KR20170099990A - Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

A product management display system for product sales on a shelf or tray includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that moves along the surface on which the product is placed. In one example, the tray or shelf may include a first product retention member to prevent products from being pushed off from the tray. The pusher mechanism of the exemplary embodiment includes a pusher floor extending forwardly of the pusher surface, the second product retaining member, and the pusher surface, and between the pusher surface and the second product retaining member. A flat coil spring or other biasing element may be operably connected behind the pusher mechanism. During use, the product to be sold may be placed on the pusher floor. With this configuration, the pusher surface is prevented from dropping the last product from the shelf and from the floor.

Description

Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism

Cross-reference to related application

[01] This application claims priority from U.S. Serial No. 14 / 579,604, filed December 22, 2014. This application is also related to U.S. Serial No. 14 / 012,715, filed August 28, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 530,736, filed September 2, 2011, 61 / 542,473, filed on July 5, 2012, and US patent application Ser. No. 13 / 542,419, filed July 5, 2012, which claims priority 61 / 553,545, filed October 31, Filed September 12, 2005, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 734,692, filed November 8, 2005, all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety, U.S. Application Serial No. 11 / 760,196 (now U.S. Patent No. 8,312,999), filed June 8, 2007, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 411,761, now U.S. Patent No. 7,823,734, No. 12 / 357,860, filed January 22, 2009, now incorporated herein by reference. U. S. Patent No. 8,453, 850), U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 639,656, now U.S. Patent No. 8,322,544, filed December 16, 2009, all of which are incorporated herein by reference Which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[02] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to shelf assemblies for use in selling products and more particularly to shelf assemblies with improved mechanisms for displaying and pushing products on shelves.

[03] It is known that retail stores such as convenience stores, drug stores, grocery stores, discount stores, and wholesalers require large shelves to store products as well as display products to customers. When displaying a product, it is desirable that the product on the shelves be located on the front side of the shelf so that the product is visible and accessible to the customers. In the case of coolers or refrigerators used to store and display such products as soft drinks, energy drinks, bottled water, and other bottled or canned drinks, these products Are also located on the front side of the shelf and are visible and accessible to customers.

To achieve this product placement, the known systems may include inclined trays or floors that allow the product to move toward the front of the shelf through gravity. Many of these systems include floors or shelves made of a plastic material such as polypropylene that allows the product to slide along sloping floors or surfaces due to its low coefficient of friction. Over time, however, these surfaces may be disturbed by debris or sticky substances that inhibit the product from sliding properly, and sometimes some products are turned over and thus additional products may become lodged in the shelf Blocking from moving to the front.

[05] Other systems include the use of a pusher system to push the product to the front of the shelf when the product on the front of the shelf is removed. Known pusher systems typically include pusher paddles and coiled springs mounted on a track and forcing the product forward. Occasionally, when the system is used, and over time, the track is disturbed by dust or sticky materials that interfere with proper operation of the pusher system in the track. In addition, depending on the size, shape and weight of the product to be sold, known pusher paddles can sometimes fall or bend backwards, thereby causing binding of the pusher mechanism in the track. In these situations, the pusher mechanism can not properly push the product toward the front of the shelf.

[06] The specific examples discussed herein relate to providing gravity-fed merchandise systems (i.e., tilted lathes or trays) and trackless pusher systems that work in conjunction with non-gravity sale systems .

[07] One exemplary embodiment relates to a product management display system for shelf-mounted products. This embodiment includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that moves along the surface on which the article is placed. The trackless system solves known problems with the use of tracks in order to hold and guide known pusher mechanisms. It should be understood, however, that the teachings of this embodiment can be used in systems including tracks for mounting pusher mechanisms and the like.

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

[09] Exemplary embodiments also include systems for using gravity as a mechanism to force gravity systems, or products to the front of a shelf, as well as to sell products on horizontal or inclined shelves or surfaces Including the use of an agitated pushing mechanism.

[10] According to an exemplary exemplary embodiment of the present invention, pusher paddles may define a concave pushing surface for pushing cylindrical products, such as soft drink bottles or cans. Alternatively, the pusher paddles may also define a flat pushing surface that may further include a curved rib or similar structure on its upper edge that may be used to push the cylindrical articles.

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

[12] According to another exemplary embodiment, an adapter for a product management display system may be positioned on a floor surface of a display system. The adapter may include a planar surface having at least two ribs extending transversely across the planar surface in a substantially parallel manner from the planar surface to the exterior. The coiled spring may be positioned between parallel extension ribs. With this configuration, the product to be sold may be placed on ribs that are not directly coil-spring-like to enhance forward movement of certain types of products such as beverage candles.

[13] In yet another alternative aspect, the mounting member may be used to mount the end of the coiled spring to the floor of the system. For these systems, which include spaced apart glide rails joined by connecting the ribs together, the mounting member may snap-fit or otherwise be mounted on the floor and between the glide rails have.

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

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

[16] In another exemplary embodiment, the trays may be attached through a dovetail connection to form a shelf assembly. Additionally, the dividers can be adjusted such that the widths of the product rows can be adapted to accommodate products of different sizes.

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

Another exemplary pusher mechanism for a surface management product display system includes a pusher surface, a product retainer extending parallel to the pusher surface, a pusher floor-pusher floor extending forwardly from the pusher surface, Wherein the pusher floor is positionable on at least a portion of the surface of the display system and is movable across at least a portion of the surface of the display system, and may include a coiled spring. The pusher mechanism may be placed on top of the surface of the display system, may not extend below the surface of the display system, is positionable on the surface of the display system, is mounted to the display system, Lt; / RTI > The coiled spring may include a coiled end positioned behind the pusher surface. The pusher floor may be substantially parallel to the surface of the display system. The pusher surface and the product retainer may extend upwardly from the pusher floor and the product retainer may be spaced from the pusher surface to define a space for receiving the pusher surface, the product retainer, and the pusher floor therein. The article can be a bottle, and the bottle can be configured to fit between the pusher surface and the product retainer. Only one bottle can be allowed to fit between the pusher surface and the product retainer. The pusher surface may be concave. The pusher floor may define a channel for receiving a coiled spring. The coiled spring is extendable across at least a portion of the pusher floor and can be operably attached behind the pusher surface. The pusher mechanism can be mounted on the surface of the display system only by a coil spring.

