BR122020007687B1 - MERCHANDISE DISPLAY SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

A product management display system on a shelf includes utilizing a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed and one or more dividers to separate product into rows. These one or more dividers can be attached to a front rail in two different conditions, locked and unlocked. In a locked condition, the relationship between the splitter and the front rail resists change in either direction relative to each other. In the unlocked condition, the dividers can be freely slid sideways along the front rail, while remaining perpendicular to the front rail. One or more dividers can lock to the front rail through the use of matching teeth, resistant surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar and/or a cam that can define a cam slide.

Description

Divided from BR112015023521-2, filed on March 14, 2014. CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED ORDERS

[001] This application claims priority for US Patent Application No. 13/839,674, filed on March 15, 2013, which is an application of the continuation part of US Patent Application No. 13/542,419, filed on July 5, 2012, which is an application of the continuation part of US Patent Application No. 12/639,656 filed on December 16, 2009, now US Patent No. U 8,322,544, which is an application of part of continuation of US Patent Application No. 12/357,860, filed on January 22, 2009, now US Patent No. 8,453,850, which is an application of the continuation portion of US Patent Application No. 11/760,196, filed on June 8, 2007, now US Patent No. 8,312,999, which is an application of the continuation portion of US Patent Application No. 11/411,761, filed on April 25, 2006, now US Patent No. 7,823,734, which claims benefits for US Patent Applications No. 60/7 16,362, filed on September 12, 2005, and 60/734,692, filed on November 8, 2005, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. US Patent Application No. 13/542,419 also claims benefits for US Patent Application No. 61/530,736 filed on September 2, 2011, 61/542,473 filed on October 3, 2011, and 61/553,545 filed on October 31, 2011, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[002] The exemplary embodiments relate generally to a set of shelves for use in commodity products and more specifically to a set of shelves having improved mechanisms for displaying and pushing products onto the shelves.

BACKGROUND

[003] It is known that wholesale and retail stores, such as convenience stores, pharmacies, grocery stores, discount stores, and the like, require a large amount of shelves to store and to display products to consumers. In display products, it is desirable for the product on the shelf to be 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 non-alcoholic beverages, energy drinks, bottled water, and other bottled and canned beverages, it is desirable that these products are also situated towards the front of the shelf so that the product is visible and accessible to consumers.

[004] To achieve this placement of the product, known systems may include trays or floors that, through the cavity, will make the product move towards the front of the shelf. Many of these systems include floors or shelves made of a plastic material, such as polypropylene, which, due to its low coefficient of friction, allows the product to easily slide along the floor or surface. However, over time, these surfaces can become clogged with debris or sticky substances that inhibit the product from sliding properly, sometimes causing multiple products to be knocked over, thus blocking additional products from moving to the front of the shelf.

[005] Other systems include the use of a pusher system to propel the product towards the front of the shelf as the product at the front of the shelf is removed. Product pusher systems are usually mounted to a rail and include a pusher pad and a coil spring for pushing the product forward. Occasionally, as the system is used, and over time, the rail becomes clogged with dirt or sticky materials that prevent proper operation of the impeller system in the rail. Furthermore, depending on the size, shape and weight of the product being marketed, known pusher inserts may occasionally fall out or bend backwards, thus causing a binding of the pusher mechanism in the rail. In these situations the pusher mechanism may not properly propel the product towards the front of the shelf.

[006] One exemplary embodiment is directed at improving existing marketing systems by providing a trackless pusher system that works with gravity marketing systems (ie, tilted shelves or trays) non-gravity marketing systems.

SUMMARY

[007] An exemplary embodiment is directed at a product management display system for marketing products on a shelf. This embodiment includes utilizing a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which the product is placed. The trackless system overcomes known problems with the use of rails to hold and guide known pusher mechanisms. It should be understood that the teachings of this embodiment can be used with systems that include rails for mounting a pusher mechanism or the like.

[008] The pusher mechanism may include a pusher pad and a floor that extends toward the front of the pusher pad. A smooth coil spring or other distortion element may be operatively connected behind the pusher pad and extend across the floor of the pusher mechanism and to the front of the shelf. Alternatively, the smooth coiled spring or distortion element can extend through the divider to the front of the shelf assembly. With this configuration, the driver insert is prevented from falling or bending backwards during operation.

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

[0010] In accordance with an exemplary illustrative embodiment of the invention, the pusher pad can define a concave thrust surface to push cylindrical products such as soft drink bottles or cans and to keep the pad centered in the track and behind the product. Alternatively, the push pad may define a flat push surface which may further include on its upper edge a curved gusset or similar structure which may also be used to push cylindrical products.

[0011] In accordance with another exemplary illustrative embodiment of the invention, the floor of the pusher mechanism may include a toothed or cutout portion for aligning the pusher mechanism with respect to the spiral spring. Also, the floor of the system may also include a toothed or cutout portion to receive and show a smooth end of the spiral girl to the floor. A spring ferrule can be placed on the end of the coil spring to mount the coil spring to the system floor. Alternatively, the end of the coil spring can be mounted to the assembly divider.

[0012] Pursuant to another exemplary embodiment, an adapter for a product management display system may be positioned on a floor surface on the display system. The adapter may include a flat surface with at least two ribs extending away from the flat surface and across the flat surface in a substantially parallel manner. A coil spring can be positioned between the extended parallel gussets. With this configuration, the products to be marketed can rest on the gussets rather than directly on the coil spring to improve forward movement of certain types of products, such as beverage cans.

[0013] In another alternative aspect, a mounting member can be used to mount the end of the coil spring to the floor of the system. For those systems that include spaced slide rails that are held together by connecting gussets, the mounting member can be locked or mounted above the floor or between the slide rails.

[0014] In another alternative aspect, the trackless impeller system is retrofitted into an existing set of shelves. This allows placement of the trackless impeller system into an existing shelving system as a low cost alternative to purchasing the entire trackless impeller assembly.

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

[0016] In another exemplary embodiment, the trays can be attached through a fitting connection to form a set of shelves. Additionally, the dividers can be adjusted so that the product row width can be adapted to accommodate different product sizes.

[0017] Pursuant to another exemplary embodiment, the product management display system may be placed 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 adapted to receive a pusher mechanism and a retainer mechanism. The first and second spacers are mounted to the first and second trays to stack the first and second trays on top of each other. The first and second spacers may be provided with a plurality of latches, and the first tray and second tray may be provided with a plurality of correspondingly shaped plugs to receive the plurality of latches.

[0018] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the product management display system for marketing products on a shelf includes utilizing a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which the product is placed and one or more more dividers to separate product into rows. These dividers can be attached and releasably attached to a front rail. When these dividers are not attached and held in position to the front rail, these dividers and products positioned on the display system can be moved in a sideways direction, or can be lifted off the rails. This facilitates the replanning of the product on the shelf. These dividers can releasably engage with the front rail through the use of matching teeth, resistant surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar, a cam and/or through friction or pressure.

[0019] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and at least one divider configured to engage the front rail. This divider includes a barrier further includes a divider wall. This 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, where the cam is configured to move between a first position and a second position. This divider is (a) movable in a direction parallel to the front rail and (b) held in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when this divider is attached to the front rail and the cam is in the first position. This splitter is (a) attached in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in the perpendicular direction to the front rail when this splitter is attached to the front rail and the cam is in the second position.

[0020] In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail and a plurality of dividers configured to engage with the front rail and separate product into rows. Each of a 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, wherein the cam is configured to move between a first position and a second position. Each of a plurality of dividers is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) held in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when each of a plurality of dividers is coupled to the front rail and the cam for each one of the plurality of dividers is in the first position. Furthermore, each of the plurality of dividers is (a) secured in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in the direction perpendicular to the front rail when each of the plurality of dividers is engaged with the front rail and the cam for each of the plurality of dividers is in the second position.

[0021] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and at least one divider configured to mate with the front rail, that divider including a barrier, a divider wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail, a dividing floor perpendicular to the dividing wall, wherein the dividing wall separates the dividing floor into a first part and a second part and each of the first part and the second part is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a first pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least a portion of the first portion, a second pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least a portion of the second portion, and a cam coupled to that divider. , the cam configured to move between a first position and a second position. The divider is movable in the lateral direction parallel to and along the front rail when the cam is in the first position, and this divider resists movement in the lateral direction parallel to and along the front rail when the cam is in the second position.

[0022] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and at least one divider configured to engage with the front rail, that divider including a barrier configured to engage with the front rail, a divider wall extending into a direction perpendicular to the front rail, a dividing floor perpendicular to the dividing wall, wherein the dividing floor is configured to hold the product. The display system may also include a resistive tab coupled to the divider, the resistive tab configured to move between a first position and a second position. This divider is attached in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the heavy duty tab is in the first position. This divider is movable in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the heavy-duty 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 in at least one first recess, and at least one divider configured to engage the front rail, said divider comprising a dividing wall and a dividing floor perpendicular to the dividing wall, said divider further comprising at least one second recess and at least one second projection, said second projection of the divider configured to move between a first position and a second position. This 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 that first projection of the front rail is engaged with that second recess in the divider and that second projection of the divider is in the first position. This divider (a) resists movement in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail where that first projection of the front rail is engaged with that second recess in the divider and that second projection of the divider is attached. in second position.

[0024] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail including at least one first projection and at least one second projection, that second projection of the front rail configured to move between the first and second positions. The merchandise display system also includes at least one divider configured to engage the front rail, the divider comprising a divider wall and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, the divider further comprising at least one recess. This 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 that first projection of the front rail is engaged with that recess in the divider and that second projection of the front rail is on the first position. This divider is (a) secured in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in the perpendicular direction to the front rail when this first projection of the front rail is engaged with this recess in the divider and this 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 mate with the front, the divider comprising a divider wall and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, the divider further comprising at least one recess and a third projection. This second projection or the third projection is a movable projection that is movable between a first position and a second position. This 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 in the divider and the movable projection is in the first position. This divider is (a) secured in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in the perpendicular direction to the front rail when the first projection of the front rail is engaged with the recess in the divider and the movable projection is in the second position.

[0026] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail, the front rail comprising at least one first coupling member. The merchandise display system also includes at least one divider configured to engage the front rail, the divider comprising a divider wall and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, the divider further comprising at least one second coupling member. The merchandise display system also includes a third coupling member configured to move between a first position and a second position. This 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 coupling member of the front rail is coupled with the second coupling member of the divider and the third coupling member of the front rail. coupling is in the first position. This divider is (a) secured in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in a perpendicular direction to the front rail when the first coupling member of the front rail is coupled with the second coupling member of the divider and the third coupling member of the front rail. 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, said divider including a barrier, further including a dividing wall, said 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, where the cam is configured to move between a first position and a second position. This splitter can be secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when this splitter is attached to the front rail. The cam can inhibit movement of this divider in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the cam is in the first position, and the cam can allow movement of the divider in a 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 alternative embodiment, a merchandise display system includes a front rail defining a rail slot and a divider configured to engage the front rail. The divider includes a barrier, a divider wall, and a divider floor extending perpendicular to the divider wall. The divider floor further includes an upper surface for holding the product and a lower surface. The merchandise display system also includes a cam rotatably attached to the divider. The cam is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position. The cam defines a cam slide 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 the side direction parallel to the front rail when the cam is in the first position and the cam slide comes into contact with the front rail, and the divider is fixed to the side direction parallel to the front rail when the cam is in the second position and in contact with the groove in the front rail. With this modality, the cam is in contact with the front rail at all times, regardless of whether the cam is in the first position or in the second position, or in a position between the first position and the second position.

[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, cam sliding can define an elongated flat surface. Also, the merchandise display system can include a pusher mechanism having a pusher surface and a pusher floor extending forwardly from the pusher surface. A coil spring having a spiral end can be positioned behind the driving surface and a free end of the spring can secure the driving mechanism to a merchandise display system. Alternatively, the barrier can be configured to receive the free end of the coil spring. In yet another alternative aspect, the front rail may define a shoulder configured to engage a groove in the divider.

[0030] In another exemplary embodiment, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and at least one divider configured to secure the front rail. This divider may include a barrier and a dividing wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail. The divider may include the divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall and the divider wall separates the divider floor into the first part and the second part and each part, first and second, 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 part and a second pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least part of the second part. The merchandise display system includes a cam attached to this divider. The cam defines a cam slide configured to move between the first position and the second position. In operation, this divider is movable in a lateral direction parallel to and along the front rail when the cam is in the first position and the cam slide is in contact with the front rail, and this divider resists movement in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail. and along the front rail when the cam is in the second position and the cam slide is not in contact with the front rail.

[0031] In one aspect, the first and second pusher mechanisms include a pusher surface, an pusher floor extending forwardly from the pusher surface, and a coil spring having a spiral end and a free end. The spiral end is positioned behind the driving surface and the free end is attached to the first and second driving mechanisms of the merchandise display system.

[0032] In an alternative aspect, this splitter may define a splitter coupling member and this front rail may define a front rail coupling member. The splitter coupling member is configured to mate with the front rail coupling member. The divider coupling member may define divider teeth on at least one surface of the divider coupling member. The front rail coupling member may define front rail teeth on at least one surface of the front rail coupling member. The splitter teeth are configured to engage the 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. That divider includes a barrier, a divider wall, and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall. The dividing 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 sets a cam slide to lift the divider off the front rail when the cam is in the first position. This splitter is secured to the front rail when the cam is in the second position and the cam slide is moved away from the front rail. In one aspect, that divider is movable in the plane of a shelf only in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail and that divider is fixed in the plane of the shelf in all directions other than the direction parallel to the front rail when that divider is attached to 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 slide may define an elongated flat surface having an edge that permits sliding movement of the cam slide 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 lock can allow sliding movement of the divider relative to the front rail. In an alternative aspect, the front block can lift the splitter off the front rail. When in the second position, the front lock locks the divider to the front rail and prevents sliding movement between the divider and the front rail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 depicts an isometric exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary pusher mechanism mounted in an exemplary tray or product channel of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3 depicts another isometric view of the system in Figure 2 with the product placed in the system.

[0038] Figure 4 depicts another isometric view of the system in Figure 2 with multiple products placed in the system.

[0039] Figure 5 depicts an isometric rear view of the system in Figure 4.

[0040] Figure 6 depicts an alternative embodiment of the tray or product channel of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 7 depicts an exemplary ferrule for one end of a coil spring that can be used with the product management display system of the invention.

[0042] Figure 8 depicts the exemplary tip of Figure 7 being mounted to a surface of a tray or product channel.

[0043] Figure 9 depicts the exemplary tip of Figure 7 being mounted to one end of the spiral spring.

[0044] Figure 10 depicts the exemplary tip of Figure 7 mounted to one end of the spiral spring.

[0045] Figure 11 depicts an isometric view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a product management display system of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 12 depicts another isometric view of the system in Figure 11.

[0047] Figure 13 depicts a front view of the system in Figure 11.

[0048] Figure 14 depicts a top view of the system in Figure 11.

[0049] Figure 15 depicts a rear view of the system in Figure 11.

[0050] Figure 16 depicts an isometric view of an adapter that can be used with the invention.

[0051] Figure 17 depicts a front view of the adapter in Figure 16.

[0052] Figure 18 depicts an exemplary installation of the adapter of the invention.

[0053] Figure 19 depicts an isometric view of an installed adapter of the invention.

[0054] Figure 20 depicts a front view of an installed adapter of the invention.

[0055] Figure 21 depicts an isometric view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a product management display system of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 22 depicts a bottom isometric view of an exemplary assembly that may be used to mount the coil spring end of the display system floor.

[0057] Figure 23 depicts an isometric top view of the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22.

[0058] Figure 24 depicts the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22 mounted to the end of the coil spring with the coil spring mounted to an exemplary pusher vane.

[0059] Figure 25 depicts another view of the exemplary assembly member of Figure 22 mounted to the end of the coil spring with the coil spring mounted to an exemplary pusher vane.

[0060] Figure 26 depicts the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22 with the fixed spiral spring being mounted to the system floor.

[0061] Figure 27 depicts the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22 installed on the system floor.

[0062] Figure 28 depicts an isometric view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a product management display system of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 29 depicts a close-up isometric view of the tray in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 28.

[0064] Figure 29A depicts a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 28 illustrating a first security method.

