KR102286602B1 - product management display system - Google Patents

Abstract

A product management display system for promoting products on a shelf includes a partition fixed to a support structure, a pusher for moving the product, a barrier, and a product shortage indicator. The product shortage indicator may be visible when the quantity of product placed on the top surface of the bottom of the partition is insufficient.

Description

product management display system

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Application Serial No. 13/839,674, filed March 15, 2013, which U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/839,674 filed July 5, 2012, U.S. Application Serial No. 13/542,419 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application Serial No. 13/542,419, which is now U.S. Patent No. 8,322,544 and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application Serial No. 12/639,656, filed December 16, 2009, and U.S. Application Serial No. 12/639,656 U.S. Patent No. 8,453,850 and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 12/357,860, filed on January 22, 2009, and U.S. Application No. 12/357,860, currently U.S. Patent No. 8,312,999, filed on June 8, 2007 It is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application Serial No. 11/760,196, filed on September 12, 2005, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/716,362, filed on September 12, 2005 and U.S. Provisional Application filed on November 8, 2005 60/734,692, which is now U.S. Patent No. 7,823,734 and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 11/411,761, filed on April 25, 2006, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Application Serial No. 13/542,419 also includes U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/530,736, filed September 2, 2011, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/542,473, filed October 3, 2011, and October 31, 2011 claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 61/553,545, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

technical field

Illustrative embodiments relate generally to a shelf assembly for use in selling products, and more particularly, to a shelf assembly having improved mechanisms for displaying and pushing product onto shelves.

Wholesale and retail outlets, such as convenience stores, drug stores, grocery stores, discount stores, etc., provide buyers with both displaying and storing products. Requires a large number of shelves for Upon product display, the product on the shelves is preferably positioned toward the front of the shelf so that the product can be seen and accessed by buyers. In the case of coolers or refrigerators used to store and display these products, such as soft drinks, energy drinks, bottled water and other bottled or canned beverages, these products are It is also preferred to be located towards the front of the shelf and to be visible and accessible to purchasers.

To achieve this placement of product, known systems may include floors or inclined trays that will cause the products to move through gravity towards the front of the shelf. Many of these systems include floors or shelves made of a plastic material such as polypropylene, as the low coefficient of friction of the material allows the product to be easily glided along a sloping floor or surface. However, over time, these surfaces become foreign or sticky material that prevents the product from gliding properly, sometimes with several products tip over and thus preventing further product from facing the front of the shelf. may be blocked by

Other systems include the use of a pusher system to push product toward the front of the shelf as the product is removed from the front of the shelf. Known pusher systems are typically track mounted and include a pusher paddle and a coiled spring to urge the product forward. In some cases, as the system is used, over time, the track becomes clogged with foreign matter or sticky materials that interfere with the proper operation of the pusher system on the track. Moreover, depending on the size, shape and weight of the product being marketed, the known pusher paddles can optionally tip or bend backwards, thereby causing binding of the pusher mechanism in the track. In such situations, the pusher mechanism may not properly push the product towards the front of the shelf.

One exemplary embodiment is to overcome existing merchandising systems by providing a trackless pusher system operated by gravity fed merchandising systems (ie, inclined shelves or trays) and non-gravity fed merchandising systems. It's about improving.

One illustrative embodiment relates to a product management display system for merchandising products on shelves. Such embodiments include using a trackless pusher mechanism that moves along a surface on which the product is placed. The trackless system overcomes known problems by the use of tracks to maintain and guide the known pusher mechanisms. However, it should be understood that the teachings of this embodiment may be used with systems that include tracks for mounting a pusher mechanism or the like.

The pusher mechanism may include a pusher paddle and a bottom extending in front of the pusher paddle. A flat coil spring or other biasing element may be operatively connected behind the pusher paddle and extend across the bottom of the pusher mechanism and forward of the shelf. Alternatively, a flat coil spring or biasing element may extend across a divider in front of the shelf assembly. By this configuration, the pusher paddle is prevented from being turned over or bent backwards during operation.

Also, an exemplary embodiment is a pushing mechanism with merchandising of product on horizontal or non-sloping shelves or surfaces, as well as gravity fed systems or systems that use gravity as a mechanism to push product towards the front of the shelf. includes the use of

In accordance with an illustrative exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a pusher paddle may define a concave pushing surface and hold a paddle for pushing cylindrical products, such as beverage bottles or candles, centered on the track and behind the product. Alternatively, the pusher paddle may also define a flat pushing surface that may further include at its top edge a curved rib or similar structure that may be used to push cylindrical products.

According to another exemplary exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom of the pusher mechanism may include a cut-out or tear-off portion to align the pusher mechanism with respect to the coil spring. In addition, the bottom of the system may also include a cutout or cutout for receiving and mounting the flat end of the coil spring to the bottom. A spring tip may be disposed at the end of the coil spring to mount the coil spring to the bottom of the system. Alternatively, the end of the coil spring may be mounted to a bulkhead of the assembly.

According to another exemplary embodiment, an adapter for a product management display system may be positioned on a bottom surface of the display system. The adapter may also include a planar surface having two or more ribs extending outwardly from and across the planar surface in a substantially parallel manner. A coil spring may be positioned between parallel extending ribs. With this structure, the product to be commercialized can rest on the ribs rather than directly on the coil spring, which enhances the forward movement of certain types of product, such as beverage candles.

In another alternative aspect, a mounting member may be used to mount the end of the coil spring to the bottom of the system. For such systems comprising spaced apart glide rails joined together by connecting ribs, the mounting member may be snap-fitted or otherwise mounted on the floor and between the slide rails. there is.

In another alternative aspect, the trackless pusher system is retrofitted into an existing shelf assembly. This allows for placement of the trackless pusher system in an existing lathe system as a low cost alternative to purchasing an entire trackless pusher assembly.

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

In another exemplary embodiment, the trays may be attached via dovetail connections to form a shelf assembly. Additionally, the dividers can be adjusted such that the width of the product rows can be configured to accommodate products of different sizes.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the product management display system may be arranged in a stackable arrangement. The assembly is provided with a first tray and a second tray each having a first wall and a second wall. The first and second trays are each configured 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 one another. The first and second spacers may be provided with a plurality of detents, and each of the first and second trays is provided with a plurality of correspondingly shaped sockets for receiving the plurality of detents. can be

According to another exemplary embodiment, a product management display system for selling products on a shelf comprises a trackless pusher mechanism moving along a surface on which products are placed and one or more compartments for separating products into rows. includes using The one or more partitions may be attached to and releasably engageable with the front rail. When the one or more compartments are not engaged with the front rail and are not held in place relative to the front rail, the one or more compartments and the product positioned on the display system may be moved laterally or It can be lifted off the front rail. This allows for ease of replanogramming of products on the shelf. The one or more diaphragms may releasably engage the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, locking tabs, locking bars, cams and/or through friction or press fit.

In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and one or more compartments configured to engage the front rail. The one or more partitions include a barrier and the one or more partitions further include a partition wall. The at least one partition also includes a partition bottom perpendicular to the partition wall, wherein the partition bottom is configured to hold a product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam coupled to the compartment, the cam configured to move between the first position and the second position. the at least one diaphragm is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when the at least one diaphragm engages the front rail and the cam is in the first position do. wherein the at least one diaphragm is (a) secured in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when the at least one diaphragm engages the front rail and the cam is in the second position. .

In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and a plurality of compartments configured to attach to the front rail to separate products into rows. Each of the plurality of partitions is coupled to a partition wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail, a partition floor perpendicular to the partition wall and configured to hold a product, and the partition being moved between a first position and a second position. a cam configured to each of the plurality of partitions is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) each of the plurality of partitions is engaged with the front rail and a cam for each of the plurality of partitions is in a first position. When fixed in the direction perpendicular to the front rail. Further, each of the plurality of partitions is (a) fixed in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) each of the plurality of partitions is engaged with the front rail and a cam for each of the plurality of partitions is positioned in a second position It is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when in

In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and one or more partitions configured to be attached to the front rail, the one or more partitions comprising a barrier, a partition wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail, perpendicular to the partition wall a partition floor, wherein the partition wall divides the partition floor into a first part and a second part, each of the first part and the second part being configured to hold a product. The merchandise display system also includes a first pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least a portion of the first position, a second pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least a portion of the second portion, and a cam coupled to the one or more compartments. wherein the cam is configured to move between the first position and the second position. The at least one diaphragm is movable in a lateral direction parallel to and along the front rail when the cam is in the first position, and wherein the at least one diaphragm is operative in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the cam is in the second position. and prevents movement along the front rail.

In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and one or more partitions configured to be attached to the front rail, wherein the one or more partitions include a barrier configured to engage the front rail, a partition wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail. , a partition bottom perpendicular to the partition wall, wherein the partition bottom is configured to hold a product. The display system may also include a resilient tab coupled to the divider, the resilient tab configured to be movable between the first position and the second position. The one or more partitions are secured in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the resilient tabs are in the first position. The at least one diaphragm is actuated in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the resilient tab is in the second position.

In one example, a merchandise display system is a front rail comprising a front rail comprising one or more first protrusions and one or more first recesses, one or more partitions configured to attach to the front rail, the one or more partitions comprising a partition wall and a partition bottom perpendicular to the partition wall, wherein the one or more partitions further include one or more second recesses and one or more projections, wherein the one or more second projections of the partition are disposed between a first position and a second position. and one or more partitions configured to move. The at least one diaphragm is configured such that (a) parallel to the front rail when the at least one first protrusion of the front rail engages the at least one second recess of the diaphragm and the at least one second protrusion of the diaphragm is in the first position. It is movable laterally and (b) fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail. (a) a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when one or more first projections of the front rail engage one or more first recesses of the partition and at least one second projection of the partition is in the second position (b) is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail.

In one example, the merchandise display system comprises a front rail, the front rail comprising at least one first protrusion and at least one second protrusion, wherein the at least one second protrusion of the front rail is between the first position and the second position. is configured to move from The merchandise display system also includes one or more partitions configured to attach to the front rail, the one or more partitions including a partition wall and a partition bottom perpendicular to the partition wall and the one or more partitions further comprising one or more recesses. wherein the at least one diaphragm is oriented in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when at least one first protrusion of the front rail engages one or more recesses of the diaphragm and at least one second protrusion of the front rail is in the second position and (b) fixed in a direction perpendicular to the forefoot rail. wherein the at least one bulkhead is secured in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail (a) when the at least one first protrusion of the front rail engages at least one recess of the bulkhead and the at least one protrusion of the front rail is in the second position; (b) It is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail.

In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail, the front rail including a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The merchandise display system also includes one or more partitions configured to be attached to the front rail, the one or more partitions including a partition wall and a partition bottom perpendicular to the partition wall, the one or more partitions comprising a recess and a third protrusion further includes At least one of the second protrusion or the third protrusion is a movable protrusion movable between the first position and the second position. The at least one bulkhead is configured to (a) move in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the first protrusion of the front rail engages the recess of the bulkhead and the movable protrusion is in the first position, and (b) the front It is fixed in the direction perpendicular to the rail. wherein the at least one bulkhead is (a) fixed laterally parallel to the front rail and (b) relative 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 second position fixed in a vertical direction.

In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail, the front rail including at least a first engagement member. The merchandise display system also includes one or more partitions configured to attach to the front rail, the one or more partitions comprising a partition wall and a partition bottom perpendicular to the partition wall, the one or more partitions further comprising at least a second engagement member. do. The merchandise display system also includes a third engagement member configured to be movable between the first position and the second position. the at least one diaphragm is (a) actuated in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the first engagement member of the front rail engages the second engagement member of the diaphragm and the third engagement member is in the first position (b) ) is fixed in the direction perpendicular to the front rail. the at least one diaphragm is (a) secured laterally parallel to the front rail when the first engaging member of the front rail engages the second engaging member of the diaphragm and the third engaging member is in the second position; and (b) It is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail.

In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and one or more partitions configured to engage the front rail, the one or more partitions comprising a partition, the one or more partitions further comprising a partition wall, and the one or more partition walls. further comprising a partition bottom perpendicular to the partition bottom, wherein the partition bottom is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam coupled to the compartment, wherein the cam is configured to move between the first position and the second position. The one or more partitions may be secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when the one or more partitions engage the front rail. The cam may inhibit movement of the one or more diaphragms in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the cam is in the first position and the cam may inhibit movement of the one or more diaphragms in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the cam is in the second position. may allow movement of The merchandise display system may include a handle for rotating the cam between the first position and the second position. The merchandise display system may include a handle for sliding the cam between the first position and the second position.

In another exemplary embodiment, a merchandise display system includes a front rail defining a rail groove and a divider 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 bottom further includes a top surface and a bottom surface for holding the product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam rotatably coupled to the compartment. The cam is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position. The cam defines a cam glide that extends below the bottom surface of the partition floor and contacts the front rail when the cam is in the first position. In operation, the diaphragm is actuated in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the cam is in the first position and the cam slide contacts the front rail, the diaphragm with the cam in the second position and with the rail groove of the front rail It is fixed laterally parallel to the front rail when in contact. With this embodiment, the cam is always in contact with the front rail irrespective of whether the cam is in the first or second position or a position within between the first and second positions.

In an alternative aspect, the cam includes a handle for rotating the cam between a first position and a second position, wherein the cam engages one or more groove walls in the rail groove when the cam is in the second position. It may include one or more configured cam surfaces. Additionally, the cam slide may define an elongate planar surface. The merchandise display system may also include a pusher mechanism having a pusher surface and a pusher plunger extending forwardly from the pusher surface. A coil spring having a coiled end may be positioned behind the pusher spring and the free end of the spring may attach the pusher mechanism to the merchandise display system. Alternatively, the barrier may be configured to receive the free end of the coil spring. In yet another alternative aspect, the front rail may define a ridge configured to engage a groove in the partition.

In another exemplary embodiment, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and one or more compartments configured to be attached to the front rail. The one or more partition walls may include a partition wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the barrier and the front rail. The partition wall may include a partition bottom perpendicular to the partition wall, the partition wall separating the partition bottom into a first portion and a second portion, each of the first portion and the second portion configured to hold a 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 one or more compartments. The cam defines a cam slide and is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position. In operation, the at least one diaphragm is actuated in a lateral direction parallel to and along the front rail when the cam is in the first position and the cam slide contacts the front rail, and wherein the at least one diaphragm moves the cam in the second position. and prevents movement along and in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the cam slide is not in contact with the front rail.

In one aspect, the first and second pusher mechanisms each include a pusher surface, a pusher bottom extending forwardly from the pusher surface, and a coil 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 merchandise display system.

In an alternative aspect, the one or more diaphragms may form a diaphragm engagement member and the one or more front rails may form a front rail engagement member. The partition engagement member is configured to engage the front rail engagement member. The partition engagement member may form partition teeth on one or more surfaces of the partition engagement member. The front rail engagement member may form front rail teeth on one or more surfaces of the front rail engagement member. The partition teeth are configured to engage the front rail teeth.

In another exemplary embodiment, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and one or more compartments configured to engage the front rail. The one or more partitions include a barrier, a partition wall, and a partition floor perpendicular to the partition wall. The partition bottom is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam coupled to the compartment. The cam is configured to be moved between a first position and a second position. The cam forms a cam slide for raising the diaphragm off the front rail when the cam is in the first position. The at least one diaphragm is secured to the front rail when the cam is in the second position and the cam slide moves away from the front rail. In one aspect, the at least one diaphragm is movable only in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail in the plane of the shelf and the at least one diaphragm operates in any direction that is not parallel to the front rail when the at least one diaphragm engages the front rail. direction is fixed on the plane of the ship. In another aspect, the cam may include a handle for rotating the cam between the first position and the second position. Additionally, the cam slide may define an elongate planar surface having an edge that permits slidable movement of the cam slide relative to the front rail.

In another exemplary embodiment, a merchandise display system may include a front rail and one or more compartments configured to engage the front rail. The partition can include a barrier, a partition wall, and a partition bottom perpendicular to the partition wall configured to hold a product. The front lock may be coupled to the partition. In one aspect, the front lock may be configured to rotate, pivot, or move between a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the front lock may allow slidable movement of the partition relative to the front rail. In an alternative aspect, the front lock may be raised off the bulkhead from the front rail. When in the second position, the front lock locks the bulkhead to the front rail and prevents slidable movement between the bulkhead and the front rail.

In another exemplary embodiment, the merchandise display system may include a divider secured to a support structure. The partition may include a partition wall and a bottom of the partition. The partition wall may extend upwardly from the bottom of the partition and the bottom of the partition may include a top surface. The system may further include a barrier movable by rotation between a collapsed position and an upright position without a rotation biasing element. When a product positioned on the top surface of the bottom of the compartment moves toward the front end of the compartment, the product may contact the barrier and rotate the barrier from the collapsed position to the upright position. The barrier may be configured to stop the forward movement of the product when the barrier is in the upright position. The system may include a rotatable mounting structure to which the movable barrier is coupled. The rotatable mounting structure may be detachably connected to the front end of the partition.

In another exemplary embodiment, a merchandise display system may be used in conjunction with a product tray to refill the system with product. The product tray may include a bottom surface, a right wall, a left wall and an alignment flap. The alignment flap may include a front end, a rear end, a right edge and a left edge. A flap width of the alignment flap may be defined between the right edge and the left edge. The front end of the alignment flap may be coupled to the bottom surface of the product tray and the alignment flap may be configured such that at least a portion of the flap width is approximately equal to the width of the product stored in the product tray. The alignment flaps may be positioned between opposing partition walls of a merchandise display system where a product pocket is defined between the opposed partition walls. The alignment flap aligns the product tray and the product stored in the product tray with the product pocket such that the product stored in the product tray can slide from within the product tray into the product pocket of the product display system.

In another exemplary embodiment, the merchandise display system may include a divider configured to be secured to a support structure, wherein the divider comprises a front end and a rear end. The partition includes a partition wall and a bottom of the partition, the partition wall extending upwardly from the bottom of the partition. The merchandise display system also includes a pusher mechanism comprising a biasing device and configured to slide along the bottom of the divider to move the product toward the front end; a barrier configured to be positioned proximate the front end of the compartment to contact the barrier as the product located on a top surface of the lower end of the compartment moves toward the front end of the compartment; and a product shortage indicating device including a protruding portion configured to extend forward of the barrier when the amount of product positioned on the upper surface of the lower end of the partition is small.

In another exemplary embodiment, the merchandise display system may include a divider configured to be secured to a support structure, wherein the divider comprises a front end and a rear end. The partition includes a partition wall and a bottom of the partition, the partition wall extending upwardly from the bottom of the partition. The merchandise display system also includes a pusher mechanism comprising a biasing device and configured to slide along the bottom of the divider to move the product toward the front end; a barrier configured to be positioned proximate the front end of the compartment to contact the barrier as the product located on a top surface of the lower end of the compartment moves toward the front end of the compartment; and a product shortage indicating device including a protruding portion configured to extend forward of the barrier when the amount of product positioned on the upper surface of the lower end of the partition is small. The product low indicator may engage the pusher such that the product low indicator is configured to slide relative to the compartment. The low product indicator may include a predetermined interruption point, and the product low indicator device may be configured to disengage from the pusher at the predetermined interruption point.

In another exemplary embodiment, the merchandise display system may include a divider configured to be secured to a support structure, wherein the divider comprises a front end and a rear end. The partition includes a partition wall and a bottom of the partition, the partition wall extending upwardly from the bottom of the partition. The merchandise display system also includes a pusher mechanism comprising a biasing device and configured to slide along the bottom of the divider to move the product toward the front end; and the barrier configured to be positioned proximate to the front end of the compartment in contact with the barrier as the product positioned on the top surface of the lower end of the compartment moves toward the forward end of the compartment. The merchandise display system also includes a side wall having a front edge, a rear edge and a bottom edge, a back wall engaging the side wall at the rear edge; and a lower wall coupled to the side wall at the lower edge, and a product shortage display device having a protruding portion. The protruding portion may be configured to extend forward of the barrier when the amount of product placed on the top surface of the bottom of the partition is small. The product low indicator may engage the pusher such that the product low indicator is configured to slide relative to the compartment. The low product indicator may include a predetermined interruption point, and the product low indicator device may be configured to disengage from the pusher at the predetermined interruption point.

In another exemplary embodiment, the merchandise system may include a divider configured to be secured to a support structure, the divider comprising a front end and a rear end; the partition includes a partition wall and a bottom of the partition, the partition wall extending upwardly from the bottom of the partition; a pusher mechanism comprising a biasing device and configured to slide along the bottom of the diaphragm to move a product towards the front end; a barrier configured to be positioned proximate the front end of the compartment to contact the barrier as the product located on a top surface of the lower end of the compartment moves toward the front end of the compartment; It may include a product shortage indicator including a side wall, a front wall and a bottom wall. The biasing device may include a coil spring, the coil spring passing above the bottom wall of the low product indicator and below the front wall of the low product indicator.

The product shortage indicator may also include a protruding portion configured to extend forward of the barrier when an amount of product positioned on the top surface of the bottom of the divider is low.

The product shortage indicator may be configured to move forward with the pusher as the product closest to the front end is unloaded until a predetermined amount of product is removed from the merchandise display. The predetermined amount of product may be adjustable. The bottom wall of the product shortage indicator may be configured to slide until all products are removed from the product display system. The product shortage display device may be detachably coupled to the product display system.

The barrier of the merchandise display system may be transparent and the front wall of the product shortage indicating device may be visible through the barrier when the quantity of the product positioned on the upper surface of the bottom of the partition is insufficient.

In another exemplary embodiment, the merchandise display system may include a divider configured to be secured to a support structure, the divider comprising a front end and a rear end; the partition includes a partition wall and a bottom of the partition, the partition wall extending upwardly from the bottom of the partition; a pusher mechanism comprising a biasing device and configured to slide along the bottom of the diaphragm to move a product towards the front end; a barrier configured to be positioned proximate the front end of the compartment to contact the barrier as the product located on a top surface of the lower end of the compartment moves toward the front end of the compartment; A product shortage indicator may be included. The product shortage indicator may be configured to move forward with the pusher as the product closest to the front end is unloaded until a predetermined amount of product is removed from the merchandise display. The predetermined amount of product may be adjustable.

The product shortage indicator may further include a protruding portion configured to extend forward of the barrier when an amount of product positioned on the top surface of the bottom of the partition is low.

The barrier may be transparent and the front wall of the product shortage indicating device may be visible through the barrier when the amount of product placed on the top surface of the bottom of the membrane is insufficient.

The product shortage display device may be detachably coupled to the product display system. The product shortage indicating device may include a side wall, a front wall and a bottom wall. the biasing device may comprise a coil spring; The coil spring passes above the bottom wall of the low product indicator and below the front wall of the low product indicator. The bottom wall of the product shortage indicator may be configured to slide until all products are removed from the product display system.

