suspend the suspension bar 1206. In an exemplary aspect, each facing or pusher may share a divider with the adjacent facing or pusher at the same. This setup creates a more profitable system. In another exemplary aspect, multiple faces may be lifted up off the suspension bar 1206 and moved to another location on the suspension bar 1206 or to the other suspension bar.

[000368] In another aspect, you can tilt the front of a single divider or multiple dividers up on the suspension bar 1206 and slide it along the bar individually or as a group. For example, once the user suspends the front end of the divider back onto the hanger bar 1206, the metal hook of the divider 1210 fits into the hanger bar 1206 and the weight of the divider and product in the divider holds the divider to the position on suspension bar 1206.

[000369] In one embodiment, as shown, for example, in Figure 108, the divider may include a notch or cutting portion 1214 at the rear end of the divider floor that may serve to allow the divider to rest on the suspension bar flange. The notch or cut portion may extend the width of the divider floor, thus creating a contact line that extends the width of the divider. With this configuration, the contact between the divider floor and the suspension bar creates a line of contact with the suspension bar to also stabilize the divider on the suspension bar. As the width of the divider base increases, the line of contact between the divider and the suspension bar increases thus increasing the stability of the divider in relation to the suspension bar.

[000370] In another aspect, as shown, for example, in Figures 107, 114-120, and 125 a divider extender 1218 can be used with divider 1202. As shown in Figure 114, divider extender 1218 can slide into the cavity 1222 formed by divider 1202. For example, divider extender 1218 may be provided with one or more projections 1220 that can engage with cavity 1222 formed by divider 1202. Divider extender 1218 may be used to increase wall height divider for use with taller or larger products.

[000371] Figure 136 depicts another example of a pusher stent 1224, which is configured to slide over a pusher paddle 1226. The pusher stent 1224 may be provided with a cavity or pocket 1228 for receiving the pusher paddle 1226 in the same. One or more tabs 1230 can extend from cavity or pocket 1228, and tabs 1230 can be disposed vertically on the rear of pusher stent 1224 in order to engage pusher paddle 1226 near its edges. The area extending between the pusher extender 1224 and the edges of the tabs 1230 may be sized slightly less than the thickness of the pusher paddle 1226 to create an interference fit between the divider extender 1226 and the pusher paddle 1226. It is also contemplated that pusher extender 1224 may be formed integral with pusher paddle 1226 in a molding operation or other forming process.

[000372] Figures 137 to 143 depict additional examples of pusher extenders 1324, 1424 that can be used with any of the pusher mechanisms described herein. Angled 1324, 1424 pusher extenders aid in keeping larger products upright and preventing larger products from falling forward onto shelves. In these examples, the pusher extenders 1324, 1424 may be provided with predetermined angles or inclinations at a predetermined angle from a pusher face or a front retainer so that the product is pushed from the bottom. In this way, the spiral springs of the pusher mechanisms apply a force from the bottom of the angled pusher surface to prevent larger products from falling forward onto shelves and help maintain the organizational appearance of the merchandise display. This arrangement can also make the larger product easier to pull off the shelf for the user.

[000373] Additionally, a smaller retainer or barrier can be used in conjunction with pusher spreaders 1324, 1424 as most of the product weight is placed on pusher spreader 1334, 1434 and pusher paddle when the shelf is full. fully loaded. In this way, a better transport experience can be achieved due to the fact that the buyer can more easily lift the product over a smaller barrier. Additionally, the new product can be more easily stocked on shelves at a lower barrier. However, it is contemplated that the angled pusher surface can be used in conjunction with larger barriers.

[000374] Figure 137 depicts a rear view and Figure 139 depicts a front view of the exemplary pusher extender 1324, which is configured to slide on a pusher, for example, the pusher 520 as shown in Figures 106A and 106B. Figure 143 shows a pair of pusher extenders 1324 engaged with the pusher assembly of Figures 106A and 106B. As shown in Figure 139, the pusher stent may be provided with a pusher surface 1342 angled at a predetermined angle to a pusher face or a front retainer.

