US20240180342A1

US20240180342A1 - Front stop and retail merchandise tray having snap in front stop

Info

Publication number: US20240180342A1
Application number: US18/526,416
Authority: US
Inventors: Thomas O. Nagel; Kelly Ann Pickett
Original assignee: Fasteners for Retail Inc
Current assignee: Fasteners for Retail Inc
Priority date: 2022-12-05
Filing date: 2023-12-01
Publication date: 2024-06-06

Abstract

A front stop, a retail merchandise tray and a method of assembling a retail merchandise tray are provided. The front stop has resilient mounting tabs that engage a frame of a retail merchandise tray. The tray includes a frame and a front stop mounted to the frame. A method of assembly includes resiliently biasing a mounting tab of the front stop when mounting the front stop to the frame.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/430,176, filed Dec. 5, 2022, the entire teachings and disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to retail merchandise displays and more particularly to retail merchandise tray assemblies for use with retail merchandise displays.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Retail merchandise displays are generally known in the art. Once such display is a self-facing pusher system, typically in the form of a tray. A conventional pusher system incorporates one or more pusher paddles or pusher bodies that ride along a respective elongated track. A spring is connected between the pusher body and a leading edge of the track. The spring acts to bias the pusher body forward along the track towards the leading edge thereof.
A user can retract the pusher body away from the leading edge of the track and position items of retail merchandise in a linear row on top of the track and between the leading edge of the track and the pusher body. The biasing force provided by the spring and exerted upon the pusher body serves to bias the linear row of retail merchandise forward to ultimately “front face” the merchandise.
That is, when a customer removes the leading most item of merchandise from the linear row of merchandise, the pusher body will be drawn forward by the spring to index the row of merchandise forward so that the next item of merchandise in the row is positioned proximate the leading edge of the track in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Such automatic front facing eliminates the necessity for retail store employees to manually face the merchandise, and thus ultimately reduces the cost of labor of the retailer.
A front stop is usually located at the front of the tray to stop merchandise from being pushed out of the tray by the pusher. In current examples, the front stop is typically mounted between a pair of longitudinally extending frame members. During assembly, a portion of the front stop is located between the frame members and then the frame members are secured to one another. Unfortunately, this requires locating the front stop before the frame members are secured to one another in their final configuration which makes assembly more difficult than necessary.
In some instances, the frame may include a wire support structure mounted to the pair of longitudinally extending frame members between which the front stop is mounted. The front stop may axially receive portions of the wire support structure. This can further complicate the assembly of the tray.
In other embodiments, the front stop is mounted to hinge arrangements that are mounted to the frame. This may provide an easier way to assembly the tray, but provides a more complex arrangement.
Examples of known trays may be readily seen at U.S. Pat. Nos. 11,167,571, 11,350,768, 9,254,049, 9,241,583, 8,720,702, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Example of the application provide new and improved retail merchandise trays and methods of assembling retail merchandise trays.
In an example, a retail merchandise tray includes a frame and a front stop. The frame extends between a front and a rear. A first axis is defined between the front and rear. The frame provides a product support surface. The frame includes first and second upstanding wall portions that are laterally spaced apart from one another along a second axis being generally perpendicular to the first axis. The front stop is mounted to the first and second upstanding wall portions. The front stop includes an upright member and first and second mounting portions. The first mounting portion secures the front stop to the first upstanding wall portion. The second mounting portion secures the front stop to the second upstanding wall portion. The first mounting portion includes a first mounting protrusion extending laterally generally parallel to the second axis into a first mounting protrusion receiving recess in the first upstanding wall portion. The first mounting portion includes a first mounting tab extending laterally generally parallel to the second axis into a first mounting tab receiving recess in the first upstanding wall portion. The first mounting tab is resiliently attached to the upright member such that a lesser amount of force is required to laterally displace the first mounting tab parallel to the second axis relative to the upright member than is required to laterally displace the first mounting protrusion generally parallel to the second axis relative to the upright member.
In one example, the second mounting portion includes a second mounting protrusion extending laterally generally parallel to the second axis into a second mounting protrusion receiving recess in the second upstanding wall portion. The second mounting portion includes a second mounting tab extending laterally generally parallel to the second axis into a second mounting tab receiving recess in the second upstanding wall portion. The second mounting tab is resiliently attached to the upright member such that a lesser amount of force is required to laterally displace the second mounting tab parallel to the second axis relative to the upright member than is required to laterally displace the second mounting protrusion generally parallel to the second axis relative to the upright member.
In one example, the frame includes first and second longitudinally extending members extending parallel to a first axis. The first and second upstanding wall portions being provided by the first and second longitudinally extending members.
In one example, the first and second upstanding wall portions define a gap therebetween. The first and second mounting portions are received, at least in part, between the first and second upstanding wall portions and within the gap.
In one example, the first and second wall portions are received, at least in part, between the first and second mounting portions. In such an example, the mounting tabs and/or mounting protrusions extend toward one another.
In one example, the first mounting protrusion extends laterally from a first cantilevered portion of the first mounting portion. The first cantilevered portion extends in a cantilevered orientation generally parallel to the first axis rearward from the upright member. The first mounting tab extends laterally from a second cantilevered portion of the first mounting portion. The second cantilevered portion extends in a cantilevered orientation generally parallel to the first axis rearward from the upright member. The first and second cantilevered portions are offset from one another parallel to a third axis that is generally perpendicular to the first and second axes.
In one example, the first cantilevered portion is more rigid parallel to the second axis than the second cantilevered portion.
In one example, a gap is formed between the first and second cantilevered portions. The gap offsets the first cantilevered portion relative to the second cantilevered portion parallel to the third axis.
In one example, the frame includes at least one support member and at least one second frame member. The at least one support member provides the first and second upstanding wall portions. The at least one second frame member extends longitudinally between a first end proximate the front of the frame and a second end proximate the rear of the frame. The second frame member provides, at least in part, the product support surface. The first end being received in a frame member receiving slot of the front stop.
In one example, the at least one second frame member is rotatably secured to the at least one support member proximate the second end for pivotal movement about a pivot axis being generally parallel to the second axis. The engagement of the front stop with the first and second upstanding wall portions prevents pivotal movement of the at least one second frame member about the pivot axis.