In another exemplary embodiment, the merchandise display system may include a divider configured to be secured to a support structure, the divider comprising a front end and a rear end; the partition includes a partition wall and a bottom of the partition, the partition wall extending upwardly from the bottom of the partition; a pusher mechanism comprising a biasing device and configured to slide along the bottom of the diaphragm to move a product towards the front end; a barrier configured to be positioned proximate the front end of the compartment to contact the barrier as the product located on a top surface of the lower end of the compartment moves toward the front end of the compartment; and a product shortage indicator including a side wall, a front wall, and a bottom wall. The biasing device may include a coil spring, the coil spring passing above the bottom wall of the low product indicator and below the front wall of the low product indicator. The product shortage indicator may be configured to move forward with the pusher as the product closest to the front end is unloaded until a predetermined amount of product is removed from the merchandise display.

The barrier may be transparent and the front wall of the product shortage indicating device may be visible through the barrier when the amount of product placed on the top surface of the bottom of the membrane is insufficient.

The product shortage indicator may further include a protruding portion that may be configured to extend forward of the barrier when an amount of product located on the top surface of the bottom of the partition is low.

1 depicts an isometric exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system of the present invention;
2 shows an isometric view of an exemplary pusher mechanism mounted to an exemplary tray or product channel of the present invention.
3 shows another isometric view of the system of FIG. 2 with a product disposed in the system;
4 shows another isometric view of the system of FIG. 2 with multiple products disposed in the system.
Fig. 5 shows an isometric rear view of the system of Fig. 4;
6 shows an alternative embodiment of a tray or product channel of the present invention.
7 illustrates an exemplary tip for an end of a coil spring that may be used with the product management display system of the present invention.
8 shows the exemplary tip of FIG. 7 mounted to the surface of a tray or product channel.
9 shows the exemplary tip of FIG. 7 mounted to an end of a coil spring;
FIG. 10 shows the exemplary tip of FIG. 7 mounted to the end of a coil spring;
11 depicts an isometric view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of the present invention.
Fig. 12 shows another isometric view of the system of Fig. 11;
Fig. 13 shows a front view of the system of Fig. 11;
Fig. 14 shows a top view of the system of Fig. 11;
Figure 15 shows a rear view of the system of Figure 11;
16 shows an isometric view of an adapter that may be used with the present invention.
17 shows a front view of the adapter of FIG. 16 ;
18 shows an exemplary installation of an adapter of the present invention.
19 shows an isometric view of an adapter installed in the present invention;
20 shows a front view of an adapter installed in the present invention.
21 depicts an isometric view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of the present invention.
22 illustrates an isometric bottom view of an exemplary mounting member that may be used to mount an end of a coil spring to the bottom of a display system.
23 shows an isometric top view of the exemplary mounting member of FIG. 22 ;
FIG. 24 shows the example mounting member of FIG. 22 mounted to an end of the coil spring with the coil spring mounted to the example pusher paddle;
25 shows another view of the exemplary mounting member of FIG. 22 mounted to an end of the coil spring having the coil spring mounted to the exemplary pusher paddle;
26 shows the exemplary mounting member of FIG. 22 with a coil spring attached to the bottom of the system.
27 illustrates the exemplary mounting member of FIG. 22 installed to the bottom of the system.
28 depicts an isometric view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of the present invention.
Fig. 29 shows an enlarged isometric view of the tray of the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 28;
29A shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 28 illustrating a first fastening method;
29B shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 28 illustrating a second fastening method;
30 shows an enlarged isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 28 illustrating riveting a spring to a tray;
Fig. 31 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of Fig. 28 being assembled to an existing wire shelf;
Fig. 32 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of Fig. 28 assembled on an existing wire shelf;
33 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
34 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
35 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an adapter.
36 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a retainer.
37 depicts a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
38 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
39 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
40 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
41A shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a partition.
41B shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
FIG. 41C shows an enlarged view of the section of FIG. 41B .
41D shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a partition.
42 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
43 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
44 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system.
45 depicts another isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system by product in the system.
46 depicts a top view of another exemplary system of a product management display system with products in the system.
47 depicts an isometric back view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system with products in the system.
48 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a pusher mechanism mounted to a compartment.
49 shows another isometric view of a divider and pusher mechanism being assembled into a product management display system.
50 depicts an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of a product management display system.
FIG. 51 depicts another isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of FIG. 50 without product.
52 depicts an exploded isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of FIG. 50 ;
53 depicts an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of a product management display system.
FIG. 54 shows an isometric view illustratively attaching a pusher spring to a shelf of the product management display system of FIG. 53 ;
FIG. 55 illustrates an isometric view illustratively attaching a pusher spring to a shelf of the product management display system of FIG. 53 ;
FIG. 56 illustrates an isometric view illustratively attaching a pusher spring to a shelf of the product management display system of FIG. 53 ;
FIG. 57 illustrates an isometric view illustratively attaching a pusher spring to a shelf of the product management display system of FIG. 53 ;
58 depicts an isometric view of an example embodiment of a product management display system in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
59 depicts an isometric view of the exemplary product management display system of FIG. 58;
60 depicts an isometric view of an example pusher mechanism in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
61 shows a partial isometric view of an example compartment in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
62 depicts an isometric view of an example diaphragm and pusher mechanism in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
63 shows a partial isometric view of an exemplary front portion of a divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
64 shows a partial isometric view of an exemplary front portion of a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
65 depicts a partial isometric view of an example connection between a diaphragm and a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
66 illustrates a side view of an exemplary septum and front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
67A-67C show side views of an example septum attaching to a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
68A-68C show side views of an example septum attaching to a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
69A shows an isometric view of example rail mounting clips for a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
69B shows an isometric view of an example front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
70 illustrates an isometric view of exemplary front rail and rail mounting clips in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
71 illustrates an isometric view of an example front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
72 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary diaphragm and pusher mechanism in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
73 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary diaphragm and pusher mechanism in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
74 depicts a partial isometric view of an example compartment in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
75 illustrates a partial isometric view of an exemplary front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
76A and 76B show partial isometric views of an exemplary front rail and cam bar lever in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure;
77 depicts an exploded front view of an exemplary product management display system in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
78 shows an exploded rear view of an example product management display system in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
79A-79C show side views of an exemplary front rail and partition in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
80 depicts an isometric view of an example product management display system in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
81A and 81B show partial side views of an exemplary front rail and partition in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure;
82A-82C show partial side views of an exemplary front rail and partition in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure;
83A-83C show partial side views of an exemplary front rail and partition in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure;
84A-84F illustrate isometric views of an example product management display system in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
85 illustrates a side view of an exemplary septum and front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
86A-86L show diagrams of components of an example product management display system in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
87A-87C show side views of example dividers and front rails in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
88A-B show isometric views of an example divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
89A-89C show side views of an example septum attached to a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
90A-90F show views of an example septum attaching to a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
91A depicts a view of an exemplary partition and rear rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
92 depicts an exploded view of an exemplary partition and rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
93A and 93B show views of an example partition for mounting to a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
94A-94C illustrate cross-sectional views of movement of an exemplary cam used in a diaphragm and front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
95 shows a right top perspective view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system.
96A and 96B are top right perspective views of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system.
97 is a top right exploded perspective view of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system.
98A-98C are side views of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system.
99A-99C are side views of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system.
100A-100D are top left perspective views of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system.
101A is a top right perspective view of aspects of an exemplary product tray.
101B is a top view of aspects of an exemplary product tray.
101C-101F are top left perspective views of aspects of an exemplary product tray for use with exemplary components of a merchandise display system.
102A is a top right perspective view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system.
102B is a top right exploded perspective view of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system.
102C and 102D are side views of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system.
103A is a top right, front perspective view of aspects of exemplary components of a rotatable mounting structure of a merchandise display system;
103B is a right top and rear perspective view of aspects of exemplary components of a rotatable mounting structure of a merchandise display system.
103C is a rear view of aspects of exemplary components of a rotatable mounting structure of a merchandise display system.
103D is a top view of aspects of exemplary components of a rotatable mounting structure of a merchandise display system.
103E is a right side view of aspects of exemplary components of a rotatable mounting structure of a merchandise display system.
104A is a top right exploded perspective view of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system.
104B is a top right perspective view of aspects of exemplary components of a rotatable mounting structure of a merchandise display system.
104C is a bottom right perspective view of aspects of exemplary components of a rotatable mounting structure of a merchandise display system.
104D is a front view of aspects of exemplary components of a rotatable mounting structure of a merchandise display system.
104E is a top view of aspects of exemplary components of a rotatable mounting structure of a merchandise display system.
104F is a left side view of aspects of exemplary components of a rotatable mounting structure of a merchandise display system.
104G is a bottom view of aspects of exemplary components of a rotatable mounting structure of a merchandise display system.
105A-105D are side views of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system.
106A is a top right exploded perspective view of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system.
106B is a side view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system.
107A is a perspective view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system including a product shortage indication system.
107B is a perspective view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system including a product shortage indication system.
107C is a perspective view of aspects of example components of a product shortage indication system.
107D is a perspective view of aspects of example components of a product shortage indication system.
107E is a perspective view of aspects of example components of a product shortage indication system.
107F is a perspective view of aspects of example components of a product shortage indication system.
108A is a perspective view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system including a product shortage indication system.
108B is a front view of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system including a product shortage indication system.
109A is a perspective view of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system including a product shortage indication system.
109B is a perspective view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system including a product shortage indication system.
109C is a perspective view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system including a product shortage indication system.
109D is a perspective view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system including a product shortage indication system.
110A is a perspective view of aspects of example components of a merchandise display system including a product shortage indication system.
110B is a side view of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system including a product shortage indication system.
110C is a side view of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system including a product shortage indication system.
110D is a side view of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system including a product shortage indication system.
110E is a side view of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system including a product shortage indication system.
110F is a side view of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system including a product shortage indication system.
110G is a side view of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system including a product shortage indication system.
110H is a side view of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system including a product shortage indication system.
110I is a side view of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system including a product shortage indication system.
110J is a side view of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system including a product shortage indication system.
110K is a side view of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system including a product shortage indication system.
110L is a side view of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system including a product shortage indication system.
110M is a side view of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system including a product shortage indication system.
110N is a side view of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system including a product shortage indication system.
110O is a side view of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system including a product shortage indication system.
111A is a perspective view of a product shortage indicating device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;
111B is a perspective view of a product shortage indicating device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;
112A is a perspective view of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system including a product shortage indication system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
112B is a perspective view of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system including a product shortage indication system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
112C is a perspective view of aspects of exemplary components of a merchandise display system including a product shortage indication system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
Before embodiments of the present invention are described in detail, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited in its application to the details of arrangement and construction of components specified in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Also, use of the terms “mounted”, “mounted” or “mounting” is intended to broadly refer to any technique or method of mounting, attaching, coupling or coupling one component to another, whether directly or indirectly. means to include

The present invention may be embodied in various forms. Referring to the drawings in which like numbers indicate like elements, in FIG. 1 is an isometric exploded view of an exemplary embodiment. The exemplary vending system 10 includes a product dispensing tray 12 on which an exemplary trackless pusher mechanism 14 is mounted. As will be described in greater detail below, the pusher mechanism 14 will fit into the tray 12 and use tracks, rails or guides commonly used to hold a conventional pusher mechanism to the tray or bottom of the tray. It will slide along the surface of the tray without The pusher mechanism defines a pusher paddle and a pusher bottom extending forward of the pusher paddle. A coil spring may extend over the bottom of the pusher and may be operatively connected to the tray in a forward position of the tray. In one aspect of the invention, the product for sale may be placed on a tray in front of the pusher paddle and seated on the bottom of the pusher as well as on a coil spring. With this configuration, the weight of the product will be prevented from being tipped by the pusher paddle to ensure proper pushing of the product. In addition, the problem associated with debris or sticky substances that hampers the effectiveness of known pusher systems using tracks, rails or guides is eliminated. Other aspects, embodiments and features of the invention and its teachings are set forth in greater detail hereinafter.

Exemplary tray 12 defines a surface 16 and one or more dividing panels or dividers 18 to separate the tray into multiple rows for placement of products. In an alternative aspect, tray 12 may be a shelf or any other surface upon which products may be placed for sale. Surface 16 may be a solid surface or a 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 slidable movement of product placed on this surface and also provide a surface that prevents liquids and dirt from passing through the apertures 20 and collecting them on the surface 16 . . Surface 16 may be made of any suitable material that permits slidable movement of a product on surface 16 . Other surface or bottom configurations are known and may be used in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

As depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the surface 16 may define a rounded end portion 24 that includes a cutout or cutout portion 26 . The end portion 24 may be rounded to match the shape of the product placed on the tray. For example, the depicted end portion 24 is round but forms a semicircular shape to match the contour of a bottle or can that may be placed on a tray and may be on the end portion 24 . Other shapes of end portions may be used by the present invention depending on the product being marketed.

A cutout 26 may be used to receive and mount the end 29 of the coil spring 30 or similar biasing element. The cutout 26 may define opposing angled edge surfaces 32 joined by an edge 34 . Edge 34 is preferably centered across the width of the product row formed in tray 12 and extends perpendicular to the length of the tray. This configuration will center the coil spring 30 relative to the tray 12 and allow the spring to extend in a manner substantially parallel to the length of the tray. In other words, the depicted edge 34 of the cut-out 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 appreciate that the location and configuration of the cutouts may vary depending on the desired arrangement of the spring.

The coil spring 30 may define an end 29 configured to rest across the cutout 26 and on the edge 34 . In one aspect, the end 29 of the coil spring may be V-shaped and the end 29 is edged by a portion of the end 29 of the coil spring extending below the end portion 24 of the surface 16 . 34) Can function as a hook to wrap around. This configuration allows for easy installation of the coil spring onto the tray.

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 the spring to the system. The spring tip 60 can be formed in a number of shapes and configurations depending on the configuration of the tray and the surface to which the spring end needs to be attached. The spring tip 60 may be permanently attached to the end 29 of the coil spring 30 or may be removable to allow exchange or replacement of the spring tip 60 . The spring tip 60 may be made of plastic and may define one or more holes. The hole 61 may be used to receive the end 29 of the coil spring 30 . A second aperture 63 may be used to receive a mating tongue or mounting member 65 extending from the surface 16 of the tray 12 as discussed below. With this configuration, the end 29 of the coil spring 30 can be operatively connected to the tray 12 .

In another aspect, the end 29 of the coil spring may be snap-fitted into a hole formed in the surface 16 , or otherwise inserted and secured into a hole or opening in a tray, whereby the coil spring 30 Secure the end 29 in place.

Referring again to FIG. 1 , partitions 18 may also be used to separate product into rows. The partitions 18 extend substantially upwardly from the surface 16 and may be located on opposite sides of the surface 16 as illustrated in FIG. 1 . Alternatively, the partitions 18 may be located at any desired location on the tray 12 or on the surface 16 . The compartments 18 may be formed as a single structure having a surface 16 , or the compartments 18 may be removable to provide additional flexibility to the system. Partitions can be attached to either the front or rear rails, depending on the system. The dividers 18 may form a number of configurations and may extend upward any desired distance to provide a desired height of the dividers between rows of product to be sold. This height may be adjustable by adding divider extensions or the like.

One or more product retention members 44 may be positioned in front of the tray 12 and extend between the partitions 18 . The product retention members 44 may act as a front retention wall or bar to hold product to tray 12 and to prevent product from falling off tray 12 . These members are also configured to allow for easy removal of the frontmost product located in the tray 12 . Product retention member 44 may be one or more curved-shaped retention ribs as depicted in FIG. 1 . These illustrated retaining ribs may extend from one compartment to another compartment and thereby engage the compartments. Retention ribs may also extend in a partial manner between the partitions as also shown in FIG. 1 as ribs 46 to also help retain product in the tray. Alternatively, and as shown in FIG. 6 , the product retention member 44 may be a curved solid retention wall 48 extending between the partitions. Retention wall 48 may be transparent or translucent to allow visualization of products on the shelf. In another aspect, the retaining wall 48 may also extend in a partial manner between the partitions 18 . 11-15, the retaining wall 100 may be attached to the surface of the tray and not connected to the partitions. In this embodiment, the retaining wall 100 has an opening 102 defined by a top member 104 , opposing curved sidewalls 106 further defining an angled edge 108 , and a bottom member 110 . can form. The sidewalls 106 may also be straight and not curved, depending on the system. The end of the coil spring may also snap fit into the bottom 110 or otherwise be attached to the tray using any of the techniques described herein. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that numerous shapes and configurations are possible for product retention member 44 and the configurations depicted are merely exemplary embodiments of numerous such configurations.

Referring again to FIG. 1 , an exemplary trackless pusher mechanism 14 forms a pusher paddle 50 and a pusher bottom 52 . Pusher paddle 50 and pusher bottom 52 may be formed as one single structure or may be separate structures joined together using known techniques. Furthermore, pusher paddle 50 and pusher bottom 52 may be made of any known suitable plastic or metal material. The pusher paddle and pusher bottom may be reinforced using any known reinforcement techniques.

In one aspect, the pusher paddle 50, as depicted in FIGS. 3-5, is a curved-shaped pusher surface or face 54 configured to match the shape of a product sold, such as a plastic bottle or candle containing a beverage. ) to form The curved pusher surface 54 allows the pusher to remain centrally aligned with the last product in the tray. This configuration reduces friction and drag between the pusher and the partition walls. In an alternative aspect, the pusher surface or face may be a flat surface. In another aspect, a flat pusher surface is positioned at or near the top end of the pusher paddle and is curved that can be used to center and align product to the tray in a manner similar to the curved pusher surface 54 depicted in FIG. 1 . Shape ribs may be involved. The curved rib can form other shapes and configurations that allow cylindrical or similarly shaped products to be properly pushed into the tray. An advertisement, product identification, or other product information may be placed on the pusher surface 54 .

One or more support members 58 , such as ribs, walls or gussets, may be positioned behind the pusher surface or face 54 . The support members 58 are configured to support the pusher surface 54 and also connect the pusher paddle 50 to the pusher bottom 52 . As can be seen in FIG. 5 , a coil spring 30 , and more specifically a coiled end 57 , which is used to force the pusher paddle 50 forward and along the tray 12 , has a It is located behind the support members 58 as will be understood. Any technique used to operatively connect a coil spring to the pusher paddle 50 may be used with the present invention.

1 , the pusher bottom 52 may be positioned below the pusher paddle 50 and may extend forward of the pusher surface 54 of the pusher paddle. The pusher bottom 52 may extend any predetermined distance and at any predetermined angle. For example, the pusher bottom 52 may extend substantially perpendicular to the pusher surface 54 . In an exemplary embodiment, the pusher bottom 52 may extend a distance sufficient to allow a single product, such as a bottle or can, to be placed on the pusher bottom. In another aspect, the pusher bottom 52 may be configured to allow more than one product to be placed on the pusher bottom. The pusher bottom 52 may form any shape including the round shape depicted and may form any product retention features of the surface of the pusher bottom such as ribs, walls, etc. to further retain the product to the pusher bottom. there is.

As can be seen in FIG. 2 , the pusher bottom 52 may form an elongate channel, groove or recessed portion 59 that is sized and shaped and configured to seat the coil spring 30 . In an exemplary embodiment, the channel or groove 59 may extend across the bottom 52 and in a substantially perpendicular manner to the pusher paddle 50 . In alternative aspects, the grooves or channels may extend across the entire pusher bottom 52 or in a partial manner, as shown in FIG. 19 . This configuration allows for proper alignment and positioning of the pusher paddles 50 within the tray. The groove 59 may form a depth that matches or exceeds the thickness of the coil spring 30 . With this configuration, the coil spring 30 will be mounted on or under the bottom surface of the pusher so that the product will not seat directly on the coil spring, rather, this product will rest on the bottom surface of the pusher. 19 , the pusher bottom may include holes or openings through which debris or other items may pass. Alternatively, the bottom may be a solid surface.

In an alternative aspect of the present invention, an adapter 180 may be positioned on the surface 16 , as shown in FIGS. 16-20 . 16 and 17 , the adapter 180 may include one or more raised ribs 182 upon which a product may be seated. The raised ribs 182 may extend longitudinally along the length of the adapter 180 . The adapter 180 may be a flat projection of plastic material (or any other suitable material) that forms a flat surface 184 , from which one or more ribs 182 extend outwardly. . The adapter 180 may define a rounded end 185 and may include a cutout or cutout 186 through which a coil spring may extend or across. The rounded end 185 may be configured to match the shape of the product placed on the tray. Other shapes of end 185, cutout 186, and adapter 180 may be used with the present invention depending on the product being sold. Adapter 180 may be a separate insertable piece or may alternatively be a piece integrally formed with surface 16 .

Referring to FIG. 18 , adapter 180 may be easily insertable onto surface 16 and between partitions 18 . Referring to FIG. 19 , once the adapter 180 is installed, the pusher mechanism 14 is positioned on the top end of the adapter 180 and can slide freely across the ribs 182 of the adapter 180 . A coil spring 30 may extend in a parallel manner between the ribs 182 and may rest on or under the top surface of the ribs 182 , as more clearly shown in FIG. 20 . With this configuration, the product to be sold can be seated on and slide along the ribs 182 rather than the coil spring 30 .

In an alternative aspect, the ribs 182 may be a raised bead or raised beads, or may be a series of fingers that may be used to facilitate movement of the product on the surface 16 . In yet another alternative embodiment, the ribs 182 may provide product such as runners or one or more rollers or rolling members that allow product to roll across the rolling members and towards the front of the product display system. They may be movable members. Exemplary roller assemblies are filed Oct. 25, 2005 and are filed by RTC Industries, Inc. including those disclosed and described in U.S. Application Serial No. 11/257,718, assigned to As should be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, there are many possible techniques that can be used with the described pusher mechanisms to facilitate movement of a shelf or bottom product.

The underside of the pusher bottom 52 may be a smooth planar surface that will slide freely along the surface 16 . Alternatively, and similarly to the above, the pusher bottom 52 may include beads, runners, rollers, etc. that allow the pusher bottom to slide along a non-raised surface from the surface 16 upwards. can In another alternative embodiment, the underside of the pusher bottom may be configured with rail mounting members that allow mounting of the pusher to a track or rail as is understood in the art.

The pusher bottom also forms a cutout or cutout 62 through which the coil spring 30 will pass. End 29 of coil spring 30 will pass through cutout 62 and cutout 26 in surface 16 and will be mounted to a tray using any of the techniques described above.

In use, since the pusher mechanism 14 is forced to the rear of the tray 12 , the end 29 of the coil spring 30 will remain in the position as described above and the coiled end of the spring 30 ( 57) will begin to unwind the coil behind the pusher paddle 50. When the pusher 14 is enabled to move forward in the tray 14, such as when product is removed from the front of the tray, the coiled end 57 of the spring 30 will coil and the pusher paddle 50 will press forward on the tray 12, thereby forcing the product towards the front of the tray.

In an alternative embodiment, the coil spring 30 may extend below and below the pusher bottom 52 and across the pusher bottom and as opposed to above, as shown in the figures. With this configuration, the groove 59 and the cut-out portion 62 may be unnecessary.

The coil spring 30 may be any biasing element including, but not limited to, a planar coil spring commonly used in pusher systems. The present invention may use one or more coil springs to bias the pusher mechanism 14 forward depending on the desired application. The tension coil spring 30 may also vary depending on the particular application.

