CN110123079B - Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

A product management display system for selling products on display shelves includes at least one tray having a front circular portion and defining a plurality of apertures and having two sides. The lip may extend upwardly from the front circular portion of the at least one platform. The front display shelf may extend forward from the lip. The at least one tray may include a divider extending upwardly from each of the sides and the front wall. The front wall may include a top wall, a bottom wall, and two side legs. The front wall, the bottom wall, and the two side legs may form a wall hole, and the front wall may include a plurality of tabs configured to engage a plurality of holes on the tray.

Description

Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism

The present application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled "product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism" filed on 2013, 12 and 11, and having application number 201380072658.7.

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is a U.S. partial continuation application of No.13/564,575 filed on 8/1/2012, No.13/564,575 application claiming the benefits of U.S. provisional application nos. 61/530,736 filed on 9/2/2011, 61/542,473 filed on 10/3/2011, and 61/553,545 filed on 10/31/2011 and is a U.S. partial continuation application No.12/639,656 filed on 12/16/2009 (which is granted as U.S. patent No.8,322,544), No.12/639,656 application is a U.S. partial continuation application No.12/357,860 filed on 1/22/2009 (which is granted as U.S. patent No.8,453,850), No.12/357,860 application is a U.S. partial continuation application No.11/760,196 filed on 8/2007 on 6/2007 (which is granted as U.S. patent No.8,312,999), No.11/760,196 application is a U.S. partial continuation application No.11/411,761 filed on 25/2006 (which is granted as U.S. patent No.7,823,734), the application No.11/411,761 claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application nos. 60/716,362 filed on 12/9/2005 and 60/734,692 filed on 8/11/2005. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No.61/735,831 filed on 12, 11, 2012. All of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate generally to display stand assemblies for merchandising products and more particularly to display stand assemblies having an improved mechanism for displaying and ejecting products on the display stand.

Background

It is known that retail and wholesale stores (e.g., convenience stores, drug stores, grocery stores, discount stores, toy stores, etc.) require the use of a large number of display shelves for storing and displaying products to customers. In displaying products, it is desirable to have the products on the display shelf positioned toward the front of the display shelf so that the products can be seen and accessed by the customer. In the case of freezers or refrigerators used in stores and displaying products such as soft drinks, energy drinks, bottled water and other bottled or canned beverages, these products are also desirably positioned toward the front of the display shelf and are visible and accessible to customers.

To achieve this placement of the products, known systems may include an inclined pallet or floor that moves the products toward the front of the display shelf by gravity. Many of these systems include a floor or display shelf made of a plastic material, such as polypropylene, which, due to its low coefficient of friction, allows the product to slide easily along an inclined floor or surface. However, over time, these surfaces can be obstructed by debris or sticky matter, inhibiting the products from sliding properly, sometimes causing some products to tip over, thereby blocking additional products from moving to the front of the display shelf.

Other systems include the use of pusher systems to push products toward the front of the display shelf as the products at the front of the display shelf are removed. Known pusher systems are typically mounted to the track and include a pusher plate and a coil spring to urge the product forward. Occasionally, while the system is in use, and over time, the track may become obstructed by dirt or viscous material, which may prevent proper operation of the pusher system in the track. Further, depending on the size, shape and weight of the product being sold, pusher plates are known to occasionally flip back or bend, thereby causing the pusher mechanism to stick in the track. In these situations, the pusher mechanism may improperly push the products toward the front of the display shelf.

One exemplary embodiment is directed to improving existing merchandising systems by providing a trackless pusher system that is suitable for both gravity-operated merchandising systems (i.e., inclined display stands or pallets) and gravity-independent merchandising systems.

Disclosure of Invention

One exemplary embodiment relates to a product management display system for selling products on display shelves. This embodiment includes the use of a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along the surface on which the product is placed. The trackless system overcomes known problems of using tracks to hold and guide known pusher mechanisms. However, it should be understood that the principles of this embodiment may be used in systems that include a track for mounting a pusher mechanism or the like.

The pusher mechanism may include a pusher plate and a bottom surface extending forward of the pusher plate. A flat coil spring or other biasing element is operatively connected behind the pusher plate and extends across the bottom surface of the pusher mechanism and to the front of the display shelf. Alternatively, a flat coil spring or biasing element may extend through the divider and to the front of the display stand assembly. With this configuration, the pusher plate prevents tipping and bending backwards during operation.

Exemplary embodiments also include using a pushing mechanism for products on a horizontal or non-inclined display shelf or surface, and for a system that works by gravity, or for a system that uses gravity as a mechanism to urge products toward the front of the display shelf.

According to an exemplary illustrative embodiment of the invention, the pusher plate may define a concave pushing surface for pushing cylindrical products, such as soft drink bottles or cans, and the retention plate is centrally positioned on the track and behind the products. Alternatively, the pusher plate may define a flat pushing surface, which may further comprise a curved rib or similar structure at its upper edge, which rib or structure may also be used to push cylindrical products.

According to another exemplary illustrative embodiment of the invention, the bottom surface of the pusher mechanism may include a groove or cut-out portion to align the pusher mechanism relative to the coil spring. Also, the bottom surface of the system may further include a groove or cut-out portion for receiving and mounting the flat end of the coil spring to the bottom surface. The spring tip may be placed on the end of the coil spring to mount the coil spring to the bottom surface of the system. Alternatively, the ends of the coil springs may be mounted to the divider of the assembly.

According to another exemplary embodiment, an adapter for a product management display system may be positioned on a bottom surface of the display system. The adapter may include a planar surface having at least two ribs extending outwardly from and passing through the planar surface in a substantially parallel manner. The coil springs may be positioned between the parallel extending ribs. With this configuration, the product to be vended can be located on the ribs and not directly on the coil spring to enhance forward movement of certain types of products, such as beverage cans.

In another alternative aspect, a mounting member may be used to mount the end of the coil spring to the bottom surface of the system. For these systems, which include spaced apart slide rails joined together by connecting ribs, the mounting member may be snapped or otherwise mounted to the bottom surface and between the slide rails.

In another alternative aspect, the trackless pusher system is retrofitted to existing display rack assemblies. This allows the non-track pusher system to be placed into an existing display system as a low cost alternative to purchasing the entire non-track pusher assembly.

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

In another exemplary embodiment, the trays may be attached via a dovetail connection to form a display shelf assembly. In addition, the dividers can be adjusted so that the width of the product rows can be adapted to receive products of different sizes.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the product management display system may be arranged in a stackable configuration. The assembly may be provided with a first pallet and a second pallet, each having a first wall and a second wall. The first and second pallets are each adapted to receive a pusher mechanism and a holder mechanism. First and second spacers are mounted to the first and second pallets for stacking the first and second pallets on top of each other. The first and second spacers may be provided with a plurality of jaws and the first and second pallets may each be provided with a plurality of correspondingly shaped sleeves for receiving the plurality of jaws.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a product management display system may include at least one tray having a front circular portion and defining a plurality of apertures and having two sides. The lip may extend upwardly from the front circular portion of the at least one platform. The front display shelf may extend forward from the lip. The at least one tray may include a divider extending upwardly from each of the sides and the front wall. The front wall may include a top wall, a bottom wall, and two side legs. The front wall, the bottom wall, and the two side legs may form a wall hole, and the front wall may include a plurality of tabs configured to engage a plurality of holes on the tray.

Drawings

FIG. 1 shows an isometric exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system of the present invention.

Fig. 2 shows an isometric view of an exemplary pusher mechanism mounted to an exemplary pallet or product channel of the present invention.

Fig. 3 shows another isometric view of the system of fig. 2 with a product placed in the system.

Fig. 4 shows another isometric view of the system of fig. 2 with a plurality of products placed in the system.

Fig. 5 shows an isometric rear view of the system of fig. 4.

Fig. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the pallet or product channel of the present invention.

Fig. 7 shows an exemplary tip for the end of a coil spring that may be used with the product management display system of the present invention.

Fig. 8 shows the exemplary tip of fig. 7 mounted to a surface of a pallet or product channel.

Fig. 9 shows the exemplary tip of fig. 7 mounted to an end of a coil spring.

Fig. 10 shows the exemplary tip of fig. 7 mounted to an end of a coil spring.

FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of the present invention.

Fig. 12 shows another isometric view of the system of fig. 11.

Fig. 13 shows a front view of the system of fig. 11.

Fig. 14 shows a top view of the system of fig. 11.

Fig. 15 shows a rear view of the system of fig. 11.

Fig. 16 shows an isometric view of an adapter that may be used with the present invention.

Fig. 17 shows a front view of the adapter of fig. 16.

Fig. 18 shows an exemplary mounting structure of the adapter of the present invention.

