KR102112479B1 - Product management display system - Google Patents

Abstract

A product management display system for merchandising products on a shelf includes a low product indicator device comprising a partition 550 secured to a support structure, a pusher 520 to move the product, a barrier 556, and a protrusion 1054. (1050). The protruding portion 1054 is configured to extend forward of the barrier 556 when the amount of product positioned on the upper surface of the partition floor or on the shelf is small.

Description

Product management display system

[01] This patent application claims priority to United States Patent Application Serial No. 14/802,549 entitled "Product Management Display System" filed July 17, 2015, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Is included in. This application continues as part of U.S. Application No. 13/839,674 filed on March 15, 2013 Applicant continues as part of U.S. Application No. 14/136,029 filed on December 20, 2013 (currently U.S. Patent No. 8,978,904) Filing, which is a continuing part of U.S. Application No. 13/542,419 filed July 5, 2012 (currently U.S. Patent No. 8,739,984), which is filed U.S. Application No. 12/ filed December 16, 2009 Some continuing applications of 639,656 (currently U.S. Patent No. 8,322,544), which are some continuing applications of U.S. Application No. 12/357,860 filed January 22, 2009 (currently U.S. Patent No. 8,453,850), which United States Application No. 11/760,196 filed on June 8, 2007 (currently U.S. Patent Application No. 8,312,999) continues to be a part of U.S. Application No. 11/411,761 filed on April 25, 2006 ( Currently part of the U.S. Patent Application No. 7,823,734), which continues to benefit from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/716,362 filed on September 12, 2005 and 60/734,692 filed on November 8, 2005 , All of which are incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Application No. 13/542,419 is filed on U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/530,736 filed on September 2, 2011, No. 61/542,473 filed on October 3, 2011, and filed on October 31, 2011 61/553,545 is claimed as a benefit, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Application No. 14/136,029 also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/861,843 filed August 2, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[02] The exemplary embodiments generally have improved shelf assemblies for use in merchandising products, and more specifically, improved mechanisms for displaying and pushing products on shelves. It relates to a shelf assembly having.

[03] Retailers and wholesalers, such as convenience stores, drug stores, food stores, discount stores, etc., require a large amount of shelves for both storing products and displaying them to customers. It is known. When displaying a product, it is preferred that the product on the shelves is positioned on the front side of the shelf so that the product is visible and accessible to customers. Of coolers or refrigerators used to store and display such products as soft drinks, energy drinks, bottled water, and other bottled or canned drinks In the case, it is desirable that these products are also located on the front of the shelf and are visible and accessible to customers.

[04] To achieve this product placement, known systems can include sloping trays or floors that will cause the product to move toward the front of the shelf through gravity. Many of these systems include floors or shelves made of a plastic material such as polypropylene that allows the product to slide easily along a sloped floor or surface due to its low coefficient of friction. However, over time, these surfaces can be disturbed by debris or sticky substances that prevent the product from slipping properly, sometimes causing some products to tip over. This prevents additional products from moving to the front of the shelf.

[05] Other systems include the use of a pusher system that pushes the product toward the front of the shelf when the product on the front of the shelf is removed. Known pusher systems typically include a pusher paddle and a coiled spring that are mounted on a track and will force the product forward. Sometimes, when the system is in use, and over time, the track is interrupted by dirt or sticky substances that inhibit proper operation of the pusher system in the track. In addition, depending on the size, shape and weight of the product to be commercialized, known pusher paddles can sometimes tip or bend backward, thereby causing binding of the pusher mechanism in the track. In these situations, the pusher mechanism cannot properly push the product towards the front of the shelf.

[06] One exemplary embodiment works with gravity-fed merchandise systems (ie, tilted shelves or trays) and non-gravity-fed merchandise systems. By providing a trackless pusher system, it relates to improvements to existing merchandising systems.

[07] One exemplary embodiment relates to a product management display system for commercializing products on shelves. This embodiment involves using a trackless pusher mechanism that moves along the surface on which the product is placed. The trackless system overcomes known problems with the use of tracks to maintain and guide known pusher mechanisms. However, it should be understood that the teachings of this embodiment can be used in systems comprising tracks for mounting a pusher mechanism or the like.

[08] The pusher mechanism may include a pusher paddle and a floor extending forward of the pusher paddle. A flat coiled spring or other biasing element can be operatively connected behind the pusher paddle and can extend across the floor of the pusher mechanism to the front of the shelf. Alternatively, a flat coiled spring or biasing element can extend across the divider to the front of the shelf assembly. With this configuration, the pusher paddle is prevented from tilting or bending backwards during operation.

[09] The exemplary embodiment also has gravity-using systems, or systems that utilize gravity as a mechanism to force the product toward the front of the shelf, as well as commercialization of the product on shelves or surfaces that are not horizontal or inclined. And the use of a pushing mechanism.

[10] In accordance with an exemplary exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pusher paddle pushes cylindrical products such as soft drink bottles or candles, and a concave pushing surface for centering the paddle on the track and retaining the paddle behind the product Can be defined. Alternatively, the pusher paddle can also define a flat pushing surface that can further include at its upper edge a curved rib or similar structure that can be used to push cylindrical products.

[11] According to another exemplary exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the floor of the pusher mechanism may include a notched or cut-out portion to align the pusher mechanism with respect to the coiled spring. have. In addition, the floor of the system may also include a notch or cut-out portion for receiving the flat end of the coiled spring and mounting it to the floor. The spring tip can be disposed on the end of the coiled spring to mount the coiled spring to the floor of the system. Alternatively, the end of the coiled spring can be mounted to the partition of the assembly.

[12] According to another exemplary embodiment, an adapter for a product management display system may be positioned on the floor surface of the display system. The adapter can include a planar surface with at least two ribs extending outwardly from the planar surface and across the planar surface in a substantially parallel manner. The coiled spring can be positioned between ribs extending in parallel. With this configuration, the product to be commercialized can be placed on the ribs, not directly on the coiled spring, to improve the forward movement of certain types of products, such as beverage candles.

[13] In another alternative aspect, the mounting member can be used to mount the end of the coiled spring to the floor of the system. For these systems, including spaced glide rails that are joined by connecting the ribs together, the mounting member is snap-fit or otherwise mounted on the floor and between the glide rails. Can.

[14] In another alternative aspect, the trackless pusher system is retrofitted to an existing shelf assembly. This allows the placement of a trackless pusher system on an existing shelf system as a low cost alternative to purchasing a full trackless pusher assembly.

[15] In another exemplary embodiment, the coil spring may be mounted to a retainer. The end of the coil spring can be mounted directly to the retainer or alternatively the end can be mounted to the retainer via an adapter. The adapter may have a curved portion accommodated in a curved slot of a corresponding shape in the retainer to secure the end of the spring to the display assembly.

[16] In another exemplary embodiment, trays may be attached via a dovetail connection to form a shelf assembly. Additionally, the partitions can be adjusted so that the width of the product rows can be adapted to accommodate products having different sizes.

[17] According to another exemplary embodiment, the product management display system may be arranged in a stackable arrangement. The assembly can be provided with a first tray and a second tray, each having a first wall and a second wall. The first and second trays are respectively adapted to receive a pusher mechanism and a retainer mechanism. First and second spacers are mounted to the first and second trays to stack the first and second trays on top of each other. The first and second spacers may be provided with a plurality of detents, and the first tray and the second tray may be provided with sockets of a plurality of corresponding shapes, respectively, to accommodate the plurality of detents. have.

[18] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a product management display system for commercializing products on a shelf includes one or more track-less pusher mechanisms moving along a surface on which the product is placed and a product to separate the products into rows. This includes using the partitions. One or more partitions may be attached to the front rail and releasably engaged. When one or more partitions are engaged and not held in place on the front rail, one or more partitions and products positioned on the display system can be moved laterally or lifted off the front rail You can lift away. This allows for ease of replanogramming of the product on the shelf. One or more partitions are released to the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, elastic surfaces, locking tabs, locking bars, cams and/or through friction or press fit. It can possibly be engaged.

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

[20] In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail and a plurality of partitions configured to attach to the front rail and separate the product into rows. Each of the plurality of partitions includes a partition wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail, a partition floor perpendicular to the partition wall, wherein the partition floor is configured to hold the product, and a cam coupled to the partition, wherein , The cam is configured to move between the first position and the second position. Each of the plurality of partitions, when each of the plurality of partitions engages the front rail and the cam for each of the plurality of partitions is in the first position, (a) is movable laterally parallel to the front rail and ( b) It is fixed in the direction perpendicular to the front rail. In addition, each of the plurality of partitions, when each of the plurality of partitions is engaged with the front rail and the cam for each of the plurality of partitions is in the second position, (a) is fixed in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail, and (b) It is fixed in the direction perpendicular to the front rail.

[21] In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail and at least one partition configured to attach to the front rail, the at least one partition being a barrier, a partition wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail, a partition wall It includes a vertical partition floor, wherein the partition divides the partition floor into a first position and a second position, and each of the first part and the second part is configured to hold the product. The product display system also includes a first pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least a portion of the first portion, a second pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least a portion of the second portion, and a cam coupled to the at least one partition. And the cam is configured to move between the first position and the second position. The at least one partition is parallel to the front rail when the cam is in the first position and movable laterally along the front rail, and the at least one partition is parallel to the front rail when the cam is in the second position And stop the lateral movement along the front rail.

[22] In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail and at least one partition configured to attach to the front rail, the at least one partition extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail, the barrier configured to engage the front rail It comprises a partition wall, a partition floor perpendicular to the partition wall, wherein the partition floor is configured to hold the product. The display system can also include an elastic tab coupled to the partition, the elastic tab being configured to move between the first position and the second position. The at least one partition is fixed in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the elastic tab is in the first position. The at least one partition is movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the elastic tab is in the second position.

[23] In one example, the merchandise display system comprises a front rail, the front rail comprising at least one first projection and at least one first recess, and at least configured to attach to the front rail A partition, the at least one partition comprising a partition wall and a partition floor perpendicular to the partition wall, the at least one partition further comprising at least one second recess and at least one second protrusion , At least one second protrusion of the partition is configured to move between the first position and the second position. At least one partition, when the at least one first projection of the front rail is engaged with the at least one second recess of the partition and the at least one second projection of the partition is in the first position, (a) to the front rail It is movable in a parallel lateral direction and (b) is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail. The at least one partition, when the at least one first projection of the front rail is engaged with the at least one second recess of the partition and the at least one second projection of the partition is in the second position, (a) to the front rail Resist movement in the parallel lateral direction (resist) and (b) stick in the direction perpendicular to the front rail.

[24] In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail, the front rail includes at least one first protrusion and at least one second protrusion, and at least one second protrusion of the front rail has a first position And a second position. The merchandise display system also includes at least one partition configured to attach to the front rail, the at least one partition comprising a partition wall and a partition floor perpendicular to the partition wall, the at least one partition comprising at least one recess It includes more. The at least one partition is: (a) parallel to the front rail when at least one first projection of the front rail engages at least one recess of the partition and at least one second projection of the front rail is in the first position It is movable in one direction and (b) is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail. The at least one partition is: (a) parallel to the front rail when at least one first projection of the front rail is engaged with at least one recess of the partition and at least one second projection of the front rail is in a second position It is fixed in one direction and (b) fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail.

[25] In one example, the product display system includes a front rail, and the front rail includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The merchandise display system also includes at least one partition configured to attach to the front rail, the at least one partition comprising a partition wall and a partition floor perpendicular to the partition wall, the at least one partition being a recess and a third protrusion It further includes. At least one of the second protrusion or the third protrusion is a movable protrusion that is movable between the first position and the second position. The at least one partition is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the first projection of the front rail engages the recess of the partition and the movable projection is in the first position, and (b) the front It is fixed in the direction perpendicular to the rail. At least one partition, when the first projection of the front rail engages the recess of the partition and the movable projection is in the second position, (a) is fixed in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) the front rail It is fixed in the vertical direction.

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

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

[28] In another exemplary embodiment, the merchandise display system includes a front rail defining a rail groove and a partition configured to engage the front rail. The partition includes a barrier, a partition wall, and a partition floor extending perpendicular to the partition wall. The partition floor further includes a top surface and a bottom surface to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam rotatably coupled to the partition. The cam is configured to rotate between the first position and the second position. The cam defines a cam glide that extends below the bottom surface of the partition floor, and when the cam is in the first position, it contacts the front rail. In operation, the partition is movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the cam is in the first position and the cam glide contacts the front rail, and the partition is in the second position When in contact with the rail groove of the front rail, it is fixed in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail. In this embodiment, the cam is always in contact with the front rail, whether the cam is in the first position or the second position, or in a position between the first and second positions.

[29] In an alternative aspect, the cam includes a handle to rotate the cam between the first position and the second position, the cam being one or more grooves in the rail groove when the cam is in the second position And one or more cam surfaces configured to engage the walls. Additionally, the cam glide can define an elongated planar surface. Further, the product display system may include a pusher mechanism having a pusher surface and a pusher floor extending forward from the pusher surface. The coiled spring with the coiled end can be positioned behind the pusher surface and the free end of the spring can attach the pusher mechanism to the product display system. Alternatively, the barrier can be configured to receive the free end of the coiled spring. In another alternative aspect, the front rail can define a ridge configured to engage the groove of the partition.

[30] In another exemplary embodiment, the merchandise display system includes a front rail and at least one partition configured to attach to the front rail. The at least one partition can include a barrier and a partition wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail. The partition can include a partition floor perpendicular to the partition wall, the partition wall is configured to separate the partition floor into a first part and a second part and each of the first part and the second part hold the product. Additionally, the merchandise display system includes a first pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least a portion of the first portion and a second pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least a portion of the second portion. The merchandise display system includes a cam coupled to at least one partition. The cam defines a cam glide and is configured to move between the first position and the second position. In operation, the at least one partition is parallel to the front rail and laterally movable along the front rail, when the cam is in the first position and the cam glide contacts the front rail, the at least one partition has a cam When in the second position and the cam glide is not in contact with the front rail, it is parallel to the front rail and resists lateral movement along the front rail.

[31] In one aspect, each of the first and second pusher mechanisms includes a pusher surface, a pusher floor extending forward from the pusher surface, and a coiled spring having a coiled end and a free end. The coiled end is positioned behind the pusher surface and the free end attaches the first and second pusher mechanisms to the product display system.

[32] In an alternative aspect, at least one partition can define a partition engagement member and at least one front rail can define a front rail engagement member. The partitioning engagement member is configured to engage the front rail engagement member. The partition engagement member can define partition teeth on at least one surface of the partition engagement member. The front rail engaging member can define front rail teeth on at least one surface of the front rail engaging member. The partition teeth are configured to engage the front rail teeth.

[33] In another exemplary embodiment, the merchandise display system includes a front rail and at least one partition configured to engage the front rail. The at least one partition includes a barrier, a partition wall, and a partition floor perpendicular to the partition wall. The partition floor is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam coupled to the partition. The cam is configured to move between the first position and the second position. The cam defines a cam glide for lifting the partition up and off the front rail when the cam is in the first position. The at least one partition is fixed to the front rail when the cam is in the second position and the cam glide is moved away from the front rail. In one aspect, the at least one partition is movable in the plane of the shelf only in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and the at least one partition is a direction parallel to the front rail when the at least one partition is engaged with the front rail. It is fixed in the plane of the shelf in all other directions. In another aspect, the cam can include a handle to rotate the cam between the first position and the second position. Additionally, the cam glide can define an elongated planar surface with edges that allow for a slidable movement of the cam glide relative to the front rail.

[34] In another exemplary embodiment, the merchandise display system may include a front rail and at least one partition configured to engage the front rail. The partition can include a barrier, a partition wall, and a partition floor perpendicular to the partition wall configured to hold the product. The front lock can be coupled to the partition. In one aspect, the front lock can be configured to rotate, pivot, or move between the first and second positions. When in the first position, the front lock can allow a slidable movement of the partition relative to the front rail. In an alternative aspect, the front lock can lift the partition away from the front rail. When in the second position, the front lock locks the partition to the front rail and prevents slippery movement between the partition and the front rail.

[35] In another exemplary embodiment, the product display system may include a partition secured to the support structure. The partition may include a partition wall and a partition floor. The partition wall can extend upward from the partition floor and the partition floor can include an upper surface. The system may further include a barrier movable by rotation between a folded position and an upright position without a rotational biasing element. The product positioned on the upper surface of the partition floor may contact the barrier when the product moves toward the front end of the partition and rotates the barrier from a folded position to a raised position. The barrier can be configured to stop forward movement of the product when the barrier is in an upright position. The system can include a rotatable mounting structure to which the movable barrier is connected. The rotatable mounting structure can be removably connected to the front end of the partition.

[36] In another exemplary embodiment, a product display system may be used with a product tray to refill the system with product. The product tray can include a bottom surface, a right wall, a left wall, and an alignment flap. The alignment flap can include a proximate end, a distal end, a right edge, and a left edge. The flap width of the alignment flap can be defined between the right edge and the left edge. The proximal end of the alignment flap can be connected to the bottom surface of the product tray and the alignment flap can be configured such that at least a portion of the flap width is approximately equal to the product width stored in the product tray. The alignment flap can be positioned between the opposing partition walls of a merchandise display system where the product pocket is defined between opposing partition walls. The alignment flap aligns the product stored in the product tray and product tray to the product pocket so that the product stored in the product tray slides from the product tray to the product pocket of the product display system.

[37] In another exemplary embodiment, a merchandise display system may include a divider configured to be secured to a support structure, where the divider is a forward end and a rear end. end). The partition includes a partition wall and a partition floor, the partition wall extending upward from the partition floor. The product display system also includes a pusher mechanism that includes a biasing device and is configured to slide along the partition floor to move the product toward the front end; A barrier configured to be positioned close to the front end of the partition so that the product positioned on the upper surface of the partition floor contacts the barrier when the product moves toward the front end of the partition; And a low product indicator device comprising a protruding portion, wherein the protruding portion is configured to extend toward the front of the barrier when the amount of product positioned on the upper surface of the partition floor is small. do.

[38] In another exemplary embodiment, the merchandise display system may include a partition configured to be secured to the support structure, where the partition includes a front end and a rear end. The partition includes a partition wall and a partition floor, the partition wall extending upward from the partition floor. The merchandise display system also includes a pusher mechanism that includes a biasing device and is configured to slide along the partition floor to move the product towards the front end; A barrier configured to be positioned proximate the front end of the partition so that the product positioned on the upper surface of the partition floor contacts the barrier when the product moves toward the front end of the partition; And a low product indicator device comprising a protruding portion, wherein the protruding portion is configured to extend forward of the barrier when the amount of product positioned on the upper surface of the partition floor is small. The low product indicator device can be engaged with a pusher such that the low product indicator is configured to slide relative to the partition. The raw product indicator device may include a predetermined stop point, and the raw product indicator device may be configured to disengage from the pusher at the predetermined stop point.

[39] In another exemplary embodiment, the merchandise display system may include a partition configured to be secured to the support structure, where the partition includes a front end and a rear end. The partition includes a partition wall and a partition floor, the partition wall extending upward from the partition floor. The product display system also includes a pusher mechanism that includes a biasing device and is configured to slide along the partition floor to move the product toward the front end; And a barrier configured to be positioned proximate to the front end of the partition so that the product positioned on the upper surface of the partition floor contacts the barrier as the product moves toward the front end of the partition. In addition, the merchandise display system includes: a side wall having a front edge, a rear edge, and a bottom edge, a rear wall engaging the side wall at the rear edge; And a bottom product that engages the side wall at the bottom edge, and a low product indicator device having a protrusion. The protruding portion may be configured to extend forward of the barrier when the amount of product positioned on the upper surface of the partition floor is small. The low product indicator device can be engaged with a pusher such that the low product indicator is configured to slide relative to the partition. The raw product indicator device may include a predetermined stop point, and the raw product indicator device may be configured to disengage from the pusher at the predetermined stop point.

