GB2426433A

GB2426433A - Product merchandising apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2426433A
Application number: GB0610200A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Oliver Mcelvaney
Original assignee: KLEEREX PATENTS Ltd
Current assignee: KLEEREX PATENTS Ltd
Priority date: 2005-05-23
Filing date: 2006-05-23
Publication date: 2006-11-29
Anticipated expiration: 2026-05-23
Also published as: GB2426433B; IE20060406A1; GB0610200D0

Abstract

The apparatus comprises a retaining member 60 for locating at the front of a shelf, the member having a C-shape profile with teeth 62 within the profile engageable with teeth 58 on an inclined hook 48 at the front end of an elongate divider 44. Also engageable with the C profile is an elongate slotted track carrying a product pushing plate with a foot beneath the track carrying an elastic cable wound around one or two rotatable anchor members at least at one end of the track. The rear of the divider 44 and track are also engageable with a rear retainer member. The divider can be formed by a separable upstanding fin 254 and base 242, Fig 14.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS TO PRODUCT MERCHANDISING APPARATUS The present invention relates to improvements to product merchandising apparatus, in particular to shelf management systems used on such apparatus. There are many varieties of shelf management systems used today in retail shopping environments. It is essential that shelf management systems be flexible so as to accommodate the different shapes and sizes of packaging used and to allow retailers to alter displays easily for seasonal variations. Shelf management systems include elongate merchandising elements such as risers, dividers, product pushing devices, gravity fed devices and the like, all of which must be readily mounted on a shelf by retaining apparatus which is usually permanently fixed onto the shelf. A difficulty with the different types of retaining apparatus is that they are generally bulky, take up a significant amount of shelf space and can provide an obstacle to products when stocking a shelf or when being removed by customers. The object of the invention is to alleviate the disadvantages associated with the prior art. The present invention provides a product merchandising apparatus comprising an elongate merchandising element and a retaining apparatus which is adapted to be fixed to a shelf, rack, or other support unit, the retaining apparatus comprising a retainer of generally C-shaped profile with at least one engaging formation within the profile of the retainer and the elongate merchandising element having a complementary formation removably engageable with the at least one engaging formation of the generally C-shaped profile. Preferably, the at least one engaging formation within the profile of the retainer comprises a plurality of toothed formations adapted for engagement with the complementary formation provided on the elongate merchandising element. Advantageously, the complementary formation on the elongate merchandising element comprises an inclined hook element. Ideally, the plurality of toothed formations on the retainer define a plurality of grooves therebetween. Conveniently, the complementary formation on the elongate merchandising element comprises a plurality of complementary teeth formations which are removably engageable with the plurality of grooves so as to securely engage the elongate merchandising element with the retainer, optionally, the complementary teeth formations being provided on the inclined hook element. Ideally, the elongate merchandising element includes means for urging the complementary formation into engagement with the at least one engaging formation on the retainer. In one aspect of the invention, the elongate merchandising element comprises a product pushing device including a track member having a longitudinal slot provided therein, the longitudinal slot defining a track; a product pushing plate which is slideably moveable in the track, and a biaising means provided within the track member for urging the product plate towards a front end of the track member, whereby in use, product is placed on the track member in front of the product pushing plate, thereby pushing the product pushing device towards the rear of the track member against the action of the biaising means and as product is subsequently removed, the product pushing device moves progressively towards the front of the track member pushing the remaining product with it. Thus, the merchandising apparatus of the present invention has the advantage that the biaising means on the product pushing device is not prone to collecting dust, dirt and such like because the biaising means is located underneath the track. Additionally, the overhanging side walls of the track member serve to further protect the spring-loaded mechanism. Furthermore, the merchandising apparatus has the advantage of increased safety because the spring loaded mechanism is not accessible to the operator. In another aspect of the invention, the elongate merchandising element comprises a riser which includes a vertically extending wall. Alternatively, the elongate merchandising element comprises a riser including a base and a fin adapted for engagement with each other so as to define a vertically extending wall, in use. Ideally, the base includes an elongate longitudinal groove through which the fin may be inserted so as to engage the fin with the base thereby forming the vertically extending wall. Conveniently, the fin includes at least one resilient finger which is adapted to urge the riser into engagement with the engaging formations of the retainer. Advantageously, the at least one resilient finger is adapted to urge the plurality of complementary teeth formations provided on the riser into engagement with the plurality of grooves included between the plurality of toothed formations on the retainer. The fin conveniently includes a locating lug adapted to be received in a guiding groove on the base of the riser so as to locate the fin in the longitudinal groove of the base. In one embodiment, the plurality of complementary teeth formations are provided on the fin. Preferably, in this embodiment, the base includes a channel correspondingly sized to the series of complementary teeth formations so as to be able to receive the complementary teeth formations in the channel, with the fin engaged in the longitudinal slot of the base. In one embodiment, the merchandising apparatus comprises a rear locating means for holding the elongate merchandising element in position at the rear of the shelf, rack or other support means, the rear locating means being adapted for removeable engagement with the elongate merchandising element. Optionally, the rear locating means may comprise a rail with which the elongate merchandising element is slideably engageable. Preferably, the rear locating means comprises a toothed track with which the divider is removably engageable. In one embodiment in which the divider comprises a base and a fin, the fin is engageable with the rear toothed track. Conveniently, the track member of the product pushing device is securable to a shelf