MERCHANDISE DISPLAY DEVICE

Abstract

A merchandise display device includes an attachment configured to be attached to a merchandise display fixture, a product hanging bar having a resin surface and configured to allow a product to hang thereon, including a first inclined portion extending from a proximal end to a distal end and being attached to the attachment at the distal end in a manner inclined downwards toward a front, and a second inclined portion bent upwards and extending diagonally from the distal end of the first inclined portion, a catch configured to catch a product hanging on the first inclined portion; and a trigger configured to release the catch.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a merchandise display device that is used in stores, such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and mass merchandisers, to display a plurality of products hanging thereon in a row, and is capable of autofeed-forwarding the products.

BACKGROUND ART

A merchandise display device with a single product hanging bar that allows a plurality of products to removably hang thereon is widely used in supermarkets, convenience stores, mass merchandisers, and the like, because such a fitting can display products in an orderly manner in a small space.

For the purpose of displaying products attractively, Patent Literature 1 discloses a merchandise display device capable of reducing uplifting of the bottom part of the foremost product, for example. The merchandise display device includes an attachment configured to be attached to a horizontal bar of a merchandise display fixture, and a rod-shaped arm configured to allow a product to hang thereon. The arm includes a downwards inclined portion extending diagonally downwards from the attachment toward the front, a decelerating portion extending horizontally from the front end of the downwards inclined portion toward the front, and an upwards inclined portion extending diagonally upwards from the front end of the decelerating portion toward the front. With the merchandise display device, because the decelerating portion reduces the momentum of products sliding along the downwards inclined portion, the foremost product is less likely to be swiftly pushed by the following products, so that the bottom part of the foremost product is less likely to become uplifted.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

• • Patent Literature 1: Utility Model Registration No. 3149151

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Problem to be Solved by Invention

Even with such a merchandise display device having a decelerating portion, as disclosed in Patent Literature 1, the foremost product may become uplifted when being pushed by the following products. With the foremost product uplifted, a display face is not aesthetically pleasing. Such a situation is prominent in, for example, displays of toothbrushes, in which the products hanging on the merchandise display device are thin and elongated, and the bottom ends of the products are highly likely to become uplifted. There is a demand for aligning the products hanging on a merchandise display device, in a manner aligned in a row, and facing directly frontwards, straightly, that is, in the vertical orientation.

Furthermore, in the merchandise display device capable of autofeed-forwarding the products using a downwards inclined portion as disclosed in Patent Literature 1, there is a demand for preventing the display from becoming disordered after the foremost product is taken out.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a merchandise display device allowing the products to automatically move frontwards, and capable of maintaining a well-organized display.

Solution to Problem

The problem described above is solved with the present invention described hereinafter. Specifically, the present invention (1) provides a merchandise display device comprising:

• • an attachment configured to be attached to a merchandise display fixture;
  • a product hanging bar having a resin surface and configured to allow a product to hang thereon, including a first inclined portion extending from a proximal end to a distal end and being attached to the attachment at the distal end in a manner inclined downwards toward a front, and a second inclined portion bent upwards and extending diagonally from the distal end of the first inclined portion;
  • a catch configured to catch a product banging on the first inclined portion; and
  • a trigger configured to release the catch.

The present invention (2) provides the merchandise display device according to (1), wherein the trigger includes a pivoting member disposed in the product hanging bar, configured to pivot about a shaft, and configured to release the catch when the pivoting member is pivoted.

The present invention (3) provides the merchandise display device according to (2), wherein

• • the pivoting member has a first portion enabled to protrude from a first surface of the first inclined portion beyond the catch, and a second portion protruding from a second surface of the second inclined portion and enabled to retract toward the second surface, and
  • the trigger includes a pivoting mechanism configured to move between
    • an engaging position at which the first portion is retracted from the first surface and the second portion protrudes from the second surface, and
    • a release position at which the first portion protrudes from the first surface beyond the catch and the second portion is retracted toward the second surface.

The present invention (4) provides the merchandise display device according to (3), wherein the first portion of the pivoting member includes a downwards inclined front portion extending frontwards in an axial direction of the first inclined portion, and a stopper at the back of the first portion.

The present invention (5) provides the merchandise display device according to (2), wherein

• • the catch has an engaging protrusion enabled to protrude from a first surface of the first inclined portion.
  • the pivoting member has a first portion having the engaging protrusion and enabled to retract toward the first surface of the first inclined portion, and a second portion protruding from the second surface of the second inclined portion and enabled to retract toward the second surface, and
  • the trigger includes a pivoting mechanism configured to move between
    • an engaging position at which the engaging protrusion of the first portion protrudes from the first surface and the second portion protrudes from the second surface, and
    • a release position at which the engaging protrusion of the first portion is retracted toward the first surface and the second portion is retracted toward the second surface.

The present invention (6) provides the merchandise display device according to (2), wherein

• • the catch has an engaging protrusion enabled to protrude from a surface of the first inclined portion,
  • the pivoting member has a first portion having the engaging protrusion and enabled to retract toward the surface of the first inclined portion, and a second portion enabled to protrude from the surface of the first inclined portion, and
  • the trigger includes a pivoting mechanism configured to move between
    • an engaging position at which the engaging protrusion of the first portion protrudes from the surface and the second portion is retracted toward the surface, and
    • a release position at which the engaging protrusion of the first portion is retracted toward the surface and the second portion protrudes from the surface.

The present invention (7) provides the merchandise display device according to any one of (3) to (6), wherein the pivoting mechanism is returned from the release position to the engaging position by an own weight.

The present invention (8) provides the merchandise display device according to (3) or (4), wherein

• • the trigger includes an elastic member that applies a biasing force, and
  • the pivoting mechanism is returned from the release position to the engaging position by the biasing force.

The present invention (9) provides the merchandise display device according to (1), wherein the trigger has a sliding member disposed in the product hanging bar and configured to slide in an axial direction, and, with sliding of the sliding member, the catch is released.

The present invention (10) provides the merchandise display device according to (9), wherein

• • the catch has an engaging protrusion enabled to protrude from a first surface of the first inclined portion,
  • the sliding member has a first portion having the engaging protrusion and enabled to retract toward the first surface of the first inclined portion, and a second portion protruding from a second surface of the second inclined portion and enabled to retract toward the second surface, and
  • the trigger includes a sliding mechanism configured to move between
    • an engaging position at which the engaging protrusion of the first portion protrudes from the first surface and the second portion protrudes from the second surface, and
    • a release position at which the engaging protrusion of the first portion is retracted toward the first surface and the second portion is retracted toward the second surface.

The present invention (11) provides the merchandise display device according to (9), wherein

• • the catch has an engaging groove provided near the distal end of the first inclined portion, and a closing portion provided at the back of the engaging groove in an axial direction of the first inclined portion,
  • the sliding member has a first portion having the closing portion and enabled to close the engaging groove, and a second portion protruding from a second surface of the second inclined portion and enabled to retract toward the second surface, and
  • the trigger includes a sliding mechanism configured to move between
    • an engaging position at which the engaging groove is opened and the second portion protrudes from the second surface, and
    • a release position at which the closing portion of the first portion closes the engaging groove and the second portion is retracted toward the second surface.

The present invention (12) provides the merchandise display device according to (10) or (11), wherein

• • the trigger includes an elastic member that applies a biasing force, and
  • the sliding mechanism is returned from the release position to the engaging position by the biasing force.

The present invention (13) provides the merchandise display device according to (1), wherein the catch includes an engaging groove provided near the distal end of the first inclined portion.

The present invention (14) provides the merchandise display device according to (1), wherein the catch includes an engaging protrusion provided near the distal end of the first inclined portion.

The present invention (15) provides the merchandise display device according to (13) or (14), wherein the engaging groove or the engaging protrusion is at a position separated from a bent part between the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion by a distance equal to or greater than a thickness of a product hanging on the product hanging bar, in an axial direction of the first inclined portion.

The present invention (16) provides the merchandise display device according to (13), wherein the catch includes an engaging protrusion provided in front of the engaging groove in the axial direction of the first inclined portion.

The present invention (17) provides the merchandise display device according to any one of (1) to (17), wherein

• • the product hanging bar includes a metal bar being attached to the attachment at the proximal end, and a resin bar covering the metal bar, and
  • the metal bar and the resin bar form the first inclined portion, and the resin bar forms the second inclined portion.

The present invention (18) provides the merchandise display device according to (17), wherein the trigger is fitted in a slit provided in an axial direction of the resin bar.

The present invention (19) provides the merchandise display device according to (17) or (18), wherein a small protrusion protruding slightly upwards is provided to a surface of the resin bar.

Effect of Invention

According to the present invention, a merchandise display device allowing the products to automatically move frontwards, and capable of maintaining a well-organized display is provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a merchandise display device according to a first embodiment, in a view from a front side.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the merchandise display device according to the first embodiment, in a view from a rear side.

FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating the merchandise display device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view across the line A-A in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view across the line B-B in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is an axial cross-sectional view of the merchandise display device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a part of the merchandise display device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged exploded view of a part of the merchandise display device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a distal end of a product hanging bar in the merchandise display device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an axial cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustrating the merchandise display device according to the first embodiment in use.

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustrating the merchandise display device according to the first embodiment in use.

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustrating a part of the merchandise display device according to the first embodiment, illustrating an action for taking out a foremost product.

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustrating a series of actions at the time of taking out the foremost product.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view illustrating a distal end of a merchandise display device (product hanging bar) according to a first variant.

FIG. 16 is an axial cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view illustrating a distal end of a merchandise display device (product hanging bar) according to a second variant.

FIG. 18 is an axial cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is an axial cross-sectional view in a release state.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged view illustrating a distal end of a merchandise display device (product hanging bar) according to a third variant.

FIG. 21 is an axial cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is an axial cross-sectional view in a release state.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged view illustrating a distal end of a merchandise display device (product hanging bar) according to a fourth variant.

FIG. 24 is an axial cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is an axial cross-sectional view in a release state.

FIG. 26 is an enlarged view illustrating a distal end of a merchandise display device (product hanging bar) according to a fifth variant.

FIG. 27 is a combined axial cross-sectional view in an engaging state corresponding to FIG. 24.

FIG. 28 is an axial cross-sectional view in a release state.

FIG. 29 is a combined axial cross-sectional view in an engaging state.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view illustrating a merchandise display device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a front view illustrating the merchandise display device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 32 is an axial cross-sectional view illustrating the merchandise display device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 33 is an exploded view illustrating the merchandise display device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a schematic illustrating a series of actions at the time of taking out the foremost product.

FIG. 35 is a schematic illustrating a merchandise display device according to prior art in use.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A merchandise display device according to each embodiment of the present invention will now be explained with reference to drawings. The merchandise display device has a product autofeed-forwarding function implemented by a product hanging bar having a low-frictional surface and inclined downwards toward the front.

First Embodiment

FIGS. 1 to 10 are schematic illustrating one example of a merchandise display device 1 according to a first embodiment. The merchandise display device 1 includes an attachment 11, a product hanging bar 12, a product tag holder support bar 13, and a product tag holder 14.

The attachment 11 is a part to be attached to a merchandise display fixture, not illustrated. The attachment 11 has an opening 15 facing downwards, in a reversed U-shape. The opening 15 of the attachment 11 is fixed onto a bar member extending in the right-and-left direction and having a rectangular cross section, in the rear part of the merchandise display fixture, not illustrated, for example.

The attachment 11 has a top surface 16 where the product hanging bar 12 is fixed, and a rear surface 17 that extends substantially vertically downwards from the top surface 16, and where the product tag holder support bar 13 is fixed. The top surface 16 of the attachment 11 does not extend in parallel with a bottom surface 18 delineating the opening 15, but is a downwards inclined surface extending toward the front. Therefore, when the merchandise display device 1 is attached to the merchandise display fixture, the product hanging bar 12 fixed to the top surface 16 of the attachment 11 also becomes inclined downwards toward the front, as indicated in FIG. 3.

The product hanging bar 12 is a part configured to allow a plurality of products removably hang thereon. The product hanging bar 12 has a round rod-like shape, for example. The product hanging bar 12 has a first inclined portion 22 being substantially linear, and extending in the axial direction from a proximal end 19 toward a distal end 21, and a second inclined portion 23 bending diagonally upwards from the distal end 21 of the first inclined portion 22. The product hanging bar 12 is a member having a bent part 24 on the distal end. The first inclined portion 22 has the proximal end 19 fixed to the attachment 11 and therefore inclined downwards toward the front, as mentioned earlier. The “substantially linear” shape also includes a shape including two continuous linear portions that are slightly bent with respect to each other (at an inner angle near 180 degrees), as well as a linear shape, for example. The product hanging bar 12 may include some bent part, as long as the product hanging bar 12 is substantially linear as a whole, and is inclined downwards toward the front.

The product hanging bar 12 is a composite bar including a metal bar 25 and a resin bar 26 covering the metal bar 25, for example. The metal bar 25 may be a bar made of a sheet metal, having a U-shaped cross section, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. The resin bar 26 is a member separate from the metal bar 25, and is attached in a manner covering the metal bar 25. The resin bar 26 is a sheath member having an internal space 27 where the metal bar 25 is housed. The resin bar 26 has an inner diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of the metal bar 25. Examples of the metal bar 25 include bars made from chrome-plated steel and stainless steel. By using the metal bar 25 as a part of the product hanging bar 12, rigidity can be ensured, so that heavy products can stably hang on the product hanging bar 12. Furthermore, by using the resin bar 26 on the surface of the product hanging bar 12 (the surface on which the product hangs), slidability is improved, so that the product hanging bar 12 is capable of autofeed-forwarding a product. Examples of the resin bar 26 include bars made of polyacetal, polyethylene, and nylon. These types of resins have lower friction coefficients than that of the metal bar 25 (for example, chrome-plated steel), which is to be covered by the resin.

As illustrated as exploded in FIG. 7, the substantially linear metal bar 25 is a substantially linear member attached to the attachment 11. The resin bar 26 is a member including a substantially linear part 31 extending from a proximal end 28 to a distal end 29 of the resin bar 26, and an upwards oriented part 32 bending upwards and extending diagonally from the distal end 29 of the substantially linear part 31. The metal bar 25 covered by the resin bar 26 forms the product hanging bar 12. The metal bar 25 and the substantially linear part 31 of the resin bar 26 form the first inclined portion 22, and the upwards oriented part 32 of the resin bar 26 forms the second inclined portion 23, as described above.

As illustrated in the cross section across the line B-B in FIG. 5, a small protrusion 33 protruding slightly upwards is provided on the surface of the resin bar 26. The small protrusion 33 serves to reduce the frictional resistance against the product hanging on the resin bar 26, so that the product is allowed to slide toward the front more smoothly.

The product tag holder support bar 13 is a L-shaped rod-like member. The bar may also have a round rod-like shape. A proximal end 34 of the product tag holder support bar 13 is fixed to the rear surface 17 of the attachment 11. The L-shaped product tag holder support bar 13 extends upwards from the rear surface 17 of the attachment 11, and then extends toward the front, in parallel with the product hanging bar 12.

The product tag holder 14 is attached to a distal end of the product tag holder support bar 13. The product tag holder 14 holds a card indicating information such as the name of the product, removably.

As described above, by the product hanging bar 12 inclined downwards toward the front and having a low-friction resin surface, the merchandise display device 1 is provided with a product autofeed-forwarding function using the gravity of the product hanging on the product hanging bar 12. When a plurality of products hang on the product hanging bar 12, the foremost product stops at the bent part 24 between the first inclined portion 22 and the second inclined portion 23 of the product hanging bar 12.

The merchandise display device 1 according to the embodiment includes an uplifting preventing function for ensuring a space between the foremost product and the following product and preventing the situation that the foremost product is uplifted when being pushed by the following product, in addition to the product autofeed-forwarding function. The merchandise display device 1 also includes an alignment maintaining function for maintaining the displayed products in alignment, before and after the foremost product is taken out. A structure relevant to the uplifting preventing function and the alignment maintaining function (a catch 35 and a trigger 36) will now be explained.

The resin bar 26 has an engaging groove 37 recessed in the radial direction from the surface of the resin bar 26, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 10. The resin bar 26 also has an engaging protrusion 38 protruding in the radial direction from the surface of the resin bar 26, near the engaging groove 37. The engaging protrusion 38 is provided on front of the engaging groove 37 in the axial direction. The engaging groove 37 and the engaging protrusion 38 form the catch 35 configured to catch a product hanging on the first inclined portion 22 of the product hanging bar 12, behind the bent part 24. The engaging groove 37 has a predetermined interval d with respect to the bent part 24 of the product hanging bar 12, in the axial direction. The interval d preferably has a size equal to or greater than the thickness of a product (package) hanging on the product hanging bar 12. By ensuring the interval equal to or greater than the thickness, the product on the front part (the foremost product kept at the bent part 24) is not pushed by the product caught on the catch 35.

The resin bar 26 has a slit 39 extending in the axial direction of the resin bar 26, and cut out in the radial direction of the resin bar 26. The slit 39 extends across the proximity of the distal end of the first inclined portion 22 to the second inclined portion 23 of the product hanging bar 12. Inside the slit 39, a trigger 36 is fitted. The trigger 36 is provided for the purpose of releasing the product caught on the catch 35.

