BR112015023521B1 - MERCHANDISE DISPLAY SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

product management display system with trackless impeller mechanism. A product management display system on a shelf includes utilizing a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which the product is placed and one or more dividers to separate the product into rows. These one or more dividers can be attached to a front rail in two different conditions, locked and unlocked. In a locked condition, the relationship between the splitter and the front rail resists change in either direction relative to each other. In the unlocked condition, the dividers can be freely slid laterally along the front rail while remaining perpendicular to the front rail. one or more dividers can lock to the front rail through the use of mating teeth, resistant surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar and/or a cam that can define a slide of the cam.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED ORDERS

[001] This application claims priority to US Patent Application No. 13/839,674, filed on March 15, 2013, which is an application of the continuation part of US Patent Application No. 13/542,419, filed on the day July 5, 2012, which is an application of the continuation part of U.S. Patent Application No. 12/639,656 filed December 16, 2009, now U.S. Patent No. U 8,322,544, which is an application of the part of continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 12/357,860, filed January 22, 2009, now U.S. Patent No. 8,453,850, which is an application of the continuation portion of U.S. Patent Application No. 11/760,196, filed on June 8, 2007, now U.S. Patent No. 8,312,999, which is an application of the continuation part of U.S. Patent Application No. 11/411,761, filed April 25, 2006, now U.S. Patent No. 7,823,734, which claims benefits for US Patent Applications No. 60/7 16,362, filed September 12, 2005, and 60/734,692, filed November 8, 2005, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Patent Application No. 13/542,419 also claims benefits for U.S. Patent Application No. 61/530,736 filed September 2, 2011, 61/542,473 filed October 3, 2011, and 61/553,545 filed with October 31, 2011, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[002] The exemplary modalities generally relate to a set of shelves for use in merchandise products and more specifically to a set of shelves having improved mechanisms for displaying and pushing products onto the shelves.

BACKGROUND

[003] It is known that wholesale and retail stores, such as convenience stores, pharmacies, grocery stores, discount stores, and the like, require a large amount of shelves to store and display products to consumers. In display products, it is desirable for the product on the shelf to be situated towards the front of the shelf so that the product is visible and accessible to consumers. In the case of coolers or coolers that are used to store and display such products as non-alcoholic beverages, energy drinks, bottled water, and other bottled and canned beverages, it is desirable that these products also be situated towards the front of the shelf so that that the product is visible and accessible to consumers.

[004] To achieve this product placement, known systems may include trays or floors that, through the cavity, will cause the product to move towards the front of the shelf. Many of these systems include floors or shelves made of a plastic material, such as polypropylene, which, due to its low coefficient of friction, allows the product to slide easily along the floor or surface. However, over time, these surfaces can become clogged with debris or sticky substances that inhibit the product from sliding properly, sometimes causing multiple products to drop, thus blocking additional products from moving to the front of the unit. shelf.

[005] Other systems include using a pusher system to propel product towards the front of the shelf as product at the front of the shelf is removed. Product pusher systems are normally mounted to a rail and include a pusher insert and a coil spring for urging the product forward. Occasionally, as the system is used, and over time, the rail becomes clogged with dirt or sticky materials that prevent proper operation of the impeller system on the rail. Furthermore, depending on the size, shape and weight of the product being marketed, known pusher inserts may occasionally fall off or bend backwards, thus causing a binding of the pusher mechanism in the rail. In these situations the pusher mechanism may not properly propel the product towards the front of the shelf.

[006] An exemplary embodiment is aimed at improving existing merchandising systems by providing a trailless pusher system that works with gravity merchandising systems (ie, tilted shelves or trays) non-gravity merchandising systems.

SUMMARY

[007] An exemplary modality is aimed at a product management display system to market products on a shelf. This embodiment includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which the product is placed. The trackless system overcomes the known problems with the use of tracks to hold and guide the known pusher mechanisms. It is to be understood that the teachings of this embodiment can be used with systems that include rails to mount a pusher mechanism or the like.

[008] The pusher mechanism may include a pusher insert and a floor that extends towards the front of the pusher insert. A smooth coil spring or other distortion element may be operatively connected behind the pusher insert and extend across the floor of the pusher mechanism and to the front of the shelf. Alternatively, the flat coil spring or distortion element can extend through the divider to the front of the shelf assembly. With this configuration, the impeller insert is prevented from falling or bending back during operation.

[009] An exemplary modality also includes the use of a pusher mechanism with the marketing of products on horizontal or non-inclined shelves, as well as with systems with gravity, systems that use gravity as a mechanism to propel the product towards the front of the shelf.

[0010] In accordance with an exemplary illustrative embodiment of the invention, the pusher insert may define a concave thrust surface to propel cylindrical products, such as bottles or cans of soft drinks, and to keep the insert centered on the track and behind the product. Alternatively, the pusher insert may define a flat thrust surface which may further include at its upper edge a curved rib or similar structure which may also be used to thrust cylindrical products.

[0011] In accordance with another exemplary illustrative embodiment of the invention, the floor of the pusher mechanism may include a toothed or undercut portion to align the pusher mechanism with respect to the coil spring. Also, the floor of the system may also include a notched or undercut portion to receive and show a smooth end of the spiral girl to the floor. A spring tip can be placed on the end of the coil spring to mount the coil spring to the floor of the system. Alternatively, the end of the coil spring can be mounted to the divider of the assembly.

[0012] Pursuant to another exemplary embodiment, an adapter for a product management display system can be positioned on a floor surface in the display system. The adapter may include a flat surface with at least two ribs extending away from the flat surface and across the flat surface in a substantially parallel manner. A coil spring can be positioned between the extended parallel ribs. With this configuration, the products to be marketed can rest on the ribs and not directly on the spiral spring to improve the forward movement of certain types of products, such as beverage cans.

[0013] In another alternative aspect, a mounting member can be used to mount the end of the coil spring to the floor of the system. For those systems that include spaced slide rails that are joined together by connecting ribs, the mounting member can be locked or mounted on the floor or between the slide rails.

[0014] In another alternative aspect, the trackless pusher system is retrofitted onto an existing set of shelves. This allows placement of the trackless pusher system on an existing shelving system as a low-cost alternative to purchasing the entire trackless pusher assembly.

[0015] In another exemplary embodiment, the coil spring can be mounted to the retainer. One end of the coil spring can be mounted directly to the retainer or alternatively the end can be mounted to the retainer via an adaptor. The adapter may have a curved portion that is received in a correspondingly curved shape fitting in the retainer to hold the spring end to the display assembly.

[0016] In another exemplary embodiment, the trays can be fixed through a snap connection to form a set of shelves. Additionally, the dividers can be adjusted so that the product row width can be adapted to accommodate different product sizes.

[0017] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the product management display system can be placed in a stackable arrangement. The assembly may be provided with a first tray and a second tray, each having a first wall and a second wall. The first and second trays are adapted to receive a pusher mechanism, and a retainer mechanism. The first and second spacers are mounted to the first and second trays to stack the first and second trays one on top of the other. The first and second spacers may be provided with a plurality of latches, and the first tray and second tray may be provided with a plurality of plugs correspondingly molded to receive the plurality of latches.

[0018] Pursuant to another exemplary embodiment, the product management display system for marketing products on a shelf includes utilizing a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which the product is placed and one or more more dividers to separate the product into rows. These dividers can be attached and releasably attached to a front rail. When these dividers are not attached and held in position to the front rail, these dividers and products positioned on the display system can be moved in a lateral direction, or they can be lifted off the rails. This makes it easier to replan the product on the shelf. These dividers can releasably attach to the front rail through the use of matching teeth, sturdy surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar, a cam, and/or through friction or pressure.

[0019] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and at least one splitter configured to engage the front rail. That divider includes a barrier and further includes a divider wall. This divider also includes a divider floor perpendicular to the partition wall, wherein the divider floor is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam coupled to the divider, wherein the cam is configured to move between a first position and a second position. This divider is (a) movable in a direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when this divider is coupled to the front rail and the cam is in the first position. This divider is (a) secured in the side direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in the direction perpendicular to the front rail when this divider is coupled to the front rail and the cam is in the second position.

[0020] In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail and a plurality of dividers configured to attach to the front rail and separate the product into rows. Each of a plurality of dividers includes a divider wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail, a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, wherein the divider floor is configured to hold the product, and a cam coupled to the divider, wherein the cam is configured to move between a first position and a second position. Each of a plurality of dividers is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when each of a plurality of dividers is coupled to the front rail and the cam for each one of the plurality of divisors is in the first position. Furthermore, each of the plurality of dividers is (a) secured in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in the direction perpendicular to the front rail when each of the plurality of dividers is coupled to the front rail and the cam for each of the plurality of divisors is in the second position.

[0021] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and at least one divider configured to mate with the front rail, that divider including a barrier, a divider wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail, a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, wherein the divider wall separates the divider floor into a first part and a second part and each of the first part and the second part is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a first pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least a portion of the first part, a second pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least a portion of the second part, cam coupled to that divider , the cam configured to move between a first position and a second position. The divider is movable in the lateral direction parallel to and along the front rail when the cam is in the first position and this divider resists movement in the lateral direction parallel to and along the front rail when the cam is in the second position.

[0022] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and at least one divider configured to mate with the front rail, that divider including a barrier configured to mate with the front rail, a divider wall extending into a direction perpendicular to the front rail, a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, wherein the divider floor is configured to hold the product. The display system may also include a resistant tab coupled to the divider, the resistant tab configured to move between a first position and a second position. This divider is fixed in a side direction parallel to the front rail when the heavy-duty tab is in the first position. This divider is movable in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the heavy-duty tab is in the second position.

[0023] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail, the front rail comprising at least one first projection and at least one first recess, and at least one divider configured to mate with the front rail, that divider comprising a dividing wall and a dividing floor perpendicular to the dividing wall, that divider further comprising at least one second recess and at least one second projection, that second projection of the divider configured to move between a first position and a second position. This divider is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when this first projection of the front rail is coupled to this second recess of the divider and this second projection of the divider is in the first position. This divider (a) resists movement in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail where this first projection of the front rail is coupled to this second recess of the divider and this second projection of the divider is in second position.

[0024] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail including at least one first projection and at least one second projection, that second projection of the front rail configured to move between the first and second positions. The merchandise display system also includes at least one divider configured to mate with the front rail, that divider comprising a divider wall and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, that divider further comprising at least one recess. This divider is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when this first projection of the front rail is coupled to this recess of the divider and this second projection of the front rail is in the first position. This divider is (a) secured in the side direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in the direction perpendicular to the front rail when this first projection of the front rail is coupled to this recess of the divider and this second projection of the front rail is in the second position.

[0025] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail, the front rail comprising a first projection and a second projection. The merchandise display system also includes at least one divider configured to engage the front, that divider comprising a divider wall and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, that divider further comprising at least one recess and a third projection. This second projection or third projection is a movable projection that is movable between a first position and a second position. This divider is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when the first projection of the front rail is coupled to the recess of the divider and the movable projection is in the first position. This divider is (a) secured in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in the direction perpendicular to the front rail when the first projection of the front rail is coupled to the recess of the divider and the movable projection is in the second position.

[0026] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail, the front rail comprising at least one first coupling member. The merchandise display system also includes at least one divider configured to mate with the front rail, that divider comprising a divider wall and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall, that divider further comprising at least one second coupling member. The merchandise display system also includes a third coupling member configured to move between a first position and a second position. This divider is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when the first coupling member of the front rail is coupled to the second coupling member of the divider and the third coupling member of the coupling is in the first position. This divider is (a) secured in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when the first coupling member of the front rail is coupled to the second coupling member of the divider and the third coupling is in the second position.

[0027] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and at least one divider configured to engage the front rail, that divider including a barrier, further including a dividing wall, that divider further including a divider floor perpendicular to the dividing wall, where the dividing floor is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam coupled to the divider, wherein the cam is configured to move between a first position and a second position. This divider can be secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when this divider is attached to the front rail. The cam can inhibit movement of that divider in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the cam is in the first position and the cam can allow movement of the divider in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the cam is in the second position. The merchandise display system may include a handle to rotate the cam between the first position and the second position. The merchandise display system may include a handle to slide the cam between the first position and the second position.

[0028] In another alternative embodiment, a merchandise display system includes a front rail defining a rail slot and a divider configured to engage the front rail. The divider includes a barrier, a divider wall, and a divider floor extending perpendicular to the divider wall. The divider floor further includes an upper surface for holding the product and a lower surface. The merchandise display system also includes a cam rotatably coupled to the divider. The cam is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position. The cam defines a cam slide that extends below the bottom surface of the divider floor and contacts the front rail when the cam is in the first position. In operation, the divider is movable in the side direction parallel to the front rail when the cam is in the first position and the cam slide contacts the front rail, and the divider is fixed to the side direction parallel to the front rail when the cam is in in the second position and in contact with the groove in the front rail. With this mode, the cam is in contact with the front rail at all times, regardless of whether the cam is in the first position or the second position, or in a position between the first position and the second position.

[0029] In an alternative aspect, the cam includes a handle for rotating the cam between the first position and the second position, and the cam may include one or more cam surfaces configured to engage one or more groove walls in the groove of the rail. when the cam is in the second position. Additionally, the cam slide can define an elongated flat surface. Also, the merchandise display system may include a pusher mechanism having a pusher surface and a pusher floor extending forwardly from the pusher surface. A coil spring having a coiled end can be positioned behind the pusher surface and a free end of the spring can secure the pusher mechanism to a merchandise display system. Alternatively, the barrier can be configured to receive the free end of the coil spring. In yet another alternative aspect, the front rail may define a lip configured to engage a groove in the divider.

[0030] In another exemplary embodiment, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and at least one divider configured to secure the front rail. This divider may include a barrier and a divider wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail. The divider may include the divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall and the divider wall separates the divider floor into the first part and the second part and each part, first and second, is configured to hold the product. Additionally, the merchandise display system includes a first pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least part of the first part and a second pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least part of the second part. The merchandise display system includes a cam coupled to this divider. The cam defines a cam slide configured to move between first position and second position. In operation, this divider is movable in a lateral direction parallel to and along the front rail when the cam is in the first position and the cam slide is in contact with the front rail, and this divider resists movement in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail. and along the front rail when the cam is in the second position and the cam slide is not in contact with the front rail.

[0031] In one aspect, the first and second impeller mechanisms include a pusher surface, a pusher floor extending forward from the pusher surface, and a coil spring having a coiled end and a free end. The spiral end is positioned behind the pusher surface and the free end is attached to the first and second pusher mechanisms of the merchandise display system.

[0032] In an alternative aspect, this splitter can define a splitter coupling member and this front rail can define a leading rail coupling member. The splitter coupling member is configured to mate the front rail coupling member. The divider coupling member may define divider teeth on at least one surface of the divider coupling member. The front rail coupling member may define the front rail teeth on at least one surface of the front rail coupling member. Divider teeth are configured to engage the front rail teeth.

[0033] In another exemplary embodiment, a merchandise display system includes a front rail and at least one divider configured to mate with the front rail. This divider includes a barrier, a dividing wall, and a dividing floor perpendicular to the dividing wall. The divider floor is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam attached to the divider. The cam is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The cam sets a cam slide to lift the divider off the front rail when the cam is in the first position. This divider is secured to the front rail when the cam is in the second position and the cam slide is moved away from the front rail. In one aspect, this divider is movable in the plane of a shelf only in the side direction parallel to the front rail, and this divider is fixed in the plane of the shelf in all directions other than the direction parallel to the front rail when this divider is coupled to the front rail. . In another aspect, the cam may include a handle for rotating the cam between the first position and the second position. Additionally, the cam slide may define an elongated flat surface having an edge that allows sliding movement of the cam slide relative to the front rail.

[0034] In another exemplary embodiment, the merchandise display system may include a front rail and at least one divider configured to engage the front rail. The divider may include a barrier, a divider wall, and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall configured to hold the product. A front lock can be attached to the divider. In one aspect, the front lock may be configured to pivot, pivot or move between a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the front lock can allow sliding movement of the divider relative to the front rail. In an alternative aspect, the front lock can lift the splitter off the front rail. When in the second position, the front lock locks the divider to the front rail and prevents sliding movement between the divider and the front rail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 depicts an isometric exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary pusher mechanism mounted on an exemplary tray or product channel of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3 depicts another isometric view of the system of Figure 2 with the product placed in the system.

[0038] Figure 4 depicts another isometric view of the system in Figure 2 with multiple products placed in the system.

[0039] Figure 5 depicts an isometric rear view of the system in Figure 4.

[0040] Figure 6 depicts an alternative embodiment of the tray or product channel of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 7 depicts an exemplary tip for an end of a coil spring that can be used with the inventive product management display system.

[0042] Figure 8 depicts the exemplary tip of Figure 7 being mounted to a surface of a product tray or channel.

[0043] Figure 9 depicts the exemplary tip of Figure 7 being mounted to one end of the spiral spring.

[0044] Figure 10 depicts the exemplary tip of Figure 7 mounted to one end of the spiral spring.

[0045] Figure 11 depicts an isometric view of an alternate exemplary embodiment of a product management display system of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 12 depicts another isometric view of the system in Figure 11.

