Product Management Display System with Trackless Pusher Mechanism

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments of the invention relate generally to a shelf assembly for use in merchandising product and more particularly to a shelf assembly having improved mechanisms for displaying and pushing product on the shelves along with dividers that allow the product to be closely oriented across the merchandise display system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known that retail and wholesale stores, such as convenience stores, drug stores, grocery stores, discount stores, and the like, require a large amount of shelving both to store product and to display the product to consumers. In displaying product, it is desirable for the product on the shelves to be situated toward the front of the shelf so that the product is visible and accessible to consumers. In the case of coolers or refrigerators that are used to store and display such products or beverage containers such as soft drinks, energy drinks, bottled water, and other bottled or canned beverages, it is desirable for these products to also be situated toward the front of the shelf and visible and accessible to the consumers.

To accomplish this placement of product, known systems may include inclined trays or floors that through gravity will cause the product to move toward the front of the shelf. Many of these systems include floors or shelves made of a plastic material such as polypropylene that due its low coefficient of friction permit the product to easily slide along the inclined floor or surface. However, over time, these surfaces can become obstructed with debris or sticky substances that inhibit the product from properly sliding, sometimes causing several products to tip over thus blocking additional product from moving to the front of the shelf.

Other systems include the use of a pusher system to push the product toward the front of the shelf as the product at the front of the shelf is removed. The known pusher systems are typically mounted to a track and include a pusher paddle and a coiled spring to urge the product forward. Occasionally, as the system is used, and over time, the track becomes obstructed with dirt or sticky materials that hinder the proper operation of the pusher system in the track. In addition, depending on the size, shape and weight of the product to be merchandised, the known pusher paddles may occasionally tip or bend backwards, thereby causing a binding of the pusher mechanism in the track. In those situations, the pusher mechanism may not properly push product toward the front of the shelf.

One exemplary embodiment is directed at improving upon existing merchandising systems by providing a trackless pusher system that works with gravity-fed merchandise systems (i.e., inclined shelves or trays) and non-gravity-fed merchandise systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure generally relates to a product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf. This system may include a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed. The trackless system overcomes the known problems with the use of tracks to hold and guide the known pusher mechanisms. It should be understood however that the teachings of this embodiment may be used with systems that include tracks for mounting a pusher mechanism or the like. The pusher mechanism may include a pusher paddle and a floor that extends forward of the pusher paddle. A flat coiled spring or other biasing element can be operatively connected behind the pusher paddle and extend across the floor of the pusher mechanism and to the front of the shelf. Alternatively, the flat coiled spring or biasing element can extend across the divider to the front of the shelf assembly. With this configuration, the pusher paddle is prevented from tipping or bending backwards during operation.

In accordance with an exemplary illustrative embodiment of the invention, the pusher paddle may define a concave pushing surface for pushing cylindrical products, such as soft drink bottles or cans, and to keep the paddle centered on the track and behind the product. Alternatively, the pusher paddle may define a flat pushing surface that may further include at its upper edge a curved rib or similar structure that can also be used to push cylindrical products.

In accordance with another exemplary illustrative embodiment of the invention, the floor of the pusher mechanism can include a notched or cut-out portion to align the pusher mechanism relative to the coiled spring. Also, the floor of the system also can include a notch or cut-out portion for receiving and mounting a flat end of the coiled spring to the floor. A spring tip may be placed on the end of the coiled spring to mount the coiled spring to the floor of the system. Alternatively, the end of the coiled spring can mount to the divider of the assembly.