The trigger 36 is provided from the proximity of the distal end of the first inclined portion 22 to the second inclined portion 23. The trigger 36 is a member having a substantially L-shape including a first portion 41 that is a rear portion, and a second portion 42 that is a front portion. In other words, the trigger 36 is a member having a bent part 43. A pivot groove 44 is provided to the bent part 43. The pivot groove 44 is fitted in a shaft 45 formed in the slit 39 of the resin bar 26. The trigger 36 in the embodiment is a pivoting member that pivots about the shaft.

The first portion 41 that is the rear portion of the trigger 36 extends at least to the position corresponding to the engaging groove 37 of the resin bar 26. The first portion 41 is fitted in the slit 39 in the first inclined portion 22 in the resin bar 26. With the first portion 41 fitted, the surface of the first portion 41 is retreated from the surface (first surface 46) of the first inclined portion 22, in flush with the surface of the engaging groove 37 in the radial direction. As the trigger 36 pivots about the shaft, the surface (first surface 46) of the first inclined portion 22 protrudes, in the radial direction, beyond the engaging protrusion 38. The second portion 42 that is the front portion of the trigger 36 is fitted in the slit 39 in the second inclined portion 23 of the resin bar 26. With the second portion 42 fitted, a part thereof protrudes radially from the surface (second surface 47) of the second inclined portion 23, but as the trigger 36 is pivoted, the second portion 42 is retracted toward the surface (second surface 47) of the second inclined portion 23.

The trigger 36 includes a moving mechanism 48 moving between an engaging position at which the first portion 41 that is the rear portion is retracted from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22, and the second portion 42 that is the front portion protrudes from the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23, and a release position at which the first portion 41 that is the rear portion protrudes from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22, and the second portion 42 that is the front portion is retracted toward the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23. With the trigger 36 at the engaging position, the first portion 41 is retracted from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22, and the second portion 42 protrudes from the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23. With the trigger 36 at the release position, the first portion 41 protrudes from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22, and the second portion 42 is retracted toward the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23. In the embodiment, the moving mechanism 48 is a pivoting mechanism 49 implemented as the pivot groove 44 and the shaft 45. As the trigger 36 pivots about the shaft, the trigger 36 moves between the engaging position and the release position.

The first portion 41 that is the rear portion of the trigger 36 includes a downwards inclined front portion 51 extending frontwards in the axial direction of the first inclined portion 22, and a stopper 52 at the back of the first portion. The downwards inclined front portion 51 is positioned in front of the engaging groove 37 in the axial direction of the first inclined portion 22, and the stopper 52 is positioned behind the engaging groove 37 in the axial direction. The downwards inclined front portion 51 is a part inclined downwards toward the front, so that the released product is allowed to move toward the front. The stopper 52 is an elevated part for stopping the frontward movement of the products behind the foremost product.

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustrating the merchandise display device according to the first embodiment in use. An example of products allowed to hang on the merchandise display device is a toothbrush, without limitation thereto. Each of the products has a hook, and is displayed with the hook hanging on the product hanging bar 12. Hereinafter, among the products hanging on the product hanging bar 12 of the merchandise display device 1, the foremost product will be referred to as a first product 55; the second foremost product will be referred to as a second product 56; and the third foremost product will be referred to as a third product 57.

The first product 55 is caught on the bent part 24 near a boundary between the first inclined portion 22 and the second inclined portion 23 of the product hanging bar 12. The second product 56 is caught on the engaging groove 37 in the first inclined portion 22 of the product hanging bar 12. The second product 56 is also caught on the engaging protrusion 38, on the front part of the engaging groove 37. Each of the third and the subsequent products are caught by being in abutment against the products on the front and rear sides. Because each of the third and the subsequent products on the first inclined portion 22, which is inclined downwards toward the front, is caught by being in abutment against the products on the front and the rear sides, each of these products pushes the product on the front part. However, because the second product 56 is caught on the catch 35 (the engaging groove 37 and the engaging protrusion 38), the propagation of the force of the third and the subsequent products pushing a preceding product stops at the second product 56, and does not reach the first product 55. In other words, because the second and the subsequent products do not push the first product 55 too much from behind, the first product 55 remains vertically orientated at the bent part 24. The first product 55, which is located in the front of the display, faces directly frontwards. With a conventional merchandise display device having a first inclined portion 22 without the catch 35, as illustrated in FIG. 35, the first product 55 at the bent part 24 cannot be maintained at the vertical orientation, and the bottom end thereof becomes uplifted when being pushed by the second and the subsequent products. However, with the merchandise display device according to the embodiment, such uplifting does not occur.

In the explanation hereunder, the position of the first product 55 on the product hanging bar 12 (the position of the first product 55 in the axial direction of the first inclined portion 22) illustrated in FIG. 11 will be referred to as a first position, and the position of the second product 56 will be referred to as a second the position.

A series of actions at the time the first product 55 is taken out will now be explained with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14. In the merchandise display device 1 according to the embodiment, when the first product 55 at the first position is taken out, the moving mechanism 48 of the trigger 36, that is, the pivoting mechanism 49, in the example, is activated, and the second product 56 caught on the catch 35 is released, so that the second product 56 moves from the second position to the first position. The moving mechanism 48 of the trigger, that is, the pivoting mechanism 49, in the example, is also activated, and the third product 57 moves to the second the position, so that the third product 57 is caught by the catch 35 at the second position. Thereby, the arrangement of the product display illustrated in FIG. 10 is recovered, even after the foremost product is taken out. Therefore, even after the product is taken out, the orderly arrangement of the product display with no uplifted product can be maintained.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are schematics illustrating the merchandise display device 1 according to the first embodiment in use, but with the product tag holder support bar and the product tag holder removed. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view illustrating a series of actions at the time when the first product 55 at the first position is taken out.

In a state where the products are displayed as illustrated in FIG. 12 and FIG. 14(1), if the first product 55 at the first position is taken out as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14(2), the first product 55 abuts against the second portion 42 of the trigger 36, that is, the protruding part protruding from the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23 of the product hanging bar 12, and pushes the trigger 36, the trigger 36 is pivoted about the shaft by the pivoting mechanism 49. As illustrated in FIG. 14(3), as the trigger 36 pivots about the shaft, the second portion 42 of the trigger 36 is retracted toward the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23 of the product hanging bar 12, and the first portion 41 of the trigger 36 protrudes from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22 of the product hanging bar 12. As the first portion 41 protrudes from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22 in the product hanging bar 12, the first portion 41 radially lifts up the second product 56 caught on the engaging groove 37 and the engaging protrusion 38, and the second product 56 is released.

The second product 56 lifted by the first portion 41 of the trigger 36 is then moved frontwards along the downwards inclined front portion 51 of the first portion 41 by the gravity as illustrated in FIG. 14(4). At this time, the following third product 57 also moves frontwards along the first inclined portion 22, but then abuts against and stops at the stopper 52 at the back of the first portion 41. Because the third product 57 cannot move frontwards any further, the second product 56 and the third product 57 do not approach each other, and the space therebetween is maintained.

The second product 56 moved frontwards along the downwards inclined front portion 51 of the first portion 41 reaches the first position near the bent part 24. The trigger 36 is pivoted about the shaft by the own weight. As the trigger 36 pivots about the shaft, the first portion 41 of the trigger 36 is retracted toward the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22 of the product hanging bar 12, and the second portion 42 of the trigger 36 protrudes in a radial direction so as to separate from the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23 of the product hanging bar 12. The third product 57 is then released from the stopper 52 at the back of the first portion, moves frontwards along the first inclined portion 22, and reaches the engaging groove 37. The third product 57 is caught by the catch 35 at the second position. As a result, the same arrangement of the product display as that illustrated in FIG. 14(1) is achieved, as illustrated in FIG. 14(5). In this manner, even if the foremost product is taken out, the arrangement of the product display illustrated in FIG. 12 is maintained.

As described above, when the foremost product is taken out by pulling the first product 55 toward the distal end of the product hanging bar 12, the product pushes the second portion 42 of the trigger 36, and the trigger 36 is pivoted. As the trigger 36 pivots about the shaft, the second portion 42 is retracted toward the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23, and the first portion 41 protrudes from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22, and thus the second product 56 caught on the catch 35 is released, so that the second product 56 moves frontwards along the downwards inclined front portion 51 of the first portion 41. In this manner, the second product 56 passes through the catch 35. The stopper 52 on the first portion 41 then prevents the third product 57 from moving frontwards. Described above are a series of actions at the time when the trigger 36 (pivoting member) is moved from the engaging position to the release position by the pivoting mechanism 49.

