US20160206117A1

US20160206117A1 - Product display member with pusher

Info

Publication number: US20160206117A1
Application number: US15/001,496
Authority: US
Inventors: Andrew Howard
Original assignee: Display Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Display Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2015-01-20
Filing date: 2016-01-20
Publication date: 2016-07-21
Also published as: WO2016118602A1

Abstract

A product display member for use on a shelf includes a pusher configured to urge products toward a proximal portion of a shelf. The shelf defines a longitudinal axis extending between a proximal end of the shelf and a distal end of the shelf. A portion of the pusher is movable between a first orientation where the portion of the pusher is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a second orientation where the portion of the pusher is disposed at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/105,424 filed on Jan. 20, 2015, the entire contents of which being herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a product display member with a pusher, and more particularly, to a product display member including a pusher especially designed for lightweight products.
Various types of product display members and merchandisers are commonly used in retail environments to display different types of products. As opposed to simply positioning products on shelves, product display members are commonly used to position products on a shelf in manner which automatically advances (e.g., via gravity or a pusher) a trailing or distal product (i.e., a product that is behind a lead or proximal-most product) closer to a consumer once the lead product has been removed from the shelf. As can be appreciated, such product display members facilitate the arrangement and upkeep of products, as the trailing products do not have to be manually moved towards the front of the shelf, for instance.
Additionally, in retail environments, for example, floor/shelf space is limited, and retailers typically attempt to maximize the amount of products they can store/display in their retail space.
Accordingly, it is often desirable for retailers to display products in as many viewable and reachable places as possible, while still allowing the products to automatically advance toward the proximal portion of the shelf.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a product display member for use on a shelf. The product display member includes a pusher configured to urge products toward a proximal portion of a shelf. The shelf defines a longitudinal axis extending between a proximal end of the shelf and a distal end of the shelf. A portion of the pusher is movable between a first orientation where the portion of the pusher is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a second orientation where the portion of the pusher is disposed at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.
In disclosed embodiments, the product display member may further include at least two biasing elements disposed in mechanical cooperation with the pusher. In embodiments, the two biasing elements of the at least two biasing elements may be laterally spaced from each other.
In disclosed embodiments, the pusher may be movable between a distal position and a proximal position. It is further disclosed that the pusher may be biased towards the proximal position. It is further disclosed that the second orientation of the pusher may occur when the pusher is located between the proximal position and the distal position.
In disclosed embodiments, the pusher may be configured to simultaneously move at least two rows of products proximally. It is further disclosed that the pusher may include only one biasing element.
In disclosed embodiments, the pusher may include an accordion-like shape.
In disclosed embodiments, a width of the pusher may between about 40 inches and about 60 inches.
The present disclosure also relates to a method of displaying products on a shelf. The method includes positioning a product display member on the shelf where the shelf defines a longitudinal axis extending between a proximal end of the shelf and a distal end of the shelf, positioning a plurality products on the shelf such that at least two products contact a single pusher of the product display member, and tilting the pusher with respect to the longitudinal axis.
In disclosed embodiments, the method may further include biasing the products toward a proximal portion of the shelf.
In disclosed embodiments, tilting the pusher may automatically occur after a product is removed from the shelf.
In disclosed embodiments, the method may further include biasing the pusher toward a proximal portion of the shelf.
In disclosed embodiments, the method may further include moving two rows of products proximally along the shelf using the single pusher.
In disclosed embodiments, the method may further include biasing the pusher proximally using only one biasing element.
In disclosed embodiments, the method may further include biasing the pusher proximally using at least two biasing elements.
In disclosed embodiments, positioning the plurality of products may include the pusher having an accordion-like shape.
In disclosed embodiments, positioning the plurality of products may include the pusher having a width between about 40 inches and about 60 inches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of several product display members and several products according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a product display member shown with a pusher in a first position according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the product display member of FIG. 2 shown with the pusher in a second position;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the product display member shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the product display member shown in FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 6A is a top view of the product display member of FIGS. 2-5 with three rows of products and with an equal number of products in each row;

