BR112016028852B1 - MERCHANDISE DISPLAY SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

PRODUCT MANAGEMENT DISPLAY SYSTEM. The present invention relates to a merchandise display system having a pusher structure slidably coupled to a track. The pusher frame comprises a lock arm configured to selectively engage with a ratchet rack to permit selective unidirectional movement of the pusher frame upon application of a manual force to a pushing face of the pusher frame. Additionally, selective disengagement of the ratchet rack from the lock arm is facilitated by a manually actuated drag strip that has a ramp structure that slidably engages with the lock arm to lift a pawl out of the ratchet rack. . This selective disengagement allows bidirectional sliding of said pusher structure along said track, thereby allowing displayed products to be moved towards the front of a display shelf, or products to be reloaded into the merchandise display system.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUEST

[001] This Order claims the priority of the Order in the U.S. 14/299,695, filed June 9, 2014 and is a continuation application in part of the U.S. Application. 14/166,552, filed January 28, 2014, which claims priority of the Application in the U.S. 61/757,479, filed January 28, 2013 and the Interim Application in the U.S. 61/861,843, filed August 2, 2013, and is a continuation application in part of the U.S. Application. 14/136,029, filed December 20, 2013, which is a continuation application in part of the U.S. 13/839,674, filed March 15, 2013, which is a continuation order in part of the U.S. 13/542,419, filed July 5, 2012, now U.S. Patent. 8,739,984, which is a continuation order in part of the Order in the U.S. 12/639,656, filed December 16, 2009, now U.S. Patent. 8,322,544, which is a continuation order in part of the Order in the U.S. 12/357,860, filed January 22, 2009, now U.S. Patent. 8,453,850, which is a continuation order in part of the Order in the U.S. 11/760,196, filed June 8, 2007, now filed with the U.S. 8,312,999, which is a continuation order in part of the Order in the U.S. 11/411,761, filed April 25, 2006, now filed with the U.S. 7,823,734, which claims the benefit of the Provisional Order in the U.S. 60/716,362, filed September 12, 2005, and in the U.S. 60/734,692, filed on November 8, 2005, all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by way of reference. The Order in the U.S. 13/542,419 also claims the benefit of the Provisional Order in the U.S. 61/530,736, filed on September 2, 2011, in the U.S. 61/542,473, filed October 3, 2011 and with the U.S. 61/553,545, filed on October 31, 2011, all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by way of reference. All of the above requests are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

FIELD

[002] The exemplary modalities generally refer to a set of shelves for use in product marketing and, more particularly, to a set of shelves that have improved mechanisms for displaying and pushing the product onto the shelves.

BACKGROUND

[003] It is known that retail and wholesale stores, such as convenience stores, drugstores, grocery stores, discount stores and the like, require a large amount of shelves both to store the 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 also be situated towards the front of the shelf and visible and accessible to consumers.

[004] To accomplish this product placement, known systems may include sloping trays or floors that, through gravity, will cause the product to move towards the front of the shelf. Many of these systems include floors or shelves produced from a plastic material such as polypropylene which, due to its low coefficient of friction, allows the product to slide easily along the floor or sloped surface. However, over time, these surfaces can become clogged with debris or sticky substances that make it impossible for the product to slide properly, which sometimes causes several products to tip over, thus preventing the additional product from moving. to the front of the shelf.

[005] Other systems include using a pusher system to push product towards the front of the shelf as 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, as the system is used, and over time, the track becomes clogged with dirt or sticky materials that impair the proper operation of the track pusher system. Furthermore, depending on the size, shape and weight of the product to be marketed, known pusher blades may occasionally tip over or bend backwards, thus causing a binding of the pusher mechanism to the track. In these situations, the pusher mechanism may not properly push the product towards the front of the shelf.

[006] An exemplary modality is aimed at improving existing merchandising systems by providing a trackless pusher system that works with gravity fed commodity systems (i.e. inclined shelves or trays) and non-gravity fed commodity systems. .

SUMMARY

[007] An exemplary modality is directed to a product management display system for marketing a product on a shelf. This embodiment includes the use of a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which the product is placed. The trackless system overcomes known issues by using tracks to maintain and guide known pusher mechanisms. However, it should be understood that the teachings of this embodiment can be used with systems that include tracks for mounting a pusher mechanism or the like.

[008] The pusher mechanism may include a pusher paddle and a floor that extends in front of the pusher paddle. A flat coil spring or other deflection element may be operatively connected behind the pusher and extend across the floor of the pusher mechanism and into the front of the shelf. Alternatively, the flat coil spring or deflection element can extend through the divider to the front of the shelf assembly. With this configuration, the pusher shovel is prevented from tipping or bending backwards during operation.

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

[0010] According to an exemplary illustrative embodiment of the invention, the pusher paddle may define a concave pushing surface for pushing cylindrical products, such as soda bottles or cans, and for keeping the paddle centered on the track and behind the product. . Alternatively, the pusher blade may define a flattened pushing surface which may additionally include at its upper edge a curved rib or similar structure which may also be used to push cylindrical products.

[0011] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the floor of the pusher mechanism may include a notched or undercut portion to align the pusher mechanism with respect to the coil spring. In addition, the floor of the system may also include a notch or cutout portion for receiving and mounting a flat end of the coil spring to the floor. A spring tip can be placed on the end of the coil spring to mount the coil spring to the floor of the system. Alternatively, the end of the coiled spring can be mounted on the divider of the assembly.

[0012] According to yet another exemplary embodiment, an adapter for a product management 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 across the flat surface in a substantially parallel manner. A coil spring can be positioned between the parallel extension ribs. With such a configuration, the product to be marketed can rest on the ribs, rather than directly on the coil spring, to improve the forward movement of certain types of product, such as beverage cans.

[0013] 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 separate slide rails that are joined together by connecting ribs, the mounting member can be snap-fit or otherwise mounted to the floor and between the slide rails.

[0014] 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 shelving system as a low-cost alternative to purchasing the entire trackless pusher assembly.

[0015] In another exemplary embodiment, the coil spring can be mounted on the retainer. One end of the coil spring may be directly mounted to the retainer or alternatively the end may be mounted to the retainer via an adaptor. The adapter may have a curved portion which is received in a correspondingly shaped curved slot in the retainer to secure the spring end to the display assembly.

[0016] In another exemplary embodiment, the trays can be affixed by means of a dovetail 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.

[0017] According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the product management display system can be arranged in a stackable arrangement. The assembly can be provided with a first tray and a second tray, each having a first wall and a second wall. The first and second trays are each adapted to receive a pushing mechanism and a retaining mechanism. The first and second spacers are mounted on the first and second trays to stack the first and second trays one on top of the other. The first and second spacers may be provided with a plurality of detents, and the first tray and second tray may each be provided with the plurality of sockets correspondingly shaped to receive the plurality of detents.

[0018] In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment, a product management display system for marketing product on a shelf includes the use of a trackless pusher mechanism that travels 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 may be affixed and releasably engaged 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 the product positioned on the display system can be moved in a sideways direction, or they can be lifted away from the front rail. This allows for ease of product re-planning on the shelf. The one or more dividers may releasably engage the front rail through the use of mating teeth, resilient surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar, a cam, and/or through a friction or press fit. .

[0019] 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 additionally 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 the product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam coupled to the divider, wherein the cam is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The at least one splitter 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 splitter is engaged with the front rail and the cam is in the first position. The at least one divider is (a) attached in the side direction parallel to the front rail and (b) attached 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.

[0020] 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 the product into rows. Each of the plurality of dividers includes a divider wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail, a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, wherein the divider floor is configured to hold the product, and a cam coupled to the divider, in that the cam is configured to move between a first position and a second position. Each of the plurality of dividers is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) 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 divisors is in the first position. Furthermore, each of the plurality of dividers is (a) attached in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) attached 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 divisors is in the second position.

[0021] 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 including a barrier, a dividing wall that extends in one direction perpendicular to the front rail, a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, wherein the divider wall separates the divider floor into a first portion and a second portion and each of the first portion and the second portion 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 a divider, the cam being configured to move between a first position and a second position. The at least one divider is movable in a parallel side direction and along the front rail when the cam is in the first position, and the at least one divider resists movement in the parallel side direction and along the front rail when the cam is in the first position. second position.

[0022] 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 including a barrier configured to engage the front rail, a divider wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail, a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, where the divider floor is configured to hold the 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 side 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.

[0023] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail, the front rail comprising at least one first projection and at least one first recess, and at least one divider configured to attach to the front rail, being 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, 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 at least one second recess of the divider and the at least one second projection of the splitter 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 front rail. divider and at least one second projection of the divider is in the second position.

[0024] 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, the at least one divider comprising a divider wall and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, wherein the at least one divider further comprises at least minus one relegation. 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 a first projection of the front rail is engaged with at least one recess of the divider and at least one second projection of the front rail is in the first position. The at least one divider is (a) attached in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) attached in the direction perpendicular to the front rail when the at least one first projection of the front rail is engaged with at least one recess of the divider and at least one least one second projection of the front rail is in the second position.

[0025] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail, the front rail comprising a first projection and a second projection. The merchandise display system also includes at least one divider configured to attach to the front rail, the at least one divider comprising a divider wall and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, wherein the at least one divider further comprises a divider. relegation and a third projection. The at least one of the second or third projections 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) attached in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) attached in the direction perpendicular to the front rail when the first projection of the front rail is engaged with the recess of the divider and the movable projection is in the second position.

[0026] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail, the front rail comprising at least a first engagement member. The merchandise display system also includes at least one divider configured to attach to the front rail, the at least one divider comprising a divider wall and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, wherein the at least one divider further comprises at least least one second coupling 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 splitter 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 engagement member of the front rail is engaged with the second engaging member of the front rail and the third coupling member is in the first position. The at least one divider is (a) attached in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) attached in the direction perpendicular to the front rail when the first engagement member of the front rail is engaged with the second engagement member of the divider and the third member coupling is in second position.

[0027] 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 dividing wall, the at least one divider further including a dividing floor perpendicular to the dividing wall, wherein the dividing floor is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam coupled to the divider, wherein the cam is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The at least one divider may be attached in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when the at least one divider is engaged with the front rail. The cam may prevent 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 may 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 handle 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.

[0028] In another exemplary embodiment, a merchandise display system includes a front rail that defines a rail groove 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 the 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 below 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 side direction parallel to the front rail when the cam is in the first position and the cam slider is in contact with the front rail, and the divider is fixed in the side direction parallel to the front rail when the cam is in the second position and in contact with the track groove of the front rail. With this embodiment, the cam is in contact with the front rail at all times, regardless of whether the cam is in the first or second position, or in a position between the first and second positions.

[0029] 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 may define an elongated flat surface. In addition, the merchandise display system may include a pusher mechanism that has a pusher surface and a pusher floor that extends in front of the pusher surface. A coil spring having a coiled end can be positioned behind the pushing surface and a free end of the spring can affix the pusher mechanism to the merchandise display system. Alternatively, the barrier may 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 groove with the divider.

[0030] 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 splitter is movable in a parallel lateral direction 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 splitter resists movement in the parallel side direction 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.

[0031] In one aspect, each of the first and second pusher mechanisms 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. The spiral end is positioned behind the pushing surface and the free end affixes the first and second push mechanisms to the merchandise display system.

[0032] In an alternative aspect, the at least one splitter may define a splitter engagement member and the at least one front rail may define a front rail engagement member. The split engagement member is configured to engage the front rail engagement member. The divider engagement member may define divider teeth on at least one surface of the divider engagement member. The front rail engagement member may define front rail teeth on at least one surface of the front rail engagement member. Divider teeth are configured to engage front rail teeth.

[0033] 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 up 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 to the plane of the shelf in all directions other than the direction parallel to the front rail when the at least least one splitter is engaged with the front rail. In another aspect, the cam may include a handle for rotating the cam between the first position and the second position. Additionally, the cam slider may define an elongated flat surface that has an edge that allows sliding movement of the cam slider relative to the front rail.

[0034] 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 up 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.

[0035] In another exemplary embodiment, the merchandise display system may include a divider attached to a support structure. The divider may include a dividing wall and a dividing floor. The dividing wall may extend upward from the dividing floor, and the dividing floor may include a top surface. The system may additionally include a barrier which is pivotally movable between a folded position and an upright position without a rotation deviation element. A product positioned on a top surface of the divider floor may contact the barrier when the product moves towards the front end of the divider and rotates the barrier from the folded position to the upright position. The barrier can be configured to stop the forward movement of the product when the barrier is in the vertical position. The system may include a rotating mounting frame to which the movable barrier is attached. The swivel mounting frame can be detachably attached to the front end of the divider.

[0036] In another exemplary embodiment, the merchandise display system can be used in conjunction with a product tray to replenish the system with product. The product tray may include a bottom surface, a right side wall, a left side wall and an alignment lip. The alignment lip may include a near end, a distal end, a right edge and a left edge. An alignment lip width can be set between the right edge and the left edge. The near end of the alignment lip can be connected to the bottom surface of the product tray and the alignment lip can be configured so that at least a portion of the lip width is nearly equal to a width of product stored in the product tray. . The alignment lip may be positioned between opposing partition walls of a merchandise display system in which a pouch of product is defined between opposing partition walls. Alignment lip aligns the product tray and product stored in the product tray with the product bag so that the product stored in the product tray can be slid from the product tray into the product bag of the merchandise display system .

[0037] In another exemplary merchandise display system, the display system may include a pusher extender that increases the pushing surface of the pusher. The pusher extender may define an elongate pusher body having a cavity. The pusher extender can be configured to slide along the pusher wall through the sleeve-like cavity. The pusher extender with a substantially flat enlarged surface thus creates an enlarged push surface to push larger products towards the front of the display system.

[0038] In an exemplary merchandise display system, the display system may be mounted on a rear suspension bar located towards the back of the shelf. A hanger can 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 can protrude off the hanger bar.

[0039] In another example, a merchandise display system may include at least one divider that includes a barrier, the at least one divider additionally including 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 coiled end and a free end. The pusher mechanism may also include a pusher extender that increases the pushing surface of the pusher mechanism.

[0040] 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 elongate and substantially flat, and the hanger may be formed with a hook at one end thereof, which may be configured to be mounted on a suspension bar to suspend the at least one divider and pusher mechanism. The pusher extender may additionally include an elongate pusher body having a cavity. The pusher extender may be configured to slide along the push surface through the cavity to create a substantially flat, enlarged push 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 may extend the width of the divider floor to create a contact line that extends the width of the divider to stabilize the divider on the suspension bar. The 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. The coiled end of the spring can be positioned behind the pusher surface, and the pusher mechanism is oriented on a track in the divider floor. The barrier can be configured to receive the free end of the coiled spring.

[0041] In another example, a merchandise display system might include a pusher mechanism that has a pushing surface, and a coil spring that has a coiled end and a free end, and a retainer configured to limit movement of merchandise. product. However, the pushing surface can be angled with respect to the retainer. The pusher mechanism may include a pusher paddle and a pusher extender configured to fit over the pusher blade, and the pusher extender may include the pusher surface. The pusher extender may also include at least one tab that is configured to assist in securing the pusher extender in place over the pusher paddle. The pusher extender may also include at least one projection that is configured to align with a corresponding groove located in the pusher paddle to assist in securing the pusher extender in place on the pusher blade. The pusher extender may also define an elongated pusher body that has a cavity. A divider can be provided and configured to 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.

[0042] In another aspect, a merchandise display system is described as having a pusher structure slidably coupled to a lane. The pusher frame comprises a lock arm configured to selectively engage with a ratchet rack to permit selective unidirectional movement of the pusher frame upon application of a manual force to a pushing face of the pusher frame. Additionally, the selective disengagement of the ratchet rack from the locking arm with the use of a drag strip allows bidirectional sliding of said pusher structure along said track, to allow displayed products to be mounted towards a front part of a display shelf, or to allow products to be reloaded into the merchandise display system.

[0043] In another aspect, a merchandise display system is described as having a pusher structure slidably coupled to a lane. The pusher structure comprises a lock arm configured to selectively engage with a rack gear so that, when engaged, movement of the pusher structure relative to the track is prevented along both longitudinal directions of the track. Additionally, selective disengagement of the lock arm from the rack gear is facilitated by a manually actuated drag strip, wherein said drag strip has a ramp structure configured to slidably engage the lock arm. to lift a claw structure out of the rack gear, thereby allowing the pusher structure to slide along said rack.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0044] Figure 1 depicts an isometric exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 2 depicts an isometric perspective view of an exemplary pusher mechanism mounted on an exemplary product tray or channel of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 3 depicts another view in isometric perspective of the system of Figure 2 with the product placed in the system.

[0047] Figure 4 depicts another isometric view of the system of Figure 2 with multiple products placed in the system.

[0048] Figure 5 depicts an isometric rear view of the system in Figure 4.

[0049] Figure 6 depicts an alternative embodiment of the tray or product channel of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 7 depicts an exemplary tip for an end of a coil spring that can be used with the product management display system of the invention.

[0051] Figure 8 depicts the exemplary tip of Figure 7 that is mounted on a surface of a product tray or channel.

[0052] Figure 9 depicts the exemplary tip of Figure 7 which is mounted on one end of a spiral spring.

[0053] Figure 10 depicts the exemplary tip of Figure 7 mounted on one end of a spiral spring.

[0054] Figure 11 depicts an isometric perspective view of an exemplary alternative embodiment of a product management display system of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 12 depicts another view in isometric perspective of the system of Figure 11.

[0056] Figure 13 depicts a front view of the system in Figure 11.

[0057] Figure 14 depicts a top view of the system in Figure 11.

[0058] Figure 15 depicts a rear view of the system in Figure 11.

[0059] Figure 16 depicts an isometric perspective view of an adapter that can be used with the invention.

[0060] Figure 17 depicts a front view of the adapter in Figure 16.

[0061] Figure 18 depicts an exemplary installation of the adapter of the invention.

[0062] Figure 19 depicts an isometric perspective view of an installed adapter of the invention.

[0063] Figure 20 depicts a front view of an instantaneous adapter of the invention.

[0064] Figure 21 depicts an isometric perspective view of an exemplary alternative embodiment of a product management display system of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 22 depicts an isometric bottom view of an exemplary mounting member that can be used to mount the spiral spring end to the floor of the display system.

[0066] Figure 23 depicts an isometric top view of the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] Figure 26 depicts the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22, with the affixed spiral spring mounted on the floor of the system.

[0070] Figure 27 depicts the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22 installed on the floor of the system.

[0071] Figure 28 depicts an isometric perspective view of an exemplary alternative embodiment of a product management display system of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 29 depicts an approximate isometric perspective view of the tray of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 28.

[0073] Figure 29A depicts a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 28 illustrating a first gripping method.

[0074] Figure 29B depicts a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 28 illustrating a second gripping method.

[0075] Figure 30 depicts a close isometric perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 28 illustrating a rivet that attaches the spring to the tray.

[0076] Figure 31 depicts an isometric perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 28 that is mounted on a pre-existing wire shelf.

[0077] Figure 32 depicts an isometric perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 28 mounted on a pre-existing wire shelf.

[0078] Figure 33 depicts an isometric perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the display system.

[0079] Figure 34 depicts an isometric perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the display system.

[0080] Figure 35 depicts an isometric perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an adapter.

[0081] Figure 36 depicts an isometric perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a retainer.

[0082] Figure 37 depicts a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the display system.

[0083] Figure 38 depicts an isometric perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the display system.

[0084] Figure 39 depicts an isometric perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the display system.

[0085] Figure 40 depicts an isometric perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the display system.

[0086] Figure 41A depicts a side sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a divider.

[0087] Figure 41B depicts a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the display system.

[0088] Figure 41C depicts a close-up view of a section of Figure 41B.

[0089] Figure 41D depicts a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a divider.

[0090] Figure 42 depicts an isometric perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the display system.

[0091] Figure 43 depicts an isometric perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the display system.

[0092] Figure 44 depicts an isometric perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system.

[0093] Figure 45 depicts another isometric perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system with the product in the system.

[0094] Figure 46 depicts a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a product management display system with the product in the system.

[0095] Figure 47 depicts an isometric rear view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system with the product in the system.

[0096] Figure 48 depicts an isometric perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the pusher mechanism mounted on a divider.

[0097] Figure 49 depicts another isometric perspective view of the divider and pusher mechanism that is mounted on the product management display system.

[0098] Figure 50 depicts an isometric perspective view of yet another exemplary embodiment of the product management display system.

[0099] Figure 51 depicts another isometric perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of Figure 50 without the product.

[00100] Figure 52 depicts an exploded view in isometric perspective of the exemplary modality of the product management display system of Figure 50.

[00101] Figure 53 depicts an isometric perspective view of yet another exemplary embodiment of the product management display system.

[00102] Figure 54 depicts an isometric perspective view of an exemplary affixation of the pusher spring to a shelf of the product management display system of Figure 53.

[00103] Figure 55 depicts an isometric perspective view of an exemplary affixation of the pusher spring to a shelf of the product management display system of Figure 53.

[00104] Figure 56 depicts an isometric perspective view of an exemplary affixation of the pusher spring to a shelf of the product management display system of Figure 53.

[00105] Figure 57 depicts an isometric perspective view of an exemplary affixation of the pusher spring to a shelf of the product management display system of Figure 53.

[00106] Figure 58 depicts an isometric perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the product management display system in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00107] Figure 59 depicts an isometric perspective view of the exemplary product management display system of Figure 58.