[0047] Figure 13 depicts a front view of the system in Figure 11.

[0048] Figure 14 depicts a top view of the system in Figure 11.

[0049] Figure 15 depicts a rear view of the system in Figure 11.

[0050] Figure 16 depicts an isometric view of an adapter that can be used with the invention.

[0051] Figure 17 depicts a front view of the adapter of Figure 16.

[0052] Figure 18 depicts an exemplary installation of the adapter of the invention.

[0053] Figure 19 depicts an isometric view of an installed adapter of the invention.

[0054] Figure 20 depicts a front view of an installed adapter of the invention.

[0055] Figure 21 depicts an isometric view of an alternate exemplary embodiment of a product management display system of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 22 depicts an isometric bottom view of an exemplary assembly that can be used to mount the spiral spring end of the floor of the display system.

[0057] Figure 23 depicts an isometric top view of the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22.

[0058] Figure 24 depicts the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22 mounted to the end of the coil spring with the coil spring mounted to an exemplary impeller vane.

[0059] Figure 25 depicts another view of the exemplary assembly member of Figure 22 mounted to the end of the coil spring with the coil spring mounted to an exemplary impeller vane.

[0060] Figure 26 depicts the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22 with the coil spring attached being mounted to the system floor.

[0061] Figure 27 depicts the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22 installed on the system floor.

[0062] Figure 28 depicts an isometric view of an alternate exemplary embodiment of a product management display system of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 29 depicts a close isometric view of the tray of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 28.

[0064] Figure 29A depicts a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 28 illustrating a first security method.

[0065] Figure 29B depicts a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 28 illustrating a second security method.

[0066] Figure 30 depicts a close isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 28 illustrating a rivet securing the spring to the tray.

[0067] Figure 31 depicts an isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 28 being mounted on a pre-existing grid shelf.

[0068] Figure 32 depicts an isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 28 mounted on a pre-existing grid shelf.

[0069] Figure 33 depicts an isometric view of an exemplar mode of the display system.

[0070] Figure 34 depicts an isometric view of an exemplar mode of the display system.

[0071] Figure 35 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary modality of an adapter.

[0072] Figure 36 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary modality of a retainer.

[0073] Figure 37 depicts a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the display system.

[0074] Figure 38 depicts an isometric view of an exemplar mode of the display system.

[0075] Figure 39 depicts an isometric view of an exemplar mode of the display system.

[0076] Figure 40 depicts an isometric view of an exemplar mode of the display system.

[0077] Figure 41A depicts a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of a divider.

[0078] Figure 41B depicts a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the display system.

[0079] Figure 41C depicts a close-up view of a section of Figure 41B.

[0080] Figure 41D depicts a front view of an exemplary mode of a divider.

[0081] Figure 42 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary modality of the display system.

[0082] Figure 43 depicts an isometric view of an exemplar mode of the display system.

[0083] Figure 44 depicts an isometric view of an exemplar mode of a product management display system.

[0084] Figure 45 depicts another isometric view of an exemplar mode of a product management display system with products in the system.

[0085] Figure 46 depicts a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a product management display system with products in the system.

[0086] Figure 47 depicts an isometric rear view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system with products in the system.

[0087] Figure 48 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary modality of the pusher mechanism mounted to a divider.

[0088] Figure 49 depicts another isometric view of the divider and pusher mechanism being mounted to the product management display system.

[0089] Figure 50 depicts an isometric view of another exemplar mode of the product management display system.

[0090] Figure 51 depicts another isometric view of the exemplary modality of the product management display system of Figure 50 without products.

[0091] Figure 52 depicts an exploded isometric view of the exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of Figure 50.

[0092] Figure 53 depicts an isometric view of another exemplar mode of the product management display system.

[0093] Figure 54 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary attachment of the pusher spring to a shelf of the product management display system of Figure 53.

[0094] Figure 55 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary attachment of the pusher spring to a shelf of the product management display system of Figure 53.

[0095] Figure 56 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary attachment of the pusher spring to a shelf of the product management display system of Figure 53.

[0096] Figure 57 is an isometric view of an exemplary attachment of the pusher spring to a shelf of the product management display system of Figure 53.

[0097] Figure 58 depicts an isometric view of an exemplar mode of the product management display system in compliance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[0098] Figure 59 depicts an isometric view of the exemplary product management display system of Figure 58.

[0099] Figure 60 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary impeller mechanism in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00100] Figure 61 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00101] Figure 62 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary divider and exemplary pusher mechanism in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00102] Figure 63 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary front part of a divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00103] Figure 64 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary front part of a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00104] Figure 65 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary connection between a splitter and a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00105] Figure 66 depicts a side view of a divider and a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00106] Figures 67A to C depict side views of an exemplary divider attaching to a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00107] Figures 68A through C depict side views of an exemplary divider attaching to a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00108] Figure 69A depicts an isometric view of exemplary rail mounting clamps for a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00109] Figure 69B depicts an isometric view of an exemplary front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00110] Figure 70 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary front rail and exemplary rail mounting clamps in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00111] Figure 71 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00112] Figure 72 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary divider and exemplary pusher mechanism in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00113] Figure 73 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary divider and exemplary pusher mechanism in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00114] Figure 74 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00115] Figure 75 depicts a partial isometric view of an exemplary front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00116] Figures 76A and 76B depict partial isometric views of an exemplary front rail and exemplary cam bar lever in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00117] Figure 77 depicts an exploded front view of an exemplary product management display system in compliance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00118] Figure 78 depicts an exploded rear view of an exemplary product management display system in compliance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00119] Figures 79A through C depict side views of an exemplary front rail and exemplary divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00120] Figure 80 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary product management display system in compliance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00121] Figures 81A and B depict partial side views of an exemplary front rail and exemplary divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00122] Figures 82A through C depict partial side views of an exemplary front rail and exemplary divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00123] Figures 83A through C depict partial side views of an exemplary front rail and exemplary divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00124] Figures 84A through F depict isometric views of an exemplary product management display system in compliance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00125] Figure 85 depicts a side view of an exemplary divider and exemplary front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00126] Figures 86A through L depict views of components of an exemplary product management display system in compliance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00127] Figures 87A through C depict side views of exemplary dividers and exemplary front rails in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00128] Figures 88A and B depict isometric views of an exemplary divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00129] Figures 89A through C depict side views of an exemplary divider attaching to a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00130] Figures 90A-F depict views of an exemplary divider attaching to a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00131] Figure 91A depicts a view of an exemplary divider and rear rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00132] Figure 92 depicts an exploded view of an exemplary divider and exemplary rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00133] Figures 93A and B depict views of an exemplary divider being mounted on a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00134] Figures 94A through C depict cross-sectional views of the movement of an exemplary cam used with a divider and a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[00135] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the construction details and the arrangement of the components shown in the following description or in the illustrated drawings. The invention is competent in other embodiments and if practiced or performed in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for purposes of description and should not be considered limiting. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof is intended to encompass the items listed below and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Furthermore, the use of the term "assemble," "assembled" or "assembling" is intended to broadly include any technique and method of assembling, fixing, joining or coupling one part to another, directly or indirectly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00136] The invention may be embodied in various ways. With respect to the Figures in which like numerals indicate like elements, an exploded isometric view of an exemplary embodiment is depicted in Figure 1. Exemplary merchandise system 10 includes a product dispensing tray 12 on which an exemplary trackless pusher mechanism 14 is mounted. As described in more detail below, pusher mechanism 14 will engage tray 12 and slide along the surface of the tray without the use of rails or guides normally used to hold a conventional pusher mechanism to the tray or tray floor. The pusher mechanism defines a pusher insert and a pusher floor that extends forward throughout the pusher insert. A spiral spring can extend across the impeller floor and operatively connect the tray in a forward position on the tray. In one aspect of the invention, products to be marketed can be placed on the tray in front of the pusher insert and can rest on the pusher floor as well as the coil spring. With this configuration, the weight of the product will prevent the impeller insert from tipping to ensure proper product thrust. In addition, problems associated with fragments or sticky materials obstructing the effectiveness of known impeller systems using rails or guides have been eliminated. Other aspects, embodiments and features of the invention and its teachings are presented in more detail below.

[00137] The exemplary tray 12 may define a surface 16 and one or more divider panels or dividers 18 to separate the tray into numerous rows for product placement. In an alternative aspect, the tray 12 can be a shelf or any other surface on which the product can be placed for marketing. The surface 16 may be a solid surface or a surface defining a plurality of spaced-apart openings 20 separated by a plurality of support ribs 22. The apertures 20 and ribs 22 provide a surface that allows for sliding movement of the product placed on that surface and it also allows liquids and dirt to pass through the openings 20 so that they do not accumulate on the surface 16. The surface 16 may be made of any suitable material that allows for the sliding movement of the product over the surface 16. Other surface or floor configurations are known and can be used with the principles of the invention.

[00138] As depicted in Figures 9 and 10, the surface 16 may define a rounded end portion 24 that includes a serrated or notched portion 26. The edge portion 24 may be rounded to match the shape of the product that is placed on the surface. tray. For example, the pictured end portion 24 is rounded or defines a semi-circular shape to match the contour of a bottle or can that can be placed in the tray and over the rounded portion 24. Other shapes of the end portion can be used with the invention depending on the product to be marketed.

[00139] The notch 26 can be used to receive and mount an end 29 of a coil spring 30 or similar biasing element. The notch 26 may define opposite angled edge surfaces 32 which are joined by an edge 34. Edge 34 is preferably centered across the width of the row of product formed in tray 12 and extends perpendicular to the length of the tray. This configuration will center coil spring 30 with respect to tray 12 and allow the spring to extend substantially parallel to the length of the tray. In other words, the pictured edge 34 of the notch 26 will allow the spring 30 to extend the length of the tray 12 at or near the center of the row of product formed by the tray. One skilled in the art will recognize that the location and configuration of the notch may vary depending on the desired spring placement.

[00140] The spiral spring 30 may define an end 29 which is configured to be placed across the notch 26 and over the edge 34. In one aspect, the end 29 of the spiral spring may be V-shaped and function as a hook. so that end 29 will surround edge 34 with an end portion 29 of the coil spring extending below the end portion 24 of the surface 16. This configuration allows for easy installation of the coil spring onto the tray.

[00141] In another aspect, and in relation to Figure 7, a spring tip 60 may be added to the end 29 of the spring 30 to assist in mounting the spring in the system. The spring tip 60 can define any number of shapes and configurations depending on the configuration of the tray and the surface to which the end of the spring needs to be secured. Spring tip 60 may be permanently attached to end 29 of coil spring 30 or may be detachable to allow exchange or replacement of spring tip 60. Spring tip 60 may be made of plastic and may define one or more openings. Aperture 61 may be used to receive end 29 of coil spring 30. Second opening 63 may be used to receive a coupling pawl or mounting member 65 extending from surface 16 of tray 12, as discussed below. With this configuration, end 29 of coil spring 30 can be operatively connected to tray 12.

[00142] In another aspect, the end 29 of the coil spring may be press fit into an opening formed in the surface 16, or otherwise it may be inserted and secured to an opening or hole in the tray, thereby holding the end 29 of the spiral spring 30 in position.

[00143] Referring to Figure 1, the dividers 18 can also be used to separate the product into rows. Dividers 18 extend substantially upwards from surface 16 and, as illustrated in Figure 1, may be positioned on opposite sides of surface 16. Alternatively, dividers 18 may be positioned in any desired position on tray 12 or surface 16. Dividers 18 may be formed as a unitary structure with surface 16, or dividers may be detachable to provide added flexibility with the system. Dividers can be attached to the front or rear rail depending on the system. The dividers 18 can define numerous configurations and can extend upward to any desired distance to provide the desired height of dividers between the rows of product to be marketed. This height can be adjusted by adding the divider extenders or similar.

[00144] Located in front of tray 12 and extending, dividers 18 may be one or more product retaining members 44. Product retaining members 44 serve as a front retaining wall or bar to hold product in tray 12 and to prevent product from falling out of tray 12. These members are also configured to allow easy removal of product positioned further in tray 12. Product retention member 44 may be one or more curved shaped retention ribs as required. pictured in Figure 1. These pictured retainers can extend from one splitter to another splitter, thus joining the splitters together. The retaining ribs may also extend in parts between the dividers, as also shown in Figure 1, as a rib 46, to also aid in retaining the product in the tray. Alternatively, and as shown in Figure 6, the product retaining member 44 may be a curved solid retaining wall 48 which extends between the dividers. Retaining wall 48 may be transparent or semi-transparent to allow viewing of the product on the shelf. In another aspect, the retaining wall 48 may also extend in parts between the dividers 18. In yet another embodiment depicted in Figures 11 to 15, the retaining wall 100 may be attached to the surface of the tray and not connect to the dividers. In that embodiment, the retaining wall 100 may form an opening 102 defined by an upper member 104, opposing curved side walls 106 which further define an angled edge 108, and a floor member 110. The side walls 106 may also be straight and not curved depending on the system. The end of the coil spring may also snap into the floor 110 or otherwise be secured to the tray using any of the techniques described herein. One skilled in the art will readily recognize that there are numerous possible shapes and configurations for the product holding member 44 and that the configurations depicted are merely exemplary embodiments of those numerous configurations.

[00145] Referring to Figure 1, the exemplary trackless pusher mechanism 14 defines a pusher insert 50 and a pusher floor 52. The pusher insert 50 and pusher floor 52 may be formed as a single, unitary structure, or they may be structures that are joined using known techniques. Furthermore, the pusher insert 50 and pusher floor 52 may be made of any suitable known plastic or metal material. The pusher pad and pusher floor can be reinforced using any known reinforcing techniques.

[00146] In one aspect, the pusher insert 50 forms a curved pusher surface or face 54 that is configured to match the shape of the product to be marketed, such as plastic bottles or cans containing a beverage, as depicted in Figures 3 to 5. The curved impeller surface 54 allows the impeller to remain centrally aligned with the last product in the tray. This configuration reduces friction and drag between the impeller and the partition walls. In an alternative aspect, the impeller surface or face may be a smooth surface. In yet another aspect, the flat pusher surface may be accompanied by a curved rib that is positioned near or on top of the pusher insert and that can be used to center and align the product in the tray, in a similar manner to the curved pusher surface 54 pictured. in Figure 1. The curved reinforcement can define other shapes and configurations that allow similar or cylindrical products to be properly propelled in the tray. Advertising, product identification, or other product information may be placed on the push surface 54.

[00147] Positioned behind the surface or impeller face 54 may be one or more support members 58, such as ribs, walls, or pieces of cloth. The support members 58 are configured to support the pusher surface 54 and further connect the pusher insert 50 to the pusher floor 52. As can be seen in Figure 5, positioned between the support members 58 is the coil spring 30, and more specifically the spiral end 57, which is used to drive the pusher insert 50 forward and along the tray 12, as understood in the art. Any technique used to operatively connect the coil spring to the pusher insert 50 can be used with the invention.

[00148] As shown in Figure 1, the pusher floor 52 may be positioned below the pusher insert 50 and may extend in front of the pusher surface 54 of the pusher insert. 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 allow a product, such as a single bottle or can, to be placed on top of it. the pusher floor 52 can be configured to allow more than one product to be placed on the pusher floor. The pusher floor 52 can define any shape, including the pictured round shape, and can define any product retention features on the surface of the pusher floor, such as ribs, walls, or the like, to thereby hold the product on the pusher floor.

[00149] As can be seen in Figure 2, the pusher floor 52 may define an elongated channel, or groove, or recessed portion 59, which is sized, molded, and configured to seat the spiral spring 30. In the exemplary embodiment, the channel or groove 59 may extend across the floor 52 and substantially perpendicular to the pusher insert 50. In an alternative aspect, the groove or channel may extend partially or across the entire pusher floor 52, as shown in Figure 19. Such a configuration allows for proper alignment and positioning of the impeller in the tray. The groove 59 can define a depth that matches or exceeds the thickness of the coil spring 30. With this configuration, the coil spring 30 will settle on or below the impeller floor surface so that the product will not settle directly on the spring. spiral, instead such product will settle on the impeller floor surface. As shown in Figure 19, the pusher floor may include openings and holes through which fragments or other items may pass. Alternatively, the floor can be a solid surface.

[00150] In an alternative aspect of the invention, as shown in Figures 16 to 20, an adapter 180 may be positioned on the surface 16. Referring to Figures 16 and 17, the adapter 180 may include one or more raised ribs 182 upon which the product can accommodate. Raised ribs 182 may extend longitudinally along the length of adapter 180. Adapter 180 may be a flat extrusion of plastics material (or any other suitable material) defining a flat surface 184 with one or more ribs 182 extending outwardly from from flat surface 184. Adapter 180 may define a rounded end 185 and include a notch or undercut 186 through or through which the coil spring may extend. The rounded end 185 can be configured to match the shape of the product being placed in the tray. Other shapes of end 185, notch 186 and adapter 180 may be used with the invention depending on the product being marketed. Adapter 180 may be a separate insert or alternatively a formed part integral with surface 16.