Fig. 19 shows an isometric view of the installed adapter of the present invention.

Fig. 20 shows a front view of the installed adapter of the present invention.

FIG. 21 shows an isometric view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a product management display system of the present invention.

Fig. 22 shows an isometric bottom view of an exemplary mounting member that may be used to mount the end of a coil spring to the bottom surface of a display system.

Fig. 23 illustrates an isometric top view of the example mounting member of fig. 22.

Fig. 24 shows the exemplary mounting member of fig. 22 mounted to an end of a coil spring mounted to an exemplary pusher plate.

Fig. 25 shows another view of the exemplary mounting member of fig. 22 mounted to an end of a coil spring mounted to an exemplary pusher plate.

Fig. 26 shows the exemplary mounting member of fig. 22 with an attached coil spring mounted to the bottom surface of the system.

Fig. 27 shows the exemplary mounting member of fig. 22 mounted on a bottom surface of the system.

FIG. 28 illustrates an isometric view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of the present invention.

Fig. 29 shows a close-up isometric view of the pallet of the exemplary embodiment of fig. 28.

Fig. 29A shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of fig. 28, illustrating a first method of securing.

Fig. 29B shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of fig. 28, illustrating a second method of securing.

FIG. 30 shows a close-up isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 28, showing rivets attaching the spring to the blade.

Fig. 31 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of fig. 28 assembled in a pre-existing wire display stand.

FIG. 32 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 28 assembled in a pre-existing wire display stand.

Fig. 33 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.

Fig. 34 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.

Fig. 35 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an adapter.

Fig. 36 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a retainer.

Fig. 37 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.

Fig. 38 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.

Fig. 39 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.

Fig. 40 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.

Fig. 41A shows a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of a divider.

Fig. 41B shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.

FIG. 41C shows a close-up view of the cross-section of FIG. 41B.

Fig. 41D shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a divider.

Fig. 42 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.

Fig. 43 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.

FIG. 44 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system.

FIG. 45 shows another isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system with a product in the system.

FIG. 46 shows a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a product management display system with a product in the system.

FIG. 47 illustrates a rear isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system with a product therein.

Fig. 48 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a pusher mechanism mounted to a divider.

FIG. 49 shows another isometric view of a divider and pusher mechanism assembled to a product management display system.

FIG. 50 illustrates an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of a product management display system.

FIG. 51 illustrates another isometric view of the exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of FIG. 50 without a product.

FIG. 52 shows an exploded isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of FIG. 50.

FIG. 53 illustrates an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of a product management display system.

FIG. 54 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary attachment structure for attaching a pusher spring to the product management display system display shelf of FIG. 53.

FIG. 55 shows an isometric view of an exemplary structure for attaching a pusher spring to a display shelf of the product management display system of FIG. 53.

FIG. 56 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary attachment structure for attaching a pusher spring to the product management display system display shelf of FIG. 53.

FIG. 57 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary attachment structure for attaching a pusher spring to the product management display system display shelf of FIG. 53.

FIG. 58 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system and aspects thereof.

FIG. 59 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the product management display system of FIG. 58.

FIG. 60 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the product management display system of FIG. 58.

FIG. 61 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a product management display system.

FIG. 62 is a partial top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 61.

FIG. 63 shows a partial rear view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 61.

Fig. 64 shows a front view of the embodiment shown in fig. 61.

Fig. 65 shows another perspective view of the embodiment shown in fig. 61.

Fig. 66 shows another top view of the embodiment shown in fig. 61.

FIG. 67 shows another perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 61.

FIG. 68 shows another perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 61.

FIG. 69 shows a bottom view of a tray that may be used in conjunction with the embodiment shown in FIG. 61.

FIG. 70 shows a side perspective view of the pallet of FIG. 69 for the embodiment shown in FIG. 61.

FIG. 71 shows a rear view of the pallet of FIG. 69.

FIG. 72 shows another side perspective view of the pallet of FIG. 69 for the embodiment shown in FIG. 61.

FIG. 73 shows a top perspective view of the pallet of FIG. 69 for the embodiment shown in FIG. 61.

FIG. 74 shows another side perspective view of the pallet of FIG. 69 for the embodiment shown in FIG. 61.

FIG. 75 shows another top perspective view of the pallet of FIG. 69 for use with the embodiment shown in FIG. 61.

FIG. 76 shows a side perspective view of the pallet of FIG. 69.

FIG. 77 shows another side perspective view of the pallet of FIG. 69.

FIG. 78 shows a front perspective view of the pallet of FIG. 69.

FIG. 79 shows a rear perspective view of the pallet of FIG. 69.

FIG. 80A shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a product management display system.

FIG. 80B shows an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a product management display system.

FIG. 81A shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a product management display system.

FIG. 81B shows an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a product management display system.

FIG. 82A shows an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a product management display system.

FIG. 82B shows an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a product management display system.

FIG. 82C shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a product management display system.

FIG. 82D shows an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a product management display system.

Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and "having" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, the terms "mounted," "mounted," or "mounting" are meant to broadly include any technique or method of mounting, attaching, connecting, or coupling one part to another, whether direct or indirect.

Detailed Description

The present invention may be embodied in various forms. Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like elements, FIG. 1 shows an isometric exploded view of an exemplary embodiment. The exemplary marketing system 10 includes a product dispensing tray (product dispensing tray)12 in which an exemplary track-less pusher mechanism 14 is mounted. As described in detail below, the pusher mechanism 14 fits within the pallet 12 and slides along the surface of the pallet without the use of rails, slides, or guides (which are typically used to hold conventional pusher mechanisms to the bottom surface of the pallet or pallet). The pusher mechanism defines a pusher plate and a pusher floor extending forward of the pusher plate. The coil spring may extend past the bottom surface of the pusher and be operatively connected to the platform at a forward location of the platform. In one aspect of the invention, the product to be vended may be placed in the pallet in front of the pusher plate and may sit on the bottom surface of the pusher and on the coil spring. With this configuration, the weight of the product will prevent the pusher plate from tipping over to ensure proper pushing of the product. Furthermore, the problems associated with debris or sticky matter that interferes with the effectiveness of known pusher systems (which use rails, slides, or guides) have been eliminated. Other aspects, embodiments and features of the invention and their teachings are described in detail below.

The exemplary pallet 12 may define a surface 16 and one or more dividing plates or dividers 18 to divide the pallet into a plurality of rows for placement of products. In alternative aspects, the pallet 12 may be a display shelf or any other surface upon which products may be placed for sale. The surface 16 may be a solid surface or a surface defining a plurality of spaced holes 20 separated by a plurality of support ribs 22. The holes 20 and ribs 22 provide a surface that allows for slidable movement of products placed on the surface and also allows liquids and dirt to pass through the holes 20 so that they do not collect on the surface 16. Surface 16 may be made of any suitable material that allows slidable movement of the product over surface 16. Other surface or bottom surface configurations are known and may employ the principles of the present invention.

As shown in fig. 9 and 10, the surface 16 may define a rounded end portion 24 that includes a groove or cut-out portion 26. The end portion 24 may be rounded to match the shape of the product placed on the pallet. For example, the illustrated end portion 24 is circular or defines a semi-circular shape to match the contour of a bottle or jar that may be placed in the tray and on the end portion 24. Other shapes of end portions may be used with the present invention depending on the product to be sold.

The groove 26 may be used to receive and mount an end 29 of a coiled spring 30 or similar biasing element. The groove 26 may define opposing angled edge surfaces 32 joined by an edge 34. The edge 34 is preferably positioned across the width center of the row of products formed in the pallet 12 and extends perpendicular to the length of the pallet. This configuration will center the coil spring 30 relative to the blade 12 and will allow the spring to extend in a substantially parallel manner relative to the length of the blade. In other words, the illustrated edge 34 of the groove 26 will allow the spring 30 to extend along the length of the pallet 12 at or near the center of the product row formed by the pallet. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the location and configuration of the grooves will vary depending on the desired placement of the springs.

The coil spring 30 may define an end 29 configured to be placed across the groove 26 and rest on the edge 34. In one aspect, the end 29 of the coil spring may be V-shaped and act as a hook such that the end 29 surrounds the edge 34, with a portion of the end 29 of the coil spring extending below the end portion 24 of the surface 16. This configuration allows the coil spring to be easily mounted on the pallet.

On the other hand, and referring to fig. 7, a spring tip 60 may be added to the end 29 of the spring 30 to facilitate mounting the spring to the system. The spring tip 60 may define many shapes and configurations depending on the configuration of the blade and the surface to which the spring end needs to be attached. The spring tip 60 may be permanently attached to the end 29 of the coil spring 30 or it may be removable to allow for interchange or replacement of the spring tip 60. The spring end 60 may be made of plastic and may define one or more holes. The hole 61 may be used to receive the end 29 of the coil spring 30. The second hole 63 may be used to receive a mating tongue or mounting member 65 that extends from the surface 16 of the pallet 12, as described below. With this configuration, the end 29 of the coil spring 30 may be operatively connected to the tray 12.