by means of a front clip and a rear clip incorporated into the track member at the front and rear thereof. Ideally, the product pushing device is spring loaded by spring-loading means comprising an elastic cable. Preferably, the elastic cable is attached to at least one anchor point at the rear of the track member and extends substantially along the length of the track, parallel thereto, to a second anchor point located at the front of the track member and from there the elastic cable is connected to the product pushing device. Preferably, the product pushing device includes a plate and a support frame. The support frame includes a base which is ideally provided with a downwardly extending lug. Conveniently, the lug is slideably moveable in the track. Preferably, the lug includes a foot which ideally includes a tapered shoulder and a narrowed section for receiving the elastic cable. Advantageously, the cable is connected to the foot of the product pushing device, preferably, by having the elastic cable received and retained in the narrow section of the foot, whereby the cable cannot slip from the narrowed section due to the tapered shoulder of the foot. Most preferably, the track member includes two rear anchor points provided at opposed corners at the rear of the track member and corresponding two front anchor points provided at opposed corners at the front of the track member. Ideally, the two front anchor points comprise rotatable wheels around which the elastic cable can be extended and retracted as the product pushing device is moved rearwardly and forwardly, respectively, in the track. Advantageously, the two rear anchor points may also comprise rotatable wheels. The use of rotatable wheels at the front anchor points makes for ease of retraction and extension of the elastic cable. This ensures smoother movement of the product pushing device along the track. This smooth movement is greatly assisted in the embodiment in which the rear anchor points are also provided by rotatable wheels. Conveniently, the rotatable wheels are provided by projecting pins with rotatable caps mounted thereon. In a preferred embodiment, the track member includes two oppositely located rear anchor points provided by rotatable wheels towards the rear of the track member and two corresponding front anchor points provided by rotatable wheels located towards the front of the track member whereby the elastic cable is connected around the two rear wheels and extends, substantially the length of the track and parallel thereto, to the front of the track member where the elastic cable travels about both front rotatable wheels and is connected about the narrow section of the foot of the product pushing device, thereby defining a generally "U"-shaped path of travel of the elastic cable between the two front wheels. Advantageously, the elastic cable may be in the form of a length of elastic and preferably, the elastic cable is in the form of continuous loop. In a second aspect of the invention, the product merchandising apparatus includes a divider, a locating strip for mounting at the rear of a shelf, rack or other support unit, and a locating ridge for mounting at the front of the shelf, rack or other support unit, the divider having a socket located at the rear thereof for engagement with the locating strip such that the divider is slideably moveable along the locating strip; and means for removeably engaging the divider with the locating ridge. Ideally, the locating ridge includes a plurality of projecting members defining a plurality of grooves therebetween, and the divider is engageable with a least one of the grooves. Advantageously, the divider and track member may be integrally formed as a single unit. The divider/track member integrally formed unit preferably includes at least one socket for engagement with the locating strip and a slot for engagement with a projecting member of the locating ridge, the slot being correspondingly sized and shaped to the projecting member to facilitate mating engagement thereof. In an alternative embodiment, the stock management system includes a divider and a stock limiting device slideably engageable therewith. The invention will hereinafter be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show by way of example only, one embodiment of a product merchandising apparatus according to the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view from the front of a typical arrangement on a shelf, such as a divider and a product pushing device engaged with the shelf by means of a longitudinal C-shaped profile retainer; Figure 2 is a perspective view from the rear of the arrangement shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the detail of the engagement of the divider of Figure 1, with the retainer; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the retainer showing its interior; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the engaging end of the product pushing device showing the detail of the engageable formation on the product pushing device; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the engaging end of the divider of Figure 1 showing the detail of the engaging formation;Figure 7 is an exploded view of a divider in an alternative embodiment, with the divider comprising a fin and a base, the fin and base of the divider being shown separately, before engagement together; Figure 8 is an exploded perspective sectional view showing the divider of Figure 7 engaged with the retainer; Figure 9 is a sectional view of the divider shown in Figure 7; Figure 10 is a further perspective view of the divider shown in Figure 7; Figure 11 is a perspective view from the rear, of one embodiment of the product merchandising apparatus, in which is included a rear toothed track for locating the divider of Figure 7 and the product pushing device at any desired location along the shelf;Figure 12 is a sectional perspective view showing the toothed track of Figure 11 at the rear of the shelving assembly used for positioning the rear of divider of Figure 7 on the merchandising apparatus, in use; Figure 13 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of divider comprising a fin and a base; Figure 13 shows the fin engaged with the base to form the divider; Figure 14 is a perspective view of the divider of Figure 13 showing the fin being pushed downwardly at the front thereof so as to disengage the fin from the base; Figure 15 is an exploded view of the divider of Figure 13 with the fin engaged in the base and showing the complementary teeth formations provided on the fin; Figure 16 is a side view of the divider of Figure 13, the fin being engaged with the base and showing the complementary teeth formations provided on the fin;Figure 17 is a perspective view of a spring-loaded product pushing device and track member of the product merchandising apparatus in a further embodiment; Figure 18 is a perspective view of the track member in the embodiment of Figure 17, with the product pushing device at the front of the track; Figure 19 is a perspective view of the product pushing device of Figure 17, shown removed from the track for illustration purposes and showing the elastic cable leading from