[0065] Figure 29B depicts a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 28 illustrating a second security method.

[0066] Figure 30 depicts a close isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 28 illustrating a rivet securing the spring to the tray.

[0067] Figure 31 depicts an isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 28 being mounted on a pre-existing grid shelf.

[0068] Figure 32 depicts an isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 28 mounted on a pre-existing grid shelf.

[0069] Figure 33 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the display system.

[0070] Figure 34 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the display system.

[0071] Figure 35 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an adapter.

[0072] Figure 36 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a retainer.

[0073] Figure 37 depicts a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the display system.

[0074] Figure 38 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the display system.

[0075] Figure 39 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the display system.

[0076] Figure 40 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the display system.

[0077] Figure 41A depicts a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of a divider.

[0078] Figure 41B depicts a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the display system.

[0079] Figure 41C depicts a close-up view of a section of Figure 41B.

[0080] Figure 41D depicts a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a divider.

[0081] Figure 42 depicts an isometric view of exemplary display system modality.

[0082] Figure 43 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the display system.

[0083] Figure 44 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system.

[0084] Figure 45 depicts another isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system with products in the system.

[0085] Figure 46 depicts a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a product management display system with products in the system.

[0086] Figure 47 depicts an isometric rear view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system with products on the system.

[0087] Figure 48 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the pusher mechanism mounted to a divider.

[0088] Figure 49 depicts another isometric view of the splitter and pusher mechanism being mounted to the product management display system.

[0089] Figure 50 depicts an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of the product management display system.

[0090] Figure 51 depicts another isometric view of the exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of Figure 50 without products.

[0091] Figure 52 depicts an exploded isometric view of the exemplary embodiment of the product management display system in Figure 50.

[0092] Figure 53 depicts an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of the product management display system.

[0093] Figure 54 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary attachment of the pusher spring to a shelf of the product management display system of Figure 53.

[0094] Figure 55 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary attachment of the pusher spring to a shelf of the product management display system of Figure 53.

[0095] Figure 56 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary attachment of the pusher spring to a shelf of the product management display system of Figure 53.

[0096] Figure 57 is an isometric view of an exemplary attachment of the pusher spring to a shelf of the product management display system of Figure 53.

[0097] Figure 58 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the product management display system conforming to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[0098] Figure 59 depicts an isometric view of the exemplary product management display system of Figure 58.

[0099] Figure 60 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary pusher mechanism in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00100] Figure 61 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00101] Figure 62 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary divider and an exemplary pusher mechanism in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00102] Figure 63 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary front portion of a divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00103] Figure 64 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary front portion of a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00104] Figure 65 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary connection between a divider and a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00105] Figure 66 depicts a side view of a divider and front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00106] Figures 67A to C depict side views of an exemplary divider attaching to a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00107] Figures 68A to C depict side views of an exemplary divider attaching to a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00108] Figure 69A depicts an isometric view of exemplary rail mounting clips for a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00109] Figure 69B depicts an isometric view of an exemplary front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00110] Figure 70 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary front rail and exemplary rail mounting clips in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00111] Figure 71 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00112] Figure 72 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary divider and an exemplary pusher mechanism in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00113] Figure 73 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary divider and an exemplary pusher mechanism in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00114] Figure 74 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00115] Figure 75 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00116] Figures 76A and 76B depict partial isometric views of an exemplary front rail and an exemplary cam bar lever in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00117] Figure 77 depicts a front exploded view of an exemplary product management display system conforming to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00118] Figure 78 depicts an exploded rear view of an exemplary product management display system conforming to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00119] Figures 79A to C depict side views of an exemplary front rail and an exemplary divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00120] Figure 80 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary product management display system conforming to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00121] Figures 81A and B depict partial side views of an exemplary front rail and an exemplary divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00122] Figures 82A to C depict partial side views of an exemplary front rail and an exemplary divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00123] Figures 83A to C depict partial side views of an exemplary front rail and an exemplary divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00124] Figures 84A to F depict isometric views of an exemplary product management display system conforming to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00125] Figure 85 depicts a side view of an exemplary divider and an exemplary front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00126] Figures 86A to L depict component views of an exemplary product management display system conforming to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00127] Figures 87A to C depict side views of exemplary dividers and exemplary front rails in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00128] Figures 88A and B depict isometric views of an exemplary divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00129] Figures 89A to C depict side views of an exemplary divider attaching to a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00130] Figures 90A-F depict views of an exemplary divider attaching to a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00131] Figure 91A depicts a view of an exemplary divider and rear rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00132] Figure 92 depicts an exploded view of an exemplary divider and an exemplary rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00133] Figures 93A and B depict views of an exemplary divider being mounted on a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00134] Figures 94A to C depict cross-sectional views of movement of an exemplary cam used with a splitter and a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00135] 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 details of construction and the arrangement of components shown in the following description or in the illustrated drawings. The invention is competent in other ways and can be practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purposes of description and should not be considered limiting. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof is intended to cover the items listed below and their equivalents, as well as additional items and their equivalents. Furthermore, the use of the term "assemble," "assembled" or "assembling" is intended broadly to include any technique and method of assembling, fastening, joining or coupling one part to another, directly or indirectly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00136] The invention can be embodied in various ways. With reference to the Figures in which like numerals indicate like elements, depicted in Figure 1 is an exploded isometric view of an exemplary embodiment. 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 engage tray 12 and slide along the surface of the tray without the use of rails or guides normally used to maintain a conventional pusher mechanism to the tray or tray floor. The pusher mechanism defines a pusher pad and a pusher floor extending forward of the entire pusher pad. A coil spring may extend across the impeller floor and operatively connect the tray in an advanced position over the tray. In one aspect of the invention, products to be marketed can be placed on the tray in front of the pusher pad and can rest on the pusher floor as well as the coil spring. With this configuration, the weight of the product will prevent the impeller insert from tipping to ensure proper product thrust. Furthermore, the problems associated with debris or sticky materials obstructing the effectiveness of known impeller systems utilizing rails or guides have been eliminated. Other aspects, embodiments and features of the invention and its teachings are presented in more detail below.

[00137] The exemplary tray 12 can define a surface 16 and one or more dividing panels or dividers 18 to separate the tray into numerous rows for placing the product. In an alternative aspect, the tray 12 can be a shelf or any other surface on which the product can be placed for sale. The surface 16 can be a solid surface or a surface defining a plurality of spaced apart openings 20 separated by a plurality of support gussets 22. The openings 20 and the gussets 22 provide a surface that allows for sliding movement of the product placed on that surface and it also allows liquids and dirt to pass through openings 20 so that they do not pool on surface 16. Surface 16 may be made of any suitable material that allows sliding movement of the product over surface 16. Other surface or floor configurations are known and can be used with the principles of the invention.

[00138] As depicted in Figures 9 and 10, the surface 16 can define a rounded end portion 24 that includes a toothed or scalloped portion 26. The end portion 24 can be rounded to match the shape of the product that is placed on the tray. For example, the depicted end portion 24 is rounded or defined in a semi-circular shape to match the contour of a bottle or can which may be placed on the tray and over the rounded portion 24. Other end portion shapes may be used with the invention depending on the product to be marketed.

[00139] The notch 26 can be used to receive and mount one end 29 of a spiral spring 30 or similar thrust element. The notch 26 may define opposite angle edge surfaces 32 which are joined by an edge 34. The edge 34 is preferably centered across the width of the row of product formed in the 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 along 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 recognize that the location and configuration of the notch can vary depending on the desired spring placement.

[00140] The coil spring 30 can define an end 29 that is configured to be placed across the notch 26 and over the edge 34. In one aspect, the end 29 of the coil spring can be V-shaped and function as a hook such that the end 29 will surround the lip 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 over the tray.

[00141] In another aspect, and in relation to Figure 7, a spring tip 60 can be added to the end 29 of the spring 30 to help assemble the spring in the system. The end of the spring 60 can define numerous shapes and configurations depending on the configuration of the tray and the surface to which the end of the spring needs to attach. The spring cap 60 can be permanently attached to the end 29 of the coil spring 30 or it can be detachable to allow exchange or replacement of the spring cap 60. The spring cap 60 can be made of plastic and can define one or more apertures. Opening 61 can be used to receive end 29 of coil spring 30. Second opening 63 can be used to receive a coupling 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.

[00142] In another aspect, the end 29 of the coil spring can be fitted by pressure into an opening formed on the surface 16, or, otherwise, it can be inserted and secured to an opening or hole in the tray, thus securing the end 29 of the coil spring 30 in position.

[00143] With regard to Figure 1, the dividers 18 can also be used to separate the product into rows. The dividers 18 extend substantially upwardly from the surface 16 and, as illustrated in Figure 1, may be positioned on opposite sides of the surface 16. Alternatively, the dividers 18 may be positioned in any desired position on the tray 12 or on the tray. surface 16. The dividers 18 may be formed as a unitary structure with the surface 16, or the dividers may be detachable to provide added flexibility with the system. Dividers can be attached to the front or rear rail depending on the system. The dividers 18 can be configured in a variety of configurations and can extend upwards to any desired distance to provide the desired height of dividers between rows of product to be marketed. This height can be adjusted by adding the divider extenders or similar.

[00144] Located in front of the tray 12 and extending, the dividers 18 can be one or more product retention members 44. The product retention members 44 serve as a front retaining wall or bar to keep the product in the tray 12 and to prevent product from falling out of tray 12. These members are also configured to allow easy removal of product positioned further forward in tray 12. Product retaining member 44 may be one or more curved shaped retaining gussets as required. pictured in Figure 1. These pictured retention gussets can extend from one divider to another divider, thus joining the dividers together. The retention gussets may also extend in parts between the dividers, as also shown in Figure 1, as a gusset 46, to also assist in retaining the product in the tray. Alternatively, and as shown in Figure 6 the product retaining member 44 can be a curved solid retaining wall 48 extending between the dividers. The retaining wall 48 can be transparent or semi-transparent to allow the product to be seen on the shelf. In another aspect, retaining wall 48 may also extend in portions between dividers 18. In yet another embodiment depicted in Figures 11 to 15, retaining wall 100 may be attached to the surface of the tray and not connect to the dividers. In that embodiment, the retaining wall 100 can form an opening 102 defined by an upper member 104, opposing curved side walls 106 further defining an angled edge 108, and a floor member 110. The side walls 106 can also be straight and not curved depending on the system. The end of the coil spring can also be press-fitted to the floor 110 or otherwise attached to the tray using any of the techniques described herein. One skilled in the art will readily recognize that there are numerous possible shapes and configurations for the product retention member 44 and that the depicted configurations are merely exemplary embodiments of these numerous configurations.

[00145] Referring to Figure 1, the exemplary trackless pusher mechanism 14 defines a pusher pad 50 and a pusher floor 52. The pusher pad 50 and the pusher floor 52 can be formed as a single, unitary structure, or they can be structures that are joined together using known techniques. Furthermore, the pusher pad 50 and the pusher floor 52 may be made of any suitable known plastic or metal material. The pusher insert and pusher floor can be reinforced using any known reinforcement techniques.

[00146] In one aspect, the pusher insert 50 forms a curved pusher surface or face 54 that is configured to match the shape of the product to be marketed, such as plastic bottles or cans containing a beverage, as depicted in Figures 3 to 5. The curved 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 impeller and partition walls. In an alternative aspect, the driving surface or face can be a smooth surface. In yet another aspect, the flat pusher surface may be accompanied by a curved gusset which is positioned near or on top of the pusher pad and which may be used to center and align the product on the tray, in a similar manner to the curved pusher surface 54 pictured. in Figure 1. The curved reinforcement can define other formats and configurations that allow similar or cylindrical products to be properly propelled in the tray. Advertising, product identification, or other product information may be placed on pusher surface 54.

[00147] Positioned behind the driving surface or face 54 may be one or more support members 58, such as gussets, walls, or pieces of cloth. The support members 58 are configured to support the pusher surface 54 and further connect the pusher pad 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 drive pusher pad 50 forward and along tray 12, as understood in the art. Any technique used to operatively connect the coil spring to the pusher pad 50 can be used with the invention.

[00148] As shown in Figure 1, the pusher floor 52 can be positioned below the pusher pad 50 and can extend ahead of the pusher surface 54 of the pusher pad. Pusher deck 52 may extend any predetermined distance and at any predetermined angle. For example, the pusher floor 52 may extend substantially perpendicular to the pusher surface 54. In the exemplary embodiment, the pusher floor 52 may extend a sufficient distance to allow a product, such as a single bottle or can, to be placed on the pusher floor 52 can be configured to allow more than one product to be placed on the pusher floor. The pusher floor 52 can define any shape, including the round shape pictured, and can define any product retention features on the surface of the pusher floor, such as gussets, walls, or the like, to thereby keep the product on the pusher floor.

[00149] As can be seen in Figure 2, the pusher floor 52 can define an elongated channel, or groove or recessed part 59, which is sized, shaped and configured to seat the coil spring 30. In the exemplary embodiment, the channel or groove 59 can extend across the deck 52 and in a manner substantially perpendicular to the pusher pad 50. In an alternative aspect, the groove or channel can extend partially or through the entire drive deck 52, as shown in Figure 19. Such a configuration allows alignment and proper positioning of the drive pad in the tray. Slot 59 can define a depth that matches or exceeds the thickness of the coil spring 30. With this configuration, the coil spring 30 will rest on or below the surface of the impeller floor so that the product will not rest directly on the spring. spiral, instead such a product will settle on the surface of the impeller floor. As shown in Figure 19, the pusher floor can include openings and holes through which debris or other items can pass. Alternatively, the flooring can be a solid surface.

[00150] In an alternative aspect of the invention, as shown in Figures 16 to 20, an adapter 180 can be positioned on the surface 16. Referring to Figures 16 and 17, the adapter 180 can include one or more raised gussets 182 over which the product can accommodate. Raised ribs 182 may extend longitudinally along the length of adapter 180. Adapter 180 may be a flat extrusion of plastic material (or any other suitable material) defining a flat surface 184 with one or more ribs 182 extending outward. away from flat surface 184. Adapter 180 may define a rounded end 185 and include a notch or cut-out portion 186 through which or through which the coil spring can extend. The rounded end 185 can be configured to match the shape of the product that is placed on the tray. Other shapes of end 185, notch 186 and adapter 180 can be used with the invention depending on the product to be marketed. Adapter 180 may be a separate insertable part or, alternatively, a formed part integral with surface 16.

[00151] With regard to Figure 18, the adapter 180 can be easily inserted on the surface 16 and between the dividers 18. With regard to Figure 19, once installed, the adapter 180, the pusher mechanism 14 can be positioned on top of the adapter 180 and can slide freely over the ribs 182 of the adapter 180. The coil spring 30 can extend in a parallel manner between the ribs 182 and can either on or below the surface of the ribs 182, as is most clearly shown in Figure 20. configuration, the product to be marketed can accommodate on the reinforcements 182, and slide along them, and not on the spiral spring 30.

[00152] In an alternative aspect, the reinforcements 182 can be a raised cord or raised cords, or a series of pointers that can be used to facilitate the movement of the product over the surface 16. In yet another alternative embodiment, the reinforcements 182 can be product moving members such as conveyors or one or more rollers or rolling members that allow the product to roll along the rolling members and toward the front of the product display system. Exemplary rolling assemblies include those disclosed and described in US Patent Application No. 11/257,718 filed October 25, 2005 and assigned to RTC Industries, Inc., the application of which is incorporated herein by reference. As will be recognized by one skilled in the art, there are many possible techniques that can be used with the described pusher mechanisms to facilitate movement of the product over the shelf or floor.

[00153] The side below the pusher floor 52 can be a flat and smooth surface that will slide freely along the surface 16. Alternatively, and similar to what is above, the pusher floor 52 can include cords, conductors, rollers or the like that will allow allow the pusher floor to slide along the surface to lift the pusher floor off the surface 16. In another alternative embodiment, the side below the pusher floor can be configured with rail mounting members to allow mounting of the pusher to the track or rail, as required. understood the matter.

[00154] The pusher floor further defines a notch or a cutout 62 through which the spiral spring will pass 30. The end 29 of the spiral spring 30 will pass through the notch 62 and through the notch 26 of the surface 16 and will mount on the tray using any of the techniques described above.