[00108] Figure 60 depicts an isometric perspective view of an exemplary pusher mechanism in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00109] Figure 61 depicts a partial view in isometric perspective of an exemplary divider according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00110] Figure 62 depicts an isometric perspective view of an exemplary divider and pusher mechanism in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00111] Figure 63 depicts a partial isometric perspective view of an exemplary front portion of a divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00112] Figure 64 depicts a partial isometric perspective view of an exemplary front portion of a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00113] Figure 65 depicts a partial view in isometric perspective of an exemplary connection between a divider and a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00114] Figure 66 depicts a side view of an exemplary divider and front rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00115] Figures 67A to 67C depict side views of an exemplary divider that attaches to a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00116] Figures 68A to 68C depict side views of an exemplary divider that attaches to a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00117] Figure 69A depicts an isometric perspective view of exemplary rail mounting clips for a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00118] Figure 69B depicts an isometric perspective view of an exemplary front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00119] Figure 70 depicts an isometric perspective view of an exemplary front rail and rail mounting clips in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00120] Figure 71 depicts an isometric perspective view of an exemplary front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00121] Figure 72 depicts an isometric perspective view of an exemplary divider and pusher mechanism in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00122] Figure 73 depicts an isometric perspective view of an exemplary divider and pusher mechanism in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00123] Figure 74 depicts a partial view in isometric perspective of an exemplary divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00124] Figure 75 depicts a partial isometric perspective view of an exemplary front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00125] Figures 76A and 76B depict partial isometric perspective views of an exemplary front rail and cam bar lever in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00126] Figure 77 depicts an exploded front view of an exemplary product management display system in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00127] Figure 78 depicts an exploded rear view of an exemplary product management display system according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00128] Figures 79A to 79C depict side views of an exemplary front rail and divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00129] Figure 80 depicts an isometric perspective view of an exemplary product management display system in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00130] Figures 81A and 81B depict partial side views of an exemplary front rail and divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00131] Figures 82A to 82C depict partial side views of an exemplary front rail and divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00132] Figures 83A to 83C depict partial side views of an exemplary front rail and divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00133] Figures 84A to 84F depict isometric perspective views of an exemplary product management display system in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00134] Figure 85 depicts a side view of an exemplary divider and front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00135] Figures 86A through 86L depict views of components of an exemplary product management display system in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00136] Figures 87A to 87C depict side views of exemplary front rails and dividers in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00137] Figures 88A and 88B depict isometric perspective views of an exemplary divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00138] Figures 89A to 68C depict side views of an exemplary divider that attaches to a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00139] Figures 90A to 90F depict views of an exemplary divider that attaches to a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00140] Figure 91A depicts a view of an exemplary divider and rear rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00141] Figure 92 depicts an exploded view of an exemplary divider and rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00142] Figures 93A and 93B depict views of an exemplary divider that is mounted on a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00143] Figures 94A to 94C depict cross-sectional views of the movement of an exemplary cam used with a divider and a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00144] Figure 95 depicts a top perspective view to the right of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system.

[00145] Figures 96A and 96B are top perspective views to the right of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system.

[00146] Figure 97 is a top view exploded in right perspective of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system.

[00147] Figures 98A to 96C are side views of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system.

[00148] Figures 99A to 99C are side views of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system.

[00149] Figures 100A to 100D are top left perspective views of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system.

[00150] Figure 101A is a top perspective view to the right of aspects of an exemplary product tray.

[00151] Figure 101B is a top view of aspects of an exemplary product tray.

[00152] Figures 101C to 101F are top left perspective views of aspects of an exemplary product tray used in conjunction with exemplary components of a merchandise display system.

[00153] Figure 102A is a top perspective view to the right of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system.

[00154] Figure 102B is an exploded top view in right perspective of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system.

[00155] Figures 102C and 102D are side views of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system.

[00156] Figure 103A is a top right perspective front view of exemplary component aspects of a rotating assembly structure of a merchandise display system.

[00157] Figure 103B is a rear top view in right perspective of exemplary component aspects of a rotating assembly structure of a merchandise display system.

[00158] Figure 103C is a rear view of aspects of exemplary components of a rotating assembly structure of a merchandise display system.

[00159] Figure 103D is a top view of aspects of exemplary components of a rotating assembly structure of a merchandise display system.

[00160] Figure 103E is a right side view of exemplary component aspects of a rotating assembly structure of a merchandise display system.

[00161] Figure 104A is a top view exploded in right perspective of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system.

[00162] Figure 104B is a top perspective view to the right of exemplary component aspects of a rotating assembly structure of a merchandise display system.

[00163] Figure 104C is a bottom right perspective view of exemplary component aspects of a rotating assembly structure of a merchandise display system.

[00164] Figure 104D is a front view of aspects of exemplary components of a rotating assembly structure of a merchandise display system.

[00165] Figure 104E is a top view of exemplary component aspects of a rotating assembly structure of a merchandise display system.

[00166] Figure 104F is a left side view of exemplary component aspects of a rotating assembly structure of a merchandise display system.

[00167] Figure 104G is a bottom view of aspects of exemplary components of a rotating assembly structure of a merchandise display system.

[00168] Figures 105A to 105D are side views of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system.

[00169] Figure 106A is a top view exploded in right perspective of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system.

[00170] Figure 106B is a side view of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system.

[00171] Figures 107 to 135 depict perspective views of an alternative embodiment of a product management display system.

[00172] Figure 136 depicts a rear perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a product management display system.

[00173] Figures 137, 139 and 143 depict various perspective views of another alternative embodiment of a product management display system.

[00174] Figures 138 and 140 to 142 depict various perspective views of another alternative embodiment of a product management display system.

[00175] Figures 144 to 147 schematically depict various modalities of another alternative product management display system.

[00176] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the construction details and the arrangement of components shown in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of having other embodiments and being practiced or carried out in various ways. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be construed as limiting. The use of "which includes" and "which comprises" and variations thereof means to encompass the items listed hereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Additionally, the use of the term "assemble", "assembled" or "assembly" means broadly to include any technique or method of assembling, affixing, joining or coupling one part to another, directly or indirectly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00177] The invention can be implemented in several ways. With reference to the Figures in which like numerals indicate like elements, an isometric exploded view of an exemplary embodiment is depicted in Figure 1. Exemplary merchandise system 10 includes a product dispensing tray 12 on which an exemplary trackless pusher mechanism 14 is mounted. As described in more detail below, pusher mechanism 14 will fit into tray 12 and slide along the surface. tray without the use of tracks, rails or guides typically used to hold a conventional pusher mechanism on the tray or tray floor. The pusher mechanism defines a pusher paddle and a pusher floor that extends in front of the pusher paddle. A coiled spring can extend through the pusher floor and operatively connect to the tray in a forward position on the tray. In one aspect of the invention, the product to be marketed may be placed on the tray ahead of the pusher and may rest on the pusher floor as well as on the coil spring. With this configuration, the weight of the product will prevent the pusher paddle from tipping over to ensure proper product pushing. In addition, problems associated with debris or sticky materials that impair 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.

[00178] The exemplary tray 12 may define a surface 16 and one or more divider panels or dividers 18 to separate the tray into numerous 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 marketing. Surface 16 may be a solid surface or a surface defining a plurality of spaced holes 20 separated by a plurality of support ribs 22. Holes 20 and ribs 22 provide a surface that allows for sliding movement of product placed on that surface as well as allows liquids and dirt to pass through holes 20 so that they do not accumulate on surface 16. Surface 16 may be produced from any suitable material that allows for sliding movement of product on surface 16. Other surface configurations or floor are known and can be used with the principles of the invention.

[00179] As depicted in Figures 9 and 10, the surface 16 may define a rounded end portion 24 that includes a notch or cutout portion 26. The end portion 24 may be rounded to match the shape of the product being placed. on the tray. For example, the pictured end portion 24 is rounded or defines a semicircular shape to match the contour of a bottle or can that can be placed in the tray and end portion 24. Other shapes of the end portion can be used with the invention. depending on the product to be marketed.

[00180] The notch 26 can be used to receive and mount an end 29 of a coil spring 30 or similar deflection element. Notch 26 may define opposing angled edge surfaces 32 which are joined by edge 34. Edge 34 is preferably centered 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 with respect to the tray 12 and allow the spring to extend substantially parallel to the length of the tray. In other words, the pictured edge 34 of the notch 26 will allow the spring 30 to extend the length of the tray 12 at or near the center of the row of product formed by the tray. One skilled in the art will understand that the location and configuration of the notch may vary depending on the desired spring placement.

[00181] The coil spring 30 may define an end 29 which is configured to be placed through the notch 26 and into the edge 34. In one aspect, the end 29 of the coil spring may be V-shaped and function as a hook so that the end 29 wraps around the edge 34 with an end portion 29 of the coil spring extending below the end portion 24 of the surface 16. This configuration allows for easy installation of the coil spring in the tray.

[00182] In another aspect, and with reference to Figure 7, a spring tip 60 may be added to the end 29 of the spring 30 to assist in mounting the spring in the system. The spring tip 60 can define numerous shapes and configurations depending on the configuration of the tray and the surface to which the spring end needs to be affixed. Spring tip 60 may be permanently affixed to end 29 of coil spring 30 or may be detachable to allow exchange or replacement of spring tip 60. Spring tip 60 may be produced from plastic and may define one or more more holes. Hole 61 may be used to receive end 29 of coil spring 30. A second hole 63 may be used to receive mating tongue or mounting member 65 extending from surface 16 of tray 12, as discussed below . With this configuration, end 29 of coil spring 30 can be operatively connected to tray 12.

[00183] In another aspect, the end 29 of the coil spring may be fitted by snapping into a hole formed in the surface 16, or may otherwise be inserted into or secured to a hole or opening in the tray, thereby securing a end 29 of coil spring 30 in position.

[00184] Referring back to Figure 1, the dividers 18 can also be used to separate the product into rows. Dividers 18 extend substantially upwards 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 may be formed as a unitary structure with surface 16, or dividers 18 may be detachable to provide greater flexibility to the system. Dividers can be attached to a front or rear rail depending on the system. The dividers 18 can define numerous configurations and can extend upward to any desired distance to provide the desired height of dividers between the rows of product to be marketed. This height can be adjustable by adding divider extenders or the like.

[00185] Located at the front of tray 12 and extending between dividers 18 may be one or more product retention members 44. Product retention members 44 serve as a front retaining wall or 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 the product positioned further forward in tray 12. Product retention member 44 may be one or more shaped retention ribs. curved, as depicted in Figure 1. These illustrated retaining ribs can extend from one divider to another divider, thus joining the dividers. Retaining ribs may also partially extend 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 solid curved retaining wall 48 that extends between the dividers. Retaining wall 48 may be transparent or semi-transparent to allow viewing of the product on the shelf. In another aspect, the retaining wall 48 may also partially extend between the dividers 18. In yet another embodiment depicted in Figures 11 to 15, the retaining wall 100 may be affixed to the surface of the tray and not connect to the dividers. . In that embodiment, the 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 rather than curved. depending on the system. The end of the coil spring may also be snap-fitted to the floor 110 or otherwise affixed to the tray using any of the techniques described herein. A person skilled in the art will readily understand that there are numerous possible shapes and configurations for the product holding member 44 and that the configurations depicted are merely exemplary embodiments of such numerous configurations.

[00186] Referring back to Figure 1, the exemplary trackless pusher mechanism 14 defines a pusher blade 50 and a pusher floor 52. The pusher blade 50 and pusher floor 52 may be formed as a single unitary structure or may be separate structures that are joined together using known techniques. In addition, the pusher paddle 50 and the pusher floor 52 may be produced from any known suitable plastic or metallic material. The pusher shovel and pusher floor can be reinforced using any known reinforcement techniques.

[00187] 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 being marketed, such as plastic bottles or cans that contain a beverage, as depicted in Figures 3 to 5. The curved shaped pusher surface 54 allows the pusher to remain centrally aligned with the last product in the tray. This configuration reduces friction and drag between the pusher and the partition walls. In an alternative aspect, the pushing surface or face may be a flat surface. In yet another aspect, the flattened push surface may be accompanied by a curved shaped rib which is positioned near or on top of the push paddle and which can be used to center and align the product on the tray, in a similar manner to the flattened surface. 54 curved purifier pictured in Figure 1. The curved rib can define other shapes and configurations that allow cylindrical or similar shaped products to be properly pushed into the tray. For advertising, product identification or other product information can be placed on the push surface 54.

[00188] Positioned behind the surface or pushing face 54 may be one or more support members 58, such as ribs, walls or angles. The support members 58 are configured to support the pusher surface 54 and further connect the pusher blade 50 to the pusher floor 52. As can be seen in Figure 5, positioned between the support members 58 is the coil spring 30 and more specifically , the spiral end 57 which is used to urge the pusher paddle 50 forward and along the tray 12, as understood in the art. Any technique used to operatively connect the coil spring to the pusher blade 50 can be used with the invention.

[00189] As shown in Figure 1, the pusher floor 52 may be positioned below the pusher blade 50 and may extend forward of the pusher surface 54 of the pusher blade. The pusher floor 52 can 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 the push floor. In another aspect, the push floor 52 may be configured to allow more than one product to be placed on the push floor. The pusher floor 52 may define any shape, including the pictured round shape, and may define any product retaining features on the surface of the pusher floor, such as ribs, walls, or the like, to further maintain the product on the push floor.

[00190] As can be seen in Figure 2, the pusher floor 52 may define a channel, groove or elongated recessed portion 59 that is sized, shaped and configured to seat the spiral spring 30. In the exemplary embodiment, the channel or groove 59 may extend through floor 52 and in a substantially perpendicular manner to pusher blade 50. In an alternative aspect, the groove or channel may extend partially or through all of pusher floor 52, as shown in Figure 19. Such a configuration allows proper alignment and positioning of the pusher paddle 50 in the tray. Groove 59 may define a depth that corresponds to exceeds the thickness of coil spring 30. With this configuration, coil spring 30 will rest on or below the floor pusher surface so that the product does not rest directly on the spring in spiral, instead, such a product will settle on the floor pushing surface. As shown in Figure 19, the pusher floor may include holes and openings through which debris or other items can pass. Alternatively, the floor can be a solid surface.

[00191] 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 on which a product can settle. Raised ribs 182 may extend longitudinally along the length of adapter 180. Adapter 180 may be a flat extrusion of plastics material (or any other suitable material) that defines a flat surface 184 with one or more ribs 182 extending to off from the flat surface 184. Adapter 180 may define a rounded end 185 and include a notch or cutout portion 186 through which or transversely through 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 may be used with the invention depending on the product being marketed. Adapter 180 may be a separate insert or, alternatively, a formed part integral with surface 16.

[00192] Referring to Figure 18, the adapter 180 can be easily inserted into the surface 16 and between the dividers 18. Referring to Figure 19, once the adapter 180 is installed, the pusher mechanism 14 can be positioned on top of the adapter 180 and may slide freely through ribs 182 of adapter 180. Coil spring 30 may extend in a parallel manner between ribs 182 and may rest on or below the top surface of ribs 182, as more clearly shown in Fig. Figure 20. With this configuration, the product to be marketed can rest and slide along the ribs 182 and not on the spiral spring 30.

[00193] In an alternative aspect, the ribs 182 may be a raised bead or raised beads, or a series of fingers that may be used to facilitate movement of the product on the surface 16. In yet another alternative embodiment, the ribs 182 may be product movement members, such as slides or one or more rollers or scroll members that allow the product to roll through the scroll members and towards the front of the product display system. Exemplary roll assemblies include those disclosed and described in the U.S. Application. 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 those skilled in the art, there are many possible techniques that can be used with the push mechanisms described to facilitate movement of the product on the shelf or floor.

[00194] 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 lugs, slides, rollers or the like that will allow the pusher floor slide along the surface and still lift the pusher floor onto surface 16. In another alternative embodiment, the underside of the pusher floor can be configured with rail mounting members to allow for mounting the pusher on a track or track, as understood in the art.

[00195] The pusher floor further defines a notch or cutout portion 62 through which the coil spring 30 will pass. The end 29 of the coil spring 30 will pass through the notch 62 and through the notch 26 of the surface 16 and will be mounted in the tray using any of the techniques described above.

[00196] In use, as the pusher mechanism 14 is pushed back on the tray 12, the end 29 of the coil spring 30 will be held in position as described above and the coil end 57 of the spring 30 will begin to unwind behind the pusher 50. If the pusher 14 is allowed to move forward on the tray 14, such as when product is removed from the front of the tray, the spiral end 57 of the spring 30 will coil and force the pusher blade 50 forward in tray 12, thus pushing the product towards the front of the tray.

[00197] In an alternative embodiment, the coil spring 30 may extend below and below the pusher floor 52 as opposed to the aforementioned and through the pusher floor, as depicted in the Figures. With this configuration, groove 59 and notch 62 may not be needed.

[00198] Coil spring 30 can be any deflection element that includes, without limitation, a flat coil spring commonly used with pusher systems. The present invention may use one or more coiled springs to urge the pusher mechanism 14 forward depending on the desired application. The coil tension of the spring 30 can also vary depending on the particular application.

[00199] Referring to Figure 2, trackless pusher mechanism 14 is shown mounted on tray 12. As illustrated, pusher mechanism 14 fits into tray 12 between dividers 18. End 29 of coil spring 30 extends through from the notch in the pusher floor and is mounted on the tray as described above. In use, the pusher mechanism 14 will slide along the surface 16 of the tray 12 without the use of tracks, rails or guides. As depicted in Figure 2, the pusher mechanism 14 is shown in a forward position.

[00200] Referring to Figure 3, the marketing of a product 70 is shown by the pusher mechanism 14 in the merchandise 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 including the soda bottle pictured. As shown in that Figure, the product 70 rests on the pusher floor 52 and the coil spring 30 which extends below the product. The weight of the product on the floor 52 and the positioning of the product through the spring 30 prevent the paddle 50 from tipping over in the tray 12.

[00201] Referring to Figure 4, the marketing of multiple products 70 is shown by the pusher mechanism 14 in the commodity system 10. As shown in that Figure, the product next to 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 30 which will extend below these products. Alternatively, the adapter 180 may be positioned in the system, in which case the product may rest on the ribs 182 of the adapter as opposed to the coil spring. Again, the weight of the product on the pusher floor 52 and the positioning of the products through the spring 30 prevent the paddle 50 from tipping over in the tray. In use, as a product is removed from the front of the tray near the product holding member 44, the pusher mechanism 14 (through the impetus of the spiral spring 30) will push the remaining product forward in the tray 12. until further product contacts product retaining member 44. As additional product is removed, pusher mechanism 14 will continue to push remaining product towards product retaining member 44.

[00202] Referring to Figure 5, a rear view of the pusher mechanism 14 shows the marketing of multiple products 70 by the pusher mechanism 14 in the merchandise system 10. Again, the product next to the pusher paddle 50 rests on the pusher floor 52 and in the coil spring 30 which extends below the product. The other products will rest on the coil spring that will extend below these products. Alternatively, the adapter 180 may be positioned in the system, in which case the product may rest on the ribs 182 of the adapter as opposed to the coil spring. As product is removed from the front of the tray near the product holding member 44, a coiled end 57 of the spring 30 will urge the pusher paddle 50 of the pusher mechanism 14 forward in the tray 12 until the forward product enters. in contact with the product retention member 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 coil spring between these members. As can be seen in this Figure, the pusher floor 52 can also extend below the support members 58.

[00203] Referring to Figure 6, an alternative embodiment of the pusher tray is pictured. With this embodiment, multiple trays 12 can be formed into a single set of multiple trays 80. The multiple trays may have a common floor with dividers 18 extending upward from the floor to create the multiple trays or rows. In this embodiment, the product retaining member 44 may be a solid member that extends between two dividers, as discussed above. One or more of the multiple tray assemblies 80 may be coupled or joined together in a side-by-side manner using any known technique, including clips, dovetails, fasteners or the like. With this configuration, numerous product tiers can be provided for the marketing of numerous products.

[00204] As stated above, the trackless pusher mechanism 14 can be used with gravity fed systems, i.e. systems that have product trays or channels that are mounted on a slope to allow gravity to assist in marketing the product. Alternatively, the trackless pusher mechanism 14 can be used with systems that are mounted in a non-tilted or horizontal manner, where gravity will provide little or no assistance in marketing the product. The trackless pusher mechanism 14 can also be used to push products of various shapes.

[00205] Figure 7 depicts an exemplary spike 60 for the end 29 of a coil spring 30 that can be used with the commodity system 10. As illustrated, the spike 60 defines a hole 61 to receive the end 29 of the spring in spiral and a hole 63 to be mounted on the surface 16 of the tray. As can be seen in Figure 7, in one aspect of an alternative embodiment, the undersurface extension 16 may be a tongue or mounting member 65 which may be configured to mate with hole 63 and snap fit the tip. 60 in the language 65 and thus to the surface 16.

[00206] Referring to Figure 8, the exemplary point 60 of Figure 7 is shown being mounted to the tongue or mounting member 65. The tongue 65 may include an outwardly extending elongated rib 67 that is used to snap fit. the tip 60 on the tongue 65. A person skilled in the art will understand that other techniques may be used to mount the tip 60 to the surface 16 and that the technique depicted is merely an exemplary embodiment of such a technique.