[40] Figure 1 depicts an isometric exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of the present invention.
[41] Figure 2 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary pusher mechanism mounted to an exemplary tray or product channel of the present invention.
[42] FIG. 3 depicts another isometric view of the system of FIG. 2 with products deployed in the system.
[43] Figure 4 depicts another isometric view of the system of Figure 2 with multiple products deployed in the system.
[44] Figure 5 depicts an isometric rear view of the system of Figure 4;
[45] Figure 6 depicts an alternative embodiment of the tray or product channel of the present invention.
[46] Figure 7 depicts an exemplary tip for the end of a coiled spring that can be used with the product management display system of the present invention.
[47] Figure 8 depicts the exemplary tip of Figure 7 mounted to the surface of a tray or product channel.
[48] Figure 9 depicts the exemplary tip of Figure 7 mounted to the end of a coiled spring.
[49] Figure 10 depicts the exemplary tip of Figure 7 mounted to the end of a coiled spring.
[50] Figure 11 depicts an isometric view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of the present invention.
[51] Figure 12 depicts another isometric view of the system of Figure 11;
[52] Figure 13 depicts a front view of the system of Figure 11;
[53] Figure 14 depicts a top view of the system of Figure 11;
[54] Figure 15 depicts the rear view of the system of Figure 11;
[55] Figure 16 depicts an isometric view of an adapter that can be used with the present invention.
[56] Figure 17 depicts a front view of the adapter of Figure 16.
[57] Figure 18 depicts an exemplary installation of the adapter of the present invention.
[58] Figure 19 depicts an isometric view of the installed adapter of the present invention.
[59] Figure 20 depicts a front view of the installed adapter of the present invention.
[60] Figure 21 depicts an isometric view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of the present invention.
[61] Figure 22 depicts an isometric bottom view of an exemplary mounting member that can be used to mount the end of a coiled spring to the floor of a display system.
[62] Figure 23 depicts an isometric top view of the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22.
[63] Figure 24 depicts the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22 mounted to the end of the coiled spring with the coiled spring mounted to the exemplary pusher paddle.
[64] Figure 25 depicts another view of the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22 mounted to the end of the coiled spring with the coiled spring mounted to the exemplary pusher paddle.
[65] Figure 26 depicts the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22 with the attached coiled spring mounted to the floor of the system.
[66] Figure 27 depicts the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22 installed on the floor of the system.
[67] Figure 28 depicts an isometric view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of the present invention.
[68] Figure 29 depicts an enlarged isometric view of the tray of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 28.
[69] Figure 29A depicts a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 28 illustrating a first fixation method.
[70] Figure 29B depicts a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 28 illustrating a second fixation method.
[71] Figure 30 depicts an enlarged isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 28 illustrating a rivet attaching a spring to a tray.
[72] Figure 31 depicts an isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 28 assembled on an existing wire shelf.
[73] Figure 32 depicts an isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 28 assembled on an existing wire shelf.
[74] Figure 33 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
[75] Figure 34 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
[76] Figure 35 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the adapter.
[77] Figure 36 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a retainer.
[78] Figure 37 depicts a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
[79] Figure 38 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
[80] Figure 39 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
[81] Figure 40 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
[82] Figure 41A depicts a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of a partition.
[83] Figure 41B depicts a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
[84] Figure 41C depicts an enlarged view of one section of Figure 41B.
[85] Figure 41D depicts a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a partition.
[86] Figure 42 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
[87] Figure 43 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
[88] Figure 44 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system.
[89] Figure 45 depicts another isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system with products in the system.
[90] Figure 46 depicts a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a product management display with products in the system.
[91] Figure 47 depicts an isometric rear view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system for products in a system.
[92] Figure 48 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a pusher mechanism mounted to a partition.
[93] Figure 49 depicts another isometric view of a pusher mechanism and partitions assembled to a product management display system.
[94] Figure 50 depicts an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of a product management display system.
[95] Figure 51 depicts another isometric view of the exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of Figure 50 without products.
[96] Figure 52 depicts an isometric exploded view of the exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of Figure 50.
[97] Figure 53 depicts an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of a product management display system.
[98] Figure 54 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary attachment of a pusher spring to the shelf of the product management display system of Figure 53.
[99] Figure 55 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary attachment of a pusher spring to the shelf of the product management display system of Figure 53.
[100] Figure 56 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary attachment of a pusher spring to the shelf of the product management display system of Figure 53.
[101] Figure 57 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary attachment of a pusher spring to the shelf of the product management display system of Figure 53.
[102] Figure 58 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[103] Figure 59 depicts an isometric view of the exemplary product management display system of Figure 58.
[104] Figure 60 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary pusher mechanism in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[105] Figure 61 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary partition according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[106] Figure 62 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary partition and pusher mechanism in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[107] Figure 63 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary front portion of a partition according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[108] Figure 64 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary front portion of the front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[109] Figure 65 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary connection between a partition and a front rail according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[110] Figure 66 depicts a side view of an exemplary partition and front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[111] Figures 67A-67C depict side views of an exemplary partition attached to a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[112] Figures 68A-68C depict side views of an exemplary partition attached to a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[113] Figure 69A depicts an isometric view of exemplary rail mounting clips for the front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[114] Figure 69B depicts an isometric view of an exemplary front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[115] Figure 70 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary front rail and rail mounting clips according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[116] Figure 71 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[117] Figure 72 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary partition and pusher mechanism in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[118] Figure 73 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary partition and pusher mechanism in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[119] Figure 74 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary partition according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[120] Figure 75 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[121] Figures 76A and 76B depict partial isometric views of an exemplary front rail and cam bar lever in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[122] Figure 77 depicts a front exploded view of an exemplary product management display system according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[123] Figure 78 depicts a rear exploded view of an exemplary product management display system in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[124] Figures 79A-79C depict side views of an exemplary front rail and partition according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[125] Figure 80 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary product management display system according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[126] Figures 81A and 81B depict partial side views of an exemplary front rail and partition according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[127] Figures 82A-82C depict partial side views of an exemplary front rail and partition according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[128] Figures 83A-83C depict partial side views of an exemplary front rail and partition according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[129] Figures 84A-84F depict isometric views of an exemplary product management display system according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[130] Figure 85 depicts a side view of an exemplary partition and front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[131] Figures 86A-86L depict views of components of an exemplary product management display system in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[132] Figures 87A-87C depict side views of exemplary partitions and front rails in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[133] Figures 88A and 88B depict isometric views of exemplary partitions in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[134] Figures 89A-89C depict side views of exemplary partitions attached to a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[135] Figures 90A-90F depict views of exemplary partitions attached to a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[136] Figure 91A depicts a view of an exemplary partition and rear rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[137] Figure 92 depicts an exploded view of an exemplary partition and rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[138] Figures 93A and 93B depict views of exemplary partitions mounted to a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[139] Figures 94A-94C depict cross-sectional views of the movement of an exemplary cam used with a partition and front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[140] Figure 95 depicts a top, right perspective view of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system.
[141] Figures 96A and 96B are top right perspective views of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system.
[142] Figure 97 is a top, right exploded perspective view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system.
[143] Figures 98A-98C are side views of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system.
[144] Figures 99A-99C are side views of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system.
100A-100D are top, left perspective views of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system.
[146] Figure 101A is a top, right perspective view of aspects of an exemplary product tray.
[147] Figure 101B is a top view of aspects of an exemplary product tray.
[148] Figures 101C-101F are top, left perspective views of aspects of an exemplary product tray used with example components of a merchandise display system.
[149] Figure 102A is a top, right perspective view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system.
[150] Figure 102B is a top, right exploded perspective view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system.
[151] Figures 102C and 102D are side views of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system.
[152] Figure 103A is a top, front, right perspective view of aspects of exemplary components of a rotating mounting structure of a merchandise display system.
[153] Figure 103B is a top, rear, right perspective view of aspects of exemplary components of a rotary mounting structure of a merchandise display system.
[154] Figure 103C is a rear view of aspects of an exemplary component of a rotary mounting structure of a merchandise display system.
[155] Figure 103D is a top view of aspects of example components of a rotary mounting structure of a merchandise display system.
[156] Figure 103E is a right side view of aspects of example components of a rotating mounting structure of a merchandise display system.
[157] Figure 104A is a top, right exploded perspective view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system.
[158] Figure 104B is a top, right perspective view of aspects of example components of a rotating mounting structure of a merchandise display system.
[159] Figure 104C is a bottom, right perspective view of aspects of example components of a rotary mounting structure of a merchandise display system.
[160] Figure 104D is a front view of aspects of an example component of a rotary mounting structure of a merchandise display system.
[161] Figure 104E is a top view of aspects of example components of a rotary mounting structure of a merchandise display system.
[162] Figure 104F is a left side view of aspects of example components of a rotating mounting structure of a merchandise display system.
[163] Figure 104G is a bottom view of aspects of example components of a rotary mounting structure of a merchandise display system.
[164] Figures 105A-105D are side views of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system.
[165] Figure 106A is a top, right exploded perspective view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system.
[166] Figure 106B is a side view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system.
[167] Figure 107A is a perspective view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system including a raw product indicator system.
[168] Figure 107B is a perspective view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system including a raw product indicator system.
[169] Figure 107C is a perspective view of aspects of example components of a raw product indicator system.
[170] Figure 107D is a perspective view of aspects of example components of a raw product indicator system.
[171] Figure 107E is a perspective view of aspects of example components of a raw product indicator system.
[172] Figure 107F is a perspective view of aspects of example components of a raw product indicator system.
[173] Figure 108A is a perspective view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system that includes a raw product indicator system.
[174] Figure 108B is a front view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system that includes a raw product indicator system.
[175] Figure 109A is a perspective view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system including a raw product indicator system.
[176] Figure 109B is a perspective view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system including a raw product indicator system.
[177] Figure 109C is a perspective view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system including a raw product indicator system.
[178] Figure 109D is a perspective view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system including a raw product indicator system.
[179] Figure 110A is a perspective view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system that includes a raw product indicator system.
[180] Figure 110B is a side view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system that includes a raw product indicator system.
[181] Figure 110C is a side view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system that includes a raw product indicator system.
[182] Figure 110D is a side view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system that includes a raw product indicator system.
[183] Figure 110E is a side view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system that includes a raw product indicator system.
[184] Figure 110F is a side view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system that includes a raw product indicator system.
[185] Figure 110G is a side view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system including a raw product indicator system.
[186] Figure 110H is a side view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system that includes a raw product indicator system.
[187] Figure 110I is a side view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system that includes a raw product indicator system.
[188] Figure 110J is a side view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system including a raw product indicator system.
[189] Figure 110K is a side view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system that includes a raw product indicator system.
[190] Figure 110L is a side view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system that includes a raw product indicator system.
[191] Figure 110M is a side view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system that includes a raw product indicator system.
[192] Figure 110N is a side view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system that includes a raw product indicator system.
[193] FIG. 110O is a side view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system including a raw product indicator system.

[194] Before the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of the arrangement and configuration of components presented in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be other embodiments and may be practiced or carried out in various ways. It will also be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “comprising” and variations thereof will include the items described below and their equivalents, as well as additional items and their equivalents. Moreover, the use of the terms "mount", "mounted" or "mounting", whether direct or indirect, mounts, attaches, joins, or couples one part to another. Coupling will broadly encompass any technique or method.

[195] The present invention may be embodied in various forms. 1, an isometric exploded view of an exemplary embodiment is depicted. One exemplary merchandise system 10 includes a product dispensing tray 12, in which an exemplary trackless pusher mechanism 14 is mounted. As will be described in more detail below, the pusher mechanism 14 will fit into the tray 12 and tracks, rails commonly used to hold the pusher mechanism common to the tray or the floor of the tray. , Or will slide along the surface of the tray without the use of guides. The pusher mechanism defines a pusher paddle and a pusher floor extending forward of the pusher paddle. The coiled spring can extend across the pusher floor and can be operatively connected to the tray, in a front position on the tray. In one aspect of the invention, the product to be commercialized can be placed in a tray at the front of the pusher paddle and placed on a coiled spring as well as a pusher floor. With this configuration, the weight of the product will prevent the pusher paddle from tilting to ensure proper pushing of the product. In addition, problems associated with debris or sticky materials that hinder the effectiveness of known pusher systems using tracks, rails or guides have been eliminated. Other aspects, embodiments and features of the invention and teachings thereof are presented in more detail below.

[196] The exemplary tray 12 may define one or more dividing panels or partitions 18 and the surface 16 to separate the tray into multiple rows for placement of the product. In an alternative aspect, the tray 12 can be a shelf or any other surface on which products can be placed for commercialization. The surface 16 may be a solid or solid surface defining a plurality of spaced apart apertures 20 separated by a plurality of support ribs 22. The apertures 20 and ribs 22 allow for slippery movement of the product disposed on this surface and also prevent the liquids and dust from collecting on the surface 16. It provides a surface that allows passage through the perchers 20. The surface 16 can be made of any suitable material that allows for a slidable movement of the product on the surface 16. Other surface or floor configurations are known and can be used with the principles of the present invention.

[197] As depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10, the surface 16 may define a rounded end portion 24 that includes a notch or cut-out portion 26. The end portion 24 can be rounded to match the shape of the product placed on the tray. For example, the depicted end portion 24 is rounded or defines a semicircular shape to match the contour of the bottle or can that can be placed on the tray and end portion 24. Other shapes of the end portion can be used together in the present invention depending on the product to be commercialized.

[198] The notch 26 can be used to receive and mount the end 29 of the coiled spring 30 or similar biasing element. Notch 26 may define opposing angled edge surfaces 32 joined by edge 34. The edge 34 is preferably centered over the width of the product row formed in the tray 12 and extends perpendicular to the length of the tray. This configuration will center the coiled spring 30 with respect to the tray 12 and will allow the spring to extend in a substantially parallel fashion with respect to the length of the tray. In other words, the depicted edge 34 of the notch 26 will allow the spring 30 to extend along the length of the tray 12 at or near the center of the product row formed by the tray. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the position and configuration of the notches can vary depending on the desired arrangement of the spring.

[199] The coiled spring 30 may define an end 29 configured to be disposed across the notch 26 and on the edge 34. In one aspect, the end 29 of the coiled spring can be V-shaped and the end 29 is a portion of the end 29 of the coiled spring that extends below the end portion 24 of the surface 16. It can function as a hook to surround the edge 34. This configuration allows easy installation of the coiled spring on the tray.

[200] In another aspect, and with reference to FIG. 7, a spring tip 60 may be added to the end 29 of the spring 30 to aid in mounting of the spring into the system. The spring tip 60 can define a number of shapes and configurations along the surface of the tray and the surface to which the spring end needs to be attached. The spring tip 60 can be permanently attached to the end 29 of the coiled spring 30 or can be detachable to allow interchange or replacement of the spring tip 60. The spring tip 60 can be made of plastic and can define one or more apertures. The aperture 61 can be used to receive the end 29 of the coiled spring 30. The second aperture 63 can be used to receive a mating tongue or mounting member 65 extending from the surface 16 of the tray 12, as discussed below. With this configuration, the end 29 of the coiled spring 30 can be operatively connected to the tray 12.

[201] In another aspect, the end 29 of the coiled spring can snap-fit into an aperture formed in the surface 16, or alternatively can be inserted and secured to the aperture or opening of the tray. Thereby, the end 29 of the coiled spring 30 is fixed in place.

[202] Referring back to FIG. 1, the partitions 18 may also be used to separate the product into rows. The partitions 18 extend substantially upward from the surface 16 and can be positioned on opposite sides of the surface 16, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the partitions 18 can be positioned on the tray 12 in any desired position or on the surface 16. The partitions 18 can be formed as a unitary structure with the surface 16, or the partitions 18 can be detachable to provide added flexibility to the system. Partitions can be attached to the front or rear rails depending on the system. The partitions 18 can define a number of configurations and can extend any desired distance upwards to provide the desired height of the partitions between rows of products to be commercialized. This height can be adjusted by adding divider extenders or the like.

[203] It may be one or more product-retaining members 44 located in front of the tray 12 and extending between the partitions 18. The product-retaining members 44 serve as a front retaining wall or bar to hold the product in the tray 12 and prevent the product from falling out of the tray 12. These members are also configured to allow easy removal of the foremost product positioned in the tray 12. The product-retaining member 44 can be one or more curved-shaped retaining ribs as depicted in FIG. 1. These illustrated retaining ribs can extend from one partition to another, thereby joining the partitions. Retaining ribs can also extend part-way between partitions, as also shown in FIG. 1 as rib 46, to help retain the product in the tray. Alternatively, and as shown in FIG. 6, the product-retaining member 44 can be a curved-shaped solid retaining wall 48 extending between partitions. The retaining wall 48 can be transparent or translucent to allow visualization of the product on the shelf. In another aspect, the retaining wall 48 can also partially extend between the partitions 18. In another embodiment depicted in FIGS. 11-15, the retaining wall 100 can be attached to the surface of the tray and not connected to the partitions. In this embodiment, the retaining wall 100 includes an upper member 104, opposing curved sidewalls 106 further defining an angled edge 108, and an opening 102 defined by the floor member 110. ). The side walls 106 may also be straight, not curved, depending on the system. The end of the coiled spring can also be snap-fit into the floor 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 as many shapes and configurations as possible for the product-retaining member 44 and that the depicted configurations are merely exemplary embodiments of these multiple configurations.

[204] Referring again to FIG. 1, an exemplary trackless pusher mechanism 14 defines a pusher paddle 50 and a pusher floor 52. The pusher paddle 50 and the pusher floor 52 may be formed as a single unitary structure or may be separate structures joined together using known techniques. Moreover, pusher paddle 50 and pusher floor 52 can be made of any known suitable plastic or metal material. The pusher paddle and pusher floor can be reinforced using any known reinforcement techniques.

[205] In one aspect, the pusher paddle 50 is a curved pusher surface or configured to match the shape of a product to be commercialized, such as plastic bottles or candles containing beverage, as depicted in FIGS. The surface 54 is formed. The curved pusher surface 54 allows the pusher to remain centered with the final product in the tray. This configuration reduces friction and drag between the pusher and the partition walls. In an alternative aspect, the pusher surface or face can be a planar surface. In another aspect, the flat pusher surface is positioned close to or on top of the pusher paddle in a manner similar to the curved pusher surface 54 depicted in FIG. 1 and the product is centered and aligned in the tray for alignment. It can be accompanied by curved ribs that can be used. Curved ribs may define other shapes and configurations that allow cylindrical or similar shaped products to be properly pushed out of the tray. Advertising, product identification or other product information may be placed on the pusher surface 54.

[206] Positioned behind the pusher surface or face 54 may be one or more support members 58, such as ribs, walls, or gussets. The support members 58 are configured to support the pusher surface 54 and further connect the pusher paddle 50 to the pusher floor 52. As can be seen in FIG. 5, positioning between the support members 58 is the coiled spring 30, and more specifically, the tray 12 forward and tray 12 as understood in the art. ) Along the coiled end 57 used to force the pusher paddle 50. Any technique used to operatively connect a coiled spring to the pusher paddle 50 can be used with the present invention.

1, the pusher floor 52 can be positioned under the pusher paddle 50 and can extend forward of the pusher surface 54 of the pusher paddle. The pusher floor 52 can extend at any predetermined distance and at any predetermined angle. For example, pusher floor 52 may extend substantially perpendicular to pusher surface 54. In one exemplary embodiment, pusher floor 52 may be extended a sufficient distance to allow a single product, such as a single bottle or can, to be placed on the pusher floor. In another aspect, pusher floor 52 may be configured to allow more than one product to be placed on the pusher floor. The pusher floor 52 can define any shape, including a depicted round shape, and any product retaining features, such as ribs, walls, and the like, to further retain the product on the pusher floor, the surface of the pusher floor Awards can be specified.

[208] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the pusher floor 52 is sized, seated and configured to seat the coiled spring 30, elongated channel ), grooves or recessed portions 59 can be defined. In one exemplary embodiment, the channel or groove 59 may extend across the floor 52 and in a substantially perpendicular manner relative to the pusher paddle 50. In an alternative aspect, the grooves or channels can extend across or partially across the entire pusher floor 52, as shown in FIG. Such a configuration allows for proper alignment and positioning of the pusher paddle 50 in the tray. The groove 59 may define a depth that matches or exceeds the thickness of the coiled spring 30. With this configuration, the coiled spring 30 will be seated on or below the pusher floor surface such that the product is not placed directly on the coiled spring, but rather such product is placed on the pusher floor surface. As shown in Figure 19, the pusher floor may include apertures and openings through which debris or other items may pass. Alternatively, the floor can be a solid surface.

[209] In an alternative aspect of the present invention, the adapter 180 can be positioned on the surface 16, as shown in FIGS. 16-20. Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the adapter 180 may include one or more raised ribs 182 on which the product may be placed. The raised ribs 182 may extend longitudinally along the length of the adapter 180. The adapter 180 is a flat extrudate of a plastic material (or any other suitable material) defining a planar surface 184 with one or more ribs 182 extending outwardly from the planar surface 184. (flat extrusion). The adapter 180 can define a round end 185 and can include a notched or cut-away portion 186 through which the coiled spring can extend. The rounded end 185 can be configured to match the shape of the product placed on the tray. Other shapes of end 185, notch 186 and adapter 180 may be used with the present invention depending on the product to be commercialized. The adapter 180 may be a separate insertable piece or alternatively an integrally formed piece with the surface 16.

Referring to FIG. 18, the adapter 180 may be easily insertable on the surface 16 and between the partitions 18. Referring to FIG. 19, if the adapter 180 is installed, the pusher mechanism 14 can be positioned on top of the adapter 180 and can slide freely across the ribs 182 of the adapter 180. The coiled spring 30 can extend in a parallel manner between the ribs 182 and seated at or below the upper surface of the ribs 182, as shown more clearly in FIG. have. With this configuration, the product to be commercialized is not coiled spring 30, but is placed on ribs 182 and can slide along ribs 182.

[211] In an alternative aspect, the ribs 182 are raised beads or raised beads, or a series of fingers that can be used to facilitate movement of the product on the surface 16. Can be In another alternative embodiment, the ribs 182 are runners or one or more that allow the product to roll across rolling members and towards the front of the product display system. It may be product moving members, such as rollers or rolling members. One exemplary roller assemblies includes those disclosed and described in US Application Serial No. 11/257,718 filed October 25, 2005 and assigned to RTC Industries, Inc, which application is incorporated herein by reference. As should be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there are many possible techniques that can be used with the pusher mechanisms described to facilitate movement of the product on a shelf or floor.

[212] The underside of the pusher floor 52 may be a smooth flat surface that will slide freely along the surface 16. Alternatively, and similarly to the above, the pusher floor 52 allows the pusher floor to slide along the surface and there also beads, runners, rollers that allow the pusher floor to lift up off the surface 16. And the like. In another alternative embodiment, the underside of the pusher floor can be configured with rail mounting members to allow mounting of the pusher to the track or rail, as understood in the art.

[213] The pusher floor further defines a notch or cut-out portion 62 that will pass through the coiled spring 30. The end 29 of the coiled spring 30 will pass through the notch 26 of the surface 16 and through the notch 62 and will be mounted to the tray using any of the techniques described above. .

[214] In use, as the pusher mechanism 14 is forced back from the tray 12, the end 29 of the coiled spring 30 will remain in place as described above and the spring 30 The coiled end 57 will start uncoiling behind the pusher paddle 50. If the pusher 14 is allowed to move forward in the tray 14, such as when the product is removed from the front of the tray, the coiled end 57 of the spring 30 is coiled and the tray 12 ) Will push the pusher paddle 50 forward, thereby forcing the product towards the front of the tray.

[215] In an alternative embodiment, the coiled spring 30 below and underneath the pusher floor 52 opposite to and across the pusher floor, as depicted in the figures. ) Can be extended. With this configuration, groove 59 and notch 62 may not be required.

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

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

Referring to FIG. 3, the pusher mechanism 14 is shown with a product 70 commercialized in the product system 10. The product is prevented from tilting out of the tray by the product-retaining member 44. Product 70 can be any product to be commercialized, including a depicted soft drink bottle. As shown in this figure, product 70 rests on pusher floor 52 and coiled spring 30 extending below the product. The weight of the product on the floor 52 and positioning the product across the spring 30 prevents the paddle 50 from tilting in the tray 12.

[219] Referring to FIG. 4, the pusher mechanism 14 is shown commercializing a number of products 70 in the product system 10. As shown in this figure, the product next to the pusher paddle 50 is placed on the coiled spring 30 and pusher floor 52 extending below the product. Other products will rest on the coiled spring 30 to extend under these products. Alternatively, the adapter 180 can be positioned in the system and in this case, the product can be placed on the ribs 182 of the adapter as opposed to a coiled spring. Again, the weight of the product on the pusher floor 52 and positioning the product across the spring 30 prevents the paddle 50 from tilting in the tray. In use, as one product is removed from the front of the tray close to the product-retaining member 44, the pusher mechanism 14 (via the force of the coiled spring 30) allows the foremost product to be product-retained. The remaining product will be pushed forward in the tray 12 until it contacts the member 44. As additional products are removed, pusher mechanism 14 will continue to push the remaining product toward product-retaining member 44.