In one example, the at least one support member includes a first longitudinally extending member in the form of a first load bearing member. The first load bearing member provides the first upstanding wall portion. The at least one support member includes a second longitudinally extending member in the form of a second load bearing member. The second load bearing member provides the second upstanding wall portion.
In one example, the at least one second frame member is in the form of a wire support structure mounted to the first and second load bearing members. The wire support structure provides at least part of the product support surface. The wire support structure includes at least two longitudinally extending wires and at least one laterally extending wire connected to the at least two longitudinally extending wires. The first end of the at least one second frame member is provided by ends of the at least two longitudinally extending wires.
In one example, the first and second mounting tabs extend outward away from one another generally parallel to the second axis. In alternative arrangements, the first and second mounting tabs extend inward toward one another generally parallel to the second axis.
In one example, the first mounting tab has a catch region and a tapered region. The tapered region tapers outward when moving in a direction extending away from a bottom of the first mounting tab towards a top of the first mounting tab. The top is closer to the first mounting protrusion than the bottom.
In one example, the catch region is positioned between the tapered region and the first mounting protrusion.
In one example, the first and second wall portions are spaced apart parallel to the second axis a first distance. The first and second mounting tabs extend outward away from one another generally parallel to the second axis. A second distance between a first end of the first mounting tab and a second end of the second mounting tab is greater than the first distance.
In one example, the first mounting tab has a first catch region and a first tapered region. The first tapered region tapers outward when moving in a direction extending away from a bottom of the first mounting tab towards a top of the first mounting tab. The top is closer to the first mounting protrusion than the bottom. The second mounting tab has a second catch region and a second tapered region. The second tapered region tapers outward when moving in a direction extending away from a bottom of the second mounting tab towards a top of the second mounting tab. The top being closer to the second mounting protrusion than the bottom. The bottom of the first mounting tab is spaced a third distance from the bottom of the second mounting tab. The third distance is substantially equal to or less than the first and second distances.
In one example, the first and second tapered regions are cam surfaces that laterally and resiliently bias the first and second mounting tabs laterally inward towards one another as the tapered region is increasingly inserted between the first and second upstanding wall portions until the first and second mounting tabs are aligned with the first and second mounting tab recesses, respectively.
In one example, the first and second mounting protrusions extend laterally outward away from one another generally parallel to the second axis. A first end of the first mounting protrusion is spaced apart from a second end of the second mounting protrusion a fourth distance. The fourth distance is greater than the first and second distances.
In an example, a method of assembling a retail merchandise tray is provided. The method includes engaging the first mounting tab with the first upstanding wall at a location spaced from the first mounting tab receiving recess. The method includes laterally, resiliently biasing the first mounting tab relative to the upright member with the first upstanding wall. The method includes sliding the first mounting tab relative to the first upstanding wall until the first mounting tab is aligned with the first mounting tab receiving recess. The method includes inserting the first mounting tab into the first mounting tab receiving recess.
In one example, the step of engaging the first mounting tab with the first upstanding wall includes engaging a tapered surface of the first mounting tab and laterally resiliently biasing the first mounting tab relative to the upright member with the first upstanding wall includes sliding the tapered surface of the first mounting tab relative to the first upstanding wall.
In one example, inserting the first mounting tab into the first mounting tab receiving recess includes inserting a catch region of the first mounting tab into the first mounting tab receiving recess.
In one example, the step of sliding the first mounting tab relative to the first upstanding wall occurs when the first and second upstanding walls are fixed relative to one another such that they do not move laterally relative to one another parallel to the second axis when the first mounting tab is slid relative to the first upstanding wall to align the first mounting tab with the first mounting tab receiving recess.
In an example, a front stop mountable to a frame of a retail merchandise tray is provided. The frame has first and second upstanding wall portions that are laterally spaced apart from one another along a first axis a first distance. The front stop includes an upright member. The first mounting portion is configured to secure the front stop to the first upstanding wall portion. The first mounting portion includes a first mounting protrusion extending laterally generally parallel to the first axis. The first mounting portion includes a first mounting tab extending laterally generally parallel to the first axis. The first mounting tab is resiliently attached to the upright member such that a lesser amount of force is required to laterally displace the first mounting tab parallel to the first axis relative to the upright member than is required to laterally displace the first mounting protrusion generally parallel to the first axis relative to the upright member. A second mounting portion is configured to secure the front stop to the second upstanding wall portion.
In one example, the second mounting portion includes a second mounting protrusion extending laterally generally parallel to the first axis. The second mounting portion includes a second mounting tab extending laterally generally parallel to the first axis. The second mounting tab is resiliently attached to the upright member such that a lesser amount of force is required to laterally displace the second mounting tab parallel to the first axis relative to the upright member than is required to laterally displace the second mounting protrusion generally parallel to the first axis relative to the upright member.
In one example, the first mounting protrusion extends laterally from a first cantilevered portion of the first mounting portion. The first cantilevered portion extends in a cantilevered orientation generally perpendicular to the first axis rearward from the upright member. The first mounting tab extends laterally from a second cantilevered portion of the first mounting portion. The second cantilevered portion extends in a cantilevered orientation generally perpendicular to the first axis rearward from the upright member. The first and second cantilevered portions are vertically offset from one another parallel to a third axis that is generally perpendicular to the first axis.
In one example, the first cantilevered portion is more rigid parallel to the first axis than the second cantilevered portion.
In one example, a gap is formed between the first and second cantilevered portion. The gap offsets the first cantilevered portion relative to the second cantilevered portion parallel to the third axis.
In one example, the first and second mounting tabs extend outward away from one another generally parallel to the first axis. In one example, the first and second mounting tabs extend toward one another generally parallel to the first axis.
In one example, the first mounting tab has a catch region and a tapered region. The tapered region tapers outward when moving in a direction extending away from a bottom of the first mounting tab towards a top of the first mounting tab. The top is closer to the first mounting protrusion than the bottom.
In one example, the catch region is positioned between the tapered region and the first mounting protrusion.
In one example, the first and second mounting tabs extend outward away from one another generally parallel to the first axis. A second distance between a first end of the first mounting tab and a second end of the second mounting tab is greater than the first distance.