[00207] Referring to Figure 9, the exemplary tip 60 is shown fully assembled in a snap-fit manner to the surface 16, and more specifically to the end portion 24 of the surface 16 of the tray 12. Also depicted is the end assembly. 29 of the coil spring 30 into the hole 61 of the tip 60. As shown in Figure 9, the end 29 of the coil spring can be inserted into the hole 61. The hole 61 is configured to receive the end 29 of the coil spring and maintain the end 29 in position, and also to allow removal of end 29 of coil spring from hole 61 in circumstances where it is desirable to disconnect coil spring from tip to allow removal of pusher mechanism 14 from the system .

[00208] Referring to Figure 10, the end 29 of the coil spring is shown completely mounted to the exemplary tip 60. As illustrated in that Figure, the coil spring 30 is now operatively connected to the surface 16 of the tray 12. As a result , the pusher mechanism 14 is now mounted on the tray 12.

[00209] Referring to Figures 21 to 27, an alternative technique is shown for mounting the end 29 of the coil spring 30 in the merchandise display system. A mounting member 130 can be used to mount the end 29 of the coil spring to the floor 131 of the system. For those systems that include separate slide rails 132 that are joined together by connecting ribs 134 (Figures 26 to 27), the mounting member 130 can be snap-fit or otherwise mounted to the floor 131 and between the slide rails 132. The mounting member will thus hold the end of the coiled spring in position and on the floor of the system.

[00210] Referring to Figures 22 to 23, the mounting member 130 may include one or more legs 136 on one or more sides of the member 130. The legs may be configured to snap-fit the underside of the rails 132 to maintain , thus, the mounting member 130 on the floor of the system. The legs 136 may include ends of legs 137 that define L-shaped or angled surfaces that are configured to contact the underside of the rail 132 and prevent the mounting member 130 from being lifted off the floor except by bending. intention of the legs outside the underside of the rail 132. The legs 136 may contact the connecting ribs 134 which will prevent the sliding movement of the mounting member 130 relative to the floor. Referring to Figure 26, the mounting member 130 is shown being mounted to the floor of the system and more specifically to the rails. Figure 27 illustrates that the mounting member 130 remains in position as the pusher blade 141 is pulled away from the front of the system. Mounting member 130 can be connected to this type of floor system 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.

[00211] Referring to Figures 22 to 23, the mounting member 130 may also include a hole or an opening or a slot 138 that will receive the end 29 of the spring. The spring can be assembled using any of the techniques described herein, or other techniques. The configuration of the hole 138 and the mounting member 130 will hold the spring in position on the mounting member 130, similar to the technique described above.

[00212] The mounting member 130 may also include slide ribs 139 on a top surface that allow the product placed thereon to slide more easily through the mounting member after the mounting member has been installed on the floor of the system. Mounting member 130 may also include an elongate flattened body 140 that extends forward from the location of legs 136 to provide stability for mounting member 130 after it has been mounted to the floor of the system.

[00213] Referring to Figures 24 to 25 and 27, the pusher paddle or pusher mechanism 141 may include a pusher face 143 configured to match the shape of the product against which it pushes. As illustrated, the push face 143 can be curved in shape to match the shape of a bottle or other cylindrical object. The pusher shovel 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 store and protect the spring. The spring sleeve 147 may extend partially or completely through the pusher floor 145 and towards the spring 30. The spring sleeve 147 may have a relatively short height and a flattened surface 149 to allow the product to rest thereon without tipping or tipping. product slope.

[00214] The pusher shovel 141 can be positioned on top of the floor 131 for sliding on top of the surface as described above. The pusher paddle may be positioned between product dividing walls 153 which are joined together by a product retaining member 155. Additional product retaining members 157 may extend out of the product dividers.

[00215] Referring to Figures 28 and 29, yet another alternative technique for mounting the end 29 of the coil spring 30 in the merchandise display system is shown. In this embodiment, end 29 is riveted to tray 216.

[00216] 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 may have product dividers already incorporated. For example, in one embodiment, the trackless pusher system can be retrofitted to an existing wire rack assembly. Referring to Figures 30 to 32 , a tray or adapter 216 may have a sliding floor 222 which may be sized for a single shelf lane 234 or sized for an entire shelf width. Slide floor 222 may include a plurality of raised ribs 224 which help to reduce friction for products traded on tray 216. It should be understood that one or more raised ribs 224 may be used with slide floor 222. slide floor 222 may be a flat flat surface without raised ribs. Tray or adapter 216 can be configured similarly to adapter 180 in Figure 16.

[00217] As shown in Figures 28 and 30, the end 29 of the coil spring 30 can be riveted, by means of a rivet 229, to the front end 228 of the tray 216, or it can be affixed by any other affixing technique. Tray 216 may be retained on the shelf by any affixing 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 wires 232 of shelf 234 to retain tray 216 on shelf. 234. The fingers or sockets 220 may extend longitudinally along the length of the tray 216, or may be spaced along the length of the tray. Snaps 220 may be used to snap-fit tray 216 to existing wire shelf. As depicted in Figures 29A and 29B, inserts 220A and 220B can configure numerous configurations that allow tray 216 to be snap-fitted to the shelf. The embodiment depicted in Figures 28 to 32 allows placement of the trackless pusher system in an existing shelving system, such as a wire shelf system, as a low-cost alternative to the entire trackless pusher assembly. It should be understood that with this embodiment, any pusher mechanism described herein may be used.

[00218] As depicted in Figures 33 and 44, in another exemplary embodiment, the display management system comprises one or more pusher mechanisms 286, one or more dividers 266, one or more trays 306 and one or more retainers 250. pushers 286 may be formed of a pusher paddle 287 and a pusher floor 288. The product is placed on the pusher floor 288 and oriented towards the front of the display management system by means of the dividers 266 and the pusher blade 287. The spiral spring 30 deflects the pusher mechanism 286 towards the retainer 250 so that the product moves to the front of the system.

[00219] In an exemplary embodiment depicted in Figure 33, coil spring 30 may be mounted to retainer 250. Alternatively, coil spring 30 may be mounted to divider 266 (also shown in Figures 48 and 49). Coil spring 30 may be directly mounted to retainer 250, as depicted in Figure 33, or may be mounted to retainer 250 via a separate adapter 252, as depicted in Figure 34.

[00220] As depicted in Figure 35, the adapter 252 has a wall 254 proximate a first end 256. The first end 256 has a curved portion 262, which curves upwards. The middle portion of the adapter 252 may be provided with a curved slot 260 which is adapted to receive a correspondingly shaped spring end (not shown).

[00221] Coiled spring 30 at one end may be secured to the middle portion of adapter 252. In an exemplary embodiment, curved slot 260 corresponds to the shape and size of the first spring end. Additionally, the first spring end of the coil spring 30 may be crimped or flexed to provide additional grip. However, any sufficient tightening method can be used to secure the first spring end of the coil spring 30 to the adapter 252.

[00222] In an exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 36 and 37, the retainer 250 has a curved slot 284 that corresponds 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 unlimited positioning of adapter 252 along the length of retainer 250.

[00223] To secure the first spring 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 spring end from coil spring 30 to retainer 250 and provides a quick and easy display system assembly. Wall 254 provides additional stability in the connection between retainer 250 and adapter 252. However, other methods may be used to secure adapter 252 and/or the first spring end of coil spring 30 to retainer 250.

[00224] Alternatively, as depicted in Figures 33 and 44 the coil spring 30 of the pusher 287 can be mounted directly in front of the tray 306. The first spring end 290 of the coil spring 30 is provided with a curved portion. The curved portion curves downwards from the pusher floor 288 and is adapted to be received in a recess 316 (shown in Figure 33) defined by a lip 318 of the front surface of the dispensing tray 306 and the retainer 250. A vertically oriented retainer 250 and lip 318 are spaced so that a gap is formed between the vertically oriented surface and a leading edge of lip 250. To secure the coil spring 30 and pusher mechanism 286 to the assembly, the first end spring 290 is inserted into the gap formed between the vertically oriented surface of retainer 250 and the leading edge of lip 318 and placed in recess 316 formed by lip 318 of dispensing tray 306 and retainer 250.

[00225] In another exemplary embodiment depicted in Figures 38, 39, 48 and 49, the coil spring 30 can be directly mounted to a divider 266. Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the coil spring 30 can be mounted perpendicular to the floor pusher 288 so that the axis around which the coil spring 30 is wound is perpendicular to the pusher floor 288. This orientation has the benefit of preventing the pusher blade from tipping backwards. The first spring end 290 may be provided with an angled portion 292 and a tip portion 296. In an exemplary embodiment, the angled portion 292 may be flexed perpendicular to the coiled spring body 294. The divider may be provided with a slot. 298, which is adapted to receive the spike portion 296 of the first spring end 290.

[00226] To secure the coil spring to the divider, the spike portion 296 is inserted into the slot 298. Once the spike portion 296 is fully inserted into the slot 298, the angled portion 292 engages the slot 298 to secure the first spring end 290 to the divider 266.

[00227] As pictured in Figure 33, various pusher mechanism designs can be deployed. The pusher paddle 287 may be formed flat to accommodate the correspondingly shaped product. Alternatively, the pusher blade 286 may have a curved first end and a flattened second end. This is to accommodate a variety of cylindrical products that have a variety of different size diameters and to facilitate the operation of the pusher mechanism 286. During operation, the product in the pusher mechanism 286 and the first curved end together force the pusher mechanism against the 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 product is properly dispensed as users remove product from the system.

[00228] 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 elongated angled surface 270. Additionally, connecting portions 272 may be provided with a plurality of projections. 274. As depicted in Figure 41B, the rails may be formed from teeth 278 that have face surfaces 280 and flank surfaces 282.

[00229] When assembled, as depicted in Figure 41C, the connecting portions 272 are received between the teeth 278 of the rails. Additionally, the elongated angled surfaces 268 and 270 and the projections 274 are wedged between the teeth 278. In addition, as shown in Figure 41C, the elongated angled surfaces 268 and 270 engage the face surfaces 280, and the projections 274 engage the surfaces. lower teeth 278. Flank surfaces 282 contact connecting portion 272.

[00230] In an exemplary embodiment depicted in Figure 42, the trays 306 are provided with dovetail connections. A first side 308 of trays 306 is provided with tongues 312 adapted to fit within grooves 314 located on a second side 310 of trays 306. To connect the trays, grooves 314 are aligned with tongues 312 so that tongues 312 are firmly secured within the grooves 314.

[00231] 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 correspondingly shaped and sized projections 302. To secure the retainer 250 to the tray 306, the projections 302 fit into holes 300 to lock the retainer in place on the tray 306.

[00232] As pictured in Figures 45 to 47, after the product management display system is assembled, the product is loaded into the system. By fitting 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 pushes product toward retainer 250. As a user draws product from the system, pusher paddle 287 pushes product remaining so that the product slides along floor 264 into retainer 250. This ensures that all product remains in front of the display system.

[00233] As depicted in Figures 50 to 52, the product management display system 400 can be arranged so that the trays 402, 404 can be stacked one on top of the other. This embodiment may generally consist of a first tray 402, a second tray 404, a first spacer 406 and a second spacer 408.

[00234] 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 clear retainer 410, a pusher mechanism 412, first and second guide walls and a coil spring 414.

[00235] The pusher mechanism 414 is arranged in a similar manner to the embodiments discussed above, so that it slides the product along the surface of the trays 402, 404 as the product is removed. Additionally, any of the alternative pusher mechanism arrangements discussed above may be implemented in a stackable tray arrangement.

[00236] To provide easy assembly and disassembly, the stackable product management display system can be provided with a dovetail connection or any other suitable connection, such as a snap fit connection, screw thread connection or a rivet connection. The first and second trays are provided with detents 416 for mounting the first and second spacers 406, 408 on the first and second trays 402, 404. Each of the first and second trays 402, 404 may be provided with sockets 418 on their respective outer surfaces to receive correspondingly shaped detents 416 located on the first and second spacers 406, 408.

[00237] To assemble the stackable product management display system, holders 416 located on the first and second spacers 406, 408 are placed in correspondingly shaped sockets 418 on the outer surfaces of the first and second trays 402, 404 in an arrangement of locking. This provides a stackable arrangement that can be deployed in conjunction with any of the modalities discussed above.

[00238] In another exemplary embodiment depicted in Figures 53 to 57, a pusher paddle 500 may be mounted directly to a shelf 508 and held on the shelf by the spiral spring end 504. The pusher paddle 500 will slide along and over the surface off the shelf. One or more dividers 502 that define a T-shaped configuration may be positioned close to the pusher paddle 500. In an alternative aspect, the divider base 502 may be positioned on the shelf so that the base is located beneath the pusher paddle 500. With this configuration, the pusher paddle 500 can slide along the base of the divider. If the dividers 502 are positioned far enough away from the paddle 500, the paddle 500 will slide directly onto the surface of the shelf 508. The dividers 502 can configure numerous configurations including those described herein and can be attached to the shelf using any known technique. , including push pins, rivets, fasteners, adhesives and the like.

[00239] In one aspect, the end 510 of the coiled spring 504 is positioned within a hole or hole 506 located in the shelf 508. The end 510 may define a spring tip which may additionally define any suitable configuration that allows the end spring passes through hole 506 and remains attached to the hole. For example, the end spring tip 510 may define a hook-shaped configuration that allows the end 510 to wrap around the edges of the hole 506. Alternatively, the spring tip may define one or more loops that hook into the holes. edges of hole 506. Other spring tip configurations are still possible.

[00240] As shown in Figure 54, to further secure the spring 504 to the shelf 508 a fastener 512, a pin, a rivet or the like can be used. Such fastener 512 will provide a separate second anchor point for the spring which will maintain the spring in the desired alignment during the full operation of the spring 504 as the blade 500 moves back and forth on the shelf 508. It will be understood that depending on the type of shelf and the amount and space between holes in the shelf, even more anchor points are possible.

[00241] Referring to Figures 55 to 57, an exemplary mounting technique for mounting the spring 504 of the blade 500 on a shelf is depicted. As shown in Figure 55, end 510 of spring 504 is inserted into hole 506 of shelf. End 510 may define a spring tip, as described herein, to hold end 510 at the edges of hole 506. As shown in Figure 56, spring 504, which in that embodiment includes a rivet or stud 514, is lowered into the shelf so 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 hole 516 to receive yet another rivet or stud 518 to further secure spring 504 to the shelf. With these multiple anchor points, the spring 504 will be attached to the shelf and thus the paddle will be attached to the shelf. Additionally, with these multiple anchor points, the spring will retain the desired alignment during full spring operation as the blade moves back and forth on the shelf. It should be understood that other anchoring techniques are possible for securing 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 that can be used to anchor the spring 504, one or more holes can be drilled into the shelf at desired locations.

[00242] With the embodiment depicted in Figures 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 assembly parts. Additionally, this embodiment is easily removable to allow repositioning of the pusher to any location on the shelf to accommodate any size and type of product to be marketed on the shelf. A person skilled in the art will also understand that any of the pusher blades described herein can be mounted directly to the shelf using the techniques described herein, or using any combination of the techniques described herein.

[00243] In an alternate embodiment, as depicted in Figure 58, a display management system is comprised of one or more pushers 520, one or more dividers 550, and a front rail 580. The divider 550 and front rail 580 can seat on a shelf. The pusher 520 may include a pusher face 522 and a pusher floor 524, as illustrated in Figure 59. The pusher face 522 may be divided into a non-adjustable portion 526 and the pusher extender 528. Both the non-adjustable portion 526 and the extender of pusher 528 can define a surface that can be used to contact the product on the shelf. Both the non-adjustable portion 526 and the pusher extender 528 can set similar heights and depths. Pusher extender 528 can be adjusted from a position that is level and adjacent to non-adjustable portion 526, as shown in Figure 59. Pusher extender 528 can be directed downward toward pusher floor 524, as shown 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 upward from pusher floor 524 and a position that is directed downwards towards the pusher floor 524. In this way, the width or height of pusher 520 can be effectively extended for wider or taller products.

[00244] Pusher extender 528 may rotate about an axis in the upper portion of pusher 520. A sprocket 532 (refer to Figure 77) may be located behind pusher extender 528. Pusher extender 528 includes a protrusion (see, for example, protuberance 530 in Figure 77) that fits within the notches in the sprocket 532. As the pusher extender 528 rotates about the axis, the protuberance rotates in the various spaces within the notches on the sprocket. sprocket 532, similar to a pawl and ratchet mechanism. Each notch represents a separate position for the pusher extender 528. In each separate position, the pusher extender 528 can remain stationary so that a force is required to move the pusher extender 528 to a different position. In exemplary aspects of the embodiment, the pusher extender may pivot from a first position that is adjacent to non-adjustable portion 526 to one of a number of second positions that may be located within a range of approximately 180 degrees of the first position. The degree of adjustment may vary depending on the number, size and spacing of notches on the sprocket. The pusher extender can define an illuminating hole through the wall of the pusher extender to reduce the weight of the pusher extender and to reduce the moment created around the axis of the pusher extender. The pusher extender can define a smooth or textured pusher face.

[00245] Referring back to Figure 59, a deflection element, such as a coil spring 534, may be held in a rear portion of the pusher 520. In one embodiment, the coil spring 534 may be positioned adjacent the non-adjustable portion 526 of pusher face 522. Coil spring 534 may extend through pusher floor 524, as shown in Figure 59. In one embodiment, pusher floor 524 may include a channel 536 in which coil spring 534 rests . Channel 536 allows product to settle on pusher floor 524 with limited spring contact. The product weight rests on the pusher floor 524 in this embodiment. Pusher floor 524 may also comprise a channelless surface.

[00246] In one example, a divider 550 may be comprised of a partition wall 552, a floor 554, and a barrier 556, as illustrated in Figure 59. In one example, a divider 550 may not include a barrier. In one example, a 550 splitter might not include a floor. Partition wall 552 may divide divider floor 554 into two portions, 559 and 551 (see Figure 78) with a portion on each side of divider wall 552. Partition wall 552 may also have divider floor 554 on only one side of the divider. dividing wall 552. As illustrated in Figure 77, dividing wall 552 may extend perpendicularly from dividing floor 554. Divider floor 554 may be a flat surface. In one embodiment, divider floor 554 may include a channel within a portion of divider floor 554. Coil spring 534 may extend through divider floor 554. In one embodiment, coil spring 534 may extend through floor divider 554 within a channel on divider floor 554. In this embodiment, the product will not rest on coil spring 534 and will instead rest on portions of divider floor 554 that are adjacent to channel on divider floor 554. In another In one embodiment, the splitter floor 554 does not include a channel. In one example, a single pusher 520 may be located on one 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.

[00247] Barrier 556 may be configured to restrict the product being pushed by pusher 520 and the diverter element contained therein. Barrier 556 may be located in front of divider wall 552, as illustrated in Figure 59. Barrier 556 may also be located behind divider wall to prevent overfilling of product on the shelf. As shown in Figures 59 and 77, dividing wall 552 can divide barrier 556 into two portions. Barrier 556 may be perpendicular to the front end of dividing wall 552. In one embodiment, barrier 556, dividing wall 552 and dividing floor 554 are a single integrated device. These three elements can also be integral with each other. In one example, the barrier is separate from the divider. In one example, the barrier is not integral with or integrated with the divider. In another example, the barrier is configured to engage the splitter. In one example, the partition wall and partition 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 partition wall and partition floor are configured to engage with each other. In further examples, a barrier may be connected to front rail 580 or comprise a portion of front rail 580.

[00248] 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. End 557 of coil spring can then be placed in slot 558 within barrier 556. Once in slot 558, end of spring 557 will remain in place and assist in deflecting pusher 520 toward barrier 556. end 557 of coil spring 534 may include a plurality of portions, each with flexures that place a subsequent portion of the end of the coil spring at an angle to an earlier portion of the coil spring (not shown). The plurality of flexes may engage a plurality of slots or holes in barrier 556 or other connection point in divider 550 or front rail 580. The plurality of slots or holes may conform to the shape of the plurality of flexes at end 557 of the coil spring 534. Coil spring 534 may include a clip (not shown) at one end. The loop on coil spring 534 may be configured to prevent coil spring 534 from disengaging from pusher 520, such as, for example, when coil spring 534 is extended.

[00249] Pusher 520 can be connected to divider 550 by coil spring 534 only. Pusher 520 may be on top of divider floor 554 and can slide through 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 embodiment, the pusher 520 can be collected off the divider floor 554 as shown in Figure 62. Gravity and the weight of product on the floor pusher 524 holds the pusher 520 on the divider floor 554. The product on the coil spring 534 also holds the pusher 520 on the divider floor 554. Only the integrated connection between the pusher and the divider may be the end of coil spring 557 which is held within a slot 558 in barrier 556. Partition wall 552 may be used to guide pusher 520 as pusher 520 moves back and forth. back, and vice versa, on the dividing floor 554.

[00250] Divider 550 may define a groove 560 or other recess in a lower side portion of the divider. This groove 560 or other recess can be in the shape of an upside-down "u" as shown in Figure 61 or it can be in another shape. The groove 560 or other recess may extend across the entire width of the underside portion of the divider 550. The groove 560, or other recess in one example, may extend only along a portion of the width of the underside portion. of the divider. Groove 560 or other recess may be used to engage a front rail, front wall of a tray, or other structure. The term recess as used herein may mean an inwardly extending groove, slit, channel, indentation, depression or other recess.