[220] Referring to FIG. 5, a rear view of the pusher mechanism 14 shows a pusher mechanism 14 that commercializes multiple products 70 in the product system 10. Again, the product next to the pusher paddle 50 is placed on the coiled spring 30 and pusher floor 52 extending below the product. Other products will be placed on a coiled spring that will extend under these products. Alternatively, the adapter 180 can be positioned in the system and in this case the product can be placed on the ribs 182 of the adapter as opposed to a coiled spring. As one product is removed from the front side of the tray close to the product-retaining member 44, the coiled end 57 of the spring 30, when the foremost product contacts the product-retaining member 44 Until the pusher paddle 50 of the pusher mechanism 14 will be forced forward in the tray 12. As can be seen in this figure, the coiled end 57 can be positioned between two support members 58. The support members will retain the coiled spring between these members. As can be seen in this figure, the pusher floor 52 can also extend under the support members 58.

[221] Referring to Figure 6, an alternative embodiment of a pusher tray is depicted. In this embodiment, multiple trays 12 may be formed of a single multi-tray assembly 80. The multiple-trays can have a common floor with partitions 18 extending upward from the floor to create multiple trays or rows. In this embodiment, the product-retaining member 44 can be a solid member extending between two partitions, as discussed above. One or more of the multi-tray assemblies 80 are coupled or coupled together in a side-by-side manner using any known technique, including clips, dovetailing, fasteners, and the like. Can be. With this configuration, multiple rows of products can be provided for the commercialization of multiple products.

[222] As noted above, the trackless pusher mechanism 14 includes gravity-using systems, ie systems with trays or product channels mounted on the slope to allow gravity to assist in the commercialization of the product. Can be used together. Alternatively, the trackless pusher mechanism 14 can be used with inclined or horizontally mounted systems where gravity provides little or no help in commercializing the product. The trackless pusher mechanism 14 can also be used to push products of various shapes.

[223] Figure 7 depicts an exemplary tip 60 for the end 29 of the coiled spring 30 that can be used with the merchandise system 10. As illustrated, the tip 60 defines an aperture 61 for receiving the end 29 of the coiled spring and an aperture 63 for mounting to the surface 16 of the tray. As can be seen in FIG. 7, in one aspect of an alternative embodiment, extending below the surface 16 may be a tongue or mounting member 65, which mates with the aperture 63 and tongues It can be configured to snap-fit the tip 60 on the surface 65 and thus on the surface 16.

[224] Referring to FIG. 8, the exemplary tip 60 of FIG. 7 is shown mounted on a tongue or mounting member 65. The tongue 65 may include a rib 67 that extends outwardly of the elongation used to snap-fit the tip 60 on the tongue 65. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other techniques can be used to mount the tip 60 to the surface 16 and that the depicted technique is only one exemplary embodiment of such technique.

[225] Referring to FIG. 9, the exemplary tip 60 is fully mounted in a snap-fit manner to the surface 16 and, more specifically, to the end portion 24 of the surface 16 of the tray 12 It is shown to be. Also, mounting of the end 29 of the coiled spring 30 to the aperture 61 of the tip 60 is depicted. 9, the end 29 of the coiled spring can be inserted into the aperture 61. The aperture 61 receives the end 29 of the coiled spring and holds the end 29 in place, and also separates the coiled spring from the tip to allow removal of the pusher mechanism 14 from the system. It is configured to allow removal of the end 29 of the coiled spring from the aperture 61 in those environments where it is desirable.

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

21 to 27, an alternative technique for mounting the end 29 of the coiled spring 30 to a merchandise display system is shown. The mounting member 130 can be used to mount the end 29 of the coiled spring to the floor 131 of the system. For such systems (Figures 26 and 27) comprising spaced glide rails 132 joined together by connecting ribs 134, the mounting member 130 is on the floor 131 and on the glide rails. It may be snap-fit between fields 132 or otherwise mounted. Accordingly, the mounting member will hold the end of the coiled spring in place and on the floor of the system.

22 and 23, the mounting member 130 may include one or more legs 136 on one or more sides of the mounting member 130. The legs can be configured to snap-fit to the lower side of the rails 132 thereby retaining the mounting member 130 on the floor of the system. The legs 136 contact the lower side of the rail 132 and prevent the mounting member 130 from lifting up from the floor, except for the intentional bending of the legs out from the lower side of the rail 132. It may include leg ends 137 defining L-shaped or angled surfaces being constructed. The legs 136 can contact the connecting ribs 134 that will prevent the sliding movement of the mounting member 130 relative to the floor. 26, the mounting member 130 is shown mounted on the floor of the system and more specifically on rails. 27 illustrates that the mounting member 130 is held in place as the pusher paddle 141 is pulled away from the front of the system. The mounting member 130 can be connected to the system floor 131 of this type using other techniques. For example, a separate mounting clip, one or more fasteners, adhesives, or other techniques can be used to secure mounting member 130 to floor 131.

22 and 23, the mounting member 130 may also include an aperture or opening or slot 138 to receive the end 29 of the spring. The spring can be mounted using any of the techniques described herein, or other techniques. The configuration of the aperture 138 and the mounting member 130 will keep the spring in place on the mounting member 130, similar to the technique described above.

[230] Mounting member 130 also provides glide ribs 139 on the upper surface to allow products placed thereon to slide more easily across the mounting member after the mounting member is installed on the floor of the system. It can contain. The mounting member 130 may also include an elongated flat body 140 extending forward of the position of the legs 136 to provide stability to the mounting member 130 after being mounted on the floor of the system. have.

24, 25 and 27, the pusher paddle or pusher mechanism 141 may include a pusher surface 143 configured to match the shape of the pushing product. As illustrated, the pusher face 143 can be a curve shaped to match the shape of a bottle or other cylindrical object. The pusher paddle 141 may also include a pusher floor 145 similar to the pusher floor configurations described above. The pusher floor 145 may further include a spring sleeve 147 that receives the coiled spring 30 to shield and protect the spring. The spring sleeve 147 can extend partially or completely across the pusher floor 145 and in the direction of the spring 30. The spring sleeve 147 can have a relatively short height and flat surface 149 to allow the product to be placed thereon without significant tipping or leaning of the product.

[232] The pusher paddle 141 may be positioned on the top of the floor 131 to glide on the top of the surface, as described above. The pusher paddle can be positioned between two product partition walls 153 joined together by a product retaining member 155. Additional product retaining members 157 may extend outwardly from the product partitions.

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

[234] Referring to FIGS. 28-32 of an alternative embodiment, the trackless pusher system may be retrofitted to an existing shelf assembly 230 that may have product partitions already built in. For example, in one embodiment, a trackless pusher system can be retrofitted to an existing wire shelf assembly. 30-32, the tray or adapter 216 may have a glide floor 222 that may be sized in a single lane of the shelf 234 or sized in the entire shelf width. . The glide floor 222 may include several raised ribs 224, which help reduce friction of products being commercialized on the tray 216. It should be understood that one or more raised ribs 224 can be used with the glide floor 222. Alternatively, the glide floor 222 can be a flat, planar surface without raised ribs. The tray or adapter 216 can be configured similarly to the adapter 180 of FIG. 16.

28 and 30, the end 29 of the coiled spring 30 can be riveted through the rivet 229 to the front end 228 of the tray 216, It can be attached by any other attachment technique. The tray 216 can be retained on the shelf by any attachment technique suitable for a particular shelf. In one embodiment, and as illustrated in FIGS. 29-32, tray 216 has one or more individual wires of shelf 234 for retaining tray 216 on shelf 234. And one or more outwardly extending fingers or snaps 220 that may be engaged with 232. Fingers or snaps 220 may extend longitudinally along the length of the tray 216, or may be spaced along the length of the tray. Snaps 220 may be used to snap-fit tray 216 to an existing wire shelf. As depicted in FIGS. 29A and 29B, snaps 220A and 220B can define a number of configurations that allow tray 216 to snap-fit to a shelf. The embodiments depicted in FIGS. 28-32 are low cost alternatives to the entire trackless pusher assembly, allowing placement of the trackless pusher system in existing shelving systems such as wire shelving systems. It should be understood that with this embodiment, any pusher mechanism described herein can be used.

[236] As depicted in FIGS. 33 and 44, in another exemplary embodiment, the display management system includes one or more pusher mechanisms 286, one or more partitions 266, one Or more trays 306 and one or more retainers 250. The pusher mechanisms 286 may be formed of a pusher paddle 287 and a pusher floor 288. The product is placed on the pusher floor 288 and is guided through the partitions 266 and pusher paddle 287 to the front of the display management system. The coiled spring 30 biases the pusher mechanism 286 towards the retainer 250 so that the product moves to the front of the system.

[237] In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 33, the coiled spring 30 may be mounted to the retainer 250. Alternatively, the coiled spring 30 can be mounted to the partition 266 (also shown in FIGS. 48 and 49). The coiled spring 30 may be mounted directly to the retainer 250 as depicted in FIG. 33, or may be mounted to the retainer 250 via a separate adapter 252 as depicted in FIG.

[238] As depicted in FIG. 35, the adapter 252 has a wall 254 closest to the first end 256. The first end 256 has a curved portion 262 that curves upward. A curved slot 260 may be provided in the middle portion of the adapter 252, which is adapted to accommodate a correspondingly shaped spring end (not shown).

[239] At one end, the coiled spring 30 may be fixed to the middle portion of the adapter 252. In one exemplary embodiment, the curved slot 260 corresponds to the shape and size of the first spring end. Additionally, the first spring end of the coiled spring 30 can be crimped or bent to provide additional fastening. Nevertheless, any sufficient fastening method can be used to secure the first spring end of the coiled spring 30 to the adapter 252.

[240] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, retainer 250 has a curved slot 284 corresponding in shape and size to curved portion 262 of adapter 252. Curved slot 284 extends the length of the retainer to allow unrestricted positioning of adapter 252 along the length of retainer 250.

[241] To secure the first spring end of the coiled spring 30 to the retainer 250, the curved portion 262 of the adapter 252 is disposed within the curved slot 284 of the retainer 250. The curved slot 284 secures the adapter 252 and the first spring end of the coiled spring 30 to the retainer 250 and provides quick and easy assembly of the display system. Wall 254 provides additional stability of the connection between retainer 250 and adapter 252. However, other methods can be used to secure the first spring end of the adapter 252 and/or coiled spring 30 to the retainer 250.

[242] Alternatively, as depicted in FIGS. 33 and 44, the coiled spring 30 of the pusher paddle 287 can be mounted directly to the front of the tray 306. A curved portion is provided at the first spring end 290 of the coiled spring 30. The curved portion is bent downward from the pusher floor 288 and adapted to be accommodated in the recess 316 defined by the retainer 250 and the lip 318 of the front surface of the distribution tray 306 (FIG. 33). The vertically oriented surface of lip 318 and retainer 250 are spaced such that a gap is formed between the front edge of lip 250 and the vertically oriented surface. To secure the coiled spring 30 and pusher 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. It is disposed in the recess 316 formed by the retainer 250 and the lip 318 of the distribution tray 306.

[243] In another exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 38, 39, 48 and 49, the coiled spring 30 may be mounted directly to the partition 266. Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the coiled spring 30 may be mounted vertically to the pusher floor 288 such that the axis around which the coil spring 30 is wound is perpendicular to the pusher floor 288. . This orientation has the benefit of preventing the pusher paddle from tilting backwards. The first spring end 290 may be provided with an angled portion 292 and a tip portion 296. In one exemplary embodiment, the angled portion 292 can be bent perpendicular to the coiled spring body 294. The partition can be provided with a slot 298 adapted to receive the tip portion 296 of the first spring end 290.

[244] To secure the coiled spring to the partition, the tip portion 296 is inserted into the slot 298. When the tip 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 partition 266.

[245] As depicted in FIG. 33, various pusher instrument designs can be implemented. The pusher paddle 287 can be formed flat to accommodate a correspondingly shaped product. Alternatively, the pusher paddle 286 can have a curved first end and a flat second end. This serves to accommodate various cylindrical products with diameters of various different sizes and to facilitate the operation of the pusher mechanism 286. During operation, the product of the pusher mechanism 286 and the curved first end together force the pusher mechanism against the divider 266, such that the coil spring 30 is under tension or during operation, the first spring end 290 It remains flat with respect to the partition 266 that holds. This allows smoother operation of the pusher mechanism and ensures that the product is properly dispensed as users remove the product from the system.

[246] In another exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 40-41D, the distance between the partitions 266 can be adjusted to accommodate containers of different sizes. Partitions 266 may be provided with connecting portions 272. The connecting portions 272 may be provided with a first elongated angled surface 268 and a second elongated angled surface 270. Additionally, the connecting portions 272 may be provided with a plurality of protrusions 274. As depicted in FIG. 41B, the rails can be formed of teeth 278 with face surfaces 280 and flank surfaces 282.

[247] When assembled as depicted in FIG. 41C, the connecting portions 272 are received between the teeth 278 of the rails. Additionally, the elongated angled surfaces 268 and 270 and protrusions 274 are wedged between the teeth 278. Also, as shown in FIG. 41C, the elongated angled surfaces 268 and 270 engage the face surfaces 280, and the protrusions 274 engage the lower surfaces of the teeth 278. . The flank surfaces 282 abut the connecting portion 272.

[248] In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 42, the trays 306 are provided with dovetail connections. The first side 308 of the trays 306 is provided with tongues 312 adapted to fit within the grooves 314 located on the second side 310 of the trays 306. To connect the trays, the grooves 314 are aligned with the tongues 312 so that the tongues 312 are securely fixed within the grooves 314.

[249] In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 43, trays 306 are configured to receive retainer 250 at the front end. The retainer can be provided with rectangular holes 300, and the retainer is provided with correspondingly shaped and sized protrusions 302. To secure retainer 250 to tray 306, protrusions 302 fit into holes 300 to lock retainer in place on tray 306.

[250] As depicted in FIGS. 45-47, after the product management display system is assembled, the product is loaded into the system. By adjusting the partitions 266, products of a wide variety of sizes and shapes can be loaded into the system. 46 and 47, the coil spring 30 together with the pusher paddle 287 pushes the product towards the retainer 250. When the user takes the product out of the system, pusher paddle 287 pushes the rest of the product so that the product slides along retainer 250 along floor 264. This ensures that all products are kept in front of the display system.

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

[252] Each of the trays 402 and 404 is arranged to receive a product to be dispensed. The first tray 402 and the second tray 404 may be provided with a clear retainer 410, a pusher mechanism 412, first and second guide walls, and a coil spring 414, respectively. .

[253] The pusher mechanism 414 is arranged in a manner similar to the embodiments discussed above, causing the product to slide along the surface of the trays 402, 404 while the product is being removed. Additionally, any of the alternative arrangements of the pusher mechanism discussed above can be implemented with a stackable tray arrangement.

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

[255] To assemble the stackable product management display system, detents 416 located on the first and second spacers 406, 408 are provided with first and second trays 402, in a locking arrangement. 404) are disposed in correspondingly shaped sockets 418 on the outer surfaces. This provides a stackable arrangement that can be implemented with any of the embodiments discussed above.

[256] In another exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 53-57, the pusher paddle 500 can be mounted directly to the shelf 508 and held on the shelf by the end of the coiled spring 504. . The pusher paddle 500 will slide along and over the surface of the shelf. One or more partitions 502 defining a T-shaped configuration may be positioned next to the pusher paddle 500. In an alternative aspect, the base of the partition 502 can be positioned on a shelf such that the base is positioned under the pusher paddle 500. With this configuration, the pusher paddle 500 can slide along the base of the partition. When the partitions 502 are positioned far enough from the paddle 500, the paddle 500 will slide directly on the surface of the shelf 508. Partitions 502 can define a number of configurations, including those described herein, using any known technique, including push pins, rivets, fasteners, adhesives, and the like. It can be fixed to the shelf.

[257] In one aspect, the end 510 of the coiled spring 504 is positioned within a hole or aperture 506 located on the shelf 508. The end 510 can define a spring tip that can further define any suitable configuration that allows the spring end to pass through the hole 506 and remain fixed to the hole. For example, the spring tip of the end 510 can define a hook-shaped configuration that allows the end 510 to wrap around the edges of the hole 506. Alternatively, the spring tip can define one or more catches that hook to the edges of the hole 506. Other spring tip configurations are possible.

54, fasteners 512, pins, rivets, and the like can be used to further secure the spring 504 to the shelf 508. This fastener 512 is a second spaced anchoring point for the spring that will maintain the spring in the desired alignment during full operation of the spring 504 as the paddle 500 moves back and forth over the shelf 508. point). It will be appreciated that depending on the shelf type and the number and spacing of existing holes on the shelf, much more anchoring points are possible.

[259] Referring to Figures 55-57, an exemplary mounting technique for mounting the spring 504 of the paddle 500 to a shelf is depicted. As shown in FIG. 55, the end 510 of the spring 504 is inserted into the hole 506 on the shelf. End 510 can define a spring tip as described herein to retain end 510 at the edges of hole 506. As shown in Figure 56, in this embodiment the spring 504 comprising rivets or studs 514 allows the rivets or studs 514 to fit into other holes 506 located on the shelf. It descends onto the shelf. This rivet or stud provides another anchoring point for the spring. 56 and 57, the spring 504 can define an aperture 516 for receiving another rivet or stud 518 to further secure the spring 504 to the shelf. have. With these multiple anchoring points, the spring 504 will be secured to the shelf, and accordingly the paddle will be secured to the shelf. Also, with these multiple anchoring points, the spring will retain the desired alignment during full operation of the spring as the paddle moves back and forth on the shelf. It should be understood that it is possible for other anchoring techniques to secure the end of the spring 504 to the shelf, including any of the techniques described herein, or any combination of the techniques described herein. It should be appreciated that if the lathe does not need to have existing holes that can be used to anchor the spring 504, one or more holes can be drilled into the lathe at desired locations.

[260] With the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 53-57, it can be appreciated that trackless pusher paddles can be retrofitted directly onto existing store shelves with more minimal effort or extra mounting pieces. Additionally, this embodiment is easily removable to allow repositioning of the pusher paddle at any location on the shelf to accommodate products of any size and type on the shelf. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that any of the pusher paddles described herein can be mounted directly to a shelf using techniques described herein, or by using any combination of techniques described herein.

[261] In an alternative embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 58, the display management system comprises one or more pushers 520, one or more partitions 550, and a front rail 580. It is composed. The partition 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 illustrated in FIG. 59. The pusher face 522 can be divided into a non-adjustable portion 526 and a pusher extender 528. Both non-adjustable portion 526 and pusher extender 528 can define a surface that can be used to contact the product on the shelf. Both non-adjustable portion 526 and pusher extender 528 can define similar heights and depths. The pusher extender 528 can adjust from a position adjacent to and non-flush with the non-adjustable portion 526 as shown in FIG. 59. The pusher extender 528 can be directed downward toward the pusher floor 524 as in FIG. 60. The pusher extender 528 includes a position parallel to the pusher floor 524 and a position directed away from the pusher floor 524 and a position directed downward to the pusher floor 524, shown in FIG. 60 It can be adjusted to various positions as described. In this way, the width or height of the pusher 520 can be effectively extended for wider or larger products.

The pusher extender 528 may rotate about an axis on the upper portion of the pusher 520. Notched wheel 532 (see FIG. 77) may be located behind pusher extender 528. The pusher extender 528 includes projections that fit within the notches of the notched wheel 532 (see, eg, projections 530 of FIG. 77). When the pusher extender 528 rotates about the axis, the protrusion rotates into various spaces within the notches of the notched wheel 532, similar to pawl and ratchet mechanisms. Each notch represents a separate position relative to the pusher extender 528. In each separate position, the pusher extender 528 can remain stationary, requiring force to move the pusher extender 528 to a different position. In example aspects of one embodiment, the pusher extender rotates from a first position adjacent the non-adjustable portion 526 to one of a number of second positions that can be positioned within a range of approximately 180 degrees relative to the first position. You can. The angle of adjustment can vary depending on the number, size and spacing of the notches on the notched wheel. The pusher extender can define a lighter aperture through the wall of the pusher extender to reduce the weight of the pusher extender and reduce the moment created around the axis of the pusher extender. The pusher extender can define a smooth or textured pusher face.

Referring again to FIG. 59, a biasing element, such as a coiled spring 534, may be maintained at the rear portion of the pusher 520. In one embodiment, the coiled spring 534 can be positioned adjacent the non-adjustable portion 526 of the pusher face 522. The coiled spring 534 can extend across the pusher floor 524 as shown in FIG. 59. In one embodiment, pusher floor 524 may include a channel 536 upon which coiled spring 534 is placed. Channel 536 allows the product to be placed on the pusher floor 524 in limited contact with the spring. The weight of the product is placed on the pusher floor 524 in this embodiment. Pusher floor 524 may also include a channelless surface.

In one example, the partition 550 may be composed of a partition wall 552, a floor 554, and a barrier 556, as illustrated in FIG. 59. In one example, the partition 550 may not include a barrier. In one example, the partition 550 may not include a floor. The partition wall 552 can divide the partition floor 554 into two parts 559 and 551 (see FIG. 78), one part on each side of the partition wall 552. The partition wall 552 may also have a partition floor 554 on only one side of the partition wall 552. As illustrated in FIG. 77, the partition wall 552 can extend vertically from the partition floor 554. The partition floor 554 may be a flat surface. In one embodiment, partition floor 554 may include a channel within a portion of partition floor 554. The coiled spring 534 can extend across the partition floor 554. In one embodiment, the coiled spring 534 may extend across the partition floor 554 within the channel of the partition floor 554. In this embodiment, the product will not rest on the coiled spring 534 but instead will rest on portions of the partition floor 554 adjacent to the channel of the partition floor 554. In other embodiments, the partition floor 554 does not include channels. In one example, a single pusher 520 can be located on a portion of the partition floor 554 and a second pusher (see FIG. 84F) can be located on a second portion of the partition floor 554. Accordingly, one partition 550 may include two pushers 520, one on each side of the partition wall 552.