FIG. 6B is a top view of the product display member of FIGS. 2-5 with three rows of products and with fewer products in one row;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the product display member of FIG. 6A shown with an equal number of products in each row;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the product display member of FIG. 6B shown with fewer products in one row;

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the product display member and a single product;

FIG. 7D is a perspective view of the product display member with no products;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views of a product display member in accordance with additional embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is an assembly view of the product display member of FIG. 8;

FIGS. 11-16 are side views of the product display member of FIG. 8 shown with a varying amount of products on an associated shelf;

FIG. 17 is a top view of the product display member of FIG. 8 shown with an equal number of products in each row;

FIG. 18 is a top view of the product display member of FIG. 8 shown with fewer products in one row;

FIGS. 19-23 are side views of an embodiment of the product display member of the present disclosure illustrating a varying number of products on an associated shelf, and illustrating the distal-most product on a portion of the product display member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the presently disclosed product display member are now described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. As used herein the term “distal” refers to that portion of the shelving system, or component thereof, farther from a user (e.g., customer), while the term “proximal” refers to that portion of the shelving system, or component thereof, closer to the user.
Various embodiments of a product display member are illustrated in FIGS. 1-23. The product display member illustrated in FIGS. 1- 7D is generally referenced by numeral 100, the product display member illustrated in FIGS. 8-18 is generally referenced by numeral 1000, and the product display member illustrated in FIGS. 19-23 is generally reference by reference character 1000′. Generally, product display members 100, 1000, 1000′ are used to advance lightweight products “P” proximally (e.g., bags of chips, pretzels, or the like) along a shelf “S,” e.g., after a proximal-most product has been removed from the shelf “S.”
With particular reference to FIGS. 1-7D, product display member 100 includes a pusher or distal support 120, a plurality of biasing elements 140, and, optionally, a proximal member 160. It is envisioned that distal support 120 and biasing element 140 are considered a pusher or the like. Distal support 120 is configured to move generally proximally and distally along a shelf “S”, and is configured to contact and/or support the distal-most product “P” or products “P” in at least two rows, for example. In the illustrated embodiments, distal support 120 includes an upright portion 122, and a lip 124. Upright portion 122 is configured to engage distal portions of products “P,” and lip 124, which may or may not be included, is configured to help support a lower surface of products “P” (e.g., a distal-most product “P”). Additionally, in illustrated embodiments (e.g., FIG. 4), both upright portion 122 and lip 124 define a cavity therein, which is configured to house portions of biasing elements 140.
Distal support 120 defines a width “W1” (FIG. 5) that is at least as wide, or almost as wide as about two products “P” (e.g., as wide, almost as wide, or wider than three products “P”) configured to be positioned thereagainst. For instance, it is envisioned that the width “W1” of distal support 120 is between about 40 inches and about 60 inches, or approximately equal to about 50 inches. It is contemplated that distal support 120 may have a different width suitable for its intended application. As shown, the width “W1” is measured perpendicularly to the general direction the products “P” travel (the products “P” generally travel longitudinally in distal-to-proximal direction along a longitudinal axis “A-A”; see FIG. 2).
In the illustrated embodiments, product display member 100 includes two biasing elements 140 a, 140 b (FIG. 2), however, it is envisioned that more or fewer biasing elements 140 are used. As shown, biasing elements 140 a and 140 b are laterally spaced from each other. Additionally, while the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-7D illustrate a particular type of biasing element 140, other types of biasing elements (e.g., coil springs, compression springs, etc.), or combinations thereof, are usable with the disclosed product display member 100. Further, biasing elements 140 may be positioned as shown in FIGS. 1-7D, or may be disposed distally of distal support 120. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-7D, biasing elements 140 may have a built-in bias that urges them toward an uncoiled position, as shown in FIG. 2. When the biasing elements 140 are in the uncoiled position, distal support 120 is at a proximal position on shelf “S.” Accordingly, biasing elements 140 urge distal support 120, and thus products “P” on shelf “S” proximally. It is also envisioned that biasing elements 140 have a built-in bias that urges them toward a coiled position. The biasing force provided by biasing elements 140 is at least partially determined by the spring constant of biasing elements 140. It is envisioned that biasing elements 140 have a spring constant that provides a force that is not readily capable of damaging the products “P” (e.g., lightweight and fragile products) on the shelf “S” while remaining capable of urging distal support 120 and products “P” proximally in response to removal of one or more products “P”.