[19] Another product management display system includes a tray defining a surface configured to hold the heat of the products, a first product retainer configured to prevent the product from falling off the tray, a pusher mechanism having a pusher surface, And a second product retainer extending to the second end. The pusher mechanism may be configured to slide across at least a portion of a surface of the tray and includes a coiled spring having a pusher surface and a coiled end positioned behind the forward end, and at least one divider ). The pusher mechanism may be located on top of the surface of the tray and may be configured not to extend below the surface of the tray. The pusher mechanism can be mounted on the surface of the display system by a coil spring. The pusher surface and the second product retainer may be configured to extend upwardly from the pusher floor and the product retainer may be spaced from the pusher surface to receive at least one product therein. The pusher surface and the second product retainer can define a space that can be configured to accommodate the last of the heat-producing products. In one example, the product is a bottle, the pusher surface and the second retainer are configured to receive only one bottle, and the second product retainer can be configured to hold the last of the plurality of products.

[20] The pusher surface and the second product retainer may define a space configured to receive the product. The product is a bottle, and the space can be configured to accommodate only one bottle. The pusher mechanism can be mounted on the surface of the display system only by a coil spring. The product management display system may further include a first divider and a second divider, wherein the first product retainer and the second product retainer may be configured to extend between the first and second divider. At least a portion of the coiled spring may be configured to extend across at least a portion of the tray surface to the front portion of the tray. The surface of the display system may be horizontal. The first product retainer and the second product retainer may be transparent.

[21] Another exemplary product management display system may include a tray defining a surface, a first product retainer configured to prevent products from falling off the tray, and a pusher mechanism. The pusher mechanism may include a pusher surface, a second product retainer, and a pusher floor extending forwardly from the pusher surface. The pusher floor may be configured to allow at least one product to rest on the pusher floor between the pusher surface and the second product retainer, the pusher floor being positionable on the surface of the display system and movable across the surface of the display system have. The pusher mechanism may be configured to be on top of the surface of the display system and not extend below the surface of the display system, be mounted on the display system, be configured to be held on the display system by a coiled spring, Mounted on the system, and can be held on the display system only by a coil spring. The second product retainer may be configured to hold the last of the plurality of products. The pusher surface may be concave. The pusher floor may define a plurality of apertures. The pusher floor and the second product retainer may be configured to hold a single bottle.

[22] Figure 1 shows an isometric exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system of the present invention.
[23] Figure 2 shows an isometric view of an exemplary pusher mechanism mounted on an exemplary tray or product channel of the present invention.
[24] FIG. 3 shows another isometric view of the system of FIG. 2 with the product placed in the system.
[25] FIG. 4 shows another isometric view of the system of FIG. 2 with a plurality of products disposed in the system.
[26] FIG. 5 shows an isometric rear view of the system of FIG.
[27] Figure 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a tray or product channel of the present invention.
[28] Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary tip for an end of a coiled spring that may be used with the product management display system of the present invention.
[29] Figure 8 illustrates the exemplary tip of Figure 7 mounted on the surface of a tray or product channel.
[30] Figure 9 illustrates the exemplary tip of Figure 7 mounted to the end of a coiled spring.
[31] Figure 10 shows an exemplary tip of Figure 7 mounted to the end of a coil spring.
[32] Figure 11 shows an isometric view of an alternate exemplary embodiment of a product management display system of the present invention.
[33] FIG. 12 shows another isometric view of the system of FIG.
[34] Figure 13 shows a front view of the system of Figure 11;
[35] Figure 14 shows a top view of the system of Figure 11;
[36] FIG. 15 shows a rear view of the system of FIG.
[37] FIG. 16 shows an isometric view of an adapter that can be used in the present invention.
[38] Figure 17 shows a front view of the adapter of Figure 16;
[39] Figure 18 illustrates an exemplary installation of an adapter of the present invention.
[40] FIG. 19 shows an isometric view of an installed adapter of the present invention.
[41] FIG. 20 shows a front view of an installed adapter of the present invention.
[42] Figure 21 shows an isometric view of an alternate exemplary embodiment of a product management display system of the present invention.
[43] Figure 22 shows an isometric bottom view of an exemplary mounting member that may be used to mount the end of a coiled spring to the floor of a display system.
[44] Figure 23 shows an isometric top view of the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22.
[45] FIG. 24 illustrates the exemplary mounting member of FIG. 22 mounted to the end of a coiled spring, wherein the coiled spring is mounted to the exemplary pusher paddle.
[46] FIG. 25 shows another view of the exemplary mounting member of FIG. 22 mounted to the end of a coiled spring, wherein the coiled spring is mounted to the exemplary pusher paddle.
[47] Figure 26 illustrates the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22 with a coil spring mounted on the floor of the system.
[48] Figure 27 illustrates the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22 mounted on the floor of the system.
[49] Figure 28 shows an isometric view of an alternate exemplary embodiment of a product management display system of the present invention.
FIG. 29 illustrates an enlarged isometric view of the tray of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 28.
[51] FIG. 29A shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 28 illustrating a first fixation method.
FIG. 29B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 28 illustrating a second fastening method.
FIG. 30 shows an enlarged isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 28, illustrating a spring in which a rivet is attached to a tray.
FIG. 31 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 28 assembled to a conventional wire shelf.
[55] FIG. 32 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 28 assembled in a conventional wire shelf.
[56] Figure 33 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
[57] FIG. 34 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
[58] Figure 35 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an adapter.
[59] Figure 36 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a retainer.
[60] FIG. 37 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
[61] FIG. 38 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
[62] Figure 39 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
[63] Figure 40 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
[64] Figure 41a illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a divider.
[65] Figure 41b shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
FIG. 41C shows an enlarged view of FIG. 41B.
[67] Figure 41d shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a divider.
[68] Figure 42 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
[69] FIG. 43 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
[70] Figure 44 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system.
[71] Figure 45 shows another isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system having a product in the system.
[72] Figure 46 shows a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a product management display having a product in the system.
[73] Figure 47 shows an isometric rear view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system having a product in the system.
[74] FIG. 48 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a pusher mechanism mounted on a divider.
[75] Figure 49 shows another isometric view of a pusher mechanism and a divider being assembled into a product management display system.
[76] Figure 50 shows an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of a product management display system.
[77] Figure 51 shows another isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of Figure 50 without a product.
[78] Figure 52 shows an isometric exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of Figure 50.
[79] Figures 53-55 illustrate another exemplary product management display system.
Before describing embodiments of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of components disclosed in the following description or illustrated in the drawings It will be understood. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. It is also 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 include additional items and equivalents thereof, as well as items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof. In addition, the use of the term " mounted ","mounted",or" mounting "refers to any technique or method of mounting, attaching, coupling, or coupling a part to another part, .