On the other hand, the end 29 of the coil spring may snap into a hole formed in the surface 16, or may be inserted and secured into a hole or opening in the retainer plate, thereby securing the end 29 of the coil spring 30 in place.

Returning to fig. 1-1, the dividers 18 may also be used to divide the product into multiple rows. The divider 18 extends substantially upwardly from the surface 16 and, as shown in fig. 1, may be positioned on the opposite side of the surface 16. Alternatively, divider 18 may be positioned at any desired location on tray 12 or to surface 16. The partition 18 may be formed as a unitary structure with the surface 16, or the partition 18 may be removable to provide increased flexibility to the system. The divider may be attached to either the front or rear rail, depending on the system. The dividers 18 can define any number of configurations and can extend upwardly any desired distance to provide a desired divider height between rows of products to be sold. The height may be adjustable by adding spacer extensions, etc.

One or more product retaining members 44 may be located at the front of tray 12 and extend between dividers 18. The product retaining members 44 serve as front retaining walls or bars to retain the product in the pallet 12 and prevent the product from falling out of the pallet 12. These components are also configured to allow the forward most product positioned in the tray 12 to be easily removed. The product retaining member 44 may be one or more curved shaped retaining ribs, as shown in FIG. 1. These illustrated retaining ribs may extend from one divider to another divider, thereby connecting the dividers. Retaining ribs may also extend partially between the dividers, as shown in FIG. 1 as ribs 46, to help retain the product in the tray. Alternatively, and as shown in fig. 6, the product retaining member 44 may be a curved shaped solid retaining wall 48 extending between the dividers. The retaining wall 48 may be transparent or translucent to allow the product to be visible on the display shelf. On the other hand, the retaining wall 48 may also extend partially between the partitions 18. In another embodiment shown in fig. 11-15, retaining wall 100 may be attached to a surface of the pallet and not to the divider. In this embodiment, the retaining wall 100 may form an opening 102 defined by an upper member 104, opposing curved side walls 106 (which further define an angled edge 108), and a floor member 110. The side walls 106 may also be straight and not curved, depending on the system. The ends of the coil springs may also snap into the bottom surface 110 or be attached to the tray using any of the techniques described herein. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that there are many possible shapes and configurations for the product retaining member 44, and that the illustrated configuration is merely an exemplary embodiment of these many configurations.

Returning to fig. 1, the exemplary trackless pusher mechanism 14 defines a pusher plate 50 and a pusher floor 52. Pusher plate 50 and pusher bottom surface 52 may be formed as a single unitary structure or may be separate structures that are joined together using known techniques. In addition, pusher plate 50 and pusher bottom surface 52 may be made of any known suitable plastic or metal material. The pusher plate and pusher floor may be reinforced using any known reinforcement technique.

In one aspect, the pusher plate 50 forms a curved shaped pusher surface or face 54 that is configured to match the shape of a product to be sold, such as a plastic bottle or jar containing a beverage, as shown in fig. 3-5. The curved shape of the pusher surface 54 allows the pusher to remain centrally aligned with the last product in the tray. This configuration reduces friction and drag between the pusher and the divider wall. In an alternative aspect, the pusher surface or face may be a flat surface. In another aspect, the flat pusher surface may be implemented by a curved shaped rib positioned on or near the top of the pusher plate and may be used to center and align the product in the pallet in a manner similar to the curved shaped pusher surface 54 shown in FIG. 1. The curved shape ribs may define other shapes and configurations that allow cylindrical or similarly shaped products to be properly pushed in the pallet. Advertisements, product identification information, or other product information may be placed on the pusher surface 54.

One or more support members 58 (e.g., ribs, walls, or gussets) may be positioned behind the pusher surface or face 54. Support member 58 is configured to support pusher surface 54 and further connect pusher plate 50 to pusher bottom surface 52. As shown in fig. 5, the coil springs 30 are positioned between the support members 58, and more specifically the curled ends 57 are positioned between the support members 58, which serve to urge the pusher plate 50 forward along the pallet 12, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Any technique for operatively connecting the coil springs to pusher plate 50 may be used with the present invention.

As shown in fig. 1, pusher bottom surface 52 may be positioned below pusher plate 50 and may extend forward of pusher surface 54 of the pusher plate. Pusher floor 52 may extend any predetermined distance and at any predetermined angle. For example, pusher bottom surface 52 may extend substantially perpendicular to pusher surface 54. In an exemplary embodiment, the pusher floor 52 may extend a sufficient distance to allow one product (e.g., a single bottle or jar) to be placed on the pusher floor. In another aspect, the pusher bottom surface 52 may be configured to allow more than one product to be placed on the pusher bottom surface. The pusher floor 52 may define any shape, including the circular shape shown and may define any product retention features, such as ribs, walls, etc., on the surface of the pusher floor to further retain the product on the pusher floor.

As shown in fig. 2, the pusher floor 52 may define an elongated channel, groove, or recess 59 that is sized, shaped, and configured to seat the coil spring 30. In an exemplary embodiment, channel or groove 59 may extend through bottom surface 52 and be substantially perpendicular with respect to pusher plate 50. In alternative aspects, the groove or channel may extend partially or through the entire pusher floor 52, as shown in fig. 19. This configuration allows for proper alignment and positioning of the pusher plate 50 in the pallet. The groove 59 may define a depth that matches or exceeds the thickness of the coil spring 30. With this configuration, the coil spring 30 will be located at or below the pusher bottom surface so that product will not be directly on the coil spring, but rather such product will be located on the pusher bottom surface. As shown in fig. 19, the bottom surface of the pusher may include holes and openings through which debris or other items may pass. Alternatively, the bottom surface may be a solid surface.

In an alternative aspect of the invention, as shown in fig. 16-20, adapter 180 may be positioned on surface 16. Referring to fig. 16 and 17, the adapter 180 may include one or more raised ribs 182 on which the product may be located. Raised ribs 182 may extend longitudinally along the length of adapter 180. The adapter 180 may be a flat extrusion of plastic material (or any other suitable material) that defines a planar surface 184 with one or more ribs 182 extending outwardly from the planar surface 184. The adapter 180 may define a rounded end 185 and include a groove or cut-out portion 186 through which the coil spring may extend. The rounded end 185 may be configured to match the shape of the product placed on the pallet. Other shapes of the end 185, the recess 186 and the adapter 180 may be used with the present invention depending on the product to be sold. The adapter 180 may be a separately insertable component or alternatively a component integrally formed with the surface 16.

Referring to fig. 18, the adapter 180 can be easily inserted between the surface 16 and the partition 18. Referring to fig. 19, once the adapter 180 is installed, the pusher mechanism 14 may be positioned on top of the adapter 180 and may slide freely past the ribs 182 of the adapter 180. The coil springs 30 may extend in a parallel fashion between the ribs 182 and may be located at or below the top surface of the ribs 182, as shown more clearly in fig. 20. With this configuration, the product to be sold can be positioned on the rib 182 and slid along the rib 182, rather than on the coil spring 30.

In alternative aspects, the ribs 182 may be one or more raised beads, or a series of fingers, that may be used to assist in the movement of the product across the surface 16. In another alternative embodiment, the ribs 182 may be product moving members, such as a track or one or more rollers or rotating members, that allow the products to roll past the rotating members and move toward the front of the product display system. Exemplary roller assemblies include those disclosed and described in U.S. application No.11/257,718 filed on 25/10/2005 by RTC Industries, inc. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there are many possible techniques for the pusher mechanism to assist in the movement of the products on the display shelf or floor.

The underside of pusher floor 52 may be a smooth planar surface that slides freely along surface 16. Alternatively, and similar to the above, the pusher bottom surface 52 may include beads, runners, rollers, etc., that allow the pusher bottom surface to slide along the surface while still causing the pusher bottom surface to lift upward off of the surface 16. In another alternative embodiment, the underside of the bottom surface of the pusher may be configured with a track mounting member to allow the pusher to be mounted to a track or slide, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The pusher bottom surface further defines a groove or cutout portion 62 through which the coil spring 30 will pass. The end 29 of the coil spring 30 will pass through the groove 62 and through the groove 26 of the surface 16 and will be mounted to the pallet using any of the techniques described above.