[00251] Divider 550 may also define a plurality of teeth 562 or other projection. The teeth 562 or other projection may be located on the front portion of the barrier 556. As illustrated in an exemplary embodiment in Figure 63, the teeth 562 may define a series of outwardly extending angled surfaces that meet or join at an apex. . As used herein, the term teeth may mean any non-uniformly spaced, uniformly spaced, non-continuous, continuous, non-uniform or uniform outwardly extending surfaces which may or may not be angled and which may or may not meet or meet. unite at a glance. Additionally, the teeth may set in a pointed, blunt, rounded, flattened apex, or polygonal ends, or any other suitable shape. Also, the surfaces that define the shape of the teeth can be flat, convex, concave, flattened or textured, or any other suitable configuration. In one embodiment, teeth 562 are placed in extension from the front portion of barrier 556. Divider 550 may also define a resilient tab or tongue 564. Teeth 562 or other projection may be located on resilient tab 564. force is applied to the resilient tab 564, the teeth 562 or other projection may 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 may mean the protuberance, resilient tab, tongue, impact, tooth or plurality of teeth, ridge, projection or other outwardly extending projection. A plurality of teeth may include a plurality of projections in which the teeth extend outwardly and may include a plurality of inwardly extending recesses between portions of the plurality of outwardly extending teeth.

[00252] 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 . The ridge or tongue 584 or other projection or engagement member of the front rail 580 may be configured to engage the groove 560 or other recess or engagement member of the divider. The ridge 584 or other projection or other engagement member may fit within the groove 560 or other recess or engagement member and inhibit movement of the divider 550 in a direction perpendicular to the ridge 584 or front rail 580 or at an angle (i.e. , not perpendicular) with respect to ridge 584 or front rail 580. Teeth 588 or other engaging member of front rail 580 may be separated. The teeth 588 or other engaging member of the front rail may engage the teeth 562 or other engaging member of the divider 550, whose teeth 562 are illustrated in Figure 63, so as to prevent the divider from moving in a lateral direction parallel to the rail. 580. Teeth 588 or other engaging member of front rail 580 are engaged with teeth 562 or other engaging member of divider 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 may mean a projection, recess, flat surface, nearly flat surface, or other item of structure that can engage with another item of structure. The front rail can be a separate frame that is attached or attached to a shelf. Alternatively, the front rail may be part of a tray defining one or more of opposite, rear or front side walls. In this configuration, the front rail as described herein can be formed as part of a back or front wall of a tray and still achieves the aims of the invention. That is, the front rail can be formed as part of the tray walls (or attached to the tray walls) and can receive and engage the dividers and pusher mechanisms using any of the various techniques described herein. Also, the front rail does not need to be located at the absolute front of a shelf. The front rail can be located near the front of the shelf or in a location far back from the front of the shelf. In one example, the front rail may be located on or near the shelf, away from the front of the merchandise display system. The front of the shelf may include no rails in one instance.

[00253] When the resilient tab 564 of the divider 550 is pressed or a force is placed on the resilient tab in a direction away from the teeth 588 on the front rail 580, the teeth 562 of the divider may become disengaged with the teeth 588 on the rail front. When the teeth 588 on the front rail and the teeth 562 on the resilient tab 564 on the divider 550 are disengaged, the divider 550 can be moved in a lateral direction to the teeth 588 on the 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 commodity system 10 can be subjected to a new planogram. When the divider 550 is moved in a sideways direction, the divider does not need to be rotated. In fact, the divider 550 remains in a plane parallel to the flat surface 582 of the front rail 580. In addition, the divider 550 does not need to be lifted. Divider 550 can simply be moved in the direction noted by arrow "A" in Figure 65.

[00254] 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 divider wall 552, wherein divider floor 554 is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam 720 coupled to the divider 550, wherein the cam 720 is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The at least one divider 550 is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the at least one divider 550 is engaged with the front rail 580 and the cam 720 is in the first position. The at least one divider 550 is (a) attached in the side direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) attached 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.

[00255] 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 track 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 in front of the pusher surface, and a spring on spiral that has a spiral end and a free end. The spiral end of the spring can be positioned behind the pushing surface, and the pushing mechanism can be fixed to the merchandise display system by the spiral spring only. The barrier can be configured to receive the free end of the coiled spring. The front rail may define a front rail groove and the divider may define a divider ridge configured to engage the front rail groove.

[00256] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580 and a plurality of dividers 550 configured to attach to front rail 580 and separate the 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 divider wall 552, wherein divider floor 554 is configured to hold product, and a divider floor 554 perpendicular to divider wall 552. 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. Further, each of the plurality of dividers 550 is (a) secured 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.

[00257] In one example, each of the plurality of dividers 550 is configured to move in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when product is positioned on the divider floor 554. A force on an outermost divider of the plurality of dividers 550 may causing each of the plurality of dividers 550 to move in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the cams 720 for each of the plurality of dividers 550 are in the first position, and wherein the force is in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 and perpendicular to the dividing wall 552 of the outermost divider.

[00258] 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 extending 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 are configured to hold product. The merchandise display system also includes a first pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least part of the first portion, a second pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least part of the second portion, and a cam 720 coupled to the at least a divider 550, the cam 720 being 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.

[00259] In one example, each of the first and second pusher mechanisms of the merchandise display system includes a pusher surface, where a pusher floor extends in front of the pusher surface, and a spiral spring that has one end spiral and a free end, where 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 engagement member and the at least one front rail may define a front rail engagement member, and the divider engagement member may be configured to engage the front rail engagement member. The divider engagement member may define the divider teeth on at least one surface of the divider engagement member and the front rail engagement member may define the front rail teeth on at least one surface of the front rail engagement member. Divider teeth can be configured to engage front rail teeth.

[00260] 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 front rail 580, a divider floor 554 perpendicular to divider wall 552, wherein divider floor 554 is configured to hold product. The display system may also include a resilient tab coupled to 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 attached in a side 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.

[00261] 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.

[00262] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580, wherein the front rail 580 comprises at least one first projection and at least one first recess, and at least one divider 550 configured to attach to the rail front 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 one second recess and at least one second projection, the at least one second projection of the divider 550 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 perpendicular direction. - pendulous to the front rail 580 when the at least one first projection of the front rail 580 is engaged with the at least one second recess of the divider 550 and the at least one second projection of the display 550 is in the first position. The at least one divider 550 (a) resists movement in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the at least one first projection of the front rail is engaged with the at least one second recess of the divider 550 and the at least one second projection of the divider 550 is in the second position.

[00263] 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 a 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 splitter 550 may comprise a language. 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.

[00264] 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, the at least one second projection of the front rail 580 being 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 front rail 580, wherein the at least one divider 550 comprises a divider wall 552 and a divider floor 554 perpendicular to divider wall 552, wherein the at least at least one divider 550 additionally comprises at least one undercut. 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 at least one recess of the divider 550 and the at least one second projection of the front rail 580 is in the first position. The at least one divider 550 is (a) secured 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 a first projection of the front rail 580 is engaged with at least one recess of the front rail 580. divider 550 and the at least one second projection of front rail 580 is in the second position.

[00265] 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.

[00266] 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 front rail 580, wherein the at least one divider 550 comprises a divider wall 552 and a divider floor 554 perpendicular to divider wall 552, wherein the at least at least one 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 the mobile projection is in the first position. The at least one divider 550 is (a) attached in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) attached 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 movable projection is in second position.

[00267] In one example, the movable projection of the merchandise display system may be a cam 720 or a resilient tab. The first projection of the front rail 580 can be a tongue and the recess of the divider 550 can be a groove.

[00268] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580, wherein the front rail 580 comprises at least a first engagement member. The merchandise display system also includes at least one divider 550 configured to attach to 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 a divider 550 additionally comprises at least a second engagement 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 engagement member of the front rail 580 is engaged with the second engagement member. of the divider 550 and the third hook member is in the first position. The at least one divider 550 is (a) attached in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) attached in the direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the first engagement member of the front rail 580 is engaged with the second engagement member of the divider 550 and the third coupling member is in the second position. In one example, when the first engagement member of the front rail 580 is engaged with the second engagement member of the divider 550 and the third engagement member is in the first position, the at least one divider 550 is movable in the plane of a shelf (such as like the shelf 596 shown in Figures 70 and 71) only in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580; the at least one divider 550 is fixed in the plane of the shelf in all directions other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580; the at least one divider 550 cannot rotate, tapering like a fishtail in the plane of the shelf; the at least one divider 550 remains perpendicular to the front rail 580.

[00269] 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 engaging member of the front rail 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 in front of the pusher surface 528, and a coil spring 534 that has a coiled end and a free end. . The spiral end may be positioned behind the pusher surface 528 and the pusher mechanism 520 is attached 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. spiral spring freewheel 534.

[00270] 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 divider wall 554, wherein divider floor 552 is configured to hold product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam 720 coupled to the divider 550, wherein the cam 720 is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The at least one divider 550 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 rail. front 580 when cam 720 is in first position. Cam 720 may allow movement of divider 550 in the lateral direction parallel to front rail 580 when cam 720 is in the second position. The merchandise display system may include a handle for rotating cam 720 between the first position and the second position. The merchandise display system may include a handle for sliding cam 720 between the first position and the second position (not shown).

[00271] Figures 67A through 67C show an example of a step-by-step approach to placing a divider on a front rail. To begin with, as illustrated in Figure 67A, divider 550 is recessed in channel 586 defined by front rail 580. The lowering force of divider 550 in channel 586 causes teeth 562 on divider 550 to contact the top of the rail. front rail 580 and move in one direction to splitter 550 and away from front rail 580, as illustrated in Figure 67B. Teeth 562 on divider 550 may be raised teeth as shown in Figure 63. Front rail 580 includes recesses 589, as shown in Figure 64, which are shaped to engage teeth 562 on divider 550. These recesses 589 are spaced apart by teeth 588 present on front rail 580. When divider 550 is further recessed into channel 586 on front rail 580, as shown in Figure 67C, teeth 564 of divider 550 move beyond the top of front rail 580 and move into the recesses 589 on the front rail 580. When the teeth 564 on the divider 550 are in the recesses 589 on the front rail 580, the divider 550 is in an engaged position and will not move in a sideways direction under a normal amount of force.

[00272] In one example, Figures 68A to 68C show a step-by-step approach to placing a divider on a front rail in another embodiment. In the initial step, as illustrated in Figure 68A, the resilient tongue or tab 564 is manually pushed back causing the teeth 562 on the tab 564 to move rearwardly toward the divider 550. A shaft-like pivot allows the tongue or resilient tab 564 remains in the pushed-back position and allows teeth 562 to remain in position toward divider 550. Divider 550 is then brought into contact with front rail 580, as illustrated in Figure 68B. The groove 560 of the divider 550 engages the ridge or tongue 584 of the front rail 580. At this time, the divider 550 can be moved in a lateral direction along the front rail and may allow for the facility of a new planogram. However, the divider 550 is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 (i.e., parallel to the divider 550) and cannot be moved in that direction, other than an insignificantly small amount of clearance between the groove 560 of the divider 550 and the crest or tongue 584 of front rail 580. (Direction perpendicular to front rail is noted by arrow "B" in Figure 86H.) This insignificantly small amount of clearance may not be noticeable to a user of the system. While the divider 550 is in contact with the front rail 580 and the groove 560 of the divider 550 engages the ridge or tongue 584 of the front rail 580, as shown in Figure 68B, the divider 550 can move in the plane of the shelf (the shelf is noted as 596 in Figures 70 and 71) only in the side direction parallel to the front rail 580 (ie the direction noted by arrow "A" in Figure 65). The divider is fixed and immobile in the plane of the shelf under normal operating forces in all directions other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580. The divider cannot rotate, taper like a fishtail, or otherwise move in the plane of the shelf in a direction other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580. The divider 550 may, however, be able to move in a direction outside the plane of the shelf, such as the direction noted by arrow "C" in Figure 87B . Divider 550, with or without product on divider floor 554, can be slid in the direction previously noted by arrow "A" in Figure 65, without requiring divider 550 to be lifted. In the final step, as illustrated in Figure 68C, the resilient tongue or tab 564 is manually pulled away from the divider 550. This movement causes the teeth 562 on the front divider 550 to fit into the recesses 589 in the front rail 580. The recesses 589 in the front rail 580 are spaced by teeth 588 in the front rail. When the teeth 562 of the divider 550 are connected with the recesses 589 and the teeth 588 on the front rail 580, the divider 550 is engaged and cannot move in a lateral direction with a normal amount of force.

[00273] In another example, the resilient tongue or tab does not include an axle-type pivot that allows the resilient tongue or tab 564 to remain in the pushed-back position. In fact, the resilient tongue or tab 564 is angled toward the front rail 580 and away from the divider 550 so that the tongue or tab 564 automatically returns to its rest position and can engage the front rail 580. when the force manually pushing the tongue or resilient tab 564 back is removed.

[00274] In one example, a splitter 550 is brought into contact with a front rail 580. A front rail engagement member 580 engages with a splitter engagement member 550, which holds the splitter in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 (the direction noted by the arrow "B" in Figure 86H) and renders the divider 550 immobile in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, other than an insignificantly small amount of clearance or space between the hook members that may not be noticeable to a user. The divider 550 is also clamped in the plane of the shelf in all directions other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580 (the direction noted by arrow "A" in Figure 65). The divider 550 can move in the plane of the shelf only in the direction parallel to the front rail 580. The divider 550 is fixed, under normal operating conditions and forces, in the plane of the shelf in a direction other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580. The divider , however, may be movable in a direction out of the plane of the shelf, such as a direction noted by arrow "C" in Figure 87B. When the divider is "clamped" in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, this means that the divider 550 is immobile, under normal operating conditions and forces, in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, other than an insignificantly small amount of clearance or space between coupling members that may not be noticeable to a user. The direction perpendicular to the front rail is noted by the arrow "B" in Figure 86H. A second front rail engagement 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 the divider 550 fixed in a side direction parallel to the front rail 580 (the direction noted by arrow "A" in Figure 65) under normal operating conditions and forces. When the divider 550 is "clamped" in a side direction parallel to the front rail 580, the divider 550 will not move in the side direction parallel to the front rail 580 under normal operating conditions and forces.

[00275] 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 noted by arrow "B" in Figure 86H) . Each of a plurality of dividers 550 may be contacted with a front rail 580. An engagement member or a plurality of engagement members of front rail 580 engage(s) with an engagement 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 noted by arrow "B" in Figure 86H) and renders each of the plurality of dividers 550 motionless in a direction perpendicular to the 580 front rail, other than an insignificantly small amount of clearance or space between the hitch members that may not be noticeable to a user. A second latch member (or a plurality of second latch members) of front rail 580 or each of dividers 550 is in a first position which allows the plurality of dividers 550 to be moved laterally parallel to front rail 580. the plurality of dividers 550 may form rows between dividers 550 that are configured to hold product. The product may 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 rail. front 580 and cause the divider 550 to come into contact with a product adjacent to the first divider 550. (Product is shown in Figures 45 to 47 as cans or boxes and can take other shapes.) Then, the divider 550 can force the product to move in the same direction as the first divider 550, i.e. parallel to the front rail 580. The force may move the product to contact a second divider 550 adjacent to the product. The product can then force the second divider 550 to move in the same direction as the first divider 550 and the product, i.e. parallel to the front rail 580. The second divider can then force a second product adjacent to the second divider 550 to move in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. The second product can force a third divider 550 adjacent to the second product to move in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. In this way, a series of dividers 550 and products all , can be moved in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 with a single force acting on only one of the dividers 550 or products in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. When the second engagement member or members on the front rail 580 or one of the plurality of dividers 550 is moved to a second position, which makes the divider 550 fixed in a side direction parallel to the front rail 580 under normal operating conditions and forces, the divider 550 cannot move in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 and the divider 550 cannot force other dividers 550 or products to move in a direction parallel to the front rail 580.

[00276] In one example, when the second latch member is moved to a second position, the second latch member inhibits movement of the divider 550 in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580. Upon a force equal to or less than a predefined amount of force, the second engagement member prevents the divider 550 from moving in a side 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 side direction parallel to the rail 580, the splitter 550 can move in the side direction parallel to the front rail 580.

[00277] In an embodiment as illustrated in Figure 66, the thickness of the divider floor 554 varies. The thickness of a front portion of the divider floor 554 where it is adjacent to the flat surface 582 of the front track is less than the thickness of a rear portion of the divider floor further back 554 where it is not adjacent to the flat surface 582 of the track front. As shown in Figure 67, the divider floor portion 554A is thinner than the divider floor portion 554B. In one example, the thickness of the front portion of the divider floor 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 floor 554 that is not adjacent to the flat surface 582 of the rail. front 580.

[00278] One embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 69A and 69B, includes rail mounting clips 590 for the front rail 580. As illustrated in Figure 69B, the front rail 580 includes a hole 592. This hole 592 can be coordinated to be placed over holes 595 in a shelf 596 in a retail environment as shown in Figure 70. Rail mounting clips 590 can be curved. The 590 rail mounting clips also contain a narrow portion 594 at one end of the 590 rail mounting clips. The 590 rail mounting clips can be inserted into the wider rounded portion of the 592 hole in the 580 front rail and 595 holes. on the shelf 596 in the retail environment as shown in Figure 71. The rail mounting clips 590 can then be moved laterally to a narrower portion within the hole 592 in the front rail 580. By moving the rail mounting clips 590 , the wider rounded portion of the rail mounting clips 590 will engage the narrower portion of the hole 592 in the front rail and will be locked in place. Through this, the 590 rail mounting clips hold the 580 front rail in place and prevent the 580 front rail from moving in the lateral direction. If it is known before shipment that a storage shelf will have holes, the 590 rail mounting clips can be inserted and locked into the 580 front rail before shipping. Inserting the 590 rail mount clips prior to shipment can facilitate installation of the merchandise system in the storage environment.

[00279] In at least one embodiment, the height of the dividing wall 552 may be greater than the height of the barrier 556, as shown in Figures 72 and 73. Figure 74 further shows the end 557 of the coil spring 534 held within the barrier 556. End 557 of spring 534 is bent at an approximately 90 degree angle to the remainder of spring body 534. End 557 is placed within a slot 558 held within barrier 556.

[00280] In one embodiment, the divider 550 contains teeth 600, as illustrated in Figures 72 and 73. These teeth may be molded to be integral with the divider 550. The teeth 600 are not held in a resilient tab or tongue as in others. modalities. Teeth 600 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 in front of barrier 556.

[00281] As illustrated in Figure 75, a front rail 610 may include a plurality of teeth 612. Teeth 612 on front rail 610 may be designed to releasably engage teeth 600 of divider 550 through the use of a cam bar 622 on the front rail 610 and offset action, as shown in Figure 76. The 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 the flat surface 614, as shown in Fig. 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, the cam bar lever 618 is in a first position where the teeth 612 of the front rail 610 are extracted on the front rail 610 in the opposite direction of the divider. In Figure 76B, cam bar lever 618 is in a second position where teeth 612 of front rail 610 are extended into divider 550.

[00282] Figure 77 shows an exploded view of various 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. cam bar 618 may operate to move the cam bar 622 back and forth in a lateral direction. The cam bar 622 additionally includes elongated cam reservoirs 628. The cam reservoirs 628 are diagonal with a front end of the cam reservoir 628 closer to the front end of the front rail 610 and the rear end of the reservoir 628 further back from the end. front of the front rail 610.

[00283] The tooth bar 624 may include cam pins 630. The tooth bar cam pins 630 are placed inside the cam reservoir bar 628 during the operation of the front rail 610. When the cam bar 622 and the cam reservoir bar 628 moves laterally, tooth bar cam pins 630 move in a direction perpendicular to the movement of cam bar 622. Tooth bar cam pins 630 move forward of front rail 610 (and away from the divider teeth 600) and away from the front of the front rail 610 (and away from the divider teeth 600) as the cam bar 622 moves laterally back and forth. forward within the cam area 626. As the tooth bar cam pins 630 move, the tooth 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 inside of the front rail 610. This lateral movement of the cam bar 622 causes causing tooth bar 624 and teeth 612 therein to move in a direction perpendicular to the direction of cam bar 622; that is, the tooth bar 624 moves in a direction towards or away from the front of the front rail 610 and towards or away from the teeth 600 on the divider 550. Figure 78 shows an exploded rear view of various aspects of the modality shown in Figure 77.

[00284] Figures 79A to 79C show an example of a step-by-step guide for placing divider 550 on front rail 610. Divider 550 that includes teeth 600 on divider is recessed into channel 640 of front rail 610, as illustrated in Figure 79A. The tooth bar 624 is initially in a position closer to the front of the front rail 610 and the teeth 612 of the tooth bar 624 are not engaged with the teeth 600 of the divider 550. The cam bar lever 618 is in a first position. which holds the teeth 612 of the tooth bar 624 out of engagement with the divider teeth 600, as shown in Figure 79B. In this position, divider 550 may be moved laterally along the ridge or tongue 616 of front rail 610. Divider 550 may have product located on divider floor 554 as divider 550 is moved laterally along front rail in the direction shown. in Figure 77 by the arrow "A". . The ridge 584 or other projection on the front rail 580 may engage the groove 560 or other recess in the divider 550 to secure the divider 550 and prevent the divider from moving in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 other than an insignificantly small amount of clearance. (e.g. 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 a 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 reservoir bar 628 in lateral direction . The movement of the cam reservoir bar 628, in turn, causes the tooth bar cam pins 630 to move in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the cam bar 622 and in a direction to the teeth 600 of the divider 550 , as illustrated in Figure 79C. Tooth bar cam pins 630 are coupled to and may be integral with tooth bar 624. Consequently, movement of tooth bar cam pins 630 causes tooth bar 624 and teeth 612 contained therein. move towards the teeth 600 of the divider. This movement causes the teeth 612 of the tooth bar 624 to engage with the teeth 600 of the divider. When the teeth 612 of the tooth bar are engaged with the teeth 600 of the divider, the divider 550 is releasably engaged and will not move in a lateral direction shown by arrow "A" in Figure 77 under normal operating conditions and forces.