The present invention can be implemented in various forms. Referring to the drawings in which like numerals indicate like elements, an isometric exploded view of an exemplary embodiment is shown in FIG. The exemplary sales system 10 includes a product dispensing tray 12 and is mounted with an exemplary trackless pusher mechanism 14 in a product dispensing tray 12. As will be described in more detail below, the pusher mechanism 14 will fit into the tray 12 and be used to hold tracks normally used to hold a conventional pusher mechanism in the tray or tray floor, Or slides along the surface of the tray without the use of guides. The pusher mechanism defines a pusher paddle and a pusher floor extending forward of the pusher paddles. The coiled spring may extend across the pusher floor and be operably connected to the tray at a tray-front position. In one aspect of the invention, the product to be sold may be placed in the tray at the front of the pusher paddles and placed on the coil spring as well as the pusher floor. With this configuration, the weight of the product will prevent the pusher paddle from tipping to ensure proper pushing of the product. In addition, problems associated with debris or sticky materials that hinder the efficiency of known pusher systems using tracks, rails, or guides have been eliminated. Other aspects, embodiments and features of the present invention and teachings thereof are set forth in greater detail below.

The exemplary tray 12 may define a surface 16 and one or more dividing panels or dividers 18 for separating the tray into a plurality of rows for placement of the product. In an alternative aspect, the tray 12 may be a shelf or any other surface on which the products may be placed for sale. The 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 the ribs 22 allow the slidable movement of the product disposed on the surface and also prevent the liquids and dust from accumulating on the surface 16, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 20 < / RTI > The surface 16 may be made of any suitable material that allows for slidable movement of the article on the surface 16. Other surface or floor configurations are known and may be used with the principles of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the surface 16 may define a rounded end portion 24 that includes a notch or cut-out portion 26. The end portion 24 may be rounded to match the shape of the product disposed on the tray. For example, the illustrated end portion 24 may be rounded or semi-circular to match the outline of the bottle or can that may be disposed on the tray and end portion 24. Other shapes of the end portion may be used in the present disclosure depending on the product to be sold.

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

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

In another aspect, and with reference to FIG. 7, the spring tip 60 may be added to the end 29 of the spring 30 to assist in mounting the spring on the system. The spring tip 60 may define a number of shapes and configurations depending on the configuration of the tray and the surface to which the spring ends need to be attached. The spring tip 60 may be permanently attached to the end 29 of the coiled spring 30 or may be removable to permit replacement or replacement of the spring tip 60. The spring tip 60 may be made of plastic and may define one or more apertures. The aperture 61 may be used to accommodate the end 29 of the coiled spring 30. The second aperture 63 may be used to receive a mating tongue or mounting member 65 that extends from the surface 16 of the tray 12, as discussed below. In this configuration, the end 29 of the coiled spring 30 can be operatively connected to the tray 12.

In another aspect, the end 29 of the coiled spring may snap-fit into an aperture formed in the surface 16 or may otherwise be inserted and fixed in an aperture or opening in the tray Thereby fixing the end 29 of the coil spring 30 in place.

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

One or more product-retaining members 44 may be located on the front of the tray 12 and extend between the dividers 18. The product-retaining members 44 serve as a front retaining wall or bar to hold the product in the tray 12 and to prevent the product from falling out of the tray 12. [ These members are also configured to allow easy removal of the frontmost product positioned in the tray 12. [ The product-retaining member 44 may be one or more of the curved-shaped retaining ribs shown in Fig. These illustrated retaining ribs can extend from one divider to another and thereby combine the dividers. The retaining ribs may also extend part-way between the dividers, as also shown in Fig. 1 as ribs 46, to help retain the product in the tray. Alternatively, and as shown in FIG. 6, the product-retaining member 44 may be a curved-shaped solid retaining wall 48 extending between the dividers. The retaining wall 48 may be transparent or translucent to allow visualization of shelf-based products. In another aspect, the retaining wall 48 may also be partially extended between the dividers 18. In another embodiment shown in Figs. 11-15, the retaining wall 100 may be attached to the surface of the tray and may not be connected to the dividers. The retaining wall 100 includes an upper member 104 and opposing curved sidewalls 106 defining a further angled edge 108 and an opening defined by the floor member 110 102 can be formed. The sidewalls 106 may also be straight, not curved, depending on the system. The end of the coiled spring may also be snap-fitted to the floor 110 or otherwise attached to the tray using any of the techniques described herein. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that there are a number of shapes and configurations possible for the product-retaining member 44 and that the depicted arrangements are merely exemplary embodiments of these multiple arrangements.

[90] Referring back to FIG. 1, the exemplary trackless pusher mechanism 14 defines a pusher paddle 50 and a pusher floor 52. The pusher paddle 50 and the pusher floor 52 may be formed as a single integrated structure or may be separate structures joined together using known techniques. In addition, pusher paddles 50 and pusher floor 52 may be made of any suitable plastic or metal material. The pusher paddle and pusher floor may be reinforced using any known reinforcing techniques.

In one aspect, the pusher paddle 50 may be a curved pusher surface or face configured to match the shape of the product to be sold, such as plastic bottles or cans, including beverages, as shown in FIGS. 3-5 (54). The curved pusher surface 54 allows the pusher to be centered with the end product of the tray. This configuration reduces friction and air drag between the pusher and the divider walls. In an alternative aspect, the pusher surface or surface may be a flat surface. In another aspect, a flat pusher surface may be positioned near or on top of the pusher paddles and centered and aligned with the product of the tray, in a manner similar to the curved pusher surface 54 shown in FIG. 1 Can be accompanied by a curved shaped rib. Curved ribs may define other shapes and configurations that allow cylinders or similar shaped articles to be properly pushed out of the tray. Advertisements, product identification or other product information may be placed on the pusher surface 54.