In use, as the pusher mechanism 14 is urged rearwardly in the pallet 12, the end 29 of the coil spring 30 will remain in the position described above and the helical end 57 of the spring 30 will begin to unwind behind the pusher plate 50. If the pusher 14 is allowed to move forward in the pallet 14, such as when product is removed from the front of the pallet, the helical end 57 of the spring 30 will wind and force the pusher plate 50 to move forward in the pallet 12, thereby urging product toward the front of the pallet.

In an alternative embodiment, the coil spring 30 may extend below the pusher floor 52, above the pusher floor and past the pusher floor, as shown in the drawings. With this configuration, the groove 59 and the groove 62 may not be necessary.

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

Referring to FIG. 2, the trackless pusher mechanism 14 is shown mounted to the pallet 12. As shown, the pusher mechanism 14 fits in the pallet 12 between the dividers 18. The end 29 of the coil spring 30 extends through a recess in the bottom surface of the pusher and is mounted to the platform as described above. In use, the pusher mechanism 14 will slide along the surface 16 of the pallet 12 without the use of rails, slides, or guides. As shown in fig. 2, the pusher mechanism 14 is shown in a forward position.

Referring to fig. 3, the pusher mechanism 14 is shown selling one product 70 in the marketing system 10. The product is prevented from flipping out of the pallet by the product retaining member 44. Product 70 may be any product to be sold, including the soft drink bottle shown. As shown in this figure, the product 70 rests on the pusher floor 52 and the coil spring 30, which extends below the product. The weight of the product on the bottom surface 52 and the positioning of the product across the spring 30 prevents the plate 50 from tipping in the tray 12.

Referring to fig. 4, the pusher mechanism 14 is shown selling a plurality of products 70 in the merchandising system 10. As shown in this figure, product adjacent the pusher plate 50 rests on the pusher floor 52 and on the coil spring 30, which coil spring 30 extends below the product. Other products are located on the coil spring 30 which extends under these products. Alternatively, the adapter 180 may be positioned in the system, in which case the product may be located on the rib 182 of the adapter opposite the coil spring. Again, the weight of the product on the pusher bottom surface 52 and the positioning of the product across the spring 30 prevent the plate 50 from tipping in the tray. In use, as one product is removed from the front of the tray adjacent the product retaining members 44, the pusher mechanism 14 (actuated by the coil spring 30) pushes the remaining product forward in the tray 12 until the forwardmost product contacts the product retaining members 44. As more product is removed, the pusher mechanism 14 will continue to push the remaining product toward the product retaining member 44.

Referring to fig. 5, a rear view of the pusher mechanism 14 shows the pusher mechanism 14 selling a plurality of products 70 in the merchandising system 10. Again, the product adjacent the pusher plate 50 rests on the pusher floor 52 and the coil springs 30 that extend below the product. Other products are located on the coil springs, which extend below these products. Alternatively, the adapter 180 may be positioned in the system, in which case the product may be located on the rib 182 of the adapter opposite the coil spring. As a product is removed from the front of the tray near the product retaining member 44, the wrap end 57 of the spring 30 urges the pusher plate 50 of the pusher mechanism 14 forward in the tray 12 until the forward-most product contacts the product retaining member 44. The winding end 57 may be positioned between two support members 58 as shown. The support members hold the coil spring between these members. As shown, the pusher floor 52 may also extend below the support member 58.

Referring to fig. 6, an alternative embodiment of a pusher tray is shown. With this embodiment, a plurality of trays 12 may be formed into a single multi-tray assembly 80. The multi-pallet may have a bottom surface in common with dividers 18 that extend upward from the bottom surface to form multiple pallets or rows. In this embodiment, the product retaining member 44 may be a solid member that extends between two dividers, as described above. One or more of the multi-blade assemblies 80 may be coupled or joined together in a side-by-side manner using any known technique, including clamping, dovetail connections, fasteners, etc. With this configuration, a number of rows of products can be provided for sale of a number of products.

As described above, the non-track pusher mechanism 14 may be used in a gravity-operated system, i.e., a system having pallets or product lanes mounted on a ramp to allow gravity to assist in the sale of products. Alternatively, the non-track pusher mechanism 14 may be used in a system that is mounted in a non-inclined manner or in a horizontal manner, where gravity does not contribute or contributes little to the sale of the product. The non-track pusher mechanism 14 may also be used to push various shaped products.

Fig. 7 shows an exemplary tip 60 for the end 29 of the coil spring 30, the coil spring 30 may be used in the merchandising system 10. As shown, the tip 60 defines a hole 61 for receiving the end 29 of the coil spring and a hole 63 for mounting to the surface 16 of the platform. As shown in fig. 7, in one aspect of an alternative embodiment, a tongue or mounting member 65 may extend below surface 16, which mounting member may be configured to mate with hole 63 and snap tip 60 to tongue 65, and thereby to surface 16.

Referring to fig. 8, the exemplary tip 60 of fig. 7 is shown mounted to a tongue or mounting member 65. The tongue 65 may be an elongated outwardly extending rib 67 for snapping the tip 60 onto the tongue 65. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other techniques may be used to mount tip 60 to surface 16 and that the illustrated technique is merely one exemplary embodiment of such a technique.

Referring to fig. 9, an exemplary tip 60 is shown fully mounted to surface 16, and more specifically to end portion 24 of surface 16 of tray 12, in a snap-fit manner. It also shows the end 29 of the coil spring 30 mounted to the hole 61 of the tip 60. As shown in fig. 9, the end 29 of the coil spring may be inserted into the hole 61. The hole 61 is configured to receive the end 29 of the coil spring and to hold the end 29 in place, and also to allow the end 29 of the coil spring to be removed from the hole 61 to allow the pusher mechanism 14 to be removed from the system in the event that it is desired to disconnect the coil spring from the tip.

Referring to fig. 10, the end 29 of the coil spring is shown fully mounted to an exemplary tip 60. As shown in this figure, the coil spring 30 is operatively connected to the surface 16 of the pallet 12. As a result, the pusher mechanism 14 is now mounted to the pallet 12.

Referring to fig. 21-27, an alternative technique for mounting the end 29 of the coil spring 30 to a merchandise display system is shown. The mounting member 130 may be used to mount the end 29 of the coil spring to the bottom surface 131 of the system. For these systems, which include spaced apart slide rails 132 joined together by connecting ribs 134 (fig. 26-27), the mounting members 130 may be snapped or otherwise mounted on the bottom surface 131 and between the slide rails 132. The mounting member will thereby hold the end of the coil spring in place and to the bottom surface of the system.

Referring to fig. 22-23, the mounting member 130 may include one or more legs 136 on one or more sides of the member 130. The legs may be configured to snap to the underside of the rails 132 to thereby retain the mounting member 130 to the bottom surface of the system. The legs 136 may include leg ends 137 that define an L-shaped or angled surface configured to contact the underside of the rails 132 and prevent the mounting member 130 from lifting off the bottom surface (unless the legs are intentionally bent out of the underside of the rails 132). The legs 136 may contact the connecting ribs 134, which will prevent slidable movement of the mounting member 130 relative to the bottom surface. Referring to fig. 26, the mounting member 130 is shown mounted to the underside of the system and more particularly to the rail. Fig. 27 shows mounting member 130 held in place as pusher plate 141 is pulled away from the front of the system. Other techniques may be used to attach the mounting member 130 to such a system bottom surface 131. For example, a separate mounting clip, one or more fasteners, adhesive, or other techniques may be used to secure the mounting member 130 to the bottom surface 131.

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

The mounting member 130 may also include a sliding rib 139 on the top surface that allows a product to be placed thereon to easily slide past the mounting member after it is mounted to the bottom surface of the system. The mounting member 130 may also include an elongated flat body 140 that extends forward of the location of the legs 136 to provide stability to the mounting member 130 after the mounting member is mounted to the bottom surface of the system.

Referring to fig. 24-25 and 27, pusher plate or pusher mechanism 141 may include pushing surfaces 143 configured to match the shape of the product it is pushing with. As shown, the push surface 143 may be curved to match a bottle or other cylindrical object. Pusher plate 141 may also include a pusher floor 145, similar to the pusher floor configuration described above. The pusher bottom surface 145 may further include a spring pocket 147 that receives the coil spring 30 to shield and protect the spring. The spring sleeve 147 may extend partially or completely past the pusher floor 145 in the direction of the spring 30. The spring pocket 147 may have a relatively short height and a flat surface 149 to allow the product to sit thereon without significant tipping or tilting of the product.

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

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

28-32, the non-track pusher system may be modified to accommodate existing display shelf assemblies 230, which may have product dividers already constructed therein. For example, in one embodiment, the trackless pusher system may be modified to accommodate existing wire display rack assemblies. 30-32, the pallet or adapter 216 may have a sliding bottom surface 222 that may be sized for a single row of display shelves 234 or sized for the entire shelf width. The sliding bottom surface 222 may include several raised ribs 224 that help reduce friction for products sold on the pallet 216. It is understood that one or more raised ribs 224 may be used for the sliding bottom surface 222. Alternatively, the sliding bottom surface 222 may be a flat planar surface without raised ribs. The tray or adapter 216 may be configured similarly to the adapter 180 of fig. 16.