Referring to FIG. 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 coil spring 30 extends through a cutout in the bottom of the pusher and is mounted on a 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. 2 , the pusher mechanism 14 is shown in a forward position.

Referring to FIG. 3 , a pusher mechanism 14 for selling one product 70 within the merchandise system 10 is shown. Product is prevented from pouring out of the tray by the product-retaining member 44 . Product 70 may be any product to be sold, including the beverage bottle shown. As shown in this figure, the product 70 rests on a coil spring 30 and pusher bottom 52 extending below the product. The weight of the product above the pusher bottom 52 and positioning of the product across the spring 30 prevents the paddle 50 from spilling into the tray 12 .

Referring to FIG. 4 , a pusher mechanism 14 is shown with multiple products 70 for sale within the merchandise system 10 . As shown in this figure, the product after the pusher paddle 50 is placed on the bottom of the pusher 52 and a coil spring 30 extending under the product. Other products are placed on a coil spring 30 that will extend under these products. Alternatively, the adapter 180 may be positioned within the commodity system, in which case the article rests on the adapter's ribs 182 as opposed to a coil spring. Again, the weight of the product at the bottom of the pusher 52 and the positioning of the products across the spring 30 prevents the paddle 50 from spilling out of the tray. In use, when one product is removed from the front of the tray near the product-retaining member 44 , the pusher mechanism 14 (via the compression of the coil spring 30 ) causes the pusher mechanism 14 to determine that the most forward product is the product-retaining member 44 . It will push the remaining product forward in tray 12 until it makes contact with . As additional product is removed, the pusher mechanism 14 will continue to push the remaining product towards the product-retaining member 44 .

Referring to FIG. 5 , a rear view of the pusher mechanism 14 is shown in which the pusher mechanism 14 is loading multiple products 70 into the merchandise system 10 . Again, the product after the pusher paddle 50 is placed on the bottom of the pusher 52 and a coil spring 30 that extends below the product. Other products are placed on coil springs that will extend under these products. Alternatively, the adapter 180 may be positioned within the commodity system, in which case the article rests on the adapter's ribs 182 as opposed to a coil spring. When one product is removed from the front of the tray near the product-retaining member 44 , the end 57 of the coil spring 30 engages the pusher mechanism ( 14) will press the pusher paddles 50 forward within the tray 12. As can be seen in this figure, the coil spring end 57 may be positioned between the two support members 58 . The support members will hold the coil spring between these support members. As can be seen in this figure, the pusher bottom 52 may also extend below the support member 58 .

Referring to Figure 6, an alternative embodiment of a pusher tray is shown. With this embodiment, multiple trays 12 can be formed into a single multi-tray assembly 80 . Multi-trays may have a floor in common with dividers 18 extending upwardly from the floor to form multiple trays or rows. In this embodiment, the product-retaining member 44 may be a solid member extending between two partitions as discussed above. One or more assemblies of multi-tray assemblies 80 may be coupled or coupled together in a parallel fashion using any known technique, including clips, dovetails, fasteners, and the like. With this configuration, multiple rows of products can be provided for sale of multiple products.

As noted above, the trackless pusher mechanism 14 may be used with gravity-transfer systems, ie, systems having trays or product channels that are tilted to allow gravity to assist in loading the product. Alternatively, the trackless pusher mechanism 14 may be used with a system mounted in a non-inclined or horizontal manner where gravity will have little or no assistance in loading the product. The trackless pusher mechanism 14 may also be used to push products of various shapes.

7 shows an exemplary tip 60 for an end 29 of a coil spring 30 that may be used with the merchandise system 10 . As illustrated, the tip 60 is formed with a hole 61 for receiving the end 29 of the coil spring and a hole 63 for mounting to the surface 16 of the tray. As can be seen in FIG. 7 , in one aspect of an alternative embodiment a tongue that may be configured to mate with an aperture 63 and snap-fit the tip 60 onto the tongue 65 and thus to the surface 16 . Alternatively, the mounting member 65 may extend below the surface 16 .

Referring to FIG. 8 , an exemplary tip 60 of FIG. 7 is shown to be mounted to a tongue or mounting member 65 . The tongue 65 may include an elongate outwardly extending rib 67 used to snap-fit the tip 60 to the tongue 65 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other techniques may be used to mount the tip 60 to the surface 16 and the techniques shown are but one exemplary embodiment of such techniques.

Referring to FIG. 9 , an exemplary tip 60 is shown fully mounted to the surface 16 and more specifically to the end portion 24 of the surface 16 of the tray 12 in a snap-fit engagement manner. . It is also shown that the end 29 of the coil spring 30 is mounted in the hole 61 of the distal end 60 . As shown in FIG. 9 , the end 29 of the coil spring can be inserted inside the hole 61 . The hole 61 receives the end 29 of the coil spring to hold the end 29 in place, and in such situations where it is desirable to disengage the coil spring from the tip to allow removal of the pusher mechanism 14 from the system. is configured to allow removal of the end 29 of the coil spring from the hole 61 in the shaft.

Referring to FIG. 10 , an end 29 of a coil spring is shown fully mounted to an exemplary tip 60 . As illustrated in this figure, the coil 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 .

21-27, an alternative technique for mounting the end 29 of the coil spring 30 to a merchandise display system is shown. The mounting member 130 may be used to mount the end 29 of the coil spring to the bottom 131 of the system. For such a system comprising spaced apart slide rails 132 joined together by connecting ribs 134 ( FIGS. 26 and 27 ), the mounting member 130 is attached to the floor 131 and to the slide rail 132 . ) may be snap-fitted between them or otherwise mounted. The mounting member will thus hold the end of the coil spring in place and to the bottom 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 may be configured to snap-fit to the underside of the rail 132 thereby securing the mounting member 130 to the bottom of the system. The legs 136 are configured to contact the underside of the rail 132 to prevent the mounting member 130 from being lifted off the floor except by intentionally bending the legs outward from the underside of the rail 132. , L-shaped surfaces or angled surfaces may include leg ends 137 formed therein. The legs 136 may contact the connecting ribs 134 which will prevent sliding motion of the mounting member 130 relative to the floor. Referring to FIG. 26 , a mounting member 130 is shown to be mounted to the bottom of the system and more specifically to the rails. 27 illustrates that the mounting member 130 remains in place as the pusher paddle 141 is pulled away from the front of the system. Mounting member 130 may be connected to this type of system floor 131 using other techniques. For example, a separate mounting clip, one or more fasteners, adhesives, or other techniques may be used to secure the mounting member 130 to the floor 131 .

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

The mounting member 130 may also include slide ribs 139 on the top surface that allow a product placed thereon to more readily slide across the mounting member after the mounting member is installed to the bottom of the system. . The mounting member 130 may also include an elongate flat body 140 extending forward of the position of the legs 136 to provide stability to the mounting member 130 after being mounted to the bottom of the system.

24 , 25 and 27 , the pusher paddle or pusher mechanism 141 may include a pusher face 143 configured to match the shape of the product being pushed thereto. As illustrated, the pusher face 143 may be curved in shape to match the shape of a bottle or other cylindrical object. The pusher paddle 141 may also include a pusher bottom 145 similar to the pusher bottom configurations described above. The pusher bottom 145 may further include a spring sleeve 147 that receives the coil spring 30 to shield and protect the spring. The spring sleeve 147 may extend partially or fully in the direction of the spring 30 and across the pusher bottom 145 . The spring sleeve 147 may have a fairly short height and flat surface 149 that allows the product to be placed on top without significant collapse or leaning of the product.

The pusher paddle 141 may be positioned on top of the bottom 131 to glide on top of the surface, as described above. A pusher paddle may be positioned between two product partition walls 153 that are joined together by a product retention member 155 . Additional product retaining members 157 may extend outwardly from the product compartments.

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

28-32, which is an alternative embodiment, the trackless pusher system may be retrofitted to an existing shelf assembly 230, which may have product compartments already built-in. For example, in one embodiment the trackless pusher system may be retrofitted to an existing wire shelf assembly. 30-32 , the tray or adapter 216 may have a slide bottom 222 , which may be the size of a single lane of shelf 234 or the size of the entire shelf width. The slide bottom 222 may include a number of raised ribs 224 , which help to reduce friction against products loaded on the tray 216 . It should be understood that one or more raised ribs 224 may be used with a single bottom 222 . Alternatively, the slide bottom 222 may be a flat, planar surface without raised ribs. The tray or adapter 216 may be configured similarly to the adapter 180 of FIG. 16 .

28 and 30 , the end 29 of the coil spring 30 may be riveted to the front end 228 of the tray 216 via a rivet 229 , or in any other attachment technique. can be attached by Tray 216 may be held on the shelf by any attachment technique suitable for the particular shelf. In one embodiment, and as illustrated in FIGS. 29-32 , the tray 216 is provided with one or more individual wires 232 of the shelf 234 to hold the tray 216 on the shelf 234 . may include one or more outwardly extending fingers or snaps 220 that may engage them. The fingers or snaps 220 may extend longitudinally along the tray 216 or may be spaced apart along the length of the tray. The snap 220 may be used to snap-fit the tray 216 to an existing wire shelf. 29A and 29B, the snaps 220A, 220B may form a number of configurations that allow the tray 216 to be snap-fit coupled to a shelf. The embodiment shown in Figures 28-32 is a low-cost alternative to the full trackless pusher assembly, allowing positioning of the trackless pusher system in an existing lathe system, such as a wire shelf system. It should be understood that any pusher mechanism described in the present invention may be used with this embodiment.

33 and 44 , another exemplary embodiment, the display management system includes one or more pusher mechanisms 286 , one or more compartments 266 , and 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 bottom 288 . The product rests on the pusher floor 288 and is guided through a divider 266 and pusher paddles 287 to the front of the display management system. The coil spring 30 biases the pusher mechanism 286 towards the retainer 250 to move the product forward of the system.

In one exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 33 , the coil spring 30 may be mounted to the retainer 250 . Alternatively, the coil spring 30 may be mounted to the partition 266 (also shown in FIGS. 48 and 49 ). The coil spring 30 may be mounted directly to the retainer 250 as shown in FIG. 33 , or may be mounted to the retainer 250 via a detach adapter 252 as shown in FIG. 34 .

35 , the adapter 252 has a wall 254 near the first end 256 . The first end 256 has an upwardly curved curved portion 262 . The middle portion of the adapter 252 may be provided with a curved slot 260 configured to receive a correspondingly shaped spring end (not shown).

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

36 and 37 , retainer 250 has curved slots 284 corresponding to the shape and size of curved portion 262 of adapter 252 . The curved slot 284 extends the length of the retainer to allow for non-limiting positioning of the adapter 252 along the length of the retainer 250 .

To secure the first spring end of the coil spring 30 to the retainer 250 , the curved portion 262 of the adapter 252 rests inside the curved slot 284 of the retainer 250 . The curved slot 284 secures the adapter 252 and the first spring end of the coil spring 30 to the retainer 250 and provides for quick and easy assembly of the display system. Wall 254 provides additional stability to the connection between retainer 250 and adapter 252 . However, other methods may be used to secure the adapter 252 and/or the first spring end of the coil spring 30 to the retainer 250 .

Alternatively, the coil spring 30 of the pusher paddle 287 may be mounted directly to the front of the tray 306 as shown in FIGS. 33 and 44 . The first spring end 290 of the coil spring 30 is provided with a curved portion. The curved portion bends downward from the pusher bottom 288 and is configured to be received within a recess 316 (shown in FIG. 33 ) formed by the lip 318 of the front surface of the dispense tray 306 and retainer 250 . do. The vertically oriented surface of retainer 250 and lip 318 are spaced apart such that a gap is formed between the vertically oriented surface and the leading edge of lip 250 . To secure the coil spring 30 and the pusher mechanism 286 to the assembly, the first spring end 290 is positioned inside the gap formed between the vertically oriented surface of the retainer 250 and the front edge of the lip 318 . is inserted into and rests inside the recess 316 formed by the retainer 250 and the lip 318 of the distribution tray 306 .

38 , 39 , 48 and 49 , the coil spring 30 may be mounted directly to the partition 266 . Moreover, in an exemplary embodiment, the coil spring 30 may be mounted perpendicular to the pusher bottom 288 such that the axis around which the coil spring 30 is wound is perpendicular to the pusher bottom 288 . This orientation has the benefit of preventing the pusher paddles from collapsing backwards. The first spring end 290 may be provided with an angled portion 292 and a tip portion 296 . In one embodiment, the angled portion 292 may be bent perpendicular to the coil spring body 294 . The partition may be provided with a slot 298 configured to receive the proximal portion 296 of the first spring end 290 .

To secure the coil 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 .

As shown in FIG. 33 , various pusher mechanism designs may be implemented. The pusher paddle 287 may be formed flat to accommodate a correspondingly shaped product. Alternatively, the pusher paddle 286 may have a curved first portion and a flat second portion. It serves to accommodate a variety of cylindrical articles having a variety of different sized diameters and to facilitate operation of the pusher mechanism 286 . During operation, the product and the curved first portion in the pusher mechanism 286 together urge the pusher mechanism against the diaphragm 266 such that the coil spring 30 secures the first spring end 290 during tensioning or operation. It remains flat against the partition 266 . This allows for smooth operation of the pusher mechanism and ensures that product is properly dispensed when users remove it from the system.

40-41D , the distance between the dividers 266 may be adjusted to accommodate containers of different sizes. The partitions 266 may be provided with connecting portions 272 . The connecting portions 272 may be provided with a first elongated angled portion 268 and an elongated second angled portion 270 . In addition, a plurality of protrusions 274 may be provided on the connecting portions 272 . As shown in FIG. 41B , the rails may be formed with teeth 278 having front surfaces 280 and flank surfaces 282 .

Upon assembly, the connecting portions 272 are received between the teeth 278 of the rails as shown in FIG. 41C . Also, the elongated angled surfaces 268 and 270 and the protrusions 274 are wedged between the teeth 278 . Also, as shown in FIG. 41C , the elongated angled surfaces 268 and 270 engage the front surface 280 and the protrusions 274 engage the lower surfaces of the teeth 278 . The flank surfaces 282 are in contact with the connecting portion 272 .

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 42 , the trays 306 are provided with dovetailed connections. The first side 308 of the trays 306 are provided with tongues 312 configured to fit within the grooves 314 located in the second side 310 of the trays 306 . To connect the trays, the grooves 314 are aligned with the tongues 312 such that the tongues 312 are securely secured within the grooves 314 .

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 43 , trays 306 are configured to receive retainers 250 at their front ends. The retainer may be provided with rectangular holes 300 , and the retainer is provided with projections 302 of corresponding shapes and sizes. To secure retainer 250 to tray 306 , protrusions 302 fit inside of hole 300 to lock retainer in place on tray 306 .

45-47, after the product management display system is assembled, products are loaded inside the system. By adjusting the dividers 266, a wide variety of product sizes and shapes can be loaded inside 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 picks up the product from the system, the pusher paddle 287 pushes the rest of the product, causing the product to slide along the floor 264 to the retainer 250 . This ensures that all products are kept in front of the display system.

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

Trays 402 and 404 are each 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.

The pusher mechanism 414 is arranged in a manner similar to the embodiments described above to slide products along the surface of the trays 402 and 404 while the product is being removed. Also, any of the alternative arrangements of the pusher mechanism described above may be implemented with a stackable tray arrangement.

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

To assemble the stackable product management display system, the detents 416 located in the first and second spacers 406 and 408 are socketed correspondingly shaped sockets on the outer surfaces of the first and second trays 402 and 404 . 418 are placed in a locking arrangement inside them. This provides stackable arrangements that can be practiced in connection with any of the embodiments described above.

53-57 , the pusher paddle 500 may be mounted directly to the shelf 508 and secured to the shelf by the end of a coil spring 504 . The pusher paddle 500 will slide along and at the top of the surface of the shelf. One or more partitions 502 forming a T-shaped configuration may be positioned next to the pusher paddle 500 . In another aspect, the base of the divider 502 may be positioned on a shelf such that the base is positioned below the pusher paddle 500 . With this configuration, the pusher paddle 500 can slide along the base of the partition. If the divider 502 is positioned far enough away from the paddle 500 , the paddle 500 will slide directly on the surface of the shelf 508 . Partition 502 may form a number of configurations, including those described herein, and may be secured to a shelf using any known technique, including pusher pins, rivets, fasteners, adhesives, and the like.

In one aspect, the end 510 of the coil spring 504 is located in a hole or hole 506 located in the shelf 508 . End 510 may define a spring tip that may further form any suitable configuration that allows the spring end to pass into hole 506 and remain secured to the hole. For example, the spring tip of end 510 can form a hook-shaped configuration that allows end 510 to wrap around the edges of hole 506 . Alternatively, the spring tip may form one or more catches that are hooked to the edges of the hole 506 . Other spring tip configurations are possible.

54 , fasteners 512 , pins, rivets, etc. may be used to further secure spring 504 to shelf 508 . This fastener 512 will provide a second, spaced apart anchor point to the spring that will hold the spring in the desired alignment during full actuation of the spring 504 as the paddle 500 moves back and forth on the shelf 508 . It will be understood that even more anchor points are possible depending on the type of shelf and the number and spacing of holes present on the shelf.

55-57, an exemplary mounting technique for mounting the spring 504 of the paddle 500 to a shelf is shown. 55, the end 510 of the spring 504 is inserted inside the hole 506 of the shelf. The shelf 510 may form a spring tip as described herein to secure the end 510 to the edges of the hole 506 . 56 , in this embodiment a spring 504 comprising a rivet or stud 514 is lowered into the lathe so that the rivet or stud 514 fits into another hole 506 located in the lathe. . These rivets or studs provide another anchoring point for the spring. 56 and 57 , the spring 504 may form a hole 516 to receive another rivet or stud 518 to further secure the spring 504 to the shelf. With these multiple anchoring points, the spring 504 will be secured to the shelf and thus the paddle will be secured to the shelf. Also, with these multiple anchoring points, the spring will maintain the desired alignment during full actuation of the spring as the paddle moves back and forth on the shelf. It should be understood that other anchoring techniques, including any technique described herein, or any combination of techniques described herein, enable securing the end of spring 504 to a shelf. It should be understood that one or more holes may be drilled in desired locations on the shelf, provided that the shelf does not have pre-existing holes that may be used to anchor the spring 504 .

With the embodiment shown in Figures 53-57, the trackless pusher paddle can be retrofitted directly to existing store shelves with very little effort or extra mounting parts. In addition, this embodiment can be easily removed to allow repositioning of the pusher paddles anywhere on the shelf to accommodate products of any size and shape to be loaded onto the shelf. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that any of the pusher paddles described herein may be mounted directly to a shelf by using the techniques described herein or any combination of the techniques described herein.

In an alternate embodiment as shown in FIG. 58 , the display management system is comprised of one or more pushers 520 , one or more dividers 550 , and a front rail 580 . The partition 550 and the front rail 580 are mounted on the shelf. The pusher 520 may include a pusher face 522 and a pusher bottom 524 as illustrated in FIG. 59 . The pusher face 522 may be divided into a non-adjustable portion 526 and a pusher extension 528 . Both the non-adjustable portion 526 and the pusher extension 528 may form a surface that may be used to contact a product on a shelf. Both the non-adjustable portion 526 and the pusher extension 528 may form smaller heights and depths. The pusher extension 528 can be adjusted from a position coplanar with and adjacent the non-adjustable portion 526 as shown in FIG. 59 . The pusher extension 528 may be directed downward towards the pusher bottom 524 as shown in FIG. 60 . The pusher extension 528 is as shown in FIG. 60 , including a position parallel to the pusher bottom 524 and an upwardly directed position away from the pusher bottom 524 and a downwardly directed position towards the pusher bottom 524 . It can be adjusted to various positions such as In this way, the width or height of the pusher 520 can be effectively extended for wider or larger products.

The pusher extension 528 can rotate about an axis on the upper portion of the pusher 520 .

A cut out wheel 532 (see FIG. 77 ) may be positioned behind the pusher extension 528 . Pusher extension 528 includes a protrusion (see protrusion 530 in FIG. 77 ) that fits within cutouts in cut-out wheel 532 . As the pusher extension 528 rotates about its axis, the protrusion rotates in various spaces within the cutouts in the cut-out wheel 532 similar to a pawl and ratche mechanism. Each cutout represents separate locations for the pusher extension 528 . In each separate position, the pusher extension 528 may remain stationary, such that a force is required to move the pusher extension 528 to a different position. In exemplary aspects of the embodiment the pusher extension may be rotated from a first position adjacent the non-adjustable portion 526 to one of a plurality of second positions that may be positioned within a range of approximately 180 degrees relative to the first position. there is. The degree of adjustment may vary depending on the number, size and spacing of the cutouts on the cut wheel. The pusher extension may form a lighter hole through the wall of the pusher extension to reduce the weight of the pusher extension and to reduce the moment created about the axis of the pusher extension. The pusher extension may form a smooth or textured surface.

Referring again to FIG. 59 , a biasing element, such as a coil spring 534 , may be retained within the rear portion of the pusher 520 . In one embodiment, the coil spring 534 may be positioned adjacent the non-adjustable portion 526 of the pusher face 522 . Coil spring 534 may extend across pusher bottom 524 as shown in FIG. 59 . In an embodiment, the pusher bottom 524 may include a channel 536 into which the coil spring 534 is seated. Channel 636 allows product to seat on pusher bottom 524 with limited contact with the spring. The weight of the product rests on the pusher bottom 524 in this embodiment. Pusher bottom 524 may also include a channel-free surface.

In an embodiment, the partition 550 may be comprised of a partition wall 552 , a floor 554 and a barrier 556 , as illustrated in FIG. 59 . In an example, the partition 550 may not include a barrier. In an example, partition 550 may not include a floor. Partition wall 552 may divide partition floor 554 into two parts 559 and 551 with one part on each side of partition wall 552 . Partition wall 552 may also have partition bottom 554 on only one side of partition wall 552 . 77 , partition wall 552 may extend vertically from partition floor 554 . Partition bottom 554 may be a flat surface. In an embodiment, the divider floor 554 may include a channel within a portion of the divider floor 554 . Coil spring 534 may extend across partition floor 554 . In an embodiment, the coil spring 534 may extend across the divider floor 554 within a channel of the divider floor 554 . In this embodiment, the product will not rest on the coil spring 534 , but instead will rest on portions of the divider floor 554 adjacent the channels in the divider floor 554 . In another embodiment, the partition bottom 554 does not include a channel. In an example, a single pusher 520 may be located at a portion of the divider floor 554 and a second pusher (see FIG. 84F ) may be located at a second portion of the divider floor 554 . Thus, one partition 550 may include two pushers 520 , one on each side of the partition wall 552 .

Barrier 556 may be configured to inhibit product being pushed by pusher 520 and a biasing element contained therein. Barrier 556 may be positioned in front of partition wall 552 as illustrated in FIG. 59 . Barrier 556 may also be positioned behind the partition wall to prevent oversupply of product on the shelf. 59 and 77 , a partition wall 552 may divide the barrier 556 into two parts. Barrier 556 may be perpendicular to the front end of partition wall 552 . In an embodiment, barrier 556, partition wall 552, and partition floor 554 are a single, unitary device. These three elements may also be integral to each other. In an example, the barrier is separated from the partition. In an example, the barrier may or may not be integral with the partition. In another example, the barrier is configured to engage the partition. In an example, the partition wall and the partition floor are separate devices and may not be integral with each other or may be part of a single integral device. In an example, the partition wall and the partition floor are configured to engage with each other. In a further example, the barrier may be connected to or comprise a portion of the front rail 580 .