Product display member 100 may also include a proximal member 160 associated therewith. Alternatively, the shelf “S” may include an upstanding member supported adjacent its proximal edge. It is envisioned that proximal member 160 may be transparent and/or translucent to maximize the exposure of the products “P” disposed distally thereof. Additionally, it is envisioned that proximal member 160 can display product information thereon, and/or includes a sleeve for housing product information. It is further envisioned that proximal member 160 can mechanically engage the shelf “S” (e.g., snap onto the shelf “S”) and/or engage proximal portions of biasing elements 140.
With particular reference to FIGS. 6A-7D, the use of product display member 100 is discussed. In the illustrated embodiments, product display member 100 is used in connection with three rows of products “P”—namely Row A, Row B, and Row C. Distal support 120 defines a second axis “B-B,” and here, in the first position of distal support 120 (FIGS. 6A and 7A), second axis “B-B” is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis “A-A.”
In FIGS. 6A and 7A, each Row A-C includes an equal number of products “P.” When one product is removed (e.g., from Row A or Row C), as indicated in FIGS. 6B and 7B, distal support 120 moves out of its first position under a force applied by biasing elements 140 such that distal support 120, and thus axis “B-B,” is disposed at a non-parallel angle and a non-perpendicular angle with respect to axis “A-A” (i.e., an acute angle). This angling or tilting of distal support 120 is helpful to maximize the number of products “P” on the shelf “S” that are in a proximal-most position, where the product “P” is visible and most easily reachable by a consumer. As can be appreciated, if distal support 120 were not able to angle with respect to axis “A-A,” distal support 120 would only be able to advance proximally (and thus proximally advance products “P”) if each Row A-C had the same number of products “P.” The angulating or tilting of distal support 120 is also a helpful way of advancing products “P” that are haphazardly placed on a shelf “S” (e.g., not in straight rows) or as products “P” are removed from the shelf
With particular reference to FIGS. 7C and 7D, when the final product “P” is removed from the shelf “S” (or whenever the shelf “S” is to be re-stocked), a user can push distal support 120 distally to force distal support 120 distally with respect to shelf “S,” thus providing more room between distal support 120 and proximal member 160 for displaying products “P.” Moreover, due to the spring constant of biasing members 140, as discussed above, distal support 120 travels relatively slowly in a proximal direction, thus allowing ample time to position products “P” on the shelf “S.” Moreover, it is envisioned that it takes distal support 120 between about 3 seconds and about 15 seconds to reach its proximal-most position in the absence of products “P” on the shelf “S.”
With particular reference to FIGS. 8-18, product display member 1000 includes a distal member 1200, and a biasing element 1400. It is envisioned that biasing element 1400 is considered a pusher or the like. It is further envisioned that a proximal portion (e.g., a proximal-most segment or a fifth segment 1400 e, discussed below) is considered a pusher and the remainder of biasing element 1400 (e.g., a first segment 1400 a through a fourth segment 1400 d) is considered a biasing element. Distal member 1200 is configured for securement to shelf supports “SS” ((e.g., by mechanical fasteners that extend through distal member 1200 and/or biasing element 1400), and biasing element 1400 is configured for securement to distal member 1200 (e.g., by mechanical fasteners that extend through distal member 1200 and/or biasing element 1400), as shown in FIG. 10. It is further envisioned that distal member 1200 and biasing element 1400 form a unitary structure. Biasing element 1400 is configured to move generally proximally and distally along shelf “S”, and is configured to contact and/or support the distal-most products “P” in at least two rows, for example.
In the illustrated embodiments, biasing element 1400 includes a plurality of folds, bends, or angles, which results in a fan- or accordion-like shape. Biasing element 1400 is configured to move between a first, compressed orientation (FIG. 11), and a second, extended orientation (FIG. 16). Further, biasing element 1400 may be urged toward its second, extended orientation.