[00285] The tooth bar 624 is fixed at its ends so that the tooth bar 624 can only move in one direction which is towards or away from the 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 secured so 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 teeth 600 on divider

[00286] Figure 80 provides an isometric perspective view of aspects of an embodiment. When the teeth 612 of the tooth bar 624 are engaged with the teeth 600 of the divider, the entire commodity system 10 is locked. Front rail 610 and divider 550 are releasably engaged with each other and will not move relative to each other. Furthermore, the pusher 520 is engaged with the divider 550. In this position, the entire merchandise system 10 can be moved. The commodity system 10 may be set up at a remote location in accordance with a particular planogram and then locked. The merchandise system 10 can then be moved to the storage location. At the storage location, the merchandise system 10 can be removed from the containerized transport and placed on the shelf as a cushion. The planogram of the dividers 550 will remain intact while the commodity system 10 is locked.

[00287] In one example, a display system is mounted at a remote location away from a shelf and then moved as a unit to the shelf and attached to the shelf. A plurality of dividers 550 are engaged with a front rail 580 in such a manner that they are secured and will not significantly move in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580. The plurality of dividers 550 are fitted laterally parallel to the front rail 580 accordingly. with a pre-panogrammed planogram or other layout. The plurality of dividers 550 includes engagement members and the front rail 580 includes engagement members. The engaging members on the plurality of dividers 550 and/or the engaging members on the front rail 580 are adjusted from a first position to the second position to secure the plurality of dividers 550 to the front rail 580 so that the plurality of dividers cannot move in either direction relative to front rail 580. 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.

[00288] To change the commodity system planogram in the storage location, the dividers 550 and the product do not need to be removed from the shelf. The cam bar lever 618 or other engagement member for each of the dividers 550 can be moved to its home position. By moving the cam bar lever 618 or other engagement member to its initial position, the teeth 612 of the tooth bar 624 release the teeth 600 from the divider (or an engagement member disengages from another engagement member). In this position, dividers 550 can be moved laterally in the direction denoted by arrow "A" in Figure 80. Product can remain in place on divider floors 554 and pusher floors 524 while dividers 550 are being moved. Once the dividers 550 have been moved to the new planogram position, the cam bar lever 618 or other engaging member for each of the dividers 550 can be moved to its second position. Then the teeth 612 of the tooth bar 622 will engage the teeth 600 of the divider 550 (or an engagement member will engage another engagement member) and again cause the merchandise system 10 to be locked.

[00289] In an example, the operation of the misalignment action is additionally shown in Figures 81A and 81B. Figure 81A shows the teeth 600 of the divider not engaged with the teeth 612 of the tooth bar 624. In the embodiment, the cam bar 622 is adjacent to the front wall of the front rail 610. In Figure 81B, the cam bar lever 618 was moved to the second position, cam bar 622 moved laterally and tooth bar cam pins 630 moved towards divider 550. Teeth 612 of tooth bar 624 also moved towards divider 550 and engaged with 600 divider teeth.

[00290] In one embodiment, a soft rubber base may be used in place of teeth 612 on the tooth bar 624 and may function as an engagement member. In this embodiment, when tooth bar 624 is adjacent to the front portion of front rail 610, the soft rubber base 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 to the tooth bar 624 towards the divider teeth 600, the divider teeth 600 contact and thereby engage soft rubber base. The contact provides resistive interference and holds the divider teeth 600 in place and prevents lateral movement of divider 550 in the direction noted in Figure 77 by arrow "A".

[00291] In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 82A to 82C, the divider 550 is held in place in contact with the front rail 580 through the use of a clamp. Figures 82A to 82C show a step-by-step process for inserting the divider 550 into the front rail 580. Initially, as illustrated in Figure 82A, the divider 550 is recessed into a channel 640 formed in the front rail 580 (or 610). In addition, a ridge or tongue 644 on front rail 580 contacts a channel 645 on divider 550. Divider 550 includes an outwardly extending ridge or ridge 650 on a front portion of divider 550. A clamp 652 on rail front 580 is rotated to engage boss 650 of divider 550. Clip 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 noted in Figure 80 by arrow "A". To move divider 550, clamp 652 must be pulled to loosen clamp 652 from divider protrusion 650.

[00292] In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 83A to 83C, the divider 550 is held in place in contact with the front rail 580 through the use of a rotating rod 660 that includes teeth. Figures 83A to 82C show a step-by-step process for inserting the divider 550 into the front rail 580. Initially, as illustrated in Figure 83A, the divider 550 is recessed into a channel 640 formed in the front rail 580. The front rail 580 includes a 660 rotation rod which itself includes teeth. When the divider 550 is initially recessed into the channel, as illustrated in Figure 83B, the teeth of the rotation rod 660 are in a first position where they are not engaged with the teeth 600 of the divider 550. A handle 662 is coupled to the rotation rod. rotation 660. When the handle is in a first position 664, the teeth of the rotation rod 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 rotation rod 660 and moves teeth on rotation rod 662 into a position where they engage teeth 600 on divider 550. In this position, rod teeth are in an interference condition. with the divider teeth 600. When the shank teeth and the divider teeth 600 are engaged with each other, the divider 550 cannot move in the lateral direction noted in Figure 80 by arrow "A". To move the divider 550, the rod 660 must be returned to its first position 664 and the teeth of the rod 660 moved out of engagement with the teeth 600 on the divider 550.

[00293] In one embodiment, a plurality of pushers 520 and dividers 550 may be used with a single front rail 580. Figures 84A to 84E show the use of two pushers 520 and two dividers 550 to push product to the front of the shelf. . The use of multiple pushers 520 may allow for pushing the broad product, shown schematically in the Figures. In addition, placing the pusher extender 528 in its extended upward position can allow the pushers 520 to push the products higher or more products as shown in Figures 84D and 84E. In one embodiment, a divider 550 may be coupled to the two pushers 520. A pusher 520 may be engaged with 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 coupled to a pusher or the divider may be coupled to no pusher.

[00294] In another embodiment, the divider 550 is secured to the front rail 580 in part through the operation of a cam 720, as illustrated in Figure 85. Figure 85 illustrates a cam 720 in a perspective side view coupled to the barrier 556. Cam 720 includes a rounded portion 722 which is configured to rotate within a cavity 740 (see Figure 86G) in barrier 556. Cam 720 also includes a tongue 724 which is comprised of a first cam wall 726, a second wall cam 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 that position, the first cam wall 726 may be in a substantially vertical alignment. In that position, a second cam wall 728 and third cam wall 730 may also be in substantially horizontal alignment. First cam wall 726 connects to second cam wall 728. Second cam wall 728 connects to third cam wall 730. The cam also includes a handle 732.

[00295] In another embodiment, the tongue 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 the cam walls 728 and 730. There is no bend in the second cam wall in this embodiment. The cam walls may extend to one or more portions of the width of divider 550 or may extend across the entire width of divider 550.

[00296] In another embodiment shown in Figures 92 to 94, cam 720 may define a cam slider surface 733 (hereinafter referred to as the cam slider) located on a bottom side of the cam, opposite the handle 732 The 733 cam slider serves as a low friction sliding boss to enhance the slider's sliding ability relative to the rail. In operation, the cam slider 733 lifts the divider up off the rail to reduce friction between the divider and the rail, thereby improving the sliding ability of the divider relative to the rail. As seen in the Figures, cam slider 733 of cam 720 extends below or beyond 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 come into contact with each other. Therefore, this single point of contact reduces friction between the divider and the rail.

[00297] The cam slider may further define a flat surface that extends away from the rounded portion 722 of the cam 720. The cam slider 733 may be centrally positioned on the rounded portion 722 of the cam to provide stability and balance to the divider with respect to to the track. It should be understood, however, that the cam slider may be located in any other suitable location on the cam. The flat surface of the cam slider may terminate in an elongated edge which is sized and shaped to slide freely in the channel 586 of the track 580 to thereby facilitate lateral movement of the divider relative to the track. The elongated edge of the flat surface can define contoured or rounded edge surfaces to further assist in free movement of the cam slider relative to the rail. It should be understood that the cam slider may have other configurations that allow the cam slider to fit into or along the rail and also allow for sliding movement of the divider relative to the rail. For example, the cam slider might define a rounded ledge or bulge, or a series of rounded ledges or bulges, which would accomplish the same purpose as the flat surface defining an elongated edge. While the cam 720 defining a cam slider 733 is described as being used with a divider, the cam and cam slider can be used with the pusher or set of pushers or other components that are mounted to the rail.

[00298] In another embodiment, the cam 720 defining the cam slider 733 may be mounted behind the divider or pusher, and may operatively engage with a rear rail which is mounted to the rear of the shelf. In this embodiment, 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 herein can be used to attach the divider or pusher to a front rail or rear rail, or both, depending on the desired application.

[00299] In an exemplary aspect, the cam 720 serves as a latch to lock the divider or pusher to the front rail or 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 unlatched position, Cam 720 allows sliding movement of the divider or pusher relative to the rail. In one exemplary aspect, cam 720 is rotatable or pivoting 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 onto the track and also improving the lateral sliding ability of the divider or pusher relative to the track when the cam is in the unlocked position.

[00300] As shown in Figure 92, cam 720 may define a rounded 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 the groove walls 754 and 756 of the front rail, as explained below.

[00301] In one embodiment, cam 720 fits within a cavity 740 of 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 the width of cam 720. An amount of force is required to push cam 720 beyond the width of the cam 720. side walls 742 and cavity 740. After the cam passes the side walls 742, it even clicks into place in the cavity 740. The cam 720 can then rotate in the cavity 740 and will not be outside the cavity 740 or detach from the cavity 740. during normal use. Cam 720 is rotatably secured within cavity 740. In one embodiment, cavity 740 is also limited at its front portion by a front wall (not shown).

[00302] In another embodiment, the side walls 742 will not make the front of the cavity 740 any narrower than the width of the cam 720. In that embodiment, the cam 720 can be placed in the cavity 740 and removed from the cavity 740 without the need for overcome the resistive force caused by the 742 side walls.

[00303] Referring to Figure 92, in another embodiment, the cam 720 defining a cam slider 733 can fit within the cavity 741 formed at the front end of the divider 550 and can be limited by the side walls 743. The side walls 743 make the front of the cavity 741 slightly narrower than the width of the cam 720. An amount of force is required to push the cam 720 past the side walls 743 and into the cavity 741. After the cam passes the side walls 743, the it snaps into place in the cavity 741 and accommodates a pair of cavity surfaces 747. The cam 720 can then rotate in the cavity and will not be out of the cavity or detach from the cavity during normal use.

[00304] As shown in Figures 92 to 94, cam 720 is rotatably secured within cavity 741. In that embodiment, cavity 741 also defines an opening or slot 745 that is sized and shaped to allow rotational movement of the slider. cam pain 733 within 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. Opening 745 also allows cam slider 733 to extends beyond the bottom surface of the divider and onto 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 the divider to slide freely relative to the rail.

[00305] Opening 745 also creates clearance for rotation of the cam slider away from the rail. When the handle 732 on the cam is rotated toward the leading edge of the track, the cam slider will consequently rotate away from the track. The opening 745 formed within the cavity 741 allows for such rotational movement.

[00306] With reference to Figures 93A and 93B, the divider 550 is shown as being recessed and placed on the rail 580. More specifically, the front portion of the divider 550 is smaller in the channel 586 and the groove 560 is placed on the ridge 584 Cam slider 733 will contact channel 586 and support divider up and off track 580, as shown in Figure 93B. In this embodiment, 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 groove 560 and crest 584 and between the underside surface of the divider and the top surface of the rail.

[00307] Referring to Figures 94A through 94C, which show 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 recessed into track 580, cam slider 733 contacts channel 586 of track 580 and lifts the divider up and off the track. As shown in Figure 94A, cam 720 defines cam surfaces 725, 727, and 729. The cam further defines a cam handle 732 located opposite cam slider 733. Also shown in Figure 94A is front rail 580 that defines a channel rail 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, come into contact with cam surfaces during cam operation.

[00308] Referring to Figure 94B, as the cam is rotated, through the operation of the handle 732, the cam slider contacts the channel 586 and the cam surface 725 contacts the surface or groove wall 756 of the front rail. At this time, cam 720 contacts the rail at two points simultaneously.

[00309] Referring to Figure 94C, as the cam is rotated even further through the handle operation, the cam surface 725 contacts the groove surface or wall 754 while the cam surface 727 comes into contact with the groove. contact with the groove surface or wall 756. In addition, the cam surface 729 will contact the groove surface or wall 752. The groove wall 752 serves as a stop to prevent further rotational movement of the cam 720. handle 732 extends across the top of and even with the front edge of the front rail or beyond the front edge of the front rail. In one example, the front of cam handle 732 is flush with the frontmost portion of the front rail. Human fingerprint fit exists between the 732 handle and the front rail, sufficient for a human fingerprint (ie a finger or thumb) to access the handle. At this time, cam slider 733 has rotated up and out of channel 586 of rail 580 and rotated into opening 745. Now, the divider is in and makes direct contact with the rail, while the cam engages with the rail and secures the divider to the rail, preventing lateral movement of the divider. In an exemplary aspect, cam 720 engages 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 to the rail.

[00310] To release the cam from the locked or snapped position, a user simply lifts up on the handle 732 to release the cam surfaces 725 and 727 from the groove walls 754 and 756. As the cam is being released from the groove walls, the cam slider will rotate back in contact with the channel rail 586 and lift the divider up and off the rail. The divider will then rest on the track via the cam slider and can then be moved laterally with respect to the track, and the operation described above can be repeated. As indicated above, during the locking and releasing of the cam relative to the rail groove, the cam is at any time in contact with the rail and is at any time in contact with the divider.

[00311] 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 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 the first position, the front latch can allow sliding movement of the divider in relation to the front rail. In one embodiment, the latch can lift the divider up and 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 and second positions, and all positions between the first and second positions.

[00312] In one example, a latch for the divider, such as cam 720 or other latches, is located at one end of the divider. The latch may 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 selection product). The latch, such as cam 720, may be in front of the dividing wall 552. The latch, such as cam 720, may be in front of the barrier 556. When located at the front end of the divider and in front of the dividing wall 552 and in front from barrier 556, the lock is digitally accessible by an individual shelf supply maintenance, shelf replenishment or new shelf planogram, even when the product is on the divider floor 554 and even when the divider floor 554 is full of product ( i.e. no additional products can fit into the split floor). The latch (such as cam 720) may be located on the divider so that the latch is in front of the product when the product is on the divider floor 554 and the product will not interfere with access to the latch in any position of the product when the product is on the divider floor 554. Cam handle 732 may be flush with the front end of the front rail 580 and may extend beyond the front end of the front rail 580.

[00313] 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 the 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 partition wall. The front lock is configured to be digitally accessible when the product is on the split floor. The front lock is capable of shifting between a first position and a second position. The front latch lifts the divider up and out and out of contact with the front rail when in the first position and allows for sliding movement of the divider relative to the front rail. The front lock prevents the divider from sliding relative to the front rail when in the second position.

[00314] In one example, Figures 86E and 86F illustrate magnified 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, the first cam wall 726 is textured with teeth 736 and 738. The teeth 736 may form a lower row of teeth. Teeth 738 can form a top row of teeth. The teeth 736 and the teeth 738 in one embodiment are rounded. In at least one embodiment, teeth 736 and teeth 738 form a vertical row of teeth. Eliminating tooth stitches can provide better operation and longer life for cam teeth. Cam 720 can also be textured in different ways with teeth, such as through curling or other texturing.

[00315] In one example, the front rail 580 includes a groove 750, as illustrated in Figure 86F. The groove 750 may include a first groove wall 752, a second groove wall 754, and a third groove wall 756. The first groove wall 752 is connected to the second groove wall 754, which, in turn, is also connected to to the third groove wall 756. In another embodiment, the groove 750 has only two groove walls. A first groove wall, such as first groove wall 752, and a second groove wall 754. The second groove wall 754 is straight and spans the length shown by groove walls 754 and 756. There is no bending in the second wall. groove 754 in this mode.

[00316] In one embodiment, the groove 750 may be textured. Groove 750 may include teeth. In one embodiment, the first groove wall 752 includes teeth 766 and teeth 768. The 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 may be placed along the entire length of groove 750. In addition, teeth 766 and 768 may be placed in sections along groove 750 with additional sections of groove 750 that are flattened and toothless. Groove 750 can also be textured in different ways with teeth, such as through crimping or other texturing. In one embodiment, the second groove wall 754 is flattened and the third groove wall 756 is flattened. In one embodiment, the second cam wall 728 is flattened and the third cam wall 730 is flattened.

[00317] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 87A to 87C, 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 the barrier 556. The cam 720 includes a cam tongue 724, wherein the cam tongue 724 comprises a first cam wall 726, a second cam wall 728 and a third cam wall 730. Cam 720 also includes a handle 732. Front rail 580 comprises a groove 750 which is composed of a first groove wall 752, a second groove wall 754 and a third groove wall 756. The cam 720 is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position, wherein when the cam 720 is in the second position, the cam tongue 724 is engaged with the front rail groove 750 and the dividing wall 5560 is inhibited from movement in a lateral direction . Cam 720 can also be configured to slide between a first position and a second position.

[00318] Figures 87A to 87C show a progression where the divider 550 is coupled to a front rail 580. The cam 720 is moved between 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 track 580 or otherwise parallel to front track 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 an insignificantly small amount of clearance that may exist between the divider and the front rail, which may not be noticeable. for 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 the second position shown in Figure 87C. In another example, cam 720 inhibits movement of divider 550 by preventing divider 550 from moving laterally along front rail 580 when a force equal to or less than a predefined amount of force is applied to divider 550 at a side direction parallel to front rail 580. When an amount of force above the preset amount of force is applied to splitter 550 in a side direction parallel to front rail 580, splitter 550 moves in side direction parallel to front rail 580.

[00319] Figure 87A shows divider 550 raised above front rail 580. In Figure 87B, divider 550 was lowered and placed in contact with front rail 580. Groove 560 was placed over ridge 584 and ridge 584 was placed with groove 560. Groove 560 and crest 584 may be in contact with each other in this position. Groove 560 and ridge 584 also cannot be in contact with each other at any time in this position. Space may exist between groove surfaces 560 and crest 584 in some positions. A front portion of barrier 556 has also been placed within channel or groove 586. In Figure 87B, tongue 724 of cam 720 is not engaged with groove 750 of front rail 580. In Figure 87B, divider 550 may move in one direction side shown by arrow "A" in Figures 86F and 86H. The divider 550 does not need to be elevated above the front rail 580 to allow for such movement. Splitter 550 can remain in contact with front rail 580 and move in direction "A." The product may be placed on the divider floor 554 during the process of moving the divider 550. The ability to move the divider 550 without separating the divider 550 from the front rail 580 or removing the product to provide the facility of a new planogram. In Figure 87B, the 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, the divider 550 is immobile in other directions in the plane of the shelf, such as the direction shown by arrow "B" in Figure 86H, under normal operating conditions and forces. Divider 550 cannot wobble, rotate, or taper like a fishtail in the plane of the shelf, and divider 550 remains perpendicular to front rail 580 under normal operating conditions and forces. In Figure 87B, the divider 550 can move in the direction shown by arrow "C" in Figure 87B and thereby lift in the opposite direction of the front rail 580. The direction shown by arrow "C" in Figure 87B is not in the plane off the shelf.

[00320] In Figure 87C, cam handle 732 has been rotated toward front rail 580. In one embodiment, cam handle 732 is in contact with front rail 580. As cam 720 is rotated from From its position in Figure 87B to its position in Figure 87C, cam tongue 724 makes contact with front rail 580 and deforms front rail 580 slightly away from cam tongue 724. The first cam wall 726 may be in contact with the third groove wall 756 as the cam 720 is being rotated from its position in Figure 87B to its position in Figure 87C.

[00321] As the cam moves into the position shown in Figure 87C, the tongue 724 can snap into place within the groove 750 and the tongue 724 is engaged with the groove 750. In one embodiment, the tongue 724 is in close fit. with groove 750. This tight fit 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. Cam walls 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 third cam wall 730 is in contact with third groove wall 756. In at least one embodiment, while the cam walls and groove walls are in contact with each other they are not in substantial tension with each other. In another embodiment, one or more of the cam walls are in tension with one or more of the groove walls when the cam walls and the groove walls are in contact with each other.

[00322] In one embodiment, where the first cam wall 726 has been brought into contact with the first groove wall 752, the teeth of the first cam wall 726 engage the teeth of the first groove wall 752. The teeth 736 engage the teeth of the first groove wall 752. teeth 766 and teeth 738 engage teeth 768. The engagement of the teeth of the first cam wall and the teeth of the first groove wall provide resistance to the divider moving laterally along the front rail in the lateral direction shown by arrow "A" (as shown in Figure 86H).

[00323] When cam tongue 724 has been placed in snug fit 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 the divider 550 will not move laterally under normal forces placed on the divider during operation.

[00324] When it is desired to move the divider 550 along the front rail 580 again, the cam can be detached from the front rail. Handle 732 can be rotated away from front rail 580. Tongue 724 can disengage from groove 750 and return to its position in Figure 87B.