[00155] In use, as the pusher mechanism 14 is lifted behind the tray 12, the end 29 of the coil spring 30 will be held in position as described above and the spiral end 57 of the spring 30 will begin to unwind behind the pusher pad 50. If pusher 14 is allowed to move forward in tray 14, as when product is removed from the front of tray, spiral end 57 of spring 30 will wind and force pusher pad 50 forward in tray 12, thereby raising the product toward the front of the tray.

[00156] In an alternative embodiment, the coil spring 30 can extend under and down the pusher floor 52 as opposed to up and through the pusher floor, as depicted in the Figures. With this configuration, groove 59 and notch 62 may not be necessary.

[00157] The coil spring 30 can be any thrust element including, without limitation, a smooth coil spring commonly used with thruster systems. The present invention can use one or more coil springs to stimulate the pusher mechanism 14 forward depending on the desired application. The coil tension of spring 30 can also vary depending on a specific application.

[00158] With regard to Figure 2, the trackless pusher mechanism 14 is shown mounted to the tray 12. As illustrated, the pusher mechanism 14 fits into the tray 12 between the dividers 18. The end 29 of the spiral spring 30 extends through the notch on the pusher floor and mounts to the tray as described above. In use, pusher mechanism 14 will slide along surface 16 of tray 12 without the use of rails or guides. As depicted in Figure 2, the pusher mechanism 14 is shown in a forward position.

[00159] With reference to Figure 3, the pusher mechanism 14 is shown marketing a product 70 in the merchandise system 10. The product is prevented from falling off the tray by the product retention member 44. The product 70 can be any product to be marketed including the non-alcoholic beverage bottle pictured. As shown in this Figure, the product 70 sits 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 on the product by the spring 30 prevents the tablet 50 from falling into the tray 12.

[00160] With regard to Figure 4, the pusher mechanism 14 is shown selling multiple products 70 in the merchandise system 10. As shown in this Figure, the product next to the pusher insert 50 settles on the pusher floor 52 and the spiral spring 30 that extends below the product. The other products will sit on the spiral spring 30 which will extend below these products. Alternatively, the adapter 180 can be positioned in the system, in which case the product can be accommodated over the reinforcements 182 of the adapter opposite the coil spring. Again, the weight of the product from the pusher floor 52 and the positioning of the products by the spring 30 prevent the tablet 50 from falling into the tray. In use, as a product is removed from the front of the tray next to the product retention member 44, the pusher mechanism 14 (with the stimulus of the coil spring 30) will propel the remaining product forward in the tray 12 until the product further forward contacts product retaining member 44. As additional product is removed, pusher mechanism 14 will continue to propel the remaining product towards product retaining member 44.

[00161] With regard to Figure 5, a rear view of the pusher mechanism 14 shows the pusher mechanism 14 marketing multiple products 70 in the commodity system 10. Again, the next product next to the pusher insert 50 settles on the pusher floor 52 and the spiral spring 30 extending below the product. The other products will settle on the spiral spring that will extend below these products. Alternatively, the adapter 180 can be positioned in the system, in which case the product can be accommodated over the reinforcements 182 of the adapter opposite the coil spring. As a product is removed from the front of the tray near the product retaining member 44, the spiral end 57 of the spring 30 will urge the drive pad 50 of the pusher mechanism 14 forward in the tray 12 until the frontmost product comes into contact with the product retaining member 44. As 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 from this Figure, pusher deck 52 may also extend below support members 58.

[00162] In relation to Figure 6, an alternative embodiment of the pusher tray is depicted. With this embodiment, multiple trays 12 can be formed into a single multiple tray assembly 80. The multiple tray assembly can have a common floor with dividers 18 extending upwardly from the floor to create multiple trays or tiers. In this embodiment, the product retaining member 44 can be a solid member extending between two dividers, as discussed above. One or more of the multi-tray assemblies 80 may be coupled or joined side-by-side using any known technique, including clips, snaps, fasteners, or the like. With this configuration, numerous product rows can be provided for marketing numerous products.

[00163] As stated above, the pusher mechanism 14 can be used by systems with gravity action, that is, systems having trays or product channels that are mounted on an incline to allow gravity to assist in the marketing of 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 product marketing. The trackless pusher mechanism 14 can also be used to push various molded products.

[00164] Figure 7 depicts an exemplary ferrule 60 for the end 29 of a spiral spring 30 that can be used with the commodity system 10. As illustrated, the ferrule 60 defines an opening 61 to receive the end 29 of the spiral spring and an opening 63 for mounting to the surface 16 of the tray. As seen in Figure 7, in one aspect of an alternative embodiment, extending below the surface 16 may be a tongue or mounting member 65 which can be configured to mate with the opening 63 and press-fit the ferrule 60 to the tongue 65 and thus to surface 16.

[00165] Referring to Figure 8, the exemplary ferrule 60 of Figure 7 is shown being mounted to the tongue or mounting member 65. The tongue 65 may include an outwardly elongated gusset 67 that is used to press fit the ferrule 60 to tab 65. One skilled in the art will recognize that other techniques may be used to mount the ferrule 60 to surface 16 and that the technique depicted is merely an exemplary embodiment of such a technique.

[00166] With reference to Figure 9, the exemplary tip 60 is shown completely mounted in a snap-fit manner to the surface 16, and more specifically to the end portion 24 of the surface 16 of the tray 12. The end assembly is also depicted 29 of the coil spring 30 to the opening 61 of the ferrule 60. As shown in Figure 9, the end 29 of the coil spring can be inserted into the opening 61. The opening 61 is configured to receive the end 29 of the coil spring and keep the end 29 in the position, and also to allow removal of the end 29 of the coil spring from the opening 61 in those circumstances where it is desirable to disconnect the coil spring from the ferrule to allow removal of the pusher mechanism 14 from the system.

[00167] With reference to Figure 10, the end 29 of the spiral spring is shown completely assembled to the exemplary tip 60. As illustrated in this figure, the spiral spring 30 is now operatively connected to the surface 16 of the tray 12. As a result, the mechanism impeller 14 is now mounted to tray 12.

[00168] With reference to Figures 21 to 27, an alternative technique for mounting the end 29 of the coil spring 30 to the merchandise display system is shown. A mounting member 130 may be used to mount the end 29 of the coil spring to the floor 131 of the system. For those systems that include spaced slide rails 132 that are joined by connecting gussets 134 (Figures 26 and 27), the mounting member 130 can be press fit or otherwise mounted over the floor 131 and between the slide rails 132 The mounting member will thus hold the end of the coil spring in and to the floor of the system.

[00169] Referring to Figures 22 and 23, the mounting member 130 may include one or more legs 136 on one or more alters of the member 130. The legs may be configured to press fit to the underside of the rails 132 to, thus, keeping the mounting member 130 to the floor of the system. The legs 136 may include ends of the legs 137 defining L-shaped or angled surfaces that are configured to contact the underside of the rail 132 and to prevent the mounting member 130 from being lifted off the floor, except by intentionally flexing the legs of the part. under rail 132. Legs 136 can contact connecting gussets 134 which will prevent sliding movement of mounting member 130 relative to the floor. Referring to Figure 26, mounting member 130 is shown being mounted to the system floor and more specifically to the rails. Figure 27 illustrates that mounting member 130 remains in position as pusher insert 141 is pulled away from the front of the system. Mounting member 130 can be connected to this type of system deck 131 using other techniques. For example, a separate mounting clip, one or more fasteners, adhesives, or other techniques can be used to secure the mounting member 130 to the floor 131.

[00170] With reference to Figures 22 and 23, the mounting member 130 may also include an opening or hole or slot 138 that will receive the end 29 of the spring. The spring can be assembled using any of the techniques described here, or other techniques. The configuration of aperture 138 and mounting member 130 will hold the spring in position over mounting member 130, similar to the technique described above.

[00171] The mounting member 130 may also include sliding reinforcements 139 on an upper surface that allow the product placed thereon to slide more easily through the mounting member after the mounting member is installed to the floor of the system. Mounting member 130 may also include an elongated smooth body 140 that extends forward from the location of legs 136 to provide stability to mounting member 130 after it is mounted to the system floor.

[00172] Referring to Figures 24 and 25 and 27, the pusher insert 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 driving face 143 can be curved to match the shape of a bottle or other cylindrical object. The pusher pad 141 may also include a pusher floor 145 similar to the pusher floor configurations described above. The pusher floor 145 may further include a spring bushing 147 which receives the coil spring 30 to protect the spring. Spring bushing 147 may extend partially or completely across pusher floor 145 and toward spring 30. Spring bushing 147 may have a relatively low height and smooth surface 149 to allow product to sit on it without tipping over. or fall.

[00173] The pusher pad 141 can be positioned on top of the floor 131 to slide on top of the surface, as described above. The pusher insert may be positioned between two product divider walls 153 which are joined by a product retention member 155. Additional product retainer members 157 may extend outside the product dividers.

[00174] In relation to Figures 28 and 29, it is shown yet another alternative technique for mounting the end 29 of the spiral spring 30 to the merchandise display system. In this embodiment, end 29 is attached to tray 216.

[00175] With regard to Figures 28 and 32, in an alternative embodiment, the trackless pusher system can be adapted to an existing set of shelves 230, which can have product dividers already built-in. For example, in one embodiment, the pusher system can be retrofitted to an existing array of meshed shelves. Referring to Figures 30-32, a tray or adapter 216 may have a sliding floor 222 which may be sized to a single strip of shelf 234 or sized to an entire width of the shelf. Sliding floor 222 may include a plurality of raised bolsters 224, which help to reduce friction for merchandise being traded on tray 216. It should be understood that one or more raised bolsters 224 may be used with sliding floor 222. Alternatively, the sliding floor 222 Sliding floor 222 can be a flat, smooth surface without the raised ribs. Tray or adapter 216 can be configured similar to adapter 180 of Figure 16.

[00176] As shown in Figures 28 and 30, the end 29 of the spiral spring 30 can be attached, through a rivet 229, to the front end 228 of the tray 216, or it can be attached by any other attachment technique. Tray 216 can be secured to the shelf by any fastening technique suitable for the specific shelf. In one embodiment, and as illustrated in Figures 29 to 32, tray 216 may include one or more outwardly extending pointers or latches 220 that may engage one or more individual rails 232 of shelf 234 to retain tray 216 on shelf 234 The pointers or latches 220 may extend longitudinally along the length of the tray 216, or may be spaced along the length of the tray. Latches 220 can be used to snap tray 216 onto the existing grid shelf. As depicted in Figures 29A and 29B, the latches 220A and 220B can define a number of configurations that allow the tray 216 to be snap-fitted to the shelf. The embodiment depicted in Figures 28 to 32 allows placement of the trackless impeller system into an existing shelving system, such as a meshed shelving system, as a low cost alternative to the entire trackless impeller assembly. It should be understood that with this embodiment, any pusher mechanism described herein can be used.

[00177] 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. Pusher mechanisms 286 may be formed of a pusher pad 287 and a pusher pad 288. Product is placed on the pusher pad 288 and guided to the front of the display management system through dividers 266 and pusher pad 287. Spiral 30 holds impeller mechanism 286 toward retainer 250 so that product moves toward the front of the system.

[00178] In an exemplary embodiment, depicted in Figure 33, the spiral spring 30 can be mounted to the retainer 250. Alternatively, the spiral spring 30 can be mounted to the divider 266 (also shown in Figures 48 and 49). Coil spring 30 can be mounted directly to retainer 250, as depicted in Figure 33, or it can be mounted to retainer 250 via a separate adapter 252, as depicted in Figure 34.

[00179] As depicted in Figure 35, the adapter 252 has a wall 254 next to the first end 256. The first end 256 has a curved portion 262, which curves forward. The middle portion of the adapter 252 may be provided with a curved slot 260 which is adapted to receive a correspondingly molded end of the spring (not shown).

[00180] The spiral spring 30 at one end can be secured to the middle part of the adapter 252. In an exemplary embodiment, the curved groove 260 corresponds in shape and dimension to the first end of the spring. Additionally, the first spring end of the coil spring 30 can be crimped or bent to provide additional hold. However, any sufficient attachment method can be used to attach the first spring end of the coil spring 30 to the adapter 252.

[00181] In an exemplary embodiment, shown in Figures 36 and 37, the retainer 250 has a curved groove 284 corresponding in shape and size to the curved part 262 of the adapter 252. The curved groove 284 extends along the length of the retainer to allow for positioning unlimited amount of adapter 252 along the length of retainer 250.

[00182] To secure the first end of the coil spring spring 30 to the retainer 250, the curved part 262 of the adapter 252 is placed in the curved groove 284 of the retainer 250. The curved groove 284 holds the adapter 252 and the first end of the spring of the coil spring 30 to retainer 250 and provides quick and easy assembly of the display system. Wall 254 provides additional stability in the connection between retainer 250 and adapter 252. Other methods, however, may be used to secure adapter 252 and/or the first spring end of coil spring 30 to retainer 250.

[00183] Alternatively, as depicted in Figures 33 and 44, the coil spring 30 of the pusher pad 287 can be mounted directly to the front of the tray 306. The first end of the spring 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 shoulder 318 of the front surface of the dispensing tray 306 and retainer 250. An oriented surface vertically of retainer 250 and shoulder 318 are spaced so that a gap is formed between the vertically oriented surface and a leading edge of shoulder 250. To secure spiral edge 30 and pusher mechanism 286 together, the first end of spring 290 is inserted into the slot formed between the vertically oriented surface of the retainer 250 and the leading edge of the flange 318 and placed in the recess 316 formed by the flange 318 of the dispensing tray 306 and the retainer 250.

[00184] In another exemplary embodiment depicted in Figures 38, 39, 48 and 49, the spiral spring 30 can be mounted directly to a divider 266. Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the spiral spring 30 can be mounted perpendicular to the impeller floor 288 such that the axis, about which the coil spring 30 is wound, is perpendicular to the pusher floor 288. This orientation has the benefit of preventing the pusher pad from falling out. The first spring end 290 may be provided with an angled portion 292 and a ferrule portion 296. In an exemplary embodiment, the angled portion 292 may be bent perpendicular to the coil spring body 294. The divider may be provided with a slot 298, which is adapted to receive the ferrule portion 296 of the first end of spring 290.

[00185] To secure the spiral spring to the divider, the tip part 296 is inserted into the slot 298. Once the tip part 296 is completely inserted into the slot 298, the angular part 292 engages with the slot 298 in order to hold the first end of spring 290 to divider 266.

[00186] As depicted in Figure 33, various designs of the impeller mechanism can be implemented. The pusher insert 287 may be formed flat to correspondingly accommodate the molded product. Alternatively, the pusher insert 286 may have a curved first end and a flat second end. This serves to accommodate a variety of cylindrical products having a variety of different sized diameters and to facilitate the operation of the pusher mechanism 286. During operation, the product in the pusher mechanism 286 and the first curved end force the pusher mechanism against the divider 266, such that the coil spring 30 lies flat against the divider 266 maintaining the first end of the spring 290 while in tension or in operation. This allows for smoother operation of the pusher mechanism and ensures that product is properly dispensed as users remove product from the system.

[00187] In another exemplary embodiment depicted in Figures 40 to 41D, the distance between the dividers 266 can be adjusted to accommodate different sized containers. The dividers 266 can be provided with connecting parts 272. The connecting parts 272 can be provided with a first elongated angled surface 268 and a second elongated angled surface 270. Additionally, the connecting parts 272 can be provided with a plurality of projections 274. As depicted in Figure 41B, the rails may be formed of teeth 278 having face surfaces 280 and flank surfaces 282.

[00188] When assembled, as depicted in Figure 41C, the connecting parts 272 are received between the teeth 278 of the rails. Additionally, elongated angled surfaces 268 and 270 and projections 274 are wedged between teeth 278. Also as shown in Figures 41C, elongated angled surfaces 268 and 270 engage face surfaces 280, and projections 274 engage bottom surfaces of teeth. teeth 278. Flank surfaces 282 make contact with connecting portion 272.

[00189] In an exemplary embodiment depicted in Figure 42, the trays 306 are provided with plug-in connections. A first side 308 of the trays 306 is provided with tabs 312 adapted to fit within the slots 314 located on the second side 310 of the trays 306. To connect to the trays, the slots 314 are aligned with tabs 312 so that the tabs 312 are securely held inside slots 314.