As shown in fig. 28 and 30, the end 29 of the coil spring 30 may be riveted to the front end 228 of the retainer plate 216 via a rivet 229, or may be attached by any other attachment technique. The pallets 216 may be held to the display racks by any attachment technique suitable for the particular display rack. In one embodiment, and as shown in fig. 29-32, the pallet 216 may include one or more outwardly extending fingers or snaps 220 that may engage one or more wires 232 of the display rack 234 to retain the pallet 216 on the display rack 234. The fingers or snaps 220 may extend longitudinally along the length of the blade 216 or may be spaced apart along the length of the blade. The snaps 220 may be used to snap the retainer plate 216 to an existing wire display rack. As shown in fig. 29A and 29B, the snaps 220A and 220B may define a variety of configurations that allow the pallet 216 to be snap-fit to a display rack. The embodiment shown in fig. 28-32 allows the trackless pusher system to be placed on an existing display system, such as a wire rack system, as a low cost alternative to the entire trackless pusher assembly. It should be understood that any of the pusher mechanisms described herein may be used with this embodiment.

As shown in fig. 33 and 44, in another exemplary embodiment, the display management system includes one or more pusher mechanisms 286, one or more dividers 266, one or more pallets 306, and one or more holders 250. The pusher mechanism 286 may be formed with a pusher plate 287 and a pusher bottom surface 288. Products are placed on pusher bottom surface 288 and directed to the front of the display management system via divider 266 and pusher plate 287. The coil spring 30 biases the pusher mechanism 286 toward the holder 250 so that the product moves to the front of the system.

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

As shown in fig. 35, the adapter 252 has a wall 254 proximate a first end 256. The first end 256 has a curved portion 262 that curves upward. The intermediate portion of the adapter 252 may be provided with a curved channel 260 adapted to receive a correspondingly shaped spring end (not shown).

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

In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in fig. 36 and 37, the retainer 250 has a curved channel 284 that corresponds in shape and size to the curved portion 262 of the adapter 252. The curved channel 284 extends the length of the holder to allow the adapter 252 to be infinitely positioned along the length of the holder 250.

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

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 44, the coil spring 30 of the pusher plate 287 may be mounted directly to the front of the platform 306. The first spring end 290 of the coil spring 30 is provided with a bent portion. The curved portion curves downwardly from the pusher floor 288 and is adapted to be received in a recess 316 (shown in fig. 33) defined by the dispensing blade 306 and a lip 318 of the front surface of the holder 250. The lip 318 is spaced from the vertically oriented surface of the retainer 250 such that a gap is formed between the vertically oriented surface and the front edge of the lip 250. To secure the coil spring 30 and pusher mechanism 286 to the assembly, the first spring end 290 is inserted into the gap formed between the vertically oriented surface of the retainer 250 and the front edge of the lip 318 and is disposed in the recess 316 formed by the lip 318 of the dispensing blade 306 and the retainer 250.

In another exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 38, 39, 48 and 49, the coil spring 30 may be mounted directly to the spacer 266. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, coil spring 30 may be mounted perpendicular to pusher bottom surface 288 such that the axis about which coil spring 30 is wound is perpendicular to pusher bottom surface 288. This orientation has the advantage of preventing the pusher plate from tipping backwards. First spring end 290 may be provided having an angled portion 292 and a tip portion 296. In one exemplary embodiment, the angled portion 292 may be bent perpendicular to the coil spring body 294. The divider may be provided with a channel 298 adapted to receive the end portion 296 of the first spring end 290.

To secure the coil spring to the spacer, the end portion 296 is inserted into the channel 298. Once the end portion 296 is fully inserted into the channel 298, the angled portion 292 engages the channel 298 to secure the first spring end 290 to the divider 266.

As shown in fig. 33, various pusher mechanism designs may be implemented. Pusher plate 287 may be formed flat to accommodate a correspondingly shaped product. Alternatively, pusher plate 286 may have a curved first end and a flat second end. This serves to accommodate a variety of cylindrical products having a variety of different sized diameters and facilitates operation of pusher mechanism 286. During operation, the product in pusher mechanism 286 and the curved first end together force the pusher mechanism against divider 266 such that, while in tension or operation, coil spring 30 remains flat against divider 266, which retains first spring end 290. This allows the pusher mechanism to operate more smoothly and ensures that the product is properly dispensed when the user removes the product from the system.

In another exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 40-41D, the distance between the dividers 266 can be adjusted to accommodate different sized containers. The spacer 266 may be provided with a connecting portion 272. The connecting portion 272 may be provided having a first elongated angled surface 268 and a second elongated angled surface 270. In addition, the connection portion 272 may be provided to have a plurality of protrusions 274. As shown in fig. 41B, the track may be formed with a tooth 278 having a flank surface 280 and a flank surface 282.

When assembled, as shown in fig. 41C, the connecting portion 272 is received between the teeth 278 of the track. In addition, the elongated angled surfaces 268 and 270 and the projection 274 are wedged between the teeth 278. As also shown in fig. 41C, the elongated angled surfaces 268 and 270 engage the tooth face surface 280 and the projection 274 engages the lower surface of the tooth 278. The flank surface 282 contacts the connection portion 272.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 42, the plate 306 is configured with dovetail connection portions. The first side 308 of the plate 306 is configured with a tongue 312 adapted to fit in a groove 314 on the second side 310 of the plate 306. To attach the retainer plate, groove 314 is aligned with tongue 312 such that tongue 312 is securely seated in groove 314.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 43, the pallet 306 is configured to receive the holder 250 at the front end. The holder may be provided with a rectangular hole 300 and the holder is provided with a protrusion 302 having a corresponding shape and size. To secure the retainer 250 to the pallet 306, the tabs 302 fit into the holes 300 to lock the retainer in place on the pallet 306.

As shown at 45-47, after the product management display system is assembled, products are loaded into the system. By adjusting the divider 266, products of various sizes and shapes can be loaded into the system. As shown in fig. 46 and 47, a coil spring 30 is associated with pusher plate 287 to urge the product toward holder 250. As the user removes the product from the system, pusher plate 287 pushes the remaining product so that the product slides along bottom surface 264 of holder 250. This ensures that all products remain in the front of the display system.

50-52, the product management display system 400 is arranged such that the trays 402, 404 may be stacked on top of each other. This embodiment may generally include a first pallet 402, a second pallet 404, a first spacer 406, and a second spacer 408.

The trays 402, 404 are each arranged to hold a product to be dispensed. The first blade 402 and the second blade 404 may each be configured with a transparent holder 410, a pusher mechanism 412, first and second guide walls, and a coil spring 414.

The pusher mechanism 414 is arranged in a similar manner to the embodiments described above, and it causes the products to slide along the surfaces of the pallets 402, 404 while they are being removed. Additionally, any of the alternative structures for the pusher mechanism described above may be implemented as stackable pallet structures.

To provide for easy assembly and disassembly, the stackable product management display system may be configured with a dovetail connection or any other suitable connection, such as a snap, screw threaded connection, or rivet connection. The first and second pallets are provided with claws 416 for assembling the first and second spacers 406, 408 to the first and second pallets 402, 404. The first and second pallets 402, 404 may each be provided with a sleeve 418 on their respective exterior surfaces for receiving correspondingly shaped jaws 416 located on the first and second spacers 406, 408.

To assemble the stackable product management display system, the pawls 416 on the first and second spacers 406, 408 are placed in a locking configuration in correspondingly shaped sleeves 418 on the exterior surfaces of the first and second pallets 402, 404. This provides a stackable structure that may be implemented in association with any of the embodiments described above.

In another exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 53-57, the pusher plate 500 may be mounted directly to the display shelf 508 and held thereto by the ends of the coil springs 504. The pusher plate 500 will slide along and over the top of the surface of the display shelf. One or more dividers 502 defining a T-shaped configuration may be positioned proximate to the pusher plate 500. In an alternative aspect, the base of the divider 502 can be positioned on the display shelf such that the base is located below the pusher plate 500. With this configuration, pusher plate 500 can slide along the base of the divider. If the dividers 502 are positioned far enough from the plate 500, the plate 500 will slide directly on the surface of the display stand 508. The dividers 502 can define any number of configurations, including those described herein, and can be secured to the display stand using any known technique, including push pins, rivets, fasteners, adhesives, and the like.