In accordance with another exemplary illustrative embodiment, this disclosure may relate to a product management display system comprising: a tray having a floor for supporting product having a front end and a rear end, a plurality of forward support posts extending from the floor at the front end of the tray and a plurality of rear support posts extending from the floor at the rear end of the tray. The system may further include a plurality of dividers connected to the tray, where each divider of the plurality of dividers has a first end, a second end, a wall extending between the first end and the second end, and a bottom surface of the wall spaced from the floor of the tray creating an opening between the floor and the bottom surface. Each divider of the plurality of dividers may separate the tray into a plurality of product dispensing rows. A pusher mechanism may be configured to move product toward the front end of the tray within each product dispensing row. Each divider may further comprise a support column extending from the bottom surface at a first end and is secured to the tray at a second end. The floor may have a plurality of elongated pockets positioned along the floor such that at least one of the plurality of elongated pockets is aligned with at least one groove positioned within one of the plurality of forward support posts and at least one groove positioned within one of the plurality of rear support posts. The support column of at least one divider of the plurality of dividers may be secured within one of the plurality of elongated pockets. Each divider may also have an engaging member at a first end that attaches to one of the plurality of forward support posts and an engaging member at a second end that attaches to one of the plurality of rear support posts, where the engaging member may be a hook-like member feature. The plurality of dividers may also comprise two configurations of dividers, wherein a divider of a first configuration of dividers has a support column located closer to the first end, and a divider of the second configuration of dividers has a support column located closer to the second end. A divider of the first configuration of dividers may be adjacent to a divider of the second configuration of dividers when installed in the tray, where the plurality of dividers are arranged in an alternating pattern using dividers of the first configuration of dividers and dividers of the second configuration of dividers. The product may be a plurality of beverage containers. Additionally, the product dispensing rows may be configured such that a first product positioned in a first row contacts a second product positioned in an adjacent row through the opening between the bottom surface of one of the plurality of dividers and the floor of the tray.

Still other aspects of this disclosure may relate to a product management display system comprising: a tray having a front end, a rear end, and a floor configured to support product. The system may also include a plurality of forward support posts extending from the floor at the front end of the tray and a plurality of rear support posts extending from the floor at the rear end of the tray. The system may include a plurality of dividers connected to the tray, where each divider of the plurality of dividers has a first end, a second end, and a wall extending between the first end and the second end. The wall may have a bottom surface spaced from the floor of the tray that creates an opening between the floor and the bottom surface. The plurality of dividers may separate the tray into a plurality of product dispensing rows. The system may also comprise a pusher mechanism configured to move product toward the front end of the tray within each product dispensing row, where each product dispensing row is configured such that a first product positioned in a first row of product dispensing rows contacts a second product positioned in an adjacent row through the opening between the bottom surface of one of the dividers and the floor of the tray. The floor of the tray may have a plurality of elongated pockets positioned along the floor such that at least one of the plurality of elongated pockets is aligned with at least one groove positioned within the forward support post. The plurality of dividers may also comprise two configurations of dividers, where a divider of a first configuration of dividers has a support column located closer to the first end of the divider and a divider of the second configuration of dividers has a support column located closer to the second end of the divider. A front to rear distance between the support column of a first divider of the first configuration of dividers to the support column of a first divider of the second configuration of dividers is equal to or greater than to a distance of two diameters of the product. As another feature, the plurality of product dispensing rows may comprise at least five rows.

Yet another aspect of this disclosure may relate to a product management display system comprising: a tray having a front end, a rear end, and a floor configured to support a plurality of product, wherein the floor includes a plurality of grooves such that each groove of the plurality of grooves engages one of a plurality of divider walls, wherein each divider wall separates the tray into a plurality of product dispensing rows. The system further includes a pusher mechanism configured to move product toward the front end of the tray within each product dispensing row of the plurality of product dispensing rows, where each divider wall may be arranged to laterally shift within each groove as the product is moved forward by the pusher mechanism to allow the product and the product dispensing rows to be positioned closely together. A plurality of forward support posts may be positioned at the front end of the tray and a plurality of rear support posts are positioned at a rear end of the tray, where each groove of the plurality of grooves may extend vertically along the forward and rear support posts. Each divider wall of the plurality of divider walls may also include a first engaging member at the first end of the divider that engages with a corresponding engaging member of the forward support post and a second engaging member at a second end of the divider wall that engages with a corresponding engaging member of the rear support post such that the divider wall is placed in tension when secured using the engaging members of the divider wall. In addition, a product retaining member may extend from one of the plurality of forward support posts to an adjacent forward support post. In addition, the divider walls may be made from a transparent material, and each groove may have a width that is larger than a thickness of each divider wall to allow each divider wall to shift laterally within the groove as product is moved forward by the pusher mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system as disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates another isometric view of the system of FIG. 1 with product placed in the system.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top front perspective view of a partially assembled product management display of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 illustrates an enlarged partial top front perspective view of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 illustrates an enlarged partial top rear view of the system of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate simplified views of the system with some components removed for clarity.

FIG. 10A illustrates a partially assembled side view of an alternate embodiment of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10B illustrates a side view of the alternate embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 10A with some components removed for clarity.

FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the product management display system with some components removed.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate the alternate embodiment of the product management display system of FIG. 11 with product placed in the system.

FIG. 13 illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the product management display system with some components removed for clarity.