[000375] As shown in Figure 137, the pusher stent 1324 can be formed with a cavity or pocket 1328. The cavity 1328 can be provided with one or more tabs 1330, which can be arranged vertically on the rear of the pusher stent 1324 in order to engaging pusher 520 adjacent to its edges. The tabs 1330 can extend from a plane formed by the rear vertical surfaces on the rear of the pusher spreader 1324. The pusher 520 or a pusher paddle can be received between the plane defined by the rear vertical surfaces on the pusher spreader and by the edges internal tabs 1330. Additionally, pusher extender 1324 may be provided with a rim 1340, which extends around a circumference of the pusher. In one example, tabs 1330 may be sized slightly smaller than the thickness of pusher paddle 520 to create an interference fit between pusher stent 1326 and pusher. Apertures 1336 can be formed adjacent to tabs 1330 to provide an interruption for a molding operation and can also provide the user with a visual clue as to the alignment of pusher face 522 and pusher stent 1324.

[000376] Additionally, pusher extender 1324 may be provided with a series of projections 1332, which extend from a central wall 1338 formed within cavity 1328. Projections 1332 may be configured to align with horizontal grooves 525 formed in the face of pusher 522 to provide secure accommodation of the pusher spreader 1324 on the pusher paddle. Thus, installation of pusher extender 1324 over pusher paddle creates a ratchet sound as projections 1332 engage with horizontal grooves 525 formed in pusher face 522. The ratchet sound may indicate to the user that the 1324 pusher extender was properly installed in place. However, it is also contemplated that pusher stent 1324 may be formed integral with pusher in a molding operation or other forming process.

[000377] Figure 138 depicts a rear perspective view and Figure 140 depicts a front perspective view of another exemplary pusher extender 1424, which is also configured to slide over a pusher, for example, the pusher 520 as shown in Figures 106A and 106B. The embodiment depicted in Figure 138 is similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 137 and 139, in that reference numerals represent the same components. However, in the embodiment shown in Figure 138, the surface area of the angled pusher surface 1442 of pusher stent 1424 can be formed larger to dispense larger products. Pusher stent 1424 may be formed with a cavity or pocket 1428. Cavity 1428 may be provided with one or more tabs 1430, which can be vertically disposed at the rear of pusher stent 1424 to engage pusher 520 near its edges . The tabs 1430 may extend from a plane formed by the rear vertical surfaces on the rear of the pusher stent 1424. The pusher paddle may be received between the plane defined by the rear vertical surfaces on the pusher stent and the inner edges of the pusher stents 1430. Additionally , the pusher stent 1424 may be provided with a rim 1440, which extends around a circumference of the pusher blade. In one example, tabs 1430 may be sized slightly less than the thickness of the pusher paddle to create an interference accommodation between the pusher stent 1426 and the pusher paddle 1426. Apertures 1436 may be formed adjacent the tabs 1430 to provide an interruption in a molding operation and can also provide the user with a visual clue as to the alignment of the pusher face 522 and the pusher spreader 1424.

[000378] Additionally, the pusher extender 1424 may be provided with a series of projections 1432, which extend from a central wall 1438 formed within the cavity 1428. The projections 1432 may be configured to align with grooves 525 formed in the pusher face 522 to provide secure accommodation of the pusher extender 1424 on the pusher paddle. Thus, installation of pusher stent 1424 onto pusher face 522 creates a ratcheting sound as projections 1432 engage horizontal grooves 525 formed in pusher face 522. It is also contemplated that pusher stent 1424 may be formed integrally with the pusher in a molding operation or other forming process.

[000379] Figure 141 shows a front perspective view of the exemplary pusher extender 1424 engaged to a pusher assembly 1400 in a merchandise display system, which is similar to the modalities described herein in relation to Figures 95 to 106b, Figure 141 shows a rear view of the same. For example, in this embodiment, pusher assembly 1400 may be provided with a barrier 1456 that is configured to pivot between an extended position and a folded position and may have similar components and features as the barrier 556 described herein in connection with to Figures 95 to 106b. It is also contemplated that barrier 1456 may be secured as described herein. Furthermore, the pusher mechanism may be similar to the pusher arrangement described above in relation to Figures 106A and 106B. In this modality, the floor 1454 does not include a dividing wall, which, in certain cases, can work more efficiently with larger products. Additionally, pusher assembly 1400 can be secured to a front rail or can suspend the bar via a cam mechanism as described herein.