Furthermore, when the second product 56 moves frontwards and reaches the first position, the trigger 36 is pivoted about the shaft. As the trigger 36 pivots about the shaft, the first portion 41 is retracted toward the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22, and the second portion 42 protrudes in the radial direction so as to separate from the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23, and thus the third product 57 stopped by the stopper 52 at the back of the first portion is released and moves frontwards, so that the third product 57 is caught by the catch 35 at the second position. Described above are a series of actions at the time when the trigger 36 (pivoting member) is moved from the release position to the engaging position by the pivoting mechanism 49. Because the trigger 36 is returned from the release position to the engaging position by the own weight, the series of actions by which the trigger 36 moves from the engaging position to the release position is followed by the series of actions of moving from the release position to the engaging position.

First Embodiment: First Variant

FIGS. 15 and 16 are schematics illustrating a distal end of a merchandise display device 2 (product hanging bar 12) according to a first variant. In the first variant, an elastic biasing force is used in returning the trigger 36 from the release position to the engaging position. Differences with respect to the first embodiment will now be explained.

The trigger 36 includes an elastic member 61 on the distal end of the second portion 42. Inside the second portion 42, the elastic member 61 is kept in abutment against an inner wall 62 of the resin bar 26.

When the first product abuts against the second portion 42 of the trigger 36 and pushes the trigger 36, the trigger 36 is pivoted about the shaft by the pivoting mechanism 49. At this time, the elastic member 61 is pressed on and biased against the inner wall 62. As the trigger 36 pivots about the shaft, the second portion 42 of the trigger 36 is retracted toward the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23, and the first portion 41 of the trigger 36 protrudes from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22. As the first portion 41 protrudes from the first surface 46, the first portion 41 lifts up the second product caught on the catch 35, and the second product 56 is released.

When the second product reaches the first position, the trigger 36 is pivoted about the shaft by the biasing force of the elastic member 61. As the trigger 36 pivots about the shaft, the first portion 41 of the trigger 36 is retracted toward the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22, and the second portion 42 of the trigger 36 protrudes in the radial direction so as to separate from the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23. The third product is then released from the stopper 52 at the back of the first portion, moves frontwards along the first inclined portion 22, and reaches the engaging groove 37. The third product is then caught by the catch 35 at the second position.

First Embodiment: Second Variant

FIGS. 17 to 19 are schematics illustrating a distal end of a merchandise display device 3 (the product hanging bar 12) according to a second variant. In the second variant, the trigger 36 moves with sliding diagonally downwards toward the front. Biasing by an elastic force is used in returning the trigger 36 from the release position to the engaging position. The trigger 36 includes an engaging protrusion 63. Differences with respect to the first embodiment will now be explained.

The trigger 36 includes an elastic member 61 on the distal end of the second portion 42. Inside the second portion 42, the elastic member 61 is kept in abutment against an inner wall 62 of the resin bar 26.

The trigger 36 has a sliding opening 64 extending diagonally downwards toward the front, near the bent part 43. A shaft 65 installed inside the slit 39 of the resin bar 26 is fitted in the sliding opening 64. The trigger 36 can move with sliding with respect to the shaft 65 inside the sliding opening 64. The trigger 36 according to the variant is a sliding member that is slidable in the axial direction of the first inclined portion 22.

The engaging protrusion 63 serving as the catch 35 is provided in the back of the first portion 41 of the trigger 36. The first portion 41 that is the rear portion of the trigger 36 is fitted in the slit 39 in the first inclined portion 22 of the resin bar 26, with the engaging protrusion 63 protruding from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22. As the trigger 36 moves with sliding, the engaging protrusion 63 is retracted toward the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22. The second portion 42 that is the front portion of the trigger 36 is fitted in the slit 39 in the second inclined portion 23 of the resin bar 26. With the second portion 42 fitted, a part of the second portion 42 protrudes from the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23. As the trigger 36 moves with sliding, the second portion 42 is retracted toward the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23.

The trigger 36 includes the moving mechanism 48 moving between the engaging position at which the engaging protrusion 63 of the first portion 41 that is the rear portion protrudes from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22 and the second portion 42 that is the front portion protrudes from the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23, and the release position at which the engaging protrusion 63 of the first portion 41 that is the rear portion is retracted toward the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22 and the second portion 42 that is the front portion is retracted toward the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23. With the trigger 36 at the engaging position, the engaging protrusion 63 of the first portion 41 protrudes from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22, and the second portion 42 protrudes from the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23. With the trigger 36 at the release position, the engaging protrusion 63 of the first portion 41 is retreated toward the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22, and the second portion 42 is retracted toward the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23. In the variant, the moving mechanism 48 is a sliding mechanism 66. As the trigger 36 (sliding member) moves with sliding diagonally downwards toward the front, that is, in the axial direction of the first inclined portion 22, the trigger 36 moves between the engaging position and the release position.

When the first product abuts against the second portion 42 of the trigger 36 and pushes the trigger 36, the trigger 36 is moved with sliding with respect to the slide shaft by the sliding mechanism 66. At this time, the elastic member 61 is pressed on and biased against the inner wall 62. As the trigger 36 moves with sliding, the second portion 42 of the trigger 36 is retracted toward the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23, and the first portion 41 of the trigger 36 is retracted toward the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22. As the first portion 41 is retracted from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22, the engaging protrusion 63 on the first portion 41 of the trigger 36 is withdrawn from the first surface 46, and the second product caught on the engaging protrusion 63 is released.

The trigger 36 is moved with sliding with respect to the slide shaft by the biasing force of the elastic member 61. As the trigger 36 moves with sliding, the engaging protrusion 63 on the first portion 41 of the trigger 36 protrudes from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22, and the second portion 42 of the trigger 36 protrudes in the radial direction so as to separate from the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23. The third product moves frontwards along the first inclined portion 22, and is caught by the engaging protrusion 63.

As described above, when the foremost product is taken out by pulling the first product toward the distal end of the product hanging bar 12, the product pushes the second portion 42 of the trigger 36, and the trigger 36 is moved with sliding. As the trigger 36 moves with sliding, the second portion 42 is retracted toward the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23, and the first portion 41 is retracted toward the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22, and thus the second product caught on the engaging protrusion 63 is released, so that the second product moves frontwards. In this manner, the second product passes through the engaging protrusion 63.

First Embodiment: Third Variant

FIGS. 20 to 22 are schematics illustrating a distal end of a merchandise display device 4 (product hanging bar 12) according to a third variant. In the third variant, the trigger 36 moves by sliding frontwards (in the axial direction). Biasing by an elastic force is used in returning the trigger 36 from the release position to the engaging position. As the trigger 36 moves with sliding, the engaging groove 37 is closed. Differences with respect to the first embodiment will now be explained.

The trigger 36 includes an elastic member 61 on the distal end of the second portion 42. Inside the second portion 42, the elastic member 61 is kept in abutment against an inner wall 62 of the resin bar 26.

The trigger 36 has a sliding opening 67 along the axial direction, near the bent part 43. A shaft 68 installed inside the slit 39 of the resin bar 26 is fitted in the sliding opening 67. The trigger 36 can move with sliding with respect to the shaft 68 inside the sliding opening 67. The trigger 36 according to the variant is a sliding member that is slidable in the axial direction of the first inclined portion 22.

The first portion 41 that is the rear portion of the trigger 36 has a groove 69 on the front part and a closing portion 71 at the back of the first portion. The groove 69 is a part recessed in the radial direction, and the closing portion 71 is a part raised to a level higher than the groove 69 in the radial direction. The first portion 41 that is the rear portion of the trigger 36 is fitted in the slit 39 in the resin bar 26 in the first inclined portion 22. With the first portion 41 fitted, the engaging groove 37 and the groove 69 are axially at the same position and do not close the engaging groove 37. As the trigger 36 moves with sliding, the closing portion 71 closes the engaging groove 37. The second portion 42 that is the front portion of the trigger 36 is fitted in the slit 39 in the second inclined portion 23 of the resin bar 26, and a part of the second portion 42 fitted in the slit 39 protrudes from the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23. As the trigger 36 moves with sliding, the second portion 42 is retracted toward the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23.

The trigger 36 includes the moving mechanism 48 moving between the engaging position at which the engaging groove 37 is opened and the second portion 42 that is the front portion protrudes from the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23, and the release position at which the closing portion 71 of the first portion 41 that is the rear portion closes the engaging groove 37 and the second portion 42 that is the front portion is retracted toward the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23. With the trigger 36 at the engaging position, the closing portion 71 of the first portion 41 does not close the engaging groove 37 and keeps the engaging groove 37 open, and the second portion 42 protrudes from the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23. With the trigger 36 at the release position, the engaging groove 37 is closed by the closing portion 71 of the first portion 41, and the second portion 42 is retracted toward the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23. In the embodiment, the moving mechanism 48 is a sliding mechanism 72. As the trigger 36 (sliding member) moves with sliding frontwards, that is, in the axial direction of the first inclined portion 22, the trigger 36 moves between the engaging position and the release position.