[00151] Referring to Figure 18, the adapter 180 can be easily inserted into the surface 16 and between the dividers 18. Referring to Figure 19, once the adapter 180 is installed, the pusher mechanism 14 can be positioned on top of the adapter 180 and can slide freely over the ribs 182 of the adapter 180. The coil spring 30 can extend in a parallel manner between the ribs 182 and can on or below the surface of the ribs 182, as is more clearly shown in Figure 20. With this configuration , the product to be marketed can be accommodated on the ribs 182, and slide along them, and not on the spiral spring 30.

[00152] In an alternative aspect, the ribs 182 may be a raised cord or raised cords, or a series of pointers that may be used to facilitate movement of the product over the surface 16. In yet another alternative embodiment, the ribs 182 may be product moving members, such as conductors or one or more rollers or rolling members that allow the product to roll along the rolling members and toward the front of the product display system. Exemplary rolling assemblies include those disclosed and described in U.S. Patent Application No. 11/257,718 filed October 25, 2005 and assigned to RTC Industries, Inc., the application of which is incorporated herein by reference. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, there are many possible techniques that can be used with the described pusher mechanisms to facilitate movement of the product over the shelf or floor.

[00153] The side below the pusher floor 52 may be a flat, smooth surface that will slide freely along the surface 16. Alternatively, and similar to the above, the pusher floor 52 may include cords, conductors, rollers or the like that will allow for the pusher floor to slide along the surface to lift the pusher floor from the surface 16. In another alternative embodiment, the side below the pusher floor may be configured with rail mounting members to allow mounting of the impeller to the track or rail, as the case may be. understood the matter.

[00154] The pusher floor further defines a notch or an undercut 62 through which the coil spring 30 will pass. End 29 of the coil spring 30 will pass through the notch 62 and notch 26 of the surface 16 and mount onto the tray using either of the following. techniques described above.

[00155] In use, as the pusher mechanism 14 is lifted behind the tray 12, the end 29 of the coil spring 30 will be held in position as described above and the coil end 57 of the spring 30 will begin to unwind behind the pusher insert 50. If the impeller 14 can move forward in the tray 14, as when product is removed from the front of the tray, the spiral end 57 of the spring 30 will curl and force the impeller insert 50 forward in the tray 12, thus lifting the product towards the front of the tray.

[00156] In an alternative embodiment, the coil spring 30 may extend below and down the pusher floor 52 as opposed to up and across the pusher floor, as depicted in the Figures. With this configuration, slot 59 and notch 62 may not be needed.

[00157] Coil spring 30 can be any drive element including, without limitation, a plain coil spring commonly used with impeller systems. The present invention may utilize one or more coiled springs to urge the pusher mechanism 14 forward depending on the desired application. The spiral tension of the spring 30 can also vary depending on a specific application.

[00158] Referring to Figure 2, the trackless pusher mechanism 14 is shown mounted to the tray 12. As illustrated, the pusher mechanism 14 fits into the pan 12 between the dividers 18. End 29 of the coil spring 30 extends through the notch on the impeller 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 rails or guides. As depicted in Figure 2, the pusher mechanism 14 is shown in a forward position.

[00159] Referring to Figure 3, the pusher mechanism 14 is shown trading a product 70 in the merchandise system 10. The product is prevented from falling off the tray by the product retaining member 44. The product 70 can be any product to be marketed including the non-alcoholic beverage bottle pictured. As shown in that Figure, the product 70 settles over the pusher floor 52 and the coil spring 30 which extends below the product. The weight of the product on the floor 52 and the positioning on the product by the spring 30 prevents the tablet 50 from falling into the tray 12.

[00160] Referring to Figure 4, the pusher mechanism 14 is shown trading multiple products 70 in the commodity system 10. As shown in this Figure, the product next to the pusher insert 50 settles on the pusher floor 52 and the coil spring 30 that extends below the product. The other products will rest on the coil spring 30 which will extend below these products. Alternatively, the adapter 180 may be positioned in the system in which case the product may rest on the ribs 182 of the adapter against the coil spring. Again, the weight of the product from the pusher floor 52 and the positioning of the products by the spring 30 prevent the tablet 50 from falling into the tray. In use, as a product is removed from the front of the tray near the product holding member 44, the pusher mechanism 14 (with the stimulus of the spiral spring 30) will propel the remaining product forward in the tray 12 until the product most forward contact the product holding member 44. As additional products are removed, the pusher mechanism 14 will continue to push the remaining product towards the product holding member 44.

[00161] Referring to Figure 5, a rear view of the pusher mechanism 14 shows the pusher mechanism 14 trading multiple products 70 in the commodity system 10. Again, the next product next to the pusher insert 50 settles on the pusher floor 52 and the coil spring 30 which extends below the product. The other products will rest on the coil spring that will extend below these products. Alternatively, the adapter 180 may be positioned in the system in which case the product may rest on the ribs 182 of the adapter against the coil spring. As a product is removed from the front of the tray near the product holding member 44, the spiral end 57 of the spring 30 will urge the pusher insert 50 of the pusher mechanism 14 forward in the pan 12 until the forward product contacts it. the product retaining member 44. As can be seen in this Figure, the spiral end 57 can be positioned between two support members 58. The support members will retain the coil spring between these members. As can be seen in that Figure, the pusher floor 52 may also extend below the support members 58.

[00162] Referring to Figure 6, an alternative embodiment of the pusher tray is pictured. With this embodiment, multiple trays 12 can be formed into a single multi-tray set 80. The multi-tray set may have a common floor with dividers 18 extending upward from the floor to create multiple trays or rows. In this embodiment, the product retaining member 44 may be a solid member that extends between two dividers, as discussed above. One or more of the multi-tray assemblies 80 may be coupled or joined in a side-by-side manner using any known technique, including clips, snaps, fasteners, or the like. With this configuration, numerous product tiers can be provided for the marketing of numerous products.

[00163] As stated above, the impeller mechanism 14 can be used by systems with gravity action, that is, systems having trays or product channels that are mounted on an incline to allow gravity to assist the marketing of the product. Alternatively, the trackless pusher mechanism 14 may be used with systems that are mounted in a non-tilted or horizontal manner where gravity will provide little or no assistance in marketing the product. The trackless pusher mechanism 14 can also be used to push various molded products.

[00164] Figure 7 depicts an exemplary tip 60 for the end 29 of a coil spring 30 that can be used with the commodity system 10. As illustrated, the tip 60 defines an opening 61 for receiving end 29 of the coil spring. and an opening 63 for mounting to the surface 16 of the tray. As can be seen in Figure 7, in one aspect of an alternative embodiment, extending below the surface 16 may be a tongue or mounting member 65 which can be configured to mate with opening 63 and snap fit tip 60 to tongue 65 and thus to surface 16.

[00165] Referring to Figure 8, the exemplary tip 60 of Figure 7 is shown being mounted to the tongue or mounting member 65. The tongue 65 may include an outwardly elongated rib 67 that is used to press-fit the tip 60 to pawl 65. One skilled in the art will recognize that other techniques may be used to mount the tip 60 to the surface 16 and that the technique depicted is merely an exemplary embodiment of such a technique.

[00166] Referring to Figure 9, exemplary tip 60 is shown fully assembled in a snap-fit manner to surface 16, and more specifically to end portion 24 of surface 16 of tray 12. End assembly is also pictured. 29 of the coil spring 30 to the opening 61 of the tip 60. As shown in Figure 9, the end 29 of the coil spring can be inserted into the opening 61. The opening 61 is configured to receive the end 29 of the coil spring and hold the end 29 in the position, and also to allow removal of coil spring end 29 from opening 61 in those circumstances where it is desirable to disconnect coil spring from tip to allow removal of pusher mechanism 14 from the system.

[00167] Referring to Figure 10, the end 29 of the coil spring is shown completely assembled to the exemplary tip 60. As illustrated in that figure, the coil spring 30 is now operatively connected to the surface 16 of the tray 12. As a result, the mechanism impeller 14 is now mounted to tray 12.

[00168] Referring to Figures 21 to 27, an alternative technique for mounting the end 29 of the coil spring 30 to the merchandise display system is shown. A mounting member 130 can be used to mount the end 29 of the coil spring to the floor 131 of the system. For those systems that include spaced slide rails 132 that are joined by connecting stiffeners 134 (Figures 26 and 27), mounting member 130 can be snap-fitted or otherwise mounted on floor 131 and between slide rails 132 The mounting member will thus hold the end of the coil spring in and to the floor of the system.

[00169] Referring to Figures 22 and 23, the mounting member 130 may include one or more legs 136 on one or more alters of the member 130. The legs may be configured to snap-fit the underside of the rails 132 to, thus, holding the mounting member 130 to the floor of the system. Legs 136 may include ends of legs 137 defining L-shaped or angled surfaces that are configured to contact the underside of track 132 and to prevent mounting member 130 from being lifted off the floor, other than intentionally flexing the legs of the track 132. underneath the rail 132. The legs 136 can contact the connecting ribs 134 which will prevent sliding movement of the mounting member 130 relative to the floor. Referring to Figure 26, the mounting member 130 is shown being mounted to the floor of the system and more specifically to the rails. Figure 27 illustrates that the mounting member 130 remains in position as the pusher insert 141 is pulled away from the front of the system. Mounting member 130 can be connected to that type of flooring system 131 using other techniques. For example, a separate mounting clip, one or more fasteners, adhesives, or other techniques may be used to secure the mounting member 130 to the floor 131.

[00170] Referring to Figures 22 and 23, the mounting member 130 may also include an opening or hole or slot 138 that will receive the end 29 of the spring. The spring can be mounted using any of the techniques described here, or other techniques. The configuration of opening 138 and mounting member 130 will hold the spring in position over mounting member 130, similar to the technique described above.

[00171] The mounting member 130 may also include sliding ribs 139 on an upper surface that allow the product placed thereon to slide more easily down the mounting member after the mounting member is installed to the floor of the system. Mounting member 130 may also include an elongated smooth body 140 that extends forward from the location of legs 136 to provide stability to mounting member 130 after it is mounted to the floor of the system.

[00172] Referring to Figures 24 and 25 and 27, the pusher insert or pusher mechanism 141 may include a pusher face 143 configured to match the shape of the product against which it pushes. As illustrated, the pusher face 143 can be curved to match the shape of a bottle or other cylindrical object. The pusher insert 141 may also include a pusher floor 145 similar to the pusher floor configurations described above. The pusher floor 145 may further include a spring bushing 147 which receives the coil spring 30 to protect the spring. The spring bushing 147 may extend partially or completely across the pusher floor 145 and towards the spring 30. The spring bushing 147 may have a relatively low height and a smooth surface 149 to allow the product to settle thereon without tilting. or fall.

[00173] The pusher insert 141 can be positioned on top of the floor 131 to slide on top of the surface as described above. The pusher insert may be positioned between two product divider walls 153 which are joined by a product retaining member 155. Additional product retaining members 157 may extend out of the product dividers.

[00174] Referring to Figures 28 and 29, yet another alternative technique for mounting the end 29 of the coil spring 30 to the merchandise display system is shown. In this embodiment, the end 29 is attached to the tray 216.

[00175] Referring to Figures 28 and 32, in an alternative embodiment, the trackless pusher system can be retrofitted to an existing set of shelves 230, which may have product dividers already built-in. For example, in one embodiment, the pusher system can be retrofitted to an existing set of grid shelves. Referring to Figures 30 to 32, a tray or adapter 216 may have a sliding floor 222 which may be sized to a single shelf strip 234 or sized to an entire shelf width. The slide deck 222 may include a number of raised ribs 224, which help to reduce friction for products marketed on the tray 216. It should be understood that one or more raised ribs 224 may be used with the slide deck 222. Alternatively, the slip floor 222 can be a flat, smooth surface without the raised ribs. Tray or adapter 216 can be configured similar to adapter 180 in Figure 16.

[00176] As shown in Figures 28 and 30, the end 29 of the coil spring 30 may be secured, via a rivet 229, to the leading end 228 of the tray 216, or may be secured by any other attachment technique. Tray 216 may be retained to the shelf by any attachment technique suitable for the specific shelf. In one embodiment, and as illustrated in Figures 29 to 32 , tray 216 may include one or more outwardly extending pointers or latches 220 which may engage one or more individual grids 232 of shelf 234 to retain tray 216 on shelf 234 The hands or catches 220 may extend longitudinally along the length of the tray 216, or may be spaced along the length of the tray. Latches 220 may be used to snap-fit the tray 216 to the existing grated shelf. As depicted in Figures 29A and 29B, latches 220A and 220B can configure numerous configurations that allow tray 216 to be snap-fitted to the shelf. The embodiment depicted in Figures 28 to 32 allows placement of the trackless pusher system in an existing shelving system, such as a gridded shelving system, as a low cost alternative to the entire trackless pusher assembly. It should be understood that with this embodiment, any driving mechanism described herein can be used.

[00177] As depicted in Figures 33 and 44, in another exemplary embodiment, the display management system comprises one or more pusher mechanisms 286, one or more dividers 266, one or more trays 306, and one or more retainers 250. pusher mechanisms 286 may be formed of a pusher insert 287 and a pusher floor 288. The product is placed on the pusher floor 288 and guided to the front of the display management system through dividers 266 and pusher insert 287. The spring spiral 30 secures the pusher mechanism 286 towards the retainer 250 so that the product moves to the front of the system.

[00178] In an exemplary embodiment, depicted in Figure 33, coil spring 30 can be mounted to retainer 250. Alternatively, coil spring 30 can be mounted to divider 266 (also shown in Figures 48 and 49). Coil spring 30 may be mounted directly to retainer 250, as depicted in Figure 33, or may be mounted to retainer 250 via a separate adapter 252, as depicted in Figure 34.

[00179] As depicted in Figure 35, the adapter 252 has a wall 254 near the first end 256. The first end 256 has a curved portion 262, which curves forward. The middle part of the adapter 252 may be provided with a curved groove 260 which is adapted to receive a correspondingly molded spring end (not shown).

[00180] The coil spring 30 at one end may be secured to the middle part of the adapter 252. In an exemplary embodiment, the curved groove 260 corresponds in shape and dimension to the first end of the spring. Additionally, the first spring end of the coil spring 30 may be crimped or bent to provide additional attachment. However, any sufficient fastening method can be used to secure the first spring end of the coil spring 30 to the adapter 252.

[00181] In an exemplary embodiment, shown in Figures 36 and 37, the retainer 250 has a curved groove 284 corresponding in shape and dimension to the curved portion 262 of the adapter 252. The curved groove 284 extends the length of the retainer to allow positioning limit of adapter 252 along the length of retainer 250.

[00182] To secure the first end of the coil spring spring 30 to the retainer 250, the curved portion 262 of the adapter 252 is placed in the curved groove 284 of the retainer 250. The curved slot 284 secures the adapter 252 and the first end of the spring of the spiral spring 30 to retainer 250 and provides quick and easy assembly of the display system. Wall 254 provides additional stability in the connection between retainer 250 and adapter 252. Other methods, however, may be used to secure adapter 252 and/or the first spring end of coil spring 30 to retainer 250.

[00183] Alternatively, as depicted in Figures 33 and 44 the coil spring 30 of the pusher insert 287 can be mounted directly to the front of the tray 306. The first end of the spring 290 of the coil spring 30 is provided with a curved portion. The curved portion curves downwards from the pusher floor 288 and is adapted to be received in a recess 316 (shown in Figure 33) defined by a lip 318 of the front surface of the dispensing tray 306 and the retainer 250. An oriented surface vertically of retainer 250 and lip 318 are spaced so that a slot is formed between the vertically oriented surface and a leading edge of lip 250. To secure spiral lip 30 and pusher mechanism 286 together, the first end of spring 290 is inserted into the slot formed between the vertically oriented surface of the retainer 250 and the leading edge of the lip 318 and placed in the recess 316 formed by the lip 318 of the dispensing tray 306 and the retainer 250.

[00184] In another exemplary embodiment depicted in Figures 38, 39, 48 and 49, the coil spring 30 can be directly mounted to a divider 266. Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the coil spring 30 can be mounted perpendicular to the impeller floor 288 so that the axis on which the coil spring 30 is wound is perpendicular to the pusher floor 288. This orientation has the benefit of preventing the pusher insert from falling. The first end of the spring 290 may be provided with an angled part 292 and a tip part 296. In an exemplary embodiment, the angled part 292 may be bent perpendicular to the body of the coil spring 294. The divider may be provided with a slot 298, which is adapted to receive the tip portion 296 of the first end of the spring 290.

[00185] To secure the coil spring to the divider, the tip portion 296 is inserted into the slot 298. Once the tip portion 296 is fully inserted into the slot 298, the angled portion 292 mates with the slot 298 in order to secure the first end of spring 290 to divider 266.

[00186] As depicted in Figure 33, various designs of the impeller mechanism can be implemented. The pusher insert 287 may be formed flat to correspondingly accommodate the molded product. Alternatively, the pusher insert 286 may have a curved first end and a smooth second end. This serves to accommodate a variety of cylindrical products having a variety of different sized diameters and to facilitate the operation of the pusher mechanism 286. During operation, the product in the pusher mechanism 286 and the curved first end force the pusher mechanism against the divider 266, so that the coil spring 30 remains flat against the divider 266 holding the first end of the spring 290 while in tension or in operation. This allows for smoother operation of the pusher mechanism and ensures product is dispensed properly as users remove product from the system.