In one example, the first mounting tab has a first catch region and a first tapered region. The first tapered region tapers outward when moving in a direction extending away from a bottom of the first mounting tab towards a top of the first mounting tab. The top is closer to the first mounting protrusion than the bottom. The second mounting tab has a second catch region and a second tapered region. The second tapered region tapers outward when moving in a direction extending away from a bottom of the second mounting tab towards a top of the second mounting tab. The top being closer to the second mounting protrusion than the bottom. The bottom of the first mounting tab is spaced a third distance from the bottom of the second mounting tab. The third distance is substantially equal to or less than the first and second distances.
In one example, the first and second tapered regions are cam surfaces that laterally and resiliently bias the first and second mounting tabs laterally inward towards one another as the tapered region is increasingly inserted between the first and second upstanding wall portions until the first and second mounting tabs are fully located between the first and second upstanding wall portions.
In one example, the first and second mounting protrusions extend laterally outward away from one another generally parallel to the first axis. A first end of the first mounting protrusion is spaced apart from a second end of the second mounting protrusion a fourth distance. The fourth distance is greater than the first and second distances.
In an example, a retail merchandise tray includes frame and a front stop. The frame extends between a front and a rear. A first axis extends between the front and rear. The frame provides a product support surface. The frame includes first and second upstanding wall portions that are laterally spaced apart from one another along a second axis being generally perpendicular to the first axis. The front stop is mounted to the first and second upstanding wall portions. The front stop includes an upright member and first and second mounting portions. The first mounting portion secures the front stop to the first upstanding wall portion. The first mounting portion includes a first rearward extending wall portion that extends in a cantilevered orientation relative to the upright member. The first mounting portion includes a first mounting tab that extends laterally from the first rearward extending wall portion. The first mounting tab extends generally parallel to the second axis into a first mounting tab receiving recess in the first upstanding wall portion. The first rearward extending wall portion operably resiliently attaches the first mounting tab to the upright member.
In one example, the front stop further includes a second mounting portion securing the front stop to the second upstanding wall portion. The second mounting portion includes a second rearward extending wall portion extending in a cantilevered orientation relative to the upright member. The second mounting portion includes a second mounting tab extending laterally from the second rearward extending wall portion. The second mounting tab extends generally parallel to the second axis into a second mounting tab receiving recess in the second upstanding wall portion. The second rearward extending wall portion operably resiliently attaches the second mounting tab to the upright member.
In one example, the first and second mounting portions are positioned laterally between the first and second upstanding wall portions and the first and second mounting tabs extend away from one another.
In one example, the first mounting portion includes a third rearward extending wall portion including a first mounting protrusion. The first mounting protrusion engages the first upstanding wall portion and prevents angular rotation of the front stop about the first mounting tab about an axis parallel to the second axis.
In one example, the first mounting protrusion extends laterally from the third rearward extending wall portion.
In one example, the first and third rearward extending wall portions are laterally positioned between the first and second upstanding wall portions. In one example, the first and second upstanding wall portions are positioned between the first and third rearward extending wall portions.
In one example, the first mounting protrusion extends laterally from the third rearward extending wall portion laterally outward beyond an outer surface of the first upstanding wall portion.
In one example, the first and third rearward extending wall portions have a gap formed therebetween. The gap having a gap bottom positioned along the first axis between the upright member and the first mounting tab and positioned along the first axis between the upright member and the first mounting protrusion towards the upright member.
In one example, the first mounting tab extends a first distance into a first side of the first upstanding wall portion. The first distance is less than a thickness of the first upstanding wall portion such that a free end of the first mounting tab does not extend outward beyond a second side of the first upstanding wall portion. The second side is opposite the first side. The thickness is defined between the first and second sides.
In one example, the first rearward extending wall portion includes a first laterally facing face from which the first mounting tab extends. The first laterally facing face faces the first upstanding wall. The front stop includes a second mounting portion engaging the second upstanding wall portion. The second mounting portion includes a second laterally facing face. The second laterally facing face faces the second upstanding wall. The first and second laterally facing faces face outward away from one another and are positioned between the first and second upstanding wall portions.
In one example, the first rearward extending wall portion includes a first laterally facing face from which the first mounting tab extends. The first laterally facing face faces the first upstanding wall. The front stop includes a second mounting portion engaging the second upstanding wall portion. The second mounting portion includes a second laterally facing face. The second laterally facing face faces the second upstanding wall. The first and second laterally facing faces face inward toward one another and the first and second upstanding wall portions are positioned between the first and second laterally facing faces.
In one example, the first and second upstanding wall portions define a first distance therebetween. A distal end of the first mounting tab is spaced a second distance from the second laterally facing face when the first rearward extending wall portion is in a relaxed state. The second distance is greater than the first distance. The first rearward extending wall portion is elastically deformable such that the distal end of the first mounting tab is spaced equal to or less than the first distance from the second laterally facing face.
In one example, the first and second upstanding wall portions define a first distance therebetween. A first distal end of the first mounting tab is spaced a second distance from a second distal end of the second mounting tab when the first and second rearward extending wall portions are in a relaxed state. The second distance is greater than the first distance. The first and/or second rearward extending wall portions are elastically deformable such that the first and second distal ends of the first and second mounting tabs may be spaced equal to or less than the first distance from one another in a deformed state to permit the first and second mounting tabs to slide between the first and second upstanding wall portions in the deformed state and then resiliently return to the relaxed state and into engagement with corresponding first and second recesses in the first and second upstanding wall portions.
In one example, the first mounting portion includes a first mounting protrusion spaced from the first mounting tab. The first mounting protrusion extends into a first notch formed in the first upright wall portion. The second mounting portion includes a second mounting protrusion spaced from the second mounting tab. The second mounting protrusion extends into a second notch formed in the second upright wall portion.
In one example, the first mounting protrusion extends laterally outward farther than the first mounting tab. The second mounting protrusion extends laterally outward farther than the second mounting tab.
Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a retail merchandise tray;