[265] The barrier 556 may be configured to constrain the product pushed by the pusher 520 and the biasing elements included therein. The barrier 556 may be located in front of the partition wall 552 as illustrated in FIG. 59. The barrier 556 can also be located on the back of the partition wall to prevent overstocking of the product on the shelf. 59 and 77, the partition wall 552 can divide the barrier 556 into two parts. Barrier 556 may be perpendicular to the front end of partition wall 552. In one embodiment, barrier 556, partition wall 552, and partition floor 554 are single integrated devices. These three elements can also be integrated with each other. In one example, the barrier is separated from the partition. In one example, the barrier is or is not integrated with the partition. In another example, the barrier is configured to engage a partition. In one example, the partition wall and partition floor are separate devices from each other and do not integrate with each other or are part of a single integrated device. In one example, the partition wall and partition floor are configured to engage with each other. In further examples, the barrier can be connected to the front rail 580 or can include a portion of the front rail 580.

[266] As illustrated in FIG. 61, the end 557 of the coiled spring 534 can be positioned within the barrier 556. The end 557 of the spring can be folded at any angle to the rest of the spring. This angle can be 90 degrees or any other suitable angle that can be less than or greater than 90 degrees. The end 557 of the coiled spring can then be placed in a slot 558 in the barrier 556. If in slot 558, the end 557 of the spring will remain in place and will help bias pusher 520 towards barrier 556. The end 557 of the coiled spring 534 can include a plurality of portions, each of the plurality of portions placing a subsequent portion of the end of the coiled spring at an angle relative to the previous portion of the coiled spring It has bends (not shown). The plurality of bends may engage a plurality of slots or apertures in the barrier 556 or other connection points on the partition 550 or front rail 580. The plurality of slots or apertures may conform to the shape of the plurality of bends at the end 557 of the coiled spring 534. The coiled spring 534 may include a catch (not shown) at one end. The catch of the coiled spring 534 can be configured to prevent the coiled spring 534 from disengaging the pusher 520, such as when the coiled spring 534 is extended.

[267] The pusher 520 may be connected to the partition 550 only by the coiled spring 534. The pusher 520 can be placed on top of the partition floor 554 and can slide across the partition floor. 59, the pusher 520 may be configured to completely rest on the partition floor 554 rather than proceeding under the partition floor 554, as shown in FIG. 59. In this embodiment, the pusher 520 can be picked up off the partition floor 554 as shown in FIG. 62. The gravity and weight of the product placed on the pusher floor 524 retains the pusher 520 on the partition floor 554. The product placed on the coiled spring 534 also holds the pusher 520 on the partition floor 554. The only integrated connection between the pusher and the partition can be the end of the coiled spring 557 held within the slot 558 of the barrier 556. The partition wall 552 can be used to guide the pusher 520 as the pusher 520 moves back and forth (and vice versa) on the partition floor 554.

The partition 550 may define a groove 560 or other recess in the lower portion of the partition. This groove 560 or other recess may be an inverted “u” shape as shown in FIG. 61 or may take a different shape. The groove 560 or other recess may extend across the entire width of the bottom portion of the partition 550. In one example, the groove 560, or other recess, may extend along only a portion of the width of the bottom portion of the partition. The groove 560 or other recess may be used to engage the front rail, the front wall of the tray, or other structure. As used herein, the term recess can mean a groove, slot, channel, indentation, depression, or other recess that extends inward.

[269] The partition 550 may also define a plurality of teeth 562 or other protrusions. Tooth portions 562 or other protrusions may be located in the front portion of the barrier 556. As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 63, teeth 562 may define a series of outwardly extending angled surfaces that meet or engage at an apex. As used herein, the term teeth can be keratinous or non-keratinous, can be met or joined at apex, or any uniform, non-uniform, continuous, discontinuous, evenly spaced apart Or, it may mean unevenly spaced outwardly extending surfaces. Additionally, the teeth can define ends that are pointed, blunt, rounded, flat, polygonal, or any other suitable shape. Further, 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 the extension from the front portion of the barrier 556. The partition 550 can also define an elastic tongue or tab 564. The teeth 562 or other protrusions may be located on the elastic tab 564. When a force is applied to the elastic tab 564, the teeth 562 or other protrusion can move in the direction of the force. When the force is removed, the teeth or other protrusions will move back to their original position. As used herein, the term projection is a protrusion, elastic tab, tongue, bump, teeth or multiple teeth, ridge, knob or outward It can mean another protrusion extending. The plurality of teeth may include a plurality of protrusions on which the teeth extend outward, and may include a plurality of recesses extending inward between portions of the plurality of teeth extending outward.

[270] Front rail 580 is planar surface 582, ridge or tongue 584 or other protrusion or engagement member, channel or groove 586 or other recess or engagement member and a plurality of teeth 588 Alternatively, other engagement members can be defined. The ridge or tongue 584 or other protrusion or engagement member of the front rail 580 may be configured to engage a groove 560 or other recess or engagement member of the partition. The ridge 584 or other protrusion or other engagement member can fit within the groove 560 or other recess or engagement member and the partition 550 is in a direction perpendicular to the ridge 584 or the front rail 580 or It can be prevented from moving at any angle (ie, out of vertical) relative to the ridge 584 or the front rail 580. The teeth 588 of the front rail 580 or other engagement member may be spaced apart. The teeth 588 or other engaging member of the front rail prevents the partitions from moving in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580, the teeth 562 of the partition 550 (the teeth 562 ) Is illustrated in FIG. 63) or other engagement member. The teeth 588 or other engaging member of the front rail 580 is engaged with the teeth 562 or other engaging member of the partition 550 and the partition 550 is shown by arrow “A” in FIG. 65. Prevent movement in the direction. As used herein, the term engagement member may refer to a protrusion, recess, planar surface, planar surface, or other item of structure that may be engaged with other items of the structure. The front rail can be a separate structure attached to or coupled to the shelf. Alternatively, the front rail can be part of a tray defining one or more of the front, rear and opposing side walls. In this configuration, the front rail as described herein can be formed as part of the front or rear wall of the tray and still achieve the objects of the present invention. That is, the front rail can be formed as part of the tray walls (or attached to the tray walls) and can be received and engaged with the partitions and pusher mechanisms using any of the various techniques described herein. The front rail also need not be located on the complete front of the shelf. The front rail can be positioned near the front of the shelf or at a position spaced rearward from the front of the shelf. In one example, the front rail can be located off the front of the merchandise display system, at the back of the shelf, or near the back. The front of the shelf may not include rails in one example.

[271] When the elastic tab 564 of the partition 550 is pressed or a force is applied on the elastic tab in a direction away from the teeth 588 of the front rail 580, the teeth 562 of the partition are the front rail It can be disengaged from the teeth 588. When the teeth 588 on the front rail on the partition 550 and the teeth 562 on the elastic tab 564 are disengaged, the partition 550 is laterally directed to the teeth 588 of the front rail 580. (Ie, the direction shown by arrow “A” in FIG. 65). Through the use of this elastic tab 564, the products included on the product system 10 can be replanned. When the partition 550 is moved laterally, the partition need not be rotated. Instead, the partition 550 is held in a plane parallel to the planar surface 582 of the front rail 580. In addition, the partition 550 need not be lifted. The partition 550 can be simply moved in the direction indicated by the arrow “A” in FIG. 65.

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

[273] In one example, the cam 720 includes a handle to rotate the cam 720 between the first position and the second position. In another example, cam 720 may include a handle that allows cam 720 to slide between the first and second positions (not shown). The cam 720 can also include one or more cam walls configured to engage one or more groove walls of 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 the 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 can also include a pusher surface, a pusher floor extending forward from the pusher surface, and a pusher mechanism having a coiled end and a coiled spring with a free end. The coiled end of the spring can be positioned behind the pusher surface and the pusher mechanism can be attached to the product display system only by the coiled spring. The barrier can be configured to receive the free end of the coiled spring. The front rail can define a front rail groove and the partition can define a divider ridge configured to engage the front rail groove.

[274] In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail 580 and a plurality of partitions 550 attached to the front rail 580 and configured to separate the products into rows. Each of the plurality of partitions 550 is a partition wall 552 extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, a partition floor 554 perpendicular to the partition wall 552, and the partition floor 554 retains the product. And a cam 720 coupled to the partition 550, the cam 720 is configured to move between the first position and the second position. Each of the plurality of partitions 550, when each of the plurality of partitions 550 is engaged with the front rail 580 and the cam 720 for each of the plurality of partitions 550 is in the first position, (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580. Moreover, each of the plurality of partitions 550, each of the plurality of partitions 550 engages the front rail 580 and the cam 720 for each of the plurality of partitions 550 is in the second position. At this time, (a) is fixed in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) fixed in the direction perpendicular to the front rail 580.

[275] In one example, each of the plurality of partitions 550 is configured to move in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the product is positioned on the partition floor 554. The force on the outermost partition of the plurality of partitions 550 is when the cams 720 for each of the plurality of partitions 550 are in the first position, each of the plurality of partitions 550 is the front rail 580 ), where the force is parallel to the front rail 580 and perpendicular to the partition wall 552 of the outermost partition.

[276] In one example, the product display system includes a front rail 580 and at least one partition 550 configured to attach to the front rail 580, the at least one partition 550 being a barrier, the front rail It includes a partition wall 552 extending in a vertical direction, a partition floor 554 perpendicular to the partition wall 552, wherein the partition wall 552 includes the partition floor 554 in a first part and a second part. Separated and each of the first part and the second part is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system is further coupled to a first pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least a portion of the first portion, a second pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least a portion of the second portion, and at least one partition 550. It includes a cam 720, the cam 720 is configured to move between the first position and the second position. The at least one partition 550 is movable in the lateral direction along and parallel to the front rail 580 when the cam 720 is in the first position, and the at least one partition 550 has a cam When in the second position, it prevents movement in the lateral direction along and parallel to the front rail 580.

[277] In one example, each of the first and second pusher mechanisms of the product display system includes a pusher surface, a pusher floor extending forward from the pusher surface, and a coiled spring having a coiled end and a free end, Here, the coiled end is positioned behind the pusher surface. The first and second pusher mechanisms are attached to the product display system only by coiled springs. The at least one partition can define a partition engaging member, the at least one front rail can define a front rail engaging member, and the partition engaging member can be configured to engage a front rail engaging member. The partitioning engagement member may define partition teeth on at least one surface of the partition engagement member and the front rail engagement member may define front rail teeth on at least one surface of the front rail engagement member. The partition teeth can be configured to engage the front rail teeth.

[278] In one example, the product display system includes a front rail 580 and at least one partition 550 configured to be attached to the front rail 580, and the at least one partition 550 is a front rail 580 A barrier configured to engage with, includes a partition wall 552 extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, a partition floor 554 perpendicular to the partition wall 552, and the partition floor 554 retains the product It is configured to. The display system can also include an elastic tab coupled to the partition 550, the elastic tab being configured to move between the first position and the second position. The at least one partition 550 is fixed in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the elastic tab is in the first position. The at least one partition 550 is movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the elastic tab is in the second position.

[279] In one example, the partition 550 includes a plurality of teeth configured to engage the front rail 580. The partition teeth can be configured to engage corresponding teeth on the front rail 580. The partition teeth of the merchandise display system can be configured to engage an elastic surface on the front rail 580.

[280] In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail 580, wherein the front rail 580 includes at least one first protrusion and at least one first recess, and attached to the front rail 580 It comprises at least one partition 550 configured, at least one partition 550 includes a partition wall 552 and a partition floor 554 perpendicular to the partition wall 552, at least one partition 550 Further includes at least one second recess and at least one second protrusion, and the at least one second protrusion of the partition 550 is configured to move between the first position and the second position. At least one partition 550 includes: at least one first projection of the front rail 580 engages at least one second recess of the partition 550 and at least one second projection of the partition 550 When in the 1 position, (a) is movable in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) fixed in the direction perpendicular to the front rail 580. At least one partition 550, at least one first projection of the front rail is engaged with at least one second recess of the partition 550, and at least one second projection of the partition 550 is in the second position When present, (a) stops movement in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) adheres in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580.

In one example, at least one second protrusion of the partition 550 may include a cam 720. At least one first recess of the front rail 580 may include a groove. At least one second protrusion of the partition 550 may include an elastic tab. At least one first protrusion of the front rail 580 may include a tongue. At least one first protrusion of the front rail 580 may include a plurality of teeth. At least one second protrusion of the partition 550 may include a tongue. At least one second protrusion of the partition 550 may include a plurality of teeth. The merchandise display system may also include a plurality of teeth on at least one first protrusion of the front rail 580 and a plurality of teeth on at least one second recess of the partition 550.

[282] In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail 580, the front rail 580 includes at least one first protrusion and at least one second protrusion, and at least one of the front rail 580 One second protrusion is configured to move between the first position and the second position. The merchandise display system also includes at least one partition 550 configured to attach to the front rail 580, the at least one partition 550 being a partition wall perpendicular to the partition wall 552 and the partition wall 552 554, and the at least one partition 550 further includes at least one recess. At least one partition 550, the at least one first projection of the front rail 580 is engaged with at least one recess of the partition 550, the at least one second projection of the front rail 580 is the first When in position, (a) is movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580. At least one partition 550, the at least one first projection of the front rail 580 is engaged with at least one recess of the partition 550, the at least one second projection of the front rail 580 is the second When in position, (a) is fixed in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580.

[283] In one example, at least one first protrusion of the front rail 580 may include a tongue and at least one recess of the partition 550 may include a groove.

[284] In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail 580, and the front rail 580 includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The merchandise display system also includes at least one partition 550 configured to attach to the front rail 580, the at least one partition 550 being a partition wall perpendicular to the partition wall 552 and the partition wall 552 554, the at least one partition 550 further includes a recess and a third projection. At least one of the second protrusion or the third protrusion is a movable protrusion that is movable between the first position and the second position. At least one partition 550, when the first projection of the front rail 580 is engaged with the recess of the partition 550 and the movable projection is in the first position, (a) parallel to the front rail 580 It is movable in one direction and is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 (b). At least one of the partitions 550, when the first projection of the front rail 580 engages the recess of the partition 550 and the movable projection is in the second position, (a) parallel to the front rail 580 It is fixed in one direction and (b) fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580.

[285] In one example, the movable projection of the product display system may be a cam 720 or an elastic tab. The first protrusion of the front rail 580 may be a tongue, and the recess of the partition 550 may be a groove.

[286] In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail 580, and the front rail 580 includes at least a first engagement member. The merchandise display system also includes at least one partition 550 configured to attach to the front rail 580, the at least one partition 550 comprising a partition wall 552 and a partition floor 554 perpendicular to the partition wall Including, at least one partition 550 further includes at least a second engagement member. The merchandise display system also includes a third engagement member configured to move between the first position and the second position. At least one partition 550, when the first engaging member of the front rail 580 is engaged with the second engaging member of the partition 550 and the third engaging member is in the first position, (a) the front rail ( 580) and is movable in a lateral direction (b) and is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580. At least one partition 550, (a) when the first engaging member of the front rail 580 is engaged with the second engaging member of the partition 550 and the third engaging member is in the second position, (a) to the front rail It is fixed in a parallel lateral direction and is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 (b). In one example, when the first engaging member of the front rail 580 is engaged with the second engaging member of the partition 550 and the third engaging member is in the first position, the at least one partition 550 is the front rail ( Is movable in the plane of the shelf (same as shelf 596 shown in FIGS. 70 and 71) only in a lateral direction parallel to 580); At least one partition 550 is secured in the plane of the shelf in all directions other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580; The at least one partition 550 cannot twist, splay, or fish tail in the plane of the shelf; At least one partition 550 is maintained perpendicular to the front rail 580.

[287] In one example, the third engagement member may be a part of the front rail 580 or a part of the partition 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 also includes a pusher mechanism 520 having a pusher surface 528, a pusher floor 524 extending forward from the pusher surface 528, and a coiled spring 534 having a coiled end and a free end. It may include. The coiled end can be positioned behind the pusher surface 528 and the pusher mechanism 520 is attached to the product display system only by the coiled spring 534. The merchandise display system can also include a barrier configured to receive the free end of the coiled spring 534.

[288] In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail 580 and at least one partition 550 configured to engage the front rail 580, and the at least one partition 550 includes a barrier 556. Including, the at least one partition further comprises a partition wall 554, and the at least one partition further comprises a partition floor 552 perpendicular to the partition wall 554, where the partition floor 552 is a product It is configured to maintain. The merchandise display system also includes a cam 720 coupled to the partition 550, wherein the cam 720 is configured to move between the first position and the second position. The at least one partition 550 may be fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the at least one partition 550 is engaged with the front rail 580. The cam 720 may prevent the movement of the at least one partition 550 in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the cam 720 is in the first position. The cam 720 may allow movement of the partition 550 in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the cam 720 is in the second position. The merchandise display system can include a handle to rotate the cam 720 between the first position and the second position. The merchandise display system can include a handle (not shown) to slide the cam 720 between the first position and the second position.

[289] Figures 67A-67C show an example of a step-by-step approach to the placement of partitions on the front rail. To begin, as illustrated in FIG. 67A, partition 550 is lowered into channel 586 defined by front rail 580. The force for lowering the partition 550 into the channel 586 causes the teeth 562 on the partition 550 to contact the upper portion of the front rail 580, as illustrated in FIG. 67B, and toward the partition 550 side. In the direction and away from the front rail 580. The teeth 562 on the partition 550 may be ramped teeth as shown in FIG. 63. The front rail 580 includes recesses 589 shaped to engage teeth 562 on the partition 550, as illustrated in FIG. 64. These recesses 589 are spaced by teeth 588 provided on the front rail 580. When the partition 550 is further lowered into the channel 586 on the front rail 580 as illustrated in FIG. 67C, the teeth 564 of the partition 550 move past the top of the front rail 580 And move into the recesses 589 of the front rail 580. When the teeth 564 on the partition 550 are in the recesses 589 of the front rail 580, the partition 550 is in the engaged position and under the normal amount of force, laterally Will not move.

[290] In one example, FIGS. 68A-68C show a step-by-step approach to the arrangement of partitions in the front rail in another embodiment. In the initial stage, as illustrated in FIG. 68A, the elastic tongue or tab 564 is manually pushed back, causing the teeth 562 on the tab 564 to move back toward the partition 550. . The axle style pivot allows the elastic tongue or tab 564 to be maintained in the push back position and the teeth 562 to be in position towards the partition 550. The partition 550 is then placed in contact with the front rail 580, as illustrated in FIG. 68B. The groove 560 of the partition 550 engages the ridge or tongue 584 of the front rail 580. At this point, the partition 550 can be moved laterally along the front rail and allow ease of replanogramming. However, the partition 550 is fixed in the direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 (ie, parallel to the partition 550) and the grooves 560 of the partition 550 and the ridges or installation of the front rail 580. Between the molds 584, it cannot be moved in this direction, except for a small amount of play, which is insignificantly small (the direction perpendicular to the front rail is indicated by arrow "B" in Fig. 86H). This insignificantly small amount of play may not be noticeable to users of the system. As illustrated in FIG. 68B, while the partition 550 contacts the front rail 580 and the groove 560 of the partition 550 engages the ridge or tongue 584 of the front rail 580, the partition 550 moves in the plane of the shelf (this shelf is indicated as 596 in FIGS. 70 and 71) only in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 (ie, the direction indicated by arrow “A” in FIG. 65). You can. The partition is fixed and non-movable in the plane of the shelf under normal operating forces in all directions other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580. The partition cannot be twisted, splayed, or fish tailed or otherwise moved in the plane of the shelf in a direction other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580. However, the partition 550 can move in a direction out of the shelf of the shelf, such as the direction indicated by arrow "C" in FIG. 87B. The partition 550 with or without products on the partition floor 554 may slide in the direction previously indicated by arrow “A” in FIG. 65 without requiring that the partition 550 be lifted. In the final step, as illustrated in FIG. 68C, the elastic tongue or tab 564 is manually pulled away from the partition 550 forward. This movement causes the teeth 562 on the front partition 550 to fit within the recesses 589 of the front rail 580. The recesses 589 of the front rail 580 are spaced apart by the teeth 588 in the front rail. When the teeth 562 of the partition 550 contact the teeth 588 and the recesses 589 of the front rail 580, the partition 550 engages and moves laterally, under a normal amount of force. Can't.

[291] In another example, the elastic tongue or tab does not include an axle style pivot that allows the elastic tongue or tab 564 to remain in the pushed back position. Instead, when the force for manually pushing the elastic tongue or tab 564 backward is removed, the tongue or tab 564 automatically returns to its resting position and the front rail 580 ), the elastic tongue or tab 564 is biased towards the front rail 580 and away from the partition 550.

In one example, the partition 550 is disposed in contact with the front rail 580. The engaging member of the front rail 580 is engaged with the engaging member of the partition 550, which secures the partition in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 (direction indicated by arrow "B" in Fig. 86H), and the user In addition to an insignificantly small amount of play or space between the engaging members, which may not be noticeable to the user, the partition 550 is unable to move in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580. The partition 550 is also fixed in the plane of the shelf in all directions other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580 (direction indicated by arrow “A” in FIG. 65 ). The partition 550 can move in the plane of the shelf only in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. The partition 550 is fixed to the plane of the shelf in directions other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580 under normal operating forces and conditions. However, the partition may be movable in a direction outside of the shelf, such as the direction indicated by arrow "C" in FIG. 87B. When the partition is “sticked” in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, it may, under normal operating forces and conditions, in addition to an insignificantly small amount of play or space between the engaging members that may not be noticeable to the user, It means that the partition 550 cannot move in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580. The direction perpendicular to the front rail is indicated by arrow "B" in Fig. 86H. The second engaging member of the front rail 580 or the partition 550 is in the first position, and the partition is laterally moved parallel to the front rail. Then, the second engagement member is moved to the second position, by the lateral direction (arrow “A” in FIG. 65) parallel to the front rail 580, where the partition 550 is under normal operating conditions and forces. Direction). When the partition 550 is "fixed" in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580, the partition 550 will not move in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 under normal operating conditions and forces. .