As illustrated in FIG. 61 , the end 557 of the coil spring 534 may be positioned within the barrier 556 . The end 557 of the spring can be folded at an angle to the rest of the spring. This angle may be 90 degrees or any other suitable angle that may be less than or greater than 90 degrees. The end 557 of the coil spring can then be placed inside the slot 558 of the barrier 556 . Once in slot 558 , the end of spring 557 will hold in place and will help bias pusher 520 towards barrier 556 . End 557 of coil spring 534 may include a plurality of portions, each portion being angled relative to a previous portion of the coil spring (not shown) and having a bend overlying a subsequent portion of the end of the coil spring (not shown). bends). The plurality of bends may engage a plurality of slots or holes in the barrier 556 , or other connection points on the partition 550 or front rail 580 . The plurality of slots or holes may match the shape of the plurality of bends in the end 557 of the coil spring 534 . Coil spring 534 may include a catch (not shown) at one end. A catch in coil spring 534 may be configured to prevent coil spring 534 from disengaging from pusher 520 , such as when coil spring 534 is extended.

The pusher 520 may be connected to the partition 550 only by a coil spring 534 . The pusher 520 may seat on top of the divider floor 554 and slide across the divider floor. The pusher 520 may be configured to lie generally above the divider floor 554 and not to go below the divider floor 554 as shown in FIG. 59 . In this embodiment, the pusher 520 may be picked up off the partition floor 554 as shown in FIG. 62 . The gravity and gravity of the product seated on the pusher bottom 524 keep the pusher 520 on the partition bottom 554 . The product seated on the coil spring 534 also holds the pusher 520 on the bottom of the partition 554 . The only integral connection between the pusher and the diaphragm may be the end of the coil spring 557 held in a slot 558 in the barrier 556 . The partition wall 552 may be used to guide the pusher 520 as the pusher 520 moves from front to back and back on the partition floor 554 .

The partition 550 may form a groove 560 or other recess in the lower portion of the partition. These grooves 560 or other recesses may be in the shape of an inverted “u” as shown in FIG. 61 , or may take on other shapes. Groove 560 or other recess may extend across the entire width of the lower portion of partition 550 . In an example, the groove 560 or other recess may extend along only a portion of the width of the lower portion of the partition. Grooves 560 or other recesses may be used to engage a front rail, a front wall of a tray, or other structure. As used herein, the term recess may mean a groove, slot, channel, indentation, depression, or other recess extending inward.

Partition 550 may also define a plurality of teeth 562 or other protrusions. Teeth 562 or other protrusions may be located on the front portion of barrier 556 . As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 63 , teeth 562 may form a series of outwardly extending angled surfaces that meet or engage an apex. As used herein, the term teeth, whether angled or non-angled, are any uniform, non-uniform, continuous, discontinuous, evenly spaced, non-uniform, which may or may not meet or join at the apex. It may mean a surface extending outwardly spaced apart. Also, the teeth may form pointed, blunt, rounded, flat, or polygonal ends, or any other suitable shape. Also, the surfaces forming the shape of the teeth may be flat, convex, smooth or textured, or any other suitable shape. In an embodiment, the teeth 562 lie in an extension from the forward portion of the barrier 556 . The diaphragm 550 may also form a resilient tongue or tab 564 . Teeth 562 or other protrusions may be positioned on resilient tab 564 . When a force is applied to the resilient tab 564 , the teeth 562 or other protrusion may move in the direction of the force. When the force is removed, the teeth 562 or other protrusions will move back to their original shape. As used herein, the term protrusion may refer to a protrusion, an elastic tab, a tongue, a tooth or a plurality of teeth, ridges, a knob or other protrusion extending outward. The plurality of teeth may include a plurality of protrusions that the teeth extend outwardly and may include a plurality of recesses that extend inwardly between portions of the outwardly extending plurality of teeth.

The front rail 580 includes a flat surface 582 , a ridge or tongue 584 or other protrusion or engagement member, a channel or groove 586 or other recess or engagement member and a plurality of teeth 588 or other engagement. member can be formed. The ridges or tongues 586 or other protrusions or engaging members of the front rail 580 may be configured to engage with the grooves 560 or other recesses or engaging members of the partition. Ridge 584 or other protrusion or other engagement member may fit within groove 560 or other recess or engagement member such that divider 550 is perpendicular to ridge 584 or front rail 580 or in a direction perpendicular to ridge 584 or front rail 580. 584 or to the front rail 580 (ie, from vertical) from moving at an angle. The teeth 588 or other engagement members of the front rail 580 may be spaced apart. Teeth 588 or other engaging member of the front rail may engage teeth 562 or other engaging members of diaphragm 55, wherein teeth 562 are illustrated in FIG. 580) to prevent movement in the lateral direction. Teeth 588 or other engaging members of the front rail engage teeth 562 or other engaging members of diaphragm 550 and diaphragm 550 moves in the lateral direction shown by arrow “A” in FIG. 65 . prevent doing As used herein, the term coupling member may refer to an article of a protrusion, recess, flat surface, substantially flat surface, or other structure capable of engaging an article of another structure. The front rail may be a separate structure that is attached or coupled to the shelf. Alternatively, the front rail may be part of a tray forming one or more of the front, rear and opposing sidewalls. In this configuration, the front rail as described herein may be formed as part of the front or rear wall of the tray which still achieves the objects of the present invention. That is, the front rail may be formed as part of (or attached to) tray walls and may receive and engage with partitions and pusher mechanisms using any of the various techniques described herein. The front rail also does not need to be positioned completely in front of the shelf. The front rail may be located near the front of the shelf or at a location away from the front of the shelf. In an example, the front rail may be located at or near the rear of the shelf, away from the front of the merchandise display system. The front of the shelf may include no rails in the example.

When the resilient tab 564 of the diaphragm 550 is pressed or a force is placed on the resilient tab in a direction away from the teeth 588 of the front rail 580, the teeth 562 of the diaphragm are teeth on the front rail ( 588) and can be separated. When the teeth 588 on the front rail and the teeth 562 on the resilient tab 564 are separated, the partition 550 is lateral to the teeth 588 in the front rail 580 (ie, FIG. 65 ). in the direction shown by arrow "A"). Through the use of such resilient tabs 564 , products contained on merchandise system 10 may be re-displayed. When the partition 550 is moved laterally, the partition does not need to be rotated. Instead, the partition 550 is maintained in a plane parallel to the flat surface 582 of the front rail 580 . Also, the partition 550 does not need to be lifted. The partition 550 can simply be moved in the direction indicated by arrow “A” DP in FIG. 65 .

In an example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail 580 and one or more compartments 550 configured to engage the front rail 580 . The one or more partitions 550 include a barrier 556 and the one or more partitions 550 further include a partition wall 552 . The one or more dividers also include a divider bottom 554 perpendicular to the divider wall 552, wherein the divider floor 554 is configured to hold products. The merchandise display system also includes a cam 720 coupled to the divider 550 , wherein the cam 720 is configured to move between the first portion and the second portion. The one or more partitions 550 are (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 58 and (b) the one or more partitions 550 engage the front rail 580 and the cam 720 is in a first position. It is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when in The one or more partitions 550 are (a) secured in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) one or more partitions 550 engage the front rail 580 and the cam 720 in the second position. It is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when present.

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

In an example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail 580 and a plurality of dividers 550 attached to the front rail 580 and configured to separate products into rows. Each of the plurality of partitions 550 includes a partition wall 552 extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, a partition bottom 554 perpendicular to the partition wall 552 and configured to hold a product, and a partition ( and a cam 720 coupled to 550 , wherein the cam 720 is configured to move between a first position and a second position. Each of the plurality of partitions 550 may (a) move in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580, (b) each of the plurality of partitions 550 is coupled to the front rail 580 and the plurality of partitions A cam 720 for each of the 550 is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when in the first position. In addition, each of the plurality of partitions 550 is (a) fixed in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580, (b) each of the plurality of partitions 550 is coupled to the front rail 580 and includes a plurality of partitions. A cam 720 for each of the partitions 550 is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when in the second position.

In the example, each of the plurality of compartments 550 is configured to move in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the product is positioned on the compartment floor 554 . The force on the outermost partition of the plurality of partitions 550 is such that each of the plurality of partitions 550 is parallel to the front rail 580 when the cam 720 for each of the plurality of partitions 550 is in the first position. It causes movement in one lateral direction, where the force is in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 and perpendicular to the bulkhead 552 of the outermost bulkhead.

In an example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580 and one or more compartments 550 configured to be attached to the front rail 580 , the one or more compartments 550 extending in a direction perpendicular to the barrier, the front rail. and a partition wall 552 that has a partition wall 552, and a partition floor 554 perpendicular to the partition wall 552, wherein the partition wall 552 separates the partition floor 554 into a first portion and a second portion, and Each of the first and second portions is configured to hold a product. The merchandise display system is also 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 one or more compartments 550 . and a cam 720, wherein the cam 7200 is configured to move between the first portion and the second portion. The one or more partitions 550 hold the first rail 580 when the cam 720 is in the first position. The one or more partitions 550 resist movement in a lateral direction along and parallel to the front rail 580 when the cam is in the second position.

In an example, each of the first and second pusher mechanisms of the merchandise display system includes a pusher surface, a pusher bottom extending forwardly from the pusher surface, and a coil spring having a coil end and a free end, wherein the coil end is the pusher surface is located behind The first and second pusher mechanisms are attached to the merchandise display system only by means of a coil spring. The one or more partitions may form a partition engagement member and the one or more front rails may form a front rail engagement member, and the partition engagement member may be configured to engage the front rail engagement member. The diaphragm engaging member may form diaphragm teeth on one or more surfaces of the diaphragm engaging member and the front rail engaging member may form front rail teeth on one or more surfaces of the front rail engaging member. The diaphragm teeth may be configured to engage the front rail teeth.

In an example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580 and one or more compartments 550 configured to attach to the front rail 580 , the one or more compartments 550 configured to engage the front rail 580 . a barrier, a partition wall 552 extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, and a partition bottom 554 perpendicular to the partition wall 552, wherein the partition bottom 554 is configured to hold a product do. The merchandise display system also includes a resilient tab coupled to the divider 550 , the resilient tab configured to move between the first position and the second position. The one or more partitions 550 are secured in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the resilient tabs are in the first position. The one or more partitions 550 may be moved in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the resilient tab is in the second position.

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

In an example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580 comprising one or more first protrusions and one or more recesses, and a partition wall 552 and perpendicular to the partition wall 552 configured to be attached to the front rail 580 . one or more partitions 550 comprising a partition bottom 554 , wherein the one or more partitions 550 further include one or more second recesses and one or more second protrusions, wherein the one or more first partitions of the partition 550 include one or more second recesses and one or more second protrusions. The second protrusion is configured to move between the first position and the second position. The one or more partitions 550 may (a) move in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 , and (b) one or more protrusions of the front rail 580 may engage with one or more second recesses of the partition 550 . engaged and secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when one or more second protrusions of the partition 550 are in the first position. The one or more diaphragms 550 (a) resist movement in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580, and (b) one or more first projections of the front rail 580 have at least one second of the diaphragm 550. 2 It engages with the recess and is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when one or more second protrusions of the partition 550 are in the second position.

In an example, the one or more second protrusions of the diaphragm 550 include a cam 720 . One or more recesses of the front rail 580 may include grooves. One or more second protrusions of the partition 550 may include an elastic tab. One or more protrusions of the front rail 580 may include a tongue. One or more protrusions of the front rail 580 may include a plurality of teeth. One or more second protrusions of partition 550 may include tongues. The one or more second protrusions of the front rail 580 may include a plurality of teeth. The merchandise display system may also include a plurality of teeth on one or more protrusions of the front rail 580 and a plurality of teeth on one or more second recesses of the divider 550 .

In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580 , the front rail 580 including one or more first protrusions and one or more second protrusions, and one or more of the front rail 580 . The second protrusion is configured to move between the first position and the second position. The merchandise display system also includes one or more partitions 550 configured to attach to a front rail 580, the one or more partitions 550 comprising a partition wall 552 and a partition floor perpendicular to the partition wall 552. 554), wherein the one or more partitions 550 further include one or more recesses. The one or more diaphragms 550 are (a) movable in a transverse direction parallel to the front rail 580 , and (b) one or more first protrusions of the front rail 580 are formed in one or more recesses of the diaphragm 550 . and one or more second protrusions of the front rail 580 are fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when in the first position. The one or more partitions 550 are (a) fixed in a transverse direction parallel to the front rail 580 , and (b) one or more first protrusions of the front rail 580 are disposed with one or more recesses of the partition 550 . Engaged and secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when one or more second protrusions of the front rail 580 are in the second position.

In one example, the one or more first projections of the front rail 580 may include a tongue, and the one or more recesses of the partition 550 may include a groove.

In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail 580 , wherein the front rail 580 includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion. In addition, the merchandise display system also includes one or more dividers 550 configured to attach to a front rail 580 , the one or more dividers 550 comprising a divider wall 552 and a divider perpendicular to the divider wall 552 . A bottom 554 is included, and the one or more partitions 550 further include a recess and a third protrusion. At least one of the second protrusion or the third protrusion is a movable protrusion movable between the first position and the second position. The one or more partitions 550 are (a) movable in a transverse direction parallel to the front rail 580 , and (b) a first protrusion of the front rail 580 engages with the recess of the partition 550 and moves A possible protrusion is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when in the first position. The one or more partitions 550 are (a) fixed in a transverse direction parallel to the front rail 580, and (b) a first protrusion of the front rail 580 engages with the recess of the partition 550 and is movable. The protrusion is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when in the second position.

In one example, the movable protrusion of the merchandise display system may be a cap 720 or an elastic tab. The first protrusion of the front rail 580 may be a tongue, and the concave portion of the partition 550 may be a groove.

In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail 580 , which includes one or more first engagement members. The merchandise display system also includes one or more partitions 550 configured to attach to a front rail 580, the one or more partitions 550 having a partition wall 552 and a partition floor 554 perpendicular to the partition wall. wherein the one or more partitions 550 further include one or more second engagement members. The merchandise display system also includes a third engagement member configured to move between the first position and the second position. The one or more partitions 550 are (a) movable in a transverse direction parallel to the front rail 580 , and (b) a first engagement member of the front rail 580 and a second engagement member of the partition 550 and It is engaged and secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the third engagement member is in the first position. The one or more partitions 550 are (a) secured in a transverse direction parallel to the front rail, (b) a first engagement member of the front rail 580 engages a second engagement member of the partition 550 and a third The engagement member is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when in the second position. In one example, when the first engagement member of the front rail 580 is engaged with the second engagement member of the partition 550 and the third engagement member is in the first position, the one or more partitions 550 are only engaged with the front rail ( movable in the plane of a shelf (such as shelf 596 shown in FIGS. 70 and 71 ) only in a transverse direction parallel to 580 ; The one or more partitions 550 are fixed to the plane of the shelf in all directions other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580; The one or more dividers 550 may twist and not splay the fish tail in the plane of the shelf; One or more partitions 550 remain perpendicular to the front rail 580 .

In one example, the third engagement member may be part of the front rail 580 or part of the partition 550 . In one example, the third engagement member may include a cam 720 or engagement surface. In one example, the first engagement member of the front rail 580 is a protrusion. The merchandise display system may also include a pusher mechanism 520 having a pusher surface 528 , a pusher bottom 524 extending forwardly from the pusher surface 528 , and a coil spring 534 having a coiled end and a free end. can The coiled end may be positioned behind the pusher surface 528 , and the pusher mechanism 520 is attached to the merchandise display system only by a coil spring 534 . Additionally, the merchandise display system may include a barrier configured to receive the free end of the coil spring 534 .

In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail 580 and one or more compartments 550 configured to engage the front rail 580 , the one or more compartments 550 including a barrier 556 , one The above partitions further include a partition wall 554, and the one or more partitions further include a partition bottom 554 perpendicular to the partition wall 552, the partition bottom 554 being configured to hold a product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam 720 coupled to the divider 550 , the cam 720 being configured to move between the first position and the second position. The one or more partitions 550 may be fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the one or more partitions 550 are engaged with the front rail 580 . The cam 720 may prevent movement of the one or more partitions 550 in a transverse 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 transverse direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the cam 720 is in the second position. The merchandise display system may include a handle to rotate the cam 720 between the first position and the second position. The merchandise display system may include a handle (not shown) to slide the cam 720 between the first and second positions.

67a-c show a step by step example of an approach to placement of a partition into a front rail. To begin, as illustrated in FIG. 67A , partition 550 is lowered into channel 586 defined by front rail 580 . The force lowering the diaphragm 550 into the channel 586 is in the direction in which the teeth 562 on the diaphragm 550 are in contact with the top of the front rail 580 and are facing the diaphragm 550, as illustrated in FIG. 67B. and causes it to move away from the front rail 580 . The teeth 562 on the partition 550 may be ramped teeth as shown in FIG. 63 . Front rail 580 includes recesses 589 as illustrated in FIG. 64 that are shaped to engage teeth 562 on partition 550 . These recesses 589 are spaced apart by teeth 588 present on the front rail 580 . When the diaphragm 550 is further lowered into the channel 586 on the front rail 580 as illustrated in FIG. 67C , the teeth 564 of the diaphragm 550 move past the top of the front rail 580 . and moves into the recesses 589 on the front rail 580 . When the teeth 564 on the diaphragm 550 are in the recesses 589 in the front rail 580 , the diaphragm 550 is in an engaged position and under a normal amount of force. It will not move laterally.

In one example, FIGS. 68A-68C show a step-by-step approach to the placement of a partition in a front rail in different embodiments. In an initial step, as illustrated in FIG. 68A , an elastic tongue or tab 564 causes the teeth 562 on the tab 564 to be manually pushed back and move rearward towards the partition 550 . do. The axle style pivot allows the resilient tongue or tab 564 to be maintained in the pushed back position and the teeth 562 to remain in that position towards the diaphragm 550 . . Then, as illustrated in FIG. 68B , a partition 550 is placed in contact with the front rail 580 . Groove 560 of partition 550 engages ridge or tongue 584 of front rail 580 . At this point, the partition 550 may be moved laterally along the front rail and may allow for ease of replanogramming. However, the diaphragm 550 does not support the front rail 580 except for an insignificantly small amount of play between the groove 560 of the diaphragm 550 and the ridge or tongue 584 of the front rail 580 . ) is fixed in a direction perpendicular to (ie, parallel to the partition 550) and cannot be moved in this direction. (Direction perpendicular to the front rail is indicated by arrow "B" in FIG. 86H) This slightly small amount of play may not be noticeable to the user of the system. The divider 550 is in contact with the front rail 580 and the groove 560 of the divider 550 engages a ridge or tongue 584 of the front rail 580, but as illustrated in FIG. 68B , the divider 550 of the shelf (which is indicated as 596 in FIGS. 70 and 71) only in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 (ie, in the direction indicated by arrow "A" in FIG. 65). can move on a flat surface. The partition is fixed to the plane of the shelf and is not movable under normal operating force in all directions other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580 . The divider cannot twist and spread the fish tail or otherwise move the plane of the shelf in a direction other than parallel to the front rail 580 . However, the partition 550 may move in a direction out of the plane of the shelf, such as indicated by arrow “C” in FIG. 87B . The divider 550 with or without product on the divider floor 554 can slide in the direction previously indicated by arrow “A” in FIG. 65 without requiring the compartment 550 to be lifted. In a final step, as illustrated in FIG. 68C , the resilient tongue or tab 564 is manually pulled forward away from the partition 550 . This movement causes the teeth 562 on the front partition 550 to fit into the recesses 589 in the front rail 580 . The recesses 589 in the front rail 580 are spaced apart by teeth 588 in the front rail. When the teeth 562 of the diaphragm 550 contact the recesses 589 and teeth 588 in the front rail 580, the diaphragm 550 engages and is subjected to a normal amount of force. You cannot move sideways in the state.

In another example, the resilient tongue or tab does not include an axle style pivot that allows the resilient tongue or tab 564 to remain in the pushed back position. Instead, the resilient tongue or tab 564 is biased towards the front rail 580 and away from the diaphragm 550 so that the tongue or tab 564 manually pushes back when the force is removed. Alternatively, the tab 564 may automatically return to its rest position and engage the front rail 580 .

In one example, the partition 550 is disposed in contact with the front rail 580 . An engaging member of the front rail 580 engages an engaging member of a partition 550, which, except for a slightly small amount of play or space between the engaging members that may not be noticeable to the user, 580 ) (direction indicated by arrow “B” in FIG. 86H ) and renders partition 550 immovable in a direction perpendicular to front rail 580 . Further, the partition 550 is fixed to the plane of the shelf in all directions other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580 (the 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 a direction other than parallel to the front rail 580 under normal operating forces and conditions. However, the partition may be movable in a direction out of the plane of the shelf, such as indicated by arrow “C” in FIG. 87B . When the diaphragm is "fixed" in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, it means that the diaphragm 550 is forward In a direction perpendicular to the rail 580 it is impossibly movable under normal operating forces and conditions. 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 diaphragm 550 is in the first position, and the diaphragm is laterally moved parallel to the front rail. Thereafter, the second engagement member is moved to a second position, which, under normal operating conditions and forces, in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 (indicated by arrow “A” in FIG. 65 ). direction) to make the partition 550 fixed. When the bulkhead 550 is “locked” laterally parallel to the front rail 580 , the partition 550 moves laterally parallel to the front rail 580 under normal operating conditions and forces. can't move

In one example, the plurality of partitions 550 are fixed to the front rail 580 in a direction perpendicular to the front rail (the direction indicated by arrow "B" in FIG. They can be moved as parallel groups. Each of the plurality of partitions 550 may be disposed in contact with the front rail 580 . An engaging member or a plurality of engaging members of the front rail 580 engages with an engaging member of each of the plurality of partitions 550, which member may have a slightly small play or a gap between the engaging members that may be inconspicuous to a user. Except for the amount of space, fixing each of the plurality of partitions 550 in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 (the direction indicated by arrow "B" in FIG. 86H), the plurality of partitions 550 are Immovable in a direction perpendicular to the rail 580 . Each second engagement member (or plurality of second engagement members) of the front rail 580 or partition 550 is in a first position, which means that the plurality of partitions 550 are positioned relative to the front rail 580 . Allows to move laterally in parallel. A plurality of compartments 550 may form rows between compartments 550 configured to hold products. A 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 may move the first divider in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 and cause the divider 550 to contact the product adjacent to the first divider 550 . (The product is shown in FIGS. 45-47 as cans or cartons and can take other shapes) Then, the compartment 550 is moved in the same direction as the first compartment 550 , ie the front rail. It can be forced to move the product parallel to 580 . The force may move the product into contact with the second partition 550 adjacent to the product. Thereafter, the product may force the second partition 550 to move in the same direction as the first partition 550 and the product, ie, parallel to the front rail 580 . Thereafter, the second partition may force the second product adjacent to the second partition 550 to move in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 . The second product may force the second product to move adjacent the third partition 550 in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 . In this way, all of the series of partitions 550 and products are attached to the front rail 580 by a single force acting on only one of the partitions 550 or products in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 . can be moved in a direction parallel to the Partition 550 laterally parallel to front rail 580 with a second engagement member or members on front rail 580 or on one of plurality of partitions 550 subjected to normal operating conditions and forces. When moved to the second position that allows the diaphragm 550 to be fixed, the diaphragm 550 cannot move in a direction parallel to the front rail 580, and the diaphragm 550 is moved in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 to the other diaphragm. You will not be able to force the 550s or products to move.