Behind the pusher surface or surface 54, one or more support members 58, such as ribs, walls, or gussets, may be positioned. The support members 58 are configured to support the pusher surface 54 and further connect the pusher paddle 50 to the pusher floor 52. As can be seen in Figure 5, there is a coiled spring 30 between the support members 58 and, more specifically, forwardly of the tray 12 as understood in the art and along the tray 12, The coiled end 57 used to force the coil spring 50 is positioned. Any technique used to operatively connect a coiled spring to the pusher paddle 50 may be used with the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pusher floor 52 may be positioned below the pusher paddles 50 and extend forward of the pusher surfaces 54 of the pusher paddles. The pusher floor 52 may extend at any predetermined distance and at any predetermined angle. For example, the pusher floor 52 may extend substantially perpendicular to the pusher surface 54. In an exemplary embodiment, the pusher floor 52 may extend a sufficient distance to allow one product, such as a single bottle or can, to be placed on the pusher floor. In another aspect, the pusher floor 52 may be configured to allow more than one product to be placed on the pusher floor. The pusher floor 52 may define any shape including the illustrated rounded shape and may include any product retaining features such as ribs, walls, and the like, to further hold the product on the pusher floor, As shown in Fig.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the pusher floor 52 is elongated channel shaped, shaped and configured to hold the coiled spring 30, a groove or recessed portion 59 ). In an exemplary embodiment, the channel or groove 59 may extend across the floor 52 and in a substantially vertical manner with respect to the pusher paddle 50. In an alternative aspect, the groove or channel may extend across or partially across the entire pusher floor 52, as shown in FIG. Such a configuration allows proper alignment and positioning of the pusher paddles 50 of the tray. The groove 59 may define a depth that matches or exceeds the thickness of the coil spring 30. With this configuration, the coiled spring 30 will not be placed directly on the coiled spring, but rather on or below the pusher floor surface so that such product will rest on the pusher floor surface. As shown in FIG. 19, the pusher floor may include apertures and apertures through which debris or other items may pass. Alternatively, the floor may be a solid surface.

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

Referring to FIG. 18, the adapter 180 may be readily insertable on the surface 16 and between the dividers 18. 19, when the adapter 180 is installed, the pusher mechanism 14 can be positioned on top of the adapter 180 and can freely slide across the ribs 182 of the adapter 180 . The coiled spring 30 may extend in a parallel manner between the ribs 182 and may be located at or below the top surface of the ribs 182, as more clearly shown in FIG. In this configuration, the product to be sold is placed on the ribs 182, not on the coiled spring 30, and can slide along the ribs 182.

In an alternative aspect, the ribs 182 may be raised beads or raised beads, or a series of fingers that may be used to enable movement of the product on the surface 16 . In another alternative embodiment, the ribs 182 may be runners that allow the product to roll across the rolling members and toward the front of the product display system, or one or more rollers or rollers, Or the like. Exemplary roller assemblies include those disclosed and described in U.S. Serial No. 11 / 257,718, filed October 25, 2005, and assigned to RTC Industries, Inc., which is incorporated herein by reference. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there are many possible techniques that can be used with the described pusher mechanisms to enable movement of the product on a shelf or floor.

The lower side of the pusher floor 52 may be a smooth, planar surface that will slide freely along the surface 16. Alternatively, and similarly to the above, the pusher floor 52 includes beads, runners, rollers, etc. that will cause the pusher floor to slide along the surface, but not allow the pusher floor to be lifted off the surface 16 can do. In another alternative embodiment, the lower side of the pusher floor may be configured to have rail mounting members to permit mounting of the pusher to the track or rail, as is understood in the art.

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

In use, when the pusher mechanism 14 is forced backwardly from the tray 12, the end 29 of the coiled spring 30 will be held in position as described above and the coil 30 of the spring 30 The mold end 57 will begin releasing behind the pusher paddle 50. When the pusher 14 is allowed to move forward in the tray 14, such as when the product is removed from the front of the tray, the coiled end 57 of the spring 30 is wound on the tray 12 Pushing the pusher paddle 50 forward, thereby urging the product toward the front of the tray.

In an alternative embodiment, the coiled spring 30 may extend downwardly below the pusher floor 52 as opposed to traversing it over the pusher floor, as shown in the figures. With this configuration, the groove 59 and the notch 62 may not be needed.

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

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

Referring to FIG. 3, the pusher mechanism 14 is shown to sell one product 70 in the sales system 10. The product is prevented from falling on the tray by the product-retaining member 44. The product 70 may be any product to be sold, including the illustrated soft drink bottle. As shown in this figure, product 70 rests on a coiled spring 30 and pusher floor 52 that extends under the product. The weight of the product on the floor 52 and the positioning of the product across the spring 30 prevent the paddle 50 from falling on the tray 12.

Referring to FIG. 4, a pusher mechanism 14 is shown for selling a plurality of products 70 in a sales system 10. As shown in this figure, the product immediately adjacent to the pusher paddle 50 rests on the coiled spring 30 and the pusher floor 52 extending below the product. Other products will be placed on the coiled spring 30 to extend under these products. Alternatively, the adapter 180 can be positioned in the system and in this case the product can be placed on the ribs 182 of the adapter opposite the coil spring. Again, the weight of the product on the pusher floor 52 and the positioning of the product across the spring 30 prevent the paddle 50 from falling on the tray. In use, the pusher mechanism 14 (via the force of the coiled spring 30), when one product is removed from the front of the tray near the product-retaining member 44, Will push the remaining product in the tray 12 forward until it contacts the member 44. When the additional products are removed, the pusher mechanism 14 will continue to push the remaining product toward the product-retaining member 44.

Referring to FIG. 5, a rear view of the pusher mechanism 14 illustrates a pusher mechanism 14 for selling a plurality of products 70 in a sales system 10. Again, the product immediately adjacent to the pusher paddle 50 rests on the coiled spring 30 and the pusher floor 52 extending below the product. Other products will be placed on coiled springs that will extend below these products. Alternatively, the adapter 180 can be positioned in the system and in this case the product can be placed on the ribs 182 of the adapter opposite the coil spring. When one product is removed from the front of the tray near the product-retaining member 44, the coiled end 57 of the spring 30 is positioned such that when the forefront product contacts the product-retaining member 44 The pusher paddles 50 of the pusher mechanism 14 will be forced forward in the tray 12. [ As can be seen in this figure, the coiled end 57 can be positioned between the two support members 58. The support members will hold a coiled spring between these members. As can be seen in this figure, the pusher floor 52 may also extend below the support members 58.

