CN107072413B - Product management display system with rail mounting clip - Google Patents

Abstract

A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes a rail mounting clip structure for removably coupling a front rail (9204) to a shelf (9202) having a channel structure (9304) extending along a portion of a front edge. When removably engaged with a shelf, the front rail (9204) may be used to engage one or more dividers (9208) and pusher devices configured to display products on the shelf (9202).

Description

Product management display system with rail mounting clip

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority to U.S. application No.14/332,088 filed 7-15-2014, which is now U.S. patent No.9,060,624, and is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application No.14/012,715 filed 8-28-2013, which is now U.S. patent No.8,978,903, which claims benefit from U.S. application No.13/542,419 filed 7-5-2012, is now U.S. patent No.8,739,984, which claims benefit from U.S. provisional application 61/530,736 filed 9-2-2011 and 61/553,545 filed 10-2011 31-2011, and is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application 12/639,656 filed 12-16-2009, is now U.S. patent 8,322,544, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application No.12/357,860 filed 1-22-2009, is now U.S. patent No.8,453,850, which is a continuation-in-part application No.11/760,196 filed 8-2007, which is now U.S. patent No.8,312,999, a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application No.11/411,761 filed on 25.4.2006, which is now U.S. patent No.7,823,734, which claims benefit from U.S. provisional application No.60/716,362 filed on 12.9.2005 and U.S. provisional application No.60/734,692 filed on 8.11.2005, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

Exemplary embodiments relate generally to shelf assemblies for use in vending products, and more particularly to shelf assemblies having an improved mechanism for displaying and pushing out products on the shelf.

Background

It is known that retail and wholesale stores, such as convenience stores, drug stores, department stores, discount stores, etc., require a large number of shelves both for storing and displaying products to consumers. When displaying products, it is desirable that the products on the shelves be positioned toward the front of the shelves so that the products are visible and accessible to the consumer. In the case of freezers or refrigerators for storing and displaying products such as soft drinks, energy drinks, bottled water and other bottled or canned beverages, it is desirable that these products also be positioned towards the front of the shelf and be accessible to the consumer.

To achieve this arrangement of products, known systems may include a sloped tray or floor that, by gravity, may cause the products to move forward of the shelf. Many of these systems include a floor or shelf made of a plastic material (such as polypropylene) that, due to its low coefficient of friction, allows the product to slide easily along an inclined floor or surface. However, over time, these surfaces can become obstructed by debris or sticky substances, which prevents proper sliding of the products, sometimes also causing some products to tip over, thereby preventing other products from moving in front of the shelf.

Other systems include the use of an ejector system to push product toward the front of the shelf as it is removed. Known ejector systems are typically mounted to a track and include an ejector plate and a wrap spring for pushing the product forward. Sometimes, as the system is used and time passes, the track becomes obstructed with dirt or sticky material, which prevents proper operation of the ejector system in the track. Additionally, depending on the size, shape, and weight of the products to be vended, known ejector plates may occasionally tip or bend rearward, thereby causing the ejector mechanism to become stuck in the track. In those cases, the ejector mechanism may not be able to properly push the product out of the front of the shelf.

One exemplary embodiment is directed to improving existing merchandising systems by providing a trackless pusher system that works with gravity-fed merchandising systems (i.e., inclined shelves or trays) and non-gravity-fed merchandising systems.

Disclosure of Invention

One exemplary embodiment is directed to a product management display system for selling products on a shelf. This embodiment includes the use of a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which the product is disposed. The trackless system overcomes the existing problems of retaining and guiding existing pusher mechanisms with rails. It should be understood that the teachings of this embodiment may be used with systems that include rails or the like for mounting an ejector mechanism.

The ejector mechanism may include an ejector plate and an ejector base plate extending forward of the ejector plate. A flat coil spring or other biasing element is operatively connected behind the ejector plate and extends across the bottom plate of the ejector mechanism to the front of the shelf. Alternatively, a flat coil spring or biasing element may extend across the divider to the front of the shelf assembly. With this configuration, the ejector plate is prevented from tipping or bending backward during operation.

An exemplary embodiment also includes the use of a pushing mechanism, where the product is sold on a horizontal or non-inclined shelf or surface, and with gravity fed systems, or with systems that use gravity as a mechanism to push the product toward the front of the shelf.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the ejector plate may define a concave pushing surface for pushing a product, such as a soft drink bottle or can, and keeping the plate centered on the track and behind the product. Alternatively, the pusher plate may define a flat pushing surface, which may further comprise a curved rib or similar structure at its upper edge that can also be used to push cylindrical products.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom plate of the ejector mechanism may include a recessed portion or cut-out portion to align the ejector mechanism relative to the wrap spring. Also, the base plate of the system may further include a notch or cut-out portion for receiving and mounting the flat end of the wrap spring to the base plate. Spring end pieces may be disposed on the ends of the wrap spring to mount the wrap spring to the base plate of the system. Alternatively, the ends of the wrap spring may be mounted to the divider of the assembly.

According to yet another exemplary embodiment, an adapter adapted for a product management display system may be positioned on a floor surface of the display system. The adapter may include a planar surface having at least two ribs extending outwardly from the planar surface in a generally parallel manner across the planar surface. The wrap spring may be positioned between the parallel extending ribs. With this configuration, the product to be vended can rest on the ribs, rather than directly on the wrap spring, to enhance forward movement of certain types of products, such as beverage cans.

In yet another alternative aspect, a mounting member may be used to mount the end of the wrap spring to the base plate of the system. For those systems that include sliding rails that are spaced apart and joined together by connecting ribs, the mounting members may be snap fit or otherwise mounted on the floor and between the sliding rails.

In yet another alternative aspect, the trackless pusher system may be retrofitted to an existing rack assembly. This allows the trackless pusher system to be deployed in existing racking systems as a low cost alternative to purchasing the entire trackless pusher assembly.

In another example embodiment, the wrap spring may be mounted to the retainer. The end of the wrap spring may be mounted directly to the retainer, or alternatively, the end may be mounted to the retainer via an adapter. The adapter may have a curved portion that is received in a correspondingly shaped curved slot in the retainer to secure the end of the spring to the display assembly.

In another example embodiment, the trays may be attached via a joggle connection to form a shelf assembly. In addition, the divider may be adjustable such that the width of the product rows may be adapted to receive products of different sizes.

According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the product management display system may be arranged in a stackable arrangement. The assembly may be provided with a first tray and a second tray, each having a first wall and a second wall. The first and second trays are each adapted to receive an ejector mechanism and a retainer mechanism. First and second spacers are mounted to the first and second trays for stacking the first and second trays on top of each other. The first and second spacers may be provided with a plurality of locators and the first and second trays may each be provided with a plurality of correspondingly shaped slots to receive the plurality of locators.

According to yet another exemplary embodiment, a product management display system for merchandising products on a shelf includes the use of a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which the products are disposed and one or more dividers for dividing the products into rows. The one or more dividers may be attachable and releasably engaged to the front rail. When the one or more dividers are not engaged to the front rail and remain in place, the one or more dividers and the products positioned on the display system may move in a lateral direction or may be lifted from the front rail. This allows the products on the shelf to be easily redesigned. The one or more dividers may be releasably engaged to the front rail by use of corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, locking tabs, locking bars, cams, and/or by friction or press fit.

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

In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and a plurality of dividers configured to attach to the front rail and divide products into rows. Each of the plurality of dividers includes a divider wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail, a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, wherein the divider floor is configured to hold a product, and a cam coupled to the divider, wherein the cam is configured to move between a first position and a second position. When each of the plurality of dividers is engaged with the front rail and the cam for each of the plurality of dividers is in the first position, each of the plurality of dividers is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail. In addition, 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, each of the plurality of dividers is (a) fixed in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail.

In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and at least one divider configured to be attached to the front rail, the at least one divider including a barrier, a divider wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail, a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, wherein the divider wall divides the divider floor into a first portion and a second portion, each of the first portion and the second portion configured to hold a product. The merchandise display system also includes a first ejector mechanism configured to slide along at least a portion of the first portion, a second ejector mechanism configured to slide along at least a portion of the second portion, and a cam coupled to the at least one divider, the cam configured to move between a first position and a second position. The at least one divider is movable therealong in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the cam is in the first position, and resists movement in and along the lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the cam is in the second position.

In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and at least one divider configured to be attached to the front rail, the at least one divider including a barrier configured to engage the front rail, a divider wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail, a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, wherein the divider floor is configured to hold a product. The display system may further include a resilient tab coupled to the divider, wherein the resilient tab is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The at least one divider is secured in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the resilient tab is in the first position. The at least one divider is movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the resilient tab is in the second position.

In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail including at least one first protrusion and at least one first recess, and at least one divider configured to attach to the front rail, the at least one divider includes a divider wall and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, the at least one divider further including at least one second recess and at least one second protrusion, the at least one second protrusion of the divider configured to move between a first position and a second position, when the at least one first protrusion of the front rail is engaged with the at least one second recess of the divider and the at least one second protrusion of the divider is in the first position, the at least one divider is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail. When the at least one first protrusion of the front rail is engaged with the at least one second recess of the divider and the at least one second protrusion of the divider is in the second position, the at least one divider (a) resists movement in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail.

In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail including at least one first tab and at least one second tab, the at least one second tab of the front rail configured to move between a first position and a second position. The merchandise display system also includes at least one divider configured to attach to the front rail, the at least one divider including a divider wall and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, the at least one divider further including at least one recess. When the at least one first protrusion of the front rail is engaged with the at least one recess of the divider and the at least one second protrusion of the front rail is in the first position, the at least one divider is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail. The at least one divider is secured (a) in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when the at least one first protrusion of the front rail is engaged with the at least one recess of the divider and the at least one second protrusion of the front rail is in the second position.

In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail including a first tab and a second tab. The merchandise display system also includes at least one divider configured to attach to the front rail, the at least one divider including a divider wall and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, the at least one divider further including a recess and a third protrusion. At least one of the second protrusion or the third protrusion is a movable protrusion that moves between a first position and a second position. The at least one divider is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when the first protrusion of the front rail is engaged with the recess of the divider and the movable protrusion is in the first position. The at least one divider is (a) fixed in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when the first protrusion of the front rail is engaged with the recess of the divider and the movable protrusion is in the second position.

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

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

In one example, the merchandise display system may include a front rail having a rail mounting clip secured to a front end of the front rail. The rail mounting clip may have at least one curved structure configured to engage a channel extending along at least a portion of the front edge of the shelf. The at least one divider may be configured to engage the front rail. The at least one divider may include a divider wall and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall. The divider floor may be configured to hold products and the at least one divider may be movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the at least one divider is engaged with the front rail. The rail mounting clip may be removably mounted to the front rail. The rail mounting clip may be connected to the front rail by an interference fit. The elbow bracket structure of the front rail is receivable in the channel of the rail mounting clip to removably couple the rail mounting clip to the front rail. The channel on the rail mounting clip may be formed between the hook formation and the tongue formation. The removable coupling of the rail mounting clip to the front rail may allow the rail mounting clip to slide relative to the front rail in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the rail mounting clip. The rail mounting clip may further include at least one flange structure extending along a longitudinal length of the rail mounting clip for structural rigidity. A removable coupling may be provided between the front rail and the rail mounting clip that results in the planar surface of the front rail being substantially perpendicular to the rear wall structure of the rail mounting clip. A removable coupling may be provided between the front rail and the rail mounting clip that results in the planar surface of the front rail having an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to the rear wall structure of the rail mounting clip. When the rail mounting clip is engaged with the channel of the shelf, one or more of the rail mounting clip and the front rail may flex and cause the planar surface of the front rail to lay flat on the top surface of the shelf. The flexure mechanism may be configured to compress when the rail mounting clip engages the channel of the shelf. The channels of the pallet may have a substantially rectangular cross-section. The rail mounting clip may further include a rear wall structure, the flexure structure may further include a contact surface, and an interference fit may be formed between the contact surface of the flexure structure, the rear wall structure of the rail mounting clip, and the front and rear walls of the pain when the rail mounting clip is engaged with the channel of the shelf. The front rail and the rail mounting clip may be integrally formed.

In another example, the merchandise display system may include a front rail coupling system, which may have a front rail section integrally formed with the rail mounting clip section. The rail mounting clip section may further comprise at least one curved structure configured to engage a channel extending along at least a portion of the front edge of the shelf; and at least one divider configurable to engage the front rail segment. The at least one divider may also include a divider wall and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall. The divider floor may be configured to hold products and the at least one divider may be movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the at least one divider is engaged with the front rail. The rail mounting clip section may further comprise at least one flange structure extending along the longitudinal length of the rail mounting clip section for structural rigidity. The curved structure may be configured to compress when the rail mounting clip section engages the channel of the shelf. The channels of the pallet have a substantially rectangular cross-section. The rail mounting clip section may further comprise a rear wall structure, the flexure structure may comprise a contact surface, and an interference fit is formed between the contact surface of the flexure structure, the rear wall structure of the rail mounting clip section, and the front and rear walls of the channel when the rail mounting clip section is engaged with the channel of the rack.

In another example, the merchandise display system may include a front rail and at least one divider configured to engage the front rail. The at least one divider may include a divider wall and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall. The divider floor may be configured to include products. A rail mounting clip may be secured to the front end of the front rail, and the rail mounting clip may have at least one flexible finger structure configured to engage a channel extending along at least a portion of the front edge of the shelf. The at least one divider is movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the at least one divider is engaged with the front rail. The at least one flexible finger structure may be configured to form an interference fit with the channel of the shelf. The rail mounting clip may be removably coupled to the front rail. The elbow bracket structure of the front rail is receivable in the channel of the rail mounting clip to removably couple the rail mounting clip to the front rail.

Drawings

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system of the present invention.

Fig. 2 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary ejector mechanism mounted to an exemplary tray or product lane of the present invention.

Fig. 3 shows another isometric view of the system of fig. 2 with products disposed therein.

Fig. 4 illustrates another isometric view of the system of fig. 2 with a plurality of products disposed therein.

Fig. 5 illustrates an isometric rear view of the system of fig. 4.

Fig. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the tray or product lane of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example end piece of an end of a wrap spring that may be used with the product management display system of the present invention.

Fig. 8 shows the example end piece of fig. 7 mounted to a tray or product channel surface.

FIG. 9 shows the example end piece of FIG. 7 mounted to an end of a wrap spring.

FIG. 10 shows the example end piece of FIG. 7 mounted to an end of a wrap spring.

FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a product management display system of the present invention.

Fig. 12 illustrates another isometric view of the system of fig. 11.

Fig. 13 shows a front view of the system of fig. 11.

Fig. 14 shows a top view of the system of fig. 11.

Fig. 15 shows a rear view of the system of fig. 11.

Fig. 16 illustrates an isometric view of an adapter that may be used with the present invention.

Fig. 17 shows a front view of the adapter of fig. 16.

Fig. 18 shows an example presentation of an adapter of the present invention.

Figure 19 shows an isometric view of a mounted adapter of the present invention.

Fig. 20 shows a front view of the mounted adapter of the present invention.

FIG. 21 illustrates an isometric view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a product management display system of the present invention.

Fig. 22 illustrates a bottom isometric view of an exemplary mounting member that may be used to mount a wrap spring end to a display system chassis.

Fig. 23 illustrates an isometric top view of the example mounting member of fig. 22.

Fig. 24 illustrates the example mounting member of fig. 22 mounted to an end of a wrap spring mounted to an example ejector plate.

Fig. 25 illustrates another view of the example mounting member of fig. 22 mounted to an end of a wrap spring mounted to an example ejector plate.

Fig. 26 illustrates the exemplary mounting member of fig. 22 with the attached wrap spring mounted to the base plate of the system.

Fig. 27 illustrates the example mounting member of fig. 22 mounted on a system backplane.

FIG. 28 illustrates an isometric view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a product management display system of the present invention.

Fig. 29 illustrates an enlarged isometric view of the tray of the exemplary embodiment of fig. 28.

Fig. 29A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of fig. 28, showing a first method of securing.

Fig. 29B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of fig. 28, showing a second method of securing.

FIG. 30 shows an enlarged isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 28 showing rivets attaching the spring to the tray.

Fig. 31 shows an isometric view of the system of fig. 28 assembled on a pre-existing metal shelf.

Fig. 32 shows an isometric view of the system of fig. 28 assembled on a pre-existing metal shelf.

Fig. 33 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.

Fig. 34 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.

Fig. 35 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an adapter.

Fig. 36 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a retainer.

FIG. 37 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.

Fig. 38 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.

Fig. 39 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.

Fig. 40 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.

Fig. 41A shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a divider.

Fig. 41B illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.

Fig. 41C shows an enlarged view of the cross section of fig. 41B.

Fig. 41D illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a divider.

Fig. 42 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.

Fig. 43 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.

FIG. 44 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system.

FIG. 45 illustrates another isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system in which a product is present.

FIG. 46 illustrates a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a product management display system in which a product is present.

FIG. 47 illustrates an isometric rear view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system in which a product is present.

Fig. 48 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an ejector mechanism mounted to a divider.

FIG. 49 illustrates another isometric view of the divider and ejector mechanisms assembled to the product management display system.

FIG. 50 illustrates an isometric view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a product management display system.

FIG. 51 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of FIG. 50 without a product.

FIG. 52 illustrates an isometric exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of FIG. 50.

FIG. 53 illustrates an isometric view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a product management display system.