[293] In one example, while the plurality of partitions 550 are fixed and maintained on the front rail 580 in a direction perpendicular to the front rail (direction indicated by arrow "B" in FIG. 86H), the front rail It can be moved as a group parallel to 580. Each of the plurality of partitions 550 may be disposed to contact the front rail 580. The engaging member or the plurality of engaging members of the front rail 580 is engaged with the engaging member for each of the plurality of partitions 550, which is in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 (arrow “B” in FIG. 86H). Each of the plurality of partitions 550 in addition to an insignificantly small amount of play or space between the engaging members, which may not be noticeable to the user, in the direction indicated by). 580). The second engaging member (or a plurality of second engaging members) of each of the front rail 580 or the partitions 550 is in a first position, such that the plurality of partitions 550 are parallel to the front rail 580 It is allowed to move sideways. The plurality of partitions 550 may form rows between the partitions 550 configured to hold the product. The product may be disposed between two of the plurality of partitions 550 as shown in FIGS. 45 to 47. A force may be applied to the first partition in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. This force can move the first partition in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 and causes the partition 550 to contact the product adjacent to the first partition 550 (the product is a candle or cartons). ) And may take a different shape as shown in Figs. 45 to 47. Next, the partition 550 allows the product to move in the same direction as the first partition 550, that is, parallel to the front rail 580. The force can move the product to make contact with the second partition 550 adjacent to the product, and then the product is in the same direction as the first partition 550 and the product, i.e. the front rail 580 ) Can be forced to move the second divider 550. Next, the second divider allows the second product adjacent to the second divider 550 to move in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. The second product can force the third partition 550 adjacent to the second product to move in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. In this way, a series of partitions 550 and All of the products can be moved in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 with a single force acting on either the partitions 550 or the products in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. One of the partitions 550 or the second engagement member or members relative to the front rail 580 is moved to the second position (this is parallel to the front rail 580, where the partition 550 is under normal operating conditions and forces) When fixed in one direction), the partition 550 cannot move in a direction parallel to the front rail 580, and the partition 550 is parallel to other partitions 550 or products to the front rail 580. It will not force you to move in one direction.

[294] In one example, when the second engagement member is moved to the second position, the second engagement member inhibits the movement of the partition 550 in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580. Under a force less than or equal to a predefined amount of force, the second engagement member prevents the partition 550 from moving in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580. When an amount of force exceeding a predetermined amount of force is applied to the partition 550 in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580, the partition 550 moves in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580. Can.

[295] In one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 66, the thickness of the partition floor 554 is variable. The thickness of the front portion of the partition floor 554 adjacent the flat surface 582 of the front rail is less than the thickness of the rear portion of the back of the partition floor 554 not adjacent the flat surface 582 of the front rail. As shown in FIG. 67, the part of the partition floor 554A is thinner than the part of the partition floor 554B. In one example, the thickness of the front portion of the partition floor adjacent to the planar surface 582 of the front rail 580 is the thickness of the rear portion of the partition floor 554 that is not adjacent to the planar surface 582 of the front rail 580. At least 25% smaller than the thickness.

[296] One embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 69A and 69B includes rail mounting clips 590 for the front rail 580. As illustrated in FIG. 69B, front rail 580 includes aperture 592. This aperture 592 can be adjusted to be placed over the apertures 595 on the shelf 596 in a retail environment as shown in FIG. 70. The rail mounting clips 590 may be curved. The rail mounting clips 590 also include a narrow portion 594 at one end of the rail mounting clips 590. The rail mounting clips 590 are inserted into a wider rounded portion of the aperture 592 of the front rail 580 and into the apertures 595 on the shelf 596 in a retail environment as shown in FIG. 71. Can be. The rail mounting clips 590 can then be shifted laterally to a narrower portion in the aperture 592 of the front rail 580. By shifting the rail mounting clips 590, the wider and rounded portion of the rail mounting clips 590 will engage and lock in place on the narrower portion of the aperture 592 of the front rail. Thereby, the rail mounting clips 590 hold the front rail 580 in place and prevent the front rail 580 from moving in the lateral direction. If it is known before shipment that the store shelf will have holes, the rail mounting clips 590 can be inserted and locked to the front rail 580 prior to shipment. Inserting the rail mounting clips 590 prior to shipment can add to the ease of installation of the merchandise system in a shop environment.

[297] In at least one embodiment, the height of the partition wall 552 may be greater than the height of the barrier 556 as shown in FIGS. 72 and 73. 74 further displays the end 557 of the coiled spring 534 held within the barrier 556. The end 557 of the spring 534 is bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the rest of the spring body 534. End 557 is disposed in slot 558 maintained within barrier 556.

[298] In one embodiment, the partition 550 includes teeth 600 as illustrated in FIGS. 72 and 73. These teeth may be molded to be integrated with the partition 550. The teeth 600 are not held on an elastic tab or tongue, as in other embodiments. The teeth 600 are spaced apart from each other. The plurality of teeth 600 may be disposed on the partition 550 at the bottom of the front portion of the partition 550 and at the front of the barrier 556.

[299] As illustrated in FIG. 75, the front rail 610 may include a plurality of teeth 612. The teeth 612 of the front rail 610, as illustrated in FIG. 76, use the cam bar 622 of the front rail 610 and the camming action to use the partition 550 ) Can be designed to releasably engage the teeth 600. The front rail 610 also includes a substantially flat or planar surface 614 and a tongue or ridge 616 that is substantially perpendicular to the planar surface 614, as illustrated in FIG. 75. The front rail 610 further includes a cam bar lever 618 that moves the cam bar 622 within the front rail 610, as shown in FIGS. 76A and 76B. In FIG. 76A, the cam bar lever 618 is in a first position with teeth 612 of the front rail 610 retracted toward the front rail 610 away from the partition. In FIG. 76B, the cam bar lever 618 is in a second position where the teeth 612 of the front rail 610 extend toward the partition 550.

[300] Figure 77 shows an exploded view of several aspects of an embodiment. The front rail 610 is shown to include an extruded shell 620, a cam bar 622, and teeth bar 624. Tooth bar 624 includes a plurality of teeth 612. The extruded shell 620 includes a cam area 626 designed to receive a cam bar 622 and teeth bar 624. The cam bar 622 is located on the base of the front rail 610 adjacent to the extruded shell 620. The cam bar 622 contacts the cam bar lever 618. The cam bar lever 618 may operate to move the cam bar 622 back and forth in the lateral direction. The cam bar 622 further includes elongated cam reservoirs 628. The cam reservoirs 628 are diagonal to the front end of the cam reservoir 628 closer to the front end of the front rail 610 and the rear end of the reservoir 628 further rearward from the front end of the front rail 610. .

The tooth bar 624 may include cam studs 630. Tooth bar cam studs 630 are disposed within cam bar reservoirs 628 during operation of front rail 610. When the cam bar 622 and the cam bar reservoirs 628 move laterally, the tooth bar cam studs 630 move in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the cam bar 622. Tooth bar cam studs 630, when the cam bar 622 moves back and forth in the cam region 626 laterally, move toward the front side of the front rail 610 (and away from the teeth 600 of the partition). ) And move away from the front side of the front rail 610 (and toward the teeth 600 of the partition). When the tooth bar cam studs 630 move, the tooth bar 624 also moves. Thus, when the cam bar lever 618 is moved from the first position to the second position, it moves the cam bar 622 laterally along the inside of the front rail 610. This lateral movement of the cam bar 622 causes the teeth bar 624 and the teeth 612 thereon to move in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the cam bar 622; That is, the teeth bar 624 moves toward or away from the front side of the front rail 610 and toward or away from the teeth 600 on the partition 550. FIG. 78 shows a rear exploded view of some aspects of the embodiment shown in FIG. 77.

79A-79C show an example of a step-by-step guide for the placement of the partition 550 into the front rail 610. The partition 550 including the teeth 600 on the partition is lowered into the channel 640 of the front rail 610, as illustrated in FIG. 79A. Tooth bar 624 is initially in a position closer to the front of front rail 610 and teeth 612 of tooth bar 624 are not engaged with teeth 600 of partition 550 Does not. The cam bar lever 618 is in a first position that retains the teeth 612 of the teeth bar 624, as illustrated in FIG. 79B, out of engagement with the partition teeth 600. In this position, the partition 550 can be laterally moved along the ridge or tongue 616 of the front rail 610. The partition 550 may have a product that is placed on the partition floor 554 when the partition 550 is laterally moved along the front rail in the direction shown by arrow “A” in FIG. 77. The ridge 584 or other protrusion of the front rail 580 can engage a groove 560 or other recess in the partition 550 to secure the partition 550, and under normal operating conditions and forces, the ridge ( In addition to an insignificantly small amount of play between the groove 560 and the groove 560 (eg, less than 3 mm), it is possible to prevent the partition from moving in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580. Then, the cam bar lever 618 is moved from the first position to the second position. The movement of the cam bar lever 618 causes the cam bar 622 to move laterally within the extruded shell 620. Movement of the cam bar 622 includes movement of the diagonal cam bar reservoirs 628 in the lateral direction. In turn, the movement of the cam bar reservoirs 628, as illustrated in FIG. 79C, is such that the teeth bar cam studs 630 are perpendicular to the direction of the cam bar 622 and the teeth of the partition 550. Causes the movement in the direction of the buldle 600. Tooth bar cam studs 630 may be coupled to and integrated with tooth bar 624. Thus, the movement of the teeth bar cam studs 630 causes the teeth bar 624 and the teeth 612 included therein to move toward the teeth 600 of the partition. This movement causes the teeth 612 of the teeth bar 624 to engage the teeth 600 of the partition. When the teeth 612 of the teeth bar engage the teeth 600 of the partition, the partition 550 is releasably engaged, under normal operating forces and conditions, by arrow “A” in FIG. 77 It will not move in the lateral direction shown.

The toothed bar 624 is fixed so that, on its ends, the toothed bar 624 can only move towards or away from the teeth 600 of the partition. Tooth bar 624 cannot move in the lateral direction shown by arrow “A” in FIG. 77. The cam bar 622 operates in the opposite way. The cam bar 622 is fixed so that the cam bar 622 can only move in the lateral direction shown by arrow “A” in FIG. 77. The cam bar cannot move on the divider toward or away from the teeth 600.

[304] Figure 80 provides an isometric view of aspects of an embodiment. When the teeth 612 of the teeth bar 624 engage the teeth 600 of the partition, the entire merchandise system 10 is locked. The front rail 610 and the partition 550 are releasably engaged with each other and will not move relative to each other. In addition, pusher 520 engages partition 550. In this position, the entire merchandise system 10 can be moved. The merchandise system 10 can be set up at a remote location according to a particular planogram, and then locked. The merchandise system 10 can then be shipped to a storage location. In the storage location, the merchandise system 10 can be removed from the shipping container and placed on a shelf, such as a mat. While the merchandise system 10 is locked, the planning of the partitions 550 will remain intact.

[305] In one example, the display system is assembled at a remote location away from the shelf, and then moved to the shelf as a unit and secured to the shelf. The plurality of partitions 550 engage the front rail 580 in such a way that they are fixed and cannot move remarkably in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580. The plurality of partitions 550 are adjusted laterally parallel to the front rail 580 according to a pre-planned planogram or other arrangement. The plurality of partitions 550 include engagement members and the front rail 580 includes engagement members. The engaging members on the plurality of partitions 550 and/or the engaging members on the front rail 580 are such that the plurality of partitions 550 are such that the plurality of partitions cannot move in any direction with respect to the front rail 580. It is adjusted from the first position to the second position in order to secure the front rail 580. Then, the front rail 580 and the plurality of partitions 550 are moved to the shelf as a unit. Then, the front rail 580 is fixed to the shelf.

[306] To change the planogramming of the merchandise system at the storage location, the partitions 550 and the product need not be removed from the shelf. The cam bar lever 618 or other engagement member for each of the partitions 550 can be moved to its initial position. By moving the cam bar lever 618 or other engagement member to its initial position, the teeth 612 of the teeth bar 624 are released from the teeth 600 of the partition (or one engagement member is different Disengaged from the engaging member). In this position, the partitions 550 can be moved laterally in the direction indicated by arrow "A" in FIG. 80. The product may be in place on the partition floors 554 and pusher floors 524 while the partitions 550 are being moved. If the partitions 550 have been moved to a new planogram position, the cam bar lever 618 or other engagement member for each of the partitions 550 may be moved to its second position. Then, the teeth 612 of the tooth bar 622 will engage the teeth 600 of the partition 550 (or one engagement member will engage another engagement member) and again the merchandise system ( 10) will cause the lock.

[307] In one example, the operation of the camming action is further illustrated in FIGS. 81A and 81B. 81A shows the teeth 600 of the partition that are not engaged with the teeth 612 of the teeth bar 624. In one embodiment, cam bar 622 is adjacent to the front wall of front rail 610. In FIG. 81B, the cam bar lever 618 has been moved to the second position, the cam bar 622 has been moved laterally and the teeth bar cam studs 630 have been moved towards the partition 550. The teeth 612 of the teeth bar 624 were also moved towards the partition 550 and engaged with the partition teeth 600.

In one embodiment, a soft rubber pad can be utilized in place of the teeth 612 on the teeth bar 624 and can function as an engagement member. In this embodiment, when the teeth bar 624 is adjacent to the front portion of the front rail 610, the soft rubber pad and partition 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 teeth bar 624 in the direction of the partition teeth 600, the partition teeth 600 are soft rubber It contacts the pad and is thereby engaged. This contact provides resistive interference and keeps the partition teeth 600 in place and prevents the partition 550 from moving laterally in the direction indicated by arrow “A” in FIG. 77.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 82A-82C, the partition 550 is held in place by contact with the front rail 580 through the use of a clamp. 82A-82C show a step-by-step process for insertion of partition 550 into front rail 580. Initially, as illustrated in FIG. 82A, the partition 550 is lowered into the channel 640 formed in the front rail 580 (or 610). In addition, the ridge or tongue 644 of the front rail 580 contacts the channel 645 of the partition 550. The partition 550 includes bumps or ridges 650 extending outward on the front portion of the partition 550. The clamp 652 on the front rail 580 is rotated to engage the bump 650 of the partition 550. The clamp 652 snaps over the bump 650 and locks the bump 650 and partition 550 in place. When releasably engaged, the partition 550 cannot move in the lateral direction indicated by arrow "A" in FIG. 80. To move the divider 550, the clamp 652 must be pulled to unsnap the clamp 652 from the divider bump 650.

[310] In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 83A-83C, the divider 550 makes contact with the front rail 580 through the use of a rotating rod 660 that includes teeth. It is kept in place. 83A-83C show a step-by-step process for insertion of partition 550 into front rail 580. Initially, as illustrated in FIG. 83A, partition 550 is lowered into channel 640 formed in front rail 580. The front rail 580 itself includes a rotatable rod 660 that includes teeth. As illustrated in FIG. 83B, when the partition 550 first descends into the channel, the teeth of the rotary rod 660 are in a first position where they do not engage the teeth 600 of the partition 550. have. The handle 662 is coupled to the rotary rod 660. When the handle is in the first position 664, the teeth of the rotary rod 660 are in a first position where they do not engage the teeth 600 of the partition 500. As illustrated in FIG. 83C, when the handle 662 is moved to the second position 668, the handle 662 rotates the rotary rod 660 so that the teeth on the rotary rod 660 are partitioned ( It moves to the position which meshes with the teeth part 600 on 550). In this position, the rod teeth are in interference with the partition teeth 600. When the rod teeth and the partition teeth 600 are engaged with each other, the partition 550 cannot move in the lateral direction indicated by the arrow “A” in FIG. 80. In order to move the partition 550, the rod 660 must be returned to its first position 664 and the teeth of the rod 660 are free from engagement with the teeth 600 on the partition 550. Must be moved.

In one embodiment, a plurality of pushers 520 and partitions 550 may be used with a single front rail 580. 84A-84E illustrate the use of two pushers 520 and two dividers 550 to push the product toward the front of the shelf. The use of multiple pushers 520 may allow for pushing of a wide product, schematically illustrated in the figures. In addition, placing the pusher extender 528 in its upwardly extended position allows the pushers 520 to push larger or more products as shown in FIGS. 84D and 84E. You can. In one embodiment, partition 550 may be coupled to two pushers 520. One pusher 520 may engage a portion of the barrier 556 on each side of the partition wall 552, as shown in FIG. 84F. In other examples, the partition may be coupled to one pusher or the partition may not be coupled to any pusher.

[312] In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 85, the partition 550 is secured to the front rail 580 partially through the operation of the cam 720. 85 illustrates a cam 720 coupled to the barrier 556 in a side perspective view. The cam 720 includes a rounded portion 722 configured to rotate within the cavity 740 of the barrier 556 (see FIG. 86G). The cam 720 also includes a tongue 724 composed of 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, the first cam wall 726 can be in a substantially vertical alignment. In this position, the second cam wall 728 and the third cam wall 730 can also be in a substantially horizontal alignment. The first cam wall 726 is connected to the second cam wall 728. The second cam wall 728 is connected to the third cam wall 730. The cam also includes a handle 732.

[313] In another embodiment, tongue 724 has only two cam walls, such as a first cam wall, such as a first cam wall 726, and a second cam wall. The second cam wall is straight and spans the length shown by the cam walls 728 and 730. In this embodiment, the second cam wall has no bends. The cam walls can extend for one or more portions of the width of the partition 550 or can extend over the entire width of the partition 550.

[314] In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 92-94, the cam 720 is a cam glide surface 733 (hereinafter referred to as a cam glide) located on the opposite side of the cam, opposite the handle 732 Can be defined). The cam glide 733 serves as a low friction glide bump to improve the slidability of the partition relative to the rail. In operation, the cam glide 733 lifts the partition up off the rail to reduce friction between the partition and the rail, thereby improving the ability of the partition to slide relative to the rail. As shown in the figures, the cam glide 733 of the cam 720 extends below or below the bottom surface of the partition and is the point of contact between the partition and the rail. In this configuration, when the partition is moved laterally with respect to the rail, the main contact between the partition and the rail is only a cam glide, and most other parts of the partition and the rail do not contact each other. Therefore, this single point of contact reduces friction between the partition and the rail.

[315] The cam glide may further define a planar surface extending outward from the rounded portion 722 of the cam 720. The cam glide 733 can be positioned centrally on the rounded portion 722 of the cam to provide stability and balance to the partition relative to the rail. However, it should be understood that the cam glide can be positioned at any other suitable location on the cam. The flat surface of the cam glide can end with an elongated edge that is sized and shaped to slide freely in the channel 586 of the rail 580, thereby allowing easy lateral movement of the partition relative to the rail. . The elongated edge of the planar surface can define rounded or contoured edge surfaces to further assist the free movement of the cam glide relative to the rail. It should be understood that the cam glide may define other configurations that allow the cam glide to fit within or along the rail and also allow for a slidable movement of the partition relative to the rail. For example, a cam glide may define a bump or round protrusion or series of bumps or round protrusions, which will achieve the same purpose as a planar surface defining an elongated edge. Although the cam 720 defining the cam glide 733 is depicted as being used with a partition, the cam and cam glide can be used with a rail mounted pusher or pusher assembly or other components.

[316] In another embodiment, the cam 720 defining the cam glide 733 may be mounted to the back of the partition or pusher, and may be operatively engaged with a rear rail mounted to the back of the shelf. In this embodiment, the cam 720 can be used to secure and prevent lateral movement of the partition or pusher with respect to the rear rail, if used on a shelf. In other words, the cams and cam glides described herein can be used to secure a partition or pusher to the front rail or rear rail, or both, depending on the desired application.

[317] In the exemplary aspect, the cam 720 acts as a lock to lock the partition or pusher, on the front rail or the rear rail, or both. When moved to the locked position, the cam 720 will lock the partition or pusher on the rail and prevent lateral movement of the partition or pusher with respect to the rail. In the unlocked position, the cam 720 allows a slidable movement of the partition or pusher relative to the rail. In one exemplary aspect, cam 720 is rotatable or pivotable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In another exemplary aspect, the cam 720 defining the cam glide 733 locks the partition or pusher on the rail, and also when the cam is in the unlocked position, the partition or pusher is lateral to the rail. It serves as a double function that enhances the ability to slip.

[318] As shown in FIG. 92, the cam 720 may define a rounded portion 722 that is configured to rotate within the cavity 741 of the front side of the partition. Cam 720 can also define cam surface 725 and cam surface 727 to be engaged with groove walls 754 and 756 of the front rail, as described below.

[319] In one embodiment, the cam 720 is fitted into the cavity 740 of the barrier 556, as illustrated in FIG. 86G. In one embodiment, cavity 740 is bounded by side walls 742. The side walls 742 allow the front surface 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 side walls 742 and into the cavity 740. After the cam passes through the side walls 742, the cam is put in place in the cavity 740. The cam 720 can then rotate in the cavity 740 and during normal use, it will not escape from the cavity 740 or be separated from the cavity 740. The cam 720 is rotatably fixed within the cavity 740. In one embodiment, the cavity 740 is also bounded (not shown) at its front portion by the front wall.

[320] In another embodiment, the side walls 742 do not cause the front surface of the cavity 740 to be narrower than the width of the cam 720. In this embodiment, cam 720 can be disposed within cavity 740 and removed from cavity 740 without the need to overcome the resistance caused by side walls 742.

[321] Referring to FIG. 92, in another embodiment, a cam 720 defining a cam glide 733 may be fitted into a cavity 741 formed at the front end of the partition 550 and side walls 743 ). The side walls 743 cause the front surface of the cavity 741 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 side walls 743 and into the cavity 741. After the cam passes through the side walls 743, the cam is snapped into place in the cavity 741 and seats on a pair of cavity surfaces 747. The cam 720 can then rotate within the cavity, and during normal use, it will not escape or separate from the cavity.

[322] As depicted in FIGS. 92-94, the cam 720 is rotatably secured within the cavity 741. In this embodiment, cavity 741 also defines an aperture or slot 745 that is sized and shaped to allow for rotatable movement of cam glide 733 within the cavity. The slot 745 is sized and shaped to allow the planar surface of the cam glide 733 to fit within it, thereby allowing the cam to rotate within the cavity 741. The opening 745 also allows the cam glide 733 to extend past the bottom surface of the partition and into the rail. If on the rail, the cam glide will lift the partition apart from the rail upwards to break contact with the rail to allow the partition to slide freely relative to the rail, as described above.

[323] The opening 745 also creates clearance for rotation of the cam glide away from the rail. When the handle 732 on the cam is rotated towards the front edge of the rail, the cam glide will, as a result, rotate away from the rail. The opening 745 formed in the cavity 741 allows this rotatable movement.

93A and 93B, it is illustrated that the partition 550 is lowered and disposed on the rail 580. More specifically, the front portion of the partition 550 descends into the channel 586 and the groove 560 is disposed over the ridge 584. The cam glide 733 contacts the channel 586 and supports the partition above the rail 580, as shown in FIG. 93B. In this embodiment, cam glide 733 supports the partition and allows freely slidable movement of the partition relative to the rail. As shown in FIG. 93B, there is a gap between groove 560 and ridge 584 and between the lower surface of the partition and the upper surface of the rail.