In the example, when the second engagement member is moved to the second position, the second engagement member prevents movement of the partition 550 laterally parallel to the front rail 580 . The second engaging member prevents the partition 550 from moving laterally parallel to the front rail 580 in a state of being subjected to a force equal to or less than a predetermined amount of force. When an amount of force that exceeds the predetermined amount of force is applied to the partition 550 laterally parallel to the front rail 580 , the partition 550 will move laterally parallel to the front rail 580 . can

In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 66 , the thickness of the partition bottom 554 varies. The thickness of the front portion of the bulkhead 554 adjacent the planar surface 582 of the front rail is less than the thickness of the rear portion of the bulkhead 554 further back that is not adjacent the planar surface 582 of the front rail. As shown in FIG. 67 , a portion of the divider bottom 554A is thinner than a portion of the divider bottom 554B. In one example, the thickness of the front portion of the divider floor adjacent the planar surface 582 of the front rail 580 is the thickness of the rear portion of the divider floor 554 that is not adjacent the planar surface 582 of the front rail 580 . less than at least 25%.

The embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 69A and 69B includes mounting clips 590 for the front rail 580 . 69B , the front rail 580 includes a gap 592 . This clearance 592 may cooperate to be placed over clearances 595 on a 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 . Rail mounting clips 590 may be inserted into clearance 595 on shelf 596 and into a wider, rounded portion of clearance 592 in front rail 580 in a retail environment as shown in FIG. 71 . Thereafter, the rail mounting clips 590 can be switched laterally from the front rail 580 to a narrower portion within the gap 592 . Transition by the rail mount clips 590 will cause the wider rounded portion of the rail mount clips 590 to engage the narrower portion of the gap 592 in the front rail and lock in place. Thereby, the rail mounting clips 590 hold the front rail 580 in position and prevent the front rail 580 from moving laterally. If the store shelf is a previously known shipping that may have holes, the rail mounting clips 590 may be inserted and locked into the front rail 580 prior to shipping. Inserting the rail mounting clips 590 prior to shipping may add ease of installation of the merchandise system in a store environment.

In one or more embodiments, 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 shows the end 557 of the coil spring 534 retained within the barrier 556 . The end 557 of the spring 534 is bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to the remainder of the spring body 534 . End 557 is disposed in slot 558 that is retained within barrier 556 .

In one embodiment, partition 550 includes teeth 600 as illustrated in FIGS. 72 and 73 . These teeth may be integrally formed with the partition 550 . The teeth 600 are not retained on the resilient tabs or tongues 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 partition 556 .

75 , the front rail 610 may include a plurality of teeth 612 . The teeth 612 in the front rail 610 are formed through the use of a cam bar 622 and a camming action in the front rail 610, as illustrated in FIG. 76, to the teeth 600 of the divider 550. and may be designed to releasably engage. The front rail 610 also includes a tongue or ridge 616 that is substantially perpendicular to the planar surface 614 and a planar surface 614 that is substantially flat or planar, 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 in which the teeth 612 of the front rail 610 are drawn into the front rail 610 away from the partition. 76B , the cam bar lever 618 is in a second position in which the teeth 612 of the front rail 610 extend towards the partition 550 .

77 depicts an exploded view of several aspects of an embodiment. The front rail 610 is shown including an extruded shell 620 , cam bars 622 and toothed bars 624 . The toothed bar 624 includes a plurality of teeth 612 . The extruded shell 620 includes a cam bar 622 and a cam region 626 designed to receive a toothed bar 624 . A cam bar 622 is positioned on the base of the front rail 610 adjacent the extruded shell 620 . The cam bar 624 is in contact with the cam bar lever 618 . The cam bar lever 618 is operable to move back and forth laterally with the cam bar 622 . The cam bar 622 further includes elongate cam reservoirs 628 . The cam reservoirs 628 are at an angle to the rear end of the reservoir 628 further back from the front end of the front rail 610 and the front end of the cam reservoir 628 closer to the front end of the front rail 610 . do.

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

79A-79C show an example of a step-by-step guide for placement of a partition 550 into a front rail 610 . The diaphragm 550 comprising teeth 600 on the diaphragm is lowered into the channel 640 of the front rail 610 , as illustrated in FIG. 79A . The toothed bar 624 is initially positioned closer to the front of the front rail 610 , with the teeth 612 of the toothed bar 624 not engaging the teeth 600 of the diaphragm 550 . . The cam bar lever 618 is in a first position holding the teeth 612 of the toothed bar 624 out of engagement with the partition teeth 600 , as illustrated in FIG. 79B . In this position, the partition 550 can be moved laterally along the ridge or tongue 616 of the front rail 610 . The divider 550 may have a product that rests on the divider floor 554 as the divider 550 is moved laterally along the front rail in the direction shown in FIG. 77 by arrow “A”. The ridge 584 or other protrusion on the front rail 580 has, under normal operating conditions and forces, a slightly small play that may not be noticeable to the user between the ridge 584 and the groove 560. (e.g., less than 3 mm), can engage the groove 560 or other recess of the partition 550 to prevent the partition from moving in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 and secure the partition 550. there is. Then, the cam bar lever 618 is moved from the first position to the second position. 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. Movement of the cam bar reservoirs 628, in turn, is in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the cam bar 622 and toward the teeth 600 of the partition 550, as illustrated in FIG. 79C. It causes the cam studs 630 to move. Toothed bar cam studs 630 are coupled and integral with toothed bar 624 . Accordingly, movement of the toothed bar cam studs 630 causes the toothed bar 624 and teeth 612 contained therein to move towards the teeth 600 of the partition. This movement causes the teeth 612 of the toothed bar 624 to engage the teeth 600 of the partition. When the teeth 612 of the toothed bar engage the teeth 600 of the partition, the partition 550 releasably engages and, under normal operating conditions and forces, arrow "A" in FIG. will not be able to move in the lateral direction shown by ".

The toothed bar 624 is secured to its ends so that the toothed bar 624 can only move toward or away from the teeth 600 of the partition. The toothed bar 624 cannot move in the transverse direction shown in FIG. 77 by arrow “A”. The cam bars 622 operate in an opposing manner. The cam bar 622 can only move in the horizontal direction in which the cam bar 622 is shown in FIG. 77 by an arrow "A". The cam bar cannot move towards or away from the teeth 600 of the partition.

80 provides an isometric view of aspects of the embodiment. When the teeth 612 of the toothed bar 624 engage the teeth 600 of the partition, the entire vending system 10 is locked. The front rail 610 and partition 550 releasably engage each other and will not move relative to each other. In addition, a pusher 520 engages the partition 550 . In this position, the entire vending system 10 can be moved. The vending system 10 can be set to a remote location according to a special planogram and then locked. The vending system 10 may then be shipped to a store location. At the store location, the vending system 10 may be removed from the shipping container and placed on a shelf such as a mat. The planogram of the compartments 550 will remain intact while the vending system 10 is locked.

In an example, the display system is assembled at a remote location remote 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 will not significantly move in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 . A plurality of partitions 550 are aligned transversely and parallel to the front rail 580 according to a pre-planned planogram or other arrangement. The plurality of partitions 550 include engaging members and the front rail 580 includes engaging members. The engagement members on the plurality of partitions 550 and/or the engagement members on the front rail 580 are attached to the plurality of partitions on the front rail 580 such that the plurality of partitions cannot move in any direction with respect to the front rail 580 . Adjusted from the first position to the second position to secure the 550 . The front rail 580 and the plurality of partitions 550 are then moved to the shelf as a unit. The front rail 580 is then secured to the shelf.

To change the planogram of the vending system at the store location, the compartments 550 and merchandise do not need to be removed from the shelf. A cam bar lever 618 or other engagement member for each of the partitions 550 may 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 toothed bar 624 are released from the teeth 600 of the diaphragm (or one engagement member engages the other). disengaged from the member). In this position, the partitions 550 can be moved transversely in the direction indicated by arrow “A” in FIG. 80 . The product may remain in place of the divider bottoms 554 and pusher bottoms 524 while the dividers 550 are moved. Once the partitions 550 are moved to the new planogram position, the cam bar lever 618 or other engagement member for each of the partitions 550 can be moved to its second position. The teeth 612 of the toothed bar 622 will then engage the teeth 600 of the Davider 550 and will again cause the vending system 10 to lock.

In an example, the operation of the camming action is further illustrated in FIGS. 81A and 81B . 81A shows that the teeth 600 of the diaphragm do not engage the teeth 612 of the toothed bar 624 . In an embodiment, the cam bar 622 is adjacent the front wall of the front rail 610 . 81B , the cam bar lever 618 has been moved to the second position, the cam bar 622 has been moved transversely and the toothed bar cam posts 630 have been moved towards the partition 550 . The teeth 612 of the toothed bar 624 have also been moved towards the diaphragm 550 and engage the diaphragm teeth 600 .

In an embodiment, a soft rubber pad may be used in place of the teeth 612 of the toothed bar 624 and may function as an engagement member. In this embodiment, when the toothed bar 624 abuts the front portion of the front rail 610 , the soft rubber pad and the 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 toothed bar 624 in the direction of the partition teeth 600 , the partition teeth 600 engage the soft rubber pad. comes into contact and thereby engages with it. This contact provides resistive interference and keeps the diaphragm teeth 600 in place and prevents lateral movement of the diaphragm 550 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 in contact with the front rail 580 through the use of clamps. 82A-82C show a step-by-step process for insertion of the partition 550 into the front rail 580 . Initially, as illustrated in FIG. 82A , the partition 550 is lowered into a 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 diaphragm 550 includes a bump or outwardly extending ridge 650 in the forward portion of the diaphragm 550 . Clamp 652 of front rail 580 is rotated to engage bump 650 of partition 550 . Clamp 652 snaps over jump 650 and locks bump 650 and divider 550 in place. Once releasably engaged, partition 550 cannot move in the transverse direction shown in FIG. 80 by arrow “A”. To move the diaphragm 550 , the clamp 652 must be pulled to snap disconnect the clamp 652 from the diaphragm bump 650 .

In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 83A-C, the diaphragm 550 is held in place in contact with the front rail 580 through the use of a rotating rod 660 comprising teeth. Initially, as illustrated in FIG. 83A , the partition 550 is lowered into a channel formed in the front rail 580 . The front rail 580 includes a rotating rod 660 that itself includes teeth. When the diaphragm 550 is initially lowered into the channel, the teeth of the rotating rod 660 are in a first position where they do not engage the teeth 600 of the diaphragm 550 , as illustrated in FIG. 83B . . A handle 662 is coupled to the rotating rod 660 . When the handle is in the first position 664 , the teeth of the rotating rod 660 are in the first position where they do not engage the teeth 600 of the diaphragm 500 . As illustrated in FIG. 83C , when the handle 662 is moved to the second position 668 , the handle 662 rotates the rotating rod 660 and the teeth of the rotating rod 662 are separated by the partition 550 . ) is moved to a position engaged with the teeth 600 of the. In this position, the rod teeth are in interference condition with the partition teeth 600 . When the rod teeth and diaphragm teeth 600 are engaged with each other, the diaphragm 550 cannot move in the transverse direction shown in FIG. 80 by arrow “A”. To move the diaphragm 550 , the rod 660 must return to its first position 664 and the teeth of the rod 660 move out of engagement with the teeth 600 of the diaphragm 550 . it should be

In an embodiment, a plurality of pushers 520 and dividers 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 product towards the front of the shelf. The use of multiple pushers 520 makes it possible to push a wide product, schematically shown in the figures. In addition, placing the pusher extender 528 in its upwardly extended position may enable the pushers 520 to push higher items or more items as shown in FIGS. 84D and 84E . In an embodiment, the 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 diaphragm may be coupled to one pusher or the diaphragm may not be coupled to the pusher.

In another embodiment, partition 550 is secured to front rail 580 in part through actuation of cam 720 , as illustrated in FIG. 85 . 85 illustrates a cam 720 coupled to a barrier 556 in a side perspective view. Cam 720 includes a rounded portion 722 configured to rotate within cavity 740 (see FIG. 86G ) of barrier 556 . Cam 720 also includes a tongue 724 comprising a first cam wall 726 , a second cam wall 728 and a third cam wall 730 . 85 , the cam is in a position where it does not engage the front rail. In this position, the first cam wall 726 may be in a substantially vertical alignment. In this position, the second cam wall 728 and the third cam wall 730 may also be in a substantially horizontal alignment. The first cam wall 726 is connected with 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 .

In another embodiment, tongue 724 has only two cam walls. These are a first cam wall and a second cam wall, such as the first cam wall 726 . The second cam wall is straight and reaches the length shown by cam walls 728 and 730 . In this embodiment there is no bend in the second cam wall. The cam walls may extend for one or more portions of the width of the diaphragm 550 or may extend the entire width of the diaphragm 550 .

92-94, the cam 720 has a cam slide surface 733 (hereinafter referred to as cam slide) located on the lower side of the cam, opposite the handle 732 . The cam slide 733 serves as a low friction sliding bump to improve the sliding of the partition against the rail. In operation, the cam slide 733 lifts the diaphragm from the rail above the rail to reduce friction between the diaphragm and the rail, thereby improving the sliding of the diaphragm relative to the rail. As can be seen from the figures, the cam slide 733 of the cam 720 extends below or below the bottom surface of the diaphragm and is the point of contact between the diaphragm and the rail. In this configuration, when the diaphragm moves transversely with respect to the rail, the main contact between the diaphragm and the rail is only the cam slide, and the other significant parts of the diaphragm and the rail do not contact each other. This single point of contact thus reduces the friction between the partition and the rail.

The cam slide further defines a planar surface extending outwardly from the rounded portion 722 of the cam 720 . A cam slide 733 may be positioned in the center of the rounded portion 722 of the cam to provide and balance the diaphragm's stability against the rail. However, it should be understood that the cam slide may be positioned at any other suitable location on the cam. The planar surface of the cam slide may terminate at an elongate edge that is sized and shaped to slide freely within the channel 586 of the rail 580 thereby allowing for ease of transverse movement of the diaphragm relative to the rail. The elongated edge of the planar surface may form rounded or contoured edge surfaces to further assist free movement of the cam slide relative to the rail. It should be understood that the cam slide may form other configurations that allow the cam slide to fit in or along the rail and also allow slidable movement of the diaphragm relative to the rail. For example, the cam slide may form a bump or round protrusion or a series of bumps or round protrusions, which will serve the same purpose as a planar surface forming an elongated edge. Although the cam 720 forming the cam slide 733 is depicted for use with a diaphragm, the cam and cam slide may be used with a pusher or pusher assembly or other components mounted to a rail.

In another embodiment, the cam 720 forming the cam slide 733 may be mounted to the rear of a partition or pusher and may be operatively engaged with a rear rail mounted to the rear of the shelf. In this embodiment, the cam 720, if used on a lathe, may be used to secure a divider or pusher against the rear rail and prevent their transverse movement. In other words, the cams and cam slides described herein may be used to secure a diaphragm or pusher to the front rail or the rear rail, or to both, depending on the desired application.

In an exemplary aspect, the cam 720 serves as a lock for locking the divider or pusher to either the front rail or the rear rail, or both. The cam 720 will lock the diaphragm or pusher to the rail when moved to the locked position and prevent lateral movement of the diaphragm or pusher relative to the rail. In the unlocked position, cam 720 allows sliding movement of the divider or pusher relative to the rail. In an exemplary aspect, the cam 720 is rotatable or pivotable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In another exemplary aspect, the cam 720 forming the cam slide 733 locks the diaphragm or pusher against the rail and also prevents lateral sliding of the diaphragm or pusher relative to the rail when the cam is in the unlocked position. It serves a dual function of reinforcing.

As shown in FIG. 92 , the cam 720 may form a rounded portion 722 configured to rotate within the cavity 741 in front of the diaphragm. The cam 720 may also define a cam surface 725 and a cam surface 727 that will engage the groove walls 754 and 756 of the front rail, as described below.

In an embodiment, the cam 720 fits within the cavity 740 of the barrier 556 as illustrated in FIG. 86G . In an embodiment, cavity 740 is bounded by sidewalls 742 . The sidewalls 742 allow the front of the cavity 740 to be slightly narrower than the width of the cam 720 . A certain amount of force is required to push the cam 720 past the sidewall 742 and into the cavity 740 . After the cam passes the sidewalls 742 it snaps into position in the cavity 740 . The cam 720 can then rotate within the cavity 740 and will not come off or detach from the cavity 740 during normal use. Cam 720 is rotatably secured within cavity 740 . In an embodiment, cavity 740 is bounded at its anterior portion by an anterior wall (not shown).

In another embodiment, the sidewalls 742 do not allow the front of the cavity 740 to be narrower than the width of the cam 720 . In this embodiment, the cam 720 can be placed within and removed from the cavity 740 without having to overcome the resistive force caused by the sidewalls 742 .

92 , in another embodiment, the cam 720 forming the cam slide 733 may fit within a cavity 741 formed at the front end of the diaphragm 550 and may include sidewalls 743 . can be delimited by The sidewalls 743 allow the front 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 sidewalls 743 and into the cavity 741 . After the cam has passed the sidewalls 743 , it snaps into position within the cavity 741 and rests on a pair of cavity surfaces 747 . The cam 720 can then rotate within the cavity and will not come off or detach from the cavity during normal use.

92-94 , cam 720 is rotatably secured within cavity 741 . In this embodiment, the cavity 741 also defines an opening or slot 745 sized and shaped to allow rotational movement of the cam slide 733 within the cavity. The slot 745 is sized and shaped to allow the planar surface of the cam slide 733 to fit therein thereby allowing the cam to rotate within the cavity 741 . Opening 745 also allows cam slide 733 to extend beyond the bottom surface of the diaphragm into the rail. Once on the rail, the cam slide will lift the diaphragm over the rail and out of contact with the rail to allow free sliding of the diaphragm relative to the rail as described above.

Aperture 745 also creates a gap for rotation of the cam slide away from the rail. When the handle 732 on the cam is rotated towards the front edge of the rail, the cam slide will consequently rotate away from the rail. An opening 745 formed in cavity 741 allows this rotatable movement.

93A and 93B , partition 550 is shown lowering and resting on rail 580 . More specifically, the front portion of the partition 550 is lowered into the channel 586 and the groove 560 overlies the ridge 584 . As shown in FIG. 93B , the cam slide 733 will contact the channel 586 and support the partition from the rail over the rail 580 . In this embodiment, cam slides 733 support the diaphragm and allow free sliding movement of the diaphragm relative to the rail. As shown in FIG. 93B , there is a gap between the groove 560 and the ridge 584 and between the bottom surface of the partition and the top surface of the rail.

94A - 94C , which show cross-sectional views of the diaphragm, cam and rail, cam 720 is always in contact with rail 580 . As shown in FIG. 94A , when the diaphragm 550 is initially lowered onto the rail 580 , the cam slide 733 contacts the channel 586 of the rail 580 and moves the diaphragm over the rail to the rail. lift from As shown in FIG. 94A , cam 720 forms cam surfaces 725 , 727 and 729 . Also shown in FIG. 94A is a front rail 580 that receives a portion of the divider 550 and forms a rail channel 586 that is a contact surface for the cam slide 733 . The rail 580 further defines a rail groove 750 that further defines groove walls 752 , 754 and 756 that contact the cam surfaces during actuation of the cam, as described below.

94B, when the cam is rotated, through actuation of the handle 732, the cam slide remains in contact with the channel 586 and the cam surface 725 engages the groove wall or surface 756 of the front rail. contact At this point, the cam 720 contacts the rail at two points simultaneously.

94C , when the cam is rotated through further actuation of the handle, the cam surface 725 contacts the groove wall or surface 754 while the cam surface 727 contacts the groove wall or surface 756 . contact with Also, the cam surface 729 will contact the groove wall or surface 752 . Groove wall 752 serves as a stop to prevent further rotational movement of cam 720 . The handle 732 extends over the top and even the front edge of the front rail or beyond the front edge of the front rail. In the example, the front of the cam handle 732 is flush with the frontmost portion of the front rail. A human digital gap exists between the handle 732 and the front rail, which is sufficient for a human digit (eg, a finger or thumb) to access the handle. At this point, the cam slide 733 is rotated over and out of the channel 586 of the rail 580 and into the opening 745 . The diaphragm now rests on the rail and makes direct contact, while the cam engages the rail and secures the diaphragm to the rail and prevents lateral movement of the diaphragm. In an exemplary aspect, cam 720 is snap connected to the rail with a standard adult human audible notification that is heard when in the position depicted in FIG. 94C , indicating that the cam is locked relative to the rail.

To release the cam from the snapped 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 . When the cam is released from the groove walls, the cam slide will rotate back into contact with the rail channel 586 and lift the diaphragm from the rail over the rail. The partition will then be placed on the rail through the cam slide and then moved transversely relative to the rail and the operation described above will be repeated. As indicated above, during locking and unlocking of the cam to and from the rail groove, the cam is always in contact with the rail and always in contact with the partition.

In an exemplary aspect, a merchandise display system may include a front rail and one or more compartments configured to engage the front rail. The partition wall may include a partition wall, a partition wall, and a partition bottom perpendicular to the partition wall configured to hold merchandise, as specified herein. A front lock, such as the exemplary cam 720 described herein, may be coupled to the partition. In an aspect, the front lock is configured to rotate, pivot or move between the first position and the second position. In the first position, the front lock may allow sliding movement of the partition relative to the front rail. In one embodiment, the lock may lift the partition upwards from the front rail. When in the second position, the lock locks the partition to the front rail and prevents sliding movement between the partition and the front rail. The cam is in constant contact with the front rail in both the first and second positions and in all positions between the first and second positions.

In an example, a lock for the partition, such as cam 720 or other locks, is located at the end of the partition. The lock may be located at the front end of the divider (ie, the end of the divider closest to or in contact with the front rail 580 , and also the end closest to the consumer-selected product). A lock, such as cam 720 , may be in front of partition wall 522 . A lock, such as cam 720 , may be in front of barrier 556 . When positioned at the front end of the partition and in front of the partition wall 522 and in front of the barrier 556, even when the product is at the bottom of the partition 554 and even when the bottom of the partition 554 is full of product (i.e., additional (even if the product of the shelf cannot be fitted to the bottom of the partition), the lock is finger-accessible by an individual providing maintenance to the shelf, reloading of the shelf, or replanning of the shelf. A locking part (such as cam 720 ) can be positioned in front of the product when the product is at the bottom of the divider 554 and when the product is at the bottom of the divider 554 , the product is at the bottom of the compartment 554 . It can be positioned in a partition so that access is not obstructed. The cam handle 732 may be flush with the front end of the front rail 580 and may extend beyond the front end of the front rail 580 .