FIG. 54 illustrates an isometric view of a shelf with an ejector spring exemplarily attached to the product management display system of FIG. 53.

FIG. 55 shows an isometric view of a shelf with an ejector spring exemplarily attached to the product management display system of FIG. 53.

FIG. 56 illustrates an isometric view of a shelf with an ejector spring exemplarily attached to the product management display system of FIG. 53.

FIG. 57 illustrates an isometric view of a shelf with an ejector spring exemplarily attached to the product management display system of FIG. 53.

FIG. 58 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system according to one or more aspects of the invention.

FIG. 59 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of FIG. 58.

Fig. 60 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary ejector mechanism according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 61 illustrates a partial isometric view of an exemplary divider according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 62 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary divider and ejector mechanism according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 63 illustrates a partial isometric view of an exemplary front portion of a divider according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 64 illustrates a partial isometric view of an exemplary front portion of a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 65 illustrates a partial isometric view of an exemplary connection between a divider and a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 66 illustrates a side view of an exemplary divider and front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 67A-C illustrate side views of an exemplary divider attached to a front rail according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 68A-C illustrate side views of an exemplary divider attached to a front rail according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 69A illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary rail mounting clip for a front rail according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 69B illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary front rail according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 70 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary front rail and rail mounting clip according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 71 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary front rail according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 72 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary divider and ejector mechanism according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 73 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary divider and ejector mechanism according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 74 illustrates a partial isometric view of an exemplary divider according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 75 illustrates a partial isometric view of an exemplary front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 76A and 76B illustrate partial isometric views of an exemplary front rail and cam bar according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 77 illustrates an exploded front view of an exemplary product management display system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 78 illustrates an exploded rear view of an exemplary product management display system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 79A-C illustrate side views of an exemplary front rail and divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 80 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary product management display system according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 81A-B illustrate partial side views of an exemplary front rail and divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 82A-C illustrate partial side views of an exemplary front rail and divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

83A-C illustrate partial side views of an exemplary front rail and divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 84A-F illustrate isometric views of an exemplary product management display system according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 85 illustrates a side view of an exemplary divider and front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

86A-L illustrate views of components of an exemplary product management display system according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 87A-C illustrate side views of an exemplary divider and front rail according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 88A-B illustrate isometric views of an exemplary divider according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 89A-C illustrate side views of an exemplary divider attached to a front rail according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 90A-F illustrate views of an exemplary divider attached to a front rail according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 91A illustrates a side view of an exemplary divider and rear rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 92 illustrates a merchandise display system according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 93 schematically illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a shelf coupling system that may be used with the merchandise display system of FIG. 92.

Figure 94 schematically illustrates one exemplary embodiment of an end view of a shelf structure.

Fig. 95 schematically illustrates an end view of a front rail structure according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 96 schematically illustrates an end view of a rail mounting clip according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 97 schematically depicts an alternative embodiment of a front rail coupling system.

Figures 98A-C schematically illustrate isometric views of one embodiment of a rail mounting clip.

Fig. 99 schematically illustrates an isometric view of a front rail coupling system according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 100 schematically illustrates a front rail coupling system according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 101 schematically illustrates an isometric view of a front rail coupling system according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 102 schematically illustrates an alternative embodiment of a rail mounting clip according to one or more aspects described herein.

103A-D schematically illustrate various stages of assembly of the rack coupling system according to one or more aspects described herein.

104A-B schematically illustrate a graphical retainer system according to one or more aspects described herein.

Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The terms "comprises" and "comprising," as well as variations thereof, are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Moreover, the terms "mounted," "mounted," or "mounting" are intended to broadly encompass any technique or method of mounting, attaching, joining, or coupling one component to another component (whether directly or indirectly).

Detailed Description

The present invention may be embodied in various forms. Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 an isometric exploded view of an exemplary embodiment. The exemplary vending system 10 includes a product dispensing tray 12 in which an exemplary trackless pusher mechanism 14 is mounted. As described below, the ejector mechanism 14 will fit within the tray 12 and slide along the surface of the tray without the use of rails, guides, or guides that are typically used to hold conventional ejector mechanisms to a tray or tray deck. The ejector mechanism defines an ejector plate and an ejector retainer plate extending toward the ejector plate. The wrap spring may extend across the pusher floor and be operatively connected to the tray at a forward location on the tray. In one aspect of the invention, the product to be vended may be disposed on the tray in front of the pusher plate and may rest on the pusher floor and the wrap spring. With this configuration, the weight of the product will prevent the ejector plate from tipping over to ensure that the product is pushed correctly. Additionally, problems associated with debris or sticky matter affecting the effectiveness of known ejector systems using rails, or guides have been eliminated. Other aspects, embodiments and features of the present invention and its teachings are set forth in detail below.

The exemplary tray 12 may define a surface 16, and one or more divider panels or dividers 18 to divide the tray into a plurality of rows for placement of products. In alternative aspects, the tray 12 may be a shelf or any other surface upon which products may be placed for sale. The surface 16 may be a solid surface, or a surface defining a plurality of spaced apart holes 20, which are spaced apart by a plurality of support ribs 22. The holes 20 and ribs 22 provide a surface that allows objects disposed on the surface to slidably move and that allows liquids and contaminants to pass through the holes 20 so that they do not collect on the surface 16. Surface 16 may be made of any suitable material that allows for slidable movement of the product on surface 16. Other surface or floor configurations are known and may be used with the principles of the present invention.

As shown in fig. 9 and 10, the surface 16 may define a rounded end portion 24 that includes a notch or cut-out portion 26. The end portions 24 may be rounded to match the shape of the products disposed on the tray. For example, the end portion 24 shown is round or defines a semi-circular shape to match the shape of a bottle or jar that may be disposed in the tray and on the end portion 24. Other shaped end portions may be used with the present invention depending on the product to be vended.

The recess 26 may be used to receive and mount an end 29 of a wrap spring 30 or similar biasing element. The notch 26 may define opposing angled edge surfaces 32 joined by an edge 34. The edge 34 is preferably centered across the width of the row of products formed in the tray 12 and extends perpendicular to the length of the tray. This configuration will center the wrap spring 30 relative to the tray 12 and will allow the spring to extend in a generally parallel manner relative to the length of the tray. In other words, the illustrated edges 34 of the recesses 26 will allow the springs 30 to extend along the length of the tray 12 at or near the center of the row of products formed by the tray. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the location and configuration of the notches may vary depending on the desired arrangement of the springs.

The wrap spring 30 may define an end 29 configured to be disposed across the notch 26 onto an edge 34. In one aspect, the end of wrap spring 29 may be V-shaped and act as a hook so that end 29 will wrap around edge 34 with a portion of end 29 of the wrap spring extending below the end portion of surface 16. This configuration allows the wrap spring to be easily mounted on the tray.

In another aspect, referring to fig. 7, a spring end piece 60 may be added to the end 29 of the spring 30 to assist in the mounting of the spring to the system. The spring end piece 60 may define a variety of shapes and configurations depending on the configuration of the tray and the surface to which the spring end needs to be attached. The spring end piece 60 may be permanently attached to the end 29 of the wrap spring 30, or it may be removable to allow for interchange or replacement of the spring end piece 60. The spring end piece 60 may be made of plastic and may define one or more apertures. The hole 61 may be used to receive the end 29 of the wrap spring 30. The second aperture 63 may be used to receive a mating tongue or mounting member 65 extending from the surface 16 of the tray 12, as described below. With this configuration, the end 29 of the wrap spring 30 is operatively connected to the tray 12.

In another aspect, end 29 of wrap spring may be snap fit into a hole formed in surface 16, or may otherwise be inserted and secured into a hole or opening in the tray, thereby securing end 29 of wrap spring 30 in place.

Referring again to fig. 1, the divider 18 may also be used to divide the products into rows. The dividers 18 extend generally upwardly from the surface 16 and, as shown in FIG. 1, may be positioned on opposite sides of the surface 16. Alternatively, the divider 18 may be positioned at any desired location on the tray 12 or to the surface 16. The divider 18 may be formed as an integral structure with the surface 16, or the divider 18 may be removable to provide additional flexibility to the system. Depending on the system, the divider may be attached to the front rail or the rear rail. The divider 18 may define a plurality of configurations and may extend upwardly any desired distance to provide a desired height of the divider between the rows of products to be vended. The height may be adjustable by adding divider extensions or the like.

Positioned at the front of the tray 12 and extending between the dividers 18 may be one or more product retaining members 44. The product retaining member 44 serves as a front retaining wall or bar for retaining the product in the tray 12 and preventing the product from falling off the tray 12. These components are also configured to allow easy removal of the forwardmost product positioned in the tray 12. The product retention member 44 may be one or more curved retention ribs, as shown in fig. 1. These illustrated retaining ribs may extend from one divider to another, thereby linking the dividers. The retaining ribs may also extend partially between the dividers, shown as ribs 46 in fig. 1, and also serve to retain the product in the tray. Alternatively, as shown in fig. 6, the product retention member 44 may be a curvilinear solid retention wall 48 extending between the dividers. The retaining wall 48 may be transparent or translucent to allow the product on the shelf to be visible. In another aspect, the retaining wall 48 may also extend partially between the dividers 18. In yet another embodiment shown in fig. 11-15, the retaining wall 100 may be attached to the tray without being connected to the divider. In this embodiment, the retaining wall 100 may form an opening 102 defined by an upper member 104, opposing curved side walls 106, and a floor member 110, the side walls in turn defining an angled edge 108. Depending on the system, the sidewalls 106 may also be straight and not curved. The ends of the wrap spring may also be snapped into the base plate 110 or otherwise attached to the tray using any of the techniques described herein. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that there are numerous shapes and configurations for product retaining member 44, and that the illustrated configuration is merely an exemplary embodiment of these numerous configurations.

Referring again to fig. 1, the exemplary trackless ejector mechanism 14 defines an ejector plate 50 and an ejector shoe 52. The ejector plate 50 and the ejector retainer plate 52 may be formed as a single unitary structure or may be separate structures that are joined together using known techniques. Additionally, the ejector plate 50 and the ejector retainer plate 52 may be made of any known suitable plastic or metal material. The ejector plate and the ejector retainer plate may be reinforced using any known reinforcement technique.

In one aspect, the pusher plate 50 forms a curvilinear pusher surface or face 54 that is configured to match the shape of a product to be vended, such as a plastic bottle or can containing a beverage, as shown in fig. 3-5. The curvilinear shaped pusher surface 54 allows the pusher to remain centrally aligned with the last product in the tray. This configuration reduces friction and drag between the ejector and the separator wall. In an alternative aspect, the pusher surface or face may be a flat surface. In yet another alternative aspect, the flat pusher surface may be accompanied by curved shaped ribs located near or on the top of the pusher plate and which may be used to center and align the product in the tray in a manner similar to the curved pusher surface 54 shown in FIG. 1. The curvilinear shaped ribs may define other shapes and configurations that allow for a cylindrical or similarly shaped product to be properly pushed into the tray. Advertisements, product identification or other product information may be disposed on the pusher surface 54.

Positioned behind the ejector surface or face 54 may be one or more support members 58, such as ribs, walls, or gussets. The support member 58 is configured to support the ejector surface 54 and also to connect the ejector plate 50 to the ejector retainer plate 52. As seen in fig. 5, positioned between the support members 58 is a wrap spring 30, and more particularly a wrap end 57, which serves to urge the ejector plate 50 forwardly along the tray 12, as is understood in the art. Any technique for operatively connecting the wrap spring to the ejector plate 50 may be used with the present invention.

As shown in fig. 1, the ejector base plate 52 may be positioned below the ejector plate 50 and may extend forward of the ejector surface 54 of the ejector plate. The ejector retainer plate 52 may extend any predetermined distance at any predetermined angle. For example, the ejector base plate 52 may extend generally perpendicular to the ejector surface 54. In an exemplary embodiment, the pusher floor 52 may extend a sufficient distance to allow a product (such as a single bottle or can) to be disposed on the pusher floor. In another aspect, the ejector plate 52 may be configured to allow more than one product to be disposed on the ejector plate. The ejector floor 52 may define any shape, including the circular shape, and may define any product retaining features on the surface of the ejector floor, such as ribs, walls, etc., to further retain the product on the ejector floor.

As seen in fig. 2, the ejector base plate 52 may define an elongated channel, groove, or recessed portion 59 that may be sized, shaped, and configured to receive the wrap spring 30. In an exemplary embodiment, the channel or groove 59 may extend across the bottom plate 52 and extend in a generally perpendicular manner relative to the ejector plate 50. In an alternative aspect, the channel or channel may extend across the entire ejector floor 52 or over a portion thereof, as shown in FIG. 19, such a configuration allowing for proper alignment and positioning of the ejector plate 50 in the tray. The groove 59 may define a depth that matches or exceeds the thickness of the wrap spring 30. With this configuration, the wrap spring 30 is placed at or below the pusher floor surface so that the product is not placed directly on the wrap spring, but rather the product will be placed on the pusher floor surface. As shown in fig. 19, the pusher floor may include holes and openings through which debris or other objects may pass. Alternatively, the base plate may be a solid surface.

In an alternative aspect of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 16-20, an adapter 180 may be positioned on surface 16. Referring to fig. 16 and 17, the adapter 180 may include one or more raised ribs 182 on which a product may be placed. Raised ribs 182 may extend longitudinally along the length of adapter 180. The adapter 180 may be a flat extrusion of plastic material (or any other suitable material) defining a flat surface 184 with one or more ribs 182 extending outwardly from the flat surface 184. The adapter 180 may define a rounded end 185 and include a notch or cut-out 186 through which the wrap spring may extend. The rounded end 185 may be configured to match the shape of the product disposed on the tray. Other shapes of end 185, recess 186 and adapter 180 may be used with the present invention depending on the product to be vended. The adapter 180 may be a separate insertable piece or, alternatively, a component integrally formed with the surface 16.

Referring to fig. 18, the adapter 180 can be easily inserted onto the surface 16 and between the dividers 18. Referring to fig. 19, once the adapter 180 is installed, the ejector mechanism 14 may be positioned on top of the adapter 180 and may slide freely across the ribs 182 of the adapter 180. The wrap spring 30 may extend between the ribs 182 in a parallel fashion and may be seated at or below the top surface of the ribs 182, as more clearly seen in fig. 20. With this configuration, the product to be vended can sit on and slide along the ribs 182 without resting on the wrap spring 30.

In alternative aspects, the ribs 182 may be one or more raised strips, or a series of fingers, that may be used to assist in the movement of the product across the surface 16. In yet another alternative embodiment, the ribs 182 may be product moving members, such as a conveyor or one or more rollers or rolling members, that allow products to roll across the rolling members toward the front of the product display system. An exemplary roller assembly includes U.S. patent application serial No.11/257,718, assigned to RTC Industries, Inc, filed on 25/10/2005, which is incorporated herein by reference. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there are many possible techniques that may be used with the ejector mechanism for assisting in the movement of products on a shelf or floor.

The underside of the pusher shoe 52 may be a smooth flat surface that is free to slide along the surface 16. Alternatively, and similar to the above, the ejector retainer plate 52 may include belts, conveyors, rollers, etc., which will allow the ejector plate to slide along the surface while lifting the ejector retainer plate from the surface 16. In another alternative embodiment, the underside of the pusher floor may be configured with rail mounting members to allow the pusher to be mounted to a rail or rail, as is understood in the art.

The ejector base plate also defines a notch or cut-out portion 62 through which the wrap spring 30 will pass. The end 29 of the wrap spring 30 will pass through the notch 62 and through the notch 26 of the surface 16 and will be mounted to the tray using any of the techniques described above.

In use, as the ejector mechanism 14 is pushed rearwardly in the tray 12, the end 29 of the wrap spring 30 will remain in place as described above and the wrap end 57 of the spring 30 will begin to unwind behind the ejector plate 50. If the ejector 14 is allowed to move forward in the tray 14, such as when product is removed from the front of the tray, the coiled end 57 of the spring 30 will coil and push the ejector plate 50 forward in the tray 12, thereby urging the product toward the front of the tray.

In an alternative embodiment, the wrap spring 30 may extend below and below the pusher floor 52 as opposed to above and across the pusher floor, as shown in the figures. With this configuration, the groove 59 and the recess 62 may not be necessary.

The wrap spring 30 may be any biasing element including, but not limited to, a flat spring commonly used with ejector systems. The present invention may use one or more wrap springs to urge the ejector mechanism 14 forward, depending on the desired application. The winding tension of spring 30 may also vary depending on the particular application.

Referring to fig. 2, the trackless pusher mechanism 14 is shown mounted to the tray 12. As shown, the ejector mechanism 14 fits between the dividers 18 in the tray 12. The end 29 of the wrap spring 30 extends through the recess in the pusher floor and is mounted to the tray, as described above. In use, the ejector mechanism 14 will slide along the surface 16 of the tray 12 without the use of rails, tracks, or guides. As shown in fig. 2, the ejector mechanism 14 is shown in a forward position.

Referring to fig. 3, the ejector mechanism 14 is shown vending a product 70 in the vending system 10. The product is prevented from exiting the tray by the product retaining member 44. Product 70 may be any product to be vended, including the soft drink bottle shown. As can be seen in this view, the product 70 rests on the pusher floor 52 and the wrap spring 30, which extends below the product. The weight of the product on the bottom plate 52 and the positioning of the product across the spring 30 prevents the plate 50 from flipping in the tray 12.