[00325] In one embodiment, the partition wall 552 has sections of different width (see Figure 85). A front section 770 of partition wall 552 that may be adjacent to barrier 556 may have a greater width than a rear section 772 of partition wall 552 that is adjacent to barrier 556. Front section 770 may be connected to rear section 772 by a intermediate section 774. The width of the intermediate section 774 gradually changes from the width of the front divider 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 the width of section 770 and the width of the portion of the middle section 774 adjacent to the section 772 is equal to the width of the section 772. The smaller width of the rear section 772 of partition wall 552 creates air space between the partition walls 552 and helps to prevent the product connects between the two partition walls 552 when pushed and helps to provide product flow along the divider floor 554 as product is removed from the front of the merchandising system 10. In one example, the width of the front section 770 of the partition wall 552 is at least 25% greater than the width of the rear section 772 of the partition wall 552.

[00326] In the embodiments shown in Figures 85 to 87C one or more dividers 550 may be brought into contact with front rail 580. When cam 720 or other engaging member is not engaged with front rail 580, dividers 550 may move. parallel to the length of the front rail 580 in the side direction shown by arrow "A" (see Figure 86H). Divider 550 may then be secured in place by engaging cam 720 or other engagement member in engagement with front rail 580. Divider 550 will remain secured under normal operating forces until cam 720 or other engagement member be disengaged or otherwise placed out of engagement with the front rail 580.

[00327] In one embodiment, the front wall 561 of the groove 560 is textured, as shown in Figure 86K. This texturing can be in the form of wrinkling or small teeth. Texturing causes the surface of the front wall 561 of the groove 560 to be non-smooth. In one embodiment, the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 or other protrusion or engagement member is textured, as depicted in Figures 861, 86J and 86L. This texturing can be in the form of crinkling or small teeth and causes the surface of the front wall 585 of the crest 584 to not be smooth.

[00328] In at least one embodiment, as depicted in Figure 861, the barrier 556 is a separate component and may be removably affixed to the divider 550. In at least one embodiment, the barrier 556 may fit in front of the divider 550 In at least one embodiment, the barrier 556 is movable. The entire barrier 556 may be movable, or a portion or portions of the barrier 556 may be movable. For example, the portion of the barrier 556 positioned in front of the product in the merchandise display system 10 may be movable. In at least one embodiment, the portion of the barrier 556 positioned in front of the product may be configured to slide. In an alternative embodiment, the portion of the barrier 556 positioned in front of the product may be configured to rotate about an axis to allow the portion of the barrier 556 to open and close. In this embodiment, the geometry axis may be a hinged 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 be moved away from the divider 550. In this embodiment, upon releasing the force, the portion of barrier 556 will close or return to its original position. Exemplary methods for mounting barrier 556 are described in further detail in U.S. Patent No. 8,056,734, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[00329] In one example, the divider 550 does not include a barrier. Alternatively, one or more barriers can be included in the front rail 580.

[00330] In one embodiment, when the divider 550 is brought into contact with the front rail 580, as shown in Figure 87B, the front wall 561 of the groove 560 is not in contact with or not in consistent contact with the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 while cam 720 is in the position shown in Figure 87B and cam tongue 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 mustard second position in Figure 97C, and tongue 724 engages groove 750, tongue may force divider 550 to move backwards. In one embodiment, tension between tongue 724 and groove 750 forces divider 550 to move in a rearward direction. When the cam is moved to the second position shown in Figure 87C, the front wall 561 of the groove 560 contacts the front wall 585 of the ridge 584. The front wall 561 engages with the front wall 585. The texturing on the front wall 561 of groove 560 engages with texturing on front wall 585 of ridge 584. Engagement of front wall 561 of groove 560 with front wall 585 of ridge 584 inhibits movement of divider 550 along front rail 580 in the direction shown by the arrow "A" in Figure 86H. The engagement of the front wall texturing 561 of the groove 560 with the front wall texturing 585 of the ridge 584 further inhibits the movement of the divider 550 along the front rail 580 in the direction shown by arrow "A" in Figure 86H.

[00331] In one example, a resilient strip or bead may be included in the top surface of ridge 584, or other protrusion, of front rail 580. When cam 720, or other engagement device, is in a first position, the resilient strip or bead is not compressed. In this first position, the splitter 550 can move in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail, but 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 groove 560, or other recess, of the divider 550. When the resilient strip or bead is in compression with the groove 560, or other recess, divider 550 becomes clamped under normal operating forces in a direction parallel to front rail 580. In one example, the portion of groove 560, or other recess, that contacts the strip or bead front rail 580 may include a crinkle or teeth (not shown).

[00332] In one embodiment, barrier 556 is not molded at the same time as partition wall 552 and partition floor 554. Barrier 556 is molded as a separate part of partition wall 552 and partition floor 556, as shown in Figure 88A. Barrier 556 may be molded from a clear material, while dividing wall 552 and dividing floor 554 may be molded from opaque material.

[00333] In one example, a divider 550 includes an engagement member comprising a flat surface. Front rail 580 may include an engagement member that comprises a flat surface. The flat surface of the divider engagement member and/or the front rail engagement member may comprise a smooth or substantially smooth surface. The flat surface may include a resilient surface. The flat surface may include a strip of rubber or a strip of neoprene or material that is otherwise compressible. In one example, when the splitter engaging member 550 is in a first position, it is not engaged with the front rail engaging member 580 and the splitter 550 is laterally movable parallel to the front rail. When the divider engagement member 550 is in a second position, it is engaged with the front rail engagement member 580 and the divider is fixed and not movable laterally parallel to the front rail under normal operating conditions and force. In an example where the front rail engagement 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 550 divider is not limited by physical dimensions such as width, projections or teeth. Infinite lateral adjustability provides significant benefits to display systems by efficiently utilizing lateral space and limiting or minimizing unused or lost space between rows of product, thereby potentially increasing the amount of usable space and side product faces on a shelf.

[00334] In one embodiment, barrier 556 may be press fit 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 the divider 550.

[00335] 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 rotating "T"-latch 900 can be rotated to fit over the front rail 580. The "T"-latch swivel 900 may be affixed to a front portion of divider 550. Rotatable "T" latch 900 may rotate about an axis 903. Divider 550 may be lowered and brought into contact with front rail 580 as illustrated in Figure 89B. Groove 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 front rail and can provide for ease of replanning. In one example, the splitter 550 can move along the front rail. Divider 550, with or without product on divider floor 554, can be slid in the direction previously denoted by arrow "A" in Figure 65, without requiring divider 550 to be lifted. In the final step, as illustrated in Figure 89C, the rotating "T"-latch 900 can be pushed forward and down toward the front rail 580. The rotating "T"-latch 900 can engage a lip 901 on a front portion of front rail 580. In at least one embodiment, front rail 580 includes a front top surface 902. Front top surface 902 may include a texture or may be a resilient surface, such as rubber. Alternatively, the top front surface 902 may include one or more teeth. Top front surface 902 may engage with surface 904 on rotating "T" latch 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 rotating "T"-latch 900 engages lip 901, divider 550 is engaged with front rail 580 and is unable to move in a lateral direction under a normal amount of force.

[00336] Figures 90A through 90F illustrate embodiments of divider 550 and front rail 580. As shown in Figure 90A, a divider 550 may include wall 552, floor 554, and barrier 556. Partition wall 552 may divide 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 the front of dividing wall 552. As shown in Figures 90C and 90F, the bottom surface of dividing floor 554 may include a groove 560 or other recess, a tongue 941 or other protrusion, and a front wall 561. In at least one embodiment, the front wall 561 of groove 560 is textured. This texturing can be in the form of wrinkling or small teeth. Texturing may cause the surface of the front wall 561 of the groove 560 to be not smooth.

[00337] As illustrated in Figure 90D, a front rail 580 may define a flat surface 582, a ridge or tongue 584 or other projection, a first channel or groove 586 or other recess, and a second channel or groove 950 or other recess. The front wall 561 of the divider 550 may engage the first groove 586 of the front rail 580. The ridge or tongue 584 of the front rail 580 may engage the groove 560 of the divider 550. The tongue 941 of the divider 550 may engage the second groove 950 of the front rail 580. In one embodiment, the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 is textured. This texturing may be in the form of crinkling or small teeth and causes the surface of the front wall 585 of the crest 584 to be non-smooth. Front wall texturing 585 of ridge 584 may engage with front wall texturing 561 of groove 560. Front wall engagement 561 of divider 550 to first channel 586 of front rail 580, engagement of ridge or tongue 584 of front rail 580 to the groove 560 of the divider 550, and engagement of the projection 941 of the divider 550 to the second groove 950 of the front rail 580 can keep the divider wall 552 perpendicular to the front rail 580 and prevent a rear portion of the divider 550 from widening. In at least one embodiment, divider 550 may be moved laterally parallel to and/or along front track 580 when divider 550 receives lateral force.

[00338] Front rail 580 may include holes 951 and openings 952, as shown in Figure 90E. Holes 951 can be configured to engage with corresponding engagement projections (not shown). In one example, the engagement projection may be a flat splicer. Matching hitch projections can connect one or more 580 front rails together in series. The connection of holes 951 and hook projections can provide for one or more front rails 580 to be connected in series, even if the front rails 580 are not in perfect alignment with each other. The openings 952 can be configured to receive fasteners, which tie the front rail 580 to a display shelf. Front rail 580 may include any number of openings 952 suitable for attaching front rail 580 to a display shelf. Any type of fastener may be contemplated within the scope of the invention.

[00339] 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 on or near the back of a shelf. The rear rail 810 may be of similar construction as the front rail 580, and the disclosure herein regarding the front rail 580 applies equally to the rear rail 810. For example, the rear rail 810 may include a recess 804, which may be , usually in the shape of a "u". In this embodiment, dividers 550 can be connected to divider blocks 802. Divider blocks 802 can then engage with rear rail 810. Rear rail 810 may be a second rail in the merchandise display system, along with the front rail. 580. The rear rail 810 can also be the only rail in the merchandise display system. As noted above, front rail 580 may be located at the rear of the merchandise display system and thereby function as rear rail 810. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of divider blocks 802 each have a cam 710 (not shown in Figure 91A) at the location denoted by the arrow in Figure 91A. That 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. The divider blocks 802 may also include other engaging devices, including the engagement devices. described herein for divider 550, which engages rear rail 810. Use of rear rail 810 can hold the back of dividers 550 in position and prevent product from moving into a position behind pusher 520. To unlock the splitters 550 from the rear rail 810, the 720 or other latching device is rotated away from the rear rail 810 or otherwise disengaged with the rear rail 810.

[00340] In one example, a divider 550 may be placed in contact with a front rail 580. Groove 560 may be placed over ridge 584 and ridge 584 may be placed within groove 560. Groove 560 and ridge 584 can be in contact with each other in this position. Divider 550 may also be placed in contact with rear rail 810. A groove or other recess in divider 550 may be placed over a groove or other protrusion of rear rail 810 and the groove or protrusion of rear rail 810 may be placed within a groove or other recess in divider 550. Divider 550 can be in contact with front rail 580 and rear rail 810 at the same time. A latching device, such as cam 720, in front of the divider may be in a position so that the divider 550 can move laterally parallel to the front rail 580 and rear rail 810, but the 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 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 position such that splitter 550 can move sideways parallel to front rail 580 and rear rail 810, but splitter 550 is fixed in a direction perpendicular to front rail 580 or rear rail 810 (the direction between front rail 580 and rear rail 810).

[00341] In one example, the latching device on the front of the divider 550 can be moved to a second position. In the second position, the splitter 550 is spun in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 under normal operating forces. The latching 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. Front rail 580, rear rail 810 and a plurality of dividers 550 may be pre-assembled and formed on a rigid tray at a location distant 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 fasteners.

[00342] In one embodiment, a merchandise display system may include a barrier that is rotationally movable between a folded position and an upright position without the aid of, for example, a rotation deviation element (such as a hinge loaded by spring) dedicated to deflecting the barrier to the vertical position. Various exemplary aspects of exemplary systems that may include a barrier that is movable between a folded position and an upright position without the aid of a rotation deviation member are shown in Figures 95 to 106. In one embodiment, the system may include an assembly splitter 550 configured to be attached 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 an end 555. Movement in the forward direction as used herein in connection with embodiments that include a swivel barrier is defined by movement from the rear end 555 toward the leading end 553. For example, the arrow F depicted in Figures 99B and 100D points in forward direction orientation. Movement in the rear direction as used herein in connection with embodiments that include a revolving barrier is defined by movement from the front end 553 toward the rear end 555. For example, the arrow R depicted in Figures 99A and 100C points in orientation to the rear direction. Movement in a lateral direction as used herein in connection with embodiments that include a rotating 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 dividing wall 552 that has a right-hand surface 552a and a left-hand surface 552b. In one embodiment, the dividing wall 552 may extend from the front end 553 of the divider 550 to the rear end 555. In one embodiment, the dividing wall 552 may extend upward from a dividing floor 554. The dividing floor may include a top surface 554a and a bottom surface 554b. In one embodiment, divider wall 552 separates divider floor 554 into a first side portion 559 and a second side portion 551 and each side of divider 550. First side portion 559 of 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.

[00343] In one embodiment, the barriers 556 are movable by rotation between a folded position, as shown by the example in Figure 96B for the barrier 556a on the right side of the divider, to a vertical position, as shown by the example in Figure 96A for both barriers 556a, 556b. In one embodiment, barriers 556 may be connected to a swivel mounted frame 563. In one embodiment, swivel mounted frame 563 may be connected directly to the splitter. In one embodiment, as discussed below with reference to examples shown in Figures 102 and 103, the swivel mounted frame 563 may be detachably connected to the divider. Referring to Figure 97, in one embodiment, the swivel mounted structure 563 may be a hinge-joint type hinge 565 and pin 566. In one embodiment, the swivel mounted structure 563 may be a flexible member, such as a flexible polymer or metal.

[00344] In one embodiment, barrier 556 may be considered positioned near the front end 553 of divider 550 when a product positioned on top surface 554a of divider floor 554 can contact barrier 556 when product moves in the forward direction towards to the front end 553 of the divider 550. In one embodiment, the swivel mounted frame 563 is proximate and connected to the front end 553 of the divider 550 and/or the divider floor 554. For example, with reference to Figures 95, 96A and 96B, the barrier 556a is shown positioned proximate to and connected to front end 553 of divider 550 and divider floor 554. In one embodiment, barrier 556 may be positioned close to front end 553 of divider 550 and/or divider floor 554 while separate and/or not directly connected to front end 553 or split floor 554 (not shown). For example, in one embodiment, the barrier may be detachably 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 to barrier 556 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 close to the front end of the divider and be connected to the divider wall. In one embodiment, the barrier can fold towards the partition wall when moving towards the folded position (not shown).

[00345] Referring to Figures 98A to 98C, in one embodiment, the barrier 556 is configured to rotate between an upright position and a folded position. An exemplary upright position is shown in Figure 98A and an exemplary folded position is shown in Figure 98C. In one embodiment, the top edge 568 of the barrier 556 may rotate along the arc shown as B in Figure 98A. For example, a force applied in the rearward direction R to a barrier 556 in an upright position can cause the barrier to rotate toward the folded position, as shown in Figure 98B, to reach the folded position as shown by the example in Figure 98C. In addition, for example, the barrier 556 can be manually rotated by digitally pulling or pushing the barrier handle 567 to respectively lift the barrier to the vertical position or lower the barrier to the folded position. In one embodiment, the top edge 568 of the barrier 556 can rotate along the entire arc of B and C so that the top edge contacts the top surface of the dividing floor (not shown).

[00346] In one embodiment, in the folded position, the barrier 556 defines a folded angle C in between a rear surface 569 of the barrier and the top surface 554a of the dividing 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 revolving barrier means plus or minus 5% of the declared value. In one embodiment, the folded angle is about 20 degrees.

[00347] In one embodiment, a fold stop structure 570 is configured to stop the rotation of the barrier 556 towards the divider floor 554 and maintain the barrier at a desired folded angle C in the folded position. In one embodiment, the fold stop structure 570 is a protrusion positioned proximate to a lower portion of the rear surface 569 of the barrier. In one embodiment, the bend stop structure is connected to the top surface 554a of the dividing floor so that the lower portion 587 of the rear surface of the barrier contacts the bend stop structure 570 when the barrier reaches the bend angle C at position Tripe. In one embodiment, the bend stop structure is connected to the lower portion of the back surface of the barrier so that the bend stop structure contacts the top surface of the divider floor when the barrier reaches the desired bent angle in the folded position (not shown). ). In one embodiment, the bend stop structure is an extension or landing 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. The barrier 556 is configured so that when the barrier 556 is rotated to the folded position, the barrier is at an angle from the horizontal. That angle can be about 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees or between about 20 to 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 dividing floor when the barrier 556 is in contact with the dividing floor 554. In one example, the stop structure 570 does not exist and the barrier 556 contacts the dividing floor 554 directly at the horizontal top surface 554a of the dividing floor.

[00348] Referring to 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 the barrier 556 while the barrier is in the folded position may cause the barrier rotates from the folded position to the vertical position. For example, referring to Figure 99A, a product may be placed on top surface 554a of divider floor 554 while the barrier is in the folded position. In one embodiment, a force may be applied to the product to move the product in the forward direction towards the barrier, as shown by the example in Figure 99B. In one embodiment, the force is gravity. For example, a divider 550 positioned so that the leading end 553 is angled downward relative to the trailing end can cause products positioned therein to move by gravity alone toward the leading end 553. In one embodiment, the force can be applied by a pusher mechanism 520. In one embodiment, the pusher mechanism 520 is deflectable in the forward direction and can be configured to slide along the dividing floor and move the product in the forward direction. In one embodiment, the top edge 568 of the rear surface 569 of the barrier is rounded or defines a curved or radiused surface. The rounded edge at the top of the barrier's rear surface assists in rotating the barrier, for example, allowing the barrier 556 to slide or slide the product surface as the barrier's motion vector changes while rotating toward the vertical position as the product moves forward. Also, for example, the rounded edge prevents the edge from digging into the product packaging surface and maintains low friction between the rounded edge and the product as the product moves forward and the rounded edge moves the surface of the product. In one embodiment, the top of the barrier may include other structures to facilitate the sliding of the barrier onto the surface of the product, such as a roll structure. In one embodiment, when the barrier reaches the vertical position, the barrier stops rotation and stops product movement in the forward direction. In one embodiment, a vertical stop structure is configured to stop the rotation of the barrier in the forward position and establish the vertical position of the barrier. In one embodiment, the vertical stop structure may be a vertical surface 571 on the swivel mounted structure and an opposing vertical surface 572 on the barrier 556.

[00349] Referring to Figures 100A to 100D, in one embodiment, the aspects of a revolving barrier described in the examples above may 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 may define a product pocket 573 between opposing walls of the dividers. Product pocket 573 may, for example, have a width that is slightly wider than a product that is intended to be displayed on the system. In one embodiment, the barriers may be positioned in the folded position as shown in Figure 100B to facilitate placement of the product in the system. In addition, in one embodiment, manually positioning a product against the front surface 556f of the barriers in the upright position and pushing the product in the rearward 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 pocket 573 as shown in Figure 100C. In one embodiment, once the product is positioned in the product pocket 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 makes causing the product to rotate the barriers from the folded to the vertical position, as shown in Figure 100D, whereupon the forward movement of the product is then stopped.

[00350] In one embodiment, the swivel mounted frame 563 may be removably connected to the divider 550, the front rail 580 or the shelf 234. In one embodiment, the swivel mounted frame 563 is detachably connected to the front end 553 of the divider 550. Referring to Figures 102A through 102D and 103A through 103E, an exemplary removable swivel mounted structure 563 may include a vertical beam 591, horizontal crossbar 593, and swivel mounts 597a, 597b connected to horizontal crossbar 593. In one embodiment, the vertical beam 591 may be an elongated pole oriented in the vertical direction and the horizontal crossbar 593 may be an elongated beam oriented horizontally in the lateral direction. In one embodiment, the stem may include a clamping structure near the top portion of the stem to facilitate manual insertion and removal of the swivel mounted structure 563 into and out of the divider 550. In one embodiment, the horizontal crossbar 593 is connected to the vertical brace 591 and extends from opposite sides of the vertical brace criss-cross so that a left section 593b of the horizontal crossbar 593 extends in a lateral direction from a left side 591b of the vertical brace 591 and a right section 593a of horizontal crossbar 593 extends in the lateral direction from a right side 591a of vertical brace 591. In one embodiment, a right swivel assembly 597a is connected to the right section 593a of horizontal crossbar 593 and a left swivel assembly 597b is connected to the left section 53b of the horizontal crossbar 593. In one embodiment, each section 593a, 593b of the horizontal crossbar if and extends to a length close to the width of the respective side portions 559, 551 of the dividing floor 554.

[00351] In one embodiment, a swivel assembly may include a hinge or pin-and-pin type flexible member. In an embodiment where a swivel assembly 597a is a hinge and pin hinge, the swivel assembly 597a may include a first swivel joint component 601 and the barrier may include a second swivel joint component 602, the first and second components. swivel joints are complementary so that a pin 566 can extend through the first and second swivel members to form a hinge for pivotally affixing the barrier 556a to the pivot assembly 597a and pivotally mounted frame 563.