a single anchor point at the rear of the track member; Figure 20 is a plan view of the underside of the track member of Figure 17; Figure 21 is a plan view of the underside of the merchandising apparatus in an alternative embodiment which is similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 17 to 20, except that the track member is narrower than the track member shown in Figures 17 to 20;Figure 22 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the merchandising apparatus including the track member shown in Figure 21; Figure 23 is a perspective view showing the underside of the track in the embodiment shown in Figures 21 and 22 and showing a single rear anchor point and a corresponding single front anchor point provided by a projecting pin, the elastic cable extending from the rear anchor point to around the front anchor point and then to the foot of the product pushing device to which the cable is connected; Figure 24 is a plan view of a further alternative embodiment in which the track member includes two anchor points at the rear of the track member and two rotatable wheels provided by projecting pins with rotatable caps mounted thereon, at the front of the track member;Figure 25 is a plan view of a further alternative embodiment in which the track member includes a first pair of wheels, provided by projecting pins with rotatable caps mounted thereon, located at the rear of the track member, and a second pair of rotatable wheels provided by projecting pins with rotatable caps at the front of track member; Figure 26 is a plan view of the underneath of the track member shown in Figure 25 with the rotatable caps shown on the projecting pins at the front of the track member; Figure 27 is a perspective view of the continuous loop of elastic cable included on the track member in the embodiment shown in Figures 25 and 26; Figure 28 is a perspective view of the rotatable caps of Figure 26, shown separately from the projecting pins;Figure 29 is an enlarged view of the elastic cable path of travel around a rotatable wheel provided by the rotatable caps mounted on the projecting pins; Figure 30 is a plan view of the cable and wheel at the front of adjacent track members; Figure 31 (a) (b) (c) (d) and (e) are schematic diagrams showing a number of different widths of elastic cable which may be used in the track member of the merchandising apparatus of the invention; Figure 32 is a side view of the track member using a "T"-fixing for the front clip and another "T"-fixing for the rear clip; Figure 33 is a side view of the track member using "T"-fixing for the rear clip and a "lift and slide fixing" for the front clip; Figure 34 is a perspective view of the merchandising apparatus shown in use, including the risers and dividers;Figure 35 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a divider for use in conjunction with a track member in any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 17 to 31; Figure 36 is a front view of the divider shown in Figure 35; Figure 37 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of track member and divider which are used in conjunction with each other in a second aspect of the invention in which a locating strip is used at the rear of the shelf and a locating ridge is provided at the front of the shelf; Figure 38 is a side sectional view of the front locating detail showing the means by which the track member 400 engages with the front locating ridge; Figure 39 is a side sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the front locating detail using an alternative embodiment of the track member and front locating ridge;Figure 40 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the divider and track member in which the divider and track member are integrally formed as a single unit; Figure 41 is a side sectional view of the front locating detail of the integrally formed divider/track member shown in Figure 40, engaged with the front locating ridge; Figure 42 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of divider included in the shelf management system of the present invention in which the divider includes a stock limiting device; Figure 43 is a side view of the divider in the embodiment shown in Figure 42; Figure 44 is a sectional view through the stock limiting device and divider shown in Figure 42 and Figure 43; and Figure 45 is a perspective view of the front locating detail of the divider in the embodiment shown in Figures 42 to 44 engaging with the front locating ridge and the shelf. Referring initially to Figures 1 to 6 of the drawings, a product merchandising apparatus for mounting on a shelf (not shown) in accordance with the invention is indicated generally by reference numeral 10 and comprises typically a product pushing device 20 and a divider 40, both of which are removably connected to a retainer 60. The product pushing device 20 comprises an elongate track member 100, a product pushing plate 21 and a biasing means which is conveniently and safely provided within the track member 100 for moving the product pushing plate 21 towards the end 101 of the track member 100, the end 101 being removably engaged with the retainer 60. The arrangement of the biasing means on the product pushing device is highly advantageous and will be described in detail hereinbelow with reference to Figures 17 to 31. The divider 40 shown in Figures 1 to 6 comprises a horizontal base 42, a vertically extending wall 44 and an end 46 which is also removably engaged with the retainer 60. Figure 3 illustrates how the end 46 is engaged with the retainer 60. The retainer 60 shown in Figure 4 is generally of a C-shaped profile having a plurality of toothed formations 62 formed on the underside of the internal upper surface 64. The plurality of toothed formations 62 define a plurality of grooves 63 therebetween. The end 46 of the divider 40 is removably engaged with the retainer 60 by means of an inclined hook element 48 and complementary teeth formations 58 inter-engaging with the toothed formations 62 and grooves 63, respectively. To disengage the divider 40 from the retainer 60, the divider 40 is tilted forwardly so that the inclined hook element 48 is removed from engagement with the toothed formations 62 and the divider 40 can easily be removed. An inclined hook element 128 is provided at the end 101 of the track member 100 on the product pushing device 20. To remove the product pushing device 20, it is inclined upwardly until the hook element 128 is disengaged. To engage the product pushing device 20 and divider 40 with the retainer 60, the procedure is reversed. Each is inclined at an angle to enable the respective hook elements 128, 48 to get around the toothed formations 62 on the retainer 60 and then the product pushing device 20 and divider 40 are each allowed lie down on the surface of the shelf so that the hook elements 128, 48 engage with the toothed formations 62 of the retainer 60. The retainer 60 is fixed to the surface by fixing means (not shown) and provides a very low and unobtrusive wall at the front of the shelf. The arrangement has the advantage that it is very easy to disengage the hook elements 128, 48 from the toothed formations 62 and