Referring to FIG. 6, an alternate embodiment of a pusher tray is shown. In this embodiment, the plurality of trays 12 may be formed of a single multi-tray assembly 80. The multiple-trays may have a common floor with dividers 18 extending upwardly from the floor to create multiple trays or rows. In this embodiment, the product-retaining member 44 may be a solid member extending between the two dividers, as discussed above. One or more of the multiple-tray assemblies 80 may be coupled or coupled together in a side-by-side manner using any known technique, including clips, dovetailing, fasteners, . 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 systems, ie, systems with trays or product channels mounted on a slope to allow gravity to assist in the sale of the product . Alternatively, the trackless pusher mechanism 14 may be used with systems that are not tilted or mounted horizontally, where gravity provides little or no help in selling the product. The trackless pusher mechanism 14 can also be used to push various shapes of products.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary tip 60 for an end 29 of a coiled spring 30 that may be used in the vending system 10. The tip 60 defines an aperture 61 for receiving the end 29 of the coiled spring and an aperture 63 for mounting to the surface 16 of the tray. As can be seen in Figure 7, in an aspect of an alternate embodiment, extending below the surface 16 is paired with an aperture 63 and is formed on the tongue 65 so that the surface 16 has a tip 60 Or a tongue or mounting member 65 that can be configured to snap-fit.

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

9, the exemplary tip 60 is fully mounted in a snap-fit manner to the surface 16, and more specifically to the end portion 24 of the surface 16 of the tray 12 . The attachment of the end 29 of the coil spring 30 to the aperture 61 of the tip 60 is also shown. As shown in Fig. 9, the end 29 of the coil-like spring can be inserted into the aperture 61. Fig. The aperture 61 receives the end 29 of the coil spring and holds the end 29 in place and also separates the coil spring from the tip to permit removal of the pusher mechanism 14 from the system Shaped spring 29 from the aperture 61 in those environments where it is desirable to remove the end 29 of the coil spring.

Referring to FIG. 10, an end 29 of a coiled spring fully seated in the exemplary tip 60 is shown. The coiled spring 30 is now operatively connected to the surface 16 of the tray 12, as illustrated in this figure. As a result, the pusher mechanism 14 is now mounted to the tray 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 21-27, an alternative technique for mounting an end 29 of a coiled spring 30 on a sale display system is shown. The mounting member 130 may be used to mount the end 29 of the coiled spring to the floor 131 of the system. 26-22) for these systems, including spaced glide rails 132 joined together by connecting ribs 134, the mounting member 130 is mounted on the floor 131 and on the glide rail 132. [ 132 may be snap-fitted or otherwise mounted. The mounting member will thus hold the end of the coiled spring in place and in the floor of the system.

Referring to FIGS. 22-23, mounting member 130 may include one or more legs 136 on one or more sides of member 130. The legs are configured to snap-fit under the rails 132 and thereby hold the mounting member 130 in the floor of the system. The legs 136 are configured to prevent the mounting member 130 from being lifted from the floor except for the intentional bending of the legs contacting the lower side of the rail 132 and out of the lower side of the rail 132. [ And may include leg ends 137 that define L-shaped or angled surfaces. The legs 136 may contact the connecting ribs 134 to prevent slidable movement of the mounting member 130 relative to the floor. 26, the mounting member 130 is shown mounted on the floor of the system, and more specifically, on the rails. Figure 27 illustrates that the mounting member 130 is in position when the pusher paddle 141 is pulled away from the front of the system. The 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.

22-23, the mounting member 130 may also include an aperture or aperture or slot 138 to 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 aperture 138 and the mounting member 130 will hold the spring in place on the mounting member 130, similar to the technique described above.

The mounting member 130 also includes upper surface-side glide ribs 139 that allow the product placed on the upper surface to slide more easily across the mounting member after the mounting member is installed in the floor of the system . The mounting member 130 may also include a elongated flat body 140 that extends forward of the location of the legs 136 to provide stability to the mounting member 130 after being mounted to the floor of the system .

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

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

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

Referring to Figures 28-32 of an alternative embodiment, the trackless pusher system may retrofit an existing shelf assembly 230 that may have already built in product dividers. For example, in one embodiment, the trackless pusher system may retrofit an existing wire shelf assembly. Referring to Figures 30-32, the tray or adapter 216 may have a glide floor 222, which may be a single lane size of the shelf 234 or a full shelf width size. The glide floor 222 may include some raised ribs 224 and the ribs 224 help to reduce the friction of the products sold on the tray 216. It should be appreciated that one or more raised ribs 224 may be used with the glide floor 222. Alternatively, the glide floor 222 may be a flat, planar surface without elevated ribs. The tray or adapter 216 may be configured similar to the adapter 180 of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 28 and 30, the end 29 of the coiled spring 30 can be riveted to the front end 228 of the tray 216 via the rivet 229, But may be attached by any other attachment technique. The tray 216 may be held on the shelf by any suitable attachment technique to the particular shelf. In one embodiment, and as illustrated in FIGS. 29-32, the tray 216 may include one or more individual wires (not shown) of the shelf 234 to hold the tray 216 on the shelf 234 232 or one or more outwardly extending fingers or snaps 220 that can engage with the tabs 232, The fingers or snaps 220 may extend longitudinally along the length of the tray 216 or may be spaced along the length of the tray. Snaps 220 can be used to snap-fit tray 216 to an existing wire shelf. 29A and 29B, the snaps 220A and 220B may define a number of configurations that allow the tray 216 to snap fit to the shelf. The embodiment shown in Figs. 28-32 allows for the placement of a trackless pusher system in an existing shelf system, such as a wire shelf system, as a low cost alternative to an entire trackless pusher assembly. In this embodiment, it should be understood that any pusher mechanism described herein can be used.

As shown in FIGS. 33 and 44, in another exemplary embodiment, the display management system may include one or more pusher mechanisms 286, one or more dividers 266, one or more pusher mechanisms 286, Trays 306 of greater than one, and one or more retainers 250. The pusher mechanism 286 may be formed of a pusher paddle 287 and a pusher floor 288. The product is placed on the pusher floor 288 and guided to the front of the display management system through the dividers 266 and the pusher paddles 287. The coiled spring 30 biases the pusher mechanism 286 toward the retainer 250 to move the product to the front of the system.