[325] Referring to Figures 94A-94C showing cross-sectional views of the partition, cam and rail, the cam 720 is always in contact with the rail 580. As shown in FIG. 94A, initially, when the partition 550 is lowered onto the rail 580, the cam glide 733 contacts the channel 586 of the rail 580 and causes the partition to fall upward from the rail. Lift. As shown in FIG. 94A, cam 720 defines cam surfaces 725, 727 and 729. The cam further defines a cam handle 732 positioned opposite the cam glide 733. Also shown in FIG. 94A is a front rail 580 that receives a portion of the partition 550 and defines a rail channel 586 that is a contact surface for the cam glide 733. Rail 580 further defines rail groove 750 that further defines groove walls 752, 754 and 756 that contact cam surfaces during operation of the cam, as described below.

Referring to FIG. 94B, when the cam is rotated, through the operation of the handle 732, the cam glide is held in contact with the channel 586 and the cam surface 725 is a groove wall or surface of the front rail ( 756). At this point, the cam 720 contacts the rail at two points simultaneously.

Referring to FIG. 94C, when the cam is rotated much further through the operation of the handle, the cam surface 725 contacts the groove wall or surface 754, while the cam surface 727 is the groove wall or surface (756). In addition, cam surface 729 will contact groove wall or surface 752. The groove wall 752 serves as a stop to prevent further rotational movement of the cam 720. The handle 732 extends along the top and even the front edge of the front edge of the front rail or beyond the front edge of the front rail. In one example, the front of the cam handle 732 is coplanar with the foremost portion of the front rail. There is sufficient human digital clearance between the handle 732 and the front rail to allow a human digit (ie, a finger or thumb) to access the handle. At this point, the cam glide 733 was rotated up and down in the channel 586 of the rail 580 and rotated into the opening 745. The partition now rests directly on the rail and directly contacts the rail, while the cam engages the rail and secures the partition to the rail, preventing lateral movement of the partition. In one exemplary aspect, the cam 720 is fitted to the rail with audible notification that is heard with standard adult hearing when the cam is in the position depicted in FIG. 94C, indicating that the cam is locked to the rail. .

[328] To release the cam from the locked position or locked position, the user simply lifts the handle 732 upwards to release the cam surfaces 725 and 727 from the groove walls 754 and 756. As the cam is released from the groove walls, the cam glide will rotate back into contact with the rail channel 586 and lift the partition up off the rail. The partition can then be mounted on the rail through the cam glide, then moved laterally with respect to the rail, and the above-described operation can be repeated. As indicated above, while locking and unlocking the cam relative to the rail groove, the cam always contacts the rail and always contacts the partition.

[329] In one exemplary aspect, the product display system may include a front rail and at least one partition configured to engage the front rail. The partition can include a barrier, a partition wall, and a partition floor perpendicular to the partition wall configured to hold the product, as presented herein. A front lock, such as the exemplary cam 720 described herein, can be coupled to the partition. In one aspect, the front lock is configured to rotate, pivot, or move between the first and second positions. When in the first position, the front lock can allow a slidable movement of the partition relative to the front rail. In one embodiment, the locking device may lift the partition away from the front rail. When in the second position, the lock locks the partition to the front rail and prevents slippery movement between the partition and the front rail. The cam always contacts the front rail in both the first and second positions, and in all positions between the first and second positions.

[330] In one example, a locking device for a partition, such as a cam 720 or other locking devices, is located at the end of the partition. The locking device can be located at the front end of the partition (ie, the end of the partition that is closest to or in contact with the front rail 580 to the product of the customer's choice, which is also the closest end). A lock such as cam 720 may be in front of the partition wall 552. A lock such as cam 720 may be in front of barrier 556. When positioned at the front end of the partition and at the front of the partition wall 552 and at the front of the barrier 556, the lock is even when the product is on the partition floor 554 and even when the partition floor 554 is in the product. Provides maintenance for the shelf, even when it is full (i.e., no additional products can fit on the partition floor), and can be finger-accessed by individuals refilling the shelf or replanning the shelf Digitally accessible. Locking device (same as cam 720), when the product is on the partition floor 554, when the lock is on the front of the product and the product is on the partition floor 554, the product is any of the products In position, it can be positioned on the partition so as not to interfere with access to the lock. The cam handle 732 may be the same height as the front end of the front rail 580 and may extend beyond the front end of the front rail 580.

In one example, the merchandise display system may include a front rail, at least one partition configured to engage the front rail, and at least one partition including a barrier. The at least one partition may further include a partition wall, a partition floor perpendicular to the partition wall, wherein the partition floor is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a front lock coupled to the front end of the partition. The front lock is on the front of the barrier and on the front of the partition wall. The front lock is configured to be accessible with a finger when the product is on the partition floor. The front lock is shiftable between the first position and the second position. The front lock, when in the first position, lifts the divider upwards off the front rail to break contact with the rail and allows for a slidable movement of the divider relative to the front rail. The front lock prevents a sliding movement of the partition relative to the front rail when in the second position.

[332] In one example, FIGS. 86E and 86F illustrate enlarged portions of cam 720 and front rail 580. Cam 720 may include texturing. The cam 720 may include teeth or other engaging members. In one embodiment, first cam wall 726 is textured with teeth 736 and 738. The teeth 736 may form a lower row of teeth. The teeth 738 can form an upper row of teeth. In one embodiment, teeth 736 and teeth 738 are round. In at least one embodiment, teeth 736 and teeth 738 form one vertical row of teeth. Removing points on the teeth can provide better operation and longer life for the cam teeth. The cam 720 can also be textured in ways other than teeth, such as roughening or other texturing.

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

[334] In one embodiment, the groove 750 may be textured. The groove 750 may include teeth. In one embodiment, the first groove wall 752 includes teeth 766 and teeth 768. The teeth 766 may form a lower row of teeth. The teeth 768 may form an upper row of teeth. In at least one embodiment, teeth 766 and 768 form one vertical row of teeth. The teeth 766 and 768 may be rounded. The teeth 766 and 768 can be disposed along the entire length of the groove 750. In addition, teeth 766 and 768 may be disposed in sections along groove 750 with additional sections of grooves 750 that are smooth and free of teeth. The groove 750 may also be textured in other ways than having teeth, such as through 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 one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 87A-87C, the merchandise display system 10 includes a partition 550 and a front rail 580. The partition 550 includes a partition wall 556, a partition floor 554, and a barrier 554. Cam 720 is rotatably coupled to the front portion of barrier 556. Cam 720 includes cam tongue 724, where cam tongue 724 includes a first cam wall 726, a second cam wall 728, and a third cam wall 730. . The cam 720 also includes a handle 732. The front rail 580 includes a groove 750 consisting of a first groove wall 752, a second groove wall 754 and a third groove wall 756. The cam 720 is configured to rotate between the first position and the second position, where when the cam 720 is in the second position, the cam tongue 724 engages with the front rail groove 750 and divides The wall 556 is restrained from moving in the lateral direction. The cam 720 can also be configured to slide between the first position and the second position.

[336] Figures 87A-87C show the progress of the partition 550 being coupled to the front rail 580. The cam 720 is moved between the first position in FIG. 87B and the second position in FIG. 87C. As described below, the cam 720 is configured such that when the cam 720 is in the first position shown in FIG. 87B, the partition 550 is laterally or alternatively along the front rail 580. ), in Figure 87B, the partition 550 is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 and may be meaningless between the partition and the front rail, which may not be noticeable to the user of the system. Except for a small amount of play, it cannot move in a vertical direction). The cam 720 inhibits the partition 550 from moving laterally along the front rail 580 when the cam 720 is in the second position shown in FIG. 87C. In one example, under normal operating conditions and forces, the cam 720 moves sideways along the front rail 580 when the cam 720 is in the second position shown in FIG. 87C. Will prevent it (and the partition 550 from being moved along the front rail 580). In another example, when the cam 720 is applied to the partition 550 in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580, a force less than or equal to a predetermined amount of force is applied to the front rail (550). The movement of the partition 550 is suppressed by preventing the lateral movement along 580). When a positive force exceeding a predetermined amount of force is applied to the partition 550 in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580, the partition 550 moves in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580. do.

87A shows the partition 550 elevated above the front rail 580. In Figure 87B, the partition 550 has been lowered and placed in contact with the front rail 580. Groove 560 was disposed over ridge 584, and ridge 584 was disposed with groove 560. Groove 560 and ridge 584 may contact each other in this position. Groove 560 and ridge 584 may also not always contact each other in this position. In some positions, a space may exist between the surfaces of groove 560 and ridge 584. The front portion of the barrier 556 was also disposed within the channel or groove 586. In Figure 87B, the tongue 724 of the cam 720 is not engaged with the groove 750 of the front rail 580. In FIG. 87B, the partition 550 can move in the lateral direction shown by arrow "A" in FIGS. 86F and 86H. The partition 550 does not need to be lifted up the front rail 580 to enable such movement. The partition 550 can be held in contact with the front rail 580 and can move in the direction "A". The product can be placed on the partition floor 554 during the process of moving the partition 550. The ability to move the partition 550 without removing the partition 550 from the front rail 580 or removing the product provides ease of replanning. In FIG. 87B, the partition 550 is a plane of the shelf only in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 shown by arrow "A" in FIGS. 86F and 86H (this shelf is 596 in FIGS. 70 and 71). Shown). In Figure 87B, the partition 550 is not movable in all other directions in the plane of the shelf, such as the direction shown by arrow "B" in Figure 86H, under normal operating forces and conditions. The divider 550 cannot swing, rotate, splay or fishtail in the plane of the shelf, and the divider 550 remains perpendicular to the front rail 580 under normal operating forces and conditions. In FIG. 87B, the partition 550 can move in the direction shown by arrow "C" in FIG. 87B, thereby being lifted away from the front rail 580. The direction shown by arrow “C” in FIG. 87B is not in the plane of the shelf.

In FIG. 87C, the cam handle 732 has been rotated towards the front rail 580. In one embodiment, cam handle 732 contacts front rail 580. When the cam 720 is rotated from its position in Fig. 87B to its position in Fig. 87C, the cam tongue 724 comes into contact with the front rail 580, and the front rail 580 is attached to the cam tongue ( 724). The first cam wall 726 can contact the third groove wall 756 when the cam 720 is rotated from its position in FIG. 87B to its position in FIG. 87C.

[339] When the cam moves to the position shown in FIG. 87C, the tongue 724 can be fitted in place within the groove 750 and the tongue 724 engages the groove 750. In one embodiment, the tongue 724 can be fully fitted with the groove 750. This complete fit entails 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 in tension with each other. The first cam wall 726 is adjacent to the first groove wall 752. The second cam wall 728 is adjacent to the second groove wall 754. The third cam wall 730 is adjacent to the third groove wall 756. In one embodiment, cam walls and groove walls contact each other. For example, the first cam wall 726 contacts the first groove wall 752; The second cam wall 728 contacts the second groove wall 754; And the third cam wall 730 contacts the third groove wall 756. In at least one embodiment, while the cam walls and groove walls are in contact with each other, they are not substantially in tension with each other. In another embodiment, one or more of the cam walls is in tension with one or more of the groove walls when the cam walls and groove walls contact each other.

[340] In an embodiment in which the first cam wall 726 is disposed 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 All. The teeth 736 engage the teeth 766 and the teeth 738 engage the teeth 768. The engagement of the teeth of the first cam wall with the teeth of the first groove wall is for a partition moving laterally along the front rail in the lateral direction shown by arrow "A" (as shown in Fig. 86H). Provides resistance.

[341] When the cam tongue 724 is placed in full fit with the groove 750, it moves laterally along the front rail in the lateral direction shown by arrow "A" (as shown in Fig. 86H). There is substantial resistance to the partition 550, and the partition 550 will not move laterally, under normal forces placed on the partition during operation.

[342] When the partition 550 is to be moved again along the front rail 580, the cam may unsnap from the front rail. The handle 732 can be rotated away from the front rail 580. The tongue 724 can be disengaged from the groove 750 and returned to its position in FIG. 87B.

[343] In one embodiment, the partition wall 552 has sections of different widths (see FIG. 85). The front section 770 of the partition wall 552, which can be the adjacent barrier 556, can have a greater width than the rear section 772 of the partition wall 552, which is the adjacent barrier 556. The front section 770 can be connected to the back section 772 by the middle section 774. The width of the middle section 774 gradually changes from the width of the partition front section 770 to the width of the partition back section 772. In one embodiment, the width of the portion of the middle section 774 adjacent to the section 770 is the same as the width of the section 770 and the width of the portion of the middle section 774 adjacent to the section 772 is the section 772 It is equal to the width of. The smaller width of the rear section 772 of the partition wall 552 creates an air space between the partition walls 552 and, when pushed, prevents the product from being bound between the two partition walls 552. It helps to prevent and provides product flow along the partition wall 554 when the product is removed from the front of the product system 10. In one example, the width of the front section 770 of the partition wall 552 is at least 25% greater than the width of the back section 772 of the partition wall 552.

[344] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 85 to 87C, one or more of the partitions 550 may 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 partitions 550 are at the length of the front rail 580 in the lateral direction shown by arrow “A” (see FIG. 86H). It can move in parallel. The partition 550 can then be secured in place by snapping the cam 720 or other engagement member with the front rail 580. The partition 550 will remain stationary under normal operating forces, until the cam 720 or other engagement member is unsnapped or otherwise disposed out of engagement with the front rail 580.

[345] In one embodiment, the front wall 561 of the groove 560 is textured, as shown in FIG. 86K. Such texturing can be in the form of roughening or small teeth. Texturing causes the surface of the front wall 561 of the groove 560 not to be smooth. In one embodiment, the front wall 585 or other protrusion or engagement member of the ridge 584 is textured as depicted in FIGS. 86I, 86J, and 86L. This texturing can be in the form of roughening or small teeth, causing the surface of the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 to become non-smooth.

[346] In at least one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 86I, the barrier 556 is a separate component and can be removably attached to the partition 550. In at least one embodiment, the barrier 556 can be fitted on the front side of the partition 550. In at least one embodiment, barrier 556 is movable. The entire barrier 556 may be movable, or some or portions of the barrier 556 may be movable. For example, a portion of the barrier 556 positioned on the front of the product on the product display system 10 may be movable. In at least one embodiment, a portion of the barrier 556 positioned on the front of the product can be configured to slide. In an alternative embodiment, the portion of the barrier 556 positioned on the front of the product can be configured to rotate around the axis to allow the portion of the barrier 556 to open and close. In this embodiment, the shaft may be a hinged connection. Additionally or alternatively, the portion of the barrier 556 can be a spring mounted to the partition 550, such that the portion of the barrier 556 requires a positive force to move it away from the partition 550. . In this embodiment, upon release of the force, the portion of the barrier 556 will close or return to its original position. Exemplary methods for mounting the barrier 556 are described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 8,056,734, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

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

[348] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 87B, when the partition 550 is disposed in contact with the front rail 580, the front wall 561 of the groove 560 is the front surface of the ridge 584. Although not in contact with the wall 585 or invariably, the cam 720 is in the position shown in FIG. 87B and the tongue of the cam 720 is not engaged with the groove 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. 87C, and when the tongue 724 engages with the groove 750, the tongue has a partition 550 rearward. You can force it to move. In one embodiment, the tension between tongue 724 and groove 750 forces partition 550 to move in the rear direction. When the cam is moved to the second position shown in FIG. 87C, the front wall 561 of the groove 560 comes into 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 groove 560 engages the texturing on the front wall 585 of the ridge 584. Engagement of the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 with the front wall 561 of the groove 560 moves the partition 550 along the front rail 580 in the direction shown by arrow "A" in FIG. 86H. To suppress. The engagement of texturing on the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 and texturing on the front wall 561 of the groove 560 is a partition along the front rail 580 in the direction shown by arrow "A" in FIG. 86H ( 550) is further inhibited from moving.

In one example, an elastic strip or bead may be included on the top surface of the ridge 584 of the front rail 580, or other protrusion. When the cam 720, or other engagement device, is in the first position, the elastic strip or bead is not compressed. In the first position, the partition 550 can move in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail, but not in a direction perpendicular to the front rail. When the cam 720, or other engagement device, is moved to the second position, the elastic strip or bead compresses with the groove 560 of the partition 550, or other recess. When the elastic strip or bead is compressed with the groove 560, or other recess, the partition 550 is secured under normal operating forces in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. In one example, a portion of the groove 560, or other recess, that comes into contact with the elastic strip or bead of the front rail 580 may include roughing or teeth (not shown).

[350] In one embodiment, the barrier 556 is not molded simultaneously with the partition wall 552 and the partition floor 554. The barrier 556 is molded as a separate piece from the partition wall 552 and the partition floor 556 as shown in FIG. 88A. Barrier 556 may be formed of a transparent material, while partition wall 552 and partition floor 554 may be formed of an opaque material.

[351] In one example, the partition 550 includes an engaging member that includes a planar surface. The front rail 580 can include an engaging member that includes a planar surface. The planar surface of the engaging member on the partition and/or the engaging member on the front rail includes a smooth or substantially smooth surface. The planar surface can include an elastic surface. The planar surface may include rubber strips or neoprene strips or otherwise compressible materials. In one example, when the engaging member of the partition 550 is in the first position, it is not engaged with the engaging member of the front rail 580 and the partition 550 is laterally movable parallel to the front rail. When the engaging member of the partition 550 is in the second position, it is engaged with the engaging member of the front rail 580, and the partition is fixed and is not laterally movable parallel to the front rail, under normal operating conditions and forces. not. In one example, where the engaging members of the front rail 580 and the partition 550 are smooth or substantially smooth surfaces and do not include teeth or other protrusions, the partition 550 has additional lateral adjustment possibilities and infinite or nearly infinite It can have lateral adjustment possibilities. The possibility of side adjustment of the partition 550 is not limited by physical dimensions such as the width of the protrusions or teeth. The infinite side-adjustability is significant for display systems by effectively utilizing side space and limiting or minimizing unused or lost space between product rows, thereby potentially increasing the amount of useful space and side products facing on the shelf. Providing benefits.

[352] In one embodiment, the barrier 556 can be snap-fit or otherwise engaged to the partition 550, as shown in FIG. 88B. Engagement between the barrier 556 and the partition 550 is removed from the partition 550 while the barrier 556 is under normal operating conditions and without adversely affecting the structure of the barrier 556 or partition 550. It can become impossible.

[353] Figures 89A-89C show an example of a step-by-step approach to the arrangement of partitions on the front rail. As illustrated in FIG. 89A, in the first step, the partition 550 can be lowered to contact the front rail 590. The rotatable "T" lock 900 can be rotated to fit over the front rail 580. The rotary "T" locking device 900 may be attached to the front portion of the partition 550. The rotatable "T" locking device 900 can rotate around the axis 903. The partition 550 can be lowered and placed in contact with the front rail 580, as illustrated in FIG. 89B. The groove 560 or other recess in the partition 550 engages the ridge or tongue 584 or other protrusion of the front rail 580. At this point, the partition 550 can be moved in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and allow ease of replanogramming. In one example, the partition 550 can move along the front rail. The partition 550 with or without the product on the partition floor 554 can slide in the direction previously indicated by arrow "A" in FIG. 65 without requiring that the partition 550 be lifted. . As illustrated in FIG. 89C, in the final step, the rotary “T” lock 900 can be pushed forward and downward towards the front rail 580. The rotatable "T" lock 900 can engage a lip 901 on the front portion of the front rail 580. In at least one embodiment, front rail 580 includes upper front surface 902. The upper front surface 902 can include a texture or can be a rubber-like elastic surface. Alternatively, the upper front surface 902 can include one or more teeth. The upper front surface 902 may engage a surface 904 on the rotary “T” lock 900. The surface 904 can also include a texture or can be an elastic surface, such as rubber. Alternatively, the surface 904 can include teeth configured to engage teeth on the upper front surface 902. When the rotatable "T" lock 900 engages the lip 901, the partition 550 engages the front rail 580 and, under normal positive force, cannot move laterally.

90A to 90F illustrate embodiments of the partition 550 and the front rail 580. As shown in FIG. 90A, the partition 550 may include a wall 552, a floor 554, and a barrier 556. The partition wall 552 can divide the partition floor 554 into two parts 559 and 551 (having one part on each side of the partition wall 552). As illustrated in FIG. 90B, the partition wall 552 may extend vertically from the partition floor 554. The barrier 556 can be located in front of the partition wall 552. 90C and 90F, the bottom surface of the partition floor 554 may include grooves 560 or other recesses, tongues 941 or other protrusions, and front wall 561. In at least one embodiment, the front wall 561 of the groove 560 is textured. Such texturing can be in the form of roughening or small teeth. Texturing can cause the surface of the front wall 561 of the groove 560 to become non-smooth.

[355] As illustrated in FIG. 90D, the front rail 580 has a planar surface 582, ridges or tongues 584 or other protrusions, a first channel or groove 586 or other recess, and a second Channels or grooves 950 or other recesses may be defined. The front wall 561 of the partition 550 may engage the first groove 586 of the front rail 580. The ridge or tongue 584 of the front rail 580 may engage the groove 560 of the partition 550. The tongue portion 941 of the partition 550 may be engaged with the second groove 950 of the front rail 580. In one embodiment, the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 is textured. This texturing can be in the form of roughening or small teeth and causes the surface of the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 to become unsmooth. The texturing of the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 may mesh with the texturing of the front wall 561 of the groove 560. Engagement of the front wall 561 of the partition 550 to the first channel 586 of the front rail 580, of the ridge or tongue 584 of the front rail 580 to the groove 560 of the partition 550 Engagement, and engagement of the projections 941 of the partition 550 to the second groove 950 of the front rail 580, can retain the partition wall 552 perpendicular to the front rail 580 and partition 550 It is possible to prevent the rear portion of the splay. In at least one embodiment, partition 550 may be moved laterally and/or along front rail 580 parallel to front rail 580 when partition 550 receives a lateral force. You can.

[356] The front rail 580 may include apertures 951 and openings 952, as illustrated in FIG. 90E. Apertures 951 may be configured to engage corresponding engagement protrusions (not shown). In one example, the engagement protrusion can be a flat splicer. Corresponding engagement protrusions may continuously connect one or more front rails 580 together. The connection of the apertures 951 and the engaging projections allows one or more rails 580 to be connected in series, even if the front rails 580 are not completely aligned with each other. The openings 952 can be configured to receive fasteners that fasten the front rail 580 to the display shelf. The front rail 580 can include any number of openings 952 suitable for securing the front rail 580 to a display shelf. Any type of fastener can be considered within the scope of the present invention.