then slide the elongate merchandising apparatus (i.e. the product pushing device and/or divider) laterally along the retainer 60 to the desired location along the shelf. Referring now to Figures 7 to 12 of the drawings, an alternative embodiment of divider included in the merchandising apparatus of the invention will be described. The divider in this embodiment is indicated generally by reference numeral 140 and comprises a fin 154 and a base 142 which are formed separately from each other. The base 142 is provided with an elongate longitudinal slot 141 through which the fin 154 can be inserted from underneath of the base 142 as shown in Figure 7. The fin 154 is provided with a locating lug 159 which fits into the guiding groove 149 provided on shoulder members 147 on the underneath of the base 142. The fin also includes two fingers 152 made of resilient plastics material. Furthermore, the fin includes a notch 153 to facilitate engagement of the fin in a rear locating means provided, in this embodiment, by a rear toothed track 180. To engage the fin 154 in the base 142, the fin 154 is inserted into the longitudinal slot 141 of the base 142 with the locating lug 159 sliding into the guiding groove 149. The fin 154 is then moved forwardly towards the front end 146 of the base 142 and is located in position with the locating lug 159 being held securely within the guiding groove 149. The inclined hook element 148 of the divider 140 can then be engaged with an engaging formation 62' within the profile of the retainer 60' in the same type of manner as described above with regard to the divider 40 and retainer 60 shown in Figures 1 - 6. However, in the embodiment of Figures 7 to 12, a plurality of toothed formations do not need to be included on the retainer 60' since there are no complementary toothed formations on the inclined hook member 148.The resilient fingers 152 provided on the fin 154 act as plastic springs and bias the inclined hook element 148 on the hook member 148 into engagement with engaging formation 62' on retainer 60'. The divider 140, formed by the fin 154 engaged in the base 142, is held in position at the rear of the shelf using the rear locating means provided by the toothed track 180 as shown in Figures 9, 10, 11 and 12. The notch 153 on the fin 154 allows the fin 154 to rest on the shelf while the rear of the fin 154 engages between adjacent teeth on the rear toothed track 180 as shown in Figure 12. The base 142 securely rests onto the rear toothed track 180. Likewise, the product pushing device 20 can be located along the retainer 60' at the front and along the toothed track 180 at the rear of the shelf at any desired position, relative to the divider 140, by engaging the inclined hook element 128 of product pushing device 20 in the retainer 60', as described above. The product pushing device 20 in this embodiment is also engageable with the toothed track 180 as shown in Figure 11. Referring now to Figures 13 to 16, a further alternative embodiment of divider included in the merchandising apparatus of the invention will be described. The divider in this embodiment is generally indicated by reference numeral 240 and comprises a fin 244 and a base 242. In the divider 240, the fin 244 is provided with the inclined hook element 248 and complementary locking teeth formations 258. The base 242 includes a channel (not shown) provided on the inclined hook member 248, the channel being correspondingly sized to the series of complementary teeth formations 258 on the fin 244 so as to be able to receive the complementary teeth formations 258 in the channel.To engage the fin 244 in the base 244, the fin is inserted into the longitudinal slot of the base 242 from underneath thereof and pushed upwardly, with the complementary teeth formations 258 engaging in the channel of the inclined hook member 248, until the fin 240 is fully engaged with the base 242 as shown in Figure 14. The divider 240 can then be engaged with retainer 60 in the same manner as described above in relation to divider 40. The complementary teeth formations 258 on the fin 244 are kept in the locked position, engaged with the retainer 60, by fingers 252 made of resilient plastic material functioning as plastic springs on the fin 244. The fingers 252 push off the shelf and push the locking teeth 258 into the grooves 63 on the retainer 60 thereby preventing movement. The fin 244 can be pushed downwardly at the front thereof, as shown in Figure 13 so as to disengage the locking complementary teeth 254 from the toothed formations 62 on the retainer 60 and thereby allow the divider 240 to be slided laterally along the retainer 60 to any desired location on the merchandising shelf, rack or other support unit. Again, the advantage of the product merchandising apparatus including the divider 240 is that adjustments can be made easily to the location of the divider 240 without having to remove merchandising from the shelf. In this embodiment, a rear locating means such as the rear toothed track described above for use with the divider 140, does not need to be included since the fin 240 is restrained by the complementary teeth formations 258 provided on the fin 240. Referring now to Figures 17 to 20, the product pushing device is indicated generally by reference numeral 20 and will be described in more detail. The product pushing device 20 includes a track member 100' having a longitudinal slot defining a track 111 centrally located thereon. In this embodiment, the track member 100' is securable to a shelf by means of front clip 103 (or alternatively front clip 105) and rear clip 104 incorporated into the track member 100 at the front 101 and rear 102 thereof, respectively. The product pushing device 20 includes a plate 21 with support frame 22. The support frame 22 includes a base 23 which is provided with a downwardly extending lug 25. The lug 25 is slideably moveable in the track 111. The lug 25 has a foot 26 which includes tapered shoulders 27 and narrowed section 28. The foot 26 is thus adapted to receive an elastic cable 30 since the elastic cable 30 is retained in the narrow section 28 and cannot slip off due to the tapered shoulders 27. In one embodiment of the product pushing device 20, the elastic cable 30 is fixedly attached at a single anchor point 35 at the rear 102 of the track member 100'. The elastic cable 30 is under tension and extends from the anchor point 35 around projecting pin 45 and then to the foot 26 to which the elastic cable 30 is connected. The elastic cable 30 may be connected to the foot 26 by a rivet (not shown) fixedly connecting the cable 30 to the foot 26. More preferably, the cable is connected to the foot by engaging the cable in the narrowed section 28 of the foot 26, with the tapered shoulders 27 functioning to retain the elastic cable 30 in the narrowed section 28. The projecting pin 45 has a rotatable cap (not shown) thereon thereby providing a rotatable wheel around which the elastic cable can be extended and retracted. In use, the track member 100' is clipped onto a merchandising shelf and the plate 21 of the product pushing device 20 is initially at the front 101 of the track member 100'. Products are placed in