[123] In one exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 33, a coiled spring 30 may be mounted to the retainer 250. Alternatively, the coiled spring 30 may be mounted to the divider 266 (also shown in Figures 48 and 49). The coiled spring 30 may be mounted directly to the retainer 250 as shown in Figure 33 or may be mounted to the retainer 250 through a separate adapter 252 as shown in Figure 34. [

As shown in FIG. 35, the adapter 252 has a wall 254 closest to the first end 256. The first end 256 has a curved portion 262 that bends upwardly. In the middle portion of the adapter 252, a curved slot 260 may be provided and adapted to receive a correspondingly shaped spring end (not shown).

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

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

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

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 44, the coiled spring 30 of the pusher paddle 287 can be mounted directly on the front of the tray 306. The first spring end 290 of the coil spring 30 is provided with a curved portion. The curved portion is bent downwardly from the pusher floor 288 and is adapted to be received in the recess 316 defined by the retainer 250 and the lip 318 of the front surface of the distribution tray 306 33). The vertically oriented surfaces of the lip 318 and the retainer 250 are spaced such that a gap is formed between the front edge of the lip 250 and the vertically oriented surface. The first spring end 290 is inserted into a gap formed between the front edge of the lip 318 and the vertically oriented surface of the retainer 250 to secure the coiled spring 30 and the pusher mechanism 286 to the assembly Is disposed in the recess 316 defined by the retainer 250 and the lip 318 of the dispensing tray 306.

In another exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 38, 39, 48 and 49, a coiled spring 30 may be mounted directly to the divider 266. In addition, in this exemplary embodiment, the coiled spring 30 can be mounted vertically to the pusher floor 288 such that the axis around which the coiled spring 30 is wound is perpendicular to the pusher floor 288. The first spring end 290 may be provided with an angled portion 292 and a tip portion 296. In one exemplary embodiment, the angled portion 292 can be bent perpendicularly to the coiled spring body 294. The divider may be provided with a slot 298 adapted to receive the tip portion 296 of the first spring end 290.

In order to secure the coiled spring to the divider, the tip portion 296 is inserted into the slot 298. Once 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 divider 266.

As shown in FIG. 33, various pusher mechanism designs can be implemented. The pusher paddles 287 may be formed flat to accommodate correspondingly shaped articles. Alternatively, the pusher paddle 286 may have a curved first end and a flat second end. This serves to accommodate various cylindrical products having a variety of different size diameters and to enable operation of the pusher mechanism 286. During operation, the product of the pusher mechanism 286 and the curved first end together force the pusher mechanism towards the divider 266, which forces the coil spring 30 to be tensioned or to hold the first spring end 290 during operation And is kept flat relative to the divider 266. [ This allows smoother operation of the pusher mechanism and ensures that the product is properly dispensed when users remove the product from the system.

[132] In another exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 40-41D, the distance between the dividers 266 may be adjusted to accommodate containers of different sizes. The dividers 266 may be provided with connection portions 272. The connecting portions 272 may be provided with a first elongate angled surface 268 and a second elongated angled surface 270. Additionally, the connecting portions 272 may be provided with a plurality of protrusions 274. 41B, the rails may be formed of toothed portions 278 having faceted surfaces 280 and flank surfaces 282. As shown in Fig.

When assembled as shown in FIG. 41 c, the connecting portions 272 are received between the toothed portions 278 of the rails. In addition, elongated angled surfaces 268 and 270 and protrusions 274 are sandwiched between the teeth 278. 41c, elongated angled surfaces 268 and 270 engage surface surfaces 280 and protrusions 274 engage connecting portions 272 between the rails Engages the flank surfaces 282 of the toothed portions 278.

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

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

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

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

The trays 402 and 404 are each arranged to house the product to be dispensed. The first tray 402 and the second tray 404 may be provided with a transparent retainer 410, a pusher mechanism 412, first and second guiding walls, and a coil spring 414, respectively.

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

In order to provide simple assembly and disassembly, a stackable product management display system may be provided with a dovetail connection, such as a snap-fit connection, a screw-thread connection, or a rivet connection, or any other suitable connection . The first and second trays are provided with detents 416 for assembling the first and second spacers 406 and 408 to the first and second trays 402 and 404. Each of the first and second trays 402,404 is provided with sockets 418 on their respective outer surfaces to form a correspondingly shaped < RTI ID = 0.0 > And can accommodate the detents 416.

To assemble the stackable product management display system, the detents 416 located on the first and second spacers 406 and 408 are aligned with the first and second trays 402, 404). ≪ / RTI > This provides a stackable arrangement that can be implemented with any of the embodiments discussed above.

FIGS. 53-55 illustrate another exemplary sales display system similar to the examples discussed herein, wherein like reference numerals are used to identify like components. However, in this example, an additional product-retaining member 544b may be provided to limit the movement of the last product P in the product line.

As with the above embodiments, the exemplary tray 512 may be configured to define a surface 516 and one or more separate portions, panels or dividers 518 to guide the product therein . Surface 516 can be a solid surface or it can be a surface that defines a plurality of spaced apart apertures separated by a plurality of support ribs as discussed herein. Surface 516 may be made of any suitable material that allows for slidable movement of the article on surface 516.

In this example, surface 516 provides a single row for positioning of a plurality of products. In an alternative aspect, tray 512 may be a shelf or any other surface on which the products of a single or multiple rows can be placed for sale. For example, a plurality of dividers may be provided to separate a tray into a plurality of rows for placement of products. Other surface or floor configurations are known and may be used with the principles of this disclosure.

In this example, the surface 516 may define a rounded end 524 including a slot 526 for receiving the end of the coiled spring 530. The end 524 may be rounded to match the shape of the product disposed on the tray. For example, the illustrated end 524 defines a semicircular shape to match the outline of a container, bottle, or can that may be rounded or placed on the tray and on the end 524. Other shapes of the ends depending on the product to be sold may be used in the present disclosure.

The slot 526 may be used to receive and mount the end 529 of the coiled spring 530 or similar biasing element. This configuration will center the coiled spring 530 relative to the tray 512 and will allow the spring to extend in a substantially parallel manner with respect to the length of the tray. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the location and configuration of the slot 526 may vary with the desired placement of the spring.

The coiled spring 530 may define an end 529 configured to be disposed in the slot 526. In one aspect, the end 529 of the coil-shaped spring is L-shaped and can function as a hook so that the end 529 extends downward and engages the slot to retain the end 529 of the coiled spring . This configuration allows easy installation of the coiled spring to the tray.