When the first product abuts against the second portion 42 of the trigger 36 and pushes the trigger 36, the trigger 36 is moved with sliding with respect to the slide shaft by the sliding mechanism 72. At this time, the elastic member 61 is pressed on and biased against the inner wall 62. As the trigger 36 moves with sliding, the second portion 42 of the trigger 36 is retracted toward the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23, and the closing portion 71 of the first portion 41 of the trigger 36 closes the engaging groove 37. When the engaging groove 37 of the product hanging bar 12 is closed by the closing portion 71 of the first portion 41, the second product caught on the engaging groove 37 is released.

The trigger 36 is moved with sliding with respect to the slide shaft by the biasing force of the elastic member 61. When moving with sliding, the trigger 36 moves in the axial direction and the engaging groove 37 opens, and the second portion 42 of the trigger 36 protrudes in the radial direction so as to separate from the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23. The third product moves frontwards along the first inclined portion 22, and is caught by the engaging groove 37.

As described above, when the foremost product is taken out by pulling the first product toward the distal end of the product hanging bar 12, the product pushes the second portion 42 of the trigger 36, and the trigger 36 is moved with sliding. As the trigger 36 moves with sliding, the closing portion 71 of the first portion 41 closes the engaging groove 37, and thus the second product caught on the engaging groove 37 is released, so that the second product moves frontwards. In this manner, the second product passes through the engaging protrusion 63.

First Embodiment: Fourth Variant

FIGS. 23 to 25 are schematics illustrating a distal end of a merchandise display device 5 (the product hanging bar 12) according to a fourth variant. In the fourth variant, the first portion 41 of the trigger 36 protrudes from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22 in a downward direction. Differences with respect to the first embodiment will now be explained.

The engaging protrusion 73 serving as the catch 35 is provided in the back of the first portion 41 of the trigger 36. The engaging protrusion 73 may be a proximal end of the first portion 41, for example.

The trigger 36 includes the moving mechanism 48 moving between the engaging position at which the engaging protrusion 73 of the first portion 41 that is the rear portion protrudes from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22 and the second portion 42 that is the front portion protrudes from the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23, and the release position at which the engaging protrusion 73 of the first portion 41 that is the rear portion is retracted toward the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22 and the second portion 42 that is the front portion is retracted toward the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23. With the trigger 36 at the engaging position, the engaging protrusion 73 of the first portion 41 protrudes from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22, and the second portion 42 protrudes from the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23. With the trigger 36 at the release position, the engaging protrusion 73 of the first portion 41 is retracted toward the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22, and the second portion 42 is retracted toward the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23. In the variant, the moving mechanism 48 is a pivoting mechanism 74 that is the same as the pivoting mechanism 49 according to the first embodiment. As the trigger 36 (pivoting member) pivots about the shaft, the trigger 36 moves between the engaging position and the release position.

When the first product abuts against the second portion 42 of the trigger 36 and pushes the trigger 36, the trigger 36 is pivoted about the shaft by the pivoting mechanism 74. As the trigger 36 pivots about the shaft, the second portion 42 of the trigger 36 is retracted toward the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23, and the first portion 41 of the trigger 36 is retracted from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22. As the first portion 41 is retracted from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22, the engaging protrusion 73 of the first portion 41 of the trigger 36 is withdrawn from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22, and the second product caught on the engaging protrusion 73 is released.

The trigger 36 (pivoting member) is pivoted about the shaft by the own weight. As the trigger 36 pivots about the shaft, the engaging protrusion 73 of the first portion 41 of the trigger 36 protrudes downwards from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22, and the second portion 42 of the trigger 36 protrudes in a radial direction so as to separate from the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23. The third product moves frontwards along the first inclined portion 22, and is caught by the engaging protrusion 73.

First Embodiment: Fifth Variant

FIGS. 26 to 29 are schematics illustrating a distal end of a merchandise display device 6 (the product hanging bar 12) according to a fifth variant. In the fifth variant, the first portion 41 of the trigger 36 protrudes laterally in the radial direction, and is retreated into the first inclined portion 22. The trigger 36 moves with sliding frontwards. Biasing by an elastic force is used in returning the trigger 36 from the release position to the engaging position. Differences with respect to the first embodiment will now be explained.

The trigger 36 includes the elastic member 61 on one end of the second portion 42. Inside the second portion 42, the elastic member 61 is kept in abutment against an inner wall 62 of the resin bar 26.

The trigger 36 has a sliding opening 67 along the axial direction, near the bent part 43, in the same manner as in the third variant. A shaft 68 installed inside the slit 39 of the resin bar 26 is fitted in the sliding opening 67. The trigger 36 can move with sliding with respect to the shaft 68 inside the sliding opening 67. The trigger 36 according to the variant is a sliding member that is slidable in the axial direction of the first inclined portion 22.

Engaging protrusions 75 serving as the catch 35 are provided in the back of the first portion 41 of the trigger 36. The engaging protrusions 75 may be a proximal end of the first portion 41, for example.

The engaging protrusions 75 are configured to extend outwards in the radial direction, as illustrated in FIG. 27, and the engaging protrusions 75 having extended are allowed to protrude from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22 in the radial direction. The first portion 41 of the trigger 36 is movable in the axial direction, along the slit 39 in the resin bar 26, as illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28. In a state where the engaging protrusions 75 protrude in the radial direction as illustrated in FIG. 27, if the trigger 36 moves with sliding frontwards in the axial direction, the engaging protrusions 75 of the first portion 41 of the trigger 36 are sandwiched between the side walls 76 in the resin bar 26 and narrowed, thereby being retreated from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22, as illustrated in FIG. 28.

The trigger 36 includes the moving mechanism 48 moving between the engaging position at which the engaging protrusions 75 protrude from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22 in the first portion 41 that is the rear portion, and the second portion 42 that is the front portion protrudes from the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23, and the release position at which the engaging protrusions 75 of the first portion 41 that is the rear portion are retreated toward the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22, and the second portion 42 that is the front portion is retracted toward the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23, in the same manner as in the second variant.

With the trigger 36 at the engaging position, the engaging protrusions 75 of the first portion 41 protrude from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22, and the second portion 42 the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23. With the trigger 36 at the release position, the engaging protrusions 75 of the first portion 41 are retreated toward the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22, and the second portion 42 is retracted toward the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23. In the variant, the moving mechanism 48 is the sliding mechanism 72 that is the same as that according to third variant. As the trigger 36 (sliding member) moves with sliding diagonally downwards toward the front, that is, in the axial direction of the first inclined portion 22, the trigger 36 moves between the engaging position and the release position.

When the first product abuts against the second portion 42 of the trigger 36 and pushes the trigger 36, the trigger 36 is moved with sliding with respect to the slide shaft by the sliding mechanism 72. At this time, the elastic member 61 is pressed on and biased against the inner wall 62. As the trigger 36 moves with sliding, the second portion 42 of the trigger 36 is retracted toward the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23, and the first portion 41 of the trigger 36 is retracted with respect to the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22. As the first portion 41 is retracted from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22, the engaging protrusions 75 of the first portion 41 of the trigger 36 are withdrawn from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22, the second product caught on the engaging protrusion 75 is released.

The trigger 36 (sliding member) is moved with sliding with respect to the slide shaft by the biasing force of the elastic member 61. As the trigger 36 moves with sliding, the engaging protrusions 75 of the first portion 41 of the trigger 36 protrude from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22, and the second portion 42 of the trigger 36 protrudes in the radial direction so as to separate from the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23. The third product moves frontwards along the first inclined portion 22, and is caught by the engaging protrusions 75.

As described above, when the foremost product is taken out by pulling the first product toward the distal end of the product hanging bar 12, the product pushes the second portion 42 of the trigger 36, and the trigger 36 is moved with sliding. As the trigger 36 moves with sliding, the second portion 42 is retracted toward the second surface 47 of the second inclined portion 23, and the engaging protrusions 75 of the first portion 41 are retracted from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 22, and thus the second product caught on the engaging protrusions 75 is released, so that the second product moves frontwards. In this manner, the second product passes through the engaging protrusions 75.

Second Embodiment

FIGS. 30 to 34 are schematics illustrating one example of a merchandise display device 101 according to a second embodiment. In the first embodiment, the catch 35 and the trigger 36 are provided in a manner extending from the proximity of the distal end of the first inclined portion 22 to the second inclined portion 23, and the catch 35 catches the second foremost product (second product). However, in the second embodiment, the catch and the trigger are provided to the first inclined portion; the catch catches, for example, a fourth foremost product (fourth product), and an uplifting preventing function is provided to prevent the situation that the foremost product is uplifted when being pushed by the following product. In the second embodiment, too, the alignment maintaining function is provided, in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Differences with respect to the first embodiment will now be explained mainly.