In an example, a merchandise display system can include a front rail, one or more compartments configured to engage the front rail, and one or more compartments comprising a barrier. The one or more partitions may further include a partition wall and a partition bottom perpendicular to the partition wall wherein the partition wall is configured to hold merchandise. The merchandise display system also includes a front lock coupled to the front end of the compartment. The front lock is in front of the barrier and in front of the partition wall. The front lock is configured to be finger-accessible when the product is at the bottom of the divider. The front lock is movable between the first position and the second position. The front lock lifts the diaphragm over and out of contact with the front end when in the first position and permits slidable movement of the diaphragm relative to the front rail. The front lock prevents sliding movement of the partition relative to the front rail when in the second position.

In the example, FIGS. 86E and 86F illustrate enlarged portions of front rail 580 and cam 720 . Cam 720 may include texturing. Cam 720 may include teeth or other engagement members. In an embodiment, first cam wall 726 is textured with teeth 736 and 738 . Teeth 736 may form a lower row of teeth. Teeth 738 may form the top row of teeth. Teeth 736 and teeth 738 are round in an embodiment. In one or more embodiments, teeth 736 and teeth 738 form one vertical row of teeth. Eliminating the sharps of the teeth may provide better operation and longer life for the cam teeth. Cam 720 may also be textured in ways other than teeth, such as roughening and other texturing.

In the 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 connects to the second groove wall 754 which in turn also connects to the third groove wall 756 . In another embodiment, the groove 750 has only two groove walls. These are a first groove wall such as the first groove wall 752 and a second groove wall 754 . The second groove wall 754 is straight and reaches the length shown by the groove walls 754 and 756 . There is no bend in the second groove wall 754 in this embodiment.

In an embodiment, the groove 750 may be textured. Groove 750 may include teeth. In an embodiment, first groove wall 752 includes teeth 766 and teeth 768 . Teeth 766 may form a lower row of teeth. Teeth 768 may form the top row of teeth. In one or more embodiments, teeth 766 and 768 form one vertical row of teeth. Teeth 766 and 768 may be round. Teeth 766 and 768 may lie along the entire length of groove 750 . In addition, teeth 766 and 768 may lie in cross-sections along groove 750 with additional sections of groove 750 that are flat and free of teeth. Groove 750 may also be textured in ways other than teeth, such as roughening or other texturing. In an embodiment, the second groove wall 754 is flat and the third groove wall 756 is flat. In an embodiment, the second cam wall 728 is flat and the third cam wall 730 is flat.

87A - 87C , the merchandise display system 10 includes a divider 550 and a front rail 580 . Partition 550 includes partition wall 556 , partition floor 554 , and barrier 556 . The cam 720 is rotatably coupled to the front portion of the barrier 556 . The cam 720 includes a cam tongue 724 , wherein the cam tongue 724 includes a first cam wall 726 , a second cam wall 728 and a third cam wall 730 . Cam 720 also includes a handle 732 . The front rail 580 includes a groove 750 that includes a first groove wall 752 , a second groove wall 754 , and a third groove wall 756 . The cam 720 is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position, and when the cam 720 is in the second position, the cam tongue 724 engages the front rail groove 750, the partition wall 552 is prohibited from moving laterally. The cam 720 may also be configured to slide between the first position and the second position.

87A-87C show the progression 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 will be explained below, when cam 720 is in the first position shown in FIG. 580), allowing it to be moved parallel to (Unlike for the marginally small amount of play that may exist between the partition and the front rail, in FIG. It may not be obvious to the user of the system.) When the cam 720 is in the second position shown in FIG. 87C , the cam 720 causes the partition 550 to move laterally along the front rail 580 . to ban In one example, when the cam 720 is in the second position shown in FIG. 87C , under vertical operating conditions and forces, the cam 720 causes the diaphragm 550 to move laterally along the front rail 580 . (and render the partition 550 immovable along the front rail 580). In another example, the cam 720 is such that when a force equal to or less than a predefined magnitude of force is applied to the diaphragm 550 in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580, the diaphragm 550 moves to the front rail ( Movement of the partition 550 is inhibited by preventing it from moving laterally along 580 . When a force in excess of a predefined magnitude of force is applied to the partition 550 in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 , the partition 550 moves laterally parallel to the front rail 580 . .

87A shows the partition 550 raised above the front rail 580 . 87B , the partition 550 is lowered and positioned in contact with the front rail 580 . Groove 560 is positioned over ridge 584 , and ridge 584 is positioned with groove 560 . Groove 560 and ridge 584 may be in contact with each other in this position. Groove 560 and ridge 584 may also not always be in contact with each other in this position. A space may exist between the surfaces of the groove 560 and the ridge 584 in some locations. The front portion of the barrier 556 was also located within the channel or groove 586 . In FIG. 87B , the tongue 724 of the cam 720 does not engage the groove 750 of the front rail 580 . In Figure 87B, the partition 550 is movable in the lateral direction shown by arrow “A” in Figures 86F-86H. The partition 550 does not need to rise above the front rail 580 to enable this movement. The partition 550 may maintain a state in contact with the front rail 580 and may move in the “A” direction. The product may be placed on the compartment floor 554 during the process of moving the compartment 550 . The ability to move the divider 550 without removing the product or removing the divider 550 from the front rail 580 provides for ease of replanogramming. In FIG. 87B , the partition 550 is movable laterally parallel to only the front rail 580 shown by arrow “A” in FIGS. 86F and 86H in the plane of the shelf (the shelf is shown in FIG. 70 ). and 596 in FIG. 71). In FIG. 87B , the partition 550 is immovable in all other directions, such as the direction shown by arrow “B” in FIG. 86H under normal operating forces and conditions in the plane of the shelf. Compartment 550 cannot swing, rotate, splay or fish tail in the plane of the shelf, and compartment 550 is front rail 580 under vertical operating forces and conditions. remain perpendicular to In FIG. 87B , the partition 550 can move in the direction shown by arrow “C” in FIG. 87B thereby lifting the opposite of 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 is rotated towards the front rail 580 . In an embodiment, the cam handle 732 contacts the 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 as opposed to the cam tongue 724 . ) is slightly modified. When the cam 720 is rotated from its position in FIG. 87B to its position in FIG. 87C , the first cam wall 726 may contact the third groove wall 756 .

When the cam moves to the position shown in FIG. 87C , tongue 724 may snap into position within groove 750 , and tongue 724 engages groove 750 . In an embodiment, tongue 724 fits perfectly with groove 750 . This perfect fit involves engagement of 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 the first groove wall 752 . The second cam wall 728 is adjacent the second groove wall 754 . The third cam wall 730 is adjacent the third groove wall 756 . In an embodiment, the cam walls and the groove walls contact each other. For example, the first cam wall 726 is in contact with the first groove wall 752 ; the second cam wall 728 contacts the second groove wall 754 ; The third cam wall 730 contacts the third groove wall 756 . In one or more embodiments, the cam walls and groove walls contact each other, but they are not substantially in tension with each other. In another embodiment, when the cam walls and the groove walls contact each other, the one or more cam walls are in tension with the one or more groove walls.

In an embodiment where the first cam wall 726 is positioned in contact with the first groove wall 752 , the teeth of the first cam wall 726 engage the teeth of the first groove wall 752 . . Teeth 736 engage teeth 766 and teeth 738 engage teeth 768 . The engagement of the teeth of the first cam wall and the teeth of the first groove wall is such that the diaphragm moves laterally along the front rail in the lateral direction indicated by arrow “A” (as shown in FIG. 86H ). provides resistance to

When the cam tongue 724 is positioned to be in perfect fit with the groove 750, the diaphragm laterally along the lateral front rail shown by arrow “A” (as shown in FIG. 86H ). There is substantially resistance to movement of the diaphragm 550 and the diaphragm 550 will not move laterally under normal forces placed on the diaphragm during operation.

When it is desired to move the partition 550 back along the front rail 580, the cam may unsnap from the front rail. The handle 732 can be rotated in the opposite direction of the front rail 580 . The tongue 724 can be disengaged from the groove 750 and returned to its position in FIG. 87B .

In an embodiment, the partition wall 552 has sections of different widths (see FIG. 85 ). The front section 770 of the partition wall 552 that may be adjacent the barrier 556 may have a greater width than the rear section 772 of the partition wall 552 adjacent the barrier 556 . The front section 770 can be connected to the back section 772 by an intermediate section 774 . The width of the middle section 774 gradually changes from the width of the front section 770 of the compartment to the width of the rear section 772 of the compartment. In an embodiment, the width of the portion of intermediate section 774 adjacent section 770 is equal to the width of section 770 , and the width of the portion of intermediate section 774 adjacent section 772 is equal to section 772 . 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 the product engages between the two partition walls 552 . Helps prevent product from falling out and assists in providing flow of product along divider floor 554 when product is removed from the front of merchandise system 10 . In one example, the width of the front section 770 of the partition wall 552 is at least 25% greater than the width of the rear section 772 of the partition wall 552 .

85-87C , one or more partitions 550 may be positioned 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 can move parallel to the length of the front rail 580 in a lateral direction shown by arrow “A” ( 86h). The diaphragm 550 can then be secured in position by snapping the cam 720 or other engagement member into engagement with the front rail 580 . The diaphragm 550 will remain stationary under vertical actuation forces until the cam 720 or other engagement member is unsnapped or otherwise positioned out of engagement with the front rail 580 .

In an embodiment, the front wall 561 of the groove 560 is textured as shown in FIG. 86K . This texturing may be in the form of roughening or small teeth. The texturing causes the surface of the front wall 561 of the groove 560 not to be smooth. In an embodiment, the front wall 585 or other protrusion or engagement member of the ridge 584 is textured as shown in FIGS. 86I, 86J, and 86L. This texturing may be in the form of roughening or small teeth and cause the surface of the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 to be not smooth.

In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. 86I , barrier 556 is a separate component and may be removably attached to partition 550 . In one or more embodiments, the barrier 556 may snap on the front of the partition 550 . In one or more embodiments, barrier 556 is movable. The entire barrier 556 may be movable, or a portion or portions of the barrier 556 may be movable. For example, the portion of the barrier 556 that is located on the front of the product on the merchandise display system 10 may be movable. In one or more embodiments, the portion of the barrier 556 located in the forward portion of the product may be configured to slide. In an alternative embodiment, a portion of the barrier 556 located at the front of the product may be configured to rotate about an axis to allow the portion of the barrier 556 to open and close. In this embodiment, the axis may be a hinged connection. Additionally or alternatively, a portion of the barrier 556 may be spring mounted to the diaphragm 550 such that the portion of the barrier 556 is subject to the magnitude of the force to move against the diaphragm 550 . ask for In this embodiment, upon release of the force, a portion of the barrier 556 will close or return to its original position. Exemplary methods for mounting the barrier 556 are more specifically described in US Pat. No. 8,056,734, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In one example, partition 550 does not include a barrier. Alternatively, one or more barriers may be included within the front rail 580 .

In an embodiment, when the partition 550 is placed in contact with the front rail 580 , as shown in FIG. 87B , the front wall 561 of the groove 560 and the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 are The cam 720 is in the position shown in FIG. 87B and the tongue of the cam 720 does not engage the groove 750 of the front rail 580 while not in contact or continuous contact. When the cam 720 is moved from the first position shown in FIG. 87B to the second position shown in FIG. 97C , the tongue 724 engages the groove 750 , and the tongue portion moves the partition 550 rearward. make it do In an embodiment, tension between tongue 724 and groove 750 causes partition 550 to move in a rearward 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 . Anterior wall 561 engages anterior wall 585 . Texturing on the front wall 561 of the groove 560 engages texturing on the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 . The engagement of the front wall 561 of the groove 560 with the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 is the result of the partition 550 along the front rail 580 in the direction shown by arrow “A” in FIG. 86H . prohibit movement. The engagement of the texturing on the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 and the 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 additionally prohibited.

In one example, a resilient strip or bead may be incorporated into the front rail 580 , the upper surface of the ridge 584 , or other projections. 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, partition 550 is movable laterally parallel to the front rail, but not in a direction perpendicular to the front rail. When the cam 720 or other engagement device is in the second position, the elastic strip or bead will compress with the groove 560 or other recess of the partition 550 . When the elastic strip or bead compresses with the groove 560 , or other recess, the diaphragm 550 is secured in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 under vertical actuation forces. In one example, the 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 roughening or teeth (not shown).

In one embodiment, barrier 556 is not molded simultaneously with partition wall 552 and partition bottom 554 . Barrier 556 is molded as a separate part from partition wall 552 and partition bottom 556, as shown in FIG. 88A. Barrier 556 may be molded from a transparent material while partition wall 552 and partition bottom 554 may be molded from an opaque material.

In one example, partition 550 includes an engagement member comprising a flat surface. The front rail 580 may include an engagement member comprising a flat surface. The flat surface of the engagement member on the partition and/or the engagement member on the front rail may comprise a smooth or substantially smooth surface. The planar surface may include an elastic surface. The planar surface may comprise a rubber strip or a strip of neoprene or otherwise compressible material. In one example, when the engaging members of the divider 550 are in the first position, the engaging members of the divider do not engage the engaging members of the front rail 580, and the divider 550 laterals parallel to the front rail. can be moved to When the engaging member of the diaphragm 550 is in the second position, the diaphragm engaging member engages with the engaging member of the front rail 580, the diaphragm being secured under vertical operating conditions and forces and lateral to the front rail. cannot be moved to In one example where the engaging members of the front rail 580 and the diaphragm 550 are smooth or substantially smooth surfaces and do not include teeth or other protrusions, the diaphragm 550 may additionally provide lateral adjustability and It can have infinite or near-infinite lateral adjustability. The lateral adjustability of the partition 550 is not limited by physical dimensions, such as the width of the protrusions or teeth. Infinite lateral adjustability effectively utilizes lateral space and limits or minimizes unused or lost space between product rows, thereby potentially increasing the amount of used space and lateral product facings on shelves, thereby making the display system provide significant benefits to

In one embodiment, barrier 556 may snap fit or otherwise engage partition 550 as shown in FIG. 88B . The engagement between the barrier 556 and the partition 550 allows the barrier 556 to be removed from the partition 550 under vertical operating conditions and without detrimentally affecting the barrier 556 or structure of the partition 550. may be non-existent.

89a to 89c show an example of a step-by-step method at the position of the partition of the front rail. In a first step, the partition 550 may be lowered into contact with the front rail 590, as illustrated in FIG. 89A. The rotating “T” lock 900 can be rotated to snap over the front rail 580 . A rotating “T” lock 900 may be attached to the front portion of the divider 550 . Rotational “T” lock 900 can rotate about axis 903 . The partition 550 may be lowered and positioned in contact with the front rail 580 as illustrated in FIG. 89B . A groove 560 or other recess in the partition 550 engages a ridge or tongue 584 or other projection of the front rail 580 . At this point the partition 550 can be moved laterally parallel to the front rail and allow for ease of replaning. In one example, the partition 550 may move along the front rail. The partition 550 with or without product on the partition floor 554 can slide in the direction previously indicated by arrow “A” in FIG. 65 without requiring the partition 550 to be raised. In a final step, as illustrated in FIG. 89C , the rotating “T” lock 900 can be pushed forward and downward toward the front rail 580 . The rotating “T” lock 900 may engage a lip 901 on the front portion of the front rail 580 . In one or more embodiments, the front rail 580 includes an upper front surface 902 . The upper front surface 902 may include a texture or be an elastic surface such as rubber. Alternatively, the upper front surface 902 may include one or more teeth. Upper front surface 902 may engage surface 904 on rotation “T” lock 900 . Surface 904 may also include a texture or may be an elastic surface such as rubber. Alternatively, surface 904 may include teeth configured to engage teeth on upper front surface 902 . When the rotating “T” lock 900 engages the lip 901 , the partition 550 engages the front rail 580 and cannot move laterally under a force of a vertical magnitude.

90A-90F illustrate embodiments of a partition 550 and a front rail 580 . As shown in FIG. 90A , partition 550 may include a wall 552 , a floor 554 , and a barrier 556 . Partition wall 552 may divide partition floor 554 into two parts 559 and 551 with one part on each side of partition wall 552 . As illustrated in FIG. 90B , partition wall 552 may extend vertically from partition floor 554 . Barrier 556 may be positioned in front of partition wall 552 . As illustrated in FIGS. 90C and 90F , the bottom surface of the partition floor 554 may include a groove 560 or other recess, a tongue 941 or other projection, and a front wall 561 . In one or more embodiments, the front wall 561 of the groove 560 is textured. This texturing may be in the form of roughening or small teeth. Texturing may cause the surface of the front wall 561 of the groove 560 not to be smooth.

As illustrated in FIG. 90D , the front rail 580 has a flat surface 582 , a ridge or tongue 584 or other protrusion, a first channel or groove 586 or other recess, and a second channel or groove ( 950) or other recesses. The front wall 561 of the partition 550 may engage a 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 941 of the partition 550 may engage the second groove 950 of the front rail 580 . In one embodiment, the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 is textured. This texturing may be in the form of roughening or small teeth and cause the surface of the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 to be not smooth. The texturing of the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 may engage texturing of the front wall 561 of the groove 560 . Engagement of the front wall 561 of the diaphragm 550 to the first channel 586 of the front rail 580, the ridge or tongue 584 of the front rail 580 to the groove 560 of the diaphragm 550 ), and engagement of the projection 941 of the partition 550 with the second groove 950 of the front rail 580 can maintain the partition wall 552 perpendicular to the front rail 580 and the partition 550 ) can be prevented from splaying. When the diaphragm 550 receives a lateral force, in one or more embodiments, the diaphragm 550 may move laterally along and/or parallel to the front rail 580 .

The front rail 580 may include openings 951 and an opening 952 as illustrated in FIG. 90E . The openings 951 may be configured to engage corresponding engagement protrusions (not shown). In one example, the engagement protrusion may be a flat splicer. Corresponding engagement projections may connect one or more front rails 580 together in series. Although the front rails 580 are not in perfect alignment with each other, the connection of the openings 951 and the engaging projections may allow one or more front rails 580 to be connected in series. The openings 952 may be configured to receive fasteners, which fasten the front rail 580 to the display shelf. The front rail 580 may include any number of openings 952 suitable for securing the front rail 580 to a display shelf. Any type of fastener is contemplated within the scope of the present invention.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 91A , the merchandise display system 10 may include a rear rail 810 . The rear rail 810 may be located at or near the rear of the shelf. The rear rail 810 may have a structure similar to the front rail 580 , and the disclosure of the present application for the front rail 580 is equally applicable to the rear rail 810 . For example, the rear rail 810 may include a recess 804 , which may be generally in the shape of a “u”. In such an embodiment, divider 550 may be coupled to divider blocks 802 . The partition blocks 802 may then engage the rear rail 810 . Like the front rail 580 , the rear rail 810 may be a second rail in the merchandise display system. The rear rail 810 may also be the only rail in the merchandise display system. As mentioned above, the front rail 580 may be located at the rear of the merchandise display system and thereby serve as the rear rail 810 . In one or more embodiments, the plurality of partition blocks 802 each have a cam 710 (not shown in FIG. 91A ) in the position indicated by the arrow in FIG. 91A . This cam 720 can rotate from a first position to a second position and has the same effect as the cam 720 in the compartment that engages the front rail 580 . The partition blocks 802 may also include other engagement devices, including the engagement devices described herein for a partition 550 that engages the rear rail 810 . The use of the rear rail 810 may hold the rear of the divider 550 in place and prevent product from moving to a position behind the pusher 520 . To unlock the partitions 550 from the rear rail 810 , a cam 720 or other engaging device is rotated against the rear rail 810 or otherwise disengaged from the rear rail 810 .

In one example, the partition 550 may be positioned in contact with the front rail 580 . Groove 560 may be located over ridge 584 , and ridge 584 may be located within groove 560 . Groove 560 and ridge 584 may be in contact with each other in this position. The partition 550 may also be positioned in contact with the rear rail 810 . The grooves or recesses in the partition 550 may be located over ridges or other projections of the rear rail 810 and the ridges or recesses of the rear rail 810 may be located within 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. An engaging device, such as a cam 720 on the front portion of the diaphragm, allows the diaphragm 550 to move laterally parallel to the front rail 580 and rear rail 810, while the diaphragm 550 is ) or in a direction perpendicular to the rear rail 810 (the direction between the front rail 580 and the rear rail 810 ). The partition block 802 may also include an engagement device (not shown), such as the cam 720 or other engagement devices described above for the front rail 810 . The engagement mechanism on the partition block 802 is such that the partition 550 can move laterally parallel to the front rail 580 and the rear rail 810, while the partition 550 is either a front rail 580 or a rear rail 810. It may be in a position fixed in a direction perpendicular to the 810 (a direction between the front rail 580 and the rear rail 810).

In one example, the engagement device on the front portion of the partition 550 may be moved to the second position. In the second position the partition 550 is secured in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 under vertical actuation forces. The engagement device on the partition block 802 may also be moved to the second position. In the second position, the engagement mechanism on the partition block 802 causes the partition 550 to be secured in a direction parallel to the rear rail 810 under vertical actuation forces. The front rail 580, partition 550 and rear rail 810 may form a rigid tray that may be moved as a unit from one location to another. The front rail 580 , the rear rail 810 , and the plurality of partitions 550 may be preassembled and formed into a rigid tray at a location away from the shelf. The front rail 580 , the rear rail 810 , and the plurality of partitions 550 may then be moved to the shelf and secured to the shelf by one or more fasteners.

Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that many of the components described may be used in stores and in various configurations. Thus, while the system is merely illustrative of the features, spirits and principles of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the single system or upright pusher configuration shown in the drawings. It is further to be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or three or more of the individual features apparent or recited from the description and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention. The embodiments described herein illustrate the best known modes for carrying out the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to use the invention.

In one embodiment, the merchandise display system is movable between a collapsed position and an upright position, for example by rotation without, for example, a rotation biasing element (spring loaded hinge) used only to bias the barrier into an upright position. barriers may be included. Various illustrative aspects of example systems that may include a barrier movable between a collapsed position and an upright position without a rotational biasing element are shown in FIGS. 95-106 . In one embodiment, the system may include a partition assembly 550 configured to be secured to a support structure. As used herein, partition assembly 550 may also be referred to as partition 550 . The support structure may include, for example, a front rail 580 . In one embodiment, 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 rotatable barrier is defined as movement from the rear end 555 towards the front end 553 . For example, an arrow F shown in FIGS. 99B and 100D indicates a forward direction. Movement in the rearward direction as used herein with respect to embodiments comprising a rotatable barrier is defined as movement from the front end 553 towards the rear end 555 . For example, the arrow R shown in FIGS. 99A and 100C indicates a backward direction. A movement in a lateral direction when used in this application with respect to embodiments comprising a rotatable barrier is defined by, for example, movement in the directions shown by arrow A in FIGS. 65 , 100A and 103A . 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 to the rear end 555 of the partition 550 . In one embodiment, partition wall 552 may extend upwardly from partition bottom 554 . The partition bottom may include a top surface 554a and a bottom surface 554b. In one embodiment, the partition wall 552 separates the partition bottom 554 into a first side portion 559 on each side of the partition 550 and the partition bottom 554 . The first side portion 559 of the divider bottom 554 may also be referred to as the right side portion 559 of the divider bottom 554 and the second side portion 551 may also be referred to as the left side portion 551 of the divider bottom 554 . may be referred to.