[00352] In one embodiment, a swivel assembly 597a includes a bend stop structure 570a configured to stop the rotation of the barrier 556a toward the divider floor 554a and maintain the desired bent angle C to the bent position. In one embodiment, the bend stop structure 570a is a plate 603 that extends and is integral with the swivel assembly 597a or horizontal crossbar 593a, the plate 603 having a raised or angled portion 615 configured to define the bend angle. C. In one embodiment, as described above, the bend stop structure is connected to the lower portion of the back surface 569 of the barrier so that the bend stop structure contacts the top surface of the divider floor 554 or plate 603 when the barrier achieve the desired folded angle in the folded position (not shown). In one embodiment, the bend stop structure is integral with the divider floor.

[00353] In one embodiment, a swivel assembly 597a includes a vertical stop structure configured to stop the rotation of the barrier in the forward position and establish the vertical position of the barrier. In one embodiment, the vertical stop structure can be a vertical surface 571 on the swivel mount and an opposite vertical surface 572 on the barrier 556. In one embodiment, the vertical surface of the vertical stop structure of the swivel mount can be within a recess of mounting 604 defined within the swivel mounting 597a and the opposing vertical surface 572 on the barrier 556 may be in a flap 605 formed in the bottom portion of the barrier. Mounting recess 604 may be shaped complementary to tab 605 so that the tab fits into mounting recess 604 when the barrier rotates in the forward direction.

[00354] In one embodiment, the strut 591 may include a mounting slot 598 defined in the strut that is configured to mate with a front ridge 599 of the divider 550 to detachably connect the swivel mounted frame 563 to the front end 553 of the divider 550. In one embodiment, the frame swivels mounted with use detachable to the divider with the use of clip, cam or other coupling structure.

[00355] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 104A through 104G, an exemplary removable swivel mounted structure 563 may include a horizontal crossbar 593 and swivel mounts 597a, 597b connected to the horizontal crossbar 593. In one embodiment, the horizontal crossbar 593 extends in a lateral direction and has a length approximately equal to the width of the respective side portions 559, 551 of the dividing floor 554. In one embodiment, a right swivel assembly 597a is connected to a straight section 593a of the horizontal crossbar 593 and a left swivel assembly 597b is connected to a left section 53b of the horizontal crossbar 593. In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 104A through 104G, the horizontal crossbar 593 is configured to have a low profile in which the height of the beam over the splitter block 802 is minimized. A low profile horizontal crossbar 593 can provide more space for the product to be inserted over the front extension 563 from the front direction in the merchandise display system.

[00356] In one embodiment, the horizontal crossbar 593 may include a forward extension 593c of the horizontal crossbar that extends toward the front of the divider block 802. In one embodiment, the forward extension 593c of the horizontal crossbar 593 may extend forward of the front of the divider block 802 and include an extension hook 593e configured to extend downwardly from the front end of the front extension so that the extension hook is positioned in front of the divider block 802 when the removable mounting structure is stuck in place on the divider. In one embodiment, the swivel mounted frame includes a front extension 593c and an extension hook 593e extending from a straight section 593a of the horizontal crossbar 593 and a front extension 593d and an extension hook 593f extending from there. of a left section 593b of the horizontal crossbar 593. Front extensions 593c, 593d and extension hooks 593e, 593f can assist, for example, in stabilizing the removable mounting frame on the divider.

[00357] In one embodiment, the removable mounting structure 563 includes a first plate 603a extending from the right swivel mount 597a or right section 593a of the horizontal crossbar 593 and a second plate 603b extending from the swivel mount left 597b or left section 593b of horizontal crossbar 593. In one embodiment, plates 603a, 603b may extend in the lateral direction from one side of swivel assemblies 597a, 597b. In one embodiment, the inner edges of the plates 603a, 603b may be configured to define a mounting slot 598 configured to mate the removable mounting frame 563 to the front ridge 599 of the divider 550 to detachably attach the swivel mounted frame 563 to the front end 553 of the divider 550. In one embodiment, each board 603a, 603b may include a bend stop structure 570a, 570b. In one embodiment, the bend stop structure may include a raised or angled portion 615a, 615b configured to define the bend angle C.

[00358] Referring to Figures 105A-105D, in one embodiment, the barrier 556 includes a resilient flap 606 configured to engage a flap recess 604a defined in the swivel assembly 597 when the barrier reaches the vertical position, as shown in Figure 105B. Resilient tab 606 is configured to hold the barrier in an upright position when it engages tab recess 604a. In one embodiment, the flap recess 604a is defined in the mounting recess 604. In one embodiment, when a rearward force is applied to the barrier, the resilient flap 606 flexes and disengages from the flap recess 604a so that the barrier can detach. move toward the folded position, shown in Figure 105D. In one embodiment, the mounting recess 604 includes a bend stop structure 604b. In one embodiment, the resilient tab 606 engages the fold-stop structure to stop the rotation of the barrier 556 toward the divider floor 554 and maintain the desired folded angle from the folded 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.

[00359] Referring to Figures 106A to 106B, exemplary aspects of an exemplary system that may include a barrier movable between a folded position and an upright position without the aid of a deflection element are shown. In one embodiment, a system may include a divider assembly 550 configured to be attached to a support structure, such as a front rail. In one embodiment, the partition wall 552 may include a partition wall extension 552a configured to increase the height of the partition wall. In one embodiment, the partition wall extension 552a and partition wall 552 may include tongue and groove members configured to secure the extension to the partition wall. In one embodiment, the front edge 552d of the partition wall may be rounded. The rounded edge can prevent, for example, a product package from gripping the edge and tearing. In addition, the thickness of the partition wall can be increased to improve the strength of the wall and, for example, accommodate tongue and groove components for the partition wall extension. Examples of systems that use partition walls of increased thickness can be useful for heavier products, such as canned soft drink 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, for example, to accommodate larger products that may require more shelf space. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 106B, the bend stop structure 570 is defined at the divider floor 554.

[00360] In one embodiment, an exemplary method of replenishing a merchandise display system is described with reference to Figures 100A to 100D. As shown in Figure 100A, a merchandise display system may include a first divider 550a and a second divider 550b. The first and second splitters may also be referred to as a left side splitter 550a and a right side splitter 550b. The first and second dividers may include first and second divider walls that extend from the front end to the rear end of the respective dividers. A product pocket 573 may be defined between the first and second opposing partition walls. The first divider may include a first barrier 556c positioned at the forward end of the divider 550a and to the right of the first divider wall. And, the 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 deflection element which deflects the pusher in the forward direction F towards the forward ends of the dividers. Barriers 556c, 556d may be in a first vertical position as shown in Figure 100A. Referring to Figure 100B, barriers 556c, 556d can be positioned in a second folded position by digitally moving, for example, the barriers to the second position or by using the product to push the barriers into the second position while positioning the product in the product pocket. Alternatively, the product can be placed in the product pocket by moving the product over the top of the barriers that are in the first vertical position and directly into the product pocket. Referring to Figure 100C, the product can be positioned in front of the product pusher and in contact with the front surface of the product pusher so that the product pusher is in position to move the product forward when the product is released. Once the product is released, the pusher 520 moves the product forward so that the product contacts the barriers. When the barriers are in the second folded position and the product is in the product pocket and is released, the pusher can push the product forward so that the product contacts the barriers and moves the barriers from the second folded position to the first vertical position. The barriers stop the forward movement of the pusher and product when the barriers reach the first vertical position, as shown in Figure 100D. In one embodiment, the product may be positioned in the product pocket by moving the product over barriers that are positioned in the first vertical position. In such an example, the pusher can move the product forward until the product contacts the barriers that are in the first vertical position—at which point, the forward movement of the product will be stopped, as shown in Figure 100D.

[00361] Referring to Figures 101A to 101F, in one embodiment, a merchandise display system that includes revolving barriers described above may be used in conjunction with an improved product tray to facilitate efficient product stocking in the display system of merchandise. Referring to Figures 101A and 101B, in one embodiment, an enhanced product tray 578 may include a bottom surface 574, a right-hand wall 575, a left-hand wall 576, and an alignment lip 577. , the alignment lip 577 may have a proximal end 579, a distal end 581, a right edge 583, and a left edge 587. An edge width D of the alignment lip 577 may be defined between the right edge 583 and the left edge 587 of the alignment lip 577. In one embodiment, the width of the lip D is close to the width of the product in the product tray 578. In one embodiment, the length of the alignment lip is defined in a direction perpendicular to the width D. In one embodiment, the length of the alignment bead may vary. In one embodiment, the length of the alignment lip may be close to the height of the barrier 556 or the height of the product. In one embodiment, the near end 579 of the alignment lip is configured to be connected to the bottom surface 574 of the product tray. In one embodiment, the alignment lip 577 is configured to be positioned between opposing partition walls of a merchandise display system such that the alignment lip aligns the product tray and product stored in the product tray with the product pocket. so that the product stored in the product tray can be slid from inside the product tray, as shown in Figure 101D, directly into the product pocket of the merchandise display system, as shown in Figure 101E. In one embodiment, a portion of the alignment lip may be tapered toward the distal end to aid in insertion of the alignment lip between opposing partition walls of the system. In one embodiment, the alignment lip can be used to move the barriers from the upright position to the folded position to facilitate the sliding of product from the product tray into the system's product pocket. In one embodiment, the alignment lip is positioned within the product pocket so that the alignment lip moves the barriers from the upright to the folded position (as shown in Figures 101C and 101D), the product can then be , slid from the product tray into the system's product pocket (as shown in Figure 101E), and the alignment lip is removed from the product pocket and removed from contact with the barriers. In such an embodiment, in a pusher embodiment (as shown in Figures 101E), the pusher can then push the product forward so that the forwardmost product contacts the barriers and moves the barriers from the folded position to the upright position. When the barriers reach the vertical position, the rotation of the barriers is stopped and the forward movement of the product is stopped so that the frontmost product is positioned in the most forward position in the display system (as shown in Figure 101F). In such an example, the alignment lip is used to temporarily move the barriers from the upright position to the folded position for system storage. In one embodiment, barriers can be physically removed from the system so that the system can be stocked with product. In one embodiment, the barriers can be configured to rotate from an upright position in the forward direction so 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 referred to as a folded forward position. In one embodiment, the barrier can be configured to rotate from the folded position to the vertical position, and beyond 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 pivot in the forward direction beyond the front end of the divider may include a pivoting stop and define angles with respect to the divider floor as described above with respect to barriers that pivot only between the upright position and the folded position as described above. described above. In one embodiment, barriers can be configured to slide sideways, left, and/or right. In one embodiment, the barriers can be manually positioned in the folded position, in the upright position and/or in the folded forward position.

[00362] In one example, a non-bypassed barrier 556 is connected to a dividing floor 554. The non-bypassed barrier 556 is configured to be adjustable from a first position to a second position. In a first position, the non-bypassed barrier 556 is configured to inhibit or prevent product on the divider floor 554 from moving beyond the leading edge of the divider 550. In a first position, the non-bypassed barrier 556 is configured to inhibit product to be placed on the dividing floor 554. In a first position, the non-shifted barrier is configured to be vertical. In a second position, the undeviated barrier 556 is configured to allow the product to be placed on the divider floor 554. In the second position, the undeviated barrier is horizontal or diagonal to the divider floor 554 or shelf or other structure on which the splitter 550 resides. In aspects, in the second position, the undeviated barrier 556 is configured to be horizontal to the dividing floor 554, or the shelf or other structure in which the undeviated barrier 556 resides; or the undeviated barrier 556, in the second position, is configured to be rotated or set at a horizontal angle from the dividing floor 554. The horizontal angle from the dividing floor 554 can be 20 degrees, it can be between approximately 10 and 30 degrees, or it can be between approximately 20 and 45 degrees. In one embodiment, the non-deflected barrier 556 is configured to have no spring or other deflection element that forces it between a first position and a second position. In one embodiment, the undeviated barrier 556 is configured to be freely adjustable from the first position to the second position. In one embodiment, the undeviated barrier 556 is configured so that it can be moved to the first position and remains in the first position and it can be moved to the second position and remains in the second position. In one embodiment, the undeviated barrier 556 is configured not to be deflected and does not include a deflection mechanism such as a spring or other device that places a force on the undeviated barrier 556 to force the undeviated barrier to the first or second position. .

[00363] In various embodiments, which include exemplary embodiments as in the previous paragraph, external objects, such as the product shown in Figures 99A to 99C or a product tray 578 or alignment rim 577 or a product tray wall 578 shown in Figures 101A to 101C or a human hand or digit can move or force the undeviated 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 lip 577 or a human digit may exert a force on the undeviated barrier 556 so that the undeviated barrier 556 moves from a first position that is substantially vertical to the dividing floor 554 to a second position. which is diagonal or a second position which is substantially horizontal. In the second position, the non-bypassed barrier 556 is configured so that the product can be placed on the dividing floor 554 and provides for the product to be promptly re-stored. After the product has been re-stored on the divider floor 554, a pusher 520 exerts a force on the product in a direction towards 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-loaded pusher in which a spring or other deflection unit exerts a force on the pusher, deflecting it toward the front of the divider 550. The spring or other deflection unit is not physically connected or is in contact direct with the undeviated barrier 556. The product, in turn, exerts a force on the undeviated barrier 554 that forces the deviated barrier into a first position. In the first position, the undeviated 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.

[00364] In one embodiment, multiple products can be positioned in the system's product pocket. A consumer can remove, for example, the most forward product. In such a case, for example, the pusher can push the product remaining in the product pocket forward so that the next product in the line contacts the barriers and the forward movement of the product stops. In such a case, a product in the most forward position is replaced by the next product in the line, which thereby holds the product in the most forward position until the product in pocket 573 runs out.

[00365] Referring to Figures 107 to 135, an alternative and exemplary product management display system 1200 is pictured. In this embodiment, the splitter 1202 and pusher 1204 can be larger than the embodiments described above to work with larger packages on environmental shelves as well as shelves in coolers and freezers. These three applications typically require a larger, more robust divider and pusher than the other alternative modalities, which are targeted more towards smaller type products such as health and beauty aid types. That embodiment and the alternative embodiments described above may be mounted side by side on the same front rail, and may 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 is mounted on or on a track in the divider floor. Pusher 1204 may include a coil spring, as described herein.

[00366] As shown in the Figures, the product management display system can be mounted to a rear suspension bar 1206 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. The hook end of the hanger can then be positioned on the hanger bar and the entire system protrudes from the hanger bar.

[00367] In one embodiment, the suspension bar 1206 may be a square tube with a small bracket affixed to one end that fits onto the gondola pillars of the shelf system. When installed on gondola pillars, a 1206 suspension bar is only 2.54 centimeters (one inch) or 5.08 centimeters (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 hanger bar 1206 and protrudes forward. With the use of hangers, the need for a shelf is eliminated.

[00368] Additionally, the use of hangers allows you to position product packages together vertically and often gives the product a "floating" appearance which may be desirable from a product advertising and management point of view. Hanger 1208 may be a metal support 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 flat elongated piece of flattened metal. At one end can be a large "hook" 1210 that fits over the suspension bar.

[00369] In another aspect, as shown, for example, in Figures 116 to 120, the product management display system includes a pusher extender 1212 which increases the push surface of the pusher. Pusher extender 1212 defines an elongate pusher body that has a cavity. The pusher extender 1212 is configured to slide over the pusher wall through the cavity like a sleeve, as shown, for example, in Figures 117 and 118. The pusher extender 1212 with an enlarged and substantially flat surface creates, for example, in Figures 117 and 118. thereby, an enlarged surface for pushing by the pusher. The 1212 pusher extender can define various shapes and configurations that will provide an increased pushing surface to push larger products towards the front of the product display system. It is also contemplated that pusher extender 1212 may be integrally formed with the pusher blade wall in a molding operation or other forming process.

[00370] In an alternate embodiment, the product management display system may be a self-contained adjustable tray that can be hung from the suspension bar 1206. In an exemplary aspect, each face or pusher may share a divider with the face or pusher. adjacent to it. This configuration creates a more cost-effective system. In another exemplary aspect, multiple faces may be lifted from the suspension bar 1206 and moved to another location on the suspension bar 1206 or to another suspension bar.

[00371] In another aspect, a person may forward a single divider or multiple dividers upwards on the suspension bar 1206 and slide it along the bar individually or as a group. For example, once the user drops the front end of the divider back onto the hanger bar 1206, the metal hook of the divider 1210 is forced onto the hanger bar 1206 and the weight of the divider and the product in the divider holds the divider together. in position on suspension bar 1206.

[00372] In one embodiment, as shown, for example, in Figure 108, the divider may include an incision or cut-out portion 1214 at the rear end of the divider floor which may serve to allow the divider to rest on the suspension bar flange. The incision or scalloped portion can extend the width of the divider floor, therefore 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 contact line with the suspension bar to further stabilize the divider on the suspension bar. As the width of the base divider increases, the line of contact between the divider and the suspension bar increases, thereby increasing the stability of the divider in relation to the suspension bar.

[00373] In another aspect, as shown, for example, in Figures 107, 114 to 120 and 125, a divider extender 1218 can be used with the divider 1202. As shown in Figure 114, the 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 which can engage cavity 1222 formed by divider 1202. Divider extender 1218 may be used to increase the height of the partition wall for use with taller or wider products.

[00374] Figure 136 depicts another example of a pusher extender 1224, which is configured to slide over a pusher paddle 1226. The pusher extender 1224 may be provided with a cavity or pocket 1228 to receive the pusher paddle. 1226 in it. One or more flaps 1230 may extend from cavity or pocket 1228, and flaps 1230 may be arranged vertically at the rear of pusher extender 1224 so as 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 dimensioned slightly smaller than the thickness of the pusher blade 1226 to create an interference fit between the divider extender 1226 and the pusher blade 1226. It is also contemplated that pusher extender 1224 may be integrally formed with pusher paddle 1226 in a molding operation or other forming process.

[00375] Figures 137 to 143 depict additional examples of pusher extenders 1324, 1424 that can be used with any of the pusher mechanisms described herein. The 1324, 1424 angled pusher extenders help keep larger products upright and prevent larger products from falling forward on shelves. In these examples, pusher extenders 1324, 1424 may be provided with predetermined angles or slopes at a predetermined angle from a pusher face or a front keeper so that product is pushed from the bottom. In this way, the coiled springs of the pusher mechanisms apply force from the bottom of the angled pusher surface to prevent larger products from falling forward onto the shelves and help maintain the organizational appearance of the merchandise display. This arrangement can also make a larger product easier for the user to pull off the shelf.

[00376] In addition, a smaller retainer or barrier can be used in conjunction with the pusher extenders 1324, 1424 as most of the product weight is placed on the pusher extender 1334, 1434 and the pusher paddle when the shelf is fully charged. In this way, a better shopping experience can be obtained due to the fact that the buyer can more easily lift the product through a lower barrier. In addition, a new product can be stored more easily on the shelves by a lower barrier. However, it is contemplated that the angled pusher surface may be used in conjunction with larger barriers.

[00377] Figure 137 depicts a rear view and Figure 139 depicts a front view of the exemplary pusher extender 1324, which is configured to slide over a pusher, e.g., 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 extender may be provided with an angled pusher surface 1342 and a predetermined angle from a pusher face or a front detent.

[00378] As shown in Figure 137, the pusher extender 1324 may be formed by a cavity or a pocket 1328. The cavity 1328 may be provided with one or more tabs 1330, which may be arranged vertically at the rear of the instrument. pusher extender 1324 so as to engage pusher 520 adjacent these edges. The tabs 1330 may extend from a plane formed by the vertical rear surfaces at the rear of the pusher extender 1324. The pusher 520 or a pusher paddle may be received between the plane defined by the vertical rear surfaces on the pusher extender and the inner edges of tabs 1330. Additionally, pusher extender 1324 may be provided with a rim 1340, which extends around a circumference of the pusher. In one example, the tabs 1330 may be sized slightly smaller than the thickness of the pusher blade 520 to create an interference fit between the pusher extender 1326 and the pusher. Apertures 1336 may be formed adjacent flaps 1330 to provide a shut-off for a molding operation and may also provide the user with a visual cue as to the alignment of pusher face 522 and pusher extender 1324.

[00379] 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 on the pusher face 522 to provide a secure fit of the pusher extender 1324 over the pusher paddle. Thus, installing the pusher extender 1324 over the pusher paddle creates a trigger sound as the projections 1332 engage the horizontal grooves 525 formed in the pusher face 522. The trigger sound may indicate to the user that the pusher extender 1324 has been properly installed on site. However, it is also contemplated that the pusher extender 1324 may be integrally formed with the pusher in a molding operation or other forming process.

[00380] 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, e.g., 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 which similar reference numerals represent similar components. However, in the embodiment shown in Figure 138, the surface area of the angled push surface 1442 of pusher extender 1424 can become wider for dispensing oversize products. Pusher extender 1424 may be formed by a cavity or pocket 1428. Cavity 1428 may be provided with one or more tabs 1430, which can be arranged vertically at the rear of pusher extender 1424 to engage the pusher. rador 520 near these edges. The flaps 1430 may extend from a plane formed by the vertical trailing surfaces at the rear of the pusher extender 1424. The pusher paddle may be received between the plane defined by the vertical rear surfaces on the pusher extender and the inner edges of the flaps 1430. Additionally, the pusher extender 1424 may be provided with a rim 1440, which extends around a circumference of the pusher blade. In one example, flaps 1430 may be sized slightly smaller than the thickness of the pusher blade to create an interference fit between the pusher extender 1426 and the pusher blade 1426. Apertures 1436 may be formed adjacent to the flaps 1430 to provide for a shutoff. in a molding operation and can also provide the user with a visual clue as to the alignment of the pusher face 522 and pusher extender 1424.