Referring to fig. 4, the ejector mechanism 14 is shown vending a plurality of products 70 in the vending system 10. As can be seen in this view, the product adjacent the ejector plate 50 rests on the ejector base plate 52 and the wrap spring 30, which extends below the product. Another product will rest on the wrap spring 30 which extends below the products. Alternatively, the adapter 180 may be positioned in the system, in which case the product may rest on the ribs 182 of the adapter rather than on the coil spring. Again, the weight of the product on the pusher floor 52 and the positioning of the product across the spring 30 prevents the plate 50 from flipping in the tray 12. In use, as one product is removed from the front of the tray adjacent the product retaining member 44, the ejector mechanism 14 (by pushing on the wrap spring 30) will cause the remaining products to be pushed forward in the tray 12 until the forward-most product contacts the product retaining member 44. As additional product is removed, the ejector mechanism 14 will continue to push the remaining product toward the product retaining member 44.

Referring to fig. 5, a rear view of the ejector mechanism 14 illustrates the ejector mechanism 14 vending a plurality of products 70 in the vending system 10. Again, the product adjacent the ejector plate 50 rests on the ejector base plate 52 and the wrap spring 30, which extends below the product. Another product will rest on the wrap spring which extends below the products. Alternatively, the adapter 180 may be positioned in the system, in which case the product may rest on the ribs 182 of the adapter rather than on the coil spring. As one product is removed from the front of the tray adjacent the product retaining member 44, the coiled end of the spring 30 will push the ejector plate 50 of the ejector mechanism 14 forward in the tray 12 until the forward-most product contacts the product retaining member 44. As can be seen in this figure, the winding end 57 may be located between two support members 58. The support members will hold the wrap spring between these members. As can be seen in this figure, the pusher floor 52 may also extend below the support member 58.

Referring to fig. 6, an exemplary embodiment of an ejector tray is shown. With this embodiment, a plurality of trays 12 may be formed into a single multi-tray assembly 30. The multi-tray may have a floor in common with dividers 18 extending upwardly from the floor to create the plurality of trays or rows. In this embodiment, the product retaining member 44 may be a solid member that extends between the two dividers, as described above. One or more multi-tray assemblies 80 may be coupled or joined together in a side-by-side manner using any known technique, including clamps, dowels, fasteners, and the like. With this configuration, multiple rows of products may be provided for vending multiple products.

As mentioned above, the trackless pusher mechanism 14 may be used integral with a gravity feed system, i.e., a system having trays or product channels mounted on a sloped surface to allow gravity to assist the product, as described above. Alternatively, the trackless pusher mechanism 14 may be used with a system that is mounted on a non-sloped surface or in a horizontal manner, where gravity provides little or no assistance for product vending. The trackless pusher mechanism 14 may also be used to push different shaped products.

Fig. 7 illustrates an example end piece 60 of the end 29 of the wrap spring 30 that may be used with a merchandising system. As shown, the end piece 60 defines a hole 61 for receiving the end 29 of the wrap spring, and a hole 63 for mounting to the tray surface 16. As seen in fig. 7, in one aspect of an alternative embodiment, extending below surface 16 may be a tongue or mounting member 65, which may be configured to mate with aperture 63 and snap fit end piece 60 to tongue 65 and thus surface 16.

Referring to fig. 8, the example end piece 60 of fig. 7 is shown mounted to a tongue or mounting member 65. The tongue 65 may include an elongated outwardly extending rib 67 for snapping the end piece 60 to the tongue 65. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other techniques may be used to mount the end piece 60 to the surface 16, and that the illustrated technique is merely one exemplary embodiment of such a technique.

Referring to fig. 9, the exemplary end piece 60 is shown fully mounted to the surface 16, and more specifically, to the end portion 24 of the surface 16 of the tray 12, in a snap-fit manner. And shows the hole 61 mounting the end 29 of the wrap spring 30 to the end piece 60. As shown in fig. 9, the end 29 of the wrap spring may be inserted into the hole 61. The hole 61 is configured to receive the end 29 of the wrap spring and hold the end 29 in place and allow the end 29 of the wrap spring to be removed from the hole 61 in the event that it is desired to disconnect the wrap spring from the end piece to remove the ejector mechanism 14 from the system.

Referring to fig. 10, the end 29 of the wrap spring is shown fully mounted to an exemplary end piece 60. As seen in this figure, wrap spring 30 is now operatively connected to surface 16 of tray 12. Thus, the ejector mechanism 14 is now mounted to the tray 12.

Referring to fig. 21-27, an alternative technique for mounting the end 29 of the wrap spring 30 to the merchandise display system is shown. The mounting member 130 may be used to mount the end 29 of the wrap spring to the bottom plate 131 of the system. For those systems that include spaced apart slide rails 132 that are joined together by connecting ribs 134 (fig. 26-27), the mounting members 130 may be snap fit or otherwise mounted on the base plate 131, between the slide rails 132. The mounting member will hold the end of the wrap spring in place and to the bottom plate of the system.

Referring to fig. 22-23, the mounting member 130 may include one or more legs 136 on one or more sides of the member 130. The legs may be configured to snap fit under the rails 132 to thereby retain the mounting member 130 to the floor of the system. The legs 136 may include leg ends 137 that define an L-shaped or angled surface configured to contact the underside of the guide rail 132 and prevent the mounting member 130 from being lifted from the floor unless intentionally bent out of the underside of the guide rail 132. The legs 136 may contact the connecting ribs 134, which prevents slidable movement of the mounting member 130 relative to the base plate. Referring to fig. 26, the mounting member 130 is shown mounted to the system floor, and more specifically to the rail. Fig. 27 shows the mounting member 130, which remains in place as the ejector plate 141 is pulled away from the front of the system. The mounting member 130 may be attached to this type of system backplane 131 using other techniques. For example, a separate mounting clip, one or more fasteners, adhesive, or other techniques may be used to secure the mounting member 130 to the base plate 131.

Referring to fig. 22-23, the mounting member 130 may further include a hole or opening or slot 138 that will receive the end 29 of the spring. The spring may be mounted using any of the techniques described herein or other techniques. The configuration of the holes 138 and mounting member 130 hold the springs in place on the mounting member 130, similar to the technique described above.

The mounting member 130 may also include a sliding rib 139 on the top surface that allows products thereon to slide more easily across the mounting member after the mounting member is mounted to the system floor. The mounting member 130 may further include an elongated flat body 140 that extends forward of the location of the legs 136 to provide stability to the mounting member 130 after mounting to the system floor.

Referring to fig. 24-25 and 27, the ejector plate or ejector mechanism 141 may include an ejector face 143 configured to match the shape of the product it pushes. As shown, the pusher face 143 may be curvilinear in shape to match the shape of a bottle or other cylindrical object. The ejector plate 141 may further include an ejector base plate 145, similar in construction to the ejector base plates described above. The ejector base plate 145 may further include a spring sleeve 147 that receives the wrap spring 30 to cover and protect the spring. The spring sleeve 147 may extend partially or completely across the pusher floor 145 in the direction of the spring 30. The spring sleeve 147 may have a relatively short height and flat surface 149 to allow a product to be placed thereon without significant protrusion or tilting of the product.

The ejector plate 141 may be positioned on top of the bottom plate 131 to slide on top of a surface, as described above. The ejector plate may be positioned between two product separator walls 153, which are joined together by product retaining members 155. Additional product retention members 157 may extend outwardly from the product divider.

Referring to fig. 28 and 29, yet another alternative technique for mounting the end 29 of the wrap spring 30 to a merchandise display system is shown. In this embodiment, end 29 is riveted to tray 216.

28-32, in an alternative embodiment, the trackless pusher system may be retrofitted to an existing shelf assembly 230, which may have product dividers already built into it. For example, in one embodiment, the trackless pusher system may be retrofitted to existing metal shelving assemblies. Referring to fig. 30-32, the tray or adapter 216 may have a skid plate 222 that may be sized for a single lane of the shelf 234 or may be sized for the entire shelf width. The sliding bottom plate 222 may include a plurality of raised ribs 224 that help reduce friction of the vended products on the tray 216. It should be understood that one or more raised ribs 224 may be used with the sliding baseplate 222. Alternatively, the skid plate 222 may be a flat planar surface without raised ribs. The tray or adapter 216 may be constructed similarly to the adapter 180 of fig. 16.

As shown in fig. 28 and 30, the end 29 of the wrap spring 30 may be riveted to the front end 228 of the tray 216 via rivets 229, or may be attached by any other attachment technique. The tray 216 may be held to the shelf by any attachment technique suitable for the particular shelf. In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 29-32, the tray 216 may include one or more outwardly extending fingers or catches 220 that may engage one or more individual bars 232 of a shelf 234 to retain the tray 216 on the shelf 234. The fingers or catches 220 may extend longitudinally along the length of the tray 216, or may be spaced apart along the length of the tray. The clip 220 may be used to clip the tray 216 to an existing metal shelf. As shown in fig. 29A and 29B, the latches 220A and 220B may define a plurality of configurations that allow the tray 216 to be latched to a shelf. The embodiments shown in fig. 28-32 allow the trackless pusher system to be deployed in existing racking systems, such as metal racking systems, as a low cost alternative to the entire trackless tow bar assembly. It should be understood that any of the ejector mechanisms described herein may be used with this embodiment.

As shown in fig. 33 and 44, in another example embodiment, the display management system includes one or more pusher mechanisms 286, one or more dividers 266, one or more trays 306, and one or more holders 250. The ejector mechanism 286 may be formed of an ejector plate 287 and an ejector base plate 288. The products are arranged on the pusher floor 288 and slide to the display management system via the divider 266 and the pusher plate 287. The wrap spring 30 biases the ejector mechanism 286 toward the retainer 250 so that the product moves to the front of the system.

In one example embodiment, as shown in fig. 33, the wrap spring 30 may be mounted to a retainer 250. Alternatively, the wrap spring 30 may be mounted to the divider 266, (also shown in fig. 48 and 49). The wrap spring 30 may be mounted directly to the retainer 250 as shown in fig. 33, or may be mounted to the retainer 250 via a separate adapter 252 as shown in fig. 34.

As shown in fig. 35, the adapter 252 has a wall 254 proximate a first end 256. The first end 256 has a curved portion 262 that curves upward. The intermediate portion of the adapter 252 may be provided with a curved slot 260 adapted to receive a correspondingly shaped spring end (not shown).

The wrap spring 30 may be secured at one end to a middle portion of the adapter 252. In an exemplary embodiment, the curved slot 260 corresponds in shape and size to the first spring end. Additionally, the first spring end of the wrap spring 30 may be crimped or bent to provide additional securement. However, any sufficient fastening method may be used to secure the first spring end of the wrap spring 30 to the adapter 252.

In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in fig. 36 and 37, the retainer 250 has a curved cutback 284 that corresponds in shape and size to the curved portion 262 of the adapter 252. The curved slot 284 extends the length of the holder to allow for unrestricted positioning of the adapter 252 along the length of the holder 250.

To secure the first spring end of the wrap spring 30 to the retainer 250, the curved portion 262 of the adapter 252 is disposed into the curved slot 284 of the retainer 250. Curved slot 284 secures adapter 252 and the first spring end of wrap spring 30 to retainer 250 and provides for quick and easy assembly of the display system. The wall 254 provides additional stability to the connection between the holder 250 and the adapter 252. However, other methods may be used to secure the adapter 252 and/or the first spring end of the wrap spring 30 to the retainer 250.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 33 and 44, the wrap spring 30 of the ejector plate 287 may be mounted directly to the front of the tray 306. The first spring end 290 of the wrap spring 30 is provided with a curved portion. The curved portion curves downwardly from the pusher floor 288 and is adapted to be received in a recess 316 (shown in fig. 33) defined by the lip 318 of the front surface of the dispensing tray 306 and the retainer 250. The vertically oriented surface of the retainer 250 and the lip 318 are spaced apart such that a gap is formed between the front edge of the lip 250 and the vertically oriented surface. To secure the wrap spring 30 and the ejector mechanism 286 to the assembly, the first spring end 290 is inserted into a gap formed between the front edge of the lip 318 and the vertically oriented surface of the retainer 250 and is disposed in the recess 316 defined by the lip 318 of the dispensing tray 306 and the retainer 250.

In another exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 38, 39, 48 and 49, the wrap spring 30 may be mounted directly to the divider 266. Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment, wrap spring 30 may be mounted perpendicular to ejector base plate 288 such that the axis about which wrap spring 30 is wrapped is perpendicular to ejector base plate 288. This orientation has the benefit of preventing the ejector plate from backing up. First spring end 290 may be provided with an angled portion 292 and an end piece portion 296. In one example embodiment, the angled portion 292 may be curved perpendicular to the wrap spring body 294. The divider may be provided with a slot 298 adapted to receive the end piece portion 296 of the first spring end 290.

To secure the wrap spring to the divider, the end piece portion 296 is inserted into the slot 298. Once the end piece portion 296 is fully inserted into the slot 298, the angled portion 292 engages the slot 298 to secure the first spring end 290 to the divider 266.

As shown in fig. 33, various ejector mechanism designs may be implemented. The ejector plate 287 may be formed flat to accommodate a correspondingly shaped product. Alternatively, the ejector plate 286 may have a curved first end and a flat second end. This helps to accommodate a variety of cylindrical products having different sized diameters and to facilitate operation of the ejector mechanism 286. During operation, the product in the ejector mechanism 286 and the curved first end integrally urge the ejector mechanism against the divider 266, such that during tensioning or operation, the wrap spring 30 remains flat against the divider 266 holding the first spring end 290. This allows for smoother operation of the ejector mechanism and ensures that the product is more properly dispensed as the user removes the product from the system.

In another exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 40-41D, the distance between dividers 266 can be adjusted to accommodate different sized containers. The divider 266 may be provided with a connecting portion 272. The connecting portion 272 may be provided with a first elongated angled surface 268 and a second elongated angled surface 270. In addition, the connection portion 272 may be provided with a plurality of protrusions 274. As shown in fig. 41B, the guide rail may be formed from teeth 278 having a front surface 280 and a side surface 282.

When assembled, as shown in FIG. 41C, the connecting portion 272 is received between the teeth 278 of the rail. In addition, elongated angled surfaces 268 and 270 and protrusion 274 are wedged between teeth 278. As also shown in fig. 41C, the elongated angled surfaces 268 and 270 engage the front surface 280 and the projections 274 engage the lower surface of the teeth 278. The side surface 282 contacts the connection portion 272.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 42, the tray 306 is provided with a tongue connection. The first side 308 of the tray 306 is provided with a tongue 312 that is adapted to fit within a groove 314 positioned on the second side 310 of the tray 306. To attach the tray, the groove 314 is aligned with the tongue 312 so that the tongue 312 is securely seated within the groove 314.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 43, the tray 306 is configured to receive the holder 250 at the front end. The holder may be provided with a rectangular hole 300, the holder being provided with a correspondingly sized and shaped protrusion 302. To secure the holder 250 to the tray 306, the tabs 302 fit into the holes 300 to lock the holder in place on the tray 306.

As shown in FIGS. 45-47, after the product management display system is assembled, the product is loaded into the system. By adjusting the divider 266, a variety of different product sizes and shapes can be loaded into the system. As shown in fig. 46 and 47, the wrap spring 30 combined with the ejector plate 287 pushes the product toward the holder 250. As the user removes the product from the system, the pusher plate 287 pushes the remaining product so that the product slides along the bottom plate 264 to the holder 250. This ensures that all products remain at the front of the display system.

50-52, the product management display system 400 may be arranged such that the trays 402, 404 may be stacked on top of one another. This embodiment may generally include a first tray 402, a second tray 404, a first spacer 406, and a second spacer 408.

The trays 402, 404 are each configured to hold a product to be dispensed. The first tray 402 and the second tray 404 may each be provided with a free holder 410, an ejector mechanism 412, first and second guide walls, and a wrap spring 414.

The ejector mechanism 414 is arranged in a similar manner to the embodiments described above so that when a product is removed it slides along the surface of the tray 402, 404. In addition, any of the alternative arrangements of the ejector mechanism described above may be implemented in a stackable tray arrangement.

To provide for easy assembly and disassembly, the stackable product management display system may be provided with a dovetail connection or any other suitable connection, such as a snap-fit connection, a screw threaded connection, or a riveted connection. The first and second trays are provided with locators 416 for assembling the first and second spacers 406, 408 to the first and second trays 402, 404. Each of the first and second trays 402, 404 may be provided with slots 418 on their respective outer surfaces for receiving correspondingly shaped locators 416 on the first and second spacers 406, 408.

To assemble the stackable product management display system, locators 416 on the first and second spacers 406, 408 lock into correspondingly shaped slots 418 placed on the outer surfaces of the first and second trays 402, 404. This provides a stackable arrangement that can be implemented in conjunction with any of the embodiments described above.

In another exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 53-57, the ejector plate 500 may be mounted directly to the shelf 508 and held to the shelf by the ends of the wrap spring 504. The ejector plate 500 will slide along and over the top of the shelf surface. One or more dividers 502 defining a T-shaped configuration may be positioned proximate to the ejector plate 500. In an alternative aspect, the base of the divider 502 can be positioned on the shelf such that the base is positioned below the ejector plate 500. With this configuration, the ejector plate 500 can slide along the base of the divider. If the divider 502 is positioned far enough from the panel 500, the panel 500 will slide directly on the surface of the shelf 508. The dividers 502 can define a variety of configurations including those described herein and can be secured to the shelf using any known technique, including push pins, anchors, fasteners, adhesives, and the like.