[00187] In another exemplary embodiment depicted in Figures 40 to 41D, the distance between dividers 266 can be adjusted to accommodate different sized containers. Dividers 266 can be provided with connecting parts 272. Connecting parts 272 can be provided with a first elongated angled surface 268 and a second elongated angled surface 270. Additionally, connecting parts 272 can be provided with a plurality of projections. 274. As depicted in Figure 41B, the rails may be formed from teeth 278 having face surfaces 280 and flank surfaces 282.

[00188] When assembled, as depicted in Figure 41C, the connecting parts 272 are received between the teeth 278 of the rails. Additionally, the elongated angled surfaces 268 and 270 and the projections 274 are wedged between the teeth 278. Also as shown in Figures 41C, the elongated angled surfaces 268 and 270 couple the face surfaces 280, and the projections 274 couple the lower surfaces of the teeth. teeth 278. Flank surfaces 282 come into contact with connecting part 272.

[00189] In an exemplary embodiment depicted in Figure 42, trays 306 are provided with snap connections. A first side 308 of the trays 306 is provided with tabs 312 adapted to fit within the slots 314 located on the second side 310 of the trays 306. To connect to the trays, the slots 314 are aligned with tabs 312 so that the tabs 312 are securely held. inside the slots 314.

[00190] In an exemplary embodiment depicted in Figure 43, trays 306 are configured to receive retainer 250 at a forward end. The retainer may be provided with rectangular holes 300, and the retainer is provided with molded and correspondingly sized projections 302. To secure the retainer 250 to the tray 306, the projections 302 fit into the holes 300 to lock the retainer in place over the tray 306 .

[00191] As pictured in Figures 45 to 47, after the product management display system is assembled, the product is loaded into the system. By fitting the 266 dividers a wide variety of product sizes and shapes can be loaded into the system. As shown in Figures 46 and 47, the coil spring 30 together with the pusher insert 287 propels the product towards the retainer 250. As the user withdraws the product from the system, the pusher insert 287 propels the remaining product so that the product slides along deck 264 to retainer 250. This ensures that all products remain at the front of the system display.

[00192] As depicted in Figures 50 to 52, the product management display system 400 can be arranged so that the trays 402, 404 can be stacked on top of each other. This embodiment may generally consist of a first tray 402, a second tray 404, a first spacer 406, and a second spacer 408.

[00193] Trays 402, 404 are arranged to house the product to be dispensed. First tray 402 and second tray 404 may be provided with a clean retainer 410, a pusher mechanism 412, first and second guide walls, and a spiral mold 414.

[00194] The pusher mechanism 414 is similarly arranged in the embodiments discussed above so that it slides the product along the surface of the trays 402, 404 as the product is removed. Additionally, any of the alternative pusher mechanism arrangements discussed above may be implemented in a stackable tray arrangement.

[00195] To provide easy assembly and disassembly, the stackable product management display system can be supplied with a snap-on connection or any other suitable connection, such as a snap-fit connection, a threaded connection, or a screw-on connection. rivet. The first and second trays are provided with detents 416 for mounting the first and second spacers 406, 408 to the first and second trays 402, 404. Each of the trays 402, 404 may be provided with cavities 418 in two respective outer surfaces to receive corresponding molded detents 416 located on the first and second spacers 406, 408.

[00196] To assemble the stackable product management display system, holders 416 located on the first and second spacers 406, 408 are placed in correspondingly molded cavities 418 on the outer surfaces of the first and second trays 402, 404 in an arrangement Block. This provides a stackable arrangement that can be implemented along with any of the modalities discussed above.

[00197] In another exemplary embodiment depicted in Figures 53 to 57, a pusher insert 500 may be mounted directly to the shelf 508 and held to the shelf by the end of the spiral spring 504. The pusher insert 500 will slide along over the top of the surface of the shelf. One or more dividers 502, which define a T-configuration, may be positioned beside the pusher insert 500. In an alternative aspect, the base of the divider 502 may be positioned on the shelf so that the base is located below the pusher insert. 500. With this configuration, the pusher insert 500 can slide along the base of the divider. If the dividers 502 are positioned far enough away from the insert 500, the insert 500 will slide directly over the surface of the shelf 508. The dividers 502 can configure numerous configurations including those described here and can be secured to the shelf using any known technique such as push pins. , rivets, fasteners, adhesives and the like.

[00198] In one aspect, the end 510 of the coil spring 504 is positioned within a hole or opening 506 located on the shelf 508. The end 510 can define a tip of the spring which can further define any suitable configuration that allows the spring tip passes through hole 506 and remains secure in the hole. For example, the end spring tip 510 may define a hook-shaped configuration that allows the end 510 to wrap around the edges of the hole 506. Alternatively, the spring tip may define one or more fasteners that attach to the edges of the hole 506. 506. Still other spring tip configurations are possible.

[00199] As shown in Figure 54, further to secure the spring 504 to the shelf 508, a fastener 512, pin, rivet or the like may be used. This fastener 512 will provide a second spaced anchor point for the spring which will maintain the spring in the desired alignment during the full operation of the spring 504 as the insert 500 moves back and forth on the shelf 508. It will be recognized that depending on the type of shelf and the number and spacing of holes on the shelf, even more anchor points are possible.

[00200] Referring to Figures 55 to 57, an exemplary mounting technique for mounting the spring 504 of the insert 500 on a shelf is depicted. As shown in Figure 55, end 510 of spring 504 is inserted into hole 506 in the shelf. End 510 may define a spring ferrule as described herein to hold end 510 at the edges of hole 506. As shown in Figure 56, spring 504, which in this embodiment includes a rivet or pin 514, is recessed into the shelf so that the rivet or pin 514 fits into another hole 506 located in the shelf. This rivet or pin provides another anchor point for the spring. As shown in Figures 56 and 57, the spring 504 may define an opening 516 to receive another rivet or pin 518 to secure the spring 504 to the shelf. With these multiple anchor points, the spring 504 will be secured to the shelf, and thus the insert will be secured to the shelf. Also, with these multiple anchor points, the spring will retain the desired alignment during full spring operation as the insert moves back and forth on the shelf. It should be understood that other anchoring techniques are possible for securing the end of spring 504 to the shelf, including any of the techniques described herein, or any combination of the techniques described herein. It should be recognized that if a shelf does not have pre-existing holes that can be used to anchor spring 504, one or more holes must be drilled into the shelf at desired locations.

[00201] With the embodiment pictured in Figures 53 to 57, it should be understood that a trackless pusher insert can be retrofitted directly to existing store shelves with minimal effort or with extra assembly parts. Additionally, this embodiment is easily removable to allow repositioning of the pusher insert anywhere on the shelf to accommodate any size or type of product being traded on the shelf. One skilled in the art will also recognize that any pusher inserts described herein may be mounted directly to the shelf using the techniques described herein, or using any combination of the techniques described herein.

[00202] In an alternative embodiment, as depicted in Figure 58, a display management system is comprised of one or more impellers 520, one or more splitters 550, and a front rail 580. The divider 550 and front rail 580 can settle on a shelf. The impeller 520 may include a pusher face 522 and a pusher floor 524, as illustrated in Figure 59. The pusher face 522 may be divided into a non-adjustable part 526 and a pusher extender 528. The non-adjustable part 526 and the pusher extender 528 can define a surface that can be used to contact the product on the shelf. Both the non-adjustable part 526 and the pusher extender 528 can set similar heights and depths. Extender pusher 528 can adjust from a position that is aligned with and adjacent to non-adjustable portion 526, as shown in Figure 59. Extender pusher 528 can be directed downwardly toward pusher floor 524, as shown in Figure 60. Extender pusher 528 can be adjusted to a variety of positions as shown in Figure 60, including a position that is parallel to pusher floor 524 and a position that is directed upward away from pusher floor 524 and a position that is directed downward toward to the impeller floor 524. In this way, the width and height of the impeller 520 can be effectively extended for wider and taller products.

[00203] The pusher extender 528 may pivot on the axis at the top of the impeller 520. A notched wheel 532 (see Figure 77) may be located behind the pusher extender 528. The pusher extender 528 includes a protrusion (see for example , the protrusion 530 in Figure 77) that fits within the notches in the notched wheel 532. As the pusher extender 528 rotates, about the axis, the protrusion rotates in various spaces within the notches in the notched wheel 532, similar to a mechanism of latch and ratchet. Each notch represents a separate position for the pusher extender 528. In each separate position, the pusher extender 528 may remain stationary, so that a force is required to move the pusher extender 528 to a different position. In exemplary aspects of the embodiment, the pusher extender is pivotable from a first position, which is adjacent to the non-adjustable portion 526, to one of a number of second positions that may be located within a range of approximately 180 degrees of the first position. The degree of adjustment may vary depending on the number, size and spacing of notches on the sprocket. The pusher extender can define an illuminating opening through the impeller extender wall to reduce the weight of the pusher extender and to reduce the moment created around the impeller extender axis. The pusher extender can define a textured or smooth pusher face.

[00204] Referring to Figure 59, an inclined element, such as a coil spring 534, may be held at the rear of the impeller 520. In one embodiment, the coil spring 534 may be positioned adjacent the non-adjustable portion 526 of the impeller face 522. Coil spring 534 may extend across pusher floor 524, as shown in Figure 59. In one embodiment, pusher floor 524 may include a channel 536 in which coil spring 534 accommodates. Channel 536 allows product to settle on pusher floor 524 with limited contact with the spring. The weight of the product rests on the impeller floor 524 in this mode. The pusher floor 524 may also comprise a channelless surface.

[00205] In one example, a divider 550 may be comprised of a partition wall 552, a floor 554, and a barrier 556, as illustrated in Figure 59. In an example, a divider 550 may not include barriers. In one example, a 550 splitter may not include floors. Partition wall 552 may divide divider floor 554 into two parts, 559 and 551 (see Figure 78) with one part on each side of divider wall 552. Partition wall 552 may also have divider floor 554 on only one side of divider. dividing wall 552. As shown in Figure 77, dividing wall 552 may extend perpendicularly from divider floor 554. Divider floor 554 may be a flat surface. In one embodiment, divider floor 554 may include a channel within a portion of divider floor 554. Coil spring 534 may extend through divider floor 554. In one embodiment, spiral spring 534 may extend through divider floor 554 within a channel in the divider floor 554. In this embodiment, the product will not rest on the coil spring 534 and will instead rest on parts of the divider floor 554 that are adjacent to the channel in the divider floor 554. In another embodiment, the divider floor 554 will not includes a channel. In one example, a single impeller 520 may be located on one part of the divider floor 554 and a second impeller (see Figure 84F) may be located on a second part of the divider floor 554. Thus, a divider 550 may contain two impellers 520 , one on each side of the dividing wall 552.

[00206] Barrier 556 may be configured to restrict the product being pushed by impeller 520 and the angled element contained therein. Barrier 556 may be located at the front of the dividing wall 552, as illustrated in Figure 59. Barrier 556 may also be located at the rear of the dividing wall to prevent overstocking of product on the shelf. As shown in Figures 59 and 77, dividing wall 552 can divide barrier 556 into two parts. Barrier 556 may be perpendicular to the front end of dividing wall 552. In one embodiment, barrier 556, dividing wall 552 and dividing floor 554 are a single integrated device. These three elements can also be integral to each other. In one example, the barrier is separate from the divider. In one example, the barrier is not integral or integrated with the divider. In another example, the barrier is configured to mate with the splitter. In one example, the dividing wall and dividing floor are devices separate from each other and are not integral to each other or part of a single integrated device. In one example, the partition wall and partition floor are configured to mate with each other. In other examples, a barrier may be connected to front rail 580 or comprise a portion of front rail 580.

[00207] As illustrated in Figure 61, one end 557 of a coil spring 534 may be positioned within the barrier 556. The end 557 of the spring may be bent at an angle to the remainder of the spring. This angle can be 90 degrees or any other suitable angle that can be less than or greater than 90 degrees. The end 557 of the coil spring can then be placed in a slot 558 within the barrier 556. Once in the slot 558, the end of the spring 557 will remain in place and will help to unbalance the impeller 520 towards the barrier 556. One end 557 of the coil spring 534 may include a plurality of parts, each with plies that place a subsequent end portion of the coil spring at an angle to a front portion of the coil spring (not shown). The plurality of plies may engage a plurality of slots or openings in the barrier 556 or other connection point on the divider 550 or front rail 580. The plurality of slots or openings may conform to the shape of the plurality of plies at the end 557 of the coil spring. 534. Coil spring 534 may include a fastener (not shown) at one end. The catch on the coil spring 534 may be configured to prevent the coil spring 534 from disengaging from the impeller 520, as for example, when the coil spring 534 is extended.

[00208] Impeller 520 can be connected to divider 550 only by coil spring 534. Impeller 520 can accommodate on top of divider floor 554 and can slide across divider floor. The impeller 520 may be configured to rest entirely below the divider floor 554, as shown in Figure 59, and not go below the divider floor 554. In that embodiment, the impeller 520 may be placed outside the divider floor 554, as shown in Fig. Figure 62. The gravity and weight of the product accommodated on the impeller floor 524 holds the impeller 520 on the divider floor 554. The product accommodated on the coil spring 534 also maintains the impeller 520 on the divider floor 554. The only integrated connection between the impeller and divider may be the end of coil spring 557 which is held within a slot 558 in barrier 556. Divider wall 552 may be used to guide impeller 520 as impeller 520 moves back and forth, and vice versa. versa, on the dividing floor 554.

[00209] The divider 550 may define a slot 560 or other recess in a lower part of the divider. This slot 560 or other recess may be in an upside down "u" shape as shown in Figure 61 or may take another shape. Slot 560 or other recess may extend the entire width of the underside of divider 550. Slot 560 or other recess in one example may extend across a single portion of the width of the underside of the divider. Slot 560, or other recess, may be used to attach a front rail, the front wall of a tray, or other structure. The term recess as used herein may mean a groove, slot, channel, setback, depression or other inwardly extending recess.

[00210] Divider 550 may also define a plurality of teeth 562 or other projection. The teeth 562 or other projection may be located on the front of the barrier 556. As illustrated in an exemplary embodiment in Figure 63, the teeth 562 may define a series of outwardly extending angled surfaces that meet or join at an apex. As used herein, the term teeth may mean any uniform, non-uniform, continuous, non-continuous, uniformly spaced, or non-uniformly spaced, outwardly extending surface which may or may not be angled and which may or may not meet or join. at a vertex. Additionally, teeth may define sharp, blunt, rounded, smooth, or polygonal ends at a vertex, or any other suitable shape. Also, the surfaces that define the shape of the teeth can be smooth, convex, concave, smooth or textured, or any other suitable configuration. In one embodiment, the teeth 562 are placed on an extension from the front of the barrier 556. The divider 550 may also define a tongue or resistant tab 564. The teeth 562 or other projection can be located on the resistant tab 564. force is applied to the strong tab 564, the teeth 562 or other projections may move in the direction of the force. When the force is removed, the teeth or other projection will move back to their original positions. The term projection as used herein may mean a protrusion, a resistant tab, a pawl, a sensor, a tooth or a plurality of teeth, a lip, a knob or other outwardly extending projection. A plurality of teeth may include a plurality of projections where the teeth extend outwardly and may include a plurality of inwardly extending recesses between portions of the plurality of outwardly extending teeth.

[00211] A front rail 580 may define a flat surface 582, a lip or tongue 584 or other projection or coupling member, a channel or groove 586 or other recess or coupling member, and a plurality of teeth 588 or other coupling members. . The lip or tongue 584 or other projection or coupling member of the front rail 580 may be configured to mate with the groove 560 or another recess or coupling member of the divider. Lip 584 or other projection or other coupling member may fit into groove 560 or other recess or coupling member and inhibit divider 550 from moving in a direction perpendicular to lip 584 or front rail 580 or at an angle (eg. example, not perpendicular) to lip 584 or front rail 580. Teeth 588 or other coupling members of front rail 580 may be spaced apart. Teeth 588 or other coupling members of the front rail may mate with teeth 562 or other coupling members of divider 550, whose teeth 562 are illustrated in Figure 63, so as to prevent the divider from moving in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580. Teeth 588 or other coupling members of front rail 580 are coupled to teeth 562 or other coupling members of splitter 550 and prevent splitter 550 from moving in a lateral direction shown by arrow "A" in Figure 65 The term coupling member as used herein may mean a projection, recess, flat surface, nearly flat surface, or other item of structure that can be coupled with another item of structure. The front rail can be a separate frame that is attached or attached to a shelf. Alternatively, the front rail may be part of a tray defining one or more of the opposite, rear and front side walls. In this configuration, the front rail as described herein may be formed as part of a front or rear wall of a tray and still achieve the objects of the invention. That is, the front rail can be formed as part of the tray walls (or attached to the tray walls) and receive and couple the dividers and pusher mechanisms using any of the various techniques described here. The front rail also does not need to be located at the absolute front of the shelf. The front rail can be located near the front of the shelf or in a location a distance to the rear of the front of the shelf. In one example, the front rail may be located at or near the back of the shelf, away from the front of the merchandise display system. The front of the shelf may not include rails in one example.