front of the plate 21, thereby pushing the plate 21 backwards toward the rear 102 of the track member 100', against the tension action of the extended elastic cable 30. As customers remove a product for purchasing, the tension in the elastic cable 30 is reduced and the foot 26 moves forwardly in the track 11, thereby moving the plate 21 forwardly and pushing the remaining product towards the front 101 of the merchandising apparatus. This ensures that the product on the shelf is always at the front of the shelf where it is accessible to customers. Referring now to Figures 21, 22 and 23, an alternative embodiment of the track member is shown and is given the reference numeral 100". The only difference between track member 100' and track member 100" is that the latter is narrower than track member 100' described above. The narrower track member 100" is suitable for use with smaller products. The use of the elastic cable 30, 30' along one side only of the track member 100', 100" is suitable for urging smaller, lighter products forwardly along the track member 100', 100". The track member 100" operates in the same manner as described for track member 100'. Referring now to Figure 24, an alternative embodiment of the track member is indicated generally by reference numeral 200. Like features are indicated by like numerals to those used in describing track members 100, 100' and 100" above.The elastic cable 230 is in the form of a length of elastic. The track member 200 includes a first rear anchor point 235 and a second rear anchor point 236 at the rear of the track member 200. The elastic cable 230 is anchored at the first anchor point 235 and is extended under tension along one side of the track member, parallel to the track 211, out to the front of the track member 200 where the cable 230 then travels around the first projecting pin 245 which has a rotatable cap mounted thereon. From the first projecting pin 245, the cable 230 then travels around the foot 226 provided on the product pushing device 220, and from there, the elastic cable 230 extends around a second projecting pin 245' with rotatable cap mounted thereon.The elastic cable 230 is then extended from the front to the rear of the track member parallel to the track 211 and anchored at the second rear anchor point 236 at the rear of the track member 200. The rotatable caps and projecting pins are shown in Figure 28 while Figure 29 shows how the elastic cable travels around the rotatable cap. It should be noted that although Figure 28 indicates rotatable caps 347, 348 for mounting on projecting pins 345, 346 respectively, the arrangement is the same for the rotatable caps mounted on projecting pins 245 and 246 at the front of the track member 200. The manner of operation of the merchandising apparatus in the second embodiment including track member 200 is the same as described above in relation to track members 100 and 100'. The track member 200 is more suitable than track members 100, 100' for use with heavier products where a stronger force is needed to urge the product pushing device forward. Referring now to Figures 25, 26 and 27 and also to Figures 28 and 29, a further embodiment of the merchandising apparatus including a track member generally indicated by reference numeral 300 will now be described. In this embodiment, the elastic cable 330 is in the form of a continuous loop as shown in Figure 27. The loop of elastic cable 330 is placed around projecting pin 335 at the rear 302 of the track member 300 and the elastic cable is then connected around the projecting pin 345, then around the foot 326 with the cable 330 engaged in the narrow section (now shown) thereof. From the foot 326, the cable 330 is extended around third projecting pin 346 and fourth projecting pin 336 so that the path of travel of the cable defines a generally "U" shaped path between the front pins. Each of the projecting pins 335, 345, 346, 336 has a rotatable cap mounted thereon.(The rotatable cap is not shown on projecting pins 335, 336 but is indicated by numerals 347, 348 respectively, on pins 345, 346 in Figures 26 and 27). The rotatable cap allows the elastic cable to extend easily about the projecting pin as the foot 326 moves along the track 311. The elastic cable is placed under maximum tension (extension) when the product pushing device 320 is positioned at the rear of the track member 300 and at the other extreme, that is when the product pushing device is at the front of the track member, the elastic cable is at minimum tension (extension). In use, when the product pushing device pushes to the back of the track the member, elastic cable is under tension and acts to urge the product pushing device 320 forwardly as products are removed from the shelf. Thus, in use, the merchandising apparatus functions in the same manner as described above in relation to the embodiment as shown in Figures 17 to 20. As shown in Figures 31 (a), (b), (c), (d) an (e), the thickness of the cable can be varied so as to result in varying degrees of force which is urging the product pushing device forward. The elastic cable may be manufactured from an internal core of rubber and an outer layer of polyester. Alternatively, silicon rubber may be used in the manufacture of the elastic cable. Each track member 100, 100', 100", 200, 300 may be telescopic so that the length of the track member 100, 100', 100", 200, 300 can be adjusted to fit a variety of shelf dimensions (depth). Alternatively, the track member may be manufactured in a variety of lengths to enable it to be fitted to differently sized shelves. The track member 100 referred to above with reference to the merchandising apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 16 and shown particularly in Figures 1 and 2, operates in the same manner as described for track member 100', 100", 200 and/or 300. Referring now to Figures 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36, a shelf management apparatus in one embodiment of the invention will be described in use. The shelf management apparatus of this embodiment is indicated generally by reference numeral 5 and includes dividers 500, located at intervals along the shelf, and also includes the merchandising apparatus 1 comprising track member in one of the embodiments described above and indicated by reference numerals 100, 100', 200, 300. The track member includes rear clip 104 and front clip 103 (or front clip 105 shown in Figure 17). The front and rear clips of the track member are clipped onto the shelf in the manner described in the present applicant's published Patent Specification No. WO 03/005863. The product pushing device plate 21' (or 21, 221 for 321 depending on which embodiment of the track member is being used) is pushed rearwardly along the track towards the rear of the track as product is placed in front of the product pushing device plate 21'. The products are held in place, neatly stacked and clearly visible and accessible to customers. As product is removed, the product pushing device plate is urged forwardly under action of the spring loaded product pushing device with elastic cable as described above. Referring now to Figures 37 and 38, an alternative embodiment