[00190] In an exemplary embodiment depicted in Figure 43, the trays 306 are configured to receive the retainer 250 at a front end. The retainer may be provided with rectangular holes 300, and the retainer is provided with molded and correspondingly sized projections 302. To secure the retainer 250 to the tray 306, the projections 302 fit into the holes 300 to lock the retainer in place over the tray 306 .

[00191] As depicted in Figures 45 to 47, after the product management display system is assembled, the product is loaded into the system. By adjusting the 266 dividers a wide variety of product sizes and shapes can be loaded into the system. As shown in Figures 46 and 47, the coil spring 30 along with the push pad 287 propels the product towards the retainer 250. As the user withdraws the product from the system, the push pad 287 pushes the remaining product so that the product slides along deck 264 to retainer 250. This ensures that all products remain at the front of the system display.

[00192] As depicted in Figures 50 to 52, the product management display system 400 can be arranged so that trays 402, 404 can be stacked on top of each other. This embodiment may generally consist of a first tray 402, a second tray 404, a first spacer 406, and a second spacer 408.

[00193] The trays 402, 404 are arranged to house the product to be dispensed. The first tray 402 and second tray 404 may be provided with a clean retainer 410, a pusher mechanism 412, first and second guide walls, and a spiral mold 414.

[00194] The pusher mechanism 414 is similarly arranged as per the embodiments discussed above, so that it slides the product along the surface of the trays 402, 404 while the product is removed. Additionally, any of the alternative pusher mechanism arrangements discussed above can be implemented in a stackable tray arrangement.

[00195] To provide easy assembly and disassembly, the stackable product management display system can be provided with a snap connection or any other suitable connection, such as a press fit connection, thread connection, or a screw connection. rivet. The first and second trays are provided with holders 416 for mounting the first and second spacers 406, 408 to the first and second trays 402, 404. Each of the trays 402, 404 may be provided with recesses 418 in two respective outer surfaces to receive corresponding molded detents 416 located on the first and second spacers 406, 408.

[00196] To assemble the stackable product management display system, the holders 416 located on the first and second spacers 406, 408 are placed in correspondingly molded cavities 418 on the outer surfaces of the first and second trays 402, 404 in an array Block. This provides a stackable arrangement that can be implemented alongside any of the embodiments discussed above.

[00197] In another exemplary embodiment depicted in Figures 53 to 57, a pusher pad 500 can be mounted directly to the shelf 508 and held to the shelf by the end of the spiral spring 504. The pusher pad 500 will slide along over the top surface of the shelf. One or more dividers 502, defining a T-shape, may be positioned beside the pusher pad 500. In an alternative aspect, the base of the divider 502 may be positioned over the shelf such that the base is located below the pusher pad 500. With this configuration, the driver insert 500 can slide along the base of the divider. If the dividers 502 are positioned far enough away from the insert 500, the insert 500 will slide directly over the surface of the shelf 508. The dividers 502 can define a variety of configurations including those described here and can be secured to the shelf using any known technique, such as push pins. , rivets, fasteners, adhesives and the like.

[00198] In one aspect, the end 510 of the coil spring 504 is positioned within a hole or opening 506 located on the shelf 508. The end 510 can define a spring ferrule that can further define any suitable configuration that allows the spring tip passes through hole 506 and remains securely in hole. For example, end spring end 510 can define a hook-shaped configuration that allows end 510 to wrap around the edges of hole 506. Alternatively, spring end can define one or more fasteners that grip the edges of the hole 506. Still other spring tip configurations are possible.

[00199] As shown in Figure 54, to secure the spring 504 to the shelf 508, a fastener 512, pin, rivet or similar can be used. This fastener 512 will provide a spaced second anchor point for the spring which will keep the spring in the desired alignment during the full operation of the spring 504 as the insert 500 moves back and forth on the shelf 508. It will be recognized that depending on the type of shelf and the number and spacing of the existing holes on the shelf, even more anchor points are possible.

[00200] With regard to Figures 55 to 57, an exemplary assembly technique for mounting the spring 504 of the insert 500 on a shelf is depicted. As shown in Figure 55, end 510 of spring 504 is inserted into hole 506 in the shelf. End 510 may define a spring spigot as described here to hold end 510 on the edges of hole 506. As shown in Figure 56, spring 504, which in this embodiment includes a rivet or pin 514, is recessed into the shelf so that the rivet or pin 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 an opening 516 to receive another rivet or pin 518 to secure spring 504 to the shelf. With these multiple anchor points, the spring 504 will be secured to the shelf, and thus the insert will be secured to the shelf. Also, with these multiple anchor points, the spring will retain the desired alignment during full spring operation as the insert 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 recognized that if a shelf does not have pre-existing holes that can be used to anchor spring 504, one or more holes must be drilled into the shelf in the desired locations.

[00201] With the embodiment depicted in Figure 53 to 57, it should be understood that a trackless pusher insert can be adapted directly to existing store shelves with minimal effort or with extra assembly parts. Additionally, this embodiment is easily removable to allow repositioning of the pusher insert anywhere on the shelf to accommodate any size or type of product being marketed on the shelf. One skilled in the art will also recognize that any pusher inserts described herein can be mounted directly to the shelf using the techniques described herein, or using any combination of the techniques described herein.

[00202] In an alternative 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 the front rail 580 can settle on a shelf. The impeller 520 may include an impeller face 522 and an impeller floor 524, as shown in Figure 59. The impeller face 522 may be divided into a non-adjustable portion 526 and an impeller extender 528. The non-adjustable portion 526 and the impeller extender 528 can define a surface that can be used to come into contact with the product on the shelf. Both the non-adjustable portion 526 and the pusher extender 528 can define similar heights and depths. Pusher extender 528 can adjust from a position that is aligned and adjacent to non-adjustable portion 526, as shown in Figure 59. Pusher extender 528 can be directed downward toward pusher floor 524, as in Figure 60. Extender impeller 528 can be adjusted to a variety of positions as shown in Figure 60, including a position that is parallel to impeller floor 524 and a position that is directed upward away from impeller floor 524 and a position that is directed downward toward to the impeller floor 524. In this way, the width and height of the impeller 520 can be effectively extended for wider and taller products.

[00203] The impeller extender 528 can rotate on the shaft at the top of the impeller 520. A slotted wheel 532 (see Figure 77) can be located behind the impeller extender 528. The impeller extender 528 includes a protrusion (see, for example , the protrusion 530 in Figure 77) which fits within the slots in the slotted wheel 532. As the impeller stent 528 rotates, about the shaft, the protrusion rotates in various spaces within the slots in the slotted wheel 532, similar to a pulley mechanism. latch and ratchet. Each notch represents a separate position for pusher stent 528. At each separate position, pusher stent 528 can remain stationary such that a force is required to move pusher stent 528 to a different position. In exemplary embodiment aspects, the pusher stent is rotatable from a first position that is adjacent to the non-adjustable portion 526 to one of a number of second positions that can be located within a range of approximately 180 degrees of the first position. . The degree of adjustment can vary according to the number, size and spacing of notches in the sprocket. The pusher stent can define an illuminating opening through the strut wall to reduce the weight of the strut and to reduce the moment created around the strut shaft. The pusher extender can define a textured or smooth pusher face.

[00204] With reference to Figure 59, an inclined element, such as a coil spring 534, can be held at the rear of the impeller 520. In one embodiment, the coil spring 534 can be positioned adjacent to the non-adjustable portion 526 of the impeller face 522 The coil spring 534 may extend through the pusher floor 524, as shown in Figure 59. In one embodiment, the pusher floor 524 may include a channel 536 in which the coil spring 534 fits. Channel 536 allows product to settle on pusher floor 524 with limited contact with the spring. The weight of the product rests on the impeller floor 524 in this mode. Pusher floor 524 may also comprise a channelless surface.

[00205] In one example, a divider 550 may be comprised of a divider wall 552, a floor 554 and a barrier 556, as illustrated in Figure 59. In one example, a divider 550 may not include barriers. In one example, a splitter 550 may not include floors. Partition wall 552 can divide divider floor 554 into two parts, 559 and 551 (see Figure 78) with one part on each side of divider wall 552. Divider wall 552 can also have a divider floor 554 on only one side of the divider wall 552. As illustrated in Figure 77, divider wall 552 may extend perpendicularly from divider floor 554. Divider floor 554 may be a flat surface. In one embodiment, divider floor 554 may include a channel within a portion of divider floor 554. Coil spring 534 may extend across divider floor 554. In one embodiment, coil spring 534 may extend across divider floor 554 within a channel in the dividing floor 554. In this embodiment, the product will not rest on the coil spring 534 and will instead rest on portions of the dividing floor 554 that are adjacent to the channel in the dividing floor 554. In another embodiment, the dividing floor 554 does not include a channel. In one example, a single impeller 520 may be located on a portion of the divider floor 554 and a second impeller (see Figure 84F) may be located on a second portion of the divider floor 554. Thus, a divider 550 may contain two impellers 520 , one on each side of dividing wall 552.

[00206] The barrier 556 can be configured to restrict the product being pushed by the impeller 520 and the inclined element contained therein. Barrier 556 can be located at the front of divider wall 552, as shown in Figure 59. Barrier 556 can also be located at the rear of the divider wall to prevent overstocking of product on the shelf. As shown in Figures 59 and 77, partition wall 552 can divide barrier 556 into two parts. 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 may also be integral to each other. In one example, the barrier is separate from the divider. In one example, the barrier is not integral or integrated with the divider. In another example, the barrier is configured to mate with the splitter. In one example, the dividing wall and dividing floor are separate devices from one another and are not integral to one another or part of a single integrated device. In one example, the dividing wall and dividing floor are configured to mate with each other. In other examples, a barrier may be connected to front rail 580 or comprise a portion of front rail 580.

[00207] 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 rest of the spring. This angle can be 90 degrees or any other suitable angle that can be less than or greater than 90 degrees. The end 557 of the coil spring can then be placed in a slot 558 within the barrier 556. Once in the slot 558, the end of the spring 557 will remain in place and help to unbalance the impeller 520 towards the barrier 556. One end 557 of the coil spring 534 may include a plurality of parts, each with bends that place a subsequent end part of the coil spring at an angle to a front part of the coil spring (not shown). The plurality of folds can engage a plurality of slots or openings in the barrier 556 or other connection point on the divider 550 or front rail 580. The plurality of slots or openings can conform to the shape of the plurality of folds in the end 557 of the coil spring 534. Coil spring 534 may include a fastener (not shown) at one end. The catch on the coil spring 534 can be configured to prevent the coil spring 534 from disengaging from the impeller 520, as for example, when the coil spring 534 is extended.

[00208] The impeller 520 can be connected to the divider 550 only by the spiral spring 534. The impeller 520 can accommodate on top of the divider floor 554 and can slide across the divider floor. The impeller 520 can be configured to sit fully below the dividing floor 554, as shown in Figure 59 and not go below the dividing floor 554. In this embodiment, the impeller 520 can be placed outside the dividing floor 554, as shown in Figure 62. Gravity and weight of product accommodated on impeller floor 524 keeps impeller 520 on divider floor 554. Product accommodated on coil spring 534 also keeps impeller 520 on divider floor 554. The only integrated connection between the impeller and the divider may be the end of the coil spring 557 which is held within a slot 558 in the barrier 556. The divider wall 552 may be used to guide the pusher 520 as the pusher 520 moves back and forth, and vice versa, on the dividing floor 554.

[00209] The divider 550 may define a groove 560 or other recess in a lower portion of the divider. This groove 560 or other recess may be in an upside down "u" shape as shown in Figure 61 or it may take on another shape. Slot 560 or other recess may extend the entire width of the bottom of the divider 550. Slot 560, or other recess in one example, may extend along a single portion of the width of the bottom of the divider. Slot 560, or other recess, may be used to engage a front rail, the front wall of a tray, or other structure. The term recess as used herein may mean a groove, slit, channel, indentation, depression or other inwardly extending recess.

[00210] Divider 550 may also define a plurality of teeth 562 or other projection. Teeth 562 or other projection may be located at the front of barrier 556. As illustrated in an exemplary embodiment in Figure 63, teeth 562 may define a series of outwardly extending angled surfaces that meet or come together at an apex. As used herein, the term teeth can mean any uniform, non-uniform, continuous, non-continuous, uniformly spaced, or non-uniformly spaced surface extending outward which may or may not be angular and which may or may not meet or meet. join at an apex. Additionally, the teeth may define at an apex sharp, blunt, rounded, smooth, or polygonal, or any other suitable shape. Also, the surfaces that define the shape of the teeth can be smooth, convex, concave, smooth or textured, or any other suitable configuration. In one embodiment, the teeth 562 are placed on an extension from the front of the barrier 556. The divider 550 may also define a tongue or resilient tab 564. The teeth 562 or other projection may be located on the resistant flange 564. a force is applied to the resisting tab 564, the teeth 562 or other projections can move in the direction of the force. When the force is removed, the teeth or other projection will move back to their original positions. The term projection as used herein can mean a protrusion, a resistant tab, a tongue, a sensor, a tooth or a plurality of teeth, a shoulder, a knob or other projection that extends outward. A plurality of teeth may include a plurality of projections where the teeth extend outwardly and may include a plurality of inwardly extending recesses between parts of the outwardly extending plurality of teeth.

[00211] A front rail 580 can define a flat surface 582, a shoulder or tongue 584 or other projection or coupling member, a channel or groove 586 or other recess or coupling member and a plurality of teeth 588 or other coupling members . The shoulder or tongue 584 or other projection or mating member of the front rail 580 may be configured to mate with groove 560 or other recess or mating member of the divider. The shoulder 584 or other projection or other coupling member may fit within the groove 560 or other recess or coupling member and inhibit the divider 550 from moving in a direction perpendicular to the shoulder 584 or front rail 580 or at an angle (for (eg, not perpendicular) to shoulder 584 or front rail 580. Teeth 588 or other coupling members of front rail 580 may be spaced apart. Teeth 588 or other coupling members of the front rail can engage teeth 562 or other coupling members of divider 550, which teeth 562 are illustrated in Figure 63, so as to prevent the divider from moving in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail. front rail 580. Teeth 588 or other coupling members of front rail 580 are engaged with teeth 562 or other coupling members of divider 550 and prevent divider 550 from moving in a lateral direction shown by arrow "A" in Figure 65 The term mating member as used herein may mean a projection, recess, flat surface, nearly flat surface, or other item of structure that can be mated with another item of structure. The front rail can be a separate structure that attaches to or attaches to a shelf. Alternatively, the front rail may form part of a tray defining one or more of the opposite rear and front side walls. In this configuration, the front rail as described herein can be formed as part of a front or rear wall of a tray and still achieve the objects of the invention. That is, the front rail can be formed as part of the tray walls (or attached to the tray walls) and receive and couple the dividers and pusher mechanisms using any of the various techniques described here. The front rail also does not need to be located at the absolute front of the shelf. The front rail can be located near the front of the shelf or at a location a distance back from the front of the shelf. In one example, the front rail could be located at or near the back of the shelf, away from the front of the merchandise display system. The front of the shelf may not include rails in an example.

[00212] When the resistant tab 564 of the divider 550 is pressed or a force is placed on the resistant tab in a direction away from the teeth 588 on the front rail 580, the teeth 562 of the divider can become disengaged from the teeth 588 on the front rail. When the teeth 588 on the front rail and the teeth 562 on the sturdy 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 (for example, the direction shown by the arrow "A" in Figure 65). Through the use of this resilient tab 564, the products contained in the merchandise system 10 can be redesigned. When the divider 550 is moved in a lateral direction, the divider does not need to be rotated. Instead, divider 550 remains in place parallel to flat surface 582 of front rail 580. Furthermore, divider 550 does not need to be lifted. Splitter 550 can simply be moved in the direction seen by arrow "A" in Figure 65.

[00213] 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. This divider 550 includes a barrier 556 and this divider 550 further includes a divider wall 552. That divider also includes a divider floor 554 perpendicular to the divider wall 552, wherein the divider floor 554 is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam 720 coupled to divider 550, wherein cam 720 is configured to move between the first position and the second position. This 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 this divider 550 is coupled to the front rail 580 and the cam 720 is in the first position. This divider 550 is (a) secured in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) secured in the perpendicular direction to the front rail 580 when this divider 550 is coupled to the front rail 580 and the cam 720 is in the second position.