[00212] When the heavy duty tab 564 of the divider 550 is pressed or a force is placed on the resistant tab in a direction away from the teeth 588 on the front rail 580, the teeth 562 of the divider may become disengaged from the teeth 588 on the front rail. When teeth 588 on the front rail and teeth 562 on the heavy duty tab 564 on the divider 550 are disengaged, the divider 550 can be moved in a direction lateral to the teeth 588 on the front rail 580 (for example, the direction shown by the arrow "A" in Figure 65). Through the use of this resistant tab 564, the products contained in the commodity system 10 can be replanned. When the divider 550 is moved in a sideways direction, the divider does not need to be rotated. Instead, the divider 550 remains in place parallel to the flat surface 582 of the front rail 580. Furthermore, the divider 550 does not need to be raised. Divider 550 can simply be moved in the direction seen by arrow "A" in Figure 65.

[00213] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580 and at least one divider 550 configured to engage the front rail 580. This divider 550 includes a barrier 556 and that divider 550 further includes a divider wall 552. That divider also includes a divider floor 554 perpendicular to the divider wall 552, wherein the divider floor 554 is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam 720 coupled to the divider 550, wherein the cam 720 is configured to move between the first position and the second position. This divider 550 is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when this divider 550 is coupled to the front rail 580 and the cam 720 is in the first position. This divider 550 is (a) secured in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) secured in the direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when this divider 550 is coupled to the front rail 580 and the cam 720 is in the second position.

[00214] In one example the cam 720 includes a handle for rotating the cam 720 between the first position and the second position. In another example, cam 720 may include a handle that allows cam 720 to slide between a first position and a second position (not shown). Cam 720 may also include one or more cam walls configured to engage one or more t-slot walls on front track 580 when cam 720 is in the second position. Cam 720 may also include a plurality of cam tines configured to engage a plurality of front track teeth on a front track surface 580 when cam 720 is in the second position. The teeth of the front rail may be on an inner surface of the front rail 580. The merchandise display system may also include a pusher mechanism having a pusher surface, a pusher floor extending forward from the pusher surface, and a coil spring having a pusher surface. curled end and a free end. The coiled end of the spring can be positioned between the pusher surface and the pusher mechanism can be attached to the merchandise display system only by the coil spring. The barrier may be configured to receive the free end of the coil spring. The front rail may define a front rail groove and the splitter may define a splitter lip configured to engage the front rail groove.

[00215] In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail 580 and a plurality of dividers 550 configured to attach to front rail 580 and separate products into rows. Each of a plurality of dividers 550 includes a wall 552 extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, a divider floor 554 perpendicular to divider wall 552, wherein divider floor 554 is configured to hold the product, and a cam 720 coupled to divider 550, wherein cam 720 is configured to move between a first position and a second position. Each of a plurality of dividers 550 is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to front rail 580 and (b) secured in a direction perpendicular to front rail 580 when each of a plurality of dividers 550 is coupled to front rail 580 and cam 720 for each of a plurality of dividers 550 is in the first position. In addition, each of a plurality of dividers 550 is (a) secured in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) secured in the direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when each of a plurality of dividers 550 is coupled to the front rail. 580 and cam 720 for each of a plurality of dividers 550 is in the second position.

[00216] In one example, each of a plurality of dividers 550 is configured to move in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the product is positioned on the divider floor 554. A force on a peripheral divider of the plurality of dividers 550 can cause each of a plurality of dividers 550 to move in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the cams 720 for each of a plurality of dividers 550 is in the first position, and in which the force is in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 and perpendicular to the dividing wall 552 of the peripheral divider.

[00217] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580 and at least one divider 550 configured to mate with the front rail rail 580, that divider 550 including a barrier, a divider wall 552 extending in one direction perpendicular to the front rail, a divider floor 554 perpendicular to divider wall 552, wherein divider wall 552 separates divider floor 554 into a first part and a second part and each part is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a first pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least a portion of the first portion, a second pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least a portion of the second portion, and a cam 720 coupled to at least one divider 550, cam 720 configured to move between a first position and a second position. This divider 550 is movable in a lateral direction parallel to and along the front rail 580 when the cam 720 is in the first position, and that divider 550 resists movement in the lateral direction parallel to or along the front rail rail 580 when the cam is in second position.

[00218] In one example, the first and second pusher mechanisms of the merchandise display system include a pusher surface, a pusher floor extending forward from the pusher surface, and a coil spring having a coiled end and a free end, in that the curled end is positioned behind the impeller surface. The first and second pusher mechanisms are fixed to the merchandise display system only by the spiral spring. This splitter can define a splitter coupling member, and this front rail can define a front rail coupling member, and the splitter coupling member can be configured to mate with the front rail coupling member. The divider coupling member may define divider teeth on at least one surface of the divider coupling member and the front rail coupling member may define front rail teeth on at least one surface of the front rail coupling member. Divider teeth can be configured to engage front rail teeth.

[00219] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580 and at least one divider 550 configured to secure the front rail 580, that divider 550 including a barrier configured to engage the front rail 580, a partition wall 552 extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, a divider floor 554 perpendicular to the divider wall 552, wherein the divider floor 554 is configured to hold the product. The display system may also include a resistant tab coupled to the divider 550, the resistant tab configured to move between a first position and a second position. This divider 550 is attached in a side direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the heavy-duty tab is in the first position. This divider 550 is movable in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the resistant tab is in the second position.

[00220] In one example, the divider 550 includes a plurality of teeth configured to engage the front rail 580. The teeth of the divider may be configured to engage corresponding teeth on the front rail 580. The divider teeth of the display system merchandise can be configured to attach a heavy duty surface to the 580 front rail.

[00221] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580, front rail 580 comprising at least one first projection and at least one first recess, and at least one divider 550 configured to attach to front rail 580, that divider 550 comprising a divider wall 552 and a divider floor 554 perpendicular to the divider wall 552, that divider 550 further comprising at least one second recess and at least one second projection, that second projection of divider 550 configured to move between a first position and a second position. This divider 550 is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when this first projection of the front rail 580 is coupled to this second recess of the divider 550 and this second 550 splitter projection is in the first position. This divider 550 (a) resists movement in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) is held in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when this first projection of the front rail is coupled to this second recess of the divider 550 and this second splitter projection 550 is in the second position.

[00222] In one example, this second projection of the divider 550 may comprise a cam 720. This first front rail recess 580 may comprise a groove. This second projection of the splitter 550 may include a sturdy tab. This first projection of the front rail 580 may comprise a tongue. This first projection of the front rail 580 may comprise a plurality of teeth. This second projection of the divider 550 may comprise a tongue. This second projection of divider 550 may include a plurality of teeth. The merchandise display system may also include a plurality of teeth on that first projection of front rail 580 and a plurality of teeth on that second recess of divider 550.

[00223] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580, the front rail 580 including at least a first projection and at least a second projection, that second projection of the front rail 580 configured to move between a first position and a second position. The merchandise display system also includes at least one divider 550 configured to engage front rail 580, that divider 550 comprising a divider wall 552 and a divider floor 554 perpendicular to divider wall 552, that divider 550 further comprising at least one recess. This divider 550 is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) secured in the direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when this first projection of the front rail 580 is coupled to this recess of the divider 550 and this second projection of the front rail 580 is in the first position. This divider 550 is (a) secured in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) secured in the direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when this first projection of the front rail 580 is coupled to this recess of the divider 550 and this second projection of the rail front 580 in second position.

[00224] In one example, that first projection of the front rail 580 may comprise a tongue and that divider recess 550 may comprise a groove.

[00225] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580, the front rail 580 comprising a first projection and a second projection. The merchandise display system also includes at least one divider 550 configured to mate with front rail 580, that divider 550 comprising a divider wall 552 and a divider floor 554 perpendicular to divider wall 552, that divider 550 further comprising a recess and a third projection. This second projection or third projection is a movable projection that is movable between a first position and a second position. This divider 550 is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) secured in the direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the first projection of the front rail 580 is coupled to the recess of the divider 550 and the movable projection is in the first position. This divider 550 is (a) secured in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) secured in the direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the first projection of the front rail 580 is coupled to the recess of the divider 550 and the movable projection is in the second position.

[00226] In one example, the movable projection of the merchandise display system may be a cam 720 or a heavy-duty flap. The first projection of the front rail 580 may be a tongue and the recess of the divider 550 may be a groove.

[00227] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580, the front rail 580 comprising at least a first coupling member. The merchandise display system also includes at least one divider 550 configured to attach to front rail 580, that divider 550 comprising a divider wall 552 and a divider floor 554 perpendicular to the divider wall, that divider 550 further comprising at least one second member of coupling. The merchandise display system also includes a third coupling member configured to move between a first position and a second position. This divider 550 is (a) movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 and (b) secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the first coupling member of the front rail 580 is coupled to the second coupling member of the divider 550 and the third coupling member is in the first position. This divider 550 is (a) secured in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail and (b) secured in the direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the first coupling member of the front rail 580 is coupled to the second coupling member of the divider 550 and the third coupling member is in the second position. In one example, when the first coupling member of the front rail 580 is coupled to the second coupling member of the divider 550 and the third coupling member is in the first position, that divider 550 is movable in the plane of a shelf (such as silver). swath 596 shown in Figures 70 and 71) only in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580; this divider 550 is fixed in the plane of the shelf in all directions other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580; that divider 550 may not twist, widen or puncture in the plane of the shelf; this divider 550 remains perpendicular to the front rail 580.

[00228] In one example, the third coupling member may be a front rail part 580 or a divider part 550. In one example, the third coupling member may comprise a cam 720 or a coupling surface. In one example, the first mating member of the front rail 580 is a projection. The merchandise display system may also include a pusher mechanism 520 having a pusher surface 528, a pusher floor 524 extending in front of pusher surface 528, and a coil spring 534 having a coiled end and a free end. The rolled end may be positioned behind the pusher surface 528 and the pusher mechanism 520 is attached to the merchandise display system only by the spiral spring 534. The merchandise display system may also include a barrier that is configured to receive the free end. of the coiled spring 534.

[00229] In one example, a merchandise display system includes a front rail 580 and at least one divider 550 configured to mate with front rail 580, that divider 550 including a barrier 556, that divider further including a divider wall 554, that divider further including a divider floor 552 perpendicular to the divider wall 554, wherein the divider floor 552 is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam 720 coupled to the divider 550, wherein the cam 720 is configured to move between a first position and a second position. This divider 550 can be held in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when that divider 550 is coupled to the front rail 580. The cam 720 can inhibit the movement of this divider 550 in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the cam 720 is in the first position. Cam 720 may allow movement of divider 550 in the lateral direction parallel to front rail 580 when cam 720 is in the second position. The merchandise display system may include a handle for rotating cam 720 between the first position and the second position. The merchandise display system may include a handle for sliding cam 720 between the first position and the second position (not shown).

[00230] Figures 67A through C show an example of a step-by-step approach to placing a splitter on a front rail. To begin with, as illustrated in Figures 67A, the divider 550 is recessed to the channel 586 defined by the front rail 580. The decreasing force of the divider 550 to the channel 586 causes the teeth 562 on the divider 550 to contact the top of the rail. 580 and move toward divider 550 and away from front rail 580, as illustrated in Figure 67B. The teeth 562 on the divider 550 may be ramp teeth, as shown in Figure 63. The front rail 580 includes recesses 589, as shown in Figure 64, which are molded to engage the teeth 562 on the divider 550. These recesses 589 are spaced between the teeth 588 present in the front rail 580. When the divider 550 is lowered to the channel 586 in the front rail 580, as shown in Figure 67C, the teeth 564 of the divider 550 pass over the top of the front rail 580 and move in the recesses 589 in the rail front rail 580. When teeth 564 on divider 550 are in recesses 589 on front rail 580, divider 550 is in a docked position and will not move in a sideways direction under a normal amount of force.

[00231] In one example, Figures 68A through C show a step-by-step approach to placing a splitter on a front rail in another embodiment. In the initial step, as illustrated in Figures 68A, the pawl or heavy-duty tab 564 is manually pushed back causing the teeth 562 on the tab 564 to move backwards toward the divider 550. A pivot-style shaft allows the pawl to or strong tab 564 remains in the rearwardly driven position and allows teeth 562 to remain in position toward divider 550. Divider 550 is then brought into contact with front rail 580, as illustrated in Figure 68B. The groove 560 of the divider 550 engages the lip or tongue 584 of the front rail 58. At this point, the divider 550 can be moved in a lateral direction along the front rail rail and can allow for easy replanning. However, the divider 550 is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 (e.g., parallel to the divider 550) and cannot be moved in that direction, other than for a significantly small amount of clearance between the slot 560 of the divider 550 and the lip or tongue 584 of front rail 580. (Direction perpendicular to front rail is noted by arrow "B" in Figure 86H.) The significantly small amount of play may not be noticeable to a user of the system. While the divider 550 is in contact with the front rail 580 and the groove 560 of the divider 550 engages with the lip or tongue 584 of the front rail 580, as shown in Figure 68B, the divider 550 can move from the plane of the shelf ( the shelf is seen as 596 in Figures 70 and 71) only in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 (eg direction is seen by arrow "A" in Figure 65). The divider is fixed and stationary in the plane of the shelf under normal operating forces in all directions other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580. The divider cannot twist, widen, puncture, or otherwise move in the plane of the shelf. shelf in a direction other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580. The divider 550 may, however, be able to move in a direction out of the plane of the shelf, such as the direction seen by arrow "C" in Figure 87B. Divider 550, with or without product on divider floor 554, can be slid in the direction previously seen by arrow "A" in Figure 65, without requiring divider 550 to be lifted. In the final step, as illustrated in Figure 68C, the tongue or heavy-duty tab 564 is manually pushed forward away from the divider 550. This movement causes the teeth 562 on the front divider 550 to engage the recesses 589 in the front rail 580. 589 on the front rail 580 are spaced by teeth 588 on the front rail. When the teeth 562 of the divider 550 are in contact with the recesses 589 and the teeth 588 on the front rail 580, the divider 550 is engaged and cannot move in a lateral direction under a normal amount of force.

[00232] In another example, the heavy-duty tongue or tab does not include a pivot-style shaft that allows the heavy-duty tongue or tab 564 to remain in the pushed-rear position. Instead, the heavy duty pawl or tab 564 is angled toward the front rail 580 and away from the divider 550 so that the pawl or tab 564 automatically returns to its rest position and can engage the front rail 580 when the pushing force manually the tongue or tab 564 backwards is removed.

[00233] In one example, a splitter 550 is brought into contact with the front rail 580. A front rail coupling member 580 mates with the splitter coupling member 550, which holds the splitter in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 (the direction noted by the arrow "B" in Figure 86H) and renders the splitter 550 motionless in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, which does not allow for a significantly small amount of clearance or space between the coupling members that may not be possible in observe by a user. The divider 550 is also held in the plane of the shelf in all directions other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580 (the direction noted by arrow "A" in Figure 65). Divider 550 can be moved in the plane of the shelf only in the direction parallel to the front rail 580. The divider 550 is fixed, under normal operating forces and conditions, in the plane of the shelf in a direction other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580. The divider, however, can be movable in a direction out of the plane of the shelf, as seen by arrow "C" in Figure 87B. When the splitter is "secure" in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, this means that the splitter 550 is immobile, under normal operating forces and conditions, in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, other than for a significantly small amount of gap or space between coupling members that may not be possible to observe by a user. The direction perpendicular to the front rail is noted by arrow "B" in Figure 86H. A second front rail coupling member 580 or divider 550 is in a first position and the divider is moved laterally parallel to the front rail. The second coupling member is then moved to a second position, which causes the splitter 550 to be attached in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 (the direction noted by arrow "A" in Figure 65) under normal operating conditions and forces. When the divider 550 is "clamped" in a side direction parallel to the front rail 580, the divider 550 will not move in the side direction parallel to the front rail 580 under normal operating conditions and forces.

[00234] In one example, a plurality of dividers 550 can be moved as the group parallels the front rail 580 while remaining secured to the front rail 580 in a direction perpendicular to the front rail (the direction observed by arrow "B" in Figure 86H). Each of a plurality of dividers 550 may be contacted with a front rail 580. A coupling member or a plurality of coupling members of front rail 580 couples to a coupling member on each of the plurality of dividers 550, which holds each of the plurality of dividers 550 in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 (the direction observed by arrow "B" in Figure 86H) and exchanges each of a plurality of dividers 550 motionless in a direction perpendicular to the rail front 580, which does not provide for a significantly small amount of clearance or space between the coupling members that cannot be noticed by a user. A second coupling member (or a plurality of second coupling members) of the front rail 580 or each of the dividers 550 is in a first position which allows the plurality of dividers 550 to be moved laterally parallel to the front rail 580. the plurality of dividers 550 may form rows between dividers 550 that are configured to hold the product. The product may be placed between two of a plurality of dividers 550, as shown in Figures 45 to 47. A force may be applied to a first divider in the direction parallel to the front rail 580. This force may move the first divider in the direction parallel to the front rail. front rail 580 and cause the divider 550 to come into contact with a product adjacent to the first divider 550. (The product is shown in Figures 45 to 47 as cans or cardboard and can take other shapes.) The divider 550 can then forcing the product to move in the same direction as the first divider 550, for example parallel to the front rail 580. The force may move the product to contact the second divider 550 adjacent to the product. The product can then force a second divider 550 to move in the same direction as the first divider 550 and the product, for example, parallel to the front rail 580. The second divider can then force a second product adjacent to the second divider 550 to move in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. The second product can force a third divider 550 adjacent to the second product to move in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. In this way, a series of dividers 550 and products can all be moved in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 as a single force acting on only one of the dividers 550 or products in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. When the second coupling member or members on the front rail 580 or one of a plurality of dividers 550 is moved to a second position, which makes the divider 550 fixed in a side direction parallel to the front rail 580 under the conditions and normal operating forces, the divider 550 cannot move in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 and the divider 550 will not force other dividers 550 or products to move in a direction parallel to the front rail 580.