In one example, as illustrated in FIG. 91A, the merchandise display system 10 may include a rear rail 810. The rear rail 810 can be located at the back of the shelf or near the rear. The rear rail 810 can be of a similar configuration to the front rail 580 and the disclosure herein regarding the front rail 580 applies equally to the rear rail 810. For example, the rear rail 810 can include a recess 804 that can be generally “u” shaped. In this embodiment, partitions 550 may be connected to partition blocks 802. The partition blocks 802 can then be engaged with the rear rail 810. The rear rail 810 may be the second rail of the merchandise display system along the front rail 580. The rear rail 810 can also be just the rail of the merchandise display system. As mentioned above, the front rail 580 can be located at the rear of the merchandise display system and thereby can function as the rear wall 810. In at least one embodiment, each of the plurality of partition blocks 802 has a cam 710 (not shown in FIG. 91A) at the position indicated by the arrow in FIG. 91A. The cam 720 can rotate from the first position to the second position and can have the same effect as the cam 720 of the partition that is engaged with the front rail 580. The partition blocks 802 can also include other engagement devices that engage with the rear rail 810, including the engagement devices described herein for the partition 550. The use of the rear rail 810 can keep the back of the partitions 550 in place and prevent the product from moving to the back position of the pusher 520. To unlock the partitions 550 from the rear rail 810, the cam 720 or other engagement device is rotated away from the rear rail 810 and otherwise disengaged from the rear rail 810.

In one example, the partition 550 may be disposed in contact with the front rail 580. Groove 560 may be disposed over ridge 584 and ridge 584 may be disposed within groove 560. Groove 560 and ridge 584 may contact each other in this position. The partition 550 can also be disposed in contact with the rear rail 810. Grooves or other recesses in the partition 550 may be disposed over the ridges or other projections of the rear rail 810 and ridges or projections of the rear rail 810 may be disposed in the grooves or other recesses of the partition 550 . The partition 550 may contact the front rail 580 and the rear rail 810 at the same time. In an engagement device, such as a cam 720 on the front side of the partition, the partition 550 can move laterally parallel to the front rail 580 and the rear rail 810, but the partition 550 is a front rail 580 or It may be in a position to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the rear rail 810 (direction between the front rail 580 and the rear rail 810). The partition block 802 can also include an engagement device (not shown), such as the cam 720 or other engagement devices described above with respect to the front rail 810. In the interlocking device on the partition block 802, the partition 550 can move laterally parallel to the front rail 580 and the rear rail 810, but the partition 550 is the front rail 580 or the rear rail 810 ) May be in a position to be fixed in a direction perpendicular to (direction between the front rail 580 and the rear rail 810).

In an example, the engagement device on the front surface of the partition 550 can be moved to the second position. In the second position, the partition 550 is fixed in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 under normal operating forces. The engagement device on the partition block 802 can also be moved to the second position. In the second position, the engagement device on the partition block 802 causes the partition 550 to be fixed in a direction parallel to the rear rail 810 under normal operating forces. The front rail 580, the partition 550, and the rear rail 810 can form a rigid tray that can be moved as one unit from one position to another. The front rail 580, the rear rail 810, and the plurality of partitions 550 can be pre-assembled and formed in a rigid tray at a position away from the shelf. Then, the front rail 580, the rear rail 810, and the plurality of partitions 550 may be moved to the shelf by one or more fasteners to be fixed to the shelf.

[360] In one embodiment, the merchandise display system is configured to rotate between a folded position and an erected position without the aid of, for example, a dedicated rotating deflection element (such as a spring loaded hinge) that deflects the barrier into an erected position. It may include a movable barrier. Various exemplary aspects of example systems are shown in FIGS. 95-106 that may include a barrier movable between a folded position and an erected position without the aid of a rotational biasing element. In one embodiment, the system can include a partition assembly 550 configured to adhere to a support structure. As used herein, partition assembly 550 may also be referred to as partition 550. The support structure can include, for example, a front rail 580. In one embodiment, the partition 550 may include a front end 553 and a rear end 555. Movement in the forward direction as used herein with respect to embodiments comprising a rotating barrier is defined by movement from the rear end 555 to the front end 553. For example, arrows F depicted in FIGS. 99B and 100D are directed toward the forward direction. Movement in the rear direction as used herein with respect to embodiments comprising a rotating barrier is defined by movement from the front end 553 toward the rear end 555. For example, arrows R depicted in FIGS. 99A and 100C are directed toward the rear direction. The lateral movement as used herein with respect to embodiments comprising a rotating barrier is, for example, by arrow A in FIGS. 65, 100A and 103A, eg by movement in the directions shown. Is prescribed. In one embodiment, the partition 550 may include a partition wall 552 having a right surface 552a and a left surface 552b. In one embodiment, the partition wall 552 may extend from the front end 553 of the partition 550 to the rear end 555. In one embodiment, the partition wall 552 may extend upward from the partition floor 554. The partition floor can include an upper surface 554a and a bottom surface 554b. In one embodiment, the partition wall 552 separates the partition floor 554 into a first side portion 559 and a second side portion 551 on each side of the partition 550. The first side portion 559 of the partition floor 554 is also referred to as the right portion 559 of the partition floor 554 and the second side portion 551 is also the left portion 551 of the partition floor 554 ).

[361] In one embodiment, the barriers 556 are folded position as shown by the example of FIG. 96B for the barrier 556a on the right side of the partition and FIG. 96A for both barriers 556a, 556b. It is movable by rotation between erected positions as shown by example. In one embodiment, barriers 556 may be connected to a rotating mounting structure 563. In one embodiment, the rotary mounting structure 563 can be directly connected to the partition. In one embodiment, as discussed below with reference to the examples shown in FIGS. 102 and 103, the rotary mounting structure 563 can be removably connected to the partition. Referring to FIG. 97, in one embodiment, the rotary mounting structure 563 may be a knuckle 565 and pin 566 type hinge. In one embodiment, the rotating mounting structure 563 can be a flexible member, such as a flexible polymer or metal component.

[362] In one embodiment, the barrier 556 is positioned on the upper surface 554a of the partition floor 554 when the product moves forward toward the front end 553 of the partition 550 When this barrier 556 can be contacted, it can be considered to be positioned close to the front end 553 of the partition 550. In one embodiment, the rotary mounting structure 563 is close to and connected to the front end 553 of the partition 550 and/or partition floor 554. For example, referring to FIGS. 95, 96A and 96B, the barrier 556a is shown to be close to and connected to the front end 553 of the partition 550 and the partition floor 554. In one embodiment, barrier 556 is spaced from front end 553 or partition floor 554 and/or is not directly connected, but the front end 553 of partition 550 and/or partition floor 554 It can be positioned close to (not shown). For example, in one embodiment, the barrier is attached to the front rail 580 to allow the product positioned on the upper surface 55a of the partition floor 554 to contact the barrier 556 when the product moves forward. Removably connected and not connected to the partition 550, but can be positioned sufficiently close to the partition (not shown). In such an example, the barrier 556 can be considered to be positioned close to the front end 553 of the partition 550. In one embodiment, barrier 556 can be positioned close to the front end of the partition and connected to the partition wall. In one embodiment, when the barrier moves to a folded position, it may fold toward the partition wall (not shown).

98A-98C, in one embodiment, the barrier 556 is configured to rotate between a raised position and a folded position. An exemplary raised position is shown in FIG. 98A, and an exemplary folded position is shown in FIG. 98C. In one embodiment, the upper edge 568 of the barrier 556 can rotate along the arc shown as B in FIG. 98A. For example, the force applied in the rear direction R to the barrier 556 in the erected position is toward the folded position as shown in FIG. 98B in order for the barrier to reach the folded position as illustrated by the example of FIG. 98C. May cause rotation. In addition, for example, the barrier 556 can be manually rotated by pulling or pushing the barrier handle 567 with a finger to individually raise the barrier to a raised position or to lower the barrier to a folded position. In one embodiment, the upper edge 568 of the barrier 556 can rotate along the entire arc of B and C such that the upper edge contacts the upper surface of the partition floor (not shown).

[364] In one embodiment, in the folded position, the barrier 556 defines an angle C folded between the back surface 569 of the barrier and the top surface 554a of the partition floor. In one embodiment, the folded angle C is between about 45 degrees and about 20 degrees. In another embodiment, the folded angle C is between about 30 degrees and 15 degrees. As used herein with respect to embodiments comprising a rotary barrier, the term “about” means plus or minus 5% of the stated value. In one embodiment, the folded angle is about 20 degrees.

[365] In one embodiment, the foldable stop structure 570 is configured to stop rotation of the barrier 556 toward the partition floor 554 and maintain the barrier at a desired folded angle C of the folded position. In one embodiment, the foldable stop structure 570 is a protrusion positioned close to the lower portion of the back surface 569 of the barrier. In one embodiment, the foldable stop structure is configured such that when the barrier reaches the folded angle C of the folded position, the lower portion 587 of the rear surface of the barrier contacts the foldable stop structure 570 so that the upper surface of the partition floor. (554a). In one embodiment, the foldable stop structure is connected to the lower portion of the back surface of the barrier so that the foldable stop structure contacts the top surface of the partition floor when the barrier reaches a desired folded angle of the folded position (not shown) ). In one embodiment, the foldable stop structure is an extension or plate or plate that is fixed or integral to the partition floor 554. In one embodiment, the partition floor prevents the barrier 556 from being completely horizontal. The barrier 556 is configured such that when the barrier 556 is rotated to a folded position, the barrier forms a predetermined angle from horizontal. This angle can be about 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees or about 20 to 45 degrees or about 10 to 35 degrees. In one embodiment, the barrier has horizontal and vertical portions that allow the barrier 556 to be at a predetermined angle relative to the partition floor when the barrier 556 contacts the partition floor 554. In one example, the stop structure 570 is not present, and the barrier 556 directly contacts the partition floor 554 on the horizontal upper surface 554a of the partition floor.

99A to 99C, in one embodiment, while the barrier is in the folded position, applied in a forward direction to a product positioned to contact at least a portion of the back surface 569 of the barrier 556 The force can cause the barrier to rotate from the folded position to the erected position. For example, referring to FIG. 99A, the product can be disposed on the upper surface 554a of the partition floor 554 while the barrier is in the folded position. In one embodiment, as shown by the example of FIG. 99B, a force may be applied to the product to move the product forward toward the barrier. In one embodiment, the force is gravity. For example, the partition 550 with the front end 553 positioned at an angle downward with respect to the rear end may cause products positioned thereon to move only by gravity toward the front end 553. In one embodiment, force may be applied by the pusher mechanism 520. In one embodiment, pusher mechanism 520 may be biased forward and configured to slide across the partition floor and move the product forward. In one embodiment, the upper edge 568 of the back surface 569 of the barrier is trimmed or defines a curved or radial surface. The rounded edge of the top of the back surface of the barrier causes the barrier 556 to slip or slide over the surface of the product as the movement vector of the barrier changes, for example, while the product rotates toward the erected position as the product moves forward. It helps to rotate the barrier. In addition, for example, a rounded edge prevents the edge from digging toward the surface of the product packaging, and maintains low friction between the rounded edge and the product when the product moves forward and the rounded edge moves over the surface of the product. . In one embodiment, the top of the barrier may include other structures to facilitate sliding of the barrier over the surface of the product, such as a roller structure. In one embodiment, when the barrier reaches a raised position, the barrier stops rotation of the product in the forward direction and stops movement. In one embodiment, the vertical stop structure is configured to stop the rotation of the barrier in the front position and establish the erected position of the barrier. In one embodiment, the vertical stop structure can be a vertical surface 571 on the rotatable mounting structure and an opposite vertical surface 572 on the barrier 556.

[367] Referring to Figures 100A-100D, in one embodiment, aspects of the rotary barrier described in the examples above are, for example, a product display comprising a pair of partitions 550a, 550b and a pusher mechanism 520 It can be used in one embodiment of the system. The partitions 550a, 550b may define a product pocket 573 between opposing walls of the partitions. The product pocket 573 may have a slightly larger width than the product intended to be displayed on the system, for example. In one embodiment, the barriers can be positioned in a folded position as shown in FIG. 100B to facilitate placement of the product in the system. In addition, in one embodiment, in the erected position, manual positioning of the product relative to the front surface 556f of the barriers and pushing of the product in the rearward direction relative to the front surface 556f of the barriers is a barrier as shown in FIG. 100C. It may cause them to rotate to the folded position and allow the product to be easily inserted into the product pocket 573. In one embodiment, the product is positioned in the product pocket on the upper surfaces of the partition floors and relative to the front surface of the pusher mechanism, then released, as shown in FIG. Pushing in the forward direction (F) causes the product to rotate from the folded position to the erected position, where the forward movement of the product is then stopped.

[368] In one embodiment, the rotary mounting structure 563 may be removably connected to the partition 550, the front rail 580, or the shelf 234. In one embodiment, the rotary mounting structure 563 is removably connected to the front end 553 of the partition 550. Referring to FIGS. 102A-102D and 103A-103E, an exemplary removable rotary mounting structure 563 is provided with a vertical support 591, a horizontal cross beam 593, and a horizontal cross beam 593. It may include connected rotary mounting portions (597a, 597b). In one embodiment, the vertical support 591 may be an elongated post oriented in the vertical direction and the horizontal cross beam 593 may be an elongated beam oriented horizontally in the lateral direction. In one embodiment, the support grips the structure near the upper portion of the support, to facilitate manual insertion and removal of the rotary mounting structure 563 onto or away from the partition 550. ) May include a structure. In one embodiment, the horizontal cross beam 593 is connected to the vertical support 591, and the left section 593b of the horizontal cross beam 593 extends laterally from the left 591b of the vertical support 591 And extend from the opposite sides of the vertical support in a cross-shaped manner such that the right section 593a of the horizontal cross beam 593 extends laterally from the right 591a of the vertical support 591. In one embodiment, the right rotary mount 597a is connected to the right section 593a of the horizontal cross beam 593 and the left rotary mount 597b is connected to the left section 593b of the horizontal cross beam 593. In one embodiment, each section 593a, 593b of the horizontal cross beam extends approximately the same length as the width of the individual side portions 559, 551 of the partition floor 554.

[369] In one embodiment, the rotatable mount may include a knuckle and pin type hinge or flexible member. In one embodiment where the rotatable mount 597a is a knuckle and pin hinge, the rotatable mount 597a can include a first knuckle component 601 and a barrier can include a second knuckle component 602, a first The first and second knuckle components extend through the first and second knuckle components so that the pin 566 forms a hinge for rotational attachment of the barrier 556a to the rotary mount 597a and the rotary mount structure 563. It is complementary to be.

In one embodiment, the rotary mount 597a is a foldable stop structure 570a configured to stop rotation of the barrier 556a toward the partition floor 554a and maintain a desired folded angle C for the folded position. It includes. In one embodiment, the foldable stop structure 570a is an integrated plate 603 that extends from the rotary mount 597a or the horizontal cross beam 593a, and the plate 603 is configured to define a folded angle C Or has an angled portion 615. In one embodiment, as described above, the foldable stop structure contacts the upper surface of the partition floor 554 or plate 603 when the desired folded angle is reached, in a position where the barrier is folded. To the lower portion of the back surface 569 of the barrier (not shown). In one embodiment, the foldable stop structure is integrated with the partition floor.

[371] In one embodiment, the rotary mount 597a includes a vertical stop structure configured to stop rotation of the barrier and establish a raised position of the barrier, in the front position. In one embodiment, the vertical stop structure can be a vertical surface 571 on the rotatable mount and an opposite vertical surface 572 on the barrier 556. In one embodiment, the vertical surface of the vertical stop structure of the rotary mount may be within a mount recess 604 defined in the rotary mount 597a and the vertical surface 572 opposite the barrier 556 is the bottom of the barrier It may be on the tab 605 formed on the part. The mounting recesses 604 may have a shape complementary to the tabs 605 such that when the barrier rotates in the forward direction, the tabs fit into the mounting recesses 604.

[372] In one embodiment, the support 591 is paired with the front ridge 599 of the partition 550 to removably connect the rotary mounting structure 563 to the front end 553 of the partition 550. It may include a mounting slot 598 defined in the support configured to achieve. In one embodiment, the rotary mounting structure is removably connected to the partition using a clip, cam, or other coupling structure.

[373] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 104A-104G, an exemplary removable rotary mounting structure 563 includes a horizontal cross beam 593 and rotary mounts 597a, 597b coupled to the horizontal cross beam 593 ). In one embodiment, the horizontal cross beam 593 extends laterally and has a length approximately equal to the width of the individual side portions 559 and 551 of the partition floor 554. In one embodiment, the right rotary mount 597a is connected to the right section 593a of the horizontal cross beam 593 and the left rotary mount 597b is connected to the left section 593b of the horizontal cross beam 593. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 104A-104G, the horizontal cross beam 593 is configured to have a low profile where the height of the beam over the partition block 802 is minimized. The low profile horizontal cross beam 593 can provide more space for the product to be inserted onto the removable rotating mounting structure 563 from the forward direction to the product display system.

In one embodiment, the horizontal cross beam 593 may include a front extension 593c of the horizontal cross beam extending toward the front side of the partition block 802. In one embodiment, the front extension 593c of the horizontal cross beam 593 can extend forwardly in front of the partition block 802 and when the removable mounting structure is secured in place on the partition, the extension hook divides It may include an extension hook 593e configured to extend downward from the front end of the front extension to be positioned on the front side of the block 802. In one embodiment, the rotatable mounting structure is provided from a front extension 593c and extension hook 593e extending from the right section 593a of the horizontal cross beam 593 and a left section 593b of the horizontal cross beam 593 And an extended front extension 593d and an extension hook 593f. The front extensions 593c and 593d and the extension hooks 593e and 593f can help stabilize the removable mounting structure, for example, on the partition.

[375] In one embodiment, the removable mounting structure 563 is a horizontal cross beam 593 and a first plate 603a extending from the right rotating mount 597a or the right section 593a of the horizontal cross beam 593 ), the second rotary plate 603b extending from the left rotary mount 597b or the left section 593b. In one embodiment, the plates 603a, 603b may extend laterally from both sides of the rotary mounts 597a, 597b. In one embodiment, the inner edges of the plates 603a, 603b partition the removable mounting structure 563 to removably connect the rotary mounting structure 563 to the front end 553 of the partition 550, the partition 550. It may be configured to define a mounting slot 598 configured to be paired with the front ridge 599 of. In one embodiment, each plate 603a, 603b may include foldable stop structures 570a, 570b. In one embodiment, the foldable stop structure may include raised or angled portions 615a, 615b configured to define a folded angle C.

105A to 105D, in one embodiment, the barrier 556 is a tab recess defined in the rotary mount 597 when the barrier reaches a raised position as shown in FIG. 105B And an elastic tab 606 configured to engage 604a. The elastic tab 606 is configured to hold the barrier in an erected position when the elastic tab is engaged with the tab recess 604a. In one embodiment, tab recesses 604a are defined in the mounting recesses 604. In one embodiment, when a rear force is applied to the barrier, the elastic tab 606 is bent and disengaged from the tab recess 604a so that the barrier can move toward the folded position as shown in FIG. 105D. In one embodiment, the mounting recess 604 includes a foldable stop structure 604b. In one embodiment, the elastic tab 606 engages the foldable stop structure to stop rotation of the barrier 556 toward the partition floor 554 and maintain the desired folded angle of the folded position. In one embodiment, the foldable stop structure 604b is defined in the mounting recess 604 and may be an angled portion, for example, as shown in FIG. 105A.

[377] Referring to Figures 106A and 106B, exemplary aspects of an example system are shown that may include a barrier movable between a folded position and an erected position without the aid of a rotational biasing element. In one embodiment, the system can include a partition assembly 550 configured to be secured to a support structure, such as a front rail. In one embodiment, the partition wall 552 may include a partition wall extension 552a configured to increase the height of the partition wall. In one embodiment, partition wall extension 552a and partition wall 552 may include tongue and groove components configured to secure the extension to the partition wall. In one embodiment, the front edge 552d of the partition wall may be rounded. The rounded edge can prevent the product package from being caught and torn on the edge, for example. In addition, the thickness of the partition wall can be increased to improve the strength of the wall, for example to accommodate tongue and groove components for the partition wall extension. Examples of systems using increased thickness of partition walls may be useful for heavier products, such as canned soda cases that may require more robust aspects of the display system than smaller, lighter products. In one embodiment, the width of the system and barriers can be increased, for example, to accommodate larger products that may require more shelf space. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 106B, a foldable stop structure 570 is defined in the partition floor 554.

[378] In one embodiment, an exemplary method of refilling the product display system is described with reference to FIGS. 100A-100D. As illustrated in FIG. 100A, the product display system may include a first partition 550a and a second partition 550b. The first and second partitions may also be referred to as the left partition 550a and the right partition 550b. The first and second partitions can include first and second partition walls extending from the front end to the rear end of the individual partitions. The product pocket 573 can be defined between opposing first and second partition walls. The first partition may include a front end of the partition 550a and a first barrier 556c positioned on the right side of the first partition wall. In addition, the second partition 550b may include a front end of the second partition and a barrier 556d positioned on the left side of the second partition wall. The system can include a pusher 520 positioned between the first and second partitions. The pusher can include a biasing element that biases the pusher in the forward direction (F) towards the front ends of the partitions. Barriers 556c and 556d may be in the first, upright position as shown in FIG. 100A. Referring to FIG. 100B, the barriers 556c, 556d, for example, while positioning the product in the product pocket, by moving the barriers finger to the second position or using the product to push the barriers to the second position, It can be positioned in the second folded position. Alternatively, the product can be placed in the product pocket by moving the product over the top of the barriers in the first erected position and directly into the product pocket. Referring to FIG. 100C, the product can be positioned to push the product pusher forward and in contact with the front surface of the product pusher such that when the product is discharged, the product pusher is in position to move the product forward. When the product is discharged, pusher 520 moves the product forward so that the product contacts the barriers. When the barriers are in the second folded position and the product is in the product pocket and ejected, the pusher can push the product forward so that the product contacts the barriers and moves the barriers from the second folded position to the first erected position. . As shown in FIG. 100D, the barriers stop forward movement of the pusher and product when the barriers reach the first erected position. In one embodiment, the product may be positioned in the product pocket by moving the product over barriers positioned in the first erected position. In such an example, the pusher can move the product forward until the product contacts the barriers in the first erected position, where the forward movement of the product can then be stopped as shown in FIG. 100D. will be.