In one aspect, the ends 510 of the coil springs 504 are positioned in holes or apertures 506 located on the display stand 508. End 510 may define a spring tip, which may further define any suitable configuration that allows the spring end to enter bore 506 and remain secured to the bore. For example, the spring end of end 510 may define a hook-like configuration that allows end 510 to wrap around the edge of hole 506. Alternatively, the spring end may define one or more catches that hook over the edge of the aperture 506. Other spring tip configurations are also possible.

To further secure the spring 504 to the display stand 508, fasteners 512, pins, rivets, etc. may be used, as shown in fig. 54. This fastener 512 will provide a second spaced anchor point for the spring, which will maintain the spring in the desired alignment throughout the working action of the spring 504 as the board 500 is moved back and forth across the display stand 508. It will be appreciated that even more anchor points are possible depending on the type of display shelf and the number and spacing of the holes present on the display shelf.

Referring to fig. 55-57, an exemplary mounting technique for mounting the springs 504 of the plate 500 on a display rack is shown. As shown in FIG. 55, the ends 510 of the springs 504 are inserted into the holes 506 in the display stand. End 510 may define a spring tip as described herein to retain end 510 to the edge of aperture 506. As shown in fig. 56, the spring 504 (which in this embodiment includes a rivet or post 514) is lowered onto the display shelf so that the rivet or post 514 fits into another hole 506 located on the display shelf. The rivet or post provides another anchor point for the spring. As shown in fig. 56 and 57, the spring 504 may define a hole 516 for receiving another rivet or post 518 to further secure the spring 504 to the display stand. Through these multiple anchoring points, the spring 504 will be secured to the display shelf, and thus the board will be secured to the display shelf. Also, with these multiple anchor points, the springs will maintain the desired alignment throughout the spring's work as the board moves back and forth on the display shelf. It should be understood that other anchoring techniques may be used to secure the ends of the spring 504 to the display stand, including any of the techniques described herein, or any combination of the techniques described herein. It should be understood that if the display stand does not have pre-existing holes (which may be used to anchor the spring 504), one or more holes may be drilled into the display stand at desired locations.

With the embodiment shown in fig. 53-57, it will be appreciated that a trackless pusher plate can be retrofitted to existing store display stands with very minimal effort or additional mounting hardware. In addition, this embodiment is easily removable to allow the pusher plate to be repositioned anywhere on the display shelf to accommodate any size and type of product being sold on the display shelf. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that any of the pusher plates described herein may be mounted directly to a display rack using the techniques described herein, or by using any combination of the techniques described herein.

In another embodiment, as shown in fig. 58-60, the retainer plate 12 includes a front rounded portion 669. As shown in fig. 58, the retainer plate 12 also includes a front lip 670 located near the front of the front rounded portion 669. The front lip 670 may be rounded and may extend perpendicularly from the tray 12 in an upward direction. The front lip may have different heights and in one embodiment is 0.5 inches from the platform 12. The front lip includes a raised edge or wall portion 671 at each lateral end of the front lip. The wall portions are used to close the side portions of the label slot described later.

The tray may also include a shelf 672 positioned immediately forward of the front lip 670. The shelf 672 may be curved and may match the curvature of the front lip 670. The frame plate 672 includes a horizontal surface 674. The frame plate 672 also includes a projection 676 that is perpendicular to the horizontal surface 674 of the frame plate 672. The shelf 672 and front lip 670 add strength to the front portion of the pusher tray. In addition, the horizontal surface 674 of the shelf plate 672 is used to close the bottom portion of the sign slot described later.

In one embodiment, the front wall 100 includes a top wall 680 and a bottom wall 682. The top and bottom walls are connected by two side leg portions 684. Top wall 680 and bottom wall 682 are curved. The hole 686 is defined by a top wall 680, a bottom wall 682, and a side leg 684. The hole is sized so that the product P does not fit into the hole. The top wall may also include a contour from the top 688 of the top wall to the bottom 690 of the top wall. This profile helps limit or prevent scratching of the top wall. The profile also increases the strength of the top wall. The bottom wall includes a sidewall 708 that is adjacent in operation and can contact the protrusion 676. The side legs include a groove 698 at a bottom portion of the side legs 684. The groove helps to allow the hook 694 to be inserted into the hole 696. The front wall may be constructed of a transparent material that does not obstruct the view of the products sold in the trays 12.

The picture slots 692 are defined by (a) a bottom wall 682 of the front wall 100, (b) a curved portion of the lip 670, (c) a wall portion 671 at a lateral end of the lip 670, and (d) a horizontal surface 674 of the display rack 672. The picture slot is sized to contain a picture strip or other advertisement. Once the picture strip is placed in slot 692, it is protected from all sides except the top.

The front wall further includes two hooks 694. These hooks are configured to fit within holes 696 of tray 12. In one embodiment, to fit the hook 694 in the hole 696, the front wall is first rotated in the direction of arrow "A" as shown in FIG. 58, and the hook 694 does not engage the hole 696. The hook 694 is then inserted first into the hole 696, while the hook 694 is angled with respect to the hole. The front wall is then rotated in the direction of arrow "B" until the front wall reaches the position shown in the middle of fig. 59. In this position, the upper portion 696 of the hook 694 is parallel to the underside of the surface 16 of the pallet display rack 12, and the hook 694 is fully inserted through the hole 696. The hooks 694 are thereby mounted to the pallet 12. In one embodiment, the rear edges 700 of the side leg portions 684 are adjacent the front edge 702 of the divider 18. The rear edges 700 of the side legs 684 may contact the front edge 702 of the divider 18.

Fig. 59 discloses different mounting states of the front wall 100 and the picture sign member 706. The right side view of fig. 59 discloses the front wall 100 not mounted with the tray 12. Instead, the front wall 100 is shown above the tray 12. The picture tab 706 is also shown in an uninstalled state. The middle view of fig. 59 discloses the front wall 100 mounted with the tray 12. In the middle of fig. 59, the picture flag 706 is not installed. The downward arrow in the middle of fig. 59 shows the direction in which the picture flag 706 will move to fit with the picture slot 692. The left side view of fig. 59 discloses the picture flag 706 installed in the picture slot 692. When several trays 12 are attached to one another, the picture tabs 706 may be formed as a continuous or near continuous strip of picture advertising. The trays 12 may be formed separately and joined together, such as by dovetail joints. In one embodiment, a plurality of pallets may be formed as a unit to form a single unit for selling multiple rows of products.

Fig. 60 discloses several front walls 100 mounted with several pallets 12. The near-continuous nature of the picture advertising and the picture sign can be seen in fig. 60. Further, fig. 60 discloses that the product P is held on the tray 12 and confined by the front wall 100.

In another exemplary embodiment, which will be described in detail below in fig. 61-79, a pusher mechanism for merchandise display is configured to be placed in a pallet preloaded with packages. The pusher mechanism may include a first spring configured to bias the pusher mechanism and the pusher plate. The pusher plate includes a guide plate defining a guide plate plane, a first fold plate defining a first fold plate plane, a second fold plate defining a second fold plate plane. The pusher mechanism may include a second spring configured to bias the first folding plate and the second folding plate such that the first folding plate plane and the second folding plate plane are parallel to the guide plate plane. The first folding plate and the second folding plate are configured to pivot on a pusher mechanism. The first folding plate and the second folding plate are configured to move in a rearward direction of the pusher mechanism. The first and second folding panels pivot on first and second living hinges. The first folding plate and the second folding plate each include a pair of guide members configured to guide a first end and a second end of the second spring. The pusher mechanism may include a post for receiving the second spring and a recess configured to receive the plate insert. The board insert is configured to be secured to a display rack configured to receive a package.

The pusher mechanism may be part of a merchandise display system that includes a tray configured to receive a package and a perforated portion configured to provide an opening. The first and second folding plates of the pusher mechanism allow the pusher mechanism to be placed in the opening in the pallet. The first folding plate, the second folding plate, and the guide plate form a pusher plate and may be configured to provide a surface for biasing the packages in the pallet. The tray includes a vertically extending wall and a horizontally extending wall, and the opening is located on the vertically extending wall. The horizontally extending wall may have a second opening configured to receive the bottom plate of the pusher mechanism.

In a related embodiment, a method for displaying merchandise includes: providing a pallet configured to receive a package, the pallet having a perforated portion configured to provide an opening; and providing a pusher mechanism. The pusher mechanism includes a first spring configured to bias the pusher mechanism, a pusher plate including a guide plate defining a guide plate plane, a first fold plate defining a first fold plate plane, a second fold plate defining a second fold plate plane, and a second spring configured to bias the first fold plate and the second fold plate such that the first fold plate plane and the second fold plate plane are parallel to the guide plate plane. The first folding plate and the second folding plate are configured to pivot on a pusher mechanism.