The merchandise display device 101 includes an attachment 102 and a product hanging bar 103. A product tag holder support bar may also be provided, in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

The attachment 102 is a part to be attached to a merchandise display fixture, not illustrated. The attachment 102 has an opening 104 facing downwards, in a reversed U-shape. The opening 104 of the attachment 102 is fixed onto a bar member extending in the right-and-left direction and having a rectangular cross section, in the rear part of the merchandise display fixture, not illustrated, for example. With this structure, the merchandise display device 101 is attached to the merchandise display fixture.

The product hanging bar 103 is fixed to a top surface 105 of the attachment 102. The top surface 105 of the attachment 102 extends in parallel with the bottom surface 106 that delineates the opening 104.

The product hanging bar 103 is a composite bar including a metal bar 107 and a resin bar 108 covering the metal bar 107, for example. The resin bar 108 is a member separate from the metal bar 107, and is attached in a manner covering the metal bar 107, as illustrated in an exploded view in FIG. 33. The materials of the metal bar 107 and the resin bar 108 may be the same as those in the first embodiment.

The substantially linear metal bar 107 is a substantially linear member attached to the attachment 102. The resin bar 108 is a member including a substantially linear part 109 extending across a proximal end and a distal end of the resin bar 108, and an upwards oriented part 111 bending upwards and extending diagonally from the distal end of the substantially linear part 109. The metal bar 107 covered by the resin bar 108 forms the product hanging bar 103. The metal bar 107 and the substantially linear part 109 of the resin bar 108 form a first inclined portion 112 of the product hanging bar 103, and the upwards oriented part 111 of the resin bar 108 forms a second inclined portion 113, as described above.

The resin bar 108 has a slit 114 extending in the axial direction of the resin bar 108, and cut out in the radial direction of the resin bar 108. The slit 114 is provided to the distal end of the first inclined portion 112 of the product hanging bar 103. Inside the slit 114, a trigger 115 is fitted. The trigger 115 is provided for the purpose of releasing the product caught on a catch 116.

The trigger 115 is provided to the first inclined portion 112. The trigger 115 is a member including a first portion 117 that is the rear portion and a second portion 118 that is the front portion. A pivot groove 119 is provided near the boundary between the first portion 117 and the second portion 118. The pivot groove 119 is fitted in a shaft 121 formed in the slit 114 of the resin bar 108. The trigger 115 is a pivoting member that pivots about the shaft.

The first portion 117 that is the rear portion of the trigger 115 is fitted in the slit 114 in the first inclined portion 112 of the resin bar 108, and has a part thereof protruding from a first surface 122 of the first inclined portion 112. As the trigger 115 pivots about the shaft, the first portion 117 is enabled to retract toward the first surface 122 of the first inclined portion 112. The second portion 118 that is the front portion of the trigger 115 is fitted in the slit 114 in the first inclined portion 112 of the resin bar 108, and is retreated from the first surface 122 of the first inclined portion 112. As the trigger 115 pivots about the shaft, the second portion 118 protrudes from the first surface 122 of the first inclined portion 112.

In other words, the trigger 115 includes an engaging protrusion 123 serving as the catch 116, the first portion 117 that is enabled to retract toward the first surface 122 of the first inclined portion 112, and the second portion 118 enabled to protrude from the first surface 122 of the first inclined portion 112. The trigger 115 includes the moving mechanism 124 moving between the engaging position at which the second portion 118 that is the front portion is retracted toward the first surface 122 of the first inclined portion 112, and the engaging protrusion 123 on the first portion 117 that is the rear portion protrudes from the first surface 122 of the first inclined portion 112, and the release position at which the engaging protrusion 123 on the first portion 117 that is the rear portion is retracted toward the first surface 122 of the first inclined portion 112, and the second portion 118 that is the front portion protrudes from the first surface 122 of the first inclined portion 112. With the trigger 115 at the engaging position, the engaging protrusion 123 of the first portion 117 protrudes from the first surface 122 of the first inclined portion 112, and the second portion 118 is retracted from the first surface 122 of the first inclined portion 112. With the trigger 115 at the release position, the engaging protrusion 123 of the first portion 117 is retracted from the first surface 122 of the first inclined portion 112, and the second portion 118 protrudes from the first surface 122 of the first inclined portion 112. In the embodiment, the moving mechanism 124 is a pivoting mechanism 125 implemented as the pivot groove 119 and the shaft 121. As the trigger 115 (pivoting member) pivots about the shaft, the trigger 115 moves between the engaging position and the release position.

FIG. 34 is an enlarged view illustrating a series of actions at the time when the product at the first position is taken out. Hereinafter, among the products hanging on the product hanging bar 103 of the merchandise display device 101, the foremost product will be referred to as the first product 55; the second foremost product will be referred to as the second product 56; the third foremost product will be referred to as a third product 57; the fourth foremost product will be referred to as a fourth product 58; and the fifth foremost product will be referred to as a fifth product 59.

The first product 55 is caught on a bent part 126 near a boundary between the first inclined portion 112 and the second inclined portion 113 of the product hanging bar 103. The second product 56 is caught by being in abutment against the first product 55. The third product 57 is caught by being in abutment against the second product 56. The third product 57 is on the second portion 118 of the trigger 115. The fourth product 58 is caught on the catch 116 (the engaging protrusion 123 on the first portion 117 of the trigger 115). Because the fourth product 58 is caught on the catch 116, the force of the fifth and the subsequent products pushing the products on the front part stops at the fourth product 58, and communication of the force in the frontward direction to the position of the third product 57 and beyond is alleviated. In other words, the fourth and the subsequent products do not push the first product 55 too much from the behind, and the first product 55 remains vertically orientated at the bent part 126. The first product 55, which is located in the front of the display, faces directly frontwards.

In the explanation hereunder, the position of the first product with respect to the product hanging bar 103 (the position of the first product in the axial direction of the first inclined portion 112) in FIG. 34(1) will be referred to as a first position; the position of the second product will be referred to as a second position; the position of the third product will be referred to as a third the position; and the position of the fourth product will be referred to as a fourth position.

A series of actions at the time when the first product is taken out will now be explained with reference to FIG. 34. In the merchandise display device 101 according to the embodiment, when the first product at the first position is taken out, the trigger 115 is activated, the fourth product 58 caught on the catch 116 is released, so that the fourth product 58 moves from the fourth position to the third the position. The trigger 115 is further activated and the fifth product 59 moves to the fourth position, so that the fifth product 59 is stopped by the catch 116 at the fourth position. Therefore, even after the product is taken out, the orderly condition of the product display with no uplifted product can be maintained.

In a state where the products are displayed as illustrated in FIG. 34(1), if the first product 55 at the first position is taken out as illustrated in FIG. 34(2), the second product 56 and the third product 57 are moved frontwards along the first inclined portion 112 by the gravity. The fourth product 58 is then caught on the catch 116. The second product 56 then move to the first position, and the third product 57 move to the second position.

In the arrangement of the product display illustrated in FIG. 34(1), the third product 57 is positioned on the second portion 118 of the trigger 115, as mentioned earlier. When the second product 56 then moves to the first position, and the third product 57 moves to the second position, as illustrated in FIG. 34(2), the third product 57 having been holding down the second portion 118 up to that point in time goes away. Therefore, the trigger 115 is pivoted about the shaft by the own weight. As the trigger 115 pivots about the shaft with the pivoting mechanism 125, the first portion 117 that is the rear portion of the trigger 115 is retracted toward the first surface 122 of the first inclined portion 112, and the second portion 118 that is the front portion of the trigger 115 protrudes from the first surface 122 of the first inclined portion 112, as illustrated in FIG. 34(3). With the second portion 118 being retracted from the first surface 122 of the first inclined portion 112, the fourth product 58 caught on the catch 116 (the engaging protrusion 123 on the first portion 117 of the trigger 115) is released.

The fourth and the subsequent products are then moved frontwards along the first inclined portion 112 by the gravity. The fourth product 58 having moved reaches the third the position, and the fifth product 59 reaches the fourth position. The fourth product 58 then moves to the second portion 118 of the trigger 115, and the trigger 115 is pivoted about the shaft. As the trigger 115 pivots about the shaft with the pivoting mechanism 125, the first portion 117 of the trigger 115 protrudes from the first surface 122 of the first inclined portion 112, and the second portion 118 of the trigger 115 is retracted toward the first surface 122 of the first inclined portion 112. The fifth product 59 is then caught on the catch (the engaging protrusion 123 on the first portion 117 of the trigger 115) at the fourth position. As a result, the same arrangement of the product display as that illustrated in FIG. 34(1) is achieved, as illustrated in FIG. 34(4). Even after the foremost product is taken out, the orderly condition of the product display is maintained.