FIG. 14 illustrates a side perspective view of the alternate embodiment of the product management display system of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 illustrates a top view of a partial cross-section through the product management display system of FIG. 13 with product placed in the system.

FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of a partial cross-section through an alternate embodiment of the product management display system of FIG. 13 with product placed in the system.

FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of a divider component of the product management display system of FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of a divider component of the product management display system of FIG. 13.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The invention may be embodied in various forms. Referring to the Figures wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is depicted in FIG. 1 an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment. Exemplary merchandise system 10 includes a product dispensing tray 12 with multiple product dispensing rows in which each product dispensing row has mounted an exemplary trackless pusher mechanism 14. As described in more detail below, the pusher mechanism 14 will fit in the tray 12 and will slide along the surface of the tray without the use of tracks, rails, or guides typically used to hold a conventional pusher mechanism to the tray or floor of the tray. The pusher mechanism defines a pusher paddle and a pusher floor that extends forward of the pusher paddle. A coiled spring may extend across the pusher floor and operatively connect to the tray at a forward position on the tray. In one aspect of the invention, product to be merchandised may be placed in the tray in front of the pusher paddle and may sit on the pusher floor as well as the coiled spring. With this configuration, the weight of the product will prevent the pusher paddle from tipping to ensure proper pushing of the product. In addition, the problems associated with debris or sticky materials hindering the effectiveness of known pusher systems that use tracks, rails or guides have been eliminated. Other aspects, embodiments and features of the invention and its teachings are set forth in more detail below.

The use of pusher mechanisms in product management display systems is well known. As such, the following applications describing various pusher mechanisms are incorporated by reference in their entirety, U.S. application Ser. Nos. 13/542,419, 12/639,656, 12/357,860, 11/760,196, and 11/411,761 filed Apr. 25, 2006.

The exemplary tray 12 may define a surface or floor 16 and may further comprise one or more dividing panels or dividers 18 to separate the tray 12 into numerous rows for placement of product. The surface 16 may be a solid surface or a surface defining a plurality of spaced-apart apertures to permit the slidable movement of product placed on this surface and also permits liquids and dirt to pass through the apertures so that they do not collect on the surface 16. The surface 16 may be made of any suitable material that permits the slidable movement of product on the surface 16. Other surface or floor configurations are known and may be used with the principles of the invention.

The tray 12 may have a plurality of grooves 25 positioned along the surface 16 that separate the tray 12 into numerous rows for placement of product, where the plurality of dividers 18 may be secured in the grooves 25. As an alternative arrangement, the tray 12 may have a plurality of ribs 23 with each rib including the groove 25 positioned along the surface 16 that separate the tray 12 into numerous rows for placement of product. The tray 12 may have a plurality of rows having a fixed width for product placement and may be configured to have any number of rows, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or more rows. The grooves 25 may be equally spaced along the tray 12. Further each groove 25 may extend the length of the tray 12 and then extend vertically at each end of the tray 12 along forward and rear support posts 27 that extend vertically at each end of the tray 12 to receive each divider 18. As discussed above, the plurality of dividers 18 may be inserted into each groove 25. The dividers 18 may be removably or permanently secured within each groove 25.

As shown in FIG. 2, the merchandising system 10 may be configured to hold multiple rows of product together in a tight fitting manner to maximize the amount of product that can be accommodated horizontally across the tray 12. To do this, each divider 18 may be sized to take up a minimal width to allow the product 70 to have a minimal horizontal distance between the product in one row relative to the product in an adjacent row. The minimal horizontal distance may be less than 0.10 inches, or less than 0.06 inches, or even less than 0.04 inches. To accommodate the product 70 so tightly together, each divider 18 may be in contact with the product 70 positioned on either side of the divider 18. Further each divider 18 may be formed to allow the divider 18 to self-adjust by laterally shifting to accommodate the positioning and movement of the product 70 while not inhibiting the forward movement of the product when moved by the pusher 14. For example, as the product 70 is moved forward by the pusher 14, the product 70 may rock or move slightly side to side as it moves forward, the shifting or movement of the divider wall 18 allows the product 70 to stay within its designated row and keep moving forward. Even though the product 70 may contact the divider 18 or have a minimal amount of clearance between the divider 18 and the product 70, the divider's ability to shift keeps the product 70 from binding or getting stuck between the dividers 18, which is possible if the dividers 18 have a rigid construction.

As shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, each groove 25 may be sized to be larger than the thickness of the divider 18 to also allow each divider 18 to move slightly or laterally shift within each groove 25. The groove 25 may have a width that is slightly larger than the thickness of the divider 18 to both align and secure the divider 18 within the merchandising system 10. FIGS. 9A-9C are not necessarily drawn to scale but are illustrated to show the ability of the dividers 18 to shift within the grooves 25. FIG. 9A illustrates the dividers 18 positioned within the groove 25. FIGS. 9B and 9C illustrate the dividers ability to shift to the inside or outside of the groove to self-adjust the size of the product dispensing rows depending on the size of the product 70. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, each divider 18 may have a plurality of apertures 31 along the bottom edge, which may engage a plurality of securing members 33 that are positioned within each groove 25 along the surface 16. Each securing member 33 may extend into a corresponding aperture 31 on the divider 18 to secure the divider 18 to the tray 12. As another option, each groove 25 may additionally have a plurality of protrusions or bumps (not shown) positioned on either one side or both sides of the groove 25 to position and align each divider 18 within each groove 25. These bumps may allow the grooves 25 to be formed with a substantially larger width than the thickness of the divider 18. The bumps may extend from either one side or both sides of the grooves 25 to allow the grooves 25 to engage the much thinner dividers 18 even though the grooves 25 may be substantially wider than the thickness of the dividers 18. Lastly, each divider 18 may have a thickness of approximately 0.030 inches or within a range of 0.015 inches to 0.060 inches, or within a range of 0.010 inches to 0.060 inches. The dividers 18 may be made of a transparent material such as a polycarbonate, or alternatively may be made of an opaque material.

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the divider 18 may also have an engaging member 35 at each end that may engage a corresponding engaging member 37 located within the groove 25 of each of the forward and rear support posts 27. The engaging member 35 may be a hook-like member that fits over the corresponding engaging member 37 in each of the forward and rear support posts 27 to further secure the divider 18 to the tray 12 in a horizontal orientation. By securing the divider 18 in a horizontal direction in this manner, the divider 18 may be placed in tension to provide further support to each divider 18 and also help to strengthen the forward and rear support posts 27 along with the product retaining members 44.

FIG. 6 illustrates a partially assembled exemplary merchandising system 10 with a divider 18 tilted to show it aligned with the groove 25 along the surface 16 and the support members 27.

As discussed above, the dividers 18 may also be used to separate product into product dispensing rows to allow the product to be loaded all the way to the rear of the tray 12 while keeping the product within the allotted row. The dividers 18 may extend substantially upwardly from each surface 16 and as illustrated in FIG. 1, may be positioned on opposing sides of the allotted rows. As discussed above, the dividers 18 may be formed separately and be detachable to provide added flexibility with the system. The dividers 18 may define numerous configurations and may extend upwardly any desired distance to provide the desired height of the dividers between the rows of product to be merchandised. Further, the dividers 18 when installed may have a height that has a portion that is substantially equal to the height of the forward or rear support posts 27. Alternatively, the dividers may have a height when installed that is greater than the height of the forward and rear support posts 27, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. Alternatively, the height of the dividers 18 may be less than the height of the forward and rear support posts 27. This height also be adjustable by adding divider extenders or changing out the dividers. The height of the dividers 18 may be arranged to be above the center of gravity of each of the individual products 70 positioned within the rows.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the merchandising system 10. One or more product-retaining members 44 may be located at the front of the tray 12 extending between the forward support posts 27. The product-retaining members 44 serve as a front retaining wall or bar to hold the product 70 in the tray 12 and to prevent the product from falling out of the tray 12. These members are also configured to permit the easy removal of the forward-most product 70 positioned in the tray 12. The product-retaining member 44 may be one or more curve-shaped retaining ribs as depicted in FIG. 1. These retaining members 44 may extend from one forward support post 27 to another forward support thereby joining the support posts 27 together. Additionally, a product retaining member 44 may also be positioned along the rear of the tray 12 and thus extend from one rearward support post 27 to another rearward support post 27 to join the rearward supports together. The forward product-retaining member 44 may be transparent or semi-transparent to permit visualization of the product on the shelf. One of skill in the art will readily appreciate that there are numerous shapes and configurations possible for the product-retaining member 44 and that the depicted configurations are merely exemplary embodiments of these numerous configurations.