[379] Referring to Figures 101A-101F, in one embodiment, a merchandise display system comprising the rotary barriers described above may be used with an improved product tray to facilitate efficient filling of the product in the product display system. have. 101A and 101B, in one embodiment, the improved product tray 578 may include a bottom surface 574, a right wall 575, a left wall 576, and an alignment flap 577. have. In one embodiment, the alignment flap 577 may have a proximal end 579, a distal end 581, a right edge 583, and a left edge 587. The flap width D of the alignment flap 577 may be defined between the right edge 583 and the left edge 587 of the alignment flap 577. In one embodiment, flap width D is approximately equal to the width of the product in product tray 578. In one embodiment, the length of the alignment flap is defined in a direction perpendicular to the width D. In one embodiment, the length of the alignment flaps can be varied. In one embodiment, the length of the alignment flap may be approximately equal to the height of the barrier 556 or the height of the product. In one embodiment, the proximal end 579 of the alignment flap is configured to connect to the bottom surface 574 of the product tray. In one embodiment, the alignment flap 577 has an alignment flap that allows products stored in the product tray to slide directly from within the product tray as shown in FIG. 101D into the product pocket of the merchandise display system as shown in FIG. 101E. It is configured to be positioned between opposing partition walls of the product display system to align the product tray and products stored in the product tray with the product pockets. In one embodiment, a portion of the alignment flap may be tapered toward the distal end to aid in insertion of the alignment flap between opposing partition walls of the system. In one embodiment, the alignment flap can be used to move the barriers from a raised position to a folded position to facilitate sliding of the product from the product tray into the product pocket of the system. In one embodiment, the alignment flap is positioned within the product pocket to move the barriers from the erected position to the folded position (as shown in FIGS. 101C and 101D), and the product is then systemized from the product tray. Can slide into the product pocket (as shown in Figure 101E), and the alignment flap is removed from the product pocket and removed from contact with the barriers. In such an embodiment, in one embodiment with a pusher (as shown in FIG. 101E), the pusher then moves the product forward so that the foremost product contacts the barriers and moves the barriers from the folded position to the raised position. Can be pushed. When the barriers reach the erected position, the rotation of the barriers is stopped and the forward movement of the product is stopped such that the foremost product is positioned in the foremost position of the display system (as shown in FIG. 101F). In such an example, an alignment flap is used to temporarily move the barriers from a raised position to a folded position for filling the system. In one embodiment, barriers can be physically removed from the system so that the system can be filled with product. In one embodiment, the barriers may be configured to rotate from the erected position toward the front direction such that the top of the barrier extends beyond the front end of the partition in the forward direction. Such a position may be referred to as a forward folded position. In one embodiment, the barrier may be configured to rotate beyond the front end of the partition in a forward direction to reach a folded position from a folded position to a raised position (not shown). In one embodiment, the barrier capable of rotating in a forward direction beyond the front end of the partition comprises a rotation stop and the partition floor as described above with respect to barriers that rotate only between the erected and folded positions as described above. About angles. In one embodiment, the barriers can be configured to slide lateral, left and/or right. In one embodiment, the barriers can be manually positioned in a folded position, a raised position, and/or a folded front position.

[380] In one example, the unbiased barrier 556 is connected to the partition floor 554. The unbiased barrier 556 is configured to be adjustable from the first position to the second position. In the first position, the unbiased barrier 556 is configured to inhibit or prevent the product on the partition floor 554 from moving beyond the front edge of the partition 550. In the first position, the unbiased barrier 556 is configured to restrain the product from being placed on the partition floor 554. In the first position, the unbiased barrier is configured to be vertical. In the second position, the unbiased barrier 556 is configured to allow the product to be placed on the partition floor 554. In the second position, the unbiased barrier is horizontal or diagonal relative to the partition floor 554 or shelf or other structure in which the partition 550 is present. In aspects, the unbiased barrier 556 is configured to be horizontal to the partition floor 554, or shelf or other structure in which the unbiased barrier 556 is, in a second position; Alternatively, the non-deflection barrier 556 is configured to rotate or adjust at a second angle from the partition floor 554 in the second position. The horizontal angle from the partition floor 554 can be 20 degrees, can be approximately 10 to 30 degrees, or can be approximately 20 to 45 degrees. In one embodiment, the non-deflecting barrier 556 is configured to have no spring or other deflection element that forces it between the first and second positions. In one embodiment, the non-biased barrier 556 is configured to be freely adjusted from the first position to the second position. In one embodiment, the non-biased barrier 556 is configured such that the barrier can be moved to the first position and maintained at the first position and can be moved to the second position and maintained at the second position. In one embodiment, the non-deflecting barrier 556 is such as a spring or other device that forces the non-deflecting barrier 556 to deflect and force the non-deflecting barrier to a first or second position. It is configured not to include any deflection mechanism.

[381] In various embodiments, including example embodiments as in the previous paragraph, the product shown in FIGS. 99A-99C, or the product tray 578 or alignment flap 577 shown in FIGS. 101A-101C ) Or a wall of the product tray 578, or external objects such as a human hand or finger, move or force the unbiased barrier 556 from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position. can do. The product or tray 578 or alignment flap 577 or a human finger is a second position that is diagonal or substantially horizontal from a first position where the non-deflecting barrier 556 is substantially perpendicular to the partition floor 554. A force can be applied on the non-deflecting barrier 556 to move to the 2 position. In the second position, the unbiased barrier 556 is configured to allow the product to be placed on the partition floor 554 and to allow the product to refill in a rapid manner. After the product is refilled on the partition floor 554, the pusher 520 exerts a force on the product in the direction toward the front of the partition 550 and the front of the product shelf or other structure with the partition 550. The pusher can be a spring-urged pusher, which a spring or other deflection unit exerts a force on the pusher to deflect the pusher towards the front of the partition 550. The spring or other deflection unit is not physically connected to the non-deflection barrier 556 or does not make direct contact. The product, in turn, exerts a force on the unbiased barrier 554 which forces the biased barrier to the first position. In the first position, the unbiased barrier prevents the product from moving over the front edge of the partition 550 or the shelf or other structure to which the partition 550 is secured.

[382] In one embodiment, multiple products may be positioned in a product pocket of the system. The customer can, for example, remove the foremost product. In such a case, for example, the pusher can push the remaining product in the product pocket forward so that the next product in a straight line contacts the barriers and the forward movement of the product stops. In such a case, the product in the foremost position is replaced with the next product in a straight line, whereby the product remains in the foremost position until the product in the pocket 573 runs out.

[383] In embodiments, the merchandise display system may include a low product indicator system 1000 that may indicate to the user that the product level in the merchandise display system is low or absent. . Various exemplary aspects of low product indicator systems are shown in FIGS. 107A-110O. In one embodiment, system 1000 may include a partition assembly 550 that is configured to adhere to a support structure. As used herein, partition assembly 550 may also be referred to as partition 550. The support structure can include, for example, a front rail 580. In one embodiment, the partition 550 may include a front end 553 and a rear end 555. Movement in the forward direction, as used herein in connection with embodiments that include low product indicator systems, is defined by movement from the rear end 555 to the front end 553. For example, the arrow F depicted in FIG. 99B points in the forward direction. Movement in the rear direction as used herein in connection with embodiments comprising a low product indicator system is defined by movement from the front end 553 toward the rear end 555. For example, the arrow R depicted in FIG. 99A is pointing in the rear direction. The lateral movement as used herein in connection with embodiments comprising a low product indicator system is defined, for example, by movement in the directions shown by arrow A in FIG. 65. In one embodiment, the partition 550 may include a partition wall 552 having a right surface 552a and a left side 552b. In one embodiment, the partition wall 552 may extend from the front end 553 of the partition 550 to the rear end 555. In one embodiment, the partition wall 552 may extend upward from the partition floor 554. The partition floor 554 may include an upper surface 554a and a bottom surface 554b. In one embodiment, the partition wall 552 separates the partition floor 554 into first side portions 559 and second side portions 551 on each side of the partition 550. The first side portion 559 of the partition floor 554 may also be referred to as the right portion 559 of the partition floor 554, and the second side portion 551 may also be the left portion of the partition floor 554 ( 551). In one embodiment, the product display system may be configured to apply a force in the forward direction to the product in the product display system by the pusher mechanism 520. In one embodiment, the pusher mechanism 520 can be biased forward and can be configured to slide across the partition floor to move the product forward. In one embodiment, the merchandise display system may include a biasing element 534 such as a coiled spring capable of applying a force to the pusher 520 in the forward direction. The coiled spring 534 can be retained at the rear portion of the pusher 520. In another embodiment, pusher 520 can move forward without using a biasing element. For example, the pusher 520 can be mounted or installed in an inclined manner, and gravity can allow the pusher to move in the forward direction. The pusher 520 may include a pusher face 522 and a pusher floor 524. The barrier 556 can be configured to constrain the product being pushed by the pusher 520 and the biasing element included therein. The barrier 556 can be located in front of the partition wall 552

[384] In embodiments, the raw product indicator system 1000 may include one or more portions that may engage one or more portions of the pusher 520 and/or biasing element 534. Accordingly, in embodiments, the raw product indicator system 1000 may move in the front and/or rear direction as the pusher 520 moves in the front and/or rear direction. In some embodiments, the raw product indicator system 1000 can be configured to stop moving forward at a predetermined stop point while the pusher 520 can continue to move forward as the product is removed. In embodiments, the low product indicator system 1000 is configured to extend forward of the front end 553, front rail 580 and/or barrier 556 when there is less product in the product display system 1 or more. It may include parts of. In embodiments, the raw product indicator system 1000 may be adjustable such that a user can adjust the amount of product that the raw product indicator system may indicate that the amount of product is small.

[385] Referring to FIGS. 107A-107F, in one embodiment, the raw product indicator system 1000 includes a front edge 1004, a back edge 1006, a top edge 1008, a bottom edge 1010, and a pusher side 1012. ), and a row product indicator device 1001 having sidewalls 1002 that include partition side 1014. Sidewall 1002 may be substantially vertical. In addition, the sidewall 1002 may include a protruding portion or flag 1016 that may extend toward the front of the front edge 1004 when the indicator device 1001 is in the front position as shown in FIG. 107A. have. The protruding portion 1016 can define a variety of shapes, and can have different colors to attract a shop employee to a low product indicator and thus to a portion of the shelf where the product is low. In some embodiments, sidewall 1002 may engage rear wall 1018. Back wall 1018 may be substantially perpendicular to sidewall 1002. In some embodiments, sidewall 1002 and back wall 1018 may engage bottom wall 1017. As shown in FIGS. 107A-F, the raw product indicator device 1001 may be positioned between the pusher 520 and the partition 550 or partition wall 552. The row product indicator device 1001 can slide relative to the partition 550 in the forward and backward directions. In some embodiments, the raw product indicator device 1001 can be slidably and/or releasably engaged with the partition 550.

[386] The raw product indicator device 1001 allows the product indicator device 1001 to move in the forward and backward directions to substantially mimic the movement of the pusher 520 through at least a portion of the distance moved by the pusher 520. , May be engaged with one or more parts of the product display system. The raw product indicator device 1001 can move one or more portions of the merchandise display system so that the sidewalls can move forward and backward to substantially mimic the movement of the pusher 520 through the use of the linkage mechanism 1019. Can interlock with the field. In one example, as illustrated in FIGS. 107A-107F, the connection mechanism 1019 may be a magnet 1020. The magnet 1020 can be configured to magnetically engage one or more portions of the pusher 520 and/or deflection element 534. As shown in FIGS. 107A-107F, the magnet 1020 may be pushed by the pusher 520 when the pusher 520 (including the deflection element 534) moves in the forward or backward direction. 520) (including the deflection element 534). As the raw product indicator device 1001 moves in the forward direction, the front edge 1004 may contact the barrier 556 or other similar device at a predetermined stop point. In this position, the raw product indicator device 1001 may be restricted from moving forward further, in this position, the protruding portion or flag 1016 indicates that there is less product in the product display system, the front end ( 553), which may extend beyond front rail 580 and/or barrier 556. The biasing force of the biasing element 534 can be greater than the magnetic force exerted by the magnet 1020. This can cause the magnet 1020 to disengage from the deflection element 534, which includes the pusher 520 (including the deflection element 534) while the raw product indicator device 1001 remains fixed. It may be allowed to move forward continuously. When the pusher 520 (including the deflection element 534) is moved rearward, the magnet 1020 can re-engage the deflection element 534. It should be understood that other types of magnets or any device that generates a magnetic field can be used with the embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 108A and 108B, in another embodiment, the connection mechanism 1019 may include a biasing element 130 such as an extension spring. Similarly, as discussed above, the raw product indicator device 1001 can move in the front and rear directions such that the sidewall 1002 substantially mimics the movement of the pusher 520 through the use of a connection mechanism 1019. As such, it can be engaged with one or more parts of the product display system. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 108A and 108B, the connection mechanism 1019 may be a tension spring 1030. 108A and 108B, the tension spring 1030 includes a pusher 520 (deflection element 534) as the pusher 520 moves in the forward and backward directions. ), and is configured to mesh with the pusher 520. As the sidewall 1002 moves in the forward direction, the front edge 1004 can contact the barrier 556 or other similar device at a predetermined stop point. The biasing force of the biasing element 534 can be greater than the biasing force exerted by the tension spring 1030. This may allow the pusher 520 to continue moving forward while the raw product indicator device 1001 remains fixed. When the pusher 520 is moved rearward, the tension spring 1030 can contract, and the raw product indicator device 1001 can be moved rearward with the pusher 520. In an alternative embodiment, the tension spring 1030 may be a plunger, piston, actuator, etc. that is compressed and extended in a similar manner to the tension spring.

[388] 109A-109D, in one embodiment, the raw product indicator system 1000 may include an adjustable raw product indicator device 1050. The adjustable low product indicator device 1050 includes a side wall 1052 having a front edge 1054, a rear edge 1056, an upper edge 1058, a bottom edge 1060, a pusher side 1062, and a partition side 1064. ). As illustrated in FIGS. 109A to 109D, the sidewall 1052 may be positioned between the pusher 520 and the partition 550. The sidewall 1052 may be adjustablely engaged with the pusher 520. The side walls 1052 may be slidable with respect to the partition 550 in the front and rear directions.

[389] 109B-109D, in embodiments, the adjustable raw product indicator device 1050 may be adjustablely engaged with the pusher 520 in a number of ways. As shown in FIG. 109A, the bottom edge 1060 of the sidewall 1052 may include a plurality of indexing notches 1070. The pusher 520 can include one or more edges 1072 that are configured to engage a plurality of notches 1070. The user may select one of the plurality of notches 1070 with one or more edges 1072, which may allow the user to select the distance the front edge 1054 extends forward of the pusher 520 or The excess can be meshed manually. This allows the user to rethink the level of the product where the front edge 1054 extends beyond the front end 553, front rail 580 and/or barrier 556, and thus the low product indicator system 1000 to the user. Allows you to choose the level of product that warns you that the product in the management system is low. Other mechanisms for adjustable engagement with the adjustable row product indicator device 1050 are shown, for example, in FIGS. 109C and 109D. As shown in FIG. 109C, pusher 520 may include one or more hooks 1080 that may be configured to engage one or more of a plurality of notches 1070. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 109D, the sidewall 1052 can include a plurality of indexing pegs 1090, which pusher allows the user to adjust the adjustable low product indicator device 1050. It can be configured to engage one or more holes 1092 on 520. In other examples, indexing notches 1070, edges 1072, hooks 1080, pegs 1090 and holes 1092, are provided by peg 1090 or indexing notches 1070 pusher ( It can be positioned on 520 and can be reversed such that edges 1072, hooks 1080 or holes 1092 can be located on sidewall 1050. In other examples, the raw product indicator device 1050 can simply be mounted to the pusher 520. In still other examples, when the indicator 1050 contacts the barrier 556 or other similar device at a predetermined stop point, the push indicator is still moved forward while the indicator 1050 remains stationary. Preferably, it can be slidably mounted on the pusher.

[390] 110A-110O, in one embodiment, the raw product indicator system 1000 includes a front edge 1104, a back edge 1106, a top edge 1108, a bottom edge 1110, and a pusher side 1112 ), and a row product indicator device 1101 with sidewalls 1102 including partition side 1114. The sidewall 1102 may be substantially vertical. In addition, sidewall 1102 may include a protruding portion or flag 1116 that may extend forward of front edge 1104. In some embodiments, sidewall 1102 may engage rear wall 1118. The back wall 1018 can be substantially perpendicular to the sidewall 1102. The back wall 1118 can include a raised or rib portion 1119 that can extend horizontally along the back wall 1118. In some embodiments, sidewall 1102 and back wall 1118 may engage bottom wall 1117. The bottom wall 1117 may be substantially perpendicular to the sidewall 1102, and may have a substantially same length as the sidewall 1102. The bottom wall 1117 can have an upper side 1117A and a floor side 1117B. In addition, the bottom wall may include a raised or bump portion 1120 that may extend horizontally along the bottom wall 1117. As shown in FIGS. 110A-110O, the raw product indicator device 1101 may be positioned between the pusher 520 and the partition 550 or partition wall 552. The row product indicator device 1001 can slide relative to the partition 550 in the forward and backward directions. In some embodiments, the raw product indicator device 1001 can be slidably engaged with the partition 550.

[391] The raw product indicator device 1101 is in the front and rear directions such that the product indicator device 1101 substantially mimics the movement of the pusher 520 through at least a portion of the distance traveled by the pusher 520. To be movable, it can be engaged with one or more parts of the merchandise display system.

[392] Figures 110B-110O depict cycles for adding and removing products from an inventory management system with a raw product indicator device 1101 as described above. 110B depicts a productless inventory management system, in which position the pusher 520 and the low product indicator device 1101 are respectively in the foremost positions. As shown in FIG. 110B, the protruding portion or flag 1116 extends beyond the barrier 556 indicating that the product is low. The product (assigned with the letter “P”) can be inserted into the inventory management system as shown in FIG. 110C. As the product is inserted into the inventory management system, pusher 520 moves back as shown by arrow "R" in FIG. 110D. 110E, if a predetermined amount of product has been inserted into the inventory management system, the rear edge 524R of the pusher floor 524 hits the bump 1120 and the pusher 520 is shown in FIG. 110E. It may begin to move over bump 1120 as depicted by arrow “R” in FIG. 110E. As more products are added to the inventory management system, pusher 520 continues to move over bump 1120 as shown in FIGS. 110F and 110G and as depicted by arrow “R” in FIGS. 110F and 110G. .

As more products are added, the back edge 524R of the pusher 520 can engage the back wall 1118 of the low product indicator device 1101. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 110H, the back edge 524R of the pusher 520 may be engaged under the rib 1119 to releasably secure the pusher to the low product indicator device 1101. have. In some embodiments, bump 1120 and rib 1119 may function together to releasably engage low product indicator device 1101 and pusher 520 together. The rib 1119 may act to lower the pusher's rear edge 524R and engage the bump 1120, but the bump can prevent the pusher 520 from disengaging from the low product indicator device 1101. Accordingly, as additional products are added, the pusher 520 and the raw product indicator device 1101 move together rearwardly as shown in FIG.

[394] Similarly, as the product is removed, as shown in FIGS. 110J and 110K, the pusher 520 and the raw product indicator device 1101 move forward together. When the front edge 1104 of the low product indicator device 1101 hits the barrier 556 or other stop device at a predetermined stop point, the force from the deflection device or coiled spring 534 causes the pusher 520 to bump ( 1120). This can cause the pusher to start moving up and forward of the bump 1120 as shown in FIG. 110L. In this position, the protruding portion or flag 1116 extends beyond the barrier 556 indicating that there is less product in the inventory management system.

[395] As shown in FIGS. 110M-110O, as the product is continually removed from the inventory management system, the pusher 520 is placed over the bump 1120 until the pusher reaches the barrier 556 or other stop point. And while moving forward, the raw product indicator device 1101 remains substantially stationary at a predetermined stop point.

[396] The above variations and modifications are within the scope of the present invention. For example, those skilled in the art will understand that a number of the described components can be used in stores and various configurations. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to a single system nor to a built-in pusher configuration depicted in the drawings, as the system simply illustrates the features, teachings and principles of the present invention. It should be further understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or apparent from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention. The embodiments described herein describe the best modes known for practicing the present invention and will enable those skilled in the art to use the present invention.

Claims (21)

As a merchandise display system,
A divider configured to be secured to a support structure, wherein the divider includes a front end and a rear end, the divider includes a divider wall and a divider floor, and the divider wall is upward from the divider floor. Extending, partition;
A pusher mechanism comprising a biasing device and configured to slide along the partition floor to move the product towards the front end;
As a barrier, the barrier is configured such that when the product moves toward the front end of the partition, the product positioned on the upper surface of the partition floor contacts the barrier so that it is positioned close to the front end of the partition. The barrier, which will be; And
A low product indicator device comprising a protruding portion, wherein the protruding portion extends forward of the barrier when the amount of product positioned on the upper surface of the partition floor is small. Consisting of, comprising a low product indicator device;
The low product indicator device is engaged with the pusher such that the low product indicator is configured to slide relative to the partition,
The low product indicator device includes a front edge, a back edge, a sidewall with a bottom edge, and a predetermined stop point, and the low product indicator device includes the predetermined stop point. Configured to disengage from the pusher, wherein the predetermined stop point is where the front edge of the side wall of the row product indicator device contacts the barrier,
The low product indicator device further comprises an extension spring engaged with the pusher at the first end and the pusher at the second end,
Commodity display system. According to claim 1,
The low product indicator device is operatively engaged with the pusher,
Commodity display system. According to claim 2,
The low product indicator device includes a plurality of indexing notches that are configured to operatively engage the pusher,
Commodity display system. According to claim 2,
The low product indicator device includes a plurality of pegs configured to operatively engage the pusher,
Commodity display system. According to claim 1,
The low product indicator device is removably engaged with the pusher,
Commodity display system. According to claim 1,
The low product indicator device is magnetically engaged with the pusher,
Commodity display system. According to claim 1,
The low product indicator device further comprises a magnet,
The magnet is configured to magnetically engage the deflection device of the pusher,
Commodity display system. According to claim 1,
The raw product indicator device comprises: a rear wall that engages the sidewall at the rear edge; And a bottom wall engaged with the side wall at the bottom edge,
Commodity display system. The method of claim 8,
The bottom wall further includes a raised portion, and the rear wall further includes a rib,
Commodity display system. The method of claim 9,
The pusher is configured to engage the raw product indicator device behind the raised portion and below the rib,
Commodity display system. delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete

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