FIG. 2 is a partial exploded illustration of the retail merchandise tray of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective illustration of the retail merchandise tray of FIG. 1 prior to full assembly;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the retail merchandise tray as illustrated in FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional illustration of the retail merchandise tray as illustrated in FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 6 is a further partial cross-sectional illustration;

FIG. 7 is a perspective illustration of a front stop of the retail merchandise tray of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective illustration of the front stop of the retail merchandise tray of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 9 is a further cross-sectional illustration of the retail merchandise tray of FIG. 1 in an assembled configuration;

FIG. 10 is a further cross-sectional illustration of the retail merchandise tray of FIG. 1 in an assembled configuration;

FIG. 11 is a perspective illustration of a portion of the front stop of the retail merchandise tray of FIG. 1 ; and

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective illustration of the retail merchandise tray of FIG. 1 in an assembled configuration.

While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now FIGS. 1-3 , an embodiment of a retail merchandise tray assembly 100 (also referred to as a “tray”) is illustrated.
With particular reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the tray 100 includes a merchandise support frame 109 that defines a merchandise support surface, which is typically planar, upon which merchandise to be displayed is supported. In the illustrated embodiment, the merchandise support frame 109 includes a pair of load bearing members 102, a wire support structure 110 and spacers 112.
The wire support structure 110 typically defines the merchandise support surface. The wire support structure 110 will typically be removably mounted to the load bearing members 102 and spacers 112 in an orientation such that the merchandise support surface is vertically above the load bearing members 102 and spacers 112.
The wire support structure 110 will typically be formed by one or more, typically a plurality of laterally spaced, longitudinal members 116 extending from a first end 114 to a second end 118 of the tray 100 along a longitudinal axis 119.
The wire support structure 110 of this embodiment includes a lateral member 120. The lateral member 120 interconnect various ones or all of the longitudinal members 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral member 120 extends generally perpendicular to longitudinal members 116. Typically, the lateral member 120 is welded to the longitudinal members 116. In this example, the longitudinal and lateral members 116, 120 are wire pieces interconnected to one another. However, in other embodiments, a single co-molded structure could provide the longitudinal and lateral members 116, 120. Further, in other examples, the merchandise support frame 109 could be formed from a single continuous piece of material.
The various components of the support frame 109 could be formed from metal or plastic or a suitable combination of metal and plastic.
Lateral member 120, in this example, is positioned proximate end 118 of the wire support structure 110 and typically extends the entire width of the wire support structure 110.
In this example, the free ends of lateral members 120 extend into cavities in the form of apertures or recesses formed into the load bearing members 102 to removably attach the wire support structure 110 to the load bearing members 102. As used herein, “removably attached” means an attachment which may be readily undone in a non-destructive manner and subsequently repeated in the same manner. Within this meaning “removably attached” does not include welds, comolding, or other permanent forms of attachment which require component destruction or damage to undo.
This arrangement allows the wire support structure 110 to be pivotally attached to the load bearing members 102. As such, the lateral member 120 may pivot, as illustrated by arrows 123, 127 about axis 125.
Keys 121 may be provided to limit lateral movement of the lateral member 120 relative to the load bearing members 102 when appropriately mounted.
The spacers 112 are interposed between and maintain the lateral spacing of the load bearing members 102. The spacers 112 are typically connected to the load bearing members 102 by screws or other fasteners to create a unitary frame structure out of the spacers 112 and load bearing members 102.
While typically formed from metal, the wire support structure 110 and load bearing members 102 can be formed from plastic. The spacers 112 are typically formed from plastic.
With reference to FIG. 1 , the tray 100 includes a front stop 104 mounted to the merchandise support frame 109 proximate first end 114 of the tray 100.
With additional reference to FIG. 2 , free ends 111 of the longitudinal members 116 of the wire support structure 110 are axially received in apertures in the form of pockets 113 of the front stop 104
A pusher 106 is mounted to the support frame 109 and slideable thereon in directions 124, 126. Pusher 106 is operable to bias a retail merchandise situated on top of wire support structure 110 and load bearing members 102 from second end 118 of tray 100 to first end 114 of tray 100. The pusher 106 is biased in the direction of arrow 126 towards the first end 114 of the tray 100 by coil spring 128 or other biasing element as is generally well known.
The front stop 104, when in an upright orientation such as illustrated in FIG. 1 , prevents merchandise from being pushed off of the tray by pusher 106.
In some embodiments, the coil spring 128 may be connected to the first end of tray 100 (e.g., the merchandise support frame 109) and increasingly uncoiled the closer the pusher 106 is pushed toward first end 114.
A pair of movable dividers 130 are positioned on either side of tray 100. Divider assemblies 130 are movable in directions 132, 134 parallel to axis 125 to modify a width or distance between the divider assemblies 130. This lateral adjustment allows for accommodating retail merchandise of differing widths.
The dividers 130 extend vertically above the top surface of the wire support structure 110.