As discussed above, the dividers 18 may be formed as a separate component, while the remainder of the product dispensing tray 12 may be formed as a unitary component. For example, both the dividers 18 along with the product dispensing tray 12 may be formed using a transparent material. Alternatively, the product dispensing tray 12 may be formed in multiple components with the forward support posts 27 along with the forward product-retaining member 44 formed separately from a transparent material and the remainder of the product dispensing tray 12 formed from an opaque material. The separately formed forward support posts 27 and forward product-retaining member 44 may then be permanently joined to the remainder of the product dispensing tray 12. As described above, the product dispensing tray 12 may have a common floor 16 with a plurality of grooves to accommodate the dividers 18. The product dispensing tray 12 may be formed a unitary member with any number of product dispensing rows. Alternatively, the product dispensing tray 12 may be formed from multiple trays 12 that may be coupled or joined together in a side-by-side manner using any known technique, including clips, dovetailing, fasteners, or the like.

As depicted in best in FIGS. 1 and 5, the surface or floor 16 may define a rounded end portion 24 at each end of the product rows. The end portion 24 may be rounded to match the shape of the product that is placed on the tray. For example, the depicted end portion 24 is rounded or defines a semi-circular shape to match the contour of a beverage container, such as a bottle or can that may be placed in the tray and on the end portion 24. Other shapes of the end portion may be used with the invention depending on the product to be merchandised.

In addition, FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of the product management display system 10 with additional product dispensing rows as described above. FIG. 11 shows the tray 12 with has a portion of the surface 16 and several rear support posts 27 and rear product retaining members 44 removed. In addition, FIG. 11 has the pusher mechanisms 14 removed for clarity. As an alternative option, the product management display system 10 with the self-adjusting dividers 18 as described above may be used without a pusher mechanism 14 using a gravity-fed system where the surface 16 is angled.

As another feature of the product management display system 10, the self-adjusting dividers may allow the tray to accommodate different size product. FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate the product management display system 10 each having product 70 with different sizes oriented both across the tray 12 and in a front-to-rear direction. The product 70 shown in FIG. 12A may have a different size, such as a smaller or larger diameter, compared to the product 70 shown in FIG. 12B.

An aperture or notch (not shown) may be used to receive and mount an end of a coiled spring 30 or similar biasing element. A groove 34 is preferably centered across the width of the product row formed in the tray 12 and extends perpendicular to the length of the tray. This configuration will center the coiled spring 30 relative to the tray 12 and will permit the spring to extend in a substantially parallel manner relative to the length of the tray. In other words, the depicted groove 34 will permit the spring 30 to extend along the length of the tray 12 at or near the center of the product row formed by the tray. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the location and configuration of the notch may vary depending on the desired placement of the spring.

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

In one aspect, the pusher paddle 50 forms a curved-shape pusher surface or face 54 that is configured to match the shape of the product to be merchandised, such as plastic bottles or cans containing a beverage, as depicted in FIG. 2. The curve-shaped pusher surface 54 permits the pusher to remain centrally aligned with the last product in the tray. This configuration reduces friction and drag between the pusher and the divider walls. In an alternative aspect, the pusher surface or face may be a flat surface. In yet another aspect, the flat pusher surface may be accompanied by a curved shaped rib that is positioned near or on the top of the pusher paddle and that may be used to center and align product in the tray, in a manner similar to the curve-shaped pusher surface 54 depicted in FIG. 1. The curve shaped rib may define other shapes and configurations that permit cylindrical or similar shaped products to be properly pushed in the tray. Advertisement, product identification or other product information may be placed on the pusher surface 54.

Positioned behind the pusher surface or face 54 may be one or more support members 58, such as ribs, walls, or gussets. The support members 58 are configured to support the pusher surface 54 and further connect the pusher paddle 50 to the pusher floor 52. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the coiled spring 30, and more specifically the coiled end 57 that is used to urge the pusher paddle 50 forward and along the tray 12, as understood in the art. Any technique used to operatively connect the coiled spring to the pusher paddle 50 may be used with the invention.

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

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the pusher floor 52 may define an elongated channel, groove or recessed portion 59 that is sized, shaped and configured to seat the coiled spring 30. In the exemplary embodiment, the channel or groove 59 may extend across the pusher floor 52 and in a substantially perpendicular manner relative to the pusher paddle 50. In an alternative aspect, the groove or channel may extend part-way or across the entire pusher floor 52. Such configuration permits the proper alignment and positioning of the pusher paddle 50 in the tray. The groove 59 may define a depth that matches or exceeds the thickness of the coiled spring 30. With this configuration, the coiled spring 30 will seat at or below the pusher floor surface such that product will not sit directly on the coiled spring, rather, such product will sit on the pusher floor surface. The pusher floor 52 may be a solid surface or may include apertures and openings through which debris or other items may pass.