of shelf management system including an alternative track member in conjunction with an alternative divider will be described. In Figure 37, the shelf management system is indicated generally by reference numeral 50 and includes a track member 400 having a product pushing device 420 and a front wall 450. The track member 400 also includes a rear socket 411 and a slot 451 provided along the width of the track member 400. The slot 451 is defined by the track member 400 and finger 452. The track member 400 functions in the same manner as described above in relation to respective track members 100, 100', 100", 200 and 300. The shelf management system 50 also includes dividers (only one of which is shown) for dividing the shelf into zones to accommodate product. The shelf management system additionally includes a rear locating strip 610 mounted at the rear end of the shelf (not shown), parallel to the front edge; and the shelf management system further includes a front locating ridge 620. The rear end of each divider 600 includes a socket 611 which is engageable with and lockable to the locating strip 610. The front locating ridge 620 has a generally stepped "L"-shaped cross-sectional profile comprising a shorter limb 621 and a longer limb 622. The shorter limb 621 is provided with a series of projecting members 624 defining grooves 625. The shorter limb 621 of the locating ridge 620 also includes a step 623. In use, the shelf management system 50 is mounted on a shelf with the rear locating strip 610 mounted along the rear of the shelf and the front locating ridge 620 mounted along the front of the shelf. The divider 600 is engaged with the rear locating strip 610 by engaging the socket 611 with the locating strip 610, the divider 600 being slideably moveable along the locating strip 610. At the front of the divider 600, the front lower corner of the divider 600 is engaged in a groove 625 of the front locating ridge 620. Thus the divider 600 is securely engaged in the front locating ridge 620. The track member 400 also has a socket 411 for slideable engagement with the rear locating strip 610. At the front of the track member 400, the projecting member 624 of the locating ridge 620 securely engages in the slot 451 of the track member 400, with step 623 of locating ridge 620 abutting the finger 452 of the track member 400. The longer limb 622 of the locating ridge 600 is engaged (locked) with the shelf. Thus, in use, both the track member 400 and the divider 600 are securely engaged in the front locating ridge 620. When it is desired to move the divider 600 and track member 400 to another location along the shelf, the locking means at the front of the shelf is disengaged by respectively, lifting the front lower corner of the divider 600 out of the groove 625 and disengaging the projecting member 624 out of the slot 451.The divider 600 and track member 400 can then be slideably moved along the rear locating strip 610 to the required location where the divider and track member can be re-engaged with the front locating ridge 620 in the same manner as described above. If it is desired to remove the divider 600 and track member 400 entirely from the shelf, they are disconnected from the front locating ridge 620 as described above and the respective sockets 611 and 411 are also disengaged from the rear locating strip 610. Figure 39 shows an alternative track member 400' having a slot 453 for receiving the projecting member 624' of the front locating ridge. The track member 400' includes a front wall 460 which is provided with a downwardly extending wall 461 having a hook 462 at the lower end thereof. In this embodiment, the hook 462 of the front wall 461 on the track member 400' engages underneath the lower limb 622' of the front locating ridge and this locking arrangement ensures that the track member 400' is securely engaged to the front locating ridge. Referring now to Figures 40 and 41, an alternative embodiment of the divider and track member will be described in which the divider and track member are integrally formed as a single unit which is indicated by reference numeral 700. Like numerals are used to refer to like features of the embodiments shown in Figures 37, 38 and 39. The divider/track member integrally formed unit 700 includes sockets 711, 712 for slideably engaging with the rear locating strip 710. The divider/track member integrally formed unit 700 also includes a front wall 750 and the integrally formed unit 700 is provided with a slot 751 and locking fingers 752, 753. The front locating ridge 630 includes a plurality of projecting members 631 defining a plurality of grooves 635.Each of the plurality of projecting members 631 includes a head 633 generally in the cross-sectional profile of a hammerhead 633 which is correspondingly sized and shaped so as to be received and engaged in the slot 751 thereby engaging the divider/track member unit 700 in the front locating ridge 630. The divider/track member integrally formed unit 700 is mounted on a shelf (not shown) by engaging the rear sockets 711, 712 with the rear locating strip and by engaging the respective heads 633 of the projecting members 631 in the slot 751 provided along the underside of the divider/track member unit 700. Referring now to Figures 42, 43, 44 and 45, an alternative embodiment of the shelf management system of the invention is shown and indicated generally by reference numeral 60. The stock management system 60 includes a rear locating strip 810 which has a generally inverted "T"-shaped cross-sectional profile. The stock management system 60 also comprises divider 800 and stock limiting device 880. The stock limiting device 880 includes a bracket 881 which locks onto the divider 800 in a snap fit engagement. The stock limiting device 880 is used to support products in an upright position and/or to limit the movement of products. The bracket 881 is slideably moveable along the divider 800 so that the stock limiting device 880 can be located at any desired position along the divider 800.The shelf management system 60 also includes a rear locating strip 810 which has a generally inverted "T"-shaped cross-sectional profile and a front locating ridge 640 having projecting members 641. The front locating strip 640 is located in a channel 655 of the shelf 650. Alternatively, the locating ridge 640 can be adhered to the shelf or attached by magnetic attraction forces. The front lower edge of the divider 800 engages in one of the plurality of grooves 645 provided in the front limiting ridge 640. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein which are given by way of example only and that various modifications and alternations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A product merchandising apparatus comprising an elongate merchandising element and a retaining apparatus which is adapted to be fixed to a shelf, the retaining apparatus comprising a retainer of generally C-shaped profile with at least one engaging formation within the profile of the retainer and with the elongate merchandising element having a complementary formation removably engageable with the at least one engaging formation of the generally C-shaped profile.