The dividers 130 and front stop 104 generally define the storage region in which merchandise is stored and displayed using tray 100. As merchandise is removed from the tray 100, the pusher 106 will push merchandise forward towards front stop 104 and first end 114.
As noted, the position of the dividers 130 relative to the merchandise support frame 109 can be adjusted to accommodate merchandise of different widths.
With reference to FIG. 1 , each divider 130 is operably slidably mounted to the merchandise support frame 109 by a longitudinally extending divider mount 136. In the illustrated embodiment, the divider mount 136, is in the form of a cylindrical rod.
In the illustrated embodiment, the divider mount 136 extends through an aperture in the load bearing member 102 to which the corresponding divider 130 is positioned and into a corresponding cylindrical tube portion 138 of an adjacent spacer 112.
In the illustrated example, the front stop 104 is configured to be snap mounted to the merchandise support frame 109.
In a particular example, the front stop 104 can be mounted to the load bearing members 102 after the load bearing members have been attached to spacers 112 and the load bearing members 102 are laterally spaced apart their final distance from one another.
In some prior embodiments, it was required to locate the front stop between the load bearing embers 102 prior to final securement of the load bearing members to spacers 112.
In the illustrated example, the wire support structure 110 may be mounted to the load bearing members 102 using lateral member 120, the spacers 112 may be secured between the load bearing members 102, and then the front stop 104 may be mounted to the resulting merchandise support frame 109.
In particular, with the wire support structure 110 pivoted upward, such as illustrated in FIGS. 3-6 , the front stop 104 may be attached to the wire support structure 110. In this example, the free ends 111 of the longitudinally extending members 116 are inserted into pockets 113 formed rearward of upright portion 140 of the front stop 104.
Thereafter, the wire support structure 110 and the front stop 104 may pivoted about the axis defined by the lateral member 120 in the direction illustrated by arrow 123 until the front stop 104 is mounted to the load bearing members 102, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 9-10 .
The front stop 104 includes first and second mounting portions 150, 152 that engage first and second upstanding wall portions 154, 156 of frame 109, respectively. In this example, the first and second load bearing members 102 provide the first and second upstanding wall portions 154, 156, respectively.
The first and second mounting portions 150, 152 are located with a gap formed between the upstanding wall portions 154, 156. However, in other embodiments, it is contemplated that the first and second mounting portions 150, 152 form a gap that receives the upstanding wall portions 154, 156 therebetween.
The first and second mounting portions 150, 152 are generally mirror images to one another and thus only first mounting portion 150 will be described in detail.
In this example, the first mounting portion 150 is positioned rearward of upright portion 140.
With references to FIG. 5 , the first mounting portion 150 extends rearward in a cantilevered orientation from upright portion 140.
The first mounting portion 150 includes a first mounting tab 162 and a first anti-rotation member in the form of a first mounting protrusion 164. Both, the first mounting tab 162 and mounting protrusion 164 extend laterally generally parallel to second axis 125.
The first mounting tab 162 extends into a first mounting tab receiving recess 166 in first upstanding wall portion 154 and the first mounting protrusion 164 extends into a first mounting protrusion receiving recess in the form of an upward opening notch 168.
The first mounting tab 162 is operably attached to the upright member 140 in a resilient configuration such that it can be resiliently displaced laterally parallel to axis 125 when engaging the front stop 104 with the frame 109 and particularly upright wall portion 154.
In this example, the first mounting tab 162 is resiliently attached to the upright member 140 such that a lesser amount of force is required to laterally displace the first mounting tab 162 parallel to the second axis 125 relative to the upright member 140 than is required to laterally displace the first mounting protrusion 164 generally parallel to the second axis 125 relative to the upright member 140.
In this example, the first mounting tab 162 extends laterally from a first cantilevered portion 170 and the first mounting protrusion 164 extends laterally from a second cantilevered portion 172.
The first and second cantilevered portions 170, 172 are in the form of rearward extending wall portions. These rearward extending wall portions define an outer surface that faces an inner surface of the adjacent upstanding wall portion 154 when mounted. The inner and outer surfaces are laterally facing surfaces.
The first mounting tab 162 and the first cantilevered portion 170 are vertically spaced from the first mounting protrusion 164 and the second cantilevered portion 172. A gap 174 is formed between the first and second cantilevered portions 170, 172.
By being vertically spaced, the first and second cantilevered portions 170, 172 are offset about a third axis that is generally perpendicular to the first and second axes 119, 125.
The gap 174 between the first and second cantilevered portions 170, 172 allows the first cantilevered portion 170 to flex independently of any flexure of the second cantilevered portion 172.
In this example, the first cantilevered portion 170 is less rigid than the second cantilevered portion 172. This is effectuated in the illustrated example by the second cantilevered portion 172 being thicker parallel to the second axis 125 and/or including support ribbing. As such, a greater amount of force is required to displace the first mounting protrusion 164 by resiliently flexing the second cantilevered portion 172 as compared to the force required to displace the first mounting tab 162 by resiliently flexing the first cantilevered portion 170.