[148] The dividers 518 may be used to guide the products placed therein. The dividers 518 extend substantially upward from the surface 516 and may be positioned on opposite sides of the surface 516, as illustrated in FIG. However, the dividers 518 may be positioned at any desired position on the tray 512 or on the surface 516 to accommodate various product types. The dividers 518 may be formed as an integral structure with the surface 516 or the dividers 518 may be separable to provide added flexibility to the system. The dividers 518 may be attached to the front or rear rails depending on the system. The dividers 518 may define a number of configurations and may extend upward to any desired distance to provide the desired height of the dividers between the rows of the product to be sold. This height can be adjusted by adding divider extender or the like.

The first product-retaining members 544a may be positioned on the front of the tray 512 and extend between the dividers 518. In this example, the product-retaining members 544a serve as a front retaining wall or bar to hold the product in the tray 512 and prevent the product from falling out of the tray 512. [ The product retaining members 544a are also configured to allow for easy removal of the frontmost products positioned in the tray 512. [ Additionally, the first product-retaining member 544a can be a curved-shaped solid retention wall 548a or any other retaining member as discussed herein. The retaining wall 548a may be transparent or translucent so that the shelf product is visible. In another aspect, the retaining wall 548a may also extend partially between the dividers 518 so as not to connect the dividers 518. [ Further, as shown in this example, the dividers 518 may have curved portions in front to provide additional product retention in the forward direction of the tray.

[150] As with the examples discussed above, the sales system may be any of the pusher mechanisms disclosed herein and / or may include one or more of the features and functions of any of the pusher mechanisms disclosed herein Track-free pusher mechanism 514, In one example, the pusher mechanism 514 defines a pusher paddle or pusher surface 550, a pusher floor 552 and a second product-retaining member or product retainer 544b. The pusher paddle 550, the pusher floor 552 and the second product retaining member 544b may be formed as a single, integral structure or may be formed using known techniques such as any known permanent or removable connection methods Or may be separate structures joined together. In addition, the pusher paddle 550, the pusher floor 552 and the second product retaining member 544b may be made of any known suitable plastic or metal material. The pusher paddle 550, the pusher floor 552 and the second product retaining member 544b may be formed of a colored or transparent plastic material. In addition, pusher paddle 550, pusher floor 552 and second product retaining member 544b may be reinforced using any known reinforcing techniques.

In an aspect, the pusher paddle 550 forms a curved pusher surface or surface 554 configured to match the shape of the product to be sold, such as plastic bottles or cans, including beverages. In addition, the second product retaining member 544b may be curved and configured to match the shape of the product to be sold. The curved pusher surface 554 and the corresponding curved second product retaining member 544b allow the pusher to align with the end product of the tray. Advertising, product identification or other product information may be placed on the pusher surface 554 or the second product retaining member 544b.

The pusher floor 552 may be positioned below the pusher paddles 550 and may extend forward of the pusher surfaces 554 of the pusher paddles. The pusher floor 552 may extend at any predetermined distance and at any predetermined angle. For example, the pusher floor 552 may extend substantially perpendicular to the pusher surface 554. In an exemplary embodiment, the pusher floor 552 may extend a sufficient distance to allow one product, such as a single bottle or can, to be placed on the pusher floor. In another aspect, the pusher floor 552 can be configured to allow more than one product to be placed on the pusher floor. The pusher floor 552 may define any shape including the illustrated rounded shape and may include any product retaining on the surface of the pusher floor, such as ribs, walls, etc. to further hold the product on the pusher floor The features can be specified.

The pusher floor 552 may define a elongated channel, groove, or recessed portion 559 that is sized, shaped, and configured to hold the coiled spring 530. In an exemplary embodiment, the channel or groove 559 may extend partially in a direction transverse to the floor 552 and in a substantially vertical manner with respect to the pusher paddle 550. Such a configuration allows proper alignment and positioning of the pusher paddles 550 of the tray 512. Groove 559 may define a depth that matches or exceeds the thickness of coiled spring 530. With this configuration, the coiled spring 530 will not be placed directly on the coiled spring but rather will be at or below the pusher floor surface to place such product on the pusher floor surface. The pusher floor 552 may include apertures and apertures through which debris or other items may pass. Alternatively, the floor may be a solid surface.

The second product retaining member 544 b may be formed of a curved solid retaining wall 548, which may be integrally formed with the pusher mechanism 514. As shown in Figure 53, the second product retaining member 544b may extend parallel to the pusher surface 554. The pusher surface 554 and the second product retaining member 544b extend upwardly from the pusher floor. The second product retaining member 544b is also configured to allow the pusher surface 544, the second product retaining member 544b and the pusher floor 552, May be spaced from surface 544.

The second product retaining member 544b is configured to hold at least one product against the pusher surface 554 such that the final product is held between the pusher surface 554 and the second product retaining member 554b . For example, the article can be a bottle, can or container, and can be configured to fit between the pusher surface 544 and the product retaining member 544b. In one example, the second product retaining member 544b may be configured to hold a single container, bottle, or can against the pusher surface 554, or only one container, bottle, or can may have a pusher surface 544 and / It is possible to fit between the product retaining member 544b. For example, the tray 512 may hold a plurality of products therein and the second product retaining member 554b may be configured to hold the last of the plurality of products relative to the pusher surface 554. [ Or the second product retainer member 554b is configured to hold the last of the products in heat. In this manner, the second product retaining member 554b can prevent the last product on the tray or shelf from being pushed over the first retainer 554a and into another shelf or floor by the pusher mechanism. Additionally, the second product retaining member 554b holds the final product in the correct position on the tray or shelf.

The second product retaining member 544b may be configured to extend between the dividers 552 and may be adjacent to the dividers 552 or may be disposed between the dividers 552 and the second product retaining member 552. [ The side walls 554b may define a gap on either side of the tray 512. [ In one example, the second product retaining member 554b may be formed transparently so that customers can view the product through the retainer 554b.