In one aspect, end 510 of wrap spring 504 is positioned in an aperture or hole 506 on shelf 508. End 510 may define a spring end piece, which may further define any suitable configuration that allows the spring end to pass into hole 506 and remain secured to the hole. For example, the spring end piece of end 510 may define a hook-like configuration that allows end 510 to wrap around the edge of hole 506. Alternatively, the spring end piece may define one or more detents that hook onto the edge of the hole 506. Other spring end member configurations are possible.

As shown in fig. 54, to secure the spring 504 to the shelf 508, fasteners 512, pins, anchors, etc. may be used. This fastener 512 will provide a second spaced anchor point for the spring, which will maintain the spring in the desired alignment as the plate 500 moves back and forth on the shelf 508 throughout the operation of the spring 504. It will be appreciated that even more anchor points may be provided depending on the type of shelf and the number and spacing of the holes present on the shelf.

Referring to fig. 55-57, an example mounting technique for mounting the spring 504 of the plate 500 to a shelf is shown. As shown in fig. 55, the end 510 of the wrap spring 504 is positioned in an aperture or hole 506 on a shelf 508. End 510 may define a spring end piece as described herein to retain end 510 to the edge of hole 506. As shown in fig. 56, the spring 504, which in this embodiment includes a rivet or post 514, is lowered to the shelf so that the rivet or post 514 fits within another hole 506 on the shelf. The rivet or post provides another anchor point for the spring. As shown in fig. 56 and 57, the spring 504 may define an aperture 516 for receiving yet another rivet or post 518 to even further secure the spring 504 to the shelf. Through these multiple anchor points, the spring 504 will be fixed to the shelf and, thus, the plate will be fixed to the shelf. And, with these multiple anchor points, the springs will maintain the desired alignment as the board moves back and forth on the shelf throughout the operation of the springs. It should be understood that other anchoring techniques may secure the ends of the springs 504 to the shelf, including any of the techniques described herein, or a combination of the techniques described herein. It will be appreciated that if the shelf does not have pre-existing holes to anchor the springs 504, one or more holes may be drilled at desired locations on the shelf.

With the embodiments shown in fig. 53-57, it will be appreciated that the trackless pusher plate may be retrofitted directly onto existing store shelves with minimal effort or additional mounting hardware. In addition, this embodiment is easily removable to allow the pusher plate to be repositioned anywhere on the shelf to accommodate any size and type of product being sold on the shelf. One skilled in the art will also appreciate that any of the ejector plates described herein may be mounted directly to a shelf using the techniques described herein or by any combination of the techniques described herein.

In an alternative embodiment shown in fig. 58, the display management system includes one or more pushers 520, one or more dividers 550, and a front rail 580. The divider 550 and the front rail 580 may be placed on a shelf. The pusher 520 may include a pusher face 522 and a pusher floor 524, as shown in fig. 59. The ejector mechanism 522 may be divided into a non-adjustable portion 526 and an ejector extension 528. Both the non-adjustable portion 526 and the pusher extension 528 may define a surface that may be used to contact product on a shelf. Both the non-adjustable portion 526 and the pusher extension 528 may define similar heights and depths. The ejector extension 528 is adjustable from a position flush with and proximate to the non-adjustable portion 526, as shown in fig. 59. The pusher extension 528 may be directed downward toward the pusher floor 524 as shown in fig. 60. The ejector extension 528 is adjustable to various positions, as shown in fig. 60, including a position parallel to the ejector baseplate 524 and a position pointing away from the ejector baseplate 524 and pointing downward toward the ejector baseplate 524. In this manner, the width or height of the pusher 520 may effectively extend to wider or taller products.

The pusher extension 528 is rotatable about an axis on the upper portion of the pusher 520. A recessed wheel 532 (see fig. 77) may be positioned behind the pusher extension 528. The ejector extension 528 includes a protrusion (see, e.g., protrusion 530 in fig. 77) that fits in a recess in the recessed wheel 532. As the pusher extension 528 rotates about the axis, the protrusions rotate into respective spaces within the recesses in the recessed wheel 532, similar to a ratchet and pawl mechanism. Each notch represents a separate location for the ejector extension 528. At each individual position, the ejector extension 528 may remain stationary, requiring force to move the ejector extension 528 to a different position. In an exemplary aspect of an embodiment, the pusher extension may be movable from a first position proximate the non-adjustable portion 526 to a plurality of second positions, which may be located within approximately 180 degrees of the first position. The degree of adjustment may depend on the number, size and spacing of the notches on the recessed wheel. The ejector extension may define a lightening hole through a wall of the ejector extension to reduce the weight of the ejector extension and reduce the moment generated about the axis of the ejector extension. The ejector extension may define a smooth or textured ejector face.

Referring again to fig. 59, a biasing element, such as a wrap spring 534, may be retained in the rear portion of the pusher 520. In one embodiment, the wrap spring 534 may be positioned proximate to the non-adjustable portion 526 of the ejector face 522. The wrap spring 534 may extend across the pusher floor 524 as shown in fig. 59. In one embodiment, the ejector base plate 524 may include a channel 536 in which the wrap spring 534 is seated. The channel 536 allows the product to rest on the pusher floor 524 with limited contact with the spring. In this embodiment, the weight of the product rests on the pusher floor 524. The ejector retainer plate 524 may also include a surface without channels.

In one example, the divider 550 can include a divider wall 552, a bottom plate 554, and a baffle 556, as shown in fig. 59. In one example, the divider 550 may not include a baffle. In one example, the divider 550 may not include a floor. The divider wall 552 may divide the divider floor 554 into two portions, 559 and 551 (see fig. 78), one on each side of the divider wall 552. The divider wall 552 may also have a divider floor 554 on only one side of the divider wall 552. As shown in fig. 77, the divider walls 552 may extend perpendicularly from the divider floor 554. The divider floor 554 may be a flat surface. In an embodiment, the divider floor 554 may include a channel on a portion of the divider floor 554. The wrap spring 534 may extend across the divider floor 554. In an embodiment, the wrap spring 534 may extend across the divider floor 554 within a channel in the divider floor 554. In this embodiment, the product will not rest on the wrap spring 534, but instead will rest on the portion of the divider floor 554 proximate the channel in the divider floor 554. In another embodiment, the divider floor 554 does not include channels. In one example, a single pusher 520 may be located on a portion of the divider floor 554 and a second pusher (see fig. 84F) may be located on a second portion of the divider floor 554. Thus, one divider 550 may contain two pushers 520, one for each divider wall 552.

The stop 556 may be configured to restrain the product being pushed by the pusher 520 and the biasing element contained therein. The baffles 556 may be located at a front portion of the divider wall 552, as shown in fig. 59. A stop 556 may also be located at the rear of the divider wall to prevent excessive accumulation of product on the shelf. As shown in fig. 59 and 77, a divider wall 552 may divide the baffle 556 into two portions. The baffles 556 may be perpendicular to the forward end of the divider wall 552. In one embodiment, the baffle 556, the divider wall 552, and the divider floor 554 are a single integrated device. These three elements may also be integral with one another. In one example, the baffle is separate from the divider. In one example, the baffle is not integral with or incorporated into the divider. In another example, the baffle is configured to engage the divider. In one example, the divider wall and the divider floor are separate devices from each other and are not integral with each other or part of a single integrated device. In one example, the divider walls and the divider floor are configured to engage one another. In another example, the bezel may be coupled to the front rail 580 or comprise a portion of the front rail 580.

As shown in fig. 61, an end 557 of the wrap spring 534 may be positioned within the stop 556. The end 557 of the spring may be folded at an angle to the rest of the spring. The angle may be 90 degrees, or any other suitable angle, which may be less than or greater than 90 degrees. The end 557 of the wrap spring can then be disposed into a slot 558 in the stop 556. Once in the slot 558, the spring end 557 will remain in place and bias the auxiliary pusher 520 toward the stop 556. The end 557 of the wrap spring 534 may include a plurality of portions, each having a bend that disposes a trailing portion of the wrap spring end at an angle to a leading portion of the wrap spring (not shown). The plurality of bends may engage a plurality of slots or holes in baffle 556 or other attachment points on divider 550 or front rail 580. The plurality of slots or holes may conform to the shape of the plurality of bends in the end 557 of the wrap spring 534. The wrap spring 534 may include a pawl (not shown) at one end. The pawl in the wrap spring 534 may be configured to prevent the wrap spring 534 from disengaging the pusher 520, such as, for example, when the wrap spring 534 is extended.

The ejector 520 may be connected to the divider 550 only by the wrap spring 534. The pusher 520 may sit on top of the divider floor 554 and may slide across the divider floor. The ejector 520 may be configured to be positioned entirely above the divider floor 554, as shown in fig. 59, and not below the divider floor 554. In this embodiment, the pusher 520 may be lifted from the divider floor 554 in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 62. The weight and mass of the product resting on the pusher floor 524 holds the pusher 520 to the divider floor 554. The product resting on the wrap spring 534 also retains the ejector 520 on the divider floor 554. The only incorporated connection between the ejector and the divider may be the end of the wrap spring 557 that is retained within the slot 558 in the flapper 556. The divider walls 552 may be used to guide the pusher 520 as the pusher 520 moves back and forth on the divider floor 554, and vice versa.

The divider 550 may define a groove 560 or other recess in an underside portion of the divider. The groove 560 or other recess may be an inverted "U" shape, as shown in fig. 61, or may have another shape. The grooves 560 or other recesses may extend across the entire width of the lower portion of the divider 550. The grooves 560 or other recesses in one example may extend along only a portion of the width of the lower portion of the divider. The channel 560 or other recess may be used to engage a front rail, a front wall of a tray, or other structure. The term recess as used herein may mean a groove, slot, channel, dimple, depression, or other inwardly extending recess.

The divider 550 may also define a plurality of teeth 562 or other projections. Teeth 562 or other projection housings are located on a forward portion of shield 556. In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 63, the teeth 562 may define a series of outwardly extending angled surfaces that meet or join at an apex. As used herein, the term tooth may mean any uniform, non-uniform, continuous, discontinuous, uniformly spaced, or non-uniformly spaced outwardly extending surfaces, which may or may not be angled, and which may or may not meet or join at an apex. Additionally, the teeth may define pointed, blunt, rounded, flat, or polygonal ends at an apex, or any other suitable shape. Also, the surfaces defining the shape of the teeth may be flat, convex, concave, smooth or textured, or any other suitable configuration. In one embodiment, the teeth 562 are disposed on an extension from the front portion of the shield 556. The divider 550 may also define a resilient tongue or tab 564. The teeth 562 or other protrusions are located on the resilient tabs 564. When a force is applied to the resilient tab 564, the tooth 562 or other protrusion may move in the direction of the force. When the force is removed, the teeth or other projections will move back to their original positions. The term protrusion as used herein may mean a protrusion, a resilient tab, a tongue, a bump, one or more teeth, a ridge, a knob, or other outwardly extending protrusion. The plurality of teeth may comprise a plurality of projections, wherein the teeth extend outwardly, and may comprise a plurality of recesses extending inwardly between outwardly extending portions of the plurality of teeth.

The front rail 580 may define a planar surface 582, a ridge or tongue 584 or other projection or engaging member, a channel or groove 586 or other recess or engaging member, and a plurality of teeth 588 or other engaging members. The ridge or tongue 584 or other protrusion or engaging member of the front rail 580 may be configured to engage the groove 560 or other recess or engaging member of the divider. The ridge 584 or other protrusion or other engagement member may fit within the groove 560 or other recess or engagement member and prevent the divider 550 from moving in a direction perpendicular to the ridge 584 or the leading rail 580 or at an angle (i.e., non-perpendicular) to the ridge 584 or the leading rail 580. The teeth 588 or other engaging members of the front rail 580 may be spaced apart. The teeth 588 or other engaging members of the front rail 580 may engage the teeth 562 or other engaging members (the teeth 562 are shown in fig. 63) of the divider 550 to prevent the divider from moving in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580. The teeth 588 or other engagement members of the front rail 580 engage the teeth 562 or other engagement members of the divider 550 and prevent the divider 550 from moving in the lateral direction shown by arrow "a" in fig. 65. The term engagement member as used herein may mean a protrusion, recess, planar surface, near-planar surface, or other structural component that may engage with a structural component. The front rail may be a separate structure attached or coupled to the shelf. Alternatively, the front rail may be a portion of the tray defining one or more of the front, rear and opposite side walls. In this configuration, a front rail, as described herein, may be formed as part of the front or rear wall of the tray and still achieve the objectives of the present invention. That is, the front rail may be formed as part of (or attached to) the tray wall and receive and engage the divider and ejector mechanisms using any of the various techniques described herein. The front rail also need not be located at the absolute front of the shelf. The front rail may be located near the front of the shelf, or at a distance rearward from the front of the shelf. In one example, the front rail may be located at or near the rear of the shelf, offset from the front of the merchandise display system. In one example, the front of the shelf may not include a rail.

When the resilient tab 564 of the divider 550 is depressed or forced against the resilient tab in a direction away from the teeth 588 in the front rail 580, the teeth 562 of the divider may disengage from the teeth 588 on the front rail. When the teeth 588 on the front rail and the teeth 562 of the resilient tab 564 on the divider 550 are disengaged, the divider 550 may move in a lateral direction (i.e., the direction shown by arrow "a" in fig. 65) of the teeth 588 in the front rail 580. By using the resilient tab 564, the products contained on the merchandising system 10 may be rearranged. When the divider 550 is moved in the lateral direction, the divider need not be rotated. Rather, the divider 550 remains in a plane parallel to the planar surface 582 of the front rail 580. In addition, the divider 550 need not be lifted. The divider 550 may simply be moved in the direction indicated by arrow "a" in fig. 65.

In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail 580 and at least one divider 550 configured to engage the front rail 580. The at least one divider 550 includes a baffle 556, and the at least one divider 550 further includes a divider wall 552. The at least one divider further includes a divider floor 554 that is perpendicular to the divider wall 552, wherein the divider floor 554 is configured to hold product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam 720 coupled to the divider 550, wherein the cam 720 is configured to move between a first position and a second position. When the at least one divider 550 is engaged with the front rail 580 and the cam 720 is in the first position, the at least one divider 550 is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580. When the at least one divider 550 is engaged with the front rail 580 and the cam 720 is in the second position, the at least one divider 550 is fixed (a) in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580.

In one example, the cam 720 includes a handle for rotating the cam 720 between the first position and the second position. In another example, the cam 720 may include a handle that allows the cam 720 to slide between a first position and a second position (not shown). The cam 720 may also include one or more cam walls configured to engage one or more groove walls in the front rail 580 when the cam 720 is in the second position. The cam 720 may also include a plurality of cam teeth configured to engage a plurality of front rail teeth on a surface of the front rail 580 when the cam 720 is in the second position. The front rail teeth may be on the inner surface of the front rail 580. The merchandise display system may also include an ejector mechanism having an ejector surface, an ejector floor extending forward from the ejector surface, and a wrap spring having a wrap end and a free end. The coiled end of the spring may be positioned behind the pusher surface, and the pusher mechanism may be attached to the merchandise display system solely by the coiled spring. The flapper may be configured to receive the free end of the wrap spring. The front rail may define a front rail groove and the divider may define a divider ridge configured to engage the front rail groove.

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 divide the products into rows. Each of the plurality of dividers 550 includes a divider wall 552 extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, a divider floor 554 perpendicular to the divider wall 552, wherein the divider floor 554 is configured to hold product, and a cam 720 coupled to the divider 550, wherein the cam 720 is configured to move between a first position and a second position. When each of the plurality of dividers 550 is engaged with the front rail 580 and the cam 720 for each of the plurality of dividers 550 is in the first position, each of the plurality of dividers 550 is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580. Additionally, when each of the plurality of dividers 550 is engaged with the front rail 580 and the cam 720 for each of the plurality of dividers 550 is in the second position, each of the plurality of dividers 550 is (a) fixed in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580.

In one example, the plurality of dividers 550 are each configured to move in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when a product is positioned on the divider floor 554. When the cam 720 for each divider of the plurality of dividers 550 is in the first position, a force on an outermost divider of the plurality of dividers 550 causes each of the plurality of dividers 550 to move in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580, wherein the force is parallel to the direction of the front rail 580 and perpendicular to the divider wall 552 of the outermost divider.

In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail 580 and at least one divider 550 configured to be attached to the front rail 580, the at least one divider 550 including a barrier, a divider wall 552 extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail, a divider floor 554 perpendicular to the divider wall 552, wherein the divider wall 552 divides the divider floor 554 into a first portion and a second portion, each of the first portion and the second portion configured to hold a product. The merchandise display system also includes a first ejector mechanism configured to slide along at least a portion of the first portion, a second ejector mechanism configured to slide along at least a portion of the second portion, and a cam 720 coupled to the at least one divider 550, the cam 720 configured to move between a first position and a second position. The at least one divider 550 is movable therealong in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the cam 720 is in the first position, and the at least one divider 550 resists movement along and in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the cam 720 is in the second position.