[00235] In one example, when a second coupling member is moved to a second position, the second coupling member inhibits movement of the divider 550 in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580. Under a force equal to or less than an amount of predefined force, the second coupling member prevents the splitter 550 from moving in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580. When an amount of force above the predefined amount of force is applied to the splitter 550 in the side direction parallel to the front rail 580, the splitter 550 can move in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580.

[00236] In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 66, the thickness of the divider floor 554 varies. The thickness of a front portion of the divider floor 554 where it is adjacent to the flat surface 582 of the front track is less than the thickness of a rear portion of the divider floor 554 further back where it is not adjacent to the flat surface 582 of the front track. As shown in Figure 67, the divider floor portion 554A is thinner than the divider floor portion 554B. In one example, the thickness of a front part of the dividing floor adjacent to the flat surface 582 of a front rail 580 is at least 25% less than the thickness of a rear portion of the dividing floor 554 that is not adjacent to the flat surface 582 of the front rail 580.

[00237] One embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 69A and 69B, includes rail mounting clips 590 for front rail 580. As illustrated in Figures 69B, front rail 580 includes an opening 592. This opening 592 can be coordinated to be placed over openings 595 in a shelf 596 in the retail environment, as shown in Figure 70. Rail mounting clips 590 can be curved. The 590 rail mounting clamps also contain a narrow portion 594 at one end of the 590 rail mounting clamps. The 590 rail mounting clamps can be inserted into the wider round part of the opening 592 on the front rail 580 and the openings 595 in the shelf 596 in the retail environment, as shown in Figure 71. The rail mounting clips 590 can then be moved sideways to a narrower part within the opening 592 in the front rail 580. By moving the rail mounting clips 590, the The widest round part of the rail mounting clips 590 will mate with the narrowest part of the opening 592 in the front rail and will lock in place. The rail mounting clamps 590 thus hold the front rail 580 in place and prevent the front rail 580 from moving in the lateral direction. If it is known prior to delivery that a store shelf will have holes, the rail mounting clips 590 can be inserted and locked into the front rail 580 prior to delivery. Inserting the 590 rail mounting clamps prior to delivery can add ease of installation of the merchandise system in the store environment.

[00238] In at least one embodiment, the height of partition wall 552 may be greater than the height of barrier 556, as shown in Figures 72 and 73. Figure 74 further shows end 557 of coil spring 534 held within barrier 556 End 557 of spring 534 is bent at an approximately 90 degree angle to the remainder of spring body 534. End 557 is placed within a groove 558 held within barrier 556.

[00239] In one embodiment, the divider 550 contains teeth 600, as illustrated in Figures 72 and 73. These teeth may be molded to be integral with the divider 550. The teeth 600 are not held over a strong tab or tongue as in other embodiments. . Teeth 600 are spaced from each other. A plurality of teeth 600 may be placed on the divider 550 on the underside of a front of divider 550 and on the front of barrier 556.

[00240] As illustrated in Figure 75, a front rail 610 may include a plurality of teeth 612. Teeth 612 on front rail 610 may be designed to releasably engage teeth 600 of divider 550 through the use of a bar. cam 622 on front rail 610 and an offset action, as illustrated in Figure 76. The front rail also includes a flat surface 614 that is substantially smooth or flat and a tongue or lip 616 that is used substantially perpendicular to the flat surface 614, as illustrated in Figure 75. Front rail 610 further includes a cam bar lever 618 that moves cam bar 622 within front rail 610, as shown in Figures 76A and 76B. In Figure 76A, cam bar lever 618 is in a first position in which teeth 612 of front rail 610 are supported on front rail 610 away from the divider. In Figure 76B, cam bar lever 618 is in a second position in which teeth 612 of front rail 610 are extended toward divider 550.

[00241] Figure 77 shows an exploded view of various aspects of an embodiment. Front rail 610 is shown to include an extruded hull 620, a cam bar 622, and a toothed bar 624. The toothed bar 624 contains a plurality of teeth 612. The extruded hull 620 includes a cam area 626 designed to house the bar. cam bar 622 and toothed bar 624. Cam bar 622 is located at the base of front 610 adjacent to extruded hull 620. Cam bar 624 is in contact with cam bar lever 618. Cam bar lever 618 can operate to move the cam bar 622 back and forth in a lateral direction. Cam bar 622 further includes elongated cam reservoirs 628. Cam reservoirs 628 are diagonal with a front end of the cam reservoir 628 closer to the front end of the front rail 610 and a rear end of the reservoir 628 rearward of the front end. of the front rail 610.

[00242] The toothed bar 624 may include cam pins 630. The cam pins of the toothed bar 630 are placed within the cam bar reservoirs 628 during the operation of the front rail 610. When the cam bar 622 and the cam bar 628 moves laterally, sprocket cam pins 630 move in a direction perpendicular to the movement of cam bar 622. Cam sprocket 630 pins move toward the front of front rail 610 (and away from the teeth 600 of the divider) and away from the front of the front rail 610 (and towards the teeth 600 of the divider) as the cam bar 622 moves laterally back and forth within the cam area 626. As the toothed bar cam pins 630 move, the toothed bar 624 also moves. Thus, when the cam bar lever 618 is moved from the first position to a second position, it moves the cam bar 622 laterally along the inside of the front rail 610. This lateral movement of the cam bar 622 causes toothed bar 624 and teeth 612 thereof move in a direction perpendicular to the direction of cam bar 622; that is, toothed bar 624 moves toward or away from the front of front rail 610 and toward or away from teeth 600 on divider 550. Figure 78 shows an exploded view of various aspects of the embodiment shown in Fig. Figure 77

[00243] Figures 79A through C show an example of a step-by-step guide for placing divider 550 on front rail 610. Divider 550 including teeth 600 on divider is recessed into channel 640 of front rail 610, as shown in Figure 79A . The toothed bar 624 is initially in a position closer to the front of the front rail 610 and the teeth 612 of the toothed bar 624 are not engaged with the teeth 600 of the divider 550. The cam bar lever 618 is in a first position that holds teeth 612 of toothed bar 624 out of engagement with divider teeth 600, as shown in Figure 79B. In this position, the divider 550 can be moved laterally along the lip or pawl 616 of the front rail 610. The divider 550 can have products accommodated on the divider floor 554 as the divider 550 is moved laterally along the front rail in the direction shown in Figure 77 by the arrow "A". A lip 584 or other projection on the front rail 580 may engage the groove 560 or other recess in the divider 550 to hold the divider 550 and prevent the divider from moving in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, other than for a significantly small amount of clearance (eg, less than 3 mm) between lip 584 and groove 560 under normal operating forces and conditions. Cam bar lever 618 is then moved from a first position to a second position. Movement of cam bar lever 618 causes cam bar 622 to move in a lateral direction within extruded shell 620. Movement of cam bar 622 includes movement of diagonal cam bar reservoirs 628 in the side direction. The movement of the cam bar reservoirs 628, in turn, causes the cam pins of the sprocket 630 to move in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the cam bar 622 and towards the teeth 600 of the divider 550, as illustrated. in Figure 79C. The sprocket cam pins 630 are coupled to and may be integral with the sprocket 624. Accordingly, movement of the sprocket cam pins 630 causes the sprocket 624 and teeth 612 contained therein to move towards to teeth 600 of the divider. This movement causes the teeth 612 of the toothed bar 624 to become coupled with the teeth 600 of the divider. When the teeth 612 of the toothed bar are coupled to the teeth 600 of the divider, the divider 550 is releasably coupled and will not move in a lateral direction shown by arrow "A" in Figure 77 under normal operating conditions and forces.

[00244] The toothed bar 624 is secured at its ends so that the toothed bar 624 can only move in one direction which is towards or away from the teeth 600 of the divider. Tooth bar 624 cannot move in a lateral direction shown in Figure 77 by arrow "A". Cam bar 622 operates in the opposite way. Cam bar 622 is secured so that cam bar 622 can move only in a lateral direction shown in Figure 77 by arrow "A". Cam bar cannot move towards or away from teeth 600 on divider

[00245] Figure 80 provides an isometric view of aspects of an embodiment. When the teeth 612 of the toothed bar 624 are coupled to the teeth 600 of the divider, the entire commodity system 10 is blocked. Front rail 610 and divider 550 are releasably coupled to each other and will not move relative to each other. Furthermore, the impeller 520 is coupled to the divider 550. In this position, the entire merchandise system 10 can be moved. The commodity system 10 can be defined at a remote location according to a planogram and then locked. The merchandise system 10 can then be shipped to the store location. At the store location, the merchandise system 10 can be removed from the shipping container and placed on the shelf like a mat. The planogram of the dividers 550 will remain intact while the commodity system 10 is locked.

[00246] In one example, a display system is mounted in a remote location away from a shelf and then moved as a unit to the shelf and secured to the shelf. A plurality of dividers 550 are coupled to front rail 580 so that they are secure and will not significantly move in a direction perpendicular to front rail 580. The plurality of dividers 550 are fitted laterally parallel to front rail 580 in accordance with a preplanned planogram or other provision. The plurality of dividers 550 includes coupling members and the front rail 580 includes coupling members. The coupling members on the plurality of dividers 550 and/or the coupling members on the front rail 580 are adjusted from a first position to a second position to secure the plurality of dividers 550 to the front rail 580 so that the plurality of dividers cannot move in either direction with respect to front rail 580. Front rail 580 and the plurality of dividers 550 are then moved as a unit to the shelf. The front rail 580 is then secured to the shelf.

[00247] To change the merchandise system planogram at the store location, the dividers 550 and the product do not need to be removed from the shelf. The cam bar lever 618 or other coupling member for each of the dividers 550 can be moved to its home position. By moving the cam bar lever 618 or other coupling member to its initial position, the teeth 612 of the toothed bar 624 are released from the teeth 600 of the divider (or one coupling member decouples from another coupling member). In this position, dividers 550 can be moved laterally in the direction indicated by arrow "A" in Figure 80. Product can remain in place on divider floors 554 and pusher floors 524 while dividers 550 are being moved. Once the dividers 550 have been moved to a new planogram position, the cam bar lever 618 or other coupling member for each of the dividers 550 can be moved to its second position. The teeth 612 of the serrated bar 622 will then mate with the teeth 600 of the divider 550 (or one coupling member will mate with another coupling member) and again causes the commodity system 10 to become blocked.

[00248] In an example, the operation of the misalignment action is still shown in Figures 81A and 81B. Figure 81A shows the uncoupled teeth 600 of the divider with the teeth 612 of the toothed bar 624. In one embodiment, the cam bar 622 is adjacent to the front wall of the front rail 610. In Figure 81B, the cam bar lever 618 has been moved to the second position, the cam bar 622 was moved laterally and the pins of the toothed bar 630 were moved towards the divider 550. The teeth 612 of the toothed bar 624 were also moved towards the divider 550 and engaged with the divider teeth. 600.

[00249] In one embodiment, a soft rubber pad may be used in place of teeth 612 on toothed bar 624 and may function as a coupling member. In this embodiment, when toothed bar 624 is adjacent to the front of front rail 610, the soft rubber pad and divider teeth 600 are not in contact with each other. When the cam bar lever 618 is moved to its second position and the cam bar 622 moves the toothed bar 624 towards the divider teeth 600, the divider teeth 600 contact and thus engage the soft rubber pad. This contact provides relative interference and holds the divider teeth 600 in place and prevents the divider 550 from moving laterally in the direction seen in Figure 77 by arrow "A".

[00250] In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 82A to C, the divider 550 is held in place in contact with the front rail 580 through the use of a clamp. Figure 82A through C shows a step-by-step process for inserting divider 550 into front rail 580. Initially, as illustrated in Figure 82A, divider 550 is recessed into channel 640 formed in front rail 580 (or 610). In addition, a lip or tongue 644 on front rail 580 contacts channel 645 on divider 550. Divider 550 includes a sensor or an outwardly extending lip 650 on a front of divider 550. A clamp 652 on rail front 580 is rotated to mate with sensor 650 of splitter 550. Clamp 652 fits over sensor 650 and locks sensor 650 and splitter 550 in place. Once releasably coupled, the divider 550 cannot move in the lateral direction seen in Figure 80 by arrow "A". To move the divider 550, the clamp 652 must be pulled to disengage the clamp 652 from the sensor of the divider 650.

[00251] In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 83A to C, the divider 550 is held in place in contact with the front rail 580 through the use of a rotating rod 660 that includes teeth. Figures 83A through C show a step-by-step process for inserting divider 550 into front rail 580. Initially, as illustrated in Figure 83A, divider 550 is recessed into channel 640 formed in front rail 580. Front rail 580 includes a rod 660 swivel including teeth. When the divider 550 is initially recessed into the channel, as illustrated in Figure 83B, the teeth of the swivel rod 660 are in a first position in which they are not engaged with the teeth 600 of the divider 550. A handle 662 is coupled to the swivel rod 660. When the handle is in a first position 664, the teeth of the swivel rod 660 are in a first position in which they are not engaged with the teeth 600 of the divider 500. When the handle 662 is moved to a second position 668, as shown in Figure 83C, handle 662 rotates swivel rod 660 and moves the teeth on swivel rod 662 into a position in which they mate with teeth 600 on divider 550. In this position, the teeth of the rod are in a condition of interference with the divider teeth. 600. When the rod teeth and the divider teeth 600 are coupled together the divider 550 cannot move in the lateral direction seen in Figure 80 by arrow "A". To move the divider 550, the rod 660 must be returned to its first position 664 and the teeth of the rod 660 moved out of the coupling with the teeth 600 on the divider 550.

[00252] In one embodiment, a plurality of impellers 520 and dividers 550 may be used with a single front rail 580. Figures 84A through E show the use of two impellers 520 and two dividers 550 to propel the product towards the part of the front of the shelf. The use of multiple impellers 520 may allow for the impingement of large products, shown schematically in the figures. In addition, placing the pusher extender 528 in its forward extended position may allow the pushers 520 to push higher products or more products, as shown in Figures 84D and 84E. In one embodiment, a divider 550 may be coupled to two impellers 520. An impeller 520 may be coupled to a portion of the barrier 556 on each side of the divider wall 552 as shown in Figure 84F. In other examples, the divider may be coupled to an impeller or the divider may not be coupled to impellers.

[00253] In another embodiment, the divider 550 is secured to the front rail 580 in one part through the operation of the cam 720, as illustrated in Figure 85. Figure 85 illustrates a cam 720 in a perspective side view coupled to the barrier 556. Cam 720 includes a rounded portion 722 that is configured to rotate within a cavity 740 (see Figure 86G) in barrier 556. Cam 720 also includes a pawl 724 that is comprised of a first wall of cam 726, a second wall cam 728 and a third cam wall 730. In Figure 85, the cam is in a position where it is not coupled to the front rail. In that position, the first wall of cam 726 may be in a substantially vertical alignment. In that position the second wall of cam 728 and third wall of cam 730 may also be in substantially horizontal alignment. Cam first wall 726 connects to cam second wall 728. Cam second wall 728 connects to cam third wall 730. The cam also includes a handle 732.

[00254] In another embodiment, the pawl 724 has only two cam walls. A first cam wall, such as a first cam wall 726, and a second cam wall. The second wall of the cam is straight and spans the length shown by the cam walls 728 and 730. There are no bends in the second wall of the cam in this embodiment. The walls of the cam may extend to one or more parts of the width of divider 550 or may extend across the entire width of divider 550.

[00255] In another embodiment shown in Figures 92 to 94, cam 720 may define a cam slip surface 733 (referred to below as cam slip) located on the lower side of the cam, opposite the handle 732. The cam slip 733 serves as a cam friction slip sensor to improve the slider's sliding ability relative to the rail. In operation, sliding cam 733 lifts the divider off the rail to reduce friction between the divider and the rail, thereby improving the divider's ability to slide relative to the rail. As seen in the figures, cam slide 733 of cam 720 extends below the bottom surface of the divider and is the point of contact between the divider and the rail. In this configuration, when the divider is moved laterally with respect to the rail, the primary contact between the divider and the rail is only the sliding of the cam, and no other significant parts of the divider and the rail come into contact with each other. other. This single point of contact therefore reduces friction between the divider and the rail.