In this example, a support portion in the form of a rearward extending wall portion 176 extends laterally between the first and second mounting portions 150, 152. A second gap 178 is provided vertically between the lateral support portion 176 and the first cantilevered portion 170 to further promote the resilient flexibility of the first cantilevered portion 170. The gap 178 prevents this additional support structure from inhibiting the lateral flexibility of the first cantilevered portion 170 and the corresponding first mounting tab 162.
With reference to FIGS. 5-8 , the first mounting tab 162 includes a catch region 180 and a tapered region 182. The catch region 180 engages the load bearing member 102 and inhibits disengagement of the front stop 104 from the frame 110 once it has been mounted.
The tapered region 182 assists in mounting the front stop to the frame 110. In particular, the tapered region 182 acts as a cam surface that laterally biases the first mounting tab 162 by resiliently flexing the first cantilevered portion 170 when the first mounting tab 162 slides against the load bearing member 102.
The tapered region 182 tapers outward when moving vertically upward, e.g., opposite arrow 184, from a bottom of the first mounting tab 162 towards a top of the first mounting tab 162. The top of the first mounting tab 162 being positioned closer to the first mounting protrusion 164 than the bottom of the first mounting tab 162. The top of the first mounting tab 162 also provides the catch region 180.
More particularly, when an assembler mounts the front stop 104 to the frame 110, the user will transition the front stop 104 in a generally vertically downward direction illustrated by arrow 184 in FIG. 6 . As this occurs, the tapered region 182 will engage the corresponding load bearing member 102 and create a lateral force on the first mounting tab 162 as illustrated by arrow 186. In this configuration, the force 186 causes the first mounting tab 162 and first cantilevered portion 170 to deflect towards the second mounting portion 152.
This deflection of the first mounting tab 162 is a deformed state from a relaxed state prior to beginning the mounting the front stop 104.
Once the first mounting tab 162 is aligned with first mounting tab receiving recess 166, the first cantilevered portion 170 will flex laterally outward to return towards the relaxed state and the first mounting tab 162 will extend into the first mounting tab receiving recess 166. Notably, the first mounting tab 162 need not fully return to the relaxed state, however it will be in a lesser deformed state than when distal end of the first mounting tab 162 is in engagement with the inner face of the upstanding wall portion 154 of load bearing member 102.
Once the first mounting tab 162 is received in first mounting tab receiving recess 166, the catch region 180 will inhibit removal of the first mounting tab 162 from the first mounting tab receiving recess 166 in a direction opposite arrow 184.
In this example, the catch region 180 faces vertically upward, e.g., towards the first mounting protrusion 164. Thus, the catch region 180 is positioned vertically between the tapered region 182 and the first mounting protrusion 164.
In this example, with reference to FIG. 10 , the upstanding wall portions 154, 156 of the load bearing members 102 are spaced apart parallel to axis 125 a first distance D1. The mounting tabs 162 of the first and second mounting portions 150, 152 extend outward and away from one another parallel to axis 125. The distal ends of the mounting tabs 162 are spaced a second distance D2 parallel to axis 125. The second distance D2 is greater than distance D1 when the mounting tabs 162 are in their relaxed state. This allows the mounting tabs to resiliently flex into engagement with the corresponding recesses in the upstanding wall portions 154, 156.
A distance between the bottom most portions of the tapered regions 182 of the mounting tabs 162 is spaced a third distance from one another parallel to axis 125. This distance is equal to or less than the first and second distances D1, D2 when the mounting tabs 162 are in their relaxed state (e.g., prior to being mounted to frame 110).
Thus, the tapered regions 182 bias the mounting tabs 162 towards one another until distal ends of the mounting tabs 162 are located between the opposed upstanding wall portions 154, 156.
In the illustrated example, the first mounting tab 162 extends into the first mounting tab receiving recess 166 a distance less than the thickness of the upstanding wall portion 154. As such, the distal end of the first mounting tab 162 does not extend outward beyond the outer surface of the upstanding wall portion 154.
The thickness of the upstanding wall portion 154 is defined between the inner and outer surfaces thereof.
The first mounting protrusion 164 is configured to prevent rotation of the front stop 104 relative to the upstanding wall portions 154, 156. As such, the first mounting protrusion 164 extends into notch 168 formed in the load bearing member 102. In this example, notch 168 is formed in a top edge 188 of the corresponding load bearing member 102.
In this example, the first mounting protrusion 164 extends laterally outward beyond an outer surface of the first upstanding wall portion 154.
The first mounting protrusion 164 includes a U-shaped channel 190 formed between a head portion 192 of the first mounting protrusion 164 and the second cantilevered portion 172. The channel 190 receives the portion of the upstanding wall portion 154 that defines notch 168.
A distance D4 between the distal ends of the mounting protrusions 164 is greater than distances D1, D2.
Unlike the mounting tabs 162, the mounting protrusions 164 need not laterally deflect when mounting the front stop to frame 110. This due the associated receiving recesses being notches. Thus, the mounting protrusion 164 simply slides into the notches 168 and need not be deformed during assembly.
The front stop may be formed from plastic. The frame may be formed from plastic or metal. Preferably, the front stop and the mounting portions thereof are formed from plastic and the portions of the frame engaged by the mounting portions are formed from metal. In one example, the mounting portions of the front stop are more flexible than the portions of the upstanding wall portions to which front stop is mounted.
All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.
The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. A retail merchandise tray, comprising:

a frame extending between a front and a rear and providing a product support surface, the frame including first and second upstanding wall portions being laterally spaced apart from one another along a second axis being generally perpendicular to the first axis:

a front stop mounted to the first and second upstanding wall portions, the front stop including:

an upright member;

a first mounting portion securing the front stop to the first upstanding wall portion, the first mounting portion including:

a first mounting protrusion extending laterally generally parallel to the second axis into a first mounting protrusion receiving recess in the first upstanding wall portion;

a first mounting tab extending laterally generally parallel to the second axis into a first mounting tab receiving recess in the first upstanding wall portion, the first mounting tab being resiliently attached to the upright member such that a lesser amount of force is required to laterally displace the first mounting tab parallel to the second axis relative to the upright member than is required to laterally displace the first mounting protrusion generally parallel to the second axis relative to the upright member; and

a second mounting portion securing the front stop to the second upstanding wall portion.

2. The retail merchandise tray of claim 1, wherein the second mounting portion includes:

a second mounting protrusion extending laterally generally parallel to the second axis into a second mounting protrusion receiving recess in the second upstanding wall portion; and

a second mounting tab extending laterally generally parallel to the second axis into a second mounting tab receiving recess in the second upstanding wall portion, the second mounting tab being resiliently attached to the upright member such that a lesser amount of force is required to laterally displace the second mounting tab parallel to the second axis relative to the upright member than is required to laterally displace the second mounting protrusion generally parallel to the second axis relative to the upright member.

3. The retail merchandise tray of claim 1, wherein the frame includes first and second longitudinally extending members extending parallel to a first axis, the first and second upstanding wall portions being provided by the first and second longitudinally extending members.

4. The retail merchandise tray of claim 2, wherein:

the first and second upstanding wall portions define a gap therebetween:

the first and second mounting portions being received, at least in part, between the first and second upstanding wall portions and within the gap.

5. The retail merchandise tray of claim 1, wherein:

the first mounting protrusion extends laterally from a first cantilevered portion of the first mounting portion, the first cantilevered portion extending in a cantilevered orientation generally parallel to the first axis rearward from the upright member;

the first mounting tab extends laterally from a second cantilevered portion of the first mounting portion, the second cantilevered portion extending in a cantilevered orientation generally parallel to the first axis rearward from the upright member;

the first and second cantilevered portions being offset from one another parallel to a third axis that is generally perpendicular to the first and second axes.

6. (canceled)

7. The retail merchandise tray of claim 5, wherein a gap is formed between the first and second cantilevered portions, the gap offsetting the first cantilevered portion relative to the second cantilevered portion parallel to the third axis.

8. The retail merchandise tray of claim 1, wherein:

the frame includes:

at least one support member providing the first and second upstanding wall portions;

at least one second frame member extending longitudinally between a first end proximate the front of the frame and a second end proximate the rear of the frame, the second member providing, at least in part, the product support surface, the first end being received in a frame member receiving slot of the front stop.

9. The retail merchandise tray of claim 8, wherein:

the at least one second frame member is rotatably secured to the at least one support member proximate the second end for pivotal movement about a pivot axis being generally parallel to the second axis; and

the engagement of the front stop with the first and second upstanding wall portions preventing pivotal movement of the at least one second frame member about the pivot axis.

10. The retail merchandise tray of claim 8, wherein:

the at least one support member includes:

a first longitudinally extending member in the form of a first load bearing member, the first load bearing member providing the first upstanding wall portion; and

a second longitudinally extending member in the form of a second load bearing member, the second load bearing member providing the second upstanding wall portion:

the at least one second frame member is in the form of a wire support structure mounted to the first and second load bearing members, the wire support structure providing the product support surface, the wire support structure including at least two longitudinally extending wires and at least one laterally extending wire connected to the at least two longitudinally extending wires, the first end of the at least one second frame member being provided by ends of the at least two longitudinally extending wires.

11. The retail merchandise tray of claim 2, wherein:

the first and second mounting tabs extend outward away from one another generally parallel to the second axis; and

the first mounting tab has a catch region and a tapered region, the tapered region tapering outward when moving in a direction extending away from a bottom of the first mounting tab towards a top of the first mounting tab, the top being closer to the first mounting protrusion than the bottom.

12. (canceled)

13. The retail merchandise tray of claim 2, wherein:

the first and second wall portions are spaced apart parallel to the second axis a first distance:

the first and second mounting tabs extend outward away from one another generally parallel to the second axis, a second distance between a first end of the first mounting tab and a second end of the second mounting tab being greater than the first distance.

14. The retail merchandise tray of claim 13, wherein:

the first mounting tab has a first catch region and a first tapered region, the first tapered region tapering outward when moving in a direction extending away from a bottom of the first mounting tab towards a top of the first mounting tab, the top being closer to the first mounting protrusion than the bottom;

the second mounting tab has a second catch region and a second tapered region, the second tapered region tapering outward when moving in a direction extending away from a bottom of the second mounting tab towards a top of the second mounting tab, the top being closer to the second mounting protrusion than the bottom:

the bottom of the first mounting tab being spaced a third distance from the bottom of the second mounting tab, the third distance being substantially equal to or less than the first and second distances.