The method further includes configuring the first and second folded panels of the pusher mechanism to pivot relative to the guide panel to allow the pusher mechanism to be positioned in the openings of the first folded panel and the tray, and configuring the guide panel and the second folded panel forming the pusher panel to provide a surface for biasing the packages. The method further includes configuring the first and second folding plates to move in a rearward direction of the pusher mechanism, configuring the first and second folding plates to pivot on the first and second living hinges, and providing the first and second folding plates with a pair of guide members configured to guide the first and second ends of the second spring. The method further includes providing a post for receiving the second spring. The pallet further includes a vertically extending wall and a horizontally extending wall, and the opening is located on the vertically extending wall.

The embodiment shown in fig. 61-79 is similar to the embodiments disclosed herein, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts. However, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 61-79, the pusher mechanism 814 is formed with folding plates 815a, 815b for positioning the pusher mechanism 814 within the housing 811 and tray assembly 812. In this embodiment, the pallet assembly 812 operates as a guide mechanism for the package 870. In this embodiment, and as described in detail below, packages 870 may be preloaded in and transported in a bin 811 that is configured to open at the bottom and end portions to allow pusher mechanism 814 to be placed in contact with packages 870, and a tray assembly 812, initially formed as part of bin 811, may be used to guide packages 870 toward the front portion of the display rack and tray assembly. In this manner, package 870 is pushed all the way to the front of the display stand, providing a more compact appearance to the consumer and easier for the consumer to use.

Fig. 61 shows a perspective view of the pusher mechanism 814. Fig. 62 shows a top view and fig. 63 shows a rear view. Pusher mechanism 814 includes a first coil spring 830, a guide plate 854, two folding plates 815a, 815b, and a coil spring housing 858. Guide plate 854 and the two folding plates 815a, 815b together form a pushing surface for pushing packages 870 toward the front of the display stand. The first coil spring 830 is configured to be wound in a coil spring housing 858 of the pusher mechanism 814. As shown in fig. 65 and 66, most of the first coil springs 830 are allowed to unwind into a flat state perpendicular to the guide plate 854 along the guide 847 of the pusher mechanism when stretched. The coil spring 830 stretches the pusher mechanism 814 in the direction of the fixed plate 844. Fig. 61 and 62 show the pusher mechanism 814 with the first coil spring 830 in a relaxed state. As package 870 is loaded between pusher mechanism 814 and fixed plate 844, package 870 will push upward against fixed plate 844. When the user removes the front package from the display shelf, the next package will be biased upwardly against the fixed plate 844.

Further, the pusher mechanism 814 may be provided as a locking mechanism 845 having a first coil spring 830 for locking the first ends of the pusher mechanism 814 and the pusher mechanism guide 847 in place on the pusher mechanism guide 847. The pusher mechanism guide 847 may be provided with a groove 847a for aligning the pusher mechanism 814 with an insert or front rail 849 (shown in fig. 67 and 68) that extends perpendicular to the pusher mechanism guide 847. The front rail 849 may be secured to the display stand using any known fastening method (e.g., fasteners, adhesives, etc.).

Folding plates 815a, 815b provide a foldable pusher mechanism 814. This feature allows the pusher mechanism 814 to initially occupy less space through the pallet assembly 812 or the opening 823 of the case during assembly of the pusher mechanism 814 to the pallet 812 and placement of the pallet 812 and package 870 on a display shelf for sale, as shown in fig. 70 and 72. As shown in fig. 63, the pusher mechanism 814 is provided with two vertical living hinges 807a, 807b interconnecting the guide plate 854 with the two folding plates 815a, 815 b. Vertical living hinges 807a, 807b are used to allow folding plates 815a, 815b to pivot on pusher mechanism 814.

As shown in fig. 61, pusher mechanism 854 also includes a second coil spring 813 mounted on a second coil spring post 821. The second coil springs 813 bias the folding plates 815a, 815b such that each plane defined by the folding plates 815a, 815b is biased parallel to the plane defined by the guide plate 854.

As shown in fig. 63, each folding plate 815a, 815b includes a pair of elongated guides 819 that provide guidance for each end 813a, 813b of the second coil spring 813. In this manner, each end 813a, 813b is properly positioned and maintained in contact with a rear portion of each folding plate 815a, 815b as the folding plates 815a, 815b retract and extend. The guide helps the second coil spring 813 to bias the folding plates 815a, 815b in a direction parallel to the guide plate 854.

As shown in fig. 70, 72, and 73, folding plates 815a, 815b allow the pusher mechanism 814 to be positioned in a vertically extending opening 823 in the rear portion of the tray 812 containing the packages 870. Once pusher mechanism 814 is placed in opening 823, the carton provides a tray 812 for dispensing packages 870. In particular, pusher mechanism 814 is placed in contact with package 870 and biases package 870 toward the front of tray 812 for a consumer to grasp it out of a display shelf (not shown).

Because of the folding plates 815a, 815b of the pusher mechanism 814, the opening in the case 812 provided for the pusher mechanism can be formed to a smaller size. Due to the smaller opening, the case structure 811 or pallet assembly 812 is not structurally compromised because it still has sufficient structure for loading and dispensing the packages 870 on the display rack. As shown particularly in fig. 66 and 72, the pusher mechanism 814 can be folded upward along living hinges 807a, 807b to occupy a smaller opening 823 formed through a perforated portion 825 in the housing 812. Once the pusher mechanism 814 is placed in contact with the package 870 inside the case 812, the second coil spring 813 then biases the folded panel parallel to the guide panel 854. This provides a greater pushing surface area to bias package 870 toward fixed plate 844 to achieve the proper amount of force on package 870 to force the package toward the front of tray 812.

The housing 811 may be provided with a top portion (not shown). Packages 870 may then be placed in bin 811 and the top portion may then be removed, exposing packages 870 in tray assembly 812. The tray assembly 812 can be formed by vertically extending walls 835 and horizontally extending walls 837. The vertically extending wall 835 may be provided with guide portions 835a, 835b, and the horizontally extending wall 837 may also be provided with guide portions 837a, 837 b. Guide portions 835a, 835b, 837a, 837b help guide packages 870 in tray assembly 812.

The perforated section 825 provides a portion of the pallet 812 for a channel opening 827 on a horizontally extending wall 837 and a vertically extending opening 823 on a vertically extending wall 835 along the bottom portion of the pallet 812. The vertically extending opening 823 provides for placing the pusher mechanism 814 in contact with the package 870 such that the pusher mechanism 814 can bias the package 870 toward the fixed plate 844, which can be positioned toward the front of the display shelf of the display package 870. A slot opening 827 along the bottom portion of the pallet 812 provides an elongated slot for the bottom plate 833 of the pusher mechanism 814 to travel along the pusher mechanism guide 847. As shown in fig. 76-79, the pierced portion 825 can be removed from the pallet 812. In addition, the worn-out portion 825 and the vertically extending wall 835 may be provided with a predetermined opening 823b that provides a user with a grip on the worn-out portion 825 to remove the worn-out portion 825 from the housing 812.

During operation, packages 807 are loaded into a bin 811 having a top portion (not shown). The user then removes the top portion of the housing 811 to form the pallet 812. The perforated section 825 can then be removed from the pallet 812 along the vertically extending wall 835 and the horizontally extending wall 837 to form the vertically extending opening 823 and the channel opening 827.

The user may then place the pusher mechanism 814 in contact with the package 870. First, the user aligns the plate 812 with the fixed plate 844. The user may then fold the folding plates 815a, 815b of the pusher mechanism 814 inwardly along the living hinges 807a, 807b to position the pusher mechanism in the opening 823 in the tray 812. Once the user releases the folding plates 815a, 815b, the folding plates 815a, 815b are biased parallel to the guide plate 854. Folding plates 815a, 815b and guide plate 854 together are biased against package 870 via pusher mechanism 814 and first coil spring 830. The package 870 is then forced toward the fixed plate 814. The groove 847a of the pusher mechanism guide 847 may then be placed in contact with a front rail 849, which may be secured to a display shelf. Once the consumer pulls one of the packages 870 off the display shelf, the remaining packages 870 are biased toward the fixed plate 844 and the packages 870 remain upright and displayed neatly to the consumer.

In another embodiment, described with reference to fig. 80A and 80B, a merchandise display system includes a first pusher mechanism having a first pusher plate, a first spring, and a first guide track. The first pusher mechanism is configured to be biased by a first spring along a plane defined by the first guide track. The second pusher mechanism includes a second pusher plate, a second spring, and a second guide rail. The second pusher mechanism is configured to be biased by a second spring along a plane defined by the second guide track. The first guide rail and the second guide rail are configured to be mounted on a horizontally oriented display shelf. Each plane of the first and second guide rails extends perpendicular to a plane defined by the display shelf. The first pusher mechanism and the second pusher mechanism extend a predetermined distance from the display shelf.