[00214] In one example the cam 720 includes a handle to rotate the 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 t-slot walls in front rail 580 when cam 720 is in the second position. Cam 720 may also include a plurality of cam lobes configured to engage a plurality of front rail teeth on 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 having a pusher surface, a pusher floor extending forward of the pusher surface, and a coil spring having a pusher surface. rolled end and free end. The coiled end of the spring can be positioned between the driving surface and the driving mechanism can be attached to the merchandise display system by the coil spring alone. The barrier may be configured to receive the free end of the coil spring. The front rail may define a front rail groove and the divider may define a divider shoulder configured to engage the front rail groove.

[00215] In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail 580 and a plurality of dividers 550 configured to attach to the front rail 580 and separate products into rows. Each of a plurality of dividers 550 includes a wall 552 extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, a divider floor 554 perpendicular to the divider wall 552, where the divider floor 554 is configured to hold the product, and a cam 720 coupled to divider 550, wherein cam 720 is configured to move between a first position and a second position. Each of a plurality of dividers 550 is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to front rail 580 and (b) secured in a direction perpendicular to front rail 580 when each of a plurality of dividers 550 is coupled to front rail 580 and the cam 720 for each of a plurality of dividers 550 is in the first position. Furthermore, each of a plurality of dividers 550 is (a) secured in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) secured in the perpendicular direction to the front rail 580 when each of a plurality of dividers 550 is coupled to the front rail. 580 and cam 720 for each of a plurality of dividers 550 is in the second position.

[00216] In one example, each of a plurality of dividers 550 is configured to move in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the product is positioned on the divider floor 554. A force on a peripheral divider of the plurality of dividers 550 can cause each of a plurality of dividers 550 to move in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the cams 720 for each of a plurality of dividers 550 are in the first position, and where the force is in one direction parallel to the front rail 580 and perpendicular to the partition wall 552 of the peripheral divider.

[00217] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580 and at least one divider 550 configured to mate with the front rail rail 580, this divider 550 including a barrier, a divider wall 552 extending in one direction perpendicular to the front rail, a dividing floor 554 perpendicular to the dividing wall 552, wherein the dividing wall 552 separates the dividing floor 554 into a first part and a second part and each part is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a first pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least a portion of the first portion, a second pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least a portion of the second portion, and a cam 720 coupled to at least one divider 550, the cam 720 configured to move between a first position and a second position. That divider 550 is movable in a lateral direction parallel to and along front rail 580 when cam 720 is in the first position, and that divider 550 resists movement in a lateral direction parallel to or along front rail 580 when cam is in second position.

[00218] In one example, the first and second pusher mechanism of the merchandise display system includes a pusher surface, a pusher floor extending forward from the pusher surface, and a coil spring having a wound end and a free end, in that the rolled end is positioned behind the driving surface. The first and second pusher mechanisms are attached to the merchandise display system by the coil spring only. This splitter may define a splitter mating member and that front rail may define a front rail mating member, and the splitter mating member may be configured to mate with the front rail mating member. The divider coupling member may define divider teeth on at least one surface of the divider coupling member and the front rail coupling member may define front rail teeth on at least one surface of the front rail coupling member. The divider teeth can be configured to engage the front rail teeth.

[00219] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580 and at least one divider 550 configured to secure the front rail 580, this divider 550 including a barrier configured to engage the front rail 580, a divider wall 552 extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, a dividing floor 554 perpendicular to the dividing wall 552, wherein the dividing floor 554 is configured to hold the product. The display system may also include a resistive tab coupled to divider 550, the resistive tab configured to move between a first position and a second position. This divider 550 is attached in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the heavy duty tab is in the first position. This divider 550 is movable in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the resistant flap is in the second position.

[00220] In one example, the divider 550 includes a plurality of teeth configured to engage the front rail 580. The divider teeth can be configured to engage corresponding teeth on the front rail 580. The divider teeth of the display system merchandise can be configured to attach a heavy-duty surface to the 580 front rail.

[00221] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580, the front rail 580 comprising at least one first projection and at least one first recess, and at least one divider 550 configured to attach to the front rail 580, said divider 550 comprising a divider wall 552 and a divider floor 554 perpendicular to the divider wall 552, said divider 550 further comprising at least one second recess and at least one second projection, said divider second projection 550 configured to move between a first position and a second position. That 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 that first projection of the front rail 580 is coupled to that second recess of the divider 550 and this second projection of the divider 550 is in the first position. That divider 550 (a) resists movement in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when that first projection of the front rail is engaged with that second divider recess 550 and that second divider 550 divider projection 550 is in the second position.

[00222] In one example, this second divider projection 550 may comprise a cam 720. This first front rail recess 580 may comprise a slot. This second projection of divider 550 may include a sturdy tab. That first front rail projection 580 may comprise a tongue. That first front rail projection 580 may comprise a plurality of teeth. That second projection of divider 550 may comprise a tongue. That second projection of divider 550 may include a plurality of teeth. The merchandise display system may also include a plurality of teeth on that first front rail projection 580 and a plurality of teeth on that second divider recess 550.

[00223] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580, the front rail 580 including at least one first projection and at least one second projection, that second front rail projection 580 configured to move between a first position and a second position. The merchandise display system also includes at least one divider 550 configured to engage the front rail 580, which divider 550 comprising a divider wall 552 and a divider floor 554 perpendicular to divider wall 552, which divider 550 further comprising at least one recess. This divider 550 is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) secured in the perpendicular direction to the front rail 580 when that first projection of the front rail 580 is engaged with that recess of the divider 550 and that second projection of the front rail 580 is in the first position. This divider 550 is (a) secured in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) secured in the perpendicular direction to the front rail 580 when that first projection of the front rail 580 is engaged with that recess in the divider 550 and this second projection of the rail front 580 in second position.

[00224] In one example, that first front rail projection 580 may comprise a tongue and that divider recess 550 may comprise a groove.

[00225] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580, the front rail 580 comprising a first projection and a second projection. The merchandise display system also includes at least one divider 550 configured to mate with front rail 580, said divider 550 comprising a divider wall 552 and a divider floor 554 perpendicular to divider wall 552, said divider 550 further comprising a recess and a third projection. This second projection or third projection is a movable projection that is movable between a first position and a second position. This divider 550 is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the first projection of the front rail 580 is engaged with the recess of the divider 550 and the movable projection is in the first position. This divider 550 is (a) secured in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) secured in the perpendicular direction to the front rail 580 when the first projection of the front rail 580 is engaged with the recess of the divider 550 and the movable projection is in the second position.

[00226] In one example, the movable projection of the merchandise display system could be a 720 cam or a heavy duty flap. The front rail first projection 580 may be a tongue and the divider recess 550 may be a groove.

[00227] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580, the front rail 580 comprising at least one first coupling member. The merchandise display system also includes at least one divider 550 configured to attach to front rail 580, said divider 550 comprising a divider wall 552 and a divider floor 554 perpendicular to the divider wall, said divider 550 further comprising at least one second member coupling. The merchandise display system also includes a third coupling member configured to move between a first position and a second position. This 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 coupling member of the front rail 580 is coupled to the second coupling member of the divider 550 and the third coupling member is in the first position. This divider 550 is (a) secured in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in the perpendicular direction to the front rail 580 when the first coupling member of the front rail 580 is coupled to the second coupling member of the divider 550 and the third coupling member is in the second position. In one example, when the first front rail coupling member 580 is coupled to the second divider coupling member 550 and the third coupling member is in the first position, that divider 550 is movable in the plane of a shelf (such as shelf 596 shown in Figures 70 and 71) only in the lateral direction parallel to front rail 580; that divider 550 is attached to the plane of the shelf in all directions other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580; that divider 550 may not twist, stretch, or puncture in the plane of the shelf; that divider 550 remains perpendicular to front rail 580.

[00228] In one example, the third coupling member may be a front rail o part 580 or a divider part 550. In one example, the third coupling member may comprise a cam 720 or a coupling surface. In one example, the first front rail coupling member 580 is a projection. The merchandise display system may also include a pusher mechanism 520 having a pusher surface 528, a pusher floor 524 extending forward from the pusher surface 528, and a coil spring 534 having a wound end and a free end. The wound end may be positioned behind the driving surface 528 and the driving mechanism 520 is attached to the merchandise display system only by the coil spring 534. The merchandise display system may also include a barrier that is configured to receive the end. free from coiled spring 534.

[00229] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580 and at least one divider 550 configured to engage with the front rail 580, this divider 550 including a barrier 556, this divider further including a divider wall 554, that divider further including a divider floor 552 perpendicular to the divider wall 554, wherein the divider floor 552 is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam 720 coupled to divider 550, wherein cam 720 is configured to move between a first position and a second position. That divider 550 can be held in a direction perpendicular to front rail 580 when that divider 550 is coupled to front rail 580. Cam 720 can inhibit movement of that divider 550 in the lateral direction parallel to front rail 580 when cam 720 is in first position. position. Cam 720 may allow movement of divider 550 in a 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).

[00230] Figures 67A to C show an example of a step-by-step approach to placing a divider on a front rail. To begin with, as illustrated in Figures 67A, divider 550 is recessed into channel 586 defined by front rail 580. Lowering force from divider 550 to channel 586 causes teeth 562 on divider 550 to contact the top of the rail front rail 580 and move toward divider 550 and away from front rail 580, as illustrated in Figure 67B. Teeth 562 on divider 550 may be ramped teeth, as shown in Figure 63. Front rail 580 includes recesses 589, as illustrated in Figure 64, which are shaped to engage teeth 562 on divider 550. These recesses 589 are spaced between teeth 588 present in front rail 580. When divider 550 is lowered into channel 586 in front rail 580, as illustrated in Figure 67C, teeth 564 of divider 550 pass over the top of front rail 580 and move into recesses 589 in rail front rail 580. When teeth 564 on divider 550 are in recesses 589 in front rail 580, divider 550 is in a coupled position and will not move in a lateral direction under a normal amount of force.

[00231] In an example, Figures 68A to C show a step-by-step approach to placing a divider on a front rail in another embodiment. In the initial step, as illustrated in Figures 68A, the resistant tongue or tab 564 is manually pushed back causing the teeth 562 on the tab 564 to move back toward the divider 550. A pivot-style shaft allows the pawl to or resistant 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. Slot 560 of divider 550 engages shoulder or tongue 584 of front rail 58. At this point, divider 550 can be moved in a lateral direction along the front rail to rail and can allow for easy replanning. However, divider 550 is secured in a direction perpendicular to front rail 580 (e.g., parallel to divider 550) and cannot be moved in that direction, other than for a significantly small amount of clearance between groove 560 of divider 550 and the shoulder or tongue 584 of front rail 580. (The direction perpendicular to the front rail is shown by arrow "B" in Figure 86H.) The significantly small amount of play may not be noticeable to a user of the system. While divider 550 is in contact with front rail 580 and slot 560 of divider 550 engages with shoulder or tongue 584 of front rail 580, as illustrated in Figure 68B, divider 550 can move from the plane of the shelf (the shelf is seen as 596 in Figures 70 and 71) only in the lateral direction parallel to front rail 580 (for example, the direction is seen by arrow "A" in Figure 65). The divider is fixed and immovable 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 twist, widen, puncture, or otherwise move in the plane of the shelf. shelf in a direction other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580. The divider 550 may, however, be able to move in a direction out of plane of the shelf, such as the direction seen 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 tongue or resilient tab 564 is manually driven forward away from divider 550. This movement causes teeth 562 on front divider 550 to engage with recesses 589 in front rail 580. The recesses 589 on front rail 580 are spaced by teeth 588 on front rail. When teeth 562 of divider 550 are in contact with recesses 589 and teeth 588 in front rail 580, divider 550 is engaged and cannot move in a lateral direction under a normal amount of force.

[00232] In another example, the tongue or resistant tab does not include a hinged style shaft that allows the tongue or resistant tab 564 to remain in the pushed-back position. Instead, the resistant 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 resting position and can engage the front rail 580 when the propelling force manually the tongue or tab 564 to the rear is removed.

[00233] In one example, a divider 550 is placed in contact with the front rail 580. A front rail coupling member 580 mates with the divider coupling member 550, which holds the divider in a perpendicular direction to the front rail 580 (the direction noted by the arrow "B" in Figure 86H) and makes the divider 550 immovable in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, which does not stop a significantly small amount of play or space between the coupling members which may not be possible to observe by a user. Divider 550 is also secured to the plane of the shelf in all directions other than the direction parallel to front rail 580 (the direction noted by arrow "A" in Figure 65). The divider 550 can be moved in the plane of the shelf only in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. The divider 550 is attached, under normal operating forces and conditions, to the plane of the shelf in a direction other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580. The divider, however, can be moved in a direction out of the plane of the shelf, such as a direction seen by arrow "C" in Figure 87B. When the divider is "secured" in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, it means that the divider 550 is immobile, under normal operating forces and conditions, in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, which does not stop a significantly small amount of gap or space between mating members that may not be visible to a user. The direction perpendicular to the front rail is shown by arrow "B" in Figure 86H. A second front rail coupling member 580 or divider 550 is in a first position and the divider is moved laterally, parallel to the front rail. The second coupling member is then moved to a second position, which causes divider 550 to be attached in a lateral direction parallel to front rail 580 (the direction seen by arrow "A" in Figure 65) under normal operating conditions and forces. . When divider 550 is "pinned" in a lateral direction parallel to front rail 580, divider 550 will not move in a lateral direction parallel to front rail 580 under normal operating conditions and forces.

[00234] In one example, a plurality of dividers 550 can be moved as a group parallel to the front rail 580 while remaining secure to the front rail 580 in a direction perpendicular to the front rail (the direction seen by the arrow "B" in Figure 86H ). Each of a plurality of dividers 550 can be placed in contact with a front rail 580. A coupling member or a plurality of coupling members of the front rail 580 mate(s) with a coupling member over each of the plurality of dividers 580. dividers 550, which holds each of the plurality of dividers 550 in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 (the direction seen by arrow "B" in Figure 86H) and shifts each of the plurality of dividers 550 immobile in a direction perpendicular to the rail front 580, which does not allow for a significantly small amount of play or space between the coupling members that cannot be noticed by a user. A second coupling member (or a plurality of second coupling members) of the front rail 580 or each of the dividers 550 is in a first position which allows the plurality of dividers 550 to be moved laterally parallel to the front rail 580. the plurality of dividers 550 may form rows between dividers 550 that are configured to hold the product. The product can be placed between two of a plurality of dividers 550, as shown in Figures 45 to 47. A force can be applied to a first divider in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. That force can move the first divider in a direction parallel to the front rail. front rail 580 and bring the divider 550 into contact with a product adjacent to the first divider 550. (Product is shown in Figures 45 to 47 as cans or cartons and can take on other shapes.) The divider 550 then can forcing the product to move in the same direction as the first divider 550, for example, parallel to the front rail 580. The force can move the product to come into contact with the second divider 550 adjacent to the product. The product can then force a second divider 550 to move in the same direction as the first divider 550 and the product, for example, parallel to the front rail 580. The second divider can then force a second product adjacent to the second divider 550 to move move in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. The second product can force a third divider 550 adjacent to the second product to move in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. In this way, a series of dividers 550 and products can all be moved in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 as 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 member or members engage on the front rail 580 or one of a plurality of dividers 550 is moved to a second position, which makes the divider 550 fixed in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 under the conditions and normal operating forces, divider 550 cannot move in a direction parallel to front rail 580 and divider 550 will not force other dividers 550 or products to move in a direction parallel to front rail 580.

[00235] In one example, when a second coupling member is moved to a second position, the second coupling member inhibits movement of divider 550 in a lateral direction parallel to front rail 580. Under a force equal to or less than an amount of predefined force, the second coupling member prevents the divider 550 from moving in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580. When an amount of force above the preset amount of force is applied to the divider 550 in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 , divider 550 can move in a lateral direction parallel to front rail 580.

[00236] In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 66, the thickness of the dividing floor 554 varies. The thickness of a front portion of the dividing floor 554 where it is adjacent the flat surface 582 of the front rail is less than the thickness of a rear portion of the dividing floor 554 further back where it is not adjacent the flat surface 582 of the front rail. As shown in Figure 67, the dividing floor portion 554A is thinner than the dividing 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 front rail. 580.