[00256] The cam slide may further define a flat surface extending away from the round portion 722 of the cam 720. The cam slide 733 may be positioned centrally over the rounded portion 722 of the cam to provide stability and balance to the divider with respect to to the track. It should be understood, however, that the cam slide may be located in any other suitable location on the cam. The flat surface of the cam slide may terminate in an elongated edge which is sized and molded to slide freely in the channel 586 of the track 580 to thereby allow for ease of lateral movement of the divider relative to the track. The elongated edge of the flat surface can define rounded and contoured edge surfaces to further aid in the free movement of the cam slide relative to the rail. It is to be understood that the cam slide can define other configurations that allow the cam slide to fit into or along the track and also allow for sliding movement of the divider relative to the track. For example, the cam slide could define a sensor or rounded protrusion or a series of sensors or rounded protrusions that would achieve the same goal as the flat surface by defining an elongated edge. While the cam 720 defining a cam slide 733 is depicted being used with a divider, the cam and cam slide can be used with the impeller or the impeller assembly or other components that are mounted to the rail.

[00257] In another embodiment, the cam 720 defining the cam slide 733 may be mounted to the rear of the divider or impeller, and may operatively engage a rear rail which is mounted to the rear of the shelf. In this embodiment, cam 720 can be used to secure and prevent lateral movement of the divider or impeller with respect to the rear rail, if used on the shelf. In other words, the cam or cam slide described here can be used to secure the splitter or impeller to a front rail or rear rail, or both, depending on the desired application.

[00258] In an exemplary aspect, the cam 720 serves as a lock to lock the splitter or impeller to the front rail or rear rail, or both. Cam 720, when moved to a locked position, will lock the divider or impeller to the rail and prevent lateral movement of the divider or impeller relative to the rail. In a locked position, cam 720 allows for sliding movement of the divider or impeller relative to the rail. In an exemplary aspect, cam 720 is rotatable or pivotable between the locked end and the unlocked position. In yet another exemplary aspect, the cam 720 defining the slide of the cam 733 serves the dual function of locking the divider or impeller of the rail and also of improving the lateral sliding ability of the divider or impeller with respect to the rail when the cam is in a locked position.

[00259] As shown in Figure 92, cam 720 may define a rounded portion 722 that is configured to rotate within a cavity 741 at the front of the divider. Cam 720 may also define cam surface 725 and cam surface 727 that will engage groove walls 754 and 756 of the front rail, as explained above.

[00260] In one embodiment, cam 720 fits within a cavity 740 of barrier 556, as illustrated in Figure 86G. In one embodiment, cavity 740 is bounded by side walls 742. Side walls 742 make the front of cavity 740 slightly narrower than the width of cam 720. An amount of force is required to push cam 720 through side walls. 742 and cavity 740. After the cam passes through side walls 742 it clicks into place in cavity 740. Cam 720 can then rotate in cavity 740 and will not fall out of cavity 740 or disengage from cavity 740 during normal use. Cam 720 is pivotally secured within cavity 740. In one embodiment, cavity 740 is also limited at its front by a front wall (not shown).

[00261] In another embodiment, the side walls 742 do not make the front of the cavity 740 any narrower than the width of the cam 720. In that embodiment, the cam 720 can be placed in the cavity 740 and removed from the cavity 740 without the need for overcome the resisting force caused by the side walls 742.

[00262] Referring to Figure 92, in another embodiment, cam 720 defining a cam slide 733 may fit into cavity 741 formed at the front end of divider 550 and may be limited by side walls 743. Side walls 743 make the front of cavity 741 is slightly narrower than the width of cam 720. An amount of force is required to push cam 720 through side walls 743 and into cavity 741. After cam passes side walls 743 it snaps into place in cavity 741 and rests on a pair of cavity surfaces 747. Cam 720 can then rotate in the cavity and will not fall out of the cavity or disengage from the cavity during normal use.

[00263] As depicted in Figures 92 to 94, cam 720 is pivotally secured within cavity 741. In that embodiment, cavity 741 also defines an opening or groove 745 that is sized and shaped to allow for rotational movement of the cam slide 733 inside the cavity. Groove 745 is sized and shaped to allow the flat surface of cam slide 733 to engage therein and thereby allow cam to rotate within cavity 741. Opening 745 also allows cam slide 733 to extend passing through the bottom surface of the divider and onto the rail. Once on the rail, sliding the cam will lift the divider off the rail and out of contact with the rail, as described above, to allow the divider to slide freely relative to the rail.

[00264] Aperture 745 also creates space for rotation of the cam slide away from the rail. When the handle 732 on the cam is rotated toward the leading edge of the rail, the cam slide will accordingly rotate away from the rail. The opening 745 formed within the cavity 741 allows for this pivoting movement.

[00265] Referring to Figures 93A and 93B, the divider 550 is shown being recessed and placed on the rail 580. More specifically, the front of the divider 550 is lower in the channel 586 and the groove 560 is placed on the lip 584. Cam slide 733 will contact channel 586 and support the divider up and off track 580, as shown in Figure 93B. In this embodiment, the sliding cam 733 supports the divider and allows free sliding movement of the divider relative to the rail. As shown in Figure 93B, there is a gap between the groove 560 and the lip 584 and between the bottom surface of the divider and the top surface of the rail.

[00266] Referring to Figures 94A to 94C, which show cross-sectional views of the divider, cam, and rail, cam 720 is in contact with rail 580 at all times. As shown in Figure 94A, when divider 550 is initially recessed into rail 580, cam slide 733 contacts channel 586 of rail 580 and lifts the divider off the rail. As shown in Figure 94A, cam 720 defines cam surfaces 725, 727, and 729. The cam further defines a cam handle 732 located opposite the cam slide 733. Also shown in Figure 94A is front rail 580 defining a channel of the track 586 which receives a portion of the divider 550 and is the contact surface for the sliding of the cam 733. The track 580 further defines a groove of the track 750 which further defines groove walls 752, 754 and 756 which, as explained below, contacts the cam surfaces during cam operation.

[00267] Referring to Figure 94B, as the cam is rotated, through the operation of the handle 732, the cam slide contacts the channel 586 and the cam surface 725 contacts the groove wall or surface 756 from the front rail. At this point, cam 720 contacts the rail at two points simultaneously.

[00268] Referring to Figure 94C, as the cam is rotated further through the handle operation, the cam surface 725 contacts the wall or groove surface 754 while the cam surface 727 contacts the wall or groove surface 756. Also, cam surface 729 will contact groove wall or surface 752. Groove wall 752 serves as a wall to prevent rotational movement of cam 720. Handle 732 extends over the top and even along the leading edge of the front rail or past the leading edge of the front rail. In one example, the front of the handle of cam 732 is flush with the forward part of the front rail. Human digital space exists between the 732 handle and the front rail, sufficient for a human digit (e.g. finger or thumb) to access the handle. At this point, cam slide 733 has rotated up and out of channel 586 of rail 580 has rotated into opening 745. The divider sits on or directly in contact with the rail, while the cam engages the rail and secures the divider to the rail. , preventing lateral movement of the divider. In an exemplary aspect, cam 720 engages the rail with an audible notification heard with standard adult human hearing when in the position depicted in Figure 94C, indicating that the cam is locked to the rail.

[00269] To release the cam from the snapped or locked position, a user simply lifts over handle 732 to release cam surfaces 725 and 727 from groove walls 754 and 756. As the cam is being released from the groove walls , the cam slide will rotate back into contact with the rail channel 586 and lift the divider off the rail. The divider will then accommodate itself to the rail by sliding the cam and can then be moved laterally with respect to the rail, and the operation described above may be repeated. As indicated above, during locking and releasing the cam relative to the rail groove, the cam will be in contact with the rail at all times and in contact with the divider at all times.

[00270] In an exemplary aspect, the merchandise display system may include a front rail and at least one splitter configured to engage the front rail. The divider may include a barrier, a divider wall, and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall configured to hold the product as shown herein. A front lock such as the exemplary cam 720 described here may be coupled to the divider. In one aspect, the front lock is configured to pivot, pivot or move between a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the front lock can allow sliding movement of the divider relative to the front rail. In one embodiment, the lock may lift the divider off the front rail. When in the second position, the lock locks the divider to the front rail and prevents sliding movement between the divider and the front rail. The cam is in constant contact with the front rail in the first position and in the second position, and all positions between the first position and the second position.

[00271] In one example, a splitter lock, such as cam 720 or other locks, is located at one end of the splitter. The lock may be located at the front end of the divider (eg, the end of the divider closest to or in contact with the front rail 580, which is also the end closest to the product selected by the consumer). The lock like cam 720 may be ahead of the partition wall 522. The lock like cam 720 may be ahead of the barrier 556. When located at the front end of the divider and opposite the partition wall 522 and opposite the barrier 556, the lock is digitally accessible by the individual servicing the shelf, restocking the shelf, or replanning the shelf, even when the product is on the divider floor 554 and even when the divider floor 554 is full of products (e.g. no additional products can be placed on the dividing floor). The lock (such as cam 720) can be located on the divider so that the lock is in front of the product when the product is on the divider floor 554 and the product will not interfere with access to the lock from any position of the product when the product is on the floor. divider floor 554. Cam handle 732 may be flush with the front end of the front rail 580 and may extend beyond the front end of the front rail 580.

[00272] In one example, the merchandise display system may include a front rail, at least one splitter configured to engage the front rail, and that splitter including a barrier. Such a divider may further include a divider wall, and a divider floor perpendicular to the divider wall when the divider floor is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a front lock attached to the front end of the divider. The front lock is in front of the barrier and in front of the dividing wall. The front lock is configured to be digitally accessible when the product is on the split floor. The front lock is changeable between a first position and a second position. The front lock lifts the divider out of contact with the front rail when in the first position and allows for sliding movement of the divider relative to the front rail. The front lock prevents sliding movement of the divider relative to the front rail when in the second position.

[00273] In one example, Figures 86E and 86F illustrate enlarged portions of cam 720 and front rail 580. Cam 720 may include texturing. Cam 720 may include teeth or other coupling members. In one embodiment, the first wall of cam 726 is textured with teeth 736 and 738. Teeth 736 may form a lower row of teeth. Teeth 738 can form a top row of teeth. The teeth 736 and the teeth 738 in one embodiment are rounded. In at least one embodiment, teeth 736 and teeth 738 form a vertical row of teeth. Eliminating tooth points can provide better operation and longer life of cam teeth. Cam 720 can also be textured in a non-toothed manner, such as by roughening or other texturing.

[00274] In one example, the front rail 580 includes a slot 750, as illustrated in Figure 86F. Slot 750 may include a first slot wall 752, a second slot wall 754 and a third slot wall 756. The first slot wall 752 is connected to the second slot wall 754, which in turn is also connected to its third groove wall 756. In another embodiment, groove 750 has only two groove walls. A first groove wall, such as first groove wall 752, and a second groove wall 754. Second groove wall 754 is straight and fits the length shown by groove walls 754 and 756. There are no bends in the second groove wall. slot 754 in this mode.

[00275] In one embodiment, the groove 750 may be textured. Slot 750 may include teeth. In one embodiment, first groove wall 752 includes teeth 766 and teeth 768. Teeth 766 may form a lower row of teeth. Teeth 768 can form a top row of teeth. In at least one embodiment, teeth 766 and 768 form a vertical row of teeth. Teeth 766 and 768 can be rounded. Teeth 766 and 768 can be placed along the entire length of groove 750. In addition, teeth 766 and 768 can be placed in sections along groove 750 with additional sections of groove 750 that are smooth and toothless. The 750 groove can also be textured in a non-toothed manner, such as through roughcast or other texturing. In one embodiment, the second groove wall 754 is smooth and the third groove wall 756 is smooth. In one embodiment, the second wall of cam 728 is smooth and the third wall of cam 730 is smooth.

[00276] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 87A to C, a merchandise display system 10 comprises a divider 550 and a front rail 580. The divider 550 comprises a divider wall 556, a divider floor 554 and a barrier 554. A cam 720 is rotationally coupled to a front portion of the barrier 556. The cam 720 includes a cam pawl 724, wherein the cam pawl 724 comprises a first cam wall 726, a second cam wall 728, and a third cam wall 728. cam 730. Cam 720 also includes a handle 732. Front rail 580 comprises a groove 750 which is comprised of a first groove wall 752, a second groove wall 754 and a third groove wall 756. Cam 720 is configured to pivot between a first position and a second position, wherein when the cam 720 is in the second position, the cam pawl 724 is engaged with the front rail groove 750 and the dividing wall 5560 is inhibited from moving and m a lateral direction. Cam 720 can also be configured to slide between a first position and a second position.

[00277] Figures 87A through C show a progression in which divider 550 is coupled to front rail 580. Cam 720 is moved from the first position in Figure 87B to a second position in Figure 87C. As described below, cam 720 allows divider 550 to be moved laterally along front rail 580 or otherwise parallel to front rail 580 when cam 720 is in the first position shown in Figure 87B. (In Figure 87B, the divider 550 is secured in the perpendicular direction to the front rail 580 and cannot move in the perpendicular direction, other than for a significantly small amount of clearance that may exist between the divider and the front rail, which may not be notable by a user of the system.) Cam 720 inhibits divider 550 from moving laterally along front rail 580 when cam 720 is in the second position shown in Figure 87C. In one example, under normal operating conditions and forces, cam 720 will prevent divider 550 from moving laterally along front rail 580 (and render divider 550 immobile along front rail 580) when cam 720 is in the second position shown in Figure 87C. In another example, cam 720 inhibits movement of divider 550 by preventing divider 550 from moving laterally along front rail 580 when a force equal to or less than a predefined amount of force is applied to divider 550 in a lateral direction parallel to front rail 580. When an amount of force below the preset amount of force is applied to divider 550 in a side direction parallel to front rail 580, divider 550 moves in a side direction parallel to front rail 580.

[00278] Figure 87A shows divider 550 raised above front rail 580. In Figure 87B, divider 550 has been lowered and placed in contact with front rail 580. Groove 560 was placed over lip 584 and lip 584 was placed with the groove 560. The groove 560 and the lip 584 can be in contact with each other in this position. Groove 560 and lip 584 may also not be in contact with each other at all times in this position. Space may exist between the groove 560 and lip 584 surfaces in some positions. A front portion of barrier 556 has also been placed with channel or slot 586. In Figure 87B, pawl 724 of cam 720 is not engaged with slot 750 of front rail 580. In Figure 87B, divider 550 can move in a side direction shown by arrow "A" in Figures 86F and 86H. Divider 550 does not need to be lifted above front rail 580 to allow for such movement. Splitter 550 can remain in contact with front rail 580 and move in direction "A." The product can be placed on the divider floor 554 during the process of moving the divider 550. The ability to move the divider 550 without separating the divider 550 from the front rail 580 or removing the product provides ease of replanning. In Figure 87B, the divider 550 can move in the plane of the shelf (the shelf is shown as 596 in Figures 70 and 71) only in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 shown by arrow "A" in Figures 86F and 86H. In Figure 87B, the divider 550 is stationary in all other directions in the plane of the shelf, as in the direction shown by arrow "B" in Figure 86H, under normal operating conditions and forces. Divider 550 cannot swing, rotate, flare or pierce in the plane of the shelf and divider 550 remains perpendicular to front rail 580 under normal operating conditions and forces. In Figure 87B, the divider 550 can move in the direction shown by arrow "C" in Figure 87B and thus lift away from the front rail 580. The direction shown by arrow "C" in Figure 87B is not in the plane of the shelf.

[00279] In Figure 87C, cam handle 732 has been rotated toward front rail 580. In one embodiment, cam handle 732 is in contact with front rail 580. As cam 720 is rotated from its position in Figure 87B to its position in Figure 87C, cam pawl 724 makes contact with front rail 580 and slightly deforms front rail 580 away from cam pawl 724. The first wall of cam 726 may be in contact with the cam pawl 724. third groove wall 756 as cam 720 is being rotated from its position in Figure 87B to its position in Figure 87C.

[00280] As the cam moves into the position shown in Figure 87C, the pawl 724 may snap into place within the groove 750 and the pawl 724 is mated to the slot 750. In one embodiment, the pawl 724 is in snug fit with the slot 750. groove 750. This tight fit involves mating tongue 724 and groove 750. Front rail 580 is not deformed and cam 720 and front rail 580 are not in tension with each other. Cam first wall 726 is adjacent to first groove wall 752. Cam second wall 728 is adjacent to second groove wall 754. Third cam wall 730 is adjacent to third groove wall 756. Cam walls and groove walls are in contact with each other. For example, cam first wall 726 is in contact with first groove wall 752; second wall of cam 728 is in contact with second groove wall 754; and the third wall of the cam 730 is in contact with the third wall of the groove 756. In at least one embodiment, while the cam walls and the groove walls are in contact with each other they are not in substantial tension with each other. with the others. In another embodiment, one or more of the cam walls are in tension with one or more groove walls when the cam walls and groove walls are in contact with each other.

[00281] In an embodiment where first wall of cam 726 has been brought into contact with first wall of groove 752, teeth of first wall of cam 726 couple teeth of first wall of groove 752. Teeth 736 couple teeth 766 and teeth 738 engage teeth 768. The coupling of the teeth of the first cam wall and the teeth of the first groove wall provides resistance by moving the divider laterally along the front rail in the lateral direction shown by arrow "A" (as shown in Fig. Figure 86H).