While biasing element 1400 is shown having five segments 1400 a-1400 e, biasing element 1400 may have more or fewer than five segments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. With particular reference to FIG. 16, first segment 1400 a is the distal-most segment and is the portion of biasing element 1400 that is secured or affixed to distal member 1200. Second segment 1400 b extends at a downward angle from an upper portion or edge of first segment 1400 a. Third segment 1400 c extends at an upward angle from a proximal portion of second segment 1400 b. Fourth segment 1400 d extends at a downward angle from a proximal portion of third segment 1400 c. Fifth segment 1400 e extends at an upward angle from a proximal portion of fourth segment 1400 d. In disclosed embodiments, first segment 1400 a includes a length “L1” of between about 2.5 inches and about 3.5 inches, or approximately equal to about 2.99 inches; second segment 1400 b includes a length “L2” of between about 7 inches and about 8 inches, or approximately equal to about 7.45 inches; third segment 1400 c includes a length “L3” of between about 8.5 inches and about 10 inches, or approximately equal to about 9.25 inches; fourth segment 1400 d includes a length “L4” of between about 8.5 inches and about 10 inches, or approximately equal to about 9.26 inches; and fifth segment 1400 e includes a length “L5” of between about 2.5 inches and about 3.5 inches, or approximately equal to about 3.10 inches. It is further disclosed that the overall length “Lt” of biasing element 1400 is between about 20 inches and about 22 inches, or approximately equal to about 21.30 inches, when biasing element 1400 is in its second, extended orientation (FIG. 16).
Additionally, when biasing element 1400 is in its second, extended orientation, it is envisioned that a first angle α1 between first segment 1400 a and second segment 1400 b is about 45°, a second angle α2 between second segment 1400 b and third segment 1400 c is about 90°, a third angle α3 between third segment 1400 c and fourth segment 1400 d is about 90°, and a fourth angle α4 between fourth segment 1400 d and fifth segment 1400 e is about 110°.
The combination of these dimensions and angles has been specifically engineered to provide the desired proximal force (similar to a spring constant) on particularly sized/weighted products (e.g., where each product “P” weights between about 0.5 lbs and about 1.5 lbs. It is contemplated that the biasing element 1400 may have a different combination of dimensions and angles that provide different amounts of force depending on the application or usage.
Additionally, biasing element 1400 includes a width “W2” (FIG. 17) that is at least as wide as, or almost as wide as about two products “P” (e.g., as wide as or wider than three products “P”) configured to be positioned thereagainst. For instance, it is envisioned that the width “W2” of biasing element 1400 is between about 40 inches and about 60 inches, or approximately equal to about 50 inches. It is contemplated that biasing element 1400 may have a different width suitable for its intended application. As shown, the width “W2” is measured perpendicularly to the general direction the products “P” travel (the products “P” generally travel longitudinally in distal-to-proximal direction along longitudinal axis “A-A”).
In disclosed embodiments, biasing element 1400 may have shape-memory qualities, which help cause the biasing element 1400 to be urged to its second, extended orientation, as shown in FIG. 16. When biasing element 1400 is in its first, compressed orientation (FIG. 11), fifth segment 1400 e is at a distal position on shelf “S.” Accordingly, biasing element 1400 urges products “P” on shelf “S” proximally. The biasing force provided by biasing element 1400 is at least partially determined by the spring constant of biasing element 1400. It is envisioned that biasing element 1400 has a spring constant that provides a force that is not readily capable of damaging the products “P” (e.g., light and fragile products) on the shelf “S” while remaining capable of urging products “P” proximally in response to removal of one or more products “P.”
Product display member 1000 may also include a proximal member 1600 associated therewith. Alternatively, the shelf “S” may include an upstanding member supported adjacent its proximal edge. It is envisioned that proximal member 1600 may be transparent and/or translucent to maximize the exposure of the products “P” disposed distally thereof. Additionally, it is envisioned that proximal member 1600 display product information thereon, and/or includes a sleeve for housing product information.
With particular reference to FIGS. 11-18, the use of product display member 1000 will be discussed. In the illustrated embodiments, product display member 1000 is used in connection with three rows of products “P”—namely Row A, Row B, and Row C. Fifth segment 1400 e of biasing element 1400 defines a second axis “B₂-B₂,” and here, in the first position of fifth segment 1400 e (FIG. 17), second axis “B₂-B₂” is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis “A-A.”
In FIG. 17, each Row A-C includes an equal number of products “P.” When one product is removed (e.g., from Row A or Row C), as indicated in FIG. 18, biasing element 1400 moves out of its first position such that fifth segment 1400 e, and thus axis “B₂-B₂,” is disposed at a non-parallel angle and a non-perpendicular angle with respect to axis “A-A.” This angling of fifth segment 1400 e (and/or second segment 1400 b, third segment 1400 c, and/or fourth segment 1400 d) is helpful to maximize the number of products “P” on the shelf “S” that are in a proximal-most position, where the product “P” is visible and most easily reachable by a consumer. As can be appreciated, if fifth segment 1400 e were not able to angle with respect to axis “A-A,” fifth segment 1400 e would only be able to advance proximally (and thus proximally advance products “P”) if each Row A-C had the same number of products “P.” The angulating or tilting fifth segment 1400 e is also a helpful way of advancing products “P” that are haphazardly placed on a shelf “S” (e.g., not in straight rows) or are removed.