[00237] One embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 69A and 69B, includes rail mounting clips 590 for the front rail 580. As illustrated in Figures 69B, the front rail 580 includes an opening 592. This opening 592 can be coordinated to be placed over openings 595 in a shelf 596 in the retail environment, as shown in Figure 70. Rail mounting clips 590 may be curved. The rail mounting clips 590 also contain a narrow portion 594 at one end of the rail mounting clips 590. The rail mounting clips 590 can be inserted into the widest round portion of opening 592 in the front rail 580 and openings 595 on the shelf 596 in the retail environment, as shown in Figure 71. The rail mounting clips 590 can then be displaced laterally to a narrower portion within the opening 592 in the front rail 580. By displacing the rail mounting clips 590, the wider round portion of rail mounting clips 590 will mate with narrower portion of opening 592 in front rail and lock in place. The rail mounting clips 590 thus hold the front rail 580 in place and prevent the front rail 580 from moving in a lateral direction. If it is known prior to delivery that a store shelf will have holes, rail mounting clips 590 may be inserted and locked into front rail 580 prior to delivery. Inserting the 590 Rail Mounting Clips prior to delivery can add ease of installation of the merchandise system into the store environment.

[00238] 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 also shows the end 557 of the spiral spring 534 held within the barrier 556 End 557 of spring 534 is bent at approximately a 90 degree angle to the remainder of spring body 534. End 557 is placed within a slot 558 maintained within barrier 556.

[00239] In one embodiment, the divider 550 contains teeth 600, as illustrated in Figures 72 and 73. These teeth can be shaped to be integral with the divider 550. The teeth 600 are not held over a resistant tab or tongue as in other embodiments . The teeth 600 are spaced apart from each other. A plurality of teeth 600 may be placed over divider 550 at the bottom of a front portion of divider 550 and at the front of barrier 556.

[00240] As illustrated in Figure 75, a front rail 610 may include a plurality of teeth 612. The teeth 612 on the front rail 610 may be designed to releasably engage the teeth 600 of the divider 550 through the use of a bar of cam 622 on the front rail 610 and a misalignment action, as illustrated in Figure 76. The front rail also includes a flat surface 614 that is substantially smooth or flat and a tongue or ridge 616 that is used substantially perpendicular to the flat surface 614, as shown in Figure 75. Front rail 610 further includes a cam bar lever 618 that moves cam bar 622 within front rail 610, as shown in Figures 76A and 76B. In Figure 76A, cam bar lever 618 is in a first position in which teeth 612 of front rail 610 are supported on front rail 610 away from the divider. In Figure 76B, cam bar lever 618 is in a second position in which teeth 612 of front rail 610 are extended toward divider 550.

[00241] Figure 77 shows an exploded view of various aspects of an embodiment. The front rail 610 is shown to include an extruded hull 620, a cam bar 622 and a toothed bar 624. The toothed bar 624 contains a plurality of teeth 612. The extruded hull 620 includes a cam area 626 designed to house the bar Cam bar 622 and toothed bar 624. Cam bar 622 is located at base of fore 610 adjacent to extruded hull 620. Cam bar 624 is in contact with cam bar lever 618. Cam bar lever 620 618 can operate to move the cam bar 622 back and forth in a lateral direction. Cam bar 622 further includes elongated cam reservoirs 628. Cam reservoirs 628 are diagonal with a front end of cam reservoir 628 closest to the front end of front rail 610 and a rear end of reservoir 628 behind the front end of front rail 610.

[00242] The toothed bar 624 may include cam pins 630. The cam pins of the toothed bar 630 are placed within the reservoirs of the cam bar 628 during the operation of the front rail 610. When the cam bar 622 and the reservoirs of the cam bar 628 move laterally, tooth bar cam pins 630 move in a direction perpendicular to the movement of cam bar 622. tooth bar cam pins 630 move toward the front of front rail 610 (and away from divider teeth 600) and away from the front of front rail 610 (and toward divider teeth 600) as cam bar 622 moves laterally back and forth within the area of the divider. cam 626. As the sprocket cam pins 630 move, the sprocket 624 also moves. Thus, when cam bar lever 618 is moved from the first position to a second position, it moves cam bar 622 laterally along the inside of front rail 610. This lateral movement of cam bar 622 causes toothed bar 624 and teeth 612 thereof move in a direction perpendicular to the direction of cam bar 622; that is, toothed bar 624 moves toward or away from the front of front rail 610 and toward or away from teeth 600 on divider 550. Figure 78 shows an exploded view of various aspects of the embodiment shown in Figure 78. Figure 77

[00243] Figures 79A to C show an example of a step-by-step guide for placing the divider 550 on the front rail 610. The divider 550 including teeth 600 on the divider is recessed into the channel 640 of the front rail 610, as shown in Figure 79A . The toothed bar 624 is initially in a position closer to the front of the front rail 610 and the teeth 612 of the toothed bar 624 are not engaged with the teeth 600 of the divider 550. The cam bar lever 618 is in a first position that keeps the teeth 612 of the toothed bar 624 out of engagement with the dividing teeth 600, as illustrated in Figure 79B. In this position, the divider 550 can be moved laterally along the shoulder or tongue 616 of the front rail 610. The divider 550 can have products accommodated on the divider floor 554 as the divider 550 is moved laterally along the front rail in the direction shown in the figure. Figure 77 by arrow "A". A shoulder 584 or other projection on the front rail 580 can engage the groove 560 or other recess in the divider 550 to secure the divider 550 and prevent the divider from moving in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, which does not stop a significantly small amount of clearance (eg, less than 3mm) between shoulder 584 and groove 560, under normal operating forces and conditions. 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 hull 620. Movement of cam bar 622 includes movement of diagonal cam bar reservoirs 628 in the side direction. The movement of the cam bar pockets 628, in turn, causes the toothed bar cam pins 630 to move in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the cam bar 622 and toward the teeth 600 of the divider 550, as illustrated. in Figure 79C. The toothed bar cam pins 630 are coupled to and may be integral with the toothed bar 624. Accordingly, movement of the toothed bar cam pins 630 causes the toothed bar 624 and the teeth 612 contained therein to move in the same direction. to teeth 600 of the divider. This movement causes the teeth 612 of the toothed bar 624 to become engaged with the teeth 600 of the divider. When toothed bar teeth 612 are engaged with divider teeth 600, divider 550 is releasably engaged and will not move in a lateral direction shown by arrow "A" in Figure 77 under normal operating conditions and forces.

[00244] The toothed bar 624 is fixed on its ends so that the toothed bar 624 can only move in a direction that is towards or away from the teeth 600 of the divider. Toothed 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 fixed 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

[00245] Figure 80 provides an isometric view of aspects of a modality. When teeth 612 of toothed bar 624 are engaged with teeth 600 of divider, the entire commodity system 10 is locked. Front rail 610 and divider 550 are releasably coupled to one another and will not move relative to each other. Furthermore, pusher 520 is coupled to divider 550. In this position, the entire commodity system 10 can be moved. The commodity system 10 can be set up at a remote location according to a planogram and then locked. The merchandise system 10 can then be shipped to the store location. At the store location, the merchandise system 10 can be removed from the shipping container and placed on the shelf like a mat. Planogramming of dividers 550 will remain intact while commodity system 10 is locked.

[00246] In one example, a display system is mounted in a remote location away from a shelf and then moved as a unit to the shelf and secured to the shelf. A plurality of dividers 550 are attached to the front rail 580 such that they are secure and will not move significantly in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580. The plurality of dividers 550 are set laterally parallel to the front rail 580 in accordance with a pre-planned planogram or other provision. The plurality of dividers 550 include coupling members and the front rail 580 includes coupling members. The coupling members on the plurality of dividers 550 and/or the coupling members on the front rail 580 are adjusted from a first position to a second position to secure the plurality of dividers 550 to the front rail 580 so that the plurality of dividers cannot move in any direction relative to the front rail 580. The front rail 580 and the plurality of dividers 550 are then moved as a unit to the shelf. The front rail 580 is then secured to the shelf.

[00247] To change the planogramming of the merchandise system at the store location, the dividers 550 and the product do not need to be removed from the shelf. The cam bar lever 618 or other coupling member for each of the dividers 550 can be moved into its home position. By moving cam bar lever 618 or other coupling member to its home position, teeth 612 of toothed bar 624 release from divider teeth 600 (or one coupling member disengages from another coupling member). In this position, dividers 550 can be moved laterally in the direction indicated 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 a new planogram position, the cam bar lever 618 or other coupling member for each of the dividers 550 can be moved to its second position. Teeth 612 of toothed bar 622 will then engage teeth 600 of divider 550 (or one coupling member will engage another coupling member) and again cause the commodity system 10 to become locked.

[00248] In an example, the operation of the misalignment action is still shown in Figures 81A and 81B. Figure 81A shows uncoupled divider teeth 600 with teeth 612 of toothed bar 624. In embodiment, cam bar 622 is adjacent to the front wall of front rail 610. In Figure 81B, the cam bar lever 618 has been moved into the second position, cam bar 622 has been moved sideways and pins of toothed bar 630 have been moved towards divider 550. Teeth 612 of toothed bar 624 have also been moved towards divider 550 and engaged with the splitting teeth 600.

[00249] In one embodiment, a soft rubber pad can be used in place of the teeth 612 on the toothed bar 624 and can function as a coupling member. In this embodiment, when the toothed bar 624 is adjacent the forward portion of the front rail 610, the soft rubber pad and dividing teeth 600 are not in contact with each other. When the cam bar lever 618 is moved to its second position and the cam bar 622 moves the toothed bar 624 towards the splitting teeth 600, the splitting teeth 600 come into contact and thereby engage the soft rubber pad. This contact provides relative interference and holds divider teeth 600 in place and prevents divider 550 from moving laterally in the direction seen in Figure 77 by arrow "A".

[00250] In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 82A to C, the divider 550 is held in place in contact with the front rail 580 through the use of a clamp. Figure 82A-C show a step-by-step process for inserting divider 550 into front rail 580. Initially, as illustrated in Figure 82A, divider 550 is recessed into channel 640 formed in front rail 580 (or 610). Additionally, a lip or tongue 644 on the front rail 580 contacts the channel 645 on the splitter 550. The splitter 550 includes a sensor or outwardly extending lip 650 on a front portion of the splitter 550. A clamp 652 on the rail Front end 580 is rotated to engage sensor 650 of splitter 550. Clamp 652 fits over sensor 650 and locks sensor 650 and splitter 550 in place. Once releasably coupled, divider 550 cannot move in the lateral direction seen in Figure 80 by arrow "A". To move divider 550, clamp 652 must be pulled to disengage clamp 652 from divider sensor 650.

[00251] In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 83A to C, the divider 550 is held in place in contact with the front rail 580 through the use of a rotating rod 660 that includes teeth. Figures 83A to C show a step-by-step process for inserting the divider 550 into the front rail 580. Initially, as illustrated in Figure 83A, the divider 550 is recessed into the channel 640 formed in the front rail 580. The front rail 580 includes a rod 660 swivel that includes teeth. When the divider 550 is initially recessed into the channel, as illustrated in Figure 83B, the teeth of the pivoting rod 660 are in a first position in which they are not engaged with the teeth 600 of the dividing rod 550. A lug 662 is coupled to the pivoting rod 660. When the handle is in a first position 664, the teeth of the pivoting rod 660 are in a first position in which they are not engaged with the teeth 600 of the divider 500. When the handle 662 is moved to a second position 668, as illustrated in Figure 83C, handle 662 rotates pivot rod 660 and moves teeth on pivot rod 662 into a position in which they engage teeth 600 on divider 550. In this position, the teeth on the rod are in an interference condition with the divider teeth 600. When the shank teeth and divider teeth 600 are engaged together the divider 550 cannot move in the lateral direction seen in Figure 80 by arrow "A". To move divider 550, rod 660 must be returned to its first position 664 and rod teeth 660 moved out of engagement with teeth 600 on divider 550.

[00252] In one embodiment, a plurality of impellers 520 and dividers 550 can be used with a single front rail 580. Figures 84A to E show the use of two impellers 520 and two dividers 550 to propel the product towards the part of the front of the shelf. The use of multiple impellers 520 can allow for the impelling of large products, shown schematically in the figures. Additionally, placing the impeller extender 528 in its forward extended position can allow the impellers 520 to push higher or more products as shown in Figures 84D and 84E. In one embodiment, a divider 550 can be coupled to two pushers 520. An pusher 520 can be coupled to a portion of barrier 556 on each side of divider wall 552 as shown in Figure 84F. In other examples, the divider may be coupled to an impeller, or the divider may not be coupled to the impellers.

[00253] In another embodiment, the divider 550 is secured to the front rail 580 in one part through the operation of the cam 720, as shown in Figure 85. Figure 85 illustrates a cam 720 in a side perspective view coupled to the barrier 556. Cam 720 includes a rounded portion 722 that is configured to rotate within a cavity 740 (see Figure 86G) in barrier 556. Cam 720 also includes a pawl 724 that is comprised of a cam first wall 726, a cam second wall of the cam, 728, and a third wall of the cam, 730. In Figure 85, the cam is in a position where it is not engaged with the front rail. In this position, the first cam wall 726 may be in substantially vertical alignment. In that position the second cam wall 728 and the third cam wall 730 may also be in substantially horizontal alignment. The first cam wall 726 connects to the second cam wall 728. The second cam wall 728 connects to the third cam wall 730. The cam also includes a handle 732.

[00254] In another embodiment, the tongue 724 has only two cam walls. A first cam wall, such as a first cam wall 726, and a second cam wall. The second cam wall is straight and spans the length shown by cam walls 728 and 730. There are no folds in the second cam wall in this embodiment. The cam walls may extend one or more parts of the width of the divider 550 or they may extend the entire width of the divider 550.

[00255] In another embodiment shown in Figures 92 to 94, the cam 720 can define a cam sliding surface 733 (referred to below as the cam sliding) located on the lower side of the cam, opposite the handle 732. The cam sliding 733 serves as a cam friction slip sensor to improve the slider's ability to slide relative to the rail. In operation, sliding cam 733 lifts the divider off the rail to reduce friction between the divider and rail, thereby improving the slider's ability to slide relative to the rail. As seen in the figures, the cam slide 733 of the cam 720 extends below the bottom surface of the divider and is the point of contact between the divider and the rail. In this configuration, when the divider is moved laterally with respect to the rail, the primary contact between the divider and the rail is only the sliding cam, and no other significant part of the divider and rail comes into contact with each other. other. This single point of contact therefore reduces friction between the divider and rail.

[00256] The cam slide can further define a flat surface extending out of the round part 722 of the cam 720. The cam slide 733 can be centrally positioned over the rounded part 722 of the cam to provide stability and balance to the divider in relation to to the rail. It should be understood, however, that the cam slide may be located at any other suitable location on the cam. The flat surface of the cam slide may terminate in an elongated edge that is sized and shaped to slide freely in channel 586 of rail 580 to thereby allow for ease of lateral movement of the divider relative to the rail. The elongated edge of the flat surface can define rounded and contoured edge surfaces to further assist free movement of the cam sliding relative to the rail. It should be understood that the sliding of the cam can define other configurations which allow the sliding of the cam to fit into or along the rail and also allow for sliding movement of the divider relative to the rail. For example, the sliding of the cam could define a sensor or rounded protrusion or a series of sensors or rounded protrusions that would achieve the same goal as the flat surface defining an elongated edge. While the cam 720 defining a cam slide 733 is depicted being used with a divider, the cam and cam slide can be used with the impeller or with the impeller assembly or other components that are mounted to the rail.

[00257] In another embodiment, the cam 720 defining the sliding of the cam 733 can be mounted to the rear of the divider or impeller, and can operatively couple a rear rail that is mounted to the rear of the shelf. In this embodiment, cam 720 can be used to hold and prevent lateral movement of the divider or impeller with respect to the rear rail, if used on the shelf. In other words, the cam or cam slide described here can be used to secure the splitter or impeller to a front rail or a rear rail, or both, depending on the desired application.