In one example, each of the first and second pusher mechanisms of the merchandise display system includes a pusher surface, a pusher floor extending forward from the pusher surface, and a wrap spring having a wrap end and a free end, wherein the wrap end is positioned behind the pusher surface. The first and second ejector mechanisms are attached to the merchandise display system only by the wrap spring. The at least one divider may define a divider engagement member, the at least one front rail may define a front rail engagement member, and the divider engagement member may be configured to engage the front rail engagement member. The divider engagement member may define a divider tooth on at least one surface of the divider engagement member and the front rail engagement member may define a front rail tooth on at least one surface of the front rail engagement member. The divider teeth may be configured to engage the front rail teeth.

In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail 580 and at least one divider 550 configured to be attached to the front rail 580, the at least one divider 550 including a baffle configured to engage the front rail 580, a divider wall 552 extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, a divider floor 554 perpendicular to the divider wall 552, wherein the divider floor 554 is configured to hold product. The display system may further comprise a resilient tab coupled to divider 550, wherein the resilient tab is configured to move between a first position and a second position. When the resilient tab is in the first position, the at least one divider 550 is secured in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580. When the resilient tab is in the second position, the at least one divider 550 may move in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580.

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

In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail 580, the front rail 580 including at least one first protrusion and at least one first recess, and at least one divider 550 configured to be attached to the front rail 580, the at least one divider 550 including a divider wall 552 and a divider floor 554 perpendicular to the divider wall 552, the at least one divider 550 further including at least one second recess and at least one second protrusion, the at least one second protrusion of the divider 550 configured to move between a first position and a second position, the at least one divider 550(a) being movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the at least one first protrusion of the front rail 580 engages the at least one second recess of the divider 550 and the at least one second protrusion of the divider 550 is in the first position, and (b) is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580. When the at least one first protrusion of the front rail is engaged with the at least one second recess of the divider 550 and the at least one second protrusion of the divider 550 is in the second position, the at least one divider 550(a) resists movement in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580, and (b) is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580.

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

In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail 580, the front rail 580 including at least one first protrusion and at least one second protrusion, the at least one second protrusion of the front rail 580 configured to move between a first position and a second position. The merchandise display system also includes at least one divider 550 configured to be attached to the front rail 580, the at least one divider 550 including a divider wall 552 and a divider floor 554 perpendicular to the divider wall 552, the at least one divider 550 also including at least one recess. When the at least one first protrusion of the front rail 580 is engaged with the at least one recess of the divider 550 and the at least one second protrusion of the front rail 580 is in the first position, the at least one divider 550 is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580. When the at least one first protrusion of the front rail 580 is engaged with the at least one recess of the divider 550 and the at least one second protrusion of the front rail 580 is in the second position, the at least one divider 550 is (a) fixed in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580.

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

In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail 580, the front rail 580 including a first tab and a second tab. The sales display system also includes at least one divider 550 configured to attach to the front rail 580, the at least one divider 550 including a divider wall 552 and a divider floor 554 perpendicular to the divider wall 552, the at least one divider 550 also including a recess and a third protrusion. The at least one of the second protrusion or the third protrusion is a movable protrusion that moves between a first position and a second position. When the first protrusion of the front rail 580 is engaged with the recess of the divider 550 and the movable protrusion is in the first position, the at least one divider 550 is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 550. When the first protrusion of the front rail 580 engages the recess of the divider 550 and the movable protrusion is in the second position, the at least one divider 550 is (a) fixed in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 550.

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

In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail 580, the front rail 580 including at least a first engagement member. The merchandise display system also includes at least one divider 550 configured to be attached to the front rail 580, the at least one divider 550 including a divider wall 552 and a divider floor 554 perpendicular to the divider wall, the at least one divider 550 also including at least a second engagement member. The merchandise display system also includes a third engagement member configured to move between a first position and a second position. When the first engagement member of the front rail 580 is engaged with the second engagement member of the divider 550 and the third engagement member is in the first position, the at least one divider 550 is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 550. When the first engagement member of the front rail 580 is engaged with the second engagement member of the divider 550 and the third engagement member is in the second position, the at least one divider 550 is (a) fixed in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 550. In one example, when the first engagement member of the front rail 580 is engaged with the second engagement member of the divider 550 and the third engagement member is in the first position, the at least one divider 550 may only move in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 along a shelf plane (such as the shelf 596 shown in fig. 70 and 71); the at least one divider 550 is secured along the shelf plane in all directions except the direction parallel to the front rail 580; the at least one divider 550 does not twist, tilt, fishtail along the shelf plane; the at least one divider 550 remains perpendicular to the front rail 580.

In one example, the third engagement member can be a portion of the front rail 580 or a portion of the divider 550. In one example, the third engagement member can include a cam 720 or an engagement surface. In one example, the first engagement member of the front rail 580 is a protrusion. The merchandise display system may also include an ejector mechanism 520 having an ejector surface 528, an ejector base plate 524 extending forward from the ejector surface 528, and a wrap spring 534 having a wrap end and a free end. The coiled end may be positioned behind the pusher surface 528, and the pusher mechanism 520 may be attached to the merchandise display system by only the coiled spring 534. The merchandise display system may further include a bezel configured to receive a free end of the wrap spring 534.

In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail 580 and at least one divider 550 configured to engage the front rail 580, the at least one divider 550 including a barrier 556, the at least one divider further including a divider wall 554, the at least one divider further including a divider floor 552 perpendicular to the divider wall 554, wherein the divider floor 552 is configured to hold product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam 720 coupled to the divider 550, wherein the cam 720 is configured to move between a first position and a second position. When the at least one divider 550 is engaged with the front rail 580, the at least one divider 550 may be secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580. When the cam 720 is in the first position, the cam 720 may inhibit movement of the at least one divider 550 in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580. When the cam 720 is in the second position, the cam 720 may allow movement of the divider 550 in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580. The merchandise display system may include a handle for rotating the cam 720 between the first position and the second position. The merchandise display system may include a handle for sliding the cam 720 between a first position and a second position (not shown).

Fig. 67A-C show an example of a method of arranging the divider into the front rail step by step. Initially, as shown in fig. 67A, the divider 550 is lowered into the channel 586 defined by the front rail 580. The force of lowering the divider 550 into the channel 586 causes the teeth 562 on the divider 550 to contact the top of the front rail 580 and move in a direction toward the divider 550 and away from the front rail 580, as shown in FIG. 67B. The teeth 562 on the divider 550 may be beveled as shown in fig. 63. The front rail 580 includes recesses 589, as shown in fig. 64, that engage the teeth 562 on the divider 550. These recesses 589 are separated by teeth 588 on the front rail 580. As the divider 550 is further lowered into the channel 586 on the front rail 580 (as shown in fig. 67C), the teeth 564 of the divider 550 move beyond the top of the front rail 580 and into the recesses 589 in the front rail 580. When the teeth 564 on the divider 550 are in the recesses 589 in the front rail 580, the divider 550 is in the engaged position and does not move in the lateral direction under normal amounts of force.

In one example, fig. 68A-C illustrate another embodiment of a method of placing dividers step-by-step in a front rail. In an initial step, as shown in fig. 68A, the resilient tongue or tab 564 is manually pushed back, causing the teeth 562 on the tab 564 to move back toward the divider 550. The shaft pivot allows the resilient tongue or tab 564 to remain in a pushed back position and allows the teeth 562 to remain in a position toward the divider 550. The divider 550 is then placed in contact with the front rail 580, as shown in fig. 68B. The groove 560 of the divider 550 engages the ridge or tongue 584 of the front rail 580. At this time, the divider 550 may move in the lateral direction along the front rail, and may allow for easy re-layout design. However, the divider 550 is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 (i.e., parallel to the divider 550) and cannot move in that direction unless there is a very small amount of play between the groove 560 of the divider 550 and the ridge or tongue 584 of the front rail 580. (the direction perpendicular to the front rail is indicated by arrow "B" in FIG. 86H.) this very small amount of play may not be noticeable to a user of the system. When the divider 550 is in contact with the front rail 580, the groove 560 of the divider 550 engages the ridge or tongue 584 of the front rail 580, as shown in fig. 68B, and the divider 550 is movable along the plane of the shelf (the shelf is represented at 596 in fig. 70 and 71) only in a lateral direction (i.e., the direction represented by arrow "a" in fig. 65) perpendicular to the front rail 580. The dividers are fixed and immovable under normal operating forces along the shelf plane in all other directions except the direction parallel to the front rail 580. The dividers cannot twist, tilt, fishtail, or otherwise move along the shelf plane in directions other than parallel to the front rail 580. However, the divider 550 is able to move in a direction away from the plane of the shelf, such as in the manner indicated by arrow "C" in fig. 87B. The divider 550, with or without product on the divider floor 554, may slide in the direction previously indicated by arrow "a" in fig. 65 without requiring the divider 550 to be lifted. In the final step, as shown in fig. 68C, the resilient tongue or tab 564 is manually pulled forward away from the separator 550. This movement causes the teeth 562 on the front divider 550 to fit in the recesses 589 in the front rail 580. The recesses 589 in the front rail 580 are separated by teeth 588 in the front rail. When the teeth 562 of the divider 550 are in contact with the recesses 589 and teeth 588 in the front rail 580, the divider 550 is engaged and cannot move in the lateral direction under normal magnitude forces.

In another example, the resilient tongue or tab does not include an axial pivot that allows the resilient tongue or tab 564 to remain in the pushed rearward position. Rather, the resilient tongue or tab 564 is biased toward the front rail 580 and away from the divider 550, such that when the force manually pushing the resilient tongue or tab 564 back is removed, the tongue or tab 564 automatically returns to its rest position and may engage the front rail 580.

In one example, the divider 550 is disposed in contact with the front rail 580. The engagement members of the front rail 580 engage the engagement members of the divider 550, which secures the divider in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 (the direction indicated by arrow "B" in fig. 86H) and renders the divider 550 immovable in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, except for a very small amount of play or space between the engagement members that is not perceptible to a user. The divider 550 is also secured along the shelf plane in all other directions except the direction parallel to the front rail 580 (the direction indicated by arrow "a" in fig. 65). The divider 550 may only move along the shelf plane in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. The divider 550 is secured under normal operating forces and conditions along the plane of the shelf in directions other than parallel to the front rail 580. However, the dividers can move in a direction away from the plane of the shelf, such as the direction indicated by arrow "C" of fig. 87B. When the divider is "fixed" in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, this means that the divider 550 is not movable in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 under normal operating forces and conditions, except for a very small amount of play or space between the engaging members that is not perceptible to the user. The direction perpendicular to the front track is indicated by arrow "B" in fig. 86H. The second engagement member of the divider 550 or the front rail 580 is in the first position and the divider moves laterally parallel to the front rail. The second engagement member is then moved to a second position, which secures the divider 550 in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 (in the direction indicated by arrow "a" of fig. 85) under normal operating forces and conditions. When the divider 550 is "fixed" in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580, the divider 550 will not move in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 under normal operating forces and conditions.

In one example, the plurality of dividers 550 can move as a group parallel to the front rail 580, while others are secured to the front rail 580 in a perpendicular direction (the direction indicated by arrow "B" in fig. 86H). Each of the plurality of dividers 550 may be disposed in contact 580 with the front rail. The engagement member or members of the front rail 580 engage the engagement member of each of the plurality of dividers 550, which secures each of the plurality of dividers 550 in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 (the direction indicated by arrow "B" in fig. 86H) and renders each of the plurality of dividers 550 immovable in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, except for a very small amount of play or space between the engagement members that is not perceptible to a user. Each of the divider 550 or a second engagement member (or second engagement members) of the front rail 580 is in the first position, which allows the plurality of dividers 550 to be moved laterally parallel to the front rail 580. The plurality of dividers 550 can form rows between dividers 550 configured to hold products. The product may be moved between two of the plurality of dividers 550 as shown in fig. 45-47. A force may be applied to the first separator in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. This force may move the first divider in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 and cause the divider 550 to contact product adjacent the first divider 550. (the product is shown in fig. 45-47 as a can or cartridge, and may have other shapes.) the divider 550 then moves the product in the same direction as the first divider 550, i.e., parallel to the front rail 580. The force moves the product into contact with the second divider 550 adjacent the product. The product then moves the second divider 550 in the same direction as the first divider 550 and the product, i.e., parallel to the front rail 580. The second divider then moves the second product adjacent the second divider 550 in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. The second product can move the third divider 550 adjacent the second product in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. In this manner, the series of dividers 550 and products can all be moved in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 with one force acting on only one of the dividers 550 or products in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. The movement of one or more second engagement members on the front rail 580 or one of the plurality of dividers 550 to the second position causes the divider 550 to be secured in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 under normal operating conditions and forces, the divider 550 cannot move in a direction parallel to the front rail 580, and the divider 550 does not cause the other dividers 550 or products to move in a direction parallel to the front rail 580.

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

In the embodiment shown in fig. 66, the divider floor 554 varies in thickness. The thickness of the front portion of the divider floor 554, that portion being adjacent the planar surface 582 of the front rail, is less than the thickness of the further rearward portion of the divider floor 554, that portion not being adjacent the planar surface 582 of the front rail. As shown in fig. 67, the portion of the divider floor 554A is thinner than the portion of the divider floor 554B. In one example, the thickness of a front portion of the divider floor 554 proximate the planar surface 582 of the front rail 580 is at least 25% less than the thickness of a rear portion of the divider floor 554 not proximate the planar surface 582 of the front rail.

The embodiment shown in fig. 69A and 69B includes a rail mounting clip 590 for the front rail 580. As shown in fig. 69B, the front rail 580 includes an aperture 592. In a retail environment, the aperture 592 can be coordinated to be disposed over an aperture 595 on the shelf 596, as shown in fig. 70. Rail mounting clip 590 may be curved. Rail mounting clip 590 also receives a narrow portion 594 at one end of rail mounting clip 590. In a retail environment, the rail mounting clip 590 can be inserted into the wider circular portion of the aperture 592 in the front rail 580 and into the aperture 595 on the shelf 596, as shown in fig. 71. The rail mounting clip 590 may then be laterally displaced to a narrower portion within the aperture 592 in the front rail 580. By displacing the rail mounting clip 590, the wider circular portion of the rail mounting clip 590 will engage the narrower portion of the hole 592 in the front rail and will lock into place. Rail mounting clip 590 thereby holds front rail 580 in place and prevents front rail 580 from moving in a lateral direction. If it is known to have holes before shipping to the store shelf, the rail mounting clip 590 can be inserted and locked into the front rail 580 prior to shipping. Inserting rail mounting clip 590 prior to shipping can increase the ease of installing the merchandising system in a store environment.

In at least one embodiment, the height of the divider wall 552 can be greater than the height of the baffles 556, as shown in fig. 72 and 73. Fig. 74 also shows the end 557 of the wrap spring 534 retained within the stop 556. The end 557 of the spring 534 is bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees from the rest of the spring body 534. The end 557 is disposed within a slot 558 retained within the flap 556.

In one embodiment, divider 550 includes teeth 600, as shown in fig. 72 and 73. These teeth may be molded as one piece with divider 550. As in other embodiments, teeth 600 are not retained in the resilient tabs or tongues. The teeth 600 are spaced apart from each other. A plurality of teeth 600 are disposed on the divider 550 at the bottom of the front portion of the divider 550 and in front of the baffles 556.

As shown in fig. 75, the front rail 610 may include a plurality of teeth 612. Teeth 612 in front rail 610 may be designed to releasably engage teeth 600 of divider 550 through the use of cam bar 622 in front rail 610 and a camming action, as shown in FIG. 76. The front rail 610 also includes a generally flat or planar surface 614 and a tongue or ridge 616 generally perpendicular to the planar surface 614, as shown in fig. 75. The front rail 610 also includes a cam bar lever 618 that moves a cam bar 622 within the front rail 610, as shown in fig. 76A and 76B. In fig. 76A, the cam bar 618 is in a first position in which the teeth 612 of the front rail 610 are brought into the front rail 610 away from the divider. In fig. 76B, the cam bar 618 is in a second position, wherein the teeth 612 of the front rail 610 extend toward the divider 550.

FIG. 77 illustrates an exploded view of aspects of an embodiment. The front rail 610 is shown to include an extrusion housing 620, a cam bar 622, and a toothed bar 624. The tooth bar 624 includes a plurality of teeth 612. The extrusion housing 620 includes a cam region 626 designed to receive the cam bar 622 and the toothed bar 624. A cam bar 622 is located near the base of the front rail 610 of the extrusion housing 620. The cam bar 624 is in contact with the cam bar lever 618. The cam bar lever 618 is operable to move the cam bar 622 back and forth in a lateral direction. The cam bar 622 also includes an elongated cam receptacle 628. The cam accommodating portion 628 is diagonal, a front end portion of the cam accommodating portion 628 is closer to the front end portion of the front rail 610, and a rear end portion of the accommodating portion 628 is further rearward from the front end portion of the front rail 610.

Tooth bar 624 may include a cam post 630. A rack bar cam post 630 is disposed within the cam bar receiving portion 628 during operation of the front rail 610. As the cam bar 622 and cam bar receiving portion 628 move laterally, the rack bar cam post 630 moves in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the cam bar 622. As the cam bar 622 moves laterally back and forth within the cam region 626, the tooth bar cam post 630 moves toward the front of the front rail 610 (and away from the divider teeth 600) and away from the front of the front rail 610 (and toward the divider teeth 600). As the rack cam post 630 moves, the rack 624 also moves. Thus, as the cam bar lever 618 moves from the first position to the second position, it moves the cam bar 622 laterally along the inner side of the front rail 610. This lateral movement of the cam bar 622 causes the toothed bar 624 and the teeth 612 thereon to move in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the cam bar 622; that is, the tooth bar 624 moves in a direction toward or away from the front of the front rail 610 and toward or away from the teeth 600 on the divider 550. FIG. 78 illustrates an exploded rear view of aspects of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 77.