As should be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there are many possible techniques that may be used with the described pusher mechanisms for facilitating the movement of the product on the shelf or floor.

The underneath side of the pusher floor 52 may be a smooth planar surface that will slide freely along the surface 16. Alternatively, and similar to above, the pusher floor 52 may include beads, runners, rollers or the like that will permit the pusher floor to slide along the surface yet raise the pusher floor up off of the surface 16. In another alternative embodiment, the underneath side of the pusher floor may be configured with rail mounting members to permit the mounting of the pusher to a track or rail, as understood in the art.

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

In use, as the pusher mechanism 14 is urged rearward in the tray 12, the end of the coiled spring 30 will be held in position as described above and the coiled end of the spring 30 will begin to uncoil behind the pusher paddle 50. If the pusher 14 is allowed to move forward in the tray 12, such as when product is removed from the front of the tray, the coiled end of the spring 30 will coil and force the pusher paddle 50 forward in the tray 12, thereby urging product toward the front of the tray.

In an alternative embodiment, the coiled spring 30 may extend below and underneath the pusher floor 52 as opposed to above and across the pusher floor, as depicted in the figures. With this configuration, the groove 59 and notch may not be necessary.

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

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, 5, and 7, the trackless pusher mechanism 14 is shown mounted to the tray 12. As illustrated, the pusher mechanism 14 fits in the tray 12 between the dividers 18. The end of the coiled spring 30 may extend through the notch in the pusher floor and mounts to the tray as described above. In use, the pusher mechanism 14 will slide along the surface 16 of the tray 12 without the use of tracks, rails, or guides. As depicted in FIGS. 1, 3, 5, and 7, the pusher mechanism 14 is shown in a forward position.

Referring to FIG. 2, the pusher mechanism 14 is shown merchandising multiple products 70 in the merchandise system 10. The product is prevented from tipping out of the tray by the product-retaining member 44. The product 70 may be any product to be merchandised including the depicted soft drink bottle. As shown in FIG. 2, the product 70 sits on the pusher floor 52 and the coiled spring 30 that extends below the product. The weight of the product on the pusher floor 52 and the positioning of the product across the spring 30 prevent the paddle 50 from tipping in the tray 12. In use, as one product is removed from the front of the tray near the product-retaining member 44, the pusher mechanism 14 (through the urging of the coiled spring 30) will push the remaining product forward in the tray 12 until the forward-most product contacts the product-retaining member 44. As additional products are removed, the pusher mechanism 14 will continue to push the remaining product toward the product-retaining member 44.

As stated above, the trackless pusher mechanism 14 may be used with gravity-fed systems, that is, systems having trays or product channels that are mounted on an incline to permit gravity to assist with the merchandising of the product. Alternatively, the trackless pusher mechanism 14 may be used with systems that are mounted in a non-inclined or in a horizontal manner where gravity will provide little or no assistance with the merchandising of the product. The trackless pusher mechanism 14 may also be used to push various shaped products.

FIGS. 13-18 illustrate an alternate embodiment of product management display system 100. In this alternate embodiment of product management display system 100, some of the features labeled 1XX of the product management display system 100 may be similar to the features labeled XX of product management display system 10 described above and thus may be described in lesser detail or no detail at all. For example, the trackless pusher mechanism 114 may be similar to the other trackless pusher mechanism 14 described above.

FIG. 13 illustrates an isometric view of the product management display system 100 with a couple of the trackless pusher mechanisms 114 removed for clarity. The system 100 may comprise a tray 112 having a floor 116 with a plurality of rows to receive multiple products 70 in each row. For example, the product 70 may comprise a plurality of bottles, such as plastic bottles or cans containing a beverage. The tray 112 may also have a plurality of vertically oriented forward support posts 127 that are joined together with product retaining members 144 positioned at the forward end of each row of the tray 112, and a plurality of vertically oriented rear support posts 128 that are joined together with product retaining members 144 positioned at the rear end of each row of the tray 112. In addition, a plurality of dividers 118 may be secured to the tray 112 to further distinguish and separate the rows along the floor 116. Each of the dividers 118 may be secured in a groove 125 that is located within the forward and rear support posts 127, 128 and the floor 116 of the tray 112. The system 100 may also comprise a plurality of trackless pusher mechanisms 114 similar to those described above 14 positioned within each row.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, each of the plurality of dividers 118 may comprise a wall 119 extending continuously between first end 120 and the second end 121 of the divider 118. The wall 119 may have a top surface along with a bottom surface 122 that is spaced from the floor 116 of the tray 112. The divider 118 may also have a support column 138 that extends from the bottom surface 122 of the wall 119 and engages one of the plurality of the grooves 125 positioned within the floor 116 of the tray 112. The system 100 may have a plurality of dividers 118, which may include two divider configurations 118a and 118b. As shown in FIG. 17, divider 118a may have the support column 138 spaced a horizontal distance, S1, from the first end 120, where the support column 138a is closer to the second end 121 than the first end 120, while divider 118b may have the support column 138b spaced a horizontal distance, S2, from the first end 120, where the support column 138 is closer to the first end 120 than the second end 121 as shown in FIG. 18.