[00282] When cam pawl 724 was placed in close fit with slot 750, there was substantial resistance to movement of divider 550 laterally along the front rail in the lateral direction shown by arrow "A," (as shown in Figure 86H ) and the divider 550 will not move sideways under the normal forces placed on the divider during operation.

[00283] When it is desired to move the divider 550 along the front rail 580 again, the cam can be disengaged from the front rail. Handle 732 can be rotated away from front rail 580. Pawl 724 can disengage from slot 750 and return to its position in Figure 87B.

[00284] In one embodiment, wall 552 has sections of different widths (see Figure 85). A front section 770 of partition wall 552 that may be adjacent to barrier 556 may have a greater width than a rear section 772 of partition wall 552 that is adjacent to barrier 556. Front section 770 may be connected to rear section 772 by a section 774. The width of the intermediate section 774 gradually changes from the width of the front section of the divider 770 to the width of the rear section of the divider 772. In one embodiment, the width of the portion of the intermediate section 774 adjacent to the section 770 is equal to the width of section 770 and the width of the portion of the middle section 774 adjacent to the section 772 is equal to the width of the section 772. The smaller width of the back section 772 of the dividing wall 552 creates an air gap between the dividing walls 552 and helps to prevent the product bends between the two divider walls 552 when pushed and helps to provide product flow along the divider floor 554 as product is removed from the front of the floor. merchandise system 10. In one example, the width of the front section 770 of the partition wall 552 is at least 25% greater than the width of the rear section 772 of the partition wall 552.

[00285] In the embodiments shown in Figures 85 to 87C one or more dividers 550 may be brought into contact with front rail 580. When cam 720 or other coupling member is not coupled to front rail 580, dividers 550 may move. parallel to the length of the front rail 580 in the side direction shown by arrow "A" (see Figure 86H). Divider 550 can then be secured in place by engaging cam 720 or other coupling member in coupling with front rail 580. Divider 550 will remain secured under normal operating forces until cam 720 or other coupling member is disengaged or , otherwise placed out of coupling with front rail 580.

[00286] In one embodiment, the front wall 561 of the groove 560 is textured, as shown in Figure 86K. This texturing can be in the form of roughening or small teeth. The texturing causes the surface of the front wall 561 of the groove 560 to not be smooth. In one embodiment, the front wall 585 of the lip 584 or other protrusion or other coupling member is textured, as depicted in Figures 86I, 86J, and 86L. This texturing can be in the form of roughening or small teeth and causes the surface of the front wall 585 of the lip 584 to not be smooth.

[00287] In at least one embodiment, as depicted in Figure 86I, barrier 556 is a separate component and may be removably attached to divider 550. In at least one embodiment, barrier 556 may snap over the front. of the divider 550. In at least one embodiment, the barrier 556 is movable. The entire barrier 556 may be movable, or a part or parts of the barrier 556 may be movable. For example, the portion of the barrier 556 positioned at the front of the product in the merchandise display system 10 may be movable. In at least one embodiment, the portion of the barrier 556 positioned at the front of the product may be configured to slide. In an alternative embodiment, the front portion of the barrier 556 may be configured to rotate around the axis to allow the barrier portion 556 to open and close. In this embodiment, the shaft may be a swivel connection. Additionally or alternatively, the barrier part 556 may be a spring mounted to the divider 550, such that the barrier part 556 requires an amount of force to move it away from the divider 550. In this embodiment, after releasing the force, the barrier part 556 will close and return to its original position. Exemplary methods for assembling the barrier 556 are described in more detail in U.S. Patent Application No. 8,056,734, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[00288] In one example, the divider 550 does not include a barrier. Alternatively, one or more barriers may be included in the front rail 580.

[00289] In one embodiment, when the divider 550 is brought into contact with the front rail 580, as shown in Figure 87B, the front wall 561 of the groove 560 is not in contact with or is not in consistent contact with the front wall 585 of lip 584 while cam 720 is in the position shown in Figure 87B and cam pawl 720 is not engaged with groove 750 of front rail 580. When cam 720 is moved from a first position shown in Figure 87B to a second position shown in Figure 87B in Figure 97C, and the tongue 724 engages with the groove 750, the tongue can force the divider 550 to move backwards. In one embodiment, tension between tongue 724 and groove 750 forces divider 550 to move in a rearward direction. When the cam is moved to the second position shown in Figure 87C, the front wall 561 of the groove 560 contacts the front wall 585 of the lip 584. The front wall 561 engages the front wall 585. The texturing on the front wall 561 of groove 560 couples to the texturing of front wall 585 of lip 584. The coupling of front wall 561 of groove 560 to front wall 585 of lip 584 inhibits movement of divider 550 along front rail 580 in the direction shown by arrow " A" in Figure 86H. Coupling of the texturing on the front wall 561 of the groove 560 to the texturing on the front wall 585 of the lip 584 further inhibits the movement of the divider 550 along the front rail 580 in the direction shown by arrow "A" in Figure 86H.

[00290] In one example, the resistant band or cord may be included in the upper surface of the lip 584, or other protrusion, of the front rail 580. When the cam 720, or other coupling device, is in a first position, the band or strong cord are not compressed. In this first position, the splitter 550 can move in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail, but cannot move in a direction perpendicular to the front rail. When cam 720 or other coupling device is moved to a second position, the resistive band or cord enters into compression with the groove 560 or other recess in the divider 550. When the resistive band or cord is in compression with groove 560, or other recess, divider 550 is secured under normal operating forces in a direction parallel to front rail 580. In one example, the portion of groove 560, or other recess, that contacts the track or heavy-duty cord from the front rail 580 may include a rivet or teeth (not shown).

[00291] In one embodiment, barrier 556 is not molded at the same time as partition wall 552 and partition floor 554. Barrier 556 is molded as a separate piece of partition wall 552 and partition floor 556, as shown in Figure 88A. Barrier 556 may be molded from a clear material, while dividing wall 552 and dividing floor 554 may be molded from opaque material.

[00292] In one example, a divider 550 includes a coupling member that comprises a flat surface. Front rail 580 may include a coupling member that comprises a flat surface. The flat surface of the coupling member on the divider and/or the coupling member on the front rail may comprise a smooth or substantially smooth surface. The flat surface may include a sturdy surface. The flat surface may include a rubber band or a neoprene band or a material that is compressible. In one example, when the splitter coupling member 550 is in a first position it is not coupled with the front rail coupling member 580 and the splitter 550 is movable laterally parallel to the front rail. When the splitter coupling member 550 is in a second position it is coupled to the front rail coupling member 580 and the splitter is fixed and not laterally movable parallel to the front rail under normal operating conditions and forces. In an example where the front rail coupling members 580 and divider 550 are smooth or substantially smooth surfaces and do not include teeth or other protrusions, divider 550 may have additional lateral adjustability and infinite or near infinite lateral adjustability. The lateral adjustability of the 550 divider is not limited by physical dimensions such as width, projections or teeth. Infinite side adjustability provides significant benefits for display systems by efficiently utilizing side space and limiting or minimizing wasted or unused space between rows of products and thus potentially increasing the amount of usable space and front-facing products on a shelf.

[00293] In one embodiment, barrier 556 may be fitted or coupled to divider 550, as shown in Figure 88B. The coupling between the barrier 556 and the divider 550 may be such that the barrier 556 cannot be removed from the divider 550 under normal operating conditions and without adversely affecting the structure of the barrier 556 or the divider 550.

[00294] Figures 89A through C show an example of a step-by-step approach to placing a splitter on a front rail. In the initial step, as illustrated in Figure 89A, the divider 550 can be lowered into contact with the front rail 590. A "T" swivel lock 900 can be rotated to fit the front rail 580. The "T" swivel lock 900 can be attached to a front of divider 550. Swivel lock "T" 900 can rotate about axis 903. Divider 550 can be lowered and brought into contact with front rail 580 as illustrated in Figure 89B. The groove 560 or other recess of the divider 550 engages the lip or tongue 584 or other protrusion of the front rail 580. At this point, the divider 550 can be moved in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and may allow ease of replanning. In one example, the divider 550 can move along the front rail. Divider 550, with or without product on divider floor 554, can be slid in the direction previously seen by arrow "A" in Figure 65, without requiring divider 550 to be lifted. In the final step, as illustrated in Figure 89C, the "T" swivel lock 900 can be pushed forward and out toward the front rail 580. The "T" swivel lock 900 can mate with the lip 901 over a portion front rail 580. In at least one embodiment, front rail 580 includes an upper front surface 902. Upper front surface 902 may include a texture or may be a tough surface, such as rubber. Alternatively, upper front surface 902 may include one or more teeth. The front top surface 902 may mate with a surface 904 on the "T" swivel lock 900. The surface 904 may also include a texture or may be a tough surface, such as rubber. Alternatively, surface 904 may include teeth configured to engage teeth on top front surface 902. When swivel T-lock 900 engages lip 901, divider 550 is coupled to front rail 580 and cannot be moved in a lateral direction under a normal amount of force.

[00295] Figures 90A through F illustrate embodiments of divider 550 and front rail 580. As shown in Figure 90A, a divider 550 may include wall 552, floor 554, and barrier 556. Divider wall 552 may divide floor divider 554 into two parts, 559 and 551 with a portion on each side of divider wall 552. As illustrated in Figure 90B, divider wall 552 may extend perpendicularly from divider floor 554. Barrier 556 may be located on the part of the divider. front of dividing wall 552. As shown in Figures 90C and 90F, the lower surface of dividing floor 554 may include a groove 560 or other recess, a tongue 941 or other protrusion, and a front wall 561. In at least one embodiment, the front wall 561 of slot 560 is textured. This texturing can be in the form of roughening or small teeth. Texturing can cause the surface of the front wall 561 of the groove 560 to be not smooth.

[00296] As illustrated in Figure 90D, a front rail 580 may define a flat surface 582, a lip or tongue 584 or other projection, a first channel or groove 586 or other recess, and a second channel or groove 950 or other recess . Front wall 561 of divider 550 may engage first groove 586 of front rail 580. Rim or tongue 584 of front rail 580 may engage groove 560 of divider 550. Tongue 941 of divider 550 may engage second groove 950 of front rail 580. In one embodiment, the front wall 585 of lip 584 is textured. This texturing may be in the form of roughening or small teeth and causes the surface of the front wall 585 of the lip 584 to not be smooth. Front wall texturing 585 of lip 584 may mate with front wall texturing 561 of groove 560. Front wall coupling 561 of divider 550 to first channel 586 of front rail 580, lip or tongue coupling 584 of rail front rail 580 to slot 560 of divider 550, and coupling of projection 941 of divider 550 to second slot 950 of front rail 580 can keep dividing wall 552 perpendicular to front rail 580 and prevent the rear of divider 550 from widening. In at least one embodiment, divider 550 may be moved laterally parallel to and/or along front rail 580 when divider 550 receives lateral force.

[00297] Front rail 580 may include openings 951 and holes 952, as shown in Figure 90E. Apertures 951 may be configured to mate with corresponding mating projections (not shown). In one example, the mating projection may be a smooth gluing device. Corresponding coupling projections can connect one or more front rails 580 together in series. The connection of openings 951 and coupling projections may allow one or more front rails 580 to be connected in series, even if the front rails 580 are not in perfect alignment with each other. Holes 952 may be configured to receive fasteners, which secure front rail 580 to a display shelf. Front rail 580 has any number of holes 952 suitable for securing front rail 580 to a display shelf. Any type of fastener may be contemplated within the scope of the invention.

[00298] In one example, as illustrated in Figure 91A, the merchandise display system 10 may include a rear rail 810. The rear rail 810 may be located at or near the back of a shelf. The rear rail 810 may be of similar construction as the front rail 580. The disclosure here, with respect to the front rail 580, applies equally to the rear rail 810. For example, the rear rail 810 may include a recess 804, which may generally have the shape of "u". In this embodiment, dividers 550 may be connected to divider blocks 802. Divider blocks 802 may then mate with rear rail 810. Rear rail 810 may be a second rail in the merchandise display system, along with front rail 580. The rear rail 810 may also be the only rail in the merchandise display system. As mentioned above, the front rail 580 may be located at the rear of the merchandise display system and thus function as a rear rail 810. In one embodiment, the plurality of divider blocks 802 each have a cam 710 (not shown in Figure 91A) at the location indicated by the arrow in Figure 91A. This cam 720 can rotate from a first position to a second position and have the same effect as the cam 720 on the divider that couples to the front rail 580. The divider blocks 802 may also include other coupling devices, including couplings described here for the splitter 550, which mates to the rear rail 810. Use of the rear rail 810 can hold the back of the splitters 550 in position and prevent the product from moving into a position behind the impeller 520. To unlock splitters 550 of rear rail 810, 720 or other coupling device is rotated away from rear rail 810 or decoupled from rear rail 810.

[00299] In one example, a divider 550 may be placed in contact with a front rail 580. The groove 560 may be placed over the lip 584 and the lip 584 may be placed inside the groove 560. The groove 560 and the lip 584 can be in contact with each other in this position. Divider 550 may also be placed in contact with rear rail 810. A groove or other recess in divider 550 may be placed over a lip or other protrusion of rear rail 810 and the lip or protrusion of rear rail 810 may be placed within a groove or other recess in divider 550. Divider 550 may be in contact with front rail 580 and rear rail 810 at the same time. A coupling device, such as a cam 720, at the front of the divider may be in a position so that the divider 550 can move laterally parallel to the front rail 580 and the rear rail 810, but the divider 550 is immobile in a direction perpendicular to front rail 580 or rear rail 810 (the direction between front rail 580 and rear rail 810). Divider block 802 may also include a coupling device (not shown), such as a cam 720 or other coupling devices described above with respect to front rail 810. The coupling device on divider block 802 may be in a position such that divider 550 can move laterally parallel to front rail 580 and rear rail 810, but divider 550 is attached in a direction perpendicular to front rail 580 or rear rail 810 (the direction between front rail 580 and rear rail 810 ).

[00300] In one example, the coupling device on the front of the splitter 550 can be moved to a second position. In the second position the divider 550 is attached in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 under normal operating forces. The coupling device on the divider block 802 can also be moved to a second position. In the second position, the coupling device on the divider block 802 makes the divider 550 fixed in a direction parallel to the rear rail 810 under normal operating forces. Front rail 580, divider 550 and rear rail 810 can form a tray that can be moved as a unit from one location to another. Front rail 580, rear rail 810 and a plurality of dividers 550 may be pre-assembled and formed on a rigid tray at a location away from the shelf. Front rail 580, rear rail 810 and a plurality of dividers 550 can then be moved to the shelf and secured to the shelf by one or more fasteners.

[00301] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. For example, one skilled in the art will understand that multiples of the components described may be used in stores and in various configurations. The present invention, therefore, should not be limited to a single system, nor to the entire impeller configuration depicted in the Figures, as the system is simply illustrative of the features, teachings and principles of the invention. It is to be further understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All those different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best known ways to practice the invention and will allow others skilled in the art to use the invention.

Claims (8)

1. Merchandise display system characterized in that it comprises: a front rail defining a rail slot; at least one divider (550) configured to engage the front rail (580), said at least one divider (550) including a barrier (556), said at least one divider (550) further including a divider wall (552) , said at least one divider (550) further including a divider floor (554) perpendicular to the divider wall (552), wherein the divider floor (554) includes an upper surface for holding the product and a lower surface; and a cam (720) pivotally coupled to the divider (550), the cam (720) including a cam slide (733), wherein the cam (720) is configured to pivot between a first position and a second position, wherein the cam slide (733) extends below the bottom surface of the divider floor and contacts the front rail (580) when the cam (720) is in the first position, wherein said at least one divider (550) is movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail (580) when the cam (720) is in the first position and the cam slide (733) contacts the front rail (580), and wherein said at least one divider (550) is attached in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail (580) when the cam (720) is in the second position and secured to the rail groove in the front rail (580). 2. Merchandise display system according to claim 1, characterized in that the cam (720) includes a handle (732) for rotating the cam (720) between the first position and the second position. 3. A merchandise display system according to claim 1, characterized in that the cam (720) includes one or more cam surfaces (725, 727) configured to engage one or more groove walls (754). ) in the groove of the rail (560) when the cam (720) is in the second position. 4. Merchandise display system according to claim 3, characterized in that the cam (720) is in constant contact with the front rail (580) when the cam (720) is moved from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position. 5. Merchandise display system according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower surface of the divider (550) contacts the front rail (580) when the cam (720) is in the second position. . 6. Merchandise display system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: a pusher mechanism (520) having a pusher surface (528), a pusher floor (524) extending forward to from the pusher surface (528), and a coil spring (534) having a coiled end and a free end, wherein the coiled end is positioned behind the pusher surface (528) and the pusher mechanism (520) is attached to the drive system. Merchandise display system only by spiral spring free end. 7. Merchandise display system according to claim 1, characterized in that the barrier (556) is configured to receive the free end of the coil spring. 8. Merchandise display system according to claim 1, characterized in that the front rail (580) defines a lip (584) configured to couple a slot (560) to the divider (550).

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