15. The retail merchandise tray of claim 14, wherein the first and second tapered regions are cam surfaces that laterally and resiliently bias the first and second mounting tabs laterally inward towards one another as the tapered region is increasingly inserted between the first and second upstanding wall portions until the first and second mounting tabs are aligned with the first and second mounting tab recesses, respectively.

16. The retail merchandise tray of claim 13, wherein the first and second mounting protrusions extend laterally outward away from one another generally parallel to the second axis, a first end of the first mounting protrusion being spaced apart from a second end of the second mounting protrusion a fourth distance, the fourth distance being greater than the first and second distances.

17. A method of assembling a retail merchandise tray of claim 1 comprising:

engaging the first mounting tab with the first upstanding wall at a location spaced from the first mounting tab receiving recess:

laterally, resiliently biasing the first mounting tab relative to the upright member with the first upstanding wall:

sliding the first mounting tab relative to the first upstanding wall until the first mounting tab is aligned with the first mounting tab receiving recess; and

inserting the first mounting tab into the first mounting tab receiving recess.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of engaging the first mounting tab with the first upstanding wall includes engaging a tapered surface of the first mounting tab and laterally resiliently biasing the first mounting tab relative to the upright member with the first upstanding wall includes sliding the tapered surface of the first mounting tab relative to the first upstanding wall.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein inserting the first mounting tab into the first mounting tab receiving recess includes inserting a catch region of the first mounting tab into the first mounting tab receiving recess.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of sliding the first mounting tab relative to the first upstanding wall occurs when the first and second upstanding walls are fixed relative to one another such that they do not move laterally relative to one another parallel to the second axis when the first mounting tab is slid relative to the first upstanding wall to align the first mounting tab with the first mounting tab receiving recess.

21. A front stop mountable to a frame of a retail merchandise tray,

the frame having first and second upstanding wall portions that are laterally spaced apart from one another along a first axis a first distance, the front stop comprising:

an upright member:

a first mounting portion configured to secure the front stop to the first upstanding wall portion, the first mounting portion including:

a first mounting protrusion extending laterally generally parallel to the first axis;

a first mounting tab extending laterally generally parallel to the first axis, the first mounting tab being resiliently attached to the upright member such that a lesser amount of force is required to laterally displace the first mounting tab parallel to the first axis relative to the upright member than is required to laterally displace the first mounting protrusion generally parallel to the first axis relative to the upright member; and

a second mounting portion configured to secure the front stop to the second upstanding wall portion.

22-31. (canceled)

32. A retail merchandise tray, comprising:

an upright member;

a first rearward extending wall portion extending in a cantilevered orientation relative to the upright member:

a first mounting tab extending laterally from the first rearward extending wall portion, the first mounting tab extending generally parallel to the second axis into a first mounting tab receiving recess in the first upstanding wall portion, the first rearward extending wall portion operably resiliently attaching the first mounting tab to the upright member.

33. The retail merchandise tray of claim 32, wherein the front stop further includes:

a second mounting portion securing the front stop to the second upstanding wall portion, the second mounting portion including:

a second rearward extending wall portion extending in a cantilevered orientation relative to the upright member;

a second mounting tab extending laterally from the second rearward extending wall portion, the second mounting tab extending generally parallel to the second axis into a second mounting tab receiving recess in the second upstanding wall portion, the second rearward extending wall portion operably resiliently attaching the second mounting tab to the upright member.

34. (canceled)

35. The retail merchandise tray of claim 33, wherein the first mounting portion includes a third rearward extending wall portion including a first mounting protrusion, the first mounting protrusion engaging the first upstanding wall portion and preventing angular rotation of the front stop about the first mounting tab about an axis parallel to the second axis.

36-38. (canceled)

39. The retail merchandise tray of claim 35, wherein the first and third rearward extending wall portions have a gap formed therebetween, the gap having a gap bottom positioned along the first axis between the upright member and the first mounting tab and positioned along the first axis between the upright member and the first mounting protrusion towards the upright member.

40-42. (canceled)

43. The retail merchandise tray of claim 33, wherein:

the first rearward extending wall portion includes a first laterally facing face from which the first mounting tab extends, the first laterally facing face facing the first upstanding wall;

the second rearward extending wall portion includes a second laterally facing face from which the second mounting tab extends, the second laterally facing face facing the second upstanding wall;

the first and second laterally facing faces face outward away from one another and are positioned between the first and second upstanding wall portions;

the first and second upstanding wall portions define a first distance therebetween;

a first distal end of the first mounting tab being spaced a second distance from a second distal end of the second mounting tab when the first and second rearward extending wall portions are in a relaxed state, the second distance being greater than the first distance;

the first and/or second rearward extending wall portions being elastically deformable such that the first and second distal ends of the first and second mounting tabs may be spaced equal to or less than the first distance from one another in a deformed state to permit the first and second mounting tabs to slide between the first and second upstanding wall portions in the deformed state and then resiliently return to the relaxed state and into engagement with corresponding first and second recesses in the first and second upstanding wall portions.

44. (canceled)

45. The retail merchandise tray of claim 43, wherein:

the first mounting portion includes a first mounting protrusion spaced from the first mounting tab, the first mounting protrusion extending into a first notch formed in the first upright wall portion;

the second mounting portion includes a second mounting protrusion spaced from the second mounting tab, the second mounting protrusion extending into a second notch formed in the second upright wall portion.

46. (canceled)