2. A product merchandising apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the at least one engaging formation within the profile of the retainer comprises a plurality of toothed formations adapted for engagement with the complementary formation provided on the elongate merchandising element.

3. A product merchandising apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the complementary formation on the elongate merchandising element comprises an inclined hook element.

4. A product merchandising apparatus as claimed in Claims 2 or 3 wherein the plurality of toothed formations on the retainer define a plurality of grooves therebetween.

5. A product merchandising apparatus as claimed in Claim 4 wherein the complementary formation on the elongate merchandising element comprises a plurality of complementary teeth formations which are removably engageable with the plurality of grooves so as to securely engage the elongate merchandising element with the retainer, optionally, the complementary teeth formations being provided on the inclined hook element.

6. A product merchandising apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the elongate merchandising element includes means for urging the complementary formation into engagement with the at least one engaging formation on the retainer.

7. A product merchandising apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 6 wherein the elongate merchandising element comprises a product pushing device, said product pushing device including a track member having a longitudinal slot provided therein, the longitudinal slot defining a track; a product pushing plate which is slideably moveable in the track, and a biaising means provided within the track member for urging the product pushing plate towards a front end of the track member, whereby in use, product is placed on the track member in front of the product pushing plate, thereby pushing the product pushing device towards the rear of the track member against the action of the biaising means and as product is subsequently removed, the product pushing device is urged progressively towards the front of the track member pushing the remaining product with it.

8. A product merchandising apparatus as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the biaising means is provided on the underside of the track member thereby providing an advantageously clean, protected and safe arrangement of the biaising means.

9. A product merchandising apparatus as claimed in Claims 1 to 6 wherein the elongate merchandising element comprises a riser including a vertically extending wall.