As shown in FIGS. 13-16, the plurality of dividers 118 may alternate between divider 118a and 118b such that the support columns 138 alternate being closer to the forward end of the tray 112 or closer to the rearward end of the tray 112. For example, the first divider 118a may be inserted into the groove 125 with the first end 120 engaged to the forward support post 127 and the second end 121 engaged to the rear support post 128. The support column 138a is positioned closer to the rear of the tray 112. The second divider 118b is installed adjacent the first divider 118a such that the support column 138b is closer to the front of the tray 112. Continuing the alternating pattern, the third divider 118a, which is the same divider configuration as the first divider 118a, may be installed adjacent the second divider 118b, which positions the support column 138a closer to the rear support post 128. The two divider configurations 118a, 118b continue to alternate throughout the system 100 such that the support columns 138 alternate being closer to the forward end of the tray 112 or closer to the rearward end of the tray 112. The plurality of dividers 118a, 118b are arranged to orient the support columns 138a, 138b in a staggered configuration across the tray 112.

As an alternative, the plurality of dividers 118 may be symmetrical with regards to the first end 120 and second end 121 along with their engaging members 135, such that the plurality of dividers 118 may be installed into the tray 112 in different orientations to produce the staggered support column configuration.

The tray 112 may have a plurality of rows having a fixed width for product placement and may be configured to have any number of rows, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or more rows. The grooves 125 may be equally spaced along the floor 116 of the tray 112. Further, each groove 125 may extend the entire length of the tray 112 and then extend vertically at each end of the tray 112 along the forward and rear support posts 127, 128 that extend vertically at each end of the tray 112 to receive each of the plurality of dividers 118. As discussed above, the plurality of dividers 118 may be inserted into each groove 125. The dividers 118 may be removably or permanently secured within each groove 125.

Alternatively, the grooves 125 may only extend vertically at each end of the tray 112 along the forward and rear support posts 127, 128. In this configuration, the floor 116 may have a plurality of elongated pockets 126 positioned within the floor 116 to receive the support columns 138 of the dividers 118. At least one of the plurality of elongated pockets 126 may be located between and substantially aligned or coplanar with each of the grooves 125 that are positioned along the forward and rear support posts 127, 128. For example, each divider 118 may have the first end 120 and second end 121 inserted into the groove 125 at each of the forward and rear support posts 127, 128 respectively and the support column 138 inserted into the elongated pocket 126. As one option, the floor 116 may have two elongated pockets 126 that are substantially coplanar with the groove 125 to accept either divider configuration 118a, 118b.

Each groove 125 or elongated pocket 126 may be sized to have a close fit to cause the support column 138 to have a relatively fixed connection or the groove 125 or elongated pocket 126 may be sized to be larger than the thickness of the support column 138 to allow each support column to move slightly or laterally shift within each groove 125 or pocket 126 similar to the movement of the dividers 18 described above and shown in FIGS. 9A-9C. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, each support column 138 may have an at least one aperture 131 located near the bottom of the support column 138. As the support column 138 is inserted into either one of the grooves 125 positioned along the floor or one of the elongated pockets 126 along the floor (depending on the configuration of the tray 112), a securing member 133 (not shown) positioned within either one of the grooves 125 positioned along the floor 116 or one of the elongated pockets 126 along the floor may extend into the aperture 131 of the support column 138 to secure the column 138 to the tray 112. The aperture 131 may be centrally located along the width of the support column 138.