[00381] 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 cavity. pusher face 522 to provide a secure fit of pusher extender 1424 over the pusher paddle. Thus, installing pusher extender 1424 over pusher face 522 creates a triggering sound as projections 1432 engage horizontal grooves 525 formed in pusher face 522. It is also contemplated that pusher extender 1424 may be integrally formed. with the pusher in a molding operation or other forming process.

[00382] Figure 141 shows a perspective front view of the exemplary pusher extender 1424 engaged with a pusher assembly 1400 and a merchandise display system, which is similar to the embodiments described herein with respect to Figures 95 to 106b, the Figure 141 shows a rear view of the same. For example, in such an embodiment, the pusher assembly 1400 may be provided with a barrier 1456 which is configured to pivot between an upright position and a folded position and may have similar components and features as the barrier 556 described herein in connection with the Figures. 95 to 106b. It is also contemplated that barrier 1456 may be secured as described herein. Also, the pusher mechanism may be similar to the pusher arrangement described above with respect to Figures 106A and 106B. In that embodiment, the floor 1454 does not include a partition wall, which, in certain instances, can work effectively with oversized products. Additionally, the pusher assembly 1400 may be attached to a front rail or may suspend a bar via a cam mechanism as described herein.

[00383] 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 a variety of settings. The present invention, therefore, is not limited to a single system, nor is the vertical pusher configuration depicted in the Figures, as the system is simply illustrative of the features, teachings, and principles of the invention. It is to be further 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 texts and/or drawings. All such different combinations constitute several alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best known ways to practice the invention and will allow others skilled in the art to use the invention.

[00384] Referring to Figures 144A through 144B, an alternative and exemplary product management display system 14400 is depicted. In one example, the product management display system 14400 of Figure 144A depicts a first pusher system 14401a. and a second pusher system 14401b, however, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the 14400 system may comprise any number of pusher systems 14401, so that the 14400 system may comprise a single pusher system, three pusher systems, ten pusher systems , and the like. It is noted that pusher systems 14401a and 14401b are substantially similar to each other, in that pusher system 14401a is depicted in a first configuration, and pusher system 14401b is depicted in a second configuration (said configurations described in further detail below). Additionally, because pusher systems 14401a and 14401b are substantially similar to each other, the description given below focuses on various elements of pusher system 14401a, and it will be understood that substantially similar components are used in system 14401b.

[00385] In one example, pusher system 14401a is configured to be positioned on a shelf or display product surface (not shown) so that system 14401a can be used to incite one or more products, otherwise referred to as " merchandise units", towards the front of said shelf and/or surface. In particular, the pusher system 14401a may comprise a pusher 14402a configured to slide along a linear track 14404a. Said linear track 14404a is described in further detail with reference to Figure 144B. In one example, pusher 14402a may be similar to one or more of pusher 520 and/or pusher 1204, among others. A lock arm 14406a is pivotally coupled to said pusher 14402a, wherein said lock arm 14406a is configured to selectively prevent pusher 14402a from moving in one or more longitudinal directions 14403 and/or 14405. That mechanism of selective locking is described in greater detail with respect to Figure 144B.

[00386] Pusher system 14401a further comprises a pull strip 14410a (otherwise referred to as a pull rod 14410a), wherein said pull strip 14410a is configured to slidably and detachably engage the lock arm 14406a to slide pusher 14402a along track 14404a in one or more of the longitudinal directions 14403 and/or 14405. Accordingly, pusher system 14401a is pictured in a first configuration with traction strip 14410a disengaged from lock arm 14406a and pusher 14402a, while pusher system 14401b is pictured in a second configuration with pull strip 14410b engaged with lock arm 14406b to allow linear sliding of pusher 14402b in one or more of the longitudinal directions 14403 and/or 14405.

[00387] The pusher system 14401a further comprises a pusher extender 14408a, wherein the pusher extender 14408a may be similar to one or more of the pusher extenders 1212, 1324 and/or 1424, among others. Additionally, the pusher system 14401a may comprise a barrier 14414a, wherein said barrier 14414a may be substantially similar to one or more of barriers 556 and/or 1456 among others. Accordingly, one or more units of merchandise may be positioned between the barrier 14414a and the pusher 14402a so that the pusher 14402a can be used to urge said one or more units of merchandise along the longitudinal direction 14405 towards the front of the shelf. display (not shown) that can be delineated by the 14414a barrier. As such, in one deployment, one or more of surfaces 14411a and/or 14411b comprises one or more sliding surfaces configured to allow one or more units of merchandise to slide along one or more longitudinal directions 14403 and/or 14405. In one example, pusher systems 14401a and 14401b are configured to detachably attach to a front rail 14412, where rail 14412 may be similar to rail 580 and/or 610, among others.

[00388] As previously described, pusher system 14401b depicts latch arm 14406b in a second configuration, and engaged with pull strip 14410b, which thereby allows pusher 14402b to slide in one or more longitudinal directions 14403 and /or 14405. This configuration, delineated by region 14416, is depicted most clearly in Figure 144B.

[00389] Figure 144B schematically depicts the portion of pusher system 14401b outlined by region 14416. In particular, Figure 144B depicts pusher 14402 having a pusher face 14418 and a pusher carrier 14420. Accordingly, said pusher carrier 14420 is configured to be slidably coupled to linear track 14404. In one example, such slip coupling is facilitated by one or more alignment shoes 14426 on said pusher carrier 14420, wherein an alignment shoe 14426 is configured to maintain proper alignment of pusher carrier 14420 with respect to one or more alignment rails 14424 on said track 14404. In one example, one or more alignment shoes 14426 are C-shaped so that linear motion along from one or more of the longitudinal directions 14403 and/or 14405 are facilitated, but movement of the pusher carrier 14420 in any other direction orthogonal to the directions longitudinal es 14403 and/or 14405 is prevented. In one example, the sliding surface 14411 may be a top surface of one or more alignment rails 14424, and the like.

[00390] It will be readily apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art that one or more of the elements depicted from Figure 144A and/or Figure 144B may comprise polymers, metals, fiber reinforced materials, ceramics, woods, textiles, or any other materials with structural properties capable of forming the various elements described herein. Accordingly, in one example, the pusher carrier 14420 may be configured to selectively slide relative to the lane 14404 as a result of low friction contact between the surface of one or more alignment shoes 14426 and one or more alignment rails 14424 on one or more sliding surfaces 14411. Consequently, low friction contact can be facilitated by one or more smooth polymer surfaces, one or more polished metal surfaces, one or more surfaces comprising solid lubricants (PTFE , graphite, among others), and/or the use of one or more liquid lubricants, among others.

[00391] Figure 144B further depicts one end of the pull strip 14410 as having a ramp structure 14428 and a return stop 14430. Consequently, upon manual actuation of the pull strip 14410, the ramp 14428 is slid into engagement with lock arm 14406 (this process is described in greater detail with reference to Figures 145A and 145B). As illustrated in Figure 144B, ramp 14428 is fully engaged with lock arm 14406 so that a pawl 14409 is disengaged from trigger rack 14422 (described in greater detail with reference to Figures 145A and 145B). Figure 144B further depicts a channel 14407, wherein the pull strip 14410 is configured to slide within said channel 14407.

[00392] Figure 145A schematically depicts a pusher system 14500, wherein the pusher system 14500 may be substantially similar to the pusher system 14401a and/or 14401b of Figure 144A. Specifically, the pusher system 14500 comprises a pusher 14501 having a pusher face 14502, and a pusher carrier 14504. The lock arm 14506 is pivotally coupled to the pusher carrier 14504 on the lock arm coupling 14509. Additionally, the lock arm 14506 comprises a pawl 14508 on a second end, and a 14510 tab.

[00393] Pusher 14501 is configured to slide along track 14516 along one or more of longitudinal directions 14526 and/or 14528. In one example, pusher 14501 is prevented from sliding along longitudinal direction 14528 as a result of engagement between pawl 14508 and trigger rack 14524. Consequently, for the configuration of pusher system 14500 depicted in Figure 145A, applying a manual force to pusher face 14502 along the longitudinal direction 14528 results in the pawl 14508 which prevents sliding movement of pusher carrier 14504 along track 14516. Conversely, by applying a manual force to pusher face 14502 along longitudinal direction 14526, pusher carrier 14504 will slide in relative to raceway 14516 as lock arm 14506 periodically rotates on pivot coupling 14509 to successively disengage and re-engage pawl 1 4508 with successive trigger rack teeth 14524 as pusher carrier 14504 slides along track 14516.

[00394] In one example, Figure 145A schematically depicts the pull strip 14512 (otherwise referred to as the pull rod 14512) in a disengaged configuration. In particular, the traction strip 14512, when in said disengaged configuration, has a handle 14514 near the track 14516 and a ramp 14518, a return stop 14520, and a shoulder 14522 separate from the lock arm 14506. Figure 145B schematically depicts pusher system 14500 in the second configuration such that pawl 14508 is disengaged from trigger rack 14524.

[00395] In one example, and as depicted in Figure 145B, by applying manual force to handle 14514 along direction 14526, pull strip 14512 is configured to slide relative to track 14516 from that position depicted in Figure 145A to that position depicted in Figure 145B. In particular, applying a manual force to handle 14514 along the longitudinal direction 14526 places ramp structure 14518 in sliding engagement with tab 14510. As such, tab 14510 slides on ramp structure 14518 until tab 14510 enters in contact with return stop 14520.

[00396] In one example, the pull strip 14512 comprises the shoulder 14522, where the shoulder 14522 is configured to prevent the lock arm 14506 from rotating beyond an upper height limit corresponding to the height of the shoulder 14522. Thereby, shoulder 14522 prevents latch arm 14506 from rotating to an angle that would prevent latch arm 14506 from being forced by gravity into engagement with trigger rack 14524 upon disengagement of ramp frame 14518 from the tab 14510. Specifically, surface 14530 represents a point of contact of lock arm 14506 with shoulder 145228 of lock arm 14506 pivots to a greater angle than desired upon engagement of ramp structure 14518 with tab 14510.

[00397] Pusher system 14500, while in the configuration depicted in Figure 145B with pawl 14508 disengaged from trigger rack 14524, allows pusher 14501 to slide relative to track 14516 along one or more of the longitudinal directions 14526 and /or 14528. Specifically, while in that configuration depicted in Figure 145B, applying a manual force to pusher face 14502 along the direction indicated by 14528 results in pusher 14501 sliding relative to track 14516 along said direction 14528, while simultaneously retracting tension strip 14512 on track 14516 (and in particular in a channel such as channel 14407). Additionally, while in the configuration depicted in Figure 145B, the application of a manual force to the handle pusher 14514 along that direction indicated by 14526 results in contact between the tab 14510 and the return stop 14520 which urges the pusher 14501 to slide relative to track 14516 along said same direction 14526. Thereby, an item of merchandise brought into contact with pusher face 14502 can be urged toward the front end 14531 of track 14516 with the manual application of a force to handle 14514 along longitudinal direction 14526, thereby resulting in pusher 14501 translating along track 14516 along said same direction 14526.

[00398] Furthermore, while in that configuration depicted in Figure 145B one or more units of merchandise may be loaded onto the pusher system 14500 by indirect actuation of a manual force on the pusher face 14502 along that direction 14528 as a result of contact between the one or more units of merchandise and pusher face 14502, which results in pusher 14501 translating along track 14516 toward a trailing end 14533 along longitudinal direction 14528.

[00399] Figure 146 schematically depicts a trigger rack 14600, wherein trigger rack 14600 may be similar to trigger rack 14524 of Figure 145A. Specifically, Figure 146 schematically depicts a geometry of trigger teeth 14606a to 14606b, where trigger teeth 14606a to 14606b are exemplary teeth from a plurality of trigger teeth that form the trigger rack 14600. of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the trigger rack, such as the trigger rack 14600, can be used to facilitate movement along a first direction, such as the 14602 direction, while preventing movement along a second direction, such as direction 14604. Additionally, this selective movement along a first direction 14602, while movement along a second direction 14606 is presented, and facilitated by the selective engagement of a pawl, such as pawl 14508, between a pair selected from teeth, such as teeth 14606a to 14606, from a plurality of trigger teeth. Specifically, a trigger tooth, such as trigger tooth 14606a, may have a geometry with a first angle 14610 that is greater than a second angle 14612. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand various angle combinations suitable for angles 14610 and 14612. In one example, angle 14610 can be greater than 45°, and angle 14612 can be less than 45°. In another example, angle 14610 can have an angle greater than 60°, and angle 14612 can be less than 30° among many others.

[00400] In another embodiment, a pusher system, such as the 14700 pusher system, may utilize a shelf gear, such as the 14706 shelf gear, in place of a trigger rack, such as that trigger rack 14524 of Figure 145. Consequently, Figure 147 schematically depicts another deployment of a pusher system 14700. In particular, the pusher system 14700 comprises a pusher 14711 having a pusher face 14712 and a pusher carrier 14714. The pusher carrier 14714 is slidably coupled to track 14710 and pivotally coupled to lock arm 14716. Additionally, lock arm 14716 comprises a tab 14721, and a fastener 14718, wherein said fastener 14718 is configured to engage between a selected pair of gear teeth ( as a gear tooth 14708) from a plurality of gear teeth of shelf gear 14706. Pusher system 14700 comprises additionally a pull strip 14726, otherwise referred to as pull rod 14726, which has a ramp structure 14720, a return stop 14722 and a shoulder 14724.

[00401] In one example, shelf gear 14706 comprises a plurality of gear teeth, such as gear tooth 14708, which has a square shape. Those of ordinary skill in the art, however, will recognize a number of additional and alternative gear tooth geometries that can be used with the 14706 shelf gear to prevent relative movement between the 14714 pusher carrier and the 14710 track upon fastener engagement. 14718 with shelf gear 14706. For example, a gear tooth, such as tooth 14708, can have a triangular geometry, a circular geometry, or a hybrid geometry.

[00402] In one example, applying a manual force to the traction strip 14726 along a first longitudinal direction 14702 slides the traction strip 14726 relative to the track 14710, and slidingly engages the ramp structure 14720 with the tab 14721, and disengages fastener 14718 from shelf gear 14706. Accordingly, Figure 147 schematically depicts said configuration, wherein ramp structure 14720 is completely slidably engaged with tab 14721 so that tab 14721 is in contact with return stop 14722. In this configuration depicted in Figure 147, the application of a manual force to pull strip 14726 allows pusher structure 14711 to slide relative to track 14710 along the longitudinal direction 14702. Additionally, while In that configuration depicted in Figure 147, the application of a manual force and pusher phase 14712 along the longitudinal direction 14704 causes pusher structure 1471 1 slide relative to track 14710 along longitudinal direction 14704.

[00403] In another configuration, when pull strip 14726, and specifically ramp frame 14720, is disengaged from tab 14721, fastener 14718 will engage between two selective gear teeth of shelf gear 14706. In such a configuration , the application of a manual force to the pusher face 14712 along one of the longitudinal directions 14702 or 14704 will not result in the pusher 14711 moving relative to the track 14710.

Claims (20)

1. Merchandise display system characterized in that it comprises: a pusher frame (14501) having a pusher face (14502) and a pusher carriage (14504), the pusher carriage (14504) being coupled so to a linear track (14516), wherein the linear track (14516) comprises a longitudinal length with a first end (14531) and a second end (14533), wherein a ratchet rack (14524) extends along the longitudinal length of the linear track (14516), said ratchet rack (14524) having a plurality of ratchet teeth; a lock arm (14506) pivotally coupled to the pusher frame (14501) at a first end, and having a pawl (14508) at a second end configured to engage with the ratchet rack (14524) between two selected from among the plurality of ratchet teeth; and a drag strip (14512) configured to slide within a channel (14407) in the linear track (14516), wherein the drag strip (14512) has a first end (14514) configured for manual actuation, and a second end which has a ramp (14518) configured to slidingly engage with a tab (14510) on the lock arm (14506), whereby upon actuation of the drag strip (14512), the ramp (14518) slidingly engages with the tab (14510) to disengage the pawl (14508) from the ratchet rack (14524). 2. Merchandise display system according to claim 1, characterized in that the second end of the drag strip (14512) additionally comprises a stop (14520), and wherein by applying a manual force to the first end of the drag strip (14512) in a direction from the first end of the track (14512), the ramp (14518) slidably engages with the tab (14510) to disengage the pawl (14508) from the ratchet rack (14524). ), and the stop (14520) engages with the lock arm (14506) to urge the pusher frame (14501) to slide towards the first end (14531) of the track (14516). 3. Merchandise display system, according to claim 1, characterized in that by means of the sliding engagement between the ramp (14518) and the flap (14510) to disengage the pawl (14508) of the ratchet (14524), the application of a manual force to the pusher face (14502) in one direction (14528) of the second end (14533) of the track (14516) urges the pusher frame (14501) to slide towards the second end (14533) from the track (14516). 4. Merchandise display system according to claim 3, characterized in that while sliding towards the second end (14533) of the track (14516), the coupling between the pusher structure (14501) ) and the stop (14520) urges the drag strip (14512) to retract into the channel (14407) in a direction (14528) from the second end (14533) of the track (14516). 5. Merchandise display system according to claim 1, characterized in that at the same time that the pawl (14508) is engaged with the ratchet rack (14524), by applying a first force to the pusher face (14502), the pusher frame (14501) is urged to slide towards the first end (14531) of the raceway (14516), and by applying a second manual force, in an opposite direction. at the first manual force, at the pushing face (14502), the pushing structure (14501) is prevented from sliding towards the second end (14533) of the track (14516). 6. Merchandise display system according to claim 1, characterized in that the second end of the drag strip (14512) additionally comprises a shoulder (14522) configured to prevent the second end of the drag arm from latch (14506) pivots beyond a pivot height limit by means of the sliding engagement between the tab (14510) and the ramp (14518). 7. Merchandise display system according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a pusher alignment rail (14424), configured to be received on an alignment shoe (14426) on the push car (14504) to maintain proper alignment of the pusher frame (14501) as it slides along the linear track (14516). 8. Merchandise display system according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a front rail (14412), detachably coupled to the linear track (14516), the front rail (14412) being ) has a longitudinal length substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the linear track (14516). 9. Merchandise display system according to claim 8, characterized in that the front rail (14412) is rigidly coupled to a surface at an edge of a display shelf. 10. Merchandise display system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the pushing face (14502) is configured to exert a force on a unit of merchandise, pushing said unit of merchandise towards the first end ( 14531) of the linear track (14516). 11. A merchandise display system according to claim 10, characterized in that the merchandise unit is configured to slide along a sliding surface of the linear track (14516) while being propelled towards the first end (14531). ) of the linear track (14516). 12. Merchandise display system, according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a barrier structure (14414a) rigidly coupled to the first end (14531) of the linear track (14516). 13. Merchandise display system, according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises a divider. 14. Merchandise display system characterized in that it comprises: a pusher frame (14711) having a pusher face (14712) and a pusher carriage (14714), the pusher carriage (14714) being coupled so sliding to a linear track (14710), wherein the linear track (14710) has a longitudinal length with a first end and a second end and further comprising: a rack gear (14706) along the longitudinal length of the linear track ( 14710), wherein said rack gear (14706) has a plurality of gear teeth (14708); a lock arm (14716) pivotally coupled to the pusher frame (14711) at a first end and having a claw (14718) at a second end configured to engage at least one of the plurality of gear teeth (14708) ; and a drag strip (14726) configured to slide within a channel in the linear track (14710), wherein the drag strip (14726) has a first end configured for manual actuation, and a second end having a ramp (14720). ) configured to slidably engage with a tab (14721) on the lock arm (14726), whereby upon actuation of the drag strip (14726), the ramp structure (14720) slidably engages with the tab (14721). ) to disengage the jaw (14718) from the rack (14706). 15. Merchandise display system, according to claim 14, characterized in that the second end of the drag strip (14726) additionally comprises a stop (14722), and wherein by applying a manual force to the first end of the drag strip (14726) in one direction (14702) from the first end of the track (14710), the ramp (14720) slidingly engages with the tab (14721) to disengage the claw (14718) from the rack gear ( 14706), and the stop (14722) engages with the lock arm (14716) to urge the pusher frame (14711) to slide toward the first end of the track (14710). 16. Merchandise display system, according to claim 14, characterized in that by means of the sliding engagement between the ramp (14720) and the flap (14721) to disengage the claw (14718) from the rack gear (14706) , applying a manual force to the pusher face (14712) towards the second end of the track (14710) urges the pusher frame (14711) to slide towards the second end of the track (14710). 17. Merchandise display system, according to claim 16, characterized in that while sliding towards the second end of the track (14710), the coupling between the pusher structure (14711) and the stop (14710) 14722) urges the drag strip (14726) to retract into the channel towards the second end of the track (14710). 18. Merchandise display system, according to claim 14, characterized in that while the gripper (14718) is engaged with the rack gear (14706), by applying a first manual force to the pushing face (14712), the pushing frame (14711) is prevented from sliding towards the first end of the track (14710), and by applying a second hand force, in a direction opposite the first hand force, to the pushing face ( 14712), the pusher frame (14711) is prevented from sliding towards the second end of the track (14710). 19. Merchandise display system according to claim 14, characterized in that the plurality of gear teeth (14708) has a square shape. 20. Merchandise display system, according to claim 14, characterized in that the plurality of gear teeth (14708) has a triangular shape.

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