[000380] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. For example, one skilled in the art will understand that multiples of the described components can be used in stores and in various configurations. The present invention, therefore, is not to be limited to a single system, nor to the upright pusher configuration depicted in the Figures, as the system is simply illustrative of the features, teachings and principles of the invention. It is also to be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute several alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described in this document explain the best known ways to practice the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to use the invention.

Claims (18)

1. Merchandise display system (1200) comprising: at least one divider (1202, 550) including a barrier (556), wherein the at least one divider (1202, 550) further includes a divider wall (552) wherein the at least one divider (1202, 550) further includes a divider floor (554) perpendicular to the divider wall (552), wherein the divider floor (554) is configured to retain products; and a pusher mechanism (1204, 520) having a pusher surface (522) and a coil spring (534) having a spiral end and a free end; characterized in that: the pusher mechanism (1204, 520) has a pusher floor (524) that extends forward from the pusher surface (522), and a pusher extender (1212), in which the pusher stent (1212) is configured to slide over pusher surface (522) to create an enlarged and substantially flat pusher surface (522) of pusher mechanism (1204, 520). 2. Merchandise display system (1200) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a hanger (1208) which is configured to insert under the divider (1202, 550) or into a cavity formed in the divider (1202, 550). 3. Merchandise display system (1200), according to claim 2, characterized in that the hanger (1208) is elongated and substantially flat. 4. Merchandise display system (1200) according to claim 2, characterized in that the hanger (1208) is formed with a hook (1210) at one end thereof configured to mount on a suspension bar (1206) for suspending the at least one divider (1202, 550) and the pusher mechanism (1204). 5. Merchandise display system (1200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pusher spreader (1212, 528) further defines an elongated pusher body having a cavity, in which the pusher spreader (1212, 528) is configured to slide over the pushing surface (522) through the cavity. 6. Merchandise display system (1200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the divider (1202, 550) includes a notch portion (1214) at a rear end of the divider floor (554), and wherein the notch portion (1214) allows the divider (1202, 550) to rest on a flange of a suspension bar (1206). 7. Merchandise display system (1200) according to claim 6, characterized in that the notch portion (1214) extends the width of the divider floor (554) to create a contact line that extends the width of the divider (1202, 550) to stabilize the divider (1202, 550) on the suspension bar (1206). 8. Merchandise display system (1200) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a divider extender (1218) configured to attach to the divider (1202, 550). 9. Merchandise display system (1200) according to claim 8, characterized in that the divider extender (1218) is configured to slide into a cavity (1222) formed by the divider (1202, 550). 10. Merchandise display system (1200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the spiral end is positioned behind the pusher surface (522), and the pusher mechanism (1204, 520) is guided in a rail on the divider floor (554). 11. Merchandise display system (1200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the barrier (556) is configured to receive the free end of the spiral spring (534). 12. Merchandise display system (1200) comprising: a pusher mechanism having a pushing surface, and a spiral spring (30) having a spiral end and a free end; and a retainer (250) configured to limit product movement; characterized by the fact that: the pushing surface is angled relative to the retainer (250); and the pusher mechanism (1204) further comprises a pusher paddle (1226, 520) and a pusher stent (1224, 1324, 1424) configured to fit over the pusher paddle (1226, 530) and wherein the pusher stent (1224, 1324, 1424) comprises the pushing surface. 13. Merchandise display system (1200) according to claim 12, characterized in that the pusher spreader additionally comprises at least one flap that is configured to assist in holding the pusher spreader in position on the pusher paddle. 14. Merchandise display system (1200) according to claim 12, characterized in that the pusher extender (1324, 1424) further comprises at least one projection (1332, 1432) that is configured to align with a corresponding slot (525) located in the pusher paddle (520) to aid in holding the pusher stent (1324) in place over the pusher paddle (520). 15. Merchandise display system (1200) according to claim 12, characterized in that the pusher extender (1224, 1324, 1424) further defines an elongated pusher body having a cavity (1228, 1328, 1428). 16. Merchandise display system (1200) according to claim 12, characterized in that it further comprises a divider (1202) configured to separate products. 17. Merchandise display system (1200) according to claim 16, characterized in that it further comprises a divider extender (1218) configured to attach to the divider (1202). 18. Merchandise display system (1200) according to claim 17, characterized in that the divider extender (1218) is configured to slide into a cavity (1222) formed by the divider (1202).

Images