In one embodiment, barriers 556 are shown by way of example in FIG. 96A for both barriers 556a, 556b to a collapsed position as shown by way of example in FIG. 96B for barrier 556a on the right side of the partition. It is movable by rotation between upright positions as shown. In one embodiment, barriers 556 may be coupled to rotatable mounting structure 563 . In one embodiment, the rotatable mounting structure 563 may be connected directly to the partition. In one embodiment, as will be described below with reference to the examples shown in FIGS. 102 and 103 , the rotatable mounting structure 563 may be detachably connected to the partition. 97 , in one embodiment, the rotatable mounting structure 563 may be a knuckle 565 and pin 566-type hinge. In one embodiment, the rotatable mounting structure 563 may be a flexible member such as a flexible polymer or a metal component.

In one embodiment, the barrier 556 is configured such that the product positioned on the top surface 554a of the lower end of the divider 554 moves in a forward direction toward the front end 553 of the compartment 550 as the product moves toward the barrier 556. can be considered to be positioned proximate the front end 553 of the partition 550 when it can be in contact with the diaphragm 550 . In one embodiment, the rotatable mounting structure 563 is proximate to and connected to the front end 553 and/or the bottom 554 of the compartment 550 . For example, referring to FIGS. 95 , 96A and 96B , a barrier 556a is shown positioned proximate to and connected to the front end 553 of the partition 550 and the bottom 554 of the partition 550 . In one embodiment, the barrier 556 is not directly connected to either the front end 553 or the bottom of the partition 554 and/or is spaced apart from the front end 553 of the partition 550 and/or the bottom of the partition 554. ) (not shown), for example, in one embodiment, the barrier is not connected to the partition 550 , but rather the product positioned on the top surface 55a of the bottom 554 of the membrane is in front. It can be positioned close enough to the partition so that the product can contact the barrier 556 when moving in the direction and removably connected to the front rail 580 (not shown). In such an example, the barrier 556 may be considered to be positioned proximate the front end 553 of the partition 550 . In one embodiment, barrier 556 may be positioned proximate to the front end of the partition and connected to the partition wall. In one embodiment, the barrier can be folded toward the partition wall when moving toward the collapsed position (not shown).

98A-C, barrier 556 is configured to rotate between an upright position and a collapsed position. An exemplary upright position is shown in FIG. 98A and an exemplary collapsed position is shown in FIG. 98C . In one embodiment, the top edge 568 of the barrier 556 may rotate along the arc shown as B in FIG. 98A . For example, a force applied in the rearward direction R to the barrier 556 in the upright position causes the barrier to rotate toward the collapsed position as shown in FIG. can lead to Further, for example, the barriers 556 may be manually rotated by pulling or pushing the barrier handle 567 with a finger to raise the barrier to an upright position or lower the barrier to a collapsed position, respectively. In one embodiment, the top edge 568 of the barrier 556 may rotate along the entire arc of B and C (not shown) such that the top edge contacts the top surface of the bottom of the partition.

In one embodiment, in the collapsed position, the barrier 556 defines a folded angle C between the back surface 569 of the barrier and the top surface 554a of the bottom of the partition. In one embodiment, the fold angle C is between about 45 degrees and about 20 degrees. In another embodiment, the fold angle C is between about 30 degrees and about 15 degrees. The term “about” as used herein with respect to embodiments comprising a rotating barrier means plus or minus 5% of the stated value. In one embodiment, the folded angle is about 20 degrees.

In one embodiment, the fold stop structure 570 is configured to stop rotation of the barrier 556 toward the divider bottom 554 and to maintain the barrier at the desired folded angle C in the collapsed position. In one embodiment, the fold stop structure 570 is a protrusion positioned proximate the lower portion of the back surface 569 of the barrier. In one embodiment, the fold stop structure is configured such that the lower portion 587 of the rear surface of the barrier contacts the fold stop structure 570 when the barrier reaches the folded angle C of the collapsed position, the top surface 554a of the bottom of the divider. is connected to In one embodiment, the fold stop structure is connected to the lower portion of the rear surface of the barrier (not shown) such that the fold stop structure contacts the top surface of the bottom of the divider when the barrier reaches the desired folded angle of the collapsed position. In one embodiment, the fold stop structure is an extension or plateau or plate secured to or integral with the divider bottom 554 . In one embodiment, the bottom of the partition prevents the barrier 556 from being completely horizontal. The barrier 556 is configured such that when the barrier 556 is rotated to the collapsed position, the barrier is at an angle from horizontal. This angle may be between about 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, or between about 20-45 degrees or between about 10-35 degrees. In one embodiment, the barrier has a vertical portion and a horizontal portion that allow the barrier 556 to be at a predetermined angle with respect to the lower end of the divider when the barrier 556 contacts the lower end of the divider 554 . In one example, the interruption structure 570 is not present and the barrier 556 contacts the bottom of the partition 554 just above the horizontal top surface 554a of the bottom of the partition.

99A-99C , in one embodiment, a force applied in a forward direction to a product positioned in contact with at least a portion of the rear surface 569 of the barrier 556 while the barrier is in the collapsed position is such that the barrier It can be rotated from a folded position to an upright position. For example, referring to FIG. 99A , the product may be placed on the top surface 554a of the bottom of the divider 554 while the barrier is in the collapsed position. In one embodiment, a force may be applied to the article to move the article in a forward direction towards the barrier, as shown by way of example in FIG. 99B . In one embodiment, the force is gravity. For example, a partition 550 positioned such that the front end 553 is angled downward relative to the rear end may cause products positioned thereon to move towards the front end 553 by gravity alone. In one embodiment, the force may be applied by the pusher mechanism 520 . In one embodiment, the pusher mechanism 520 may be biased in a forward direction and configured to slide across the bottom of the divider to move the product in a forward direction. In one embodiment, the top edge 568 of the back surface 569 of the barrier defines a chiseled, curved, or radial surface. The rounded edge of the top of the back surface of the barrier rotates towards an upright position as the product moves forward, causing the barrier 556 to slide and ride off the surface of the product as the motion vector of the barrier changes, for example, help the rotation of Also, for example, the rounded edge prevents the edge from burrowing into the surface of the product packaging as the product moves in all directions and the rounded edge moves over the surface of the product, and maintains low friction between the rounded edge and the product. In one embodiment, the top of the barrier may include other structures to facilitate the barrier to climb over the surface of a product such as, for example, a roller structure. In one embodiment, when the barrier reaches the upright position, the barrier stops rotation and stops movement of the product in the forward direction. In one embodiment, the vertical interruption structure is configured to stop rotation of the barrier in the forward position and to establish the upright position of the barrier. In one embodiment, the vertical suspension structure may be a vertical surface 571 on the rotatable mounting structure and an opposing vertical surface 572 on the barrier 556 .

100A-100D , in one embodiment, aspects of the rotatable barrier described in the examples above include, for example, a pair of partitions 550a, 550b and a pusher mechanism 520. A merchandise display system may be used in an embodiment of The compartments 550a, 550b may define a product pocket 573 between opposing walls of the compartments. Product pocket 573 may, for example, have a slightly larger width than the product intended to be displayed in the system. In one embodiment, the barriers may be positioned in a collapsed position as shown in FIG. 100B to facilitate placement of the product into the system. Also, in one embodiment, when manually setting the position of the product by attaching it to the front surface 556f of the barriers in an upright position and pushing the product to the front surface 556f of the barriers in a rearward direction, the barriers are as shown in FIG. 100C . It can rotate together to a collapsed position and allow product to be easily inserted into product pocket 573 . In one embodiment, when the product is placed against the front surface of the pusher mechanism in the product pocket on the top surfaces of the bottoms of the divider, and then released, the pusher mechanism pushes the product in the forward direction (F) and the product folds the barriers. from position to an upright position, as shown in FIG. 100D, where the next forward movement of the product ceases.

In one embodiment, the rotatable mounting structure 563 may be coupled to a partition 550 , a front rail 580 , or a shelf 234 . In one embodiment, the rotatable mounting structure 563 is removably connected to the front end 553 of the partition 550 . 102A-102D and 103A-103E , an exemplary removable rotatable mounting structure 563 includes a vertical pedestal 591, a horizontal crossbeam 593, and rotatable mounts connected to a horizontal crossbeam 593 ( 597a, 597b). In one embodiment, the vertical pedestal 591 may be an elongate post oriented in a vertical direction and the horizontal crossbeam 593 may be an elongate beam oriented horizontally in a lateral direction. In one embodiment, the pedestal may include a gripping structure near the top portion of the pedestal to facilitate manual insertion and removal into or out of the partition 550 of the rotatable mounting structure 563 . In one embodiment, the horizontal crossbeam 593 has a left section 593b of the horizontal crossbeam 593 extending laterally from the left side 591b of the vertical pedestal 591 and the right section 593a of the horizontal crossbeam 593 . It is connected to the vertical pedestal 591 in a cross-like manner so as to extend laterally from the right side 591a of the vertical pedestal 591 and extends from opposite sides of the vertical pedestal 591 . In one embodiment, the right rotatable mount 597a is connected to the right section 593a of the horizontal crossbeam 593 and the left rotatable mount 597b is connected to the left section 53b of the horizontal crossbeam 593 . In one embodiment, each section 593a , 593b of the horizontal crossbeam extends a length approximately equal to the width of the respective side portions 559 , 551 of the divider bottom 554 .

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 may include a first knuckle component 601 and the barrier may include a second knuckle component 602 and , the first and second knuckle components are hinged for rotational attachment of the barrier 556a to the rotational mount 597a and the rotational mounting structure 563 with a pin 566 extending through the first and second knuckle components. complementary to form

In one embodiment, the rotatable mount 597a is configured to stop rotation of the barrier 556 towards the partition bottom 554a and to the folded top.

and a fold stop structure 570a configured to maintain the desired fold angle C with respect to the teeth. In one embodiment, fold stop structure 570a is plate 603 extending from and integral with rotatable mount 597a or horizontal crossbeam 593a, plate 603 configured to define a fold angle C It has a raised or angled portion 615 . In one embodiment, as described above, the fold stop structure is configured to contact the rear surface of the barrier such that the fold stop structure contacts the plate 603 or the top surface of the bottom 554 of the divider when the barrier reaches the desired folded angle of the collapsed position. 569) (not shown). In one embodiment, the fold stop structure is integral with the bottom of the divider.

In one embodiment, the rotatable mount 597a includes a vertical stop structure configured to stop rotation of the barrier to a forward position and to establish an upright position of the barrier. In one embodiment, the vertical stop structure may be a vertical surface 571 on a rotatable mount and an opposing vertical surface 572 on a barrier 556 . In one embodiment, the vertical surface of the vertical suspension structure of the rotatable mount may be within a mount recess 604 defined within the rotatable mount 597a and the opposing vertical surface 572 on the barrier 556 is the lower portion of the barrier. It may be on a tab 605 formed thereon. The mount recess 604 may have a complementary shape with the tab 605 such that the tab fits into the mount recess 604 when the barrier is rotated in the forward direction.

In one embodiment, the pedestal 591 is on a pedestal configured to mate with the front ridge 599 of the diaphragm 550 to removably connect the rotatable mounting structure 563 to the front end 553 of the diaphragm 550 . and a defined mount slot 598 . In one embodiment, the rotatable mounting structure is removably connected to the partition using a clip, cam or other coupling structure.

In one embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 104A - 104G , the exemplary removable rotatable mounting structure 563 may include a horizontal crossbeam 593 and rotatable mounts 597a , 597b connected to the horizontal crossbeam 593 . can In one embodiment, the horizontal crossbeam 593 extends laterally and has a length approximately equal to the width of each of the side portions 559 , 551 of the divider bottom 554 . In one embodiment, the right rotatable mount 597a is connected to the right section 593a of the horizontal crossbeam 593 and the left rotatable mount 597b is connected to the left section 593b of the horizontal crossbeam 593 . In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 104A - 104G , the horizontal crossbeam 593 is configured to have a low side profile where the height of the beam above the partition block 802 is minimized. Horizontal crossbeams 593 on the lower side can provide more space for products to be inserted into the merchandise display system from a forward direction over the removable rotatable mounting structure 563 .

In one embodiment, the horizontal crossbeam 593 may include a front extension 593c of the horizontal crossbeam that extends toward the front of the partition block 802 . In one embodiment, the forward extension 593c of the horizontal crossbeam 593 may extend forward of the front of the divider block 802 and the extension hooks are secured in place on the divider block when the detachable mounting structure is secured in place on the divider block. and an extension hook 593e configured to extend downwardly from the front end of the front extension to be positioned forward of 802 . In one embodiment, the rotatable mounting structure includes a front extension 593c extending from the right section 593a of the horizontal crossbeam 593 and an extension hook 593e extending from the left section 593b of the horizontal crossbeam 593 . and a front extension 593d and an extension hook 593f. Front extensions 593c, 593d and extension hooks 593e, 593f may, for example, help stabilize the detachable mounting structure on the partition.

In one embodiment, the detachable mounting structure 563 is a right rotatable mount 597a of the horizontal crossbeam 593 or a first plate 603a extending from the right section 593a and a left rotatable mount of the horizontal crossbeam 593 . 597b or a second plate 603b extending from left section 593b. In one embodiment, the plates 603a, 603b may extend laterally from either side of the rotatable mounts 597a, 597b. In one embodiment, the inner edges of the plates 603a, 603b shield the removable mounting structure 563 to removably connect the rotatable mounting structure 563 to the front end 553 of the partition 550. may be configured to define a mount slot 598 configured to mate with the anterior ridge 599 of 550 . In one embodiment, each plate 603a, 603b may include a folding stop structure (570a, 570b). In embodiments, the fold stop structure may include raised or angled portions 615a , 615b configured to define a fold angle C .

105A-105D , in one embodiment, the barrier 556 engages a tab recess 604a defined in the rotatable mount 597 when the barrier reaches the upright position, as shown in FIG. 105B . and a resilient tab 606 configured to be The resilient tab 606 is configured to maintain the barrier in an upright position when it is engaged with the tab recess 604a. In one embodiment, tab recess 604a is defined in mount recess 604 . In one embodiment, when a rearward force is applied to the barrier, the resilient tab 606 flexes and disengages the tab recess 604a such that the barrier can move toward the collapsed position shown in FIG. 105D . In one embodiment, the mount recess 604 includes a fold stop structure 604b. In one embodiment, the resilient tab 606 engages the fold stop structure to stop rotation of the barrier 556 toward the bottom 554 of the divider and maintain the desired fold angle in the collapsed position. In one embodiment, the fold stop structure 604b is defined in the mount recess 604 and may be, for example, an angled portion as shown in FIG. 105A .

106A and 106B , shown are various illustrative aspects of example systems that may include a barrier movable between a collapsed position and an upright position without a rotation biasing element. In one embodiment, the system may 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. Rounded edges can prevent, for example, product packages from snagging and tearing on the edges. Also, 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 partition walls may be useful for heavier products, such as cases of canned soda, which may require aspects of a more robust display system than smaller and lighter products. In one embodiment, the width of the system and barriers may be increased to accommodate larger products that may require more shelf space, for example. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 106B , a fold stop structure 570 is defined at the bottom of the divider 554 .

In one embodiment, an exemplary method of filling a merchandise display system is described with reference to FIGS. 100A-100D . As shown 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 a left partition 550a and a right partition 550b. The first and second partitions may include first and second partition walls extending from a front end to a rear end of each partition. A product pocket 573 may be defined between opposing first and second partition walls. The first partition may include a first barrier 556c positioned to the right of the first partition wall at the front end of the partition 550a. In addition, the second partition 550b may include a barrier 556d positioned to the left of the second partition wall at a front end of the second partition wall. The system may include a pusher 520 positioned between the first and second partitions. The pusher may comprise a biasing element which biases the pusher in the forward direction F towards the forward ends of the partitions. Barriers 556c and 556d may be in a first upright position as shown in FIG. 100A . Referring to FIG. 100B , barriers 556c and 556d can be folded into a second folded position by, for example, finger moving the barriers to the second position or using a product while positioning the product in the product pocket to push the barriers to the second position. may be in position. Alternatively, the product may be placed in the product pocket by moving the product directly into the product pocket over the top of the barriers in the first upright position. Referring to FIG. 100C , the product may be positioned in contact with the front surface of the product pusher in front of the product pusher such that when the product is released, the product pusher is in place to move the product forward. When the product is released, the pusher 520 moves the product forward so that it contacts the barriers. When the barriers are in the second collapsed position and the product is released while in the product pocket, the pusher may push the product forward such that the product contacts the barriers and moves the barriers from the second collapsed position to the first upright position. The barriers stop forward movement of the pusher and product when the barriers reach the first upright position, as shown in FIG. 100D . In one embodiment, the product may be positioned in the product pocket by moving over barriers positioned in the first upright position. In such an example, the pusher may move the product forward, as shown in FIG. 100D , until the product contacts the barriers in the first upright position, where the next forward movement of the product will cease.

101A-101F , in one embodiment, a merchandise display system including the rotatable barriers described above may be used with an improved product tray to facilitate efficient and easy filling of the merchandise display system with product. 101A and 101B , in one embodiment, the improved product tray 578 may include a bottom surface 574 , a right wall 475 , a left wall 576 and an alignment flap 577 . . In one embodiment, the alignment flap 577 may have a front end 579 , a trailing 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, the flap width D is approximately equal to the width of the product in the 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 may vary. In one embodiment, the length of the alignment flaps may be approximately equal to the height of the barrier 556 or the height of the product. In one embodiment, the front 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 is a product tray such that the product stored in the product tray can be slid from within the product tray, as shown in FIG. 101D , into a product pocket of the product display system, as shown in FIG. 101E . and positioned between opposing partition walls of the merchandise display system to align the product stored in the product tray with the product pocket. In one embodiment, a portion of the alignment flap may taper toward the rear end to aid insertion of the alignment flap between opposing partition walls of the system. In one embodiment, the alignment flaps may be used to move the barriers from an upright position to a collapsed position to facilitate gliding of product from the product tray to the product pocket of the system. In one embodiment, the alignment flap is positioned within the product pocket such that the alignment flap moves the barriers from the upright position to the collapsed position (as shown in FIGS. 101C and 101D ), and then product is removed from the product tray of the system into the product pocket. (as shown in FIG. 101E), the alignment flap detaches from the product pocket and in contact with the barriers. In such an embodiment, in an embodiment with a pusher (as shown in FIG. 101E ), the pusher then moves the product forward such that the most forward product contacts the barriers and moves the barriers from the collapsed position to the upright position. can push When the barriers reach the upright position, the rotation of the barriers is stopped and the forward movement of the product is stopped so that the frontmost product is positioned in the most forward position of the display system (as shown in FIG. 101f ). In such an example, the alignment flap is used to temporarily move the barriers from an upright position to a collapsed position to fill the system. In one embodiment, the barriers may be physically detachable from the system such that the system may be filled with product. In one embodiment, the barriers may be configured to rotate in a forward direction from an upright position, for example, such that the top of the barrier extends forwardly beyond the front end of the partition. Such a position may be referred to as a forward folded position. In one embodiment, the barrier may be configured to rotate from a collapsed position, to an upright position, and in a forward direction beyond the front end of the partition to a forward collapsed position (not shown). In one embodiment, the barrier capable of rotating in a forward direction beyond the front end of the divider includes a rotatable stop and is mounted on the divider wall as described above with respect to barriers rotating only between an upright position and a collapsed position as described above. angles can be defined. In an embodiment, the barriers may be configured to slide laterally, left and/or right. In one embodiment, the barriers may be manually positioned in a collapsed position, an upright position and/or a forward collapsed position.

In one example, an unbiased barrier 556 is connected to the partition bottom 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 product on the bottom of the partition 554 from moving beyond the front edge of the partition 550 . In the first position, the unbiased barrier 556 is configured to inhibit product placement on the partition bottom 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 a product to be placed on the bottom of the partition 554 . In the second position, the unbiased barrier is horizontal or diagonal to the shelf or other structure with the divider bottom 554 or divider 550 . In aspects, in the second position, the unbiased barrier 556 is configured to be level with the bottom of the divider 554 or shelf or other structure with the unbiased barrier 556; Alternatively, the unbiased barrier 556 is configured to rotate or adjust to a horizontal angle from the partition bottom 554 in the second position. The horizontal angle from the bottom of the divider 554 may be 20 degrees, may be between approximately 10 and 30 degrees, or may be between approximately 20 and 45 degrees. In one embodiment, the unbiased barrier 556 is configured such that there are no springs or other biasing elements forcing it to be between the first and second positions. In one embodiment, the unbiased barrier 556 is configured to be freely adjustable from a first position to a second position. In one embodiment, the unbiased barrier 556 is configured such that it can be moved to a first position and will remain in the first position and may be moved to a second position and will remain in the second position. In one embodiment, the unbiased barrier 556 is non-biased and biased, such as a spring or other device, that applies a force to the unbiased barrier 556 to push the unbiased barrier to the first or second position. It is constructed so as not to include an instrument.

In various embodiments, including the exemplary embodiments as in the previous paragraph, external objects such as the product shown in FIGS. 99A-99C or the product tray 578 or alignment flap 577 shown in FIGS. 101A-C Alternatively, the wall of the product tray 578 or a human hand or finger may move or push the unbiased barrier 556 from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position. The product or tray 578 or alignment flap 577 or human finger may be placed in a second position where the unbiased barrier 556 is diagonal from a first position substantially perpendicular to the divider bottom 554 or a second position substantially horizontal. A force can be applied on the unbiased barrier 556 to move to the second position. In the second position, the unbiased barrier 556 is configured to allow product to be placed on the bottom of the divider 554 and the product to be immediately refilled. After the product is refilled onto the compartment bottom 554 , the pusher 520 applies a force on the product in a direction towards the front of the compartment 550 and forward of the product shelf or other structure with the compartment 550 . The pusher may be a spring-loaded pusher in which a spring or other biasing unit applies a force on the pusher, biasing it toward the front of the diaphragm 550 . The spring or other biasing unit is not in direct contact with or physically connected to the unbiased barrier 556 . The article in turn applies a force on the unbiased barrier 554 to push the unbiased barrier into a first position. In the first position, the unbiased barrier prevents product from moving beyond the front edge of the divider 550 or shelf or other structure to which the divider 550 is secured.

In one embodiment, multiple products may be located in product pockets of the system. The consumer may, for example, bring out the most forward-looking product. In such a case, for example, the pusher will line up and then push the rest of the product in the product pocket forward so that the product contacts the barriers and the forward movement of the product is stopped. In such a case, the products in the frontmost position are replaced by the next products in a line, keeping the products in the forwardmost position until the products in the pocket 573 run out.