As described above, when the foremost product is taken out by pulling the first product 55 toward the distal end of the product hanging bar 103, the trigger 115 is pivoted. As the trigger 115 pivots about the shaft, the second portion 118 protrudes from the first surface 122 of the first inclined portion 112, and the first portion 117 is retracted from the first surface 46 of the first inclined portion 112, so that the fourth product 58 caught on the catch 116 is released. In the manner described above, the fourth product 58 product passes through the catch 116.

Advantageous effects achieved by the embodiments and their variants according to the present invention will now be described.

According to the first embodiment, the first to the fifth variants of the first embodiment, and the second embodiment, the merchandise display device includes an attachment configured to be attached to a merchandise display fixture, and a product hanging bar having a resin surface and configured to allow a product to hang thereon. The product hanging bar has a first inclined portion extending across a proximal end and a distal end of the product hanging bar, with the proximal end fixed to the attachment, in a manner extending diagonally downwards toward the front, and a second inclined portion that is bent upwards and extending diagonally from the distal end of the first inclined portion. The merchandise display device include a configured to catch a product hanging on the first inclined portion, and a trigger configured to release the catch. The catch may be provided to the product hanging bar or to the trigger. The merchandise display device according to the embodiment has not only the product autofeed-forwarding function implemented as a product hanging bar having the resin surface and inclined downwards toward the front, but also has the catch that catches the product hanging on the product hanging bar. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the situation that the foremost product is uplifted when being pushed by the following product. Because it is possible to achieve an orderly display in which the products hanging on the product hanging bar are vertically oriented and are aligned with respect to one another, it is possible to improve the aesthetics of the display surface. Furthermore, because not only the catch but also the trigger configured to release the catch is provided, catching by the catch can be released as appropriate when the product is taken out, and the product autofeed-forwarding function can be maintained. Hence, it is possible to move the products frontwards automatically without human intervention, and to achieve a highly good-looking display without any uplifted product.

The catch may have an engaging groove provided near the distal end of the first inclined portion. The catch may also include an engaging protrusion provided on the front part of the engaging groove in the axial direction of the first inclined portion. By providing at least one of the engaging groove and the engaging protrusion to the first inclined portion of the product hanging bar as a catch, it is possible to keep the product hanging on the product hanging bar reliably, and to prevent the situation that the foremost product is uplifted when being pushed by the following product.

According to the first embodiment and the first to the fifth variants of the first embodiment, the engaging groove or the engaging protrusion is positioned separated from the bent part between the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion, by a distance equal to or greater than the thickness of the product hanging on the product hanging bar, in the axial direction of the first inclined portion. In this manner, the foremost product positioned at the bent part is not pushed from the rear side by the product caught in the engaging groove. Therefore, it is possible to prevent uplifting of the product. Hence, it is possible to achieve a highly good-looking display without any uplifted product.

According to the first embodiment, the first variant and the fourth variant of the first embodiment, and the second embodiment, the trigger includes a pivoting member disposed in the product hanging bar, configured to pivot about the shaft, and capable of releasing the catch when the pivoting member is pivoted. Using the pivoting makes it possible to implement a product feed-forwarding function and an alignment maintaining function with a simple structure. Furthermore, because the pivoting member is pivoted by an action of pulling out the foremost product toward the front part of the product hanging bar, feed-forwarding products triggered by the action of taking out a product is possible. Separate tasks for feed-forwarding the products are not required. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the cumbersomeness of tasks for feed-forwarding the product.

According to the first embodiment and the first variant of the first embodiment, the pivoting member includes a first portion enabled to protrude from the first surface of the first inclined portion beyond the level of the catch, and a second portion protruding from the second surface of the second inclined portion and enabled to retract toward the second surface. The trigger includes a pivoting mechanism configured to move between the engaging position at which the first portion is retracted from the first surface and the second portion protrudes from the second surface of the second inclined portion, and the release position at which the first portion protrudes from the first surface of the first inclined portion beyond the level of the catch, and the second portion is retracted toward the second surface of the second inclined portion. When the trigger is at the engaging position, the product caught on the catch can be kept in the engaging state. When the trigger is at the release position, the product caught on the catch can be released from the engaging state, and autofeed-forwarding the product can be performed. The trigger is provided with the pivoting mechanism configured to move between the engaging position and the release position, and can therefore implement the product autofeed-forwarding function, the uplifting preventing function, and the alignment maintaining function.

According to the first embodiment and the first variant of the first embodiment, the first portion of the pivoting member includes a downwards inclined front portion extending frontwards in the axial direction of the first inclined portion, and a stopper at the back of the first portion. Because the pivoting member is provided with the downwards inclined front portion, releasing the catch and autofeed-forwarding a product can be realized. Furthermore, because the stopper at the back of the first portion is provided, it is possible prevent the following product from moving too far. The stopper prevents a product from being pushed by a plurality of products that are moved frontwards beyond the pivoting member, as a result of the product being released from the catch. This also prevents the uplifting of the foremost product.

According to the fourth variant of the first embodiment, the pivoting member has the first portion having the engaging protrusion enabled to protrude from the first surface of the first inclined portion, the first portion being enabled to retract toward the first surface of the first inclined portion, and a second portion protruding from the second surface of the second inclined portion and enabled to retract toward the second surface of the second inclined portion, and the trigger includes the pivoting mechanism configured to move between the engaging position at which the engaging protrusion of the first portion protrudes from the first surface of the first inclined portion and the second portion protrudes from the second surface of the second inclined portion, and the release position at which the engaging protrusion of the first portion is retracted toward the first surface of the first inclined portion and the second portion is retracted toward the second surface of the second inclined portion. When the trigger is at the engaging position, the product caught on the catch can be kept in the engaging state. When the trigger is at the release position, the product caught on the catch can be released from the engaging state, and autofeed-forwarding the product can be performed. The trigger is provided with the pivoting mechanism configured to move between the engaging position and the release position, and can therefore implement the product autofeed-forwarding function, the uplifting preventing function, and the alignment maintaining function.

According to the second embodiment, the catch has an engaging protrusion enabled to protrude from a surface of the first inclined portion, the pivoting member has a first portion having the engaging protrusion and enabled to retract toward the surface of the first inclined portion, and a second portion enabled to protrude from the surface of the first inclined portion. The trigger includes the trigger pivoting mechanism configured to move between the engaging position at which the engaging protrusion of the first portion protrudes from the surface of the first inclined portion and the second portion is retracted toward the surface of the first inclined portion, and the release position at which the engaging protrusion of the first portion is retracted toward the surface of the first inclined portion and the second portion protrudes from the surface of the first inclined portion. When the trigger is at the engaging position, the product caught on the catch can be kept in the engaging state. When the trigger is at the release position, the product caught on the catch can be released from the engaging state, and autofeed-forwarding the product can be performed. The trigger is provided with the pivoting mechanism configured to move between the engaging position and the release position, and can therefore implement the product autofeed-forwarding function, the uplifting preventing function, and the alignment maintaining function. Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, because it is possible to provide the trigger only in the first inclined portion, without limitation to the range from the distal end of the first inclined portion to the second inclined portion, and therefore, with the catch and the trigger provided to the product hanging bar in a desired arrangement, it is possible to implement the product autofeed-forwarding function, the uplifting preventing function, and the alignment maintaining function, as appropriate.

According to the first embodiment, the first variant and the fourth variant of the first embodiment, and the second embodiment, the pivoting mechanism is returned from the release position to the engaging position by the own weight. The pivoting mechanism capable of returning using the own weight makes it possible to implement the product autofeed-forwarding function and the alignment maintaining function in a simple structure.

According to the second variant, the third variant, and the fifth variant of the first embodiment, the trigger includes a sliding member disposed in the product hanging bar, and configured to slide in the axial direction. With the sliding of the sliding member, catching by the catch can be released. Using the sliding movement makes it possible to implement the product autofeed-forwarding function and the alignment maintaining function in a simple structure. Furthermore, because the sliding member is moved with sliding by an action of pulling out the foremost product toward the front part of the product hanging bar, feeding forward of products triggered by the action of taking out the product is possible. Separate tasks for feed-forwarding the products are not required. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the cumbersomeness of tasks for feed-forwarding the product.

According to the second variant and the fifth variant of the first embodiment, the catch has an engaging protrusion enabled to protrude from the first surface of the first inclined portion, the sliding member has a first portion having the engaging protrusion and enabled to retract toward the first surface of the first inclined portion, and a second portion protruding from the second surface of the second inclined portion and enabled to retract toward the second surface, and the trigger includes a sliding mechanism configured to move between the engaging position at which the engaging protrusion of the first portion protrudes from the first surface and the second portion protrudes from the second surface, and the release position at which the engaging protrusion of the first portion is retracted toward the first surface and the second portion is retracted toward the second surface. When the trigger is at the engaging position, the product caught on the catch can be kept in the engaging state. When the trigger is at the release position, the product caught on the catch can be released from the engaging state, and autofeed-forwarding the product can be performed. The trigger is provided with the sliding mechanism moving with sliding between the engaging position and the release position, and can therefore implement the product autofeed-forwarding function, the uplifting preventing function, and the alignment maintaining function.