As shown in fig. 80A and 80B, the merchandise display assembly 900 may include two pusher mechanisms 914 that push the products from both sides. As shown in fig. 80A and 80B, the merchandise display assembly 900 includes a front rail 944 and two side dividers 918. Two side dividers 918 provide guidance and support for the pusher mechanism 914. The pusher mechanism 914 may be pre-assembled to the two side dividers 918 via coil springs (not shown). A coil spring may be secured to the front end of the spacer 918 such that the coil spring biases the pusher mechanism 914 toward the front of the blade 912. The side dividers 918 may be secured to the display shelf 970 using removable fasteners, rivets, adhesives, snaps, or any other known suitable attachment technique.

Not shown, though, the pusher mechanism 914 can include a coil spring to bias the pusher mechanism toward the front rail 944. Pusher mechanism 914 may also include a plate 950 that contacts product 970. Additionally, the pusher mechanism 914 may be provided with a hinge (not shown) such that the plate 950 may rotate about an axis parallel to the plane defined by the side dividers 918. The pusher mechanism 914 may also be provided with a swivel extension (not shown). The hinges and swivel extensions are provided for a plate 950 that does not obstruct the product 970 when the pusher mechanism is disposed on the display shelf 908.

During use, the products 970 may be pre-mounted on the pallet 912, which may be placed on the display stand 908. The side dividers 918 may then be adjusted on the display rack 908 according to the size of the pallet 912. The plate 950 may then be placed in contact with the last row of products 970. As the consumer selects products exiting the display shelf 908, the pusher mechanism 914 then biases the products 970 toward the front of the pallet 912.

In another embodiment, described with reference to fig. 81A and 81B, a merchandise display system includes a plurality of pusher mechanisms, each of which includes a guide, a spring, and a pusher plate. The guide of the pusher mechanism includes a pair of guide openings. The merchandise display system also has a pair of adjustable side portions. The adjustable side portions include alignment tubes that provide an adjustable length between the adjustable side portions. The alignment tube is received in the pair of guide openings of the guide of the pusher mechanism.

The embodiment shown in fig. 81A and 81B is similar to the embodiment described above with reference to fig. 80A, 80B. In this embodiment, however, pusher guide or track 1018 is positioned over and above the top of product 1070. The pusher track 1018 provides guidance and support for the pusher mechanism 1014. In this embodiment, the merchandise display assembly 1000 may include a plurality of pusher mechanisms 1014 having a plurality of plates 1050 and a plurality of plate extensions 1053 that push the products 1070 over the top of the merchandise display.

As shown in fig. 81A and 81B, the merchandise display assembly 1000 may include two extendable side portions 1019. The two extendable side portions 1019 may be provided with a pair of male alignment tubes 1055a and a pair of female alignment tubes 1055b that provide a variable length between the side portions 1019. In particular, the male alignment tube 1055a can be received by the female alignment tube 1005b to provide sliding adjustment between the extended side portions 1019. Each pusher track 1018 may be provided with a guide opening 1057 for receiving alignment tubes 1055a, 1055 b. The alignment tubes 1055a, 1055b can be secured to the guide opening 1057 by any suitable fastening method to fix the position of the side portions 1019 relative to each other. Additionally, the side portions 1019 can be secured to the display stand 1008 by any known suitable fastening method. The pusher mechanism 1014 may be pre-assembled to the pusher track 1018 via a coil spring (not shown). A coil spring may be secured to the front end of the pusher track 1018 such that the coil spring biases the pusher mechanism 1014 toward the front of the pallet 1012. Further, the pusher mechanism 1014 may be secured to the plate extension 1053 using any known fastening method.

Although not shown, the pusher mechanism 1014 may include a coil spring to bias the pusher mechanism 1014 toward the front of the pallet 1012. Plate extension 1053 is configured to contact product 1070 and push product 1070 toward the front of tray 1012. Additionally, the pusher mechanism 1014 may be provided with a hinge such that the plate 1050 and plate extension 1053 may rotate about an axis parallel to the male and female alignment tubes 1055a, 1055 b. Hinges are provided for the plate 1050 and plate extension 1053 that may not interfere with the product 1070 when the pusher mechanism is deployed onto the display rack 1008.

During use, products 1070 may be pre-positioned on pallets 1012, which may be placed on display rack 1008. The side portions 1019 may then be adjusted on the display shelf 1008 according to the size of the pallet 1012, and the side portions 1019 may be fixed relative to each other according to the size of the pallet 1012. The plate 1050 may then be placed in contact with the last row 1070. As the consumer selects a product to exit the display shelf 1008, the pusher mechanism 1050 then biases the remaining product 1070 toward the front of the tray 1070.

In another embodiment described with reference to fig. 82A-82D, a merchandise display system includes a pusher mechanism, a front rail, and a rear rail. The pusher mechanism may include a pusher plate, a pusher guide, and a spring. The pusher guide is configured to slide on the rear track and is configured to extend over the products, and the pusher plate is configured to bias the products toward the front track.

The embodiment shown in fig. 82A-82D is similar to the embodiment shown in fig. 80A, 80B. However, in this embodiment, the pusher guide 1118 extends above the products 1170. In this embodiment, the merchandise display assembly 1100 may include a pusher mechanism 1114 that pushes the product from the top of the assembly 1100 or the display shelf 1108. As shown in fig. 82A and 82B, the merchandise display assembly 1100 includes a front rail 1144a and a rear rail 1144B. The pusher guide 1118 provides guidance and support for the pusher mechanism 1114. The pusher mechanism 1114 may be pre-assembled to the pusher guide 1118 via a coil spring (not shown). A coil spring may be secured to the front end of the pusher guide such that the coil spring biases the pusher mechanism 1114 toward the front rail 1144 a. The pusher guide 1118 is configured to slide along the rear track 1144b to adjust the positioning of the products 1170 on the display shelf 1108.

Although not shown, the pusher mechanism 1114 may include a coil spring to bias the pusher mechanism 1114 toward the front rail 1144 a. The pusher mechanism 1114 may also include a plate 1150 that contacts the product 1170. Additionally, the pusher mechanism 1114 may be provided with a hinge such that the plate 1150 may rotate about an axis parallel to the rear rail 1144 b. The hinge is configured to move out of the way of the product 1170 when the pusher mechanism is deployed on the display rack 1108. Fig. 82C and 82D show an alternative rear track 1144b used in association with the pusher mechanism 1118. In this configuration, the rear rail 1144b may be provided with a flange configured to rest on the display shelf 1108.

During use, products may be pre-loaded on the trays 1112, which may be placed on the display rack 1108. The pusher mechanism 1118 may then be positioned on the display shelf 1108 according to the size and orientation of the display shelf upper tray 1112. The plate 1150 may then be placed in contact with the last row 1170. The pusher mechanism 1114 then biases the remaining products 1170 toward the front of the blade 1112 as the consumer selects the products to exit the display shelf 1108.

Variations and modifications of the foregoing are also within the scope of the present invention. For example, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many of the components described may be used in a store and may have various configurations. The present invention is therefore not limited to the single system shown in the drawings, nor to the pusher configuration shown in the drawings, as this system is a brief description of the features, teachings and principles of the present invention. It is understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative embodiments of the present invention. Preferred embodiments of the embodiments described herein have been explained for the purpose of implementing the invention and enabling those skilled in the art to utilize the invention.

Claims (4)

1. A merchandise display system, comprising:

a plurality of pusher mechanisms, each comprising a guide, a spring, a pusher plate, and wherein the guide of the pusher mechanism comprises a pair of guide openings;

a pair of extendable side portions including an alignment tube providing a variable length between the pair of extendable side portions, the pair of extendable side portions each having a top and a bottom, the bottoms being secured to a display rack, the alignment tube being located at the tops of the pair of extendable side portions; and

wherein the guide extends between the alignment tubes and the alignment tubes are received in the pair of guide openings;

one of the extendable side portions includes a male alignment tube and the other extendable side portion includes a female alignment tube, wherein the male alignment tube is receivable by the female alignment tube for sliding adjustment between the pair of extendable side portions.

2. The merchandise display system of claim 1, wherein the pusher mechanism has a plate extension.

3. The merchandise display system of claim 2, wherein each pusher mechanism is provided with a hinge such that the pusher plate and the plate extension are rotatable about an axis parallel to the male and female alignment tubes.

4. The merchandise display system of claim 3, wherein a hinge is provided for the pusher plate and the plate extension, the pusher plate and the plate extension may not interfere with the product when the pusher mechanism is deployed onto the display shelf.

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