In embodiments, the merchandise display system may include a product shortage indicator system 100 that may indicate to the user that the level of product in the merchandise display system is low or absent. Various exemplary aspects of low product indication systems are illustrated in FIGS. 107A-112C . In one embodiment, system 1000 may include a partition assembly 550 configured to be secured to a support structure. As used herein, partition assembly 550 may also be referred to as partition 550 . The support structure may include, for example, a front rail 580 . In one embodiment, partition 550 may include a front end 553 and a rear end 555 . As used herein with respect to embodiments comprising low product indication systems, movement in the forward direction is defined as movement from the rear end 555 towards the front end 553 . For example, an arrow F shown in FIG. 99B indicates a forward direction. Movement in the rearward direction when used in this application with respect to embodiments comprising a low product indication system is defined as movement from the front end 553 towards the rear end 555 . For example, the arrow R shown in FIG. 99A points in the backward direction. A lateral movement when used in the present invention with respect to embodiments comprising a product shortage indication system is defined by, for example, movement in the directions indicated 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 surface 552b. In one embodiment, the partition wall 552 may extend from the front end 553 to the rear end 555 of the partition 550 . In one embodiment, partition wall 552 may extend upwardly from partition bottom 554 . The divider bottom 554 may include a top surface 554a and a bottom surface 554b. In one embodiment, the partition wall 552 separates the partition bottom 554 into a first side portion 559 on each side of the partition 550 and the partition bottom 554 . The first side portion 559 of the divider bottom 554 may also be referred to as the right side portion 559 of the divider bottom 554 and the second side portion 551 may also be referred to as the left side portion 551 of the divider bottom 554 . may be referred to. In one embodiment, the merchandise display system may be configured to apply a force in a forward direction to products in the merchandise display system by the pusher mechanism 520 . In one embodiment, the pusher mechanism 520 may be biased in a forward direction and configured to slide across the bottom of the divider to move the product in a forward direction. In one embodiment, the merchandise display system may include a biasing element 534 , such as a coil spring, that may apply a force to the pusher 520 in a forward direction. A coil spring 534 may be retained in the rear portion of the pusher 520 . In another embodiment, the pusher 520 may move in a forward direction without using a biasing element. For example, the pusher 520 may be mounted or installed in an inclined manner and gravity may cause the pusher to move in a forward direction. The pusher 520 may include a pusher face 522 and a pusher bottom 524 . Barrier 556 may be configured to prevent the product from being pushed by pusher 520 and a biasing element included therein. Barrier 556 may be positioned in front of partition wall 552 .

In embodiments, low product indication system 1000 may include one or more portions that may engage one or more portions of pusher 520 and/or biasing element 534 . Accordingly, in embodiments, the product shortage indication system 1000 may move in the forward and/or rearward direction as the pusher 520 moves in the forward and/or rearward direction. In some embodiments, the low product indication system 1000 may be configured to cease moving forward at a predetermined stopping point while the pusher 520 may continue to move forward as product is unloaded. In embodiments, the product shortage indication system 1000 includes one or more portions configured to extend forward of the front end 553 , the front rail 580 and/or the barrier 556 when the product display system is low on product. can do. In embodiments, the low product indication system 1000 may be adjustable to allow the user to adjust the amount of product when the low product indication system may indicate that the product is low.

107A - 107F , in one embodiment, the low product indicator system 1000 includes a front edge 1004 , a rear edge 1006 , a top edge 1008 , a bottom edge 1010 , and a pusher side 1012 . ) and a side wall 1002 comprising a divider side 1014 . The side wall 1002 may be substantially vertical. The side wall 1002 may also include a raised portion or flag 1016 that may extend forward of the front edge 1004 when the display device 1001 is in a forward position as shown in FIG. 107A . . The protruding portion 1016 may define many shapes and may take on different colors to draw the stored individual's attention to the product shortage indicator and thus to the portion of the shelf that is low on product. In some embodiments, side wall 1002 may engage back wall 1018 . The back wall 1018 may be substantially perpendicular to the side wall 1002 . In some embodiments, side wall 1002 and back wall 1018 may engage bottom wall 1017 . 107A to 107F , the product shortage display device 1001 may be positioned between the pusher 520 and the partition 550 or partition wall 552 . The product shortage indicator 1001 may be slidable in forward and backward directions with respect to the divider 550 . In some embodiments, the product shortage indicator 1001 may be slidably and/or removably engaged with the partition 550 .

The product shortage indicating device 1001 may substantially mimic the movement of the pusher 520 through at least a portion of the distance moved by the pusher 520 by moving the product low indicating device 1001 in the forward and backward directions. be engaged with one or more portions of the merchandise display system to The product shortage indicator 1001 engages with one or more portions of the merchandise display system such that the sidewall can move in forward and rearward directions to substantially mimic movement of the pusher 520 through use of the coupling mechanism 1019 . can be For example, as shown in FIGS. 107A to 107F , the connection mechanism 1019 may be a magnet 1020 . Magnet 1020 may be configured to magnetically engage one or more portions of pusher 520 and/or biasing element 534 . 107A to 107F, the magnet 1020 causes the pusher 520 (including the biasing element 534) to move in the forward or rearward direction, so that the product shortage indicating device 1001 causes the pusher ( configured to engage with the biasing element 534 to move with 520 (including the biasing element 534 ). As the product shortage indicator 1001 moves in a forward direction, the leading edge 1004 may contact the barrier 556 or other similar device at a predetermined stopping point. In this position, the product shortage indicator 1001 may be restricted from further forward movement and in this position the protruding portion or flag 1016 may be located at the front end 553, the front rail 580 and/or the barrier ( 556), which may indicate a shortage of product in the merchandise display system. The biasing force of the biasing element 534 may be greater than the magnetic force exerted by the magnet 1020 . This engages the magnet 1020 at the biasing element 534 which may cause the pusher 520 (including the biasing element 534) to continue to move forward while the low product indicator 1001 remains stationary. can be released When the pusher 520 (including the biasing element 534) is moved rearward, the magnet 1020 may re-engage the biasing element 534 . It should be understood that other types of magnets or any device that generates a magnetic field may be used with the embodiments.

108A and 108B , in another embodiment, the coupling mechanism 1019 may include a biasing element 130 , such as an extension spring. Similarly, as described above, the product shortage indication device 1001 may allow the side wall 1002 to move in forward and backward directions to substantially mimic the movement of the pusher 520 through the use of the coupling mechanism 1019 . may be engaged with one or more portions of the merchandise display system to allow In one example, as shown in FIGS. 108A and 108B , the coupling mechanism 1019 may be an extension spring 1030 . As shown in FIGS. 108A and 108B , the extension spring 1030 causes the pusher 520 to move in forward or backward directions, such that the side wall 1002 includes the pusher 520 (a biasing element 534 ). It is configured to engage with the pusher 520 to move with). As the side wall 1002 moves in a forward direction, the front edge 1004 may contact the barrier 556 or other similar device at a predetermined stopping point. The biasing force of the biasing element 534 may be greater than the biasing force exerted by the extension spring 1030 . This may allow the pusher 520 to continue to move forward while the product shortage indicating device 1001 remains stationary. When the pusher 520 is moved rearward, it may come into contact with the extension spring 1030 , and the product shortage display device 1001 may move backward with the pusher 520 . In alternative embodiments, extension spring 1030 may be a plunger, piston, actuator, or the like that compresses and extends in a manner similar to an extension spring.

109A to 109D , in an embodiment, the product shortage indication system 1000 may include an adjustable product shortage indication device 1050 . The adjustable product shortage indicator 1050 includes a side wall having a front edge 1054 , a rear edge 1056 , a top edge 1058 , a bottom edge 1060 , a pusher side 1062 , and a divider side 1064 . 1052) may have. 109A - 109D , a side wall 1052 may be positioned between the pusher 520 and the partition 550 . The sidewall 1052 may adjustably engage the pusher 520 . The side wall 1052 may be slidable in forward and rearward directions with respect to the partition 550 .

109B - 109D , in embodiments, the adjustable low product indicator 1050 may be adjustably engaged with the pusher 520 in a number of ways. As shown in FIG. 109A , the bottom edge 1060 of the side wall 1052 may include a plurality of indexing cutouts 1070 . The pusher 520 may include one or more edges 1072 configured to engage the plurality of cutouts 1070 . A user may manually engage one or more of the plurality of cutouts 1070 with one or more edges 1072 that may allow the user to select a distance by which the front edge 1054 extends forward of the pusher 520 . . This indicates that the user is at the level of the product at which the front top 1054 extends beyond the front end 553 , the front rail 580 and/or the barrier 556 , and thus the product shortage indication system 1000 informs the user of the inventory management system. I can let you choose the level of the product that tells you that your product is low. Other mechanisms for adjustably engaging the adjustable low product indicator 1050 are shown, for example, in FIGS. 109C and 109D . As shown in FIG. 109C , the pusher 520 may include one or more hooks 1080 that may be configured to engage one or more of the plurality of cutouts 1070 . Similarly, as shown in FIG. 109D , the side wall 1052 may be configured to engage one or more hooks 1092 on the pusher 520 to allow a user to adjust the adjustable low product indicator 1050 . A plurality of indexing pegs 1090 may be included. In other examples, the indexing cutouts 1070 , the edges 1072 , the hooks 1080 , the pegs 1090 and the holes 1092 may be connected to the pegs 1090 or the indexing cutouts 1070 by the pusher 520 . ) and the edges 1072 , hooks 1080 or holes 1092 can be positioned on the side wall 1050 . In other examples, the product shortage indicator 1050 may simply be mounted on the pusher 520 . In still other examples, the low product indicator 1050 may indicate that when the indicator 1050 makes contact with the barrier 556 or other similar device at a predetermined interruption point, the indicator remains static while the pusher continues forward. It may be slidably mounted to the pusher for movement.

110A - 110O , in one embodiment, the low product indicator system 1000 includes a front edge 1104 , a rear edge 1106 , a top edge 1108 , a bottom edge 1110 , and a pusher side 1112 . ) and a side wall 1102 including a divider side 1114 . The side walls 1102 may be substantially vertical. The side wall 1002 may also include a raised portion or flag 1116 that may extend forward of the front edge 1104 . In some embodiments, side wall 1102 may engage back wall 1118 . The back wall 1018 may be substantially perpendicular to the side wall 1102 . The back wall 1118 can include a raised or ribbed portion 1119 that can extend horizontally along the back wall 1118 . In some embodiments, side wall 1102 and back wall 1118 may engage bottom wall 1117 . The bottom wall 1117 may be substantially perpendicular to the side wall 1102 and may have substantially the same length as the side wall 1102 . The bottom wall 1117 may have a top side 1117A and a bottom side 1117b. The bottom wall may include a raised or bumped portion 1120 that may extend horizontally along the bottom wall 1117 . 110A to 110O , the product shortage indicating device 1101 may be positioned between the pusher 520 and the partition 550 or partition wall 552 . The product shortage indicator 1001 may be slidable in forward and backward directions with respect to the divider 550 . In some embodiments, the product shortage indicator 1001 may be slidably engaged with the partition 550 .

The product shortage indicator 1101 may substantially mimic the movement of the pusher 520 through at least a portion of the distance traveled by the pusher 520 by moving the product shortage indicator 1101 in the forward and backward directions. be engaged with one or more portions of the merchandise display system to

110B-110O illustrate a cycle of products being added or removed from an inventory management system having a product shortage indicator 1101 as described above. FIG. 110B shows a product-free inventory management system in which the pusher 520 and low product indicator 1101 are each in their most forward-most positions. As shown in FIG. 110B , a raised portion or flag 1116 indicating low product extends beyond the barrier 556 . A product (denoted by the letter “P”) may be inserted into the inventory management system as shown in FIG. 110C . When the product is inserted into the inventory management system, the pusher 520 moves backward as shown by arrow “R” in FIG. 110D . As shown in FIG. 110E , when a predetermined amount of product is inserted into the inventory management system, the rear edge 524R of the pusher bottom 524 hits the bump 1120 and the pusher 520 moves as shown in FIG. 110E . It may start moving over bump 1120 as and as shown by arrow “R” in FIG. 110E . As more products are added to the inventory management system, pusher 520 continues over bump 1120 as shown in FIGS. 110F and 110G and as shown by arrow "R" in FIGS. 110F and 110G. so move

As more product is added, the back edge 524R of the pusher 520 may engage the back wall 1118 of the low product indicator 1101 . In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 110H , the rear edge 524R of the pusher 520 may be engaged under the rib 1119 to releasably secure the pusher to the low product indicator 1101 . there is. In some embodiments, the bump 1120 and the rib 1119 may function together to removably engage the product shortage indicator 1101 and the pusher 520 . The rib 1119 may serve to retain the rear edge 524R of the pusher in engagement with it under the bump 1120 , while the bump is the one at which the pusher 520 is disengaged from the low product indicator 1101 . it can be prevented Accordingly, as additional products are added, the pusher 520 and the product shortage indicator 1101 move backward together as shown in FIG. 110I .

Similarly, when the product is taken out as shown in FIGS. 110J and 110K , the pusher 520 and the product shortage indicator 1101 move forward together. When the leading edge 1104 of the low product indicator 1101 strikes the barrier 556 or other interruption point at the predetermined interruption point, a force from the biasing device or coil spring 534 causes the pusher 520 to cause the bump 1120 ) can be disengaged. This causes the pusher to start moving forward over the bump 1120 as shown in FIG. 110L . In this position, a raised portion or flag 1116 indicating low product in the inventory management system extends beyond the barrier 556 .

As the product continues to be removed from the inventory management system as shown in FIGS. 110M-110O , the pusher 520 moves forward over the bump 1120 until it reaches a barrier 556 or other stopping point. Meanwhile, the low product indicator 1101 remains substantially stationary at the predetermined break point.

Referring now to FIGS. 111A-112C , in one embodiment, the product shortage indication system 1000 includes a front edge 1204 , a trailing edge 1206 , a top edge 1208 , a bottom edge 1210 , a pusher side ( 1212 ) and a product shortage indicator 1201a , 1201b having a side wall 1202 including a divider side (not shown). The side walls 1202 are substantially vertical and may extend to any suitable height. Low product indicators 1201a , 1201b may also have a front wall 1218 extending from a front edge 1204 of side wall 1202 . The front wall 1218 may extend about 90 degrees with respect to the side wall 1202 and may extend from the side wall 1202 by any suitable length. The front wall 1218 may have a top edge 1219 , a side edge 1220 , and a bottom edge 1221 . In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 111A , a curve or radius may be formed between the top edge 1219 and the side edge 1220 , which may allow the product to be more easily removed from the merchandise display system. As will be described in more detail below, the front wall 1218 may be placed in front of a predetermined amount of product for the user to indicate that the amount of product is low. Low product indicators 1201a , 1201b may also include a bottom wall 1224 extending from a bottom edge 1206 of side wall 1202 . The bottom wall 1224 may extend about 90 degrees with respect to the side wall 1202 and may extend from the side wall 1202 by any suitable length. The bottom wall 1224 can include a front edge 1226 , a side edge 1227 , and a bottom edge 1228 . As will be described in more detail below, the bottom wall 1224 may be disposed below the coil spring 534 to removably engage the product shortage indicating devices 1201a and 1201b with the product display system.

As shown in FIG. 111A , the low product indicator 1101a may also include a raised portion or flag 1236 that may extend forward of the leading edge 1204 . The protruding portion 1236 may define many shapes and may take on different colors to draw the stored individual's attention to the product shortage indicator and thus to the portion of the shelf that is low on product. In some embodiments, the product shortage indicator may not have a raised portion or flag 1236 . For example, the embodiment of the low product indicator 1201b shown in FIG. 111B is similar to the low product indicator 1201a shown in FIG. 111A , but the height of the side wall 1202 is lower and it ) is not included. As will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 112A-112C , the product shortage indicator 1201b stores the portion of the shelf that is short of product without the use of the product shortage indicator and thus the protruding portion 112A. can be notified to

112A-112C illustrate a merchandise display system with two versions of product shortage indicators 1201a and 1201b. While product shortage indicators 1201a and 1201b are shown, when used in the merchandise display system shown in FIGS. system can be retrofitted. In Figure 112a, each version 1201a, 1201b is shown without a product in the merchandise display system. An embodiment of a product shortage indicator 1201a is shown in which the pusher 520 is pulled toward the front of the merchandise display system by a coil spring 534 . An embodiment of the low product indicator 1201b is shown in a manually retracted position. 112A and 112B , the side wall 1202 of the product shortage display devices 1201a and 1201b may be positioned between the pusher 520 and the partition 550 or the partition wall 552 . The product shortage indicator 1201a , 1201b may be slidable in forward and backward directions with respect to the divider 550 . Also, as best shown in the embodiment of the low product indicator 1201b , the indicator bottom wall 1224 may be positioned above the divider bottom 554 . In addition, as shown in FIG. 112A , particularly with reference to the embodiment 1201b, the product shortage indicating devices 1201a and 1201b may be detachably engaged with the product display system, so that the coil spring 534 is installed on the bottom wall. 1224 is passed under the anterior wall 1218 above. Desirably, including any product above the coil spring, the coil spring 534 can thus help retain the product low indicator at the bottom of the divider 554 . As shown in FIG. 112A , and with particular reference to embodiment 1201a , the low product indicator bottom wall 1224 is a pusher 520 when the pusher moves forward and/or once all product has been removed from the merchandise display system. can be extended below.

Similar to the above-described embodiments, the product shortage indicating devices 1201a and 1201b 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 . can do. More specifically, the product shortage indicating devices 1201a, 1201b are configured to move forward with the pusher as the product closest to the front end is taken out until a predetermined amount of the product is removed from the sales display. This is a predetermined amount selected by the user to indicate that the amount of product is insufficient. When the product shortage indicating devices 1201a and 1201b reach the front of the product display system or barrier 556, they cannot move further forward. However, the pusher 520 will continue to push in front of any product behind the product shortage indicators 1201a and 1201b until all products have been removed from the product display system. Preferably, the product shortage indicator 1201a, 1201b may be adjustable for different sized products and for the number of products for which the product shortage indicator is displayed.

FIG. 112B shows product shortage indicating devices 1201a and 1201b in a forward position without any product in the product display system. 112C illustrates a product shortage indicator 1201a with a product (labeled with the letter “P”) in the merchandise display system. The product shortage indicating devices 1201a and 1201b are configured to move forward with the pusher as the product closest to the front end is taken out until a predetermined amount of the product is removed from the sales display. Desirably, product shortage indicator devices 1201a, 1201b may be adjustable so that they can be placed in front of any number of products in the merchandise display system. This allows the user to select a predetermined amount of product in the merchandise display system for which the product shortage indicator 1201a, 1201b will be displayed. Referring to both embodiments of the product shortage indicating devices 1201a and 1201b as shown in FIG. 112c , a predetermined amount of product shortage is set such that one product remains behind the product shortage indicating device ( 1201b is the two shown two placed between the products and cannot be seen in FIG. 112c).

As can be seen in FIG. 112C , users remove products from the front of the merchandise display system until a predetermined amount of product shortage is reached. When a predetermined amount of product shortage is reached, product shortage indicating devices 1201a and 1201b are made visible. As shown in FIG. 112C , a protruding portion 1236 or flag may be visible. Specifically, the protruding portion 1234 may extend forward of the barrier when the amount of product placed on the top surface of the bottom of the partition is small. Also, the front wall 1218 of the low product indicators 1201a , 1201b may be visible through the barrier 556 in some embodiments. In such embodiments, the barrier 556 may be transparent or translucent, include perforations, or otherwise made such that the low product indicator 1201a , 1201b may be visible.

Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that many of the components described may be used in stores and in various configurations. Thus, while the system is merely illustrative of the features, spirits and principles of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the single system or upright pusher configuration shown in the drawings. It is further to be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or three or more of the individual features apparent or recited from the description and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention. The embodiments described herein illustrate the best known modes for carrying out the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to use the invention.

Claims (20)

A product display system comprising:
A partition configured to be secured to a support structure, the partition comprising a front end and a rear end;
the partition includes a partition wall and a bottom of the partition, the partition wall extending upwardly from the bottom of the partition;
a pusher mechanism comprising a biasing device and configured to slide along the bottom of the diaphragm to move a product towards the front end;
a barrier configured to be positioned proximate the front end of the compartment to contact the barrier as the product located on a top surface of the bottom of the compartment moves toward the front end of the compartment; and
a product shortage indicator comprising a side wall, a front wall and a bottom wall;
the biasing device comprises a coil spring;
and the coil spring passes above the bottom wall of the product shortage indication device and below the front wall of the product shortage indication device. The method according to claim 1, wherein the product shortage indication device further comprises 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 lower end of the partition is small , merchandise display systems. The method according to claim 1, wherein the product shortage indicator is configured to move forward with the pusher mechanism as the product closest to the front end is unloaded until a predetermined amount of product is removed from the product display system. merchandise display system. 4. The merchandise display system of claim 3, wherein the predetermined amount of product is adjustable. 5. The merchandise display system according to claim 4, wherein the bottom wall of the product shortage indicator is configured to slide under the pusher mechanism when all products are removed from the merchandise display system. The product display system according to claim 1, wherein the product shortage display device is detachably coupled to the product display system. The merchandise display system of claim 1 , wherein the barrier is transparent. The product display system according to claim 1, wherein the front wall of the product shortage indicating device is visible through the barrier when the quantity of the product positioned on the top surface of the bottom of the partition is insufficient. A product display system comprising:
A partition configured to be secured to a support structure, the partition comprising a front end and a rear end;
the partition includes a partition wall and a bottom of the partition, the partition wall extending upwardly from the bottom of the partition;
a pusher mechanism comprising a biasing device and configured to slide along the bottom of the diaphragm to move a product towards the front end;
a barrier configured to be positioned proximate the front end of the compartment to contact the barrier as the product located on a top surface of the bottom of the compartment moves toward the front end of the compartment; and
a product shortage indicator comprising a side wall, a front wall and a bottom wall;
and the product shortage indicating device is configured to move forward with the pusher mechanism as the product closest to the front end is removed until a predetermined amount of product is removed from the product display system. 10. The merchandise display system of claim 9, wherein the predetermined amount of product is adjustable. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the product shortage indicator further comprises a protruding portion, wherein the protruding portion is configured to extend forward of the barrier when the amount of product positioned on the top surface of the lower end of the partition is small , merchandise display systems. 10. The merchandise display system of claim 9, wherein the barrier is transparent. The product display system according to claim 9, wherein the front wall of the product shortage indicating device is visible through the barrier when the quantity of the product positioned on the top surface of the bottom of the partition is insufficient. The product display system according to claim 9, wherein the product shortage display device is detachably coupled to the product display system. 10. The merchandise display system of claim 9, wherein the bottom wall of the product shortage indicator is configured to slide under the pusher mechanism when all products are removed from the merchandise display system. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the barrier is transparent; wherein the front wall of the product shortage indicating device is visible through the barrier when the quantity of the product positioned on the top surface of the bottom of the partition is insufficient. The product shortage display device according to claim 3, further 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 lower end of the partition is small , merchandise display systems. delete delete delete

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