[157] Additionally, the second product retaining member 544b may be a curved-shaped solid retaining wall 548b or any other retaining member as discussed herein. Retaining wall 548b may be transparent or translucent to allow visualization of the product on the shelf. In another aspect, the retaining wall 548b may also be partially extended between the dividers 518 so as not to connect the dividers 518. [

As in the previous examples, when in use, when the pusher mechanism 514 is forced backward from the tray 512, the end 529 of the coiled spring 530 is held in place And the coiled end of the spring 530 will begin uncoiling behind the pusher paddle 550. When the pusher 514 is allowed to move forward in the tray 514, for example, when the product is removed from the front of the tray, the coiled end of the spring 530 is coiled, Pusher paddle 550, thereby urging the product toward the front of the tray.

As in the specific examples discussed herein, a trackless pusher mechanism 514 mounted to a tray 512 is shown. As illustrated, the pusher mechanism 514 pivots to the tray 512 between the dividers 518. In use, the pusher mechanism 514 will slide along the surface 516 of the tray 512 without the use of tracks, rails or guides.

As in the specific examples discussed herein, the weight of the product on the pusher floor 552 and the positioning of the products across the spring 530 prevent the paddle 550 from falling on the tray. In use, when one product is removed from the front of the tray near the product retaining member 544, the pusher mechanism 514 (via the force of the coiled spring 530) Will push the remaining product in the tray 512 forward until it contacts the tray 544. When additional products are removed, the pusher mechanism 514 will continue to push the remaining product toward the product retaining member 544a.

In addition, the last product in the row of products is the second product retaining member 544b and the pusher surface 544b, so that the last product in the product row is retained in the pusher mechanism 514 and prevented from falling off the tray 512. [ Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 554 < / RTI > In certain instances, a larger product retaining member 544a may be required to prevent the last container or bottle from hanging over the product retaining member 544a. However, in certain cases, it may be desirable to have a smaller product retaining member 544a. However, when using smaller product retaining members, the last container may snap over the product retaining member 544a. Thus, securing the last bottle to the second product retaining member 544b can help prevent the last container from falling over the product retaining member while allowing the use of a smaller product retaining member 544a .

The above variations and modifications are within the scope of the present invention. For example, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a number of the described components may be used in shops and in various configurations. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to a single system, nor to the upright pusher configuration shown in the figures, since a single system simply illustrates the features, teachings and principles of the present disclosure. It should further be understood that the examples provided herein may be applied to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and / or figures. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein will illustrate the best modes known to practice the present invention and will enable those skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed as including alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims (20)

A pusher mechanism for a product management display system having a surface,
Pusher surface;
A product retainer extending parallel to the pusher surface;
A pusher floor extending forwardly from the pusher surface, the pusher floor being configured to allow at least one product to rest on the pusher floor, the pusher floor being positioned on at least a portion of the surface of the display system, Capable of moving across at least a portion of a surface of the display system; And
And includes a coiled spring,
Wherein the pusher mechanism rests on the surface of the display system and does not extend below the surface of the display system and is positionable on the surface of the display system and is held on the display system by the coiled spring,
The coiled spring including a coiled end positioned behind the pusher surface,
The pusher floor being substantially parallel to a surface of the display system,
Wherein the pusher surface and the product retainer extend upwardly from the pusher floor and the product retainer is configured to allow the pusher surface, the product retainer and the pusher floor to define a space for receiving at least one product therein, Spaced apart from the surface,
Pusher mechanism. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the article is a bottle and the bottle is configured to fit between the pusher surface and the product retainer.
Pusher mechanism. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein only one bottle is allowed to fit between the pusher surface and the product retainer,
Pusher mechanism. The method according to claim 1,
The pusher surface has a concave shape,
Pusher mechanism. The method according to claim 1,
Said pusher floor defining a channel for receiving said coiled spring,
Pusher mechanism. The method according to claim 1,
The coiled spring being extendable across at least a portion of the pusher floor and operatively attached behind the pusher surface,
Pusher mechanism. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the pusher mechanism is mounted on the surface of the display system only by the coiled spring,
Pusher mechanism. As a product management display system,
A tray defining a surface configured to hold heat of the products;
A first product retainer configured to prevent a product from falling off the tray;
A pusher mechanism having a pusher surface, the second product retainer extending parallel to the pusher surface, the pusher mechanism being configured to slide across at least a portion of the surface of the tray;
A coiled spring having a coiled end positioned behind the pusher surface and the forward end;
And at least one divider for keeping the products in line,
Wherein the pusher mechanism rests on the top surface of the tray and is configured not to extend below the surface of the tray,
Wherein the pusher mechanism is mounted on the surface of the display system by the coiled spring,
Wherein the pusher surface and the second product retainer extend upwardly from the pusher floor and the product retainer is spaced from the pusher surface to receive at least one product therein,
Product management display system. 9. The method of claim 8,
Said pusher surface and said second product retainer defining a space configured to receive an end product of the heat-
Product management display system. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the product is a bottle and the space is configured to receive only one bottle,
Product management display system. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the pusher mechanism is mounted on the surface of the display system only by the coiled spring,
Product management display system. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the product management display system further comprises a first divider and a second divider, wherein the first product retainer and the second product retainer are configured to extend between the first divider and the second divider,
Product management display system. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein at least a portion of the coiled spring extends across at least a portion of the tray surface to a front portion of the tray,
Product management display system. 9. The method of claim 8,
The first product retainer and the second product retainer are transparent,
Product management display system. As a product management display system,
A tray defining a surface for holding a plurality of products;
A first product retainer configured to prevent the plurality of products from falling off the tray;
A pusher mechanism comprising a pusher surface, a second product retainer, a coiled spring, and a pusher floor extending forwardly from the pusher surface, wherein the pusher floor is configured such that at least one product is movable between the pusher surface and the second product retainer, Wherein the pusher floor is positionable on a surface of the tray and is movable across a surface of the tray,
Wherein the pusher mechanism rests on an upper surface of the tray and does not extend beneath the surface of the tray but is mounted on the tray only by the coiled spring and held on the tray,
Wherein the second product retainer is configured to hold the last of the plurality of products,
Product management display system. 16. The method of claim 15,
The pusher surface has a concave shape,
Product management display system. 16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the pusher floor defines a plurality of apertures,
Product management display system. 16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the pusher surface, the pusher floor, and the second product retainer are configured to hold a single bottle,
Product management display system. 16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the product management display system further comprises a first divider and a second divider, wherein the first product retainer and the second product retainer are configured to extend between the first divider and the second divider,
Product management display system. 16. The method of claim 15,
The first product retainer and the second product retainer are transparent,
Product management display system.

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