According to the third variant of the first embodiment, the catch includes an engaging groove provided near the distal end of the first inclined portion, and a closing portion provided in back of the engaging groove in the axial direction of the first inclined portion; the sliding member includes a first portion having a closing portion, and enabled to close the engaging groove, and a second portion protruding from the second surface of the second inclined portion, and enabled to retract toward the second surface; and the trigger includes a sliding mechanism configured to move between the engaging position at which the engaging groove is opened and the second portion protrudes from the second surface, and the release position at which the engaging groove is closed by the closing portion of the first portion and the second portion is retracted toward the second surface. When the trigger is at the engaging position, the product caught on the catch can be kept in the engaging state. When the trigger is at the release position, the product caught on the catch can be released from the engaging state, and autofeed-forwarding the product can be performed. The trigger is provided with the sliding mechanism moving between the engaging position and the release position, and can therefore implement the product autofeed-forwarding function, the uplifting preventing function, and the alignment maintaining function.

According to the first variant, the second variant, the third variant, and the fifth variant of the first embodiment, the trigger includes an elastic member that applies a biasing force. The pivoting mechanism or the sliding mechanism is returned from the release position to the engaging position by the biasing force. With the elastic member, the pivoting mechanism or the sliding mechanism can return from the release position to the engaging position reliably.

According to the first embodiment, the first to the fifth variants of the first embodiment, and the second embodiment, the product hanging bar includes a metal bar being attached to the attachment at the distal end, and a resin bar covering the metal bar. The metal bar and the resin bar form the first inclined portion, and the resin bar forms the second inclined portion. The metal bar can ensure the strength of the product hanging bar, and the product autofeed-forwarding function can be implemented using a resin bar having a smoother surface than a metal bar.

According to the first embodiment, the first to the fifth variants of the first embodiment, and the second embodiment, the trigger is fitted in a slit provided in the axial direction of the resin bar. By fitting the trigger in the slit, it is possible to achieve the same appearance as that of a conventional merchandise display device.

According to the first embodiment, the first to the fifth variants of the first embodiment, and the second embodiment, a small protrusion protruding slightly upwards is provided to the surface of the resin bar. The small protrusion enables the product to slide more smoothly. Thus, it is possible to implement the product autofeed-forwarding function.

Some of the embodiments of the present invention have been explained above, but various modifications and changes are still possible within the scope not deviating from the essence of the present invention. For example, the first embodiment may be combined with the second embodiment. Explained above in the second embodiment is an example in which the fourth foremost product (fourth product) is caught on the catch, but it is also possible to provide the trigger (catch) in such a manner that any product on the front or the rear side of the fourth foremost product is caught on the catch, or a plurality of the catches may be provided on one product hanging bar. Also explained above is an example in which the product hanging bar is a composite bar including a metal bar and a resin bar, but the bar may be any product hanging bar inclined downwards toward the front and having a resin surface, and may be a metal bar having resin coating applied to an exposed external surface.

Claims

1. A merchandise display device comprising: an attachment configured to be attached to a merchandise display fixture;a product hanging bar having a resin surface and configured to allow a product to hang thereon, including a first inclined portion extending from a proximal end to a distal end and being attached to the attachment at the distal end in a manner inclined downwards toward a front, and a second inclined portion bent upwards and extending diagonally from the distal end of the first inclined portion;a catch configured to catch a product hanging on the first inclined portion; anda trigger configured to release the catch.

2. The merchandise display device according to claim 1, wherein the trigger includes a pivoting member disposed in the product hanging bar, configured to pivot about a shaft, and configured to release the catch when the pivoting member is pivoted.

3. The merchandise display device according to claim 2, wherein the pivoting member has a first portion enabled to protrude from a first surface of the first inclined portion beyond the catch, and a second portion protruding from a second surface of the second inclined portion and enabled to retract toward the second surface, andthe trigger includes a pivoting mechanism configured to move between an engaging position at which the first portion is retracted from the first surface and the second portion protrudes from the second surface, anda release position at which the first portion protrudes from the first surface beyond the catch and the second portion is retracted toward the second surface.

4. The merchandise display device according to claim 3, wherein the first portion of the pivoting member includes a downwards inclined front portion extending frontwards in an axial direction of the first inclined portion, and a stopper at the back of the first portion.

5. The merchandise display device according to claim 2, wherein the catch has an engaging protrusion enabled to protrude from a first surface of the first inclined portion,the pivoting member has a first portion having the engaging protrusion and enabled to retract toward the first surface of the first inclined portion, and a second portion protruding from the second surface of the second inclined portion and enabled to retract toward the second surface, andthe trigger includes a pivoting mechanism configured to move between an engaging position at which the engaging protrusion of the first portion protrudes from the first surface and the second portion protrudes from the second surface, anda release position at which the engaging protrusion of the first portion is retracted toward the first surface and the second portion is retracted toward the second surface.

6. The merchandise display device according to claim 2, wherein the catch has an engaging protrusion enabled to protrude from a surface of the first inclined portion,the pivoting member has a first portion having the engaging protrusion and enabled to retract toward the surface of the first inclined portion, and a second portion enabled to protrude from the surface of the first inclined portion, andthe trigger includes a pivoting mechanism configured to move between an engaging position at which the engaging protrusion of the first portion protrudes from the surface and the second portion is retracted toward the surface, anda release position at which the engaging protrusion of the first portion is retracted toward the surface and the second portion protrudes from the surface.

7. The merchandise display device according to claim 3, wherein the pivoting mechanism is returned from the release position to the engaging position by an own weight.

8. The merchandise display device according to claim 3, wherein the trigger includes an elastic member that applies a biasing force, andthe pivoting mechanism is returned from the release position to the engaging position by the biasing force.

9. The merchandise display device according to claim 1, wherein the trigger has a sliding member disposed in the product hanging bar and configured to slide in an axial direction, and, with sliding of the sliding member, the catch is released.

10. The merchandise display device according to claim 9, wherein the catch has an engaging protrusion enabled to protrude from a first surface of the first inclined portion,the sliding member has a first portion having the engaging protrusion and enabled to retract toward the first surface of the first inclined portion, and a second portion protruding from a second surface of the second inclined portion and enabled to retract toward the second surface, andthe trigger includes a sliding mechanism configured to move between an engaging position at which the engaging protrusion of the first portion protrudes from the first surface and the second portion protrudes from the second surface, anda release position at which the engaging protrusion of the first portion is retracted toward the first surface and the second portion is retracted toward the second surface.

11. The merchandise display device according to claim 9, wherein the catch has an engaging groove provided near the distal end of the first inclined portion, and a closing portion provided at the back of the engaging groove in an axial direction of the first inclined portion,the sliding member has a first portion having the closing portion and enabled to close the engaging groove, and a second portion protruding from a second surface of the second inclined portion and enabled to retract toward the second surface, andthe trigger includes a sliding mechanism configured to move between an engaging position at which the engaging groove is opened and the second portion protrudes from the second surface, anda release position at which the closing portion of the first portion closes the engaging groove and the second portion is retracted toward the second surface.

12. The merchandise display device according to claim 10, wherein the trigger includes an elastic member that applies a biasing force, andthe sliding mechanism is returned from the release position to the engaging position by the biasing force.

13. The merchandise display device according to claim 1, wherein the catch includes an engaging groove provided near the distal end of the first inclined portion.

14. The merchandise display device according to claim 1, wherein the catch includes an engaging protrusion provided near the distal end of the first inclined portion.

15. The merchandise display device according to claim 13, wherein the engaging groove or the engaging protrusion is at a position separated from a bent part between the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion by a distance equal to or greater than a thickness of a product hanging on the product hanging bar, in an axial direction of the first inclined portion.

16. The merchandise display device according to claim 13, wherein the catch includes an engaging protrusion provided in front of the engaging groove of the first inclined portion in the axial direction.

17. The merchandise display device according to claim 1, wherein the product hanging bar includes a metal bar being attached to the attachment at the proximal end, and a resin bar covering the metal bar, andthe metal bar and the resin bar form the first inclined portion, and the resin bar forms the second inclined portion.

18. The merchandise display device according to claim 17, wherein the trigger is fitted in a slit provided in an axial direction of the resin bar.

19. The merchandise display device according to claim 17, wherein a small protrusion protruding slightly upwards is provided to a surface of the resin bar.