[00258] In an exemplary aspect, the cam 720 serves as a lock to lock the divider or impeller to the front rail or the rear rail, or both. Cam 720, when moved to a locked position, will lock the divider or impeller to the rail and prevent lateral movement of the divider or impeller relative to the rail. In a locked position, cam 720 allows for sliding movement of the divider or impeller relative to the rail. In an exemplary aspect, cam 720 is pivotable or pivotable between the locked end and unlocked position. In yet another exemplary aspect, the cam 720 defining the sliding of the cam 733 serves the dual function of locking the divider or pusher from the rail and also of improving the lateral sliding ability of the divider or pusher relative to the rail when the cam is in a locked position.

[00259] As shown in Figure 92, the cam 720 can define a rounded portion 722 that is configured to rotate within a cavity 741 at the front of the divider. Cam 720 may also define cam surface 725 and cam surface 727 that will engage front rail groove walls 754 and 756, as discussed above.

[00260] In one embodiment, the cam 720 fits within a cavity 740 of the barrier 556, as illustrated in Figure 86G. In one embodiment, the cavity 740 is bounded by side walls 742. The side walls 742 make the front of the cavity 740 slightly narrower than the width of the cam 720. An amount of force is required to push the cam 720 through the side walls 742 and into cavity 740. After the cam passes side walls 742 it snaps into place in cavity 740. Cam 720 can then rotate in cavity 740 and will not fall out of cavity 740 or disengage from cavity 740 during normal use. Cam 720 is rotatably secured within cavity 740. In one embodiment, cavity 740 is also bounded at its front by a front wall (not shown).

[00261] In another embodiment, the side walls 742 do not make the front part of the cavity 740 narrower than the width of the cam 720. In this embodiment, the cam 720 can be placed in the cavity 740 and removed from the cavity 740 without the need for overcome the resistance force caused by the sidewalls 742.

[00262] Regarding Figure 92, in another embodiment, the cam 720 defining a sliding of the cam 733 can fit inside 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 cavity 741 slightly narrower than the width of cam 720. An amount of force is required to push cam 720 through side walls 743 and into cavity 741. After cam passes side walls 743 it snaps into place in cavity 741 and seats over a pair of surfaces of cavity 747. Cam 720 can then rotate in the cavity and will not fall out of the cavity or disengage from the cavity during normal use.

[00263] As depicted in Figures 92 to 94, the cam 720 is rotatably secured within the cavity 741. In this embodiment, the cavity 741 also defines an opening or slot 745 that is sized and shaped to allow the rotary movement of the slide of the cam 733 inside the cavity. Slot 745 is sized and shaped to allow the flat surface of cam slide 733 to engage therewith and thereby allow cam to rotate within cavity 741. Opening 745 also allows cam slide 733 to extend passing through the bottom surface of the divider and into the rail. Once on the rail, sliding the cam will lift the splitter off the rail and out of contact with the rail, as described above, to allow free sliding ability of the splitter relative to the rail.

[00264] Opening 745 also creates space for rotation of the cam slide away from the rail. When the handle 732 on the cam is rotated towards the leading edge of the rail, the cam slide will consequently rotate away from the rail. Aperture 745 formed within cavity 741 allows for such pivotal movement.

[00265] With reference to Figures 93A and 93B, the divider 550 is shown being recessed and placed on the rail 580. More specifically, the front part of the divider 550 is lower in the channel 586 and the slot 560 is placed on the ledge 584. Cam slide 733 will contact channel 586 and support divider up and out of rail 580, as shown in Figure 93B. In this embodiment, sliding cam 733 supports the divider and allows free sliding movement of the divider relative to the rail. As shown in Figure 93B, there is a slot between groove 560 and shoulder 584 and between the bottom surface of the divider and the top surface of the rail.

[00266] Regarding Figures 94A to 94C, which show cross-sectional views of the divider, the cam and the rail, the cam 720 is in contact with the rail 580 at all times. As shown in Figure 94A, when the divider 550 is initially recessed into rail 580, cam slide 733 contacts channel 586 of rail 580 and lifts the divider off the rail. As shown in Figure 94A, the cam 720 defines the cam surfaces 725, 727 and 729. The cam further defines a cam handle 732 located opposite the cam slide 733. Also shown in Figure 94A is the front rail 580 defining a channel rail 586 which receives a portion of divider 550 and is the contact surface for sliding cam 733. Rail 580 further defines a rail groove 750 which further defines groove walls 752, 754 and 756, which, as explained below, contacts the cam surfaces during cam operation.

[00267] Regarding Figure 94B, as the cam is rotated, through the operation of the handle 732, the sliding of the cam is in contact with the channel 586 and the surface of the cam 725 comes into contact with the wall or groove surface 756 of the front rail. At this point, cam 720 contacts the rail at two points simultaneously.

[00268] Referring to Figure 94C, as the cam is rotated further through the handle operation, the cam surface 725 contacts the wall or groove surface 754 while the cam surface 727 contacts the wall or groove surface 756. Also, the surface of the cam 729 will contact the wall or groove surface 752. The groove wall 752 serves as a wall to prevent rotational movement of the cam 720. The handle 732 extends over the top and even over the front edge of the front rail or past the front edge of the front rail. In one example, the front of the 732 cam handle is flush with the most forward part of the front rail. Human digital space exists between the 732 handle and the front rail, sufficient for a human digit (eg finger or thumb) to access the handle. At that point, cam slide 733 has pivoted up and out of channel 586 of rail 580 has pivoted into opening 745. The divider sits over or directly in contact with the rail, while the cam engages the rail and holds 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 adult human standard hearing when in the position depicted in Figure 94C, indicating that the cam is locked to the rail.

[00269] To release the cam from the snapped or locked position, a user simply lifts over 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 , sliding the cam will pivot back into contact with the rail channel 586 and lift the divider off the rail. The divider will then accommodate itself to the rail by sliding the cam and can then be moved laterally in relation to the rail, and the operation described above can be repeated. As indicated above, during locking and releasing of the cam relative to the rail groove, the cam will be in contact with the rail at all times and in contact with the splitter at all times.

[00270] 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 can include a barrier, a divider wall, and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall configured to hold the product, as shown here. A forward lock such as the exemplary cam 720 described here 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 lock can allow sliding movement of the divider relative to the front rail. In one embodiment, the lock can lift the divider off the front rail. When in the second position, the lock 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 first position and second position, and all positions between first position and second position.

[00271] In one example, a splitter lock, such as cam 720 or other locks, is located at one end of the splitter. The lock may be located at the front end of the divider (eg, the end of the divider closest to or in contact with front rail 580, which is also the end closest to the product selected by the consumer). Blocking like cam 720 may be in front of dividing wall 522. Blocking like cam 720 can be in front of barrier 556. When located at the front end of the divider and facing dividing wall 522 and facing barrier 556, the lock is digitally accessible by the individual servicing the shelf, restocking the shelf, or replanning the shelf, even when product is on divider floor 554 and even when divider floor 554 is full of product (e.g., no additional product can be placed on the dividing floor). The lock (such as cam 720) can be located on the divider so that the lock is in front of the product when the product is on the divider floor 554 and the product will not interfere with accessing the lock from any position of the product when the product is on the divider floor. divider floor 554. Cam handle 732 may be flush with front end of front rail 580 and may extend beyond front end of front rail 580.

[00272] In one example, the merchandise display system may include a front rail, at least one divider configured to engage the front rail, and that divider including a barrier. Such a divider may further include a divider wall, and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall when the divider floor is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a front block attached to the front end of the divider. The front lock is opposite the barrier and opposite the dividing wall. The front block is configured to be digitally accessible when the product is on the dividing floor. The front block is changeable between a first position and a second position. The front lock lifts the divider 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. Front lock prevents sliding movement of divider relative to front rail when in second position.

[00273] In one example, Figures 86E and 86F illustrate enlarged parts of the cam 720 and the front rail 580. The cam 720 may include texturing. Cam 720 can include teeth or other coupling members. In one embodiment, the first wall of cam 726 is textured with teeth 736 and 738. Teeth 736 may form a bottom row of teeth. Teeth 738 can form a top row of teeth. Teeth 736 and 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 points can provide better operation and longer life span of cam teeth. The 720 cam can also be textured in non-toothed ways, such as through roughcasting or other texturing.

[00274] In one example, the front rail 580 includes a groove 750, as illustrated in Figure 86F. Slot 750 may include a first slot wall 752, a second slot wall 754, and a third slot wall 756. The first slot wall 752 is connected to the second slot wall 754, which in turn is also connected to its third slot wall 756. In another embodiment, slot 750 has only two slot walls. A first slot wall, such as first slot wall 752, and a second slot wall 754. Second slot wall 754 is straight and fits the length shown by slot walls 754 and 756. slot 754 in this mode.

[00275] In one embodiment, the groove 750 may be textured. Groove 750 may include teeth. In one embodiment, first groove wall 752 includes teeth 766 and teeth 768. Teeth 766 may form a bottom row of teeth. Teeth 768 can form a top row of teeth. In at least one embodiment, teeth 766 and 768 form a vertical row of teeth. Teeth 766 and 768 can be rounded. Teeth 766 and 768 can be placed along the entire length of groove 750. In addition, teeth 766 and 768 can be placed in sections along groove 750 with additional groove sections 750 that are smooth and toothless. Groove 750 can also be textured in non-toothed ways, such as through roughcasting or other texturing. In one embodiment, second groove wall 754 is smooth and third groove wall 756 is smooth. In one embodiment, the second cam wall 728 is smooth and the third cam wall 730 is smooth.

[00276] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 87A to C, a merchandise display system 10 comprises a divider 550 and a front rail 580. The divider 550 comprises a divider wall 556, a divider floor 554 and a barrier 554. A cam 720 is rotationally coupled to a front portion of the barrier 556. The cam 720 includes a cam pawl 724, wherein the cam pawl 724 comprises a first cam wall 726, a second cam wall 728 and a third cam wall 724. cam 730. Cam 720 also includes a handle 732. Front rail 580 comprises a groove 750 that is comprised of a first groove wall 752, a second groove wall 754, and a third groove wall 756. Cam 720 is configured for pivoting between a first position and a second position, wherein when cam 720 is in the second position, cam tongue 724 is engaged with front rail slot 750 and divider wall 5560 is inhibited from moving and m a lateral direction. Cam 720 can also be configured to slide between a first position and a second position.

[00277] Figures 87A to C show a progression in which the divider 550 is coupled to the front rail 580. The cam 720 is moved between the first position in Figure 87B to a second position in Figure 87C. As described below, cam 720 allows divider 550 to be moved laterally along front rail 580 or otherwise parallel to front rail 580 when cam 720 is in the first position shown in Figure 87B. (In Figure 87B, the divider 550 is secured in the perpendicular direction to the front rail 580 and cannot move in the perpendicular direction, other than for a significantly small amount of play that may exist between the divider and the front rail, which may not be noticeable by a user of the system.) 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 motionless along front rail 580) when cam 720 is in position. 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 preset amount of force is applied to divider 550 in a lateral direction. parallel to the front rail 580. When an amount of force below the preset amount of force is applied to the divider 550 in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580, the divider 550 moves in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580.

[00278] Figure 87A shows the divider 550 raised above the front rail 580. In Figure 87B, the divider 550 has been lowered and placed in contact with the front rail 580. The groove 560 has been placed over the shoulder 584 and the shoulder 584 has been placed with the groove 560. The groove 560 and the shoulder 584 can be in contact with each other in this position. Groove 560 and shoulder 584 may also not be in contact with each other at all times in this position. Space may exist between groove 560 and shoulder 584 surfaces in some positions. A front portion of barrier 556 has also been placed with channel or slot 586. In Figure 87B, tongue 724 of cam 720 is not engaged with slot 750 of front rail 580. In Figure 87B, divider 550 can move in a lateral direction shown by arrow "A" in Figures 86F and 86H. Divider 550 need not be lifted above front rail 580 to allow for such movement. Divider 550 may remain in contact with front rail 580 and move in the "A" direction. The product can be placed on the divider floor 554 during the 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 provides ease of replanning. In Figure 87B, divider 550 can move in the plane of the shelf (shelf is shown as 596 in Figures 70 and 71) only in the lateral direction parallel to front rail 580 shown by arrow "A" in Figures 86F and 86H. In Figure 87B, divider 550 is immobile in all other directions in the plane of the shelf, as in the direction shown by arrow "B" in Figure 86H, under normal operating conditions and forces. Divider 550 cannot swing, rotate, flare, or bore in the plane of the shelf, and divider 550 remains perpendicular to front rail 580 under normal operating conditions and forces. In Figure 87B, divider 550 can move in the direction shown by arrow "C" in Figure 87B and thus lifts away from front rail 580. The direction shown by arrow "C" in Figure 87B is not in the plane of the shelf .

[00279] In Figure 87C, cam handle 732 has been rotated towards front rail 580. In one embodiment, cam handle 732 is in contact with front rail 580. As cam 720 is rotated from its position in Figure 87B to its position in Figure 87C, cam tongue 724 contacts front rail 580 and slightly deforms front rail 580 away from cam tongue 724. The first cam wall 726 may be in contact with the third slot wall 756 as cam 720 is being rotated from its position in Figure 87B to its position in Figure 87C.

[00280] As the cam moves into the position shown in Figure 87C, the tongue 724 can fit into place within the groove 750 and the tongue 724 is engaged with the groove 750. In one embodiment, the tongue 724 is in perfect engagement with the 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, the first cam wall 726 is in contact with the first slot wall 752; the second cam wall 728 is in contact with the second slot wall 754; and the third cam wall 730 is in contact with the third groove wall 756. In at least one embodiment, while the cam walls and the groove walls are in contact with each other they are not in substantial tension with each other. others. In another embodiment, one or more of the cam walls are in tension with one or more groove walls when the cam walls and groove walls are in contact with each other.

[00281] In an embodiment where the first wall of the cam 726 was placed in contact with the first wall of the groove 752, the teeth of the first wall of the cam 726 engage the teeth of the first wall of the groove 752. The teeth 736 engage the teeth 766 and teeth 738 engage teeth 768. The engagement of teeth on the first cam wall and teeth on the first groove wall provide resistance moving the divider laterally along the front rail in the lateral direction shown by arrow "A" (as shown in Figure 86H).

[00282] When the tongue of the cam 724 was placed in perfect engagement with the groove 750, there was substantial resistance to the movement of the divider 550 laterally along the front rail in the lateral direction shown by the arrow "A," (as shown in Figure 86H ) and the 550 splitter will not move laterally under the normal forces placed on the splitter during operation.

[00283] When it is desired to move the divider 550 along the front rail 580 again, the cam can be disengaged from the front rail. Handle 732 can be rotated away from front rail 580. Tongue 724 can disengage from slot 750 and return to its position in Figure 87B.

[00284] In one embodiment, the wall 552 has sections of different widths (see Figure 85). A front section 770 of partition wall 552 which may be adjacent barrier 556 may have a greater width than a rear section 772 of partition wall 552 which is adjacent barrier 556. Front section 770 may be connected to rear section 772 by a section midsection 774. The width of the midsection 774 gradually changes from the width of the front section of the divider 770 to the width of the rear section of the divider 772. In one embodiment, the width of the portion of the midsection 774 adjacent to the section 770 is equal to the width of the 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 the divider wall 552 creates an air gap between the divider walls 552 and helps to prevent the product folds between the two dividing walls 552 when pushed and helps provide product flow along the dividing floor 554 as the product is removed from the front of the the commodity 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.

[00285] In the embodiments shown in Figures 85 to 87C, one or more dividers 550 can be placed in contact with the front rail 580. When the cam 720 or another coupling member is not coupled to the front rail 580, the dividers 550 can move parallel to the length of front rail 580 in the lateral direction shown by arrow "A" (see Figure 86H). Divider 550 can then be secured in place by engaging cam 720 or other coupling member into coupling with front rail 580. Divider 550 will remain secured under normal operating forces until cam 720 or other coupling member is disengaged or , otherwise placed out of coupling with front rail 580.

[00286] In one embodiment, the front wall 561 of the slot 560 is textured, as shown in Figure 86K. This texturing can be in the form of chapisco or small teeth. The texturing causes the surface of the front wall 561 of the slot 560 not to be smooth. In one embodiment, front wall 585 of shoulder 584 or other protrusion or other coupling member is textured, as depicted in Figures 86I, 86J, and 86L. This texturing can be in the form of chapsticks or small teeth and makes the surface of the front wall 585 of the shoulder 584 not smooth.