In addition to the plurality of dividers 118 helping to separate the rows of the tray 112, the plurality of dividers 118 provide the necessary support when loading the products 70, in this case a plurality of bottles, into the tray 112. In some conditions, when the products 70 are loaded into the rows of the tray 112, a divider 118 may bend or elastically deform, which may cause the product 70 to splay or not load properly. The support columns 138 provide a connection point to the floor 116 to create additional structural support and stiffness to the divider 118 to help minimize any bending or deformation to prevent splay or other associated problems when loading products 70. As another feature to provide additional structural support to each divider, an engaging member 135 may be formed as a slot or hook-like member on each end 120, 121 of the divider 118 to engage a corresponding engaging member on each front support post 127 and each rear support post 128. These engaging members 135 may help provide an additional tension force on the divider 118 to provide further support to each divider 118 to prevent any deformation during the loading process and thus, help prevent splay.

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate a partial cross-section of the system 100 where the cross-section is located parallel to and offset from the floor 116 a minimal amount. As shown, the plurality of bottles 70 secured by the system 100 may have a diameter near the bottom of each bottle 70 may be in contact with the bottle in the adjacent row of the tray 112. The position of the support column 138 may be located in the scalloped region of the bottles when the bottles 70 are at rest within the tray. For instance, the support column 138a is located in the scalloped region between the bottles closer to the rear support post 128 of the tray 112, while support column 138b is located in the scalloped region between the bottles closer to the forward end of the tray 112. Each support column 138a, 138b may contact one or more bottles 70 positioned adjacent to each support column 138a, 138b. The support columns 138a, 138b may be spaced away in a front to rear direction from each other by a distance, S3. The distance, S3, may be defined as the difference between S1 and S2 and may be greater than or equal to a distance of approximately two bottle diameters as shown in FIG. 15, or a distance greater than or equal to approximately three bottle diameters as shown in FIG. 16. The distances, S1, S2, and S3 may be measured to the center of each support column 138.

The spacing of the staggered positioning of the support columns 138 combined with the bottom surface 122 of each divider 118 being spaced from the floor 116 creates and opening between the divider 118 and the floor 116 of the tray and further forms a wide aperture for the bottles 70 to move within the rows of the tray 112. Because each support column 138 is only positioned at a single location of each row, the divider 118 on the opposite side of the row is open across from each support column 138. The absence of the support column 138 may create a localized region that is more flexible to allow the divider on the opposite side of the row from each support column 138 to flex slightly to provide additional space to allow the bottles to move forward when one of the bottles is removed. For example, as the forwardmost bottle is removed from a row, the trackless pusher mechanism 114 exerts a force to push the remaining bottles in the row forward until the forwardmost bottle contacts the product retaining member 144. Thus, as the pusher exerts a force on the bottles 70, the bottles may slide relative to the bottle in the adjacent row to move forward to the next position.

Each support column 138 may be sized to provide the additional required stiffness to support the divider 118 under the loading conditions, while also being dependent upon the diameter of the bottles 70. For example, the support column 138 may have a width of approximately 1.50 inches, or within a range of 1.375 inches to 1.625 inches. The divider wall 119 may be approximately 0.11 inches thick, or within a range of 0.10 inches to 0.120 inches. In addition, the plurality of dividers 118 may be formed using a molding process, such as injection molding, and may be formed of a polymeric material, such as polypropylene.

As an alternative embodiment, the support columns 138 may be removed from the dividers 118. This would leave each divider 118 supported only by its connection to the front support column 127 and rear support column 128. As the thickness of the divider wall 119 may be limited by the size of the bottles 70 placed in the system 100, if the size of the bottles 70 is reduced, the thickness of the divider wall 119 may be increased to increase the overall stiffness of each divider 118 to avoid the issues caused by splay. As another option, the stiffness of the each divider 118 may be increased by changing the material to a stiffer polymer, such as a fiber reinforced polymer, or unfilled polymer such as a polycarbonate, or nylon. As another option, the divider 118 may be formed from a metallic material, such as aluminum or steel.

Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. For example, one of skill in the art will understand that multiples of the described components may be used in stores and in various configurations. The present invention is therefore not to be limited to a single system, nor the upright pusher configuration, depicted in the Figures, as the system is simply illustrative of the features, teachings and principles of the invention. It should further be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. This disclosure is described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may come within the language and scope of the appended claims.

	Number	Date	Country
	62573468	Oct 2017	US
	62520985	Jun 2017	US

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	16597064	Oct 2019	US
Child	17203442		US

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	16009644	Jun 2018	US
Child	16597064		US

Product Management Display System with Trackless Pusher Mechanism

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