Fig. 79A-C show examples of guides for arranging the divider 550 step by step into the front rail 610. The divider 550 (including the teeth 600 thereon) descends into the channel 640 of the front rail 610, as shown in fig. 79A. Initially, toothed bar 624 is positioned closer to the front of front rail 610, and teeth 612 of toothed bar 624 do not engage teeth 600 of divider 550. The cam bar lever 618 is in the first position, which keeps the teeth 612 of the tooth bar 624 out of engagement with the divider teeth 600, as shown in fig. 79B. In this position, the divider 550 may move laterally along the ridge or tongue 616 of the front rail 610. The divider 550 allows the products to rest on the divider floor 554 as the divider 550 moves laterally along the front rail in the direction indicated by "a" in fig. 77. A ridge 584 or other protrusion in the front rail 580 may engage a 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 under normal operating conditions and forces, except for a very small amount of play (e.g., less than 3mm) between the ridge 584 and the groove 560. The cam bar 618 is then moved from the first position to the second position. Movement of the cam bar lever 618 causes the cam bar 622 to move in a lateral direction within the extrusion housing 620. Movement of cam bar 622 includes movement of diagonal cam bar receivers 628 in a lateral direction. Movement of the cam bar receiving portion 628 in turn causes the tooth bar cam post 630 to move in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the cam bar 622 and in a direction toward the teeth 600 of the divider 550, as shown in fig. 79C. A rack bar cam post 630 is coupled to and may be integral with rack bar 624. Accordingly, movement of the tooth bar cam post 630 causes the tooth bar 624 and the teeth 612 received therein to move toward the teeth 600 of the divider. This movement causes teeth 612 of toothed bar 624 to engage teeth 600 of the divider. When teeth 612 of the toothed bar engage with teeth 600 of the divider, divider 550 is releasably engaged and, under normal operating forces and conditions, does not move in the lateral direction shown by arrow "A" in FIG. 77.

The toothed bar 624 is fixed at its end so that the toothed bar 624 can only move in a direction towards or away from the teeth 600 of the divider. Toothed bar 624 cannot move in the lateral direction shown in fig. 77 by arrow "a". The cam bars 622 operate in an opposing manner. The cam bar 622 is fixed such that the cam bar 622 can only move in the lateral direction indicated by arrow "a" in fig. 77. The cam bars cannot move toward or away from the teeth 600 on the divider.

FIG. 80 provides an isometric view of an aspect of an embodiment. When the teeth 612 of the toothed bar 624 engage the teeth 600 of the divider, the entire merchandising system 10 is locked. The front rail 610 and divider 550 are releasably engaged with one another and will not move relative to one another. In addition, the ejector 520 is engaged with the divider 550. In this position, the entire vending system 10 may be moved. The merchandising system 10 may be set up in a remote location according to a particular layout design and then locked. The vending system 10 may then be shipped to the store location. In the store location, the merchandising system 10 may be removed from the shipping container and placed on a shelf, similar to a mat. The layout design of the dividers 550 will remain intact when the merchandising system 10 is locked.

In one example, the display system is assembled at a remote location from the shelf, and then moved to the shelf as a unit and secured to the shelf. The plurality of dividers 550 engage the front rail 580 in a manner in which they are fixed and will not significantly move in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580. The plurality of dividers 550 are laterally adjusted parallel to the front rail 580 according to a pre-planned layout design or other arrangement. The plurality of dividers 550 includes an engagement member and the front rail 580 includes an engagement member. The engagement members on the plurality of dividers 550 and/or the engagement 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 such that the plurality of dividers cannot move in any direction relative to the front rail 580. The front rail 580 and the plurality of dividers 550 are then moved as a unit to the shelf. The front rail 580 is then secured to the shelf.

To change the layout design of the merchandising system at the store location, the dividers 550 and products need not be removed from the shelves. The cam bar 618 or other engagement member for each divider 550 may move its initial position. By moving the cam bar lever 618 or other engagement member to its initial position, the teeth 612 of the toothed bar 624 are released from the teeth 600 of the divider (or one engagement member is disengaged from the other). In this position, the divider 550 may be moved laterally in the direction indicated by the arrow "A" in FIG. 80. While the divider 550 is being moved, product may remain in place on the divider floor 554 and the ejector floor 524. Once the dividers 550 have been moved to the new layout design position, the cam bar 618 or other engagement member for each divider 550 can be moved to its second position. The teeth 612 of the toothed bar 622 will then engage the teeth 600 of the divider 550 (or one engagement member will engage the other), and again cause the merchandising system 10 to be locked.

In one example, the operation of the camming action will be further illustrated in fig. 81A and 81B. Fig. 81A shows that the teeth 600 of the divider are not engaged with the teeth 612 of the toothed bar 624. Cam bar 622 is adjacent the front wall of front rail 610. In fig. 81B, the cam bar lever 618 has moved to the second position, the cam bar 622 has moved laterally, and the rack bar cam post 630 has moved toward the divider 550. Teeth 612 of toothed bar 624 have also moved toward divider 550 and have engaged divider teeth 600.

In one embodiment, a soft rubber pad may be used in place of teeth 612 on toothed bar 624, and may be used as an engagement member. In this embodiment, when tooth bar 624 is adjacent to the front portion of front rail 610, the soft rubber pad and divider teeth 600 do not contact each other. When the cam bar lever 618 is moved to its second position and the cam bar 622 moves the tooth bar 624 in the direction of the divider teeth 600, the divider teeth 600 contact and thereby engage the rubber cushion. This contact provides resistance to interference and holds the divider teeth 600 in place and prevents lateral movement of the divider 550 in the direction shown by arrow "a" in fig. 77.

In another embodiment, as shown in fig. 82A-C, the divider 550 is positioned in contact with the front rail 580 through the use of a catch. Fig. 82A-C illustrate the process of inserting the divider 550 into the front rail 580 step by step. Initially, as shown in fig. 82A, the divider 550 is lowered into the channel 640 formed in the front rail 580 (or 610). Additionally, the ridge or tongue 644 in the front rail 580 contacts the channel 645 in the divider 550. The divider 550 includes a ridge 650 that rises or extends outwardly at a front portion of the divider 550. The catch 652 on the front rail 580 rotates to engage the protuberance 650 of the divider 550. The catch 652 catches on the protuberance 650 and locks the protuberance 650 and divider 550 in place. The toothed bar 550 cannot move in the lateral direction shown in fig. 80 by arrow "a". To move the divider 550, the catch 652 must be pulled to uncatch the catch 652 from the divider ridge 650.

In another embodiment, as shown in fig. 83A-C, divider 550 is positioned in contact with front rail 580 through the use of swivel bar 660 which includes teeth. Fig. 83A-C illustrate the process of inserting the divider 550 into the front rail 580 step by step. Initially, as shown in fig. 83A, the divider 550 is lowered into the channel 640 formed in the front rail 580. The front rail 580 includes a swivel bar 660, which itself includes teeth. When the divider 550 is initially lowered into the channel, as shown in fig. 83B, the teeth of the swivel bar 660 are in the first position, in which they are not engaged with the teeth 600 of the divider 550. The handle 662 is coupled to the rotating rod 660. When the handle is in the first position 664, the teeth of the rotating rod 660 are in the first position in which they are not engaged with the teeth 600 of the divider 500. When handle 662 is moved to a second position 668, as shown in FIG. 83C, handle 662 rotates pivot rod 660 and moves the teeth on pivot rod 662 into engagement with the teeth on divider 550. In this position, the bar teeth are in an interfering condition with the divider teeth 600. When the teeth and divider teeth 600 engage each other, the divider 550 cannot move in the lateral direction shown by arrow "a" in fig. 80. To move divider 550, bar 660 must return to its first position 664, and the teeth of bar 660 do not engage with teeth 600 on divider 550.

In one embodiment, multiple ejectors 520 and dividers 550 may be used with a single front rail 580. Fig. 84A-E illustrate the use of two ejectors 520 and two dividers 550 to push product toward the front of the shelf. The use of multiple pushers 520 may allow for pushing of wide products, as schematically illustrated. In addition, disposing the ejector extension 528 in its upwardly extending position may allow the ejector 520 to push a higher product or more products, as shown in fig. 84D and 84E. The divider 550 may be coupled to two pushers 520. On each side of the divider wall 552, one pusher 520 may be engaged to a portion of the stop plate 556, as shown in fig. 84F. In other examples, the divider may be coupled to one pusher or the divider may not be coupled to the pusher.

The divider 550 is secured to the front rail 580, in part, by operation of the cam 720, as shown in fig. 85. Fig. 85 shows cam 720 coupled to stop 556 in a perspective side view. The cam 720 includes a circular portion 722 configured to rotate within a cavity 740 in the shield 556 (see fig. 86G). Cam 720 also includes a tongue 724 that includes a first cam wall 726, a second cam wall 728, and a third cam wall 730. In fig. 85, the cam is in a position not engaged with the front rail. In this position, first cam wall 726 may be generally vertically disposed. In this position, second cam wall 728 and third cam wall 730 may also be generally horizontally disposed. First cam wall 726 is coupled with second cam wall 728. Second cam wall 728 is coupled to third cam wall 730. The cam also includes a handle 732.

In another embodiment, the tongue 724 has only two cam walls. A first cam wall, such as first cam wall 726, and a second cam wall. The second cam wall is straight and spans the length shown by cam walls 728 and 730. In this embodiment, the second cam wall is not curved. The cam wall may extend for one or more portions of the width of divider 550 or may extend the entire length of divider 550.

The cam 720 fits within the cavity 740 of the stop 556, as shown in fig. 86G. In one embodiment, chamber 740 is defined by sidewalls 742. The side walls 742 cause the front of the cavity 740 to be slightly narrower than the width of the cam 720. A certain amount of force is required to push the cam 720 past the sidewall 742 and into the cavity 740. After the cam passes through the side wall 742, it snaps into place in the cavity 740. The cam 720 may then rotate in the chamber 740 without falling out of the chamber 740 or disengaging from the chamber 740 during normal use. The cam 720 is rotatably secured within the chamber 740. In an embodiment, the chamber 740 is bounded at a front portion thereof by a front wall (not shown).

In another embodiment, the side walls 742 do not make the front of the cavity 740 narrower than the width of the cam 720. In this embodiment, the cam 720 may be disposed into the cavity 740 and removed from the cavity 740 without overcoming the resistance caused by the side walls 742.

In one example, fig. 86E and 86F show portions of the cam 720 and the front rail 580 enlarged. The cam 720 may include a texture. The cam 720 may include teeth or other engagement members. In one embodiment, first cam wall 726 is textured with teeth 736 and 738. Teeth 736 may form a lower row of teeth. The teeth 738 may form an upper row of teeth. In one embodiment, teeth 736 and teeth 738 are rounded. In at least one embodiment, teeth 736 and teeth 738 form a vertical row of teeth. Removing points on the teeth may provide better operation and longer life for the cam teeth. The cam 720 may also be textured in ways other than teeth, such as by roughening or other texturing.

In one example, the front rail 580 includes a groove 750, as shown in fig. 86F. The trench 750 may include a first trench wall 752, a second trench wall 754, and a third trench wall 756. The first channel wall 752 is connected to the second channel wall 754, which in turn is connected to the third channel wall 756. In another embodiment, trench 750 has only two trench walls. A first trench wall, such as the first trench wall 752, and a second trench wall 754. The second channel wall 754 is straight and spans the length shown by channel walls 754 and 756. In this embodiment, the second groove wall 754 is not curved.

In one embodiment, the grooves 750 may include texturing. The groove 750 may include teeth. In one embodiment, first trench wall 752 includes teeth 766 and teeth 768. Teeth 766 may form a lower row of teeth. Teeth 768 can form an upper row of teeth. In at least one embodiment, teeth 766 and 768 form a vertical row of teeth. Teeth 766 and 768 are rounded. Teeth 766 and 768 may be disposed along the entire length of channel 750. Additionally, teeth 766 and 768 can be disposed along portions of channel 750, with other portions of channel 750 being smooth and devoid of teeth. The grooves 750 may also be textured in ways other than teeth, such as by roughening or other texturing. In one embodiment, the second groove wall 754 is smooth and the third groove wall 756 is smooth. In one embodiment, the second cam wall 728 is smooth and the third cam wall 730 is smooth.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 87A-C, the merchandise display system 10 includes a divider 550 and a front rail 580. The divider 550 includes a divider wall 556, a divider floor 554, and a baffle 554. Cam 720 is rotatably coupled to a front portion of bezel 556. The cam 720 includes a cam tongue 724, wherein the cam tongue 724 includes a first cam wall 726, a second cam wall 728, and a third cam wall 730. Cam 720 also includes a handle 732. The front rail 580 includes a channel 750 that includes a first channel wall 752, a second channel wall 754, and a third channel wall 756. The cam 720 is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position, wherein when the cam 720 is in the second position, the cam tongue 724 is engaged with the front rail groove 750 and the divider wall 5560 is prevented from moving in the lateral direction. The cam 720 is also configured to slide between a first position and a second position.

Fig. 87A-C illustrate the process of coupling the divider 550 to the front rail 580. The cam 720 moves between a first position shown in fig. 87B to a second position shown in fig. 87C. As described below, when the cam 720 is in the first position shown in fig. 87B, the cam 720 allows the divider 550 to move laterally along the front rail 580 or otherwise move parallel to the front rail 580. (in fig. 87B, the divider 550 is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 and cannot move in the vertical direction unless there can be a very small amount of play between the divider and the front rail that may not be noticeable to a user of the system.) when the cam 720 is in the second position shown in fig. 87C, the cam 720 prevents the divider 550 from moving laterally along the front rail 580. In one example, when the cam 720 is in the second position shown in fig. 87C, under normal operating conditions and forces, the cam 720 will prevent the divider 550 from moving laterally along the front rail 580 (and render the divider 550 immovable along the front rail 580). In another example, the cam 720 resists movement of the divider 550 by preventing the divider 550 from moving laterally along the front rail 580 when a force equal to or less than a predefined amount of force is applied to the divider 550 in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580. When a force above a predefined magnitude 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.

Fig. 87A shows the divider 550 lifted above the front rail 580. In fig. 87B, the divider 550 has been lowered and placed in contact with the front rail 580. The grooves 560 have been arranged on the ridges 584, and the ridges 584 have been arranged with the grooves 560. The groove 560 and the ridge 584 may contact each other at this location. The groove 560 and the ridge 584 may not always contact each other in this position. In some locations, a space may exist with the surfaces of the ridge 584 and the groove 560. The forward portion of baffle 556 has also been disposed within channel or groove 586. In fig. 87B, the tongue 724 of the cam 720 is not engaged with the groove 750 of the front rail 580. In fig. 87B, the divider 550 is movable in a lateral direction as indicated by arrow "a" in fig. 86F and 86H. The divider 550 need not be lifted above the front rail 580 to achieve such movement. The divider 550 may remain in contact with the front rail 580 and move in the direction "a". During movement of the divider 550, product may be disposed on the divider floor 554. The ability to move the divider 550 without separating the divider 550 from the front rail 580 or removing product provides ease of re-layout design. In fig. 87B, the divider 550 is movable along the shelf plane (the shelf is shown as 596 in fig. 70 and 71) only in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580, as indicated by arrow "a" in fig. 86F and 86H. At 87B, under normal operating forces and conditions, the divider 550 is not movable in all other directions along the plane of the shelf, such as the directions shown by arrow "B" in fig. 86H. Under normal operating forces and conditions, the divider 550 cannot rock, rotate, tilt, or fishtail along the shelf plane, and the divider 550 remains perpendicular to the front rail 580. In fig. 87B, the divider 550 may be moved in the direction indicated by arrow "C" in fig. 87B and thereby lifted from the front rail 580. The aspect shown by arrow "C" in fig. 87B is not along the plane of the shelf.

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

As the cam moves to the position shown in fig. 87C, the tongue 724 may snap into place within the groove 750, and the tongue 724 engages the groove 750. In one embodiment, the tongue 724 is a perfect fit with the groove 750. This perfect fit involves the engagement of the tongue 724 and groove 750. The front rail 580 is not deformed and the cam 720 and the front rail 580 are not tensioned with respect to each other. The first cam wall 726 is adjacent the first groove wall 752. The second cam wall 728 is adjacent the second groove wall 754. Third cam wall 730 is adjacent third groove wall 756. In one embodiment, the cam walls and the groove walls are in contact with each other. For example, first cam wall 726 is in contact with first groove wall 752; the second cam wall 728 is in contact with the second groove wall 754; third cam wall 730 is in contact with third groove wall 756. In at least one embodiment, the cam walls and the groove walls do not have a significant tension between each other, although they contact each other. In another embodiment, a tension force exists between one or more of the cam walls and one or more of the groove walls when the cam walls and the groove walls are in contact with each other.

In embodiments where the first cam wall 726 has been placed in contact with the first groove wall 752, the teeth of the first cam wall 726 engage the teeth of the first groove wall 752. Teeth 736 engage teeth 766 and teeth 738 engage teeth 768. The engagement of the teeth of the first cam wall and the teeth of the first groove wall provides resistance to the divider moving along the front rail in the lateral direction indicated by arrow "a" (as shown in fig. 86H).