10. A product merchandising apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 6 wherein the elongate merchandising element comprises a riser including a base and a fin adapted for engagement with each other so as to define a vertically extending wall.

11. A product merchandising apparatus as claimed in Claim 10 wherein base includes an elongate longitudinal groove through which the fin may be inserted so as to engage the fin with the base thereby forming the vertically extending wall.

12. A product merchandising apparatus as claimed in Claims 10 or 11 wherein the fin includes at least one resilient finger which is adapted to urge the riser into engagement with the at least one engaging formation of the retainer.

13. A product merchandising apparatus as claimed in Claim 12 wherein the at least one resilient finger is adapted to urge the plurality of complementary teeth formations provided on the riser into engagement with the plurality of grooves included between the plurality of toothed formations on the retainer.

14. A product merchandising apparatus a claimed in any one of Claims 10 to 13 wherein the fin includes a locating lug adapted to be received in a guiding groove on the base of the riser so as to locate the fin in the longitudinal groove of the base.

15. A product merchandising apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 10 to 14 wherein the plurality of complementary teeth formations are provided on the fin.

16. A product merchandising apparatus as claimed in Claim 15 wherein the base includes a channel correspondingly sized to the series of complementary teeth formations so as to be able to receive the complementary teeth formations in said channel with the fin engaged in the longitudinal slot of the base.

17. A product merchandising apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the product merchandising apparatus comprises a rear locating means for holding the elongate merchandising element in position at the rear of the shelf, rack or support unit, the rear locating means being adapted for removable engagement with the elongate merchandising element, optionally, the rear support means comprising a rail with which the elongate merchandising element is slideably engageable, or, alternatively, the rear locating means comprising a toothed track with which the divider is removeably engageable.

18. A product merchandising apparatus as claimed in Claims 7 or 8 wherein the track member is securable to a shelf by means of a front clip and a rear clip incorporated into the track member at the front and rear thereof.

19. A product merchandising apparatus as claimed in Claims 7, 8 or 18 wherein the biaising means comprises spring-loaded means, preferably comprising an elastic cable.

20. A product merchandising apparatus as claimed in Claim 19 wherein the elastic cable is attached to at least one anchor point at the rear of the track member and extends substantially along the length of the track, parallel thereto, to a second anchor point located at the front of the track member and from there the elastic cable is connected to the product pushing device.

21. A product merchandising apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 7, 8 or 18 to 20, wherein the product pushing plate includes a support frame, the support frame including a base which is provided with a downwardly extending lug and the lug is slideably moveable in the track.

22. A product merchandising apparatus as claimed in Claim 21 wherein the lug includes a foot which ideally includes a tapered shoulder and a narrowed section for receiving the elastic cable whereby the cable is connected to the foot of the product pushing device, preferably, by having the elastic cable received and retained in the narrow section of the foot, whereby the cable cannot slip from the narrowed section due to the tapered shoulder of the foot.

23. A product merchandising apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 7, 8 or 18 to 22, wherein the track member includes two rear anchor points provided at opposed corners at the rear of the track member and corresponding two front anchor points provided at opposed corners at the front of the track member.

24. A product merchandising apparatus as claimed in Claim 23 wherein the two front anchor points comprise rotatable wheels around which the elastic cable can be extended and retracted as the product pushing device is moved rearwardly and forwardly, respectively, in the track and preferably, the two rear anchor points also comprise rotatable wheels whereby the use of rotatable wheels at the front anchor points makes for ease of retraction and extension of the elastic cable for ensuring smoother movement of the product pushing device along the track.

25. A product merchandising apparatus as claimed in Claim 24, wherein the rotatable wheels are provided by projecting pins with rotatable caps mounted thereon.

26. A product merchandising apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 7 or 8, wherein the track member includes two oppositely located rear anchor points provided by rotatable wheels towards the rear of the track member and two corresponding front anchor points provided by rotatable wheels located towards the front of the track member whereby the elastic cable is connected around the two rear wheels and extends, substantially the length of the track and parallel thereto, to the front of the track member where the elastic cable travels about both front rotatable wheels and is connected about the narrow section of the foot of the product pushing device, thereby defining a generally "U"-shaped path of travel of the elastic cable between the two front wheels.

27. A product merchandising apparatus as claimed in Claim 19 wherein the elastic cable may be in the form of a length of elastic and preferably, the elastic cable is in the form of continuous loop.

28. A product merchandising apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the product merchandising apparatus comprises a divider, a locating strip for mounting at the rear of a shelf, rack or other support unit, and a locating ridge for mounting at the front of the shelf, rack or other support unit, the divider having a socket located at the rear thereof for engagement with the locating strip such that the divider is slideably moveable along the locating strip; and means for removeably engaging the divider with the locating ridge.

29. A product merchandising apparatus as claimed in Claim 28 wherein the locating ridge includes a plurality of projecting members defining a plurality of grooves therebetween, and the divider is engageable with a least one of the grooves.

30. A product merchandising apparatus as claimed in Claim 9 wherein the divider and track member are integrally formed as a single unit.

31. A product merchandising apparatus, in any embodiment, substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.