[00287] In at least one embodiment, as depicted in Figure 86I, the barrier 556 is a separate component and can be removablely attached to the divider 550. In at least one embodiment, the barrier 556 can fit over the part from the front of divider 550. In at least one embodiment, barrier 556 is movable. The entire barrier 556 may be movable, or a part or parts of the barrier 556 may be movable. For example, the part of the barrier 556 positioned at the front of the product in the merchandise display system 10 can be movable. In at least one embodiment, the barrier portion 556 positioned at the front of the product is configurable to slide. In an alternative embodiment, the front-positioned barrier portion 556 can be configured to rotate about the axis to allow the barrier portion 556 to open and close. In this embodiment, the shaft can be a swivel connection. Additionally or alternatively, barrier portion 556 may be spring mounted to divider 550 such that barrier portion 556 requires an amount of force to move it away from divider 550. In that embodiment, upon release of the force, barrier part 556 will close and return to its original position. Exemplary methods for mounting barrier 556 are described in more detail in US Patent Application No. 8,056,734, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[00288] In one example, the divider 550 does not include a barrier. Alternatively, one or more barriers may be included in front rail 580.

[00289] In one embodiment, when the divider 550 is placed in contact with the front rail 580, as shown in Figure 87B, the front wall 561 of the slot 560 is not in contact with or is not in consistent contact with the front wall 585 of shoulder 584 while cam 720 is in the position shown in Figure 87B and cam tongue 720 is not engaged with slot 750 of front rail 580. When cam 720 is moved from a first position shown in Figure 87B to a second position shown in Fig. 97C, and tongue 724 engages groove 750, tongue may force divider 550 to move rearwardly. 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 slot 560 contacts the front wall 585 of the shoulder 584. The front wall 561 engages with the front wall 585. The texturing on the front wall 561 of groove 560 mates to front wall texturing 585 of shoulder 584. Mating of front wall 561 of groove 560 to front wall 585 of shoulder 584 inhibits movement of divider 550 along front rail 580 in the direction shown by arrow " A" in Figure 86H. Engagement of front wall texturing 561 of groove 560 to front wall texturing 585 of shoulder 584 further inhibits movement of divider 550 along front rail 580 in the direction shown by arrow "A" in Figure 86H.

[00290] In one example, the band or resistant cord may be included on the upper surface of the shoulder 584, or other protrusion, of the front rail 580. When the cam 720, or other coupling device, is in a first position, the band or strong cord are not pinched. In this first position, the divider 550 can move in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail, but cannot move in a direction perpendicular to the front rail. When cam 720, or other coupling device, is moved to a second position, the resistive band or cord is in compression with slot 560, or other recess, of divider 550. When the resistive band or cord is in compression with the slot 560, or other recess, divider 550 is secured under normal operating forces in a direction parallel to front rail 580. In one example, the portion of slot 560, or other recess, that contacts the band or cord front rail stud 580 may include a chap or teeth (not shown).

[00291] In one embodiment, the barrier 556 is not molded at the same time as the dividing wall 552 and the dividing floor 554. The barrier 556 is molded as a separate piece of the dividing wall 552 and the dividing 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 an opaque material.

[00292] In one example, a divider 550 includes a coupling member comprising a flat surface. Front rail 580 may include a coupling member comprising a flat surface. The flat surface of the coupling member on the divider and/or the coupling member on the front rail may comprise a smooth or substantially smooth surface. The flat surface can include a sturdy surface. The flat surface can include a rubber band or a neoprene band or a material that is compressible. In one example, when the divider coupling member 550 is in a first position it is not coupled with the front rail coupling member 580 and the divider 550 is laterally movable parallel to the front rail. When the divider coupling member 550 is in a second position it is coupled to the front rail coupling member 580 and the divider is fixed and not laterally movable parallel to the front rail under normal operating conditions and forces. In an example where front rail coupling 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 nearly 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 for display systems by efficiently utilizing lateral space and limiting or minimizing wasted or unused space between rows of products and thus potentially increasing the amount of usable space and side products facing a shelf.

[00293] In one embodiment, the barrier 556 can be fitted or coupled to the divider 550, as shown in Figure 88B. The coupling 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.

[00294] Figures 89A to C 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, divider 550 can be recessed into contact with front rail 590. A swivel "T" lock 900 can be rotated to engage front rail 580. Swivel "T" lock 900 can be attached to a front portion of divider 550. Swivel "T" lock 900 can rotate about an axis 903. Divider 550 can be recessed into contact with front rail 580, as shown in Figure 89B. Slot 560 or other recess in divider 550 engages shoulder or tongue 584 or other protrusion of front rail 580. At this point, divider 550 can be moved in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and can allow ease of replanning. In one example, the divider 550 can move along the front rail. 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 89C, the Swivel "T" lock 900 can be pushed forward and out toward the front rail 580. The Swivel "T" lock 900 can engage with the shoulder 901 on one side. front rail 580. In at least one embodiment, the front rail 580 includes a front top surface 902. The front top surface 902 may include a texture or may be a tough surface, such as rubber. Alternatively, the front upper surface 902 may include one or more teeth. Front top surface 902 may mate with a surface 904 on the T-swivel lock 900. Surface 904 may also include a texture or may be a tough surface such as rubber. Alternatively, the surface 904 may include teeth configured to engage the teeth on the front upper surface 902. When the "T" swivel lock 900 engages the shoulder 901, the divider 550 is engaged with the front rail 580 and cannot be moved in a lateral direction under a normal amount of force.

[00295] Figures 90A to F illustrate embodiments of the divider 550 and the front rail 580. As shown in Figure 90A, a divider 550 can include the wall 552, a floor 554 and a barrier 556. The dividing wall 552 can divide the floor divider 554 into two parts, 559 and 551 with a part on each side of divider wall 552. As illustrated in Figure 90B, divider wall 552 may extend perpendicularly from divider floor 554. Barrier 556 may be located at the part of the front of partition wall 552. As illustrated in Figures 90C and 90F, the bottom surface of partition floor 554 may include a groove 560 or other recess, a tongue 941 or other protrusion, and a front wall 561. Front wall 561 of slot 560 is textured. This texturing can be in the form of chapisco or small teeth. Texturing can cause the surface of front wall 561 of slot 560 to not be smooth.

[00296] As illustrated in Figure 90D, a front rail 580 can 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 . Front wall 561 of divider 550 may engage first groove 586 of front rail 580. Bead or tongue 584 of front rail 580 may engage groove 560 of divider 550. Tongue 941 of divider 550 may engage second groove 950 of divider 550. front rail 580. In one embodiment, front wall 585 of shoulder 584 is textured. This texturing can be in the form of chapsticks or small teeth and causes the surface of the front wall 585 of the shoulder 584 not to be smooth. The front wall texturing 585 of the shoulder 584 can mate with the front wall texturing 561 of the slot 560. front 580 to the slot 560 of the divider 550, and coupling the projection 941 of the divider 550 to the second slot 950 of the front rail 580 can keep the divider wall 552 perpendicular to the front rail 580 and prevent the back of the divider 550 from widening. In at least one embodiment, divider 550 is laterally movable parallel to and/or along front rail 580 when divider 550 receives a lateral force.

[00297] The front rail 580 may include openings 951 and holes 952, as shown in Figure 90E. Apertures 951 can be configured to mate with corresponding mating projections (not shown). In one example, the mating projection can be a smooth gluing device. Matching coupling projections can connect with one or more front rails 580 together in series. The connection of openings 951 and mating projections can allow one or more front rails 580 to be connected in series, even if the front rails 580 are not in perfect alignment with one another. Holes 952 may be configured to receive fasteners, which secure front rail 580 to a display shelf. Front rail 580 has any number of holes 952 suitable for securing front rail 580 to a display shelf. Any type of fastener can be contemplated within the scope of the invention.

[00298] In one example, as illustrated in Figure 91A, the merchandise display system 10 may include a rear rail 810. The rear rail 810 may be located at or near the back of a shelf. Rear rail 810 may be of similar construction as front rail 580. The disclosure here, with respect to front rail 580, applies equally to rear rail 810. For example, rear rail 810 may include a recess 804, which may in general have the shape of "u". In this embodiment, dividers 550 can be connected to divider blocks 802. Divider blocks 802 can then mate with rear rail 810. Rear rail 810 can be a second rail in the merchandise display system along with front rail 580. The rear rail 810 can also be the only rail on the merchandise display system. As mentioned above, the front rail 580 can be located at the rear of the merchandise display system and thus function as a rear rail 810. In one embodiment, the plurality of divider blocks 802 each have a cam 710 (not shown in Figure 91A) at the location indicated by the arrow in Figure 91A. That cam 720 can pivot from a first position to a second position and have the same effect as the cam 720 on the divider that engages the front rail 580. The divider blocks 802 can also include other coupling devices, including couplings described here for divider 550, which mate to 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 impeller 520. To unlock the splitters 550 from the back rail 810, the 720 or other coupling device is rotated away from the back rail 810 or disengaged from the back rail 810.

[00299] In one example, a divider 550 can be placed in contact with a front rail 580. The groove 560 can be placed over the shoulder 584 and the shoulder 584 can be placed inside the groove 560. The groove 560 and the shoulder 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 shoulder or other protrusion of rear rail 810 and the shoulder or protrusion of rear rail 810 may be placed within a slot or other recess in divider 550. Divider 550 may contact front rail 580 and rear rail 810 at the same time. A coupling device, such as a cam 720, on the front of the divider may be in a position so that the divider 550 can move laterally parallel to the front rail 580 and the rear rail 810, but the divider 550 is immovable in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 or the back rail 810 (the direction between the front rail 580 and the back rail 810). The divider block 802 may also include a coupling device (not shown) such as a cam 720 or other coupling devices described above with respect to the front rail 810. The coupling device on the divider block 802 may be in a position such that divider 550 can move laterally parallel to front rail 580 and rear rail 810, but divider 550 is attached in a perpendicular direction to front rail 580 or rear rail 810 (the direction between front rail 580 and rear rail 810 ).

[00300] In one example, the coupling device on the front of the splitter 550 can be moved to a second position. In the second position the divider 550 is attached in a parallel direction to the front rail 580 under normal operating forces. The coupling device on the divider block 802 can also be moved to a second position. In the second position, the coupling device on the divider block 802 makes the divider 550 fixed in a parallel direction to the rear rail 810 under normal operating forces. Front rail 580, divider 550 and rear rail 810 can form a 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 into a rigid tray in a location away from the shelf. Front rail 580, rear rail 810 and a plurality of dividers 550 can then be moved to the shelf and secured to the shelf by one or more fasteners.

[00301] 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 components described may be used in stores and in various configurations. The present invention, therefore, should not be limited to a single system, nor to the entire configuration of the impeller, depicted in the Figures, since the system is simply illustrative of the characteristics, 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 individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All those different combinations constitute various 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.

Claims (13)

1. Merchandise display system characterized in that it comprises: a front rail (580); and at least one divider (550) configured to engage the front rail (580) and separate the product into rows, wherein the at least one divider (550) includes a divider wall (552) extending in a direction perpendicular to the rail front (580), a divider floor (554) perpendicular to the divider wall (552), wherein the divider floor (554) is configured to hold the product, and a cam (720) coupled to the divider (550), the cam ( 720) defining a cam slide (733) extending outward from the cam (720) and extending below the dividing floor (554) and contacting the front rail (580), where the cam (720) is configured to move between the first position and the second position, wherein the at least one divider (550) is movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail (580) when the cam (720) is in the first position and sliding of the cam (733) comes into contact with the front rail (580), in which the at least one division or (550) is fixed in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail (580) when the cam (720) is in the second position; and wherein the cam (720) is in constant contact with the front rail (580) as the cam (720) is moved from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position. 2. Merchandise display system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one divider (550) is configured to move in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail (580) when the product is positioned on the dividing floor (554). 3. Merchandise display system, according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of dividers (550) each divider (550) includes a cam (720) defining a cam slide (733) , wherein a force on a peripheral divider of the plurality of dividers (550) will cause each of the plurality of dividers (550) to move in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail (580) when the cams (720) for each of the plurality of dividers (550) is in the first position and the cam slide (733) contacts the front rail (580). 4. Merchandise display system characterized in that it comprises: a front rail (580); at least one divider (550) configured to mate with the front rail (580), the at least one divider (550) including a barrier (556), a divider wall (552) extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail (580 ), a dividing floor (554) perpendicular to the dividing wall (552), wherein the dividing wall (552) separates the dividing floor (554) into a first part and a second part and each of the first part and the second part is configured to hold the product; the first configured pusher mechanism slides along at least part of the first part; a second pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least part of the second portion; and a cam (720) coupled to the at least one divider (550), the cam (720) defining a slide of the cam (733) and configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein 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 cam slide (733) is in contact with the front rail (580), where the at least one divider (550) is out of contact with the front rail (580) when the cam (720) is in the first position, and wherein the at least one divider (550) resists movements in the parallel lateral direction and the along the front rail (580) when the cam (720) is in the second position and the cam slide (733) is not in contact with the front rail (580). 5. Merchandise display system according to claim 4, characterized in that each of the first and second pusher mechanisms comprises: a pusher surface (528), an pusher floor (524) extending forward to from the driving surface (528), and a coil spring (534) having a spiral end (57) and a free end, wherein the spiral end (57) is positioned behind the driving surface (528) and the first and second pusher mechanism are attached to the merchandise display system only by the coil spring (534). 6. Merchandise display system, according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one divider (550) defines a divider attachment member (550) and that the at least one front rail (580 ) defines a front rail attachment member (580), and wherein the splitter attachment member (550) is configured to secure the front rail attachment member (580). 7. Merchandise display system, according to claim 6, characterized in that the divider attachment member (550) defines divider teeth on at least one surface of the divider attachment member (550) and the front rail fastening member (580) defining front rail teeth (580) on at least one surface of the front rail fastening member (580), and wherein the divider teeth are configured to engage the front rail teeth (580 ). 8. Merchandise display system characterized in that it comprises: a front rail (580); o at least one divider (550) configured to secure the front rail (580), o at least one divider (550) including a barrier (556), o at least one divider (550) further including a divider wall (552), the at least one divider (550) further including a divider floor (554) perpendicular to the divider wall (552), wherein the divider floor (554) is configured to hold the product; and a front lock coupled to the divider (550), wherein the front lock pivots between a first position and a second position, wherein the front lock lifts the divider (550) from the front rail (580) when in the first position and allows for the sliding movement of the divider (550) with respect to the front rail (580), and wherein the at least one divider (550) is locked in place with respect to the front rail (580) when the lock is in the second position. 9. Merchandise display system, according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one divider (550) is movable in the plane of a shelf only in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail (580) and the at least one divider (550) is attached to the plane of the shelf in all directions other than the direction parallel to the front rail (580) when the at least one divider (550) is attached to the front rail (580). 10. Merchandise display system, according to claim 8, characterized in that the front lock is a cam (720) that includes a handle (732) to rotate the cam (720) between the first and second position position. 11. Merchandise display system, according to claim 10, characterized in that the cam (720) defines a cam slide (733) that allows sliding movement of the divider (550) in relation to the front rail (580 ). 12. Merchandise display system according to claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises: a pusher mechanism (520) having a pusher surface (528), a pusher floor (524) extending forward from the driving surface (528), and a coil spring (534) having a spiral end (57) and a free end, wherein the spiral end (57) is positioned behind the driving surface (528) and the driving mechanism (520) is secured to the merchandise display system only by the coil spring (534). 13. Merchandise display system characterized in that it comprises: a front rail (580); at least one divider (550) configured to secure the front rail (580), the at least one divider (550) including a barrier (556), the at least one divider (550) further including a divider wall (552), the at least one divider (550) further including a divider floor (554) perpendicular to the divider wall (552), wherein the divider floor (554) is configured to hold the product; and a front block coupled to the front end of the divider (550), wherein the front block faces the barrier (556) and faces the dividing wall (552) and is configured to be digitally accessible when the product is on the dividing floor (554); wherein the front lock is toggled between a first position and a second position, wherein the front lock lifts the divider (550) out of contact with the front rail (580) when in the first position and allows sliding movement of the divider ( 550) relative to the front rail (580), and wherein the front lock prevents sliding movement of the divider (550) relative to the front rail (580) in the second position.

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