When the cam tongue 724 has been arranged to perfectly fit the groove 750, there is significant resistance to movement of the divider along the front rail in the lateral direction indicated by arrow "a" (as shown in fig. 86H), the divider 550 will not move laterally under normal forces arranged on the divider during operation.

When it is desired to again move the divider 550 along the front rail 580, the cam may be de-jammed from the front rail. Handle 732 is rotatable away from front rail 580. The tongue 724 can disengage from the groove 750 and return to its position in fig. 87B.

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

In the embodiment shown in fig. 85-87C, one or more dividers 550 can be disposed in contact with the front rail 580. When the cam 720 or other engagement member is not engaged with the front rail 580, the divider 550 may move parallel to the length of the front rail 580 in the lateral direction as indicated by arrow "a" (see fig. 86H). The divider 550 may then be secured in place by snapping the cam 720 into the front rail 580 or other engagement member into engagement therewith. The divider 550 will remain secured under normal operating forces until the cam 720 or other engagement member is uncapped or otherwise disengaged from the front rail 580.

In one embodiment, the front wall 561 of the channel 560 is textured, as shown in FIG. 86K. The texturing may be in the form of roughening or serrations. Texturing results in a non-smooth surface of the front wall 561 of the channel 560. In one embodiment, the front wall 585 or other protrusion or engagement member of the ridge 584 is textured, as shown in fig. 86I, 86J, and 86L. This texturing may be in the form of roughening or serrations and results in an unsmooth surface of the front wall 585 of the ridge 584.

In at least one embodiment shown in fig. 86I, the baffles 556 are separate components and are removably attached to the divider 550. In at least one embodiment, the baffles 556 can be snapped onto the front end of the separator walls 550. In at least one embodiment, the baffles 556 are movable. The entire shutter 556 may be movable, or one or more portions of the shutter 556 may be movable. For example, the portion of the barrier 556 positioned in front of the products on the merchandise display system 10 may be movable. In at least one embodiment, the portion of the flap 556 positioned in front of the product can be configured to slide. In an alternative embodiment, the portion of the flap 556 positioned in front of the product can be configured to rotate about an axis to allow the portion of the flap 556 to open and close. In this embodiment, the axis may be a hinged connection. Additionally or alternatively, the portion of the shield 556 may be a spring mounted to the divider 550 such that the portion of the shield 556 requires a certain amount of force to move it away from the divider 550. In this embodiment, upon release of the force, the portion of the flap 556 will approach or return to its original position. An exemplary method for mounting the baffles 556 is further described in U.S. patent No.8,056,734, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

In one example, the divider 550 does not include a baffle. Alternatively, one or more baffles may be included in the front rail 580.

In one embodiment, when the divider 550 is placed in contact with the front rail 580, as shown in fig. 87B, the front wall 561 of the channel 560 is not in contact or is not always in contact with the front wall 585 of the ridge 584, while the cam 720 is in the position shown in fig. 87B, with the tongue of the cam 720 not engaged with the channel 750 of the front rail 580. When the cam 720 is moved from the first position shown in fig. 87B to the second position shown in fig. 97C, and the tongue 724 engages the groove 750, the tongue may force the divider 550 rearward. In one embodiment, the tension between the tongue 724 and the groove 750 forces the divider 550 to move in a rearward direction. When the cam moves to the second position shown in fig. 87C, the front wall 561 of the channel 560 becomes in contact with the front wall 585 of the ridge 584. Front wall 561 engages front wall 585. The texturing on the front wall 561 of the channel 560 engages the texturing on the front wall 585 of the ridge 584. The engagement of the front wall 561 of the channel 560 with the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 prevents movement of the divider 550 along the front rail 580 in the direction indicated by arrow "a" in fig. 86H. The engagement of the texturing on the front wall 561 of the channel 560 with the texturing on the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 further inhibits movement of the divider 550 along the front rail 580 in the direction indicated by arrow "a" in fig. 86H.

In one example, an elastic band or band may be included on the top surface of the ridge 584 or other protrusion of the front rail 580. When the cam 720 or other engagement means is in the first position, the elastic band or band is not compressed. In this first position, the divider 550 is movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail, but is not movable in a direction perpendicular to the front rail. When the cam 720 or other engagement means is moved to the second position, the resilient strip or band becomes compressed by the groove 560, or other recess, of the divider 550. When the resilient strip or band is compressed by the groove 560 or other recess, the divider 550 becomes secured in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 under normal operating forces. In one example, the portion of the groove 560 or other recess that contacts the resilient strip or band of the front rail 580 may include a roughness or teeth (not shown).

In one embodiment, the baffles 556 are not molded simultaneously with the divider walls 552 and the divider floor 554. The baffle 556 is molded as a separate piece from the divider wall 552 and the divider floor 556, as shown in fig. 88A. The baffles 556 may be molded from a transparent material, while the divider walls 552 and divider floor 554 may be molded from an opaque material.

In one example, the divider 550 includes an engagement member that includes a planar surface. The front rail 580 may include an engagement member that includes a planar surface. The planar surface of the engaging member of the divider and/or the engaging member of the front rail may comprise a smooth or substantially smooth surface. The planar surface may comprise a resilient surface. The planar surface may comprise a rubber or neoprene strip or other compressible material. In one example, when the engagement member of the divider 550 is in the first position, it is not engaged with the engagement member of the front rail 580, and the divider 550 can be moved laterally parallel to the front rail. Under normal operating conditions and forces, when the engaging member of the divider 550 is in the second position, it engages with the engaging member of the front rail 580, and the divider is fixed and cannot move laterally parallel to the front rail. The divider 550 may have other lateral adjustability as well as infinite or nearly infinite lateral adjustability when the engaging members of the front rail 580 and the divider 550 are smooth or substantially smooth surfaces and do not include teeth or other protrusions. The lateral adjustability of the divider 550 is not limited by the physical dimensions (such as width) of the tabs or teeth. Infinite lateral adjustability provides a significant advantage to the display system by efficiently utilizing lateral space and limiting or minimizing unused or lost space between product rows, and thereby potentially increasing the amount of available space and lateral product orientation on the shelves.

In one embodiment, the baffles 556 may snap fit or otherwise engage the dividers 550, as shown in fig. 88B. The engagement between the baffle 556 and the divider 550 may be such that the baffle 556 cannot be removed from the divider 550 under normal operating conditions without adversely affecting the structure of the baffle 556 or the divider 550.

Fig. 89A-C illustrate an example of a method of arranging dividers into the front rail step by step. In an initial step, as shown in fig. 89A, the divider 550 may be lowered into contact with the front rail 590. The rotary "T" lock 900 can be rotated to snap onto the front rail 580. A rotating "T" lock 900 may be attached to a front portion of the divider 550. The rotary "T" lock 900 is rotatable about an axis 903. The divider 550 may be lowered and placed in contact with the front rail 580, as shown in fig. 89B. The groove 560 or other recess of the divider 550 engages the ridge or tongue 584 or other protrusion of the front rail 580. At this time, the divider 550 may move parallel to the lateral direction along the front rail, and may allow for easy re-layout design. In one example, the divider 550 may move along the front rail. The divider 550, with or without product on the divider floor 554, may slide in the direction previously indicated by arrow "a" in fig. 65 without requiring the divider 550 to be lifted. In the final step, as shown in fig. 89C, the rotating "T" lock 900 may be pushed forward and backward toward the front rail 580. The rotating "T" lock 900 may engage a lip 901 on the front portion of the front rail 580. In at least one embodiment, the front rail 580 includes a top front surface 902. Top front surface 902 may include texturing or may be a resilient surface, such as rubber. Alternatively, top front surface 902 may include one or more teeth. The top front surface 902 may engage a surface 904 on the rotating "T" lock 900. Surface 904 may also include texturing or may be a resilient surface, such as rubber. Alternatively, surface 904 may include teeth configured to engage teeth on top front surface 902. When the rotating "T" lock 900 engages the lip 901, the divider 550 engages the front rail 580 and cannot move in the lateral direction under a normal amount of force.

Fig. 90A-F illustrate an embodiment of divider 550 and front rail 580. As shown in fig. 90A, divider 550 includes a wall 552, a floor 554, and a baffle 556. The divider wall 552 may divide the divider floor 554 into two portions, 559 and 551, one on each side of the divider wall 552. As shown in fig. 90B, the divider walls 552 may extend perpendicularly from the divider floor 554. The baffles 556 may be located at a front portion of the divider wall 552. As shown in fig. 90C and 90F, the bottom surface of the divider wall 554 may include a groove 560 or other recess, a tongue 941 or other projection, and a front wall 561. In at least one embodiment, the front wall 561 of the channel 560 is textured. The texturing may be in the form of roughening or serrations. Texturing may result in a non-smooth surface of the front wall 561 of the channel 560.

As shown in fig. 90D, the front rail 580 may define a planar surface 582, a ridge or tongue 584 or other projection, a first channel or groove 586 or other recess, and a second channel or groove 950 or other recess. The front wall 561 of the divider 550 may engage the first channel 586 of the front rail 580. The ridge or tongue 584 of the front rail 580 may engage the groove 560 of the divider 550. The tongue 941 of the divider 550 may engage the second groove 950 of the front rail 580. In one embodiment, the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 is textured. This texturing may be in the form of roughening or serrations and results in an unsmooth surface of the front wall 585 of the ridge 584. The ridges 585 of the front wall 584 engage the ridges of the front wall 561 of the channel 560. The engagement of the front wall 561 of the divider 550 to the first channel 586 front rail 580, the engagement of the ridge or tongue 584 of the front rail 580 to the groove 560 of the divider 550, and the engagement of the projection 941 of the divider 550 to the second groove 950 of the front rail 580 may maintain the divider wall 552 perpendicular to the front rail 580 and prevent the rear portion of the divider 550 from tilting. In at least one embodiment, the divider 550 may move laterally parallel to the front rail and/or along the front rail 580 when the divider 550 receives a lateral force.

The front rail 580 may include a hole 951 and an opening 952, as shown in fig. 90E. The holes 951 may be configured to engage with corresponding engagement protrusions (not shown). In one example, the engagement projection may be a flat adapter. Corresponding engagement tabs may connect one or more front rails 580 together in series. The engagement of the holes 951 and the engagement tabs may allow one or more front rails 580 to be connected in series even when the front rails 580 are not perfectly aligned with each other. The opening 952 may be configured to receive a fastener that secures the front rail 580 to the display shelf. The front rail 580 may include any number of openings 952 suitable for securing the front rail 580 to a display shelf. Any type of fastener is contemplated within the scope of the present invention.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 91A, the merchandise display system 10 may include a rear rail 810. The rear rail 810 may be positioned at or near the rear of the shelf. The rear rail 810 may be constructed similarly to the front rail 580, and the teachings herein with respect to the front rail 580 apply equally to the rear rail 810. For example, the rear rail 810 may include a recess 804, which may be generally "u" shaped. In this embodiment, the divider 550 may be connected to the divider blocks 802. The spacer blocks 802 may then engage the rear rail 810. The rear rail 810 may be a second rail in the merchandise display system along with the front rail 580. The rear rail 810 may also be the only rail in the merchandise display system. As described above, the front rail 580 may be positioned at the rear of the merchandise display system and thereby serve as the rear rail 810. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of divider blocks 802 each have a cam 710 (not shown in 91A) at a location indicated by the arrow in fig. 91A. The cam 720 is rotatable from a first position to a second position and has the same function as the cam 720 of the divider engaged with the front rail 580. The divider blocks 802 may also include other engagement devices, including the engagement devices described herein for the dividers 550, which engage the rear rail 810. The use of the rear rail 810 may hold the rear of the divider 550 in place and prevent product from moving to a position behind the pusher 520. To unlock the dividers 550 from the rear rail 810, 720 or other engagement devices are rotated away from the rear rail 810 or otherwise disengaged from the rear rail 810.

In one example, the divider 550 may be disposed in contact with the front rail 580. The groove 560 may be disposed on the ridge 584, and the ridge 584 may be disposed within the groove 560. The groove 560 and the ridge 584 may contact each other at this location. The divider 550 may also be disposed in contact with the rear rail 810. The grooves or other recesses in the dividers 550 can be disposed on the ridges or other protrusions of the rear rail 810, and the ridges or other protrusions of the rear rail 810 can be disposed in the grooves or other recesses in the dividers 550. The divider 550 may simultaneously contact the front rail 580 and the rear rail 810. An engagement device in front of the divider, such as a cam 720, may be in a position such that the divider 550 is laterally movable parallel to the front rail 580 and the rear rail 810, but the divider 550 is not movable in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 or the rear rail 810 (the direction between the front rail 580 and the rear rail 810). The divider blocks 802 may further include engagement devices (not shown), such as cams 720 or other engagement devices described herein with respect to the front rail 810. The engagement means on the divider block 802 may be in a position such that the divider 550 may move laterally parallel to the front rail 580 and the rear rail 810, but the divider 550 is not movable in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 or the rear rail 810 (the direction between the front rail 580 and the rear rail 810).

In one example, the engagement means on the front of the divider 550 may be moved to the second position. In the second position, the divider 550 is secured in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 under normal operating forces. The engagement means on the divider block 802 may also be moved to the second position. In the second position, the engagement means on the divider blocks 802 cause the divider 550 to be secured in a direction parallel to the rear rail 810 under normal operating forces. The front rail 580, divider 550, and rear rail 810 may form a rigid tray that may be moved as a unit from one location to another. The front rail 580, the rear rail 810, and the plurality of dividers 550 can be pre-assembled at a location remote from the shelf and formed as a rigid tray. The front rail 580, the rear rail 810, and the plurality of dividers 550 may then be moved to the shelf and secured to the shelf by one or more fasteners.

Fig. 92 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a merchandise display system 9200. In one example, the merchandise display system 9200 can be similar to system 10 and/or system 400, as described throughout this disclosure. Thus, in one example, the merchandise display system 9200 can include a front rail 9204, divider 9208, and shelf 9202 coupled to one or more pushers 9206. In one example, the front rail 9204 can be similar to the front rail 580 described with respect to fig. 58, 64, 67, 85, 86, 90, and so forth. In another example, the pusher 9206 can be similar to the pusher 520 described with respect to fig. 58, 59, 72, 73, and 84, and so forth. Also, the divider 9208 may be similar to the divider 550 described with respect to fig. 58, 59, 65, 72, 84-86, and 91, etc. Thus, in the description that follows, each of the front rail 9204, the pusher 9206, and the divider 9208 may be considered to optionally include one or more features of the front rail 580, the pusher 520, and/or the divider 550 in addition to those features described in the disclosure that follows.

Fig. 93 schematically illustrates a shelf coupling system 9300 that can be used with the merchandise display system 9200 of fig. 92. In particular, an end view of the rack coupling system 9300 is schematically shown as including a front rail 9204 that is mounted to the rack 9202 by a rail mounting clip 9302 (or referred to as a rail mounting adapter) at a front end 9306 of the front rail 9204. In one example, the illustrated rack coupling system 9300 is configured to facilitate removable coupling between the front rails 9204 and the racks 9202, and further includes a channel structure 9304. Thus, the geometry of shelf 9202 is further detailed with respect to fig. 94.

Fig. 94 schematically illustrates an end view of the shelf structure 9202. Thus, shelf structure 9202 may further include one or more top surfaces 9416, front surfaces 9418, hook surfaces 9420, and channels 9304 having front walls 9410, rear walls 9412, and bottom surfaces 9414. As shown in fig. 94, channel 9304 can comprise a substantially rectangular cross-section and be positioned substantially at the front edge of shelf 9202. In this way, channel 9304 can extend along at least a portion of the front edge of shelf 9202. Those skilled in the art will recognize that shelf structures 9202 may be implemented with different geometries without departing from the scope disclosed herein. For example, those schematically illustrated that lengths 9402, 9404, and/or 9406 may be configured to be any length. Similarly, angle 9408 may be implemented to have a value of approximately 30 degrees. In another embodiment, however, angle 9408 may have an angle value ranging between about 0 degrees and about 90 degrees without departing from the disclosure described herein. In an embodiment, fig. 94 shows a front portion of shelf 9202, and thus shelf 9202 may include one or more additional geometric features and is not used in shelf attachment system 9300 of fig. 93.

One skilled in the art will further recognize that shelf 9202 may comprise one or more structural materials, including one or more metals, alloys, polymers, fiber reinforced materials, wood, ceramic materials, or combinations thereof. In an example, the illustrated geometry of shelf 9202 may be formed by one or more hot and/or cold working processes, including cutting, bending, and/or stamping processes performed on a blank (planar) metal sheet (e.g., a steel/aluminum sheet). Additionally or alternatively, the illustrated geometry of shelf 9202 may be formed by one or more extrusion and/or molding processes.

Fig. 95 schematically shows an end view of the front rail 9204. In an embodiment, the front rail 9204 includes a planar surface 9502, which may be similar to the planar surface 582 described with respect to fig. 64. Additionally, the front rail 9204 can include a channel 9508, which can be similar to the channel 586 described with respect to fig. 64. Also, the illustrated channel 9508 can include a groove 9510, which can be similar to the groove 750 described with respect to fig. 86F and 87A-C, a ridge 9506, which can be similar to the ridge 584 described with respect to fig. 65 and 67, and a second channel 9504, which can be similar to the second channel 950 described with respect to fig. 90D. Thus, the features 9502, 9504, 9506, 9508, and/or 9510 of the front rail 9204 can be substantially similar to the features described with respect to the front rails 580 and/or 610 previously described in this disclosure. As such, the front rail 9204 may be configured to interface with one or more components previously described throughout this disclosure, including one or more pushers 520 and/or one or more dividers 550, or a combination thereof. The front rail 9204 can further include an elbow support structure 9514 and a channel 9512 configured to removably couple the front rail 9204 to a rail mounting clip 9302 (described in further detail with respect to fig. 96).