With particular reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, when the final product “P” is removed from the shelf “S” (or whenever the shelf “S” is to be re-stocked), a user can push fifth segment 1400 e (or another portion of biasing element 1400) distally to force all or a majority of biasing element 1400 distally with respect to shelf “S” (toward its first, compressed orientation), thus providing more room between fifth segment 1400 e and proximal member 1600 for displaying products “P.” Moreover, due to the spring constant of biasing element 1400, as discussed above, biasing element 1400 (e.g., fifth segment 1400 e) travels relatively slowly in a proximal direction, thus allowing ample time to position products “P” on the shelf “S.” Moreover, it is envisioned that it takes distal support 1200 between about 3 seconds and about 15 seconds to reach its proximal-most position in the absence of products “P” on the shelf “S.”
Referring now to FIGS. 19-23 another embodiment of product display member is shown and is referenced by reference character 1000′. Product display member 1000′ includes a distal member 1200′, a biasing element 1400′, and may include a proximal member 1600′ associated therewith. It is envisioned that biasing element 1400′ is considered a pusher or the like. It is further envisioned that a proximal portion (e.g., a proximal-most segment 1400 e′) is considered a pusher and the remainder of biasing element 1400′ (e.g., segments 1400 a′-1400 d′) is considered a biasing element. Distal member 1200′ is configured for securement to shelf supports “SS” (e.g., by mechanical fasteners that extend through distal member 1200′ and/or biasing element 1400′), and biasing element 1400′ is configured for securement to distal member 1200′ (e.g., by mechanical fasteners that extend through distal member 1200′ and/or biasing element 1400′). Biasing element 1400′ is configured to move proximally and distally along shelf “S”, and is configured to contact and/or support the distal-most products “P” in at least two rows, for example.
More particularly, and in contrast to the embodiment of product display member 1000 discussed above, biasing element 1400′ is configured to support at least one product “P” at least partially thereon. More particularly, and with reference to FIGS. 19-23, proximal-most segment 1400 e′ of biasing element 1400′ is configured to contact (e.g., rest on) shelf “S,” and is configured to support at least a portion of at least one product “P” thereon. That is, a portion of biasing element 1400′ is sandwiched between a product “P” and the shelf “S.” Here, it is envisioned that the portion of biasing element 1400′ that is immediately distal of the proximal-most portion (segment 1400 d′) is configured to contact a distal surface of the product “P” supported by the proximal-most portion of biasing element 1400′.
It is envisioned that proximal-most segment 1400 e′ of biasing element 1400′ contacts the shelf “S” without a product “P” thereon, or the entirety of biasing element 1400′ is free from contact with the shelf “S” in the absence of a product “P” on biasing element 1400′. It is further envisioned that products “P” may be supported on other portions of biasing element 1400′ in addition to the portion shown.
As can be appreciated, product display member 1000′ functions similarly to product display member 1000.
The present disclosure also relates to shelving systems that utilize one or more product display members 100, 1000, 1000′. In a particular example, only the lower-most shelf/shelves include product display member(s) 100, 1000, 1000′ thereon, as products “P” on lower shelves, especially when the products “P” are not in a proximal-most position, are typically the most difficult to view/reach.
The present disclosure also relates to method of displaying products (e.g., chips or pretzels), and to methods of proximally advancing the products on a shelf.
Additionally, while the accompanying figures show product display members 100, 1000, 1000′ on horizontal shelves, the present disclosure also contemplates the use of product display members 100, 1000, 1000′ on inclined shelves. Here, the products would be advanced via product display member 100, 1000, 1000′, and gravity.
Further, while the accompanying figures illustrate a particular number of product display members 100, 1000, 1000′ disposed adjacent each other, it is envisioned and within the scope of the present disclosure to include more or fewer amounts of product display members 100, 1000, 1000′, and to include product display members 100, 1000, 1000′ of other sizes, and shapes than those illustrated.
It is further envisioned that the spring constant of biasing elements 140, 1400, 1400′ is selected at least in part by the products “P” that will be displayed thereon. For example, for product display members 100, 1000, 1000′ configured to advance lighter products, the spring constants may be lower than product display members 100, 1000, 1000′ that are configured to advance heavier products.
Further, it is envisioned that distal members 120, 1200, 1200′ and/or biasing elements 140, 1400, 1400′ can be integrated with other types of shelves or tracks in addition to the shelves “S” and shelf supports “SS” illustrated in the accompanying figures.
It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A product display member for use on a shelf, the product display member comprising:

a pusher configured to urge products toward a proximal portion of a shelf, the shelf defining a longitudinal axis extending between a proximal end of the shelf and a distal end of the shelf, a portion of the pusher being movable between a first orientation where the portion of the pusher is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a second orientation where the portion of the pusher is disposed at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.

2. The product display member according to claim 1, further including at least two biasing elements disposed in mechanical cooperation with the pusher.

3. The product display member according to claim 2, wherein a first biasing element of the at least two biasing elements is laterally spaced from a second biasing element of the at least two biasing elements.

4. The product display member according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the pusher is movable between a distal position and a proximal position.

5. The product display member according to claim 4, wherein the pusher is biased towards the proximal position.

6. The product display member according to claim 4, wherein the second orientation of the pusher occurs when the pusher is located between a proximal-most position and a distal-most position.

7. The product display member according to claim 1, wherein the pusher is configured to simultaneously move at least two rows of products proximally.

8. The product display member according to claim 7, wherein the pusher includes only one biasing element.

9. The product display member according to claim 1, wherein the pusher includes an accordion-like shape.

10. The product display member according to claim 1, wherein a width of the pusher is between about 40 inches and about 60 inches.

11. A method of displaying products on a shelf, the method comprising:

positioning a product display member on the shelf, the shelf defining a longitudinal axis extending between a proximal end of the shelf and a distal end of the shelf;

positioning a plurality of products on the shelf such that at least two products of the plurality of products contact a pusher of the product display member; and

tilting the pusher with respect to the longitudinal axis.

12. The method according to claim 11, further including biasing the plurality of products towards the proximal end of the shelf.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein tilting the pusher occurs after one product of the plurality of products is removed from the shelf.

14. The method according to claim 11, further including biasing the pusher towards the proximal end of the shelf.

15. The method according to claim 11, further including moving two rows of products proximally along the shelf using the pusher.

16. The method according to claim 11, further including biasing the pusher proximally using only one biasing element.

17. The method according to claim 11, further including biasing the pusher proximally using at least two biasing elements.

18. The method according to claim 11, wherein positioning the plurality of products includes the pusher having an accordion-like shape.

19. The method according to claim 11, wherein positioning the plurality of products includes the pusher having a width that is between about 40 inches and about 60 inches.