Moreover, those skilled in the art will recognize that the illustrated front rail 9204 may be constructed using any known material forming techniques, including injection molding, extrusion, die casting, cutting, bending, drilling, and/or forging, or combinations thereof. Moreover, one skilled in the art will recognize that the front rail 9204 may be constructed using any known material, including metals, alloys, polymers (including rubbers), fiber reinforced materials, wood, ceramics, or combinations thereof.

Fig. 96 schematically illustrates an end view of the rail mounting clip 9302. Thus, the rail mounting clip 9302 can further include a tongue structure 9602, a channel 9604, a flange 9606, a flange 9608, a hook structure 9610, a curved structure 9612, a contact surface 9614, and a rear wall structure 9616. In one example, and as schematically illustrated in fig. 93, the track mounting clip 9302 is configured to be removably coupled to the front track 9204 of fig. 95 by receiving the elbow bracket 9514 of the front track 9204 into the channel 9604 of the track mounting clip 9302. The removable coupling between the track mounting clip 9302 and the front track 9204 is schematically illustrated in fig. 93, and thus the hook structures 9610 of the track mounting clip 9302 engage the elbow supports 9514 of the front track 9204, and the tongue structures 9602 of the track mounting clip 9302 are received in the channels 9512 of the front track 9204. Thus, in one example, the elbow brackets 9514 of the front rails 9204 are removably coupled to the channels 9604 of the rail mounting clips 9302 by an interference fit.

One skilled in the art will recognize that the mounting clip 9302 can be constructed using any known material, including metals, alloys, polymers (including rubber), fiber reinforced materials, wood, ceramics, or combinations thereof. Moreover, those skilled in the art will recognize that the relative dimensions of the illustrated elements of the rail mounting clip 9302 can be varied with respect to one another without departing from the scope of the disclosure described herein.

In one example, and as schematically illustrated in fig. 93, the removable coupling between the front rail 9204 and the rail mounting clip 9302 is such that the rear wall 9616 of the rail mounting clip 9302 is substantially perpendicular to the planar surface 9502 of the front rail 9204. In another embodiment, when the channel structure 9604 of the rail mounting clip 9302 is engaged with the elbow support structure 9514 of the front rail 9204, the relative angle between the rear wall 9616 and the planar surface 9502 may be less than 90 degrees when the resulting front rail coupling system, such as the system 9700 of fig. 97, is not engaged with the shelf 9202. Thus, turning to fig. 97, a front rail coupling system 9700 is shown with a front rail 9204 removably coupled to a rail mounting clip 9302 such that the illustrated angle 9702 is less than 90 degrees. In an example, the interference fit between the elbow support 9514, the hook structure 9610, and the tongue structure 9602 results in an angle 9702. As such, those skilled in the art will recognize that various configurations of interference fits may be used to bend one or more materials to cause compression and/or stretching of one or more surfaces. Turning again to fig. 96, the angle 9622 between the tongue structure 9602 and the rear wall structure 9616 of the rail mounting clip 9302 can be less than 180 degrees, and results in an angle 9702 of less than 90 degrees when the rail mounting clip 9302 is coupled to the front rail 9204.

Advantageously, the angle 9702 may be configured to be less than 90 degrees, such that when the current rail coupling system 9700 is removably coupled to the shelf 9202 (as shown in fig. 93), the curvature of one or more elements of the rail mounting clips 9302 and/or the front rails 9204 causes the planar surface 9502 to rest flat on the top surface 9416 of the shelf 9202. Designing the rail mounting clip 9302 provides a simple method for removably coupling to the front rail 9204 for forming the angle 9702 to be less than 90 degrees.

Figures 98A-C schematically illustrate isometric views of one embodiment of a rail mounting clip 9302. In one example, the rail mounting clip 9302 includes a hook structure 9610 spaced between a first tongue structure 9602a and a second tongue structure 9602 b. The illustrated rail mounting clip 9302 further includes a first curved structure 9612a having a first contact surface 9614a, and a second curved structure 9612b having a second contact surface 9614 b. Additionally, the rail mounting clip 9302 is shown with flanges 9606 and 9608 that extend along the length 9802 of the rail mounting clip. In an example, one or more flanges 9606 and 9608 are configured to provide structural rigidity to the rail mounting clip 9302 along the longitudinal length 9802. Moreover, those skilled in the art will recognize that length 9802 may have any value without departing from the scope of these disclosures. In one example, each of the elements shown in fig. 98A and 98B (e.g., elements 9602a and 9602B, 9610, 9612a and 9612B, 9614a and 9614B) may be repeated periodically along length 9802 of track mounting clip 9302.

Returning to fig. 98C, those skilled in the art will recognize that the rail mounting clips 9302 may be constructed of a material (one or more metals, alloys, ceramics, wood, etc.) having material characteristics (strength and elongation properties) configured to allow the one or more tongue structures 9602 and/or hook structures 9612 to bend to form an interference fit with the elbow brace structure 9514 and channel structure 9512 of the front rail 9204 (as shown in fig. 95). Additionally or alternatively, the material properties, geometry, of the flexure structures 9612 may be such that when the flexure structures 9612 are inserted into the channel structures 9612 of the shelf 9202, the flexure structures 9612 are configured to compress, flex, and/or bend in the direction indicated by arrow 9804, which is substantially perpendicular to the back wall 9616 of the track mounting clip 9302. Thus, the bending of curved structure 9612 in direction 9804 can be used to cause contact surface 9614 to interference fit with front wall 9410 and rear wall 9616 of shelf structure 9202 and rear wall 9412 of shelf 9202, as shown in fig. 93 and 99.

Fig. 99 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a front rail coupling system 9700, similar to the system of fig. 97. Thus, in one embodiment, the front rail coupling system 9700 includes a rail mounting clip 9302 that is removably coupled to the front rail 9204, wherein the removable coupling is further detailed with respect to fig. 95, 96, and 97. In one example, the interference fit of the coupling rail mounting clip 9302 only the front rail 9204 allows relative sliding in the direction indicated by arrow 9902. Removably coupling rail mounting clips 9302 only the front rail 9204 provides a compliant front rail 9204 that can be mounted to a variety of rack types. There are typically many different types of shelves available at stores. For example, certain shelves may not have channel structures 9304, in which case the rail mounting clips 9302 may be removed to secure the front rail 9204 to the shelf, such as by adhesive, tape, or magnetic connectors. Further, the hook 9610, tongue 9602, and channel 9704 may be provided at any coupling device for attachment to a shelf such that the front rail 9502 may be attached to any shelf type.

Additionally, the sliding connection and arrangement of the rail mounting clip 9302 provides adaptability of the rail mounting clip 9302 and the front rail 9204. For example, certain pallets may contain components, such as bolts or studs, that may interfere with securing the track mounting clips 9302 into the channels 9304. However, the sliding nature of the rail mounting clip 9302 on the front rail 9304 provides adjustability to position the mounting clip 9302 on the front rail without interfering with the bolts or studs on the front rail.

Fig. 100 schematically illustrates an alternative front rail coupling system 10000. As such, the front rail coupling system 10000 can be similar to the front rail coupling system 9700 of fig. 97, but the front rail coupling system 10000 includes a front rail segment 10002 integrally formed (as a one-piece structure) with a rail mounting clip segment 10004. As such, and in contrast to the front rail coupling system 9700 of fig. 97, which includes a separate front rail 9204 coupled to the rail mounting clip 9302, the front rail coupling system 10000 can be formed as a single piece (and formed as a single piece using one or more of injection molding, die casting, extrusion, swaging, stamping, etc.) in one or more processes. The geometry of various subcomponents of front track coupling system 10000 can be similar to one or more of those described with respect to front track coupling system 9700. As such, the front rail segment 10002 can include a planar surface 9502, a channel 9508, a ridge 9506, a second channel 9504, a groove 9510, a channel 9512, and an elbow support 9514. Additionally, the rail mounting clip segment 10004 can include a back wall structure 9616, a flange 9608, a curved structure 9612, and a contact surface 9614. Further, front rails 9502 and 10002 can be formed using the same mold, wherein a blank or insert can be placed in the mold to form rails 9502.

Fig. 101 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a front rail coupling system 10000. In an example, and as described with respect to fig. 100, front rail coupling system 10000 can include a planar surface 9502, a channel 9508, a ridge 9506, a second channel 9504, an elbow support 9514, a rear wall structure 9616, a flange 9608, a curved structure 9612, and a contact surface 9614. Additionally, the planar surface 9502 may include one or more openings 10102a and 10102b, which may be similar to the opening 952 described with respect to fig. 90D.

An alternative embodiment of the rail mounting clip 10200 is schematically shown as 102. In an embodiment, the rail mounting clips 10200 can be configured to interface (removably couple) with the front rail 9202 as described with respect to fig. 95. Thus, the rail mounting clip 10200 can include one or more elements similar to those described with respect to the rail mounting clip 9302 to facilitate coupling to the front rail 9204. As such, the rail mounting clip 10200 can include the tongue structure 9602, the channel 9604, the hook structure 9610, the flange 9606, and the rear wall 9616.

The track mounting clip 10200 can include one or more flexible finger structures, such as structures 10202a-10202 c. Thus, flexible finger structures 10202a-10202c may be configured to bend and/or bend about points 10204a-10204c, respectively. As such, finger structures 10202a-10202c, similar to curved structure 9612, may be configured to couple front rail 9204 to shelf 9202 using an interference fit with shelf channel 9304, and thus surfaces 10206a-10206c of elements 10204a-10204c, respectively, are configured to contact front wall 9410 of shelf 9202. Flexible finger structures 10202a-10202c may be formed of an elastomeric material such that finger structures 10202a-10202c are inserted into shelf channel 9304, finger structures 10202a-10202c providing compressive resistance to hold front rail 9204 on shelf 9202. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the rail mounting clip 10200 can be formed of any known suitable material described above and can include any number of finger structures 10202 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in another embodiment, the track mount clip 10200 can include a single finger structure 10202, two finger structures 10202a-10202b, four finger structures 10202a-10202d, and so forth.

Fig. 103A-103D schematically illustrate various stages of assembly of the rack coupling system 10300. In particular, fig. 103A schematically illustrates the rail mounting clip 10200 being inserted into the front rail 9204. Turning to fig. 103C, a removably coupled front rail 9204 and rail mounting clip 10200 are schematically shown coupled to a shelf 9202, similar to the description given with respect to fig. 93. Thus, fig. 103C schematically illustrates a perspective view of the assembled rack coupling system 10300. Also, fig. 103D schematically illustrates an end view of the assembled rack coupling system 10300.

Fig. 104A-104B schematically illustrate a graphic holder system 10400. Thus, in an embodiment, graphic holder system 10400 includes front rail 9204 removably coupled to linear graphic holder structure 10401. In one embodiment, the linear pattern retainer 10401 includes a tongue structure 10402 and a hook structure 10404 configured to form an interference fit with the channel 9512 of the front rail 9204 and the elbow bracket 9414. Thus, the hook-like structure 10404 and the tongue-like structure 10402 may be similar to the hook-like structure 9610 and the tongue-like structure 9602 of the rail mounting clip 9302 of fig. 96. Additionally, the linear graphic holder 10401 can include graphic channels 10406a and 10406b and a graphic holding surface 10410 configured to receive one or more labels (in one example, the labels can be marked/printed areas of paper/branding/glass/polymer/wood that convey information associated with one or more items displayed on the shelf 9202, etc. accordingly, the linear graphic holder 10401 can be configured to have a length 10412 such that labels having a linear dimension approximately equal to the length 10412 can be held in the linear graphic holder 10410 by the graphic channels 10406a-10406b and the graphic holding surface.

Fig. 104B schematically shows a graphic holder system 10400 coupled to a shelf 9202. In particular, the hook structures 10408 of the linear graphic holders 10401 can be configured to have a loose, or optionally an interference fit, with the hook structures 9402 of the hook structures 10408 and the shelf 9202.

Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. For example, one skilled in the art will appreciate that a plurality of the components may be used in a store in various configurations. The present invention is therefore not limited to a single system nor to the vertical pusher configuration shown in the drawings, as this system is merely illustrative of the features, teachings and principles of the present invention. It will also be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention.

Claims (21)

1. A merchandise display system, comprising:

a front rail having a rail mounting clip secured to a front end of the front rail, the rail mounting clip having at least one curved structure configured to engage a channel extending along at least a portion of a front edge of a shelf; and

at least one divider configured to engage the front rail, the at least one divider further comprising a divider wall and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, wherein the divider floor is configured to hold products;

wherein the at least one divider is movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the at least one divider is engaged with the front rail; wherein

The removable coupling between the front rail and the rail mounting clip results in the planar surface of the front rail having an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to the rear wall structure of the rail mounting clip; and wherein

When the rail mounting clip engages the channel of the shelf, one or more of the rail mounting clip and the front rail flex to urge the planar surface of the front rail to rest flat on the top surface of the shelf.

2. The merchandise display system of claim 1, wherein the rail mounting clip is removably mounted to the front rail.

3. The merchandise display system of claim 2, wherein the rail mounting clip is connected to the front rail by an interference fit.

4. The merchandise display system of claim 1, wherein the elbow bracket structure of the front rail is received in a channel on the rail mounting clip to removably couple the rail mounting clip to the front rail.

5. The merchandise display system of claim 4, wherein the channel on the rail mounting clip is formed between the hook structure and the tongue structure.

6. The merchandise display system of claim 4, wherein the removable mounting of the rail mounting clip to the front rail allows the rail mounting clip to slide relative to the front rail in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal length of the rail mounting clip.

7. The merchandise display system of claim 1, wherein the rail mounting clip further comprises at least one flange structure extending along a longitudinal length of the rail mounting clip for structural rigidity.

8. The merchandise display system of claim 1, wherein the removable coupling between the front rail and the rail mounting clip results in a planar surface of the front rail being substantially perpendicular to the rear wall structure of the rail mounting clip.

9. The merchandise display system of claim 1, wherein the flexure structure is configured to compress when the rail mounting clip engages the channel of the shelf.

10. The merchandise display system of claim 9, wherein the channel of the shelf has a substantially rectangular cross-section.

11. The merchandise display system of claim 10, wherein the rail mounting clip further comprises a rear wall structure, the flexure structure further comprises a contact surface, and wherein, when the rail mounting clip is engaged with the channel of the shelf, an interference fit is formed between the contact surface of the flexure structure, the rear wall structure of the rail mounting clip, and the front and rear walls of the channel.

12. The merchandise display system of claim 1, wherein the front rail and the rail mounting clip are integrally formed.

13. A merchandise display system, comprising:

a front rail coupling system having a front rail section integrally formed with a rail mounting clip section, the rail mounting clip section further comprising:

at least one curved structure configured to engage a channel extending along at least a portion of a front edge of a shelf; and

at least one divider configured to engage the front rail segment, the at least one divider further comprising a divider wall and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall,

wherein the at least one divider is movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the at least one divider is engaged with the front rail; wherein

The removable coupling between the front rail and the rail mounting clip results in the planar surface of the front rail having an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to the rear wall structure of the rail mounting clip; and wherein

When the rail mounting clip engages the channel of the shelf, one or more of the rail mounting clip and the front rail flex to urge the planar surface of the front rail to rest flat on the top surface of the shelf.

14. The merchandise display system of claim 13, wherein the rail mounting clip section further comprises at least one flange structure extending along a longitudinal length of the rail mounting clip section for structural rigidity.

15. The merchandise display system of claim 13, wherein the flexure structure is configured to compress when the rail mounting clip section engages the channel of the shelf.

16. The merchandise display system of claim 15, wherein the channel of the shelf has a substantially rectangular cross-section.

17. The merchandise display system of claim 16, wherein the rail mounting clip section further comprises a rear wall structure, the flexure structure further comprising a contact surface, and wherein when the rail mounting clip section is engaged with the channel of the shelf, an interference fit is formed between the contact surface of the flexure structure, the rear wall structure of the rail mounting clip section, and the front and rear walls of the channel.

18. A merchandise display system, comprising:

a front rail;

at least one divider configured to engage the front rail, the at least one divider further comprising a divider wall and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, wherein the divider floor is configured to hold a product; and

a rail mounting clip secured to the front end of the front rail, the rail mounting clip having at least one flexible finger structure configured to engage a channel extending along at least a portion of the front edge of the shelf,

wherein the at least one divider is movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the at least one divider is engaged with the front rail; wherein

The removable coupling between the front rail and the rail mounting clip results in the planar surface of the front rail having an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to the rear wall structure of the rail mounting clip; and wherein

When the rail mounting clip engages the channel of the shelf, one or more of the rail mounting clip and the front rail flex to urge the planar surface of the front rail to rest flat on the top surface of the shelf.

19. The merchandise display system of claim 18, wherein the at least one flexible finger structure is configured to form an interference fit with the channel of the shelf.

20. The merchandise display system of claim 18, wherein the rail mounting clip is removably coupled to the front rail.

21. The merchandise display system of claim 20, wherein the elbow bracket structure of the front rail is received in a channel on the rail mounting clip to removably couple the rail mounting clip to the front rail.

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